Moment of Lightness

Despite the fact that Obama's 43% approval rating has now dipped below that of Jimmy Carter, there is a funny video that helps ease the harshness of reality for a few moments.

From Russia With Love

This video was simultaneously a hilarious, appalling, and sad expression of what many other countries think of us...thank you, Mr. Obama. I do appreciate the fact that the newscaster, while being so prim and proper up to that point, uses the sign language only while invoking Obama's name.  I suppose it's all a little tit for tat, as President Obama has used the same method of expressing himself when speaking of John McCain and Hilary Clinton. You sir, are classy...FAIL!

When "Reality" Messes With My "Reality"!

Hey, I worked hard all week and all I wanted to do before gearing back up for another 40 hour grind, was to sit and enjoy some good ol' Celebrity Apprentice with NeNe and Star Jones going at it...but entering stage right was Obama butting in with his speech about his having just put a bullet in Osama bin Laden's head. Really? Do I care? Sadly, no. Since the original attack on the WTC, Osama had years in which to fan the flames of hatred towards the US and to think that the threat is gone now is asinine.





You tell me if you honestly think that Obama did not intentionally interrupt the Donald's hugely popular reality show, along with my own private two hour session of escapism? I think that Osama's death and timing of such had more to do with Obama's desire to tick off Trump than actually taking out a long standing terrorist...Just take a second to listen to the White House Correspondents' dinner where Obama relished his moment of roasting Donald Trump (a little too much in my opinion) just days before Osama's meeting with six, bad-ass Navy Seals. It's not very becoming of a world leader...

Oblivious President

This morning I read a story about Obama congratulating his party on their efforts during the mid-term elections with more than a little amazement at the audacity of his statement; “This was about the volunteer effort, not the election result,” said Democratic National Committee spokesman Brad Woodhouse. “The party made 86 million voter contacts, we had staff or volunteers in 435 congressional districts, we raised and spent more money than ever in a midterm, we had the largest midterm field effort ever, we ran or staffed virtually all the coordinated campaigns in all the key states.”

The problem with this positive spin is that it flies in the face of his self- admitted "shellacking" and totally ignores the fears and concerns of most Americans regarding the US economy. It also glosses over the issue of political abuses and arrogance that impacts the voters daily in policy making. When will Obama and other representatives of we, the people, come to realize that there are problems and they're part of those problems?

Bad Timing

Obama really needs to consider getting some new advisers. The day after the news about Tiger's affair broke we got the latest edition of Golf Digest with Obama and Tiger on the cover. Uhhh, kinda awkward. In turning to page 76 I read the subheading, 'What President Obama could learn from Tiger Woods-and vice versa.

Here's the run-down:

10 Things Obama Might Learn from Tiger

1.   The Quick Recovery
2.   The Cold Ferocity
3.   How to Step On Their Necks
4.   The Trouble With Compromise
5.   The Value of a Few 'Majors'
6.   Controlling the Message and Spending
7.   The Swing Change
8.   Clothes the Deal
9.   You've Got to Deliver
10. The Danger of Looking Ridiculous

10 Things Tiger Might Learn from Obama

1.   Lighten Up
2.   The Art of Grace
3.   Crush Your Foes, Not Your Fans
4.   Save Some for the Losers
5.   Dial It Back a Little
6.   Less Robot, More Warmth
7.   At Least Look Like You're Having Fun
8.   Sharing a Personal Moment
9.   A Trio of Essential Moves for Tiger (Dance move references)
10. Keep Your Day Job

The way I see it, I think both of these men have issues with the very things the magazine thinks of as their strengths. If you'd like an example just see #10 on Tigers. I think in light of recent events you understand how this is not as true as we'd like to think. Also, #7 on Obama's list is kind of funny when you think about how much fun Tiger was actually having. All in all these two are both suffering in the opinion polls. My advice? They need to both take a look at a different role-model. The one I'd recommend is John Daly. Now, that guy is real.

What Is Happening to Our Country?

What Are People Thinking?

Check out this link...'Nuff said!

I Love My Grandma but...

I know it sounds cruel but she DID vote for Obama. Okay, all kidding aside I have to admit that I am one of the few in the state of Washington who did NOT vote for Obama. In fact, I find a small amount of joy every time I see a "Nobama" bumper sticker and am reminded that I am not alone in the universe. 

Having said this it should come as no surprise that my grandma and I did not see eye to eye on the election. I believe my comments about Obama actually upset her so much that she didn't talk to me for over a week but she did vent to my mom. During one of my last conversations with her on this topic I tried to explain some of my concerns and no, not a single one had to do with the fact that he's black. Despite my efforts in explaining my position to her, our conversation ended with her asking me in her grandmother voice, "Honey, what do you have against Obama?" I wanted to shout, "Didn't you hear me?!" 

The photo below captures Obama on stage during a fund raiser for Sen. Tom Harkin in Iowa with presidential candidates Bill Richardson and Hillary Clinton. Many felt this photo showed his lack of respect to the nation during the singing of the National Anthem. It was reported that Obama was angered that the photo was released (and because the reporter erroneously stated the photo was taken during the Pledge of Allegiance rather than the singing of the national anthem, Obama said: "This is the classic dirty trick. This was not the Pledge of Allegiance. The woman was singing the Star Spangled Banner."

As a sign of respect to their nation, many Americans place their hand over their heart when the National Anthem is played as well as when they recite the Pledge. In his case, Obama said "...I was taught by my grandfather that you put your hands over your heart during the Pledge of Allegiance. The Star Spangled Banner, you sing." Only, when you look at the photo, its very clear that neither Obama nor the others on stage are singing. It was, however, the singing of the national anthem.

In striking contrast below I have one of two newspaper photos showing my grandma watching the inauguration. Take special note of the fourth paragraph and you will notice where her hand is and what song is being played...I'm certain she would not like this blog posting...but I still love her anyway.

Skagit Valley Herald

‘Our country has come a long ways’

By CODI HAMBLIN
Staff Writer

Skagit County senior citizens saw a piece of history Tuesday morning that many didn’t think would happen in their lifetimes.

Dressed in red sweaters and munching on red, white and blue sprinkled doughnuts, about a dozen Country Meadow Village residents celebrated the inauguration of President Barack Obama at the Sedro-Woolley retirement home.

“His speech gave me goosebumps, and it almost made me cry,” said Bernadine Salsman, 88, a Country Meadow Village resident. “History is being made, definitely.” Salsman and her friend, Jessie Miller, 91, another resident, said looking back in history, neither ever imagined seeing a black person become president. “We should be an example for the whole world,” Miller said. “I’m just happy I could live to see this come to pass.” Residents gathered around a flat-screen television wrapped with a blue and white fabric at its base.

As Obama approached the podium to deliver his inaugural address, Salsman raised her arm and waved a hand-held American flag in the air, a smile across her face. The residents clapped with agreement throughout Obama’s inaugural address. Many rose from their seats as “The Star Spangled Banner” was sung. They placed their hands over their hearts and sang along. After the ceremony, Salsman said it was difficult to pinpoint just one thing from the speech that stood out.

Me too Grandma...Unfortunately, what I've found is that when someone has a definite opinion and doesn't want to hear any facts that don't jive with it they refuse to hear you so I recommend you take two aspirins and watch a good movie. 

My recommendation would be Albert Brooks in Looking for Comedy in a Muslim World. Then, to top it off I would suggest a double feature with Defending Your Life. These are hilarious comedies and with Albert Brooks' awkwardness and great sense of timing I would hope that you'd enjoy them as much as me.