BethinIllinois's Comments (41)

“What's funny is that, come Dec. 10, at the Nobel Prize ceremonies, Obama will have to make another low bow, all orchestrated to music! At least, that's how I read it from a book -- about the Nobel Prize, not about Obama -- called "Reindeer with King Gustaf." http://www.anitalaughlin.nett or www.anitalaughlin.net) It's written by the spouse of a winner and follows the two months after the fateful phone call as the "academic" household morphs into "let's get ready to go to Stockholm," with measuring for clothing, Nobel lecture prep and a trip to the white House for a formal reception. (Hmmmm, I bet Obama can skip that step!) Anyway, interestingly enough, the bow is mentioned in the book -- I immediately thought of Obama and the bow in Japan, of course. "The proper Nobel bow takes some practice, as one must bow low, pause, and then bow twice again while holding a large leather-bound watercolor and diploma. As the bows were always timed to music, mercilessly critiqued by the press and watched by millions of people it was important to get it right.."

Well, Obama has the "mercilessly critiqued" part down!”

“Well, I live in Illinois (obviously!) and can, and have, beat my head against a wall over some of the things we've experienced in our (nearly finished) ride through public education. Don't even get me started, for example, on the Illinois-only tests kids must take, and that many treat as a joke. Or how high schools shut down, except for juniors for two whole days in April to take the state-mandated ACT. Or the joke that's Casmir Pulaski Day, or the stupid spelling curriculum or, as you've noted, the rules for teachers. We've had some wonderful teachers and some absolute duds. And I keep thinking there has to be a better way. A friend of mine works for a foundation, teaching teachers, so to speak, and the foundation is always on the lookout for new and better ways to teach. She's raving a progressive public school in Colorado profiled in "Lives of Passion, School of Hope," by Rick Posner, http://www.rickposner.comm or www.rickposner.com), which follows alums of the school and finds out how they are today. It's the kind of place where I know at least one of my kids would thrive because it's very studetn-directed (of course, I'd still want her to know math! She wouldn't be so directed toward that, but life is life). I loved reading about a school that puts kids' personal growth first, and that actually affects its students as they go through life.”

“Well, let's try the link again, shall we? I wish I could find out before posting it's not going to work!

http://decodeyourmessages.com”

“I think there's a difference between self-help books and self-help seminars. Certainly there's a big financial difference! Going somewhere for a weekend is a much bigger commitment than reading a book. I think people are looking for answers, they're seeking guidance to lives that may or may not make sense. We're willing to at least look at the wisdom of other people and see if it resonates with our own lives. I like this book, "Decoding the Spiritual Messages of Everyday Life," by Dr. Paul DeBell, because it's so practical! (I am myself, obviously, at least for the most part.) To decode the messages, you draw on time-honored wisdom and sound common sense. And an understanding of the spiritual messages lets you more effectively use the messages, and their guidance, to solve the everyday problems that so affect us all in life. (For anyone else who wants some info: www.decodeyourmessages.com)”

“You weren't the only adult in line! I read something this morning that said there were a whole lot of adults, sans kids, who went to see "Wild Things." I probably won't -- my memory of that book and reading it to my kids is such that I think the movie would utterly change those memories, and not for the better. I found myself repeating the cadences and phrasing I used to use, as the movie release date came.

I had not heard of the No Child Left Inside day. What a great concept. As a country, we have GOT to get a handle on obesity, and activity. Talk about health care costs now -- they'll skyrocket if we can't get some lifestyle changes going on. Less fat in food would help as well -- but I'm somehow doubting any legislative changes will be coming on that.

A doctor has written a book, "Family Fit," http://nogginpower2.comm) that can help families not only get moving together but also come closer together. It's even for grandparents who want to be more active with their families and incorporate a healthier lifestyle. The keyword for the book is fun -- not work, not drudgery, but fun. (And a family fit lifestyle is also doable and affordable­.)”

“What what he does, not what he says. And in the words of his character on SNL, what he's done is ... nothing.

He uses gays for props. Promises, but then says, well, maybe later. The time isn't right, right now.”

“So it apparently doesn't bother you that the NEA and the White House were strong-arming artists into supporting their agenda?

In the recording, don't forget, there's that little matter of the "specific asks" that were being ... asked! ... of the artists -- all, coincindentally! backing the Obama agenda.

I love the arts. But I'd prefer it be the artist's vision, and not Obama's.

Could you put a little bit of your outrage toward a White House that promised to be different, and better, and is probably worse?”

“So many things to comment on here. I know that we're pedaling as fast as we can to stay up! Myt husband has a good job, a secure job (which is very important these days) -- but pay cuts are looming. I'm self-employed, and no sooner does one client say, "we can use you," than another says, "we're cutting back." Kids in college, you get the picture. What's truly impacting the country, I think, are the lack of good-paying jobs that do NOT require college (factory jobs, etc.) Not everyone is cut out for college and there should be a way to make a living without one. That said, we're also trying to instill money smarts in our own kids, especially the one who's about to graduate from college. There are a lot of books out there -- I'm currently looking at "Financial Purity" http://www.financialpurity.comm) by Jessica Psalidas. It's for anyone who wants to mange their debt, get out of debt, build their financial wealth on a solid foundation. Let's face it, money is the source of SO much stress. This book has all kinds of good advice, including (important for my uses right now), why and how children should be taught about money as early as possible.”

“A questo --I know it's unlikely, as young people generally are NOT conservative. But wouldn't it be likely that some conservative people are leaving digital bread crumbs, too? (I don't know too many of them, nor am I conservative, myself.) But young people today are having to confront this every day. on't post anything online if it will affect your job status tomorrow.

and frankly, this guy is way too far outside the mainstream for a job in government. I think you're right that he's better off outside, still agitating for what he believes in.”

“Piffle -- the link doesn't seem to work. Let me try again: for the web page for the book, try http://www.naturalsuccessprinciples.com/page2.html”

“When I first saw this post, I thought Jack CANFIELD was Jack HATFIELD, who's written a book called "Natural Success Principles," www.naturalsuccessprinciples.comm) which obviously is about success and how to get there. Of course, each of us defines success in different ways -- Canfield is obviously talking about the monetary kind. Probably most of us are pretty interested in that, too. But Hatfield came up with his principles and the idea for his book from something extraordinarily NOT money-related -- the premature birth of his daughter. While watching her fight to live, he realized the secrets to success are within us all, from birth. Uncover them and we realize our own abilities are unbelievable. Yes, you do have to work and take responsibility -- but we can do it. This is such an interesting book, and way to live.”

“And I'd ask those in support of "reform:"

Do you honestly believe taxes won't go up on those making less than $250,000 to pay for this?

DO you honestly believe our deficit won't explode past further levels?

DO you believe that, once employers cancel private plans to force everyone into the public plan or the co-op, or whatever you want to call it, your "choice" will be gone?

Do you honestly believe that "if you like your plan you can keep your plan?"

Do you honestly believe that if this were a good plan, federal workers wouldn't have to be in it, too?”

“Been thinking more about my work life, specifically, these days. (Kids in college, need to help them get through it without crippling loans, but still want to work out of the house because of my youngest -- plenty of other people face similar issues, or much worse ones.) It all boils down to that same question, though -- what is it we want out of particular aspects of life. I'm finding help in a great book on personal success and transformation, "YOU UNSTUCK." (see http://www.libbygill.com). Getting stuck is part of being human, and this book gives you the hope and tools to get past whatever your sticking points are. Getting unstuck is less about changing behavior than changing beliefs (though obviously, you also have to change behavior!) This book helps people overcome limiting assumptions and undermining behaviors for real, lasting change. It's practical and applicable to all areas of your life.

You take some small risks, and that leads you to risk a little more. With risks (calculated ones), come rewards. I'm reaching out more, getting out of my home office, networking more. It's helping.

And by the way, I thought of that John Denver song (I guess he'd rather be in Colorado), too.”

“Maybe I saw this column elsewhere, because I know I read recently about the percentage of Boomers underwater on their mortgage. I was stunned -- and still am.

As for pensions -- I graduated from college in the late '70s, and stayed long enough at my first job to get a pension, believe it or not. I think it will pay me $325 a month starting when I'm 65. At the time I pooh-poohed the whole thing, but I'm sure glad now!

It's not just Boomers, though I am one -- EVERYONE needs to plan ahead for those "golden years." There's a wealth (pun intended) of info out there -- I like "Die$mart," by Kathy Lane. You just look at the beating retirement accounts have taken over the past year -- I know I felt the need to protect what was left. Die$mart gave me the knowledge to ask the right questions and seek out the proper professionals. I know have the peace of mind that I've done what I can to protect my family and my assets. (I just wish I could say the same of my mother-in-law, who's done some things that, according to this book, will cost us dearly, which I know is not what she wants. On the other hand, well, it's her money.)

Hmmm -- not sure if that link will work, so go to www.diesmart.com.”

“Oops -- with regard to the book on job search I mentioned in previous post, "Job Coach for Young Professionals," try this link: http://www.internbridge.com/jobcoach”

“I was telling someone yesterday that I feel part of both sides of this -- I'm in my 50s (BUT -- employed! And so is my husband), with one daughter who will graduate from college in a year and two younger. We have friends with kids graduating now and it's a horrible time. Colleges are telling kids to go right on to grad school (this is great, if you have the money. Many do not and they're in debt from college.

All that said, there ARE jobs available. One kid I know got a teaching job -- a good one. I'm sure at least part of that is because it's much cheaper for districts to have new, inexperience teachers than older ones at the top of the salary scale.

My gift this year to college grads is the same: something for the new apartment and a copy of a great book on searching for a job, "Job Coach for Young Profession­als." (See www.internbridge.com/jobcoach) It's filled with all kinds of tips, from self-assessment of skils and interests to the necessary prep work and networking, etc. It's easy to read and follow and it's very thorough.

Good luck grads! I feel for you!”

“Perhaps the companies didn't break their promise (what companies DON'T try to trim costs?) -- perhaps Obama misstated the agreement.”

“Is that really true? What great policies. Very practical”

“No, Clinton left office in 2000.

Let's not absolve Obama for something that's on his plate, not Bill Clinton's. Or is this just another way of saying, "it's someone else's fault." Obama is good at that.”

“THe problem is that torture, from various things I have read, DOES indeed work. What we need to decide as a country whether we accept the cost. My husband, 16-year-old and I had an interesting discussion on this last night t dinner. What is torture. Is it ever acceptable, etc. (I think we were proposing topics for my daughter's "issues" class. Her teacher is very liberal, which is fine (so am I) -- and we thought it would be interesting to see where the class conversation would go.

To me, whether it works is completely outside the question of whether we should do it.

But I think then we also have to be prepared for the cost, which will be lives. And I think that if it's your life or your child's your answer is different than the abstract. I guarantee you that while, in the abstract, I am opposed (vehemently) to torture, if the lives of any of my daughters were on the line I'd get the pliers out.”

“So it's McCarthyism when people protest what they perceive as unfair taxes and ballooning deficits? How is that racist or Mccarthism? How?

Was it McCarthyism when liberals marched in anti-war protests? I did that, as did one of my daughters. Didn't feel like we were McCarthy-like, we felt like we were making a statement in protest. That's what today's marchers are doing, too.”

“This seems to be a rather significant roadblock to the plan -- you don't send a pro-choice person to the Vatican, for heavens sake!

I also recall Caroline saying she didn't want to be ambassador to England -- wanted something in NYC. Italy seems quite a distance from there...”

“I laughed, laughed, laughed. So many funny lines in there! (And I completely agree about the black and white outfit being too casual to wear to meet the queen.) I thought she should have worn one of the ones from her plane trip -- she was gorgeous in those!

BUt I think the funniest line in there was about the "landing strip" of her wide forehead.”

“Maybe the White House should spell the Brazilian's name correctly, first. So far spelling has not been the WH's strong suit...

From the AP:
Rio de Janeiro (AP) - His meet-and-greet with the U.S. president was bumped to Saturday, and when the White House announced his official visit, they misspelled his name.”

“That's why Obama's contention that he had to have his Blackberry to keep in touch with people outside the WH was so absurd. There are many, many ways to read others' opinions and the Internet brings many of them right to his computer. I try to read a variety of sites and blogs, because that way you get more than one point of view on the same topic. Makes life much more interesting!

And Obama may SAY they don't pay attention to blogs, but somebody on the staff is. During the campaign -- and now, for certain issues -- you can see very similar posts on different sites. Someone is obviously coordinating responses for use.”