Obama's First State Dinner Proves Easy Access

Earlier this week, President Obama hosted his first state dinner at the White House, in honour of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.  The prestigious event that honed heavy security drew a large crowd of over 300 prominent guests.  Michaele and Tareq Salahi, a Virginian couple were not on the guest list, but managed to slip through the tight security.  Although harmless guests, this breech of security measure has caused quite a stir.  How did they manage to fool the so called security team on duty that night?

It seems, the couple waltzed into the event exuding confidence, fratenizing, and taking advantage of photo ops with the likes of Vice President Joe Biden (featured in the picture with the Salahi's), White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, Washington Mayor Adrian Fenty, and CBS News anchor Katie Couric.  The funny part is that the Secret Service learned about this the next day after being alerted that the couple had posted pictures and boasts of attending the state dinner on Facebook.  The rumour is that the couple is set to have roles in an upcoming reality television show called "The Real House Wives of Washington".

I suspect someone's job will be on the chopping block over this one.  This definitely puts egg on the face of the White House security team.  As for the couple, they got their fifteen minutes of fame, but may possibly face some kind of legal repercussions.

The House Hunter

I have reached a time in my life when an apartment does not cut it for me anymore.  Giving this idea much thought, I have decided to look for my own home.  I casually started looking at homes last summer and have been addicted to MLS ever since.  I find it facinating how differently houses are priced and feel there are a few that are totally out of line with the ask.  It seems that if you are looking on the lower end, you will get a pretty small, and likely outdated home with a nicer sized yard, or a nicer home with virtually no yard.

Last night, I found just the latter.  Having spotted a very nice looking bungalow with an attractive price, I arranged a viewing.  Just as I thought, the house is set up great and looks very cozy.  I absolutely love the livingroom and the lovely gas fireplace it offers.  The upstairs would be totally fine to live in with not much more than a coat of paint needed.  The downstairs has potential but would need some work and money.  I could live with that knowing I would be spending some significant years there.  All in all, I think the house is good value; however, the near non-existent back yard is a concern.  Most of the back yard was pavement (driveway is shaped like an L), with an apartment building sitting directly behind.  I have a dog so a backyard is definitely on my list of options.  Even nicer if the yard is already fenced in.

On Saturday, I have about seven more houses lined up to see.  I have already checked them out on-line and have a good idea which ones are going to appeal to me.  This home buying thing is a big investment and I am not taking this lightly.  I want to make sure I get the best suited home, at the right price. Each house I see has something good to offer and is helping me on my quest. I am just waiting for the right one to come along.

The Givng Season

Still thinking about going green for the holidays? Good.  This means you are definitely a conscientiousness person and want to help your environment.  The Christmas season is upon us, a time where hearts soften, family and friends unite, and share a time of thankfulness. For many of us, it is holiday season - a break from work, school, and also a time for reflection, as we get ready to bring in a brand new year.  When you think about it, so many of us are very fortunate.  But think about the not so fortunate, as well. 

This year may be a different year for many others who like us - had a fotunate life, and through a sudden downfall in the economy, have found themselves unemployed and fighting to stay on top of bill payments.  I'm amazed at how much this economy has affected others.  The massive job losses have taken their toll in so many ways.  The local foodbanks can't keep up and toy drives are plenty.  People need help every day of our lives and I hope that if you can help, you will consider doing so.

Many studies have concluded that helping another makes the helper feel good.  Having been involved in a not for profit scene, I can tell you that giving time, money, resources, and support to worthy causes has been a very rewarding experience for me. The ones who help bring others up, are essentially creating a better environment for themselves. When you think about a hospital and supporting the purchase of  innovative equipment, you are making that hospital a better facility.  You never know when you or someone you know may need that hospital, and the quality, or quantity of care that hospital can provide.  This is just an example, but you get the picture.  There are things in life that are important.  Those important things need our support and we need them.  It's a win-win situation.

I saw a movie in the past year called "Pay it Forward", 2000.  This story was both touching and compelling for me.  The whole idea of doing something good for 3 people and them doing something good for 3 people, and so on, is so sensible and selfless.  We are in this life together - why not make the most out of it and let others do the same?

Having said all of this, I think that giving is a personal choice and it probably isn't for everyone.  I just hope that there are always enough fortunate that are willing to give to the unfortunate.  After all, we all depend on one another for one reason or another.

Social Media - The New Way to Communicate

The advent of Web 2.0 has started a new phenomenon called social media. The possibilities are endless and the participants keep growing each day. There are so many positive aspects about social media to consider. Some examples of social media are using Twitter, Facebook, or simply text messaging on a cell phone to communicate - although some would disagree that texting on a cell is social media. I see it as fitting under the umbrella because of the ability to get a message to someone non-audibly and without seeing them.  Over the past number of years, this form of communicating has become popular, especially with the younger generation. Sending a status update, tweet, or text message is much easier than dialling a phone number, or going to meet someone face to face.  Using social media techiniques take precedence.  It is quick, very private, and you don’t have to speak a word, in a literal sense.

Face to face communication seems to have taken a back seat.  Has it really?  Are people losing the skill of face to face communiation?  Are we becoming desentized to human contact and actual conversation?  So many questions with many different answers. 

I saw a news story on television the other night about a teenage girl who was addicted to text messaging.  On average, she sent over 3,000 messages each month.  Her parents had no idea just how much she was texting until they looked at the phone bill.  Luckily, they had a plan for this otherwise I think there would have been some pretty hefty bills racking up.  This particular teen seemed to have withdrawn from day-to-day conversation and seemed distant to her family. It was obvious she was wrapped up in her text messaging addiction.

The teen decided to give up text messaging for a week and much to her avail, she discovered that is was getting easier for her to have conversations with others, including her family, she was sleeping better, and her marks went up.  I'm sure there are more than a few examples like this to choose from.  This one caught my attention and got me thinking.  I am also a texter, Facebooker, Twitterer, etc. - you get the message right?  I still use the telephone and meet face to face with family, friends, and co-workers.  I like to think I do have a balance in my social media and pre-social media life. 

Face to face conversation is not easy for all and definitely seems like a bit of an art.  The young need to know it even though they are developing and maintaining relationships through social media tools.  Living in a constant virtual world probably isn't the most healthy thing to do.  Balance is definitely key.

I believe that social media has it's advantages and has helped connect people after many years of not being in touch.  Through social networking sites such as Facebook, old lost friends are finding eachother again, no matter where they are in the world.  Twitter is also a great way to connect to the on-line world.

On the flip, read Why Face-to-Face Communication is Best and decide for yourself.  I think think both are beneficial.  Just like everything, there is an upside and a downside.  Society is on its way to a new way of relationship building both personally, in business, and social media will only get more popular from here. 

Going Green for the Holidays

We are all exposed to the three R's everyday and everywhere we turn.  The three R's consist of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.  There are many ways we can reduce our carbon footprint and cut down on waste.  For example, we have all been using a blue box for many years.  Much effort has been put into reducing the impact of landfill areas by implementing recycling programs and educating the public on the positive effects of being environmentally responsible. 

The holidays are just around the corner with only about six weeks until Christmas.  Where does the time go?  Is it just me, or does Christmas always seem to sneak up on us every year?  This time of the year is normally a retailer's dream.  This year may be different because of the economy.  People are not spending money like they have in the past.  There may be more reasons for the difference.  For example, the reduction of one's carbon footprint continues to be a priority in the media and every day life, and this holiday season is no exception.

I stumbled across an article that talks about reducing our carbon footprint over the holidays.  This is a change from the prominent disposable society we are living in.  It is kind of appalling to learn that approximately 66% of items that we throw away each day could actually be reused.  Why are we still being so wasteful?  Part of this could be that we are a spoiled society and have an overabundance of everything.  The local shoe repair person packed up and left town years ago.  At least, this is the case in my area. I'm sure the larger cities still have the odd place to take shoes, purses, etc. to be repaired. 

Reusing boxes and paper from previous years is only one way we can make a positive difference for the environment.  Earth Savings News suggests reusing holiday decorations, party supplies, and switching up an outfit as opposed to going out and buying new.

There are many useful tips listed on the Earth Savings News website.  Many holiday tips are listed here.  Check them out; you can cut down on waste and save some money for the Boxing Day sales.

Who Let the Dogs Out



Rosie and Lily

 Nothing is more terrifying for me as the last couple of times my three dogs escaped from their fenced in yard.  The fenced in yard provides more than enough running and play area, as well as keeping them contained.  It was my fault for opening the gate and thinking they would follow me to the door of the house.  It is obvious they have no idea about the dangers of the outside world. The first picture features Rosie on the left and Lily to the right.  Rosie and Lily are both Bichon Poo, are two peas in a pod, and as you can see from the picture, are very happy girls. They are a joy to have around and have become great companions.


Daisy

            
 For being so little, they are like bullets and take off like a flash.  They have no idea that the road is a minefield to them.  Rosie is the ringleader and is the one who runs in front and the other two follow.  Daisy seems to be the only one that will retreat relatively quick and return to me.  Lily will full out follow Rosie as fast as she can not knowing where she may end up.  This most recent episode had Rosie and Lily both running across a large field by our house, crossing a road, and ending up at the neighbour's house.  The second picture features Daisy, a Shihpoo, is the oldest of the crew, and sometimes seems like the wisest.  I say this because she did eventually stop and come back to me - thankfully.

As I grabbed a hold of Daisy and picked her up in my arms to go after the other two, Lily stopped in the ditch in front of the neighbour's property and stayed there.  I think she suddenly realized she had no idea where she was.  It was when Rosie decided to come back out from inside the neighbour's property, that they both spotted me and decided to make a run toward me.  I stopped in my tracks and my heart pounded as the two of them crossed the road to make their way over to me.  I feared the worst, and all I could do was focus on them staying on the path and making it back to me unhurt. 

Thank goodness they came toward me and I was able to grab Rosie by the collar and hook Lily up to the only leash I had with me.  I carried Daisy under one arm and Rosie under the other all the way back home.  Lily pranced beside me on the leash.  Into the fenced in yard they went and they were once again safe.  I was the blame for the escape because I opened the gate in thoughts that they would follow me to the door.

I am just thankful that nothing terrible happened to these girls.  They have become part of the family and I don't know what I would do if anything happened to them now.  This was a lesson learned for me (second time) and I will never trust them off lead again.

This Is It

Being an avid Michael Jackson fan for most of my life, I had the pleasure of going to see the "This Is It" movie.  I was unsure how this would be effective, but was pleasantly surprised by how well this production was put together.  It shows Michael's soft side and his tremendous talent.

This footage is like watching the concert without the costumes.  There is a new version of "Thriller", "Smooth Criminal", and "The Earth Song".  You definitely get a glimpse of what would have been.  What a shame all of his hard work was for nothing.

Michael had a say in every aspect of this concert.  His ideas were evident, and he was percise in his music.  He knew every beat and every moment.

The end of the movie hit me like a thunderbolt.  It was a familiar pose that Michael inhabited, but you see the life leave his body as the picture is freeze framed.  The thought came to my mind that undoubtedlly spoke "This Is It".

You can view a bitter/sweet movie review here.