Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Wedding Day
Well it was awesome seeing everyone at the wedding. I really wish we could get together more often and not only at major family events. I had a blast!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Comparison of the candidates
Okay, I had told myself I would put this together when I first saw Richie's post about politics, but I was lazy and procrastinated and now we're down to just two candidates (more or less). I thought it might help those of us who aren't too politically savvy to form a better opinion about the candidates if they were compared side by side. It was pretty easy to do since there are websites out there devoted to that sort of thing, and I got most of the info from one site, http://www.comparecandidates2008.com/. I checked out other sites as well and kind of meshed and added where appropriate if they had additional info, but most were all about the same. I couldn't, however, copy and paste what I had done to the blog post, so I did it in separate pieces. It doesn't look as nice as the table I made that I saved in Word, but the info is all there. Anyway, I hope it helps some people or at least proves informative.
I hope everyone is doing okay. We just heard about Christian (shows how out of touch we are with what is going on) and have added him to our prayer list. Richie, I have been following along with your progress through your posts, have prayed for you all along and am glad all is moving in the right direction for you in so many ways.
Now that I've flapped my gums some (so to speak) I will probably go back to observing from the sidelines again because I'm just a loser that way.
Jamie
PS. I liked the videos. Richie, is there a way to attach/add just an audio piece? just wondering.
Name
R - John McCain - more>>
Current Job
Senator from AZ
Iraq
Supports current Administration plan. McCain thinks Bush's strategy in Iraq can succeed, and that if the U.S. fails to stabilize Iraq now, the threat of terrorism against American interests will grow. McCain has strongly criticized Democrats who support a troop withdrawal timeline, but has also criticized the administration for mishandling the war. He says Donald Rumsfeld will be remembered as one of the worst secretaries of defense in history.
Foreign Affairs
Believes Iran's nuclear proliferation is a grave risk, and could further destabilize the region.
Homland Security
Supports Patriot Act and wants intelligence officials to have all tools they need. Opposes detaining enemy combatants without legal rights.
Immigration
Supports path to citizenship for illegals already in the country, while tightening current border patrol. McCain wants a comprehensive immigration reform bill that would improve border surveillance and enforcement, strengthen penalties against those who hire illegal immigrants, and stop document fraud. He wants to develop a guest worker program that allows illegal immigrants to earn legitimate status. McCain sponsored the 2006 comprehensive immigration reform bill. Had it passed, it would have allowed some illegal immigrants already in the U.S. to work and apply to become legal residents after learning English, paying fines and back taxes, and clearing a background check. McCain believes that securing the borders is one of the federal government's most important obligations.
Economy
Supports lowering taxes to help small businesses. McCain says tax cuts work best in conjunction with lower spending. He blames excessive spending for Republican losses in the 2006 elections. McCain was one of two Republican senators to oppose the 2001 tax cuts, arguing that too many of the benefits went to the most fortunate at the expense of the middle class. He also opposed the 2003 tax cuts. McCain says he would not raise taxes, but that he would not go as far as to sign a pledge to that effect. He believes a repeal of the estate tax isn't necessary.
Education
Supports sending federal dollars directly to local schools, cutting back on red tape.
Energy
McCain is the chief co-sponsor of a bill that sets mandatory caps on greenhouse emissions. His plan would allow companies to trade excess carbon emission capacity, and would require emissions to return to 2004 levels by 2012 and to 1990 levels by 2020. McCain wants to see more investment in alternative-energy sources such as nuclear power, ethanol, fuel cells, bio-diesel, and natural gas. He believes ethanol will play a big part in energy independence.
Climate Change
Believes nation can't ignore global warming. Supports cutting emissions through market forces that will bring about cleaner technology.
Health
Supports importing prescription drugs to lower costs.
Social Security
Says Social Security is failing, partially because it's being unfairly raided to fund other government programs
Stem Cell Research
Supports embryonic stem-cell research
Same Sex Marriage
Opposes same-sex marriage (believes it's a state issue)
Abortion
Anti-abortion. McCain believes Roe v. Wade should be overturned, and that the abortion question should be left to the individual states to legislate. He has called abortion a human tragedy, and believes community action can go far in "the fight for life" by promoting alternatives to abortion and providing expectant mothers with the necessary support.
Gun Control
Supports background checks for gun buyers.
Name
D - Barack Obama - more>>
Current Job
Senator from IL
Iraq
Obama supports capping troop levels, and favors a timeline for the withdrawal of troops from Iraq. He introduced a bill that would cap the number of troops in Iraq at 130,000, the number on the ground before the recent surge. Obama was not in the Senate in 2002, but was opposed to the Iraq war from the start.
Foreign Affairs
Supports more monitoring of nuclear technology to make sure it stays out of terrorist hands. Believes more needs to be done to stop conflict in Africa.
Homland Security
Wants Homeland Security money targeted more towards high-risk areas. Supports better protection for chemical plants. Wants more tracking of spent nuclear fuel so it doesn't end up in terrorist hands.
Immigration
Obama says it is vital to bring out of the shadows the 12 million illegal immigrants currently living in the U.S. by implementing a system through which illegals could earn citizenship by paying a fine, learning English, and waiting their turn behind legal immigrants. Obama says the U.S. needs a better employment verification system and more serious employer sanctions for those who hire illegal immigrants. He also voted for the 2006 Kennedy-McCain immigration reform bill and is in favor of a border fence. Supports a fence along Mexican border. Supports tougher laws to keep illegals from finding jobs. Supports granting citizenship to illegals already here as long as they pay fines and back taxes.
Economy
Supports tax incentives to companies that keep jobs in the US. Believes NAFTA needs to be renegotiated to protect American economy. Obama would let expire tax cuts for households earning more than $250,000. He acknowledges that additional revenue might be needed to achieve his health care goals, but says a large amount of money can be saved within the existing system.
Education
Supports rewarding good teachers with better pay, and expanding summer learning programs. Wants to increase federal grants for college education.
Energy
Obama would create a cap-and-trade system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, taking revenues generated from the program to help those negatively impacted by the limits. He would also raise fuel efficiency standards for cars. Obama would establish a National Low Carbon Fuel Standard that would require all transportation fuels to contain 5 percent less carbon by 2015 and 10 percent less carbon by 2020. He believes the plan would spur investment in renewable fuels and help reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions. Supports more renewable energies, and wants to look into clean coal uses to get the US away from foreign oil dependency. Proposed giving automakers help with health coverage in exchange for more hybrid production.
Climate Change
Believes global warming will bring devastating consequences if it's not stopped. Supports capping emissions with incentives to corporations that cut greenhouse gases.
Health
Supports universal health care, and believes government should buy prescription drugs in bulk to reduce costs. Wants hospitals to be graded on performance and make a switch to cost-effective, computerized record-keeping.
Social Security
Opposes privatization, and believes the system can be fixed with minor changes
Stem Cell Research
Supports embryonic stem-cell research
Same Sex Marriage
Supports civil unions, but not same-sex marriage.
Abortion
Pro-choice Obama supports abortion rights. He opposed restrictions on public financing of abortions while serving in the Illinois legislature. He said partial-birth abortion only focuses on 1 percent of all cases, and would entrust a woman to make such a decision for herself.
Gun Control
Supports bans on assault weapons and concealed weapons.
I hope everyone is doing okay. We just heard about Christian (shows how out of touch we are with what is going on) and have added him to our prayer list. Richie, I have been following along with your progress through your posts, have prayed for you all along and am glad all is moving in the right direction for you in so many ways.
Now that I've flapped my gums some (so to speak) I will probably go back to observing from the sidelines again because I'm just a loser that way.
Jamie
PS. I liked the videos. Richie, is there a way to attach/add just an audio piece? just wondering.
Name
R - John McCain - more>>
Current Job
Senator from AZ
Iraq
Supports current Administration plan. McCain thinks Bush's strategy in Iraq can succeed, and that if the U.S. fails to stabilize Iraq now, the threat of terrorism against American interests will grow. McCain has strongly criticized Democrats who support a troop withdrawal timeline, but has also criticized the administration for mishandling the war. He says Donald Rumsfeld will be remembered as one of the worst secretaries of defense in history.
Foreign Affairs
Believes Iran's nuclear proliferation is a grave risk, and could further destabilize the region.
Homland Security
Supports Patriot Act and wants intelligence officials to have all tools they need. Opposes detaining enemy combatants without legal rights.
Immigration
Supports path to citizenship for illegals already in the country, while tightening current border patrol. McCain wants a comprehensive immigration reform bill that would improve border surveillance and enforcement, strengthen penalties against those who hire illegal immigrants, and stop document fraud. He wants to develop a guest worker program that allows illegal immigrants to earn legitimate status. McCain sponsored the 2006 comprehensive immigration reform bill. Had it passed, it would have allowed some illegal immigrants already in the U.S. to work and apply to become legal residents after learning English, paying fines and back taxes, and clearing a background check. McCain believes that securing the borders is one of the federal government's most important obligations.
Economy
Supports lowering taxes to help small businesses. McCain says tax cuts work best in conjunction with lower spending. He blames excessive spending for Republican losses in the 2006 elections. McCain was one of two Republican senators to oppose the 2001 tax cuts, arguing that too many of the benefits went to the most fortunate at the expense of the middle class. He also opposed the 2003 tax cuts. McCain says he would not raise taxes, but that he would not go as far as to sign a pledge to that effect. He believes a repeal of the estate tax isn't necessary.
Education
Supports sending federal dollars directly to local schools, cutting back on red tape.
Energy
McCain is the chief co-sponsor of a bill that sets mandatory caps on greenhouse emissions. His plan would allow companies to trade excess carbon emission capacity, and would require emissions to return to 2004 levels by 2012 and to 1990 levels by 2020. McCain wants to see more investment in alternative-energy sources such as nuclear power, ethanol, fuel cells, bio-diesel, and natural gas. He believes ethanol will play a big part in energy independence.
Climate Change
Believes nation can't ignore global warming. Supports cutting emissions through market forces that will bring about cleaner technology.
Health
Supports importing prescription drugs to lower costs.
Social Security
Says Social Security is failing, partially because it's being unfairly raided to fund other government programs
Stem Cell Research
Supports embryonic stem-cell research
Same Sex Marriage
Opposes same-sex marriage (believes it's a state issue)
Abortion
Anti-abortion. McCain believes Roe v. Wade should be overturned, and that the abortion question should be left to the individual states to legislate. He has called abortion a human tragedy, and believes community action can go far in "the fight for life" by promoting alternatives to abortion and providing expectant mothers with the necessary support.
Gun Control
Supports background checks for gun buyers.
Name
D - Barack Obama - more>>
Current Job
Senator from IL
Iraq
Obama supports capping troop levels, and favors a timeline for the withdrawal of troops from Iraq. He introduced a bill that would cap the number of troops in Iraq at 130,000, the number on the ground before the recent surge. Obama was not in the Senate in 2002, but was opposed to the Iraq war from the start.
Foreign Affairs
Supports more monitoring of nuclear technology to make sure it stays out of terrorist hands. Believes more needs to be done to stop conflict in Africa.
Homland Security
Wants Homeland Security money targeted more towards high-risk areas. Supports better protection for chemical plants. Wants more tracking of spent nuclear fuel so it doesn't end up in terrorist hands.
Immigration
Obama says it is vital to bring out of the shadows the 12 million illegal immigrants currently living in the U.S. by implementing a system through which illegals could earn citizenship by paying a fine, learning English, and waiting their turn behind legal immigrants. Obama says the U.S. needs a better employment verification system and more serious employer sanctions for those who hire illegal immigrants. He also voted for the 2006 Kennedy-McCain immigration reform bill and is in favor of a border fence. Supports a fence along Mexican border. Supports tougher laws to keep illegals from finding jobs. Supports granting citizenship to illegals already here as long as they pay fines and back taxes.
Economy
Supports tax incentives to companies that keep jobs in the US. Believes NAFTA needs to be renegotiated to protect American economy. Obama would let expire tax cuts for households earning more than $250,000. He acknowledges that additional revenue might be needed to achieve his health care goals, but says a large amount of money can be saved within the existing system.
Education
Supports rewarding good teachers with better pay, and expanding summer learning programs. Wants to increase federal grants for college education.
Energy
Obama would create a cap-and-trade system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, taking revenues generated from the program to help those negatively impacted by the limits. He would also raise fuel efficiency standards for cars. Obama would establish a National Low Carbon Fuel Standard that would require all transportation fuels to contain 5 percent less carbon by 2015 and 10 percent less carbon by 2020. He believes the plan would spur investment in renewable fuels and help reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions. Supports more renewable energies, and wants to look into clean coal uses to get the US away from foreign oil dependency. Proposed giving automakers help with health coverage in exchange for more hybrid production.
Climate Change
Believes global warming will bring devastating consequences if it's not stopped. Supports capping emissions with incentives to corporations that cut greenhouse gases.
Health
Supports universal health care, and believes government should buy prescription drugs in bulk to reduce costs. Wants hospitals to be graded on performance and make a switch to cost-effective, computerized record-keeping.
Social Security
Opposes privatization, and believes the system can be fixed with minor changes
Stem Cell Research
Supports embryonic stem-cell research
Same Sex Marriage
Supports civil unions, but not same-sex marriage.
Abortion
Pro-choice Obama supports abortion rights. He opposed restrictions on public financing of abortions while serving in the Illinois legislature. He said partial-birth abortion only focuses on 1 percent of all cases, and would entrust a woman to make such a decision for herself.
Gun Control
Supports bans on assault weapons and concealed weapons.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
HAPPY 4th of JULY
Hey everybody, its been a while since I've blogged, however I have been keeping an eye on it. Glad to see Jason pop in. It was good to here from you Jay. I wish more of us would just write something, and not leave it up to Rich. With the Summer Olympics coming up maybe we will have something to say to each other.
Dads wedding is soon, so we will see each other.
The marathon was one of the toughest things I have ever done and I would like to attempt it again, hopefully next year, 2009. I have been trying to keep up with the running. I am working towards 4 times a week right now.
Lets all keep Christian in our prayers.
Happy 4th of July
Love you all.
Tim
Dads wedding is soon, so we will see each other.
The marathon was one of the toughest things I have ever done and I would like to attempt it again, hopefully next year, 2009. I have been trying to keep up with the running. I am working towards 4 times a week right now.
Lets all keep Christian in our prayers.
Happy 4th of July
Love you all.
Tim
Monday, June 23, 2008
Ireland and Scotland Videos
Hey Gang,
I thought I'd share some of the videos we did for our trip to Ireland and Scotland. Maybe we could get an excellent Hegarty Clan rate some time and visit the Emerald Isle and of course, Scotland!
I thought I'd share some of the videos we did for our trip to Ireland and Scotland. Maybe we could get an excellent Hegarty Clan rate some time and visit the Emerald Isle and of course, Scotland!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Thursday, June 5, 2008
June Update
Well hello clan!
It is June 5th, almost two months since I was originally diagnosed with Guillain Barre Syndrome. Today I am about 95% back to normal. I can walk without the assistance of a cane. I have finished my physical therapy. I have been working out at Planet Fitness in Woburn, which I highly recommend...$10 a month. I am not able to fully run or jump yet, not that there is much call for that, but when you can;t do it, it ain't much fun. I have very little residual tingling in the hands and feet and the back is almost 100% pain free. Absolutely amazing. Prayer works and don't let anyone tell you any differently. I have been going to mass at St. Patrick's with my mom and dad and that has been awesome. It's so much different when you want to be there, rather than feeling obligated. But I guess that applies to a lot of things. Now I need to move the production of the Guillain Barre Syndrome Public Service Announcement into action. My goal is to have it in the can by the end of July.
My mom and I have followed up with stuff on my dad. We met with the neurologist, the same one that diagnosed my GBS. Nothing surprizing as far as MRI and blood tests. But at least we have some paperwork that we can then use to provide to the powers that be regarding some support. In the event my father's needs change, we need to be ready, and that is what we are doing. My mom remains strong, but his condition ways heavy on her heart. When you look at her circle of friends, far too many left this Earth far too soon. But in her eyes, she has that many on the other side rooting her on. I don't expect any major news on my father anytime soon, just kind of wait and watch to see if his behavior takes a significant shift.
Wedding news. I did get my invitation. Right now my company is bidding on a production that will have us videotaping a yacht race from P-town to Yarmouth, Novia Scotia from July 17-21st. I just re-read that sentence and it sounds so incredibly pompous...cool. I don't know if we have the gig yet and I have told Uncle Davy about it. In the event I am land-bound I will be there and yes, I will be wearing my kilt. Hey, it's formal wear! Yes, I see the pink elephant in the room, as do you all. My only thought, as I have said before, life is too short. This clan has experienced too many unexpected departures. There is no guarantee of a tomorrow, so keep that in mind.
Well that is the update for now. Life gets better everyday, God's grace and blessings are amazing. Mary, The Blessed Mother, has a place of tremendous importance in my heart and I recommend you reach out to her when you find yourself in times of trouble. As always, Live and Love.
It is June 5th, almost two months since I was originally diagnosed with Guillain Barre Syndrome. Today I am about 95% back to normal. I can walk without the assistance of a cane. I have finished my physical therapy. I have been working out at Planet Fitness in Woburn, which I highly recommend...$10 a month. I am not able to fully run or jump yet, not that there is much call for that, but when you can;t do it, it ain't much fun. I have very little residual tingling in the hands and feet and the back is almost 100% pain free. Absolutely amazing. Prayer works and don't let anyone tell you any differently. I have been going to mass at St. Patrick's with my mom and dad and that has been awesome. It's so much different when you want to be there, rather than feeling obligated. But I guess that applies to a lot of things. Now I need to move the production of the Guillain Barre Syndrome Public Service Announcement into action. My goal is to have it in the can by the end of July.
My mom and I have followed up with stuff on my dad. We met with the neurologist, the same one that diagnosed my GBS. Nothing surprizing as far as MRI and blood tests. But at least we have some paperwork that we can then use to provide to the powers that be regarding some support. In the event my father's needs change, we need to be ready, and that is what we are doing. My mom remains strong, but his condition ways heavy on her heart. When you look at her circle of friends, far too many left this Earth far too soon. But in her eyes, she has that many on the other side rooting her on. I don't expect any major news on my father anytime soon, just kind of wait and watch to see if his behavior takes a significant shift.
Wedding news. I did get my invitation. Right now my company is bidding on a production that will have us videotaping a yacht race from P-town to Yarmouth, Novia Scotia from July 17-21st. I just re-read that sentence and it sounds so incredibly pompous...cool. I don't know if we have the gig yet and I have told Uncle Davy about it. In the event I am land-bound I will be there and yes, I will be wearing my kilt. Hey, it's formal wear! Yes, I see the pink elephant in the room, as do you all. My only thought, as I have said before, life is too short. This clan has experienced too many unexpected departures. There is no guarantee of a tomorrow, so keep that in mind.
Well that is the update for now. Life gets better everyday, God's grace and blessings are amazing. Mary, The Blessed Mother, has a place of tremendous importance in my heart and I recommend you reach out to her when you find yourself in times of trouble. As always, Live and Love.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Road to recovery
Hi Hegarty Clan!
First, thank you very much for the awesome cards, calls and prayers. It's amazing what an impact it makes. You know it's like that Verizon ad with the network of people following behind you. I feel like I have the best network of friends and familes standing behind me offering all the support I could possibly use. So let me tell you what that support has done for me. I have been to three rehabilitation appointments. My therapists has said that I appear strong and that my focus is on my balance and stamina. I continue to exercise and push myself as hard as I can to walk up and down stairs, work on my core strength, eat better and get plenty of rest. During this period I have also had a mysterious temperature that broke after a week. But the result was more blood test which has revealed that I need some follow up work on my liver. Apparently the medicine I was given to fight the Guillain Barre in the hospital does a job on your liver...so that is tremendously fun. I will most likely have an ultrasound on that sometime in the next week, but I feel pretty certain it will return to its normal reading soon. During this time I also discovered I have Hypothyroidism...it runs in the family and the hormones I am taking for that seem to be working. The great side effect is that my weight is getting closer to the desired weight for my height. I have lost roughly 20 pounds since this all began. I can walk around the house without a cane, but I am less hesitent to do that while out of the house. My leg strength has increased and I plan on joining Planet Fitness to supplement the work I am doing at rehab...I lost a lot of muscle through this and need to get my ripped and chiseled form back. I attended my first GBS support group with my mom and dad and it was awesome to see a room full of people dealing with the same thing I am. Some parts of the session were discouraging, but you just have to keep in focus that everyone has a different story despite the common GBS connection. I am meeting with the founder of the support group to help develop a walk for GBS next spring. I know there are so many walks for all causes, but this particular syndrome needs as much help as possible to get the word out. I also found out GBS was featured on an episode of "House"...makes perfect sense. So overall, I am making excellent progress, I still have issues with feeling in my hands and feet, but this will come back...it is just a matter of time. My mom is doing excellent, a lot of time with her has been awesome.
In terms of the business, Christine has been holding down the fort quite well and continues to bring in new business and getting productions finished. I hope to go on a shoot tomorrow with one of my favorite clients, Cornerstone Mitsubishi, that's the plan. I will then start going to the office a couple of days next week. My client, Brain Moore International Tours, has been talking about sending us back to Ireland at some point this summer for a week on the West Coast of Erin. They also had some potential work with the Travel Tourism Board of Scotland and if that brings me back to Scotland I will be completely out of my mind.
So, life looks better everyday. I improve a little more everyday. I appreciate my friends and families more and more with each breath I take. And I thank God for the miracles He has performed in my life. I also have to give Praise to Mother Mary, St. Jude, St. Theresa, and St. Patrick. Final thought: don't wait till you are knocked off your feet to look around and see the wonder of those in your life...you all make me smile.
Live and Love,
Richie
First, thank you very much for the awesome cards, calls and prayers. It's amazing what an impact it makes. You know it's like that Verizon ad with the network of people following behind you. I feel like I have the best network of friends and familes standing behind me offering all the support I could possibly use. So let me tell you what that support has done for me. I have been to three rehabilitation appointments. My therapists has said that I appear strong and that my focus is on my balance and stamina. I continue to exercise and push myself as hard as I can to walk up and down stairs, work on my core strength, eat better and get plenty of rest. During this period I have also had a mysterious temperature that broke after a week. But the result was more blood test which has revealed that I need some follow up work on my liver. Apparently the medicine I was given to fight the Guillain Barre in the hospital does a job on your liver...so that is tremendously fun. I will most likely have an ultrasound on that sometime in the next week, but I feel pretty certain it will return to its normal reading soon. During this time I also discovered I have Hypothyroidism...it runs in the family and the hormones I am taking for that seem to be working. The great side effect is that my weight is getting closer to the desired weight for my height. I have lost roughly 20 pounds since this all began. I can walk around the house without a cane, but I am less hesitent to do that while out of the house. My leg strength has increased and I plan on joining Planet Fitness to supplement the work I am doing at rehab...I lost a lot of muscle through this and need to get my ripped and chiseled form back. I attended my first GBS support group with my mom and dad and it was awesome to see a room full of people dealing with the same thing I am. Some parts of the session were discouraging, but you just have to keep in focus that everyone has a different story despite the common GBS connection. I am meeting with the founder of the support group to help develop a walk for GBS next spring. I know there are so many walks for all causes, but this particular syndrome needs as much help as possible to get the word out. I also found out GBS was featured on an episode of "House"...makes perfect sense. So overall, I am making excellent progress, I still have issues with feeling in my hands and feet, but this will come back...it is just a matter of time. My mom is doing excellent, a lot of time with her has been awesome.
In terms of the business, Christine has been holding down the fort quite well and continues to bring in new business and getting productions finished. I hope to go on a shoot tomorrow with one of my favorite clients, Cornerstone Mitsubishi, that's the plan. I will then start going to the office a couple of days next week. My client, Brain Moore International Tours, has been talking about sending us back to Ireland at some point this summer for a week on the West Coast of Erin. They also had some potential work with the Travel Tourism Board of Scotland and if that brings me back to Scotland I will be completely out of my mind.
So, life looks better everyday. I improve a little more everyday. I appreciate my friends and families more and more with each breath I take. And I thank God for the miracles He has performed in my life. I also have to give Praise to Mother Mary, St. Jude, St. Theresa, and St. Patrick. Final thought: don't wait till you are knocked off your feet to look around and see the wonder of those in your life...you all make me smile.
Live and Love,
Richie
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