The Tree

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Anticipation...

It's about 1:30 AM Mountain time (where we're spending this Christmas with family) and--although I've been very tired because of our travel out this way--I woke up to get a drink, and check on Christmas' progress. There's a light new dusting of snow outside, and a plethora of presents resting under the Christmas tree!

It's a white Christmas (regardless of your definition), and now I must figure out something to do until the little kids wake everyone else up ...

I'll keep you posted as things develop, but for now, Merry (early) Christmas!

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E.R.B. Annual Report: 2008

We tried to email this out to everyone -- but just in case you didn't get it:

Read/download our Annual Report here.

And, send us your email to be included in future updates =)
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year!

We made the A-List/Politico ???

So this post is horribly belated. After much procrastination and some neglect/forgetfulness, we wanted to tell you about a fun evening we had a few weeks back.

We spent part of one evening searching for ugly sweaters, and then wearing those sweaters to a holiday party hosted by some friends of ours. There was quite the turnout of style, including some shout-outs to Hanukkah and a full Santa suit (complete with beard).

...but little did we know that the group was being watched...

Turns out, the gathering made Politico's/Mike Allen's "Playbook" for the day. (Relevant passages quoted below, taken from its permalink (be sure to click "Read All" if you visit this page.))

--The A-list GOPosse showed strong for the “5th Annual Crappy-Christmas & Heinous-Hanukkah Sweater Party” in a white tent in an Arlington yard, with part of a Santa costume tossed on the roof. (One of the Santas was swilling Korbel through his rented white beard.) Mike Neal, who’s among the founders (11 hosts this year), gets the RECIDIVISM AWARD for his annual zip-up red holiday vest that would be a hit in any bingo parlor. Special category: “3-D Sweaters,” festooned with ornaments and such [[ed.note: just sayin', but we think we were the only ones with ornaments attached to our sweaters.]] By the time we got there, Jay was down to a T-shirt promising, “Nice Jewish Boy!” Actual Nice Jewish Boy Rob had a hooded red, snowflake-bedecked number that he planned to burn in order to determine the “fiber” composition. Ryan Haddad sported antlers. When we left in the wee hours, Brian was closing but the party wasn’t. There was talk of rallying to Atlantic City, but debate about who would drive.

SPOTTED: April “The Goldstein” Goldstein, asking Santa for a Playbook shout-out.

OVERHEARD: Sarah Sendek, explaining her brother’s failed Uncle Eddy costume to his buddies when he was inside.

ALSO OVERHEARD: “You won’t bring jobs to unemployed Republicans? YOU’RE not the real Santa.”

So there you go!

some TEDTalks Videos

Pick "Player 7" or "Player 8" to bring up the video.


Just.Darn.Amazing.


If you can get past the wheezing and the comedy, some interesting thoughts on education and creativity.

A Letter from Jill

From: Jill
To: You
Subject: At this season of giving, a personal request

Dear Friend,

As you may know, I work for the American Red Cross and I'm writing to ask for your help, but I want you to know why I have fallen in love with this great organization and maybe help you fall in love too.

Within days of joining the American Red Cross, I heard firsthand accounts of our work in China, and I saw the efforts to help people rebuild and recover from a powerful earthquake that impacted millions of lives. Nothing could have prepared me for the images and stories. The most heartbreaking sight was at a primary school, where a young girl described the terror of losing her brother and friend. It hit me at that moment that I wasn't just looking at pictures of destruction; I was looking at broken lives. Lives we can help to rebuild.

Since I joined the Red Cross in July, I have watched employees and volunteers respond to a multitude of disasters. In addition to a barrage of hurricanes (Dolly, Fay, Hannah, Gustav and Ike) we've had widespread floods and devastating wildfires.

Volunteers have staffed our shelters and provided meals, mental health counseling, and community outreach into disaster stricken areas. I've witnessed the impact that we have as we work to restore dignity and a sense of hope for the victims of these disasters. I've never been so proud to be part of an organization.

This year, an unprecedented number of disasters has taken its toll on our Disaster Relief Fund. Although we utilize a volunteer force, the expenses associated with meals, supplies, and transportation for our volunteers has depleted our funds. This year alone we have served more than six million meals and opened thousands of shelters. We have coordinated the work of more then 50,000 volunteers. Thousands of individuals have benefitted from the services of the American Red Cross.

The cost of responding to these disasters has been enormous, but the Red Cross has been there to answer every call. In order to make it possible for us to continue this life-saving work, we have launched a $100 million dollar Campaign for Disaster Relief to replenish the Disaster Relief Fund. I'm proud to announce that we have reached the midway point and raised over $60 million.

As we approach the home stretch, I've been asked to help raise funds by reaching out to family and friends. Jeremy and I personally want to demonstrate our commitment to this campaign by participating.

Our goal is to raise at least $10,000. I hope that you'll consider making a gift to the Disaster Relief Fund so that we can continue to help those in need.

I know these are challenging economic times for every one of us. Those same economic factors will increase costs that impact the Red Cross and the people we serve - some in their darkest hour of need.

You can use the link at the bottom of this note to go to my personal fundraising page for the campaign and make a donation to help disaster victims. Please forward this note to your friends and family, encouraging them to join with you in helping save a life.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to contact me.

Thank you in advance for your generosity and support. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and a happy New Year.

Best Wishes,

Jill E.
Office of the President & CEO
American Red Cross

Click here to visit my personal page.
Or, visit this web address: http://american.redcross.org/site/TR/DRFCampaign/DisasterReliefCampaignTeamChallenges?px=5398750&pg=personal&fr_id=1184&et=zBcywdRCtIJy2r155Rxk_Q..&s_tafId=1808

Holiday Memories

I found this while trying to figure out how to watch Jim Henson's "The Christmas Toy" online. When I was a kid, we had a great selection of movies to watch (that we had taped in the years before, and kept labeled on our VHS cassettes that came out of the attic around Christmas time), which included this one and many others. I was feeling nostalgic and wanted to see if I could find some of the old movies. While I didn't find a streaming version this in the few minutes I took to search (you can buy an edited version--without Kermit!!!--on iTunes for $10), I did find the commercials that came on during the show. I still remember all these Kraft commercials. Crazy, huh?

Anyway, enjoy a little trip down memory lane, and see what holiday party hosts were setting out on the table for their guests in the 1980's:

It's a What?!

So, I found this while watching the commercial above, and just had to post it.

The Job Search

As most of you know, I'm in the hunt for a job, and evaluating three different routes:

(1) A return to consulting. I've looked at some places around town, but I'm not sure how I feel about this. I was excited, however, about the prospect of working in the "Public Safety & Homeland Security" sector (where I interviewed with one group), since that ties into my long-standing interest in things defense-related.

(2) Continuing with Fundraising. I have some interviews and meetings scheduled related to corporate/non-profit fundraising (or "development," if you will). This seems interesting--especially if the non-profit works with some good issues--and builds upon my experience and contacts of the last (nearly) 2 years of doing political fundraising.

(3) A move to research. I've met with some "think tanks" and analyses groups here in town. This would move me back towards my research and writing strengths/skills, but would entail a fairly significant shift in subject matter. I happen to be interested in the broad picture subject matter (some are defense-related, another covers many--especially social--issues), and may have the opportunity to get a clearance.

In summary, the development would most likely be the more lucrative position, even at my experience level, but the research positions may bring me back to some of my initial interests that got my studying International Studies and Political Science in the first place. The tough thing for me as I think about these opportunities is that I just don't know where each of these paths lead for me... not that you ever really know, but I'd like to think I realize the ultimate implications of the choice I make.

Anyway -- what do you think?

Thanksgiving in Washington

Thanksgiving always comes around a special time of year -- Jill's birthday! We celebrated early this year because it fell on a Sunday, and we wanted to try to restaurant out on the GW Pkwy called Indigo Landing. (Good thing we didn't read all the reviews accumulated by Google before we left, otherwise, we may not have gone. But we had an amazing dinner and really enjoyed our experience there. We did have to wait a little bit to get our coats back from the coat check...but the rest of the service was good.)

Then, for Thanksgiving, our friends - the Hunts - decided that they would come out to visit. Since we've both been out on the east coast, we have gotten together on various breaks and holidays -- despite living about 6 hours apart.

We had a great meal with some friends, and lots of their friends. Usually, my journal is replete with descriptions of food eaten and gifts received on holidays (or pretty much any day when I was in elementary school), but I'll let Crystal do the T-Day feast description here.

We spent the rest of their time talking, watching videos, and playing Jeopardy (which we always do when we're together), and running around seeing the sights in DC.



We had a great time. Enjoy the other posts and our pictures! Thanks for coming to visit =)

Mom and Linds Visit

E-Day +1, I was flying home at the same time my mother and sister were coming out to visit us for about a week.

Jill had spent the previous 2 1/2 weeks doing everything to get the house ready -- including furniture shopping and interior decorating. She did an amazing job.

I flew back with Alex L., Morgan M., and John C. -- but our destination was BWI instead of DCA. Thankfully, John had a rental car there, and offered to drive us all back, so we wouldn't have to take the train. It was dark and raining, but we made good time. Jill picked me up from HQ and we headed home, dropped my bags off, and then drove out to IAD to pick up mi familia.

We did all sorts of fun stuff while Mom and Sis were here, including a trip to Chincoteague Island, a White House tour, high-end thrift store shopping, and other tourist-y things -- not to mention, eating at Johnny Rockets.


Some Pics

We had a great time. Thanks for visiting!

E-Day 2008

I'll try to be brief...

Worked in Colorado in the morning. Got a group of our volunteers off to the airport. Found out last-minute our flight had been bumped up several hours, so madly packed, threw everything into the rental car, and drove to the airport.

Flew to Arizona. Grabbed a cab and drove to the Biltmore. Checked in, went to my room, cleaned up (had to go from "political" back to "finance") and went to the staff briefing.

Quick tour of the goings-ons. Played bouncer. Ate chips and guac, quesadilla bites, and other hors devours. Watched The One sweep across the nation.

Watched the concession speech. Had a few more diet Cokes while everyone else continued to enjoy the open bar with much more fervor.

Stayed up late.

Flew home the next morning.

On a more detailed note, the day was an interesting mix of excitement, tension, apprehension, and eerie calm -- at least, for me. The set-up was amazing, and people came out by the thousands. Several other E-Day parties were being held close by, and "bouncer" quickly turned "troubleshooter" as you tried to explain to someone that the reason they couldn't get into this room was because they were in the wrong spot...

Although remaining optimistic with the guests, in the back of my mind I was expecting the worst, but felt unusually calm about it. (Others didn't take it as well).

The last 16 months were quite the roller coaster -- and quite the experience. I'm glad I took the opportunity to get involved, gave my all, and stuck with it to the end.

Top 10 Worst Business Sayings

I think I've heard most of these -- but would substitute "I'll ping you later" for #10 and "Things are looking good" for #8, in my experience...

(Image from Harvard Business Publishing, Daily Stat (12/12/2008).)

(Their Source: Telegraph.co.uk http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/3532338/Thinking-outside-the-box-is-most-despised-business-jargon.html)

Quick Re-Cap

I told myself I'd try to catch everyone up with our "happenings."

So--
May: Moved (out of state)

June: Brief break from work, had family reunions in
California and in Idaho


















July: A Capitol Fourth, Bowling at the White House, West Wing & EEOB Tour


















August: Jill to SLC

September: 2008 Republican National Convention





















October: Moved (across town). Birthday!, and ...

...As most of you know I was pretty heavily involved in the 2008 Presidential race, helping raise money, coordinating events, and generally keeping things in order...

I spent the last 2 1/2 weeks of this election cycle out in the Denver, CO Metro area doing Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) work. Our crack team of HQ staff recruited several hundred volunteers to come and help out in Colorado -- some staying as little as a day or two, some staying a week or more. We always had 125-150 people in our group. I'd tell you what we did (aside from making sure they were housed, fed, and had a good time), but I don't want to reveal any GOP-GOTV secrets. ;-) Suffice it to say, we knocked thousands of doors, made tens of thousands of phone calls, held rallies, waved signs, and worked from the wee hours of the morning until all normal restaurants had closed. (Needless to say, we ate a lot of bar food for dinner, if we beat last call).

Three highlights from Colorado:
(1) Getting to know my co-workers. It was hard, crazy work, and we pretty much spent every waking moment together -- but we managed to have a lot of fun in the midst of the craziness. Everyone had a specific skill they brought to the table, and great things happened.



(2) The Rallies. Definitely a different group than we're used to checking in at our finance receptions, but extremely fulfilling to pack 5- 10,000 excited and boisterous people in a fairground stadium or in an airplane hangar. A big thanks to USSS and local law enforcement that helped make sure it was a safe environment.

One of our last big "moments" as a team happened at our final rally, as the Governor's plane touched down right in front of us and taxied up to greet us with a moving theme song bringing everyone to their feet and many to tears.



(3) The Veterans Tour.. I had the opportunity to do something new (Press Advance) on a two-day bus tour around the state, and the honor of spending those two days with true American heroes. Boy did they have stories to tell!


I spent those days with (pictured at right) Ed Mechenbier, Marty Evans, Gene Cernan, Charlie Plumb, Leslie Smith, and Al Zapanta (not pictured). I heard moving stories from those who spent time as POWs and descriptions of what it was like to be (the last man) on the moon.

We worked like crazy right up through Election Day 2008 ...

Service with a Smile

So, I told myself that I'd write a few blog posts to catch ya'll up on the happenings of the past few months. This isn't that post.

Today, it's easier just to post a video and a quick note to say that we helped out at the American Red Cross' "Holiday Mail for Heroes" this past weekend, and made CNN. Keep a close watch and see if you spot us! =)


12-06-2008 National Headquarters, American Red Cross, Washington, DC

Two Interesting "Top 10s" from FP

The 10 Worst Predictions for 2008

The Top 10 Stories You Missed in 2008

Just. Plain. Awesome.

In case you forgot this about me, I love music and am pretty much a nerd when it comes to kewl tech stuff. I found this video while browsing a HD-capable video-sharing site (http://vimeo.com).

Watch this--you can't not be amazed:

HD Carol of the Bells - 2007 from Richard Holdman on Vimeo.
Awesome, huh?

I know there's more displays (and videos) like this out there. Feel free to share more with us in the comments!

[Update] You can't watch in HD from the embedded video player, but you can visit this page on the Vimeo site to get this in HD http://vimeo.com/610626

[Update] From BrianA on Facebook: "There is also a really cool house in murray. If you go to www.christmasutah.com you can see video's for the last couple of years. You should go check it out."

Cool drums

Back in middle school, I was introduced to the percussion competition called Drum Corps International (it probably helped that its initials were DCI--see #2...). Since that time, I have continued to be amazed at the cool things that can be done. In one of the many forwards (that come from he-who-shall-not-be-named) that come to our email account was the following clip. Needless to say, I was again impressed.

Watch the video yourself, and let me know what you think:

Link:

Bruce Lee Returns...

For more information, go here.

NYT - "The Congressman, the Donor, and the Tax Break"

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/25/nyregion/25rangel.html?partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

New York Region
The Congressman, the Donor and the Tax Break
By DAVID KOCIENIEWSKI
Published: November 25, 2008
Representative Charles B. Rangel (D-NY) worked to protect a tax shelter for a company whose chief executive was pledging $1 million to the representative’s fund-raising project.

NRO Article - Legislating Immorality

I found an article by The Editors at National Review Online:

Click here to view the article: http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=YTU5MjZmMDIyMDU3NjRiMjBlNjcxYTlmOGQ2ODA5NjA=

JLE says:

NRO Speaks out

http://www.genderanalyzer.com/

wouldn't you know... [update] I wonder if the bot looks at content (do I not talk about my feelings enough? or talk too much about masculine things?). Does the bot look at sentence structure--if so, is there really a masculine v. feminine sentence structure? Am I just thinking too much? [update] someone asked if perhaps the site picked male because of my elaborate pseudonym, "someguy." hmmmm...interesting thought.

Results

We have strong indicators that http://erbreport.blogspot.com is written by a man (98%).

Couldn't resist...

Posting this video from the ONN:

Obama Win Causes Obsessive Supporters To See How Empty Lives Are

Funny math ...

SNL, QVC, CHM, and JSM

SNL - QVC with JSM


SNL - Update with JSM


SNL - Countdown with Keith Olbermann

You have a choice ...

So make one ...

http://www.johnmccain.com/downloads/compare.pdf

notes from the road

http://www.completecolorado.com/penniesprotest.html

Not "If," but "how"

I Am Joe...

Alfred E. Smith Memorial Dinner

You Decide 2008.... Cast your vote in the comments.

John McCain
Al Smith Dinner (Full-better quality)


Al Smith Dinner (Full)


Al Smith Dinner (Part 1)



John McCain
Al Smith Dinner (Part 1)



--------------------------------------

Barack Obama
Al Smith Dinner (Part 1)



Barack Obama
Al Smith Dinner (Part 2)

A friend has sent an article from the FoxNews Network

http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/10/14/mickey-mouse-tries-register-vote/

ACORN

The Human Beatbox -- very cool

Best B-Day *ever*

I achieved a great milestone in my life yesterday -- surviving yet another year in this crazy world of ours.

Slept in and arrived to work "late" (8am), and worked.

If you read any of my old journals, you'll know that most of my entries (especially around holidays) centered around food. Today will be no exception: had a Ted's Montana Grill bison burger for lunch, an ice cream cake (shared with a co-worker who also had a b-day), some diet Coke and a quesadilla at the Crown Plaza (went out for "drinks" with some of the office crew), and then a cajun "cowboy-style" 28 oz rib eye at Ray's The Steaks (most of it is home in the fridge).

Left work early (6pm) for "drinks," then Jill took me out to dinner (see above).

The funny thing is, several co-workers told me that I needed to go out to "Ray's The Steaks" (or Ray's Hell Burgers--only open on the weekend) to get some really good local grub. I told Jill to just surprise me with our dinner choice -- and I was game for anything -- but "Ray's The Steaks" was the *perfect* pick. Lots of fun, and complete yumminess.

Went home, did my scavenger hunt (a little tradition we've continued) and opened presents.

What a great day. One year older, and wiser, too ... ?

be informed

Inform yourself:

CBC <--> Freddie/Fannie Relationship?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usvG-s_Ssb0 

Obama <--> Ayers Connection

http://www.breitbart.tv/?p=158353

Do you know enough?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXXr9oLd9S4 

A Little Fire in NM ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agtGJ_1-caw

Chicago, Communitty Organizers, and the Community Reinvestment Act: A Brief History Lesson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tip4ia3qJAY

Burning Down the House
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RZVw3no2A4

Whoops... bad cue cards?

Introducing Joe Biden and John McCain ...

The Ayers <--> Obama Connection

If you too uninformed or naive to recognize an avowed terrorist, how can you help fight and prosecute the war on terror we face today?



"While Barack Obama once downplayed his relationship with Ayers, today his campaign took that deceit one step further. Barack Obama now denies he was even aware of his friend's violent past when, in 1995, Ayers hosted a party launching Obama's political career. Given Ayers' celebrity status among the left, it's difficult to believe. The question remains: what did Obama know, and when did he know it? When did Obama learn the truth about his friend? Barack Obama helped Ayers promote his book in 1997, served on charitable boards with him through 2002, and regularly exchanged emails and phone calls with him through 2005. At what point did Barack Obama discover that his friend was an unrepentant terrorist? And if he is so repulsed by the acts of terror committed by William Ayers, why did the relationship continue? Any honest accounting by Barack Obama will necessarily cast further doubt on his judgment and his fitness to serve as commander in chief."
---John M. Murtagh, whose childhood home was firebombed by the Weather Underground, who were targeting his father, a New York Supreme Court Justice who was presiding over the trial of the so-called "Panther 21."
(Read his account here)

The Obama Connection...

A little vim and vigor at the NM Rally

Check this out- cool gmail tip

http://www.christianpf.com/my-2nd-favorite-gmail-tip/

 

interesting Gmail tip, and some other cool things on the website, too.

First Presidency Issues Letter on Political Participation

A little delayed, but I thought I'd put this up. Emphasis mine.

SALT LAKE CITY 22 September 2008 The following letter was issued by the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on September 11, 2008, to be read to Church congregations throughout the United States:

Political Participation, Voting, and the Political Neutrality of the Church

As citizens we have the privilege and duty of electing office holders and influencing public policy. Participation in the political process affects our communities and nation today and in the future.

Latter-day Saints as citizens are to seek out and then uphold leaders who will act with integrity and are wise, good, and honest. Principles compatible with the gospel may be found in various political parties.

Therefore, in this election year, we urge you to register to vote, to study the issues and candidates carefully and prayerfully, and then to vote for and actively support those you believe will most nearly carry out your ideas of good government.

The Church affirms its neutrality regarding political parties, platforms, and candidates. The Church also affirms its constitutional right of expression on political and social issues.

Sincerely yours,
Thomas S. Monson
Henry B. Eyring
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
The First Presidency

Use the comments- talk amongst yourselves.

Google search finds seafaring solution

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/the_web/article4753389.ece

100 yrs of Bond

http://extras.timesonline.co.uk/bond/03/index.htm

WRDL

I'm a Porsche 911!

You have a classic style, but you're up-to-date with the latest technology. You're ambitious, competitive, and you love to win. Performance, precision, and prestige - you're one of the elite,and you know it.

Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.

status...

pre-convention prep mode. go gop

GALLUP: It's official...no bounce from Biden

http://www.gallup.com/poll/109834/Gallup-Daily-Bounce-Obama-Post-Biden-Tracking.aspx

PRINCETON, NJ -- It's official: Barack Obama has received no bounce in voter support out of his selection of Sen. Joe Biden to be his vice presidential running mate.

Gallup Poll Daily tracking from Aug. 23-25, the first three-day period falling entirely after Obama's Saturday morning vice presidential announcement, shows 46% of national registered voters backing John McCain and 44% supporting Obama, not appreciably different from the previous week's standing for both candidates. This is the first time since Obama clinched the nomination in early June, though, that McCain has held any kind of advantage over Obama in Gallup Poll Daily tracking.

The race for president has been virtually tied since mid-August. In this period, Obama's support from national registered voters has consistently ranged from 44% to 46%. The 46% currently supporting McCain is technically his best showing since late May/early June, but is not a statistically significant improvement over his recent range from 43% to 45%. (To view the complete trend since March 7, 2008, click here.)

An analysis of historical election poll trends by Gallup Poll Managing Editor Jeff Jones shows that recent presidential campaigns have enjoyed a small (though short-lived) bounce from the running mate announcement. This includes a four percentage point bounce for John Kerry in 2004 after selecting John Edwards, a 5-point bounce for Al Gore in 2000 with his announcement of Joe Lieberman, and a 3-point bounce for George W. Bush in 2000 upon choosing Dick Cheney. Bob Dole received an extraordinary 9-point bounce in 1996 after bringing Jack Kemp onto his ticket.

All of these bounces occurred before the respective party's convention began, and in most cases the candidates received an additional boost in the polls upon completion of the convention. Thus, any increase in Obama's support in the coming days would seem to be more the result of the star-studded and well publicized Democratic national convention than the apparently lackluster Biden selection.

The official Gallup records will show that support for Obama declined by two percentage points in Gallup Poll Daily tracking (from 46% to 44%) conducted immediately before and after the Aug. 23 Biden announcement. (Because the announcement was made at 3 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, all Gallup interviewing conducted that day can be considered post announcement.)

Today's Gallup Poll Daily tracking result includes interviewing on the first night of the Democratic National Convention (Aug. 25). However, much of this interviewing, particularly in the East and Midwest, was conducted before the prime time convention speeches by Sen. Ted Kennedy and Michelle Obama. The Gallup Poll Daily tracking results reported tomorrow may start to indicate whether voters are impressed enough by what they are seeing at the convention to give Obama the bounce that typically occurs as a result of a party's convention. -- Lydia Saad

Click here to see how the race currently breaks down by demographic subgroup.

Survey Methods

For the Gallup Poll Daily tracking survey, Gallup is interviewing no fewer than 1,000 U.S. adults nationwide each day during 2008.

The general-election results are based on combined data from Aug. 23-25, 2008. For results based on this sample of 2,684 registered voters, the maximum margin of sampling error is ±2 percentage points.

Interviews are conducted with respondents on land-line telephones (for respondents with a land-line telephone) and cellular phones (for respondents who are cell-phone only).

In addition to sampling error, question wording and practical difficulties in conducting surveys can introduce error or bias into the findings of public opinion polls.

To provide feedback or suggestions about how to improve Gallup.com, please e-mail feedback@gallup.com.

New site up:

http://www.johnmccain.com/offmessageman/

From: http://washingtontimes.com/news/2008/aug/21/mccain-erases-obamas-edge-with-swing-voters/print/

McCain erases Obama's edge with swing voters
David R. Sands (Contact)
Sen. John McCain is having a very good summer, as a trio of new polls show the Republican presidential candidate pulling even with or slightly ahead of rival Sen. Barack Obama and erasing what had been the Democrat's clear edge on appealing to swing voters and dealing with the economy.

Among the more striking findings: Independent voters, who clearly preferred the Democrat in previous surveys, now favor Mr. McCain by a 45 percent to 35 percent margin, according to the bipartisan George Washington University/Battleground 2008 poll published Wednesday. The Republican candidate is in a statistical tie with Mr. Obama on what was supposed to be a Democratic strong suit: dealing with the economy.

"The last three months, John McCain has really taken his case to the people and has made some pretty good gains against Obama," said Republican pollster Brian Nienaber of the Tarrance Group, which helps compile the Battleground survey.

"The myth that Obama was just going to ascend to the presidency in a cloud of grace, adulation and oratory is proving to be just that - a myth," he said.

Mr. Nienaber and veteran Democratic pollster Celinda Lake on Wednesday released the latest Battleground poll showing Mr. McCain with a 47 percent to 46 percent lead among likely voters, although that one-point gap is statistically insignificant since the poll's error margin is 3.1 percentage points.

In a separate poll conducted by the Reuters news agency and pollster John Zogby, Mr. McCain reversed a seven-point deficit in July to take a 46 percent to 41 percent lead over Mr. Obama among likely voters.

Mr. McCain's edge on the economy is even more striking in the Reuters/Zogby poll, turning a four-point deficit in July into a 49 percent to 40 percent lead when voters were asked which candidate could better manage the economy.

In the Zogby poll, Mr. McCain was favored by 83 percent of Republican voters while Mr. Obama was backed by just 74 percent of Democratic voters.

Mr. Zogby attributed Mr. Obama's slide to the spate of attack ads he weathered while vacationing in Hawaii, to criticism that he flip-flopped on issues such as offshore oil drilling and to concerns about his readiness after he appeared soft in his response to the Russian invasion of Georgia.

"He's on the ropes," the pollster said. "He can't win with 74 percent of Democrats."

The news was slightly better for Mr. Obama in the third voter survey, conducted by Bloomberg News and the Los Angeles Times.

The Illinois Democrat barely edged out Mr. McCain of Arizona, 42 percent to 41 percent, among registered voters and scored better than in the two other polls on his handling of the economy and the problem of rising fuel prices.

But Los Angeles Times pollster Susan Pinkus said it is striking how well the Republican nominee is running against a political and economic backdrop that both parties say should favor Democrats.

"With the economy doing so poorly and the unpopularity of the war in Iraq, Obama should be further ahead," she said.

Mrs. Lake, the Democratic pollster, said Wednesday that Mr. McCain's summer had been productive and that Republicans were largely driving the debate over offshore drilling and fuel prices.

Although the Battleground poll found that more voters think Mr. McCain is running a negative campaign, she said, some of the attack themes against Mr. Obama were working.

She argued, however, that the poll data continue to suggest that Mr. Obama's supporters are more energized than are Mr. McCain's, that the Obama campaign has the potential to alter the traditional political map, and that independents and Democrats are united in their belief that the country is "on the wrong track."

"I think the indicators are very volatile right now and both sides are going to fight very hard" for the independent vote, she said.

Mr. Nienaber noted that the party conventions, the running mates and the presidential debates can alter the dynamics of the race.

He said Mr. McCain's unexpected strength on such core issues as energy prices and the economy is a good sign for Republicans, complementing Mr. McCain's pronounced lead over Mr. Obama on national security issues.

In the Battleground poll, Mr. McCain and Mr. Obama each received 43 percent on the question of which candidate could "keep America prosperous." Mr. Obama led 47 percent to 41 percent when the question was asked in May.

"No Democratic candidate has ever won who didn't enjoy a big lead on that question," Mr. Nienaber said.


S.A. Miller contributed to this report.

A Blessing; and A Curse

First, the Blessing.

We found out two days ago that because of some changes happening with my work at the beginning of September, my position with "the company" would be dissolved.

Doesn't sound much like a blessing, right? Despite the "dissolution," I, however, would retain a paycheck as a "consultant." But, we lose our insurance and have to calculate our taxes since they wouldn't be taken out...

Having 15 days to find new insurance seemed rather daunting. But we figured we'd start to look.

In the meantime, JEE has been waiting to hear about her employment- she got a great job...on a temp-to-maybe-hire basis. Short story is they thought she was amazing ('cuz she is!), and they offered her the permanent position today.

Blessing!

She'll make good money, and get benefits. Difficulty solved.

The Curse...

Been catching up with some friends from the OPM days. Apparently about half my companions have had challenges getting from ring to altar ... Hopefully it's not a lingering ailment of time spent as my roommate ...
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Arches National Park short one arch...

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jJKVQEtp-N1l7AIyKVgxPeB9iaCQD92FDVS80

A little excursion...

Watch the Slideshow!


Or browse the images...

White House

Erb Family Vacation: Video Style

[[from Jill's blog]]

Just a little project I have been working on. Now I am addicted and will continue to record our life via Windows Movie Maker. :-) I hope you all love it.

This election...beware of pain

Energy and the Election

McCain Team -

Americans across the country are feeling the effects of high gas prices and our need to expand domestic oil production.


John McCain says we need offshore oil drilling and we need it now. Senator Barack Obama has consistently opposed offshore drilling - calling it a "gimmick." Senator Obama's solution to high gas prices is telling Americans to make sure their tires are inflated.

Today, I'm asking for your help in putting Senator Obama's "tire gauge" energy policy to the test. With an immediate donation of $25 or more, we will send you an "Obama Energy Plan" tire pressure gauge. Will simply inflating your tires reduce the financial burden of high gas prices on your wallet?

It's clear Senator Obama has no plan to address the energy challenges we face as a nation. He has said no to offshore drilling, no to expanding domestic drilling and no to nuclear energy. He has no plan to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

John McCain is prepared to lead our country as president to break our dependence on foreign oil with real solutions. John McCain believes we should lift the federal ban on offshore drilling, enabling you to decide where we drill for oil.

But John McCain won't be able to enact these policies without your help in electing him as our next president.
Please help us put Senator Obama's energy plan to the test - donate $25 or more for your very own "Obama Energy Plan" tire pressure gauge.

Thanks, as always, for your support.

Sincerely,

Rick Davis

Campaign Manager

P.S. Our next president's energy policy will need to reduce our dependency on foreign oil. John McCain believes we need offshore drilling now. Senator Obama's plan is calling on Americans to check their tire pressure. We're asking for your help in testing out Senator Obama's energy plan. With your donation of $25 or more right now, we'll send you a tire gauge to test for yourself, Senator Obama's "tire gauge" energy policy.

2 new Web Ads...

Ready to lead?



Undoubtedly a first in American politics...Britney Spears in a political ad.

NOTE FROM A SUPPORTER: "The “Celeb” ad was the number one most viewed video on YouTube yesterday [7/31/2008]. Could it be because it features the biggest celebrity in the world? According to YouTube stats, the ad is also number one in the Netherlands, number four in Canada and number eight in Germany."

Fans VS. Supporters --> discuss amongst yourselves. How could Sen. Obama gather 30,000-plus people at a Philadelphia rally, yet lose the city/state in the primary?

Testing, testing, 1-2-3

I am trying out jeremy's magic email/blogger posting thing. If this works it will totally revolutionize my commute... Could be fun!

So, read any good books lately? I'm reading Conscience of a Conservative, I really like it. Okay your turn
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And the 1812 Overture as the fireworks start

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We now welcome ...

Jerry Lee Lewis !

Tickle those ivories, Jerry!

Great balls of fire!
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One of my favorite songs

Shenendoah
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Ladies and gentleman, please welome

Huey Lewis and the News!
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And the clouds part

And Divine Providence once again smiles upon the Capitol of the United States. After some rain showers, the clouds part as the "Capitol 4th" begins with the National Symphony Orchestra starts the evening with the National Anthem.
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On the Course of our Nation

"A nation becomes what its young people read in their youth. Its ideals are fashioned then, its goals strongly determined."

James A. Michener

Discuss amongst yourselves (or post a reply here!):
What did you read when you were a youth? How did it affect your ideals and goals?

I'll share my own story after the first person comments.

Happy Independence Eve!
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On the Family

"The family is the building block of society. It is a nursery, a school, a hospital, a leisure centre, a place of refuge. It encompasses the whole of the society. It fashions our beliefs; it is the preparation for the rest of our lives."

Margaret Thatcher
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Great Article

"Telegram From a Parallel Universe"
Daniel Walker Howe
<i>Newsweek</i>, June 30, 2008
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Great Article

"Telegram From a Parallel Universe"
Daniel Walker Howe
<i>Newsweek</i>, June 30, 2008
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thanks to a sister's phone call ...

i learned something new today

Frequency Tables, complete with Relative and Cumulative frequency. Must have been programming games on my calculator or reading a spy novel during that part of Math class... ;-)

The wonders of Google Maps and a lot of time...

Amid general praise for Steve McQueen's famed car chase in the 1968 movie Bullitt, there are jeers about the recurring green VW Beetle and the geographic hash it makes of San Francisco. You might be amused to see this side-by-side view of the Bullitt chase and a Google map that shows just how much they jump from one patch of the city to another. (Via Google Maps Mania.)

From CNET News

Fun...and Informative

Rick Rolled at LAX

Made it through the security line, found our gate, snagged a seat ...

And sat down to the soothing sounds of Rick Astley. A parting gift from CA, I suppose.

So long, LAX, so long.
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Do you practice what you preach?

Read this interesting report about Al Gore's electricity usage.

Soda vs. Pop

Can you explain this phenomena?

Straight from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government:
Clinton: No Role Model for Aspiring Leaders

Strategy Briefing

space travel

send your name to the moon

Why we are my parents favorite children

Not just anyone can get their parents in to meet the leader of the free world. :-) Can you say Favorite. Son-in-law. Ever.

Cool

Uncontacted Amazonian tribe "captured" on film. Story and pictures HERE.

Just secured

favorite son-in-law status for, well...probably life. ;-)

When HOA's go too far?

Check out THIS article about how one neighborhood--despite state law--has decided to ban the display of the American flag in a front yard. Whose yard? A retired US Navy communications officer. Here are some pictures with captions relating to the story.

Every other surrounding neighborhood allows flags to be displayed. The homeowner's assocation has no comment -- other than to file a lawsuit agains the vet.

Quote of the day:

"Each sub-association has its own set of documents and they can differ. The rationale for that [restriction] only exists within the minds of the folks that are doing it. I can't sit here and tell you why," says Jim Hart, property manager for 1,500 properties in the area, including the one in question.

SO--what do you think?

our new place

Jill got the house all clean so we could take pictures for family night and show you all our new digs.



the coolest room, right now, is the living room. i love the cool quote jill put up, and then we have our SLC temple pic on the wall above the fireplace (it works), the lamp with some of our collectibles, and--jill told me to mention the sticks and jar she got.

the office is coming along -- if Jeremy was ever home for more than a waking hour, he might actually put some of his stuff away. but Jill got up 3 great pictures/frames-- Jeremy's favorite pic from our wedding, Jeremy's diploma, and the Mitt-memorabilia (signed National Review, and future 3 pics--one of Jeremy and the Gov, then us at some campaign rallies).

On the bookcase--which you can't see very well--is the swag shelf ... buttons, hats, stickers, signs, books... the spoils of campaign life.

Jill likes my organization of the china cabinet -- i had fun deciding where the red dishes, clear glasses, and colored bowls went. i think it looks visually appealing. the light in the dining room really makes the glass sparkle. fancy.

now we're ready to start having some people over! maybe we'll find some Trivial Pursuit or Jeopardy partners in the area...

ta ta for now

J&J

Word of the Day: niskin

Niskin, n.
Oceanogr.

I. attrib.

1. Designating any of various types of seawater sampling bottle which can be opened by remote control from the surface and which are often used in conjunction with electronic probes for in situ measurement of water temperature, pressure, etc.; esp. in Niskin bottle.

1965 Limnol. & Oceanogr. 10 547 The differences in particulate carbonate values between surface bucket and surface Niskin bottle samples are more striking than the differences in organic carbon. 1968 [...].

II. absol.

2. A Niskin bottle.

1992 Jrnl. Plankton Res. 14 920 The correlation coefficient..was lower for the SIPS-Niskin comparison than for the SIPS-pump comparison. [...].

Catching up ...

So, we haven't been too good about blogging lately, and wanted to memorialize (pardon the pun) our recent escapades.

First, we'll start with our final days in Boston, MA. While Jeremy was on his final reconnaisance mission to Washington, DC, Claudia came out to Boston to visit (and help pack and clean). Big thanks! The girls went to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Musem, the Natick Mall, and book club, and hit up the local Red Box. We all went to Harvard Square, downtown (showed her our work and the wonders of the Boston "T"), Amherst, the temple, and Church.

See our pictures!


Next, we loaded up our 15-foot moving truck, hooked up our 15-foot flatbed car carrier, chained down the Audi (in the dark =( ), and drove all night -- seriously, we left at 8pm and arrived at 630am the next morning -- to Reston, VA.

Since we've arrived, we have gone to work, unpacked, decorated, harrassed the Elders a few times to get a few large items upstairs, explored a little, and had FUN!

More pictures!


Then, for Memorial Day, Jeremy heard on the radio an announcement for the National Memorial Day Concert. We decided to go to the dress rehearsal when Jeremy got off work on Saturday. It was a perfect day. We had great seats on the West Lawn of the Capitol Building, enjoyed some sunshine, and then had a memorable experience at the Concert. I think everyone cried. Everyone was there for the dress rehearsal, except for Colin Powell, the Joint Chiefs, and Rodney Atkins. There was a pretty good turnout--see the pics below--and we really enjoyed spending the afternoon/evening there.

Concert Pictures


After, Jeremy took Jill out to the first restaurant he ate at while scouting out the town. It's a little place just off the Metro by the Capitol. Had some yummy fajitas and hand-made tortillas. =)

So, in keeping with the most content-intensive post that we've made so far (probably comes close to the "Rick Roll" post of YouTube Videos), we've embedded some YouTube video clips from the Concert. For those of you who haven't had enough fun looking at hundreds of pictures (or have some more time to kill), watch our home videos:

CLIP - Idina Menzel - "


CLIP - Sarah Brightman - "Pie Jesu"


CLIP - Finale - "God Bless America"


If you've made it this far: Thanks for reading! We'll try to be better about keeping you updated. And, since you've made it this far, here's a bonus video for your dedication to knowing all about us.

just had to re-do it...

90 words

Speed test

Check out the New Site layout.

not so good...

83 words

Speed test

Obama's 57 States

The 57 United States of America? A little fuzzy math, maybe?

Have a question for Barack Obama?

Ever wanted to ask the Junior Senator from Illinois a question? Now you can, thanks to this new website.

Senator Obama, can we ask?

Yes. Yes, we can.

hungry, hungry mother earth?

Talk about towns and cities getting swallowed up in the earth. MSNBC just called the Texas sinkhole "ravenous."

The AP has some pictures and an article HERE.

MSNBC video

and the MSNBC story HERE.

We're Moving!

Dear Friends,

As some of you may have already heard, we are getting ready to move (again). Ever since the Romney campaign ended, Jeremy has been meeting with lots of different people in Washington, DC, learning about different political careers and trying to decide what his next step is.

After spending some time there and looking at different options, we decided that DC was our next step, and started putting things in motion. We set a date to move (May 1st), and Jeremy went back to line up housing and to do some more interviews. Although for a little while it didn't look like things were going to work out, at the end of his trip he was able to find some housing and also received a job offer.

So, on Tuesday we'll be putting our stuff into a moving truck and making the trek down the Atlantic Seaboard to Washington, DC. We've really loved it here in Boston and will be sad to leave our friends, but will carry away lots of great memories of our time here. We'll be living outside the city on the Virginia side; email or call us for our new address.

And for you bloggers, here are our blogs that you can subscribe to (you're already looking at one of them...):

http://erbreport.blogspot.com
http://jillerbreport.blogspot.com

Jeremy was able to make a lot of great contacts, which will be great for his new job, and will provide leads for future opportunities. A big thanks to everyone who helped him set up meetings. Jeremy hopes to accept an offer with a big risk, but also a big reward -- more to come.

Jill has been looking at some HR/admin jobs in the area, and is especially interestedin some law firms that are hiring. There are about 5 places that want to meet with her once she's in town, which is exciting. We'll take this week to get settled, and then Jeremy starts next week and Jill will start interviewing.

It's been great seeing old friends and making new ones out here in the East -- we hope that some of your travels might take you to Washington; we'll have an extra room and bathroom, and will be close to the Dulles airport. Let us know if you're ever in the area!

Best wishes to all of you! We hope you're well and think of you often.

Off to our next adventure!

Best,

Jeremy and Jill

Food Storage reminder

Many members of the Church are aware of the frequent reminders of the leaders to the membership of the counsel to set aside food and other supplies so that there may be resources available in times of need. (For a biblical example, think of Joseph's interpretation of the Pharaoh's dream of the 7 fat kine and the 7 sickly kine).

Check out THIS ARTICLE from the Wall Street Journal. Does it take a "business figure" to tell you this to start doing it? Are you glad for the foresight offered by leaders of the Church?

Food Storage... what's in your basement?

I'm home!

Flew back to Boston Thursday morning. Helped with some things around the house, then took Claudia downtown on the "T" to see Jill's work, wander around, and visit Harvard Square. Had sushi for lunch.

Watched Ghost, ate pizza, and went to bed. =)

DC Day 8

My final day in the city. Got up early, had my first "cashier's check experience." Re-read (a few more times) the lease, and prepared to go sign with our new landlord.

Big thanks to grandpa for helping me with the lease language and pointing out some items for negotiation.

Signed the lease, did our walk-through, and walked away with the keys to the new "Kingdom of Erb."

Went downtown again for another appointment and made two great contacts.

by my appointment

trees in bloom, townhouses in NE Washington, DC

Can you read the bumper sticker? Saw this on the drive to Reston.

liberalism:
reality deficit disorder

Returned to base and read some more Descartes, falling asleep outside in a lawn chair. Watched some National Geographic specials about the CIA and mind control experiments, a New Mexico cult (and its mind control), and started one on the Unabomber, but decided it was time to go to bed, since I had to get up early to fly back to Boston tomorrow.

ta ta for now. maybe I'll do some mobile blogging while I'm waiting at the airport.

Safari, anyone?

DC Day 7, complete with Dinosaurs

Stayed up late last night, watching the Jazz game and then a Burn Notice re-run, so I slept in a little today.

Headed downtown and had about 2 hours before my meeting on the Hill, so I decided to walk around the National Mall and visit the Smithsonian. I wanted to see the American History museum, but it was closed for rennovation. "Next door" is the Museum of Natural History, and it was full of tour groups--mostly elementary school students. I decided to brave the crowds anyway, and wandered the halls in my suit and try to learn a few things while I was at it.

Here are some pictures from my time in the musuem.


I really liked the exhibit of animal photographs. Weird, I know. Could see all the stuffed mammals and dinosaur fossils and such, but the photos were amazing. I wonder how they printed them -- the colors were brilliant, and the pictures stunning. I snapped a few of my own (above).

After that, I went to my appointment on the Hill, and met with a California Congressman. He was great; asked questions about me and my job search, shared his "story," and gave advice. Big thanks to Grandpa for the help getting this appointment!

After that, I took a walk around the House Office Buildings, then sat down by a fountain and enjoyed some sunshine. There was a slight drizzle when I left, and the weather report was for scattered "drizzle," so I had my umbrella with me. However, it was safely in the 70's with scattered clouds. Got some sunshine, and feeling the warmth of a slight sunburn on my forehead and hands.

Commuted back to "base," had a delicious steak dinner, and watched the commentary on the Democratic primary in Pennsylvania. Checked the returns: the PA Department of State site, Politico, and Drudge. Senator Clinton is favored to win; the question is the margin. Karl Rove was on Fox discussing the awkward weighting of the congressional districts that the Pennsylvania Democratic Party came up with. Hmmm...

Reviewed the draft lease I received tonight from our future landlord; will review it with Grandpa.

One more day of fun, then back to Boston to get ready for the move!

Big thanks to Jill and Wadda for getting a ton of work done at the apartment.

Stay tuned for more of the Erb Report!