Friday, October 31, 2008

Happy Halloween!

Amid all the hustle and bustle of the day and pre-election hysteria, this is also the day we are expected to rush home and hand out sugar bars to our neighborhood children who, we are told regularly, are obese. Way to put on the pressure, Halloween!

So,take a minute for yourselves first and enjoy this calming video. You're welcome.



Thursday, October 30, 2008

Awww. there you go again Joe, readin' my blog...

Somebody's been peeping at my blog and taking my advice to shut up! I just didn't think he'd leave Grampy McSame hanging like this...
Thanks to Dave for this incredible video link. Pretty much says it all, ladies.

The Two-Legged Zoo

Lately the term "socialist" has been being flung harder than the poo in the monkey cage at the local zoo. Let's take a minute and refresh our vocabulary:

so·cial·ism (sō'shə-lĭz'əm)
1. Any of various theories or systems of social organization in which the means of producing and distributing goods is owned collectively or by a centralized government that often plans and controls the economy.
2. The stage in Marxist-Leninist theory intermediate between capitalism and communism, in which collective ownership of the economy under the dictatorship of the proletariat has not yet been successfully achieved.

So, the first definition sounds pretty much like our tax system. Collecting taxes. Redistributing or sharing, if you will. In the current climate no one would dare agree to that being true, but somehow on the day of his Inauguration, Barack will have us in a Socialist state. Okay maybe I'm exaggerating, but certainly in the first month, no doubt.
When Barack used the term "sharing the wealth" to that GOP tool "Joe the Plumber", he opened a can of worms that seems to have played into the sweaty hands of McCain at first glance. However, as is with the majority of his campaign thus far, he is speaking before checking the clear facts around him. Lucky for us, my lovely found this article today. Check out this clip from an article in The New Yorker:

For her part, Sarah Palin, who has lately taken to calling Obama “Barack the Wealth Spreader,” seems to be something of a suspect character herself. She is, at the very least, a fellow-traveller of what might be called socialism with an Alaskan face. The state that she governs has no income or sales tax. Instead, it imposes huge levies on the oil companies that lease its oil fields. The proceeds finance the government’s activities and enable it to issue a four-figure annual check to every man, woman, and child in the state. One of the reasons Palin has been a popular governor is that she added an extra twelve hundred dollars to this year’s check, bringing the per-person total to $3,269. A few weeks before she was nominated for Vice-President, she told a visiting journalist—Philip Gourevitch, of this magazine—that “we’re set up, unlike other states in the union, where it’s collectively Alaskans own the resources. So we share in the wealth when the development of these resources occurs.” Perhaps there is some meaningful distinction between spreading the wealth and sharing it (“collectively,” no less), but finding it would require the analytic skills of Karl the Marxist.

Sounds pretty "share the wealth"ey doesn't it? Taxing someone with money and spreading it around to those without. How about McCain's 2000 Hardball appearance about higher taxes for the wealthy in an exchange with a voter:

McCain replied that “wealthy people can afford more” and that “the very wealthy, because they can afford tax lawyers and all kinds of loopholes, really don’t pay nearly as much as you think they do.” The exchange continued:

YOUNG WOMAN: Are we getting closer and closer to, like, socialism and stuff?. . .
MCCAIN: Here’s what I really believe: That when you reach a certain level of comfort, there’s nothing wrong with paying somewhat more.

First of all, don't you think wife Cindy smacked his bald little head for that last comment? heehee just visualize that...
Secondly, it's yet another case of this campaign taking an idea, making it seems demonic to suit their purposes, and not bothering to check themselves first. The hypocrisy is astounding.
The next time someone brings up the whole scary wealth spreading socialist point to you, arm yourself with these two facts and fire away. Both are documented quotes from the candidates.

There are only a few days left to endure this crap. Arm yourself with facts. The other side only has poo.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Wowee Wednesday

Jennifer Beals
I held out as long as I could. I've been doing Wowee Wednesday for 23 weeks now, and I have held this Wowee in the bag for long enough. I was going to try to save her until January when the final season of The L-Word premiers, but I just can't! I can't wait any longer to have one of my Top Ten grace the pages of my blog!
Whether you are old school and love the Flashdance days, (and who doesn't?) or you like the more current, seasoned Jennifer there is something for everyone today! Enjoy!
Yes, those are chaps. You're welcome.
And in case you had a hankerin' to bust out that old grey sweatshirt and wear it all sexy-style off the shoulder today just remember, you've got stiff competition!

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Thank goodness! I wasn't sure which way to vote and now I'm totally convinced!

Is anyone even listening to this guy anymore? WTF? We had to have a press event to declare that Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Joe the Plumber has chosen his candidate after a grueling deliberation and careful consideration of the pros and cons of each. Kiss my ass!
First off the only dumbshits still listening to/following this tool are McCain, Palin, and one or two wing-nuts I see on the street bold enough to wear a "Read My Lipstick" t-shirt.
The fact that the Associated Press actually had to expend the energy to type up this story should be a crime. The media needs to turn it's back on the shenanigans that are being passed off as real issues and real values of the American working class.
That being said, Seacrest out.

terror tweets just in time for Halloween

If you read my blog, then most likely you follow my Tweets on Twitter either via the computer or on your phone. You may be surprised to hear that by following me you have unwittingly become a witness to what the Federation of American Scientists considers possible terrorist activity. Yep. I possibly pal around with terrorists. Don't tell McCain or my dreams of a bid for the presidency will be dashed.

"Twitter has also become a social activist tool for socialists, human rights groups, communists, vegetarians, anarchists, religious communities, atheists, political enthusiasts, hacktivists and others to communicate with each other and to send messages to broader audiences." read specs here...

Wow. I fit the bill on a few counts here: vegetarian, political enthusiast, I'm in the HRC, I like the Sex Pistols so I might be a bit of an anarchist...

Could they paint with a broader brush on this one? Nothing like aiming at everything in hopes of hitting something.

My take on the whole thing: the media, the government, and basically anyone not in the know when info is tweeted are mad because a select few are reporting to each other instead of heading right for the nearest news outlet or police station. In essence, we are talking to each other as Twitter members and when something juicy gets said, the Nosey Rosies of the world are feeling left out.

Me personally? I don't hang in cool enough Tweet circles to ever get anything more interesting than updates on a 4 yr old in Salt Lake City, and the growing Rat Snake population in Newberry.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Broadway Monday

The Boy from Oz
Flamboyant performer and introspective songwriter Peter Allen had a meteoric run on the world stage. He packed houses all over the world and wrote some of the most enduring ballads of the 1970s and 80s including career-making hits for Olivia Newton-John ( I Honestly Love You ) and Melissa Manchester ( Don't Cry Out Loud ) before succumbing to AIDS in 1992.This Broadway musical is based on the documentary of the same name tells the story through Allen's own words and interviews with his family, friends, and famous colleagues.
Hugh Jackman starred as the flamboyant songwriter with an incredible life story of which few outside of show business knew. He was responsible for many modern day standards we all hear in the grocery store!
Stephanie J. Block takes on the role of Liza Minnelli to whom Peter marries and eventually becomes estranged. I know I'm biased, but Steph does a great job filling such big shoes! Take a look!

Isabel Keating brings Liza's mother, Judy Garland to life in a respectful and fabulous way!
This high energy, joke-filled show began it's limited run at the Imperial Theatre in October 2003 and ended in September 2004 for a total of 364 performances.
Tony nods were given to in the areas of Best Musical, Best Book, Best Actor, and Best Featured Actress. Hugh Jackman walked away with the Tony for Best Actor in a Musical, and rightly so. It was said in many interviews that while he was starring in this show, no one worked harder than Hugh Jackman to pay tribute to this incredible songwriter. If you already love Hugh, take a look at this incredible performance from the Tony Awards. It's a whole new side to Wolverine!

Sunday, October 26, 2008

If I have already posted this, please forgive. If I haven't ever before today, I should be smacked. This video gives me full-body chills, and inspiration beyond belief. Enjoy and vote early.


Saturday, October 25, 2008

who will you vote for?

This appeared on DailyKos last week. Sure makes you understand how many people one vote touches and how much filling in that little bubble can do. Have you early voted yet?

I'm a middle-class white guy living in Jacksonville, Florida. I've got a wife and two kids. Because the kids had no school today, I took a vacation day from work, and took the kids downtown to vote early. Fifty-nine minutes later, two smiling children and I proudly sported "I Voted" stickers.
But I didn't vote for Obama.

I voted for my ancestors, who believed in the promise of this country and came with with nothing as immigrants.
I voted for my parents, who taught in the public schools for decades.
I voted for Steve, an acquaintance of mine from Kentucky. (Killed by an IED two years ago in Iraq).
I voted for Shawn, another who's been to Iraq twice, and Afghanistan once, and who'll be going back to Afghanistan again soon -- and whose family earned eleven bucks a month too much to qualify for food stamps when the war started.
I voted for April, the only African-American girl in my high school -- it was years before it occurred to me how different her experience of our school must have been.
I voted for my college friends who are Christian, Jewish, Mormon, and yes -- Muslim.
I voted for my grandfathers, who worked hard in factories and died too young.
I voted for the plumber who worked on my house, because I want him to get a REAL tax break.
I voted for four little angels from Birmingham.
I voted for a bunch of dead white men who, although personally flawed, were willing to pledge their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor, and used a time of great crisis to expand freedom rather than suspend it.
I voted for all those people and more, and I voted for all of you, too. But mostly, I voted selfishly. I vote for two little kids, one who has ballet in an hour, and once who has baseball practice at the same time. I voted for a world where they can be confident that their government will represent the best that is in this country, and that will in turn demand the best of them. I voted for a government that will be respected in the world. I voted for an economy that will reward work above guile. I voted for everything I believe in.
Sure, I filled in the circle next to the name Obama, but it wasn't him I was voting for -- it was every single one of us, and those I love most of all.


Who else is there to vote for?

Friday, October 24, 2008

incredible idea.
incredible blog.
incredible people.

post your pic to this blog and make a statement! say NO to discrimination this november

So I don't know which thing to laugh at most in this article...Sarah Palin taking up for Hillary Clinton...Sarah Palin dissing the quality of clothing purchased from three top retailers...Sarah Palin declaring that she and her family are "frugal"(read: I'm frugal with MY money)...or Sarah Palin actually giving a "policy speech" today, the same day as she gives her deposition in the Troopergate scandal. Anyone else see the hilarity in those three things? I guarantee the speech is designed to take to focus away from the deposition. Nice try, GOP. Old dog. Old trick.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

O-bam-a, O-bam-a

Folks, I have to tell you that there is nothing like going to a political rally when we are so close to the end. So close to the finish line. So close to witnessing history, change and healing in our country. If you have the chance to go to a rally in the next 12 days, do it. Your heart will swell.
Michelle Obama graced our city today with a visit to promote Barack, of course, but also to encourage early voting. I live in a swing state, and early voting has never been more important. We voted yesterday and filling in a bubble on a scan-tron never felt so good! I encourage all of you, if your state participates, to vote early. Don't leave it all to November 4th. You never know what could be happening in your city or your life that day. Do it now to make sure it gets done. Let nothing stand in the way of your vote.

Now let's talk about how wonderfully fabulous Michelle Obama is: beautiful, smart, funny, driven, poised, focused, beautiful, motivated, genuine, convincing, beautiful, and did I mention beautiful?
Although my feet and lower legs may need a week to recover from standing on the cobbled streets of downtown for 3 1/2 hours, it was worth every minute! Early reports have the well-behaved, courteous crowd at 11,000! Wow!

I was caught off-guard, when my own emotion got the best of me during the Pledge of Allegiance. The sound of thousands of voices pledging in unison was an unmistakable plea for healing and change in our country. As this thought crossed my mind, I spent the remainder of the pledge trying in vain to suppress my tears of pride. It was a nice moment to have today, since the last few years have been void of such emotion for me. So here are some of my pics. Enjoy them! I'm giving big props to my new Cannon 55-250mm zoom lens!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Wowee Wednesday

Michelle Obama It is undeniable that our next First Lady is beautiful, smart, sharp, strong and exudes an all-around sincere positive glow.
Today at 2:30 I will get to see that glow as Michelle stops here for a rally in the heart of downtown Gainesville. I am so excited to get to see this dynamic woman speak about Barack's plans for our country!
Gainesville votes Democrat, so we rarely get an official campaign stop from any of the candidates, but when we do it is a huge event! Look for my pics in an upcoming post!

Isn't is going to be great to have a First Couple that looks this good and this still in love? I'm excited about the prospects of a true First Family in our future, lead by an astounding woman!

Monday, October 20, 2008

Broadway Monday

Flower Drum Song Flower Drum Song is a story of generational and cross-cultural conflict in the early 1950s.
This musical, written by the team of Rodgers and Hammerstein, is based on the 1957 novel of the same name by Chinese American author C. Y. Lee. The setting is San Francisco's Chinatown, with a basic theme being the struggle between Eastern and Western traditions, between the old and the new, littered with many love triangles.
The Broadway production opened in 1958 featuring, for the first time in Broadway history, a mostly Asian cast. The musical was successful (as the novel had been), garnering six Tony Award nominations and spawning a London production, national tours and a 1961 musical film, but the musical and movie would fall out of favor as the civil rights era re-defined how minorities should be portrayed on film. That film was a success and added to the resume of new director, Gene Kelly. Asian American playwright David Henry Hwang reworked the story and music for a 2002 Broadway revival starring the wildly popular Lea Salonga of Les Miserables fame.
The original production of Flower Drum Song played at the St. James Theatre for a total of 600 performances, which garnered many Tony nominations and Tony wins for leading cast members.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Just when I start to get a bit worried or pessimistic regarding November 4th, I get a glimpse of something spectacular, inspiring, and incredible like this:

Obama rally October 18th, St. Louis Missouri

Friday, October 17, 2008

my new workout...if only

It's been a stressful week for everyone what with the economy and the debates with the rash of innuendos and outuendos, so let's use this weekend to watch the extremely talented hips of Beyonce dance our cares away. Have a good one!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

dum-de-dum-dum

I was planning on live blogging tonight's final debate for the office of President, but after the news that Nancy Reagan has broken her pelvis, I thought better. Instead, I am launching an investigation onto the recent health related problems surrounding major political figures and how John McCain figures in each of those events:

#1 Did Ted Kennedy really have a seizure the day of the first debate which resulted in hospitalization due to his current brain tumor condition, or did John McCain slip into his home and turn on strobe lights to induce said seizure?

#2 Did Dick Cheney have legitimate heart problems today, the day of the final debate, or did McCain secretly plug up a microwave up outside of the VP residence and jack it up to high? Hmmm?
#3 Finally, I have a sneaking suspicion that if you were to consult the secret service tapes at the Reagan home, you might find images of John McCain tackling poor little Nancy and cracking her pelvis, thereby giving him the ability to elicit sympathy for yesteryear at the opening of tonight's debate. I'm just sayin'...
People, these events seem a bit shady. A bit like opportunity for John McCain to take the focus off himself and his failing campaign. I have gathered a crack team of investigators to look into my assertions. I look forward to hearing their findings.

Wowee Wednesday

Morgan Webb and Kristen Holt
Seeing how I am gearing up for gaming season, I figured I'd share a little known secret about the gaming world: girls game too! Yep we do, and some of the more notable girls gamers are actually good looking! This week's Wowee is a twofer! My two favorite gamer girls (not including my lovely) Morgan Webb and Kristen Holt!
These girls know games, are not afraid to tell you what they know, and will most likely kick your ass while doing it! And these girls actually game! Ahh, hot smart girls...
Morgan is the co-host of G4's X-Play where she regularly reviews games and gives previews. Morgan also hosts a weekly video podcast called "Webb Alert" which covers news, Internet, and technology.
Kristen is the host of G4's Cheat! where she focuses on giving gaming tips, shortcuts and cheats. Kristen is a former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, American Idol semi-finalist, actress and singer.
Happy Gaming!