Photograph Tutorials

Finally something that isn't so obvious or ill conceived. Onward with my quest!

Canon 5D Mark II

What's a Canon 5D Mark II? I want one!
Need I say more? Santa can you bring me one for Christmas?

Cross Country Road Trip

My brother and I drove from LA to MD in one week... I want to do it again!

Photography...

"Photography is something that is inside of you, no matter what. You love doing it, and find any excuse to photograph. You take your camera everywhere. You’re the one at the party behind the lens of the camera."

This is my goal for 2009: establish an amateur portfolio of photography. I hope to set up a small studio in my apartment. My test subjects? Graduations, engagements, weddings, babies and more! Wish me luck! Better yet, volunteer! :)

Quid Pro Quo

Time for the Clintons and the Kennedys to claim the fruits of Obama's labor? Now that Obama won, Hilary gets a cabinet and Caroline gets a senate? Politics is an old family game...

Robert Kennedy said the family would come out en masse for her if she does get the appointment and has to run for election in 2010. "If she runs, you will see more Kennedys than you have ever seen in your life," he said.

Don't get me wrong, I'm still glad Obama won. Just funny how everything comes to fruition. How scary would it be to see ALL the Kennedys on the election trail! How many Kennedys ARE there exactly?

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

“Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home -- so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any map of the world. Yet they are the world of the individual person: the neighborhood he lives in; the school or college he attends; the factory, farm or office where he works.”

-Eleanor Roosevelt

2008 is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 60th anniversary. It's time for a global conversation about human rights and the values that unite us as one human family. It can also be a time when each of us chooses to take human rights into our daily lives, individually and collectively

"Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,"

"You have the right to have whatever you need so that you and your family: do not fall ill or go hungry; have clothes and a house; and are helped if you are out of work, if you are ill, if you are old, if your wife or husband is dead, or if you do not earn a living for any other reason you cannot help. Mothers and their children are entitled to special care. All children have the same rights to be protected, whether or not their mother was married when they were born."

read original text
read plain language
read korean
read french
read russian
or is it all greek to you?

Generation WE

Generation WE: The Movement Begins... from Generation We on Vimeo.

Millennials are the largest generation in American history. Born between 1978 and 2000, WE are 95 million strong, compared to the 78 million Baby Boomers.

WE are politically, socially, and philosophically independent, and are spearheading a period of sweeping change in America and around the world.

The new book, Generation We, explains the emerging power of our Millennial Generation, and shows how WE (and older people who think the way WE do) are poised to change our nation and our world for the better. Download the book here.

**The video states that by 2016, the youngest of Gen WE will be of voting age. Unless they are planning a coup, I don't see how 16 year olds will be voting two presidential elections from now. Not to detract from the message, but statements or implied threats such as these should be carefully thought out before delivered.**

Chris Daughtry - What About Now

What about now? What can you do? What are you willing to do?
Social Work. Social Justice. Social Service.
Love your neighbor as you love yourself.
Be the change you want to see in the world.
Just do it.

President Elect Barack Obama's First Press Conference

Barack Obama is President-Elect 2008

Congratulations Mr. Obama!

I did have my doubts that enough people would show up to vote but thankfully America proved me wrong. So congrats to the power of the people to speak up and stand up for their rights. Hopefully this is the turning of a new leaf in American history and in 10, 20, 30 years from now we'll look back and wonder what the fuss was all about.

John McCain Conceeds

Senator McCain made a great concession speech. Which leads me to believe that he was a pawn in the Republican Party's inevitable foolish loss to the Democrats after 8 long years of ambiguity. Would I have still wanted him to win? No. Palin for VP? Heck no. But I wonder how much of a closer fight it would have been if he had tried his best as seen in this speech, rather than the spectacle and debacle of the Palin VP movement. It is the sign of a true leader to take one for the team and to own the loss. I admire McCain more after this speech than I did throughout the campaign trail. For those who are planning on Palin 2012... please stop. Although she may be more capable than we have seen in this campaign, the fact that she would sell herself out for a failed campaign and a new wardrobe (since repossessed?) says a lot about her character and that is someone who should not be the leader of the free world.

"Torturing Democracy" Documentary

YOU MUST WATCH THIS! See what happened Post 9-11 when Cheney got power hungry and our legal system went to H-E-L-L. What would you do if you were held in prison for 1000+ days, tortured, and never charged or able to answer for your allegations? One detainee did crack, because he was tortured-you would too, regardless of whether you knew some top secrets or not. Advocate for change!

What would you do for a Klondike Bar?

Honestly. If you don't have a clue as to what the VP is supposed to do...how qualified can you be? Obama might not have the experience you were looking for, but he has a clue! Which is more than can be said for the REP ticket.

Colin Powell Endorses Barack Obama

"I think he is a transformational figure, he is a new generation coming onto the world stage, onto the American stage, and for that reason I'll be voting for Senator Barack Obama," Powell said.

I think that Sen. Obama brings a fresh set of of eyes, a fresh set of ideas to the table. I think that Sen. McCain, as gifted as he is, is essentially going to execute the Republican agenda, the orthodoxy of the Republican agenda with a new face and with a maverick approach to it. And he'd be quite good at it. But I think we need more than that. I think we need a generational change. And I think Sen. Obama has captured the feelings of the young people of America and is reaching out in a more diverse, inclusive way across our society.

And it was at that point that I realized that, to my mind, anyway, that Sen. Obama has demonstrated the kind of calm, patient, intellectual, steady approach to problem-solving that I think we need in this country.

Palin on SNL

my name is sarah palin you all know me
vice president nominee of the gop
gonna need your vote in the next election
can i get a ‘what what’ from the senior section
mccain got experience, mccain got style
but don’t let him freak you out when he tries to smile
cause that smile be creepy
but when i be vp
all the leaders in the world gonna finally meet me

how’s it go eskimo
eskimos
tell me what you know eskimo
eskimos
how you feel eskimo
ice cold
tell me tell me what you feel eskimo
super cold

i’m jeremiah wright cause tonight i’m the preacher
i got a bookish look and you’re all hot for teacher
todd lookin fine on his snow machine
so hot boy gonna need a go between
in wasilla we just chill baby chilla
but when i see oil lets drill baby drill

my country tis of thee
from my porch i can see
russia and such

all the mavericks in the house put your hands up
all the mavericks in the house put your hands up
all the plumbers in the house pull your pants up
all the plumbers in the house pull your pants up

when i say ‘obama’ you say ‘ayers’
obama. ayers. obama. ayers.
i built me a bridge - it ain’t goin’ nowhere.
[ohhh]

mccain, palin, gonna put the nail in the coffin
of the media elite
she likes red meat
shoot a mother humpin moose, eight days of the week

[three gunshots]
now ya dead, now ya dead,
cause i’m an animal, and i’m bigger than you
holdin a shotgun walk in the pub
everybody party, we’re goin on a hunt
la la la la la la la la
[six gunshots]

yo palin, i’m out

Joe the Plumber--The Game

Joe The Plumber -- The Game

As Joe the Plumber, you are in charge of installing enough pipe to make it to the next tax bracket. There's a tool to help you--unlicensed plumber tool--duct tape!

'Joe the Plumber' Strikes Back at Media
He's upset that the media is critiquing his personal life. So what does he do? Go running to Fox News. Hmmm. It's not that you can't question politicians, it's that if you're going to let McCain use you as a pawn, be ready for the backlash.

Olbermann "Special Comment" On Violent Rhetoric At McCain-Palin Rallies

"1:25 PM Eastern Time, today, in Scranton, Pennsylvania. During the warm-up act by a Red Meat Congressional Candidate aptly named Chris Hackett, Hackett mentions Obama and a Palin audience member shouts "Kill Him."

And Gov. Palin, as usual, does nothing about it says nothing to these thugs and psychos. She may not have heard this one. It is impossible to believe that by now she has not heard about the other ones. Her silence is deafening. Just as, Sen. McCain, you have done nothing when violence has been asserted. Correction. You have done one thing.

Asked why in real time you do not repudiate this hatefulness you act as if you are the victim. Speaking today to our NBC Station in Washington."

Real Deal on ‘Joe the Plumber’ Reveals New Slant

"As it turns out, Joe the Plumber, as he became nationally known when Senator John McCain made him a theme at Wednesday’s final presidential debate, may work in the plumbing business, but he is not a licensed plumber."

That's just the half of it.

Ifill: Palin "Blew Me Off"

On "Meet the Press" Sunday morning, vice presidential debate moderator Gwen Ifill said Palin "more than ignored" some of her questions -- she "blew me off." She added that Palin decided to "give a stump speech" instead of a debate, and that there's "little a moderator can do" to stop that.

VP Debate: Dispatch from Palin Land

At the vice presidential debate in St. Louis, the McCain campaign rented out a stadium to re-energize the conservative base in light of Sarah Palin's recent gaffes. Despite the revival feel, zeal for Palin isn't translating in the polls.

Click on the link for video. It plays automatically so I had to take it off.

Olbermann "Special Comment" On Sarah Palin

SO REFRESHING!!!

Constitutionality Blah Blah Blah

Dick Cheney the NEW Vice President

Transcripts! Get your transcripts here!

IFILL: Governor, you mentioned a moment ago the constitution
might give the vice president more power than it has in the past. Do
you believe as Vice President Cheney does, that the Executive Branch
does not hold complete sway over the office of the vice presidency,
that it it is also a member of the Legislative Branch?

PALIN: Well, our founding fathers were very wise there in
allowing through the Constitution much flexibility there in the office
of the vice president. And we will do what is best for the American
people in tapping into that position and ushering in an agenda that is
supportive and cooperative with the president's agenda in that
position. Yeah, so I do agree with him that we have a lot of
flexibility in there, and we'll do what we have to do to administer
very appropriately the plans that are needed for this nation. And it
is my executive experience that is partly to be attributed to my pick
as V.P. with McCain, not only as a governor, but earlier on as a
mayor, as an oil and gas regulator, as a business owner. It is those
years of experience on an executive level that will be put to good use
in the White House also.

Barack Obama "Zero"

Yes We Can

The Audacity of Hope

Tina Fey for President!

It's not as funny as Palin/Clinton a few weeks ago. I know other countries would like McCain to win so they can deal with Palin and streamroll over her. The Republicans have to be up to something if they're seriously putting Palin on the frontlines and expect us to buy into that process. Politics is also about putting our best face forward through diplomacy. "Winning" at all costs is not winning. If someone could please tell me what McCain means by "winning" the war in Iraq, please inform me. Does McCain have a peace plan or will we always be at war with him in charge? He has no plans for America during peace time. As for the budget situation, he said let's freeze everything except Defense and Veterans Administration and a few other crucial things. He has the tunnel vision mentality of an infantry soldier, not that of a general who can strategize against the use of force until absolutely necessary. Where is the flexibility, the foresight and the desire for peace?

USC Trojan Football

No. 1 USC Unstoppable Against No. 5 Ohio State

The game was fantastic and the Spirit of Troy was in no short supply. However, with all things college, people were ejected from the game for acts of stupidity. 1. Ohio State fan sat in the Trojan student section and then got belligerent. 2. TWO idiots decided to slide down a banner in the student section. Security swooped in and escorted them out. Yay security! 3. One girl was sick hours before the game started and was finally escorted out by the medics. Alcohol poisoning?

We have a fantastic football team so let's just try to enjoy the moment. No need to get drunk before the game, no need to exhaust your limited %*@#(!) language at other innocent fans, and for the love of God, pick up your trash! Then tailgate and show your Trojan pride. See you at the next game!

SNL Space Olympics

Why? It doesn't compete with this all time classic.

Tina Fey For President!

Sarah Palin Day 3

Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

Sarah Palin Day 2

Sunshine Week

Sarah Palin & Charlie Gibson

Hubris? Pride cometh before a fall.
Creative editing or her inability to answer the question that is being asked? Yes, his name is Charlie (Charles actually and he's older and deserving of a bit more respect from you) now answer the question! The video plays out like two different interviews that were edited together because she doesn't make sense! "Lost in a blizzard of words" indeed!

GIBSON: And you didn't say to yourself, "Am I experienced enough? Am I ready? Do I know enough about international affairs? Do I -- will I feel comfortable enough on the national stage to do this?"
PALIN: I didn't hesitate, no.
GIBSON: Didn't that take some hubris?
PALIN: I -- I answered him yes because I have the confidence in that readiness and knowing that you can't blink, you have to be wired in a way of being so committed to the mission, the mission that we're on, reform of this country and victory in the war, you can't blink. So I didn't blink then even when asked to run as his running mate.

Confident or cocky? Ignorant? What is this war we're trying to win? Tell me in 100 words or less. The last time we tried to "win" a war--we lost. What's wrong with blinking? If you don't blink, then your eyes will water.

GIBSON: Do you agree with the Bush doctrine?
PALIN: In what respect, Charlie?
GIBSON: The Bush -- well, what do you -- what do you interpret it to be?
PALIN: His world view.
GIBSON: No, the Bush doctrine, enunciated September 2002, before the Iraq war.
PALIN: I believe that what President Bush has attempted to do is rid this world of Islamic extremism, terrorists who are hell bent on destroying our nation. There have been blunders along the way, though. There have been mistakes made. And with new leadership, and that's the beauty of American elections, of course, and democracy, is with new leadership comes opportunity to do things better.

GIBSON: The Bush doctrine, as I understand it, is that we have the right of anticipatory self-defense, that we have the right to a preemptive strike against any other country that we think is going to attack us. Do you agree with that?

PALIN: I agree that a president's job, when they swear in their oath to uphold our Constitution, their top priority is to defend the United States of America.

PALIN: Charlie, if there is legitimate and enough intelligence that tells us that a strike is imminent against American people, we have every right to defend our country. In fact, the president has the obligation, the duty to defend.

GIBSON: Do we have a right to anticipatory self-defense? Do we have a right to make a preemptive strike again another country if we feel that country might strike us?

PALIN: Charlie, if there is legitimate and enough intelligence that tells us that a strike is imminent against American people, we have every right to defend our country. In fact, the president has the obligation, the duty to defend.

GIBSON: Do we have the right to be making cross-border attacks into Pakistan from Afghanistan, with or without the approval of the Pakistani government?

PALIN: Now, as for our right to invade, we're going to work with these countries, building new relationships, working with existing allies, but forging new, also, in order to, Charlie, get to a point in this world where war is not going to be a first option. In fact, war has got to be, a military strike, a last option.

GIBSON: But, Governor, I'm asking you: We have the right, in your mind, to go across the border with or without the approval of the Pakistani government.

PALIN: In order to stop Islamic extremists, those terrorists who would seek to destroy America and our allies, we must do whatever it takes and we must not blink, Charlie, in making those tough decisions of where we go and even who we target.

GIBSON: And let me finish with this. I got lost in a blizzard of words there. Is that a yes? That you think we have the right to go across the border with or without the approval of the Pakistani government, to go after terrorists who are in the Waziristan area?

PALIN: I believe that America has to exercise all options in order to stop the terrorists who are hell bent on destroying America and our allies. We have got to have all options out there on the table.

GIBSON: You said recently, in your old church, "Our national leaders are sending U.S. soldiers on a task that is from God." Are we fighting a holy war?

PALIN: You know, I don't know if that was my exact quote.

GIBSON: Exact words.

PALIN: But the reference there is a repeat of Abraham Lincoln's words when he said -- first, he suggested never presume to know what God's will is, and I would never presume to know God's will or to speak God's words. But what Abraham Lincoln had said, and that's a repeat in my comments, was let us not pray that God is on our side in a war or any other time, but let us pray that we are on God's side.

Really? Is that what she said? It may be what she heard in her head, but that's not what we heard. And I'm pretty sure God's will is not to further the gas pipeline of Alaska. When you are able to chew on your stockings, it's time to remove that foot from your mouth.

Matt Damon on Sarah Palin

In the spirit of yellow journalism (which seems to be pretty mainstream these days), here a video of Matt Damon commenting on the qualifications of Sarah Palin. It took two people to paste together a few GOP comments for this "report" on Matt Damon for expressing his concerns over Sarah Palin's shortfalls. In case you didn't know, the 1st amendment apparently only applies when the GOP wants it to.

So of course I registered and submitted my reply. The rant from kaityapple can be seen on page 20 of the Boston Herald report, or just keep scrolling.

"When you need a face, a personality, name recognition to raise money for charity it's okay to use the Hollywood "elite." When you need to further your propaganda, er agenda, it's okay to use the Hollywood "elite" for "Lions for Lambs" types of movies. But God forbid that the "elite" want to utilize their celebrity status for something as mundane as the future of the United States of America, to utilize their voice to rally Americans to question the future leadership of America and cause you to question who you are voting for and why...NOW we have issues with their judgment?

We'll buy what they're wearing, eating, driving, just plain holding for a photo op, but oh no, I'm not going to let them influence who I vote for because he's a college drop out. Well, you drop out after 4 years of Harvard and then we'll talk about who has the right to speak. Yeah he's young, didn't quite finish college, and oh yeah won an Oscar, but who is he to speak! A US citizen for one--and that's all you need.

If you want to question the integrity, voting history, leadership skills of Barrack Obama who is "only" a community organizer...and oh yeah SENATOR of the United States, you had better think twice and check how the Governor of Alaska stacks up next to Joe Biden, her counterpart. Simply being a POW, a woman, a minority, or a career politician does not make you READY to be president. And if you're too short-sighted to recognize your current weaknesses and limitations then please, let's talk again in four years. In the meantime, go drive on your bridge to nowhere and marvel at the wonderful pipeline that will tap into Alaska's natural gas supply...oh wait, they're both very expensive yet non-existent. Nevermind. Read the unbiased news reports, learn to think critically for yourself and then vote for who will make America a better country for your family, your friends and your future generations."

I Do Declare!

Only YOU can silence yourself!

If you haven't picked up on the theme of this political season--please please please register to vote and make yourself heard. Being a citizen of this or any other country, comes with great civic responsibility. You can donate your time, money, or skills to a great charity but as a citizen of the United States of America, the great equalizer is the one vote, one voice you have to shape this great country of ours. After you vote, send me a pic or shoot me an email about what you did with your "I Voted" sticker.

Where the Hell is Matt?

Dane Cook Vicious Cycle

Movie Part I



Movie Part II



I could use some treats. :)

Crying



Bacon & Eggs

Do Something!

What we're all about

Do Something believes you have the power to make a difference. It is our aim to inspire, support and celebrate a generation of doers: people who see the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action. At DoSomething.org we provide the tools and resources for you to convert your ideas and energy into positive action. Be part of a generation of doers.

Five guidelines we live by:

1. Believe in teenagers. Teenagers can lead today. We don't require adults.
2. Trust teenagers. We provide reliable, easy to access information and activation strategies, but teens decide for themselves what to do.
3. Celebrate teenagers. We think all measurable contributions from teens are valuable.
4. Respect teenagers. We understand that teenagers have diverse abilities and constraints.
5. Value teenagers. Our programs and products are free. We're not after teens' money; we want their passion, time and creativity.

Celebs Gone Good

If you're not a teen, you are Old People

Advocate your way. What's your thing?

Get off your sofa and Act Now!

In the name of all things youthful, honest and good, I love the title of this organization. What don't you get? DO SOMETHING!!! Nothing politically correct, culturally sensitive, nothing to balance out except if you want to change something, ACT NOW! In the words of Ghandi, "Be the change you want to see in the world." Are we Old People going to wait for the do something generation to get to it or are we going to own up to our own sins of the past and clean it up? The choice is yours.

If you are 18+ you can vote: with your ballots, your dollars, the words you speak, the businesses you frequent, the jobs you hold, the values you communicate to your kids, friends and neighbors. Or sit there and do nothing, cuz the next guy will handle it. Unless you're the next guy we were waiting for. My greatest fear for the Presidential Election is that everyone who wants change will forget to vote. Please vote, then rant! Comment here!

We Can Solve It!

"The We Campaign is a project of The Alliance for Climate Protection -- a nonprofit, nonpartisan effort founded by Nobel laureate and former Vice President Al Gore. Our ultimate aim is to halt global warming. Specifically we are educating people in the US and around the world that the climate crisis is both urgent and solvable. We must save our economy, lower fuel costs, free ourselves from our addiction to oil, and solve the climate crisis. To do this, we must demand that we Repower America with 100% clean electricity within 10 years."

I'm tired of paying $50 for a tank of gas. I rented a Prius for a week, went 250 miles and filled it up for $20. Talk about flashbacks to owning a Civic back in the 90's. I envy my friend's Prius and of course the carpool sticker! I can't afford a Hybrid, so I'll own up to owning a small SUV. I do enjoy the power and being elevated when I drive in the crazy streets of LA. But should we have to choose between getting to work and feeding our families? Is "Drill Baby Drill" really the battle cry we've been waiting for? GIVE ME AN ALTERNATIVE TO MY CURRENT DILEMMA! Who killed the electric car? Off-shore drilling, drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, creating more pipelines is an idea whose time has passed. If we are to decrease our dependence on foreign oil we must first decrease our dependence on OIL foreign or domestic. A nation that can send men to the moon, spend billions of dollars on space exploration and desalinate salt water can't come up with a viable alternative to the gas guzzling, smoke spouting, clunkers that roam our streets? I don't believe that. Speaking of which, weren't they predicting that cars were going to fly in the year 2000?

Grassroots Partners

Take Action

Solutions

We Are Succeeding

more than 1,529,275 have joined. join we.

The Campaign to Make Poverty History

"For more than a year, ONE members have been trailing the presidential candidates asking them to go on the record with their plans to combat global poverty. Now we're taking our message to the airways with this major new TV ad. The ad features Matt Damon with different Americans' voices - among them Michelle Obama, Cindy McCain and Mayor Bloomberg."

Take Action!

Partners Working with One
This is a short list--click the link for full list.

Bread for the World
World Vision

Emergent Village
Habitat for Humanity
Heifer International
Hindu American Foundation
International Justice Mission
Islamic Relief
NASW
Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA)
Soujourners
The United Methodist Church
USA for Africa
US Fund for UNICEF
Union for Reform Judaism
United Nations Foundation
Water Partners International
World Bicycle Relief
Youth AIDS

What the Peeps are Saying...

"And then there was One" by Thomas Friedman

"Attacks, Praise Stretch Truth at GOP Convention" by Jack Kuhnhenn

" Analysis: McCain sincere, short on answers" by Bill Schneider

John McCain: Make a Contribution; Start Earning Points; Recruit 5 Friends to Team McCain; Donate to the Compliance Fund

Barack Obama: Stop the Smears

update: What would Don Draper do? by Natasha Vargas-Cooper

update: Palin Billed State for Nights Spent at Home by James V. Grimaldi & Karl Vick

update: Palin's Pipeline is Years From Being a Reality by Serge Kovaleski

OMG! OMG! OMG!

I don't pretend to know more about politics than I really do, because I really don't. So as the average American voter, I've been pretty ignorant of politics but this year, my blood is boiling. I watched most of the Democratic National Convention. The speeches were interesting, I really did want to know what Hillary, Bill and others would say about the Obama/Biden ticket. This week I've been too busy and too bored to watch the Republican National Convention. Until tonight!









I watched the speeches leading up to the Palin nomination and I must say I was sorely disappointed.

The Gov of Hawaii made a speech re Palin and said that Obama and Biden have no executive experience, have never lead a city, state, or managed a multi-million dollar budget... um, hello, has McCain? Bottomline, Senators have more national power than Governors do... and that statement pokes a hole in the Presidential candidate too... which just proves that McCain is reckless and has no follow through. Never mind the family politics, although how you run your family does reflect how you run anything else... Palin has so much scandal going on its ghetto-fabulous. He should have picked Huckabee or anyone who has a decent political showing. Sad.

Giuliani is so butchering his speech right now its SO SAD! Giuliani wants to talk about "on the job training" and no experience leading in crisis. hello? The President IS on the job training unless its your second term. you can't KNOW the job until you're in it. Even Hillary didn't really know what it took... and crisis? Because McCain was in the war and Obama grew up in peace time? Because Giuliani was mayor during 9-11 but otherwise sucked big time? Who are they kidding? And he's taking stupid cues from the audience. I'm 5 minutes from Palin's speech, otherwise i would turn it off. I haven't watched any of this yet because of the stupidity. "Drill baby drill?"

Per People.com "former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani brought the crowd to its feet when he lit into those who question how Palin could be vice president and also take care of her children. "How dare they?" Giuliani bellowed. "When do they ever ask a man that question? How dare they?!" Cindy McCain, with baby Trig Palin in her arms, stood to join the shouted refrain." I agree. You don't ask that of a male politician because you already know the answer--they don't. The wife is usually at home with the staff to take care of the family. What you might have noticed from this convention... Mr. Palin is not Mr. Mom. He doesn't hold Trig, but for a second, and doesn't seem quite so happy to be there as the ladies are. So the question isn't if Palin will have enough time for her kids so much as who's watching the kids? The parentified teens or the non-maternal father figure?









(update: read his speech)

Palin stated that the difference between Pit Bulls and Soccer Moms are that Soccer Moms wear lipstick. Huh? Is that supposed to be supportive? Dogged determination? I have to say, I did like her outfit and her lipstick color choice. Although her baby Trig was being tossed around like a football. First her daughter Bristol held him, while holding the hand of the teen who got her in the family way. Because I'm sure that's a picture of Family Values that RNC wants to portray. Then Cindy McCain until finally Mr. Palin had a turn. For a minute before the youngest daughter held him in her lap...she licked her palm and then matted the kid's hair down, it was cute. Read her speech for yourself.

Can someone please explain what McCain meant when he said he would rather lose an election than lose a war? I don't get it. If he won the election, couldn't he put an end to the war? Or does he think that if Obama won, the war would be over but it wouldn't necessarily be "won"? What exactly are we trying to "win" over there anyway?

Ok, so I'm a ranting. Read this first and then post your comments and let me know what you're thinking about politics these days.

Update: Read this fact check!!!

100 Ways to Cut 100 Calories

"Who knew fighting fat could be so much fun?"

Ok, to be fair and to lessen the blow of the previous post, here's a fun way to be healthy. Among my favorites...

52. Have fun when you get back to work: Twirl 123 times in your office chair (try not to puke).

53. E-mail for 68 minutes.

54. Get casual for 4 days: A study shows that people take 491 more steps and burn 25 more calories on days they wear jeans to work.

98. Spend 53 minutes learning the French alphabet.

Eat This! Not That!

Sometimes you need the guy-mentality to say it like it is. Especially when it comes to this health craze and diet mania. Yes, it is an American thing. As my bro said, notice how the American Olympic athletes need to cut back on their diet while other countries need to supplement their usual diet in order to compete? Progress? No, let's just call it like it is--gluttony. :)

Here's a list of recent to do or not to do. Think you know all the answers? Take the test and find out!

The 20 Unhealthiest Drinks in America

14 Health Foods That Aren't!

The 125 Healthiest Supermarket Foods in America

America’s Best and Worst Restaurants for Kids

Lose Weight Eating Restaurant Food

National Convention Stages Set

The conventions are coming! The conventions are coming! Are you registered? If not, why not? Do it for the sticker you get that says you voted. The sticker that shows you cared to give 15 minutes of your time to show up and vote and let your voice be heard. As the saying goes, you can't complain if you didn't vote. So vote and then let's hear your rants! In the meantime, what do you make of this? I say Dems are smoke and magic and Reps are evoking "Old America" for better or for worse. Though I have to say, the pics will probably look better for Old America.

Did you sign up for Obama's VP text announcement? I did!

The Girl in the Window

You can't win as a social worker in child welfare. You're always doing too much or not enough. That said, this story of Dani had truly horrible origins but has worked out for the best.

When the child was found by police,"The mother's statement was: 'I'm doing the best I can,' " the detective said. "I told her, 'The best you can sucks!' "

"In my entire career with the child welfare system, I don't ever remember a child like Danielle," said Luanne Panacek, executive director of the Children's Board of Hillsborough County. "It makes you think about what does quality of life mean? What's the best we can hope for her? After all she's been through, is it just being safe?"
That fall, Panacek decided to include Danielle in the Heart Gallery — a set of portraits depicting children available for adoption. The Children's Board displays the pictures in malls and on the Internet in hopes that people will fall in love with the children and take them home.

Dani's adoptive parents said, "So what if Danielle is not everything we hoped for? Bernie and Diane answered. You can't pre-order your own kids. You take what God gives you."

This story should move you to action--to always report any suspicions of child abuse; to become a foster parent, adoptive parent or legal guardian for a child in need; to rally those around you in your work, church, family and friends to do something in the name of a child. What can I do? Plenty. Foster, mentor, donate your services. Start clicking!

Randy Pausch's Last Lecture

Are you "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams"? Professor Randy Pausch of Carnegie Mellon University (Oct. 23, 1960 - July 25, 2008) gave his lecture on September 18, 2007. Some of the topics covered--macs, brick walls, large stuffed animals, & Disneyland--what more could one ask for? For more, visit www.cmu.edu/randyslecture.

Bloggy

Blogging is fun! And super time consuming. To expand my command of the blogosphere, I have added new blogs to my repertoire. All Things Entertainment, All Things Faith, All Things Travel. It's all in development so give it some time and then post comments galore. Thanks for reading!

Bacheha-Ye aseman

Originating from Iran this film was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film Academy Award in 1999.

If you have a brother, sister or a pair of shoes, this movie is for you. I highly recommend it, but don't take my word for it.

Card Parade

A few of my card making endeavors. Thanks to my Stampin Guru Sue.

Torture is Wrong

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog. I was at a loss for words regarding my blog name and content. So I'll just share everything that's relevant to me. Check back to see photos, crafts, ramblings and of course all things USC Trojan!