Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Swati Dandekar is my new BFF
She believes that we need a fiscally responsible government that not only consistently meets its obligations for public safety, children, seniors, the environment, and health care, but also invest wisely in education and growing the economy forIowa
She wants to hear from you. She will respond. She really does, she called me the same day that I e-mailed her. She even gave me her home phone number. Please support her campaign.
She believes that we need a fiscally responsible government that not only consistently meets its obligations for public safety, children, seniors, the environment, and health care, but also invest wisely in education and growing the economy for
She wants to hear from you. She will respond. She really does, she called me the same day that I e-mailed her. She even gave me her home phone number. Please support her campaign.
State Representative
House District 36
Democrat
Obama vs. McCain on the issues...
The major candidates differ significantly on age, background, experience and policy. This guide is designed to help you make an informed decision on your pick.
The major candidates differ significantly on age, background, experience and policy. This guide is designed to help you make an informed decision on your pick.
Barack Obama, Democrat
AGE: 47; born Aug. 4, 1961, Honolulu
HOME: Chicago
EDUCATION: Occidental College; Columbia University, B.A. political science, 1983; Harvard Law School, J.D. magna cum laude, 1991
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: U.S. Senate, 2005-present; Illinois Senate, 1997-2004
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS: President, Harvard Law Review, 1991; attorney; author
FAMILY: Wife, Michelle; two daughters
DEFINING MOMENT: Some call it The Speech — a 17-minute keynote address at the 2004 Democratic convention. Obama, then a Senate candidate from Illinois, walked on stage an unknown. He walked off a star. Commentators and politicians even touted him as a potential presidential candidate.
John McCain, Republican
AGE: 72; born Aug. 29, 1936, Panama Canal Zone
HOME: Phoenix
EDUCATION: U.S. Naval Academy, 1958; National War College, 1974
POLITICAL CAREER: U.S. House, 1983-87; U.S. Senate, 1987-present; presidential candidate, 2000
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS: Former Navy pilot; Vietnam veteran; recipient of Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star
FAMILY: Wife, Cindy; four sons, three daughters
DEFINING MOMENT: McCain was shot down in North Vietnam 40 years ago. He broke his right knee and both arms while ejecting, then landed in a lake in Hanoi. Civilians and soldiers rescued him, but beat him badly. He was a POW for 5 ½ years at Hoa Lo prison, also known as the Hanoi Hilton.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Tuesday Update
One week until voting day. I like to wait until election day to vote, it is more traditional. The early vote makes me nervous that some of the votes will be lost. We don't need that to happen again!
Yesterday started out with much drama at work. One of my co-workers got up to go to the rest room and she collapsed on the way back to her desk. The supervisor called for an ambulance and they took her to the hospital. The doctor said she had a vasil vagal attack. When she first got to work she was very agitated by her new home computer. Wow, some people need to learn how to relax.
Other than that the day was pretty busy, mostly because another co-worker was also gone for the day. That left us with just four people answering phones.
For supper Doug made one of my favorite dishes, Tuna Noodle Ring Salad. We ate it with leftover Chicken and Rice Egg Drop Soup. Yummmmmy!
Yesterday started out with much drama at work. One of my co-workers got up to go to the rest room and she collapsed on the way back to her desk. The supervisor called for an ambulance and they took her to the hospital. The doctor said she had a vasil vagal attack. When she first got to work she was very agitated by her new home computer. Wow, some people need to learn how to relax.
Other than that the day was pretty busy, mostly because another co-worker was also gone for the day. That left us with just four people answering phones.
For supper Doug made one of my favorite dishes, Tuna Noodle Ring Salad. We ate it with leftover Chicken and Rice Egg Drop Soup. Yummmmmy!
Why hasn’t Condoleezza Rice endorsed John McCain?
After Colin Powell endorsed Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) last week, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) has been touting the five former secretaries of state who have endorsed him. McCain tried to use that argument today on Meet the Press, but at first he could name only four of the five (who represent Nixon, Reagan, and George H.W. Bush administrations), momentarily forgetting George Shultz. Watch it:
So why isn’t Condoleezza Rice, the current Secretary of State, on that list? Rice has said she’s “not going to get involved in this political campaign.” But perhaps her hesitation has something to do with Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK). When asked in September whether Palin had enough experience for the job of vice president, Rice deliberately avoided the question, saying only, “These are decisions that Senator McCain has made. I have great confidence in him.”
So why isn’t Condoleezza Rice, the current Secretary of State, on that list? Rice has said she’s “not going to get involved in this political campaign.” But perhaps her hesitation has something to do with Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK). When asked in September whether Palin had enough experience for the job of vice president, Rice deliberately avoided the question, saying only, “These are decisions that Senator McCain has made. I have great confidence in him.”
Monday, October 27, 2008
Monday Update
The soups turned out very yummy yesterday. We ended up with a small group; Doug, myself, Mark, Sara and Jacob. Nick and Ana were with their Grandparents. Sara and Jacob had to leave early to be at home when the Grandparents brought them back. Mark stayed until about 7:30. Doug and I watched Dexter alone, it was a very good episode.
I received a phone call from Swati Dandekar last night. I had sent her a form email I found on EDin'08 about making our schools strong. It was very nice talking with her. She said usually she tells people she agrees 80 or 90% with what they say, but she agreed 100% with me.
It is getting cold and we even got a little snow last night. I'm not ready to scrape windows yet.
I received a phone call from Swati Dandekar last night. I had sent her a form email I found on EDin'08 about making our schools strong. It was very nice talking with her. She said usually she tells people she agrees 80 or 90% with what they say, but she agreed 100% with me.
It is getting cold and we even got a little snow last night. I'm not ready to scrape windows yet.
The Anchorage Daily News endorses Obama
Obama for president
Palin's rise captivates us but nation needs a steady hand
Published: October 25th, 2008 07:37 PM
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Sunday Update
I am sad that we were not able to visit Thomas and Diedre yesterday. I did get to talk with Thomas a few times though. I always like that. He posted some very cute pictures of the pets yesterday. Even though I can't always get to their house, at least I can keep up through the blog postings and phone calls.
I didn't get everything I wanted to do done yesterday. I was kind of tired and my shoulder was sore like I may have slept on it wrong again. I did do some laundry, harvested the rest of the garden, took a walk and went shopping at Sam's, Target and Hy Vee. I walked through the cemetery, to Thomas Park and up through the frisbee golf path. The hills are steeper than I remember and it made my knees stiff the rest of the day.
After supper I was still tired, so I laid on the couch the rest of the night and dozed most of the time until SNL. It was pretty good and I pulled a 'Doug' when they were announcing weekend update. I said, "I wonder when Amy Poehler is going to have her baby? Thusday night she was looking very pregnant." Right after I said that, they announce Amy would not be on the show because she was having her baby. She had a boy.
I didn't get everything I wanted to do done yesterday. I was kind of tired and my shoulder was sore like I may have slept on it wrong again. I did do some laundry, harvested the rest of the garden, took a walk and went shopping at Sam's, Target and Hy Vee. I walked through the cemetery, to Thomas Park and up through the frisbee golf path. The hills are steeper than I remember and it made my knees stiff the rest of the day.
After supper I was still tired, so I laid on the couch the rest of the night and dozed most of the time until SNL. It was pretty good and I pulled a 'Doug' when they were announcing weekend update. I said, "I wonder when Amy Poehler is going to have her baby? Thusday night she was looking very pregnant." Right after I said that, they announce Amy would not be on the show because she was having her baby. She had a boy.
Ron Howard's Call For Obama With Andy Griffith And Henry Winkler
See more Ron Howard videos at Funny or Die
Green Tip of the Day
The Best Recycled Halloween Costumes of the Web
Creative Costumes Made from Reused Stuff, Trash and Recycled Materials. By Brian Clark Howard
Creative Costumes Made from Reused Stuff, Trash and Recycled Materials. By Brian Clark Howard
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Saturday Update
I'm proud of Thomas and Diedre. They know a good deal when they see one, they bought a used iBook for $25. At this rate they will have a computer in every room of their house.
I hope the weather is warm enough to be outside today. I have been slacking on my walks and need to get outside today. I also need to harvest everything left in the garden and start cleaning it up. And of course the yard is always full of leaves this time of year.
We need to get together with Sarah and the kids to do our annual pumpkin carving night. I still need to purchase some pumpkins and our Halloween candy. I wonder how many trick-or-treaters we will get this year?
I hope the weather is warm enough to be outside today. I have been slacking on my walks and need to get outside today. I also need to harvest everything left in the garden and start cleaning it up. And of course the yard is always full of leaves this time of year.
We need to get together with Sarah and the kids to do our annual pumpkin carving night. I still need to purchase some pumpkins and our Halloween candy. I wonder how many trick-or-treaters we will get this year?
Oh, if people only knew how frugal we are 
"What’s the Difference Between Palin and a Hockey Mom? An $11k-a-Week Lipstick Budget"
10/24/08, 12:03 pm EST
You really can’t make this up…
Palin’s Makeup Stylist Fetches Highest Salary - NYTimes.com
Who was the highest paid individual in Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign during the first half of October as it headed down the homestretch?
Not Randy Scheunemann, Mr. McCain’s chief foreign policy adviser; not Nicolle Wallace, his senior communications staff member. It was Amy Strozzi, who was identified by the Washington Post this week as Gov. Sarah Palin’s traveling makeup artist, according to a new filing with the Federal Election Commission on Thursday night.
Green Tip of the Day
Keep your plumbing and the Earth cleaner by pitching stuff you might think is flushable into the garbage can instead (flushing it just adds another layer to the disposal process since someone will have to fish it out and trash it anyway).
The wastewater treatment people have to sift out your gross bandages and condoms (using unnecessary energy) - but trash can slip by and end up back in nature; items in your garbage have a better bet of making it to the landfill.
Flushing that tampon applicator (yes, even the cardboard ones) down the privy could cost you if it ends up clogging your pipes - Joe the Plumber often charges $100 per hour or more.
Remember: Unless it's toilet paper, pitch it in the trash (even used facial tissue or cotton balls).
Keep your plumbing and the Earth cleaner by pitching stuff you might think is flushable into the garbage can instead (flushing it just adds another layer to the disposal process since someone will have to fish it out and trash it anyway).
The wastewater treatment people have to sift out your gross bandages and condoms (using unnecessary energy) - but trash can slip by and end up back in nature; items in your garbage have a better bet of making it to the landfill.
Flushing that tampon applicator (yes, even the cardboard ones) down the privy could cost you if it ends up clogging your pipes - Joe the Plumber often charges $100 per hour or more.
Remember: Unless it's toilet paper, pitch it in the trash (even used facial tissue or cotton balls).
Friday, October 24, 2008
Friday Update
I'm always happy for Friday to get here. I wish Ilse would change her mind about going to see Thomas and Diedre. I really love being near my family and I don't get to visit nearly enough.
I'm not sure what I will be doing this weekend. Hopefully we will get out to the garage to clean it up a bit. Between my Dad's old stove, Tommy's snow blower, the grill I found for Tommy, our old grill, the car and a bunch of other things that have accumulated we hardly have walking room in there. I probably need to try and pick up some more leaves from the yard if the weather permits. We only have until the first of November to put out yard waste.
I received this certificate of recognition for completing the 10,000 Steps-a-day challenge.
I'm not sure what I will be doing this weekend. Hopefully we will get out to the garage to clean it up a bit. Between my Dad's old stove, Tommy's snow blower, the grill I found for Tommy, our old grill, the car and a bunch of other things that have accumulated we hardly have walking room in there. I probably need to try and pick up some more leaves from the yard if the weather permits. We only have until the first of November to put out yard waste.
I received this certificate of recognition for completing the 10,000 Steps-a-day challenge.
Chuck Todd On McCain-Palin: No Chemistry, No Trust, Possibly No Chance
"There was a tenseness," Todd told MSNBC's Chris Matthews. "I couldn't see chemistry between John McCain and Sarah Palin. I felt as if we grabbed two people and said 'here, sit next to each other, we are going to conduct an interview.' They are not comfortable with each other yet."
The Truth About Barack’s Birth Certificate
Smears claiming Barack Obama doesn’t have a birth certificate aren’t actually about that piece of paper — they’re about manipulating people into thinking Barack is not an American citizen.
The truth is, Barack Obama was born in the state of Hawaii in 1961, a native citizen of the United States of America.
Next time someone talks about Barack’s birth certificate, make sure they see this page.
Barack Obama’s Official Birth Certificate
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Thursday Update
Yesterday was a bit blustery and gloomy, but I made it through. It was a good sales day, I had over $2,000 in sales. The phones were busy most of the day and I was asked to wok OT to fill in for someone who was on vacation.
I did not take a walk last night due to the cold and wind. I guess I will need to toughen up or stop at the mall more. I ended the day with only 6043 steps.
It sounds like Diedre and Thomas' pets are settling in now. They all slept through the night Tuesday. I'm jealous, Chloe went to visit them yesterday. I wish gas prices weren't so high and my van so old. I would go and visit Chloe, Thomas and Diedre all the time if things were different.
I did not take a walk last night due to the cold and wind. I guess I will need to toughen up or stop at the mall more. I ended the day with only 6043 steps.
It sounds like Diedre and Thomas' pets are settling in now. They all slept through the night Tuesday. I'm jealous, Chloe went to visit them yesterday. I wish gas prices weren't so high and my van so old. I would go and visit Chloe, Thomas and Diedre all the time if things were different.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Wednesday Update
Yesterday was an up and down day for customers. One minute I had a lady screaming at my saying this was the worst company ever, we don't give a damn for our customers and make it very difficult to speak with someone. She had a program that was at least 10 years old and said she hasn't had it all that long. Ten minutes later I had a lady that said we are the best company she has ever dealt with and she has been using our programs for years. She said it's nice to deal with a company that really cares about their customers and actually has a person to speak with. She wanted to buy a program from me.
After work I decide to stop at Beaver Park to take my walk. It was a nice change of scenery. They certainly have changed it a lot since the last time I was there. The bird sanctuary is now a butterfly garden. Not of the wild animal cages are left. And they had several grain bins that have things like soil samples on display inside of them. Pretty wimpy compared to when I was younger and they had a lion, bears, foxes and wolves. I know the environment was not great for those animal, but you would think a town the size of Cedar Rapids could actually support a real zoo. Any way, the walk was great, I saw quite a few gray squirrels. I ended the day with only 7058 steps.
My Dad and Ilse really upset me. We were supposed to be taking Ilse for a trip to see Thomas and Diedre's house this weekend. I could see it building up, Ilse called me Monday night to tell me she had tests to be taken this week. Last night I called and she said they didn't find much but wanted to take more tests on Thursday. She isn't going to make it on Saturday because she is just too tired. There would be plenty of time later on they said. They always say this when we want to do something. We stopped trying earlier this year when we wanted to take Ilse out for her birthday. At the rate they go to the Dr, they will both be dead before they ever commit to doing anything with any family member. This certainly reminds me of another family member, gee I wonder where that family trait comes from?
After work I decide to stop at Beaver Park to take my walk. It was a nice change of scenery. They certainly have changed it a lot since the last time I was there. The bird sanctuary is now a butterfly garden. Not of the wild animal cages are left. And they had several grain bins that have things like soil samples on display inside of them. Pretty wimpy compared to when I was younger and they had a lion, bears, foxes and wolves. I know the environment was not great for those animal, but you would think a town the size of Cedar Rapids could actually support a real zoo. Any way, the walk was great, I saw quite a few gray squirrels. I ended the day with only 7058 steps.
My Dad and Ilse really upset me. We were supposed to be taking Ilse for a trip to see Thomas and Diedre's house this weekend. I could see it building up, Ilse called me Monday night to tell me she had tests to be taken this week. Last night I called and she said they didn't find much but wanted to take more tests on Thursday. She isn't going to make it on Saturday because she is just too tired. There would be plenty of time later on they said. They always say this when we want to do something. We stopped trying earlier this year when we wanted to take Ilse out for her birthday. At the rate they go to the Dr, they will both be dead before they ever commit to doing anything with any family member. This certainly reminds me of another family member, gee I wonder where that family trait comes from?
THIS YEAR: Mole Day is Thursday 10-23 [2008]
Theme this year: Mole of Fortune;
In Chemistry a mole is NOT an animal!!
10-23 is Mole Day because the date is significant. The Mole is the most important concept in Chemistry. On Mole Day we celebrate this number. It is a unit of measuring atoms/molecules. A mole is simply a number, like "1 dozen" is the number 12. "One mole" is a much greater number! It is equal to 6.02 X 10^23! To give you an idea of how large this number is:1 Mole of marshmallows would cover the entire earth and be 12 miles high!!! Is that a large number???
1 Mole of marbles would fill the entire Grand Canyon and there would still be enough left over to displace all the water in Lake Michigan and a few other lakes!
Links to Mole Day Stuff:
Amadeo Avogadro (Who is he?)
MORE Mole Day Jokes
MOLE DAY FOUNDATION
Another Mole day site
Green Tip of the Day
Rodents Pest Control Buying Guide
As temperatures cool down, uninvited critters start looking for warm places to nest. Here are a few tricks for keeping rodents away without harmful chemicals or inhumane traps.
Airborne® Teacher Trust Fund™
As our nation's school district budgets become tighter, schools are faced with the difficult decision of having to cut extracurricular programs, particularly art and music.
In response, Airborne, Inc., has developed the Teacher Trust Fund™ to help school communities across the nation revive these important learning programs.
Throughout the next year, Airborne will be awarding funds to teachers and schools to help these innovative programs get off the ground. If you've got a special program in mind, visit www.AirborneTrust.com for application information.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Tuesday Update
Yesterday was a big day at work. It was the first day since the flood that we had hot water in the restrooms. Having hot water back in the building also meant the Coffee Emporium could re-open. That was also very exciting for those people who enjoy their over priced coffees and lattes.
Diedre and Thomas are making small steps with the new pets. Parker and Luke are getting used to each other, Parker is not hissing as much when he sees Luke. Also Luke did his dirty business outside for the first time yesterday. Much better than doing it in the basement. They like having a cat that will curl up in your lap, unlike our Mao who dislikes human contact.
I only managed to get in a short walk after work yesterday. It is going to get harder as the days get shorter and colder. I did manage to end the day with 8148 steps.
Diedre and Thomas are making small steps with the new pets. Parker and Luke are getting used to each other, Parker is not hissing as much when he sees Luke. Also Luke did his dirty business outside for the first time yesterday. Much better than doing it in the basement. They like having a cat that will curl up in your lap, unlike our Mao who dislikes human contact.
I only managed to get in a short walk after work yesterday. It is going to get harder as the days get shorter and colder. I did manage to end the day with 8148 steps.
Dogsters Pet Photo Contest is On!
Our grrroovy World's Coolest Dog & Cat Show is up and running - don't let it get away without entering your photos and casting your votes. No matter what kind of tail you're wagging, we've got the right image category for you. To get your paws on some of the magnanimalous prizes that are up for grabs, start digging up your best pix today!
Get Zealies just for voting! Find out more ››
Jump to the entry form & submit photos ››
Start voting now! ››
Green Tip of the Day
8 Ways to Green Your Battery Use
You may not realize how often you use batteries until you have to operate for a few hours without electricity. Batteries are great at keeping a charge in our mobile devices, but the components that help generate these charges wreak havoc in landfills.
8 Ways to Green Your Battery Use
You may not realize how often you use batteries until you have to operate for a few hours without electricity. Batteries are great at keeping a charge in our mobile devices, but the components that help generate these charges wreak havoc in landfills.
You can use Earth911 to find out where to recycle batteries for a number of devices, continue …
Monday, October 20, 2008
Monday Update
Yesterday was a busy day of house cleaning and laundry. Chloe also came home for a visit. It was very nice to see both her and Ross. She came a little early to catch up on this season of Dexter. She and Ross also decided to stay and watch the new episode, so she left a bit later than she had originally intended. I think we also have Sarah hooked on Dexter because she had to stay and see this weeks episode as well.
Funny thing; Mao was sleeping on the principal's chair just now. He had twisted himself around so badly that his rear feet were hanging over the edge and he kind of slid off feet first. He looked at me like "I meant to do that."
Thomas and Diedre got their new pets yesterday. Luke came home first. They took him out in the back yard and one of the first things he did was find where another dog had done his business and roll in it. They had to give him a bath. Little Parker finally got to come home later in the day. Not sure if dog and cat completely like each other yet, but they both seem to love Thomas and Diedre.
Yesterday was the last day of recording my walking steps. It was a busy day at home and I did not find time to take a walk so it was my lowest step count since I started 8 weeks ago. I ended the day with 8065 steps. I'm not going to stop trying to reach my goal every day though.
Funny thing; Mao was sleeping on the principal's chair just now. He had twisted himself around so badly that his rear feet were hanging over the edge and he kind of slid off feet first. He looked at me like "I meant to do that."
Thomas and Diedre got their new pets yesterday. Luke came home first. They took him out in the back yard and one of the first things he did was find where another dog had done his business and roll in it. They had to give him a bath. Little Parker finally got to come home later in the day. Not sure if dog and cat completely like each other yet, but they both seem to love Thomas and Diedre.
Yesterday was the last day of recording my walking steps. It was a busy day at home and I did not find time to take a walk so it was my lowest step count since I started 8 weeks ago. I ended the day with 8065 steps. I'm not going to stop trying to reach my goal every day though.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Sunday Update
Yesterday was a productive day. I raked leaves in the front yard. There were so many that I ran out of yard bags. I filled 3 trash cans and 7 bags. I need to buy more bags so I can finish picking up the leaves. And of course the trees still have more leaves, so I will have a few more days of the same before the season is over.
In the afternoon, Doug and I drove over to Sandy's to pick up the snow blower for Deidre and Thomas. We had only moved the seats forward in the van, so the snow blower handles stuck out too far to actually close the back door on the van. We had also forgotten to take a bungee cord. So, I got to take a very cramped ride in the back of the van holding the door down. My legs were about to explode by the time we reached home. We have not tried to start the blower yet, as we need to mix some gas, it was completely dry of gas.
It sounds like Thomas and Diedre had fun at the Wartburg homecoming festivities. Wartburg won over Loras 35-7. They stayed at The Isle and did a little losing at the gambling tables. They had fun though, that is the main thing.
Today is the day that Diedre and Thomas get to bring home Luke and Parker. I am so excited for them! I hope everything turns out well. This next week will probably be a little trying for them getting used to having 2 pets in the house.
I managed to get a walk in yesterday. Nothing too eventful happened. My step count was 11695. Today is the final day of th 10,000 steps-a-day program. Here is a motivational tip Cornerstone Fitness sent to me today. 'Did you know that women who walk 40-45 minutes, five times a week are sick with colds or the flu half as often as sedentary women? (Appalachian State University).'
In the afternoon, Doug and I drove over to Sandy's to pick up the snow blower for Deidre and Thomas. We had only moved the seats forward in the van, so the snow blower handles stuck out too far to actually close the back door on the van. We had also forgotten to take a bungee cord. So, I got to take a very cramped ride in the back of the van holding the door down. My legs were about to explode by the time we reached home. We have not tried to start the blower yet, as we need to mix some gas, it was completely dry of gas.
It sounds like Thomas and Diedre had fun at the Wartburg homecoming festivities. Wartburg won over Loras 35-7. They stayed at The Isle and did a little losing at the gambling tables. They had fun though, that is the main thing.
Today is the day that Diedre and Thomas get to bring home Luke and Parker. I am so excited for them! I hope everything turns out well. This next week will probably be a little trying for them getting used to having 2 pets in the house.
I managed to get a walk in yesterday. Nothing too eventful happened. My step count was 11695. Today is the final day of th 10,000 steps-a-day program. Here is a motivational tip Cornerstone Fitness sent to me today. 'Did you know that women who walk 40-45 minutes, five times a week are sick with colds or the flu half as often as sedentary women? (Appalachian State University).'
As heiress to her father’s stake in Hensley & Co. of Phoenix, Cindy McCain is an executive whose worth may exceed $100 million. Her beer earnings have afforded the GOP presidential nominee a wealthy lifestyle with a private jet and vacation homes at his disposal, and her connections helped him launch his political career.
POW Phillip Butler, Navy pilot and U.S. Naval Academy graduate who spent more than eight years in North Vietnam as a prisoner of war, gave the following explanation about why he would not support McCain for the presidency:
"I can verify that John has an infamous reputation for being a hot head. He has a quick and explosive temper that many have experienced firsthand. Folks, quite honestly, that is not the finger I want next to the red button."
"I can verify that John has an infamous reputation for being a hot head. He has a quick and explosive temper that many have experienced firsthand. Folks, quite honestly, that is not the finger I want next to the red button."
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Saturday Update
I'm glad the weekend is here. Today I will be contacting my co-worker Sandy to look at the snow blower she is selling. Thomas and Diedre would like to buy it for their place this winter. I also plan to rake some leaves in the front yard if the weather permits. Right now it is kind of foggy outside.
Today is Wartburg's homecoming. Thomas and hopefully Diedre are going to meet some of Thomas' old room mates for the homecoming festivities. Unfortunately, Diedre may have come down with the flu. If she is sick today, I hope she stays home to rest. It will probably be cold today, I hope they dress in layers to stay warm. I just talked with Thomas, now Diedre feels fine and Thomas is sick. He said it has been hitting all of the teachers and lasts about 1 day. He said it feels like a bad hang over. It may cut into his drinking at the Goat later today.
Yesterday it was raining after work, so Doug suggested I walk at the mall. While I was there I stopped in at Hot Topic and Ross was working. He gave me a big hug. He said he is going to try to make it to Soup Sunday more often. He wasn't sure how he felt about Hamburger & Cabbage soup. While I was walking I also ran into Justin, an old friend of Thomas' whom we have not seen in about 12 years. He also gave me a big hug. He is doing well, however, his family was effected by the flood in June. It sounds like his sister's are all busy raising families. He gave me his phone number and would like to hear from Thomas some time. While I was at the mall I tried to find the Tic-Tac-Toe Bakery where Jacob and Sarah bought the rolls last Sunday, but I was not able to locate it. I will have to ask them again exactly where it is located. I ended the day with 10202 steps.
Today is Wartburg's homecoming. Thomas and hopefully Diedre are going to meet some of Thomas' old room mates for the homecoming festivities. Unfortunately, Diedre may have come down with the flu. If she is sick today, I hope she stays home to rest. It will probably be cold today, I hope they dress in layers to stay warm. I just talked with Thomas, now Diedre feels fine and Thomas is sick. He said it has been hitting all of the teachers and lasts about 1 day. He said it feels like a bad hang over. It may cut into his drinking at the Goat later today.
Yesterday it was raining after work, so Doug suggested I walk at the mall. While I was there I stopped in at Hot Topic and Ross was working. He gave me a big hug. He said he is going to try to make it to Soup Sunday more often. He wasn't sure how he felt about Hamburger & Cabbage soup. While I was walking I also ran into Justin, an old friend of Thomas' whom we have not seen in about 12 years. He also gave me a big hug. He is doing well, however, his family was effected by the flood in June. It sounds like his sister's are all busy raising families. He gave me his phone number and would like to hear from Thomas some time. While I was at the mall I tried to find the Tic-Tac-Toe Bakery where Jacob and Sarah bought the rolls last Sunday, but I was not able to locate it. I will have to ask them again exactly where it is located. I ended the day with 10202 steps.
Story of Joe the Plumber springs many leaks
His first name isn't really Joe. It's Samuel.
He's not really a plumber - at least, not a licensed one.
He's concerned about increased taxes - but hasn't paid his own income taxes.
And he's not exactly just a guy from Ohio.
He's lived in Arizona ... and Alaska.
Top Green School Teacher Tips
1. Connect the Dots - Instilling a sense of connectedness to nature and the environment.2. Calculate Your Carbon Footprint - Carbon and environmental footprint calculators help us see how much impact we have on the world around us.
3. Conduct an Energy Audit in the Classroom - How many lights are on? Is there heat or A/C? Do the computers get left on at night?
4. Get to School Greenly - Biking, walking, public transportation or the bus to school can all help reduce carbon emissions.
5. Green Your Supplies in the Classroom - You can do your best to green your classroom supplies by choosing environmentally friendly new materials when possible, and also starting a classroom program to collect and reuse gently used supplies from past and present students.
6. Start a Zero-Waste-in-the-Classroom Policy - If your school isn't recycling at-large, start a classroom-wide policy of "zero-waste."
7. Grow a Garden, or Just Take a Nature Walk - Creating a garden or "backyard habitat" on school grounds is great for experiential learning.
8. Compost—Outdoors or In! - If an outdoor composter is out of the question, consider getting a worm bin for the classroom.
9. Bring Nature Indoors - It's easy to build a self-watering plant container and get kids growing right in the classroom.
10. Make the PTA Work for You - The Go Green Initiative, founded by mother and ex-PTA maven Jill Buck, has loads of advice.
12 New Stomach-Turning Revelations About Sarah Palin
This is #8. "Look! I Can See Russia!"
In her first interview on the national stage, Palin claimed, with a straight face, that she was qualified to make complex foreign policy decisions because she could "see Russia from Alaska."
Lots of people in the McCain campaign, also with straight faces, echoed Palin's claim that Alaska's proximity to Russia gave her an adequate understanding of international affairs.
Here's a fun coda to one of the McCain campaign's most embarrassing ploys to whitewash Palin's inexperience: It turns out that Palin has never actually seen Russia from Alaska. The only place in Alaska from which Russia is visible is an island called Little Diomede -- an economically depressed town with a 40 percent poverty rate that Palin has never, ever visited.
Unlike Palin, CNN's Gary Tuchman went to the island, where he interviewed townspeople who had barely heard of the Alaska governor. Here's the video:
Friday, October 17, 2008
Friday Update
Yesterday was a pretty easy going day at work. Not too many radical customers. Although one lady asked for the supervisor right off. I told her I could help with anything and asked what the issue was. I don't remember what the issue was now, but she never talked with the supervisor.
Our supervisor did give us a little scare though. At 10 in the morning she asked us all to log out of the phones and go to the conference room. We all thought, "Uh-oh what now?" It ended up she was giving Sandy a 10 year service plaque and a speech. I never got any awards for my 10 years. Sandy got the plaque and a watch.
My daily walk was pretty uneventful. I ended the day with 10022 steps. The last day of the 10,000 steps a day challenge will be Sunday the 19th. I do not plan to stop walking though.
Our supervisor did give us a little scare though. At 10 in the morning she asked us all to log out of the phones and go to the conference room. We all thought, "Uh-oh what now?" It ended up she was giving Sandy a 10 year service plaque and a speech. I never got any awards for my 10 years. Sandy got the plaque and a watch.
My daily walk was pretty uneventful. I ended the day with 10022 steps. The last day of the 10,000 steps a day challenge will be Sunday the 19th. I do not plan to stop walking though.
GREEN ENERGY VOTER GUIDE * What's at Stake this Election?
Whoever wins the White House and takes Congress, stopping global
warming and unleashing our green energy future must be at the
top of the agenda.
That is the message of our Green Energy Voter Guide campaign.
Check out our Lost Eight Years timeline to see what's at stake.
Talk to your parents about the risk of voting for John McCain.
Are your parents thinking about voting for McCain? It's time to have 'The Talk'
Partnership for a McCain-Free White House
The solar system's biggest junkyard.
 |
Each white dot represents an individual piece of tracked orbital debris. This image shows the Low Earth Orbit, which is the region from the Earth’s surface to 1,240 miles and contains the most space junk. |
NASA Johnson Space Center |
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Obama may be ahead in the polls right now, but to neutralize right-wing voter suppression we need to win really big. And that means coming together to make sure everyone who supports him gets out to vote.
The dirty tricks have already begun. Republicans are shamelessly attempting to prevent eligible Obama supporters from casting a vote:
The dirty tricks have already begun. Republicans are shamelessly attempting to prevent eligible Obama supporters from casting a vote:
- Election officials in some swing states have been illegally purging voter registration rolls.1
- Fox News has been spreading false allegations about ACORN, a community group that registers low-income people to vote—laying the ground for challenges to legitimate voter registrations.23
- In Philadelphia, right-wing operatives have distributed flyers falsely warning that anyone with so much as an unpaid parking ticket will be arrested if he or she attempts to vote.4
- A GOP county chair in Michigan promised to block people whose homes are in foreclosure from voting!5
McCain Pals Around with ACORN
McCain had no trouble fraternizing with ACORN in 2006 when their political interests coincided with his. Now, his campaign is writing e-mails in his name bashing ACORN as a tool of the Obama machine.
Just the usual right wing hypocrisy - nothing new here.... When hugging ACORN is in McCain's self-interest, he hugs ACORN. When slamming ACORN is in McCain's self-interest, he slams ACORN.
Is John McCain erratic? You betcha! McCain is a slippery politician who spins in the political wind faster than a weather vane.
Just the usual right wing hypocrisy - nothing new here.... When hugging ACORN is in McCain's self-interest, he hugs ACORN. When slamming ACORN is in McCain's self-interest, he slams ACORN.
Is John McCain erratic? You betcha! McCain is a slippery politician who spins in the political wind faster than a weather vane.
Green Tip of the Day
Try bringing your lunch in reusable containers a couple times a week to conserve cash and landfill space.
Try bringing your lunch in reusable containers a couple times a week to conserve cash and landfill space.
- You'll save $1,000 or more per year.
- A NJ study found that about 1/4 of all litter comes from takeout packaging - second only to cigarette butts.
- In the United States, takeout bags and containers create 1.8 million tons of garbage each year.
- Cook meals (such as stir-frys) that last a few days - though beware of cooking so much of one thing that you get sick of it.
- Carry your eats in a reusable lunchbox.
- Pack-a-Lunch Calculator - find out how many calories are in common lunch items.
Catch the Orionid meteor shower in the wee hours
The Orionid meteor shower — that heavenly annual light display that returns to the sky each October — will peak in the pre-dawn hours of Oct. 21, according to the Griffith Observatory. The “showers” can be seen now through Nov. 7, but tonight (Oct. 15) through Oct. 22 is predicted to be the best time to watch meteors flame across the sky at a speed of 35 miles per second. (Find out-of-the-way spots to view meteors.)
“Best viewing is just before dawn starts at about 5:30 a.m.,” said Anthony Cook, astronomical observer at the L.A. observatory. Viewing is best at that time, Cook said, because it’s when the Earth is “facing into the stream of meteors that are passing by.”
The only fly in the ointment: The moon will be pretty bright, which means many of the dim meteors likely won’t be visible.
Obama won the debate and he looked most presidential.
National Online Polls:
CNN Poll (scroll down, on right)
CNN Poll (scroll down, on right)
| Sen. John McCain | 18% | 44523 | ||||
| Sen. Barack Obama | 78% | 197122 | ||||
| No clear winner | 4% | 10103 | ||||
| Total Votes: 251748 Wall Street Journal Poll Sen. John McCain 405987 votes (61.2%) Sen. Barack Obama 256709 votes (38.7%) Neither 613 votes (0.1%) Total Votes : 663309 NBC Poll Barack Obama 150,104 votes 84% John McCain 22,936 votes 12.8% Tie 2,794 votes 1.6% Not sure 2,769 votes 1.6% Guardian Poll 92.7% Barack Obama 7.3% John McCain USA Today Poll Obama 693 61% McCain 441 39% The Drudge Report Poll McCain 71% 150,394 Obama 28% 58,525 Neither 1% 2,693 Total Votes: 211,612 Fox Poll (scroll down) Barack Obama 58% John McCain 42% Total Voters:124703 AOL Poll (scroll down, center) Barack Obama 48% 167,121 John McCain 46% 158,356 Neither 6% 21,888 Total Votes: 347,365
| ||||||
Thursday Update
Yesterday was okay at work. Although once again the sales were slim. I think the economy has everyone buying less. Everyone is trying very hard to get their old software to work on their new computers.
After work I found out that Doug had gone to Verizon and exchanged my broken phone for a working one. Although I had no insurance, it was covered under a one year warranty. This made me very happy. I took my walk before supper. It was the usual route through the cemetery and park. Back through the park and cemetery and then home.
In the cemetery I saw the woman who cleans her daughter's grave stone on Sundays, she was placing new flowers in the vases at the grave. I also saw someone walking a dog, a woman jogging up one of the steep hills and a man with a bike who had stopped to make drinking plans for Friday night with a buddy on his cell phone. I ended the day with 10075 steps.
We ended up having Salisbury steaks and baked potatoes for supper. Doug had been so busy during the day he forgot to put supper in the crock pot. We will have the tomatoes with penne pasta tonight instead. During the debate I made chocolate chip cookies. Since it was Mao's birthday I got out one of his toys and tried to play with him. He was interested for a little while, but not long. He just wants to sleep or beg for what ever we are eating.
After work I found out that Doug had gone to Verizon and exchanged my broken phone for a working one. Although I had no insurance, it was covered under a one year warranty. This made me very happy. I took my walk before supper. It was the usual route through the cemetery and park. Back through the park and cemetery and then home.
In the cemetery I saw the woman who cleans her daughter's grave stone on Sundays, she was placing new flowers in the vases at the grave. I also saw someone walking a dog, a woman jogging up one of the steep hills and a man with a bike who had stopped to make drinking plans for Friday night with a buddy on his cell phone. I ended the day with 10075 steps.
We ended up having Salisbury steaks and baked potatoes for supper. Doug had been so busy during the day he forgot to put supper in the crock pot. We will have the tomatoes with penne pasta tonight instead. During the debate I made chocolate chip cookies. Since it was Mao's birthday I got out one of his toys and tried to play with him. He was interested for a little while, but not long. He just wants to sleep or beg for what ever we are eating.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
This is our "Bobo" on her first day at her new college. She is campaigning for Barack Obama about 4 or 5 hours a day. And in her words, "It's awesome!" So far she has met Ashton Kutcher, Demi Moore and Kal Penn (Yay Kumar!) and soon to meet Howard Dean. She said, "I hope he yells at us! "and then we're gonna go to Washington! and then we're gonna go to Iowa! YARRRRRRR!"
Maddow-10_13_08-Calling a liar, a liar
Sarah Palin reminds me of someone....
I can't quite put my finger on it...Someone who lies bald-faced with the evidence in front of them...
Hmmmmm..oh well.
Sarah Palin Should Remember:
According to her Bible: Jesus was a Community Organizer and Pontius Pilot was the Governor.
Wednesday Update
Today is Maos 13th Birthday! Happy Birthday Mao Mao.
Yesterday was the last day of my long weekend. I took a walk on the trail at Squaw Creek Park. It winds around the park pretty far. I saw lots of squirrels, geese flying overhead and a wood chuck. I took some pictures which will need to be uploaded so I can show everyone. The trail was a bit treacherous in spots, so I had to find myself a walking stick. My final steps were 10203.
I got some mending done when I got home from my walk. I also blanched some of the last tomatoes from the garden. We are going to have them with penne pasta tonight for supper.
I ended yesterday on a sour note. I was in the bathroom getting ready for bed and I dropped my cell phone out of my jeans pocket. It hit the floor pretty hard and now the display and sound no longer work. The bad part is I don't have insurance on it. I always feel a bit funny when I don't have it with me. Doug says I can use one of the old phones and it will be okay.
Yesterday was the last day of my long weekend. I took a walk on the trail at Squaw Creek Park. It winds around the park pretty far. I saw lots of squirrels, geese flying overhead and a wood chuck. I took some pictures which will need to be uploaded so I can show everyone. The trail was a bit treacherous in spots, so I had to find myself a walking stick. My final steps were 10203.
I got some mending done when I got home from my walk. I also blanched some of the last tomatoes from the garden. We are going to have them with penne pasta tonight for supper.
I ended yesterday on a sour note. I was in the bathroom getting ready for bed and I dropped my cell phone out of my jeans pocket. It hit the floor pretty hard and now the display and sound no longer work. The bad part is I don't have insurance on it. I always feel a bit funny when I don't have it with me. Doug says I can use one of the old phones and it will be okay.
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