October 28, 2013

The Iowa Supreme Court Gets It Wrong~AGAIN...



On February 22, 2013 I wrote a blog entitled Can You Be Fired If You Are Too Attractive.  It chronicled a woman who was fired because her boss became increasingly attracted to her after nearly ten years of employment, expressed his attraction by sending her unprofessional text messages (to which she did not respond), got caught by his wife, and then kicked the employee to the curb in order to salvage his marriage and "remove" the distraction.

The case found its way to the Iowa Supreme Court where an all male panel determined that, while not fair, the employer's actions did not constitute an unlawful termination on the part of the employer.

You may recall a follow-up in July to my original blog discussing the fact that the Iowa Supreme Court announced that they intended to reopen and reconsider their original decision. Well, in case you were wondering, they reconsidered the case, and came to the same stupid decision that they arrived at in February.

A bad bad decision on the part of all women.  Shame on you Supreme Court of Iowa!  You got it wrong~AGAIN...

October 21, 2013

A Glowing Review For A Gal Who Glows...


I am writing today about a fellow blogger, who has changed my life!  Okay, slightly dramatic.  Allow me to explain.  A few months back I was searching for a steel cut oatmeal recipe that I could make in huge batches and freeze.  As you may or may not know, steel cut oats take a good 30 minutes to prepare, and not many of us want to commit to that during the week.  Anyway, I stumbled upon a site that caught my eye.  Next thing I know, I am not just making oatmeal, but I am pouring through her website to see what else one Ms. Angela Liddon has to offer up.

Now, before you hit the delete button and move on, here me out.  Her site is vegan.  Or as I like to call it~veganly delicious!  Super simple ingredients on their own, when combined together are healthy and full of flavor.  Don't get me wrong, I am not a full-on vegan.  I have no problem pulling down a nice fillet or grilled salmon.  But on a day to day basis, I have learned that a plant based diet is really the way to go.

I have posted a few yummy recipes that I have made over and over.  If you like what you see, you can receive direct emails from this creative chef with her newest vegan concoctions!  By the way, Angela has a cookbook coming out next spring so keep your eye out!
 


hhttp://ohsheglows.com/2013/10/07/mini-crunch-bars-with-peanut-butter-shell-dhttp://ohsheglows.com/2013/09/23/ultra-creamy-hemp-salad-dressing-nut-free-oil-free-delicata-squash-salad/rizzle/ttp://ohsheglows.com/2011/09/20/make-ahead-steel-cut-oatmeal-4-new-oatmeal-recipes/
http://ohsheglows.com/2013/09/15/jumbo-chickpea-pancake-a-high-protein-filling-vegan-breakfast-or-lunch/

October 13, 2013

What The Frack...


This is another rerun, as I have been working tirelessly to complete a writing project that has been consuming much of my time. If you missed this blog last year, it discusses fracking. An incredibly important issue that continues to plague our country. Thoughts?


Fracking is a term that has been increasingly spoken and written about in the news in the last few years. Yet, many of us just sort of understand what the concept means. Basically, it is a method to extract natural gas from the earth. Depending on which expert you are listening to, it is either a strategy that will make the United States completely energy independent or it will be the ultimate demise of every community that happens to be situated near a rich fracking site.

Ironically, I received my monthly subscription of O Magazine and stumbled upon the video that I posted below on the same day. Both provide their own perspective on the issue of fracking. The video is excellent. It reminds me a bit of Schoolhouse Rock! For everyone over the age of 40, remember the Saturday morning catchy vignettes that taught us about grammar, spelling, and the proper way a bill passes through Congress? Well, this video gives a similar tutorial on the issue of fracking.

As for the article in Oprah's monthly bible of goodness, she offers up a more personal perspective from a community in Wyoming, who sadly have endured the collateral damage of fracking.

So I ask, if the USA is actually a nation made up of some of the most intelligent and well-educated minds in the world, why can't we seek out other options that will not sacrifice entire communities for the sake of the greater good?
  
(You should know that it pained me to remain somewhat cerebral and not include my own fracking terminology like frackers, frack off, go frack yourself, and motherfracker)...



https://www.upworthy.com/fracking-is-pretty-hard-to-understand-until-it-isnt-2?c=upw1

October 7, 2013

A Little Black Dress In The Back Of A Little Blue Truck...


Say what you want about the Millennials.  You know, the 20 to 30-year-olds, who have grown up in a petri dish of an over-texting, over-sexting, selfie-obsessed existence.  Oh, and throw in a trophy for merely showing up.  I remember the good old days of gleaning awards for hard work, determination, and the art of competition and sportsmanship.

While we as a nation have sadly created a generation of "what's in it for me", there are still a HUGE number of Millennials who are standing tall with good old-fashioned work ethic and drive.

Last summer we moved from the East Coast to the Midwest.  We had a few days before our belongings arrived at our new destination so we took the liberty of enjoying a few states that we had never before visited.  Only because it was in our path, we stopped in Columbus, Ohio.  Initially, I  didn't give it much respect, but left this terrific town with a feeling of unexpected happiness.  As we pulled up to our hotel in the historic district of Columbus, there was a quaint street fair going on.  Through the sea of handmade scarves and jewelry, a little blue truck caught my eye.  It was a vintage looking Tiffany Blue delivery truck that had been turned into a mobile dress shop.  I made a mental note to check it out once we were settled.

As we finished a beautiful dinner at an outdoor cafe, I told my husband that I was going to take a quick lap around the little blue truck.  Not surprised by my request, he happily allowed his wife the pleasure of vehicular shopping.  And charming it was!  As I stepped into this pristinely transformed boutique, I was mesmerized.  The adorable gal perched against the back wall smiled and welcomed me in as if she had invited me into her home.  A proud Catherine Shadeed introduced herself as the owner of The Boutique Truck.  Did I mention that she holds a full time job while embarking on her life long dream of owning a clothing boutique?  I was impressed by this young woman, and equally impressed with the clever idea of her completely transformed mobile dress shop.

Here's how it works, she sets up a schedule so shoppers know where she will be during the month.  She is also available for private parties in the Columbus area. Now, how fun is that?  Her newfound business can also be found at www.theboutiquetruck.com.  I am sure she would much appreciate it if you liked her on Facebook or followed her on Twitter!

So, on behalf of those of us who grew up with phones attached to the wall, and relegated to the card catalog at the library to fulfill academic assignments, I can happily report that there is a nice contingent of Millennials who are digging deep to succeed!  Well done, Catherine.