Oops ...

I just realized that I had a few posts that were completed and not posted.  That is why I am posting stuff from ... months ago.  Enjoy.

Now, what to do with the stuff I've started and NOT completed.  :-)

5th Avenue Review: Saving Aimee = B

I went with Mel to the play at the 5th Avenue:  Saving Aimee.  It is a play about Aimee Kennedy Sempler McPherson.  I did a little research before the play to find out who she was.  She was a big name in the 1940's time frame of a woman and a religious superstar.

She has done a lot of good things in her life.  She started one of the first mega-churches, in the LA area.  She brought religion and Christianity to some people in the Hollywood area.  She took in hundreds of women and people who needed help.  She was one of the first women in the industry.  She was also one of the first and definitely one of the first women to start a national radio program.  She started a college.  Helped a lot of people?  You bet.

But, she has also had a lot of controversy in the things she has done.  She was larger than life and very dramatic.  Often times, it was said that she was less about religion than about the dramatic effect.  She was "kidnapped", which many seemed to think was  a lie.  She was married 3 times and maybe had an affair as well.  Controversial?  You bet.

The tag line was "Sinner or Saint?  You decide"  It made for a truly interesting and fascinating story of her life, made into a musical play.  Done by Kathy Lee Giffords, it was definitely one that leaves you thinking.  Does the end justify the means?  Can someone really cause a lot of good, if they have a few major mistakes (or sins)?  I won't ruin the thought process for you, but I'll let you decide.

Worth seeing.  Not overly "exciting" or "entertaining", but definitely fascinating and thought provoking.

Rating: B

Suck on This!

So, I have been doing really good avoiding eating out.  I specifically try to avoid Fast Food.  It isn't the best food and it isn't the best for you (me).  So, I've been avoiding it.  But, every once in a while I'll go.  Lately, since I've been driving back and forth (often late at night) from treatment, I'll stop in at a drive through to get a Diet Dr. Pepper or Diet Coke.

One thing I've noticed is that McDonald's still has that big ole straw that they've used for years.  We used to always laugh because you could suck out a persons' heart and lungs with that thing.  It is huge.  But, it is very nice and it is sturdy.  Straw for straw, it is the best.

Lately, though, I've noticed that a lot of the "other" places are going to something less sturdy and desirable.  It is a wimpy straw.  Yeah, you heard me ... not hefty, hefty, hefty ... but wimpy, wimpy, wimpy.  I imagine it is a way to save money.  But, the straws are often flawed from the beginning.  They bend and split and split at the bottom or top.  They are small and wimpy.  A soda - maybe.  A milkshake - don't even think about it.

So, as much as I like to bag on McDonald's, they actually need not take any heat for their straws.  Those little (big) white, red & yellow striped plastic tubes are the tops in my book.

* Okay.  I know that I was far too cheesy on a topic that really (really) doesn't matter.  In fact, it is small compared to world hunger, world peace, homelessness, etc.  But, I never said I would completely stay above the fray.

* And I apologize for the corny phrases.  Well, not really.

* I've noticed, now that I'm writing about it and reading a bit, that there are quite a few posts / blogs about this.  I guess I'm not the only one.

* The picture I added is from a Facebook page ... Yes!  A facebook page dedicated to McDonald's straws (http://www.facebook.com/pages/McDonalds-Straws/120153114720132)

* I didn't even get started in their new straws for their smoothies.  Same large, durable size, but they change color in the cold smoothie.  Ahhh ... This is marketing.

Movie Review: Win Win .... WIN = B+

Movie Review: Win-Win.

Starring: Paul Giamatti, Amy Ryan, Bobby Cannavale, Jeffrey Tambor, Burt Young, and introducing Alex Shaffer.  

Story:  A struggling lawyer and volunteer wrestling coach's chicanery comes back to haunt him when the teenage grandson of the client he's double-crossed comes into his life.

Review:  Its a good story of deciding what is right and getting second chances.  The goal is to make life a win-win for everyone.  But, as you can imagine, things don't go as planned.  And, when things get hairy, previous partial truths and lies come forward and people don't know who to trust.

It is a slow moving movie, but keeps going enough to not lose your interest.  It is definitely an independent movie.  It has charm and the acting is well done.  Giamatti and Ryan are professionals and it shows.  The newcomers do well, too. 

It has plenty of fun in it, but is mostly a drama.  I won't tell you how it ends and won't ruin the ending for you.  But, you will not be disappointed.  It is rated (R) for the language.  No violence and No nudity. 

Movie Grade:  4 of 5 Stars / B+

2012 General Election Endorsements

Well, it is time for my political endorsements.  I may miss some (like a few judges), but should get the most of these ...

U.S. President:  Mitt Romney (R)

Believe it or not, this one was very difficult for me.  I was not happy with the "change" (some call it flip flop) that Romney has done.  I was not happy with the pandering to the far right that Romney has done.  It scares me that this guy, who I have met, will go away from common sense and business sense to pander to a group of idiots.

In the end, what I am voting for is someone that will focus on FISCAL.  I don't really want the role of President to get involved in many other things.  I think that in the end, Barack Obama won't be able to bring (R) & (D)'s together like we need.  I am giving Romney a chance to do so.  President Obama has had 4 years to do great things, which we all hoped for.  He has failed at this.  He has done some good things, but it hasn't been enough.  And, in the end ... whether or not he is partially to blame, Congress is a mess and extremely partisan.  We need better leadership.

P.S. I always say that the President is only as good as the people that they have around them.  This is a chance for Romney to redeem himself.  He needs to bring in a good and diverse cabinet of LEADERS, not puppets.  A bonus point goes to Paul Ryan.  While I don't agree with some of his ideas, I believe he is one of only a few people who is trying to do right on the issues that are facing the nation.

U.S. Senator (Washington State):  Maria Cantwell (D) 

I want a Senator that is going to do something and not make me worry about it.  While I don't fully agree with everything Senator Cantwell does (that would go for EVERY politician), I won't have to worry about her.   She has common sense and does what is right for Washington State.  I don't have that trust in Michael Baumgartner will always choose the right options.  He seems more (even more than Maria) focused on party politics.

U.S. Representative (Washington State - District 9): Adam Smith (D)

This one was one of the really easy choices for me.  First, there really wasn't any viable opposition to Adam Smith.  It is the newly created minority majority district, so it was touted as having a lot of new people running.  They aren't.  The other really good option is that I like and agree with many of Adam Smith's policies.  He has earned an opportunity to return for another 4 years.

Governor (Washington State): Rob McKenna (R)

This may have been one of the easiest choices of all.  While there isn't a lot of difference (no matter what the 2 parties say) in their policies, the difference is in Leadership.  Jay Inslee has not done a great job at the offices he has held.  He was my U.S. Representative in District 4 growing up.  He was very ineffective and choose to follow his party, rather than his constituents.  He has been the U.S. Representative in District 1 for the last few years and has been pretty much more of the same.  He lacks pizazz and common sense.  He follows his interests, which is good ... for him.  But, will it be good enough for the State.  I can easily say, No. 

I've met Rob McKenna and have been impressed that he is is own person.  I disagree with him on Referendum 74, but admire that he will fully and legally support the law chosen by the legislature and voters, instead of his own choice.  That takes a lot of personal conviction in todays political world.  P.S. I completely disagree with Jay Inslee's negative and incorrect campaigning.

Lieutenant Governor (Washington State): Bill Finkbeiner (R)

Brad Owens has been the Lieutenant Governor for a long time.  While he hasn't done a bad job, it is meant to be a career.  I vote for change, here.  Bill Finkbeiner has great ideas and is willing to work at the job.

Secretary of State (Washington State): Kim Wyman (R)

Kim has done an exceptional job as the Thurston County Auditor.  She is the most qualified and looks to follow in the steps of Sam Reed, who has been one of the best politicians Washington State has offered up in the past 5-10 years.

Attorney General (Washington State): Reagan Dunn (R)

Bob Ferguson seems to be a good man.  Reagan Dunn just happens to be the person I know and trust more.  He has been my King Council Representative for the last 4 years.  He has a great understanding of Rural and Urban.  He has experience beyond what Ferguson has.  And, he is willing to act Independently.  That is a must for me.

Other Washington State Positions:

State Treasurer (Washington State):  Jim McIntire (D) 

State Auditor (Washington State): James Watkins (R) 

Commissioner of Public Lands: Peter Goldmark (D) 

Superintendent of Public Instruction: Randy Dorn (NP)

Insurance Commissioner: Mike Kreidler (D)

King County Sheriff: John Urquhart (NP)

While Steve has been the KC Sheriff for the last year since Sue Rahr left, he hasn't done her justice.  John has the support of the department and the public.  He will be a good go-between for the community, cities, and county.  In a time when policing has become more political and politically correct, we need someone that is willing to work with others.

Washington State Legislature - District 41

State Senator: Steve Litzow (R)

There are two HUGE reasons to support Steve Litzow.  First, he is by far the best candidate.  He has shown independence and leadership taking on big issues and working with both Republicans and Democrats on the budget, Gay Marriage, and Education.  He deserves re-election for all of these reasons.  He can be trusted to vote the right way when it matters.  Second, his opponent is not a very good person.  She has focused her campaign on lies and non-truthes against Litzow.  Not only should she NOT be elected, she should be removed from consideration as a valid candidate.

State Representative - Position 1: Tim Eaves (R)

Marcie Maxwell did a great job as my representative on the Renton School District School Board.  You can tell she has a passion for getting involved and represented the district well.  She was elected easily into her position and we all readily accepted and supported her.  However, she hasn't done much since. She has voted completely along party lines.  She has faded to the background.  I'd like to give Tim Eaves, a businessman too, a chance to prove himself.  I don't think he will win, but I'd like to see some change and leadership.

State Representative - Positon 2: Judy Clibborn (D)

There is a reason no one is challenging Judy.  She has done a great job at representing the issues of our district on Transportation and Education.  She would be re-elected, even with a competitor.

State Ballot Issues:

Initiative No. 1185 - Requires 2/3 majority to raise taxes: APPROVE

We passed this once before and it was removed by the Democrats in the State Legislature.  We are just going to re-instate it.

Initiative Measure No. 1240 - Charter Schools: APPROVE

As you can imagine, I am a strong supporter of public schools and doing what is needed to help the kids.  In this case, Charter Schools is another tool in our tool box to do this.  It is strongly opposed (again) by the Teacher's Union, although many teachers I know secretly are okay with it.  The reason is that it scares them.  The option of something doing better is scary when you are doing your job.  But, we can't afford to be scared and not support options to better help kids and the future of our State and Country.

Referendum Measure No. 74 - Same-sex Marriage: APPROVE

The State Legislature approved Washington State to become only the 6th State in the Union to allow same-sex marriages.  It is now being placed to the populace to approve or reject what has been passed.  The measure is about EQUALITY of rights.  It is a simple measure that is a simple solution.  While some people don't agree with a man marrying a man or a woman marrying a woman, the measure is NOT about that.  It is about equal rights of all people do take part in a CIVIL right and take advantage of the accompanying benefits.  It will do nothing to the social structure of society.  It won't remove parent's right to teach and rear their children how they want.  It doesn't impede on individual churches ability to perform opposite sex marriages (i.e. the LDS Church won't have to provide Temple Marriage to gay couples).  Simple? Yes - Approve.