Out in Left FieldOut in Left FieldWhere parenting and politics meet, but don't always play nice. Articles
Reasons Why Winter Weather Rocks
2007-01-31 02:05:02 Tampa is experiencing freezing temperatures today. This is good news, because chills bring with them: - Goose bumps. From cold weather or hot text messages - doesn't matter. Big fan!- Rosy cheeks.- Makeup that does not run down the side of your face when outdoor activities beckon.- No need to use these. At least for a few days. - Special treats like hot chocolate, oatmeal and vegetable soup. Rare delicacies in these parts.- Snuggles.- The opportunity to wear my Red Sox jacket.- Curls without a frizz in sight.- A spring in my step.- Less crowded classrooms because disruptive students tend to stay home. I know. Wimps. For two days students have said, "Ms. Robinson, this is great! I can concentrate today." That alone is reason to pray for 30 degree weather.- An excuse to use the fireplace which inevitably leads to shenanigans involving red wine and ice cream.- Hot toddies for all my friends. More About: Weather , Winter , Inter , Rock , Reason
Stand Up To Ahmadinejad
2007-01-31 02:05:02 I don't really give this guy a lot of credit - he's mostly a joke. Even in the Arab world. But he's got nukes and hates Jews and yearns for our destruction... so maybe we could take a moment and call him on it. h/t Becky More About: Dine , Ahmadinejad , Stand Up , Stand
No Escalation
2007-01-30 14:04:02 Last Saturday, hundreds of thousands of Americans marched on Washington to stop the escalation and end the war. Now, MoveOn.org is launching a national effort that everyone can join from home?yes, even you, sitting on the couch - bringing our message directly to Congress through a massive Virtual March on Washington. On Thursday, February 1st?just days before the Senate votes on the escalation?we're going to let them know where their constituents stand by flooding their offices with 1 million messages. Can you join us by signing up for a time to call your senators? Click here to sign up for a "shift"?a time-slot when you'll call (we're trying to spread out the calls over the course of the day). All you need to do to participate is schedule a time to call your senators and urge them to block escalation. Please join us. More About: Esca
John Edwards kicking the k-nowledge...
2007-01-30 08:03:02 There's no doubt the minimum wage is too low: a full-time minimum wage worker brings in just $10,712 a year, less than half of the poverty level for a family of four. There's no doubt it's been too long: in the ten years since the minimum wage was raised -- the longest delay in history -- the cost of living has gone up 25%. And there's no doubt a higher minimum wage is good for the economy: studies show that cities and counties with higher minimum wages maintain or even increase employment levels. Sign our petition to the Senate urging them to raise the minimum wage right away. More About: John Edwards , John , War , Edwards , King
Plus - It's Cheaper to Keep Her
2007-01-29 20:02:02 Years ago, I listened to Dr. Laura, Rush, and Glenn Beck for the same reason - to hear how the other side thinks. Helpful when crafting arguments, making me a hit at dinner parties. Unlike the other idiots, Dr. Laura made sense from time to time. Plus her abrasiveness made me giggle. Dr. Laura was right about the importance of preventing divorce. I'd nod or say "Amen" when she told callers who didn't feel passion or love for their partners to stick it out for the kids. I know. How 1950s of me. I encouraged friends who were going through troubled marriages to quit watching the Lifetime Channel and aim for friendship instead. I believe it today. When two people bring children into this world, they no longer live for themselves. They loved each other once and, at the very least, should live as friends united in the noble goal of raising fine and well-adjusted human beings. Kids shouldn't pay the price just because you no longer get it up for your wife. "Easy for you to say! You stil... More About: Keep
Monday Monday
2007-01-29 14:01:02 A joke to start the week: Much has been published about the sexual preferences and behaviors of formerPresidents such as Bill Clinton and even Abraham Lincoln. However, littlehas been reported on the sexual practices of the current Commander-in-Chief. It has recently been learned that the President and Mrs. Bush only makelove with Mrs. Bush on top since George Bush can only F*CK UP.h/t Mother-in-Law More About: Monday , Onda
And the Rest Will Follow
2007-01-28 19:59:01 We must stop the abuse of power and return the rule of law. And to those who believe our civil liberties are intact? Free your mind. More About: Will , Rest
All We Are Saying...
2007-01-28 19:59:01 We're not winning. Not by a long shot. Instead we are breeding new terrorists and ensuring the struggle continues for our children to solve. Enough is enough. End the war and bring our troops home. Now.
I Ain't Got Nothin' for You Man
2007-01-28 01:57:01 More fallout from Bush's State of (Dis)Union. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, regarding climate: To ensure we leave our children and grandchildren a safe climate, Congress and the president need to work together to establish near term cuts in global warming pollution and set long term emission reduction targets aimed at avoiding the worst effects of global warming. regarding clean vehicles: Although challenges remain for turning these goals into reality, UCS hopes to see real progress with the new Congress, and we?ll be looking to you for help. regarding clean energy: Although President Bush paid lip service to clean electricity technologies, he failed to support critical renewable energy legislation requiring utilities to produce a percentage of electricity be produced from renewable sources like wind and solar. regarding scientific integrity: Although the president addressed the need for "technological breakthroughs...to confront the serious challenge of g...
Flurries My Ass
2007-01-28 01:57:01 They say this winter in Colorado has been the coldest and snowiest since 1997. Can't wait.
Take Our House. Please.
2007-01-27 13:56:02 According to a certain superstar realtor we are bound to hire this weekend, we need to lower our price and paint over every beautifully colored room... ... with the same horrible neutral shade of pale. Which should we pick - Pasty like Katie or WASPy White? At any rate, I'll call Merlin again. Watching him work his magic might cushion the blow. (Heh. I said blow.) Downside: It'll cost us. Upside: Dad and Uncle Jimmy are laughing their asses off because they knew those "g*ddamned colors wouldn't sell." More About: House , Take , Please , Lease , Ease
A Clinton Cosmopolitan, Please
2007-01-27 07:55:01 Drinking Liberally needs your favorite drink recipes by Feb. 9th.The Des Moines chapter of Drinking Liberally is compiling a bartender's guide of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to sell as a fundraiser for the 2007 Drinking Liberally National Conference (DLNC), scheduled for September 14-16 in Des Moines, Iowa."Liberal Mixology" will feature new drinks created by Drinking Liberally members from around the country, as well as public domain recipes with a progressive flair.The book will contain the following eight categories:1. Non-Alcoholic Drinks2. Cocktails / Martinis3. Shots / Shooters4. Mixed Drinks5. Punch / Party Drinks6. Hot Drinks7. Frozen Drinks8. Homebrewed DrinksWe'd also like any progressive twists on standard recipes: Turn an "Alabama Slammer" into an "Abramoff Pokey" or a "Boilermaker" into a "Global Warmer."Please email your handcrafted recipes and include your first name and chapter affiliation by February 9th. More About: Clint , Cosmopolitan , Clinton , Cosmo
Idiots Rule
2007-01-26 19:54:01 Don't we all enjoy beginning the day this way? Got to work and checked voicemail: Hi, Ms. Robinson, this Blah-Blah, Junior Blah-Blah's mother. Since Blah-Blah has been suspended for five days, I've sent you three or four emails requesting his work. You have not responded. I am very, very disgusted and contacted your assistant principal. This is no way to treat a child who has been suspended. Please call me back because you are very unprofessional. I could just throw up when people use the word very all the time. It's like very superfluous. I called the b*tch back. Me: Hi, Mrs. Blah-Blah. This is Catherine Robinson, Blah-Blah's teacher. Her: Hi. Me: I'm so glad you called and left a message because otherwise I wouldn't have known you were sending emails. You see, I never received them. Her: Oh? Is your name with a "C" or a "K"? Me: "C" Her: Oh, I sent them to the wrong person! (no shit.) Me: Interesting. (long pause) Her: I was very angry. Me: I... More About: Idiots , Idiot , Rule
Just Say No
2007-01-26 13:53:02 If you are about to medicate your children - beware. I'm all for better living through chemistry, but perhaps your darling angel should try self-control first. Here's why: Children are a pain in the ass, especially when they won't sit still. Such children do best with parents who stay on top of them, demand discipline and provide consistent boundaries in which proper behavior is expected. If you choose to take the easy way out and dope 'em up instead, there is a very good chance your kids will come to depend on medication and never acquire the skills necessary to rope it in without pharmaceutical intervention. Fast forward to high school and said medicine begins to bother them. Side effects include droopy dinkidoos, weight gain, and acne - which combine to make teenage years even more challenging and heart breaking. Plus Druggies get made fun of for exhibiting zombie-like characteristics. So they quit cold turkey. I watch your children try to make it through a typical class peri... More About: Just
Never Before...
2007-01-26 01:53:02 The Humane Society is reporting good news for pigs and pig eaters: Smithfield Foods, Inc., the nation's largest pork producer with 1.2 million breeding sows, announced today it will phase out the confinement of pigs in gestation crates over the next decade. To learn more about this remarkable news for these intelligent, social farm animals, click here . Thank you for all you do for animals every day--please consider this your victory as well. To those who dig on swine - may you devour your sausages with just a little less guilt. Ten years from now, I mean. Why ten years to start practicing more humane farming? Oh well, better than nothing I suppose. More About: Ever , Never , Fore
Might As Well Face It
2007-01-25 19:52:02 Bush also dropped the ball the other night when discussing global climate change. Clean coal and nuclear energy? What a crock of sh*t. According to Greenpeace, the time has come for an energy (r)evolution. Join their campaign and tell your Congressional representatives that we need real solutions to end global warming. Takes less than a minute. Pinky swear. More About: Face , Well
Justice and Fair Treatment for All
2007-01-25 19:52:02 I started this blog because I wanted to contribute a verse. Sometimes I whine and moan, other times attack. Once in a while, I make you laugh. Being inherently solution-based, I'd also like to encourage change through social action. You know. Like do something rather than just complain. For example, I can't think of a reason not to condemn holocaust denial. Such idiots offend me as a Jewish woman and as a teacher as well. Condemning them is quick, painless, and can be done while eating lunch. Happy lunchtime condemning, peeps! More About: Justice , Men , Just , Treatment , Fair
If It's Free It's for Me
2007-01-25 19:52:02 People ask, "Why do you teach?" Well, in addition to mythical summers off and work day ending at 2pm, we can also say "Free movies b*tch!" From AMC Theatres: In appreciation of teachers across the nation who give endlessly and enrichso many lives, AMC and Paramount Pictures are offering teachers* an exclusiveopportunity to see the highly acclaimed film "FREEDOM WRITERS" for FREE. Dates: January 26 to February 1, 2007 To receive one free ticket to see the film, teachers must present aschool-issued ID or pay stub and a valid photo ID. Passes to school teachers will be provided on a first-come,first-served basis, while supplies last at participating theatres in the AMCsystem including: AMC Loews theatres, AMC Star theatres, AMC Magic Johnsontheatres and AMC Cineplex Odeon theatres throughout the United States. Limit onepass per school teacher. Please arrive early. *Teachers for grades kindergarten through 12 are eligible forthis offer. I'm not saying get in the door and see Dreamgi...
It's So On
2007-01-25 07:51:02 All kinds of people up in arms about Dubya's State of the Union. Especially people itching to take his job. Tom Vilsack: "Despite the change of power in Congress and a public appetite for dramatic change, there was simply nothing new offered last night -- and a sincere opportunity lost. Immigration reform, our growing healthcare crisis, unprecedented levels of income inequality, energy costs and shortages, and the environment -- the list of urgent issues we face here at home goes on and on. He even completed his speech without mentioning the single greatest domestic failure of his Administration ?- the federal government?s inept response to Hurricane Katrina. After six years of talk, still no action and no progress." John Edwards: "(We've) got a full page ad in today's edition of the D.C. newspaper Roll Call showing Congress that -- despite what Bush says -- their constituents know they have the power to stop the proposed escalation in Iraq, and we expect them to do so. Clic...
"Relieve the pain without the shame."
2007-01-25 01:50:04 I've decided to post more frequently. Cause I've got all this information to share about local and liberal politics, parenting, and underwear that eats gas. You heard me. Have my siblings or cousins been telling stories? Not sure why my friend Sheila thought of me when she saw these abnormally large and unattractive panties. However, maybe we can all benefit from such technology. Does this modern miracle muffle sound as well? Oh, and I'm done with the Beastie Boys titles. Right now anyway. Check back soon! More About: With , Pain , Sham , Shame
Intergalatic
2007-01-24 13:50:04 Theology with Seven Year-Olds "Is God Christian?" Youngest asked. "How the hell should I know?" I said. Kidding. Relax. "I'm not sure sweetie," I said. "God sort of represents everyone. And we aren't all Christian." "So he's half-Christian and half-Jewish," Oldest reasoned. "What about Muslims?" I asked. "Doesn't God represent them?" Youngest smiled. "Mahdi is Muslim and he's my best friend sometimes. So God's Muslim, Christian and Jewish." "What about Hindus and Buddhists?" I said. "There's some truth there as well." Both kids looked confused. "I don't know about them," Oldest said. "Listen, I think we should concentrate on life," I said, "and when we die and meet the Big Guy, perhaps then we'll get answers." "Is that what happens when we die?" Youngest asked. "We go to heaven?" Christ, I thought. I need a drink. "Again, I'm not really sure," I said. "Maybe we go to heaven. Lots of people believe that's what happens if we're good. Other people believe in reincarnatio... More About: Inter , Gala
One Man's Ceiling is Another Man's Floor
2007-01-24 07:49:02 Received this email from a friend and tweaked it to make it my own. Enjoy: Dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, aCEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kidgoing to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become ateacher?" He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers:"Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach." To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Bonnie. Behonest. What do you make?" Bonnie paused for a second, then began, "I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't makethem sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental.I make kids wonder.I make them question.I make them criticize.I make them apologize and mean it.I make them have respect and take responsibility fortheir actions.I make them write.I make them read, read, read.I make them show all the... More About: Other , Another , Floor
You've Gone Wet Look Crazy
2007-01-23 13:48:04 Stalkers are apparently a problem. The Tampa Tribune featured a story about one such animal who called his ex-girlfriend over 7000 times. Brother needs a life. Favorite quote: "You will choose to allow me to love you or will choose to have us destroy each other! There is no halfway point in my entitlement with you." Sounds like my parents' 1969 marriage vows. There are those who believe we need stronger anti-stalking laws. Nonsense! We need stronger women. Granted, I don't have the "come stalk me" vibe or measurements (yet); however, how hard can it be to get rid of someone? I have plenty of ideas. Work with me, girls. If someone is lurking, - pick your nose or ass. If they are in the car next to you with a camera, wipe your fingers on the window and laugh hysterically until they drive away. - pretend you are a cow and get down on all fours. Then start eating grass. Tried this once when I was in high school. Dude thought I was *insane*. I blamed it on mushrooms. - wear Daisy Duk... More About: Crazy , Gone , Look
Respect to the End
2007-01-22 19:46:03 Today is the anniversary of Roe v. Wade and progressive bloggers are talking about why they're pro-choice. I invite you to share your own stories. Here is mine: Like any good raised-Catholic girl, I memorized the anti-choice line to recite to my thirteen year-old friends. Becky wasn't buying it. She countered every theological question with reasoned argument until we agreed to disagree and went back to talking about Duran Duran. Senior year in high school, one of our friends got pregnant. Daisy* wasn't ready to be a mother and chose to have an abortion. I didn't hesitate to support her decision. I also happened to agree with it. Of course, along the way it occurred to me that Daisy wasn't alone. And that's when I became pro-choice. Several years later, during my college quest to find myself, I completed the jump by working at Tampa Woman's Health Center. Started out as a Peer Counselor, holding the hands of frightened women as they faced the most difficult decision of their l... More About: Respect
Everyone expected me to cry before the weekend was over.
"
2007-01-16 19:36:02 Ever yone expected me to cry before the weekend was over. "You'll hate being alone." "After a few hours, it'll seem too quiet." "Freedom ain't all it's cracked up to be." Nonsense, my friends. Nonsense. Every woman needs some alone time to recharge her batteries, bust a move, and clear away the cobwebs. Feel me? When everyone left Saturday morning, I felt momentary pangs of guilt. What kind of person stays home while her entire family - parents, siblings, children, and spouse -hangs in Denver (read: one degree weather) for three days? I watched them walk into the airport and remembered what my sister said, "Mommy time isn't selfish, Kate. It's survival." Godd*mn right. So long suckers! I spent three glorious days getting to know myself all over again. But more on love toys later. This is a family show. I: - enjoyed friends I adore and never once had to glance at the clock. - cleaned my house (second favorite thing to do) and each square inch stayed clean for more than just t... More About: Weekend , Week , Expect , Over
Repeat post, but appropriate.
There are plenty of ways
2007-01-16 01:34:01 Repeat post, but appropriate. There are plenty of ways to pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. today. In the Tampa Bay area alone, events scheduled include the entire family. A parade today, for example. However, I can't help but wonder: Is a parade and celebration the best way to honor Dr. King? Go ahead and roll your eyes, but consider this: Dr. King talked about dreams and ways to make them come true. What would he do with a day off? Unfortunately, many places require young volunteers to be at leasttwelve years old. My kids have another five to go. If old enough and soinclined, call the Tampa-Hillsborough Urban League at 229.8117 and see if thereisn't some way you can help. In your own corner of the world there are ways tocontribute and push a stroller at the same time. Go downtown and:-- Clean up a park.-- Bring old books and magazines to any assisted-livingfacility or homeless shelter.-- Take some stuff you were saving for agarage sale and donate the items to Good... More About: Post , Here , Plenty , Lent
My brother's best friend Sloan is traveling the world with
2007-01-15 13:33:01 My brother's best friend Sloan is traveling the world with his girlfriend Amy and recording their adventures here. Don't let his snarkiness fool you, Sloan's a good kid. Wish them a safe trip and no more "Dehli Belly". My cousin and only godchild, Danny, started his own site as well. Check it: the kid graduated from West Point, is currently serving our country, married a girl of Persian descent, and is against bad taste. He does his godmother proud. So check out the sites and leave me alone for a while. Gotta nap and all. More About: Travel , World , Other , Loan , With
Several peeps use the word "shiksa" when describing me. I h
2007-01-13 19:30:02 Several peeps use the word "shiksa" when describing me. I hear it a lot. "She's one annoying shiksa." "Lingerie-wearing, vegetarian shiksa." "Sorta cute, for a shiksa." "Once a shiksa, always a shiksa." But let's leave my in-laws out of it. What is a shiksa? Officially, "shiksa" is used as a disparaging term for non-Jewish girl or woman. I don't take offense, though, because I'm down with the hidden affection behind the term when used by men who love me. So there. However, for the sake of truth and wisdom, I must disclose that (no matter what my parents tell people) I am, in fact, a Jewish girl or woman. And, therefore, not a shiksa. Officially. So Jewish, despite the fact that I don't: - wear fur. - dig expensive jewelry. - fake orgasms. - whine or complain. - jones for Miami in the winter. Yes, I have Irish eyes and can drink anyone under the table. Yes, I know all the words to Danny Boy. And yes, I once answered to "Catherine Ann". I am still the adopted daughter of Abrah... More About: Word , When , Ever , Vera , Crib
Did you catch Bush's speech the other night? Do you support
More articles from this author:2007-01-13 07:29:02 Did you catch Bush 's speech the other night? Do you support the idea that we need to send more soldiers to Iraq? If you disagree, make your voices heard. Say no to Bush, his dirty war, and the failure that is his presidency. If you stand behind the most inept administration in our country's history, you must not be paying attention. Therefore, sign up immediately for the Army and put your ass on the line instead of encouraging others to do so. That is all. More About: Cat , Other , Port , Night 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 |
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