Torture, marriage, and children

So I stayed up late last night doing some research and Nightline came on. So I ended up watching a horrible torture video smuggled out of the Mideast. It was so horrible, I expected to hear lots about it today, or at least read lots about it--but no one seems to care very much. Most of the "comments" were "lefts" and "rights" trying to make it about America somehow. A man was terribly tortured. The police helped in the torture. It was over a value of 5000 dollars. Why would we make it about us? Can't we just be thankful that we don't live in a country that condones that kind of behaviour? Can't we come together to denounce torture and work as one to make sure that countries that turn a blind eye to torture hear loud and clear that we will fight for human rights everywhere.

So what was on the "news" today? Beauty queen says she lost a crown because she doesn't believe in gay marriage. Really? Does 3% of our society now dictate who becomes a beauty queen? Even though she is voicing what most of our country not only believes, but continues to vote to keep as law--that marriage is between a man and a woman-- she doesn't get to have the crown?! Crazy!

Children. I spend a lot of time taking care of sick kids. I have a child who has such a severe peanut allergy he eats in the Principal's office. I guess that is why I react to stories about people losing their children. How do you ever get over losing a child? ER had their finale. (I watched most of their shows since the first program--except when they were focusing on a few story lines I found too offensive to watch.) Before their finale they had the "best of" all the episodes. I realized that every episode that had really stuck with me, that I had cried large tears over, (unashamedly) were episodes about children and mothers dying. So why do I watch these shows that evoke such emotion. I think it lets some of my pent up fears over losing one of my children have a healthy place to vent....it makes me give my kids an extra hug, one more kiss, and remind myself that everyday with them is precious. Every moment is a gift.

Are Ethics Alive?

So I was checking on my public library web site to see if I had missed the annual book sale---and of course, I had, but I came across this article. How great is this!

"A Conscientious Library Patron and a Grateful LibraryThe Associated Press is reporting a great story about a now-famous library patron and an appreciative library.Pilot Chelsey “Sully” Sullenberger landed a US Airways plane in the Hudson River on January 15 without loss of life. He was not able, however, to save from the river a book that he had checked out from the University of California State University, Fresno, through his local library in Danville.Conscientiously he contacted library officials asking for an extension and waiver of overdue fees.Officials from Fresno State’s library not only waived the late and replacement fees; they also replaced the book and inserted in it a sticker noting that it was dedicated to “Sully.”The book was about professional ethics. source: www.nbcbayarea.com/news/us_world/Library-Waives-Fee-for-Sullys-Waterlogged-Book.html

News that's not really news

So this morning I fire up my computer and up pops MSN. Most of the page is covered in "news" that in my opinion is not news. What really annoys me is that the fluffy stuff is creeping its way into the "real news" section. This morning part of the important World News is that two of the octobabies are going home today. Really? Is that really world news? Is that really important enough that the whole world wants and needs to know? I can understand reporting that someone has birthed 8 babies at one time--that is indeed astounding and newsworthy. I think the world does want to know about a rare event, but is it international news that two of the eight are going home? I don't think so--but apparently I'm in the minority--because news stories are driven by the people and they give us what we want. Are we getting news from all over the world on MSN? I would say very little--unless it directly affects Americans. How I would love to hear real world news-- what's really going on all over the world!

High School starting later in the Morning

Just yesterday the news reported that due to budget issues local high schools may be going to a 9:30 start time. Years ago I watched an interesting special on some "boring" cable channel about a university study that showed that high schoolers need sleep like everyone, but that they are wired to go to sleep later--that is when the melatonin kicks in---and it doesn't kick off until about 8:00 in the morning. That is why every teacher will tell you that first period is a complete waste of time. Everyone is still really tired. The cycle continues throughout the day. What is so interesting to me is that when they have tried a later start time at high schools every aspect of the kids lives have improved. They get better grades, have less accidents, and remarkably their parents love having less temperamental teenagers. What we've always thought was just an "age" or "attitude" was really just sleep deprivation. I hope my county decides to go with this policy--even if it is to use less buses and save money. I think it will definitely be a win win for everyone.

Monday

What is it about Monday? Some Mondays I wake up encouraged and energetic, and some Mondays I do not! Today is was one of THOSE Mondays. I have dragged myself to do the simple tasks, much less the more daunting tasks--like unpacking from spring break. I really dislike unpacking. I grew up traveling and moving more than most. Every four months I was packing and unpacking. I dislike both equally. I think its the emotional garbage I carry around that makes this activity so onerous. Anyways, now that I've written about it, maybe I should conquer my inner demons, and go put away those clothes!

Awake When I Should Be in Bed

I've been mulling ideas around in my head for a blog when it suddenly dawned on me. I don't need one idea. I've got plenty of great ideas everyday. I have soooo many opinions. So, I'll write about them.....maybe it will help me get to bed earlier? I doubt it....anyways...goodnight.