Sunday, November 21, 2010

There's Something About a Royal Wedding

Unemployment.
The world economy in tatters.
Voters choosing based on their wallets but without regard to minor issues such as basic human rights.
Nuclear threats.
A royal wedding. 
No, this was 29 years ago. In the eerie way that history repeats itself, we find the world in a precarious place, or at least said place getting more coverage.  
Just as Charles and Di so kindly took everyone's minds off it all for a day (and gave the UK a government hol), William and Kate will be doing said same this coming summer. They plan to scale it back a bit, though. Charles and Camilla in their capacity as civil servants will be footing the bill from their own pocketbooks. 
A bit of glitter makes the world look better, even if for a fleeting moment. 

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Breaking News on Kilt Protest

Kilt protest info

We Interrupt Today's Events

   It is announced that HRH Prince William and his longtime girlfriend Kate Middleton are (finally) officially engaged. The wedding date will be arranged soon.
    Ok, ok. I know that this is irrelevant to many. In the larger world, we have a death toll of 1,000 in Haiti from a cholera outbreak. I'm waiting on the justice system to go after George W. and Company for his published confession. I'm looking for the link for the group of men who want to show up en masse at airports in kilts to protest the TSA pat downs (posted here as soon as I find it).The smaller world has ongoing issues with eldercare and the day to day challenges of life in these times.
     But, dear God, I need a break. Some watch shows like "Desperate Housewives" or "Grey's Anatomy." Others escape into sci-fi or games. Me? Give me a good slice of historical pie or a story about England's Monarchy. Brew some proper real tea with a splash of milk and let me sit on the sofa with Phillippa Gregory or Alison Weir and I will come back a new woman.
    History teaches us how much things haven't changed. If we were just simply to state the facts (a cholera epidemic is afoot; a puppet leader is getting away with torture; a protest is planned; a prince is to wed a commoner), what century would we be in?
    As we ponder that question, the staff at this blog sends His Highness and Ms. Middleton all the best, and respectfully reminds them that there's enough time to keep Vegas open as an option.
    

Monday, November 15, 2010

Tasks du Jour

Work on Swan and Iris. (will be out before T-day)
Work on bio for one of the NBRAN dogs.
Work on new novel set in the Tudor era.
Work on old novel.

Oh, I'm going to go make a cake.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Guess What I'm Not Using My Gift Card For?

    This week, I've been watching the drama unfold over the release of George W.'s book Decision Points. It scares me on so many levels.
     It scares me that he ended up in office to begin with. His ascent and administration does not reflect the America that I was promised in history and civics classes.
     It scares me that that many people would fork over $35 for a book written by him.
     Most of all, it scares me that any publishing company would lower itself in the name of money to commit his words to print. That's as big a crime as anything that he 'fessed up to in this book.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Post Election Wrapup

   Pat Quinn is still governor. Could be worse.  It could be Bill Brady with his Dark Ages attitudes towards women and animals and land owners in the way of his family's real estate. I voted my heart, conscience and wallet for Rich Whitney (G). If those two are the best the Dems and Republicans can cough up, it comes down to keeping the greater evil out of office.
    Mark Kirk (R) won President Obama's old seat. Senator Elect Kirk has shown a lot of creativity with the stories of his military service (ie, awards he won as part of a unit and not as an individual; being deployed places that he wasn't). I hope that he can use his creativity to get us out of the mess we're in on a national level.

Monday, November 1, 2010

T-24 Hours and Counting

   Tomorrow, finally, is election day. Finally. Obviously, I will go vote. There's too much at stake this time.  My duties are to choose a governor, a senator, a US representative, and several county board members.
    It's been a long and silly season. Rich Whitney (G-Governor) wasn't allowed on the televised debates with Gov. Quinn and state Sen. Brady. He instigated a lawsuit against WTTW last week on the grounds of denial of his fair share of air time.
    I hope Mr. Whitney wins his case. I've watched him in interviews. He's been poised. He's not resorted to  mudslinging, just to what he intends to do to serve the state.
    In the clips of the debates between Brady and Quinn, they behaved worse than a couple of first graders fighting over a swing. Neither of them offered any solutions to the state's economy, the biggest issue. Same performance by senate candidates Giannulias and Kirk. Green candidate LeAlan Jones was leveraged out of the televised debates as well. That saddens me. Did you know that he turned down a job in investment banking so that he could be sure that he raised his nephews right? He had guardianship of them and wanted to live up to his obligations.
    Over the last few months, I've struggled where to place my vote. I know I certainly don't want Brady in there.  Kirk and his works of fiction have turned me off to no end. Quinn's not done very much. Following you heart is a catch phrase used with alarming frequency these days. In this case, where will it take me if I vote with it?