Catch up

I can't seem to find the time to make entries on a timely basis! I'm afraid I will have to revert to a list of topics (in no particular order of importance):

1. I heard from a friend of mine that there is a group of people who have a sign over Yesler Way that says "Impeach Cheney First." My kind of people.

2. Warren Buffet is amazing. He just gave away the majority of his wealth to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. I've read several articles on how his philosophy on philanthropy matches his philosophy on investing. His money will go farther by donating it to a foundation that is remarkably effecient and effective. This is a man who doesn't have the vanity to insist on a Warren Buffet foundation; he clearly doesn't need his name on buildings or grants. I'm at a loss for words.

3. World Cup fever has taken over my household. We don't usually watch football (soccer) but for some reason we've watched every game. It's on at home; I turn it on at the office. I LOVE that they don't have any commercials. Just at halftime and then it's mostly commentary during the 15 minute break. I've been watching so much that I just found the song they've been using for the adidas ads. "Eanie Meany" by Tom Noir. The USA and Japan got knocked out in group play so I was rooting for England. Well, that didn't last long. They lost on Saturday to Portugal. It was disappointing. I'm thinking we may see a Germany/France final. I just heard a rumor that the US might be looking at the German manager, Jurgen Klinnsman to take over for the departing Bruce Arena. I say good - we need a foreigner to help us. Of course if we ever win the World Cup it will guarantee that even our last remaining allies will hate us as well. We just need to get into the quarterfinals...someday.

4. The Tour de France shake up. OH MY GOD. They kicked out Ullrich, Basso, Mancebo, Vinokourov (his team), Sevilla, etc. It's out of control. Everyone keeps asking me if I think if they have been taking drugs. My answer is that they ALL take something. It's just a matter of how good they are at hiding it. What's really disappointing for me is that I thought it was going to be a battle between Ullrich and Basso, with Ullrich getting his 2nd TDF win. I figured he would retire after the Tour. Looks like he might retire right now. I will probably never get to see him race again. Sigh. My mother even called me to tell me how sorry she was that Jan got booted out of the Tour. That gives you some indication of my obsession, er, admiration. I was really looking forward to an absence of Lance from this year's Tour, but no such luck. OLN has to mention him every chance they get. Blech. I think I'll be routing for Floyd Landis. I would like to see George Hincapie and Dave Zabriskie do well too.

5. MC doesn't have gamekeeper's thumb. Turns out he just sprained it. He's happy about that.

6. My attempt to buy an iPod on eBay didn't go so well (I had to return the one that I purchased). I ended up buying a refurbished one from Apple. I also bought a shuffle as well. It's fantastic. The "new" 40 gb should be arriving tomorrow. I can't tell you how happy I will be when it arrives!!!!

7. Saw "Superman Returns" last Friday. It wasn't as bad as some of the reviews. It was a bit of a downer and a bit long. Went to "Cars" the weekend before that. I was entertained. My favorite bit was with one of the little Italian cars, Guido ("pit stop"). In one scene he had the fake 'fro wig in Italian colors and waving little Italian flags. He had the complete tifosi look going on. I think you have to see it to appreciate it (and have seen real life Italian fans).

8. The Supreme Court actually ruled against President Bush! Of course, I think that just means that the Bushies will find a way to do what they want in secret. More renditions, etc. God, I feel sorry for our next President. So much work to be done. Speaking of the Bushies, why do we waste so much time and effort discussing a possible Constitutional amendment regarding gay marriage? It boggles the mind. It amazes me that people can get so worked up about it. There are so many other things to be concerned about. The lack of a good education for ALL, the lack of decent healthcare for ALL, the poor, the homeless, appropriate funding for security measures, the environment, the war in Iraq, the situation in Iran, the rocket testing in North Korea, I could go on.

9. We went camping this weekend up at Mt. Rainier.


It was impossibly beautiful. Seems a shame that all of those people who aren't fans of the national parks can't get out and see what wonderful places they are. Also seems a shame that those who don't believe global warming is a problem can't see what we will lose if we don't do everything we can to save our planet.

10. It's our 230 birthday today. Seems like we are going through some tough times. I was thinking the other day that some people might accuse me of being unpatriotic because I express my displeasure with our current adminstration. I love this country. I love it because I can speak disparagingly of our President. I love it because I can disagree with the Republican party. I love it because I can vote for who I want to, I can dissent, I can protest; I can do all of those things and not be thrown in jail. I complain, fret, worry and get angry because this is America and we should be better than we are right now. We should be the country the rest of the world looks to for guidance, as an example of a free and just society. Wanting this country to be "a beacon of freedom" and complaining when we fall short does not mean I am unpatriotic. It means the opposite. It means that I care about this country's legacy to human history. We aren't perfect but we can try to do the best we can. I'm afraid that right now we aren't doing our best. As a side note, I like to tell the story of why my mother decided to become an American citizen after living in this country for almost 25 years as a legal alien. Newt Gingrich. He pissed her off so much that she wanted to vote. Happy 4th of July.