I've had a chance to cool down and determine what was really bothering me about this nomination. It's that nothing has changed. I don't just mean in the here and now but that McCain and the Republican party really do not get why they are in so much trouble.
I remember in '92 when Bush Sr. was at a debate with Perot and Clinton. Someone from the audience asked how each of them were effected personally by the economy. Bush couldn't even understand the question. I don't think he ever answered it. I recall how incredibly disconnected he was and how his elitist persona oozed out of him.
I remember that debate and I remember how frustrated I was. I was a loyal Republican and as frustrated as I was, I could not vote for a Democrat. That election, I voted for Perot. My hope at that point was that the Republicans would learn what they had done wrong. I hoped that the party would scratch it head, regroup and revisit it's policies and approach.
So, we've watched Bush for 8 years operate as "the decider". He decides what's best for me and my neighbors and if we don't like it, we're unpatriotic. Karl Rove gets into action and begins destroying lives. We don't have values or we're outside of the "circle". Basically we become invisible. I have lost count of the different groups this party has managed to alienate over the last 8 years.
So here we are with this choice that McCain makes for VP. How did this decision come about, really? Did he call women and get their input on this choice and how it might be perceived? Did he do his due diligence and make sure it was the right decision. Somehow, I don't think so. I think, being the typical "deciding" Republican who is above reproach, he just decided. And then, true to form, when he wakes up and wonders if he made a mistake, he'll just go into denial. Just like Bush. I think this is so typical of someone who doesn't connect with or even want to understand the very people whose votes he wants.
I'm bothered because it's just a reminder to me of what the last 8 years has been.
I absolutely cannot relate to Palin. If I had a 14 year old that was raped, I couldn't in good conscience force her to carry a baby to term if the outcome of this heinous crime was pregnancy. This woman is as "righteous" as Bush. And I believe she would plow over anyone who stood in the way of her moral platform. I also believe that neither she nor McCain is interested in the bigger picture. I would expect that she would have some sort of Masters Degree. If not a degree in Law, an MBA. Something to show that there is more to America than drilling for oil, protecting gun rights and reversing Roe v. Wade.
So, maybe what McCain means by her being a Maverick is that she'll ramrod her fundamental Right Wing agenda through the party and sniff out any existing Republicans that aren't completely towing the party line.
Then, there's the second description. She's also tagged as a "Game Changer". Is that a Republican term or a term derived from the Press. If it comes from the Republicans, then it highlights again that this is just a game that needs to be won. No matter how....another Rove-ism. The end justifies the means.
So, basically, this whole thing leaves me really depressed. And it underscores how imperative it is that Obama win this election.
I donated money to the Obama campaign immediately after his speech. I wonder how often are we allowed to donate?
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
WTF? - Sarah Palin for VP
Does McCain really think I'm that stupid?
I am so angered by this choice he made. I looked at Palin's credentials. A Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, a Beauty Contestant, Mayor of a small town and then Governor of Alaska. That's it. Is it that he has little respect for the role of Vice President that his standards for qualifying a candidate don't really matter? Is the role of VP so unimportant in our country? They don't expect her to have any real impact in Washington, do they?
As much as I dislike Bush, he at least had no trouble surrounding himself with very intelligent people. He assigned a very capable, seasoned, and experienced woman to be Secretary of State. She came with an impressive resume. Even the Houston Chronicle wrote a piece on her back in 2000 titled "Condoleezza Rice for President". No one in this country could question her credentials. They were spotless.
If McCain truly wants me to think he's demonstrating a belief that it is time to put a Woman on the ticket, then I would be far more convinced he believed this himself if he put someone on there with experience. Someone who can actually be President if it came to that.
Do you really think that if McCain passes away in office that this girl can step into the role of President of the US? I don't believe so, and they know that; if it comes to that they will pressure her to step aside and let a "man" handle the job. I wouldn't be surprised if they already had that discussion with her. They brought a young, green, female in because they know she can be "managed".
Hillary Clinton wasn't just a pair of boobs running for office. She was very well qualified and capable of actually stepping into the role of President of the U.S. She graduated with a degree in Law from Yale. She worked her way up the ranks and successfully faced the Rove smear machine. And this is the Republican's response? Their nomination gives me the impression that as long as the VP nomination is a woman, then that will be enough to draw in the Clinton supporters. As though we supported Hillary just because she was a woman and we can't distinguish one woman from another.
This nomination is a slap in the face to women. Condoleezza Rice or Kay Bailey Hutchison, now that would have been a statement that McCain is serious about his nomination. It would have been a message that he was thinking long term and addressing the real possibility that he might pass away during his term and his female VP might actually have to become President of the U.S. But this VP pick, it smells like a political tactic meant only to help him win an election. This is a decision made for the now without any regard to the future of our country.
Obama said it when he said that McCain just doesn't get it.
I think that when all the hoopla is done about this nomination, the reality of his decision is going to kick in and it's going to cost him.
And I quote: "As for that VP talk all the time, I'll tell you, I still can't answer that question until somebody answers for me what is it exactly that the VP does every day?" Sara Palin
I am so angered by this choice he made. I looked at Palin's credentials. A Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, a Beauty Contestant, Mayor of a small town and then Governor of Alaska. That's it. Is it that he has little respect for the role of Vice President that his standards for qualifying a candidate don't really matter? Is the role of VP so unimportant in our country? They don't expect her to have any real impact in Washington, do they?
As much as I dislike Bush, he at least had no trouble surrounding himself with very intelligent people. He assigned a very capable, seasoned, and experienced woman to be Secretary of State. She came with an impressive resume. Even the Houston Chronicle wrote a piece on her back in 2000 titled "Condoleezza Rice for President". No one in this country could question her credentials. They were spotless.
If McCain truly wants me to think he's demonstrating a belief that it is time to put a Woman on the ticket, then I would be far more convinced he believed this himself if he put someone on there with experience. Someone who can actually be President if it came to that.
Do you really think that if McCain passes away in office that this girl can step into the role of President of the US? I don't believe so, and they know that; if it comes to that they will pressure her to step aside and let a "man" handle the job. I wouldn't be surprised if they already had that discussion with her. They brought a young, green, female in because they know she can be "managed".
Hillary Clinton wasn't just a pair of boobs running for office. She was very well qualified and capable of actually stepping into the role of President of the U.S. She graduated with a degree in Law from Yale. She worked her way up the ranks and successfully faced the Rove smear machine. And this is the Republican's response? Their nomination gives me the impression that as long as the VP nomination is a woman, then that will be enough to draw in the Clinton supporters. As though we supported Hillary just because she was a woman and we can't distinguish one woman from another.
This nomination is a slap in the face to women. Condoleezza Rice or Kay Bailey Hutchison, now that would have been a statement that McCain is serious about his nomination. It would have been a message that he was thinking long term and addressing the real possibility that he might pass away during his term and his female VP might actually have to become President of the U.S. But this VP pick, it smells like a political tactic meant only to help him win an election. This is a decision made for the now without any regard to the future of our country.
Obama said it when he said that McCain just doesn't get it.
I think that when all the hoopla is done about this nomination, the reality of his decision is going to kick in and it's going to cost him.
And I quote: "As for that VP talk all the time, I'll tell you, I still can't answer that question until somebody answers for me what is it exactly that the VP does every day?" Sara Palin
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Inspired
At the very last minute yesterday my brother called me and asked me if I wanted to go to the game with him and see the Astros play the Reds. I always like going to the game with my brother. He pays for the tickets and parking and I pay to feed and water us. It's always fun.
When we got to the game, I realized that I had wanted to see Hillary's speech at the National Convention and that I had forgotten to record it. I was really bummed out about it.
So, the first thing I did when I got home was turn on my tv so I could at least hear what the pundits had to say. And just as I turned on the tele, Hillary Clinton was approaching the podium in her orang pant suit to begin her speech. How serendipitous was that? I caught her speech. I cheered and clapped when she said "No way, No how, No McCain".
I was so inspired by her speech. I have grown so fond of her over this year and I can truly understand why her supporters have had so much difficulty letting go.
I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it.
When we got to the game, I realized that I had wanted to see Hillary's speech at the National Convention and that I had forgotten to record it. I was really bummed out about it.
So, the first thing I did when I got home was turn on my tv so I could at least hear what the pundits had to say. And just as I turned on the tele, Hillary Clinton was approaching the podium in her orang pant suit to begin her speech. How serendipitous was that? I caught her speech. I cheered and clapped when she said "No way, No how, No McCain".
I was so inspired by her speech. I have grown so fond of her over this year and I can truly understand why her supporters have had so much difficulty letting go.
I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Well alrighty, then.
For the most part, Open Houses are things that Realtors do to give their sellers the feeling that something is being done to sell their house. Rarely do you actually get a contract as a result of an open house.
Well.... famous last words.
Remember the open house I held this weekend? We have an executed contract for that property and it came from someone who attended the open house. The house wasn't even on the market a week and we got an offer.
It's a strong buyer, too. Really solid.
Well.... famous last words.
Remember the open house I held this weekend? We have an executed contract for that property and it came from someone who attended the open house. The house wasn't even on the market a week and we got an offer.
It's a strong buyer, too. Really solid.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
My Favorite Talking Head
I'm discovering all sorts of cool stuff on TV now that I have Satellite. And I have to tell you that my absolute favorite news Analyst, at least I think that's what he's called, is Neil Cavuto. He's on Fox Business News and he doesn't let anyone (Democrat or Republican) get away with anything!
I want to marry this guy.
I want to marry this guy.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Multi-tasking
So, my sister called me today. I had just dried my hair when she called. I was getting ready to host an open house; I took the call anyway because I haven't spoken to her in soooo long. The blue tooth I had when I bought the phone doesn't work and I never had a chance to replace it. So, taking a call and doing other things is a bit tricky.
During the call, I put on my make up, shaved my legs, got dressed, drove to Kinkos, made 20 color copies of my flyer, 20 black and white photos of the Seller's Disc., drove to Home Depot, picked out 2 open house signs and checked out. During our conversation, we managed to discuss the Olympics, China, Communism, her cases at work, my work, her new eating habits, my eating habits, her and her husbands new spending habits, my spending habits, and my pending trip to see her at Christmas. She never even knew I was doing all that other stuff until I told her.
The open house was ok. I would have liked a better turn out.
During the call, I put on my make up, shaved my legs, got dressed, drove to Kinkos, made 20 color copies of my flyer, 20 black and white photos of the Seller's Disc., drove to Home Depot, picked out 2 open house signs and checked out. During our conversation, we managed to discuss the Olympics, China, Communism, her cases at work, my work, her new eating habits, my eating habits, her and her husbands new spending habits, my spending habits, and my pending trip to see her at Christmas. She never even knew I was doing all that other stuff until I told her.
The open house was ok. I would have liked a better turn out.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Sushi experience
I met a friend yesterday for lunch at a place called Aka Sushi. It was a nice enough place but I was surprised by how few people came in for lunch. We got there at 11:30 and I think we left at about 1:00. While we were there, only about 4 other people were there.
Usually, whenever I have sushi, I usually get the same thing. Almost every sushi restuarant offers a plate of about 5 or 6 sushi pieces with a California roll. And every place I go to, I always ask for a Philadelphia roll instead of a California roll. The restaurant always complies but adds $2 to my tab. Fine, no problem.
So, this meet up at Aka was my first time there. When I asked the waiter to substitute the Philadelphia roll, he said he had to ask if it was ok to substitute. So, about 5 minutes later the Manager comes to our table. I tell him I want a Philadelphia roll instead of California and that he can add $2 to my bill. He says they don't allow substitutions and that he will have to call into the General Manager to make sure it was ok. Can you believe that? He had to call the General Manager to see if it was ok to let me substitute a Philadelphia roll an pay extra $2?
Ra Sushi, Zaki Lounge, Toma Sushi, etc. always ok it without such an ordeal.
I could see where this was going and was preparing to draft a telegram to POTUS. Thankfully, I didn't have to. I believe the GM called the Corporate HQ and they called POTUS for me. :)
Usually, whenever I have sushi, I usually get the same thing. Almost every sushi restuarant offers a plate of about 5 or 6 sushi pieces with a California roll. And every place I go to, I always ask for a Philadelphia roll instead of a California roll. The restaurant always complies but adds $2 to my tab. Fine, no problem.
So, this meet up at Aka was my first time there. When I asked the waiter to substitute the Philadelphia roll, he said he had to ask if it was ok to substitute. So, about 5 minutes later the Manager comes to our table. I tell him I want a Philadelphia roll instead of California and that he can add $2 to my bill. He says they don't allow substitutions and that he will have to call into the General Manager to make sure it was ok. Can you believe that? He had to call the General Manager to see if it was ok to let me substitute a Philadelphia roll an pay extra $2?
Ra Sushi, Zaki Lounge, Toma Sushi, etc. always ok it without such an ordeal.
I could see where this was going and was preparing to draft a telegram to POTUS. Thankfully, I didn't have to. I believe the GM called the Corporate HQ and they called POTUS for me. :)
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Update
I had a really nice day yesterday. I went sailing out of Galveston Bay and then later went to a Party in Seabrook. I made a connection with three different people in need of a Real Estate Agent, one of whom is ready to buy.
I have this really bad habit, though, of forgetting to replenish my business card holder. So, yes, I went to these events without my cards. I still managed to get their contact information. Still, I need to work on this.
The weather was hot and we had a nice wind. I hate doing anything in August. My favorite month for sailing is October.
Ok, well, I thought I had more to say but I guess I don't.
I have this really bad habit, though, of forgetting to replenish my business card holder. So, yes, I went to these events without my cards. I still managed to get their contact information. Still, I need to work on this.
The weather was hot and we had a nice wind. I hate doing anything in August. My favorite month for sailing is October.
Ok, well, I thought I had more to say but I guess I don't.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Con te Partiro
Ok, so that's the wrong title. It's a song by Andrea Bocelli. The song is also known as Time To Say Good Bye. Not the literal translation; actually the opposite.
Ok, so depending on your position, you may decide that the Italian version applies. For this post, in my opinion, it's "Time To Say Goodbye".
As my many loyal fans and lurkers know I was 100% behind Hillary Clinton as the Democratic nomination. She has earned a lot of my respect. That being said, I have accepted the fact that she lost to Obama; and now I'm 100% behind Obama. As a matter of fact, I'm very ready for a brand new approach. I love listening to him talk and I find I'm constantly looking for stuff over the net about him.
As you also know, I've been listening to the pundits on T.V. My favorite passtime these days. (I really do love listening to these guys.) I don't know if they are interpreting Ms. Clinton accurately, or not, but I have to agree with one point: It's over. She needs to tell her followers that it's over and that we need to back Obama. I think the Obama would make a huge mistake if he puts her on his ticket. I don't think it would be a dream ticket.
I know that the McCain camp is hinting at putting Carly Fiorina on his ticket but I think that is to push Obama into putting Hillary on his. It is quite possible that by putting Hillary on his ticket he could actually lose conservative swing voters.
Ok, so depending on your position, you may decide that the Italian version applies. For this post, in my opinion, it's "Time To Say Goodbye".
As my many loyal fans and lurkers know I was 100% behind Hillary Clinton as the Democratic nomination. She has earned a lot of my respect. That being said, I have accepted the fact that she lost to Obama; and now I'm 100% behind Obama. As a matter of fact, I'm very ready for a brand new approach. I love listening to him talk and I find I'm constantly looking for stuff over the net about him.
As you also know, I've been listening to the pundits on T.V. My favorite passtime these days. (I really do love listening to these guys.) I don't know if they are interpreting Ms. Clinton accurately, or not, but I have to agree with one point: It's over. She needs to tell her followers that it's over and that we need to back Obama. I think the Obama would make a huge mistake if he puts her on his ticket. I don't think it would be a dream ticket.
I know that the McCain camp is hinting at putting Carly Fiorina on his ticket but I think that is to push Obama into putting Hillary on his. It is quite possible that by putting Hillary on his ticket he could actually lose conservative swing voters.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
I never knew
You know, I haven't had cable in years and years. I now have satellite and I've discovered something about myself. I'm a news junkie. I really like listening to this stuff.
So, anyway, I enjoyed this response from Paris Hilton to McCain's jab at Obama where he decided to use Paris Hilton in his ad (without her permission).
So, anyway, I enjoyed this response from Paris Hilton to McCain's jab at Obama where he decided to use Paris Hilton in his ad (without her permission).
See more funny videos at Funny or Die
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Timmy makes a cameo appearance
My little community is made up of my duplex and a 1 bedroom cottage next door. All of my neighbors are pretty nice. We don't know a lot about each other but we're cordial and polite to one another. We have a system down regarding how we manage the place, too.
My landlord was initially reluctant to allow me to have a Satellite dish because he didn't want holes in the roof. I saw him a week ago and talked to him about my tv having a broken coaxial cable connector and he decided it would be ok. The technician was actually able to install the dish off the awning/porch of my back door instead of the roof. So, it turns out that I didn't have to put holes in the roof.
So, last night I had a dream that the storm that is passing through ripped the satellite dish off the post and that the technician had to come back and install it on the roof. So, he was here with his son installing the dish. Then the girl that shares the other half of my duplex with her boyfriend came down and we started chatting about stuff in general. And then the guy in the cottage came over and all began talking. Even my landlord showed up and decided to do work on the duplex.
Next thing I know a group of us are in my car and we are heading out to get something to eat and Timmy, yes str8upwithatwist Timmy, is in the passenger seat. We are in the Greenway/River Oaks area and decided on a restaurant that allows dogs. Timmy says, "the Calvinator would love this. I live close by, can we go get him". So, suddenly, I'm in the passenger seat and Timmy is driving. We pull into a condo high rise and I see an Infiniti like mine except it's blue and the bumper is wooden. It looked really nice actually. And that was it. I woke up. I never met Calvin.
My landlord was initially reluctant to allow me to have a Satellite dish because he didn't want holes in the roof. I saw him a week ago and talked to him about my tv having a broken coaxial cable connector and he decided it would be ok. The technician was actually able to install the dish off the awning/porch of my back door instead of the roof. So, it turns out that I didn't have to put holes in the roof.
So, last night I had a dream that the storm that is passing through ripped the satellite dish off the post and that the technician had to come back and install it on the roof. So, he was here with his son installing the dish. Then the girl that shares the other half of my duplex with her boyfriend came down and we started chatting about stuff in general. And then the guy in the cottage came over and all began talking. Even my landlord showed up and decided to do work on the duplex.
Next thing I know a group of us are in my car and we are heading out to get something to eat and Timmy, yes str8upwithatwist Timmy, is in the passenger seat. We are in the Greenway/River Oaks area and decided on a restaurant that allows dogs. Timmy says, "the Calvinator would love this. I live close by, can we go get him". So, suddenly, I'm in the passenger seat and Timmy is driving. We pull into a condo high rise and I see an Infiniti like mine except it's blue and the bumper is wooden. It looked really nice actually. And that was it. I woke up. I never met Calvin.
Monday, August 04, 2008
I caved
Well, I didn't really cave, there is a very good explanation.
Remember way back when I broke the coaxial cable thingy off the back of my tv, so I couldn't use my antenna. I lasted until now. Today, I have Direct TV. The first time in 20 years that I've had "cable" tv.
Ok, so why? Couple of reasons. Number one, I paid off my car. That frees up some monthly cash. Number two, I'm trying to cut back on spending money going out. I can't cut back on driving but I can cut back on other things; so I'm making it easier and more entertaining to stay home.
I even stocked my apartment up with wine. The cost of a decent glass of wine at La Griglia will buy me a bottle of another at Spec's.
So, tonight, I'm watching Independence Day while I'm waiting for Edouard to arrive. I've been receiveing e-mails all day from various people telling me that our appointments tomorrow have to be cancelled. You know what that means!? That means, I get to sleep in.!!!! I hope I don't lose too much power tomorrow. My street has a tendency to flood, too. Wouldn't it suck if my car floods the very month I pay it off? That would be some real irony!
Ok, gang, stay dry. Stay safe. Be of good cheer.
Over and out.
GFT
Remember way back when I broke the coaxial cable thingy off the back of my tv, so I couldn't use my antenna. I lasted until now. Today, I have Direct TV. The first time in 20 years that I've had "cable" tv.
Ok, so why? Couple of reasons. Number one, I paid off my car. That frees up some monthly cash. Number two, I'm trying to cut back on spending money going out. I can't cut back on driving but I can cut back on other things; so I'm making it easier and more entertaining to stay home.
I even stocked my apartment up with wine. The cost of a decent glass of wine at La Griglia will buy me a bottle of another at Spec's.
So, tonight, I'm watching Independence Day while I'm waiting for Edouard to arrive. I've been receiveing e-mails all day from various people telling me that our appointments tomorrow have to be cancelled. You know what that means!? That means, I get to sleep in.!!!! I hope I don't lose too much power tomorrow. My street has a tendency to flood, too. Wouldn't it suck if my car floods the very month I pay it off? That would be some real irony!
Ok, gang, stay dry. Stay safe. Be of good cheer.
Over and out.
GFT
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Obama and Experience
So, now the big question is, does he have the experience to handle the role of President? I believe that we are being asked this question because Obama is young, if I'm not mistaken, he's 46. Wow, he's only 2 years older than I am.
How old was Kennedy when he won the Presidency? 43.
I really don't believe that Obama is too young to be President. So, now let's look at experience.
Let's start with Ronald Reagan. He was an actor then a governor. Where was his experience to be an effective leader and President?
Then after that, Jimmy Carter, Peanut farmer then governor. Not a very good leader at all. American recognized her mistake and fixed it.
Bill Clinton. Professional politician and Governor. I think he did ok. But I think he could have done better. I don't think his short comings had anything to do with a lack of experience.
G. W. Bush. Rancher, oil guy, owner of baseball team, governor. He didn't have a lot of experience to be President.
Geeorge H.W. Bush, LOTS of experience, seasoned senator, V.P.; not a good leader at all. A lot of people wanted him out but not as badly we want his son out.
I'm not so convinced that Senator McCain has anything over Obama in terms of experience. If anything, McCain gives me the impression he doesn't plan to deviate very far from his predecessor's path. I don't think that McCain plans on carving out anything new or different. And I think that point is made evident by the fact that he can only run negative ads against Obama. He has nothing to offer America that we can get excited about so he wants to poo poo our optimism and enthusiasm for Obama.
I have no problem voting for Obama. I believe he is smart enough to surround himself with people who can advise him. And, I also believe that unlike Bush, he will listen to their advice.
I've been talking to a lot of people about Obama these last few days. And the interesting thing is that many agree that he lacks a lot of experience. But like me, they don't care. It doesn't seem to be enough to stop them from voting for him.
How old was Kennedy when he won the Presidency? 43.
I really don't believe that Obama is too young to be President. So, now let's look at experience.
Let's start with Ronald Reagan. He was an actor then a governor. Where was his experience to be an effective leader and President?
Then after that, Jimmy Carter, Peanut farmer then governor. Not a very good leader at all. American recognized her mistake and fixed it.
Bill Clinton. Professional politician and Governor. I think he did ok. But I think he could have done better. I don't think his short comings had anything to do with a lack of experience.
G. W. Bush. Rancher, oil guy, owner of baseball team, governor. He didn't have a lot of experience to be President.
Geeorge H.W. Bush, LOTS of experience, seasoned senator, V.P.; not a good leader at all. A lot of people wanted him out but not as badly we want his son out.
I'm not so convinced that Senator McCain has anything over Obama in terms of experience. If anything, McCain gives me the impression he doesn't plan to deviate very far from his predecessor's path. I don't think that McCain plans on carving out anything new or different. And I think that point is made evident by the fact that he can only run negative ads against Obama. He has nothing to offer America that we can get excited about so he wants to poo poo our optimism and enthusiasm for Obama.
I have no problem voting for Obama. I believe he is smart enough to surround himself with people who can advise him. And, I also believe that unlike Bush, he will listen to their advice.
I've been talking to a lot of people about Obama these last few days. And the interesting thing is that many agree that he lacks a lot of experience. But like me, they don't care. It doesn't seem to be enough to stop them from voting for him.
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