I prefer BLUE - fingers crossed.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
7 Days and Counting
It's almost THE DAY - just one week and we'll know who the next President will be. I, personally, don't think there's much doubt but I'm trying very hard not to be over confident.
Tonight Barack Obama is in Norfolk - or will be soon - but there wasn't any way I was going - much as I would like to see and hear him in person. It's just SO crowded and traffic would be horrendous - I'll just have to hear whatever parts of his speech are televised. It's pretty amazing to me that Virginia is "in play" this year - it's been a long time! I do remember when Virginia always went Democratic but it hasn't happened since LBJ!
I've made my plans to go to Florida - I know, I should have gone already, but at least it's planned. I'll be there for 5 and 1/2 days - longer than usual (maybe that will make up for being lax in actually going - Nah!). SIGH
Tonight Barack Obama is in Norfolk - or will be soon - but there wasn't any way I was going - much as I would like to see and hear him in person. It's just SO crowded and traffic would be horrendous - I'll just have to hear whatever parts of his speech are televised. It's pretty amazing to me that Virginia is "in play" this year - it's been a long time! I do remember when Virginia always went Democratic but it hasn't happened since LBJ!
I've made my plans to go to Florida - I know, I should have gone already, but at least it's planned. I'll be there for 5 and 1/2 days - longer than usual (maybe that will make up for being lax in actually going - Nah!). SIGH
PS -
in early voting.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Political Musings . . . and Clothes
How bizarre that one of the biggest stories in this contencious political season is the $150,000 of Republican Party funds spent on Sarah Palin's wardrobe.
I haven't given either party any donation - I just haven't - and I certainly don't begrudge anyone new clothes - I need some myself - but, if I had given a donation to a political party to further their cause, to help "my" candidate get elected, I WOULD be upset to discover that my money hadn't gone to advertising or placards or even bumper stickers or anything else that would further my candidate's cause, but had gone to buy clothing for one of the candidates. I would have been even more upset to find out how much and where the money was spent.
Surely there was some middle ground - someplace to get Sarah Palin's clothes - that fell between the thrift store (where she said she shopped), Walmart, Kmart and Barney's and Saks Fifth Avenue!! I mean really - there are mid-level department stores that have nice looking clothes - stores like Kohls or Macy's, Bloomingdales or even Nordstroms. Places where the bill might well have been under $100,000!! From what I've seen her clothes are nice but not that much different (at least from the distance of the TV set) from those mass-market versions available for much less.
To me this is just another indication that the Republican Party, John McCain and Sarah Palin are out of touch with reality and the American public - we're facing massive economic crises and they're spending $150,000 for clothes that, according to the campaign, will only be worn for a few weeks and given to charity. That's what the disadvantaged need - used designer clothes!
And as a governor - couldn't Mrs. Palin afford her own clothes???
I haven't given either party any donation - I just haven't - and I certainly don't begrudge anyone new clothes - I need some myself - but, if I had given a donation to a political party to further their cause, to help "my" candidate get elected, I WOULD be upset to discover that my money hadn't gone to advertising or placards or even bumper stickers or anything else that would further my candidate's cause, but had gone to buy clothing for one of the candidates. I would have been even more upset to find out how much and where the money was spent.
Surely there was some middle ground - someplace to get Sarah Palin's clothes - that fell between the thrift store (where she said she shopped), Walmart, Kmart and Barney's and Saks Fifth Avenue!! I mean really - there are mid-level department stores that have nice looking clothes - stores like Kohls or Macy's, Bloomingdales or even Nordstroms. Places where the bill might well have been under $100,000!! From what I've seen her clothes are nice but not that much different (at least from the distance of the TV set) from those mass-market versions available for much less.
To me this is just another indication that the Republican Party, John McCain and Sarah Palin are out of touch with reality and the American public - we're facing massive economic crises and they're spending $150,000 for clothes that, according to the campaign, will only be worn for a few weeks and given to charity. That's what the disadvantaged need - used designer clothes!
And as a governor - couldn't Mrs. Palin afford her own clothes???
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Politics Overload
I'm really getting tired (maybe this is the price "swing" states pay that we haven't had to deal with in the past because we were never "in play" before this year) of all the political advertisements - mostly for President but some too for the House of Representatives and a few for the US Senate.
I've had a survey call from a campaign that wanted to know if I'd made a decision about who I was going to vote for - my answer was "yes" then silence. Finally the pollster asked if I'd like to share my decision - I told her. Then we went down the line until we got to the US House of Representatives where I had to admit that I didn't know a lot about one candidate except that he wasn't the incumbent - that mattered to me!
I have little idea about what to do for the local elections - either City Council or School Board - guess I better get busy and read some about who's running and decide pretty soon.
I really wish Virginia allowed early voting without reasons - I have a reason but it seems so elementary school to have to come up with an "excuse" for wanting to vote early and avoid long lines on Nov. 4. After all, I do have to work! Oh well, either way I'll do my civic duty gladly and keep my fingers crossed for the results!
Now I'll just get ready for CSI (new people coming) and the Campaign Comment on Countdown!
I've had a survey call from a campaign that wanted to know if I'd made a decision about who I was going to vote for - my answer was "yes" then silence. Finally the pollster asked if I'd like to share my decision - I told her. Then we went down the line until we got to the US House of Representatives where I had to admit that I didn't know a lot about one candidate except that he wasn't the incumbent - that mattered to me!
I have little idea about what to do for the local elections - either City Council or School Board - guess I better get busy and read some about who's running and decide pretty soon.
I really wish Virginia allowed early voting without reasons - I have a reason but it seems so elementary school to have to come up with an "excuse" for wanting to vote early and avoid long lines on Nov. 4. After all, I do have to work! Oh well, either way I'll do my civic duty gladly and keep my fingers crossed for the results!
Now I'll just get ready for CSI (new people coming) and the Campaign Comment on Countdown!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Exhausted
It's been a very busy two weeks - at home and at work - but mostly at work. There have been several long, intense meetings - the Library is undergoing a major transition and, like many things, it's painful. There are tears, anger and stress but I, personally, think the outcome will be amazing.
I'm a rather literal, practical person and nothing frustrates me more than dithering. Even if I don't agree with your decision - make it - we can discuss how it actually works after we've used it a while and, since our decisions aren't carved into the side of a mountain, we can certainly make changes if they're needed. I have enjoyed our progress so far - but the problems are real and do impact our ability to do our work - we can't be effective with our customers if we're fighting among ourselves.
That's what's made our meetings so long and so difficult. But I do think it's good to get things out and not let them fester under the surface. Like childbirth - the process is painful and messy but the outcome will be well worth the effort!
I HOPE!
I'm a rather literal, practical person and nothing frustrates me more than dithering. Even if I don't agree with your decision - make it - we can discuss how it actually works after we've used it a while and, since our decisions aren't carved into the side of a mountain, we can certainly make changes if they're needed. I have enjoyed our progress so far - but the problems are real and do impact our ability to do our work - we can't be effective with our customers if we're fighting among ourselves.
That's what's made our meetings so long and so difficult. But I do think it's good to get things out and not let them fester under the surface. Like childbirth - the process is painful and messy but the outcome will be well worth the effort!
I HOPE!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Done . . .
I made the inital down payment on the new kitchen today - I don't really like writing checks like that but I did it anyway! Next Friday I have an appointment to pick out tile for the backsplash - and I need to choose a faucet - sink's done, handles are chosen.
I guess I'll start more seriously looking for appliances - at least to figure out prices and model numbers. I've decided my present to myself for Christmas will be a wine refrigerator - there's a perfect place for it and removing the cabinet almost paid for the cooler!!
They'll start work in January - and it's going to take about a month - but that's not including flooring and painting and all the "smaller" details!
SIGH
I guess I'll start more seriously looking for appliances - at least to figure out prices and model numbers. I've decided my present to myself for Christmas will be a wine refrigerator - there's a perfect place for it and removing the cabinet almost paid for the cooler!!
They'll start work in January - and it's going to take about a month - but that's not including flooring and painting and all the "smaller" details!
SIGH
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Paris & Cindy & Sarah Oh My
It's pretty sad when Paris Hilton's Fake Presidency is beginning to make more sense than the actual commercials/public announcements of the "conventional" political parties!
I know I'll certainly be happy when the election is over - and my fingers are crossed that the results are ones I'm hoping for - something needs to change because the current situation is in the toilet and we're circling the basin!
I know I'll certainly be happy when the election is over - and my fingers are crossed that the results are ones I'm hoping for - something needs to change because the current situation is in the toilet and we're circling the basin!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Debate's Over
Whew - 1 1/2 hours of BS is finally over - but it was interesting to hear that J. M. is going to buy up mortgages - I have one he can have at a discount!!
I didn't like the format - and felt sorry for Tom Brokaw having to moderate and try to contain those two! But I did think that Barack did better overall and appeared more confident and Presidential - now I only hope that Virginia "stays the course" that it appears to be on with recent polls.
I know that a lot of promises that can never be kept are made but it really would be refreshing to have a candidate come on TV and simply say that times are really tough and we're going to face some really hard decisions in the days/weeks ahead. DREAM ON!
I didn't like the format - and felt sorry for Tom Brokaw having to moderate and try to contain those two! But I did think that Barack did better overall and appeared more confident and Presidential - now I only hope that Virginia "stays the course" that it appears to be on with recent polls.
I know that a lot of promises that can never be kept are made but it really would be refreshing to have a candidate come on TV and simply say that times are really tough and we're going to face some really hard decisions in the days/weeks ahead. DREAM ON!
Debate's ON . . . . . Again
Ok - I'm convinced - from the debate so far (18 minutes into it) that JM doesn't have a clue about the financial crisis or have any idea how to do anything about it. So far I haven't heard anything new nor have I heard anything that will change my mind in any way.
But the real question is one a friend asked on her blog - will "Sarah Palin" be on SNL again???!!! PLEASE! Love that Tina Fey!
BTW - eyes are glazing over - don't like the "town hall" process and really wish there was a REAL debate!!
On to the next glass of wine - it does help!
But the real question is one a friend asked on her blog - will "Sarah Palin" be on SNL again???!!! PLEASE! Love that Tina Fey!
BTW - eyes are glazing over - don't like the "town hall" process and really wish there was a REAL debate!!
On to the next glass of wine - it does help!
The New Baby . . .
is doing well - smaller than the 17" of course but I think I'll be able to actually move this around more easily and use it as a portable and not a desktop alternative!
Monday, October 6, 2008
A New Computer
Definitely wasn't on my list of things I needed or wanted right now but I've really gotten used to having a laptop! Last night I shut down the computer (old laptop - 2 whole years old!) and all seemed fine. Off I went to work today and, still, all seemed well. When I got home I opened the laptop, pushed the power button - lights came on and immediately winked out! Hummm - not good - try again - same result - BLAST! No monitor at all - not even a flash :-( A quick check online and off we went to the new Best Buy down the street. Now I have a nice new Toshiba - smaller, lighter and easier to haul around! Spent the rest of the evening taking off all the "stuff" I didn't want and adding the stuff I did want - and configuring Outlook to get my mail for me!
BTW - check out this Flow Chart from The Huffington Post - too funny!!
BTW - check out this Flow Chart from The Huffington Post - too funny!!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Debates and more Debates
The Vice Presidential debate wasn't all I hoped it would be but it was good - Joe Biden didn't offend (is it REALLY possible to offend a professional politician?? After all Sarah Palin isn't new to politics - just politics on this level!!) and Sarah didn't fall on her sword (or her shotgun). But give me a break with the folksy talk - I've had all the folksy I can tolerate (admitedly not much) in the past 8 years - NO MORE! And I never realized that Alaskans talked as if they were from the upper mid-West! I've known others from Alaska - a neighbor in Florida had just moved from Anchorage- and she didn't talk like she was from Minnesota.
SIGH
Two more debates (this Tuesday and the 15th (I think)) and we're done for this election cycle. I promise to vote, on the local level, for anyone not currently in office and for anyone who doesn't imply or state that his/her opponent is evil, dumb, or wicked! My list gets shorter every minute!
It's very interesting having Virginia actually "in the game" - we've actually had THE candidates here - and that rarely happens! Hopefully we'll do the RIGHT thing and go BLUE!
SIGH
Two more debates (this Tuesday and the 15th (I think)) and we're done for this election cycle. I promise to vote, on the local level, for anyone not currently in office and for anyone who doesn't imply or state that his/her opponent is evil, dumb, or wicked! My list gets shorter every minute!
It's very interesting having Virginia actually "in the game" - we've actually had THE candidates here - and that rarely happens! Hopefully we'll do the RIGHT thing and go BLUE!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
ANTICIPATION . . . .
is making me crazy!!
I'm ready for the Vice-Presidential debates - eagerly awaiting some Palin"isms" and hoping VERY much that she closes the deal - and McCain/Palin loses - BIG TIME! Come on Saturday Night Live moment!!
Love the email a good friend sent that said McCain replaced Sarah Palin with a wide-eyed Deer!! (this isn't the exact email I got but it's the same article!!)
Joe - stay steady, stay calm and bury her!
I'm ready for the Vice-Presidential debates - eagerly awaiting some Palin"isms" and hoping VERY much that she closes the deal - and McCain/Palin loses - BIG TIME! Come on Saturday Night Live moment!!
Love the email a good friend sent that said McCain replaced Sarah Palin with a wide-eyed Deer!! (this isn't the exact email I got but it's the same article!!)
Joe - stay steady, stay calm and bury her!
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