Well, Mitt Romney dropped out the Presidental race today- Here's a copy of parts of his announcement for anyone who hasn't seen or heard it.
In this time of war, I simply cannot let my campaign be a part of aiding a surrender to terror. This is not an easy decision. I hate to lose." "If this were only about me, I'd go on. But it's never been only about me. I entered this race because I love America, and because I love America, in this time of war I feel I have to now stand aside for our party and for our country."
I had really thought that Mike Huckabee would have dropped out before Romney, but sometimes you just can't predict those politicians. They're sneaky little devils.
Also, in some super exciting news, Space Shuttle Atlantis lifted off without a hitch today! If you missed the launch, later today there will be video up at www.nasa.gov
Just a short update for today- I'm working on something big at the moment.
-Mer
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
SUPER TUESDAY!
For anyone who lives in a Super Tuesday state, and maybe hasn't made up their mind yet, (like me.) I thought I'd give a rundown on the candidates of both parties, along with their positions on popular issues. For those not in a Super Tuesday state, or is lucky enough to live outside of this political mess, I hope that you get a laugh. (Note: all information used came from http://ontheissues.org/ as well as candidate’s official web sites)
First up, the Republican Party-
John McCain-
Abortion: Wishes to reverse Roe vs. Wade, and leave the decision on abortion up to the states.
Stem Cell Research: Supports Stem Cell Research, but opposes the intentional creation of human embryos for research purposes.
National Security: America requires a larger and more capable military to protect or country's vital interests and deter challenges to our security.
Border Control: Borders will be secured, and then illegal immigrants can earn citizenship.
Gun Control: Believes that the right of law abiding citizens to keep and bear arms is a fundamental, individual Constitutional right that we have a sacred duty to protect.
War in Iraq: "Timetable for withdrawal a white flag of surrender" and "Staying for 100 years is ok, as long as US casualties are low.
Health Care: More federal funding for health care coverage, and insurance reforms.
Mitt Romney-
Abortion: Pro-life record, believes Roe vs. Wade should be overturned so that the issue of abortion can be returned to the American people and their elected representatives at the state and federal level.
Stem Cell Research:"It is time to move beyond typical Washington politics, and offer support for stem-cell research techniques that bring science and ethics together to promote life, protect life, and save lives."
National Security: Must strengthen the military and dedicate at least four percent of our gross domestic product to defense.
Border Control: Secure the border, implement an enforceable employer verification system, and punish sanctuary cites and reject amnesty.
Gun Control:
"It is my hope that the Supreme Court will reaffirm the individual right to keep and bear arms as enshrined in the Bill of Rights and protect law abiding gun owners everywhere. To further guard this fundamental liberty, as President, I will take care to appoint judges who will not legislate from the bench but will instead strictly interpret the Constitution."
War In Iraq: Timetable for Troop reduction ok, but not for withdrawal.
Health Care: States should lead the healthcare reform, must expand and de-regulate the private health insurance market.
Mike Huckabee-
Abortion: Pro-Life, we must overturn Roe vs. Wade, supports constitutional amendment to protect the right of life.
Stem Cell Research: Opposed to research on embryonic stem cells.
National Security: Believes we are currently engaged in a world war, top priority of a Commander in Chief is protecting his citizens.
Border Control: Securing borders must be top priority and has reached the level of national emergency. Opposes amnesty.
Gun Control: Second amendment is about freedom, not about hunting, allow conceal and carry.
War in Iraq: Setting a timetable for withdrawal is a mistake. This country has never declared war until "a week from Wednesday," we have always declared war until victory.
Health Care: Believes that the health care system is broken, due to the fact it is not a "health" system. We don't need universal health care mandated by federal edict.
Ron Paul-
Abortion: Prime sponsor of HR 300, which would negate the effect of Roe v Wade by removing the ability of federal courts to interfere with state legislation to protect life. This is a practical, direct approach to ending federal court tyranny which threatens our constitutional republic and has caused the deaths of 45 million of the unborn.
Stem Cell Research: Embryonic stem cell programs are not constitutionally authorized.
National Security: Believes we don't need troops abroad, they don't help our defense.
Border Control: 6 point plan to secure our borders includes: physically securing our borders and coastlines, enforcing visa rules, no amnesty, no welfare for illegal aliens, end birthright citizenship, and pass true immigration reform.
Gun Control: Believes that in a free society each citizen should have the right to keep and bear arms.
War in Iraq: Believes we invaded under false pretenses without a constitutionally-required declaration of war. Wants to devise and execute a plan to immediately withdraw our troops in the safest manner possible.
Health Care: Remove federal regulations and encouraging competition to lower health care costs.
And now, the Democratic candidates.
Barack Obama-
Abortion: Believes in a women's right to choose.
Stem Cell Research: Wants more stem cell research.
National Security: Believes in more protection for our chemical plants, keeping track of spent nuclear fuel, keeping drinking water safe, and protecting our public from radioactive releases.
Border Control: Wants to create secure borders, improve the immigration system, and remove incentives that entice illegal immigrants, bring people out of the shadows, and work with Mexico.
Gun Control: wants to limit gun purchases and enforce stricter possession restrictions
War in Iraq: No permanent bases in Iraq, have our troops home by the end of 2009.
Health Care: Quality, affordable coverage for all and modernization of the healthcare system.
Hillary Clinton:
Abortion: Believes in a women's right to choose.
Stem Cell Research: Wishes to expand embryonic stem cell research.
National Security: Supports more missile defense, believes National Security more important than human rights.
Border Control: Believes in strengthening our borders, working with our neighboring countries, strict but fair enforcement of our laws, and a path to earned legal status for those who are here, working hard, paying taxes, respecting the law, and willing to meet a high bar.
Gun Control: Wants to get assault weapons and guns off the street, stricter gun control laws.
War in Iraq: Wishes to withdraw our troops as soon as possible, and employ a new intensive Diplomatic Initiative in the region.
Health Care: Plans to make healthcare affordable, available, and portable.
Well there you go- the candidates’ positions on some of the top issues in this Presidential election. As for me, I still don't know who to vote for. I don't really like anyone enough to get excited about them.
Oh well- I'll decide eventually.
~Mer
Questions, Comments, or Requests? Send Mer an e-mail at purplepineappletown@hotmail.com
First up, the Republican Party-
John McCain-
Abortion: Wishes to reverse Roe vs. Wade, and leave the decision on abortion up to the states.
Stem Cell Research: Supports Stem Cell Research, but opposes the intentional creation of human embryos for research purposes.
National Security: America requires a larger and more capable military to protect or country's vital interests and deter challenges to our security.
Border Control: Borders will be secured, and then illegal immigrants can earn citizenship.
Gun Control: Believes that the right of law abiding citizens to keep and bear arms is a fundamental, individual Constitutional right that we have a sacred duty to protect.
War in Iraq: "Timetable for withdrawal a white flag of surrender" and "Staying for 100 years is ok, as long as US casualties are low.
Health Care: More federal funding for health care coverage, and insurance reforms.
Mitt Romney-
Abortion: Pro-life record, believes Roe vs. Wade should be overturned so that the issue of abortion can be returned to the American people and their elected representatives at the state and federal level.
Stem Cell Research:"It is time to move beyond typical Washington politics, and offer support for stem-cell research techniques that bring science and ethics together to promote life, protect life, and save lives."
National Security: Must strengthen the military and dedicate at least four percent of our gross domestic product to defense.
Border Control: Secure the border, implement an enforceable employer verification system, and punish sanctuary cites and reject amnesty.
Gun Control:
"It is my hope that the Supreme Court will reaffirm the individual right to keep and bear arms as enshrined in the Bill of Rights and protect law abiding gun owners everywhere. To further guard this fundamental liberty, as President, I will take care to appoint judges who will not legislate from the bench but will instead strictly interpret the Constitution."
War In Iraq: Timetable for Troop reduction ok, but not for withdrawal.
Health Care: States should lead the healthcare reform, must expand and de-regulate the private health insurance market.
Mike Huckabee-
Abortion: Pro-Life, we must overturn Roe vs. Wade, supports constitutional amendment to protect the right of life.
Stem Cell Research: Opposed to research on embryonic stem cells.
National Security: Believes we are currently engaged in a world war, top priority of a Commander in Chief is protecting his citizens.
Border Control: Securing borders must be top priority and has reached the level of national emergency. Opposes amnesty.
Gun Control: Second amendment is about freedom, not about hunting, allow conceal and carry.
War in Iraq: Setting a timetable for withdrawal is a mistake. This country has never declared war until "a week from Wednesday," we have always declared war until victory.
Health Care: Believes that the health care system is broken, due to the fact it is not a "health" system. We don't need universal health care mandated by federal edict.
Ron Paul-
Abortion: Prime sponsor of HR 300, which would negate the effect of Roe v Wade by removing the ability of federal courts to interfere with state legislation to protect life. This is a practical, direct approach to ending federal court tyranny which threatens our constitutional republic and has caused the deaths of 45 million of the unborn.
Stem Cell Research: Embryonic stem cell programs are not constitutionally authorized.
National Security: Believes we don't need troops abroad, they don't help our defense.
Border Control: 6 point plan to secure our borders includes: physically securing our borders and coastlines, enforcing visa rules, no amnesty, no welfare for illegal aliens, end birthright citizenship, and pass true immigration reform.
Gun Control: Believes that in a free society each citizen should have the right to keep and bear arms.
War in Iraq: Believes we invaded under false pretenses without a constitutionally-required declaration of war. Wants to devise and execute a plan to immediately withdraw our troops in the safest manner possible.
Health Care: Remove federal regulations and encouraging competition to lower health care costs.
And now, the Democratic candidates.
Barack Obama-
Abortion: Believes in a women's right to choose.
Stem Cell Research: Wants more stem cell research.
National Security: Believes in more protection for our chemical plants, keeping track of spent nuclear fuel, keeping drinking water safe, and protecting our public from radioactive releases.
Border Control: Wants to create secure borders, improve the immigration system, and remove incentives that entice illegal immigrants, bring people out of the shadows, and work with Mexico.
Gun Control: wants to limit gun purchases and enforce stricter possession restrictions
War in Iraq: No permanent bases in Iraq, have our troops home by the end of 2009.
Health Care: Quality, affordable coverage for all and modernization of the healthcare system.
Hillary Clinton:
Abortion: Believes in a women's right to choose.
Stem Cell Research: Wishes to expand embryonic stem cell research.
National Security: Supports more missile defense, believes National Security more important than human rights.
Border Control: Believes in strengthening our borders, working with our neighboring countries, strict but fair enforcement of our laws, and a path to earned legal status for those who are here, working hard, paying taxes, respecting the law, and willing to meet a high bar.
Gun Control: Wants to get assault weapons and guns off the street, stricter gun control laws.
War in Iraq: Wishes to withdraw our troops as soon as possible, and employ a new intensive Diplomatic Initiative in the region.
Health Care: Plans to make healthcare affordable, available, and portable.
Well there you go- the candidates’ positions on some of the top issues in this Presidential election. As for me, I still don't know who to vote for. I don't really like anyone enough to get excited about them.
Oh well- I'll decide eventually.
~Mer
Questions, Comments, or Requests? Send Mer an e-mail at purplepineappletown@hotmail.com
Monday, February 4, 2008
St. Paul Winter Carnival
Before we return to the regularly scheduled political programming coverage, I thought I would show you the craziness that is the St. Paul Winter Carnival.
Here's the legend of the St. Paul Winter Carnival- really it's just an excuse for people to get drunk and party-
As the "King of the Winds," Boreas assigned to each of his brothers a permanent grant of great force and power. To Titan was assigned the blustery North Wind. To Euros was granted control of the irresponsible East Wind. To Zephyrus was given custody of the bountiful West Wind. To Notos was presented the balmy but unstable South Wind. The brothers cavorted gaily over land and sea. Boreas, while on his extensive travels, came upon a winter paradise known as Minnesota. He paused to behold the enchanting beauty of a magnificent group of seven gently sloping hills in whose embrace nestled a beautiful city. Boreas whistled in sheer ecstasy, "Historic Saint Paul and her seven hills! An ideal place. I will make Saint Paul the capitol of all my domains. It will henceforth be emblazoned to the world as the winter playground of the Realm of Boreas." Meanwhile, Vulcanus Rex, the god of Fire, and the implacable enemy of Boreas, crackled in defiant disdain. "By the great sword of Mars I will temper the blusterings of Boreas with the heat and roar of my forces." He was tireless in his bitter resistance to all the festivities of Boreas. Undaunted, Boreas proclaimed a celebration in the spirit of gay Carnival. "So be it!" shouted Boreas, "There will be a Carnival in old Saint Paul!" Boreas selected a Prime Minister to coordinate preparations in all the Principalities, Provinces and Royal Houses within the realm of Saint Paul. And so, for ten glorious days, there was Carnival and joyous celebration in St. Paul -- feasting, dancing, fun and frolic reigned over by Boreas and the Queen of Snows, the fairest maiden of the realm, along with the four Winds, who were each accompanied by a lovely Princess from the realm of Boreas. Klondike Kate, a lady of song and merriment, added her sassy but enchanting voice to the festivities by singing songs of desire and sentiment. Senior King Winter, Queen of the Northlands, and their court contributed good will and wisdom, while Junior King Frost and Queen of the Snowflakes with their court, add youthful exuberance to the festival.On the 10th day of celebration, Vulcanus Rex and his Krewe stormed the magnificent ice castle and confronted the King's Guard. Upon the good counsel of the Queen, Boreas bade farewell to the people of his winter capitol in the interest of peace and goodwill, and returned to dwell among the gods of Olympus. Boreas and his court looked forward to the time when summer's warmth would once again relinquish its hold on the realm and the frosty atmosphere of winter would prevail.
We happened to be there the weekend of the Vulcan Victory Parade- here's a video mash-up. I apoligize for the quality, it was dark.
And a few still shots of the parade-
Minnesota's "Unnoficial State Bird"
One of the two State Fair Gophers- they were nice enough to stop and let me get a shot.
And the glorious flames.
~Mer
Friday, February 1, 2008
Purple Pineapple Town's FIRST contest
Hey Everyone-
My friends at Crew Creative advertising asked me to help out with their latest project by holding a DVD giveaway contest.
It's a movie called Gangsta Rap: The Glockumentary. Even though I’m not a big fan of rap, this movie looks pretty hilarious.
Description: The hardest group you've never heard of is back! Like a hip-hop version of the mockumentary classic Spinal Tap, Gangsta Rap tells the story of the rap group who ran the west coast underground in the mid to late eighties. With such classics under their belt as "Beat Yo Mama with a Hammer" and "In My House Shoes", gangsta rap fell into obscurity after several run-ins with the law, shady business management, failed comeback attempts and countless child custody cases. But now, they’re back! The DVD hits stores Tuesday, February 5th!
Here's the "In My House Shoes" music video to give you a taste.
THE CONTEST
Rules Are: Write a 25-100 word (or more, this is just a guideline) rap about an object. The object can be anything. Some examples would be one about cheese, a cell phone, a printer... I don't care. (Feel free to use any of those examples listed- I simply listed things near me. Except the cheese. I just really like cheese.) Entries will be judged on creativity and humor. There is no limit to who can enter or how many times you can enter. If you live somewhere outside the US, feel free to enter, just remember I can't guarantee that the DVD will work in some players.
The deadline for entry is Feb. 10th. Please e-mail all entries to purplepineappletown@hotmail.com
The decision will be made by me the next day, and the DVD promptly shipped to you. There is only one winner.
Good Luck!
~Mer
My friends at Crew Creative advertising asked me to help out with their latest project by holding a DVD giveaway contest.
It's a movie called Gangsta Rap: The Glockumentary. Even though I’m not a big fan of rap, this movie looks pretty hilarious.
Description: The hardest group you've never heard of is back! Like a hip-hop version of the mockumentary classic Spinal Tap, Gangsta Rap tells the story of the rap group who ran the west coast underground in the mid to late eighties. With such classics under their belt as "Beat Yo Mama with a Hammer" and "In My House Shoes", gangsta rap fell into obscurity after several run-ins with the law, shady business management, failed comeback attempts and countless child custody cases. But now, they’re back! The DVD hits stores Tuesday, February 5th!
Here's the "In My House Shoes" music video to give you a taste.
THE CONTEST
Rules Are: Write a 25-100 word (or more, this is just a guideline) rap about an object. The object can be anything. Some examples would be one about cheese, a cell phone, a printer... I don't care. (Feel free to use any of those examples listed- I simply listed things near me. Except the cheese. I just really like cheese.) Entries will be judged on creativity and humor. There is no limit to who can enter or how many times you can enter. If you live somewhere outside the US, feel free to enter, just remember I can't guarantee that the DVD will work in some players.
The deadline for entry is Feb. 10th. Please e-mail all entries to purplepineappletown@hotmail.com
The decision will be made by me the next day, and the DVD promptly shipped to you. There is only one winner.
Good Luck!
~Mer
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
The Crazy Presidential Race!
Well, with John Edwards out of the Democratic Presidential Race, and Rudy Giuliani out of the Republican, I feel like I can guarantee that the craziness that has been this presidential election so far is about to get crazier.
Between the people asking if Obama is black enough, to can Hillary Clinton handle the Presidency, can Mitt Romney be elected because of his Mormon religion, am I the only one standing on a mountain yelling, "Can we PLEASE just focus on the ISSUES people?"
Honestly, we should just stick the candidates in boxes, not tell anyone what their names are, and have them debate on the issues. When the elections are over, they get to come out of the box. We actually would elect a President on the ISSUES! Such a strategy has never been tried before! It's a groundbreaking new concept! GASP!
~Mer
Questions or Comments? Contact Mer at purplepineappletown@hotmail.com
Between the people asking if Obama is black enough, to can Hillary Clinton handle the Presidency, can Mitt Romney be elected because of his Mormon religion, am I the only one standing on a mountain yelling, "Can we PLEASE just focus on the ISSUES people?"
Honestly, we should just stick the candidates in boxes, not tell anyone what their names are, and have them debate on the issues. When the elections are over, they get to come out of the box. We actually would elect a President on the ISSUES! Such a strategy has never been tried before! It's a groundbreaking new concept! GASP!
~Mer
Questions or Comments? Contact Mer at purplepineappletown@hotmail.com
Thursday, January 24, 2008
A message from our buildings and bridges...
Alright- so a week ago the 35W bridge collapse was ruled to have been caused by faulty gusset plates. For those of you who don't know what gusset plates are, here's a picture-
The thing is, this isn't the first time that builders and architects have cut corners- In 1996, a bridge in Ohio collapsed, because the gusset plates weren't adequate to support the design load. Thankfully, no one was killed in that incident, but it should have been a wake up call to builders and architects, as well as transportation departments, that you can't cut SAFETY to save money.
Another case in point- the Twin Towers. Involved was not only negligent construction of the building, they also violated fire standards dating as far back as 60 years! The planes scraped away the fireproof coating on the steel beams, allowing the intense fire to soften the steel. Also, other than the core of the two towers were built like regular high-rises, with clusters of heavy steel columns and beams linked into a cage-like matrix. Beyond that, the 110 floors in each tower had NO vertical support columns.
Was the money saved by using the cheaper fireproofing substitutes, and no vertical support columns, worth the 2,974 deaths, and the 6,291 injuries, not to mention the rescue workers now dying from inhaling the airborne particles.
How many more people are going to have to die, before builders and architects put safety over money? Or will we continue to have these disasters, with the Government writing them off as "isolated incidents."
A great quote from one of my favorite movies of all time, The Towering Inferno seems to sum this up.
Chief O'Halloran (Steve McQueen) : You know we were pretty lucky tonight, body counts less then 200. You know, one of these days, you're gonna kill ten-thousand in one of these firetraps, and I'm gonna keep eating smoke and carrying out bodies until someone asks us... how to build them.
So for once, lets ask the firefighters, the police officers, and the rescue workers- everyday people who risk their lives for the rest of us.
Dedicated to the victims of the 35W bridge collapse, 9/11 victims, and all who risked their lives to save them.
~Mer
Thursday, January 10, 2008
What's that sound in the air...
Well, it's January, and you know what that means!
The whining of the Presidential Candidates!
I don't know about you guys, but as much as I love the craziness that is politics, I can't STAND when the candidates start sniveling and complaining about how they're getting attacked. If I'm old enough to know that as asinine as it is, that's basically what goes on during a Presidential election. You put your good (or bad) name out there, and your opponents try to tear you to bits.
Why is this such a surprise to them, I have no idea. This has gone on since before Abraham Lincoln's time, and will likely continue until the Sun explodes. (Or until we adopt another system of government.)
Don't get me wrong, I think that the attack ads are stupid, but we live in a society where there is (supposedly) free speech. I want a candidate that's going to be able to man (or woman) up and deal with this without crying to the media (or their mommy) about the so-called injustice of it all every time someone says something bad.
Memo to the Presidential Candidates- It's not the Elementary school playground anymore. You're big boys and girls. Deal with it.
~ Mer
Questions or Comments? Send them to: purplepineappletown@hotmail.com
The whining of the Presidential Candidates!
I don't know about you guys, but as much as I love the craziness that is politics, I can't STAND when the candidates start sniveling and complaining about how they're getting attacked. If I'm old enough to know that as asinine as it is, that's basically what goes on during a Presidential election. You put your good (or bad) name out there, and your opponents try to tear you to bits.
Why is this such a surprise to them, I have no idea. This has gone on since before Abraham Lincoln's time, and will likely continue until the Sun explodes. (Or until we adopt another system of government.)
Don't get me wrong, I think that the attack ads are stupid, but we live in a society where there is (supposedly) free speech. I want a candidate that's going to be able to man (or woman) up and deal with this without crying to the media (or their mommy) about the so-called injustice of it all every time someone says something bad.
Memo to the Presidential Candidates- It's not the Elementary school playground anymore. You're big boys and girls. Deal with it.
~ Mer
Questions or Comments? Send them to: purplepineappletown@hotmail.com
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