Inauguration Communication

I believe I have mentioned before my love of a good speech. I'm a sucker for it, thus I admit that I enjoyed yesterday's inaugural address. Good oratory is an art and it seems to be a lost art in politics, but every once in a while we are blessed with a gifted speaker - regardless of what we think of them as leaders, politicians or people, you have to admire their gifts. Below are some of my favorite lines, along with other portions of the speech for context. I hope everyone has been the video, if not, you can find it here:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27721638

If you prefer to read the entire text, you can find it here:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28754569/


"Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our healthcare ... is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land -- a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights...

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics. We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted -- for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things -- some celebrated, but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom...

Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America. For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act -- not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth.
We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise healthcare's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do...

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions -- who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them -- that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply.
The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works -- whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account -- to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day -- because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government...


Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends -- hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history...

In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood.
At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:
"Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive ... that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]."
America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come.
Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back, nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations."

Until next time -
~Shel

Starting a New Year

Every year, millions of people make resolutions for the beginning of a new year. Some resolutions are great - quit smoking, exercise, learn Japanese, teach your dog not to hump the neighbors leg, etc. But I don't really get resolutions only at the new year. I am a little crazy, we all no this and normalcy is not my strong suit, but I generally start each day with a resolution. I resolve that I will not hit that pompus jackass at work. I won't stay in bed that extra 15 minutes that has me running for the train (or more likely missing the train). I will not have pie for dinner. I will avoid the leg humping dog... you see where I'm going here. Even though I don't really make New Year's resolutions, I always enjoy hearing other people's resolutions. I haven't heard any really good ones this year though. Anyone have any good resolutions?

Usually at this time every year I am preparing for my annual business trip to California, but it's not happening this year as operations for my client are being moved to the midwest. And while this trip usually consisted of hours of boring meetings, it was 3-4 days of blissful warmth and sunshine (except that year it snowed in Los Angeles, but really how often does that happen). I am going to miss that meeting. I need to find more client's in warm weather locations. Think I could find one in Hawaii? That would rule.

I don't really have anything fun to report. I did see Marley & Me last week. It was a good movie. It sucked you in with the dog doing all this hilarious stuff, and then BAM! It rips your heart out. I really hate to cry. Stupid dog. Why did he have to be so cute?

Well, I'm off to catch a train.
Until next time -
~Shel

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Welcome back! I hope Santa was good to anyone reading this. My Christmas was well spent eating good food, playing wii and loading up my new ipod with the family. I am now back at work and lack the motivation to do anything. I just keep thinking, that starting tomorrow afternoon I get another super long weekend and I'm ready to get started now. I think next year I may just take the week between the holidays off, just for kicks.

Anyway, I'm a little sad this year as it seems that the annual New Year's gala with all my friends will not be taking place for the first time. It seems very, very strange. I missed a couple of the parties when I was away at school, but other than that, every New Years for the last 13 years have been spent with essentially the same core group of people. It is going to be extremely odd not to be with them this year. So to any and all reptilian friends, have a happy and safe New Year. Same to anyone else who may be reading this as well.

Until next time -
~Shel

Holiday Reruns...

Ok, so I know I posted some (or all) of these last year, but they are funny! So enjoy them again this year. It's almost noon, on Christmas Eve, so of course, I am heading out to do my Christmas shopping... I know, I know, I said I wouldn't do that anymore, but really this year I only need a couple of things, I did get most of my shopping done early - I swear!

Wish me luck. The roads such and I already lost control of my car once today, luckily I was stopped by the curb and snow bank. My car's ok, I think, but it has reinforced my dislike of snow. Stupid snow and rain and ice.

So, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!! I hope you have a fun, safe and fantastic Christmas!

Until next time -

~Shel

Ho, Ho, Ho!!!

So, when I got back to the office the other day, this is what was waiting for me. Yep, that's right, I got a personal visit from Santa. I knew he was real!!! Ha - my big brothers tried to tell me Santa was a fake, but I always secretly believed and it all paid off on Friday! WOOHOO! Of course, he said he was coming by because he noticed that I had been very naughty this year, but I had to set him straight and tell him that his expectations were too high when he puts so many temptations in my path... I guess we will see if he agreed on Thursday.

I will be spending Christmas with the family. I always love seeing everyone open their gifts, especially the little ones. I stay over at my big brothers house and sleep in the living room by the Christmas tree, so I get to witness the first reactions to all the presents being under the tree. It's very awesome. Then we will open gifts, have great food and have some quality time.

A big o' congratulations to the Jones' who welcomed the newest edition to the family this morning. I'm happy to report that Mom, Dad and baby are doing great. Baby is gorgeous. Congrats guys!

I am greatly looking forward to my super long weekends both this one and next. I really need a break from work. The economy is hitting our office hard and it is increasingly difficult to remain positive and not freak out, but I'm working on it. Actually, I am going to ignore it until next year, since there's nothing to be done until then and do my best to enjoy the coming holidays.

I hope everyone has happy, fun and safe holidays. I look forward to seeing you all in the coming weeks.

Until next time -

~Shel