Long time, no post. I sincerely doubt anyone reads this any more. I have a new job! Love it. Took a vacation to Memphis with BH. It was crazy-fun! We saw Graceland and all the other requisite Memphis attractions. I strongly recommend Gus's chicken if any of you get out there any time soon.
At any rate, just wanted you all to know I am still around.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Update!
It's been a busy, busy time of year... Aside from work, here is what I've been up to recently:
Sunday (week ago) - Bruce Springsteen! We showed up at 3:30 to try and get in the "pit"--failed--and managed to be on our feet until 11:30 or so. Terrific show!
Wednesday - Aretha Franklin! She's the queen, but I must admit I was just a little bit disappointed. Heard no Natural Woman.
Friday - Dracula! Girls' night at the ballet in a fun box. We even indulged in a bottle of champagne!
We've also had good tv to watch. Biggest Loser ended with the first female winner--hooray! Dancing with the Stars, American Idol (I LOVE Jason Castro), and The Bachelor. People, tomorrow's episode should be one for the history books--let's just say that there is an indication that a bachelorette's mom will hit on the bachelor. Now that is entertainment!
Hope all of you are well. Sorry for the month log hiatus.
Monday, March 17, 2008
British Bachelor - TONITE!
Tonight is the first night of the newest season of The Bachelor! Hip-hooray! Monday's have a purpose again! This season will see the first British bachelor, which I predict will make for bloody brilliant television! For those true fans, the Bachelor Recaps from Lincee in Houston can be found at http://www.ihategreenbeans.com/. Hysterical.Saturday, March 08, 2008
This blog is for smart people?
Apparently the internet believes this blog is written on a postgrad level. (check out http://www.criticsrant.com/bb/reading_level.aspx). I was a little proud of that rating for about three minutes--then I realized some of my posts in the last few months have been re-prints of political articles and editorials written by smart people. It all makes sense now... I think any of you who do still check in and read, though, should be proud. Even if I'm not really writing at a postgrad level, you are reading at that level! Good for you!
Friday, March 07, 2008
Monday, March 03, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Obama in FW on Thursday
Join Barack Obama at a Stand for Change Rally in Fort Worth on Thursday, February 28th.
Here are the details:
"Stand for Change" Rally with Barack Obama
Fort Worth Convention Center, 1201 Houston Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Gates Open: 6:00 p.m. Program Begins: 8:00 p.m. ( I would strongly recommend you aim to be there well before 6:00 if the Dallas crowd is any indication of what might be expected in FW.)
The event is free and open to the public. Admission is first-come, first-served.
For security reasons, do not bring bags. Please limit personal items. No signs or banners are permitted.
To RSVP or for more details go here: http://my.barackobama.com/page/s/ftworth
Here are the details:
"Stand for Change" Rally with Barack Obama
Fort Worth Convention Center, 1201 Houston Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Gates Open: 6:00 p.m. Program Begins: 8:00 p.m. ( I would strongly recommend you aim to be there well before 6:00 if the Dallas crowd is any indication of what might be expected in FW.)
The event is free and open to the public. Admission is first-come, first-served.
For security reasons, do not bring bags. Please limit personal items. No signs or banners are permitted.
To RSVP or for more details go here: http://my.barackobama.com/page/s/ftworth
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Rally
Dear BH and I went to the Obama rally in Dallas yesterday. Reunion Arena was stuffed with people chanting for change. They estimate a crowd of 17,000 inside with at least 1,000 poor folks turned away at the door when the venue reached capacity. Senator Obama spoke eloquently and was a charasmatic and moving presence. I had very high expectations and still managed to leave impressed.
Please don't forget early voting in Texas has already started. Texas actually matters this year--go figure. Participate in the process! It is part of what makes this country great.
Please don't forget early voting in Texas has already started. Texas actually matters this year--go figure. Participate in the process! It is part of what makes this country great.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Stand for Change
Obama rally tomorrow at noon in Dallas. More info here: http://my.barackobama.com/page/s/dallas
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Year of the Rat
I celebrated the Chinese New Year in a non-traditional way. This is the year of the rat, I've been told. On Monday morning I got in my brand new car and it would not start. Every single warning light came on. Not good.I called the service department of the dealership and asked if there was a "reset" button. No such luck. (Hey, it was worth a try!) They sent someone out to come tow my brand new car away. All of 2,000 miles on the vehicle that has been affectionately named Hannah the Hybrid. I bought it to be a practical, reliable car that I can drive for 100,000+ miles.
The dealership had the car for 3.5 hours when they called me to explain what had happened... a rat or squirrel or other vermin of some sort had gotten into the underside of the car and eaten through several important wires and components. Not good. Also not good was the fact that my Toyota warranty doesn't cover rat damage.
Geico, though, does cover rat damage. Shout-out to Geico! I was fitted with a rental for the week and Toyota went to work replacing all the parts that the rats ate through. Also a shout-out to Toyota of Fort Worth, who worked so hard to get me my car back within the week. After 5 days and over $5,600 worth of damage, I got Hannah the Hybrid back today--hopefully as good as new. It could have been much worse. Here's to the Year of the Rat!
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Monday, February 04, 2008
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Leaving America a Better, Stronger Place
"Why I'm Backing Obama"
Susan Eisenhower
Forty-seven years ago, my grandfather Dwight D. Eisenhower bid farewell to a nation he had served for more than five decades. In his televised address, Ike famously coined the term "military-industrial complex," and he offered advice that is still relevant today. "As we peer into society's future," he said, we "must avoid the impulse to live only for today, plundering, for our own ease and convenience, the precious resources of tomorrow. We cannot mortgage the material assets of our grandchildren without risking the loss also of their political and spiritual heritage. We want democracy to survive for all generations to come, not to become the insolvent phantom of tomorrow."
Today we are engaged in a debate about these very issues. Deep in America's heart, I believe, is the nagging fear that our best years as a nation may be over. We are disliked overseas and feel insecure at home. We watch as our federal budget hemorrhages red ink and our civil liberties are eroded. Crises in energy, health care and education threaten our way of life and our ability to compete internationally. There are also the issues of a costly, unpopular war; a long-neglected infrastructure; and an aging and increasingly needy population.
I am not alone in worrying that my generation will fail to do what my grandfather's did so well: Leave America a better, stronger place than the one it found.
Given the magnitude of these issues and the cost of addressing them, our next president must be able to bring about a sense of national unity and change. As we no longer have the financial resources to address all these problems comprehensively and simultaneously, setting priorities will be essential. With hard work, much can be done.
The biggest barrier to rolling up our sleeves and preparing for a better future is our own apathy, fear or immobility. We have been living in a zero-sum political environment where all heads have been lowered to avert being lopped off by angry, noisy extremists. I am convinced that Barack Obama is the one presidential candidate today who can encourage ordinary Americans to stand straight again; he is a man who can salve our national wounds and both inspire and pursue genuine bipartisan cooperation. Just as important, Obama can assure the world and Americans that this great nation's impulses are still free, open, fair and broad-minded.
No measures to avert the serious, looming consequences can be taken without this sense of renewal. Uncommon political courage will be required. Yet this courage can be summoned only if something profoundly different transpires. Putting America first -- ahead of our own selfish interests -- must be our national priority if we are to retain our capacity to lead.
The last time the United States had an open election was 1952. My grandfather was pursued by both political parties and eventually became the Republican nominee. Despite being a charismatic war hero, he did not have an easy ride to the nomination. He went on to win the presidency -- with the indispensable help of a "Democrats for Eisenhower" movement. These crossover voters were attracted by his pledge to bring change to Washington and by the prospect that he would unify the nation.
It is in this great tradition of crossover voters that I support Barack Obama's candidacy for president. If the Democratic Party chooses Obama as its candidate, this lifelong Republican will work to get him elected and encourage him to seek strategic solutions to meet America's greatest challenges. To be successful, our president will need bipartisan help.
Given Obama's support among young people, I believe that he will be most invested in defending the interests of these rising generations and, therefore, the long-term interests of this nation as a whole. Without his leadership, our children and grandchildren are at risk of growing older in a marginalized country that is left to its anger and divisions. Such an outcome would be an unacceptable legacy for any great nation.
Susan Eisenhower
Forty-seven years ago, my grandfather Dwight D. Eisenhower bid farewell to a nation he had served for more than five decades. In his televised address, Ike famously coined the term "military-industrial complex," and he offered advice that is still relevant today. "As we peer into society's future," he said, we "must avoid the impulse to live only for today, plundering, for our own ease and convenience, the precious resources of tomorrow. We cannot mortgage the material assets of our grandchildren without risking the loss also of their political and spiritual heritage. We want democracy to survive for all generations to come, not to become the insolvent phantom of tomorrow."
Today we are engaged in a debate about these very issues. Deep in America's heart, I believe, is the nagging fear that our best years as a nation may be over. We are disliked overseas and feel insecure at home. We watch as our federal budget hemorrhages red ink and our civil liberties are eroded. Crises in energy, health care and education threaten our way of life and our ability to compete internationally. There are also the issues of a costly, unpopular war; a long-neglected infrastructure; and an aging and increasingly needy population.
I am not alone in worrying that my generation will fail to do what my grandfather's did so well: Leave America a better, stronger place than the one it found.
Given the magnitude of these issues and the cost of addressing them, our next president must be able to bring about a sense of national unity and change. As we no longer have the financial resources to address all these problems comprehensively and simultaneously, setting priorities will be essential. With hard work, much can be done.
The biggest barrier to rolling up our sleeves and preparing for a better future is our own apathy, fear or immobility. We have been living in a zero-sum political environment where all heads have been lowered to avert being lopped off by angry, noisy extremists. I am convinced that Barack Obama is the one presidential candidate today who can encourage ordinary Americans to stand straight again; he is a man who can salve our national wounds and both inspire and pursue genuine bipartisan cooperation. Just as important, Obama can assure the world and Americans that this great nation's impulses are still free, open, fair and broad-minded.
No measures to avert the serious, looming consequences can be taken without this sense of renewal. Uncommon political courage will be required. Yet this courage can be summoned only if something profoundly different transpires. Putting America first -- ahead of our own selfish interests -- must be our national priority if we are to retain our capacity to lead.
The last time the United States had an open election was 1952. My grandfather was pursued by both political parties and eventually became the Republican nominee. Despite being a charismatic war hero, he did not have an easy ride to the nomination. He went on to win the presidency -- with the indispensable help of a "Democrats for Eisenhower" movement. These crossover voters were attracted by his pledge to bring change to Washington and by the prospect that he would unify the nation.
It is in this great tradition of crossover voters that I support Barack Obama's candidacy for president. If the Democratic Party chooses Obama as its candidate, this lifelong Republican will work to get him elected and encourage him to seek strategic solutions to meet America's greatest challenges. To be successful, our president will need bipartisan help.
Given Obama's support among young people, I believe that he will be most invested in defending the interests of these rising generations and, therefore, the long-term interests of this nation as a whole. Without his leadership, our children and grandchildren are at risk of growing older in a marginalized country that is left to its anger and divisions. Such an outcome would be an unacceptable legacy for any great nation.
Friday, February 01, 2008
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
JFK Legacy
A President Like My Father
By CAROLINE KENNEDY
Published in the New York Times, January 27, 2008
OVER the years, I've been deeply moved by the people who've told me they wished they could feel inspired and hopeful about America the way people did when my father was president. This sense is even more profound today. That is why I am supporting a presidential candidate in the Democratic primaries, Barack Obama.
My reasons are patriotic, political and personal, and the three are intertwined. All my life, people have told me that my father changed their lives, that they got involved in public service or politics because he asked them to. And the generation he inspired has passed that spirit on to its children. I meet young people who were born long after John F. Kennedy was president, yet who ask me how to live out his ideals.
Sometimes it takes a while to recognize that someone has a special ability to get us to believe in ourselves, to tie that belief to our highest ideals and imagine that together we can do great things. In those rare moments, when such a person comes along, we need to put aside our plans and reach for what we know is possible.
We have that kind of opportunity with Senator Obama. It isn't that the other candidates are not experienced or knowledgeable. But this year, that may not be enough. We need a change in the leadership of this country -- just as we did in 1960.
Most of us would prefer to base our voting decision on policy differences. However, the candidates' goals are similar. They have all laid out detailed plans on everything from strengthening our middle class to investing in early childhood education. So qualities of leadership, character and judgment play a larger role than usual.
Senator Obama has demonstrated these qualities throughout his more than two decades of public service, not just in the United States Senate but in Illinois, where he helped turn around struggling communities, taught constitutional law and was an elected state official for eight years. And Senator Obama is showing the same qualities today. He has built a movement that is changing the face of politics in this country, and he has demonstrated a special gift for inspiring young people -- known for a willingness to volunteer, but an aversion to politics -- to become engaged in the political process.
I have spent the past five years working in the New York City public schools and have three teenage children of my own. There is a generation coming of age that is hopeful, hard-working, innovative and imaginative. But too many of them are also hopeless, defeated and disengaged. As parents, we have a responsibility to help our children to believe in themselves and in their power to shape their future. Senator Obama is inspiring my children, my parents' grandchildren, with that sense of possibility.
Senator Obama is running a dignified and honest campaign. He has spoken eloquently about the role of faith in his life, and opened a window into his character in two compelling books. And when it comes to judgment, Barack Obama made the right call on the most important issue of our time by opposing the war in Iraq from the beginning.
I want a president who understands that his responsibility is to articulate a vision and encourage others to achieve it; who holds himself, and those around him, to the highest ethical standards; who appeals to the hopes of those who still believe in the American Dream, and those around the world who still believe in the American ideal; and who can lift our spirits, and make us believe again that our country needs every one of us to get involved.
I have never had a president who inspired me the way people tell me that my father inspired them. But for the first time, I believe I have found the man who could be that president -- not just for me, but for a new generation of Americans.
By CAROLINE KENNEDY
Published in the New York Times, January 27, 2008
OVER the years, I've been deeply moved by the people who've told me they wished they could feel inspired and hopeful about America the way people did when my father was president. This sense is even more profound today. That is why I am supporting a presidential candidate in the Democratic primaries, Barack Obama.
My reasons are patriotic, political and personal, and the three are intertwined. All my life, people have told me that my father changed their lives, that they got involved in public service or politics because he asked them to. And the generation he inspired has passed that spirit on to its children. I meet young people who were born long after John F. Kennedy was president, yet who ask me how to live out his ideals.
Sometimes it takes a while to recognize that someone has a special ability to get us to believe in ourselves, to tie that belief to our highest ideals and imagine that together we can do great things. In those rare moments, when such a person comes along, we need to put aside our plans and reach for what we know is possible.
We have that kind of opportunity with Senator Obama. It isn't that the other candidates are not experienced or knowledgeable. But this year, that may not be enough. We need a change in the leadership of this country -- just as we did in 1960.
Most of us would prefer to base our voting decision on policy differences. However, the candidates' goals are similar. They have all laid out detailed plans on everything from strengthening our middle class to investing in early childhood education. So qualities of leadership, character and judgment play a larger role than usual.
Senator Obama has demonstrated these qualities throughout his more than two decades of public service, not just in the United States Senate but in Illinois, where he helped turn around struggling communities, taught constitutional law and was an elected state official for eight years. And Senator Obama is showing the same qualities today. He has built a movement that is changing the face of politics in this country, and he has demonstrated a special gift for inspiring young people -- known for a willingness to volunteer, but an aversion to politics -- to become engaged in the political process.
I have spent the past five years working in the New York City public schools and have three teenage children of my own. There is a generation coming of age that is hopeful, hard-working, innovative and imaginative. But too many of them are also hopeless, defeated and disengaged. As parents, we have a responsibility to help our children to believe in themselves and in their power to shape their future. Senator Obama is inspiring my children, my parents' grandchildren, with that sense of possibility.
Senator Obama is running a dignified and honest campaign. He has spoken eloquently about the role of faith in his life, and opened a window into his character in two compelling books. And when it comes to judgment, Barack Obama made the right call on the most important issue of our time by opposing the war in Iraq from the beginning.
I want a president who understands that his responsibility is to articulate a vision and encourage others to achieve it; who holds himself, and those around him, to the highest ethical standards; who appeals to the hopes of those who still believe in the American Dream, and those around the world who still believe in the American ideal; and who can lift our spirits, and make us believe again that our country needs every one of us to get involved.
I have never had a president who inspired me the way people tell me that my father inspired them. But for the first time, I believe I have found the man who could be that president -- not just for me, but for a new generation of Americans.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Friday, January 18, 2008
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Buddy
I forced Buddy to entertain me with a photo shoot a few days ago.
Photographing Buddy isn't always easy, as he tends to want to be right next to you at all times (usually kissing your face). Without some disance, taking pictures can be rough.
We managed to get a few pictures taken, but it required the promise of treats. And oh how Buddy loves treats.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Politics
I have a degree in political science. A decade ago I enjoyed government and politics. In the last 5 years I have become almost completely disenchanted with politics. All the jargon and hot air has left me hopeless, or at least feeling a political numbness. I have found it much more difficult to care--and that's sad.
My time to believe again is now. I know my Republican friends are groaning, but I really do feel excited about a candidate for the first time since college. Obama has an unmistakable JFK quality to him. I'm sold. And even better, I'm feeling a bit hopeful. And if you aren't yet hopeful, give this a try:
Iowa victory speech
More for your viewing pleasure:
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Movies to see
My work colleagues have requested a list of movies I recommend. I think they envisioned "new" movies, but I'm going to indulge myself with a list of what I think are "must see" films (in no particular order)...
1. Juno - NOW IN THEATERS! Heart-felt, hysterical, and feel-good. I haven't seen a movie this good in some time.
2. Napoleon Dynamite. Good times.
3. Airplane. Just re-watched this one with my family. I forgot how funny it is.
4. Blazing Saddles. Excuse me while I whip this out. (tee hee)
5. Elizabeth. The story of Queen Elizabeth up to the time she turned into the "virgin queen." One of my all-time favorite movies.
6. Almost Famous. Another coming of age movie that I just adore.
7. Toy Story. Best cartoon ever. "Don't forget your scary eyes!"
8. Annie Hall. You either get it or you don't. I really get it. Watch it and tell me what you think about the lobster scene.
9. Shrek. If nothing else, watch it for the gingerbread man. He is freaking funny. The gumdrop buttons!!
10. Moulin Rouge. It's just pretty.
Honorable mention:
National Treasure: Not all time favorite, but it's out there now and worth seeing if you liked the first one (which I did).
There are zillions of others, obviously--Godfather, Taxi Driver, Chicago, The Jerk--but these were the ones that came to mind at the time. Maybe I'll talk more movies later.
1. Juno - NOW IN THEATERS! Heart-felt, hysterical, and feel-good. I haven't seen a movie this good in some time.2. Napoleon Dynamite. Good times.
3. Airplane. Just re-watched this one with my family. I forgot how funny it is.
4. Blazing Saddles. Excuse me while I whip this out. (tee hee)
5. Elizabeth. The story of Queen Elizabeth up to the time she turned into the "virgin queen." One of my all-time favorite movies.
6. Almost Famous. Another coming of age movie that I just adore.
7. Toy Story. Best cartoon ever. "Don't forget your scary eyes!"
8. Annie Hall. You either get it or you don't. I really get it. Watch it and tell me what you think about the lobster scene.
9. Shrek. If nothing else, watch it for the gingerbread man. He is freaking funny. The gumdrop buttons!!
10. Moulin Rouge. It's just pretty.
Honorable mention:
National Treasure: Not all time favorite, but it's out there now and worth seeing if you liked the first one (which I did).
There are zillions of others, obviously--Godfather, Taxi Driver, Chicago, The Jerk--but these were the ones that came to mind at the time. Maybe I'll talk more movies later.
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