My Interests

I like Conan O'Brien

2010-01-12T12:48:00.000-08:00

I like him more than Jay Leno but I must be one of a few. The statement linked below from him is very interesting, in it he reminds us all about the legacy of The Tonight Show, Johnny Carson, and the impact it might have on the show to start at midnight. I think he makes a compelling argument not to change the time it airs.

Conan O’Brien Says He Won’t Host ‘Tonight Show’ Following Leno

Dubai Tower - 2,717 Feet

2010-01-04T10:24:00.000-08:00

Wow...what looks odd to me is that the skyline is pretty much flat with a few exceptions, but this tower is just beautiful.

Economy Is Down, but Dubai Tower Tops All

I Love Photographs

2009-12-30T10:30:00.000-08:00

The New York Times article Documenting the Decade : 10 Years of Readers Photographs has some beautiful shots, unfortunately the story they tell of the decade is full of sadness. However there certainly are high points like the section from 2008 when Barack Obama was elected the 44th President of the United States.

My favorite photo is a picture of a Coronet 500 from a parade in July 2009. I would post it but the link is not available. Wow, look at that blue!

Happy 2010 to All!

Time off

2009-12-22T06:29:00.000-08:00

I am off the rest of the week for the holiday and am loving it! I love my job but it has been very busy and difficult, because of this I enjoy time off even more than before. I just need the break.

I have holiday shopping to do which I think will be fun, lets see how busy the mall can be on Christmas Eve. Good luck with your shopping and such!

Help

2009-11-30T07:58:00.000-08:00

You may have noticed that I have not be able to post recently, I am much busier than usual and many times by the evening the last thing I want to do is look at a computer. But I love my blog so I am looking for guest posters to help fill in the space. If you think you would like to give it a go and blog on my site now is the time to let me know.

Some recent thoughts:

How the heck does a couple not on the invite list get into a White House state dinner? This should be impossible, it reminds me of the man who walked freely into Buckingham Palace and talked to the Queen of England.

What is going on with Tiger Woods and the car accident. This may be cynical but maybe his wife was actually attacking him with the golf club. What irony. :)

For local folks:

The Buffalo Bills beat Miami - now that is how it should go!

The early part of yesterday was a beautiful day in Buffalo, I took a walk in Delaware Park behind the Albright Knox Art Gallery and could not help but notice how nice the park looked. You can tell that attention is being paid to the Rose Garden and the areas for kids to play, I saw new park benches and people just enjoying the atmosphere. Way to go Buffalo Parks or is that the county, I can't remember.

I was also fortunate enough to go to the Burchfield/Penny Art Center for a visit. The whole gallery collection has changed since the last time I went to the gallery five or six months ago. For those of you Christmas shopping the gallery store has great options for gifts.

Health Care Reform

2009-10-15T07:32:00.000-07:00

Two thoughts about health care reform:

Is it possible that the Republicans who have not supported health care reform will pay with lost votes back home? It is not just Democrats in the country that want change.

Because of her willingness to vote for the bill is Olympia Snowe The Last Sane Republican?

Smartest Cities

2009-10-06T05:53:00.000-07:00

From The Daily Beast a list of what they believe to be the 55 smartest cities in the country. Of course my city did not make the list which surprises or maybe does not surprise me. Anyway the criteria they use is interesting, they consider items like number of college degrees of residents, non-fiction book sales, political engagement. I am not sure how scientific it is but it was an interesting read, number one is Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina.

Americas Smartest Cities-From First to Worst

Has it really been over a month since I posted?

2009-09-30T05:54:00.000-07:00

I guess so, I still see interesting things but wish I had more time to surf and post. Here is was has caught my eye recently:

This is depressing - Alternative Energy Projects Stumble on a Need for Water

Have you been watching the PBS mini series The National Parks: America's Best Idea? It consists of six, 2 hour episodes and tells the history of our national parks. It started Sunday night and airs every night from 8-10:00 till Friday. It has been fascinating to watch and makes me glad I have both a high definition TV and FiOS!

I have also been sucked into another FX show, Sons of Anarchy. What am I a closet biker? The characters are interesting and so is the dialog. I recently read that the major networks are making less and less dramas because of the cost. To keep competitive they keep recycling shows (NBC with 2 nights of SNL) and/or creating more reality shows. What this means for me is that I watch other networks who have dramas. How can FX create dramas and make money but the major networks are not able to do so?

2009-08-26T09:46:00.000-07:00

Do you see those very small people in the lower part of the picture, I hope that is me in April.

A Honda Chopper?

2009-08-25T06:17:00.000-07:00

Yep, that's a Honda!

A Chopper in Looks but a Honda Inside

The Lockerbie Bomber part 2

2009-08-24T13:10:00.000-07:00

It may be that I was very naive about the truth behind the release of the Lockerbie bomber.

"Nobody has yet proved that the British government struck a deal with Tripoli—the return of the bomber for lucrative contracts with the oil-rich Libyans—but the circumstantial evidence that something was going on behind the scenes is growing daily. There is a bad smell in London that no amount of official spin can dissipate—and the cast of characters that might have been involved in any deal would not be out of place in a Bond movie".

Why the Lockerbie Bomber Was Freed

Interesting article about heatlh care around world

2009-08-20T12:24:00.000-07:00

Opinion piece from Noble Prize winner in Economics Paul Krugman

"Let’s talk about health care around the advanced world. Every wealthy country other than the United States guarantees essential care to all its citizens. There are, however, wide variations in the specifics, with three main approaches taken."

The Swiss Menace

Lockerbie Convict Release

2009-08-20T08:35:00.000-07:00

I am not sure how I feel about the release of the man convicted of the Lockerbie bombing. On the one hand he showed no compassion for his 270 victims, on the other hand have we become like him if we do not show compassion? Is his release a lesson for us all?

Scotland Lets Lockerbie Convict Return to Libya

8/21 - The hero's welcome for this convict has me both angry and discouraged, taking the moral high ground can be very trying.

Worried

2009-08-13T09:09:00.000-07:00

This whole summer break and health care reform has me worried. The tone of the conversation has changed to anger and the voices that seem to be missing from the conversation are those who support some type of universal coverage. The missing voice is from those who voted Obama and many other democrats into office.
I do not know the best way to provide coverage for those in our country who can not afford it but surely there are few among us who believe it is OK for them to go without a basic need like this.

We can afford universal health care coverage

2009-07-08T12:29:00.000-07:00

and don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

"The Congressional Budget Office has looked at the future of American health insurance, and it works."

HELP Is on the Way

So very busy lately

2009-07-08T05:17:00.000-07:00

Random thoughts:

The long 4th of July weekend tired me out.

I am still shocked by the attention Michael Jackson is getting. I am also shocked that in a news clip this morning I saw his young daughter on stage at the funeral, who puts a 10 year old on stage just after they have lost their father?

I wish it were just a little warmer here in Buffalo.

Feeling age catching up with me, parents and aunts getting older and in some cases sick.

Trying to think of a good spot for a cheap late summer vacation.

Have you been watching Nurse Jackie on Showtime? OMG - this show can make me laugh and cry.

How about Rescue Me on FX? This has the makings of a Showtime or HBO series and it makes me laugh too.

I am looking forward to attending a lecture this evening called Design Matters from a UB School of Architecture and Planning professor. The lecture is part of the UB This Summer program, and is FREE!

Art Gallery of Ontario

2009-06-04T13:57:00.001-07:00

Amazing interior shot of the stairwell I happily climbed.

Nissan Cube

2009-06-02T07:26:00.000-07:00

I don't want one but I love the look.

Bulldog in a Box, in Shades

Art Gallery of Ontario

2009-05-28T10:46:00.000-07:00

What you see is the renovation of the gallery done by Frank Gehry (yes Gehry!), the inside is spectacular. To me this is a must see for anyone visiting Toronto, the gallery collection is wonderful and enormous. While at the gallery I also recommend visiting The Grange, the home that was donated to house the gallery in 1911. There is an archeological dig going on by the Anthropological Services of Ontario of the home that is very unusual. I am already planning my trip back for another visit.

The Office White House Flickr Site

2009-05-22T06:15:00.000-07:00

I wish I could include one of the awesome photos. I hope you are able to take a look, all I can do is smile. (via jerry)

The Official White House Photostream's photostream

Cap and Trade Explained in Simple Terms

2009-05-21T09:04:00.000-07:00

I believe Paul Krugman is very good at taking complicated issues and simplifying them, like he does in this Opinion piece about Cap and Trade:

The Perfect, the Good, the Planet

Interesting articles

2009-05-19T10:04:00.000-07:00

The frightening first:

Bush-Cheney 2012? (That is Jeb and Dick)

Next a workhorse:

Hubble's Astounding Photos

Last but certainly not least:

How Much Money Do Reality TV Stars Make? (OK, I am hooked on a few of these shows!)

German Community without CARS!

2009-05-12T09:05:00.001-07:00

Yep, just about NO cars and it is a suburb!

In German Suburb, Life Goes On Without Cars

Busy, Busy, Busy...

2009-04-22T09:20:00.000-07:00

but I did notice these interesting articles:

Executive at Freddie Mac Is Found Dead

It looks like suicide, this is shocking to me.

An Effort to Save Flint, Mich., by Shrinking It

For my local followers, can you image shrinking the size of Buffalo to a point where you create more vibrant neighborhoods, make it easier to deliver city services, have more opportunity for retail to thrive.

"Ban on images of American war dead ended last night."

2009-04-07T09:25:00.000-07:00

About a month ago I watched the HBO special "Taking Chance" and was moved by the story of Chance Phelps and the care and respect shown to our fallen soldiers. I have watched Taking Chance twice and was equally moved the second time. With the family's permission I prefer that these photos are made public both to show the true cost of war and the respect our nation pays to our war dead. My feelings are best summed up in The Daily Beast article The Photos Bush Didn't Want You to See, and in particular by this quote from the article:

"The Pentagon itself had continued to take pictures of the returning casualties until 2005, at the height of the Iraq war. They remain some of the most respectful images imaginable, of Honor Guards in dress uniform and aircraft crews escorting their fallen comrades home. They document the honorable way our government brings U.S. troops home from combat."

Quotes I must post

2009-04-04T09:08:00.000-07:00

From the April 6, Time Magazine Verbatim:

"It is time for France to be true to it's conscience."
Herve Morin, French Defense Minister, announcing that the nation will pay out more than 13.5 million to people with illnesses resulting from decades of nuclear testing.

Many have touted the use of nuclear power as the answer to our energy issues but it is not all good news.

"This finding will officially end the era of denial of global warming."
Ed Markey, head of the House climate-change committee, on the EPA's conclusion that greenhouse gases threaten public health.

Finally, finally, finally we are finished with the cloud that has hung over this issue.

Ford CEO pay goes down

2009-03-24T13:49:00.000-07:00

I find this refreshing, it seems only fair that if profits go down so does your pay in the case of a CEO of a major US company. Is there a lesson in this for A.I.G.? I wonder if this is true of the CEO's of GM and Chrysler?

Ford CEO Compensation Drops 37 Percent In 2008

I also wonder if Ford will ultimately come out the winner in the race to see which American car manufacturers survive.

The Neues Museum, Berlin

2009-03-12T10:36:00.001-07:00

The first photo taken in 1943 shows the ruins after WWII, the second a shot of the interior after a major renovation.

It is “a modern building that inhabits the ghost of an old one.”

Slide Show: The Reborn Neues Museum

The Republican response to the financial crisis

2009-03-12T06:32:00.000-07:00

After so very few Republicans voted for the stimulus package I started wondering if not the stimulus than what? There was no other alternative offered and doing nothing from what I have learned is the worst thing you can do. In a recent Op-Ed piece David Brooks writes:

"The G.O.P. leaders have adopted a posture that allows the Democrats to make all the proposals while all the Republicans can say is “no.” They’ve apparently decided that it’s easier to repeat the familiar talking points than actually think through a response to the extraordinary crisis at hand."

David Brooks: Taking a Depression Seriously

Is there any good news out there?

2009-03-09T08:04:00.000-07:00

This piece by Christopher Buckley, Click Here For Good News! made me think about the news headlines I would like to see. How about:

Recession: The Worst is Over
Finally Health Care Coverage For All
New York State Budget Surplus for 2010
High Speed Rail service Begins from Toronto to NY City
Unemployment Numbers to New Low
US Leader in Development of Green Technology

and one should not forget:

Buffalo Bills win Super Bowl
Buffalo Sabres Stanley Cup Champions
Resident of Tonawanda wins NYS Lotto

Winter on Cape Cod

2009-03-06T09:33:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite summer vacation spots.

Sounds of Silence on Cape Cod

Buckley, Limbaugh, Harvard, Buffet

2009-03-04T13:17:00.000-08:00

A few interesting articles:

Christopher Buckley - My Brush with Rush: How Limbaugh tried (and failed) to replace my dad.

College Campuses as Affordable Travel Destinations
I have to admit that I visited Harvard because I just had to see it. I am not the only one because walking tours are regularly available Don't forget to stop by the bookstore for goodies!

Warren Buffet's letter to shareholders (via kottke)

Such a sad day

2009-02-14T09:19:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I learned of the crash of flight 3407 at 7:00 a.m., I can not explain the terror I immediately felt when I learned it crashed in Clarence Center. I have friends and loved ones within a mile of the crash site and was fortunate to find out that they were all safe. My heart and prayers go out to those who lost loved ones yesterday. It is a terrible tragedy that I will never forget, be it for the winds blowing in another direction or some thing impacting that plane a little differently I too could have lost some to the most important people in my life.

Through out the day I was not able to totally shake the fear I felt in the morning. Yesterday was also a very important day for a close friend who completed a long journey to earning her PhD. It so happens that we celebrated this accomplishment at her home last night in Clarence Center. During this celebration I was able to reconnect with friends living close to the disaster site, it was only then and after a glass of wine that I was really able to relax and process the day's events. As one of the party goers put it "it just was not our time" and another saying "my story was not ready to be told". It is hard to find any solace in this but maybe some acceptance.

Please keep those who lost loved ones yesterday in your thoughts and prayers.

Back to reality...

2009-02-12T09:20:00.000-08:00

and it can be a depressing reality. Below are links to two articles that I found interesting:

Dubai is experiencing a severe economic downturn too and when this happens instead of abandoning their homes they abandon their cars at the Dubai Airport:

"With Dubai’s economy in free fall, newspapers have reported that more than 3,000 cars sit abandoned in the parking lot at the Dubai Airport, left by fleeing, debt-ridden foreigners (who could in fact be imprisoned if they failed to pay their bills). Some are said to have maxed-out credit cards inside and notes of apology taped to the windshield."

Laid-Off Foreigners Flee as Dubai Spirals Down

Are you angry about the economic situation we are forced to deal with? I am but I have not found a real outlet for my anger unless swearing at the television counts! I am furious that the last administration basically took a sh** on our country then were able to just walk away. Dan Rather has a little different twist than I but asks:

Where's The Outrage?

Super Bowl 43, thats me!

2009-02-03T13:42:00.000-08:00

Right hand side of the picture in the end zone about 30 rows up. It was an awesome experience that I hope to repeat. That stadium was rocking with Pittsburgh fans and you could not beat the game, half time entertainment or NFL Experience!

Off to Super Bowl 43

2009-01-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

By just about pure luck I am headed to Tampa for the Super Bowl today. I am sure it will be quite a spectacle. I am mostly excited to escape our winter weather!
Because my favorite football teams the Buffalo Bills and the UB Bulls are not playing (I know the Bulls can't play anyway) I will have to do with supporting the Arizonia Cardinals. Be sure to be watching, you never know I could end up on TV!

Debunking arguments against the stimulus package

2009-01-27T13:50:00.000-08:00

It takes a Nobel Prize winning economist to do it and Paul Krugman has:

"So as a public service, let me try to debunk some of the major antistimulus arguments that have already surfaced. Any time you hear someone reciting one of these arguments, write him or her off as a dishonest flack"

Bad Faith Economics

Happy, Happy, Happy

2009-01-23T11:53:00.000-08:00

Happy we have a new president!
Happy to have a vacation in Florida to go to the Super Bowl!
Happy it is 35 degrees today!

Interesting Articles:

Staff Finds White House in the Technological Dark Ages (via Buffalo Pundit)

‘Button’ and ‘Slumdog’ Lead Oscar Nods
I have seen Slumdog Millionaire, will see The Wrestler this weekend. Picking the Oscar winners is like sport to me!

If you are interested in the current economic situation I recommend:
Paul Krugman - The Return of DEPRESSION ECONOMICS And the Crisis of 2008

Video of a Bird Striking a Plane's Engine

2009-01-16T06:51:00.000-08:00

What a bird strike looks like (via Jerry):

http://www.flightlevel350.com/Aircraft_Boeing_757-200-Airline_Thomsonfly_Aviation_Video-8457.html

How Do You Re-use an Empty Suburb?

2009-01-12T13:17:00.000-08:00

What do you do with land in the suburbs that was cleared and readied for homes that will now not be built? The first thought that came to mind for me was use the land for prisons!

NY Times - What Will Save the Suburbs?

For my local readers Buffalo ReUse was mentioned in the article. :)

Also within the article is a link to Architecture 2030, and the 2030 Challenge Stimulus Plan. This plan is designed to help ALL Americans make energy efficient upgrades to their homes. Maybe, just maybe I will have some help making my home more energy efficient.

Winter Doldrums

2009-01-08T09:11:00.000-08:00

It is not so much that I have the blues as that I wish I were warm. Even with my new furnace when I sit at night and watch TV I am covered with a blanket. I think my nose has been cold since early November. I wish there was an escape like the animals that hibernate (nice rhyme!).

"I wanted to get inside by the fire, to drink something strong, to eat something sweet, to find a bear’s den of deep sleep. If you live in the north, in places where the sun is an unreliable companion for many months, you can’t escape the urge to hide and hoard in winter."

NY Times Opinion - Hibernation Blues

NY Times: Democrats See a Path to Seat for Burris

2009-01-07T09:43:00.000-08:00

Say it is not so Joe! I am rushed again but this has me angry with the Dems:

Reid Says Burris Might Ultimately Get Senate Seat

I have had some time to read the article and even with this:

"Mr. Burris, whose appointment was challenged because of the federal corruption inquiry surrounding Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich, has to win the signature of the Illinois secretary of state and persuade a state legislative committee considering Mr. Blagojevich’s impeachment that there was nothing untoward about his selection.

“If that comes to a positive conclusion, as we believe it will, the next step is for the Rules Committee to review what has come together here on a bipartisan basis and recommend to the United States Senate, both Democrats and Republicans, the next step,” Mr. Durbin said."

I am still very uncomfortable with this change of heart, at this point why is Blagojevich able to make any appointments? He is a smear to the Democratic party and I wish him a speedy trail and jail time.

Bush scandals revisited

2009-01-06T13:52:00.000-08:00

I am just reading this and had a minute to post, more later...

The Daily Beast - 20 Forgotten Bush Scandals

Back to work

2009-01-05T13:43:00.001-08:00

The holiday dinners and parties are over, it is time to get back to work. I have wonderful holiday memories again this year and am adding to that attendance at the International Bowl in Toronto.

My thoughts:

I love Toronto!
The Rogers Centre is awesome, I can not imagine a better venue for football in January in the Northeast. The Roof Is Closed!
Thank you UB Bulls for an exciting season and congratulations on being invited to your first bowl game!
Congratulations to the UB 1958 football team, another reason to be proud of UB.
Have you seen the new addition to the Royal Ontario Museum, the Michael Lee - Chin Crystal? I can not wait to go back and get inside it!
Wow, that beautiful Canadian city has traffic.

Happy New Year to All!

Make me smile!

2008-12-22T10:10:00.000-08:00

I think the last few days of getting ready for Xmas, getting a new furnace, the constant snow, and lingering concerns about the economy have finally tired me out. To counteract some of this I went searching for things to make me smile.

Christopher Buckley - The Old Zeitgeist Vs. the New Zeitgeist
When did 401(k) statements replace waterboarding as the primary instrument of torture?

I had a little trouble today finding any other things on line that made me smile. Do you have any to add?

What do Blagojevich and Tony Soprano have in common?

2008-12-10T05:51:00.000-08:00

What is going on with Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich, of Illinois? I have to say this guy is an SOB! The more I read about him the more I am disgusted. Check out his interesting tidbit:

It's time to play Name That Goon! Rod Blagojevich vs. Tony Soprano.

I was glad to hear that Obama’s Effort on Ethics Bill Had Role in Governor’s Fall.

Lock the bum up!

Venice Under Water

2008-12-02T12:52:00.001-08:00

I want to be like these guys - there is nothing much they can do about the flooding so why not have a glass of wine, laugh a little and people watch.

Floodwaters in Venice Begin to Recede

Be sure to check out the extra photos.

A Thankful Day

2008-11-27T07:41:00.000-08:00

There is a good deal of turmoil going on in the world today but amid it all I am very thankful for my many blessings. The most important of which are my family and friends.

Best Wishes to all!

Just sleeping

2008-11-26T10:40:00.000-08:00

I could not resist posting this picture from The End, an article by Michael Lewis from Portfolio.com. I prefer to think of the bull as taking a long deserved nap. All those market ups and downs can tire a bull out.

The article is excellent, for example:

"Eisman (a Wallstreet analyst) wasn’t, in short, an analyst with a sunny disposition who expected the best of his fellow financial man and the companies he created. “You have to understand,” Eisman says in his defense, “I did subprime first. I lived with the worst first. These guys lied to infinity. What I learned from that experience was that Wall Street didn’t give a shit what it sold.”

Newer website

2008-11-26T09:40:00.000-08:00

I am finding that The Daily Beast is a good site to add to my regular reading list. With blogs and stories by writers such as Tina Brown, Christopher Buckley, and Tucker Carlson, the content is varied and edgy.

Auto Bailouts

2008-11-18T10:20:00.000-08:00

I am not sure what to say about the possibility of bailouts for the US automakers. There seem to be positives to both bailing them out and letting them go into bankruptcy. Frankly it angers me that a company (banks can be included here too) can make bad business decisions and when they begin to suffer the consequences of those decisions the US taxpayers bail them out. But it is difficult to not consider the three million people who work in this industry and the impact bankruptcy would have on them and their communities. So here are my questions:

How about bailout money with many strings attached? Like certain things must be done - re-tooling of plants, development of more cars with green technology, certain miles per gallon limits etc.

Would a bailout just put off the inevitable bankruptcy down the road? To support this thought an article from the NY Times - A British Lesson on Auto Bailouts.

What would bankruptcy really look like? What effects would it have on employees, sales of new cars, how many people would loose their job?

What do you think?

I always wondered why...

2008-11-06T06:33:00.000-08:00

"Mr. Obama’s election may also be a political milestone, ending an era in which Republicans succeeded at winning votes from the working poor to cut taxes for billionaires. That was the Republican Party’s great success over the last 40 years. Blue-collar Americans regularly voted like stockbrokers because they felt more at home with Republican traditional values."

NY Times Op-Ed - The Obama Dividend

This is the piece about the last two elections that I have the most difficulty understanding. Many of those who voted for the republicans in 2000 and 2004 voted for an administration that did nothing to benefit them. Wages dropped, jobs were lost, less people with health care, sons and daughters sent off to war, but they still voted for this party. My hope is that things turn around enough for more people that they start to realize who is really watching out for their best interests.

Yes We Can

2008-11-05T05:41:00.000-08:00

Today is the day

2008-11-04T05:22:00.000-08:00

Get Out There and VOTE! This is your opportunity to be heard.

This is what is on my mind today:

Will this end up being a record turn out for a presidential election?
What would our government look like if 50% or 60 % of our citizens voted?
Will Obama win like the pundits are predicting?
Will the Democrats gain more seats in the House and Senate?
Does this mean the end of an era for the Republican party?
Is it possible for McCain to win this election?

And most importantly - What will the political landscape look like tomorrow?

Early voting & were the banks suppose to loan that money?

2008-10-30T09:14:00.000-07:00

Two interesting NY Times editorials

1. The Success of Early Voting. Why don't we have early voting in New York State? I would love to have already cast my ballet.

2. Loans? Did We Say We’d Do Loans?. Can you believe that the bailout money may not be going to loans for consumers, businesses, etc. but instead for banks to buy other banks. This one has me furious, it feels like taxpayers get screwed, then screwed on top of that, then screwed again.

This is rather interesting

2008-10-16T13:56:00.000-07:00

Maybe I should add Das Kapital to my reading list:

Booklovers turn to Karl Marx as financial crisis bites in Germany

Tired of the Up and Downs

2008-10-15T11:10:00.000-07:00

Most of the time during the day I read the NY Times on-line for my news (at night I prefer PBS or MSNBC). Last week and into this week it is getting more and more difficult for me to do so because of the graphic that has been on the Times homepage of the Dow Industrials. Seeing this everyday last week was just brutal, it was much better the beginning of this week but again today it is a sad sight.

My brain tells me to have patience with my l o n g term retirement investments but seeing this dam graph every day is just plain depressing!

The good news is that the last presidential debate is this evening, thank god, lets just vote already!

The Palin/McCain ticket

2008-09-19T06:30:00.000-07:00

One of the funniest news items to me yesterday was that during a campaign speech Sara Palin referred to the Palin/McCain administration.

I saw the video of this last night on MSNBC (Keith Olberman), I searched this morning but could not find the video, it was just priceless!

Tina Fey and John McCain

2008-09-05T06:43:00.000-07:00

When I first saw pictures of Sarah Palin I thought wow she looks very familiar. I read some post that mentioned her likeness to one of my favorite actors/writers Tina Fey. I was soon betting with friends that Tina Fey would do a guest spot on Saturday Night Live (SNL) as Palin. We will see if that happens, the new season of SNL starts this Saturday, Sept. 6th.
In the mean time - in 2004 the photo above was taken for a Life magazine newspaper supplement (via Michael Calderone's Blog, Politico), I just find it amusing! Photo and post originally found on:

Poynter Online - Forums

9/8 - Update

The new season of SNL starts this Saturday, 9/13 not 9/6, sorry for the mistake!

Gov. Sarah Palin

2008-09-04T07:54:00.000-07:00

I could write a book of my opinions of the Republican's VP pick, there is plenty to read out there that says it better than I. Below are links to my favorite articles and info. I did find these two posts from the Shenanigans blog, Politico website funny:

Phonetic: New-clear

Palin's Teleprompter text showed the word nuclear spelled phonetically: new-clear. That word will follow the GOPers forever.

Overheard after Palin's speech

Overheard from Trent Lott, talking on a cell phone by the Saint Paul Hotel: "Her speech was a little long."

Opinion piece:

Thomas Friedman: And Then There Was One

Article:

NY Times: Easiest Task for Palin May Have Been Speech

Caucus Blog:

Biden on Palin: ‘Whoa’

Slow start to Republican National Convention

2008-09-02T06:01:00.000-07:00

I was thinking this morning of the irony that Gustov hit the golf coast towards the beginning of the Republican National Convention. I thought it very wise that on such an occasion the RNC decided to open their convention with very little fanfare. I am very happy that New Orleans was prepared this time and faired much better. What timing this storm has though, just in time to remind us all of the atrocious way the Bush administration handled the Katrina disaster. On those days after Katrina hit I was ashamed to be an American.

Democratic National Convention

2008-08-26T07:27:00.000-07:00

This is the first time I have been glued to the television for any political convention. Last night's opening to the Democratic Convention drew me in and keep me interested until the end. I watched it on PBS with commentary from the News Hour bunch (Jim Lehrer, Mark Sheilds, David Brooks) which makes a big difference - just about no commercials, experts to give background and history, in my mind the complete package.
I enjoyed hearing from former president Jimmy Carter, Ted Kennedy and Michelle Obama. The speech I am hearing least about in the news today was given by Jim Leach, former Republican Member of the US House of Representatives, Iowa. He recounted the history of both parties and their contributions to our nation and stated why he believed the Republican Party had lost it's way. Tonight the highlight for me will be the speech by Hillary Clinton.

Democratic National Convention

PBS: 2008 Vote

Former Republican Representative Jim Leach Speech

Bird's Nest

2008-08-25T05:53:00.001-07:00

Because of buildings like the Bird's Nest, I have added Beijing to my vacation wish list.

Day in Pictures

2008-08-18T06:18:00.001-07:00

Many of the photos I post are from the BBC Day in Pictures, as is this one of a London pool. The more photos I looked at I began to notice that they are often credited to Getty Images . I love their work and the colors of the umbrella above.

Wait list for Chevy Volt

2008-08-14T08:28:00.000-07:00

OK, it is an unofficial wait list but a New York blogger has over 34,000 people signed up. I wonder why the Volt wasn't developed sooner, it is suppose to be available November of 2010.

34,520 People (and Counting) Want a Chevrolet Volt

I wanted to include the link to the actual Volt blog but I am not able to bring it up. Maybe you can, it is in the article above.

Oil subsidies and the cost of gasoline

2008-07-28T06:06:00.000-07:00

I read an article about a month ago from a Canadian investment bank that pointed out that the increased cost of fuel was not affecting demand in countries that subsidize the cost of gas. Countries like Mexico, India and China fall into this category. Basically gas is still relatively cheap to the consumer in these countries so their is no real incentive to conserve. Why does this matter to you and I:

"The oil company BP, known for thorough statistical analysis of energy markets, estimates that countries with subsidies accounted for 96 percent of the world’s increase in oil use last year — growth that has helped drive prices to record levels.

In most countries that do not subsidize fuel, high prices have caused oil demand to stagnate or fall, as economic theory says they should. But in countries with subsidies, demand is still rising steeply, threatening to outstrip the growth in global supplies."

I am not sure what we can really do about this because this is a very hot political issue in these countries. I found it interesting to learn that we are not all suffering in the same way and it also highlighted to me that gas prices in the US may just always have to be high so that we will conserve.

I was glad to see an article today from the NY Times that discusses this issue, the quotes above are from the article:

Fuel Subsidies Overseas Take a Toll on U.S.

There is something good about $4.00 a gallon gas

2008-07-08T10:45:00.000-07:00

Like:

Globalized Jobs Return Home
Sprawl Stalls
Four-Day Workweeks

Plus more from an article in this week's issue of Time magazine:

10 Things You Can Like About $4 Gas

Please, please bring me a Four-Day Workweek!

Dubai's Moving Skyscraper

2008-07-03T09:48:00.000-07:00

This structure (when completed) will be "the world's first building in motion, an 80-story tower with revolving floors that give it an ever-shifting shape".

My favorite part is that it makes it's own power using wind generators located between each floor. (via Buffalo Ideas)

Short story and video link:

Dubai's Moving Skyscraper

New York City Waterfalls

2008-06-26T10:42:00.000-07:00

‘Waterfalls’ Display Opens on Harbor

What are you doing...What are you doing to get us out of here?

2008-06-25T15:20:00.000-07:00

This was a question asked of the American people by a US soldier stationed in Afghanistan on a NPR news show I just listened to.

All I can think to do is vote for change.

Awesome photo

2008-06-18T11:05:00.000-07:00

As you can tell I am drawn to certain photos, and this is one of them. The article attached to the photo is linked below.

Its Back Against the Wall, Airline Industry Looks to Come Clean

Normal is getting closer...

2008-06-06T06:01:00.000-07:00

Back from my second summer trip this one to Washington, DC then on to Wilmington, NC. I truly enjoyed DC, I have been there a few times but this is the first time I have seen the Roosevelt Memorial. It is very moving and taught me a great deal about our 32nd President. I could not help but contrast him to our present administration and feel depressed.
In Wilmington we stayed at Wrightsville Beach in the Cape Fear region, the weather was perfect, and the beach wonderful. My favorite beaches (at least at this point) are those in New England though.

More random thoughts:

Clinton is suppose to drop out of the democratic primary race this Sat., I will miss her. I wonder what role she will play in the next administration? I vote for a Obama/Clinton ticket!

Of course gas prices are still rising, I waited a little more than a week to buy gas and in that time period the price went up 10 cents a gallon. Will the prices become more stable soon?

I have way toooooo much work to do on my house.

My seasonal hay fever is driving me crazy today!

I would like to take another vacation, maybe this time to the Adirondacks (it is not looking likely!)

Lastly, I am so thankful it is Friday.

I miss posting

2008-05-07T13:31:00.000-07:00

Such a crazy time for me for about the last month or so. It has been difficult to post but I have not given up. Nancy W. your comments reminded me that someone out there reads this darn thing! Within a month or so it should be more like normal, what ever normal is...

Random thoughts:

Will the process of choosing a Democratic nominee ever end?
What the heck is up with $125 barrels of oil, in this respect our nation will be changed for ever.
Looking forward to another vacation to DC, then on to Wrightsville Beach, NC
I now respect George Bush senior after watching a pbs special on his life, what the heck happen to his son?
I loved the John Adams mini series from HBO.
I am already tired of mowing my lawn

Traveling

2008-04-23T13:54:00.000-07:00

Just got back from Cabo San Lucas Mexico, what an incredible place, especially 'El Arco". It was unusual too, with a unique (at least to me) landscape of mountains, desert, and ocean. The photo above is where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean very close to the rock formation called "the arch". I highly recommend it for a real departure from the everyday.

Bigger Trees Near Warter - David Hockney

2008-04-07T13:45:00.001-07:00

This is a huge painting and if you ask me just beautiful, it will soon reside at the Tate Gallery. More info:

Bigger Trees Near Warter

"Protest Disrupts Torch Relay in Paris"

2008-04-07T07:31:00.000-07:00

First London now Paris. I am starting to wonder if the upcoming Olympic games are going to run smoothly and I sympathize with why they protest.

"thousands of people from around Europe, many with Tibetan flags, massed to protest the passage of the flame, forcing police officers to bring the torch onto a bus to try to protect it and causing the torch to be extinguished at least once."

Three-thousand police officers were guarding the route, when the torch relay came through Buffalo quite a few years ago I could have just about touched it with out being stopped.

Protest Disrupts Torch Relay in Paris

Healing Salt Caves

2008-04-05T11:43:00.000-07:00

Seems that sitting in a "salt cave" may have a healing effect :

"Eastern Europeans have long thought that just sitting in naturally occurring salt caves could relieve allergies, asthma, eczema, hypertension, ulcers and stress. Recently, they've built simulated caves in the U.S."

The picture is interesting enough that I would try it.

Saline Solutions

Dick Cheney quote

2008-04-05T11:31:00.000-07:00

From the last issue of TIME magazine:

'So?'

DICK CHENEY, when told that two-thirds of Americans do not support the war in Iraq. He went on to argue that polling should not dictate the war's conduct.

I wonder if this quote means anything to tricky Dick:

"government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

The Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln

Can you impeach a Vice President?

Verbatim - TIME

"Obama Casts Wide Blame for Financial Crisis"

2008-03-28T07:01:00.000-07:00

I am so glad someone finally said it:

"Mr. Obama took pains to cast the blame on what he said was decades of weakening of the nation’s regulatory apparatus, and talked of more oversight of credit-rating agencies and requiring stronger capital requirements for complex financial instruments like mortgage-backed securities."

We have been taken advantage of and are paying the price.

"Mr. Obama laid much of the blame for the crisis on lobbyists and politicians who dismantled the regulatory framework governing the energy, telecommunications and financial services sectors."

I knew that individuals were taken advantage of with subprime mortgages and I felt that had to do with the weakening of some regulations. I am tired of our representatives taking care of the lobbyists and big business interests and not watching out for our interests. I believe this will change with Obama in the Whitehouse.

Obama Casts Wide Blame for Financial Crisis and Proposes Homeowner Aid

John Adams - Tonight on HBO

2008-03-23T15:03:00.000-07:00

I started watching the HBO miniseries (remember those) John Adams last Sunday and thought it was excellent. John Adams the book is a best seller and Pulitzer Prize winner written by David McCullough and it is next on my reading list. I am a history buff but this is better than I imagined.

The mini series is loaded with stars - Paul Giamatti, Laura Linney, and my favorite so far Tom Wilkenson as Ben Franklin. So if you have an interest curl up and watch it tonight at 9:00 as we wait for the winter snows to melt.

A little Easter humor

2008-03-19T10:29:00.001-07:00

What about the wives?

2008-03-13T06:05:00.000-07:00

I have stayed away from posting about the downfall of Eliot Spitzer mostly because I find it very sad. We will never know what he could have done for New York State. I was encouraged by his plan to reinvest in SUNY, I hope that is not in jeopardy of being lost.
I have been thinking about his wife, Silda, and the other wives who have gone through this type of very public humiliation. I honestly don't know how they do it. Frankly this is a time when I would have left Eliot on the podium by himself.

More daylight on the way!

2008-03-06T05:44:00.000-08:00

Yes, Daylight Saving Time begins this weekend. It feels early to me but at this point I am so sick of winter that any extra light is welcome! (via Virginia)

Daylight saving time - Wikipedia

Daylight Saving Time: When we change our clocks

This is NOT OK with me

2008-03-04T05:59:00.000-08:00

We all hear a good deal about the crisis in our country with health care, this past Sunday 60 minutes did a piece on an:

"American relief organization that airdrops doctors and medicine into the jungles of the Amazon. It's called Remote Area Medical, or "RAM" for short. "

The twist here is that:

"Remote Area Medical sets up emergency clinics where the needs are greatest. But these days, that's not the Amazon. This charity founded to help people who can't reach medical care finds itself throwing America a lifeline."

Yes in the U.S.! On the weekend that RAM set up shop in Knoxville, Tenn. they provided services to over 900 patients but had to turn away 400. Many of those seeking help are working but unable to afford health insurance coverage or enough coverage.

This is not OK with me, frankly while watching this piece last night (I taped it) I felt embarrassed about the coverage I have which includes dental, vision, etc. My coverage seems extravagant. The citizens of the wealthiest nation in the world deserve better treatment than this, we need some form of Universal Coverage For All.

PLEASE PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THIS ISSUE IN YOUR CHOICE FOR OUR NEXT PRESIDENT. THE REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS DIFFER GREATLY ON THIS ISSUE.

Donation to Remote Area Medical

U.S. Health Care Gets Boost From Charity
60 Minutes": Remote Area Medical Finds It's Needed In America To Plug Health Insurance Gap

New episode of Saturday Night Live!

2008-02-21T06:17:00.001-08:00

OK, I know there is a lot of serious stuff going on in the world today but this is very important stuff too! This Saturday, there will be a new SNL with my favorite SNL alum Tina Fey and Carrie Underwood as the musical guest! This one is for you M.

‘SNL’ Is Ready to Make Up for Lost Time

Remember the secret - see the day as you would like it to go.

The Superdelegates

2008-02-20T07:20:00.000-08:00

The New York Times places the delegate count for Obama and Clinton at:

Obama

Delegates won to date - 1,150
Super-delegates - 169
Total - 1,319

Clinton

Delegates won to date - 1,006
Super-delegates - 239
Total - 1,245

This made me think more about the role of the Super-delegates, reading a blog post Keeping Tabs on the Superdelegates I discovered a website that:

"includes results of the popular vote district-by-district, the allocation of pledged delegates, details about the superdelegates and how they are pledged and eventually how they will vote."

Portal:Superdelegate Transparency Project

This might be interesting to follow as this race proceeds.

2/21/08 - addition to this post:

Did you know that Al Gore, Nancy Pelosi and John Edwards are Super- delegates? I found some surprises about who some of the super-delegates are in this short piece in Time Magazine. It is within the Campaign Insider story. When you get to the page, page down a bit to the SUPERDELEGATES heading.

Some quick thoughts

2008-02-14T13:41:00.000-08:00

I am so happy that the Writers have voted to End their Strike, I believe that union members still have to vote on the contract. Let's get to it, the pickings have been very slim lately!

I am looking forward to the Oscars but have a few movies to see before I can make any predictions.

I just read that Romney is endorsing McCain for the Republican party's presidential nomination. Will we ever hear from John Edwards about his endorsement? Who's process for picking a nominee is better, the Republicans or Democrats?

Romney Endorses McCain

And lastly some more interest rate cuts may be on the way. I have been watching the mortgage rates and they have gone up recently, I want to refinance my house so more cuts are encouraging.

Bernanke Says the Economy Is Worsening

Happy Chinese New Year!

2008-02-07T06:35:00.000-08:00

Congratulations and be prosperous!

Chinese New Year

The Water Cube - China's National Aquatic Center

2008-01-29T13:38:00.001-08:00

I can not help but post photos of the new buildings in China built for the Olympics.

Edward Kennedy endorses Obama

2008-01-28T06:13:00.000-08:00

That is a pretty important endorsement, what does this mean for Hillary's chances of winning the nomination? For months now people have been speculating about who Hillary's Vice President might be, well walking in to work this morning I was thinking who would Obama choose. I am totally stumped. Any guesses?

I also wanted to put in a plug for James E. Campbell's blog, he is a UB political science professor. He has not commented on this new endorsement but I am interested to hear what he has to say.

Kennedy Chooses Obama, Spurning Plea by Clintons

The Olympic stadium in Beijing

2008-01-22T13:45:00.001-08:00

See how little the people are! You can also catch a glimpse of the aquatic center, it is that corner of a cube in the lower left hand side of the photo. The buildings going up for the Olympics in Beijing are just awesome.

Man from New Jersey living in an IKEA store

2008-01-18T05:42:00.000-08:00

With the exception of the sinks and toilet not working this is probably something I could do too. IKEA is my favorite store. (via maf)

Comedian is living in an Ikea store

How to Rig an Election

2008-01-17T06:55:00.000-08:00

I am enjoying reading the Campaign Stops Blog that I posted about a few days ago. From it I read a most interesting post about an interview with Allen Raymond, "a former G.O.P. political operative who served as chief of staff to a co-chairman of the Republican National Committee and supervised numerous election victories, he saw his political career fall apart when he was sentenced to 3 months in federal prison for jamming Democrat-run phone lines during the 2002 New Hampshire Senate primaries".

He has written a new book called "How to Rig an Election" and answers some questions in the post on topics such as the influence of money spent on the outcome of an election, spinning of truth, and campaign finance reform. Raymond's whole interview is fascinating but what I found most interesting about his comments was his statement that:

"The voters should have plenty of power in this mess, but they give it up during every election."

"give up our power", that drives me nuts! We do have some control over what happens in our country. Politicians will always need our vote!

How to Rig an Election? Ask the Author

New Apple Macbook Air Laptop

2008-01-16T05:38:00.000-08:00

That is a beauty! You might recall a post about a year ago where I complained about lugging around a laptop for work while traveling, it was way toooooo heavy. My guess is that this new Macbook is not only "super slim" but also light as Air! (via maf)

Apple rolls out super-slim laptop, says it will offer movies

Campaign Stops Blog

2008-01-09T06:39:00.000-08:00

With some impressive authors like David Brooks, Matthew Continetti, Andrew Kohut. Information about the authors is on blog page.

Campaign Stops

I am tired of the writers strike

2008-01-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

Very tired. Is it any closer to being resolved? I miss Jack Donaghy, Liz Lemon and Michael Scott. I can not even remember what happened on the last new episodes of their shows. I miss seeing new musicians on Saturday Night Live and the timely political humor of Bill Maher and Jon Stewart. To make matters worse the best the networks can come up with are shows like Battle of the Choirs and Gladiators. I am thankful that The Amazing Race and a few series on HBO, Showtime, and PBS have new episodes.

It also seems possible to me that we may not have new episodes until next season, even if the strike ended tomorrow it would take a little while to write and shoot new episodes. I support the writers, it seems that they got royally screwed on their last negotiation so my message to the executives is this:

ENOUGH ALREADY, GIVE THE WRITERS WHAT THEY WANT OR ENOUGH OF WHAT THEY WANT TO END THE STRIKE. AFTER ALL HOW MANY YACHTS CAN YOU WATER SKI BEHIND ANYWAY!

More on the Iowa Caucus

2008-01-04T05:58:00.001-08:00

What an exciting night last night, a record number of democrats turned out in Iowa to caucus (239,000) significantly more than the Republican turn out.

"The huge turn-out — by contrast, 108,000 Republicans caucused on Thursday — demonstrated the extent to which opposition to President Bush has energized Democrats, and served as another warning to Republicans about the problems they face this November in swing states like this."

Obama 37.6 % of delegate support, with Edwards and Clinton just about tied with a little more than 29% each. I have to admit I am surprised that Hillary did not do better, at least better than Edwards. Does this signal how unhappy voters are with the status quo? I truly hope so, I would like to see a dramatic change in how business is done in Washington.

I am still not sure who will be the Democrat nominee but I am energized by the fact that so many voters turned out in Iowa. Will this turn in to a national trend? Has George Bush done us a parting favor by "energizing the Democrats"?

I am sad to see Joe Biden and Chris Dodd leave the race, I was very interested in both but they seemed to be locked out of the spot light early on in the campaign. Maybe there is the making of a Vice President in one of them?

While watching Obama's speech I could not help but think I was listening to Martin Luther King, Jr. or John Kennedy. I believe this nation is in desperate need of a visionary leader, a real leader, to help us face our many challenges. Obama is inspiring and uplifting, he makes me feel like there is no challenge we can not face and overcome. At a time when I feel so dissatisfied and embarrased about what is happening with our country (and I know I am not the only one) this is so very refreshing.

Obama Takes Iowa in a Big Turnout as Clinton Falters; Huckabee Victor

Obama predicted as winner by CNN!

2008-01-03T18:28:00.000-08:00

9:27 p.m., a winner with 35% of the vote so far. So close, tooooo close to predict a national winner. I will look at the final results in the morning.

To me this is such a difficult race to call which speaks to the quality of the candidates. Recently I have been leaning towards Obama, I am so tired of the same old thing in Washington. We will see what New Hampshire brings.

Caucus Night, 8:54 p.m.

2008-01-03T17:51:00.000-08:00

OK, it may not be obvious to you but I am fascinated by politics, it is no secret that I am a Democrat. I am watching the results coming in from the Iowa caucuses on CNN and am actually excited. First off it means that we are that much closer to getting Bush out of office, secondly the more I learn about the caucus process the more I envy Iowa residents. It looks a little bit like an auction but also seems very effective. Anyway because Iowa residents actually get to meet and talk with the candidates in intimate settings I have faith in the choices they make.

So as of 8:54 24 % of the caucus results are in and no surprise it is just about a tie between Clinton, Obama, and Edwards, Edwards has a slight lead.

Just now CNN has predicted Mike Huckabee will win the Iowa caucuses for the Republicans. Wow, a former Baptist preacher! It looks like all the money that Romney has did not make a difference at least in Iowa. I personally L O V E that!
Frankly I think the Republicans are in pretty sad shape.

Iowa Caucus Explained

2008-01-03T06:14:00.000-08:00

The process that will go on in Iowa today has me confused so I looked around for an explanation and found two pretty good articles:

New York Times - follow link in left column labeled "How Iowa Democrats Choose", sorry I can not link directly to it.

PBS - How Does the Caucus Work?

Quad-City Times - Caucus day is here

I am left with one question, the answer seems obvious but this whole process is a bit confusing especially on the Democratic side. If the delegates are chosen today for the county conventions in Iowa in March how does that translate into a candidate coming out as a winner today? Is it just who has the most delegates?