God talk for the new millenium

I have been capturing episodes of Joan of Arcadia on DVR. When the show first came out, I was still attending a Christian College, and I liked this show for making religion feel more approachable. I still feel that way, but I am so exhausted with a show with so much tragedy and drama. I mean, how can one family field so many tragic incidences?

I enjoy the characters Grace, Glynnis, and Adam. Joan is rather whiny and irritating. The two favorite incarnations of god for me are the preppy cordouroy guy and the spiky haired guy. It is a fun show, anyway.

A new direction for Stem Cell research.

I am a firm believer that stem cell research is the wave of our future. Honestly, the only way that we will find cures to diseases and injury, like paralysis is research in this area. I am a firm pro-choice proponent. Always have been. I was raised in a household that taught that my body belongs to me, and is no one's business but my own. However, conservative forces have put all the stops on research via fetuses. I am excited about a new prospect in step cell collection and research, via menstrual blood. Yes, icky, but hear me out. If we can cure these diseases, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, osteoporosis...awful diseases with no cure as of yet the squeamishness about menstrual blood should not factor in it. How can we argue with any type of research, no matter how taboo the source? Here's an article, from CNNMoney
"Press Release:
Taking Control: Future Therapies for a Host of Serious Diseases May Be Found in Women's Menstrual Blood

July 07, 2008: 01:28 PM EST


OLDSMAR, Fla., July 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- With today’s hectic lifestyle, where most women are juggling careers, family, relationships, and a host of activities, the idea of possibly facing a serious illness in the future is not something that readily comes to mind -- especially when a woman is in the prime of her life. But what most women don’t know, is that the key to treating a number of possibly life-threatening diseases that she, a parent, a sibling or even her children may face in later years, such as osteoporosis, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, may be found within her own body -- in vital stem cells, which can now be harvested from her own menstrual blood.

Now, thanks to the revolutionary research and technology of C’elle, a service dedicated to providing women with a safe and easy method of collecting and preserving stem cells found in her menstrual fluid each month, even the busiest woman can take control of her future, right in the privacy of her own home. With C’elle’s non-invasive collection process, menstrual cells are processed and cryo-preserved (stored at a very low temperature) for potential cellular therapies that may be used in the future. These self-renewing cells one day may even be used for sports medicine or cosmeceutical treatments, such as anti-aging therapies.

"C’elle enables and empowers a woman to take control of her future health, and possibly of those genetically closest to her, in a fast, painless and stress free way," said Michelle Kay, Marketing and Sales Manager for C’elle. "We live in exciting times, as science and technology are discovering how extremely valuable menstrual blood stem cells really are, and the enormous treatment potential they represent for future therapies. C’elle’s ongoing research is supporting these promising findings."

For more information about C’elle, please call 1-877-892-3553 or visit www.celle.com."

I am excited at this new possibility. I really see it as a win-win for everyone. Pro-life and pro-choice can co-exist in the pursuit of cures for these problems and diseases. It is exciting and empowering that women may be able to provide this life-saving option for themselves and their families. I hope that this technology proves to meet these expectations. It is easy, it seems, to participate.

X-Files returns?

I just saw a television trailer for a flippin' new X-Files movie. What the bloody hell? I thought we were done with the 'files. I'm not dissing the show--I was a fan. The truth IS out there, I know it. But hey, that was a LOOOONG time ago. I just cannot imagine what else there is to say. Plus they killed my very favorite villian--the Smoking Man. Loved him.

Whatever. I'll probably see it. I'm a sucker that way.

My Sight is not 20/20

Friends, it is time for some new glasses. Don't get me wrong--I love my current pair. But they are getting a little wonky, falling apart. Plus, I am pretty sure that my prescription has changed slightly. New glasses are so expensive, so I am stoked to have found Zenni Optical. Visiting zennioptical.com is going to save me loads of money, since they sell direct to the consumer, with no middleman. How perfect is that?

Check them out. Even if your eyesight IS 20/20, you're sure to find something fashionable.

Happy, uh, 5th of July

I didn't look at the clock until just now, so I realize that it is no longer Independence Day. It was a little less exciting than 4th in the past. Due to the fact that nearly half of the state in on fire, they have postponed the city display until September, so we enjoyed a few safe and sanes in the front yard and called it a day. We did get to view some illegal aerial fireworks from the people the next block over, but I am pretty sure that they were tracked down by the roving FD folks.

We have had some really great news--my mom has been offered a job in Hawaii...she will be moving in the next month or so. I am excited for her, but feel a deep sense of loss at the same time--my best friend and mom is moving out of state. I will be lonely. It also means a huge shift in responsibility for me, as I will be buying their house here and taking it on. Wow, grown up stuff. No longer a renter, but full fledged home owner!

Workin' hard in hard workin' clothes

I have blogged about these guys before--LA Police Gear has tough clothes suitable for those hard working law enforcement folks or for those of us who like to do some outdoor recreation in tough clothes. Check out their sale here, 5.11 Tactical. To sweeten the deal, they are offering free shipping. Right now, while everything is expensive and driving to our nearest mall (30 plus miles away) costs an arm and a leg, online shopping is a very attractive option, especially when shipping is free!

I've said it before, but traversing the lava fields, or climbing Mt. Lassen, takes tough clothes that won't rip easily. One product I like is those pants that have zip off legs--pants when you need them, and shorts when it's too hot. I like that 2 in 1 factor.

The Big 5-0

My blog is 50--50 posts old! Its a birthday post!

I took youth from my program to the movies--that is what they chose to do with money that they had raised this spring. We saw the movie Zohan--I was mortified to watch this film with youth. Within the first minute and a half, there was naked butts, and a fish being caught in one...sex at every turn. It was gross. I was beyond embarrassed. So, hey, PG-13 has a very broad array of allowable themes.

Proud to be a Californian--for now

I am so glad to be a Californian, where it is now legal for a same-sex couple to marry. Friends, everyone who wishes to should have equal right to marry the person they love, and enjoy the rights and priviledges that comes with marriage. They should have the right to say "we're married"

I am hoping that this November's right-wing plot to create a constitutional amendment in favor of discrimination and hate is overturned. Please, if you support the ability of one person to legally and publicly declare their love for their significant other, sign the Human Rights Campaign petition to KEEP same-sex marriage legal. Go to the Human Rights Campaign site for more information:

A Little TLC from Kashi

I am sometimes a little behind in the times on various products, but I have hit the Kashi Bandwagon in a big way over the past year. I love that most things are TLCs (Tasty Little Crunchies, Tasty Little Chewies, Tasty Little Crackers, Tasty Little Cookies). What I am a big fan of is the Frozen Entrees. They are made with the Kashi-promised 7 whole grains, but in neat and unique meals, both containing meat and vegetarian, like Lemongrass Coconut Chicken and Lime Cilantro Shrimp. The meals and the flavors are very light, but I feel so self-satisfied knowing that I ate something so good for me. It justifies my afternoon Snickers bar.

Everything is Expensive for a college student

I remember vividly the day that I had to take over my own car insurance payments. That was scary--and expensive. I was in college, and had no idea what to do about insurance, just that I had to have it. Today there is cost u less insurance to smooth the way for students. Cost U Less Student has some great resources for new drivers, and their parents, and offers free price quotes. Their insurance prices are so low, you can afford them as well as your books, your top ramen and the 40 espressos it takes to stay awake during freshmen psych. So you whipper-snappers head on over to Cost U Less Student today to get the low down on low cost car insurance.

Rest In Peace, ET

My cat, ET, whom I have had since I was 17, died last night. She was my only companion while I lived by myself in Humboldt County, my goofy and opinionated cat, and really my first personal cat. We'd had family cats in the past, but she was mine, and with good reason--no one else liked her. She had this siamese-like yeowl and was stubborn. She actually ruined 3 different toasters by peeing in them--I'm still not sure how she did that. She was all white except for a calico tail and a brown and black spot on her head. My friend Theresa says that she stole another cat's tail, so the cat hit her in the head with it, causing the spots. (Theresa's a weirdo). She used to steal bagels, and would eat any kind of bread as well as the occasional apple or cucumber, but she hated wet cat food. She was also a big fan of vegan cheese.

She had been really sick for a long time, and this morning I found her in the garage. I'm gonna miss that freaky little cat.

Who wants BOOTS?

I am a big fan of boots, having grown up in the grunge era, where docs were king. Work Boots USA doesn't carry docs, but they have an extensive assortment of work boots. They carry brands like Converse (I didn't know Converse did work boots--they are pretty cool looking too), Corcoran, Wolverine, and Rocky, to name a few. I am partial to the Rocky brand, as they carry several styles that are similar to the docs of my youth. Most impressive is the wide variety of styles Work Boots USA carries--there are boots for literally any need, from rugged boots necessary for ranch work, to dress boots that look great but still have the comfort and durability needed to get the job done. They also have a variety of women's styles.

Weird Weather We're Havin'

It looks like rain when you get up, but turns sunny and warm--but not too warm--as the day wears on. It is not hot by any means--not like it was a few weeks ago. The weather is WEIRD.

My parents are in Hawaii now. Weird weather there is actually normal. It is no big thing to have a major rainstorm every day around 4, or to have a chilly day followed by a balmy night. They had been in drought for a few weeks prior to my mom going over there, but it began raining in earnest almost as soon as her plane touched down. We have dubbed her the Rain Goddess, since she has had that effect on the island numerous times. They ought to pay her for her rain giving services!

Better Vision for Your Outdoor Summer Recreation

Here's a source for those looking for binoculars, telescopes, digital cameras (or binoculars for your digital camera) sunglasses and more to make your outdoor activities so much clearer. I know when I go to the coast or to Hawaii, a great pair of binoculars makes all the difference in my enjoyment of the scenery.Those of you who hunt, they also carry Rifle scopes, so here's your vision-related supplies as well. I personally enjoy a different kind of shooting--using a camera. They carry top quality brands, including Nikon and Canon. Most orders over $29.95 qualify for free shipping.

If you are into birdwatching, astronomy, hunting, or photography as hobbies, this is the place to go. Vacation travel may not be in the cards this year, but with telescopes and binoculars from Optics Planet, I can enjoy the scenery right here in my own back yard.

Happy-dappy June!

I am in utter disbelief that it is June! My mom is in Hawaii (with my dad, who's basically a full-time resident now), so I am super jealous. But the weather here has turned, it is extremely beautiful, so I am glad to be in Red Bluff at the moment.

They took the ugly metal screens off of the windows at my office, so there is sunlight streaming into the room--of course it also highlights just how dirty the window are, but I hope they leave the stupid screens off, because it sure is nice to turn off the fluorescents and just work by sunlight.

Within the next couple of days I will post a couple of how-tos that I have been holding onto while I waited for pictures. They are good 'uns. Later, y'all (and by y'all I mean the 2 regular readers that I have and the countless others that stumble upon my blog hoping to find something good. Sorry to disappoint!)