A caucus is NOT the voice of the people March 17, 2012

Missouri had a funny election process this year.  First we had our “beauty contest” primary February 7th costing the state around $7 million.  This non-binding vote did not count because the national Republican party had recently passed rules–the MO primary was a month too early.  In order to keep all 52 delegates, Missouri opted to also hold a caucus in March.  However, while keeping all delegate votes, I believe the people lost much of their power by holding a caucus.

Whereas a primary allows people to vote privately, to come-vote-and-leave with polls open at relatively convenient times, a caucus is a communal event.  It is a face-to-face, hours-long commitment where you must be there the entire time whether the event is 1 hour or many.  Needless to say, this is not a very family friendly outing!  If you happen to have young children, this event is particularly less appealing unless you can hire a babysitter.   But what about single parents?  People on limited incomes?  Or what if you have an inflexible work schedule?  Additionally, there is no absentee voting with a caucus.  So, if you must be out of town or if you are a home-bound citizen, your voice will not be heard.

And one more thing, if you happen to be daring enough to attempt to bring your children to caucus, leave plenty of time to get there early.  Apparently there is a rule (not necessarily written or advertised) that you must be in your place in line at the appointed time or you will not be able to vote.  There is no leeway, not even a minute or two, even if you were there early but couldn’t find a parking place, and having multiple children with you who are excited to learn about the process will not soften anyone’s heart.

So, after eliminating many families, single parents, people with inflexible work schedules, and traveling or home-bound citizens, are we really hearing what Missouri wants?  I don’t think so!   I hope we never have another caucus.  A caucus is NOT the voice of the people.  Instead, thank you to all those who have helped and will help in future primary elections that allow for a more diverse, more fair electoral process.

For more information:

Missouri Primary Explained: Why Tuesday’s Contest Won’t Matter In The Delegate Count

Fact Check: Caucus vs. Primary

Zenni Optical: glasses for less than $15–shipping included! November 12, 2011

In case you hadn’t heard, you don’t have to pay hundreds for your next pair of glasses.  Check out Zenni Optical at zennioptical.com. I don’t know how they make the glasses for so little, but I am sure grateful!  Complete glasses start at $6.95 (as of Nov 2011).  “Complete” means: frames, 1.57 lenses (these are really thin), UV protection, lens scratch protection, a hard case, and a microfiber cleaning cloth.  For an additional $5, you can add an anti-reflection lens coating or a tint, making prescription sunglasses!!!  They can also do bifocals.

Another nice feature on the website is the ability to upload a picture of yourself so you can virtually “try on” different pairs. Pay attention to the frame width, though.  It isn’t easy to see if the glasses will fit just right.  I made sure I purchased glasses with similar measurements to what I had before.  Typically there is a flat $4.95 shipping charge for your entire order.  Right now Zenni is offering free shipping on purchases over $50.

All the information you need to order glasses is on your prescription, except your PD (Pupillary Distance).  Zunni’s website has a tutorial on how to find your PD, or you can get that information from glasses fitting at your doctor’s.

One additional piece of advice, I would not necessarily recommend purchasing glasses from Zenni for your child’s first pair of glasses–in case there is anything wrong, your child may not know the difference and you wouldn’t have the convenience of getting advice from the doctor.  Also, Zenni doesn’t presently do lenses with prisms.

My experience has been that these are high (enough) quality glasses!  Better quality than the inexpensive glasses I purchased from the doctor.  My first pair from Zenni had the wrong prescription though, so mistakes do happen.  Since then, I have not had a problem getting my glasses just right.

My favorite Christmas light show! December 2, 2008

I LOVE Christmas! There are a lot of things that make Christmas wonderful.  Watching Christmas light shows has become a family tradition for us.

It is absolutely incredible what people can do.  These are a couple of favorite light shows.  We’re sure glad we can watch it in the computer rather than have the neighbor across the street!  Enjoy!

TransSiberian Orchestra: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmgf60CI_ks

Amazing Grace:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOyN9CawB8w

fun halloween photo October 31, 2008

I saw this idea in Family Fun magazine–take a picture of your ghouls and jack-o-lanterns with a post it note over the flash.  It turns the photo the color of the post it note!  Having a light source (like the candle in the pumpkin) creates an additional fun effect!