Today, Republican Senator John McCain, 72, chose the Republican Governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin, 44, to be his running mate. I’m not surprised he chose a woman. He has been hungry to attract any disgruntled supporters of Senator Hillary Clinton. And it’s good that another woman will be on a national ticket. The first, Geraldine Ferraro, ran for Vice President on the Democratic ticket in 1984.
But my initial thought was that John McCain must think women are irrational and reactionary. Why? He probably thinks some women will ignore the Republican platform and Governor Palin’s equivalent position on the issues, just so they can cast a vote based on the gender of the Republican vice presidential nominee.
No thanks.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Hope Becomes Action
Tonight was the final night of the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado. Tonight Barack Obama accepted his party’s nomination for President of the United States of America.
It was a wonderful convention and a wonderful night. 84,000 people gathered from all over the country and the world to see history made. On the 45th anniversary of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech, Barack Obama stood on another mountaintop and clearly spelled out his vision for America. It was not the same excited, crackling speech he had delivered four years earlier in Boston, in his first heart stopping moment on a national stage. That speech electrified the audience, captured our imagination, fanned the dying embers of hope and catapulted Barack Obama to prominence. That younger man of 2004 said what needed to be said in that moment.
Tonight, the same man, but a man who has grown along the journey of this campaign, spoke to the crowd at Mile High Stadium and to those of us watching and listening at home, as the next Commander in Chief, as the next President of the United States. He spoke with passion, clarity and wisdom. He gave us facts and figures. He shined a bright light on the difference between an Obama - Biden administration and four more years of the same old Bush - Cheney administration, reincarnated under John McCain. He still brought the people to their feet, but this time ready to move forward, together, toward a clear goal.
Barack Obama inspires us and moves us to action, yes. But Barack Obama can and will lead us out of the darkness of the last eight years. Barack Obama and Joe Biden will work with Congress and the citizens of the United States to get this country back on the right track, back to our democratic roots and our constitutional core.
It was a wonderful convention and a wonderful night. 84,000 people gathered from all over the country and the world to see history made. On the 45th anniversary of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech, Barack Obama stood on another mountaintop and clearly spelled out his vision for America. It was not the same excited, crackling speech he had delivered four years earlier in Boston, in his first heart stopping moment on a national stage. That speech electrified the audience, captured our imagination, fanned the dying embers of hope and catapulted Barack Obama to prominence. That younger man of 2004 said what needed to be said in that moment.
Tonight, the same man, but a man who has grown along the journey of this campaign, spoke to the crowd at Mile High Stadium and to those of us watching and listening at home, as the next Commander in Chief, as the next President of the United States. He spoke with passion, clarity and wisdom. He gave us facts and figures. He shined a bright light on the difference between an Obama - Biden administration and four more years of the same old Bush - Cheney administration, reincarnated under John McCain. He still brought the people to their feet, but this time ready to move forward, together, toward a clear goal.
Barack Obama inspires us and moves us to action, yes. But Barack Obama can and will lead us out of the darkness of the last eight years. Barack Obama and Joe Biden will work with Congress and the citizens of the United States to get this country back on the right track, back to our democratic roots and our constitutional core.
Vote!
Hope is important. So is enthusiasm. Hope coupled with enthusiasm plus action is what brings about change.
The most important action we can take is to vote in the national presidential election on Tuesday, November 4, 2008. That’s less than ten short weeks away. In order to be able to vote, you need to be registered.
Are you registered to vote?
Have you moved recently and need to register?
Type “Voter Registration” plus the name of your state into a search engine like Google. Soon you’ll be following links to get yourself registered.
Or go to RockTheVote Voter Registration and fill out the form to receive a voter registration form via e-mail.
Are you already registered to vote? Good for you!
Do you know where your polling place is?
Have you thought about voting early?
Many states allow early voting without cause. Check with your election authorities.
And if you’re already registered to vote, help someone else to get registered!
Want to help on a larger scale? MoveOn.org is launching a campaign to register half a million new voters.
Turn HOPE into reality. VOTE!
The most important action we can take is to vote in the national presidential election on Tuesday, November 4, 2008. That’s less than ten short weeks away. In order to be able to vote, you need to be registered.
Are you registered to vote?
Have you moved recently and need to register?
Type “Voter Registration” plus the name of your state into a search engine like Google. Soon you’ll be following links to get yourself registered.
Or go to RockTheVote Voter Registration and fill out the form to receive a voter registration form via e-mail.
Are you already registered to vote? Good for you!
Do you know where your polling place is?
Have you thought about voting early?
Many states allow early voting without cause. Check with your election authorities.
And if you’re already registered to vote, help someone else to get registered!
Want to help on a larger scale? MoveOn.org is launching a campaign to register half a million new voters.
Turn HOPE into reality. VOTE!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
What A Night
Forty years ago we were living through the summer of 1968. It was a terrible year for all Americans. Two fine men had been assassinated. Protests were raging. President Lyndon Baines Johnson was turning sixty years old. The Democratic National Convention was being held in Chicago. That convention served as the crucible for the concentrated pain of a nation being torn asunder by the Vietnam War and buffeted by the sea change of the Civil Rights Movement. As riots raged on the streets of Chicago, inside the convention hall Hubert Humphrey and Edmund Muskie finally secured the Democratic nominations as president and vice president. But only after a divisive and politically bloody battle.
Tonight, as Chuck and I watched the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, I couldn’t help but think back to that awful summer of 1968. As we listened to wonderful, inspiring, thoughtful, creative and hard hitting speeches from former Secretary of State Madeline Albright, former President Bill Clinton, Senator John Kerry and Senator Joe Biden I knew we were once again in the fight of our lives. But this time instead of the chaos and violence which marked a generation, we were working together.
Not everyone in the convention Hall in Denver holds the exact same set of beliefs nor agrees on the exact same strategy to right the wrongs of eight years of the Bush - Cheney administration. Not even Chuck, the registered Democrat and me, the registered “independent” agree on everything. But the Democrats in the hall and all like minded citizens at home, felt hope rise up in us tonight. As Senator Clinton called for the rules suspension to make the roll call vote one of acclamation for Senator Barack Obama, all the uneasiness over dissent fell away. As President Clinton, Senator Kerry and Senator Biden made the clear case why a vote for Senator John McCain is a vote for more of the same, we applauded. As Barack Obama’s strengths were called out, we cheered. And as Barack Obama stood shoulder to shoulder with Joe Biden, we committed ourselves to working together to make hope a reality. We committed ourselves to electing Barack Obama and Joe Biden as the next President and Vice President of the United States of America.
Tonight, as Chuck and I watched the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, I couldn’t help but think back to that awful summer of 1968. As we listened to wonderful, inspiring, thoughtful, creative and hard hitting speeches from former Secretary of State Madeline Albright, former President Bill Clinton, Senator John Kerry and Senator Joe Biden I knew we were once again in the fight of our lives. But this time instead of the chaos and violence which marked a generation, we were working together.
Not everyone in the convention Hall in Denver holds the exact same set of beliefs nor agrees on the exact same strategy to right the wrongs of eight years of the Bush - Cheney administration. Not even Chuck, the registered Democrat and me, the registered “independent” agree on everything. But the Democrats in the hall and all like minded citizens at home, felt hope rise up in us tonight. As Senator Clinton called for the rules suspension to make the roll call vote one of acclamation for Senator Barack Obama, all the uneasiness over dissent fell away. As President Clinton, Senator Kerry and Senator Biden made the clear case why a vote for Senator John McCain is a vote for more of the same, we applauded. As Barack Obama’s strengths were called out, we cheered. And as Barack Obama stood shoulder to shoulder with Joe Biden, we committed ourselves to working together to make hope a reality. We committed ourselves to electing Barack Obama and Joe Biden as the next President and Vice President of the United States of America.
Give ‘Em Hell Harry
Senator Harry Reid gave a powerful speech at tonight’s Democratic National Convention. Here are a couple of memorable excerpts:
"For the past eight years, the man in the Oval Office has tipped his hat over his eyes, kicked back his chair, and snoozed at his desk. Charged with protecting our national interests, he slept on duty while his vice president conspired with oil industry cronies. Tasked with cutting off funding to terrorists, he slept on duty while oil shortages worsened, oil prices soared, and dollars by the ton were delivered to terrorists’ banks in Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela. Faced with a new kind of war, this president and his vice president helped their friends the old-fashioned way:
through war profiteering, tax cuts for billionaires, and in many cases out-and-out corruption."
and
"When doctors screen out the quack nostrums and phony remedies we call snake oil, they use two fundamental principles: the maxim “first, do no harm” and the question “is it safe and effective?”
In Congress, as in medicine, when we are offered snake oil as a remedy for the nation’s energy ills, our question should be: “Is it safe and effective? Does it do more harm than good?”
Senator McCain and the Republicans have centered their answer to our vital energy needs on one solution: off-shore drilling. Senator McCain calls for it in every speech; his party has demagogued the issue in both houses of Congress.
So, is off-shore drilling energy policy or snake oil? Let’s review the facts. White House analysts, congressional analysts, and the oil industry all agree that off-shore drilling won’t add one drop to our energy pool for at least ten years. The way things are going now, in another ten years we won’t need more oil; nobody will be able to afford it.
T. Boone Pickens said it right: “We can’t drill our way out of this crisis.”
But even if Doc McCain’s magic off-shore oil elixir won’t work, will it do any harm?
The answer is, we just don’t know, and neither does he. It might not ruin tourism in the Gulf or on the California coast. It might not destroy vital fisheries. It might not pollute our waterways. Nobody really knows.
But kindly old Doc McCain would like to sell it to you anyway."
I love it! I liked it so much I made this:
"For the past eight years, the man in the Oval Office has tipped his hat over his eyes, kicked back his chair, and snoozed at his desk. Charged with protecting our national interests, he slept on duty while his vice president conspired with oil industry cronies. Tasked with cutting off funding to terrorists, he slept on duty while oil shortages worsened, oil prices soared, and dollars by the ton were delivered to terrorists’ banks in Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela. Faced with a new kind of war, this president and his vice president helped their friends the old-fashioned way:
through war profiteering, tax cuts for billionaires, and in many cases out-and-out corruption."
and
"When doctors screen out the quack nostrums and phony remedies we call snake oil, they use two fundamental principles: the maxim “first, do no harm” and the question “is it safe and effective?”
In Congress, as in medicine, when we are offered snake oil as a remedy for the nation’s energy ills, our question should be: “Is it safe and effective? Does it do more harm than good?”
Senator McCain and the Republicans have centered their answer to our vital energy needs on one solution: off-shore drilling. Senator McCain calls for it in every speech; his party has demagogued the issue in both houses of Congress.
So, is off-shore drilling energy policy or snake oil? Let’s review the facts. White House analysts, congressional analysts, and the oil industry all agree that off-shore drilling won’t add one drop to our energy pool for at least ten years. The way things are going now, in another ten years we won’t need more oil; nobody will be able to afford it.
T. Boone Pickens said it right: “We can’t drill our way out of this crisis.”
But even if Doc McCain’s magic off-shore oil elixir won’t work, will it do any harm?
The answer is, we just don’t know, and neither does he. It might not ruin tourism in the Gulf or on the California coast. It might not destroy vital fisheries. It might not pollute our waterways. Nobody really knows.
But kindly old Doc McCain would like to sell it to you anyway."
I love it! I liked it so much I made this:
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Hillary Rocked!
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton just rocked the hall at the Democratic Convention!
It was a rousing speech and did everything it needed to do!
“You haven’t worked so hard over the last 18 months, or endured the last eight years, to suffer through more failed leadership.
No way. No how. No McCain!”
and
“This is the story of America. Of women and men who defy the odds and never give up.
How do we give this country back to them?
By following the example of a brave New Yorker, a woman who risked her life to shepherd slaves along the Underground Railroad.
And on that path to freedom, Harriett Tubman had one piece of advice.
If you hear the dogs, keep going.
If you see the torches in the woods, keep going.
If they're shouting after you, keep going.
Don't ever stop. Keep going.
If you want a taste of freedom, keep going.
Even in the darkest of moments, ordinary Americans have found the faith to keep going.
I’ve seen it in you. I’ve seen it in our teachers and firefighters, nurses and police officers, small business owners and union workers, the men and women of our military – you always keep going.
We are Americans. We're not big on quitting.
But remember, before we can keep going, we have to get going by electing Barack Obama president.
We don't have a moment to lose or a vote to spare.
Nothing less than the fate of our nation and the future of our children hang in the balance.”
Thank you Senator Clinton.
It was a rousing speech and did everything it needed to do!
“You haven’t worked so hard over the last 18 months, or endured the last eight years, to suffer through more failed leadership.
No way. No how. No McCain!”
and
“This is the story of America. Of women and men who defy the odds and never give up.
How do we give this country back to them?
By following the example of a brave New Yorker, a woman who risked her life to shepherd slaves along the Underground Railroad.
And on that path to freedom, Harriett Tubman had one piece of advice.
If you hear the dogs, keep going.
If you see the torches in the woods, keep going.
If they're shouting after you, keep going.
Don't ever stop. Keep going.
If you want a taste of freedom, keep going.
Even in the darkest of moments, ordinary Americans have found the faith to keep going.
I’ve seen it in you. I’ve seen it in our teachers and firefighters, nurses and police officers, small business owners and union workers, the men and women of our military – you always keep going.
We are Americans. We're not big on quitting.
But remember, before we can keep going, we have to get going by electing Barack Obama president.
We don't have a moment to lose or a vote to spare.
Nothing less than the fate of our nation and the future of our children hang in the balance.”
Thank you Senator Clinton.
Family Ties
Last night, the first night of the Democratic Convention in Denver, Colorado was great. To me it was family night; a combination of a family reunion and meet the new in-laws. Senator Barack Obama’s sister Maya spoke beautifully about their mother and her influence and inspiration in their lives. Then Caroline Kennedy, daughter of slain President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, introduced a Ken Burns video tribute to her uncle Senator Edward “Teddy” Kennedy. Wondrous to behold, Ted Kennedy himself, currently battling brain cancer, gave another of his brilliant, inspiring and moving speeches. This one all the more poignant because of his own battle and the unspoken but palpable fear that this could be his last great moment before us.
Soon after, Michelle Obama’s mother, Mrs. Marian Robinson, narrated a video introduction to her daughter called “South Side Girl”. Following the film, Michelle’s brother, Craig Robinson, introduced his “little sister” to the Convention. Then it was Michelle’s turn to speak. And speak she did. She has always impressed me with her ease and eloquence, but this time she was particularly terrific. As the crowd roared its approval, her daughters Malia and Sasha joined her onstage. Then live via a video connection, we saw Barack Obama speak to his wife and daughters from the living room of Jim and Alicia Girardeau, in Kansas City, Missouri.
See what I mean? Family reunion and meet the new in-laws. All that was missing was the cookout, complete with potato salad, three bean salad, Jello molds and blue ribbon desserts. Perfect for a summer evening in August.
If you’d like to read any of the speeches click here.
Soon after, Michelle Obama’s mother, Mrs. Marian Robinson, narrated a video introduction to her daughter called “South Side Girl”. Following the film, Michelle’s brother, Craig Robinson, introduced his “little sister” to the Convention. Then it was Michelle’s turn to speak. And speak she did. She has always impressed me with her ease and eloquence, but this time she was particularly terrific. As the crowd roared its approval, her daughters Malia and Sasha joined her onstage. Then live via a video connection, we saw Barack Obama speak to his wife and daughters from the living room of Jim and Alicia Girardeau, in Kansas City, Missouri.
See what I mean? Family reunion and meet the new in-laws. All that was missing was the cookout, complete with potato salad, three bean salad, Jello molds and blue ribbon desserts. Perfect for a summer evening in August.
If you’d like to read any of the speeches click here.
Convening Hope
When I was a kid, the only times I was allowed to stay up as late as I wished was during the National Political Conventions. Watching the flickering images on a black and white television was tremendously exciting. Listening to the speeches was inspiring. And when the roll call votes were cast from “The great state of...” fill-in-the-blank, it was exhilarating.
I have never stopped believing.
I have never failed to be moved to tears by positive collective actions of groups of well intentioned individuals.
I have been discouraged.
I have been saddened, fearful, dismayed and furious over the feckless, reckless, despicable actions of the administration of President George W. Bush and Vice President Richard Cheney and their scoundrel minions.
But I have never stopped believing in The Constitution of the United States of America; in the dreams of the founding fathers; in the constant, if inconsistently paced, incremental improvements on those dreams.
I have been discouraged over the last eight years.
But I have never stopped believing, never abandoned all hope.
I believe in America.
That’s why on November 4, 2008 I will cast my vote for Barack Obama and Joseph Biden.
That’s why I still have hope.
I have never stopped believing.
I have never failed to be moved to tears by positive collective actions of groups of well intentioned individuals.
I have been discouraged.
I have been saddened, fearful, dismayed and furious over the feckless, reckless, despicable actions of the administration of President George W. Bush and Vice President Richard Cheney and their scoundrel minions.
But I have never stopped believing in The Constitution of the United States of America; in the dreams of the founding fathers; in the constant, if inconsistently paced, incremental improvements on those dreams.
I have been discouraged over the last eight years.
But I have never stopped believing, never abandoned all hope.
I believe in America.
That’s why on November 4, 2008 I will cast my vote for Barack Obama and Joseph Biden.
That’s why I still have hope.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Let’s Be Clear
Presumptive Republican Presidential Nominee Senator John McCain has overturning Roe v. Wade and ending legal abortion at the top of his agenda.
I’ve posted my position on abortion here before. I stand by my statements. But as the new television ad featuring Debra Bartoshevich, a former supporter of and delegate for Senator Hillary Clinton, who is now campaigning for Senator McCain rolls out, I needed to raise this issue. Ms. Bartoshevich threw her support behind Senator McCain, apparently operating under the mistaken belief that Senator McCain, once known as “The Maverick”, was pro-choice.
Senator John McCain is not pro-choice.
I’ve posted my position on abortion here before. I stand by my statements. But as the new television ad featuring Debra Bartoshevich, a former supporter of and delegate for Senator Hillary Clinton, who is now campaigning for Senator McCain rolls out, I needed to raise this issue. Ms. Bartoshevich threw her support behind Senator McCain, apparently operating under the mistaken belief that Senator McCain, once known as “The Maverick”, was pro-choice.
Senator John McCain is not pro-choice.
Jiminy Cricket Update!
Phil came through his knee surgery with flying colors! We wish him well as he begins his recovery and rehabilitation!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Taxes
It’s a bit of a dirty word, taxes. During election season it gets turned into a weapon. A heavy, blunt object used to bludgeon an opponent. A hot button word to strike fear into folks who are working hard to make ends meet.
The topic of taxes is the only issue that Chuck and I have had to declare off limits. We both agree on the need for taxes; the importance of pooling resources for the common good. We absolutely agree on paying our fair share. But it’s how taxes are calculated that leads to rows. That is until now.
Today we ran some errands. While I drove, Chuck read the New York Times Magazine cover story aloud: “Obamanomics”. It provides an overview of Senator Barack Obama’s economic plan. Part of that plan includes taxes.
Many of you have probably seen and heard the television ads from the McCain campaign that claim Senator Obama will raise taxes on the middle class and senior citizens. They are lying. Here’s an excerpt from Section Five of today’s New York Times Magazine article by David Leonhardt:
“The Tax Policy Center, a research group run by the Brookings Institution and the Urban Institute, has done the most detailed analysis of the Obama and McCain tax plans, and it has published a series of fascinating tables. For the bottom 80 percent of the population — those households making $118,000 or less — McCain’s various tax cuts would mean a net savings of about $200 a year on average. Obama’s proposals would bring $900 a year in savings. So for most people, Obama is the tax cutter in this campaign.”
It’s important to note that if your household income is less than $250,000 (yes, a quarter of a million) a year, your tax situation will improve significantly in multiple ways under Senator Obama’s tax plan.
Here’s a link to the economy section of Senator Obama’s website. His plan is equitable, comprehensive and understandable.
But for you visual learners (like me) here’s a link to a video of Brian Deese, Deputy Economic Policy Director on the Obama campaign, fact checking the McCain attack ads related to taxes and the economy. Mr. Deese has a couple of other videos up and they are very clear and concise.
As for Chuck and me and the topic of taxes, I don’t want to overstate this, but I believe we’ve reached detente. That’s right, the only subject which was too dangerous to discuss, which threatened the harmony of our married life, has been resolved. And we owe it all to Barack Obama!
The topic of taxes is the only issue that Chuck and I have had to declare off limits. We both agree on the need for taxes; the importance of pooling resources for the common good. We absolutely agree on paying our fair share. But it’s how taxes are calculated that leads to rows. That is until now.
Today we ran some errands. While I drove, Chuck read the New York Times Magazine cover story aloud: “Obamanomics”. It provides an overview of Senator Barack Obama’s economic plan. Part of that plan includes taxes.
Many of you have probably seen and heard the television ads from the McCain campaign that claim Senator Obama will raise taxes on the middle class and senior citizens. They are lying. Here’s an excerpt from Section Five of today’s New York Times Magazine article by David Leonhardt:
“The Tax Policy Center, a research group run by the Brookings Institution and the Urban Institute, has done the most detailed analysis of the Obama and McCain tax plans, and it has published a series of fascinating tables. For the bottom 80 percent of the population — those households making $118,000 or less — McCain’s various tax cuts would mean a net savings of about $200 a year on average. Obama’s proposals would bring $900 a year in savings. So for most people, Obama is the tax cutter in this campaign.”
It’s important to note that if your household income is less than $250,000 (yes, a quarter of a million) a year, your tax situation will improve significantly in multiple ways under Senator Obama’s tax plan.
Here’s a link to the economy section of Senator Obama’s website. His plan is equitable, comprehensive and understandable.
But for you visual learners (like me) here’s a link to a video of Brian Deese, Deputy Economic Policy Director on the Obama campaign, fact checking the McCain attack ads related to taxes and the economy. Mr. Deese has a couple of other videos up and they are very clear and concise.
As for Chuck and me and the topic of taxes, I don’t want to overstate this, but I believe we’ve reached detente. That’s right, the only subject which was too dangerous to discuss, which threatened the harmony of our married life, has been resolved. And we owe it all to Barack Obama!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
The Veepstakes Results
Friday, August 22, 2008
Veepstakes
I’ll admit it. I kept checking our e-mail all day. Why? Well, the new parlor game of course: “Who Will Be The Next VP?” It’s fun for all ages and for one or more players, but it is not a fast paced game!
For several days, my gut has been telling me Senator Joe Biden would be the winner. But as today wore on and new-to-me names were tossed into the mix - like Texas Congressman Chet Edwards - I began to think there would be a truly big surprise. But not the kind of surprise that has us running to Wikipedia to look up the name of the new Vice Presidential candidate. No, I began to wonder if it might be Senator Hillary Clinton. Or, wait for it, former Vice President Al Gore.
My crystal ball is cloudy. My tea was steeped from a bag, so I have no leaves to read. And sadly, Carnac the Magnificent is now living in an entirely different dimension. So we’ll just have to wait until our e-mails ding, our cell phones ring or Senator Obama and Vice Presidential candidate ______________ stand together at the Old State Capitol, in Springfield, Illinois tomorrow afternoon.
For several days, my gut has been telling me Senator Joe Biden would be the winner. But as today wore on and new-to-me names were tossed into the mix - like Texas Congressman Chet Edwards - I began to think there would be a truly big surprise. But not the kind of surprise that has us running to Wikipedia to look up the name of the new Vice Presidential candidate. No, I began to wonder if it might be Senator Hillary Clinton. Or, wait for it, former Vice President Al Gore.
My crystal ball is cloudy. My tea was steeped from a bag, so I have no leaves to read. And sadly, Carnac the Magnificent is now living in an entirely different dimension. So we’ll just have to wait until our e-mails ding, our cell phones ring or Senator Obama and Vice Presidential candidate ______________ stand together at the Old State Capitol, in Springfield, Illinois tomorrow afternoon.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Senior Moment? Out Of Touch? In Denial?
Senator John McCain was asked a simple question: “How many houses do you own?”. He couldn’t answer the question. He and his wife Cindy own eight.
Hello?
Another odd fact is that Senator McCain’s wife Cindy repeatedly states she is “an only child”. She’s not an only child. She has two half sisters. One is the daughter of Cindy’s mother from a previous marriage and the other is the daughter of Cindy’s father from a previous marriage.
Hello?
Just for the record, Chuck and I (and a bank) own one house.
I have two sisters.
Easy peasy...
Hello?
Another odd fact is that Senator McCain’s wife Cindy repeatedly states she is “an only child”. She’s not an only child. She has two half sisters. One is the daughter of Cindy’s mother from a previous marriage and the other is the daughter of Cindy’s father from a previous marriage.
Hello?
Just for the record, Chuck and I (and a bank) own one house.
I have two sisters.
Easy peasy...
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Oil At Home
Our heating oil company mailed out their winter heating contracts. I appreciate that small, independent oil companies are in the unenviable position of delivering home heating oil to consumers, billing them for it and trying to collect the payments from them. I realize that they are at the mercy of the huge oil corporations, oil commodities markets, speculators, politics and international cartels. But the 2008-2009 lock-in price is over $4.50 a gallon! And the non-refundable downward price protection insurance fee has doubled and is up to 40 cents per gallon - pushing the price up to nearly $5.00 a gallon!
I know the recent drops in the price of a barrel of oil cannot and should not be construed as a trend, but Chuck and I are loathe to lock in. And we can’t imagine locking in without the downward price protection. So, I think this year we’re going to roll the dice and pay the cash price all winter - no guarantees, no up front insurance fees. It’s a risk. But this year the contract feels like too much of a high stakes gamble.
We already keep the thermostat set low; no higher than 62-64 F (16-17 C) during the day and no higher than 54 F (12 C) at night. The furnace has just been serviced, cleaned, tuned up and evaluated. We have our big down comforter we bought during the winter sale at IKEA and my Mom suggested nightcaps - fabric not alcoholic! Thanks Mom! She also said we should pack up the cats and move in with her for the winter! Ummm... thanks Mom! It’s nice to have options, but we’ll stay here and keep our fingers crossed for a mild winter and lower home heating oil prices - and a Democrat in the White House come January. That good news alone will warm the cockles of our hearts starting the day after the election in November!
I know the recent drops in the price of a barrel of oil cannot and should not be construed as a trend, but Chuck and I are loathe to lock in. And we can’t imagine locking in without the downward price protection. So, I think this year we’re going to roll the dice and pay the cash price all winter - no guarantees, no up front insurance fees. It’s a risk. But this year the contract feels like too much of a high stakes gamble.
We already keep the thermostat set low; no higher than 62-64 F (16-17 C) during the day and no higher than 54 F (12 C) at night. The furnace has just been serviced, cleaned, tuned up and evaluated. We have our big down comforter we bought during the winter sale at IKEA and my Mom suggested nightcaps - fabric not alcoholic! Thanks Mom! She also said we should pack up the cats and move in with her for the winter! Ummm... thanks Mom! It’s nice to have options, but we’ll stay here and keep our fingers crossed for a mild winter and lower home heating oil prices - and a Democrat in the White House come January. That good news alone will warm the cockles of our hearts starting the day after the election in November!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Tanglewood Tradition
As this long, hot, stormy summer has rolled by, we have been waiting for an opportunity to head out to Tanglewood. Yesterday was the first good Sunday, so we packed up and made the trek out to the Berkshires. Our trip last summer should give you a clear idea of what an afternoon picnicking on “The Lawn” listening to classical music spilling out from “The Shed” is like. It was a lovely afternoon. Mostly sunny, with a enough of a breeze to keep one cool in dappled shade. These trips are an annual event for us; a rite of summer if you will. The family tradition goes back on Chuck’s side to his parents. Milton and Betty would drive up from their home in Westchester County, New York and various branches of the clan would meet under one of the trees on The Lawn for a communal picnic. That was in the years before Mom and Dad relocated to Washington State and before the entire right side of The Lawn was created; the side where Chuck and I now go.
Naturally, we reminisced about those previous trips and larger gatherings yesterday. But those memories only sharpened the poignancy of the call from Chuck’s sister Carol last night. She let us know that one month shy of his 94th birthday, Dad’s health has declined such that he will now begin receiving hospice care. We are grateful that he will continue to live in the wonderful home he has been in for many months. We are especially grateful for all the times he is still chipper and funny on the phone with Chuck. Mostly, we’re grateful for Dad and Mom and the great job they did as parents and all the memories we share as a family. Some of the most relaxed and peaceful were spent on sunny Sunday afternoons, at Tanglewood.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Another Outrage
Thankfully, President George W. Bush has just a few months left in office. But that doesn’t mean he and his administration aren’t continuing to do long term damage.
I just received an e-mail from MoveOn.org. It read in part:
It seems unbelievable, but the Bush Administration is quietly trying to redefine "abortion" to include birth control.
Can you sign an emergency message to Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt, whose department is considering this rule change right now? Tell him: "Contraception is NOT abortion. The Bush Administration's proposal to change the definition of abortion and reduce women's access to birth control must be stopped."
Click here to sign the petition.
We have to remain vigilant.
Thank you.
I just received an e-mail from MoveOn.org. It read in part:
It seems unbelievable, but the Bush Administration is quietly trying to redefine "abortion" to include birth control.
Can you sign an emergency message to Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt, whose department is considering this rule change right now? Tell him: "Contraception is NOT abortion. The Bush Administration's proposal to change the definition of abortion and reduce women's access to birth control must be stopped."
Click here to sign the petition.
We have to remain vigilant.
Thank you.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Tech Tip Two
Corey Barker does wonderful “Killer Tips” video tutorials for Photoshop Elements. Clear, clever and easy to follow, I always have an “Ah hah!” moment or two while watching them. You can find many of them on iTunes and at Elements Village.
You can also find his excellent Photoshop video tutorials over on Planet Photoshop.
The learning curve with Adobe Photoshop Elements or Photoshop CS3 is steep. So it helps to have an easy going and knowledgeable guide to help you along.
Enjoy!
You can also find his excellent Photoshop video tutorials over on Planet Photoshop.
The learning curve with Adobe Photoshop Elements or Photoshop CS3 is steep. So it helps to have an easy going and knowledgeable guide to help you along.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Unlucky 13th?
A little while ago, I realized that I had taken hardly any pictures recently. Therefore, my blog was sorely lacking any new visual interest. Today was sunny, dry, with blue skies and a few puffy white clouds - perfect for photo ops. But in a moment of Puritanical/Roman Catholic logic, I felt I should do a little yard work first. Then I could “reward” myself by wandering around the spruced up yard, taking some photographs.
Truth be told, the yard had taken on the look of a jungle. Weeks of precipitation will bring about a rain forest effect. And everything had benefitted from this unusually wet summer. So I convinced Chuck to join me in this plan. Misery loves company and all that. We began with a rose bush that had been slammed in a recent storm and was splayed in an ungainly, unattractive and worrisome way. By “we” I mean Chuck donned the heavy work gloves and wrestled with the thorny canes, while I wrangled two rakes to lift the roses up at a safer, less prickly distance.
Chuck did a great job. I got swarmed. Not by bees, but by mosquitoes. As I gingerly stepped into the wildly overgrown flower bed in front of the rose bush, I disturbed something. I was wearing a pair of shorts, not my usual bundled-up-against-the-ticks-and-skeeters gardening ensemble. No, I had been seduced by the lovely weather. I felt something on my legs and glanced down. At first I thought they were seeds or petals or leaves. Then some of them moved. Still holding two rakes to help keep thorn filled, woody canes from crashing down and nailing Chuck, I began a running commentary on what was running through my mind. “Something’s on my legs!” “Ow!” “What the heck is that?” “Oh $#&@!” “I think it’s mosquitoes!” “Chuck!” “I need to drop one of the rakes!”
(In my own defense, let me point out that here in New England, we have all manner of unpleasant insect worries. Ticks carry Lyme Disease. Mosquitoes are responsible for the spread of West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. To aid in my prosecution, I had absolutely no business being out in shorts, with no insect repellant on.)
As the mosquitoes continued to land and bite, despite my vigorous one-handed slapping, I finally had to abandon the other rake and my post. Knees to ankles I received better than two dozen mosquito bites - all of which stung like crazy. I’ve never felt that sensation before, but I’ve also never received that many bites at one time. You’d think that a half century of living would lead to an increase in my common sense. Obviously, not so much.
And that, Dear Readers, is why I have no photos to share with you today.
Good news? Chuck went on to make significant improvements on the yard, was bitten by nary a skeeter and was impaled by only one small rose thorn.
Truth be told, the yard had taken on the look of a jungle. Weeks of precipitation will bring about a rain forest effect. And everything had benefitted from this unusually wet summer. So I convinced Chuck to join me in this plan. Misery loves company and all that. We began with a rose bush that had been slammed in a recent storm and was splayed in an ungainly, unattractive and worrisome way. By “we” I mean Chuck donned the heavy work gloves and wrestled with the thorny canes, while I wrangled two rakes to lift the roses up at a safer, less prickly distance.
Chuck did a great job. I got swarmed. Not by bees, but by mosquitoes. As I gingerly stepped into the wildly overgrown flower bed in front of the rose bush, I disturbed something. I was wearing a pair of shorts, not my usual bundled-up-against-the-ticks-and-skeeters gardening ensemble. No, I had been seduced by the lovely weather. I felt something on my legs and glanced down. At first I thought they were seeds or petals or leaves. Then some of them moved. Still holding two rakes to help keep thorn filled, woody canes from crashing down and nailing Chuck, I began a running commentary on what was running through my mind. “Something’s on my legs!” “Ow!” “What the heck is that?” “Oh $#&@!” “I think it’s mosquitoes!” “Chuck!” “I need to drop one of the rakes!”
(In my own defense, let me point out that here in New England, we have all manner of unpleasant insect worries. Ticks carry Lyme Disease. Mosquitoes are responsible for the spread of West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. To aid in my prosecution, I had absolutely no business being out in shorts, with no insect repellant on.)
As the mosquitoes continued to land and bite, despite my vigorous one-handed slapping, I finally had to abandon the other rake and my post. Knees to ankles I received better than two dozen mosquito bites - all of which stung like crazy. I’ve never felt that sensation before, but I’ve also never received that many bites at one time. You’d think that a half century of living would lead to an increase in my common sense. Obviously, not so much.
And that, Dear Readers, is why I have no photos to share with you today.
Good news? Chuck went on to make significant improvements on the yard, was bitten by nary a skeeter and was impaled by only one small rose thorn.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Tech Tip
Jessica Sprague has put together another great video for using Adobe Photoshop Elements 6.0. She made it for Creating Keepsakes. As always, her directions are very clear and I never fail to learn something new or a slick shortcut.
To view Jessica’s free tutorial called “Make Cool Digital Circle Elements” click here and then follow the links to her “Video Tutorial”. The techniques are well worth learning and easily transferrable to other projects.
Have fun!
To view Jessica’s free tutorial called “Make Cool Digital Circle Elements” click here and then follow the links to her “Video Tutorial”. The techniques are well worth learning and easily transferrable to other projects.
Have fun!
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