Excused Absence

ER Visit from Hell


Okay, I have been away for a few days. But I have a good reason. Lil Sepia spiked a 102.6 fever on Sunday night. So I got her dressed, packed her book bag fulla videos to keep her occupied during the long waits. After waiting 5 HOURS, a rapid strep test, and a chest xray, they sent us home.

Two days later, the ER leaves me this message.

"Uhm.. Miss Sepialove? This is Children's Hospital, Lil Sepia's test is back and she needs to be on meds."

WTH?!!! What other test did they do?

I call back and the charge nurse tells me the lab did a throat culture and she DOES have Strep.

Oh. Great. *sigh*

I got the meds and by Tuesday, I'm sick too. :(

Hence my doctor's note.


I will be back tomorrow.

*cough hack wheeze*

Ain't Love GRAND? *SMH*

OKLAHOMA CITY Apr 5, 2005 — A convicted killer who escaped from prison almost 11 years ago with the wife of the assistant warden was found Monday following a tip generated by the show "America's Most Wanted," the FBI said. The wife was located nearby.

The inmate, Randolph Dial, was arrested in a mobile home about 6:30 p.m. in Shelby County, Texas, Salvador Hernandez, special agent in charge of the FBI in Oklahoma, said in a news release. The assistant warden's wife, Bobbi Parker, was found a short time later working at a chicken ranch elsewhere in the county, agents said.

Parker was found a short time later at a chicken ranch. She apparently is in no hurry to go back to her old life.

"As far as I know, she has no intention of leaving," Shelby County Sheriff Newton Johnson told The Oklahoman late Monday. "She said she wants to stay on the farm and raise chickens."

http://www.theomahachannel.com/news/4346082/detail.html


Things that make you say hmmmmmmmm.

A Black Pope?

As someone that is at a spiritual crossroad, the question of whether a Black Pope would be appointed left me cold. Personally, I don't see the conclave of potential popes picking a dark Nigerian, although qualified, to lead the world's Catholics. Here are some interesting articles on the possibilities.


http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050404/ap_on_re_af/african_pope_2

http://slate.msn.com/id/2089815/nav/ais/

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/134/story_13420_2.html

Deciding who will be Pope is a very old and respected tradition.

The system has been in place, with minor variations, for several centuries: Nine days of mourning and funeral masses follow the pope’s death, and he is interred
generally on the fourth or fifth day. No sooner than 15 days after the pope’s
death and no later than 20 days post-mortem (to allow time for far-flung
cardinals to arrive) all of the cardinals under 80 years old will convene. The
number of cardinal-electors is 117.

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/161/story_16185_1.html

Choosing the Pope's Successor:

1) When the Pope dies, a group within the Vatican called the Sacred College of Cardinals informs all the cardinals of the world -- a total of 184 -- that the Pope has died and that all of them must return to Rome to elect a new pope. According to Catholic law, the meeting to elect a new pope must be held within 20 days of the Pontiff's death.

2) Of the 184 cardinals, only 120 are currently eligible to vote for the next pope.

3) The 120 cardinals pledge to perform their solemn duty.

4) The cardinals then pick a 9 person committee to handle election duties:
3 cardinals will collect the ballots 3 others will count the votes 3 others will review the results and make sure the decision is firm.

5) The cardinals then write down who among them they would like to see become the next pope.
6) If there's no winner on the first election, another election is held. If there still is no winner, an afternoon election is held followed by another if no winner is determined. And so on.

7) After each election where a pope has not been elected, the ballots are burned with a chemical that produces black smoke. This is how the public knows if a pope has been elected or not.

8) If a pope has been elected, the ballots are burned alone producing white smoke.

9) The winner is the cardinal that receives two-thirds plus one of the votes, or 81 votes in the case of 120 cardinal electors.

10) The winner is asked if he is prepared to take on the duties of the pope. If he says yes, then there is a new pope. If not, the process begins again.

11) Once a winner has been determined, the oldest of the assembled cardinals will appear on the balcony in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican and proclaim "Habemus Papam" -- Latin for "We have a Pope."

http://www.klas-tv.com/Global/story.asp?S=2888420&nav=168XYCPy



It will be interesting to see who will be chosen

Fountain of Youth?

Fountain Boy

Fountain Square

Tyler Davidson Fountain

"This 43-foot fountain is the oldest downtown sculpture and has become the best known and loved symbol of Cincinnati. Water streams from the out-stretched hands of the 9-foot tall female figure representing the "Genius of Water." Below her, four adult figures dramatize the life-sustaining uses of water, four children illustrate the life-enhancing pleasures of water, and four relief panels depict the industrial uses of water."

Carew Tower - Cincinnati

Carew Tower

I went outside today! Yeah~!! I had my daughter and my best friend's son, so I took them on an outing downtown. It was a cloudy, somewhat chilly afternoon for a spring day, but we made the best of it. I was determined to take some digital pictures and this was one of the ones I came up with.

This is Carew Tower.

Constructed at the height of Cincinnati's prominence, this is still the city's most identifiable structure, and also its tallest building. The stock market crash that triggered The Great Depression happened just a month after groundbreaking, but construction continued anyway in a slightly modified form. Its original grand details were left off above the third floor. From there up to the top the building is clad in simple brick rather than the architectural motifs, friezes, and decorative metal that so typifies an art deco building.

http://www.glasssteelandstone.com/US/OH/CincinnatiCarewTower.html

We had a ball in their enclosed mall, I took them to the food court, the music store, and the book store. Now, finally back home I can share some of the photos with you. Yes, I took these PHOTOS! I am so excited! Who knows? This may be the beginning of Sepia's Photo blog.

Enjoy! ;-)

Sepialove

Legacies

Two high profiled people died this week. One Black, One White. One Man, One Woman. Both died from a long illness. Civil Rights and Famed Criminal attorney Johnnie Cochran passed away from a brain tumor and Floridian Terri Schiavo died this morning after 15 years of being in a vegetative state.

Johnnie Cochran was a highly respected attorney and champion for the rights of disenfranchised. His long and distinguished career spanned over 30 years. His reputation surpassed the celebrity/notoriety of the O.J. Simpson case. He wasn't a celebrity, he was celebrated. Big difference.

The celebrity cases were just one part of Cochran's career. "Certainly,
Johnnie's career will be noted as one marked by 'celebrity' cases and
clientele," his family said in a statement. "But he and his family were most
proud of the work he did on behalf of those in the community."

Cochran represented a Haitian immigrant tortured by New York police, a 19-year-old black woman who was shot a dozen times by police as she sat in a locked car and former Black Panther Elmer "Geronimo" Pratt, who spent 27 years in prison for a murder he didn't commit. He called the day he helped Pratt win his freedom "the
happiest day of my life practicing law."

http://www.diversityinc.com/public/13177.cfm

Terri Schiavo was a 41 yr old woman that has been at the center of an emotional court case involving her right to die after a Bulimia induced heart attack. Based on her husband's assertion that she didn't want to remain in a brain damaged state, He fought her parents for 15 years in and out of court. The media circus, subsequent legal wranglings, and opportunistic political photo ops cannot diminish what Terri left the world.

Her legacy? Awareness. The importance regarding having a Living Will, Medical Power of Attorney or Medical Directive. Her plight highlighted the NEED to make sure everyone makes provisions in light of a catastrophic illness or accident.

His legacy? Advocacy. Mr. Cochran reached out and helped those that couldn't help themselves. "One of the best legal minds since Thurgood Marshall", said Barry Scheck, (one of his co-counsels during the infamous O.J. Simpson trial.). He wasn't a man that looked down on others. Even in his celebrity, he took on the cases of those whose injustice transcended race, socioeconomics or religion.

When I look at their legacies, I think of just how precious LIFE is and I reflect on WHAT I want to leave BEFORE my time on this earth is done. Two ordinary people that left extraordinary gifts to us all.

What will be YOUR legacy?

Famed Attorney Johnnie Cochran, dead at 67

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Johnnie Cochran, the charismatic attorney who
became famous for his successful defense of football star O.J. Simpson on murder
charges, died on Tuesday in Los Angeles of a brain tumor, spokespeople said.

Cochran began his career as a crusader against police abuses, often in
cases involving black clients, but is best known for the trial that won a
controversial acquittal for Simpson on murder charges in 1995.

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=8029285

!!!~~Over 1000 Readers Served~~!!!

*walks to the podium*

"I'd like to thank the blog academy for this distinguished honor!"


BUZZZZZZZZ !!!

(hits alarm clock)

Okay, so I was dreaming for a minute. *lol*

I am so excited about hitting the 1000th viewer mark, and just only after a month of posting too!

Thanks to all of my online friends, ESPECIALLY FROM PALTALK.COM, buddies, acquaintances, foes and nemeses that have provided much needed feedback on the site. I look forward to keeping this fresh, entertaining, thought provoking and just plain silly at times. Thanks to my sistah support network (Prolific T, CocoCurious, Nommo, MsMellyMel, SassyKarmel, MsEbby, Amaya, Bald Baby, Mso and a host of others).. My Brutha crew of topic contributors and viewers (Prince of Chosen Thought, Stock Tec, Mufasa Red, Popeye, Brey, Dark Delight, Pass Da Blunt, and on and on....)

Life is too short not to have SOME fun. ;-)

Sepialove

Happy Easter~!!

My best memories of Easter are with my grandmother, "Mother Dear" as we called her, spending all day Easter's eve Saturday pressing hair. Getting our hair done for a holiday was a big event for my cousins and I, despite being tenderheaded. Sitting in her kitchen, one by one, hair wet from a thorough washing, we sat patiently until our turn.

The air was filled with a strange bouquet of pressed hair, hair pomade and shampoo. If we behaved, there was ice cream, If we didn't, there was a switch. Now "Dear" was a woman that ruled her house with a velvet glove. Very few times did we have to be reprimanded, she was such a loving woman. She would spend hours standing up to grease, part, pressed and style up to 3 heads. It was as natural to her as breathing for this holiday ritual.

As we dressed the next morning, sometimes in similar garments, or at times matching ones, we would "play fight" for mirror time to twirl and admire her handy work. Topping us off with hats, gloves, matching purses and shoes, my little crew of cousins and I skipped outside on the porch to be transported to the annual Easter church service.

Memories like these are what I cherish most about holidays. I understand the significance of this day and would never diminish it, but to reminisce about family is sweeter than jelly beans.

My Take on..........

Terri Schiavo: It's just wrong to be starved to death, I don't care what ANYONE says. We treat the incarcerated, POW's (based on the Geneva Convention), and animals better than this. No, I don't want the government meddling in private family medical decisions, but this is a travesty.

Michael Jackson: I wasn't there, but Michael's behavior has puzzled me ever since he started CARRYING little boys to AWARD SHOWS! Earth to Michael, sleeping with other people's kids ISN'T normal. Especially when your PJ's come with one silver glove. *sicko*

Robert Blake: Didn't follow the trial, if he is really guilty, shame on him.

Scott Peterson: Reservations have been made for 1 in Hell's VIP section just for you. Don't be late.

Martha Stewart: She was crucified on Ken Lay's (of ENRON) cross. But only in America can you go to jail, have 2 major TV deals, ANOTHER movie made about you, your choice of what home to have your house arrest in, THEN come out RICHER than before? Wonder if Martha will create a line of Prison wear for women?

The Pope: If they don't stop propping this poor man up in front of drafty windows and allow him to either recover in peace, or die with some semblance of dignity, I'm gonna fly to the Vatican and transfer him to the nearest hospice myself.

Lil Kim: Okay, what were YOU thinking? Lying under OATH when there were cameras telling on you? Dayum shame, she will do time when there are others, (*ahem MEN ahem*), that will go on to make bad gangsta rap or shoot each other at the nearest club, radio station, barber shop, or chicken shack........ *smh*

Whitney Houston: Whitney, honey. Please find the most exclusive rehab, talk to Betty Ford and SIGN IN! Outpatient rehab isn't working. That's like me going to a drive thru health spa, I'm not gonna lose weight by riding past the windows and reaching for a smoothie. (Note to Bobby: Get your child support in order)

Reality TV: You have run your course. Can we get some quality tv that doesn't include chewing on squid, falling into a vat of scorpions, or picking your cousin for marriage?

Terri Shiavo's parents: It's time to talk to her, hold her and let her know how much you love her. Fighting the good fight also means knowing when to leave the battlefield. My heart goes out to your family.

Construction Woes

Okay, why didn't someone warn me how addictive blogs are? Reading them, creating them, finding new graphics, blog traffic, blog message boards, blog topics, blog favorites. Blog search engines, web rings, templates.

Banners, Buttons and Bows, Oh My! *lol*

I have been perusing the net for blog info only to get sucked into a whirlpool. I love all the visual tricks and tools. We live in a world of sound bites, news tickers, weather confetti & split screen delivery, so I know that getting and keeping a regular readership will rely not only on the CONTENT of this blog, but the LOOK as well.

Hmm...... Where am I gonna put that marquee? ;-)


Welcome to Sepia's SanctuaryWelcome to Sepia's SanctuaryWelcome to Sepia's SanctuaryWelcome to Sepia's Sanctuary


Thanks to LissaExplains.com for this marquee tip!



Sepia

Upward Bound

It amazes me how an administration that touts the flawed “NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND" act can actually JUSTIFY the major cuts proposed in long running and successful programs, such as UPWARD BOUND.

http://www.ed.gov/programs/trioupbound/index.html

Upward Bound prides itself on preparing students to become college ready. Created in 1968, it assists those qualified low income students to excel in junior and high school, become eligible for, and graduate from college. Recruiting as early as the 8th grade, the program monitors the progress of their candidates to ensure they achieve their goals.

This was just ONE of over 50 renowned programs that were seen as inefficient.
I am gonna look at some of the programs that were on the chopping block.

Parents need to take notice of where this line of thinking is going. Our kids deserve the best education, despite of what the government thinks.

Stay tuned.

Medicaid .....SAVED, for now

The smile on President Bush's face may be a little strained today after he lost some ground with his 2006 proposed budget cuts in domestic spending.

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Senate delivered a slap at President Bush and its own Republican leaders Thursday by passing a $2.6 trillion budget erasing his plans for cutting Medicaid, community development and school aid..........

Can You See Me Now? :)

Some of my online friends have mentioned that my former template made my fonts too small to read. Since I am sensitive to the needs of my soon to be mid-life crises bruthas and pre menopausal sistahs, *insert giggle*, I have changed to this look until I work out the details of my ..............

*cue orchestra*

!!!~UPCOMING CUSTOM MADE LOOK~!!!

This look will also be friendly to those that have vision problems.

Like Me.

I am so near sighted, my paltalk buddies tell me my glasses were issued by NASA. (Okay, u can stop laffing now).

*hee*

~@@@~

Now...... what did I do with those tri-focals?

Happy St. Patrick's Day

.





"When Irish eyes are smiling........~!!"


For my Irish readers, here is a hearty welcome and wishes of a great day.

For those of you that aren't sure about the origin of this holiday, please click the post title link and enjoy the History Channel's look at St. Patrick's Day.

Kiss me, I'm ... Ummm Im NOT Irish, but I could use a kiss. ;-)

Sepia

Kwesi Mfume to run for U.S. Senate in '06

Former NAACP President Kweisi Mfume announced today that he will run for the U.S. Senate in 2006.

"It is with great pride and deep humility that I announce to you today my
candidacy for the Senate of the United States," Mfume said at a news conference
in Baltimore.

"I can't be bought. I won't be intimidated. I don't know how to quit,"
Mfume said as his supporters applauded.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-mfume0314,1,5346245.story?coll=bal-news-breaking&ctrack=1&cset=true

Welcome Back Tavis

This is a good thing. I missed Tavis Smiley's insightful interviews and commentary. Big ups to NPR for getting him back.

Which website are you?

Which Website are You?


I thought this was funny. I know some of my online buddies will get a kick out of this. I don't really suck. :(

I just GOOGLE alot. ;) *lol*

Games People Play

Games People Play

Happy Sunday! I decided to relax with the heavy topics today and just "play" online. Over the years, I have cultivated quite a few links for online games. Not the crash and burn, shoot em up, tackle, or volley ones, I like trivia, puzzles, word games and mystery whodunit kinda past times.

Literati - (one of Yahoo's many games) http://games.yahoo.com/ : is their version of Scrabble. Still working on my strategy. Hovering around 1400.

Zuma - (MSN's Game Zone) is a fun game with many levels. http://zone.msn.com/en/root/default.htm

Miniclip.com has a bevy of different categories. http://www.miniclip.com/Homepage.htm


So, while I'm cooking sunday dinner, let me go try my hand at a few of these new ones.

Enjoy! ;-)