New People, New Places, New Things. . .

So, we are all in shock and disbelief over John McCain's running mate, Governor Sarah Palin, from Alaska.  As my dad observed, "Why did he pick this bimbo as his running mate?"  Of course, my dad's favorite word of the moment is actually "bimbo".  Of course, we all suspected that McCain was doing his best to court the jilted Hillary Clinton-supporters.  Since the demographic in this group is largely Caucasian women over 50 years, he was wanting to assure some advantage by appealing to them. So, this will make the upcoming campaigning very interesting.  Incidentally, Governor Palin's youngest child also has Down syndrome.  Since many of the children I see in my clinic have Down syndrome, we will see how this factors into voting.  My concern is that parents of children who have Down syndrome may vote for McCain/Palin '08 out of allegiance.  This is not the best choice, when thinking long term for their children.  Republicans are not known for their concern for social programs and supporting all citizens in this country.  Democrats are more likely to channel funding to support education and community programs to benefit all children, especially those who can benefit more.  Now, my boss was commenting on how "unstylish" Governor Palin is, since she wears her hair in a bun and wears glasses.  I mentioned to my boss, "You know, she was apparently a beauty pagent queen".  My boss, who happens to be the lady who wears men's oxfords in various colors and long, khaki skirts in a variety of neutral shades EVERY DAY, replied, "Yeah, but, in Alaska."  Again, my boss is not exactly a fashionista, by any means, so the irony of her criticizing Governor Palin's sense of style is rather hilarious.

So, I was listening to my Launchcast radio while working from home, and I heard some blasts from the past: Ned's Atomic Dustbin, "Grey Cell Green" and Soup Dragons.  It took me back to college, driving around Kansas City in my Oldsmobile with my friends, cruising down Ward Parkway and blasting "Kill Your Television".  I made my first visit to a former SuperSport 24 hour Fitness, that's been downgraded to a Sport gym.  There is actually a "VIP" locker room, that requires a code.  The main difference is that there appears to be granite countertops and pink lockers (vs. rusty blue).