As I am sure you are ALL aware and as excited about as I am, the 2008 season of the Fox TV show, "So You Think You Can Dance" is well under way, with this past week being the first of the top 20 competition. And, of course, thanks to the audition shows and my (un?)healthy, long-standing (I was there from the beginning!) addiction to the show, I've already got a couple favorite dancers and, certainly, a favorite dance of the week.
Fave Dancers:
Twitch Boss - First of all, his name is frickin' awesome. Second of all, his dancing is even cooler than his name.
Will - Don't know his last name, but his solo this week blew me away and he's doing his mentor, Debbie Allen, proud.
Chelsea - Don't know her last name (there are two Chelseas, too, further complicating situation), but she partners with Cris. She has great technique, great stage presence, and legs that are like a mile long, so, of course, I hate her and want to be her at the same time.
Kherrington Payne - No, this isn't the guy from Grease 2 (that's Michael Carrington). This is the blond chick who partners with Twitch and is just really fun to watch.
The part where he comes backwards up off the floor is ridiculous - how does he do that? I love this dance. It reminds me of the stuff Shane Sparks does.
With all the hoopla about Barack and Michelle's "fist bump," one WAAAAAAY more freaky (in a good way) thing that was missed was the "football player ass pat" that Barack gave her after the "fist bump." Yeah, I know, you're all like, "What?!?!" But, for real, yo! Check out the video again and watch as she walks away - he gives her a nice little ass-tastic love pat on her way out! The West Wing is gonna be HOT!
Right around the 0:48 second mark, you can see the ass pat the best.
My good friends Maggie and Ryan tied the knot this past weekend. I'm so happy for them both! Congratulations, you guys - have a great time on the honeymoon!!
Maggie, I think you're probably the only person who will appreciate the video below:
It's on, America! It's on, World! We did it! Barack is in as the presumptive Democratic nominee and he's gonna take the White House - with all of us behind him - in November!! One for all and all for ONE!! The ONE!!!
His victory speech:
It's time for all Americans who want to see our country reach its potential and be the great place it is meant to be, get behind this nominee and make sure that we take back our government and make it truly for the people and by ALL the people, not just a small, self-interested minority at the top.
If you haven't registered to vote yet, do it NOW, please - make sure your voice is heard in November!
p.s. Don't you just LOVE that he gave his victory speech at the same place where the Republicans are going to hold their national convention. Hee hee! Cheeky!
Another cheesy but oh-so-true Obama-can video. My Country, My President - BE PROUD OF WHERE YOU COME FROM, BE PROUD OF WHO REPRESENTS YOU! (I know my other Americans abroad hear me on this one... hahaha! It's been a tough 8 years out here.)
National health care is gearing up to be a big issue in the coming election. As someone who has experienced the health care systems in the States, France, and Japan, I can tell you without hesitation nor exaggeration that the Universal, Nationalized health care system is the best option. How that program is structured varies country to country, but ultimately the sense of security that guaranteed access to affordable health care that comes with nationalized health care is something whose value cannot be over-emphasized.
To get a more thorough (and more interesting) idea of what I'm talking about, check out PBS Frontline's series "Sick Around the World," which explores universal health care systems in five different countries (including Japan). Props to PBS for making the whole series available to watch online for free. Thanks, PBS!
Also, you've probably at least heard of Michael Moore's "Sicko." If you haven't seen it (and I was reluctant to - as much as I love his movies, they can a be a bit much), you absolutely must. The final part of the movie that takes place in Cuba is heart-wrenching and should put all Americans to shame. I cried tears of shame, sadness, and despair mixed with hope: Is there nothing that can help to change America's system for the better? Do so many Americans care so little for others that they don't see the value in providing sufficient basic health care for all of us? What about just covering the basics of those who need and/or deserve coverage the most: kids, veterans, and the elderly. What hope is there for any progress?
I know it's depressing, but it doesn't have to be. It can be a call to action and for change. Support universal health care measures.
And if you're a Californian, vote for any ballot initiative the Governator puts forward that will give people a taste of the benefits of universal coverage, even if it's just for kids. Once people have got a taste for it, they'll see the benefits.
Finally, Democrats Abroad Japan Secretary Linda Gould is in the process of organizing an information campaign that lets us Americans abroad share our real-life experiences with national health care with the Americans back home. Here's a video she did recently that will give you an idea of why I'm such a supporter of universal health care.
