Friday Five: Favorite 2011 Memories

I hope everyone is enjoying the last Friday of 2011. If you are getting ready to party tomorrow night, please remember to stay safe and keep it all in moderation. If you can't remember it, then how can it be any fun later on? Yeah yeah. Speaking of memory, that leads me to today's Friday Five. My favorite memories of 2011!

1. My brother got married in September! Yeah! Go bro! Maybe my sister-in-law can muzzle him and keep him grounded. :)

2. I finally "officially" moved back to Ohio in August. I live in the south since 2003. It was time to come home for a while.

3. I got my first e-reader in October. I have since downloaded about 600 free books and games. I intend to read them all at some point!

These last two were harder to come up with...

4. Occupy events started in September. I'm sad that it has come to demonstrations and civil disobedience, but I am very happy to keep the memory of Americans finally waking up in my mind.

5. Gay marriage legalized in New York in July. I am very, very happy that my friends in New York are legally entitled to marry their partners, but I really hate that it has come to be court cases and such over the issue. Up until 1996, there was no "definition" of marriage. Why do we need one now? The neighbor's marriage has no merit on someone else's. So yes, just like in 2004, 2008, 2009, and 2010, I am happy about the legalization, but I am still disappointed that people cannot see beyond their own egos to get over themselves and mind their own business.

Here is to a very Happy New Years to you. Stay safe. Have fun. Ring in the new year surrounded by those you love!

Love is love, no matter the back story. <3 DS

Saturday Salute: Honoring a Pledge

This is a very short Saturday Salute. Kids are going crazy right now. :)

I want to recognize the veterans and active duty military that have come out to support the Occupy protesters. When enlisting in the military, soldiers take an oath to protect and serve United States Constitution and obey the orders of the President and officers. However, if you ask most soldiers, they will say they made a promise to protect U.S. Citizens and our Country. And some of those same soldiers are taking that promise to protect to heart. They have joined ranks to provide support and protection for the 99% protesters across the nation.

From the Veterans for Peace to groups of Occupy [Military], soldiers are coming forward (along with members of the police BRAVO!) to continue protecting us even after they have returned from war. It hasn't come without some issues. Former Marine Scott Olsen was critically injured at a raid against Occupy Oakland. Sargent Shamar Thomas verbally abraded NYC police; dissidents immediately went to work to tear him down via the Internet for daring to stand up for his beliefs.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you soldiers, for your service at home and abroad. You are exemplary of why I resolutely support the troops!

Love is love, no matter the back story. <3 DS

Updated Stats

Been a busy week. Here are those updated stats I promised a few days ago.

As current:

Total views: 2136
Top visitors: USA, Germany, United Kingdom, and Canada
Top posts: Chloe Moretz (by far 262 views), Safe 4th (106 views), Writing Voice (46 views), 101st post (45 views), Clark Duke (34 views)
Top Browsers: IE, Firefox, Safari, Chrome, and GranParadiso (what is NS8??)
Top OS: Windows, Mac, Linux, iPad, and Android

Like the previous stats post, I find this stuff very interesting. I like to learn about these unknown browsers and see the key word searches. Pretty cool stuff. Anyways, what is NS8? I could Google it but I'm too lazy right now. I need more coffee.

To those at Occupy Cincinnati: I wish I could have been there with you all today. I stand behind you and send my support. Stand strong and stick true to your pledge to remain non-violent, vigilant, and vocal. We are the 99%. I hope to be there soon.

Love is love, no matter the back story. <3 DS