Happy Birthday to ME!

31 years ago tonight, my father probably uttered the first of many curse words in my honor.... It was snowing hard, hunting season started the following day, and apparently I was more than ready to make my mark in the world. I reminded him about it last week while I was home for Thanksgiving by asking, "So Dad, remember the night I was born? You were mad at me already because it was the night before deer season." He replied, "Yep, but I got a deer the next day." Can't thank my pops enough for making me who I am today....which is 31 years older!

Chris and I went to Don Pablo's tonight, which was a change for us. I wanted something different, but mostly I wanted a large, delicious margarita. No better place than a Mexican chain restaurant for that!

After dinner, we stopped off for some ice cream and came home to relax. Chris is treating me to a massage for my big day from my favorite masseuse in the world, Magic Hands....just haven't had time to schedule it yet. Her real name is Rose, but my friend Kelly (who recommended her to me) and I have dubbed her Magic Hands. She is so fantastic.

My co-workers recognized the big day on Monday. My boss of 3 years is taking on a new role, and Monday was her last day in the office. I had a lovely cake, and her gift to me was Oprah's new book, "O's Guide to Life." I'm gonna miss her. But something tells me we'll cross paths again. ;)

On Friday Chris and I are heading to Ellicottville for dinner with Wanda and Steve to celebrate Steve's b-day on Saturday. This weekend will hopefully include some cleaning and maybe putting up the tree....or Christmas shopping....who knows.

Well, time for sleepy. Another long day awaits me tomorrow! Peace out.

What Really Matters

There are several personality traits that infuriate me - dishonesty, ignorance, and vanity. Vanity is a hot topic for me right now. Let's paint the picture... This morning Chris and I were in Olean as we'd spent a few days back home for Thanksgiving. On the cover of the Olean Times, a picture of what looked like close to 500 idiots waiting outside to get into Wal-Mart at 5am for the morning sails. WHAT DO YOU NEED THAT BADLY?? It's disgusting that we've turned the holidays into a grab-fest for the best deal. If it's so expensive that you have to get up at 5am to get it 50% off, you probably don't need it that much.

Next, ignorance. Anyone see the headlines today? Let's take a look. Hmmm, well a ship overturned but all the vacationers got to safety. Big deal. Marion Jones turned in her medals because she cheated (which touches on my mention of dishonesty earlier). Whoop-de-doo. Another athlete caught up in the Balco bullshit. Big shocker. Some father went crazy and killed his family on Thanksgiving. Natalee Halloway is probably dead. Boo hoo. And on and on and on.

HEY AMERICA, THERE'S A WAR GOING ON!!!! It sickens me that while most of America is still waking up from the food coma of Thanksgiving, some families are being greeted with a knock on the door to be told their loved one isn't come home from Iraq or Afghanistan.



How incredibly arrogant and selfish of us to not hold our media to task on this. As long as the war, the funding of the war, the lies that lead to the stupid war, the war criminals in the White House and any other war topic are out of the news, our society is asleep at the wheel. You want to be thankful and really celebrate the true meaning of Christmas and the holidays? GIVE. If you're thinking about buying a present for everyone you work with, ask yourself how much they really need it. Do you really need another coffee mug this year? No. But I bet there's a soldier stuck in a pile of sand who could use a letter from back home. Or perhaps there's a food kitchen that could use some extra donations. I like the people I work with, but we've all got jobs so what really do they need from me this year? Nothing.

As you wander the malls filled with selfish gluttons, just remember that there are people fighting an unnecessary war, or remember those that will go hungry during the holidays. GIVE BACK...it feels so much better.

The Science of Evolution

Sigh....FINALLY. I finally found the facts I need to feel good about my decision to give up religion. Because of a recent exchange with one of my Christian friends, I'm doing more research on exactly what category of misfits I fall into....atheist or agnostic. More on that later. Today Chris and I were watching a PBS Nova special on Intelligent Design, which is the belief that an intelligent being had something to do with the creation of the universe. The documentary focused on the battle at a Dover, Pennsylvania school where the conservative, religous board wouldn't allow a new science textbook because it discussed in great depth the theory of Evolution. First, let me say that Evolution is still a theory, however, it has yet to be disproved. Intelligent Design is not scientific, is not a theory, and is just one more way that religious fanatics are trying to work the belief in a higher power into the education curriculum of our young people. Let me remind my small audience again of the separation of church and state.

Featured in the documentary was the legal battle between Evolution and Intelligent Design. One of the featured scientists was Dr. Kenneth Miller. In summary, he explained the scientific bridge between apes and humans. In studying the fossils of the world, many scientists have been able to bridge the gap between sea-dwelling and land-dwelling animals and ballpark the time period in which sea-dwelling animals evolved, grew legs, and moved to land. But the gap between apes and humans always remained wide open. Below is an excerpt from Dr. Kenneth Miller's discussion. I'm not posting this so you may abandon your faith, I'm posting it so you can understand why I am who I am and why religion, to me, means nothing.

Common Ancestry:

Q: People often say, "I'm not descended from a monkey." What's the true relationship there?

Miller: Well, I often hear people say that they're not descended from monkeys, and they would defy me or anybody else to show that they are. Well, they're right, they're not descended from monkeys. They're not descended from chimps or monkeys or gorillas or any other living organism.

The essential idea of common ancestry is that ultimately all living things on this planet share common ancestors if we go far enough back into the past. So, for example, to take the case that people talk about all the time, we share a common ancestor with all primate species. This means that we're related, by having a single ancestor somewhere in the past, to monkeys, gorillas, chimpanzees, and so forth.

But the idea of common ancestry goes way deeper than simply saying we're related to monkeys. We're in fact related to all mammals. You go farther back, we are related to all vertebrates. And, ultimately, we are related, if you go far enough back, to every living thing on this planet. The almost universal nature of the genetic code, the fact that all life depends upon DNA, all of these things are evidence of this commonality of ancestry, if we go far enough back in time.

Q: One of the lines of evidence that you pointed out at the Dover trial is the organization of our own chromosomes. How is that evidence for common ancestry?

Miller: We've known for a long time that we humans share common ancestry with the other great apes—gorillas, orangs, chimps, and bonobos. But there's an interesting problem here. We humans have 46 chromosomes; all the other great apes have 48. In a sense, we're missing a pair of chromosomes, two chromosomes. How did that happen?

Well, is it possible that in the line that led to us, a pair of chromosomes was simply lost, dropping us from 24 pairs to 23? Well, the answer to that is no. The loss of both members of a pair would actually be fatal in any primate. There is only one possibility, and that is that two chromosomes that were separate became fused to form a single chromosome. If that happened, it would drop us from 24 pairs to 23, and it would explain the data.

"The closer we look at our own DNA, the more powerful the evidence becomes for our common ancestry with other species."

Here's the interesting point, and this is why evolution is a science. That possibility is testable. If we indeed were formed that way, then somewhere in our genome there has to be a chromosome that was formed by the fusion of two other chromosomes. Now, how would we find that? It's easier than you might think.

Every chromosome has a special DNA sequence at both ends called the telomere sequence. Near the middle it has another special sequence called the centromere. If one of our chromosomes was formed by the fusion of two ancestral chromosomes, what we should be able to see is that we possess a chromosome in which telomere DNA is found in the center where it actually doesn't belong, and that the chromosome has two centromeres. So all we have to do is to look at our own genome, look at our own DNA, and see, do we have a chromosome that fits these features?

We do. It's human chromosome number 2, and the evidence is unmistakable. We have two centromeres, we have telomere DNA near the center, and the genes even line up corresponding to primate chromosome numbers 12 and 13.

Is there any way that intelligent design or special creation could explain why we have a chromosome like this? The only way that I can think of is if you're willing to say that the intelligent designer rigged chromosome number 2 to fool us into thinking that we had evolved. The closer we look at our own DNA, the more detailed a glimpse we get of our own genome, the more powerful the evidence becomes for our common ancestry with other species.

To read the full article and more about this documentary, please visit PBS:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/id/defense-ev.html

Stop and Think

I found this article on one of my favorite resources, The Huffington Post. Once again, our Bible-beating President is furthering the promotion of religion and false information to a vulnerable audience: confused, pregnant, poor women. As part of his "faith-based" programs, centers once known for helping women get help and end unplanned pregnancies are now bullying women into keeping their babies for fear of going to hell. Another tactic is using scientifically disproven theories to scare women into believing they'll never get pregnant again if they have one abortion.

The whole thing is disgusting. Since when was God a scientist? I don't believe in abortion as a form of birth control, but once Jesus starts making his way into my doctor's office, I'm furious. What it is with the Christian mindset that if science can't explain it, we'll turn to the fictional book for answers? No one agrees that religion is the way to make laws, so why are we using the Bible to define when life beings?

Let me say this in closing... If you're a religious person, good for you. I support you, I'm happy you have faith in your life and peace with God (if that's what you call him or her). But I don't believe in what you believe, so therefore can't accept it as truth. And because any religion can show no tangible proof of an existance of a higher power, it's time to stop trying to work a higher power into science and law....it doesn't belong! Now you go do your thing and I'll go do mine, but please keep your god to yourself. And while you're at it, read up on the separation of church and state....I don't want my federal tax dollars perpetuating religious bullshit.

Article:

Federally funded "pregnancy resource centers" throughout the country are receiving millions in taxpayer dollars despite promoting religious content and disseminating what critics say is misleading medical information. Despite reservations from some in Congress, nearly $6 million in grants have been given to 21 pregnancy centers since the beginning of 2006, according to new data obtained by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.

Many of these centers are receiving far more federal funding then they seemingly could need. The Northern Hill Pregnancy Care Center in Spearfish, South Dakota, for example, has been granted more than $630,000 over three years despite seeing only 110 to 150 new clients per year. The Door of Hope Pregnancy Care Center in Madisonville, Kentucky, was given more than $300,000 in federal grants over the last two years, even though the entire female population of the town (all ages) is less than 11,000. First Choice Pregnancy Center in Texarkana, Texas, meanwhile, sees between 800 and 1,000 patients annually. For that, the center has been granted more than $1.3 million over three years - an average of approximately $500 per person per year.

Executives with these centers say they are providing an invaluable medical service and support to their patients. "Our main role is to be a place of refuge for women, teens and families in a crisis pregnancy situation," Kim Banks, executive director of the Texarkana facility, told The Huffington Post.

But watchdog groups say otherwise. "It is ridiculous that there is a ton of money going to these tiny towns," Melanie Sloan, Executive Director of CREW told The Huffington Post. "You have to wonder what that money is being spent on. It can't possibly have all been spent educating women and teens about anything related to pregnancy." But for Sloan and others it is not just an issue of mis-allocating federal funds. Many of these centers are often criticized for using the money they are granted to provide women with false impressions about abortion, abstinence, and pregnancy On its website, the Westside Pregnancy Resource Center in Los Angeles suggests that women who receive abortions could experience an increased risk of breast cancer, a conclusion at odds with the mainstream medical consensus. As a reference, the center links to a 1986 letter government scientists wrote to the British journal Lancet. The Crisis Pregnancy Center, Inc. in Anchorage Alaska, meanwhile, sites suicidal thoughts, alcohol and drug abuse and spiritual consequences as post-abortion side affects, without offering elaboration. Other centers suggest that women can experience infertility, "post-abortion stress disorder" and even a "fear of punishment from God" following an abortion.

"Obviously there are no scientific explanations for these claims," said Martha Kempner, vice president for Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States, a critic of abstinence-only sex-education programs. "These centers are part of a larger conservative social agenda... designed to prevent women from choosing abortion and promoting marriage above all else."

Legally, as well, these centers - which are not all self-described as faith-based - have come under fire for operating in what critics describe as an overtly religious context. Several organizations work hand-in-hand with Stop and Think, an abstinence-till-marriage program that requires its presenters to "possess an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ", "knowledge of the Word of God", and "attend a Bible believing local church or fellowship." "We are a Christian organization and have Christian beliefs and we believe very strongly that the church has a role in social issues," Roxie Johnson, executive director for the Northern Hill facility in South Dakota, told The Huffington Post. "[Stop and Think] is a skill-oriented program that teaches critical thinking. When we go into the schools we can't advocate religion. But it is a very vital program in preventing teenage pregnancies." For critics, such an explanation doesn't hold muster. These pregnancy centers, they argue, are walking a thin line between providing medical services and directly proselytizing. "The concern is that it is a government-funded program advocating a religious content," said Dianna Kasdan, a staff attorney for the ACLU. "These programs are supposed to provide information and education about a host of issues. It is not appropriate for the government to fund a program teaching religious viewpoints." Faith-based organizations such as these pregnancy resource centers have been a staple of President Bush's domestic agenda. Through the Compassion Capital Fund administered by the Department of Health and Human Services, the Bush administration has directed $264 million to more than 4,500 organizations since 2002. "Our goal is to serve the poor among us in the most effective way possible, HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt said in a recent press release. "By supporting grass-roots organizations already serving those in need in their communities, we are increasing our ability to help more people gain control of their lives."

Pooka Pie

"Pooka Pie...My little guy." I sing that often and badly to my cat, Pooka. He's so darn adorable.

I'm sitting here in my cousin Doni's house waiting for her to get home from teaching. I should be taking a nap seeing as how I've been up since 4:30. Work brought me here for a meeting in DC tomorrow, so I flew down today. Ruined my bank holiday by traveling, but I get to spend the afternoon with the fam so that's always cool.

Oh yeah...so about Pooka. It takes me a long time to tell a story...lots of digressions! Ok, so anyway, here is a picture of Pooka sitting on my suitcase last night. He's so loyal....it is like he new his mama was leaving him. Yes, I am his mama. Go ahead, make fun of me for loving my cat in that weird way that pet-owners do. But seriously, look at the adorable-ness sitting here - how can you not love this? And his little paws are so perfectly posed. Mmmmm..kissyourface!

Well that does it for my travel-work-family visit blogging. I think I just proved to myself just what a horrible procrastinator I am... I'm procrastinating a nap for crying out loud! And I loooove to nap! Peace out friends.

Where I've Been

Since my last post, I've been on the go quite a bit and haven't had alot of time to update. As I stayed home to work remotely today and have been online since 7am, I thought I'd take a break from 8,000 lines of data to fill everyone in.

Last weekend, Chris and I traveled back home to PA. My best friend, Angel, and her husband, Shon, moved earlier in the year and while I have been to the house lots, Chris hadn't had a chance yet because of his music gigs. We stopped in Ellicottville along the way for dinner, which took longer than anticipated, and didn't arrive in Coudersport until about 10pm. Shon was excited because he'd planned to go coyote hunting, and Chris was a willing sidekick. It was freezing outside, so our men bundled up and off they went. Angel and I caught up on all things Coudersport, and then we went to bed about 12:30. Snuggled up next to me was Pumpkin, their furry new addition.

Shon and Chris got home much later, and while I don't remember the time, I do remember Shon waking me up and saying something gross, and then telling me how he and Chris were almost eaten by 3 packs of coyotes. It's the little things that make me miss home...

On Saturday morning, Angel woke up early with the baby. I wasn't far behind and by then, Haylee was finishing breakfast, and Angel was ready to make a nice spread for her guests. I entertained Haylee while mama was busy cooking. Haylee is about 6 months old now, and as cliche as it sounds, is as cute as a button. Here is just one of the many adorable pictures of her, and one of the many moments that she and I will have as she grows up. "Aunt Sara" is a big part of the girls' lives, the other two of course being Chels and Alli.

Breakfast was deeee-licious, as usual. I had some homemade apple butter on my toast, which was another nice reminder of home. Angel had to be in Ulysses for a baby shower, so we all began to stir and get ready to head out.

We stopped in Port to see my Gramma. I checked out the Reporter Argus to see if I recognized anyone, and was happy to see an engagement announcement for someone I went to high school with. Always nice to see those. We left Port and stopped in Eldred to visit my Dad and Debbie. They were doing some weatherizing on the outside of the house, although the weather still remained unseasonably warm. Dad gave me some updates on a few hot topics at the high school, we loudly exchanged our opinions as usual, and then it was time to go. I love talking to him about the goings-on at the school. It's always something!

Evening brought us to Olean, where we attended the 50th birthday party for Uncle Kevin and Uncle Bob. It had a Halloween theme, and was typical of most of our family gatherings - food, beer and laughter. Some of the kids were dressed up, and a few adults too. Aunt Linda was dressed as Dr. Gerry Atric, so some of us silly geese decided to make nametags of our own. Many of them were of course disgustingly inappropriate, but the appearance of the Stitz/s cousins received lots of laughs. Thanks to Gloria, Enorma and Bodashuh for some good times.

Chris and I got up VERY early because of the time change to return to Buffalo. This week has been crazy trying to catch up, and in the process, I've managed to catch my annual winter cold. No rest for the weary though! I'm off to Washington DC for a branch manager meeting on Tuesday. The only great part about that is I get to spend some time with my family in Maryland. I'll be flying down on Monday. I just found out that there will be no Veteran's Day holiday for the local schools, so I need to think of something (other than napping!) to do on Monday. Perhaps some Christmas shopping is in order.

Only 47 days until Christmas! And only 20 days until my birthday! I don't think I'll have a party to crash this year...but I'll save that story for another time. It's time to make dinner. Peace out friends!