Saturday, May 31, 2008

FOUND IT

Yesterday I finally found the guitar I wanted to invest in. It is a GUILD guitar. Now I need to learn how to play it. At my age that could take a while. Ha...
I am ready to sandwich my Tie Quilt, finish embellishing it and start on another idea I have. This one is a whimsical quilt. Come to think of it all my quilts are a bit strange these days. I will give you a clue:

Friday, May 30, 2008

GUITAR PICKIN

I starting playing the guitar last month. It is a slow learning process for me at my age. I have always wanted to learn but never made the time. I am on a hunt to buy myself a guitar. There are just so many choices out there that the only thing I am sure of is it will definitely be an acoustic one. DOES ANYONE OUT THERE PLAY GUITAR? TELL ME ABOUT IT...

Thursday, May 29, 2008

SLAVERY IS ALIVE AND WELL IN USA

Jobs Americans just won't do."

I can't stand that line, but more importantly, I don't even understand it says Glen Beck.

Americans spend months at a time at sea fishing for crab or drilling for oil; two of the most dangerous jobs in the world. Americans clean bathrooms, subway stations and crime scenes. Americans man toll booths, pave roads, embalm bodies and inspect sewers. Yet people really expect us to believe that they won't pick strawberries or oranges?

It just doesn't add up.

Earlier this week The Wall Street Journal published a story about a shortage of H-2B visas, which are issued twice a year to nonagricultural seasonal employees. Because our government can't get out of its own way, they recently let an important "returning workers" provision expire resulting in thousands of foreign workers being shut out of the country this summer.

That's inexcusable. I know this will come as a huge shock to those who only like to hurl insults, but I think we should be issuing more work visas, more student visas, and more green cards. And I think we should cut the red tape and bureaucracy that's constantly blocking the front door.

But until that happens people are left looking for loopholes and excuses, and "jobs Americans won't do" is the gold standard.

The Journal article offered an example of a couple that sells food at fairs around California each summer. They say that because of the H-2B visa shortage most of their seasonal employees aren't able to enter the country.

So why don't they just hire Americans instead? Good question. Her answer? "This is a hard job."

I find it pretty hard to believe that there aren't a few college students who wouldn't want to drive around California and work outdoors all summer, but let's assume that's true. Let's even assume that none of the other 1.1 million Californians who were unemployed as of April are interested in the job either. Isn't anyone wondering why?

Well I'm not a labor consultant, but I am a thinker. Maybe the problem isn't that the job they're offering is "too hard," maybe it's that the wages they're offering are "too low."

No one paints the undersides of bridges for fun, they do it for the money. That's how capitalism works.

How capitalism does NOT work is when we collectively look the other way as companies exploit illegal labor for their own benefit.

The unspoken truth is that these businesses don't hire illegal aliens because they can't find American workers, they hire illegal aliens because they don't want American workers. And it has nothing to do with wages.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

WAKE UP AND SMELL THE ROSES

WAKE UP AND SMELL THE RECYCLED ROSES BY YOAV KOTIK

It’s the spring exhibition season in Tel Aviv, and the art world is blooming. Blooming with new shows, new artists, and new ideas. And, thanks to internationally exhibited Israeli artist Yoav Kotik, blooming with recycled flowers.

Kotik, a graduate of the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem, has fashioned flowers out of junk in his exhibition titled “In the Spring” (Be’Aviv) which is currently showing at the Periscope Gallery of Contemporary Design in Tel Aviv.

The exhibition features flowers made out of aluminum soda cans, chandeliers made out of coffee cans, olive oil tins, and tuna boxes, and other reinvented items galore. THIS IS THE SORT OF STUFF THAT I LOVE!!!

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

7 KINDS OF SEX

7 KINDS OF SEX
  • The 1st kind of sex is called: Smurf Sex.
  • This kind of sex happens when you first meet someone, and
  • you both have sex until you are blue in the face.
  • The 2nd kind of sex is called: Kitchen Sex.
  • This is when you have been with your partner for a short
  • time, and you are so needy you will have sex anywhere, even
  • in the kitchen.
  • The 3rd kind of sex is called: Bedroom Sex.
  • This is when you have been with your partner for a long
  • time. Your sex has gotten routine, and you usually have
  • sex only in your bedroom.
  • The 4th kind of sex is called: Hallway Sex
  • This is when you have been with your partner for too
  • long.. When you pass each other in the hallway you both
  • say 'screw you.'
  • The 5th kind of sex is called: Religious Sex.
  • Which means you get Nun in the morning, Nun in the
  • afternoon and Nun at night. (Very Popular)
  • The 6th kind is called Courtroom Sex.
  • This is when you cannot stand your wife any more. She
  • takes you to court and screws you in front of every one.
  • And; Last, but not least, The 7th kind of sex is called:ocial Security Sex.
  • You get a little each month. But not enough to enjoy
  • yourself.
  • PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO TELL ME WHAT STAGE YOU ARE IN.

Monday, May 26, 2008

I LOVE THE WORLD

THIS WORLD IS AWESOME !!! WE CAN THANK OUR SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN WHO PERISHED WHILE SERVING IN THE MILITARY. watch this... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BToZCbf331c

Friday, May 23, 2008

NEW GAS SYMBOL

This is the new international symbol for gas!

Thursday, May 22, 2008

STRANGE BEHAVIOR OF SAND

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yg2djmjENWs&feature=related We can find art anywhere we look and I found this today on YOU-TUBE. Just sit back relax and click on the link above. There is something soothing about watching in slow motion.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

THINGS YOU CAN'T SAY ABOUT OBAMA

TODAY WHILE I WAS DRIVING AROUND RUNNING ERRANDS THIS WAS PLAYING ON TALK RADIO. IT WAS SO FUNNY BECAUSE RUSH KEEP MENTIONING EVER POINT OVER AND OVER AGAIN...even though you can't talk about it!!!
RUSH: With Obama we started out, we couldn't talk about his big ears 'cause that made him nervous. We've gone from that to this: Not only can we not mention his ears... We can't talk about his mother. We can't talk about his father. We can't talk about his grandmother unless he does, brings her up as a "typical white person." We can't talk about his wife, can't talk about his preacher, can't talk about his terrorist friends, can't talk about his voting record, can't talk about his religion. We can't talk about appeasement. We can't talk about color; we can't talk about lack of color. We can't talk about race. We can't talk about bombers and mobsters who are his friends. We can't talk about schooling. We can't talk about his name, "Hussein." We can't talk about his lack of experience. Can't talk about his income. Can't talk about his flag pin.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

21st BIRTHDAY DRINKS

I saw this in the Chronicle today and thought I would share it with you. A lot of my son's friends are starting to turn 21. Aren't we all worried about this? I couldn't imagine matching 21 drinks to 21 years of age! WHAT FOOLS...

Monday, May 19, 2008

SLIP N SLIDE FUN

Yesterday was the first day that my daughter's friends came over to swim. It was a beautiful day out! I was practicing taking action shots with my new camera. Check them out.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

HAZARDS OF PUPPY LOVE

I ran across this article in my new OPRAH magazine this morning. I thought it was important enough to share with everyone. Sooooooooo watch out!!

Saturday, May 17, 2008

MY NEW MOSAIC PIECE

This is the second mosaic I have made for an outdoor line of mosaics that I have been working on. These are larger pieces than I am used to making. I used broken plates and sea glass with a few cups thrown in.

Friday, May 16, 2008

MOSAIC ART

If you have time to surf the internet you should check out the link below and enjoy visiting these fabulous mosaic artists from around the world. They are contemporary artists. Perhaps one day I will be among them. http://www.mosaicyearbook.com/ArtistIndex.aspx Here is my website of my mosaic art. Check it out too!!! http://web.mac.com/kathyzieben/iWeb/Site%202/MOSAIC%20ART.html

Thursday, May 15, 2008

SWINE NOT ?

Jimmy Buffett's new novel asks, "Swine Not"? Jimmy says,"Sometimes you have to find the story, and sometimes the story finds you. In all my previous fiction, the stories were rooted in this nomad life I live. I converted my real life experiences into fictional fun and made up a few more tales myself — always keeping a bit of mystery as to what was based on reality and what had sprung from my imagination". "Faulkner said he was a liar by profession, and he made good money at it. However, in the case of Swine Not?, the story came to me. So if you are asking yourself the question, “What on earth is Jimmy doing writing a book about a pig instead of about boats, islands, bars, ballads, and beaches?” the answer is simple: “Swine Not?” I hope you enjoy this story!!!!
I am a huge PARROTHEAD. How many of you out there have been to one of his concerts? The last time I saw him play was last year. He was at Relient Stadium, playing outdoors on a wonderful balmy clear night. We don't get many of those here in Houston!
Check out this old, old, video of Jimmy singing on YOU TUBE-Margaritaville.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUTf5qvS0Lo

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

FAST FOOD

Fast food is the term given to many items that can be prepared and served very quickly. While any meal with low preparation time can be considered to be fast food, typically the term refers to food sold in a restaurant or store with low quality preparation and served to the customer in a packaged form for take out/take away. The term "fast food" was recognized in a dictionary by Merriam-Webster in 1951. I didn't even get "fast food" until the late 60's when the first JACK IN THE BOX was built near our neighborhood! When you read the following article about your body on fast food you will want to stay FAR away from it. Join me in trying to eat a more healthy diet!!!

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

25 REASONS I OWE MY MOTHER

  • 1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE .
  • 'If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.'
  • 2. My mother taught me RELIGION.
  • 'You better pray that will come out of the carpet.'
  • 3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL .
  • 'If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!'
  • 4. My mother taught me LOGIC.
  • ' Because I said so, that's why.'
  • 5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC.
  • 'If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me.'
  • 6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.
  • 'Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident.'
  • 7. My mother taught me IRONY
  • 'Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about.'
  • 8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.
  • 'Shut your mouth and eat your supper.'
  • 9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.
  • 'Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!'
  • 10. My mother taught me about STAMINA.
  • 'You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone.'
  • 11. My mother taught me about WEATHER.
  • 'This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it.'
  • 12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.
  • 'If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!'
  • 13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.
  • 'I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.'
  • 14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.
  • 'Stop acting like your father!'
  • 15. My mother taught me about ENVY .
  • 'There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do.'
  • 16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
  • 'Just wait until we get home.'
  • 17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING .
  • 'You are going to get it when you get home!'
  • 18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
  • 'If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way.'
  • 19. My mother taught me ESP.
  • 'Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?'
  • 20. My mother taught me HUMOR.
  • 'When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me.'
  • 21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT .
  • 'If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up.'
  • 22. My mother taught me GENETICS.
  • 'You're just like your father.'
  • 23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
  • 'Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?'
  • 24. My mother taught me WISDOM.
  • 'When you get to be my age, you'll understand.'
  • 25. And my favorite: My mother taught me about JUSTICE
  • 'One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you

Monday, May 12, 2008

MONDAY MADNESS

I am in charge of paying the deposit for the prom limo. Things seem to be creeping up to the final days of high school. I can't believe that my baby is going off to college. Check out this video about "PROM NIGHT DUMPSTER BABY" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRj-S8Aklcw

Friday, May 9, 2008

ART RETROSPECTIVE

Last night was Clements Art Retrospective for 2008. Avery wasn't under any pressure this year since 2007 was the year of her portfolio judging. This time she had just ceramics on display.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

ALL MY FAVES

http://www.allmyfaves.com/ Check out this link to record all your favorite places on the internet. It is really cool!

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL GRADUATION

My daughter graduated from 12th grade religious school on Saturday. It is amazing that the kids stayed with it all 13 years of their lives!!! (I quit after Confirmation in 10th grade) We are so proud of her!! They led the whole service and our daughter even volunteered to read out of the Torah. There were 25 graduates that day. After the service we had a lovely luncheon and then the students read their hopes for the future. It was a special candlelight service. I wanted to share the pictures. Next comes her high school graduation in June and there will be over 600 kids that morning!