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		<title>Pet-Peeves: Co-workers by Rambling Raven</title>
		<link>http://www.apooobooks.com/petpeeves-coworkers-rambling-raven/</link>
		<comments>http://www.apooobooks.com/petpeeves-coworkers-rambling-raven/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 16 Aug 2010 23:07:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Raven</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Rambling Raven]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pet-Peeves: Co-workers by Rambling Raven]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Raven has flown the coup; we think she's migrated to FL permanently.  If, and when she returns, we'll let you know.<p><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/petpeeves-coworkers-rambling-raven/">Pet-Peeves: Co-workers by Rambling Raven</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.apooobooks.com">APOOO</a></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Pet-Peeves: Co-workers by Rambling Raven</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img class="alignleft" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm39/daveedem/stop-whining.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="529" /> The latest statistics say that another 400,000 new people have filed for unemployment benefits. Every time you turn around you hear about yet another company laying off employees. The numbers of the unemployed continues to rise, it is frightening. I thank God everyday when I wake up that I have a job to go to. So, I get very angry when I look around at some of those who are blessed to have jobs, yet act like complete asses on them. There are some folk who think that they are bullet-proof and no matter what they do they will not get fired and are the only ones completely surprised when they do.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Here are a few of my pet-peeves regarding bitching and griping and performing stupid acts on the job:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I can’t stand when those who are everyday are surprised, upset, and defensive when they are called on it.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I can’t stand when people come to work dress like they either just rolled out of the bed, left the club or the beach, and wonder why everyone is always looking at them.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I can’t stand when the laziest person in the entire building is assigned to work on a project with you.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I can’t stand those individuals who try to get in good with the boss/supervisors just so that they can get special privileges.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I can’t stand those who come to work just to put on a fashion show. You know the ones who have to look good from head to toe but never do anything.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I can’t stand those who are gossipy. You know the ones who know everything about everyone and want to tell you all about it.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I also can’t stand those co-workers who try to pass the buck. You know the ones who are always trying to get others to do their work, while they sit back and take all the credit.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Needless to say it has been a long work week. I have encountered every one of the pet-peeves I have mentioned above. So let’s share. What are some of your pet-peeves when it comes to co-workers?</p>
<p><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/petpeeves-coworkers-rambling-raven/">Pet-Peeves: Co-workers by Rambling Raven</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.apooobooks.com">APOOO</a></p>
<h3  class="related_post_title">Related Posts</h3><ul class="related_post"><li><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/rambling-raven/" title="Should I Say Something? by Rambling Raven">Should I Say Something? by Rambling Raven</a></li><li><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/obama-timid-rambling-raven/" title="Is Obama Being Too Timid? by Rambling Raven">Is Obama Being Too Timid? by Rambling Raven</a></li><li><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/ladies-cover-rambling-raven/" title="Ladies, Please Cover Up by Rambling Raven">Ladies, Please Cover Up by Rambling Raven</a></li><li><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/musings-rambling-raven/" title="Musings by Rambling Raven">Musings by Rambling Raven</a></li><li><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/dad-rambling-raven/" title="Thanks Dad! by Rambling Raven">Thanks Dad! by Rambling Raven</a></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>Should I Say Something? by Rambling Raven</title>
		<link>http://www.apooobooks.com/rambling-raven/</link>
		<comments>http://www.apooobooks.com/rambling-raven/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 11 Aug 2010 02:12:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>APOOO</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Rambling Raven]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Should I Say Something? by Rambling Raven]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.apooobooks.com/?p=4375</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I have a co-worker who I liked. She loves to read as much as I do. She even has a gazillion and one books, just like me. It was our shared interest in reading that drew me to her. We began to trade books and book-lists. Over the past several years we have communicated very well with one another. We even had plans to workout together.
<p><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/rambling-raven/">Should I Say Something? by Rambling Raven</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.apooobooks.com">APOOO</a></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Should I Say Something? by Rambling Raven<br />
</strong> <br />
<img class="alignleft" src="http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/Blytle2010/Mean_Girls_movie.jpg" alt="" width="215" height="319" />Well, it is back to school for me. I started on August 4, and the students will begin August 9. It was a short vacation, but I can&#8217;t complain. I am grateful that I had the time off to visit with my family. My father is recovering from a series of strokes. I made sure I got the chance to let him know how much I love and appreciate him. We went out to dinner, we had walks along the lake front, and most importantly we talked. My father can no longer hold the conversations he use to have. He stutters a lot, and it takes several minutes for him to think and verbalize what he wants to say. Although it takes patience to have a conversation with my father, I treasured every moment that I did. I am thankful to God that he actually survived those strokes and with time and therapy he will regain some of what he has lost.<br />
 <br />
My father struggles with communication is due to a disability. I see the frustration on his face every time he has to hunt around his brain for the correct words to use. My father&#8217;s recent health issues have made me reflective upon how frustrating and difficult it is for us to communicate with others regardless if we have a disability or not.<br />
 <br />
I have a co-worker who I liked. She loves to read as much as I do. She even has a gazillion and one books, just like me. It was our shared interest in reading that drew me to her. We began to trade books and book-lists. Over the past several years we have communicated very well with one another. We even had plans to workout together.<br />
 <br />
Last school year our school obtained a new principal. My co-worker has been vocal about how much she dislikes the new principal. Now, I also had issues with the new administration but basically I kept it to myself. Once the new principal calmed down and began to understand that it took a team to run a school, she became easier to work with. Never one to hold a grudge and always willing to give people the benefit of a doubt, I started to work with the principal and her team. My concern was for the school and not for obtaining any social status with the new administration.<br />
 <br />
Since, I have joined teams and begun to work on committees, my co-worker has grown cold towards me. She was invited to sit in on a meeting regarding school improvement. The principal wanted to show her that the school was in trouble and regardless of any personal issues we had to work together for the greater good. In the meeting we all talked openly and honestly about what we saw as problem areas. My co-worker seemed to be on board with all that was said. She even came up with possible solutions of her own. After that meeting my co-worker stopped being friendly towards me. Saying hello seems like an effort now. I have re-examined and re-examined my actions and words at that meeting, and I can not see where anything I said would have been an issue.<br />
 <br />
I wanted so desperately to go to this co-worker and ask what the problem was. Yet, I could never seem to find the correct words to say what I wanted to say. And since I don&#8217;t take kindly to being snubbed, I didn&#8217;t want to make a bad situation worse . Besides, I knew that this co-worker could be &#8220;messy&#8221; in terms of things said to and about others. Therefore, I am kicking myself that I even formed a friendship with her. So for several weeks I chose to ignore the snub. I said nothing and pretended that it was not an issue with me. Now, here we are ready to begin a new year. I am anxious and excited about the upcoming year. There are so many things I want to do and implemented inside and outside of the classroom. I am ready.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The first day back, I say this co-worker and the attitude was still a bit chilly. I don&#8217;t know what I did or said to her. I am angry that as grown as we are she has never come to me and discussed what may have offended her. I am angry with myself that I wasn&#8217;t grown up enough to go to her and confront the issue. On one hand I tell myself that the whole affair is petty and I don&#8217;t need toxic people in my life anyway. On the other hand there is still a part of me that wants to say something.<br />
 <br />
So should I let this all become water under the bridge and move on or should I say something?</p>
<p><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/rambling-raven/">Should I Say Something? by Rambling Raven</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.apooobooks.com">APOOO</a></p>
<h3  class="related_post_title">Related Posts</h3><ul class="related_post"><li><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/petpeeves-coworkers-rambling-raven/" title="Pet-Peeves: Co-workers by Rambling Raven">Pet-Peeves: Co-workers by Rambling Raven</a></li><li><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/obama-timid-rambling-raven/" title="Is Obama Being Too Timid? by Rambling Raven">Is Obama Being Too Timid? by Rambling Raven</a></li><li><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/ladies-cover-rambling-raven/" title="Ladies, Please Cover Up by Rambling Raven">Ladies, Please Cover Up by Rambling Raven</a></li><li><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/musings-rambling-raven/" title="Musings by Rambling Raven">Musings by Rambling Raven</a></li><li><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/dad-rambling-raven/" title="Thanks Dad! by Rambling Raven">Thanks Dad! by Rambling Raven</a></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>6</slash:comments>
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		<title>Is Obama Being Too Timid? by Rambling Raven</title>
		<link>http://www.apooobooks.com/obama-timid-rambling-raven/</link>
		<comments>http://www.apooobooks.com/obama-timid-rambling-raven/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:34:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Raven</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Rambling Raven]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Is Obama Being Too Timid? by Rambling Raven]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.apooobooks.com/?p=4331</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I stood in line for three hours to cast my vote for President Obama. I cried when he won the presidential election. My hope in America and its future was renewed. Yet, I knew that the first African American president was going to have an uphill battle. <p><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/obama-timid-rambling-raven/">Is Obama Being Too Timid? by Rambling Raven</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.apooobooks.com">APOOO</a></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Is Obama Being Too Timid? by Rambling Raven<br />
</strong> <br />
I stood in line for three hours to cast my vote for President Obama. I cried when he won the presidential election. My hope in America and its future was renewed. Yet, I knew that the first African American president was going to have an uphill battle. I knew the ugly racists out there were going to throw everything they possible could at him. My greatest fear was for his safety. I was prepared for the hateful and cowardly actions of others. What has thrown me for a loop recently has been that of the actions of the president and his administration.<br />
 <br />
I never expected President Obama to be the savior of America or the world. My hope was for him to bring intelligence, class and fairness to the office of the presidency. He certainly is intelligent, has class and tries to be fair. My issue with the president is that I desperately want him to be more forceful towards his critics and detractors.<br />
 <br />
It appears as if the president and his administration react too late to some major issues, causing President Obama to appear timid. An example of this is when the BP oil spill occurred. The administration took too long to address the spill to the media and the public. Obama should have come out forcefully condemning BP and demand that there be a quick solution to stopping the oil spill. Instead the president and his administration were curiously quiet on the issue until the story appeared to gain steam in the media. The late reaction caused people to question where Obama stood on the issue. And in some cases point blame at him for the not doing enough to protect the environment and America&#8217;s interests.<br />
 <br />
I am most disappointed in how the administration are allowing the loud mouth conservatives bash and distribute lies about the president, without barking back. FOX News is an entity built on attacking Obama. I am convinced that the network is aiming to destroy President Obama&#8217;s chances at winning a second term to office. The reports that are spewed by many of the commentators on the network are vicious and racist. Now, I KNOW that Obama and those in his administration can not go around answering to everyone who say things that aren&#8217;t favorable. However, in some cases they are dealing with news outlets that reach millions of people. The administration needs to try and counter some of the idiotic things being touted as truth.<br />
 <br />
The Shirley Sherrod case is yet another example of how the Obama administration appears to be spineless and spooked by conservatives. Instead of investigating the case for full details, those within the administration appeared to have been scared that they would be featured on the Glen Beck show. Instead of standing up to the hate-mongers the Obama administration jumped the gun and unfairly fired Ms. Sherrod based on an edited video segment.<br />
 <br />
The Sherrod case isn&#8217;t the only case that the new administration appears to give in to the conservatives over. We all can recall the Van Johnson case, where once again FOX News commentators demanded that the president get rid of someone based on preceived racial bias. Instead of fighting for Johnson the Obama administration gave in. The organization ACORN was also a victim of fanatical conservatives distorting the truth and the Obama administration once again caved in by disbanding the organization. <br />
 <br />
I think those of us who are rational and fair want our president to be a bit more vocal against those who are being irrational and unfair. I want President Obama to stop side stepping some of the issues because they involve race. We don&#8217;t want him to spend all of his time addressing the loud mouth conservatives who bash him. Still, we don&#8217;t want him remaining silent and allow them to the only voice that America hears.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/obama-timid-rambling-raven/">Is Obama Being Too Timid? by Rambling Raven</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.apooobooks.com">APOOO</a></p>
<h3  class="related_post_title">Related Posts</h3><ul class="related_post"><li><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/petpeeves-coworkers-rambling-raven/" title="Pet-Peeves: Co-workers by Rambling Raven">Pet-Peeves: Co-workers by Rambling Raven</a></li><li><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/rambling-raven/" title="Should I Say Something? by Rambling Raven">Should I Say Something? by Rambling Raven</a></li><li><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/ladies-cover-rambling-raven/" title="Ladies, Please Cover Up by Rambling Raven">Ladies, Please Cover Up by Rambling Raven</a></li><li><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/musings-rambling-raven/" title="Musings by Rambling Raven">Musings by Rambling Raven</a></li><li><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/dad-rambling-raven/" title="Thanks Dad! by Rambling Raven">Thanks Dad! by Rambling Raven</a></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>5</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Ladies, Please Cover Up by Rambling Raven</title>
		<link>http://www.apooobooks.com/ladies-cover-rambling-raven/</link>
		<comments>http://www.apooobooks.com/ladies-cover-rambling-raven/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 15 Jul 2010 02:22:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Raven</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Rambling Raven]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ladies Please Cover Up by Rambling Raven]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.apooobooks.com/?p=4307</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are so many things to love about the summer. I love the warmth of the sun upon my face. I love the smell of fresh cut grass. I love the beautiful flowers and the sight of the mighty green trees. And I certainly love the sight, smell and taste of all the colorful summer fruit. 
<p><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/ladies-cover-rambling-raven/">Ladies, Please Cover Up by Rambling Raven</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.apooobooks.com">APOOO</a></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">Ladies, Please Cover Up by Rambling Raven</p>
<p><img class="alignleft" src="http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/qq109/redearth/Daisy_Dukes.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="381" />There are so many things to love about the summer. I love the warmth of the sun upon my face. I love the smell of fresh cut grass. I love the beautiful flowers and the sight of the mighty green trees. And I certainly love the sight, smell and taste of all the colorful summer fruit.</p>
<p>However there are some aspects of summer I can do without. I can do without the surge in violence that plague our city streets during the summer months. I can do without all the construction sites that pop up, causing traffic jams and timely detours. Above all else I can do without all the half naked, tacky looking people parading around.</p>
<p>Okay, I get it. It is hot and we want to wear light clothing, exposing our arms and legs. After all, we want to try to remain as cool as possible in all the heat. However, a few of us can go a little too far with exposing things. For example, is it necessary to wear shorts that not only appear to cut off your circulation but are so short that you reveal the discolored part of your butt?</p>
<p>I may be alone here but I wish people would wear size appropriate clothing. Just because something is made in your size doesn&#8217;t mean you have to buy it off the rack. If you put on a pair of shorts and they reveal all the cellulite in your thighs, perhaps that is not the appropriate pair of shorts for you. The same can be said for tops as well. I am sick and tired of seeing women with bellies that hang over the top of their pants wearing blouses  that bare their midriffs. And remember, bellies marred by stretch marks aren&#8217;t cute either.</p>
<p>Yes, I am being a bit catty but when you see women who wear leggings as pants, it brings out the critical bitchy-ness in you. Speaking of the leggings, I must say that I don&#8217;t get this recent summer trend. Since when did a thin pair of leggings, ones that were meant to be worn underneath clothing, become something to wear alone? Of course you can see everything, right down to the designs on the panties. Sadly, this trend has become popular with women of all shapes and sizes.  Another trend is wearing bikini wear as regular clothing. Honestly, if you are not on a beach you really shouldn&#8217;t walk around with a string bikini top and a pair of jeans, too much exposure. It is sexier to leave something to the imagination than it is to let it all hang up.</p>
<p>Look all I am saying is that we all know that it is hot outside. We all want some relief from the warm temperature, yet we don&#8217;t have to become skanky to do so. Summer is a time to shed the heavy clothing of winter. Do we have to shed all since of style and class with it as well?</p>
<p><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/ladies-cover-rambling-raven/">Ladies, Please Cover Up by Rambling Raven</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.apooobooks.com">APOOO</a></p>
<h3  class="related_post_title">Related Posts</h3><ul class="related_post"><li><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/petpeeves-coworkers-rambling-raven/" title="Pet-Peeves: Co-workers by Rambling Raven">Pet-Peeves: Co-workers by Rambling Raven</a></li><li><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/rambling-raven/" title="Should I Say Something? by Rambling Raven">Should I Say Something? by Rambling Raven</a></li><li><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/obama-timid-rambling-raven/" title="Is Obama Being Too Timid? by Rambling Raven">Is Obama Being Too Timid? by Rambling Raven</a></li><li><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/musings-rambling-raven/" title="Musings by Rambling Raven">Musings by Rambling Raven</a></li><li><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/dad-rambling-raven/" title="Thanks Dad! by Rambling Raven">Thanks Dad! by Rambling Raven</a></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
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		<title>Musings by Rambling Raven</title>
		<link>http://www.apooobooks.com/musings-rambling-raven/</link>
		<comments>http://www.apooobooks.com/musings-rambling-raven/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 05 Jul 2010 22:53:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Raven</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Rambling Raven]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Musings by Rambling Raven]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.apooobooks.com/?p=4280</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You never know how much you miss something until it is gone. I am experiencing that with my computer being down. And let me tell you, trying to shop for a new one is no easy task either. <p><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/musings-rambling-raven/">Musings by Rambling Raven</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.apooobooks.com">APOOO</a></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Musings by Rambling Raven</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img class="alignleft" src="http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy291/sudburyelectronics/apple-logo1.jpg" alt="" width="264" height="319" />You never know how much you miss something until it is gone. I am experiencing that with my computer being down. And let me tell you, trying to shop for a new one is no easy task either. In the mean time, I am trying to catch up on things, including my blogging. So let me briefly catch up on somethings that I have rambling about lately.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">1. Why are people blaming President Obama for the BP oil spill? I don&#8217;t get  the connection, other than it being one more thing for anti-Obama types to try and blame the President for something? And why in the world is it taking so long for the leak to be contained. Did BP not have a plan for such a thing?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">2. Everyone by now has heard about or seen the BET performance by Chris Brown.  I must say that I was touched and I think Chris has truly learned a lesson. Now will he be forgiven by the markets beyond his R&amp;B fan base? Time will tell. For now I believe he should focus on his core fan base. Sadly, he may never become the cross-over sensation he was before &#8220;the incident&#8221;.  By the way, the award show was the best I have seen from BET yet. Was I the only one screaming like a groupie, when El DeBarge came out? He still sounds good. I wish him all the luck in the world with his comeback.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">3.  Kobe or Michael? In the end who will be considered the greatest NBA player? Do the number of rings count? I think I will always chose Michael over Kobe? I am biased, I am a Chicagoan. Congrats to the Lakers for yet another championship.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">4. Congrats to Serena Williams on yet another Wimbledon win. I still feel that she and her sister Venus don&#8217;t get the respect they deserve from the tennis world. People need to get over it, the Williams&#8217; dominance can not be denied.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">5. President Obama did the right thing by firing Gen. McChrystal. I am so damn tired of everyone thinking they can disrespect Obama and his administration. I have never heard of any president being so openly disrespected by everyone. Many generals don&#8217;t agree with the Commander in Chief.  However, most never publicly display their dislike, especially to news outlets. I can&#8217;t think of anything other than it being an issue of race. President Obama did right by firing his ass. I hope this sends a message to others.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/musings-rambling-raven/">Musings by Rambling Raven</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.apooobooks.com">APOOO</a></p>
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		<title>Thanks Dad! by Rambling Raven</title>
		<link>http://www.apooobooks.com/dad-rambling-raven/</link>
		<comments>http://www.apooobooks.com/dad-rambling-raven/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 21 Jun 2010 22:07:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Raven</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Rambling Raven]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thanks Dad! by Rambling Raven]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[This year Father's Day had more meaning to me than previous years. My dad, is currently recovering from a second stroke. The strokes have damaged some of his ability to communicate. It is frustrating for him and equally so for the rest of the family. My dad was a talkative fellow before the strokes, now he is very quiet and struggles with finding the correct words to use.<p><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/dad-rambling-raven/">Thanks Dad! by Rambling Raven</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.apooobooks.com">APOOO</a></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">Thanks Dad! by Rambling Raven<br />
 <br />
<img class="alignleft" src="http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/pp236/Keefers_/Keefers_Fathers%20Day/Keefers_FathersDay208.gif" alt="" width="186" height="347" />This year Father&#8217;s Day had more meaning to me than previous years. My dad, is currently recovering from a second stroke. The strokes have damaged some of his ability to communicate. It is frustrating for him and equally so for the rest of the family. My dad was a talkative fellow before the strokes, now he is very quiet and struggles with finding the correct words to use. Recovery has been slow for my dad and the concern of another stroke is forever present. Hopefully, through diet, exercise and medication we can avoid more strokes.<br />
 <br />
 It is such a surreal event to sit and watch the very person who took care of you all your life reduced to someone who now needs looking after himself. It is as if someone took Superman&#8217;s cape from him. Through it all, I have become much more reflective on my relationship with my dad in recent months. I realize there are so many things I need to thank him for.<br />
 <br />
Thanks, Dad for helping to give me life.<br />
Thanks, Dad for always being there when so many other fathers were not for their children.<br />
Thanks, Dad for showing my sisters and I that a real man is one who put love of God, and family above all others.<br />
Thanks, Dad for being my protector when knuckleheads came around trying to grab my attention.<br />
Thanks, Dad for teaching me that a man should never display his fists or ugly words to a woman.<br />
Thanks, Dad for allowing me to step out on my own but also making sure that I had a safety net in case I should fall.<br />
Thanks, Dad for being my loudest cheerleader.<br />
Thanks, Dad for being on my side at times when I had to face mom.<br />
Thanks, Dad for being a team player with mom when she needed your support in raising us.<br />
Thanks, Dad for being a shoulder to cry on when I need one.<br />
Thanks, Dad for never being shy in saying I love you and showing us how much you do.<br />
Thanks, Dad for sharing a love of horror and Clint Eastwood movies with me.<br />
Thanks, Dad for talking to me instead of at me.<br />
Thanks, Dad for being the family historian and photographer.<br />
Thanks, Dad for always being handy with your tool belt.<br />
Above all, thanks for being the quiet strength that our family could not endure without.<br />
Love you always!!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/dad-rambling-raven/">Thanks Dad! by Rambling Raven</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.apooobooks.com">APOOO</a></p>
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		<title>Where Has All The Talent Gone? by Rambling Raven</title>
		<link>http://www.apooobooks.com/talent-rambling-raven/</link>
		<comments>http://www.apooobooks.com/talent-rambling-raven/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 Jun 2010 02:34:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Raven</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Rambling Raven]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Where Has All The Talent Gone? by Rambling Raven]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Does anyone have an original sound, anymore? For example, let us examine this Lady Gaga person. Who is she first of all and what makes her famous? It can’t be the look, and the outrageous, provocative outfits. Didn't Madonna do that like say two decades ago? And it really can't be the music, like I said, didn't Madonna do that decades ago.<p><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/talent-rambling-raven/">Where Has All The Talent Gone? by Rambling Raven</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.apooobooks.com">APOOO</a></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Where Has All The Talent Gone? by Rambling Raven</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img class="alignleft" src="http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/qq105/mpigatt/luther.jpg" alt="" width="271" height="339" />Someone please help me out here. Let me know if I am getting too old or if I am on to something here. Why is it that every time I turn to the popular radio stations here in Chicago, I end up screaming? I have to turn off the radio or tune in to an &#8220;Easy Listening&#8221; or &#8220;Adult Music&#8221; station to bring myself back to sanity. Where the hell has all the talent gone? Seriously, can anyone sing or rap anymore? Ugggh! When we live in a world where Beyonce is the best out there (and don&#8217;t get me wrong, I do like her), then it is time for us to reevaluate what we consider music.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Does <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">anyone </span></em>have an original sound, anymore? For example, let us examine this Lady Gaga person. Who is she first of all and what makes her famous? It can’t be the look, and the outrageous, provocative outfits. Didn&#8217;t Madonna do that like say two decades ago? And it really can&#8217;t be the music, like I said, didn&#8217;t Madonna do that decades ago.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">You know it is bad out here when the music (which is almost, always computer generated), sound better than the musician. I don&#8217;t get it. Do kids these days not know what original music and real singing sounds like? Is no one pulling out the old Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston (the pre-crack days) Jodeci, Luther Vandross, EnVogue or Teena Marie CDs. Goodness even a Patti LaBelle or Gladys Knight CD would be enough to teach tone, melody and harmony?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Rap hasn’t faired that much better either. I missed the political rap of Public Enemy, the silliness of Digital Underground, the depth of Tupac, the “stories” of Slick Rick, and even the butt shaking rap of Rob Base and D.J. Easy Rock. Where is the variety now? The kids have Little Wayne and Eminem. One thinks he is an alien and the other appears emotionally disturbed to me. Why all the anger? You’re a freakin millionaire the only mess you have to deal with is the crap you bring upon yourself. Oh, my nephew reminds me that there is Nikki Minaj. Well what can I say about that? The only thing I can think of to say is&#8212;SERIOUSLY? Then again I am not an 18 year old boy, so I guess I just don’t get it.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">My seven year old niece loves the Disney channel and she likes the kids from the shows there like Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers. If I am not mistaken, these kids aren’t supposed to be considered <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">real </span></em>musical acts, are they? No, I am not trying to be stupid here, but do anyone beyond the age of ten take these people seriously. Take Justin Bieber for instance. Ummm, first of all is he a creation of the Disney people? He seems to fit right in with that crowd over there. Is he supposed to be the next Donny Osmond or something? I guess I am too old. I don’t get it. The boys from New Edition didn’t have the fluffy hair and not all of them were even cute, but those boys could sing. They didn’t have to rely upon a cute smile and gelled hair. All I am saying is I would take an ugly boy who could blow me away by his singing, than one whose songs hurt my ears. And I am supposed to over look it because he is cute. No thank you.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">You see I LOVE music. It relaxes me, and takes me to a different mental state. I can chill out, dance, or have a good cry depending upon the song. I can’t do any of that with the stuff out here today. All I can do is sit, shell shocked and shake my head in disgust. Sometimes I run from the room screaming with my hands up to my ears (I only do this in my own house so don’t worry), because the music is so void of any real depth. None of it speaks to my soul or arouses any of the senses. I usually just end up saying to myself—WTF.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I guess I should get down on my hands and knees and thank that guy who invented the iPod. What would I do if I didn’t have my own play list to listen to? I guess I would either read more books or watch more television. I sure in the hell wouldn’t be listening to the radio. Hey, maybe I should start a “Bring the Music Back” campaign. You know, one of those grassroots organizations that would call for more support of singers who can sing and not just look good with hair gel. We may get some less than Beyonce like sex appeal but dang blasted at least we would finally have something to tap our feet to.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/talent-rambling-raven/">Where Has All The Talent Gone? by Rambling Raven</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.apooobooks.com">APOOO</a></p>
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		<title>My Desert Island Vacation Books by Rambling Raven</title>
		<link>http://www.apooobooks.com/desert-island-vacation-books-rambling-raven/</link>
		<comments>http://www.apooobooks.com/desert-island-vacation-books-rambling-raven/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 31 May 2010 04:46:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Raven</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Rambling Raven]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[My Desert Island Vacation Books by Rambling Raven]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[I often find myself daydreaming about a nice far away tropical island. Of course, I would have to entertain myself on this island somehow. Since I am trying to tune out the world, no computers or televisions. I would only bring along a few books to entertain myself. I think ten books would do--what ten books would I take along with me?<p><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/desert-island-vacation-books-rambling-raven/">My Desert Island Vacation Books by Rambling Raven</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.apooobooks.com">APOOO</a></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>My Desert Island Vacation Books by Rambling Raven</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img class="alignleft" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/515a34esI8L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" />Summer is nearly upon us and the weather here in Chicago has been excellent. I often find myself daydreaming about walks along the beach, concerts in the park, and picnics. I love the hazy days of summer so much that I  wish I could visit a place where it is nice and warm, surrounded by beautiful white sandy beaches, and I am the only person around. A nice far away tropical island would do just fine. I would love for the island to have a beach house with all the modern conveniences (this is a fantasy vacation, not a Tom Hanks movie). Oh, and a freezer stocked with frozen margaritas would be the icing on the cake. Of course I would have to entertain myself on this island somehow. I mean a girl can only watch so many sunsets. I wouldn&#8217;t want anything fancy either. Since I am trying to tune out the world, no computers or televisions. I would only bring along a few books to entertain myself. I think ten books would do because my vacation can last for only so long.  What ten books would I take along with me on this vacation?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The books have to be interesting and ones that I know I will read. I think I should first pick the books that I have not completed reading but promised myself that I would at some time:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Roots by Alex Haley&#8211; I have always wanted to complete this historical novel, but the dang thing is almost as long as the Bible. You must have a lot of time and patience to read it. Since I will be secluded on an island, it would be the perfect time to tackle this one.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Beloved by Toni Morrison&#8211;Perhaps the only thing that is needed to truly understand the meaning of this novel is a deserted island. I tried several times before but somehow I always end up daydreaming about something else.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Holy Bible&#8211;I need to read this from beginning to end. It is something I always told myself that I would do.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Now for books that I can read anytime or anywhere:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Complete Works of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle&#8211;I love, love, love these stories and can reread them a million times.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A Free Man of Color by Barbara Hambly&#8211;Love the mystery and the New Orleans setting, it reminds me of New Orleans when it was a young, bustling city.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Alienist by Caleb Carr&#8211; A historical mystery that takes place in 1800s New York. It follows a psychiatrist (known as alienists back then) who tries to track down one of America&#8217;s first serial killers. It&#8217;s like CSI for the 1800s.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton&#8212;It was my favorite book as a kid, and I still love it today. It is a coming of age story that deals with life and death, social and economic status, family and gangs.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Anything by Langston Hughes&#8212;-He can do no wrong.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Color Purple by Alice Walker&#8212;Alice packed a lot in a few pages and I loved every moment.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The next APOOO B.O.M.&#8212;Since I know my time on the island will not last forever, I better find out what the next APOOO book of the month is so that I can be prepared to join the discussion.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">There you have it. The ten books that I would pack  for a desert island vacation. What ten books would you take along with you?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Raven</p>
<p><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/desert-island-vacation-books-rambling-raven/">My Desert Island Vacation Books by Rambling Raven</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.apooobooks.com">APOOO</a></p>
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		<title>White Hollywood/Black Babies by Rambling Raven</title>
		<link>http://www.apooobooks.com/white-hollywoodblack-babies-rambling-raven/</link>
		<comments>http://www.apooobooks.com/white-hollywoodblack-babies-rambling-raven/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 24 May 2010 01:40:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Raven</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Rambling Raven]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[White Hollywood/Black Babies by Rambling Raven]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.apooobooks.com/?p=4167</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I am intrigued as to why there appears to be an increase and a fascination in Black children being adopted by the rich and famous. Is it the media hype or our obsession over anything Black and White that makes them stand out?<p><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/white-hollywoodblack-babies-rambling-raven/">White Hollywood/Black Babies by Rambling Raven</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.apooobooks.com">APOOO</a></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>White Hollywood/Black Babies by Rambling Raven</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img class="alignleft" src="http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u235/BwitchenBabe/Facebook/SandraBullockAndLouis.jpg" alt="" width="235" height="380" />Has anyone seen the latest pictures of Sandra Bullock and her new baby Louis? People magazine did a beautiful lay out of the two for its May issue. The baby boy is beautiful. And he is from New Orleans.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Many high profile adoptions have been in the media recently. Angelina and Brad, Madonna and now Sandra Bullock. I am interested in the stories because the babies that are being adopted are Black (in most cases from Africa). I am use to seeing White families adopt White or Asian children. I am intrigued as to why there appears to be an increase and a fascination in Black children being adopted by the rich and famous. Is it the media hype or our obsession over anything Black and White that makes them stand out?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I have heard from many co-workers, friends and family regarding the pros and cons of White people adopting Black babies. Personally, I don&#8217;t &#8220;worry&#8221; about the children who the rich and famous adopt. I assume that these parents are able to give the children the tools they need to succeed. If they are smart they will hire people to help them understand the cultural challenges and what is needed to help the child grow into happy, mentally healthy human beings.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In looking at American adoption trends I found that there are three major countries that Americans turn to for adoption. Americans go to China, Ethiopia and Russia to adopt. I was shocked to see Ethiopia on the list. The adoption numbers from there are in the thousands. So it appears that not only the rich and famous are turning to Africa for children but also the average American family.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">What does it all mean? Is it that these children are &#8220;exotic&#8221; therefore looked upon as OK to adopt? Is it that Africa makes it easier to adopt its children than other countries? Perhaps it may indicate that Americans are not as caught up on culture and race as I perceive them to be, therefore adopting Black children isn&#8217;t an issue for many.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The fact that Sandra Bullock chose to adopt an African American baby is especially interesting to me. She did not go the &#8220;Hollywood&#8221; route by running to a foreign country, donating money to that country and suddenly obtain a baby in a matter of days. Bullock decided to go through with an American adoption. She waited four years to get a baby, and she was paired with little Louis. Will this become a trend? Will more from the Hollywood sect seek to adopt African American children? How will/do we feel about that?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I must admit that every time I see these people with our children, I automatically think&#8211;where are the rich and famous Black people? Why are the rich and famous Black folk not adopting our children? The need for adoption is great, far too many of our children are being raised in the &#8216;system&#8221;.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Adoption is something that I have been thinking about doing personally. Each birthday reminds me that time is ticking away. I know that if I want to have children I need to do it within the next five years or so. Yet, I do know that not all the planets line-up the way you hope them to and not everyone is blessed to have biological children. Certainly there is nothing indicating that I can&#8217;t look to adoption for a family.  I certainly think that our children are worth raising and providing a healthy, loving environment to grow in. So my heart is opened to the possibility. There are many many African American families who are doing so and doing so beautifully, they just aren&#8217;t celebrated on the cover of national magazines.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/white-hollywoodblack-babies-rambling-raven/">White Hollywood/Black Babies by Rambling Raven</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.apooobooks.com">APOOO</a></p>
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		<title>Letting Go Of A Toxic Friend by Rambling Raven</title>
		<link>http://www.apooobooks.com/letting-toxic-friend-rambling-raven/</link>
		<comments>http://www.apooobooks.com/letting-toxic-friend-rambling-raven/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 18 May 2010 16:57:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Raven</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Rambling Raven]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.apooobooks.com/?p=4145</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I have learned that some people are only meant to be in your life for a limited amount of time. Not everyone deserves the title of friend. In fact, some people are meant to be only acquaintances. And I have certainly learned that you don't want anyone in your life whose values you do not share or agree with. <p><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/letting-toxic-friend-rambling-raven/">Letting Go Of A Toxic Friend by Rambling Raven</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.apooobooks.com">APOOO</a></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Letting Go Of A Toxic Friend by Rambling Raven<br />
</strong> <br />
I met my friend six years ago. We were both working at a place that was stressful and demanding. My friend had a great sense of humor and being around her made the day go a little faster. We discovered that we both loved to write and one day dreamed of writing that great American novel. I loved to experience the various cultural arts and cuisine that Chicago has to offer and my friend was always willing to tag along. <br />
 <br />
My friend always had a scheme bouncing around in her head. She tried everything from real estate to writing. She even wrote to reality shows to try to get on them. In many cases she fabricated those stories for the reality shows. I use to laugh at her and tell her she was crazy.<br />
 <br />
Three years ago my friend&#8217;s grandmother became ill. My friend thought that she should be in charge of her grandmother&#8217;s property and money since she lived with the grandmother. She talked her grandmother into making her executive of her will and estate. Once the grandmother passed, my friend, without approval from other family members sold her grandmother&#8217;s property. She banked the money, quit her job and moved to Las Vegas. My friend has been in conflict with members of her family over money since the move.<br />
 <br />
Las Vegas was a new start for her, my friend stated. She purchased a new car, a condo and took a year off work. The money started to dwindle and she realized that she needed a job. She went to work in the Las Vegas school system. However, she was not satisfied and due to constant conflicts with her supervisors she left her job. She tried to find a job on the Vegas strip. She tried to be a blackjack dealer. She then tried to put together an act to perform at nightclubs in and around Vegas. The act never came to be.<br />
 <br />
Last week this woman contacted me and said that she was trying to get a job working with mentally disturbed children. The only thing blocking her was that she wasn&#8217;t highly qualified to do so. She told me that she was lacking in experience. I could help her out she said, by taking a letter head from my job and writing a letter stating that she worked there for two yeas with special education students. I was upset that this woman was asking me to commit fraud. However, I wasn&#8217;t surprise. If she can scam her family she certainly can scam a friend without batting an eye. I told this friend no, I wasn&#8217;t jeopardizing my job nor was I going to help her get a position that she was qualified to do. I told her for once instead of thinking of herself to think of the children she could be harming.<br />
 <br />
Of course, this person and I are no longer on speaking terms. I have erased her number from all my phones and have deleted her e-mail. I use to think that this person was a bit erratic but now I know that she is selfish and a con-artist. My association with her extended far beyond the usefulness of our friendship. She and I met during a stressful period in our lives and we helped one another get through it. I think that stressful time clouded my judgment as to what type of person this woman really was.<br />
 <br />
I have learned that some people are only meant to be in your life for a limited amount of time. Not everyone deserves the title of friend. In fact, some people are meant to be only acquaintances. And I have certainly learned that you don&#8217;t want anyone in your life whose values you do not share or agree with. I hope one day that this person understood my position. I pray that one day she re-evaluates her own values. In the mean time she is one person who I don&#8217;t care to ever call a friend again.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/letting-toxic-friend-rambling-raven/">Letting Go Of A Toxic Friend by Rambling Raven</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.apooobooks.com">APOOO</a></p>
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