Obama signs Violence Against Women Act reauthorization
From NBCNews.com
Friday, March 8, 2013
Thursday, March 7, 2013
What Rand Paul Really Thinks About Drones
What Rand Paul Really Thinks About Drones: pWhile Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) undoubtedly won the DC news cycle yesterday with his twelve-hour long filibuster against CIA Director nominee John Brennan, his opposition to drones is not as all-encompassing as you would think. The coverage of the filibuster fixated on what appeared to be Paul’s unwavering opposition to the use of unmanned vehicles, [...]/p
From ThinkProgress.org
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Number Of Radical Anti-Government Groups ‘Reached An All-Time High’ In 2012, Report Finds
Number Of Radical Anti-Government Groups ‘Reached An All-Time High’ In 2012, Report Finds: pThe Souther Poverty Law Center released a new report on Tuesday finding that “the number of conspiracy-minded antigovernment ‘Patriot’ groups reached an all-time high of 1,360 in 2012″ and that the number of hate groups has remained at “near record levels” of more than 1,000. The group is calling on the Departments of Justice and [...]/p
From ThinkProgress.org
Toney Atkins writes: Thanks to those of you who have noticed that this and my other blog, in addition to my web site, www.toneyatkins.com/ , brought this and other Southern Povery Law Center reports about right-wing extremists/hate groups to readers' attention even before some TV cable news channels started paying attention to them. No, I am not presumptuous enough to believe any of them saw my blog postings. Like any other newsman, however, I sometimes feel good to think that I have "scooped" someone with my coverage -- even the reports I did not write myself. This hate group/militia issue is one which all citizens should take very seriously, because their actions possibly can lead to terrible consequences for everyone.
From ThinkProgress.org
Toney Atkins writes: Thanks to those of you who have noticed that this and my other blog, in addition to my web site, www.toneyatkins.com/ , brought this and other Southern Povery Law Center reports about right-wing extremists/hate groups to readers' attention even before some TV cable news channels started paying attention to them. No, I am not presumptuous enough to believe any of them saw my blog postings. Like any other newsman, however, I sometimes feel good to think that I have "scooped" someone with my coverage -- even the reports I did not write myself. This hate group/militia issue is one which all citizens should take very seriously, because their actions possibly can lead to terrible consequences for everyone.
Lindsey Graham: Hurricane Victims Need Assault Weapons To Shoot ‘Roaming Gangs’
Lindsey Graham: Hurricane Victims Need Assault Weapons To Shoot ‘Roaming Gangs’: pSen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) pushed back against efforts to limit the availability of assault weapons during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Wednesday by echoing the paranoia of the National Rifle Association and insisting that Americans would need access to AR-15s to protect themselves from “roaming gangs” during natural disasters. Speaking to Attorney General Eric [...]/p
From ThinkProgress.org
From ThinkProgress.org
Monday, March 4, 2013
Sunday, March 3, 2013
My Way News - Consequence to cuts no one thought would happen
My Way News - Consequence to cuts no one thought would happen
From the Associated Press via MyWay.com
From the Associated Press via MyWay.com
Saturday, March 2, 2013
My Way News - How budget cuts could affect you
My Way News - How budget cuts could affect you
Toney Atkins notes: Sequestration is now in effect in the United States, thanks primarily to the Republicans in Congress. Americans need to keep a close watch on what their elected representatives and senators are doing to and for the country and take those observations into consideration when election season comes again.
The above link is to an informative Associated Press story via MyWay.com.
Toney Atkins notes: Sequestration is now in effect in the United States, thanks primarily to the Republicans in Congress. Americans need to keep a close watch on what their elected representatives and senators are doing to and for the country and take those observations into consideration when election season comes again.
The above link is to an informative Associated Press story via MyWay.com.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
University Of North Carolina Rape Victim May Be Expelled For Speaking About Her Case
University Of North Carolina Rape Victim May Be Expelled For Speaking About Her Case: pA college sophomore at the University of North Carolina is being sent to the school’s “Honor Court” and may be expelled for speaking publicly about her rape. University officials are alleging that Landen Gambill is being “disruptive” or “intimidating” her rapist by going public with her story of sexual assault, despite the fact that Gambill [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
What Happens If The Voting Rights Act Loses In The Supreme Court
What Happens If The Voting Rights Act Loses In The Supreme Court: pWe do not have to guess what the states currently subject to a key provision of the Voting Rights Act will do if the Supreme Court grants their wish to have that provision declared unconstitutional — top Republicans in those states have already told us. In a brief filed last August, Republican attorneys general from [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Monday, February 25, 2013
World's Worst Tattoo vs. Porn Star Bra Size: The Weird News Top 10 (VOTE, VIDEO)
World's Worst Tattoo vs. Porn Star Bra Size: The Weird News Top 10 (VOTE, VIDEO)
Weekly weird news that makes my mental health situation to be better than some. (From The Huffington Post)
Weekly weird news that makes my mental health situation to be better than some. (From The Huffington Post)
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Reagan-Appointed Former U.S. Attorney Touts Medical Marijuana
Reagan-Appointed Former U.S. Attorney Touts Medical Marijuana: pCountless individuals have publicly attested to medical marijuana’s singular effectiveness in alleviating pain, nausea and other suffering. But to those who doubt the credibility of those sources, along comes a tough-on-crime prosecutor. Former U.S. Attorney Mel McDonald, who was a self-professed drug warrior when he was appointed by President Ronald Reagan, is now coming out as an avid [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
U.S. Government Plans To Air Drop Toxic Mice To Fight Snake Invasion
U.S. Government Plans To Air Drop Toxic Mice To Fight Snake Invasion: pGuam is being overrun by millions of snakes. The U.S. Government hopes air dropping drugged, dead mice can solve the problem. Brown tree snakes came to Guam, naturally, on a plane (and on boats). In the 60 years since they arrived, the Brown Tree Snake has “ate almost all the birds.” There are only a [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Friday, February 22, 2013
My Way News - Sequester Q&A: For US, a new season of uncertainty
My Way News - Sequester Q&A: For US, a new season of uncertainty
From the Associated Press and MyWay.com.
From the Associated Press and MyWay.com.
Katie Stockton Admits Leaving 'Baby Crystal' To Die In Road
Katie Stockton Admits Leaving 'Baby Crystal' To Die In Road
TONEY ATKINS: Above link thanks to the Huffington Post. More weird news. And people think I'm crazy. I feel much better about myself when I read crime reports such as this, and feel sad for people whose minds lead them to commit terrible acts. I feel much sadder for their innocent victims.
This story not weird enough? Don't miss the link on that page to the story about the woman whose body was found in the tank that provides drinking and bathing water at a hotel. Check, please!
TONEY ATKINS: Above link thanks to the Huffington Post. More weird news. And people think I'm crazy. I feel much better about myself when I read crime reports such as this, and feel sad for people whose minds lead them to commit terrible acts. I feel much sadder for their innocent victims.
This story not weird enough? Don't miss the link on that page to the story about the woman whose body was found in the tank that provides drinking and bathing water at a hotel. Check, please!
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
| 1 John 5:3-4 |
| New International Version This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. | ||
| ||
| King James Version For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. |
BEYOND WEIRD: Vegas Woman Had Sex With Pit Bull, Police Say
Kara Vandereyk, Las Vegas Woman, Had Sex With Pit Bull: Police
"You beast!" she screamed.
Not really. That part was made up by me, although I do understand that the pit bull had a smile on its face after the encounter. Oops, I did it again. Please pardon me for acting like Fox News and making up stuff just to add my own warped imagination to an already unbelievable, but true, story, according to police.
WARNING: Kind of gross, and some sensitive readers might find the article at the above Huffington Post link offensive. However, I see it as not as offensive as people hurting, shooting and killing people every day, as reported on the 6 o'clock news and much of the day on cable. -- Toney Atkins
"You beast!" she screamed.
Not really. That part was made up by me, although I do understand that the pit bull had a smile on its face after the encounter. Oops, I did it again. Please pardon me for acting like Fox News and making up stuff just to add my own warped imagination to an already unbelievable, but true, story, according to police.
WARNING: Kind of gross, and some sensitive readers might find the article at the above Huffington Post link offensive. However, I see it as not as offensive as people hurting, shooting and killing people every day, as reported on the 6 o'clock news and much of the day on cable. -- Toney Atkins
Thursday, February 21, 2013
BILLIONS IN MONEY, JOB CUTS? -- HAVE YOUR SAY
Toney Atkins: You can have your say about the latest economic crisis
facing the U.S. Are you as tired of these stress-inducing situations as I am?
The following is an email from the Democratic Party that I received (of which I
tend to agree) that can help your "representatives" in Congress know how you
feel about the issue that can adversely impact many, if not all, Americans
starting March 1:
By Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Chair
Democratic National Committee
Congressional Republicans have taken their partisan brinkmanship to an entirely new level.
Unless they act by March 1st, billions of dollars in automatic cuts -- the so-called sequester -- will start to take effect. If it does, more than 2 million jobs could be lost, 70,000 children would be kicked off of Head Start, and 10,000 teachers' jobs would be put at risk.
With this fiscal crisis looming, what did John Boehner and Republican leadership do? They went on vacation, calling recess for the House this week even though Democrats voted to stay and work to avert this crisis.
This is no time for recess. It's time for them to do their job.
Demand Republicans in Congress come back to the table and work with the President to avoid this crisis. Sign the petition now.
The unbelievable thing is -- this crisis is completely avoidable.
The President has laid out a specific plan with detailed cuts to avoid the sequester and reduce the deficit in a balanced way, and Democrats in Congress have put forward a balanced approach as well.
But Republicans in Congress would rather see our recovery and middle-class economic security be put at risk than close one tax loophole for big corporations and the wealthiest among us.
John Boehner and House Republican leaders need to hear from thousands of Americans across the country that they must come back to the table and work with us to avoid these automatic cuts. The only way they'll do their job is if our overwhelming response leaves them no choice.
Sign the petition now:
http://my.democrats.org/
Together, we can do this.
Thanks,
Debbie
Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Chair
Democratic National Committee
By Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Chair
Democratic National Committee
Congressional Republicans have taken their partisan brinkmanship to an entirely new level.
Unless they act by March 1st, billions of dollars in automatic cuts -- the so-called sequester -- will start to take effect. If it does, more than 2 million jobs could be lost, 70,000 children would be kicked off of Head Start, and 10,000 teachers' jobs would be put at risk.
With this fiscal crisis looming, what did John Boehner and Republican leadership do? They went on vacation, calling recess for the House this week even though Democrats voted to stay and work to avert this crisis.
This is no time for recess. It's time for them to do their job.
Demand Republicans in Congress come back to the table and work with the President to avoid this crisis. Sign the petition now.
The unbelievable thing is -- this crisis is completely avoidable.
The President has laid out a specific plan with detailed cuts to avoid the sequester and reduce the deficit in a balanced way, and Democrats in Congress have put forward a balanced approach as well.
But Republicans in Congress would rather see our recovery and middle-class economic security be put at risk than close one tax loophole for big corporations and the wealthiest among us.
John Boehner and House Republican leaders need to hear from thousands of Americans across the country that they must come back to the table and work with us to avoid these automatic cuts. The only way they'll do their job is if our overwhelming response leaves them no choice.
Sign the petition now:
http://my.democrats.org/
Together, we can do this.
Thanks,
Debbie
Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Chair
Democratic National Committee
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Jobs v. Loopholes
Jobs v. Loopholes: p7 Tax Loopholes the GOP Loves to Love In less than two weeks the very damaging across the board “sequester” cuts will kick in unless Republicans agree to a replacement that is a balanced compromise including both new revenues from closing tax loopholes and smarter, more targeted spending cuts. When it was convenient for them [...]/p
This link to ThinkProgress.org details the latest financial scare courtesy of the war between Republicans and the White House. -- Toney Atkins
This link to ThinkProgress.org details the latest financial scare courtesy of the war between Republicans and the White House. -- Toney Atkins
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
WEIRD NEWS: STRANGE, BUT TRUE
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/17/weird-news-top-10-zombie-apocalypse-pizza-perfume_n_2699813.html?utm_hp_ref=weird-news
Tired of hearing and reading about possible economic collapse, fireballs exploding in the sky, people getting shot and killed by guns on a daily basis, discussions about the 2016 elections while we're trying to recover from 2012, I decided to search for some weird news. I found it at the above Huffington Post link. -- Toney Atkins
Tired of hearing and reading about possible economic collapse, fireballs exploding in the sky, people getting shot and killed by guns on a daily basis, discussions about the 2016 elections while we're trying to recover from 2012, I decided to search for some weird news. I found it at the above Huffington Post link. -- Toney Atkins
WINNING LOTTERY WAS REAL BLAST FOR BROTHERS
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/18/brothers-blow-up-house-lottery-kansas_n_2711020.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular
High times after a lottery win. Couldn't resist sharing this one from the Huffington Post. -- Toney
High times after a lottery win. Couldn't resist sharing this one from the Huffington Post. -- Toney
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Meteor sparks rumors, conspiracy theories in Russia - World News
Meteor sparks rumors, conspiracy theories in Russia - World News
Link above to NBC News coverage.
Toney Atkins says: Why are we not surprised about conspiracy theories? Could it be God's way of warning us that the end of the world is near, possibly because its population's hateful and un-Godlike attitudes and actions have gone to hell? I don't know, but I sometimes wonder ... .
Link above to NBC News coverage.
Toney Atkins says: Why are we not surprised about conspiracy theories? Could it be God's way of warning us that the end of the world is near, possibly because its population's hateful and un-Godlike attitudes and actions have gone to hell? I don't know, but I sometimes wonder ... .
Russian meteor explosion outshone sun - Science
Russian meteor explosion outshone sun - Science
From NBCNews.com, with story, video, photos of an incredible event.
From NBCNews.com, with story, video, photos of an incredible event.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Why Employers Won’t Fire People If We Raise The Minimum Wage To $9
Why Employers Won’t Fire People If We Raise The Minimum Wage To $9: pRepublicans are responding to President Obama’s proposal raise the federal minimum wage by arguing that requiring businesses to pay their workers at least $9 an hour would lead employers to shed jobs or increase prices and pass the costs onto consumers. “When you raise the price of employment, guess what happens? You get less of [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
BREAKING: Senate Republicans Make History, First To Filibuster Defense Secretary Nominee
TONEY ATKINS comments: I will never vote for another Republican, and I have already lost some friends who belong to the party, or I've simply drifted away from their closed-minded, ignorant and racist thinking and attitudes. We have a BLACK president. Yes, he is BLACK, BLACK, BLACK! Too many of their words, too many of their actions, too much of their obstructionism is plain to the not-so-dumb that Republicans in government are still trying to destroy the historic nation's first black president and attempting to make his every effort unsuccessful. This is a real shame. Republicans are showing their true faces: they are hateful liars who claim to have the best interests of the nation at heart, but they don't. No other president in my memory has been treated with the venom that has been spat President Obama's direction, and I admire him for standing tall and firm. He has accomplished much, and more could be done to benefit U.S. citizens if Republicans could put their racism aside, look at reality and what the American people want, and work in a bipartisan way to make things happen. Fox News perpetuates and sometimes provokes lies about the president and his administration and his goals. Most Americans don't keep up with politics and therefore are not aware of the dirty dealings that are going on in Washington, on conservative radio and Republican-supporter Fox News. Unnecessary falsehoods, outright lies and fears are spread, and the ordinary man believes those fallacies more than the truth because those in higher powers know they can control what people know and believe. If Obama were white, the situation in Washington, DC, might be completely different. Now it's almost completely disfunctional, and that is sad. How other countries look at us today must be much different than we did in the past when we behaved like a superpower. Maybe we will rise to the top again, but only if these extremist Republicans calm down, accept the fact that in this nation "all men are created equal"; if these people can be colorblind where the president is concerned and work WITH, not AGAINST, the black man that the majority of Americans voted to be president. The latest Republican foolishness is seen in the following Think Progress.org report:
BREAKING: Senate Republicans Make History, First To Filibuster Defense Secretary Nominee: pSenate Republicans today chose to uphold a filibuster against Secretary of Defense nominee Chuck Hagel, despite many of them previously pledging that they would be willing to allow him to be confirmed. Sens. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Jeff Sessions (R-AL), and John Cornyn (R-TX) all voted against cloture, despite their pleas during the Bush administration that [...]/p
OOPS: GOP Rep. Inadvertently Makes The Case For Nearly Doubling The Minimum Wage
OOPS: GOP Rep. Inadvertently Makes The Case For Nearly Doubling The Minimum Wage: pPresident Obama’s State of the Union proposal to raise the minimum wage to $9 an hour and index it to inflation so that it keeps up with growth in the economy was quickly rebuked by top Republicans like Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) and Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), who claim the minimum wage will kill jobs [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Thursday, February 14, 2013
MY SLACKER RADIO STATION...SOME FAVORITES
For a diversion, one of my free Slacker radio stations, Toney's Mashup of Favorites: rock, dance, soul, oldies and country:
TONEY'S FAVORITES MASHUP
TONEY'S FAVORITES MASHUP
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
6 Game-Changing Ideas In The State Of The Union
6 Game-Changing Ideas In The State Of The Union: pOn Tuesday night, President Obama delivered his fifth State of the Union and laid out an agressive agenda that could set the nation on a more progressive course. Below are 6 of his most ambitious and far reaching proposals: 1. Executive action on climate change. “I urge this Congress to pursue a bipartisan, market-based solution [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
ALLEGED KILLER EX-COP: L.A. TIMES' COVERAGE
Constantly updated coverage of alleged killer ex-cop Dorner from the Los Angeles Times:
http://www.latimes.com/
Also, please check out www.toneyatkins.com/ for news, weather, sports, opinions and many surprises.
http://www.latimes.com/
Also, please check out www.toneyatkins.com/ for news, weather, sports, opinions and many surprises.
BREAKING: Senate Passes Violence Against Women Act, With No Help From 22 Republican Male Senators
BREAKING: Senate Passes Violence Against Women Act, With No Help From 22 Republican Male Senators: pThe Violence Against Women Act reauthorization passed through the Senate on Tuesday afternoon, by a vote of 78 to 22. Of those opposing the legislation, all 22 were Republican men. Every female Senator supported the bill. Among the most notable votes against the bill were Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), and Sen. Marco Rubio [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Monday, February 11, 2013
SCARED POOPLESS (Toney Atkins)
UPDATE: THE DAY AFTER follows the original:
Hi friends and wonderful acquaintances,
I hope this finds you doing well and enjoying life.
Some of you have inquired about the results of the tests on my eyes, one of which recently went totally blind for a couple of days (and still isn't working too great at times). I truly appreciate your prayers and positive energy. It has helped.
The specialist managed to scare me poopless today. A bilateral cartoid ultrasound, performed utilizing 8.0 MHz transducer (bet you didn't know I could talk doctor, did you?), pne of the major results indicated Intimal hyperplasia, the thickening of the tunica intima of a blood vessel as a complication of a reconstruction procedure or endarterectomy. Intimal hyperplasia is the universal response of a vessel to injury and is an important reason of late bypass graft failure, particularly in vein and synthetic vascular grafts.
I must be honest. I stole wording for that paragraph from the doctor's report and Wikipedia, and it's Greek to me. My case has something to do with the flow of blood to (or from?) the brain. The way the doc described it, I gather that it means that I have a blockage somewhere which could result in a stroke. I nearly had one just listening to him, but I managed to keep my panic attack at bay. Introspectively and aside from the eyes, even now I have several symptoms of the aftermath of a stroke, but doctors don't seem to believe that's the case. I should stop watching "House" reruns. Hypochonriac that I tend to be, I sometimes feel I have the same symptoms as every patient in every episode. With the size of my belly, I have been accused of being pregnant, but so far, no baby, no National Enquirer, no millions of dollars, so my hypochondria does have lines it won't cross.
I have to see my primary physician Monday, who will refer me to two more specialists. Getting old is indeed an adventure (and sometimes a bitch, so please continue to remember me in prayer or think something positive.
Obviously, the urgency isn't too great. I'm not in the hospital yet. The tests were conducted more than a month ago, I don't know if my condition is the same or worse. I'm sure the specialist, whom I trust, considered the evaluations that were done today. But that scares the poop out of me, too. It's good to know
Chalk this email up to another moaning and groaning rambling of a reluctantly aging old man who doesn't have the patience to deal with failing body parts. Feel free to get back at me any time by writing to me about any problem YOU might have. It helps to vent, even if only God knows the answers.
Love somebody today.
**********************************************
THE DAY AFTER:
I have always had the terrible habit of writing and publishing things before I have really thought them out, and they ultimately resulted in regret.
After sending the above email to friends and contacts, some who care and many who likely do not, I realized how selfish it sounds. I try not to be whiny, but sometimes I put personal thoughts into writing partly because there are few people that I can actually talk to in order to get fears, frustrations and, on the other hand, positive thoughts and energy out of my system.
The email likely came across as self-centered, and today it appears as such, even to me.
As a neighborhood man in his 30s pointed out today, I am fortunate. "You've lived a long life, and you should be proud and expect problems like this," he said.
Thinking back on my 50-year high school senior class reunion two years ago at Gordon Lee Memorial High School in Chickamauga, GA, I know that he is right. I am 70 years old, and I have outlived some of my classmates and friends who possibly suffered much more than I will ever suffer. I thank God that I am as healthy as I am, and I should thank Him every day for that. I wish those classmates and friends were alive today and that they could have enjoyed our reunion and the days, months and years afterward. I would like to think the rest of us lucky ones will be around to celebrate our 100th year of graduating into society and the real world, in which we would grow and age, mix successes with failures, and ultimately survive as we grew older.
I apologize for seemingly feeling sorry for myself, because I really don't. I will face this problem as I have done when the situations seemed dire in the past. There are many, many people who are in worse shape than I, but I guess I do selfishly enjoy life, whatever the pains, disappointments and frustrations. I hope to spend my golden years relishing the moments and days.
If I offended anyone by my blowing off steam, which would have been more appropriate, I suppose, in a personal journal, I am sorry. However, I do thank you for reading, listening, praying and caring.
Hi friends and wonderful acquaintances,
I hope this finds you doing well and enjoying life.
Some of you have inquired about the results of the tests on my eyes, one of which recently went totally blind for a couple of days (and still isn't working too great at times). I truly appreciate your prayers and positive energy. It has helped.
The specialist managed to scare me poopless today. A bilateral cartoid ultrasound, performed utilizing 8.0 MHz transducer (bet you didn't know I could talk doctor, did you?), pne of the major results indicated Intimal hyperplasia, the thickening of the tunica intima of a blood vessel as a complication of a reconstruction procedure or endarterectomy. Intimal hyperplasia is the universal response of a vessel to injury and is an important reason of late bypass graft failure, particularly in vein and synthetic vascular grafts.
I must be honest. I stole wording for that paragraph from the doctor's report and Wikipedia, and it's Greek to me. My case has something to do with the flow of blood to (or from?) the brain. The way the doc described it, I gather that it means that I have a blockage somewhere which could result in a stroke. I nearly had one just listening to him, but I managed to keep my panic attack at bay. Introspectively and aside from the eyes, even now I have several symptoms of the aftermath of a stroke, but doctors don't seem to believe that's the case. I should stop watching "House" reruns. Hypochonriac that I tend to be, I sometimes feel I have the same symptoms as every patient in every episode. With the size of my belly, I have been accused of being pregnant, but so far, no baby, no National Enquirer, no millions of dollars, so my hypochondria does have lines it won't cross.
I have to see my primary physician Monday, who will refer me to two more specialists. Getting old is indeed an adventure (and sometimes a bitch, so please continue to remember me in prayer or think something positive.
Obviously, the urgency isn't too great. I'm not in the hospital yet. The tests were conducted more than a month ago, I don't know if my condition is the same or worse. I'm sure the specialist, whom I trust, considered the evaluations that were done today. But that scares the poop out of me, too. It's good to know
Chalk this email up to another moaning and groaning rambling of a reluctantly aging old man who doesn't have the patience to deal with failing body parts. Feel free to get back at me any time by writing to me about any problem YOU might have. It helps to vent, even if only God knows the answers.
Love somebody today.
**********************************************
THE DAY AFTER:
I have always had the terrible habit of writing and publishing things before I have really thought them out, and they ultimately resulted in regret.
After sending the above email to friends and contacts, some who care and many who likely do not, I realized how selfish it sounds. I try not to be whiny, but sometimes I put personal thoughts into writing partly because there are few people that I can actually talk to in order to get fears, frustrations and, on the other hand, positive thoughts and energy out of my system.
The email likely came across as self-centered, and today it appears as such, even to me.
As a neighborhood man in his 30s pointed out today, I am fortunate. "You've lived a long life, and you should be proud and expect problems like this," he said.
Thinking back on my 50-year high school senior class reunion two years ago at Gordon Lee Memorial High School in Chickamauga, GA, I know that he is right. I am 70 years old, and I have outlived some of my classmates and friends who possibly suffered much more than I will ever suffer. I thank God that I am as healthy as I am, and I should thank Him every day for that. I wish those classmates and friends were alive today and that they could have enjoyed our reunion and the days, months and years afterward. I would like to think the rest of us lucky ones will be around to celebrate our 100th year of graduating into society and the real world, in which we would grow and age, mix successes with failures, and ultimately survive as we grew older.
I apologize for seemingly feeling sorry for myself, because I really don't. I will face this problem as I have done when the situations seemed dire in the past. There are many, many people who are in worse shape than I, but I guess I do selfishly enjoy life, whatever the pains, disappointments and frustrations. I hope to spend my golden years relishing the moments and days.
If I offended anyone by my blowing off steam, which would have been more appropriate, I suppose, in a personal journal, I am sorry. However, I do thank you for reading, listening, praying and caring.
Texas Congressman Invites Ted Nugent, Who Threatened The President’s Life, To The State Of The Union
Texas Congressman Invites Ted Nugent, Who Threatened The President’s Life, To The State Of The Union: pCongressman Steve Stockman (R-TX) has announced that he would be bringing musician and conservative loudmouth Ted Nugent to President Obama’s State of the Union address on Tuesday. “I am excited to have a patriot like Ted Nugent joining me in the House Chamber to hear from President Obama,” Stockman said on his congressional website on [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
NBA Star Calls Out Homophobia On Twitter
NBA Star Calls Out Homophobia On Twitter: pOne of the most famous players in the National Basketball Association, Kobe Bryant, took to Twitter on Sunday to tell a fan to stop using ‘gay’ as an insult. After a man identifying as Michael on Twitter tweeted “you’re gay” at another person, the LA Lakers shooting guard called them both out on Twitter — [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Fox News Wastes Four And A Half Minutes Criticizing Adele’s Weight
Fox News Wastes Four And A Half Minutes Criticizing Adele’s Weight: pOn Monday afternoon, while CNN was covering blizzard damage and MSNBC was speculating on the President’s State of the Union, Fox News spent exactly four minutes and 30 seconds analyzing whether pop singers Adele and Kelly Clarkson needed to drop a few pounds. Using a random tweet from one viewer of Sunday night’s Grammy Awards [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
The Six Executive Orders Obama May Issue To Circumvent The Do-Nothing Congress
The Six Executive Orders Obama May Issue To Circumvent The Do-Nothing Congress: pThe 112th Congress was one of the least productive and most obstructionist in history — as Ezra Klein notes, it passed 100 fewer laws than the previously-least productive Congress on record and “achieved nothing of note on housing, energy, stimulus, immigration, guns, tax reform, infrastructure, climate change or, really, anything.” The unprecedented use of the [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Lindsey Graham To Place Hold On National Security Nominees Over Benghazi Attacks
Lindsey Graham To Place Hold On National Security Nominees Over Benghazi Attacks: pSen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) is threatening to place a hold on key administration national security nominations unless President Obama explains how the White House reacted to the Benghazi attacks and who “changed” the talking points used by U.N. ambassador Susan Rice during back-to-back appearances on the Sunday political talk shows in September. Appearing on CBS’ [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
What Did Pope Benedict Do, Anyway?
What Did Pope Benedict Do, Anyway?: pPope Benedict XVI, who took office in 2005, announced on Monday that he will resign on Feb. 28, the first pope to leave the papacy since Pope Gregory XII in 1415. The 85-year-old pontiff is in poor health and has been advised by doctors “not to take any more transatlantic trips.” Reports indicate that “he [...]/p
From THINKPROGRESS.ORG
From THINKPROGRESS.ORG
NRA Dismisses ‘Connecticut Effect,’ Suggests Grief Over Newtown Tragedy Will Be Short-Lived
NRA Dismisses ‘Connecticut Effect,’ Suggests Grief Over Newtown Tragedy Will Be Short-Lived: pWAUSAU, Wisconsin—The National Rifle Association will wait until the “Connecticut effect” has subsided to resume its push to weaken the nation’s gun laws, according to a top NRA lobbyist speaking at the NRA’s Wisconsin State Convention this weekend. Though the NRA had been tight-lipped about how the Newtown tragedy would affect their efforts, lobbyist Bob [...]/p
From THINKPROGRESS.ORG
From THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Democratic Congressman Destroys GOP Hypocrisy On Looming Budget Cuts
Democratic Congressman Destroys GOP Hypocrisy On Looming Budget Cuts: pOn ABC’s This Week Sunday morning, Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) called out Tom Cole (R-OK) for his claim that President Obama is responsible for the automatic budget cuts set to go into effect if Congress cannot reach a budget deal by March. The so-called “sequester” includes steep defense cuts intended to motivate Republicans who refused [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
McCain Says He’ll Consider New Revenues To Offset Sequester Cuts
McCain Says He’ll Consider New Revenues To Offset Sequester Cuts: pSen. John McCain (R-AZ) would consider new revenues to offset sequester cuts, breaking from Republican leaders who have taken new taxes off the table. During an appearance on Fox News Sunday, McCain took “responsibility” for the GOP’s role in creating the “new cliff” of the sequester, but insisted that Congress must act to prevent cuts [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Sunday, February 10, 2013
664,000 Residents Without Power After Massive Storm Hits The Northeast
664,000 Residents Without Power After Massive Storm Hits The Northeast: pAn estimated 664,000 residents from Maine to Pennsylvania are without power this weekend after a massive snowstorm swept the Northeast. “Wet, heavy snow and high winds snapped power lines in eight states,” including Massachusetts which saw “17 to 28 inches” of snow in some areas of the state. Connecticut has more than 38 inches of [...]/p
From ThinkProgress.org
From ThinkProgress.org
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Tennessee ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill Now Requires Teachers To Inform Parents If Their Child Is Gay
Tennessee ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill Now Requires Teachers To Inform Parents If Their Child Is Gay: pTennessee’s so-called ‘Don’t Say Gay‘ bill died with the adjournment of the state assembly last year. But now the measure is back — with new, harsher requirements. The bill, SB 234, still bars Tennessee teachers from discussing any facet of “non-heterosexual” sexuality with children in grades K-8. But the newest iteration also includes a provision [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Missouri Bill Would Require All First Graders To Take NRA-Sponsored Gun Class
Missouri Bill Would Require All First Graders To Take NRA-Sponsored Gun Class: pStudents in Missouri have no sexual education requirement, so there’s a good chance they don’t know how to properly protect themselves from STIs or unintended pregnancy. Soon, though, they may be able to protect themselves from guns. Missouri state Senate is considering a bill that would require all first graders in the state to take [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Nearly Half Of Americans Are One Financial Shock Away From Poverty
Nearly Half Of Americans Are One Financial Shock Away From Poverty: pA new report from the Corporation for Enterprise Development shows that many Americans are just one financial hit away from poverty, as the nation slowly drags itself out of the Great Recession. According to the report, nearly half of Americans lack enough savings to keep themselves out of poverty for more than three months in [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Why The Violent Fantasies Of Gun Advocates Are More Dangerous Than Video Games
Why The Violent Fantasies Of Gun Advocates Are More Dangerous Than Video Games: pThere were a lot of things that were ridiculous and offensive about yesterday’s hearings on gun control, from the Independent Women’s Forum Gayle Trotter’s articulation of a fantasy world in which women defend themselves with guns more often than they’re killed by them, to the National Rifle Association CEO Wayne LaPierre’s representation of himself as [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Mississippi Tea Partiers Seek To Nullify Any Federal Laws They Don’t Like
Mississippi Tea Partiers Seek To Nullify Any Federal Laws They Don’t Like: pResponding to President Obama’s plan to issue 23 executive orders on gun violence prevention, radical lawmakers in a number of states have re-upped their efforts to exempt their state from federal gun laws through the insidious and unconstitutional practice of nullification. Now, Tea Partiers in Mississippi want to institutionalize the nullification process, with a proposal [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Steroids And Major League Baseball: Is More Testing The Answer?
Steroids And Major League Baseball: Is More Testing The Answer?: pThe Miami New Times published a bombshell investigative piece this morning that tied multiple Major League Baseball players, including New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez, to a Miami drug company that was supplying them with anabolic steroids, human growth hormone, and other performance enhancing drugs. The story of Biogenesis, the drug firm, and Rodriguez, who [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Michigan Governor Backs Off ‘Unfair’ Electoral Rigging Plan: ‘I Don’t Think This Is The Right Time’
Michigan Governor Backs Off ‘Unfair’ Electoral Rigging Plan: ‘I Don’t Think This Is The Right Time’: pThe prospects of a proposal to rig Michigan’s electoral votes in favor of Republicans took a nosedive on Tuesday as Gov. Rick Snyder (R) came out against the plan this year. Snyder had previously been considering the plan to shift Michigan’s presidential system from a winner-take-all system to divvying electoral votes by congressional district. However, [...]/p
LINK FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
LINK FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Monday, January 28, 2013
Before Calling 911, Sheriff Tells Residents To Get ‘In The Game’ With A Gun
Before Calling 911, Sheriff Tells Residents To Get ‘In The Game’ With A Gun: pWisconsin County Sheriff David Clarke is facing backlash for telling Milwaukee, Wisconsin residents to get a gun for emergencies, rather than call 911. In a radio ad, Clarke claims personal and public safety is no longer a “spectator sport,” and urges civilians to “get in the game” before police arrive to a scene: I’m Sheriff [...]/p
LINK IS FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG. PLEASE ALLOW SEVERAL SECONDS FOR ENTIRE BLOG MENU TO LOAD.
LINK IS FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG. PLEASE ALLOW SEVERAL SECONDS FOR ENTIRE BLOG MENU TO LOAD.
Gun Industry Aims To Sell Youth On Assault Weapons
Gun Industry Aims To Sell Youth On Assault Weapons: pResponding to Americans’ declining interest in shooting sports, gun manufacturers are developing programs to market their products to younger children. The National Shooting Sports Foundation trade association and the industry-funded National Rifle Association spend millions of dollars annually to recruit kids as gun enthusiasts. And those efforts increasingly focus on pushing semi-automatic assault weapons, including [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG. IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL SECONDS FOR ENTIRE BLOG TO LOAD, SO PLEASE BE PATIENT.
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG. IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL SECONDS FOR ENTIRE BLOG TO LOAD, SO PLEASE BE PATIENT.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
VERY SPECIAL THANKS by Toney Atkins
Hello to all of my favorite
people:
I don't send this correspondence with the intent of being maudlin or preachy in any way, but I feel very strongly about letting you know the way I feel.
Several of you sent messages of concern and encouragement after I wrote, asking for prayers and positive vibes about the terrifying eye problems that I have been suffering, especially since December. You don't know how much they were appreciated.
I believe in the power of faith, prayer and positive energy on behalf of one's self as well as from others who genuinely care. It is because of you that I humbly say thank you because I give you much of the credit.
While at times that faith is shaken with doubt, fear and frustration, I give the credit to God, as I know Him, and to you for the fact that my eyesight, especially in the eye of special concern, has gotten better and, in some respects, is close to being normal again, or as close to normal as would be expected with progressiving glaucoma in both eyes and a cataract on one. Maybe I'll have a few years of seeing left after all.
This improvement has come without medications or other treatments, so I have to believe that it came from my Higher Power and from friends and correspondents who I may have never met, as well as from those who I know and love from personal and working relationships, past and present.
After all this time, I still have heard nothing from my primary care doctor or the eye surgery specialist about the tests I had after completely losing sight in my right eye, the one on which I had corrective surgery a couple of years ago. I consider that to be positive news since my physicians apparently don't sense a need for urgency, and I suppose I'll finally learn the test results and what, if anything (other than new glasses) has to be done when I go to my appointment with the specialist next Thursday.
My sight is still blurry at times, but hopefully that will only require new eye drops and new glasses. The eye of major concern (the one that went totally blind for several days) has shown major improvement over the past week or so, and I still hope the doctor can give me an explanation as to what might have caused the temporary blindness.
So, I thank you again for your thoughts and prayers, which could have been the medicine I needed. I realize that some of you suffer your own health problems, and I pray that the positive energy you sent my way will return to you a hundred-fold, healing and making you healthy and free of anxiety that can come with such issues. Even if I should go blind tomorrow, I'm grateful for the sight at this moment that allows me to write this to you.
Have and keep the faith. It never ceases to amaze me what it can do.
Wishing you only the best in everything.
Sincerely,
Toney Atkins
************
SPREAD LOVE AND PEACE!
www.toneyatkins.com/![]()
I don't send this correspondence with the intent of being maudlin or preachy in any way, but I feel very strongly about letting you know the way I feel.
Several of you sent messages of concern and encouragement after I wrote, asking for prayers and positive vibes about the terrifying eye problems that I have been suffering, especially since December. You don't know how much they were appreciated.
I believe in the power of faith, prayer and positive energy on behalf of one's self as well as from others who genuinely care. It is because of you that I humbly say thank you because I give you much of the credit.
While at times that faith is shaken with doubt, fear and frustration, I give the credit to God, as I know Him, and to you for the fact that my eyesight, especially in the eye of special concern, has gotten better and, in some respects, is close to being normal again, or as close to normal as would be expected with progressiving glaucoma in both eyes and a cataract on one. Maybe I'll have a few years of seeing left after all.
This improvement has come without medications or other treatments, so I have to believe that it came from my Higher Power and from friends and correspondents who I may have never met, as well as from those who I know and love from personal and working relationships, past and present.
After all this time, I still have heard nothing from my primary care doctor or the eye surgery specialist about the tests I had after completely losing sight in my right eye, the one on which I had corrective surgery a couple of years ago. I consider that to be positive news since my physicians apparently don't sense a need for urgency, and I suppose I'll finally learn the test results and what, if anything (other than new glasses) has to be done when I go to my appointment with the specialist next Thursday.
My sight is still blurry at times, but hopefully that will only require new eye drops and new glasses. The eye of major concern (the one that went totally blind for several days) has shown major improvement over the past week or so, and I still hope the doctor can give me an explanation as to what might have caused the temporary blindness.
So, I thank you again for your thoughts and prayers, which could have been the medicine I needed. I realize that some of you suffer your own health problems, and I pray that the positive energy you sent my way will return to you a hundred-fold, healing and making you healthy and free of anxiety that can come with such issues. Even if I should go blind tomorrow, I'm grateful for the sight at this moment that allows me to write this to you.
Have and keep the faith. It never ceases to amaze me what it can do.
Wishing you only the best in everything.
Sincerely,
Toney Atkins
************
SPREAD LOVE AND PEACE!
www.toneyatkins.com/
New Mexico Bill Would Imprison Rape Victims Who Receive Abortions
New Mexico Bill Would Imprison Rape Victims Who Receive Abortions: pShould a recently introduced bill in New Mexico become law, rape victims will be required to carry their pregnancies to term during their sexual assault trials or face charges of “tampering with evidence.” Under HB 206, if a woman ended her pregnancy after being raped, both she and her doctor would be charged with a [...]/p
Click on link for full story from ThinkProgress.org. NOTE: Allow up to a minute for full blog to load. Thank you.
Click on link for full story from ThinkProgress.org. NOTE: Allow up to a minute for full blog to load. Thank you.
For The Sixth Time In One Week, Man Shot At Gun Show
For The Sixth Time In One Week, Man Shot At Gun Show: pGun activists designated last Saturday “Gun Appreciation Day” in an attempt to highlight their opposition to gun safety laws. The PR stunt proved to be more of an embarrassment, however, when 5 people were shot at 3 different gun shows on Gun Appreciation Day. On Friday afternoon, an Iowa gun dealer closed out the week [...]/p
Click on link for full story from THINKPROGRESS.ORG
NOTE: Allow from 30 seconds to a minute for the blog to load. Thank you.
Click on link for full story from THINKPROGRESS.ORG
NOTE: Allow from 30 seconds to a minute for the blog to load. Thank you.
The Rich Are Enjoying The Recovery While Wages Fall For Everyone Else
The Rich Are Enjoying The Recovery While Wages Fall For Everyone Else: pAs income inequality skyrockets, a new report from the Economic Policy Institute finds that the economic downturn and gradual recovery has exacerbated the trend. The wages of the richest Americans are making a dramatic comeback, while the rest of the country has seen its income drop by 1.2 percent since 2007. The wealthiest earners took [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Virginia Advances ‘Gangbanger Bill of Rights’ To Withhold Gun Crime Evidence From Federal Government
Virginia Advances ‘Gangbanger Bill of Rights’ To Withhold Gun Crime Evidence From Federal Government: pA Virginia House of Delegates committee endorsed a controversial bill Friday that would prevent any state or local government entity from providing information about gun crimes based on any federal law enacted after 2012. If enacted, the bill could prevent local police from sharing records with the Federal Bureau of Investigations. The bill, authored by [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Thursday, January 24, 2013
New Mexico Bill Would Imprison Rape Victims Who Receive Abortions
New Mexico Bill Would Imprison Rape Victims Who Receive Abortions: pShould a recently introduced bill in New Mexico become law, rape victims will be required to carry their pregnancies to term during their sexual assault trials or face charges of “tampering with evidence.” Under HB 206, if a woman ended her pregnancy after being raped, both she and her doctor would be charged with a [...]/p
Three Winners And Three Losers In Filibuster Deal
Three Winners And Three Losers In Today’s Filibuster Deal: pThe Huffington Post reports that Senate Leaders Harry Reid (D-NV) and Mitch McConnell (R-KY) reached a deal today to support minor — and in some cases, temporary — changes to the Senate Rules, rather than push through the more robust reforms championed by many Democratic senators. The language of the deal, which is divided into [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Kentucky Minister Arrested After Trying To Marry His Same-Sex Partner
Kentucky Minister Arrested After Trying To Marry His Same-Sex Partner: pA Kentucky Baptist minister protested on behalf of same-sex marriage by refusing to leave the county clerk’s office until he and his partner received a marriage license. Rev. Maurice “Bojangles” Blanchard and Dominique James walked in — already knowing they would be refused — and were later arrested when the office closed. Blanchard said the [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Friday, January 18, 2013
Pennsylvania House Republicans Introduce Bill To Rig The 2016 Presidential Election
Pennsylvania House Republicans Introduce Bill To Rig The 2016 Presidential Election: pEarlier this week, Republican National Committee Chair Reince Priebus endorsed a Republican plan to rig the next presidential election to make it nearly impossible for the Democratic candidate to win the White House, no matter who the American people vote for. The election-rigging plan, which would allocate electoral votes by congressional district rather than by [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Colin Powell Calls Out The GOP’s Racism Problem: There Is ‘A Dark Vein Of Intolerance’
Colin Powell Calls Out The GOP’s Racism Problem: There Is ‘A Dark Vein Of Intolerance’: pOn Sunday, during an appearance on Meet The Press, Colin Powell condemned the GOP’s “dark vein of intolerance” and the party’s repeated use of racial code words to oppose President Obama and rally white conservative voters. Without mentioning names, Powell singled out former Mitt Romney surrogate and New Hampshire Gov. John Sununu for calling Obama [...]/p
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
What Everyone Should Know About New York’s New Gun Law
What Everyone Should Know About New York’s New Gun Law: pThe New York State legislature has passed a piece of gun legislation called the New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act, or NYSAFE. The comprehensive measure makes sweeping changes to how the state approaches firearms and mental health. Here’s everything you need to know about the measure: 1. New York is the first state [...]/p
Common Sense
Common Sense: pWhat We Can Do to Help Prevent Gun Violence It’s been a month and a day since the tragic gun massacre in Newtown. What has been less remarked upon is the slow-motion tragedy that unfolds on the streets of America each and every day. On average, 33 people are murdered with guns every day. In [...]/p
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Fiscal Cliff Deal Doesn’t Include Long-Term Solutions To Address Health Care Costs
Fiscal Cliff Deal Doesn’t Include Long-Term Solutions To Address Health Care Costs: pThe last-minute compromise negotiated to avert the so-called “fiscal cliff” provides some immediate solutions for enacting tax policies, but simply punts other fiscal questions — most notably, an agreement on raising the national debt limit — further down the line. The deal also prioritizes short-term fixes for cutting health care spending over more permanent solutions [...]/p
Lindsay Graham: I Will Destroy America’s Solvency Unless The Social Security Retirement Age Is Raised
Lindsay Graham: I Will Destroy America’s Solvency Unless The Social Security Retirement Age Is Raised: pAlthough official Washington is currently fixated on the so-called “Fiscal Cliff,” the biggest threat to American prosperity is the debt ceiling, which must be raised in February to prevent economic catastrophe. If Republicans refuse to reach a deal on the so-called cliff, the Congressional Budget Office predicts that they will spark a new recession in [...]/p
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