Well. I do. A lot.
Month: October 2008
Discussion: The Fat Tax
(I Twittered this this morning. Are you following my tweets?)
I saw this on the MSN news site this morning:
The state of Alabama has issued a warning to its state workers: Get fit or pay up.
In August, the Alabama State Employees’ Insurance Board approved a plan that will charge workers an additional $25 to cover their insurance premiums, if they don’t take advantage of free health screenings available to all state employees. The program, to begin in January, will require state workers to receive medical screenings for body mass index and health problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity.
Critics have panned this as a “fat tax” that unfairly punishes people for their genetic predispositions. Others argue that the measure amounts to lawful discrimination that infringes on the right of free will, much like the state’s 2004 decision to offer a discount to non-smoking employees.
Nonsense. This is an opportunity, not punishment. It is an important step toward better preventive care at a time when health costs are soaring and Americans are in increasing denial about their ever-ballooning weight. And the state is offering a free—yes, free—jumpstart. Under the plan, state employees are being asked to go to a free health screening, and if necessary, a free doctor’s consultation. If those screenings show that a person is predisposed to illness due to their weight or other conditions, they will be offered help to begin to address their health issues. Only if workers fail to take advantage of the free screening will they be charged the additional $25.
I’m not sure how I feel about this. On the one hand, it’s like, “WHAT?! We don’t need no stinkin’ government telling us how to live our lives.”
If you’ve been reading my blog for any length of time, you know I do not want more government in our lives.
On the other hand, it’s like, “WHAT?! Why should my health insurance premiums go up just to support people who are choosing not to live a healthy lifestyle?”
Has obesity really gotten so out of hand that the government now has to step in and take over?
Wow, I find that sad.
Thoughts?
My Dog is Smarter Than Your Honor Student … Huh?
I’m seeing these things all over cars where I live:
What does that even mean?? Is that an insult to children? Is that an insult to the parents of honor students? Are animal owners jealous of people with honor students? Is that dissing our school system? Our teachers? Our education system overall?
I’ve even seen a bumper sticker like this on an SUV that I see in the car line everyday when picking up my sons. So I’m assuming they have a child at that school. Is this an insult to their child? How does that child feel being compared to the family pet and in essence being told, “Our dog is smarter than you are!”
AARGH! I’m confused!
I seriously don’t get it.
I have a headache trying to make sense of this.
Enlighten me, Internet.
Playing Football
My boys playing football with the husband.
Wow, that was like another lifetime ago. (About ten years ago, if you want to get technical).
Strange Things are Happening at the Tower Theater
I don’t believe in ghosts.
And I don’t believe in spirits, in general, though I do believe there are devil spirits that surround us and if you’re not careful, could possess you if you allow them in. (By subjecting yourself to tarot cards, visiting psychics, participating in evil cults/activities).
But I would by lying if I didn’t admit that evil spirits and unexplained phenomenon IS fascinating to learn about – as long as you keep your head and remain rational about the ordeal.
I heard the audio version of this on the radio this morning. The kids were with me and I could almost hear them panting – the fear was nearly palpable. And I admit, my heart started pounding at the sheer creepiness.
I actually felt light-headed after I watched the video on YouTube.
Some believe the Tower Theater is haunted. The Tower Theater used to be a movie house back in the 1950’s, it now houses five local radio stations. Rumor has it, that late at night, you can strongly smell popcorn, and hear various “patrons” saying, “Please be quiet.” “Please remove your hat.” “Sit down in front.” And various other movie-related things people might say in a movie theater.
It’s speculation that these are the ghosts of past patrons.
Now that the Theater is home to so many radio stations, some believe that the magnetic energy from all of the radio waves are coaxing these ghosts out of hiding. I’ve heard enough about magnetic energy to know that some people REALLY believe that electrical waves, and so forth (I’m not interested enough to really research the correct terms), affect your physical life, even your mental well-being. But are they really strong enough to manifest ghosts?
The strange things you’re about to see in this video are well … creepy. But the skeptic in me wonders just how “supernatural” it truly is. The logical part of my brain thinks, “Whatever. Someone is totally manipulating that chair and making that door move.”
Perhaps. But I will admit that after watching this video, I’m now completely creeped out and will likely be sleeping with a nightlight on for the next few nights.
Are you disappointed to learn I’m really a scaredy-cat at heart? 😀
I’m curious. Have you ever encountered strange phenomena like this in your life? Do tell!
Monday Morning Meme – October 27th
All you have to do is answer the questions below either in the comment section, or on your blog. And elaborate! Make these questions show your unique and special personalities. This meme entry will post at 12:01 every Monday morning and will be the first postentry listed on WFK all day Monday. (This is an all-day Monday meme, so please, play all day!)
October 27th Questions:
1. What’s your mood today? Why do you feel this way? Would you consider yourself to be a moody person overall? When has your “moodiness” gotten you into trouble? Tell us about that incident.
2. How do you feel about the dentist? On a scale of 1 (terrified) to 10 (he’s like a brother to you). And, if it’s a low number … is there a reason behind your fear / loathing? Tell us a dentist story (we all have them!)
3. If you could interview anyone, who would you interview, and what would the first question be?
4. What did you do over the weekend?
Monday Morning Meme Participants
| 1. Sue 2. Jodi 3. Judy |
4. Dawn\’s Daily Life 5. Jen @ mommablogsalot (last one is incorrect) 6. Thea @ I\’m a Drama Mama |
7. Becki |
Powered by… Mister Linky’s Magical Widgets.
What Karen Means …
… other than awesome, of course. 😉
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What Karen Means |
 You are a seeker of knowledge, and you have learned many things in your life. True, but I’d like to learn so many more things. You are also a keeper of knowledge – meaning you don’t spill secrets or spread gossip. People sometimes think you’re snobby or aloof, but you’re just too deep in thought to pay attention to them. You are usually the best at everything … you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic “Type A” personality. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You’re always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can’t handle you. You’re very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you’re likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals. |
Write From Karen 