Tomorrow is the big day! I can't imagine what it is like right now at and around the Capitol. Some may find this helpful:

Inaugural Event Viewing Schedule.


and one of many articles read this evening- a refresher on Lincoln's speech,which the phrase,"A New Birth of Freedom" taken from it is the theme to this inauguration.

The Huffington Post 1/19/09 Nico Pitney


[box]Barack Obama will be sworn in as president just days before the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth, and his inauguration theme will reflect the timing: "A New Birth Of Freedom," a phrase from the Gettysburg Address.

From Lincoln's speech:

The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
From the press release announcing the theme from Sen. Dianne Feinstein, chair of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies:

"A New Birth of Freedom" commemorates the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. The words come from the Gettysburg address, and express Lincoln's hope that the sacrifice of those who died to preserve the nation shall lead to "a new birth of freedom" for our nation.


The inaugural theme, which was selected by Senator Feinstein and the members of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, will be woven through the inaugural ceremonies. The theme is traditionally linked to a major anniversary, and in her announcement Senator Feinstein spoke of the appropriateness of the chosen theme to our present day circumstances, particularly in light of the historic election of Senator Barack Obama.

In addition to Senator Feinstein, the members of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies include: Senator Bob Bennett, Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee; Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid; Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi; House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer; and House Republican Leader John Boehner.

"At a time when our country faces major challenges at home and abroad, it is appropriate to revisit the words of President Lincoln, who strived to bring the nation together by appealing to 'the better angels of our nature'," Senator Feinstein said. "It is especially fitting to celebrate the words of Lincoln as we prepare to inaugurate the first African-American president of the United States."

"On January 20, as President-elect Obama takes the oath of office, he will look across the National Mall toward the Lincoln Memorial, where the sixteenth president's immortal words are inscribed. Although some inaugural traditions have changed since Lincoln's time, the swearing-in ceremony continues to symbolize the ideals of renewal, continuity, and unity that he so often expressed."
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Of the many sites I visit on a daily basis, there is one that I have been addicted to fairly recently.

I love electronics and technology, and with all of my viewing and auditory experience over the past 1.5 years with blu-ray amongst various home theater equipment, it was a pleasure to be introduced to blu-ray.com It is replete with information about upcoming movie (theater, dvd, blu-ray)" releases, news, guides, and forums covering Blu-ray movies, players, recorders, drives, media, software and much more". It is within the forums that I have spent much of my time reading and contributing my thoughts. Depending on the forum topic, the information is wise and learn-worthy or a bunch of artificial fluff. Plenty to sift through, but seems like there is something for everyone.

Outside of equipment, I'm keen on reading about movies. I would like to discuss movies outside of PQ and AQ, but I've yet to find something deeply and cerebral-ly engaging. Well, I am delightfully able to discuss movies with my boyfriend to various depths, and so that makes the film experience that much better in my opinion, but I would like to find that among a bunch of strangers online, in a forum or something along those lines as well. Something that I can contribute to whether it is writing my thoughts or simply reading others. I know where to go for book analysis and reviews, but what about movies, of varying genre and subtleties? I don't want it to be restricted to "she's hot, he's hot" etc (much like my last post about Top Gun, ha). I want to probe deeper..

In short, I fondly recall the various film classes I took in college. It was great to think critically about movies, the production, cinematography, style and story elements, etc. We'd talk about it, write about it, work on projects that emphasized these thoughts.

and that is what I want to recapture...

any thoughts?


Ok, peeps, stay warm, start your cars, check your furnace and water pipes and cuddle close under blankets with your SO and/or pets (my kitties!!!).brrrrrr!

PS. Anyone else perpetually amused that the temps are logged within each post header? anyone? haha :)

hahahahaha

I just watched, Top Gun. Probably the first time since it came out in the mid eighties.

My memory of it was that I thought it was total cheese.

and yeh, to a degree, it still is. The first half for sure.

But it is also sooooo much better that I remember. Particularly with the right video/picture and audio quality. Particularly with all the eye candy-- all the yummy men. Oh so rare for a flick. Rare that the girls have something to really gawk at. I was but ten years old when it came out. Not that I didn't appreciate a cute boy/guy in life or in a movie, but I can finally appreciate what all the elder woman folk were drooling about. Volleyball scene, anybody? Locker room? Man in towel with well outlined man-bits? Haha.
Not one for Tom Cruise, but he was looking nice as well as all the other half, (1/3 ?) dressed fellas. Val Kilmer too.

The second half of the movie had me tense and excited at times. I was squeezing my BFs hand through some of the flight shots.

Gotta love the sound track too, woo!


That is all.

ack, my apartment is so dry that I am constantly zapping myself and my poor kitties. They come up to me for a rub down, and they get shocked instead. Upper 20% to mid 30% is the best I can do without taking some action.

I have a humidifier but I somehow lost a part, so I'll be looking to buy another one if only just for my bedroom - likely a warm air vaporizer this time. I had a larger cool mist one, but I brought it over to my bf's recently and I'm likely going to keep it there. Thought I'd make everywhere I hang out comfortable!

Other ideas include placing bowls of water around the house to allow evaporation. My felines will enjoy having several water choices. Also, boiling a pot of water on the stove then turning it way down and allow the steam to fill the air is another. Some people hang up their fresh washed clothes around the room to dry hence adding moisture to the air. Not sure if I am that motivated or patient enough to look at the clutter. My laundry area is in the basement and although I often hang stuff up to dry, it is visually out of the way. I'd have to bring the load upstairs and find somewhere to hang everything. Looking at it might drive me crazy, yet for a sizable boost on my hydrometer read out, it may well be worth it.

Was else? What more ideas are there to boost the humidity levels in a house? Keep shower water in bathtub for awhile? I'm really curious about new and creative ways to boost humidity levels- to feel more comfortable and to help the house. Not only does this help the area feel warmer it is important for the health of your furniture and house structure. Keeps wood healthy.

alright.. off to figure all this out. Stay warm! :)

Wow, another year over.

A lot of changes, for the better occurred in my life this past year. A lot of learning and and growing. Much to be thankful for and much to still think about. Soon, as with previous years posts, a 'year in review' to be posted. Right now, a quick post to wish all of you a Happy New Year.

While I feel a tug of desire to head out to the 24 this evening, my plan for this evening is to go to my bf's house. I wasn't sure what the plans might be until recently. As was determined last week, he will have his son, who is three, staying over tonight. Father duties which I respect and admire; and so I want to be with them. I can't imagine bringing in the new year not beside my wonderful bf. These are our first holidays and such and so it is so great, comforting and enjoyable to share in these new firsts together. He is my best friend on top of it, so no matter what we do, we tend to have fun. Although I'm quite sure he would insist that I go meet up with all of you, it is an evening I want to share with him and the little one, in whatever way we celebrate/not celebrate. I think I will buy a bottle of champagne and a few noise makers and perhaps whatever else looks fun/creative to add to the repertoire.

I don't foresee anything changing, but if it does, we'll be there.
I'm eager for all of you to meet.

I haven't seen many of you in a long long time. This year has been bizarre in many ways, and I intend to be better at catching up with all the people I care about. That's you, (e:peeps), even those I haven't met yet! So, more gatherings, coffee conversations and such are mandatory!
(e:pyrcedgrrl) lives back in buffalo for several months now, and I have only been to her place twice. Timing, choices and circumstances have kept me closer to home rather than the usual adventuring I do. I think I have my first "resolution" :)

Anyway, I must go, much to do today.

Stay warm, stay safe, have fun, take loads of pictures and post ASAP!

Cheers, my friends!

~carey


(e:ladycroft), call meeeeeeeeeeee!