This is the ramblings of an individual who examines everything from sports, to history, to education, to current events, and anything else that comes to mind.

Getting old can be defined in a number of ways, and unfortunately most of them seem to be negative. If we say someone's "old at 20," we don't usually take that to be a positive thing.

You sound like you're doing fine, though! I'm sort of jealous about all that free time.

In spite of the emphasis on the economy, there are still those who vote for social issues. And the end of DADT, allowing HIV+ visitors (2010, the USA was one of the last countries to have a ban..), his moderate position in regards to immigration (the Republican'ts come off as xenophobic), his normalization of relations with other nations (Bush alienated many), his moderate attitudes on health, education, social security (the Repubs want absolute privatization), his urging the end of DOMA... may not be sexy headliners but still mean a lot to the poor and marginalized.

I can survive poverty, I can't survive a pogrom except by leaving.

Very good except I'll take some umbrage with the teachers/social workers metaphor. I think the dumbdown is more a matter of non-unionized retail being used as slavery-light. Although not everyone is a rocket scientist, there is some concern when creative and intelligent people can't get a job other than at Walmart. and the lack of a social health system is holding many folks back as well. For teaching we may want to look at Finland which is developing a very savvy technical population. Sweden has the health-care system. Switzerland has democracy but not the Human-rights. South Africa understand reconciliation. All four BRIC nations are multi-cultural. It would behoove the US to encourage studies of their culture and languages. Also, historically we have ignored Africa. Not a bright option anymore.

I know little about economics but there does need to be an adjustment to the typical American attitude of acquistition, consolidation (eliminating jobs), hoarding money and moving it off-shore. The wealthy as well as the poor are gnawing away at what made the US strong in the first place. (Well, there was that total rape of a continent to consider also.) We will either change or suffer great internal and external defeats.

Is the $50 plastic money called "Fifty Loonie?"

Glad it all turned out well.

I think if Romney was not a Mormon, he would be the clear winner.

So what adds did you like?

I liked the dog working out.

I think a lot of why Obama has an up hill battle is because he is black.

The scary thing is that a lot of religious freaks, scream and vote.

Like a lot of folks we try and solve pain or some need with outside fixes. Many who long to famous have those same issues. Then they get money to do what they want and folks around them help them do so.

She had it all: talent, looks, health, intelligence, money and fame, and still she chose to do something she knew was illegal, addictive, and bad for her health. She could have, for decades, gotten help, and to my knowledge she didn't.

My heart doesn't go out to her. I think she was responsible for her own path. Just I can judge her for her talent and beauty, I can judge for the bad too.

She left us with some great songs. She also left her kids with her issues as well. What a shame.

As I recall the Pilgrims could practice what they wanted in Holland. They left because they wanted their kids to have their parents culture. But for sure that is why they left ENgland.

I place my faith in mankind and science. I too no longer think God is watching us.

I agree with you that conception is potential for life.

Those who stand for religion, can't see how intolerant they are. They see only their own noses and seem to care if anyone can breath.

I think if the economy tanks, Obama will have a real struggle. If he isn't than any and all progress that has been made will be undone.