I Ain't Afraid of No Daleks

How often do we so-called "normal" people have the most awful, horrific things come casually sliding out of our mouths, about other human beings.

Now, I not taking about people speaking about violent criminals, pedophiles or brutal dictators...I'm talking about "normal," everyday cititzens talking about other "ordinary" people, just like them.

I was reading an online paper yesterday. There was an article in it, that mentioned how a woman in the UK had started a fad diet, and after a week on this restrictive diet, she'd begun feeling unwell, and vomiting. Rather than check with her physician, she contacted the "nutritionist" that put her on to this diet, only to be told by this so-called "professional," that vomiting was part of the normal de-tox process. Personally, I believe that if this "nutritionist" was TRULY a professional, she shoud have advised her client to contact her physician, just to be on the safe side--but that's besides the point.

The client listened to the "nutritionist" and kept on the diet. As a result, the client collapsed from an epileptic seizure, incurred as part of the brain damage this "diet" caused her body. The damage also changed this woman's life forever, in effect making it impossible for her to work, or even do simple everyday functions, and effecting her memory..it even changed her whole personality.

Now, on these newspaper websites, you get morons commenting, with things like, "I do these diets all the time, and that never happened to me." It always astounds me how many people out there, in this, the 21st century, still don't grasp the basic concept that human beings are individuals--we're all different...from our life experiences and personalities, to our living situations and health needs and concerns. But always you get these daft people, sniffing and whinging..."Well that would never happen to me..." Yeah, I used to think that too...when I was 15.

But, it was this one woman's comment that really got me upset. I mean, I just wanted to verbally happy-slap this woman--okay, I sort'a just wanted to just slap her.

On reading about how this woman went on a fad diet, and wound up with brain damage and epilepsy, "Bethan" from Cardiff, Wales, said that the client with the epiliepsy, was stupid and "probably deserved it."

What kind of horrible human being wishes epilepsy on someone?

My mother was an epileptic--also from a brain injury. Epilepsy is a HORRIBLE disease...epileptics get treated rather badly sometimes, by society. Petite mal seizure is often mistaken for drunkeness or drug abuse. Petite mal is where the person just sort of steps out of reality for a few minutes...they are awake, but absolutely do not know what they are doing. Mum used to get really happy, and start talking utter nonsense...sometimes she wave her arms around, sometimes she'd start doing something--which used to scare me--without knowing what she was doing...one time she tried to put a tin of tuna fish in the toaster and pop it down. It's NOT funny...it's just bad to have to live with.

Grand mal seizures are even worse. They can KILL you...or make your condition worse. Grand mal seizures are the worst type of seizures there are.

So pardon me if I just want to haul off and slap "Bethan" for being a total loser and an aboslute prig, for saying that someone "deserved" to get brain damage and epilepsy.

You know, you talk all you want about the "yob culture," over there--but these kids are getting it from somewhere, and that somewhere is YOU--YOUR CULTURE. I understand not everyone is like this "Bethan," but...far too many are.

At the heart of it, NO ONE deserves to have a life-altering disease. And saying otherwise? It's just...sick.

Despite my light-hearted jibes, I really do appreciate Mr. Tennant's talent, hard work, and devotion to his craft. As I learned the hard way, acting is not an easy skill to learn--well, it never was for me, yet, Tennant makes it look nearly effortless.

So, even though I am fully aware that he will never read this, I would like to extend my best wishes to him--and the rest of the ensemble, for an energized, untroubled, fantastic performance tomorrow night.

And for anyone privlidged to see this wonderful play live (with or without Tennant in the lead), I hope you walk away with the memories of a lifetime-Seeing Hamlet on a thrust (or so it appears to be) stage-how exciting!

PS: I just got a message that every performace has been sold out--no surprise there.

26. When's the last time someone gave you flowers?

Some time in the 1980's.

27. Have you ever had to apply for welfare or other public assistance?

Yup.

28. Do you believe marriage should only be between a man and a woman?

Nope.

29. When's the last time you went to church?

Spring 2007

(Do I detect a bit of fundemental Christian in these questions?)

30. What musical instrument lessons have you taken?

Guitar, recorder, cello (don't ask), piano. And, I STILL can't read music!

31. Outside of school, have you ever sung in front of an audience?

I was actually in a church choir for a year or two, and also in two theater things, and once in front of a seminar group. It wasn't pretty.

32. What was your high school's mascot?

The Flying Dutchman, I think. I so wasn't into sports in high school.

33. How do you like your coffee?

Lots of cream, no sugar, and, more rarely, black.

34. How do you take your tea?

Sugar and no cream, or just as it is.

35. What's your favorite alcoholic beverage?

Nothing.

36. Do you collect anything?

Model horses, anitque saddles and equestrian items (when I could afford it).

37. Are you an expert in anything?

Not really, though I do know quite a lot about antique saddles and the history of the Albany Rural cemetery.

38. Last time you used a public rest room? (loo)

Yesterday

Okay, now that's a weird question.

39. Last time you were on an airplane?

Jan. 2004

40. Last time you were on a train?

2001.

41. Last time you rode an animal?

2005.

42. Last time you visited another country?

2004.

43. Have you ever attended an auction?

All the time for about 15 or 20 years, every type of auction you can imagine.

44. When's the last time you went to a state or county fair?

2002, I think.

45. When's the last time you went to some kind of festival?

June.

46. Last story you read in your local newspaper?

How the River Rats semi-pro hockey team from Albany, might play some games in Glens Falls next year.

47. What's the name of the last place you bought pizza from, and what kind did you buy?

East End Eatery. It's been quite a while, but I think propably their BBQ chicken pizza.

46. Have you ever had Kentucky Fried Chicken?

Yes.

47. Coke or Pepsi?

Both...but lean towards Coke.

48. What three people do you think have the nicest smiles?

My late mum, my late gran (paternal), and (dont you rolll your eyes at me!) David Tennant...but I still don't think he's sexy.

49. How many fancy (that's Yankee for "posh") dresses or suits do you own?

One dress, one trouser suit.

50. Last time you baked dessert?

A couple of months ago.

Thought while I'm waiting for lunch to come out of the oven, I'd try my hand at a quatrain poem--well, it's SUPPOSED to be a quatrain.

ALONE

Through stars circling, and moonlit roads,
Wence came a soul flying sadly,
With song despondent, in blackend robes,
Sighs torn from an outcast madly.

I think this will be my last one--at least for another week or two. So if anyone reading this is or was planning on tagging me...give it a rest for a few weeks, ey? I don't mind getting tagged, mind you, but it's been getting a tad carried away of late.

This is another long one so this is: PART I

Anyway--last one (promise):

1. What book are you currently reading, or what was the last book you read?

I'm currently reading "The Medea" by Euripides, the Grene and Lattimore translation.

2. What do you do before bedtime?

Make one last check my e-mail, make sure the cats have enough food and water for the night, shower, sometimes sit up in bed reading.

3. What would your dream date or perfect night out with your partner be like?

Well, I dunno'. Not something I've given a lot of thought to in the last 10 years or so. I suppose, I'd just like to be with someone I'm really comfortable with, and maybe we'd talk over coffee or Cokes, or perhaps, maybe we'd go play some crazy golf, or shoot some pool, or ten-pin bowling? Perhaps we'd watch a flim we both like, or maybe play a board game and listen to music....I'm honestly not sure, all I can say is that I'm not someone who needs to be wined and dined, really, I'm just, by my nature, not the kissy-cuddly type.

4. If you could live in any city in the world, which one would you choose?

I'm not really a "city" type of person, but I suppose, because of all the cultural attractions--and also as some of my friends aren't far from there--I'd choose London.

5. What makes you most unhappy these days?

Me.

6. What makes you most happy?

Always happy when my friends tell me they are happy or have some good news.

7. Would you prefer being single and rich, or married and poor?

You know, I'm single and wouldn't mind at all being rich....but, if by some crazy miracle (and it would HAVE to be a genuine miracle) some guy actually truly loved me--even with all my faults, then it wouldn't matter at all to me, if we were living in a boxcar and eating vienna sausages all week long.

8. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving?

Giving.

Are you obsessed with a televison series, soap opera or reality show?

Yes...but trying to back away from it.

9. What's your favourite gemstones to wear in jewelry?

Never given it much thought, but I suppose I tend towards lapis, garnet or emeralds. I most like sapphire, but consider it (if it's the real gem) to be unlucky (long story)...sometimes turquoise, as well.

10. What color are your bedroom curtins?

Brown and beige.

11. What color is the chair you are sitting in?

The cushions are are a tan, brown and forest green plaid.

12. Have you ever owned an orange tabby (ginger) cat?

Yes, have three of them--well one's ginger and white.

13. Do you know anyone living in Paris, New York City, Los Angles, London or Rome?

I have a couple of internet pals who live in London, and a former classmate of mine is currently living in New York City, and I know two people in Los Angles--tho' not well.

14. Do you know anyone who lives in Vermont, Utah, Alabama or Oregon?

My sister lives in Vermont.

15. What is the last thing you put a postage stamp on?

My rent payment for July.

16. When's the last time you held a baby?

16 or 17 years ago, I think.

17. Puppies or kittens?

I've spent years attending cat and dog births. As for puppies and kittens, I think they're both wonderful! But, while kitens scratch you and run around like loons, puppies pee on you and fuss a lot, so prefer kittens, I suppose.

18. Favorite flavor of mouthwash?

Tropical mint

19. What kind of car were you driving 10 years ago?

I think I was still driving my Buick station wagon

20. When is the last time you went to a Six Flags or other amusement park?

I worked at an amusement park in 98/99.

21. Choose one: Day at the races or day at the shopping mall?

Races--if it's horses.

22. Do you have any wallpaper or wood paneling at home?

Some of that naf 70's dark wood paneling in my kitchen--hate it.

23. The closest thing to you that is green?

The cushion under my bottom.

24. Closest framed picture to where you are now?

A small framed photo of my mum when she was in her 20's.

25. Last time someone you know, cooked for you?

At least three or four years, maybe longer.

END OF PART I

I tag anyone who wants to be bothered doing this quiz.

Well, he's got long arms, he's hairy, the girls all think he's cute, he scratches himself, and is really hyper and jumps around a lot...hey! Darwin really WAS right! How 'bout that?

Erm--is that a bit of lavendar coloured underpants I see...????

It is true, that my total net worth tonight, is $9.87--just counted it. But I do have wealth--oh, I'm not talking about possessions or real estate...my wealth is my words.

I write, therefore I am.

When I write, I can transform myself back to happier days, show the world my true feelings and how I percieve things. Through my writings on this blog, I've had the marvelous privledge to meet some lovely people--some of whom I am truly blessed to call my friends.

I've satisfied my craving for more Dr Who, when the series ends or when I cannot afford to purchase a novel or DVD.

I've shown the globe bits of my part of the world, explored my past, railed at my present and simply discussed what was going on in my day.

I've written bland drabbles, bad fan-fiction, worse poetry and some really horrific plays.

I've written so many essays in the last eight years, that I feel like I could just sit down and write one in my sleep and no one would know the difference, ha-h.

True, I'm just your average American writer, with a less than posh CV, but..who cares? Sometimes I enjoy it so much, it really makes me feel like a great painter with a blank canvas, when I start writing something...and sometimes, quite honestly, (usually when I'm feeling unwell), it feels like just another job I must do. Fortunately, it generally tends towards the former, rather than the latter.

BIG BROTHER--HE'S REALLY MADE OF CARDBOARD, YA'KNOW

I'm sure most, if not all of you, have heard of product placement. Well, until now, American news has been free of that rubbish. The news is the cornerstone of a free state. Without unbiased news, we cannot have an informed democracy, but instead fall prey to propaganda and marketing, which more often than not, distort the news to whatever the corporate CEO's and shareholders deem it to be.

Rupert Murdoch is a corporate coward. In his greed, he murders IDEAS. Corporate media has NO INTEREST in an unbiased and intelligent press, to the corporate mouguls, a free-thinking public is an abomination--because give people the chance to THINK, and they might say, "No." No to advertisers, no to a political move that the big-wigs want approved, and so on.

Murdoch, like any true coward and bully, doesn't care who or what he damages, as long as he gets what he wants. Rupert Murdock is a zero. It takes balls of iron to care and do the right thing. Rupert's balls are pink and soft, like fluffy bunny slippers or fuzzy dice.

Murdoch's only power is his money--strip away the wealth, and all you have is a cardboard cutout of a human being, at best. If, like in some Frank Capra film, you were to suddenly put the man down, pennyless and homeless on the streets, I think you'd find that Fidel Castro has more character than Murdoch.

So far, the one sacrilidge the corporate media had avoided doing, was prostituing the news for advertising dollars. Thanks to Rupert and his Fox News, that is no longer the case.

Now, Murdock is allowing McDonalds to put fake glasses of "iced coffee" (not real ice and not real coffee), on news presenters desk's, to push their iced coffee product, for the next 6 months. News anchors will not (and cannot) drink the coffee--so there is no purpose

Yes, while news presenters and reporters are telling you how a baby drowned in a pool, or how a man burned to death in his car, or how an entire village was massacured in Darfur, you can sit back and admire that nice cool looking cup of McDonald's fake iced coffee, oh, that's lovely.

If you resent Rupert Murdoch's mental rape of the press, and you think McDonalds is nothing but a big ugly bully in a clown suit, here's your chance to get even. BOYCOT McDonalds--write them and tell them to peddle their iced coffees elsewhere. Tell them that it's tacky and demeans the democratic process. Tell them anything, just...tell them. Please.

Go here to this http://www address;

mcdonalds.com/contact/contact_us.html

Then click on "Marketing and promotions" And the form is right there