I have recently embarked on the oh-so-fun journey of trying to get exposure for my photography. I used Flickr quite a bit and I was able to get published from that. I am eagerly awaiting my copy of the publication. I, of course, made no money on it but figured it was a good way to get myself out there. I don't want to do this professionally, but a little extra income would be nice. I found another website where people can find your artwork and the company prints everything and ships for you. I'm currently holding off on this since it's $30 to have this option available. I'm waiting to see if anyone would want to purchase it first. I think a lot of people like to think they can take great photos or do something artsy fartsy. For me, I think I just like giving people another perspective on the world - just like my blog.

I, along with most women I'm sure, am so angry about this stupid Jessica Simpson thing. Oh, she's the size of a normal human being now - let's take pictures and say horribly snarky things about her. The picture is of her at a country concert. I have to say - the outfit is not the best. But seriously, when did it become huge news for someone to gain 15 pounds? Could you imagine having your tiny weight gain broadcasted to the world? How horrible! I just want to hug her. Jessica, it's okay, you're still the amazing woman you were last week.

I was listening to the radio this morning and the host was saying that he went to the mall yesterday to stimulate the economy. I just have to wonder - when did the word "shopping" get replaced with the phrase "stimulate the economy"? How many points did the Dow have to plummet in order for this change to occur? I have even caught myself saying it. Where are you off to? Oh, I'm off to stimulate the economy. Have things really gone so off course that our weekend hobbies are being renamed? I don't even really know if it is up to us as citizens to stimulate the economy. Maybe if companies would stop laying people off, canning anyone who has been in the company longer than 5 years, and closing down offices like it's going out of style, we would have more money to spend. But they are cutting costs because no one is spending. How do you stop something that is a never ending cycle of poor decisions? I heard about a week ago about how companies are getting rid of employees with seniority because they pay them more so it is more cost effective. However, once the economy does try to recover - these same business will be unable to satisfy demand because they will be understaffed with incompetent people. Is there really a solution to this? Obama is trying to pass his stimulus package. Most people see it as throwing money at the problem, just like the last checks we received. However, I'm sure these same people will be just as happy to accept THEIR check from the government as everyone else. But they will most likely put it into a savings account or pay off some old debt with it. Me....I think I'll go stimulate the economy.

"We will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends" ~Martin Luther King

I heard this in the morning while listening to the news. They were interviewing Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich, who is currently about to be impeached. At some point in everyone's life, you go through something horrible. And you'll be surprised, just like I was, how few of those close to you stand up to help.

My hometown celebrated a 100 year old local man last week. While in his 20's, he attended Michigan State University but failed to receive his degree because he couldn't afford the last few classes. Now at the age of 100, he has received an honorary degree from MSU for forestry. This was thanks to a friend of his who worked with MSU to help him receive his degree. Yay for the good of other people!

1. Human stem cell research has begun. The hope is that injecting stem cells into the spinal cords of injured persons will actually help permanent injuries to heal. Test persons will be monitored for one year.

As always, I have been a fan of stem cell research. Although I don't agree with mothers receiving money for the embryo, I definitely think it is something that could advance medical technology. Healing those with major back issues could be an amazing discovery when the answer use to just be "here's a wheel chair"

2. A football coach is being charged with reckless homicide when he allegedly refused to allow a 15 year old player to take water breaks. The player collapsed with a 107 degree temperature and died three days later

Are you serious? I was competitive in high school and I got pushed hard, but come on people! Running players with no water in 90 degree heat is inexcusable. There is more to life than just this. If you are going to do three hour practices, give them water!

3. McCain doesn't agree with Obama's move to close Guantanamo Bay. "I think that it's a wise move. But I also think that we should have addressed this whole issue completely, because it did not address the issue of those who we have in custody and can't -- and no country will take them back."

McCain's point has merit. However, who is still talking to McCain? I thought you disappeared off the face of the planet when you lost an election. Since when did his opinion become news worthy? Apparently Mrs. Obama hasn't worn anything interesting or else that would have topped the news instead of McCain.

There's a point in life when you get tired of chasing everyone and trying to fix everything. But it's not giving up. It's realizing you don't need certain people and their crap.