Day 100 in the Age of Obama!

After making a bad mistake with the date the other day- (I said it was 98 days but it was only 96)- I vow to keep better score from now on.

The images of those flowers below my post are to celebrate the hundredth day of our president Barack Hussein Obama!

Of course they hardly do him justice when you consider just how much has been accomplished in such a short time, but it has been very cold so far this spring.

Since most of my plants died during the many unexpected and late snowfalls, I've been busy this week getting my balcony garden ready for summer, and I thought that these warm colors are great representations of the warmth our president exudes in his public appearances, and subtle suggestions of the better times ahead, whiles he is in charge.

Whilst there are always some things I wish were different about the current situation--lets remember that no president in our history has ever been handed such a loaded hand and dealt with it so gracefully and seemingly efficiently.

And all the time he has this incredible and unbelievable bullshit thrown at him from his right wing enemies--who wish him nothing but failure--and threats to his life--and god know what else--and yet he seems unflappable.

The room was packed, and humming with excitement while the reporters waited for the president to arrive.

From the questions--it seems to me that they are designed entirely to somehow--"show him up"-or trick him in some way to give something away---asking things they know very well he cannot answer fully in public--and yet he does answer--always and at great length, and in detail, and without faltering. Indeed always with a sense of humor.

Once again I don't remember ever seeing so many people in a press conference for the shrub--but then I don't remember ever wanting to see of his--anyway. I'm sure he didn't have them every 30 days --the way President Obama does.

It was so cool to see the familiar face of Helen Thomas right in the front where she belongs, and also our up and coming popular Talk-show host of radio and lately TV star Ed Schultz right there in the front row. I wonder if the president will ever take a question from him?

SO on this day I will not criticize, but rather wallow in the fact that we have such a good looking, suave, sophisticated man to to represent us.

And to top off the first 100 days--I thought it not at all shabby that one of the longest serving republicans (though originally a democrat) has finally returned to his better self--and joined the bright side of the senate and become a dem.once more.

Thank you Mr.Obama--you are very much loved in this household--and by 81% of the people!

 

 

 

 

Day 98 in the Age of Obama...and how are we doing?

Lets see now--if we go by my creakiness measure---it's all over-(in a good way)-since I'm hardly ever cranky any more!

This means that I will seriously have to consider changing the title of my blog--or find something other than politics to make me cranky.

Not that there isn't plenty of material around to make me super crazy and cranky, I mean just look at those cry-babies who call them self republicans!

The party of NO, the party of anti everything that's good for the planet and all creatures still living on it, the party of the biggest spendthrift we've ever had, the party that created the giant sinkhole we now find ourselves in--the party of torturers, the party of guns for hire--oh well you get the picture--- they have the nerve to insist that we--the Democrats or Progressives or Liberals--what ever you want to call us--they want us to change our name?

WTF?

Anyway --it seems that I've gotten myself worked up a little--and I really want to remain calm and in 'my happy place'--so I'm so glad that we have President Obama, because he gives me the peace of mind to trust the fate of the world to him--instead of constantly worrying about every little thing, I can now go for a walk and appreciate the sunshine we have today.

Our new president may not be perfect or nearly liberal enough for me on many levels--but I trust him to make the best decisions possible--given the immense scope of things for him to do.

I know that my feeling is shared by many--and I smile when I watch basketball and hear the commentators chat about politics--as if they'd always done that!

This is my 19th Playoff season since I became interested in basketball --and don't remember anyone ever doing that before, although the US Tennis stars were talking about the inauguration during the Aussie Open, which was equally cool.

I know that some of my colleagues and fellow bloggers will think me soft and chide me for my romanticized point of view, but I think everything we have all done since 2000, the suffering to change the world back to some semblance of 'livable' entitles us to take a little time off--now and then and simply sit back and relish the moments.

We know everything changes all the time--but right now I want to say thank you President Obama--for giving me some peace of mind.

Day 95 in the Age of Obama!

Well--for one who has been worried over so many things politically--it seems that taking a break from writing about such things has worked quite well.

I have long been of the opinion that the things that were done in the name of "security" and for "our safety"--were very bad and ultimately led to us being less safe as a nation, and of course it's now finally all coming out in public--again.

The other side--our opposition is up to their old tricks and playing the 'projection game'--just as they have always done--only now that we have a such a great new president--it all seems so laughable, and very very sad that this country can't come up with a better opposition. Surely there are some conservative minded people who actually have an intellect as well?

Accusing the president of acting like a third world dictator and setting America back with his unprecedented over-friendly behavior, is just totally ludicrous. Every lie they tell can be and is immediately disproved with our technology and yet they don't seem to learn --ever.

Surely they can't believe that their party is going to survive with the same old tired faces and slogans that loomed over us in the last cycle?

Any way, I'm very pleased that there will be some accounting for the horrible crimes committed against human beings ---no matter how badassed they might have been, and what they intended to do to us, which of course we'll never truly know--since all the evidence against them was attained through torture--and we all know that people will say anything for the pain to stop.

So thank you President Obama--for allowing the Justice department to go ahead with their investigations--you will not be sorry.

I know you have enough on your plate--and really don't need any more enemies--but unless we cleanse ourselves of this filthy recent history--we as a country cannot move ahead.

Couldn't help myself--more flowers for Earth Day!

 

 

Day 93...Obama and Happy Earth Day!

Until I have time to write--and this time it will be more political--the photo expresses my mood of the day.

Laughing Buddha among the flowers of the earth--on Earth Day...and not all is lost.

 

Suddenly it's Day 92 of President Obama's Leadership

Crankiness level at all time low!

And I want to give thanks to the universe for giving me another perfect day!

Not only was the sun shining for the fourth day in a row--but with it--came warmth in more ways than one.

One such discovery was a realization that I could actually come up with the names of twelve lovely ladies I know, when I received a 'forward"--like many other forwards with a positive message from my friends.

That is quite an achievement!

Think about it -12 good friends to whom you would trust your life, and we're just talking girls!

I thought it was wonderful and often find that I get these messages just when I need them most--in a moment of stress of some sort!

So thanks you ladies for spreading the goodwill around, and for including a thought me in your very busy schedules.

To me- that is THE "good luck" we are promised in the first place-that I have you all!

Any way that's it for a tonight --after only about 3 hours sleep last night--I'm fading fast...zzzzzzzzzzzzzz.........zzzzzzzzzzzz

 

 

 

Day 90 for President Obama!

While I feel cranky about all the right wing nuts blowviating about our president, it's too beautiful a day to stay cranky or think too many negative thoughts.

Instead I posted some more photos of just one sunset a couple of nights ago--obviously the blue sky came first and the rest developed not much later. I just love the way it looks so different all the time--and yet reassuringly the same--if that makes sense.

I'm not feeling 100% today and so I'll keep it short --but will post a couple more pics of something completely different!

Stay cool my sweets--enjoy the monment!

 

 

 

 

 

April 8--2009

While I have seen the tide incredibly low over the years--this was the lowest I ever saw it.

Today I'll just be posting photos!

 

Day 88 in the Age of Obama--and I'm tired!

Well I know that the world can hardly wait to read that piece of news in my header--but lately I've been getting up so early that it's throwing out my usual routine of staying up really late--so now all I want to do is lay back and watch some interesting movie or show that keeps me awake for another couple of hours.

I have to tell you that I've added a new link to my favorites links in the sidebar of this blog and it's really cool and also important for the planet's well being--and I strongly advise you to check it out.

It's www.savethefrogs.com, and I must admit I haven't paid that much attention to frogs here in the Seattle area--because I can't remember ever seeing or hearing one for many years--if at all.

It could be because they're dying off at an alarming rate--and that of course is why the site exists. I know we all are already doing so much to try and save all the endangered species--but the list keeps growing and so must our vigilance, even if it seems like a loosing battle half the time.

Anyway enough of my lecturing, it's time for fun and relaxation--well earned --and I need to do something to take my mind off all the horrendous decisions being made by our new administration. I promised I wouldn' worry too much about or write about politics for a while--but WTF is going on?
Practically condoning torture?

Oh well I have spent a bit of time signing petitions --so that will have to do for today, except for this one piece of advice!

The president has said it many times--he wants to do the right thing!

But WE THE PEOPLE HOLD THE ONLY TRUE POWER AND WE MUST MAKE HIM DO IT!

Good night

The day after Tax Day--#87 in the Age of Obama!

OK yesterday I was too bloody cranky to write and too busy during the day and too bloody lazy in the evening.

When I began this post today--I ran into tennis whilst setting up my usual DVR recordings.

Not only tennis --but Roger Federer tennis--so I had to take a couple of hours off( my work day began at 7.30 am--so by 4.30 I felt it was OK-to do so --but I almost wish I hadn't.

So I gave away the result--Rog got beaten in the third round by his good friend--fellow Swiss and partner in the gold medal for doubles at the last Olympic games--in Beijing--Stan Wawrinka (excuse the spelling--if it's wrong).

The announcers on the tennis channel were both Brits- and didn't have much love for Rog--but to be fair--they really just concentrated on the tennis part of the match, and didn't talk much about Roger's position on the world stage.

Actually they did mention that he was on his honeymoon, suggesting that Mirka's yawns may have been caused by Roger keeping her up all night. That's probably true--but also as a woman--I'm pretty sure that it's her pregnancy that is making her yawn--as any woman who's been in that state would know.

It was a very close match--but ended in two sets--6-4, 7-5 and I don't think that Rog looked bad--only that Stan looked better and seemed more confident.It was the first time he beat Rog in a tournament--so good for him.

As far as Roger is concerned--I think he's in a lull and has too much on his plate to be able to fully concentrate on his game, right now.

My suggestion is --please Roger--forget about the politics of tennis--like your presidency of the Tennis assc. that Rafa also chairs as VP.

Just play and get used to the idea of being a father, because once that happens it's going to be harder and harder for you to feel free enough to play--although I guess that Andre A did it for a few years, and still won a championship.

At any rate--good luck for the rest of the clay court season--and remember that you will always be number One in this house!

Now I have come to a decision about politics---I'm not going to worry about them for a while, instead I'll give the new administration the time to do what they promised and not count every little event that goes a little differently from what we all expected.

After all--it hasn't been that long and just as I thought it would---the shit hit the fan as soon as he started and it's only gotten worse since then.

The right wingers are driving me crazy with their overt opposition and name calling, racism, and stupidity--and I think I need a break from all that.

It doesn't mean that I'm suddenly going to stop everything--it's just --that by the time I get around to writing--it's usually been a full 8-10 hours of progressive radio--and right now that's enough!

So I still feel a little cranky--BWTF--that's life!

Day 86 in the Age of Obama--and Tax Day!

For the first time since President Obama took office--I feel a little confused about his handling of the financial situation, but that's OK--it's something I can live with right now.

 

 

Day 84 in the Age of Obama!

Wow --a lot of things can change in one day without a computer, radio and TV being on.

Yesterday a friend took my to a beautiful family farm near Chehalis about 120 miles southwest of Seattle, where we spent the day absorbing the calming country atmosphere--as well as the relentless rain dumping on everything for more than ten hours straight.

Of course anyone who lives around here knows that you can't ever wait for the rain to stop -if you want to have adventures and fun- no you must appreciate all the good things that having rain means--like rain-forests, lichen and moss.

Almost all the great trees were decorated with this gossamer-lace like matter and covered the bare branches like pale green lace, amid the rich fertile landscapes colored by a million greens and bordered by hordes of different sized Douglas firs.

We learned how to hold baby chicks without freaking them out, saw turkeys of different breeds, as well as chickens, visited a wonderful underground house, went for a long walk along a creek and a river.

It was kind of uncanny as the landscape reminded me so much of what I described in my novel, and I felt a de ja vous com over me. I halfway expected to see 'Cadie' come out of the bushes to make my creation a reality, and was a little relieved that she didn't!

Later on, I enjoyed the best Turkey Pot Pie I've ever eaten, created by the talented hostess, as well as two delicious desserts.

Actually, yesterday was the only Easter Sunday in 20 years, that I didn't eat some kind of chocolate!

I also met on of the most beautiful dogs I've ever seen--appropriately named Lady Bear for it's resemblance of a polar bear, both in color and size. She came with us on our walk and provided a feeling of assurance, that no matter what we might encounter in the forest--she was there to protect us.

We also had a knowledgeable guide who was happy to answer the many questions I put to him, and obliged us with a few photos. I decided it was too wet to bring my camera and besides I wanted to concentrate on the beauty of my surroundings--which can be difficult sometimes while filming.

I met three of the ten sweet, predators--photos of which I will post later on, as I have limited time now.

I want to thank my dear friend who brought me to that great place and my hosts who were so kind, it was a great Easter.

When I got home--I did not turn on the PC--or watch any news on TV--didn't read the paper--no I watched some shows I'd recorded on the DVR and then the 'Tudors' (I love all historical stuff). This episode dealt with a lot of torture-and screaming- and endless killing--and I was glad when it was over.

When I woke up this morning I listen to Stephanie Miller and was happy to hear that the hostage/pirate crisis had been resolved.

I must admit I was saddened that three people were killed in the process--but if somebody had to die--I'm glad it wasn't the captain who seemed quite heroic--by offering himself as the hostage in the first place.

It is shameful that Somali's coastline has been ruined and that the people have to resort to piracy to survive --but I hope that when the world gets together to discuss this crisis that they will take Somali's plight into their considerations.

I'm not thrilled with some of the administrations decisions lately, but no matter what right now--everything is a trillion times better for me than it was for the last nine years.

 

Day 82 in the Age of Obama!

Yesterday I forgot to mention my sympathy for the people of Italy whose friends and relatives died in the recent earthquake.

What can one say --except to be grateful for everyday of life that we have and to live it to the fullest. That may sound callous, but it's true-at least for me and my family and friends.

I really believe that when our time comes--it comes no matter what precautions we may take, and if Nature decides to shake us off --there's fuck all we can do about it.

At any rate for those who believe in it--Happy Easter--for those of us who don't--lets not over do it with the chocolate bunnies and eggs--although I think back fondly to my teenage years when I used to dip the broken pieces of chocolate into a delicious Cappuccino or Latte. I can feel my waistline expand even as I think about it.

So not this time--trying to fir into last years jeans here.

Oh just one more thing--thank God we found out that President Obama is going to a public church tomorrow--I can't begin to think of the consequences if we had given him a bit of privacy!

Day 81 in the Age of Obama--and I'm confused!

Who and what am I?
Born of fascists in a communist country while catholic, I moved to a place that was ruled by democratic conservatives who were Anglicans, I grew up as a secular socialist with democratic leanings and now live in a democratic republic as a socialist with a Muslim man from Kenya—who was incidentally also born in Hawaii, democratic president who is also a fascist, a terrorist an alien and a socialist who wants to take all the guns away from the true patriots who believe that it’s their right to kill anyone who disagrees with their point of view.

Forgive me if I’m a little confused—but I’ve been busy with my taxes and some actual work—so I haven’t blogged as often as usual, but all I can say –is WTF?

All those things I say in the paragraph above are true—I’m one of those people who has been moved and moved, and traveled a lot—and some how ended up in this amazing country for the last 20 years.

Things have been slow for me here—business while—(I’m an artist—an not very business orientated) and somehow my pride and lack of funds have kept me here much longer than I ever anticipated.

However to get to the point of this post—I say again--or may be just ask WTF?

As a woman who reared a daughter and a son---I can’t for the life of me figure out why we humans are born with this horrible bloodlust.

I know a lot of it has to do with survival of the fittest---and with so many countless universes out there—why should we humans have the answer to any of our questions—when we are nothing larger than ants at the most in the scale of things?

Why do we have brains that ask these questions—when the answers are so much more puzzling than the questions and only ever lead to more confusion?

Oh well—there’s always tomorrow—when the affect of the alcohol wears off—I guess—but for now I’m going to call it a night—while I wait for someone more knowledgeable than me to set me straight, but before I say goodnight—I just wanted to thank Bill Maher for his wonderful show tonight—I thought it was just great.

Gore Vidal has been a favorite author and has inspired me to be a better and more knowledgeable writer and Ron Howard is becoming one of my favorite directors—and I like their sense of humor—so very much.

I also listened to a bit of Mike Malloy tonight and totally share his confusion about Bill Maher and his very perverted association with that horrible skinny man/insect/female impersonator / TV star etc-called Ann Coulter. This has been going on far too long—Bill—Please explain the fascination?

Day 77 and a quick rant on Newspapers!

First of All!

Congrats to Ed Schultz and MSNBC for now having three progressives on their station!
It's very encouraging for the progressive movement.

As for the "dying of the newspapers"--I don't think that's such a tragedy except for those people losing their jobs--obviously!

But lets face it --in the face of Global Climate Change--it isn't all bad--just think of all the trees that are going to be spared and how good that will be for the general well-being of the planet!

My being of the age where newspapers have always been read--even now I have them delivered---but I think--in this time of technology--we can certainly do without them, since we do have other means of communication.

In fact I think it's a natural progression to switch to online publications in so many ways.

What is tragic to me --is that there are so few really excellent reporters these days --especially in the papers--and that is something that we progressive bloggers already have a handle on--so to speak--so lets continue to do our best to get the truth out there!

Sorry about the tears--to continue.....day 76!

Nothing like a good cup of tea to straighten me out...at least the thought of one-- since I'm still waiting for the water to boil.

Just getting back to that missile test by the North Koreans---I believe it broke up over the ocean---in the most un-spectacular way--and basically failed in it's mission. SO perhaps there is something positive in that --at least the world knows that N.K isn't ready as yet to threaten its neighbors with nukes.

So hurray for that!

Now talking of things that are unspectacular---Today's final of the Ericcson Open Tennis was just that.

There were some good moments and I congratulate Andy Murray for winning it--but there sure is a difference for the audience when the top 2 players are not in the finals.

Perhaps it's whenever Djokovic plays that sucks for me, as he nearly always calls for the trainer or the medic or someone --when ever he is down and simply not playing as well as his opponent.

In fact he (to steal the words of Mary Carillo) won a grand slam of defaults by pulling out of the Aussie Open this year, the French Open last year as well as Wimbledon. It's obvious to any tennis fan that Novak has not lived up to his own expectations--but he is only 21 and still has plenty of time to get there.

Some humility would go a long way towards this goal, and might even make me appreciate him a little more--as he does have some great tennis skills--but let's face it--he's not a Federer or a Nadal and I don't think he ever will make it that far.

Andy Murray on the other hand--he is humble and appreciative of the great players he constantly knocks down now--and it's hard not to like him and wish him well.

How amazing it would be for his British fans to see him win Wimbledon--or at least make it to the finals this year!

I would like to see Roger back there with Andy instead of Rafa--but Roger would have to get his head together in order for that to happen.

I wish that someone like Pete Sampras would take Roger under his wings and give him a few hints on how to deal with all this competition--just like he did--there is still plenty of time for Roger, like I've said before he only needs to win 2 more slams to beat Pete and fulfill everybody's expectations--especially his own.

I am sorry to sound so arrogant about tennis and my advice to the greatest player ever--but I feel so passionately about the sport and I am old enough to be everybody's mother--so it's nothing more than a bit of motherly advice.

So my tea is ready and I will try to concentrate on my taxes and later I'll write some more about a topic very dear to my heart--Grass!

Day 76 in the Age of Obama--and I'm only a little cranky!

On this glorious day, Spring has finally sprung--at least for a few days --if we can believe the Weather forecasts. M

Just for the record--I'm only cranky because I haven't finished my taxes yet--but I've got to finish them before the night is over--when I'm in the mood for sitting in the sun and lapping up all the sights and sounds of my beautiful environment.

So I made the most of this sunny Sunday by leaping out of bed early--(by my standards) 9.30 and went for a brisk walk at Redondo, where even the usually dour old men I come across were smiley and talkative and generally happy about the warmer weather.Even that early--people were out in force, especially by the time I finished the 2 mile mark.

I haven't really been paying that much attention to the political scene in the last few days--having to think about my day-job--Art restoration--and the joy of actually having some income after so many months of stagnation, but of course I know that our president is "wowing" the international scene in Europe and beyond, with his beautiful lady at his side.

But I am aware that North Korea has actually fulfilled its threat and tested a missile!

Also I believe that there is new violence in the middle East and that's always a threat.

What is wrong with us people? Isn't it bad enough that we have a limited life on this beautiful planet already? That we are ruining everything that lives with our constant polluting?

That we are the cruelest animals alive?
Yesterday I almost threw up when I heard about the sadistic way they kill the baby seals on the east coast of Canada!

I knew it was bad as a rule and have signed hundreds of petitions over the years to stop this dreadful murder--but now it's worse than ever.
These babies are alive when they are skinned and then thrown back into the ocean--as fish-food. Even clubbing them over the head --like they used to do--seems less barbaric. At least they were dead when skinned.

I'm sorry I'm crying too much to continue right now--but I plead with all of my readers to go to IFAW to try and put an end to this inhuman behavior once and for all.

Day 74 in the age of Obama--and now day 75!

While on a personal level the day was kind of annoying one several levels and I was quite cranky, I must admit that life in (my phrase) The Age of Obama is at least worth living.

Some might think of me as an orphan of the world, since I possess no true commitment to any one country, rather I feel torn between several countries- which might disqualify me to speak for any country--as it would suggest some kind of catostrophic failure of 'nationalism' on my part, but I have always thought of myself as a citizen of the world.

Having said all that--I want to be a fucking American now!

This year it will be 20 years since I've lived here, and I may have to move back to my other adopted country at some point--but not without first getting my citizenship here---and it's all because of Obama.

I know that he doesn't have the answers to all the world's problems or mine--but he is a man of great courage, wit, beauty and intelligence that makes him quite unique among world leaders--at least in my day and age.

Another day has dawned since I began this post--all because I drank too much wine and flaked out on the couch for an hour.

So now I'm really tired and will go to bed--and hopefully by tomorrow I will finally get it together and write something meaningful.

Also a few more hours will have passed since I watched Roger Federer smash his tennis racket in disgust. This will be a good thing--since I'm still hurting after watching him lose in what seemed like a winning match for him. He smashed that thing like it was an egg--and all in one go--and then he had to continue playing--so maybe it helped just a bit, but the commentators were stunned--with this new side of Roger.

I don't know what happened to him--but his game pretty much disintegrated after the first set--and he actually said after the match that "he was glad that the hard court season was over"--which was unusual to say the least--since he's always been such a winner on that surface.

Personally I couldn't even stand watch it anymore and only saw it later in the day, after work, when I'd come to grips with his loss. Oddly--only yesterday Nadal was knocked out too--so numbers three and four will fight it out while one and two will have some time to rest and reflect.

In a way all this collapse makes Federer's rise to his 13 slams in 4 or 5 years even more amazing--as it showcases just how committed and hardworking, healthy and talented he was to get there--and how much harder for those who want to be where he is now--will have to work to make it.

So now it's Murray and Djokovic in the final on Sunday--and I say go Murray!

Oh I forgot to mention the snow we had today!

Not an April fool's joke--but a fact!

Federer beats Andy Roddick for the 17th. time!

What a great match tonight at the Erickson Open in Miami--and nail biter for the last two sets.

At first it looked like Roger was going to ride all over Andy and won the the first set at 6-3.

Andy's body language looked like it nearly always does when confronted with the greatest player on history (not only my words--but those of the commentators) but in the second set Roger had a chance to break Andy --but couldn't do it.

After that he was broken himself and lost the second set at 4-6. At this point Andy had the full capacity crowd roaring for him to prevail and it really seemed for a while that he could.

But then Roger switched into that special gear only a handful of tennis players ever have and swiftly put an end to Andy's attempted repeat win at this event, by breaking his serve and winning with a 6-4 score.

I often say (and of course it's well known) that Andy Roddick may have been a very different player if Roger hadn't come along when he did.

But there's no point in going back--just as Roger has Nadal and Andy Murray to cramp his style--if nothing else--Andy Roddick has Roger.

We have the rest of the year to see what happens next --and it's all very exciting for me and I think all tennis fans.

I just wish that Roger would find a good coach to help him overcome his own doubts which become obvious if one watches him on a regular basis.

He is such a fantastic player--and I'm sure he has so much more ahead of him, but he lacks the confidence over Nadal and Murray.

However for whatever it's worth--I truly believe he will beat Nadal at some point.

Murray is another problem--and tonight I just want to bask in Roger's win.

Thank you guys for a great match!

All emotional after seeing some amazing photos....

I really wanted to say something clever and or something funny for the day, since its April fool's day, but I've just looked at the faces of hope in London, and they brought me to tears.

It's pretty absurd on my part, since some of these people are nothing short of despots and tyrants who have always sought to rip us 'ordinary ' folk off, but it seems to me that the Obamas have done so much to ease the world's pain--simply by their existence, and even to these blase folk in charge of our world.

Hopefully in the years to come, a lot will be done to to make everybody as hopeful as I feel today, but today I'm content to enjoy the ambiance of the old world, and let my imagination soar with all the good things still to come.

I was going to write about some unbelievable stuff going down here in the US--but the conficker virus had me waste a day on scanning and insulating my PC, and now I have to go back to work--(a truly good thing) and then I have to watch Roger Federer and Andy Roddick beat it out on the tennis court in Miami.

If I'm not too upset--I'll enthrall you some more later!