addictions blabbery featured politics reality tv republicans ridiculous people TV: chinese gymnasts cullen jones George W. Bush georgia get in the picture high school musical 3 joshua mad men michael phelps olympics peggy peggy's baby russia so you think you can dance south ossetia sytycd tai chi
by Blabby
5 comments
tv update (sytycd spoiler alert)
Of course I’m glued to the Olympics, but I’ve started Tivo-ing them because NBC is going CRAZY with commercial breaks. I think I’m just so used to the Tivo that I have no patience for commercials. Especially after each and every 5 minutes of Olympic coverage. I’m sure I’m missing really good Hallmark-esque
I heart swimmers!
Olympic moments. I did catch the Johnson & Johnson commercial where Cullen Jones thanks his mom. I love that one. Of course, it made me cry.
I have to point out my favorite Olympic moments. I loved the giant printing press and the tai chi masters in the opening ceremony. The whole thing really appealed to my band-geek side - awesome formations, keeping those circles while doing all those crazy tai chi moves?! Awesome!
And of course, the men’s swimming relays have been so exciting. And the womens! Really, it’s all exciting. Although, I don’t seem to love gymnastics as much as I used to. I think I get a little caught up in the toll it’s taking on these girls - especially the Chinese ones (who are absolutely NOT 16). I do love that 33 year-old German lady though. I hope she wins a gold.
How about our President and family being the US’ biggest fan? On one hand, the “most spirited” in me is happy to see such high level support. I’m sure it means a great deal to the athletes, who definitely deserve the support. But the concerned citizen in me can’t help but think, “he sure has a lot of time on his hands!” I mean, telling Putin that Russia is using excessive force on the sovereign nation of Georgia and that he is against the bombing outside of South Ossetia is all well and good. Even asking for an Olympic cease-fire seems reasonable. Coming from anyone but George W. Bush. Who has been bombing the sovereign nation of Iraq for years now, who has called no such Olympic cease fire, who has no boundaries when it comes to acting on the offensive - even when there’s no defense.
Okay, enough with the soapbox.
Now, back to my normal viewing habits. I don’t want to post a spoiler, but can you believe last week’s Mad Men??? So THAT’s what happened to Peggy’s baby! That show is so good.
And Joshua winning SYTYCD - very cool. If it couldn’t be Katie, then I’m glad it was Joshua. He sure earned his money on that show - power lifting every girl a hundred times in every routine. I just loved him the whole season.
I’m totally enjoying the High School Musical reality show - get in the picture? get in the game? Whatever, it’s great. I can hardly stand how the kids say “like” every other word, but they sure can sing.
john mccain politics presidential candidates republicans: CREDO fair pay act fair pay bill gender equality john mccain lilly ledbetter sexism take action
by Blabby
leave a comment
Sign the petition…
I went on a little tirade a couple days ago regarding John McCain’s sexist statement that women just need more “training and education” - not equal pay or the ability to fight for it. In my inbox today was a petition. The Fair Pay bill will be revoted soon - let your Senators know how you feel:
Subject: Tell McCain: Stop insulting women
Dear Friend,
Last Wednesday, Senate Republicans filibustered the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, a law that would have overturned an appalling Supreme Court decision that practically abolished remedies for gender-based compensation discrimination in the workplace. In opposing this legislation, Senator John McCain said that if women want better-paying jobs, they just need more “education and training.” Then, he didn’t even show up for the vote.
Let’s tell Senator McCain that should stop blocking an up or down vote on the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act if he wants to ensure equal rights for women under the law.
Please have a look and take action.
http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/mccain_vs_ledbetter/?r_by=-1589106-Mt_SAb&rc=paste
Thanks!
john mccain presidential candidates republicans: fair pay bill gail collins john mccain justice alito lilly ledbetter new york times republicans supreme court working women
by Blabby
1 comment
McCain v. Women
Lilly Ledbetter was voted against in the Supreme Court for waiting too long to say she was paid less than her male co-workers. Then congress just voted down the Fair Pay bill, which would have provided more opportunities for restitution for someone like Lilly - who’s case was lost on what seems to me to be a sad technicality.
I hope my Republican friends are following this - especially the women. Here’s a good op-ed column from the New York Times by Gail Collins, summing up the whole shebang.
Here’s a quote to whet your whistle - McCain’s response to women not receiving fair pay in the workplace. Or rather, a national average of .77 on every $1. (And that’s just white women, African American women and Latinas earn even less!)
Having delivered his objections to the Ledbetter bill this week, McCain went on to tell reporters that what women really need is “education and training, particularly since more and more women are heads of their households, as much or more than anybody else. And it’s hard for them to leave their families when they don’t have somebody to take care of them.”
It’s hard for them to leave their families when they don’t have someone to take care of them? Does he mean children? Or does he mean the women need someone to take care of them? It’s annoying - whatever he meant. Women don’t need more training. If, like Ledbetter, they’re doing the same work for less pay, that’s unfair, and it’s gender discrimination, which is SUPPOSEDLY illegal in this freakin’ country!
Here’s another good story about the same issue, from Slate’s Dahlia Lithwick.
Democrats politics presidential candidates republicans: primaries
by Blabby
leave a comment
Presidential Primaries
Does anyone else think it’s weird that some states will have the primaries on different days? Like Wyoming - they’re having the Republican primary on Sat., Jan. 5, and the Democratic primary on Sat., March 8. While it’s cool that they’re having Saturday elections, which I think all states should do, does this mean that your political party won’t be secret anymore? I know a lot of people don’t care these days, but I think a lot of people still do. I think voting is a very private thing. Well, not for me personally. I’ll tell anyone in earshot how I feel - which is probably annoying. But for some people, I think it’s right up there with salary information and medical histories.
I’m getting these dates from the NY Times, by the way. I’ve been talking about the primaries on my other blog, InformedVoter2008.com, but since it doesn’t really have any readers (although my page rank just moved up to 1!), I wanted to solicit some opinions here.
So, do you have an early primary? Like in two months? How do you feel about that? And what about your privacy - is it being infringed on by the scheduling?
By the way, make sure your voter registration is up to date so you can vote in your primary. Also, if you’re not registered, that’s just shameful and you should rectify it immediately. Please.
Democrats politics presidential candidates republicans: Presidential Debates soapbox
by Blabby
2 comments
Keeping my political head up
It’s a little challenging keeping my political head up these days. I’m super excited for a change in administration, but what’s happening now is very troubling. First, the reinstatement of Habeas Corpus failed. What do we stand for, anyway? Beacon of freedom and democracy, my a#*.
Then, Congress voted to label the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps “specially designated global terrorists.” Now, I’m not saying they’re good guys - I really don’t know. But I do know that the reason people can be thrown in Guantanamo is because they get a label like “enemy combatant” - rather than “prisoner of war”, which would afford them much more humane treatment under the Geneva Convention. So it frightens me when the Bush Administration gets what they want these days, because who knows what they will do with the power afforded by that label. And is this really the best way to deal with Iran? How about some freakin’ diplomacy already! And don’t be fooled, Democrats. A lot of our side voted for this measure.
Finally, how about my friend George vetoing the State Children’s Health Insurance Program? My crappy, uber-rich congressman, Darrell Issa, voted against it. You can bet I’ve been busy with letter to the Editor of my paper, and letters to Mr. Issa. Disgusting.
And finally, during the last Democrats debate on MSNBC, both Hillary and Barack said they couldn’t promise to have troops out of Iraq by THE END of their first term as president. 2013! Now, I can put these comments into context - I heard what they were saying about a small amount of troops having to stay behind - like we have in Bosnia. But, they sure sounded pretty wishy-washy - especially when Kucinich, Dodd, Edwards and Biden weren’t wishy-washy at all.
I’m nervous about the the upcoming primaries. I really like Chris Dodd, but he’s not doing great. I like Barack, but he seems a little mealy-mouthed in the debates, although his book, The Audacity of Hope, was excellent. I’d love to see Kucinich do better than he is in the polls. I agree with everything he says. Too bad he’s never going to win a primary, and I’d rather the democratic vote not get split, because I couldn’t stand to see any of the Republican candidates win. Even McCain, who I’ve always admired.
Ugh. What are we going to do?
blogging Bravo fox reality tv republicans ridiculous people so you think you can dance TV: 1 vs. 100 afghanistan Army bob saget common sense favorites George W. Bush hok Iraq kathy griffin Marine Corps marines My Life on the D-List National Guard reality check soldiers sytycd The Singing Bee tolerance war who cares
by Blabby
leave a comment
Reality (TV) Check
SYTYCD
I’m a little behind, but I’m only going to comment on this week. I can’t talk about Hok leaving and not making the tour, it upsets me. Just kidding, although it is sad, I can see that although he was my favorite, he wasn’t as versatile as the other guys.
So this week, first I want to talk about all the anti-war stuff. I can’t believe there are still people that would be upset over that Wade Robson routine. I am 100% pro service members, and 100% against this war. I personally think the two go hand in hand. Saying that someone who is FOR peace doesn’t support Soldiers or Marines or Sailors or Airmen is VERY short-sighted. The two will never be mutually exclusive. Patriotism doesn’t mean blindly following the leadership of this country into whatever debacle they create. In fact, if you look at the roots of this country, it’s clearly the opposite. Questioning authority is what we’re all about! And about Mia’s jacket - I’m kind of against civilians wearing military uniforms. BUT, I’m sure she didn’t realize what she was wearing. I’m especially against civilians wearing military insignia - like rank (which is what she had upside down on her sleeves) - because people work hard to earn that - in my mind it’s like people buying Olympic medals on eBay and wearing them around (maybe a little extreme, but you get my point), but I still think she had no idea what she was wearing, and she was obviously sorry. I thought it was unfortunate that she wore that jacket on the same night that all the dancers did a peace dance. Whoops :)
Now, about the dancing - I thought Lauren was phenomenal. I like to think that the fact that I called in and voted 5 times for her, and only voted for Jamie once had something to do with the results :) I also thought it was time for Kameron to go - for the same reason as Hok. They’re really getting down to the best dancers now - Sabra is still my favorite girl, and I guess Dominic is my favorite guy. I hope he can hang in there for a while with those really awesome jumpers.
Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List
How is it already the end of the season? Sheesh - it seems like it just started. I’m sad - I thought these last two episodes with her in England and Ireland were hilarious. My favorite thing about her is the totally ridiculous situations she finds herself in in her quest for A-list status. I’m pretty sure that Nicole Kidman would never find herself wearing that tweed dress with the big bow in the drag queen shop. Or on a date with that weird performance artist guy. What a kook. I can’t wait until next season!
The Singing Bee
Man, I would love to be on this show. I’m not sure if I could get up there and do a silly white-girl dance while I was waiting for my chance to mess up the lyrics, but I would love to try.
1 vs. 100
I watched this for the first time last week. I really like the premise, but really am not crazy about Bob Saget. My husband and I really laughed at all the extra information the people always give when they answer. “Well, since my son doesn’t have an ePod, I’m going to guess C., IPOD!” Thanks, dude. For all the extra commentary. Get on with it, already! That’s why I didn’t watch Who Wants to be a Millionaire either.
With that last bit of judgment, I’m going to end my extra commentary :) Good thing I’m perfect! ha ha ha…
Democrats music presidential candidates republicans ridiculous people: George W. Bush Indigo Girls Presidential Debates tolerance
by Blabby
leave a comment
Election coverage, already?
Lots of people have voiced annoyance at the early debates, the huge amount of candidate coverage already happening. I feel like this country is so ready for change, it’s seeping out of our pores. We’re already getting fired up to bring in change. Hopefully, positive change.
I know that in both 2000 and 2004, I felt so let down. How could an entire half of my country feel SO differently than me? For the first time in my life, I wanted to live somewhere else. But my hope is alive again…I’ve cried my last tears.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Er6du7KEQhA]
I considered posting this on my other blog, InformedVoter2008.com, but I’m trying to keep that one a little less biased. This is very difficult for me, because I am very biased. Which is probably why I haven’t been updating that blog as much as I should.
books Democrats presidential candidates republicans: presidential candidate book challenge Presidential Debates
by Blabby
leave a comment
Presidential Candidate Book Challenge Update…
UPDATE:
I’ve moved the challenge over to my new political blog, InformedVoter2008.com.
I hope you’ll come over and participate!
Barack Obama Bill Richardson Chris Dodd Democrats Dennis Kucinich hillary clinton John Edwards john mccain Mike Gravel presidential candidates republicans: presidential candidate book challenge Presidential Debates war
by Blabby
leave a comment
InformedVoter2008.com
Hooray - I’ve got a new blog! Now I can put all my vast political opinions over there and keep this one light and fluffy and full of romance novels. I hope you’ll check out my new site, and link to me!
http://informedvoter2008.com
Right now, there’s only one new post. The rest are duplicate posts from here. Very soon though, it will be filled with interesting commentary, the latest news on the candidates, and mostly my long-winded, highly-biased opinions. Happy reading, and most importantly, happy voting!
