Bonne Année ! Veille Bonne Année à tous! Temps restant avant le 1er janvier 2009

I can not wait for the brand new year!

I apologize for my rant yesterday. I will be taking it down.

There is too much pain in it. And while I know we must be vocal when atrocities occur, I also know that we must move forward and that there are SO many horrible things going on in the world right now that we mustn't become distracted from our own agendas and our everyday lives.

This year has been one of incredible friendships and learning experiences.

I met a ton of you on your blogs and through your passions.

In the upcoming year, I hope that old friends will share more of their visions, and that new friends will also share too. I LOVE interviewing you guys and examining the lights of the inner fire that ignites you!

It has been an honor and a joy.

So with the few hours and minutes remaining, I applaud each and everyone of you and wish you great blessings and prosperity in the new year xoxox

~ House

Joyeux Noël

I can not believe where the time has gone! My family had a wonderful holiday in the frigidness of the Chi.

We ate and drank and enjoyed. Some of us were missing, but we loved and laughed.

My belly is full and my heart is warm. I can only wish that for those of you who celebrated today, you did so in peace and good health.

All of my best from this House to yours.

Its almost over! Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Happy Chanukah!!!

With all the weather excitement, I forgot that it is Chanukah! HAPPY Chanukah!!

(Sundown,December 21-29th)

The story of Chanukah is a favorite of mine. If you don't know it I will share it with you:

Around 200 BCE(Before the Christian Era)Jews lived as an autonomous people in the Land of Israel, also referred to as Judea, which at that time was controlled by the Seleucid king of Syria. The Jewish people paid taxes to Syria and accepted its legal authority, and they were free to follow their own faith, maintain their own jobs, and engage in trade.

Around 165 BCE there was an attempt by the Jewish people to liberate. The royal Hasmoneans family overpowered Syria. This Jewish revolt against the Seleucid monarchy was successful. The Temple was liberated and rededicated. The festival of Chanukah's was instituted by Judah Maccabee and his brothers to celebrate the event. After recovering Jerusalem and the Temple, Judah ordered the Temple to be cleansed, a new altar to be dedicated.

According to the Talmud, olive oil was needed for the menorah in the Temple to burn throughout the night every night. However there was only enough oil to burn for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, which was just the time needed to prepare a fresh supply of oil for the menorah. An eight day festival (Chanukah)was declared by the Jewish sages to commemorate this miracle.

I love thinking about the history of it all. The Greeks were instilling their altar to Zeus, while the Jewish were honoring their Jehovah(Yahweh).




It is said that after the reign of the Seleucid Empire defeat was the ruling dynasty of the Hasmonean Kingdom of Israel (140–37 BCE),an autonomous Jewish state. The Hasmonean dynasty established under the leadership of Simon Maccabaeus.

It gets REALLY exciting for me because at this point enters the players of my favorite point in history.





It is said that Simon's great grandsons were part of the era of Julius Cesar and Pompey the Great! With the deaths of Cesar and Pompey, said to be just a few years apart, comes the wars of Mark Antony, Octavian, Herod as the King of Judea ~ and well most of us know where the story picks up from there...





















was King Herod a.k.a King of Judea, a.k.a King of the Jews, just a tad bit pissed when the 3 holy men came asking for the little King of the Jews??


In our little corner of the pot, Jesus is the reason for this season and so, historically this information has always fascinated me.

And then to consider that many of these territorial issues remain unresolved.

The real kick in the teeth is when we all contemplate the views of certain bases and how racist and divisional they are. The fact that Jesus was said to be born in Bethlehem shows us that the Christ they love is also the Christ they would not allow in their homes...probably going as far to say that they can not be "palling around" with the likes of Him.




Jesus: The Complete Story airing now on the Discovery Channel details how Joseph was probably Palestinian and it was his family who embraced Mary and helped her birth her child into the world...

My heart weeps for them all this season, it is my prayer that we can usher in a safe peaceful and embracing existence as we welcome the year 2009!

Saying "NO" to consumerism and thinking about our fellow man, our friends and our family, is what I hope for this time of year.

Peace and warm wishes today, to all of our friends, whether you are celebrating the more traditional views or a few of your own!

The number is 9, the degree is 6...

RRRRrrrrrr winning is ugly in Soldier Field, but as we say...a win is a win is a win!

We live to play another day!




Robbie Gould and his golden foot, in the beast of the Midway's wind, kicked us to victory~

If The Shoe Fits, Throw It!

AP

While I can not afford to "sleep with the fishes", continue to have my phone tapped ( that clicking you hear when you are candidly talking to your mom on the phone ) nor can I survive a scandal or pay a high price for attorneys after I am charged with treason, but I feel some support for Mr. Muntazar al-Zaidi.

Surfing the blogosphere, I have yet to find anyone...Duh duh Dubya included, who was offended by the shoe-throwing incident. I am sure there are people who were offended, but the majority of folks would have loved to have "kissed farewell" to a "dog".

That is a pretty harsh statement. But what is more harsh is a land without fathers and children who are maimed and scarred by war.

While I may be broke, and have less food in my home than I have had in 3 decades, I am relatively safe from the destruction that Iraqi's have faced. At the hands of Alexander the Great and centuries of unrest, the birthplace of writing has endured much more than this lying, deceiving renegade Texan. But maybe this is where they take their lives, and culture back, and stand up for themselves.

With democracy comes free speech. In their culture, shoe-throwing is a statement of discontent. It was only a size 10, (or whatever it was), and not laced with anything nor could it have posed any real threat even if it had hit its mark. (Teeheehee).

This may be treason, but at least let the guy out on bond or bail and stop beating him up!

According to CNN, many around the world are carrying shoes in support of this journalist.




A shoe is raised during a protest against the U.S. President's visit in the Shiite stronghold of Sadr City in Baghdad, Iraq, Monday. Dec. 15, 2008.Thousands of Iraqis have taken to streets on Tuesday for second day to demand the release of an Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at U.S. President George W. Bush during a news conference two days ago. (Photo: CRIOnline.com)




AP Photo



This is a holy time around the globe. This man poses no threat to anyone. Release him and let him go home. He had the guts to do something we did not. He was heard around the world. Much more than any poll could do, he let it be known that our interests in Iraq are not for their people, but for George Bush's war criminal reasons. We may not find out for years what truly transpired.

In my opinion these people have suffered enough, we have suffered enough, and here are the shoes of my family in support of that.

Merriment in Millennium Park, Bah Humbug and the Anti-Snow Queen ~

Whew...Ice/Sleet/Rain/Freezing Rain/Snow storms are NOT fun!

Unless you are A) A winter lover B) A kid

Much of the country is being savagely hit by frigid stormy winter weather, and while I am grossly unhappy, my son is frolicking and could easily be "Frosty"'s helper!

The aftermath of this assault on my senses has actually been a "Winter Wonderland".

SO, with the holiday less than a week away, here is a reprint of our friend Tamera's list. Over at Pentad: Simplifying Life and Love, practicality and healthy mental life tips are always available...

Keep in mind this season is about joy, love, family and friends...and important beliefs that keep us moving in the right direction!!


TAMERA'S LIST


We're closing in on Christmas once more, and that means 'busy' for so
many. Although it seems as though we are bombarded with 'do this, and don't do that", they are often embedded in negative messages. There are many 'do's' that are positive activities, and not only increase our well-being, but get us through the holiday season.

So, here's a few jolly ideas!

1. Drink plenty of fresh water not only this month, but always ;o)

2. Remember fruit between the Christmas goodies and sweets.

3. Get at least 8 hours of sleep a night. I know it's easier said than done, but we need more sleep in the winter months.

4. Include as many seasonal foods in your cooking as possible. They tend to be richest in nutrients. Seasonal winter foods are also 'warming'. We are part of nature, and prone to the laws of biology. If we live in tune with it, our bodies tend to feel better.

5. Give hugs each day to spouse/partner and children. Positive physical contact increases well-being, and reduces stress. And, face it. We need those hugs.

6. It's easy to forget exercise this month. We have only so many hours in each day, and they become thinly spread during the holidays. It's important to lower your expectations, and go easy on yourself. It is also true that our bodies are meant to slow down in the winter. Although we don't always recognize this fact, it is true. We need more rest, and exercising as we normally do, can sometimes increase our vulnerability to colds and the flu. It's that biological clock again! It may be much more beneficial with a few minutes of fresh air each day. Take a leisurely walk, and soak in the sights.

7. Enjoy your senses. Notice the decorations, lights, music and smells everywhere you go. Allow yourself to be delighted by them.

8. Plan a date this month with your partner/spouse. Yes, just the two of you. Have someone babysit, and take in a Christmas concert, a quiet dinner out, a walk in nature. Anything that will fit the family budget.

Holidays are also a busy time for 'marital stress', so talk about something other than 'holiday stress' on your outing together. The two of you have to function as a strong and loving couple, or the family as a unit won't function. Play on the same team, and don't let others pull you in different directions. The bottom line is remain emotionally open to each other, and stay connected.

9. Do be selfish, and cut back on the gift-spending. With the economic times we are in, everyone has a good excuse. It is stressful on everyone in the family when we go broke in December, and January bills cause us headaches as a result. It's not worth it.

10. Breathe! That's right. Breathing deeply is essential to well-being, and people sometimes don't realize how important it is. Check how deeply you are huffing and puffing several times a day.

11. Lastly, here is a special wish I have for everyone. Let go of at least one thing this month, and make room for something new that will enhance your closest relationships. No, I don't mean an 'item'. I mean a past emotional hurt, anger, sadness, or grudge you remain chained to. All you have to do is tell yourself that it's time to let go of whatever it is, and everything you need to know and understand about it in order to do so, will become apparent. Although these things often include other people, we do not need their permission to let go of our part of the equation.

Again. When we let go of something old, we make room for something new, and suddenly everything looks different.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year ~ Tamera!

IT WAS A SIZE TEN!

via videosift.com


Shame on me. Okay. Let's get it out of the way. I try to share respectability with you guys because I love, respect and adore you ~ but ya gotta allow me this one slip. JUST THIS ONCE.



I LOVE my country. I am patriotic. And while I may have mentioned displeasure, dislike, I have never gone beyond what is dignified.

BUT, this, I just gotta say something here. I will never be able to have a chance like this again. With what 37 days left in his administration...please accept my apology.

Our Dubya has dodged a size 10 shoe.

Now, first let me share that I know a thing or two about flying shoes. It was a form of discipline in my home until I was about 10 years old. Flying slippers, flying shoes, flying bookbags ~ and I can tell you first hand...it phases you.

It is a shocking attention getter, and you almost surely always go "whoa"!

And the thrower has made their point. Hey, it is something substantial, in flight, sailing with a whoosh toward your brains...you're gonna have a reaction.

Now unless our dear duck, is used to ducking, this had to freak him the flying f**** out!!

From what I understand, shoe flying is the utmost form of disrespect in Iraq.

It was in my household too, that and door slamming.

Poor Dubya, after I laughed hysterically for ten minutes and almost wet my pants, I felt remorse, I felt empathy, I felt really bad for this guy. I just don't know how it must feel being bullied by the entire globe because of being such a lying, sneaking, incredible specimen who pillaged another country for his own personal gain.

My son who loves me very much, bought me "The Out Of Office Countdown: Yes The End Is Near" calender for Christmas last year and it has bought us so much joy and laughter at George Bush's expense.

It IS funny but it is not.

I guess we laugh to keep from crying. He is a war criminal and should be brought to justice. But I guess in the mean time, we must be happy with just throwing shoes.





There are no lines on the calender for weekends, so for today there is nothing , but the next quote laid out is for December 28th with a quote from Dec. 28th 2004. It reads ~

"I'm not an expert on how Iraqi people think, because I live in America, where it's nice and safe and secure."

Uh, Dub, if that is how you plan to stay; uniformed, uneducated, uncouth, then don't go on unannounced, unwanted, unwarranted visits to Iraq. Don't say goodbye...just slither on out, quietly!!!

Proximidade and Memes and the love of the blog

"This blog invests and believes the PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships! These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

Our new friend Gina from Vegan Strong has graced us with this wonderful award. Thank You Gina!!

I am supposed to forward this to 8 bloggers, I don't know if I am able to accomplish such a steep requirement, I think I can come up with four...

I regularly read my closest friends here so I guess I will start with them, mainly to thank them for providing me with daily laughter, thought-provoking news, recipes and social causes that I need to be paying attention to!

Hey guys, thanks for being you!!!



~ Making Social Change

~ Nardeeisms

~ Susan Reid

~ Snell Sisters

And also my gals over at Scattered Light tagged me for a meme November 24th!!

So here are 7 things you may not know about me:

1) I am almost 6'1

2) I cried when Jimmy Stewart died.

3) I hated "confession" because I was afraid I'd get locked in that dark room and never be able to get out and the priest would forget about me.

4) I never have bad dreams

5) My favorite movie is "To Have and Have Not"

6) My first crush was Tom Jones

7) I make my wishes on the moon.


Have a great Sunday ~

Friends On Friday ~ SHAKLEE, Patty & YOU!!

Patty Matlock of Shaklee


Now, my friends, I have been pushing Shaklee since I began blogging. I do it because it saved my life. Shaklee is just that good.

Stress had begun to take over my body like some sort of venerable alien. I was experiencing different symptoms at different times which led me to embark on a journey of health and awareness.

My first ailment that started to surface began about 10 years ago. I would suffer eczema. It would come in the form of blistery sores on my legs. I lived with it citing it was the cold dry Chicago winter weather. That ignorance worked until it began to spread. Dermatologists offered it was over-showering, allergies, detergent, stress, yadda, yadda, ya!

I learned quickly, they had no more of a clue than me.

Then my scalp began to flake. I looked like my very own ski slope. Gradually it occurred to me that I am what I eat, drink AND put on my skin.

I quickly eliminated fragrance.

Then meat, then products with things I could not pronounce. Ten years later, I happened to cross an Oprah Show featuring Shaklee cleaning products all while joining the WomenForHire network. Lo and behold, there was a entrepreneur being featured and her name was Patty Matlock.

This part of the story has been told, but I never shared how bleak things had become for me and my skin before I really took things into my own hands and took charge of my life.

I had things well under control by the time I found Shaklee, but I was not HAPPY with my products. Either the detergent was over-priced, did not clean my clothes well and I had to go all over to get each product I needed. Different distributors carrying different products. Then there was my skin and the lotions, soaps, moisturizers needed for healthy skin. Often that would lead to a pricey spree.

Not with Shaklee. I am able to clean my toilet with Basic H without breaking out. I no longer have ANY asthma/allergy symptoms. I clean my floors with Basic H. I clean everything without the affects of toxic products. I have never again used the cancer causing agent bleach. My skin is NEVER irritated. My clothes are clean and smell good. AND THAT's JUST THE HOUSING PRODUCTS, which are affordable and are concentrated so that they last a REALLY long time.

Using the shampoo, moisturizers, lotions, laundry boosters and wipes has just been a healthy encouraging and an eye-opening experience.

AND there is so much to Shaklee that I have not uncovered yet! The serums, diet plans, air filters...there are loads of products that only Patty can tell you about.

I mean, I can tell you that I use the stove scrubbing agent to clean my stove AND to polish my teeth once a month. It beats any whitening agent without the poison...tell Crest to beat that!

So every chance I can, I will be urging you to a "Healthier, Happier, You" by using these wonderful products. Just look at Patty glow!! You can have that too!

Read up on the newsletter, Shaklee is a great Holiday stocking stuffer!

I Love it and LOVE sharing it with you! Happy, healthy day!!!

Contact Patty today to change your life!

Make it your healthiest year ever!

www.gogreenthinkhealth.com
username = pmatlock
password = green

732-790-7408

Shaklee

Feel 25 years younger, Live 25 years longer


CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST NEWSLETTER BY PATTY's TEAM

"Warp and Woof" ~ K.R. Copeland Today

Check her out here

We've got spirit, Yes We Do, We've got SPIRIT, How 'bout YOU!!

Many, many, many years ago, when I was in high school, that was a popular chant at various sporting events...

I couldn't help but think of it while listening to the news about the sit-in here in Chicago. The spirit and determination of fellow Chicagoans who are staging this sit-in at Republic Windows and Doors, 1333 N Hickory Ave, Chicago, IL.

On Friday, December 5th, two hundred workers were given three days notice that they would no longer be employed.

Illinois government has stepped in. READ USA TODAY HERE. It has dominated our local news and put a great big PANG in my heart.

Previously I have shared that despite historical accounts of Al Capone and mob days, civil unrest and the corruption that went into building this town, Chicagoans are the "Monsters of the Midway" and are often shining examples of a "City that Works".

We have our problems, as any metropolis does, but I can guarantee that before this week is out, if this is not solved expeditiously, Chicagoans, and probably folks from all over the world are going to support these workers. We will feed them and help them...and we will watch and see to make sure they are treated right.

What are your thoughts on this sit-in? If this occurred to you or someone you love, would you fight for what you feel you deserve?

What about Bank of America? What do you think is their responsibility to these workers? The workers are holding down for severance pay and accrued vacation pay. That is understandable, given the conditions during this time.

What can we do to support others going through emotional situations such as these?

This is such a sad yet powerful story. I can't help but feel and wish I could say or do more...

**********************
BREAKING NEWS ~


After I posted this, the bottom fell out of Illinois (Or the top, depending on how you address this). Our governor was arrested along with his Chief of Staff. The GOOD news is here : BANK of America extended more credit so that the good hardworking can be paid...

Now, I know for a fact that this good company employed undocumented persons...so, that is another issue that needs to be addressed, although Illinois is a sanctuary state. We must consider, how much of tax payers money is being handed over?

Folks worked hard though, regardless of their status, so are they due these funds?

As our great country is undone on so many levels, now is the time to put Humpty Dumpty back together again, but this time we should be collaborating on how to do it the right way...

Food for thought to feed our HONEST elected officials, if that is an oxymoron I truly apologize!!

Manic Mondays NO MORE!!!

Our good friend and gracious contributor Tamera over at Pentads: Simplifying Life & Love has given us some holiday tips.

After the holiday melee we endured in the news last week (imagine having been at Walmart that day) and with many a holiday party to go, I asked author, healer and medical expert, Tamera Daun to share with us a much needed guide. Her advise is sure to keep us healthy and happy this holiday season just by following a few simple steps.

For the past 3 years I have desperately wanted to spend the holidays on a beach somewhere, but family obligations have prevented this dream.

I think I subconsciously needed this list from Tamera more than I considered. Once I read it, I immediately felt a veil lifting, a peace calming came over me, and a strength that gave me permission to have limitations this year. I was able to step back from so many expectations and be realistic with myself and everyone else ~ I hope the same for all of you! Christmas should be about love and grace and friendships and loved ones AND all of you!!

Thanks, Tamera!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We're closing in on Christmas once more, and that means 'busy' for so many. Although it seems as though we are bombarded with 'do this, and don't do that", they are often embedded in negative messages. There are many 'do's' that are positive activities, and not only increase our well-being, but get us through the holiday season.

So, here's a few jolly ideas!

1. Drink plenty of fresh water not only this month, but always ;o)

2. Remember fruit between the Christmas goodies and sweets.

3. Get at least 8 hours of sleep a night. I know it's easier said than done, but we need more sleep in the winter months.

4. Include as many seasonal foods in your cooking as possible. They tend to be richest in nutrients. Seasonal winter foods are also 'warming'. We are part of nature, and prone to the laws of biology. If we live in tune with it, our bodies tend to feel better.

5. Give hugs each day to spouse/partner and children. Positive physical contact increases well-being, and reduces stress. And, face it. We need those hugs.

6. It's easy to forget exercise this month. We have only so many hours in each day, and they become thinly spread during the holidays. It's important to lower your expectations, and go easy on yourself. It is also true that our bodies are meant to slow down in the winter. Although we don't always recognize this fact, it is true. We need more rest, and exercising as we normally do, which can sometimes increase our vulnerability to colds and the flu. It's that biological clock again! It may be much more beneficial with a few minutes of fresh air each day. Take a leisurely walk, and soak in the sights.

7. Enjoy your senses. Notice the decorations, lights, music and smells everywhere you go. Allow yourself to be delighted by them.

8. Plan a date this month with your partner/spouse. Yes, just the two of you. Have someone babysit, and take in a Christmas concert, a quiet dinner out, a walk in nature. Anything that will fit the family budget. Holidays are also a busy time for 'marital stress', so talk about something other than 'holiday stress' on your outing together. The two of you have to function as a strong and loving couple, or the family as a unit won't function. Play on the same team, and don't let others pull you in different directions. The bottom line is remain emotionally open to each other, and stay connected.

9. Do be selfish, and cut back on the gift-spending. With the economic times we are in, everyone has a good excuse. It is stressful on everyone in the family when we go broke in December, and January bills cause us headaches as a result. It's not worth it.

10. Breathe! That's right. Breathing deeply is essential to well-being, and people sometimes don't realize how important it is. Check how deeply you are huffing and puffing several times a day.

11. Lastly, here is a special wish I have for everyone. Let go of at least one thing this month, and make room for something new that will enhance your closest relationships. No, I don't mean an 'item'. I mean a past emotional hurt, anger, sadness, or grudge you remain chained to. All you have to do is tell yourself that it's time to let go of whatever it is, and everything you need to know and understand about it in order to do so, will become apparent. Although these things often include other people, we do not need their permission to let go of our part of the equation. Again. When we let go of something old, we make room for something new, and suddenly everything looks different.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

~ Tamera


~ AND House would like to proclaim warm wishess for Eid al-Adha (10th Dhu al-hijjah)
December 8 - 11th to all of our friends of the Islamic faith!

Winter Wonderment ~ Chicago-style

Dr. Susan E. Rice was destined, from the beginning, to be a part of the Obama Administration. She vehemently debated foreign policy issues on several media outlets for months during the primaries. I watched her closely because I was so impressed with her knowledge and how she firmly stood her ground with the older white male counterparts. She has to be applauded for her contributions to our country during the Clinton Administration as well. The United States was beloved across the planet in those days. She was vital in those policy makings.

The Obama Administration/Transition team has really given this country a fighting chance to become the caring, giving, peaceful giant it has always been positioned to be.

It is our news for the day.

Upon reading about what the media is saying today, here in Chicago, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as women assume their posts and are being revered to restore our image around the globe. Woman are gentle and firm. This has made me excited about being an American again. We don't have to cower. And if anything, such as like what happened in Mumbai, occurs we can show our passports and die with pride. Not that those who died did not die with pride, I am just referencing that a new America is emerging. It is the America our ancestors wrote about, dreamed about, and died attempting to make. ALL of our ancestors, every one of them who struggled to get here, stepped foot on new land, and pursued a dream where they would all be appreciated - men and women alike, regardless of their skin or orientation.

It also speaks volumes as to what this means for women around the world! That's where my REAL excitement comes in.

Just yesterday, I read another's blog and my heart broke. I silently prayed that with our influence, women around the world can be appreciated, allowed to go to school without being raped or disfigured, and given a promise for a fulfilling life.

I will say again that it is a shame that the youth, uneducated and ignored, have not given our process a chance and have not waited to see the changes to come. Entering martyrdom, without having the facts is a waste. Acting so violently without having an understanding. We must teach children to be diplomatic. Just because I don't think like you does not mean I should die, or that you should die just to show me that you are right.

Growing up my mom always said, "give it another day, you never know what's in store" and its true, if you just wait to wake up another day and then another, the truth and the light always manage to find their way.

As the reports of the Russian Ship the destroyer Admiral Chabanenko docks today, we should all be mindful of how we want our country to be viewed and seen. With a new administration and a new way of life ahead, stay in your elected officials ears and make sure that we continue to be heard - gentle yet firm.

SO Tired...

I just woke up to news that a lawsuit has been filed, again, alleging that our President does not have citizenship.

Many who are staunchly partisan have officially become really big whiners, in my opinion. The smut they spew is so wastefully malign when you look at the grand schema of things; all in the name of their ideology

I am not a Rhodes Scholar, nor do I have a law degree. I do have knowledge from working with 200 illegal defendants each month at any given time, for the last 10 years.

I also read. As this waste of taxpayers dollars makes its way to the Supreme Court, I am angered!

With the state of the world as it is, these folks filing these suits for their fifteen minutes of fame, need to get a life. Even if they find that his mother gave birth on Mars, he is still a U.S. citizen, period, and our 44th President. Jeeze!

Children Born in Wedlock
A child born outside the US to parents who are married at the time of the birth will be a US citizen if either of the two following situations obtains. First, if both of his parents are US citizens and at the time of birth at least one of them previously resided in the US for any period of time. Second, a child born on or after 14 November 1986, if only one of his parents is a citizen at the time of birth, will be a US citizen if his or her US citizen parent was physically present in the US, legally or illegally, for at least five years before the child’s birth; at least two years of that time must have been after the age of 14.

If the child was born between 24 December 1952 and 14 November 1986 the rules are slightly different. In such a case if only one parent is a US citizen, that parent must show 10 years’ physical presence in the US, legally or illegally, five of which must have been after the age of 14.

There is no longer any requirement that a US citizen child, to retain his or her citizenship, must reside in the US for any particular period of time. The retention requirement was repealed effective 10 October 1978 and is inapplicable for any child born on or after 10 October 1952. Persons who lost their US citizenship through failure to meet the residence requirement may have their citizenship restored upon taking an oath.

SEE FOR YOURSELF HERE: UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION

PEOPLE, DON'T BE LIKE GOVERNOR SARAH PALIN: READ!



~ This is Houseonahill, and I approve this message ~

XO ~ Give one, Get one AGAIN this year!!!

This laptop brought so much joy and was used so well by my son that I can honestly promote it again this year.

Originally brought to my attention by our friend ElaineVigneault, this concept is so awesome.

I promptly received my wirelessly capable laptop and word that another child would be enjoying one as well.

It is stocked with educational links and programs and works very well in addition to be environmentally conscious and energy saving, I felt very good about my purchase and hope you will as well.

One Laptop per Child : Zimi's Story FULL
Uploaded by olpcfoundation

World AIDS Day 2008!!!

There are now approximately 33 million people living with HIV worldwide. 500,000 are living with HIV in the United States. 56,000 new cases were reported in 2008.

Data the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) collected from 2006 estimated that roughly 18,000 of the AIDS cases reported in the U.S. belonged to black people. This is the highest category of all races.

With 33 million people living in our world with AIDS, 25 million in Africa, we must pause today and do whatever we can to contribute in efforts to quell this phenomenon.

During our election season, the main reason I was so angry at my community is for the way they treated President Clinton.

His Clinton Foundation has committed to so very many issues that affect our community at large.

Health and obesity, AIDS and heart disease are our main killers. His efforts have been staunch contributors in providing education and mandates to overhaul the detriment inflicted on our people.

His work on AIDS, especially in Africa, have stumped many who have launched efforts from our community. So, again, I say "shame on us" for that. And "shame on us" for throwing racially charged accusations at someone who has devoted these past 8 years of his life to many of our causes, concerns and needs.

Moving on, WORLD AIDS DAY 2008, this year, should be wonderful as we all reflect on how far we've come and where we need to go to ensure AIDS does not win the battle.

Be blessed and inspired today, if all you can do today is hold an AIDS baby or devote your time to educating others, I suppose that is a good start. Letting others know that you care is half the effort.

The other suggestion I have that would be really great is if you have not found out your status, get tested today! TEST INFORMATION. You can visit this site and find a testing location near you.

House has no idea what to do today! I am a blood donor so I try to get tested annually before I give to make sure my donation is good. I always almost faint! But I do it anyway. I'm sure most of us hate needles and the sight of our own blood! YIKES!

My contribution to this day however is starting with this post and researching from here.

I remain a supporter of RED.COM and will continue to blog and support the Clinton Foundation for now!

Here are a few sites I encountered: CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION

United Nations Program on AIDS

JOINRED.COM

<a href="http://video.msn.com/?mkt=en-US&amp;playlist=videoByUuids:uuids:acc5bb7d-2818-4a4f-ba78-d20f78369d12&amp;showPlaylist=true&amp;from=msnvideo" target="_new" title="Because You Chose (RED)">Video: Because You Chose (RED)</a>