OK, So I'm Getting Crazed

Rachel Maddow is the greatest thing to happen to news since the invention of the internet. In case you haven't happened upon MSNBC's Rachel Maddow Show, check it out. It's funny, sophisticated, and captures the essence of what's going on in the circus we call politics. Enjoy!

No on 8

Vote like our democracy depends on it.

Because it does.

(click on the photo to enlarge)

Studs Terkel 1912-2008

In a former life, I had the privilege of meeting Studs Terkel in his recording studio in Chicago. I was accompanied by Jenny Joseph, the British poet who wrote the poem When I Am an Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple. They chatted for almost an hour, exploring writing, politics, culture, the Great Wars. I felt like Cinderella at a literary ball, hoping that midnight would never come.

At 96, he was likely ready to depart. Those who knew him, even so tangentially, would wish that he could live forever. For more information, www.studsterkel.org

MIA

My yard sign lasted about 48 hours. Shame, shame, shame!

"In Politics, Strangely Enough,

the best way to play your cards is to lay them face upwards on the table." H.G. Wells

H.G. and I share a birthday and a fondness for the past. His "Outline of History" (which has remained in print since 1920) is a personal favorite. 70 years ago today, a radio dramatization of his "War of the Worlds," narrated by Orson Welles, sent the country into hysteria in the belief that it was an actual event. Wonder what he (or Orson) would think about this election season?

"Hi, my name is Sandra

and I'm a volunteer with the Florida Campaign for Change. I'm calling to see if you will be supporting Barack Obama in the November presidential election."Have you decided?

Waiting for Rebar

Trenches are dug and sewer pipe laid, almost imperceptible but emotionally significant steps in the great housing boom in my back yard. Next comes concrete and rebar!

On this day

in 1861, the first intercontinental telegraph line was completed providing "near instantaneous communication" between the east and west coast. At 3:00 am, unable to sleep, I sat at my laptop and checked the latest election polls and world stock news reports. Are we better off now than we were in 1861?

Simply the Best

I first saw Tina when the Ike and Tina Turner Review performed at a club around the corner from my apartment complex in Southern California. I was hooked up with the guy I would eventually marry: Roger Martz. He wasn't black but he was definitely an Ike type--sexy and easily provoked to violence.

This is the Tina I grew to love. She entertained, she inspired. I thought when she retired, I'd never see her again. But life holds surprises. My friend Cindy and I will be in Sacramento tomorrow night, experiencing one more time the energy, the excitement, the LEGS!

Barack and Me

A story old as time: parents die, divorce, go away to look for work, or just disappear. Grandparents step in to make sure the children are fed, clothed, educated. With luck, they're not too damaged by abandonement. And sometimes--with structure and security and unconditional love--they thrive.

My thoughts are with you Senator Obama. Godspeed.

Just One of Those Days

That about says it all...

I Can't Remember

the last time I participated in a political action (other than voting). But last Sunday I joined friends Cindy and Saundra to protest a Palin fundraiser in Burlingame.

Many issues and points of view were represented...

including a much smaller group of McCain/Palin supporters.

Biden vs Palin

4:49 PST

Awaiting the debate, I prepare my Palin bingo cards, one for each of my personalities as I'm going solo on this momentous evening. More to come...

9:05 PST
Well, I'd have enjoyed it more if Palin had imploded, but on average, Joe is "da man." Time to make another donation!