Wearing Pants Is Against The Law?

It never ceases to amaze me how crazy our world is.  In the PLAIN DEALER this morning, there was an article about a Sudan woman journalist, Lubna Hussein, who was thrown in jail for wearing a green pair of loose fitting pants in public.  I'm so glad I don't live there!  The reason is totally ridiculous--apparently Sudan is governed by Islamic law which calls for women to dress modestly.  Since when are pants immodest?  Duh! 

At least they didn't give her the 40 lashes that they could have according to their law.  They fined her $200 and when she refused to pay, threw her in jail.  How archaic is this?  I think this lady would really be happier in America or another country that is not so barbaric.  This just blows me away! 

As reported in the PLAIN DEALER, the journalist said she would not pay one penny and that she would spend a month in jail because it's a chance to explore the conditions in jail.  Good for you, Lubna!  You go, girl!

President Obama's Speech To The Children--Why Not?

The President prepared a speech targeted to the children of America encouraging them to study hard and stay in school.  Yet, schools chose not to show it to the children and parents are complaining to schools saying it should not be shown in the schools. 

I don't understand why this has caused such a commotion.  Perhaps someone can explain it to me.  After all, it's not like President Obama is a criminal or low life child molester that a parent wouldn't want talking to their children.  He's the President of the United States, c'mon!  I think it's good that he wants to encourage the children and sees they are important too. 

I really don't understand what all the hoopla is about concerning his speech.  I think schools should show it to their student bodies.  Just my opinion, what's yours?

Save our Libraries

With this recession, libraries have seen an increase in the number of patrons.  There is so much more to libraries than just books!  We have seven in our area that I can think of just off the top of my head, two within walking distance of our house and one within walking distance of my office where I work. 

Ohio has one of the best library systems in the country and now our Governor is planning to cut their state funding by 50%!  This is very distressing, especially since our library tax proposals always get passed.  Log on to http://www.saveohiolibraries.com to stop him.  Call the governor of Ohio at 614-466-3555 or 614-644-4357.

Do you use the library?

For a related post, check out:  http://zemeks.blogspot.com/2009/06/libraries-are-so-much-more-than-books.html

Kudos To The NFL

I was pleased to see in this morning's paper that Stallworth, a football player on the Browns team, has been suspended indefenitiely without pay.  He killed someone with his car while driving drunk.  People by now should know better and not mix drinking with driving.  It's good to see the NFL didn't just overlook this incident.

What do you think about this?

How Up On Driving Rules Are You?

Dennis Kucinich's Autobiography

The Courage to Survive by Dennis J. Kucinich (5 stars)

Enlightening & Interesting

Even though I am not very interested in politics or political figures, I thoroughly enjoyed this autobiography by Dennis Kucinich, former Mayor of Cleveland. It is a fast read because it's so well written and fascinating. He shares how his family lived in poverty and struggled along. He had health problems but still had a desire to help other people. Parts were sad while other parts were cute and humorous. It gave me insight into how the poor live and a new respect for Dennis Kucinich.

--Karen Arlettaz Zemek, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry"