Out in Left FieldOut in Left FieldWhere parenting and politics meet, but don't always play nice. Articles
Dropping Names
2006-10-30 20:45:04 Last Thursday, on a beautiful tree-lined street in South Tampa, gracious hosts opened their home to political activists, generous benefactors, and concerned citizens, hoping to raise money for Jim Davis. A lively and entertaining party ensued. Upon entrance and after the obligatory campaign contribution, I wandered through a maze of hardwood floors and expensive, imported, barely-used furniture to the back yard. There, suits and bronzed beauties mingled, filling the evening air with competing fragrances and lofty talk about improving education. Such talk inevitably leads to ?UF rules, FSU drools?, but whatever. Those Gator grads, they can?t help themselves. I felt at home among Tampa?s elite ? even though we have little in common. I can?t even pretend to understand stock options or the current crisis with ?the country club.? Still, they were friendly and encouraged me to talk about teaching, writing, and the changes we must demand from our government leaders. Speaking of leaders... More About: Name , Ping , Ames , Names , Drop
Cause Stress is for Kids
2006-10-23 20:54:02 This past Friday, on the way home from school, my kids and I went grocery shopping and picked up Chinese food for dinner. (We live in Wesley Chapel, so the trip took two and a half hours.) As we were about to eat, I got a phone call. Left my wallet in the restaurant along with our chopsticks. Drove back to retrieve the overused debit cards, worn pictures and three ignored dollar bills all encased in an old, red wallet I snagged on Canal Street five years ago for five bucks. Another forty-five minutes in traffic. My meltdown occurred somewhere around the twenty-seven minute mark. My week always starts off strong, but by Friday I?m a mess. Partly because I miss my husband. Partly because my children are driving me insane. I unloaded on the phone with my own mom about the toll motherhood can take on an otherwise sound thirty-six year old woman. Mine are lovely kids: warm, sensitive, smart and so very sweet. They are also strong-willed, opinionated, and argumentative. This typical conv... More About: Kids , Stress , Cause , Tres
Not a Divorcee
2006-10-23 02:48:01 I love my male friends. Especially the ones married to my female friends. One such stud sent me this bit of IT humor. Dear Tech Support: Last year I upgraded from Girlfriend 7.0 to Wife 1.0. I soon noticed that the new program began unexpected child processing that took up a lot of space and valuable resources. In addition, Wife 1.0 installed itself into all other programs and now monitors all More About: Divorce , Divo
It Takes Time to Build
2006-10-17 08:12:02 Spreading more Jim Davis love... Here is an article and here is a poll (to the right). Show some love yourself. h/t to John and Hot Stuff More About: Time , Take , Build
Cheech Wizard in a Snow Blizzard
2006-10-14 01:48:03 I remember the storm. I remember the game. My birthday is coming up. You do the math. More About: Blizzard , Snow , Blizz , Wizard
Must Be Stopped
2006-10-13 13:45:03 Let me get this straight. People in New Orleans are suffering, yet yoga on the beach is a responsible use of FEMA dollars? Those cut-taxes-and-spend conservatives never cease to amaze me. Meanwhile, grist gets it right. Charlie Crist is not a leader in the fight to preserve our environment - or anything else for that matter. On the other hand, Davis, for his part, has been at the forefront of More About: Stop , Must
5-Piece Chicken Dinner
2006-10-10 06:06:02 Jeb! is a puss. For reals - hiding in the closet? Quick, someone make a Charlie Crist joke! h/t to Becky More About: Dinner , Chick , Chicken , Piece
Gratitude
2006-10-09 18:03:02 My mom spent the weekend in Pennsylvania, visiting relatives and attending our newest cousin?s christening. A few days ago, she told my sons of her impending trip and they asked when she?d be returning. ?Monday afternoon,? she said. My youngest began to cry. ?You?re going to miss Grandparents? Breakfast on Monday morning!? he wailed as tears flowed down his cheeks. My oldest, always the healer, stepped in. ?I have an idea,? he said. ?Next weekend we?ll have a sleepover at Nana?s and then a special Grandparent?s Breakfast at her house!? The adults thought that was a wonderful plan. Youngest wasn?t having it. ?How about this?? he said. ?Nana takes the trip to Pennsylvania, says hello, and then comes home early.? I tried not to laugh. Kid?s a lot like me. Mom felt awful. ?I had no idea the breakfast was Monday morning when I planned this trip, sweetheart,? she said, with a heavy heart. ?Well,? my oldest said, still trying to look at the bright side, ?at least you?ll be back for the 1s... More About: Gratitude
Everything I Do is Funky Like Lee Dorsey
2006-10-07 23:51:07 This is a special day and in the midst of drama and unexpected happenings, it helps to remember words of love said over a decade ago. Yahoo is helping out with some much-needed advice for long-distance relationships. Personal favorite: hoochy mail. Give it a try. You know my email address, right? More About: Fun , Funk , Everything , Ever , Like
The Disrespect to Women Has Got to be Through
2006-10-07 23:51:07 Ms. Magazine will hit newsstands October 10 with a cover story titled, "We Had Abortions" and a petition that thousands of women signed, making such a declaration. At first, I thought it rather odd to make such a public declaration of what is, at its core, a private and heart-wrenching decision. However, as always, after researching the situation and getting educated about it - the issue makes more sense. From Ms. Magazine: It is time to speak out again? in even larger numbers ?and to make politiciansface their neighbors, influential movers and shakers, and yes, their familymembers. We cannot, must not?for U.S. women and the women of the world?lose theright to safe, legal, and accessible abortion or access to birth control. Justas in 1972, Ms. will send the signed petitions to the White House, members ofCongress and state legislators. We will also place the petition online. And weask signers to make a contribution so Ms. can promote the petition and provideneeded funds to fight ab... More About: Women , Men , Respect , Through , The D
Welcome Back Kotter
2006-10-05 17:33:08 These are meeting minutes I typed up at the request of a few co-workers. When will they learn? When will I? For those who missed yesterday?s ESE Department Meeting, please allow me to fill you in on the happenings. FTE is almost upon us so please make sure J-screen minutes are correct and check IEPs so that classes are correct by Friday. Our department head can?t do it all people! Besides, if we More About: Welcome , Back , Come , Otter
She said that she was sorry and I said...
2006-09-29 17:00:08 I?ve been slightly sensitive lately. I know. Hardly shows. As a result, more than a few clods have left Nike imprints on my heart. Cannot count the number of times these past few months I?ve had to say, ?You hurt my feelings.? Without violins or Kleenex, I offer a rational explanation for why I can no longer stand the sight of them. Oftentimes I receive a half-hearted apology. My response is quick and just: ?Shove your sorries up your ass.? Catchy, isn?t it? That ?s why Yom Kippur has me all messed up. This is my time to contact those I care about and offer sincere apologies for any harm I may have caused this year. I?ve always enjoyed this ritual because owning up to our mistakes and promising to do better is cathartic. On Monday Jews will fast and pray and ask God to forgive us, but first we must forgive each other. Before the list of grievances comes rolling in, let?s be clear about a few things. I am not apologizing for political views or any inferiority complex you experience a... More About: Hat , Said , Sorry
We Got to Take the Power from He
2006-09-23 16:30:09 A little ditty to begin your morning. Enjoy. h/t to Sloan More About: Power , Take
Open Up Your Ears and Clean Out Your Eyes
2006-09-20 04:09:08 Alex Sink is running for Chief Financial Officer. From her campaign: Incredible as it may sound, Alex is the only candidate for Chief Financial Officer who has any financial experience, and hers is exceptional. During her 25 years of experience in the private sector, Alex earned a solid reputation for credibility, integrity and fair dealing. While President of Florida?s largest bank, she managed More About: Eyes , Open , Lean , Your , Clean
Gotta Lighten Up Right Now
2006-09-18 15:57:05 I?m sick of inter-religious conflict. Click here for a good summary as to why.If the pope or the rest of the world is ?ignorant of Islamic history and culture? and mistakenly believes that Islam is spread through violence, guess whose fault that is?One f*cking guess. Make it a good one.Taken with his speech as a whole, Pope Benedict XVI said nothing wrong. And he certainly said nothing that justifies violence against anyone else. I don?t care what The New York Times says about the subject.Most people in the western world (read: Christians) would say that they know little about the Koran. I know this ? the Koran has more than a few lines calling for violence against non-believers. These calls for war against infidels are quoted by terrorists and used as justification for killing innocent people.Americans in turn use this as justification for discriminating against Muslims, detaining innocent Muslim people, etc. Such fools are hypocrites as well. If the Koran is guilty of inciting vio... More About: Light , Right , Gott , Gotta , Right Now
Time to Get Ill
2006-09-10 08:57:06 Back in the late 80s and early 90s, we would celebrate a Jim Davis victory at The Valencia Restaurant. Just a few dozen supporters getting tanked and defending our principles against regulars who wanted to discuss a Ross Perot presidency. Ahh, the good old days. Last night we were at the Tampa Hilton surrounded by a few hundred supporters and over twenty media types. Upside: so many arguments; More About: Time
Hit It
2006-09-08 14:45:13 Davis and Crist are statistically tied. In this recent poll, Crist is still polling less than fifty percent andwith a lead inside the margin of error, even though: Crist began airing TV ads more than two months before Davis did. A battle-tested Davis successfully weathered a $5 million dollar smearcampaign funded by special interest. Davis defeated a popular, dynamic candidate in a hard-fought primary, whileCrist coasted to victory over a candidate who struggled to get traction. This means that as Davis begins the process of unifying the Democratic Party,his position against Crist will only strengthen. Here we go.
People Come Together Now
2006-09-06 14:33:05 For some, today is the culmination of hard work, tenacity, and years of kissing babies, retirees, and the occasional ass. For others, today is just the beginning. Primaries are upon us. Can you feel the excitement in the air? I enjoy politics and the theatre of it all. Nothings says fun to me like getting up early, heading to the polls, mixing it up with neighbors over the price of gas and property taxes and then exercising my right, my responsibility, my vote. I?m high all day afterward. Then I watch the returns and go to bed (no, not depressed) proud to be an American. This is a glorious process and much more meaningful than just wearing red, white, and blue on Independence Day. Better than posting a flag on your truck. Better than blasting Toby Keith songs. Better than sex! Well, let?s not get carried away. My point is this ? please consider your community and, if you haven?t already, vote. These good people who want to serve as your governor, judge, county commissioner, school ... More About: People , Together , Come
Pay Attention
2006-09-04 02:12:01 I wonder if this guy is gonna be at the Hilton Tuesday night. Not Rod. This guy. Give me some sugar, daddy. More About: Attention , Tent
We Need a Military Decline
2006-08-29 19:33:08 I love how our current administration professes to be tough on terror, yet none of them had the courage to wear a uniform during previous times of war. Now they have no problem sending others into battle. Then they attack real military heroes who dare to voice what we are all feeling - a growing sense of unease regarding the war in Iraq.Max Cleland is an American hero who is also speaking out on behalf of our future governor:I am writing to you today to bring your attention to some very disturbingnews. Jim Davis, a loyal Democrat who has spent over 17 years in publicservice working for the people of Florida, is now the subject of a disgustingsmear campaign financed by Republican special interests aimed at electing Jim?sprimary opponent.The U.S. Sugar Co., one of the worst polluters in the nation, knowsthat Jim Davis, if elected governor, will no longer allow them to use the ?Everglades as a toilet.? He has a long record ofstanding up to special interests in defense of the environmen... More About: Military , Need , Line
Put Your Root Down
2006-08-24 19:24:10 I hardly ever comment on celebrity news, especially celebrity break-up news. However, the Kate Hudson-Chris Robinson relationship did play a small part in my own changing philosophy on marriage dos and don?ts - so I thought I?d share some of that here. And, as always, get ridiculed as a result. As a newlywed, I had two deal breakers: no hitting or cheating. So far, so good. Discussing this with Becky over a year ago, she said, ?Define cheating.? ?Sex. Of any kind.? Long pause. ?Really?? she asked. ?After seventeen years together and two kids, you?d leave over one moment of weakness?? ?Sex doesn?t take just one moment. It should take at least fifteen if done properly.? Then I stopped and considered her point. Like Dennis Prager says, when you?ve got it all figured out: think a second time. A little while later, my sister and I were talking about infidelity. She read an article about Kate Hudson, who said maybe we aren?t supposed to be monogamous or with only one person our entire li... More About: Your , Down , Root
Eyes on the Prize and Never Wane
2006-08-21 19:21:09 Jim Davis will be at the Hillsborough County Democratic Executive Committee meeting tomorrow, Monday, August 21 at 6:30pm at La Teresita Restaurant, located at 3246 W. Columbus Dr., Tampa 33607. If you are eating it will cost $10 per person - a bargain! Come show your support for Jim and feel free to invite your friends. More About: Eyes , Ever , Never
Why You Wanna Treat Your Girl Like That?
2006-08-21 19:21:09 The front page of The St. Petersburg Times today featured a story about 17 year-old Sarah Rinaldi, who died just short of her 18th birthday. Cause of death? Accidental overdose. The New Tampa teen got drunk and took Xanax, OxyContin and dextromethorphan. Many in New Tampa blame inner city (read: black) kids for bringing drugs into their posh neighborhoods. My children attend a New Tampa elementary school and last year I taught at both Freedom and Wharton High Schools. I hear it all the time. Our black students, bused past thirteen other high schools, are blamed for corrupting white kids. Such ideas are not grounded in reality. Privileged kids with money to burn and zero parental guidance are doing this to themselves without any help from Suitcase City. The Times asks, "Who is responsible?" As always - look in the home. Sarah grew up with a mom who acted more like a friend than parent. She was able to sneak out and miss most of the last school year with no consequences of any kind. ... More About: Hat , Your , Girl , Anna , Treat
To Do My Best To Do No Harm
2006-08-20 19:18:05 Food for thought. h/t to Kleo More About: Best , Harm , To Do
A Jim Davis Event
2006-08-15 19:09:02 After packing the house in Pasco County last week, Jim Davi s is returning to Tampa Bay for a one-on-one house party to meet with Young Professionals and supporters from Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties. Area: OldsmarWhen: Sunday, August 20, 2006Time: 6-8pm All ages are welcome so please call 875.2006 or email Christina for more information. This is an excellent opportunity to meet with aspiring Democratic activists & your future Governor of Florida, Congressman Jim Davis . h/t to Elizabeth More About: Event , Vent , Avis
Divide and Conquer
2006-08-12 19:03:03 Jews have historically rallied for the oppressed. We live by the creed: What is unpleasant to you, do not do to others. Our black brothers and sisters should remember that before they start hating on the Heebs.h/t to Michael More About: Conquer
Lend a Helping Hand
2006-08-12 19:03:03 Jay Fawcett is running for the US House of Representatives in Colorado Springs and needs your help. Call to action. The Fawcett team will require volunteers this Monday, 14August, for a mailing. Volunteers will be stuffing envelopes for afundraising letter to be sent. What better way to help get Jay elected than tohelp raise the dollars for a successful campaign. We will need 15volunteers for a few hours to stuff 2200 envelopes.Volunteers will meet atthe field offices on 710 N. Weber. We will begin at 10am. And elsewhere in beautiful Colorado - my future home - Celebration of Democratic Unity to benefit Bill Winter forCongress.Featuring special guest Governor Mark Warner and guest host CongresswomanDiana DeGette.Wednesday August 16 4:30pm Cool River Cafe - Denver8000 East Belleview Ave #C-10Greenwood Village, CO 80111 General Admission Tickets are available for $50 in advance ($60 at the door). Download a PDF invitation. The Winter campaign will alsohost a Private Reception wit... More About: Hand , Ping , Lend
Sneak Peek
2006-08-06 18:54:06 Now this is an ad worth talking about. Jim Davis for Governor. Believe it, baby. More About: Sneak Peek , Peek
Calling on Concerned Pasco County Residents
More articles from this author:2006-08-06 18:54:06 From the Jim Davis for Governor campaign:Please join Jim Davis at the town hall meeting in New Port Richey for a discussion of his vision for Florida and his plan to bring new, independent leadership to Tallahassee.New Port Richey Town Hall MeetingDate: August 10, 2006Place: Conference CenterQuality Inn5316 US 19 NorthNew Port Richey, Florida 34652Time: 5:30 PM - 6:30 PMClick here to RSVP. See you then. More About: Concerned , Alli , County , Calling , Call 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 |
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