Everyone, please, stop being so hysterical about Obama and Ayers

As one who lives in the Chicagoland area, this story is such a freaking YAWN! Chicago has 2.5 daily newspapers (the 1/2 is the RedEye). 6.5 channels devote hours every day to news coverage (the 1/2 is CLTV). Everything Barack Obama has done or said over the last four years, ever since a star was born at the 2004 Democratic Convention (at the time he was running for Senate here in Illinois) has been examined by our local press.

THERE IS NOTHING TO
BARACK OBAMA'S RELATIONSHIP
WITH AYERS, FOLKS!

Nothing. Nada. Zip.

This is a city that lives and breathes scandal. This is the home of the Elliott Ness of The New Millennium, Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald. This is Illinois, where a Republican Governor is currently in prison and a Democratic Governor is about to be indicted. Evil doing is to reporters here what cat nip is to cats.

If there was anything of substance to the Ayers-Obama story, it would have originally come out during Obama's senate race.

More recently it was investigated again (here's a link to the Sun-Times story) when Hillary Clinton brought it up during the primaries. Nothing there, folks.

If this isn't enough for you, here's a link to the Woods Fund of Chicago's website, so you can see all the other heinous criminals who "associate" with William Ayers. They look like a dangerous crowd to me.

I am not minimizing anything Ayers and his wife, Bernadette Dohrn, did decades ago. I am minimizing Ayers' practically non-existant relationship with Obama.

Tony Rezko, that's another story. (You'll have to look that up yourself. I shouldn't have to do ALL your homework for you.) But McCain and Palin aren't emphasizing that, even though they might. It's not as easy to link "sleazy land deal" with "terrorist."

I hope that everyone sees this sad and dangerous act on McCain's part for what it is. When it comes to weighing a candidate's fitness to serve as President, I hope everyone remembers that McCain responds with cheap shots and half truths when things aren't going his way.

I can still blush

Last night I had a lovely dinner and a few drinks with my friend, John. I took the 9:40 commuter train home (it's safer than the el at that hour) and decided to occupy myself during the ride with American Wife. During a graphic sex scene, a younger woman took the seat beside me.

"Good book?" she asked.

"Huh? What? Yes, thanks," I said, feeling my cheeks turn scarlet.

The book is a fictionalized account of a certain First Lady, one who went from being a small town librarian to marrying the son of a wealthy, well-connected political family. Since I don't think of that woman as being highly sexual, I just didn't expect that passage. So I reacted the way a junior highschool boy would when his mom finds Playboy under his mattress.

To make it worse, my seatmate showed me her book. It was about the woman who played the role of muse for some painter I never heard of.

Ok, so I'm lower brow. But I bet my book ends up being more fun.

I wonder how many coworkers would agree ...

You Aren't A Diva

You don't like to cause a fuss or draw attention to yourself. You're easygoing, and you can even put up from diva behavior from others. This makes you everyone's favorite trusty companion. But watch out - it could also make you their favorite doormat.

Are You a Diva?

This just in! Another reason to be pro-Obama

Visit the Best Friends Animal Shelter website and read how, after the election, Barack and Michelle Obama are adopting a shelter dog for their daughters.

There are as many as 12 million dogs and cats in US shelters. As one who has always gotten her pets from shelters, I can assure you that they are just as loving as pedigreed dogs and cats. I'm thrilled that the Obamas are making adoption their first option.

Happy Birthday, John Lennon

He would be 68 years old today.

I miss what might have been. Would he still be singing? Or would he have concentrated on exploring his talents as an artist or a writer more fully?

I miss his candor and his creative fearlessness. He would not be one of those artists who believes in keeping his world view to himself so as not to polarize his audience. John seemed to be determined to make you declare whether you were with him or against him.

I miss seeing what he'd be like at 68. Would he be a vibrant example of "60 is the new 50," with an active, healthy lifestyle? Or would all the smoking and drinking and drugs have taken their toll? Would his turbulent soul have quieted a bit so he could enjoy this time of his life surrounded by cats and kids and other loved ones? (I hope so.)

I'm going to listen to my favorite solo Lennon song, "Watching the Wheels." If you're a fan, what song would you like to remember him with?

Feeling better about it all

This evening, after the workday had officially ended, I ran into that coworker (the one who has played such a big role in my days lately) in the ladies' room. Since most people had gone home, it was quiet and we weren't interrupted. I believe that we understand one another better now. She was pleasant -- as she always is -- but she didn't hold her cards as close to the vest. We discussed ways to help prevent this situation from happening again, and agreed that our differences aren't personal.

So three cheers for ladies' room detente!

No one knows what goes on behind closed doors

I had a bit of a confrontation with the goody-goody coworker I mentioned earlier. It wasn't much of a confrontation because that's not her style. I presented my concerns and supported them with a chart and background information and all she had was her opinion. I'm grateful that my creative teammates voiced their agreement with me. It took a little over an hour to get this all ironed out and it was stressful, but now it's behind us and we can concentrate on the work.

At least I hope it's behind us.

She's always so measured and controlled that I'm never sure what she's really thinking. My boss' door was closed for a while this morning and I was sure it was her complaining about me.

Oh, it was just me be silly/paranoid. Not only was she not complaining about me, it wasn't even her in my boss' office.

It would help, though, if she was a bit more genuine. Or if I just understood her better. Her inscrutability makes me nervous.

I'm sick of how much these two dislike each other

As I watch tonight's debate, Senators McCain and Obama are giving me a headache. Snipping and sniping. Please guys, just cut it out. It's really unpleasant to witness. I think the only way to get through this is to do a shot every time McCain calls the audience, "my friend."

Heads or Tails #18 -- Black or White

I haven't HoT'd for months, so forgive me if I'm a little rusty …

Today's theme is "Black OR White." I opt for black, and here are five songs that use "black," but not "white," in the lyrics;

Black Is Black -- Los Lobos. "Black is black, I want my baby back. It's gray, it's gray, since she went away. Oh-oh, what can I do? Cuz I'm feelin' blue."

Back to Black -- Amy Winehouse. "We only said goodbye with words. I died a hundred times. You go back to her, when I go back to black."

Paint It Black -- The Rolling Stones. "I see a red door and I want it painted black. No colors anymore, I want them to turn black."

Baby's in Black -- The Beatles. "Oh, dear! What can I do? Baby's in black and I'm feeling blue. Tell me, oh, what can I do?"

Black -- Pearl Jam. "All the pictures had been all been washed in black, tattooed everything."

To see how other bloggers responded, or to play yourself, click here.

See what last weekend did to Cub fans?

It's almost dawn and here I am, online and on the sofa, watching loyal Cub fan Vince Vaughn recreate the role of Norman Bates in Psycho.

I can't sleep.

I'm upset about work -- both in micro (I hate the revisions I have to make to this project) and macro (maybe I should just go along peacefully because the economy's bad and I don't want to lose this job) ways.

I miss my best friend.

I miss the Cubs.

I'm going to watch the end of the movie from bed. If I don't doze off soon, tomorrow morning is going to be brutal.

Why can't we all just think like me?

I have been clashing with a coworker. She is very blonde and very nice (in a completely superficial way, as in, "It's always so nice to see flowers on your desk!"). But she's a chocolate-covered spider -- she's just as willful as I am and wants her way just as badly. She's just sweeter about it.

I am creative and she is account. I am responsible for communicating our message to the public, she is responsible for making sure that I remain true to the strategy. On this project, she thinks I'm difficult and I think she's short-sighted.

I wish we had been able to wave our arms around and scream like the coworkers in this illustration. Hash it out, clear the air, and move on. Alas, that's not her style and so we talked in circles, realizing we reached an impasse. I promised to compromise and consider her input more seriously when I rework the concept tomorrow. And I will. But compromise is not capitulation. I owe our client the best possible product and I intend to deliver it.

Manic Monday #19

What is one thing you admire about each of your parents? My mother loves and respects animals. She showed us by example that our pets were members of the family and should be treated that way. My dad read a lot and enjoyed history. I got that from him.

Which parts of your home do you like best? The view from my living room window. I'm on the fourth floor and I look into a tree top and it's quite cool.

Which would you prefer and why? To have every stoplight turn green upon your arrival for the rest of your life or to have one week of the best sex any person ever had? Since I love the planet and wouldn't want to add to carbon emissions, I guess I'll have to take the 7 days of heavenly sex. That's OK. No need to thank me.

To play along yourself, click here.

Just when I'm in danger of feeling good about myself ...

… I see Kelly Ripa. I don't watch Regis & Kelly, but I am aware that she has 3 young children, a really hot husband (Mark Consuelos), and a great body. I see her on commercials for Wisk and home appliances. She always looks terrific in a natural, girl next door kinda way, even though she clearly has a busy life.

I'm a pudge who was too lazy to work out today. Today I cleaned my tiny kitchen and yesterday it was my teeny-tiny bathroom and was feeling virtuous. Then I saw that I still haven't replaced the shelf paper under the sink, even though I bought the new stuff at Ace Hardware back on July 14 (the receipt is still in the bag). My living room, bedroom and den are all messes.

Kelly Ripa is busier than I am and yet maintains her looks and her life. Kelly Ripa's house is clean. Kelly Ripa works out. I bet even when her hair is in the in-between growing out stage my hair is in, she knows how to blow it out so it still looks sleek.

I hate Kelly Ripa. Almost as much as I hate me.

Today Peggy Noonan didn't annoy me!

This morning on Meet the Press, Ms. Noonan wasn't patronizing nor partisan nor pedantic. Instead, she was another "p" word, "patriotic." She was the voice of calm, of concern, and of consequence. She explained why she feared that John McCain was going to go the "scorched earth" route against Barack Obama, that Obama would then have to respond in kind, and how we would all suffer. She was impressive, not annoying, which is why I am giving her book a plug.

If that angry Noonan lover Steve is still lurking, I'm sorry but this is illustrated with her book cover, so there's no reason to defend her accessories or her lip gloss. Tee hee.

Sunday Stealing -- The Aging Meme

At a certain age women should: cover up the weathered décolletage.

At a certain age men should: make peace with the receding hairline and give up the artful combing.

When I was a kid I thought I would: dye my hair blonde. (Didn't understand that it would make my skin look sallow.)

Now that I am older I wish: I had saved and flossed more.

You know you are too old to party when: the boys who ask you to dance are exactly that -- boys.

You know you are too young to retire when: you have only 53% of the money you need to maintain your lifestyle!

When I was in high school I listened to the music of: The Beatles

Nowadays I find I like the music of: The Beatles.

On my last birthday I: was miserable, because I shared the momentous occasion with Thanksgiving.

On my next birthday I want to: have a better time.

The best birthday present I ever got was: flowers from former coworkers, delivered to my new office. It was so thoughtful and the timing was perfect! (I have received many terrific gifts over the years, this was just the first one to pop into my head.)

The first time I felt grown up was: when my dad died.

The last time I felt like a kid was: when the Cubs clinched the division title.

When I read Saving Graces, by the inspiring Elizabeth Edwards, it changed my life.
Last year was: OK

Next year I hope: to see the beginning of the Obama Administration.

For more information, or to play yourself, click here.

This wasn't the year

Right now, at this very moment, being a Cub fan hurts like hell. It's hard to watch the team with the best record in the NL not hit, not field, and pitch badly.

But this was a terrific season. I love Lou. I learned how to pronounce "Kosuke Fukudome." I watched Geovany Soto decisively take over the catcher's role. I saw Reed Johnson make the catch of the year. And we were the Division Champions for the second year in a row. That was certainly very cool. As Fred Astaire sang, "They can't take that away from me."

As for the World Series … Maybe next year.

Don't vote

Watch this video: Don't Vote (It was produced by young Leo here)

Then register to vote (find out how at http://maps.google.com/vote ), and pass this information along to your friends.

Fellow bloggers, will you help to get out the word? Tag five of your friends and ask them to share this information about the “don’t vote” meme.

I was tagged for this by BookMama, and I really tried to download the video, but I couldn't! Forgive me.

Now for the tags …
Kwizgiver
Snarkypants
Philly Transplant
Jenny McB
Cupcake

Is my glass 49% full or 51% empty?

I filled out an online retirement calculator and discovered that I have 7% chance of meeting my own retirement goals and will most likely hit 65 with just 49% of the money I'll need to maintain my current standard of living after I stop working.

My best friend, who is very knowledgeable about these things, tells me that 1) I'm doing better than most Boomers, and 2) I better start socking more away.

THIS JUST IN! If I include my "emergency fund" (8 months' worth of living expenses) as an asset, I will most likely hit 65 with 53% of the money I'll need. These new numbers make me feel 4% better about my financial future.

My senior moment, courtesy of Tim Allen

There were two sets of TVs on at the health club today. One group aired CNN, and the others showed Home Improvement. As I switched my attention back and forth between the sitcom and the Congressional vote on the bail out, it occurred to me that I could not remember Tim Taylor's real name. His "wife" was played by Patricia Richardson, I knew that. But I could not remember Tim! I could recall that he was the voice of Buzz Lightyear, that he wrote a book with a title about standing next to a naked man, that he'd done time for coke before he became famous.

It was making me crazy! Not because I care -- I don't believe I've seen an entire episode of Home Improvement from start to finish -- but because I could not remember his name! This went on for about 10 highly-distracted minutes. Then, as I left the cardio area of the club and headed toward the machines, "Tim ALLEN" popped into my head.

Oh well, I feel better for the physical exercise, and I got to move my excercycler (bottom of the page).

Tired and sad

I got home from my nephew's birthday party and immediately turned on the TV. I watched the five-run second inning. I saw the errors. I stayed with it as long as I could ... then I began toggling back and forth between the game and the VP debate. I found myself eating handsful of carmel corn (my nephew is selling tins of the stuff for his scout troop), and decided to look away. I had worked pretty hard to reduce my sugar/sweets intake, and while I had to BUY the caramel corn, no one said I had to eat it all -- and in one sitting, no less.

I cannot believe my Cubs lost, and lost so decisively.

It's exhausting.

Birthday Boy!

Today is my nephew's 9th birthday. I took the day off so I can be at his house when he gets home from school. I am very excited about seeing him with his gifts -- these remote-controlled "Karts." Mario and Yoshi are each about a foot tall, so you can imagine the size of the box. He's still at the age where he's wowed by the size of the gift, as well as the contents, so I think he'll be very excited.

He's a new Cub fan, though, so I must suck it up and put on a happier face for when we talk about last night's game. We must keep the faith!

Well, this was cruel

I cannot believe how tonight's Cubs/Dodgers game went! Not only did Ryan Dempster give up walk after walk, which isn't like him, the offense could only come up with two runs, which isn't like them. Worst of all, guess who came in as the Dodger closer, efficiently getting three outs in Wrigley Field.

Go ahead, guess ...

I know this is most likely Greg Maddux' last post season. I always consider it a privilege to watch him pitch.

But come on! This was soooo hard for me. Must I watch my all-time favorite Cub finish off the Cubs in the first game of the play-offs?

Thursday Thirteen #88 -- The Home of the Chicago Cubs

THIRTEEN FACTS
ABOUT WRIGLEY FIELD

As Eddie Vedder sings in his Cub tribute song, “Someday We’ll Go All the Way:”
When you’re born in Chicago you’re blessed and you’re healed/every time you walk into Wrigley Field.

You don’t have to be a Cub fan to enjoy the ambience, the beer and hotdogs. Here are just some of the things that make Wrigley Field so special:

1) Built in 1914, it’s the second oldest park in the majors (Boston’s Fenway is two years older)

2) It’s pretty. The vines were added in 1937 and they make Wrigley Field feel more like a park than a stadium.

3) That’s the original scoreboard! The inning-by-inning scores are still changed by hand from inside the board.

4) Four Cubs have had their jerseys retired, and their numbers fly on flags above the park (14 – Ernie Banks; 10 – Ron Santo; 26 – Billy Williams; 23 – Ryne Sandberg).

5) The park was christened "The Friendly Confines" by Cub great/MVP/Hall of Famer, Ernie Banks.

6) Ernie’s nickname is "Mr. Cub." A statue of him was unveiled in front of the park at the beginning of this season.

7) Ernie hit his 500th career homerun in this park.

8) Sammy Sosa hit his 60th homerun here during three separate seasons (1998, 1999 and 2001)

9) Perhaps the most famous player of all time, Babe Ruth, added to Wrigley Field’s legend, and his own. In 1932 he pointed to the bleachers, indicating exactly where he would hit the next pitch, and then made good on the brag with a homerun.

10) When one of baseball’s most infamous, Pete Rose, got the base hit that tied him on the all-time list with Ty Cobb, he did it in Wrigley Field.

11) A “W” or “L” flags flies over Wrigley Field at the end of each game. Before the Cubs added lights, all Wrigley Field games were played during the day. The “W” for win flag (and “L” for loss) were flown for commuters on their way home who were unable to watch or listen to the game.

12) Another Wrigley Field tradition is for bleacher fans to throw back any homerun hit by an opposing player. I’ve heard that sports memorabilia collectors actually weep when think of the money that right-thinking Cub fans toss back onto the field.

13) The first night game at Wrigley Field took place in August 1988, and was suspended because of a torrential rainstorm. Some of us believed it was God’s way of saying baseball is meant to played under the sun.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

A music meme with specific directions

Stolen, of course, from Kwizgiver. I'm glad that the rules and procedures are spelled out so plainly, as I'm having trouble concentrating on anything but THE CHICAGO CUBS today.

1. Grab the nearest CD.
2. Put it in your CD-Player (or start your mp3-player, I-tunes, etc.).
3. Skip to Song 3 (or load the 3rd song in your 3rd playlist)
4. Post the first verse in your journal along with these instructions. Don’t name the band, nor the album-title.

Billy Ray was a preacher's son and when his daddy would visit he'd come along
When they gathered 'round and started talking, that's when Billy would take me walking
Through the back woods we'd go walking
Then he looked into my eyes
Lord knows, to my surprise

If choose to play, come back and let me know. Kwizgiver stumped me with hers and I'd like to redeem myself.

My heart is so full of love, it encompasses all Chicago baseball fans

The White Sox won their special tie-breaker game and are now officially in the play-offs. Good luck to them and their fans. (Did I really just say that?) They will need it, since Tampa is a scary-good team.

It's almost here!

Remember how you felt as evening approached and then night fell on December 24? How you KNEW it was impossible to think about anything else but the magic of Santa and Christmas Day?

That's how I feel right now. The NLDS begins tomorrow within the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field!

This photo is from today's post-season rally at Daley Plaza. I skipped it because, well, I already have TONS o' spirit. But isn't it great to see all that Cubbie blue? I wanted to preserve that shot of the Picasso. Doesn't the cap complete her?

Isn't this going to be the BEST OCTOBER in the history of Octobers?

Go, Cubs, Go!

Tuesday Tunes #13

Word associations this week: Tell us the first, song, band/artist, album or anything music related that comes to mind when you see these words:

Space: 2001 (Also Sprach Zarathustra) -- and Elvis, of course
Party: like it's 1999 (Prince)
Darkness: on the Edge of Town (Bruce)
Reading: "If You're Reading This" (Tim McGraw)
Touch: "Human Touch" (Springsteen again)
New: "You Make Me Feel Brand New" (Stylistics)
Gone: "Already Gone" (Eagles)
Jazz: "All that Jazz" (from Chicago)
Song: "The Song We Were Singing" (Paul McCartney)
Bag: "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" (James Brown)

To play along yourself, click here.

DAY 30 -- September Fitness Challenge

You may not be able to tell, but our jump-roper is not smiling. At the end of the September Fitness Challenge, I don't believe I have lost a frigging ounce, which could be because I only moved my exercyclist seven spots toward my ultimate goal (which is to be in noticeably better shape by December 1).

This makes me sad.

I will try to focus on the bright side. It's been a source of amusement to some of you commenters, but I am VERY PROUD of the fact that I have virtually eliminated candy from my diet. Throughout the entire month of September, my candy/bakery intake has been:

• One chocolate chip brownie
• One package of Twizzlers (which I had at the movies, and since I consider Twizzlers or Sno-caps a part of the film-going experience, I'm not sure I regret it)
• One scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream

I have a prodigious sweet tooth, and have instead been satisfying it with yogurt and fruit. That makes me happy. Therefore I will concentrate on that as my September Accomplishment, and try to stay on the wagon, as it were.

I'm a fan

I'm watching Laura Linney right now as Sean Penn's hard-as-nails wife in Mystic River. Hard to believe this is the same actress who was so majestic, so wise as Abigail Adams (right) on HBO … and so sweetly twitterpated over her coworker (below) in Love, Actually ... and so earnest and confused in You Can Count on Me … and so sleek and ambitious in Primal Fear.

It has just occurred to me that I don't think I've ever seen this versatile actress be anything but very good.

This just in: Cubbie Blue to prevail over Dodger Blue

It's all in place: the Phillies will play the Brewers and, in an all-blue matchup, the Cubs take on the Dodgers. I'm feeling strong and confident. Of course, it's more important that the Cubs feel strong and confident.

This series will be an emotional one for me, as there are Dodgers I feel genuine affection for: My beloved future Hall of Famer Greg Maddux and Nomar Garciaparra, who was a Cub briefly. So, while naturally it's vitally important that the Cubs defeat the Dodgers, I don't want them to humiliate the Dodgers.

Unless of course, Joe Torre has the temerity, the insensitivity, the complete and utter lack of respect to not carry Greg Maddux on his play-off roster. There should be no dissing the 7th winningest pitcher in the history of the game. Should that happen, I hope my Cubs frigging annihilate the Dodgers.

Sunday Stealing #5

SundayStealing: The "More About Me Me Me" Meme

My favorite age: 35. It felt very attractive, very womanly.

My best friend(s): The one I have referred to on this blog as, creatively enough, My Best Friend.

My celebrity crush: Current -- Don Draper from Mad Men; Eternal -- Paul McCartney

My defining characteristic: I'm very verbal

My most evil moment: I regret something very mean that I once said to a lover, something I said just to hurt him -- I'm not even sure I meant it.

My favorite food: Beef

My grossest injury: Uterine fibroids. C'mon, who really wants to hear about 'em?

My biggest hatred: Adults who CHOOSE to be uninformed voters. The government is everyone's responsibility.

My most illegal activity: I'm really very dull in this area. I can't think of a one.

My need for justice: I hate bullies. If I can dive in and even the odds a little, I will.

My most knowledgeable field: Beatle lore. Or maybe movie trivia.

My life’s goal: To be content.

My mother’s influence: Love of animals

My nerdiest point: I love the database/demographic aspect of advertising. Really.

My oldest memory: Trying to stand up next to the red ottoman when I was a toddler. It's only a split second I can recall, but it's very clear.

My perfect date: A movie and dinner

My unanswered question: Why?

My random fact: I was born at the stroke of midnight between the 21 and 22. That makes me on the cusp of a cusp -- a fact that freaks astrologists out

My stupidest decision: To stay with Stevie as long as I did.

My favorite television show: Mad Men

My style of underwear: Hanes white cotton panties -- I accept no substitutes

My favorite vegetable: Corn

My weakest trait: My temper can make me impulsive

My X-men power: I'm depressingly normal

My strongest yearning: Love

My moment of Zen: Soaking in the tub, singing along with the oldies on my shower radio

Saturday 9: You've Got a Friend

1. Who is your best friend? A gentleman who appears often in this blog, referred to as My Best Friend.

2. How did you meet? At an agency where he already worked and I joined as a freelancer. He's an account executive, I'm a creative.

3. How long have you known each other? 4 1/2 years.

4. Have you traveled anywhere together? When we were still coworkers, we went on a few business trips together. When he was on an extended assignment in Los Angeles, I traveled out there and stayed a few days. We went to a Dodger game and had a terrific time.

5. Did you ever have a problem over a romantic interest that you shared? No, since he's a married straight guy and I'm a hetero woman.

6. Have you ever not liked your best friend’s choice of lovers? No. He's been married since I have known him, so we never will have this problem, either.

7. How long since you have seen your best friend? It's been months! It looked like he might be in next week, but alas, the meeting is being handled via conference call instead.

8. Do you remember each other on birthdays and holidays? Yes! He gave me my best birthday gift last year. He researched the best-selling book on the day I was born (The Scapegoat), the year's Oscar-winning movie (Bridge over the River Kwai), a print-out of the Time magazine cover from the week I was born, etc. It was thoughtful and creative.

9. What is the biggest fight that you have ever had? Oh golly! We have argued many times! It generally starts when one of us teases the other, and we go too far. We always make up, though. We seldom go more than a day or two without communicating.

To play along yourself, click here.

The Bluest Eyes in Heaven

I have said it before -- I thought Paul Newman was the coolest guy in the universe. I'm so sad to hear he died yesterday, and only hope his passing was peaceful. The coolest guy in the universe deserved no less.

He was an electrifying film presence. If you haven't seen Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid or Cool Hand Luke, get yourself to Blockbuster right now! It was more than his movies that made him so cool, though …

He was married to the same woman for half a century, a woman who is pretty damn cool herself, Ms. Joanne Woodward. He used his fame for good, whether he was marching with Dr. King in Washington or raising hundreds of millions of dollars for charity with his Newman's Own products.

I live next door to recipients of his good works. In addition to providing sliding scale daycare for my community, the building next door is home to anywhere from a dozen to twenty kids who are waiting for placement in foster care. I didn't realize how often these children are separated from their siblings, but when this sad situation came to the attention of Paul Newman's foundation, a happy tradition began. Each summer, the kids next door and their siblings (whether already placed in foster homes or living in another communal children's home here in Chicagoland) spend the day together at a nearby amusement park, courtesy of Newman's Own.

Paul Newman touched so many hearts, with his movies, with his dedication to social causes, with those blue eyes. I'm grateful for film, so that in a way he'll always be with us.

As I watch tonight's debate ...

... and as I listen to Obama and McCain go back and forth about which foreign leaders it's OK to meet with and which ones aren't, I think about a quote from John Kennedy's Inaugural Address:

"So let us begin anew - remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate. "

Everyone knows that address for, "Ask not what your country can do for you ..." but it's filled with passages that sound as relevant today as they did more than 40 years ago.

"Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths, and encourage the arts and commerce."

'The trumpet summons us again - not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need; not as a call to battle, though embattled we are - but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, 'rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation' - a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself."

He inspired us first to dream and then to act, and reminded us what makes America the greatest nation on earth. Reading voraciously about JFK has informed my politics and world view, and I'm proud to be his acolyte. Naturally this has led me to Barack Obama today.

P.S. My prayers are with the youngest Kennedy brother tonight. As I post this, Ted Kennedy is back home and resting comfortably.

Maybe love IS all you need

TEL AVIV (Reuters) - Paul McCartney gave his first concert in Israel on Thursday before tens of thousands of cheering fans, 43 years after the Beatles were barred from singing there because of fears they could corrupt youngsters.

Security was tight at Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv and media reports in Britain said an Islamist militant had threatened the ex-Beatle, while some Palestinians urged him to cancel his trip over Israel's occupation of the West Bank since 1967.

The 66-year-old ignored the demands, but delighted Palestinian fans during his visit to the region when he went to the West Bank city of Bethlehem, lit candles at the Church of the Nativity there and wished for peace for Palestinians.

McCartney opened the Tel Aviv gig with Beatles song "Hello Goodbye," and addressed the 40,000 fans in Hebrew and Arabic as well as English throughout the evening.

"Shalom Tel Aviv!" he said, using the Hebrew word for "peace" and "hello." The ex-Beatle also wished the crowd a happy new year in Hebrew ahead of Jewish celebrations next week and wished Muslims a good Ramadan, the month of fasting, in Arabic.

McCartney, who wore a dark suit over a pink shirt, dedicated Wings track "My Love" to Linda, his wife who died of cancer in 1998, and also paid tribute to late Beatles John Lennon and George Harrison.

Teenaged girls were reduced to tears and the crowd waved its arms in the air as the star performed some of his biggest hits during two hours of almost non-stop music.

Among the favorites were "Give Peace a Chance" and "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," the closing number.