August 2008 Archives

I am now convinced that MEN (at least the ones I've dated) are indeed from MARS. I could go into great detail and explain, but I won't. Thus, you'll just have to take my word for it.

Senator McCain’s decision to nominate Governor Palin for the VP slot is clearly a direct appeal to Hillary’s pantsuit brigade. I know most of these smart, hardworking and liberally minded women won’t fall for this sort of pandering, but one never can tell with these things. Either way, leave it to Daily Show to offer some real insight on why Governor Palin is the ideal candidate for the job (NOT!).

Just watched the official announcement by Senator John McCain and I'm not so sure about Governor Sarah Palin. Look, I'm not going to start hating on another woman, she's clearly bright, ambitious and has definitely served Alaska well -- but seriously, is this the best he could do? Are there no other prominent Republican women worthy on being on the ticket?

Seriously folks! I have watched a lot of political speeches in my lifetime and this acceptance speech leaves a lot to be desired. It leaves me thinking that she isn't ready for prime time, never mind being a heartbeat away from the Presidency.

Furthermore, considering all that is happening around the world, thinking it’s quite ironic that Senator McCain picked someone with no national or international experience or even stated opinions on worldly affairs. Heck, does she even have a passport? Can she pick out the G8 leaders from a line-up? Does she have the deep knowledge needed to speak credibly with world leaders on topics say beyond energy? I suppose only time will tell.

Well it's official. Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is the Republican candidate for the Vice Presidency of the United States. It's a bold and symbolic move and should be commended.

However, for all the Democratic women out there who were part of Hillary's travelling pantsuit brigade who are now considering jumping to McCain, I do so hope you'll reconsider. Yes, it's brilliant to see a woman be selected for the ticket, but now more than ever, it is important to preserve a woman's right to choose. Palin is strongly anti-choice and so on that issue alone, women Democrats need to resist the temptation to cross over.

We cannot afford to turn back the clock as it relates to a woman right to choose. Government has no business legislating what a woman should do when faced with an unwanted pregnancy. And if McCain/Palin gets in, I’m afraid that American women (especially poor ones), are in jeopardy of losing the protection and choice granted by the historic Roe v Wade decision thirty-five years ago.

I was so hoping that McCain didn't pick a woman for the VP slot. Not that I don't want to see one eventually hold the office of VP or even the Presidency. But I genuinely believe this is Barack's moment. This is his time. As such, if the speculations are true, only time will tell whether Alaska Governor Sarah Palin will be able to help derail the movement.

After reading A River Runs Through It, I dreamt about going to Missoula, Montana to fly fish. Heck, I even went to so far as to purchase a boatload of expensive fly fishing gear from the Orvis Store on Michigan Avenue. I then spent many a weekend practicing my casting technique at the Lincoln Park North Pond. This then progressed to a few fly fishing trips to Wisconsin. However, life kind of happened and I never really made it to Montana. But after listening to Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer at the convention earlier this week, I am once again fantasising about standing in the middle of one of big rivers in Montana fly fishing for trout!

I woke up this morning wondering if I had dreamt it all -- wondering if my enthusiastic reaction to Senator Obama's acceptance speech would still be the same. And indeed it is. It was perhaps on reflection not his best delivered speech, but it was a great speech nonetheless full of specific policy ideas for making America better. So here’s hoping he can continue to build momentum for the remaining 67 days of the campaign. Having an outside view from London, now more than ever, America really needs change to restore its credibility and reclaim its rightful place befitting the only superpower left on the world stage.

It was like a good old church revival. They came, they listened and most I think walked away converts and maybe even true believers. The Messiah, has definitely arrived!

Where the heck are the Clintons? If they were truly behind Senator Obama they would have showed up tonight.

Senator Obama hasn't even opened his mouth yet but after watching the video of his life story, I've in love. Madly in love! So here's hoping I don't end up with a broken heart come November.

Former Vice President Al Gore spoke tonight endorsing Senator Obama and made a real case for why the outcome of this year's election really matters. His delivery was a bit rushed, so its worth revisiting the speech. Below is the transcript.

One of the greatest gifts of our democracy is the opportunity it offers us every four years to change course.

It's not a guarantee; it's only an opportunity.

The question facing us, simply put, is will we seize this opportunity for change?

That's why I came here tonight: to tell you why I feel so strongly that we must seize this opportunity to elect Barack Obama president of the United States of America.

Eight years ago, some said there was not much difference between the nominees of the two major parties and it didn't really matter who became president. Our nation was enjoying peace and prosperity, and some assumed we would continue both, no matter the outcome.

But here we all are in 2008, and I doubt anyone would argue now that election didn't matter.

Take it from me, if it had ended differently, we would not be bogged down in Iraq; we would have pursued bin Laden until we captured him.

We would not be facing a self-inflicted economic crisis; we would be fighting for middle income families.

We would not be showing contempt for the Constitution; we'd be protecting the rights of every American regardless of race, religion, disability, gender or sexual orientation.

And we would not be denying the climate crisis; we'd be solving it.

Today, we face essentially the same choice we faced in 2000, though it may be even more obvious now, because John McCain, a man who has earned our respect on many levels, is now openly endorsing the policies of the Bush-Cheney White House and promising to actually continue them, the same policies all over again.

Hey, I believe in recycling, but that's ridiculous.

With John McCain's support, President Bush and Vice President Cheney have led our nation into one calamity after another because of their indifference to fact; their readiness to sacrifice the long-term to the short-term, subordinate the general good to the benefit of the few and short-circuit the rule of law.

If you like the Bush/Cheney approach, John McCain's your man.

If you believe it's time for a change, then vote for Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

I am waiting patiently for Senator Obama to take center stage. In the meantime, I am watching the convention coverage and I have mixed feelings. The speeches and entertainment continue to be first rate, but I am not liking this move to the larger venue.

Now don’t get me wrong, I think that it’s great that more people get to see Barack Obama accept the nomination in person. But his real audience are the millions of undecided voters at home who will be watching/listening to the speech at home. These are the people who will ultimately decide this election. Thus, it might have been better to maintain the intimacy and energy of the smaller crowd at the Pepsi Center.

Watching now, I feel like I am viewing a totally different convention -- one that is less personal and slightly distant. So here's hoping that when Barack eventually does take the stage he can keep the crowd fired up and recapture the magic I felt watching the proceedings inside the Pepsi Center.

On a positive note, the audience inside the Invesco Center appears to be a truly diverse one and so maybe just maybe, this will help convince undecided voters that Senator Obama's policies and hope for America really does have broad appeal.

Dr Martin Luther King Jr. gave his historic "I Have a Dream" speech in Washington on 28 August 1963. Now 45 years to the day, Senator Barack Obama will accept the Democratic National Party's nomination for the Presidency. What an achievement! Plus further confirmation that America continues to correct itself. No question, the country still has a long way to go towards becoming a more perfect union, but this is definitely a step in the right direction.

As for Obama's speech tonight, I'm trying to keep my expectations in check. He is a great orator and I'm sure he'll bring the house down. But for him to truly live the dream, he's going to have to delve into the specifics -- talk policy. Now I know that's not real sexy, but this is what is really needed tonight. Having gotten to know his family history and his rise from humble beginnings during the early days of this convention, the American public now needs to be educated on what he intends to do to restore America’s credibility on the world stage. They also need to understand what he plans to do in regards to creating jobs, improving the economy, healthcare, and a whole host of other issues related to making their everyday lives better and more prosperous. Basically, he needs to connect and make people feel like there is real substance and sound policy behind his words. Hopefully, he can do this convincingly tonight. If he does not, this will be a real missed opportunity.
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It is almost a week on, and I am still experiencing Olympic withdrawal symptoms. The good news is that the Paralympics start in a week and in the interim, I can overdose on coverage of the Democratic National Party Convention.

Speaking of coverage, let’s start with Monday night. Michelle Obama looked fabulous! However, I am not sure her dress was appropriate for the occasion. Now I’m not suggesting that she needed to dress like the pantsuit brigade, but I would have liked to have seen her in something a bit more tailored and befitting the historic occasion. I felt the dress which showed off her near perfect figure is more appropriate for a cocktail party. But hey, what do I know. I’m hardly a fashionista. Plus what really mattered was what she had to say and the tone taken in saying it. Overall, I think she did a beautiful job. She demonstrated great passion for family and country throughout the speech. Furthermore, by sharing so much about her and Barack’s family history in a relaxed yet commanding manner, I think she did a lot to make them both more likeable.

However, the speech that really moved me on Monday night was that given by the senior Senator from Massachusetts – Edward “Ted” Kennedy. Knowing that he has a brain tumor -- and in all likelihood this will be his last time at a national convention – tears welled in my eyes. He has served America well during his 45+ years in the Senate and it’s such a shame that tragedies in his personal life prevented him from rising to the office of the Presidency.

Moving on to Tuesday night, I thought Senator Clinton gave a rousing endorsement of Senator Obama and was pleased that she spent a great deal of time asking her supporters to get behind the presumptive nominee. President Clinton did much of the same on Wednesday night. No surprise there really. I expect Senator Clinton will run again for the Presidency. Thus, this was a first step. They need to show publicly that they are doing all they can to help Senator Obama get elected. As such, here’s hoping that she’ll have to wait until 2016 instead of 2012 for that opportunity.

So thank goodness for people like Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer, former Virginia Governor Mark Warner and Senator Biden who took the time to really make the case as to why Senator Obama is a much better candidate for the Presidency than Senator McCain. With that, I can’t wait for Senator Obama’s acceptance speech tonight. It’s been moving to watch the process play out these last few days, but I am ready for the main act. This is his moment, this is his time!

The call came at 3pm today. I'm in! now the real work begins. Yipee!!

Love has the ability to make you do crazy things! So I've been told. Well actually, so I know. So this is a public reminder to self as well as others out there, to NEVER do anything trying to hold on to a relationship that will cause you to lose respect for yourself. Remember, what will be, will be!

Last Friday was a big day for me. After a few weeks of relaxation, further research and consultation, I paid the deposit to move my application forward to purchase the franchise I've been exploring. On Monday I had an interview with the President and Founder who will put my application forward to the board. Furthermore, I met with a business advisor today to discuss lead generation for my local market. We also talked about insurance, accountancy pacakages and generally the pros and cons of setting up a sole trader vs limited company. In an effort to protect my personal assets I'll establish a limited company. Of course, I'll defer until I find out whether or not my application is accepted. This will happen later this week. I'm cautiously optimistic -- knowing that no matter how things turn out, years from now I'll be able to say that I made the decision to seriously explore striving out on my own.

Reading articles like the one below about possible bank failures makes me want to take out what little money I have left in the US and hide it under the mattress. Of course, I know that's not the sensible thing to do since the funds are guaranteed by the FDIC. Either way, I just which that banks would own up to their exposure with this credit crisis. Having the news dibble out is only making the situation worse.

Times, August 19, 2008

Credit crunch may take out large US bank warns former IMF chief

The deepening toll from the global financial crisis could trigger the failure of a large US bank within months, a respected former chief economist of the International Monetary Fund claimed today, fuelling another battering for banking shares.

Professor Kenneth Rogoff, a leading academic economist, said there was yet worse news to come from the worldwide credit crunch and financial turmoil, particularly in the United States, and that a high-profile casualty among American banks was highly likely.

“The US is not out of the woods. I think the financial crisis is at the halfway point, perhaps. I would even go further to say the worst is to come,” Prof Rogoff said at a conference in Singapore.

In an ominous warning, he added: “We’re not just going to see mid-sized banks go under in the next few months, we’re going to see a whopper, we’re going to see a big one — one of the big investment banks or big banks,” he said.

I suppose there was never really any doubt that Michael Phelps would win the eight gold medals at these Games and his fourteenth overall.

However, what is still up for debate is whether or not this makes him the greatest Olympian of all time. Michael Johnson the American sprinter, who is providing commentary for the BBC, doesn't think so. He argues, that swimmers more than in any other sport are simply able to compete in a larger number of events which affords them the ability to win more medals. Plus the recovery time is a lot quicker than in say, track or gymnastics. As such, while Phelps is the most successful having won the most gold medals, he is not the greatest Olympian. Sour grapes? Maybe. But other pundits seem to agree. Therefore, Johnson a great Olympian in his own right might have a point. Either way, I still think Phelps' accomplishments are quite impressive!

Whoever said winning isn't everything lied. Just ask Paula Radcliffe, she'd tell you it is the only thing! Well maybe not publicly but her tears and after event commentary for once against failing to bring home the gold in the marathon, spoke volumes.

Of course, considering that she was recovering from a leg stress fracture, I think she has a lot to be proud of. Lesser mortals would not have lined up never mind finished the race.

What a sad world we live in when a little girl with a beautiful voice is deemed not pretty enough for television.

Olympic ceremony singer faked performance
By Mure Dickie in Beijing
Financial Times, Published: August 12 2008 16:27

Lin Miaoke was quickly hailed as a budding star by China’s state media after the pig-tailed nine-year-old performed a rousing rendition of a revolutionary anthem during last Friday’s Beijing Olympics opening ceremony.

But while the smile beaming around the world may have been hers, China’s top leaders made a late intervention to make sure the voice was not.

The replacement singer, however, was deemed not attractive enough to grace the world’s television screens.

“I think all China’s viewers and listeners should understand that was a matter of national interest,” Mr Chen said in an interview with Radio Beijing.

Ever since my Mom's death 14 years ago, I no longer get weepy over celebrity deaths. Yes, I feel for their families, but there are lots of wonderful people who die every day who despite their greatness aren't getting wall to wall coverage after their death. Now I don't begrudge the celebrities or their families for this coverage, I've just gained perspective. Meaning, if you love or really admire someone, best to tell them or make a public declaration when they are alive -- and Alicia Key's song Like You'll Never See Me Again brings that point home. That said, RIP Bernie Mac.

To see the official images behind the words, click here.

Soccer (football) is really growing on me. How else to explain the hours spend in front on my television watching most international matches played by team England and USA. And while I can't bring myself to support one of the English premiership teams I plan to attend a few Bromley FC games this season. The stadium is like 15 minutes walking from my house so I really have no excuse to go check out "the beautiful game" up front.

In any event, disappointed to find out the there will be no England or Great Britain team for that matter competing at the Olympics. Apparently, "the football governing bodies of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales are all opposed to the notion of a Great Britain team, fearing the implications for their own futures as separate entities." Basically each association worried (perhaps real) that if they field a Great Britain team FIFA, the governing body could insist that in future international championships the National Sides merge into one which apparently is not be acceptable to the English, Scottish or Welsh. So while this is about money, it is also about preserving national pride. Because really, when was the last time any of these teams won a major international championship? Oh never mind!

Seriously! Playing for ones country at the Olympics is one of the highest honors an athlete could achieve, and to think that has been taken away from Great Britain footballers is a farce -- Great Britain were Olympic champions in 1908 and 1912 and apparently have not completed since 1964. So here's hoping that the various governing bodies can sort this whole mess out in time for the 2012 games. London will be hosting and it will be a travesty not to field a team since they get an automatic entry.

Of course, should Great Britain not get their act together, I'll still have good old team USA to root for -- they actually did quite well today against The Netherlands -- until the last few seconds where they basically gave away a goal which equalised the game. So here’s hoping they can regroup and come back against Nigeria on Wednesday. With only 16 countries participating, this is their best chance to get a medal on the world stage.

I am lusting after the fermob garden bench below. It would just look lovely under the cherry tree at the bottom of my garden. However, I can't bring myself to purchase it as I already own a fermob bistro table and 4 chairs and this really is yet another want and not really a need. Of course, tomorrow is my 38th birthday and I really should treat myself! It been a rough 12 months.

Every family political party has their Judas. Seriously! Can you believe Liberman? It's one thing to leave the party fold and go independent, it's a whole other matter to allow yourself to be considered for the VP job of the Republican Party -- when you yourself was the VP candidate for the Democratic Party a mere 8 years ago.

Lieberman ‘on McCain short-list’
By Stephanie Kirchgaessner in Washington
Financial Times, Published: August 9 2008 00:35

Joe Lieberman, the former Democratic vice-presidential nominee who has endorsed John McCain, is being vetted as a potential running mate for the Republican presidential hopeful, according to an adviser to Mr McCain’s ­campaign.

Mr Lieberman, who has campaigned for the Arizona senator, has long been ­considered an unconventional but plausible choice for Mr McCain.

Although Democrats have rejected Mr McCain’s image as a maverick politician, Mr Lieberman’s support for the presumptive Republican nominee has, much to the chagrin of his former ­colleagues, helped to boost Mr McCain’s reputation as a bi-partisan legislator with friends on both sides of the aisle. Mr Lieberman, a staunch supporter of Israel, could also help Mr McCain win over Jewish voters.

“[McCain] loves Lieberman. And he is on the [short-]list because Lieberman has never embarrassed anyone, never misspoken. The first rule is, don’t take someone who costs you votes,” said one McCain adviser.

John Edwards is a perfect example of yet another politician who should have known better. How dare he have an affair in the middle of an election campaign with a staffer. How dare he continue to lie about the affair once he had been caught. Granted, had he owned up when the National Enquirer first broke the story there is a strong probability the story would have ended his chances of becoming president but he might actually have saved his political career. Now he's finished. Few will have sympathy for a politician whose dying wife was out campaigning on his behalf -- while he was shagging the help!

The Chinese must be pissed. Why? Well they spend a fortune to put on what most will agree was a magnificent opening ceremony and just as the parade of nations started, word came that the Russians were on the verge of declaring war on Georgia. Talk about stealing headlines. Of course, they have their own problems at home. Apparently an American was killed and another wounded for no apparent reason by a Chinese attacker who then went on to commit suicide.

My beloved Choo-Choo was in a fight a few weeks ago defending his territory (my garden!) and nearly lost sight in his right eye. Thankfully he has made a full recovery! And oh yeah, he kicked the other cats ass!

Ok, I whinged a bit during the opening ceremony, but it was spectacular! In fact, the Chinese did a damn good job and have set the bar really high for all future cities who host the Olympics. Damn! London has a lot to live up to. Of course, that’s not for another 4 years. In the interim, we have the next 16 days in Beijing which I’m sure are going to be even more dramatic once the athletes start lining up.

No offense to the billion+ plus people in China, but your language (I'm assuming its Mandarin) as spoken at the Olympics, is so not sexy and in fact sounds a bit whiny. Sorry!

Leave it to the Chinese to be different. By having the athletes come into the stadium by the number of strokes needed to write the country's name in Chinese, I can't for the life of me tell how many more countries are to come. That said, athletes from Great Britain and the United States of America have already come into the stadium. Wait, Fiji has more strokes than USA? Goodness! I am so hoping the parade of nations is near conclusion. I'm seriously getting bored now with all the flag waving and less than interesting commentary by the BBC presenters. So thank goodness for Jeremy Griffin at the Times who is doing a superb job live blogging the opening ceremony. It's leaving me in stitches.

I'm not so sure about Michael Phelps' porn moustache, but he gets a pass for that hot body and for having a tattoo displaying his pride in our alma mater, the University of Michigan. Go Blue!

Update 1: He's shaved the moustache for the Olympics all in an effort I'm sure to help him rise to the challenge and win 8 gold medals.

Update 2: I go to his website and get the choice of two languages: English or Chinese. Damn! Michael has serious backers!

Currently watching the opening ceremony and all I have to say to China, enough already. Yes I know this is your big moment and you are spending a boatload to put on this spectacular show but let's not forget, this is about the athletes. So enough with the propaganda. Bring on the athletes and let the games begin!

I am not a fan of Paris Hilton but her response to the McCain celeb ad is funny -- and you know what, her energy policy sort of makes sense.

After viewing the BBC commercial below for the upcoming Olympics, thinking I'll write to ask for my license fee money back. Don't get me wrong, it get props for being artistic and for drawing inspiration from the host country, but I think it is yet another example of waste by the corporation.

For anyone concerened with their online reputation, they should consider reading: The Future of Reputation: Gossip, Rumor, and Privacy on the Internet written by George Washington University Law School Professor Daniel J. Solove. You can purchase online via amazon or you can read in full via Solove's website. Below is a synopsis:

Teeming with chatrooms, online discussion groups, and blogs, the Internet offers previously unimagined opportunities for personal expression and communication. But there’s a dark side to the story. A trail of information fragments about us is forever preserved on the Internet, instantly available in a Google search. A permanent chronicle of our private lives—often of dubious reliability and sometimes totally false—will follow us wherever we go, accessible to friends, strangers, dates, employers, neighbors, relatives, and anyone else who cares to look. This engrossing book, brimming with amazing examples of gossip, slander, and rumor on the Internet, explores the profound implications of the online collision between free speech and privacy.

Daniel Solove, an authority on information privacy law, offers a fascinating account of how the Internet is transforming gossip, the way we shame others, and our ability to protect our own reputations. Focusing on blogs, Internet communities, cybermobs, and other current trends, he shows that, ironically, the unconstrained flow of information on the Internet may impede opportunities for self-development and freedom. Long-standing notions of privacy need review, the author contends: unless we establish a balance between privacy and free speech, we may discover that the freedom of the Internet makes us less free.

Today is the first day of my new life. I no longer work for the firm. Thank goodness! That place was sucking the life out of me. Now, don't get me wrong, I met a bunch of lovely people. However, I simply did not enjoy working 16+ hour days. So I am glad to have it all behind me even if I am feeling a bit uncertain about the future! Particularly as the news in the market continues to be quite negative. Of course, only time will tell as to whether or not I made the right decision for my professional career. I know on a personal level, its for the best and more importantly, years from now I'll be able to say that I pursed my dreams despite all the uncertainty.

This past weekend I went to Cambridge to visit my nephew. He invited me up to check out his swanky apartment in a very posh new development close to the city centre. While there, he suggested we go up to RAF Lakenheath so that he could show me around the base on which he serves. I was particularly keen to go as I wanted to check out the military exchange store.

As we neared the base, my nephew inquired as to whether or not I had a photo ID. I didn't think I had as I don't walk with my US drivers license. In the end, my rail discount card with photo was enough to get me in -- of course, only after they ran my details through the system.

In any event, once I got into the exchange store, I was like a kid in a candy store. The prices were what you would find in a US store and so I went around the store putting lots of items into my basket. We then went across to the grocery store where I again stocked up on a few items. I just couldn't believe the prices -- all in US dollars and a fraction of what I'd have to pay back in London.

Before heading back to Cambridge, we also went through the Taco Bell drive through where I ordered a soft taco. Surprisingly, it was really yummy! So yummy, that I'd actually like to have another now. Unfortunately, that won't be possible because there are only two Taco Bells in England, and both are on US military bases and not accessible to the general public. How annoying! So here's hoping that Taco Bell will return to the UK market soon. Apparently, a couple stores were open in the 1980s but they didn't do well so they were shut down. In the interim, I guess I'll just have to cook with Old El Paso to get my fix.