Seen and heard from the most progressive part of the country...

I kid you not. This shirt was for sale in one of the stores in Bar Harbor, ME. I saw it and just had to take a picture! The interesting part? While they had lots of t-shirts and magnets and the usual anti-Bush paraphenelia mixed with the usual tourist-y goodies, there wasn't an anti-Democrat, non-progressive item to be found. Ah, it seems as if this liberal has found a perfect vacation spot!! :-)

Miscellaneous Monday Mutterings

First off, a happy Monday, Monday to you and yours, courtesy of the Mama's and Papa's.


Did you know that this week is the Eat Local Localvore Challenge? Join local bloggers Green Tuna and Mensch71 as we all participate.

In case you missed it, the Michigan Policy Summit was a great time and an incredible experience! There's quite a bit about it over at MichLib.

Are you a state employee worried about your job with the looming government shutdown thanks to Mike Bishop and his band of not-so merry Republicans? Be sure to stop by MichLib sometime after 10 a.m. today for some laughs and learn about a brand new contest designed just for you!

If you thought Mondays were particularly bad, let's hope it's not any worse than what the guys over from Office Space had to put up with -


But if you're looking for a new TV addiction this fall, be sure to check out one of my favorite comedies - The Office. Here's a teaser of the new season that starts in three weeks!

Friday Funny - Markos v. Stephen Colbert

When it comes to politics and comedy, nothing says funny like Stephen Colbert.

Tie that in with my awesome experience at the YearlyKos Convention two weeks ago, and you've got yourself one heck of a package.

Markos Moulitsas is the founder of DailyKos, and not just a visionary but a real great guy to hang out with. Despite Bill O'Reilly's grandeur illusions about what DailyKos really is, it's a community of people, might like MichiganLiberal, who just care about their country and work together to make it a better place.

Today's funny is a clip from The Colbert Report with Markos as a guest. Watch and laugh along, especially towards the end.

Humor: The Best Medicine

Living in the middle of Politics Central, Michigan, I know that there are days when we could all use a little more humor in our lives. I think too many folks here in Lansing take themselves too seriously, and that it's a trait not necessarily reserved just to those in government and politics.

Why does humor exist but to help us through this crazy thing called Life?

Wouldn't life be a little more tolerable if we all laughed a little more?

As a blogger, one of my more notable trademarks is my use of snark, or witty sarcastic humor. I find that the more frustrating moments of politics are usually best dealt with through snarkiness. I like to think of it as a healthy, humorous outlet for my frustration, and much physically safer than banging my head against a wall or shouting at the computer/TV/newspaper.

There's also plenty of well-documented health benefits to humor. For instance:

reduce stress lower blood pressure elevate mood boost immune system improve brain functioning	protect the heart connect you to others foster instant relaxation make you feel good.

and this is just to name a few from this fantastic resource.

If it's humor sources you're looking for, here's a good list to start with.

• Michigan native, nationally-known comedian, and my former neighbor, John Heffron
• One of the funniest TV shows on two continents - The Office, and check out the dry British version
• Michigan funny lady and long time snarky blogger - Jamelah
• Two of my most favorite recent blog posts deserving high snark awards at Honest Errors and WizardKitten.
  

So do yourself, your friends, your co-workers, and your body a favor - laugh a little more and enjoy yourself, life's too short!

When Good Squirrels Go Republican

This is what happens when renegade squirrels, possibly Blackwater-trained squirrels, discover LucyLand, and the single, important wire that connects LucyLand to the Tubes of the Internets.

Although you may think me off my rocker, the Comcast Guy did confirm that my lack of access to the Tubes these last couple days has been caused by one of these furry little fiends who decided to chomp through my cable line. I'm the second such casualty this week, according to the very-trust-worthy Comcast Guy.

This news, coupled with a certain MI-GOP Chairman's silence on MichLib, and too much time spent trying to catch up to the massive amounts of emails from my absence, lead me to one conclusion - the Michigan Republicans are using trained squirrels to block the highly effective efforts of Michigan's liberal bloggers on said Tubes of the Internets.

Yes, that's really the only explanation that makes sense. :-)

The Running of the Cheese, yes, you heard me right

File Under: Humorous things from across The Pond and Cheese
What's this, you ask?

That would be the Cheese Rolling 2007 Event, from Gloucestershire, England.

I kid you not.

This tip received by a friend who fills a void in my life by passing along stories that either
A) make me laugh or
B) have to do with Cheese.

You see, I have a small addiction to cheese. Most any flavor from around the world (strangely minus Swiss, I prefer their chocolate to their cheese) not only makes me sigh with happiness but also seems to set off a Pavlov's Dog-type of reaction. I see cheese, and I desire it. It's quite sad really, but I look at it as helping to keep the cheesemakers of the world employed.

But back to the Cheese Rolling - it happens every year, as it has for hundreds of years. Competitors chase after 7-8lbs wheel of Gloucestershire cheese down a steep hill. First one to the finish line wins, period.

To see how truly outrageous this event really is, be sure to check out the video from our friends at the BBC, and be prepared to gape, guffaw, and laugh your way through it. Then stop by the BBC page (you'll have to scroll down a bit) and check out all three videos.

It's a jolly good thing those chaps have universal health care!

Diggin the 'Toons...

Not only is Mike Ramsey a good friend and fellow blogger, as most of you have figured out, I think he's a brilliant cartoonist. With my interest in UK politics, I particularly enjoyed his cartoon today.

Cartoon: Lapdog by Mike Ramsey

Ain't that the truth!

An Update, a Funny, a New Song and Blog

Things in my personal life have been in flux lately. Some incredible highs, and some others not so high. The next two weeks will be a little crazy, in part because I'm moving to a new part of Lansing, but plenty of things are happening that just keep life interesting.

I'm sitting here with the window open, a gentle cool breeze rolling in as the rain softly falls. I'm a sucker for the smell of a fresh spring rain. It reminds me that while life has its more difficult moments, there's still so many good things out there, and so much worth fighting for. So here's a mix-match of things that are making me smile today. Here's hoping they do the same for you!

1) A very funny web video by comedian Will Ferrell. A friend dropped it in my lap today and I nearly cried I laughed so hard. Be sure to check out The Landlord, but in full disclosure, the clip has a four-letter word or two and merits a PG-13 rating.

2) A cool new blog - Fight for the Future by Battle Creek City Councilman Ryan Hersha. A very smart friend of mine once remarked that every politician should have a blog so we all knew how they really felt about issues that mattered to us. With my obvious level of blogging bias, I agree. Hersha's blog is a great example of open, honest dialog on various issues affecting his district and the state, and frankly, I think this is a great example for other politicians to follow. Stop by, check it out, and take a page from Hersha's book - it just might help make our state a better place to live, learn, and play.

3) An excellent song - My life is music. A former musician, every significant moment of my life has a song associated with it. When I blog, exercise, cook, clean, work and sometimes even sleep, music is by my side. If you want a fun song, that I guarrantee 99% of you have never heard of but 100% of you will enjoy - check out Everybody's Free (to Wear Sunscreen) (2007 Mix) by Quindon Tarver. The original version of the song was on the soundtrack of the brilliant 1996 film by Baz Lurhmann - Romeo + Juliet.
This song with great music and spoken word will make you think, smile, laugh and reflect on your days of yore. The full album is available for download on iTunes, and you can download a single of the song on Rhapsody here. Download it, listen to it, and tell me what you think!

How the Republicans Knocked My Socks Off and Other Dazzling Displays of Talent

Dear Michigan Republicans:

I wanted to take a moment out of my night to thank you for bringing out your All-Stars for tonight's State of the State address. I didn't really expect such an amazing performance but you really surprised me. I figured that without Sikkema's screaming diatribes at the podium, it'd be oatmeal and stale toast from here on out. Tonight I stand fully admitting how wrong I was.

Among my favorite moments from tonight's performance -

Bishop the Mad Scribbler - Man, that guy can take down notes like nobody's business. I think I might give him a call next time I head out to a live-blog. Every time the camera caught him (did he know it was being broadcast?) he was writin' like it was his job.
While we're on him, how's he feeling? He was clapping awfully slow, and it looked really painful. Maybe his jacket was too tight?
Helpful suggestions for improved performance:

• Hire aide
• Use Communications staff
• Hit record on VCR/DVD player

The Peanut Gallery - Let me tell you, your guys and gals should be up for an Oscar or two. They didn't crack a single smile during some of the most uplifting and cost-cutting measures the Governor could throw your way. Stalwarts, absolute rocks free of any emotion. When the rest of the Chamber (and state) was on their feet, pumping their fists up and down and applauding, your team was holding tight, stiff in their seats, nary a smile to be found. I can only imagine what kind of training and years of angry thoughts that has to take. Hope that after you're back in the barracks later tonight you'll be sure to give them a gruff "Nice work team!" Solemnness like that deserves to be rewarded.

Helpful Suggestions for Improved Performance: None, you definitely wrote the book on this one.

Boy George - I could have sworn Tom George (M.D.) just got done milking Bessie and came in for a quick peanut butter and banana sandwich before running down to the Five and Dime for the latest Archie and Veronica comic. I was expecting your response to be the traditional fight fire with fire ala the Old Testament, but you guys really turned the other cheek and skipped right to the New Testament on this one, eh? Hmm, interesting concept you've started here, fight fire with...milk toast? Silly me, I always thought someone like Tom had a personality and speaking voice for children's books on tape, but I see now that clearly he was the B.E.S.T. choice for your response piece. You are so right, with this fiscal crisis of ours started by your boys Ken and Craig, the B.E.S.T plan really is to put up another recycling plant.
Helpful Suggestions for Improved Performance:

• Consider skipping the See Spot Run series and move straight to recording Beatrix Potter, Tom's voice would make a killer Peter Rabbit.
• Ditch the jacket and tie for a fuzzy yellow sweater. Nothing says recycling plants like a yellow sweater.
• Keep up with the original acronyms. B.E.S.T. is a great start. Amazing what a medical degree does for the creative process huh?

Thanks again for making it such a memorable night. I look forward to the next dazzling display by your All-Star Team.

All the best,

Liberal Lucy

On the Road Again...

Many thanks to Willie Nelson for providing the perfect lead-in for today's post. :-)

If the ground was green and the flowers were out, I'd say that I was heading to Wine Country, but given the many inches of white stuff on the ground and the need for many layers, I'd say I'm headed to Snow Country.

That's right. I'll be traveling across this great state of ours for a good part of the day, and I'll be sure to check in later this afternoon after I arrive. I'm not quite sure how I'll ever survive because I just discovered that my lodgings don't include a facility with internet connection *gasp, shudder*. Thanks to my Uber-Dork phone and my day-time accommodations, I have a feeling that nothing will come between me and The Tubes. :-)

I had a sinking feeling that I needed to have the LucyMobile checked out before my trip, and I'm glad I did. After taking it to one of Lansing's finest shops for a going-over with a fine tooth comb, and a lot of money later, I'm the proud owner of a new S-belt. The daughter of one of the Automobile Industry's Hardest Workers, you'd think my car knowledge would be a little more extensive than it is. Unfortunately it is not. Here's how car repairs figure in my mind...

Something Broke = $$$

...and that's about it.

Needless to say, with the wallet a bit lighter, the plastic a bit more worn, and a few more frequent flyer miles banked, I should be okay.

Staying true to my Mitten roots, I'll stay well-nourished today thanks to one of Michigan's finest delicacies. Pop it in the oven, wrap it in foil and eat and enjoy while I'm on the road. Mmm!!!

Enjoy the day, the snow, the cold, the beauty of it all, and think good travel thoughts for me. If you're lucky, I may even snap some photos of the Great White North and add them to my favorite Michigan photo pool.

Happy Trails!

Blog o' the Day - Pohlitics

It's been a while, so I thought it was only fitting to bring back the Blog o' the Day feature back with my morning favorite - Pohlitics.

We all have morning habits. Mine happens to include reading the daily "Outside it's America" post from Zack. It's literally the Morning Roundup of all Michigan liberal Blogs.

Zack reads all the latest posts, and then summarizes and recommends his favorites each morning. I never cease to get excited when a post from LLP makes it on there. Here's the first time we made it big on Pohlitics, and I'll never forget how excited I was.

Don't be fooled into thinking that Pohlitics is just a morning round-up. If you are a missing a little humor in your life, check out one of his regular funnies, as they are sure bring a chuckle or two.

Always setting the bar high, Zack continues to expand his website, and since the creation of Mr. Rogers' Watch, he's helping everyone in the 8th Congressional District keep tabs on wily Mike Rogers with his aptly-named Rogers Probe.

Take it from this liberal, Pohlitics is not only about to be your favorite morning destination, but it's one-stop-shopping for everything progressive happening on the Michigan blogosphere. Do yourself a favor and stop by today!

From Cruise Director to Chief of Protocol?

My reputation as Cruise Director of the Michigan Liberal Blogosphere has become widely known, and will continue to grow as my Outreach duties grow (see the morning post on MichLib).

For those of you looking around for the Carnival ship, put your binoculars down. No ship, well at least not yet. :-)

It's been a running joke now for a couple months, as I seem to find myself the social butterfly/gatherer of bloggers/connector between bloggers. It's a role I love, because it gives me the opportunity to stay in touch with such a diverse and richly-talented group of individuals who are similarly driven to keep our state great. (If you want proof, check out the blogroll to the right)

This evening as I was prepping the morning's post, I had a chat with MichLib frequenter Count VonBob. The Count and I were musing over my ever-growing role, more formally known as the Outreach Coordinator. That's when he suggested the perfect goal for me - Chief of Protocol, and sent me to Wikipedia.

Hmm...Chief of Protocol. As a girl who always reaches for the stars, I decided to poke my nose around the CoP's office and see if the digs suited me. That's when I discovered the top 5 duties

1. Plan and execute detailed programs for foreign leaders visiting the President and accompany them during their official travel in the United States, including their visit with the President at the White House.

2. Accompany the President on all official visits abroad; coordinate planning with the White House advance office, the First Lady's staff and host country officials.

3. Make arrangements for and accompany delegations named by the President to represent him at inaugurals, funerals, weddings, Independence Day celebrations, and similar ceremonies abroad.

4. Certify and pay the expenses of the foregoing and other diplomatic activities authorized by Congress.

5. Oversee the accreditation of foreign Ambassadors and organize the presentation of their credentials to the President and the Secretary of State.

Well, the more I think about it, it's not too different from my volunteer duties as Cruise Director. Of course, then I stumble upon #4 and that nonsense about "certify and pay the expenses".

Mayday!!

I may not earn much (i.e. nothing!) as Cruise Director, but I'll be damned if I'm paying for chocolate mints on a pillow and $400 bottles of wine for someone else to eat and drink.

Well, so much for that idea. Looks like it's back to the shuffleboard deck for me. Besides, muscles like these shouldn't be wasted on just anybody.

A Laugh from South of the Border...

(Courtesy of the Toledo Blade)

Many thanks to Patrick for providing this link on yesterday's post. You can never have too many reasons to laugh in a day.
If any of you would ever like to share a funny, a thought, or vent, you're welcome too right here at LLP. You are what keeps LLP great!

Twas the Night Before the Election....

I'm tired.
Bone-tired.
My mind and my body, both, need this election to be over.
Tomorrow morning I'll wake up and head to the polls first thing to avoid the rush (or will I be walking into it?)
Because then I've got a full day afterwards, with an even fuller evening.
Tomorrow, I'll be headed down to Detroit.
I'm going to be wrapping up campaign season with one final live-blogging exclusive from Governor Granholm and Sen. Stabenow's Victory Party at the Renaissance Center. I wouldn't miss it for the world. This time, I'm bringing the camera to upload pictures as I go!

But before tomorrow, there's still tonight. I believe we could all use a good laugh. So it is in that spirit (and because I'm so tired) that I pass this along. Enjoy!

Political Science for Dummies

DEMOCRATIC	You have two cows. Your neighbor has none. You feel guilty for being successful. Barbara Streisand sings for you.
REPUBLICAN	You have two cows. Your neighbor has none. So?
SOCIALIST	You have two cows. The government takes one and gives it to your neighbor. You form a cooperative to tell him how to manage his cow.
COMMUNIST	You have two cows. The government seizes both and provides you with milk. You wait in line for hours to get it. It is expensive and sour.
CAPITALISM, AMERICAN STYLE	You have two cows. You sell one, buy a bull, and build a herd of cows.
BUREAUCRACY, AMERICAN STYLE	You have two cows. Under the new farm program the government pays you to shoot one, milk the other, and then pours the milk down the drain.
AMERICAN CORPORATION	You have two cows. You sell one, lease it back to yourself and do an IPO on the 2nd one. You force the two cows to produce the milk of four cows. You are surprised when one cow drops dead. You spin an announcement to the analysts stating you have downsized and are reducing expenses. Your stock goes up.
FRENCH CORPORATION	You have two cows. You go on strike because you want three cows. You go to lunch and drink wine. Life is good.
JAPANESE CORPORATION	You have two cows. You redesign them so they are one-tenth the size of an ordinary cow and produce twenty times the milk. They learn to travel on unbelievably crowded trains. Most are at the top of their class at cow school.
GERMAN CORPORATION	You have two cows. You engineer them so they are all blond, drink lots of beer, give excellent quality milk, and run a hundred miles an hour. Unfortunately they also demand 13 weeks of vacation per year.
ITALIAN CORPORATION	You have two cows but you don't know where they are. While ambling around, you see a beautiful woman. You break for lunch. Life is good.
RUSSIAN CORPORATION	You have two cows. You have some vodka. You count them and learn you have five cows. You have some more vodka. You count them again and learn you have 42 cows. The Mafia shows up and takes over however many cows you really have.
TALIBAN CORPORATION	You have all the cows in Afghanistan , which are two. You don't milk them because you cannot touch any creature's private parts. You get a $40 million grant from the US government to find alternatives to milk production but use the money to buy weapons.
IRAQI CORPORATION	You have two cows. They go into hiding. They send radio tapes of their mooing.
POLISH CORPORATION	You have two bulls. Employees are regularly maimed and killed attempting to milk them.
BELGIAN CORPORATION	You have one cow. The cow is schizophrenic. Sometimes the cow thinks he's French, other times he's Flemish. The Flemish cow won't share with the French cow. The French cow wants control of the Flemish cow's milk. The cow asks permission to be cut in half. The cow dies happy.
FLORIDA CORPORATION	You have a black cow and a brown cow. Everyone votes for the best looking one. Some of the people who actually like the brown one best accidentally vote for the black one. Some people vote for both. Some people vote for neither. Some people can't figure out how to vote at all. Finally, a bunch of guys from out-of-state tell you which one you think is the best-looking cow.
CALIFORNIA CORPORATION	You have millions of cows. They make real California cheese. Only five speak English. Most are illegals. Arnold likes the ones with the big udders.