The End of 4/10

After two months of working 4/10s, I went back to a regular 8 hour workday today. Although, I loved having Friday off - I felt I was losing the other four days of the week.

With my guitar lessons starting up again from summer break and our neighborhood association meetings starting up again - the 4/10 just didn't work. Getting home later, around 5:50pm for me, meant pushing back dinner, less time for the dogs, and being very tired by 8pm such that I didn't want to do much of anything, not even play my guitar.

Last week I had a chance to see how working 7am to 3:30pm felt - and I liked it. I got home early and was able to have dinner almost ready by the time Mir got home. The dogs had more outside time and we were done with dinner before 7pm. We even took several walks last week after we ate. This is the kind of lifestyle I like.

So, I'm glad I had the chance to experiment with a different work schedule, but in the end, for me and my family, 4/10 is out and working the conventional five days is in.

Anne Killkenny Letter

Anne Killkenny is a resident of Wasilla, Alaska and immediately after the announcement of Sarah Palin as VP candidate, wrote this letter to friends and family. The letter began circulating the internet. It's very interesting and gives you good idea about who Sarah Palin is.

Read Letter

For those of you skeptical, the letter has been verified by Snopes as authentic and written by actual Wasilla residence Anne Killkenny.

I Couldn't Resist

Nerve.com is having a Photoshop contest with the theme "pitbull with lipstick". This was created by their "design geeks".



Quite frankly, Palin's joke was an insult to pit bulls.

Here's another joke:

What’s the difference between Sarah Palin and Dick Cheney? Lipstick.

Joe Biden on "Meet the Press"

I'm watching "Meet the Press" right now - Joe Biden is being questioned by Tom Brokaw. I see now why Sarah Palin is not doing these shows - she wouldn't be able to answer any of the questions. It's amazing how much Senator Biden knows about Iraq and the Middle East.

I also saw a brief clip of Bill O'Reilly interviewing Barack Obama. I have to give Obama a lot of credit being interviewed by Bill. I will be going back and watching the entire interview. Personally, I wouldn't have given Bill O'Reilly the time of day - he's certainly no journalist - he's just a mouthpiece of the Republican Party.

You know this is so unfair - Tom is asking Joe about domestic issues now. Where the hell is Sarah Palin?! Why isn't she out there answering these same questions?!

There are only about 60 days left until the election - and the Republicans are telling us that they are not yet ready to allow Palin to answer any questions?

If you're not mad as hell, then you're not paying attention.

When will Sarah Palin Meet the Press?

It's been a few days since my last posting on this blog. I was waiting for Sarah Palin's first real interview to take place - apparently, the McCain campaign is keeping her under tight wrap. Hmmm...methinks the campaign is afraid of what she might say in an unscripted moment. I also read recently that Charlie Gibson might have been given the first opportunity to conduct an interview - how Republican! Give the interview to one of your soldiers.

Ladies and gentleman, forgive the cliche, but Sarah Palin is literally a "heartbeat away from the Presidency". John McCain is 72 - he likes to parade around his 95 year old mother - but everyone knows women live longer than men. Papa McCain died at age 70 of natural causes. So, if John McCain wins the election, there is a very real chance that he would die in office and Sarah Palin would be our next President.

So, to those of you supporting McCain - think very carefully about this election - if he wins, the odds are that Palin will become President. In your heart, is this really what you want?

As soon as Palin has her first real interview, check back here for my comments.

Hypocrisy - A Republican Party Artform

It's a real shame when a comedy show does better journalism than ABC, NBC, NYTimes, Washington Post, etc.

NYTimes Editorial Says It Better Than I Can

From the NYTimes:

Running Against Themselves

Three days into the Republican National Convention, it is clear that the G.O.P. has settled on a message: “Washington is not working.” The phrase is included in virtually every speech and every statement in St Paul.

We agree completely that Washington is in desperate need of renewal and reform. We’re not even going to quibble about the fact that Barack Obama said it first. The problem is that American voters have yet to hear — from John McCain or his warm-up acts — any serious ideas on what, exactly, is wrong with Washington, apart from the fact that a Democrat might win the White House, never mind how to truly fix it.

The difficulty for the Republican ticket in talking about change and reform and acting like insurgents is that they have been running Washington — the White House and Congress — for most of the last eight years.

Sarah Palin, the vice presidential nominee, was a combative and witty relief at a torpid convention. But it was bizarre hearing the running mate of a 26-year veteran of Congress, a woman who was picked to placate the right-wing elite, mocking “the permanent political establishment in Washington.”

And we couldn’t imagine what Mitt Romney was thinking when he denounced “liberal Washington” and then, at the convention of the party that brought you unimpeded presidential spying, declared: “It’s time for the party of big ideas, not the party of Big Brother!”

As hard as he tries, Mr. McCain cannot escape the burdensome shadow of President Bush because his policies offer no real change. On the all-important issue of the economy, Mr. McCain has no prescription for ending the mortgage-driven crisis or for fixing the huge fiscal problems Mr. Bush has bequeathed the nation. He wants to make even deeper cuts in corporate taxes, eliminate the alternative minimum income tax and make permanent the Bush tax cuts that vastly favor the wealthy and that he once correctly opposed.

His only idea for balancing the budget seems to be controlling earmarks, which Republicans now denounce with the sort of single-minded fervor they used to reserve for Democratic-appointed judges.

Permanently extending the tax cuts would reduce tax revenue by $1 trillion over four years. If Mr. McCain eliminated every earmark (including money for the gas pipeline that Ms. Palin wants to build in Alaska), the savings would total about $18 billion a year. He hasn’t offered any idea of where he’ll get the rest of the money.

He has not explained how he plans to rein in out-of-control financial firms and avoid a repeat of the mortgage disaster. Mr. Bush’s ideological opposition to sound government regulation is in large measure to blame for the economic crisis, but when Mr. McCain talks about fixing Washington, that subject never comes up.

Mr. McCain also has yet to explain to voters how he intends to go on paying for the war in Iraq — and also fix a dangerously stretched and overburdened military. Mr. McCain talks about energy independence. But his primary solution is not a solution: drilling and more drilling.

Mr. McCain says he is the candidate who will better protect the country from terrorism. But about all he has to offer is his pledge to continue the war in Iraq. We have yet to hear an explanation for how he plans to do that while also salvaging the war in Afghanistan — the real front line in the war against Al Qaeda and the Taliban.

Now that everyone agrees that Washington needs fixing, we hope Mr. McCain will offer more than partisan boilerplate when he addresses the convention on Thursday night.

Keeping the Children out of the Election

I find it interesting that the McCain election party would declare that the children of the candidates should be off limits.

"Why is Chelsea Clinton so ugly?
Because her father is Janet Reno."

Joke made by John McCain at a June 1998 Republican fundraiser. See how NYTimes columnist Maureen Dowd's responded.

Blog Posting Removed

Dear readers,

I had written and posted a blog about current political events. After posting I was so proud of myself that I text messaged my editor to read the post. Shortly after, my editor called me and requested that I remove my post. I explained that my post was intended to point out the hypocrosy of it all (abstinence-only sex education and sacrificing teenage pregnant daughters for political ambition) - however, my editor advised me to wait it out a few days to see how things play out. Although, I disagree, I do respect my editor and will give her the benefit of the doubt.

So, dear readers, I am sorry for not having a current post for you to read. I will endeavor to correct this within the next day or so.

The picture of Peanut? Well, she's cute and makes me smile.

Thanks for your patience.

Sarah Palin - Progressive on Gay and Lesbian Issues? Don't Believe It.

The Assocated Press reported that Sarah Palin "opposes gay marriage -- constitutionally banned in Alaska before her time -- but exercised a veto that essentially granted benefits to gay state employees and their partners."

David Brooks, NY Times columnist and regular on the Lehrer News Hour, said. "she's evangelical, but she's pretty progressive on gay and lesbian issues." He didn't elaborate or give any supporting information.

The truth is that Sarah Palin did veto state legislation that would have denied spousal benefits to same sex partners. However, she vetoed it because her attorney general told her she would be violating her oath of office if she signed the bill.

A little history - in 2005 the Alaska Supreme Court ruled that denying spousal benefits to same-sex partners was unconstitutional. In 2006, the court ordered the state to begin granting the benefits by January 2007. In response to the 2005 ruling, in 2006, the state legislature passed a bill that would deny these benefits to same sex couples. When she vetoed the bill she issued this statement, "The Department of Law advised me that this bill, HB4001, is unconstitutional given the recent Court order of December 19th, mandating same-sex benefits," said Governor Sarah Palin. "With that in mind, signing this bill would be in direct violation of my oath of office." Additionally, she wrote, "I disagree with the recent court decision because I feel as though Alaskans spoke on this issue with its overwhelming support for a Constitutional Amendment in 1998 which defined marriage as between a man and woman. But the Supreme Court has spoken and the state will abide."

So, gentle readers, I've yet to find evidence that indicates Sarah Palin supports gay rights - if you have information, please let me know.

Sarah Palin - "Bridge to Nowhere" Media Correction

If you don't know who Sarah Palin is then you need to get your head out of the sand and start looking around. John McCain just announced yesterday that Sarah Palin will be his VP running mate. As the big news media is apt to do, it has gotten some information not quite correct.

Today's topic will be about the "bridge to nowhere" - and if you haven't heard about this then you need to do some homework. The media, in particular, the AP, has reported that Palin essentially told the federal government "thanks, but no thanks" regarding building the bridge. It makes it sound as if she saw that this was a waste of taxpayer money and she wasn't going to waste it in her state. Well, this story isn't exactly accurate. This bridge, which was to be built between Ketchikan, Alaska, and Gravina Island in September 2007 was supported by her during her gubernatorial run and while she was governor.

What actually happened was that the federal government changed the amount of money allotted to it and it became too expensive for the state. So, Governor Palin decided that the money allotted for it should be spent elsewhere as it was clear they would not have enough money to pay for it because the federal government had no intention of increasing its amount. Originally, the state was going to have to pay about $160M, but after changes by Congress, the state became responsible for $329M or about 80% of its cost.

Readers, I don't really know the merits of the bridge and whether it was really a "bridge to nowhere", but I do know that one of the reasons the federal government changed the amount of money allotted was to divert that money to the Katrina catastrophe. And it's not whether the bridge was a legitimate project or not. It's the fact that her actions have been spun by the RNC as throwing money back into the federal government's face - and that could not be further from the real truth.

So, had Governor Palin received the money from the federal government that she needed for the bridge, she would have built it.

Here's the link to the press release from her office when she said that the bridge was not going to be built: Press Release

Doesn't sound like she thought the bridge was a bad idea, does it?

Yes We Can

Wow! What an acceptance speech! I have to say that over the past few days I have heard some fantastic speeches - and last night Barack Obama's speech was awesome. If you weren't moved by his speech and if you didn't feel more hopeful about the future then you're either dead or have an ice cube as your heart.

Then I read in the paper this morning that Gov Crist has appointed Charles T. Canady as a Florida Supreme Court justice. Canady was Jeb Bush's top legal counsel and Dennis Baxley, the president of the Christian Coalition of Florida, praised the appointment. When Dennis Baxley praises anything you better watch out because it ain't good.

No wonder we sometimes feel powerless and frustrated - we need Barack Obama to take back America from these right wing nuts - si se puede - yes we can!

Death in the Afternoon (or Ode to a Squirrel)

For those of you sensitive to death - the image below may contain material too graphic for your senses.

Picture this - Gainesville, late afternoon, blue skies, birds chirping at the feeder, Peanut on the deck - waiting and watching - suddenly you hear a squeal - "oh, shit!" you whisper - you jump up from the dinner table and rush out the door ---

Death came quickly to the squirrel - mercifully. This kill was number two for the week - the first kill being a rat stalked several nights earlier. You ask yourself, "Why does she kill?" and "Why do I have to bag it and dispose of it?". Then you realize - this is a valuable skill - Peanut might finally earn her keep. We will advertise her as a "rat terrier" or "squirrel terrier" - aren't there some who would pay to rid their yards and gardens of rodents?



Peace is at hand once again - dinner is lukewarm - a glass of wine will wash it down nicely...

Hurricane Gustav

Too early to tell where he's going - but he is now a hurricane. Be aware.



Hopefully, he'll blow far away.

Uh-oh

Not to alarm anyone - but take a look at this picture:



Tropical Storm Gustav is making some headway - not really sure about him right now - but keep an eye on the weather channel.

Ciao.

It's Sunshine Sunday

The sun finally came out today. I took a picture to prove it.

We might still get some rain today. Yesterday, the rain was incredible - a deluge - and it came on fast - we saw the clouds and heard the thunder and knew we'd get some shortly - but 30 seconds later it was raining cats and dogs - it happened so fast - incredible.

Peanut and I went for a walk this mornning - still working on trying to get her to stop pulling - we use a gentle leader which helps a lot - but she still pulls. I could notice a slight improvement as we walked - but this little doggie is dense. I tried changing directions when she would pull and also tried stopping until she turned around and gave slack. But she really does not seem to get it. I'm still on board for a lobotomy. Sometimes, no, lots of times, I really do think she is a crack baby.

Mir had to work this morning - she should be home shortly. I went out and picked up Peanut's "crazy pills" - okay, her medication - also got some poop bags and some pictures printed. I think it's sometimes easier and maybe cheaper to have the professionals print the photos. Ink and photo paper are not cheap. Now, I'm home and boiling some eggs for a tuna salad I'm going to make.

The students are back. It's so busy everywhere now. And next week is the start of football season here in Gator town. I hope they win - everyone is so much happier when they do.

Go Gators!

Wet Friday

It's been a wet one today with a little wind - but not too bad. UF closed down so Mir had the day off - although, she did spend much of the morning coordinating a subject patient whose travel was hindered by the storm.

We went and bought dog food and treats and then picked up Cheryl for lunch. After lunch the weather declined a bit so we decided to forgo shopping and come back home. I did a little bit of work on the laptop until Miriam became a nag - I need to work on her some.

Talked to dad briefly - he called to ask about Boxer's nodules. I did mention that I had written about his test results in this blog. Anyway, mom is continuing to feel better and even cooked dinner.

So, despite Fay, all is well here in Gainesville. I tried to take a video of the storm but it didn't turn out very well. So, I'll try to do something else. Gotta keep things fresh here on the blog so you, my loyal readers, don't get bored. If you have any ideas for my blog - please post a comment. I've yet to get the first comment.

The Daily Show is on - let me go and watch it and try to get a few laughs.

Tootles.

Wet Weather - Beware Flooding

For those of you keeping track of TS Fay - it's starting to get wet here. I'm home for lunch and it's raining - I like the rain but trying to get the dogs outside to do their business can be challenging. Today I have been successful - Sydney went out with no problem, but Boxer knows the game and required a treat before he went out - both went wee-wee. Miriam hates using that term - but it works with the children. Peanut also went - had to coax her off the deck - on the fourth try she finally relieved herself (and me).

I'm glad I'm off tomorrow - think I'll just hang around the house watching what should be a lot of rain - that's the forecast anyway.

Checked in with mom yesterday evening - she's doing well. Wishes she could do more - but she's gotta take it easy until she's healed some more. I suggested she read a few books - should have suggested she work on her genealogy.

I'll give Peanut a few more minutes and then it's back to work.

Later.

Good news....

Boxer is fine! The pathology came back good on his nodules. So, we are all happy! We need to let this settle a bit and then Sydney will be the next one to get her teeth cleaned. Boxer is also more alert and happy today - he wasn't so happy yesterday - can't blame him - he was put to sleep and stuck with needles. I'd be upset, too.

Everything else is going okay. Got wet during lunch. Had to take my shoes off at work to let my socks dry out and feet warm up. I need to find some kind of water repellent pants and shoes.

Thought we'd be preparing for a hurricane but it looks like we're just gonna get some rain and a little wind. Sounds good to me. We'll keep checking the weather just in case something changes.

That's all for now. Tootles.

Boxer Update

Okay, Boxer had his neuro consult today, along with an ultrasound to check his prostate. We had received a call last Friday that his radiographs seemed to indicate an enlarged prostate - so, an ultrasound was in order. Well, his prostate is fine - however, the ultrasound revealed nodules on his spleen, kidney and liver. We had the nodules on his spleen and kidney aspirated and should get the pathology tomorrow. The one on the liver couldn't be found at aspiraton time. At this point, we're thinking that these are not cancerous. We'll know for sure tomorrow.

So, regarding Boxer's shaking - we can't really find anything - which is okay - it means that it could be related to aging - whatever it is it doesn't seem to be life threatening or anything.

We have now spent a small fortune on Boxer this month. Plans for our charitable foundation for medical care for our dogs are moving forward.

Checked in with mom today and she is progressing - still in some pain - but overall doing well.

Stay tuned.