Good morning DeVeria. Nice post.

I’m trying to learn to keep my nose out of other people’s business. It’s hard to do.

Oh, and Happy New Year to you.

What lessons have you learned

That those people who use the dreadful expression “It is what it is” are the kind of people that allow the present state of chaos in government and business to continue. And to counter that I resolve to complain, complain, complain as often as as loudly as I can. I will not accept the status quo.
Harumph… Good morning

I would be exorcised from my family for joining the FDL posters, but I have discovered I have more in common with you folks than those with whom I associate. Keep up the good fight and I love you all. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Happy New Year! It’s hard, but I’m finding it easier because I want them to stay out of mine…

I’m sorry I couldn’t respond right away on the last post. I was searching for a link. Jacob Freeze has a diary on the incident.
It’s hard to keep one’s nose out of people’s business, eCAHN. Especially when you know they’re heading down a bad path. I have relatives I just want to grab by the shoulders and shake.
My resolution for 2010 is to quit eating junk food. Potato chips for lunch, for example.
Happy New Year to you and DeVeria.

g’morning…i hear ya

One of the nice thing about the internet is that you are not confined by geography. So you can find like-minded people for various slices of your life regardless of where they live.

Happy New Year! Thanks…we are trying to make a difference.

Well, maybe not for lunch…but how about a few with lunch.

It’s relatives where my resolve gets tested, and as I’ve known them for so many years, I have come to realize that offering my advice is not productive.

Good to see you again. There are many commenters here that seem to be at odds with the opinions of their friends and relatives. But at the Lake you can pull up a deck chair, unwrap a brie and radish sandwich, pour a glass of delicious beverage and enjoy lively conversation… what more could a person ask for?

My resolution for 2010 is to quit eating junk food. Potato chips for lunch, for example

One of the best books last year was The End of Overeating. Junk food is addictive in the brain the same way drugs are addictive. Understanding that goes a long way to start to get a grip.

Kessler was here for a book salon, but alas, as usual I did not read the book before he showed up. It was a good discussion anyhow.

OK – Sorry I’m a newbie – how do you make the “in response to..” prior to your post?

Hey, what more is there?

clck “reply” in the appropriate post

Hit reply at the end of the message that you want to respond to…

Good morning and HNY to everyone from S N O W Y NW Indiana. Probably 7-8 inches on the ground from yesterday, and more predicted. From inside the house it is lovely, but I have to go out and I’m not looking forward to it.

Sudnurge, my relatives are mostly liberal/progressive (son-in-law leans right), but my sister overreacted to something I posted on FB last fall, and accused me of being a fringe leftist — sorta a leftwingnut. In September she was still “into” Obama.

My resolve then and now is to avoid too much political discussion with my family.

And I got season one of West Wing for Christmas and I love it all over again. Although the first season is 10 years old it still is very timely. Not sure you see that kind of brilliantly written TeeVee any more.

Thanks – it’s so nice to have helpful people around.

My wonderful spouse takes to work a little package of bite sized carrots, radishes, mini tomatoes, cucumber and/or other fresh veggies to nibble on during the day. Her co-workers munch on trash as their shapes can attest.

Don’t ever hesitate to ask. You will run across acronyms and FDL slang/shorthand in the comments, and we are all happy to help translate! Welcome to the Lake!

I’m probably among the most liberal people I know. 56 years old, white, straight – yet I can’t turn off the tears when I hear about war and death – and the frustration when I hear mindless rants from wingnuts is almost unbearable.

G’morning. I steer away from political discussions as well. As for West Wing, I gotta check it out.

Gee early on when I asked about an acronym, someone typed back: there’s this thing called teh google. *g*

Good snack…

Yeah, but most people here have a good attitude and are happy to just answer your questions.

That’s me, just ask eCHAN!

That thing about not reacting to people is huge and hard to do. I find that many times I have to just not respond in that moment at all, sometimes taking as much as 24 hours to think over what I want to do; this requires some self-discipline! But if I try a little at a time, I get better at it. It seems to be a skill.
I know I have to ask help from a power greater than me to do this too, because I don’t change that easily!
On the other hand, I find it extremely tiresome to be around people who take out their unexamined fear and anger on me. Life’s too short.
So, I usually lie back in the tall grass and see if that person can get it together without too much intervention from me. This part requires patience and I NEVER pray for THAT as it gets tested enuff as it is. :-)

Actually it taught me to check before I asked. It was a good lesson.

Feelin down? This will cheer you up:

WASHINGTON — Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell says the United States will overcome war, recession and double-digit unemployment.

Challenges will be met, better days are ahead and the nation’s leaders will unite for the common good despite sometimes sharp political disagreements, which are the hallmark of a vibrant democracy, McConnell said in the GOP’s weekly radio and Internet address Saturday.

They’re still in reality creation mode I see.

Along those lines, my last year’s New Year’s resolution was to be less type A with my coworkers, and I actually was able to implement it. But meditation helped me a lot. I found that if I’m aware of what I’m thinking I can often nip negative or paranoid thoughts in the bud.

Of course there’s the old adage that just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean people aren’t out to get you.

Get this one!

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea called for an end of hostile relations with the United States in a New Year’s message and said it was committed to making the Korean peninsula nuclear-free through negotiations.

I actually asked once about “teh” after I saw it too many times for a simple typo.

DeVeria, you probably could rent West Wing, but I’ve found a season of a TV show is too much to get through in the normal rental period. Season one is four double-sided DVDs!! Some of the older ones are pretty cheap to buy. I think early seasons are less than $20.

I watched West Wing when it was running, but these many years later it is like brand new, and I had forgotten some of the things about the characters that were introduced in the beginning. It won a zillion awards.

Or they just read the polls and figured out that their constant negativity isn’t helping.

This will cheer you up

Better than a doobie?

I had to ask my daughter about “pwned”!

Happy New Year, DeVeria. Pups.

What have I learned? I’ve learned that two people can see things differently and neither one has to be wrong. I’ve learned that in the grand scheme of things, some stuff just is not that important. I’ve learned that it is best not to overreact or act on impulse.

This is the lesson I’ve learned (or still learning as the problem arises – hard to break those “tapes” sometimes). It’s wonderful when you come to the realization that we don’t have to label each other as wrong or right–just differences in opinions.

This past decade for me has to be the decade to end all decades…very trying times that I thought would break me.

On an inspirational note, here is something that Christy Hardin Smith posted I believe for Earth Day two years ago. I love its inspirational photos that complimented the music.

Wow. 2010 is going to be one great year. I’m really looking forward to peace breaking out all over.

Maybe he got a visit from those ghosts of Christmas.

My, it’s been a long long time. . .

Now you are saying something here…

On the other side of the ledger, Michelle Malkin is going to be on book-tv for 3 hours tomorrow.

burning a fattie?

That is good. I don’t place much faith in rationalism, honor, and good intentions of Mitch McConnell, but Kim Jung Il is somewhat more reliable.

I’ll check it out…thx

very nice…

That’s one I looked up after I saw it a few times and realized I was unclear on the concept. Many times the top hit in Google is the Urban Dictionary.

My son and daughter are both in their 40s so they don’t always know the expressions either, but my two teenage grandsons are good sources!!

Ewwwww. Pass.

Good Morning DeVeria, pups
A Happy New Year to All,
we’ve got no place to go but up!

You might be able to borrow the West Wing from your library.

We could gang up on her, but that would be too easy.

Gonna go for a walk. BBL.

I kind of new this before 2009 but 2009 has really proven that Wall Street bankers and the privately owned Federal Reserve banks is the main influence and benefactor to our tax dollars. Look at the Wall Street created financial crisis of 2008,2009 and the bailout which is now over 28 trillion dollars. THE FED created this money out of nothing as a line of credit to Goldman Sacks, JP Morgan, Citi Bank, Morgan Stanley, and Etc.
Guess what? Those 28 Trillion that was created out of nothing for those Wall Street money grubbers is now owed to the US Treasury by the American tax payer in the form of income tax. Think about how wealthy you could be if you could create money out of nothing and have your own collection agency. The IRS is THE FEDS private collection agency. The IRS was started in 1913,the same year as the Federal Reserve Banking Act was passed by sold out congressmen. Your income tax pays for each dollar that our US Treasury is forced to borrow from the THE FED bankers. How do you like being a tax slave to THE FED bankers?
It is time for our Federal Government to be liberated from THE FED bankers and allow our US Treasury to create its own money and eliminate the fraud by backing each dollar with a measure of silver or gold. THE FED controlls our money supply and creates these business cycles of inflation, deflation, recession, depression, booms and busts.
Not only do we have to audit THE FED bankers, we need to eliminate THE FED, nationalize the US Treasury, cancell the Federal debt that our government owes the bankers and cancell the income tax.
This is the only way that our America will ever have sustained and true prosperity for we the people and our descendants. Let 2010 be the year that we the people and our Federal Governments declare freedom and independce from the bondage of THE FED bankers.

I need to be joining you

Yeah, the library is definitely an option if they have it. In the normal flow of our lives it might take longer to watch all of it than the library loan period. However, borrowing/renting it and watching even a few episodes would give you a sense of whether you like it, and then you could buy — or just borrow repeatedly as you have time.

I watched 8 episodes — both sides of one DVD — and may watch at least part of the second DVD tonight and tomorrow, but once “life” starts up again on Monday I won’t have time to watch that much, so probably will take a few weeks to get through it all. And that’s just season one!!

Good Morning & Happy NewYear….I am so glad you mentioned Christy. I started to name her yesterday as someone we miss….it was not quite the same thing. But I have really missed her. She sort of brought me on board here. I hope she and the family are doing well.

I did not eat any Black eye peas yesterday, so I am risking/hoping/praying that this will be a good year;)

G’morning. Happy New Year!

Meditation helps alot!
I’ve been questioning the meaning of “negavity”…..

I hope she is doing well, too.

We all miss her…

I didn’t eat any black eyed peas either…i just don’t like them

Happy New Year, Elliott. Hope it is a good one for you.

Well, Happy New Year anyway. My father was a BIG believer. Many years later my sister admitted not eating them one year; then she added…didn’t seem they had done much good anyway. A toss up, I guess. And in New Orleans, they also insist on cabbage to bring wealth; I can attest that is not a sure-thing.;)

I remember seeing an old Thomas Nast cartoon of that era when America was successfully taken over…a shoe was being thrown at a dog labeled ‘income tax’. People said it was unconstitutional then and president Wilson said as he signed the Federal Reserve Act that he had “just signed his country’s death warrant.
I project that when Obama signs this “health insurance reform” he’ll be pounding in the final nail in the coffin.

Funny thing, Tom Coburn has a petition out to make Congress participate in any “government run healthcare” they pass. Of course, since these IS no “government run Health care”…….. you’re signing nothing for nothing.
Tricky, eh?
He’s tricking into taking a final stand against the PO. Cynical…

I thought eating black eyed peas was supposed to bring good luck.

Many parts of the U.S. celebrate the new year by consuming black-eyed peas. These legumes are typically accompanied by either hog jowls or ham. Black-eyed peas and other legumes have been considered good luck in many cultures. The hog, and thus its meat, is considered lucky because it symbolizes prosperity. Cabbage is another “good luck” vegetable that is consumed on New Year’s Day by many. Cabbage leaves are also considered a sign of prosperity, being representative of paper currency. In some regions, rice is a lucky food that is eaten on New Year’s Day.

Anyway I hope you have really good luck and a peaceful new year.

*passing a platter of Hoppin’ John under the instant replay rule* Life moves fast these days. I propose HJ anytime the first WEEK of January’s gotta count.

Another option on West Wing first season…buy the set, watch it, then donate it to your local library. Chances are their belt’s pretty tight these days, and we need to outreach every way we can. [psssst, get a receipt for tax reporting].

If Christy’s peekin’ in this first PUAC of the New Year, happy day, week, month, year, decade to ya, m’dear.

Morning. Late to the Lake this morning. Just read Teddy’s request to call this year ‘twenty-ten’ rather than ‘two thousand ten’. Done.

What nonsense. Strictly for puppies not guard dogs. Ruff, Ruff!

O Dear….thanks. And what is Hoppin’ John?

What lessons have you learned that will help you in this new year/decade?

I learned ALL politicians are born rich elite liars, regardless of party affiliation. I also learned that governments everywhere, care more about their corporate masters, than they do about the electorate. Now why is that? Because, even if they get booted out, Mr. Corporation will give them a cushy job until their party is selected the next time, and they are given preferential jobs in a new administration. Don’t believe me? How many governments have the same goons in them, as previous? Obama has proven different. Not only has he selected the same corporate whores as Clinton, but he became “bipartisan” and kept alot of Rethuglican flunkies as well. Ah yes, government for the corporation, by the corporation.

Negativity – a state of mind that is best left with undesirable baggage that marked the past. Your inner beauty must be unencumbered with such – at least for these promising early days of the new year, if not forever. Focus on such things that bring you peace and comfort for now, and may love and peace guide you forward. I sincerely wish you a Happy New Year.

DeVeria and I are going shopping today and hit the Christmas sales.

Can’t wait.

Around here it’s pork & sauerkraut

Enjoy your day, DeVeria. Off to start the day…

Happy New Year to you too, and may yours be divine.

It surely is a brand new year but the new decade does not begin until 01-01-2011. Sorry.

It is some variation of blackeye peas and rice, usually with ham, I think. A friend from Texas used to make blackeye peas and rice and we’d put canned salmon on it (sounds yukky, tastes pretty good). I’m sure the southerners among us would disagree with that!

I am of German ancestry and grew up eating spareribs and sauerkraut with mashed potatoes on NY day, and to this day (I’m nearly 67) I make it for myself. I will do it today since yesterday “dinner” was a neighborhood open house with lots of food.

Yeah, but I can’t figure out what the definition is . Is it just something that make others or myself uncomfortable? or is it the god’s truth?
Is it complaining or is it seeing the facts and reality and responding appropriately? ( which is difficult)

Can I see that certain things are wrong without judging or getting upset about it?
Ahhhh it’s complex!

And I got season one of West Wing for Christmas and I love it all over again. Although the first season is 10 years old it still is very timely. Not sure you see that kind of brilliantly written TeeVee any more.

Naw…….what ya get now is *reality* shows 24/7 – specific to any identity group yer littl’ ol’ heart desires. SUX!

Wow, your comment appeared while I was typing mine!

We cook the pork on top of the sauerkraut, and then put the kraut with its meat juices on top of mashed potatoes. People always are surprised at the combination of potatoes and sauerkraut, but they always agree it’s delicious!

Thanks….the Hoppin’ thing was something I’ve never heard. Enjoy…wish I were there. :)

TEE HEE. I watch Countdown and Rachel and Bill Moyers and sometimes 60 Minutes and that’s about it. Used to watch House, but sorta got out of the notion.

No you don’t. We have 8 inches of snow, more on the way tonight and tomorrow.

good idea…

My favorite thing to do…shop!!!

Enjoy…have fun!!!

Well, you’re right….we’re going to the 50s. I’ve been sick, so hoping I
will be ready to get out a little later. Stay safe and warm….you’ll certainly be well-fed.

Yeah I agree. Pres Wilson sold us out to the Bankers and now the Pres is selling us out to the Bankers again.
Beam me up, I am voting for Jim Traficant next time. He is the change that we could believe in. All pissed off Americans will rally around him. YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST !

Obama gives Repukes everything they want but they still hate him..skin color or just ingrained kinda hate?

dog and pony show.

Kabuki..shell game…skin color makes liberals feel good about themselves and leery of appearing ‘racist”

Please forgive me for being so bold as to offer that the answers you seek are within you already. The difficulty you encounter is that you feel compelled to respond to circumstance(s) which in truth might require no response at all.

Influence in a positive way those things you can, and be at peace with eventualities over which you have no control, and you will find the complexities will diminish.

Morning DeVeria !
The holidays really throw my sense of timing off ,I didn’t realize it was Saturday already !
Geez how the time flies when having fun !

Thanks for the book recommendation. I never thought about potato chips as being addictive, but you know, that has to be the case with me. They ARE my lunch (I actually drink blueberry/pomegranate juice or orange juice for lunch, with the rationalization that “at least I’m doing something healthy.”
I have a niece that I just want to take home and straighten out, but her mother is my sister, and I can’t interfere. We can criticize our own kids, but no one else better criticize them, you kow?

Tell me about it…I feel like the weekend is starting all over again because I’ve been off the last few days. I’m excited!

Let’s see. Guess I’ve learned that genuine humility requires generous helpings of silence, and that’s why it doesn’t work online.

I find myself having to be quiet more and more…my first response isn’t always appropriate, so I’m just quiet until I can respond the right way. Guess I’m learning in my old age…lol

Same here. Enjoyed your post much. Have fun shopping. :)

RevBev – Gorsh, did you get the flu from me? Hope not. Rest is best. I hope you feel better sooner than later.
I’ve learned how to get along with people better too. In the outside world and here at the Lake. However, someone accused me of being sexist in a comment I made yesterday morning and for some reason, it really bugged me.

Thanks…I really don’t think it’s flu as no fever….but feel awful. I just spoke to the pharmacist who says “allergy”, which I do not usually have….so maybe something new. I have used some of this time for serious rest…..Thanks for your help…..who called you “sexist”? Did he/she explain?

Thanks…a good way to start the new year, dont ya think? I’m about to hit the road to get back to DC, drop my godson off at a bday party and hit the stores.

was away…Hoppin’ John is black eyed peas in rice with spice. Comfort food for the New Year.

I didn’t have a fever either, just achy joints, what I call oatmeal brain and all I could do was sleep. Three days, then, poof, gone.
It was yesterday morning, and there was a video of Jane on MSNBC. I commented that they had put on the chyron, the letters in a box, next to her face, explaining who she is. They had producer and writer along with Firedoglake. I said something about things weren’t as important as the advocacy, intelligence and education work she has done. I joked that it was a good thing she wasn’t a former pole dancer and blow job giver, because they would have put that up on the screen. I was implying that what they had put up wasn’t reflective of the reason she was on the show. I was told that my comment was sexist and that doing that to a public woman was wrong. Later, they accused me of having fantasies about Jane. Really made me wonder if I should leave the Lake.

You dare NOT leave the lake. I saw your joke line and “got it.”
All you need is your own snappy line, maybe from the 4th grade, like It takes one to know one, or whatever. Fantasies….really. What were they thinking about. Glad I asked;thanks for the answer.

Dear treasured DeVeria-

You are so filled with wisdom. Yes, life is short and precious, this is why we should take every opportunity which presents itself. We’ve got to live for today, and do what we can to help others and be good to those who are important to us. I try so damn hard to do this, not always as successfully as I should. Anyhow, cheers, dear friend.

Aw, that dude didn’t know what he was talking about. I’m surprised you let that bonehead get to you. Anybody with an IQ above plant life knew what you were referring to.

DeVeria, I’ll add one to the pic

Be here now.

We love you SD; can’t help it.