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September 30, 2008
Sarah Palin Numbers
Women Against Sarah Palin has a very nice break down of numbers of everything from how many foreign heads of state Palin has met, to how much debt she's racked up for not only her town, but the state of Alaska as well, along with many more interesting facts. Very eye opening.
Read the list here.
Posted by Dianne at 2:47 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 29, 2008
778 Points!
The DOW dropped 778 points today, it's largest point drop in a single day ever:
NEW YORK - Wall Street ended a stunning session with a huge loss Monday, with the Dow Jones industrial average plunging 778 points — its largest point drop ever — after the failure of a House vote on the financial bailout plan.Wall Street started tumbling as the vote was shown on television Monday afternoon, sending investors fleeing to the relative safety of credit markets, worrying that the financial system would continue to sink under the weight of failed mortgage debt.
This is not good folks. Perhaps those who are still desperately clinging to the notion that the economy is fine will see just how bad off it truly is. This has taken eight long, tortuous years under Bush's leadership (or lack there of) to get to this point. There is not overnight fix for this and sadly the road is most likely going to get a lot more bumpy before this is all over.
Posted by Dianne at 5:11 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Mia Farrow's Account of her Visit to Haiti
(CNN) -- I have just returned from my latest trip as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Once again I found myself in one of the world's poorest countries; once again I held children with stick limbs and distended bellies.Again, most of these children are without clean water, adequate food, basic health care and the opportunity for an education. Again, before they reach the age of five, many will die from preventable diseases.
But this visit was not to Africa. These are the grim realities for the people of Haiti, just one hour from the shores of the United States.
Haiti is shattered by decades of poverty, violence, bad governance and neglect. There is little infrastructure, no jobs for 75% of the population, child trafficking is common, there are countless orphans and street children.
Then a few weeks ago, things got a whole lot worse for the people of Haiti, when the first of four hurricanes pounded their shores.
The damage wrought by Fay, Gustav, Hanna and Ike is beyond imagining or describing. Whole cities and villages are devastated, fields and crops lie beneath water. Roads and bridges are washed out. Many areas remain inaccessible to relief workers. We cannot yet know how many have perished.
Her account is truly heart breaking. There are so many things going on in the world that sometimes these types of things slip through the cracks. Very sad indeed.
Read more at CNN.
Posted by Dianne at 3:38 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
He Truly Was Amazing
CNN has a story up about people who actually met Paul Newman over the years. Very poignant! Check it out if you haven't already. He really was amazing!
Posted by Dianne at 3:35 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Not A Good Day To Be In The Stock Market
Investors who had been counting on the rescue plan sent the Dow Jones industrial average down as much as 700 points while watching the measure come up short of the necessary support, before rebounding slightly. The key stock reading was down nearly 700 points with about a half hour of trading left.
There are still too many loop holes in this plan. I personally think it's a bad idea overall, but then again so do a lot of people. The DOW was down over 700 points at one point but as of right now it is down almost 500. This is a very bumpy ride and I'm extremely glad I have nothing tied up in stocks at the moment!
Found via CNN Money.
Posted by Dianne at 3:29 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 27, 2008
A Great Loss
(CNN) -- Paul Newman, the legendary actor whose steely blue eyes, good-humored charm and advocacy of worthy causes made him one of the most renowned figures in American arts, has died of cancer at his home in Westport, Connecticut. He was 83.He died Friday, according to spokeswoman Marni Tomljanovic.
Newman was half of one of the most successful showbiz marriages -- to Joanne Woodward, whom he married in 1958. He observed that just because he was a sex symbol there was no reason to commit adultery.
"Why would I go out for a hamburger when [I] have steak at home?" he asked.
Newman's daughters said described him as a devoted husband, a loving father, an adoring grandfather and a dedicated philanthropist.
"Our father was a rare symbol of selfless humility, the last to acknowledge what he was doing was special," they said in a statement. "Intensely private, he quietly succeeded beyond measure in impacting the lives of so many with his generosity.
"Always and to the end, Dad was incredibly grateful for his good fortune. In his own words: 'It's been a privilege to be here.'"
I found out that Mr. Newman had passed away while I was at the library waiting for Alexis' art/crafts class to end and I immediately began to tear up. I thought about making a blog entry right there from my iPod, but decided that I wanted to wait. I mean what to say? He was brilliant! He was a fabulous actor, by all accounts an amazing husband and family man, a philanthropist and he even made Richard Nixon's "enemies" list...How do you sum that up on an iPod, or even here as I sit and type this from my home computer still tearing up at just the thought of the man?
Rest in peace Mr. Newman. I always admired you. Your legacy definitely lives on through your charities and your family, not to mention your numerous films. The world without you seems such a foreign place...For as long as I remember I've known who you were. You will truly be missed.
Read more at CNN.
Posted by Dianne at 2:50 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 26, 2008
How Exactly?
How exactly do you win a debate that isn't happening until this evening and you weren't even going to show up for until a few hours ago?
Arrogance anyone??
Bueller? Bueller??
Posted by Dianne at 4:46 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Where Will Kyle Go?
Posted by Dianne at 1:59 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 25, 2008
A Spirit At The Gym?
Posted by Dianne at 6:06 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Letterman Rips McCain
I don't think Dave is the sort of person who I would want to be on their bad side! ;oP
Posted by Dianne at 4:13 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
She Scares Me
She can't even string a sentence together and her answers are not answers at all. There is no wonder that they don't want her speaking to the press, because when she does it's readily apparent that she isn't ready to run a 7-11, let alone an entire country! She doesn't have the first clue about anything she is saying!
Posted by Dianne at 3:41 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 24, 2008
McCain
Posted by Dianne at 7:31 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Obama Speaks
Posted by Dianne at 7:27 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Well Put
Obama's on CNN now talking about the issues. He has some very valid points, including that as president you have to focus on more than one problem at a time and that the American people deserve to get to know each candidate, and how they plan to deal with all the issues, as much as possible before election day in November. Very well put sir!
Posted by Dianne at 4:55 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Interesting Development
I don't think McCain's latest declaration that he is suspending his campaign and rushing back to Washington really has anything to do with him wanting to fix something he doesn't even think is broken, but has more to do with the fact that he is trying to run up hill and he keeps falling back down each time he gets up. He doesn't want to debate anyone, he'll lose his temper and/or come off as the doddering fool. It will be interesting to see where this will go.
Read more at CNN.
Posted by Dianne at 4:21 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
September 22, 2008
Be Heard
Posted by Dianne at 7:06 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Loan Titans Paid McCain Adviser Nearly $2 Million
I'm always amused when the right wing starts screaming about fiscal responsibility and honor and truth and how the Democrats are screwing up the world and the economy, yet nine times out of ten everything that is wrong lands squarely on their doorstep:
Senator John McCain’s campaign manager was paid more than $30,000 a month for five years as president of an advocacy group set up by the mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to defend them against stricter regulations, current and former officials say.Mr. McCain, the Republican candidate for president, has recently begun campaigning as a critic of the two companies and the lobbying army that helped them evade greater regulation as they began buying riskier mortgages with implicit federal backing. He and his Democratic rival, Senator Barack Obama, have donors and advisers who are tied to the companies.
But last week the McCain campaign stepped up a running battle of guilt by association when it began broadcasting commercials trying to link Mr. Obama directly to the government bailout of the mortgage giants this month by charging that he takes advice from Fannie Mae’s former chief executive, Franklin Raines, an assertion both Mr. Raines and the Obama campaign dispute.
Incensed by the advertisements, several current and former executives of the companies came forward to discuss the role that Rick Davis, Mr. McCain’s campaign manager and longtime adviser, played in helping Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac beat back regulatory challenges when he served as president of their advocacy group, the Homeownership Alliance, formed in the summer of 2000. Some who came forward were Democrats, but Republicans, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed their descriptions.
Unfortunately they both took money from these companies, along with many others, and the companies expect something for what they shelled out, but McCain trying to ignore the fact that he too is tied to them is just ludicrous!
I'm so tired of the "Do as I say, not as I do!" mentality of the Republican party. I'm also tired of their brain dead followers that believe whatever they are handed on a silver platter without even bothering to find out if it is true or not. I get forwards daily from people that believe what they are sending out, without even bothering to look anything up to find out for sure. It's the Fox News mentality that the overlords of the Republican party are so very fond of. Lie, lie, lie, because the people watching are too lazy/gullible to know or care that it is happening!
Now Bush and Company want to bail out international companies too and then everyone wonders why we have a massive deficit, an economy that is in the crapper and sky rocketing prices. It's not rocket science people! You voted for these idiots and now you're reaping your rewards...Ah the irony! ;oP But sadly your stupidity doesn't just affect you, it affects us all, and that's why those of us who do pay attention are so upset with the lot of you that don't!
Found via the NYT.
Posted by Dianne at 11:13 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 21, 2008
What Are You Listening To?: Sunday Night Edition
"My Angel", Danny Wood, Coming Home (Sometimes you end up down a rabbit hole on the internet and find yourself somewhere you never knew you were going. The other day I ended up on the website for the charitable foundation that Danny Wood set up after his mother passed away from cancer and I really don't even know how I ended up there! This song was playing on the main page and I immediately fell in love with the song and its message, so I popped over to iTunes and bought it! It's really a heart felt, fabulous song!)
"Just a Dream", Carrie Underwood, Carnival Ride (Another one I heard somewhere in passing, though I don't remember where. I already had the album so I added it to my latest playlist.)
"You and I", Paul Freeman, Paul Freeman – EP (Discovered this surfing through iTunes...I love his voice!)
"War On War", Sam Harris, Free (Sam was the first winner of Star Search. I discovered him earlier this year and am completely enchanted by him. I immediately became one of his "vlog people"! If you haven't heard his new album Free you should check it out!)
"When I Grow Up", The Pussycat Dolls, When I Grow Up – Single (Another one I stumbled upon on iTunes...It's upbeat and sassy!)
"So What", P!nk, So What – Single (I love P!nk! This one is also upbeat and sassy, but if you listen to the words very carefully someone is a bit ticked off! ;oP)
"Cowboy Take Me Away", Dixie Chicks, Fly (I have always loved this song. Something about it just speaks to me. They other day I got into a Dixie Chicks mood and I haven't gotten out of it, so it was time to add a little something to the playlist!)
"Thank You", Sam Harris, Free (Most of us have dated that person, who just flattened you! That was the guy before Jamison for me. I remember at the time being devastated, but now I'm so thankful! I means seriously I would not be happy now had I ended up with asshat boy! So Thank You...You did me a huge favor! ;oP)
"Tattoo", Jordin Sparks, Tattoo – Single (I love Jordin's voice...She's so fun to sing along to!)
"Tightrope", Paul Freeman, Paul Freeman - EP (See above.)
"Close to You", New Kids On the Block, The Block (Deluxe Edition) (The guys are back and they still sing a mean ballad! This is but one of several favorites on the new album, though I do admit there are a few of the songs that just aren't my cup of tea, but regardless, this one is a fabulous song!)
"Girls Just Want to Have Fun", Cyndi Lauper, She's So Unusual (Remastered) (Sometimes you just need an "oldie" but a goody! I love this song, always have!)
"Change Is On The Way", Sam Harris, Free (Oh Sam Harris...You could sing the phone book to me! This song is fabulous and Change most definitely is on the way! ;oP)
"Together", Michelle Branch, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 (Music from the Motion Picture) (Another one I came across on iTunes...Great melody!)
"I Want to Be Evil", Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kinky Boots (Original Soundtrack) (When I saw this movie I immediately went to go check and see if this song was on iTunes...I dare you hear it and not start singing! ;oP)
"Unseen", Katie Armiger, Unseen - Discovery Download (A free download of the week a while back that I really liked.)
"Free", Sam Harris, Free (Seriously...I love this album!)
"Goodbye", Danny Wood, Second Face (I found this one when I got the song he did about his mother. Funnily Danny wasn't anywhere near my "favorite" New Kid, but I really did love these songs! My order would have been Jonathan, Jordan, Joe, Danny and then Donnie and it's really tragic that I remember that all these years later! ;oP)
"No Air", Jordin Sparks & Chris Brown, Jordin Sparks (Again I just like to sing along with her!)
"The Voice ~ Imagine", Sam Harris, Free (A really beautiful Acapella intro, followed by the Beatles classic, wrapped up with another Acapella bit...Simply beautiful!)
"Love Story", Taylor Swift, Love Story – Single (We all were a fan of Taylor's "Our Song", Alexis especially! This is a really great one she just released!)
"A Baby Changes Everything", Faith Hill, A Baby Changes Everything – Single (A new release from Faith Hill. Listen closely and you'll figure out who this song is about! ;oP)
"That's How It Is, Paul Freeman", Paul Freeman - EP (See above.)
"Strangers in a Car", Marc Cohn, Marc Cohn (I heard this song again the other day and immediately added it to my playlist. I often have one of Marc's song on my playlist, this week it just happens to be this one.)
What you listening to?
Posted by Dianne at 8:40 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
She's Clueless
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (CNN) – Sarah Palin likes to tell voters around the country about how she “put the government checkbook online” in Alaska. On Thursday, Palin suggested she would take that same proposal to Washington.“We’re going to do a few new things also,” she said at a rally in Cedar Rapids. “For instance, as Alaska’s governor, I put the government’s checkbook online so that people can see where their money’s going. We’ll bring that kind of transparency, that responsibility, and accountability back. We’re going to bring that back to D.C.”
There’s just one problem with proposing to put the federal checkbook online – somebody’s already done it. His name is Barack Obama.
Glad she's paying attention and all...Wouldn't want her to miss anything! ;oP
Found via CNN.
Posted by Dianne at 8:39 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 19, 2008
In Honor of National Pirate Day
part of the fidius.org network
Aaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhh! ;oP
part of the fidius.org network
Yar! Strike the colors ye cowardly swabs! Or ye all will sleep Davey Jones tonight!
Posted by Dianne at 7:28 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 18, 2008
Obama on the Financial Crisis
Check out the video below to hear what he has to say. You can also read more about his plan here.
Posted by Dianne at 1:59 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 16, 2008
Make Sure You're Registered To Vote
The time left to register to vote for this election is rapidly running out. If you aren't registered yet, please get registered! This election is too important not to! Make your voice heard!
You can register at Rock the Vote.
Change is on the way...Be a part of it! :o)
Posted by Dianne at 10:37 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 15, 2008
DOW Falls Over 500 Points
But don't worry folks...The economy is still strong and all that jazz!
Do they really expect us to believe that with rising costs that just won't stop??
More at CNN.
Posted by Dianne at 4:29 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
You Know It's Bad...
When the media is actually picking up and discussing the lies that McCain is trying to sell!
AmericaBlog has a nice list of articles with links that all slam McCain's lies and the back handed tactics he's utilizing.
Who knew the media was actually awake? Miracles do happen! ;oP
Posted by Dianne at 2:18 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
September 14, 2008
Too Funny!
Posted by Dianne at 8:58 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 13, 2008
Eat The View...
At the White House!
What a fabulous idea!
Posted by Dianne at 8:56 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Tragic
The death count from the train crash in LA yesterday is up to 25.
Posted by Dianne at 8:54 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
As Only Keith Olbermann Can Do
Posted by Dianne at 8:50 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
This Guy Is HILARIOUS!!
FYI though if foul language bothers you I'd probably just move on! ;oP
Posted by Dianne at 7:13 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Caught Lying...
AGAIN!!
Seriously...This is past ridiculous!
Posted by Dianne at 7:12 PM | Comments (14) | TrackBack
Ike Downgraded to a Tropical Storm
But he's still a massively impressive storm!
Check out some pictures from the scene.
And if you're a Twitterer you can find more info at the TrackingIke Twitter page.
Thoughts and prayers for this area are still very much a good idea.
Posted by Dianne at 7:03 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 12, 2008
Ike Update
Apparently the tides ahead of Ike are already 5 feet higher than predicted and it isn't even completely there yet! This storm is going to get massively ugly before it's all over!
Check out the latest at the NHC.
If you're in this area of Texas and riding this out, be safe. If you're from this area of Texas and are riding it out elsewhere, be safe when you return.
Posted by Dianne at 4:09 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
How the Hell Did Matt Get People to Dance With Him?
Particularly amusing when everyone jumps on stage to dance with Matt at the end!
Alexis loves these videos! (And I do too for that matter!)
I've blogged about this before, but if you've never seen Matt dance before check out his website here.
Posted by Dianne at 3:46 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
A Canary In A Coal Mine: Cimate Change in the Arctic
Posted by Dianne at 3:37 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 11, 2008
In Honor of 9/11...
A closer look at the World Trade Center as it was before it was destroyed in the attacks.
Posted by Dianne at 7:41 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
9/11/2008...How Have Seven Years Passed?
Seven years...Hard to imagine when it seems so fresh in all of our minds. Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of those who died that day seven years ago.
Posted by Dianne at 11:02 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 10, 2008
Ike May Be A Category 4 Hurricane When It Hits Texas
Or in other words that's a massively strong hurricane!
Stay safe Texas!
Posted by Dianne at 7:20 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Why do I get the feeing...
That this is just a recipe for disaster??
Scientists Wednesday applauded as one of the most ambitious experiments ever conceived got successfully underway, with protons being fired around a 27-kilometer (17-mile) tunnel deep beneath the border of France and Switzerland in an attempt to unlock the secrets of the universe.The Large Hadron Collider -- a $9 billion particle accelerator designed to simulate conditions of the Big Bang that created the physical Universe -- was switched on at 0732 GMT to cheers and applause from experts gathered to witness the event.
While observers were left nonplussed by the anticlimactic flashing dots on a TV screen that signalled the machine's successful test run, among teams of scientists involved around the world there were jubilant celebrations and popping champagne corks.
In the coming months, the collider is expected to begin smashing particles into each other by sending two beams of protons around the tunnel in opposite directions.
Bigger and badder. Why must we always go there?
Posted by Dianne at 12:21 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Well ok then...
I'm really sick of hearing how wonderful and upstanding this woman is and how she's fought corruption at every turn. It's obvious she's anything but and if she is fighting corruption she certainly turns a blind eye to her own! (Who in their right mind thinks it's ok to bill the state for nights you choose to spend in your OWN home??? How is that fiscally responsible?? If she didn't want to go to Juneau, then she shouldn't have run for governor!)
Note to McCain, just because she's a woman doesn't mean other women are going to vote for her!
Posted by Dianne at 12:11 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Look Out Texas!
Ike's heading your way!
Posted by Dianne at 12:07 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 6, 2008
It Looks Like...
Hurricane Ike may be headed toward New Orleans!
Of course it may shift paths at this point. I guess we'll know for sure over the next few days.
Posted by Dianne at 7:29 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Tropical Storm Hanna...
Has left the building!
There is still a bit of a breeze, but the rain has stopped and the sun is even poking out here and there.
Why do I get the feeling it's going to be massively humid out there tomorrow?? ;oP
Posted by Dianne at 5:30 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Tropical Storm Hanna Update
We've got a lot of wind and rain, but it's not that bad and definitely nothing like Isabel in 2003! The power flickered a few times earlier, but then it stabilized. We've battened down the hatches and are just having a relaxing Saturday afternoon.
I hope all of you out there in Internet Land are having a good afternoon too! :o)
Posted by Dianne at 2:32 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 5, 2008
Imagine The GOP Stretching The Truth
Shocking isn't it? ;oP
Posted by Dianne at 8:34 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Brace Yourself...
Hanna is coming!
Let's hope and pray for no power loss this time shall we? ;oP (For those of you that didn't know when Isabel hit in 2003 we were without power for 7 days. Alexis was four months old and she kept looking at us like "Seriously...This is not impressive!")
Batten down the hatches and stay safe everyone!
Posted by Dianne at 3:17 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
September 1, 2008
Gustav Moving To Shore
(CNN) -- Hurricane Gustav roared toward landfall on Louisiana's coast Monday morning, while barrier islands to the south were buffeted with hurricane-force winds and flooding.CNN forecasters estimate the Category 3 storm will make landfall around Port Fourchon, Louisiana, where major oil facilities are located. Gustav's eye was within 12 miles (19 kilometers) of the shore at 7:30 a.m. (8:30 a.m. ET), according to CNN's Doppler radar. The storm could make landfall shortly after 9 a.m. ET, CNN meteorologists say.
Grand Isle, in the middle of Gustav's path, was covered in water, and lights were extinguished in parts of downtown New Orleans, including the French Quarter and Children's Hospital.
"If you look down the river, you can see whitecaps on the Mississippi going against the current," CNN's Rob Marciano said from downtown New Orleans.
There are concerns that if Gustav moves up the Mississippi's estuaries, some levees may not hold, resulting in severe flooding. Although many levees have been repaired and heightened since Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, all of the work won't be completed until 2011, officials say.
The U.S. Geological Survey says Gustav has already caused a nearly 9-foot storm surge in Pointe a La Hache, Louisiana, about 40 miles southeast of New Orleans. Another 1 to 3 feet of surge could occur, the USGS said.
This storm is moving on shore. If you are the praying type now is the time...If not positive thoughts are always a good thing too. In fact a little of both isn't a bad idea.
Found via CNN.
Posted by Dianne at 9:02 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack