Democrats I Can Support

I fundamentally believe this set of Democrat guidelines for government are needed if the United Sates is retain/regain its economic power in the world and continue to have a viable economy. Too bad I also view them as pipe dreams.

Durham Arts

I was in Durham working on the townhouse the other day. I made the trip alone and stayed over night to finish the work. I had gone online the day previous to find some dining options and chose the Mellow Mushroom which had good reviews for their pizza. I concur.

Eating alone is boring so I always try to find something to read. Not surprisingly although for me it was, Durham, home of Duke University has a good arts scene as well as plenty of classes in the arts, fitness, and meditation. It surprised me because my outlook is of dreary work on the townhouse. Anyway, there was a newspaper stand containing a class catalog sponsored by the Durham Arts Council.

As usual is typical of such programs, there was a course in "Finding the Artist Within." It reminded me of a class I took class promising that "Everyone Can Draw." I flunked that class even though they didn't grade us. The problem is I didn't feel that inspired flow of creativity - it just seemed like laborious work trying to make marks on paper resemble something identifiable. So, I am still trying to find that inner artist, I know he/she is there but very skilled at hiding.

Perhaps I am looking in the wrong cranny. Maybe belly dancing is more my thing. The Arts Council has a class entitled "Belly Dancing for Scaredy Cats." And even better, "Shake, Rattle, and Roll with Bellydance!" The rattle part seems to fit my age. Then I thought about the other class members and realized that instead of svelte, beautiful, sultry women, the class might be populated with very large and obese women that had plenty to shake and roll.

I think I'll continue my search for my inner creative self.

American Idol

Yes, we watch it. However, the other night had me wondering whether I wanted to continue. One of the contestants was a country boy from Tennessee named Jesse. They had a little background clip on Jesse showing his rural life. I believe he grew up in poverty with limited schooling. His teeth are crooked and he had a hill billy twang. He performed as a country and western singer and was voted off.

I didn't think Jesse was a good singer but there was that moment when you remembered Kevin Skinner's first performance on "America's Got Talent." Kevin won the competition and has a rare ability to sing and communicate genuine emotion in his music. Kevin was ridiculed on the show because he, like Jesse, grew up in the back woods of America. Kevin earned his living as a chicken catcher. At least he was able to show the world what a unique and rare person he is. And, the world showed the show that they respected Kevin.

Jesse also had his dream to better his life, to pursue a passion, to change his life. He was honest and genuine, no airs and no attitude. But, he was treated miserably by the judges and by the producers of American Idol. Their behavior was reprehensible. They were insulting and arrogant. They laughed at his hopes, held him up to the country as a dumb hick undeserving of basic human respect. Jesse didn't win nor did the show.

I wish they had to live his life for just a month - with his perspective on life, his income, and his deep desire for change. These people of wealth and privilege need to learn some humility. I was angered while watching the show and still feel that anger and disgust as I write this. If you missed it I am confident they will replay Jesse's performance in their sad attempt at humor. It is sad.

Sun Room

The sun room is furnished, the heat/ac is installed and we are enjoying it immensely. The furniture has been rearranged numerous times and more is to come. We have bought a new sofa and chair which will be coming in about 8 weeks.



The TV was an early addition, we have a Samsung int eh living room and like it a lot but feared the reflections from the screen would be a problem so got a Sony instead. The screen is great and even without shades on the windows the reflections are not a real problem. Speaking of shade - still to come in mid-January we hope.