My Inner Author

To my fellow Facebook friends, Americans, parents and humans, Today we are all still processing and coping with the tragedy which took place yesterday afternoon in Connecticut, trying to make sense of the needless tragedy of so many innocent lives which were taken by evil.   Indeed, it is a tragedy any time an innocent life is taken, and those feelings are only heightened when children are involved.   This is not to minimize the adults who were also tragically murdered for trying to save lives yesterday, but whether we will openly admit it or not, when adults are killed it is tragic, when children are killed, it saddens us beyond words, it tears at our soul, and it almost always leads to anger.   Why did this happen?   Why didn't someone do more to stop it?   Indeed, I wish this were a world where Harry Potter magic could be real, and mere words or incantations could bring about some sense of peace or comfort in these times.   Sadly, there are no words which can ease t

Well, the election is less than 2 weeks away, and now it is crunch time for the campaigns.   In previous posts, I discussed the beginnings of our country, it's values, it's ideals, it's goals from the Founders' own words.   Also, included were a look at some of the typically outrageous and contradictory statements made by our leaders to examine the veracity and believability of what they vocalize publicly and for the record, a discussion of the importance of balancing our budget and saving our economy, but perhaps most telling is the current state of affairs.   I, for one, think our country can do so much better than the status quo.   During my college years I studied history and political science, and it has remained a hobby and passion of mine in the many years since those school days.   We are faced with some less than inspiring choices this time around.   Quite simply this election will come down to a few issues and factors, and little else will matter.  

No One Side Of The Aisle Has The Moral High Ground There are so many ways to view the various issues which are important in this election cycle. But, before I continue with the issues which are so relevant to many of us this election, I think it is VERY important to lay down an absolute.   Yes, absolutes in politics are an oxymoron typically, but as poisoned by partisan-based vitriol, the nearly complete loss of civility online and indeed in the world itself, there is something I simply want to state for the record. Just because you support a left-leaning/liberal ideology which typically is associated in the modern culture with caring more about homeless people, the elderly, minorities, the sick, the down and out, and so forth; it does not mean others do not.   You do not have a monopoly on compassion and caring.   Honestly, I resent the holy hell out of such an assumption.  It offends me to the core because it is dishonest and disingenuous.  What we may disagree

The American Dream, or the American Nightmare? Let me begin by asking you this: What is the modern day American Dream?  What does America represent to you? If you were just asked on the street in front of a group of people, how well could you articulate your answer to those two simple questions? When I was growing up in the 1980s, I can vividly recall people talking about the American Dream.  In simple terms it went along the lines of getting a good education, landing a good job in a career you liked, finding your soul mate, settling down to raise a family and buy the house with the white-picket fence and live happily ever after, or something to that effect. When you asked people what America represented, freedom was almost always the first word out of anyone's mouth.  The freedom to pursue your dreams, live where you wanted, build the house you wanted, do what you wanted to do, travel to where you wanted to go, believe whatever religion you chose to fo

Writing about politics online is probably even worse than writing about religion online, unless you are a satirical artist mocking Mohammed in your story.  Post something political on Facebook and you are essentially lighting the match and tossing it into gasoline (see the Chick-Fil-A fiasco last month).  However, I am going to try a different approach.  I may or may not succeed, but I feel compelled to try. I view the coming election as a tipping point in American history and it begs for some intelligent conversation and debate, not the ridiculous spin doctoring, name calling, insult tossing banter which has overrun the modern American political scene.  Political debate has been replaced with political berate.  This will merely be some of my thoughts, opinions, beliefs, information, and personal reasoning on the issues which matter to me, and not a condemnation of those who choose to align opposite from me.  If someone else truly disagrees with my opinions, I enco

Chicago area teachers are out on strike and have made quite a bit of news this week, protesting their latest contract offer from the local school board.  What is astonishing are the numbers.  In a recessive economy, I don't know of too many public employee sectors who would strike over the numbers involved here.  Honestly, I think these teachers are making the profession look less than stellar.  Thankfully, they are not the norm as you will soon see when you peer at the actual numbers. Chicago area teachers make an average salary of $76,000.  The average Chicago household only averages $49,000 (the national average for teachers is in the $45-48K range).  They were offered a contract with a 16% pay increase over the next four years.  The sticking point seems to be over the accountability and evaluation portion of the contract.  Before you jump to any conclusions, please read on a bit more. So what does a $76K average teacher salary, spending over $13,000 per stude

A quick recap of the 2012 whirlwind Dragon Con event for me.  Those few who know of my Dragon Con trips the past few years realize I never stay for the full weekend.  It would be fun for sure, but the crowds, the cost, and the start of college football season are all just too much for me to commit full tilt.  So, I try and pack a lot into a couple of days.  This year proved no different. Arriving on THURS afternoon, I had time to pick up my badge and plan out my MARTA riding plans for FRI since I had no desire to do battle with downtown ATL traffic either in the morning or evening hours.  So FRI I arrived in plenty of time to get my first photo session picture, with the radiant, talented, and Geek goddess Felicia Day of The Guild and Eureka fame.  Thankfully I got to be her last fan of the shoot, so I had time to at least say "hi" and welcome her back to Atlanta again.  She really does have a great smile, personality and the best understanding and love of Sc

After all the hubbub this week online about Chick-Fil-A, I am left wondering: Why do so many in the world today have so much contempt, angst, or disdain for those who think and feel differently than them?  Especially people we supposedly consider "friends" online? I am continually amazed at how open and honest debate and discussion have been shoved aside by our modern culture, it is all about absolutes now.  Once upon a time we celebrated our differences, and worked at getting along together.  I read some of the most belligerent and uncivilized banter this week online, from every corner. I did see some intelligent discussions included too, so perhaps there is hope still. I know I have certain issues which are outright passions of mine, and I will certainly defend my beliefs and give voice to my thoughts whenever I feel so compelled.  I have never wished ill well on someone's family, but I cannot say I have never had that happen to me.  During the healt

It is hard in today's world to slow things down and turn off all the constant noise in our lives.  The only way to learn to listen to one's soul is to shut off the noise, get away from all the hustle and bustle of everyday life and just relax.  There is nothing like peace and quiet for helping you to learn to hear what your soul is telling you. So, where can one go to find such peace and quiet?  A place where cell phones don't work and there is very little technology to clutter your life?  We returned to our favorite such place this summer, the Red Horse Mountain Ranch in Harrison, Idaho.  Your first clue is Harrison, ID.  It is a small town on Couer d'Alene Lake, too small to even have it's own gas station.  To get to the ranch, one flies to Spokane, Washington and embarks on a scenic 100-minute drive down I-90 and Idaho 97 just to get close.  The last few miles of road are not even paved.  This is how one gets away. As you arrive at the entrance t