Hyphenate

#14

2012-01-10T08:51:00.000-08:00

Alabama Shakes

2011-11-29T05:50:00.000-08:00

Check this video out guys. Let's get them past 1 million hits.

Holiday Cards For Heroes

2011-11-26T17:45:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the fifth year of our Holiday Mail For Heroes program! As in previous years, we will partner with Pitney Bowes to collect holiday cards from regular citizens all across the country and distribute them to service members, veterans, and their families. If you’re looking for a fun way to give back a little bit this holiday season, this is a great option. Check out our slideshow of cards from previous years for some inspiration.
Send cards to the address below:

Holiday Mail For Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

All cards must be postmarked no later than Friday, December 9th. Cards postmarked after this date will unfortunately be returned to the sender. This deadline ensures enough time to sort and distribute cards before the holidays.

_______________________________________________

Guidelines are as follows:

Write nothing on the envelope itself.

You should address the card "DEAR SERVICE MEMBER"

You should sign the card, but give no other identifying information such as home address, email address, phone number, etc.

Do not add any enclosures such as letters, photos, newspaper clips, etc.

Do not use cards with glitter. These cards will be screened-out and will not be delivered.

__________________________________________________

Join me in saying thanks to our service men and women around the country and around the world.

Love and Peace at Christmastime and always.

Hyphen~

Where Have All The Intelligent People Gone?

2011-11-25T17:03:00.000-08:00

Pistols, Stun Guns, Pepper Spray, Physical Violence. Sound like a scene from a Hollywood blockbuster? Nope, it's just Black Friday shopping in America.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Americans are idiots.

FIGHT!

2011-11-21T13:30:00.000-08:00

This is our country, but it is being taken from us without a single shot. The police simply take orders from the corrupt. The politicians are corrupt. The government is corrupt. The only hope for this country is us.
FIGHT FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN!

occupytogether.org

Idiocy In Action

2011-11-20T10:49:00.000-08:00

As I said previously, like George W. Bush.......ONLY DUMBER!!!
My fellow Americans, fear for the future of our nation!

Halftime With Madge?

2011-11-09T02:43:00.000-08:00

IT'S OFFICIAL....MADONNA TO PERFORM FOR SUPER BOWL XLVI HALFTIME SHOW

Superstar Madonna, native of Bay City, will perform during the Super Bowl XLVI halftime show at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, according to SBNation.com.
Madonna's team has not released any comments on the announcement yet, but SBNation explored the performer's history with Super Bowl shows -- such as in 2008 when it was heavily rumored that she would perform and then two years later when she reportedly "backed out at the last minute."
If she does in fact perform, she'll be following last year's star-studded lineup of The Black Eyed Peas, Usher and Slash during the halftime show.
Mlive reports the article said the biggest controversy now will be if there's controversy:
"For the moment, the biggest question is how much freedom she gets from the NFL," the post read.
"Madonna of the '80s and '90s would've been a pretty interesting experiment at the Super Bowl, as no female artist this side of Janet Jackson would've been more likely to push the envelope as far as costumes, themes, and stageplay is concerned."
SBNation reports Super Bowl XLVI and its halftime show will air live on NBC Feb. 5, 2012.
_______________________________________________________

* Hyphen's note - It's "super" important that the Super Bowl halftime show offer someone with actual talent after last years dismal performance by the Black Eyed Peas. That performance was so over-hyped it left fans feeling robbed after it ended: as it turns out......not even Slash could save Fergie and Company. I felt it my duty to point out that the "star-studded lineup" that is spoken of in the article above would have been more accurately described as the "star-studded flop." But, then again I don't claim to be impartial on this subject because I have always despised the Black Eyed Peas and I'm given to think that no Super Bowl Halftime Show will ever top Prince in 2007.

Do you have an opinion on who the best Super Bowl Halftime Show was? Send me a comment to have your voice heard......and published, right here on Hyphenate.

Hypocrisy Knows No Borders

2011-10-13T17:23:00.000-07:00

Pardon Our Progress

2011-10-05T15:48:00.001-07:00

Like us on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Left-in-Alabama/280441027571

Occupy Together

2011-10-04T14:53:00.000-07:00

Declaration of the Occupation of New York City
Originally Posted on September 30, 2011

As we gather together in solidarity to express a feeling of mass injustice, we must not lose sight of what brought us together. We write so that all people who feel wronged by the corporate forces of the world can know that we are your allies.

As one people, united, we acknowledge the reality: that the future of the human race requires the cooperation of its members; that our system must protect our rights, and upon corruption of that system, it is up to the individuals to protect their own rights, and those of their neighbors; that a democratic government derives its just power from the people, but corporations do not seek consent to extract wealth from the people and the Earth; and that no true democracy is attainable when the process is determined by economic power. We come to you at a time when corporations, which place profit over people, self-interest over justice, and oppression over equality, run our governments. We have peaceably assembled here, as is our right, to let these facts be known.

They have taken our houses through an illegal foreclosure process, despite not having the original mortgage.
They have taken bailouts from taxpayers with impunity, and continue to give Executives exorbitant bonuses.
They have perpetuated inequality and discrimination in the workplace based on age, the color of one’s skin, sex, gender identity and sexual orientation.
They have poisoned the food supply through negligence, and undermined the farming system through monopolization.
They have profited off of the torture, confinement, and cruel treatment of countless animals, and actively hide these practices.
They have continuously sought to strip employees of the right to negotiate for better pay and safer working conditions.
They have held students hostage with tens of thousands of dollars of debt on education, which is itself a human right.
They have consistently outsourced labor and used that outsourcing as leverage to cut workers’ healthcare and pay.
They have influenced the courts to achieve the same rights as people, with none of the culpability or responsibility.
They have spent millions of dollars on legal teams that look for ways to get them out of contracts in regards to health insurance.
They have sold our privacy as a commodity.
They have used the military and police force to prevent freedom of the press. They have deliberately declined to recall faulty products endangering lives in pursuit of profit.
They determine economic policy, despite the catastrophic failures their policies have produced and continue to produce.
They have donated large sums of money to politicians, who are responsible for regulating them.
They continue to block alternate forms of energy to keep us dependent on oil.
They continue to block generic forms of medicine that could save people’s lives or provide relief in order to protect investments that have already turned a substantial profit.
They have purposely covered up oil spills, accidents, faulty bookkeeping, and inactive ingredients in pursuit of profit.
They purposefully keep people misinformed and fearful through their control of the media.
They have accepted private contracts to murder prisoners even when presented with serious doubts about their guilt.
They have perpetuated colonialism at home and abroad. They have participated in the torture and murder of innocent civilians overseas.
They continue to create weapons of mass destruction in order to receive government contracts. *

To the people of the world,

We, the New York City General Assembly occupying Wall Street in Liberty Square, urge you to assert your power.

Exercise your right to peaceably assemble; occupy public space; create a process to address the problems we face, and generate solutions accessible to everyone.

To all communities that take action and form groups in the spirit of direct democracy, we offer support, documentation, and all of the resources at our disposal.

Visit occupytogether.org

Somebody's Chelsea

2011-09-28T08:22:00.001-07:00

The latest video from the Queen Of Country......Reba McEntire

The End Of The World As We Know It

2011-09-22T03:01:00.000-07:00

R.E.M. Call It Quits

ATHENS, GA--(Marketwire - Sep 21, 2011) "During our last tour, and while making Collapse Into Now and putting together this greatest hits retrospective; we started to ask ourselves 'what next?'," commented Mike Mills. "Working through our music and memories from over three decades was a hell of a journey. We realized that these songs seemed to draw a natural line under the last 31 years of our working together. The time just feels right."

R.E.M. is unique in that they are very much still the group of friends from Athens, Georgia that they've been since the band formed in 1979. While their career has spanned 15 studio albums and huge global success, the band itself only ever comprised the four original members. The one person to leave this tight-knit group was drummer Bill Berry, who retired two years after suffering a brain aneurysm on-stage during 1995's "Monster" tour. But not before extracting a promise from his band mates that they would continue on as R.E.M.: "Bill insisted he would stay, if his leaving meant breaking the band up," remembers Michael Stipe.

Mills adds: "We have always been a band in the truest sense of the word. Brothers who truly love and respect each other. We feel kind of like pioneers in this -- there's no disharmony here, no falling-outs, no lawyers squaring off. We've made this decision together, amicably and with each other's best interests at heart."

"A wise man once said -- 'the skill in attending a party is knowing when it's time to leave," agrees Michael Stipe. "We built something extraordinary together. We did this thing. And now we're going to walk away from it. I hope our fans realize this wasn't an easy decision; but all things must end; and we wanted to do it right, to do it our way. We have to thank all the people who helped us be R.E.M. for these 31 years, our deepest gratitude to those who allowed us to do this. It's been amazing."

Buck picks up on his thoughts: "One of the things that was always so great about being in R.E.M., was the fact that the records we made and the songs we wrote, meant as much to our fans as they did to us. It was, and still is, important to us to do right by them. Being a part of their lives has been an unbelievable gift.

"Mike, Michael, Bill, Bertis, and I walk away as great friends. I know I will be seeing them in the future, just as I know I will be seeing everyone that has followed and supported us through the years. Even if it's only in the vinyl aisle of your local record store, or standing at the back of a club; watching a group of 19-year-olds trying to change the world."

R.E.M. will release a career-spanning Greatest Hits album through Warner Brothers in November. More information to follow.

Desperately Seeking Justice

2011-09-21T03:25:00.000-07:00

THE TRIAL OF CONRAD MURRAY, M.D.

With the release of the autopsy and information coming from investigations of MJ's personal physician, a timeline of events has been compiled and released to CNN by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office. The report was compiled to aid individuals in understanding exactly how the world lost the King of Pop. This sequence was outlined in the search warrant affidavit and confirms that Dr. Conrad Murray gave MJ a mixture of various powerful drugs and one drug that is commonly used as an antidote for overdose cases. This was apparently administered in order to revive the popstar. This cocktail of drugs led to his untimely death.

Timeline Of Events

As we understand it, three days before MJ's death, Dr. Murray gave Michael Jackson "25 milligrams of propofol along with the sedatives lorazepam and midazolam". This mixture aided MJ to sleep.

The following day, Murray provided the same drug combo to Michael, but without the propofol, hoping to wean him off it. Again, Michael was able to fall asleep.

June 25th, 2009, the day Michael Jackson died:

June 25: At about 1:30 a.m., Murray again tried to get Jackson to sleep without propofol and gives the singer a 10-milligram tablet of Valium, but Jackson is unable to sleep.

• Around 2 a.m.: Murray injects Jackson with two milligrams of lorazepam, pushed slowly into the singer's IV. But again, Jackson can't sleep.

• Around 3 a.m.: Murray then gives two milligrams of midazolam to Jackson, also pushed slowly into the IV. Jackson remains awake.

• Around 5 a.m.: Murray gives the singer another two milligrams of lorazepam but Jackson still can't sleep.

• Around 7:30 a.m.: Murray administers another two milligrams of midazolam. Murray claims he is continuously at Jackson's bedside, monitoring the singer with a pulse oximeter [connected to Jackson's finger] and measuring his pulse and oxygen statistics. But Jackson remains awake.

• Around 10:40 a.m.: Murray gives Jackson 25 milligrams of propofol diluted with lidocaine to keep Jackson sedated after repeated demands for the drug by the singer. Jackson finally falls asleep, and Murray continues to monitor him.

• After 10 minutes: Murray states he left Jackson's bedside to use the restroom and is gone for no more than two minutes. Upon his return, Murray finds Jackson not breathing. Murray begins CPR, and gives Jackson 0.2 milligrams of flumazenil, an antidote for certain overdoses. Using his cell phone, Murray calls Jackson's personal assistant, Michael Amir Williams, and asks him to send security upstairs for an emergency.
_____________________________________________________________________

However, after checking Dr. Murray’s cell phone records the police find that the doctor waited 82 minutes after he realized the singer had stopped breathing, before he called 911. During those 82 minutes, Dr. Murray spent 47 of them on three separate phone calls, starting at 11:18 a.m. The affidavit suggests Murray was either "not paying full attention to Jackson's monitoring, or was frantically making calls following the discovery that the singer had stopped breathing."

Also, the police report reveals that Dr. Murray did not inform the paramedics or the hospital staff that at around 10:40 a.m., he had given Michael his final and lethal dosage of Propofol, a hospital-strength anesthetic. Dr. Murray only confessed that he'd given MJ the sedative lorazepam and an antidote. Once the investigation was under way, the police searched Michael's home and found "a variety of sedatives and other prescription drugs in multiple vials and bottles – none of which were labeled as prescribed to any patient."
There has also been no record of Dr. Murray purchasing any Propofol under his medical license number.
____________________________________________________________________

Dr. Murray’s version of events contends that after learning Michael had stopped breathing– he leaves Jackson and runs to the hallway and downstairs to the kitchen, where he asks the chef to send up Jackson's 12-year-old son, Prince Michael I.
The boy arrives upstairs and immediately summons security. Murray contends he starts CPR and continues it until paramedics arrive. The doctor then accompanies Michael Jackson to the hospital in the ambulance.
However, the truth is Dr. Murray wasn’t administering CPR when the paramedics arrived nor did he accompany Jackson to the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
Is Dr. Murray liable for the death of Michael Jackson?

A jury in Southern California will soon make the final decision, which could result in the doctor being found not guilty OR being found guilty of the charge of manslaughter, losing his license to practice medicine and possibly going to prison for up to 4 years.

By now, I'm sure we have all formed our opinions on Dr. Murray's guilt or innocence. The trial begins at the end of the month so stay tuned to CNN or whoever your favorite news provider.

I Told You So

2011-08-13T02:23:00.000-07:00

Everyone's beginning to figure it out now. Dumb asses. I hate to say it.....no, i'm sorry.......I really don't...........I TOLD YOU SO! - Hyphen

Would Hillary Clinton have been a better choice for Democrats?

Looks like some Democrats are having buyer's remorse when it comes to President Obama and wishing they had gone with Hillary Clinton instead.

The recent negotiations over the debt ceiling are being seen by many as the lowest point in Mr. Obama's presidency. And it's not just Republicans who are comparing Barack Obama to Jimmy Carter or saying he'll be a one-term president.

One Democratic strategist tells the British newspaper The Daily Telegraph that Democrats are worried that the president "looks weak. He doesn't say anything that grabs you, and people are looking for some kind of magic."

Apparently some Democratic activists are asking if the party needs someone tougher to fight the tea party. Someone, say, like Hillary Clinton. They point out that Hillary, like her husband Bill Clinton, has tougher political instincts than President Obama.

During the 2008 campaign, Hillary Clinton claimed that although then-candidate Obama might be able to inspire the masses, she was the one who had the experience to get the job done.

Hindsight is 20-20, but it's easy to see why some Democrats are now nervous about the president's re-election chances. His approval ratings are at or near all-time lows for his presidency and only one-third of Americans approve of how he's handling the economy, which is the No. 1 issue.

What's more, one recent poll showed 44% of registered voters say they are more likely to vote for a generic Republican in 2012. That's compared to 39% who say they're more likely to vote for Mr. Obama.

When you lose in a hypothetical matchup against an unknown opponent, that's not a good starting point from which to seek to be re-elected.

It's looking like Hillary would have the been the better choice. Agree or Disagree?

The Day The Music Died

2011-06-25T19:36:00.000-07:00

He made me believe in magic. I will never forget him.

BOYCOTT CHINA

2011-06-02T12:28:00.000-07:00

China has done it again. This time they've hacked into and stolen millions of email conversations from individuals around the world. In a blog post last night, Google (the provider of Gmail) said that the hacking campaign affected what seem to be the personal Gmail accounts of hundreds of users including senior U.S. government officials, Chinese political activists, officials in several Asian countries (predominantly South Korea), military personnel and journalists. Interesting that that those particular accounts were chosen by the perpetrators.

The Chinese government of course denied all knowledge of the incident and said it had nothing to do with any criminal activity or invasion of privacy.

"China denies knowledge." Those words should be good for at least a small chuckle.

They deny knowledge. Just like China denies that Tiananmen Square was anything more than an internal matter and really didn't concern the rest of the world (until the video was broadcast around the globe).

The same way they deny their gross human rights and environmental violations.

The same way they have stolen American technology in EVERY possible area and then you guessed it "denied all knowledge."

Not a surprise from a nation that has stated openly that "too much freedom is dangerous." I'm sure it is dangerous to a nation that violently suppresses any hint of dissent which is contrary to its brutal compassion-less atheistic communist regime.

Of course the U.S. shares the blame; Our leaders have been worthless in dealing with China. In 2007, then-candidate Obama said that China was "neither our friend nor our enemy." A few weeks ago when he met with the Chinese president he said that he wanted to do business with China, he wanted to "sell them cars, airplanes, technology." I guess now he wants to be best buddies. The truth is that President Obama has been just as limp-wristed in his dealings with China as his predecessor, George W. Bush.

Wake up America. China is quickly stepping into the role of superpower that was left vacant after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

BOYCOTT CHINESE GOODS. If it says "Made In China" don't buy it. Don't travel to China, don't do business with China.

Join AmnestyUSA.org and educate yourself about this tyrannical regime in the making. Trust me, after familiarizing yourself with this country and its government you will come to the same conclusion I have........there is nothing good about China but the food.

Total Collapse

2011-06-01T13:06:00.000-07:00

Clinton denounces Syria’s Assad over murdered boy

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton expressed horror yesterday at the torture and murder of a 13-year-old Syrian boy by Syrian security forces. She denounced Bashar al-Assad's pledges of reform as fraudulent and said the regime has experienced a "total collapse" of political and moral legitimacy.

The boy, Hamza Ali al-Khateeb, was reportedly arrested at a protest near the southern city of Daraa on April 29. His body--mutilated, castrated, face covered with purple bruises--was returned to his family one month later. A YouTube video of the tortured corpse of the boy briefly circulated on the Internet before it was removed; the horrific images have become a new rallying cry for anti-government protesters in Syria.

The murder "symbolizes for many Syrians … the total collapse of any effort by the Syrian government to work with and listen to their own people," Clinton raged at a news conference with the Colombian foreign minister Tuesday.

Assad "has not called an end to the violence against his own people, and he has not engaged seriously in any kind of reform efforts," she continued. "I can only hope that this child did not die in vain but that the Syrian Government will end the brutality and begin a transition to real democracy."

On Wednesday, Human Rights Watch issued a report accusing Syrian security forces of committing crimes against humanity. The report, based on interviews with more than 50 witnesses, estimates that at least 880 anti-government protesters have been killed in Syria since protests erupted in the country in March, almost 500 in the southern city of Daraa alone.

"For more than two months now Syrian security forces have been killing and torturing their own people with complete impunity," Sarah Leah Whitson, Human Rights Watch's Middle East director, told the Guardian. "They need to stop--and if they don't, it is the Security Council's responsibility to make sure that the people responsible face justice."

U.S. and European efforts to move a UN Security Council resolution condemning Syrian human rights abuses have reportedly been blocked by Russia and China.

Tornadoes Leave Wake Of Destruction Across South

2011-04-28T09:47:00.000-07:00

PLEASANT GROVE, ALABAMA (AP) — Dozens of tornadoes spawned by a powerful storm system wiped out neighborhoods across a wide swath of the South, killing at least 209 people in the deadliest outbreak in nearly 40 years, and officials said Thursday they expected the death toll to rise.

Alabama's state emergency management agency said it had confirmed 131 deaths, while there were 32 in Mississippi, 24 in Tennessee, 13 in Georgia, eight in Virginia and one in Kentucky.

The National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla., said it received 137 tornado reports around the region into Wednesday night.

"We were in the bathroom holding on to each other and holding on to dear life," said Samantha Nail, who lives in a blue-collar subdivision in the Birmingham suburb of Pleasant Grove where the storm slammed heavy pickup trucks into ditches and obliterated tidy brick houses, leaving behind a mess of mattresses, electronics and children's toys scattered across a grassy plain where dozens used to live. "If it wasn't for our concrete walls, our home would be gone like the rest of them."

Dave Imy, a meteorologist with the prediction center, said the deaths were the most in a tornado outbreak since 1974, when 315 people died.

In Alabama, where as many as a million people were without power, Gov. Robert Bentley said 2,000 national guard troops had been activated and were helping to search devastated areas for people still missing. He said that the National Weather Service and forecasters did a good job of alerting people, but that there is only so much that can be done to deal with powerful tornadoes a mile wide.

One of the hardest-hit areas was Tuscaloosa, a city of more than 83,000 and home to the University of Alabama. A massive tornado, caught on video by a news camera on a tower, barreled through late Wednesday afternoon, leveling the city.

"When I looked back, I just saw trees and stuff coming by," said Mike Whitt, a resident at DCH Regional Medical Center who ran from the hospital's parking deck when the wind started swirling and he heard a roar.

On Thursday morning, he walked through the neighborhood next to the hospital, home to a mix of students and townspeople, looking at dozens of homes without roofs. Household items were scattered all over the ground — a drum, running shoes, insulation, towels and a shampoo bottle. Streets were impassable, the pavement strewn with trees, pieces of houses and cars with their windows blown out.

Dr. David Hinson was working at the hospital when the tornado hit. He and his wife had to walk several blocks to get to their house, which was destroyed. Several houses down, he helped pull three students from the rubble. One was dead and two were badly injured. He and others used pieces of debris as makeshift stretchers to carry them to an ambulance.

"We just did the best we could to get them out and get them stabilized and get them to help," he said. "I don't know what happened to them."

The storm system spread destruction from Texas to New York, where dozens of roads were flooded or washed out.

The governors of Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia each issued emergency declarations for parts of their states.

President Barack Obama said he had spoken with Bentley and approved his request for emergency federal assistance.

"Our hearts go out to all those who have been affected by this devastation, and we commend the heroic efforts of those who have been working tirelessly to respond to this disaster," Obama said in a statement. The President will visit Birmingham, AL on Friday to assess the damage as well as meet with state and local officials.

Hyphen's note - For those in other states wishing to help out with the relief effort, donate to your local red cross or visit redcross.org

How Great Thou Art

2011-04-25T19:11:00.000-07:00

Incredible performance.......I haven't heard this hymn sung with this much passion since Elvis Presley did it live at his concerts. Hearing it on Good Friday gave me chills. I absolutely love it and wanted to share it with those of you who missed its original airing.

All The Women I Am

2011-04-03T15:04:00.000-07:00

Country superstar Reba McEntire was honored with the Career Achievement Award by the Academy of Country Music this weekend in Las Vegas. McEntire has been chosen to receive the Career Achievement Award due to her help in advancing the popularity and acceptance of country music through her endeavors in the entertainment industry in multiple areas during the preceding calendar year. The official announcement was made five days before the Academy's big awards show which will be co-hosted by McEntire and Blake Shelton.
One might expect an entertainment and business mogul to take a break – or at the very least a quick breather – after a career that has produced over 60 million in worldwide album sales; 63 Top 10 hits; the #1 TV sitcom for 6 consecutive years on TWO networks; successful Clothing, Footwear and Home Collections; as well as a stint on Broadway that garnered a Drama Critics Award. As if that wasn’t enough, Reba is also the recipient of 15 American Music Awards, 9 People’s Choice Awards, 7 Country Music Association Awards, 2 GRAMMYS and is one of only four entertainers in history to be honored with a National Artistic Achievement Award by the United States Congress.
For some, such success may be sufficient reason to rest, if not for the sense of accomplishment, then for the pure exhaustion factor. Don’t ever expect that from Reba. In a career that has evolved from its musical roots into a multimedia business empire, the reigning Queen of Country tackles her 34th studio album, All The Women I Am, with all the intensity, fire and spunk that you would expect from a redhead -- making it clear that slowing down is nowhere near Reba’s current agenda.

Help Japan

2011-03-12T07:29:00.000-08:00

The following are the official guidelines issued by Secretary Clinton's office on March 11, 2011:

U.S. Department of State assistance

U.S. citizens in Japan are urged to contact family and friends as soon as possible. If web access is available they should use Twitter, Facebook or email JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov. U.S. citizens in Japan are also encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ or go to the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulates. Updated information about travel and security in Japan is available at 1-888-407-4747 or 1-202-501-4444.

AMERICANS WISHING TO HELP - the simplest way is to text REDCROSS to 90999 on your mobile phone to donate $10 to the Japanese Relief Effort or visit redcross.org

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

2011-03-09T14:13:00.000-08:00

Birmingham, AL
Mood: Great, At Peace
Weather: Slight rainy and cold
Music: Michael W. Smith / Cross Of Gold

Today marks the beginning of Lent. The season when we Catholics celebrate the joys of Christianity, the suffering that took place in order for us to know joy and absolution, and to reflect on our faith and it's place in America and the world.
As a symbolic gesture in acknowledgment of the 40 Days that the Christ spent in the desert under relentless temptation by Satan, we give up something that has become a luxury to us, in order to acknowledge the incredible strength and determination it must have took to emerge from that temptation unscathed spiritually. During this time, we pray, meditate and try to get to the center of our faith. That place of pure peace and tranquility that only faith can provide. As many choose to turn their back on their faith in pursuit of a fast-paced modern lifestyle, I choose to embrace mine. To go back to the basics. Many Catholics chose to give up Facebook this year. That is a great idea and I wish I had thought of that first. But, of course, I didn't. My Facebook presence during the period of Lent leading up to Easter Sunday however, will be virtually non-existent. I have instead decided to give up chocolate and ALL sodas; and anyone who knows me well....knows how much I love chocolate and sodas. Those are my favorite things, to sit back, relax and savor. I am giving them up for my faith. Hyphenate will also be going down for the entire period of Lent. It will be back on Easter Sunday, the only thing that will be active will be the display of my Twitter updates at the top of the screen.

Please pray for me and wish me well during this time of sacrifice and spiritual renewal. I invite all of you to participate in the Lenten season. You don't have to be Catholic. Many different faiths embrace the season of Lent and the service on Ash Wednesday (which I leave shortly to attend).

Join me in praying, meditating, contemplating a better place, a better world, a better country, a society where we genuinely care about our neighbors, where we love them as ourselves.
May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all....Now and Forever.

Love And Peace.

H-

If I Were A Boy

2011-03-03T10:04:00.000-08:00

Last year, Reba McEntire released her 34th studio album, "All the Women I Am," and now the award-winning singer and actress is premiering the video for "If I Were a Boy" on Oprah.com. Here's what she knows for sure:

I use all my skills that I can muster up, but the fun thing is that I find some untapped skills every once in a while. I get that from my daddy.

The upside to anger? Getting it out of your system. You got to express your anger. Then you have room for more positive things. If I hold something in a long time, and then I speak it, it's amazing how the light shines so much brighter.

I have good gut instincts on friends. Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn—those were my heroes growing up. They are still my heroes, and now they're my friends. I have adored them for 30, 40 years. And I've got friends from high school, junior high, first grade, college, band members that I hadn't seen in years that I can still email, and it just picks up like you were talking yesterday. That's pretty special.

The thing I'm most afraid of is not being broad-minded. I want to be able to sit there and say, "Oh, really, well, why? What's your point of view?" To be open enough to say, "My view might not be all there is to it. I may have a chance to learn something."

When you're a very ambitious person, the things that are disappointing are when other people around you aren't as enthusiastic. And you're like, "What do you mean you don't think I can do this?" But I was fortunate: There were very few of those people in my life. My parents were very supportive. The only thing Daddy wasn't supportive of was when I wanted to run barrels in the rodeo. But Mama understood that we needed to go have fun running barrels rodeoing.

I wasn't that good at running barrels in the rodeo, I promise you, but I loved it. I was better at the practice pen than I was in the arena. When the crowd became involved—it wasn't good.

Waiting makes me restless. When I'm ready, I'm ready.

The hardest part about forgiving people is deciding to forgive them. But I ask for forgiveness all the time, and that's not right if I can't forgive people, so I made a pact with myself. I said, "I am sick and tired of being mad at people who probably don't even remember who I am, or why I'm mad at them." So I'm going to say, seven times, "I forgive you, I forgive you, I forgive you." And I'll do it every day. About the second or third day, I couldn't even remember what I was forgiving them for.

The older you get, you learn how to deal with things that you can't control. I don't mean world peace and hunger. I'm talking about when you know people that are close to you are hurting and you can't fix it. That stresses me. But all I can do is turn it over to the Lord. Because what made me think I could fix it in the first place?

The songs that I sing help me tremendously. It happened that way in March of 1991 when the plane crashed with my band members and friends and my tour manager and two pilots. It's not a relief from grief, but I could sing about it. I've expressed my grief, and others can feel it and help me with it.

Answers appear. They come as a phone call: "We've got this movie we want you to do." "We've got you a job here." Doors open up. My husband's a firm believer that we will be guided the way that we're supposed to be guided. When opportunities happen, we know that they were presented for us, and if we don't take it, it will go to somebody else who probably will want it more.

Parenting is a never-ending job. My son just turned 21, but when the waiter comes over, and he mumbles, "I want the cheeseburger," I'm like, "Next time you speak up, you look him in the eye and you smile. He's been on his feet for eight hours, and you're sitting down here, and he's waiting on you." I tell him, "Shelby, no, you don't do it like that, you do it like this." Parenting is not wait till you get home; it's take care of the problem here.

Without a doubt, I'm loved. By family and friends, by the Lord and by my fans.

Reba McEntire 2011 Country Music Hall Of Fame Inductee

2011-03-01T15:40:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Reba!

Obama: The Entire World Is Watching

2011-02-23T20:10:00.000-08:00

Everybody Learns From Disaster

2011-02-22T13:41:00.000-08:00

Birmingham, AL
Mood: Under the weather, tired
Weather: Beautiful, Sunny & 68 degrees
Book: Of Love And Evil by Anne Rice

I came down with this cold a couple of days ago. It really sucks, my head is so congested when people talk to me I feel like I'm wearing earplugs. I suppose in some cases that could be a good thing. I am on a Lodrane, Medrol, Ceflexin, Advil and the heating pad to help with comfort. It sucks. I have exactly eight days to get better before my Chicago trip. I'm going to be cutting it close, but then I usually do.

I'm saddened for the people in Christchurch, New Zealand, such a beautiful place and much of it is leveled. I hate earthquakes. We don't have them here in Alabama.....well, we do but they are so minor you can't feel them. But, they still scare the hell out of me. I'm concerned also for all of the people protesting for democracy around the Middle East. Most of those leaders will not show the kind of restraint that former-President Hosni Mubarak showed. It's worrisome. But, perhaps it will all work out for the best. I don't really believe that, but there's no reason not to hope for it.

I'm super pysched about the new R.E.M. coming on March 8th I believe. One of my favorite bands of all time and from what I've heard of it that has leaked onto YouTube and other channels it's going to be great. I think it's a mixture of Monster and Accelerate.

I may be taking some more classes to further my knowledge of the medical field very soon, but I don't want to jinx it so that is all I will say about it now. But, I'm excited about the possibilities.....

Enjoy the new Widgets on the right side of the page. They are a reflection of who I am as a person so if you wanna know more dive in. There is a pretty good mixture of news, politics, music, religion, faith, and history AND a Magic 8 ball thrown in for some fun. Twitter updates are at the bottom as well as a brief column about who I am and what I do. Some of you had asked for that and so now you have it.

I know this is brief for me, but I really feel like crap.....so forgive my brevity.
Please continue to leave your comments (I love to hear from you guys), so drop me a comment, or email, or twitter.....whatever your thing may be. If there's something you'd like to see on here that I haven't shared or covered in the past, let me know....I love getting your suggestions.

And as always......Enjoy Life.

Love's The Only Rule.

H-

Real

2011-02-17T19:04:00.000-08:00

This video makes me proud to be an American. I love Johnny's cautious lyrics, never pro-war....stopping just short of anti-war.....but always aware of the political climate for our troops and our leaders. Songs mean many things to many people. To me, this song is a testament to America's struggle (and American society) to remain REAL and a force for good in a world gone crazy. Hope you like it as much as I love it:

Goo Goo Dolls - Real

Notbroken

2011-02-10T14:54:00.000-08:00

The Goo Goo Dolls beautiful new video for the latest single, "Notbroken". Lead singer Johnny Rzeznik says this is the "closest he will ever come" to writing an anti-war anthem. Let me know what you guys think.

Fox's O'Reilly Interviews President Obama

2011-02-07T10:55:00.001-08:00

Angry Young Man

2011-02-05T19:46:00.000-08:00

Have you wondered what caused the protests in Egypt, I mean the real cause? Check out this article courtesy of the New York Times regarding the beginnings of the protests which outlines events dating back to June 2010:

Khaled Said, a 28-year-old Egyptian businessman was pulled from an Internet cafe in Alexandria last June by two plainclothes police officers who beat him to death in the lobby of a residential building after they learned that he had posted a video on his personal blog showing them with illegal drugs.

The Egyptian police and security services have a well-earned reputation for brutality and snuffing out political opposition. But in Mr. Said, they unwittingly chose the wrong target.

Within five days of his death, an anonymous human rights activist created a Facebook page — We Are All Khaled Said — that posted cellphone photos from the morgue of his battered and bloodied face, the video of the corrupt police officers and other YouTube videos contrasting his corpse with pictures of his bright and smiling face from happier days. By mid-June, 130,000 people joined the page to get and share updates about the case.

It became and remains the biggest dissident Facebook page in Egypt, even as protests continue to sweep the country, with more than 473,000 users, and it has helped spread the word about the demonstrations in Egypt, which were ignited after a revolt in neighboring Tunisia toppled the government there.

“There were many catalysts of the uprising,” said Ahmed Zidan, an online political activist marching toward Tahrir Square for a protest last week. “The first was the brutal murder of Khalid Said.”

The Tunisian rebellion was set off after a fruit vendor, Mohamed Bouazizi, burned himself to death after being humiliated by the police. His desperate act led to protests, which were recorded on mobile phones, posted on the Internet, shared on Facebook and eventually broadcast by Al Jazeera.

But Mr. Said’s death may be the starkest example yet of the special power of social networking tools like Facebook even — or especially — in a police state. The Facebook page set up around his death offered Egyptians a rare forum to bond over their outrage about government abuses.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said over the weekend, the Middle East is being hit by a "perfect storm" of protest in support of much needed democratic reforms.
President Obama has instructed American citizens to "leave Egypt now." What started in Egypt has spread to Yemen, Algeria, Syria and Jordan. Yesterday, Prime Minister Maliki of Iraq announced he will not seek a third term, a move which was widely regarded as a preemptive strike to prevent potential protests by Iraqi citizens. People all over the world continue to fan the flames. Where this movement stops, nobody knows.

Right Where It Belongs

2011-02-04T17:25:00.000-08:00

Birmingham, AL
Mood: OK
Weather: Cold w/Rain
Music: NIN / With Teeth

I booked my tickets for my trip to Chicago today. I can't wait to see Kelly. It's been too long. This living halfway across the country from my close friends is extremely difficult. I dream of going back to Chicago every day. Even after that blizzard. I'm still not scared of it. They take such good care of that city. It always amazed me, how they seemed to keep the roads in good shape no matter what happened. I know this time around there were some trouble spots, but that happens everywhere. If New York can't handle it......I don't guess anyone can.

Going to see Reba on March 5th. Can't wait. Love the new music.

I found an old friend on Facebook last night, that was pretty cool. Facebook is so good at bringing people together. I really do believe it is a force for good. The fact that dictators all over the world hate it just makes me love it that much more. heeheehee. Yes, I'm one of those freedom-loving democratic trouble makers......if that bothers you then please read some other blog.

Still in love with the new Kill Hannah video for "Promise". Wish I was someone with influence and could help them get it on the radio's regular rotation. They're a good band. Their success is well deserved. If you haven't watched the video, you can find it under the January archives on the lower right hand column.

I anticipated the weather being really nasty so I got two books from the library today. I should be set for the weekend. My books, some soda, popcorn and a blanket for the couch. Sounds like heaven right now.

OK, everybody be safe in the winter weather. Stay warm, drive slowly, all that good stuff. Until next time.

Love and Peace.

H-

Frozen

2011-02-03T10:46:00.000-08:00

Birmingham, AL
Mood: Depressed
Weather: Cold w/Freezing Rain
Music: Complete Silence

I was reading articles today on CNN and I am absolutely mortified about how much negativity there is in the United States. We have become a nation of secular, humanist people with no heart and soul. This is one of those days when I am ashamed to be an American. I think about leaving all the time. Does anyone else feel this way? I'm so thankful that I'm Catholic, have a beautiful faith to call my own, and a leader (Pope Benedict XVI) that is full of love for all people. I am slowly but surely shutting the people who spread negativity out of my life. I've had it with hate for hate's sake. It's disgusting. Don't think I'm right? Pull up an article in the media and read the comments underneath. It will be nothing but hate. Hate for President Obama, Hate for other people, Hate for celebrities, Hate for other people; what the hell is wrong with our society? It's sickening to me. Madonna once wrote: "you're frozen, when your heart's not open." I believe that to be the ultimate truth. Wake up people. Time to snap out of it and take time to smell the roses. Life is short and fleeting and you are NOT going to get out of this alive. Do something meaningful with the time you've been given.

Love's The Only Rule.

H-

U.S. State Department Advisory concerning Egypt

2011-01-30T12:41:00.000-08:00

If anyone reading has family, friends or loved ones in Egypt that are United States citizens the advisory information from the Department of State is below. These guidelines were issued by Secretary Clinton on today's date:

Reach the United States Department of State and Secretary Clinton's office by emailing the following:
EgyptEmergencyUSC@state.gov or by calling 1-202-501-4444. Give all relevant information. American citizens are advised to stay where they are. DO NOT attempt to go to the American embassy, use the contact information above instead. Remain calm and please be patient. The United States government is organizing flights to begin evacuating American citizens beginning on Monday, January 30th.

The Government of Egypt has imposed a curfew from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. local time in Cairo, Alexandria and Suez until further notice. Given this situation, the Department of State urges U.S. citizens to defer non-essential travel to Egypt at this time and advises U.S. citizens currently in Egypt to defer non-essential movement and to exercise extreme caution.

Cairo In Flames

2011-01-29T14:53:00.000-08:00

Five days of anti-government rage and the people of Egypt are nowhere near satisfied. The only thing that will bring peace to Egypt is the departure of President Mubarak from power, possibly even his exile from the country. Below is the latest news, courtesy of CNN:

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CAIRO – With protests raging, Egypt's president named his intelligence chief, Omar Suleiman as his first-ever vice president on Saturday, setting the stage for a successor as chaos engulfed the capital. Soldiers stood by — a few even joining the demonstrators — and the death toll from five days of anti-government fury rose sharply to 74.

Saturday's fast-moving developments across the north African nation marked a sharp turning point in President Hosni Mubarak's three-decade rule of Egypt.

Residents and shopkeepers in affluent neighborhoods boarded up their houses and stores against looters, who roamed the streets with knives and sticks, stealing what they could and destroying cars, windows and street signs. Gunfire rang out in some neighborhoods.

Tanks and armored personnel carriers fanned out across the city of 18 million, guarding key government buildings, and major tourist and archaeological sites. Among those singled out for special protection was the Egyptian Museum, home to some of the country's most treasured antiquities, and the Cabinet building. The military closed the pyramids on the outskirts of Cairo — Egypt's premier tourist site.

But soldiers made no moves against protesters, even after a curfew came and went and the crowds swelled in the streets, demanding an end to Mubarak's rule and no handoff to the son he had been grooming to succeed him.

"This is the revolution of people of all walks of life," read black graffiti scrolled on one army tank in Tahrir Square. "Mubarak, take your son and leave," it said.

Thousands of protesters defied the curfew for the second night, standing their ground in the main Tahrir Square in a resounding rejection of Mubarak's attempt to hang onto power with promises of reform and a new government.

Police protecting the Interior Ministry near the site opened fire at a funeral procession for a dead protester, possibly because it came too close to the force. Clashes broke out and at least two people were killed.

The crackdown on protesters has drawn harsh criticism from the Obama administration and even a threat Friday to reduce a $1.5 billion foreign aid program if Washington's most important Arab ally escalates the use of force.

Thousands of passengers were stranded at Cairo's airport as flights were canceled or delayed, leaving them unable to leave because of a government-imposed curfew. Several Arab nations, meanwhile, moved to evacuate their citizens.

The protesters united in one overarching demand — Mubarak and his family must go. The movement is a culmination of years of simmering frustration over a government they see as corrupt, heavy-handed and neglectful of poverty.

Egyptians were emboldened by the uprising in Tunisia — another North African Arab nation, and further buoyed by their success in defying the ban on gatherings.

At the end of a long day of rioting and mass demonstrations Friday, Mubarak fired his Cabinet and promised reforms. But the demonstrators returned in force again Saturday to demand a complete change of regime.

The appointment of Suleiman, 74, answers one of the most intriguing and enduring political questions in Egypt: Who will succeed 82-year-old Mubarak?

Another question is whether his appointment will calm Egypt's seething cities.

Mubarak appointed Suleiman shortly after the U.S. said he needed to take concrete action to achieve "real reform." Suleiman is well known and respected by American officials and has traveled to Washington many times.

Before word that Mubarak had picked his first vice president, State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said the U.S. wanted to see Mubarak fulfill his pledges of reform.

"The Egyptian government can't reshuffle the deck and then stand pat," Crowley said on his Twitter account. "President Mubarak's words pledging reform must be followed by action."

As the army presence expanded in Cairo Saturday, police largely disappeared from the streets — possibly because their presence seemed only to fuel protesters' anger. Egyptian police are hated for their brutality.

On Friday, 17 police stations throughout Cairo were torched, with protesters stealing firearms and ammunition and freeing some jailed suspects. They also burned dozens of police trucks in Cairo, Alexandria and Suez. On Saturday, protesters besieged a police station in the Giza neighborhood of Cairo, looted and pulled down Egyptian flags, then burned the building to the ground.

On Saturday, feelings of joy over the sustained protest mingled with frustration over the looting and Mubarak's refusal to step down.

Suleiman, additionally, is widely seen as a central regime figure, a position that protesters were likely to view with suspicion.

Both appointments perpetuate the military's overriding role in Egyptian politics.

Suleiman's frequent trips to Israel could be held against him by a population that continues to view the Jewish state as a sworn enemy more than 30 years after the two neighbors signed a peace treaty.

"There is nothing short of Mubarak leaving power that will satisfy the people," Mohamed ElBaradei, the country's leading pro-reform activist told The Associated Press on Saturday. "I think what Mubarak said yesterday was an insult to the intelligence of the Egyptian people."

Buildings, statues and even armored security vehicles were covered in anti-Mubarak graffiti, including the words "Mubarak must fall," which by morning had been written over to say "Mubarak fell."

The military extended the hours of the night curfew imposed Friday in the three major cities where the worst violence has been seen — Cairo, Alexandria and Suez. State television said it would begin at 4 p.m. and last until 8 a.m., longer than the 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. ban Friday night that appeared to not have been enforced.

The Internet appeared blocked for a second day to hamper protesters who use social networking sites to organize. And after cell phone service was cut for a day Friday, two of the country's major providers were up and running Saturday.

In the capital on Friday night, hundreds of young men carted away televisions, fans and stereo equipment looted from the ruling National Democratic Party, near the Egyptian Museum.

Others around the city looted banks, smashed cars, tore down street signs and pelted armored riot police vehicles with paving stones torn from roadways.

Everyone Is Watching You Now

2011-01-26T23:25:00.000-08:00

Birmingham, AL
Mood: Good
Weather: Clear & Cool with a light wind
Music: Til Tuesday / Voices Carry

So, did everyone see the State of the Union last night? I thought the POTUS did a damn good job of trying to unify the country after that fruit loop shot up the Safeway in Tucson. It was kind of eerie though, when the cameras panned over to Congresswoman Gifford's empty chair on the House floor. It really brought home how serious the whole thing was. I still say we need tighter gun control laws in this nation. There was a news analyst on TV yesterday that said that the shooter, Jared Loughner, could legally buy a gun but COULD NOT board a U.S. airline flight. He is on the no-fly list because of previous mental and drug problems. Crazy? I think so. When I'm preaching about gun control I always go back to my motherland, France. France's crime rate is virtually non-existent compared to the United States and what is the one thing they don't have that we do??? A citizen on every corner with a freaking handgun. Fuck that noise. Let the conservatives take pot-shots at me all day long. I'm right and they're wrong, it's just that simple.

I saw the movie RED over the weekend, very good film. Funny as hell and pumped full of action. Helen Mirren was excellent! I have loved her since she played the queen in the movie called, you guessed it, The Queen. You guys have to rent that one, well worth your time. Also, went to the movies and saw No Strings Attached with Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher. Very good, light-hearted, funny romcom. The kind of movie most critics just dismiss without even bothering to watch it. Did anyone read that article with Rupert Everett trashing Jennifer Aniston because she always plays the "nice girl?" Geez, talk about queens on the rag. He apparently got up on the wrong side of London that morning. Ridiculous! Of course I guess the whole affair is not for me to understand, you know he's one of those "serious gays."

I'm reading Sarah Palin's book, America By Heart, it's the former governor's take on what our forefathers intended when they designed our great nation. Most of it I agree with, some of it I detest. But, then that goes with just about everything now-a-days huh?

So, what's going on in my life. I have lots of plans for this year. I'm going to Chicago (shock) to see Reba in March. Back to Chicago (aftershock) in July to see U2 (that one will serve as my whole GO USA--4th of July outing). Both of those will be with my best pal Rijkse. We also have another trip to Europe in the works. Details to come soon.

The poll is up about terrorist attacks. I think there is like twenty-something yes answers and not a single no. Interesting. So, check that out. I also have CNN scrolling your news headlines on the right side too and the new Kill Hannah video "Promise Me", which I am IN LOVE with. Something about it haunts me. It's so very different from anything they've done before. So check that out and let me know what you think of it.

Looking forward to my friend and former John getting his site back up and running. I miss catching up with the pictures and art-work and stuff. When he gets it back up, I'll add it to my links as well. Gabe's site is going up ASAP, check the links section for that as well.

I'm so glad to be back with you guys and have Hyphenate up and running again. After my grandmother died, I became very cryptically introspective for a while and totally stopped writing or expressing anything. That wasn't very healthy for me. It's not healthy for anyone. Everyone needs an outlet. I truly believe that. So, it's good to be back. Thank you for sticking with me (to all the old-school readers) and the new people we pick up along the way. Thank You for your support, your words of encouragement and your comments. Love and Hate Mail is always welcome, both via email and Twitter. The addresses are at the bottom-right. Love to hear from ya.

Until Next Time,
Love and Peace.

Hyphen

Promise Me

2011-01-22T18:52:00.001-08:00

Will the Earth Have Two Suns by 2012?

2011-01-21T14:26:00.000-08:00

Click Here for more on Betelgeuse

Rise

2011-01-14T22:09:00.000-08:00

Obama approval on the rise

(CNN) - At the start of President Obama's third year in office, a new poll indicates that the president's approval rating is on the rise.

A Quinnipiac Poll released Thursday showed Obama's approval rating at 48 percent - nearing the 50 percent approval rating he has not held since October 2009. The poll indicates a jump in Obama's approval rating, which was at 44 percent in the last Quinnipiac poll in November.

Obama's approval rating is also up in the latest Associated Press poll - six points, from 47 percent in early November to 53 percent in January. The Gallup tracking also shows the same pattern - from a low of 45 percent in late December to the 48-49 percent range in the past few days.

The polls support a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey released last month which also showed an uptick in the president's approval.

Democratic voters continued to give Obama high marks, with an 85 percent approval rating in the Quinnipiac poll. Across the aisle, 84 percent of Republican voters disapprove of the job the president is doing. Independent voters disapproved of the president 46 to 41 percent.

Obama also received positive marks when compared to his predecessor: asked whether Obama is a better president than George W. Bush, 43 percent of voters indicated they thought he was, while 37 percent did not.

Regarding the president's policies, health care continued to be a contentious issue among voters.

Welcome All Again

2011-01-12T13:50:00.000-08:00

Birmingham, AL
Mood: Good
Weather: Light Snow
Music: Collective Soul / self-titled

I decided to clear out the cobwebs of Hyphenate and get it back into running condition again. I know I said I would never do it again. But, old habits die hard. I need a forum to write and this one was perfect. I'll be back at it again very shortly......calling it like I see it......and daring any one to see it differently.
So, my friends WELCOME ALL AGAIN!

H-