Rhinoceruses don’t wear shirts.

Ok, needing a good jolly belly laugh this week, I thank my "Sexy Rhino" (and you know who you are!) for showing me this via Fark via albinoblacksheep via bash. For those who have read it, you know it's worth reading again. For those who haven't, put on your wizard hat (giggle) and enjoy.

..>..>..>..>..>..>..>..>
1. i put on my wizard hat



Made famous by the Bash.org Top 100 list, "I put on my robe and my wizard hat" refers to the fake cyber sex dialogues of BloodNinja.


Bloodninja by bloodninja
bloodninja: Baby, I been havin a tough night so treat me nice aight?


BritneySpears14: Aight.

bloodninja: Slip out of those pants baby, yeah.

BritneySpears14: I slip out of my pants, just for you, bloodninja.

bloodninja: Oh yeah, aight. Aight, I put on my robe and wizard hat.

BritneySpears14: Oh, I like to play dress up.

bloodninja: Me too baby.

BritneySpears14: I kiss you softly on your chest.

bloodninja: I cast Lvl. 3 Eroticism. You turn into a real beautiful woman.

BritneySpears14: Hey...

bloodninja: I meditate to regain my mana, before casting Lvl. 8 Cock of the Infinite.

BritneySpears14: Funny I still don't see it.

bloodninja: I spend my mana reserves to cast Mighty F*ck of the Beyondness.

BritneySpears14: You are the worst cyber partner ever. This is ridiculous.

bloodninja: Don't f*ck with me bitch, I'm the mightiest sorcerer of the lands.

bloodninja: I steal yo soul and cast Lightning Lvl. 1,000,000 Your body explodes into a fine bloody mist, because you are only a Lvl. 2 Druid.

BritneySpears14: Don't ever message me again you piece of ****.

bloodninja: Robots are trying to drill my brain but my lightning shield inflicts DOA attack, leaving the robots as flaming piles of metal.

bloodninja: King Arthur congratulates me for destroying Dr. Robotnik's evil army of Robot Socialist Republics. The cold war ends. Reagan steals my accomplishments and makes like it was cause of him.

bloodninja: You still there baby? I think it's getting hard now.

bloodninja: Baby?

-------------------

bloodninja: Ok baby, we got to hurry, I don't know how long I can keep it ready for you.

j_gurli3: thats ok. ok i'm a japanese schoolgirl, what r u.

bloodninja: A Rhinocerus. Well, hung like one, thats for sure.

j_gurli3: haha, ok lets go.

j_gurli3: i put my hand through ur hair, and kiss u on the neck.

bloodninja: I stomp the ground, and snort, to alert you that you are in my breeding territory.

j_gurli3: haha, ok, u know that turns me on.

j_gurli3: i start unbuttoning ur shirt.

bloodninja: Rhinoceruses don't wear shirts.

j_gurli3: No, ur not really a Rhinocerus silly, it's just part of the game.

bloodninja: Rhinoceruses don't play games. They f*cking charge your ass.

j_gurli3: stop, cmon be serious.

bloodninja: It doesn't get any more serious than a Rhinocerus about to charge your ass.

bloodninja: I stomp my feet, the dust stirs around my tough skinned feet.

j_gurli3: thats it.

bloodninja: Nostrils flaring, I lower my head. My horn, like some phallic symbol of my potent virility, is the last thing you see as skulls collide and mine remains the victor. You are now a bloody red ragdoll suspended in the air on my mighty horn.

bloodninja: Goddam am I hard now.

--------------

BritneySpears14: Ok, are you ready?

eminemBNJA: Aight, yeah I'm ready.

BritneySpears14: I like your music Em... Tee hee.

eminemBNJA: huh huh, yeah, I make it for the ladies.

BritneySpears14: Mmm, we like it a lot. Let me show you.

BritneySpears14: I take off your pants, slowly, and massage your muscular physique.

eminemBNJA: Oh I like that Baby. I put on my robe and wizard hat.

BritneySpears14: What the f*ck, I told you not to message me again.

eminemBNJA: Oh ****

BritneySpears14: I swear if you do it one more time I'm gonna report your ISP and say you were sending me kiddie porn you f*ck up.

eminemBNJA: Oh ****

eminemBNJA: damn I gotta write down your names or something

Catching up

I know, I know...

I'm behind with my Avalanche blogging. Truth is I've only been able to catch um... none out of the last three games. That hurts me a lot more than it hurts you, I tell you what! You know how I love to ramble on about nothing in particular via a cyber medium.

So, a little dose of reality here. My father in law is in the hospital right now. Not good stuff. And with school - the happy-holiday-humbug time of year - and life in general, a lot of the "fun" parts of my days are being put aside for a bit. Nothing to stress about. It'll all be back to All Systems Normal any day now.

Until then, I've decided to do some uber-blogging to catch myself up and put myself over the top, hockey wise. Here are the last three games in a nutshell…

we lost.

we lost.

we won.

Wait. I take that back. I did see bits and pieces of the Sharks game, come to think of it. I have these blazing images of Joe Thornton flashing all over the ice so I did catch a bit of the game. Hejduk scored a beautiful short handed goal (I DID get to see that, it was something worth smiling about). And did my eyes deceive me or did Capt. Joe score on a power play???? Yes, yes I knew we would finally remember how that was done!

Now for power blogging, prediction style. The next 6 games on the Av's schedule will go as follows:

Win, someone will break a stick and Budaj will yell profanity at several opposing forwards.

Win, someone will get injured yet still play out the final minutes holding his own teeth in his glove.

Win, but someone will slack on his shift and get sent down to Lake Erie, coach Q will be in a grumpy mood, double practices for the next three days.

Win, someone will get called up from Lake Erie, coach Q will wear his lucky pink tie again.

Win, someone will try to punch Finger in the face, or Finger will try to punch someone else in the groin.

And

Win, because aside from what you may think of me, I AM the eternal optimist!!!

Hee hee.

Sorry for the lame blog. Will try to regroup and come out with something worthwhile and entertaining soon.

And on some non-hockey related news… It *is* officially winter now. Know how I know that? The Mountain Lion warnings have been posted on Green Mountain. Yes, winter is officially here when the cats come down to play.

’Unsinkable’ Denver woman survives Antarctica disaster

Told ya. Kay, you're famous! ;-)

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2007/nov/27/unsinkable-denver-woman-survives-antarctica-disast/

'Unsinkable' Denver woman survives Antarctica disaster
By Bill Scanlon, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Originally published 06:24 p.m., November 27, 2007
Updated 07:14 p.m., November 27, 2007

Shivering in a lifeboat off the coast of Antarctica, a 63-year-old Denver woman cracked jokes, swallowed Dramamine and marveled at how well everything was going.

Kay Van Horne and the other 90 passengers, along with all 54 crew members and nine guides, survived the sinking Friday of the M/S Explorer off the South Shetland Islands in the Antarctic Ocean.

"Nobody panicked," Van Horne said Tuesday after arriving back in Denver. "Everybody got off that boat safely.

"It was just a miracle. But it says an awful lot for everybody, from the captain to the engineering crews to the Zodiac drivers. Everything was lined up in its proper way. They kept us informed every minute."

By Tuesday afternoon Van Horne was back in her element, "feeding my little grandbaby. And life can't get any better than that."

The retired middle-school teacher is an adventurer but had never taken a cruise before because she's so prone to seasickness. Still, she couldn't resist the lure of Antarctica.

GAP Adventures had put together the 19-day "Spirit of Shackleton" trip billed as retracing the harrowing journey of Ernest Shackleton, who in 1916 completed a two-year oddyssey to rescue the crew he'd been forced to leave when their ship was destroyed by ice.

M/S Explorer embarked from Argentina's southern tip on Nov. 11.

"We'd already been out for two weeks, and the company was wonderful," Van Horne said. "There were just 154 of us and we knew everybody."

Because the tour included several stops on land, the passengers were trained in getting on and off the Zodiac inflatable boats used for rescue and transport.

Van Horne was up playing cards just past midnight Friday, when she saw and heard the Explorer rumble through a swatch of ice.

"We made jokes about it, but it was the nervous type of jokes, to relieve the tension," she said. "I went up on the bridge and saw ice all around us. One of the crew had his binoculars out trying to guide us through the ice.

"When I went to my room, I joked with my niece that maybe we should put some long johns on instead of pajamas, because it was going to be a long night. That's when there was a big hit. We had hit ice before, but this was a little bit different."

Less than five minutes later the alarm sounded, and everyone was told to get to the top level of the boat.

"They had us sit in the lecture room and informed us immediately that there was a hole. They were going to try to reposition the boat so they could patch it," Van Horne said.

Soon after, "Another iceberg, about the size of the boat, hit us," she said. "That's when I felt in my heart we were going to abandon the boat."

Water started bursting through toilets.

The crew quickly brought everyone toward the lifeboats.

"They didn't candy-coat it, but they didn't exaggerate the threat, either," Van Horne said.

Van Horne's lifeboat listed and bounced as it slowly was lowered to the water. The stronger passengers fought the pull of the sinking ship, pushing the lifeboat away from the trough into the open water.

"There was still no panic," she said. "We realized it was a difficult situation, but whatever was going to be was going to be. Plus, the type of people on that boat — they were an adventurous group."

Lisa Paisola, worried about her aunt's seasickness, found a crumpled up Dramamine, found some water, and told Van Horne to lean back and sprinkled in the seasickness pill.

The captain had told them a couple hours before they abandoned ship that the cruise ship Norwegian was about six hours away, and another was 10 hours away.

Three or four hours after getting into the lifeboat, Van Horne saw in the reflection of the water a huge ship. About the same time, she saw a helicopter.

"That's when I started thinking, we can do this, we are going to be rescued," Van Horne said.

Inspectors had found about a half dozen deficiences in the Explorer earlier in the year, but Van Horne thinks it's a great boat, given its 40 years.

"One of the reasons why we survived is that two hours after the first distress call, the people at the Uruguay base on St. George's Island already were starting to cook for us," she said. "It was like clockwork, the way the whole thing was done."

When the passengers were brought to Port Arenas in Chile, they stepped off the plane, and an American consulate addressed Van Horne and her niece by name, telling them she'd be with them every step of the way until they were on an airplane home.

"I loved what our Swedish captain told us then," Van Horne said. "He said, 'If you have to be in a disaster, you want to be an American. I don't see consulates from any other countries here.'"

Back in Denver, her husband had made a huge pink sign, "Welcome Home, the Unsinkable Kay Van Horne," very appropriate for a huge Molly Brown fan.

With her grandchild, Michael Wright, safely in her arms, Van Horne reflected on her hours in the lifeboat.

She sat in the chilly choppy waters, thinking about all the things she had to go back to, including her grandson, born in June when she and her niece were on a camel-riding adventure in Morocco.

Van Horne thought of the many Filipinos on the crew who lost almost everything, because the small cabins on the ship were their most permanent homes.

She thought a lot of Ernest Shackleton whose leadership also resulted in not a single man lost.

"What really helped is that we were told what to do every step of the way," Van Horne said. "I felt like I was on a field trip — but not in charge of it, for once."

Subscribe to the Rocky Mountain News

Holiday Healing Candlelight Ceremony 12/17/07

The Empty Chair: Experiencing Loss at the Holidays

Service Offers Support and Reflection for People in Distress

Denver –November 29, 2007– Families who have experienced the death of a loved one may find that the empty chair is a painful reminder of their loss this holiday season. While the holiday season is not the time of year when suicide rates increase - the highest time is actually in the spring - it is a time when some people feel a stark contrast between their internal emotional state (depression, grief, or stress) and their surroundings. Some people find it hard to get needed support when the rest of the world appears to be celebrating. For the third year, The Carson J Spencer Foundation and Regis University will be co-sponsoring a Holiday Healing Candlelight Ceremony at Jefferson Unitarian Church (Golden, Colorado) to give people support and a time for reflection during the holiday season. The interfaith service is free and open to the public and will be held on Monday, December 17th at 7:00pm.

"The first few years after the loss of a loved one can be especially difficult during the holidays," mentions Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas, a psychologist and survivor of her brother's suicide. "Families sometimes just need to get through each day and create new traditions that honor the past and find hope for the future.

Spencer-Thomas acknowledges that for some, the "holiday spirit," support from family, and the religious community may act as protective factors during this holidays; however, she stresses, this does not mean that the issues of suicide and depression should be overlooked. For many, the holidays are a time of loneliness and anxiety about the future. Financial stresses often mount during this period of great spending, and family time can bring up as much conflict as togetherness. For families who have experienced a death, the holidays are a painful reminder of the absence of a loved one.

On Monday, December 17th at 7:00pm, people who may be having a hard time this holiday season will be gathering together for reflection and support. Jefferson Unitarian Church will join the small but growing number of religious communities providing this type of service. For more information contact, Jefferson Unitarian Church (303-279-5282 www.jeffersonunitarian.org) or Sally Spencer-Thomas (720-244-6535 Sally@CarsonJSpencer.org) .

About the Carson J Spencer Foundation - Sustaining a Passion for Life

The Carson J Spencer Foundation (www.CarsonJSpencer.org) is a Colorado nonprofit, established in 2005. We envision a world where leaders and communities are committed to sustaining a passion for life. We sustain a passion for life through:

*funding social enterprise for sustainable mental health initiatives

*delivering innovative suicide prevention programs targeting the working age population

*supporting the education of emerging entrepreneurs and leaders

Family Friend Sinks for the Holidays

No joke. Our friend Kay was on this ship. Can't wait to hear about the story first hand when she gets back. She is ok, by the way. Kay, you really know how to make life exciting!

Cruise ship goes down off Antarctica

A Canadian cruise ship struck submerged ice off Antarctica, but all 154 passengers and crew, Americans and Britons among them, took to lifeboats and were plucked to safety by a passing cruise ship before the ship sank.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21935099/from/ET/

The Flames

Flames 4, Avalanche 1

Alright, yes, I should be horribly upset that the Av's dropped yet another road game this season, and to a team that we've pummeled more than once this year. And... may the hockey gods/goddesses/powers that be forgive me for saying so, but... I'm actually pretty happy that the Flames finally scored a victory on their home ice. They've had problems winning at home lately (much like we've had problems winning on the road) yet they are one incredibly talented team with Phaneuf, former Avs Tanguay and Yelle, Iginla, Lombardi, and killer goalie Kiprusoff. This team is stacked with power players. Especially, Kiprusoff whose stats (now 8-9-3) do NOT accurately represent the level of player that he truly is. At least tonight seemed to be a good starting point for the Flames to turn their game around. Too bad it was against my Avs.

Good points for the Avs tonight though -- despite a third straight ugly beat down there was some quick movement on the ice by Sakic and Sauer. Ryan Smyth took a face full of glass in the 2nd and had to leave to the locker room for some "recoup" time. Ouch! I'm so glad Altitude replayed that injury clip over and over 82 different times (and from 13 different angles in case you missed it the first half dozen times).

And wow, how about that Cody McCormick!!!!! He was called up from Lake Erie to play tonight. Quenneville needs to keep this kid around, he was great. Fun to watch -- new blood on the ice keeping things moving. He was quite scrappy which is something we've lacked the last four or five games! McCormick made some great hits early in the first, and ramped up for an all out glove dropping fist fight before retreating to the locker room. Good times! McCormick has made my roster (if he can keep up that level of play). I hope he's made Coach Quenneville's permanent list, at least until Laperriere comes back. It was also good to see Skrastins back in the line up.

So, aside from being happy that my No. 2 team won tonight, and being disappointed that my No. 1 team flailed, I have faith that the Avs will rebound soon and finally learn how to score on a power play.

;-) The road trip continues...

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now for some off hockey-topic chit chat.

PR Disasters

Did you know… that the old slogan used by the Coors Brewing Company, "Turn It Loose," was translated into Spanish as "Suffer from Diarrhea?"

True.

Mirrors and Metaphors - Community Call for Art

Mirrors and Metaphors - Community Call for Art
DUE DATE: December 15th, 2007 - this art exhibit is for all - please participate by contributing your art.

Community Call for Art (test)

VSA arts of Colorado/ Access Gallery, The Carson J Spencer Foundation and

The Second Wind Fund



Present



Mirrors and Metaphors:

Reflections on Suicide, Mental Health and Healing through the Arts

The creation of art is often an expression of emotional states and can be an outlet for mental health struggles. In recognition Regis University, The Carson J Spencer Foundation, The Second Wind Fund, and Very Special Arts (VSA) are hosting an art show to increase awareness.

Entries are open to any artist with a mental health story to tell. Our purpose is two fold in raising awareness about suicide and mental health: 1) it affects all types of people across the lifespan – in us, in our families, and in our communities, and 2) art is an effective means to help people heal. Artwork will be selected based on artistic merit and the mental health message conveyed. All forms of artwork will be considered. Photographs, paintings, sculpture and drawings are acceptable. New art is preferred. All art must be accompanied by a 100 word narrative making the tie to the theme of the show explicit. Artwork must involve some sort of visual reflection (e.g., mirror, water) and may NOT include any overt images of sex, drugs, weapons or images of death. Artwork may not exceed 18"x24". Artwork should be durable for potential traveling show post-exhibit. Work must be ready to display, and artists must be willing to have pieces photographed for future publication.

Each artist is limited to one piece for this show, and the show will be limited to 50 pieces. A panel of artists and mental health professionals will jury the pieces for entry. Regis University, VSA arts Colorado, The Carson J Spencer Foundation, and The Second Wind Fund reserve the final right to select any artwork. Decisions are final and artists will be notified.

Please send a digital replication of your piece accompanied by a 100 word narrative to Sally Spencer-Thomas at sspencer@regis.edu by December 15, 2007. You will be notified of your piece's acceptance by January 10th. Art pieces that are selected need to be delivered suitable for display (i.e., framed) by January 25, 2007 to Regis University's Coors Life Direction Center. Selected art will be displayed at the Regis University library gallery during the month of February 2008. Any work that is donated may be part of a traveling exhibit. Art work that is not donated can be retrieved by March 15th from the Coors Life Directions Center.

Contact sspencer@regis.edu or 303-458-4323 for questions or other arrangements.

Spanked

The hated Dallas Stars made my team look like cream puffs.

Spanked. In my least favorite city, by my least favorite team. And yes, I'm qualified to make the "least favorite city" comment. I lived in that damn town for a year and hated every single agonizing slow millisecond that I was there. Though I did meet a handful of really great people (and you know who you are!) so I guess there are a couple of redeeming qualities from that experience. But overall, I hate Dallas. I love Austin (Texas isn't all bad, lol). Austin is so cool I might even have to blog about it one day, but not now -- not today. Back to the issue at hand = I really dislike Dallas on so many levels. And last night's beat down by the Stars doesn't do much to change that hate-hate relationship for me. Mike Modano, how I despise thee!!!

Oh the pain...
Stars 6, Avalanche 1


Jussi Jokinen got a hat trick plus one. Nice job (though it pains me to say it). Did anyone notice the "Hat Trick Girls" after Jokinen's third goal? Yes, leave it to Dallas to come up with the equivalent of cheerleaders for hockey. Girls in spandex and halter tops on skates that go out and gather up the hats off the ice. Wonder if they get paid for being there at every game "just in case", or is it a paid-per-hat-gathered kind of deal? Inquiring minds, and all that...

As if puck bunnies at games weren't bad enough. But I digress...

Jose Theodore was pulled early in the 2nd after the fifth Stars goal. I like Jose; I really do, but I need to see this guy do something to really wow my socks off. You know, make me feel confident in his abilities. He has promise. He has the talent. He has nights when he looks fantastic (like against Calgary). BUT he still makes me extremely nervous when he starts a game and that kills me. In the glory days of old (pre-salary cap and mega stars on every line), I remember Billington backing up Roy and it was never a "can he do it????" moment. I want to feel that kind of hockey-bliss again. Those were amazing days, were they not? C'mon Theodore, live up to your hype!

But last night's loss can't be placed solely on the shoulders of Theodore. The rest of the team looked tired, flustered and flawed too. So let's not beat a dead horse here. We sucked. We got throttled (over and over and over). Let's regroup and play some real hockey on Sunday, shall we?

Nothing. Seriously.

Hmmm...

There's something deeply personal on my mind today that I'm dying to dissect under the sharp, criticizing eye of public scrutiny. Or not. But framing it in the right words just isn't happening. Perhaps that's fate telling me not to flap my yap today.

:-)

Alright then, duly noted.

So, instead I'm off to watch "24 Hour Party People". Can't wait. Should be good. No hockey game until Friday. *sigh* Yes, it's killing me. I watched video clip highlights of previous games today, just for fun.

So lame.

On the upside, I finally figured out my javascript pop up window error in class today. Actually *I* didn't figure it out at all. It took Mary Jo and Mary all class period (better part of an hour) to crack the problem. I love it when I can stump the smart people with my coding nonsense!

Well, anyway, back to your regularly scheduled program…

Go for the green but stay for the reds!

http://www.labsintheboulder.com/

I don't usually chat up food on my blog but I decided to say a little something about a great little place my friend and I stumbled across on Friday night. It's called L'Absinthe and it's at 18th and Broadway in Boulder. Originally, we were intrigued by the place because of the name. Being a former Lit. major with a serious passion for poets like Rimbaud and Baudelaire , anything concerning that little green liqueur piques my interest! So off we went to Boulder on a quest for all things absinthe.

I should start off by saying we weren't necessarily seeking French cuisine for the evening. We pretty much just wanted to try the modern (and unfortunately, non-deadly) version of absinthe, minus the wormwood. Immediately when you walk in you are submersed into this wonderful warm atmosphere. We were escorted to our table, our chairs were held out for us, and our coats taken by the very impressive general manager, Ricardo. Very nice touch.

Even after Mike, our helpful and ever attentive waiter, informed us that they were in fact OUT of absinthe that night and were not going to get more in for a few weeks, we still decided to stay on and see what the rest of L'Absinthe was like. Though, I'm pretty sure you could hear the heartbreak and disappointment seep from me the moment Mike said the absinthe was gone (but where did all the Rum go? Hee hee. Little Capt. Jack humor there). However, like I said, the staff had made such an impression on us that we stayed on anyway, and I am so glad we did.

We had amazing dinners (the gnocchi and the truffles were amazing – I quote the waiter: "So good you could roll in it!"). But the best part of L'Absinthe is definitely the wine. Don't just go for the green stuff, definitely definitely, DEFINITELY have some of their wines. Their wine list is extensive and quite impressive. I'm a picky wine drinker and I think I had the most amazing reds I've ever had there. I can't say enough about the Regusse Pinot Noir. Ricardo was kind enough to bring us complementary Cabernet's as well which were nearly as good as the Pinot (sorry Ricardo, I am a huge fan of the pinot!). Wish I had the name of the Cab, so I could recommend it. Sadly, I don't recall it. Our other wine for the night was the Ray Merlot. Mmmmm…. Not quite the caliber of the pinot, but still a great little red.

So, yes, I'd definitely recommend anyone try out L'Absinthe. It is quaint, has incredibly good food, even better wine, fantastic service (A+++) and wonderful conversation! Seriously, you feel almost like part of the family when you go there!

Who’s On Top?

Of the NW Division, that is?!?!!

Why, the Colorado Avalanche, of course!!!! Yeah baby!

http://avalanche.nhl.tv/team/launch.htm?type=fvod&id=6843&catid=58

In my opinion there is NOTHING more exciting and rousing than the type of game the Av's had tonight. It was fast, it was tight, and the crowd was freaking nuts! It almost sounded like a crowd of enthusiastic Canadian hockey lovers! ha ha! I love it. Wish I was there in person to join in the fun. As it is I was sitting alone in my living room yelling at the television (the good kind of yelling though) and jumping all over the place. And it wasn't because I finally found that ever elusive bottle of Magellan Blue after Flash class last night :) No, the gin wasn't doing the talking - or the jumping - or the yelling. Just me being my dorky little self. It's ok, I can own it :)

So back to what was good: The pace was FAST (the faster the better, IMO). Fast makes things happen, more often than not. I don't subscribe to the faster = sloppier theory. The movers and the shakers make the plays. So fast. A good thing. Seriously, there nothing worse than a sloooow hockey game that runs at the pace of a (yawn) golf game. No offense, golfers. I'm not knocking you, but I could never get pumped over putting on the green.

The guys were definitely clicking tonight. It was exciting to watch because they were making some fantastic plays that weren't always predictable -- half the excitement comes when you can't decide whether or not the guy with the puck just made a tremendous maneuver or whether he's being a complete shithead for taking such a stupid risk. But it worked well for us tonight. If it hadn't I would have been doing more of the bad kind of yelling.

Damn, did I say the game was fun to watch????

Kudos to the crowd. They were on fire tonight (but seriously you'd have to be partially comatose to NOT get into tonight's game) so hooray for the fans -- and on a WEDNESDAY night of all things. *sigh* This girl needs to get to a game ASAP. I'm dying to go since I missed all of last year completely. I miss the loud obnoxious beer drinking fans. I miss the terrible music they play in-between plays. I miss the jumbo-tron with all the little kids dancing (aw, my son was featured on the dance screen earlier this season! He was a hit, let me tell you -- proud mama!), and I miss the awesome lemonades you get from the vendor that uses real lemons (add a shot of tequila and you have yourself a joyous little hockey beverage). Mmmmmmm. I haven't tried it with the frozen lemonades but I assume it would also be quite tasty.

Congrats to Svatos for making the winning shoot out goal. Did he make that look easy or what? Budaj was nothing less than amazing in net. And 2 high fives to Lapie (Lappie, Lappy, Lapi?) for scoring 2 goals tonight. His nose may have more twists than dead mans curve, but his shots were straight on tonight for sure!

Unfortuntely, due to the sheer excitement of tonights game, my javaScript homework did not get any closer to being done. Oh well.

Avs 4 - Oilers 3 in a shoot out!

Better!

Now THAT was a hockey game! I respectfully retract my "pansy" comments from the previous blog.

Paul Stastny ended his dry spell on Monday with two goals against Calgary. Finally! Wolski, Hejduk, and Brunette all played beautifully -- so nice to see. And Laperriere got scrappy and rounded out the "perfect game" with a good old fashioned fist fight!

Avalanche 4, Flames 1

Ouch

I've been told that it wouldn't be cool of me to post that I think the Av's played like a bunch of pansy-ass little girls last night. So I'll refrain from saying that. :-) I love my team, I'm just tired and in a bit of a grumpy mood.

And no, I have nothing against girls hockey teams or girls sports in general. I do not think girls play like pansys or pansy-asses. I'm a pro-girl kind of girl. In fact, I LIKE girls hockey clubs (and roller derby and all things un-girly-girl). But, as far as hockey goes, I think we pretty much sucked on Saturday night.

Except for Svatos!!! Svatos kicked major ass. 2 goals when everyone else was pretty much asleep at the wheel! Great job, Marek, thanks for showing up! Next time please bring the rest of the boys with you!

Wow. I'm being very cruel today. No really, I love my team. I do, I do, I do.

And I will concede that Finger's short handed goal was beautiful!

Hopefully better things are in store for us, as a whole, on Monday when we hook up with the Flames. Should be good!

Sorry for all the bad vibes. I'll go regroup and come back in a happy-bloggy-state of mind.

Sidney Crosby Comes to Town

So I was a little worried about our perfect home ice record when I saw that the Penguins were coming to town. Sidney Crosby is, after all, the biggest thing in hockey right now. He was first pick of the '05 draft, was a leading scorer for the '06 season (6th overall), he was named team Captain at the age of 19, was the Hart trophy winner last year, and is an absolutely phenomenal playmaker. Yeah, he's good.

I'm trying to imagine what my life would be like if I had myself so put together by the age of 20. Wow. We won't go there :)

So back to hockey...

After 2 goals from mighty Mr. Crosby in the first period I had to turn off the TV. I was sure this was bad news for my team (and that's big because I NEVER doubt my team!!!). Luckily, I also had the score tally going on my internet screen. Within 3 and a half minutes time span during the second period the Avs had scored three goals to take the lead, which they held onto for the rest of the game. Hot damn! And I missed it!!!! That's why I love game night replays on Altitude. You can watch the whole game over again which is good for those who missed something the first time (or for those who are hockey obsessed like me). Now, don't make fun - it's 60 minutes of happiness that comes roughly three times a week for 7-8 months of the year. It brings a smile to my face (and that doesn't happen a lot lately)! Hey, I could be doing worse things!!!

Check out these cool game facts for the evening:

Capt. Joe is on a six game point streak (1 goal and 8 assists).

Tonight was Ryan Smith's 800th NHL game. Think of getting pounded into the boards maybe 10 to 20 times a game, times 800 games... That's something to be proud of right there!

The grinders were the play makers for the Avs tonight -- very important for this season I think.

The Avs home record is now 6-0 which matched the 94-95 Nordiques franchise record for consecutive home victories to start the season.

Next game is Saturday at 8pm!

PS - Stastny, don't let Crosby get his elbow up in your face like that again! Show that talented little punk who's boss! And I mean that with the utmost admiration and respect toward Crosby. ;-)

Ryan’s Return

My favorite Mike Haynes comment for the night: "Ever have the feeling you have a puck caught in your pants?"

I wish Mike was still on the radio. :)

The comment was in reference to when the puck got lost in Laperriere's jersery during the last 2+ minutes of the game. How does that happen???

Ryan Smith's return to Edmonton - Av's FIRST road win of the season - empty net goal - Budaj has a superb game. A fun game to watch. And that's not just the pumpking ale talking. Pumpking??? Ok, maybe it IS the pumpkin ale talking... geesh...

Most important, the Avs were able to do things that they've been struggling with for all their road games this season - score first and not lose the lead late in the 3rd.

Here's a little write up on Smyth's return -- Very touching. And that's not a term that is used often in Hockey. Personally, I'm overjoyed that Ryan is on our team this year...




From Sports Illustrated online -
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/hockey/nhl/10/23/bc.hkn.oilers.smyth.ap/

DMONTON, Alberta (AP) -- Facing his former team for the first time since his trade eight months ago, former Edmonton Oilers star Ryan Smyth had a predictable reaction.

The left wing, now with the Colorado Avalanche, became teary-eyed as he lined up in pre-game ceremonies, watched a 1-minute video tribute of his 11 seasons with Edmonton and received a 30-second standing ovation from the 16,839 fans at Rexall Place.

Smyth kept his head down through most of the video tribute, but skated out to the middle of the rink twice to lift his stick and acknowledge the cheers.

Beside him, players on both benches banged their sticks against the boards in appreciation.

At a news conference Monday, Smyth was asked about the trade to the New York Islanders in February, his tearful goodbye to fans at Edmonton International Airport and how he might react Tuesday.

"I'm sure I'll break down," said Smyth, struggling to keep his emotions in check.

The 31-year-old Alberta native has three goals and three assists with the Avalanche this season after leaving the Islanders in the offseason and signing a five-year, $31.25 million free-agent deal with Colorado.

He had 549 points in 770 regular-season games with the Oilers. He is seventh on the Oilers' career scoring list.

Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Olympic Dream for Darfur Torch Relay Rally - 10/28

Passing on a message from Ben Drexler of the Denver Coalition to Save Darfur
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Local Darfur Activists-

We're now one week away from the Olympic Dream for Darfur Torch Relay Rally! In the next week we need all of you hitting up your friends, coworkers, and loved ones to recruit people for this demonstration. The greater the turnout we get, the more likely it is to make national news and the more likely it is to push China into maintaining its pressure on the Sudanese government.

We have a wonderful lineup of speakers including local politicians, survivors of previous genocides, athletes, and members of the Darfuri community. We will even have a special demonstration at this rally to show the progress we've made in the past three years.

For those who don't know, the torch relay begins at 11 AM on October 28th at the pavilions in Cheesman Park in Denver and the rally begins at 1:30 PM. Please come out to cheer on our relay participants and stay to hear our inspirational speakers.

For those interested in passing out information, you can find fliers for the event at http://www.boulderfordarfur.com/ODD

We will see you next week to send China a clear message of their responsibility to end this conflict! If you intend to come, please RSVP at http://www.savedarfur.org/page/event/detail/olympicdreamfordarfurevent/4jv5s

Thanks,
Ben Drexler
Denver Coalition to Save Darfur

The Av’s crushed my heart in the 3rd period, but my BFF makes it all OK!

Awwww, this is going to be one of those rare personal rants by me on my blog, but it's completely necessary! I have the best friend in the whole entire world and I have to send her a word of special thanks for all the support she's given me over the many years of our friendship.

Wow, we have been friends since those really awkward Jr. High School days. (We even dated the same guy before -- remember David Mugglie???? ha haha). And she is one of the most precious people in my life. She has been there for me through some really crappy times, all of the major life changing times, and no matter how often we talk or how infrequently we may see each other, she is absolutely there for me 100% any time, for any reason (even when I'm way off track).

So, believe it or not, I can make the most insane ass out of myself at times and she will stand right by my side and be there when I need bailing out. She will also be there for the most important days of my life without question or grumbling, no matter the inconvenience to her personally, because that is just the type of friend she is. She gets me, when not very many people do. And I am just so thankful to have a wonderful person like her in my life.

I mean, she hates sports and she sat at a sports bar with me last night for hours (and soooooooooo many happy little cocktails) and watched the entire (losing) Avalanche game with me before going to The Devil Came on Horseback. THAT is real friendship.

So I know she's hitting a rough patch herself right now, and I want her to know how amazing and important she is and how happy I am that we have been friends for these many long years!

Thanks for being my rock, Miss Chris, you are an amazing individual!!!!

hugs and love, your best friend --
me

Devil Came on Horseback - TONIGHT

I'm bumping this blog post up again....

http://www.denverfilm.org/filmcenter/detail.aspx?id=21318

The Devil Came On Horseback will be showing for one week at The Starz Denver Film Festival. Use the link above to get tickets online!

USA, 2007, 85 Minute Running Time
Genre/Subjects: Documentary, Political, Social Issues
Language: English, Arabic

DocNight - Friday, October 19 - 7:25 and 9:25 pm (plays thru Thursday!)
Co-Director Annie Sundberg IN-PERSON
Q&A and free reception follows the film.



Using the exclusive photographs and firsthand testimony of former U.S. Marine Captain Brian Steidle, this documentary takes the viewer on an emotionally charged journey into the heart of Darfur, Sudan, where an Arab-run government is systematically executing a plan to rid the province of its black African citizens. As an official military observer, Steidle had access to parts of the country that no journalist could penetrate. He was unprepared for what he would witness and experience, including being fired upon, taken hostage and being unable to intervene to save the lives of young children. Ultimately frustrated by the inaction of the international community, Steidle resigned and returned to the U.S. to expose the images and stories of lives systematically destroyed.



DIRECTOR: Ricki Stern, Annie Sundberg
Producer: Annie Sundberg, Ricki Stern, Gretchen Wallace, Jane Wells
Editor: Joey Grossfield
Cinematographer: Jerry Risius, Phil Cox, Tim Hetherington, William Rexer II, Annie Sundberg, John Keith Wasson
Music: Paul Brill
Principal Cast: Brian Steidle
Filmography: The Trials Of Darryl Hunt(2006)
US Distributor: International Film Circuit

Congratulations DAYNA and SEAN!!!!

Best wishes on your new life together. I'm sooooo happy for you both! Can't wait to see how badly I screwed up the wedding video :-/ Yes, Tammy "pause" does not = still photo. Goooooooddddddd!!!!!

much love always!

Rebels kill 10 peacekeepers in Darfur

Rebels kill 10 peacekeepers in Darfur

By ALFRED de MONTESQUIOU, Associated Press Writer
2 hours, 13 minutes ago

HASKANITA, Sudan - Rebel forces stormed a small African Union base in northern Darfur and killed at least 10 peacekeepers, leaving behind charred armored vehicles and bombed out barracks in an unprecedented attack on the beleaguered mission that threatened upcoming peace talks. ADVERTISEMENT



More than 30 peacekeepers were still missing by late Sunday, indicating the death toll from the attack could rise significantly.

About 1,000 rebels from the Sudan Liberation Army attacked the base outside the town of Haskanita Saturday after sunset when Muslims break their daytime fast for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, AU officers told The Associated Press Sunday at the scene of the attack. The rebels eventually stormed the base early Sunday, they said.

"We battled for hours, but when we ran out of ammunition, we took refuge in this ditch," said a Nigerian peacekeeper who would only give his first name, Aboubakar, because he was not authorized to speak to the media. He showed a corner of the camp riddled with bullet marks and mortar holes where the AU troops mounted their resistance.

Some of the surviving peacekeepers appeared shellshocked and said it was difficult to describe the intensity of the onslaught.

The rebels used armored vehicles and rocket-propelled grenades, an indication that they are more heavily armed than previously believed, peacekeepers said.

The AU troops said they initially repelled the assailants. But the rebels eventually overran the camp at around 4 a.m., peacekeepers said as they recovered from the fighting.

The Sudanese army routed the rebels early Sunday and the remaining AU peacekeepers were evacuated under the protection of the army. By afternoon, some government troops could be seen plundering goods from the burned-out camp as an AU armored vehicle smoldered nearby.

Rebels looted several AU armored vehicles and jeeps and took a large amount of ammunition from the base before the Sudanese army drove them out, AU soldiers said.

"This is the heaviest loss of life and the biggest attack on the African Union mission," said AU spokesman Noureddine Mezni. "Our troops fought a defensive battle to protect the camp, but 30 vehicles eventually stormed it. ... The camp is completely destroyed."

At least 200,000 people have been killed in more than four years of conflict in Darfur, a region of western Sudan. The government is accused of unleashing Arab militias known as the janjaweed to fight ethnic African rebels. The janjaweed are accused of the worst atrocities of the conflict including rape and mass killings of innocent civilians.

Darfur rebels also have grown increasingly hostile to the AU peacekeepers, saying the force is not neutral and favors the government side. Several ambushes of AU forces in the past year have been blamed on the rebels.

But Saturday's raid was the first time since the AU mission was deployed in June 2004 that one of its bases has been overrun, though soldiers have been regularly attacked. There are about 6,000 AU peacekeepers in the region currently.

The announcement that new peace talks to solve the conflict will open on Oct. 27 in Libya has sparked a flurry of fighting between rebels and Sudanese government forces as each try to improve their position ahead of the conference.

The attack came as rebels appeared to flee the area around Haskanita because of a large government offensive there over the past two weeks, AU soldiers said.

AU officers said they had observed several Sudanese helicopter gunships and MiG-19 fighter jets taking off for the Haskanita area early Sunday from their base in southern Darfur. U.N. resolutions forbid all military flights over Darfur.

By midday Sunday, plumes of smokes from several burning villages in the same area could be seen rising into the air. Forces from the Arab-dominated government have been accused of indiscriminately targeting ethnic African Darfur villagers on suspicions they support the rebels.

About 150 peacekeepers, most from Nigeria, had been stationed at the Haskanita base, but they had been grounded since June because of the insecurity in the area.

"This is a terrible incident. We're still trying to understand what happened," said Gen. Martin Agwai, the AU force commander, as he inspected the destroyed base.

As the last AU peacekeepers evacuated the camp late Sunday, Sudanese government troops and militias could be seen patrolling the area. Other government troops were sifting through the camp's debris amid the burning tents and a smoldering AU armored vehicle. Some soldiers carried away mattresses, fans and other gear.

"It may not be the right political thing to say, but the government forces saved us," said an AU officer at Haskanita, who also asked not to be named because of military regulations.

Speaking in Ethiopia, the AU's top peace and security official, Said Djinnit, said 10 peacekeepers were killed in the attack. AU officers said the dead included a police officer from Senegal, two military observers from Botswana and Mali and seven soldiers from Nigeria. At least seven peacekeepers were wounded.

"Some fled on foot and by car and have called us," the AU officer said. "But we're very worried for some of them."

Senegal's foreign ministry confirmed the death of one of its peacekeepers and reiterated a warning that it might pull out its troops if the situation appears too insecure.

The U.N., AU, France and Britain all strongly condemned the attack Sunday.

The Sudanese army also deplored the attack, saying it offered protection to the evacuating peacekeepers. Despite a few sporadic gunshots, the army appeared in control of the area Sunday.

The Darfur situation had been expected to improve after U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visited Sudan early in September and announced new negotiations with Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir to settle the conflict.

Al-Bashir announced a cease-fire earlier this month, but violence increased in the ensuing weeks.

The underfunded AU force has been unable to stem the fighting in Darfur and will soon be merged into a much more powerful AU-U.N. joint force.

Rebel commanders told AP a few days earlier that they had been involved in heavy battles against government-allied forces in the Haskanita area for the past two weeks.

"The government has massed five or six janjaweed units who are converging on us," said Abdelaziz Ushar, a commander in the rebel Justice and Equality Movement, which fights alongside the SLA.

JEM rebels said they had evacuated Haskanita a couple of days ago, and AU peacekeepers in the camp said they suspected a splinter faction known as SLA-Unity had conducted the raid.

JEM strongly condemned the attack.

"JEM is not certain about the exact culprits in this senseless attack," the group said. There was no comment from SLA-Unity.

___

Shining Lights of Hope - Wynkoop Event 7/28

Shining Lights of Hope Auction Benefit Event

Hey everybody, come on down for a great event next Saturday...



Please join Colorado's First Lady Jeannie Ritter and The Carson J Spencer Foundation as we celebrate Shining Lights of Hope, a benefit to support people living their best lives through mental health initiatives.



This Dazzling Evening Includes:

Honorees Sen. Moe Keller and Rep. Debbie Stafford

A Wynkoop Dinner

A Sponsored Microbrew Tasting

Silent Auction Items

Live Auction Event

Live performance by Flamenco guitarist Troy Gray





Spread the word! Register today!



Saturday, July 28 from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Wynkoop Brewing Company ~ 1634 28th Street

Cost is $75 until July 20 and $100 at the door.



Two ways to register:

1. http://www.blacktie-colorado.com/CJSF/Auction Events Calendar for July 28th (credit card)
2. Mail (check)

Checks should be made payable to The Carson J Spencer Foundation and sent to:

The Carson J Spencer Foundation

P.O. Box 351418

Westminster, CO 80235



Additional Information: Joyce Spencer at Bob@CarsonJSpencer.org



Sustaining a passion for life.

Denver Coalition to Save Darfur Car Wash 7/28

Hi Everyone! Even more exciting ways to make July 28th a "feel good all over" kind of day. Before heading out to the CJSF auction at the Wynkoop in the evening, spend your early hours getting your car washed by the good folks volunteering with the Denver Coalition to Save Darfur. They'll be donating proceeds to the Save Darfur fund.

Here's the info...

The Denver Coalition to Save Darfur is sponsoring a car wash on Saturday, July 28 from 9 am - 3 pm in the Colorado Tire and Service parking lot. The address is 1541 Chambers Road at Colfax in Aurora, Colorado.

It's so important that we continue to work toward peace in Darfur any way we can. Fundraising, raising awareness, protesting, lobbying. We're using all of these mediums to make a difference, and will continue to do so until there is no longer a need.

thanks for reading!
Tammy

INFEST WISELY | 01 Obsolete

INFEST WISELY | 01 Obsolete

Terrifficly gritty, humurous, and strange indie flick by Jim Munroe. I love how this guys mind works! Check it out.

Massaro: Tragic end didn't dim 'bright star'

Rocky Mountain News - Denver and Colorado's reliable source for breaking news, sports and entertainment: Columnists

I'm so proud of my friend Sally. She's "super woman" to me :) She does so much, and still has time to do more for others.

Check out this story about Sally's connection to bipolar disorder and The Carson J Spencer Foundation...

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL USA - INSTANT KARMA

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL USA - INSTANT KARMA

Check this out. Great site, great project, great compilation. Get some wonderful tunes and make a difference to help stop the crisis in Darfur. Sign the global petition while your at it!

Check out the You Tube Connection...



Save Darfur YouTube Link

I love the Green Day video.

:)

BBC NEWS | Africa | Bush toughens sanctions on Sudan

BBC NEWS | Africa | Bush toughens sanctions on Sudan


Today is a good day! :) Read on...



BBC NEWS

Bush toughens sanctions on Sudan

Some two million people have fled their homes in the conflict
The refugee camps
US President George W Bush has announced fresh sanctions against Sudan over the four-year Darfur conflict.

Mr Bush said more Sudanese companies and individuals involved in the violence in Darfur would be barred from trading or banking with the US.

He also said he would push for a new UN Security Council resolution to put more pressure on President Omar al-Bashir.

More than 200,000 people have died in the four-year conflict between rebels and pro-government militias in Darfur.

"For too long the people of Darfur have suffered at the hands of a government that is complicit in the bombing, murder and rape of innocent civilians," Mr Bush said.

"My administration has called these actions by their rightful name: genocide.


SANCTIONS ON SUDAN
30 Sudanese firms targeted
Mostly firms in oil business
Three individuals listed
Barred from US banking system
Barred from business with US

"We're targeting sanctions against individuals responsible for violence."

It is unclear how much extra leverage the new US sanctions will bring, says BBC diplomatic correspondent Jonathan Marcus.

Mr Bush wants Sudan to allow more UN peacekeepers into Darfur and to stop backing the Janjaweed militias.

Sudan denies supporting the armed groups and says the suffering in Darfur has been exaggerated for political reasons.

The Sudanese government criticised the new sanctions as "unfair and untimely" and urged the rest of the world to ignore them.

"I think it [the US] has revealed its intentions and that it does not want stability," Majdhoub al-Khalifa, an adviser to the Sudanese president, told al-Jazeera television.

US sanctions imposed in 1997 mean Sudanese companies cannot use US dollars, making international trade more difficult.

But the effects of these measures have been limited as China has become one of Sudan's major trading partners, supplying arms to Sudan and buying more than half of its oil. It has also spent millions of dollars investing in Sudan's oil infrastructure.

'Not timely'

Even before Mr Bush spoke, China condemned the fresh US sanctions and said investing in Sudan was a better way to stop the violence.


US officials said 30 companies controlled by the Sudanese government, mostly in the oil business, are now barred from the US banking system or from doing business with US firms or individuals.

Another company suspected of shipping arms to Sudan has also been added to the sanctions list.

Also targeted are three individuals, including a rebel leader, who are suspected of involvement in the violence in Darfur.

The AP news agency says these are:

* Ahmad Muhammed Harun, state minister for humanitarian affairs, accused of war crimes in Darfur by the International Criminal Court
* Sudan's head of military intelligence and security, Awad Ibn Auf
* Rebel Justice and Equality Movement leader Khalil Ibrahim.

Arms ban

After Mr Bush's announcement, European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana said the bloc was open to considering new sanctions against Sudan.

He said the matter would be discussed on Wednesday at a meeting of G8 foreign ministers in Berlin.


HAVE YOUR SAY
Sudan needs sanctions that bite into the lives of the perpetrators in Khartoum
Nyakairu, US

Having given new UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon some space, President Bush's patience has now run out, our correspondent says.

China - which wields a veto on the UN Security Council - has not agreed to support the tougher UN resolution wanted by the US.

On Friday, the Security Council endorsed proposals to let a combined UN-African Union peacekeeping force protect civilians and use force to prevent violence.

The existing AU force has been unable to stop the conflict.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/africa/6699479.stm

Published: 2007/05/29 15:04:07 GMT

© BBC MMVII

YouTube - The Devil Came on Horseback Trailer

YouTube - The Devil Came on Horseback Trailer

About the book "The Devil Came on Horseback"...

From Booklist
Former U.S. Marine Steidle was part of an unarmed team sent to Darfur, Sudan, by the African Union to monitor compliance with a cease-fire agreement between rebel groups. Armed with a camera and notebook, Steidle chronicled his six-month mission, witnessing the harrowing aftermath of violence and the ongoing genocide. He found himself in the line of fire, was taken hostage, and ultimately morphed into a correspondent as he unburdened himself via e-mails sent home. He recounts the ineffectiveness he felt in his role as observer and his frustration that the international community has done so little to intervene in the massive killing of non-Arab citizens. More than a firsthand account of the horrors of genocide, this is a stirring account of one man's transformation in the face of the inhumanity of senseless death, and the occasional moments of humanity in the midst of violence. Vanessa Bush
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

I'm reading Brian Steidle's memoir right now. It's an amazing book. It's about time more people opened their eyes to this terrible crisis.

See the trailer for the documentary by the same name:



Good overview of the book and documentary. Brian speaks at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum...



Interresting Q&A from the '07 SXSW convention with Brian, his sister Gretchen, and Annie Sundberg (maker of the documentary)...



I highly recommend reading this book and seeing the film. Get it wherever you can!

Forum on Genocide and Ways for Peace in the Sudan at Jefferson Unitarian Church, Golden CO

This Sunday, May 27, 7 p.m. (sanctuary) JUC's Peace, Liberty and Justice (PL&J) Task Force and the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) Task Force will co-sponsor a forum where you can learn how to get involved in solving the crisis in Darfur. Specialists and activists from the University of Denver led by Professor George Shepherd (a JUC member) will be present at this forum.

The United Nations has established the largest humanitarian effort in Africa to save the people of Darfur and has called upon the Sudan to allow peacekeepers to enter the country to protect people against war crimes. The UUSC has joined with several other humanitarian groups to urge the Bush administration to take action through sanctions to persuade Sudan to end the killings by the Janjaweed.

Contact JUC for more information 303-279-5282

Blacktie-Colorado | SOCIAL CALENDAR

Blacktie-Colorado | SOCIAL CALENDAR

This is a very important event, something very close to my heart. I've known the Spencer family for almost 9 years now, and their committment to opening people's eyes to the truth about mental health issues is an inspiring thing. I'm very honored to be helping them on the planning committee for this years event. It will be a lot of fun and very worth while. I hope you can join us at the Wynkoop on the 28th of July. Please contact me or the Carson J Spencer Foundation for any additional information.

www.CarsonJSpencer.org

The Carson J Spencer Foundation presents a Benefit Auction Event

SHINING LIGHTS OF HOPE

Please join Colorado’s First Lady Jeannie Ritter, 9News Anchor Cheryl Preheim and the Carson J Spencer Foundation as we celebrate Shining Lights of Hope, a benefit to support people living their best lives through mental health initiatives. Senator Moe Keller and Representative Debbie Stafford will be honored for their efforts to shine a light on mental health awareness. The evening’s festivities will feature a dazzling Wynkoop dinner, a sponsored Microbrew Tasting and an array of exciting items featured at both the Live and Silent Auction.

Spread the word! Register today!

Saturday, July 28 from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Wynkoop Brewing Company ~ 1634 28th Street
Cost is $75 until July 20 and $100 at the door.

Two ways to register:
1. http://www.blacktie-colorado.com/ Events Calendar for July 28th (credit card)
2. Mail (check)
Checks should be made payable to The Carson J Spencer Foundation and sent to:
The Carson J Spencer Foundation
P.O. Box 351418
Westminster, CO 80235

Additional Information: Joyce Spencer at Bob@CarsonJSpencer.org



Sustaining a passion for life.

Darfur Rally on Sunday April 29th, 2007 at 1:00pm - Cheesman Park

Wow, you can totally tell it's the end of the semester. I haven't had time to remember to tie my shoes, let alone blog on my blog site. Depressing. But the silver lining is that there are only two more weeks left in the semester, and I'll be free to blog for the whole four weeks until I go to summer shcool.

:)

Right now, four weeks sounds like a gloriously long vacation away from thinking. All joking aside, even though this semester was a tough one, I really will miss some of my classes like Flash and Photoshop. Some classes were a whole lot of fun to attend. Others were more like getting your teeth drilled at a really mean dentists office. The teachers were great, it was the subject matter -- mostly programming -- that kept kicking me from behind when I wasn't looking!

But to the actual heart of the message here.... There is a rally for Darfur in Denver on Sunday. Come if you can!

This message was sent to you by the host of the "Global Days for
Darfur- Denver" event.

You can see the details of this event by going to:

http://www.savedarfur.org/page/event/detail/wrf

---

This Sunday, April 29th is our opportunity to show our concern and commitment to the people of Darfur. We will be joining with people from 30 countries. This couldn't happen at a more important time because time is running out for the people of Darfur. Four years of genocidal violence has left over 400,000 dead, 2.5 million innocent civilians displaced, and 4 million men, women, and children completely reliant on international aid for survival.

Your participation on Sunday is critical. Please remember that the Rally is being held at Cheesman Park in Denver at 1:00 pm. That is at Franklin and 8th Ave. If you are driving please give yourself plenty of time to find parking. If parking is difficult, come to the pavilion and look for a volunteer to direct you to open spaces.

In addition, there are many buses that go through the park or very close to it. The number 10 bus goes through the park with the 12, 24 and even the 15 close to the park. Here is a map of the buses in the area http://putstuff.putfile.com/73038/9588860

Finally, you may want to bring a blanket to sit on the grass. While the day is expected to be beautiful (sunny and warm) the grass might still be a bit damp.

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday. Please bring as many friends, neighbors and family members as possible. We encourage car pooling.

Bush Refuses To Set Timetable For Withdrawal Of Head From White House Banister | The Onion - America's Finest News Source

Bush Refuses To Set Timetable For Withdrawal Of Head From White House Banister | The Onion - America's Finest News Source



OK, this is so funny, I'm going to post the whole Onion article below.....


April 2, 2007 | Issue 43•14

The Onion
Bush Refuses To Set Timetable For Withdrawal Of Head From White House Banister



WASHINGTON, DC—Though critics have argued that he does not understand the futility of his current situation, President Bush announced today that he has no plans to remove his head from its current position: wedged painfully between two balusters on a White House staircase.



Bush has refused to budge from his position.

"Setting a timetable for withdrawal of my head would send mixed messages about why I put my head here in the first place," Bush said at a press conference on the Grand Staircase. "I am going to finish what I set out to accomplish here, no matter how unpopular my decision may be, or how much my head hurts while stuck between these immovable stairway posts."

Democrats, emboldened by electoral victories that gave them control of both houses of Congress, are calling for Bush to begin withdrawing his head from the banister immediately.

"Why does the president refuse to pull his head out of that banister?" House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a speech yesterday. "Hasn't he had his head in there long enough? We'd all like to know just how the American people are being served by him keeping his head in that banister."

Entering its fifth day, the president's incursion into the banister is now widely considered a quagmire. Bush initially told the nation that he was going to stick his head through the banister in order to secure stockpiles of cashews on the other side. Though intelligence reports cited by the president seemed to indicate the presence of these cashews, a comprehensive probe by White House personnel revealed that no such nuts existed.

"If the president truly believed there were cashews, why didn't he ask a staffer to go around to the other side of the staircase and check for cashews first?" Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) said. "Or even just look through the banister before slamming his head in there in such a way that it can't be extricated."

Many Republicans who supported Bush early this week are now publicly criticizing the president for the way he got into the banister.

"I stood by the commander-in-chief's decision to stick his head in this banister from the beginning," said Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE). "But now I'm beginning to think he may have rushed into this without thinking through all the consequences of his actions."

Voters are also voicing concerns about this latest predicament. Chicago resident Peter Colby, 41, who recently took part in a tour of the White House, said he thought Bush's actions were hurting the country's image abroad.

"It's embarrassing to see the president of the United States with his head stuck in a banister," Colby said. "He just looks stupid."

The few supporters Bush has left are privately concerned that he will go down in history as the president who wedged his head through a banister and refused to take it out despite widespread negative public sentiment and political pressure for him to do so.

For his part, Bush has scoffed at such suggestions and accused his critics of exploiting the issue without providing any viable alternatives.

"I hear a lot of criticism from the other side of the aisle, but what is the Democrat plan for victory here?" Bush said. "Some suggest rapid withdrawal, but that will most likely hurt my ears by bending them the wrong way. Others have suggested turning my head from side to side and slowly working my way out, which we all know is a recipe for failure."

In recent days, the Bush administration has been attempting to sell a new plan based on a strong forward surge.

"The only way for the president to successfully remove himself from this situation is not to pull his head out of the banister, but to push his whole body through," White House Chief of Staff Joshua B. Bolten said. "We're asking Congress and the American people to give the commander-in-chief a chance to try this new plan, which involves forcing his shoulders, torso, arms, and legs through that banister."

Bush's perceived stubbornness and refusal to accept the intractable nature of the problem only further fanned the flames of opposition.

"This administration needs to face the reality that some places are simply too narrow for the president to jam his head into," Newsweek columnist Michael Isikoff said. "President Bush is acting like a small child who, even after doing something terribly ill-advised—namely putting his head in that banister—still refuses to admit any error."

"This whole thing's just incredibly fucking stupid," Isikoff added.

The March 18th Obama Event - Denver, CO

Barack Obama came to Denver for a quick rally on March 18th, 2007. It was his first official stop in Denver since announcing his candidacy for president in '08. The Obama event was such a wonderful experience. It marks my first official campaign volunteer event. I met a LOT of excited and motivated people, everyone was buzzing with a positive charge that Obama instills in people. It was such a thrill to be able to work the event and be a part of "something special".

I got to the Sherman Events Center downtown about an hour early (2:45 pm). The volunteer coordinator came out and brought us inside through the back. We had to check in, then met other Denver campaign staff members, and were divided into jobs for teams. I was in a group of about 3 or 4 ladies who were assigned to escorting the VIP's to their designated places. There was quite a lot of electricity and excitement running through everyone involved - the volunteers to every single person that came through those doors!

Unfortunately it did get kind of confusing as the time to let people in came closer. There were a handful of people who were all "in charge" of something and not necessarily a top down organization to who has the final word. So many people were getting orders from many different people, and trying to figure out whose orders superceeded anothers was a very tough thing. But, that didn't diminish the fact that we were all there to see that everything went off well for the Senator.

As I said before my job was to usher in the VIP's to the "Red Room" so that they could have their time with the Senator before the big speech. Well, the building manager (or one of the building staff) started to freak out about fire codes and stuff when he saw how massive the crowd was that was gathering outside the Events Center. He just started letting people rush in and all our "organized" handling of who goes where went out the window. He said he had to do that because it was a fire code violation to have them all out there. I don't know. It blew apart everything we had set up to do. With people rushing in like crazy, none of the VIP's were getting ushered anywhere of importance. So plans changed to an after-event VIP meeting with the Senator. My job then was pretty much a "Vanna White" thing -- pointing my fingers to the staircase and elevators and saying - "Upstairs to the 2nd Floor..... Upstairs to the 2nd Floor...... Upstairs...." (you get the idea).

One very cool thing did happen though. I did get to meet Pat Waak and usher her up to the event personally before the doors opened (she's the chair of the Colorado Democratic Party and basically one of the main reasons Denver is hosting the DNC in '08 - she is such a wonderful person!). So it was great to be able to meet her and talk to her briefly. Now whenever I see her I can say -- "Hi Pat, remember me? I met you at the March 18th Obama Event..." Wow, never thought I'd be able to say that to some like Pat Waak.... ha ha! I also saw Senator Terrence Carrol (recognized him from our day at the legislature when we sat in on the death penalty hearings -- he chaired that committee) and also think I saw Sen. Ken Gordon come in too (he's the one who co-sponsored the anti-war rally with our church's Peace, Liberty, and Justice Task Force in January).

We "ushered" in the massive crowd from 4 to after 5:30. We got to go upstairs once they shut the doors. I was in the very back of the auditorium (tried to get a shot of the Senator on the news cameras, but didn't get to see much). Being short has it's significant drawbacks! :)

Baracks speech was amazing!!!! He is so right on the target with issues -- health care, energy, education, Iraq, corruption in Washington (one of my favorite parts of his speech was when he said something to the effect of -- They say I may not have enough experience in Washington to be a good President. Well, I say I've been there long enough to know that things have got to change! I've been a community organizer long enough to know that ordinary people can do extra-ordinary things if they're given an opportunity. I've been a civil rights lawyer long enough to know that fairness, justice, and equality have to be fought for everyday and not taken for granted. I've been teaching Constitutional Law long enough to actually respect the constitution! --

Go Barack!

He makes you feel like you really do have the power to make a difference!

Right after the speech we were supposed to go back down to the Red Room to have our time to meet Sen. Obama. But when I got there I was the cutoff person ("You'll be the first of group 2" - the volunteer coordinator said). At that point, I just had a weird feeling that it wouldn't work out. But since I was right by the door it was my "job" to help another volunteer guard the door and not let anyone into the room -- period -- nothing. Crazy stuff started happening and some high dollar donors (like the ones we were originally supposed to usher in before the event) were complaining that they didn't get to go in and meet the Senator. There was a big mix up of who got in -- who didn't. There were some heated tempers -- but I did my job and didn't open the door. While people are arguing and trying to get into the room (I'm still guarding the door with one other volunteer)... an official campaign "dude" came out and said -- "Thanks for coming, thanks for all your help, but the Senator has already left and will not be meeting with any more people at this time."

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed. But, in the wider scope of things, it's not about me.

I'm pretty sure that the local politicians got to meet him. And I'm pretty sure that about 10 volunteers and 10 high dollar donors got to meet him, but the other 20+ high dollar donors and the other 30 volunteers didn't get to. It was a little disappointing, but I just told myself that I would have volunteered anyway -- even if there wasn't a promise to meet him. It's not Barack's fault either. The event was thrown into a bit of disarray - which I'm told by others who had previous campaign experience, is the norm.

After all, I really just wanted to be part of the campaign. And it was such a good speech and such a great thing to see all that excitement and hope in one room! You should have seen the crowd. They were amazing! I didn't expect that many people. The paper said over 1500, the event guru (one of them anyway) said about 2000 people were let in! It was a crazy fun day. Can't wait to do it again :)

I did take a couple of pictures from the waaaaaay back place I was at. They aren't good but when I get a chance I'll share them here on the blog. There is video online of most of Obama's speech from that day too. Use the link at the top of this blog post (the title).

When you get to the Fox news page, click on the first small thumbnail under the Sidebar - Related Items - VIDEOS on the right hand side...

Enjoy!

Obama Campaign Aims To Turn Online Backers Into an Offline Force

BarackObama.com:

"'Change won't come from the top, I would say,' Obama wrote in his memoir, 'Dreams From My Father.' 'Change will come from a mobilized grass roots.'"

I was a bit hesitant at first when a volunteer from the Obama for America campaign called my house last Friday and asked if I would consider hosting my own "March 31st Kickoff Party" for the Obama campaign. I'd thought about it briefly a few weeks before. I've been emailing and talking about Barack Obama's presidential run for months and months now, and I honestly don't know who likes the mass amounts of info and who is just silently hitting delete when they see something from me come across thier email inbox. I figured that I'd host a party and only one or two people would trickle by for only half of the event and then I'd wish I had taken part in a bigger party downtown. So initially I decided to not host my own event and go to another event at a local community center.

But, when the campaign volunteer called me she explained that Barack was looking for a wide variety of parties and ways of connecting with people. She said, sometimes the big parties are great, but small get togethers with 2 or 3 or 4 people might make just as much of a difference if people all over the country are willing to host one of those small parties. So, she convinced me. I was on the way to having my own party.

And I am so glad I did. I had about 8 people signed up to come to my house the morning of the party. Two people had to cancel that day due to other things that popped up, and I started to panic again thinking -- did I do the right thing? I could have gone down to the "big" party downtown and met with a lot of folks who share in the excitement that this campaign is generating. Then, an hour before the party was to start, I started getting lots and lots of phone calls. There were people out there, whom I had never met before, who were looking for a kickoff party to attend. Either their original party had moved, or had been a private family function that they weren't allowed to come to after all, and these people were looking for a place to share in the excitement. So I said, "Sure -- come on by!"

It was the best "party" experience I've ever had! I had some of my close friends and family stop by, and I had about 4 wonderful people whom I had met for the first time that day come over too. They were the absolute nicest, fun, and entertaining people I've had the pleasure of chatting with in a long, long time. Everyone had a great time! We exchanged ideas, stories, theories, and ate munchies and sipped drinks. We had a great time, and I realized that this was the kind of experience that the campaign volunteer was talking about when she called me on the phone. I'm going to think back on meeting these people and sharig the excitement of the Obama campaign with a really warm and fuzzy memory. Sounds kinda silly? Well, think about it... What better way to spread the enthusiasm and sincerity of Barack's ideas then getting together in an intimate house party setting and just kicking back and sharing ideas?

By the end of the party everyone was very excited and anxious to get involved and start doing something. Others were going to go straight home and send the campaign a donation. Some skeptics (yes, there were some) may have left with wanting to know more about Obama, or at least willing to stay undecided for the moment. Which, all in all, is a good thing too.

This article (linked at the top) sheds a very good light on the difficulty of trying to turn online excitement (which Obama has a lot of) to actual votes in the next year and a half. I'm already seeing some good things. I'm seeing excitement that is not dying down and people are turning their passion of wanting change into action in actually doing something to see that change actually takes place.

Blue October | Foiled

Blue October | Foiled

Fun stuff. Not feeling political today :) Check out a little Blue October...

Blue October: Artist Feed

Your chance to See Obama on Sunday - Volunteer Info also...

If you are at all interested in either seeing Barack Obama speek downtown (Denver) on Sunday, or if you want to go that extra mile and help the campaign by volunteering, here's your chance!!!

See you Sunday if you go!

INFO

Meet Sen. Barack Obama

4PM-6PM

Sherman Events Center

1770 Sherman St.



The doors open at 4 PM. There's a suggested donation of $25, but it is open to the public.



Now, for the fun volunteer stuff.



I'll need approximately 40 people to volunteer on Saturday and Sunday. If you can volunteer both days, that's awesome. If not, that's fine too. We can use all the help we can get.



Saturday: Meet me (I'll be wearing a navy-blue Obama for President polo-shirt, and carrying an Obama '08 placard) at Coors Field at 8:30 AM. I'll have a bunch of tickets to hand out to the crowd watching the Denver St. Patrick's Day Parade. I'll need help passing those out, and the more people help me pass those out, the faster we'll be done, and the sooner we can get started on our (unofficial) St. Pat's festivities.



Sunday: Meet me at the Sherman Events Center (1770 Sherman St.) at 3PM. I'll be there most of the day setting up. At that time, I'll get you guys started and set-up on the various volunteer tasks needed.



***Bonus***: If you're someone who knows lots of folks, meet me at the Red Room (320 E. Colfax Ave.) tonight to pick up blocks of tickets to hand out to friends and family. I'll be there from 6-7 PM roughly along with some folks handing out tickets.



Finally, if you have any questions, please call me at 719.641.8966 (cell). I'm here to make your lives easier.



Thanks for your patience, and thanks for all that you do.



Thanks,



Raf Noboa

BarackObama.com | Event | Whittier Community Center Kickoff Party

BarackObama.com | Event | Whittier Community Center Kickoff Party: "Whittier Community Center Kickoff Party (March 31 Kickoff Event)
Denver4Obama will have a kickoff event at the Whittier Community Center. The Community center is located just across the street from the 30th and Downing Light Rail station. "

I'd host my own Kickoff event - house party at my place but that would mean that I'd have to actually clean my house! :) So instead join Denver4Obama for a great time. This is perfect for Obama enthusiasts or people on the fence (come and see the energy, find out why so many people are excited about Barack and 2008). Click the link above for full details, or email me. I'll tell you all you want to know.

Obama on Faith and Politics

BarackObama.com

Uh oh. Religion and Politics. The two things you should never talk about and I've got them all in one post! :) This is a great video of a powerful speech from Obama on Faith and Politics. Many people who know me have asked me questions about Obama and his ideas about religion and politics. Here's the best look into that topic that I've found. Great speech.

In Memory of my Grandma Mary...

Mary Margaret Devie


My family and I just got back from attending the funeral of my maternal Grandmother this morning. It was both a sad and happy occasion. I don't get back to the small town I was born in very often, and as I get older I sometimes wonder why I was in such a big hurry to get away without looking back. So here's to a family that I may not see very often but hold dear to my heart. Here's to my Grandmother whom I loved deeply, but didn't get to tell her so as often in her later years. Be happy Grandma! We will all miss you very much. Memories of summer days out on the farm with your warm home cooking and earthy love will be with me forever.

Namaste ~


(the following is my grandmother's obit from the Sterling newspaper)



Mary Margaret Devie, 92, of Sterling passed away Sunday, March 4, 2007, in Sterling. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 6, at Tennant Funeral Home. Vigil and rosary will follow at 7 p.m. at Tennant’s. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 7, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church with Father Jim Baird celebrating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Mary was born in Topeka, Kansas, on May 25, 1914, the daughter of Andrew Hershfeldt Sr. and Frances (Lell) Hershfeldt. She was one of three brothers and seven sisters. She moved to Ovid, Colorado, with her family when she was four years old. After three years, the family moved to Sedgwick where Mary attended Sedgwick Country School South 68. Four years later, a farm was purchased at Crook where Mary finished her schooling.

While in Crook, she met and married John Devie, Jr. They were married on February 12, 1935. A two-night and three-day German Wedding Polka Dance was held at Red Lion, Colorado, located between Crook and Sedgwick.

John and Mary farmed in the Crook area for 43 years until retiring in 1978 and moving to Sterling, where she resided until her death. Mary’s main hobbies were sewing, gardening, and working outdoors. She loved to prepare and have family gatherings.

Mary is survived by three sons: Richard and wife Joanne of Crook, James and wife Patty of Crook, William and wife Dora of Sedgwick; four daughters, Irene Mansuetti and husband Chuck of Sterling, Frances Lane and husband Henry of Cheyenne, Wyo., Vonna Koehler of Golden, Lorraine Snow and husband Jo of Arvada; two sisters; 17 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Devie, Jr.; parents, Andrew and Frances; infant daughter Romona; son-in-law Wayne Koehler; three brothers and five sisters.

Memorials may be made to St. Anthony School or St. Anthony’s Parking Lot Fund , in care of Tennant Funeral Home, PO Box 1547, Sterling, CO 80751.

Clinton, Obama Link Selma March to Present - washingtonpost.com

Clinton, Obama Link Selma March to Present - washingtonpost.com

This is a great story in the Washington Post today...

Here's a snip - or click on the link (above) to read the ENTIRE story!

In the days leading up to the commemoration of "Bloody Sunday," advisers to Obama and Clinton insisted it would not be a day for politics. But the candidates' mere presence in Alabama signaled the extraordinary importance of black voters in the upcoming Democratic primaries, with recent surveys indicating that Obama is jeopardizing Clinton's lead in the race by gaining among African Americans.

Any pretense that it was not part of the presidential campaign was dropped as the day went on. Supporters carried signs for the two campaigns, former president Clinton joked about the "rainbow coalition" of candidates on the Democratic ballot, and Rep. Artur Davis, the Alabama Democrat who represents Selma, unabashedly introduced Obama in his keynote address at Brown Chapel AME Church as the next president of the United States.

The crowd in and around Obama's appearance was decidedly larger -- his audience included 15 members of Congress, compared with four who went to hear Clinton. Obama, who was 3 years old at the time of the Selma clash, used his keynote address to mark his place in a younger generation of black Americans who do not march in the streets -- but who still, in his words, are required "to fulfill that legacy, to fulfill the obligations and the debt that we owe to those who allowed us to be here today."
(end snip of article)

This weekend I attended a great Meet - n - Greet for Obama supporters in Colorado. It was organized by a member of the Colorado for Obama group - Andrew Nicholas (great job, Andrew!). It was held downtown at the Unitarian Church on 14th and Lafayette. I hadn't been there since my friend Willow's wedding in 1993 or 1994. Wow.

The Meet-n-Greet was well organized and packed with information! I'm bummed that a giant wave of shyness overtook me while at the event and I was unable to find my inner "Obama chattermouth" that errupts from me whenever the subject of Obama or the Presidential race comes up at home. Disappointing really. I hate when I clam up. But it was a rather large group. My son and I showed up late, and I felt intimidated which is really insane because the crowd was really warm and kind and welcoming, and everyone had such intelligent things to say. I learned a lot (amazing that I could find areas of Obama-ism that I haven't thought of myself- LOL!). But I promise at the next rally or event to be more vocal and involved. It was just one of those days.

Right after the downtown meet-n-greet I met up with my husband and daughter who were over at my in-laws house meeting our new cousin! Our cousin David and his partner Ron have adopted a baby girl named Katie who is an amazing, beautiful, sweet, and wonderful 11 month old so full of smiles and love. What a beautiful new family, I'm so happy for them!

While talking to the family I was fielding questions like - Why Obama and not Hillary? (or McCain as my father-in-law kindly bantered with me) You know - that's a very good question. I like Hillary, but I do not feel that she is on the same page as me when it comes to the direction I'd like to see our country go in. She's been in politics for a long long time and while that does have it's positives, it can also be a negative. With it comes the deals and favors owed to others in politics throughout the years. I like the "freshness" of Obama, his lack of time in the game has kept him more in tune with the people and less entwined in the "process". Make sense? Hillary, while a very strong and enigmatic figure herself, has been too much of a middle of the road person, and she's not stood her ground on some issues (such as Iraq) like I would have hoped she would. So am I saying she's not "left" enough for me? Perhaps I am, if we need to label things, then I guess you could say that.

I know people think that being a female I should support Hillary's bid for the White House, and if she does beat Barack in the primary, I certainly will support her. But it's not because she is a woman and I feel a kindred spirit in that fact. I think it's great. More minorities should run! More women! But I will not support a candidate on that basis alone. I need more. A candidates stand on issues is where it's at. Charisma, energy, hope. Yeah, all that helps, but without the platform it's all just fluff.

It was suggested also, that it is "because he's cute" that I'm an early Barack supporter and not a Clintonista. Hmmmm... (Ok, I have to laugh at that -- do people really vote for a candidate or volunteer to pound the pavement because of a candidates cute-meter reading? God, I sure hope not) I don't consider a candidates handsomeness a guage for political savvy. No, I'll admit, Barack's not bad to look at. But that has nothing to do with why I'm supporting Barack Obama. You only have to go back and re-read my political / Barack posts for the last couple of months to see WHY I've decided to back this candidate. And I believe in him with all my heart (not because he's cute).

Enough said on that topic. :) Later!

Expense forces longshot Vilsack out of presidential race - Los Angeles Times

Expense forces longshot Vilsack out of presidential race - Los Angeles Times

Vilsack is out. I actually heard him speak in a radio interview shortly after he announced that he was running and he did have some really good, sound strategies and plans. He had strong ideas concerning the environment, renewable resources, and plans to get us out of Iraq. When I heard them I thought, wow, I like how that guy thinks! He had solid ideas.

But, ironically, so do almost *all* of the democratic candidates running for the '08 presidential slot. Honestly, on paper (or over radio waves as the case may be) all of the candidates sound GREAT. Many are touting the same basic principles - let's get out of Iraq, let's fix our healthcare system, let's improve education and fix the mess that is "No Child Left Behind", and let's end the corruption in Washington. I think the differences we need to look at aren't so much about - what do the candidates stand for. But more of - who can really get us from point A to point B and actually make the changes?

Vilsack's leaving the race due to financial concerns is good in that it opens up Iowa for another candidate. Is it a bad thing that politics comes down to who has the "star" power to raise the big bucks needed to play the game. In a way, yes. I'd love to see campaign reform take big business and corporations completely out of the process. I'd love to see all campaigns about the people. But we have a long way to go until then.

The way that I feel star-power isn't a bad thing is in the whole idea of energy. I feel that if more people were actually involved in the political process that we'd be a lot better off than we are now. If people felt passionate enough to take part in more than just voting for president every 4 years (or not voting at all) then we'd really see amazing things happen in government. So what does star power have to do with it? I think the time is right for a candidate who can really move the poeple into action. I can totally see people getting behind a Hillary Clinton or a Barack Obama and really wanting to shake things up. In fact, I'm already seeing it. Whether in the Hillary camp or the Obama camp I am hearing and seeing a lot of really motivated, excited people who want to get out and just DO something. Everyone on the Obama or Clinton website is aching to make a difference and they all want to jump in get their hands dirty helping promote their candidate. It's amazing really.

This is the first time I've felt a fire under my behind to plunge in and really get involved in a presidential election. So to me, if someone like Hillary or Barack has the star power, the charisma, the energy (that special difference), to pull in poeple that have otherwise felt disenfranchised or just plain disinterested before, then I say it's a good thing. A very, very GOOD thing.

Senator Obama's campaign has a huge and growing grassroots connection of people like you and me taking fundraising into their own hands in really unique ways. I'd love to see this as the norm in political campaigns and not the "unique" thing. It might not be the difnitive answer, but it's a start.

happy Monday...