Noracharles1995

Agreed, and Obama is far from my first choice for the nomination. But this is a ridiculous non issue. I'm a feminist, and when I first started out in the working world in my 20s I snapped back at anyone calling me a pet name. I'm older and wiser now and have come to realize that some people just use them. Period. Not to demean or to put anyone in their place. It's simply a feature of their conversation. Baltimore's an exellent case in point, EVERYONE calls everyone "hon". Including my hubby who's from there and who's an SAHD. By definition I don't think you can say an SAHD whose wife earns the dough and handles the family $ is a sexist pig.

Could we PLEASE go back to finding out the scoop on Rezko? On why Obama stayed in Wright's congregation for 20 years when even Oprah left because of his inflammatory comments? Or asking what Obama will really do for working class Americans? IMO these are real issues not this. posted 05/16/2008 at 14:53:57

Obama lived with his mother AND Indonesian stepfather in Indonesia. Then went to high school here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punahou_School

He might have only recently paid off student loans from law school, but he didn't grow up as dirt poor as many of you want to claim. But John Edwards did. posted 05/14/2008 at 15:38:33

This is reassuring but...what did Obama do to ensure it went BEYOND the committee????? I'm not necessarily saying he's doing it but some legislators are known to get bills approved by the committee then let them die a quiet death before going further. Makes them look like they care about the issue and they can campaign on it later. posted 05/14/2008 at 15:24:40

Edwards doesn't want to be VP. Which opens him up to be the next AG, and hopefully Obama or Hillary will select him. posted 05/14/2008 at 15:20:52

Thank you Lacewing - you've lived there and know what you're talking about. I think many posting to this thread buy the crap that all West Virginians are toothless and sleep with their immediate family members. posted 05/14/2008 at 15:08:34

Do you even KNOW anyone from West Virginia, or do you just believe every stereotype the media throws at you? Ok, one poll found 20% of West Virginians said they would never vote for a black man for president. That's 80% who said they WOULD.

And we all know polls aren't created alike. posted 05/14/2008 at 12:02:59

The media, wanting to stir feces and hew to the stereotype of West Virginians all being sexually involved with their siblings or parents, is going to interview the West Virginians who say such things. Meanwhile the 80% who don't give a damn that Obama's biracial and who voted on economic, NOT racial or gender considerations get ignored.

Edwards gets it, he grew up dirt poor and knows how it feels to live like that and he sincerely cares about health care and poverty. If West Virginians are so ignorant and worthless, how would they know this much about any of the candidates? posted 05/14/2008 at 11:56:35

Thanks from me too, a latte swilling, Masters' Degree holder (with honors) whose first choice in this campaign was John Edwards. posted 05/14/2008 at 11:50:20

No, West Virginians are choosing the candidate that can understand their problems and how hard it is for them to get by. Hillary and Obama grew up in comfortable economic circumstances, John Edwards didn't. He gets it, that's why he got 7% of the WV vote even though he's no longer in the race. posted 05/14/2008 at 10:19:29

Turbines are already on mountains at least in Tucker County. Exploration is also under way for natural gas and oil as well. Coal beds sometimes contain both.

I'm hoping the turbines do enough for West Va's economy that the oil/gas exploration is unnecessary. However with the cost of oil these days, it's probably going to become a reality. posted 05/14/2008 at 10:17:02

Um, bulls**t. My mom's family's from there, I've been there many times. I own property there. My first choice in the primaries was Edwards. Before you make some generalized retort about me, I live in Va, have a full set of teeth, eat arugula, have been abroad many times and have a Masters' degree. And I'd put latte into an IV drip if possible.

Making these crass generalizations is doing such a whole LOT to advance your candidate's claims that he can unify the Dem party. Like it or not, there increasingly seems to be only 1 way out - Hillary and Barack on the same ticket. Barack can prove to those of us with reservations about him he will put his money where his mouth is re: unifying the party, he can get Hillary's support behind him, and actually start healing the party so we can defeat McCain in the general.

Now those whose first choice doesn't win the nomination need to cut the crap about voting for McCain and/or staying home. This country needs to be put back together by someone somehow. Enough is enough. posted 05/14/2008 at 16:43:13

And that it couldn't POSSIBLY be true that the 7% who voted for Edwards did it as a protest vote. Nah, they're from West VA, they sleep with their siblings and would never vote for a woman or biracial man. And don't know Edwards dropped out in January. Of course, that's it!!!! posted 05/14/2008 at 15:56:37

Thanks for reminding us racism happens everywhere and at the same time, perhaps not all are voting for whomever they're voting for ONLY on race or gender. People could easily assume because I'm a female over 40 I'd support Hillary, because I have a graduate degree I'm with Obama.

I will support whichever of them wins as an anyone but McCain vote but my first choice as a Dem was John Edwards. I would have loved to have seen the look on that guy's face when he spotted your Obama pin, lol. posted 05/14/2008 at 15:53:53

And the Shrub is still there dammit, and this is the same wimpy congress that had lots of chances to start impeachment proceedings against him since they took the House and Senate.

They haven't taken a single one of those chances. I think McPander is on to something here. At least one of said Generals who opposed the idea of strikes on Iran got the sack. How many more got the sack that we didn't hear about? posted 05/14/2008 at 10:08:44

Here's the story from "The Hill" on the authorization bill:

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/gop-looking-past-bush-2008-05-13.html

The story says most of the Rethugs want to get far far away from the Worst Prez Ever but my guess is one of his few remaining buddies in the Senate will try to sneak something approving strikes on Iran into this bill. Then Hillary and Obama have to take a stand - or get called on not showing up to vote on it.

It's not so easy to do it in the House but in the Senate, procedure makes it alot easier to sneak nasties like this into legislation. posted 05/14/2008 at 10:05:56

Number 8 is still alive and well at our house..and so is Disney. And our kids are doing fine. posted 05/06/2008 at 17:12:38

This is my first mother's day without my Mom so I needed to hear I'm not alone.

Thank you. posted 05/06/2008 at 17:02:18

Parabens are one more set of ingredients to watch out for.

Thanks for this article. I hope in particular, it motivates readers to read the labels on baby and children's personal care products. It is eye opening to see so many harsh ingredients and strong fragrances in kids' products. posted 04/28/2008 at 13:53:06

Good questions. One alternative is your local farmers' market. Fortunately, a new one is opening near me this weekend. I'll be there each week if possible. posted 04/28/2008 at 14:01:01

As do I. It's one thing to have reservations about the remaining candidates in the race for my party's nomination. Not hatred, I too reserve that for Gramps McCain. posted 04/28/2008 at 16:02:34

No. All I can say is in all likelihood he will be the nominee and he's rightly said what's happened thus far is warming him up for the General race. I just hope he has the stuff it takes to respond effectively. posted 04/28/2008 at 13:38:01

Agreed, this is why I think the race needs to continue and why I'll support the eventual winner against McCain. posted 04/28/2008 at 13:33:59

Please accept my thanks for all you have done and are doing in the Middle East, DHubble.

If HRC is the nominee, what will you do? My first choice was Edwards - the only one of the 3 major dems who put a time table out front and center on withdrawing from Iraq - and he is now out of the race. Unless some miracle happens and he reenters the race later this summer, I'm going to vote for whichever Dem gets the nomination. I just want to see others here do the same. No the nominee won't be perfect but I have faith that either will get us out of Iraq in the forseeable future. I fear if large numbers vote for a third party candidate like Nader, we'll have 2000 all over again.

I'm concerned about HRC's saber rattling, I'm concerned about BHO's lack of experience but far less than I am by the prospect of Stay in Iraq for 100 Years McCain. Every time I go visit my parents' gravesites at Arlington Cemetery I see funeral after funeral - and I end up mourning them instead of my folks who came back safely after WWII and lived into their 80s.

Again, thank you for everything you're doing and have done posted 04/25/2008 at 17:01:52

Well put from someone who sounds firmly in the Grown Up wing of the Dem party. This is precisely what we need to do. Whether you loathe HRC or BHO do you REALLY want to hand the White House to McCain and be in Iraq another 100 years and at war with Iran too?!! Eyes on the Prize people!!! posted 04/25/2008 at 11:58:05

Well put, let it play out. Give the remaining voters the chance to vote in their primaries.

I know there will be bitterness for some Dems if their first choice is not the nominee. I have a preference for one over the other but I know if my chosen person's not the nominee, I can at least support the other as a vote AGAINST McCain, and with the knowledge that this person supported the race going on through the end of the primaries with TWO candidates, not one annointed prematurely.

Maybe I'm missing something but if the process goes to its end as it's meant to, won't that actually lessen the resentment half of Dems might feel were the process to be cut off now? Whose to say it must divide the party if it continues? If your choice loses, get over it, focus on the fact that the process was allowed to continue to the end of the primaries, with the winner EARNING the win and deserving your vote. Either one will be a helluva lot better than 100 Years in Iraq and Let's Invade Iran while we're at it, McCain. And unlike Nader and the other 3rd party candidates, the Dem has a shot at actually WINNING and cleaning up the mess of the past 8 years. posted 04/25/2008 at 11:36:50

Also, you can't take it for granted that you'll continue to have free healthcare through your job. I'm a union rep at my org and trust me, after the next contract negotiation your firm has, you may either start paying for care or start having conditions or meds quit getting covered even if your man wins the election. My org goes into negotiations in a couple of years and we will have the fight of our lives to keep from paying for our health care premiums - right now the company pays. posted 04/22/2008 at 15:12:35

As would I, had he been our nominee, the Dems would be ahead of McCain with room to spare, not the other way around.

Thanks alot, MSM posted 04/22/2008 at 15:06:54

LOLOL, problem is the parents who throw these kind of parties for their kids aren't doing it in a vaccum. The kids learn it's ok to do things for "show" and to subsitute the lavish party for time spent with them.

Not good lessons. At all. posted 04/21/2008 at 11:29:28

I'm afraid not, my oldest girl is only 4 and we've been on the "birthday party circuit" And it's way worse for girls' parties than boys. Mine may get a spa party on 16th but other than that? No way. They'll be at home, with good food, good fun and good friends. I highly recommend www.birthdayswithoutpressure.org, the site the article discusses. They have great ideas for parties kids will REALLY enjoy and parents won't overspend on.

The kids in my daughter's preschool are already asking flat out to have parties at home with simple games. And in my neighborhood, parents could afford any kind of party. Kids are smart and won't be bought as a substitute for time with Mom and Dad. It does come back and bite them on the a**. Absolutely nothing, not all the money in the world substitutes for loving your kids, being grown up enough to put their enjoyment ahead of your need to compete with other parents, and spending as much time with them as you can. The End. posted 04/21/2008 at 11:26:00

Yes, and BHO is a career politician, people. His charisma doesn't change that, he still is what he is deep down. HRC just wears it more on her sleeve than he does.

I won't mention Kool Aid but alot of people really need to remove the rose colored glasses when they listen to him, not just when they listen to HRC. Didn't he just say a few days ago he might leave troops in Iraq until 2012? Why the hell does everyone ignore statements like this over AND over again? posted 04/16/2008 at 16:45:22

Lolol, I'm not worried about Sam. Screw him. posted 04/16/2008 at 16:24:03

And if Obama's a hypocrite, not sincerely interested in or able to relate to the working class why should Edwards endorse him? Edwards gets it, he grew up poor. Obama had a comfortable existence and childhood in Hawaii and other places.

As you say it's one thing to talk the talk, maybe it's Obama who can't walk the walk. posted 04/16/2008 at 16:18:45

No, he's just refusing to dignify the kerfuffle with a response. He has yet to endorse BHO, and he may not anytime soon, if ever. He might not endorse HRC either. Get over it. posted 04/16/2008 at 15:35:17

Agreed. #1 Sam Stein has to dredge something up from 13 years ago? Count em, 13. #2 IMO BC seems sympathetic in his comments about working class Democrats, especially remembering he grew up in a southern working class family. He never says anything about anyone being bitter, or "clinging" to god and guns.

My man is no longer in the race and I have major issues with both Dems who are left in the race but I will vote for the eventual winner over Grandpa 100 Years in Iraq. We need to keep our eyes on the prize. I'm sick of Democrats looking for every excuse to hate the Clintons, every excuse to equate Bill with Hillary - get over it, he's NOT her - and I'm sick of Democrats looking for every excuse NOT to question BHO on his lack of experience, judgment and real feelings toward working class voters. These last few weeks, we need to be fair, be smart and may the best person win. They're gonna need to be the best to beat Gramps. posted 04/16/2008 at 15:34:00

I thought Purina did something like a Big Brother with cats a couple of years ago. They should have it repeat like the other reality TV shows and be the anti-reality TV, the place to go when you're sick of the rest.

As for this kitty, live stuffed animal. Super cute! posted 04/15/2008 at 13:11:37

Agreed, it will be interesting to see if Pennsylvania is BHO's bitter end...or not. BUT, the problem is as Kuhn brings up, a pattern of comments that indicate he is out of touch with rural working class voters. Talking about arugula isn't such a big deal but then he follows it up months later with these comments about guns and god and rural voters who are struggling economically? He's said other things that can be taken as being out of touch with this group of voters but those are the 2 biggies IMO.

Of course not all small town voters are going to be annoyed by BHO's comments but I know plenty of them, and plenty working class people in the cities too who will find them elitist. FTR, I have a Master's degree, have travelled overseas many times and am definitely in the upper middle. And I still find this pattern of BHO comments elitist.

FTR I'm not a supporter of HRC either. Or a Rethug. Or being paid by anyone to stir manure up on HuffPo. posted 04/14/2008 at 10:18:22

My advice - take an inventory, ask for what you truly need and will use, ask for 2 or 3 things you may not need but truly love, and mention a charity you'd like donations to in your name. The guest has the option of having an excuse to shop - which some people like to do and will, no matter what - or donating to the charity of your choice.

I was married once before and even though my current husband and I were both over 35 when we met, we still needed a few basic things and they went onto our registry. We figured it would be better to ask for what we didn't have or replacements for worn out basics vs the "pretty, fluffy" stuff the stores want you to register for but you never use. I never asked for crystal, bone china, etc. It seemed stupid when I knew I'd inherit my parents' good dishes and glasses. Over the course of the 2 weddings, I've gotten among other things pyrex baking dishes, dishtowels, potholders and lots of donations to charities in our names. These all went to good use. posted 04/15/2008 at 16:19:31

Hmmm, wish I saw her that way because Barack probaby will be the nominee. Problem is in my life experience when someone cracks a joke then says they're "just kidding" either they're damn serious deep down or knew they just put their foot in their mouth.

I have major reservations with Hillary too but I'll take her announcement on the press plane earlier this year any day over the week over Michelle's full of herself humor. Edwards cracking wise with Letterman about his hair then when Letterman mussed it up he left it mussed, no instinctive reaction to straighten.

Even the Big Dawg himself when talking about being bored his first year out of office and Hillary's first year in as Senator joked that the one "person" he slept with most was back in NY - Buddy the dog. For all their flaws, IMO the Clintons' self depreciating humor sits better with me than the Obamas' "you're likeable enough" and so on. Michele I know Nora Charles and you're no Nora Charles. Sorry. posted 04/10/2008 at 11:58:32

I don't exactly think she's innocent and am kind of perplexed she didn't learn her lesson after having the affair with the married teacher. And making that mistake again with the POTUS no less? Yikes. She and he WERE (are?) oversexed. posted 04/09/2008 at 15:35:38

Oh, give me a FREAKIN' break!!!! She should have known better. I was an intern on Capitol Hill, plenty of other young women have been interns there, and at the White House and they didn't throw themselves at their bosses. I had guys ask for dates and I said no and stayed the hell away from them after that. I chose not to screw up my career. A friend of mine interned in the Clinton White House and everyone there had a nicname for ML "The Stalker"

I don't think she got that one by caring about issues and her work. She was as stupid the Big Dawg was. posted 04/09/2008 at 15:19:25

Agreed, it's a bulls**t issue. Hasn't the country wasted enough time on this?

So much for hope, change, and intelligence. Barak, this is not putting you in a good light. posted 04/09/2008 at 12:24:22

LOLOL...I just "fanned" you.

So true, so true. posted 04/09/2008 at 15:14:44

Thank you. Both sides are doing the things politicians do to get elected - playing showhorse at the Petraeus hearing, fudging records and experience, playing down associations they're ashamed of. My beef with BHO is I feel he's a hypocrite for saying he's all about change when he's doing the same things HRC is doing.

That doesn't make me a racist - actually if I were, I wouldn't be so open about criticizing him. I'd feel too guilty to. It doesn't make me an HRC backer either. What I am is a Democrat and someone who will do whatever it takes to keep Gramps I'll Stay in Iraq 100 Years out of the White House. Regardless of who gets the Dem nomination. posted 04/09/2008 at 11:31:37

ROFL, just remember many of these "Dems" are probably being paid by McCain's camp to come raise hell at HuffPo. And it's working. Which makes me feel pretty stoopid as a Dem. posted 04/09/2008 at 11:27:57

Lolol, it couldn't happen to a nicer guy..... posted 04/08/2008 at 10:34:23

If they're impeding you in your meetings in small rooms, how much space are *you* taking up? I mean, I know I get in my colleagues' way not just vice versa.

FTR I'm a little overweight, not a lot but I know I take up space too. posted 04/08/2008 at 10:38:07

Thank you. I came dangerously close to being anorexic as a young adult because an ex BF from hell nearly hounded me into being walking skin and bones. I was 20+ lbs underweight and all of my loved ones were worried it would become full blown anorexia. I gained it back then some after I left him but my point is some are born with the tendency to put on the pounds, and some do for psychological reasons that have to be addressed before they can lose the weight. Still others don't have access to healthy affordable food and time to work out. Some just plain eat too damn much and move too little even though they have access to healthy food and time to exercise. The key IMO is helping everyone toward being more healthy generally without playing big brother and recognizing all of these things play a role. posted 04/07/2008 at 13:25:35

Good points, all. It's not enough that the choices are there, the healthier choices need to be affordable too. In the Bodgeas, they usually aren't. posted 04/07/2008 at 11:08:08

Yes, FINALLY we're getting to the issue of metabolism. No matter how much exercise people get, some will have high metabolisms and some very sluggish and for them, weight loss will be a real struggle. My husband is a good case in point, nobody I know has worked harder to get the weight off but it's slow going for him. I can cut back on fattening food and add 2-3 sessions of exercise a week and see weight loss after a couple of weeks.

People with sluggish metabolisms sure don't choose to have them. No more than I choose to have high cholesterol (I've inherited the tendency). posted 04/07/2008 at 11:04:20

Jamie - excellent article, you remind us to keep our eyes on the Prize and work to defeat McCain in November regardless of who the Dem nominee is.

I just wish you'd ask your friend Ralph Nader to sit this out. I admire what he stands for and the work he has done, but the race will be tight and I fear he'll draw votes away from the Democrats' nominee.

Then it's McCain, 100 years in Iraq and war with Iran, and probably a recession that slides into the next great depression as the economy is further ruined by yet another war.

Thanks for considering this. posted 04/01/2008 at 10:48:03

Shame on you HuffPo, you haven't smeared John Edwards enough???!!!

What will it take until you're satisfied???

Shame. posted 04/01/2008 at 10:35:40

What (s)he said, for God's sake, eyes on the prize people! posted 03/31/2008 at 17:11:31

Recently, I talked politics with people I'm SURE the Obamaniacs would write off as "aint' got no education" - all fortyish, one white woman, 2 white guys, one black guy, all HRC supporters. Why? They feel she will best address their economic concerns, they believe that after the vettings of the 90s they know all they need to about her business dealings and finances, they know she has the backing of anti Iraq war but pro troop military leaders like Wes Clark, and they worry BHO is still too unknown a quantity. With Edwards, out I am now behind HRC too for all of those reasons, and I'm an MBA, latte drinking swine.

Just because someone "ain't got no educatun" doesn't mean they don't care or can't get informed and vote accordingly. Or engage in critical thinking - the older I get the better I think the school of Hard Knocks is at teaching critical thinking, and the more overrated I think the Ivy League may be in that regard. Those with the diploma from HK are watching the news and reading the paper, and figuring out who to support, just like us highbrow types. They're getting behind HRC for clear reasons they can articulate, like they did with me a couple of weeks ago.

They probably just don't eat argula on a regular basis and I for one can forgive that. There are far worse things people are doing in this election cycle ;-). posted 03/27/2008 at 12:02:12

31 - Ralph Nader...oh wait, he was useful to someone, the Rethugs. Since he pulled enough votes away from Gore in 2000 and kept his margin so razor thin, the Rethugs could justify stealing the election! posted 03/25/2008 at 16:24:42

So warm them in your hands. This has worked well for me with 2 babies. And no waste of the 20 or 10 wipes at the bottom of the box. posted 03/25/2008 at 13:05:20

LMAO - agreed posted 03/25/2008 at 13:00:36

Yep, besides some regardless of health will never pick up a rake. Lazy people will always be around.

Also:

Banana hammock or hanger - in my experience it keeps them fresh longer. What to do with the last banana? Eat it, put it in your kid's lunch bag or feed it to birds and/or other outdoor critters. Or freeze it - a friend does this for healthy frozen treats.

Paperweight - if you have a fan on in your office - which I do sometimes - they aren't useless, they're essential for keeping papers where they're supposed to be

Totally agree on furry toilet seat. Ewww...yech. posted 03/25/2008 at 12:59:38