It's national campaign stat-porn season again! Number muncher Nate Silverposted some of his magic maps this morning. These maps explain how Sarah Palin could be the 2012 Republican nominee for President!
That reddish line from the northwest through the deep South presents Palin's best shot at the nomination, according to Silver. Basically she has to win either Iowa or South Carolina (or both!) in order to have a shot. But she does well with rural, non-college educated voters who care about terror and God. And that's an important part of the GOP base!
But the most important part of the GOP base is rich people who don't want to pay taxes. And they will ensure that the nominee is Mitt Romney. He has the organization and the money and, most importantly, he came in second in 2008. That's how the Republican nomination process works.
Huckabee has an outside chance, but for some reason he is intensely hated by many of the GOP money people. Pawlenty is increasingly hated in his home state of Minnesota, but he might end up the least offensive "normal guy" backup choice.
Meanwhile, Sarah Palin's organization is a joke.
Pam Pryor, a former RNC senior adviser, leads Palin's political action committee and is orchestrating her outreach to social conservatives. Randy Scheunenmann remains her policy maestro, with informal assistance from his Orion Strategies colleague Michael Goldfarb, the former Weekly Standard writer and McCain campaign rapid responder. (Goldfarb did not return an e-mail seeking comment about his future in Palin's world.) Fred Malek is perhaps the single Washington establishment figure that Palin turns to.
Michael Goldfarb is a liability. Pam Pryor is an experienced evangelical adviser to Republicans but she hasn't ever worked for a major candidate. Scheunenmann—one of Ahmad Chalabi's men in Washington and lobbyist for the Republic of Georgia—was nearly fired from the McCain campaign (along with Goldfarb) for undermining and backstabbing. Fred Malek once counted Jews in the Department of Labor for Richard Nixon.
As Dave Weigel pointed out, Huckbaee, Pawlenty, and Romney have bigger and better teams in place.
Palin's PAC can raise substantial amounts of money without much trouble, thanks to her high profile and intense fanbase, but they're already famous for spending more money on her book than they did on candidates and their most recent fundraising letter has already been mocked for a grammatical error.
And, obviously, Palin could surround herself with trained and experienced professionals, but she hates trained and experienced professionals, and the moral of her own stupid book is that she chafes at attempts to make her act like a grown-up. She could very well end up with the Republican nomination, but that would take a series of fluke victories and lucky breaks, and those have not traditionally been deciding factors in the GOP nomination process.
But she is definitely kooky enough to give it a go, for which we should all be thankful. Because it will be hilarious.
In an interview with Katie Couric that aired before the Super Bowl, President Obama announced he will hold a televised bipartisan health care summit later this month. Obama said he will meet with both Democrats and Republicans next week in anticipation of the half-day session, scheduled for February 25.
“I want to come back and have a large meeting, Republicans and Democrats, to go through systematically all the best ideas that are out there and move it forward,” the President said.
This announcement comes on the heels of the President's fielding a televised 90-minute question-and-answer session with House Republicans last week which helped quell concerns that the health care reform meetings have not been held in the open.
[via CBS News]
Obama to Hold Bipartisan Summit on Health Care [NYT]
Read more posts by Josh Duboff
Filed Under: health care, barack obama, katie couric, video
Like it or not, Valentine's day is coming fast! Whether you're planning a romantic night with your bf, or heading out with the girls it's time to get romantic! To get your hair in shape, NYC stylist to the stars Patrick Melville shared his tips for a perfect and pretty low chignon!
"The best way to create this look is to start by first creating a bit of texture in your hair using a 1 to 1 1/4 inch curling iron. After curling hair throughout head, mist hair with a lightweight hairspray to create hold.
Grab hair as if making a ponytail. Pull hair through the elastic twice and on the last pull through stop halfway leaving about three inches of hair out(or depending on length left on ends). Wrap loose ends around to hide elastic. Secure with pins.
Pull out pieces around the face to create softness and more of a modern look.
The updo can be worn with either a center part or a side part. Add some pretty pins or a lacey headband for a little extra glamour."
Head to Patrickmelvillesalon.com for more info on Patrick or to set up an appointment!
Filed under: The Good, The Fat and The Hungry, Motivation
My body and my money are the two things I think about most. I haven't decided if that's selfish or not, but it is the truth. Only recently am I realizing the many ways they are connected.
My first realization came about when I decided to try and save some extra cash. When I began to strategize cuts in my budget, the first thing to go was eating out. New York is not cheap. A Sunday brunch with the girls can easily cost $60. That doesn't sound like a lot, but multiply that times four and you have $240 each month for salmon, grits and mimosas.
I still have the quality time with my girls, but less of it eating out. In support of my financial rehabilitation, someone different hosts brunch in their home at least once per month. In addition to saving money by not eating out, I've been trying to only eat what I make at home. Doing this makes me take a good hard look at what I'm putting in my body.
Thoughts of my body range from extremely positive to downright negative depending on the day and the hour. My thoughts also include action items and strategies for improving my body and overall health. Sometimes I follow through on those thoughts, other times they fall by the wayside. Having lost 200+ pounds, I am always in constant fear of gaining it back. But I still don't do the things that I should. I'm pretty body-happy right now, and even though I haven't been able to shake the fear of going back, in my heart of hearts I know I'll never be 300 anything, ever again!
My money is on my mind for obvious reasons. I need it to live. I make more than enough to live, but I desire to live well. I am always thinking of ways to make my money do more so I can one day do less. As a single person, saving is exceptionally important. If I don't save now for old age I will clip coupons, search for promo codes and ride the train instead of paying to park. Yes, at every turn money is on my mind.
The rest of my thought life belongs to the most important thing, my faith. Although I'm mentioning it last, it is most definitely first. Because of my faith, thoughts of my body and my money diminish in its shadow. My faith helps me keep the other things in check because it assures me that all is well. Too much time spent thinking in the wrong direction can create an unhealthy obsession. Faith won't let me worry because I truly believe that I'll be better, stronger and wiser. By faith, I even believe that I can do anything, including keep the weight off. Sure I could separate my body from my money and my money from my faith. However, life's a whole lot sweeter when faith rules and overcomes all I think about my body and money, simply because I believe that there really is greater for me.
Looking for more ways to save while shaping up at the same time? Learn how to lunch bag those extra pounds.
Every week, we introduce you to bloggers who share their weight-loss journeys and hefty doses of inspiration with their readers. This week's featured blogger is Amanda from Another Prior Fat Girl.
Name: Amanda Bartschenfeld
Age: 25
Start weight: 219.2
Current weight: 147.8
Goal weight: 139
My weight loss approach: I joined Weight Watchers in May 2008 because I knew I needed a lifestyle change -- not just a lose-weight-quick fad diet. Now I pay attention to portion sizes and eating healthfully most of the time. I've learned that I love fruits and vegetables, and I try to incorporate them into every meal. My Weight Watchers leader often says, "you crave what you eat," and I couldn't agree more. I never thought I would literally crave a big salad or fresh fruit, but now I do! I've also noticed a lot of positive changes in my health since becoming a lacto-ovo vegetarian one year ago. Eating better food helped me lose weight, but, more importantly, I feel wonderful and healthy.
Being active has also been instrumental in my weight loss. I work out about three days a week. I ran my first 5K last September and really enjoyed running and walking outside while I was training for it. However, I'm not a die-hard runner, and the Minnesota winter is keeping me inside these days. I recently started kickboxing at a kung-fu studio and am loving it! I get a good mix of cardiovascular conditioning and strength training in a fun, energetic class. No matter the exercise, my body feels so much better now that I'm dedicated to moving more. Why I wanted to blog about it: Blogging holds me accountable. Don't get me wrong, I still have unhealthy meals and happy hours here and there! Only now in the back of my head I'm thinking, "Oh geez, am I going to have to fess up to this on the blog now?" We're all human, and I like people to know that you can lose weight without starving and while still having a life.
The best part of blogging is: The comments people leave are truly encouraging and motivating. I've never been in it for the cheering section, but it sure doesn't hurt!
Best comment I've received: I can't think of a particular comment that sticks out above the rest, but in general I think it's amazing when someone says I inspire them. I never would have guessed that my body and lifestyle would inspire anyone!
What's next for my blog: I want to keep on motivating others (and myself!) while I work hard to lose these last 10ish pounds. It's going to be a struggle, but I'm comforted in knowing that my readers and I are in this together.
She looks great! Head over to Amanda's blog to find out more about her amazing journey.
Feeling inspired? Check out how Amanda's blogging partner, Jennifer of Prior Fat Girl, also beat the bulge.
"The Doctors" have offered "The Biggest Loser's" latest champ, Danny Cahill, a free tummy and chest tuck to remove all the extra skin he has been left with after dropping 239 pounds.
Cahill revealed his chest on CBS's daytime show this week, and the hanging skin is definitely more than man spanx can handle. Cahill's Biggest Loser journey began at 430 pounds and ended at 191. From the looks of it, he's dodged any significant weight creep since the confetti-laced celebration.
But take a deep breath, Danny. While the Biggest Loser celebrity circuit is thrilling, and an offer of free plastic surgery is the cherry on top, it hasn't even been two months since the final Biggest Loser pounds were shed. Maintaining the loss for 60 days doesn't exactly count as stable weight maintenance.
Remember Season 3 champ Erik Chopin? One full body-lift and 360-degree scar later, he had 12 pounds of extra skin cut off at a discount, and is now in the midst of a yo-yo fight to lose again after gaining much of the weight back. Chopin's plastic surgeon Dr. Andre Aboolian recommends that before plastic surgery, a patient should be at or near their weight goal and at a realistic weight with stable exercise and diet habits, as reported in OH Magazine.
"As a general rule, the longer the better," said Dr. Al Aly, plastic surgeon and spokesperson for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. "You don't want to operate on people where there's a greater potential they can regain their own weight. We say anywhere from three to six months minimum weight stabilization, and preferably a year."
However, it's a judgment call. "It depends on how they lost the weight, their personality and a whole of range of things. Sometimes, for certain individuals, you might break the rules because they really seem like they have changed their lifestyle and will not go back," he said.
Cahill has accepted "The Doctors" surgical offer, but hopefully there's no expiration date. Quick-fix plastic surgery is no small decision. Mastering weight maintenance for years, not days, is the real goal.
Click on the video below to see Cahill's reveal on "The Doctors."
Check in with That's Fit for each week's best diet and fitness tips at "The Biggest Loser."
Will Rogers once said, "Advertising is the art of convincing people to spend money they don't have for something they don't need."
And how do you that? That's easy. Just sprinkle in some sex! It's nature's negotiator.
Of course, it's not as simple as it sounds. These days, people are easier to offend than Catholic nuns and the FCC has made it nearly impossible to advertise products the way God intended (i.e. naked girls with abnormally large boobs writhing and moaning over the awesomeness of Flonase). So an even subtler art of using sex to get your money lies within this deeply layered process. Here are the best of the best and the worst of the worst.
Continue reading TV Squad Ten: Most/Least Sexy Super Bowl Ads of All Time
Filed under: Sports, Video, Commercials, Reality-Free, TV Squad Ten
Twas our penultimate tale of auditions on Idol last night, and yet again a woeful menagerie of lost souls flitted across our screens, floating through the thin air of Denver like warbling cowboy ghosts.
Aren't you so effing glad that tonight is the last of the audition episodes?? I mean, this is such a good thing. It's kind of unbelievable that Fox just plum got away with doing an entire month of these terrible miserable commercial-laden, content-free episodes. You know what sound will give me the night terrors for months to come? The first notes of that Here Comes a Sad Story music. Urghhhhhhhh. I know it's not really supposed to be a surprise at this point that the person is going to go through, but could they at least make it a little more interesting? Like once in a while the soft-touch focus feature doesn't sing well:
You know, I never did left Tennessee before this. I ain't never been outta Hollerton, actually. See... When I was ten years old I drove my brother's ATV over an embankment and lay in the mud weepin' for three days before anyone found me. You know... you keep going? But you don't ever forget somethin' like that. Just lyin' there in that mud, pinned under an ATV. All I could do to keep myself occupied, and to keep the various raccoons and badgers and coyotes and that weird neighbor boy Sticky Ricky from down the road from comin' up and gnawin' on me, was to sing. So I just kept singin'. And I guess I never did stop...
...and then they walk in and open their mouths and you expect sweet sonorous melody to come out... But instead it sounds like a harmonium being dropped down a back stairwell. (That should be a sexual euphemism: "Hey big boy, wanna come drop your harmonium down my back stairwell?" "Umm... I think so?") That would be fun and mean and shocking. But obvs they totes couldn't do that, because they clearly go and film the sadsack montage rack after the auditions have happened. Which means these poor segment producers have to spend even more time on the road, with American Idol audition freaks. They are the hardest working men and women in America, everyone! Hardest working of all.
Oh glorioski what happened last night? Well they were in Denver, a city whose chief character trait is that it has no character traits. Ohhhh hush now, Denverites! I'm just kidding. But what is Denver known for, really? Cowboys? Gold nuggets? You can't say: "Mountains", because there are mountains lots of other places too. Let's go with: Real World House. Or how about: Sandwich. I'm sure Denver makes a really good sandwich! Apparently they have good singers there too.
THOUGH YOU WOULDN'T KNOW IT. Because Idol showed, yet again, a paltry few good singers last night. I like that girl with the scratchy voice who sang Melissa Etheridge. And... that maybe was it! The girl who brought her little sister in was just cuuute and nothing else. That weird white version of Stew from the very beginning was vaguely off-putting. I certainly didn't care for ol' Motorcyle McGee up there, who took off his shirt and embarrassed a nation. Oh, I suppose that little Paris Bennett v 2.0 at the very end was cute, with her nice mom and sister saying nice things. Plus: A black lady country singer! This has never happened before in the history of black people or country music! No, Darius Rucker, you do not count.
The kids over at the TV site thought that Victoria Beckham was a bad judge, to which I respond: No one is a good judge. Maybe Simon is. No, Simon is. But everyone else is ridiculous and unhelpful. At least Victoria is fun! And nice in a refreshing way. She doesn't snicker or snigger or smile or anything bad like a Katy Perry or an Avril Stinkbean. No, instead she's kind and British and almost a little maternal in this curious and unexpected way. If the TV kids are looking for good judging, I posit that they might be watching entirely the wrong show. Nina Garcia! There's a good judge. Kara Dioguardi and Randy Jackson? Two slugs trying to have a conversation for French class homework. One does not go to American Idol for the judging. One goes for the SIIIIINGING. Or something like that.
Though who knows what l'Ellen Degeneres is going to be like as a judge! I think her first show is next week, right? During Hollywinx? I like Hollywood week. It is good and entertaining. Do you know what tonight's episode is? Best of the Rest of Auditions. Yes. Doesn't that sound so thrilling? What's that?? Oh... Oh god no... That music! That horrible, horrible music...
My name is Boolie Dinkins and I was born here in Farmhat, Nebraska. While I appear to be walking normally now, three years ago it was a much different story...
When I was 19 years old I was driving my ATV to the shopping mall, as was the fashion at the time. I turned onto the highway on an entrance ramp, listening to my favorite Bo Bice tape. And before I knew it a big semi truck had come up behind me and run me and my ATV over. My body was torn into about twelve different pieces that, because of high winds that day, scattered from here to Central City. It took the state police about a day and a half to find my head.
Putting my body back together took weeks and weeks of painful sewings and staplings. And the only thing that got me through it was... my singing. Even though sometimes my arms fall off when I'm nervous or it rains, and I'm pretty sure this actually isn't my head that the police found and glued onto my neck, all I need to do is sing something and all those bad thoughts and worries go away.
Then they stride gloriously through those doors and see the judges glowing like fat, rich fallen halos and they hit their mark and breathe and smile and open their mouths and:
It's never too late to reverse the effects of aging , and the best part is that small changes can sometimes make the biggest difference. Simple thin...
It's never too late to reverse the effects of aging, and the best part is that small changes can sometimes make the biggest difference. Simple things, such as washing your face at night or updating your routine, are enough to give your skin an extra boost.
Similarly, research has also found that women who work out regularly have firmer skin than those who don't exercise. The reason: Exercise infuses skin with oxygen and nutrients needed for collagen production. To keep your skin toned, make time for at least three 30-minute heart-pumping workouts per week.
For more ways to keep your skin glowing, check out AOL Health.
Need to change up your exercise routine? Check out these 10 new ways to spice up your walking routine.
Taylor Swift on the Red Carpet of the 2010 Grammy Awards.
Taylor Swift’s red carpet hairstyle and dress at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards held at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on January 31, 2010 .
Who is Taylor Swift’s 2010 Grammy Awards Dress Designer?
Taylor Swift is wearing a gown by Kaufman Franco on the red carpet of the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards held at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on January 31, 2010.
Note: Taylor Swift won four Grammys. Congrats to Taylor for receiving “The Album of the Year Award” for “Fearless”!
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Beyonce on the Red Carpet of the 2010 Grammy Awards.
Beyonce’s red carpet hairstyle and dress at the 52nd Annual “Grammy Awards” held at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on January 31, 2010 .
Who is Beyonce’s 2010 Grammy Awards Dress Designer?
Beyonce is wearing a Stephane Rolland gown accessorized with Lorraine Schwartz and Ofira jewelry on the red carpet of the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards held at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on January 31, 2010.
Note: Beyonce won six Grammys.
Here is where you can tell thousands of people what you think. Share a comment with thousands of visitors. Hot or Not? *Copyright Protected. First Class Fashionista permits a direct homepage link and credit.
First Class Fashionista would like to invite you to shop: Discount Designer Clothes Discount Designer Shoes Discount Designer Handbags
*BOOKMARK THIS SITE for Updates* Red Carpet Dresses
Here’s the requisite Lady Gaga at the Grammys post. Last night she did a duet with Elton John (video via Dlisted) and it was all very interesting. I’m lying of course. The only interesting thing about the performance was Elton John’s earring. Is that Saturn orbiting his earlobe? Gaga showed up wearing something similar. I have no idea what this all means. Was this the beginning of a plan to enslave the human race? Probably not, but I think we should kill her just to make sure.
Here’s Lady Gaga’s other outfit she wore to the Grammys. Celine Dion even took a picture with her like you would with those people dressed in costume at Disneyland or a kid in the cancer ward.
Up top Lady Gaga and her friend are wondering why people are laughing at her. Well, obviously it’s because she’s drinking tea at the wrong time. Idiot.
What if your resolutions didn't hinge on January 1 and the New Year, and you could hit reset to get a fresh start to your diet and workout? Well, that's just what Self magazine editor-in-chief Lucy Danziger has proposed via a video on her blog. Danziger's "Mulligan Monday," as she coined it, began yesterday, but it can be applied to any Monday to reboot and focus on your 2010 health goals. Mulligan Mondays can occur multiple times a year -- heck, even a month -- to get you leaving bad habits behind in favor of a new, healthier beginning to 2010.
That's Fit spoke with Lucy more about this concept, how she thinks it can be applied year-round, and on the success of her Mulligan Monday:
That's Fit: Explain to us a bit about how "Mulligan Monday" came about.
Lucy Danziger: The concept came from a friend, Heather Cacci (also a teammate who trains for triathlons with me). Heather told me she just had the toughest January and wanted a fresh start to 2010. I agreed and said, 'Maybe February should be the New January.' Then I thought, hey, everyone deserves a second chance. Tennis gives you a second serve and golf you can ask for a Mulligan to get another chance. I am here to give you permission to start over ... and multiple times if you need to!
TF: How can people who missed the February 1 Mulligan Monday hop on board this concept? LD: January is just a tough month in general -- holiday bills, work to get caught up on, etcetera -- so I propose we create a focus on February and, in fact, every Monday this spring.
TF: What's the appeal of resetting your diet and fitness goals on a Monday? LD: It's a perfect day to look forward and not back. I'd say you can reboot or hit refresh any time, but some Mondays seem to lend themselves better than others, like the start of the month or the middle. February 15 is the day after Valentine's Day, so it's the perfect moment to leave chocolate soufflé and champagne in the past and get back to healthy habits. March 1 is another Monday, so already you get to try three times in the first two months of the new decade.
TF: Overall, how was your Mulligan Monday experience? What did you accomplish, and how did it help motivate you? LD: My "Mulligan Monday" experience went great. Just knowing I was forgiven for my diet mistakes and flubs (and not getting to the gym in January) meant I could do better in the new month. I started over the weekend, so by Monday I was on track. So far, so good.
TF: How can TF readers use the Mulligan Monday concept to hit their fitness or weight goals in 2010? LD: Think: How can I be healthier from here on out? Yesterday is done and it's all about tomorrow and becoming the best future you. You're allowed to start creating her any day you feel like it. Good luck!
Ready to reset your health goals? Check out our diet reviews to find out which weight loss program is best for you.
It's national campaign stat-porn season again! Number muncher Nate Silver posted some of his magic maps this morning. These maps explain how Sarah Palin could be the 2012 Republican nominee for President!
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Like it or not, Valentine's day is coming fast! Whether you're planning a romantic night with your bf, or heading out with the girls it's time to get romantic! To get your hair in shape, NYC stylist to the stars Patrick Melville shared his tips for a perfect and pretty low chignon!
My body and my money are the two things I think about most. I haven't decided if that's selfish or not, but it is the truth. Only recently am I realizing the many ways they are connected.
Every week, we introduce you to bloggers who share their weight-loss journeys and hefty doses of inspiration with their readers. This week's featured blogger is Amanda from Another Prior Fat Girl. 
Why I wanted to blog about it: Blogging holds me accountable. Don't get me wrong, I still have unhealthy meals and happy hours here and there! Only now in the back of my head I'm thinking, "Oh geez, am I going to have to fess up to this on the blog now?" We're all human, and I like people to know that you can lose weight without starving and while still having a life.
"The Doctors" have offered "The Biggest Loser's" latest champ, Danny Cahill, a free tummy and chest tuck to remove all the extra skin he has been left with after dropping 239 pounds.
Will Rogers once said, "Advertising is the art of convincing people to spend money they don't have for something they don't need." 
It's never too late to reverse the effects of aging, and the best part is that small changes can sometimes make the biggest difference. Simple things, such as washing your face at night or updating your routine, are enough to give your skin an extra boost. 
What if your resolutions didn't hinge on January 1 and the New Year, and you could hit reset to get a fresh start to your diet and workout? Well, that's just what Self magazine editor-in-chief Lucy Danziger has proposed via a video on her blog. Danziger's "Mulligan Monday," as she coined it, began yesterday, but it can be applied to any Monday to reboot and focus on your 2010 health goals. Mulligan Mondays can occur multiple times a year -- heck, even a month -- to get you leaving bad habits behind in favor of a new, healthier beginning to 2010. 
