some thoughts on the election from nyt columnist

 

October 30, 2008
Op-Ed Columnist
American Stories
 
By ROGER COHEN
 

Of the countless words Barack Obama has uttered since he opened his campaign for president on an icy Illinois morning in February 2007, a handful have kept reverberating in my mind:
“For as long as I live, I will never forget that in no other country on earth is my [...]

i vote for hope

And I vote for change. I valiently, urgently, passionately, fervently hope and pray for change in our nation’s leadership. We cannot live through four more years of the same. Please vote.

any observations?

These photos were taken this summer.
 

barach and bill to promote here wednesday

Last week we had Barach and Hillary in Orlando. I must say it was inspiring. I actually got teary. More importantly, I felt hopeful. Even as the stock market continued to teeter and the economy plunged into its current free fall.
Word is that Obama will be here with Hil’s better half this week. Details are still [...]

random thoughts and vote vote vote vote (did i mention, vote)

I have been remiss in my blogging. Sure, I have excuses this week … dissertation deadline, trustee presentation, board meetings, an artist’s salon, a national workshop I taught, foundation events … (blah blah blah).
I have missed you all and as I look at my blog stats, you kept coming back, even when I didn’t have much to share. [...]

snl, rap, the brain trust and the state of the presidential race

Kudos to http://tkbb.wordpress.com for sharing the hilarious lyrics from Amy’s SNL rap mockery of Palin. You can find those here: http://tkbb.wordpress.com/2008/10/19/snl-amy-poehlers-sarah-palin-rap-lyrics/
If you missed it, the video is at www.nbc.com and worth a look. Having watched it a couple of times, I must reflect on the state of this campaign, particularly in light of the state [...]

sheltered by a warm embrace: tumbleweed houses

There is something very appealing about the notion of a teeny tiny dwelling. This one from www.tumbleweedhouse.com is absolutely adorable. At just 251 square feet it offers the creature comforts of home in a petite shelter. Their smaller models start at 65 square feet ($37,000) and all are green. These cottages (which can go up to 700 [...]

15-minute prep, healthy turkey chili to prepare ahead

Is it getting chilly where you are?
There’s a bit of coolness to the air in Orlando. Well, it’s relative. The neighbor children were jet-skiing on the lake today. But anyhow, If you’re looking to cook ahead today, here’s a healthy, simple, slow-cook recipe for turkey chili.
And if you happen to have a prolific avocado tree, serve with [...]

how not to sell your home

Here is a funny blog that features real estate listing photos that are giant don’ts.
http://lovelylisting.blogspot.com/?ref=patrick.net

obama delivers some clever lines

In the spirit of bipartisanship, I share Obama’s comedic performance. He had several zingers but overall, despite my personal predilictions, I’d have to say that McCain had funnier delivery and a memorable tribute to his worthy opponent (which I totally agreed with).
Which one did you find more amusing? I understand in today’s turmoil, this seems [...]

who knew mccain was so funny?

If only the presidential debates were this entertaining and lucid. Witness McCain at his most amusing and sincere. You will not be disappointed.
I’m not voting for him but this is priceless and lovely.

may i call you joe?

More on Joe the Plumber. When did we stop talkng about Iraq?
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/16/joe-in-the-spotlight/?ei=5070

all-time favorite movie line

I love that you get cold when it’s 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you’re looking at me like I’m nuts. I love that after I spend the day with you, [...]

be wary on youtube: viruses and hackers

From the Associated Press:
Savvy Internet users know that downloading unsolicited computer programs is one of the most dangerous things you can do online. It puts you at great risk for a virus or another time bomb from a hacker.
But even some sophisticated surfers could get snookered by a sneaky new attack in which criminals create [...]

green tips that make sense from consumer reports

If you are looking for green products you may find yourself comparing apples to oh say peanut squares. Consumer Reports comes to your rescue.

Get a water-saver faucet

· Why: A gleaming new faucet is an easy upgrade, but kitchen models can be water wasters compared with some bathroom faucets. Low-flow bathroom faucets with the Environmental Protection [...]

more on kraftsmaid

On any given day, I’ll get between 50 ahd 250 or so readers. I do not know who most of you are, unless you say hi or were part of the NYT DHD bunch.
However you landed I am most grateful. This was really intended to be a home renovation blog but life intervened … and [...]

ira rollover to charities extended

Forgive me, I am running news flash late because so many other things have taken precedence in terms of timeliness, and for this one the deadline is the end of the year. But it is good to know now for tax and charitable gift planning. I can tell you that my nonprofit partners have been [...]

could you pass the new citizenship test?

I hate to say that they’ve dumbed it down … but it’s possible. I remember by being stumped on a few questions in the last version. This one was truly a no-brainer. It seems to me like the previous one had more historical questions that I forgot in 8th grade.
If you’d like to give it [...]

book meme

A few fellow bloggers are sharing this meme. Find nearest book (don’t cross the house to go the bookshelf and find your most intellectual tome to impress readers). Go to page 56. Find 5th sentence and share that and the next few.
From Wherever You Go There You Are (Jon Kabat-Zinn):
“The tack we take in meditation [...]

florida bankrupt?

With the prediction of three named storms still on the 2008 hurricane horizon, the news that Florida can’t afford to back insurers is less than good news. From Florida Trend:
Florida’s Inability to Borrow Spells Trouble for Catastrophe Fund
The global financial crisis threatens to unravel Florida’s property insurance system if a major hurricane hits during the [...]

immerse yourself in orlando

All that glitters in Central Florida does not necessarily feature a princess, a cat with a hat, a mouse, a gator or a whale.
If you’re retired, home during the day or looking for an excuse to play hooky next week, experience some of our local culture Monday through Wednsday, Oct.13, 14 and 15, 9 a.m. to [...]

all i-4 lanes closed in wee hours oct. 7

Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) construction crews plan to close all I-4 lanes in both directions during the early morning hours of Tuesday, Oct. 7, between SR 50/Colonial Drive and Anderson Street in downtown Orlando. Crews will install an overhead sign truss above the interstate near Washington Street. The following detour routes will be in [...]

well hello, bachelor no. 1

A local Altamonte Springs dentist is among 51 Cosmo bachelors. Voting is this week, narrowing down to six. If you’d like to vote for Brett Zak, go to:
http://www.cosmopolitan.com/hot-guys/bachelors/The-Hot-Bachelors-of-2008

As a totally unrelated side note, it appears that Sarah Palin’s new son-in-law-to-be, Levi Fox of Wasilla, also made the first round of, um, bachelors. Please meet bachelor No. [...]

register today to vote (offices open late)

OK, Orlando … Today is the last day to register to vote. And the offices are open late. Make your voice count.

amy’s snappy answers to dumb questions

 (Click on graphic to see full size)
For more, visit: www.datingaddict.blogspot.com

a community garden grows in colonialtown

In the eight years I’ve lived in Orlando, I’ve been so impressed with their park system. These little emerald paradises come large and small, many with water, and diverse amenities. I see that in Colonialtown, they are creating a neighborhood garden in their park.
Their first meeting was in early September. The initiative offers residents the opportunity [...]

i’ll take an “n” pat … wheel of fortune seeks orlando contestants

It’s a big TV recruitment weekend in Orlando. First we have a famous nanny at Disney (she’s not Mary Poppins; see below) and I’ve discovered that fans of Vanna can audition for Wheel of Fortune up at Seminole Towne Center mall. Hours 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Wheel of Fortune Wheelmobile
The 39-foot Winnebago known [...]

do you need a helping hand from supernanny?

This just in:
Could you use some assistance from Supernanny Jo Frost?
ABC series “Supernanny” is coming to Orlando this weekend in search of families.
Producers will interview parents noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Downtown Disney, 1680 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Fla. 32830, 407-824-2222.
You will also have the chance to be filmed asking questions on [...]

orlando public library offers free home delivery

For a variety of reasons you may be trying to save money. So that might mean cutting back on car travel, rental or cinema movies, books, even cable TV or other entertainment.
Enter the Orlando Public Library (www.ocls.info), which provides door-to-door delivery of books, CDs and DVDs. The site also has books on tape, music and movies [...]

orlando magic tix on sale starting today

www.orlandomagic.com
Also, if you visit one of six Orlando Dunkin’ Donuts this morning (7 to 9 a.m.) you will receive a cup of coffee on the house. Earlybirds can win tix. For details, go to: http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/business_frugal_force/2008/10/free-dunkin-don.html

fresh and delicious

Don’t miss the Farmer’s Market, Saturday mornings at Lake Eola. There are many new vendors and also more crafts from local artisans. It’s a lovely way to have breakfast, stock up for the week, boost the local economy and mingle with your neighbors. I shall see you there!

see dr. phil live in orlando oct. 10

See Dr. Phil in Orlando at the Chapin Theater on Oct. 10. The tickets are $43 and proceeds benefit the nonprofit Ronald McDonald House in Orlando. The topic: “Get Real.”

make a note: winter garden music fest this weekend

A don’t-miss event a few miles west of town this weekend. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, bring your family out for some free fun and tunes from local musicians at the Winter Garden Music Fest 2008.
I am fortunate to know the founders of this third-time event. They work hard to raise awareness of the town, to [...]

crimson tide vs. tigers … get in on orlando auction action

Nov. 29 Alabama plays Auburn. Tickets are scarce for this annual showdown, and given that Alabama is currently ranked No. 2 and Auburn is in the top 15, it might be a challenge to secure seats for the Nov. 29 game in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Florida Citrus Sports in Orlando is auctioning a pair of tickets and Delta [...]

venture philanthropy

Things are tight everywhere but one Florida University has taken philanthropy and revenue production to a creative new level. Webber University is auctioning naming rights to its water plant. Bidding ends Monday. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320304726235&_trksid=p3907.m32&_trkparms=tab%3DSelling

block party on i-drive: icebar opens tonight

ICEBAR Orlando, on International Drive just minutes away from the Orange County Convention Center, is the first and largest permanent ice bar in the country. Open year-round, the $35 cover charge includes a 45-minute expedition into the 27-degree den of solid, sparkling, floor-to-ceiling ice. Slip on a thermal cape and gloves and sip a premium [...]

amnesty month for orlando ticketholders

If you have a stack of parking tickets from the City of Orlando, Mayor Dyer has a deal for you. Today begins Amnesty Month, which means that you pay the initial ticket charge and any penalties are wiped clean. You can put in the mail to 53 W. Central, 32801, or drop it off on the first [...]