A Hallowed Good News

Here we go again.  Yes, it is another good news regurgitated.  Perhaps some blood and gore. Or a little trick and we kick off another episode of Good News with some bad news.  How about some drama.  This may get you a little depressed but there will be none of that crap.  This is Good News.  Drama free but maybe some blood, gore and regurgitation.  So take this.





Good News from way back in the week of 17 Oct 2015

• Melissa reports that Ethan took forth place in Feis (Irish Dance)  So awesome.  Proof positive that if you put forth the effort you will get the prize. (pun intended)
• Niny tells us that she made it through the 5 mile mark at the Tough Mudder.  That race is no joke.  I am sure mud is still being found weeks later.
• According to Josie that it has been 6 months since Max's bad diagnosis and he is still with us.  Way to go Max.  Forget what the diagnosis says.  That is what I always say.
• Donna is giving big props to the coaches that are getting her ready for the Philadelphia Marathon.  She completed her 15 mile run and walked another 2 miles the next day.  Evidently, her legs are still attached.  I start off by saying Go Team and then Go Donna.  You are doing great and I will be out there cheering you on.  Remember as one of Duff's Donnas we say "eff cancer."
• Danielle set a PR at Frank Loyd Wright race.  This time the time was recorded under her name where the previous PR was under a friends name.  Congratulations on the PR.  It seems like some sort of theme in today's good news.  Spooky, isn't it.
• Cindy celebrated her fathers 80th birthday with many of his friends and family.  One day I will be that young.  
• Stephanie logs in with an 8 mile run.  I need to get myself out there and put on some miles as well.  Good on ya.
• Space, the Psycho and I spent the weekend in NYC where we stayed a cute little B&B.  We toured around SOHO which included a personalized BirchBox and custom lipstick among other things.  All topped off with a visit to the Bronx Zoo and a little party at my sister's boyfriends place.  We had a cool yet exhausting weekend.

 What a great bunch of good news.  About that theme it seems best said that with hard work come the reward.  Keep up the hard work and the tiny victories.  I miss these little reminders and need to work harder at getting them republished.  Thanks everybody and Boo!

Planned Parenthood Letter to Congress

So I was sitting in the car in Atlantic City and read some article about the defunding of Planned Parenthood and some bullshit about selling aborted fetal tissue.  It made no sense.  So lets think about what fetal tissue is used for.  Things like HIV and Alzheimers research.  See the bit about this on Larry Wilmore's Nightly Show.

Get More: Comedy Central,Funny Videos,Funny TV Shows

Another thing is that abortion only represents about 3% of Planned Parenthood's business and none of that is funded with federal dollars.  I don't know how that figure works out.  Is it 3% of patients or is it 3% of budgeting.  What ever it is really small and that means that 97% of there work is dedicated to women's health and the reproductive rights of all of our citizens.  It also, goes to health education and std testing.  Those sound like some important things.  Actually, that idiot Bobby Jindal cut medicaid payments to the two Louisiana Planned Parenthood facilities so that do not perform abortion services.  So in one of the poorest states with some of the highest unemployment rates has cut healthcare payments to the sanest of women's health clinics.
So, what did I do?  I wrote to our congressmen in the House and Senate on my phone.  I kept it short because I was on my phone but I wrote to Senators Pat Toomey and Robert Casey and Congressman Brendan Boyle.  Here it is and I will post their response when it comes.  I recommend you do the same.  Look up your congress persons at house.gov and senate.gov.

Please don't vote to defund planned parenthood. They perform such a great service to women's health. Those alleged videos of bad actors doing bad things with fetal tissue do not represent the organization. Their the whole organization and those that benefit from their services do not deserve this punishment. Please stand for women's rights and health by letting them make their own educated decisions. Thank you.Robert Duff

 So far it has failed.  I hope it continues to fail.

And big thanks to Comedy Central for posting good clips and their code to embed videos.

Letter to Congress About GMO free Labeling (with response)

So I was going through Facebook this afternoon while I was waiting for my Micafungen infusion and I saw a link about Congress voting on a bill to have the USDA develop guidelines for labeling for products as "GMO free." It is good to have standardized guidelines especially if they help the consumer and general public. This does not do that so I decided to write my congressman instructing him to vote know. We must stop this madness/stupidity. So here it is. I am sure there are typos but I wrote it on my phone so....

I have read a notice that the house plans to view on a bill to have the USDA develop guidelines for "GMO free" labeling of food products. Please vote no to this idea and consider more a set of guidelines for labeling some food products and "organic." There are several reasons for this and they are listed below in no order of importance:1. Organic labeling is more of a marketing ploy to have producers sell more and charge more for their low yield product that is generally no more healthy than its noon-organic counterpart.2. There is no such thing as a"GMO free" food product on our modern society. The food we have eaten in the more recent past was genetically modified by what I call blunter processes like selective breeding and hybridization. The fact that we can now perform that work with better precision and accuracy at the generic level actually makes the foods product safer.
3. There is no evidence that GMO for products are unsafe. In reality, many "GMO" crops are safer because less pesticides are used because part of the genetic modification addresses pest control.I am sure there are other reasons and many more facts to add that shoulder convince you to not only reject this bill but also I would expect you to champion the effort to encourage your colleagues to reject this pandering.Thanks you for your consideration.Robert Duff

So here is the reply from our great Congressman.  Or at least a staffer.

Dear Mr. Duff,

Thank you for contacting the office of Congressman Brendan Boyle to express your support for labeling genetically modified foods (GMOs). My name is Helena Mastrogianis, and I am Congressman Boyle's Legislative Director. He asked that I respond to your inquiry on his behalf. The Congressman highly values the input he receives from citizens like you because the concerns that you express to him inform his decisions on policy and votes. This type of feedback allows Congressman Boyle to maintain an open discussion with those he represents and it is the top priority of our office.
As you may know, the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015, H.R. 1599, was introduced with the intent to prevent states from requiring GMO labels on foods and other products. Congressman Boyle voted against the bill on July 23, 2015 because he believes that consumers have a right to make fully-informed decisions about the products they purchase. Many states have passed their own laws requiring labeling of genetically modified food and ingredients. Congressman Boyle believes that these states should not be prevented from enacting reasonable legislation in the interest of consumer protection and choice. There needs to be more research on the long-term effects of eating and using GMOs. Since we have yet to determine the long-term ramifications of genetically-modified food, Congressman Boyle will support the open disclosure of genetically modified food to the public
H.R. 1599 passed by a vote of 275-150. Again, thank you for contacting our office and sharing your concerns.  Please do not hesitate to contact us again regarding this or any other matter.
Sincerely,
Helena Mastrogianis

Well, he voted my way but for a different reason.  Still, the vote went down party lines and will probably get killed or radically changed in the Senate.  We will see.   

Good News: Eventually Posted with Classic Good New Thrown In

Hey everybody.  It is about that time that I sit down and get some good news out.  I know that 2015 has been a sporadic year for my good news posts.  I try to remember to ask for these tiny, non-drama related victories on a regular basis but again that is not to be.  Well, things have been going great for me these days.  I have stayed out of the hospital for over a month.  The psycho finished the seventh grade and is now a teenager.  I guess I should expect some new drama in my life but I think I can handle it.
The weird part is that I am writing this from the blood and marrow transplant unit here at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital where I recieved my stem cell transplant and where I am usually taken when I have complications.  Unlike other times in the past, I am just here as a visitor to say hi to the staff of physician assistants, technician, doctors and ,of course, the Rescue Ninjas (RNs).   They got startled when I came by because they thought I was sick again but instead I just wanted to visit and used there family lounge for some piece and quiet.  Either way, it is great feel so welcome and realize that there are people that truelly care about my well being.  That is those beyond my family that are legally required to care no matter what a jerk I become.  Either way, I should get on to some good news that was share with me in the past few weeks.

Good News for the month of July 2015 with some classic good news thrown in as well.:

• Josie spread the news that it was Dave's birthday.  Way to go.  You survived another revolution around the sun.  I sure miss running with you dude.  I know I was slow but you were amazingly patient.  Our last run was a blast through the double scissors (I think that was the name) course.
• Mandy reports that her step daughters and her all set new PRs at the 5k that weekend.  The icing on the cake was coming in 1st and 2nd in the age groups.  Also, a negative (clear) report came from the bone growth biopsy on her step son's femur.  Those may be beyond the category of tiny victory.  In the spirit the Tour de France lets call them HC tiny victories.
• Sherrie saw Violent Femmes, Barenaked Ladies and Rolling Stones all live in Raleigh last week.  Once again another HC tiny victory.  I am so jealous.
• Danielle completed 4 weeks of C2 5k training without the need of an inhaler.  Also, she tried kayaking for the first time.  So cool.  Keep up the good work.
• Time for some Classic Good News:  Maggie and Chuck finnaly joined the 21st century and got smart phones with data plans and everything.  It is awesome to be able to connect the world with such ease.
• Donna has had some knee trouble but got a new knee brace and gutted out a good six miler with TnT.  She also took the kids to Shankweiler's Drive In Theatre to see Minions and Terminator.  So awesome.  Space, the Psycho and I love drive in theaters.  We will have to check it out soon.  Even more to add, she got some dictation work which always helps but she is having some trouble with some oddball friend that keeps asking for good news.  What a jerk. He must be tired of all the drama in the world and the media that covers it.
• Cindy was helping with finding that special one to say yes to the dress with her daughter.  I know the perfect dress is out there and you guys will find it if you haven't already.
• Maggie came back with the countdown for her granddaughter coming to visit.  I believe it is only 3 weeks now.  I know you guys will have fun but remember she is a teenager now and remember how I was at that age.  I guess the real good news is that you get to put back on a plane to her parents afterwards.  

What a great batch of good news.  Oh, damn I forgot.  My good news is that I ran.  That is right.  I ran for a grand total of a quarter of a mile with walking warm up and cool down added on.  It was short and my lungs burned but it felt good.  It felt so awesome to just move the feet and see the world through the runners eyes again.  Again, I think we may have to categorize this as a HC tiny victory. 
Well, that is it for now and thanks so much for sharing.

Finally: The Good News is Back for 2015

     You smell that?  It is the good news from all of you.  I know I kind of left this in limbo.  Starting with cutting the year short in November 2014.  Then kind of stumbling out of the blocks for 2015.  As most of you know I have been going through bouts of recovery this year.  I asked for some good news in Mid January and you guys did great with some gems from Danielle like :  "Almost all traces of Christmas have been packed away until next year - the exception would be the ridiculous amount of chocolate I received from my students...." Unfortunately, my recovery needed more recovery and I woke up about a week later with serious holes in my memory.  I actually, couldn't remember if the College National Championship had taken place and those days prior like even asking for good news were gone.  It is what is known as Milk of Amnesia that put me under just enough to keep me alive.
     I tried again and succeeded in February getting out some good news, just look.  But my body quit again and again I woke up in the middle of the night many days later not knowingTh what had happened.  Still this is a good news blog and I will summarize from then to now.  I woke up and the Doc asked if I knew what month it was.
Me: February!
Doc:  Sorry, it's March.  Then another episode later in March but we caught it quicker and I did not have be made unconscious.  To round it up, I asked for good news in April a couple of times and got another great turn out with a victory like Helen with re-installing Beta Mu with Mark Evaniak and Kip Nally.  It's good to see another Alpha Chi Sigma chapter back in the mix.
     So here it is, May.  I will not forget the previous sharing of tiny victories so I will bring them back as "Good News Classics" to intersperse with the current events of the time.  So here it is the Good News:

Good News for the week of 9 May 2015

• Josie says that Max is having a good day and went on a nice walk in the park with Dave. We are enjoying everyday we have with him.  Max is a good guy and I hope he has many more good days.
• Stephanie survived her comprehensive exams.  Congratulations.  Ah, grad school.  Sometimes, I wonder if I am glad I got out of academia or not.  Who am I kidding, no school for me.  
• I had a great walk with Space while The Psycho was at swim practice.  It was awesome just to get back to moving.  This is the start I need to get back to running.
• Good News Classic: Abbey in April came at us with "Hanging with my TNT teammates on our training weekend. It's raining so more bonding than training, but still a great time."  Go Team and training the rain is awesome.
• Danielle got a gift certificate for a manicure from a Teacher Appreciation Week raffle.  Oh a new set of hands to teach with.  
• Donna had a great mothers day with Kelly cooking for her and some much wanted music.  We got Space and her mother Chris out for some dinner.  Mother's day has always been a fine time to get the family together and have a good time.  Donna is also commenting about how good the weather has been and how perfect it is for getting out for a run for training or not.
• Maggie enjoyed a quiet Mother's day and even got a video call from the Son and Granddaughter.  It was good seeing the top of yours and dads head as well, mom.  

A nice set of tiny victories.  I know the world seems to be going down the tubes sometimes and there seems to so much drama surrounding us that we may tend to forget that there is actually good things happening to us everyday.  I certainly hope this keeps up and we and I will get the Good News blogging back into the shape it was last year. Though I have been lacking in my blogging, Space has been going at it with her Jen-illocity blog.  Check it out.  Till next time guys.

Don't Call It a Comeback: Good News 14 Feb 15

Don't call it a comeback. I've been here for years. I am finally ready to start up the good news dialog again.  A little insight, I decided to take a break while I was getting my stem cell transplant and return with a fury once I was able to put the appropriate effort.  So here it was, Valentines day and I woke up realizing that we needed to share all of our good news again.  I promise that I will let you guys know more about the transplant and it will be posted on my other blog Rachaelsdaddy's Blog.  One more thing is I want to give an big shoutout to my mother (Maggie) for guest blogging the last Good News while I was feeling under the weather during the transplant.  She was a little nervous about it but as I expected she knocked out of the park.  Okay.  I know it is cold and the Good News engine hasn't been started in three and half months but lets turn the key and see if it fires up.

Good News for the Week of 14 February 2015:

• Susan had her dryer fixed at no cost.  It was a loose part and the repair man was on top of it at no charge.  I hate say it is getting rare to see that type of kindness and good business practices.  Good on you dude.  
• Okay, taking a deep breath and:  Danielle is excited to see the Good News coming back.  Thanks.  That is not all.  She is also learning more about the Universe as she plans more for the Space Science unit.  I would recommend some of the shows that Netflix has like How the Earth Was Made and Through the Wormhole.  They are a wealth of information and cool graphics. Part Pi:  She and Mark are committed to going to gym twice a week and they are gradually getting used to it.  That reminds me I need to do something similar.  To top it off some very sweet notes and chocolates from her students were enjoyed as a prelude to the play they performed on Saturday night.  And exhale.
• Allison reminds us that her Cassie is a year older as of this past Saturday.  I can remember when you were just a toddler and refuse to believe that all this time has passed.  Happy Birthday young lady.
• According to Matt a new colony has sprung up just 2 miles from the parent chapter.  Expansion on a universal scale.  I believe we are still accelerating.  I look forward to the installation of a new chapter of Alpha Chi Sigma.
  
• After three years of patience Jen has gotten the appropriate length for donation. (See Picture)  To top it off the resultant styling is awesome. I have to admit that I was worried about the end result.  This originally came from a promise not to cut her hair till she got a job in TN.  Though we moved back to PA 2.5 years ago we held her to the promise.  For many good reasons The Psycho and I released her from vow.
• Maggie is loving life. She had great calls with her granddaughter (The Psycho) and me.  Being in Florida is also an advantage over the frigid weather her in Philly.  Well played mom, well played.
• Pam has the best news we can expect.  "Everything here is as Normal as can be."  In the end is there any more that we can reasonably ask for?
• Donna says it was great to see me.  Right back at you.  At some point we need to get out for a run.
• Cindy was attending an marriage enrichment weekend in Lake Geneva, WI.  To top it off she had Jim's undivided attention from the shop as well.  Sometimes it is great to just get away, isn't it?  
• I have to put an endcap to this with I reached 100 on Sunday.  There will be more on what that means later in the Rachaelsdaddy's Blog page.  

Okay, it was a come back and what a comeback it was.  Our tiny victories and plethora of good news warms me in the right places.  Trust me, we need as much warmth as possible.  For no other reasons than to stop the complaining and arguing with the Psycho about wearing a coat.  Still, I am so glad that you are willing to share with the community.  I will do my best to keep up with this and encourage my guest bloggers to contribute as well.  There may be some format changes that I will try in the future.  Feel free to let me know your thoughts and recommendations on that subject.  Till next time, Toodles.