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The only rowing I have ever done in my life is in a heavy rowboat in the sea, with the goal, occasionally achieved, of getting a fish on my line. Of competitive rowing, I have known absolutely nothing until recently, this despite observing countless singles and crews plying the waters of the Charles River, along which I walk almost every day.
Passing between Cambridge and Boston, the river teems with rowers a good part of the year, the most splendid sight of all being the eights sweeping by with their little, brass-voiced coxswains barking from the stern. Daniel James Brown's The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics is a fine introduction to the sport (the oldest chronicled one, he says). It is a story of the triumph of nobodies from nowhere, punctuated by truly thrilling accounts of contests of strategy, stamina, and might.
I don't think I give too much away in saying that the American rowing eight won the gold at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin and that it did so in the face of dishonorable machinations on the part of the organizers. I will even reveal that the Husky Clipper, the shell the Americans rowed to victory, was christened by its builder with sauerkraut juice.
But if the Olympics make up the book's culminating event, its center is occupied by Joe Rantz, an impecunious boy from a troubled family background, 22 years old when he went to Berlin. Born in Spokane, Joe was the second son of Harry, a person so inspired by the marvels and promise of technological progress that he married his first wife over the telephone. Harry, however, was not a lucky man: his various business endeavors failed; his wife, Joe's mother, died; and his second wife eventually insisted on Joe's expulsion from the family. For Joe it was a sad beginning to a what became, thanks to his endurance and courage, a happy life.
After high school, young Joe worked as a manual laborer, earning enough to get him part of the way through the first year at the University of Washington in Seattle, a "world of pressed trousers, of briar pipes and cardigan sweaters." His ability to remain in college for the whole year depended on getting a part-time job on the campus, which, in turn, rested on his earning a place on the school's rowing team. It was an uncongenial milieu for one as ragged and unpreppy as Joe, but he endured where dozens of his elegant classmates disappeared once they got a taste of the grueling reality.
A sport of greater prominence than it is today, rowing in the 1930s was even more associated with the well heeled than it is now (which is saying plenty) and, in American rowing, with the East Coast. At the time, Brown observes, "the center of gravity in American collegiate rowing still lay somewhere between Cambridge, New Haven, Princeton, Ithaca, and Annapolis."
The emergence of strong, winning Western crews that began in the 1920s was a shock to eastern sensibilities: California was bad enough, but Washington, with its hick reputation as a a state of lumberjacks and fishermen, was an affront. Be that as it may, in the West, the rivalry between the universities of Washington and California was where the real acrimony lay. California had not only trounced Washington in the recent past; it had represented the United States in the 1932 Olympics.
A fine cast of characters inhabit this tale, among them the coach Al Ulbrickson, "the Dour Dane," taciturn and demanding, a man whose experience with rowing included his having had to row two miles each way to attend high school; the English boatbuilder George Yeoman Pocock (what a name!), whose adoption of Western red cedar for the hulls of the shells transformed their construction and conferred upon them unprecedented liveliness and increased speed. He also served as unofficial adviser to the Washington crew, passing on the rowing technique he had learned as a boy from Thames boatmen – a romantic detail that is only one among the many that make this such an enthralling adventure.
Then there are the other crewmen, among them the coxswain, Bobby Moch, a small, brainy leader and strategic genius who learned a troubling family secret shortly before going off to Berlin, and the stroke, Don Hume, a master of rhythm possessed of preternatural willpower.
Brown concentrates his attention on Joe's life; the leadership, assembly, and dynamics of the Washington crew; the properties of racing shells; and, of course, the terrific races. I cannot resist giving one sample, in this case from Brown's description of a race, preliminary to the Olympic trials, in which California and Washington competed: "The boys now had open water between them and the California Clipper, and in the last half mile they accelerated in a way that no shell had ever accelerated on Lake Washington. As they flew down the last few hundred yards, their eight taut bodies rocked back and forth like pendulums, in perfect synchronicity. Their white blades flashed above the water like the wings of seabirds flying in formation…. Hundreds of boat whistles shrieked. The locomotive on the observation train wailed. Students on the Chippewa screamed. And a long, sustained roar went up from the tens of thousands standing along Sheridan Beach as…." No, I think I'll leave it right there.
Along the way, Brown intersperses passages on the national and international situation, most of which have a pro forma feel compared to the drama of the main subject. But so what? He is a superb sportswriter, conveying the almost unbearable tension of the races, the particular strengths of character and physique demanded by competitive rowing: physical ability, mastery of technique, and trust in and harmony with one's fellow crew members, the last being the ineffable ingredients that propel the boat into a fourth dimension of grace and speed, elevating crew and vessel into the realm of greatness.
As it happens, this book could not be more timely, for, as I write this, the 2013 University of Washington varsity eights have just vanquished Harvard to win the Challenge Cup Trophy (for the third year in a row) in the Intercollegiate Rowing Association Championships.


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BOSTON — With two elementary school-age kids of his own, Tim Wakefield understands the importance of reading and how it lays the foundation for education.
That's why Tuesday morning, the former Red Sox knuckleballer was on hand to help open the Joseph Hurley K-8 School's brand new library, funded by Target's School Library Makeover program and the Heart of America Foundation.
"States are now looking at third-grade reading levels to determine how many prison cells they should have," said Wakefield. "That really hits home with everybody — to be able to educate students at this young of an age on the importance of reading. I'm going through that with my third-grader son now … it's very important to learn how to read, because that's the basis of everything in education."
This was the 184th school library Target has helped renovate since 2007, and by the end of this year, that number will reach 200. It's the sixth in the Boston area.
Target has partnered with Major League Baseball and PEOPLE to celebrate teachers who have made an impact on the lives of their students. Because of this, Target reached out to Wakefield to help unveil the new library.
Wakefield was one of baseball's most charitable players during his career and still is in retirement. The Red Sox nominated him for the Roberto Clemente Award, which goes to the player who best reflects the spirit of giving back to the community, eight times as a player. He won the award in 2010, and in 2013, was named honorary chair of the Red Sox Foundation.
"I see the importance of education first-hand with the Red Sox Scholars program that the foundation does," Wakefield said. "So I can see the correlation of these two programs."
Suffolk Construction did major work to the Hurley School library in just a month, putting in a brand new reception-style desk, painting the walls, installing shelves and more. In addition to the physical renovation, the school received 2,000 new books, 25 iPads, an interactive white board, new tables and new chairs. Each of the 340 students were given seven books to take home for themselves and their siblings, as well.
The state nearly took over the Hurley School in 2007 because of low proficiencies on standardized tests. About half the student body is English language learners. When principal Marjorie Soto arrived nine years ago, just 40 percent of the students read at or above their grade level. That number has since climbed to 83 percent, and she's determined to get it to 100 soon.
"We were always a bridesmaid, and never a bride," said Soto, who saw that school get passed over by the state and district for funding in the last several years. "So I was ecstatic. I did all I could do not to cry."
Glenn Straughn, a Target store manager in Watertown, Mass., and the district's Community Leader, said the criteria for choosing which school gets a new library changes year to year. Target wanted to reward the Hurley School and its staff for the successes and improvements it has made in the last decade.
One of the themes Target wanted to find this year was "doing a lot with a little," and some representatives from Boston's district said to look no further than the Hurley School. And even after finishing the renovations, Target volunteers revisit the schools and continue to maintain the libraries.
Tuesday, each class in the school got a five-minute tour of the new library after Wakefield, Soto and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said a few words to thank those who made the renovation possible. They cut a ceremonial ribbon, as well.
More than 120 Target employees from New England-area stores volunteered at the school Tuesday. They helped put the finishing touches on the renovations by setting up the library's furniture, painting pictures to hang and more.
A design team from Target planned the layout of the library, but they also held a focus group with the school's students several months ago to gauge their interests and needs. Keeping librarian Jen Varney was first on their list because of the aid she gives to students, not just with finding books, but with research and projects.
"We needed a space where kids can choose what they want to read," Varney said. "It's a place where there's always books for them and where they can always go and be comfortable being who they are."
Steven Petrella is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

subset: commoncrawl


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A 56-year-old white female was referred to our sleep center upon dismissal from the hospital following an episode of hypercapnic respiratory failure secondary to neuromuscular weakness in the setting of newly diagnosed inflammatory myopathy. She was started on azathioprine and 60 mg of prednisone, along with dapsone for Pneumocystis jiroveci prophylaxis, as treatment for her inflammatory myopathy.
A deviated nasal septum and crowded oropharynx with reduced lateral dimension were noted on oral-nasal exam. Chest exam, chest radiograph, and echocardiogram were normal. Pulmonary function testing showed a restrictive pattern, with a vital capacity of 26% (0.81) and decreased maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) of 50% and 34%, respectively. Arterial blood gas analysis during wakefulness at this stage revealed pH of 7.44, and PaCO2 of 42. Signs of hypercapnia were noted during wakefulness when nocturnal oxygen therapy at 2 liters/minute was started due to signs of sleep related hypoxemia (based on overnight oximetry findings) by the primary care team (pH 7.43, PaCO2 51).
The patient was referred to our sleep center a few days after she was started on immunosuppressive therapy (her symptoms of weakness were improving by then) for further evaluation of sleep disordered breathing (for possible sleep related hypoventilation/hypoxemia) and for possible bilevel positive airway pressure (BPAP) titration. Overnight polysomnogram (PSG) performed revealed no evidence for sleep disordered breathing or sleep related hypoxemia. An arterial blood gas analysis the following day during wakefulness showed: pH 7.51; PaO2 78; PaCO2 38; HCO3 29; and SaO2 98%.
She returned a week later in follow up relating modest improvement in her symptoms of dyspnea, fatigue, and sleepiness. Repeat overnight oximetry was performed (SpO2 88%) prior to a scheduled PSG, in the anticipation that she may have developed sleep disordered breathing and a need for BPAP (Figure 1). An arterial blood gas analysis (ABG) during wakefulness was performed based on the abnormal findings on the overnight oximetry, which revealed pH 7.43; PaO2 84.1; pCO2 41.9; HCO3 of 27; and SaO2 88.5%.
(more ...)
What is the explanation for the low baseline arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2)?
Diagnosis: Low SaO2 due to acquired methemoglobinemia secondary to treatment with dapsone.
Methemoglobin is an altered state of hemoglobin in which the ferrous (Fe2+) irons of heme are oxidized to the ferric (Fe3+) state, binding a water molecule instead of oxygen. Additionally, the oxygen affinity of any remaining ferrous hemes in the hemoglobin tetramer is increased, thereby shifting the oxygen dissociation curve to the left resulting in functional anemia and impaired oxygen delivery to tissues.
In normal individuals, autooxidation of hemoglobin to methemoglobin occurs spontaneously at a slow rate, and subsequent reduction of methemoglobin occurs by protective enzyme systems which maintain a steady-state level of methemoglobin of about 1% of total hemoglobin in normal individuals. An increase occurs due to either increased methemoglobin production or decreased methemoglobin clearance through reduction.
Most cases of methemoglobinemia are acquired, resulting from exposure to exogenous oxidizing agents, with many drugs and their metabolites having been implicated. Dapsone and local anesthetic agents such as benzocaine appear to be the most commonly reported causes of acquired methemoglobinemia.2
Signs and symptoms of acute acquired methemoglobinemia depend on the levels of methemoglobinemia. Signs include cyanosis of the skin and mucous membranes and chocolate-brown blood on ABG with normal arterial PaO2 values. Symptoms include headache and fatigue progressing to dyspnea, nausea, tachycardia, lethargy, and deteriorating consciousness. Higher levels may lead to cardiac arrhythmias and circulatory failure. Diagnosis should be confirmed by measurement of methemoglobin levels on arterial blood sampling via a co-oximeter to detect the different absorption spectrum of methemoglobin (peak absorbance at 631 nm). Higher levels of methemoglobin are associated with pulse oximetry (SpO2) values closer to 85%, due to near equal absorption at the two frequencies of radiation used by the pulse oximeters (660 and 940 nm).3
Treatment of acquired cases of methemoglobinemia involves discontinuing the offending agent. If the patient is asymptomatic and methemoglobin level is less than 20%, no other therapy may be required. However, if the level is greater than 20% or if the patient is symptomatic, specific therapy with methylene blue is indicated. Methylene blue should not be administered to patients with glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency; in such cases, moderate doses of ascorbic acid can be given. Severely affected patients may benefit from adjunctive treatment with exchange transfusion and/or hyperbaric oxygen.
In our patient, the arterial blood gas findings at return visit (presented previously) showed a pH of 7.43, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) of 41.9 mm Hg, partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) of 84.1, an elevated methemoglobin level of 5.6% (by co-oximeter), and a fraction of oxygenated hemoglobin (FO2Hb) of 88.5%, where the FO2Hb is the fraction of the total hemoglobin that is bound to oxygen. The terminology used when oxygen saturations are measured by the co-oximeter/ABG can be confusing. Most laboratories define SaO2 as the percentage of hemoglobin that is available for oxygen binding, i.e., SaO2 = 100 × oxyhemoglobin / (oxyhemoglobin + deoxyhemoglobin); while FO2Hb = 100 × oxyhemoglobin / (oxyhemoglobin + deoxyhemoglobin + carboxyhemoglobin + methemoglobin). However, some laboratories report SaO2 based on total hemoglobin (e.g., equivalent to FHbO2) as was true in the ABG values given previously. SpO2 from the pulse oximeter is the ratio of the pulse added absorbance at the two wavelengths (660 and 940 nm) that is used to create an estimate of the arterial oxygen saturation.3
Our patient was recommended to discontinue dapsone and switch to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole after adequate desensitization.
Acquired methemoglobinemia should be suspected in the setting of cyanosis, low pulse oximetric readings, and chocolate-brown blood on arterial blood gas sampling with normal arterial PaO2 values.
Co-oximetry should be performed when the PaO2 is significantly lower or higher than expected based on the SpO2.
Methemoglobin is a form of hemoglobin which does not bind oxygen, and elevated levels result in a shift of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve to the left leading to functional anemia and decreased oxygen delivery to tissues.
Symptoms of methemoglobinemia worsen as the levels increase and can be potentially life threatening above 40%.
Treatment includes stopping the offending agent and use of methylene blue or ascorbic acid in more severe cases.
This was not an industry supported study. The authors have indicated no financial conflicts of interest.
Spoon KC; Ramar K. Unexplained hypoxemia. J Clin Sleep Med 2011;7(6):679-680.
Institution at which work was performed: Center for Sleep Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
Gregg XT, Prchal JT, authors; Hoffman R, Benz E, Sanford S, et al., editors. Red blood cell enzymopathies. Hematology: basic principles and practice. 2008. 5th edition. Philadelphia: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier. chapter 45.
Ash-Bernal R, Wise R, Wright S, authors. Acquired methemoglobinemia: a retrospective series of 138 cases at 2 teaching hospitals. Medicine. 2004;83:265–73. [PubMed]
Barker S, Tremper KK, Hyatt J, authors. Effects of Methemoglobinemia on pulse oximetry and mixed venous oximetry. Anesthesiology. 1989;70:112–17. [PubMed]


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We librarians are in a war for survival but we keep getting caught up in battles. The battle with Overdrive, the battle with Harper Collins, Penguin, other publishers, the battle with database providers, the battle with Apple, Facebook, and everybody else trying to limit choices/privacy, etc. and we are losing them and losing them badly. It is time to remember the War.
I don't know about you, but I am fighting the War to make the Library vital to my community and make the community I serve the best in the world.
I don't care about eBooks, I am not sure I even care about books anymore except that my community uses them for the moment. But the writing is on the wall. If your library is spending all its energy on righteous indignation about corporations not playing fair, and fighting the same battle over and over again perhaps it is time to step back and remember the War. It is not about books, it is about the community.
I appreciate and admire the people (where do you get the energy?) and organizations fighting the battles, but I am sick of all the kvetching and hopeless hand wringing. Play the long game, go out there and do something awesome, screw ebooks, screw books.
TTW Contributor: Mick Jacobsen


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So who is Scott Roeder, the suspect in the George Tiller murder?
The 51-year-old resident of Merriam, Kansas has a record as a fanatical anti-abortion activist, who had made at least one other threat against an abortion provider. And he also has had ties to the a violent right-wing extremist group that came to prominence in the 1990s.Roeder believed in "justifiable homicide" — that is, that it's OK to kill those who facilitate abortions — according to another anti-abortion activist, Regina Dinwiddie. Dinwiddie told McClatchy that in 1996, Roeder walked into a Kansas City Planned Parenthood clinic that was being picketed by protesters, and asked to see the doctor, Robert Crist.
Dinwiddie continued:
Robert Crist came out and he stared at him for approximately 45 seconds. Then he (Roeder) said, 'I've seen you now.' Then he turned his back and walked away, and they were scared to death.
In addition, McClatchy reports, someone using the name Scott Roeder has posted anti-Tiller comments on several anti-abortion websites. One comment, posted in 2007, read:
It seems as though what is happening in Kansas could be compared to the 'lawlessness' which is spoken of in the Bible. Tiller is the concentration camp 'Mengele' of our day and needs to be stopped before he and those who protect him bring judgment upon our nation.
That same year, another comment from "Scott Roeder" referred to a recent event organized by anti-Tiller activists in Wichita:
Bless everyone for attending and praying in May to bring justice to Tiller and the closing of his death camp. Sometime soon, would it be feasible to organize as many people as possible to attend Tillers church (inside, not just outside) to have much more of a presence and possibly ask questions of the Pastor, Deacons, Elders and members while there? Doesn't seem like it would hurt anything but bring more attention to Tiller.
But Roeder's violent right-wing extremism seems to extend beyond the issue of abortion. In April 1996, amid anxiety over the anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, Roeder was stopped by police after a motorist reported seeing a car with a license plate reading: "Sovereign — Private Property — Immunity Declared at Law –Non Commercial American."
("Sovereign citizens" claim to be unaccountable to the federal government, deriving certain rights under English common law. It's been a favored legal strategy of various violent right-wing extremists, including white supremacists.)
When police searched Roeder's car, they found the makings of a bomb: a blasting cap; two six-volt lantern batteries, one wired with a clothespin and a cigarette wrapper; and a 1-pound can of black gunpowder. In Roeder's home, police found instructions titled "Underground Cookbook: Clothes Pin Time-Delayed Switch."
Roeder was listed by the FBI as a member of the freemen group, which at the time of his arrest was locked in a standoff with federal authorities near Jordan, Montana. (Many freemen also used that license plate tag.) Roeder was ultimately sentenced to 16 months in prison for violating his parole, but the conviction was tossed out after a court found that the evidence against him had been illegally gathered.
Morris Wilson, who during the mid 1990s was the commander of a group called the Kansas Unorganized Citizens' Militia said he knew Roeder well. "I'd say he's a good ol' boy except he was just so fanatic about abortion," said Wilson.
When Roeder was arrested yesterday, he was driving a blue 1993 Ford Taurus. In the rear window of the car was a red rose — a symbol often used by anti-abortion activists — and on the back his car was a silver fish symbol with the word "Jesus" inside.


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Turbulence at The Times
One Monday morning in April, Jill Abramson called Dean Baquet into her office to complain. The executive editor of The New York Times was upset about the paper's recent news coverage — she felt it wasn't "buzzy" enough, a source there said — and placed blame on Baquet, her managing editor. A debate ensued, which gave way to an argument.
Minutes later, Baquet burst out of Abramson's office, slammed his hand against a wall and stormed out of the newsroom. He would be gone for the rest of the day, absent from the editors' daily 4 p.m. meeting, at which he is a fixture.
Story Continued Below
"I feel bad about that," Baquet told POLITICO in a recent interview. "The newsroom doesn't need to see one of its leaders have a tantrum."
The episode electrified the newsroom, and details of what staffers described as "the altercation" — Baquet called it "a disagreement" — spread to other Times bureaus. But once the story had made the rounds, it wasn't Baquet the staffers were griping about. It was Abramson.
( Also on POLITICO: N.Y. Times tweaks 'illegal immigrant' style)
In recent months, Abramson has become a source of widespread frustration and anxiety within the Times newsroom. More than a dozen current and former members of the editorial staff, all of whom spoke to POLITICO on the condition of anonymity, described her as stubborn and condescending, saying they found her difficult to work with. If Baquet had burst out of the office in a huff, many said, it was likely because Abramson had been unreasonable.
"Every editor has a story about how she's blown up in a meeting," one reporter said. "Jill can be impossible," said another staffer.
Just a year and a half into her tenure as executive editor, Abramson is already on the verge of losing the support of the newsroom. Staffers commend her skills and her experience but question whether she has the temperament to lead the paper. At times, they say, her attitude toward editors and reporters leaves everyone feeling demoralized; on other occasions, she can seem disengaged or uncaring.
( Also on POLITICO: CNN in talks with Gingrich, Cutter for new 'Crossfire' show)
Baquet, who spoke positively of Abramson and of their relationship, acknowledged these frustrations but didn't lend them much credence.
"I think there's a really easy caricature that some people have bought into, of the bitchy woman character and the guy who is sort of calmer," he said. "That, I think, is a little bit of an unfair caricature."
Caricature or portrait, such feelings are starting to drain morale in a newsroom that is already anxious about the changing nature of the media industry and scarred by the recent round of buyouts, which saw the departure or reassignment of many high-level editors. To add insult to injury, Abramson has been notably absent — or "AWOL," as several staffers put it — at key periods when the Times required leadership.
"The Times is leaderless right now," one staffer said. "Jill is very, very unpopular."
( PHOTOS: 10 craziest stories of 2012)
Abramson declined to talk to POLITICO for this article. In an email, Times spokesperson Eileen Murphy said Abramson was "deeply engaged as executive editor" and described her as "the voice of the newsroom in continued conversations regarding the Times's global and digital evolution."
Murphy also explained that, in addition to visiting Times bureaus, Abramson is "sometimes required to travel to represent the newsroom in important business decisions and also as an ambassador of The Times to industry gatherings, much like previous editors before her." Abramson's "unique status as the first female editor of The Times means she gets even more of these opportunities," Murphy wrote.


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In Search of the Novel: Workshops
Workshop 4
Where Do Novels Come From?
This program explores the genesis of the characters, plot, themes, and interpretation from the novelist's point of view.
Goals and Objectives
Upon completion of this workshop lesson, teachers will be able to:
- Help students go beyond the standard answer to the question—that novels come from experience and imagination—to explore how experience and reflecting upon experience give birth to a novel.
- Design a lesson plan that allows students to begin to tell their own stories.
- Write a lesson plan that encourages students to explore where the novel they are reading comes from and how it might have traveled from experience through imagination and reflection.
Participants Comments and Observations
J. K. Rowling: It was 1990. I was traveling by train from Manchester to London in England. The train was delayed, as often happens in Britain. And this idea just came out of nowhere. I got really excited at the idea of what wizard school would be. I saw Harry very, very, very clearly. He didnt know he was a wizard. So I see this skinny little boy with black hair, green eyes, and patched-up glassestheyve got Scotch tape around them holding them together. And I knew that he didnt know what he was. And so then I kind of worked backwards from that position to find out how that could be, that he wouldnt know what he was. And at the same time Im thinking hes going to go to wizard school. He starts towards his eleventh birthday,
hes living with his aunt and uncle and horrible cousin, the Dursleys, and they are what wizards call Muggles, meaning that theyre completely nonmagical. And the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, are aware of what Harry is, but theyve never told him what he is. Theyve kept this hidden from him. This was the first idea that I had that gave me a kind of physical
sense of excitement. You know how when you get really excited about something, your stomach turns over. That is how I felt the moment I had the idea. The excitement flooded through me and adrenaline flooded through me. And I think you can normally tell a good idea by that kind of very physical response to it. I was so excited. I just thought this would be such fun to write.
Leslie Marmon Silko: They come out of the consciousness of the writer, if the writer has all her life or his life been experiencing language, and youve been reading so youve been swimming all your life. Everybody swims along or moves along day by day in this language. It is all around us. And a novel is born out of the novelist with all of this flow. The novelist has a kind
of imagination and a kind of need to explore and experience language and to put her experiences into language. And so a novel comes out of an individual novelist. Yet even at the moment it is born, it never just belongs to the novelist or any given time or place. But it right away belongs to the language that it is born into or born from.
Arthur Golden: I really kind of backed into this novel, I hadnt even imagined when I was in college that I would be a novelist, that I would be a fiction writer of any kind, and when I went to live in Japan I met somebody whose mother was a geisha and I got back to the States and got interested in writing fiction and this idea occurred to me. What must his upbringing have been like, you know, to have a mother who is a geisha and a father who is a famous businessman? It just seemed fascinating to me so I worked on that for awhile. It didnt go well. In fact, I found that I got to about page 75 and I was still on Day 2 of his life which really worried me about how long the novel was eventually going to be. And then I began to do research about geishas and a few years later and thats what really drew me into the subject.
Teacher: I think the students are going to see an answer to the question where the novel comes from both inside and outside of the text. And were talking about creating a context and authors drawing from their own experience. They may also be just drawing from imagination. But I think students look for the answers to that question. They ask it often. They find part of the answer
within the text. And then, if were lucky and if we have the resources and were able to have them ask the author a questionmore and more authors are available online nowand students can create a dialogue.
Katherine Paterson: I dont think its important at all for students to know where novels come from. If the book doesnt stand on its own without their knowing that, then theres something wrong with the book. I think the book should stand totally on its own. I think that knowing the story behind it is my self-defense, because [young readers] accuse me of murder and they ask, Why did you kill Leslie Burke? I get this question very often when Im in schools and I say, Well, dont believe me. When I knew that in the next chapter Leslie Burke was going to die, I just stopped writing because that was the only way I could keep her alive. And the death of Leslie Burke was probably the hardest scene that Ive ever written. And do you notice that it occurs off stage?
Daniel Keyes: Writing Flowers for Algernon is an experience that occupied most of my adult life. I traced the beginnings of the idea back to when I was seventeen-and-a-half standing in the subway station on my way to NYU to one of my classes. I was a pre-med student at the time. And I recalled that I was concerned that my education was driving a wedge between me and my parents. They had no education, elementary school education... And that led to a second immediate thought: "Wouldnt it be wonderful if we can increase human intelligence?" And those two thoughts in a sense lived with me for a long time. I wrote notes, I keep notes, put them in a folder, give them a working title. And its what I call my root garden where I preserve ideas and thoughts. William Faulkner spoke of his as his lumber room...Years later, I went back to teach at the school from which Id graduated in Brooklyn. And because Id had a couple of stories published, the chairman of the department gave me two kinds of classes. One was kids of higher IQs; they wanted to take my creative writing... [and]... two other classes of low IQ intelligence. The highest IQs in the those classes were about eighty. Slow learners. The first day of teaching in this class of slow learners, class was dismissed, and all the kids headed for the door to go for a smoke or what have you. This one boy sitting in the back of the room, he was sitting near the window. I visualize him right now. He came up to my desk, he said, "Mr. Keyes, this is a dummy class, isnt it?" A young teacher, I was taken aback. I said, "No, this is not, what do you mean?" "I know this is a dummy class. If I try hard and I get smart before the end of the term, will you put me in a regular class? I want to be smart." I dont know what stupid things I may have said—"Yeah, well see," what have you—but when I went home that evening, it hit me in the gut. I had never before realized that a person of low intelligence might want to be intelligent. So I began to write little sketch notes in my root cellar. "School novel, boy who wants to become intelligent, uh, teacher," you know...didnt work. I have pages and pages of attempts to take that character, that boy and make him into a story or a novel. Months go by...I get a call from an editor who had published one of my stories saying, "Well, I want another story, Dan, for this next issue." "Well, let me look. Ill look through my notes." And I turned those pages. What will happen if it were possible to create human, increase human intelligence? Turn the pages. Boy comes up to me and says, "I want to be smart." Oh my God, it was like a flash of lightning. It came together. The two things: I had the idea and I had the character. I sat down and I wrote in a passion that Ive never written before. It just poured out of me.
Ernest Gaines: Different novels come from different things. I think that idea of A Lesson Before Dying came from nightmares that I had about someone knowing the date and time that he'd be executed. I spent most of my life in San Francisco. I lived across the Bay from San Quentin State Prison where executions took place. I remember that the execution would always take place on Tuesday at ten o'clock in the morning. And the night before or nights before I could never sleep because I would always put myself in that person's placethe condemnedand wondered how he must feel at this particular time. Thats one of the things that haunted me and haunted me and haunted me, and I thought the best thing to do was to write about it.


text:
Parents can help preteens with abduction concerns
Parents naturally are concerned for their children's safety, particularly when there is news of a child abduction that happens close to home. Finding the balance between emotions and the "teachable moment" as parents talk to their children is important, an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach specialist says.
According to Malisa Rader, an ISU Extension family life program specialist, preteens and older school-age children might be dealing with their own fears based upon what they are seeing on TV or hearing from others.
"It is important at this time that parents react with a sense of calm and reassurance," Rader said.
Parents can take this opportunity to share with their children important information to help avoid potentially dangerous situations, but need to approach it in a manner that doesn't create unhealthy fears in children.
Rader offered some suggestions from eXtension.org/parenting:
- Give hugs and reassurance as you talk to your child about the frightening experience.
- Avoid frightening media stories that might be upsetting to some children.
- Point out ways your child has learned to stay safe, such as saying "no" and running away when they are concerned about a situation.
Help young people process thoughts, feelings
Rader encourages parents to watch their children closely for signs of anxiousness. Being open to talk about those feelings while developing safety strategies can help children feel in control of situations. They can learn to make good choices when faced with possible unsafe circumstances, while still enjoying some of the carefree aspects of childhood.
"Be open to how your child might be feeling and talk with him or her with sincerity and honesty," Rader said.
This is an opportunity to discuss any number of issues with teens and preteens—from not putting themselves in particularly dangerous situations to how to react when they sense they might be in potential danger, Rader said.
"This is a teachable moment, so use it! But doing so in a calm, reassuring manner will help your point come across more clearly without raising unhealthy fears in young people," the ISU Extension specialist said.
Watch for signals that further help might be needed
The following signs are normal reactions to severe stress, Rader said. However, if one or more of the signs continue for more than a week, seek outside help.
- Depression—Signs include sleep pattern changes such as difficulty falling asleep, frequently waking in the night or too early in the morning, continual sleeping; personal care changes such as skipping baths and shampoos; physical or mental changes such as overeating or under eating, feeling numb or continually tired, losing the ability to concentrate or crying constantly.
- Parenting problems, such as the inability to cope and give needed attention to children
- Behavioral problems, such as children acting up frequently or getting into trouble with authorities
- Isolation—not having anyone to talk with
- Inability to face reality—not wanting to admit how serious the problems really are or to begin work on them
"Help is available," Rader said. "You don't have to face these problems alone. If you note any signs of anxiousness or depression in your child or your self, talk with a mental health professional, your family doctor or clergy. These people can provide extra support when you need it."
Explore further


text:
You think USC is excited to be spending New Year's Eve in El Paso, Texas, playing Georgia Tech in the Sun Bowl? Oh, sure, Lane Kiffin might have arrived yesterday wearing a sombrero and something less than a smile, but two Trojans players have already apologized for insulting the city, and now the entire Trojans football team has angered pretty much everyone else in town by essentially blowing off a dinner function for both teams.
Various reports say USC was anywhere from an hour to 90 minutes late for the Sheriff's Posse Dinner, an annual event at which both teams dine together and perform comedy skits. Those reports all agree on this, though: Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson got tired of waiting around for the Trojans, so he rounded up his team and headed back to the hotel sometime before USC bothered to show. Those sad balloons in the photo above were all that was left of the Yellow Jackets.
USC is already putting it out there that it was delayed by yesterday's practice, at which there might have been some sort of injury, though Kiffin notoriously won't discuss those. Anyway, there's also this: A few weeks ago, after learning where they'd be headed for their first bowl game in three years, USC linebacker Tony Burnett tweeted a series of insults about the host city and later apologized. And yesterday, just after the team blew into town, Trojans defensive tackle Leonard Williams tweeted the following, though he later took it down and said he was sorry:
Needless to say, the locals are just thrilled with the Trojans. Leave it to Lane Kiffin and USC to make El Paso look good.


text:
Prehistoric and Roman sites
- Maen Llia standing stone
- Garn Goch Iron Age hillfort
- Artist's impression of a Roman camp
In our National Park, you can see evidence of past events wherever you go, from the mountains formed millions of years ago to the monuments left by early inhabitants.
Our landscapes are dotted with ancient standing stones, Bronze Age burial cairns, Iron Age hillforts and Roman ruins.
Interested in history?
For more information on the history of our Park, visit A short history.
To learn about some of the ancient peoples who lived here, visit Prehistoric peoples.
And to continue your investigations by exploring our medieval castles, ancient places of Christian worship and Industrial Age heritage sites, visit Castles, Churches, chapels and monasteries and Industrial and rural heritage.
Standing stones in the Brecon Beacons National Park
There are over 30 standing stones in our National Park. Some of them are ma...
Walking with Romans
The Towy valley in Carmarthenshire was one of the critical marching routes ...
Allt-yr-Esgair Iron Age hillfort
Allt-yr-Esgair is a hill with panoramic views of the Usk Valley to the west...
Garn Goch Iron Age hillfort
The skyscraper of its day and testament to the power and status of those wh...
Pen-y-Crug Iron Age hillfort
Standing on the summit of a prominent hill above the Usk Valley, this is on...


text:
We've already told you that VCU Associate Head Coach Mike Rhoades likes to practice with the team, and that he, quite frankly, more than holds his own. But if you thought that Rhoades was just Cadillac-ing around the perimeter all day, you'd be wrong.
The photo below is from Monday's practice after Rhoades was on the wrong end of a Jarred Guest elbow while fighting for a rebound. Dude is smiling minutes after he had his two front teeth knocked out. He can play for my hockey team any day.


text:
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Online Victory Party!
This song seemed extremely appropriate.
Have a great night everyone. I'll get back on when I hear any news, but right now I have to catch the subway home.
876 comments:1 – 200 of 876 Newer› Newest»
Praying and praying that McCain for once makes the RIGHT choice and goes with Palin, a strong, conservative woman who would really shake this election up and doesn't just choose a boring left-leaning old white guy!!!
- August 28, 2008 at 3:44 PM
- wk4christ said...
I'm praying, too! Please, Lord, let it be Palin!
- August 28, 2008 at 3:47 PM
- Valley Girl said...
How about you people pray that starving people will get food today?
- August 28, 2008 at 3:55 PM
- Mark said...
Does anyone know if Palin is in AK right now. If she's the pick, she would be out of AK right now, traveling to OH.
- August 28, 2008 at 4:03 PM
- Mountain Mama said...
Dear Valley Girl:
Your picking this name for yourself might convey that you want other people to think of you as a ditz.
I'll think more positively....
However, your comment was rude.
People who pray all the time do not think of themselves as superior to others. Usually we praying folk have made enormous mistakes in our lives, and we have been touched by miracles or other "coincidences" that are just so fantastic that we are praying all the time thereafter, grateful as ever for God's love, forgiveness, and intervention!
So we pray all the time, thank you very much, for starving people----and for RUDE people like you! God loves you, too, and hopes you'll find more positive ways to make suggestions.
Meanwhile, why don't you join us and pray that McCain will select a really terrific person for his VP candidate. We here at this blog have chosen to support Sarah Palin----but you can pray for another neat person, too!
Praying has power. Try it, and wait for God to show you how BELOVED you are! May God RICHLY bless you!
(Meanwhile, waiting for McCain's announcement of his VP is so hard! May McCain choose Palin, or at least someone who values life and women!)
- August 28, 2008 at 4:08 PM
Thank you Mountain Moma. Not only is she rude but she does not have a sense of humor either.
- August 28, 2008 at 4:11 PM
- Valley Girl said...
If you really want her to be considered for VP you would be praying that the Palin corruption investigation was over.
- August 28, 2008 at 4:14 PM
- Night Owl said...
Plus, it's not praying for something frivolous. People are praying that the potential future leader of the free world pick someone good and capable as his replacement should something happen to him... that would impact "starving people."
- August 28, 2008 at 4:15 PM
- Drew said...
McCain campaign sources have told me Pawlenty, Huckabee, Romney, and Lieberman will be at the rally tomorrow with John McCain.
- August 28, 2008 at 4:25 PM
- TKD Momma said...
Well, I sure hope it's PALIN, but if she's going to be in/near Dayton by tomorrow morning, she's got to be on a plane within the next hour. According to Expedia and Orbitz, Flights to Detroit or Seattle leave at 3:30 (nothing later)and connect with flights arriving in Dayton and/or Cinncinati btwn 7:00 and 930 am.
Of course just because everyone thinks he'll announce in Dayton, doesnt' mean he can't wait a day and do it in PA.
- August 28, 2008 at 4:25 PM
- ericthered said...
You don't think she is flying coach do you? If it were her, it would be by private plane.
- August 28, 2008 at 4:26 PM
- TC Robinson said...
tkd momma, Palin could always borrow someone's private jet to use. I'm sure someone up in Juneau has one she could borrow, Vic Vickers of Cuddy, probably.
- August 28, 2008 at 4:27 PM
- Night Owl said...
I wonder what the chances are that it will be Huckabee... if it is, I do not know if I can bring myself to vote for McCain....
- August 28, 2008 at 4:27 PM
- Marcia said...
yes - i don't believe they'd allow her to travel commercial if she's the pick
- August 28, 2008 at 4:28 PM
- TC Robinson said...
But Drew, did your source say if any of those 4 would be the VP?
- August 28, 2008 at 4:28 PM
- wk4christ said...
It would be a media zoo if they put her on commercial flights. No, it would definitely be by private jet, and they'd probably fly overnight, with an early-morning arrival.
- August 28, 2008 at 4:28 PM
- Marcia said...
while i hear you night owl, the alternative is much worse (if you don't believe me, don your toga and laurel crown and watch the DNC -- Democratic National Circus -- this evening)
- August 28, 2008 at 4:29 PM
- TKD Momma said...
I hope she's flying on someone's private jet. It will definately get her there faster and earlier. Just wanted to check the "regular people" flights -- just for alternate conversation.
- August 28, 2008 at 4:29 PM
- Marcia said...
... or Democratic National Crisis ... or Delirious Nutjob Convention ... i could go on all night :)
- August 28, 2008 at 4:31 PM
- Night Owl said...
Marcia - I know, believe me. But I think McCain/Huckabee would require at least four gin and tonics to get me to the voting booth. ;-)
- August 28, 2008 at 4:31 PM
- Drew said...
But Drew, did your source say if any of those 4 would be the VP?
The McCain campaign sources have informed me that neither Romney or Lieberman are it.
My source within the RNC still holds as saying the choice will be a woman.
- August 28, 2008 at 4:32 PM
- wk4christ said...
Please be Palin! PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!
- August 28, 2008 at 4:33 PM
- Yomi Mizuhara said...
Drudge: TOP CONTENDERS TO GATHER IN DAYTON, NOON FRIDAY... WILL SHARE SAME STAGE...
Drew was right. I think we have an authentic guy, y'all.
- August 28, 2008 at 4:34 PM
- Marcia said...
i completely agree night owl, but if it is (which i don't think it will be) name you're gin, tell me where to ship it and i'll make sure you have it by election day
- August 28, 2008 at 4:34 PM
- Drew said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- August 28, 2008 at 4:35 PM
- Boltsfan said...
Drew, keep it coming.
- August 28, 2008 at 4:36 PM
- Marcia said...
drudge is just confirming you drew... thanks for not going away, this is fun
- August 28, 2008 at 4:36 PM
- Yomi Mizuhara said...
Bombay Sapphire, marcia. :)
- August 28, 2008 at 4:37 PM
- Night Owl said...
Bombay Sapphire, and send it to Philadelphia. ;)
I don't know how optimistic to be, but if he really is going to pick a woman Palin is the best choice a million times over!
- August 28, 2008 at 4:37 PM
- Boltsfan said...
Marcia, if your taking orders, I'll take Johnny Walke.....BLUE
- August 28, 2008 at 4:37 PM
- TKD Momma said...
Just out of curiosity,
Anybody in the DC area to celebrate with Adam?
- August 28, 2008 at 4:38 PM
- danheister said...
My brother works for a private jet charter headquartered in Cincinnati (they fly a lot of charters into Dayton), and he said that most of their medium to long range charters can EASILY make a non-stop flight from Juneau to Dayton in 5 1/2 hours.
- August 28, 2008 at 4:39 PM
Stow the liquor -- start chilling the champagne instead. ;)
- August 28, 2008 at 4:40 PM
- Night Owl said...
A (Dem) friend of mine wants me to join her at a bar tonight to watch the Obama speech. Hopefully I will get to make a champagne toast. :)
- August 28, 2008 at 4:41 PM
- Marcia said...
tdk momma - mid-west i'm afraid 9right smack dab in the middle of obamanation, chicago) - proud to be a former W.PA gal though.
boys, lots of sapphire at my home, my husband's a huge fan so no problem there, sorry no bourbon though (whew, it's a good thing it won't be huck or you all would cost me a fortune!)
- August 28, 2008 at 4:42 PM
- Dave said...
Both Juneau and Anchorage have flights to Dayton. But there is one from Anchorage that leaves around 7:00pm tonight and arrives in Dayton around 8:00am tomorrow morning. I was curious too.
Here is a theory I discussed with a buddy at work today in regards to the leak this evening. Let's say I'm McCain and I want to get the media's attention. At 6:00pm I tell the newsies I have made a definite decision on my VP, but I still need to make some arrangements and tie up some loose ends. I tell them to come back at 8:00pm for some big news. What does this do? 2 things: First, it grabs some attention and gets people talkin'. Second, it takes attention away from the DNC. Now for the best part...At 8:00pm when they show up I tell the person I tapped has accepted, and I will introduce them tomorrow in Dayton.
Take some Thunder and then leave them Hangin'.
- August 28, 2008 at 4:42 PM
- Marcia said...
night owl - watch the steelers instead (wish i could, but no chance of that in the liberal capital of the world)
- August 28, 2008 at 4:43 PM
- danheister said...
I have a softball game at 7... gotta go have a few beers and celebrate freedom by playing "America's Pastime for washed up ballplayers"! Of course, I will be switching from beer to champagne in the dugout if my cell phone alerts tell me of the good news :-)
Later guys! (and gals!)
- August 28, 2008 at 4:44 PM
- Drew said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- August 28, 2008 at 4:46 PM
- Stacy said...
Ok...so if you go to www.flightaware.com you can track any flight leaving Juneau including private jets. So far nothing. I can't believe I am watching this.
- August 28, 2008 at 4:46 PM
- Marcia said...
it's actually brilliant to have all 4 of the "top picks" planning to be there - explains cancelled plans, etc, keeps you guessing, and distracts from others that may be sneaking into dayton.
- August 28, 2008 at 4:46 PM
- danheister said...
thats good info, but somewhat irrelevant because she would most certainly have a private jet chartered.... my brother says so far no new private charters have registered with the FAA out of Juneau or Anchorage :-(
- August 28, 2008 at 4:46 PM
- MIDDLE CLASS GUY said...
Aside from being the best all around choice for this election, the genius of setting her up now as the heir apparant is vital for the future.
It is very possible that due to McCain's age he would be a one term president. We need Sarah Palin ready and experienced to go up against Hillary in 2012.
God Bless America
- August 28, 2008 at 4:47 PM
- Drew said...
I would like to note that the McCain campaign has been watching this blog for some time now. That in no way confirms Palin is the pick, but they have been following during the selection process.
Once they give leak information on the pick I will post it here immediately.
P.S. I am not posting here just for the fun of it. There is a reason.
- August 28, 2008 at 4:47 PM
- Boltsfan said...
there is no way on God's green earth I can watch that man speak
- August 28, 2008 at 4:47 PM
- Marcia said...
drew - did you call joe lieberman earlier today??? lol
- August 28, 2008 at 4:48 PM
- Marcia said...
what - your toga at the cleaners?
- August 28, 2008 at 4:49 PM
- Boltsfan said...
is it too early to start drinking?
- August 28, 2008 at 4:50 PM
- Marcia said...
"that in no way confirms" -- drew, you are carl rove, aren't you???
- August 28, 2008 at 4:50 PM
- Dave said...
I agree with the private jet, which begs to offer, Is she already
- August 28, 2008 at 4:52 PM
- Marcia said...
i didn't scare you away, did i drew - just kidding around...
- August 28, 2008 at 4:54 PM
- Night Owl said...
Maybe it IS Karl Rove!!!!
lol this is fun in a really stressful way.
- August 28, 2008 at 4:55 PM
- Marcia said...
drew - are you the leak???
- August 28, 2008 at 4:55 PM
- Stacy said...
Bill Kristol said Meg Whitman made the final list. If you believe he knows anything.
- August 28, 2008 at 4:55 PM
- Marcia said...
what's your source stacy?
- August 28, 2008 at 4:56 PM
- wk4christ said...
I heard Meg Whitman is pro-choice. That wouldn't go well with conservatives.
- August 28, 2008 at 4:56 PM
What's the significance of wearing a toga to the Democratic convention? Is this Greece? Are they going to a frat party? I'm not getting it? I think the over the top circus spectacle they are putting on tonight won't bode well with middle America.
- August 28, 2008 at 4:57 PM
- Mark said...
Drew, whether or not it's a reason we'd like to see, on the other hand, is a different story.
I don't know . . . much as I'd like to believe it, the cynic in me doubts McCain and sees a practical joke brewing.
Either way, you've made it fun.
- August 28, 2008 at 4:57 PM
- TC Robinson said...
Bill Kristol also said Colin Powell would endorse Obama, which he hasn't. Quite frankly, I believe Drew right now more than I believe Kristol.
- August 28, 2008 at 4:57 PM
- Paul said...
Business Journal mentioned Palin as being in the mix:
- August 28, 2008 at 4:59 PM
- Mountain Mama said...
Re. Pawlenty:
When he sparred with Bayh on "Meet the Depressed" recently, Pawlenty looked like a WIMP! He looked burned up and upset, like he wanted to retort, 4th-grade-like, "OH, HU-UHH!"
I don't think McCain (a truly courageous guy) would pick a supposedly "safe" wimp, do you!?
Come to think of it, I don't think McCain HIMSELF is a wimp! He's always taken his own path, and hang the consequences!
With this election, STAR POWER does matter. McCain has a lot of it, because of his stalwart endurance while a P.O.W.----but Pawlenty!? No way.......
Star power doesn't replace, but supplements intelligence, experience, and knowledge.
Now THAT'S someone with STAR POWER!
With Palin on the ticket, McCain would have even MORE star power and they'd WIN!
Lord, please reach into McCain's thinking and help him PICK PALIN!!!!!!
- August 28, 2008 at 5:00 PM
- Marcia said...
pbjellybean - serious or sarcasm? the dnc has transformed invesco field into a "colliseum" (sp) for obama's acceptance speech tonight. hail ceasar
- August 28, 2008 at 5:01 PM
- Marcia said...
from the article paul cites above:
"The smart money is on Mitt Romney or Tim Pawlenty, but John McCain has always been his own man and we shouldn't be surprised by a maverick pick. A real go-for-broke pick for John McCain would be Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice," said Farrell Quinlan, a Phoenix political and business consultant and president of In the Arena Public Affairs Inc.
"Picking a woman like Condi Rice as his running mate would be bold, self-confident and a game-changing move for John McCain. Imagine the sparks that would fly at the vice presidential debate between Secretary Rice and Senator Biden? But the utter lack of a convention bounce so far and tied polls between Obama and McCain means the McCain campaign doesn't have to consider go-for-broke moves," Quinlan said.
- August 28, 2008 at 5:04 PM
Whether you're Rove, an Athenian toga-wearer at the DNC Obamatemple, or some government spook, etc. -- thank you kindly for keeping us updated with the inside scoop! Most appreciated! =D!
- August 28, 2008 at 5:04 PM
- Marcia said...
yes - thank you drew
- August 28, 2008 at 5:07 PM
- Paul said...
"Thank you Drew" untill he/she ends up being a fake and "haha" :P
I would proceed cautiously..
I'd like to see what his IP is..
- August 28, 2008 at 5:09 PM
- Ryan Trabuco said...
I saw this blog post from here in California.
- August 28, 2008 at 5:11 PM
- Night Owl said...
Whether or not he turns out to be fake it has definitely made this evening more fun!
- August 28, 2008 at 5:15 PM
- Contender said...
I can just see it now. All the men who have been listed as possible VPs are standing on the stage in Daytona. You have Romney, Pawlenty, Ridge & Lieberman all standing there in suits. The annoncemnt is made and here comes Gov. Palin front and center as she accepts the offer for VP with mcCain grinning from ear to ear. Yep, I can see it now. All the men clapping for her as the place goes nuts.
- August 28, 2008 at 5:16 PM
- Yomi Mizuhara said...
The men won't be clapping, they'll be going BOING!
There's a reason why people call the ticket McCain/McHottie.
- August 28, 2008 at 5:17 PM
- Ryan Trabuco said...
I want that on a t-shirt.
- August 28, 2008 at 5:19 PM
- Marcia said...
boys, boys, boys - now you're trivilizing the whole thing
- August 28, 2008 at 5:20 PM
- Kinnaird said...
InTrade has Pawlenty zooming up over 50. It doesn't look good.
- August 28, 2008 at 5:21 PM
- Erin said...
Kinnaird, I suspect that's because of his changed schedule. Perhaps I shouldn't (because of not concrete confirmation), but I'm going with Drew's news on this one. In a few hours I might be proved wrong, but I'd rather hold a little hope for someone besides a suit.
- August 28, 2008 at 5:24 PM
- Yomi Mizuhara said...
InTrade is not accurate.
And Marsha, I only report what I know. And that's the reaction of College Republicans who want to get involved.
- August 28, 2008 at 5:24 PM
- Drew said...
A RNC source is telling me none of the contenders that have been announced to appear on stage tomorrow with John McCain in Ohio are the Vice Presidential nominee.
This is the same RNC source who told me the pick will be a woman.
Again, this is not confirmed by the McCain campaign.
- August 28, 2008 at 5:27 PM
- Yomi Mizuhara said...
I think I may just have to sit back and wait for it tomorrow.
Drew, I hope to God you're right, if y'are who y'say y'are. If not, though, at least it's been interesting.
- August 28, 2008 at 5:28 PM
- Contender said...
McCain has to make his campaign historic. Pick Palin McCain!
Be the fighting Maverick that we all know you are.
- August 28, 2008 at 5:31 PM
- Ray said...
Pawlenty would be far better than Romney. Pawlenty still couldn't hold a candle to Palin, but in no way would Pawlenty stop me from voting GOP.
Between what everyone is saying, I just do not know what to think. The pick could be anyone, even the obvious, ordinary picks to some of the biggest dark horses.
- August 28, 2008 at 5:32 PM
- MIDDLE CLASS GUY said...
So much for the 6:00 eastern time leak.
- August 28, 2008 at 5:33 PM
- Ryan Trabuco said...
LOL, that's what makes McCain's VP pick so exciting.
Much more so than Obama since we all knew he was going to pick some old, white guy. Obama thought he needed it and he got it.
McCain is such a hard person to nail to the ground. That's what makes him interesting, and thats why he's going to choose Gov. Palin.
- August 28, 2008 at 5:34 PM
- Marcia said...
ok - for what its worth, my husband is a barber, here in chicago, at a very fine establishment and he cuts the hair of many men of influence. he said a client told him that the GOP had a big surprise for the dems in pocket... i know that's vague, but in light of this possiblity and the recent questions raised regarding bo's eligibility, i'm being odacious enough to hope.
- August 28, 2008 at 5:36 PM
- Erin said...
Hey Drew,
Here's a thought. Can you give us a tidbit from the convention that we can look for? Something that's not common knowledge? Of course the pick will have come in already, but it would be cool to have confirmation and that you're really as awesome as we suspect. Kind of like Carol Burnett tugging her ear for her granny every show. :)
- August 28, 2008 at 5:37 PM
- Marcia said...
bo's campaign is pulling some kind of text message stunt from the floor of the dnc...
- August 28, 2008 at 5:38 PM
- Night Owl said...
Drew, any word on whether it will be leaked tonight? Or is it def tomorrow?
- August 28, 2008 at 5:44 PM
- Ryan Trabuco said...
What's the text message stunt?
- August 28, 2008 at 5:44 PM
- TC Robinson said...
I got it...it just says "Final night of convention is tonight --- don't miss Barack's speech. To get involved locally, REPLY: VOL plus your FIRST NAME and TOWN (ex: VOL Ann Chicago).
Looking for more volunteers, I guess.
- August 28, 2008 at 5:47 PM
- Marcia said...
they have a map on the jumbotron and are asking dems to send their "messages of support" to bo wihch will in turn light up a light on their state... it's supposed to show how many supporters bo has, but its really about getting txt numbers so they can send out more 3 am messages - guess they didn't get as many numbers as they wanted the first time 'round
- August 28, 2008 at 5:48 PM
- Contender said...
The Obama campaign sure believes its Pawlenty. They are already going after him. Lets hope this is truly " The Great Pawlenty Head Fake"
When is the last time anybody has seen Palin?
- August 28, 2008 at 5:48 PM
- Ryan Trabuco said...
Thats such a ridiculous idea. They should've been highlighting that opportunity for the last week. aw well... wouldnt be the first time the Democrats botched something.
- August 28, 2008 at 5:49 PM
- Marcia said...
whatcha see, contender?
- August 28, 2008 at 5:51 PM
- Erin said...
What is BO's camp doing to make you think they believe it's Pawlenty? Anybody besides me getting tired of BO's technology campaign? Like texting is the newest thing. When he can beam himself from spot to spot, I'll be impressed.
- August 28, 2008 at 5:51 PM
- Ryan Trabuco said...
"When he can beam himself from spot to spot, I'll be impressed."
Hahahaha. Beam me up Biden!
- August 28, 2008 at 5:52 PM
- Tyler said...
Meg Whitman — personification of the New Economy and a McCain favorite — is lighting up the buzz right at this hour.
- August 28, 2008 at 5:56 PM
- Scott said...
Brilliant move to bring in the contenders to Dayton. It's a big unity rally, and now it wouldn't seem odd if Sarah, or anyone else, goes to Ohio. Travel gives away nothing. Plus whoever does get it will be automatically embraced by the other contenders, right there on the spot.
I like it.
- August 28, 2008 at 5:57 PM
- Marcia said...
good catch tyler, but its time/cnn...
- August 28, 2008 at 5:58 PM
- Novaya Havoc said...
I HAD to log onto this site because I, too, am hoping beyond hope that it's PALIN!
- August 28, 2008 at 5:58 PM
- Darth Gill said...
Please let it be Palin!
- August 28, 2008 at 6:01 PM
- Marcia said...
carter is such a tool - http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/08/28/former-president-carter-mccain-milking-pow-experience/
- August 28, 2008 at 6:01 PM
- Paul said...
Someone just needs to figure out where Palin is RIGHT NOW...
Millions of people in alaksa and you can't tell me that no one knows?
There are only two possibilities:
1.) She has already left and is in the area.
2.) She has not left but is leaving waht.. immediately/a few hours ago to be there tomorrow?
3.) She has not left and wont' leave untill tomorrow or later.
- August 28, 2008 at 6:13 PM
- Contender said...
Ok lets see... Logically speaking there has been no leak that a possible women VP will be at this rally in Daytona. we know Ridge, Pawlenty, lieberman and Romney will be there. I ask you....in this political Climate McCain has to have Hutch, Florina, Plain or Whitmen at the rally. So why hasn't any of these women been leaked to be at this rally?
ANSWER: because one of them is the VP pick.
Deduction my dear Watson!!!!!
- August 28, 2008 at 6:14 PM
- Ryan Trabuco said...
Paul, technically there's about 700,000 pople in Alaska... not millions. ;)
But, I agree... where is the Governor?
- August 28, 2008 at 6:15 PM
- Scott said...
Does a Gov have to announce when they leave the state? Could she sneak off in the middle of the night? Does anyone in Alaska know anyone who go to school with the kids and might have heard they are taking Friday off? Does Trig have a nanny, if so, where will she be?
Think people!!!
- August 28, 2008 at 6:17 PM
- Yomi Mizuhara said...
Someone brought up a great point:
We're all in THIS situation.
- August 28, 2008 at 6:17 PM
- Ted said...
The real "beauty" of Palin is that THERE'S NO WAY THE DEMS CAN ATTACK HER!!! (that is, without coming out looking worse themselves, not Palin)
Man o man is this campaign about to get funnnnnnnnnn!!!!
- August 28, 2008 at 6:22 PM
- Paul said...
Contendor - while I hope and fighting that you are right, for you to assume that AND then end up being wrong will seem real stupid...
In less than .. what, 12 hours or so all of us THOUSANDS OF US Palin supporters will either be jumping having made history (Thanks Adam for the leadership!) or we'll look copmletely stupid and delusional :)
- August 28, 2008 at 6:23 PM
- Marcia said...
LOL yomi - i LOVE that.
- August 28, 2008 at 6:25 PM
- Yomi Mizuhara said...
Drew is overdue for an update. >_>
- August 28, 2008 at 6:26 PM
Is Drew Vizzini? Inconceivable!
- August 28, 2008 at 6:26 PM
- Ted said...
Paul, no, if we're wrong it will be McCain who will look stupid!
- August 28, 2008 at 6:26 PM
- Marcia said...
d~r~e~w~ where are you???
- August 28, 2008 at 6:27 PM
- Marcia said...
mayrock - i do not think that word means what you think it means...
- August 28, 2008 at 6:27 PM
- Scott said...
We won't look stupid and delusional. Fighting for who you believe in is always smart and realistic, and noble.
No matter what happens, this movement was the real thing, man.
- August 28, 2008 at 6:28 PM
- Ryan Trabuco said...
- August 28, 2008 at 6:28 PM
- Darth Gill said...
Red State says it's Pawlenty - helicopters over his house... UGH
Red State: It's Pawlenty
- August 28, 2008 at 6:28 PM
- Marcia said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- August 28, 2008 at 6:30 PM
- Mountain Mama said...
This coming hurricane could really ruin the Republicans' celebration at their convention.
I mean, dancing in the aisles----especially probable with a Palin-as-VP pick!----just will not look good, if other Americans are suffering or (God forbid!) dying from a hurricane!
Let's pray Obama doesn't take the hurricane as some sort of Favorable Omen for his candidacy (RALPH!).
Anyway, thankfully McCain wouldn't be expected at the convention until the final day, so in the meantime, he can go visit the hurricane area and try to help out at shelters, coordinate care, etc.
Hey----has anyone tried phoning up the Alaskan Governor's Manse? Maybe there's someone answering phones there, who will tell us where Palin is?
- August 28, 2008 at 6:32 PM
- Marcia said...
i still think its smoke and mirrors - you all have made a believer out of me...
- August 28, 2008 at 6:32 PM
- Ted said...
McCain can and will postpone the convention if Gustav is too much of a factor.
- August 28, 2008 at 6:34 PM
- Marcia said...
mountain mama - they already have (but now i can't remember where i saw it...) and i just don't think it would be as easy as calling the mansion
- August 28, 2008 at 6:35 PM
- Erin said...
darth gill, the following update was added to that link you had.
"A source close to the campaign now confirms for me that it "more likely than not" is Pawlenty."
- August 28, 2008 at 6:37 PM
- Marcia said...
scooby-dooby-drew, where are you? we need some news from you now
- August 28, 2008 at 6:39 PM
- Drew said...
None of my sources will confirm it's Tim Pawlenty and will not say anything else regarding the pick.
I was told there would be big news tonight, so I will keep in contact with my sources within the campaign and the RNC.
But, to reiterate, it is confirmed by the campaign that neither Romney or Lieberman are the nominee.
RNC source tells me none of those announced to be appearing tomorrow are the nominee either. And the same source says the nominee will be a woman.
I will post updates I receive them, but that could be as late as 11p.m. ET.
- August 28, 2008 at 6:39 PM
- Marcia said...
OK - i can't find it and have to go for now, but i did read (and i thought it was cnn) that the obama camp has said that the gop should take the approaching hurricane gustav scheduled to make landfall at the start of the rnc an impending sign from god...
let me know if someone finds that - may have been a blog (ugh).
so gotta run for now, but i'd love to see what you all have a bit later.
- August 28, 2008 at 6:41 PM
- Valley Girl said...
Do you guys know anything about Palin? She doesn't live in Juneau. She is seldom at 716 Calhoun Avenue. She stays in Wasilla. Her number is listed.
- August 28, 2008 at 6:42 PM
- Darth Gill said...
Thanks Drew - I'm on pins and needles hoping for Palin as that will ensure Obama is stopped in my opinion!
- August 28, 2008 at 6:43 PM
- Marcia said...
give her a ring for us valley girl & tell us what you find out...
- August 28, 2008 at 6:43 PM
- Mountain Mama said...
I will be so disappointed with McCain is he picks Pawlenty!
Good heavens, why did he make such a big deal lately, even spending money on two or three new commercials about how right the Hillary supporters are to be upset that she wasn't vetted or picked as Obama's VP!? Why bother, if McCain doesn't pick a woman!!!!!!????????
Okay---so Rove says McCain shouldn't make a political pick, hoping to gain a certain state, group, or gender. Instead, he says McCain should pick a VP who's ready to be President, and who will reflect McCain's views and work well with him.
LORD! Why doesn't that spell P-A-L-I-N to McCain and Rove!!??
I wish a solid leak would come out tonight, I really do-----and that McCain picks someone EXCITING who will RALLY us all:
NOT Pawlenty (BORING BORING!),
and NOT KB Hutch.(DITTO: BORING!,
and CERTAINLY not a pro-choicer
(ie. not Rice, Whitman, or Fiorina),
but PALIN!
Please, John McCain, PICK A WINNER!
Pick PALIN!
- August 28, 2008 at 6:44 PM
- Valley Girl said...
Marcia, Marcia, Marcia,
I already know she won't be the VP.
- August 28, 2008 at 6:44 PM
- TrueRedHead said...
I've thought all along that the hype surrounding Romney, et al was a smokescreen. When the pundits who have been talking her up suddenly went silent, it occurred to me that something was afoot - but figured it was just the conspiracy theorist in me. Glad to see I'm not the only one thinking this way. How exciting if we're right.
The waiting is a b---h, though!
(Darth - I don't see anything about "helicopters over Pawlenty's house" and the RedState article is just background on the man.)
Kathleen - from WAY too close to Seattle, WA.
- August 28, 2008 at 6:46 PM
- Marcia said...
ok, really going now
- August 28, 2008 at 6:46 PM
- Mountain Mama said...
THANKS, Drew, for the info (which we pray is accurate).
Okay, so who are the people scheduled outright to be with McCain tomorrow, whom we can then discount (if Drew's info. is correct) as NOT McCain's VP!?
Lord, I am praying that there's a woman on the ticket...... a PRO-LIFE woman: Palin!
- August 28, 2008 at 6:47 PM
- Marcia said...
last thing - just got a news alert from fox that big al is speaking at the dnc in advance of obama... ohhhhhhhhh
- August 28, 2008 at 6:47 PM
- Darth Gill said...
This is where I got the info on the helicopters surrounding Pawlenty's house...
I hope it's just a smokescreen - I want Palin to be the running mate!
- August 28, 2008 at 6:50 PM
- Erin said...
Okay, I followed valley girl's suggestion and looked up Palins in Wasilla. I have a number for Todd and Sarah (same one). Too chicken to call it. Pretty cool that a number is listed though. I bet it's just an answering service. BTW his parents appear to be listed as well.
- August 28, 2008 at 6:51 PM
- Erin said...
It's quite possible that those are news helicopters, and from the lack of info coming out, they appear to know about as much as we do. At any rate the report says there's a media swarm, so I'm guessing news choppers. Do secret service even use choppers?
- August 28, 2008 at 6:54 PM
- Valley Girl said...
I'd think one of you would call Sarah's parents or one of her siblings.
- August 28, 2008 at 6:55 PM
- Yomi Mizuhara said...
Found it. Did it. No answer.
What next, VG? Milk and cookies?
- August 28, 2008 at 6:56 PM
- Mountain Mama said...
GOOD JOB, Erin!
Here's my suggestion about what to say, should you call the Palins:
First thing out of the box, when you call, do NOT say, "Don't hang up!" Immediately, they'll hang up!
Instead, just say, "May I please speak with Governor Palin?"
If the person asks, "May I ask who's calling?" (You know: it's probably going to be one of her teenage daughters, waiting by the phone, as we women are oft wont to do!)---- say,
"I'm calling on behalf of the bloggers at the Palin-for-Vice-President blogsite, and we're praying that McCain picks her for his Veep!"
After that, wing it! Just remember to tell us EVERY WORD!
Can you IMAGINE how cool it would be if you actually were able to speak directly with Sarah Palin?! TOO NEAT!
God bless, Erin! GO FOR IT!
- August 28, 2008 at 6:58 PM
- Darth Gill said...
Good point Erin... I hope someone here gets the opportunity to talk to Sarah, unless of course she's already on her way to Dayton!
- August 28, 2008 at 7:01 PM
- TrueRedHead said...
Big Al! Be still my beating heart! Wonder what color HIS toga will be? Green, no doubt.
If you can overlook the overuse of the F-word, watch for the next run of Penn & Teller on HBO. The one about the "Green Movement" and Al Gore, EPA (Egregiously Pushy A..hole)
- August 28, 2008 at 7:01 PM
The SS wouldn't use choppers. If they are there, they are definitely news sniffing for scoops.
I hope this is a big feint -- that Pawlenty is playing along with.
- August 28, 2008 at 7:03 PM
- TC Robinson said...
Drew, how confident are you in your RNC source?
- August 28, 2008 at 7:05 PM
- Erin said...
Yomi, you're made of tougher stuff than I am! Too bad no one was home. Of course, it's probably ringing off the hook with news outlets trying to reach her. They might be home and with it disconnected for the weekend.
- August 28, 2008 at 7:06 PM
- Mountain Mama said...
Could McCain/Pawlenty fill a stadium, as Obama/Biden has?
Get REAL!
McCain needs PALIN! She could help him fill up TWO of those stadiums!
- August 28, 2008 at 7:10 PM
- Yomi Mizuhara said...
Yomi, you're made of tougher stuff than I am!
I've learned the art of swallowing my fear and regurgitating it later in the night.
- August 28, 2008 at 7:11 PM
- Bob said...
Drew mocks us. Drew plays with us. This has been fun though... Hey lets all have a beer and laugh a little. What the hell. McCain wasnt gonna win anway.
- August 28, 2008 at 7:12 PM
- TrueRedHead said...
I too, suspect it's just news choppers, Darth. Covering their bases (and wasting fuel). I believe McCain is going to do exactly what he said. Make the announcement tomorrow. Meanwhile, he's playing the media for the fools most of them are. This IS fun to watch.
Anyone watching the circus in Denver? Just wondered how many aerial shots they've shown so far comparing the Messiah's arena to the one of Lincoln Memorial during the '63 March on Washington. The Rocky Mountain News tells us "Stars Are Aligned" for this historic speech that is on the anniversary of MLK's.
- August 28, 2008 at 7:14 PM
- Erin said...
Thank you, Bob, for that little ray of sunshine! :D
One would think that the SS would have descended on a house by now, much like Biden.
*goes back to perusing eBay*--you know, you can get a great deal on Lion King dvds
- August 28, 2008 at 7:15 PM
- Stephen said...
Hey all,
This has been an amazing drive and I thank you for exposing me to such a wonderful person in Sarah Palin. Unfortunately, given the way the polls are and McCain's more old school approach, I am pretty certain she will not be picked (unless this has been extremely well hidden--I mean, her name was never even floated by the campaign).
Even if its not her, she will have great exposure at the convention and be in a prime position for 2012 and beyond. Lets continue to support Palin and hope McCain's pick can hold a candle to Palin. Congrats to all and your support of promoting an amazing person!
- August 28, 2008 at 7:17 PM
- Darth Gill said...
Erin, maybe the SS hasn't descended on the house because the VP selection is in TRANSIT! :D
- August 28, 2008 at 7:18 PM
- Erin said...
Ugh. I'm almost embarrassed to ask this, given my recent bashing of BO's texting schemes, but is there any place to sign up for a text of the news? I'm really ready to call it a night and pick up "Team of Rivals"--my current reading material and so fitting for this particular time in the election cycle.
- August 28, 2008 at 7:21 PM
- Night Owl said...
Well, let's assume for a second that Drew does have a connection, his connection says it is no one who has been announced as appearing with McCain tomorrow. Wasn't Pawlenty announced?
Oy. This is starting to feel like and LSAT logic game problem.
- August 28, 2008 at 7:22 PM
- Contender said...
I live in Minny and there is a report at Kare 11 that yes, there News teams at Pawlenty's house, but there is no confimation of his selection.
However there has been placards seen at the EXCEL which read:
There is 8 characters = Pawlenty
- August 28, 2008 at 7:22 PM
- Erin said...
I'm sure Pawlenty's home isn't the only one under surveillance. Wouldn't it be a bummer to be these guys who DIDN'T get picked, what with your house under siege and the nation about to find out you were the proverbial last guy picked in dodgeball?
- August 28, 2008 at 7:24 PM
- techno said...
Don't forget that several hours ago a blogger suggested we go to the orangejuice blog. I have and I would suggest that you all go there and check it out. it basically confirms what Drew has been telling us.
- August 28, 2008 at 7:24 PM
- DaveF said...
I think the RNC should be pushed back a couple of days. They could say we have decided to hold off until after the storm to allow McCain to make a visit and assess the damage. This gives him the opportunity to say, the people are more important than our convention.
Leaves the media speechless.
- August 28, 2008 at 7:29 PM
- Night Owl said...
Um, pardon my ignorance but what is the Orange Juice Blog?
- August 28, 2008 at 7:30 PM
- Ted said...
davef, you are absolutely correct, turning a negative situation into really a big positive for the GOP and RNC
- August 28, 2008 at 7:32 PM
- Erin said...
If this waiting game keeps up, I expect to see the VP candidates line up in Dayton and McCain walk behind them with a tiara. The one who gets it, the roses, and the "sanitary toilet" sash is the victor. Of course they'll say their fondest desire is for world peace. They ALL say that...
- August 28, 2008 at 7:32 PM
- Novaya Havoc said...
night owl:
- August 28, 2008 at 7:32 PM
- Rob said...
It also will allow the party to highlight Bobby Jindal (who, remember, is supposed to speak at the convention) a little more.
- August 28, 2008 at 7:32 PM
- Rob said...
Erin: LOL!
- August 28, 2008 at 7:34 PM
- Night Owl said...
LOL erin that is too funny.
Thanks for the link novaya. What is the significance of this blog though? Is it kept by someone who would know?
- August 28, 2008 at 7:34 PM
- Novaya Havoc said...
No idea. I just did a fast googling. ;)
- August 28, 2008 at 7:35 PM
- Rob said...
Art Pedroza--a city councilman in Santa Ana.
- August 28, 2008 at 7:36 PM
- Stacy said...
I'm not sure of the rules, but by pushing back the convention, I believe that would also give McCain extra time to raise money before accepting public financing.
- August 28, 2008 at 7:37 PM
- techno said...
CNN just announced that McCain will not be disclosing who will be his VP tonight out of respect for Barack Obama.He hopes to inform everybody tomorrow morning.
- August 28, 2008 at 7:37 PM
- Mountain Mama said...
Imagine that at Noon tomorrow McCain announces he's picked Pawlenty, KBH or Ridge.
By 12:10 p.m., we'll all have finished yawning and gone groaning back to bed, pulling the covers over our heads.
But imagine instead that McCain's staff "accidentally leaks" the news of his actual VP pick tonight, and then (as happened with Biden) the VP candidate's home is swiftly covered by a Secret Service detail, thereby confirming it's the ACTUAL pick----and it's someone excitiing, like PALIN, or (not as exciting, but...) Marsha Blackburn, or Condi Rice.
What will the INTERNATIONAL reaction be?
NO one with any political bent will be able to SLEEP! It'll be so AWESOME!
C'mon, McCain:
Make the Moment Magical!
- August 28, 2008 at 7:38 PM
- Rob said...
Seems strange that that would need to be announced, given that--prior to the rumor that it was going to be leaked--that's what he's said all along he intended to do.
- August 28, 2008 at 7:39 PM
- Bob said...
But you have to ask yourself the most important question that will ultimately need to be asked. What the hell with all the suspense if you were gonna pick Pawlenty? If there is no "wow", then it makes you look foolish. I think the msm knows and has no intention of upstaging BHO because there is no "wow".
- August 28, 2008 at 7:46 PM
- bbrandy2002 said...
Hey, first time poster. I was just watching micheal steele on foxnews.com strategy room. He believes its going to be either palin or pawlenty. He said a bunch of other things about her and believes that Mccain will pick Palin because of the whole missed chance by the obama camp to pick a women.
- August 28, 2008 at 7:49 PM
- Mountain Mama said...
No, Fox News wouldn't ignore it; they'd leak it and be glad to be first. Media like to break news first.
(former syndicated columnist here)
- August 28, 2008 at 7:49 PM
- Mr.K said...
I am patting my back allright.
Jesus please.
If Palin is not selected, please keep blogging for big Mac.
- August 28, 2008 at 7:53 PM
- Contender said...
A couple hours agao Steele said he believes its Pawlenty. When did you hear Steele say Palin's name?
- August 28, 2008 at 7:53 PM
- bbrandy2002 said...
He just said it maybe 20 minutes ago on foxnews.com, I was watching it online and Bret bair asked him if he was the pick and he laughed and said no. Then he said he seriously believes its Palin or Pawlenty. And Bret Bair said "Really Palin?" and he said yeah, he doesnt believe that McCain would miss this chance to pick a women and he seriously believed it very well could be her. Sorry I wrote it kind of late but I had to hurridly create an account because I got so excited.
- August 28, 2008 at 7:56 PM
- drewm02 said...
Another first-time poster here. :D
CNN's Ticker said that Pawlenty's RNC appearances had been canceled, and he's on his way home to Minnesota right now. I don't know what this means exactly, but whether it's good or bad for Gov. Palin, SOMETHING has obviously changed.
Any theories?
- August 28, 2008 at 8:00 PM
- wvprobst said...
Well, the RNC Convention is at Pawlenty's home. So, but if he's not in Dayton, then who knows.
But I also heard Steele talk about Palin as being McCain's choice. Bbandy pretty much had the conversation right a couple posts up.
- August 28, 2008 at 8:02 PM
- Erin said...
Drew, it'll be interesting seeing him go IN his house on live VP watch instead of a victorious exit. Should make for popcorn drama.
- August 28, 2008 at 8:03 PM
- Boltsfan said...
Has anyone heard from Drew? Maybe in a different blog?
- August 28, 2008 at 8:03 PM
- Erin said...
Drew said his next post might be as late as 11:00 tonight.
- August 28, 2008 at 8:04 PM
- drewm02 said...
Oh, yeah, just to clarify...this Drew(me, lulz) and the other Drew aren't affiliated in any way...haha.
- August 28, 2008 at 8:04 PM
- jri111 said...
bbrandy - what time zone are you in?
i'm on the east coast and I've had foxnews on all evening. The last time I saw Steele was about 45 minutes ago on Hannity and Colmbs (when he was interupted by Biden coming out). I haven't seen Brett in a while...
- August 28, 2008 at 8:04 PM
- wk4christ said...
I think his last post said he may not have more info until after 11 PM Eastern or something. We've got a little less than an hour before then, so I guess we've gotta wait a little while longer.
- August 28, 2008 at 8:05 PM
- Marcia said...
hey there - I'm back and caught up. No news from drew lately?
- August 28, 2008 at 8:05 PM
- Boltsfan said...
Patience is a virtue, but I don't think I have anymore
- August 28, 2008 at 8:06 PM
- s.b. said...
I thought it was Palin when the venue to announce the choice was picked as a baketball arena.
Pawlenty is a hockey player. Palin is the basketball star.
Did anyone elese pick up on that?
- August 28, 2008 at 8:06 PM
- bbrandy2002 said...
Im in the EST, but I'm watching online. Its at foxnews.com and then strategy room. Kids won't let me watch regular TV :)
- August 28, 2008 at 8:06 PM
- wvprobst said...
foxnews.com's strategy room. Live streaming video with commentary by different people. It's great! Totally beats TV!
- August 28, 2008 at 8:06 PM
- jri111 said...
ahh i see... thanks
- August 28, 2008 at 8:07 PM
- Night Owl said...
I'm needing a Drew update. True or not, at least it gives me something to think about!
- August 28, 2008 at 8:07 PM
- Students of America said...
Watch this video added to Youtube - Gov. Palin is so down to earth.
This is the video description
I ran into Governor Sarah Palin this evening. I asked her to record a message for Canyon (because he's such a big fan) and she graciously did. Hats off to the first Mother Governor of Alaska! Sarah Palin's words really moved Canyon's heart tonight. They meant a lot to him, and I should have filmed the look on his face when he watched the movie for the first time.
- August 28, 2008 at 8:11 PM
- nevermore916 said...
Oh my god, this suspense is killing me!
I want some more hints as to who is the vp...especially if the hints are pointing towards Palin...
- August 28, 2008 at 8:11 PM
- jri111 said...
rock concert is starting
- August 28, 2008 at 8:12 PM
- Erin said...
With a name like Canyon, she's likely to adopt him...can't wait for Drew's update...may check in later...wish I could get a text message...
- August 28, 2008 at 8:15 PM
- danheister said...
I see Karl Marx Jr. is in front of the Parthenon giving his Messianic address now.
- August 28, 2008 at 8:16 PM
- Boltsfan said...
I have a bumber sticker on my Jeep:
It reads
Obama Marx 08.
Of course between the names are the hammer and cycle.
- August 28, 2008 at 8:20 PM
- bbrandy2002 said...
Not watching the big "O" show, just wondering if God has beamed a shining light down on him yet and declared him the chosen one. :(
- August 28, 2008 at 8:20 PM
- techno said...
on the race 4 2008 blog by Kristofer (62) "Off the AP wire: "Pawlenty said he still plans to be at the Minnesota State Fair on Friday where he's to do his weekly radio show and that he had no plans to fly to Ohio."
- August 28, 2008 at 8:21 PM
- wk4christ said...
Sweet! Things are looking better and better for Palin!
- August 28, 2008 at 8:22 PM


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Environment Waikato has made Environmental Initiative Fund grants to three Waikato schools.
Changes to Environment Waikato's Regional Policy Statement and Plan on geothermal resources will achieve a rational and robust balance between competing Government objectives and local effects, Environment Waikato Councillors heard today.
Environment Waikato has received more than 3,100 submissions on its first draft Long-Term Council Community Plan.
Waikato's Civil Defence Emergency Management Group is concerned that homeowners might consider suing councils for flood damage after major floods, despite the fact that councils are not liable for flooding.
Environment Waikato's Policy Group Manager Jeanette Black has been appointed Chief Executive of South Waikato District Council.
Environment Waikato and Environment Bay of Plenty want compulsory record keeping and reporting on hazardous waste in New Zealand after surveying wastes in the two regions.
Hamilton City Council is working on improving leachate levels at the Horotiu landfill.
Waikato students have asked for more opportunities to get together and work to care for their environment.
Waipa District Council is working to resolve issues with Cambridge's wastewater treatment plant, which does not currently comply with some of its consent conditions.
Environment Waikato wants to know if rural landowners want to toughen up the rules on clearing ragwort and nodding thistle from Raglan and Maramarua/Waiterimu areas.
Environment Waikato and Waitomo District Council staff met with worried coastal home owners and iwi representatives at Mokau earlier this week as erosion of the frontal dunes threatens several houses.
The number of Asian drivers featuring in Waikato fatal crash statistics has increased noticeably in recent years, the Regional Road Safety Subcommittee heard this week.
Environment Waikato's Regional Passenger Transport Subcommittee wants to see more promotion of bus services to major events in the city.
Environment Waikato's Regional Passenger Transport Subcommittee is backing Hamilton City Council's initiative to promote light rail services for the city.


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Theuns Du Preez won a booking to the value of R8100 at Villa Flamenco No. 16
i am very happy as this is the first time i have ever won anything.it is brilliant from sleeping out to give the customer a chance to win his accommodation fee back.i am ex static and will definitely be doing my bookings through sleeping out in the future. thank you very much.
How can you Win Free Accommodation?
From R930 pps
Ray Leitch looks forward to welcoming you to her home. You will receive attention that is warm, friendly and helpful, but not imposed.
Comfort House offers guests superb accommodation on the exclus... Read More
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From R1175* unit
Bay Ridge 55 is a ground floor apartment. It is walking distance from the beach and shops.
The unit sleeps six guests in three bedrooms.
Two of the rooms have double beds and the third room has two ... Read More
From R2700* unit
This new modern furnished, 4 - bedroom apartment sleeps 8 people, 2 - King beds, 2 x 3 Quarter Beds and 2 bunk beds. There are 4 bathrooms; all are en-suite (all with shower). The fully equipped moder... Read More
From R1060* unit
This 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom (shower only) apartment is situated on Ocean Drive. The complex is fenced with electric gates. Complex has direct access ... Read More
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The Atrium is a self-catering apartment in Chakas Rock on the KZN Dolphin Coast. Communal pool in complex. This secure apartment is ideal for 4 people wanting a coastal getaway. It is the perfect plac... Read More
From R1150* unit
Stunning Sea Views
3 Bedroom beach front apartment in Chakas Rock
Secure complex
Communal pool in complex
We do not do bookings for unaccompanied under 25's
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From R1430* unit
Eden Palms Penthouse is a stunning, luxurious and modern self-catering apartment fully equipped to accommodate 4 people (no children under 12 allowed). It has 2 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms with a... Read More
From R1650* unit
This up-market furnished, 4-bedroom apartment sleeps 8 people, 2 queen size beds and 4 single beds. There are 3 bathrooms, 2 are en-suite (one with a bath and the other two with showers). The fully eq... Read More
From R1450* unit
Set in Simbitho Eco Estate, this air-conditioned apartment is stylishly decorated with a balcony. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Ideally suited to solo or business travellers and coup... Read More
From R900* unit
Probably one of the best beach getaways in S.A.
Come relax at this cosy getaway only 15 meters from the beach in close proximity of a tidal pool. We are l... Read More
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Price Range comparison
In order to provide meaningful price comparisons this website compares the Per Person Sharing Rate or, where this is not available, the Average Price Per Person for a unit, based on its maximum occupancy.When Homes and Villas are selected as the search criteria, the full daily rate for the unit is used for price comparison and display irrespective of the number of people the unit sleeps.* This accommodation is only available as a unit. It has been included in these search results as the average price per person based on maximum occupancy falls within the selected price range. However, the price displayed is the full unit price.
North Coast (KZN)
Shaka's RockPotholes must be fixed. Nice beach. - Ernst Van Der Spuy
Shaka's RockJust love it!! - Andre Spykerman
Shaka's RockLovit.will not go anywhere else on vacation to the coast. - Louisa Duarttee
Shaka's RockVery pleasant, will visit again - Fanie Smith
Shaka's RockSafe environment, shops in close proximity - Sheron Kemsley