QUITTERS Never Win

There is the old adage that says "when the going gets tough - the tough get going." It is obvious, no matter which side of the fence you're looking from, that the times are tough. We are living in a world of political turmoil, social unrest, and economic instability. If ever there were a time for a strong leader to step forward - this would be it.

We are less than 2 months away from what will likely be one of the most historical elections of our time. We will potentially have our first African American President, or we will have our first female Vice President (and our oldest President ever). With such little time before we cast our ballots, you would think that the candidates would be scrambling to win over those last voters who are straddling the fence. Now is the time to put your best foot forward - to really show us what you're made of, your character.

So, what does John McCain do? Well, for starters - he has decided to postpone his campaign. McCain stated that he wants "a suspension of the presidential campaign—no events, no ads, and no debate Friday—so that he and Barack Obama can head to Washington to forge a bipartisan solution." Obama, however, has asked that the debates and campaigns continue - apparently he can multi-task better than McCain. Despite the fact that McCain doesn't sit on any committees relevant to the current economic crises, he felt it necessary to "suspend" activities and head back to Washington. This can best be seen as "tucking your tail" and running home - McCain needed to do something. He is slipping in the polls both nationally and in the battleground states. He's playing on Obama's turf in his effort to sell himself both as a change agent and as a steward of the economy. When voters are asked which candidate represents change, Obama beats McCain by more than 30 percentage points. When they're asked which candidate they trust to handle the economy, he beats McCain almost as handily. McCain has also opted to suspend the upcoming Presidential debate - set for Friday.

Then, on top of this, last night McCain bailed out of a schedule interview on Late Night with David Letterman. McCain called the host to tell him he couldn't make it because he was flying back to Washington to suspend his campaign and save the economy. Moments later, David Letterman linked to CBS's live interview of McCain with Katie Couric. He had blown of David Letterman to take an interview with the more prestigious Couric - and he'd lied about it. Kudos to Letterman for not letting it slide. He called the candidate out on his lie.

So, where is Obama in all of this? Well, Obama has not abandoned his campaign. In fact, he's gone on record to state that he plans to debate on Friday. Obama is correct in stating that now, more than ever, people need to see their Presidential hopefuls engaged in a debate on the topics that are even more relevant. In the midst of a financial collapse - why not offer the people your views on how to fix the situation? Obama aides also argued that McCain was not only being transparently political, but reckless. Imagine what that recklessness would be like if McCain were in the Oval Office, they say. On Wednesday Joe Biden had already given a speech framing McCain as risky and dangerous as commander-in-chief in the hopes of planting that story line before the first debate.

We need a candidate who is committed to seeing things through - not a candidate who will "suspend" things when times get tough. A President must be able to - in the very least - multitask, and to handle the pressures of previous engagements and unforseen circumstances. We need a candidate who is not John McCain.

Altar Call

We've all had them - those "come to Jesus" moments that find us down on our knees. We are inspired by them, and they propel us to lead better lives. We return from these epiphanies vowing to be better people, to make a difference, and to spread the word of the change that has affected us so deeply. Last night was one of those moments. Amidst friends, in the darkened confines of the Horizon Theater in Little 5 Points, I had a religous moment.

Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit to say that it was a "religous" experience. It was, however, a good time for a good cause. My friend invited me to a preview showing of ALTAR BOYZ; the show was a fundraiser for the local Ronald McDonald House. I love theater and philanthropy, so it did not take much arm twisting to get me to attend.

The show follows the performance of a fictitious Christian Pop boy band - The Altar Boyz. This long-running, critically-acclaimed musical comedy is the hilarious story of a Christian boy-band (with one nice Jewish boy) who are nearing the end of their “Raise the Praise” concert tour of church halls and picnics. Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan and Abraham now have their chance to break into the big time, bringing their soul-saving rhythm and funk to Atlanta. The Altar Boyz aim to rock the masses of all denominations. Like everything I've seen at Horizon, the cast was very professional - the singers all had strong voices, and the comic timing was great.

The show runs from now until November 16, 2008. Tickets are very inexpensive, and it's well worth the cost of admission. Grab your friends, get some tickets, and pray for a good time - I'm sure that God will answer your prayers.

F**K the Waltons

So, it's been much too long since I've posted. You have no doubt forgotten all about me, and that's fine. However, recent events have made me so angry that I've had to blog just to get my emotions out. I'm talking about my certifiable hate for the Waltons.

No, not those Waltons. While I have no love for the backwoods-g'night John Boy-we're poor Okies variety of Waltons, I also harbor no ill will towards them. They can't help it that they're simple country folk. No, my anger is aimed at the Waltons of the Sam variety. That's right - the family that owns Wal-Mart.

In the past, I have made no secret of my disdain for Wal-Mart. I think that the W is the work of the devil, and the death of all that makes America great. Wal-Mart is a corporate behemoth that kills everything it touches. It seeps into societies and shuts down all manner of Mom & Pop shops. It is the deathnail for the locally owned business. Furthermore, it is Wal-Mart that is to blame for the homogenization of America. Because of Sam Walton's trickery, we all dress alike and live in homes that are decorated in the same bland manner.

As if this weren't insulting enough, Wal-Mart has now defiled all that is lovely. I am of course referencing their new merger with Martha Stewart. I love Martha Stewart. I appreciate her delicate crafts, her tedious recipes, and her blatant snobbery. I love every ounce of her pretencious soul. She has all of the charm of a school marm who is scolding you - and yet I want to emulate her. Until now, that is.....

Up until now, I have supported Martha's business ventures. For years, La Stewart has been the only reason that I'd step foot in a K-Mart. K-Mart quit being socially relevant about 20 years ago - but I've endured the time warp of their stores just so that I could purchase Martha Stewart sheet sets, duvet covers, tea towels, dishwares and candles. Each holiday season I've ventured there to marvel at her Christmas decor - coveting her tasteful giftwrap and elegant ribbons. I have lit her candles with the ceremony of lighting altar candles - hoping that my home would be infused with some of her class. I have purchased her magazines and cookbooks, and I have tried to emulate her in my own homemaking. No more, I tell you - NO MORE.

Recently, I saw a commercial for Wal-Mart. The scene is of two housewives commenting on how nice the backyard wedding of their friend is. One notes that it was all purchased at Wal-Mart, while the other quips that it looks so "Martha Stewart". The domestic doyenne enters and agrees that it is Martha Stewart - as her new line is available exclusively at Wal-Mart. Oh horror of horrors! Martha - how could you forsake me?

I am disappointed in Martha, as she is a pioneer of "do-it-yourself" and Wal-Mart seeks to destroy all of that. Wal-Mart stands for uniformity and the anihilation of all that is unique and one-of-a-kind, both things that I thought Martha stood for. Shame on you, Martha. This new venture is surely not a good thing.

MORE FRIDAY FUN!!

I was so intrigued by the PHOTOBUCKET Survery, that I decided to do some more questions of my own.

For those who missed the first round, here's how it works:

1. Go to www.photobucket.com (don't sign in)
2. Type in your answer to the question in the "search" box
3. Use only the first page
4. Copy the html and paste for the answer.

So here are my new questions for you - feel free to copy and play along.

1. What is your favorite food?


2. What is your favorite article of clothing?


3. What is your least favorite film of all time?


4. What is your favorite TV Show?


5. What is your favorite musical?


6. What is the last film you saw in the theater?


7. What is the last food you ate?


8. What is your favorite indulgence?


9. What do you collect?


10. What is your favorite kind of dog?


Same as last time - include a link in the comments to your replies if you post it on your blog!
Have a good weekend!

Because it's FRIDAY....

A good friend of mine, who writes a very witty blog - www.aboynamedgirl.blogspot.com - posted this. I thought it was fun. More importantly, I thought it would keep me from doing my actual work - and isn't that the whole point of this blog anyways?

Without further ado, I give you the PHOTOBUCKET Survey.

Here's how it works:
1. Go to www.photobucket.com (don't sign in)
2. Type in your answer to the question in the "search" box
3. Use only the first page
4. Copy the html and paste for the answer.

When you finish, you'll have something like this:

1. What's your first name?


2. What school do you go to?


3. What is your relationship status?


4. What is your favorite color?


5. Who is your celebrity crush?


6. What band are you listening to right now?


7. What is your favorite movie?


8. Who is your favorite Disney princess?


9. Name an alcoholic beverage.



10. where is your dream vacation?


11. What do you love most in life?


12. One word to describe yourself?


See now? Wasn't that fun? Now, go repost on your page and play along. Leave a link to your page in my comments!

Have a good weekend!

Willy Wonka & Super Tuesday

There's a wonderful scene in the movie WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, where the charismatic and quirky Willy Wonka (played to perfection by Gene Wilder) sings that "if you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it; anything you want to - do it! Want to change the world? There's nothing to it..."

As I child, I loved this film. I connected to the story of the innocent and untainted Charlie Bucket. Charlie, a boy of meager status, found pleasure in life's simple things. He only wanted health and safety for his family, happiness, and maybe the occasional chocolate bar. Who can't relate to that? Isn't that all anyone really wants - to have their basic needs met, and if possible, maybe an occasional treat? The story of Charlie Bucket plays out as a parable against wanting too much; greedy children are quickly dispatched away, as there is no room for those who want more than their share. The moral of the story is that good things come to those who wait and that diligence and perseverance will be rewarded; in the end, this proves true as Charlie has all of his wishes fulfilled.

Today is Super Tuesday - the Primary Elections - in what will prove to be a historical election year, no matter which side you're viewing it from. This morning, as I cast my own vote, I couldn't help but hear Gene Wilder's voice ringing in my ears - "Want to change the world? There's nothing to it!" Indeed, in a time where our society seems to be unraveling from the very fiber of it's being, we are at a crossroads in politics. Don't like the status quo? CHANGE IT! It would seem that, much like Charlie Bucket, the world is our oyster - simply waiting for us to make our decisions on how we'd have it play out.

We see the world for what it is. The beauty of our world is that it's different from every angle. Your perspective may be totally different from mine - and that perspective colors your decisions. So, that's why Super Tuesday is so important....literally, the future of our country rests in the decisions that you make. We determine where we go!

Don't like the war in Iraq? Voice it! Want Gay marriages? Voice it! Need healthcare reform? Voice it! Want stronger public schools? Voice it! Whatever your issue, whatever your cause, whatever your concern - VOICE IT!

"If you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it; anything you want to - do it! Want to change the world? There's nothing to it..."

I couldn't agree more, Mr. Wonka.

Tiny Bubbles

This past year, I have become a junkie. Before you go plotting your interventions, I am not suffering the same throes of addiction as the more glamorous LiLo's and B.Spears. Nevertheless, my addiction is equally crippling. I suffer from mood swings when I can't get my fix. I crave a "hit" at all hours of the day; I lie awake at night thinking about my next encounter with my sweet elixir.

What is it that has me so hot and bothered? What keeps me tossing in bed at night? It's not crack, crystal meth or black tar heroin. It is, however, an exotic import. From the far shores of the Asian Isles, I am enslaved to the flavor and fun of Bubble Tea.

Bubble Tea? WTF is that, you ask? Well, for those of you not in the know, Bubble Tea is a drink craze from Asia. According to Wikipedia, Bubble tea is a tea beverage that originated in Taiwan in the 1980s. The tea features tapioca balls; the balls are often called "pearls," and are consumed along with the beverage through an extra wide straw. Bubble tea is especially popular in many East Asian and Southeast Asian regions such as China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam. More recently, the drink has popularized in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The drink has gained in popularity in the US, branching out from regions with large Asian populations (like New York and San Francisco's ChinaTowns). The drink is sometimes referred to as Boba Tea. Boba is children's Mandarin slang for "nipple," as the tapioca pearls somewhat resemble a round nipple.

Essentially, the drink is a base of green or black tea and a flavoring (usually fruit). Added to the cup are tapioca pearls (these are the black balls in the glasses pictured). These pearls are gelatinous, and have a gummy texture - like soft gummy bears. The result is a beverage that can be both sipped and chewed. It's a unique mouth experience. The drinks are served over ice, or in the form of slushees and smoothies. Often times, the drinks are flavored with exotic tastes like Taro and Lychee. Sometimes, the drink is served with "jellies" instead of the typical pearls. The jellies are slivers of gelatin - usually in a fruit flavor. Typically, the teas are either fruit flavored or milk teas. The milk teas would be more similar to a Chai or an iced latte.

Being of Asian descent myself, I'm always open to trying new things. I am fortunate to live in a culturally diverse area - with many ethnic groups represented in their own neighborhoods. By venturing off the beaten path, and trying some of these wonderful restaurants and neighborhood shops, you can find some really amazing things. You might even develop a new "addiction."

You can find me, at least once a week, at my favorite Thai/Vietnamese/Chinese fusion place...bubble tea firmly in hand and a smile on my face. Addiction....ain't it great?

DO THE RIGHT THING

This weekend is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Dr. King was a great man - he was a civil rights hero who initiated a movement and a new way of thinking. He encouraged people to see past their own prejudices and to embrace their differences. Unfortunately, his legacy has largely devolved into a bank holiday; it is a day off from school, and for some of us, from work. Few citizens take time to remember the precious price that Dr. King paid for his beliefs - and even fewer take the initiative to "do the right thing."

In 1989, Spike Lee made the film "DO THE RIGHT THING." The film tells the story of Buggin Out - a would be do gooder who is crusading for change in his own neighborhood. Tired of the local pizzeria neglecting to show anyone other than Italians on it's "Wall of Fame," Buggin Out takes his mission to the people. He is a voice for change - crusading for his cause.

I am disappointed to say that few of my friends volunteer. Very few people I know have a cause that they are passionate about. Ask them the problems in society, and they can easily rattle off a list a mile long. Ask them what they've done to combat those problems, however, and the conversation will quickly dry up. I do a lot of volunteer work, and my friends always act like I am Jesus himself. The reality is that my efforts are shameful - my involvement with a few causes leaves much to be desired. I am not consistent with my volunteerism; I give when it is convenient - when it fits my schedule or wallet. That is hardly dedication. True dedication comes at all costs - or as Malcolm X said, "by any means necessary."

As we head into the weekend - and you enjoy your day off in honor of Dr. King - think about the true cost of our freedoms. What do you do to make things better? What do you do to increase awareness? When push comes to shove, can you say that you will "do the right thing?"


It's an election year - and we are a nation in a time of turmoil. We are on the brink, but the brink of what we can't quite be sure. Dr. King said that "An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity." I encourage you to take that to heart. Find your cause - and fight for it. Become involved, leave a legacy, and ultimately, you will find that you will "do the right thing."

Let me leave you with two thoughts from Dr. King:

In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.

What is the life you are leading saying about you and your beliefs? Inaction is still action.

A New Year....A New Blog

2008 has arrived, and with it is the inevitable wind of change.

While my blog has gone largely neglected, I am hoping that 2008 will usher in an era of new productivity. I plan to write more frequently - espousing my opinions on everything from politics to Pollyana. I'll blog on pop culture and popcorn. I'll write on music and musings. It will be nothing, if not a mixed bag.

So, bookmark this page.....and join me for discussions on whatever comes our way.