Our Almost Snow Storm

Saturday there was a little snow in the air. It started around 10:30 on my way back from my spinning class. It came down on and off until nightfall.

Parade of Peanuts Ties, Day 5

Here's Friday's tie.

Afghanistan the War We Forgot and Now Have to Remember

I’ve long thought that this should have been the only war we were in. Iraq was a mistake. I won’t go into the reasons why because they are many and not what needs to be discussed now. But we forgot about the war in Afghanistan and because of that we are in the situation that we are today.

I liked the fact that Obama is honest about the war. That it won’t be a walk in the park (as opposed to the notion of we’ll be greeted as liberators):

Now, let me be clear: None of this will be easy. The struggle against violent extremism will not be finished quickly, and it extends well beyond Afghanistan and Pakistan. It will be an enduring test of our free society, and our leadership in the world. And unlike the great power conflicts and clear lines of division that defined the 20th century, our effort will involve disorderly regions, failed states, diffuse enemies.

I like the fact that there is a time line. That there is a goal of when we will get out. Now is it going to be hard and fast maybe not. But it’s better than lets stay until conditions are just completely right. After all the Bush administration opposed a time-line for withdrawal from Iraq. McCain did as a candidate and then along came the Iraqi government and said ah we like the idea of a time line.

Now we all have to hope that the new strategy works.

Parade of Peanuts Ties, Day 4

It's my "if I was arrested for wearing a Peanuts tie" picture.

Parade of Peanuts Ties, Day 3

Here's day three of the parade of peanuts ties.

World AIDS Day

The White House's gigantic red ribbon to honor World AIDS Day. The significance of the day had receded over time. In part because the disease has become more treatable with new drugs. But it still is killing people at an alarming rate. So it's good that this ribbon is there to make people think.

Parade of Peanuts Ties

Monday started my annual tradition of the parade of peanuts ties. It's my way celebrating the holidays. I wear a different Peanuts tie from the first work day after Thanksgiving to the time I leave for Christmas. This year it's 15 days. And you may think how can there be that many ties with the Peanuts characters on them. Well there are. In fact I have four ties to spare.

Each day I'm going to post a picture of the tie I wear. I'm a little behind so here are the first two days.

GW Against Oregon State with the First Family

Some shots of the new set up at the Smith Center and then the arrival of the First Family.

Once my friend Stu and I heard about this game we were fairly certain that if the Obamas were in town they would be showing up for the game.

GW Against Oregon State with the First Family, Part II

This clip is the introduction of the players. Oregon State is introduced first. Mrs. Obama's reaction to the announcement of her brother's name is just great.

GW Against Oregon State with the First Family, Part III

This is the last few minutes of the game when GW made a run at trying to win. With 33.8 second left in the game GW was down by 2 points. Also Oregon State just lost focus and allowed GW to get way too close.

GW Basketball with the First Family, Part IV

The Colonials came close to winning the game in the last minute but fell short. It was interesting that the GW players came over and shook hands with the first family. The Oregon State players were heading toward the locker room when one of them motioned for them to come over and shake hands. He's the first guy you see from the Oregon State team shaking hands.

I also thought it was nice that the President picked up his used water bottle.

It was just a very very cool afternoon. To think I watched a game with the President. Sweet!

GW Plays Oregon State

This is the first game of the GW season that I've been to. Here are a few shots of the remodeling they've done so far.

There also was a special guest for the game.

Obama at Colonials Game

Pictures of President Obama at the GW game against Oregon State. When we heard about this game on the GW schedule, my friend Stu and I figured there was a very good chance Obama would be there. After all the Oregon State coach is Michelle's brother.

Obama at GW

Here are some more pictures of the President. The first picture is the last play of the first half. GW fell behind 16-0 in the first half. They came back in the second had the ball and could have cut the lead to 4 but blew it. Then in the last couple of minutes Oregon State allowed GW back in the game. GW was behind by just 3 with a minute left. But alas it was not to be.

This from the Post:

Obama stayed after the game was over to shake hands with players and coaches from both teams.

"He told us good game, great effort," Bynes said. "Personally, I felt like . . . I can't even explain the words right now. I was very excited to shake his hand. Even with the loss, that was a bright spot of the day."

Once again I'll say I love living in Washington, DC.

Be Italian from Nine

Nine the musical is coming to theaters. It opens wide on Christmas Day.

I remember seeing this on Broadway with the original cast with Raul Julia in the lead. I even have the Playbill. It's one of my favorite shows.

The movie is getting a great deal of buzz. I did a search on YouTube and found one of my favorite songs Be Italian.

I think watching this is a much better use of time then shopping.

Out to the Stores (Not)

Wow some of the local malls around here opened at midnight. Kohl's opened at 3 am. Kmart was open on Thanksgiving. Yes the holiday season has started in full swing. I feel at a great loss that I did not run out and participate.

I missed waking up well before the crack of dawn.

Driving like a maniac to get to the store before it opened.

Trying to find a parking place.

Waiting in line.

Almost getting trampled to death when the doors opened.

Elbowing out of my way fellow shoppers so I could get what I want.

Then standing in hours in line to pay for my treasures.

Wow I'm so sad I slept in.

Important Climate Change Video

A very important message about climate change. And it's pretty damn funny too!



By the way, Sam agrees with the above sentiments.