Bush calls out the Dems

I love how the President said how the Congress didn't pass his Social Security reform. The Dems fell for the trap and had a standing O. Then he went on to say that the problem isn't going away. I would hope that the American people would see their joy at obstructing progress. Unfortunately, I don't think that the group that this would effect is watching the SOTU address. What do you all think?

Tax Cuts Must Continue

So says The President (at the SOTU)

“Keeping America competitive begins with keeping our economy growing. And our economy grows when Americans have more of their own money to spend, save, and invest. In the last five years, the tax relief you passed has left 880 billion dollars in the hands of American workers, investors, small businesses, and families – and they have used it to help produce more than four years of uninterrupted economic growth. Yet the tax relief is set to expire in the next few years. If we do nothing, American families will face a massive tax increase they do not expect and will not welcome.

Because America needs more than a temporary expansion, we need more than temporary tax relief. I urge the Congress to act responsibly, and make the tax cuts permanent.”

These are the differences that divide us and it couldn't of been clearer than the split standing ovation.

Solar College Projects

I was reading about the First Lady's guests for the SOTU over at Townhall.com and I saw this one:

Jeff Lyng, Student Project Manager, 2005 Solar Decathlon Winning Team (Golden, Colorado)
Mr. Lyng, a graduate student at the University of Colorado, led the winning team at the 2005 Solar Decathlon. The Solar Decathlon, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, is a unique educational project for college-level architects and engineers to highlight the importance of clean energy and renewable energy technologies. Eighteen schools competed in the 2005 contest. Each team had three-and-a-half months to raise about $500,000 to design and build an 800-square-foot house that was completely solar-powered. Mr. Lyng, who helped found the University of Colorado Renewable Energy Club, serves on the Board of Directors for the Colorado Alliance for a Sustainable Future. He is pursuing his Masters in Civil Engineering in the Building Systems program at the University of Colorado and will graduate in May 2006.

It just reminded me of the Solar Power Car Team at CSU Fresno. I know that the car has worked(gone a few feet at a time, I rode in it once!) some years but definately not all. I just wonder if the house really works or just doesn't fall down.

*Note I am not criticizing CSU Fresno, they are not alone. Many of the cars have not actually worked.

Cindy Sheehan Arrested

I don't have all the details but Cindy Sheehan has been arrested by Capitol Police pre-SOTU (State of the Union). She had a gallery pass to hea it but I guess she will have to miss it. I will bring more details later....

Sheehan Considers Challenging Feinstein

I was clued in to this AP article by GOP Vixen and am appalled(not so much with the shock). What is more dangerous. Sheehan thinks that she should run? Sheehan thinks she could win? The fact that we have canidate(or possible ones) that consult Hugo Chavez? I don't support the black list but....I am not a supporter of Communists playing in my political pool. The one shocking thing is that I found someone who would run for that seat that I actually despise more than Feinstein.

When you declare war sometimes you get nuked!

I was perusing Michelle Malkin's blog and I saw that John Kerry is going to support the proposed fillibuster of Alito's nomination. He is over in Davos, Switzerland calling around to get support. He does realize he lost right? That means Bush gets to pick the next Supreme Court Justice. I believe the role of the Senate is advise and consent. I think the Republican Majority will be forced to pull out the nuclear option if the Democrats declare war through a fillibuster. I don't really think this will happen, but if Kerry has his way who knows. Oh, there is video over at The Political Teen.

The Lazy Sunday/Monday Raps

NerdDad came home with the SNL Lazy Sunday Rap and I loved it. It is hilarious and if you missed it, please check it out. (Just click the Narnia Rap on the side) And now there is the West Coast response with Lazy Monday. Check them out and let me know which is your lazy day;). Do we west coasters really go to Color Me Mine? I have never been but I know I am not cool, so how about the rest of you....

The (Timely) Death of the West Wing

It is official. West Wing is in it's last season. I don't know if I should mourn or applaud. I do agree with the Quote of the Day over at GOP Vixon that everything was better with Sorkin on 'shrooms. I have to say that this show has been a mild addiction for me, even in its decline. Maybe it is the political world or my own daydreaming;). I do know in the beginning that it was Sorkin's witty dialog and interplay, even though it was overwhelmingly liberal, that kept me glued to the show. If only there could be a good Republican version;). Oh, the ecstasy.....

What decade do you fit?

I was checking out Mark Lee's blog, This Guy Falls Down, and he had this great quiz. It asks a few questions and tells you what decade your personality is living in.




what decade does your personality live in?


quiz brought to you by lady interference, ltd

I have to says I knew I was old fashioned but the 50's? Though in some ways I am not shocked.....

Sharon and the consequences for Israel

With Sharon now being out of politics there may be serious consequences for Israeli politics. Kadima(the party started by Sharon and Shimon Peres) will now have to find a new, and possibly less electable, leader. Also I read that the Likud had been planning on quiting the coalition this week, a decision which has now been reconsidered. This may work out the best for the Likud and right-wing(as much as I hate that term). As GopVixon said, Netanyahu may reclaim the PM post. We shall all just have to wait and see.

A Glimpse of Reality

Nerdpie is getting into roleplaying(you know, being a cook or a princess) and I guess that she is getting a real picture of being a mom from me. She comes out with her baby in the car seat in one hand, a grocery basket in the other hand, and her Home Depot goggles on her head. I think she is ready to take on the world!

Christmas and Cuteness

So we at the Nerdfamily house are trying to recover from Christmas and all the chaos that it brings. The children seemed to enjoy their numerous gifts(Nerdmom may have once again over done it) and the noise form the gifts are slowly driving me nutty(or further nutty). Every year I am puzzled as to what is an appropriate amount of gifts. In reality each kids would probably be happy with just one medium gift each. I always get a deal and don't spend that much(relatively to when they are older and want iPod's and mp3 players) so I am always suprised to how much volume it adds up to. The kids are still so young that they haven't quite got the "me, me, me's" yet and I really want to make sure that they never get them.

This was the first year that any of them fully understood Christmas and anticipated any gifts. Nerdbug(4 1/2) was adorable as he geared up for Christmas( and Chanukah). He began realizing that Christmas morning there would be stuff waiting for him. Nerdbug and Nerdpie(2 1/2) learned the dreidal song and would go through Target singing it loudly. Nerdpie would very patiently explain what Chanukah was for and then explain Christmas. I was very proud that he could keep them straight. Nerdpie got a dolly and she(we) named it Molly. It is now attached to her hip. When I feed Nerdling she feeds Molly. Luckily we have her convinced that she needs a bottle and not to nurse like Nerdling(we have many discussions about this). Nerdbug loves his race track and garage. I also get the opportunity to go over board because they share toys. They got Kitchen set stuff and Tools(pretend) that they share(this will be imprtant in a later post).

NerdDad is also a little amazed at the Grandparent deal. His grandparents had passed by the time he was born and mine were never involved but that isn't the case for our kids. When we visited NerdDad's Parents gave them each something. Then it was a couple of huge boxes from my dads. Yes, I said dads. My birth dad sent a huge box of books, dvds, and clothes for the baby. Then my middle father(my mom's 2nd husband out of 3) sent a big box with toys for the older kids and clothes for the baby. Neither NerdDad or I had anything like this so it still amazes us.

So this brings me back to my original question. How much do kids really need for Christmas? Especially since we are teaching them that this isn't what Christmas is about. Hopefully I will figure it out before I buy all of next year's gifts....

The Carnival of Homeschooling

The inaguaral Carnival of Homeschooling is out.

US planning to strike against Iran!

The Jerusalem Post had this headline! A little investigation in Germany by one of their dailies has revealed that NATO is laying the groundwork to attack in 2006. I think that this is what is keeping Israel at bay.