During the debate last week, both candidates spewed a lot of tax plan “details” back and forth but I couldn’t really figure out what either of them were actually proposing or how it would affect me. So, I was delighted to find this new thought leadership piece from my employer, “A familiar call for change: tax platforms of the presidential candidates“ waiting in my Inbox this morning.
One of my favorite things about summer hands down is The Tour de France. I am not a cyclist and I’ll admit I started watching about 8 years ago because of a fascination with Lance Armstrong. But my drooling over Lance gradually turned into a love of the race in general – the determination of the racers, the drama between teams and racers, the fantastic coverage, the views of the beautiful country side and crazy people along the sides of the road - and now I find myself recording and excitedly watching the 4 hours of coverage every day. (Ok, sometimes on fastforward, cause 4 hours is really a long time to watch anything)
There are lots of names I recognize, but no clear winners and a good number of first timers that are keeping things really interesting. I am really digging the riders from team Garmin-Chipotle (formerly Slipstream), an American team that entered as a wild card and has done quite well in the first 5 stages. One of their riders, David Millar, was involved in a big doping scandal several years ago, and he, along with the whole team, are dedicated to “clean” racing. A great idea, I think, that could go a long way toward cleaning up cycling and all of the other sports that are in big need of an overhaul.
I know we’ve got some actual cyclists here on the porch. Who do you guys like to win it this year?
Finally made it to State College yesterday, but we were completely exhausted after what turned out to be 12 hours of traveling. Our 6 am flight from Austin to Memphis was diverted to Tupelo because of massive storms (and after a very hairy attempt at landing in our tin can sized plane), then the plane turned right back around after fueling and we made our Detroit connection in Memphis without a second to spare. Sat on the tarmac in Detroit for about an hour, then finally finished the last leg to State College. Good times.
Mom is of course thrilled to have us here. Of course, there’s one person (er, animal) who wishes we’d never left.
Still in love with the Wii Fit, and logging in faithfully almost every day. Sadly, none of my Wii buddies love it as much as I do (or maybe, my Mii is just really boring?)
A shiny WiiFit box was waiting for me when we got back from a long weekend with the family for the Memorial Day holiday. I’ve been eagerly awaiting this game for months, and I’m pleased to say I wasn’t disspaointed. The exercises are not only a blast, but they’re actual EXERCISE – my heart rate was up quite a bit on several of the games, particularly in the aerobics and balance sections.
The personal trainer is especially great – the instruction is perfect. I’m pleased as punch to report that I am indeed pretty fit (particularly high marks in the Yoga and Strength Training sections), but my balance and reaction times are pretty bad. Luckily, I’ve now got a personalized training program all mapped out that will evolve as I meet goals. FANTASTIC!
I suspect that there’s no chance you’ll forget to vote today, especially given the constant tv and video ads, plus the friendly reminders from certain Obama supporters in the DC area (thanks, Alex!).
Just in case you didn’t get the handy “do the texas 2 step” mailer from Obama, here’s what to do:
FIRST – Between 7 am and 7 pm – vote in your primary. You can find your voting locating here.
SECOND – At 7:15 sharp, attend the caucus at your primary voting location. Raise your hand when they say the name of the fine candidate you support. You MUST have voted in the democratic primary to caucus.
Have fun today, everyone. Oh, and if I happen to see you without an “I Voted” sticker today watch out for a swift kick in the shins.
Another one for the WDYLIA files – the recent showing of Semi-Pro live at the Alamo Drafthouse, with Will Farrell in person. The fabulous Tim League insisted that we all show up in full Flint Tropics uniforms, which made for some pretty hilarious photos. (Note John’s beautifully feathered hair and my turquoise eye shadow – thanks, Sandy!)
Semi-Pro is now my 2nd favorite Will Farrell movie (after Anchorman, of course). It’s laugh out loud funny, fast paced and kindof sweet.
Thought this was interesting, particularly in light of recent conversations.
I’m still undecided, but if I were basing my vote on these photos of the candidates, Obama gets it, hands down.
I’m sure it’s no shock I’m a registered Democrat, and I’m really having a hard time deciding who I’m going to vote for come March 4. It’s an interesting (and pretty thrilling, really) field of candidates. American Apparel decided to weigh in on my choice via email this morning: Read more!
I have mentioned my recent obsession with Sufjan Stevens on numerous occasions (here, here, and also kindof here) but this music just continues to blow my mind. Today while listening through my ear phones at work, I “heard“ the lyrics for what may be my new fave song for the first time.
Say what you will about pop music, but this is one of the best pieces of poetry about growing older that I’ve read since the great Mr. Prufrock:
“Speaking their names, they shake the flag
Waking the earth, it lifts and lags
We see a thousand rooms to rest
Helping us taste the bite of death
I know, I know my time has passed
I’m not so young, I’m not so fast
I tremble with the nervous thought
Of having been, at last, forgot”
And, yes, it’s from a song about zombies.
Sandy let me on to a new health craze that’s apparently sweeping the nation. The Hawaii Chair lets you excercise while SITTING DOWN! Ellen was kind enough to do a demo on her show.
Growing up in B/CS, TX my family would often hang out with a few other families whose parents all taught at the local university. I haven’t really kept in touch with anyone, but have vaguely kept an eye on the set of brothers who happen to make films here in Austin. Their new movie, Goliath, is playing at Sundance and is getting some national press. From the trailer, David Zellner plays a working man’s William H. Macy, who is having a break down over the loss of his cat. The trailer has convinced John that we should be making full length films, and it’s convinced me that I should keep better track of childhood acquaintances in case they get all famous.
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For the last month I’ve been cheating on the Porch with my own blog on the side. Nothing in particular to see over there, but it was starting to seem like a dirty little secret. Now you know everything.