http://sandyknauer.gather.com Recent Articles on Gather by Sandy Knauer en-us Copyright Gather Inc 2013 Tue, 21 May 2013 19:50:48 GMT 2013-05-21T19:50:48Z en-us Copyright Gather Inc 2013 http://www.gather.com/images/header/logo_gather.gif http://www.gather.com/ http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981784938 Dear Senator McConnell: Several times over the last few days, I’ve heard clips of your Thelma and Louise comments. It’s embarrassing enough to hear your ridiculous, mostly untrue statements . . . Thu, 29 Nov 2012 10:39:18 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981784938 Sandy Knauer 2012-11-29T10:39:18Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981783131 Dear Senator McConnell: I would like to thank you for the great laugh today. Usually, when I hear or read your words, I cuss and want to cry. But, your response to President Obama’s appeal to . . . Wed, 28 Nov 2012 20:35:21 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981783131 Sandy Knauer 2012-11-28T20:35:21Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981766101     I divorced a dying man. His doctors advised me to do so for the sake of my children, as well as my own but that didn’t stop his friends and family from saying terrible things about . . . Tue, 20 Nov 2012 15:15:03 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981766101 Sandy Knauer 2012-11-20T15:15:03Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981746295 I started this campaign the day after Mitch McConnell barely won his last race. Now that we have the 2012 election behind us, we can focus our attention on this important goal. I was prepared . . . Thu, 08 Nov 2012 12:02:50 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981746295 Sandy Knauer 2012-11-08T12:02:50Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981649398 Mitt Romney has not expressed opinions (not even those caught on the eavesdropped tape) that stray from the Republican Party's voting record, party platform, or stated objectives over the last four years . . . Thu, 20 Sep 2012 10:24:14 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981649398 Sandy Knauer 2012-09-20T10:24:14Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981642833 It’s hard to imagine anything looking more painfully wrong. The gown, while still dangling from a hanger in a doorway, reflected the impeccable skill and attention to detail that brought . . . Tue, 18 Sep 2012 12:35:48 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981642833 Sandy Knauer 2012-09-18T12:35:48Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981561941 Meet Hazel. This is her shelter mug shot and how she looked when she came to live with me a couple of months ago. The 0 adoption fee, along with the fact that she wasn’t shown on . . . Sun, 19 Aug 2012 13:16:46 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981561941 Sandy Knauer 2012-08-19T13:16:46Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981538320 Some things keep getting better with age. I’ve lost count of the times I have seen Kris Kristofferson perform. I wasn’t a groupie but I never missed an opportunity when he . . . Sat, 11 Aug 2012 13:57:44 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981538320 Sandy Knauer 2012-08-11T13:57:44Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981498631 Dear Senator McConnell: I didn't call you when I polled friends about roller coaster rides. When discussing an analogy I wanted to use in a story, a friend let me know that he disagreed with me that . . . Wed, 25 Jul 2012 18:22:43 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981498631 Sandy Knauer 2012-07-25T18:22:43Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981464837 Not by sending out letters to denounce Home Depot’s founder, Bernie Marcus for advocating violence by stating that retailers who don’t support the GOP should be shot. Nope. I’m . . . Tue, 10 Jul 2012 12:35:49 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981464837 Sandy Knauer 2012-07-10T12:35:49Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981463411   A Kentucky busy-body is taking on Gather.com about their practice of propagating misinformation for profit. Sandy Knauer vetted a disgusting number of Gather posts over the years and she is not . . . Mon, 09 Jul 2012 12:19:17 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981463411 Sandy Knauer 2012-07-09T12:19:17Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981440993   After reading an assortment of articles, listening to a boatload of pundits, and watching internet comments, I decided two things. It would be wise to discredit the opinions of the people who . . . Sat, 30 Jun 2012 13:53:24 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981440993 Sandy Knauer 2012-06-30T13:53:24Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981421294       I’ve been involved with MoveOn since Clinton was President. Over the years, I watched it grow from an email chain to an organization. At first I read . . . Thu, 21 Jun 2012 14:07:20 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981421294 Sandy Knauer 2012-06-21T14:07:20Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981414990   Age thirteen, acceptance of his fate, and alcoholism arrived together. He was unlucky, unlovable, and Satan owned him. Even if he moved into the church and puked the bible Van Impe style, . . . Tue, 19 Jun 2012 15:13:38 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981414990 Sandy Knauer 2012-06-19T15:13:38Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981414834 Dear Senator McConnell: If you were going for a record number of embarrassing statements in a short period of time, you succeeded. It's nice to know you can succeed at something, . . . Tue, 19 Jun 2012 14:30:27 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981414834 Sandy Knauer 2012-06-19T14:30:27Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981357666   The wise, honest person proudly owns her beliefs and actions, thereby earning respect from others. I get this and have lived this principle except for one horribly embarrassing slip. Today, for . . . Sat, 26 May 2012 11:55:15 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981357666 Sandy Knauer 2012-05-26T11:55:15Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981307488   Dear Ann:   The tee shirt didn't bother me as much as, or for the same reason it seemed to annoy others. I have nothing against nice things or people who own them. I even own a few nice . . . Thu, 03 May 2012 12:04:33 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981307488 Sandy Knauer 2012-05-03T12:04:33Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981239677 Dear Ofrush: Deciding who you belong to these days is difficult for me so I can only imagine how uncomfortable it must be for you to get passed around this way. Ofkarl? OfGrover? . . . Tue, 03 Apr 2012 11:37:51 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981239677 Sandy Knauer 2012-04-03T11:37:51Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981198573   I remember the last time my mother said to me, “I wanted to say . . .” She had said it often and I understood the difference between wanted to say and wish I would have said . . . . Sat, 17 Mar 2012 13:32:58 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981198573 Sandy Knauer 2012-03-17T13:32:58Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981187156 After hearing primary results for Guam and Samoa tonight, I remembered the many 2008 Gather posts criticizing President Obama when he made a comment about campaigning in fifty-three states. There was . . . Wed, 14 Mar 2012 02:07:14 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981187156 Sandy Knauer 2012-03-14T02:07:14Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981155440 Maybe I'm in a bad mood. Or, maybe I've transferred my negative thoughts about the current version of MoveOn onto other groups. Or, maybe I'm just tired of people not thinking about wording. Whatever . . . Thu, 01 Mar 2012 17:28:23 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981155440 Sandy Knauer 2012-03-01T17:28:23Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981135280   There amongst the bills and junk mail were three postcards from Kmart. They were addressed to people who did not live in my home--two to some guy named Steve, and the third to a woman whose last . . . Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:37:02 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981135280 Sandy Knauer 2012-02-22T12:37:02Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981109408 Dear Senator McConnell: I’ve thought a great deal about your logic and think maybe we should adopt it across the board. Since you believe that religious freedom means forcing everyone to live . . . Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:06:13 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981109408 Sandy Knauer 2012-02-13T14:06:13Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981107940 Dear Senator McConnell: I’m sure, for people who resemble reptiles, especially the few of you who are reptilian in personality and appearance, and who most people would remain celibate for . . . Mon, 13 Feb 2012 01:12:44 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981107940 Sandy Knauer 2012-02-13T01:12:44Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980994298 I'll start with a question that has plagued me for months. Of course, I think I know the answer and that knowing this makes me smarter than many people around me these days, but I'm fully prepared to . . . Fri, 06 Jan 2012 02:19:51 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980994298 Sandy Knauer 2012-01-06T02:19:51Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980282433 Dear Senator McConnell: I’m back, Senator McConnell. My body has reabsorbed the brain hemorrhage, the aneurysm is but a blimp of scar tissue on scan now, and I have been cleared by the neurologist . . . Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:30:18 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980282433 Sandy Knauer 2011-09-14T20:30:18Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980064005 Since my Senators spent their recess entertaining easy questions from their base and ignoring everyone else, I've decided to host a Town Hall in their honor. Please submit questions below . . . Fri, 26 Aug 2011 10:08:16 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980064005 Sandy Knauer 2011-08-26T10:08:16Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979982818 Dear Senator McConnell: Last week, I had what I believe to be a constructive conversation with Terry Carmack, your state director, to ask how those of us who oppose your views are to reach you, as requested . . . Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:24:32 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979982818 Sandy Knauer 2011-08-19T17:24:32Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979198471 I have lived a good life. Better than good, really. My mother quit working outside the home before I was born and my father supported the family with a civil service job that provided more than basics. . . . Fri, 08 Apr 2011 01:57:16 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979198471 Sandy Knauer 2011-04-08T01:57:16Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979194510 Open letter to Rand Paul regarding his role in this crime. Dear Senator Paul: I have wanted to contact you regarding this incident since it happened but couldn’t contain myself to appropriate . . . Wed, 06 Apr 2011 14:28:14 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979194510 Sandy Knauer 2011-04-06T14:28:14Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979118097 I called and asked if they've hired extra security since they made the terrible decisions to not only carry Rand Paul's book but to allow him to waste more time promoting his book in their store. Seriously, . . . Sat, 05 Mar 2011 09:42:35 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979118097 Sandy Knauer 2011-03-05T09:42:35Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979107859     Dear Senator McConnell: As I listen to the latest delusional ramblings of Muammar al-Gaddafi, Charlie Sheen, and Scott Walker, I remember the most recent letter I received . . . Tue, 01 Mar 2011 17:24:41 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979107859 Sandy Knauer 2011-03-01T17:24:41Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979053935     $8.8 billion. $125 per person.   Wow! I see what you mean about tightening our belts at home. We sure have our priorities straight, huh?   Superficial bragging rights . . . Mon, 14 Feb 2011 10:31:09 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979053935 Sandy Knauer 2011-02-14T10:31:09Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979048745 Dear Senator McConnell: Thank you for explaining that your party purposely destroyed our economy, for telling me how proud you are of becoming a wealthy man at the expense of the people you voted into . . . Sat, 12 Feb 2011 13:35:41 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979048745 Sandy Knauer 2011-02-12T13:35:41Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978996710       Karen couldn’t resist. She had wanted a Yorkie for as long as she could remember but could never own one before. Her parents said no to house pets and the apartment she . . . Fri, 28 Jan 2011 22:32:31 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978996710 Sandy Knauer 2011-01-28T22:32:31Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978982797 I spent Saturday morning watching Sell This House and Flip This House on the Arts & Entertainment channel. Worse than the disappointment of discovering this is someone’s idea of art or entertainment . . . Tue, 25 Jan 2011 11:31:21 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978982797 Sandy Knauer 2011-01-25T11:31:21Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978954227     Much as it hurts to admit this, I agree with Senator Rand Paul and Congressman Trent Franks , both of whom followed up the Arizona shooting with trite guns don’t kill people, . . . Thu, 20 Jan 2011 09:21:47 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978954227 Sandy Knauer 2011-01-20T09:21:47Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978907672 I look at Jared Loughner's photo and weep. As a mother, grandmother, aunt, friend  - as a caring human, I see a sick, frightened, misguided or unguided, sad, defeated, hopeless child. I imagine . . . Tue, 11 Jan 2011 22:35:14 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978907672 Sandy Knauer 2011-01-11T22:35:14Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978899688 I had barely come to grips with the fact that I had become forgetful when, at age fifty-plus, someone let me know I was also forgettable. The disappointment rocked my world. . . . Mon, 10 Jan 2011 09:50:02 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978899688 Sandy Knauer 2011-01-10T09:50:02Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978896120 A friend reported that the suffering economy had apparently not hindered the ability of everyone he has visited recently to update their kitchens. “Let me guess,” I interrupted. “Marble . . . Sun, 09 Jan 2011 18:04:23 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978896120 Sandy Knauer 2011-01-09T18:04:23Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978883659   Dear Senator McConnell and Speaker Boehner:   As leaders of your party, I think it is imperative that you start with the basic education that the people in your party so desperately . . . Thu, 06 Jan 2011 23:06:07 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978883659 Sandy Knauer 2011-01-06T23:06:07Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978877342       Dear Senators McConnell and Paul:   The big day is finally here! Beavis and Butt-head was already taken when I decided I was too filled with shame and dread to create . . . Wed, 05 Jan 2011 10:04:17 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978877342 Sandy Knauer 2011-01-05T10:04:17Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978865142   It’s official. I have permanently moved unconditional love over to the con column with colorblind and tolerant . People claim these traits with pride and expect me to be impressed . . . Sun, 02 Jan 2011 14:28:57 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978865142 Sandy Knauer 2011-01-02T14:28:57Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978859153       As I watched one person after another wish everyone a happy, prosperous, healthy new year, I realized those things might not be in the cards for all of us. And I thought about . . . Fri, 31 Dec 2010 21:56:07 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978859153 Sandy Knauer 2010-12-31T21:56:07Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978845645   Mary put the kids to bed and mopped the kitchen floor before she approached John with the bad news. “Because of your boat accident, we’re a little short this month.” “How . . . Tue, 28 Dec 2010 17:27:35 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978845645 Sandy Knauer 2010-12-28T17:27:35Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978802425   Dear Senator McConnell:  I’ve had a somewhat rocky week with my fantasy husband, Lawrence O’Donnell. First, he disappointed me by defending President Obama’s decision . . . Thu, 16 Dec 2010 14:18:01 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978802425 Sandy Knauer 2010-12-16T14:18:01Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978782667     In a hairpin u-turn that defied human possibilities, President Obama proved this week that he is a messiah by creating an alternate universe. In one swift move, he silenced liberals, . . . Sat, 11 Dec 2010 10:16:27 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978782667 Sandy Knauer 2010-12-11T10:16:27Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978775665 Dear Blackmailing Hostage Taker:   (I have to admit that I get a little satisfaction from knowing that people will recognize you by that name.)   I was too upset to write yesterday and . . . Thu, 09 Dec 2010 13:23:23 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978775665 Sandy Knauer 2010-12-09T13:23:23Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978764767     Can you imagine having to pay taxes on $25 million? That was the total 2009 compensation package for Joel Gemunder, President and CEO of Omnicare, the nation’s leading provider . . . Mon, 06 Dec 2010 17:47:41 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978764767 Sandy Knauer 2010-12-06T17:47:41Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978763838     Surely, when your party talks about “sharing the pain” you don’t mean that as a one-way offer. It would only be fair if we share our respective pain with one another, . . . Mon, 06 Dec 2010 10:50:42 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978763838 Sandy Knauer 2010-12-06T10:50:42Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978749346   Dear Senator McConnell: I spent the evening trying to decide how to address you. If I were your boss, I would fire you, effective immediately. If I were your spouse, my bags would be packed . . . Thu, 02 Dec 2010 03:14:42 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978749346 Sandy Knauer 2010-12-02T03:14:42Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978747435   To put it as nicely as possible, Uncle Charlie was full of crap and everyone knew it. He told me wild tales about pulling the plug in the bathtub, Daddy swirling down the drain, and someone . . . Wed, 01 Dec 2010 14:00:21 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978747435 Sandy Knauer 2010-12-01T14:00:21Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978725456   Dear Senator McConnell:   I purposely omitted “Happy” from the title because I am sticking to my honesty campaign and, the truth is, Thanksgiving is not the happiest day . . . Thu, 25 Nov 2010 01:09:53 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978725456 Sandy Knauer 2010-11-25T01:09:53Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978714829 Cecil New pleaded guilty last month to kidnapping and killing a 4-year-old boy in 2007. During his sentencing hearing this week, Mr. New’s family took the stand to talk about the abuse he suffered . . . Sun, 21 Nov 2010 19:31:05 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978714829 Sandy Knauer 2010-11-21T19:31:05Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978713730   In their defense, I will say right up front, loud and clear, that my daughters were dealt short hands when it comes to a domestic example. The names Suzy Homemaker, Betty Crocker, and Mr. Clean . . . Sun, 21 Nov 2010 09:23:20 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978713730 Sandy Knauer 2010-11-21T09:23:20Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978709873 I guess Senator McConnell has backed off his promise to “do nothing” now that he interprets the midterm as a mandate for his party. Finally, a response to my many letters. And it doesn’t . . . Fri, 19 Nov 2010 16:56:25 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978709873 Sandy Knauer 2010-11-19T16:56:25Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978706601   I remembered to smile when I dialed, not only because I know that is the best way to sound pleasant on the phone, or because I'm generally not in a good mood before noon, but also because a night . . . Thu, 18 Nov 2010 14:28:36 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978706601 Sandy Knauer 2010-11-18T14:28:36Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978704766   I called Senator McConnell’s Louisville office today to ask a few questions. The woman who answered the phone was pleasant and seemingly willing to help, it just wasn’t easy for her . . . Thu, 18 Nov 2010 01:37:47 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978704766 Sandy Knauer 2010-11-18T01:37:47Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978700504   Dear Senator McConnell: I was sad to see you reverse your decision regarding earmarks, not because I am a big fan of earmarks but because it means one of three things: 1) you don’t know . . . Tue, 16 Nov 2010 13:34:50 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978700504 Sandy Knauer 2010-11-16T13:34:50Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978688923 This game is good for a few laughs when a two-year-old calls me a poopy-head to distract my attention away from the cake she smeared on the couch. I will admit that I have also laughed at the adult version, . . . Fri, 12 Nov 2010 12:54:56 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978688923 Sandy Knauer 2010-11-12T12:54:56Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978685230   Dear Senator McConnell:   I hear your pal George Bush throws you under the bus in his I have neither the good sense nor the conscience to know what not to say tell-all, crime/horror . . . Thu, 11 Nov 2010 10:48:43 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978685230 Sandy Knauer 2010-11-11T10:48:43Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978678354   Dear Senator McConnell:   The granddaughters pointed out Christmas list ideas in Rainbow Blossom yesterday. I remember thinking that would have been one of the last places I would . . . Tue, 09 Nov 2010 12:49:19 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978678354 Sandy Knauer 2010-11-09T12:49:19Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978664384 Dear Senator McConnell: I am here to parse words. See, I think it is important to remind you that words do matter; the words you use as well as how you use them. Since you represent me—granted . . . Thu, 04 Nov 2010 20:32:37 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978664384 Sandy Knauer 2010-11-04T20:32:37Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978654467   Dear Madam Speaker: These are not new thoughts but tonight, election eve 2010, feels like the time to share them. Because of my precarious health, and because my granddaughters . . . Mon, 01 Nov 2010 22:04:54 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978654467 Sandy Knauer 2010-11-01T22:04:54Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978651176     The commentary Marilyn included before her copy and paste from Resistnet (home of patriotic resistance) is misleading and poor advice since, in my state, provisional ballots only apply . . . Sun, 31 Oct 2010 19:33:51 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978651176 Sandy Knauer 2010-10-31T19:33:51Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978639210     Disclaimer: I type this with tongue in cheek, but please know that my tongue is too sore to be firmly planted there.   I went to Walgreens for Cokes and gum. It should have . . . Wed, 27 Oct 2010 11:57:22 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978639210 Sandy Knauer 2010-10-27T11:57:22Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978630190   Dear Senator McConnell:   “The American People” voted overwhelmingly in favor of President Obama’s agenda so many of your comments confuse me. Remember that election . . . Sun, 24 Oct 2010 20:19:16 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978630190 Sandy Knauer 2010-10-24T20:19:16Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978628221 Dear Senator (much to my regret) McConnell:     Even though this is dated, someone brought it to my attention today so I'm bringing it to yours. Now that you've . . . Sat, 23 Oct 2010 21:29:46 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978628221 Sandy Knauer 2010-10-23T21:29:46Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978627545 Occasionally, a doctor leaves a blank on the application, or forgets to include the CV, or proof of insurance or license. If everything else looks promising, I request the missing . . . Sat, 23 Oct 2010 13:08:04 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978627545 Sandy Knauer 2010-10-23T13:08:04Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978624906   I’m guessing you think that not voting will make a statement. These are the statements I will hear: Come on, Sandy. You have to admit that it was fun watching the Republicans waste . . . Fri, 22 Oct 2010 12:32:54 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978624906 Sandy Knauer 2010-10-22T12:32:54Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978619453     . . . and that of everyone who presumes the ability to read Jack Conway’s mind and the right to judge him for asking questions that make them uncomfortable.   Every time . . . Wed, 20 Oct 2010 19:38:22 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978619453 Sandy Knauer 2010-10-20T19:38:22Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978564580 Typical of me, I did not complete this project in time to publish it before the midterm election. Following the lead of Mr. Altemeyer, I am publishing it free, on the internet , and the first chapter . . . Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:11:43 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978564580 Sandy Knauer 2010-10-01T16:11:43Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978542385   Here’s what we* think he meant to say.     Republicans Plague For America:     We will ignore the Tea Party and the Annie Oakley candidates now that . . . Thu, 23 Sep 2010 20:45:36 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978542385 Sandy Knauer 2010-09-23T20:45:36Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978531307   Some of you sound ready to throw in the towel. To move backwards (in which case you’d hardly be progressive). To accept defeat. Worst yet, to abet the enemy by sitting this one out. . . . Sun, 19 Sep 2010 22:07:04 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978531307 Sandy Knauer 2010-09-19T22:07:04Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978493652   With all the talk about September 11 families, returning troops, and assorted heroes, I want to write about unsung heroes. I share this story about my very own--who put fighting for her country . . . Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:13:44 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978493652 Sandy Knauer 2010-09-03T13:13:44Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978483326 “He has a heart of gold.” “He’ll give the shirt off his back.” “He looks tough but he’s really just a big Teddy bear.”   . . . Mon, 30 Aug 2010 22:41:51 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978483326 Sandy Knauer 2010-08-30T22:41:51Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978478835     Apparently, there are no stars left who want to dance. If I ruled the world, or at least the tiny little Dancing With the Stars corner of the world, I can think of a number of alternatives . . . Sat, 28 Aug 2010 16:03:04 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978478835 Sandy Knauer 2010-08-28T16:03:04Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978478198     I am as surprised as anyone to see Mitch McConnell’s name enter the carefully moderated pages of my Honest Politician Group . With so little chance he would ever accidentally . . . Sat, 28 Aug 2010 11:02:14 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978478198 Sandy Knauer 2010-08-28T11:02:14Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978475856     When I bring complex or troubling issues home with me, my principles instinctively apply themselves. In natural surroundings and familiar circumstances, I find my heart and the answers . . . Fri, 27 Aug 2010 13:25:53 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978475856 Sandy Knauer 2010-08-27T13:25:53Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978455913   Remember the early dress-for-success days when some not-so-brilliant people decided all it took to run a successful company was a suit, a brand-spanking-new degree in management, a pair of . . . Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:38:38 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978455913 Sandy Knauer 2010-08-19T16:38:38Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978455830   Time got away from me one night and I failed to turn on The Daily Show and The Colbert Report. Somewhere around 11:05, my cockatiel, Pete, started cackling. He made a new sound, unlike his attention-seeking . . . Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:00:02 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978455830 Sandy Knauer 2010-08-19T16:00:02Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978407880   Do we really think Chris Matthews asks weird questions to plant seeds of doubt and encourage finger pointing? I’m not so sure. That’s why I’m asking you. I think there are many . . . Thu, 29 Jul 2010 20:44:36 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978407880 Sandy Knauer 2010-07-29T20:44:36Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978392487 There I was with fifty years of love and admiration invested when I discovered his love meant nothing at all. What do you do when that happens? This man had shown up on every holiday, picked me up . . . Sun, 25 Jul 2010 13:16:47 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978392487 Sandy Knauer 2010-07-25T13:16:47Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978382971   Dear President Obama:   Enough!   I heard you say that word once as if you meant it. At the time, I cheered you and noted how much you reminded me of my father. He was an easy-going, . . . Tue, 20 Jul 2010 22:05:17 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978382971 Sandy Knauer 2010-07-20T22:05:17Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978379848 Dear Senator McConnell: You have “better things to do” than getting into debates that are important to THE American People you presume to speak for? Seriously? Better things like squirming . . . Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:39:39 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978379848 Sandy Knauer 2010-07-19T13:39:39Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978376823   Although the caller pitched for the Kentucky State Police this year, I’m fairly certain he must work for the same organization that usually irritates me in the name of the FOP. I let him . . . Sat, 17 Jul 2010 21:24:56 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978376823 Sandy Knauer 2010-07-17T21:24:56Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978372725 Dear Senator McConnell:   For once, you got something right. Yes, THE American People have lost faith. I don’t think you understand the depth of this loss or you surely would not be . . . Thu, 15 Jul 2010 19:53:08 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978372725 Sandy Knauer 2010-07-15T19:53:08Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978370117   I saw private caller and almost let the call go to voice mail. Almost. With one daughter out of the country and the other running my errands while her phone lay on my kitchen counter, I reconsidered. . . . Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:35:32 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978370117 Sandy Knauer 2010-07-14T16:35:32Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978361123   When the math doesn’t work, trusting claims based on the numbers doesn’t make much sense. I’ve heard the constant buzz about popularity and exciting poll numbers of the Annie . . . Sat, 10 Jul 2010 14:25:22 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978361123 Sandy Knauer 2010-07-10T14:25:22Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978349599   Tea Party Jesus is an internet site on which contributors post the words of Christians--mostly right-wing politicians, spokespeople, and straw leaders--in speech bubbles over pictures of Christ. . . . Mon, 05 Jul 2010 11:03:27 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978349599 Sandy Knauer 2010-07-05T11:03:27Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978348072 Dear Senator McConnell: Despite your bang-up leadership in the opposite direction, and your party's recent refusal to allow the BP Oil Spill Commission the subpoena power it needs to do its job, most . . . Sun, 04 Jul 2010 13:42:09 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978348072 Sandy Knauer 2010-07-04T13:42:09Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978337525   Dear Senator McCain:   I do not like the humanized M&M commercials. Years ago, I might have smiled when the first M&M jumped from the diving board into a pool of colored candy . . . Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:35:29 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978337525 Sandy Knauer 2010-06-29T16:35:29Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978309340   My daughter suffered the mouths and hands of bullies in middle school. After weeks of complaints, I decided to visit the school to witness a day of her life there. Since teachers had not intervened . . . Thu, 17 Jun 2010 15:11:41 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978309340 Sandy Knauer 2010-06-17T15:11:41Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978303522 Dear Tripp Baird: My childbearing days are behind me but after watching you trip all over yourself on c-span this morning, I will forever keep you in mind when helping others choose names for their . . . Tue, 15 Jun 2010 11:53:33 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978303522 Sandy Knauer 2010-06-15T11:53:33Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978290018   Dear Senator McConnell:   While watching primary election results last night, I remembered Steve. Immediately, I regretted the fact that I often mention the negative attention my bumper . . . Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:48:10 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978290018 Sandy Knauer 2010-06-09T16:48:10Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978280690 Dear Congressman Boehner: Please accept my apology. Until now, I thought of you as an unthinking, uncaring, stained blight on society. Now that you have called out Paul McCartney and requested an apology . . . Sat, 05 Jun 2010 11:58:40 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978280690 Sandy Knauer 2010-06-05T11:58:40Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978267871   I used to maintain a spreadsheet of work I published on the internet. It was useful and artistic, with different fonts and colors representing various sites, and links to my articles. Not . . . Sun, 30 May 2010 16:09:12 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978267871 Sandy Knauer 2010-05-30T16:09:12Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978263802   People describe my mother as both a person who laughed all the time, and as a complainer. Strange as that seems to me, I admit that people could also say both about me, although I don’t . . . Fri, 28 May 2010 02:44:31 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978263802 Sandy Knauer 2010-05-28T02:44:31Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978250196   As overwhelming evidence surfaces, the Tea Party movement becomes more adamant in their denial. They do not understand how they attract bigots, racists, illiterates, gun-toting inciters of violence, . . . Fri, 21 May 2010 10:34:27 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978250196 Sandy Knauer 2010-05-21T10:34:27Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978235200 Dear Senator McConnell: You actually tossed out those words in public yesterday and were not apologizing for your own activity during the Bush administration? Seriously? Disgustedly yours, Sandy . . . Thu, 13 May 2010 19:30:02 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978235200 Sandy Knauer 2010-05-13T19:30:02Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978232442   Dear Senator McConnell:   We’re in the final weeks of American Idol, when my heart aches for the kids who have worked so hard, come so close, and can feel the breeze of defeat . . . Wed, 12 May 2010 13:25:41 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978232442 Sandy Knauer 2010-05-12T13:25:41Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978226158   Dear Senator McConnell: I have enjoyed many roles in my life – daughter, sister, cousin, friend, wife, employee, volunteer, advocate, writer, musician, sit-down comedian, grammar Nazi, . . . Sun, 09 May 2010 13:15:50 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978226158 Sandy Knauer 2010-05-09T13:15:50Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978222536   Dear Senator McConnell:   I promised President Obama I would write this open letter since you consistently deny hearing from constituents who have working brains and consciences. I am . . . Fri, 07 May 2010 14:35:29 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978222536 Sandy Knauer 2010-05-07T14:35:29Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978217588 Guy W. May 5, 2010, 10:57am EDT I see there are nearly enough black members of the Tea Party to warrant their own lawn chair. Critical mass. Thanks for the . . . Wed, 05 May 2010 11:22:46 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978217588 Sandy Knauer 2010-05-05T11:22:46Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978210970   Dear Senator (you choose, McConnell or Buster):   You probably won’t be surprised to learn that I thought of you several times on Derby Day. It started when I asked my grandson . . . Sun, 02 May 2010 13:40:05 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978210970 Sandy Knauer 2010-05-02T13:40:05Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978205751     My grandmother stuck her head in the oven when her first great grandchild was born. It was not a sincere suicide attempt since she knew someone would pull her out. I think it was a cry . . . Thu, 29 Apr 2010 17:24:03 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978205751 Sandy Knauer 2010-04-29T17:24:03Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978200617     Dear Senator McConnell aka Phil A. Buster:   My niece expressed concern for my health last night because I was hoarse. I confessed that I had worn out my voice after being on . . . Tue, 27 Apr 2010 11:22:38 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978200617 Sandy Knauer 2010-04-27T11:22:38Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978185255   Dear Senator McConnell: I won’t (can’t) deny the obsession now. I woke this morning with you on my mind. But, I don’t think this is necessarily a bad thing. If persistence . . . Tue, 20 Apr 2010 11:40:33 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978185255 Sandy Knauer 2010-04-20T11:40:33Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978183831 Dear Senator McConnell: Before you think I went off the deep end or gave up what little life I have, I’m writing twice today by special request. I had already started on the support the troops/veterans . . . Mon, 19 Apr 2010 21:56:46 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978183831 Sandy Knauer 2010-04-19T21:56:46Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978183724   Dear Senator McConnell,   My cousin joined a Facebook Group this morning called Let’s find 1 million people who actually SUPPORT our Veterans. (Isn’t it cool how Facebook . . . Mon, 19 Apr 2010 20:21:35 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978183724 Sandy Knauer 2010-04-19T20:21:35Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978180813   Dear Senator McConnell: My dear friend, Janna, provided the missing puzzle piece when she posted a photo of you on my love letter (April 15, 2010).   Immediately, the whole picture . . . Sun, 18 Apr 2010 12:22:39 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978180813 Sandy Knauer 2010-04-18T12:22:39Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978179455   I ache with envy when I hear great singers. My chest contracts, I clench my jaw, and the backs of my eyes sting. Sometimes, I hold my breath for an entire song. I would trade most everything . . . Sat, 17 Apr 2010 13:13:01 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978179455 Sandy Knauer 2010-04-17T13:13:01Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978179321   Dear Cindy,   This post is just for you. I hope my grouping you with the people to whom I usually write letters makes you feel special, or meets whatever need you have that draws you . . . Sat, 17 Apr 2010 11:41:08 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978179321 Sandy Knauer 2010-04-17T11:41:08Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978177991   It was in evitable that someone or some event in your in credible movement would eventually in fluence this in corrigible in fidel. After watch in g news coverage of your tax day activities . . . Fri, 16 Apr 2010 20:08:20 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978177991 Sandy Knauer 2010-04-16T20:08:20Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978175732   Dear Senator McConnell:   Nippy Katz (not his real name) sent me into an emotional tailspin after my last letter by suggesting that my relationship with you might be toxic. I rode out . . . Thu, 15 Apr 2010 21:34:04 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978175732 Sandy Knauer 2010-04-15T21:34:04Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978165888   Dear Senator McConnell:   I apologize for letting things pile up again. Life, and trying to hang on to it, got in the way. Before you reach for your handkerchief or violin, I assure . . . Sun, 11 Apr 2010 09:46:58 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978165888 Sandy Knauer 2010-04-11T09:46:58Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978110586   Dear Mitch:   The personal tone of the letters I received last week made me certain we must have made it to first name status now. You did acknowledge receipt of my letters, even if . . . Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:45:00 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978110586 Sandy Knauer 2010-03-17T13:45:00Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978070996 Listed below are the Senator Mitch McConnell's honest, intelligent contributions to the health care debate:                     . . . Fri, 26 Feb 2010 23:19:08 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978070996 Sandy Knauer 2010-02-26T23:19:08Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978067648     Today’s the day! Finally, President Obama has heard your pleading and invited you in for a Health Care Summit. I’m sure you must be floating on cloud nine since this is your . . . Thu, 25 Feb 2010 10:19:19 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978067648 Sandy Knauer 2010-02-25T10:19:19Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978054301   Dear Mayor Goodman,   I’ll bet you thought a few pats on the back from Vegas supporters would be all you would get for blowing off the President, huh? This letter proves that you’ve . . . Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:09:25 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978054301 Sandy Knauer 2010-02-18T10:09:25Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978053012 Dear Sarah,   I hope I can ease the extreme fear that you and Bristol are experiencing over the ‘Family Guy’ episode. Often, when people stop to really think a situation through . . . Wed, 17 Feb 2010 19:58:05 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978053012 Sandy Knauer 2010-02-17T19:58:05Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978050683   Senator McConnell:   "While the American people have already rejected the health spending bills pending in Congress, today it appears the President has heard their calls to scrap the . . . Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:04:48 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978050683 Sandy Knauer 2010-02-16T14:04:48Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978044342   Senator McConnell:   You’ll be pleased to see that I’m in a better mood today. I wasn’t at the winter meeting of the Republican National Committee last year to hear . . . Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:12:25 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978044342 Sandy Knauer 2010-02-12T13:12:25Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978041411   (Not going to pretend you are dear to me any more) Senator McConnell:   I’m sure you know that President Obama is going to protect us, no matter how difficult you and your party . . . Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:42:34 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978041411 Sandy Knauer 2010-02-10T21:42:34Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978040742 One of the questions intelligent people frequently ask is for tips on how to improve the world they live in so they can sleep at night and, hopefully a long time from now, die knowing that they made . . . Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:51:45 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978040742 Sandy Knauer 2010-02-10T11:51:45Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978040080   Dear Senator McConnell:   If you’ll let me know when you are in town, I’ll bring my grandchildren by to read that “2700” page bill to you. Seriously, even the . . . Wed, 10 Feb 2010 03:07:32 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978040080 Sandy Knauer 2010-02-10T03:07:32Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978030656   Dear Senator McConnell: For years, I have written to you about issues that matter very much, to me, to my country, and to my world. I’ve laughed off your form-letter responses . . . Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:01:14 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978030656 Sandy Knauer 2010-02-04T12:01:14Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978004147   I don’t write typical book reviews but have posted a few articles about books – mostly books I did not recommend. For those who know my pattern, this is different. Not only did . . . Wed, 20 Jan 2010 02:03:31 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978004147 Sandy Knauer 2010-01-20T02:03:31Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978003752   No doubt, Oprah would have called me a shameless hoarder and sent a camera crew to document my humiliation. I prefer to think I was thrifty, stable, sensible, and sentimental. I didn’t . . . Tue, 19 Jan 2010 21:36:59 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978003752 Sandy Knauer 2010-01-19T21:36:59Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977915815   Mimi used this title for her 2006 article about domestic abuse. It worked well. I have remembered it and thought of other uses for it over the years. After watching the Republican Party try . . . Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:58:37 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977915815 Sandy Knauer 2009-11-24T11:58:37Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977903239     “My bike.” Trent shouted as he ran into the kitchen and made his way to the back door. “Mom, he’s stealing my bike.”   Brittany tossed her dishcloth . . . Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:10:37 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977903239 Sandy Knauer 2009-11-16T12:10:37Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977883168 This has been up for more than 24 hours without any constructive criticism from my friends. Guess I'll have to critique myself. Dont let nobody fool you (you should be u - total waste of letters . . . Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:30:34 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977883168 Sandy Knauer 2009-11-03T12:30:34Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977850098 Because she can. Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:07:08 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977850098 Sandy Knauer 2009-10-12T15:07:08Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977848471 I joined the Progressive Politics on Gather group expecting to read posts written by people who think as I do - people who are willing to step outside the box of narrow-mindedness, research, and seek . . . Sun, 11 Oct 2009 12:17:47 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977848471 Sandy Knauer 2009-10-11T12:17:47Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977828830 My daughter finds the best music. Enjoy!       Lyrics (updated to include version with missing line - Thanks, Aniko) Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:44:41 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977828830 Sandy Knauer 2009-09-28T00:44:41Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977826837   The following topic and game clearly indicate a need for anti-emetics and/or hypnotics. Glenn Becking Glenn Beck After watching the fun Glenn Beck had making his mind-numbing . . . Fri, 25 Sep 2009 21:07:11 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977826837 Sandy Knauer 2009-09-25T21:07:11Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977819759 If I were to say I have been a fan of Ted Kennedy for as long as I can remember so I am anxious to purchase and read True Compass: A Memoir , that would be an honest statement. I have been a fan . . . Sun, 20 Sep 2009 16:41:26 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977819759 Sandy Knauer 2009-09-20T16:41:26Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977819536 I hear and read claims that the Baucus Healthcare Reform Bill would cost the 60K family of four approximately 13% of their income, before co-pays. It makes a great sound bite but reminds me how deceiving . . . Sun, 20 Sep 2009 11:18:29 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977819536 Sandy Knauer 2009-09-20T11:18:29Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977818118 Wow. I never thought this day would come. My art teachers in elementary school encouraged me to stay with stick people. My passing grades fooled no one; my parents and I knew I got them only because . . . Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:25:02 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977818118 Sandy Knauer 2009-09-18T18:25:02Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977809255   Now that a number of non-democrats* have explained that amendments do not have to reflect anything that is actually in the bill, I would like to propose the following amendments to all proposed . . . Fri, 11 Sep 2009 20:00:25 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977809255 Sandy Knauer 2009-09-11T20:00:25Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977805940 After reading and leaving a couple of responses on Kokomo’s post, No Time for Hypocrisy , I started drafting a response to her subtheme. When I ran over to the second page, I realized my response . . . Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:36:36 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977805940 Sandy Knauer 2009-09-09T14:36:36Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977804798 When Pete passed the six-month mark in August and the vet declared his gender, we both got excited. I had heard there is a better chance a male cockatiel will learn to speak than a . . . Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:07:34 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977804798 Sandy Knauer 2009-09-08T18:07:34Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977800698   I didn’t want to believe it but sure enough, there truly are groups of people trying to indoctrinate our students. One group is rewriting history (literally) by altering textbooks to . . . Fri, 04 Sep 2009 22:07:11 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977800698 Sandy Knauer 2009-09-04T22:07:11Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977800127 I seldom invite a friend to join Gather. In 2005, when I believed this was a site for writers and intelligent conversation, I invited intelligent friends and writers. When it turned out Gather was . . . Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:37:57 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977800127 Sandy Knauer 2009-09-04T12:37:57Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977798195   As I do most nights, I surfed channels tonight in search of my favorite commercials. I have a huge crush on Ajay Bhatt, the Intel superstar, and I enjoy the Progressive Insurance girl and Creditreport.com . . . Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:52:12 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977798195 Sandy Knauer 2009-09-03T00:52:12Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977788188     I can empathize; he was at mine yesterday. From what I hear, he drew a crowd of two (journalists) for his skit, in which an actor dressed as a doctor stabbed a baby doll and another . . . Wed, 26 Aug 2009 02:26:17 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977788188 Sandy Knauer 2009-08-26T02:26:17Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977781411   I received a phone call this morning from a woman who identified herself as Janice Kahn. She said she was calling on behalf of Supreme Court Justice, Jay Sekulow, who is serving evangelism , . . . Thu, 20 Aug 2009 12:19:05 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977781411 Sandy Knauer 2009-08-20T12:19:05Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977776978   Tom Delay? Seriously, Dancing With the Stars? Famous for taking political retribution on opponents, indicted on criminal charges for campaign finance violations, forced to resign in shame, friend . . . Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:26:54 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977776978 Sandy Knauer 2009-08-17T11:26:54Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977775248   In December 2005, there were few things I had not done, seen, or felt. Journals kept the details of my experiences, and major influences lived in memories and emulations. I used some of them . . . Sat, 15 Aug 2009 17:29:22 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977775248 Sandy Knauer 2009-08-15T17:29:22Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977768203   Dear Senator McConnell: I haven’t written in a while because it seemed such a waste of time. Your form-letter responses often started with, “As you know,” and . . . Sun, 09 Aug 2009 14:57:30 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977768203 Sandy Knauer 2009-08-09T14:57:30Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977766532   One of my third-grade classmates, who I’ll call Elsie in case she learned a lesson and doesn’t deserve to be publicly embarrassed fifty years later, took it upon herself to whisper . . . Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:27:33 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977766532 Sandy Knauer 2009-08-07T13:27:33Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977763942   For those of you who aren’t familiar with Dr. Hook (poor you), the title of this post is taken from the chorus of one of their less-serious songs (hard to believe, but they did get . . . Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:34:02 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977763942 Sandy Knauer 2009-08-05T15:34:02Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977762511 As follow up to Susan B.’s post in which editors and members discussed submission guidelines, I am going to use my space today to walk you through a day of editing from my seat. . . . Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:00:10 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977762511 Sandy Knauer 2009-08-04T15:00:10Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977759964 Lord, I am not worthy to receive you. Say the word and my soul shall be healed. The brilliance of the Bush administration's war on truth was in commandeering an unsuspecting army that had already . . . Sun, 02 Aug 2009 14:01:42 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977759964 Sandy Knauer 2009-08-02T14:01:42Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977759930   After reading that "the overwhelming majority of Americans are satisfied with their health care," Ann Weaver Hart noted that those were general comments but she hadn’t actually heard . . . Sun, 02 Aug 2009 13:37:54 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977759930 Sandy Knauer 2009-08-02T13:37:54Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977758027 If you pay close attention to the hateful, distracting comments being made in an attempt to discredit intelligent debate, you'll see that the puppets are doing what they're always instructed to do - projecting . . . Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:06:26 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977758027 Sandy Knauer 2009-07-31T13:06:26Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977757466   Joy's prompt: Your Fun Stuff this week is this: Write me something ridiculously goofy -- something silly and fantastical. I can’t do fantastical but think this . . . Fri, 31 Jul 2009 01:42:15 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977757466 Sandy Knauer 2009-07-31T01:42:15Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977755981 I lost control of my email months ago. Until yesterday, I thought I knew what I had read, just not where to find it again. Without searching the thousands of read messages for verification, I decided . . . Thu, 30 Jul 2009 02:04:08 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977755981 Sandy Knauer 2009-07-30T02:04:08Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977753473   Determined to leave with everything I had come for, I circled the grocery several times and was still unable to find Melba toast and egg roll wrappers. I would have shelved egg roll wrappers . . . Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:33:48 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977753473 Sandy Knauer 2009-07-28T09:33:48Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977747463     It keeps on happening!   I left a comment, predicted how someone would respond, and I was exactly right. I posted an article, predicted who would respond and how, and I was . . . Thu, 23 Jul 2009 06:25:59 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977747463 Sandy Knauer 2009-07-23T06:25:59Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977744436 After reviewing responses to the last few posts and talking with several of you on the phone, I think critique and discussion might be more comfortable for everyone concerned if we identify what we . . . Tue, 21 Jul 2009 03:23:26 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977744436 Sandy Knauer 2009-07-21T03:23:26Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977743821   My fake flowers are dead. That should tell you all you need to know about my green thumb. Still, I decided to rent space and plant my first garden this year. It made sense to me because I . . . Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:20:26 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977743821 Sandy Knauer 2009-07-20T16:20:26Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977742474 I posted this "Ship of Fools" chapter of my Autobiography In Music a year ago, so this qualifies for both the Resurrection group and Joy's Saturday Writing Essential prompt. I'm banking on the likelihood . . . Sun, 19 Jul 2009 12:07:35 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977742474 Sandy Knauer 2009-07-19T12:07:35Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977736909     Several people have asked for tips on dialogue. I worked on character development first because I think the better we know our characters the easier it is to keep their voices consistent . . . Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:30:20 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977736909 Sandy Knauer 2009-07-14T09:30:20Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977733394   Critique is a gift, not a dirty word. It is not (necessarily) an indication that the person delivering it is a meanie or that the recipient is a dummy. It is, always, a heartfelt, valuable . . . Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:27:22 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977733394 Sandy Knauer 2009-07-09T20:27:22Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977731265 In an attempt to determine the level of interest in my Tuesday Interactive Creative Writing project, I ask each of you to check out my post this week and leave a comment indicating whether or not you . . . Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:39:15 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977731265 Sandy Knauer 2009-07-07T12:39:15Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977731199 Warning : This will be long. The good news is that you have as long as you want to read it. Feel free to take lunch and dinner breaks, and to come back tomorrow if you don’t finish today. This . . . Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:55:40 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977731199 Sandy Knauer 2009-07-07T11:55:40Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977725534 When I accepted the position as member editor for the Gather Writing Essential group, my intention was to give 100% of myself to the position. That means I read submissions, looking for appropriateness . . . Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:43:25 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977725534 Sandy Knauer 2009-06-30T13:43:25Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977722628 My heart is heavy and my conscience a bit haunted. After getting over the shock, watching twenty-four hours of news and videos, and consoling children and grandchildren, I accepted that the news . . . Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:58:57 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977722628 Sandy Knauer 2009-06-26T21:58:57Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977719212 Summer is here so it's time for a Wee picnic! M y goals with this project are to involve new Gather members/project chara cters, to introduce a long-term project, to promote . . . Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:02:22 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977719212 Sandy Knauer 2009-06-23T10:02:22Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977717551 There at the edge of nothing someone waits for me. His essence fills the air enabling me to breathe. I draw the life he exhaled so very long ago, pull . . . Sun, 21 Jun 2009 14:06:11 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977717551 Sandy Knauer 2009-06-21T14:06:11Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977716112   Over the years, I have met a number of kids that I wished were mine. I even tried to claim a few of them. A couple of mothers were willing to share, one was resentful, and one promptly turned . . . Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:35:55 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977716112 Sandy Knauer 2009-06-19T18:35:55Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977713059 I’ve thought about how the things that people often say they have no interest in but really, those things are so important that we all have an opinion and experiences that led to . . . Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:09:17 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977713059 Sandy Knauer 2009-06-16T20:09:17Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977687831 Adam Lambert is the new King of Cool! http://www.americanidol.com/videos/season_8/performances/adam_lambert_ring_of_fire Ring of Fire http://www.americanidol.com/videos/season_8/performances/adam_lambert_a_change_is_gonna_come . . . Wed, 20 May 2009 21:26:22 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977687831 Sandy Knauer 2009-05-20T21:26:22Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977686558 Sabrina Needs Your Help Dear Fri ends, I need to ex plai n why I haven’t been around so much and ask if you can help me. I’ve never been so mad in all my life and I’m confused . . . Tue, 19 May 2009 11:54:05 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977686558 Sandy Knauer 2009-05-19T11:54:05Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977681094 For those who are behind or have just decided to join in, this exercise doesn't require knowing other characters. Your character came into an unexpected $500 today. Where did it come from and how . . . Tue, 12 May 2009 20:17:49 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977681094 Sandy Knauer 2009-05-12T20:17:49Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977674585   I apologize for not being around the way I wanted to be and should have been. As you might have noticed, I was very excited about this project making the timing of my illness and subsequent . . . Tue, 05 May 2009 14:48:50 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977674585 Sandy Knauer 2009-05-05T14:48:50Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977668233     If you can dream it, you can be it. All dreams are about ourselves. We dream what is on our minds. We can control our dreams.   . . . Tue, 28 Apr 2009 11:38:19 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977668233 Sandy Knauer 2009-04-28T11:38:19Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977662045 (tried several times to upload WE icon and wasn't successful - will try again later) Now that your characters are developed and have busy lives, it is time to make their ‘to do’ lists. Depending . . . Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:17:50 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977662045 Sandy Knauer 2009-04-21T11:17:50Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977655740 Fact or opinion? Perception or reality? Details or abstractio n s? The difference matters, in writing as much as in life. If I tell you the room is ugly, the neighborhood is tacky, or the person . . . Tue, 14 Apr 2009 11:43:17 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977655740 Sandy Knauer 2009-04-14T11:43:17Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977649146 Several people have asked about introducing a second character. Now that we know our first characters well, anyone who wants to bring in more characters is welcome to do so. New characters should . . . Tue, 07 Apr 2009 10:51:23 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977649146 Sandy Knauer 2009-04-07T10:51:23Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977642455   Now that our characters have descriptions and lives, and are recognizable to others, we need to consider how we want to present them in writing. This week, we will introduce our characters . . . Tue, 31 Mar 2009 10:32:03 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977642455 Sandy Knauer 2009-03-31T10:32:03Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977635406 Happy Birthday WeeWE characters! I’ve enjoyed watching you grow and learn so much about one another in such a short time and look forward to seeing where you go next. Again, I am listing several exercises . . . Tue, 24 Mar 2009 10:04:05 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977635406 Sandy Knauer 2009-03-24T10:04:05Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977635089 Characters A. J. Tinker Aaron Delaney Adam Alpha & Omega Amanda Brain Carrie Boyd Cleavis Cole Dixie Black . . . Mon, 23 Mar 2009 23:22:03 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977635089 Sandy Knauer 2009-03-23T23:22:03Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977630070 Aunt Diane went from almost a kid like me to too cool for word s when she added my name to Mom’s invitation and made me the only child invited to her wedding shower. Mom said I earned that honor . . . Wed, 18 Mar 2009 23:14:02 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977630070 Sandy Knauer 2009-03-18T23:14:02Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977627777 I’m sorry if I scared anyone by using the dreaded ‘w’ word in the title. Actually, we have choices this week. If you want to take your character to work, that’s fine, and you can do so in exercise . . . Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:39:12 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977627777 Sandy Knauer 2009-03-17T10:39:12Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977626373   Field Trip to Wonderland in the Alley Aaron (Sheryl) Alpha & Omega (EM JAY) Amanda (Debra) Brian/Brain (Aniko) Dixie (Donna) Ell (Chelle) . . . Mon, 16 Mar 2009 03:40:19 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977626373 Sandy Knauer 2009-03-16T03:40:19Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977622121   Sabrina controlled her mothering instincts by jamming her hands in the back pockets of her jeans. His one-syllable first name guaranteed this would be a first and last date so she couldn’t afford . . . Thu, 12 Mar 2009 14:31:43 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977622121 Sandy Knauer 2009-03-12T14:31:43Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977619108 We worked on physical description the first week – giving our characters names, appearances, families, and surroundings. Last week ’s games and exercises were designed to help us separate our characters . . . Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:19:09 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977619108 Sandy Knauer 2009-03-10T04:19:09Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977617923 Without leaving this page, see how many characters you can match to their creators and to the information that describes them. Leave your answers in a comment box (please, NOT one in a box). If everyone . . . Sun, 08 Mar 2009 21:39:35 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977617923 Sandy Knauer 2009-03-08T21:39:35Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977617275   Create your own character and join the fun, or follow these links for some fun reading!   Week 1 – Physical description  February 24, 2009   Links to profiles . . . Sun, 08 Mar 2009 00:37:41 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977617275 Sandy Knauer 2009-03-08T00:37:41Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977613894   This post is part of the Tuesday Writing Essential character development exercise located here. Dear Launa , I hate to type and ain’t good at writing letters but I wanted to send you . . . Wed, 04 Mar 2009 02:51:05 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977613894 Sandy Knauer 2009-03-04T02:51:05Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977613731   Responses to games and challenges for week 2 . I’ll try to keep the lists updated as people post. Please leave a link in the comment section if I miss anything.   Character List . . . Tue, 03 Mar 2009 22:29:19 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977613731 Sandy Knauer 2009-03-03T22:29:19Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977613573   Dear Sandy, I saw what them other people said about me. Dang. I always remind everybody of somebody else. I mean, that’s okay when they say I look like movie star or remind them of their . . . Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:15:24 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977613573 Sandy Knauer 2009-03-03T19:15:24Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977612776   What a fun week! The party started HERE last Tuesday and grew more exciting each day. So far, 26 people have submitted a character or two. We have seen these characters come to . . . Tue, 03 Mar 2009 01:38:23 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977612776 Sandy Knauer 2009-03-03T01:38:23Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977611931   When I saw the challenge, I knew it would not be easy to identify the absolute worst day of my life. But Ruth asks so little of her friends that I was determined to give her a most dedicated . . . Mon, 02 Mar 2009 10:41:26 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977611931 Sandy Knauer 2009-03-02T10:41:26Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977609335 The original article won't let me edit any more characters in, so I am publishing this list for those who want to keep up as these are posted. If I have missed anyone, please leave a link in the . . . Fri, 27 Feb 2009 20:45:22 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977609335 Sandy Knauer 2009-02-27T20:45:22Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977608811     Please forgive my rush to post before receiving the memo. For once, I think I’m ahead of the AFA.   With no adult content warning, Ellen DeGeneres appeared on my television, . . . Fri, 27 Feb 2009 12:22:07 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977608811 Sandy Knauer 2009-02-27T12:22:07Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977607932   I think it’s stupid to ask me to do this when you already know me and how busy I am. But my daughter wants me to be team mom and I’ll do anything for my kid.   My name is Sabrina . . . Thu, 26 Feb 2009 15:54:38 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977607932 Sandy Knauer 2009-02-26T15:54:38Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977605255 If you have been around Gather longer than five minutes, chances are you’re already tired of hearing me complain about games, or you’ve grown weary of hearing others complain about me complaining . . . Tue, 24 Feb 2009 11:04:31 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977605255 Sandy Knauer 2009-02-24T11:04:31Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977603462   LOL.   That’s what your post about the “liberal troll” and the Shamgar Report made me think. No, I did not actually laugh aloud at your somewhat pathetic rant. I saw the letters LOL . . . Sun, 22 Feb 2009 19:27:12 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977603462 Sandy Knauer 2009-02-22T19:27:12Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977602249 I promised weekly McConnell watches. Unfortunately, he hasn’t done enough this week to earn a full article of his own. So, in order to provide something worth reading, I am combining my McConnell watch . . . Sat, 21 Feb 2009 15:06:27 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977602249 Sandy Knauer 2009-02-21T15:06:27Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977598987   Sandy Knauer is making an official announcement. Gather writer, occasional trouble-maker, and proud liberal says she is NOT engaged and probably never will be again! After years of no one . . . Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:23:05 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977598987 Sandy Knauer 2009-02-18T15:23:05Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977598711   Wedding and event planners would weep with envy over the way Alan's party fell together. Circumstances and details wove themselves into tangible perfection that we carried out at the end . . . Wed, 18 Feb 2009 10:51:00 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977598711 Sandy Knauer 2009-02-18T10:51:00Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977591135     This is not a Gather game, nor is it a book review. I don’t write book reviews, neither in the summer when I devour a novel a day, nor in the winter when I concentrate on heavier reading . . . Wed, 11 Feb 2009 11:08:59 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977591135 Sandy Knauer 2009-02-11T11:08:59Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977590538     I have lived with this shame for three months and don't think I can last another day. Hopefully, owning my mistakes and telling you how sorry I am for them will allow me to hold my head . . . Tue, 10 Feb 2009 19:33:35 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977590538 Sandy Knauer 2009-02-10T19:33:35Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977588433 This article was first published on May 19, 2006 and received 265 views but only 74 comments. The topic is still important to me, and one I think worth discussing again. --- Most of us would probably . . . Sun, 08 Feb 2009 20:13:31 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977588433 Sandy Knauer 2009-02-08T20:13:31Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977582222   Cabin fever does strange things to me. On the second day of being iced in, I started answering people on television - and it wasn't my regular shouting out the hundred dollar answer on Millionaire, . . . Mon, 02 Feb 2009 09:19:58 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977582222 Sandy Knauer 2009-02-02T09:19:58Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977581573   Someone else posted an article today asking the question: Courage, Where does it come from and where does it go? It might have been an interesting discussion. However, the purpose of that article, . . . Sun, 01 Feb 2009 15:20:01 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977581573 Sandy Knauer 2009-02-01T15:20:01Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977581474 I chose this article, first published in November, 2006, after realizing not much has changed. I think it will be interesting to compare comments on the two. ----------- In my non-Gather life, I . . . Sun, 01 Feb 2009 13:33:17 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977581474 Sandy Knauer 2009-02-01T13:33:17Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977579702   I read Jackie C.'s three-line, one-sentence blurb on this topic and decided I did not want to leave a comment that would be longer and more thoughtful than her post. Supporting people who . . . Fri, 30 Jan 2009 13:25:42 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977579702 Sandy Knauer 2009-01-30T13:25:42Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977576668       St. Joy The Baptist M. Cranky-Pants, Mercenary and Coroner is trying to earn points to help out Public Radio in Minnesota. Writing articles (especially ones with lots . . . Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:51:08 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977576668 Sandy Knauer 2009-01-27T16:51:08Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977576549       Ms. X, whose student tells me she always minimizes her Gather page and opens an email when students approach her desk, uses a four-color rating system in her class. A . . . Tue, 27 Jan 2009 14:50:50 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977576549 Sandy Knauer 2009-01-27T14:50:50Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977575775   For months, people have been telling me that I am a direct descendant of Cesar (sometimes confused with Caesar, the palace) Perez, a worthless Lumpen and son-of-a-puta, who walked (or floated, . . . Mon, 26 Jan 2009 21:02:42 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977575775 Sandy Knauer 2009-01-26T21:02:42Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977574675 I chose this because I still haven't finished the novel it goes with and hope this will encourage me to get back to it. Also, it received a great deal of criticism and a low rating the first round. . . . Sun, 25 Jan 2009 19:21:35 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977574675 Sandy Knauer 2009-01-25T19:21:35Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977567392   Culture Haven   This is a place where people from different cultures can meet and get to know one another - sit across the table and chat, without fear of criticism.   . . . Sun, 18 Jan 2009 19:49:40 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977567392 Sandy Knauer 2009-01-18T19:49:40Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977566893   I chose Reverend Stanton for this week’s Resurrection Sunday entry for several reasons.   Homelessness has been one of my top issues for as long as I can remember (since age . . . Sun, 18 Jan 2009 13:22:35 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977566893 Sandy Knauer 2009-01-18T13:22:35Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977562777   A pitcher of sweet tea was as standard as toilet paper and electricity, with one glaring difference. Mom took full responsibility for assuring that we never ran out of toilet paper and Daddy . . . Wed, 14 Jan 2009 03:35:47 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977562777 Sandy Knauer 2009-01-14T03:35:47Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977562059 The gallbladder is a precious little sac, located under the liver and created by God. Baby Jebus was born in a manger with a gallbladder and kept it in his body until he ascended into heaven. Troops die . . . Tue, 13 Jan 2009 12:22:32 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977562059 Sandy Knauer 2009-01-13T12:22:32Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977560896   I’m alive which should bring you pleasure but I know it won’t. I carry your knife in my back, permanent cracks in my heart, a lingering cloud over my life but lucky for me . . . Mon, 12 Jan 2009 10:03:47 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977560896 Sandy Knauer 2009-01-12T10:03:47Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977560202   I chose this for my first submission to La Lady Lisa Westerfield’s Resurrection Sunday group because it didn't receive much attention the first time around , and I think the message . . . Sun, 11 Jan 2009 14:49:46 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977560202 Sandy Knauer 2009-01-11T14:49:46Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977558622     In case I start spending twenty-four hours a day on Gather instead of the usual twenty, I thought I would explain. After today, I might not leave the house again. Ever.   . . . Fri, 09 Jan 2009 17:50:52 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977558622 Sandy Knauer 2009-01-09T17:50:52Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977557654   Material possessions, titles, and getting rich were not important to me. I was perfectly satisfied with a few good friends, a couple pairs of comfortable, leather shoes, one great purse, and . . . Thu, 08 Jan 2009 20:19:58 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977557654 Sandy Knauer 2009-01-08T20:19:58Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977553561 Everything hot is in this video. (Except Michael Landon) value="true">     Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:17:20 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977553561 Sandy Knauer 2009-01-05T00:17:20Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977551657   Normally, I refuse to draft or honor gift lists. If you don't know me or I don't know you well enough to choose an appropriate gift we probably shouldn't exchange gifts. Surprise . . . Fri, 02 Jan 2009 21:39:04 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977551657 Sandy Knauer 2009-01-02T21:39:04Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977550232   December 23, 2008   Gloomy day with threats of rain or snow in the coming days Temperature is below 70 (quite a bit below) so I am miserable If I get out of the car for any . . . Thu, 01 Jan 2009 10:16:56 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977550232 Sandy Knauer 2009-01-01T10:16:56Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977549373   Thanks to Janna for starting the meat group so I have somewhere to post this sad story.   This is what remains         of the meat that . . . Wed, 31 Dec 2008 11:27:05 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977549373 Sandy Knauer 2008-12-31T11:27:05Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977535306   Rules and ethics dominated conversation during the early hours of my sleepover last week.* I generated the discussion and was pleased when my guests, who I will refer to by age instead of name, . . . Sun, 14 Dec 2008 15:28:50 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977535306 Sandy Knauer 2008-12-14T15:28:50Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977534815   I had the rewarding experience yesterday of reading a thousand thank you messages (a small portion of the total) from volunteers to Obama campaign organizers. My excitement over the win hadn't . . . Sat, 13 Dec 2008 23:03:07 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977534815 Sandy Knauer 2008-12-13T23:03:07Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977534718   I love live music so little excites me more than discovering that an artist whose recordings I have long enjoyed is even better live. I had that pleasure yesterday, when I attended WFPK's . . . Sat, 13 Dec 2008 20:52:32 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977534718 Sandy Knauer 2008-12-13T20:52:32Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977528553   It is with great pleasure that I put together this final edition of Another One Bites the Dust* - a list of Bush administration resignations and firings. I allowed the original to get a little . . . Sun, 07 Dec 2008 10:36:19 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977528553 Sandy Knauer 2008-12-07T10:36:19Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977522078   He proved my mother wrong. With him, life was a party. That alone secured his permanent position in my heart, making bonuses of the countless worthy reasons to love him. I lived in anticipation . . . Sun, 30 Nov 2008 19:18:19 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977522078 Sandy Knauer 2008-11-30T19:18:19Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977507283 I.                    Call to order II.                    . . . Fri, 14 Nov 2008 23:44:55 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977507283 Sandy Knauer 2008-11-14T23:44:55Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977487358 But he gave me one in his Good Morning America interview this morning when he said he would give his grandmother a kiss and see what chores she has for him to do. He gets it. He really gets it. Not . . . Fri, 24 Oct 2008 08:10:01 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977487358 Sandy Knauer 2008-10-24T08:10:01Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977477416 Psssst, do something Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:33:39 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977477416 Sandy Knauer 2008-10-14T13:33:39Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977470903 A few updates on Congressman John Yarmuth, one of my favorite politicians Upbeat Ad: (Including some of the cutest kids I know) Colbert Report . . . Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:23:56 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977470903 Sandy Knauer 2008-10-07T18:23:56Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977464105 What do you see as the lessons of Iraq? Now, having resolved Iraq, we'll move to Afghanistan. Do you think more troops -- more U.S. troops should be sent to Afghanistan, how many, and when? . . . Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:57:05 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977464105 Sandy Knauer 2008-09-30T20:57:05Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977463556 This question came to me (us) this morning from a guest on c-span. My response to this guy, and anyone else who wonders how those of us who do not understand the details of how we got in this mess or what . . . Tue, 30 Sep 2008 11:31:28 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977463556 Sandy Knauer 2008-09-30T11:31:28Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977461859 I have watched the first debate three times and read the transcript. Following is my breakdown of the transcript into categories that are important to me. I encourage readers to discuss my categories, . . . Sun, 28 Sep 2008 17:03:54 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977461859 Sandy Knauer 2008-09-28T17:03:54Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977461743 I have watched the first debate three times and read the transcript. Following is my breakdown of the transcript into categories that are important to me. I encourage readers to discuss my categories, . . . Sun, 28 Sep 2008 15:07:41 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977461743 Sandy Knauer 2008-09-28T15:07:41Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977461726 I have watched the first debate three times and read the transcript. Following is my breakdown of the transcript into categories that are important to me. I encourage readers to discuss my categories, . . . Sun, 28 Sep 2008 14:38:57 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977461726 Sandy Knauer 2008-09-28T14:38:57Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977461714 I have watched the first debate three times and read the transcript. Following is my breakdown of the transcript into categories that are important to me. I encourage readers to discuss my categories, . . . Sun, 28 Sep 2008 14:25:39 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977461714 Sandy Knauer 2008-09-28T14:25:39Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977457507 Team, Last week, our campaign launched a grassroots effort to put you in touch with voters all across the country through our online phone bank. (Too freaking bad you didn't want to put . . . Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:04:31 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977457507 Sandy Knauer 2008-09-24T00:04:31Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977456902 Right Now: Veterans Climb Government Building, Call for Arrest of Bush and Cheney Impeachment movement challenges Bush at every turn   The enormous banner hanging from . . . Tue, 23 Sep 2008 12:51:23 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977456902 Sandy Knauer 2008-09-23T12:51:23Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977456890 I am copying Congressman Kucinich's letter here and will do the same with any others I receive. I hope the rest of you will do the same. --- The U.S. government has been turned into an engine . . . Tue, 23 Sep 2008 12:40:15 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977456890 Sandy Knauer 2008-09-23T12:40:15Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977456211 It might be helpful if McCain supporters keep us updated daily (or hourly), since he seems to change his mind often. Obama, Not McCain, Shows Steady Hand in Crisis: . . . Mon, 22 Sep 2008 18:56:26 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977456211 Sandy Knauer 2008-09-22T18:56:26Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977455405     Dick I-want-to-hide-my-sins Cheney doesn’t get a free ride with his secrets. Saturday, Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly said, “No way Tricky Dicky.”     That . . . Sun, 21 Sep 2008 23:03:48 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977455405 Sandy Knauer 2008-09-21T23:03:48Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977453709 Thanks to the more than 62,000 people who signed the open letter that FreePress circulated, demanding that the charges be dropped, St. Paul City Hall announced today that they are dropping all charges . . . Fri, 19 Sep 2008 18:29:36 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977453709 Sandy Knauer 2008-09-19T18:29:36Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977451009 I received this letter (subject line: Ready to shake things up) from Senator McCain today. Since I don't think he received my previous messages, and his supporters assure me he is not as computer illiterate . . . Tue, 16 Sep 2008 23:18:07 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977451009 Sandy Knauer 2008-09-16T23:18:07Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977450418 I might have to join a church if it's this much fun. Tue, 16 Sep 2008 10:46:06 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977450418 Sandy Knauer 2008-09-16T10:46:06Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977449196 Former POW says McCain is "not cut out to be President" John McCain vs. John McCain The Real McCain 2 . . . Mon, 15 Sep 2008 01:35:36 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977449196 Sandy Knauer 2008-09-15T01:35:36Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977448656 I think he probably would not. Sun, 14 Sep 2008 11:22:16 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977448656 Sandy Knauer 2008-09-14T11:22:16Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977447185 I Am a Constitution Voter   I believe that no one -- including the President -- is above the law. I oppose all forms of torture, and I support both closing the Guantánamo Bay prison . . . Fri, 12 Sep 2008 14:04:04 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977447185 Sandy Knauer 2008-09-12T14:04:04Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977445795 It doesn't get any easier than this. Even McCain/Palin supporters who hated him last month and had never heard of her then should be able to answer these. If you are just checking in, I am posting . . . Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:05:52 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977445795 Sandy Knauer 2008-09-11T00:05:52Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977445659 I have to say, #2 was more disappointing than #1. I tried to make the questions easier this time. For those who don't know, I am posting questions to McCain supporters, since he told us nothing . . . Wed, 10 Sep 2008 20:17:41 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977445659 Sandy Knauer 2008-09-10T20:17:41Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977445579 Since John McCain is not discussing issues in the public forum, maybe those of you who support him can help by explaining his positions to the rest of us. I am publishing questions, a few at a time, and . . . Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:33:59 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977445579 Sandy Knauer 2008-09-10T18:33:59Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977445382 Since John McCain is not discussing issues in the public forum, maybe those of you who support him can help by explaining his positions to the rest of us. I will publish a few questions at a time, . . . Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:54:07 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977445382 Sandy Knauer 2008-09-10T14:54:07Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977439908 Tonight, those of you who tune in to the Republican National Convention will suffer two McCons: Mitch McConnell and John McCain. While Mitch’s sob stories don’t quite match up to the POW and woe-is-me-hockey-mommy . . . Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:27:43 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977439908 Sandy Knauer 2008-09-04T19:27:43Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977438966 First came the teachers. Well, not real teachers, but some funny people who pretended to be teachers, either of their own children or, more scary, our children. Some tried to convince us that social . . . Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:21:50 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977438966 Sandy Knauer 2008-09-04T00:21:50Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977436627 For those who are disappointed they don't have a convention to watch tonight, I thought I'd share some of my favorites from the Democratic convention. I'm sure others will have special moments . . . Tue, 02 Sep 2008 01:07:33 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977436627 Sandy Knauer 2008-09-02T01:07:33Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977435357 In what some are calling the most innovative plan ever, presidential hopeful, John McCain, proves he has a dream, and leaves Obama's promise of change spinning hopelessly in the dust. Selecting . . . Sun, 31 Aug 2008 15:39:26 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977435357 Sandy Knauer 2008-08-31T15:39:26Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977430187 Healthcare United is a group of healthcare professionals who are working to solve the problems with our healthcare system. Their mission: to build a national healthcare system that delivers quality, . . . Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:50:39 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977430187 Sandy Knauer 2008-08-25T15:50:39Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977429365 My mother taught me to play Spades before she allowed me to pour my own milk. In my family, parents recite the rules of the game instead of nursery rhymes. We draw cards instead of eenie-meany-miney-mo. . . . Sun, 24 Aug 2008 16:31:25 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977429365 Sandy Knauer 2008-08-24T16:31:25Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977428053 Well, not exactly live now. I took a lunch/shopping/unwind break after attending a live session of Meet the Blogger, where Michael Moore promoted his new book Mike's Election Guide '08 . . . Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:30:00 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977428053 Sandy Knauer 2008-08-22T17:30:00Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977427714 My daughter sent this to me this morning and I don't think she could have done anything nicer for me. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have/am/will (don't know when I might stop hitting replay). . . . Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:21:49 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977427714 Sandy Knauer 2008-08-22T11:21:49Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977426062 I intended to make this a three-generation project, but can't get to my baby pictures right now. I'll post my daughter and granddaughter and add mine later. Our comparison story is fun. My . . . Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:44:24 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977426062 Sandy Knauer 2008-08-20T16:44:24Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977425796 How sad that John McCain's sorry campaign and supporters have no imagination. They've copied Hillary Clinton's ads and bastardized Barack Obama's logo and messages of hope and nope to McCain. . . . Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:13:58 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977425796 Sandy Knauer 2008-08-20T11:13:58Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977425097   After weeks of exchanging sighs and acknowledgment of empathy with other club members, Beth accepted the sad realization that Nice Mommy and her Obnoxious Offspring were not guests. The possibility . . . Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:52:15 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977425097 Sandy Knauer 2008-08-19T13:52:15Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977423059 Over the years, I’ve met writers whose work impressed me more than anything I see on the bookstore shelves, yet they pile up rejection letters and never seem to be noticed. This morning, during a C-SPAN . . . Sat, 16 Aug 2008 16:06:28 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977423059 Sandy Knauer 2008-08-16T16:06:28Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977412388 I do grief well, maybe because I’ve had much experience with it. Any time I lose something or someone that has been important to me I consciously make time to understand what I will miss.   . . . Sat, 02 Aug 2008 23:18:37 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977412388 Sandy Knauer 2008-08-02T23:18:37Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977412382   I have published hundreds of “posts” on Gather. It is nearly impossible to find the older work without clicking on that ‘next’ button twenty times so I put together this list of my favorites. . . . Sat, 02 Aug 2008 23:09:08 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977412382 Sandy Knauer 2008-08-02T23:09:08Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977403528 Tonight, Gather will undergo another upgrade. I was one of a number of people invited to preview the new Gather and am pleased to say that I am excited about some of the changes and ready to give the . . . Mon, 21 Jul 2008 18:24:34 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977403528 Sandy Knauer 2008-07-21T18:24:34Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977402142   With his fingers hovering the keyboard, Steve petitions the merciful side of his stubborn brain to call forth the prestige-saving information. He offers up his good ear in return for full recollection . . . Sun, 20 Jul 2008 00:05:54 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977402142 Sandy Knauer 2008-07-20T00:05:54Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977399532   In their latest insane-o-gram, the AFA (American Family [sic] Association) calls upon liberal-haters to set aside their thinking skills and pound the internet pavement with inane, sensationalized . . . Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:02:43 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977399532 Sandy Knauer 2008-07-16T16:02:43Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977394846 A million questions hit me at once. Where had he been the last two years and why hadn't he called? Who told him where to find me? Was that a scar on his lip and did he have any idea what time it was . . . Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:15:22 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977394846 Sandy Knauer 2008-07-10T17:15:22Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977386529 Mike ruined everything when he referred to us as the ship of fools. I put my early fear aside and laughed with the others. Bob Seger was in the room, so there was a slight possibility . . . Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:27:50 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977386529 Sandy Knauer 2008-07-01T00:27:50Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977381918 Forty-five minutes into the debut of the newest talent show, America's Got Sob Stories , I picked up the phone, fully prepared to call in a vote for Tiffany Crosswell, who delivered her third set of . . . Wed, 25 Jun 2008 01:15:20 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977381918 Sandy Knauer 2008-06-25T01:15:20Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977380814 For years, I rushed out to pick up my copy of the LEO (Louisville's Eccentric Observer) as soon as it hit the stands. Often, I read nothing more than founder, and then owner, John Yarmuth's column, . . . Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:10:01 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977380814 Sandy Knauer 2008-06-23T19:10:01Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977380606 After seeing a number of people make broad, inaccurate comments about how all politicians are dishonest, cannot be trusted, are in it for the wrong reasons, etc., I decided to create the group Honest . . . Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:34:05 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977380606 Sandy Knauer 2008-06-23T14:34:05Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977379711 My dear friend, who has a real name but will forever be Uchu to me, especially when I write negative articles about him on Gather, just made his way onto my ship* list. Uchu calls on Sunday mornings to . . . Sun, 22 Jun 2008 12:14:41 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977379711 Sandy Knauer 2008-06-22T12:14:41Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977373517 One of the best things about having a granddaughter who is still young enough to feel big when she stands on a chair to wash dishes is that while she feels big, she also talks big. Hannah Montana . . . Sat, 14 Jun 2008 21:23:29 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977373517 Sandy Knauer 2008-06-14T21:23:29Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977341482 Thanks a whole big bunch, Andrea. Your invitation to The Dirty Laundry group inspired me to think big. I ignored my disabilities, grabbed the camera, and left the couch. Unassisted, and at a speed . . . Thu, 08 May 2008 13:56:48 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977341482 Sandy Knauer 2008-05-08T13:56:48Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977339260   An emergency necessitated a last minute cancellation of the party I planned to attend and none of my other options thrilled me. I decided to shop for groceries during the Derby. It would be . . . Mon, 05 May 2008 16:05:43 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977339260 Sandy Knauer 2008-05-05T16:05:43Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977333995 I fooled no one when I slapped the flashing, neon label on my articles and submitted them to the feminist group. The owner rejected my work so fast the font smeared. Obviously, my priorities were out . . . Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:01:28 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977333995 Sandy Knauer 2008-04-28T14:01:28Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977332046 Whipping winds and pelting rain the demons on a rampage again      They wage a losing battle you see      nothing can fell the family tree A solid . . . Fri, 25 Apr 2008 12:32:11 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977332046 Sandy Knauer 2008-04-25T12:32:11Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977331567 No, I am not shocked that America voted Carly Smithson off American Idol this week. I do not think it was a miscarriage of justice, a travesty, or a mistake, as I've heard others say. Nor am I particularly . . . Thu, 24 Apr 2008 19:50:05 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977331567 Sandy Knauer 2008-04-24T19:50:05Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977299492 After using my poor excuse for a car (PEFAC) to dupe family members into a couple of April fool's jokes, I opened the door to wave a thank you to the pile of junk for being offensive enough to pull . . . Tue, 01 Apr 2008 20:16:04 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977299492 Sandy Knauer 2008-04-01T20:16:04Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977297794 The challenge was to write a short scene (exactly 100 words) in which one character reduces another to uncontrollable sobs without touching him or speaking. _____________________ He deserved . . . Mon, 31 Mar 2008 03:47:07 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977297794 Sandy Knauer 2008-03-31T03:47:07Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977294883 When my child falls to the floor in the aisle between cereal and pop tarts and throws a temper tantrum, I am not proud. I might walk away with the Quaker Oatmeal Squares and pretend I don't hear her . . . Thu, 27 Mar 2008 13:08:32 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977294883 Sandy Knauer 2008-03-27T13:08:32Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977292473 I am a dreamer in every sense of the word. I dream when asleep and when awake, literally and metaphorically. I observe some dreams, experience others, and occasionally receive messages through dreams. . . . Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:33:40 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977292473 Sandy Knauer 2008-03-24T15:33:40Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977291762 My dear friend, Ian Thorpe , ironically reduced to human status in my eyes for his failure to believe that Barack Obama is a courageous trailblazer who walks on water, recently published a book . . . Sun, 23 Mar 2008 17:50:49 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977291762 Sandy Knauer 2008-03-23T17:50:49Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977289103 Open letter to Southeast Christian Church: Southeast Christian Church crossed the line. Your last minute pre-election phone message was an unethical invasion of my time and home, and a disgraceful . . . Thu, 20 Mar 2008 02:09:43 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977289103 Sandy Knauer 2008-03-20T02:09:43Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977283178 Years ago, in another pattern and looser stitch, this                                                              . . . Thu, 13 Mar 2008 01:40:39 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977283178 Sandy Knauer 2008-03-13T01:40:39Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977283150 In an article that sensationalized on a level that might put the AFA to shame, one of our favorite comment removers suggested that people who rate her content low are the same as " drive by shooters . . . Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:29:06 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977283150 Sandy Knauer 2008-03-13T00:29:06Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977272680 I met Joe on an Internet political discussion board. He was as far to the right as I was to the left. He was retired military, corporate, and married. I was non-profit, arts, and not married. He was . . . Sat, 01 Mar 2008 11:51:43 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977272680 Sandy Knauer 2008-03-01T11:51:43Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977266956 With only a sliver of moon assisting the headlights, Trevor Proffat stood on the brake pedal and steered his grandfather's Pacific blue Jaguar between an oak tree and a utility pole. Trevor's younger . . . Sun, 24 Feb 2008 13:32:45 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977266956 Sandy Knauer 2008-02-24T13:32:45Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977262543   The community's overwhelming response to our Open Invitation to Discuss the Infamous A$$holes We Love * opened the door to many new topics. I studied the comments for days, thinking . . . Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:21:25 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977262543 Sandy Knauer 2008-02-19T16:21:25Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977258741 The American Family Association sent yet another urgent plea to their 3,364,956 (minus two, since Peter Wimsey and I don't really count) members today. At first glance, this letter baffled the . . . Thu, 14 Feb 2008 15:25:50 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977258741 Sandy Knauer 2008-02-14T15:25:50Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977250722 Actually, there have been more than one, but I am talking about the one who has probably made the claim to the most people, most often. Over the last few years, a number of people (rather large number, . . . Tue, 05 Feb 2008 22:43:42 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977250722 Sandy Knauer 2008-02-05T22:43:42Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977242083   Like Duckie , I also had a recent visit from a Ghost . December 31, 1968. Bell-bottomed, black, bolero pants with wide suspender straps over an uncharacteristic, white, . . . Sun, 27 Jan 2008 21:57:01 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977242083 Sandy Knauer 2008-01-27T21:57:01Z