The Protest...

Yesterday in the heat I went out to the Ohio State House with many other concerned Ohioans to protest the budget cuts in the State budget for the Ohio Library System. The libraries already experienced a 20% cut earlier this year and the current purposed budget is wanting to take another 30%. Do the math people, that's 50%, now what organization, company, franchise can survive on a 50% budget cut. None! That's why all of us red shirts were out there yesterday.


The temperature was 88 degree, but if felt much hotter in the mid-day sun, but all the sweat was worth it if Strickland heard the cries for a change in his budget proposal.

Fox news setting up a camera for interviews.

Ms. D-holding one of the signs I made for the protest.

There were many signs.


Love this guy's shirt. If you can't read the details, it reads, "Library Super Hero".

Senator Ted Celeste came out to speak briefly. I think after his speech, he was praying for everyone to go home because he was dying of heat stroke in that suit jacket.

Gotta love this sign. It's kinda a cool picture too, I like the composition.

10 TV, ONN setting up for more news footage.

She claimed this was how many Ohioans have a library card. I don't know where she got her stats, but if it is true, that's a number Strickland needs to pay attention to.

The crowd gathered at the State House, notice they put us in the sun, "this is where the permit was granted for".

You can see footage of the rally at this link and you can see me and Ms. D in the background at one point, my best side, my back side hehheheheh, 1 minute into the video to the right side of the screen.

www.nbc4i.com/cmh/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/ohioans_rally_against_library_cuts/17915/

Perhaps no place in any community is so totally democratic as the town library. The only entrance requirement is interest. - Lady Bird Johnson

Nothing sickens me more than the closed door of a library.- Barbara Tuchman

SAVE OHIO LIBRARIES!

A Moment…

I had a lovely little random moment of glee yesterday.


I was in my local Kroger, I love Kroger, I love that I have so many choices, and yet there are often too many choices. In general I dislike the whole grocery store experience: people blocking the way with their carts, kids whining they “want it”, reading all those labels, giving up and just buying the pop tarts, because I know if I don’t I’ll pay a buck for them in the vending machine the next morning. It’s really just too much.


But yesterday as I was headed to the check out, you know the real person, because I hate those crazy self checking machines—hello lovely real person who has a beating heart. Anyway, headed to the check out, I ran across the summer section. Right there, right there, was one of the items I have been missing for over a year, it was so glorious, it was devine to think I could actually buy them and actually use and enjoy them. I brought…




Well not these ones exactly, but a package of straws, oh how I love the straw, they just make drinking an ice cold glass of anything better, well not beer, but most everything. I had a lovely, lovely moment. I must take this time to thank Mr. Marvin Stone. He patented the spiral process to manufacture the first straws in 1888.

THANKS Mr. S!!!!!!

Isn’t it Ironic…


Last night I visited my local library, for me this is at least a once a week event. I love the idea that I can explore so many DVDs, books, and music at no cost. It’s a lovely service that may not exist soon. I wondered down to the audio section, randomly selected a couple of DVDs, then an audio book (I have to read 10 books by the first part of August, so I decided I could listen to an audio book and still work on projects at work, at least when not seeing students). I’m not normally an audio book person, I prefer to have the pages in hand, to flip through one by one. However the book I’m currently listening to, it’s not too bad. I checked out The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly when I was serving Jury Duty. Since I stuck on a murder case, I had little time to actually read so I only got a few chapters completed before the book was due back. This is an alternative to help me reach my 10 books.


As I was wondering around the audio section, I noticed a poster on the wall. This poster actually,

almost on cue, Ironic by Alanis Morissette started playing in my head.

Isn’t it ironic Mr. Strickland…read Ohioans, oh but wait the library is closed!

With the cuts Strickland is purposing libraries will be forced to function on budgets lower the ones in 2001. It’s almost 2010, running on the money purposed is simply not an option for small branches and they will close.

I know I asked on Monday, but please if you have not done so yet, please, please contact any State person to let them know we need our public libraries.

From the Columbus Public Library site, you can use a canned email or write your own,
http://www.columbuslibrary.org/save_our_library. The email will go to David Goodman, State Senator, 3rd Senate District and John Patrick Carney, Representative to the 22nd House District. I don’t care if you live in these districts or not, send it!

I didn’t get to participate in the war protests in the 1960’s. I do protest the Iraq war, but support those forced to go fight because I don’t want a mandatory military.

This is my protest—Keep my library open!

Scene Out of a Movie…

Saturday morning I looked around for a director ready to yell cut, but there was no director.

(To enjoy the following story it is best to play the music below while reading, trust me.)

First, lately I have been headed to Southeastern Ohio for many weekends. I got out of a conference early on Friday and since my plans had been cancelled earlier in the day, I decided I would drive to my parents Friday nights, so I could “sleep in” a bit more than if I left from Columbus to go down Saturday morning.

I awoke Saturday morning to Maggie attaching my feet, lovely little wench, this is a fun past time for her, a painful one for me. I showered, got ready and was out the door by 7:15am. Off to travel the 20-30 minutes to my parents store to work. I say 20-30 because it depends on how late I’m running and if I have time to actually avoid learning if my car corners like it’s on rails. I usually take St. Route 339 to get to the store, sometimes I’ll take St. Route 78, either one will make you car sick in just a few moments with all the hills and curves. I know 339 a bit better so it’s usually the route of choice. My father has the policy if you are not at the store by 8am when it opens you don’t get paid for the day and there are no exceptions.

I started out the drive way and had to “encourage” a guinea to get out of the damn road. Oh how I loath them, that noise is just awful. The drive out of town progressed with no worries. The radio stations in that area are limited and many are focused on Country music which I really am just not a fan. I cleaned out my car and currently only have two CD’s to listen to. One is Eminem and the other is Paddy Reilly. I wasn’t in a rap mood so early in the morning, so I cranked up o’Paddy and sang along with his trad Irish tunes.

I was in the middle of Fields of Athenrye when suddenly there was a turtle in the middle of the road, I dodged it, darting to the other side of the road-risking life and limb to save a turtle. Back on my side of the road and bam, another turtle right in my driving path, good grief, this time I skidded to the right side of the road, but avoided the grass and large ditch just past the road. Big sigh, back to the lovely morning drive and singing my little heart out. It’s best I only do this when driving alone as no others ears are offended.

Another mile down the road at the most and a darn rabbit darted in front of me, crap! Braked hard, avoided Abby’s cousin and moved along on my trip. A few songs play with little adventure in my drive. Then as I came around a rather large curve, I almost ran directly into a cow. A cow! It was just to the right side of the road as if it were supposed to be walking there. Now, I’ve seen cows before, good grief I grew up on a farm. I’ve even milked a cow in my life time, but cows are to be fenced in, secure from the road, but not this fat lady-she was just out for a morning jont.

Ok, at this point, I seriously looked around and thought ok, what kind of B movie am I in right now. Woman-- driving in the country--listening to trad Irish music--singing like her life depended on it---encountering random creatures on a simple drive. Now seriously, could this not be a scene in a movie. However there was no director, just me trying to get to work on time.

I did arrive at the store just before 8am.

I Had a Plan…
(this is the color of my face right now-I'm so pissed.)

I had planned to blog about something else today, but just a few moments ago, I read this article and it just made me sick to my stomach! The more I think about it the more angry I get.

http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6666479.html Please read it and then take action! To give you a preview the headline is: Ohio Governor Proposes Halving State Support; Many Libraries Could Close.

Please take action. You can send an email to the governor at this link,

http://www.governor.ohio.gov/Assistance/ContacttheGovernor/tabid/150/Default.aspx

You have to give your life history, but they have it anyway. You can send multiple emails, I’ve done it. I sent a lengthy one describing all the benefits of the library and then I send a very simple one liner—it was respectful, but to the point. I wanted to make sure he actually read one of them-or someone in his office did.

This just pisses me off, I mean public libraries are one of a very few free services available to individuals of all income levels. I pay taxes, I keep the idiots who refuse to get off their asses and get a job in food and housing, yet I’m not going to able to read a book at no cost or have a free video so I can actually have entertainment on a Friday night!

You can call Strickland: 614.466.3555. Of course you will get a voicemail box, but you can leave a message and not have to leave your details.

You can also contact the governor on facebook if that is your preference, of course you have to become a supporter first! I was until now-idiot, we can’t keep educated people in the state as it is and he wants to take away the library system! Seriously, I going to buy a house in a small county so I can go to Washington, do jack all and get paid for it, all in the name of Ohio!

In addition to the governor, you can contact:

Senator Bill Harris,President of the Senate 614-466-8086 SD19@senate.state.oh.us

Senator John Carey,Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee 614-466-8156SD17@senate.state.oh.us

Representative Armond Budish,Speaker of the House 614-466-5441 District08@ohr.state.oh.us

Representative Vernon Sykes, Chairman of the House Finance Committee 614-466-3100

Please contact someone, email, blog, phone, facebook, get the word out.

I have firsthand knowledge, libraries will be closing if he does not change the budget plan!

Thursday-Where is Friday?...

First a public service announcement--pay attention:

Foodfight6.30, a new community-wide event benefiting Operation Feed, is set to break-out on Tuesday, June 30. On June 30, a group of restaurants has generously volunteered to dedicate a portion of 6/30/09 sales to feeding hungry people. Just visit a participating restaurant to eat or drink on June 30. 5% of the sales receipt will be donated to Operation Feed.

The group of participating restaurants offers a great variety of neighborhoods, cuisines, and price points. Here is the complete list:
Banana Bean Café (340 Greenlawn Ave.)
Banana Bean Café (410 E. Whittier St.)
Barcelona Restaurant (263 E. Whittier St.)
Basi Italia (811 Highland St.)
Betty’s Fine Food & Spirits (680 N. High St.)--YUM!
Bob Evans (all central Ohio locations)--Comfort food!
The Clarmont (684 S. High St.)
Cup o' Joe Bexley (2418 E. Main St.)
Cup o' Joe Clintonville (2990 N. High St.)
Cup o' Joe Lennox (1791 Olentangy River Rd.) --Iced, White Choc Mocha, Skim milk please!
DeepWood (511 N. High St.)
Dirty Frank's Hot Dog Palace (248 S. Fourth St.)
Figlio Grandview (1369 Grandview Ave.) YUM! YUM! YUM!
G. Michael's Bistro (595 S. Third St.)
Gallo's Tap Room (5019 Olentangy River Rd.)
Jimmy Johns Dublin (6553 Perimeter Dr.)
Mimi's Cafe (1428 Polaris Parkway)
MoJoe Lounge Easton (241 Easton Town Center)
MoJoe Lounge German Village (627 S. Third St.)
MoJoe Lounge Short North (600 N. High St.)
My Cousin Vito's (4561 Scioto Darby Rd.)
Pattycake Bakery (3009 N. High St.)
Phillip's Original Coney Island (450 W. Broad St.)
Pistacia Vera (541 S. Third St.)
Refectory (1092 Bethel Rd.)
Ruth's Chris Steak House (7550 High Cross Blvd.)
Surly Girl Saloon (1126 N. High St.) FUN and TASTY!
Tip Top (73 E. Gay St.)
Tutto Vino Wine Cellar & Bistro (7178 Muirfield Dr.)
VinoVino Restaurant & Wine Bar (1371 Grandview Ave.)

So, go out -eat!!!

Now more steamy men...two today because I'll be at a conference tomorrow. *smile*

First Mr. Smith...oh Mr. Smith-there's nothing more to say.

And Mr. David Boreanaz, I didn't know his name until today, but I knew that grin!

It's not my fault...

it's my sign...

LEO - The Boss (July 23 - Aug 22)Very organized. Need order in their lives. Like boundaries. Like to help others. Social and outgoing. Extroverted. Generous, warm-hearted. Sensitive. Creative energy. Honest. Loving. Beautiful. Doing the right thing is important to Leos. Attractive.

Sorry, steamy week got curbed yesterday, I was busy with orientation and then my annual review. Yikes, well I think I still have a job, so it went ok. Steamy guy number 2...

his sister Joan is too fun-or at least seems so, Mr. John Cusack...

It's Steamy Outside...

So, how do you feel about a steamy men week? I thought so, now male readers if you don't see yourself listed, it's nothing personal.

Lets begin with a recent birthday man--June 9, he celebrated...Johnny Depp--Steamy? I think so!

A Garden...

So, I planted a few items in a "garden" in my back yard, basically a small dirt space that houses a few tulips in the spring. Upon my return from Iowa I was told my neighbor had called the gas company for some reason, they came out and found while answering her questions that there was a leak coming onto the pipes before reaching the set of townhouses.

So, for the past few days they have been digging, digging, and digging, likely half way to China with the moles--sorry childhood book reference. Anyway, they have been digging, dug up literally my entire back yard and the alley behind my back yard. In the process of trying to find the problem, guess what was also dug up. You are a genius, my "garden" is correct. I do have a small space in another area that as of right now only had my bike sat on top of it. I mean really there are clearly onions growing in a row, the spinach I could see how they might think weeds, it's still very small, but the onions, come on!

So, I think I may do a bit of container gardening now, we'll see how motivated I get. Although my herb container is not doing well. The dill gets about 2 inches tall and then just dies, it has done this twice now. The cilantro looked like it was going to make it and then just fell over and died. ARGH! Where are my green thumbs, I guess I'll have to recruit the Hulk to help me. Heehee. I've been watching old episodes on Retro TV.

It's Thursday!!!!

Putz...

So I didn't get the camera attached to the computer to download travel pictures. I'm a putz, I know. I do have these pictures of another pig so I thought I would share them.

The little gilt (that's a female pig that has not had a little of babies yet) jumped out of the pen in the barn several times. My parents gave up and just let her run around the barn and house as she pleased because otherwise she was likely to hurt herself. Because she was a jumper she would not be staying on the farm. She was shipped to sale a week or so ago. I wasn't there to see it, but she was corralled and loaded in the truck with several others off to the sale.

It's as if she's taunting you..."Haha, think you can catch me? NOT!!!"

Recovery...

Short post, sleepy, need more coffee or just sleep. 12 hour drive yesterday. I was planning to sleep at 9pm, but that didn't happen as planned so midnight seemed very late and 630am seemed very early.

Maybe a few more pics tomorrow. I'll have to see how tonight goes.

Pork Expo...

I'm really here and it really is the World Pork Expo.

Look Ireland---YEAH!

Oh, the British and Irish accents are grand!

Even the pork industry is going green.

There are loads and loads of pigs!

The Answers...

Ripley's Believe It or Not has dubbed Burlington's Snake Alley the most crooked street in the world.

Strawberry Point is the home of the world's largest strawberry.

Crystal Lake is home to a statue of the world's largest bullhead fish.

Kalona is the largest Amish community west of the Mississippi River.

Wright County has the highest percentage of grade-A topsoil in the nation.

Quaker Oats, in Cedar Rapids, is the largest cereal company in the world.

Iowa is the only state whose east and west borders are 100% formed by water.Missouri and Mississippi rivers.

Iowa State University is the oldest land grant college in the U.S.A.

All of these are in Iowa. Guess where I am right now, yep, Iowa. I will be attending the World Pork Expo. I hope for some interesting pics.

I Could…

I could talk about the many bruises on my body from moving hogs Sunday morning. I could talk about my finger which is likely broken and if not broken seriously fucked up. I could talk about how I feel kinda bad for beer truck drivers, many pubs are located on seriously narrow streets and these guys have to get their semi trucks around these streets. I could but let’s not, instead let’s do a bit if trivia.

Can you guess the state, is the name of the game—go!

1. This state has the most crooked street in the world.

2. This state is the home of the world's largest strawberry.

3. This state is the home of the statue of the world's largest bullhead fish.

4. This state has the largest Amish community west of the Mississippi River.

5. This state has the highest percentage of grade-A topsoil in the nation.

6. This state is the home of the largest cereal company in the world.

7. This state is the only state whose east and west borders are 100% formed by water.

8. This state is the home of the oldest land grant college in the U.S.


Submit your answers in the comments, answers will be posted tomorrow. Have Fun! Oh, there are no prizes, it's just for fun.

Back Again...

Opps, I guess I forgot to blog last week. It was a bit of a blur. Let's just say many trips to the Dentist, a dry socket, pain, meds, too much fun to report. I'm slowly on the mend, still hurts but nothing like last week, so that's at least something I guess.

I'd rather report I had some great, exciting adventure, but sadly no. I'll try to do better this week.

Today, let's just enjoy this face...