violetismycolor

cousins are cool!!!

My cousins (notice that they are all VERY blonde and I am NOT) are the greatest. Carol (top left) was our hostess. She lives in LA (actually La Mirada, but close enough) and she put together such a wonderful weekend. Mary Ann (top right) is from Sacramento. Then, there's me. And next to me is Sylvie, from Chardon, Ohio. We have been getting together annually for 8 years.

It all started when Sylvie moved to Ohio from Holland (yes, as in The Netherlands). My husband suggested that we all get together, so the three of us flew out there. We had grown up together. Sylvie and her mom had come over from Holland several times during our growing up years and I had been to Holland a few times and visited with her. So, it seemed natural to get together, we cousins who were so close in age.

Just to really freak you out, I should tell you that I was one of 49 grandchildren. See, I have LOTS of cousins. And we are of 100% Dutch ancestry. My mom came over with her family when she was 25. And my dad is Dutch, too. And they all spoke Dutch when the family was together, which was alot.

Anyway, we switch off on who is hosting our annual weekend.

We had a great time spa-ing, which included massages for all. We also really enjoyed our 4 hours at the Getty Museum. If you get the chance, go see it.

Did you know that there is a little town right next to Long Beach, called Naples? And that it has canals lined with beautiful old homes? And that you can take a moonlit gondola through the canals? It is incredibly peaceful and lovely. What a treat for all of us...

As former Catholic schoolgirls, we really whooped it up seeing the one-woman-show, Late Night Catechism. If you were raised Catholic or ever went to Catholic school, this is a must-see. You feel like you are back in the classroom with one-feisty-nun!

We had an especially fun time visiting Graumann's Chinese Theatre. Sylvie had been there on one visit to the US when she was pretty young, and had her picture taken with Marilyn Monroe's handprints. She wanted to take her picture there again, which we did. That was a real high point.

Next year, we are back in Ohio, and I can't wait! I am hoping to combine that weekend with a visit to Bonnie, who is about 4 hours away.

Happy Halloween...

Okay, so we TOLD Ross that everyone would think he was a terrorist, NOT a kid dressing as a ninja and just out for some Halloween candy! At 16, Ross doesn't yet think he is too old for Halloween. In his defense, his older brother felt the same way and trick-or-treated all the way through high school. Probably does in college, too.

He made this 'costume' by wrapping a t-shirt around his head, which is an idea he found on (you guessed it) the internet!

cousin's weekend short summary...

Just a short note...more detail and photos to follow, but my cousins and I have been to the Glen Ivy Spa for a day, went on a moonlit gondola ride in Naples, California, went to the Getty Museum, did the Hollywood/Graumann's Chinese Theatre gig, and went to a play...all great fun.

I am flying home tomorrow and will post late in the day with more...

Illustration Friday, entry #2...

Yeah, my Illustration Friday entry is up early. Again, I am out of town for the weekend and hence, the early illo going up. My idea of 'snazzy'...can't wait to see the others...

So, where am I going? Yay, my annual Cousin's Weekend. I have 3 cousins, all approximately my age, that get together with me and we have this fun weekend thing going. Of course, the weekends seem to be getting longer and longer. Notice that I am leaving on Thursday!

The weekend is in LA this time, with cousin Carol in charge. And what does she have in mind for us? A spa day. Going 'shopping' on Rodeo Drive. Going to see the handprints of the stars at Graumann's Chinese Theater. Going to a play. Etc. Etc. These weekends are always awesome, so you can proceed to be jealous of me. I may or may not report in from LA. It kind of depends on how late we are out and how much computer access I can get...

And now, before I go, I will leave you with a little quote from last night's Daily Show (total non-sequitor):

If you think voter fraud is the only problem with this election, then YOU are officially...adorable!

Have a great weekend!

painful events make me appreciate what I have...

I got home from a joyful dinner with my Coffee Girls (Happy Birthday, Evelyn!) and went to check my email.

I got a note that said that the husband of a friend had died that night and that our friend needed prayers and that they were organizing food to be brought. OMG!

This man had, one year ago, gone to Oklahoma to give a kidney to his 4 year-old nephew. The nephew was thriving but somehow the doctor had nicked Bob's bowel, and then the staff had not NOTICED the infection for a week. Despite Bob's fever. Despite his complaints about pain.

He almost died then, but because he was an amateur athlete in fabulous physical shape, he held on. He was in Oklahoma for about 7 months till he improved enough to come home to Oregon. But he was in and out of intensive care here, and had numerous surgeries.

His wife, Carol, was very brave and hopeful. His two teenaged children were upbeat. But last night, Bob was having one more surgery and his body just couldn't take it. Bob was in his early 40's and a great guy. What a sacrifice he made and how tragically it turned out...

Now I sit and think how lucky I am to have a wonderful, LIVE husband and three of the greatest kids in the universe. Count your blessings every day, folks. Appreciate your life NOW. It is a gift and I am thanking the powers-that-be for it right now...

illustrator blues...

I am trying to teach myself Adobe Illustrator. I am very good at Photoshop and can do some illustration on that program but I really want to learn the more advanced techniques available through Illustrator.

Hence, my frustration. Who the *%## invented bezier curves? (I know, I know, it was Mr. Bezier...but was the man a major sadist?)

Anyway, I have been working with the manual, and the book "The Adobe Illustrator CS WOW! Book". I am doing the exercises and not swearing (too) much. I have taken a breather by walking (in the rain) for an hour. And now, with Oprah and Tom Hanks yammering in the background, I am back at it.

If anyone out there wants to send me any fun tips, tricks, links to websites with good tutorials, etc., I would REALLY appreciate it.

pictures and more...

So, here are the promised photos from our trip East. (You know the drill...click on them to see a slightly larger version)

The first was taken early Saturday morning, while we were on the 'Run Against Bush'. Ours was actually a leisurely stroll against Bush. I hate running, so does John. Bonnie hadn't eaten more than an apple for breakfast and was hungry. I had my camera and saw this gorgeous, filmy, foggy field with tree and couldn't resist snapping it. We actually did not follow the assigned route at all, but walked into town and grabbed some eggs and toast for Bonnie, thus putting her into a much more positive frame of mind. Then, just wandered back and met up with said other runners. At least Bonnie got the T-shirt.

The second photo is of Bonnie and I, standing outside the Coop, just before we left yesterday.

The third photo is of Bonnie VOTING...yes, folks, ALL Oregon ballots are mail-in ballots and we brought Bonnie hers and I brought it back to deposit in the Voter box at the Library. So, what you are seeing is democracy in action. Actually, voting while eating Sushi is a cool way to do it.

The last photo is of Ross in the shirt we picked up for him in the Washington DC airport on our way east. The minute I saw it, I just knew that Ross had to have it. He loves wearing funny political shirts and wore it to school this morning to show his favorite (pro-Kerry) teacher.

more Bonnie-time...

It is now Sunday and we are into Day 3 of Parents Weekend. We have gone to a football game (take THAT, Holy Cross! 41-7 victory!), to an a capella concert, to an Improv Comedy performance, and to a play. We have eaten (twice) in the campus dining hall and eaten Chinese, Japanese, and deli out. We have spent lots of time just hanging out. While I read or spend time on the computer, Bonnie has been studying or spending time on HER computer. Someone commented that we had 'dueling laptops', which we do. John spends his extra time either collecting e-mails from the Kerry Campaign or talking on his cell phone to people on the Kerry Campaign.

We all seem to be managing to make it with a balance of together-doing-an-activity (which encompasses talking) or together-doing-our-individual-things (which encompasses mostly NOT talking). Excellent for keeping your sanity AND your relationships intact.

I am already feeling anxious to get back to MY routine and MY house and MY stuff, so no doubt Bonnie is feeling the same. And that's okay.

I am happy to see that Bonnie is so happy. She has taken to her new life and new friends and new independence extremely well. This is where one sees that all their parenting has paid off. Yay, me.

We have another hour before we have to leave for the airport. So, Bon and I are hanging at the Coop (student center) with our laptops, and John is downstairs in the computer lab collecting his e-mails and communicating to the world outside the Colgate bubble.

We fly through Chicago (via Syracuse) and as it looks like snow right now, we are hoping that we don't have some giant weather screw-up. Our flight is actually at 5 p.m. and we arrive in Portland at 10 p.m. PST. I sure hope I will find myself home on time. Wish me luck...

at beautiful Colgate University...

Here we are, at Colgate and with our Bonnie. It is so gorgeous, what with all this Eastern fall color and the sunshine and everything. I have taken a couple of pictures, which I had hoped to upload today but, OF COURSE, I have brought the wrong connector. If I can go to computer services and borrow one, I will, but I am waiting for Bonnie and all my crap (camera, purse, computer stuff, coat, gloves, the kitchen sink...) is spread all over and I am not going to go through all the trouble to pack it all up, EVEN FOR YOU!!!

Here's the thing about kids' freshman year in college. They go off, pretty sure that they can handle life without you, and by the time you get there for parents weekend, they are SURE that they can live without you. Which is both great, and horribly, horribly wrong.

Bonnie was so happy to see us. She gave us a very enthusiastic welcome, complete with exuberant hugs. We went down to The Barge, which is a coffee shop in town (owned by the University, they are smart enough to get all the money the students spend on caffeinating themselves). Our B and B was a half-hour away, so the visit was sort of short.

On Friday, we met Bonnie after noon, had lunch with her, went to her academic advisor with her (she is choosing classes for next term), and then took her shopping (and let me tell you, she had a LONG LIST!). After that she seemed to be in Parent Overload, and I suggested to John that we head off to the Coop and just do some reading. Bonnie gets all stressed out if she is spending too much time with people with no chance for some quiet time. She has been this way all her life. Anyway, she is growing up and doesn't really need us anymore and that is great but that act of passing is also sort of melancholy.

We went through it with Adam, too. And I do miss the little needy kids that they were but they are also awesome adults and so that makes me sort of happy, too. Ah, to be a parent is a schizophrenic life!

we're off...

Up at the ridiculously early hour of 5:15 a.m. to catch our plane to Syracuse. We should be at Colgate by 8 p.m. or so. I just want to be Samantha and twitch my nose and arrive there instantly. Sure hope some scientist is working this angle...

another Jon Stewart moment...

check out the NY Times (Arts section) on Jon Stewart and the awesome Crossfire appearance:

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/20/arts/television/20watc.html?oref=login

just a hint of what was said (credit to ALESSANDRA STANLEY of the NY Times):

The transcript of Friday's "Crossfire," and the blog commentary about it, popped up all over the Internet this weekend. Mr. Stewart's Howard Beal (of "Network") outburst stood out because he said what a lot of viewers feel helpless to correct: that news programs, particularly on cable, have become echo chambers for political attacks, amplifying the noise instead of parsing the misinformation. Whether the issue is Swift boat ads or Bill O'Reilly's sexual harassment suit, shows like "Crossfire" or "Hardball" provide gladiator-style infotainment as journalists clownishly seek to amuse or rile viewers, not inform them.

Mr. Stewart is very funny, but it is the vein of "a plague on both your houses" indignation that has made his show a cult favorite: many younger voters are turning to the "The Daily Show" for their news analysis, and are better served there than on much of what purports to be real news on cable.

And of course it was fun just to see television pundits who think they are part of the same media version of the Algonquin Round Table as Mr. Stewart lose their cool when he tore off the tablecloth and shattered the plates. "Wait,'' Mr. Carlson said querulously. "I thought you were going to be funny. Come on. Be funny." Mr. Stewart was funny. And it was at their expense.

He is sooooo cool!

faffing about...

Just some little tidbits about the minutae on my life.

Ross was nominated for Homecoming Court for his class. There were 5 boys and 5 girls nominated from each class. This caught us all by surprise (especially Ross) since none of the kids have been in the 'IN' group at Wilson. Bonnie and Adam both gave an email-high-five. Ross was thrilled that he was nominated ("I like it that people like me.") but was totally freaked out at the idea that he might have to go to a dance. Luckily for him, he didn't win. But it was a highlight, nonetheless.

Adam's ballot didn't arrive. I called the county election office and he was still registered in Salem. He had to fax me a note that said what his old address was, what he new address is (our home), that his parents were allowed to pick up his ballot, included a copy of his driver's license, and it had to be signed. I picked up the ballot this morning and put it in the mail (international express, $20). He will have to mail it back express, too, to make the deadline.

John and I went to the Dianne Feinstein event. She was a very powerful speaker and very inspirational. She was also very personable when you met her. She was one of the people responsible for getting my cousin nominated to be a Federal Judge under Clinton.

On The Daily Show tonight (rerun of last night's), Jon Stewart did a whole monologue about his appearance on Crossfire. He was so funny. I am hoping that they put that piece on their website because it was so great.

Tomorrow, I have to do so much to get ready to go to Parent's Weekend at Colgate for Bonnie. I will bring along my camera and my computer, so there should be plenty of blogging opportunities there.

political lunches...

In Oregon, they always serve salmon at these kinds of things, which may sound good to the rest of you but it does get old.

I went to a luncheon (yesterday) for Congresswoman Darlene Hooley (not my district but we want to support her).

House Minority Leader (and hopefully future Speaker of the House) Nancy Pelosi was the featured speaker. I was introduced to her at the end of the luncheon and you know, you always want to say something to make that special connection. So I said to her, "My cousin is Frank Damrell." I figured she would know him, as he was for the longest time VERY active in California Democratic politics. He is now a federal judge.

She threw her arms around me and said, "Then, we are like family because Frank is like my family. I have known him for over 40 years." Wow. Quite a reaction.

I called Frank last night and recounted events and we had a super phone-visit. Then I mentioned that I was going to another luncheon today for Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA). And he said that she was a good friend of his, too, and to make sure I told HER that he was my cousin...

Cool...

My kids are thrilled because they think they now have some ins if they want to work in Washington. Yeah for connections. And all I had to do was be born into this family. How weird, though, because my dad was a dairy farmer and all my grandfathers as far back as the beginning of time, I think. Who would have thought that I would know anybody...

Kaffe Fassett was cool...

My friend, Irene, and I went to Kaffe Fassett's lecture/slide show last night. It was good to see him again. He came and did events 3 different times when I had my yarn store (which was called Spindleshanks Yarnworks, Ltd. just because I liked the sound of it). He is really a nice man and I got to say hello at the end of the night. He very sweetly kissed me on both cheeks and asked what I was doing now, etc. During the lecture, he had told this funny story about the 'last time he was in Portland' (which was for our shop). He told about arriving from the UK, totally jet-lagged, and being whisked to this church (our event was held in a church downtown because it was a very large but inexpensive place to hold a lecture). He said he was very tired and told this slightly off-color story and then Brandon (his partner) whispered to him very loudly, "Kaffe! You're in a CHURCH!!!" It got a big laugh.

Anyway, I had been able to visit with Brandon for quite a while before the lecture and he was the same sweet Brandon. Then the slide show started and Kaffe showed examples of the sorts of things that inspired him and then the products of that inspiration. It was very cool.

The fun part was that he had lots of slides of things that he has in his house and I got to go to tea at his house (years ago) in London. Here's the story: he had done some workshops and lectures for us a few months before. I was going to London, which I did every year when I had my shop. I would buy interesting things that weren't available here in the U.S., like Sasha Kagan sweater kits of original designs and such. I would go to this great show in Islington every March, which was put on by Country Living UK magazine. They had everything there from housewares to knitting to art, very fun. Anyway, I had Kaffe's phone number so I called him and said I was in the UK for a week (I was staying with my friend Judith, who lives in a 1640's thatched farmhouse near Marlborough), and could I come by for a visit. Brazen hussy that I am but I knew that he would say yes. And he asked why didn't I come around for tea on a certain day. So, I took the train into London and then the tube to his station which was only about 3 blocks from his house. He and Brandon were busy getting things ready for one of his books, Glorious Inspiration. They were decoupaging a screen that was to be in the book. They gave me a tour of the house, which is one giant experiment in design for them. Then we had some tea and biscuits (cookies to you yanks) and I went on home to Judith's. It was incredibly fun as they are incredibly witty and funny guys.

He came back and did other events for my store and so the whole thing worked out very well for both of us.

Anyway, Kaffe is cool and such an inspiration. Now he also does quilting and fabric design, which is the most fabulous stuff out there on the market!

This all brought back great memories.

Jon Stewart is my hero...

I just LOVE Jon Stewart. For anyone out there who is clueless, he is the star of The Daily Show, which is the best political news show/comedy show on TV today. If you don't have cable, call your cable company NOW and order it. It is worth it if only to see this show 4 nights a week.

Okay, why the rave?

Jon Stewart was on Crossfire (CNN) on Friday. The show, which is a conservative vs. liberal 'debate' show invited him on to promote his new book, America.

Instead, they got a show full of Jon Stewart taking them on as pandering to the politicians and not doing their job of informing the public on what is really going on out there.

Here's a snippit of what went on when Tucker Carlson got offended by Stewart saying that they were not doing their job of asking the tough questions:

STEWART: It's not honest. What you do is not honest. What you do is partisan hackery. And I will tell you why I know it.

CARLSON: You had John Kerry on your show and you sniff his throne and you're accusing us of partisan hackery?

STEWART: Absolutely.

CARLSON: You've got to be kidding me. He comes on and you...

STEWART: You're on CNN. The show that leads into me is puppets making crank phone calls.

[LAUGHTER]

STEWART: What is wrong with you?

It was awesome!

To watch the video, go to www.mediamatters.org and check it out.

To read the transcript of the show: http://mediamatters.org/items/200410160003

Bonnie has now announced that she would like to marry Jon Stewart, or at least someone just like him only younger and not already married...(Good thinking!)

illustration friday...

My contribution for Illustration Friday...click on it for a slightly larger version.

Just playing around with this and having some fun. I was inspired by Monica Lee, who had a yummy-licious apple pie as her illustration. So, I thought I would try a good-smelly thing.

And. of course, I want to give credit where credit is due...it was the idea of Penelope at Lopie's Journal to do this weekly illustration bonanza. Check out her website comments for other folks who are taking the challenge.

Bonnie's awesome take on the debate last night...

My 18 year-old daughter is awesome. She should be working with Wonkette...here's her blog entry about last night's debate:

Join the Army of Compassion or prepare to be smited!
"The best argument against democracy is a five minute conversation with the average voter." --Sir Winston Churchill

I was impressed with the turnout at the debate-watching party in the lounge downstairs. There were about twenty people there, which was actually really good. There were others watching in their rooms, but I like that enough people are interested in politics to actually watch a debate. And they say teenagers today are apathetic. Just some of us are. The stupid ones.

There were definitely highlights in the debate. And since I'm in a chipper mood (see mood icon below), I'm even going to include links. Don't you feel special? And, by the by, this is going to be a tad...what's the word?...partisan. But it's my blog and I can do what I like. I fully acknowledge and accept that Kerry made some mistakes in this debate. But those mistakes did not particularly amuse me. So I'm going to stick with the things that did entertain me. Feel free to respond in the comments. Just watch how hard you bash. And, by the by, the quotes from the debate are from this transcript.

Point #1: Oh, how the flip-flopper flips (and flops!).

Bush tonight: "Gosh, I just don't think I ever said I'm not worried about Osama bin Laden. It's kind of one of those exaggerations."

And, yeah...: "I don't know where bin Laden is. I have no idea and really don't care. It's not that important. It's not our priority."
- G.W. Bush, 3/13/02

"I am truly not that concerned about him."
- G.W. Bush, repsonding to a question about bin Laden's whereabouts,

Point #2: The lies! They lies to me preciousss.

Bush tonight: In all due respect, I'm not so sure it's credible to quote leading news organizations about -- oh, nevermind.
3/13/02 (The New American, 4/8/02

Za? That's it. Just, za? WTF, man? Can't trust leading news organizations? Yeah, the media in this country kind of sucks because it lets politicians slide, but let's not trust the news? That damn liberal bias again or something? It's okay when they agree with you, but if they agree with Kerry (or they report facts that agree with Kerry) they're lying? Whatever man. WTFever.

Point #3: Look, kids! Name-calling is fun! And profitable!

How many times did Bush call Kerry "a liberal senator from Massachusetts"? Really, did somebody count? Because it just gets really fucking annoying. And Kerry is NOT the most liberal senator. He is TOTALLY not more liberal than Kennedy. The report that the Bushies got this from is misleading. Overall, Kerry has the llth most liberal lifetime record (still liberal, yes, but not crazy-liberal). Edwards is middle of the pack. THIS YEAR they were ranked 1st and 4th most liberal because they missed votes that count towards the ranking (separate issue altogether). But since when is liberal a dirty word? I won't go off on too much of a tangent, but I HATE how some people call others liberal like people used to call others commies. As if liberals are somehow out to destroy the nation. WE VALUE THE SAME THINGS (liberty, integrity, charity, responsibility, family, etc). We just have different ideas about how to implement them.

Point #4: Those activist judges, messing up everything.

Last time Bush said he'd never nominate a Supreme Court justice that supported the Dred Scott case. Yeah...I didn't think you would. But this time he tried to phrase the same thing in a slightly less ludicrous way: "What he's asking me is, will I have a litmus test for my judges? And the answer is, no, I will not have a litmus test. I will pick judges who will interpret the Constitution, but I'll have no litmus test...he [Kerry] clearly has a litmus test for his judges, which I disagree with." What was that you said about Kerry earlier, Bushie boy? Something about how you can't hide from your record? How about your record of nominating federal justices with obvious biases and clearly defined world views? Sorry that the links aren't super good, but they're the best I could come up with on short notice. However, they do take away that whole, "I don't appoint justices with preconceived notions of how the constitution should be interpreted!" shtick that Bush is trying to use. It's not that Bush is trying to appoint justices that agree with his views. EVERY PRESIDENT does that. Kerry would do the exact same thing. But Bush is trying to pretend his trend of appointing conservative judges with conservative viewpoints won't continue if he has the chance to appoint a Supreme Court Justice. Hello! It totally frickin' will. He is the ONLY one who won't say it. Even my poli sci book admits that "judges are similar to other politicians in that they have political goals and policy preferences and they act accordingly so that those goals are realized." Really? You don't say! Judges are human? They have biases? And this affects their judgment? Well, gosh darn it, ain't that something. And this whole thing about "activist judges" that Bush mentioned in regards to homosexual marriage? They're doing their JOB. They are interpreting the laws and the constitution. That's what they're paid to DO. Ever heard of Marbury v. Madison? It established the principle of judicial review. That was a case of judicial activism. Think it should never have taken place? What about Brown v. Board, huh? Want to take away THAT bit of judicial activism, Mr. President? And just because they're interpreting the laws and the constitution in ways that you don't agree doesn't mean they're being any more activist than the hundreds of conservative judges across the country doing THEIR jobs.

Point #5: Look at me try to win women over! I'm not a chauvinistic pig, I swear! Look, I married a strong woman!

The last question asked at the debate was stupid. Just...stupid. We are trying to decide on the next leader of the free world. This election is very important. And what was the last question of the last debate? This monstrosity: "All three of us are surrounded by very strong women. We're all married to strong women. Each of us have two daughters that make us very proud.I'd like to ask each of you, what is the most important thing you've learned from these strong women?" Oh. My. God. OMFG. THAT is the question? What about the bloody IMPORTANT issues that are facing this nation? Healthcare? Education? The economy? The working poor? Why not close on THOSE issues? Why the hell did the debate close with a question designed to pander to women voters? Oh look, Jim. This candidate likes strong women. He ain't so bad. WOMEN ARE NOT SO SHALLOW. We care about the ISSUES just as much as men. My criteria for president has never and will never include having a "strong wife". It's a nice bonus, but my criteria is more...I don't know...Will the president keep the country safe? Will the president work with other nations? Will the president look out for the poor and middle class? Will the president take the country in a direction that I want it to go? Lincoln's wife was rumored to have chased him down the street with a butcher knife. Didn't make him any less of a president.

Point #6: My Army of Compassion can crush YOUR Army of Compassion

Nothing much to this point. I just found it really funny that Bush twice mentioned "an army of compassion." To me that sounds like an oxymoron. I get what he was trying to say and all. But army+compassion=so compassionate we'll kill you if you don't save the drowning puppies fast enough. Maybe I should join the Army of Compassion. Then I can be a Soldier of Compassion. This Weapon of Compassion can smite your ass, and I'm not afraid to use it!

Anyways...that was my take on the debate. Not that I have strong opinions or anything. Good night and God bless (as I would say if I were running for office).

Then, Adam wrote this about Bonnie in his blog:

Wowzers

I'm feeling somewhat prolific today, so here's yet another post. My wee sister has a good commentary on last night's presidential debates up. Amusing and insightful. What do ya know? She should work for a network. Then at least they'd have someone COMPETENT.

more debate funnies...

Hail to Wonkette (her remarks in bold type) again for her funny debate coverage:

When asked about the flu shot shortage, Bush said that we are working with Canada to get the problem fixed...message to George Bush: we are trying to get 1 million doses from them and we need 40 million. Here's what Wonkette said:

For vaccines we relied on ENGLAND!!!!?!?!? Wait, where's Canada and their pretend drugs? Come back Canada!!!

He also said that there weren't enough flu shots because of frivilous lawsuits...huh? Here's what Wonkette said:

Awesome: The President hasn't gotten a flu shot. . . because of frivolous lawsuits.

When talking about No Child Left Behind, Bush started into how many jobs it was going to create...again, what???

Wonkette said:

"No child left behind is really a jobs act," says Bush. Of course. And Social Security is really a missile defense program. And Federal Highways funding? Actually a part of the Metric Conversion Office. And clean coal legislation helps you make soup.

When Kerry said that the retention of the Nat'l Guard, Reserves, and Army past their commitments was a back-door draft, Bush said that the soldiers didn't feel that way. What was he smoking before this debate, anyway?

Bush: "The best way to get the troops home is to send them to Iraq." There's not even a joke to make about that.

Operative comment: "Wouldn't it have been easier to just shoot Delay with an assault weapon rather than to try to fight him over the ban?"

Kerry closing speech: "Sound bite, sound bite, aspirational sound bite, hand gesture, God bless America, kill terrorists."

Bush closing speech: "God, education, sound bite, blink, compassion, pander, blink, pander, God, terror, blink, blink, liberty, God, terror, I rock."

Our call: Bob Schieffer wins. Audience loses. French neutral. America safer now that Saddam is out of power. No, wait. . .

Despite Wonkette's funnies, I thought this debate was just dead boring...my God, could it have gone on any longer? They were both terrible! This might just keep people from the polls all together. Of course, some of the questions were just awful, so they didn't have all that much to work with. At least these debates are past us.

They mail out Oregon ballots on Friday. I just can't wait to vote and then get on with my life.

routine...

Do those days when routine activities, the things that are boring but must get done, make you wish that you were out skydiving or something instead? Today was one of those days...I spent about two-and-a-half hours on paperwork. Paying bills. Managing our insurance (we are on a 'medical savings plan'...warning: these plans are hideous! Fight like hell NOT to get into one.).

And then, there is my printer. I have been having all sorts of trouble trying to get it to print pictures with the right colors, and without having marked color gradations. This is bad, as my JOB is working with photographs! I spent about 3 hours re-calibrating, making printer, scanner, and monitor profiles.

But, in the end, it was all working correctly together again. I printed out some photos that had looked terrible the first time around. Yay, they were beautiful...so a worthwhile 3 hours, I guess.

Anyway, I didn't get very far down my list of to-do's but there's always tomorrow...

Max Clelland's visit...

That's Ross at Max Clelland's left, and his friend Peter on the right. This was Saturday night's event at the IBEW hall. Ross brought his book 'America' (from Jon Stewart/The Daily Show...hysterically funny btw) but actually listened to Clelland's speech. John had been at 2 events prior in the day with Sen. Clelland and was doing his introductions. He did the intro at this event, too, and surprised Ross by pointing him out. ("That's my son, sitting there. In a little over a year, he will turn 18 and will be eligible to fight in Iraq.") Ross later said that it hadn't even occurred to him that he was getting close to the age to have to register for the draft. Really scared him.

Anyway, Sen. Clelland's speech was very impassioned and definitely got every one fired up to go out and work for the campaign. Ross was impressed and declared the night 'interesting'. Since Ross never really wants to go with us to these sorts of things, we see it as a sign that he is really growing up. He is actually very interested in politics (Thank you, Jon Stewart!) and pays closer attention than he admits. John thinks he may be a poli sci major when he gets to college.

On Wednesday, John Edwards is going to be in town, giving a speech just before the debate. They are looking for a venue to have big screen TV's put in and they are going to try to get several thousand people to show up. Could be pretty interesting to watch the debate with John Edwards and several thousand of my fellow citizens...

The sun has returned and it is over 70 today. I am thanking the weather imps for pushing the clouds back to wherever they come from. It's supposed to be nice at least through Thursday. Fingers crossed...