As mentioned in a previous blog, Toby really enjoyed hearing all about the last Harry Potter novel on his birthday. He thought it was a compelling, satisfying story. We could tell by the way he preened his feathers, followed by a bit of content beak-grinding.

The part Toby liked the least: He really took issue with J.K. Rowling's choice of the first character in the book to die, and with the way that character died. Don't worry, no spoilers here--but think about which character it was, and how that character essentially died passively, at the hands of others, rather than working to make a difference. That character wasn't even in a position to fight back!

When Toby becomes president, he will beseech J.K. Rowling to visit the White House and consider rewriting that page of the book. We think that if he offers to create a new U.S. coin called a Galleon, featuring Harry Potter's visage on one side and Hedwig on the other, she might oblige.

Cheers!
~ The TOBY 2008 Campaign Team

Jazzy tagged me!!!

I have to share 10 random things about me, and then tag 10 friends. If you've been tagged by me, then you have to do it, too (well, if you are in the mood, that is)! Create a blog with your 10 facts, then tag 10 friends. You can't tag the friend who tagged you. List the friends you tagged at the end of your blog.

1. I hatched on July 22, 2007--one year ago today (or 36 years ago in Presidential Bird Years). Being an old-fashioned bird, I was born at home, and I've only ever lived in my birthplace!

2. I am an official candidate for the United States Presidency.

3. I am my parents' third-born son. My older brothers Piper and Piccolo were born the day before me. 

4. I love edamame, peas, cashews, and almonds.

5. I love having my head scritched.

6. I can whistle a very good rendition of "The Old Watering Hole," aka the Andy Griffith
theme song. I know it's immodest of me to say so, but it's true!

7. There's a really cool bird living in the mirror at the foot of our stairs. Someday, I will figure out how we can hang out and preen one another.

8. I am a bit clumsy. I even split my tail open once when I was little, and it hurt a lot, but the good doctors at Angell Memorial fixed me up.

9. I can't believe I'm admitting this, but I am afraid of the dark. I sleep with a nightlight. It's difficult to come to terms with being a prey animal, you know!

10. I have 214 Myspace friends, and while I haven't posted on every single one's comments page, I am really happy to be so popular.

I am going  to tag:

1. Yuri
2. P33P, PSA
3. Dolly
4. Sam
5. Tuttles
6. XiU
7. Anjela and her tiels
8. Patsy & Nemo
9. Gracie Bird
10. J.D. Photography

:-)

Today is Toby's hatch-day! He spent his "birdthday" taking a break from the rigors of the campaign trail. He relaxed with his parents and a close-knit group of friends, and spent a bit of time practicing a new song that he's learning to whistle.

Toby also enjoyed hearing about the final installment of the Harry Potter saga from his campaign team. It is true that Toby doesn't read, but his illiteracy has never presented personal or professional problems for him: He loves to listen to stories, and if you present him with a book, he will happily chew on it. To Toby, good literature is really food for thought.

While on the campaign trail, Toby has recently made several new friends. He's visited with several families recently, charming parents and befriending their children with his earnestness. For example, on Friday evening, Toby modelled the benefits of a healthy diet for Remy, a 4-year-old boy from whose hands Toby ate a salt-free cashew. Remy was excited to realize that the saying, "You eat like a bird!" is actually a compliment.

Cheers, everyone!
~ The TOBY 2008 Campaign Team

Toby continues to soar towards the White House.

Last week, Toby met with a military family visiting from Kentucky. They were touched by Toby's patriotism, and they became instant friends. The children--ages 7, 5, and 3--spent some quality time with Toby, sharing their perspectives with him. The meeting was clearly a success, as T.J., the 7-year-old, left that meeting speaking Toby's language: he whistled the Andy Griffith Theme Song, Toby style, all weekend long! Perhaps 3-year-old Emma captured the family's feelings best when she said, "I loooove Toby."

In other news, Toby's campaign has been noticed by the media. The Bullroar Report has officially endorsed Toby as the top choice for president in 2008. Thanks, Bullroar Team! Have a listen to their latest podcast and enjoy.

Thanks again for all your support. It really means a lot to Toby. Don't forget to spread the word: Vote for the bird!

-The TOBY 2008 Campaign Team

Last week, Toby followed the campaign trail to Philadelphia. There, he conferred with two prominent local cockatiels: his older brother, Piper, and his acquaintance, Petrie. The three flocked together, comparing notes while indulging in a healthy dinner of Zupreem pellets and tap water. (No Evian for our candidate--this is a modest bird.)

In an interview afterwards, Petrie--who speaks English in addition to Cockatalk, the native tongue of cockatiels--said that Toby is a "pretty boy." This is high praise among cockatiels, folks! And Petrie is a tough critic. Clearly, Toby is presidental material with tremendous potential.

Vote for Toby, everyone!

Well, Toby's campaign is finally off the ground! He announced his candidacy in the 2008 presidential elections on Thursday, May 3, and since then, Toby's MySpace page has been abuzz with friend requests and supportive comments from his constituents. For this, we thank you.

This morning was a typical morning at Toby 2008 headquarters. Toby woke up before any of us staff members, and he got straight to work. He's such a hard worker; he's always getting up with the sun.

He kicked off the day by having a conference with his parents. Yes, Toby is all about family values, and he is very close to his mom and dad, Charlie and Reggie. They started the morning by exercising together--a brisk flight around the block. Then, they chattered about their agendas for the day over a healthy vegetarian breakfast.

Toby is all about family values, folks. Unlike other presidential candidates, he's not using the term "family values" as empty rhetoric to win votes. He is an individual that simply hearkens back to a more wholesome time, through and through. His parents are on the campaign trail with him, and he wouldn't have it any other way.

Toby is in great spirits, as usual. He's been whistling the Andy Griffith theme song all morning, punctuated only by the occasional phrase from My Fair Lady's "All I want is a room somewhere." That room is the Oval Office, folks. He's so ambitious.

Well, thanks again for your support! Let us know if you have any questions about Toby. We would welcome your feedback as the campaign moves forward.

-The Toby 2008 Campaign Team