I heard that so many times over the years, but I never thought it would happen to me.

My husband has been out of work now for 19 months. He has filled out over 3000 applications. Last week was the best week ever, though. He went on his first interview in over 19 months (heck in over 15 years since he was at his last job for the past 15 years). He has been asked back for a 2nd interview (keep your fingers crossed) and should know by the end of the week if he has the job. Also, he had another interview on Sunday.

Anyway, the whole time he has been unemployed, we have gone through our savings, his 401K and our sanity. We're only paying for the necessities right now. That doesn't include credit cards (which we were prior to this). So I recieve a call from a debt collector here at work yesterday (how surprising they use a "561" area code instead of the natural "800" numbers even though they aren't calling from the West Palm Beach area). I tell her my sob story how we can't afford the bill and she says "well you're still working". Well yeah biatch, but I do have to pay for my mortgage, food, electric, phone first. Everything else is secondary right now. I understand they want their money, but jeez louise show a little compassion.

And yes we were fine until March 2010. That was the month everything changed in my life. And I am the 99%

Look I live in Florida. I have been through many storms over the years. The last storm we had scared the bejeesus out of my husband and me.

We lived in a Mobile Home community in South East Florida in 2005 when Hurricane Wilma hit our area. Wilma was the strongest storm ever recorded in the Atlantic. The barometric pressure was 882 mbar. Terrifying storm that was headed right for my home state. As the storm was getting ready to hit Florida my husband & I contemplated if we should leave our home. It was 3:00 in the morning and the storm looked like it was headed right towards us, so we decided to pack up what we could and we drove to his work (a concrete building that could withstand a cat 3 if needed). At the time we were not under an evacuation (something that still puzzles me to this day).

The storm crashed into the west coast of Florida on Monday October 24th as a Category 3 storm. By the time it reached us it was a strong Cat 2. Wilma crossed the state in about 4.5 hours and weakened to winds of 110 mph. The eye of the storm was calm and almost eery at the same time. We walked outside (a big no-no I would never recommend this to anyone) and saw flooding everywhere, but the sky was as blue as could be. We drove down the street to our home and cried the entire way there. Devastation was everywhere. Tall trees and mobile home parts were all over the road. Thank God for my SUV as there was also flooded water everywhere. We saw a Mobile Home that was cut in half. I was too busy to look for my house that I didn't really care about anyone else at the time. Our house had been protected by these large Arbicola trees. Not a scratch on our house. But, the driveway was filled with parts of everyone else's home.

We could see the winds started to get a little bit stronger, so we had to get back to our compound of his work. By the time we got back to his work, the winds started to howl. I knew the back end was gonna be rough. And boy was it. All of the debris I saw on the road during the eye of the storm had now started to fly through the air (the windows in the building were hurricane proof - or so we were told). A large branch came flying towards the front door nearly busting the Hurricane Shutters. I looked toward the main road and there were people driving on the road - were they crazy????? The large power poles started to sway at this point (why are they made of wood??) Then we heard a large bang. The large Garage Door in the warehouse had imploded and started to fly down the street. Yikes - scary, scary. The rain started to pour into the showroom (the roof was leaking all over). We huddled together in the only area of the building where there was no rain and no wind damage - my husband's office. Our dogs and cat were so afraid. They just wanted it to be over - so did we.

After an hour of that, we packed up our belongings and started the journey back to our house. Knowing full well that we may not have a home to go back to. It looked like a tornado had gone through the area. Tops of trees were all over the place. Norfolk Pines that were over 50 feet high were at best 15-20 feet now. To our left there was that one house that I thought was cut in half earlier. And it was, by the top of the Norfolk Pine. There were 3 Mobile Homes that were flattened before we made the turn towards our house. The house next to us was a complete mess. The door was in the driveway and there was water throughout the entire house. We had only superficial damage. Nothing that couldn't be fixed by my handyman husband. We were OK - and I could not stop crying. We learned later that our home had swayed so much during the storm another neighbor who decided to stay thought that our house would also be a goner.

Those of you in the path of Irene, please heed the warnings. They are there to protect you. If you are in an evacuation zone, please leave. Do not stay in your home. It's not worth it. Because that neighbor of mine who's house was cut in half - he did not survive. It was such a sad day for all of us living in the community that even today I get choked up about it. These storms are nothing to laugh about - they are serious.

Take care of each other out there . . . Much Love

Robo pRick Reality Check

I take the bus everyday to work. It's cheaper than driving. I get to read. And my car is not taking a beating each day.

Well yesterday while I was waiting for the afternoon bus to pick me up, 2 older gentlemen were also waiting for the bus. One had to be late 50's, the other was at least 70. They started up about the bus service to St Lucie County from Palm Beach County. Well there isn't bus service in Martin County, but there is in St Lucie County (Martin dropped their service last year). So the guy in his 70's complained that the country is no good because there is no "Public Transportation" in Martin County (those of you in this area know that Martin is one of the reddest counties on the East Coast of Florida - they could care less about the people who live there - but I digress). He then said things in this state would be a lot better if Sarah Palin was the President. OK, my blood started to boil at this point. I asked the 70 year old - why would you want a quitter as a President?? His response - well at least she didn't lie. Now, I know I must be in some alternate universe or something. My head was starting to spin because I knew the next word out of this guy's mouth - not like that lying Muslim Kenyan we got in there now.

Now I'm not one to usually speak up, but boy I was done with these 2 yahoos at that time. I said calmly at first (even though I was more than fuming inside) that he is not a Muslim, but what if he is. Would that really be so wrong?? The late 50's guy now says that Obama is a liar because he wasn't born here, he's a secret Socialist Muslim who wants to redistribute wealth. The 70 year old got up and started to scream that them Damn Muslims want to keep attacking this country and that's why they put Obama in the White House to destroy this country from within. As a person who's family came from Egypt and the Middle East and who also has many Muslims in my family I took great offense to these words - and I told him so.

Then the question that I knew was coming, came - do you like Obama (you know at least show some respect for the office for God sake)?? I proudly said, yes, yes I do. Well then the 50 year old said that I must be a Socialist, too. Oh yeah and why hasn't he released his transcripts from College?? And the state of Hawaii along with all of the Muslims in this country are hiding the fact that he was born in Kenya and lived with his Dad there. Because his grandmother was there, too. My eyes could not roll enough. I think I even slapped my head a couple of times. So, he must have used his Super Secret Powers to magically make a newspaper article appear and his Birth Certificate appear. It was the Socialists in this country's fault that he's our President (I don't think either one of them knew what a Socialist was or what Socialism means - the 70 year old said it was like Cuba). This is where it got good. I said you do realize we are sitting on a Public Bench (socialism) waiting for Public Transportation (socialism) and riding on an Interstate (socialism). I asked the 70 year old - do you use Medicare?? He barked back at me that it was none of my business. Well, I said that's a form of Socialism - so is your SOCIAL Security.

As the bus pulled up (thank God) I told the 2 of them, they better not take the Socialist Bus or they would lose their Republican Tea Bagger card. The 50 year old mentioned something about taxes - and I said I pay enough in taxes - it's the rich people I worry about.

The 2 of them were arguing (mostly about me) in the back of the Socialist bus the entire way to Stuart (thank God I was in the front of the bus so I couldn't hear their garbage). When we got to the Park and Ride where the Socialist Cops made sure our cars weren't broken into I saw Mr. 50 year old get into his beat up car. I have a 2004 car and this looked like a 2006 car. Mine was in better shape, so I laughed and laughed as I was able to pass him on the Socialist road that is I-95.

And the moral of the story - there are still people out there that are that dumb. People who actually believe he's a secret Muslim. People who actually think that George Bush was a great president and Sarah Palin can do no wrong. And this was in Palm Beach County Florida. The yahoos are alive and well. And I cannot believe anyone would allow these people in power. But we did in 2010. So, I will fight in this area to make sure all of them are gone in 2012. And today with what little money I do have, I'm sending our President $20 because I believe we can be better in this country. I believe it starts with me and you. Thanks for allowing me to vent . . .

He wants us to write Letters to the Editor saying he is refreshing?!?! He stinks - nothing refreshing about him whatsoever

http://blogs.tcpalm.com/martin-county-poli...

Gov. Rick Scott wants supporters to submit a form letter to the editor of Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers and six other publications across the state extolling his performance.

"While politicians usually disappoint us and rarely keep their promises, Rick is refreshing because he's keeping his word," the proposed letter to the editor states. "His policies are helping to attract businesses to our state and get people back to work. Some of the special interests are attacking the Governor for making tough decisions, showing leadership, and doing what he told us he would do. Rick Scott deserves our unwavering and enthusiastic support."



The request follows the latest unemployment numbers that came out Friday.


Martin County's rate fell from 10.4 percent in April to 10.1 percent in May, ranking it 30th among Florida's 67 counties. A year ago, Martin County's jobless rate was 11.0 percent.

"The latest unemployment figures were just released and for the fifth straight month unemployment has gone down in Florida," Scott stated in a release. "That's right...unemployment is down for five straight months -- bucking the national trend."

Here is my post from yesterday:

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/...

I got here at 7:30am and I was able to get a few things done before my day officially starts. I also gave the information to the newsroom. And it looks like they are gonna do a story on the Mass Transit system here in South Florida. This particular bus did not start going to Martin County until 2 years ago. Not many people know about it, but I think after this story airs, more people will.

Oh yeah and it's a hybrid bus that is beyond confortable. I'm also so calm. I have no I-95 stress. It's is so incredible! Can't wait to take it home tonight!!

Thanks for all of the good wishes yesterday.

I can't afford the gas and wear and tear on my car any longer. So, I looked into the bus service from Port St Lucie to West Palm Beach. Thank God there is one bus. It picks you up in Stuart and takes me right to work in West Palm Beach. It's $60 a month for an unlimited pass. And with my hubby still on unemployment (a year now), I have to make some sacrifices. It costs me $120 a week for gas and $20 a week in tolls to drive to work each day. Why? Because we couldn't afford a home in Palm Beach County when we bought. And well, my hubby had a good job and we could afford the trip each week. Now, not so much.

So I've got to get up early in the morning and drive to Stuart to pick up the bus. I figure I can save about $400 a month. I could really use that money, so I'm making the sacrifice. Now only if the darn train would make it's way up to Port St Lucie (thanks for nothing pRick Scott - we could have been a great state with real public transportation). Then I might even save a little more money!!

This was one of the most fun days I have had in a long time. We got tickets to see Ellen at Universal City Walk. She is so amazing - just love her. She is the real deal. She loves her audience and boy you could tell they loved her. Standing Room only all over the City Walk area. We had great seats - 6th row on the right (can't wait to see myself on TV now). She tapes her show live. If there were any flubs (I didn't see any), they just went right over it and kept going. LL Cool J was the guest. And Duran Duran was the musical guest (they were so awesome). My show will be on Tuesday. So check me out. Here is a picture of my husband George and I and the great Ellen stage.



It was beyond hot there. I have a farmer's tan, but it's OK - I have great memories

And I nearly puked.

First of all this dweeb is a midget (not just physically, but mentally). He was yelling at our reporter the entire interview (if you would call it that). I was in the control room and I kept asking - What will you cut Marco (at the same timke as our reporter)?? He had no answer for that question (oh except that those of us below 50 won't get Social Security - he said it). He is all talk and no substance.

He rushed off the set so fast, I swear the Weather Monitor was still moving. He said hello to no-one (and believe me there were plenty of people there that he could have said hello). He had an entourage of about 3 people who kept looking at their watches - also making sure that this dweeb didn't get real hard questions.

Here is the page and the interview: http://www.wptv.com/dpp/news/state/florida...
What a slick idiot he is. I feel dirty just having him in this same building.


Sorry I had to vent. I'm so sick of these tea-bagging fools. Oh yeah and the state of Florida's idiot voters who voted for this idiot and pRick Scott. Such a mess

Personally I live 5 miles from the St Lucie Power Plant in Florida. They send us pamphlets every 6 months about the dangers of Nuclear disasters and what we should do in an emergency. We have a siren located about 500 feet from the house. They go off from time to time as a test. The dogs hate it, but it is what it is there.

The thing is, this plant went offline for about an hour during the Hurricanes of 2004. The 2 hurricanes (Frances and Jeanne) hit 10 miles south of the plant. I can only imagine if it hit directly at the plant. The Plant is located right on A1A on the Atlantic Ocean. Nothing to protect it there. Oh yeah and no-one mentioned this in the press at the time (I work for a TV station I know!).

Do I think it's safe?? Well nothing has happened yet. But hey, this is Florida. Anything could happen. Did I know that we were that close when we moved to our house. Not really. I knew the plant was there, but it didn't really cross my mind that I had to be fearful of the plant. Am I scared now?? You bet. And this plant is almost 30 years old. Were safety concerns greater back then?? Who knows?? But I've been doing more research and hopefully I'll have better answers soon.

God help us all.

My Dad was born in Egypt in 1936. He remembers the days of the Monarchy in the 50's and how the people overthrew the monarchy at the time. At that time my family was very rich (in Egyptian terms). They had a farm and house filled with tons of children (my dad is one of 13). My father is the oldest male and even at the age of 14 he took care of the family. My family is also Jewish. They were fine in the country until 1956. At that time Egypt and Israel went to war again. This time there was no monarchy. This time the Egyptian government decided to banish all Jews living in Egypt. My family was one of those families. They thought they could stick it out because they had French Passports (my Grandfather was born in Casablanca, Morroco). The Egyptian government agreed to let them stay. They could have left at that time with all of their money and belongings, until the French then got involved in the war - on Israel's side. The government stormed into my family's home and shipped all of them to France. They even wanted to send my Grandmother (an Italian resident) to Italy. My father has not been back since. And I have never been to Egypt - hopefully one day soon I will be able to go.

My father cried yesterday. His home is gone. And his former country is in shambles. He never considered himself an Egyptian. He considers himself more an American now than anything. He's been in this country since 1962. But this is the first time he wants to return to his former country. To try and help the country he once loved as a child. Hopefully they would allow my peace-loving Jewish father back there to help them get the country back for the people. You never know!!


My father is the young man in the center. He was so cute as a youngster.


Me and my Dad at my wedding 10 years ago . Love you Daddy

Here is the original letter I wrote to my Congressman - Tom Rooney: http://journals.democraticunderground.com/...

Well he wrote back to us. He never answered any of my questions, just that he couldn't vote for something and then not worry about the Deficit. Oh you mean the way he voted for the tax cuts for the rich and didn't worry about paying for them. He's such an idiot. I almost want to write back to him, but it's probably not worth it. He didn't even sign the letter. It was a stamp. I mean how cold can you actually be. The letter was cold and calculating as well.

I still remember the letter I got from Bill Clinton back in the day. His was a stamped signature as well, but the letter actually adressed the issues I wrote about. Instead I have a Congressman who could care less what we as people are actually going through. Let me win the Lottery so I could run against him and listen to the people who are in my Congressional District!!!

I am lucky. I have the honorable Tom Rooney in District 16 here in Florida. He stinks, by the way. Today we received a letter in the mail stating that we will no longer receive the $25 a week stimulus for Unemployment. This on top of the failure of the Unemployment Extension bill (HR 6419), prompted me to write the following letter to Congressman Rooney:

Congressman Tom Rooney
Washington DC Office
1529 Longworth HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515

Re: HR 6419

Dear Mr Rooney,
Thank you so much for looking out for your constituents. Since you think your constituents are the people that make over $250,000, you have done well by them. But you have not done well by those who make less. Case in point: The Extension of unemployment benefits.

This past March, my husband George lost his job where he worked for over 12 years. The construction industry used to be huge here in Florida. We thank the Republicans for messing that up. I mean you have been in charge in Florida for the last 12 years and well things have not gotten better. If it wasn’t for the stimulus program that you voted against, we would not have been able to live currently.

If you truly cared about your constituents, you would have helped to get this bill passed. Since you only care for those people that make over $250,000, I know we are stretching even sending you this letter. When you give people that make over $250,000 a tax break and forget about those of us making a lot less, you let down 98% of Americans. I really hope you are proud of yourself. I am glad that we didn’t vote for you and will never vote for you or any Republican. All you care about is money.

Well today we received a letter from the Unemployment Compensation Department stating that we will no longer receive the $25 a week stimulus check. This may not be a lot to you or your rich friends, but $25 goes a long way in the RockaFowler household. So we thank you for not thinking of your real constituents. Maybe one day you will be out of a job and experience the real problems of everyday Americans.

Thanks for less than nothing,

http://blog.reidreport.com/2010/10/rubio-c... /

Among of the many, many unsung scandals surrounding Republican superstar Marco Rubio, along with Amexgate (which has prompted a still ongoing IRS probe) to the flooring he reportedly put into his kitchen at Republican Party expense to the Taj Mahal courthouse scandal in Tallahassee, was the discovery that Rubio, when he was a young, broke, rising star in the Florida House, used money from two leadership PACs — which were supposed to be raising money to elect Republicans in the state — to hook up members of his and his wife’s family. Well, it seems that now that he’s a tea party darling and the favorite in the U.S. Senate race, not much has changed…

As the Saint Pete Times reported back in March:

• Marco Rubio was barely solvent as a young lawmaker climbing his way to the top post in the Florida House, but special interest donations and political perks allowed him to spend big money with little scrutiny.

• About $600,000 in contributions was stowed in two inconspicuous political committees controlled by Rubio, now the Republican front-runner for the U.S. Senate, and his wife. A St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald analysis of the expenses found:

• Rubio failed to disclose $34,000 in expenses — including $7,000 he paid himself — for one of the committees in 2003 and 2004, as required by state law.

• One committee paid relatives nearly $14,000 for what was incorrectly described to the IRS as “courier fees” and listed a nonexistent address for one of them. Another committee paid $5,700 to his wife, who was listed as the treasurer, much of it for “gas and meals.”




Why again is this guy ahead?? Oh yeah he has CharLIE Crist helping him out . . .

I see on this site everyday where people complain that we don't have "real Democrats" running in some races. We have Blue Dogs and Conservadems, but we don't have those real Liberal Democrats running. Well except for Florida. We have a legitimate Liberal Democrat and people on here are telling those of us in Florida to vote for a Conservative by the name of CharLIE Crist. Kendrick Meek is everything we as Democrats want in a candidate. He fights for Liberal Causes. He fights for the Middle Class. He comes from a strong Democratic family. He worked his entire life to help other people. And we are expected to ask him to step aside for the liar in CharLIE Crist?? Wake up Democrats in Florida. The only true Progressive in this race is Kendrick Meek. If we keep saying, well I don't want Rubio to win - then vote for Kendrick Meek. If you want someone who can make a real difference in the Senate - then vote for Kendrick Meek. If you want a true Liberal - then vote for Kendrick Meek. He is the real deal. And it's time we all rally behind him and stop promoting the Liar.