Election Night Watch Party

New York City HRC hosted an 'Election Night Watch Party' on Tuesday night. Lori was the host/emcee along with her dinner co-chair, Bryan Parsons, for the evening. The event was held at THERAPY in midtown, and the drinks flowed freely as we all watched the returns come in on CNN. The crowd went wild when Obama took each of the swing states and OF COURSE when he won the election.


Check out some pics of the evening:

And we were very happy that Michael ventured out of his Upper Eastside abode (although sans Christina) to come share in such a historic moment with us. You're the best Mikey!

November 4, 2008 - HISTORIC

HISTORY.



To access Barack Obama's acceptance speech,
Watch the video below or click here for a transcript.


Ann Nixon Cooper, the woman Barack Obama referred to in his acceptance speech, talks about this historic occasion.


The students of Ron Clark Academy respond to yesterday's election of Barack Obama as President of the United States. The emotion of the little boy at the end of the clip is incredibly moving.

Vote

Please

Please please please.....

Vote tomorrow.

Don't allow your busy schedule to keep you from being part of this historic day. This is HISTORY folks. Be a part of it, and please encourage others to do so as well.

Have you seen the article about McCain in Rolling Stone? Scary.
Check it out: Make-Believe Maverick

Found this, and feel it is definitely worthy of posting:

STAY. IN. THE. LINE.

Now is the time to show up and do something for your family.
Do not leave that line on November 4th.

It is possible that the line will be long.
It may take you two, three, four, five, six, seven hours to vote.
Stay. In. The. Line.

It is possible that people will come to harass you.
Stay. In. The. Line.

Do not give in to fear.
Do not give up on your and your family's dream for a better day.
Stay. In. The. Line.

Remember to bring water, snacks, and something to read.
Stay. In. The. Line.

Do not leave without voting.
Minimally, get a provisional ballot and make sure that you vote.
Stay. In. The. Line.

Show up on Tuesday.
Stay. In. The. Line.


A Tale Of Two Tax Plans
All of McCain's constant bullshit about raising taxes under Obama, and the whole 'Joe The Plumber' fiasco is just embarrassing. Can you imagine what people across the globe are thinking of his tactics???
So, as a recap, let us look at the two tax plans:


Thought this was very funny:

VOTE TOMORRROW.

PLEASE.

FIVE MORE DAYS

Please. You truly HAVE to check this site out: Palin As President
Scroll over items in the room, click where you are able, and LOTS of things behind the door.


VIDEOS
* Have you seen this? We want to kiss this Republican: Colin Powell
* Very short clip from the Daily Show of the two idiots: Mavericks

This next cartoon depicts exactly why Maria said NO when she was asked to interpret the Republican National Convention years ago. Can you imagine her up there on the stage next to Bush??? LoL Don't know if she could have ever gotten through any of it.

Pictures Of Us

Gotten some feedback/comments regarding the lack of pictures of the two of us on this blog. Well, here are a couple to appease for a bit:


Memories! Maria getting into trouble with Debbie, Lou, and Toni.
Jumping hemispheres at the Equator.

Lost At Oktoberfest

At this year's Oktoberfest in Munich, beer consumption declined by 300,000 liters to 6.6 million, due to unseasonably cold and rainy weather.  The decline in alcohol intake didn't help festival-goers keep track of their belongings.

Clean-up crews found:

* 680 identity cards and passports
* 410 wallets
* 360 keys
* 265 pairs of eyeglasses
* 280 mobile phones
* 80 cameras
* 1 set of diving goggles
* 1 set of angel's wings
* 1 superman costume
* 4 wedding rings

Elaine! They found your angel's wings! Sorry Georgie, seems your black Nike jacket is still out there somewhere.....

Lori Goes To LA.... And All I Got Was An MTV Tshirt

After many many months, and one VERY LONG week of set up, the new AC/DC Rock Band Store has been opened. The pop-up store is located at Hollywood and Highland Center, and will be open through the first of the year. It is built around the launch of AC/DC's new studio album, Black Ice, along with a full array of their music and merchandise. Rock Band fans can practice jamming on one of three demo units, purchase the new Rock Band 2 game, product accessories, as well as other paraphernalia . And to complete the store, there is a wide range of MTV tshirts to chose from. There has been a lot of publicity about the store since at this point you can only purchase the Black Ice album at Walmart or one of the two MTV stores - Los Angeles or New York. Lori was even interviewed about this retail endeavor, and it was aired on MTV News all this week....... Lori's Moment Of Fame Check it out! She is quite the natural in front of the camera, eh? Store is 4,500 sq feet, and will be open through January 4th. If you're in the 'hood - please stop by! (and buy lots of stuff)

Pavement Picasso - Julian Beever

So I got these pictures emailed to me (THANKS GLENN), and I am completely blown away. Julian Beever is an English chalk artist who has been creating chalk drawings on pavement since the mid-1990s that create the illusion of three dimensions when viewed from the right location. Now, same drawing, from another perspective: Work in progress...... Can you believe this kid is standing on a flat surface?
Want to check out more pictures? This website from HubPages has a bunch of examples as well as a video of Julian Beever at work. Check out the artist's own website too. So impressive.

Getting Involved

JULIE FOTOS IN OHIO WORKING ON THE OBAMA/BIDEN CAMPAIGN

Interested in volunteering?
Obama/Biden Campaign

Lots of information on the website regarding issues and events and opportunities. Check it out! :-)

DO NOT PASS GO!
Check out this website:
Palin As President
Hysterical! Scroll over stuff. Click where you are able. They update things daily. And yet so very scary since it is a possibility!

Debate - How low can McCain and Palin lower the bar?

So the third and final debate was held at Hofstra University this week, and we saw yet another example of the McCain/Palin ticket ignoring questions, taking opportunities to respond but don't, and using gimmicks to try and fool the American people. McCain said 'Joe the Plumber' as many times out of context as Palin brought up 'energy' when she was standing at the podium.

Have got to head to work, but feel the need to clarify/question a few of McCain's points regarding Palin:

1. Palin has given money back to Alaskan taxpayers.
Alaska doesn’t tend to talk about the public as “taxpayers.” The reason is that there is no state income tax or property tax there. Generally, Alaska is run by taxing the companies that tap the state’s rich natural resources, mainly oil companies. To say she gave back “taxpayer” money isn’t entirely accurate. Alaskans received a $1,200 check this year to offset the high cost of energy, which coincided with huge state revenues because of high oil prices.

2. Palin has cut the size of government.
Palin actually increased government spending in Alaska by about 28 percent this year, according to The Associated Press.

3. Palin negotiated with the oil companies and faced them down, a $40 billion pipeline of natural gas that’s going to relieve the energy needs of the United — of what they call the lower 48.
It’s true that Palin has agreed to subsidize the company, TransCanada, with a half-billion dollars in public money to explore a possible natural gas pipeline. But that doesn’t mean any dirt will be turned for years – if at all.

4. Palin is an advocate for special needs children.
Really? Just because she bore a child 5 months ago with special needs does not automatically make her an advocate. Disability issues have not been a centerpiece of Palin's oh-so-short 20 month stint as the governor of Alaska. She did sign a bill approving spending for special needs children, but was in no way involved in its development. This was actually in response to two lawsuits pending in Alaska that allege inadequate services. And in the normal McCain'esque behavior, he must have forgotten that Palin's son has Down Syndrome - McCain spoke only of autism.

AND THE WHOLE 'JOE THE PLUMBER' THING???
* Joe has no license.
* Joe has no real plan to buy a business.
* Joe would do better under Obama's plan than McCain's plan.
* IF the business took off and made over 250K a year, Obama's plan would raise taxes a big 3% per year.

Saturday Night Live does a great job: Hofstra Debate

Also, during the debate John McCain explained why Sarah Palin would make a better future president than Sen. Joe Biden by saying “she’s a role model to women”- that was his response. Are you kidding??? I don't need a role model who is patronized by her own party, irresponsible for accepting such a possibility, makes W look smart, and thinks everyone who doesn't believe in her specific strain of faith is going to hell.

Dachau

Came back to Munich very early on Saturday the 27th, checked in to our hotel, dropped off the bags, and then were out the door once again. We both wanted to see Dachau while we were in this part of Europe. It was too important of a sight and an experience for us to miss for any reason.

Website: http://www.kz-gedenkstaette-dachau.de/english.html

The thing that struck us most profoundly was the size of the camp, and we learned that this was the first stop for SS officers who would be working at other camps so they could be trained in how to deliver strict and severe punishments. There was an informative exhibit with pictures, stats, stories, personal narratives - and we both got to the point of overload.... It was so very humbling to be standing on the actual grounds of the atrocities.

Czech this out.... PRAGUE!

We have both decided that Prague is our favorite European city.

Our hotel was in the perfect location, and we didn't take a train, tram, bus, or cab the entire time we were there. Absolutely within walking distance of everything. Czech food is generally very good, but quite heavy - and no part of the pig is safe from these chefs. Some sight highlights were the Prague Castle, Jewish Quarter, Wenceslas Square, Astronomical Clock, and St. Charles Bridge. We bought a bottle of Absinthe and smuggled it into the country! Yes, smuggled - it is illegal here in the US. Complete with spoon and glass. 140 proof. Vile stuff. Also picked up a couple of Cuban cigars. We must be a couple of mavericks, huh?

I Kissed A Girl

Here is some theme music for the following pictures:

On The Lighter Side Of Politics.....

Saturday Night Live Clips:

Palin and Hilary

Couric/Palin interview

VP Debate

Daily Show Clips:

Vagina Americans

Rove/O'Reilly

Please watch this short clip from the actual Couric/Palin interview. Her ineptness is so NOT FUNNY considering the possibilities that are looming ahead of us if the country votes without thinking: Palin Can't Name One Newspaper You can check out Couric's entire interview online. And you really should because the ENTIRE thing looks like this clip. At least she is consistant......

And this email has been circulated around quite a bit, and we have definitely done our share of forwarding! Nevertheless, we think it is worth posting:

Let me see if I have this straight...

- If you grow up in Hawaii, raised by your grandparents, you're "exotic and different." *However, grow up in Alaska eating mooseburgers, you’re a "quintessential American story".

- If your name is Barack you're a "radical, unpatriotic Muslim”. (who, by the way, is a Christian) *However, name your kids Willow, Trig, and Track, you're a “maverick”.

- Graduate from Harvard law School and you are "unstable". *However, attend 5 different small colleges before graduating, you’re "well grounded".

- If you spend 3 years as a community organizer, become the first black president of the Harvard Law Review, create a voter registration drive that registers 150,000 new voters, spend 12 years as a Constitutional Law Professor, spend 8 years as a State Senator representing a district with over 750,000 people, become chairman of the state Senate's Health and Human Services committee, spend 4 years in the United States Senate representing a state of 13 million people while sponsoring 131 bills and serving on the Foreign Affairs, Environment and Public Works and Veteran's Affairs Committees, you "don’t have any real leadership experience". *However, if your total resume is: local weather girl, 4 years on the city council, 6 years as the mayor of a town with less than 7,000 people, 20 months as the Governor of a state with only 650,000 people, then you’re "qualified to become the country's second highest ranking executive and next in line behind a man in his eighth decade of life".

- If you have been married to the same woman for 19 years while raising 2 daughters, you're "not a real Christian". *However, if you cheated on your first wife with a rich heiress, left your disfigured wife and married the heiress the next month, and then lied about the timeline in your autobiography you're a "true Christian".

- If you teach responsible, age appropriate sex education, including the proper use of birth control, you are "eroding the fiber of society". *However, if, while governor, you staunchly advocate abstinence only, with no other option in sex education in your state's school system while your unwed teen daughter ends up pregnant, you're "very responsible".

- If your wife is a Harvard graduate lawyer who gave up a position in a prestigious law firm to work for the betterment of her inner city community, then gave that up to raise a family, your "family's values don't represent America's". *However, if your husband is nicknamed 'First Dude', with at least one DWI conviction and no college education, who didn't register to vote until age 25 and once was a member of a group that advocated the secession of Alaska from the USA , your family is "extremely admirable".

OK, much "clearer" now....

"Pray The Gay Away"

Can we just get some facts out there? Let's start with Sarah Palin. She is a member of Wassila Bible Church. This congregation actually has a campaign that is entitled, "Pray The Gay Away". Yup, gay conversions. No one should be surprised on Palin's acceptance of such dogma since she is staunchly against gay marriage, and has said on numerous occasions she supports legislation that would deny benefits to the domestic partners of public employees, because, she said “honoring the family structure is that important." Great.

And McCain? Please. He supported legislation in Arizona to ban civil unions and domestic partnerships - even going so far as to make two TV commercials regarding his views. He is AGAINST any type of adoption by a gay individual. So let us all be clear..... If McCain had it his way Lori would never be able to adopt her son after Maria delivers. Never. McCain also voted against the Employment Non-Discrimination Act brought before the Senate. This act would prohibit any employer from firing an employee for the sole reason of sexual orientation.

This is not about parties and rivalries and games. We are your daughters/granddaughters/nieces/sisters/friends. These people are coming after the two of us. Deliberately and strategically. This is about rights. Human rights. When decisions are made in the voting booth, you are impacting the two of us when your vote is cast. Please think about things before making a hasty choice - and think about the world you are helping to create for our son. This needs to be a personal decision. Please think about it.

~ Breaking News ~

Well, went to the 20-week sonogram at St. Lukes-Roosevelt Hospital today.....
A staff meeting delayed the morning, and it was very comical seeing a full waiting room AND an additional 10 pregnant women waiting in the hallway for their appointments. Lori and I had to wait about an hour before being called in - and it was an amazing experience! Saw the spine and heart first, and then the arms, legs, brain, kidneys, etc etc. Doctor confirmed all measurements are normal and everything looked healthy. Whew! We can finally breathe.

They took a 3D picture, but said it unfortunately isn't as clear as they would like bec the baby is laying on the placenta and the cord is close to its face. We think it is pretty clear:


And? The really really big news? ~ ~ ~ IT IS A BOY ~ ~ ~

Quick News

Haven't posted anything in a while, so we felt the need (and the peer pressure) to add something new.

* Pregnancy. We are at 17 weeks now, and Maria is FINALLY starting to gain some weight. She is hardly complaining that it hasn't begun until now! We are checking out all the pregnancy websites to see what is happening every week. Apparently at 17 weeks the kid is the size of a large onion. This month we also were an orange and an avocado. When will we be out of the produce section???

* Grandpa Kirk. Seems some routine cardiac tests to show there was nothing to worry about proved the exact opposite - Grandpa Kirk needed a triple bypass to be done right away due to 90% blockage. Big surprise. LUCKILY, everything went extremely well in surgery. Grandpa looks great, and is recovering at home. Although I think he is becoming too attached to his body pillow.... :-)

* Vacation. Only 22 days left until we head out to Munich and Prague! Kim/Michele have made all the hotel, beer tent, and etc reservations for the group in Munich. And now we have to get on the ball and book hotel accomodations in Prague! We decided to rent a car and make the drive ourselves. Will be nice to take in the scenery and make some impromptu stops along the way. Have heard such amazing things about this city, and SO looking forward to the entire trip!

HAIR - Shakespeare in the Park

Well, we went to the Delcorte Theater in Central Park on Saturday night for the Public Theatre's production of HAIR. And can we just tell you? We are STILL talking about the show. The cast had amazing voices, and were just so talented and energetic. The open-aired theater was the perfect venue for this production. Such a true New York City experience.
How were we lucky enough to score these free, sought-after tickets without having to head into the park at 6am to wait in line all day? Well, Maria (surprise surprise) had an "in" for us. Saturday night's performance was sign language interpreted - 5 interpreters stood in front of approx 300 deaf theatergoers, as well as others in the community. Additionally, Maria was working too, interpreting for a deaf-blind member of the audience. Oh, and we have to admit.... We saw a great many friends that night, and it was kind of cool getting all the congratulatory wishes about the pregnancy since it seemed we had to keep it quiet for so long!

Really and truly -
We LOVED this show. We have been singing it all weekend, have the cast recording downloaded on the iPod, and have talked about it nonstop! Some reviews: NY Times, Theater Mania, NY Magazine, and Time Out. Our suggestion? Grab a blanket, wine and cheese, a good book, and wait in line for this show. It is worth it.

When the moon is in the Seventh House
And Jupiter aligns with Mars,
Then peace will guide the planets
And love will steer the stars.

Luke, Poptarts, and Arkansas

LUKE: Well, our week with Luke was truly a blast. We got quite used to calling him The Boy, and it was nice to have someone (other than the two of us) doing all the heavy lifting at the lake. We all took in a performance of Rent, he was an enthusiastic audience member at TRL, and he and his Aunt Lori were successful in their plan to con Maria into letting them purchase an XBox 360.

POPTARTS: Luke kept us laughing! Everything from sending text messages from the john to sleeping in the weirdest positions. On a grocery store run that could ONLY be disastrous since we were all so starved, The Boy, in his ravenous state, picked out Poptarts. He never ate them. Refused to pack them. And unfortunately, FOUND them when I tried to sneak them into his suitcase. We discovered the box and a note that read 'Nice Try' in our kitchen.

ARKANSAS: We hung out with Lori's parents for the weekend! Flew into Little Rock on Thursday, and spent our time at their amazing home in Hot Springs Village. We went into town for lunch, toured bathhouse row, and sampled some of the water from one of the cold springs. Yesterday's weather? Actually hit 104 degrees, but here in NYC was only 84! The three heroes of the group played golf in the unrelenting heat. Maria suffered much less so, and her exertion only came from driving the cart. Lori's parents are so much fun, but unfortunately the weekend flew by way too quickly. We are making plans as to when we can come down again. And soon!

* Happy B'day Lori *

July 30th. Lori spent her birthday running around the city doing all sorts of tourist'y things with Luke - breakfast at Stardust Diner, double-decker bus, shark speedboat tour, South Street Seaport, and the Museum of Natural History.
Our dinner reservations that evening brought us to Cafe Des Artistes on 67th/CPW. Such a historic piece of New York City culture. The decor is beautiful, and the waiters all seem like they have worked there their whole lives. A very interesting article in the Times recently: Once a Hostess, Now a Bar's Grand Dame
The food was fabulous, and Luke (yet again) was quite impressed and/or disgusted on restaurant prices in NYC. * HAPPY B'DAY LORI *