Had to scroll too far to find this! I also read that it was totally about strategy in those purple or starting to lean purple states as more young people lean liberal, and the older, evangelical crowd is not being replaced enough with young people to keep a good footing for the Republicans. If the liberal people leave, the states turn solid red, and then they don't need new people so much to keep power.

Of course no one wants to live in a place that is contrary to their beliefs so you can't blame anyone for moving somewhere else... but the implications of that are scary for the country as a whole.

Buying name brand winter coats, gloves and boots (Columbia/North Face) over generic store brand (Target/Walmart). They hold up so much better and are warmer and more waterproof when stated. The generic stuff is not as warm. We are -20 pretty regularly in the winter here and you need stuff that works. I usually size up a couple sizes for my kids' coats and they are still in great condition after a few years of wear.

I have heard a lot of people say those brands have gone downhill and the quality is not there... and to buy Patagonia or some such thing. To that I say I am just a regular person trying to clothe a family and I cannot drop money like that.