A Whirlwind of Pop Culture & Political Points

It’s been a few weeks since I’ve last posted an entry; and, I apologize for my laziness.  It seems that a lot has happened since then.  Allow me to recap:

1)      The Maine Caucuses were won by Mitt Romney;

2)      Colorado, Missouri, and Minnesota were won by Rick Santorum;

3)      Whitney Houston has died;

4)      Adele dominates the Grammy Awards;

5)      Rick Santorum is leading in at least two national polls;

6)      Glee keeps getting better;

7)      Newt Gingrich has not dropped out of the race;

8)      President Obama took a stand on Birth control & Contraceptives;

9)      The 136^th Westminster Kennel Club has it’s dog show in New York; and,

      10)   United States Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer was robbed by Machete.

Please note that these events are not in any particular order or level of importance.  In fact, they randomly are the ones that stood out the most to me.  I know for many of you are shocked and wondering why I did not mention “Budget Day” or its importance…I wanted to keep it short and I knew the budget should be respected and have its own blog entry.  I shall attempt to discuss every event I listed above without making random, sarcastic comments.  Yes, this will be hard to do but I assure you…it can be done!

Topic 1: The Maine Caucuses Were Won by Mitt Romney

The only thing I really have to say regarding this: Did anyone really think he would lose Maine?  Last I checked, it was in New England where Massachusetts is also located – not to mention New Hampshire.  I think the real story behind Maine is that Ron Paul did really well in the state.  Paul finishing second within a narrower-than-expected margin should have had the Romney campaign shaking just a tad.  I do think Paul’s “The revolution is just beginning” moment was certainly his “Opps” moment of the campaign.  When someone says revolution, the first thing that comes to minds is war; more specifically, the Civil War.  Granted the United States is somewhat divided – politically speaking – I hardly believe that a real revolution is happening because a GOP candidate got second place in a state that really has no significance to the race to become the Commander-In-Chief. I am not disrespecting Maine, its residents, or its political process; I am just stating that it is not all that important when it comes to Presidential politics.

Topic 2: Colorado, Missouri, and Minnesota Were Won by Rick Santorum

Honestly, just when the Romney Campaign thinks they have the nomination in their solid possession!  Seriously, the fact that Rick Santorum swept all three states speaks volumes!  For instance, Romney knew he would win Colorado.  That state alone dealt a huge blow to his campaign to be the GOP nominee.  By Santorum earning all of these states clearly demonstrates that Republicans are still not satisfied with any of the candidates from their party to beat the President.  On a side note, I am glad Santorum did not wear a sweater vest during his speech that night. I am a strong supporter of sweater vests – I own many and none of them are from Jos A Banks - but he should not wear them!  The thing for Santorum needs to do is maintain his momentum into Michigan & Arizona…and the debate on the twenty-second.

Topic 3: Whitney Houston has Died

What?  He is going to talk about something other than politics??? Yes, I am. The death of Whitney Houston was a shockwave through the musical community.  I was a fan of her while growing up.  I even remember sitting in from of the television watching her sing the national anthem back in 1991 (then going to my room because I didn’t want to watch the game).  She had an amazing career and I think I have downloaded at least five of her songs onto my iPhone since Saturday.  In fact, as I am writing this, her song “I’m Every Woman” popped up on the iTunes shuffle.  RIP Whitney Houston; you’ll be missed & we’ll always love you!

Topic 4: Adele Dominates the Grammy Awards

If you have never heard of Adele, you need to find a song of hers and listen to it! I would recommend starting with “Rolling in the Deep” because her vocals are amazing!  She is my favorite artist right now and she deserved every one of those Grammy’s.  She is similar to Norah Jones. I think I heard someone compare her to Reba…only way better (and I politely told them off for such remarks)!  She is just an amazing singer and her music is pure.  Every time I listen to her songs, I get a chill or something.  She just has that affect.  I love her and I definitely recommend her! I think my favorite song of hers is “Rumor Has It” or “Turning Tables”…I really can’t decide! (Turning Tables is currently playing on my iPhone, haha!) Also, “Rolling in the Deep” is a great Runway song, haha!

Topic 5: Rick Santorum is Leading in at Least Two National Polls

Yep, you read that right! The former Pennsylvania Senator is leading in both the Pew Public Policy and I think Gallup. A couple of things about these polls: he is within the margin of error so essentially he can Romney are tied and one of them was released before the Michigan poll which has Santorum leading in every county except……I want to say Cumberland but I know that’s wrong……Lincoln?  Anyway, it’s the county that has the Chrysler museum and is home to GM. Needless to say, Santorum is leading in 82/83 of Michigan’s counties.  In case anyone missed this: Mitt Romney was born in Michigan!  If he loses his actual home state, that would be really bad for his campaign.  The other state nobody is really paying attention to, although they should, is Arizona. The main thing to look for is turnout.  Even Arizona Senator John McCain mentioned that if Republicans don’t lighten up on the Hispanic vote they will lose that voting bloc all together.  Regarding the debate, let’s see how the candidates will jump around immigration or other issues important to Hispanic voters (like the Dream Act, Arizona’s state law seventy-seven, a fence on the border, Governor Jan Brewer in general, Alabama’s educational flaws towards Hispanic children, Puerto Rico statehood – a real answer this time instead of “kick the can down the road” answer, etc). By the way, the only county in Michigan that Romney is leading Santorum: Oakland (It finally came to me).

Topic 6: Glee Keeps Getting Better

Everyone knows I love Glee. This is the best show on Fox (well, I do like the Voice as well but that’s beside the point).  I follow a majority of the Glee cast on Twitter and I definitely have favorites.  I do like the new villain, Sebastian the lead Warbler from Dalton Academy. I still love the Kurt/Blaine relationship and how strong that remains.  I really have not liked Quinn’s character the past few weeks. She just seems to be there and I really just find her to be annoying now.  I really am torn between the “Finn proposal” because I think that you don’t have to resort to marriage if you get rejected from a college.  I know college is not for everyone…neither is marriage….but I really didn’t like the message that sent to viewers - “kids, if you don’t get into college then good news: you can get married”!  I think in the end Mercedes will not choose Sam (but I hope not).

Topic 7: Newt Gingrich Has Not Dropped Out Of the Race

The only thing I will say about this is that I predict he will drop out after Super Tuesday.  I can’t stand him and I don’t want to give him any more consideration than I have too. He should have already conceded but he is stubborn and angry.

Topic 8: President Obama Took a Stand on Birth Control & Contraceptives

This week, President Obama reaffirmed his position regarding women’s rights and the Affordable Care Act which was passed into law – thank goodness!  I don’t fully understand why the 2012 election is going to be geared towards social issues instead of economic ones.  If we fail to acknowledge economic woes – and yes this is directed towards Republicans – then we will be heading down the same road that Greece and Portugal are going down at the current moment. The moral: Straighten up, get your head out of the sand, and work with the President on these pressing issues! Worry about your jobs later!

Topic 9: The 136^th Westminster Kennel Club is Having It’s Dog Show in New York

I love this annual event! I love dogs and I always get to see my favorite dog which is the national dog of Finland: the Finish Spitz.  I have three yellow labs (two are mixed with retriever and the third is beagle I do believe).  They are awesome family members and I love them!  It’s funny because we watch the Dog Show together and my dog, Bridgett, always growls because she thinks they are coming towards me. She is so protective, haha!  I really want the Pekingese to win this year! Finally,

 Topic 10: U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer was Robbed by Machete at His Home

First of all, this story is a week old. Second, where was the Secret Service??? All Supreme Court Justices receive Secret Service Protect so did they have the day off?  The third thing is that it was a machete.  Did someone not have a golf club or a vase to just throw at the robber? I mean, come on people!

I figured I mixed up the topics instead of categorizing them by subject (yes I do that and be very glad I didn’t this time even though it is bothering me).  I figured the pop culture gave you a break from the political stuff and allowed you to keep reading. By the way, I’m officially a quarter-of-a-century old. I don’t feel like it and it happened last Wednesday.