Mamatat

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This gives me hope and tells me that it's never to late to finish just for the sake of completing and meeting a goal.

I've noticed the absence of discussion about <i>Tropical Thunder</i> here and wanted to add a few things.

First, let me point out why I attack when my kids are brought into any discussions and either made fun of, or pejorative comments are made about them:

I am the mother of a beautiful boy who not only has Spina Bifida, but its side effects as well: he's epileptic to the point of being in a constant state of seizure when not properly medicated, he has a VP shunt to drain the hydrocephalic fluid from his brain, he is paralyzed form the hips down, is incontinent and must be catheterized multiple times daily,he  must be moved at least once an hour if he's not crawling around and discovering life, has strabismus (an eye problem) and also cannot properly swallow because he has Arnold Chiari II malformation, caused by his SB (the back of his brain has swollen into his spinal column). he is also severely developmentally disabled, and is two years behind his biological age developmentally. I've heard the word "retard" associated with him from bigots, as have my two older kids. He receives OT, PT and speech therapy multiple times a week, here at home.

This was posted in a fairly heated debate first in an unknown-to-me Austin blog, then in another moms' forum I visit.  I am re-posting it here so that you all may have insight into why "retard" isn't just a word to some of us.

Text from mothers' group post:
Please take a few moments to read this email about the use of the "R word" (retard). For so many of us it is a part of the lexicon, and unless you have known someone personally with a mental handicap, it's probably not even on your radar. Hopefully this will put it on your radar.

It was written by a mom who has a 2 1/2 year old son with Down Syndrome.


Original post:

Many of you might have recently heard about the concerns about the
new Ben Stiller movie, "Tropic Thunder." It is allegedly a satire
about self-concerned actors. In a sub-plot, Stiller's character
portrays an intellectually disabled character (poorly) and the "R-
word" is used repeatedly in this movie (nearly 20 times)
pejoratively. One of the movie's catch-phrases is "full retard" and
it was marketed on t-shirts promoting the movie. I find this humor
about as funny as elder abuse, child pornography, or genocide. The
only difference is that most people find elder abuse, child
pornography, or genocide abhorrent, while denigrating the
intellectually disabled is viewed with humor. And this movie is
released just in time for "Back to School." The hallways of school
were sometimes pretty scary for those of us without a disability, so
just imagine the hardships the disabled face.

There have been numerous protests of the movie around the country,
uniting no fewer than 12 national disability groups, including a
protest here in Austin, in which my family participated last night.
This is not about censorship or political-correctness. This is a
civil rights issue, and the right to be treated with dignity and
respect as a human being. And the disability community is glad to
have the opportunity for a public discourse about the R-word.

This is an issue that is far greater than a movie. The
word "retard" is on par with "BLEEP" for the African-American
community. I shudder at even typing the N-word, though many, no
doubt, have few reservations about using the "retard." The R-word,
when I was a child, was used only to refer people with actual
intellectual disabilities. Now, however, the R-word is endemic in
our society, much as the word "like" (As in, "I was, like, so mad,
and he was, like….") is casually used among youth.

Maybe people don't realize the pain they cause by using this word.
Maybe they don't realize that people with intellectual disabilities
are 4-10 times more likely to be a victim of crime. Perhaps they
didn't know that people with intellectual disabilities were among
the first victims of "eugenics" in Nazi Germany. Perhaps they don't
realize that "termination" rates are between 89%-94% for those
diagnosed, in utero, with Down syndrome. Often, many of these
families have no issue themselves with having a child with Down
syndrome, but cite the cruel treatment by society as a reason for
termination. And Down syndrome is not the only diagnosis here.
Think of cerebral palsy or a head injury. Think of people with
speech problems. Think of the kids with learning or behavioral
conditions, such as ADHD or dyslexia. Think of the person in a
wheelchair, or the blind person that is talked to as if they had an
intellectual disability. Think of anyone that is "different." The R-
word is hurtful, hateful, and targets the most vulnerable of our
population.

As adults, we set the tone and expectations for youth. How can I
expect young people to make a better choice of words, when adults
all around them are in the habit of throwing around the
word "retard" casually? Like when a nurse at a doctor's office
referred to a crooked-swimming fish in the aquarium as "retarded"
before I turned around holding my son with Down syndrome. Or the
mom, from this list, whom I like and admire, who used the
phrase, "That is just retarded." Or my husband's co-worker's spouse
at a family-oriented pool party saying something was "so retarded."
Fortunately, Rigel is too young to understand that this word applies
to him.

As a mom, even before having a child with a diagnosis, I realized
how my views shaped my child, and how powerful words can be. We
avoid using the word "fat" in this household, instead focusing on
what is "healthy." We avoid even using the word "stupid," instead
discussing "smart" choices or "better" decisions. Aren't we all
more polite drivers when our kids are in the car with us? They
learn from us – we are powerful models.

While I doubt that many of my mom friends with young children would
waste the rare "date night" seeing this movie, thus requesting a
boycott would seem superfluous, there are things we can do. You can
stop using the R-word. You can educate other people that do use it,
about its harmful ramifications. You can not tolerate its use in
your presence – such as leaving the room, as I do when I hear racist
jokes. You can teach your children to stand up for those that are
younger or weaker, or who are for some reason unable to defend
themselves. You can teach your children the difference between
humor and humiliation. You can realize that some of our lazy
vocabulary choices reflect a poverty of words, and can come up with
better choices. You can learn that you, having gifts of intellect,
appearance, education, and strength, can afford to be more generous
to those who do not. You can forward this note to whomever you
wish.

While this is the end of my note, I am including links to recent
articles written about this issue. And, I am including the text of
a powerful speech written by a courageous and wise high school
student last year about the R-word.

Thank you, and please pass this along....
_____

Out of curiosity, I picked up my 2008 Farmer's Almanac to see if it had been "right" with its general weather predictions on my wedding day (April Fool's Day this year).  It was!

It was somewhat close regarding the reception two weeks later, although "torrential rain and flooding" was nowhere to be found in its predictions for Arkansas, which is where we honeymooned (with our heavy jackets) and didn't get to go four-wheeling...the bath houses were nice though...

So I peered into this month's predictions, and it estimates (using lunar cycles, of course) that the Gulf Coast will see a hurricane threat in two weeks.

Historically, have the Almanac and reality generally been the same? If not, how far "off" are they, for the most part?

I've always wondered about that.

Yep, a Black Flag song.  I've even included the lyrics for your perusal! You know you love early-morning "driving tunes!"

Jealous cowards try to control
Rise above
Were gonna rise above
They distort what we say
Rise above
Were gonna rise above
Try and stop what we do
Rise above
When they cant do it themselves

We are tired of your abuse
Try to stop us its no use

Societys arms of control
Rise above
Were gonna rise above
Think theyre smart
Cant think for themselves
Rise above
Were gonna rise above
Laugh at us
Behind our backs
I find satisfaction
In what they lack

We are tired of your abuse
Try to stop us its no use

We are born with a chance
Rise above
Were gonna rise above
I am gonna have my chance
Rise above
Were gonna rise above

We are tired of your abuse
Try to stop us its no use

Rise above
Rise above
Rise above
Were gonna rise above
Were gonna rise above
Were gonna rise above

Just for kicks, here's a little YouTube magic of it, too! (It's the Rollins Band version, which was sold to raise money for the defense fund of the West Memphis Three.)
<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yu6LIxI1ADQ&hl=en&fs=1"
></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yu6LIxI1ADQ&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

Just so we're all on the same page, here are the American heritage Dictionary Definitions for  a few words I see thrown around on these blogs.  While I understand that some people infer a far different (and quite pejorative) meaning to these words, thanks to pundits mis-using them, I choose to present all meanings.  I'm sure there are far more, but for now, these will do.

I now present to you, the Average reader...WORDS!

socialism
(a person who supports this would, of course, be a Socialist.)
 
An economic system in which the production and distribution of goods are controlled substantially by the government rather than by private enterprise, and in which cooperation rather than competition guides economic activity. There are many varieties of socialism. Some socialists tolerate capitalism, as long as the government maintains the dominant influence over the economy; others insist on an abolition of private enterprise. All communists

are socialists, but not all socialists are communists.

_____________________________________
_________________

Liberal:

1. 1. Not limited to or by established, traditional, orthodox, or authoritarian attitudes, views, or dogmas; free from bigotry.
   2. Favoring proposals for reform, open to new ideas for progress, and tolerant of the ideas and behavior of others; broad-minded.
   3. Of, relating to, or characteristic of liberalism.
   4. Liberal Of, designating, or characteristic of a political party founded on or associated with principles of social and political liberalism, especially in Great Britain, Canada, and the United States.
   5. Tending to give freely; generous: a liberal benefactor.
   6. Generous in amount; ample: a liberal serving of potatoes.
   7. Archaic Permissible or appropriate for a person of free birth; befitting a lady or gentleman.
   8. Obsolete Morally unrestrained; licentious.
2. 1. Tending to give freely; generous: a liberal benefactor.
   2. Generous in amount; ample: a liberal serving of potatoes.
   3. Archaic Permissible or appropriate for a person of free birth; befitting a lady or gentleman.
   4. Obsolete Morally unrestrained; licentious.
3. Not strict or literal; loose or approximate: a liberal translation.
4. Of, relating to, or based on the traditional arts and sciences of a college or university curriculum: a liberal education.
5. 1. Archaic Permissible or appropriate for a person of free birth; befitting a lady or gentleman.
   2. Obsolete Morally unrestrained; licentious

______________________________________________
_________
2. Messiah

1. also Mes·si·as (mi-si'?s) The anticipated savior of the Jews.
2. also Messias Christianity Jesus.
3. messiah One who is anticipated as, regarded as, or professes to be a savior or liberator.

___________________________________________
_____________

Conservative
adj.  

1. Favoring traditional views and values; tending to oppose change.
2. Traditional or restrained in style: a conservative dark suit.
3. Moderate; cautious: a conservative estimate.
4. 1. Of or relating to the political philosophy of conservatism.
   2. Belonging to a conservative party, group, or movement.
5. Conservative Of or belonging to the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom or the Progressive Conservative Party in Canada.
6. Conservative Of or adhering to Conservative Judaism.
7. Tending to conserve; preservative: the conservative use of natural resources.

n.  

1. One favoring traditional views and values.
2. A supporter of political conservatism.
3. Conservative A member or supporter of the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom or the Progressive Conservative Party in Canada.
4. Archaic A preservative agent or principle.

This morning (long before the coffee had kicked in,) I read an article (here? Some other giant news source?  it was early, I can't recall...) about McCain and Obama's stances on illegal immigration.

Frankly, they both bite and are completely missing the mark.

I'll preface with my background: I grew up in Miami during the Mariel (AKA "criminal") boat lift of 1980. Castro sent boatloads of criminals over from his over-crowded prisons.  He also did nothing to ease the poverty that still firmly holds his country. At the same time, smart (IMO) families who wanted to not live under communism boated to the Straight as well and were picked up (not turned around by our Coast Guard), asked, and were given, political asylum.

I applaud that.  To me, that's real danger: leaving a truly oppressive country, coming here...I remember seeing the kids in the immersion English classes at school.  I remember my mom working at Krome Camp, which was then called Tent City, where the Cuban & Haitian refugees lived.  Mom taught parenting classes on behalf of the Methodist Church and learned both Spanish & Patois enough to help them learn English (which many did gladly.)

Culturally, I remember protests here, on American soil <b>against</b> Castro's regime. Cuban expatriates wanted their families to enjoy what they had: a blended culture, still with Cuban identity, but  as Americans who got to earn money and <b>open businesses</b> and to truly live the American dream (taxes included, from what my dad told me).

Contrast that with today: I sat in line at a social worker's office after a doctor's appointment for my disabled child, who receives Medicaid for his $6K/month medical needs (he's in the "money follows the person program" now that he's off SSI, which provided help for almost three years, thanks to my having worked all my adult life.)  We waited...behind families trying to get hot green cards past the social worker.  They were here illegally, with their American-born kids, while I simply wanted to get information for one outside doctor. But that's okay, they get treated any way, while I wait in line behind them.  Why can't legal folks (non-American-born included) go first?

I fully understand the plight of Mexican-born disabled kids: disabled is disabled.  Poor is poor; I've been there, single with three kids.  I used food stamps and SSDI to eat and pay bills-for a short time while I worked my butt off supporting myself. However, why is it my responsibility to care for the entire family of one child? Why is there a separate, yet equally-funded pool of money in the "money follows the person" account in Texas, just for kids not born here, or born to illegal parents? Because our Constitution says we should care for their needs.  Does Mexico not have an obligation to its citizens?

I wonder if I have to wait longer for my son's care because of these kids? Where is the value in being a citizen, if I'm not treated any differently from non-citizens?

My point (in a discombobulated, roundabout way) is that I grew up seeing real oppression.  The government of Mexico does nothing because it knows we will take care of its citizens.  I'm pretty sure that the "huddled masses" inscribed on the Statue of Liberty's pedestal isn't referring to an economic crisis the Mexican government chooses to not handle.  Instead, I truly believe it <i>was</i> addressing those masses leaving Cuba.

Yet as we turn Cubans away, denying their opportunity to seek asylum from a tangibly oppressive government, we trade freely with  Mexico (gee, thanks Clinton),  and claim that we just can't possibly catch all illegal immigrants at our borders, and say we surely don't have the man-power or funding to prosecute them for even being here, much less for anything beyond that (the criminals among them).

Do illegal Mexican immigrants generally apply for political asylum?  My hunch is, no.  But the Mexicans I know came here legally; I couldn't tell you. And they hold my views on illegals, as well. I've known a few folks from El Salvador who did apply, but that's my only basis for comparison...they are the only Salvadorans I knew who came here via non-traditional means (asylum.).

Why is it considered racist to close our borders? Too bad we're land-locked; even I had a hard time applying for New Zealand citizenship.  Now that's what i call tough! Wish we were more like them when it comes to immigrants...

If, over the years, service at all restaurants was as lousy as it has been at the Denton location, I can easily see why they're closing. However, as the wife of a former casual dining manager, I know that no amount of proper, wonderful service can make up for poor mis-management (remember Tia's?)

I feel for the employees, I do.

For some of you, this will be a no-brainer, because you're always like this.

I challenge anyone who would like to participate to this: in your web venture today, her and at other forums, to not say a negative about or to another member/poster.

That's right, no snarkies, sarcasm, insults, generalizations-non of it.  If you take on this challenge, you'll be disagreeing with manners and kind words.

It's just for today...

Okay, GO!

Not that I watch it or anything....*cough*...

But Mark McGrath is leaving Extra. I'm shattered.

Now I, the cheapie that I am, will actually have to wait to see him when Sugar Ray tours again.

I can tell I'm aging now...I saw the Ramones at Longhorn in '87, fercryinoutloud!

I saw Social D before today's high-school seniors, who ask to borrow their mama's cars so they can go to an "alternative" show, were even conceived!

Perry Farrell's held my hair while I hurled!

Alas, I've lost my edge: I'm willing to pay full price to see bands anywhere with good acoustics.  Maybe the 65% of my hearing that remains will enjoy the show.

How did I miss this?  I wonder if he's a product of the Florida public schools...sheer genius, I tell you!

Robbery Notes Written on Man's Personal Checks.

Text:
MARION COUNTY, Fla.  -- 

A bank robber in Florida was captured quickly Monday after police noticed that the note he handed a teller demanding cash was written on the back of his own personal check.

The incident began at a Bank Of America in Ocala, Fla. just before 10 a.m.

Police said a man walked in and handed the teller a note that said he had a .45 caliber pistol and demanding money. After the teller complied and gave the man cash, he fled. Witnesses saw the man jump into a gold compact car driven by another man.

Not content with the first robbery the suspect pulled the same crime at another Bank Of America not far away several hours later. In that robbery the man also gave the teller a note, was given cash and fled. This time witnesses saw the man jump into a taxi and flee.

Police located the taxi soon after along with the suspect was in the back. They arrested 33-year-old Patrick Johnson.

Investigators were then able to link Johnson to the crimes when they observed that the notes he had written his demands on were both checks from his personal checking account.

Johnson was transported to the hospital and checked out before being transported to jail.

No kidding.

Recently, a 17-year-old had an entire blog about the dolts who are likely causing crypto and used colorful language that made it past the censors here at Fox.

It used phrases like "take a dump", "drain your lizard", "pisser" and the word "crapping", directly and explicitly referring to feces.

I used the word C-R-A- P to refer to something being bunk (specifically parents letting their kids eat like ___") and I get bleeped.

Way to go, FOX news.  A 17-year-old kid got to use language that churned my stomach, yet I have to use proper English.  Right on...what's up with the pick-and-choose censorship?  Are some phrases and words just guaranteed freedom of speech here?

Kid (Orion) :
You know you're not just pushing the envelope. Trash talk is just that: it's the tool used to appeal to "the common man" (remember that journalism class?) when giving a persuasive argument.  I hereby call you out and challenge you to be in-your-face  without cussing or using colloquial slang intended for high-schoolers.

Here's the link

Bride wins (yes, wins) $150K law suit against her former fiance.  It seems she had dated him, broken up with him, then was "wooed" back to his state with a 2-carat ring, so she quit her job and moved.

She chose to move, and got a lesser-paying job (in a different field).

Her fiance found out she had more debt than she told him about, so he asked to postpone (not 'cancel') the wedding.  She said "no", dumped him, moved back to her home state, then sued him.

Wha?

So it's okay for her bail on him, but he's expected to pay debt she incurred before marriage and be her baby-sitter after she lied about it by omission?

Oh my.  Goldigging brats like her are an embarrassment to real women.

Dear Charles Barkley,

I was a screw-up when i was 23.  Now I'm almost 40, and while I don't like your sport, I see that you're a generous Johnny-on-the-Spot kind of guy. 

So I ask...would you like to pay my tuition so I can afford to pay a baby and return to school for a business or marketing degree?  I can afford one or the other, but not both.  My husband says you're really cool and that he's sure you understand how much food prices have risen lately...

Thanks Charles!  I'll even publicly post my grades so that other athletes see how altruism pays off!

My daughter will be a wonderful meteorologist one day, if she abandons that entomology degree she insists she'll get...

She would like to know how a low-pressure system in a hurricane is different from the usual LP system.  I explained how it feeds off the humidity and temperature over warm water, but her questions extend to how it maintains power and spin.

Can you all tell us how hurricanes begin and then how they "stay alive" please?

Thanks!

thought it was a police chase at first...then the sound and wind of the helicopter just stayed around...and was awfully low!

Turns out [that] Calhoun Middle School in Denton, up the street from my house, is getting a new air conditioning system.  It also turns out that this helicopter is moving the units from the track field's parking lot, facing the school across the street, to the rear of the school, about 300 yards away.

Here are the shots from about 50 feet away.  The kids loved it, although they fully understand my admonishment to wear their sunglasses now...dust hurts a little.