#2 is almost in the books

Say it ain't so! I would have never predicted this! These two were meant to last!!!

I mean, the cornrows alone are a reason to keep this pitiful excuse around, right?

Personally the crotch grabbing at the KidsChoice Awards would have made me start to second guess my choices for partner and sperm donor, but hey not my place to say.

RIP Spederline

How sad to see this story today not only my local paper, but in almost every major newspaper including the New York Times.

I can remember spending my summers and a yearly school field trip at Gatorland Zoo in Kissimmee. It was our closest local attraction long before the roads were littered with tacky tourist shops hocking "10 t-shirts for $10" and it felt like an adventure to an 8 year old on a school bus of 3rd graders and sack lunches.

I know somewhere I have a picture of me and my friends in front of the famous alligator mouth entrance. It was so cool to touch the teeth and quietly fantasize that I was really walking through the mouth of an alligator. Those same jaws served as a landmark along Orange Blossom Trail as I rode to Orlando with my family. I would obsessively scan the landscape for those big white teeth. Even as I grew up and the attraction became more popular, it remained a nice childhood memory and a touchstone in my life. I still catch myself looking for those teeth when I am there.

whatever you do...

VOTE

• need to find your polling place?
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• having trouble voting? Call 1-866-OUR VOTE
• 
  
• need a reason to vote Democrat? Here are 109 of them!
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and here's one more:

oops!

Apparently Charlie Crist is the one who has turned up absent! Funny since his campaign against Jim Davis is built on spreading the rumor that Davis never shows up for work!!

But really, are there that many people running for an office this term that WOULD like to be seen with Bush right now?!

Photoshop 101

Someone in the Bush administration needs to learn a wee bit more about Photoshop! This is just too good!

dust off the blue shirt

Anyone else ever notice that any time Bush needs to gain popularity (sinking polls, midterm elections, botched hurricane relief...) he breaks out the blue shirt and rolls up his sleeves? Is this supposed to make us think he is a blue collar kind of guy, a hard worker, a person in touch with the everyday man? What a load of crap. All week long he has been prancing around in that tired old shirt. It takes a lot more than a shirt sans suit jacket to get my attention. He may want to try actually doing some work on the people's dime instead of jetting all around the country campaigning for midterm lost causes. Until then, enjoy the many shades of the blue shirt:

I could go on and on...

off my chest

Fired off this email today. Makes me feel better at least.


American Red Cross,

I have chosen to unsubscribe from your newsletters due to news I heard recently regarding donations.

I find it hard to believe that at a time of need, the American Red Cross put politics ahead of urgency and refused a 1 million dollar donation from The Dixie Chicks. Hard to believe, heartbreaking and extremely telling.

I myself have been involved in fundraising efforts for both September 11th and Hurricane Katrina which were directly donated to the Red Cross. God forbid tragedies like those happen again, but if they do, you can be assured that I will be sending our efforts to other organizations ready to receive money from everyone---equally.

Please unsubscribe me from your mailing list.

Sincerely,
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Gainesville, FL

If you want a huge laugh, go to this site. It is just amazing what the other half of America listens to and believes. I personally can't do more than laugh at the incredible stupidity and boorishness.

eating our own...again

You know, we only had one week to go. One lousy week left until we had a great chance at taking back the House and Senate. Leave it to the Democrats to decide to eat their own kind and jump on the Republican bandwagon of Kerry Bashing. Instead of keeping our eyes on the prize, ignoring the usual Republican baiting, and keeping the real issues in the forefront, some Dems have decided to jump ship and bash Kerry as well, hoping to gain some momentum from moderate voters.

Instead of demanding an apology from Kerry for an obvious mistake, why aren't we asking for an apology from the Bush League? Has anyone asked for an apology from Rumsfeld for sending our troops into harm's way unprepared? Has anyone asked Cheney to apologize for admitting that we waterboard for torture, clearly endangering troops? Has anyone asked Bush for an apology for just being a plain ol' dumbass. That's an apology I want to hear. We all deserve that one.

So for the next few days while the media has a field day and basks in the splendor of scandal, take the time to refocus yourselves and anyone around you on the real issues. Remind people as much as possible that the real scandal is that we are stuck in a war of choice with no hope or plan of returning home. We can't lose sight of that until every last troop is home.

Am I Overly Tuned In To Smells?

How is it that we, as a people, don't lose our sense of smell due to constant assault?
Think about how many smells we encounter on a daily basis. Now think about how many BAD smells we encounter. Isn't it amazing that our noses don't just give up and quit or go on strike?

perfume bad breath smoker alcohol dirty need to take a shower overly perfumed with overpriced toilet water gingivitis halitosis old teeth farts shit just plain old stink musk hairspray lotion oils Summer's Eve Old Spice Aqua Net Aqua Velva nicotine tar intestines lungs tissue old man old woman teenager kid farts baby diaper that blue stuff in port-a-potties mothballs

I am noting this as we sit on the runway in NC awaiting takeoff, which can't come soon enough because we are both about to gag from the smell of the two passengers sitting behind us. Oh they appear to be very clean and orderly people, but one whiff and it is evident that we have a lifetime of smoking. I mean it is coming out of their pores. It is stuck in their clothes, lungs, hair, skin, jewelry...thus the prompting of this post.

speechless

I am absolutely at a loss for words regarding this.
The best thing I can think of is "Boy, they must be really scared."

pencil them in!

Now, let it be said that I do like Katie Holmes a lot--albeit a little less since she has gone off the deep end with Tom and his gazillions. I also used to like Tom a lot more. That being said, I am having a hard time getting all worked up over the fact that a date has been set for their pending nuptuals.
Every time I see the media falling all over themselves to herald another celebrity wedding I am painfully reminded of how many times each celebrity has been married already, and the fact that I am not afforded the same opportunities. I have said many times that my relationship of 13 years is no more valid with that piece of paper, but the benefits that go along with the acknowledgement are worth the process.
So as we prepare anxiously for Tom Cruise's THIRD marriage, keep in mind that some of us honor the vows we privately made one time in our lives 13 years ago at Paines Prarie.

showing their true colors

I guess if you don't have anything intelligent to say in your talking points, you naturally go for the ugly dyke approach. Pathetic.

John Spencer just sank his already sad campaign.

Step in Line, Step in Line, ...

This guy apparently forgot who he works for. He spoke his true thoughts and quickly got yanked back into the Kool-Aid serving booth!

Does it get any better?

• direct flight to destination
• sitting by the girl of my dreams for said flight
• new Panasonic portable DVD player debut
• "Hong Kong Phooey" and "Fat Albert" DVD box sets for some good ole soothing of my inner child as I prepare to visit with family for 2 days

Ick!

There is something about the words "feel" and "woman" and the insinuation of elderlyness on one's car bumper that gross me out a bit!

Has anyone else noticed how much bad/catty publicity Madonna has received over the adoption of little David Banda? What kind of double standards do we have going on here? The media has fallen all over themselves to cover Angelina's adoptions, and she is heralded as a saint. Madonna does the exact same thing, and we are bitching over the whiff of privilege. I just don't get it. I personally think it is great in both cases.

I happen to like Madonna. I happen to think she is a genius in the way she handles her career and it's longevity. Yes, I think she knows how to make a stir and wind up her PR machine. No one does it better in my opinion, but when it comes to her children and family I also think she is very responsible and giving. Career and family take separate paths.
Why can't we just be happy that another child has been given a chance at a good life. Where is our concern for the African people that need our help daily? Apparently, we are too busy beating down those that do help to actually do something ourselves. Make a difference.

oh the nausea..

Please tell me who felt the need to ruin my Thursday night ritual of processing a crime scene with this unpleasant vision:

I mean, is nothing sacred?!

Congratulations, Rhonda!

Stephanie J. Block

Did you hear squeals of joy in the universe last Friday resonating from the Chicago Theatre District? Well, it was late and we were in another time zone...you're off the hook.

We saw a spectacular preview of The Pirate Queen in Chicago Friday and I can hardly contain myself with excitement for how wonderful the show is already. The cast, the music, the dancing...sigh.

As you may recall from earlier postings, we had the great fortune of landing second row seats to the fourth performance in previews, and normally the fact that the group only had a few runs under their belt would scare me, but there was nothing to be afraid of! As expected, this beautiful story of one very strong woman's struggle to make her place in life and history was spectacularly brought to life by my BFF, Stephanie J. Block

How often does someone famous actually recognize you by name, give you genuine enveloping hugs and thanks you profusely for supporting her career? This woman is wonderful and I think I love her...yep, I do! I mean just take a look at this reception we received:

Soooo looking forward to following this to Broadway and about to pee my pants for the cast recording! Stay tuned...I'm positive I'm not through gushing!

Ever feel like you just want to stay in the shower? It's quiet and warm. No one is bothering you or asking you for anything.

copycat

We act like this is new. We act like we have never seen such behavior from our elected officials.
We act like she didn't learn this crap from her secret beau,

George W. Bush.
Geez. This shit actually makes headlines.
Indignation. What a great word. What a great way to describe the attitude of the Croney Government.

You're worried NOW?

Since when have the Republicans been worried about coming off as gay bashers? Apparently when it involves one of their own, and underage boys.

This is so rich.

*sarcasm alert* I'm sure Newt is genuinely concerned about the lowly gays and not at all trying to polish his image for a possible run at the White House.

Maf54

The Republicans are so all over the place with this Mark Foley thing. Yet again, someone from their party has been caught doing something gross and immoral. Yet again it is someone from Florida. Must we always be involved?

I thought it interesting that when the story broke, details were missing that he was speaking with male pages in these emails and IMs. Now of course we know it for fact, but I thought it was telling that the Gay Bashing Party didn't feel the need to immediately disclose all the info in this case. Had this been a Democrat The Washington Times headline would have screamed "Gay Page Scandal" or "Dem Caught With Pants Down" Something stupid and tabloidy like that.

Now that the details are ickily out in the open, all the Bushies are running around crying ignorance. The whole "I didn't know about it" defense gets very tired after 5 yrs. Maybe Dennis Hastert should look up from his piles of money every now and again and take note of how his majority is behaving.
Link to Rachel Maddow for the disturbing IMs and emails.

It didn't take long for Tony Snow to allude that worse things have happened in Washington than some "naughty emails". That's right you little minion...bring it back to Clinton.

Four days!

I woke up this morning with a great feeling!

Today begins a frenzy of good activity centered around the house sale, but it also starts the three very busy days at the office that lead up to our trip to Chicago!

I have been following castcom for The Pirate Queen for the last two weeks and this weekend was the last posting, leaving people like me hanging in the balance until the show opens tomorrow! I suppose they deserve a couple of days to pull it all together without checking in on the needy fans! Theatre aside, I am looking forward to going back to Chicago and seeing a bit more of that great city. We intend to branch out a bit more from the last trip, and definitely try some new vegetarian restaurants we have heard about since last May.

Stay tuned for lots of twists and turns in my mood. I hope this new St. John's Wort is up for the challenge!

I'm Not Meant to Be A Gambler or Negotiator

After much back and forth, to and fro, up and down...we have a contract!

It seems as though the shy pottiers finally decided to get on for the ride, and at about 9:15 pm Thursday we had a signed contract in place!

Now begins the nail-biting! As most who have gone through the closing process, the month leading up to the day at the table is wrought with twists and turns. Anything can happen. Things can change. Deals can be broken. Feelings can get hurt.
We are hoping that none of the above occur in the next few weeks leading up to October 27th!

Of course, October is the busiest month of the year for us already. We had trips and events planned months ago before we ever put the house on the market. Every weekend that does not take us out of town has a huge number of animals and horse barns already scheduled. Yikes!

If we can just make it through, there is a beautiful new house waiting for us to spend our holidays in it!

and so it begins

Dang this house thing is so draining! We have been tuned into frenzy mode since Sunday. Frenzy is very tiring and depleting.
Long story short, we have two potential buyers: #1 can't decide whether to get on the pot or off and is pushing my endurance to the Nth degree. Hoping for an offer today from the hesitant pottier. #2 is lowballing us to the point of insult. I mean, really. We all know the dance of negotiation, but coming in at 15K below asking price is insulting. Especially when you know that our house made it to the top of the short list. I shudder to think what he would offer his 2nd or 3rd choice on the list. So we are countering today and hoping for an offer from #1 as well so we can weigh the options a bit.

Its hard not to make it personal when negotiating a price on something as personal as your home. I keep having this feeling that #2 is pushing a bit lower in part due to the fact that he knows two women are on the deed. Maybe he feels like he can push us a bit more. You know, like a car salesman. So hopefully, later today we will be in a different position. We'll see.

In the meantime, I will prepare the house for 'maybe' a 2nd showing for #1. You know, it's just a breeze to prepare and make provisions for the dogs. 'Maybe' she will swing by for a look. Meh.

worthy legacy

Bill Clinton has made better use of his time as a global leader than any former president since Jimmy Carter. These two men have made lasting change and progress in the efforts to recognize this planet as a global community instead of leading with blinders to the rest of the world.
Only a true global leader could affect change the way Bill Clinton did this week. While Bush played middle school playground games with other world leaders, Bill made headway in our efforts to stop/change/reverse our damage to the planet. This article makes me proud to be a Democrat.
I don't give a crap what happens in your bedroom or office, providing it's consensual, if what you accomplish in your job is for the greater good. This is proof of how to use your ties to the wealthy and help others instead of lining your own greedy pockets.

Bush has made it very clear that he is not concerned with what history will say about him, "I won't be around" (squirrely laugh)

two weeks!

Two weeks from today we will be leaving for Chicago to see the premier of "The Pirate Queen"!!

I am so excited! Have I ever mentioned that my best friend, Stephanie J. Block is starring in this debut which goes to Broadway in February 2007? Yeah...we're tight...

The ramp up for this production has been amazing, and includes what I think is a groundbreaking idea. Castcom launched last week and is a way for fans to check up on how things are going with the show, see the actors in candid moments and ultimately, feel a part of the whole production. Random cast members tape little videos of themselves explaining what went on that day, technical settings, rehearsal triumphs and woes... it is very entertaining especially for someone who has tickets on October 6th, 2nd row Orchestra Center. ;)

Check it out!

Supersize your thoughts!

This is an absolutely brilliant site! Sooo much fun!

Here is my billboard filled with my first thoughts:

Go on...play...it is very empowering and at the very least FUN!

circle the wagons!

Hey! Are WE allowed to do this? Providing that he actually leaves the country ever again, can't we stage a coup like Thailand? Fire up the tanks! Circle the White House! We want our country back!

Bento TV

Bento TV

Found this site and thought how funny to watch it everyday and see just how much time this girl has on her hands! I barely have the time or patience for preparing a PBJ, much less cutting little shapes out of seaweed paper!

Oh well, she is having a good time and has found a great way to share her creativity that's for sure! Bento Boxes for everyone!

Happy Anniversary

Yesterday, September 18th, was a huge anniversary that most everyone in the media let go by with hardly a mention. Five years ago, Congress passed a resolution drafted by the Bush Administration stating that we as a country were going after Bin Laden for the events of September 11th. Five years. We are not doing so great on that. In fact, according to Bush, he just doesn't even think about Bin Laden that much.

The behind the scenes info on this resolution is even more interesting and not at all surprising. The original draft was written to automatically include an invasion of Iraq with no investigation or proof. Congress had the sense to say no to that, but doesn't that tell you something? Seven days after 9/11 Bush was already trying to quietly sneak the war on Iraq into our plans. We hadn't even begun to go after the man responsible for the attacks and Dumbass is plotting to sneak his pet project in. As we all know, he still got his way. He would have gotten his way no matter what, but the first attempt was so blatant of a farce that the Congress had to work on a better lie.
Every day that passes the world laughs louder and louder. We as a nation are such a joke and our Puppet in Chief and his insane redneck followers are too dumb to see what lasting scars this whole dark age will bring.
Its like when you look at the rings of a tree. Everything is very symmetrical and pretty. Just as nature intended. Then you spy a dark, bumpy area where something has obviously gone wrong. What in the world could have caused such a disturbance in such beauty---a fire. A raging wildfire that left the tree and everything around it scarred forever.

What is wrong with this picture?

I'll tell you what is wrong, besides the ridiculous price at each pump. Each of these was taken on the same day---mere hours apart.
Same gas. Slightly different company.

The one small difference:
The $2.09 gas is in Georgia, about 3 hours outside of Gainesville FL on I-75.







This one is smack dab in Gainesville on I-75 as well. Are we seriously supposed to believe that it is okay to have a 60 cent difference in gas that is being sold in a relatively close area? Now I know we voted for some extra taxes on our gas for a couple of years, but it was only 1-2 cents...not 60!
Alachua County needs to get in touch and at the very least put us at the same prices as Marion County. I can drive 30 minutes outside of Gainesville to the south and pay 20-30 cents less for a gallon of gas.
Something really stinks. Just because it is football season, and fall semester is in, don't punish us with above state average prices. Really makes you want to load up the car and visit Grandma for the holidays, huh?

sneaky

Here is a nice little tip from my favorite consumer watchdog, Clark Howard:

Gas station owners mislabeling gas
"Gas station operators are putting up new signs to try and trick you into paying more for gas, according to the Boston Globe. Stations are branding regular gas as “economy” gas and labeling mid-grade gas as “regular.” So you pull into the pump and may pay an extra 15 or 20 cents a gallon for no reason at all. It’s slimy and underhanded, and it’s going on in the Northeast and in New England. You need to pay attention to the octane level only. So, if you see economy gas, read the octane level. It may be the same number as regular gas. Just don’t pay anymore. And Clark wants to remind you that almost no car out there needs premium gas. Putting regular gas in most cars – including Porsche – is just fine. Don’t spend more than you need to."

wake up!

Has THIS guy been living in a cave since 9/11/01?

Thanks, Steve

You'll be missed

1962-2006

I know, I know,...the peanut butter cups...

Those of you die-hard-middle-of-the-night-closet-Wal Mart-shoppers: Just a little reminder of why they are under such scrutiny. They may have delicious peanut butter cups, but that pales in relation to the way they treat their employees and America for that matter. Thanks to Al Franken's show for this timely story.

It's been a few days since I posted and we can all thank the new Blogger Beta!

Wow! They have really created a new definition for beta testing. The process to post any of my own high quality pictures just got a bit longer due to the changes, so my apologies are in order.

Two weekends ago we spent three nights at the Gaylord Palms Resort in beautiful Kissimmee (wink) for a convention. What a beautiful resort tucked away in Podunk. It is advertised as six acres under glass at a comfortable 72 degrees! Sounds pretty nice for Florida in August! We stayed in the Everglades section of the resort. They also have a Key West area, but I think ours was the prettiest.

These two pics were taken in the Everglades Walk which is located on the lower level of the resort. Hard to believe it is all man made and under a roof! Well done.
We even had our own alligators and turtles to check in on daily in the atrium. Very cool!

Walking to the convention I found this little beauty! Our room was upgraded to a suite which was very nice! We had two big rooms to sprawl out in which made our relaxing between trips to the convention nice. Since we never left the resort, it actually felt like we were on a little vacation!!

Thank goodness she finally quit having those pesky little girls.

Who Knew?

Gainesville Sunrise