Just whose vote is McCain after with this video. "It's Raining Men" is a gay anthem, after all, but these women crucify it.
Just for comparison, here is the original video by the Weather Girls.
You choose.
The Year of Moving Forward
At our 4 person wedding reception in DC
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
Healthy Kids... a Great Idea
If Alabama educators could perform simple arithmetic they could add 2 + 2 and get 4, and could see that high school students + physical education = healthier kids who are better able to learn in school.
But they are resisiting a proposal by Rep. Ken Guin to add PE to high school curriculums. Guin says "Alabama is one of the most obese states in the nation. For children born in Alabama in 2000, there is a one in three chance they will be diabetic."
Sally Howard, executive director if the Alabama Association of School Boards says the proposal would cost too much ($47 billion) and take time away from academic courses. Of course, she completely ignores that giving children an opportunity to exercise during the day would make them better learners and that healthier kids who are not missing school due to health issues and who feel better would also perform better.
In addition, does she not realize that not turning out kids with current and future diabetes and hypertension (and other conditions linked to obesity) would save the state millions of dollars in health care costs?..enough I am sure to pay for the cost of PE teachers.
In today's paper also is an expert opinion by Dr. David Calhoun, medical director of UAB's Vascular Biology Hypertension Program. We all know (at least 50 % of us know, according to the article) that hypertension is associated with stroke and heart disease. But 76 % of us are not worried about getting high blood pressure, even though almost everyone eventually gets it.
Dr. Calhoun tells us that high blood pressure is associated with obesity and physical inactivity, and lifestyle changes such as weight loss and increased physical activity are part of our defense against it. But lifestyle changes are difficult to make, and kids who learn in high school that being physically inactive is the preferred lifestyle are unlikely to begin to be active when they enter college or the work force.
I don't know what the chances of this bill passing are, but it would be a shame to miss this opportunity to affect the health of our children and our state by ignoring this issue. Let's push for passage of this bill.
But they are resisiting a proposal by Rep. Ken Guin to add PE to high school curriculums. Guin says "Alabama is one of the most obese states in the nation. For children born in Alabama in 2000, there is a one in three chance they will be diabetic."
Sally Howard, executive director if the Alabama Association of School Boards says the proposal would cost too much ($47 billion) and take time away from academic courses. Of course, she completely ignores that giving children an opportunity to exercise during the day would make them better learners and that healthier kids who are not missing school due to health issues and who feel better would also perform better.
In addition, does she not realize that not turning out kids with current and future diabetes and hypertension (and other conditions linked to obesity) would save the state millions of dollars in health care costs?..enough I am sure to pay for the cost of PE teachers.
In today's paper also is an expert opinion by Dr. David Calhoun, medical director of UAB's Vascular Biology Hypertension Program. We all know (at least 50 % of us know, according to the article) that hypertension is associated with stroke and heart disease. But 76 % of us are not worried about getting high blood pressure, even though almost everyone eventually gets it.
Dr. Calhoun tells us that high blood pressure is associated with obesity and physical inactivity, and lifestyle changes such as weight loss and increased physical activity are part of our defense against it. But lifestyle changes are difficult to make, and kids who learn in high school that being physically inactive is the preferred lifestyle are unlikely to begin to be active when they enter college or the work force.
I don't know what the chances of this bill passing are, but it would be a shame to miss this opportunity to affect the health of our children and our state by ignoring this issue. Let's push for passage of this bill.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Spring Flowers and the Dove...Revealed
Over the next few months you will from time to time be seeing new pictures of the same plants flowering that were pictured last year. I hope you don't mind.
Over the next two weeks some major changes will be taking place along the 19th Steet side of the property, as we clear out some unhealthy, unattractive trees and (sorry) wisteria (don't worry, there will still be plenty to bloom) and plant a row of Italian Cypress trees along the fence line (inside the fence). We already have a row of Oak Leaf Hydrangeas planted between the fence and the sidewalk, that was "phase one" of the project.
Phase three of this project will be replacing the fence. A normal person might do that first, but ...
In the meantime, this iris is blooming, and I was afraid it wouldn't because we had to move some of them and disturb the rest of them when the deck was built last year.
One of the surest signs of Spring, which is officially here now, is the blooming of the Redbud tree. Last year I mentioned that this one was blooming for the first time, but now it is much bigger and has a wealth of blooms on it. but have you ever looked at the flowers real closely?
And if anyone wants Aloe plants, I am dividing a huge one and will have plenty to give away. Might not be in pots, but they're free.
Those doves that I was watching turn out to be Eurasian Collared Doves, not the Ringed Turtle Doves I was hoping for. Still, it's kind of neat to have these different looking guys visiting (and I believe nesting) nearby. Here is one in flight.
Over the next two weeks some major changes will be taking place along the 19th Steet side of the property, as we clear out some unhealthy, unattractive trees and (sorry) wisteria (don't worry, there will still be plenty to bloom) and plant a row of Italian Cypress trees along the fence line (inside the fence). We already have a row of Oak Leaf Hydrangeas planted between the fence and the sidewalk, that was "phase one" of the project.
Phase three of this project will be replacing the fence. A normal person might do that first, but ...
In the meantime, this iris is blooming, and I was afraid it wouldn't because we had to move some of them and disturb the rest of them when the deck was built last year.
One of the surest signs of Spring, which is officially here now, is the blooming of the Redbud tree. Last year I mentioned that this one was blooming for the first time, but now it is much bigger and has a wealth of blooms on it. but have you ever looked at the flowers real closely?
Another early bloomer but not as common is the Dwarf Flowering Almond. Here is a close up of the flower. If anyone wants one of these, they produce lots of blooming suckers which I assume can be dug up and transplanted.
And if anyone wants Aloe plants, I am dividing a huge one and will have plenty to give away. Might not be in pots, but they're free.
Those doves that I was watching turn out to be Eurasian Collared Doves, not the Ringed Turtle Doves I was hoping for. Still, it's kind of neat to have these different looking guys visiting (and I believe nesting) nearby. Here is one in flight.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Announcements, Web Sites and Dick Cheney
Dick Cheney shows how little he cares about America at the end of the post.
Drew has established a new web site Historic Homes of America with hopes that the site will catch on all across the country. So far, a few Bessemerites have joined, and you are welcome to join too. Take a look at the great photos of the homes of Bessemer, and invite friends from across the country with historic homes to visit too. Join.
In Bessemer, on Tuesday March 25 at the Downtown Entrepreneurial Center, at 5:30 the Auburn University Urban Studio will unveil their Master Plan for Downtown Bessemer. All are welcome, and the plan in colorful map form will be available for those who attend. If you are interested in downtown, then come to this, because over the next few months and years various groups will be working to implement some of these plans. And let's get our leaders (or elect new ones) that are interested in
In Birmingham, tonight at 5:30, the Alabama Stonewall Democrats will meet at Los Amigos on Clairmont Avenue next to the Pig. If you believe in equality regardless of sexual identity, and think the Democrats are the best bet to bring this about (duh), then you need to be there. Our speaker is Barbara Buchanan, CEO of Planned Parenthood, who is very entertaining and informative. She spoke at one of my classes this month. Plus, you get to order a margarita.
Also in Birmingham, on Saturday March 28 is Birmingham Shout the gay and lesbian film festival. On the list of films this year is Sex Positive, Bi the Way, Chasing the Devil, Shelter and Spider Lilies.
See the web site for information about the films, times and tickets. All showings are at WorkPlay. this is the 3rd year for Shout, remember last year, Jeff Key's Semper Fi premiered here before premiering again on Showtime.
Ok, I promised Dick so here he is, responding to the statement "Two thirds of Americans say its not worth fighting."
"So?" he responds.
That is what he thinks of the American people. And he smirks as he says it.
Someone this morning said they are worried about republicans like Cheney getting pardons for indictments or charges or convictions that may come after they are out of office. He said he would certainly cast his vote for whichever Democrat makes a pledge not to pardon the republicans in this administration for any crimes they may be charged with. Good idea.
Drew has established a new web site Historic Homes of America with hopes that the site will catch on all across the country. So far, a few Bessemerites have joined, and you are welcome to join too. Take a look at the great photos of the homes of Bessemer, and invite friends from across the country with historic homes to visit too. Join.
In Bessemer, on Tuesday March 25 at the Downtown Entrepreneurial Center, at 5:30 the Auburn University Urban Studio will unveil their Master Plan for Downtown Bessemer. All are welcome, and the plan in colorful map form will be available for those who attend. If you are interested in downtown, then come to this, because over the next few months and years various groups will be working to implement some of these plans. And let's get our leaders (or elect new ones) that are interested in
In Birmingham, tonight at 5:30, the Alabama Stonewall Democrats will meet at Los Amigos on Clairmont Avenue next to the Pig. If you believe in equality regardless of sexual identity, and think the Democrats are the best bet to bring this about (duh), then you need to be there. Our speaker is Barbara Buchanan, CEO of Planned Parenthood, who is very entertaining and informative. She spoke at one of my classes this month. Plus, you get to order a margarita.
Also in Birmingham, on Saturday March 28 is Birmingham Shout the gay and lesbian film festival. On the list of films this year is Sex Positive, Bi the Way, Chasing the Devil, Shelter and Spider Lilies.
See the web site for information about the films, times and tickets. All showings are at WorkPlay. this is the 3rd year for Shout, remember last year, Jeff Key's Semper Fi premiered here before premiering again on Showtime.
Ok, I promised Dick so here he is, responding to the statement "Two thirds of Americans say its not worth fighting."
"So?" he responds.
That is what he thinks of the American people. And he smirks as he says it.
Someone this morning said they are worried about republicans like Cheney getting pardons for indictments or charges or convictions that may come after they are out of office. He said he would certainly cast his vote for whichever Democrat makes a pledge not to pardon the republicans in this administration for any crimes they may be charged with. Good idea.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Religious Wright
There is certainly no way to predict how this presidential election cycle will turn. Each week, there is another attempt by some in the media and many in the Republican party to destroy to fabric that holds the Democratic party together.
While ignoring the same issues in the Repubican party.
However, John McCain will not be able to capitalize on this because he can't keep his facts straight on the issue he is supposed to be strongest on: Iraq.
He said yesterday that is is "common knowledge and has been reported in the media that Al-Qaida is going back into Iran and receiving training and are coming back into Iraq from Iran; that's well known. And it's unfortunate."
Trouble is, Iran is training insurgents that have nothing to do with Al-Qaida. Just like Bush, he doesn't seem to know the difference between Al-Qaida and other extremists, or the difference between Sunni and Shiite Muslims. Of course, Republocrat Joe Lieberman was there to prop the presumptive nominee up. Watch:
But that is not the issue of the day (especially since the media is letting it slide).
The issue is Reverend Jeremiah Wright and his anti American tirades and Obama's response to the hoopla. The issue is also how the media jumps on this, because it is about a black man and race, yet igonores McCain's association with right wing hucksters like John Hagee who calls the Catholic Church the "Great Whore". We heard Wright's "God damn America" a hundred or more times on TV over the last few days, how many times have you seen this person:
I am not a fan of the Catholic church or the pope, but I am just pointing out that this divisive message has not been shown across America.
McCain also has as his "spiritual advisor" Rod Parsley, who gave us these gems:
While ignoring the same issues in the Repubican party.
However, John McCain will not be able to capitalize on this because he can't keep his facts straight on the issue he is supposed to be strongest on: Iraq.
He said yesterday that is is "common knowledge and has been reported in the media that Al-Qaida is going back into Iran and receiving training and are coming back into Iraq from Iran; that's well known. And it's unfortunate."
Trouble is, Iran is training insurgents that have nothing to do with Al-Qaida. Just like Bush, he doesn't seem to know the difference between Al-Qaida and other extremists, or the difference between Sunni and Shiite Muslims. Of course, Republocrat Joe Lieberman was there to prop the presumptive nominee up. Watch:
But that is not the issue of the day (especially since the media is letting it slide).
The issue is Reverend Jeremiah Wright and his anti American tirades and Obama's response to the hoopla. The issue is also how the media jumps on this, because it is about a black man and race, yet igonores McCain's association with right wing hucksters like John Hagee who calls the Catholic Church the "Great Whore". We heard Wright's "God damn America" a hundred or more times on TV over the last few days, how many times have you seen this person:
I am not a fan of the Catholic church or the pope, but I am just pointing out that this divisive message has not been shown across America.
McCain also has as his "spiritual advisor" Rod Parsley, who gave us these gems:
- called hate crimes legislation a "deceptive ploy of [the] liberal, homosexual agenda."
- advocated criminal prosecution of adulterers.
- compared Planned Parenthood to the Nazis.
- declared "I came to incite a riot! Man your battle stations! Ready your weapons! Lock and load!" at a "War on Christians" conference.
- urged voters to "let the Reformation begin! Shout it like you're going to carry the blood-stained banner of the cross of Christ the length and breadth of the Buckeye State!" at a political rally.
Brent Childer's of Faith in America has written an excellent article in which he points out that if Americans are asked to consider what Obama heard coming from the pulpit, it should also "consider how many times the Religious Right, from its pulpits, has stated that America is damned because of policies aimed at protecting gay and lesbian Americans from hate crimes and discrimination? How long have Americans, former presidential contenders and presidents sat in front of that pulpit?" Read Brent's article here.
He also questions "A nation where corporate greed holds sway over hard-working Americans? A nation that goes to war under false pretense? A nation in which political forces cater to prejudice and racial division? A nation in which gay and lesbian teenagers are being sacrificed on the alter of religion-based bigotry."
Rev. Wright is no more hateful or divisive than the preachers that millions of Americans sit before (in the sanctuary or in front of the flat screen) and soak in every week. The white guys can say whatever they want and condemn whoever they choose, and nobody seems to care.
It is not the religious Wright that is the problem, it's the religious right.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Florida Democrats Pick McCain
They might as well hand the presidency over to John McCain. By announcing that there will be no re-do in the state, the Florida Democratic Party will end up making so many democratic and wanna be voters mad that they won't even show up in November, effectively giving Florida...and the election to McCain.
Oh blame the voters themselves...that is what Karen Thurman, leader of the state party did. "The consensus is clear: Florida doesn't want to vote again. So we won't."
Florida democrats that I have heard on radio programs were not part of that consensus. I doubt the majority of Florida voters said "Let's leave everything in limbo and wait until the convention and see what happens."
Of course this all started because the state Republican controlled legislature changed the date of the Florida primary. The republicans saw an opportunity to screw the democrats, and now the democrats are just going to lie there and take it.
And now Florida Republicans are smiling:
"Former Gov. Jeb Bush has weighed in on the Democratic Party do-over dilemma in Florida, as well as several other topics, in an interview with Florida Baptist Witness Given the anger over the 2000 vote and the mantra of "count every vote,'' Bush said he finds it "ironic beyond belief" the battle over the Florida vote and said the Democratic Party created a hole of "their own doing."
"My thoughts are filled with irony that every vote should count," Bush said with a broad smile. “I mean this brings back memories of hyperbole and anger, mock anger …. It was a political circus for several years running, people trying to stoke the anger of a group of voters."
Come on Florida. Demand a solution from the national party, or create one of your own. "Throwing up you hands" is not a solution.
And in the garden:
Tulips are blooming.
Oh blame the voters themselves...that is what Karen Thurman, leader of the state party did. "The consensus is clear: Florida doesn't want to vote again. So we won't."
Florida democrats that I have heard on radio programs were not part of that consensus. I doubt the majority of Florida voters said "Let's leave everything in limbo and wait until the convention and see what happens."
Of course this all started because the state Republican controlled legislature changed the date of the Florida primary. The republicans saw an opportunity to screw the democrats, and now the democrats are just going to lie there and take it.
And now Florida Republicans are smiling:
"Former Gov. Jeb Bush has weighed in on the Democratic Party do-over dilemma in Florida, as well as several other topics, in an interview with Florida Baptist Witness Given the anger over the 2000 vote and the mantra of "count every vote,'' Bush said he finds it "ironic beyond belief" the battle over the Florida vote and said the Democratic Party created a hole of "their own doing."
"My thoughts are filled with irony that every vote should count," Bush said with a broad smile. “I mean this brings back memories of hyperbole and anger, mock anger …. It was a political circus for several years running, people trying to stoke the anger of a group of voters."
Come on Florida. Demand a solution from the national party, or create one of your own. "Throwing up you hands" is not a solution.
And in the garden:
Tulips are blooming.
For years I have trying to get a good Carolina Jessamine or Jasmine (I see it referenced both ways) to grow, and fiannly this one I planted two years ago is blooming. Just when I am making plans to replace the wire fence it is on, but we will be very careful...the vine will survive.
It is early for azaleas, but these two are jumping the gun. Notice the little bug peeking over the white one.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
More on Sally Kern
It seems that Ellen Degeneres has learned about Oklahoma Representative Sally Kern's homophobic tirade (from this blog, no doubt)...and she made a phone call.
And...get this...Kern has a son who is gay ...and she and her Baptist preacher hubby have dis-owned him. And removed him from her web page. How is that for practicing Christian love?
Now various blogs and papers in Oklahoma have stories about this, some of which quote Jesse as denying to be sexual in anyway, and choosing to be celibate (can you not be celibate and still be gay?), instead being metaphysical (? OK, you got me there). Anyway, gay or not, he does have a record of being busted years ago in a way that makes me think of Larry Craig. Like a comment I read elsewhere said, I am sure his mother has made his life miserable, and she didn't help him one bit by spreading her hatred around. Jesse, you can be whatever you are and it doesn't bother me, just be careful spreading that metaphysicality around, especially indoctrinating the two year olds. And please, avoid your mother. You need better karma.
And...get this...Kern has a son who is gay ...and she and her Baptist preacher hubby have dis-owned him. And removed him from her web page. How is that for practicing Christian love?
Now various blogs and papers in Oklahoma have stories about this, some of which quote Jesse as denying to be sexual in anyway, and choosing to be celibate (can you not be celibate and still be gay?), instead being metaphysical (? OK, you got me there). Anyway, gay or not, he does have a record of being busted years ago in a way that makes me think of Larry Craig. Like a comment I read elsewhere said, I am sure his mother has made his life miserable, and she didn't help him one bit by spreading her hatred around. Jesse, you can be whatever you are and it doesn't bother me, just be careful spreading that metaphysicality around, especially indoctrinating the two year olds. And please, avoid your mother. You need better karma.
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