Because honestly, there is enough of the negative. I know, I know, negative works. And I agree. But sometimes isn't it nice to say something nice?
Monday, October 13, 2008
Sunday, August 31, 2008
The first decision is a telling one
When people run for President of the United States of America, they spend a lot of time making speeches, informing voters of their goals and their vision for America. They tell you what they are going to do in the future. Then the opposition usually takes it upon themselves to tell you what they have done in the past.
However, you can get a glimpse of the type of person the candidate is, and the type of decisions he (or someday she) will make, when confronted with choosing a running mate. You see what they consider important,and what type of person they want running with them.
In the case of 2008, apparently Senator Barack Obama considers it important to be connected to career politicians and seen as a Washington, D.C. insider. For a candidate to build his entire campaign on the words "hope and change" to then pick a running mate who is so clearly the antithesis to them has to be a bit... deflating for his followers. Senator Joe Biden has a long and distinguished career as an elected official - emphasis on the long, as he has been an elected official for 36 years. He's been a politician for longer than - 40%? - of the voting age population has even been alive. Apparently Barack Obama thinks he needs to reach out more to the liberal, white, upper-middle class, East Coast, straight-Democrat-ticket voters of America.
On the other hand, Senator McCain caught everyone off guard in his masterful pick of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. Senator McCain, with his pick, told America this - I value women, I value blue collar workers (her parents were and her husband is). I value hard work, I value family (she has 5 kids!), I value Life, and I value the ability to stand up for what's right (her first act as governor was to put an end to the state of Alaska's participation in the ridiculous "Bridge to Nowhere," calling it a "waste of money.")
In other words, McCain showed America hope. And change. And he didn't resort to mere rhetoric, but demonstrated it through actions.
Like I said, the first decision is a telling one.
However, you can get a glimpse of the type of person the candidate is, and the type of decisions he (or someday she) will make, when confronted with choosing a running mate. You see what they consider important,and what type of person they want running with them.
In the case of 2008, apparently Senator Barack Obama considers it important to be connected to career politicians and seen as a Washington, D.C. insider. For a candidate to build his entire campaign on the words "hope and change" to then pick a running mate who is so clearly the antithesis to them has to be a bit... deflating for his followers. Senator Joe Biden has a long and distinguished career as an elected official - emphasis on the long, as he has been an elected official for 36 years. He's been a politician for longer than - 40%? - of the voting age population has even been alive. Apparently Barack Obama thinks he needs to reach out more to the liberal, white, upper-middle class, East Coast, straight-Democrat-ticket voters of America.
On the other hand, Senator McCain caught everyone off guard in his masterful pick of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. Senator McCain, with his pick, told America this - I value women, I value blue collar workers (her parents were and her husband is). I value hard work, I value family (she has 5 kids!), I value Life, and I value the ability to stand up for what's right (her first act as governor was to put an end to the state of Alaska's participation in the ridiculous "Bridge to Nowhere," calling it a "waste of money.")
In other words, McCain showed America hope. And change. And he didn't resort to mere rhetoric, but demonstrated it through actions.
Like I said, the first decision is a telling one.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Taken for granted
That would be our first amendment rights - freedom of speech, freedom of the press and the right to peaceably assemble here in this country. People say stupid stuff here all the time that drives me nuts, but dang it, they have a right to say it. We have no idea what others have to go through to make their words heard... including prison.
Remind me again how China, that paragon of virtue and human rights, got to host the Olympics?
Remind me again how China, that paragon of virtue and human rights, got to host the Olympics?
RIP, Estelle Getty
So I didn't love everything about the late 80s sit-com The Golden Girls (mainly because, hello, in the late 80s I was a teenager who couldn't really relate to the "golden" part of the girls), but Estelle Getty was one of the funniest comediennes out there. Her Sicilian grandmother character Sophia Petrillo was priceless.
So in honor of her willingness to do anything for a laugh, I leave you this:
So in honor of her willingness to do anything for a laugh, I leave you this:
Friday, July 18, 2008
Trading in the City of Washington for the City of God
Mr. JenX and I were remarking on what great "air time" God has received recently on calling two very public, and very publicly faithful, men Home.
We lost Tim Russert on June 13; we lost Tony Snow almost exactly a month later on July 12.
These two men - giants, really, in their professions, were admired, in part, because they were in the public eye. They seemingly had the world at their respective feet. But to me it is remarkable that each is remembered for so much more than what they did for a living (not an easy feat in the political world!).
They are remembered for their beliefs; their kindness; their sense of humor; their love of life; their love of friends, family and God.
The faith that each man lived out daily was well documented. Tim and Tony were the same people with those that loved them as they were with those that... didn't love them as much. That so many, from so many different walks of life, knew of the faith that Russert and Snow both held, is a tremendous testimony to each man, certainly, but also to the Lord they loved.
When God called each one home to Him, Washington saw an openness about faith and the role of God in both our public and our private lives that it hasn't experienced in a long-time. One could even say God generated some good buzz about Himself...
The president concluded his eulogy of his friend, Tony Snow, with “Tony Snow has left the City of Washington for the City of God.” (hat tip: K-Lo), and the same can be said of Tim Russert as well. Though I live in the Washington, D.C. area now, I look forward moving into their neighborhood some day.
We lost Tim Russert on June 13; we lost Tony Snow almost exactly a month later on July 12.
These two men - giants, really, in their professions, were admired, in part, because they were in the public eye. They seemingly had the world at their respective feet. But to me it is remarkable that each is remembered for so much more than what they did for a living (not an easy feat in the political world!).
They are remembered for their beliefs; their kindness; their sense of humor; their love of life; their love of friends, family and God.
The faith that each man lived out daily was well documented. Tim and Tony were the same people with those that loved them as they were with those that... didn't love them as much. That so many, from so many different walks of life, knew of the faith that Russert and Snow both held, is a tremendous testimony to each man, certainly, but also to the Lord they loved.
When God called each one home to Him, Washington saw an openness about faith and the role of God in both our public and our private lives that it hasn't experienced in a long-time. One could even say God generated some good buzz about Himself...
The president concluded his eulogy of his friend, Tony Snow, with “Tony Snow has left the City of Washington for the City of God.” (hat tip: K-Lo), and the same can be said of Tim Russert as well. Though I live in the Washington, D.C. area now, I look forward moving into their neighborhood some day.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Play that ol' slide
Haven't blogged in awhile, don't feel like I have much to say. So I'll leave you with this video to enjoy. Take 3 minutes and relax to an excellent little trombone solo:
Thursday, June 12, 2008
The Olympics
I've been struggling with the whole China-is-hosting-the-Olympics thing. On the one hand, they have a horrible human rights record, imprisoning political dissidents and persecuting Christians. Should we really be accepting that? And feting them, their country, their government?
On the other hand, I remember the U.S. boycotting the 1980 Olympics in the Soviet Union, and them returning the favor in 1984 when they were in L.A. What, precisely, did that accomplish?
Back to the first hand, you have this and this making pretty strong arguments on their own about why we should be upset that China is hosting the Games. They limit the very freedoms that we hold so dear here in America. No freedom of speech, no freedom of religion, no freedom to petition or protest. They are also hacking into the computers of members of OUR government, looking for the names and addresses of political dissidents who have fled that oppressive regime.
I want to support our athletes - but I want to protest Beijing. How does one square the two?
On the other hand, I remember the U.S. boycotting the 1980 Olympics in the Soviet Union, and them returning the favor in 1984 when they were in L.A. What, precisely, did that accomplish?
Back to the first hand, you have this and this making pretty strong arguments on their own about why we should be upset that China is hosting the Games. They limit the very freedoms that we hold so dear here in America. No freedom of speech, no freedom of religion, no freedom to petition or protest. They are also hacking into the computers of members of OUR government, looking for the names and addresses of political dissidents who have fled that oppressive regime.
I want to support our athletes - but I want to protest Beijing. How does one square the two?
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Global warming is good! No wait, bad! No wait, the earth is cooling!
Seriously, what's a girl to believe? Well, I'll tell you this much. There's enough scientists out there who don't believe in the myth of man-made global warming. And there's enough data out there that shows the earth warms and cools naturally, with no regard to man-kind. And this article shows that increases in carbon dioxide are also helping increase vegetation on the planet.
Could it be we're not nearly as important as we think we are?
But if that's the case, then what would Little Jackie sing about?
Could it be we're not nearly as important as we think we are?
But if that's the case, then what would Little Jackie sing about?
Monday, May 19, 2008
Clearly a lack of D.C. landmarks
I was on the Web site today of one of my favorite restaurants in the city, Central by Michel Richard. (Stay with me here, this isn't a restaurant review, though I would give it a good one).
Anyway, as I was looking for some information, I noticed something odd -- this Washington, D.C. restaurant has, featured prominently all over it's site, the Statue of Liberty. You know, the one in NEW YORK CITY.
I guess Washington, D.C. doesn't have any recognizable landmarks? I mean, it's not like we have the White House. Or the Lincoln Memorial. Or the Washington Monument. Or the Capitol of the United States of America. Bummer that a restaurant in our city has no landmarks of its own to promote on its Web site.
This is seriously going to bug me until they fix it, but as there is no way to contact someone via the Web site, they probably won't ever know. Sigh.
Anyway, as I was looking for some information, I noticed something odd -- this Washington, D.C. restaurant has, featured prominently all over it's site, the Statue of Liberty. You know, the one in NEW YORK CITY.
I guess Washington, D.C. doesn't have any recognizable landmarks? I mean, it's not like we have the White House. Or the Lincoln Memorial. Or the Washington Monument. Or the Capitol of the United States of America. Bummer that a restaurant in our city has no landmarks of its own to promote on its Web site.
This is seriously going to bug me until they fix it, but as there is no way to contact someone via the Web site, they probably won't ever know. Sigh.
Friday, May 9, 2008
I am an apple
OK, I admit to being one those people. You know, the type that takes every personality quiz known to man. "Which Jane Austen character are you?" "What color are you?" "Are you an introvert or an extrovert?"
Yadda yadda yadda
But the following quiz nailed my personality better than any other one I've ever taken.
For the record, before you take it yourself, I'll disclose that I am an "apple."
Yadda yadda yadda
But the following quiz nailed my personality better than any other one I've ever taken.
For the record, before you take it yourself, I'll disclose that I am an "apple."
THIS IS QUITE REMARKABLE, PLEASE DON'T CHEAT!
In the middle of the table is a round food tray with five kinds of
fruits on it. They are:
B. Banana
C. Strawberry
D. Peach
Which fruit will you choose? Please think VERY carefully and don't
rush into it. This is great, I was astounded! Your choice reveals a lot about you!
Test results: Please SCROLL DOWN
If you have chosen:
B. Banana: That means you are a person who loves to eat bananas
C. Strawberry: That means you are a person who loves to eat
strawberries
D. Peach: That means you are a person who loves to eat peaches
I hope you find fulfillment in this new insight about yourself. May it bring you peace and understanding, tranquility and all that other profound stuff.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Angst
There's been a lot of hand wringing and angst amongst my fellow conservatives over the rise of John McCain as the presumptive GOP nominee. Some have even seen his rise as the death of conservatism.
Do these people really think so little of our cause? Our beliefs? Their fellows?
I understand where the angst comes from - but I'm not here to argue about whether a "good" conservative can vote for McCain or if one who does is actually a "bad" conservative (or, as is implied in many quarters, not a conservative at all).
My beef with these arguments, at the end of the day, is how demeaning and belittling they are to those of us who are in the conservative "movement" (whatever THAT even means).
How in the world can people imply, with a straight face, that conservative beliefs and ideals will fly out the window with the election of John McCain? How in the world can they think so little of the various causes and supporters of those causes in America, to think they would just *poof* disappear?
So on Wednesday, November 5, the pro-life movement will cease to exist? The tax reform movement will cease to exist? The home-school network, the private property rights, the defense of marriage, the kill-the-death-taxers will just crumple and die? They will just curl up into a fetal position and take whatever whipping given to them by the Moderate Establishment President John McCain and the RNC?
Give me a break. Anyone who tries to make that argument, in my opinion, simply doesn't have a real working knowledge of these groups, the people running them, the members and most importantly the passion that drives them.
I don't know if John McCain will be good for the conservative movement. Maybe (likely?) he won't be. But I'm not prepared to write the obituary for the conservative movement yet. Maybe, just maybe, we've been too fragmented and he'll accomplish something unforeseen - he'll unite us.
Do these people really think so little of our cause? Our beliefs? Their fellows?
I understand where the angst comes from - but I'm not here to argue about whether a "good" conservative can vote for McCain or if one who does is actually a "bad" conservative (or, as is implied in many quarters, not a conservative at all).
My beef with these arguments, at the end of the day, is how demeaning and belittling they are to those of us who are in the conservative "movement" (whatever THAT even means).
How in the world can people imply, with a straight face, that conservative beliefs and ideals will fly out the window with the election of John McCain? How in the world can they think so little of the various causes and supporters of those causes in America, to think they would just *poof* disappear?
So on Wednesday, November 5, the pro-life movement will cease to exist? The tax reform movement will cease to exist? The home-school network, the private property rights, the defense of marriage, the kill-the-death-taxers will just crumple and die? They will just curl up into a fetal position and take whatever whipping given to them by the Moderate Establishment President John McCain and the RNC?
Give me a break. Anyone who tries to make that argument, in my opinion, simply doesn't have a real working knowledge of these groups, the people running them, the members and most importantly the passion that drives them.
I don't know if John McCain will be good for the conservative movement. Maybe (likely?) he won't be. But I'm not prepared to write the obituary for the conservative movement yet. Maybe, just maybe, we've been too fragmented and he'll accomplish something unforeseen - he'll unite us.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
The importance of cross tabs
So many people look at a poll of public opinion and just see the top numbers. Candidate A has 55%, Candidate B has 45%. They never look into the particulars of where that support comes from (otherwise known as cross tabs) for each candidate.
That's why this quote from the March 5 edition of the New York Times is so intriguing:
That's why this quote from the March 5 edition of the New York Times is so intriguing:
"Mrs. Clinton maintained an edge over Mr. Obama among women, whites, Hispanics, older voters and those with less education. Mr. Obama continued to edge her out among men, blacks, younger voters and those with more education, according to an exit poll conducted statewide by Edison/Mitofsky for the National Election Pool."
So she has trouble with blacks and younger voters, and he has trouble with older voters. This is significant. If she gets the nomination, all his new support is disenfranchised and doesn’t go to the polls. If he gets the nomination, the old folks look to McCain because "he’s one of them."
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Joel
As a kid, no one could entertain me more than my cousin, Joel (well, except maybe my Dad and brother). From balloon animals to just plain, stream-of-consciousness humor, he is one of the funniest people I know.
SO glad I found his older stuff on YouTube, so I can always get my dose!
SO glad I found his older stuff on YouTube, so I can always get my dose!
So cool (literally!)
Video footage from an expedition in Antarctica. You need to check out these sea creatures, including one never seen before! What a mighty God we serve!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Shortest speech ever
Will be delivered on February 18:
Ex-Pres. Carter will give a speech on "the Carter presidency's greatest moments," (hat tip: Powerline) during a Presidents' Day event 2/18 in Plains, GA.
Thanks to the National Journal for bringing this to our attention!
Ex-Pres. Carter will give a speech on "the Carter presidency's greatest moments," (hat tip: Powerline) during a Presidents' Day event 2/18 in Plains, GA.
Thanks to the National Journal for bringing this to our attention!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
What the world eats
Absolutely fascinating Web site that shows various international families and what that family eats, and the cost, for a week.
The American one is typically depressing (everything is processed or refined, basically). I was surprised at the cost for the Germans, though. And check out the soda consumption for the family in Mexico!
The American one is typically depressing (everything is processed or refined, basically). I was surprised at the cost for the Germans, though. And check out the soda consumption for the family in Mexico!
Ah, punctuation
And people think that they'll never use the grammar and punctuation they are forced to learn in school (item 4).
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
I know he's brilliant, but it's nice to see other people know it too!
Jim Geraghty over at Campaign Spot on National Review, gives a shout out to my favorite blogger in the whole wide world: my husband!
:-)
Check out both links!
:-)
Check out both links!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Norm!
Yes, I support Norm Coleman for Senate. And yes, this is a great commercial. But it's an even better story. Nice that Norm could help bring this family together:
Thursday, January 3, 2008
And we're off...
Obama. Huckabee.
The Republicans:
I admit that in these closing days leading up to Iowa, I thought that Mitt's Millions would close the gap and maybe put him back on top of Gov. Huckabee. McCain must be dancing (or, well, whatever McCain would do if he would dance) in New Hampshire right now. Despite coming in third/fourth at the caucuses, McCain has been pulling back in New Hampshire, and seeing his biggest rival in NH (Romney) fall is only good news for him. As Mort Kondracke mentioned, it's like a baseball pennant race - you always want the guy who is ahead of you in the division to lose, so you can move forward. Huckabee should certainly spend some more time in New Hampshire now, but he also needs to pour a lot of time and money into South Carolina. And let me tell you - Mitt's folks on the ground in SC will not take this lying down. Huckabee for President better be ready for the gloves to come off down there, and be prepared to get their knuckles a little bloody too.
The Democrats:
But Obama. Wow. This is a huge day in American politics - an African-American man won Iowa. You know, Iowa. The 95% Caucasian state in the middle of the country. It's not like Iowa has a huge minority population to put Barack Hussein Obama over the top. HRC and her minions must be shaking in their boots right now. Oh yeah - and the son of the mill worker is done. D.O.A. One silver lining I am hoping that comes out of this Obama win is it hopefully puts the first (final?) nail in the coffin of the divisive politics of race that come from the ilk of Sharpton and Jesse Jackson. I hope they see his win as what it is - a rejection of them, not as black men, but as liberal, fear-and-hate mongering cretins.
The Republicans:
I admit that in these closing days leading up to Iowa, I thought that Mitt's Millions would close the gap and maybe put him back on top of Gov. Huckabee. McCain must be dancing (or, well, whatever McCain would do if he would dance) in New Hampshire right now. Despite coming in third/fourth at the caucuses, McCain has been pulling back in New Hampshire, and seeing his biggest rival in NH (Romney) fall is only good news for him. As Mort Kondracke mentioned, it's like a baseball pennant race - you always want the guy who is ahead of you in the division to lose, so you can move forward. Huckabee should certainly spend some more time in New Hampshire now, but he also needs to pour a lot of time and money into South Carolina. And let me tell you - Mitt's folks on the ground in SC will not take this lying down. Huckabee for President better be ready for the gloves to come off down there, and be prepared to get their knuckles a little bloody too.
The Democrats:
But Obama. Wow. This is a huge day in American politics - an African-American man won Iowa. You know, Iowa. The 95% Caucasian state in the middle of the country. It's not like Iowa has a huge minority population to put Barack Hussein Obama over the top. HRC and her minions must be shaking in their boots right now. Oh yeah - and the son of the mill worker is done. D.O.A. One silver lining I am hoping that comes out of this Obama win is it hopefully puts the first (final?) nail in the coffin of the divisive politics of race that come from the ilk of Sharpton and Jesse Jackson. I hope they see his win as what it is - a rejection of them, not as black men, but as liberal, fear-and-hate mongering cretins.
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