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The Human Condition

I find myself infatuated with the human condition and at the same time, even more so depressed by it. Each and every time I turn on the news there is a large fractional difference between those who do for others and those who hurt others and let me tell you the scales tip in favor of the later. How many more shootings, bombings, kidnappings, lies, cheating in a day can the human race endure?  When you can turn on the news and the fact that the reporter has just announced that there has been yet another shooting or a child with a bomb strapped to them for religious purposes, is the norm THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG.

I went to a book signing a few days ago. The author's name is Barry Eisler.  Very likable guy and an excellent author.  We got into the ever present subject of politics (as his books are about an assassin by the name of Rain, and as such, the character deals with political situations).  One of the main topics was the blatant lies used by the governing officers in our political cluster used to cover up simple things. Another was why would anyone follow George W. Bush after some of the things that he and his cabinet have done.  There was even the question of why people are either on one side or the other of the line, black or white, love or hate, no in between when it came to voting and sticking with a presidential candidate no matter the consequences.

These brought several thoughts running through my head. For the first:

The question was stated, "Why did do governing officers of any Presidential cabinet or Government office put up smoke screens rather that tell the truth. Why come up with a pretty story?"  There were no riffs in the room, no one was abashed by the statements or offended that politics were on the board. As a matter of fact it was the most "adult" atmosphere I have ever been in while politics are being brought up (no one yelled or anything). I think part of the answer to the questions such as these and the other cover up stories through out history and all of the unspoken questions out there is that if you are in the public eye, the slightest slip up will "kill" your career. There is no real way to tell what is covered up at all times. Who can you trust? The truth of the matter is that if they (meaning Government) are covering something up, there may be a way to tell that they are lieing but in all honesty if someone that high up wants something kept quiet, it will stay quiet. You may see the smoke screen, but what really happened may never truly surface. I must agree with Barry when he said that no matter the situation, most people would much rather appreciate the truth.

On the second:

Why would anyone follow Bush after the things he and his cabinet have done? Let's broaden the question, why would anyone follow most of our Presidents with the things the have done. In Bush's case many people follow him simply because they wonder what they would have done if it were them in office when 9/11 happened? He was face with a very tough situation and responded by trying to end terrorism, a noble cause no matter how you look at it. Though many people don't agree with how, what would you do? Smoke a peace pipe with the guy who has a bomb strapped to his chest as he blows you up because his religion says to kill all people who don't share the same beliefs as you? Would that help? I don't think so. Now I'm not saying I agree with everything Bush has ever done. Trust me the man has made a joke of himself with his public speaking abilities, and no I don't like that our boys are still over there. I am haunted by the images of our fellow countrymen, our heros out there fighting for us, in return they are sent home in a box with an "I'm sorry for your loss letter", but I appreciate what they are doing. But what would you or I do? Is pulling out and hoping that the terrorists got the picture a smart thing to do? Lets look at Clinton, though he may have done a few good things here and there in office...he was a terrible role model. Monica Lewinski...need I say more? Yet there were people who followed him all the same. For that matter, was the war during Clinton's rule somewhat of a smoke screen for his affair? It doesn't matter whether you are a republican, a democrat, a liberal there will never be a perfect person in office. No, I don't think it is a good idea to have a robot running the country (we have all seen the movies on that). I don't believe the creator should be governed by the created.

On that note question 3:

Why are people so definite on whether they are on one side or the other? United we stand, divided we fall people. The truth is that it seems that the civil war, aside form abolishing slavery, didn't teach us too much, we are still picking sides against each other. THIS IS WHAT HAS MADE US AN EASY TARGET. I understand saying that you do or don't believe in abortion, trust me I do. Where has "One Nation Under God" gone? Aside from the eccentric few out to get money because they don't believe they should have to say that phrase. What are we pushing ourselves as a nation into being?

For Now,

Lauri

Human Skulls For Sale?

That's right, Human Skulls For Sale. I have to admit, I was somewhat grossed out by the article I was reading in the Sunday Journal, but who wouldn't be? The job of cleaning and selling human skeletons ranks up there with working with cadavers for me. It seems somewhat unreal but its true.

The Story is based in Oklahoma City, showing pictures of not only human but animal skulls and skeletons being cleaned by hand and flesh eating beetles (not my cup of tea), just the thought of bugs eating skin is making my skin crawl and I'm not a very squeamish person. The company was founded by Jay Villemarette, who is said to have a fascination with skulls (which is at least science based, or at least thats the direction it went).  After his normal job ended he decided to start his own business out of skulls "Skulls Unlimited". And as many business start, this one was home based, I must pity his wife for this, not the fascination but the process of cleaning the skulls (not to mention the assortment of skulls in her kitchen).

The business has since moved from his kitchen counter to an a building meant for such work. The cleaning rooms scent is described as a mix of a slaughter house and rotting meat. Let's just say that I can guarantee first hand this scent is not one you will see in the form of a scented candle in any sane store...ever. I have smelled something similar once for almost a week, talk about fighting your gag reflex. I was at a horse show in Denver and unfortunately the show grounds were located near a meat processing company. The company, which had closed that particular factory, had not knocked down the building and the smell lingered in the walls. I was told that this building was where they burned the carcasses amongst other things and the rancid smell would waft through the barns and arenas. Needless to say, I have not been able to eat that particular companies products ever since.

Any way back to the story, the sale of human skeletons is a trade used by China, I am not sure how many other countries do this practice nor do I want to know. After the skulls are shipped and cleaned they are available for purchase from around $350.00 and up to $3700.00 for a skeleton. Obviously as you have read cleaning of the skeletons of animals and humans is not for the squeamish, the Jay Villamarette was quoted saying

"I have been waist deep in a dead Hippopotamus, and I'd rather do that than change a diaper." I'm sure mothers (and a few fathers) around the world could beg to differ. You can bet this is not a trade you'll hear about on career day.

For Now,

Lauri

School shootings

How many more school shootings need to happen before police officers will be allowed to carry their own guns, and cameras placed in all schools? What a scary thought for any parent with school age children, to know that we now have an epidemic of sick jerks who all want to copycat each other by shooting up schools. What goes through the mind of someone to have the motivation to kill, molest and otherwise maim school age children? and on that note what goes through the mind of all those who decide to follow in their footsteps? And what affect is this having on the kids? Just recently where we live a girl lied about seeing a man with a weapon near the bathrooms in her middle school. The school, along with 3 others were put on lock down and over 100 officials were dispatched to find out via video camera, that the girl was lying. Are our kids immune to death,to the idea that this is a reality, and not to be toyed with, mimicked,or even hinted toward? Whatever happened to compassion? Even today the boy in Texas walked into school with a gun and apparently killed himself. What made him feel that this was a great means to an end, when he could have been helped in a much less final way. And where are the parents when these kids steal these guns, or decide to make a mark in this world? I hate to say it but had parents been there as an active part of their kids lives (obviously in a good way), they wouldn't do these insane things. Now many of those kids need a compassionate kick in the ass (excuse my language) before more drastic measures are taken.

For Now,

Lauri

Miracles Happen Everyday As A Toddler Survives Wilderness Alone

That's right, in Texas a 2 1/2 year old survived three days in the wilderness ALONE. Poor kid, I couldn't imagine what would happen if my two year old wandered off, and I don't want to. I would hope that he would be as resilient as the poor little boy in this AOL story.

Apparently the little boy and his 4 year old brother were playing outside of their home and their parents were inside with all the doors and windows open (not something I could do, I worry too much) when the 4 year old came in saying he had been bitten by a fire ant. Meanwhile the little one wandered off into the open land where bobcats and coyotes prowl. How scary! I'm so glad to hear he is OK. Click on the link to read the rest.

For now,

Lauri

NEW PRESIDENT AND THE WAR ON TERROR

I Know we have a little while before we elect a new president and yes, this time we will have a new president, which is why I'm writing this now. I'm not writing this post as a republican, a democrat, or a liberal, but as a mother, a wife, and a citizen of the United States of America. This election will literally mean the difference between life and death for this nation. Whether any of us like it or not our nation was attacked on 9/11. Not just the president but our whole nation was attacked for "OUR" beliefs, for what we, as a nation, stand for. Of course this poses as a problem because we, as a nation, don't even know what we stand for anymore. Whatever happened to what this free land was founded on, 'one nation under God', freedom of religion, freedom of speech, THE FREEDOM TO STAND SIDE BY SIDE WITH OUR DIFFERENT BELIEFS AND STILL HOLD STRONG BECAUSE WE ARE FREE TO DO SO?  These things are the selling points of living in America, the escape of persecution. How can we, as a nation, ensure our safety and the safety of our family's future if we can't stop fighting amongst ourselves? This is why this election is so important. I realize that there are people for this war and that there are people in opposition of this war, but whether any of us agree that it should have happened or not, IT'S HERE AND HAPPENING. Whomever we elect as a new president cannot just say "peace" and pull our troops out right away, lower our security and expect terrorists in any country to say "OK,they said peace let's be nice. No more bombings and suicide missions." It won't work that way, Terrorists attacked us. And our president decided a war on terror was needed and in the process other people (in other countries, not just America) in turn are pissed off because of this whether it be the right move or not, and our future president has to acknowledge these issues. First and foremost 9/11 was an attack on our nation, not just one person, so having a new president won't fix this nor will having him or her say "It's over" the moment they walk into office. So let us pray that the people of this "free" nation choose right.

And remember we only live this life once, how do you want to spend it, in fear, captivity, oppression, or free, healthy, happy loving and playing your kids knowing you've done what you can for generations after us in any way? The options are endless, Its all a choice.

For now,

Lauri

9/11

Well today is a day that many Americans will never forget. It was a day that America as a nation stood still without ability to start or stop anything, most will remember what they were doing when the first plane struck the first building, I know I do. I think we can all agree, that no matter what we were doing at the time, the same defining silence overwhelmed each of us as the realization of what was happening struck. So many emotions hit at once so that no sound could be heard... heart beats were skipped... and shock won over tears for the briefest of moments.

Movies have been made to immortalize the incidents and the people who were a part of these acts, but personally I still feel it's a little too soon for a movie to be made. Let me explain, If the movies being made were giving all of the proceeds to the victims (with the exception of the cost of the making of the films) and not just a percentage then, may be, it wouldn't be so bad (in other words, I don't think some big wig in Hollywood should benefit in anyway other than getting the credit for caring enough to make it). This was only 5 years ago, children lost parents, parents lost children, people lost brothers and sisters, lovers, friends... if it had been you who lost your husband or wife or child how would a movie make you feel? proud? hurt? I'm sure that it is different for every person. These people have had to relive this in so many ways already that to have anyone making money off of it is appalling. The fact still remains, two planes stuck the twin towers, and the passengers of flight 93 fought back knowing that they would not live to see another day and thousands of lives were lost. This is a wound that will never completely heal, remember what we lost that day.

For Now

Lauri

Economy Slows (surprise surprise)

CNN reports that economic growth is slowing due to rising cost of energy and construction. For more check here CNN.com. The need for a solution for the Average Joe still on the rise, If you are a home owner having trouble with the sale of your home I may have a solution for you. For more on this Check our website www.cash4cashflows.com/lkent.

For Now,

Lauri

The Accident

OK, the pregnant lady is tired. Our Labor Day did not go with out incident. Dwayne's Sister, our brother-in-law, Nephew and friend gave us all quite a scare.

I was on my way home from none other than Walmart with my mom, when I got a call from a rather frantic sounding Dwayne (he can't hide anything from me), "There's been an accident, Russel flipped the truck and camper."

ME: "What!!!!!???? Is he OK? Who was riding with him?"

Dwayne: "Shelaine, Cody, and his friend Lane. They were on their way back from the lake and flipped on the freeway."

ME: "Is everyone ok!?!?!? Cody...Shelaine...Russ...Lane..." (which is the Universal question for "Please Lord, tell me that they are alive")  "I'm on my way home. Which hospital are they at?"

Dwayne: "There are only minor injuries, but they are in the hospital in T or C. that was the closest emergency room."

ME:(slightly less panicked) "What do you mean minor?"

Dwayne: "Shelaine and Cody got the worst of it. Shelaine has a cut on her head and arm and Cody has a large cut on his arm, and glass in his feet. He had to walk barefoot over the rear windshield. That's all I know. Call my mom. They may be transferring them to the hospital up here."

I frantically hang up with Dwayne to call his mom...no answer... So I call his dad.

Dad: (a shaky voice answers the phone.) "Hello..." An account of the whole story was recounted with the "minor" add on that Shelaine was missing a 3 inch chunk of her scalp and that they wanted to do a cat-scan (to ensure that she hadn't cracked her skull) before releasing her to our hospital. (sounding as though he was trying not to cry)  "Don't rush down here, we don't how soon they will be sending us home, it could be in less time than it would take for you to drive down here. We'll call after we know something. Don't panic, we don't want anything to happen to you or the baby in your state. Love you."

ME: (crying, but trying to hide it) "Ok, love you too."

They arrived at the hospital up here around 11:00. Obviously we headed straight out to the hospital. Much to our relief, no broken bones or concussions to report, but the doctors couldn't completely close the hole in Shelaines scalp, leaving a dime size piece of skull showing. They are going to have to graft skin to her scalp in a week (after they see how much her scalp heals on it's own).

We got home close to 4:00 AM. I'm zonked, I can't even imagine what they went through and I pray none of us ever have to again. The emergency crew who picked them up at the scene of the crash told them that no one should have been able to walk away from that wreck. God was defiantly with them.

For now,

Lauri

Steve Irwin "The Crocodile Hunter" Dies

I start today with grave news, as an animal lover I was shocked to find this story, and felt it necessary to write about it.

The conservationist community has lost a icon and friend. Steve Irwin, also known as "The Crocodile Hunter" was killed Monday off the Australian coast while filming at the barrier reef. His heart was pierced by a barb from a stingray's tail, the incident occurred when he ventured too close to the stingray during filming. He was rushed to the closest emergency room but was pronounced dead upon arrival. Steve was 44 years old, and leaves behind a wife and 2 children. Keep them in your thoughts. He was a good man, may his memory and goals live on, he will be missed. For more on this visit aol news.

For now,

Lauri

In The News

INTEL LAYOFFS

I generally try to stick to amusing news stories, but My brother (Who has found a way to save Intel millions of dollars with their equipment repairs) works for Intel and lately with our losing economy it seems that no ones job is safe so this story affects me somewhat. Even though he may seem to be an asset, large corporations can find just about anyone dispensable which is always a little scary.

According to to news.com Intel is talking about laying off around 10% of their employees. Click on the link to read more.

BRAD PITT HELPING KATRINA VICTIMS

Brad Pitt was on the Today Show today raising awareness for a project he is the spokesman for. The Project is meant to help the Katrina Victims from the lower 9th ward (who are extremely down and out), with cost efficient housing hoping for the capability of giving its residents a zero balance year round on energy use. Pitt sponsored a design competition with the non-profit company Global Green, who selected the winning design on Thursday. Be sure and Check it out.