Invesco Field...take THAT Focus on the Family!

****UPDATE****

MORRIGAN AND RAVEN GOT COMMUNITY PASSES...WOOOO HOOOO! They are already there standing in, as Morrigan says, "The biggest line I've seen in my whole life!" The delegate busses don't come for 30 min or so and I'll be jumping off here shortly to catch one.

By the way, remember THIS? Focus on the Family prayed that it would rain on the Obama speech.



Ummmmmmm...guess not! You can't see even the hint of a cloud anywhere in the Denver sky.

If raining on Obama would infer God's wrath...what could we infer from this?

Keep checking in with my Twitter page to see what's happening!

****************
Today, I'm heading to the breakfast with the AK Delegation where we'll find out if a pass for Writing Raven is possible. If yes, then we'll work from that. If no, at this time I am planning NOT to bring my laptop because a) there is no power on the field b) there is no wifi or other internet access on the field c) the "blogger lounge" is with the rest of the MSM and very small and is at the tippy top of the Stadium (i.e. using a cane and hauling gear up there a no-go for me).

However, I have "Twitter" which means I'll be texting from the Stadium and my comments will show up on the right hand side of the blog in the "Twitter Update" section. I'll post and show pictures of what went on when I get back from the shindig and I'll be writing posts and analysis on everything I've seen heard and experienced during the Convention for days!

I want to thank all of you who have been following Writing Raven's and my journey this week! We've appreciated all of the feedback and support!

Bill Clinton is speaking now

Wow...he is decimating McCain with total class.

Woot--Melissa Ethridge!

The security guys were very nice to me.



I can't even describe to you how incredible this performance was.

I apologize for the boo boos...folks kept bumping me.

By the way, this is how Fox News acts during the Invocation, Pledge and National Anthem

Typing and talking.



With their backs to the flag.

Nice...

(Tipped off by Dennis Zaki, who told me he saw the same thing yesterday while CNN, MSNBC and the others stood respectfully with their hands on their hearts.)

DNCC--Day 3 has begun!!!!!

It's in full swing today...roll call is supposed to happen at about 4:00 PM MT which is the fun stuff. Right now, the nominating speeches are happening for Barack Obama...they already happened for Hillary Clinton.






Today, the challenge is keeping our seats. The aisles are already packed and the MSM is encroaching on our area since we are in the back. I volunteered to be bouncer and I'm trying to keep the riff raff out.

Democratic Convention--The main speeches

Hillary Clinton



Mark Warner



Over two hours of coverage, including Michelle Obama's Speech

Alaska Delegates and other Democrats in Denver

Last night, our own Ryan Bucholdt was honored on stage as a young delegate--the future of the Democratic Party

Patti Higgins

Lindsey Holmes, Vic Fisher and Jane Angvik

Obama fans showing their enthusiasm next to a small contigent of McCain supporters

Former Alabama Atty General, G. Douglas Jones, spoke at the Alaska Delegation Breakfast this morning. He helped to put away the bombers of the 16th Street Church back in the 1960's where four little girls were killed and gave a moving and informative reminder that not-so-long-ago, racial violence was common.

Writer and Air
America radio personality Thom Hartmann spoke and signed his new book "Cracking the Code" at Border's Books tonight. Since I missed him at the Big Tent, I got a chance to listen to him while Writing Raven was at the Pepsi Center. He discussed (among other things) the battle against economic tyranny and how the task facing Barack Obama was similar to the one that faced FDR. My friends, Kim and Erick, are on either side of him.

5:50pm MST - Regular Americans and what the delegates are doing

It was pretty rough listening to this guy - Robin Golden. He is one of the chosen regular Americans to speak, and he'd just lost his job, can't pay for diabetes treatment. He was introduced just after Sweeney, the AFL-CIO president.

Alaskan delegates Patti Higgin and Blake Johnson make the Alaska pole "better."

Alaska Delegate Ryan Buchholdt on his experience at the convention:

"It's exciting and energetic - surreal at times."

On what he's been doing at the convention:

"Network - I was up on stage yesterday. I was able to meet Chairman Dean three times. I met Donna Brazile and Nancy Pelosi yesterday."

On hearing Hillary Clinton's address later today:

"I'm very excited - the Clintons have done a lot for the party. It's good that they were able to have such prominent speaking roles."

One kind of funny note - they took a commemorative photo just now, a panaromic shot. The lady announcing has been doing a great job of doing so, but stumbled over the pronounciation of "commemorative" on her first announcement. The second time around:

"We are now going to take the commem... comm.....

Thank you."

Dem-Con in Denver-- the overrated, the underrated the superb and the absurd

Alaska Delegates having a blast..they get an A++

Denver--what a cool city! The scenery is beautiful, the weather has been hot, but beautiful, the public transport is clean, fast and efficient. Also, "hot" here is dry like Alaska so 85 degrees is "bearable" to me, unlike in the Midwest.--"A"

Protesters--come on, folks, get some friggin' direction! Even standing outside of MSNBC we see signs about 9/11 "truth," anti-war, environmental stuff, anti-meat...good Lord! Also, way-to-go starting a riot on Monday...at least it gave something for all the police to do!--"C-"

Delegates--all I can say is "WOW" what a bunch of friendly, wonderful people! Writing Raven talked about our experiences on the Light Rail the other day with the Texas Delegates...they literally welcomed us on board with open arms! Everyone I have met has been fabulous and that's a big part of the fun walking around Denver and visiting the various venues--"A+"

The Big Tent--a facinating experiment and a great alternative for those bloggers who are not credentialed and a really nice option for blog teams who don't have enough credentials. Hopefully they'll have worked some of the kinks out (like the sound) by tonight. The workshops during the day are a nice touch as well.-- "B+"

Republican "Rapid Response" Team--So far I've seen a maximum of 15 "NoBama" McCain drones at one time...and Mitt Romney and Rudy Guiliani showing up at the Dem Convention is nothing less than PA-THE-TIC.-- "F"

P.U.M.A--The "Party Unity My Ass" idiots have managed to get a lot of press considering their threats won't mount to a hill of beans...nor do they have the support they claim. I've seen one sorry woman with a stack of fliers.-- "F-"

To be continued...

Michelle Obama's speech and the photos from the Mon 8/25 Democratic Convention

I did this video from the Alaska Delegation on the floor of the Convention. There was no way I could go anywhere else by that point since the MSM pretty much had everything blocked. She had me in tears by the end...especially when she talked about Barack's lack of a father.

Here's a contest for you: name this actor (as I have no idea what his name is). I recognize him from a few rolls but couldn't tell you which ones for sure. I think he was in Officer and a Gentleman. We were outside of the Pepsi Center at the time.


So this older man and his grandson were talking behind me and he was explaining to him about how the Convention works. It was very sweet and I turned around to look...and saw that the grandfather was Dan Rather.

Joe Scarborough appeared to be every bit the jovial, yuck-it-up guy that he does on MSNBC.

Alaska Delegation is right next to Faux News. Why must this be?

David Kellner-Rode of Wasilla was selected to be a Page for Howard Dean at the Convention. Here he is with his mom, Abby Kellner-Rode who has been hanging out with her sister, Rachel Binah...a delegate from California!


Even though it's obvious I'm trying desperately not to blink, I love this picture. Senator Jim Webb is a hero because of what he's done (and continues to do) for Veterans. I got a chance to personally thank him...and tell him that there are lots of Vets up in Alaska who want to shake his hand. I also mentioned that my good friend, Veteran Aviation Outreach's Mo Bailey, would love to take him fishing!

I'll post lots more pictures later.

Liveblogging the Democratic Convention Aug 25th, PART II

6:47 Barack's sister gave a very sweet and touching speech.

Best line of the Convention so far came from Jessie Jackson Jr. (paraphrased): "I know Dr. King is smiling down on us here tonight since this is the first Democratic Convention in history within sight of a mountaintop."

That was the beginning of a very stirring speech...the man has his dad's talents without the baggage.

(Remember how loyal he's been to Obama, he condemned his dad's whispered comments.)

OK...this band they have kicks some serious ass. They are doing some amazing covers but adding their own personality to it. Really getting everyone moving (if I could dance holding a laptop, I would be.)

7:47--Frustration: trying to get a decent picture of Carolyn Kennedy and having the MSM completely clog the aisles and then snap at us when we are trying to get through (can you say "fire code?)

Tears: Watching the tribute to Ted Kennedy. Then he clearly got choked up after he was introduced and the entire audience screamed, clapped, shouted "Teddy" and lifted up "Kennedy" signs. I talked to CC from KUDO 1080 briefly today and she mentioned that she got choked up when she heard there would be a tribute to him. I couldn't help but cry as I watched. Ted Kennedy is the end of an era for folks my age...the end to our childhood.

8:06--Jim Leach, Republican (yes, I said Republican) Representative from Iowa is speaking--one of the two "prominent" Republicans who have come out and endorsed Senator Obama. The other is former mayor of Fairbanks, Jim Whitaker and he speaks tomorrow.

Quotes: "America has seldom faced more critical choices." "This is not the time for politics as usual." "Little is riskier to national interests than more of the same."

8:19--Claire McCaskill's kids introduced her and she's emphasizing the theme "that's the change we need." Claire says "I know that this son of a single mom will stand up for America's daughters..." Very nice pull at those who are still grumpy over Clinton.

BTW--our Alaska Clinton delegates met and decided ahead of time that no matter what happened at the Convention, they were supporting Obama. I've seen very little of these "PUMA" people...was just given a flier and that's about it.

Michelle Obama video on now--her mom is narrating. She'll be speaking soon.

8:28--Lovely blonde BBC reporter is broadcasting right next to me and the blonde chicky babe from Fox is on the other side. What a friggin' difference in intellect.

Craig Robinson is speaking right now--big brother to Michelle Obama. She's next.

BTW...I now know why they don't allow signs in here because they give you a new one every friggin' 10 minutes. They just handed out "Michelle" signs on long sticks.

Heh...new BBC reporter switched out the other one...still cute and blonde.

Craig quote about Barack: "He's a team player who approves the people around him."

8:38--BBC is on my nerves now, they keep redoing this spot. Michelle is speaking and it's distracting.

8:58--That was an excellent speech and rather than write about it, I got a chunk on video. I'll post it and all the photos when I get back to Kim and Erick's.

Here we go! Liveblogging from the DNCC Monday!

Here is the schedule for tonight:

Barack Obama’s story is an American story that reflects a life of struggle, opportunity and responsibility like those faced by Americans everyday. The opening night of the Convention will highlight Barack’s life story, his commitment to change, and the voices of Americans who are calling for a new direction for this country.

Monday’s headline prime-time speaker will be Michelle Obama.

3:00 PM - 7:00 PM (LOCAL)

Call to Order
The Honorable Howard Dean
Chair, Democratic National Committee
Former Governor of Vermont

Invocation
The Honorable Polly Baca – Greeley, Colorado
Former Colorado State Senator
President & CEO Latin American Research & Service Agency

Presentation of Colors
Navajo Code Talkers Association
Keith Little, Frank Willeto, Bill Toledo, Jimmy Begay

Pledge of Allegiance
Angela Morgan –Alexandria, Virginia
Served 9 years in the Marines and now runs a leadership development small business

National Anthem
Colorado Children's Chorale
Group over 30-years old – Tad Koriath (piano)
Local children (7-14) performing throughout US & the world (China, Asia, Europe, etc.)

Welcome
Reverend Leah D. Daughtry
Convention CEO & Chief of Staff, Democratic National Committee

Video - “Welcome to the West”

Introduction of and Report by the Credentials Committee
The Honorable Howard Dean
Chair, Democratic National Committee
Eliseo Roques-Arroyo
Co-Chair Credentials Committee
Former Executive Director, Democratic Party of Puerto Rico
James Roosevelt, Jr.
Co-Chair Credentials Committee
Pres. & CEO Tuffs Health Plan (HMO) and grandson of FDR
The Honorable Alexis Herman
Co Chair Credentials Committee
Former US Secretary of Labor

Introduction of and Report by the Rules Committee
The Honorable Howard Dean
Chair, Democratic National Committee
Sunita Leeds
Co-Chair Rules Committee
Chair of the DNC Indo-American Leadership Council
The Honorable Mary Rose Oakar
Co-Chair Rules Committee
Former Member of the US Congress, Ohio,
President of the American-Arab Anti Discrimination Committee
The Honorable David Walters
Co-Chair Rules Committee
Former Governor of Oklahoma
President of Walters Power International

Video - Changing the Course of Our Nation
Featuring Ashley Baia -Native of Pennsylvania and an Obama field organizer mentioned in Obama's Philadelphia speech. Know as the "sandwich girl" who, at age 9, convinced her mother she liked mustard & relish sandwiches to save money while her mother was fighting cancer. She is now twenty-three.

Introduction of Convention Co-Chairs
The Honorable Howard Dean
Chair, Democratic National Committee
The Honorable Shirley Franklin
Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia
The Honorable Leticia Van de Putte
State Senator, Texas District 26
The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius
Governor of Kansas
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the US House of Representatives
Member of the US House of Representatives, California
Permanent Chair of the 2008 Democratic National Convention

Turning Over the Gavel
The Honorable Howard Dean, temporary Chair of the Convention turns over the gavel to
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Permanent Chair of the 2008 Democratic Convention.

Remarks
The Honorable Doris Matsui, Parliamentarian
Member of the US House of Representatives, California

Andrew Tobias, Treasurer
Democratic Party Treasurer

Remarks by the Secretary and the Electronic Roll Call of Attendance
Alice Travis Germond - West Virginia
Secretary, Democratic Party
Member of the Democratic National Committee

Remarks – Presentation of Platform
The Honorable Patricia Madrid
Co-Chair Platform Committee
Attorney General of New Mexico

Judith McHale
Co-Chair Platform Committee
Business Executive (former President, Discovery Communications; Board of DigitalGlobal)

Remarks
The Honorable John Hickenlooper
Mayor of Denver, Colorado

Congressional Hispanic Caucus
The Honorable Joe Baca
Member of the US House of Representatives, California

The Honorable Grace Napolitano
Member of the US House of Representatives, California

The Honorable Silvestre Reyes
Member of the US House of Representatives, Texas

Remarks
Nancy Keenan
President, NARAL - Pro-Choice America

The Honorable Emil Jones, Jr.
State Senator, Illinois
Amanda Kubik
Young Delegate – North Dakota

Ret. Rear Admiral John Hutson,
Pres. Franklin Pierce Law Center in Concord – lifetime Republican

Reg Weaver
President, National Education Association

The Honorable Manuel Diaz
Mayor of Miami, Florida

Video - Changing the Course of Our Nation
Featuring Gabrielle Grossman
New Hampshire Obama Supporter "U2 mamma for Obama"

Remarks
The Honorable Lisa Madigan
Attorney General, Illinois

The Honorable Dan Hynes
Comptroller, Illinois

The Honorable Alexi Giannoulis
State Treasurer, Illinois

Randi Weingarten
American Federation of Teachers

The Honorable Amy Klobuchar
US Senator, Minnesota

Musical Performance
John Legend (vocals & piano) and accompanied by:
Agape Choir - International Spiritual Center, Culver City, CA
Trans-denominational Spiritual Community founded by Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith

Video/Remarks
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the US House of Representatives
Permanent Chair, Democratic National Convention

Video - First Time Delegates: Renewing America's Promise

America’s Town Hall – Economy
Moderator: Senator Sherrod Brown - Ohio,
Panelists: Ned Helms, Lisa Olivares, Dr. Laura Tyson, Jon Schnur

Remarks
Margie Perez
New Orleans jazz singer & song writer from Musicians Village

President Jimmy Carter Segment
Jimmy Carter/New Orleans Video
Acknowledgment of President Carter

Remarks
Maya Soetoro-Ng
Half-sister of Barack Obama
High School teacher - Hawaii

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Remarks
The Honorable Jesse Jackson, Jr.
Member of the US House of Representatives, Illinois

Mike Fisher & Cheryl Fisher – Beech Grove, Indiana
Mike – Amtrak tech & Cheryl – hospital tech (hosted Obama for lunch)

Tom Balanoff
President, SEIU Local 1 (Chicago)

Senator Edward M. Kennedy Tribute
Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg
Daughter of the late President John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy

Video - Edward M. Kennedy Video

Remarks
The Honorable Miguel Del Valle
City Clerk of Chicago, Illinois

Candi Schmieder
Delegate Chair, Iowa County Convention

Jerry Kellman
Hired & supervised Obama at Developing Communities Project - Chicago, Illinois

Introduction of Jim Leach by
The Honorable Tom Harkin
US Senator, Iowa

The Honorable Jim Leach
Former Republican Member of the US House of Representatives, 1st District, Iowa

Introduction of Claire McCaskill by
Austin Esposito
Son of Senator McCaskill

The Honorable Claire McCaskill
US Senator, Missouri

Video - Michelle Obama Package

Introduction to the Michelle Obama Package
Craig Robinson
Older brother of Michelle Obama

Remarks
Michelle Obama
Wife of Presidential Candidate Barack Obama

Benediction
Don Miller -Portland, Oregon
Best-selling author & public speaker focusing on Christian spirituality

Recess
The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius
Governor of Kansas

4:10--So far, I've gone through the nightmare of getting here (it is NOT walking distance from the Big Tent), getting set up, just becoming overwhelmed with the media, the energy, and the beautiful job the lighting and decorating folks did with the Pepsi Center.

We've heard from Howard Dean and the Credentials Committee, the Rules Committee, P (MI and FL have full votes), our first hearing from Nancy Pelosi, the Platform Committee with Patricia Madrid--first Latina Attorney General, New Mexico and Judith McHale. Nancy Pelosi called for a vote and the Platform has been adopted.

5:00--OK, while the other kinda repetitive speeches were happening, I got pictures of Ryan Bucholtz on stage with young Democrats. I also got a chance (be still my heart) to thank Senator Jim Webb for his work for Veterans, invited him fishing in Alaska (with Mo Bailey) and got my picture taken with him.

Dan Rather stood right behind me with his grandson and talked to him. I got an amazing picture.

5:45 Interesting idea...questions from the people of the country (via video) to Sherrod Brown and a panel of Obama surrogates answering them.

Panelists: Ned Helms, Lisa Olivares, Dr. Laura Tyson, Jon Schnur

Public Education--how can we improve it: Ned Helms--invest in every single child--as parents take responsibility for our children's education. Helms also said that Barack Obama proposes a $4,000 education credit.

Working Families--cannot afford health insurance. How will you assure that working families can afford insurance for all members of the family. Dr. Laura Tyson--Obama health care plan affordable, people won't be turned away--Jon Schnur--if you have insurance, you can keep it. If you don't, Obama and Biden wants you to be able to sign up for the same plan they have.

Questions ended early due to technical problems.

Nancy Pelosi speaking now and listing the accomplishments of the House. 9/11 Commission, Hurricane Katrina and Rita victims (recovery rebates), passed legislation to keep working families in their homes, increased minimum wage for first time in 10 years, improved fuel efficiency, passed new GI Bill, passed largest Veterans health care increase...largest in 77 years.

I heard someone say quietly "why didn't we impeach Bush?"

She's talking about honoring the Veterans and doing so with a new leadership in the White House.

It's hard to blog about this and not get distracted and enthralled by the amazing technology going on during her speech. Biggest LED screen I've ever seen showing beautiful beach backdrop and a close up of her so clear if she had warts, we'd see them.

The speech wasn't bad...there were some more inspiring speeches before hand.

Jazz Singer Margie Perez is doing a description of her experiences with Katrina and the lead-in to a tribute to Pres. Jimmy Carter.

The Katrina video which also honored Jimmy Carter and Habitat for Humanity was a tear-jerker. I ran into a cool Texas delegate I met on the train and he was crying. We hugged each other and he said "that's why I'm here."

Former Fairbanks Mayor Jim Whittaker to speak at Dem Convention...also, waiting for "Team Blue Oasis" to get back from Red Rock

Per the DNCC today:

Prominent Republicans Former Congressman Jim Leach and Fairbanks Mayor Jim Whitaker to Speak at 2008 Democratic National ConventionAugust 24, 2008

DENVER - The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) and the Obama for America campaign announced today that two prominent Republicans will address the Democratic National Convention on Monday, August 25, 2008 and Tuesday, August 26, 2008. Former United States Congressman Jim Leach and Fairbanks Alaska Mayor Jim Whitaker will speak about Barack Obama's record of bringing Republicans, Independents and Democrats together to bring change and his vision for unifying our country.

Former Congressman Jim Leach will speak on Monday, August 25, 2008. The opening night of the Convention, themed as "One Nation", will highlight Barack Obama's life story, his commitment to change, and the voices of Americans calling for a new direction for this country. Michelle Obama will be the keynote speaker on Monday night and the Convention will feature a video tribute to Senator Edward M. Kennedy.

Fairbanks Mayor Jim Whitaker will speak on Tuesday, August 26, 2008. Tuesday night, themed as "Renewing America’s Promise" will focus on Americans' concerns about the economy, rising healthcare costs and the need to expand educational opportunities for all. United States Senator Hillary Clinton will be the keynote speaker on Tuesday night.

Former United States Congressman Jim Leach represented southeastern Iowa in the US Congress from 1977-2007 and earned a reputation as one of the most respected foreign policy experts in Washington. Jim Whitaker is the Mayor of Fairbanks, Alaska. Leach and Whitaker endorsed Barack Obama earlier this month.

I'll be trying to talk to him while he's here. Hopefully, he'll be at the Delegate breakfast.

Also, Raven and Kim are at Red Rock: the concert with Dave Matthews and Cheryl Crowe. They'll report here about it.

DNCC Media Party--first event of the Convention!

I've been trying to take it easy this weekend. Got up at 5:30 Alaska time this morning...blogged and went swimming. Then we geared up to hit the DNCC kick-off event which was the media party.

So it turned out that Writing Raven, Morrigan and I were the ones that got to venture to Elitch Gardens (formerly "Six Flags") for the big media event. I tried to get more "credentials" because Kim and Eric also blog on Blue Oasis, but they wouldn't do it. I literally begged for Morrigan's pass and the kind women took pity on me.

Of course, we were hoping to see some of our favorites (Oh, Keith...).




It turned out to be mostly an opportunity for us to have fun!

First, there was a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem by the "Phamily"--a organization of folks with disabilities.


There was a wonderful session of Native American drumming and dancing.






And then we had introductions of the Host Committee and speeches from Mayor Higgenlooper and Governor Ritter.



And then...the party!

We noticed that there didn't seem to be folks we could identify by name...probably reporters for the bigger networks who we'd seen before but just didn't know who they were. We also saw a lot of delegates and probably techies!

Oh yeah...did I mention the food?





And the rides? I was really glad I got Morrigan in...this was probably the only real "fun" DNCC event for a 10-year-old!





Tomorrow is very much up in the air as to what the schedule is going to be. I know for sure that I'm heading to the Big Tent at about 3:30 to meet up with a bunch of the other State Bloggers...important strategy session, which I believe may involve some type of alcholic beverages on their part. Seriously, we are going to pick up our credentials and then discuss what events we each thing are worthwhile to cover. That's probably when I make some decisions as what I'll fit into the schedule...and how Raven and I will split some stuff up.

Hope everyone is doing well there...the weather has been kind so far...about 75 degrees today.

The Delegate Party, Pike's Market in Seattle and now WE'RE HERE just in time for a VP candidate!

Holly Miowak Stebing, the Alaskan chosen to be backstage with Barack at the Thursday speech, was at the Delegate Party. I was very impressed by her intellect, candor and insight regarding her experiences and research of Alaska Native issues.

So, it's been radio silence for a bit but now we're here!

Before we left, I went to the Delegates Party at Club Soroya--it was a great time and a great job! Thanks Cal and Barbara for putting together a great time for all!!!

The Samoan dancers were a wonderful addition to the party!

We took off from Anchorage Airport after 1:30 AM and flew to Seattle where we had a six hour layover. We decided to hit Pike's Market, have breakfast and walk around. What inadvertantly happened is we became incredibly depressed over the difference in prices between Seattle and Anchorage--we Alaskans are so ripped-off!





We then took a walk on the waterfront in Seattle. It was about 65 degrees but I forgot that the dampness in Seattle makes it feel colder. Morrigan was smart and was wearing her new kuspick.






We got back on the plane and arrived in Denver at 4:45 Mountain Time--picked up by my friend Erick. We passed out almost immediately after we ate a yummy beef stew cooked by my friend Kim (Erick's wife) so we didn't get the text message about Joe Biden until I got up at about 7:30 AM. (He was the best choice, by the way.)

Anyway, I'm going to be mostly relaxing today until the media party this evening (the kickoff for the Democratic Convention) which I'll write about tonight. Tomorrow I plan to attend the Faith Gathering and I have media credentials for the Cheryl Crow and Dave Matthews concert! We'll all be putting our heads together over the next two days to come up with a planned schedule (which will probably change constantly) so folks have an idea what I'm planning to do. By the way, feel free to make suggestions!