Saturday, January 31, 2009

weekly post from January 31, 2009

Hello Friends & Loved Ones,

Another week has gone by and tomorrow marks the first day of the second month of the year. Where did January go? And how did I get to the eve of my 36th birthday so quickly? It seems like just yesterday I was celebrating my 30th birthday down in Florida in that Mexican restaurant and I was telling myself this will be the year I go completely outspoken. Well, I've had some failures and missteps along the way but this year has started out with a bang in terms of me laying it on the line and being completely open and honest in all areas of my life.

This is also the year I reconnect with friends I've lost touch with (and keep that connection) and with the church. I am determined to make my 36th year my best one yet. I'm doing new things that stretch my comfort, including shaving my head which will happen on March 1. This will be done to show solidarity with a woman at church going through chemotherapy. I've also got my own youtube video. It was done with the help of a co-worker and since I had never experienced the thrill of talking with a helium voice, she was willing to help me enhance the moment by recording it. I had received the balloon and I wanted to inhale the helium but no one would "play" with me. My co-worker finally relented after we were done working for the day.

Enjoy the video! Below is the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4MBQtlsaNM

Until next week, stay connected and remember to stay happy, stay healthy and stay safe.

love,

paul

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Don't look...It's the President

Check out this video of a marching band on the day of Barack Obama's inauguration. Apparently if you are a drum major in a marching band you are not supposed to wink or nod to the President if he waves to you. This guy did it and got suspended for 6 months. WHAT!!!??????!!!! How utterly absurd. It's the President. Maybe they thought he was flirting with President Obama because of the wink. Oh, Michelle must have been burning with jealousy.

peace,

paul

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?cl=11756131

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

what I'm listening to

No, I don't have an ipod nor do I really have any interest in getting one. Nor doI download from the internet to get all of my music; although, I have done it a couple of times. I am of the "purchase my music at the record store" school; either that or I buy it online. I still buy full length albums (yes, I still call them albums) and do not usually discriminate as to who I buy because one of these days I will be a part-time DJ at parties, weddings and other types of gatherings. But I do still have yet to buy Britney Spears's new album.

Anyway, the album I'm currently (yes, right at this very moment) listening to and enjoying is Pink's Funhouse. Her fifth (and possibly most personal) studio album features some rockin' and emotional anthems, downright somber ballads and just about everything in-between. A few of my favorites:

Ave Mary A: Between the toils and troubles all around the world and the fact that hate is prevalent no matter where you go, there must be someone who can help us slow down, take inventory and love. Apparently not! Even Mary left the chaotic and mad world. The title is a play on Ave Maria and, I actually had to look this up, but Ave is Latin for Hail and then Mary, so Hail, Mary. I don't know how to say a Hail Mary because I wasn't raised Catholic but apparently they are useful for redeeming yourself for any sins you may have committed.

Sober: This mid-tempo power ballad describes the struggle between loving yourself without any crutches or leaning on anyone and relying on a vice to help us feel good about ourselves. It's a very personal song and the meaning on Wikipedia is very interesting. Apparently it was written when Pink threw a party and everyone except for her was drunk. She just wanted them to leave and she wondered how she could "feel this good sober."

It's All Your Fault: You meet the perfect man or woman and they call you beautiful but you find yourself wanting to leave and then you're forced to leave. The struggle that we sometimes put ourselves through instead of just being happy.

The whole album is really good and deserves a listen. Even if you've never heard Pink a lot of the songs are mainstream enough for even the fussiest listener.

Whatever you're listening to, enjoy.

peace,

paul

Friday, January 23, 2009

Announcing the contenders

Brangelina go head to head; no love for Dirty Harry or DiCaprio; surprising nominees all around and Ledger gets a third act on his anniversary.







Yes, the nominees for the 81st Annual Academy Awards were announced the morning of January 22, incidentally the day Heath Ledger was found dead one year ago, and there were some surprises and disappointments including by me. I did not make at least 37 correct guesses, which was my goal. Out of 40 nominees, I only correctly guessed 36.







I did terribly in the best actress and original screenplay category. Herewith, the nominees broken down.







Best Picture & Director: All five in both categories actually match up and with The Dark Knight and Revolutionary Road (Hollywood movies both) both mysteriously shut out of both races, chances are it will come down to the old man who ages backwards and the young man who goes all the way on Millionaire. Slumdog Millionaire and The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button will undoubtedly be duking it out. Another shut-out, Revolutionary Road and a surprise sneak in by The Reader.







Adapted & Original Screenplay: Clint Eastwood's tour-de-force Gran Torino was completely shut out of the major races. No real surprises in the Adapted category but In Bruges and Frozen River made it into the Original category and deservedly so.







Actor: No love for Clint Eastwood for his performance as a bigoted Korean War Vet. Nor was Leonardo DiCaprio named for his role as part of a couple who suffer marital discord in the 50's. Surprise name: Richard Jenkins in The Visitor. This film came out pretty early on in the year and the fact that he is one of the 5 proves that the tide is beginning to turn in the Academy. Young blood is evident with the announcement of his name.





Supporting Actor: My guess is it will be between Heath Ledger and Robert Downey, Jr. although people are placing their bets on Ledger becoming only the second person to posthumously be awarded an Oscar. Surprise name: Michael Shannon for Revolutionary Road.





Actress: A lot of shut-outs here, including Sally Hawkins for Happy-Go-Lucky (she won a number of critics awards AND the Golden Globe), Kate Winslet for Revolutionary Road (she instead got a lead actress, as opposed to supporting actress for The Reader...she won both awards at the Globes) and Kristin Scott Thomas for I've Loved You So Long. Another home-run for this British actress. Surprise name: Melissa Leo for Frozen River. Who? Exactly. I saw the film and she did a good job and the film was very well done but it's almost shocking that she got named because any other year she would not have even been a serious contender. This is more proof that the tide in the Academy is slowly turning.





Supporting Actress: No real big surprises except Taraji P. Henson finally got a nomination (she should have been nominated several years ago for her role in Hustle & Flow). As long as Marisa Tomei (as talented as she is) doesn't win this category AGAIN, I don't care who wins.





Below: The major nominees and in parantheses the total number of times they've been nominated, including this time around and how many times they've previously won).


Director:


David Fincher-The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button (1st nom)


Ron Howard-Frost/Nixon (2nd nom, 1 win)


Gus Van Sant-Milk (2nd nom)


Stephen Daldry-The Reader (3rd nom)


Danny Boyle-Slumdog Millionaire (1st nom)


Actor:


Richard Jenkins-The Visitor (1st nom)


Frank Langella-Frost/Nixon (1st nom)


Sean Penn-Milk (5th nom, 1 win)


Brad Pitt-The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button (2nd nom)


Mickey Rourke-The Wrestler (1st nom)



Supporting Actor:


Josh Brolin-Milk (1st nom)


Robert Downey, Jr.-Tropic Thunder (2nd nom)

Philip Seymour Hoffman-Doubt (3rd nom)

Heath Ledger-The Dark Knight (2nd nom)

Michael Shannon-Revolutionary Road (1st nom)

Actress:

Anne Hathaway-Rachel Getting Married (1st nom)

Angelina Jolie-Changeling (2nd nom, 1 win)

Melissa Leo-Frozen River (1st nom)

Meryl Streep-Doubt (15th nom, 2 wins)

Kate Winslet-The Reader (6th nom)

Supporting Actress:

Amy Adams-Doubt (2nd nom)

Penelope Cruz-Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2nd nom)

Viola Davis-Doubt (1st nom)

Taraji P. Henson-The Curious Case Of Benjamn Button (1st nom)

Marisa Tomei-The Wrestler (3rd nom, 1 win)

The awards will be handed out on Sunday, February 22 and I'll be making my picks as to who I thnk will win.

peace,

paul



Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Historical Day

The 44th President, Barack Obama, was sworn into office today and the lukewarm response by Rev. Rick Warren and Chief Justice John Robert's mess up of the oath notwithstanding, the moment was historic, emotional and a first for the U.S.A. The first African-American President; how wonderfully amazing. For those of you who thought that Barack messed up first (he never did quite say the phrase correctly) the correct wording of the oath is below along with a video of the exchange. Just for the record, Barack did have the oath memorized; he should have just continued despite Roberts's misspeaking.

peace,

paul

Oath as written in the Constitution: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

Click on the link below for a transcript and video of the awkward moment.

http://donklephant.com/2009/01/20/chief-justice-roberts-messes-up-presidential-oath-of-office/

weekly email from January 17, 2009

Hello friends & loved ones,

It's a deep freeze here and just about everywhere else around the country. It's so cold that you can use a bammer to build things (check out my blog).

2009 is shaping up to be quite a different year from 2008 and it's all good. It's truly a new day. As the country prepares to celebrate a remarkable precedent-the swearing in of the 44th President who just happens to be the first African-American President of the U.S.-it seems the whole country is feeling they are on the brink of a new era in many ways.

For me, this is the year that I go completely outside of my comfort zone in my entire life. Looking back at 2008, I realize I've made many mistakes; some of which I may never be able to make up for and I am going to strive to NOT make those same mistakes again; this year or any year. I can see how far I've come in a number of areas of my life and some areas in which I regressed and really need to focus on getting better at. It's sometimes distressing to think we're going along just fine, really growing and being a better person and then we backtrack...OUCH! It's all part of the learning process that we all go through, it's not something we need to dwell on we just need to make an effort to be stronger and more vigilant in our determination to be the best we can be. Listen at that, I sound like an advertisement for the armed forces.


Wherever you are in your life, I pray you have the fortitude to follow through with your goals for yourself...everyday.

As for me, I'm so far measuring up to the bar I've set and even surprising myself along the way.

Each of you continues to be in my prayers.


Peace,

paul

Friday, January 16, 2009

cool video

Talk about unlikely friends.....Enjoy.

paul


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBtFTF2ii7U

Naming the Nominees

Typically, the Academy Award nominations are announced on a Tuesday morning about a month from the date of the show, however, this year the new President will be sworn in on that Tuesday and so the new day is Thursday, Jan. 22. Out of 40 nominees, I am aiming for at least 37 correct. Wish me luck!

Best Adapted Screenplay:
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
Doubt
Frost/Nixon
The Reader
Slumdog Millionaire

Best Original Screenplay:
Frozen River
Gran Torino
Milk
Happy-Go-Lucky
Wall-E

Best Supporting Actor:
Michael Shannon-Revolutionary Road
Heath Ledger-The Dark Knight
Josh Brolin-Milk
Philip Seymour Hoffman-Doubt
Robert Downey, Jr-Tropic Thunder
(upset-James Franco for Milk)

Best Supporting Actress:
Penelope Cruz-Vicki Cristina Barcelona
Viola Davis-Doubt
Taraji P. Henson-The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
Marisa Tomei-The Wrestler
Amy Adams-Doubt

Best Actor:
Sean Penn-Milk
Frank Langella-Frost/Nixon
Brad Pitt-The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
Mickey Rourke-The Wrestler
Richard Jenkins-The Visitor

Best Actress:
Sally Hawkins-Happy-Go-Lucky
Kate Winslet-Revolutionary Road
Anne Hathaway-Rachel Getting Married
Meryl Streep-Doubt
Angelina Jolie-Changeling
(upsets-Emma Thompson for Last Chance Harvey & Kristin Scott Thomas for I've Loved You So Long)

Best Director:
Danny Boyle-Slumdog Millionaire
David Fincher-The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
Gus Van Sant-Milk
Ron Howard-Frost/Nixon
Stephen Daldry-The Reader


Best Picture:
The Dark Knight
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
Milk
Slumdog Millionaire

Stay tuned....

peace,

paul

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Best & Worst of 2008

There were some really good movies in 2008; a great deal of mediocre ones and a slew of terrible ones. The following lists are based on movies that I have seen. Movies I have not yet seen- either because they are still sitting in my Netflix queue, they haven't been released in Rottenchester yet or because I've just been too darn lazy to move my butt on over to the moviehouse-are not on this list.

The Best (in no particular order):

Appaloosa: Based on Robert B. Parker's novel, this film tells the story of two riders (Viggo Mortensen and director Ed Harris) who are longtime friends. They soon become hired to rid the town of big baddie Randall Bragg played by Jeremy Irons (even his name sounds bad). Throw in 'lil lady Allison French (Renee Zellweger) and you've got yourself the makings of a threesome or at least some romantic entanglements. Harris did his homework and took more than a few notes from Clint Eastwood to fashion this nicely paced and suspenseful western.

Pineapple Express: This outrageous and shocking movie stars Seth Rogen as a process server who smokes some good stuff man and then witnesses a murder. He gets away but too bad he leaves the joint behind. These people are not even close to being the smartest tools in the shed (too many tokes?) but the film is funny and entertaining (not as funny as Superbad-another Rogen film) and there's never a dull moment.

When Did You Last See Your Father?:Boy is raised by a gruff, imperfect father; Boy grows up into man who resents his father; Father is diagnosed with terminal cancer; Man must come to grips with his feelings for his father. The cast is wonderful-Juliet Stevenson, Colin Firth and Jim Broadbent. Great acting and nicely directed.

American Teen: The focus is on four seniors in a small Indiana town. The trials and tribulations of being a high-schooler are brought into sharp focus through Hannah, Colin, Mitch & Megan. There's geeks, superbitches and everything in between in this eye-opening documentary. Plus, we get to see where they are now.

Wall-E: This animated film set in the way distant future tells of the love between a waste collecting robot (or Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-class) and an Extraterrestrial Vegetation Evaluator and their trip to space together.

Son Of Rambow: This coming-of-age friendship tale is both heartening and depressing. Will is not allowed to watch tv or see movies but is great at expressing himself through his drawings. Once he meets school bully, Lee Carter, who shows Will the original Rambo film, the two embark on the making of their own Rambo movie which could be their undoing.

The Dark Knight: Damn! This had to be Heath Ledger's last film. Yes, his performance is over the top but it's also quite good. He's friggin' nuts! Christopher Nolan directs his second batman film (the 6th overall) and it's a rollicking good time. Starring Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart and Maggie Gyllenhaal this is a blockbuster.

Man On Wire: The engrossing documentary tells the daring feat of Philippe Petit and his attempt and, ultimate accomplishment, of crossing between the two towers of the World Trade Center on a high wire. The film is completely mesmerizing and entertaining with some breathtaking footage.

Burn After Reading: Two gym employees get their hands on what they believe to be secrets from the CIA and then proceed to extort money from the owner of the disc. The film's plot hinges on breast enhancement and features Pitt in one of his most entertaining roles to date. Shocks, blood and violence abound as this is a Coen brothers film. Be warned!

Gran Torino: Bigoted Korean War vet Walt Kowalski finds himself living next door to some people of the Hmong community and he becomes enmeshed within their lives after one of the family members attempts to steal his precious 1972 Gran Torino. Great story, wonderful character development and frickin' Clint Eastwood badder than ever!

The Booed!

Hancock: Yes, I'm dissing a Will Smith movie. A superhero falls into disrepute and a publicist tries to get him back on track so he can save the city. Not a bad premise but a terrible execution and a waste of a good cast. In addition to Smith, there's Jason Bateman and Charlize Theron.

88 Minutes: False advertising aside (the movie is actually 108 mins), this Al Pacino stinker has more holes than a piece of swiss cheese. Not to mention the ending can be seen before the opening credits are through rolling.

The Happening: Something in the air is killing people! Maybe it's bird droppings. M. Night Shyamalan has certainly fallen from the top of the ladder and now he's stuck in the mud. He needs a complete reinvention. What could have been a wonderful environmental lesson turned into a mishmash of a movie. It's not even scary or suspenseful. By the end, I was hoping that everyone would just die.

The Strangers: Another unsatisfying horror movie. This one is supposedly based on real events; although the veracity of said events is uncertain. The main inspiration is Helter Skelter, which is based on the Manson family murders. Two pretty people Kristen McKay and James Hoyt (Scott Speedman & Liv Tyler) are attacked in the Hoyt vacation home. The people wear funny Halloween masks and there's never any reason why they are hell-bent on torturing these two people. Why, man, why?????

The Ruins: Another horror film (this one based on a book that I thought was terrible). The premise is interesting, albeit far-fetched. Four friends head to Cancun and ultimately end up at the site of an archaeological dig in search of someone. What they don't realize is they won't be able to leave. Ever! No surprise ending on this one.

Wanted: Based on the comic book miniseries of the same name and starring Angelina "Lips" Jolie, Wanted is the story of assassins going all badass on each other. Another wasted cast; Besides Jolie, there's James McAvoy and Morgan Freeman. The ending was ridiculous but I will say this there are some kick-ass special effects.

The Boy In The Striped Pajamas: Another film based on a book, which I should have read before going into this depressing WWII set movie. It tells the story of two eight-year-old boys (one who's father is a high-ranking Nazi official; the other who's living in a concentration camp) who strike up a friendship and even play a little ball together. However, soon their friendship becomes dangerous. The film is directed nicely and the lead character, Bruno (Asa Butterfield) is very expressive.

The Secret Life Of Bees: A young white girl goes to live with three African-American women while searching for the truth about her mother in South Carolina in 1964. Based on the wildly popular Sue Monk Kidd book, the film doesn't translate very well and I'm not sure Dakota Fanning was the best choice for the lead character. Produced by Will Smith and his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, with a talented cast (Queen Latifah, Sophie Okonedo, Paul Bettany and Jennifer Hudson) you'd think with all that "power" the film would be a knockout. It wasn't.

You Don't Mess With The Zohan: Terrible, terrible and terrible. This movie was all over the place and wasn't even funny; just shockingly disturbing. Tired of fighting for the Israeli Special Forces, Zohan Dvir (Adam Sandler) fakes his own death and goes to America where he ends up as, what else?, a hairstylist who gives his customers a little extra sumptin' sumptin'. This includes Charlotte "Mrs. Garrett" Rae. Yecch! Ugh! My eyes will never be the same.

Cloverfield: What was billed as the first big and exciting movie of 2008 ended up being a dud. There were a few scary (not jumpy) parts but the monster in this thing was a huge (literally) disappointment. A creature attacks NYC and the only thing left behind is the video footage. Yes, it is reminiscent of 9/11 and, unlike other more talented social commentators, producer JJ Abrams doesn't say anything worthwhile in this film. Just for the record-the whole film is seen from the point of view of a handheld video camera. Shaky and unclear footage dominates the film and the stories of people feeling nauseous aren't just stories.

Looking forward to seeing what 2009 will have to offer....

peace,

paul

cool video

Check this out. The bammer doesn't seem too effective at getting the nails to go into the wood but it sure sounds like it would cause some damage if it was thrown at you.

peace,

paul


http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/weather/2009/01/15/kare.banana.hammer.cnn

Thursday, January 08, 2009

From pipes to pens

He's Baaaaaaaack.....The infamous Joe The Plumber who was made famous during the Presidential election race will no longer be toting around the toolbox. Instead, he's off to Israel to try his hand at being a war correspondent for the conservative web site pjtv.com

He'll spend a total of 10 days to bring coverage of the fighting currently going on over the Gaza strip.

According to Joe Wurselbacher (yes, that's his last name) he wants to let Israel's '"Average Joes' share their story." Shouldn't that be plural, like Joes'?

Good luck, Joe!

peace,

paul

Costly China

No, I'm not talking about China the country, I'm talking about the mega-expensive chinaware that the outgoing Bushes have just purchased so that the Obamas can have their first White House dinner party in style. The cost: $485,000!!!!! What???? Don't they have any idea how many other things, which are way more useful, they can buy with that kind of money?

Thankfully, there is a private foundation that foots the bill so the rest of us, the taxpayers who use paper plates (haha), don't have to pay for it.

Here's an idea: Just go to Target, get a matching set of dishes and use those for the world's leaders and dignitaries. I'll bet they would never know the difference because Target has some really nice things.

peace,

paul

Wednesday, January 07, 2009

fun pics




Pics of me in Calgary a few years ago feeding a ground squirrel. Loads of fun and I could have done it all day long. Click on the pictures to see them better.




Enjoy,

paul

Monday, January 05, 2009

Rant of the week

Well, Happy New Year to all of you readers in cyber land. The streamers are barely all cleaned up and I'm already complaining about something. This time it has to do with the laziness that pervades our culture; particularly the laziness of our schoolchildren.

No matter how many buses I may get stuck behind on my way to work in the morning, I'm always annoyed and perplexed at the fact that the buses stop at almost every house in order to pick up one student at a time. Door to door service is alive and well when it comes to picking up kids for school. Is it that difficult to have kids walk a little bit in order to have ONE GENERAL PICK-UP SPOT???? No wonder most of our children are overweight, they can't even walk half a block. No, every single child has to have the bus meet them in front of their own house. And half the time they aren't even out there waiting; they're inside (yes, it is nice and warm but that's what hats and mittens are for) and the bus driver has to honk the horn and then the child has to walk, oh, no, not run but walk to the bus. A little exercise doesn't hurt; in fact, it's very beneficial as many health experts have proven time and time again.

Lay off the chips and cookies and walk a bit to A bus stop. Better yet, if you live a mile or less from school then walk to school and save the bus and us a stop or two or three.

peace,

paul

funny video

You may not like Richard Simmons but you have to admit he is passionate about keeping our kids fit and healthy. Check out this video of him on a morning talk show and watch it until the end when he does something completely absurd but right in line with his character.

peace,

paul


http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2009/01/05/am.intv.simmons.cnn

Saturday, January 03, 2009

weekly post from December 25, 2008

Hello friends & loved ones,

I had not anticipated writing another email before Christmas but so much has happened since I last wrote that I decided to share some more. At work on Tuesday we had a Festivus celebration (For those of you who don't know what the heck Festivus is, it's a holiday that was talked about in a Seinfeld episode and is a pseudo holiday where things like the Airing of Grievances, Feats of Strength and the anti Christmas tree, a stark aluminum pole all feature prominently.). We did the Airing of Grievances which was more of a top 10 things that happened this past year that related to the company or the 11th floor and not actual grievances against specific people. There was plenty of food and the feats of strength were very interesting and lots of fun. I participated in 3 team events (the 4th was the Hula Hoop competition which I would have done terribly in) sit-ups, push-ups and password. I choked on the sit-ups (not for lack of trying, I'm convinced the person holding my feet was not holding them down tight enough) and these were military style; half-up, up, down, half up, half down, etc.... The winner was this tiny girl (really a young woman) whose parents came from India and she and I were the last ones "standing" during the push-ups competition which I handily won. Again, it was half up, down, half down, up, etc... One of the guys in the push-ups competition (there were four including me) was a football player who was the first to croak.

The password competition was also something I/my team dominated in. We won two rounds of password. I was the giver and the receiver was a good ten years younger than me and actually guessed Jane when given the clue of plain. So, if I'm ever at a party and you play password, I'm your giver. I was a little upset I lost the sit-ups for my team but then someone said that it was good because another team got some glory too.

This evening is the annual candlelight Christmas Eve service where me and Michelle will sing our yearly rendition of O Holy Night; my favorite carol. I hope wherever you are today, tonight, tomorrow and in the coming days that you are safe, healthy and happy.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to your household.

love,

paul

weekly post from December 6, 2008

Hello friends & loved ones:

Hard to believe that it's December already and soon it will be a new year filled with new possibilities and new adventures. However, let's not forget that it doesn't take a new year for the discovery of new and exciting experiences; they can come any day and at anytime.

Last week we had a great time in Florida...Blindingly sunny weather, not a day of long pants and catching up with family and friends. It was so relaxing and enjoyable. Coming back to NY was not easy; especially because the weather was gray and cold.

Looking back on the year, I'm thankful for the friendships and relationships I have, the gifts I've been blessed with and my good health. Everything else is just icing.

Take the time in the coming weeks to reflect on the people you are thankful for and then show them how glad you are to have them in your life.


Remember to pray for each other as I pray for you and stay safe, stay happy and stay healthy.

weekly post from November 8, 2008

At the war's end: The Feeble Kept One will strike down the Night And his Imbecile Queen will rise from the snow Bedecked in finery and the pelt of a wolf.


Hello friends & loved ones,

No, I haven't started writing abstract poetry that doesn't rhyme. The above was taken from Quatrain 78 in Les Prophecies which was one of Nostradamus's predictions way back in 1555. The prediction, according to a Yale University professor, was that John McCain would take the Presidency; that didn't happen. By now, we all know that history has been made (unless you've been living underground) with the election of the first African American (in all fairness, it's really bi-racial) President. Some interesting statistics about Tuesday's vote: Obama won more votes than any candidate in history; he got a higher percentage of the overall vote than any other Democrat since Lyndon B. Johnson and was the first senator elected to the Presidency since Kennedy. Additionally, he swept the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida (yes, Florida), Colorado, New Mexico and Virginia, which no Dem has won since 1964. Good stuff!!

This is an exciting time for many Americans and will hopefully serve as a breakthrough for future Presidential elections.

The real test is yet to come: Can Barack Obama effectively lead the free world? Only time will tell. One thing is for certain; it truly is a new day and the possibilities continue to be endless. Too many times we in our daily lives forget to look at the options that are always all around us. I'm not talking about outs or taking the easy road; I'm talking about not letting ourselves get boxed in, realizing that we have so many freedoms of choice and understanding that our life is what WE make it; not the people we're with. Just remember when making your choice: Choices have consequences and do affect those around you one way or another. That's not meant to instill fear, it's meant to make you realize that we should make our choices diligently and do so with certainty.

If you are reading this right now, remember, you are alive and everyday have the chance to achieve greatness. You may not be famous or even known by many but the chance to do something that matters is always present.

Live, love and work as if there's no tomorrow. And as St. Augustine so eloquently put it: "Pray as if everything depends on God. Work as though everything depends on you."

Stay safe, stay healthy and stay happy.

peace,

paul

P.S. 54 days until 2009
47 days until Christmas
19 days until Thanksgiving