Search Results for: blog history was made but not set in stone

A Tale Of Two Sisters

If you enjoy genealogy, you know that even if there are no strange or interesting stories in your family tree, there are many such stories in the family trees of others. I enjoy a good genealogy story as much as anyone, and I was very intrigued when I came across the story of two little girls whose burial location was almost destined to remain a mystery forever. The story begins in the late 1800s, when William and Agnes Woods Doxey came to America from England. The couple had been busy building a family before their journey, and traveled to America … Continue reading →

The Apollo Theater’s Legacy – Part 2

It’s Black History Month and I dare to say that few places in America hold the amount of black history that the Apollo Theater in Harlem does. The names of those who started there reads like a Who’s Who of American music. Billie Holiday Like Vandross, Holiday left us much too soon (she died at age 44). But, before she died, she left us with a catalog of incredible recordings and still serves as an inspiration for jazz and pop singers today. Smokey Robinson Robinson first performed at the Apollo in the ‘60s as part of the Motown Review. As … Continue reading →

Resources for Learning the History of Other Cultures

When I decided to adopt from Korea, I knew next to nothing about the culture. In what little mention of them there is in books, Korea, Vietnam, Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia are often presented as victim nations, poor and often governed by puppet regimes of other countries. This is not great for self-esteem. (Regarding self-esteem: I’ve always thought some women were too sensitive to non-inclusive language. I’ve always been fine assuming that “all men” included me. But as I get older I see subtle discrimination more than I ever thought I would, and I realize the power of hearing … Continue reading →

Olympians Turning Gold to Green

Now that the last of the fireworks has exploded over Beijing and the Olympic flame has been officially extinguished, the world class athletes that made the Summer Games such a huge success are moving onto their next mission: turning their gold medals into green. Cold hard cash—and a ton of it—will welcome golden boy Michael Phelps as he heads back to Baltimore in the coming days. The swimming super star raked in more gold medals than any athlete in Olympic history and if he plays his cards right he could be set for life. Can you say endorsements? Those eight … Continue reading →

Should We Have More Than Two Parties?

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The Democratic National Convention is next month and the Republican National Convention is shortly thereafter at the beginning of September. While Obama has announced that he’s going to accept his nomination from the stadium–presumably to a full stadium. McCain on the other hand has a different problem. Ron Paul, who has officially ended his campaign recently, is holding his own convention, the same night as the Republican convention. Not only that, but he’s holding it right around the corner from the Republican National Convention. Let’s not forget Bob Barr either, who by many is seen as this election’s Ralph Nader … Continue reading →

Obama Opts Out of Public Financing: Was It a Good Move?

Obama’s whole platform is that it’s time for change. He says he’s going to do business differently, and consequently, he’s made the historically unprecedented decision to opt out of using public financing. Earlier in the campaign, he said that he would use the public funds if his opponent did. But now he’s changed his mind. To some, changing gears signals a red flag of a candidate that went back on his word. To others, it signals that Barack Obama, above all, is committed to doing what he thinks is right. So what do you think–political ploy or serious commitment to … Continue reading →

Michelle Obama to Visit the View Today

I have never fully understood the interest we seem to take in Prospective First Ladies. Particularly when it comes to their faux pas. It’s almost as if the wife of a potential candidate makes the elections more palatable for those who would rather not think about the economy or National Security. While I certainly understand the position of First Lady to be one of much influence–they are not actually running for President. But that’s just my opinion. However, in a subtle attempt to soften her image, Michelle Obama will be co-hosting The View today. Michelle Obama is not exactly a … Continue reading →

Obama and McCain on the Economy

Polls show that the number one factor on Americans minds right now is the economy. Inflation is outpacing the national average for our pay raises. Unemployment is up, families are losing their homes, and more importantly, consumer confidence is down. The number one question we’re asking right now according to many polls, is what will the new president do to fix the economy. Yes, the economy is on our minds ever more so than bringing our troops home. Given that, I thought it appropriate to look at both McCain’s and Obama’s discussion of economics and how we’re going to ameliorate … Continue reading →

Politics Week in Review: June 1 to June 8

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One of the very nice things about writing for politics is that it is very hard to run out of blog fodder right now. Consequently this week was a busy one and I’m sure weeks to come will be very busy as well. If you missed what has been going on or didn’t read all the commentary–grab a cup of coffee and join me as we review this week in the politics blog. Sunday, June 8 The Way Things Work (In Politics)–Someone asked me to explain delegates, superdelegates and why the Clintons were complaining about injustices in Michigan and Florida. … Continue reading →

Are Democrats Just Whiny?

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Here is my disclaimer: This blog is for the politically challenged. It’s for those who don’t totally understand the election process and for those who aren’t totally following the elections. I know I’ve left out details, but I’ve done so in the interest of simplicity. It is in response to a reader comment the other day: Is it just me or does it seem like more policticians think they should fight the system when things don’t go their way? Here’s my question, Is Clinton doing more damage by not conceding now, so that Obama can start campaigning against McCain instead … Continue reading →