Disturbing Things

Right now, I'm watching 17 Kids and Counting, that TLC show about the Duggar family, those people from Arkansas who now have 18 kids. I'm sorry, but that ain't right. No woman in her right mind would willingly do that to herself. And those poor girls! I mean, they have to practically raise their younger siblings, plus the mom, Michelle, home schools all the kids. On top of all that, the dad, Jim Bob, is a former Republican congressman. The Duggars are ultra-right-wing-y fundie fanatics, to say the least. I prefer the term "cult." I know this is America, and everyone is entitled to live however he or she wants, but I feel for those kids.
Speaking of right-wing fanaticism, did y'all happen to see Ted Haggard on Oprah this past week? Talk about creepy! I think Mrs. Haggard is a Stepford Wife Deluxe. She actually admitted that she sensed something was "off" with Ted during intimate situations. Okay, is the woman completely beaten down, braindead, completely lacking in women's intuition, or a combination of all three? Seriously! And don't even get me started on that daughter of theirs! I think what disturbed me the most, though, was that Ted continues the charade of living as a heterosexual man. I was taught that God loves us as is and that we should always be forthright. Thus, Haggard's behavior (not admitting to being gay, which isn't a choice for most people who are gay) is particularly reprehensible and contradictory, given his social position. Shame!

American and British History 101

Okay, I've got lots to share with y'all this evening. To begin with, I still haven't heard about whether or not I got that job. Apparently, the girl who interviewed me has had the past couple days off. Secondly, I just published a new article on Suite101. It's called: "Anna Harrison: Statistically Atypical First Lady." Also, on this day in 1969, the Fab Four performed their final concert on the rooftop of the Apple Studio in London. Yeah, I'm a Beatles fan. John's my favorite, of course. I think it has something to do with the whole sarcastic wit thing. He also had some awesome quotes and lyrics. My fave is: 'Living is easy with eyes closed.' That's from "Strawberry Fields Forever (1966)." Pure poetry! George is a very close second. In my oh-so-humble opinion, he was the Cute One. Speaking of poetry, on January 29, 1845, Edgar Allen Poe published his classic "The Raven." Irish poet/dramatist William Butler Yeats died on January 29, 1939. Yeats wrote "The Second Coming (1920)," an eerily prophetic poem.

Tonight's Post, Filled with a Variety of Information

Well, folks, I won't find out about the job until tomorrow. In national news, the stim package vote was officially passed today. Of course, the Repubs in the House and Senate were against it. It's like, "Oh, no, it's not at all wasteful to spend billions of dollars on a war that we're not really winning or another nation's infrastructure while our own is crumbling!" In state news, Blago was officially impeached today. In local news, Olney is still a veritable winter wonderland. Also, I think I might summon up the energy to write that Hillary article I promised y'all a month or so ago. Finally, I have good vibes about my employment prospects.

Day Off (Or Off Day?)

I ended up having the day off, due to the weather. While I'm enjoying myself, I am a bit concerned that this will mess up my lesson plan for the communications class. Anyway, I've been passing the time by working out. (I've been doing these vintage (read: 80s) DVDs, performed by this woman named Kathy Smith.) I'm also preparing for my job interview, which is at 4:30 this afternoon. As much as I enjoy teaching, I'm wanting to do something new and different. I'll let y'all know how things went in tomorrow's post.

Other Ashleyverse News

In other Ashleyverse news, my lil' neck of the woods is a veritable winter wonderland. Also, remember when I told y'all about my ongoing job search? Well, I've got an interview tomorrow at Family Video. It's a great American company that offers dedicated employees great benefits and a competitive salary. There's even a possibility of being relocated somewhere in the Midwest. I wouldn't mind living in a metropolitan area in a place like Michigan, Minnesota, or Wisconsin. So, I'll keep y'all posted. Y'all keep your fingers crossed! Lastly, this blog has received a three-star rating on blogarama.com. I'm really excited about that one!

Random News Clips

Well, winter has officially arrived in Southern Illinois. There was a fire this weekend at Vice-President Biden's D.C. office. The veep wasn't there and no one was injured. Congressional Democrats believe that President Obama's proposed economic stimulus package is just a short-term, quick-fix solution to a long-term problem. The Gaza conflict continues, but U.S. diplomacy with the region is imminent. The president's daughters may receive some type of poodle-mix puppy. On that note, my family's 13-year-old chocolate Lab, Samantha, appears to be on the mend after going seemingly downhill for the past several months.

'There She Is...'

I watched Miss America 2009 last night. The pageant was broadcast live on TLC (The Learning Channel). I must say, I was pleasantly surprised. The show wasn't really all that pageant-y at all. The girls all seemed three-dimensional and "with it"-- not at all stereotypical. The majority of the contestants were actually highly intelligent. Miss Indiana was the eventual winner. I really liked her, although I was actually rooting for the first runner-up, Miss Georgia. Anyway, I think both the Miss America and Miss USA organizations have worked hard in recent years to combat the public pageant backlash by updating their programs via emphasis on the interview and talent segments and the contestants' platforms. And, speaking of TLC, the channel is currently airing a series of programs about child beauty pageants. As for my opinions on that topic, well, that's a different story. The whole JonBenet case has really creepified the kiddie pageant scene. Ever see Little Miss Sunshine? Great dark comedy/expose. That said, the new Miss America, Katie Stam, is an excellent role model for smart, accomplished young women.

Politically Themed Date Movie?

Are you and/or your significant other at least quasi-political? If so, you might enjoy a film called Blue State (MGM, 2007). Starring Breckin Meyer and Anna Paquin, the movie is about the aftermath of the 2004 presidential election. John Logue (Meyer) is a liberal blogger and John Kerry supporter. After he learns that Dubya has been re-elected, John decides to make good on a drunken promise to move to Canada if the unthinkable were to happen. On his way to perceived freedom, John meets a sexy, mysterious woman named Chloe (Paquin). When John and Chloe reach the border and arrive at a home owned by a woman who runs an organization called "Marry a Canadian," they realize that the other ex-patriots there only want Canadian citizenship and aren't really all that, well, political. Disillusioned, John and Chloe set out on their own adventure, and John discovers that Chloe has a big secret. These two refugees meet several interesting characters along the way, including a Vietnam-era draft dodger. I recommend that viewers pay close attention to the scene in which John and his strange new friend have a contentious dinner at John's parents' house, located in what John refers to as "a small American town that we'll unfortunately be passing through on our way to Canada." Watch this movie, and be reminded just how far we've come as a nation in the last four years.

Coulter Strikes Again

WARNING: The following rant may be long, somewhat incoherent, and contain obscene language.
I made the mistake of watching Dr. Phil after work yesterday. He had a panel on the show discussing the Obama presidency, including none other than Her Royal Majesty, Ann Coulter. She was misinformed and ignorant-- as usual. She attempted, in a rather feeble manner, to defend her single moms comments. She said that our culture glamorizes the single-mother lifestyle and that the poor have allowed themselves to become victims. The fact of the matter is that eight years of a Republican administration have ruined our economy. (If you study our nation's history, you will see that the GOP has had a tendency to do this. e.g. Herbert Hoover.) Coulter continued to go off on Barack by claiming that he's a Muslim, that he didn't take his oath of office on a Bible, and that his middle name is "Hussein." For starters, Barack is a Christian. Secondly, not everyone in this country is a Christian. And, finally, "Hussein" is simply an Arab surname that's actually about as common as "Smith" or "Jones." Give it up, Ann! Your party is in the crapper. Face facts. No, Barack won't be able to solve all our problems, but we, the people, have to pull together to help him try. As long as he doesn't get us into any more pre-emptive wars and keeps it in his pants, he'll be a relatively excellent two-term president. I have to credit Dubya for one thing: He's lowered expectations for all our elected officials and public servants. As for Dr. Phil himself, he's a neo-con Neanderthal jackass of the highest (excuse me, lowest) order. From this point on, I'm boycotting his pathetic "talk show" indefinitely.

Truth in Comedy

If there's one thing I've realized while watching Comedy Central's inauguration specials the past couple evenings, it's that there's truth in humor. For example, Jon Stewart told the wingnuts over at HOAX News to "let it go" in regards to the Bush administration. That said, I'm gonna get serious on y'all for a moment. Apparently, some folks think I'm biased and closed-minded and on a high horse. I think some folks have too much time on their hands and that they're just bitter that McSame/Pain lost. The fact of the matter is that I tried my dangdest to give Dubya a fair shake and even liked McSame back in 2000-- before the "Straight Talk Express" lost a wheel in Falwellville. We need to "put away childish things" and "channel the better angels of our history." Of course, those are Ole Abe's words that Barack re-iterated in his acceptance speech on Tuesday. (Honestly, I'm not sure that I quoted 'em right, but y'all get the point.) Anywho, let Changefest '09 begin!
P.S. I just remembered that the "putting away childish things" part is from the Bible.

Inauguration Day Recap

Did yesterday rock or what? Barack's speech was beautiful, and he and Michelle, as well as Malia and Sasha, looked great. I thought Barack's oath "flub" was no big deal. I mean, who cares? The last guy we had flubbed the whole last eight years, so flubbing the presidential oath is nothing. Speaking of Dubya, I think he needs to be tried for war crimes and the ranch in Crawford should be confiscated by the government-- according to the eminent domain clause in the U.S. Constitution-- and turned into a national cemetery for the Iraq/Afghan War dead. Better yet, the house should be converted into a veterans' home. Last night, the "Moment of Zen" on The Daily Show was a clip of Dubya flying back to Texas in a helicopter. Yeah, good riddance, George, and don't let the White House doors hit ya in the rear on the way out! The U.S. of A. is officially under new management.

Change is coming today! (well, sort of)

While I'm beyond excited that today is Barack's inauguration day, I just want to caution everybody and remind y'all about what Barack said in one of his great speeches this weekend. We have to work together to make change happen. We cannot be idle and expect government to take care of us. We've got to roll up our sleeves and deal with the issues we are facing. That said, all hail to the chief!
Here's a bonus-- and very apropo-- Dr. King quote:
"Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can't ride you unless your back is bent."

"I have a dream..."

Yes, today is Martin Luther King Day-- observed. (King was born on Jan. 15, 1929, in Atlanta.) In honor of this extremely poignant observance of the occasion, I've compiled a list of Dr. King's best-known and/or greatest quotes*.
1.) "A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death."
2.) "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
3.) "History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people."
4.) "Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men."
5.) "The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace, and brotherhood."
6.) "The hottest place in Hell is reserved for those who remain neutral in times of great moral conflict."
7.) "The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character-- that is the goal of true education."
8.) "One who breaks an unjust law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for law."
9.) "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
10.) "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."
*Actually, I found a ton of King quotes that I could've used here. I'll probably include some bonuses in posts later on this week. Of course, King's dream will be partially realized tomorrow when Barack Obama becomes our 44th president. (yay!) I say "partially" because I think it's sad that the fact that Barack is black is even an issue. We should instead focus on the fact that he's awesome and will try his dangdest (You can take the girl out of Texas,...) to do what's right for our once-again-great country. When that happens, the dream will be fully actualized.

Two More Days!

I've been watching the inaugural coverage on CNN and MSNBC all day. Barack arrived in D.C. yesterday via train. He traveled the same route taken by Abraham Lincoln. It would take me a week's worth of posts to discuss all the historical parallels. Anyway, there's supposed to be a bunch of performances by awesome artists, including Beyonce and U2. I saw a clip of Bono referencing Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech this afternoon. I have to confess something: I shed tears of joy! Yeah, I'm just a goofy, sensitive, sentimental, sappy gal. Barack will officially be our prez on Tuesday. Our eight-year nightmare is almost over. A new era has dawned, and I aim to be an active participant. Thanks, Barack, for restoring our nation's image.

My Newest Suite101 Selections

I have three brand-new articles published on suite101.com: "Thomas and Martha Jefferson: The New Year's Wedding of an American President," "Lady Bird Johnson and Civil Rights: A First Lady's Moral Crusade That Changed America," and "Lynda and Luci Johnson: Two Unique First Daughters." BTW, there's an easy way to access all my articles on the site. Go to: www.suite101.com/writer_articles.cfm/obamagirl08. Enjoy!

Dissent is necessary.

The artist who designed the iconic, Andy Warhol-esque portrait of Barack was on last night's episode of The Colbert Report. His name is Shepard Fairey, and he's an awesome guy. He said that America was built on dissent and that when the people don't dissent when necessary, bad things-- like the Bush administration-- happen. All I can say is, "Right on, dude!"

Are Israel and Palestine Uniting?

I watched The Daily Show this morning before work. Jon Stewart interviewed Fareed Zakaria about the Israel-Palestine conflict. Zakaria said that, in some ways, the two nations are more united than ever before, but are more in conflict than ever before in other ways. Zakaria also said that Dubya's approach to this situation has worsened it. (There was a hilarious reference to Dubya's "eloquent press conference" regarding the conflict. I laughed-- out loud!) Most importantly, Zakaria said that Barack has "changed the game" in terms of diplomacy (i.e. Barack will actually try it as opposed to sending our brave military personnel into more illegal, immoral wars.). I don't know about y'all, but I'm feeling pretty dang optimistic and patriotic right now.

Coulter's Last Stand

I saw Man Coulter on The View. She was spewing hatred towards single moms. For example, she claims that the majority of U.S. prison inmates are the children of single moms. Fact Check: Many successful, wonderful people were raised this way, including our president-elect. On a more personal note, Coulter's remarks really piss me off because my grandmother was a single, working mom long before it was culturally acceptable. My mom and her four siblings are all law-abiding, productive citizens. I think (excuse me, know) that Ms. Righteousness will probably want to consider a new profession after this. I swear, she is the worst pundit/talk-show guest ever! Sure, everyone wants his or her piece of American pie, but the traditional, patriarchal family structure is just not a reality for everyone in this day and age.

Job Search Update

Well, spring semester started at Olney Central College yesterday. I'm teaching communications again and co-teaching remedial reading and English. As for my job search, I've decided that I was getting a little ahead of myself (not to mention overwhelmed) with the whole idea of dropping everything and moving to a big city. I'm going to start looking for a full-time job here in my hometown. It'll just be for this interim period and/or until something better comes along. As usual, I'll keep y'all posted.

A Documentary Review & Some Political Stuff, Too

Last night, I watched The U.S. vs. John Lennon (2006, Lionsgate). This documentary chronicles Lennon's issues with the U.S. Immigration Dept. and the Nixon Administration as a result of his anti-Vietnam activism. It features commentary by a myriad of counter-culture figures (author Gore Vidal; Black Panther leader Bobby Seale) as well as right-wingers (G. Gordon Liddy). There are also some great quotes, like this one from Vidal: "Mr. Lennon represents life, which is a good thing. Mr. Nixon and Mr. Bush represent death, which is a bad thing." Well said, Gore! Overall, the movie proves that history does indeed repeat itself. Lennon's ideals are just as applicable and fresh in our post-9/11/Iraq-War-addled nation. If Lennon were alive today, Barack would probably give him an honorary cabinet position. Celebrity ambassador of the Arts & Humanities, perhaps? Speaking of Tricky Dick, I found the part featuring a clip of Nixon being interviewed by David Frost especially chilling (i.e. "If the president does it, it's not illegal."). Sound familiar? Once again, imagine if Lennon were alive today... .
As for the political stuff, it looks like Blago will definitely be impeached and that Burris will be Barack's successor. Also, did ya'll see The Daily Show last week? They showed a clip of Man Coulter touting her oh-so-impeccable writing skills. She also claims to be a devout Christian. Yeah, right, and I'm the Virgin Mary!

Another Southern-fried Movie Review

Hey, ya'll! Awhile back, I mentioned that I really like the independent film Southern Belles (2006, Sundance Channel Home Entertainment). Starring Anna Faris (The House Bunny) and Laura Breckenridge in her cinematic debut, this delightful little gem of a flick is about two-- what else?-- Southern Belles who are trying to escape the drudgery of life in a trailer park in rural Johnson's Mark, Georgia. Throughout the film, which is laden with Gone with the Wind references, the female protagonists, Belle Lynn Marie Scott (Faris) and Bell Margaret Ann Granger (Breckenridge), face many obstacles on the road to better lives in Atlanta. In order to achieve their goal of "makin' it big in the big city," these two brainy beauties (the aspect of the film I most liked) devise a series of hilarious money-makin' schemes that all produce comical results. The plotline is bolstered by a Tennessee Williams/William Faulkner-worthy cast of quirky characters, including Margie, the girls' neighbor and resident Bible thumper with a sketchy past, Duane, Belle's pervy, antagonistic boss, Tracy, Bell's ne'er-do-good wannabe "hillhop" artist boyfriend, and a handsome policeman named, of course, Rhett Butler, played to marvelous perfection by Grey's Anatomy's Justin Chambers. I don't want to divulge too much so that readers can savor this Sundance "hit" and 2005 Atlanta Film Festival selection for themselves. So, kick back with a few beers and devour the Southern Gothic goodness of this movie.
P.S. Check out the DVD's special features, especially "Shattered Dreams: Two Years After Johnson's Mark," a "documentary" that shows viewers what happens to the main characters after Belle & Bell escape to Atlanta. It's dark comedy at its absolute best.

Parallel Ashleyverse

I did something I never, ever do today-- I slept until noon! What's happening in the Ashleyverse? I usually get up pretty dang early. Oh, well, I might as well enjoy being able to sleep in. That won't the be case for much longer.

Sorry, folks, no serious post tonight.

I'm tired tonight, so I don't feel like saying much (not a typo!). I attended an all-day workshop, and my brain is fried. I'm currently zoned out and watching one of my fave guilty pleasure flicks, Napoleon Dynamite. Perhaps my communication skills will one day earn me a really cool job with a really cool boss, not to mention some sweet moola. (Yes, I'm referring to you-know-who. See label below if you're confused.)
P.S. My editorial about the individual referenced above was published on http://www.olneydailymail.com/. There aren't any comments about it yet, but there probably will be eventually.

Palin's Latest Gaffe

I saw the craziest thing on Hardball tonight. It was a clip of Sarah Palin's latest interview. She now claims that the press and public "would've loved her if she had been on the 'Democrat' ticket." First of all, Sarah, it's "Democratic-- an adjective." Secondly, the McSame camp screwed itself by going negative on the opposition. Of course, this is neither here nor there, since Barack won. Anyway, Chris Matthews had a field day with this one. You know Olbermann will have even more fun with it on Countdown.

Editorial Preview

The Obama Presidency Quarterly, Winter 2009 Issue:

President-elect Barack Obama has not even been inaugurated yet, but there is already controversy surrounding the January 20 event. The controversy stems from Obama's decision to have conservative Saddleback Church pastor lead the inaugural prayer. This has prompted criticism from individuals on all sides of the socio-political spectrum.

Well, here's my opinion regarding the matter: I'm pleased with Obama's selection of Warren. For starters, Obama, a religious moderate, will prove that he will be a president who genuinely respects the role of faith in American life and that he will listen to those with differing viewpoints. Secondly, Warren's acceptance of Obama's invitation will illustrate the fact that while there may be divisions amongst conservative, liberal, and moderate Christians, as well as those who practice other belief systems, we are all Americans who deserve to have our unique voices heard and that our elected officials and religious leaders alike recognize this. Thirdly, this will show the electorate that the incoming administration wants to "bury the hatchet," so to speak, with those who have been critical of its leader in order to work together to deal with the serious issues facing this nation. Finally, and most importantly, having diverse religious and political views represented at the inauguration will symbolize the desire for unity and solidarity that most Americans feel.

Our wonderful country is obviously facing difficult, uncertain times. In order to get through them, we have to put aside our differences and give this new president and his cabinet the chance to do what needs to be done, which is to ensure that-- as Obama said in his 2004 Democratic National Convention keynote speech-- we are "not a blue America, not a red America, but a United States of America." This is the only solution, for, as the other Illinois politician who became commander-in-chief during a tumultuous period said, "A house divided against itself cannot stand."

Will Roland Burris Be Illinois' Next Senator?

An investigation is currently under way to determine whether Roland Burris is qualified to be Barack's successor. According to Senate majority leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada), he's not. Personally, I think Mr. Burris has enough experience for the position he is seeking. In other special election news, Al Franken could very likely oust Republican incumbent Norm Coleman for the vacant Minnesota Senate seat. There's a scandal ensuing over supposed voter fraud. Of course, I always loved Franken as inept, insecure self-help guru Stuart Smalley on SNL. Franken's not a Beltway insider, and that's okay! Looks like the GOP needs to practice a little daily affirmation. Their candidates aren't good enough, they're definitely not smart enough (e.g. Palin), and doggone it, people don't like them!

My Feelings on the Israel-Palestine Conflict

Just as I promised, I'm going to spout off about the Israel-Palestine conflict. Here it goes: We need to support Palestine. The Palestinians are the rightful owners of the Gaza Strip. So, there! Don't worry, there's more where that came from.

New Editorial Series

Tomorrow, I'm submitting a draft of the first "issue" of my latest editorial series to my local newspaper editor. It'll be called: The Obama Presidency Quarterly, Winter 2009 Issue and will pertain to the controversy surrounding Barack's choice of Saddleback pastor Rick Warren to lead the inaugural prayer. The second installment, which will be published sometime in April, will more than likely be about the Gaza conflict. (Trust me, I have a lot to say about that-- and I will!)

How I'm Doing with My Resolutions

Alright, I attempted some domesticity today. I was semi-successful in this endeavor. Overall, I think '09's off to a pretty good start. On a side note, it's 16 days until Inauguration Day. I just thought I might mention that.

Resolution Report

Well, I attempted to follow my first proposed resolution-- to become more domesticated-- today. I'm not doing too good. As for the other two, I'll get back with y'all on that.

Resolutions

Here are my three main resolutions for '09:
3) To become domesticated.
Okay, this one may or may not happen. I am, however, trying to learn how to cook and sort of like cleaning.
2) To not be so hard on myself.
A lot easier said than done.
And, drumroll, please...
1) To make sure Barack knows who I am by this time next year.
Oh, yes, I did! Mark my words, this one will definitely happen.
And there you have 'em, folks-- my New Year's resolutions.
Let Revolution '09 commence!