I want a new perm, highlights, and new thighs…I know, I’m shallow. CA

can can, Have you never heard of the Patriot Act, or that as President Georgie Bush decided that HE could deem anyone an enemy combatant and have them imprisoned without charges, due process, or possibility of release? If President Obama doesn’t choose to end that form of Oligarchy we will continue to be a country ruled by the few, have no middle class, and closely resemble a Third World Nation. CA

Thanks for the hints C jay. We already get discounted rates on our electricity through a program that has been in effect here for many years, but I will check for any additional programs under the stimulus. Thank you again. CA

Let’s say I believe in the ‘fickle finger of fate.’ CA

Yesterday I recertified for my Food Stamp Benefits. At the end of my telephone interview I was told that as of April 1st, 2009, I would be receiving a 25% increase in benefits as a result of the President’s Stimulus Program. I know I am just one of ‘those’ people who live below the poverty level, but I am absolutely thrilled with the extra food I will be able to buy with my new found wealth. I am not being sarcastic. The difference between $100 and $124 a month DOES mean a lot to me. CA 

Thanks Diana! Knowing his reputation as a prankster I bet he wished he didn’t have to cover up that last shot. CA

Ditto, Diana!

Yes! Actually I am already in ‘the system.’ No matter how it changes it will be all I can get. I’m already uninsurable based on the current criteria and I doubt that will change. CA

George Clooney CA

The Swiss are now going to open their accounts to the Madoff investigators.  But, the Cayman’s…I don’t think so. CA

No way! Thirteen is one of my favorite numbers. Now March 17th scares me to death! Not only was it my ex-husband’s birthday but, a few years back I got totalled in my new car of 2 weeks five blocks from my house. YUCK! CA

Thank you phyllis. I am confident that we can get through any and all adversity. We come from a lousey, but sturdy, gene pool. CA

Thanks very much for the hints. Mom and I are already frequent cruisers (10 ea) on the Royal Caribbean/Celebrity/Azmara Group and cash in on the benefits that brings. I also have a travel agent we work with, but before we decide on a cruise I check on any/all possible discounting without sacrificing the benefits of a high end larger verandah stateroom. I also read about the ships, when they were first built, refurbished, amenities, etc. Another tip for those who can travel would be to get a credit card with the Cruise Line Family you like best. We put all expenses relating to all trips during the year on that card, use it on board ship, and then before the cruise we have the earned points converted into shipboard credits which usually cover all the tipping for our staff throughout the cruise. This year I learned how to arrange for medical equipment to be set up in our stateroom for mom’s O2 concentrator, and be there the time we board. So, if anyone needs info of that  nature…www.specialneedsatsea.com will get you started. It isn’t anymore expensive than arranging for the equipment to be delivered to a land location while visiting family and friends. Oh! Did I forget to mention we leave on a 7 day cruise down the MEX RIV in April this year. Before the financial downturn we had already decidedand booked a shorter cruise this year to prepare for the longer one in 2010. So before we lost money we already had it paid for. The real plus has been that the cruise line has since given us two price reductions in the form of shipboard credit since our booking. Guess that means that I can still have 2 Kir Royal’s before dinner…lol. CA

Joan, My grandmother was the one in the family born with ‘happy feet’ and as a child I got to travel with her and my mom. Ever since I’ve had the travel bug and mom was a travel agent for many years. Now it’s just mom and I and we figure if we don’t enjoy ourselves now we know the day will come that travel will be physically out of the question. We are casting all fear to the wind and are planning a Miami to San Diego cruise through the Panama Canal for next year to celebrate her 80th B-Day. Knowing there is a trip deposit made on an exceptional cruise keeps me going year to year. By June we should have that cruise picked out and will be giddy all the way to 2010. CA