Again, I (xph) am using my girlfriend's account to post this diary.  Tomorrow I should be able to use my own.

As an extra motivator to help me quit smoking I am donating the money I save by quitting to Barrack Obama-  MY FUNDRAISING PAGE.

I made it through what for me is the toughest day- DAY 1!  Thank you everyone that responded to my diary yesterday with words of encouragement, advice and past success.  It really did help me get through that first day.

I am taking up precious diary space with this for a few reasons.  First, using the money I save to give to Obama really helps me- and if anyone else joins in it will multiply that effect.  Second, the support and encouragement really makes a difference.  Also, I would love to help motivate someone else to quit smoking.  Finally, I'd also love to encourage someone else to give to Obama.  Go past the crease if you aren't bored to death already.

I have 4 days off of work in a row.  (I'm a bartender- very stressful job when trying to quit smoking!)

I am very prepared:  My girlfriend (kirari) took all the cigarettes with her to work.  No car for the day.  Although there is a convenience store pretty close.

I've been up for over 5 hours and I haven't had one yet.  
Usually I've had close to a pack by now.

I have actually been writing this diary the whole time- in between my increasingly frequent pacing around the house.  Hehe.

Oh no, I am about to post it... ARGH!  No going back once it is.

Alright, its out there now, no going back...

So what if the reason Bush is so determined to see the ports deal go through is because it must for the UAE to sign a FTA (Free Trade Agreement) with us?  In 2003 we set up a TIFA (Trade and Investment Framework) with the UAE, and in March 2005 negotiations started for a FTA.  Follow me after the jump to see the highly interesting timing of the P&O deal and our negotiations for the FTA...

CNN Poll:
Is Democratic Party Chairman Howard Dean helping or hurting his party?

as of now:  63% Hurting.... 37% Helping.

The folks over at StartChange.org have launched DraftPrado.org.

The premise is simple. No need to wait until the vacancy on the SCOTUS happens and let Bush make the first move. Campaign now for a consensus candidate. They think Prado is a moderate judge that should be acceptable for both sides as the next SCOTUS nominee.

more below...

I spend too much of my time debating with conservatives in various venues in RL and online. The 'nuclear option' has brought out the typical arguments, but one that seems to really resonate with them  is the argument that the 'minority party' shouldn't be allowed to get away with the filibusters to block beloved Bush's nominnees. Afterall, using their reasoning, which I can understand to a point, the people voted and elected Bush and Republicans to the majority in the Senate. You know, that supposed mandate thingy. Oh and my favorite line of theirs, "majority rules!" Just nevermind, the fact we're a republic, or the fact they blocked a much higher number of Clinton nominees, or the fact they are bad judges, hey, they're the majority damnit... sigh. They really do love the power trip, eh?

Anyway, so I got to wondering, what are tha actual vote totals for the 'minority party'...