The Last Sunday of April 2008

And so it goes, almost a quarter of the year 2008 has come and gone.

Today Kate and I got up early to have a nice lunch at Cambridge Common with her friends Adam and Sarah. They were up from Baltimore for a weekend get away visiting friends in the area. We had a nice afternoon walking around Brookline, where Adam & Sarah used to be roommates with Kate a few years ago. Adam, Sarah and Kate reminisced and we enjoyed the cleansing brisk overcast spring weather.

We touched on politics of course and I perhaps got a little too excitable when Adam made a rather negative comment about my views on government provided health care. That pretty much ended the discussion because I think they thought my head might explode or something along those lines. Yeah... emotional stability hasn't been really solid for me lately. Not that I'm really unstable, it is more that I've been getting bothered even more than usual by politics, and other often simple stuff. I've always been emotional when it comes to politics, it runs on both sides of the family. I sort thrive on my emotions, (In my deluded, deluded mind) but forget that people don't find "my passion" very attractive.. so I must work on reigning that in.

Adam & Sarah departed in the early evening for an Eisley concert they were headed to over at The Paradise. I hung out with Kate for a little while longer, and helped her carry her groceries back to her apartment before finally returning to Melrose via. the good old undependable Boston Public Transportation.

Back to work... I look forward to dinner with Kate on Wednesday.

It's Evolution!

Kate, Adam, Sarah and myself were actually at some point discussing our distant relation to the sea and I was roughly detailing some of our current body physiology that still tethers us to those roots. So coincidentally I noticed this article tonight and I had to post it.

We're not finished yet

Subtitle: "Mankind is no perfect work. As a product of evolution, the design is haphazard, part fish and part monkey."

This was one of my favorite portions from the article:

The sound of a hiccup echoes back to our very distant past as fish and amphibians some 375 million years ago, says Shubin. It's really just a spasm that causes a sharp intake of breath followed by a quick partial closing of our upper airway with that flap of skin known as the glottis. It's best if you can nip it in the first couple of hics, he says.
It's much harder to stop once you've let yourself get up to 10. By that point you've reverted to an ancient breathing pattern orchestrated by the brain stem that once helped amphibians breath, letting water pass the gills without leaking into the lungs. "Tadpoles normally breathe with something like a hiccup," Shubin says.

Life as a tadpole must suck, no pun intended.

Saturday, Saturday....

Saturday night's ok....

Anyway... I'm think I'm feeling much better, and hopefully whatever I had won't come back.
Today I did an exhaustive lot of errands, laundry, shopping, etc., etc... followed by Kate coming over. We went out for our occasional Friendly's meal, which was just an appetizer sampler tonight, and I had a Fribble (chocolate shake) for desert. (Kate enjoys Friendly's).

This would be cool, I'd get the chips and bean dip out for this and a few beers. Awesome!

Clinton to Obama: Let's debate like Lincoln
from article: "Sen. Hillary Clinton called for a Lincoln-Douglas-style debate with no moderator against her rival, Sen. Barack Obama, who says no more debates are needed before the May primaries."

Key words being: NO MODERATOR

Anyway.... also amusing:
From article:
In the interview, Fox News' Chris Wallace asked Obama why he was ducking another one-on-one meeting.
"I'm not ducking one. We've had 21," Obama said.

My Absence

Yes I know, I've been a lousy blogger all week, but I've been rather unhealthy too. I'm still not 100% whatever I had, has cleared up. I haven't eaten yet today except for an orange, but I should know soon enough. My digestion has been all out of whack, and I'll probably go see a doctor next week if it persists since stuff like this you tend to get over in a day. Each time I eat I get lousy cramps and the runs (joy!). Your welcome, glad to share.

I saw an article that touchy feelie communists were all up in arms about so I thought I'd say my piece.

Florida Education Official Lectures Parents on Wasting Money on Alcohol, Cigarettes
So of course the response from the masses: "A Florida school board member is drawing fire from some parents for saying they should spend money on school clothes for their children instead of buying alcohol and cigarettes."

Fox News's presentation of the article definitely supports my logic... all you have to do is read it and well... it speaks for itself.

I predict that the Florida school board will force this board member to apologize or resign, despite the fact he's right.

From article:
Parent Maria Quintana says Wheeler’s e-mail is insulting.
“I have a job and sometimes it's really hard. You have to struggle," Quintana told MyFOXOrlando.com. "And to have them say something like that is really degrading."
You know Maria, I'm guessing it is true, perhaps about you... because otherwise it shouldn't be degrading.

Now Maria may be a very good person... however she knows the government will cave so she can have her vices, even though it would be better for both her and her children if she didn't. THIS is the only reason to be angered by such a statement.

My parents struggled check to check growing up... racked up debt often and struggled to pay it off, and gave up their frivolous needs frequently. My parents sent me to Catholic school kindergarten through 3rd grade, and they couldn't afford it, but they found a way to make it happen. I never had cable until I was 16 or so, and we probably got our first VCR around when I was 14 or 15. We had one TV with rabbit ears. My parents didn't smoke, and they didn't drink. My father had quit smoking before he met my mother and my parents enjoy the occasional drink, but realized it wasn't something that mixes well with having a family on a tight budget. And lastly I'm an only child, not because my parents didn't want to have more children, it was because they couldn't afford to have more children and grant them the opportunities they helped give me. I feel very lucky every day that I had them, and they made these sacrifices for me.

The left wants people to think they can and should be able to live beyond their means. They want people to feel it is their right as human beings to do so. I couldn't disagree more.

Maria felt degraded.
When I've had problems, weaknesses, various shortcomings how did I feel, better yet how did you feel? Generally degraded, more so if you know there is probably a solution, but it may take some hard work and discipline to make it happen.

I feel degraded when I get that F on a test so I try harder; I feel degraded when I get caught speeding, so I slow down; I feel degraded about messing up in a game of sports, so I practice harder. And so on....

Much of what keeps us in line as a society, much of what keeps us on the straight and narrow is based on avoiding shame. You do what is right to avoid bringing shame onto yourself.

Laws, rules, sin, social norms.... they are all based on this. Despite that many seem frivolous, most of this structure has a place in our world. It helps us function.

Why shouldn't someone feel bad if they can't buy clothes for their kids? Please someone answer me that? And if they are spending money on things they don't need, why shouldn't they feel even worse? These feelings help us do the right thing, and keep us from doing the wrong things.

The trouble is we have people who want to manipulate the masses into complacency. The more people believe it is up to government to solve their problems and give them things they normally would have to work towards, the more power politicians acquire. These officials claim to have the interests of the poor at heart. They tell the people that others who expect them to take good care of themselves and their children are "cruel and unusual". They convince people that they are incapable of doing more for themselves. But don't worry the government will do it for you. Personally I think people risk their lives to escape Cuba for a reason, but perhaps I'm just delusional.

I applaud Jay Wheeler, although I suspect he won't be a board member much longer. I probably wouldn't have said it myself... but I definitely would have been thinking it.

Patriot's Day Weekend.

For those who are unfamiliar with the strange rituals of Massachusetts, Patriot's Day is a holiday we have. Apparently it commemorates "the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the first battles of the American Revolutionary War." Now I had never heard of Patriot's Day before I moved to Massachusetts. I assume that Wikipedia is incorrect in their assertion that Maine observes this holiday as well. I'm 95% certain I never had it off during school growing up. Anyway, all that aside, Kate and I had a three day weekend and the weather was great. Kate and I took advantage of the nice day on Sunday and spent some time in the Middlesex Fells Reservation.

While I have walked around the reservation (which is steps from my apartment) Kate and I found some cool things that I hadn't seen before. There are a couple series of cascades, one of which Kate snapped a great picture of from above on a small stone bridge. Also of interest is a spring in a section of the park called "Virginia Wood". The spring is called "Crystal Springs" and consists of a grotto structure and a stone that has a pipe coming out of it. Both are pictured here, as well as Kate playing in the water. We had a brief engineering contest damming up the little brook of spring water. I don't think anyone will be hiring either of us to work on the Hoover dam any time soon.

Additionally pictured are some flowers, tree buds and leaves coming out from the decay of last year. Kate and I speculated that the bright green leaves seen in one of the photos were actually some mythical creatures that slept during the day with only their leafy hair appearing, much like the Mandrakes from Harry Potter. Apparently the Mandrake was based on a real plant (see wikipedia link) although they don't really resemble the screaming roots from the "Chamber of Secrets".

After our jaunt in the woods we walked to the Orange line and headed to the Pearl St. Restaurant for supper.

Kate left Monday morning since she had made some plans already... I ended up sleeping late (Big Surprise Right?) When I did wake up I decided on catching a matinee of "Smart People" which I found enjoyable. Dennis Quaid, Sarah Jessica Parker, Thomas Haden Church (Wings/ Sideways), and Ellen Page (Juno) stared in this slice of life film about a dysfunctional family of odd balls. I'm not a big fan of Parker, so admittedly her involvement was a deterrent. She filled the role quite well in the end. Apparently it was originally cast for Rachel Weisz and honestly despite my lack of fondness for Parker she's a better fit than Weisz, perhaps primarily because she has some sort of personality (for the good or bad). Page's character was largely similar to Juno, however her Janeane Garofalo-like humor wins me over much as it did previously. Is she being type cast? Probably so, but can she play the part probably better than just about anyone else in her acting category.

After I got home I ate some cheese bread sticks, drank a couple of beers, and watched political commentary. Sure I never made it to the gym as I had planned, but I must admit, it was a hell of a way to spend Monday evening.

I hope everyone has a great week! Happy Spring!!

The "Free Tibet" Protesters....

And why they piss me off...

I know I'll probably come off like some old codger in this but please hear me out.

I totally think China is unjust in their occupation of Tibet.... and I get Tibetan desire for autonomy, and I respect it. What I fail to understand is how protesters... or even Tibetans themselves ever expect to achieve anything. I believe the truth of the matter is the protesters are more interested in appearing to be socially conscious..... and the "Free Tibet" sympathies have been a must for bohemians and neo-hippies for quite some time. Protesters have no concept of what they expect our government to do... and most don't even know the History behind Tibet. I can almost guarantee most of these naive college kids and bohemians probably don't even realize that the Dali Lama has been living in exile for many years (1959) and that Chinese occupation began in 1949.

So what really irritates me is that half of the people out waving signs..... half... no... ALL OF THE PEOPLE out waving signs will have, at least one article of clothing made in China on (Many of them will likely have an entire wardrobe that is made in China... perhaps purchased at Urban Outfitters, Hootenanny, or The Proletariat). Yet their idea of putting an end to China's reign is a boycott on the opening ceremony of the Olympics? Please... Like China's going to give a rat's ass... and people will still watch in droves anyway because when one network drops the coverage... another opportunist will pick it up. Per usual people don't have the guts to do what it would really take to accomplish their dream.

So Tibet is an occupied nation of pacifists who will kill themselves in protest, before they will take any sort of major offensive against their Chinese occupiers. The rest of the world could boycott Chinese goods... but this will never happen... because as we know the kids aren't going to be giving up their replica vintage t-shirts, plastic Buddha statues, incense burners, amongst many other fine Chinese products made by 12 year old children. China has abysmal human rights records throughout the country let alone Tibet. The problem is people love cheap stuff and convenience.... and as long as it is available they will purchase it. Now it is almost impossible not to buy Chinese products.

There is also the bigger question of how one can expect to help a people who will not fight for themselves? Pacifism only works when everyone is a pacifist. You have to lock your doors, you have to protect your self, when you don't... the animals will take the opportunity when they see it. These are the rules of survival.

Going back to the protesters and why they piss me off.... I think they are naive, ignorant, and most of all.... insincere. There are few things that bug me more than an insincere political activist. Just because you put some bumper sticker on your car... quite frankly it doesn't mean sh*t, besides the bumper sticker was probably made in China.

Apparently I'm not alone in this thought process as I just found this link after I wrote this up:

Made in China - Free Tibet! (Great political cartoon!)

Lemon Chicken with Rice & black beans

And a salad.... that was my nice supper at Kate's tonight. After we walked to Emack & Bolio's, got a couple of Ice Cream Cones, then walked to Kenmore square where Kate and I parted ways. I'm looking forward to the weekend, which will be a long one. In Massachusetts Monday is a holiday "Patriots Day" which by the way has nothing to do with the football team.

I'm reading "The Grapes of Wrath" finally. I've enjoyed every John Steinbeck book I've read, my favorites being "Cannery Row" and "Tortilla Flat". This book which is often described as his greatest achievement is definitely living up to the hype. Coincidentally, South Park's latest episode chose to spoof "The Grapes of Wrath" when Stan's family and many others head west with all their belongings tied to their car. For the Marsh family, they were searching for the Internet and were headed for dreams of connectivity in the Silicon Valley, as opposed to "The Joads" of Steinbeck's creation who head to California to make a living after the Dust Bowl, and land owners kick them out of the Midwest.

Kate and I booked our train pass for Germany and it just arrived in the mail today. We are now officially less than a month away from our departure!

Muslim Charter Schools: Specific issue, or piece of a broader problem?

Several days ago my friend Tim Hayes sent me a link to an article about a public school for Muslim students.

Katherine Kersten, April 9: Wall of silence broken at state's Muslim public school:
http://www.startribune.com/local/17406054.html

The problem is that it would be hypocritical of us as a nation to single out this particular school largely because it is Islamic. The primary reason it is highlighted is of course due to the current world climate. The average Christian, Jewish, and Secular American may see it as a potential for a vehicle to spread anti-American sentiment. (There is probably legitimacy to that claim but that isn't what I want to highlight here).

OF COURSE... many fiercely opposed to this may do so not because of the breach of separation of church and state, but because of an obvious double standard. Islamic communities are sort of benefiting from unofficial special treatment. If a Christian school was set up in a major urban environment, it would likely never get funding, or get shut down quickly. The government and the people are so petrified of being labeled culturally insensitive or of offending a group that has proven to be hypersensitive, that they are allowing laws to be broken to prevent civil unrest. Ironically, these measures may create an immigrant community that will remain un-assimilated from fellow Americans. As a consequence, much greater, and potentially more damaging civil unrest could eventually arise.

But I digress.... the hypocrisy:

Religion, the U.S. Constitution, and Public Schools in Utah

from article: Missionary Week: "LDS students were encouraged to proselytize non-Mormons during lunchtime."

First Jewish charter school in U.S. approved

Also: Prayers are still widespread at high school graduations, especially in the south. The pledge of Allegiance still says "Under God".

While I had difficulty finding information on it, I have read that many rural public schools may still be engaging in staff sponsored prayer. I've read articles about this previously, but Google was not rewarding me.

Kansas school board redefines science
And of course we can't forget an entire state that dismisses natural history, genomes, fossils, natural selection (which is a primary component of evolution that is routinely observed in action) for the faith based "intelligent design" which is quite simply a lie and a systematic brainwashing of children endorsed by their blindly religious parents who apparently aren't confident enough in their own beliefs (fundamentalism). Just because portions of the Bible are allegories, does not take away their message. Nor does it negate the existence of God, or the potential for the power of Christ. If this was the way things went, then the entire Christian faith probably would have collapsed after it was discovered the Earth revolved around the Sun and not vice-versa. (That from a self described agnostic... impressive eh?)

Once again...... getting back on track:
As long as these (and many more) examples of religion in schools exist, outside of what can, and should be a purely educational and secular exploration of cultures and faith..... any argument to remove one breach of the 1st amendment and contradiction of prior court rulings, becomes weaker.

Farm Subsidies

The farm bill which oddly enough addresses both farm subsidies and food stamps is up for renewal. The Farm Subsidies are arguably the easiest fix to make a huge change in deficit spending. It is the easiest fix that no one wants to perform because politician are beholden to special interests, lobbyists, and communities who cast their votes with the hand outs.

There was a great piece on public TV this past Sunday about the complete dysfunction and corruption that makes up the Farm Bill legislation. Part of the discussion was devoted the irony that subsidies to wealthy corporate farmers, and land owners tend to increase each time this bill is renewed, while food stamp programs increase marginally if at all, in spite of increasing poverty. Apparently 2008 appears to be no exception in this trend.

How to Spend an Extra $15 Billion

My favorite example of the corruption is the following: "A 2002 program aimed at helping those facing a serious drought gave $635 million to ranchers and dairy farmers who had moderate or no drought. Some ranchers got money because they lived in counties declared disaster areas after debris fell to earth from the space shuttle Columbia."

Supposedly the post workers had interviewed people who had sought out their representatives to complain about the broken Farm Bill. Universally people are met with "There's nothing we can do" when questioning why this Bill isn't seriously reformed.

More: The Farm Bill Debate

Not surprisingly the Democrats tend to treat the Farm Bill and it's historical composition as their baby. The Republicans have tried unsuccessfully to reform it in the past. The reality is the special interests are pulling the strings of both parties. Despite more opposition from the right it still has not been significant enough to topple hand outs to wealthy land owners, corporations, and people who just happen to reside on farm land. Talk about the ultimate hypocrisy... the Democrats constantly berate the GOP for supporting what they call tax cuts for the rich (which in reality are just flatter tax brackets based on more graduated increases in the % paid to the feds... still not "fair" or "flat"... but more so...) when they are giving tax revenue away to wealthy campaign donors for doing absolutely NOTHING.

People investigating this in the PBS documentary seemed to believe Americans were aware of this. I beg to differ. I was aware of subsidizing farmers not to grow crops, however I was not aware that they can collect hundreds of thousands of dollars ever time there is a blizzard. Not to mention some people who just have a house on land zoned for farming can and are collecting... even though NO farming has occurred for years!

I think this really puts into perspective some of the other hot button topics. This is just out of control greed, and yet it flies under the radar and instead people are demonizing immigrants who struggle to put food on their table. Well I suppose it is human nature to make scapegoats out of the people who seem superficially different, before we are willing to stop the corruption within our own ranks. Priorities are messed up... what's new?

April Weekend....

HIGHLIGHTS: Why eating of course!

Kate and I finally made our way to the Pearl St. Restaurant in Malden which is located in an old train station. I grossly underestimated this place and was finally lured there after rave reviews from a coworker who lives nearby. Kate and I chose calzones from an expansive menu. She had a spinach and cheese calzone, while I went for a sausage, pepper, and onion calzone. We had a side of onion rings as a primer to our feast. I'm certain we will be going back to the Pearl St. Restaurant again.

Sunday we again... finally got around to going to Blue Ribbon BBQ in Arlington. We both had pulled pork sandwiches, which I think we agreed should serve as a litmus test for whether a BBQ establishment is a quality operation. Blue Ribbon passed with flying colors. Kate claimed that their vinegar BBQ sauce was much like the sauce she had in Tennessee as a kid.

I just finished watching the Red Sox fight off the Yankees. Delcarmen closed out the game tonight since Francona had decided to give Papelbon and Okajima a break due to heavy rotation. Matsui put up a tough fight at his last at bat while various heavily insulated Sox players (Manny was in some sort of Arctic parka in the freezing 45 degree F weather.... please note my sarcasm) watched on. Papelbon had a psychotic looking smirk... (as he typically does) as the last moments of the game unfolded.

In other news... I had some political things I wanted to rant about but it will have to wait.

I do want to post this because I think it is funny in the screwed up sort of way.

Keys Talks About Her Conspiracy Theories

Yes Alicia Keys is trying to step up her street cred.. or something... one more notch. I've always found Keys talented even though her music isn't my cup of tea. What has always been a little irritating to me was her transition from educated, well spoken artist... to embracing street talk that to me came off as flamboyantly fake. All of which occurred in a matter of months after the monsoon of publicity following Songs in the Key of A minor. Well I guess this is just the latest in an ongoing progression for Alicia.

From article: There's another side to Alicia Keys: conspiracy theorist. The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter tells Blender magazine: "`Gangsta rap' was a ploy to convince black people to kill each other. `Gangsta rap' didn't exist."

OK... so if we stopped here, one might come to reason that Alicia is against violence..... crazy theory aside (I assume rich white people created gangsta rap according to her assertion). But wait.....

Additionally From article: Keys, 27, said she's read several Black Panther autobiographies and wears a gold AK-47 pendant around her neck "to symbolize strength, power and killing 'em dead," according to an interview in the magazine's May issue, on newsstands Tuesday.

Hmmmm..... so she's militant.

And further still.. it gets even loopier: The bicoastal feud between slain rappers Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G. was fueled "by the government and the media, to stop another great black leader from existing."

OK.... so two idiots (and gangster rappers.... to Keys's prior point, brainwashed into being a cog in the evil conspiracy by their oppressors) who killed each other over some territorial pissing that wasn't even based on any religion or legitimate cause.... these guys were going to be great leaders?? They couldn't even lead themselves down an honorable path.

Sounds like Miss Keys has a few issues. Honestly.... stuff like this really shouldn't be laughed at. It sounds like this woman has been molded into a potentially dangerous racist. While she has the right to a public forum just like anyone does, people should be discouraged from putting any more money in her coffers. I fully suspect some of her wealth could end up funding a radical and dangerous cause. I think Keys needs to explain herself further or she may face deserved public backlash.

Frazzled......

Whirl wind of a day for me......

A busy week...

For some reason I've been actually sleeping relatively decent hours this week (when compared to my usual sleeping hours).... on purpose. This coupled with my struggle to listen to my German cds, do general errands, make it to the gym... etc. etc. Well the blog has suffered as you've seen. My apologizes.

So now I must go to bed.... get my "beauty" rest.

Absurd.....

Report: Jimmy Carter to Meet With Hamas Leader in Syria

Former President Carter has repeatedly stuck his neck out and gotten involved in sensitive politics that often directly clash with the efforts of sitting administrations. I think some discourse with enemies can be good if there is a plan, or if there is any potential for reasoning. Hamas has proven to be an irrational, religiously driven organization that can not be bent. Jimmy Carter is a fool (Not to mention, I'm convinced he's getting senile).

Clinton: Bush should skip Olympic opening ceremonies
Not that I disagree with this gesture, however I find it laughable if not nauseating coming from Clinton. After all it was the Clinton Administration that gave China favored nation status.... of course the left was largely silent on China's human rights record back then when their hero Bill was running the show.
China: most-favored-nation status - President Bill Clinton statement, Executive Order, Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Winston Lord speech - Transcript
And then again....
http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/1998/06/03/china.trade/
Now to be fair, it had some bipartisan support, largely due to money. Companies across the board lobbied D.C. knowing this gesture would help them increase profit margins if it meant more business (manufacturing dirt cheap) was conducted with China. The left could satisfy their conscience with the notion (which is correct... to some extent) that increased trade could bring capitalism... and maybe one day Democracy into China. The problem that many critics of Bill's new found love for China went well beyond a couple Nike plants. China's human rights were abysmal, they were a threat (and continue to be) to long time ally Taiwan. They had supported the rouge North Korea. They were (and are) building the world's most powerful military force. Bill Clinton gave them additional military technology (remember... China invaded Tibet.... which is the current problem at hand)
I think it is Hillary's effort to remove leftist support from Obama that is the motivating factor behind her newly discovered disapproval of China. (Seems like yesterday her and Bill were renting out the Lincoln bedroom to them for Campaign cash....) Also the new left leaning Hillary supports an immediate withdrawal from Iraq, as revealed in today's questioning of General Petraeus. Ironically, Obama took the more moderate stance of adopting a time table. Which brings me to the next point:

Obama Catching up to Clinton in Pennsylvania
"Less than a month ago, Hillary Clinton appeared far ahead in Pennsylvania, enjoying a 17 percentage-point lead over Barack Obama. Not today, as the latest poll averages from Real Clear Politics show that Obama has cut Clinton’s lead to just 6.1 percentage points in Pennsylvania with two weeks left before the primary."

Winning the delegates and popular vote was already a statistical improbability at the end of Super Tuesday, even when she was ahead in the polls in Pennsylvania. If the race is even close in Pennsylvania, this could finally be the end..... although with Hillary, I wouldn't put it past her to try and steal away all of the super delegates. The irony is her arrogance may finish her political career if it doesn't damage the Democrat Party further. I see it as a win win situation.

Weird....

I suspect it is stuff like this that created superstition....

Makes you want to believe there are strange paranormal powers at work...

Hawk swoops from Fenway Park railing, attacks girl on school tour

"She wasn’t seriously hurt, but some observers saw an omen for a certain New York Yankees slugger in the attack at the home of the Boston Red Sox. The girl’s name is Alexa Rodriguez."

Good taste

Male rock fans likely to vote Republican: survey

from article: "It also found that John McCain, the Republican candidate for U.S. president, was the top pick for the Oval Office for men and classic rock partisans -- those people who tune in to stations playing music from the "original classic rock era" of 1964 to 1975, comprised of bands like Led Zeppelin, The Who and Pink Floyd."

"Jacobs Media said the survey, conducted among 69 U.S. rock-formatted stations in markets as diverse as Los Angeles and Knoxville to Buffalo, found 84 percent of the respondents planned to vote in the November election."

"About 30 percent of the respondents called themselves Democrats, while nearly 22 percent described their politics as Republican and 21 percent declared they were independents.
About 26 percent of the respondents either named a different party, preferred not to answer, or refused to categorize themselves."

Tonight I had dinner at Kate's. She made quesadillas with chips and salsa.... mmm mmm! After we went for a walk on a beautiful, brisk, 40 degree Fahrenheit April evening. I picked up my first milk shake/ frappe of the year at Emack & Bolio's in Washington Square. We stopped at the Brookline library and Kate checked out a Berlin travel book for me to flip through.

Tomorrow is THURSDAY (yipee for Thursday!)

Good News is... No News

So did anyone notice that the Dow was up nearly 400 points today? Interestingly enough, had it gone in the other direction I'm sure it would have made headlines and there would have been several new "doom and gloom" editorials. Speculation and debate of recession as well as criticism of W and his cronies would have filled the air waves. So there was very little in the way of explanation, however I did see a mid day blurb about oil prices getting a little relief.

Now I'm as full of gloom as the next guy when it comes to the future economic prospects of the United States... however there is a clear double standard here which really is standing out today.

So those who do try and take a stab at reporting today's good news even try to put a negative spin on it:

Bank stocks: April Fool or the real deal?

Oh wait... here we go... no headline however...

New quarter kicks off with a bang