Why do people who can’t dance always think they can? Do they think other people don’t notice the lack of coordination, rhythm and style while they’re out there flailing around the dance floor?
I’ve got no problem with dancing and even tried to learn how once. I could have gone the video lesson route but couldn’t find a copy of D-Qwon's Dance Grooves so why bother? Plus, I wasn’t convinced a video was going to be able to teach me all the coolest moves (or maybe I was just afraid of looking like the white guy dancing in “Dolemite”) so I set out to find a teacher who could school me in the fine art of dancing. My search could have taken me around the world but I never had to leave Charlotte.
You see, I already knew the best dance instructor in town! I met Rodrigo several years ago when we worked together at another company so decided to take him up on the offer to join his tango class for beginners. The class was truly for beginners as most people were still learning basic steps but I don’t think anyone was ready for the rhythmic gyrations of Esc. For the few not doubled over in laughter, there was genuine concern I was having a seizure or some other neurological malfunction causing my body to move in such an unnatural manner. It was time for an intervention.
Rodrigo pulled me aside and paired me up with a very nice girl for personal instruction (probably to spare the rest of the class but I was happy to be working at the slowest pace that could still be called dancing). We started out with a couple basic steps and all went well until I tried to connect it all together. The utter look of hopelessness on her face will forever be frozen in my mind…it was once again time for an intervention.
During the next break, Rodrigo came over and said, “Tango is……….not for you. Maybe we should try a private lesson?” Somehow my quest to up my game with some serious dance moves had proven to be much more difficult than expected. It had all looked so easy on Dance Fever but I had to face reality…I’d never be as good as Deney Terrio no matter how diligently I practiced or how much I wanted it. No amount of gold chains or skin tight, white polyester pants could hide my utter lack of dancing skill. In the grips of my new found depression, I suddenly realized if I left Ri-Rah’s right then I could make it home in time for CSI. It was time for an exit.
I’ve danced once since then but that’s a story for another day…
Note: Although I was a terrible student, Rodrigo is a phenomenal, patient teacher and has my highest recommendation. If you’re local to Charlotte and want to learn from the best, click here to learn more. Tell him you heard about the website from his old manager at the SEDC and watch him smile.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Chairman Mao has spoken...and he's pissed!
I dedicated space yesterday to review Chinese Democracy but it seems the Chinese government didn't get around to reading my post. They issued a statement today denouncing the new album as an "attack" on their country. Wow, I wasn't aware that Axl Rose wielded that kind of power...maybe I shouldn't complain next time he makes me wait 4.5 hours to grace the stage.
To protest this affront, the Chinese government announced they would be suspending safety controls on all toys made for American consumers. Wait, they already did that a while back. OK...they decided to relax safety standards on the food produced and exported to America. Oh, they did that a few months ago too. I know, they've decided to suppress all human rights for any citizen caught listening to Chinese Democracy. Too late, they already do that for EVERYONE. For lack of any real action, they decided to just issue a press release denouncing an album they have never heard that really has nothing to do with them.
In additional GNR news, T-Rex sent the following picture that was one of the album cover choices.
To protest this affront, the Chinese government announced they would be suspending safety controls on all toys made for American consumers. Wait, they already did that a while back. OK...they decided to relax safety standards on the food produced and exported to America. Oh, they did that a few months ago too. I know, they've decided to suppress all human rights for any citizen caught listening to Chinese Democracy. Too late, they already do that for EVERYONE. For lack of any real action, they decided to just issue a press release denouncing an album they have never heard that really has nothing to do with them.
In additional GNR news, T-Rex sent the following picture that was one of the album cover choices.
The artwork above is so much better than the final selection but the WSJ reported the artist declined to sell to GNR out of fear on how it would be received in his country. The WSJ tried to follow-up with the artist but was unable as the State indicated he was on "extended sabbatical" and unable to speak any longer...uh, I mean comment.
As much as I try not to reward the RIAA by actually buying a new CD, temptation was too great yesterday and I found myself at Best Buy under the guise of buying a new Blue-Ray player. Somehow, I'm not really sure, when I got outside the CD was in my bag even though I don't remember the purchase. Walk a little faster and don't look back...
I give Chinese Democracy a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. The half star deduction was for making me wait 17 years!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Chinese Democracy has arrived...
Great expectations…that’s all I can say about the release of Chinese Democracy after 17 years of hype/mystery/drama. You can listen to the ENTIRE album at the link below and make up your own mind:
http://www.myspace.com/gunsnroses
I‘d heard most of the record through various bootleg demos over the past 2 years and it’s NOT the GNR sound of yesteryear so if your looking for an “Appetite” remake then you’ll be disappointed. If you’re looking for the next logical progression from the “Illusion” records you’ll find some similarities but not an extension of those albums. The songs are an eclectic mix and you can tell which songs were written in the different years as the styles change (sometimes abruptly) from song to song. It’s a GNR record in name only so leave your preconceived notions at the door and listen with an open mind…you might be surprised how fast it grows on you. If not, at least you get a Free Dr. Pepper today because Chinese Democracy arrived in 2008!
Note: I normally don’t write about music but this record is different because of a personal connection. A friend (T-Rex) has patiently waited almost 44% of his life to see this day. Think about that for a second…almost half a lifetime! Where were you 17 years ago? T-Rex, I hope it was worth all the wait…and hope we don’t have to wait another 17 years for the next record!
http://www.myspace.com/gunsnroses
I‘d heard most of the record through various bootleg demos over the past 2 years and it’s NOT the GNR sound of yesteryear so if your looking for an “Appetite” remake then you’ll be disappointed. If you’re looking for the next logical progression from the “Illusion” records you’ll find some similarities but not an extension of those albums. The songs are an eclectic mix and you can tell which songs were written in the different years as the styles change (sometimes abruptly) from song to song. It’s a GNR record in name only so leave your preconceived notions at the door and listen with an open mind…you might be surprised how fast it grows on you. If not, at least you get a Free Dr. Pepper today because Chinese Democracy arrived in 2008!
Note: I normally don’t write about music but this record is different because of a personal connection. A friend (T-Rex) has patiently waited almost 44% of his life to see this day. Think about that for a second…almost half a lifetime! Where were you 17 years ago? T-Rex, I hope it was worth all the wait…and hope we don’t have to wait another 17 years for the next record!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Perfect blog entry...by someone else
Even though the election is over, the media refuses to let Sarah Palin fade from memory. News stories galore of her speech at the Governor's meeting in FL and how she's leaving the door open for a 2012 run for President. Is this really news? We got enough of this speculation while the 2008 campaign was still happening! She may have "energized the base" (not sure who these 16 people are as even my Republican friends thought she was a drag on the ticket) but there are so many things I will not miss once she's faded back into the frozen tundra of Alaska.
I will not miss her pit bull style attacks aimed at some unknown "enemy" of all that is middle class and right. I will not miss her smug sense of self-righteousness and "know-it-all" attitude from a woman who attended 6 separate colleges to get a 4 year degree. There is virtually nothing I will miss about her.
I will, however, miss her continued assault on the English language! As the recipient of an EARNED English degree from an accredited university, I wince every time she opens her mouth. I have confirmed that others feel the same way:
http://cavett.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/14/the-wild-wordsmith-of-wasilla/?em
This is one of the best blog entries (on the subject) I've ever read...Kudos to you Mr. Cavett! I just wish I'd written it...
I will not miss her pit bull style attacks aimed at some unknown "enemy" of all that is middle class and right. I will not miss her smug sense of self-righteousness and "know-it-all" attitude from a woman who attended 6 separate colleges to get a 4 year degree. There is virtually nothing I will miss about her.
I will, however, miss her continued assault on the English language! As the recipient of an EARNED English degree from an accredited university, I wince every time she opens her mouth. I have confirmed that others feel the same way:
http://cavett.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/14/the-wild-wordsmith-of-wasilla/?em
This is one of the best blog entries (on the subject) I've ever read...Kudos to you Mr. Cavett! I just wish I'd written it...
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Relationship PDP
The time has come for the Relationship PDP to become standard operating procedure for all couples! For those of you not in HR (Human Resources), PDP stands for Performance Development Plan which is a tool used to measure a person’s performance towards achieving specific, pre-defined, time bound deliverables. If you work for a company of any size, you have one of these (it may be called something different) and it's used to determine your raise, bonus payout and your continued employment. Why not introduce this valuable tool into your relationship(s)?
How many times have you asked yourself why your partner repeatedly fails to hold up their end of the deal even though it has been discussed too many times? The answer is very simple….no consequences for poor performance! The PDP defines their role/responsibilities so there is no gray area or chance for misunderstanding because everyone agrees to the contents of the PDP before it goes into effect.
Let’s say your partner continually ignores his/her household chores, you can quietly fume while carrying the burden OR you can break out the PDP informing him/her that their performance is sub-par and must be corrected or there will be consequences. You’re not being the “bad guy” because you’ve pre-defined the deliverables so your partner has no excuses and can’t claim ignorance because he/she agreed to the terms. If your partner continues to demonstrate sub-par performance then it’s time to activate the penalty phase and show him/her that you mean business!
The PDP can also be used to help discuss subjects that are sometimes a bit sensitive or embarrassing and set reasonable expectations around performance. Let’s say you’re envious of a GEICO commercial because, unlike your partner, it can go a FULL 30 seconds before it’s finished. That’s a touchy topic that could be very difficult to discuss under normal circumstances but not if you have a PDP. The expectations have been set up front so "quick draw" knows that if his/her performance doesn’t improve then there will be consequences.
The true benefit of the PDP is that rewards/bonuses can be set for exceptional performance. Let’s say you meet all your deliverables then it’s time to activate the “bonus” clause…which can be anything from a special purchase, a trip, more conjugal visits (or less conjugal visits depending on your relationship), etc. The whole point is to reward your partner for holding up their end of the deal and reinforce positive behavior.
It’s funny how relationships always start out with both people being so attentive to each others needs but, over time, we all fall into the trap of familiarity. We get busy, tired, disconnected and lose focus so the need for the Relationship PDP has arrived. You may think you don't need it but you do...
How many times have you asked yourself why your partner repeatedly fails to hold up their end of the deal even though it has been discussed too many times? The answer is very simple….no consequences for poor performance! The PDP defines their role/responsibilities so there is no gray area or chance for misunderstanding because everyone agrees to the contents of the PDP before it goes into effect.
Let’s say your partner continually ignores his/her household chores, you can quietly fume while carrying the burden OR you can break out the PDP informing him/her that their performance is sub-par and must be corrected or there will be consequences. You’re not being the “bad guy” because you’ve pre-defined the deliverables so your partner has no excuses and can’t claim ignorance because he/she agreed to the terms. If your partner continues to demonstrate sub-par performance then it’s time to activate the penalty phase and show him/her that you mean business!
The PDP can also be used to help discuss subjects that are sometimes a bit sensitive or embarrassing and set reasonable expectations around performance. Let’s say you’re envious of a GEICO commercial because, unlike your partner, it can go a FULL 30 seconds before it’s finished. That’s a touchy topic that could be very difficult to discuss under normal circumstances but not if you have a PDP. The expectations have been set up front so "quick draw" knows that if his/her performance doesn’t improve then there will be consequences.
The true benefit of the PDP is that rewards/bonuses can be set for exceptional performance. Let’s say you meet all your deliverables then it’s time to activate the “bonus” clause…which can be anything from a special purchase, a trip, more conjugal visits (or less conjugal visits depending on your relationship), etc. The whole point is to reward your partner for holding up their end of the deal and reinforce positive behavior.
It’s funny how relationships always start out with both people being so attentive to each others needs but, over time, we all fall into the trap of familiarity. We get busy, tired, disconnected and lose focus so the need for the Relationship PDP has arrived. You may think you don't need it but you do...
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Are you really going to wear that?!?!?!
Sometimes you see things that just make you laugh and then they make you think. I had one such experience on the way to the mountain bike trail this past weekend. There was a little boy walking with his mom wearing red cowboy boots, shorts and a yellow rain coat with the hood up...it wasn't raining! That's the awesome thing about kids...they are honest 100% of the time and simply do things for the sake/fun of doing it. This was his favorite outfit and he was wearing it no matter what anyone thought about it or him.
The whole thing made me laugh but it also brought back some horrid memories of my own life that thousands of dollars and years of therapy seem unable to remove from my consciousness. Seems I, too, was prone to the whole cowboy boot thing as a child (I actually had a cup shaped like a cowboy boot) and a picture surfaces every so often of me in said boots (The horror...the horror). I'm sure at the time I totally didn't care but now it's a special form of torture to relive those moments which, for some unknown reason, cause me great embarrassment.
After I stopped laughing, I started to think about how sad it is that we lose individuality as we age and spend the rest of our lives trying to “fit in” to someone else’s opinion of what’s acceptable. Years from now, that little boy will probably wear a suit and tie to work and cringe every time his mother mentions the red cowboy boots (especially to any girl he brings home to meet the parents) but on that beautiful Saturday afternoon, he had a smile on his face and a happiness that most adults can barely remember and will probably never experience again.
The whole thing made me laugh but it also brought back some horrid memories of my own life that thousands of dollars and years of therapy seem unable to remove from my consciousness. Seems I, too, was prone to the whole cowboy boot thing as a child (I actually had a cup shaped like a cowboy boot) and a picture surfaces every so often of me in said boots (The horror...the horror). I'm sure at the time I totally didn't care but now it's a special form of torture to relive those moments which, for some unknown reason, cause me great embarrassment.
After I stopped laughing, I started to think about how sad it is that we lose individuality as we age and spend the rest of our lives trying to “fit in” to someone else’s opinion of what’s acceptable. Years from now, that little boy will probably wear a suit and tie to work and cringe every time his mother mentions the red cowboy boots (especially to any girl he brings home to meet the parents) but on that beautiful Saturday afternoon, he had a smile on his face and a happiness that most adults can barely remember and will probably never experience again.
Monday, November 10, 2008
A tale of two cities...
I blogged earlier about my fears for the economy and subsequent job loss for Americans...including myself. It's coming true for the associates at DHL in Ohio:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/11/10/dhl.closing.wilmington/index.html
Of course, in Hollywood there is no real concern about the economy as Seth McFarlane scored a payday for penning an animated TV show:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/TV/11/10/tv.qa.seth.macfarlane.ap/index.html
Maybe I'm too cynical but have a hard time understanding how a Fox TV show is worth $100M. I guess he picked the right time to score as I doubt many of the advertisers will be buying air time during his show when there is no one able to buy their products!
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/11/10/dhl.closing.wilmington/index.html
Of course, in Hollywood there is no real concern about the economy as Seth McFarlane scored a payday for penning an animated TV show:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/TV/11/10/tv.qa.seth.macfarlane.ap/index.html
Maybe I'm too cynical but have a hard time understanding how a Fox TV show is worth $100M. I guess he picked the right time to score as I doubt many of the advertisers will be buying air time during his show when there is no one able to buy their products!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Help Wanted...
It’s a beautiful Sunday morning and I’m updating my resume…not because I want to but because I have to given the current environment. The following article is the “writing on the wall” warning the worst is yet to come and no one is safe:
http://money.cnn.com/2008/11/07/news/economy/jobs_october/index.htm?cnn=yes
I was a casualty of the tech boom so I’ve become very in tune with the warning signs of impending doom. Being employed in the financial sector, I see a great deal of the same indicators yet none of my co-workers share my concern…most feel I’m being paranoid. Maybe…but history is a good teacher if you pay attention to the lesson. It seems most Americans are also oblivious to the further declines and how weakness in several sectors will ripple through the entire economy resulting in job loss.
This time the game has changed because of the tightened credit market. Back in 2002 when I got laid-off, credit was freely available and many simply ran up credit cards balances to carry them through until they found new jobs. That’s not the case now so it puts everyone in peril if job loss is wide spread and sustained. Think about your property values if foreclosures were to surge in your neighborhood?
There will be no safe sectors this time around…even government jobs will be impacted. My friend is always searching for a government job because he believes it’s “lifetime” employment with a pension and no worries. I hate to burst his bubble but there are NO perfect jobs out there and no job is guaranteed forever. In some respects, I’d like to have the security of jobs back in the 50’s when you punched the clock, did your job and went home only to get up and do it again tomorrow. I think everyone wants that type of stability in life but it’s never going to happen again. Maybe one of my next posts will be on the impacts of globalization and how it set us on a path to lower standard of living in the US.
My father is fond of saying “the only thing that remains constant is change” and that’s absolutely true (and not always a bad thing). Change keeps us from becoming complacent and often leads to something much better on the other side…but the change itself can still be painful. No matter how much you like your job, cherish a possession or love someone you’ve got to be prepared to let it go because it will happen whether you like it or not. If the change is for the better, enjoy the moment. If it isn’t, cut it away and know that nothing lasts forever…not matter how much you want it to.
http://money.cnn.com/2008/11/07/news/economy/jobs_october/index.htm?cnn=yes
I was a casualty of the tech boom so I’ve become very in tune with the warning signs of impending doom. Being employed in the financial sector, I see a great deal of the same indicators yet none of my co-workers share my concern…most feel I’m being paranoid. Maybe…but history is a good teacher if you pay attention to the lesson. It seems most Americans are also oblivious to the further declines and how weakness in several sectors will ripple through the entire economy resulting in job loss.
This time the game has changed because of the tightened credit market. Back in 2002 when I got laid-off, credit was freely available and many simply ran up credit cards balances to carry them through until they found new jobs. That’s not the case now so it puts everyone in peril if job loss is wide spread and sustained. Think about your property values if foreclosures were to surge in your neighborhood?
There will be no safe sectors this time around…even government jobs will be impacted. My friend is always searching for a government job because he believes it’s “lifetime” employment with a pension and no worries. I hate to burst his bubble but there are NO perfect jobs out there and no job is guaranteed forever. In some respects, I’d like to have the security of jobs back in the 50’s when you punched the clock, did your job and went home only to get up and do it again tomorrow. I think everyone wants that type of stability in life but it’s never going to happen again. Maybe one of my next posts will be on the impacts of globalization and how it set us on a path to lower standard of living in the US.
My father is fond of saying “the only thing that remains constant is change” and that’s absolutely true (and not always a bad thing). Change keeps us from becoming complacent and often leads to something much better on the other side…but the change itself can still be painful. No matter how much you like your job, cherish a possession or love someone you’ve got to be prepared to let it go because it will happen whether you like it or not. If the change is for the better, enjoy the moment. If it isn’t, cut it away and know that nothing lasts forever…not matter how much you want it to.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Moment in History...
Last night's election ushered in a new chapter of American history at a time when people are clamoring for positive change and new direction. This need for change wasn't limited to just the highest office as we witnessed a historic transformation in my home state (NC) as Democrats won handily in almost all races. Elizabeth Dole was defeated by Kay Hagan as well as Pat McCrory being defeated by Bev Perdue. These are two notable races as one represents the lowest point in NC politics (Elizabeth Dole's ad declaring that Kay Hagan doesn't believe in God) and a new first with Bev Purdue becoming the first female governor of NC. The change was also felt at the local level as numerous offices once dominated by Republicans shifted to Democrats. It was a historic evening but now the real work begins...rebuilding public trust in our system, fixing our economy, fixing our immigration system, etc. These items have to be addressed and resolved or the promise of change becomes the promise of same.
One almost certain aspect of NC is a Republican win for President by popular (and Electoral) vote. This election has NC as the ONLY non-declared state due to the closeness of popular vote. This would have been unheard of just four years ago! Although it makes no difference how the state goes in Electoral votes, it may prove to be another important moment in history!
Now that the election has been decided, it's time for everyone to come together and start getting things done!
One almost certain aspect of NC is a Republican win for President by popular (and Electoral) vote. This election has NC as the ONLY non-declared state due to the closeness of popular vote. This would have been unheard of just four years ago! Although it makes no difference how the state goes in Electoral votes, it may prove to be another important moment in history!
Now that the election has been decided, it's time for everyone to come together and start getting things done!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
You've been warned...
As part of my work, I receive various security bulletins usually dealing with threat assessments, natural disasters and other assorted disruptions to daily life. Today's notice was particularly striking for it's depth of insight (hmmmm...) and also it's subtle undercurrent that large crowds of Obama supporters might be prone to violence in the Chicago area. Read the bulletin for yourself:
United States - U.S. to Hold Presidential Elections:
Today, Nov. 4, the U.S. is holding nationwide elections. Due to the historic and emotionally charged nature of the vote, authorities are preparing for possible localized security disturbances across the country in conjunction with potential post-election celebrations or protests. Serious violence appears unlikely but local and federal law enforcement agencies are tightening security in potential trouble spots as a precaution. These sites include several large metropolitan areas that have experienced unruly behavior and security problems in association with past sporting events, political rallies, court rulings and other tense events.
Rally in Chicago Tonight - Grant Park in downtown Chicago will host a large rally this evening. Authorities expect more than 70,000 people to gather in Hutchinson Field at the south end of the park for a ticketed event, while they anticipate that thousands of other participants will gather around the park. As many as 1 million people could attend the event. Security will be extremely tight, and police will block entry to the Hutchinson Field and Buckingham Fountain areas to anyone without a ticket. Expect severe travel disruptions in downtown Chicago. Heightened security measures are expected to be in place around the venue. As the rally has the potential to turn violent, particularly if Obama does not win, it is best to avoid all demonstration areas.
Maybe I'm reading too much into this but the most anger I've seen this election has been at Republican rallies! The Obama rallies have been about coming together and making a positive change with no mention or threat of anarchy and violence if he isn't elected. This bulletin makes inferences that sound stereotypical and potentially racist. Is the message that a "diverse" crowd is more likely to riot if they don't get their way as opposed to the predominantly white Republican audience? Maybe I'm making something out of nothing but the glaring lack of reference to the Republican rally raises my suspicions.
11/5/2008 Update: No scenes of violence amid the ocean of people gathered at Grant Park...black, white, hispanic, young, old...just people peacefully embracing a moment in American history. Last night's gathering was very different than the violent protests in Grant Park in 1968 but times, attitudes and opinions have truly changed in some respects...but, unfortunately, we are still short of the goal.
United States - U.S. to Hold Presidential Elections:
Today, Nov. 4, the U.S. is holding nationwide elections. Due to the historic and emotionally charged nature of the vote, authorities are preparing for possible localized security disturbances across the country in conjunction with potential post-election celebrations or protests. Serious violence appears unlikely but local and federal law enforcement agencies are tightening security in potential trouble spots as a precaution. These sites include several large metropolitan areas that have experienced unruly behavior and security problems in association with past sporting events, political rallies, court rulings and other tense events.
Rally in Chicago Tonight - Grant Park in downtown Chicago will host a large rally this evening. Authorities expect more than 70,000 people to gather in Hutchinson Field at the south end of the park for a ticketed event, while they anticipate that thousands of other participants will gather around the park. As many as 1 million people could attend the event. Security will be extremely tight, and police will block entry to the Hutchinson Field and Buckingham Fountain areas to anyone without a ticket. Expect severe travel disruptions in downtown Chicago. Heightened security measures are expected to be in place around the venue. As the rally has the potential to turn violent, particularly if Obama does not win, it is best to avoid all demonstration areas.
Maybe I'm reading too much into this but the most anger I've seen this election has been at Republican rallies! The Obama rallies have been about coming together and making a positive change with no mention or threat of anarchy and violence if he isn't elected. This bulletin makes inferences that sound stereotypical and potentially racist. Is the message that a "diverse" crowd is more likely to riot if they don't get their way as opposed to the predominantly white Republican audience? Maybe I'm making something out of nothing but the glaring lack of reference to the Republican rally raises my suspicions.
11/5/2008 Update: No scenes of violence amid the ocean of people gathered at Grant Park...black, white, hispanic, young, old...just people peacefully embracing a moment in American history. Last night's gathering was very different than the violent protests in Grant Park in 1968 but times, attitudes and opinions have truly changed in some respects...but, unfortunately, we are still short of the goal.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Sarah...It's for you again
Hot off the presses...the FULL prank call of Palin:
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=CcEiR01QK7o
Wow...let's hope that finger is never on the shiny red button that actually launches anything! Enjoy!
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=CcEiR01QK7o
Wow...let's hope that finger is never on the shiny red button that actually launches anything! Enjoy!
"You can't handle the truth...."
This election season has been filled with half-truths and outright lies by both candidates in their attempts to capture the highest office. Here's an interesting article to help set the record straight:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081103/ap_on_el_pr/fact_check_campaign_s_most_wanted
Wouldn't it be nice to have a camapign where the candidates told the truth and were only allowed to discuss what they would do if elected? The negative ads can influence those who are less informed or pre-disposed to hearing that type of message and it seems that many Americans will cast their vote based on faulty and downright incorrect information.
Maybe Americans are finally ready to put aside petty differences and hatred to hold a civilized campaign and election? Who am I kidding? It's not that we can't handle the truth....it's that most people don't care to hear or even believe it.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081103/ap_on_el_pr/fact_check_campaign_s_most_wanted
Wouldn't it be nice to have a camapign where the candidates told the truth and were only allowed to discuss what they would do if elected? The negative ads can influence those who are less informed or pre-disposed to hearing that type of message and it seems that many Americans will cast their vote based on faulty and downright incorrect information.
Maybe Americans are finally ready to put aside petty differences and hatred to hold a civilized campaign and election? Who am I kidding? It's not that we can't handle the truth....it's that most people don't care to hear or even believe it.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Sarah, it's for you...
Just when you think Sister Sarah couldn’t provide any more interesting material than her appearance on SNL, her handlers let a prank call through and she goes unscripted:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27489929
The really funny thing here is that the caller “speaks in an exaggerated French accent and drops ample hints that the conversation is a joke. But Palin seemingly does not pick up on them”. The call is totally absurd and anyone with even a glimmer of intelligence would’ve either called them out or known it was a fake call. Maybe Palin believes that Sarkozy is as clueless as she is?
Here’s one of my favorite pieces of the article:
When Audette refers to Canadian singer Steph Carse as Canada's prime minister, Palin replies: "Well, he's doing fine and yeah, when you come into a position underestimated it gives you an opportunity to prove the pundits and the critics wrong. You work that much harder." Canada's prime minister is Stephen Harper.
I know most American’s know very little about Canadian politics but even yours truly knows that Stephen Harper is the PM. Maybe Palin missed that little fact but find that hard to believe since she responded once that she “reads them all” when asked what newspapers and magazines she reads on a regular basis. I’m surprised that she doesn’t know much about Canadian politics since you can see Canada from Alaska!
The one positive thing if McCain is elected on Tuesday is that comedians everywhere will have at least four solid years of material! Unfortunately, I’m note sure the rest of us can survive those four years…
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27489929
The really funny thing here is that the caller “speaks in an exaggerated French accent and drops ample hints that the conversation is a joke. But Palin seemingly does not pick up on them”. The call is totally absurd and anyone with even a glimmer of intelligence would’ve either called them out or known it was a fake call. Maybe Palin believes that Sarkozy is as clueless as she is?
Here’s one of my favorite pieces of the article:
When Audette refers to Canadian singer Steph Carse as Canada's prime minister, Palin replies: "Well, he's doing fine and yeah, when you come into a position underestimated it gives you an opportunity to prove the pundits and the critics wrong. You work that much harder." Canada's prime minister is Stephen Harper.
I know most American’s know very little about Canadian politics but even yours truly knows that Stephen Harper is the PM. Maybe Palin missed that little fact but find that hard to believe since she responded once that she “reads them all” when asked what newspapers and magazines she reads on a regular basis. I’m surprised that she doesn’t know much about Canadian politics since you can see Canada from Alaska!
The one positive thing if McCain is elected on Tuesday is that comedians everywhere will have at least four solid years of material! Unfortunately, I’m note sure the rest of us can survive those four years…
Get off the fence…then get out of my yard!
The unthinkable has happened…I've left my “neutral” status in the political race and cast my vote! After a mile and a half walk to the polling station and a two hour wait, I registered and voted my conscious. I’d tried to vote twice earlier in the week but the lines were so long and I (mistakenly) thought they would be shorter on Halloween only to discover the lines were constant no matter the time or day. This election has brought out many new voters and the previously apathetic (myself included) because the stakes are so high and the future of our country depends on the outcome.
This election is about more than the presidency…it is about shaping the future of the Supreme Court which will have greater impact long-term than the next President. Essentially, the balance of power will shift through the next appointments to the courts so America is deciding now if they want greater or less restrictions on personal freedom. The sides are clearly defined and each has their own agenda which leaves those of us in the middle with an interesting dilemma…which of my rights am I willing to sacrifice to ensure that other rights are retained? It’s a serious choice but it’s also indicative of the lack of true choices in our current political theater.
One of my major complaints about the current two party system is it doesn’t offer enough alternatives for the moderates. The Democratic Party has moved to the extreme left while the Republican Party has been hi-jacked by the ultra-conservative, religious wing nuts leaving no middle ground for the moderate, common sense American. It’s this extreme division that opens the door to a third party I’d like to call the “Common Sense” party…a place where all the moderates could go and elect other moderates who are strong enough to vote their conscious and not purely down political lines.
A great example of a once possible Common Sense Party candidate is John McCain…he was NOT a favorite of the conservatives and many outright refused to endorse him because he dared to employ common sense in some of his views. In order to secure a base, he abandoned his views and adopted the ultra-right wing views to secure the nomination. He also chose Palin as an obvious attempt to placate this group and garner their support knowing full well she was a ridiculous choice and totally unqualified for the role. He sacrificed his credibility, integrity and ultimately his chance to become President because he chose the extreme side of his party’s politics.
I’m also aware that Barack represents the extreme left view of the Democratic Party so not giving him a free pass. He will, however, be much more likely to strike a compromising position than McCain would if elected as the Democratic Party has a large base that is moderate. The Republican Party has less room for moderates and this idea is reinforced with the talk that Palin is the perfect choice for 2012 if McCain fails to win on Tuesday.
Regardless of which candidate you support for office, it’s critical to get out and vote in this election as much more than the highest office is at stake. If the lines are long, don’t complain as two hours in line every four years is a small price to pay for the freedoms you and I every single day. So get off the fence and vote your conscious!
This election is about more than the presidency…it is about shaping the future of the Supreme Court which will have greater impact long-term than the next President. Essentially, the balance of power will shift through the next appointments to the courts so America is deciding now if they want greater or less restrictions on personal freedom. The sides are clearly defined and each has their own agenda which leaves those of us in the middle with an interesting dilemma…which of my rights am I willing to sacrifice to ensure that other rights are retained? It’s a serious choice but it’s also indicative of the lack of true choices in our current political theater.
One of my major complaints about the current two party system is it doesn’t offer enough alternatives for the moderates. The Democratic Party has moved to the extreme left while the Republican Party has been hi-jacked by the ultra-conservative, religious wing nuts leaving no middle ground for the moderate, common sense American. It’s this extreme division that opens the door to a third party I’d like to call the “Common Sense” party…a place where all the moderates could go and elect other moderates who are strong enough to vote their conscious and not purely down political lines.
A great example of a once possible Common Sense Party candidate is John McCain…he was NOT a favorite of the conservatives and many outright refused to endorse him because he dared to employ common sense in some of his views. In order to secure a base, he abandoned his views and adopted the ultra-right wing views to secure the nomination. He also chose Palin as an obvious attempt to placate this group and garner their support knowing full well she was a ridiculous choice and totally unqualified for the role. He sacrificed his credibility, integrity and ultimately his chance to become President because he chose the extreme side of his party’s politics.
I’m also aware that Barack represents the extreme left view of the Democratic Party so not giving him a free pass. He will, however, be much more likely to strike a compromising position than McCain would if elected as the Democratic Party has a large base that is moderate. The Republican Party has less room for moderates and this idea is reinforced with the talk that Palin is the perfect choice for 2012 if McCain fails to win on Tuesday.
Regardless of which candidate you support for office, it’s critical to get out and vote in this election as much more than the highest office is at stake. If the lines are long, don’t complain as two hours in line every four years is a small price to pay for the freedoms you and I every single day. So get off the fence and vote your conscious!
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