Discuss PBS’s The Dust Bowl, airing November 18th and 19th. Check local listings. Order on DVD/Blu-ray here.
What caused all the terrifying images of dust storms we saw? According to scientists and historians, a number of things. Some natural, like drought:
Some not so natural, like overplowing:
Planting the same crops over and over:
And most of all greed:
Ken Burns created another masterpiece, but this time his documentary went beyond his usual comprehensive collection of anecdotes woven together into a beautiful patchwork quilt to tell the story of a generation--there was something much more ominous about this one. It came in its surprisingly dark warnings to us as the film drew to a close. Don't be lured in by what sounds good and makes money now. Rather, think of the future. In all that we do we must think carefully of the future. This could happen again. And he wasn't just talking about dust storms. The message is as applicable today as it was then. But will those who need to hear it the most listen?
281 sediments (sic) from readers:
«Oldest ‹Older 1 – 200 of 281 Newer› Newest»It literally scares me that we have become so, so desperate to work and so blase to a nationally mandated day of thanks that doesn't even had to be religious, that we will even work on that day and think nothing of it. It hurts my heart. It is so important to pause and be thankful for just one day.
______________________________
In my example, these women are so desperate to work ANY day and ANY hour just to cover the basics like put a roof over their own and their children's heads. They are desperate to be able to keep the power/water/gas bill paid. They are especially desperate to simply put FOOD on the table.
Please don't assume these women don't give thanks for every meal, kindness, and blanket they recieve. They certainliy don't wait for one special day to do it. I've seen more tears of 'thankfulness' throughout an ordinary Wednesday for the meals they received. Grateful doesn't seem to adequately describe how they feel EVERY day, multiple times a day. Not just Thanksgiving. Maybe everyone needs to be a little more grateful for what they have everyday. Just had an excellent meal you cooked yourself? Give thanks. You were able to wash an entire load of clothes in your own home without slugging it to the laundromat along with all your quarters? Give thanks.
Others, and I'm pretty sure these ladies are not the only ones, are desperate to work just for the basic necessities.
My post was mainly for the people complaining that they HAVE A JOB and woe is me I have to work an extra shift. Be thankful you have that job. Many, many others are not so fortunate.
I'm not arguing about Target, I'm trying to get the point across that these are deperate times for some people and to see/hear others complain while living in thier own home gives me the impression that they are the ones who are blase.
I'm trying to restrain myself from sounding rude here but I feel very passionately about this.
What an amazing, eye opening lesson.
In our quest to be bigger, better, shinier, richer, bla bla bla- we will end up in ruins.
Greed. Such a seductive sin.
I stand with Dreams and Greedy Gosselins, and all those who've bravely stepped forward with their own biographies in order to make a point about working extra hours on Thanksgiving.
I don't like the labor-related precedent this sets, and I feel uneasy about the social implications. But these are tough times, and each family situation is different. As a nation--as friends and neighbors-- we need to respect that.
I live comfortably now, and I'm grateful for that-- every moment of every day. but I look back on my own childhood with a mixture of fear, relief and wonderment. How did we survive? There were 8 of us, and then 9, and the money never stretched far enough. We did anything and everything we could to merit a scrap of food, to squeeze an extra penny from a dollar. Even so, we ate others' leftovers and wore their hand-me-downs. All of us worked, from the time we were born until the time we left home. I wouldn't wish that on anyone, but I do wish people the courage and compassion it takes to frame Thanksgiving from a position of need as well as want.
What is the old saying? "those who do not remember the past are doomed to repeat it".
As the gentleman said at the end of the piece, a "dust bowl" situation could happen again.
Here are some links re current day issues regarding the dust bowl:
Oklahoma Dust Storm Shuts Down Portion Of Interstate 35 (10/18/2012)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/18/oklahoma-dust-storm-_n_1982501.html
And
The Dust Bowl: Ken Burns Featured At The National Youth Summit (VIDEO)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/17/the-dust-bowl-ken-burns_n_2137975.html
heather
GG, I understand what you're saying. I have 2 family members who are out of work and who would love to have any hours, but I think we're talking about 2 different things, at least I am. For me, this isn't about people not being grateful for having a job or not being empathetic about those less fortunate and in need (I'm a little put off by you saying that those who are unhappy they have to work on the holiday are ungrateful). I think it's about mourning the changes in family traditions and closeness because of consumerism, ie: money/profit for businesses.
If my family members were employed and the stores were closed on T-Day they would get their hours from working the days the store was open. They wouldn't lose hours because the store was closed on a holiday. I used to do the scheduling for a large retailer and I can say without a doubt that being open extra hours, especially on a holiday, makes scheduling harder rather than easier. There simply are not enough people who volunteer to staff a large retail store.
Poor planning for farming is also an issue regarding GMO foods (yes, it's me again).
GMO seeds do not reproduce. They are one time use, and you cannot harvest the produce for seed. This means that every year, farmers have to go back to Monsanto and BUY seeds. They are dependent on Monsanto, a multi-billion dollar company (the former lead attorney for Monsanto now heads the FDA, hmmm, CONFLICT OF INTEREST??) for future crops.
GMO seed destroys "heirloom" seeds. It kills the soil. Once GMO crops have been grown, they are the ONLY crops that can continue to grow in that soil. Farmers have sued Monsanto over this, and lost. (Admin, there are a ton of lawsuits of small farmers vs Monsanto, and guess who always wins)
Seeing the big picture yet?? $$$$$ and dependence. On Monsanto for food.
They also engineer it so the pesticide is IN the food itself. You cannot wash it off. If you are eating GMO foods, you are eating pesticide.
I could go into the detrimental health affects of GMO, bit I doubt anyone is listening any more, which is a DAMN shame.
We do not eat GMO in my house, I minimize it as much as I can. I could never feed that poison to my son. Ever. One way to minimize GMO foods is only eat organic corn, sugar (look for cane sugar), and soy products.
heather
P.S. Do you know who owns Monsanto? Pfizer, a multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical company (health issues from GMO foods = big bucks for big pharma)
P.P.S. Please watch the movie Genetic Roulette. Here's a 17 minute trailer, as the full length is now purchase only viewing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAMlir8oprw
Morning Fair Ladies! : )
Have a feeling this is going to become an epic thread. Good, bad or otherwise...please, please let's all remain friends through what will surely be a differing of opinions on this subject. I don't say that to be cocky or anything but mainly cuz I'm pretty sure the 'bored ones'. ( *yawn*....you're so witty, CJ is it? ) will not be able to control themselves and will say ANYTHING to cause crap over here. We're just so dang popular!!! : )
Anyhoo...I think I may have brought up the subject of Thanksgiving being a 'paid holiday' because I was genuinely confused when some were talking about the employees who cannot afford to have a day off. I was under the impression that employers must pay staff for statutory holidays. Now, I'm in Canada, so I'm just talking about what little I do know of stat pay for non-salaried employees here.
It's been well over 30 years since I had a job in retail so I asked one of my boys, who had a McDonalds job about 5 years ago, what the dealio was. From what he could remember, if you were FT, and the stat holiday was a regularly scheduled shift for you, you had to work the shift before AND after the holiday to be paid for the day off. He doesn't recall ever getting paid anything, being PT.....but he thinks he was paid for Xmas and New Years day so.....??? So, that didn't end up being very helpful....lol! It DID get me thinking about Xmas day and holiday pay though.
So....what do these employers ( Target, Walmart, ToyrUs, etc ) do regarding paying the employees for Christmas day? Does anybody here know? I ask only cuz I imagine they ARE paid for that day....so why not just do the same thing on Thanksgiving? The store is closed, you can't work, but you will be paid for a normal shift anyways? I guess I'm just not understanding what sets Xmas apart.
Oh...I don't think this was asked yet but: for the stores to OPEN at, say, 9pm...what time do the employees have to start their shift? I'm thinking they are probably scheduled at least 1-2 hours before that...biggest shopping day of the year...in order to be ready to go before 9pm. Just bringing this up because, I think, somebody had said something about being able to do BOTH on the day ( enjoy TG dinner and then go to work ) but I doubt that's doable because of when they actually have to start their shift.
Oh...I'm rambling. Sorry. One more thing...and this is just my opinion and may NOT be popular....I personally don't think that all the talk about the folks who are unemployed, homeless, etc , should have anything to do with the fact that people are being forced to work on a holiday that used to actually be a holiday. I feel bad EVERY day when I think of folks who are down and out. It IS sad and I think that most people ARE very grateful that they even have a job. This really, again..IMHO...doesn't have anything to do with any of this. This is about the rights of employed people, the ones who are, rightly so, feeling a bit abused by their greedy employers. I just don't think they should have guilt trips laid on them from folks who 'would glady work' .
Looks like I was writing my novel at the same time as Suze!
Sorry for the repeat.
Off to read more comments.
Heather....what is GMO? Sorry...I hope I'm not asking a dumb question. : /
Even though I don't know what it means, your post was great! And scary to think about. Very, very scary. What has this world become??? It's all so sad.
Pardon me if this has been mentioned....
Meet the "Rocktuplets". That's right-- Nadya Suleman is pimping out her 8 for a Christmas song(s). She was not even present when the kids were recording and video taping, as she was in rehab (can this get any more outrageous?). The kids will record more songs "if they want to", because you know 6 year olds have the capacity to make those kind of decisions (not). And, lest we forget the Kate-approved tag line: "the kids had fun doing it".
Of course they did.
I just saw a clip on the Today Show, and you will not see more sadness in some of those kids' eyes-detached even. So sad.
The anchors were talking about how it's sort of exploitative and too bad they have to work to fund themselves.
WHAT THE HELL DO THEY THINK KATE GOSSELIN DID AND WOULD STILL BE DOING?
Gawd, how does Kate come out of this unscathed? Not only unscathed, but a "most interesting person of the year?".
Nadya Suleman is sad, but Kate is a saint. Ode to Kate: I just don't get it.
BTW, here's a link to the J+K+8 music video:
http://www.lilsugar.com/Jon-Kate-Plus-8-Music-Video-1749854
When they pimped their kids out for filming and this music video, where was the outrage?
Oh, good morning everyone!
Sorry to start off with a rant! I'll simmer down after I warm up with my cup of coffee from @Keurig ;-)
Heather and others, it really is scary and somewhat troubling if you peel back the curtains on companies in the U.S. I used to be a big viewer of The Weather Channel. Over time, actual weather has become secondary to "weather reality shows". And once they put on "Wake Up With Al", it was over with for me. I was watching a segment during the Superstorm Sandy as I have family in NJ, when one of the on-air personalies was talking about the owners of TWC and guess what named was mentioned? Bain Capital. It explained, to me anyway, why TWC has fallen far from its stated mission, again, just my opinion.
GMO = genetically modified organism
It will make your head spin if you watch that trailer. Literally jaw-dropping. It is SO important to understand what is being done to our food supply and how it effects our health.
And for those that think organic is too expensive, think again. Once you start replacing crappy food the costs is about the same. It's all about choices. And the fact that we've been told over and over how expensive organic is. We are on a very tight budget and manage.
What it comes down to is this:
Pay for organic/local.non GMO food now, or pay doctor/hospital/ medicine costs later.
It really is that simple.
heather
"And most of all greed"
That's a scary ominous warning to our society today which seems to have forgotten, despite all the people going through hard times. Certain 'luxuries' are not realized- most homes - a generalization- have two cars, at least one TV, one computer, cable, cell phone for each family member, certain clothes, vacations and on and on..I know many people do not- but you will see struggling people wearing designer clothes sometimes? Values are definitely skewed. Natural disasters like Sandy, never mind a Dust Bowl, can and will occur again.
~~~~
Re: retail. My daughter works part-time in a clothing store- she was to have 3 days off then on for BF- well, she got called in at the last moment for today & tomorrow. I think it was planned- you feel you can't say no or your job may be on the line so of course she went. No big deal, just that employees are treated with little respect and consideration
~~~~~~
Kate's tweet: sewing a child's toy- a common thing moms do. Why does Kate announce Hannah's words. Tomorrow at school I predict: 'you sleep with a stuffed animal?" (Well, most kids do, but I bet she'll get teased) Milo is comparing it to major surgery. Good thing the bunny was done as now Kate has TG errands...btw am I the only one who dislikes the nickname Turkey Day? it's not all about turkey! Just a tiny pet peeve!
You know why the Gosselins got a pass and not Octomom? Because Jon and Kate were married, Christian, and refused selective abortion.
Pay for organic/local.non GMO food now, or pay doctor/hospital/ medicine costs later.
%%%
I do have to say my local farmer's market is priced exactly the same or cheaper than the supermarket and in my opinion the food is better. In fact last week it was three avocados for 2 dollars, which is a better sale than I see in the grocery store except when they are in season.
I don't like the labor-related precedent this sets, and I feel uneasy about the social implications. But these are tough times, and each family situation is different. As a nation--as friends and neighbors-- we need to respect that.
&&&
I think everyone realizes these are tough times. And I think everyone wants everyone to make it. There is an outrageously simple solution these multi million and billion dollar companies could do that would satisfy both views--those that want the holiday to be sacred and those that need money.
Paid holidays. It's as simple as that.
Googling around I found that on any given day Target is worth 30-60 BILLION dollars. Billion, not million. Really think about that. I can't even comprehend a billion dollars let alone 30 billion. It would be a drop in the bucket to give people a few paid holidays, would set a wonderful precedent for the big box stores, and would allow people to mark and preserve Thanksgiving without feeling the pressure to leave their families because if they don't they are losing out on some overtime pay.
I think it was planned- you feel you can't say no or your job may be on the line so of course she went. No big deal, just that employees are treated with little respect and consideration
&&&
This is why I don't buy this idea that people volunteered to go in. Did they really volunteer, or did they feel they couldn't say no because they would lose their job or at the very least wouldn't be on track to advance. I suspect the latter.
Giant American retailer Target has bought all the Zeller's stores in Canada. They have closed some, but are refurbishing most and re-opening as Target.
They have FIRED all the staff (Zeller's was unionized) and is hiring them all back at minimum wage to compete with WalMart, the other American giant here.
Our government (Conservative- that's its name, not a political comment from me) does nothing to help the workers and sends out propaganda on tv about Free Trade, using our tax dollars to do so.
I agree with whoever said the Roman Empire didn't die, it just moved West.(I don't mean the USA, I mean the Big Business Empire.Their must-have products and entertainment icons are the new bread and circuses.)
My post was mainly for the people complaining that they HAVE A JOB and woe is me I have to work an extra shift. Be thankful you have that job. Many, many others are not so fortunate.
&&&
I don't consider wanting Thanksgiving off "complaining." Not by a long shot.
If people are complaining about extra shifts in general, like on a Saturday or something, well that's another matter and they shouldn't complain. But complaining about an extra Thanksgiving shift? Complain away, because this is wrong.
I look for sales. Last week I got organic gala apples for $1.29/lb and organic bartlett pears for $.99/lb.
This week one of our dinners will be organic ravioli (vegetable pasta and cheese) with organic tomato sauce. Ravioli was $4.99/8 oz package and was buy one, get one free. Organic tomato sauce, normal price, at $2.79 jar, same jar size as classico sauce. Complete organic dinner for 3 (plus a lunch) for less than $10. Will prob supplement with more veggies, bread, which is always in the house.
Two weeks ago, my son's frozen organic breakfast foods (waffles/french toast) were buy one get one free. I bought 6 boxes.
Organic brown sugar was also b1g1 free, so I stocked up for baking.
Smart shopping and adjusting weekly menu to incorporate sale items. As I incorporate more and more organic, my weekly grocery cost has remained the same. Even I am surprised.
It can be done on a budget. If I can do it, anybody can.
heather
LBelle I can't find whether Target ever pays holidays though I doubt it. But I did find this from an employees own words:
"I worked a mandatory 50 hour week, but most of the time ended up closer to 60-65 especially around the holidays."
&&&
This idea that people need those three extra hours or they won't make it is become less and less plausible when we see that they are already getting 65 hours a week during the holidays. They get tons of hours and tons of extra around the holidays. It would be a different story if everyone were scrounging desperately for extra hours. That just isn't the case. It sounds like they have too much, not too little.
Part 1
Okay HAVE to chime in on the GMO discussion.
GMO's are NOT hybrids or "cross-breeding" They are completely different things.
Here's a great analogy:
You can breed a horse and a donkey to get a mule. Mules are always sterile, two mules cannot reproduce to make more mules. The only way Mother Nature allows people to make more mules is by breeding horses with donkeys. Conceivably, a GMO mule would take the reproductive "ability" genes from a completely different species, let's say a chicken for example (something that would never EVER happen in nature)and insert them into the new GMO mule's DNA. Thus crossing the "species barrier" an arbitrary line that Mother Nature herself said she would cross. I ask, if Mother Nature doesn't want to do it why would you think it's a good idea?
Hybrids or cross-breeding, has been done for centuries by farmers and by serendipity and Mother Nature. This take genes from within the same species or species that can cross naturally and make a new organism with traits of both parents BUT they cannot reproduce to form the same traits in the first generation offspring.
Monsanto GMO corn produces its own bT (Bacillus thuringiensis. bT is a naturally occurring "pesticide". It is organic and can be used in organic farming. It SHOULD be used sparingly however, because the surviving bugs with develop a resistance to it and it will eventually no longer kill them, unless you pick off the remaining bugs and larvae and kill them. (It is particularly helpful against Colorado Potato Beetles,and is a husband willing to pick off and squish and having a small flock of chickens "clear out" the remaining larvae in the soil, personal experience) If you used it, you can wash it off. The GMO corn produces it's own bT. You can't wash it off, you ingest it when eating any corn or corn products. Corn products are EVERYWHERE. High fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), everywhere, made from GMO corn. There was an overproduction on corn in the mid-west, that continues to this day, so chemical companies found a way to use it. Did you know in order to make HFCS you start the recipe with Sulfuric Acid. If you have a car battery you have sulfuric acid, but I wouldn't try making HFCS in your kitchen. I recommend watching "King Corn" on Amazon Prime, it's free and scary and enlightening. Also a good read is Barbara Kingslover's "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" She cites some of the legal cases in which Monsanto sued the organic farmers for "patent infringement" after pollutes the organic farms heirloom crops. And WON. In Canada too! Also the regulations regarding what you can and canNOT say regarding labeling of food and whether you can be sued for disparaging say "beef" or "milk". These do vary by state I believe. She has a slew of sources and further readings in the back of the book. It's a good jumping off point in my opinion.
Part 2
Monsanto just spent millions of dollars in California and are fighting Vermont to not label your food. They do NOT want you the consumer to know what is in your food. They don't want you to know where your food comes from. Do you really think you know? You don't, and I'm not trying to sound snarky or gross, you really don't know where that burger meat came from. And the FDA and the USDA really have no power AND no way to trace it. When you eat that burger you are literally eating thousands of cows. Why do you think when there is an e coli or "samonella" (sic) outbreak it takes forever for the government to figure out not only WHAT caused it but WHERE it came from. Why do you think virtually EVERY brand of peanut butter was recalled? Because they ALL came from the SAME PLACE. Isn't that scary?
And no, labeling does NOT cost more. We already label organic, and organic costs more to produce NOT to label. It doesn't in the rest of the world because their are protections in place, they only reason it would cost more in the US is because the "food" producers would charge more and we would pay it.
Pretty much after all my research (can you tell I'm a little passionate about this subject?) it boils down to three things:
1) If Monsanto is for it, I'm against it.
2) Grow it myself and buy orgainic. (A note about organic/humane/grass-fed/pastured meat. Yes it DOES cost more but in the end I eat less and it tastes BETTER so it works out the same.)
3) If you can't get organic buy as local as possible.
That should be "an arbitrary line that Mother Nature said she would NOT cross". Oy.
Why does Kate announce Hannah's words. Tomorrow at school I predict: 'you sleep with a stuffed animal?" (Well, most kids do, but I bet she'll get teased
-----------------
Kate announced this to show that she is a hands-on mom...everything she does is for her kids. There was no need to announce this. I'm sure that some of the things she reports gets back to the children's classmates, but I doubt that last night before bed kids were hanging on Kate's Twitter to see if she was tweeting anything about the Gosselin children. Second graders are doing homework, getting things ready for the next day, or watching television or getting ready for bed. They are not on the computer checking out the latest in the Gosselin saga. It's just not their number one priority.
Just a note. My husband and I own a very small contracting company and we pay our employees five paid holidays a year, which includes Thanksgiving day. We also pay for our employees health care. All of it. Up to the present time, they have never had to contribute. Although health care costs continue to rise at an exhorbitant rate, we will continue to do this as long as we can. We appreciate that our employees work hard and need the time off without having to worry about their paycheck. It seems that if we can do it as a small company, that these multi-million dollar companies could also do it.
Marie
Exterior designer,
I am convinced the vote tally was tampered with Prop 37. They announced that it was voted down with 3.3 million votes that hadn't even been counted!!! Have you heard any more on this? Last I checked they had until Dec. 14 for true count.
And the FDA could fix things. It is not in their interest, as Michael Taylor, who was a former lawyer, executive, and vp of public policy of Monsanto, now heads the FDA.
A description of Taylor, according to Jeffrey Smith, who is one of the world's most knowledgeable scientists regarding the risks of GMOs (see http://seedsofdeception.com/about/):
"The person who may be responsible for more food-related illness and death than anyone in history has just been made the US food safety czar."
Some time ago, scientists at the Food and Drug Administration were asked to give their feedback on what was to become "the most radical and potentially dangerous change in our food supply," writes Smith - the introduction of genetically modified foods. Despite what consumers are told today by Big Agriculture and government agencies - that GM foods are safe and good for you - once-secret documents now indicate that the experts at FDA were extremely concerned.
In memo after memo, these experts "described toxins, new diseases, nutritional deficiencies, and hard-to-detect allergens," Smith said. They were unyielding in their belief that this radical technology carried "serious health hazards" and called for careful, lengthy research that would include human trials before any genetically modified organisms (GMOs) could safely be released into the food supply.
READ THIS PARAGRAPH!!
So by 1996, GM foods were showing up on plates in American homes. And over the next nine years, multiple, chronic illnesses in the U.S. nearly doubled, from seven percent to 13 percent, while allergy-related E.R. visits did actually double between 1997 and 2002. Food allergies, especially among kids, skyrocketed as well, Smith says, adding that the country "witnessed a dramatic rise in asthma, autism, obesity, diabetes, digestive disorders, and certain cancers."
Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/037678_Michael_Taylor_Monsanto_FDA.html#ixzz2CmIND5yi
heather
Adding that we also pay vacation (two weeks) along with the five paid holidays.
Marie
Marie, you and your husband are my heros today. Thank you.
heather
Heather . . . Kashi and other organic food companies are also fighting with Monsanto against the food labeling law in California.
Marie
Heather Prop 37 lost pretty badly. It wasn't rigged--it just lost. In my opinion it was because of the message being sent out, true or not, that we could expect our grocery bills to rise about $300 a year. That may not be a lot for everyone but that is a lot for many. There was also a message that it would hurt farmers.
These are tough times and as much as people DO care about knowing what is in their food, they care more about being able to feed their families in the first place. It does no good to know what is in your food if you can't afford it. For myself, coming from a tradition of farming that dates back centuries, I and many others you have to realize tend to perk up when I hear something might hurt the farmers. Anyway, I'm not speaking to how I feel about it, just saying that I don't think it got voted down because people don't care about this important issue or aren't aware. It really came at a bad time for folks.
Heather, Did you know that if you ate a McDonald's french fry in the late 90's you ate GMO bT producing potatoes? I did not. I think I have a right to know when I am eating poison. Monsanto doesn't and I think it's shocking that they continue to get away with it and no one questions. I can't believe I unknowingly ate poison for at least 10 years before I sought out the information.
I absolutely think the rise in autism is somehow connected to the use of GMO's. I have no actual data, just a theory. The rise in Diabetes Type 2 is slowly being attributed to the use of HFCS and its role in obesity. Think about all the problems society has with their endocrine systems now. How many people on this board alone have thyroid problems (myself included)? How many had reproductive issues? I just don't think we can add poisons to our daily diet without serious consequences.
I just read Hannah's stuffed bunny tweets, I hope no kids at school read the same.
From the sound of Kate's twitter account I would guess these children are four years old, not eight and a half pushing NINE YEAR OLDS. I've always felt as have many others she has tried to keep these kids as immature sounding as possible because the younger they are in her view, the more interest from TV.
It's kind of sad, because I think the 8, 9, 10 age range is a FANTASTIC time. Other moms can chime in. They are old enough to communicate effectively and participate in almost all fun activities, but still young enough to want to hang out with you and do things with you. I feel sad when it looks like someone is forever mourning the toddler years. Those years are boring, you can't even see a decent movie together! :)
Thanks so much for the answer.
That is a whole lot of very scary information.
Thinking it may be a good idea to build a log cabin somewhere up north, by a river, live off the land and be DONE with modern society!! Just take my entire clan up there, family compound like. It really is not sounding all that kooky anymore, is it????
I always did LOVE Little House on the Prairie!!! : )
IDModo said... 19
"Giant American retailer Target has bought all the Zeller's stores in Canada."
The precedent for this was set four years ago when the U.S. parent company of the Lord & Taylor chain bought the Hudson's Bay Company.
A spokesperson for the U.S. company at the time said, "By acquiring Hudson's Bay Co. along with previous acquisitions Lord & Taylor and Fortunoff, we will have an unprecedented opportunity to recreate the retail landscape in North America. Enormous potential exists by upgrading the offerings at both The Bay and Zellers and by bringing Lord & Taylor Fortunoff and CDS into the mix."
Translation - We'll make gobs and gobs of money by turning North America into one big giant store. Screw cultural identities, fair labour practices and quality products. We'll outsource all our manufacturing to China, pay Chinese children pennies on the dollar and make a bloody killing.
North America thy name is GREED.
Hide The Bunny said... 26
agree...that's why I said 'tomorrow' she may be teased, not today. I think some kids may have it out for the G kids for various reasons & seek out 'ammunition' like Kate's twitter...because kids are mean or b/c maybe their parents report things. Or you maybe right, no one cares to follow Kate's twitter. Hope so.I hope the G kids have dropped their sense of entitlement at school- but I think Mady did say they were teased somewhat.
Lbelle online Target is claiming that employees will have to report at 8p.m. for the 9 p.m. opening. I don't believe that for a second, but for argument's sake, let's assume that's true. Then for most people, that means hitting the road by 7 or 7:30 a the latest. Which means you're getting ready for work around 6. And make sure you get time for a few hours nap so you don't collapse at work all night. When you think of it that way, the day gets cut short at about 3-4 p.m., and that's a liberal estimate. Right around the time most people are just finishing up dinner. I feel so bad for them.
Has anyone checked Kate's twitter? She may not have to take it down. It will take itself down. The non-fans seem to be on strike and there is nothing left other than the occasional drop-ins who ask her what's for Thanksgiving dinner and tell her that they have loved her from the beginning. Then they disappear, never to return. There's nothing to discuss, nothing to fight over. Where are her 100,000 plus followers?
Admin, GMO's and Monsanto hurt the farmers more than "labeling" ever could. Corporate farming is setting up another Dust Bowl and conventional farming will be the undoing of our food system. The family farm from "The Farmer's Wife" is going extinct and has been since the 70's.
Sorry to hear that people fell for the absolute lies paid for by Monsanto. Research what GMO's and Monsanto did for the farmer's in India. Really shocked that you fell for the schtick trotted out by Big/Industrial Ag and the chemical companies (you did mention how you voted on Prop 37 in a previous post) Not trying to be snarky or judgmental, just didn't fit with your usual MO of thoughtfulness and thoroughness in relation to what is presented to you and what is the actual fact. (ie: you totally see Kate's lies and exploitation of children but you didn't see through the "scare" tactics of the "No on 37" campaign.)
I did a great deal of research on 37 and didn't "fall" for any lies.
Translation - We'll make gobs and gobs of money by turning North America into one big giant store. Screw cultural identities, fair labour practices and quality products. We'll outsource all our manufacturing to China, pay Chinese children pennies on the dollar and make a bloody killing.
North America thy name is GREED.
&&&
The whole thing scares me. People like Marie with small businesses are proof that you can treat employees fairly and not go under. I find it pathetic that those who are being the most fairly treated are working for businesses that may be putting the most on the line to do it. A billion dollar business has a huge cushion. Small businesses do not have billion dollar cushions. I have never worked for a company that had more than 300 people and always got paid holidays and vacation. The odd jobs I did when I was a teen were minimum wage but I was treated fairly and if I had a paper due or a school trip to go on it was never a problem and my job was never in jeopardy. My experience in the workfoce has been positive and is proof that there are employers out there, those who sacrifice the most to do so, who want to treat workers fairly.
Admin....34:
I LOVE those ages also! 7-10 year olds....they are becoming real, thinking, speaking mini adults who still think parents walk on water! Eager to spend as much time with Mom and Dad as possible. Ahhh....those were the days!
I have 3 sons ( 27, 24 and 16 ). It was only a few short years ago when the 2 older guys would tease my 'baby' about being a Mommys boy, snuggle-cuddling, etc, etc. He would tell them that it was 'never going to change'.....HA! Ya...like THAT ever happened!! He's still my boy but sometimes I get the half-a..ed, half hug. Actually, that's what we USUALLY get now...along with some grunting 'love ya too' mumbling.
Kids!! : /
Actually I have a fond memory of my first experience in the workforce, working in the kitchen at a banquet restaurant that put on mostly weddings.
Not only were the people great and I had a great time, but I so vividly remember my boss, Chris, at 6 months on the dot, pulling me aside and saying, hey look you're doing a great job I appreciate you. I'm giving you a raise starting today. Keep it up.
I think it went from like 6.50 to 7.00. But Chris taught me so much about what it means to treat your workers fairly and respectfully. Even if you can't afford to pay them much, a little raise does wonders for moral.
When I graduated his wife gave me a beautiful picture frame. That was so nice and she didn't have to do that.
Kashi is not an organic company and is actually owned by Kellogg's. Cornflakes anyone? HFCS breakfast cereals? Kellogg obviously did not want the Prop to pass.
A lot of "organic looking" companies do not produce organic lines and are owned by mega corporations that have no interest in telling people that the food they are eating is poisoned.
Monsanto lied.
Monsanto LIED. Food prices will not go up due to labeling. It will not hurt any farmers. It would make Monsanto accountable to consumers for the right to know what is on our food. Monsanto also used the FDA logo illegally in their ads as though they had FDA approval for GMO foods. Monsanto should be brought up on federal charges for that.
But, (see post above) the FDA is in bed with Monsanto. So I won't hold my breath.
The votes immediately came in as overwhelmingly no, then as the yes votes began to creep up, *suddenly* the vote was called with an outstanding 3.3 million untallied votes. It was NOT a done deal and easily could have passed with votes within the 3.3 million outstanding.
OK, one last note, admin, sorry didn't mean to highjack the thread, but this is SO important that people know what they are eating!!!
Here is a partial list of other countries that have banned, restricted or require GMO labeling:
Peru, Ecuador Brazil Venezuela;
France, Italy, Switzerland, Hungary, Bosnia, Serbia, Croatia, Latvia and Albania have all declared many regions to be GMO-free.
Austria, Greece and Poland are now completely GMO-free zones
Egypt and Madagascar
Kenya, Lesotho, Ethiopia, Angola, Malawai, Mozambique and Zimbabwe have some limited restrictions in place to ban GMO imports
Russia
Sapmi, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Faroe Islands, Greenland and Iceland
Australia and New Zealand have regional bans
and even China.
India has had a rash of farmer suicides (250,000+ deaths) surrounding GMO cotton, which seeds are now banned, and they may be filing criminal charges against Monsanto. see http://ens-newswire.com/2012/08/09/maharashtra-state-revokes-monsantos-cotton-seed-license/
What does that tell you?
heather
Duped said, "I think some kids may have it out for the G kids for various reasons & seek out 'ammunition' like Kate's twitter...because kids are mean or b/c maybe their parents report things."
=================
Somehow I can't see any parent reporting to their kids that Hannah sleeps with a bunny...go get her. Yes, kids tease, but at that age their focus is on school, sports, after-school activities and such. I think following Kate's tweets are the least of their concern at this age and the whole preoccupation with the Gosselin thing is pretty much dead and a non-issue. It's become old news, as it should be.
Umm, "Heather Prop 37 lost pretty badly. It wasn't rigged--it just lost. In my opinion it was because of the message being sent out, true or not, that we could expect our grocery bills to rise about $300 a year. That may not be a lot for everyone but that is a lot for many. There was also a message that it would hurt farmers."
So your food bill going up and hurt farmers is not a lie?
I was explaining why I thought people voted down, not commenting on the truth of the message out there. Let's please not get into a political discussion. There are some very strong words coming in about the food industry. Be aware there is more than one opinion out there and that it's not necessarily based on "lies."
I think the non fans on Twitter are on strike because they're protesting the suspension of 1 of them for something fairly innocuous, at least in comparison to what others have done or are doing.
Why would food bills go up? All they are doing is putting a label on the packaging.
How does that constitute $300 to $400 a year per person? Companies change packaging all the time. When the new nutritional labels were instituted a few years ago, prices didn't go up.
Logically, that argument doesn't work.
Again, how does putting a label on a package hurt farmers? Think about it.
It was a lie. An out and out LIE.
Why are they so scared of letting us know what is in our food, to the tune of $46 million dollars in advertising? If GMO is really so good for us, then why not use it as a positive marketing point?
When they called Prop 37, there were still 3.3 million votes unaccounted for. How can you call it with that high a margin still out?
And why were they able to get away with using the logo of a federal agency in their advertising?
All things that should make you go "Hmmmm ..... "
heather
Bottom line for both Target and GMO foods is that we vote each time we shop.
Another good food documentary is Food, Inc.
Admin (42) said...
"The whole thing scares me. People like Marie with small businesses are proof that you can treat employees fairly and not go under. I find it pathetic that those who are being the most fairly treated are working for businesses that may be putting the most on the line to do it."
It scares me too Admin. There are no ethics or morals in the retail industry, the CEOs are insulated by their wealth. They do not relate to their hardest working employees and have no desire to.
The other thing too is that unfair labour practices do not affect their bottom line. They're making insane profits despite not paying people fair wages or offering paid holidays. Why? Because the turn over is so high and people NEED jobs to live.
When your child is hungry, wouldn't you do ANYTHING to feed them? Even work for an immoral corporation that is taking advantage of your need? Of course you will. These companies very literally bank on it.
Brings to mind the saying, ‘All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing’.
And good people who are working 60 hours a week just to scrape by and put food on the table are too tired and too discouraged to anything about it.
The ones who make enough to live well are too distracted by their toys, their movies and television sets to think about it.
Big box stores are convenient, all in one place shopping. But no one ever questions whether convenient means good.
It is scary and it's sad too. The North American dream is fast becoming a global nightmare.
Twittering And Twattering said... 39
Has anyone checked Kate's twitter? She may not have to take it down. It will take itself down. The non-fans seem to be on strike and there is nothing left other than the occasional drop-ins who ask her what's for Thanksgiving dinner and tell her that they have loved her from the beginning. Then they disappear, never to return. There's nothing to discuss, nothing to fight over. Where are her 100,000 plus followers?
---------------
I hope the non-fans continue to stay away from her Twitter feed. The back-and-forth between them and the fans is partly what fuels the tabloids and gains her publicity. And even though Kate, Deanna and the fans claim they love the quiet, we all know they live to feed off this mess. Because her own website is kaput, other than Twitter there's no place to get Kate news. There are blogs (not here!) where the fans and non-fans can keep up their battles and hopefully that's where they'll dwell. The Twitter silence really says a lot about how few fans she really has.
Uh oh FYI blogger may be buggy. I just saw a bunch of comments disapepar and they're not in spam.
As for her twitter I hope it stays quiet. I'd like to see what she does when no one replies to her anymore.
Brings to mind the saying, ‘All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing’.
And good people who are working 60 hours a week just to scrape by and put food on the table are too tired and too discouraged to anything about it.
The ones who make enough to live well are too distracted by their toys, their movies and television sets to think about it.
&&&&
I agree. Remember The Dust Bowl. Target and these big boxes are plowing and plowing and plowing and plowing. But eventually the dust will get stirred up and start choking us. It's coming.
When did this become a political (fanatic) blog? Can we move on from the Monsanto LIED and GMO discussion? We get it. GMO and Monsanto BAD and they are out to kill off mankind as we know it. I'd much rather see some recipes for Thanksgiving posted.
Gayle said... 56
"When did this become a political (fanatic) blog?"
Part of the reason that nothing gets done about this stuff is that those who bother to educate themselves about what's really going on in the world discredited by being called fanatics.
Being passionate does not make a person a fanatic.
I took a peak at Kate's Twitter and it is really funny. Milo is, of course, tweeting and tweeting which with the lack of other tweets only shows how annoying she really is. Now, if non fans continue to stay away (despite taunts from the fans) it is going to be even moreso. Please, please non fans, please don't tweet. I think it will cause her twitter to self-implode. Kate keeps saying block and join the fun, well, let's see how fun it is when there are only fans left.
What's next I agree I hope they don't tweet her. This could be a fun implosion to watch!
Realitytvkids.com (Administrator) said... 59
What's next I agree I hope they don't tweet her. This could be a fun implosion to watch!
_______________________________________
I've been watching it for a couple of days. It's great to see hours between tweets. LOL
Moving on,
Four large sweet potatoes (organic of course, lol)
One whole chipotle pepper in adobo sauce in a can. (Not the whole can, trust me, ask me how I know)
1 tsp of adobo sauce in the can.
Peel and cube sweet potatoes.
Steam until fork tender.
Chop the ONE chipotle pepper finely.
Mash sweet potatoes and mix in sauce and chopped ONE pepper.
Serve.
(I mixed in a little cinnamon too)
Admin, I'm right and you're wrong, neener, neener, neener. I anxiously await your response (may I suggest "Nanny nanny foo foo"?) Said tongue-in -cheek. (Swoon, Admin talked to me!)
Sorry for the thread hi-jack, like I said I am passionate about this. I should start my own blog...
Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
I must say that reading the discussion about farmers, Monsanto and all the other information is very, very scary. Is anything we eat safe? Are products sold as organic actually organic? There just seems no way to know what is going on.
I also have to say that from a grandmothers point of view, I adore the toddler age. Of course, I get to sleep at night and just spend the times I am with them completely enjoying them.
Today my granddaughter, who is 12 and just pure girly girl, and I are having a day out together. We are going to a Tea Room for lunch and then shopping til we drop. I wish it were safe to post pictures but with people like CJ and a few others out there we know it's not. But this girl is truly beautiful with her long blond hair to her waist, her delicate features, well I'll stop now because I'm sounding more and more like a grandmother -- lol! I do so adore her and my boys!
Our plans for T'giving are a full day of cooking, eating, football for those who love it and jigsaw puzzles for me and granddaughter and one of my grandsons. I can't wait! Hoping all of you have a joyous and wonderful day together. For those having a hard time and no family around my very best thoughts and prayers go out to each of you.
Oh yeah Admin, you're totally right about ages 7-9 being so much fun. My DD is 6 and each year just gets more and more fun with her. I can't wait for my boys to get there (3.5 and 1.5) but I don't want to rush them either. I dread the teen years though.
I feel sad when it looks like someone is forever mourning the toddler years. Those years are boring, you can't even see a decent movie together! :)
==============
I love the toddler years, the wet oatmeal kisses, snuggling in bed together in the mornings, booming back at the thunder, Goodnight Moon, sitting on Santa's lap at the mall, the progression of one stage of development into another, their creativity as they explore their environment, the milestones of language development.
Will I mourn it? No...but I will desperately miss it.
I'm shocked at your refusal to see that to some people, its just a Thursday. They don't need a day off to be thankful for being alone and destitute.
Thankfulness doesn't have a date. It doesn't have to expire because stores are open to GREEDY CONSUMERS who need to get the biggest, best, shiniest new product before their out-of-town company leaves.
Please don't assume everybody is thankfull.
I should start my own blog...
Or join one:
Blog about GMO
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Just a quick question. Since I am not on Twitter, why are people suspended? I read about the battles going on between both sides and they are both nasty. They should all be banned IMO. And if you are suspended what gets you reinstated?
She's come undone said... 67
Just a quick question. Since I am not on Twitter, why are people suspended? I read about the battles going on between both sides and they are both nasty. They should all be banned IMO. And if you are suspended what gets you reinstated?
_______________________________________________
Both sides report each other to Twitter. Silly, huh? Then there's a time out period but I don't know for how long. Usually the offender just starts another Twitter account.
Just chiming in to say I'm another one who is really enjoying watching Kreiders twitter die a slow and oh-so-painful-to-her-giant-ego death!!
Sure hope all the Truthers keep up with it! It was a brilliant idea!
Dreams@65
Not everyone has a Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving. Over the past year, we've eaten out at a restaurant and have gotten to know one of the servers....not very well, but we do talk. I know that her husband passed away a few years ago and her children are grown and not in the area. On Easter Sunday, she was serving and we asked for her table. I told her that I was sorry she had to work on a holiday, and she said she asked to work that day. The tips were good, she could use the money, and then she said to me, "You know, the people here are my family right now -- the people I work with, the customers I know. I'd rather be here with them than home alone, waiting for an empty holiday to end. I miss hiding the eggs, shopping for Easter candy, cooking the ham. Now the day is just another day but I don't want to sit home alone, fretting about what used to be."
I am setting a place for her at our Thanksgiving table. There will be so much going on that she's not going to feel alone on this day. She volunteered to make the gravy. Mine is always a disaster.
About Kate's Twitter...in order for this to "work," ALL of the non-fans need to abandon it. Some are still there, and as long as there is one person there to feed the fans, the implosion will take so much longer.
OT: This made me sad-
http://news.yahoo.com/elmo-actor-kevin-clash-resigns-amid-sex-allegation-162603932.html
Elmo's puppeteer of 28 years has resigned.But depending what the truth is, it was the right decision.
Sure hope all the Truthers keep up with it! It was a brilliant idea!
It's not a new idea. A lot of people have been asking for quite a long time that the non fans stop tweeting. But it's like herding cats. Maybe this will last, maybe not. Some cannot avoid taking the bait.
??? I didn't say that. I said target is blasé. I wasn't talking about the workers themselves. They didn't make this call by any mean.
zzzzzzzzzzzzz
@ashymama2 @kateplusmy8 Many of Kate's supporters were so turned off by hateful tweet & attacks from haters. Give it time. Fans will be back
-----
-----
Which ones are those? The six of them, plus the random ones who pop up asking her what size Band-Aid to put on a cut?
Tweet-le De Tweet-le DUMB said... 72
"A lot of people have been asking for quite a long time that the non fans stop tweeting. But it's like herding cats."
Hehe, love this expression. As a multi-cat (5) family, I also know it to be completely true. :D
Sheri, I love it too. It's so visual and always makes me laugh.
Did RWA start the Twitter boycott? Great idea.
TLC stinks said... 77
Did RWA start the Twitter boycott? Great idea.
_________________________________________
Could be. I don't check over there. It's an idea whose time has come. Let Kate tweet with her cult. Hey, maybe with so few tweets TheAustinMan can tweet Kate again about that possible meet n greet with Paige in the summer! She won't miss it with so few tweets to read.
Hi all,
I haven't been on for a while because when I read Hoffman's book about kart I was simply sickened beyond words. The best thing I can say about kart is that she shouldn't have been allowed to breed. And that thought gets me into real trouble with Ms. Manners.
I took some time off to reflect and meditate, looking deep into the Four Truths hoping Buddha would guide my thinking. Which led to.....
A few books that have rocked me to my soul. I highly recommend them from your library:
1. Hungry Planet: What the World Eats, by Menzel and D'Aluisio, 2007 (STUNNING CONTENT)
2. Life at Home in the Twenty First Century: 32 Families Open Their Doors, by Arnold, Graesch, Ochs and Ragazzi, Oct. 2012. (EXCELLENT BOOK)
3. The Secret Life of Stuff, by Julie Hill. (EYEOPENING ABOUT THINGS I NEVER THOUGHT OF)
Each of these books speak to the 'mistake' (my word) that we as a world are making. The statements are broad, global and have universal lessons.
So many of us here feel the same way, I suspect, as I do: that we want a more simple, honest and compassionate lifestyle. Honest food, compassionate relationships with family, friends, community and online communities as well.
For me, kart and her life (or whatever you want to call it) is so greedy and dishonest. And compassion? HA! The only thing she seems to worship is fame and money.
And companies like Monsanto? Greed and power. And arrogance to think *they* know what is best for *us*. If Big Pharma spent as much money on preventing health problems (through lifestyle and diet) as they spend on meds to *fix* the health problems caused by unhealthy lifestyles and diets, we'd be so much better off, IMHO.
So much of what gets media attention is so detrimental to our society. justin beiber, kart, the kardashians.... why don't we as a society force the Big Media Gorilla to honor honest and hardworking folks rather than greedy, dishonest folks?
Films and documentaries like the Dust Bowl featured in this post are uplifting in the sense that they show honest people, working hard, doing with less or nothing at all, and coming out of adversity with their dignity and lives intact.
We do try. Posters like Heather (and many others too, but too many to list) do try to get the word out about our society's slide (GMO foods, Big Agriculture). Right now I think we are at the beginning of a backlash that hopefully will bring around full disclosure and fair prices. As more and more of us eat locally, avoid big box stores, grow our own foods, buy responsibly, make do or do without, re-use, re-purpose, and recycle, I think notice will be taken.
Of course, sigh, then the big business will just try to butt in, marketing to us 'home-growing, local buyers/shoppers. They are going to try to get their piece of the dollar. It's the American way, but I think somewhere along the line, the American way has been hijacked, distorted and brainwashed.
Capitalism is good. I believe in it wholeheartedly. It's good until it's bad. Then I have to step up and speak out. And I try to speak out with my wallet.
Anyway, I know I am rambling a bit and I apologize. Just wanted to share my voice, and the recommendation for the books that were so moving to me. Being disgusted with kart's greed and dishonesty led me to a long period of introspection... and here I am sharing my thoughts, half-formed as they are. Yikes. Perhaps I should remain silent...
TheAustinMan can tweet Kate again about that possible meet n greet with Paige in the summer! She won't miss it with so few tweets to read.
----
----
Did she ever respond to him about that? She will also have to time thank Paige for the gifts that she never has time to open!
Good to see you Permanent Name in Blue!
rainbowsandunicorns said... 80
TheAustinMan can tweet Kate again about that possible meet n greet with Paige in the summer! She won't miss it with so few tweets to read.
----
----
Did she ever respond to him about that? She will also have to time thank Paige for the gifts that she never has time to open!
______________________________________________
I never saw a reply to him about it.
And yes, she'll be able to see the tweets from her cult members asking if she's received the gifts they send. She'll be able to thank each one of them personally now. How Wonderfully Wonderful.
I just hope that the sheeple don't set up their playground here. Without the haters on Twitter, they have nobody to fight with. Even though they say they love it without the non-fans attacking Kate, they'll find they will become bored very quickly. They thrive on the verbal battles; Kate has become just an after-thought for them. Will they turn on their own? Stay tuned...
Well, it's not asking for a Band-Aid, but hey, it's close enough!
----
----
codygagaxxx
@Kateplusmy8 , can i have the recipe for #MonkeyMunch
Midnight Madness,
I think, and hope, that Admin will just swiffer the trolls, sheeple, shit-stirrers as they post. (I don't really know what to call them, but I know them when I see them, to paraphrase).
I'm all for freedom of speech, but there is a line over which it becomes detrimental to the integrity and the good posters on this blog.
Folks here are smart, have well articulated opinions, and whether I agree or not, if they are respectful of all, I think I can listen with compassion. May not agree, but everyone has a right to their own opinion.
Now, when that opinion becomes snark, insult, shit-stirring, then hey, Admin should feel free to swiffer them without discussion. They are pitifully easy to identify.
Permanent Name in Blue 79,
Thank you, that is so true. I'll look into those books you mentioned.
Back in 1998, my daughter brought home a friend who was a German exchange student and then my daughter ended up going to Germany as an exchange student. Back in 1998 in Germany they were already using fabric shopping bags and I'm sure had been for some time. The father of the girl my daughter stayed with was a doctor. My daughter routinely got strep throat every year and she felt it coming on. The good doctor gave my daughter one dose of some sort of herbal medicine and it was gone. Now I'm not saying everything is better in Germany, but what I am saying is that we can learn some things from other countries. One thing the exchange student told me was that the thing she was most amazed about here in the US was how wasteful we Americans were. I do think, we as a country are coming around in that regard to some degree, but still have a way to go. Sorry Admin if I'm taking this too far off track.
These are desperate times for some people. Actually, for many, many people because of Hurricane Sandy, and other disasters, through no fault of their own.
But there are and always be those in the world looking for a handout, something for free, and if it is from the government, great!
An acquaintance of mine had a 40-hour a week job and was able to do the job with no physical problems.
BUT he didn't like working 40 hours a week, so he applied to a chain store that only hires people on a part-time basis, so they don't have to give any benefits.
He told people why he was wanting to go to a part time job. He felt no shame. Saw nothing wrong with it.
The funds are there for the taking. If you know how to get around the system, there are free things galore.
The government doesn't give relief if you have a 40 hour a week job.
His live-in girlfriend has a nice little part-time and receives aid from the government. So they both now work part-time jobs, receive aid from the government, and are smiling like Cheshire cats.
Permanent said (79)...
"Being disgusted with kart's greed and dishonesty led me to a long period of introspection... and here I am sharing my thoughts, half-formed as they are. Yikes. Perhaps I should remain silent..."
No way! I loved your comment. It was thoughtful, intelligent and insightful. Thank you also for the book recommendations.
One of the reasons I'm not really upset about having missed the download of Mr. Hoffman's book is exactly what you said you experienced.
I'm sensitive, visual, and have my own abuse issues. Although, I spent a couple of years in therapy to overcome them, I doubt very much I could read a detailed account of the abuse of small children and be unscathed.
It's enough, at this point, for me to know that my instincts and suspicions about Kate's parenting were correct and that I was/am not alone in that.
I'm glad you're back and that you're feeling better. You thoughts are most certainly appreciated and I thank you for sharing them.
She won't miss it with so few tweets to read.
----
----
Tweet-le, do you think she will have time to read and respond to this one? :)
zzzzz
@Kateplusmy8 do you think that you and Jon will ever get back together? #TrueLove
Lots of people here have suggested a twitter boycott for a long time but no matter, I'm glad they finally did it. Pass the popcorn!
rainbowsandunicorns said... 89
Tweet-le, do you think she will have time to read and respond to this one? :)
zzzzz
@Kateplusmy8 do you think that you and Jon will ever get back together? #TrueLove
_______________________________
LOL! I hope she has many more of those. She'll have to start blocking her fans next just to keep that "positivity" going.
I am imagining her Twitter page will be all "Your (sic) beautiful and an awesome mom" and inane platitudes.
Ugh.
I am imagining her Twitter page will be all "Your (sic) beautiful and an awesome mom" and inane platitudes.
----
----
And ones like this:
zzzzzzz
@Kateplusmy8 you deserve. Happiness on THANKSGIVING with your blessed children. You are a HERO :)
Tweet said: I am imagining her Twitter page will be all "Your (sic) beautiful and an awesome mom" and inane platitudes.
===================
Speaking of being beautiful and awesome, did you read the tweet the other night from someone asking her to please wear black tights? I was curious if it was a joke, so I checked his/her other tweets. Seems the person had asked several others, celebrities included, to wear black tights or stockings. UGH! Stocking fetish? Kate certainly attracts the strange ones.
Suze: I think it's about mourning the changes in family traditions and closeness because of consumerism, ie: money/profit for businesses.
&&
Yes, I agree. Over the years, it just seems to get worse and worse. I really hate that some stores will open at 9:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving for sales. If the economy is picking up, and/or people have money and the willingness to buy goods from that store - they will do so just the same on Friday as they would on Thursday evening.
I feel sad when it looks like someone is forever mourning the toddler years. Those years are boring, you can't even see a decent movie together! :)
&&
To each his own I guess. I am too busy with each stage of my own life and my son's life to sit around and mourn that he's no longer a toddler. But I do love to take the occasional rainy afternoon and look back on old pictures and smile as I remember so many precious moments, from all of his life up to now (teenage years). I didn't find any of it boring. Sometimes exhausting, frustrating, puzzling, worrying, amazing, hilarious, frightening, but most of all the most enjoyable part of my entire life has been the years since I became a mom.
I just try to live in the moment so that when I'm old and grey and perhaps not able to get around much, I can reflect back on busier times and find them full of good memories.
May I be the first to predict that Kate is going to have to step in and start something to get her Twitter going? If the Nonfans/Truthers will refrain from tweeting and not take the bait it should get very interesting. Please don't spoil it, I personally, want to see what she does to try to resuscitate her Twitter. Popcorn ready.
I was being facetious about toddler years being boring but yes the point is live in the moment. Enjoy the age they are now whatever that is. Eight is gr8t!
What's Next? said... 96
If the Nonfans/Truthers will refrain from tweeting and not take the bait it should get very interesting. Please don't spoil it, I personally, want to see what she does to try to resuscitate her Twitter. Popcorn ready.
_____________________________________________
I'm all for that!
While visiting Branson, Mo this Fall, we saw the ravages of the Tornado from February of this year. One of the shows we attended asked that we reconsider shopping at a store which had their roof torn off, replaced in 2 days, like they had a link to the devil. This big box store and you know what it is has taken business away from the area stores, the small business people. Yet when we need aspirin or something to eat, we often run to the big box store because it is one stop shopping. This greedy store does employ 1 million people who need their jobs in the USA but the small business people, little grocery stores are going bust. So what do we do, we have to save on gas, we have to be able to work with time elements, we have to think about the prices. It is becoming a nightmare for the average suburban and city dwellers who take public transportation.
We use to be cities and farms, but we have moved from the cities to a better life so encumbered with homes, shopping malls, strip shopping centers and the big box stores. We have created our own demise. We still spend money in the big box store and don't realize it, we do not save, not really. But can we go the distance and end the one stop shopping in our climate?
Someone mentioned the Justin Biebers, etc., over the top entertainers who are performing as though they have the devil in them, grabbing their crotches, even the female performers. Will it ever end or will this end our world? They make millions off of the teenagers, preteens and immature adults who have every technical piece of equipment to communicate with. How many phones, computers do we need? People are driving with one hand, phone in the other, children in the back seat as they make a turn, coming toward you. What could be so important that it cannot wait until you are safely off of the road. We no longer have fender benders, we have speed killing people in cars, families die due to someone on a phone or texting. Ashamed of America? Never. Ashamed of how we have over valued the material things in life that leave our teenagers and young children being depressed if they don't get those hundreds of dollars gifts on Holidays. Severely depressed.
We grew up without these things, but created a world of the haves and the have nots now and it does not look like there is going to be a change.Promises from officials are that, promises. We have to do something, each one of us, refuse plastic to start with, take that brown bag, carry your ego friendly bags in the back seat of your car. I empty my bags and go right out to the car and put them back in my car. Think before you buy anything. What happens to the containers. It is not pennies more to save our planet, it is our laziness and we all suffer it.
This is not my opinion of Kate Gosselin but about all of us helping to bring our world back to where we lived, knew each other, didn't offend, worked hard, raised honest children,cared about Beauty in America (remember Lady Bird Johnson and her theme keeping the streets and highways clean) now cigarette smokers throw those things out the window they don't want butts in their car. Abusing each other.
Twittering And Twattering said... 70
Dreams@65
Not everyone has a Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving. Over the past year, we've eaten out at a restaurant and have gotten to know one of the servers....not very well, but we do talk. I know that her husband passed away a few years ago and her children are grown and not in the area. On Easter Sunday, she was serving and we asked for her table. I told her that I was sorry she had to work on a holiday, and she said she asked to work that day. The tips were good, she could use the money, and then she said to me, "You know, the people here are my family right now -- the people I work with, the customers I know. I'd rather be here with them than home alone, waiting for an empty holiday to end. I miss hiding the eggs, shopping for Easter candy, cooking the ham. Now the day is just another day but I don't want to sit home alone, fretting about what used to be."
I am setting a place for her at our Thanksgiving table. There will be so much going on that she's not going to feel alone on this day. She volunteered to make the gravy. Mine is always a disaster.
************************************************
This is what Thanksgiving is all about, Twittering. Sharing our bounty with each other.
Funny how grace walks into our lives when we least expect it.
God bless your kind & decent soul Twittering. Blessings to your family, and your new friend.
With love,
Pink
With all the thoughtful, intelligent facts and opinions pressed forth on this blog yesterday and today, I'm distressed the subject is now returning to the Gosselin family. Yeah, I know that the Gosselin saga is the reason for this blog, but their story is nothing new.
By the way, DWINDLE, just finished making your potato soup, and lime jello concoction. I haven't sampled the jello yet, but the potato soup is fantastic. Thank you.
but you will see struggling people wearing designer clothes sometimes? Values are definitely skewed.
-----
Absolutely! Last Christmas hubby's adult niece (struggling single mom) was showing off her $800 Louis Vuitton purse. I was so upset, I mean my mortgage payment is as much as her purse. She just smiled and said "well my boyfriend bought it for me!" I told her I'd rather my boyfriend make a mortgage payment for me.
Anyway. I wanted to talk about a few random quotes from the Dust Bowl last night, just things that spoke to me. But my phone won't copy and paste today for some reason. I think it is mad at me for not installing the last iOS update. The phone and I are both being stubborn. LOL
I think they are using a hashtag and still able to see each other. I would love to see us do the same - go dark on anything KT, until we get some new material and see how it goes. We have many subjects that we all like to talk about. I can't wait for the recipes although I did cook TG for just me and my son yesterday, as we will be gone from home on Thursday, so we got a little head start. Oh so good! Why do we only eat turkey and dressing once a year? It is my all time favorite meal even though I gave up on making mine like mother used to do. But still good.
As a nation, I think we are beginning to learn how wasteful we have been. The driver has been the "sudden awareness" (my words) that we are running out of landfill space and non-decomposables are being lumped in with biologic composting materials.
There are many cities now who are, for financial reasons first and enviromental/political reasons second (or maybe all reasons are equally important) are moving to zero-waste zones.
Our DS and DIL live in Seattle and they are charged a surcharge for more than their allotted share of garbage to be picked up curbside. They are also mandated to separate compostable garbage for community compost pickups. The grocery stores charge THEM if they don't bring their own bags, and plastic bags have been outlawed.
Things ARE changing. Some places it's a slow change, others it seems the change is sudden, dramatic and highly publicized. It seems to me that everyone in Seattle, and presumably WA and OR also are highly motivated environmentalists who are driving the nation to be more aware and environmentally protective of the land.
It comes to me that this is just another cycle of life. First deprivation (1920s - 1940s), then growth (1950s - current?), and now the pendulum is swinging back to conservative management of the land and environment and a move toward more responsible, compassionate and simple living.
I confess to being swept up in the conspicuous consumption of the 70s-90s, as we were raising our son and seemed to fall prey to the toys of the day - Cabbage Patch kid, beanie babies, Legos.... in the book Life at Home in 21st century it is clear that parents everywhere want to provide their kids with toys, games, books, etc. But the book documents the cost of this desire, not only in money but social, emotional and environmental costs.
Add to that the inheriting of 'things' from our parents and inlaws who came up in the acquiring years, and man, it makes for some loaded garages, basements and attics. Over-abundance + nostalgia = STRESS. I really, truly don't need 3 sets of 'good china' and no one else wants it, I can't sell it and can't give it away. Pulling my thin hair out about it.
It is like we've talked about so many times here - kart grifting for material things for "her kids, because they deserve it" - kart, honey, they deserve your love and attention more than anything else! There is a "cost" to things that goes far beyond the sales price.... (The Secret Life of Stuff, by Hill).
I really don't think this is way off in left field as far as kart is concerned - I highly doubt she recycles, composts and re-purposes. She seems to acquire, accumulate, grift, hoard and takes more than her share of everything.
Sad commentary.
Anyway, I know I am feeling somewhat rightous about this topic now; it comes from the insight I've gained in recent months. Please bear with me if I sound like a recent smoker who's quit or a suddenly sober person preaching to the choir. I fully support everyone making their own choices about what is right for their own lives!
For every action there is a reaction - kart's pathetic, despicable lifestyle has created this reaction in me and recent readings have cemented my need to change to a more minimalist lifestyle. Many things are coming together these days to motivate, inform and promote change. Keep an open mind. Embrace the change...
Again, I probably am preaching to the choir here - it sounds like many of you have already made these realizations. I could well be one of the last ones to the party. But I'm here now!
And that will be my last post on the subject. I truly don't want to offend anyone, just am sharing my newfound insights.
Life is interesting, isn't it?
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone here in the US!
drbutchiewong, this is my opinion only. If I want to hear long tiraides about doom and gloom, eating poisoned food and greedy corporations I call my girlfriend. She can put Santa Claus on a downer and make you wonder why you got out of bed.
It appears to me the people here do what they can regarding being charitable, caring, trying to eat healthy when it's possible and affordable. I do what I can do. We can only do so much.
Greed is inherent in the human race. Railing about it with long screeds won't eradicate it. Sad but true. If you want to protest and boycott, organize a group and do it.
Sara said... 99
Someone mentioned the Justin Biebers, etc., over the top entertainers who are performing as though they have the devil in them, grabbing their crotches, even the female performers. Will it ever end or will this end our world?
*******************
You are so right. Crotch-grabbing by the likes of Justin Bieber is a sure sign of the apocalypse. Now crotch-grabbing by Bruce Springsteen, on the other hand...
I don't know if this has been talked about before but I just saw a fantastic (but depressing!) documentary about the child acting business in Hollywood called "The Hollywood Complex"
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1754351/
Paul Petersen gives some commentary. You see these parents basically gambling with the lives of their families to get their children on a television show. You also get the idea that the entire thing reeks of desperation - from the auditions and head shots, to acting classes, meetings with casting directors and the grueling audition process. Every one of the children said "I've always wanted to be an actor/actress". Ok - how long have you even been on earth that you have "always" wanted to be an actor? As an adult do you let your child make a major decision that will cause your family to move, the adults to change careers, the children to change schools, spend $5000-$6000 per month on peripheral items like photos and acting classes, miss out on school, etc and so on to compete for a forever dwindling amount of roles in a town that is famous for eating people up and spitting them out again?
What made me the most disturbed was knowing that a percentage of the children they profiled will end up with very screwed up lives as a result of this experience.
I saw the movie on Showtime as it's available "On Demand". I believe it's on Netflix as well.
We appreciate that our employees work hard and need the time off without having to worry about their paycheck. It seems that if we can do it as a small company, that these multi-million dollar companies could also do it.
*****************
Marie, I imagine that as a result you also then keep experienced and hard-working employees. It's wonderful to hear something like that and I wish you continued success with your company.
I think they are using a hashtag and still able to see each other.
-----------
It's too bad, though, that some "haters" just won't stop on Kate's twitter. I guess they need the sheeple as much as the sheeple need the non-fans, kind of a symbiosis.
I am concerned with what I eat. I would like to add a concern about the jet chemical trails the gov't[both rep. and dem] drop around the country. I have a web site that I will post at some point. Night TV often runs when Weather changed the world on the history channel. Give it a look. This was checked out with the Freedom of Information Act.
Lots of new names on here today. Welcome to all of the new commenters!
I sometimes look at Kate's Twitter feed and can't believe how the "fans" and "haters" go after each other. Very, very quiet there today with the boycott except for a few who didn't get the memo. I've never seen almost an hour go by with only a few tweets. Not much going on to keep people interested.
Happy early Thanksgiving to all! I'll be elbow deep in turkey and trimmings tomorrow trying to get a jump start on the day.
Anybody else wonder if Milo is an employee of Kate's? Some of the comments are just hard to believe they're real. Can just see them getting together every few days to outline which outlandish direction to go in and see how much chaos they can create. I'm a southern girl and her down home 'charm' is so very insincere. Then again, if she is for real, K better hope she never shows up at her home. Reminds me of a older neighbor from years ago when we didn't ever lock our doors. I was getting out of the shower and she walked into the bathroom! She had knocked and when I didn't answer the back door, she thought she better make sure I was ok. Other than being frightened by her sudden appearance, I was fine. Doors locked from then on.
Ah, yes, chemtrails. I've never been able to understand how the politicians (dem and rep) are able to drop those dang things all over the country and yet keep themselves and their families friends, pets and food sources out of harms way??!?!
Tweet-le De Tweet-le DUMB said... 113
Ah, yes, chemtrails. I've never been able to understand how the politicians (dem and rep) are able to drop those dang things all over the country and yet keep themselves and their families friends, pets and food sources out of harms way??!?!
_______________________________
ROFL!!!
I am little surprised at the reactions about working/not working on Thanksgiving Day. I think it is nice if an employer can give that day off, but I also remember the days when having that day off hurt me in the pocketbook, because every single hour I clocked, I needed and I day off was just too much (no sick days for me back then, either). Now I have a job that some years I work the holidays, some I don't and frankly, T-day is not a holiday I am overly fond of (I mean, it's ok, but I have others I much prefer) so, if I work it, fine, no biggie, I dont feel I am being put upon. I will also volunteer to work that day so a shipmate can take it off. My daughter will be working and she is glad for the hours. I think if someone wants to work, either because they dont want to be at home or they truly are in need of the money, then they should have that opportunity to do so, and I am thankful for employers who give people that opportunity. (and for the ones who let employees have the day off)
The importance of gratitude.
http://www.adn.com/2012/11/19/2698882/a-grateful-state-gratitude-is.html#storylink=topnext
I've never seen almost an hour go by with only a few tweets. Not much going on to keep people interested.
+++++++++++++++
She's getting about 14 tweets per hour. Remember when she said she got hundreds and hundreds of tweets per hour and she couldn't possibly respond to all of them? She will have all the time in the world now to reply (and do the birthday RTs) to each and every one of them.
I just hope this "boycott" or whatever is permanent and not just a protest at someone being suspended.
So sad. Kate will never "get it". :-(
carolina peach said... 112
Anybody else wonder if Milo is an employee of Kate's? Some of the comments are just hard to believe they're real.
----------------
Milo's been around for long before Kate noticed her on Twitter. I don't think she's paid in the sense of getting anything monetary from Kate. Kate generous and thoughtful? Ha! There's been talk that perhaps Milo was somehow involved in the beach rental Kate had this summer, so if anyone's doing the paying, it's Milo wiggling her way deeper into Kate's life. I do think she 'pays' Milo with preferential treatment - DM's, email, little secrets. And some day this is gonna come back and bite Kate in her flat butt.
Butterfly~ I agree! I don't understand why it is that some people are so entrenched in their viewpoints. Similarly, I get a little flinchy when people seem so invested in converting those who see the situation differently.
Rational, good-hearted people can (and oftentimes do) disagree. This is a multi-faceted issue, and while I think the issue's worth exploring, I see no reason to take our own positions to the mat.
I hope this doesn't come across as preachy. It's just an observation, made by someone who doesn't always see things as clearly as she should. Believe whatever you want about this subject. But to each her own (informed) opinion... that's what I think.
butterfly said... 114
ROFL!!!
_____________________________________________
There was a guy who used to post on a message board. There wasn’t a conspiracy theory he didn’t love. After 9/11 he believed the whole thing was a hoax perpetrated upon the American people by our own government. He would go on and on about the photos of the airplane that crashed into the Pentagon saying the pictures were photo shopped and no plane was involved, that it was bombed from within. I asked him how all those lampposts along the highway (that were sheared off their foundations as the plane flew at low altitude on its course to the Pentagon) ended up in that condition (shattered and laying all over the highway) and he had no answer. He would either ignore my questions or say I was too stupid to figure it out. Of course he was the one who couldn’t figure it out because there was no answer but the obvious. I’m sure to this day he still believes George Bush ordered 9/11.
"It's too bad, though, that some "haters" just won't stop on Kate's twitter. I guess they need the sheeple as much as the sheeple need the non-fans, kind of a symbiosis."
88888888888888
I just checked Twazzup, and the one fan, dubbed lunatic in RH's book, has been hanging on twitter for the past seven hours, saying nothing at all. They'll get bored soon enough.
Tweet-le De Tweet-le DUMB said... 121
__________________________________
oh that's funny. I love conspiracy theories too, they entertain me, but some of the things people say are just completely insane- I swear they don't give it any rational thought! I love well written movies about conspiracy theories, and yes, X-Files was my favorite show :D
Thanks, Jane. Didn't know Milo had been around that long.
carolina peach said... 124
Thanks, Jane. Didn't know Milo had been around that long.
888888888888888
Milo called in to a radio station some time ago and introduced herself as Fired Up For Kate. Does anyone have that link for Carolina?
I don't believe most conspiracy theories, either. But can someone explain to me what they ARE doing when the morning starts out perfectly cloudless and throughout the day the criss-cross and/or checkerboard patterns appear and by mid afternoon it's mostly cloudy? I've watched this for years; and no, they are not regular contrails. (I live close to a major airport, btw.) These trails spread ever so slowly and do not dissipate like the normal contrails.
So this "conspiracy theory" I have a hard time doubting.
Julianna said... 122
I just checked Twazzup, and the one fan, dubbed lunatic in RH's book, has been hanging on twitter for the past seven hours, saying nothing at all. They'll get bored soon enough.
_______________________________________________
How can you tell she's been hanging on twitter if she's not saying anything?
The day the haters are gone from Kate's twitter- so is Kate. LOL
Butterfly, I loved X-files. Mulder could make me believe anything. ;)
I don't believe most conspiracy theories, but I have to say...they're good entertainment!
Haven't heard about the contrails before. Hmmmm, sounds suspicious!!! :)
How can you tell she's been hanging on twitter if she's not saying anything?
88888888888888888
lol!! I didn't mean that literally. I meant that there are retweets and just general nonsense, such as "What major?" and "Good Night Susan."
Sorry about that. I need a drink.
Lol keep the reports coming about the great shush of 2012 on twitter. Unfortunately they picked a time that is quieter anyway what with the holiday but I'd like to see it continue past that.
Julianna said... 125
carolina peach said... 124
Thanks, Jane. Didn't know Milo had been around that long.
888888888888888
Milo called in to a radio station some time ago and introduced herself as Fired Up For Kate. Does anyone have that link for Carolina?
__________________________________________
Go here and then scroll down to Nov. 4, 2010. I think that's the interview you're looking for. If it's not that one scroll down to Oct. 7, 2010
http://toginet.com/podcasts/livingthedreammom/?s=livingthedreammom
Hey Everyone! Just want to extend an early Happy Thanksgiving to you. I will be knee deep in flour, sugar and butter tomorrow so I won't be reading.
I give thanks on Thursday and every day of the year for all I have been given in this life. I truly appreciate it. Enjoy your day!
Julianna said... 131
Sorry about that. I need a drink.
__________________________________________
Now that you mention it, so do I.
The Great Shush of 2012
Haha Admin. Sounds like the next Ken Burns documentary.
Chemtrails...I love a good conspiracy theory! Tweet-le De Thanks for the laugh you gave me. I'm not generally a sci fi fan but I did like the X-Files and I also enjoy Fringe.
Lbelle (8) said...
Admin (22) said...
Have lurked here for years and posted maybe once or twice, but had to chime in on the retail working conditions. I was a teacher for 30 years (Catholic school) and found myself jobless after one school closed and the next one downsized their arts dept. (I taught art there), and now find myself working retail at an arts and crafts chain store. All but the managers at our store are part time. The managers get paid for holidays, the part timers do not. I have the "title" (such as it is) of "activities specialist" and run the demonstrations, birthday parties, make samples, etc. As such, my hours vary, depending on the week. It averages about 22 hours a week. I make a little more than minimum wage. I was told at the beginning that I could work as many hours as I needed to get my job done, as long as I did not hit 40 hours, to keep me part time and benefit-less. As Christmas approaches, there are more hours to work (I sometimes even get to 28!), which is lovely. Tons of hours? I WISH! However, on January first, my hours will be cut back to 20 hours a week. I would love to work more, but they just don't offer it. Oh, also, last year I did get a raise (8, count 'em 8, cents an hour. This year, no raise.)
On a happier note, kudos to Anonymous Marie for the compassionate way she and her husband treat their employees. My 24 yr old son, a year and a half out of college with a masters in biomedical enginerring, can not find a job in his field. He is working for a local metal recycler (clean, fancy metals like titanium and such), with only four employees. During Sandy, when our town in NJ was hit hard, no electricity, they could not work. They were paid for the entire week. He also will get Friday off after Thanksgiving and will be paid for both days. He started this job part time, and was given a dollar an hour raise after a month because he was doing a good job. He just recently started full time and got another dollar an hour and benefits. Only in small business do you hear of things like this. God bless all small business owners!
Sorry this is long, but these topics hit a nerve tonight, and I guess I just needed to vent a little.
Jan in NJ
Lol Seesaw. It would be funny to do a ken burns parody of what's been happening on twitter. Lots of panning across black and white Instagram photos of Kate's slop and Peter Coyote narrating.
Jan kudos to you. Your hard work and positivity is an inspiration. And yes Marie and other small businesses with morals are what makes America great.
NJGal51 said... 137
Chemtrails...I love a good conspiracy theory! Tweet-le De Thanks for the laugh you gave me. I'm not generally a sci fi fan but I did like the X-Files and I also enjoy Fringe.
______________________________________________
Loved Fringe. Then I missed a couple right when the blonde and redhead were on and I got so confused. I couldn't tell which one was the good one and which the bad. LOL
Realitytvkids.com (Administrator) said... 139
Lol Seesaw. It would be funny to do a ken burns parody of what's been happening on twitter. Lots of panning across black and white Instagram photos of Kate's slop and Peter Coyote narrating.
::::::::
That would be hysterical. I've thought a comic strip would be a hoot. I wish I could draw.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
JaninNJ...138:
Oooooh.....it just burns me up to hear of people being treated the way you are!!! It must drive you nuts! 8 cents?? 8 freakin' cents!!!! I suppose you're supposed to be grateful for that too! Gawd!! I don't know how you stand it.
Thank God for employers like your son's and Marie's. Too bad everybody could not be treated decently.
Oh...now that you're here...NO MORE LURKING for you! Keep posting! : )
Does Milo rhyme everything when she's tense:
@MiloandJack
@thebumpiestpath Every day's been busy so far...in & out...now Miss Bloggin Queen...gotta handle a teen gettin out of hand scene! #MomWar
@MiloandJack
@SuperPattyPie @Kateplusmy8 HaHa....They all gobble it up...but I've never thought of myself as a PaulaDean...just an avg "PorkNBean". LOL
Fired Up 4 Kate @MiloandJack
@thebumpiestpath Me...Me...Me...! Howdy thar Miss Julieee! :)
@MiloandJack
@SuperPattyPie @msgoody2shoes21 @stashcache @LilyatIW @Kateplusmy8 LOL...me recipe swap?..U'd see my scribble & say what's this dribble? :)
Does Milo rhyme everything when she's tense:
&&&
Skit skat true dat!
Realitytvkids.com (Administrator) said... 146
Does Milo rhyme everything when she's tense:
&&&
Skit skat true dat!
__________________
LOL. Now I really do need that drink.
Maybe it's some sort of stress reliever thing.
I finished what I had to do tonight to prepare for our trip so I decided to see what was going on. There's been a lot of good conversation and reallhy well thought out comments, so I'll just add my 2 cents.
I think in today's economy, it's an employers market, and the employers know it. Thank goodness for Marie and other small employers like that. However, the bigger employers, box stores, etc., in MY opinion, do not want anything to cut in on their big profits so they demand unreasonable things from the employees. They also give poor pay raises, if any, but they know people need a job, they're hard to find in this economy, so they take advantage of it.
I've been working for the same company for almost 10 years. It was independently owned and small with about 200 employees. The owner, who knew each of us by name, always treated us well, gave out raises, Christmas bonuses and gifts, etc. Then she retired and a family member took over. Within 2 years, this person sold the company to a major corporation in the same field and things have never been the same.
There are no more bonuses, our sick days were cut by 3, our holidays dropped from 8 to 6, our health insurance increased by almost $150 every pay period (every 2 weeks), and there were 3 layoffs. Our office, that used to have 200, now has about 98 people, all overtime was stopped, there have not been raises for 3 years, and when we couldn't handle the same workload that 200 could, they did not hire more people at our office; corporate decided to outsource the work because it would be a better financially. We were also told in the summer that there would be no more layoffs, but if people leave of their own will, no employees woule be hired here; they will increase the staff in India. During the week of monthend, we are all told we will be working overtime to get the job done. However, we will put in 10 or 12 hour days in the beginning of the week, and then we have to leave early on Thursday and Friday so we don't go over 40 hours and the company doesn't have to pay overtime.
Many of us still there are people that have been with the previous company and owner 10-25 years, so our job prospects would not be good. So we put up with it. What choice do we have?
Once again, big business walks all over their employees so that they can give a good report to their shareholders.
Tweet-le De (154) Does Milo rhyme everything when she's tense:
&&&&&&&&&&&&
Yes, and she chants this before she goes to bed:
"Ms. Milo has her Katie
Her Katie has her Steve
When Milo lusts for Kate at night
Old Purse Boy needs to leave"
I'm surprised she hasn't tweeted that yet!
Reading some of your stories makes me thankful that I'm a government employee.
Deck The Halls said... 148
"Ms. Milo has her Katie
Her Katie has her Steve
When Milo lusts for Kate at night
Old Purse Boy needs to leave"
I'm surprised she hasn't tweeted that yet!
_____________________________________
We'll have to wait and see how desperate she gets.
NJGal, are there any openings? Lol!!
LOL someone tweeted a YouTube video with the sound of crickets on Kate's twitter feed.
LOL someone tweeted a YouTube video with the sound of crickets on Kate's twitter feed.
--------------
I saw that...and the Goody person didn't understand it!
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you on the other side of the border, enjoy your families and your time together. I'll be thinking of all the great food you'll be eating, being a Canadian I'll be at work.
LMG I'm sorry to hear of the hard times you're going through at work, I agree with NJGal that I'm also happy I work for the Government. Enjoy your TG visit with your grandsons, I cherish every day I see my grandchildren, 3 of them live right next door.
I've watched the 2 parts of the Dust Bowl and although I had heard of what had happened in the 30s, I never realized the extent of the devastation.
Franky where are you, haven't seen any recent posts?
Bluebird, thank you for the good wishes. I'm so envious that you have your grandkids right next door!
Tweet-le De Tweet-le DUMB said... 72
Sure hope all the Truthers keep up with it! It was a brilliant idea!
It's not a new idea. A lot of people have been asking for quite a long time that the non fans stop tweeting. But it's like herding cats. Maybe this will last, maybe not. Some cannot avoid taking the bait.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Don't any of you see the irony in the fact that you are happy about, and celebrating people staying off kates twitter page and yet you are all on here keeping her relevant. Admin would have to be one of the worst, secretly hoping kate gets the Mom swap show so she can do a recap. If you really want to see kate fade into oblivion then stop talking about her here, put your money where your mouth is and join in the boycott. If it was this easy to shut down her twitter feed in just a few days by getting the Truthers to stay off it, imagine how quickly she will disappear completely if there are no blog talking about her incessantly day after day, hoping against hope that she gets a new show so you can re cap it and mock her some more.
and by the way, I think she is a vile despicable person, so don't go calling me sheep. I am proud to be a truther but I am over everyone continuing to keep this child abuser relevant by continuing to give her oxygen.
Just Jane
I had often seen the airplane trails (contrails) but didn't know what they were called. You learn something new on this blog every day, loll.
Kudos to Marie for the way you treat your employees.
Just Jane I appreciate your more or less respectfully stated opinion. Maybe you missed the last eight or so posts we did that weren't about Kate at all? Scroll through, we've had some great discussions. Please join in.
Tweet-le #133. THANK YOU! Holy cow. Milo is real! She does exist, she does exist! It was the Nov 4, 2010 show.
She is a Southerner 'fer shur'. Thanks again.
Have loved sci fi since I discovered Isaac Asimov when I was 10 ro so.
Made my turkey broth, cranberry relish and chopped everything for the PA Dutch potato filling that's a must around here. DS and new DIL arrive at midnight with their two Yorkies who will torment my little dachshund all week. It's going to be great. Super super fun haha.
Lots of great conversion going on. here its another topic: Dancin With Them Thar Stars! Had it aired on the West coast? Can I post about it? I will just say I am excited and want to post, but I want to make sure it won't be a spoiler for anyone.
Oh, and Ms Kreider its boring and despicable and couldn't brine a turkey if her life depended on it.
Carolina peach, you're welcome.
I've never read any of Isaac Asimov books. I'm going to put him on my never ending list of authors to read.
Something I don't understand: Employees can be treated shabbily and overworked, paid minimum wage, and given impossible schedules; but mention Unionization as a remedy and many of them would be dead against it.
I was able to not only keep my job but get rid of a boss because I had a strong union behind me when I blew the whistle on the toxic and abusive atmosphere in my workplace. (I was a municipal employee.)
WalMart closed down an entire superstore in Quebec rather than see it unionized.It simply closed its doors and left its employees out in the cold - unemployed.
Labour Day celebrates workers and their struggle for fair wages and working hours, against big business-run sweatshops, factories and mines.Unions did a lot to help make things fair.That's why big retail outlets don't want them, and will do anything to keep them out.
Thanks for the recipes and suggestions. I've made the knock off Shoney potato soup. Did tweek it a little bit. Fixed the fresh cranberry-orange relish for Thursday. Added a splash of triple sec. Are you supposed to be able to taste the triple sec in the relish? Thanks!
Don't read this Just Jane. I know I shouldn't speculate about Kate, but I believe the twitter silence is because she doesn't have the children this week. I guess she'll be celebrating TG alone.
SeeSaw sounds delicious although I've never heard of Dutch potato filling. What's a dutch potato?
LMG don't be envious, I'm sure the time you do spend with your GSs is quality time and that they are making memories when they are with you.
ID unions are extremely complicated with a host of issues and sometimes just end up taking your dues and either doing nothing for you, or doing so much you end up in the crapper anyway. If they could form a union that isn't corrupt and is able to articulate what they want and get it, that may be the way to go. I just don't see that working out too much--I'm jaded. It is by no means the simple solution.
I haven't had time to watch the documentary yet and I haven't read the comments on the thread, either, but I wanted to comment on the picture of Jon and KK and the kids here. I'm no expert on reading body language, but it seems to me that the picture is an excellent illustration of the difference in parenting styles between the two. KK, standing upright, facing straight ahead and smiling at the camera. Arms away from the body and bent at the elbows, forcing the children to elevate their arms to head level or above in order to hold her hand. Jon, head bent toward his little daughter, arms down (well, we can only see part of one arm, but I'm assuming the positioning applies to both) and close to the body in order to hold his children's hands and keep them close. Really illustrates what we've said about KK keeping her children at arms' length.
Hope everyone is enjoying the build-up to TG. If you have family, enjoy them and count yourself as blessed. If you don't, I hope you have friends to spend the holiday with and, if not, that you can spend it in service to others. Among my blessings, I count the wise, compassionate and loving posters I've "met" here.
IDModo, I understand your belief in unions. However, I am on the fence about them. In spite of the problems I am having at my work, I also think unions, in my opinion, drive up prices. In Chicago at McCormack Place, which is a big center for trade shows, they started losing business because the companies couldn't bring their own employees with them to set up, it had to be union emplpoyees. When I worked at a medical equipment company back in the mid-90's, a truck came with our delivery of wheelchairs, hospital beds, and other items. I opened the door to the warehouse to show where the items should be set and he told me he wasn't putting them there, I had to. It was a small company and there was no one else around, so in a dress and heals, I had to unload these 40 items off the truck. I ripped my blouse in the process and when I came home and told my husband about it (who is a union trucker), he said the guy was a pr**k. He said any good trucker would have helped unload that shipment.
Speaking of my husband, he is union now, and has been a few times in the past, but has said that he got better benefits without the union. Also, when he had an issue with the company a few years ago, I wrote the letters on his behalf and even the person deciding the issue said the union should have been taking up his case, not his wife. He won the case with my letters. The only reason I wrote them is because he took the issue to the union twice, but because they considered it a small issue, they didn't handle it. However, they still took the union dues out of his paycheck every week. That's another of my husband's issues: whenever he gets a raise he says he won't see much of it because the union then automatically raises their dues.
It's a crappy situation and employees are stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Unions do not do what they are intended to do. Look at hostess. They shut them down. How does that help anyone?
For me personally, I had a job offer at a public interest firm that was unionized. What I didn't like? Our raises were based on a scale, not merit based. I want to be at a place that rewards people. That gives people incentives to do better and work harder. I don't want everyone treated the same. The hard workers who are better should be rewarded. That's why I didn't like that union. I know three people who work there and they said they've been on a pay freeze for three years now so their pay scale thing is useless to them.
Tweetledee, check out Isaac asimovs classic Foundation series. Or I, Robot, or any of his robot novels or short stories. Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein is another classic that is amazing in its predictions of super battle suits that are now part of games like Halo. And are within the realm of possibility.
@Admin....the Hostess situation is more complicated than the union "shutting them down". Hostess is partially owned by a private equity company. The Hostess CEO just received a 300% pay increase and other executives received significant bonuses right before Hostess filed for bankruptcy. All the while they were asking union members to take significant wage and benefits cuts.
Oh the union had valid points for sure. But a federal judge told them nothing more could be done and they still persisted. What strikes me is you know who still has their jobs, the union bosses.
Bluebird - just regular mashed potatoes with celery, onions, butter, cream, bread cubes and eggs baked in a casserole. It's a Pennsylvania Dutch (German) recipe popular in Berks County for Thanksgiving called potato filling.
Paula, I have to agree with you on you comment. A few years ago Hostess wanted the truckers to take a pay cut, and then after the court forced the union to accept the agreement, the CEO got a raise from 750.000 a annually to 2.25 million a year.
I know I'm wavering back and forth on this issue, but the problem is neither the companies or the unions are looking out for the best interest of the employees. They are both looking out for their own profits.
Okay, I'll say it. I'm against a union. I've been employeed with a union and w/o a union. Seen the good and not so good benefits that a union brings.
I am currently middle management and not represented by a union. Our lowest paid company employees are represented by a union. The union negotiated a 2-year contract with 8 furlough days, wage freeze including regular step increases, and now partially paying for their own benefits. Now some of these employees go to the local food bank around the 21st of the month to get food for the rest of the month to feed their families. And what did middle management get? A raise. This situation just sucks. Oh I forgot to add, these people have to pay union dues on top of this lousy contract.
Don't read this Just Jane. I know I shouldn't speculate about Kate, but I believe the twitter silence is because she doesn't have the children this week. I guess she'll be celebrating TG alone.
---------------------
She's back on. The funny thing about this Milo obsession with Kate is that Milo hasn't been on all evening. I just went back and checked. And as soon as Kate tweeted, Milo was right there. I mean RIGHT THERE in her face. What does she do? Hang on Twitter all night, drooling, worrying, anxiously awaiting for Kate to make her grand appearance?
When unions first started forming in this country is was a blessing. I'm sure there are many out there, in particular the smaller ones, that still do a lot of good.
Now though many are just like a middle man and they are just as greedy too. Unions have nearly destroyed California's economy lining their pockets. It's just not what they said out to do, protect the workforce, which is what everyone wants, we just can't agree the best way to do it. Maybe it's a lost cause.
By making fun of one of her boys on twitter is Kate hoping the haters come back? Who calls their child a brainiac and mocks their lack of geography knowledge? I despise that woman.
Really Joy?? *sigh*
It's so bizarre the things she finds cute. She is one of those mothers the kids are going to be mortified by in a few years. Bit by bit she will destroy any relationship they have.
miloandjack
@Kateplusmy8 When Kate is here & N control of her twitter...this place is positive/fun/resourceful/happy...and just the place 2b! :)
How does Kate control her twitter? What is she talking about?
Kate is not in control of anything, a bunch of people just decided to boycott. LOL. Kate had nothing to do with it!
I personally am loving this. Let them all play lovey dovey and embarrass the children in their sandbox. I guarantee Kate will get bored of that right quick.
Has it been proven that Milo is of the female gender? What woman talks about another woman's legs?
miloandjack
@thebumpiestpath @msgoody2shoes21 @stxmom @Kateplusmy8 @imperfectwomen If U have sexy legs...go 4short dress! #RockIt
Are you for real, or just pretending to be an uninformed "victim" who needs a union to protect them?
Unions outlived their uselessness more than 50 years ago. Now they are an excuse for lazy employees to get paid more than they should.
It's not up to a company to pay you a living wage. It's your job to figure that out. They have a responsibility to their shareholders to pay the minimum amount of money for the most profits.
Are ALL Canadians snivelling whiners who believe in the cradle to death entitlements?
IDModo said... 163
Something I don't understand: Employees can be treated shabbily and overworked, paid minimum wage, and given impossible schedules; but mention Unionization as a remedy and many of them would be dead against it.
I was able to not only keep my job but get rid of a boss because I had a strong union behind me when I blew the whistle on the toxic and abusive atmosphere in my workplace. (I was a municipal employee.)
WalMart closed down an entire superstore in Quebec rather than see it unionized.It simply closed its doors and left its employees out in the cold - unemployed.
Labour Day celebrates workers and their struggle for fair wages and working hours, against big business-run sweatshops, factories and mines.Unions did a lot to help make things fair.That's why big retail outlets don't want them, and will do anything to keep them out.
Wow. After reading all this, I am even MORE
thankful for my job.
Ayn Rand said... 184
Are you for real, or just pretending to be an uninformed "victim" who needs a union to protect them?
Unions outlived their uselessness more than 50 years ago. Now they are an excuse for lazy employees to get paid more than they should.
It's not up to a company to pay you a living wage. It's your job to figure that out. They have a responsibility to their shareholders to pay the minimum amount of money for the most profits.
Are ALL Canadians snivelling whiners who believe in the cradle to death entitlements?
**********************
Where are you from? Wherever it is, are ALL people from your country/state/whatever as obnoxious as you are?
Are you for real, or just pretending to be an asshat apologist for corporate greed?
JoyinVirginia said... 161
Lots of great conversion going on. here its another topic: Dancin With Them Thar Stars! Had it aired on the West coast? Can I post about it?
******************
It airs at the same hour on the West coast as one the East coast. Since we are three hours behind you, it's safe to assume that it hadn't aired at ~6:45pm. And you basically did spoil it. I haven't seen the show yet, but I'm pretty dang sure I know one of the finalists thanks to your post.
Unions gave us the 40 hour work week, overtime and fair wages and decent benefits. People fought for the right to unionize. Some lost their lives. Before labor laws, children worked in factories. To see unions dismissed so casually here is disheartening. Those who ignore or are ignorant of history are doomed to repeat it. Hostess workers gave concessions over the years while upper mgmt and CEOs made obscene amounts and got huge bonuses. Workers pension funds were "borrowed" by the corporation and now won't be repaid because Hostess isgoing to declare bankruptcy. If you think workers seeking fair wages and benefits are to blame, you are choosing to believe a falsehood. I suggest digging deeper than the pap spoonfed by the corporate owned media.
I agree. Some of us on the east coast tape it to watch before going to bed. I thought we were asked not to discuss it until the next day.
Anonymous@187 - JoyinVirginia didn't spoil a thing by asking if she could post about DWTS. You're just trying to stir up trouble because not much is going on over on twitter since there's no one to fight with The finalists were announced on the Internet as soon as the show was over on the East Coast.
NJGal51 said... 190
Anonymous@187 - JoyinVirginia didn't spoil a thing by asking if she could post about DWTS. You're just trying to stir up trouble because not much is going on over on twitter since there's no one to fight with The finalists were announced on the Internet as soon as the show was over on the East Coast.
************
Wrong. I'm not on Twitter nor am I interested in what is going on over there between the two camps.
Announced "on the Internet?" Gee, it didn't come scrolling across my screen. I can easily avoid sites I expect to make such announcements, but this place should not be one of them since the blog's Administrator has asked people to refrain from discussions before this show and others air across the country.
Sleepless In Seattle said... 183
Has it been proven that Milo is of the female gender? What woman talks about another woman's legs?
miloandjack
@thebumpiestpath @msgoody2shoes21 @stxmom @Kateplusmy8 @imperfectwomen If U have sexy legs...go 4short dress! #RockIt
tweet-le #133 Does Milo read here? I listened to the radio program where Milo called. They were talking about Kate wearing dress boots with heels in the corn maze. Milo said, "She rocked it." Maybe she went back and listened, too. Then perhaps she says 'rocked it' often. Can't say I've ever used that particular phrase.
She sounded like a woman. And she pays Kate all kinds of compliments, so why not tell her she likes her legs? "Just a Stroking" (Kate's ego). Anyone remember that song?
Joy said...
JoyinVirginia said... 170
Tweetledee, check out Isaac asimovs classic Foundation series. Or I, Robot, or any of his robot novels or short stories. Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein is another classic that is amazing in its predictions of super battle suits that are now part of games like Halo. And are within the realm of possibility.
______________________
Thanks! I just added those to my book recommends list.
I know the leg comment is weird but no one mentioned how shallow it is. Kate's fans are shallow just like her. How about you wear whatever makes you look and feel good and not worry about whether you have sexy legs??
Anonymous - I know that we're supposed to agree, agree, agree, but I guess we're going to have to agree to disagree on this. I didn't have to go searching for it to see the results. You stated in part "...since the blog's Administrator has asked people to refrain from discussions before this show and others air across the country.". The blog's administrator has also asked that you pick a name. Now I'm going to abide by rule 3 and let it go.
Since "Ayn Rand" is posting here, I have always liked this quote from The Fountainhead. It could have been written with someone like Kate in mind:
“It's easy to run to others. It's so hard to stand on one's own record. You can fake virtue for an audience. You can't fake it in your own eyes. Your ego is your strictest judge. They run from it. They spend their lives running. It's easier to donate a few thousand to charity and think oneself noble than to base self-respect on personal standards of personal achievement."
Carolina peach said...
tweet-le #133 Does Milo read here? I listened to the radio program where Milo called. They were talking about Kate wearing dress boots with heels in the corn maze. Milo said, "She rocked it." Maybe she went back and listened, too. Then perhaps she says 'rocked it' often. Can't say I've ever used that particular phrase.
_________________________
I'm sure Milo reads here. If anyone is talking about "her girl" she's reading it! I've seen her tweet about "rocking it" before. Sounds silly coming from a 50 something woman.
admin said: I know the leg comment is weird but no one mentioned how shallow it is. Kate's fans are shallow just like her. How about you wear whatever makes you look and feel good and not worry about whether you have sexy legs??
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
More than once Milo has commented about Kate's legs - how fantastic they are, how toned. You're right. For the fans, it's the outward appearance that matters. They want to look like her, wear clothing like the ones she wears, get their hair done by Jason, makeup by Deanna.
It is very shallow, but since they want to live through her, that's what they see...her physical appearance.
"Just a Stroking" (Kate's ego). Anyone remember that song?"
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
I don't remember that song, but "stroking" reminds me of the lyrics of a song from Chicago...
"Let's all stroke together
Like the Princeton crew
When your stroking Mama, Mama's stroking you
So what's the one conclusion
I could bring this number to -
When you're good to Mama, Mama's good to you"
Admiration for a woman's body as another woman just seems so juvenile. Especially at that age. I only notice when someone looks too skinny or unhealthy. Otherwise, meh, I'm worried about what excuse I'm going to come up with today to skip the gym.
New comments are not allowed.