Sunday, February 27, 2011

Made In America

Where are all the products made in America? Are there even any products made in America? Are American made products a thing of the past? Who is to be blamed for this? The government? The consumers? Or both?

Have you noticed that when you go to the deep discount places that most items, if not all, is made in China? The stores at the mall is no exception! Almost all is either made in China, Bangladesh, Mexico, or India, just to name a few countries. Why is that? Their wages are very low...lower than the wages in the United States! The products made overseas is dirt cheap, that is why American consumers buy it!

When I am in the store, be it in a discount store or a well known store at the mall, I make it a point to discourage people to buy anything made in China! Why? Why?? That is a stupid question!! First of all, look at the American economy as compared to China or other places! Our economy is something to be desired! We still have many, many, many unemployed people! Do not listen to what the government is saying about the unemployment! They are trying to make it good for them! Just see for yourself, unemployment is not what the government says! Did you know that there are many, many, many people in food stamps also? 14%! One out of 7 people has food stamps! Is that what we want for our beloved country? A country with no jobs and a bleak tomorrow?

So, what are we as citizens, have to do? I thought that someone have to start making clothes here. I would, but I do not have finances that will allow me to do it! Do I get a financier for this endeavor? Any takers??? Someone told me that it is impossible to make clothes here in America since labor is very high! That is true, but if we really want our country to survive, someone should take the initiative to do it! The clothes from other countries are not that cheap either! Panties for women at the mall is outrageously high! The pretty ones are averaging $6.00/piece or 5 for $24.00! I think that is kind of high! What do you think? In the deep discount places there are panties for $1.00/piece, but can you use it? Of course not! I bought one, and it does not stay on my waist! That is a waste of a dollar! Return it then? So that you can waste the precious gas? I will just trow it away and not buy anyat the deep discount store! I learned my lesson! Am I right? Of course, I am!

So, all Americans should boycott any products made in China or other countries! Let us just buy products made and manufactured in the USA!!! We, as citizens need to band together so the United States will once more be a great nation!!!!! Need I say more???

Friday, February 25, 2011

American Idol, 02242011

The American Idol finally completed its most intense and grueling search for the top 12 girls and top 12 boys to compete for the coveted American Idol title! This year seems to have more talented boys and girls that competed, and the age group was even lowered to 15! Wow! Is that not too young for someone to compete in such a show? Can these youngsters cope with the pressure to be in the limelight and the constant pushing of everyone? No, I do not think so! The American Idol folks and parents of wannabe singers should leave the 15 year olds to play and be children! Even though kids grow fast in today's society, I think these youngsters should be left alone to mature! True, they will be earning big bucks, but is that what will make the kids happy? It will make the parents happy because their kids will be on top of the world, and so do the parents! And what will that take the kids into? Drugs, and more drugs since they will have unlimited access to money! Look at some of the young actors and actresses that have been in and out of rehabs and jail! They are definitely out of control, and a nuisance to society! Am I right? Of course, I am right!

Let us talk about the judges. Randy, "The Dawg" Jackson....You should see his facial expression when someone is singing. It is priceless! And it seems that Randy is trying to fill Simon's shoes! I do not think that The Dawg can fill Simon's obnoxious character! The Dawg is nicer and more mellow! Why was he not let go by the producers? Did they want someone that knows what the show is all about? Maybe, maybe not! I wonder if he ever got more money for staying? I also wonder if he is making more than the two new judges? Hmmm....Will we ever know?

Let us go now to Jennifer Lopez. It seems that she has a very sensitive side that people are seeing now. She even cried when one contestant that is a caregiver to his girlfriend was eliminated! She said that she wanted him to go through but Randy and Steven Tyler vetoed her! JLo even wanted to quit, but she was persuaded by the other two judges to get her bearings back! Wow! What a drama! What an act! These people can really make a dramatic thing. After all, thay are actors! Drama is a good thing to viewers, the show can get the sympathy of viewers. More drama and acting, more viewers, ratings go up! When ratings go up, more money! Right??

How about Steven Tyler? Just looking at him makes me laugh! His facial expressions are something else! And when he sees a beautiful contestant, he is all attentive especially if she can render the song to perfection! And he always close his eyes and seems to be savoring the song when the song is beautifully sang! Is that a sign of a good artist and musician? I do not know...you guys tell me! But I did not realize that he is a foul mouth person! On the other hand, why should I be surprised? After all, he is a rocker! And rockers are famous for foul language, sex, booze and women, is it not? Anyway, he seems to be fun to watch with all his different facial expressions! I find him amusing and entertaining, with or without a bad mouth!

This season will be interesting with a new set of judges and a whole lot of talented singers! Who says American Idol cannot function without Simon Cowell? Simon Cowell, American Idol is still alive....Nenenenenene!!!!!!! Good riddance to you, the American Idol Jerk!!!!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Anything Goes!!!

Why is my title anything goes? Why, do you have a problem with that? Not really. Okay, then, just keep quiet and just read! As my title suggests, my blog for today will be with any topic that comes to my pretty little mind! ( Blush...flicker your eyes! Ha! Ha! Ha!).

Wowie! The snow that came yesterday wreak havoc in some areas, with numerous accidents! It also gave the people the chance to show their good human side by being helpful with the people that was stuck in the snow! With that said my faith with the humans came back! Why did you say that? You did not have any faith with humans? Not really! Look at all the greed and corruption that is all over the world! Please do not go to politics! That is one of the subjects that we should leave alone! We should not leave it alone..we should let our voices be heard by our elected politicians who says one thing, and when they get elected they do another thing! And these elected politicians come out of the office rich and powerful! No exceptions! Have you ever seen a politician get off from office poor? Look at Bill Clinton...He is very rich now and very powerful. Thy are even calling him the president of the world! Pulleeze....what will he do when he becomes the world's president? Have many beautiful women will be all around him?? Wait..Monica Lewinsky is not that pretty. What did Bill see on him??? S..E...X....,what else? How about Hilary? She chose to stick by her man! I do not blame her! Look what it got her! The position of Secretary of State... she is a kiss ass to the president!!! How about Barack Obama? He was nothing before! He was just a community organizer! He sure took a very big giant step to the White House! Now, he and his family are very well off! And Michelle Obama? They keep referring to her as the new Jackie O! Please...there is only one Jackie O, Michelle Obama cannot take her place! That is the reason why there are soo many people that want to have an office...be in City Hall, Congress or the White House! Need I say more???

Justin Bieber and Jennifer Aniston cut off their trademark locks! People are livid! Who cares if they cut their hair? I saw the the picture of Justin Bieber with the short hair. Hmmmm....He does not look adorable anymore! Jennifer Aniston too, looked mature and different! Oh, well. But it is their prerogative...they can do what they want to do! And if their fans are loyal to them, they would not care how they look! Right?? So, people....leave the two alone!

The royal wedding is rapidly approaching and the invitations were out! Did you get an invitation? Heck, no! Do I want to get one? Not really, because some of the people in that group are hypocritical of other people. Look at how they did not invite Fergie on purpose! Why did they not invite her? Because she might steal the show from the lovebirds? Or she might embarrass the queen? I guess even in high society, it is not easy to forgive and forget! That is too bad! They are in the limelight and they are Christians! They should set an example to all, if not to their British subjects! Ay..ya..yay... Crazy world!!!!

Did you all know that February 22nd is National Margarita Day? Who gives a damn? You will just be adding to drunk drivers statistics!!!!

Monday, February 21, 2011

Ponderings By A Breast Cancer Survivor!

It was on May, 2007 when I was first diagnosed with breast cancer. I can still vividly remember the trips to the doctors and the hospitals. I also remembered quite well the pain, agony and frustration on that year. The hurried decisions made without much thought! You thought you are great in decision making, but crumbles when it is your own self involved! Hence, I decided to share my story to the whole world with the hope that women in the same predicament will be able to read my book. The book, "My Journey With Breast Cancer," is an eye opening of what is involved when you have breast cancer! Your world crumbles and everything is beyond your grasp! You feel helpless with a big doom and gloom written all over your face! But lo and behold...you decide to fight!

A very strong woman! Although you are crumbling inside you still had that urge to fight! Where did you get the stamina to fight?? From God Almighty and with the help of my loving family! I thank God for my faith and for a close knit family! Although it was very hard most of the time to smile and laugh, God gave me the strength not to lose hope, hence my sense of humor was still intact and kept me going to beat the dreadful, horrible disease!

Although it is almost four years since I was first diagnosed, I am still kind of apprehensive since I heard so many people get it again and again! I am sooo thankful to God and I hope my cancer will be completely gone and will eternally be a thing of the past! I also hope and pray that my relatives and friends will be spared of this horrible disease!

Sunday, February 20, 2011

What's Hot and New

It is only the second month in 2011 and there are sooo many things going on. Economy, so they say is on the rebound. Oh ya? I do not think so. Look around you...how many do you see that is unemployed? Foreclosed homes? How about commodity and other products? Their prices have really soared!

As of last month, Americans receiving food stamps reached 43.2 million, which is 14% of the population or nearly 1 in 7 people!

Strong winds have knocked down the National Christmas tree, a Colorado blus spruce, in Washington DC near the White House. It was 15 years ago when it was planted in 1978 and 30 feet then. Now, it stands 42 feet and is 47 years old whan it was knocked down! So, what are you saying? It was knocked down as an omen of bad things going on in Washington????

The 60's/70's tie neck blouses are coming back! It is time to take it from hibernation! I remeber these tie neck blouses and I had a hard time making a pretty bow! The other fashion thing coming back is the trouser jeans and the wide leg jeans! Do you remember that?

Commodity prices are on the rise! Coffee is up by 15.9%, from $3.81 to $4.42/lb! Sugar is up by 25.6%, $0.52/lb to $0.65/lb! Vegetable oil increased by 50 %, $1.15/lb to $1.72/lb! Yikes, so when you are in the grocery stores, you can really see how the prices have really gone up! Produce is up by 75%. This is because about 20% of all produce are thrown out before it's sold. Who would like to buy a blemished fruit? Bottled water is up to 4,000%! Some cities have good water, so why not bottle your own tap water? Meat is up by 60 %! Did you know thet the shelf life of refrigerated meat is only 5 days? Did you know that meat cut up into pieces is marked up as much as 300%? That is why I usually do not buy alredy cut up meat! Very expensive! There are other things cheaper made at home like cookies, cake etc. To save up on grocery bill, avoid impulse buying, and be sure to stock up on non-perishables when they are on sale!

Winter is back! From South Dakota to Wisconsin, to the Great Lakes, New York and New England! Winter is at its fury again, dumping lots and lots of snow! Brrrrr!!! If winter comes, can spring be far behind??? Hurry up spring!!!! Come soon!!!

Cotton prices are up. Some companies are taking creative approaches like thinner T shirts and fake pockets. Some retailers are even experimenting with blended fabric of poly cotton mix and bringing back the 70's fabric, polyester! I still have some of those in my closet!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Michigan Governor's Tax Proposals

Michigan residents especially the young, the old and the poor should take notice of the new tax proposals of the new Republican governor, Rick Snyder! It is not a pretty picture and hopefully his cronies in Lansing will challenge him and not pass the bill! This is a rude awakening for people who voted for Snyder! Now, Michiganders would love Jennifer Granholm to come back! Is it time to recall Rick Snyder as the governor of Michigan????

His budget cuts are mainly for the young....in education...he is cutting the state aid for universities for 15 % and will cut public schools by 4 % or $470.00 per student! That is a big cut and will not be good for the students, the teachers and the schools!

Snyder wants to decrease state aid to local government. How much more can the cities take the burden? If that is done, heaven forbids...will the property tax increase? That is not possible considering that the value of houses have deteriorated!

Tax credits for the film industry will be limited at $25 million. Currently, there is no limit! If he cuts it, there goes another source of revenue for the state of Michigan out the window!

Snyder also plans to eliminate the additional $2,300 exemption that seniors can claim, and the $600 per child deduction for parents! That is not good because seniors does not have many deductions to start with and if he eliminate this exemption, seniors will be paying higher taxes which they could not afford!

Income tax rate would remain at 4.25 %! Wow!

Private pensions will be taxed. Public or former state employee pensions will be exempted! Why is that? This is not fair! What is the purpose of the taxing of the private pension? Per Snyder, it would generate $900 million toward the $1.5 billion cost of Snyder's plan to replace the 6% profit tax on businesses. In other words, the governor is taxing seniors so Michigan businesses can pay less! Snyder owns businesses in Michigan, is he not? This will really be a big plus for his business! No wonder he could afford to only get $1 per year salary! What does Snyder wants seniors to do? To go back to work until they die? He is a tough,cold hearted individual! I am really dissapointed at how our elected Republican is turning his head against of all people...the seniors! He really want the seniors to suffer and die quickly it seems!

What is our beloved Michigan going to be? If he gets this passed, this state would not really be good for seniors! It would really be a shame to see more seniors living in poverty, all because the new Republican governor wants to tax the hard earned dollars that the seniors deserved! All seniors should band together and march to Lansing to tell the governor to leave the senior's pension alone!

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Jeopardy, 02142011

Boring! Boring! Boring! That is how Jeopardy appeared to me with Watson, IBM's artificial intelligence software debut yesterday! Watson seems soo cold, stiff and weird!!! Watson was pitted against the best of the best Jeopardy champions, Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter.

When I saw the computer, I was thinking what the heck was the purpose of the showdown between a machine and human? Is it to tell us that machines have better memory and better intelligence? Well, yes and no! I agree that as a human being matures, the memory is something to be desired whereas machines do not age! But machines is only as good as its operators! And it does not have any emotions!

When I was watching the show, I can see that the machine was much faster than Ken Jennings or Brad Rutter with their fingers! Watson also made mistakes and in one instance, copied Jenning's wrong answer! Was this just done on purpose, just so we would not be too bored? Hmmmm.....Too late! I was sooo bored to death! I hope Jeopardy's future shows will be all human beings competing with each other! We do not need more machines to watch! We are aready inundated with machines left and right! We do not need one to watch for our enjoyment because I do not get the thrill and edga watching a machine compete!

What was Jeopardy thinking??? I hope that they stick to their usual programming! That is...human beings and not some made up machine!

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Valentine's Day 2011

Did you buy a valentine's gift to that someone special? Was it flowers, a box of chocolates, a box of candy, or jewelry? Are you planning to have a romantic dinner or just a stroll in the park with a picnic basket? Or is it that special home cooked meal with a bottle of wine?

There are so many ways to show your love for that special someone! It does not have to be extravagant that it will cost you an arm and a leg! It can be a trip to the movies or better yet, how about just watching a nice movie at the comfort of your home? That is sooo cheap! Well, with today's economy...what do you expect? Besides, Valentine's Day is overrated and it has become so commercialized like the other holidays that it has lost the real meaning! Nobody really need an expensive jewelry or an expensive box of chocolates to tell someone that you love her or him!

How about flowers? Flowers are good. How about roses? Did you know what the colors of roses mean? Red means love, beauty and courage. This is the most popular color for Valentine's Day! How about white? It means purity. Pink roses signify appreciation, grace and happiness! Yellow roses mean joy, gladness and jealousy while peach denotes sincerity and gratitude! Too many colors to choose from! Why not just give one red long stemmed rose? I am sure that whoever receives this will really be happy! There is no need to buy more than one...just use the money for a good carry out and a good movie!

What ever you plan to do...enjoy the day and each other! After all, Valentine's Day comes only once a year....make the most of it!

Happy Valentine's Day to all!

Friday, February 11, 2011

American Idol, 02102011

Last night's American Idol was a drag! It was boring, not good and a waste of my time! It was the first time it was held in Hollywood. You would think that since it was in Hollywood, that it will really be an exciting and glamorous show together with the judges!

First of all, I think it was a huge mistake on the part of the judges to let the auditioneers go through to Hollywood and just be dissapointed big time when they started singing on stage! What was the judges thinking of letting the mediocre singers go through? Whose fault is it? Jennifer Lopez? Steven Tyler? Randy "Dawg" Jackson? I think it was the fault of all three! They gave these auditioneers false hope...only to be shot down big time in Hollywood! Well, at least they were able to see Hollywood! And if I was one of these people, I would have extended my stay and see the sights...Idol or not! After all, it was a free flight and hotel, is it not? I hope the judges learned their lesson and will not give in to the begging of these would be singers! And does these people know whether they can really sing or not? Are they sooo stupid and deaf that they cannot hear that they do not have a singing voice? What do they hope to accomplish in their audition? To be ridiculed and be laughed at? Well, if these people do not audition, it will be boring and corny! I do not think so...it will be a good show with only the real talented singers! Don't you all agree?

Needless to say, there were many tears shed last night and many lost dreams shattered! Do you think these people will stick to their day jobs? Probably not. They will keep on pursuing their dreams and try again next year! Do you think some will have what it takes to get their dreams come true? I do not know. Maybe, maybe not. Stress or not...if you have a good voice, it should still show! Show business is a brutal business, and the judges know that for a fact! So I am not sure why they let these people go to Hollywood! That was really mean of them to give them false hopes! Some of them that even went through are not that good. Well, they have to have a quota! I would not want to be in just to be in a numbers game! I tell you...there will be more tears that will be shed next week!

Do you mean to say that you will still watch the show? I will...just because there are no other shows on! And hopefully, it will be better than last night!

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Superbowl XLV, 2011

Hip, Hip, Hooray! Superbowl XLV is finally here! Why? Are you a big fan of football? Not really! Then why are you happy? Because it is finally here and will come and go! All you hear nowadays on television, the news, radio, internet and stores is the superbowl...getting tired of it! Well, it is the most anticipated game that everybody is waiting for! Ya... a football game costing $12,500 a ticket! It is not just any other football game...it is the Superbowl! What ball do they use? Football! I rest my case! Ya, baby! The superbowl is a big business. Look at how much the stores have sold for snacks and drinks for home parties! How about the restaurants and bars with a big screen TV? You bet! They will have many customers having a great time drinking and watching! No wonder the players get big, big bucks that you or I will probably not see in our lifetime!

The players: Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers! They will be playing at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 at 6:30 pm. How did they choose the Cowboys stadium? Why not in a nice, warm place like Florida? Well, who knows and who cares? They will all be hot on their feet come game time, they will not even think about the bitter cold. You are absolutely right! Come game time, they will not even think of their cancelled flights and their slow arrival to Dallas! After all, they are going to watch the Superbowl! How come they will not have any cheerleaders? I think Dallas should lend their sexy cheerleaders for both teams to make it better! I am sure no one will complain!

Commercials. Wow! We have seen so many crazy, stupid and vulgar commercials in the past, will this year ever be different? Probably not! They have dropped some ads because, " it was offensive to some people!" What was their criteria? Why? Because there were some that I found offensive but was still shown! Who passes this ads anyway? The TV producers? Will we see wholesome, nice ads or insulting, vulgar, offensive ones? We will have to wait and see if our socks will get knocked off our feet! LOL.

Who will win? Green Bay Packers? Maybe. Pittsburgh Steelers? Maybe. The competition is sooo keen that even babies were included! They showed last night babies in their Green Bay Packers outfit complete with a cheese head gear! For heaven's sake! That is really deep! How about the Steelers? Haven't seen any gadgets they were up to! So, the Pittsburgh Steelers does not have a better answer to the Packers babies? Wooo...hooo.....Unbelievable!!!! Quack! Quack! Quack! Any comments?

There are probably many illegal bets sprouting all over of who will win the superbowl. Why do you know this? Are you serious? People are not naive and they have eyes and ears! I am sure that many people cannot wait to see their favorite team emerge victorious and be declared the Superbowl XLV 2011 Champions!