Should Bloggers Be Concerned About Shutdown Of Site?

Interesting article detailing controversy about blogging site being shutdown. Apparently, there is some indication there had been some Al Qaida material on there, in addition to other infractions. Is there a concern about free speech? Maybe. Many innocent bloggers lost their blogs without warning, and that is an issue. You would think authorities could hone in on offending bloggers and leave the others alone.

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/20/shutdown-of-blogging-site-sparks-dispute/

Is Ben Stein Dissing The Unemployed? I Think So

I caught wind of this interesting back and forth today. Apparently, Ben Stein wrote a piece for the American Spectator, saying among other things that most of the unemployed he has known has bad work habits. I did not read this original piece. His article prompted this response from Aaron Crowe. That in turn prompted this redirect from Ben Stein. Again, I did not read the original article by Stein, but his redirect will suffice to show his point. I believe Crowe had a point. Stein does seem to be dissing the employed. Stein is entitled to his opinion, but he shouldn't be surprised when people have a bad reaction to it. Especially a bad reaction that is predictable from the stuff Stein put out.

I Need A New Toilet

I have two full bathrooms in my condo, but only one has a working toilet. That is OK, since I am usually the only one there, but what about when I have company? I need to get the toilet replaced. It has been out of commission too long. Not sure what kind I will get. I don't even remember the brand of the other toilet. So they probably won't match. But maybe that doesn't matter??? I will start looking soon and see which ones I like. Maybe check out some Kohler toilets and other as well. Getting a new toilet is close to the top of my condo makeover list. A must do in the next couple of months.

New Lawyer Update: My First Win!

I have to brag a little bit. I recently had my first win--I got social security benefits for my first client, and I am on cloud 9! Yes indeedy! Get out the champagne. Not only does she get her benefits, which she desperately needed, but I got paid too. And that is great! I make a decent salary at my regular job, but not a great one, and I need more money. I am hoping to keep this money for my emergency fund, even though I have already had to dip into it some. But not anymore, I hope. On top of that, I got my second client. Hope I can win for her too, but the case will go until after the first of the year sometime. That is the downside with disability cases--they take a really long time. You just have to persevere and hope you win. I wish I could figure out a way to do this full time.

My Friend's Mom

I had a friend in high school who was so cool. We were in the marching band together. He was cool personified. He wasn't that good looking, but he had shaded glasses and looked like a cool jazz musician. He played the clarinet, so he was actually was a cool jazz musician. We also worked in the school library together and had a lot of fun together. He was so smart. Unfortunately, he died a number of years ago--way too early. We all still miss him. I just recently ran into him mother, and she is traveling around the country in a motorhome. She was saying it has been a wonderful lifestyle, but every once in a while she has to come back to reality and do something like get motorhome repairs. I hope I am that adventurous when I am her age!

Hangin' Out, Lookin' Cool

You're sitting there checking email, looking for the latest from your honey. Then you read an ebook on the latest hot topic. You grab a drink and pump yourself up with positive self-talk. You need to go make a good cool impression on the difficult person in your sphere. You need to look in control and that you don't give a darn. Walk through the room with a cool dispassionate look on your face. Look in control and unapproachable. And have an e cigarette on you. Gives the impression of don't touch me.

Family Problems That Never Go Away

I feel punched in the gut. I have had problems with an abusive mother, and sort of father too, most of my life. The problem never gets any better, never goes away. Or it may get better for a short time, and then pow--I get it in the kisser again. The first chance my mother gets to throw me under the bus--and then back over me and run me over again--she does. I feel pummeled from top to bottom. A recent problem with another relative has brought these issues to the fore again. I think she and my father think that the more they can say how good they are and what perfect parents they were, the more people will believe it. But the problem is, i was there, and I know what BS that is.