Saturday, August 30, 2008

Sweet 16 party

Feelin' a bit gipped this morning after reading about this $300,000 16th birthday party in the WaPo. I am sure given the financial distress of my youth (and that is was a long time ago now), we could have cut the price to $75,000-$100,000, I wouldnt need two of the hippest rappers, or mock papparrazzi or invitations in the shape of credit cards, or well ANY OF THIS CRAP. Geez- bake a cake, make her favorite dinner and give her a carton of cigarrettes (a la Judd Nelson's character in Breakfast Club), ok maybe a gift card to her favorite restaurant.

One of the boys in the article is asked whether he knows her and he replies "eh". "Eh" is right.

Friday, August 29, 2008

Imagine the conversation:
"Good Morning Gov. Palin, nice to meet you."
"And you Senator McCain. Thank you for choosing me to be your running mate, I will work hard to get you elected."
"Thank you for agreeing to be my running mate, now tell me a little more about yourself."
...
I have no antipathy for the Governor or the Senator. It does however strike me odd that these two who barely know each other will be running mates. I hope its a good match for their own sanity and to keep the media from getting its claws out thereby distracting us from the important work of electing the next President.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Picnic at the Park

The Park is a wonderful place for a picnic for 200+ of your friends. The Charlottesville Democrats gathered today for its annual outreach and awards picnic. Mark Warner was the headliner, alas he did not attend as a result of a flare up of a sports injury. He had to cancel his appearance at all of the events which was at least 5 events that I knew about.

Creigh Deeds did an able job in Mark Warner's place, he noted the work that lay ahead and the importance of the work. Senator Deeds knows something about getting out the vote, so he is very keen on the registration efforts of the Obama campaign.

Delegate David Toscano and Tom Perriello spoke towards the end of the event. Tom Perriello was really inspiring- bringing about a new brand of politics to Washington, DC, this is something to be proud of, and Tom is the real deal.

Thank you to all of those who attended, I had a great time meeting all the new folks in town and catching up with those I hadnt seen in awhile. Mel's Diner did a fantastic job catering, everyone loved the food, and the sweet potato pie is ... sublime, thanks to Holly Edwards for reminding us to get dessert.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Most Influential People in the 'ville

So cVillain has been named best local blog by Cville Weekly(promotion does help- and I mean that in a good, snarky way).

They have a new post up to discuss the most influential people in Charlottesville, its a fascinating discussion. GO and make your comment NOW (or when you have a minute).

I named my two favorite LOC friends Becky Reid and Holly Hatcher- for full disclosure purposes!

Perriello Fundraiser in Bedford Wed 8/20

Jim Webb is doing his part to support Tom Perriello! Thank you to the Senator and all of those who are helping Perriello in his bid to be the Congressman from the 5th District of Virginia.

Please join Senator Jim Webb in support of Fifth District Congressional Candidate Tom Perriello Wednesday, August 20, 2008 4:30-6:30pm

The Historic Avenel House 413 Avenel Ave. Bedford, VA
Your support will bring a new culture of service and economic renewal to Southside
To attend please bring a check payable to Perriello for Congress
Supporters of Tom - $50 Friends of Tom - $100 Patrons of Tom - $250
Please RSVP to Perriello Bedford Headquarters at (540) 586-6133

Georgia Atrocity

I saw Bob Costa's interview with the President the other night during the Olympic coverage. The first time I have seen the President as likeable in quite some time- but the political topics he seemed as clueless as ever.

I am not expecting much from the Russians with respect to Georgia. Its clear Russia is following the approached espoused by many warmongers- watch what we say, not what we do.

So President Bush is hitting back with his famous "because I say it, it must be true" (but we wont do anything to actually try to make it happen) speeches.

Russia is belligerent, Georgia is our friend (or a country with a relatively democratically elected government as compared to, say, Russia). Russia has demonstrated NO interest in what the USA has to say, and why should they? But the US insists.

One thing is clear, if we insist, Russia will tell us they are doing what we ask, but that doesnt make it true.

"The United States stands with the democratically elected government of Georgia and insists that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia be respected," Bush said sternly during brief remarks in the White House Rose Garden.

I have a low threshold for President Bush, but this conflict is really important and he is the face of the US stance on the situation. I pray the worlds leaders can find collective wisdom in resolving it. The people of Georgia deserve better than to have their country torn apart by the Russians again.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Link to RTD panel I participated in

Article on First Ladies. I wasnt taken out of context, that is nice.
Not the most controversial of panels, but it is interesting to read what others think about Cindy McCain and Michelle Obama.

Thursday, August 07, 2008

RTD Experience

I participated in the Richmond Times Dispatch round-table discussion on the potential first ladies. A fellow blogger participated as well, he blogged about it, his feelings really sum up my experience as well, except vice versa. I found a few more conservatives than just him in the group, but Obama supporters were in force.

As you all may know, I am proud that both presidential candidates married such strong, smart and committed women. Thankfully I am never provocative so I am sure the transcripts/article wont quote me at all...oh wait, that is someone else. I forget to stay quiet and not talk, and then I have the problem of playing devil's advocate (I dont think Cindy McCain thinks she is better than us, only that her stern demeanor could be perceived by someone who doesnt think twice about her).

I really enjoyed meeting the Contemporary Conservative. I wish we would have an in person blogger round-up, it really helps to see people and recognize humanity, when in the blogosphere that can be lost.

So check out the transcripts and article in Sunday's Richmond Times Dispatch.

Friday, August 01, 2008

Sleep Apnea does long term harm

I never really stopped breathing in my sleep. I just had to move to finish my breath.
Symptoms include: Loud and intermittent snoring is one warning signal. The person who has sleep apnea may experience a choking sensation, early-morning headaches, or extreme daytime sleepiness as well. His bed partner or roommate might comment on his excessive body movements or his snorting or gasping for breath during sleeping. From this website.

Sleep apnea will kill you if left untreated.

Suffering from sleep apnea may do more than just spoil a good night's sleep. A new study shows that people with severe sleep apnea may be up to three times more likely to die prematurely, and that risk increases if the sleep disorder is left untreated. Sleep apnea is a common sleeping disorder that causes frequent pauses in breathing during sleep and is often accompanied by snoring. About 6% of adults in the U.S. suffer from moderate to severe forms of the condition, and 17% have less severe forms. From WebMD article.

See your doctor immediately if you suspect sleep apnea.

Pandemic Purchases part 1

I am never going to be an influencer. I realize this because I am terrible about hyperlinking and I am old. Of course, those are the only tw...