Listening to President (President!) Obama speak this morning, I felt myself beaming, eyes brimming. His speech was exactly what I've wanted to hear from an elected official since I've been old enough to understand what's going on in the world. Even if his ambitions are lofty, his goals somewhat unrealistic in a country as deeply corrupt as ours, at least he has the guts to stand up there and state our problems, plainly, and do the best he can to instill hope in a tired, disillusioned nation.
Here are a few snippets of his lovely words.
On the sad state of our country:
"That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet."
On equality:
"The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness."
On priorities:
"We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do."
On cynics and rebuilding trust:
"Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions -- who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them -- that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works -- whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account -- to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day -- because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government."
On prosperity:
"[A] nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous."
On the power of peace:
"To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist."
On responsibility:
"To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it."
Congratulations, President Obama. I have high hopes for this administration; the time has surely come for actual change, not just empty promises.
Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Fear
Whoa, this is scary:
Rush-hour shooter kills 2 in Dallas
That right there is one of my top 5 fears. Seriously, I cringe almost every time I pull up next to a car at a stoplight or pass someone on the highway. I always thought it was completely irrational -- no way something like that would actually happen -- but here you go! A crazy guy shooting random, innocent drivers in my city. Those poor people (and their families! during the holidays!). I hope that this psycho is stung to death by angry bees, and soon.
Why do some people insist on confirming my worst opinions of humanity?
Rush-hour shooter kills 2 in Dallas
That right there is one of my top 5 fears. Seriously, I cringe almost every time I pull up next to a car at a stoplight or pass someone on the highway. I always thought it was completely irrational -- no way something like that would actually happen -- but here you go! A crazy guy shooting random, innocent drivers in my city. Those poor people (and their families! during the holidays!). I hope that this psycho is stung to death by angry bees, and soon.
Why do some people insist on confirming my worst opinions of humanity?
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
What is and what should never be
Led Zeppelin may tour without Robert Plant
Noooo! Robert Plant, what's your deal? Can't hack it vocally anymore? Physically? Do you hate your legion of fans? Have you turned your back on Led Zeppelin to focus on your folk thing with Alison Kraus? As O2 proved, you still have the chops, though obviously slightly diminished by age. So what IS IT?
If this turns into Led Zeppelin + [insert name here], I'll never forgive you.
I'm going to go throw a tantrum somewhere. I was so born in the wrong era. Not fair!
Noooo! Robert Plant, what's your deal? Can't hack it vocally anymore? Physically? Do you hate your legion of fans? Have you turned your back on Led Zeppelin to focus on your folk thing with Alison Kraus? As O2 proved, you still have the chops, though obviously slightly diminished by age. So what IS IT?
If this turns into Led Zeppelin + [insert name here], I'll never forgive you.
I'm going to go throw a tantrum somewhere. I was so born in the wrong era. Not fair!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Spenser Dixon, 1999-2008
Spenser, you will be missed. You were Callie's favorite playmate and the most energetic, joyful 9-year-old dog I've ever seen -- a puppy 'til the very end. You were more than a handful, but that's only because you were overflowing with love and excitement, more than you could possibly contain. You were a goofball and a spaz, a lovable beast, and a perfect gentleman to your canine brothers and sisters. You may not have been gentle, but you had a gentle spirit, and our lives won't be the same without your infectious energy brightening every room.
Rest in peace, buddy.
Rest in peace, buddy.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Senseless
Arkansas TV anchor dies days after attack
Anne Pressly's dorm room was two doors down from mine freshman year. I didn't know her very well -- she was in a sorority and hung around with a different crowd -- but she was always nice to me. She seemed to lead a charmed life. She was beautiful, popular, confident, and extremely close to her family. Apparently, she continued to do well for herself after graduation, with a local TV anchor gig in Little Rock, Arkansas and a small part in the movie W. To think that all of that could be taken away in one night of senseless violence is so upsetting. She had so much left to accomplish, so many years left with her family. I can't even begin to imagine what hell they're going through. It makes me so angry, so sad for everyone who knew her.
Rest in peace, Anne. My heart goes out to your loved ones.
Anne Pressly's dorm room was two doors down from mine freshman year. I didn't know her very well -- she was in a sorority and hung around with a different crowd -- but she was always nice to me. She seemed to lead a charmed life. She was beautiful, popular, confident, and extremely close to her family. Apparently, she continued to do well for herself after graduation, with a local TV anchor gig in Little Rock, Arkansas and a small part in the movie W. To think that all of that could be taken away in one night of senseless violence is so upsetting. She had so much left to accomplish, so many years left with her family. I can't even begin to imagine what hell they're going through. It makes me so angry, so sad for everyone who knew her.
Rest in peace, Anne. My heart goes out to your loved ones.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Vacation time!
I'm going to Portland! I'm going to Portland!
This is very exciting.
Among other things, I'll get to partake of Oregon-brewed Rogue beer at the Rogue Distillery and Public House. Oh, and just take a gander at some of these beer-based menu items:
-Hazelnut ale bread
-Hummus made with Hazelnut Brown Nectar Ale and served with warm pita bread & veggies
-Saganaki (broiled Greek cheese) doused in Rogue Hazelnut Spice Rum and flamed tableside
-Beer cheese soup (made with Rogue Dead Guy Ale)
-"Haute" dog with caramelized onions and Rogue Creamery Oregon Blue Cheese, with house-made flavored ketchup and mustard on the side
-House-brewed root beer & root beer floats
-Rogue ale floats (you can choose their Chocolate Stout!)
And that's just a sampler. I think I might have to eat here a few times while I'm in Portland.
Other than Rogue, I want to try Stumptown coffee, visit Mattface's fish & chips place and tea shop and hat store, drink lots of Oregon wine, eat at Nate's favorite Mediterranean place, visit a farmer's market, walk lots and lots, maybe go on a hike, drive out to the coast, take tons of photos, see some redwoods, maybe check out a local band, go to the zoo, and walk around the Japanese gardens. I'll be there for a week -- do you think I can fit all that in?
Above all, I'm really excited to eat and drink in Portland -- food is not just fuel there. It's local, it's seasonal and fresh, and it's crafted with care and pride. Did you know that chef/author James Beard, the "father of American gastronomy," grew up in Portland? He's had a profound effect on the way people think about food all over the world, and his legacy lives on in Portland, from what I understand. Plus, all the local hand-crafted beer and wine? I'm swooning.
August 26th can't get here fast enough!
This is very exciting.
Among other things, I'll get to partake of Oregon-brewed Rogue beer at the Rogue Distillery and Public House. Oh, and just take a gander at some of these beer-based menu items:
-Hazelnut ale bread
-Hummus made with Hazelnut Brown Nectar Ale and served with warm pita bread & veggies
-Saganaki (broiled Greek cheese) doused in Rogue Hazelnut Spice Rum and flamed tableside
-Beer cheese soup (made with Rogue Dead Guy Ale)
-"Haute" dog with caramelized onions and Rogue Creamery Oregon Blue Cheese, with house-made flavored ketchup and mustard on the side
-House-brewed root beer & root beer floats
-Rogue ale floats (you can choose their Chocolate Stout!)
And that's just a sampler. I think I might have to eat here a few times while I'm in Portland.
Other than Rogue, I want to try Stumptown coffee, visit Mattface's fish & chips place and tea shop and hat store, drink lots of Oregon wine, eat at Nate's favorite Mediterranean place, visit a farmer's market, walk lots and lots, maybe go on a hike, drive out to the coast, take tons of photos, see some redwoods, maybe check out a local band, go to the zoo, and walk around the Japanese gardens. I'll be there for a week -- do you think I can fit all that in?
Above all, I'm really excited to eat and drink in Portland -- food is not just fuel there. It's local, it's seasonal and fresh, and it's crafted with care and pride. Did you know that chef/author James Beard, the "father of American gastronomy," grew up in Portland? He's had a profound effect on the way people think about food all over the world, and his legacy lives on in Portland, from what I understand. Plus, all the local hand-crafted beer and wine? I'm swooning.
August 26th can't get here fast enough!
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Observations
To the lady gardening at 8pm on a Sunday: if you're going to bend over like that, maybe next time you should rethink wearing the see-through thong under your mom jeans. Mmmkay?
There's a car parked on my walking route that has "I [Heart] U" painted on the inside of the driver's window. Every time I pass by, I simultaneously fight the urge to retch and feel a little pang of loneliness.
I sunburned my knees today.
I keep missing the Old 97's when they come through Dallas. It bums me out.
However, next Saturday, I'm going to see Zoso: A Tribute to Led Zeppelin. That more than makes up for missing the Old 97's. Sorry, Old 97's, but Zeppelin wins every time.
The fabulous (newly engaged!) Carley will be bringing her charm, wit, and smartass sense of humor to Dallas this week. And I get an excuse to be all kinds of girly with her. Score!
My brain age is 24. Suck it, other nerds!
The Lost finale last week blew my mind 18 separate times.
We sold all our Bonnaroo tickets. I'm glad we sold them, and I'm happy to get some money back, but I'm still a little upset at the way things turned out. It would have been a fantastic trip.
Jay and I roasted coffee last weekend. From green coffee beans. On the stovetop. And we kicked ass.
I mowed the lawn last weekend, and I neither passed out nor hurled. In fact, I did a pretty damn good job. This shouldn't be newsworthy, but for my out of shape ass, it was a major accomplishment. Even though it's eleventy million degrees outside, I vow to get back in shape this summer. Who's with me?
There's a car parked on my walking route that has "I [Heart] U" painted on the inside of the driver's window. Every time I pass by, I simultaneously fight the urge to retch and feel a little pang of loneliness.
I sunburned my knees today.
I keep missing the Old 97's when they come through Dallas. It bums me out.
However, next Saturday, I'm going to see Zoso: A Tribute to Led Zeppelin. That more than makes up for missing the Old 97's. Sorry, Old 97's, but Zeppelin wins every time.
The fabulous (newly engaged!) Carley will be bringing her charm, wit, and smartass sense of humor to Dallas this week. And I get an excuse to be all kinds of girly with her. Score!
My brain age is 24. Suck it, other nerds!
The Lost finale last week blew my mind 18 separate times.
We sold all our Bonnaroo tickets. I'm glad we sold them, and I'm happy to get some money back, but I'm still a little upset at the way things turned out. It would have been a fantastic trip.
Jay and I roasted coffee last weekend. From green coffee beans. On the stovetop. And we kicked ass.
I mowed the lawn last weekend, and I neither passed out nor hurled. In fact, I did a pretty damn good job. This shouldn't be newsworthy, but for my out of shape ass, it was a major accomplishment. Even though it's eleventy million degrees outside, I vow to get back in shape this summer. Who's with me?
Monday, March 31, 2008
Death x2
Universe, are you finished? We're crying uncle here. Enough with the buckets of pain, ok?
It's been an emotional couple of weeks for the people I love, and I sincerely hope that things level out soon, because I don't think we can take much more stress in our lives. I feel a bit helpless, knowing that nothing I do can erase what's happened or take away the sting of grief. All I can do is listen, support, encourage, and give out hugs as needed. It's a trying time.
My grandmother, my dad's mom, passed away yesterday. It wasn't unexpected, but it's still difficult, especially for my dad. Gammie (as she insisted we call her) was my dad's only parent, and her death has affected him more than he thought it would. None of us were very close to her, but she's family, and it's strange to think that she won't be around anymore, making us laugh, inspiring stories we'll tell and re-tell for years to come. Now, we'll have to honor her memory by keeping those childhood recollections alive and trying, somehow, to understand her long, strange life. I'm glad she's not suffering anymore, and I can only hope that she's much happier now, reunited with her memories, no longer bound to a wasted body and mind.
We'll be traveling to Louisiana this week (my second trip to the state of my birth in as many weeks), and I don't quite know how we're going to feel at that funeral. I'm not grieving, exactly, but I'm sure the service will affect all of us somewhat. I think it's going to finally hit home that we're not teenagers anymore, that we have only a limited time left with our remaining grandparents and great-aunts and -uncles, and that is one scary thought. I'm not prepared for that onslaught of emotional hell. None of us is quite prepared. All we can do is treasure the time we have left and visit as much as we're able.
My mom already wrote about the other bad news we recently received, far more eloquently than I'm able, but I'll try to put my scattered thoughts into words. We found out last week, to everyone's shock, that my sweet younger brother will be going through the heartache of divorce after 21 months of marriage. I know he's devastated, and I wish I could absorb some of that pain and disappointment for him. The healing process is going to take a lot of time, and I just hope that he's not consumed with regret; that instead, he can eventually look back on their nearly 7 years together with some measure of gratitude and affection. I hope that he and Hannah can stay in each other's lives after the dust has settled and the pain and anger have dissipated somewhat. I hate to think that this lovely girl, whatever her faults, won't be a part of our lives anymore. Even though we weren't extremely close, I was so fond of her, and had so much hope for their relationship despite the odds. She and Michael essentially grew up together, and Hannah was a well-loved member of our family since they were both teenagers. It's hard to fathom her sudden absence. I can't begin to imagine how Michael is coping with the loss. I just want to hug him so tightly every time I see him.
I don't think we'll ever truly know what went wrong, or what, if anything, could have been done to prevent this split. Michael, bless him, is keeping the details private, and we will continue to respect his wishes. I think it's admirable, and Michael has a lot of integrity. He's young, but he's more mature than even he realizes. Strong, too, though he may not feel that way at the moment. I'm glad that he has an army of supporters to lean on; our family may have its faults, but we circle around each other with fierce love and unyielding support when one of our own is in pain. I just wish there were magical words that I could say to ease his suffering, but I know from experience that the healing process, though painfully slow, is essential - that Michael will come out on the other side with a better understanding of himself, with wisdom and maturity. Until then, he has us. I've never felt closer to my family, and as regrettable as the circumstances are, I'm grateful that we're united during this difficult time.
It's been an emotional couple of weeks for the people I love, and I sincerely hope that things level out soon, because I don't think we can take much more stress in our lives. I feel a bit helpless, knowing that nothing I do can erase what's happened or take away the sting of grief. All I can do is listen, support, encourage, and give out hugs as needed. It's a trying time.
My grandmother, my dad's mom, passed away yesterday. It wasn't unexpected, but it's still difficult, especially for my dad. Gammie (as she insisted we call her) was my dad's only parent, and her death has affected him more than he thought it would. None of us were very close to her, but she's family, and it's strange to think that she won't be around anymore, making us laugh, inspiring stories we'll tell and re-tell for years to come. Now, we'll have to honor her memory by keeping those childhood recollections alive and trying, somehow, to understand her long, strange life. I'm glad she's not suffering anymore, and I can only hope that she's much happier now, reunited with her memories, no longer bound to a wasted body and mind.
We'll be traveling to Louisiana this week (my second trip to the state of my birth in as many weeks), and I don't quite know how we're going to feel at that funeral. I'm not grieving, exactly, but I'm sure the service will affect all of us somewhat. I think it's going to finally hit home that we're not teenagers anymore, that we have only a limited time left with our remaining grandparents and great-aunts and -uncles, and that is one scary thought. I'm not prepared for that onslaught of emotional hell. None of us is quite prepared. All we can do is treasure the time we have left and visit as much as we're able.
My mom already wrote about the other bad news we recently received, far more eloquently than I'm able, but I'll try to put my scattered thoughts into words. We found out last week, to everyone's shock, that my sweet younger brother will be going through the heartache of divorce after 21 months of marriage. I know he's devastated, and I wish I could absorb some of that pain and disappointment for him. The healing process is going to take a lot of time, and I just hope that he's not consumed with regret; that instead, he can eventually look back on their nearly 7 years together with some measure of gratitude and affection. I hope that he and Hannah can stay in each other's lives after the dust has settled and the pain and anger have dissipated somewhat. I hate to think that this lovely girl, whatever her faults, won't be a part of our lives anymore. Even though we weren't extremely close, I was so fond of her, and had so much hope for their relationship despite the odds. She and Michael essentially grew up together, and Hannah was a well-loved member of our family since they were both teenagers. It's hard to fathom her sudden absence. I can't begin to imagine how Michael is coping with the loss. I just want to hug him so tightly every time I see him.
I don't think we'll ever truly know what went wrong, or what, if anything, could have been done to prevent this split. Michael, bless him, is keeping the details private, and we will continue to respect his wishes. I think it's admirable, and Michael has a lot of integrity. He's young, but he's more mature than even he realizes. Strong, too, though he may not feel that way at the moment. I'm glad that he has an army of supporters to lean on; our family may have its faults, but we circle around each other with fierce love and unyielding support when one of our own is in pain. I just wish there were magical words that I could say to ease his suffering, but I know from experience that the healing process, though painfully slow, is essential - that Michael will come out on the other side with a better understanding of himself, with wisdom and maturity. Until then, he has us. I've never felt closer to my family, and as regrettable as the circumstances are, I'm grateful that we're united during this difficult time.
Friday, February 15, 2008
HOUSE!!!
Two weeks from today cannot get here fast enough:
Between this and Bonnaroo tickets on sale tomorrow, I'm a happy (if broke) camper. Literally, in the case of Bonnaroo.
More updates to come!
Between this and Bonnaroo tickets on sale tomorrow, I'm a happy (if broke) camper. Literally, in the case of Bonnaroo.
More updates to come!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Bonnarooooooo!
Oh, Bonnaroo. Why must you be so damn expensive? I desperately want to go this year. Desperately. There was a rumor for a few months that Led Zeppelin would headline the fest, but aside from Robert Plant (who's touring with Alison Kraus at the moment), the closest we'll get to Zep is the all-female tribute band Lez Zeppelin. Which is a great name, yes, but I want the real thing, dammit!
The rest of the lineup is spectacular. Acts I'd definitely want to see: Pearl Jam, Metallica, The Allman Brothers Band, B.B. King, Death Cab for Cutie, Iron & Wine, Aimee Mann, and Ben Folds. Bands I've heard great things about that I'd want to check out: the Raconteurs, Sigur Ros, Rilo Kiley, My Morning Jacket, Levon Helm & The Ramble on the Road, Susan Tedeschi, Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, Drive-by Truckers, Tegan & Sara, Vampire Weekend, and Minus the Bear. Ooh, and I can't forget the comedians! The four I know are David Cross, Janeane Garofalo, Zach Galifianakis, and Mike Birbiglia. All hilarious in very different ways.
So between a 10-hour drive to Manchester, TN, food, gas, and tickets, I'm looking at a $400-$500 trip. Worth it? I'm thinking yes, just for the chance to see this lineup. And Robert Plant, because who knows if Led Zeppelin is actually going to tour next year (or ever) as rumored? Ooh, and it'll be fun to camp in rural Tennessee for 3 or 4 days, even if it is in the sweltering heat of June. I'm actively trying to recruit a couple people for a road trip. Fingers crossed!
The rest of the lineup is spectacular. Acts I'd definitely want to see: Pearl Jam, Metallica, The Allman Brothers Band, B.B. King, Death Cab for Cutie, Iron & Wine, Aimee Mann, and Ben Folds. Bands I've heard great things about that I'd want to check out: the Raconteurs, Sigur Ros, Rilo Kiley, My Morning Jacket, Levon Helm & The Ramble on the Road, Susan Tedeschi, Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, Drive-by Truckers, Tegan & Sara, Vampire Weekend, and Minus the Bear. Ooh, and I can't forget the comedians! The four I know are David Cross, Janeane Garofalo, Zach Galifianakis, and Mike Birbiglia. All hilarious in very different ways.
So between a 10-hour drive to Manchester, TN, food, gas, and tickets, I'm looking at a $400-$500 trip. Worth it? I'm thinking yes, just for the chance to see this lineup. And Robert Plant, because who knows if Led Zeppelin is actually going to tour next year (or ever) as rumored? Ooh, and it'll be fun to camp in rural Tennessee for 3 or 4 days, even if it is in the sweltering heat of June. I'm actively trying to recruit a couple people for a road trip. Fingers crossed!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
What the hell?
Winds fuel fires, cut power in Dallas-Fort Worth
The wind actually wrenched a drainpipe from my apartment building and sent it skidding across the parking lot toward my car. Reminds me of Memphis, summer of 2003, when a windstorm uprooted centuries-old oak trees from my college campus and wiped out power for weeks. Weeks. In the sweltering heat of July.
I hate you, wind! Go haunt Canada or something. At least they're hardy enough to stand it.
The wind actually wrenched a drainpipe from my apartment building and sent it skidding across the parking lot toward my car. Reminds me of Memphis, summer of 2003, when a windstorm uprooted centuries-old oak trees from my college campus and wiped out power for weeks. Weeks. In the sweltering heat of July.
I hate you, wind! Go haunt Canada or something. At least they're hardy enough to stand it.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
RIP Heath Ledger
Holy shit...I'm shocked by this:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Movies/01/22/heath.ledger.dead/index.html
Heath Ledger died this afternoon of what may have been an accidental overdose. Extra sad because he has a young daughter (with Michelle Williams). He was such a great actor, and young, too (28).
What is it recently with the young actor deaths? First Brad Renfro, now Heath. So, so sad.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Movies/01/22/heath.ledger.dead/index.html
Heath Ledger died this afternoon of what may have been an accidental overdose. Extra sad because he has a young daughter (with Michelle Williams). He was such a great actor, and young, too (28).
What is it recently with the young actor deaths? First Brad Renfro, now Heath. So, so sad.
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