Colors

Monday, May 12, 2008

Obama and Clinton

It looks like it is going to be a done deal, Obama is going to get the nod for nomination. I'm torn here. I don't mean to be the guy saying that the emporer has no clothes, but, I just don't know what he has substance-wise. I know that's an easy critcism to lob at someone, and Obama in particular, but let me explain.

I have listened to a lot of his campaign speeches, and in particular I am thinking of his win speech last Tuesday, April 6. I think he's got a positive attitude, but I think he speaks in generic cliches. Yes, I agree, I'd love to see this country go from polarized to more unified. I'd love to see blue collar workers be able to support their families on a blue collar worker salary. I'd love to see the US pull out of the war in Iraq. But, other than his saying these things, I don't know HOW he'd do any of these things.

Does Clinton have any more substantive answers? Yes, but not by much. I have to give her credit for having the hands-on learning experience having tried to implement national healthcare back in 1992. I agree with her that the government needs to act on such matters as healthcare reform and I respect that she's been there.

But, it does appear that Obama will be the Dem's candidate. Will I vote for him over McCain? Yeah, of course I will. The more I hear McCain, the more unsettled I feel. Just his stance on the military's future in Iraq is enough for me to not want him for President.

Anyway, have fun.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Barack Obama as VEEP?

I have to admit, it was a bit ballsy for Clinton to speak about her and Obama as running mates, with Obama as the VP. But if Barry was smart, this may be a winning strategy, if he was, indeed, behind in the primaries.

Democrats would likely be more successful of winning the Presidential contest with Clinton against McCain than Barry. Many Dems have said they'd give their vote to McCain or Nadar if Obama was the nominee. Is this abandoning the party?

Barry is just not the strongest Democratice candidate to win the general election. Do we want 4 more years under a Republican? Or as some are saying "McSame?" I fear that is what will happen if BO wins the nomination on goes on to the GE. I don't think he can beat McCain. That's what we have to look at in the end - who can beat this guy.

Clinton was probably premature on making this kind of statement since she is not in the lead. It would've come across much better if the situation were reversed. If Barry ran as VP, he might then gain the experience he needs and move into Presidency after 4 or 8 years, for another, well, 4 or 8 years. This could possibly secure him 12-16 years of employment, instead of ZERO. This is the big picture Dems should be looking at!

The Democrats out there in the world need to think of this. Barry is a sure loser against McCain unless you all do something about this now.

Think long and hard folks before you raise your hand or cast your ballot.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

The Thing About Obama...

I'm sorry, but exactly what has Barry done to win over America in this race toward the nomination? I cannot figure it out. Why are our savvy citizens SO QUICK to support someone who has minimal political experience, is rather young, and has YET to explain his plans to:
  • End the "war" in Iraq
  • Provide universal healthcare
  • Increase energry independence

I am a bit disturbed by this. My feeling is that America is afraid to support a woman. I rarely hear people admit they are for Clinton, in fact, until they hear someone else supports her, they are embarrassed to admit it first. WHY???

There are still hundreds of thousands from the Good Ol' Boys Club who have a low opinion of women in general and unfortunately would not give an intelligent, well-spoken, educated woman a second thought because she is, in fact, a woman. Don't forget these types of men control the household so you can COUNT ON their wives and possibly their adult children following suit.

This brings me to another group of people: our youth. Now that this snotty generation is old enough to perform their civic duty as voters, they are supporting Obama in large numbers. My guess is it's because Hillary reminds them of their moms... and between the ages of 18-24 when they "know everything," and think their parents know jack shit, Hillary would be the last person they'd support. Instead, they go for someone only a couple of decades older than them. This is scary. I don't trust this generation. They are unreasonable know-it-alls and the fate of MY country possibly lies in their hands. Go ask them why they support Obama and you won't get some wise speech filled with facts and figures.

WAKE UP PEOPLE. Don't be afraid to go with your heart. Don't be afraid to go with the facts. If Hillary can deal with a rat of a husband like Bill, don't you think she's got what it takes to lead us into greatness?

Sorry Barry, but if you do get the nomination, I may have to change teams. Or worse, vote green.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

California Pizza Kitchen Nutritional Info


Ever wonder about the nutritional content of your CPK foods? So have I. I've been searching high and low to no avail. I tried to email through the "contact us" link on the http://www.californiapizzakitchen.com/ website, but it was blocked. So I called 1-800-919-3227 and spoke to whoever first answered the phone, "Keisha."


I asked where I could find the nutritional info on their pepperoni pizza, which I had for lunch today. She said the only information they provided was on their products sold in grocery stores. I asked why... Keisha replied that the company chooses not to make public the nutritional information on their restaurant items. I asked why again, as if I might get a different answer, but added that some may like to know for dietary needs. Keisha apologized but could not offer any information.


I'm shocked. In this day and age of dieting, people are paying attention the labels. I've seen the labels on CPK's frozen pizzas and frankly, they are not that bad. I would assume the same could be said for the restaurant items, but if CPK is not willing to disclose this, I would have to believe otherwise.


CPK needs to step up and join the ranks of their competition! Besides, it's become a fad, a useful fad, but a fad nonetheless, to list nutritional info! Go to http://www.pfchangs.com/ and they offer all the nutritional details you want on every single menu item. It's quite beautiful. One can make wiser choices and still enjoy eating out.


California Pizza Kitchen: Get your nutritional information out the public! Stop hiding! Your menu looks fairly healthy... so take advantage of this marketing angle and let us know what's in there!


Jen

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Griffith Park - Festival of Lights


For the most part, I love Christmas! I love the decorations, the smell of Christmas trees and festive music. I love how my nephews faces light up when they see wrapped goodies with their names on it. I love the smell of my mom's house when she's just baked some treats. I love the chill in the air that makes us all huddle a bit closer.

I live at the corner of Los Feliz Blvd near the entrance to Griffith Park. It must be one of the business boulevards in Los Angeles. I have learned to live with heavy traffic, planning for extra time just to exit my property. I've sort of drowned out the horn honking from pissed off motorists. I've even gotten used to the daily sirens, many responding to horrific accidents from reckless drivers speeding right there in front of my house.

What I cannot tolerate is Christmas time in this area. This is when Griffith Park displays the Festival of Lights (put on by the reliable DWP, but that's another blog) - a whole mile of them! I saw this the first year I moved here. Once was enough. While absolutely love colorful, twinkly lights, the visitors to the park have ruined it.

Imagine, it's the night before Christmas (and all through the house), I'm wrapping presents, carols playing in the background, fragrant candles burning throughout - and horn blasts of angry people out on the boulevard waiting in the long line to enter the park. They lay on them for minutes at a time, sometimes they open their windows and yell expletives to the person that got in front of them. Then there's the constant hum of engines sitting for hours on end.

This is not pleasant. This is unbearable. I contacted the local police one night last year and they came out to control traffic and adjust some attitudes. It was wonderful. But that's just one night out of 30-something that starts near Thanksgiving and runs until New Year's Eve, and runs from 5pm to 10pm... and later on the holidays! I cannot call the cops every night, so I have to hear assholes ruin my holiday. Assholes that cannot, for one minute or one hour, stay calm and wait their turn. Assholes that probably have children in their car.

And now Councilman Tom LaBonge is pushing for DWP's plan to restrict the first 5 nights to pedestrian only! Has anyone seen the parking situation in and around the park? Traffic will worsen, if that's possible, and attitudes will undoubtedly worsen with it.

I propose we terminate the Festival of Lights. It only creates frustration - for those that live near it and for those who live in it. At least do it for the children! Do they need to witness adults behaving badly??? Not really. Celebrate the holidays with joy and happiness, and STAY OUT OF MY NEIGHBORHOOD.

Warm Holiday Wishes,

Jen

LA Times Article 10-22-07

Photo taken by Geek_chic. Click on photo for more information.

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Landing Strip Mission

You are sitting in traffic, reflecting about an earlier conversation where you could not think fast enough to respond intelligently. Now you are replaying the conversation in your head and formulating how you would’ve responded, given the chance. Maybe you’re talking out loud to yourself. It’s articulate, profound, and downright inspirational. Since the conversation has long gone, your poetry goes unrecognized.

Bring your thoughts and views here to the Landing Strip. We want to spark worthwhile conversations, whether it’s just dialogue or debate.

Our audioblog is currently in production and will draw from and trade ideas with this blog.

Regards,

Jen