Mondays 'IN' The Undergroundrailroad -- Monday, October 20, 2003

MONDAYS 'IN' THE UNDERGROUNDRAILROAD




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Hello Everyone and Welcome to Mondays 'IN' The Undergroundrailroad . I want to wish everyone a happy Sweetest Day! Sweetest Day is a holiday that is always on the third Saturday in October (a bit before Halloween). On Sweetest Day, my parents would surprise us with gifts of candies, flowers and dinner. I loved the fact that this was a holiday that could be celebrated on a Saturday and I was home from school. For those of you not familiar with Sweetest Day , it was a day created to make someone happy. It is an occasion which offers all of us an opportunity to remember not only the sick, aged, and orphaned, but also friends, relatives and associates whose helpfulness and kindness we have enjoyed. You don't have to give a gift but you may offer some small assistance to someone that could use an extra hand at a small chore, like washing dishes or running an errand. Why not give that special person a belated Sweetest Day "IOU"!

Well, today in honor of Sweetestday I am presenting all my visitors of the Undergroundrailroad with cup cakes.

Happy Sweetest Day everybody! Now, it's time to get down into the Undergroundrailroad. Let's go check it out everybody!
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NO PAIN, NO GAIN. FANTASY PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES,( D) ?

Today, we're going to do a little "dreaming". Now just for today, we're going to forget about what other's think who our 2004 candidate should be and allow ourselves to do a little fantasizing. In your wildest dreams, *WHO* would you want to run for President in 2004.

Now keep in mind. My logic here is so nuttily perfect it could well be true. But who cares! It's my fantasy and welcome to *my* perfect presidential fantasy world!

LET'S START WITH BEN AFFLECK ! Ben Affleck has a lot in common with our "big tent" objectives at THE DEMOCRATIC UNDERGROUND. Well, J-LO would/might be First Lady and well, that would be sorta kool. OK, back to Ben. Check out a few of his issues that might be part of his presidential platform.

"I've been a Democrat all my life. I grew up in a very strong union household, a politically active household. I don't believe in the deregulation of Social Security. I believe that that's the same kind of politics that got us in trouble with the savings and loans. I believe in a party of inclusiveness. I believe in a party that's going to work for working families, middle-income families and poor families, as opposed to one that cultivates a thinly veiled attempt to favor wealthy campaign contributors and friends. I believe very strongly in a woman's right to choose. I believe very strongly in equal pay for women. I mean, I'm not a big environmentalist, but I also don't believe we ought to so gratuitously sell out our national reserves."

http://archive.salon.com/politics/feature/2000/11/08/reacts_ny/print.html

My second "fantasy candidate" is Derek Sanderson Jeter.

Derek Jeter Fact Sheet

Birthplace: Pequannock, NJ
Astrological sign: CANCER
Eye Color: beautiful and sparkly GREEN
Dislikes: Dogs
Fears: BIG Dogs
Likes: To WIN!
Favorite Cereal: Frosted Flakes
Occupation: Short stop for THE NEW YORK YANKEES
Political Future Not sure, but Derek Sells S-E-X like hot hams at Christmas! Why not sell, I mean WIN! votes with a "win" mentality? We're talking fantasy right?
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My third "fantasy candidate" is Jerome Seinfeld aka Jerry. Birthplace: Brooklyn, DU. Occupation:  One of the best observational comics ever! Also, Actor, Producer, Writer, and Dad. Best joke or the last laugh? To steal, no, I mean "WIN" elected office using his quirky humor and nice guy persona that has attracted an unprecedented number of devoted fans who have conferred upon it a kind of cult status. Political Show: THE BELTWAY BOYS *THINK* The Seinfeld Boys w/George, Kramer, comedian and real life bud, George Wallace and Elaine (OK bad joke). Jerry's best asset going into the political debates? "Sein" Language!

"I've never had much interest in being liked," he says, "and I think people appreciate that." Jerry Seinfeld


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My fourth candidate is *NOT* a fantasy, only a name. HILLARY
Shhhhhhhhhhh! Did I say it too loud?

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KID "Dyn-o-mite!"

Strange but true: Add to the list of Rush Limbaugh defenders stand-up comic Jimmie Walker, the one-time "Good Times" sitcom star, famous for his exclamation "Dyn-o-mite!" Walker, who writes a right-leaning opinion column for the Jewish World Review Web site, applauds Limbaugh's job-ending ESPN remarks about Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb. "Of course Rush's comments had nothing to do with race and everything to do with the NFL's obscene policy." And he dismisses Limbaugh's drug addiction as "a single demerit in an otherwise stellar career."
Originally published on October 16, 2003 /NY DAILY NEWS

Well, I report you decide! Check it out for yourself. The column is called INSIGHTS and the article is titled The bums' Rush - and mine



The Boondocks by Aaron McGruder

2 4 the price of 1 2-Day









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QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

1. Who would be *your* fantasy Presidential Democratic Candidate. It's just us here in the Underground, we're not here to impress ANYONE. This is about you and your fantasy. Sort of like FANTASY ISLAND except this is a fantasy in the Undergroundrailroad. I want you to *think*! Again, no need to impress, and it's your fantasy! DREAM "ON" GIMME THAT NAME?

OK, Make Your BID! Draft your fantasy (or NOT) Candidate!

2. What was the best gift you have EVER received? WHY?

3. What color are your eyes?

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OK, I'm OUTTA. See you next Monday 'IN' The Undergroundrailroad

This is a great day to be in the golf cart and not at work, but here I am, toiling away!

How sad that Jimmy Walker has gone to the dark side. Doesn't he know that the Republicans don't give a damn about people of color?

Oh, Mina...guess what is coming up on Saturday? THE BREEDER'S CUP!! Are you going to be watching? I may have to venture to the track to check that out and make a couple bets! :D http://www.ntra.com/bc2003/bc2003_event_index.asp

On to the questions:

1. Can we reincarnate Barbara Jordan? :-)
2. Probably the best gift I received had nothing to do with a birthday or Christmas. It was being adopted by my parents. I have really had a great life, and it's thanks in large part to them. :loveya: mom and dad!
3. Dark brown - very Mediterranean and sexy, dammit! :P

this picture of her:


Barbara Jordan

What a wonderful thought of reincarnation. If there is one person in my fantasy *wish* then yes, it would be her. Barbara Jordan was such a role model to me. I was transfixed when I listened to her speech. And her presence during the Watergate Hearings was unprecedented. If she would have lived, I do believe she would be on that stage with the rest of our Democrats running for President.

Thanks GOP, that is a fantasy choice that brought a tear when I saw that picture of her.

Now, thanks for the Golf Cart. I LIVE for that cart on Mondays. :)

Now, questions.

What another beautiful response GOP and to your credit, I give you a hug for mentioning that in the Undergroundrailroad today. Adoption is an issue that is very important to me. I want all children to know the love of parents and your comment today only reinforce my advocacy.

Here is an extra tight hug for you from me GOPisEvil

And ohhhhh those sexy eyes. "Dark, very Mediterranean and SEXY

It can't get any better than THAT!

Thanks for stopping in and for that Golf Cart FIX. I love you.

Mina/UGRR

Happy Monday, UGRR! Thanks for the great daily thread. Always a fabulous way to start my otherwise dreary work week. :-)

1. Who would be *your* fantasy Presidential Democratic Candidate. It's just us here in the Underground, we're not here to impress ANYONE. This is about you and your fantasy. Sort of like FANTASY ISLAND except this is a fantasy in the Undergroundrailroad. I want you to *think*! Again, no need to impress, and it's your fantasy! DREAM "ON" GIMME THAT NAME?

OK, Make Your BID! Draft your fantasy (or NOT) Candidate!

2. What was the best gift you have EVER received? WHY?

3. What color are your eyes?

(1) My fantasy candidate? There are so many qualified people, that it's hard to choose just one. But I'll go with Paul Krugman, at the moment. :thumbsup:

(2) Oooh tough one. Could it be the Canadian Rockies ski vacation my S.O. gave me for Christmas 1999? It would be, but for various reasons, we haven't actually been able to take that vacation yet, so I'm not sure I can count that one. ;-) But someday!!

(3) Blue.

:hi:

--Peter

Mellifluous:

1. Flowing with sweetness or honey
2. Smooth and sweet: polite and cordial, with a mellifluous, well-educated voice.
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What a beautiful wonderful word to start our week off! Thanks professor Peter! You always have a way of saying the right thing to make me smile. Thanks so much!


OK on to the questions of the day! Let me check you out.


Paul Krugman

Your fantasy candidate would be Paul Krugman! I think that is a great choice! Paul Krugman is a mater writer and intellect, much like Professor Peter!

Check out his Web Site:

Welcome to my home page. The main purpose of this page is to give interested parties - students, colleagues, journalists, mad bombers, etc. - easy access to some of my more recent writings. For the time being the links in this page lead for the most part to less-formal writing, mainly for nonprofessional publications. I have started, however, to put some pieces that do contain equations into a new section, "Stuff that is harder to read". (I also maintain a listing, in reverse chronological order, of what's new on this page).

Most people who have accessed this page probably know who I am, but for anyone else here is a summary. (To learn more click here ). I have recently moved from MIT to  Princeton . I was born in 1953, got my Ph.D. from MIT in 1977, and have since taught at Yale and Stanford as well as MIT. I also spent an eye-opening year working at the White House (Council of Economic Advisers) in 1982-3. In 1991 I received my major professional gong, the John Bates Clark Medal, given by the American Economic Association every two years to an economist under 40.

I have written or edited 18 books (I think) and several hundred articles. Most of these are about international trade (I helped found the so-called "new trade theory", which is about the consequences of increasing returns and imperfect competition for international trade) and international finance, and are pretty well incomprehensible to laymen. However, since I wrote The Age of Diminished Expectations in 1989, I have increasingly tried to communicate with non-economists through op-eds, magazine articles, and so on. It turns out that people have a hard time tracking all of this stuff down; hence this page. It contains, among other things, links to my two former monthly columns: "No free lunch" in Fortune, and "The dismal science" in the cyberspace magazine Slate. (Slate  is free  - I highly recommend it). As mentioned above, you can read my New York Times column either on paper or online.

http://web.mit.edu/krugman/www/

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Your will make that trip to the Canadian Rockies and enjoy your Ski vacation with your SO. That is a wonderful gift!

And, you have blue eyes! Awe, Peter, beautiful blue eyes ;-)

Thanks for stopping in and see you next week!

Love,

Mina
UGRR

Great thread today, as usual! I love cupcakes so much! You know I don't usually indulge in your underground goodies, but I might have to make an exception today! ;-)

I enjoyed your fantasy candidates--think you made good cases for each of them. I think Derek Jeter's kind of a jerk--don't know why!

On to the questions...

1. My fantasy pres candidates...Bill Clinton (hey, it's a fantasy! In my fantasy we've revoked the term limits!), Steven Hawking, Janeane Garafelo, Michael Moore, Martin Sheen. Any of them would be a VAST improvement over the current squatter.

2. The gift I'm about to receive for my birthday is definitely right up there. My friend Colleen is taking me to Boston this weekend for my birthday present. The gift of experience! That's the best kind. :)

3. My eyes are brown, I'm Sicilian, you know. My mom's eyes are so black that you can't see the pupils.

Have a great day Mina and everybody!

Cat :loveya:

1. Who would be *your* fantasy Presidential Democratic Candidate. It's just us here in the Underground, we're not here to impress ANYONE. This is about you and your fantasy. Sort of like FANTASY ISLAND except this is a fantasy in the Undergroundrailroad. I want you to *think*! Again, no need to impress, and it's your fantasy! DREAM "ON" GIMME THAT NAME?

OK, Make Your BID! Draft your fantasy (or NOT) Candidate!
I am not giving names lol heh.
2. What was the best gift you have EVER received? WHY?
Thats a tough one, well its one of the most important gifts, a book of flags of our fathers by James Bradley, it made me think about my relative Mike Strank the Iwo Jima flagraiser. Sigh :cry: he didnt make it home. That book is so beautiful, I recommend it, I should go to Johnstown and Arlington Cemetery sometime soon but I dont drive damnit.

3. What color are your eyes?
Blue lol what makes me look German heh now if I had brown eyes, I think honest to god I could pass for Italian :D or Meditterian, I already am told I look Balkanish.

Yummy thoughts :-)

Well Cat, thanks for dropping in the Undergoundrailroad and for those comments. I really appreciate those kind words Cat, I really do. Thanks.

Derek Jeter, LOL. Well, that's why I have them out there. I report, you decide. But today is Fantasy Monday here and I'm glad to hear ALL comments on our candidates good AND bad. Cat, :yourock:

Cat's Fantasy Presidential Platform :

President Bill Clinton (yes! ), Jeanne Garafalo, Michael Moore, Steven Hawking, and Martin Sheen! All excellent and real candidates!
I think of those I would pick Jeanne Garofalo and Michael Moore. Let me try this on. President Michael Moore and President Jeanne Garafalo. All sound better than pResident *.



Cat, I just LOVED what you said, "the gift of experience"! How true that is, especially in my case. I have lived to see so much. Actually, that has given me a gift idea to some family members. Thanks Cat!

You have those beautiful brown "Sicilian" eyes! You go CAT! I just love ya

Have a great rest of your week!

Mina
UGRR

Welcome to Mondays IN The Undergroundrailroad a place on Mondays where we meet, greet, answer questions of the day and jump start our week ahead. Now that your are officially welcomed, you are no longer a newbie and I hope you will drop in to chat with us every Monday in the future.

Now, It looks like you have a fantasy candidate in your signature line. Yes? I think Rep. Kucinich speaks his mind! He makes the debates interesting and lively! So, by default of your sig line, let's allow him to be the candidate in the UGRR.


Flags Of Our Fathers by James Bradley

"Many of us have seen the photo in a history book, a magazine or on television, but never really knew the story behind the image.

For many, the photo represents the U.S. Marine Corps. For others it may represent determination or victory.

What about the men raising the U.S. flag on the Pacific island of Iwo Jima in February 1945? Most Americans probably don't remember who these men were or never really knew much about them.

The book, "Flags of Our Fathers" by John Bradley, whose father was one of the flag raisers, provides a moving account of these men and the events that brought them together for that one moment when a photojournalist's camera captured history. Bradley tells us that a photograph taken in 1/400th of a second by famed war photographer Joe Rosenthal immortalized the image of the men raising the flag. A 110-foot tall U.S. Marine Corps Memorial depicting the photo was dedicated in 1954 in Washington, D.C."


What a beautiful gift! Now you have inspired me to purchase the book. I'm giving gifts of inspiration this year, so I have several friends and family members in mind.

Thank you John!

You have diversity in those beautiful blue eyes John!

Thanks for dropping 'IN' to the Undergroundrailroad today. It is a pleasure to meet you and I just *LOVED*] your answers to my questions.

Take care and have a great rest of your week!

Warmest regards,

Undergroundrailroad
Call me "Mina" !

Well hes my candiate but I have another fantasy candiate heh. Strank is my relative. Thanks for the compliment on the eyes heh. I will try to have a good week.

Happy Sweetest Day to you.

Great thread this morning. I didn't know Ben Affleck was such a staunch Democrat. Although it makes sense, him being Boston Irish-Catholic and all. Too bad his political views get drowned in a sea of bad movies and J-Lo tabloid headlines.

Yes, and yes on Ben Affleck and Jerry Seinfeld. Every President since JFK has had a jokewriter on staff. Wouldn't it be cool if the President could be his OWN jokewriter? B*sh doesn't count, since everything he says is a joke.

A big NO on Derek Jeter. I'm sorry, Mina, I just can't stand the guy. I have to put up with self-satisfied smirks in repuke politicians, do I have to see them when I'm watching baseball? Anyway, he's a Yankee. Mortal enemy to my beloved Mariners. :-)

I didn't know JImmy Walker was a right winger. How did that happen?

Boondocks; Wonderful,as usual.

1.) My fantasy President is Al Gore. He would have been wonderful. But the likelihood of him ever being President is just that: a fantasy. He was cheated, and America suffers. :(

2.) I hate to sound maudlin and sentimental, but the best gift I ever received was my wife. She's a gift from God. My life was a dismal shambles before she came along.

3.) Brown.

Have a great day, Mina! :loveya: :hi:

...he's a extraordinary human being off the field regardless of your feelings about the Yankees...seriously doubt he's a puke from what I've learned about his dedication to youth scholorships and anti drug programs! :)

Turn 2 Foundation Mission Statement

The mission of this private non-profit corporation is:
-To create signature programs which will acknowledge and reward youths who avoid drugs and alcohol and those who choose healthy lifestyles.
-To fund organizations which help prevent and treat teenage substance abuse.
-To leverage the integrity and popularity of Derek Jeter by hosting special events for today’s youth which serve as a platform for his message.

(The Turn 2 Foundation's Mission Statement can be found at their site http://www.turn2foundation.org. Please visit the official site of this foundation for complete and official information.)

Thanks for the compliments Aristus, I always appreciate those kind words. Here's a Sweetest Day hug (tight hug) from me!


HIT! You got it right on the mark about Ben Affleck Aristus. I think with all the J-Lo publicity, many did not know that he is a staunch Democrat, belongs to People for the United Way and campaigned for AL Gore. He was also around during the Election 2000 re-count as the nation stood still waiting for our President (grrrrrrr, I hate the result of that "re" count! ).

So yes, Ben is cool and I wish he would just go ahead, marry Jen and make his Democratic connections known. I think if CA could elect an Arnold, we could elect a Ben, and I ain't talking about fantasy here. I'm talking about "D" power! We've got to have MORE D Power!!

WOW! Derek Jeter is *NOT* popular and I hope the Yankees are reading this thread! You are the second or third poster who actually said they "hate" the guy. They also found him to be arrogant and self-serving.

But thats what I like about Mondays IN the UGRR -- I WANT you to disagree with me. I am now starting to understand why Derek is not getting that many endorsements. Hey Derek, wake up call? Check the "tude" in at the door !

Jerry Seinfeld is just so likeable! Yes, he could run that campaign (has the money) and he is just as popular, if not more, than Arnold.
I always e-mail Mondays In The UGRR to all involved. So let's see. Jerry Seinfeld for Governor of New York??

Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy. You know, I'm going to not "gong" Jimmy just yet. I'm going to invite him to the UGRR for a rebuttal. That would be cool!

OK Questions:


Vice President Al Gore

Your fantasy candidate, Vice President Al Gore. Yes, I agree.

This makes me both sad and angry. WHY? I often ask so many people and search for an answer within myself. I wish those votes could have gotten counted a little bit faster. I remember yelling at the television when I saw them counting, knowing that a shut down of the counting was in imminent danger. I just suppose he doesn't want it anymore. It's a very sad story that should prove to be a wake-up call to us.

COUNT THE VOTES DAMMIT!

What a beautiful tribute to your wife, Aristus. I wish there were more husbands like you. She is so lucky to have you as her mate. Please print this out so she can see "your best gift" and make it a "gift" to her along with a tight hug from UGRR

Now how can she resist those beautiful brown eyes of yours ;-)

Have a great day and a grand rest of your week Aristus,

Love,

Mina
UGRR

He looks more Presidential in a polo shirt than shrubbie would look in a navy suit, white shirt and maroon tie with Presidential seals all over them.

Vice President Al Gore

For the record, he's *my* candidate. Always has been, always will be.

I'm going to tell you another fantasy that I had during the re-count. That Bill Clinton could just resign, in protest, just to let AL Gore become the President in reality for those few remaining weeks.

I know, I know, it would have not helped the Clintons, but I was angry. I wanted a President Al Gore even if it was only for a week.

Thanks Aristus for allowing my rant on your time. But I just had to let this out.

See you next week!
Mina

Oops, I'm a little late...it's afternoon! :)

Ewww, Derek Jeter! :( Ewwww! And he's afraid of dogs? What a wuss! :evilgrin: I'd have to question Ben's judgement lately although his political views are pretty Democratic.

Thanks for the Boondocks. I enjoy reading them. My paper still hasn't responded to me as to whether they'll carry it or not. I have my doubts.

1) I second the Barbara Jordan idea. I adored that woman! I think Ann Richards is a kick-ass politician, too. (Can I say "kick-ass" in the UG?)

2)I can't think of any one gift that was better than the others. I'm drawing a blank on this one.

3) Hazel.

Thanks for another enlightening visit. :yourock:

Governor Ann Richards

Now MaineDem, doesn't she just LOOK royal in that photograph! Yes, an excellent "fantasy choice" for our Presidential Platform today!

By-the-way, I also displayed the pink ribbon. I just found out that a dear friend passed away several months ago from Breast Cancer. I lost touch with her but I ran into her daughter-in-law who gave me the grim news. "So that ribbon is for you DEBBIE!"





Well, you see that fitness gym above? I need to take thee to it. Again MD, whenever you post, I know it's time to DO SOMETHING! Please continue to inspire me! Exercise is very important, VERY!

OK, back to the questions. WHY does Derek Jeter come off so negative??? Help me out MD. You are the third (or fourth) person who has posted their dislike of him? I know he has one devoted fan here, Jus_the_Facts and I like to hear both sides. But quite frankly I am a little surprised at the negative vibes towards Derek Jeter.

Oh my goodness! You have beautiful hazel eyes!

Well, have a wonderful evening, a great dinner, and a great rest of your week!

Love,

Mina
(UGRR)

VIN DIESEL...
Need I say more?

The red carpet is rolled out for your arrival in the Undergroundrailroad, welcome! I hope you will find your visit interesting and we try to warmly jump start your week ahead, with fun things to do and say on Mondays, DEEP, in the Undergroundrailroad.

Thanks for checking us out.




OK, let's give Vin Diesel equal time in the Undergroundrailroad!

"Mark Vincent (he apparently got the name Vin Diesel while he was working as a bouncer) was born July 18, 1967, in New York, NY and was raised by his astrologer and psychologist mother, and stepfather, a teacher and theater director.

Growing up in an artist's housing project in Greenwich Village with his non-identical twin brother Paul and younger sisters, a young Diesel led a life of uncertainty, not knowing his biological father. However, despite his low-class upbringing, it was obvious that he wanted to be a performer from the age of three, after his mother had to stop him from trying to step into the ring at the circus -- he wanted his performance to start.

trespassing into a career

A chance encounter that led to Diesel's acting career occurred when he was seven years of age. Vin and his friends had broken into a local theater, and rather than getting caught and reprimanded for trespassing, Diesel and his buds were handed scripts and were offered $20 dollars per week, on the condition that they show up after school every day. This served as Vin's first "real" paying job.

But his road to success wasn't paved with good luck and fortune. The closest he came to acting professionally was in a Theatre of the New City production, in addition to several very off Broadway plays. Diesel had to take on jobs such as bouncer at several exclusive New York City nightclubs in order to finance his film dreams. He had taken matters into his own hands when he left Hunter College in New York in the midst of studying for an English degree, in order to get an earlier start in filmmaking. "

Vin Diesel

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Once again, thanks for dropping in xultar (interesting DU name!) and have a great rest of your week.

Warmest regards,

Undergroundrailroad
Mina

I think you are a great speaker on all issues and once your elected President, DUers would have first dibs to the Lincoln Bedroom! Yes?

WOW, you present some interesting choices. If Arnold could win CA, why not Jerry Seinfeld?! I also like is I don't give a dam attitude!
"I've never had much interest in being liked," he says, "and I think people appreciate that." Jerry Seinfeld

Cool, very cool!

JJ! What happened to you Bro! Well, I'm going to always be a GOOD TIMES fan.

With that said, on to the dy-no-mite questions of the day:

My fantasy candidate, other than you Mina is Terry McAuliffe. I think he is misunderstood and his moderate stance helped get President Clinton elected. Terry, why not put your $$$$$$ where your "mouth" is and run for President! Like you said Mina, "fantasy".

Best gift: Trip to the Grand Canyon with my wife. She surprised me with all the arrangements. It was totally unexpected and I loved it!

Eyes: Sparkling green, just like Derek Jeter's green eyes (no joke)

Mina, thanks again for a great GREAT Monday In the UGRR. See you next Monday.

Have a good day to my DUers IN the ground.

Mina :yourock:

BJ

LOL, ME? UGRR/Mina the "Fantasy" President? Well, my first act in office would be to


make AL GORE the president. And as long as we're dealing with fantasies, I would form a special committee to investigate * and that stolen FL Election. Crimes were committed to make * the pResident. Also, from that moment on I would order a web cam attached to the necks of Jeb Bush and Katherine Harris (I would find one of Ashcroft's laws to accomplish this).

I would also sign a bill making THE DEMOCRATIC UNDERGROUND a national holiday!

Well, fantasy is over. It was nice while it lasted, so thanks BJ for the vote. It was counted!!

OK, on to the questions. Let me check you out BJ.



So you like Democratic Chair Terry McAulifee for President. WOW! I am receiving such an interesting group of "fantasy" candidates! Great job DU!

Your best gift was arranged by your SO. That is wonderful and I have also visited the GRAND CANYON, awesome! I have noticed so many original answers for what was your "best gift". Again, great work BJ and DU!

Eyes, sparking green. Very nice BJ :)

Once again, thanks for the kind words on behalf of Mondays IN The UGRR.

Have a great rest of your week!

Love,


Mina
UGRR

This brown-eyed guy is willing to accept any combination of people who will throw the thugs both out of office and into prison where they belong. I would accept Tiny Tim/Madonna as more acceptable than the current ILLEGAL residents.

My greatest birthday present/gift is an easy one. For my 60th birthday my wife planned a party for me in Florida at my in-laws. The present came in the form of a surprise gift. My wife bought a round trip ticket for my sister living in Israel to attend the party and to spend a week with me.

GabyPoppy, I know you have been reading Mondays IN The UGRR but this is your first post. Welcome! Now take that walk down the red carpet and I want to introduce you as one of our GD Moderator! All the moderators do such a great job!

I just knew one day I would get you to post and BAM, you did it! So, welcome to my world on Mondays and you are *NOT* a newbie anymore.

OK, your best gift was a surprise party for you 60th Birthday! WOW! I would have to agree, that is a wonderful gift! Kudos to your wife for arranging the surprise. That had to be hard to do, but she did it! And a wonderful surprised resulted. I just LOVE happy endings. :)

ABBB (anybody but *) is my mindset as well. President Madonna (with Britney as her VP!) sounds good to me.
President Madonna ?

Once again, thanks for stopping in to say hello GP and I hope to see you again 'in' the UGRR.

Love, :loveya:

Mina
UGRR

Good Monday to you Mina and thanks for a great Undergroundrailroad today.

I love your "fantasy" Presidential selections so I will use one of yours. My fantasy President would be Ben Affleck. I could see the Oval Office now with the children running around the desk as J-LO fashions herself after Jackie Kennedy bringing style and fun to the White House. I also see the President and First Lady walking across the White House lawn greeting the media and playing with their children.

ABBB That about sums up my "fantasy".

My best gift was a ring that my sister-in-law gave me before she died. It was a beautiful one of a kind diamond. I still wear the ring everyday and think of her.

My eyes are brown (they match my freckles :) )

Have a great day Mina and DU. Thanks for another great Monday IN the UGRR Mina.

GoGo

Thanks so much for your kind words. They are always appreciated.

Now, your "fantasy" President would be one of my selections, Ben Affleck. What we could only hope for is J-LO hosting those State Dinners at the White House with beautiful dresses and lots of music! Does she have the Jackie-esq mystic? Well, there is only *one* Jackie Kennedy and only *one* Jennifer Lopez. They both have signature in their style.


J-Lo

I like your story about the ring your sister-in-law gave you. I'm sure she knew how important it would be to give it to you. Your giving the ring a good home on your hand. Enjoy it.

Matching eyes and freckles. Wow! You must be beautiful GoGO.

Thanks for dropping in to say hello and I always enjoy your visits!

Have a great rest of your week.

Love,

Mina
UGRR

That's a great photo of J-Lo.


See you next Monday.

GoGo1

I'm so glad to be here in the Underground with you today. Now what's this? How did I ever live this long and not know a thing about Sweetest Day? Thanks for the cupcakes, mmmmmmm yummy. Ok now that I'm full it's on to the questions.

1. Who would be *your* fantasy Presidential Democratic Candidate. It's just us here in the Underground, we're not here to impress ANYONE. This is about you and your fantasy. Sort of like FANTASY ISLAND except this is a fantasy in the Undergroundrailroad. I want you to *think*! Again, no need to impress, and it's your fantasy! DREAM "ON" GIMME THAT NAME?

OK, Make Your BID! Draft your fantasy (or NOT) Candidate!

I like your candidates. I'm not a big baseball fan (ssshhhhh) so I don't know a thing about Derek Jeter but he's a Cancer like my husband so I think he'd be OK. ;-) Ben and Jerry are good choices too. My candidates would be Al Franken because he's smart and liberal and he'd make the press conferences fun to watch. His State of the Union Address would be must see TV.

I also like Mario Cuomo for his compassion and social conscience. This is from his bio:

http://www.italian-american.com/mario-cu.htm

"While balancing 12 consecutive budgets and making strategic economic investments, Governor Cuomo furthered New York's reputation as a leader in socially progressive legislation and programs. He created the largest homeless housing assistance program, the most expensive drug treatment network, a nationally recognized plan to deal with AIDS, the largest program for the mentally ill in the United States, the nation's first real alternative to welfare, and a revolutionary 10-year commitment to New York's children called "The Decade of the Child." "

I agree with catpower on drafting Janeane Garofalo because I have to have one female candidate. Talk about smart and tough. Here's what she said about being an anti-war guest on FOX TV.

It became abundantly clear that no one was getting on TV talking about this, and when I was specifically approached by the founders of Win Without War and some people at MoveOn.org, I said yes. And I wasn't reluctant about it. I can't stand watching history roll right over us. It's like they're asking you to bend over, put your head in the sand, and put a flag in your ass.

2. What was the best gift you have EVER received? WHY?

My husband took me to Costa Rica for my 40th birthday and we had the best day ever snorkeling and sunbathing and eating seafood at a wonderful outdoor restaurant. He's such a sweetie.

3. What color are your eyes?

Blue.

Thanks for brightening up my day!

Welcome to Mondays 'IN' The Undergroundrailroad ! This is where members of DU meet and greet 'IN' the Undergroundrailroad. We have fun, send kudos to each other, answer questions of the day and basically do what we wanna do. As you can see moderators also partake in the fun and I welcome you Monica L to my world on Mondays. Monica/Mondays has a nice ring to it! So take your turn and wave to us :hi:

I'm glad your enjoying your cup cakes and Happy Sweetest Day back to ya!

Now, let me check your responses to our questions of the day.


President Mario Cuomo President Al Fraken


Thank you for providing that background information on Governor Mario Cuomo.
Actually, I have always thought that Mario Cuomo should have run for President. I live in New York and I was active in all his campaigns. I also see the rationale for a President Al Fraken. I mean why not? He is certainly smarter then * and would probably do an excellent job!

And just to make sure we provide equal time in the UGRR, we have a fantasy candidate in President Janeane Garofalo!

WOW! Costa Rica for your 40th birthday! Very very Nice and very deserving Monica. Seafood yum. Now my inner mind has latched on to the thought of seafood. So tonight, perhaps I'll order out a seafood dish.

Eyes, are beautiful crystal blue.

Monica, thanks so much for dropping into the Undergroundrailroad today. Your participation brightened *my* day. :hi:

Have a great rest of your week.

Warmest regards,

Undergroundrailroad
Mina

Fantasizing abour presidential candidates isn't something I normally engage in, especially after the theft of 2000. However, your choices stimulated me enough to venture a few picks of my own. Mind you I do so with the disclaimer that this is all just fantasy and we seem to have fielded a really good crop of candidates for the upcoming primary.

That said:

If I were to back a celebrity candidate I'd probably have to throw my weight behind George Takei, the esteemed Helmsman/Captain Sulu of the Star Trek universe, if for no other reason, I could listen to him read a phone book and enjoy it immensely. Imagine how dramatic the state of the Union would be? Plus, he spent part of his childhood in an internment camp so he is well aware with the consequences of the suspending of civil liberties.



As for the other questions:

2. What was the best gift you have EVER received? WHY?

Little McLargehuge courtesy of Mrs. McLargehuge. See him here :

http://www.spymac.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=57796&papass=&sort=1&thecat=500

Ain't he just the cutest?

3. What color are your eyes?

Hazel

that photo of your "special gift" and indeed he is! I just love his sweet expression. He is seated before a Mac G3Tower and he holds those two Hot Wheel cars in his hands.

* PRICELESS* That gift is just priceless! Thanks for sharing that McLargehuge. I know you have been one of my long time visitors here and I appreciate that photo-op!

I also want to introduce McLargehuge as one of our DU Moderators (they like the UGRR too ;-) ) But McLargehuge was a member of the UGRR before he became a DU Moderator. Thanks for volunteering McLargehuge and all the moderators at DU do a wonderful job in our DU Community.


President George Takei

Your selection, and yes, fantasy only, President GeorgeTakei. I like your reason behind this candidate. Spending part of your childhood, and I hate to say this, even think this, in an internment camp is just horrific. So yes, he would bring such balance and sensitivity to the White House that we currently don't have. President George Takei could be a range of issues to the people of this country and I would love the hear what he has to say !

Finally, McLargehuge, you have beautiful hazel eyes.

Once again, thank you so much for sharing that photo with us today.

Have a great evening and rest of your week!

Here's a hug for Mrs. McLargehuge and a toy room full of HOT WHEELS for little McLargehuge!



Love,

Mina
UGRR

....but gotta go with BIG DOG...wish he coulda stayed Prez FOREVER AND EVER AMEN!! ;-)

2. Well gotta say this ol' relic laptop was the BEST gift EVER...'cos I got to be here with all you fine people!! :loveya:

3. My eyes are dark green with flecks of brown around my pupils! Always thought my eyes were my best feature...been called *bedroom eyes* more than once!! :evilgrin:

Hope everyone has a contented Monday...all the best to you Mina!! :yourock: :loveya: :hi:

President Bill Clinton


Oh how I miss the *BIG DOG*, President William Jefferson Clinton. I will NEVER forget his last day in office. I was devastated! Knowing what was awaiting us. Indeed, it has been my worst nightmare. So today, we have a fantasy, and a well deserved one, IMHO!

I agree, he could have been President for LIFE! Well, here's a hug for both of us
Now, let's go kick some repuke A**!

Your best gift is your computer. What a wonderful gift. Computers are wonderful and yes, it keeps you connected to DU. I'm glad your around jus_the_facts to give us your perspective on things.

Wow, you've got those bedroom eyes! Lucky SO!

Thanks for sharing your "fantasy candidate" today and for your presence in the UGRR. Have a great rest of your evening and week!

Love ya,


Mina
UGRR

Smart, informed, passionate, beautiful. Susan Sarandon for President of the United States. And having Tim Robbins in the White House is a bonus!

Welcome to Mondays IN The Undergroundrailroad a private place within the inner walls of DU where we meet, greet, answer questions of the day, hug each other and basically say what we wanna say with NO interruptions ! So welcome Terrya and feel free to say whatever you want to say :)

Now, let's go to your "fantasy presidential candidate" !

May I introduce:


President Susan Sarandon

Susan, if your watching and reading DU, I would vote for YOU! Yes, it would be 2 for the price of 1, Tim Robbins. WOW, what fun in the White House with a power couple like Susan and Tim. I think the WORLD would embrace them and finally we would have a President that every world power would love.

Well, to bad it's only a fantasy. Well, at least it was a positive thought.

Thanks Terrya for stopping in to say hello to me and I hope you will visit the UGRR again.

Have a great rest of your week.

Warmest regards,

Undergroundrailroad
Mina

and a merry Monday to all! :hi:

Worked out today, so I'll have to pass on the cupcakes. I'll have to bake a pumpkin pie.

Those defenders of Rush--Give Rush a break, he didn't mean those mean things he said. He was on drugs, don't you know! Absolutely hilarious! I'll bet that they're looking for a "Be Kind to Rush day."
:evilgrin:

Alas, poor JJ, shilling for the neo-con RW. He should know better by now, but--such is life.


To answer your questions:

1. The coolest captain, Jean-luc Picard for Prez. He was even "hired" by the Borg, so that has to say something about his qualifications.

2. The best gift ever. I haven't received THAT yet, I want to look forward to the boundless future.

The best surprise gift I got was when my taichi teacher brought me a practice taichi sword from his trip to China. I looked at it and said, "I'm going to learn sword, aren't I?"

3. Brown


Enjoy the week!

President Jean-luc Picard

It's as excellent a choice as any of the others. So for you, may I present President of the United States, Jean-luc Picard

Thanks for stopping in to say hello LA.

Your best gift was a practice taichi sword from your taichi teacher. I LOVE this quote "I'm going to learn sword, aren't I?" Good, very very good. BTW, do you still practice taichi? I've heard so much about it. Positive thinking, etc.

Well, my "brown" eyed friend, have a great rest of your week and please visit me again.

Here's a hug


UGRR/Mina

Yes, I still practice taichi, and I'm going to be at our taichi retreat in the park this coming Sunday. I'll be performing the sword forms before a live audience, no tape delays. LOL

Taichi is great, IMO, and it is worth your time to check it out. It is also called meditation in motion.

Thanx much, Mina! See you soon! :hug:

Beautiful *EYES* !

Let us think about this for a little bit. My first reaction to your question was Sean Connery—why you may ask? Well even I do not know the answer to that one. But think about it. He’s been everything in the movies—why not president? If Arnold can do it being from outside of the US why can’t Sean?

I think it would work out in the long run. Look at the statistics over in Scotland. I really have not researched this at all, but I believe that I have read somewhere that things are pretty laid back over there. I have always wanted to go and see their beautiful country.

But like you said this is my fantasy and I’m sticking with it.
____________________________________________

Next question—What is the best gift I have ever received?

That’s not fair. Now you are making me think.
I was going to say maybe it was the knowledge I have gained from past experiences, but I guess that would not be technically considered a gift by anyone besides me.

So then I got to thinking it could be my children, but again not considered a gift by all rights.

Again I put my mind to thinking and I have decided it has to be the introduction to this site and all of it’s members.
I don’t know what I would have done without everyone here
.
Whether it was someone who helped me out-right and by pm’s or the one’s who have helped me just by giving me something to read and learn by.

So yeah I would definitely say that DU was the best gift I have received from anyone—by the way it was Michael Moore’s site who gave me this gift.
________________________________________________
Last question: What color are your eyes?

Hey almost an easy question.

It really depends on the light around me-and my mood-I guess. I have been told that my eyes change from brown to green and sometimes to blue. But to my knowledge and what is on my license they are hazel.

Thanks UGRR and have a great week everyone!

:hi: :hi: :hi:

President Sean Connery

I loved all your reason for wanted Sean Connery to be your elected President. I agree, if Arnold can do it why not some of *OUR* choices! Foxy :yourock:

Now, I loved your back and forth rationale for "favorite gift". Yes, that was meant to be a "thinking" question and your reaction was exactly what I wanted. Finally, your choice for best gift was "DU" by way of Michael Moor . Now that is such a cool story and gift!

Finally, your beautiful eyes are "FOXY" brown-green-blue depending on the sunlight of the day!

Thanks for stopping in Foxy and have a great rest of your week.

Love,

Mina
UGRR

1. My fantasy candidate would be Jennifer Granholm Michigan Governor. If the bill were to pass allowing a foreign born citizen to run, she sure as heck could give Arnold a run for his money. And she couldn't possibly have the same sort of skeletons in her closet. She's had a tough time here of late, but I believe she'll pull through.


2. The best gift...very hard...but...my son. We didn't think we could carry a pregnancy after a couple of late term losses, gave up, bought a car and...Boom! A wonderful gift from my husband.

3. My eyes are green. They take on the hue of whatever color green I wear. Kelly green, olive green, and most regularly-PACKER GREEN!!!

Have a great week Mina!

Welcome to Mondays IN The Underegroundrailroad Mrs. Grumpy! Mrs. Grumpy is also a DU Moderator and she is doing an excellent job! Kudos to all the DU Moderators and Administrators.

Now, do your turns, and don't forget, smile for the camera! Oh, NO! You are NOT alone on the red carpet, here comes the President!


President Jennifer Granholm

I do LOVE MI Governor, Jennifer Granholm and she has excellent qualifications to become President!

Your best gift, your son. Children are a gift and I'm glad you and Mr. Grumpy were able to have that special gift.

PACKER GREEN EYES!

Once again, thanks for dropping in to say hello to me and have a great rest of your week.

Here's a rose Mrs. G.

Love,


Mina
UGRR

good afternoon! And now, to answer your questions...

1. Hmmm....this is a hard one. If I had to pick one person, it would prolly be my musical hero, Tom Morello. He's the person I credit for getting me into politics. Not to mention, he's a socialist :)

2. Best gift...that's something i'm gonna leave blank. The gift was an inside joke...

3. Eye color? Blue. :)

Welcome to the Undergoundrailroad leftist rebel 1569 (kool DU name, btw). This is where we hang our hats on Mondays and just talk crazy (or not so crazy) about the world 'in' our world and say hello to each other.


Now, please tell me I have the correct "fantasy" President, Tom Morello. So, may I present the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, TOM MORELLO



President Tom Morello


WOW! I think the UGRR has come up with some interesting candidates. WATCH YOUR BACK DEMS! The people just might take control of this country of ours, via "counted" votes.

Best gift for you is something R rated???? Tell, tell, we would love to know! Your inside the UGRR, we won't tell ;-)

Well, you can share with us that your eye color is??? BEAUTIFUL BLUE!

Once again, thanks LR1569 for visiting me in the UGRR and I hope you have a great rest of your week!

Warmest regards,



UGRR
Mina

Your daily threads are great Lady.

1. Robert Redford

2. My son is the best gift I ever received and thankful I have him!

3. Hazel...some days blue or green you know that inbetween!

Hugs Mina :hug:

Thanks for those kind Crew. I have a gift for you. NO, I have a gift and the RED CARPET FOR YOU!
First, a rose

Watch out Crew, you've got company on the carpet!


Ladies and Gentlemen The President of the United States of America, Robert Redford


President Robert Redford


Wow, a President Robert Redford! I can *HEAR* the words to The Way We Were .

Your best gift is your son. Crew, you always say the most sensitive things. I love you and those sometime green, sometime blue, eyes! ;-)


Hugs back to ya Crew. Don't stay away so long stranger.

Love,

Mina

See you soon.

-Mina

I've been busy lately but I had to stop by the lounge and say hi to my DU mommy :hi:!

1. Who would be *your* fantasy Presidential Democratic Candidate. It's just us here in the Underground, we're not here to impress ANYONE. This is about you and your fantasy. Sort of like FANTASY ISLAND except this is a fantasy in the Undergroundrailroad. I want you to *think*! Again, no need to impress, and it's your fantasy! DREAM "ON" GIMME THAT NAME?

OK, Make Your BID! Draft your fantasy (or NOT) Candidate!

There are many. I agree with just about every suggestion made in this thread. I think Julianne Malveaux would make a great presidential candidate because she's intelligent and articulate.

2. What was the best gift you have EVER received? WHY?

I'm feeling indecisive today. How about the best gift recently? This weekend I was given some cute Christmas ornaments. They are snow men holding anti war signs }( .

3. What color are your eyes?

Brown

President and Dr. Julianne Malveaux

I do agree jmm. She has more qualifications than Bush and Rove combined. Her MIT training in economics makes her a very appealing candidate in view of the horrible economy.

See you next week.

Love,

Mom