So, there are a number of issues that I have with the Obama administration, and at times I have tended to agree at least somewhat with some of the administrations international policies (ie: Afghanistan, China) but the decision to stand down on the Eastern European Nuclear Defense Shield is just ludicrous.
Here is the deal, the Administration (and many) would lead you to believe that the nuclear defense shield in Poland is a strategic defense against Iranian nuclear missiles and can wait (cause Iran just isn't progressing on their nukes as fast as expected) .....but in reality it is a statement to Russia that Eastern Europe is important to the US, important enough for the US to defend it OUTSIDE of NATO. So, what the Obama administration just did, in "changing its plans to create a more cost effective system" (aka one that would not even be considered for implementation until 2015) is say 'Sorry Russia, here you go, bully Eastern Europe at your own whim'.
Bully Eastern Europe - but aren't we 20 years out of the Cold War - is Russia really a threat? Yes, bully Eastern Europe - need we be reminded of the continuous gas pipeline cut off to Eastern Europe that happens just about every winter.... Yes, we are outside of the Cold War, and yet, we aren't. Did the Soviet Empire collapse? Yes, but I still contend that there will always be enemies, that nuclear armaments allow countries a "seat at the table" and that they are still used to threaten others. Is Russia a threat? Yes, and No - Does Russia have the military capabilities to crush the US in a conventional war? Not really...but does Russia have the political capital with countries such as Iran and Syria to create greater issues for the US - ABSOLUTELY.
So essentially - in pulling back on the nuclear defense shield - we said to Russia - "Don't worry - Eastern Europe you can still have....its just not that important to us....appeasing you, Russia, is more important, because we trust you Putin." Anyone else see a Hitler, Churchill, Poland situation circa 1937 happening here? Just sayin' its something to consider....the US is a bully, but perhaps, in situations with Russia, she shouldn't stand down.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Sunday, September 6, 2009
18 Plus 12 Years of Experience
This weekend was an extremely special one - David turned 30. We had an amazing time. We picnic'd with the neice and nephew and then went ice skating on Friday, and yesterday I gave David his BIG birthday present - a flight on a WW2 Warbird Stearman bi-plane. He had no clue.
I was intent on making sure he didn't find out about his present until we were at the airport. I set up a series of clues - including one which led us to the Cavenaugh Flight Museum - where they have an awesome hanger (4 hangers full) display of WW1, WW2 and Cold War aircraft. I somehow managed to convince David that this was one of several events (that which it was) but he figured the other events were at different locations. To throw him off track I had him pack a change of clothes to take with us. I also had him wear his tennis shoes (something he had to do for the flight) - somehow - Little Mister Engineer decided that he figured out his gift - he had convinced himself that we were going sailing. I decided to play along with his idea....told him "well you may have figured out part of it, but we are still doing something first" and so we go to the flight museum.
In the process of the day, he was receiving clues to the "next step" of our adventure for his birthday. After we finished the museum, we sat down at the picnic area and I gave him the card for the next clue. Mister Smarty Pants assumed that of course this card would lead him to the sailing adventure he was so sure we were embarking upon next. So as he was reading the card - which started with "Soar High" he was getting confused. He then read through the entire card which even said "Hop Aboard for your flight on the Stearman" and he was still confused. (pic 1 below of David reading the card and being confused). It took me looking at him and going - "Your gift is that you are going for a flight in that plane over there (insert point at biplane on tarmac)" (Pic 2 is his expression after this all sinks in). I was SO proud that I managed to surprise him - he was so astonished at his gift. I got "Seriously" for the next hour as we waited through pre-flight, etc. It was absolutely the most perfect gift.
Reading the Card - Not understanding why it has nothing to do with sailing
THE FACE upon me telling him what he was going to do for his birthday - LOVE the shock and surprise in his face :)
I kept getting this face as we were waiting - its the "seriously" and "I am so excited" face all in one :)
All strapped in and ready to go!
I was intent on making sure he didn't find out about his present until we were at the airport. I set up a series of clues - including one which led us to the Cavenaugh Flight Museum - where they have an awesome hanger (4 hangers full) display of WW1, WW2 and Cold War aircraft. I somehow managed to convince David that this was one of several events (that which it was) but he figured the other events were at different locations. To throw him off track I had him pack a change of clothes to take with us. I also had him wear his tennis shoes (something he had to do for the flight) - somehow - Little Mister Engineer decided that he figured out his gift - he had convinced himself that we were going sailing. I decided to play along with his idea....told him "well you may have figured out part of it, but we are still doing something first" and so we go to the flight museum.
In the process of the day, he was receiving clues to the "next step" of our adventure for his birthday. After we finished the museum, we sat down at the picnic area and I gave him the card for the next clue. Mister Smarty Pants assumed that of course this card would lead him to the sailing adventure he was so sure we were embarking upon next. So as he was reading the card - which started with "Soar High" he was getting confused. He then read through the entire card which even said "Hop Aboard for your flight on the Stearman" and he was still confused. (pic 1 below of David reading the card and being confused). It took me looking at him and going - "Your gift is that you are going for a flight in that plane over there (insert point at biplane on tarmac)" (Pic 2 is his expression after this all sinks in). I was SO proud that I managed to surprise him - he was so astonished at his gift. I got "Seriously" for the next hour as we waited through pre-flight, etc. It was absolutely the most perfect gift.
Reading the Card - Not understanding why it has nothing to do with sailing
THE FACE upon me telling him what he was going to do for his birthday - LOVE the shock and surprise in his face :)
I kept getting this face as we were waiting - its the "seriously" and "I am so excited" face all in one :)
All strapped in and ready to go!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Sisters, Sun and Stings
This past weekend was wonderful. My 3 best girls (Leigh, Meghan and Lauren) and I packed up and went down to the gulf coast. Lauren's family has a weekend house on an inland creek about a mile from the beach. We had a much needed girls weekend full of juicy gossip, sangrias and wonderful times enjoying the Texas summer breeze. We remembered just how important being girls together was. Us 4 have been through alot together, we met in college - more specifically - Kappa Delta - we were sisters. This happenstance meeting led to life-long friendships....we "grew up" together, and we still lean on each other for the good, bad and ugly in life. We rarely get together anymore - at least not unless a wedding is involved - but we made a vow that we were going to get together for "just-us" time and this weekend started a tradition we intend to keep up for years to come.
The one "event" of the weekend in my eyes, was my jellyfish sting. We were floating in the creek/river drinking our sangrias and talking when all the suddent i got stung, jumped out of my float and went for dry land. The girls thought I was just being silly about some fish swimming by my feet - but then.....there it was, in the float that I just let drift down river so I could get the hell out of there....a jelly, sitting in my float. All is well, after a bit of friendly amonia (provided by Leigh's continuously excreting bladder) and a quick trip to the store for some vinegar - the sting healed - it latched onto my arm for a few seconds and left all sorts of fun welts - but those were faded within 48 hours. As mom would say - "we're makin' memories" - despite the sting - it was a blast - and yes, I did go back in the water (thanks to Leigh for forcing me :))
Here are some pics:
L-R - Meg, Lauren, Me & Leigh - we took this photo on self timer and placed it in the microwave to try and get the "right height" to capture us....and we are definitly not wearing makeup......and no hair was done......
Thats the jelly - proof that Katy didn't make it up :)
How do you solve the need for amonia in the middle of nowhere? Pour your friends pee on your arm (she was nice enough to pee in a cup for me) - Thanks Leigh :)
The one "event" of the weekend in my eyes, was my jellyfish sting. We were floating in the creek/river drinking our sangrias and talking when all the suddent i got stung, jumped out of my float and went for dry land. The girls thought I was just being silly about some fish swimming by my feet - but then.....there it was, in the float that I just let drift down river so I could get the hell out of there....a jelly, sitting in my float. All is well, after a bit of friendly amonia (provided by Leigh's continuously excreting bladder) and a quick trip to the store for some vinegar - the sting healed - it latched onto my arm for a few seconds and left all sorts of fun welts - but those were faded within 48 hours. As mom would say - "we're makin' memories" - despite the sting - it was a blast - and yes, I did go back in the water (thanks to Leigh for forcing me :))
Here are some pics:
L-R - Meg, Lauren, Me & Leigh - we took this photo on self timer and placed it in the microwave to try and get the "right height" to capture us....and we are definitly not wearing makeup......and no hair was done......
Thats the jelly - proof that Katy didn't make it up :)
How do you solve the need for amonia in the middle of nowhere? Pour your friends pee on your arm (she was nice enough to pee in a cup for me) - Thanks Leigh :)
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Happy Conception Day!!!
In our family the 4th of July holds an additional importance to the conception of our great nation, it was also the day that my parents conceived me. I know, gross - how many kids know the day they were conceived - my parents always joked I was their little firecracker - red hair and blue eyes and all....but reality is that as weird as it is to know the day you were conceived - it is kind of cool to know that you were conceived on the anniversary of the conception of our great country. We are a blessed nation, a nation that stands for freedom. I still get tears in my eyes when I hear the song "Proud to be an American" - we are one of the very few nations in the world that have so many national symbols and such a strong level of patriotism.....its kinda cool - just remember that we are unique....
In honor of this wonderful conception day, I am providing 10 cool facts about our country - courtesy of the US Census Bureau.
In honor of this wonderful conception day, I am providing 10 cool facts about our country - courtesy of the US Census Bureau.
1. Independence Day commemorates the formal adoption of t
2. Fireworks were made in
3. Uncle Sam was first popularized during the War of 1812, when the term appeared on supply containers. Believe it or not, the U. S. Congress didn't adopt him as a national symbol until 1961.
4. There are many precise rules for taking care of the American flag. And speaking of flag traditions, we're sorry to report that contrary to legend, historical research has failed to confirm that Betsy Ross sewed the first flag.
5. Not all members of the Continental Congress supported a formal Declaration of Independence, but those who did were passionate about it. One representative rode 80 miles by horseback to reach
6. The first two versions of the Liberty Bell were defective and had to be melted down and recast. The third version rang every Fourth of July from 1778 to 1835, when, according to tradition, it cracked as it was being tolled for the death of Chief Justice John Marshall.
7. The American national anthem, the "Star-Spangled Banner," is set to the tune of an English drinking song ("To Anacreon in Heaven").
8. The iron framework of the Statue of Liberty was devised by French engineer Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel, who also built the
9. The patriotic poem "
10. Father of the country and architect of independence George Washington held his first public office at the tender age of 17. He continued in public service until his death in 1799.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
David Axelrod is a Political Genius....and a Pinnochio
Watching 'Meet the Press" this morning made my blood boil. David Alexrod was on. For those who are unaware, he is the political genius, the brains behind getting Obama elected. He is a spin doctor to the extreme - frankly, there is a high level of respect I hold for his skill.....but then again, I hate watching him "selling Obama" on any show, and subsequently introducing spin that seems to actually go beyond spin and turn into lies.
The key to being an incredible spin doctor, a successful political strategist, is to walk the line....the very fine line between truth, and making that truth palatable to the general public - taking the bad and making it look good. Taking your position, that not everyone agrees with, and making it a position that everyone backs. The Spin Doctor makes the men in politics - they are incredibly talented men & women. There are spin doctors I have a great deal of respect for - oddly David Axelrod is one of them. He is the man who created the Obama sensation - and he is the man who keeps the administration on message (and Joey Biden under wraps).
The reality of politics is that there are always 2 sides, and often there is even 3 or 4.
1. For
2. Against
3. Somewhere in the Middle
4. Why the hell are we talking about this....
On Meet the Press this am, David Axelrod hit a few high points of legislation, policy and actions of the administration.
1. Health Care
2. Iran
3. Planting a question in the audience of a Presidential Press Conference (For a great article about this see this WashingtonPost Article)
On Health Care, Axelrod noted that the people want a public option, but Obama will not force a public option upon Congress. Well, this may be true, and yet it isn't (here comes the spin). Obama has charged his boys in Congress with creating a bill that idealizes his opinions. He wants public run health care - health care that will be no different from Medicare - a forced insurance for all. And Axelrod spins it as a "but this is what the people want" as opposed to, this is what our liberal agenda is pushing for. He forgets to mention how this policy is being strong-armed through. He notes that it will be voted on by the end of the year (which is sadly possible - but reality is, there is more division over it that one might wish to believe). Reality is Axelrod is still selling the idea behind the plan - he is still trying to convince us that this is a good idea, and that we should just trust Obama and Congress. Yup, that sounds like a good idea *enter massive sarcasm*.
for a bit of education the the public option - there are two articles that I have enjoyed this past week: This one OR This one
On Iran - what has happened in the past week since the election in Iran is deplorable - and yet really awesome. The regime is learning that there is a strong dissident voice - a voice that is not afraid to risk death to get their point across. I am incredibly proud of each and every person in Iran who is standing up for their rights - for more openness, for ending oppressive rule, for freedom. I am disgusted by the regime, and how it is vowing to execute protesters, creating fear on the streets, shutting down the internet, etc. The list goes on and on with regards to the horrific events that are happening. We are of course receiving very little information about Iran and from Iran in the past few days for two reasons - 1 - its just plain flat out hard to get information out and 2 - Michael Jackson has trumped all coverage (of course this is a rant for another day). The Obama administration, FINALLY this week came out and called the events outrageous (took them a week but at least they did it). Axelrod takes comments and questions on Meet the Press regarding if the US will have a stronger reaction, what will we do and responds with something along the lines of "Well we don't have diplomatic relations with Iran, isn't that punishment enough?" Oh yes, cause diplomatic relations that they have not had in years with the US is going to remind the regime that we disagree with what they are doing. We are doing NOTHING. Here we have a group of people that are, without the help of the US, have ON THEIR OWN, moved to fight for Freedom. Hell, even the US had help from other countries when we fought the British for Freedom. Freedom can not be fought against such a regime alone. (I am not saying we should get involved in war, but I am saying we should find a way to support this effort in Iran even if it is through non-military means) - BUT SERIOUSLY to have Axelrod selling us on the fact that we are helping them out - and then say, but we can't do anything to the regime because we don't have diplomatic relations? ugh!
And finally the media. Well my frustration on the media could go on for miles - that's reality. BUT if you read the article above you will note that the Administration planted a question in the audience. Axelrod takes this fact and states something along the lines of : well we just knew that the internet reporters are likely hearing from Iranians, so we mentioned to them we might ask a question on Iran - you know, since they are most knowledgable about it. Problem here - you asked HUFFINGTON POST to do this - and furthermore, reports are saying - you actually planted the exact question. Had Bush done this, the outcry would have been insane - and yet Axelrod poo poos it off. UGH UGH UGH!
OK - so I have gone on long enough - but reality is - Axelrod has moved beyond a talented spin doctor into a Pinocchio. He has taken the art of spin (remember - making something palatable) and turned it into flat out lies. The more he does this, the more he loses my respect. Being a spin doctor takes a brilliant mind, unfortunately instead of brilliantly spinning things, Axelrod is choosing the easy route - LIES!
The key to being an incredible spin doctor, a successful political strategist, is to walk the line....the very fine line between truth, and making that truth palatable to the general public - taking the bad and making it look good. Taking your position, that not everyone agrees with, and making it a position that everyone backs. The Spin Doctor makes the men in politics - they are incredibly talented men & women. There are spin doctors I have a great deal of respect for - oddly David Axelrod is one of them. He is the man who created the Obama sensation - and he is the man who keeps the administration on message (and Joey Biden under wraps).
The reality of politics is that there are always 2 sides, and often there is even 3 or 4.
1. For
2. Against
3. Somewhere in the Middle
4. Why the hell are we talking about this....
On Meet the Press this am, David Axelrod hit a few high points of legislation, policy and actions of the administration.
1. Health Care
2. Iran
3. Planting a question in the audience of a Presidential Press Conference (For a great article about this see this WashingtonPost Article)
On Health Care, Axelrod noted that the people want a public option, but Obama will not force a public option upon Congress. Well, this may be true, and yet it isn't (here comes the spin). Obama has charged his boys in Congress with creating a bill that idealizes his opinions. He wants public run health care - health care that will be no different from Medicare - a forced insurance for all. And Axelrod spins it as a "but this is what the people want" as opposed to, this is what our liberal agenda is pushing for. He forgets to mention how this policy is being strong-armed through. He notes that it will be voted on by the end of the year (which is sadly possible - but reality is, there is more division over it that one might wish to believe). Reality is Axelrod is still selling the idea behind the plan - he is still trying to convince us that this is a good idea, and that we should just trust Obama and Congress. Yup, that sounds like a good idea *enter massive sarcasm*.
for a bit of education the the public option - there are two articles that I have enjoyed this past week: This one OR This one
On Iran - what has happened in the past week since the election in Iran is deplorable - and yet really awesome. The regime is learning that there is a strong dissident voice - a voice that is not afraid to risk death to get their point across. I am incredibly proud of each and every person in Iran who is standing up for their rights - for more openness, for ending oppressive rule, for freedom. I am disgusted by the regime, and how it is vowing to execute protesters, creating fear on the streets, shutting down the internet, etc. The list goes on and on with regards to the horrific events that are happening. We are of course receiving very little information about Iran and from Iran in the past few days for two reasons - 1 - its just plain flat out hard to get information out and 2 - Michael Jackson has trumped all coverage (of course this is a rant for another day). The Obama administration, FINALLY this week came out and called the events outrageous (took them a week but at least they did it). Axelrod takes comments and questions on Meet the Press regarding if the US will have a stronger reaction, what will we do and responds with something along the lines of "Well we don't have diplomatic relations with Iran, isn't that punishment enough?" Oh yes, cause diplomatic relations that they have not had in years with the US is going to remind the regime that we disagree with what they are doing. We are doing NOTHING. Here we have a group of people that are, without the help of the US, have ON THEIR OWN, moved to fight for Freedom. Hell, even the US had help from other countries when we fought the British for Freedom. Freedom can not be fought against such a regime alone. (I am not saying we should get involved in war, but I am saying we should find a way to support this effort in Iran even if it is through non-military means) - BUT SERIOUSLY to have Axelrod selling us on the fact that we are helping them out - and then say, but we can't do anything to the regime because we don't have diplomatic relations? ugh!
And finally the media. Well my frustration on the media could go on for miles - that's reality. BUT if you read the article above you will note that the Administration planted a question in the audience. Axelrod takes this fact and states something along the lines of : well we just knew that the internet reporters are likely hearing from Iranians, so we mentioned to them we might ask a question on Iran - you know, since they are most knowledgable about it. Problem here - you asked HUFFINGTON POST to do this - and furthermore, reports are saying - you actually planted the exact question. Had Bush done this, the outcry would have been insane - and yet Axelrod poo poos it off. UGH UGH UGH!
OK - so I have gone on long enough - but reality is - Axelrod has moved beyond a talented spin doctor into a Pinocchio. He has taken the art of spin (remember - making something palatable) and turned it into flat out lies. The more he does this, the more he loses my respect. Being a spin doctor takes a brilliant mind, unfortunately instead of brilliantly spinning things, Axelrod is choosing the easy route - LIES!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Don't Think it Wont Happen....
So, anyone who knows me, knows that I might be a bit, well, a bit politically inclined. Some might call me a political junkie, others obsessed....and others, just plain mad. So as I get this blog thing going - remember that just because you only see posts so far about our lives together (a key emphasis for this blog) - please be weary of the fact that this might also become a minor mouthpiece for my political opinions...and perhaps a bit of a countdown until the day that Pelosi, Reid and Obama are no longer running our lives.....
As partisan as that sounded, I hope to make my rants regarding politics: well informed, justified, rational and of course, I will attempt to withdraw some of my contempt. Who knows, I might even say something positive about how the administration is governing....is this unlikely? yes.... but is it possible? most definitly :)
As partisan as that sounded, I hope to make my rants regarding politics: well informed, justified, rational and of course, I will attempt to withdraw some of my contempt. Who knows, I might even say something positive about how the administration is governing....is this unlikely? yes.... but is it possible? most definitly :)
Surgery Day
David, in true brilliant form, fell off a curb. Never mind the fact that the boy plays hockey and can be found jumping and climbing on just about anything. Nope, he falls off a curb, and manages to tear his ankle ligament in half. This of course has required surgery, and plenty of home time recovering. He is going batty at this point, he can move around fairly nicely on crutches. Hopefully he will be allowed to go back to work next week. They won't let him into the office so long as he is on crutches, its apparently a liability (my personal opinion is pft to that) - but still. Hopefully he will be up and running soon....but here are a few pics to show how far we have come....
Dave attempted to eat animal crackers (very carefully) - he then spent the next 5 days passed out on the couch. Finally this past week, we got to see the owie....CAUTION - GRAPHIC MATERIAL (if you are faint regarding owies).
Dave attempted to eat animal crackers (very carefully) - he then spent the next 5 days passed out on the couch. Finally this past week, we got to see the owie....CAUTION - GRAPHIC MATERIAL (if you are faint regarding owies).
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