State of the Union...

I think I could better understand Republicans' anger at Obama if I was happier with his performance.  In my opinion, he hasn't done anything worth their anger or my happiness.  Guantanamo is still open, our troops are still in harm's way in Iraq and Afghanistan, corporations are still making money off of the misery and/or the basic needs of the people, we don't have universal health care, the rich have been bailed out while the rest of us are left treading water, our schools are not improved, our roads and infrastructure are still falling apart, the environment continues to deteriorate, I still don't have anything that runs on solar power, and most of my non-retired family is unemployed.

I didn't expect him to fix all of this in the first year.  But one thing would be nice.  If any of my lefty friends can point out one good thing he's done, I would love to hear about it.  And pardoning that one turkey on Thanksgiving doesn't count.

I know this runs counter to my last post about Obama, but a lot sort of sank in tonight as I watched the address.

And Wow, aside from being sick, I think I have figured out part of why I've been a bit depressed lately.  I hope to find some hope again soon.

Anyway, here's the State of the Union 2010 in Wordle. (www.wordle.net)

Historian Howard Zinn Dies At 87

Here's the NPR blurb Howard Zinn

He leaves a massive void, and I wonder who among our generation can fill it.  My favorite thing about his writing was his ability to present very emotional events without emotion. 

If you haven't read it, put aside what you are reading and get yourself a copy of A People's History Of The United States.  Even (maybe especially) if you are a conservative Republican, it is worth the effort. 

PS3 First Impressions...

The system updates look amazing in 1080p.

Shout out to Joe Madden.  We finally took the plunge.  The thing is fun once it's updated, right?

Dog Bones...

Moe has a torn, possibly ruptured CCL.  We are trying therapy but it will probably require surgery.  It sucks.

Here's her X-rays, mostly for Hilly.

You bad bear!!!

The Bear Whisperer was our new favorite thing for a few days.

Two wonderful words...

"Clinical Remission."  That is how Jake's doctor described his colitis.  Jake's Sed rate was 3.  That's the lowest it's been since this all started.  He won't be eating popcorn any time soon, but if his Sed rate remains low and everything looks good on his next checkup in a few months, we will start talking about taking him off the various and sundry medications.

So, you know.  Woo hoo!