Anybody out there watching Idol? We have been following it here on My Beautiful Chaos.
As my friends so accurately perceived weeks ago…it is the war of the David’s.
Yeah…so what? Archie had a better night last night. But he is so OMG irritating.
Any thoughts out there while we are waiting for the results?
Alrighty, David A. is going to be your next American Idol. It’s not right, but that’s the way it’s going to go down. Should be David C., but, if we are talking about the way things are supposed to be, Michael Johns should still be gracing the stage and Jason should have been gone a long time ago. But such is life and the popular vote…maybe we should start running primaries and institute an electoral college…wait, I am not crazy about that method either…guess the popular vote will have to do.
So, on to the points…and I do this in the post, not in the comment replies, because I love to give you guys linky love for playing along with me 
Creech is still at -4.
Eric gets +2. One for calling the D&D finals. The other, I will concede that on a previous post, prior to the week that was being judged, he did mention the D&D ending - do you fight this hard in school? I am betting you do. He is at 5.
Kirstengets +2 for making my laugh out loud at the thought of a “Paula Hotline.” She is at 5.
Coco screams up the ranking with a +5 comment. One for the dead on calls on all points, one for the David&David call and 3 for speaking the truth about my dearly missed Michael Johns. She moves up to 7.
And the tie…
Jay gets +3 because I agree with the rundown, he hit the nail on the head calling out Jason’s trip on the Scooby Doo bus, and his wonderful idea to vote Paula off. His total is 10.
Savannah Red had a +2 comment for also identifying the D&D Show down and for agreeing with my husband in the assessment of Emo Brooke - which I don’t hold against her at all. As far as I am concerned, it’s that passion and vulnerability that I like so much about her. His total is also 10.
I guess now that we are down to the final four, I should start thinking about a prize…I’m open to suggestions 
Urgggggg. I must remember this a family friendly blog. My children read this. So, no swearing about the C-R-A-P that is American Idol. I am with Kirsten, surprised…incredibly surprised.
So, Savannah Red was right on about the Andrew Lloyd Webber bit. Love him, but for Idol…ummm, no. He thought they would follow up with Tiny Tim. Ha! They did one better. They followed up with Neil “locked in the disco” Diamond. Don’t get me wrong, “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” (which is destined to be tonight’s group song) is a classic. But, you have 20-somethings and under rallying for the next American pop star crown and you have them sing show tunes and Neil Diamond? Really? Serious?
So, Jay, rant away. I know neither one of us thought Carly was the next American Idol. But Jason Castro is still there and Carly is gone? After he sounded like G-A-R-B-A-G-E and she owned “Jesus Christ Superstar.” *Side Note - Have I ever mentioned how much I LOVE Ted Neely?
[youtube rDHoTOgeNWE]
Eric, you are a smart fella. But, I think you need to check in with Jay about the power of the pink cell phone. There is no way David Cook and Brooke are together in the finale. Even if that’s the way it should be, that’s not the way it is gonna be (I reference the fact that Michael Johns has already been voted off).
So…points
Creech is at -4. One for not understanding that the Idol blog is over at the finale. Another for not knowing that I only watch CBS soap operas and cling to “Survivor” (how about those girls voting off men, with the idol, two weeks in a row!). And two more for thinking that I wring my hands over anything that doesn’t share my DNA or has a similar relationship.
Diana and Coco didn’t make it - they both are hanging tight at 2 points.
Eric gets +3 for sticking to his priorities and making a great effort to jump back in the game…but -1 for his final pick (I’ll call him the default winner if his final two are right). So, he ends up at 3.
Kirsten gets +1 for using the word “coolio.” She is also at 3.
Jay gets +2 because I know he bit his tongue off - and I am still feeling admiration for the Iz respect. His total is 7.
Savannah Red takes the lead with a +3 comment. Take your pick as to which part of the tirade you like best. My top three were the shout out to Englebert Humperdinck, Idol ala Ice Capades and knowing enough about me that he could abbreviate PBR and I would know just what he was talking about (free and cold is the best kind!) He leads with 8.
Now, let’s watch the results show and tell Brooke White goodbye…
So, I am watching the vote off show before I even have the chance to watch my TiVoed episode from last night. Crap! Well, at any rate, I can tell you that missing Idol was due to a big ole project I promise to reveal very soon. Oooo - mysterious…
But - I have gone through the points…drum roll please
Eric is still hanging out at 1…I am guessing…school work is getting in the way of Idol. Geesh - where are our priorities?
Diana starts off with 2 points. She gushes about Idol AND has more kids than me. That has to count for a point.
Kirsten also has 2 points. Not only did she totally agree with me (and on my blog that gets a point), but just seeing her name makes me smile
Coco is hanging out with the 2 pointers due to the phenom Hamlet quote she left for me.
Savannah Red gained four points with a total of 5. He is an absolute riot! One of my favorite things about this blogging Idol is his comments. Not to mention he is almost always dead on.
And Jay leads the way up five to a total of 6. Three came from his begging tirade. But, he did have great picks and pegged the Dolly Parton group song. Then there was the bonus two points for giving Iz the respect he deserves.
While you guys watch the the results show, I am gonna watch last night’s performances. So don’t tell me…
Boo Hiss…I feel like boycotting a Michael Johnsless Idol. Especially if the “pink cell phone” crowd is still there in numbers. Ugh…but, there is still David Cook and Brooke…
David A. - yawn…have I mentioned how perplexed I am that I dislike a kid that sings so well? I do…I really do. Would turn the radio dial every single time…I am considering watching it on TiVo so I can fast forward it.
Carly - mmmm….okay. Take her or leave her.
Syesha -my female David A. The girl can sing, there is no doubt about that. But, she is just so…typical.
Brooke - I love it when she does that piano thing. I love listening to her and I think there is character and life in her imperfection. Those falters are where her passion lies and I would rather hear that than a pitch perfect performance.
Kristie -Is she still here? Really?
David - Real deal talent. No doubt. He is my favorite (darn Michael Johns). Great signing voice, whatever…there is something about raw talent that just does it for me…I think that’s the thing that Syesha is missing…
Jason - I am still irritated he tried to pull off Braddah Iz’s version of Over the Rainbow. The Hawaiian in me almost threw something at the TV. It is the Hawaiian equivalent of somebody trying to do Whitney. I understand not everyone is familiar with THE version. I will share with you here.
BTW - I love you, Pops…
httpv://youtube.com/watch?v=PL-uL2M3xvM
First, my sincerest apologies for missing you all last week. Last Tuesday, a dear friend of mine, Gregory Cross, died suddenly of a massive heart attack. He was only 47 years old. Wrap your minds around that one.
While you all are very supportive and some of my great friends, I just didn’t feel like blogging. I didn’t really feel like doing anything. But, as it was, I had tons I had to do so I didn’t do anything that wasn’t imperative. I knew you guys would understand.
His memorial was last night. While I still don’t want to do a whole lot, I know Greg and I know his life - it was fun and he brought fun to all those around him. He would still want to bring the fun.
And I think hanging out with you guys is fun…
So, in loving memory of my wonderful friend Greg, this is your American Idol.
Woo Hoo! How about I am a huge Dolly Parton fan. And it is Dolly Parton night on your American Idol.
Brooke White - One of my favorite Idols doing one of my favorite Dolly songs. I would buy her album today. Who cares what the judges say?
David Cook - Wow! Michael Johns better bring it tonight. He is about to get replaced as my number one pick. He is an absolute genius. Simon says it wasn’t as good as last week. Well, duh! Last week was utterly masterful. Few will ever be as good as David’s last week, much less repeat it.
Ramiele Malubay - Yawn…what else is there to say…next!
Jason Castro - Paula needs a hearing aid. He is done…have a nice day.
Carly Smithson - Again, great vocals - amazing even…but, I am with Jay…there is just something about her. Just not interested…Simon called out her apparel - about time.
David Archuleta - It is amazing how somebody with such a great voice can sound little better to me than nails on a chalkboard. Harsh? Maybe. But I am so tired of listening to anything he has to sing.
Kristie Lee Cook - She has lucked out two weeks in a row with the song selection. And her dress is great. But she definitely does not get my vote. She said she would rather impress Dolly Parton than her momma. What!? I mean, sure it’s Dolly - but never before Momma.
Syesha Mercado - “I Will Always Love You” Ha! As if. Are you kidding She can’t honestly think she can even begin to tackle that song. Can’t even believe she tried this…you already know what they are going to say. She should get voted off just for being stupid.
Michael Johns - Well, it’s a love song…very cool. He gets to stay my favorite for another week. Incredible…best of the evening.
My vote - Ramiele…or really any of them who performed in the middle
Points line up - it is a tie all the way around
So, I left my computer at the office last night. While it messed up the American Idol blogging, I realized it is probably something I should do more often. Kinda relaxing and liberating when you can’t get online even if you wanted to…
But, I watched Idol, sans the laptop, and I was impressed. The night was a good one. I missed Amanda - a vote off I didn’t see coming at all. But, letting the contestants pick their own genre limited only by the year of their birth produced some great song choices by some great contestants. It also proved that there are some who have done all they can do and it is time for them to go.
Ramiele Malubay - Sang “Alone” and all I could think of was Carrie Underwood. This girl has peaked should be close to done.
Syesha Mercado - I am still not a fan…there is just something about her. But, I would be lying if I didn’t say she did a great job this evening. Not getting voted off just yet. But when it happens - and it will happen - I won’t be disappointed.
Jason Castro - Um…no. It is Sting. Give me a break. Unless you are just that good - pick something else. He can go and his pretty eyes too.
Kristie Lee Cook - Great song choice. Who is gonna bash “Proud to be an American?” Nobody, that’s who. But, she demonstrated she is average at best. I could find a girl in any town across this country to do the exact same thing she did for the opening of any varsity high school sports season.
David Archuleta - I am so done with this kid. I tried really hard to like him, I really did. But, one more “my small, humble voice can save the world song” and I am going to throw up on my keyboard. He was born in 1990 and the best he could do was pick some obscure song that “has a message?” Give me a break and somebody get this kid a clue.
Michael Johns - Queen - brilliant! I loved this performance! Strong, exciting and wonderful. He can pull off a fantastic Freddie Mercury. That is darn near the definition of talent.Brooke White - She looked great and sounded good - even with the slip at the beginning. Great song choice but she should have stayed committed to her change in the arrangement.
Carly Smithson - Hmmm…the jury is out. I love “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” It is one of my favorite songs. And she did nail all the things about the song I love. In my opinion, it is the epitome of raw, feminine passion. But, there’s just something about her…next…
Chikezie - He’ll be back next week and I hope he goes back to that bluesy funk thing he does. His sultry soul crooner thing just doesn’t do it for me.
David Cook - By far and away one of the best Idol performances ever! I had to rewind it and watch it again. I am a fan and he almost stole Michael Johns’ vote.
Tonight…hmmm…I would say Kristie but she has an entire genre all to herself…so…nah…I’ll stick with Kristie.
Last week, David Hernandez got the boot. Neither Savannah Red nor myself called that one. Eric wimped out and wouldn’t pick Maybe he’ll change his mind this week and play along. Maybe you will too.
Amanda Overmyer - First up is one of my favorites. The thing I like about her is that she knows just who she is. She looks like she has been doing this forever. Tonight is no exception.
Kristie Lee Cook - Trying to bounce back from what most saw as a disastrous week…I dunno. I liked last week. I am not crazy about tonight. She seems to be a bit off.
David Archuleta - Tonight he is concentrating on the positives…hope he does better this week than last week. Maybe he will remember most of the lyrics. What a phenom voice this kid has. I wish I liked him more. There is just something about him. He’s good…maybe I’ll reconsider it in about 5 years.
Michael Johns - My favorite. Here’s hoping. And there he goes. This guy just gets it. This is the reason he is my favorite.
*Guess it goes without saying that I totally disagree
Brooke White - One of my top three. Her voice is way better than her dance moves. She seems so awkward moving around. I don’t care - she sounds great!
David Cook - One of those truly talented guys. What is that other mic for? He is doing a great job. That’s what it’s for! Very cool! My favorite performance of the night so far.
Carly Smithson - Her top is horrid. But she sounds really good. She is really subtle. I am waiting for it to get big. I am sure it is coming soon. There it was a bit. I am thinking the judges will love it. I am kinda neutral
Jason Castro - Ugh! Unless something amazing happens in the next 30 sec…what was he thinking? Awful. First performance I hated.
Syesha Mercado - I am just not a fan…she sounds really good. I have just never connected to her. Not a person I enjoy watching. I am sure I am in the minority.
Chikezie - I am warming up to him a bit. Don’t know how I feel about this performance. I’ll sit the fence. It was a bit much. Maybe a little touch of “trying to hard”
Ramiele Malubay - Not sure what she was thinking when she was getting dressed. And I am not sure about the song. Her vocals are usually great. If ever there was a time Simon should use the word “karaoke”, it’s now.
So…who’s going home…hmmm…I think Savannah Red may have just been a week early. My money is on Kristie Lee Cook.
That’s right gang! We made it to our first bloggy birthday. I can hardly believe it. It also happens to be the birthday of Making Life Work for You. Both blogs started on Typepad, which was great software, but didn’t quite suit my needs. So, after a great conversation with Chris Cree, I shifted to WordPress and here we are.
I am really appreciative for this bloggy thing. I have had the wonderful opportunity to meet some awesome people. If I even begin to list, I know I will forget.
But I will talk a minute about Lani. She is my phenom bloggy buddy that hangs out with me here on MBC. I don’t know what I would do without her. And that extends far beyond what she does here. She has been balancing, inspiring, motivating and encouraging. Not to mention she is incredibly brilliant. If you haven’t read her stuff over at RE Revealed, Agent Genius, or Bloodhound, you are missing out.
So, happy birthday My Beautiful Chaos…you are learning to walk and I can’t wait to see how year 2 goes.
So, Jim Carey is in the audience has showed up as a cracked out version of “Horton Hears a Who.” Interesting.
I do love Idol…but I think they really drag these result shows out. But, I will watch every minute of it anyway.
This call in thing is kinda stupid…not really feeling it…
Katharine McPhee…didn’t like on when she was on Idol (better than Chris Daughtry my foot) and I still think she is incredibly typical and overrated…next…
Jim Carey is a weirdo…
David Hernandez is GOING HOME!
Savannah Red - 0
Beautiful Chaos - 0
We will try again next week…care to join us?
I LOVE American Idol. I don’t care about “guilty pleasure,” reality bites, brain numbing traits of TV. I have been wanting to blog it as a regular thing for a while. But, until now, it was just on too often, there were too many people and basically filled with disposable material. Don’t even tell me that American Idol is all disposable - your comment will be deleted
I *heart* American Idol. And it is on right now.
Not crazy about the Beatles (which is the theme for tonight) but, I am betting it will be great.
Syesha Mercado - I have never been real crazy about her. Voice is great, no doubt, but incredibly typical. So far tonight is no exception. I am predicting Simon will hate it -no matter how cute she is. She should be on a cruise ship.
Chikezie - He keeps getting better every week. I wasn’t sure about him in the beginning. But it is performances like this one and the one last week are making me reconsider. The next American Idol? Probably not - but I am glad he is still here. This is a great performance.
*Ryan is a big goof ball
Ramiele Malubay - I liked her from the beginning. Cute little girl with a big, talented filled voice. Wow! Those are some great shoes! So far, it has been real low key…waiting…waiting…never happened. Dern. It was okay…but I am left wanting…but I appreciate the shoes.
Jason Castro - Great eyes, great hair and he is another getting better every week. I thought he was phenomenal last week and now we will see. The guitar is back. He is so interesting. His voice is different. Could go either way, but I liked it.
*As heard on a Are you Smarter Than a Fifth Grader commercial - “You look more confused than a cow on astro-turf.”
Carly Smithson - Always liked her. Voice is awesome although she always has to make these weird faces when she grabs those big notes. No worries - the neato tats will make up for that. Holy cow! She is rocking this song! I think she has been signing in a mirror - the facial expressions are toned down.
David Cook - The rocker minus the guitar. He usually sounds really good and very interesting. Tonight I think he picked the wrong song. Ended pretty strong, but he should of picked something else.
Brooke White - One of my favorites. I would by an album from her. Her voice is so engaging. She’s playing the piano and sounding real good. Little typical…she turned it up a bit at the end. I liked it. She has so much emotion in her sound.
David Hernandez - I dunno - he has a great voice…but I can’t get past the eyebrow thing he does. He looks like he used to be stripper or something. He doesn’t sound very good at all tonight. Not impressed.
Amanda Overmyer - One of my top three. I think she is great! I am sitting here during the commercial hoping great things for her. Woo Hoo! This is why I love her! I am so waiting for her to do a Tina Turner song. Favorite of the night!
Michael Johns - another one of my top three and my favorite guy. Brilliant…there is nothing else to say about what he just did up there…except maybe brilliant.
Kristy Lee Cook - Maybe the country girl of the competition if she would just embrace it. Sounds like she might. Wow! I am not a big fan but this is fun. Complete with fiddles and all. This suits her and I hope she sticks with it. This is just what she needs to do.
David Archuleta - What a talented kid. I hope he does well. Ooops - a bit of forgotten lyrics there…that hurts…especially since the whole thing sounds a bit corny anyway. He’s trying to redeem himself…ummm…nah. Not tonight. Maybe next week.
My guess…Chikezie, although he had a great night, will get the last performance call tomorrow.
What’s your guess?
Nope, I am not getting slack. My books actually were derailed and thus delayed my pursuit of higher learning.
So that you know that I am not making light of a deadly situation, I did look the accident up. Seems the accident occurred in California. Two tankers caught on fire and produced some hazardous fumes which resulted in an evacuation. But, I didn’t see where anybody was hurt.
According to the UPS website, my books should be here today and I can get on with getting smart.
Yeah - you noticed. Even if you didn’t, lie to me and tell me you did. My blogging posts have taken a small hiatus. Funny timing since we are quickly towards the celebrations of my first bloggy birthday - feel free to throw me a surprise party and send me presents and cake and ice cream!
Last year ended in distraction. This year started in change. It has contained many milestones and opportunities. There is even a top secret, super exciting project in the works. All this has required a step back. No, not a step back - how cliche is that? But it has required a big corporate reorganization - which is great because that meant it involved just me That is way easier to coordinate!
So, a place for everything and everything in its place. I am working on do all that I want to do. I just had to hit the pause button on a few things to incorporate the other things.
And I know you can’t have it all. That is not what I am attempting to do. But with a bit of focus, a touch of the crazies, a pinch of dream big dust and a whole lot of motivation and support - you can have most of it
Image Credit: Ricky David
In a small midwestern conservative town, there wasn’t a place to get a drink for miles around, so a local entrepreneur saw an opportunity: He started to build a tavern.
Liking a “dry” town, the local church started a campaign to block the bar from opening with petitions and prayers. The businessman was polite when congregants came to protest, but work continued on the tavern.
But the night before the grand opening, a lightning strike hit the bar and it burned to the ground.
The church folks were rather smug in their piousness after that — until the bar owner sued the church on the grounds that the church was ultimately responsible for the destruction of his building, either through direct or indirect actions or means.
The church vehemently denied all responsibility or any connection to the building’s demise in its reply to the court.
At the first hearing, the judge held up the paperwork and took in the lawyers and both sides of the lawsuit.
“I don’t know how I’m going to decide this,” the judge said, “but as it appears from the paperwork, we have a bar owner that believes in the power of prayer, and an entire church congregation that doesn’t.”
So, I am well aware that anything can happen - but for all practical purposes, we have celebrated our last first birthday.
We all knew it was coming and it was a whole lot of fun. The kids fed the ducks, fished a little bit, rode in the golf cart and blew bubbles.They ate too much and played too hard. Presents were opened and toys assembled. People socialized and some caught up a bit with those they hadn’t seen in a while. It was a great day.
Funny how the best of days still leave you with a sense of longing. I guess knowing that you will never get that cake face back, knowing that we have already accomplished a lot of firsts - Christmas, Halloween, Love Day - those firsts are over.
I realize I have a good many firsts to still look forward to. I am thankful to have such a full life with a full house.
Funny the variety of emotions that accompany being a mom…
…that I have two one year olds living in my house. See, ‘M and Squishy are exactly 51 weeks apart. So every year during the week of Valentine’s Day, they are the same age. Crazy, I know.
This is also the week that I have to get over the fact that we are experiencing our last first birthday. Four babies is enough for our family. I am thrilled to pieces with the gifts we have been given - but, I’ll pass the bows on to somebody else
Still, babies do something to a house. First birthdays do something to the soul. Squishy is already a year old, and I will admit to that being bitter sweet. But, she doesn’t make it official with cake on the face until this weekend - so I have some time to rejoice and mourn…until the next big milestone.
![[help]](http://www.aprilgroves.com/beautifulchaos/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/banner-sadness.jpg)
This week, the South (Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Alabama, and Mississippi) was absolutely devastated by the deadliest tornado outbreak in over 20 years. When the sun rose, people found their cars flipped into their neighbors’ yards, their homes completely ripped from the foundation and splattered across the streets, and some people lost their loved ones or their own lives.
Think about that… watching the news about politicians and getting the weather alert at the bottom of the screen. 24 hours later, you have nothing. NOTHING is a big word.
April and I are begging you to [help] by doing four things:
Your [help] is needed. Please take the time to do what is in your power because if the day ever comes when you are dealt a bad hand, the rally cry will be held on your behalf. My brother died last fall in a car accident at age 24, leaving behind a young wife, 1 year old and 2 month old and the blogiverse stepped in and financially helped her in that time of need. Now, it’s time that I pass along that good will. Please [help].
Well, maybe I don’t ncessarily love gynecologists, but you’re reading now, so hear me out. Guy Kawasaki noted, “an email pitch from an entrepreneur named Sherry Couch of BizNiche brought a big smile to my face. First of all, how could I skip an email with a subject line like this one: “Everything you should know about me as an entrepreneur you could learn from my OB/GYN”?”
Sherry realizes that children are the perfect startup! Makes you think of Mommy Blogging, doesn’t it? So what about Sherry as an entrepreneur could you learn from her ob/gyn?
- I am very good at conceiving an idea.
- I can commit to something mind, body, and soul for at least nine months.
- I have the ability to over come adversity, such as eating healthily while puking all day.
- I can adapt quickly to changing and expanding situations.
- I stay focused and motivated even with a lack of oxygen to my brain.
- I am creative: Did you know with satin pajamas and satin sheets you can roll over in bed even with an extra sixty pounds.
- I am patient—ever known anyone ten months pregnant?
- I am cool under pressure: I gave birth to a ten-pound baby without a C-section or a properly functioning epidural and did not curse out my husband.
- I am resilient: I went back to work at my company four weeks after giving birth.
- I create meaning in the world! Even with all the trials and tribulations of becoming a parent I have chosen to do it twice so far because each new life gives hope and meaning to our world. Just like each new business
Isn’t this great? Can YOU add a Number 11?
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photo is of April Groves on the sofa with her kiddo (mine are too big to lay on me)
We are taking our walking shoes off today - I am inspired to clean my house and that always requires a serious unplugging.
So, enjoy the LOL Cat Fave of the Day and I will see you tomorrow!
Take a second to participate in this project- you’ll be glad you did! The tinyGIGANTIC blog shows us how to have fun with the five and a half project:
The project is called The Postcard Says. This super simple, easy cheesy project will make you feel great. C’mon- feel great!
According to tinyGigantic:
E-mail us@fiveandahalf.netwith “postcard please” in the subject headerand your mailing address in the message.
In a week or two, you’ll find a postcard from us in your mailbox, with a fun little task to do. When you’re done (and this is all we ask of you), take a photo of your completed activity and e-mail it back to us so we can post it online (anonymously if you wish).
What do we hope you’ll get from this? A cool postcard, a laugh when you see the task we thought up for you, and the act of doing a not-so-ordinary task that gets your mind thinking in a different way.
Let us know in the comments that you’re participating- you know I am!
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photo credit: tsallam
Just some talking points I managed to type up while watching…feel free to discuss responsibly, add, or just ponder. Click here to see “coffee cup” purpose.
Trust people with their own money and trust them to grow our economy.
52 straight months of growing jobs - wages are up so are food and gas.
Economic stimulus package can be hung up by add ons - that will hold up or derail it
Are you rich and like taxes? W says he appreciates your enthusiasm and the IRS accepts check and money orders.
Has cut 151 programs equaling $18B and a balanced budget 2012 - American families have to do it - so should the government
Congressional earmarks that are snuck in without discussion or vote…appropriations without earmarks cut in half will be vetoed.
Says he will issue an executive order tomorrow stating federal agencies will have to reject earmarks not voted on publicly by congress
Hope Now Alliance helps home owners avoid foreclosure. Modernize Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Tax free bonds to help homeowners refinance their mortgages
Affordable health care through consumer choice - not government control. Health saving plans, Small business availability.
Education - me must trust students to learn and allow parents to demand results.
No child left behind - 4th and 8th grade math students have achieved the highest test scores ever. Increase accountability.
Failing schools - 2600+ students in DC can go to a faith based or nonpublic school.
$330M pell grants for kids for children trapped in failing public schools.
Americans workers can compete with anyone in the world. Free trade agreement with Peru is successful and like agreements need to be fostered with Columbia, Panama and South Korea.
Columbia - if we fail to pass this agreement we will embolden the purveyors of false populism in our hemisphere…
Energy security - trust in the creative genius of innovators and entrepreneurs. Nuclear power, capturing carbon emission, renewable fuels
Advances show that adult stem cells can work like embryonic stem cells - work towards medical advances without the destruction of human life. Ban buying, selling cloning of human life - all life must be treated with dignity.
Judges should get prompt up or down vote.
Permanently extend Charitable Choice
Entitlement spending - Medicare, social security - need reform need solutions to save them for our children and grandchildren
Immigration - secure borders, fences, technology, catch and release at the border, double number of border patrol agents…but we need to find a way to lawfully allow workers to come over to support our economy. Must deal compassionately with those already here. Solution must coincide with laws and our high ideals.
Foreign Policy - 3200 Marines added to Afghanistan to fight and train. Spreading freedom and democracy reduces terror and terrorism.
Surge work with the Iraqi forces to protect the Iraqis. People understood that they were not going to be abandoned. They stayed behind and ensure the safety of neighborhoods, improvement in security, improvement in daily life.
Return on success - 20000 troops coming home…”You have our solemn pledge - you will have all you need to protect our nation.” Called on congress to fully fund the troops.
I wish this had happened before the Blog Savannah UnConference. It would have been great for the Working Mommy Bloggers Session.
And you are dern straight these pictures are totally cropped and strategically aimed as to not include my no makeup face. Seriously - did you really? I think not. If Benn can hide behind a coffee cup, I can use Photoshop.
And yes - that is the retro (meaning left over from last year) Blog Savannah UnConference T-Shirt.
Tamar Weinberg over at LifeHacker pulls out a post from Mother Tongue Annoyances that strives to help us all with that big Public Speaking Fear. Follow this advice and then come practice it at Toastmasters.
Found out about a great new WordPress Plugin from W-Shadow that will find broken links. Big Thanks to Jamie Harrop for spreading the word about the plugin and Liz Strauss for spreading the word about Jamie.
Rosa suggests “Stop Telling People You are Busy.” I think I’ll read this one again - and so should you.
Mortgage Rates vs Fed Rates by THE Phoenix Real Estate Guy.
Larry Cragun stopped me in my tracks with this post on the what he considers the most dangerous thing we do everyday.
Shake out the fleas and your creativity with Dustin at Casual Fridays
Agent Genius made my Twitter Week with Benn’s post on pulling blog feeds into Twitter posts. Then he got all cryptic with his “It’s coming” post. He closed the freaking comments and everything! Here is what I do know - Google is moving into the building with AG - dude, you had so better not be holding out on me. I will know when Lani starts bragging on her new car - you know she can’t keep a secret. Until you come clean …
LOL Cat Fave of the Day (dedicated to the secretive coffee cup guy)
Your inbox gets the “please find this child” email for the umpteenth billion time. It’s a scam. You know it is. But, facts are that children go missing. And there has to be a better way than sorting though spam.
I thought it was a wonderful idea when they installed the Amber Alert signs on the interstates. Unfortunatley, I am not always on the interstate, or in my car, or watching TV. But I almost ALWAYS have my cell phone.
Wireless Amber Alerts allows you to subscribe to a service that sends Amber Alerts directly to your cell phone in the form of a text message. Sign up is quick and easy. It’s dern near a moral obligation - yes, I feel that strongly about it.
One zip code from a city will cover the entire city regardless of the number of zip codes located in it. You can chose up to five. Cell Carriers that have come on board will not charge you text messaging fees for the service. Got any other questions - they have a page for that here.
Now get to clicking - we are all subscribed to less important things.