Steve Jobs-Disclosing Need To Know Health Info

      For many people…the culture of our times demands that we saturate ourselves with massive amounts of information.  However, even computers have limits on how much data they can store; come on!  But, this culture of “need to know” is getting to the point of being ridiculous when it comes to celebrities or public figures.

      Steve Jobs is the founder of Apple, Inc and is the Chief Executive there.  There has been alot of concern about his health over the last few years when it was disclosed that he had surgery for pancreatic cancer.  His form of pancreatic cancer was treatable through the surgery…it was not the most severe form of pancreatic cancer, which is often fatal.   Still there have been many who have speculated on his health.

       Steve appeared to have lost considerable weight over time recently.  Rumors abounded about his ability to run the company.  People were getting nervous; after all, business is business…right?  Let’s get our priororities straight, lest some investors or some such get too nervous and pull out their financing…making things too unstable.  The board at Apple has released it’s own statement pledging it’s own support of Steve Jobs, as it’s CEO.  What more does anyone need to know?

         Steve Jobs released a public letter today addressing some of the concerns.  He evidently felt that he needed to quell some of those rumors; because in the letter, he says that he has been suffering from a hormonal imbalance that was robbing him of protein that his body needed to function healthily.  This was discovered through very sophisticated blood tests that his doctors performed.   This  imbalance appears to have been the cause of the lost weight and it will take some time to regain that healthy weight.   He says that he has already begun the relatively simple treatment to restore the balance in his body.  These things take time.

          Steve also says, that is all he is going to say about the issue; except, that he will be the one to decide when and if he can no longer fulfill his duties.  That is as it should be. 

           I feel that he disclosed what he felt was necessary to satisfy those who would alledge that he wasn’t up to doing the job anymore, without disclosing more information than the public needed to know.   After all doesn’t Steve Jobs, as well as John Q. Public, have a right to privacy of their health issues?

update:  Today, January 14, 2009, it was announced that Steve Jobs is taking a medical leave of absence as his medical situation is more complex than was understood last week.  He will be on leave until June of 2009.  Apple’s chief operating officer Tim Cook will fill in for Steve Jobs until then.

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Finally, A Named Suspect in the Murder Of Anne Pressly

        Finally, there is a person who has been named as a suspect in the murder of television news anchorwoman Anne Pressly.  On Wednesday evening, Little Rock, Arkansas police have named Curtis Lavell Vance of Marianna, Arkansas as the suspect.

         Not much was announced about him except that he is thought to be armed and is possibly driving a 1998 Oldsmobile Aurora.  Curtis may also be traveling with a woman and three little children.  There was no announcement about where they may be traveling.

        There has been much speculation since Anne was murdered…some say it was a random act of violence; but many believe otherwise.  There was so much violence in the attack from news reports that i have ran across.  Anyone who expends that much anger/violence in such a crime is generally not a random attacker…it is usually someone who feels they know the victim or does indeed know them and holds a grudge.

          From all accounts since her passing; Anne was a beautiful woman both on the outside and inside…she was a loving, caring person who treated others with respect and concern.  It is such a tragedy to have such a person taken from all those who loved her. 

         If Curtis Vance did indeed murder Anne Pressly…he will likely be a danger to all he encounters.  Regardless, it is good to finally hear that some headway has been made in the investigation of this well loved anchorwoman, Anne Pressly.   No one deserves to die in the manner in which she did. 

         Whoever brutalized Anne deserves to be caught, prosecuted; and, put away for life so that they can never harm another citizen.  Anne was loved by her family, friends, co-workers and her community; they are all grieving their loss.   Let’s hope and pray that Curtis Lavell Vance is apprehended soon without further harm to another person so that the investigation can continue.  Rest in peace Anne.

Breaking news:  Curtis Lavell Vance has allegedly been captured.  No further details at this time.

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Vehicle Related to Jennifer Hudson Tragedy Found-Body of Child Inside

       Breaking news…a vehicle possibly related to the tragedy of the murder of Jennifer Hudson’s mother and brother…as well as, the kidnapping of Jennifer’s sister Julia’s son, Julian has been found.  There is a body of a young black child inside.  Police were looking for Julian since friday; when he disappeared after the murder of his uncle and grandmother.  Jennifer had offered a $100,000 dollar reward for the safe return of her nephew Julian.  This is heartbreaking all the way around.  Will update when the information is available.   See related post:  https://writeasrain.wordpress.com/2008/10/26/when-your-safe-place-has-been-invaded/

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Dance With Drugs-Risk Everything -Cole Puffinburger

      Ok, we all know that illegal drugs are bad for you…understanding that, starts in elementary school when children become educated about such risky behavior.  However, world cultures send mixed messaged to young children through the behavior of the adults that they interact with in their lives; and, through exposure on television and in various forms of media.  Television often glamourizes the lifestyle of the drug trade.  It shows all that it has to offer with money, celebrities, music, expensive house & cars & jewelry and loads of boyfriends/girlfriends…what it doesn’t always address is the danger, the moral/spiritual decay, suicide, murder, prostitution, the dehumanizing treatment of families, and the lack of control of how far they end up sliding into despair.

       So, not only do we understand the damage that can come from the abuse of drugs…such as death, brain damage, broken relationships, jail/prison, rotted teeth, damaged health, addiction, prostitution, theft, and many other physical ailments…but we begin to see a moral decay as well.  People appear to have very little value to the drug addicts; and or, the people who supply them with the drugs.

      This week a very disturbing story made the news about a young boy, from Las Vegas-Nevada, who was forcibly taken from his home by people posing as police officers.  They  tied up the young boy’s mother and her boyfriend, ransacked the home, and took the six year old boy named, Cole Puffinburger.  The reports are that the boy was kidnapped out of some kind of retailiation; allegedly involving, (unknown to us), relatives of the boy and a drug deal.   Parents lose custody of their children everyday because of their relationships with drugs or alcohol.  But in this case, the people removing young Cole were NOT protective services…it is probably, people involved in the drug trade.  No one appears to know whether Cole is safe or not at this time.  If you have any information please call the Las Vegas Metro Police at:  702-828-5678.  Update:  Cole’s grandfather has been arrested on Friday night by U.S. Marshalls.  It is believed that he has been laundering money for Mexican Nationals involved in the drug trade.  The Grandfather has been hiding out.  It is being alledged that he owes the Mexican drug cartel, between 8-20 million dollars.  Pray for Cole’s safe return…hopefully, the grandfather will have information that will lead to finding Cole (alive and well).  Abductions are taking place more often near the Mexican boarder.  This is a national problem that we need to address…pray for the DEA who try to fight the good fight…pray that those who are tempted to go to the other side, stay strong!

       It is frightening and sad how little value is placed on human life anymore.  This poor young boy was put in harms way because of drugs; and or the buying/selling drug lifestyle.  Is this little boy going to be alright?  His playmate chums in the neighborhood and in school are worried about him…they are frightened.  Whether it was the relatives that Cole lived with or others that were involved in his life…this child has been placed in danger due to the direct actions of people who he trusted; if the news reports we are hearing are true.

        Children all around the world are impacted by the choices their caregivers make.  Those caregivers (parents) who use illegal drugs or alcohol aren’t making rational decisions, oftentimes, because their thought processes are impared by the drugs/alcohol. 

        Please say a prayer for Cole, his friends and family (i am sure there are other family members who weren’t involved in the drug deal who care for Cole); as well as all children who’s lives have been impacted by the destruction that comes from the relationship of drugs/alcohol in their environment.  Have you or someone that you cared deeply about been affected by destruction associated with this kind of lifestyle?

        You’ve heard the saying that people who abuse drugs or alcohol say to back off…because it is their life; the thing is…that drug abuse affects us all.  It starts with each individual choice to use or not to use.  They often think that they are in control of the drugs or alcohol…but, it doesn’t take long for that to shift…and the drugs or alcohol are controlling them…and affecting everyone around them.  It is a big business with high stakes…people get involved in things that they can not control.  www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/drugs/  

Update on Saturday October 18th, 2008…it appears that the authorities have suddenly pulled the amber alert that was put out for young Cole.  There has been no further information.  There is supposed to be a news conference this afternoon.  As soon as there is updated information released…i will add it to this page. 

New update:  Cole has been found walking alone on the streets while detectives were handing out flyers about him.  Thank you God…thank you to the volunteers…and thank you to those who prayed for his safe return.  There were no further details given.

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Taking Sides…Protecting Your Child Or Finding The Truth About Caylee

       Today, two news updates on a little girl named Caylee who has been missing in Florida.  Her mother is suspected of knowingly causing harm to her child or at the very least neglecting her and putting her in harm’s way…and refusing to divulge Caylee’s whereabouts.  It was announced that a child’s dress was found near the airport; it is being sent away for testing…presumably DNA testing to see if the dress belonged to Caylee.  The other development today, Caylee’s grandfather, George Anthony, testified before the grand jury who is investigating Caylee’s disappearance.

        Everyone has been asking Caylee’s mother Casey Anthony where is Caylee.  She has told a multitude of stories.  So far, none of those stories has led to where Caylee is.  There has been evidence of a cadaver in the trunk of the car that Casey Anthony was driving.  There is a neighbor who allegedly said that Casey borrowed a shovel.  There are the lies upon lies from Casey..that lead to nowhere.  Casey accused a woman that she doesn’t know of kidnapping Caylee…Casey said that the woman was her nanny and lived in an apartment that turned out to be unoccupied.  Casey had never met the woman.  There is evidence that Casey Anthony investigated websites on chloroform and on missing children.  There is sufficient reason to suspect that Caylee’s mother at the very least knows what happened to her child…if in fact, she didn’t cause harm to the child herself.

         Casey’s father allegedly testified before the grand jury against his daughter today.  Casey and her child Caylee lived with the grandparents before Caylee became missing.  Casey’s own brother said that she told him at one point that she hadn’t even seen Caylee in 31 days, at the beginning of the investigation.  That is telling, when a parent appears unconcerned about the well-being of their only child.

           It is a terrible thing to have to take a side against your own child…even if it is an adult child.   The thing is, at one time, it appeared that the grandmother confronted Casey about her suspicions…then seemed to backtrack according to media accounts.  Then she appeared to justify the smell in the trunk of the car as old pizza smells.  You have to wonder, how does the testimony today affect Casey’s parents marriage.   I wonder if the whole family is in agreement about what has to be done.  If they too suspect Casey in little Caylee’s disappearance.  However, if they question Casey; and it is in protection of their grandchild…i think it is painful; but, morally correct.  The adult child can make their own decisions…get themselves out of harm’s way…but a child does not have that option.  A child is dependent upon their adult caregivers to protect them. 

         I feel horribly for those in Caylee’s family who very likely feel torn inside…choosing to side with the police in the suspicion of their own daughter (or sister) in the disappearance of their grandchild.  However, Casey has brought this upon herself by not telling the truth and acting disconnected from the one person in the whole wide world that she should be most natually connected with…her own child.  Caylee is a beautiful child.  She deserves to be found.  She deserves to live a life of a carefree child…wallowing in the love and affection of her grandparents, friends and neighbors.  Do you think Caylee is alive?  If not, do you think she will ever be found? 

Breaking news:  There has been an indictment today in the case.  The nineteen member grand jury has sealed the indictment, until the person is arrested.  Casey Anthony’s lawyer said if his client is the person that has been indicted…she will turn herself in.  Little Caylee has been missing since the middle of June.  Even more news….It definately was Casey Anthony that was indicted.  She is being charged with…aggravated child abuse, providing false information to the police-authorities, and aggravated manslaughter.

  Casey’s lawyer says that she may represent herself with an advisor…representing herself allows her to have money to have state investigators to work on the case.  That seems unfair to me; unless, she is innocent of the charges…but…public opinion seems to find that improbable.  Casey’s father said at the time of his granddaughter’s disappearance…Casey was acting unusual.  Casey’s lawyer allegedly says that when they are allowed to speak everyone will understand.  Haven’t the authorities offered up plenty of opportunities for Casey and her lawyer to speak?  Sometimes i don’t understand the criminal justice system.

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Too The Moon Alice–The Dow Soars!

       Breaking news this hour, the Dow soared up 938 points…the highest point climb in a single day ever!  This is following 8 previous days of losses.   It could soar to the moon; but, unless we get things stabilized…that too, could only add to the unrest.  However, getting the the numbers back up into a zone that is positive again is very important to instilling confidence in the market once again. This is good news all around the world as governments have pledged to get behind banking systems around the world.  People are breathing a momentary sigh of relief…as the past week or more has been full of doom and gloom which has only added to the financial anxiety.  Let’s see what happens now!  Will this financial encouragement impact the election at this late date?   Do you think those in charge of safeguarding the future have learned anything in this crisis?

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Shaking It Up At Dancing With The Stars!

       Breaking news regarding the competition on Dancing With The Stars…Misty May Treanor has sustained an injury that will be taking her out of the competition.  She has injured her Achilles tendon; it will possibly required surgery.  This also means that the injury could have long term impact for her, with her volleyball career. Last year the show suffered a shock when Christian De La Fuente was injured as well.  He was blessed to have healed after having surgery to his shoulder.   Watch this evening to hear an update on Misty Treanor’s health.

       With last weeks scoring results, Kim Kardashian left the competition as well.  So this leaves those remaining in the competition a little shaken up.  The dancing is strenuous at Dancing With The Stars; and, injuries are a possibility for both the stars as well as the dancing pros. This week Saturday, during practice with his partner Brooke Burke, Derek Hough blacked out after hitting his head on the floor after tripping and falling. The week before this week’s injury, Karina was temporarily sidelined by an ankle injury…she recovered quickly and was able to compete.  Who will excel this week and who will falter in the heat of the battle for excellence.  One thing is for sure…this show never lacks for excitement in it’s competition.  Who are you rooting for?

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Breaking Bailout News!

        Breaking news on the bailout…it seems that the House now has enough votes to pass with at least 230 votes.  The bailout plan has already passed in the Senate.  At least 218 are needed to pass the bailout plan in the House of Representatives.  Last week the measure failed to pass the house and there has been alot of uncertainty since that time.   The failure was 13 votes shy of passing at that time.

         If this measure actually takes place and is approved by the house…there is going to be controversy.  If it doesn’t take place there is going to be controversy.   Some say that expensive add ons were added to the bailout to make the idea more appealing to house members.  This idea of adding on to the already very high price tag is something that doesn’t sit well with many voters.  The vote is supposed to take place later today, on the bailout plan.   What i would like to know is what is in the plan; how much is it going to cost me and my family, and how soon will we see changes in the economy?  What happens if this bailout fails to improve the financial condition of the voters in this country?

          Is this bailout a good idea or a bad idea?  What do you think on the whole situation?  What kind of impact is this financial crisis having on your finances and your family situation?

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Debate, Political Choices…It Could Go Either Way!

         What a stinking mess we are living with.  Fear smells up a place…we have a huge financial crisis, a huge political crisis; and, it could be a privotal moment of rescue or a plunge into the abyss and truthfully, the whole thing could go either way!

          Huge meetings are taking place in Washington…panic is like a throbbing headache…it is there making it presence known…threatening to turn into something much worse than a mere pain.  Into the frey, we have a bailout plan that was possibly agreed upon, until some say McCain derailed it with the House Republicans who disagreed strongly with parts of the plan. 

          Throw on top of that…a debate that is scheduled for tonight between Sen. McCain and Sen. Barack Obama.  Battle lines have been drawn, in a somewhat blurry manner.  Sen. Obama says he will definately show up for the debate…McCain says…we should reschedule the debate and focus on this immediate crisis with a plan for the financial stabilization for our country.  Our leaders have been in financial denial too long to let this negatively impact our country any longer.  It is time for commitment to understanding the problem and taking action.

          Who is correct…Obama says the debates are important to help the people understand how the Senators would handle things if they were the chosen one for the Presidential office.  McCain says, these meetings in Washington are critical and that they should be involved in them.  This whole thing is larger than a difference of opinion.  Does it say something very basic about Obama’s nature to hold to the plan for the debate when all of the rest of the country is focussed on this crisis?  Does he feel set apart from it all?  Or is he making a statement by letting the others take the action behind the scenes?  Is he right to stay out of it?  Or should he be more involved? If he doesn’t get involved in the planning of the bailout…will he understand best how to run the country if he should win the election?  Will Obama will the voter’s approval in November for not going to Washington at this time? 

        Is McCain right to be in the middle of things?  Should he be in there fighting for the things to be included or excluded in the bailout plan?  If he wins the election will it help him to run the country by being involved in the planning of the bailout?  Should he back out of it and go do the debate?  Will McCain’s involvement hurt his chances for election in November?  Or will he be seen as trying to make a difference?  Does his involvement help or hurt his chances for election?

          What i don’t understand is why they both can’t be right?  Why can’t the debate be moved to Washington and take place there…while the rest of their time could be focussed on the meetings to keep current on what is happening behind closed doors.  Those meeting are going to not only impact the country in deep and profound ways…but, will also impact whoever does end up in the Presidential position!  This is real, this is so much bigger than either of the candidates and they both need to understand that the American people are going to have their decision made for them by the end of this crisis!

          This is no time for game playing, no time for political mud slinging, no time for experimentation…this country is looking for someone to take the helm of this country and be proactive in guiding the ship to a safer, less rocky course than it is on at this very moment in time. 

          Wall Street is in turmoil, the American tax paying public is in no position to fund a bailout when most of it’s residents are barely surviving as it is.  Banks are collapsing, housing is bottoming out, businesses are busting out all over the place, people’s investments and retirements are in jeparody…this is shaky ground; reminescent of what happened in Russia just a few short years ago. 

          Other countries are getting nervous as well.  Beware of the person who says they have all of the answers…because no one possibly can.  This is uncharted areas of expertise.  The last thing we need is a knee jerk policy…however, we need to start doing some major corrective action or things will not be able to recover. 

           Anyone with half of a brain knows that you don’t make crucial decisions when everything is imploding…because you need to make rational choices.  How in the heck did we get this far gone in this country before the “experts” in the markets and financial infrastructure sent up a red flag or a flare?  Couldn’t they see this coming down the road early enough to start changing the direction of this disaster?

           People’s very quality of life is slipping through the cracks of our governing body.  Something has to be done…but, who knows best?  Who do we trust?  Are we going to waste time having a political showdown between the two very people who could possibly be running the government in less than two or three months?  The sky is falling people…the sky is falling…for real this time; we are not crying wolf when we say…we need an immediate comprehensive plan to stop this country from disappearing into a black hole in the universe!  It is time to pray for the leadership of this country and ask that they be given wisdom in their decision making!!!  update:  Breaking news…McCain now says: he WILL attend the debate this evening in Oxford, Mississippi!

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Smart People

       Well, this morning there is breaking news that oil production is not keeping up with the demand for oil…this is a surprise to people; just now?  Come on…with the price of gasoline rising every week…how could they miss something this big?  Most of us commononers have it figured out already.  We need it…they have it…we pay for it…they profit from it…Simple right?  Well, not so much…you see we don’t have to be as dependent on foreign oil as we have been.  Smart people are looking at ways of altering their lifestyle to save money and make greener choices in their energy usuage.

           I say, smart people are trying to take back some control in their lives.  Everyone is trying to figure out, in their own way, what choices in their day- to- day activities they can make, that will cut down on their usage of gasoline and oil.  For some, it isn’t just about saving money…although that too is important…it is understanding that the plentiful supply of oil is not always going to be there.  We need to figure out alternative ways of heating our homes and businesses; as well as, getting around where we need to go. 

        I saw a newspiece the other day on television about how many more people are taking advantage of public transportation; regardless of their financial status.  It seems that the subway systems in some cities are overflowing with riders, busses are experiencing an increase as well.  Around the world where people have the option of using ferries, trolleys or railways, we are seeing more people access public transportation in numbers large enough to measure.  This is good, people are making smarter choices.

          Some great minds are working on designing alternative ways of producing and using solar energy, steam powered products, water powered generators, geo-thermal systems, wind powered generators…we need to look at all of these renewable sources in a serious way.  It is important to encourage people to make small sacrifices now to prevent huge sacrifices later.  Educating others about the dangers of being so dependent on oil as our only source of energy is very important. 

         Some celebrities are wise about leading the call to understanding the importance of changing our ways.  Brad Pitt is into architecture and design and can influence greener choices in his building projects; Leonardo DiCaprio is not only a strong voice; but, is active in his desire to educate others about the importance of respecting our earth, and it’s resources.  There are other celebrities who are encouraging hybrid cars as a way to make a difference.  Being an environmental activist is something we should all take on like Leonardo DiCaprio; here is his website to help educate others to the idea of protecting our environment. www.leonardodicaprio.org/

         Back to the breaking news part of things…today it was announced by Saudi King Abdullah that his country is increasing oil production.  The Saudi’s are going to put out 9.7 million barrels of oil a day instead of the past 9 million barrels.  That is good and maybe it will help with the high prices a bit.   

           Higher production is good and may help temporarily…but again, realizing that we do have choices that can also make an impact on our finances and on our planet is a powerful idea that needs to take root in more people’s minds.  Our future is at stake and the quality of our lives will be impacted by the choices we all make today & tomorrow.  We can no longer be in denial about the condition of our earth.  We have the power to affect positive change by our actions.  How is your life being affected by high gasoline and oil prices?  How have you had to change your lifestyle?  What smart choices have you chosen to make?

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