Yes We Can!

The Boston Blairs and Bruce remind you to:

BA-RACK THE VOTE!

WWLDD? (What Would Larry David Do?)

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This Is Funny

In response to last night's debate, the Obama campaign will be releasing this commercial nationally. It's actually funny watching McCain's facial expressions. The last video clip in the commercial says it all too.

Jumbled thoughts on last night's debate...

I want to say a few things about last night's debate, but my mind is pretty jumbled (too many late-night Sox games, not enough caffeine), so let's try a little stream of consciousness:

• First off, the town hall format stunk. As a New Englander, to call that debate a town hall meeting is ridiculous.
• Second, who came up with these rules? You know darn well neither candidate can answer a question in less than 2 minutes, let alone 1. The issues are too complex.
• Surprisingly, Tom Brokaw was disappointing as a moderator. He seemed a little rusty and lost control of the proceedings. I think he was penned in by the debate rules. You could see him becoming frustrated. I wish he had chosen better questions.
• On that note, why can't we debate issues that neither candidate has touched on yet? Aside from the umbrella topic of energy independence, neither candidate has explicitly laid out his plans for scientific funding. That issue matters to me and my job. And what about abortion? That's a big fat elephant in the room. Why can't we let Americans hear whether John McCain stands by his running mate and her desire to overturn Roe v. Wade? The economy, health care, energy independence, Iraq, and Iran are vital issues, but I would like to hear more on other topics of interest.
• If the town hall format was supposed to be John McCain's strength, that's scary. He came across looking very erratic and frazzled, but above all, ANGRY, MEAN and PETULANT. His disdain for Barack Obama is tangible. The McCain camp has come out and said they will not win if this election remains about the issues. Therefore, their only hope is to attack. People at McCain-Palin rallies have actually starting shouting things like "Terrorist!" and "Kill him!" It's true...watch the videos. It's utterly repulsive and John McCain should be embarrassed. Last night, McCain became so concerned with attacking Obama that he neglected to answer many questions.
• The ugliness of his campaign is translating over to McCain's image. Somebody get that man a makeover. And a new haircut (the combover's not working). Last night, McCain looked every bit the 72 year old man. How do you sell yourself as an agent of change when you're that age, you've been in the Senate for 26 years, and you still pine for Ronald Reagan? Which generation are you going after?
• Once again, John McCain did not use the phrase "middle class." Out of touch.
  
• Barack Obama did not knock the ball out of the park last night, but he did well enough to win. At this point, with his growing national lead and his in-roads in traditionally red states, that's all he has to do...protect the lead. Let McCain continue to implode on himself. I thought Sen. Obama rambled a bit more than usual, and he even dodged a few questions, but he gave some nice answers. I particularly liked how he would call on Americans to make sacrifices in these dark times. Let's begin with a green initiative...gas rations, perhaps? Barack Obama's closing statement was also fantastic. He was inspirational and gave me the confidence that he could pull us out of this mess.
  
• Best line of the night: "John, I think the Straightalk Express lost a wheel."
• Second best line: "You're right, John. I don't understand. I don't understand why we're in Iraq..."
• Third best line of the night: "I don't think it's walking softly and carrying a big stick when you sing "Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Iran" or call for the annihilaiton of North Korea."
  
• Worst line of the night: "That one." Are you kidding me?
  
• Where did John McCain go at the end of the debate? My theory -- he has an overactive bladder and had to run to the bathroom. Barack Obama stayed and shook hands with everyone in the hall. He worked the room like Bill Clinton.
  
• Bottom line: Everyone said that McCain needed a game-changing performance. He didn't get it. He didn't even tie. Pundits, independents, most people watching thought he was steamrolled. Barack Obama handled questions on the economy better, he was strong on foreign policy, and he exuded professionalism and confidence.
• That being said:

PS: Shout out to all you Virginians who are carrying Obama to a lead down there! Keep up the good work!

And now....

Enough political talk for today. Let's show an adorable picture of my wife that has been recently unearthed.

Barack Obama's Plan for the Economy

And then take a look at this potential breakdown of your taxes in 2009.

Don't listen to the McCain-Palin position that Barack Obama will raise your taxes. 4 out of 5 Americans will receive a tax cut under Barack Obama's plan. If you make over $600,000, only then will your taxes be raised. That's either simple fairness, or as they say, to those whom much has been given much is expected. For those making between $250,000-600,000, your taxes will remain exactly as they are under the Bush plan. For those making between $111,000-250,000, your taxes will still decrease, just not as much under Obama's as McCain's plan. Notice finally the VAST differences between Obama and McCain's plan for those families earning less than $111,000. For each income bracket, Obama's tax cut will be greater than McCain's. That means Barack Obama want to put more money in your pocket. The choice is clear.

Uh-Oh!

Guess who's #1 in the latest World Soccer Power Rankings: Steven Gerrard and LIVERPOOL!

O Campeones, the one and only, We're Liverpool!

Let's get one thing straight...

There's only one REAL Maverick:

Sarah Palin Debate Flow Chart

Our good friend, Erin Wolf (holla!), sent this image to us. Enjoy!

Thoughts on last night's debate...

Let's begin by saying this...I was disappointed there was no new episode of The Office last night. By Thursday, I need my weekly dose of Michael Scott, and no issue of national significance should stand in the way of my fix. Nevertheless, Bev and I had also been looking forward to the vice presidential debate for some time, and last night's event definitely lived up to the phrase "Must See TV."

We really enjoyed this debate. There was a warmth from both candidates that was mysteriously lacking from the first presidential debate. It's safe to say, too, that both candidates surpassed expectations. The bar was obviously set very low for Sarah Palin following her disastrous interviews with Katie Couric, and you have to say she succeeded by failing to have any moose-in-headlights moments. Likewise, Joe Biden kept his verbosity focused and avoided any foot-in-the-mouth gaffes. That being said, there was one clear winner: Joe Biden. If you look at this debate from an unbiased standpoint (which I'm trying to do), and if you judge each candidate on what they said and how they said it (without considering any pre-conceived expectations on how they would perform), Joe Biden won the debate and is clearly more qualified for the office of vice president. His arguments were clear, direct, and displayed a nuanced understanding of the issues that can only come with experience. Joe Biden's indictments of John McCain's proposed policies, along with their obvious ties to the failed policies of the Bush administration, were also very effective (My personal favorite: "John McCain has been no maverick on the things that matter to people's lives"). Sarah Palin, on the other hand, while well-coached and well-rehearsed, was only comfortable talking about specific issues, as evidenced by her explicit refusal to answer some questions. The answers she did give often meandered and lost their focus. Another thing that disturbed me was Sarah Palin's folksy tone ("Darn right," "You betcha", etc). There is a time and place for this sort of comportment, but on the national stage-- in these dire times -- a folksy tone comes across as a lackof seriousness, an ill understanding, a lame joke. Have we learned nothing from George W. Bush? He has brazenly flaunted his folksy, anti-intellectual attitude, and time and time again he has proven that the executive office requires curiosity and a nuanced understandings of issues. As Sarah Palin herself said last night, "Diplomacy is hard work by serious people." You may want "Joe Sixpack" as your friend, but do you necessarily want that person making decisions that affect the entire world?

On a different note, the most poignant -- and likely most memorable -- moment of last night's debate: Joe Biden emotionally recounting his personal tragedy and relating how he understands what it's like to be a single parent, wondering if everything's going to turn out okay. I'd say a lot of people's opinion of Joe Biden changed with that intimate and telling moment.

One final thought. There's been a lot of attention paid to how Sarah Palin revitalized the McCain campaign. Well, after last night's debate, Bev and I come away with re-energized support and enthusiasm for the Obama-Biden ticket. I would venture to say we're not the only ones feeling this away. For all we can see, Joe Biden is a great man, a great American, and highly-qualified for the office of vice-president. What are your opinions? We'd love to hear!

How would you like to take this class?

Great story. Bates College in Lewiston, ME is offering a class through their history department called "Red Sox Nation: Baseball and American Culture." Also cool, Tufts University offers "Mathematical Analysis of Baseball." Makes me want to go back to school. Kind of. Anyway, makes me think -- what were the most memorable classes you took in college? My all-time favorite was my English class on Alfred Hitchcock, hence the obsession with all things Hitch. I also loved Biochemistry and Principles of Pharmacology, but I'm a nerd like that.

Banned Books Week

In case you didn't know, September 29-October 6, 2008 is Banned Books Week. This is a great week to celebrate the First Amendment (freedom of speech!), intellectual freedom, and the freedom to read any book you choose -- even if (GASP!) that book challenges your worldview. This is also a great week for protest, as a certain vice presidential candidate has repeatedly tried to ban/burn books in Wasilla, Alaska. (Sorry for the aside, but let me get this straight: certain political parties don't want the government to intervene in any part of their lives but are more than to content to pass moral judgements and push laws that would limit intellectual and personal freedoms?) For a nice list of challenged books, browse through this website. I assure you, you'll be surprised by what you see! Happy reading!

Zero

Saying Goodbye to Summer

We're a little late posting pictures from our first jaunt to Cape Cod. Since labor day weekend, the temperatures here in Boston have turned cooler and fall has now arrived. But, alas, we say one final goodbye to another great summer and look ahead to our favorite season!

downtown Falmouth

Falmouth Public Library...I know, impressive right?

Time for Price's birthday brunch at Betsy's diner!

Pinot grapes at the Cape Cod Winery

Venturing towards the coast

it's a beach day

Nobska Lighthouse

beautiful view


Clambake with Price's lab

Lobstah!James, Kamil, Price, and Louisa

breathtaking sunset

relaxing on a 43 ft. sailboat....nice!

An Uplifting Message

SnagFilms

I was alerted to a great website on Monkey See, a blog on NPR.org. The website is called SnagFilms and it offers hundreds of documentaries for free viewing.  You can also "snag" the movies and embed them on your own blog or website.  I haven't had a chance to browse through the offerings, but it looks like there are many full-length PBS and National Geographic documentaries, in addition to documentaries produced by independent filmmakers.  Today, they are highlighting 9/11 documentaries if you're interested.

Triumph the Insult Comic Dog Visits the RNC

Funny stuff.

Part 1:


Part 2 (Even funnier):

Yes We Can!

We've heard enough from the media pundits this past week about how Sarah Palin has energized the GOP base. I didn't think the Democratic base would need energizing considering the broken state of our country, but recent polls might suggest otherwise. Therefore, ponder these phrases and consider how they make you feel:

RISING UNEMPLOYMENT -- MOUNTING NATIONAL DEBT -- DECLINING DOLLAR -- DEREGULATED HOUSING MARKET -- RECORD BANKRUPTCY -- FOUR- DOLLAR GASOLINE -- TRILLION DOLLAR WAR -- RE-EMERGING TALIBAN -- GLOBAL WARMING -- KATRINA -- TORTURE -- INFRINGEMENT ON CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS -- GOVERNMENT REGULATION OF PERSONAL CHOICES

If those phrases, those issues, don't make your blood boil then I won't call you unpatriotic -- that would be too vitriolic, too Rovian -- but I may question your grip on reality. Now think hard: which administration, which political party, has wrought such havoc on our country? The answer's pretty easy. 

No matter what John McCain tries to tell you, he is running as a Republican (not a maverick independent), he has supported George W. Bush's policies over 90 percent of the time, he is complicit in Bush's disastrous record, and he promises 4 more years of similarly horrific policies and results. This election is not about which candidate has a more compelling personal story, which candidate served in the military, or which candidate has more executive experience. This election is about ISSUES. And the fact of the matter is, John McCain has been on the wrong side of every major issue for the last 8 years. It's time for change, and by that, I mean real change -- not failed policies cloaked in the mantle of change. 

Make no mistake about it, this election will shape the direction of our country for many years to come.  If you look around and don't like the direction our country is going, if you look around and don't see the world you envisioned for your children and grandchildren, this is our collective opportunity to change things.  Bev and I urge all of you, wherever you may be -- especially those in the all-important swing-states (read: Virginia) -- GET INVOLVED: donate $5 to the Obama campaign, volunteer to register voters, SPREAD THE TRUTH, expose the lies, STAND UP AND FIGHT FOR WHAT IS RIGHT.

Just stand up to Cancer

Senator Obama's Acceptance Speech at the DNC

Today's Must-Buy

Raine, you can thank me later for pointing these out to you. No more worrying about losing that special flask at Tech football games.

We wish we had tickets!

We are probably the last to know, but how cool is it that Barack Obama is holding a town meeting tonight in the EC Glass gymnasium?! What I wouldn't give for a ticket! Bev and I spent the morning trying to decide whether this means he'll choose Tim Kaine as his running mate or whether it's all a big head-fake and he's really going with Joe Biden. Anyway, this seems as good a time as ever for the Boston Blairs to give our official endorsement to Barack Obama. Big surprise, right? It's no secret that this country needs change and a shot of youthful idealism to overcome the cynical, elitist nightmare of the last 8 years. Obama is the candidate to restore pride, respect, and democratic ideals in this country, and that's why we proudly support him for president in 2008!

He's Back!

Just in time for the home-stand series against the Yankees this weekend.

Go Papi!

An Exciting July

It's been a while since our last post, but Bev and I have been enjoying a whirlwind July. For the 4th of July weekend, we were happy to have Erin and Jay come visit. As always, we had a fun time howlin' at the moon with the Wolfs. In the morning we did our patriotic duty and heard the Declaration of Independence read from the balcony of the Old State House.

It was a DD kind of morning!

Later that afternoon, Bev and Erin put together a 4th of July spread that would make Paula Deen proud (deviled eggs, green bean salad, fresh berry trifle!), while Price and Jay grilled Brats and competed in their 2nd Annual Urban Bocce tournament (this time held in the Boston Common). That evening, we rolled ourselves to the Charles River and managed to catch a few fireworks before the humidity and the smoke bank ruined the fun.

Note to self: don't watch the fireworks from the Cambridge side.

On Saturday, we headed down to Quincy to see the birthplace and home of John Adams. After seeing the fantastic HBO miniseries, Mr. and Mrs. Adams have become our new obsession.

The Farmer Patriot

Woops, we must remember the ladies, too!

Peacefield was beautiful and we enjoyed seeing all the original artifacts still housed there, including the china set which was used to entertain Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, and virtually every other founding father. We wish we had had more time to tour the grounds, but we happened to be the last tour on the busiest day in the park's history. Oh well, good excuse to go back after we read David McCullough's book.

What a house!


Yes, those are the same reenactors in the PBS American Experience DVD.

The following weekend, Bev and I traveled to VA for Rick's surprise 60th birthday party. What a great time! The look on Rick's face when we surprised him at breakfast was priceless, and we think he was even more surprised that evening.

Surprise!

Carol went all out (as always!) and filled all 75 guests' stomachs with BBQ, potato salad, slaw, Mexican dip, and vanilla icing-covered pretzel sticks. There was even a keg of Heineken that was dangerously cold and dangerously good on a hot VA night. In true Blanderson style, the party got a little crazy as the clock ticked toward midnight. Herman turned on the strobe light, a dance circle formed, and certain people (no names) tested the laws of gravity at the keg. The rest, as they say, is up to your imagination.

Carol cuttin' a rug. Now if only that guy would stop stepping on her feet.


These guys look like they're up to no good.

At least some people stayed responsible.

We were sad to leave Lynchburg, but we came away with some great memories. These days, there's nothing more satisfying to Bev and me than spending quality time with our families.

Awww, Lady.


The Ladies Blair.


Mom's house looked gorgeous!

When we made it back to Boston, we were lucky enough to avoid work and spend lots of time with Carter and Richard. We had a whole lot of fun touring the city, jamming out to Guitar Hero, and eating out at some great restaurants (Some nameless Italian restaurant with to-die-for ravioli, The Gelateria, The Paramount, Border Cafe, Lizzy's Ice Cream). Yummers! Price and Richard also perfected a personalized fist-bump and worked on their boy band dance routine. We hope they can come back again soon!

You should be dancing, YEAH!

Greatest. Invention. Ever.

Ever think to yourself, "Why didn't I think of that?" Why not combine your love for the swimming pool with your love of Beirut? Ladies and gentlemen, I give you, Poolside Pong.

It's inflatable and it comes with a tote. I think I can definitely convince Bev to let me bring this to Aruba. She's a sucker for a tote.

Our June Getaway

Some time has passed since our trip to Cincinnati, but we have to share some pictures. We had all the fun we expected and more. I've determined that family time these days is just about the best thing there is, so maybe we need to make this an annual event? Before I get ahead of myself, here is the weekend in a glance.

Friday - Game 1: Reds 3, Red Sox 1

Walking to the ballpark

Storm clouds threatening

Masterson in the windup

The storms held off for the fireworks!

Saturday - Game 2: Reds 4, Red Sox 6

Day 2 started with a visit to the Bodies exhibition at the Union Terminal museum hall. If you ever find yourself near this traveling exhibit, we highly recommend it!


Outside Union Terminal.


We found Dad's dedication brick outside the ballpark.

We had a great view during this game! The US Army's Birthday was being honored at this game (June 14, 1775), and it was our 5th wedding anniversary!


Dad and Blake busted out the rally caps in the 9th inning. Thanks to Youk, the Sox pulled through with a win, but it was a close game!

Sunday - Game 3: Reds 0, Red Sox 8

Sunday we brought our sign to the game. We worked all weekend on this baby, so we hope Don and Jerry (the Rem-dawg) saw it.
The weather was beautiful for this early afternoon game. Hi Ellsbury!
Beckett pitched a great game, 8 full innings.We had fun celebrating Father's Day with Dad!
The Ohio River from the ballpark.