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Saturday, February 28, 2009

Keeping My Wrinkles Up on the Cheap

Buying products for elastic skin and thinning hair runs into a bunch of money...At my age, everything sags and drops. My thighs look like the waves on the shore! Not a pretty sight. It's Obama-rama "Yes We Can and "I'm not a quitter" time - so, I'm on it!

Looking at Michelle's bare arms at state occasions first made me wonder if her choice is appropriate. Then envy took over. Not a wrinkle from shoulder to elbow. Youth, it's wonderful! And, disciplined exercise helps. But, no amount of exercise - when wrinkles are everywhere - will produce taut skin...everywhere. And, cosmetics that I've found to work are very expensive. So, it's time to be creative if I still want to look in a mirror.I don't have a special cash envelope in my new realistic budget for skin creams. However, I found that I could mix my drinking-to-forget-I had-wrinkles envelope and my super market shopping envelope and look good at seventy-six. Well, maybe not "that-good." I look better.

On the cheap...amazing cosmetics can be made with vegetables, bottled seasonings and the least expensive vodka. There are new ways - that are old ways - to use vodka for more than partying. The new-millennium requires preventing and getting rid of wrinkles on a budget and sharing. So, since I'm on it...

...least expensive, most long lasting and easy...I tablespoon of Rosemary seasoning added to 200 millimeters of Vodka left in the refrigerator for six weeks makes Rosemary Liquor - now, you can drink it and get lumpy if you want to - but, it will do wonders, if you shake the bottle every two days, then filter (put it through the kitchen sieve) kept cold and rub on face and neck every night.

Maintenance is next: To keep skin elastic...another bottle for the refrigerator...take 200 grams of cream - add an egg yellow, the juice of one lemon and 20 milliliters of vodka. Shake and rub into skin. I made a big bottle of this concoction...for me it's needed on hands, feet, elbows, thighs, knees, ear lobes, entire face, neck and chest. I used a gallon jug.

Keep the vodka bottle at ready...add an tablespoon of vodka to the water that you use to rinse your hair and help hair grow faster.

It's hot-stuff for falling hair...chop up a pod of red pepper - add 100 milliliters of vodka, leave it for seven days and after that it's usable. Rub into head skin for three nights in a row. Wash hair and rub in again for three nights in a row. Wash hair and rub in a half garlic clove. I don't know if the garlic is to ward off evil spirits or to scare the hair into staying where it is...however, remember how inexpensive this solution is and It's not as smelly as you may imagine! After a week, wash hair and repeat the procedure.

There are mixtures for whitening skin (100 grams chopped cucumber, 100 milliliters vodka, in fridge for a week, filter and use cold) and taming oily skin (juice of a lemon and 100 milliliters of vodka is ready to use in twenty-four hours) that save money and do a job that is comparable to expensive store-bought skin products waiting for you to find them in your computer.

Reality brought me to necessity and necessity brought me to finding solutions to the problems created by my old age and the devastating economy. The answers are there. I'm on it!

Friday, February 27, 2009

Bargain, Barter, Swap and Trade for Survival

To make it through the week on budget - because times have changed...with a very disciplined, cash-in-the-envelope-system that eliminates steak from my menu - trading what I own for what I want is the extender I need.

One thousand Hong Kong restaurants, lacking customers, joined together to feature a one Hong Kong dollar (that's thirteen cents US) bargain dish to trade to survive. Some people overdo it...I won't go so far as to barter my kids for a $1500. pet cockatoo or swap my freedom for the food and shelter of a jail cell. However, it seems to me that the only way to make it through this time when there are no buyers for De Beers or my diamonds, Steinway & Sons production of pianos is cut in half - can't sell that - and, every monthly bill shows an increase - gotta' get things without spending cash...

...forget garage sales - every body's doing it and it's dogged work that often produces very little. No body's spending freely - so, getting the stuff dusted, washed, priced...put out on tables...put back - Ugh! However, a talk with friends and family produced a list of their non-essentials that included many of my "need-it-nows" and an idea took hold.

It may seem too simple, and there was a time when I put things aside for a charity donation tax deduction. I don't need deductions now. The new plan is..."Barter, Bargain, Swap and Trade Sunday Afternoon Friendly Open House."

A few hours at a different home each week. I bring my six items and promise to trade at least three. We browse, over a cup of coffee, bottled water or fruit punch and we talk...no TV unless it's a "swappable" and until we run out of "stuff", it's a free, social occasion that extends my budget, deepens my friendships and is a plus in a time of so many minuses.

Times have changed...Do you have any new-old survival ideas to trade?

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Brangelina, The Octo-Mom and Childcare

After hours of writing today's blog...the server wiped it away - all that was left was the title. So, this is gonna' be a quick opinion and comparison on Brangelina and Octo-Mom.

With seven kids, glitzy movie-making and mega-bucks and all the help cooking, cleaning, washing and ironing possible, Brangelina go out in public looking like "there's no time for me." Previously dapper fashionisto, Brad Pitt, looks like a six-packer , overly-committed, truck driver that's been on the road without a mirror for days while holding one kid and hand-holding another. Angie, is always covered in a tot holding something. But, messy, individually changed by their child-filled lifestyle, their children have a presence in their lives. Octo-Mom is on TV - coiffed, neat as a pin and sans children, talking about what she wanted before they arrived and what she will do in the future. There's something wrong with this picture.

If Nadya Suleman was taking care of her brood of six before the litter of eight arrive, isn't there something she needs to do to prepare? She' going to school - getting her Masters, working a job and taking care of Nadya.

Besides the outrageous costs of prenatal, natal, hospital stay and life after Nadya takes over, is there a money tree connected to Nadya that will provide culture and education and is there a real Mother who forgets herself - her clothes, her hair, her personal options - in her connection to her children?

Well, I enjoyed looking at Brad the Dandy and I like to see Angelina's face without a Banky surrounding, however they choose to raise a brood and have altered their over-privileged lifestyle to a hurried , throw on a tee, pull up the dungarees and "let's get the kids dressed and out before it rains" pace.

I do not enjoy seeing Octo-Mom on Dr. Phil explaining her needs in prime time or seeing her begging for donations web site or like the thought that some idiot offered her a TV talk show. There's a difference in the way a desire to have many children can be handled.

For the Brangelina Clan, it seems that holding a child's hand is more important than self-care. For Nadya, Octo-Mom, dressing for public appearances, getting her Masters, collecting food stamps and public health assistance...does she have time for story-telling or hand-holding? Always alone or occasionally with her over-worked, stressed, Mother, singularly purposeful; there will be eight more to hand-hold,,, when does she have time for the six tots in her care presently?

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Nadya, "The Terrible" and "Our Michelle" in the News

Last night's "day of reckoning" presidential speech gave reason to be cheerful. However, in her mid-forties, Michelle's flab-free arms were reason to make women smile too. Daring, bare arms were not appropriate for a president's lady or any lady at a formal "do" - but, I bet every woman looking at her calculated the workout discipline and self-assurance exhibited by "our Michelle." Yeah...now I think in terms of "our Michelle."

We need "our Michelle." With Nadya, "the terrible", the despicable Octuplets mother and grandmother arguing publicly - Nadya talking over her Mom...rude...disrespectful...selfish...on a .com radio interview. The result: Nadya's getting her own talk show. A reward for doing things we don't want our children to do.

Fortunately, the powers that be have decided that the octuplets are not going home to Nadya's overcrowded, unmaintained mother's home. And, tis said that Nadya told the father she had ovarian cancer and wanted one child, to get him to donate his sperm. When Nadya Suleman takes media space, and details of her relationship to motherhood and integrity hit the headlines on the same day, I am thankful for the admirable examples of maternal instincts, marriage partnership and personal independence set by "our Michelle."

I become more comfortable with her independent interests and often unconventional styles. "Our Michelle's" thoughtful choice of personal guests last night was heart-warming and deeply supportive of her husband's goals. And, finally, her announcement that the "First Dog" is a Portuguese Water Dog scheduled to arrive in April, after Malia and Sasha's Spring break...months of promises... those kids are patient!

...my kids would have worn me down or driven me nuts. However, "Our Michelle's" kids pick the same type of silly names for a pet that my kids did...They're being discouraged from naming the new pup, Frank, Moses or Moose...The First lady suggested that they take more time to consider...

...so, while J. Crew advertises Michelle style and Paul Labrecque Luxury Hair care advertises the Michelle Obama look with his "simple, sexy hair", "Straight Finish" lotion at $18. - "Our Michelle" discourages toy manufacturers from using her kids images for dolls and maintains a First Lady image that is "new-millennium-original" and admirable.

There are few financial or housing or mortgage or US-at-war news stories to make me cheerful, so "our Michelle" in the headlines is a blessing.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Not A Fun News Day - Can We Face Reality and Live?

It's not a fun news day. I have an intuitive feeling that it's time for the return of big-money quiz shows...time for dreaming and "wishes do come true." On numerology's #1 "start new concepts" Universal Day, the thought enters my mind; if we face reality, can we scare ourselves to death?

My first shock of the day: American Express is offering $300. prepaid credit cards to a chosen few if they will pay off their credit cards and close their accounts. That's innovative, a true #1 action that is emotionally powerful...could release some hormones, make my heart beat faster and surprise me to death.

News that home prices dropped dramatically hit home when I opened my home assessment letter to find that from last year to this, my home is worth half and taxes remain the same. So much for my home...the house - a cushion for the time my money runs out. Is that a news-worthy reason for an appointment with Kevorkian?

And, optimistic Obama is reading this too! No wonder Bill Clinton notes a less promising attitude in his public appearances.

So, I want to see something to remind me that lucky breaks happen...

...I'd do a quiz show that asks the questions: How much did AIG lose this quarter? It's a sixty billion dollar answer and the largest loss in history. Who said that the financial system has disintegrated and, there is no sign of a bottom and we are in a situation that is more severe than the Great Depression? This predictor compares today's economy to the demise of the Soviet Union with things going down uniformly around the world. And the answer is, extremely rich, investor, George Soros. I don't think he's gonna' worry about his house assessment. Last question - How much will the US donate to Gaza aid for humanitarian and reconstruction purposes? The answer is 900 million dollars. And, if we donate this vast amount, it won't put a dent in the two billion damage that exists there. Where will it come from? And after it's gone, they'll probably pull an AIG and want more...and if wishes come true...

...yes it's time for a resurgence of quiz shows. I'd call my current events based quiz show..."Face Reality and Live" That's an impossible dream...so, here goes my intuition again...if I won I'd probably faint and die.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Mixing, Matching and Cementing in the Obama White House

The Obama's - sticklers for routine and macro-management - mix and match the new and the old - bend the rules and cement a few - just like we do. The White House is beginning to seem like my Mother's house. We planned based on past performance, opted for stability and changed each day's plan as surprises arose and a creative button got pushed.

Pre-Michelle, a china pattern was selected by the first lady, was agreed upon by committee and traditions were upheld. At the Governor's White House dinner this past week, Michelle selected a current china pattern and mixed it with dessert plates from the 1939 World's Fair. That was interesting! The food tasting before the event, usually attended by the usual group of reporters, included students at a Maryland culinary school...Michelle adding youthful tastes. The menu included veggies grown in the neighborhood, citrus salad and creamed spinach that had no cream. Everybody's eating "healthy" and the usual rubber-chicken-whipped-cream-dessert dinners and staid routines are being Obama-ized...

...upon entering the kitchen, Michelle greeted the chefs with a kiss on the cheek and everyone pitched in opinions to make it a family affair. There's a new "according to Hoyle".at the White House. It's "according to Michelle" that the Obama White House will bend the rules for creative tastes, efficiency, variety and healthy values. So, she likes to mix and match some things...

...however, where her children are concerned, Michelle will not bend. The children's modus operandi will not change. With "First Granny" at the helm Michelle runs a tight ship...Children are in their self-made beds - in their self-cleaned rooms - by the traditional eight o'clock bed time. Michelle's credo seems to include sticking to routines where she thinks her children will remain secure and unchanged and putting her creative rule-bending in play everywhere else.

It's been many months of promises to bring a new routine into the children's lives; routine changing must be difficult. If the long expected "First Dog" doesn't die of old age before he or she gets adopted into the Obama clan routine, Malia and Sasha will make a change - add a new routine to their scheduled day. They'll walk the dog and tote pooper scooper's just like they would at home in Chicago if Michelle and Barack ever make a dogie-decision. My dogs - all six month old puppies "ran-away" before they reached seven months. My folks had trouble changing routines too.

The White House does seem to be just like my house now: Mixing and matching one minute and rule-fixing the next. Obama seems to be handling the Stimulus Package the same way he Father's his family...remixing and matching while some aspects are written in cement.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

A Funny Thing Happened On My Way to the Bank

In England, the 99 cent store beat out the Pound (that's a Brit's dollar) store...people crossed the street - closed 'um down for a savings of one cent. That's not funny "ha ha" - it sure is odd! Pinching pennies takes on a new meaning...

...until April 1, when according to a Barack Obama statement, we will feel the tax breaks and it's three months to an easier access to credit from the banks. I'm gonna' shop with cash and look for the store that saves my pennies.

Credit card shopping is too shaky with banks lending to each other and tightening credit more and more as the unemployment rate increases. Banks and unemployment are closely tied. Credit card companies used the same system of "securitizations" (that's bundling-credit card loans into-one mutual fund or bond with no risk disclosure, for us penny-pincher's) as was used by the mortgage lenders that created the present crisis. Today, credit card companies are gearing for defaults and no matter how much the government gives them, they are still lending to each other.

So, in a few weeks, we're gonna' see "Stress Tests" for major banks in order to separate the weak from the strong...which banks should get bigger chunks of government money in case we go into a deeper depression - oops, intended to say, "recession." Must be my frame of mind that slipped into the "D' word.

Depression aside...there are facts. Banks can't raise private capitol and nationalization of troubled big banks is possible....some say, "not probable" and some say, "inevitable". For now, there's only April's quick tax cuts to look forward to as we watch tonight's glitzed-down-Red-Carpet and dandier entertainment, 81st Academy Awards Ceremonies on our no-cost-to-us-for-the-show home TV.

During the 1930's, in 1932, when Roosevelt became president, it was a "recession= feels like depression" people flocked to the escapism and crowd warmth of movie theaters. Movies were priced for the times at 35 cents and "misery loves company." I wonder...to spite pinching-pennies by eating at home and competition from home TV, video games and internet-wandering escapist entertainment , will getting out of the house - to escape our disciplines, mundane choices and financial reality - bring a 2009 serious and spoiled-rotten-culture back to 1930's be-grateful-for-any-and every-little-laugh society?

While checking out the movie theater marquees for a comedy, a funny thing happened on my way to the bank to get cash: Passed a resale shop window, loved the sweater, pulled out my credit card, shopped and probably will laugh-at-my-all-too-human-self all the way to the poor house.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Can't Smile - Yesterday's Truths Are Today's Ancient History

Why do I wake up angry? Truths written in cement are ancient history. I'm disappointed as the news of the day reveals that everyday "dependables" - things I have believed to be true for over seventy-five years, are gone. Where are the reasons to smile at the dawn of the day?

Calcutta snake charmers are protest marching because their profession is now illegal. A visit to India without seeing a coiled cobra strike? That's disappointing. Diamonds...my best friend dropped 60% in demand and 25% in price - and, since diamonds have been demanded by me through the years...that's another lop off the value of my "God-forbid-something-terrible-happens-nest-egg. Yeah...that does make me angry.

Fortunoff Jewelers - my home away from home when I lived in NYC, filed for bankruptcy. Tiffany - my walk-through-once-a-week-affordable-treat - cut diamond prices due to lowered demand and things are so bad I can't even entertain the idea of investing in a perfect, reasonably-priced Tiffany diamond.

De Beers. South Africa's diamond miners held up the price and quality of diamonds forever and now, Russia, China - almost everywhere, diamonds are mined - losing their rarity and becoming plentiful - and their value decreases. Personal treasures are losing their place as security blankets...engagement rings - the young bride's dowry - that become a keepsake that appreciated monetarily in time are ending up with...

...pawnbrokers who are in their heyday. Pawn Shop owners are "on a roll", seeing $50,000. jewels being offered for sale and $100. gold bracelets walking in the door right after. With gold reaching $1000. an ounce it's as precious as gems. Soon the engagement ring gold setting will have near value to the precious jewel it holds.

With 100 banks predicted to fail this year and 1000 predicted to fail within the next three to five years...another long-held belief gone. Increased bank failures may make CD investments less safe. Another forever belief...you can't get a safer investment than a CD! That's gone...

...so, diamonds are no longer forever security. Large amounts of bank failures that were "never going to happen again" are happening. 1950's $30. an ounce gold - always the cheaper commodity when buying a piece of jewelry - is now worth $1000. an ounce. Losing beliefs, particularly those related to finances, that I've held to be true for a lifetime, makes me angry.

There's no money involved - however, I found something that remains the same. Ah...a reason to smile: According to the Vatican sexes sin in different ways. Women are prideful. Men lust. I knew that! - and it's still true.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Greedy Banks Latest Ripoff

Isn't anyone really watching what banks are doing? There's another creative bank rip off in the works.

If it isn't outrageous interest rate raises or shortening time to pay credit cards, it's new ways and means to make money from people who have no money. Five million collecting unemployment: Many people out of a job and collecting unemployment are getting their money in the form of bank debit cards. Bank debit cards have fees for everything and are used by most like credit cards...

...banks charge for services. Bank charges for information and services on these unemployment debit cards are disgraceful. To ask a question: fifty cents per call. To make a withdrawal: seventy-five cents per withdrawal. An overdraft - which could be refused if it's over the limit and stopped by the bank - costs twenty dollars. There are more "convenience" charges.

Over thirty major US banks - for example Citi, Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase - have made agreements with the states to provide this service. In some states the only way to get hold of unemployment cash is with a bank debit card.

True...there's no fee if one takes out the entire month's money at one time from a bank teller. That's the freebie. Everything else has a fee. Habits are hard to break...and, most people use the debit card as a credit card and accumulate fees every time the card is used.

Banks make interest on the unused debit card money and merchant fees and the "many ways to skin a cat" customer service fees. Unemployment benefits will increase. Banks will increase their take. At a time when people are at a low financially and emotionally, banks say, it's up to the unemployment money recipient to figure out how to get the entire amount without paying repeated fees to access through the debit card...

...seems to me it's like hitting a man when he's down. Isn't anyone representing this huge amount of voters going to look into this latest bank rip off?

Thursday, February 19, 2009

What Can I Believe?

True to my numerology #4 "get down to basics and have a reality check today" Personal Day, money and what can I do to hold on to it is on my mind. Reading today's news doesn't help...

...Octo-Granny has been in foreclosure since last May...where will Nadya Suleman collect her food stamps and public support for the litter of fourteen? According to my restructured budget, she's not getting any money from me.

Who supports the Catholic Church...Catholics I imagine. Well, the Pope accused Nancy Pelosi and Joe Biden - both Catholics that support "a woman's right to choose" abortion, of misrepresenting the church and he's angry with them. Will they continue to tithe to keep the Pope dressed in silk and velvet?

Negatively speaking, today Ben Bernanke, sees the economy shrinking and five million on jobless benefits - unemployment getting higher. Yesterday, he said things were getting better.

Positively speaking President Obama introduces his Housing Plan to make loan modifications and stem foreclosures on March 4. That's pretty soon! Loan modifications will be jointly paid by lenders and the US Treasury. Oh, goody, I can maintain my budget..For folks who can and cannot qualify for conventional refinancing Yes...I wrote "who can and cannot" qualify...Banks for people who "can" and Fannie and Freddie to provide long term sustainable modifications for the "cannots."

Although Obama is "dancing as fast as he can", The "news" let me know that Mickey Rourke's beloved Chihuahua, Loki, passed on and I feel more reality and truth in that news story than any other I read today.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Can Hormone Therapy Keep You Cool?

Staying cool under fire is desiresable now. With Alan Greenspan telling us that this will be the longest and deepest depression since the 1930's, I hope the new drug and training strategies being investigated now become available to me and the stock market's frightened investors ASAP.

Greenspan says the depression-like economy "cannot persist indefinitely. What is indefinitely and how long can I last?

Can I believe him after all his previous Bush-pleasing - "the economy is stable" - announcements and pronouncements? I really want to. Maybe to lessen my fear I need a dose of the stress hormones identified by US researchers who studied soldiers who stayed cool under fire.

At a Meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, held in Chicago, it was agreed that levels of chemicals that dampen fear response...lower levels of cortisol and higher levels of neuropeptide...were the reason for soldiers in mock pressures of war remained calm. To the chemicals that dampen fear response, the researchers would add a dollop of meditation. I can meditate and take chemicals...and, it is my wish that the good doctors share this discovery with a frightened nation who cannot remain fearless...stay cool under the blast furnace of an out of control economy.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Pedaling the New Tourism

In keeping with downsizing personal spending, the new tourism points the USA toward a vast linking of bicycling routes across the nation. Europe and Canada have perfected bicycle travel over the years. The American Association of State an highway Transportation and The Adventure Cycling Association of America have gotten together to organize 50,000 miles of routes with signs so that American's can "see America first-hand" and travel on the cheap. This is the time!

This is not the result of an Obama miracle. Jobs have not been created...nothing is being constructed. The largest interstate route in the world is born in cartography. Mapping roads that consider traffic volume, terrain, amenities, urban trails with already established bicycle routes. Presently, the plan is not as well organized as Europe and Canada, but we're on our way to discovering new-old ways to flourish and enjoy life without thinking about a Ponzi-schemer or that a lavish trip to Las Vegas is only way to vacation.

I pass on this good news while searching the web for the new Madoff Doll with it's accompanying hammer for head-bashing and wondering how Donald T
rump Entertainment can go Chapter 11 again and Donald just walk away with a chip on his shoulder and daughter, Ivanka, trailing behind..."It's only one per cent of my worth!" says, Donald. He doesn't care. He leaves thousands of casino and hotel workers to crap-out of their salaries and go on the road again...well, they can, if they have a bike.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Not the Time fo Dissention

Reading international news...people all over the world Blogging their thoughts - commenting on how in the worst financial crisis that most of us can recall...most of us didn't live and survive the 1920's depression...Republicans and Democrats cannot stand together to help the new President put "Humpty Dumpty Together Again." America fell...our Bush created Humpty Dumpty, needs the instant glue that makes anything adhere and can't even get help from a child's made-for-paper glue stick. As parents, we tell our children..."Play nice." I'm telling my elected officials to "play nice.' Unfortunately, some think-stuck leaders just don't listen.

In the USA, passe, old-timer, John McCain speech making to get TV time, trying his best to separate the parties in order to create a place for himself in an economy that can only survive with youthful, optimistic, inventive thought and planning. This negative 'old school" head master should put himself out to pasture. To be destructive, at a time when constructive planning and innovative lawmakers need support is unsoldier-like and self-serving. That we did not elect McCain president was one of our better ideas. He'd be in one of his many houses spending on war and ignoring the plight of American's that can't hold on to the only one they have.

Tis said, "Old soldiers never die...they just fade away...Go back to Arizona, John, and fade.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Eat Home...How Much Do You Save?

While waiting for the Stimulus Package to unwrap, it's money and how to hold on to it that's in the forefront. Let me point to a good cause for self-discipline...

...best money-saver is eating home and passing up the frequent, quickie, no-time-to-cook-tonight $20. a person dinners. Whatever happened to a $3. not-McDonald's sandwich or a $6.50 neighborhood restaurant "blue plate special?" They're gone.

Then too, dinner-out-celebrations are planned for and usually expensive - $35. to $50. a person - some go higher. If you're not on a company expense account...and, they're going south fast - it's cheaper to create a table centerpiece for the dining room or kitchen and live it up on steak, prime rib or lobster...fancy food is a lot cheaper cooked at home and we kiss the cook - no 20% tip involved.

Eat at home and have leftovers to freeze for another day...Times are tough and getting tougher...so, here's the it-pays-to-cook-at-home story in dollars. If you save $10. a day...you save $70. a week. In a year, you've saved, $3650. Plan out the savings for the five years it will take to get out of this financial mess and you've saved $18,250.

Hang on to it and that's a down payment on a nifty foreclosure.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Valentine's Day News and OH Those Brits!

Oh those Brits...so dignified and cool....so, sexually dry and unemotional. Are they're getting a bad rap? Do they write love letters? Do they speak of love like we do? Valentine's Day news and England's history reveals...

...a Valentine's Day delivery to a thirteen year old boy (he looks nine) in Great Britain became the first puppy-love father yesterday and disproved that observation that sex isn't on a Londoner's mind. Sexually active British pre-teens puts the image of a non-sensual, reserved, aristocratic nature to an English rumor. The "Mum" is a fourteen year old - and, that means he was twelve when he either "played doctor" or professed his love to a thirteen year old ...maybe the English start out "hot" and cool off later? Brings to mind...

...the current Prince Charles who kept his first love whilst he courted and married a "fair maiden." The "fair maiden" upon learning of his treachery, attempted to "ice" herself and re-heated...took off in all the wrong places and wild pursuit brought her to a sad end. Then there's Charles' younger brother, Andrew...married a hardy- partier who had a foot fetish lover that brought their marriage to a screeching friendship.

We're dishin' now! Charles and Andrew's mother, the current Queen has a sister. She's Charles and Andrew's show-business type socially very active, Auntie...well, Margaret, fell in love with a dashing divorced hero...was forbidden to marry and took off with a commoner but classy photographer rumored to be more Dame than Duke. These Brits have a history of European royalty inbreeding which might be the reason Brits have sensual-pucker-uppers cloaked in tight-lipped dignity. They certainly have brought unusual lovers into the Empire's ruling class.

Witness the life of bloodthirsty, Henry the VIII...between 1509 and 1547, a short life as things go today...for thirty-eight years, he fooled around with his sister as a youth, was a lifelong notorious womanizer who had six wives (beheaded one while courting another) and brought down the Catholic Church (they wouldn't annul one of his marriages) and changed religion in the British Isles forever. After Henry had his most loyal supporter killed, he whisked his pious first wife out of Court circles into the country and drove her ditsy.

This royal seducer courted Anne Boleyn, his second wife - this is the one he beheaded - for over five years. In letters that proclaimed him on his knees imploring - pictured himself as her adoring slave-king, he convinced her to marry. While married, he fell for a visiting cousin, became obsessed again, "discovered" proof of Anne's "fooling around" and got rid of her. One of these letters was stolen by a servant and found recently in Rome's Vatican vaults, after being "lost" for five hundred years. Things get "lost", not so memories...

...on Valentine's Day every year I get love in the mail. I am reminded by my ever-thoughtful, fifty-five years young son, that I am his first Valentine. It's an American thing, "speaking up" - "telling it like it is."

Friday, February 13, 2009

Since I'm in my #7, "analyze everything 'cause what you see it not what you get" Personal Day, and it's Valentine's Day eve, non-pricey gifts for the occasion are on my mind. The best gift in these financially trying times is not gonna' come from the Stimulus Package...It's gonna' be a nifty coupling or a visit to a sex therapist...

...by the time you get your $400 or $800. tax credit (if you make under $75,000. for singles and $150 for married couples filing jointly) or your employer makes an adjustment...or you deduct state and local taxes on an auto purchase - or you benefit from the additional $500. in your student Pell Grant...or, you get a first time home buyer (1/1/09-12/1/09) $8000. refunded tax credit...February 14 time for romance will be over.

Recession is depressing. Money problems make us worry. When entering personal depression, the sex drive is elevated by dopamine going to the brain. However, anxiety saps the ability to enjoy pleasure, so even if your feelings of attraction are elevated, and you become part of the boosted traffic on dating web sites - and find a mate - It's a "catch 22." It's a "close but no cigar" situation.

According to a Career Builders.com study, romance flourishes at work...why not, you get a paycheck and no check to pay. 40% date colleagues, 31% marry and 42% dates their boss...less anxiety, more pleasure so, good thinking when money's tight...

...and intuitively good thinking Barack has the best Valentine's Day gift for Michelle - and, it didn't cost him a penny. Barack put her in a position to live her teen age dream: She is posed to perfection, a model, on the front cover of a high-tone fashion magazine this Valentine month. Michelle's numerology natal chart indicates that her prepuberty desire was to take center stage...a fashion model, a writer, an actor... and here she is. That Barack: What a guy!

So, Barack has no anxiety over his Valentine gift...Michelle will probably be appropriately appreciative...no visit to the sex therapist for them. And, the Obama's have a cost-free gift to one another - and, continuing their White House romantic, ongoing eye contact, reality-show, once again set an example of coupling at it's best.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

"Cougars" Running Wild and Free

Cougars" are moving fast and running free...running wild and having a feeding frenzy. Visit your favorite "watering hole", "Happy Hour" till closing, and observe the 35-50, older hotties approaching younger guys. Now, that's just tit for tat, 'cause older, lumbering "Gorillas" have been hitting on younger babes forever.

The new millennium has strange effects. How much of a stampede is newsworthy. How "strange" is up to the individual...how fast? Depending on the hunting-sprinter's state of mind, sensuality and finances, the Cougar population is increasing.

Mom's let out of the cage, dating after divorce or discovering a dependable evening baby sitter now that professionals are out of daytime work...Cougars are on the hunt. Known as "Cougars", 'cause they move in fast and can keep up with their young. Their animal state of mind is very optimistic...and although...

...talk in the Ladies Lounge used to center on, "What color lipstick is that? - or, Have you tried a "Dirty Martini?" Of late, across the stall door, The Demi Moore - Ashton Kutcher action-packed, so-far-success-marriage is a hottie-topic.

All agree...sensuality had to play the lead in the Kutcher Family star-packed initial mating. "Sensuality" = my polite word for sexual interest. That stuff runs high when titillated by buff bellies and butts that don't shimmer when seen by a bouncy pride of appreciative Cougars.

Then there's the financial aspect of "Happy Hour" drinking and later on sipping. It's cheaper to buy a drink between 5 and 7 than it is to go to a movie. After 7, if a Cougar is still paying for her own drinks, she goes home on the bus - or she should start looking for an older, portly, "gorilla" safe-driver."

When I was bar-hopping we called today's "Cougars" , "Barracudas." "Barracuda's" chased anything in pants. Cougars are more selective. Talking about boozing-safe and the news regularly points-up new millennium, meeting and coupling changes. This #5 "unconventional, freedom-loving" ancient numerologist is on a learning curve courtesy Ken Stark and Heidi Fogelson's daily radio show, Ridin' Dirty...11 to noon PST, KLAA-AM 830 in LA and www.ridindirtyradio.com. Listen for opinionated, smart-Alec, "Mama Ellin" every Friday.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

United Airlines Closes Customer Complaint Phones in India

Will wonders never cease? The people have spoken - consumers are dissatisfied when talking to US companies unreasonable Customer Relations representatives in India...and United Airlines heard them!United is dropping the Customer Relations Phone Center in India. They will no longer publish a customer complaint telephone number. Callers to United for compliments or complaints must write or e-mail. I guess I'm not the only person to call United and come away frustrated.

Now, maybe Microsoft and Chase Bank, my personal choices for discontinuing farming out a service that requires detailed explanation - to a repetitive, think-stuck, slow thinking company representative that has no personal points of reference when we speak - and, is reading from a script - reading from a different script, trying to sell a new product in between - repeating the first "there is nothing we can do, sir" ( I usually comment...I'm a lady...at least I was when this phone call began.". ..that doesn't get a laugh...we do not have a sense of humor trigger in common!) Now, after the levity breather...the script is read in it's entirety...over and over...gasp,gasp,gasp...

...after that angry sentence, I'm gasping for breath just the way I breath with difficulty when talking to a Customer Relations Center in India. United listened to customers and did something...will others follow United's lead?

I hope this only the first of a rash of businesses that realizes that putting people that think and communicate with the detail conscious point of view of a different culture, rather than the "let's cut to the chase" American point of view, on the other end of a telephone complaint or service question is a disaster for the consumer. And overall, whatever is saved in cheaper salaries is lost when customers flee to a company that has reasonable phone representatives.

So, this is a #5 "surprises happen" Personal Day for me...and Castro came back to life to comment that Rahm Emanuel has a "strange surname." Ultra rich fashionistas are having swap parties...that's clothes they're sharing this year. Madoff is still living in his NY penthouse. And, today, I saw a positive change. Will wonders never cease?

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Michell and Barack - A Numerologist's Name Analysis of How Opposites Attract

" Barack" and "Michelle" - the perfect example of how "opposites attract!" Lovers and friends may think that sameness is key to a successful partnership, marriage or friendship. However, it's the differences that make every day interesting...and, the differences that fill in the gaps. In talents, natural instincts and self image...their name numbers reveal how sensitive Barack needs Michelle and how practical Michelle keeps him grounded.

To be comfortable, Barack needs to act independently and have an intimate partner in a relationship that is cooperative and where he doesn't have to work too hard to maintain intimacy. Arguments, particularly loud, rude or crude disagreements, are a "no,no." Michelle needs to feel independent and in control of her life. She wants to feel that she is serving humanity and can do things in her own creative way. Michelle is capable of showing one face to the world and privately, doing things the way that make her comfortable. Barack's instinct is to be gentle and supportive...he's comfortable that way. Michelle's is to be assertive and take the lead...she's comfortable that way.

In youth Barack visualized an adult lifestyle filled with culture, aristocratic, polished associates and a perfectionist's professionalism that attracted respect. Michelle wanted to be the center of attention...a writer, a model, an actor...she has the gifts of the communicator...she's witty, charming and chatty. With that gift comes beautiful, expressive eyes and a memorable voice. At first impression, on an escalator or on a super market line, Michelle sends out a friendly vibe and people talk to her...Barach's first impression is aloof, reserved, thoughtful - before he speaks, unless he speaks first on a super market line (which is unlikely), strangers will imagine that he prefers to be alone and will not be assertive. Michelle wanted to be an attractive extrovert pre-puberty and Barack visualized himself as more of an academic introvert.

Career talents are very different too...Barack is a do-gooder that is forgiving, will sacrifice - be brave - and has the empathy and compassion to serve humanity. He visualizes in broad strokes and has no tolerance for pettiness. He has communications gifts - demands a polish of skill and performance from himself and others - and is considered to be "an old soul" in spiritual circles. Listeners identify with him and he is always well received by audiences.

Barack is "born with knowledge" and understands - and actually feels - the emotions of the people he encounters. Most of us sense pain - Barack feels body pain when he sees and realizes someone is hurt.

Career talents derived from the name Michelle enable her to give their union a "reality check" regularly. She doesn't tolerate false promises or impractical dreaming and scheming. Her fortes are management, organization, practical problem solving...a down-to-earth approach to money, lifestyle and commitments. Michelle is often too pragmatic for philosophical Barack...She says it like it is and he he imagines it the way he wants it. When Barack romanticizes - sees the big picture...Michelle helps him identify the improbabilities - the details. The best aspect of their differences, is that when Barack visualizes, Michell works for tangible results...independently, without interrupting his process.

If there are problems...Barack wants unconditional love and approval from Michelle. He is sensitive and reacts emotionally to imagined slights. Michelle is too realistic to go there and disciplines herself to be calm and quiet when he's in a "snit."Michelle does not deal well with unanticipated happenings and surprises. She becomes rattled initially and once into a situation, she handles multi-tasking very well. It's the surprise that gets an emotional reaction from her. She may at times have bombastic reactions that send Barack to the basketball court.

The Obamas: The things missing in one personality and character are supplied by the other. They make a great team. When looking for love or friendship - career choices - lifestyle comforts - check out YOU ARE YOUR FIRST NAME, a dictionary of over 1500 first name descriptions with explanations of "how to do it yourself" if your name is not in the book. You might have to work at it as I did. Michelle and Barack...on the surface...it seems that they just got lucky!

Monday, February 9, 2009

Uncle Sam says, "Your Country Needs You, Stop, Damm It, Shop!"

Sign of the times...seen in a store window..."Your country needs You, Stop, Damm It , Shop! On my #3 "stay optimistic. gotta' find something to laugh about" Personal Day on the worldwide #4 "reality check, practical details abound" Universal Day...we're talkin' funny and unfunny things about money...

...in the places we go to escape reality, you can find discounted "Drown Your Sorrow Drinks" with the names, "Madoff Nectar, The Recession, Bailout made from unpopular liquor brands - and a NY bar offers a "Laid Off Monday", 2 for 1 all night - with a free midnight tequila shot - if you have proof of unemployment...

....not working? Travel to India and get a cheap rate at the hair salon if you bring your own dye...and they're cutting down Rio's Carnivale expenses...dancing the Samba especiale in Brazil demands costly lessons and Samba schools are struggling....however, Finlandian's maintain their sense of humor with - a big piggy bank adorned with devil's horns that holds a sign cautioning, "Don't Feed the Depression."...while,...sales are up on "signs of the times " things...

...the Brits are shopping money boxes to put under the mattress, Fish and Chips shops are full again - taking back their rightful place now that Chinese, Indian and Thai restaurants are more expensive and in Japan...cooking at home is again popular so, instant noodle product sales are up.

It seems that economic greed in on the way out and bicycle-riding self-induced-muscle -pain and my ganglia cyst are on the way in. Bicycles sales have risen - sore knees are on the rise and knitting is making a comeback and I'm thinking of giving it a try again. After a long battle with an overused wrist that produced a painful cyst this brainstorm better save me money. I will knit to begin my Christmas gifts in time for the 2009 holidays. This may be a blunder: The last time I knitted a scarf, the doctor bills cost more than if I went out to buy one.

Sad sign of the times...The NYC, glamorous, very expensive, Rockefeller Center, Rainbow Room - a Dancing and Supper Club overlooking the lights of the city...that holds youthful awe, middle age romance and pleasant "I Love NY-NY" old age memories for me is closed. The circular, windowed bar will be kept open ...it's just too expensive to keep the high styled, high above most people's pocketbooks dining room alive. So, a bit of sadness is acceptable during this reality filled day and I'll go...

...back to thinking about spending to support our nation...Yes, I will do it when I have the cash...my love of country does not include using a credit card at this time.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

We Need the Credit Card Bill of Rights NOW

It's time to speak out - a #3 "optimism prevails, spread th word, mixing business and social relationships pays off" Universal Day encourages worldwide communication here... www.ellindodge.com ...

...we're learning that Obama was read the "why we need to stay" riot act by General Patreas when he was in Iraq, on Patreas turf ...we're finding out "what exactly" and "how much" was deducted from Obama's Stimulus Package...and, we are realizing that in two income families, the first to get axed is usually the larger-income breadwinner - the male. Budgets cannot balance on less than half of the anticipated income. Equal pay for equal work never seems to break through the slowly shattering, glass ceiling. So, with job losses soaring...we're talking more and recovering less.

One way to speed household recovery is hastening implementation of The Credit Card Bill of Rights. Now, credit card companies can raise interest rates without cause and without warning the consumer. They get away with double cycle billing and use 4 point typeface in complex, legalese explanations. They have the right to stress consumers - make us old before our time - waiting for the next Credit Card monthly statement that changes our financial commitment and puts budgeting in the dog house.

Even the consistency of seeing the pampered pups strut their stuff at the annual Westminster Kennel Show doesn't help the average person crack a secure, warm and fuzzy and life-goes-on-no-matter the-economy smile. We need credit card companies to be consistent and trustworthy...they demand that of us = the consumer.

Representative Carolyn Maloney, D/NY, is sponsoring a bill to change the July 2010 implement three month from now. The July 2010 date that credit card companies must follow the Credit Card Bill of Rights gives them time to raise rates and the charges for late payment prior to 2010. The bill says that rates freeze...stay the same after the bill goes into effect. So, if I have a 4.99% interest rate now and they spontaneously up the rate to 9.99% or 19.99% tomorrow, when the Bill of Rights comes into effect, my rate freezes at 9.99% or 19.99% - whatever my interest rate is in July 2010.

And there's more...The Credit Card Bill of Rights includes a change in payment allocation. Today, payments go to the lowest interest rate. The Bill states that payment go to the highest rate balances. There are strong changes that should improve credit card problems for us = the jerks that incurred the debts.Ifor one, do not intend to stay a jerk - paying off my credit cards indefinitely, if something can be done to speed the implementation of the Credit Card Bill of Rights. Carolyn Maloney gets e-mail and phone calls and needs to know she has public support. So, to save myself stress by taking action, instead of just communicating my displeasure at the way things stand and mouthing support for a speedy Credit Card rules change, I'm on it - writing and phoning, Representative Carolyn Maloney, D/NY at:

Washington Office
Congresswoman Maloney
2332 Rayburn HOBWashington, DC 20515-3214202.225.7944 phone202.225.4709 fax
Manhattan Office
Congresswoman Maloney
1651 3rd Avenue Suite 311New York, NY 10128-3679212-860-0606 phone212-860-0704 fax
Queens Office
Congresswoman Maloney
28-11 Astoria Blvd.Astoria, NY 11102-1933718-932-1804 phone718-932-1805 fax

This is a social invitation while doing "business" and has today's optimistic vibes in tow...Won't you join me?

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Analysis of Pushy Palin, The Octuplets Mom's Mysterious Helpers and Putrid Peanuts

Details and more details on this #2 Universal Day: We're talkin' pushy Sarah Palin, The Octuplets Questionable Mystery and putrid peanuts.Palin Poop hits below the fold with Sarah nudging Obama - NOW? When the stimulus package is keeping him up nights! - she's stalking him to push the Alaskan natural gas pipeline on his current visit to Canada, first-husband, Todd's in contempt of court with possible jail time and, the details of how first-daughter-unmarried Mom, "Bristol" got to be called "Bristol...Sarah worked at The Bristol Inn, Todd lived in Bristol Bay and Bristol, Connecticut...the home of ESPN where Sarah expected to become a sports newscaster, inspired the ever-lusting-after-publicity-Sarah to name her baby girl after them. Then there's details of the Octuplets conception...

...the same clinic, doctor and sperm donor that gave Nadya Suleman in vitro fertility for her first six babies, implanted her with eight embryos that produced six boys and two girls - that included two sets of twins...double duh! And, those scary details bring me to more not-too-nice details about peanut butter...

...to buy it or not to buy it? That's the question on mother's minds and food manufacturers financial spread sheets. Details reveal; that Peanut Corporation of America's. CEO, Stewart Parnell, knew that the peanuts carried salmonella and there is mold growing on ceilings and walls of the factory. He shipped to processors that shipped to manufacturers who then shipped to retail stores, school lunch programs and throughout the world to emerging countries lacking nutritional food.

How could this happen? Same old story...the overseers, The Department of Agriculture and The Food and Drug Administration are not coordinated and they are not modernized. I hear those details a lot. Now Obama-rama brings us "Yes WE Can", CHANGE and although...

...peanut butter began hundreds of years ago with the Aztecs, was patented in the 1800's in Montreal, Canada and then patented in the USA by Kellogg's and, it seems like it's been a food staple forever; it's definitely time for change. However, changes come too late for hundreds that became ill and a few that died from salmonella in peanuts. It doesn't have to be peanut butter that does you in, it can be those tiny, crumbled nuts atop a cookie or in a candy bar.

Unlike the Securities Exchange Commission that hasn't punished selfish Wall Street CEOs for making the public sick in the pocketbook ,The Agriculture Department Peanut Standards Board kicked the unscrupulous Peanut Corporation of America's CEO off the board. With the recession tightening food budgets, losing nutrition-filled peanut butter from the kitchen cupboard is a disaster.

With it's reasonable price for all the good stuff that we get from peanuts and as peanut butter, it's two year, unrefrigerated shelf value, in mind; should we risk eating peanut products now? "Is it worth wondering if my family will suffer more from eating jelly alone or will they suffer a salmonella illness if by chance they eat tainted peanuts?"

The decision is on how you calculate risk when you know the details. For me...just as an eight embryo, in vitro implant in a thirtyish young woman is a bad judgment call and Sarah Palin's insistence on attention from President Obama in time of worldwide crisis is foolish and naive, until I hear from agencies I can trust - that every tainted, tiny peanut crumb is identified and there is no longer a "peanut problem", I'll eat my crackers with jam.

Friday, February 6, 2009

A Numerologist's Analysis of a Good Cry

Looking at the world through rose colored glasses is the only way to go...for me. It's a mind-set that I know will keep me crying-for-joy-healthier and stop a flow of depressing tears throughout the incoming four years of recovery.

On this #1 "start something new" Universal Day, I'm gonna' begin a get happ-ier diet. When I think of heroes...scores of young people serving in Iraq and their families and Sully, the pilot who brought his plane down safely. When I feel the joy of the parenting craze begun by the Obama family. Job losses and shrinking retirement funds are causing generations of families to live together. And, with all the negatives of "two women in the kitchen" there are the pleasures of grandchildren and grandparents sharing life experiences. There are happenings brought about by the failing economy that create or bring back better images. And, even good thoughts can make me cry...

...tears of sadness and the eyes oceans of joy are "emotional perspiration" according to Benedict Carey in the NY Times. Sweating out misery or joy...that makes me smile.

Crying reminds us of infancy when a cry brought comforting. Crying blocks thought. Crying may balance thought. Crying may not be the end all to soothing emotional pain, however, it is always a catharsis of sorts. Sometimes a good cry gets it all out and energy returns. Sometimes a good cry brings exhaustion and depression that drains ability to solve problems. So, I'm gonna' do selective crying on my "happ-ier diet."

I'll tear-up when they play the Star Spangled Banner and drip delicately at a wedding. I did well-up at pictures of Obama looking proud as he tried on his new Air Force One jacket...he evokes my maternal reactions. And, I will create an ocean of joyful tears when the stock market goes up, my house appraisal gets realistic and helpful investment interest rates return. I'm gonna' wear my rose colored glasses to remind me to stay on my happ-ier diet - to keep me truckin' and above ground long enough to cry when my peace-of- mind returns.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

A Numerologist's Analysis of Strange News

A #9 Universal Day brings in expansive news that makes one draw conclusions - and, in these unusual times the additions are really strange...

...here's a case where the wife unwittingly got the best in a divorce settlement a few years ago. A man had to pay his wife half of their 5.4 million in holdings and their holdings were with Madoff. So, he's suing her for a return of the funds blaming Madoff's false securities statements given to the judge as the cause of him being left with nothing but paper - she has the only cash: He's frantic. She cannot be reached for comment. And...

...this economy is making some people spacey. A Man robbed a Colorado store with a Star Trek Sword - Madoff is being defended by an attorney that lost money with him - Barney Frank actually thinks eight CEO's are going to accept his invitation to a hearing to testify to their accountability for 115 billion in bailout funds...

...and angry, mean and needing a padded room...one of the most detested public figures in history, Dick Cheney is writing his memoirs. Will you buy this book? Cheney says that he will prove he's right when he reveals, up to now, secret information. He's been so truthful these past eight years...duh.

In the world according to Cheney - nuclear, biological, catastrophic attacks were stopped by his water boarding torture techniques, the intrusive Patriot Act and the focus by the Bush administration on terrorist waiting to pounce. They had no time to waste on the national economy - which according to Cheney is a global problem. Tis said he seems "unhinged." I conclude that "the crazies" are not his entire problem.

Now that he's not in a position to give war zone contracts to companies in which he has a vested interest, he's gonna' take the Octuplet's mother/Sarah Palin route to make money from a book deal. That's not crazy - it's greed...

...however, greed is not for everyone. An Ohio teacher who earned 40 K a year gifted her alma mater with 2 million. I'd rather she wrote a book on how she saved the cash. In these unusually strange times, I'd buy that book.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

A Numerologist's Analysis of Strange Bedfellows, Suleman and Daschle

Strange bedfellows, octuplet's mother, Nadya Suleman and US Senator Tom Daschle have similar ethics and relationships problems: Out of balance - Numerology Challenged - morals, ethics, standards, an over-stimulated need to protect and nurture and a parental nature that feeds on emotional contact - and, creates situations that elicit dramatic responses. This numerologist sees what they don't see.

Tom Daschle has a double #6 Challenge and his Destiny is a #6. So, he is obsessive and compulsive in his relationships and meets the people and experiences in his Destiny that cause him to over-react. I doubt that he has room in his mind to put the proper importance a non-emotional, seemingly mundane - need to pay taxes.

The #6 Challenge is motivated by the desire to be the center of an adoring family. To Daschle, his working family and his personal family deserve and receive the same obsessive responsibility in relationships and overly stimulated emotional responses to their problems. Daschle is beloved by colleagues for his genuine emotional responsiveness and unselfish acts and he is respected for his ethics and moral fiber. With his mind and emotions overflowing with other people's problems that he feels compelled to solve - and, having the talent to see the needs that he feels responsible to fill, he's a good caregiver to everyone and a bad parent to himself.

Daschle believes that his morals, standards and ethics are pure and he wants everyone to live up to his perceptions of right and wrong. He believes that he knows what's good for everyone. He just doesn't understand that "live and let live" allows people to maintain self respect. He can be a smothering do-gooder who doesn't "get it" and goes to extremes in his "what's right from wrong" judgments.

In this a strange comparison of a young woman eager to breast feed and mother fourteen children, Nadya Suleman and Tom Daschle, a public servant eager to nurture and sacrifice for a nation, I see the neurotic, "I have a lot of love to give", common denominators.

Public opinion sees Suleman's hiring a press agent-manager, expecting to be a baby expert talk show host and negotiating book and TV deals, as greed. Public opinion sees Daschle's ignoring to mention his tax problems when approached by the president to accept the responsibility of overseeing education, a high powered office that nurtures children, as greed. This numerologist thinks they see themselves as doing good for others and I do not think they have any perception of their out-of-balance understanding of right and wrong. They are "Strange Bedfellows."

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

A Numeologist's Analysis of Personal Chaos

There's #7 Universal Day news to ponder...On the back to simplicity topic...the rage in Italy is miniature cupcakes...libraries, meatloaf and spaghetti-and-meat-balls make a comeback. The weather? 'Cause Phil, the Groundhog, predicted it - and he's a tried and true "predictor"...it's gonna' be another six weeks of cold weather and probably a colder stock market. However, The National Academy of Sciences is investigating Alzheimer's as brain type diabetes - hormone insulin could protect against damage to brain cells - the key to memory - and offer Alzheimer's patients disease-modifying treatments. That's the good news.

Once again, I am reminded that my #6 Personal Day stresses emotions if I don't focus on home. I awoke at 5 AM...It's 6:27 AM and the dog has thrown up in the office, on her four inch think...very furry...real lamb skin bed - my coffee spilled all over an upholstered chair, the carpet and me...when I tripped on the bouncing, vibrating dog hovering around my feet. The dog is haywire 'cause I am not keeping our morning routine, The computer is meandering as I try to work fast. Plans to leave the office at 9 AM to cover a political rally and my quick-stepping made the dog nervous and we all know, "haste makes waste" --- I will never get to cover my story as a timely or calm reporter...

....'gotta shower, dress-nice, remember the camera and stay calm so my drama-queen-dog doesn't get mad at me...and, when I'm gone leave a "disapproving-dump" where I can easily step in it when I get back...It's my #6 "family responsibilities and a stay-at-home focus" Personal Day......I said yesterday, in my #5 Challenged Personal Day, "I never learn." The lesson: Ya' gotta' follow the numbers or chaos reins!

Monday, February 2, 2009

A Numerologist's Self-Analysis of "Oops"





Oops...close but no cigar! The Arizona Cardinals had me gleefully, dropping my martini glass for refills, screaming, "yes, yes, yes" until instantly, some "he who shall remain nameless to me" Pittsburgh Steeler, caught the ball: A Cards win "went south." In mini-seconds, due to a miracle catch, after I accurately predicted a surprising, exciting game my prediction of an Arizona-Southwestern Cardinals "first"- a Super Bowl win - went northeast.


I saw the seconds ticking away with the Cards leading for an upset - and then - the amazing Steeler defense put my yesterday's prediction of a Cardinals win - to a partial success. Today, sober and back to reality I wonder "what ever made me blast predictions all over the Blogging networks? Aha...there's my usual excuse for indiscretions and mishaps, "The devil made me do it."



Same numbers are attracted to themselves! Yesterday's #5 "expect the unexpected" Universal Day strange things happened. Our swimming American hero, Phelps, admitted to "doing pot"...the Pope continued to defend his Bishops who deny the Holocaust , supposedly sane mothers are reported hosting chickenpox parties - children's play dates with a germ - and it was confirmed that doctors in a fertility clinic put eight eggs into a penniless, single mother of six and nursed her through to delivery of a litter of eight --- the unusual was news - so, my #5 Destiny should have attracted a Cardinals win...



...my psychic-whoopee sports prediction wasn't unique...experienced sports journalists, Gregg Doyel and Pete Prisco predicted the Cards were a "21st Century, flashy, fun" and gonna' win team. However, in the future, since sports predicting is not my bailiwick, I'm gonna' practice what I preach and stick to my area of expertise because, predictably human and only right, according to feedback, 98% in thirty-nine years...



...with my #5 Challenge to my #5 Destiny...the problem is...there are some things ya' never learn!So I'm gonna' chalk yesterday's "close but no cigar", partial "oops" up to, "The Devil made me do it" and continue to be guided by an empathetic angel suffering with a #5 Destiny - carrying a #5 Challenge, who when repeating mistakes, excuses herself with, "The Devil made me do it" - chastises herself with, "I never learn! - and feels compassion for me too.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

A Numerologist's Analysis of Super Bowl Surprises


...for this numerologist's early morning, it's a time for, late afternoon game, Super Bowl prediction. There's no getting away from #5 "expect the unexpected, surprises, upsets, plans change" Universal Day and on my, #4 "work , be practical and produce tangible results" Personal Day, it's Super Bowl Sunday and you may ask, who's gonna' win?The new millennium began in September 2008 and a universal Genesis began. Witness the election of the first African-American President of the USA who made visionary promises - did not run on past performances - as a platform for election. Venerable politicians with long-standing. outstanding carreers and public service records, promising more of the same could not sell hope for the future...and they lost. The past will not return to be relived or old structures followed. The solutions to new millennium problems will be "firsts" and so, in keeping with the "nothing old is new again" theory...the Super Bowl winner will be "a "first." On the premise that the winner does not have a Vince Lombardi Trophy to hang their helmets on; the winner should be the team that has never won an AFL or NFL World Championship or played on the Sunday that followed the championship game or won the football's showpiece, The Super Bowl. So, I have to forecast a win for the Arizona Cardinals.Philanthropic, born-again Christian, father of seven, Kurt Warner and "no one should mention his noisy, smelly nickname out of the locker room" Darnell Dockett - Go...Go...Go! With long-term congrats to the Pittsburgh Steelers winning past performances..."Big Ben" Roethlesberger and "Smiling" Hines Ward as standouts...you've been there-done that...this probably isn't your day.