Upcoming Weekend.

In case you didn't know, this weekend is the Annual Democrat Extravaganza weekend. Wahoo! All the faithful gather in Columbia for a weekend of political discussions, fried fish, good candidates and other Democratic stuff. It starts off with the Prayer Breakfast, followed by the Young Democrats Lunch (at Liberty!) and then comes the Jefferson Jackson Dinner (did I ever tell y'all about the time Sewell's named it the Jefferson Davis Dinner on their marquee? It was baaaaad), with the Clyburn Fish Fry ending the night. Good times on Friday, good times.

Saturday marks the South Carolina Democratic Party's State Convention, with the Young Democrats Convention directly following. The YD's are also hosting a Happy Hour after their Convention at the Flying Saucer.

All in all, a fabulous weekend. I will provide commentary and pictures following. Plus, one of my favorite people in the world is traveling all the way from Alabama to attend. I cannot wait!

I've always loved the color Pink.

The Washington Post is jumping on the "I'm not impressed with Republicans" bandwagon as well. In today's editorial by Richard Morin, Pink is the New Red, red states - once confirmed hotbeds of Republican activism, are starting to pale. I'm not sure they're ripening to blue quite yet, but I am sure that this President's inability to lead effectively will increase the chances of leaders who can.

I read somewhere that Democrats don't have a cohesive plan - we've been an opposition party for the past six year and that's all we've shaped up to be. Partially right -- but how could we sit by and not be an opposition party? When the President consistently makes bad bad bad decisions for the future of this nation - how could Democrats not raise their arms in protest?

And what do we see now, more and more conservatives are also begining to raise their hands to question the activities and mismanagement of the current administration. It's about damn time.

Not Watching TV (WW)

It's been a while since I sat down to watch the West Wing. M&D Tivo it regularly, but I have quite a few episodes to catch up on. Imagine my surprise to learn last night that it's the last season!

WAIT! You mean I won't get to see Jimmy be President? I won't get to watch Donna finally snare Josh? WHAT? I am heartbroken, devastated. Whatever will I not regularly watch now?

Cracks are Beginning to Show

The State reports that Greer voters are less than enthused by Republican candidates. Surprise, surprise. When Republicans talk big, but don't act - it's not really a shock that voters aren't turned on by their more conservative choices.

On the other hand, Democrats have a strong stable of candidates that have a plan to turn this state around and head it in the correct direction. It's not about moving to the right or the left, it's about moving forward. And it sure is time for South Carolina voters to realize that the choices they made in 2002 have hurt our state.

On being considered one of the guys...

I went out last night with some usual (and rather unusual) suspects. When you're the only female in a group of guys - as is becoming increasingly the case in my life - the dynamics of polite, reasonable conversation change. Whether it's discussing angels and puppies (I kid you not) or a favorite body part or a particular comment (No, I will not repeat the favorite refrain of the evening), being considered just one of the guys is an interesting aspect of gender education.

It was a good night, but I stayed out far too late on for a school night.

This morning, I got stuck behind a train - but I still got my DC from Sonic. Taking a hint from JCristG, I've decided that a morning fountain DC makes life a little sweeter. Plus, I still haven't figured out where the coffee pot is.

Random Saturday Thoughts...

I'm sitting at Greenville Memorial Hospital on a gloomy Saturday afternoon. Lovely. My father, the illustrious daddio - man of Pimp Songs and Shoes - fell off his boat and fractured his back. I swear, I should have my own parking space at GHS - or more appropriately, my amazing mother should have complimentary valet service. Regardless, it is bizarre to be here. He'll be okay, just out of commission for a while. So, like, no dancing at the Clyburn Fish Fry. (Last year he cut a rug - I think he even danced with Gilda).

So, that brings me back to my week. Long and weird for sure. I have decided, in my spare time (heh!), to redesign this site. Since I now have the tools, and am surrounded by the brains, to do so - I think it's time to take M&MDC a step forward. Any ideas? Any suggestions of what you'd like to see?

Immigration & a Thank You.

Leaving work this evening, I was listening to NPR - in particular, to Richard Rodriguez as he discussed the multitude of jobs immigrants do. Jobs that, let's face it, most Americans would simply not do. He said that "Thank You" were the two words that had not been spoken during this entire debate. And he would be absolutely right - we have discussed giving and taking and the burden of illegal immigration - but we have not paused to reflect on the gifts that immigrants have bestowed upon us.

I really recommend you listen to the piece. It was very good.

WaPo on the Prez.

I'm sitting at Cool Beans, drinking my second cup of coffee, perusing my favorite newspapers. Usually on Sunday I try to read them in paper, versus virtually. Today, however, I'm blaming the time change for messing with my schedule.

So. I'm reading the Washington Post and I see this as the headline - The President as Average Joe : Trying to boost support, Bush lets down guard and plays up anti-intellectual, regular-guy image.

Does Bush really need to play up an anti-intellectual image? I mean, seriously. C'mon. I don't think the people of this fine nation are scratching their heads, thinking, "I would really like that President, but he's too darn intelligent." Strategery, people, strategery.

The Let-Bush-Be-Bush strategy might be refreshing, but bright it isn't. It is, as the Post suggests, a last ditch attempt to salvage a failing presidency. Bush can traverse this nation - he can hold town hall meeting upon town hall meeting - he can make jokes with the press corps and imitate French accents --- but he cannot return the thousands of lives that he has sacrificed. He cannot turn back time and his bad decisions. He cannnot repair this economy. He cannot return a nation's trust.

Grocery Shopping (the morning of the Cup).

I don't know if I've ever shared my love of grocery shopping. I love it. Rows upon rows of orderly stacked items - if you look for it, it can be kind of zen. I love my excursions to the grocery store. I've gotten to the point where I have favorite cashiers. I don't even buy that many groceries. I just like to go look at the possibility of what I could make, what I could cook, what I could create.

This morning, however, it looked like Easter had exploded in nearly every aisle of the Rosewood Publix. I had completely forgotten the Carolina Cup. Folks were running around, purchasing styrofoam coolers, yuengling and ice. (Apparently, the ice thing had to be refilled FOUR times). There were guys in plaid pants, girls in strapless dresses - I remembered the experience fondly. Drinking Bloody Marys and mimosas on the ride down, lots of beer and, often, pimento cheese sandwiches... Sore feet and ruined shoes. Stashing tp and hand sanitizer in our purses because the lovely "bathrooms" would inevitably run out. Seeing so many friends and their friends and their friends... And who can pass up the opportunity to wear a hat?

Then I realized, I might have outgrown the Cup. Shocking, I know. I didn't think I'd ever feel that way -- but when I figured out the date had just about passed me by, I didn't feel too bad. After all, I think I have a date with DLF tonight!

But, if you have stories -- guys in seersucker or girls in white shoes (the horror!) or anything else interesting about this year's Cup - let me know! I'll live vicariously through y'all.

My Favorite on "Big Love"

Dooce is rather interesting today. If any of you have been watching Big Love on HBO (I wrote about it a while back, here), then you'll find the perspective of a former Mormon interesting. I did. It's an interesting show, but I'm still not sure if I like it or not. Dooce's analysis helped put it into perspective - how do you watch something - enjoy something - you find morally disturbing?

According to a joint report issued by the Utah and Arizona Attorney General's Offices, July 2005, "[a]pproximately 20,000 to 40,000 or more people currently practice polygamy in the United States." The Mormon Church officially banned the practice of polygamy in 1890.

I'm still wondering where Nicki gets her outfits. Pilgrims R' Us?

Tuesday, Tuesday.

I had a lovely Tuesday. Upon hearing word of the imminent totaling of my car, I began to examine my options. What's next? Having had Taurus upon Taurus upon Sable - I am looking for something new -- and most importantly, not beige. (Every car I have had has been some form of beige. My father might try to convince me that the cars were champagne or even gold - but in my opinion, they were all beige).

I'm looking for an SUV. But not a gas-guzzler... I wouldn't feel right with a war based on oil revenues, driving around in something that gets 12 miles to the gallon. Instead, I started off with the compact SUVs: the Escape, the Sportage, the Highlander, the Element. I am (I think) in love with the Saturn Vue.

It's compact, gets rather good gas mileage, isn't too much like a car or an SUV. It sits up off the ground, which I like - and the Saturn salespeople were the nicest I have dealt with yet. (I made the rounds today - six dealerships in four hours, seven test rides). So, I think it might be time to consider getting a newer car. Egads. This is huge. My dad isn't even weighing in on the decision. I told him tonight about the Vue and he said, "That's nice."

Oh Andy!

The man who tipped the President about Chicken Finger Wednesday at the University of South Carolina (for Bush's commencement address at Carolina in 2003) has resigned.

Andrew Card, Chief of Staff, has decided to leave the struggling White House. The Washington Post reports that Republicans have been calling for new aides and fresh ideas - amid a White House that has stayed the course for the past six years.

Budget Director Josh Bolten will take Andy's place. Like rats leaving a sinking ship...

On being Twenty-Five...

Yes, being able to rent a car is a perk. Wa. Hoo.

But, last night I tried to apply to TLC's What Not To Wear and the application rejected me - I wasn't old enough. Now, I'm pretty sure bad taste doesn't discriminate based on age. As a matter of fact, I'm sure of it.

I really wanted to be on the program - they had a special category - for working folks. Seeing as how I've gone from a more formal environment to a casual one, I could use a few tips. Who couldn't use some instruction and the hefty five grand to make a work clothes - you know - better!

Alas, I will have to live without the makeover. Sigh. Something to look forward to? To turning twenty-six?

Horrible Problem, Possible Solution?

As our legislators face this year's budget, I wonder: will South Carolinians get the care they need. I've been talking about healthcare - about the 850,000 South Carolininans without basic coverage. But what about the folks with coverage, with insurance that still can't get the care they need?

This morning in The Greenville News, Dr. Ed Leap writes about folks with mental illness. He explains the obstacles many face while trying to receive treatment. It's a shame (and I say that knowing it is an understatement) that folks can't get the help they need to survive. When one in five South Carolinians have a diagnosed mental illness - from Depression to Schizophrenia - and so many times when they try to seek treatment, it is denied. Dr. Leap claims it is due to burn out of health care officials. He thinks we need more money to help assuage the problem.

Money is part of it. Understanding is part of it. And having health insurance that covers mental health is another. Private care in this state is arguably better than public care. And still, so many people with health insurance find themselves in the public system. Parity was a good step - but even that is only a beginning. Mental health should be regarded as importantly as physical health. When the top four causes of disability are all mental illnesses - we must wake up and realize that mental health is as important as physical health.

Just a thought

Spending a lot of time with my mom discussing Frank Willis, she was wondering... If the Mayor looked like, resembled, favored John Spencer aka Leo McGarry from the West Wing.

What do y'all think?

Where is Walhalla?

This morning, after a cold DC - and another one from Chick-Fil-A, Mom and I were on our way to Oconee County, Walhalla to be specific.

[side note: I love Chick-Fil-A. Love it. Great chicken sandwiches, but what's up with most of their fast food joints serving caffeine free diet coke??? It's an abomination. Diet Coke wasn't really meant to be caffeine free. I understand some people like it better that way, but shouldn't the Chick really give us a choice or a warning?]

I was under the impression - from WRB - that we were going to Pine Street, when really the Oconee County Democrats were meeting on West Main... But I digress, we found the Courthouse, and man - what a great group of folks. There were flags and flowers and the court room was set up like a little mini-state convention. It was great. I saw two of my absolute favorite County Chairs, Ken Campbell and Charles Hamby.

Even though Mr. Hamby got up and expressed his love for Tommy Moore, I still think he is one of the greatest Democrats we've got. There was a lot more support for the Mayor up there than I think folks realize. I was quite impressed by both the turnout and the amount of participants willing to take a Willis sticker. (Now, I realize - it's a convention, and people are sticker whores, but it took guts to wear a Willis sticker when Charles Hamby was passing out Moore stuff.)

Regardless, it was a great trip. Oconee County is absolutely beautiful. Of course, I knew that - being the home of Lake Keowee and all - thus, the home of Lil' Tubby. But it was a real pretty ride. Great company. Good Diet Coke.

A Big Friday...

It's Saturday night. And while I should be enjoying a night with the girls in Hotlanta- I'm at home. Let me explain the events of Friday and Saturday:

Friday - I woke up on time, got ready for the day and was traveling down I-26. Toodling. I was toodling - I wasn't speeding, I wasn't going slow. I was listening to a good CD. (Sunday Funday Classics). I was enjoying the gray day. AND THEN a woman STOPPED in the middle of the interstate. Dead stop. STOP. I kid you not, a woman driving some sort of little Nissan came to a complete stop in the middle of the fast lane on I-26 eastbound.

Instead of crashing into car (I had slowed down, but was not expecting her to STOP), I careened to the left (of all the ironies) to avoid the collision. I hurt my car. I was not hurt, but my car has seen better days. According to the man at the collision shop in Mauldin, where the car was towed, I hurt it "badly." I do not recommend careening into guard rails.

So, like, that was Friday. My mom came and got me, we stopped at Waffle House (where I cried - I say it was due to nerves and not their coffee), and then I went home to Gvegas. My mother convinced me to have a cocktail - to calm my nerves - and lemme tell you, it was best drink I've had in quite some time.

There was no way I was making to Atlanta to celebrate the upcoming nuptials of the Fabulous Jen. My car was totaled and, I discovered, my deductible not as low as I would have hoped. In order to make it to her wedding, I sacrificed the bacherlorette. Sigh.

I did, however, make it to Oconee this morning (more on that later) thanks to the lovely driving abilities of one gracious Mommacita. Folks, my mother is one of the most amazing people on this earth - the least of which she woke me up this morning in time to make it to Oconee - she woke me up with a cold Diet Coke. Hallelujah. There is good in this world.

My favorite candy...

I have discovered that I am in love with m&ms...

I also adore their commercials. It must be the primary colors. Who doesn't love an m&m? It's easily shared, eaten - it's the perfect candy. Not only does it melt in your mouth and not in your hand, you can now order the candy in a variety of personalized colors.

And the new mega-m&ms... Not quite my favorite, but I do love the other varieties - crispy, almond, peanut butter. All good choices to mix with chocolate. Even the dark chocolate m&ms were a hit in my household.

Never a good idea.

It is not a good idea to add offenses to the death penalty. A legislator from Anderson, Senator Kevin Bryant, wants to add repeat sexual offense to the list of offenses that qualify for the death penalty. Senator Hutto admits the political quandry this legislation presents - no one wants to be anything but tough on child molesters. But is there a better way?

The death penalty is not the answer in this case, nor in any other. I realize I am a liberal - and even more of a liberal when it comes to taking a life - but I think we can all agree (I hope we can all agree) that we should start phasing out the death penalty, not adding to it.

Many reasons:
I don't want the goverment to have that much power.
I don't ever want the responsibility of sentencing someone to death.
It's more cost effective to serve a lifetime in jail.
It's a constitutionally iffy proposition.

Okay, go ahead and discuss. Should folks, folks who were overwhelmingly abused themselves, be sentenced to death after committing a crime? I think it's a heinous crime, no doubt about it. I just question whether it's worthy of death versus a life time in prison.

Daddio

I just finished a brief convo with my Dad. We were discussing American Idol last night. Now that television has re-entered my life, I am consumed with watching meaningless TV. I liked the guy who sang "Walk the Line." Dad liked someone else - I tried to quickly forget his bad pick. Yup, I am an American Idol snob.

The conversation progressed to songs we had playing in our head. I could not seem to get "Ring of Fire" out of mine. Dad was replaying "Its Hard Out Here for a Pimp" in his head. I could see him dancing in his chair in his office... to "Its Hard Out Here for a Pimp." Oh, how I love my father.