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October 30, 2005
Operation Thank You Was a Success! (Of Course)
Friday's Operation Thank You was a complete success!
Once again, a couple dozen freedom-loving Americans gathered together to let our troops and their families know how much we appreciate them.
The best part of the afternoon was the honks and the hollers from the cars and trucks passing by. The Marines were so happy to see us outside the gates of MCAS Miramar. They always are.
It was especially important for us to be there, considering all the pageantry of the Left last week as they celebrated the 2000th U.S. Armed Forces death. But even their antics couldn't dampen our spirits or those of our amazing warriors.
A note from a Miramar Marine about yesterday's Operation Thank You:
THANK YOU! I was leaving base to visit some friends this afternoon!You have NO IDEA how grateful I was to see you all out there waving
your flags and cheering! I was grinning and praising God for you all
the way to the highway! I guarantee you that my fellow Marines loved
the token of respect and gratitude. ...the fire in my heart is even greater to visit you all!Please offer my sincerest thanks (on behalf of myself and the Marines
who had the honor of seeing you all today) to everyone who
participated. God bless and thanks again!Sergeant B, USMC
Each participant walked away with a big smile and a full heart. Guaranteed.
The media coverage...was very good. I was interviewed by two stations, Smash was interviewed by one, and Gracie was interviewed by another. One crew actually beat us to the site and stayed with us to the very end. It was the feel good story of the day. It was even better because an anti-war protest at Mt. Soledad never materialized.
Posted by Da Goddess at 10:37 AM | Comments (0)
October 28, 2005
Calling All Blogbabies
Did I spawn you?
Go tell this guy. Go on. Pretend it's Mother's Day and this is your loving gift to me.
P.S. Mommy's cranky today. Go play with the Commissar as requested. And bring me back some fresh squeezed lemonade or something!
Posted by Da Goddess at 02:48 AM | Comments (2)
October 27, 2005
House
If you're interested in buying an investment property in San Diego or happen to know of someone who is, leave a comment with a valid email address.
If you know of something reasonable to rent in North County, please leave a comment with a valid email address.
As you can tell, things suck here.
And I haven't even blogged about the tires I had to replace last week.
Posted by Da Goddess at 04:29 PM | Comments (4)
October 25, 2005
Voices of the Right
I don't mean voices of the conservative Right as much as I mean "right" as a term to describe those who honor our troops instead of using them as gruesome political leverage. Yes, I think those who truly care about the fate of our troops wouldn't go running about campaigning for or cheering their deaths.
If anyone ever questioned the intent of the "activist" community, wonder no more. They're practically wetting themselves over the fact that U.S. casualties in the Iraq war are approaching the 2,000 mark. Ghoulish cretins.
If this disgusts you as much as it does me, you can counter their celebrations in several ways:
Operation Thank You
Who: Anyone who supports the military.
What: A demonstration of gratitude for our military and their families.
When: Friday, October 28th, 4:30 – 6pm.
Where: The North Gate of Miramar Marine Corps Air Station.
How: With American flags, and signs that simply read “Thank You.”
Why: To express our gratitude, boost morale, and counter the negative message of the defeatist demonstrators.
If you’re not in San Diego, you can organize your own Operation Thank You at a military base or recruiting station near you. All it takes is some blank cardboard, a marker, and an hour or two of your time.
Or you can take Smash's advice:
...you can express your gratitude by volunteering with or donating to groups like Soldier’s Angels, Project Valour IT, or the military support group of your choice.
Posted by Da Goddess at 12:35 AM | Comments (3)
October 24, 2005
I Don't Make These Things Up
I don't make these things up, I just report them. This sign is the real deal. Between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, drivers see billboards advertising the Mad Greek and Bun Boy restaurants.
Somehow, I don't think a whole lot of thought went into the combination. Or maybe a LOT of thought actually did. Either way, I got a big giggle out of the whole thing.
Posted by Da Goddess at 02:19 AM | Comments (3)
October 18, 2005
New Stuff
Posted by Da Goddess at 03:30 AM | Comments (8)
October 07, 2005
Busy
Some of you have asked me, via email, why posting has been so minimal around here lately. Well, I've been busy.
I've been helping with photo editing for the Boobie-Thon and I've been cornering the market on all things Late Late Show- and Craig Ferguson-related over on BlogCritics.
A quick glance at Google News shows that my efforts are worth the time and energy I've put into the Ferguson posts. Hey, every girl needs a hobby, right?
Laughter is supposed to be the best medicine. Craig Ferguson is my dealer of choice.
As well, I've been the Video Editor on BC for a while now. Betcha didn't know that, did you? Until two days ago, I didn't have an official assistant editor. I think I chose quite well when I picked the Legendary Monkey Girl to watch my back. She's smart, funny, and sharp as a tack. I felt extremely fortunate and honored to have been given the editor position. Now, that I have LM working with me, I feel doubly blessed.
There's also been some non-blog action in my life. GASP! It's true.
Yesterday, after picking Little Dude up from school, we were headed to the bank and then to run errands. As we were driving down the road, I saw, out of the corner of my eye, an elderly gentleman fall. One minute he was walking, the next minute he was down. Right into the bushes. I pulled over, waited for a few cars to pass, and then flipped an illegal u-turn. I maneuvered the car to the curb, grabbed my cell phone, and rushed to his side. Thankfully, he was conscious and able to tell me what had happened.
According to Dan (that's his name), he simply took a tumble. I tried to help him sit up. He was shaky. Very shaky. As I looked him over for cuts and bruises, two more kind strangers (Pam and Karen) came to lend a hand. Frankly, I was relieved. Being only 2 1/2 months post-op from back surgery, I couldn't begin to fathom how I was going to do more than sit with Dan until someone stronger arrived. The man was completely free of bruising for the moment. The only mark on him was the numbered tattoo on his arm, common to Holocaust survivors.
It took the three of us women to get him standing. He was unsteady. Wobbly, really. Just from getting him into sitting position, I could feel the strain in my back. The way I see it, the strain on the back is nothing compared to the strain on my conscience had I not gone to help. Still, knowing my limits, I allowed the other two to get him up to the medical center that was practically in front of us. Stupid me, I should have had them load Dan into my car. Instead, he shuffled up the little hill while I drove up and ran in to find a wheelchair.
Not a single chair to be found. Turns out, he wasn't headed to the medical center, but rather, the assisted living facility behind it. Luckily, a nice gentleman offered to drive Dan around (access to the facility was much further than it looked) and get him settled in.
Pam later asked me if I'd smelled alcohol on the old man's breath. I said I thought so. But I also pointed out that a diabetic's breath can take on a similar fruity odor if they're in DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis). It was either that or he'd had some wine over at Temple Adat Shalom. Regardless, he seemed okay. Weak, but okay.
Before Steve (the kindly gentleman who took Dan to the assisted living facility) left, I asked him to deliver Dan to a nurse, not just let him walk in and disappear. Steve promised and I believe he did exactly that.
Little Dude was so good during the whole event. He was calm, polite, helpful, and concerned. Before I dropped him off at his dad's last night, he asked if we could go check on Dan later today. He read my mind.
As we drove away, we had a couple detours due to a series of "right turn only" signs. The extra time we spent trying to get ourselves back on track was a bit frustrating, but as we headed down the road toward the bank once again, I happened to spy a man I'd met on Saturday at the Train Song Festival (where we went for LD's birthday). This guy is a photographer who spent a fair amount of time talking with me about possibly working on spec for the local papers and maybe even handling some editing work for him. Seeing him again reminded me that I needed to send him the photos I'd taken that day.
For whatever reason, I believe that I was supposed to meet Dan, along with the rest of the people involved. I don't think I can whip up a neat little moral of this story, you know, about helping one another, etc. I don't think it's that simple. I think there's more to it than that. Exactly what remains to be seen. I'm rather looking forward to seeing what unfolds.
So, what's new with you?
Posted by Da Goddess at 07:11 AM | Comments (10)
Boobiethon 2005 to Conclude This Weekend
If you haven't already donated to the Boobie-Thon, what are you waiting for?
Over 500 photos on the "covered" free page are currently on display. We're only $1675.90 away from reaching last year's total.
Having edited a hefty chunk of the submitted photos, I have to say that there are some extremely creative, as well as touching, contributions.
Support the women in your life, help raise awareness of breast cancer!
It's the right thing to do, and the tasty way to do it.
Posted by Da Goddess at 06:50 AM | Comments (3)
October 06, 2005
A Call to Arms
I wish I could take credit for these words, but I cannot. A fellow Protest Warrior, who wishes to remain anonymous, sent this to me with the idea that it would be posted here.
Though probably not due to my urging, the President today fought back against those who seek the surrender of the United States in the War on Terror.
His words touched upon the need to continue the battle against Islamic radicalism and Islamic tyranny, but he missed out on an opportunity to enlist the greatest weapon in his arsenal: those of us who continue to support the greater mission in the Middle East and abroad.
Let me attempt to pick up the slack.
The battle for hearts and minds at home is the most pertinent, most important battlefield in the War on Terror. And right now we are losing.
The American populace is very swayable given the right influences. If we allow the momentum to continue to move toward pacifism, the war will be lost no matter how many democracies we form, countries we liberate, or people we free.
Now is the time in which we must battle back against those who would have America fail.
Start with contacting your Congressman – Code Pink has made it clear that their next move is to pressure their representatives to end funding for the war effort. If they are only hearing one voice in this discussion, they may well start to believe it to be the voice of the majority.Finally, we must get the word out that we are not only supportive of the troops, but of their mission, the greater goal of achieving a democratic and productive middle east, and those representatives who will fight for that goal.
Stand up and be heard, people. Don’t just type away at your blogs – write those letters to the editor, stand in front of a camera and voice your opinion, and most important, be proud that you are willing to defend your beliefs against people who view America as an enemy, and not a dream.
Posted by Da Goddess at 10:36 PM | Comments (1)
October 04, 2005
9
Sometimes I look at him and wonder where the time went. Sometimes I look at him and see the future in his eyes. And still other times I can barely hold back the tears because I know that without Little Dude and his sister, I wouldn't know what unconditional love was.
Posted by Da Goddess at 11:28 PM | Comments (8)
October 03, 2005
Quote of the Day
"And the cat had this evil Jack Nicholson grin on his face the entire way. Poor Sollie kept trying to stop, but Smokey would just smack him harder."
From Lovely Rita
Posted by Da Goddess at 05:34 PM | Comments (4)
October 01, 2005
Lend A Hand - Support Breast Cancer Research
I am so proud to be associated with the Boobie-thon, as a participant, a donor, and a photo editor. What began as a lark has turned into something that inspires hope on many levels.
*For Immediate Release: Bloggers bare all for breast cancer research!*
October 1, 2005 --Boobies. Although they come in all shapes and sizes (large, small, saggy and perky), they have one thing in common: The ability to develop cancer.
Even though there is no cure yet, the fourth annual Blogger Boobie-Thon is doing its part to make cancer a thing of the past.
From October 1-8, bloggers from across the globe can submit pictures of bare and covered breasts to raise money for breast cancer causes.
Four years ago, Robyn - of (the now defunct) Tampa Tantrum and Shutterblog.com - began a little fundraiser to bring a friend down to Florida for Thanksgiving. A few photos of cleavage were posted as enticement for donations. I participated. In fact, I was the first Pay-Per-Boob. What the hell, it wasn't like many people were going to see the photos, right? Little did anyone realize that the cost of the plane ticket for Robyn's friend would be greatly exceeded. The excess funds were donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Cut to the following year - everyone wanted to know if there would be a repeat of the Boobiethon. There was, and even more money was raised. This time, however, there were no plane tickets involved. This was about breast cancer. This was serious business, but we all got to participate in a very fun, light-hearted way.
The third year, last year, was the biggest and best event thus far. Over $8,000 was raised in about two weeks. The Boobiethon had received some press at that point, giving much more exposure to breast cancer awareness.
The Fourth Annual Boobiethon is currently featured in an article for Wired News, and will no doubt, receive more coverage than ever before.
It may seem frivolous to some people, but we've raised more than $17,000 dollars for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in three years.
Fact: A woman living in the United States has a 12.5 percent, lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. However, a large portion of the overall risk is due to the risks at older ages.
Bloggers, both men and women, submit cleavage photos, and/or more revealing shots, including those from breast cancer survivors as a means of bringing in donations. Some people find this offensive, but we're not trying to excite or stimulate people in any way, only to support breast cancer research.
Fact: Breast cancer risk is higher among women whose close blood relatives have the disease, but about 90 percent of women who develop breast cancer do not have a family history of it.
From a comment at MetaFilter: Seeing the nursing moms and guys in there startles you out of the boobs-as-objects mindset, and draws attention to the point of the boobiethon.
Fact: Internet e-mail rumors and at least one book suggested that underwire bras obstruct lymph flow, but there is no scientific or clinic evidence for that claim. E-mail rumors also suggested that chemicals in antiperspirants could be absorbed through the skin, interfere with lymph circulation and cause toxins to accumulate in the breast that could lead to cancer. There is no evidence to support this rumor.
All of the bloggers participating do so for a variety of reasons. Some have lost friends or family to breast cancer. Some have faced personal battles. No matter the reason, we continue to gain support every year, and that support adds up to donations for research.
Fact: Breast cancer most often spreads, or metastasizes, to the lymph nodes, lungs, bones, liver and/or brain.
When I was quite young, my aunt (for whom I was named) died of breast cancer. Back in the early 70s, we didn't have the technology available that we do today. My aunt's battle was horrendous and memories of her fight against cancer still bring tears to my mother's eyes. I've also lost several friends to the disease. Some have survived their initial battles, only to succumb after the thought they were in the clear. I have another friend who recently lost her second breast to cancer. She is so brave. She doesn't care what it takes, she's determined to beat it.
Fact: Breast cancer occurs primarily in women, but occassionally in men as well. Like all cells in the body, a man's breast duct cells can undergo cancerous changes. Breast cancer in males is one of the rarest cancers a man can develop.
A San Diego anchorman, Bill Griffith, kept a journal on his experience with breast cancer.
Fact: For all ages combined, white women are more likely to develop breast cancer than African-American women, but African-American women under age 50 have higher incidence rates than white women.
While our methods may not necessarily be mainstream, it's important to remember that we're still contributing, still hoping to find a cure. You can, too.
Posted by Da Goddess at 07:41 PM | Comments (2)