Water for Baghdad

K Marsala


Clean refreshing water, dispensed directly from the tap into our waiting glass… free from deadly contaminations… something we enjoy here daily without reflection. Our government values its citizens and upholds the highest standards as it provides us daily, via a state-of-the-art water system, and safe drinking water. We all conduct ourselves with a matter of indifference as we turn on our faucets, run our dishwashers, load our washing machines. and water our farmlands. That the water pouring forth is free from diseases that cause life-threatening incidences. How blessed we are to live in a land that believes in caring for its citizens, and how often we forget that many do not have such privileges, nor governments that provide for the common good of all her citizens.

It was during the tyrannical era of Saddam’s rule, that the water supply structure for the neighboring cities of Baghdad was permitted to decay. This forced 300,00 residents to get their water from nearby canals. This was a practice that was dangerous, not only for health reasons, i.e. filthy water in the canals caused severe intestinal outbreaks, but also those who went to the canals were in constant danger of being shot at by terrorists.

The Iraqi government took the directive in planning and organizing these projects, proving how far they have come in terms of having the ability to lead their towns, cities and ultimately their own nation. The local leaders in cooperation with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division engineer project office made the restoration of water a priority. This was a top priority that brought with it the good news, which is now pouring, forth from this region, and due to the recent drop in insurgent activity it allowed such projects like this one to be completed ahead of schedule.

This major repair project took place in three stages: restoring the Kaa Kaa Water Treatment facility, the renovation of the SheShibar Booster Station, which pumps and routes the water to various locales, and lastly the repairing of the broken feeder line, which had been ruptured when the insurgents detonated an improvised explosive device.
Furthermore, in the town of Al Muhawil, located about 54 miles south of Baghdad, a new water treatment plant opened recently. Mayor Hussein Jabor, of Al Muhawil and Captain Brian McCarthy, commander, Troop B, 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division began working together a couple of years ago along with other coalition forces and the Iraqi citizens to help meet the needs of those in the communities and towns. With the ribbon-cutting ceremony now fulfilled one million cubic liters of water are pumping through the Al Muhawil station on a daily basis. Currently as plans move forward, a similar project will be concluded on the other side of town later this year, which will, “bring clean drinking water to more than 20,000 residents for the first time in many years,” according to Captain McCarthy. Added to this good news is the fact that clean water will benefit farmers, and a healthy agricultural industry creates a stronger economy. Such a simple everyday need has far-reaching positive accomplishments.
It appears to be a worldwide belief that the only thing coalition forces do is patrol the streets or track down terrorists, but what our forces have been achieving reaches far beyond our limited view. According to Mayor Jabor, “People need to see the progress being made. They need to know that we’re taking care of the future of Iraq. Soon, our security forces will allow us to live and prosper all over this great country of ours.”
Our praise goes out to the new Iraqi government and to the ingenuity of the fellow coalition forces for working hard to provide clean and safe water for the Iraqi citizens. A precious commodity that we take for granted here, now flows forth freely, to be enjoyed straight from the tap and streaming into a waiting glass.

Ask the Children... They Understand

By: K L Marsala
http://www.blogger.com/www.right2think.8m.com
cnuseeme@cox.net


Paraphrased excerpts from a journal entry by Sgt. Brent N. Bretz dated: Dec. 19th, 2005-
Just a little over a year ago a brave young soldier, like many other brave young soldiers, was riding in a truck 20 miles somewhere outside Mosul, Iraq. While traveling down the well known course, a bomb went off under his vehicle- changing his life forever.
As the present company traveling with this soldier, tried to untwist the seemingly lifeless body from around the steering wheel of the truck he was driving, his bloody lifeless body showed no signs of life.
…A phone call came in to his family saying, "It doesn’t look good-uncertain whether he will live, or that he will even have his left arm and his legs are already gone."

It was just this last year that I received an email from a friend about Sgt. Brent Bretz and the incident that had befallen him. After reading the email, I thought this might be an opportunity to share a story of attitudes with some students I work with; I contacted the friend to garner more information about this soldier, his situation and progress. Quickly he connected me with the young soldier’s mother and she began to share with me the rest of her son’s story.
The following statement is why I wanted to share his story with my students and why I am compelled to impart it to you.
"... I want you all to know that life is not to be taken as an edge of your seat ride but with safety and comfort that you get from being with real friends and family. Not a day goes by that I wish I would have done more with my life, and been more willing to try some of the things I was a little scared to do.
There are so many men and woman out there right now that are willing to put there life on the line so you can enjoy this holiday season in comfort, and the biggest thing you have to deal with is that Wal-Mart wont use "Merry Christmas" in their advertising.
Many wonder how I can be so up-beat with what has happened to me and I tell you this- if Sgt. Stephen R Sherman, and many others can give their life then my blood, sweat, tears, and my legs are NOTHING in comparison.
Nothing is forever, not even life, take it and do all you want with it don't be afraid to fall because getting back up is so much sweeter than walking past the dreams you have! I want to thank you for all the support, your words and actions have made what I have done worth it, and I really mean that. Even if I have changed the life of one, that means that all I have done has been worth what I have given... One last note I know some people don't think so, but I'm no hero I was doing my job like so many others, and if you really want to see some heroes look at those that gave their lives so that you may live yours."

This is what being a person of honor really is.
As I shared Sgt. Brent N. Bretz story with the young students they immediately felt compelled to put their thoughts and gratitude into action. These young people, all 26 of them, sat down and wrote letters to Sgt. Bretz that very afternoon. Some of the letters were one sheet in length, but many of them were several pages long.
This is what I found so amazing about our young people, each letter contained within it a big thank you to Sgt. Bretz’s dedication to keeping not only them safe from terrorists, but for helping other kids like them. They thanked Sgt. Bretz for helping liberate the Iraqi children and granting them the hope and privilege of being able to go to school. The student’s letters were filled with compassion, gratitude and admiration for their new hero. Many of the students added in their letters- they would whine over homework or a paper cut, but here was a soldier persevering under the most strenuous circumstances in life- a life with no legs, little use of a left arm and countless surgeries- all because Sgt. Bretz believed in something bigger than just himself. Sgt. Bretz spirit of optimism impressed these young people.
As discussions continued to take place over the ensuing days many students shared how they understood the WMD’s did not just consist of nuclear warfare or the garnering of nuclear technology. The students on their own researched and stated they understood weapons of mass destruction can come in forms of ruthless dictatorships. As they realized the former Iraqi leader had gassed his own people and planned with other likeminded mass murders to carry out the destruction of all who do not fall in line with their jihadist’s beliefs. They young students understood the logic and simplicity of why we are doing what we are doing. The study of the radical "Holy War" of hatred towards western ideals, that threads itself over fifty years ago with a man named Sayyid Qutb, was not necessary for the students to grasp the grave seriousness of this jihadist’s determined promise. They understood- that you cannot reason with that level of fanaticism.
Out of the mouth babes countless times lessons can be learned. The comprehension level of the children I work with is higher than most highly educated adults and our elected officials. They firmly grasped the importance of our coalition forces going into Iraq, but they could not understand the political divisiveness of our elected officials.
As fellow beings co-existing on this planet we may have differing views points on our war on terror, but never should we turn this war on terror into a political game. Those who have spun this war on terror for their own political gain are nothing better than the murderous terrorist’s thugs that are trying to dominate by any means our very existence.
We have politicians sitting comfortably in their Italian leather chairs with hot and cold running water, heating and A/C, private jet planes, gourmet delicacies and the ability to bellow their pontificating nonsense from our nation’s headquarters. All while our men and women in the forces march on to fight for freedom. How sad it truly is that many of our youth understand the simplest of things, but our nations politicians will not acquiesce long enough to see beyond their own agendas.
The war on terror is not about political name calling, game playing or scoring voters points- it’s about our survival as a race and living under the freedom to choose.
Thank you Sgt. Brent Bretz for all you have given, thank you for having a positive outlook upon life and thank you for your willingness to share. Our prayers continue to go up for you, as we know your road to recovery is long.
Thank you wives, husbands, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers for being a part of all who serve so bravely and unselfishly without agenda, but for the love of freedom.
Out of the mouth of babes… at times comes insight and appreciation- let us learn and follow their lead.
Death Before Dishonor
Take a man and put him alone,
Put him twelve-thousand miles from home, Empty his heart of all but blood, Make him live in sweat and mud, This is the life I have to live.
You have your parties and drink your beer, While young men are dying over here, Plant your signs and have your fun, When you refuse to use a gun, There is nothing else for you to do, Then I'm supposed to die for you.
There is one thing that you don't know,
And that is where I think you should go, I am already here and it is too late, I have traded my love for hate, You made me hear my Buddy cry, I saw his leg and bloodshed, Then I heard them say "This one is dead."
It was a large price for him to pay,
To let you live another day,
He had the guts to fight and die,
To keep the freedom you live by,
By dying, your life he buys,
But who gives a *darn if a soldier dies.
Found in the pocket of a dead Marine at Quang Tri Province, Vietnam, June 6, 1969

(*original word edited)

Blast From the Past!

Ray Ramono--Stand Up For Your Rights!
Kerry L Marsala (reprinted by permission)
It's time for men to stand up and take back their rights as men. Men have been pushed around, put down, made fun of, and ridiculed far too long. Men are portrayed in sit-coms, movies, and commercials as being nothing but stupid most of the time. Where are the men's rights groups? Where is their version of NOW? Where are their advocates? We women have them, why can't the men?
In the beginning God created male and female. The male was to be the decisive and logically thinking side and the female was created to be the emotional and nurturing side. Both perfect counter balances to each other-both sides are representative of the Creator.
There are crossovers of strength and character between the sexes. Men by nature are physically stronger and able to endure impossible tasks of strenuous proportions. Men can lift and carry more weight than women; their percentage of muscle mass is higher. Women are naturally strong as well; we can carry a growing child within our bodies for nine months and still drive, work and live our daily lives. Men at times are extremely emotional, watch what happens when their favorite team looses the play-offs. Women at times can be extremely logical, did you ever hear a mother act as judge and jury between two fighting children? She uses great logic in settling major battles on the home front.
Each sex has remarkable gifts and abilities unique to their own, and when they are used properly they work beautifully.
For sometime now, women have been contributing to a slow degeneration of what needs to find balance, if we are to survive as men and women. Due to an over zealous pendulum swing men have been under constant attack and it needs to stop.
Watch the comedy show Raymond for a few episodes and you will witness how Raymond's TV wife and mother treat him. Sure it's comedy, but it seems to be the reflection of an overall prevailing attitude from American women in general--- personified in a half-hour sitcom. Men are looked at as being louses, who are insensitive, dumb, clueless, cave men. Just because men think differently and buy tickets to the Superbowl instead of the ballet for our anniversary present doesn't make them bad guys. Just because men don't have female hormonal fluctuations every fifteen seconds, doesn't mean they can't be helped to understand how PMS and Menopause affects womankind. Even after full explanation is given, they will need reminders constantly because they don't live in our bodies-give them a break!
We as women have hurt men tremendously by the way we treat them as mere sperm donors and not expect them to be real dads. Yes, there are lousy guys who go around impregnating women and leave, so does this give women the right to use men for their sperm and then walk away? Why is it okay for women not to allow men any contact or perhaps desired responsibility for a child? And yes, I even question why men don't have any say on aborting their babies. I know you're screaming, "IT'S MY BODY, HANDS OFF!" But what about the men who don't desire doing away with their child? What if they wanted to take their child and raise it after birth? Why do men have absolutely no rights in pregnancy? Is it all based on because we women carry the child in our wombs--- so we have full say?
Too often the Hollywood types have now bought into just wanting the sperm donation all to fulfill their need to have a kid. How selfish we women have become, we leave the most important part out of the miracle of creation-it's called love between a man and a woman. Love so powerful that it protects and nurtures each other from all outside forces, it shelters those whom they have created from all elements that may want to harm it. Men have a choice to be more than just sperm donors; they can actually be real dads. Just as women have a choice as to whether they want to be more than just a depository for the other half of the chromosomal make up of a human being.
Men are wonderful---they're unique, they're our counter-balances. Men are worth more than the treatment and abuse they've been receiving. Men are not all crummy; most desire an equal relationship with a woman they love.
Men, you need to decide for yourselves, because it's only the individuals who can change how others are treating them. Do you continue to let women treat you like you haven't an IQ higher than a six pack of Bud, a bowl full of Nachos and Monday Football with the guys? Do you continue to let women poke fun at you over the fact that you process information differently? No, you don't need to tolerate it any longer. And women we need to treat our men with the same R-E-S-P-E-C-T we demand of them.
Can you imagine if a sitcom was created to make fun of women who suffer from hot flashes? We could portray men ridiculing women for their irrational behavior, their inability to cool down, their propensity not to remember things (like wear she put the checkbook), their burning of the food, their zero sex drive, their constant crying and in general their acting and looking like something the cat drug in. I don't think women in general would allow that style of sitcom, movie or commercial to play more than once and they shouldn't either--and men--neither should you.
So the real question is: Are you A Man or just a male sperm with fecundating fluid that enjoys being kicked in the groin?

New at Over the Edge

Copyright Mike Calderon
mike_calderon@yahoo.com

Over the Edge

To view more of Mike Calderon's Comic work called "Over the Edge" visit: www.right2think.8m.com

Right 2 Think welcomes cartoon works by Mike Calderon. Mike's occupation lies within the I.T. industry, but in his spare time he creates single-panel comics called "Over the Edge".

His works range from silly to bizaar, as you will see when examining, it follows neither guideline nor category regarding subject matter.

Mike feels that this diversity aids in his works longevity as a strip and provides laughter without a large investment of time.

For more information on Mike Calderon's outstanding and a bit outlandish comic work contact him at: mike_calderon@yahoo.com

Bidding Adieu

K Marsala

Everyone has their personal lists of things they would like to bid adieu too at the end of each year

Not that my list will be any better or hold more truth than yours. Nevertheless, it is my list as a commentator on cultural, political and society that I pronounce mine forward- feel free to disagree, agree or add on if you desire.

Things I would definitely like to say adios permanently to- for they I feel have been of no benefit:


Media/TV:

Dan Rather, Mary Mapes, Bill O Reilly, CBS, Reality Shows.

Dan Rather, Mary Mapes, and CBS all fall together into one big event that really I believe told the story of how the media has an agenda. The biased opinions being sold as truth were laid before the American public open and bare. Dan has now retired, Mapes is still defending her bad choice and peddling her book on CNN, and CBS perhaps has learned a thing or two.

I can hear the scratching of heads over me adding in Bill O’Reilly to a list of those I would like to see gone with 2005. I think Mr. O’Reilly had at one time truly a “No Spin Zone,” but as I have watched his show regularly, he appears to be caught up into too much of “Bill’s spin.” The bloviating at times is all O’Reilly’s opinion and little else. As a viewer of the show, I believe he has gotten away from his original formula. If he goes back to being the “No Spin Zone” then great… we need him and his talents.

Reality shows… come on do I really need to explain this one? Do we not already live in reality? Why do we need to watch loser unemployed actors who are drunk, having sex with anything that moves and spilling their emotional baggage on us? As well, why do we need to watch anyone do any of these things? Wasn't TV created to be an escape from it all or are our own lives so pathetic that we need to watch the suffering of others to make ourselves feel better?

Politicians:

John Kerry, Howard Dean

To the vacillator, Sen. Kerry, I would like to say au revoir forever. He cannot make up his mind or maybe he can- before he changed it. Lest we forget too, his comments on CBS’s Face the Nation I believe were inexcusable; “And there is no reason, Bob, that young American soldiers need to be going into the homes of Iraqis in the dead of night, terrorizing kids and children, you know, women, breaking sort of the customs of the--of--the historical customs, religious customs. Whether you like it or not...” Sen. John Kerry.

Howard “HeeeeYaaaaWWW!!!” Dean- you gotta love the guy for his candor, honesty and ability to open mouth and insert foot. Honestly, at least you do know where he stands politically, but his speaking of mind before thinking has placed him on the list of those who need to go- bye, bye. His declaration that, "the idea that we're going to win the war in Iraq is an idea which is just plain wrong” has landed this Democratic National Committee Chairman flat faced in the mud. Along with Nancy Pelosi and John Murtha and many of the other cohorts have done little to help our military force win, their comments have only aided and abetted the enemy.


Entertainment:

Paris Hilton, Michael Jackson, Kayne West, Britany Spears, Tom Cruise

Do these entertainers really need explanation? Paris Hilton- girl put away the camera and get a real job and a life. M. J., whatever really happened to his brilliant talent? I hope he never returns to sharing his bed anyone. Kayne West- just a loud mouth looking to sell his wares. Britany Spears- someone get her into therapy- she needs to find out who she really is. Tom Cruise- used to be Top Gun on my list of hunks, but his whole persona has becoming disturbingly troubled.

Anti-War Ranters:

Howard Dean, John Kerry, Cindy Sheehan, most of the entertainment industry.

It will take more than 9-11; the beheading of Nicholas Berg; terrorism in Bali; the London terrorist bombing (July 7th) to help these imbeciles get a clue.

Religious Leaders:

Jerry Falwell and Jesse Jackson

These two men may feel they walk with God, but it appears to me they live to walk in front of a camera.

Civil Liberty Action Organizations:

The American Civil Liberties Union or ACLU

This organization continues to baffle me. The ACLU states they are defenders of free speech:
“The mission of the ACLU is to preserve all of these protections and guarantees:
Your First Amendment rights-freedom of speech, association, and assembly. Freedom of the press, and freedom of religion supported by the strict separation of church and state.
Your right to equal protection under the law - equal treatment regardless of race, sex, religion or national origin.
Your right to due process - fair treatment by the government whenever the loss of your liberty or property is at stake.
Your right to privacy - freedom from unwarranted government intrusion into your personal and private affairs.”
Seems the ACLU has selective speech choices as they continually attack anything with a religious tone or flavor.
As Americans, we need our civil liberties protected not silenced by those who want to stomp out freedom of speech when it comes to Christianity.
It would appear the ACLU has forgotten this statement: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” – First Amendment, U.S. Constitution
Fashion:

Baggy Pants, short tops with bellies hanging out, and the “Toni and Guy” cookie cutter haircuts.

Education:

No Child Left Behind

This has become nothing more than a nightmare. Teaching to the test, mounds of paperwork, twelve-hour days, no weekends, and substandard pay. What insane person would pay for years of college to join? Yes, our educational system must be held to a higher standard, but we are killing our educators and limiting the education of our children by utilizing a very flawed idea.

Lawyers:

Ramsey Clark

He makes me scratch my head and say, a few extra prayers at night… frankly he scares me to death. His line up that he defends makes him a mad man. He has advised Bernard Coard, the murderer of Prime Minister Maurice Bishop, Radovan Karadzic, the indicted Bosnian Serbian war criminal, and the Rwandan pastor who is accused of telling Tutsis to hide in his church and then summoning Hutus to massacre them, and then leading killing squads. His latest client- Saddam.

Natural Disasters:

Katrina

Hurricane Katrina was the topic of concern for most of the year ending 2005. There remains much to do in the rebuilding, but the human spirit will not be quenched until all damaged areas are restored.

Medicine:

I’d like to leave behind those who have forgotten their Hippocratic oath- and killed slowly and deliberately Terri Schiavo. Add to this list all the murders of babies for 2005

Economy:

High gas prices- "As you know, the government takes 40 percent of what you make. The other 60 percent, of course, taken by the gas stations." - Jay Leno

Petrol prices took an enormous jump this last year and everything from hurricanes to the war was blamed for it… interesting how oil companies’ profits surged isn’t it?


Sports:

Illegal drug enhancing use.

On March 17th, 2005, Palmeiro testified during a hearing on Capitol Hill to examine the use of steroids in professional baseball. Hearing of the rampant use of steroids saddens many fans, but evidently, steroid use has long been a problem not only in baseball, but within the sports world at large.

I do suppose, just as McGwire stated, “he was not here to talk about the past, but to be positive and talk about the present and the future,” that that was a wise saying. As we move forward in 2006 and beyond, may all sports players put behind them the use of illegal drugs.

Looking forward:

These mentioned are but just a tip of the iceberg that I would like to bid adieu too, the true list of "forgettables" would be too long to mention.

Alas, though as 2006 has taken her debut we have John Kerry threatening to run in ’08, and we already have natural disasters occurring in Oklahoma, Texas, and California. All proving that overall things do not really change. We have our problems and dilemmas in this country and with this world. Whether the angst is caused by a thoughtless political gainer, or a natural disaster there are many things we all would like to leave at the ending of each year.

Perhaps though, as we bid certain irritants adieu, we first need to recall and study why these things occurred and honestly ask ourselves how we can do better next time around so at the year ending in 2006 our lists will all be shorter.

 

Rudolph Fired- For Saying Merry Christmas

Late last night an announcement came across the NPP (North Pole Press) wire; and it has now been confirmed- the jolly red man formerly known as Santa has fired Rudolph for wishing all the other reindeer a Merry Christmas.It had been rumored that during the “reindeer (not just exclusive but inclusive) games” last week that Rudolph was heard saying, as he was passing out high hooves to all his teammates, “Have a Merry Christmas!”

Santa, who recently changed his name to The Representative of the United Nations, immediately flew into a rage and fired Rudolph on the spot. Reports are now saying that Rudolph is going to file a suit against Santa because his free speech rights were violated. Santa has been unavailable for comment.

Evidently, this all began after last years secularists tried to abolish God from the season, a season popular for celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Santa had begun to succumb not only to the protests and nasty letters received demanding that he stop making the holiday season sound "Christian" in nature, but also the yearly demands of meeting quotas set forth by market forces. These added pressures along with his home life disintegrating and his employees increased demands, brought Santa to query, “What is Christmas really all about?”

Feeling that no one really cared anymore, Santa decided he had had enough of all this sappy religious stuff. Santa had had his doubts over a baby named Jesus and, with his world seemingly falling apart, Santa thought, "What had Jesus ever done for him? Perhaps these secularists were correct after all."Santa’s year had begun on a tough note.

During the year Mrs. Claus had become a feminist, joined the Peace Corps and ran away with another woman. His elves were tired of the demands of making faster and better toys. The hours the elves kept were grueling and they could not afford to further their education to keep up with the fast pace of technology. Santa tried to obtain government grants, since his elves were considered minorities, but thanks to out of control government spending, the funding was gone and only a few elves could be subsidized to go to school. This caused jealously amongst the elves, and at last, the elves formed a union.

The union stated that if Santa wouldn’t cover all the expenses for elves education, limit their working hours to 36 a week and guarantee pay raises of 12% every six months that they would all strike…alas…. the elves walked. Prior to their walk out, the elves in frustration over the lack of the government’s involvement to meet their demands trashed, gutted, and torched the toy factory. Many of the elves now work as lobbyist.

After the elves left Santa knew he could never meet the strenuous toy making demands. He rallied the reindeer team to help him, but due to their appendage-challenged mobility the reindeer soon began to complain that they could not be expected to take over the elves production pace and produce the same quality toys for all the children. The reindeer honestly wanted to help Santa but, they were not designed to produce trinkets, cars, X Boxes, and dolls. Their talents lay solely in flying, leaping and playing games. Without the support of a loving wife, his toy makers on permanent strike and a production factory gone Santa decided God didn’t take care of him when he was in need so, there must not be one. It was then Santa left behind St. Nick, Saint Nicholas, Santa, Kris Kringle, and Santa Claus, he legally became known as The Representative of the United Nations, aka RUN.

RUN had held a meeting earlier in the fall and announced to his ever shrinking staff that there would be no more mention of God and especially no wishing anyone a “Merry Christmas.” As he made his declarations known to his staff he informed them that all orders for toys would now come via China and he was considering the hiring of the illegal aliens that arrived just last week by snowplow.

RUN was locked into a contract to supply the children in the world with all they desired every 25th of December and his contract would not run out for another 75 years, he was stuck. RUN was an aging, unhappy, oversized elf. Divorced, overworked, budget strained and living with a few reindeer had taken its toll upon what was once a right jolly elf. RUN had no faith, hope or belief in himself or anything larger than himself. RUN’s, “HO, HO, HO!” had turned into… “Oh, oh, oh I cannot allow any form of Merry or Christmas into my life ever again.”

The other reindeer collectively agreed that Rudolph was not always the brightest bulb in the pack, but understood his intentions when he wished them all a “Merry Christmas.” Donner spoke for the herd, “We all believe Rudolph has the right to wish anyone a Merry Christmas, quite frankly, speaking as a half-Jew myself I have never had a problem with it. I and my family enjoy all the holiday’s many festivities.”

According to the gossip magazine Northern Exposure, the latest scuttlebutt is this, "Frosty the Snowman has offered to buy out Santa, but Mrs. Frosty has stated that the whole idea leaves her cold."

ShopGirl VS. ShopBoy

By K Marsala

Between the battle of the sexes, it has been reported that women know how to shop and men do not have a clue. Women, with their plastic cards in hand, appear to be able to out shop their boyfriends and husbands, and as consumers they seemed to have mastered the ability of always buying that ‘perfect gift’ for someone.

With very little polling data or scientific investigation, how can such claims be made? Is the realm of procuring items only relegated to the fairer sex or is there more to men’s abilities to accomplish the feat of shopping than women think? According to some girlfriends and wives, their male partners are totally inept consumers. They feel that men in general cannot shop and do not even desire to understand how to shop.

Michelle Courtright Bjork owner of Romeo Shops- http://www.romeoshops.com- whose slogan is- “…because guys can’t shop”, has designed a shopping website set up to help the male pick, compare, purchase and even wrap his chosen gift for his lovely lady. Due to her quippy slogan though she has received all kinds of hate mail because people are claiming that she is reinforcing incorrect stereotypes of men. Now, I do not think Michelle is reinforcing any incorrect or negative stereotypes, perhaps we have all just become over sensitive politically correct boobs, her slogan is clever, eye catching and funny. After talking to her, I feel she is playing a bit tongue in cheek and using her business smarts to offer a way for busy men to shop easily for their women. Besides why should the slogan upset anyone… chances are the same people who are offended by Romeo Shops slogan think Homer Simpson is a riot… and doh… he is. Homer could not find his way around a Victoria’s Secret store to purchase Marge a thong unless a donut was tied to it…

One analysis conducted by marketing professor, Katherine Harris, of Wellesley's Babson College, has made a study out of "holiday shopping behavior." In an editorial released from TownOnline.com Harris states that, "market research shows that male shoppers want to get in and out of stores quickly." Harris goes on to state that, "Men feel stuck when shopping with women and appreciate a place to sit, wait and even watch TV!” Adding to this Harris stated, “If tagging along, best to steer them to 'man friendly' departments like electronics." Well professor of marketing or not… speaking as a female and for most of my female friends- we want to “get in and out of stores” just as quickly. We as women too feel “stuck” when we have to go shopping for certain items that our male counterparts are thrilled to spend hours searching, comparing, handling, and finally buying. We like to have a place to sit, wait, and even watch TV as well.

Could it be that shopping has nothing to do with gender, but more to do with individual personalities? I happen to love shopping for electronics, and purses all within moments of each other. I have a guy friend who just loves to shop for silk ties and peruse sporting goods stores. We both just like to get in there though, exam, compare prices and quality and leave so we can go and enjoy our new found items. As well, when we shop together we give each other a respectful time limit of hanging out as we each may shop for our own delights- about an hour or so- after that we say, “Hey I am going to go get a coffee and wait for you till you get done.” That way neither of us feels pressured to ‘just hurry up’- we get to sit, relax, and enjoy a Starbucks while waiting on the other shopper.

Perhaps we as women have just thought we were better at shopping and perhaps not all men have reached the zenith of proficiency at abusing their credit cards yet. Lest we forget… women used to think they were the only ones who could cook (Emeril Lagasse), design fashion (Tom Ford), and cut/style hair (Jonathan Antin)… hmmm maybe we had better take a look again.

Men are taking to the idea of shopping and they are shopping smarter, and more expertly than they ever have before. With the advent of women entering the workforce by large numbers certain imbalances were going to be forced to switch and now men have to learn how to shop and many have very well. Not only are they learning but also, they are actually enjoying the hunt, the comparing, and the discovery of pleasure found in pleasing the recipients of their gifts.

Sure, there are still a few Neanderthals dragging their knuckles along the ground and screaming as the beat their hairy chests- “I hate shopping!” but the face of shopping is changing. Men are savvier, and more apt to become quite proficient at whatever challenges we women lay before them. So be careful ladies, your man may just become the next “Diva Maven” of shopping. Moreover, this is one lady who finds a man who is able to shop, cook, design his wardrobe, use a table saw and watch baseball very appealing indeed.

K L Marsala can be reached at: cnuseeme@cox.net
websites: www.right2think.8m.com and www.klmarsala.com

Rosa Parks: Don't Let Her Sitting Be in Vain

by: Kerry L. Marsala

A condition all to familiar in our media of today- our news is copiously overflowing with nothing more than political nit-picking. The bombardment of political folderol snatches the headlines and tragically, a story about the passing of a great individual becomes a forgotten infinitesimal blip of news.I fear that the “mother of the civil rights movement” Rosa Parks, will become nothing more than just another story, a folk tale, or a legend. All societies have their stories of old; we elaborate, and add detail along the way, sadly, though the truth of these pivotal moments quickly is forgotten or at times misused.

I do not want this to happen to a movement sparked by the courage of Rosa Parks.

Rosa Parks was not the first black to refuse giving up her seat, but she was the chosen catalyst to move things forward and in 1955, in the town of Montgomery, Rosa Parks took a stand and made a statement as she “set” her ground.Blacks were not allowed to sit with, across or within the vicinity of whites and it took a woman to stand strong in her sitting to be one of many people to lead the way for all men and women to be treated equally.

As Rosa Parks was arrested, convicted and fined $14.00 she sparked a revolution. Rosa, by sitting and not moving became the instrument that instigated an unsettling movement amongst people of all colors. From that point, no force could argue for segregation, prejudice, or bigotry. The pebble had been dropped upon the waters of freedom and its rippling influence had begun to cause tidal waves of taking a stand against such like. Our behaviors as a nation were wrong and it was time for all lovers of freedom to show the world that America was truly, what she preached herself to be- the land of the free- where all men are created equal.

In Montgomery, blacks comprised approximately 2/3 of the bus riders and they decidedly took matters into their own hands. By peaceful means, blacks found other modes of transportation for the next 381 days, ultimately hitting public transportation where it hurt the most... the fat wallets of the city officials. The boycott ended on Nov. 13, 1956 and the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling that Montgomery's segregated bus service was unconstitutional.

Rosa’s convictions came to her through her faith that all are created equal. In her book entitled “Quiet Strength,” you can begin to understand this woman’s faith. It was Rosa Parks’ unfaltering belief in God that provided the strength to send a message to all who would listen- "Our mistreatment was just not right, and I was tired of it." Thankfully her weariness of injustice kept her sitting right there on that bus seat.To her it was the soul of humankind that was to be respected; loved and cherished… it was not the color of skin, it was not economic or social status, nor was it religious beliefs. Rosa and others, who thought like her, knew prejudice for any reason was wrong; thusly Rosa began a peaceful march to demonstrate the need for change.Rosa and her counterparts, such as Martin Luther King Jr., planted, watered, and nurtured the spreading of the roots of what freedom is for all humankind. Growing the immovable tree of truth that prejudice and bigotry in any form is wrong. Rosa Parks on that day she stayed seated stated that she had a dream… a dream that one day…

“Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends.

And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today!I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of "interposition" and "nullification" -- one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; "and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together" (Isaiah 40:4-5 King James Version of the Holy Bible).

-Martin Luther King Jr. “I Have a Dream” delivered August 1963, at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington D. C.

We all have a dream and in this present time when our world is filled with fighting, turmoil, and genocide, the legacy of what Rosa Parks and her fellow counterparts began must not perish. With injustices occurring upon many continents, within many nations, and within many villages worldwide we need now more than ever to take a seat- an immovable seat- and dare to live the dream. No longer can we turn a blind eye to our brothers fighting brothers, nor our sisters hating sisters… for we are all created in the image of the Almighty. We as a people owe it to the children of today and to the generations of tomorrow, to honor her legacy and give all we can of ourselves in the name of love. I pray that dream will not fade away into the archives of the past, but continue to live on and shine forth brightly in honor of all of those who kept their seat on the bus in a town full of prejudice one afternoon in 1955.