Christians afraid of Obama should re-read their Bibles.

Missouri ethanol plant manager explains why he won't be voting for Obama.

Conversation from clip:

"He scares me to death."

"Why?"

"Why? Read Revelations Chapter 13."

****

So- I did. And so does the interviewer from the Guardian UK.

Here it is. In no part does it talk about a "dark-olive skinned visitor that comes out of the East" as the man in the interview claims.
It does say the anti-Christ, however, will have "seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy". And that he "opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven."

WHAT THE $%^# people. Get your myths and legends straight! I am so happy these people are the minority...

"The only thing to Fear is Fear itself."

My 2008 Election Map

<p><strong>><a href='http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/interactives/campaign08/electoral-college/'>Electoral College Prediction Map</a></strong> - Predict the winner of the general election. Use the map to experiment with winning combinations of states. Save your prediction and send it to friends.</p>

The year the Majority voted.

Obama on Leaving the Trail, Biden's "Tested" Comment

In this interview with WUSA-9 in Washington D.C., Barack Obama answers questions leaving the campaign trail and Joe Biden's comment on being tested internationally, if elected.

Shoe v. Nature?

4 million years of evolution.... down the drain with one simple invention?

Many experts now agree that shoes are actually harmful to our health.
How We're Wrecking our Foot with Every Step we Take
Shoebusters.com- Thesis
NPR: Feet Hurt? Stop Wearing Shoes

Alternatives are out there!

Vibram


Vibram Five Fingers "Sprint"- Cost: $80.oo .


“Natural gait is biomechanically impossible for any shoe-wearing person,” wrote Dr. William A. Rossi in a 1999 article in Podiatry Management. “It took 4 million years to develop our unique human foot and our consequent distinctive form of gait, a remarkable feat of bioengineering. Yet, in only a few thousand years, and with one carelessly designed instrument, our shoes, we have warped the pure anatomical form of human gait, obstructing its engineering efficiency, afflicting it with strains and stresses and denying it its natural grace of form and ease of movement head to foot.” In other words: Feet good. Shoes bad." (Excerpt from "How we're wrecking our foot" article above.)


Terra Plana

"Dopie" Mens Sandal- Cost: $50.oo



Dundan Boots- Cost: $195.oo

I'd opt for an alternative pair of shoes- like those above, if I were you. Try barefoot any chance u get too!

Police & Politics

The Park Central Library, 2pm, Yesterday

I couldn't help but watch the commotion as I locked my bike up outside the Park Central library downtown. A small crowd of square 'regulars' I'll call them, were all watching as a drunk man on a stretcher was loaded into an ambulance. You could almost cut the tension between the cops and the 'regulars' with a knife.

In the library, minutes later, I began to speak with library worker and friend, Alan, about the ruckus. Just then one of the cops walked in and traded some civilities with Alan. "Does this happen often?" I found myself asking. "Just about every day." the Policeman answered. "Usually some drunk with suicidal tendencies who, once he discovers he can't get meds, will be back on the street by tonight."

"Wow."

Wasted tax dollars was then introduced into the conversation and then my rant entitled 'alcohol should be illegal' which then led to a debate about responsible use vs irresponsible use.

I had to agree with the officer's point. In the 15 minutes which followed- we proceeded to delve into several 'key topics' such as the War in Iraq vs the on in Vietnam (and all the similarities there in)-I believe this is the moment when poor Alan wondered off ;)- Food stamps, the Economy, socializing Health care, McCain's service to the US (and his time as POW- which, along with his well-documented history of PTSD should render him ineligible-- added by me), Oh and of course one Mr. Obama.

The debate was healthy and at all times cordial. I felt as if we were equals. I wasn't scared of him in the least. (Not like during my other encounters with police which usually leave me paying a fine or in court.)

I tried my best to be empathetic to his arguments. To understand where he was coming from. The officer (who's name shall remain nameless) felt that the majority of Americans were lazy, uninvolved and above all looking for a 'handout'. While I couldn't disagree more, I told him I understood what he was saying and that "he must live quite a different reality than me as he was surrounded day in and day out by the disadvantaged of society, IE the homeless, the drug dealers, the drunks etc. I daresay all my goodwill and empathy were lost on him.

All in all it was a good debate- and was actually quite fun- at one point I even quoted the Deceleration of Independence and the US Constitution. (nerd-alert)...

However, I couldn't help but laugh to myself as the conversation devolved into a series of Fox News talking points. I began to suspect he was an avid fan of the fine "News" program as he launched into "80% of the Media is liberal" speech. It was solidified when he brought the Obama-Ayers connection into play. "I wouldn't trust any of the TV news media to tell you the truth" I said. "I haven't really watched TV in almost a year now, I only get my news from a wide variety of Internet sources." A blank expression covered his face at the word "Internet".

"If you don't mind me asking," I queried, "where do you get your news for the most part."

"Oh, mainly Fox News and some CNN and NBC." He ignored my subsequent query of his favorite radio news sources...

I showed no biases against his answer. Although I couldn't help but replace his answer in my mind with "All Fox News all the Time, Limbaugh in the Car, drill baby drill, etc"

Though I wanted desperately to tell him everything I thought about Fox "News", I realized, though, that the conversation was beginning to wear thin. After a couple of failed attempts at a polite exit, I finally shook his hand and thanked him for the conversation. "I'm so glad we can talk about these things. Thanks Officer."

Before we parted ways, he commented on a statement I had made earlier about Obama being a hero of mine. "You should never have a politician as a hero. Your parents are much better role models." He said.

"My parents are my heroes, you're a hero too (I had to say it. Part of me meant it too.) And I couldn't help but throw in- "and Obama isn't a politician that is exactly why he is a hero. Look how far he's made it playing by HIS rules. And staying true to his words and morals all the while."

He shook his head, I just smiled sublimely.

From the conversation, I learned a few things:

1. Civility in a debate is key. As is Empathy.

2. Police Officers- though they do look quite nice in their uniforms- aren't always as smart or all-knowing as they seem AND they are EQUAL to ordinary citizens, no matter what they would like you to think. We do have rights. (a no-brainer yes but it was nice to have these things reaffirmed.)

3. Public Discourse needs to make a comeback!! I would like to create a public forum in which we can all have lively debates once a month. How to go about doing this is yet to be determined.

.ashli

4 Presidencies Later...

Last night, Adam and I had the realization that the 'young voters' of today (18-24 year olds) lived through only 4 presidencies- and the actions we've seen from those presidents has not been favorable.

1. Ronald Reagan (January 20, 1981 January 20, 1989)
"Just The Beginning."


2. George I (January 20, 1989 January 20, 1993)
"The Brains"


3. Clinton (January 20, 1993 January 20, 2001)
"LewinksyGate"


4. George II (January 20, 2001 January 20, 2009)
"And you thought the Reagan puppet was bad."


It's been a long 24 years.

This is why I (and I venture to guess, my peers) feel so incredibly ready for a new kind of politics and for Barack Obama.

Our parents and our grandparents still live in the presidencies of their youth. They don't see the train wreck right in front of them- JFK, FDR- these are the presidents they idealize. We, on the other hand, have been without a president to idealize for all our lives.

And that's just sad. We deserve a break.

Schlepyourgrandma with Sarah Silverman

link

Silverman on Olbermann

watch it- share it.

Behind the scenes of the DNC- 4days.

"The Show Me State" Stays True to its Nickname.

Michelle Obama and Senator Claire McCaskill D-MO watch the 2nd Presidential Debate Tuesday Night in Nashville

There is no question Missouri will be the state to watch. Every other state, except for North Carolina which is +Obama at .6 pts, is pretty solid Obama or McCain territory according to the polls.

Even the top "battleground states"** are now mostly solid Obama. However, Missouri, true to it's nickname ("The Show-Me State") stubbornly toes the line. RealClearPolitics.com has Obama up just .3pts. Too close to call as they say.

So- it is no surprise that Claire McCaskill was alongside Michelle at last night's debate. I am predicting Obama will be making another stop in Springfield MO as this election comes to closer to an end.

Until then, volunteer volunteer volunteer friends. We have 28 days to convince undecideds and leaning Obama voters and then get them to the polls on Nov 4th!!

**
Battleground States Obama McCain Spread
Colorado 49.3 45.3 Obama +4.0
Ohio 48.9 44.9 Obama +4.0
Florida 48.3 45.3 Obama +3.0
Nevada 49.6 46.6 Obama +3.0
Missouri 47.8 47.5 Obama +0.3
Virginia 49.9 45.1 Obama +4.8

Free Holistic Advice!

MedicalRenaissanceSeries.com
Featuring webisodes from the Father and Mother of Holistic Medicine, Dr. Norman Shealy and Dr. Gladys McGarey and from Medical Intuitive Caroline Myss!
Promo Clip

(New webisodes added each week!)

Best Set at AustinCityLimits...

Erykah Badu



Arguably, the best show- and the most surprising, was from the Dallas-born Erykah Badu. I have always been sort of a fan but after her show I am now full-fledged. Her voice alone is enough to give you chills... She seemed like a Queen, even pregnant and wearing a t-shirt and sweatpants. A true artist.

Below are two great tracks. I'll give you one guess what 'Soldier' is about.
please enjoy

AND in Close Second- These fine fellows

VampireWeekendz
picture gallery from ACL here

Is race an issue this election?

As much as we would like to ignore it- Racism still exists in America. It is certainly not as big a problem as it once was for sure, but it still lurks in the uneducated and closed minds of some Americans.

However, it is important that we do not condemn those who are racist. We must embrace them and understand where they are coming from. In many instances, it is their upbringing and culture which has bred this misunderstanding in them.

While canvassing a few weeks ago, Adam and I came across one such instance. We approached the house on our list with some hesitance. The house itself seemed to be on it's last leg and the yard was littered with furniture and old bed mattresses. Looking through the tattered screen door we could see a sparsely furnished living room centered around a blaring tv set.

Our target, if you will, approached the door. He was in his late 50s with short gray hair and a pot belly. He looked tired and worn in his work clothes. Our hearts went out to him. We figured he lived alone and worked hard just to make ends meet.

"Hello, are you Mr. SoandSo?"

"Yes." His breath smelled faintly of beer.

"Hi, I'm Ashli with Barack Obama's Campaign for Change. We are just going around and talking with our neighbors, trying to get a feel for how everyone will be voting. Have you made up your mind for the November election?"

"Well, no." He replied somewhat embarrassed. "I don't much care for McCain... but I don't feel I can vote for Obama because he's black."

Just as frank as that. We weren't altogether surprised to hear it but it still caught us off guard.

I recovered quickly "Well, are there any issues that are bothering you that we might talk with you about?"

"Well... I would like to see workers' wages catch up with inflation. I haven't had a raise in I don't know how long..." He then opened up. Before too long the three of us were ranting about the injustices we'd seen in the past 8 years and how McCain would just be more of the same.

Mr. SoandSo seemed almost excited when he said, "Well, I reckon I'll probably be voting for Obama." We made sure he was registered and then thanked him for his time, left him some campaign lit and wished him a good night.

The best part of knocking on doors is that you meet your neighbors. You even get to speak with some of them about their worries and concerns and you find they aren't too far off from your own. A sense of community and empathy for others is something that is missing from our cities and which needs desperately to be revived.

So, to answer the title of this blog- yes. Yes racism is still an issue. Fortunately, however, it is manageable. We just need to open up to those who have racist tendencies instead of turning our backs on them.

This blog is written in response to an excellent pro-Obama speech given by AFL-CIO's Richard Trumka about racism in America.

Uncertain times, yes. Hang in there!

Tighten belts and don't panic!

I know these are very uncertain times. And, although a lot of us haven't been affected directly yet, there is reason for concern. MSNBC just published "Edgy? Coping with an Economic Panic Attack"- great article with some helpful hints for staying calm.

Unfortunately, the economic mess won’t likely be solved overnight, so Americans will need to learn to cope with the ongoing uncertainty.

"* Talk openly about your fears, says Kathleen Hall, CEO and founder of the Stress Institute. “You need to be able to say things like, ‘I’m scared to death we’re going to lose the house’ or ‘We may not have money to buy food,’” she says. Yet, while you should share your feelings, don't obsess over it. Get it out of your system and then move on to lighter topics.
* Don’t become a recluse as you try to ride out the uncertainty, or if you've already been personally affected. Physical proximity to other people can stimulate the feel-good hormone oxytocin and lift your spirits. “Try to have lunch with someone at least once a week,” Hall says.
* Certain foods may also help calm you, although that doesn’t mean you should scarf down fatty, sugary junk food. Hall suggests foods rich in vitamin B-6, such as bananas, tuna and turkey, which are known to stimulate the production of stress-relieving serotonin in your body.
* Find distractions. Watch a funny movie. Take deep breaths which can help regulate your blood pressure."

If we all work together to weather this storm- especially on a local, community level, we'll all come out of this in one piece.

"Edgy? Coping with an Economic Panic Attack"