An open letter re: politics and politicians

I've always believed that there are three things you don't discuss in polite company; religion, sex, and politics.

This is mostly because these are personal things best kept to oneself, yes? My religious and/or sexual preferences, at least, should have no bearing on how others live their lives.

Even with politics, my views are just that - MY views. I do not speak for anyone else nor do I expect that my view will be shared by anyone else, much less everyone.

That being said...

Dear Politicians:

What the heck are you doing?

Please stop with all the mudslinging and other B.S.  I don't need you to tell me how horrible your opponent is. Stop wasting your time and mine.

What I really want to know is, what are your plans for fixing the problems you'll face once in office? How will you implement these plans? What will these changes mean to me as a citizen?

Also, please be honest about it. Don't make grandiose promises to your constituency that you know you can't keep. If you're going to need help getting things fixed, tell us, and spell out what you need from us to make it happen.

Believe it or not, most Americans aren't sitting on their butts waiting for government hand-outs to solve all their problems. Sure, those people exist, but the majority of us are hard-working, honest people who simply want to live without financial, political and/or medical anvils hanging over our heads. Is that really so much to ask?

This is not to say that some honest, hard-working people don't need government assistance from time to time for different reasons. Government, in my humble opinion, should be ready to give a hand-up (not a hand-out) to those who need it, for as long as they need it. Granted, need is a relative term, but that's a whole 'nother topic.

So tell me... what are your plans? How do you intend to make them work? What do you need from me, from us, to make it happen (besides our vote, of course)? Your opponent isn't going to tell us what's right about you, so step up and do yourself the favor. I'm sure I'm not the only one who would really appreciate it.

Mr. Bob's Charity Auction versus Vegas Weather

Last night was the 6th Annual Robert Picardo Charity Auction to support the San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity. What an interesting time we had!

First, let me say that Mr. Picardo is a lovely person. He's a gentleman with a great sense of humor and loads of patience with his fans. I'd also like to note that his daughter, who accompanied him, was great fun too.

The auction historically follows the end of the CreationCon here in Las Vegas. This year, Creation held it's convention at the Rio, so the auction was held across the street at "Tommy Rockers."

Now don't get me wrong - the staff were wonderful people who did all they could to keep everyone happy and comfortable. It's not their fault that the power went out on that whole block (or more? I don't really know how much area was involved, but it was big).

Yes, the power went out. It so rarely rains here in Vegas, and tonight it really poured for a short time. It rained so hard, in fact that their roof began to leak in three different spots.

So there we all were sitting in the dark. Did Mr. Bob call it a night? Of course not! He went on with the show using flashlights and candles. We even had performances from the "Alien Comedian" as well as Jungle Josh, a magician (although Jungle Josh didn't come on until after the lights came back on).

Trek Radio also came and did a live podcast of the event. Lucky for us, their equipment continued to work, so the folks listening still knew what was going on too.

This black out lasted for, well, I don't know how long for sure - probably an hour or so - but thanks to the heat and humidity we were all sweating our butts off by the time the A/C came back on.

Still, Mr. Bob did a masterful job of raising money for his favorite charity and remained sweet and lovable right up to the bitter end. He even gave me a hug and thanked me for supporting the event on my way out.

Sadly it was a small crowd to begin with, and the black out didn't help, so if anyone is willing and able to donate, please do: http://www.sgvhabitat.org/

Be sure to stop by Bob's webpage too and, just for fun, tell him Wendy (one of Pat's friends) sent you. ;-)

Happy Kemetic New Year!

For my Kemetic Orthodox family... Happy Wep Ronpet, and Happy Birthday Ra!

Sunrise as seen from my dining room

This year's "snake cake"

Meheb slays Apep and cuts the cake.

Meanwhile, in other news...

My 13yo had a major meltdown today, but I'm sure a lot of it was due to melting in the hot mugginess we had here. Our A/C was off while our windows were being replaced, so to say that it was uncomfy in here would be an understatement. He was much better after a nap (who isn't?). :D

Bright and early I get to go see the hand surgeon about my carpal tunnel (finally). Need to be there at 8 a.m. Which reminds me, I have new patient paperwork to fill out... 'nite, y'all.