Flap Your Lips Friday
Posted by Michelle Moquin on August 24th, 2012
Good morning!
I know…some of you have probably already seen this. Hey, it’s a month old but it didn’t come across my screen until now. It’s Friday, the beginning of the weekend. I wanted to go into the weekend with a laugh. Maybe you do too. If so…watch and enjoy.
Jon Stewart Rips Into Mitt Romney’s Bain Capital, Tax Return Defense (VIDEO)
The Daily Show” returned from a two week hiatus Monday night, and could not have come back at a time more ripe for comedy. Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney is currently under scrutiny for both hisundisclosed tax returns and for his involvement with Bain Capital, the financial services company where he was CEO.
While the allegations — namely, that Romney has been less-than honest about his finances and how long he was actually with Bain — are heating up campaign tensions, Jon Stewart couldn’t help but notice that the company’s name bears a striking sonic resemblance to the name of a Batman villain.
“Bain. Not since Ayds diet candy suffered through their somewhat ill-timed 1980s ‘Lose weight with Ayds!’ sales campaign has a brand faced this type of challenge,” he joked.
But in more serious analysis, Stewart took issue with Romney’s evasive defense strategies. In reply to the Obama campaign’s attack ad on Bain outsourcing, Romney claimed to be on a leave of absence during the time in question. The problem? He was still on the payroll for at least $100,000 a year.
Stewart quipped:
I was just the guy with the the smoke screenish, yet still legal title of CEO and Managing Director who was paid at least $100,000 a year to do what, according to me, Mitt Romney, was nothing. That’s the kind of common sense business experience I hope to bring to the White House.
Later in the episode, Stewart took Romney’s reluctance to share his tax returns to task, stating:
Nobody cares that Mitt Romney is rich. It’s Romney’s inability to understand the institutional advantage that he gains from the government’s tax code largesse that’s a little offensive to people. Especially considering Romney’s view on anyone else who looks to the government for things like, I don’t know, food and medicine.
Check out part one above and part two below.
WATCH:
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Happy Friday everyone! Blog me.
Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my “loyal”(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.
Gratefully your blog host,
michelle
Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)
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August 24th, 2012 at 9:48 am
How to Offer Comfort to Someone Who Is Dying
It’s one of the most dreaded pieces of news we can receive—a friend or loved one is dying. How you respond to the situation can affect not only the person’s death, but also your own eventual grieving process.
But few of us have much experience in being with someone who is dying. What should we say—and not say? What if the prospect of a visit seems overwhelming? Whether your loved one has months or just days to live, here’s what helps most…
PLANNING THE VISIT
Anxiety about visiting a dying friend or relative is very normal. Death can arouse uneasiness and worry about how the person will have changed—particularly if you have not seen him/her for some time.
But if you can, go ahead and visit. The fact that you care enough to overcome your discomfort will mean a great deal to your friend or relative. And the fact that you got to visit or say good-bye to your loved one before he died may help you avoid any regrets.
During visits, one of the most important messages we can convey to a dying person is a sense of what has not changed—that deep down inside, your loved one is still the same wonderful friend, beloved brother or cousin.
To maintain that sense of connection, remember that dying doesn’t change your fundamental relationship. Be who you are—don’t act differently or phony. If humor has been a big part of your relationship, don’t stop now. If you and the ill person typically talked about sports, then it’s fine to mention a recent game.
If you’re the kind of friends who got together once a month, resist the temptation to visit every other day—others may have the same idea, putting a burden on the dying person and caregivers.
To maximize your time with the person: A good rule of thumb is to increase the frequency of your get-togethers by half—for example, every two weeks instead of every three.
Ask caregivers about the frequency of visits. They will know what other visits are planned and can gauge the dying person’s condition and mood. Always call, text or e-mail the caregiver (depending on the method of contact he prefers) before you come.
If you are living with a dying person, recognize that he may become quiet and introspective and may not want a lot of conversation or communication with you. Pay attention to signals.
WHAT TO SAY
At the end of life, it’s common for the dying person to focus less on physical infirmities (assuming pain is controlled) and increasingly on emotional and spiritual concerns and worries about those being left behind.
What helps:
Rather than asking, “How are you feeling?” a gentle query such as “How are things?” is often a more appropriate opening. Also, you may want to ask, “Is there anything you’d like to talk about?” If the person doesn’t wish to talk, don’t persist.
If you don’t know what to say, you can praise the person, if it seems appropriate. “I really admire how you’re handling your illness. I don’t think I could deal with it with such dignity.”
Also helpful:
If words fail you at the moment, don’t be afraid of silence. If it’s appropriate to your relationship, put your hand on the other person’s. Touch can be more eloquent than speech.
Important:
If the dying person is in a phase of denial about his impending death, be compassionate and do not try to break through with the truth. For example, if your brother talks about joining you at the family beach house, there’s no need to tell him that he won’t be going.
Instead, validate the feeling behind his wish. “What a delightful place! We’ve always had so much fun there, haven’t we?” You can then reminisce about the happy times you shared there.
SHOW HOW YOU FEEL
You may think that you need to put on a brave face. But the fact is, you’re sad about the person’s impending death, so you won’t fool anyone by acting otherwise. Even worse, it could leave the impression that you don’t care.
What helps:
Let yourself cry. Don’t worry that if you cry the dying person will start crying, too. Perhaps he will, but there’s nothing wrong with crying together.
Important:
Avoid the temptation to shelter children from these painful emotions. How else can they learn to grieve and cope with such situations later in their lives?
You can take children to visit a dying person. If excluded, they often imagine something far worse than reality.
Exception:
Avoid taking children to the intensive care unit (ICU). Many hospitals do not allow anyone under age 12 in an ICU, and children tend to get frightened of the medical equipment and machines.
CAN YOU FACE IT?
If you feel that you just can’t face the prospect of being with someone who is dying, stay home. Uncontrolled sobbing won’t help anyone.
If you’re not able to visit:
Send cards, letters and e-mails showing that you care. Think of practical ways that you can ease the burden on the dying and the caregivers—for example, shop for food or cut the lawn. Leave a pot of tulips on the person’s doorstep with a heartfelt message written in a card. Or drop off a CD of music that you know the dying person likes.
YOUR GIFTS TO THE DYING
As most people prepare to leave the world, they look back and need to know—has my life made a difference? Whether you’re a son or daughter or friend, let the person know how he has enriched your life.
What helps:
You can say: “You’ve taught me so much,” “Remember all the great times we had?” You can also put together an album of photos recalling your life together.
And contrary to one common myth, it’s fine to recognize that life will go on after the person is gone. You can tell him that his loved ones will take care of one another and that their shared memories will be a continuing source of strength.
Also: As time grows short, most people have a final need—to convey the wisdom they’ve acquired during a lifetime. Listen. You also might want to write down or tape-record these remarks.
Source: Maggie Callanan, RN, who has specialized in the care of the dying for more than 30 years.
She is the author of Final Journeys: A Practical Guide for Bringing Care and Comfort at the End of Life and coauthor, with Patricia Kelley, of Final Gifts: Understanding the Special Awareness, Needs, and Communications of the Dying (both from Bantam).
August 24th, 2012 at 10:24 am
My friend lives in Lebanon. She said that her family was trying to get out because the fighting in Syria has spilled on into her neighborhood. Does anyone know what is going on?
Lis
August 24th, 2012 at 10:47 am
I was in that shoot out by the gun crazy NY cops. They just unloaded into a crowd of people while trying to shoot a guy with a gun.
They are fucking morons with guns.
August 24th, 2012 at 10:51 am
Fatimah, I was reading your comment and If God made man in his image, um, I’m not sure I want into Heaven.
Maybe if I could find out whose Heaven I am working toward I would be able to tell if I want to take part. Valhalla sounds kinda kewl. I’ve been to enough choir concerts, though.
August 24th, 2012 at 10:53 am
the Mormon myth (one of many) easily understood:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7d778_mormon-philosophy-on-origins-of-man_news
August 24th, 2012 at 11:05 am
The Mayor is out lying boldly. He claims that the guy was trying to take out the cops. But that is a bold faced lie. The cops just pulled out their guns at the busiest time and began shooting.
I wouldn’t want to be in NY if a terrorist pulled a gun. The cops would murder half the city to get him.
Bloomberg is a lying sack of shit.
Rebecca
August 24th, 2012 at 11:12 am
The shooter tried to blend into the crowd. He had on a suit and a briefcase. He put his gun into the briefcase and started walking.
All the police had to do was wait until he got to a not so crowded area before attempting to arrest him.
But that didn’t happen. They pulled their guns and started shooting. Their aim was horrible. They were shooting anyone who got between them and the guy.
I will never go to that city again.
August 24th, 2012 at 11:16 am
Lis, I will pray for your friend and family. I hope she gets out, but I have no sympathy for the arab men in Syria or elsewhere.
As long as the men treat us like sheep, they can just continue killing each other until they are no more.
What is in it for us? We will be the pawns and chattel of whoever is left standing.
Dimah
August 24th, 2012 at 11:19 am
How is Romney allowed to get away with limiting what reporters can ask? Since when?? We never asked what you gave to your church..you voluntered that information and so did Ann..
but what about your taxes…your beliefs in regrd to abortion…once you were pro choice..what are you now?
What are your plans for the economy…it is not fair to tell Ryan do not speak on policy until after we get in…we want to know now. What about medicare…
you say you will follow your plan and then we find out that you and Ryan agree on medicare..which means vouchers…and now you agree with Ryan on abortion so are we following the Ryan plans NOT yours.
It is time to be honest with the public…and we have a right to know if you want to be president…we do not postponne things until after you get in…we want info NOW. And by the way, if asking everyone to get health care is too much government according to the GOP..why is it not too much govt. to insist on no abortions even in the case of rape and incest.? Exactly what is the difference…both are coming from govt….
August 24th, 2012 at 11:21 am
Well, I have a third question. How old will I be if he gets his way about life starting at conception?
I’ll be sixty four in October but if my life started at conception I would be nearly sixty five. Sound stupid? Sure it is. My age and birth date will be two different numbers.
Let me say this….If he gets his way and it is determined that life DOES start at conception then the the United States of America owes me for nine months back Social Security.
August 24th, 2012 at 11:24 am
I checked your link out Molly. It was interesting. I wonder if the aliens on this blog know that we are going to be Gods?
That is if we are mormons?
August 24th, 2012 at 11:25 am
Happy Friday. The weekend is here and here’s what we’re offering on HumanEvents.com today:
Obama’s war on coal can be stopped, not reversed, says CEO of coal company
By Neil W. McCabe
“The founder and CEO of the nation’s 12th largest coal producer told Human Events in an exclusive interview that President Barack Obama’s war on coal has done permanent damage to America’s competitiveness.
“‘It can be stopped, but it cannot be reversed,’ said Robert E. Murray, the CEO of Murray Energy, a privately-held coal producer based in Pepper Pike, Ohio…”
ICE agents sue Janet Napolitano over immigration order
By Hope Hodge
“Ten agents with Immigrations and Customs Enforcement are suing Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano for relief after Napolitano signed a directive they claim forces them to violate federal law.
“Napolitano’s directive, Exercising Prosecutorial Discretion with Respect to Individuals Who Came to the United States as Children,” would make some illegal aliens immune to deportation proceedings if they meet certain criteria, such as coming to the U.S. before the age of 16 and maintaining a clean felony record…”
White House doesn’t ‘see a problem’ with Cardinal Dolan RNC prayer
By John Gizzi
“In an election year when tension runs high between the Obama administration and the Roman Catholic hierarchy, the White House Thursday avoided any criticism of one of the best-known American prelates: Timothy Cardinal Dolan of New York, who will deliver the closing prayer at the Republican National Convention next week.
“At the regular briefing for reporters at the White House Thursday, Press Secretary Jay Carney was asked if he felt ‘it’s appropriate that (Dolan) be speaking at the Republican Convention, or do you have any feelings on how it might affect the working relationship with the Cardinal or the association he represents moving forward?’”
ALSO:
Virginia’s Goode takes first step toward ballot position
Olympians, Ron Paul tribute to be featured at RNC
Have a great weekend.
Onward and upward,
-Adam
August 24th, 2012 at 11:29 am
Replace the GOP in Congress…. Return President Obama to finish the work that has been started.
August 24th, 2012 at 3:48 pm
All my male friends are against Obama. When I go to any place where there are mostly white men, they are against Obama. At work all the white males I know are against Obama.
Some lie in cliques with OTWs, but as soon as they are hanging our with our own they are against the black guy and that is the nicest descriptive term I can use.
It is not about what Obama has done or what he might do. Nor is it about what Romney does. I heard a few say that if Romney shot his mother and Ryan’s on live TV, they would still find a reason to vote for him.
White males just don’t like Obama. They put down any white woman who says she is for Obama. You are sometimes out right accused of wanting black dick.
They are also not shy about saying whatever that has to be done should be done to prevent the OTW vote. They say that most OTWs are merely voting color. So preventing them from voting is fair.
Many are training to become Poll watchers. They are bragging about learning how to intimidate the spooks and fence jumpers.
I have been on the fence for the last three years, but I have made up my mind. I intend to vote Obama.
But honestly, Michelle, if you don’t do like you did the last time and get Madaline to help Obama. he will lose.
They have this election planned out and they plan to steal it if they can’t win it honestly.
Lauren
August 24th, 2012 at 4:25 pm
Excuse me, Lauren. This country was founded by hard working white men who died for this country. It hardly seems unexpected that most of us would want to return the helm to one.
I remind you that white women came along for the ride. Being that white men carried your water the entire time, I find it difficult to stomach you bitches siding with that black man.
Ralph
August 24th, 2012 at 4:26 pm
Protecting America’s Women
The Republican Congress has been marked by many attacks on rights critical to the health and security of American women. Since they gained the majority, House Republicans have voted to:
End the Medicare guarantee and increase costs on seniors. Women would be disproportionally affected by their plan as women make up more than half of Medicare beneficiaries.
Eliminate Title X – a program that provides life-saving health services, including HIV testing, cancer screening, blood-pressure testing, and contraceptive services for more than 5 million women.
Weaken the Violence Against Women Act, which has strengthened communities and provided critical, life-saving support to victims of violence for nearly 20 years.
House Democrats have stood strong against the disgraceful and disrespectful assault on women’s health and have continued to promote strong policies to ensure that women’s rights are protected. We introduced the Paycheck Fairness Act and called for an end to pay discrimination in the workplace. The bill builds upon the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, passed by Democratic majorities in the House and Senate and signed into law by President Obama in 2009. We will continue to work to ensure equality and opportunity for all women, from securing good jobs, equal pay for equal work, to improving access to affordable quality health care and education.
Congresswoman Pelosi joins with seniors to oppose the Republican budget plan that would end Medicare as we know it.
Celebrating Women’s Equality Day
On Women’s Equality Day, we commemorate the anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment and honor the suffragettes and pioneers who blazed the trail for all American women. These pioneers challenged the status quo so women today can pull the lever for progress, and they forced open the doors of equality and justice so all could walk through them.
Though there is much to celebrate in the fight for women’s rights, our struggle is far from over. Women still earn 77 cents for every dollar men make, violating the fundamental value of equal pay for equal work. Women hold just 17 percent of the seats in the U.S. Senate and under 17 percent in the House of Representatives – a sign that our goal of equality in representation requires our continued focus and energy.
We must continue to speak out and act on behalf of women across the country and around the world, working until the dream of true equality and civil rights becomes a reality for all women.
Please feel free to forward this information to your family and friends. To learn more about these efforts, to express your views, or to sign up for email updates, please visit my website. I am also on Twitter at http://twitter.com/NancyPelosi.
best regards,
Member of Congress
August 24th, 2012 at 4:40 pm
Michelle, I don’t know what people on this blog expect from you. But I am confident that we will take back the WHITE House. It’s name will have meaning again come January, 2013.
I would be willing to take up arms if this didn’t happen. I really don’t think your average white will stand by and allow this abomination to stand.
Lewis
August 24th, 2012 at 5:09 pm
I am the secretary for one of the birthers who will be speaking at the republican convention. It is so funny some of the things I have been asked to do. I don’t want to mention them specifically so as to not be discovered. But it is so clear that they do not take their claim seriously.
It could be called tongue in cheek if it wasn’t for the fact that it is designed to make others believe it.
If my boss cannot produce evidence then people like me are ordered to make it up, but to make it look authentic. They don’t ask for much in the way of proof. All they want is nice sleek looking document.
Melissa
August 25th, 2012 at 1:12 am
I am new to this dating thing. I just got divorced after 21 years of marriage. So here I am out here looking for a way to meet someone to spend some quality time with.
I am also using one of those dating hook-ups. I wonder if the men know how scary it is to be a woman who is so afraid of ending up alone that she risks her safety and perhaps her life to try to find Mr.Right?
Looking at the come-ons in all the “bios” that come with the possible dates, it seems that to the men it is no big deal.
Well, maybe not to them, but that is because we are no physical threat to them. We, contrary to a theory advanced on this very blog, by, oh it really doesn’t matter, can’t rape them.
So far, I’ve received no indication that that even occurs to these men. So I plod on. God be a woman tonight.
Kimberly
August 25th, 2012 at 1:44 am
I was just checking out movies that show, I think they are called swap meets. I have a lady that I am with. She is human so if she wants to do that, I am okay with it.
I want what makes her happy. I suppose humans need variety. But I don’t want anything on the head of my dick but her pleasure orifices.
I wouldn’t object to her having sex with the males or females at a swap meet or in any other medium she chose.
I wonder if she would be upset, if I objected to performing with the females at a swap meet with her or on my own?
Any advice would be appreciated.
Alien1
August 25th, 2012 at 2:51 am
An Alien1, You’ve fallen in love with supper. I’m not sure infatuation with food is too healthy.
You ever see anyone fall in love with a bag of pork rinds? if you are hungry, simply have a bite.