On February 27, 1951 the 22nd amendment to the US Constitution was ratified. After electing and re-electing FDR 4 times, the citizens of the US decided to have Presidential term limits.
It took from 1947 until 1951 to follow the entire amendment process - but the 22nd amendment passed all the hurdles and was ratified today!!
Because of this amendment, Presidents are limited to 2 terms - and that's a good thing!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Too Sad for Words
This article is just so sad. I know I've thought that America's schools were not doing a particularly good job at teaching history, but I didn't realize it was quite THIS bad!
SIGH
SIGH
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Still Playing with 2.0
I'm still having fun with the various image generators and thought this was particularly appropriate in light of Quincy's "Great Escape" on Monday! He looks like a hardened escape artist - when in fact he's a real softy - and loves sleeping under the down blanket!
Movie Date
We went to the movies today and saw Vantage Point. It looked interesting from the previews and, in my opinion at least, lived up to it's advertising!
The premise is a bit far-fetched - not that the President could be shot - but that a double would be sent out to do a major speech for the President! I guess that might happen, but I would hate to think there are two (or more) GWBs out there somewhere!
The viewing of the situation from many viewpoints (8) was interesting and good (perhaps 8 was a bit much!) and certainly led to several twists and turns as each viewpoint gave additional information about what actually happened.
Great "cinema" - no. Good hour and 1/2 entertainment - yes! Especially if you like car chases! Gotta get me one of those cars - almost as good as the Russian cars in the Bourne movies!
The premise is a bit far-fetched - not that the President could be shot - but that a double would be sent out to do a major speech for the President! I guess that might happen, but I would hate to think there are two (or more) GWBs out there somewhere!
The viewing of the situation from many viewpoints (8) was interesting and good (perhaps 8 was a bit much!) and certainly led to several twists and turns as each viewpoint gave additional information about what actually happened.
Great "cinema" - no. Good hour and 1/2 entertainment - yes! Especially if you like car chases! Gotta get me one of those cars - almost as good as the Russian cars in the Bourne movies!
Friday, February 22, 2008
What a Week . . .
I'm not sure what the reason but this week has been a long and difficult one - and not just because of meetings (although they contributed some). I'm betting on age myself! I've found I don't "bounce back" like I used to!
It's one of the very few weeks I worked all days and I discovered that I truly miss not having my mornings off - a slow start to the day is welcome twice a week and dearly missed when it doesn't happen!
The light at the end of the tunnel was today (Friday). It's my day off for working tomorrow and I got my "easy" morning today. I woke up just about on time, but was able to go back to bed and back to sleep (with a warm kitty next to me)! Now, watching a little TV and relaxing in front of the fire, I'm not really having to "think" much! Regeneration is taking place!
Next week is busy too, but that's ok. I have today!
It's one of the very few weeks I worked all days and I discovered that I truly miss not having my mornings off - a slow start to the day is welcome twice a week and dearly missed when it doesn't happen!
The light at the end of the tunnel was today (Friday). It's my day off for working tomorrow and I got my "easy" morning today. I woke up just about on time, but was able to go back to bed and back to sleep (with a warm kitty next to me)! Now, watching a little TV and relaxing in front of the fire, I'm not really having to "think" much! Regeneration is taking place!
Next week is busy too, but that's ok. I have today!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Meetings
We, in the library, have SO many meetings! This week I had 4 scheduled but one was cancelled. (Actually one of what I'm calling a meeting is truly a training - but the result is the same - I'm away from the building.)
Today there were two meetings and I have to admit they're two of the most fun! It's always good to have a good laugh and I can usually manage that in these meetings! What can possibly be wrong with a meeting with accomplishments, laughter and chocolate??!!
Today there were two meetings and I have to admit they're two of the most fun! It's always good to have a good laugh and I can usually manage that in these meetings! What can possibly be wrong with a meeting with accomplishments, laughter and chocolate??!!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
End of an era . . .
Fidel Castro has resigned as President of Cuba. I was in elementary school when he took over the country (I don't remember much about that!). But I do remember the Bay of Pigs in 1961 right after the election of John F. Kennedy.
I remember because my parents were convinced this was a sign that the new (non-Republican)President was going to have major problems during his tenure (little did we all know!).
I was amazed when the Berlin Wall was taken down (I vividly remember it being built - with tanks facing each other) but this has almost had a bigger impact on me for some reason. For so many years we have been warned of the dangers of Communism only 90 miles off the shores of Miami and we've had so many people fleeing in boats, rafts and even trucks trying to leave Cuba.
I honestly didn't think I would ever see a Cuba without Fidel! (I can't say without Castro since Raoul is now in charge!) I knew he wouldn't live forever but it certainly seemed as if he were trying!
Oh well - guess it's a sign of advancing age - these changes seem more momentous to me than they probably would have 20 - 30 years ago!
Monday, February 18, 2008
Bad Kitty!
This morning we had horrible thunderstorms - and it was still sprinkling when I left for work just before 7. As I was leaving - Quincy - also known as Bad Kitty - ran out the front door into "the world"! And he was off - into the front yard - across the neighbor's driveway and snooping in their bushes. No amount of calling or rattling of dry food would entice him back home.
I had to go to work - and Don was left on Bad Kitty watch. He said he saw him several times - in the back yard and the front - but he wouldn't come in the house! Quincy went under the house (protected from the rain there) and wandered around most of the morning.
Finally, after 4 hours the silly thing was captured and back in the house. Such a Bad Kat!!
Don is owed a great deal for putting up with the cat (and me!) this morning!
I had to go to work - and Don was left on Bad Kitty watch. He said he saw him several times - in the back yard and the front - but he wouldn't come in the house! Quincy went under the house (protected from the rain there) and wandered around most of the morning.
Finally, after 4 hours the silly thing was captured and back in the house. Such a Bad Kat!!
Don is owed a great deal for putting up with the cat (and me!) this morning!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
An Uncommon Reader - Alan Bennett
A small book (only 120 pages) that is a complete delight. The Queen (of England!) is out with her Corgis when they take off after a mobile library that is parked in the lane. Feeling guilty that the dogs are so noisy, the Queen checks out a book and discovers, after years of not reading, that she likes to read!
The problems that the Queen's reading brings to the Court are amusing and not only among the humans! "Indulged and bad-tempered though they were, the dogs were not unintelligent, so it was not surprising that in a short space of time they came to hate books as the spoilsports they are (and always have been)."
Check it out - Enjoy!
The problems that the Queen's reading brings to the Court are amusing and not only among the humans! "Indulged and bad-tempered though they were, the dogs were not unintelligent, so it was not surprising that in a short space of time they came to hate books as the spoilsports they are (and always have been)."
Check it out - Enjoy!
Back Online! Yippee!
My wireless adapter is in Automated Services fighting the good fight - hoping that "the powers that be" will purchase something similar for my work laptop. (Apparently a picture and written description weren't enough and an example of the "actual" thing was needed.)
Since Thursday, then, my personal laptop has been "disconnected" and unable to talk with anyone else - sob! That's not to say I haven't been able to talk online - after all there are other computers in the house - but it hasn't been the same!
Today, though, my honey decided he needed a wireless adapter for one of the computers upstairs - and, until mine comes home, he's put it on my laptop! Luckily he was the one to do it too because the enclosed disc didn't play with Vista at all (what does) and it took a bit longer than it should have to get it up and running.
But as usual, he was successful and the computer, Vista and Belkin are all happy! (Netgear will be jealous when it gets back!)
Since Thursday, then, my personal laptop has been "disconnected" and unable to talk with anyone else - sob! That's not to say I haven't been able to talk online - after all there are other computers in the house - but it hasn't been the same!
Today, though, my honey decided he needed a wireless adapter for one of the computers upstairs - and, until mine comes home, he's put it on my laptop! Luckily he was the one to do it too because the enclosed disc didn't play with Vista at all (what does) and it took a bit longer than it should have to get it up and running.
But as usual, he was successful and the computer, Vista and Belkin are all happy! (Netgear will be jealous when it gets back!)
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Potomac . . . Chesapeake . . . What's in a Name?
Well, the voting is over - the results are coming in - and it looks like Obama is a Virginia winner. I went to the polls early because of an early meeting and, for the first time in a long time, there was a line at the polls!
I did have to say which primary I was voting in - that's something new - in previous times the Republicans and Democrats had their events on different days and you could, potentially, vote in both! In fact, last time I think the Republicans had a primary and the Democrats has caucuses!
Oh well - it was good to see the people out voting - whichever way they voted! I'll be interested in seeing the details of the results for my precinct!
It is kind of fun having such attention paid to the Virginia primaries - we're usually after everything's been decided! Maybe next time the pundits will choose ONE name for the region's primaries tho - either Potomac (rather focused on Northern Virginia, Maryland & DC) or Chesapeake (the Bay!!) which is a little broader for Maryland & Virginina - not so much for DC!
Oh well - it was nice having the annoyance of campaign calls - I mean when's the last time Huckabee called me - or President Clinton either??!! - but I'll be REALLY glad when the whole election is over and we have a new President!!
PS I did predict that Huckabee would win in Virginia - and it's too close to call right now (7:37 p.m.)
update: It's now 8:33 and, at least, NBC has declared that McCain has won Virginia - but it was a VERY close race!
I did have to say which primary I was voting in - that's something new - in previous times the Republicans and Democrats had their events on different days and you could, potentially, vote in both! In fact, last time I think the Republicans had a primary and the Democrats has caucuses!
Oh well - it was good to see the people out voting - whichever way they voted! I'll be interested in seeing the details of the results for my precinct!
It is kind of fun having such attention paid to the Virginia primaries - we're usually after everything's been decided! Maybe next time the pundits will choose ONE name for the region's primaries tho - either Potomac (rather focused on Northern Virginia, Maryland & DC) or Chesapeake (the Bay!!) which is a little broader for Maryland & Virginina - not so much for DC!
Oh well - it was nice having the annoyance of campaign calls - I mean when's the last time Huckabee called me - or President Clinton either??!! - but I'll be REALLY glad when the whole election is over and we have a new President!!
PS I did predict that Huckabee would win in Virginia - and it's too close to call right now (7:37 p.m.)
update: It's now 8:33 and, at least, NBC has declared that McCain has won Virginia - but it was a VERY close race!
Friday, February 8, 2008
Not-So-Secret-Vice
I love iGoogle and actually have four tabs on my page - the main page (with my Google Reader, weather, and some gadgets that let me know how many months/days to particular events), a tab with with Gmail (which I can "preview" from a city computer but not read), a tab with news - BBC, Washington Post, Drudge, MSNBC, and a tab labeled FUN.
That's where my secret vice is - People.com - Top Headlines - all the news that keeps me up to date with what the celebrities are doing - like, it's REALLY important for me to know what that scamp Britney's up to now!! But it's addictive! I find myself reading it almost every day and, for those days when I don't read it, there are always the archives so I can catch up!
Oh well - I've admitted it - I'm a closet celebrity junkie! Could be worse!
That's where my secret vice is - People.com - Top Headlines - all the news that keeps me up to date with what the celebrities are doing - like, it's REALLY important for me to know what that scamp Britney's up to now!! But it's addictive! I find myself reading it almost every day and, for those days when I don't read it, there are always the archives so I can catch up!
Oh well - I've admitted it - I'm a closet celebrity junkie! Could be worse!
Reflections . . .
I just have to say again how much I have enjoyed reading my co-worker's blogs and how much I'm going to miss them now that we're finishing Learning 2.0.
I've always known that I work with multi-talented, capable people and their posts have only reinforced that! There have been so many thoughtful and thought-provoking comments - and some very honest evaluations of the tools we've tested as well as the program itself.
I hope that these thoughts, comments, compliments and complaints are being captured so that future iterations of this training can adequately reflect the work that staff have put into this training.
I've tried to read at least some posts on each blog on the library blog list and I can truthfully say I've learned something from each one. The egalitarian nature of this exercise was wonderful - sometimes I could figure out who wrote the blog but many times I couldn't (did I mention that my co-workers are quite creative in their naming choices??!). Whether I knew or could guess the author (or not) certainly didn't detract from the experience or the lessons learned from the various blogs.
So, once again, I must say thanks to my friends and co-workers - I've enjoyed reading your opinions!
I've always known that I work with multi-talented, capable people and their posts have only reinforced that! There have been so many thoughtful and thought-provoking comments - and some very honest evaluations of the tools we've tested as well as the program itself.
I hope that these thoughts, comments, compliments and complaints are being captured so that future iterations of this training can adequately reflect the work that staff have put into this training.
I've tried to read at least some posts on each blog on the library blog list and I can truthfully say I've learned something from each one. The egalitarian nature of this exercise was wonderful - sometimes I could figure out who wrote the blog but many times I couldn't (did I mention that my co-workers are quite creative in their naming choices??!). Whether I knew or could guess the author (or not) certainly didn't detract from the experience or the lessons learned from the various blogs.
So, once again, I must say thanks to my friends and co-workers - I've enjoyed reading your opinions!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Va. Is Next Battleground In Democrats' Long Fight
There's a headline we don't see very often!
Washington Post
There's a headline we don't see very often!
Washington Post
What a Difference a Day Makes!
BST (Before Super Tuesday) we here in Virginia got the basic ads - and occasionally were shown more specific political ads on the nightly news - but now - AST - WOW!
We have TV ads, radio ads, the candidates, the candidate's "people", "regular" people - ads of all types and kinds - they're everywhere! This must a small taste of what it's like to live in some of the ST states (I can't say New Hampshire or Iowa because no candidate has yet knocked on my door!!).
Our fleeting claim to semi-fame! Enjoy it, live it up . . . it's over in 6 days!
We have TV ads, radio ads, the candidates, the candidate's "people", "regular" people - ads of all types and kinds - they're everywhere! This must a small taste of what it's like to live in some of the ST states (I can't say New Hampshire or Iowa because no candidate has yet knocked on my door!!).
Our fleeting claim to semi-fame! Enjoy it, live it up . . . it's over in 6 days!
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Who Knew??
Here I've been thinking that we, in Virginia, were pretty much on our own as far as primaries went - we're not part of Super Tuesday - we're a week behind after all. No one was really talking about us - lots of coverage of New York, California, Michigan, etc. but not Virginia. SIGH - the Mother of Presidents reduced to an afterthought in the primary coverage.
Little did I know, until watching coverage of Super Tuesday, that we're in the
Next Tuesday night the pundits will be counting down to poll closures in Maryland, Virginia and DC (powerhouses all). Luckily we're all in the same time zone - there should be time for rerun TV (darn that writer's strike) after victories are declared around 9. (Those crazy Marylanders - staying open until 8!!).
Oh well, I guess it's really time to "get serious" and make some decisions! After all, my vote may actually mean something next week!!
Trivia Quiz: Name the Presidents that gave Virginia the nickname "Mother of Presidents"
Answer
Little did I know, until watching coverage of Super Tuesday, that we're in the
Chesapeake Primaries
Never heard of the name before! It's certainly not been mentioned in local press (until last night/this morning)!
Next Tuesday night the pundits will be counting down to poll closures in Maryland, Virginia and DC (powerhouses all). Luckily we're all in the same time zone - there should be time for rerun TV (darn that writer's strike) after victories are declared around 9. (Those crazy Marylanders - staying open until 8!!).
Oh well, I guess it's really time to "get serious" and make some decisions! After all, my vote may actually mean something next week!!
Trivia Quiz: Name the Presidents that gave Virginia the nickname "Mother of Presidents"
Answer
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Super Tuesday
OK - today's Super Tuesday but that doesn't mean a whole lot in Virginia! We don't get to vote until NEXT Tuesday!
Virginia has open primaries which means you can vote in either the Republican OR Democrat primary (but not both!).
I'm torn - in past primaries it's been fairly easy - I've voted AGAINST someone in hopes of making his bid for the Presidency more difficult (unfortunately it didn't appear to work!) - but this time I'm thinking I want to vote FOR someone instead.
Now to decide who - I like the retoric of Senator Obama (and yes, I'm old enough to remember the speeches of John Kennedy first hand!) but I like many things about Senator Clinton too - such decisions!
Well - I have another week to ponder and decide!
See you at the polls!!
See you at the polls!!
Monday, February 4, 2008
Superbowl
Ok - I admit that I watched some of the Superbowl - the commercials! I got pretty good at switching back and forth between the program I was watching and the game just in time to see the ads!
On each visit for commericals I saw the score and was, frankly, amazed that it stayed so close the entire time! And when I switched over toward the end I had to stay - and yes, I did see the final touchdown! CONGRATULATIONS Giants!!
P.S. - My favorite commercials were the Coke ads (Charlie Brown and then the Republican/Democrat) and the Budweiser add with the Clydesdale training. After those came the screaming animals for Bridgestone tires and the dancing lizards (Thriller) for SoBe water!
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Decisions . . .
Today's the Superbowl - Yea?Today there's a Closer marathon on TNT . . .
Which to watch??
Let the size of the pictures give you a clue!
Let the size of the pictures give you a clue!
I'll catch the Superbowl commercials - that's the only reason I watch!!
PS - there's also a Law & Order Criminal Intent marathon - Yippee!
All my football friends - enjoy the game - I really hope it's a good one!
PS - there's also a Law & Order Criminal Intent marathon - Yippee!
All my football friends - enjoy the game - I really hope it's a good one!
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Thanks!!
I'm so excited - a friend said that my room would be added to the list of rooms she's going to paint!! . . . there was something else about turning blue . . . but as you see THAT's not a problem!
(PS I was going to add this as a comment on her blog - but there's a problem with too much HTML in comments!!)
Friday, February 1, 2008
Countdown
As you see I've added a countdown calendar to my blog - a countdown to the end of political ads, "debates" and endless commentary on the candidates!
Election day can't come too soon for me!!
I have yet to see any debate - I try to avoid all commentary - which is almost impossible because I do watch the news and some of the Sunday talk shows (Meet the Press, Face the Nation, etc.). It's a trial sometimes but luckily the remote is usually close by!
I will say, though, that I do sometimes watch Countdown with Keith Olberman - especially if he's having a "special comment."
I'm sure most people are aware that Mr. Olberman has no love for the Bush administration or Fox News - so if you're particularly fond of either of those please don't click on the link! (That's why I only provided the link and didn't imbed the video!!)
Election day can't come too soon for me!!
I have yet to see any debate - I try to avoid all commentary - which is almost impossible because I do watch the news and some of the Sunday talk shows (Meet the Press, Face the Nation, etc.). It's a trial sometimes but luckily the remote is usually close by!
I will say, though, that I do sometimes watch Countdown with Keith Olberman - especially if he's having a "special comment."
I'm sure most people are aware that Mr. Olberman has no love for the Bush administration or Fox News - so if you're particularly fond of either of those please don't click on the link! (That's why I only provided the link and didn't imbed the video!!)
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