Saving Baby Joseph

So I got a link to this Save Baby Joseph page on my wall and checked it out.

One-year-old Joseph Maraachli of Windsor, Ontario will have his life support removed Monday at 10 am. after the Ontario Superior Court rejected an appeal by the parents to bring him home where he can die under their care. This group was created to draw attention to Baby Joseph's plight in the hopes that the hospital will listen to his parents' wishes.

Here's the article the page links to: Vigil planned in support of family of ‘baby Joseph’ set to lose life support

First of all, there is NO information as to why this one year old is in his condition on life support.  Second, the doctors told the family back in October that there was no chance of recovery (um, from what? We don't know).

Second, the doctors and hospital have fought for life support to be removed because there is no chance of recovery.  Okay, I get that.  The parents don't want to give up.  But, then there's a line in the Life Site News that doesn't make any sense to me: "The doctors gave him no chance of recovery, so his parents, Moe Maraachli and Sana Nader, asked them to perform a tracheotomy, which would allow them to take Joseph home.  But the doctors refused, saying the procedure was too risky."  Is it possible the tracheotomy request was done back in October or November and no new requests have been made since? 

So, I tried to research it.  I found this:
‘Death panels’: Canadian court rules baby’s life support removed against parents’ wishes

I discovered that Joseph is suffering from severe neurological issues, which, as it turns out, the parents had a daughter with the same issues eight years ago, but they did the tracheotomy and she was able to die at home.

His parents want to take him home to die and pray for a miracle that he'll start to breathe on his own.  In reality, it's possible he won't even survive the tracheotomy surgery, and if he does, then he'll end up suffocating to death at home and his parents will be torturing themselves trying to tend to him and possibly not be given the opportunity to say goodbye.  The hospital wants to give him an injection that will allow him to die peacefully.  Most likely, because they know what happened with the daughter and that it'll be easier on the parents and they'll have a chance to say goodbye.  So, which is more humane?

Maybe before people start jumping on the Save Baby Joseph bandwagon and screaming at the "Death Panels" they should do a little research to discover the REAL story and not just the bits and pieces that a  Pro-Life Web site starts spouting. 

Superbowl National Anthem

All I want to say, is that if this was an audition for American Idol, Christina Aguilera would NOT have made it to Hollywood. Not only were her runs horrible and her "growling" ridiculously placed, she didn't even get the lyrics right!  I'm having Roseanne Barr flashbacks...

 

 

Opera, Art Song and Neapolitan Melodies

Do you LOVE Opera? 

If you do, you'll want to make sure you get your tickets for Intensità!!   

May 6, 2011 at the Sovereign Performing Arts Center in Reading, PA.

Intensità!!

Friday, May 6, 2011, 8 p.m.

An evening of music filled with the passion of music from opera, art song and Neapolitan melodies with world renowned soprano Aprile Millo and special guest artists.     

Featuring tenor Sergi Giménez in his U.S. début.

Tickets are available at the VF Outlet Box Office at the Sovereign Center, all Ticketmaster Outlets, or charge by phone at 800.745.3000 or at Ticketmaster.com

Blizzard 2011

Please note that the storm is not yet over. Maybe I'll take some additional photos tomorrow.

 

I did go out and shovel the deck. I debated on the steps.  I found one. When I saw 2 feet of snow on the next step and more than 2 feet of snow blowing towards it, I decided to save my energy.  Maybe I'll leave the house again in March.

149 Military Discounts

This list was originally sent to me by the FRG (Family Readiness Group) and was originated by Brad's Deals. But, it's vital information that should be passed along.  I've removed the expired links so there are only 149 discounts instead of the original 174 as posted by Brad.

Stores & Services Offering Military Discounts

There is no way we can ever properly thank members of the US Military for all that they have done. They are certainly not paid enough for their work and their great sacrifice. Iraq and Afghanistan have been particularly tough and stressful for members of the military, their families and loved ones.

We have found 174 stores and services doing their part to make life easier by offering discounts to active, reserve, and retired members of the US Military and their immediate family members. Please help spread the word via Facebook, Twitter and Email to those you know in the military about this resource. If you have additional suggestions please comment below and they’ll be added on an ongoing basis.

Two important caveats. First, some stores offer discounts only at the owner’s discretion and other discounts vary by state. Second, many stores that give a military discount don’t advertise it. It is always worth asking a store whether they have one or not and to have your military ID on you.

A&W – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. 

Aeropostale – 20% off in store, just bring valid military ID

Agentsource.com – Up to 40% off standard real estate closing costs for Active duty men and women moving in the United States or Canada

American Airlines – Discount varies, requires military ID

American Video Productions -10% off to active duty, retired, families of military and dependents. Call and ask for the discount http://www.americanvideoproductions.net/

Amtrak – 10% off

Anheuser Busch Amusement Parks – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Anna’s Linens - 10% off any purchase with Valid Military ID in store only

Apple Computers - The discount varies, you need to sign up here:  http://www.apple.com/r/store/government/ 

Applebee’s – Discount varies per location, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you

Arby’s - Discount varies per location, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Ashford University – Discounted tuition at $250 a credit, books are covered for all required courses, waived application fee, waived technology fee and more! Benefits apply to all Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists and spouses, dependents eligible for survivor benefits, plus civilian DOD employees & separated vets/retirees still using their GI Bill.

ASMBA – Armed Services Mutual Benefit Association – Membership in the non-profit association is free, and, when you join, you’ll get $3,000 of free AD&D coverage.

AT&T – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Auto Zone – Varies Per Store - Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Avis – 25% off, online you should use this coupon AWD # A555084

Azamara Cruises – Discounts vary, 800-338-4962

Back Yard Burgers – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Banana Republic – 10% military discount 1st of every month (may vary by location; in-store only).

Barnes and Noble – 6% off regular price plus free shipping, check out http://www.bn.com/militarycity

Barnhill’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Bass Pro Shops – 10% off from the 15th to 22nd of each month

Bath & Body Works – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Bed & Breakfast Inns – Varies, online 

Best Inns and Suites – Varies, must present Military ID with check-in 

Best Western - Rates within allowable per diem, must present military ID with check in

Big 10 Tires – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Blockbuster – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Boscov’s- 15% off in-store purchases with military ID everyday.

Buckle – 10% off, Free Shipping on all military orders

Budget – Varies, up to 25% off time and mileage Store, requires military ID to redeem

Budget Truck Rental – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Burger King – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Camino Real Apartments – 5% military discount

Captain D’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Carl’s Jr. – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Century 21 – FREE Century 21 AON Home Protection Plan when they buy or sell a home through Molly Kucharski ONLY paid for at settlement. Value = $399.00, call (800) 952-2516

Champs Sports – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Checker Auto Parts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Chevy’s Fresh Mex – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Chick Fil A – Varies, Discount with ID card (location dependent), discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Chipotle – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Ci-Ci’s Pizza – Discount varies, dependent on location, must present military ID

Cingular – 17 to 18% Discount off your bill and 25% off accessories

Clarion Inn – Rates within allowable per diem while on travel orders. Must present valid miliatry ID with check-in

Comfort Inn – Rates within allowable per diem while on travel orders. Must Present valid military ID with check-in

Copeland’s Sports - Discount varies per location

D.S.W. Shoe Warehouse – 10% military discount

Dairy Queen - 10% off, location dependent

Days Inn – Rates within allowable per diem. Must present valid military ID with check-in

Dell Computers – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Denny’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Dick’s Sporting Goods – Discount varies per location, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Discovery Channel Store – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Disney Resorts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Disneyland - Military discounts are available only for tickets purchased at installation MWRs. Prices vary per date and length of visit

Dollar Car Rental – Allowable per diem rates

Dunkin’ Donuts – Veterans advantage members save 10% on all online orders. They also send free coffee to the troops oversees.

El Molino Coffee Shop - Free Shipping, online

Express Clothing Store- 10% off on top of other coupons as well with military ID

Extreme Outfitters -10-20% on miiltary Gear, online and in Store

Eyeware - Discount varies, get the discount online at http://www.afeyewear.com/ – This site offers military discounts for a wide range of eyeglass companies

Ford – Discount varies, http://www.encs.com/ford/

Friendly’s Ice Cream Stores – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Gap – 10% military discount 1st of every month (may vary by location; in-store only).

Geico – 2% to 15% in all states except Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, Tennessee and Texas

GM – Varies, always well below MSRP. You can sign in online at https://www.exclusivegmoffer.com/ip-gmpop/initPop.do?program=mpp

GNC – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Golden Corral – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you

Haber Vision – 50% discount on all sunglasses. Online at http://www.habervision.com/CodeResult.aspx?code=JB10222Q

Hertz – Allowable per diem rates. Show valid military ID

Hewlett-Packard – Log on to website and click on New User Registration: Enter first and last name, user name, password and email address. Use company code: 2727. Discounts vary. Online only. HickoryFarms.com - 10 percent Military discount – Enter 892848 in code box on online order form

Home Depot – 10% off Year Round, to active duty, active reserve, retired military, and immediate family. In-Store, just bring valid military ID

IHOP – 20% with Military ID at owner’s discretion

Imax – $1 off movie tickets with Military ID

Inkshouse.com – 20% off $50 or more, use cod Mil20

Java Cafe – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Jeep – $500 for active military, reserves and retired reserves or active after 20 years of service. Requires military ID

Jiffylube – 10% off with valid Military ID

Jockey – 10% off with valid Military ID

KB Toys – 15% off during advertised Military Days

KFC – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Kohl’s – 15% off with Military ID

Kragen Auto Parts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Lerner – 15% off Long John Silver’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Longhorn Steakhouse – 10% military discount

Lowes – 10% off year round to active duty, active reserve, retired military, and immediate family. Just bring in a valid military ID. The military discount, however, cannot be combined with other coupons they may be offering.

Marriott Hotels – It’s the Per Diem amount the government picks up, whatever that amount is. Just call and place the reservation over the phone and ask for that discount. Online at http://www.marriott.com/reservation/worldnum.mi

Mary Kay Cosmetics – Military personnel and dependents receive 10 % on online orders. Reference your service affiliation and status, and ask for additional free gift and bigger discounts by contacting website.  
McDonald’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Meineke – 10% off parts

Michaels - 10% off every Wednesday.

Midas – 10% off

MLB Hall of Fame – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Movie Theaters – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Mrs. Fields- 10% off with military ID

NAPA Auto Parts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. 

Nautica - 10% off with military ID National – No fee for additional drivers, and special off duty rates per location. Service members receive full loss damage waivers 

National Credit Solutions – 25% discount, call toll free at 866-485-2540 x109, and for a direct line please call 972-746-4209 

New York and Company - 15% off military discount 

Nextel – 18% Discount, call 1-800-639-6111 

Nickelodeon Hotels – Reduced rates and perks, online and in store, www.nickhotel.com/military , 877-NICK-111 and ask for the Military Family Package. 

Nike – 10% off, In-Store. For official company policy please check out http://www.nikebiz.com/customer_service/discounts.html 

Nuvo - $30 off Ritmo Pregnancy Sound System. You can call 1-888-688-6462, or use coupon code MILITARY99 online at http://www.nuvo-group.com. Valid military ID required for in-store purchase.

O’Reilly Auto Parts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. 

Oakley – There is a website you register with that offers Oakleys at a discounted price. It doesn’t say how much that price is though. Check it out online at https://secure.usstandardissue.com/ 

Old Navy – 10% military discount 1st of every month (may vary by location; in-store only).

Pac Sun – Discount varies per location, just bring in a vaild military ID and ask 

Panchero’s Mexican Grill – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. 

Pancho’s Mexican Buffet – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Panda Express – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. 

Paradise Bakery- 40% off meals for military members with military ID. Does not extend to family. 

Paradise Limousine – $25 Off Limousine Service Coupon Code: 1369 for service members 

Pizza Hut – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. 

Play It Again Sports – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. 

Professional Sports teams – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. 

Pure Beauty – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Quizno’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Race-Depot – 10% off, use code 10MILCITY 

Rack Room Shoes – 15% discount. Bring in valid military ID 

Raising Cane’s Chicken – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. 

Ramada – 15% to 30% – depending on availability. Must present military I.D. upon check in. 

Red Robin – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. 

Regal Movie Theaters – Matinee prices for all show times. Requires Military ID 

Ripley’s attractions and museums – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.  
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory – 10% military discount 

Rocky Mountain Tracking – 5% off any tracking inc. Use code USMILITARY, http://www.rmtracking.com/

S & K Men’s Wear – 8% Discount on all items free shipping on orders over $99 & APO/FPO shipping. To access the military site at S&K you must go through their AAFES Exchange Mail Online service. http://bdeal.me/aCVq2X 

Sally Beauty Supply – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. 

Samsonite- 15% off with military ID 

Shoe Carnival – 10% off Sierra Suites – Rates at or below per diem depending on location. Discounts may vary and depend on availability. Must present military I. 

Six Flags Mountain Magic – Service members receive special discounts on admission for special events and specific dates. Tickets must be purchased in advance MWR and ITT 143. Recreation offices, not at the park. 

Sizzler – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. 

Sleep Inn - Rates at or below per diem depending on location. Discounts may vary and depend on availability. Must present military I. 

Sonic – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. 

Southwest Airlines – Varies, it’s a dollar amount, not a percentage. Not available on all flights, you’ll have to call Southwest and simply just ask. 

Spencer’s Gifts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. 

SportsMemorabilia.com – 10% off at checkout, use code mili10 online 

Sprint Business – 15% to 20% Discount, 1-888-788-4727 

Suzuki – $500 off for you and immediate family. Requires military ID

Taco Bell – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. 

Texas Roadhouse – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. 

The Finish Line – 20 percent military discount off select items at special locations 

The Melting Pot – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Timberland Outlets – 15%, bring in valid military ID 

Toyota – $500 off + $500 for firs time buyers. Requires military ID 

Travelodge – Rates within allowable per diem. Discounts may vary and depend on availability. 

There is no way we can ever properly thank members of the US Military for all that they have done. They are certainly not paid enough for their work and their great sacrifice. Iraq and Afghanistan have been particularly tough and stressful for members of the military, their families and loved ones.

Paper Flowers

My wonderful boyfriend Kevin made me these 2 paper flowers out of construction paper. So, I just had to share (and brag) how pretty they are with everyone. Yes, he made them for Valentine's Day and yes, I got them early. 

Gorgeous, right? 

I'm adding a song to the blog too, just because it's one of my favorite bands and it mentions paper flowers!  The band is Evanescence and the song is called "Imaginary."  There's a link at the bottom if you'd like to purchase the song from Amazon.