Yes We Can

Unlike the masses, I don't really understand the appeal of the Yes We Can Obama video. Don't get me wrong...I voted for Obama, but the video just didn't move me.
The video below is a spoof of Yes We Can...but not a funny spoof. I've heard my friends say, "McCain's not that bad," and found myself nodding in cautious agreement. Clearly he's at least more articulate and intelligent than our current leader, and he seems better than some of the other Republican candidates...This video reminded me why voting for McCain is just not an option.

Je Te Donne

Over the weekend, I went rollerskating at Skateland in the Valley. If you need a throw back experience, that is it. Check out their award winning history. Fun times!

Speaking of throwbacks, I never owned an N*Sync or New Kids CD, but ten years ago I did fall for one boy band. Turns out Worlds Apart is having some kind of reunion, and I found this old video that cracks me up. Check out how they change colors!



But then I discovered that Worlds Apart didn't even write the song that made me love them. (I guess that's no big surprise.) Of course there is a video of the original, that is just as awesome in its own 10-years-earlier kind of way.

This Tuesday is Super!

I haven't been this happy about an election day in years. I'm looking forward to spending an evening at home, unpacking and watching the results come in.

Check out Jill Sobule's Ode to Super Tuesday. She's so funny!

Voting on Super Tuesday

Repost from Peter Dreier:

Californians - Vote Today!

There's more excitement about this year's presidential election than we've seen in decades. The California primary tomorrow will play a big role in which candidate gets nominated. On the Democratic side, the Los Angeles Times said today that the contest between Clinton and Obama is too close to call, according to the latest poll. Political observers are expecting a very high turnout -- similar to what we've seen in other primary states. Turnout is particularly high among first-time votes and young people.

In addition to helping to nominate Presidential candidates, there are several important ballot measures to consider. Statewide, there is Proposition 91 (transportation funding), Proposition 92 (funding for community colleges), Proposition 93 (term limits), and Propositions 94, 95, 96 and 97 (Indian gaming compacts). In Los Angeles, there is Proposition S (telephone users tax).

LA City Beat has published a voter guide with its own recommendations.

The Southern California chapter of Americans for Democratic Action has also provided its recommendations.

The LA Times is endorsing presidential candidates this year for the first time since 1972. Here is a list of the paper's endorsements, in the upper right corner of the page.

I strongly disagree with the Times' position on the Indian gaming compacts. I wrote a report about the four propositions to expand Indian gaming, indicating that the deal cut by the Governor and legislature with the four large tribes to expand slot machines was a bad deal for taxpayers, adjacent communities, employees of the casinos, and more than 98% of California's native Americans, who won't benefit from the expanded casinos, while a handful of wealthy native Americans will make a huge windfall. My report -- which was done on my own, without any pay from either side -- is available here.

The LA Weekly has published a voter's guide, but has not made any endorsements.

I’m feeling old...(er)

Last week, I was told I am unrecognizable from my college graduation picture. This weekend, my grandma told me I looked “older and bigger.” (Considering I haven’t grown in height since the end of 8^th grade, “bigger” can’t be a good thing.) At the past six bars/restaurants/liquor stores/airplanes where I’ve ordered a drink, I have not been carded—even when the friend I am with has been asked to show ID. Today, I found myself asking my grandmother for my astrological natal chart—a sure sign that I am freaking out about my newfound oldness. (As she started to explain the chart to me she mentioned that she hadn’t been interested in astrology until “much later in life.”)

Over the past couple of days, I attended a phenomenal conference about how non-profits can hook into new (and old) media to advance their agenda. After one of the sessions, I joined Twitter—not because I actually thought anyone I know over the age of 15 would be on it, but because I have a fascination with Web 2.0 tools and I want to “keep up with the young kids.” After joining, I put it on my MySpace page. So the question is, am I uber up on the latest tech, or uber in denial about my age? Apparently, there is a Facebook group called “Women Who Tech.” If I join a Facebook group that uses the word “technology” as a verb, I am the former…right?

It’s not that I think being older is bad. I certainly appreciate the freedom, the decrease in self-consciousness, the perspective, the experience--I’m definitely glad I no longer live in those previously mentioned college photo days. But being 27 is just not where I imagined it. By the time my grandmother was 27 she had kids and was living in Africa! I don’t idealize her life, but I do wish I felt a greater sense of purpose and certainty about what the future holds. I’ve heard things get better in your thirties. Three more years to go…Tweet!

Superbowl and Bliss

I’m flying on an airplane on Superbowl Sunday.

Everyone who knows me, knows how I feel about football. The flight left late because three people were still in the airport bar, hoping to see the last 2 minutes of the games (which I’ve heard were pretty exciting). I’m oddly not annoyed. I still dislike football, but I get a kick out of the fact that people were so excited about something that they almost missed their flight…and that the flight attendants understood the excitement to the point that one of them went to the bar to find the straggling passengers. Imagine if people were that captivated by an election?!

That leads me to my newest favorite book, “The Geography of Bliss.” I just finished reading about “boring” Switzerland, a very happy place where people vote 5-7 times a year. I’ve only read the first couple of chapters, but Eric Weiner's brooding sarcasm and philosophical references are pretty entertaining. I’ll let you know what I think when I’ve gotten to the chapter on the United States (it’s last).

Geography of Bliss is part of the Twelve series, which I’m thinking will be a pretty awesome collection of books to check out.

FYI...During the Superbowl is a great time to fly. The plane was almost empty!

Do you love Mountains?

I do. Check out this great tool to find out how you may be contributing to mountaintop removal and what you can do about it:

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What Makes Turnips Good...

...Bacon. Okay, so is there really anything that bacon doesn't make better?

I get a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) box from Tierra Miguel Farm in Northern San Diego County and the winter veggies are not among my usual produce purchases...daikon, turnips, beets, cabbage...you get the idea. I had some delicious cabbage, turnip greens and carrots last week, but I have to admit I was a bit mystified about what to do with the turnips. A quick google search brought up several recipes suggesting a little crumbled bacon mashed into boiled turnips. Needless to say, I just ate four large turnips for dinner and wished there had been more.

Bacon is magical.

Now what to do with the daikon?

Boyfriends--what to get for your girlfriends on Valentines Day

Just a silly post about what you can get your loved one for V-Day if you are someone who has a girlfriend who hopes you'll do something, but you have no idea what that's going to be.

Under $20

I love my girlfriend: her beauty touches everything
by Louis Cannizzaro

I've read this book more than once at Vroman's and at Skylight Books, and each time I end up ducking into the stacks to wipe my eyes. It's so incredibly sweet, and it's only $15.95! (Available online and at many independent bookstores.)

Mid-Range

Support Blue Platypus! What girl does not love a cute shirt? My good friends at Blue Platypus have a great sale going on right now. All their clothes are 100% made in the USA. Check it out.

For the big spender

Be a Gold, Gold Doubloons, or Platinum sponsor of Jill Sobule's next record and get your significant other's name into a song! (This of course requires that you S.O. likes Jill Sobule, but who doesn't?!) I'm a just a Polished Rock sponsor myself...