The Capitol Dome

Yesterday I used the Capitol Building as the image on the daily handkerchief.  This morning's most interesting article highlights the possible shifts in congressional power.  No doubt, the 111th congress will play as an integral role in getting this nation back on track.  

Social Networks on Politics

Obama Facebook user stats: 2.4 million users

McCain Facebook user stats: 624,000 users

I remember first joining Friendster 2003, then MySpace in 2004.  I made a Facebook profile just last year.  I don't use my Friendster or MySpace account anymore and barely have time to play around with Facebook.  It seems about time for a new social networking fad.  Twitter seems like it might be the next one to catch on.  We've come a long way as far as the internets are concerned.  It feels like yesterday when I sent my first e-mail and had my first IM- that was less than 10 years ago during my freshman year of undergrad when things were still running in MS-DOS. 

Infiltrating the Internets

Interesting article/editorial this morning on the mastery of internet resources as used by the GOP and Obama camp.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/07/sanchez.technology/

From now on, winning a Presidential election and effective use of web-based campaign techniques will go hand in hand.

Beautiful Day

Today's vibe was remarkably different from the post election day 2004. I remember the overwhelming shame and disappointment people felt when Bush won. But today, people on the streets seemed genuinely happy.

Yes We Did!

First headline on the google news feed: "World Celebrates Barack Obama Victory".  When I went to bed last night, I had a perfect image of today's handkerchief.  

Yes we can.  Yes we will.

Results

Obama wins the presidency... Now the real work begins.

Here is today's handkerchief:

And here is yesterday's photo, taken just before my battery died.  Luckily my eyes were open and I don't look like a schmuck.

Ohio came through this time.

Seeing Stars

I nearly went cross-eyed stitching the 50 stars on today's design.  One hour to midnight and it looks like I'm not going to get this one finished.  But I can accept failure because election results look favorable.  Polls have closed in California and Obama is on the brink of becoming the next President of the United States of America.  What a landmark event.  Let's get this country back on track.  

No Surprises Please

Election Day.  No surprise that 3 of the 5 news articles are about the presidential election.  I'm hoping for the best and preparing myself for the worst.  Heartbreak's a bitch and this one has the potential for therapy written all over it.  

One of the greatest songs ever recorded to start off this election morning.....

Denied

My camera battery died in the middle of shooting today's photo.  So, lieu of documentation of the hanky I offer two of my favorite "ohio" songs and one that a friend sent me after reading my morning post.  Photo to follow. 

Click Here

OH Ohio

Ohio getting some NJ love from The Boss.  The battle will end tomorrow.  I have never been so petrified about the worst case scenario.  

Live Free or Die!

New Hampshire has been in the news for the past two days.  Looks like Obama is gaining ground in this state.  Its significance for me comes with a touch of humor considering one of my fellow classmates (whom I adore and respect) is a native New Hampshirite and, more significantly, is a staunch, unapologetic Republican (pretty much the only one in art school and quite possibly, the art world).  

Obama's poll gains in N.H. can be found in the Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/politics/2008/polls/nhpoll20081026/

NRG Energy Problems

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=awRCIaN_OXwk&refer=news

Energy: where does it come from?  It is definitely one of the things I take for granted.  I can walk into any room in my apartment, flip a switch or plug an electronic item in, and have everything magically turn on.    If only things were that simple.  I feel there is much I do not know about this subject and much that is concealed.  Energy issues are irreversibly intertwined with the sustainability of our nation, our world.  With the Presidential Elections just around the corner, echoes of "Drill, baby, drill" resound in my head with frightening frequency.  

 

God Save Joe "the Plumber"

The last presidential debate took place last night.  We've got 2 very different candidates representing 2 very different America's.  My fear still remains.  I can see the worst ahead of us if McCain wins and a long, slow, and difficult road ahead if Obama secures the position.

Here is a story about Joe "the Plumber" Wurzelbacher from Ohio. Oh Ohio.... you broke my heart once.  Will it happen again in November?

Handkerchief delayed

I wasn't able to document this handkerchief until tonight.  Here it is in all its unfinished glory.  

E Pluribus Unum

From wikipedia:

E pluribus unum, Latin for "Out of Many, One," is a motto found on the Seal of the United States, along with Annuit cœptis and Novus ordo seclorum, and adopted by an Act of Congress in 1782.

Never codified by law, E pluribus unum was considered a de facto motto of the United States until 1956 when the United States Congress passed an act (H.J. Resolution 396), adopting In God We Trust as the official motto.^[1]

"Out of Many, One"-  What does that mean in the America of today? United, are we?

This Little Light of Mine

Post Vice-Presidential debate and I am reeling.  I'm trying not to put too much political commentary on this blog, but it was too much.   I will be on pins and needles until November, but I still have hope that the American people will see through the facade.  I need to sleep this off.  Good Night.  

Rainy Day

Nouveau Rouge

I read this article earlier this morning and it reminded me of a classic movie from my childhood:

excerpt from article:

"We have trade missions back and forth," Palin told Couric. "We, we do, it's very important when you consider even national security issues with Russia as Putin rears his head and comes into the airspace of the United States of America, where, where do they go? It's Alaska. It's just right over the border. It is from Alaska that we send those out to make sure that an eye is being kept on this very powerful nation, Russia, because they are right there. They are right next to, to our state."

Unfathomable

I knew from the inception of this project that the upcoming presidential election was going to be a big influence on the motifs and imagery I chose to put on the handkerchiefs.  The first presidential debate is slated for today but is possibly being postponed due to a delay in finalizing the $ 700 billion (!!!!!!!) financial bail out package.  

A big part of me feels like the inevitable collapse should just be sped up.  Let's just get it over with and start afresh, let the universe claim back what we have so irreparably damaged.  The other part of me thinks there is still hope.  I believe this hope is tied to everything I do in my daily activities.  It is connected to every little gesture I make in the living of my life.  I hope this project isn't just an act of futility.  I guess all I can do is continue with awareness and diligence and see what happens.