On Friday, my cat Jack got a new sister. She's a very sweet, pretty calico named Snickers. She was hanging around my friend's house, desperate to come in from the cold. After receiving a relatively clean bill of health from the vet, Snickers came home with me to meet Jack.
It's clear that Jack would have preferred a different Christmas present, but so far there have been no major fireworks. Just a few hisses here and there. Snickers hangs out mostly in my room while Jack has the run of the apartment. He does allow her to come into the living room but prefers that she not get too much attention from me...at least for right now.
I'm hopeful that they will become buddies, or at least tolerant enough of each other to co-exist in peace. And I hope it happens soon because I need some more sleep!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Social Media
I'm on social media overload this week. I've been using various tools to network (LinkedIn), catch up with friends (Facebook) and share my reading list (Goodreads). As a marketing and PR professional, though, I'm delving into more and more because social media is clearly becoming an increasingly more important way to reach people. Recent changes to the landscape of traditional media make it even more critical to understand social media's impact on PR and marketing to stay at the top of my game.
It's a struggle, though, to understand what really results in significant ROI or even a meaningful number of impressions. It takes much more time to develop and implement strong social media strategies, mainly because you can't dive in for two weeks and disappear. It's not like buying a schedule on TV or radio or placing a print ad, or even sending out press releases and following up on pitches. You have to start an on-going conversation with your audience; you have to keep up with it, listen and respond. That's why I haven't done too much yet that is work-related. Large for-profit companies are lucky in that they can afford to have staff dedicated to social media. I was at a conference where the director of XBOX marketing shared that they have a full-time staff member dedicated to keeping up their MySpace and Facebook pages. That's it.
No such luck here. I have a great job, but I'd be in trouble if I devoted all of my time to social media. I have to incorporate learning, experimenting and implementing in with all of my other responsibilities. It keeps my job interesting but it's definitely one of the biggest challenges I face right now.
It's a struggle, though, to understand what really results in significant ROI or even a meaningful number of impressions. It takes much more time to develop and implement strong social media strategies, mainly because you can't dive in for two weeks and disappear. It's not like buying a schedule on TV or radio or placing a print ad, or even sending out press releases and following up on pitches. You have to start an on-going conversation with your audience; you have to keep up with it, listen and respond. That's why I haven't done too much yet that is work-related. Large for-profit companies are lucky in that they can afford to have staff dedicated to social media. I was at a conference where the director of XBOX marketing shared that they have a full-time staff member dedicated to keeping up their MySpace and Facebook pages. That's it.
No such luck here. I have a great job, but I'd be in trouble if I devoted all of my time to social media. I have to incorporate learning, experimenting and implementing in with all of my other responsibilities. It keeps my job interesting but it's definitely one of the biggest challenges I face right now.
Monday, November 24, 2008
From the Detroit Free Press
"Detroit's honchos blew whatever chance they had for public sympathy last week when it was revealed that they had flown down to the Capitol in separate corporate jets to extend their collective tin cup."
SERIOUSLY?!?! The extent of some people's stupidity boggles my mind.
SERIOUSLY?!?! The extent of some people's stupidity boggles my mind.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Bad for Baby
With the tagline "best for baby," you would think that Evenflo would take better care of its employees, many of whom are surely parents. If you did think that, you would be wrong. Evenflo is conducting lay-offs at its Dayton-area headquarters today, terminating employees with as many as 15 years of service. At least one laid-off employee is currently pregnant.
How is it "best for baby" if Evenflo is laying off parents with no notice right before the holidays? I'd call that "bad for baby."
Send a message to Evenflo that we will not tolerate this kind of behavior from a company that is supposed to help us nurture and protect our children. Boycott Evenflo products immediately.
How is it "best for baby" if Evenflo is laying off parents with no notice right before the holidays? I'd call that "bad for baby."
Send a message to Evenflo that we will not tolerate this kind of behavior from a company that is supposed to help us nurture and protect our children. Boycott Evenflo products immediately.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Lunch with Madam Secretary
I just returned from a luncheon address given by former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright at the City Club of Cleveland. She is both brilliant and funny, and it was an honor to be in the same room with her. She spoke on the main issues that will affect our president-elect - fighting terrorism without creating more terrorists, the economy, the environment, globalization, non-proliferation of nuclear arms and the promotion of democracy.
Three points that she made really hit home with me:
1) The Iraq war has been going on longer than World War II lasted.
2) She stated that the upcoming election is the most important of her lifetime. That is no small statement for someone who is 71 years old.
3) You have to talk to people you don't like. This doesn't always mean exchanging pleasantries, but refusing to talk to someone because you don't like them isn't going to solve any problems.
Despite her thoughtful and intelligent comments, the point that hit home with me the most was delivered by the City Club's Director of Operations, Gary Musselman. He asked us to consider three candidates:
A) A chain-smoker who has two mistresses
B) Does not wake before noon, had an addiction to opium and drinks a quart of whiskey every night
C) Is a vegetarian, non-smoker and has never cheated on his wife
Which candidate would you pick?
A) Franklin Delano Roosevelt
B) Winston Churchill
C) Adolph Hitler
This example made me feel a bit better about the devastating news of John Edwards' affair. I still wish, however, that it would someday be possible for there to be a good politician who is a good man. (Maybe the problem is that it would take a woman to simultaneously fill both of those roles!)
Dr. Albright's speech will be posted on both the City Club website and YouTube next week if you are interested. You can also check out her books: Madam Secretary and Memo to the President Elect.
Three points that she made really hit home with me:
1) The Iraq war has been going on longer than World War II lasted.
2) She stated that the upcoming election is the most important of her lifetime. That is no small statement for someone who is 71 years old.
3) You have to talk to people you don't like. This doesn't always mean exchanging pleasantries, but refusing to talk to someone because you don't like them isn't going to solve any problems.
Despite her thoughtful and intelligent comments, the point that hit home with me the most was delivered by the City Club's Director of Operations, Gary Musselman. He asked us to consider three candidates:
A) A chain-smoker who has two mistresses
B) Does not wake before noon, had an addiction to opium and drinks a quart of whiskey every night
C) Is a vegetarian, non-smoker and has never cheated on his wife
Which candidate would you pick?
A) Franklin Delano Roosevelt
B) Winston Churchill
C) Adolph Hitler
This example made me feel a bit better about the devastating news of John Edwards' affair. I still wish, however, that it would someday be possible for there to be a good politician who is a good man. (Maybe the problem is that it would take a woman to simultaneously fill both of those roles!)
Dr. Albright's speech will be posted on both the City Club website and YouTube next week if you are interested. You can also check out her books: Madam Secretary and Memo to the President Elect.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Patch Adams
I just watched this movie for the first time last night. All I can say is - WOW. What an amazing story! This movie should be required viewing for every medical student, and every doctor should probably watch it once every three years or so.
If you've seen the movie, you know that it is based on a true story. To see what Patch Adams is up to today, click here.
Gesundheit!
If you've seen the movie, you know that it is based on a true story. To see what Patch Adams is up to today, click here.
Gesundheit!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Kicking Off the Season
On Wednesday, we kicked off the 2008-09 PlayhouseSquare season with style. Two of the Radio City Rockettes joined us in hosting Cleveland's longest kick line to bring attention to the hundreds of shows that were going on sale.
It was a bit of organized chaos, as managing an event that large always is, but overall it went very well. 350 people joined us to line up down Euclid Avenue and kick with the Rockettes. The weather was perfect (unlike today...Hurricane Ike seems to have made his way to Cleveland).
As fun as it was, I'll be glad when this week is over. Tonight is our annual Dance Showcase. Afterward, I am going home and going to bed until at least noon tomorrow!
If you'd like to see some photos from our fun day on Wednesday, look here: www.playhousesquare.org/sos.
Cindi
It was a bit of organized chaos, as managing an event that large always is, but overall it went very well. 350 people joined us to line up down Euclid Avenue and kick with the Rockettes. The weather was perfect (unlike today...Hurricane Ike seems to have made his way to Cleveland).
As fun as it was, I'll be glad when this week is over. Tonight is our annual Dance Showcase. Afterward, I am going home and going to bed until at least noon tomorrow!
If you'd like to see some photos from our fun day on Wednesday, look here: www.playhousesquare.org/sos.
Cindi
Friday, August 8, 2008
Why I Won't Be Voting in November
My faith in public servants has been shattered. I am now fully and finally convinced that you absolutely cannot trust anyone in public office. I am personally hurt and disappointed to learn that John Edwards admitted to having an affair today. I really thought he was better than that and I am ashamed of myself for being fooled. You can read the story here:
http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/08/08/john-edwards-admits-to-affair-convention-role-unclear/?mod=googlenews_wsj.
I no longer believe that it matters who is elected president. All of the candidates are crooked and none of them will serve us faithfully.
Who's up for moving to Canada? At least they have a decent national sport...
http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/08/08/john-edwards-admits-to-affair-convention-role-unclear/?mod=googlenews_wsj.
I no longer believe that it matters who is elected president. All of the candidates are crooked and none of them will serve us faithfully.
Who's up for moving to Canada? At least they have a decent national sport...
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Quarantined!
Yup. I have pink eye. Ew. So I'm quarantined for the rest of the week and weekend. Not that I'm complaining about a long weekend, but I'd really rather just not have pink eye. It's gross.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
What's On My iPod
I just uploaded my "summer mix" to my iPod. Here's a sampling of the songs I'm jamming to now:
Lots of Beastie Boys - the ultimate summer music
"Ain't Nothing Wrong with That" by Robert Randolph and The Family Band - the song in the awesome new Discovery Channel commercial
"The Sickness" - Disturbed
"Lovefurypassionenergy" - Boy Hits Car
"Lust for Life" - Iggy Pop
"Freak on a Leash" - Korn
"Diddy" - P. Diddy or whatever he's called today
"Hot and Bothered" - Cinderella
"Now Is the Time" - Crystal Method
"Where It's At" - Beck
"I Can't Drive 55" - Sammy Hagar
"Hollaback Girl" and "Rich Girl" - Gwen Stefani
I still have to add my favorite summer Priest tunes - mostly off the Turbo and Point of Entry albums.
What are you listening to today?
Lots of Beastie Boys - the ultimate summer music
"Ain't Nothing Wrong with That" by Robert Randolph and The Family Band - the song in the awesome new Discovery Channel commercial
"The Sickness" - Disturbed
"Lovefurypassionenergy" - Boy Hits Car
"Lust for Life" - Iggy Pop
"Freak on a Leash" - Korn
"Diddy" - P. Diddy or whatever he's called today
"Hot and Bothered" - Cinderella
"Now Is the Time" - Crystal Method
"Where It's At" - Beck
"I Can't Drive 55" - Sammy Hagar
"Hollaback Girl" and "Rich Girl" - Gwen Stefani
I still have to add my favorite summer Priest tunes - mostly off the Turbo and Point of Entry albums.
What are you listening to today?
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Family
There's family that you're related to by blood, and then there are friends that become so close and intertwined into your life that the word "friend" no longer suffices to describe them. I am blessed with both types.
I'll be spending 4th of July weekend with my chosen family - best pal Chris, her husband Mike, nephews Andrew and Daniel, and her sister-in-law Gayle. I consider both Chris and Gayle to be sisters - friends just doesn't cut it. They're family. Which makes Mike my bro-in-law and I've always considered Andrew and Daniel to be my real nephews. And I can't forget my four-legged niece and nephew - Leia and Darth! I can't wait to drive down to Dayton on Thursday for a weekend of fun.
Happy 4th,
Cindi
I'll be spending 4th of July weekend with my chosen family - best pal Chris, her husband Mike, nephews Andrew and Daniel, and her sister-in-law Gayle. I consider both Chris and Gayle to be sisters - friends just doesn't cut it. They're family. Which makes Mike my bro-in-law and I've always considered Andrew and Daniel to be my real nephews. And I can't forget my four-legged niece and nephew - Leia and Darth! I can't wait to drive down to Dayton on Thursday for a weekend of fun.
Happy 4th,
Cindi
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
What Public Relations Is - and Is Not
Recently, a book by a former White House press secretary came out. In it, Scott McClellan confesses that he lied to the American public about policy decisions made by the Bush administration. Several weeks after that, CBS News legal analyst Andrew Cohen made some very disparaging remarks about the public relations profession that basically amounted to "what do you expect? All PR professionals are liars."
I took great offense to that as public relations is a large part of what I do for a living. And unfortunately, Mr. Cohen is not the only person who does not understand what public relations is and is not about. It is not about lying.
Like ANY profession, there are ethical and unethical PR professionals. And there are ethical and unethical employers for which these professionals work. Those folks at the unethical end of the spectrum may indeed use public relations practices to lie.
What PR is really about, though, is communicating information to an audience - the media, the public, shareholders, consumers, etc. For example, no one would know that PlayhouseSquare offers a spoken word poetry program for teens if I did not communicate that through various means.
Now, I don't tell everybody everything that goes on at PlayhouseSquare. Why not? For a few reasons - 1) that's a lot of information; 2) not everyone needs to know everything that we do and 3) not everything would be interesting or important to everyone. But if someone has a question, I or another PR professional on our staff will answer it.
Let me address the topic of "spin" for a moment. "Spin" is a negative term that refers to a portrayal of of an event or situation that is biased in one's favor and is, in my opinion, an utterly ridiculous concept. If I am sharing information about myself or the organization for which I work, why would I not present it in a way that is favorable? We all do it all the time.
For example, let's say you are going in for a job interview. You know that you procrastinate on your work, but in the end, you always get it done on time and it's always quality work. Do you tell your potential employer exactly that, or do you leave out the part about procrastinating? Is it lying if you do?
"Spin" rears its ugly head, though, when crisis situations arise - a cave-in at a mine, tainted food, etc. The best thing to do in these situations is to provide information in a clear and timely fashion - and if someone messed up, the company/person should take responsibility and admit it. Sooner or later, the truth will come out. Unfortunately, some companies try to "spin" crisis situations. This is always a bad idea, and I believe that this is part of what has given a bad name to public relations.
Saying that all PR professional are liars is like saying that all cops are crooked because a few take bribes, or that all rock stars are drug addicts just because a few are, or that all doctors rip off insurance companies just because a few do. You get the point. I hope someday Mr. Cohen does too.
Offended in Cleveland,
Cindi
I took great offense to that as public relations is a large part of what I do for a living. And unfortunately, Mr. Cohen is not the only person who does not understand what public relations is and is not about. It is not about lying.
Like ANY profession, there are ethical and unethical PR professionals. And there are ethical and unethical employers for which these professionals work. Those folks at the unethical end of the spectrum may indeed use public relations practices to lie.
What PR is really about, though, is communicating information to an audience - the media, the public, shareholders, consumers, etc. For example, no one would know that PlayhouseSquare offers a spoken word poetry program for teens if I did not communicate that through various means.
Now, I don't tell everybody everything that goes on at PlayhouseSquare. Why not? For a few reasons - 1) that's a lot of information; 2) not everyone needs to know everything that we do and 3) not everything would be interesting or important to everyone. But if someone has a question, I or another PR professional on our staff will answer it.
Let me address the topic of "spin" for a moment. "Spin" is a negative term that refers to a portrayal of of an event or situation that is biased in one's favor and is, in my opinion, an utterly ridiculous concept. If I am sharing information about myself or the organization for which I work, why would I not present it in a way that is favorable? We all do it all the time.
For example, let's say you are going in for a job interview. You know that you procrastinate on your work, but in the end, you always get it done on time and it's always quality work. Do you tell your potential employer exactly that, or do you leave out the part about procrastinating? Is it lying if you do?
"Spin" rears its ugly head, though, when crisis situations arise - a cave-in at a mine, tainted food, etc. The best thing to do in these situations is to provide information in a clear and timely fashion - and if someone messed up, the company/person should take responsibility and admit it. Sooner or later, the truth will come out. Unfortunately, some companies try to "spin" crisis situations. This is always a bad idea, and I believe that this is part of what has given a bad name to public relations.
Saying that all PR professional are liars is like saying that all cops are crooked because a few take bribes, or that all rock stars are drug addicts just because a few are, or that all doctors rip off insurance companies just because a few do. You get the point. I hope someday Mr. Cohen does too.
Offended in Cleveland,
Cindi
Monday, June 30, 2008
The New PlayhouseSquare Logo and Brand
I can't believe it's been more than a month since I last posted, but I've been super swamped with the launch of PlayhouseSquare's new logo and brand. I'm very proud to be working on this project, as it signals a major step forward for an organization that has long been a cornerstone of downtown Cleveland - its development, its economy and so much more. To check out the new logo and hear a message from our CEO, click here.
Now that the launch is complete, I can come up for some air and not have to work so much frantically paced overtime!
Happy Summer,
Cindi
Now that the launch is complete, I can come up for some air and not have to work so much frantically paced overtime!
Happy Summer,
Cindi
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Missing Barry and "Chicken Parm"
It's the best time of the year! Last night I watched Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals on NBC (do not even get me started on the fact that they don't carry the first two games; I guess I'll just be grateful for what I can get). It was a great game, but I am disappointed to say that NBC has hired two of the biggest dorks I have ever seen to do commentary.
I don't know who the main guy was (and I really don't wanna know) but they've got Mike Milbury doing color. Now, I must admit to having an ounce of respect for a guy who, as a player, went into the stands, removed a spectator's shoe and beat said spectator with said shoe. That, my friends, is hockey! No place for wimps on the ice or in the stands. But his dubious record as a coach and GM, and his misplaced sense of hockey coolness, left me wanting to vomit last night.
During one of the period breaks, Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals was invited on to chat with Mike and his fellow dorkmeister. Apparently during one of the Capitals' playoff games, Mike had made the following comment about Ovechkin, "If it looks like a dog and barks like a dog, it's a dog." That has to be one of the most inane comments ever made in the history of the sport. I don't even know what that could possibly have meant! Ovechkin smartly turned it into a compliment saying, "I do play like a dog."
At the end of the interview, Mike had the audacity to tell Ovechkin to get a haircut! Um, buddy - if you don't like it, become a golf commentator and leave my hockey boys alone! Sheesh.
I so miss Barry Melrose and Ray Ferraro (AKA "Chicken Parm"). Heck, I even miss John Buccigross now! IMHO, Barry Melrose is the best sports commentator on the face of the planet. Watching hockey on TV is just not the same without Barry. Put it this way - Barry is to commentating on hockey what Wayne Gretzky is to playing hockey. And Chicken Parm was the perfect sidekick for him.
NBC - wise up and get Barry for your NHL broadcasts next year. He rocks! See? Melroserocks.blogspot.com.
HOCKEY RULES! GO PENS AND WINGS! BRING ON THE CUP!
I don't know who the main guy was (and I really don't wanna know) but they've got Mike Milbury doing color. Now, I must admit to having an ounce of respect for a guy who, as a player, went into the stands, removed a spectator's shoe and beat said spectator with said shoe. That, my friends, is hockey! No place for wimps on the ice or in the stands. But his dubious record as a coach and GM, and his misplaced sense of hockey coolness, left me wanting to vomit last night.
During one of the period breaks, Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals was invited on to chat with Mike and his fellow dorkmeister. Apparently during one of the Capitals' playoff games, Mike had made the following comment about Ovechkin, "If it looks like a dog and barks like a dog, it's a dog." That has to be one of the most inane comments ever made in the history of the sport. I don't even know what that could possibly have meant! Ovechkin smartly turned it into a compliment saying, "I do play like a dog."
At the end of the interview, Mike had the audacity to tell Ovechkin to get a haircut! Um, buddy - if you don't like it, become a golf commentator and leave my hockey boys alone! Sheesh.
I so miss Barry Melrose and Ray Ferraro (AKA "Chicken Parm"). Heck, I even miss John Buccigross now! IMHO, Barry Melrose is the best sports commentator on the face of the planet. Watching hockey on TV is just not the same without Barry. Put it this way - Barry is to commentating on hockey what Wayne Gretzky is to playing hockey. And Chicken Parm was the perfect sidekick for him.
NBC - wise up and get Barry for your NHL broadcasts next year. He rocks! See? Melroserocks.blogspot.com.
HOCKEY RULES! GO PENS AND WINGS! BRING ON THE CUP!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Checked Bag Fee
American Airlines is now instituting a $15 fee for checked luggage, apparently in an attempt to offset the rising cost of fuel. This has created more of a PR nightmare for them than if they would have just raised their rates $15, but who am I to say? Oh wait...I AM someone to say being a PR professional! HA HA!
This is just another instance of how we the people are suffering for the greed of the oil execs. Why don't the airline executives, or better yet all transportation executives, push back on the oil companies? Our country is being held hostage by one industry. Everyone EXCEPT the fat cats at the oil companies is suffering. Instead of going to work to earn money to buy things we need, we're going to work to buy gas to get back to work.
How does this make sense?
This is just another instance of how we the people are suffering for the greed of the oil execs. Why don't the airline executives, or better yet all transportation executives, push back on the oil companies? Our country is being held hostage by one industry. Everyone EXCEPT the fat cats at the oil companies is suffering. Instead of going to work to earn money to buy things we need, we're going to work to buy gas to get back to work.
How does this make sense?
Moved
Phew! I am all moved in to my new place. Many thanks to the crew - Andrew, Chris, Daniel, Gayle, Mike, Tim and Tracy. I could not have done it without you guys! All in all, everything went without a hitch. We had perfect weather, two trucks, four boys, four girls, one cat and A LOT of stuff. The only moment of panic for me was when the boys decided it would be easiest to move the couch out over the balcony - but they were right, and all went safely with no damage to couch, truck or persons.
Almost everything is in its place, and Jack and I are settling in nicely. He napped quite a bit yesterday to recover from his stressful weekend, but he seems to be doing just fine. I am LOVING the new place with convenient access to laundry - I've already done six loads!
I'll post some photos once I get everything unpacked and placed.
Take care,
Cindi
Almost everything is in its place, and Jack and I are settling in nicely. He napped quite a bit yesterday to recover from his stressful weekend, but he seems to be doing just fine. I am LOVING the new place with convenient access to laundry - I've already done six loads!
I'll post some photos once I get everything unpacked and placed.
Take care,
Cindi
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Oil Execs Before Congress Again
The big oil executives were called to testify before Congress again today. You can read all about it here: http://abcnews.go.com/Business/Economy/Story?id=4895104&page=1.
In summary - Congress wants to look like they are doing something, but they are not actually doing anything to help us. To be fair, I did get an email response from my Congresswoman last week, and she did outline some steps that Congress is trying to take. It doesn't seem like they will have much effect though. Our only choice is to cut our gasoline consumption as much as possible and support the development of alternative energy sources.
Anyone have a horse to sell cheap?
In summary - Congress wants to look like they are doing something, but they are not actually doing anything to help us. To be fair, I did get an email response from my Congresswoman last week, and she did outline some steps that Congress is trying to take. It doesn't seem like they will have much effect though. Our only choice is to cut our gasoline consumption as much as possible and support the development of alternative energy sources.
Anyone have a horse to sell cheap?
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Enough Is Enough
I have had it! Gas was $3.94 this morning! It cost more than $35 to fill the tank of my Honda Civic and it was still about a quarter full!
Yes, that's lots of exclamation points before 10 am, I know, but I am peeved. I just emailed the following letter to my senators and US representative:
Yes, that's lots of exclamation points before 10 am, I know, but I am peeved. I just emailed the following letter to my senators and US representative:
This morning, it cost more than $35 for me to fill my gas tank. I drive a Honda Civic.
I earn a fairly decent salary, and gas prices are now having a detrimental effect on my budget. I am single and support only myself, but there are many families raising children and trying to own homes that earn the same or less than I do. I cannot begin to imagine how much they are struggling right now.
Enough is enough.
There is absolutely no reason why consumers should be paying so much for gas when one oil company made a profit of $10.89 billion in the first quarter of this year.
It is time for immediate and effective action as the situation can be described as nothing short of price-gouging.
I will be paying attention, I will be voting and I will be blogging.
Thank you for your immediate attention to and action on this matter.
You can easily contact your senators by email through www.senate.gov. To find your representative, go to www.house.gov. You will need your ZIP + 4, which you can find here.
It's time to tell them - "no mas!"
Cindi
Friday, May 9, 2008
Be Mad - Be Very, Very Mad
Oil Lobby Reaches Out to Citizens Peeved at the Pump
Check out this ridiculousness. When will these fat-cat oil execs get it?
Trying to reduce my blood pressure,
Cindi
Check out this ridiculousness. When will these fat-cat oil execs get it?
"Faced with a national outcry over the high price of gasoline and soaring profits for energy companies, the oil and gas industry is waging an unusually pricey campaign to burnish its image.
The American Petroleum Institute, the industry's main lobby, has embarked on a multiyear, multimedia, multimillion-dollar campaign, which includes advertising in the nation's largest newspapers, news conferences in many state capitals and trips for bloggers out to drilling platforms at sea"...(full article from The Washington Post at link above or here). (Emphasis mine.)
Wasting millions of dollars on advertising is not likely to produce anything but the opposite of the result they are hoping for - don't fall for it!Trying to reduce my blood pressure,
Cindi
Thursday, May 8, 2008
My Faith
A recent conversation has inspired me to spend a little time writing about my faith. I am a Christian; I believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross as punishment for my sins and through His resurrection, I have received the gift of faith and the promise of Heaven. As a Lutheran, my beliefs can be summarized as follows (in quotes from the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod website):
"Grace alone
God loves the people of the world, even though they are sinful, rebel against Him and do not deserve His love. He sent Jesus, His Son, to love the unlovable and save the ungodly. "
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16
If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. - Romans 10:9
"Faith alone
By His suffering and death as the substitute for all people of all time, Jesus purchased and won forgiveness and eternal life for them. Those who hear this Good News and believe it have the eternal life that it offers. God creates faith in Christ and gives people forgiveness through Him."
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – Ephesians 2:8
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding - Proverbs 3:5
"Scripture alone
The Bible is God's inerrant and infallible Word, in which He reveals His Law and His Gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ. It is the sole rule and norm for Christian doctrine."
It greatly saddens me when the sins of humankind drive others away from faith, and this happens all too often. We must not forget that churches are run by humans, and all humans are imperfect. Only God is perfect. The problem is that this imperfection sometimes leads people away from God.
The conversation I mentioned earlier happened a few days ago, when best bud Chris told me that her church started to offer care for special needs children while their parents attend the service. Apparently this came about after her church received several calls from parents asking if it would be OK to bring their special needs children with them; they had been asked by other congregations not to return because their children were too disruptive. Unbelievable. Chris' church had the right response.
Unfortunately, this is not the only shameful story I have heard:
-In high school, a friend of mine had an uncle who was excommunicated from his Catholic parish for failing to tithe.
Money/greediness of the church is probably the biggest reason that I hear for people not wanting to attend church or have a relationship with God. Here's the thing - you don't have to go to church to have faith, but it is easier if you regularly meet with a group of fellow believers. I think of it like re-charging my battery. All week long, I am drained by the worldliness around me and by my own sins. On Sunday, I attend service to refresh my spirit and renew my faith.
Churches, like your own homes, need money to operate. I have previously served on the budget committee of my congregation and had the opportunity to see where each and every penny was spent. If you have questions or concerns about how your church is spending money - ask! If you don't like the answer, seek change or seek a congregation that spends in line with your beliefs of what is right. Nowhere in the Bible does it say, "Thou shalt spend $10,000 on decorations for your church each year," or anything like that. Those decisions are made by humans.
And then, of course, there is the too-often too judgmental/self-righteous attitude of many Christians.
-A retired pastor once complained to me that his high-school age grandson had bleached his hair blonde. WHO CARES?
-This same retired pastor made the assumption that my father was Catholic because of his last name and proceeded to lecture him in a very insulting fashion.
-How often do we encounter people criticizing or even espousing hatred of others for being homosexual, pro-choice, liberal, whatever?
Some Christians sure do like to get up on their high horses! And while it's disappointing, I beg of you to remember that this is not the example that Jesus set for us. He spent time not with the well-respected and wealthy; he ate with tax collectors and prostitutes!
Do not judge, or you too will be judged. - Matthew 7:1
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. - John 3:17
Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in someone else's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? - Luke 6:41
The truth is, we are all sinners. The Bible provides guidelines for living our lives because God knows the pain we will feel if we don't follow them. They are not for us to use to judge and condemn other people. That's God's job.
This has been a very long post, and I thank you if you've stuck with me to the end. If you have any questions or would like to talk with me further about Christian faith, give me a shout.
God bless,
Cindi
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Life with Jack
Jack is one smart and funny kitty. Since his arrival in February, he's become more and more comfortable with me. He's gained a pound or so and looks much healthier than he did when he first arrived.
The plastic rings from the tops of milk jugs rank as his current favorite toys. He's learning to fetch, which I encouraged at first. Now I'm not so sure if that was a good idea as he's bringing me toys in bed!
Yesterday evening, the coffee table became a playground for the first time. Now, I'm not overly uptight about my furniture, but I'd really prefer that toys not be on the coffee table. But everything is a matter of degrees. I'd take the coffee table over having my bed turned into a playground at 2 AM any day!
This past weekend, Jack discovered the television. I was flipping past "Funniest Pets and People" and he was fascinated. He left his perch on the back of the couch and ran right up to the TV, peeking around the side and pawing at the screen to try to get to those other animals.
Every day seems to hold a new discovery for Jack and I enjoy seeing his reactions. Can't wait to see what he'll do in the new apartment.
Cindi
P.S. Marty continues to be in my thoughts almost constantly, but having Jack around has definitely helped to turn those thoughts into fond memories instead of grief. I'll never forget my fuzzy grey baby!
Friday, May 2, 2008
Writing Skills
I am currently serving on the Blues Ambassador Scholarship Committee for the International House of Blues Foundation in Cleveland. Yesterday and this morning, I reviewed twenty or so applications from area high school students to determine which of them should receive a $10,000 college scholarship.
The application requires the students to write an essay, and as a former English major, I cannot overlook grammar and form. I am pleased to report that this year's applicants have done a much better job than last year's, but I am still appalled at the number of grammatical errors and improper use of language in the majority of the essays - essays written by students with GPAs of 3.5 and above, who have placed on merit and honor rolls at their schools and who have completed Advanced Placement English classes!
Perhaps I am being too picky, but it is just so hard for me to accept that these students should be graduating from high school with less than exemplary communication skills. Reading and writing are fundamental for ANY job. If you can read and write well, you can learn to do anything.
I have known hiring managers to discard resumes upon discovering one grammatical error in a cover letter, and I have done so myself. After all, if you can't achieve perfection when you are selling yourself, how sloppy will you be when representing the organization?
Think about it.
Cindi
The application requires the students to write an essay, and as a former English major, I cannot overlook grammar and form. I am pleased to report that this year's applicants have done a much better job than last year's, but I am still appalled at the number of grammatical errors and improper use of language in the majority of the essays - essays written by students with GPAs of 3.5 and above, who have placed on merit and honor rolls at their schools and who have completed Advanced Placement English classes!
Perhaps I am being too picky, but it is just so hard for me to accept that these students should be graduating from high school with less than exemplary communication skills. Reading and writing are fundamental for ANY job. If you can read and write well, you can learn to do anything.
I have known hiring managers to discard resumes upon discovering one grammatical error in a cover letter, and I have done so myself. After all, if you can't achieve perfection when you are selling yourself, how sloppy will you be when representing the organization?
Think about it.
Cindi
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Spending My Time
Over the past two years, I have struggled to find meaning volunteer work to which I would be able to commit. I think it's important to give back to the community, but I also think it's necessary to be able to stick with whatever you sign up for.
Two weeks ago, I went through training to become a therapeutic horsemanship volunteer at Achievement Centers for Children. The therapeutic riding program is for children and adults with special needs.
So far, my experience has been wonderful. It's a commitment of one hour per week on an evening when I rarely have to work late, and there's nothing that needs to be done outside of that one hour. I show up at the barn, sign in, greet my rider, stay by his or her side through the class, say goodbye, sign out and go home.
Not only do I leave with a good feeling of having helped someone, I also leave knowing I've just had an hour's worth of exercise! And it is most amazing to watch the students in the riding class. My class has 4-6 students, some as young as three years old. In the short time I have been with them, I have seen that "disabled" is a misnomer. I now understand why some people encourage use of the term "differently-abled." This is a much more accurate description of the abilities of these children.
It's also quite fun to be interacting with horses on a regular basis. I enjoy being around these beautiful, gentle animals. I never realized that horses yawned or tripped - not from difficult terrain, but from tiredness or laziness! Some days they don't feel much like picking up their feet either - I can certainly relate.
So I feel pretty good about how I am spending my time these days. Hope you do too.
Cindi
Two weeks ago, I went through training to become a therapeutic horsemanship volunteer at Achievement Centers for Children. The therapeutic riding program is for children and adults with special needs.
So far, my experience has been wonderful. It's a commitment of one hour per week on an evening when I rarely have to work late, and there's nothing that needs to be done outside of that one hour. I show up at the barn, sign in, greet my rider, stay by his or her side through the class, say goodbye, sign out and go home.
Not only do I leave with a good feeling of having helped someone, I also leave knowing I've just had an hour's worth of exercise! And it is most amazing to watch the students in the riding class. My class has 4-6 students, some as young as three years old. In the short time I have been with them, I have seen that "disabled" is a misnomer. I now understand why some people encourage use of the term "differently-abled." This is a much more accurate description of the abilities of these children.
It's also quite fun to be interacting with horses on a regular basis. I enjoy being around these beautiful, gentle animals. I never realized that horses yawned or tripped - not from difficult terrain, but from tiredness or laziness! Some days they don't feel much like picking up their feet either - I can certainly relate.
So I feel pretty good about how I am spending my time these days. Hope you do too.
Cindi
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
The Best Part of My Job
I cannot tell a lie. I have a great job. It may not be the most glamorous or high-profile position, but I'm paid fairly, treated well and kept challenged.
I get to do a variety of interesting things, but my favorite part of the job is publicizing our annual spoken word poetry program for teens. Every time I get the media to pay attention to the students in this program, I feel not only that I have done my job well, I feel a sense of personal victory. These are the good kids that deserve the attention. Most of them come from the inner city, from schools that more often make the news for drugs and violence than for anything positive.
These young men and women consistently impress and amaze me with their creativity, their maturity and their wisdom. They speak on a wide range of topics, and I consider it a privilege to work with them each year.
I am proud to report that we are sending a strong team of six students to the National Youth Poetry Slam, Brave New Voices, in July. Many of our participants have already been accepted to the colleges of their choice, and not only do they do well in school, they are active in their communities. You can find out more about them and see some of their performances at these links:
Plain Dealer feature story on teen poet Jonathan Lykes
Plain Dealer coverage of the Slam U Finals
Two Slam U finalists on Around Noon (90.3 WCPN FM) - they come in around the 15 min. mark
Go team!
Cindi
I get to do a variety of interesting things, but my favorite part of the job is publicizing our annual spoken word poetry program for teens. Every time I get the media to pay attention to the students in this program, I feel not only that I have done my job well, I feel a sense of personal victory. These are the good kids that deserve the attention. Most of them come from the inner city, from schools that more often make the news for drugs and violence than for anything positive.
These young men and women consistently impress and amaze me with their creativity, their maturity and their wisdom. They speak on a wide range of topics, and I consider it a privilege to work with them each year.
I am proud to report that we are sending a strong team of six students to the National Youth Poetry Slam, Brave New Voices, in July. Many of our participants have already been accepted to the colleges of their choice, and not only do they do well in school, they are active in their communities. You can find out more about them and see some of their performances at these links:
Plain Dealer feature story on teen poet Jonathan Lykes
Plain Dealer coverage of the Slam U Finals
Two Slam U finalists on Around Noon (90.3 WCPN FM) - they come in around the 15 min. mark
Go team!
Cindi
Thursday, April 24, 2008
The Best Show on Television
I can hardly wait for 10 pm tonight. The best show on television, LOST, returns to the airwaves.
LOST is not your typical, mindless lounge-on-the-couch and multi-task-while-watching kind of show. None of the main characters wraps up each show with a nice little summary; in fact, instead of leaving you with a sense of resolution at the end of each episode, LOST leaves you with even more questions. This is edge-of-your-seat, don't-miss-a-detail television. Everything means something - character names, a random sign that someone passes by, etc.
Now, for those of you who know me well but don't watch the show, I can imagine what you might say if you tuned into an episode...yes, Sawyer is my type of eye candy but no, that's not why I keep watching!
I love LOST because watching it is like reading a really great book. The more you watch it, the more you find. Symbolism and foreshadowing abound. The writers and creators are nothing short of brilliant in their attention to detail, plot twists and character development.
To get the most out of this show, the viewer has to do some work to figure out what's going on. There's no spoon-feeding here. I could literally spend days researching every nuance of every episode - just like the good old days of being an English major. Unfortunately, I don't have that kind of time anymore, so I rely on folks like Doc Jensen of Entertainment Weekly to help me out. How I wish I had his job!
Counting down until nine hours from now,
Cindi
LOST is not your typical, mindless lounge-on-the-couch and multi-task-while-watching kind of show. None of the main characters wraps up each show with a nice little summary; in fact, instead of leaving you with a sense of resolution at the end of each episode, LOST leaves you with even more questions. This is edge-of-your-seat, don't-miss-a-detail television. Everything means something - character names, a random sign that someone passes by, etc.
Now, for those of you who know me well but don't watch the show, I can imagine what you might say if you tuned into an episode...yes, Sawyer is my type of eye candy but no, that's not why I keep watching!
I love LOST because watching it is like reading a really great book. The more you watch it, the more you find. Symbolism and foreshadowing abound. The writers and creators are nothing short of brilliant in their attention to detail, plot twists and character development.
To get the most out of this show, the viewer has to do some work to figure out what's going on. There's no spoon-feeding here. I could literally spend days researching every nuance of every episode - just like the good old days of being an English major. Unfortunately, I don't have that kind of time anymore, so I rely on folks like Doc Jensen of Entertainment Weekly to help me out. How I wish I had his job!
Counting down until nine hours from now,
Cindi
Monday, April 21, 2008
Favorite Movie Lines
Just for fun, here are a few of my favorite movie quotes:
The Birdcage
-"He blew a BUBBLE with his GUM while I was singing. He can't do that while I'm SINGING!"
-"I feel like I'm insane."
-"I made you short?"
-"I pierced the toast!"
-"It's aspirin with the 'A' and the 'S' scraped off."
-"It's the choos. They make me fall down."
-"So this is Hell. And there's a crucifix in it."
-"Yeah but, now's the time to preten'!"
-"You do an eclectic celebration of the dance! You do Fosse, Fosse, Fosse! You do Martha Graham, Martha Graham, Martha Graham! Or Twyla, Twyla, Twyla! Or Michael Kidd, Michael Kidd, Michael Kidd, Michael Kidd! Or Madonna, Madonna, Madonna!... but you keep it all inside."
The Breakfast Club
-"Could you describe the ruckus, sir?"
-"Excuse me a sec. What are you babbling about?"
-"I'm thinkin' of tryin' out for a scholarship."
-"Oh God, you richies are so smart, that's exactly why I'm not heavy into activities."
-"Screws fall out all the time, the world is an imperfect place."
Demolition Man
-"What seems to be your boggle?"
The Princess Bride
-"While you're at it, why don't you give me a nice paper cut and pour lemon juice on it?"
Rush Hour
-"I hate when it does that."
The Birdcage
-"He blew a BUBBLE with his GUM while I was singing. He can't do that while I'm SINGING!"
-"I feel like I'm insane."
-"I made you short?"
-"I pierced the toast!"
-"It's aspirin with the 'A' and the 'S' scraped off."
-"It's the choos. They make me fall down."
-"So this is Hell. And there's a crucifix in it."
-"Yeah but, now's the time to preten'!"
-"You do an eclectic celebration of the dance! You do Fosse, Fosse, Fosse! You do Martha Graham, Martha Graham, Martha Graham! Or Twyla, Twyla, Twyla! Or Michael Kidd, Michael Kidd, Michael Kidd, Michael Kidd! Or Madonna, Madonna, Madonna!... but you keep it all inside."
The Breakfast Club
-"Could you describe the ruckus, sir?"
-"Excuse me a sec. What are you babbling about?"
-"I'm thinkin' of tryin' out for a scholarship."
-"Oh God, you richies are so smart, that's exactly why I'm not heavy into activities."
-"Screws fall out all the time, the world is an imperfect place."
Demolition Man
-"What seems to be your boggle?"
The Princess Bride
-"While you're at it, why don't you give me a nice paper cut and pour lemon juice on it?"
Rush Hour
-"Do you understand the words that are comin' out of my mouth?"
-"That block was already messed up."
-"I hate when it does that."
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Ego
I've been thinking about ego this week - not the traditional Freudian definition, but the more commonly used "inflated sense of self-worth" kind of ego. There is something to be said for tooting one's own horn and being proud of one's accomplishments. But we've become a society in which no price is too high for fame and in which it's acceptable to stand out from the crowd by any means necessary.
You may have heard the scary and saddening story about the six teenage girls who beat up one of their classmates to achieve fame on YouTube. They even went so far as to post lookouts outside the house so they would not be interrupted and so their victim could not escape. And they're famous now, all right, but not in a way that will do any of them any good.
In my own life, I've had the opportunity to compare and contrast the behaviors of two individuals, both highly intelligent, successful and well-respected in their fields. One is humble almost to a fault, consistently shifting praise and recognition from self to team. This is a person who could easily rack up local and national publicity and awards, but choses instead to quietly but powerfully work toward goals on behalf of many. What publicity and awards this person does receive are graciously accepted with an acknowledgement, again, of team over self. Operating without cell phone or BlackBerry, this person accomplishes much yet never seems harried and is never too busy for a hello to even the newest intern.
The other is as egomaniacal as the first is unassuming. Achievements are credited to self rather than team; sentences begin with "I" rather than "we." The seemingly uninfluential are passed by with no hello; "too busy" is a frequent excuse. Perceived slights result in uproars that waste time and cause unnecessary work. Respect is expected, not earned. Truth be told, this person does run in circles where temper-tantrums and diva behavior are the norm, but does that really make it OK?
I'd rather be well-liked than well-known and I'd rather know that I treated others well instead of squashing them to get ahead. I know whose example I'm following.
Cindi
P.S. It's ASPCA Day!
You may have heard the scary and saddening story about the six teenage girls who beat up one of their classmates to achieve fame on YouTube. They even went so far as to post lookouts outside the house so they would not be interrupted and so their victim could not escape. And they're famous now, all right, but not in a way that will do any of them any good.
In my own life, I've had the opportunity to compare and contrast the behaviors of two individuals, both highly intelligent, successful and well-respected in their fields. One is humble almost to a fault, consistently shifting praise and recognition from self to team. This is a person who could easily rack up local and national publicity and awards, but choses instead to quietly but powerfully work toward goals on behalf of many. What publicity and awards this person does receive are graciously accepted with an acknowledgement, again, of team over self. Operating without cell phone or BlackBerry, this person accomplishes much yet never seems harried and is never too busy for a hello to even the newest intern.
The other is as egomaniacal as the first is unassuming. Achievements are credited to self rather than team; sentences begin with "I" rather than "we." The seemingly uninfluential are passed by with no hello; "too busy" is a frequent excuse. Perceived slights result in uproars that waste time and cause unnecessary work. Respect is expected, not earned. Truth be told, this person does run in circles where temper-tantrums and diva behavior are the norm, but does that really make it OK?
I'd rather be well-liked than well-known and I'd rather know that I treated others well instead of squashing them to get ahead. I know whose example I'm following.
Cindi
P.S. It's ASPCA Day!
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Deal-Breakers
I stumbled across this interesing article in The Plain Dealer:
http://www.cleveland.com/living/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/living-0/1207384239226400.xml&coll=2&thispage=1. I'd say this is pretty good evidence to support my quandary of whether or not dating is worth the time and effort!
I was also interested in the concept of "deal-breakers," things that would end a relationship with no ifs, ands or buts. The extreme example at the beginning of the article is, in my opinion, more than a deal-breaker. It's a throw-your-drink-in-his-face-and-storm-out-leaving-him-bewildered-and-embarrassed moment. I hope someone leaves that guy to starve somewhere sometime soon. The fact that he's identified as a medical professional does nothing short of scare the bejesus out of me.
Some of the more obvious deal-breakers listed in this article I do agree with - criminal record, married, poor hygiene, animal abuse. To that I would add refusal to work, drug abuse, physical abuse, refusal to pet/play with my pets (this should have tipped me off twice!), atheism and making fun of me.
This article focuses on the beginning of dating relationships, though, and this is the first time I've heard the term "deal-breaker" used in reference to that early stage. Normally I hear it in discussions when people are espousing their overall philosophies on serious relationships and marriage. And 9 times out of 10, it's usually used in reference to cheating.
By no means do I advocate cheating. But I do wonder about these absolute pronouncements. Marriage is supposed to be for better or for worse. As long as both parties are truly willing to work to correct a problem, I think it's better to be slower to walk away. One of my favorite sayings is, "Out of the mud, the lovely lotus blooms." We Lost fans saw this happen with Jin and Sun (yes, I know Lost is fiction, but it can happen in real life too).
So, what's my point? Life and love are like gardening - beautiful flowers won't bloom just because you want them to. It takes time. You gotta work for it. The sun and the rain are both necessary, and sometimes, so is the manure.
http://www.cleveland.com/living/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/living-0/1207384239226400.xml&coll=2&thispage=1. I'd say this is pretty good evidence to support my quandary of whether or not dating is worth the time and effort!
I was also interested in the concept of "deal-breakers," things that would end a relationship with no ifs, ands or buts. The extreme example at the beginning of the article is, in my opinion, more than a deal-breaker. It's a throw-your-drink-in-his-face-and-storm-out-leaving-him-bewildered-and-embarrassed moment. I hope someone leaves that guy to starve somewhere sometime soon. The fact that he's identified as a medical professional does nothing short of scare the bejesus out of me.
Some of the more obvious deal-breakers listed in this article I do agree with - criminal record, married, poor hygiene, animal abuse. To that I would add refusal to work, drug abuse, physical abuse, refusal to pet/play with my pets (this should have tipped me off twice!), atheism and making fun of me.
This article focuses on the beginning of dating relationships, though, and this is the first time I've heard the term "deal-breaker" used in reference to that early stage. Normally I hear it in discussions when people are espousing their overall philosophies on serious relationships and marriage. And 9 times out of 10, it's usually used in reference to cheating.
By no means do I advocate cheating. But I do wonder about these absolute pronouncements. Marriage is supposed to be for better or for worse. As long as both parties are truly willing to work to correct a problem, I think it's better to be slower to walk away. One of my favorite sayings is, "Out of the mud, the lovely lotus blooms." We Lost fans saw this happen with Jin and Sun (yes, I know Lost is fiction, but it can happen in real life too).
So, what's my point? Life and love are like gardening - beautiful flowers won't bloom just because you want them to. It takes time. You gotta work for it. The sun and the rain are both necessary, and sometimes, so is the manure.
Monday, April 7, 2008
C'mon Hillary!
Hillary Clinton appeared on the Ellen DeGeneres show today to talk about her plan to find a cure for breast cancer in the next ten years. I am disappointed by this obvious effort to rally her base in what is becoming an increasingly difficult primary campaign for her.
Don't get me wrong - a cure for breast cancer, for any type of cancer, would be wonderful.
I just don't buy Hillary's plan or motive. For example, her plan calls for $300 million annually in increased funds for research. That sounds great until you realize that public funding for breast cancer was already $800 million in 2003. This does not count private funds, such as those raised by the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Public funding for prostate cancer in 2007 was just over half the amount earmarked for breast cancer ($441 million).
I'm not a scientist, and I don't otherwise have the knowledge and resources to validate her plan. The timing just seems fishy to me, and as the old saying goes, "If it looks like a duck and acts like a duck - it's a duck."
Oh, and by the way...I have been rooting for Hillary since John Edwards withdrew from the race. Now I'm not so sure about her.
We need a president with real plans and solid ideas. The run for the White House should not be only a popularity contest.
Don't get me wrong - a cure for breast cancer, for any type of cancer, would be wonderful.
I just don't buy Hillary's plan or motive. For example, her plan calls for $300 million annually in increased funds for research. That sounds great until you realize that public funding for breast cancer was already $800 million in 2003. This does not count private funds, such as those raised by the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Public funding for prostate cancer in 2007 was just over half the amount earmarked for breast cancer ($441 million).
I'm not a scientist, and I don't otherwise have the knowledge and resources to validate her plan. The timing just seems fishy to me, and as the old saying goes, "If it looks like a duck and acts like a duck - it's a duck."
Oh, and by the way...I have been rooting for Hillary since John Edwards withdrew from the race. Now I'm not so sure about her.
We need a president with real plans and solid ideas. The run for the White House should not be only a popularity contest.
Favorite Characters
I have read many, many books. Some characters fade into the background of my memory, but others stick with me. Here are a few of my faves:
Anne Shirley - Anne of Green Gables series
Captain Jim - Anne's House of Dreams
Lord Cazaril - The Curse of Chalion
Owen Palmer - Enchanted Inc. series
Harry Potter - Harry Potter (HP) series
Hermione Granger - HP
Professor Dumbledore - HP
Professor Lupin - HP
Professor McGonagall - HP
Ron Weasley - HP
Bilbo Baggins - The Hobbit
Asher - Kingmaker, Kingbreaker series
Jo March - Little Women
Pippi Longstocking
Dirk Struan - Tai-Pan
Francie Nolan - A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
With Gratitude
Our culture is one of complaints. It seems normal to complain and to listen to others do so; people with positive attitudes who express gratitude for the little things are often seen as self-righteous or even delusional. I fall into complaining mode much more easily and often than I like to admit.
Yet there is much to be thankful for, and when I stop to look beyond the bills, the illnesses and the challenges, and quiet the other complainers around me, I find that my life is rich beyond compare. Today I am thankful for:
Loving family
Parents who put in the time and effort to "raise me right"
Good and true friends
Skilled teachers
Great books
Cats and dogs and the vets that keep them healthy
My good health and the use of all of my limbs and senses
Car that runs
Challenging job, smart co-workers, fair boss
Sunshine
Netflix
Coffee
Computers
Faith
Happy Monday,
Cindi
Yet there is much to be thankful for, and when I stop to look beyond the bills, the illnesses and the challenges, and quiet the other complainers around me, I find that my life is rich beyond compare. Today I am thankful for:
Loving family
Parents who put in the time and effort to "raise me right"
Good and true friends
Skilled teachers
Great books
Cats and dogs and the vets that keep them healthy
My good health and the use of all of my limbs and senses
Car that runs
Challenging job, smart co-workers, fair boss
Sunshine
Netflix
Coffee
Computers
Faith
Happy Monday,
Cindi
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
I Always Thought
I always thought I would be married by now. When I was growing up, it just never occurred to me that it would be possible to not be married. I keep trying to figure out why this is and whether or not I really want to do something to change it.
As best I can surmise, my early dating experiences have significantly affected my attitude toward relationships and marriage. In school, I was cursed with the unfortunate combination of smartness and physical awkwardness that attracts bullies like ants to a picnic. Almost always the smartest, or at least one of the smartest, kids in class, I was picked on all the time. Somehow, when I arrived in high school, I thought that having a steady boyfriend would shield me from some of this hostility. Unfortunately, I gained my own personal bully and the hostility from others continued.
And then there was the fact that I didn't really know how to date. If I knew then what I know now, I definitely would have tried to spend time with a variety of boys rather than just one.
My later dating experiences haven't been much better. In fact, I've never dated a guy with whom things "just didn't work out." There has always been drama and anger. On top of this, I hear dating horror stories from my friends and co-workers, and I think, "Why would I want to waste my time just to be treated like that?" I like that my schedule is my own, I control the remote, I can pick up (or not) my own messes - in other words, my life is my own. I find that I rarely feel truly lonely. Good friends and family are just a short drive or phone call away, Jack greets me at the door and keeps me laughing, and there is no shortage of good books to curl up with.
I've also come to believe that another piece of the puzzle has to do with my dad and my grandfather. They are the male role models in my life, and it would be quite a challenge for any guy to live up to the expectations I've developed based on their examples. At least, I think it would be a challenge based on the behavior I most often witness in guys my age.
My grandfather has the best work ethic of anyone I have ever met. He just finally stopped working only last week at age 85! He is utterly devoted to my grandmother, helps with the housework and cooking, lovingly presents her with a bottle of her favorite perfume each year on her birthday, still brings her flowers and just about exhibits all of the qualities I would want a husband to have.
Then there's my dad. Funny, smart, does all the "guy jobs" around the house and romantic in his own way. And what I cannot overlook is his ability to stick with my mom through an illness that I believe would send most guys packing. That ability to stick around through the "worse" has turned into "better" and I greatly admire the way he has stayed true to his wedding vows.
I look around at the guys my age, and I just don't know about them.
If I do get married, I'm only doing it once. But I'm really not so sure I even want to at this point.
As I've become fond of saying, "If God has someone in mind for me, He'll bring us together when the time is right." Until then, I'm gonna go watch what I want on TV - and it's not going to be baseball!!
Cindi
As best I can surmise, my early dating experiences have significantly affected my attitude toward relationships and marriage. In school, I was cursed with the unfortunate combination of smartness and physical awkwardness that attracts bullies like ants to a picnic. Almost always the smartest, or at least one of the smartest, kids in class, I was picked on all the time. Somehow, when I arrived in high school, I thought that having a steady boyfriend would shield me from some of this hostility. Unfortunately, I gained my own personal bully and the hostility from others continued.
And then there was the fact that I didn't really know how to date. If I knew then what I know now, I definitely would have tried to spend time with a variety of boys rather than just one.
My later dating experiences haven't been much better. In fact, I've never dated a guy with whom things "just didn't work out." There has always been drama and anger. On top of this, I hear dating horror stories from my friends and co-workers, and I think, "Why would I want to waste my time just to be treated like that?" I like that my schedule is my own, I control the remote, I can pick up (or not) my own messes - in other words, my life is my own. I find that I rarely feel truly lonely. Good friends and family are just a short drive or phone call away, Jack greets me at the door and keeps me laughing, and there is no shortage of good books to curl up with.
I've also come to believe that another piece of the puzzle has to do with my dad and my grandfather. They are the male role models in my life, and it would be quite a challenge for any guy to live up to the expectations I've developed based on their examples. At least, I think it would be a challenge based on the behavior I most often witness in guys my age.
My grandfather has the best work ethic of anyone I have ever met. He just finally stopped working only last week at age 85! He is utterly devoted to my grandmother, helps with the housework and cooking, lovingly presents her with a bottle of her favorite perfume each year on her birthday, still brings her flowers and just about exhibits all of the qualities I would want a husband to have.
Then there's my dad. Funny, smart, does all the "guy jobs" around the house and romantic in his own way. And what I cannot overlook is his ability to stick with my mom through an illness that I believe would send most guys packing. That ability to stick around through the "worse" has turned into "better" and I greatly admire the way he has stayed true to his wedding vows.
I look around at the guys my age, and I just don't know about them.
If I do get married, I'm only doing it once. But I'm really not so sure I even want to at this point.
As I've become fond of saying, "If God has someone in mind for me, He'll bring us together when the time is right." Until then, I'm gonna go watch what I want on TV - and it's not going to be baseball!!
Cindi
Driving Me Crazy - Part II
The first thing I would do if I won the lottery would be to hire a chaffeur. I would be perfectly happy having him or her drive me about in my Honda Civic - I just do not like driving. It's not that I mind so much the actual operating of the vehicle or having to pay attention to traffic. What bothers me is the appalling manner in which people drive today. It is as if drivers regard the other vehicles on the road as simply moving hunks of metal with no thought to the safety or sanctity of the lives of the human beings in those vehicles.
When did turn signals become optional? I, for example, have never once witnessed the driver of a Lexus using a turn signal. I am sure many others are guilty, but drivers of this particular brand of luxury car seem to feel they are exempt from using turn signals as a matter of privilege.
When did the practice of drafting (i.e. tailgating) move from the world of NASCAR to freeways and city streets? Pass or take a pill. I don't have time to waste at the repair shop because of your impatience.
If I am stopped at a light in front of you, don't beep at me when you think I should go. I'll go when I'm darn good and ready - I may be able to see something that you cannot. And by the way, the absence of a "No Turn on Red" sign at an intersection does not mean that one MUST turn on red.
Ambulances, police cars and fire trucks are equipped with lights and sirens for a reason. If you are not in a vehicle with lights and sirens - guess what? Nowhere that you have to go is more important than anywhere anyone else on the road has to go, and certainly is not more important than your safety and the safety of others around you. If you feel the need for speed, find a racetrack.
'Nuff said.
Stay safe out there,
Cindi
When did turn signals become optional? I, for example, have never once witnessed the driver of a Lexus using a turn signal. I am sure many others are guilty, but drivers of this particular brand of luxury car seem to feel they are exempt from using turn signals as a matter of privilege.
When did the practice of drafting (i.e. tailgating) move from the world of NASCAR to freeways and city streets? Pass or take a pill. I don't have time to waste at the repair shop because of your impatience.
If I am stopped at a light in front of you, don't beep at me when you think I should go. I'll go when I'm darn good and ready - I may be able to see something that you cannot. And by the way, the absence of a "No Turn on Red" sign at an intersection does not mean that one MUST turn on red.
Ambulances, police cars and fire trucks are equipped with lights and sirens for a reason. If you are not in a vehicle with lights and sirens - guess what? Nowhere that you have to go is more important than anywhere anyone else on the road has to go, and certainly is not more important than your safety and the safety of others around you. If you feel the need for speed, find a racetrack.
'Nuff said.
Stay safe out there,
Cindi
Driving Me Crazy - Part I
Yesterday, executives from five oil companies appeared before a House committee to explain why they should continue to receive billions of dollars in tax breaks despite making a profit of $123 BILLION last year. Yup, billion with a "b."
An interesting article about this meeting is here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080401/ap_on_go_co/congress_oil. I especially love the part that references testimony these same executives gave back in November 2005, noting that one of them said, "What goes up almost always comes down." Now, I think I have a pretty good memory, and I can't remember a time that gas prices have ever come down.
Reading this article prompted me to do a little more research. In 2005, the average CEO compensation at the 15 largest oil companies was $32.7 million. Read it again - $32.7 million. I would really like to know what one person can do with $32.7 million.
For that amount of money, I could fill up my Honda Civic 1,090,000 times at the current gas price.
The problem we have here is that someone who makes $32.7 million a year cannot possibly understand the impact that a gas price of $3.29 per gallon has on the average person.
Why can't each of these selfish CEOs cut his salary back to $2 million per year (still plenty of cash, IMHO) and put the rest back into R&D for renewable energy, better wages for the lowest employees on the totem pole, etc.?
I know this is very wishful thinking and will never happen, so instead I'll be writing to my senators and representatives to encourage them to say that enough is enough.
Remembering when gas was $0.99 a gallon,
Cindi
An interesting article about this meeting is here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080401/ap_on_go_co/congress_oil. I especially love the part that references testimony these same executives gave back in November 2005, noting that one of them said, "What goes up almost always comes down." Now, I think I have a pretty good memory, and I can't remember a time that gas prices have ever come down.
Reading this article prompted me to do a little more research. In 2005, the average CEO compensation at the 15 largest oil companies was $32.7 million. Read it again - $32.7 million. I would really like to know what one person can do with $32.7 million.
For that amount of money, I could fill up my Honda Civic 1,090,000 times at the current gas price.
The problem we have here is that someone who makes $32.7 million a year cannot possibly understand the impact that a gas price of $3.29 per gallon has on the average person.
Why can't each of these selfish CEOs cut his salary back to $2 million per year (still plenty of cash, IMHO) and put the rest back into R&D for renewable energy, better wages for the lowest employees on the totem pole, etc.?
I know this is very wishful thinking and will never happen, so instead I'll be writing to my senators and representatives to encourage them to say that enough is enough.
Remembering when gas was $0.99 a gallon,
Cindi
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Why Only Pink?
In October, my grandmother was diagnosed with Stage IV ovarian cancer. She endured a massive operation and six rounds of chemo. The doctors have decided to cease treatment and she is currently at home, doing pretty well and receiving physical therapy.
Two people very dear to me have succumbed to brain tumors, and another is struggling with one. From my co-worker and friend, I have learned how quick and deadly pancreatic cancer is.
And so now I find myself getting annoyed at all of the pink ribbons I see everywhere. Don't get me wrong - I'm glad women are becoming more and more aware of the importance of early detection of breast cancer and I also am glad that fewer women are perishing from it.
My point is that there are so many other types of cancer that need attention. Where are the ribbons, the champions, the fundraisers for them?
Here are a few facts about ovarian cancer:
-It is the most deadly cancer of the female reproductive system
-When women are diagnosed in Stage I of the disease, the five-year survival rate is 90%
-However, only 19% of all cases are found at this early stage
-Learn more about symptoms here
Cancer in all its forms is a terrible disease. Stay informed, hug your loved ones and stay positive:-)
Cindi
Two people very dear to me have succumbed to brain tumors, and another is struggling with one. From my co-worker and friend, I have learned how quick and deadly pancreatic cancer is.
And so now I find myself getting annoyed at all of the pink ribbons I see everywhere. Don't get me wrong - I'm glad women are becoming more and more aware of the importance of early detection of breast cancer and I also am glad that fewer women are perishing from it.
My point is that there are so many other types of cancer that need attention. Where are the ribbons, the champions, the fundraisers for them?
Here are a few facts about ovarian cancer:
-It is the most deadly cancer of the female reproductive system
-When women are diagnosed in Stage I of the disease, the five-year survival rate is 90%
-However, only 19% of all cases are found at this early stage
-Learn more about symptoms here
Cancer in all its forms is a terrible disease. Stay informed, hug your loved ones and stay positive:-)
Cindi
Monday, March 31, 2008
One Is Silver...
My new furry friend is Captain Jack Sparrow, or Captain Jack (or "Just Jack"). I was really surprised by how quickly I was ready for another cat after Marty passed. It was just so weird not to have a cat in the house, and I realized that regardless of the kitty, part of my identity is "cat mom." That's just who I am.
And so the quest for a new cat began. The experience reinforced my belief that its best to let the animal pick you. That's how Marty came to be mine, and it happened again with Jack. I was so overwhelmed at the various shelters I visited. My best friend Chris was a trooper, keeping my spirits up as I became ready to give up. We ended up finding Jack at the local PetsMart; he was there through an organization called Love-A-Stray.
Life with Jack is something to which I am still adjusting. Not only do I miss Marty very much, but it's been a long time since I've lived with a cat that actually likes to play! At 1 1/2 years old, Jack is a bundle of non-stop energy! I'd grown quite accustomed to the sedate habits of a senior cat, but I'm learning to enjoy the fun of watching a young kitty discover the bathroom sink, shadows and cell phone ringtones.
Friday, March 28, 2008
...And the Other Gold
Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold.
- Girl Scout Song
It's been two months and four days since my dear Marty passed on to Heaven. I miss his loud purrs, his soft fur, his "nose rubbers," and his very persistent manner of begging. I miss the way his paw curled around my neck when I picked him up. I miss his devotion and unconditional love. All who knew him know that Marty was a very, very special cat.
I'll keep him always and forever in my heart and take comfort in the fact that he is most likely tag-team begging with old pal Sota, purring in delight as her drool drops on his head!
With loving memory of those who have passed from this life:
Marty, Sota, Chablis, Lady, Huckleberry, Nicky, Brownie, Tiny;
Dad Niessen, Aunt Anna, Aunt Betty, Uncle Bob, Uncle John V., Uncle John D., Uncle Joe, Aunt Bettie, Babcia, Dziadek and Uncle Jim
God bless you today,
Cindi
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Yes, A Blog
Why am I blogging?
Great question. Some people know that I aspire to be a writer. I dream of the day I can write full time, and I have always believed that there is a novel in me somewhere. In order to become a writer, though, one must actually write.
I've decided to go the blog route because paper and pen don't seem to work for me, and I like the idea that someone might actually read what I've written.
What will I blog about?
The title of my blog might be a bit deceiving as I do not intend to blog only about books I'm reading. I'll write about whatever is on my mind.
I am not starting this blog to become known as an expert in anything or to make money or anything like that. It's just something that I am interested in doing. If you'd like to join on my journey, you are most welcome. If not, no hard feelings.
Until next time,
Cindi
Great question. Some people know that I aspire to be a writer. I dream of the day I can write full time, and I have always believed that there is a novel in me somewhere. In order to become a writer, though, one must actually write.
I've decided to go the blog route because paper and pen don't seem to work for me, and I like the idea that someone might actually read what I've written.
What will I blog about?
The title of my blog might be a bit deceiving as I do not intend to blog only about books I'm reading. I'll write about whatever is on my mind.
I am not starting this blog to become known as an expert in anything or to make money or anything like that. It's just something that I am interested in doing. If you'd like to join on my journey, you are most welcome. If not, no hard feelings.
Until next time,
Cindi
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