Maybe Obama Will Win?

Eric Zorn is the columnist from the Chicago Tribune who made me a little nervous with his list of reasons that Obama would lose the election of Tuesday (see last post). Now, Zorn has submitted his thoughts on why Obama will win the election. I don't share all of Zorn's opinions, but did find myself very interested and, sometimes, in agreement.

Election 2008

Let's get two things straight upfront. First, I have never supported McCain. Second, I do support and am voting for the Obama/Biden ticket. But, and I know that I'm risking my "I'm a liberal" bumper sticker status here, I've never really felt comfortable sharing the same political space with the rosy-cheeked, bright-eyed, tail a wagging members of the cult of Obama either. Call me jaded, hell call me conservative if you'd like, but I just don't see a lot of REAL change a happening while Congress remains the same (old, white, stagnant), while skinheads plot the death of Obama and a large group of black students, while we waste time talking about the legal definition of marriage, while we lag behind the world in education, while we put individual and corporate profits ahead of working for the betterment of our community, etc. But, I will say that I believe Obama is capable of laying the foundation that is needed in order to see the kind of REAL change that many of us so desperately want to see.

Cult of Obama or not, what I do not want to see is McCain win. Maybe it's all the medication co-mingling in my system but I'm feeling a whole lot anxious and shaky about the upcoming election on Tuesday. To acknowledge the obvious = yes, I know that Obama leads in the most recent polls. However, as an informed citizen and teacher of history I know enough not to trust that this lead is nearly as strong as it needs to be to ensure a victory. I've also been obsessed with this map - watching it, studying it, waiting to see if colors will change as we head toward Tuesday. I know it's a numbers game, but look at all that red! Then, I read this article this morning, which expresses some of the same opinions and concerns that I have held about Obama since his acceptance of the Democratic nomination. Weird co-winky-dink? Probably. But it has me worried. And, very, very interested.

Give Me Steriods. Lots of Them. Now.

Can't fight it. Can't change it. It is what it is. Twice a year--October and April--I get horribly, horribly sick, and probably will for the rest of my life. It begins as a sniffle or a tickle or even a shiver. Then, like Hurricane Ike, it gains momentum until it quickly, but finally, reaches shore. And by that time, you can't stop it, you can only brace yourself for the ride. And, yes, if you haven't figured it out yet, I am sick. Truly sick. Deathly sick. I have only a squeak of a voice left, beat up bones and internal organs from a cough so violent and so relentless that it has registered on the Richter Scale, throbbing temples and a headache that won't quit, asthmatic episodes, and dry heaving. Insult to injury? Everytime I cough, I wet my pants a little. Sexy.

Ye Olde Renaissance Faire

The Event:

The Renaissance Faire was last Saturday at the school where Bill and I teach. I played Queen Isabella of Spain. Brilliant choice, if I do say so myself. Bill played Sir Walter Raleigh. Um...I'm still undecided about that casting decision. To be fair though, Raleigh was a better role than his original, Head Bridge Troll by Food Court.

The Review:

Let's start with the good news first -- beautiful, beautiful weather, decent, well-behaved crowd, ye olde good times with friends and colleagues, a chance to laugh at yourself in an ill-fitting rental costume, good exercise, and a SUPER, SUPER play (Midsummer Night's Dream - way to go Dando and Company!!!). And now the bad news -- it was a long, long day, I was sun burned, sore, and exhausted by day's end, I had to pay for my own food and drinks (I spent at least 20 bucks) and --best of all--I didn't get paid a cent from the district for being there for 9 hours. Yes, you read correctly. At the very least, they could pay to have my carpet cleaned (dogs, like most other species, cannot hold it for 9 hours~poor Grover!)

The Kid & Hubby:

Emma, A New Musical

It's a Wednesday Rep night for Bill and I so we're off to see Emma, A New Musical. Most of the time, I think it's a bad idea to mess with a really rich, really exquisite, and nearly flawless work of fiction (or a classic literary character like Emma) by turning it into a movie, musical, etc. But, in this case, I'm thinking that Emma and music seem like a good match. UPDATE: It was a terrific match....as Emma might say, "Well, it was just simply delightful." Very witty, very entertaining. This production is a perfect starting point for the Jane-curious. And, for the more Jane-expert, the musical is a perfect compliment to her written work. Emma runs through November 2, 2008 so go see it!

Center for Human Origins and Cultural Diversity

Welker, one of the other MRH history teachers, and I took our Freshman Humanities kids to the Center for Human Origins and Cultural Diversity at UMSL. This little known anthropology lab has four-45 minute interactive stations for the kids to explore human evolution. Teachers that teach topics that involve human origins and evolution should definitely find a way to bring their kids here. The kids had so much fun that they forgot that they were learning!

Mama Got A Brand Bag

I love bags - clutches, purses, totes, messengers, etc. - and have found that one can never have too many. But the one kind of bag that I have never bought is a work bag. They're always too heavy or too leathery or too ugly and, usually, too professional. On the other hand, casual work bags have never really felt right either - that is until now. This summer I bought the perfect work bag and I gotta tell ya about it because I'm so lovin' it. It's light-weight, attractive, and casual/professional. And, it's the perfect amount of utilitarian. But the best thing about the whole bag is that it's made almost exclusively from recycled and reclaimed materials. Give me a woo hoo!

Book Review: I Love You, Beth Cooper by Larry Doyle

After 4-years of pining for head cheerleader Beth Cooper, nerdy, nobody Valedictorian Denis Cooverman decides to use his 3-minutes of fame graduation speech to publicly declare his love for her. To his surprise, Beth isn't repulsed; in fact, she even considers dropping by his party. Thus, begins a 24-hour whirlwind, coming of age adventure complete with fun, booze, pranks, confessions, and witty, witty dialogue. Entertainment Weekly said, "Hilarious...Reminiscent of the best of John Hughes's 80's comedy classics...." Couldn't have said it better.

A List for October 5th

Things I Absolutely Hate and Always Will (in no particular order):

1. patchouli (i mean seriously, it's passe and it stinks)
2. autos that get less than 25 mpg (also avoiding discussing why i hate all suv's and most domestic models)
3. rabbits and, especially, small rodents (those ol' nasty teeth)
4. materialism (no explanation needed)
5. when you can but you won't think for yourself (you have a brain, why not use it?)
6. a warped sense of entitlement (i.e. i'm an american, i have a right to control the universe, not in my back yard!, drill, baby, drill! where are my cheap........, etc)
7. along the same line, self-importance (again, get over yourself--i already have)
8. deceitful behavior (c'mon, can't we all just be honest?)
9. littering (american indian crying, you know you all remember that one)
10. excuses (some are legit, but most aren't)
11. the movie Freedom Writers (what? you think i'm a chump?)
12. hate speech, ism's, and homophobia (it's just not cool, smart, or purposeful)
13. socks with sandals, especially adidas shower sandals (unless you're homeless)
14. giving the peace sign while being photographed (kids, celebs, etc -- it's totally played!)

Thinking About the Weekend.....Already

Three very good things to choose from for the upcoming weekend and all in my neck of the woods. First, the Best of Missouri Market at MOBot. I love going to this but, in recent years, have skipped it cause of the enormous crowds. We're members of the garden, so maybe I'll try the "members only" hours. Second, is the historic Shaw Neighborhood's Shaw Art Fair. This I will attend definitely. Lastly, is the, also historic, Soulard Neighborhood's Soulard Oktoberfest. Not as sure about this one, but will look at the band line-up and activities list more closely on their web site to make my decision. Anything of interest that I missed? Comment me.

Where You At?

Because I've spoken before of my love of all things artsy and crafty, it will come as no surprise that my weekend plans involve things artsy and crafty. Strange Folk Festival is this weekend. Yeah! It's big, and looks to have gotten larger this year. If you love original, interesting artsy and crafty things, you should totally check this show out. I know that I am.

Lenin, Stalin, Khrushchev, Brezhnev, Andropov, Chernenko, Gorbachev, and Palin.

The Palin-Russian connection? Does it extend beyond geography? My connection to Palin? Well, she's a blogger too!

Nerd Alert! Lord of the Rings Symphony

If you hit the streets of St Lou tonight or tomorrow night, you will probably notice the absence of J.R.R. Tolkien-lovin', Rings-theme-a-hummin' nerds. Why? They've all congregated at Powell Symphony Hall to listen to Howard Shore's Lord of the Rings symphony as performed by the St Louis Symphony Orchestra. So, what's my story you ask? Well, I do like Tolkien and I did like Peter Jackson's screen version of his books, but I'm no professional sci-fi geek. Neither is Bill. But we do support SLSO (we've been season ticket holders for years now). And since they're trying some new programming ideas to attract a more diverse crowd, we wanted to support their efforts. Plus, I knew the music would be great as would the people watching opportunities (and, boy, were they ever!). And, *nerdy-nerd alert*, both shows are already sold out! Good for SLSO! And, good for me that I thought to buy my tickets ahead of time.

How I Spent My Sunday

Henske Three went to the Duck Room this morning to see Ralph's World. Great, great show! I'm amazed at how good some kid's music has gotten. For example, They Might Be Giants has put out several kid's albums, all of which sound great and are genuinely fun to sing along with. I also recommend, if you need a starting place, the kid music of the Wee Hairy Beasties, Elizabeth Mitchell & Lisa Loeb, The Terrible Twos, Barenaked Ladies, Little Mo'McCoury, and Jack Johnson. As for Ralph's World -- they have a Squeeze/Crowded House vibe that you can't help but to sing and bounce along with. For more solid recommendations in the latest in kid's music, go to Zooglobble.

(Above) Willa onstage with Ralph's World)

(Above) Just like Mom in her old days....drink in hand, on the floor, center stage (Willa is 2nd blonde from the right).

Frost/Nixon at The Rep

The 2008/09 season at the Rep starts tonight for us. I'm excited because tonight's performance is Frost/Nixon. Looks awesome so I'm sure that I'll post a later review. Update: Frost/Nixon was riveting! Here's the gist -- Frost and Nixon: both from humble beginnings, both compelled to prove their worth, both fallen stars. The unlikely pair meet after television host Frost successfully arranges a series of sought after interviews with the newly resigned former president. Nixon agrees to the interviews, hoping that they will re-establish his political reputation and power. For Frost, the interviews represent an opportunity to reignite his credibility and celebrity in the US. Yet, they soon realize that in order for one to succeed, they other has to fail.

STL Art Fair 2008

Art falls into 3 categories for me: #1, LOVE IT! Gotta buy it!, #2, Interesting...I'll make a mental note, or #3, You gotta be kidding me--this is awful!. Yesterday, at the STL Art Fair in Clayton, I saw approximately 4 - LOVE It! Gotta buy it! artists, about 10 - Interesting artists, and a whole big o'bunch of you gotta be kidding me's. Here are my 1, 2, 3, and 4 favorites that I wanted to purchase a piece from but didn't. I did buy another Marvin and Wendy Hill -- a mermaid woodcut called Le Mer -- for Willa (yes, mer is feminine for you francophiles out there yet this print was named as though the word were masculine). I didn't make it to Art Oustide this year so I hope that I did miss a lot. At least I have these events to look forward to -- Strange Folk and Rock and Roll Craft Show.

Art O'Liscious

We have traditionally reserved the weekend after Labor Day for the St Louis Falcons annual Polish Festival. The super awesome sausage, sauerkraut, pirogi, and pastries are very tasty and very popular. Then we took note of two other now-favorite events, the St Louis Art Fair and Schlafly's Art Outside, both of which seemed to pop up on or around the same weekend. The challenge? How to fit all three events into our schedule. This year, we'll definitely be at the St Louis Art Fair tomorrow morning (This is who I bought a piece from last year). And, I'd love to go to Art Outside tonight. But between the kid's ballet and soccer, I'm not sure that the Polish Festival is going to make the cut.

Soccer Mom

I've always taken the back seat driver approach to other people's motherhood -- butting in with little jewels like, "what do you mean you're not using cloth diapers? shame on you for ruining the environment like that!" "not breastfeeding, what? you want a sickly slow kid?" "nice clothes? crazy! my kid's going organic cotton caveman style until kindergarten." You name it, I could find something to say about it. But, now that I find myself actually walking down that road, I try to watch what I say a little more carefully because I know that it's likely that I'll have to retract some earlier proclamation. So, where is this post going you ask? Well, tonight I attended my 3, almost 4, year old kid's 2nd soccer practice--thereby sucking in the parenting gems about over scheduling kids and spending my hard earned money on plastic team sports (I shudder when I say that!) equipment. I mean, really, who even knew that kids could even play soccer at this age! And, that they'd find 21 girls for a single school team! (Bill says, you can't go to Catholic school in STL and not play soccer. I guess he's right.). So what does this mean for me? Well, I guess it means that, at least until November, I'm a mom with a kid playing soccer. Just please don't call me a soccer mom ..... ugh!

Movie: Saved!

From Amazon.com: "Classic teen comedy mixes with cunning satire in Saved!. Fervent Christian Mary believes God wants her to save her gay boyfriend by sleeping with him. But he gets sent to an anti-gay indoctrination camp while she ends up pregnant--which starts to drive a wedge between Mary and her snotty best friend Hilary Faye. Meanwhile, they're both interested in the son of their Christian school principal. Saved! respects faith but gleefully mocks the excesses and absurdities of contemporary organized religion, particularly its suburban, let's-speak-the-language-of-the-kids manifestations." I recommend!

Something Unexpected in My Inbox

For your viewing pleasure --- A photo of Willa from COCA's "Under the Sea" Summer Camp finale unexpectedly found in COCA's latest email newsletter. Her role, you ask? Hard Coral.

Willa (left) and friends at COCA August 2009