Philadelphia Inquirer | 04/30/2003 | Santorum mailing angers his critics
"Not long after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum sent out a letter asking for money for a nonprofit group lobbying against same-sex marriages.
"I know it may sound like a huge exaggeration, particularly in light of the attack on America, but this may truly be the most important letter I ever write you," Santorum wrote. The letter endorsed Alexandria, Va.-based Alliance for Marriage and its campaign for a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages.
This mass mailing has generated a new round of criticism of the senator from gay-rights advocates. Yesterday, they said Santorum, by seemingly equating terrorism and gay marriage, had showed a stunning lack of judgment..."
The worst.
Wednesday, April 30, 2003
Tuesday, April 29, 2003
ABCNEWS.com : Frist Says Santorum's Post Not in Peril
"People who work with Rick day in, day out understand he's a man of caring, compassion and tolerance," Frist said. "Strongly religious, a man of great faith, an effective and strong leader. In terms of questioning his leadership ability or position, it's a non-issue."
And Frist said this with a straight face. (pun intended)
"People who work with Rick day in, day out understand he's a man of caring, compassion and tolerance," Frist said. "Strongly religious, a man of great faith, an effective and strong leader. In terms of questioning his leadership ability or position, it's a non-issue."
And Frist said this with a straight face. (pun intended)
ABCNEWS.com : Nicole Still Loves Tom
Oh you silly, silly woman...
Kidman now calls herself "very single" and said "I'm waiting for someone to come rock my world."
And Nicole, dear, you STILL haven't called me...
Oh you silly, silly woman...
Kidman now calls herself "very single" and said "I'm waiting for someone to come rock my world."
And Nicole, dear, you STILL haven't called me...
Monday, April 28, 2003
Boston Globe Online / Santorum's odious comparisons
"Santorum's position even goes beyond the supposedly ''tolerant'' notion that homosexuality is OK as long as it's kept invisible: He believes the state should be able to jail people for having the ''wrong kind'' of sex in their bedrooms. Furthermore, likening same-sex relationships to child molestation and bestiality implicitly denies the very humanity of such relationships."
OK. Here's the problem the Republicans have with this:
Trent Lott was a no-brainer. Racial politics are still very much part of the GOP electoral equation, just look at how Bush/Ashcroft handled the U of Michigan case. But nobody this side of the Klan is going to openly defend Emmett Till-era American apartheid.
But a whole lot of Republicans actually agree with Rick Santorum's view of gay people. There's no way Dick Armey's "Barney Fag" comment was a one time thing...
There's two kinds of Republicans: Money Republicans and Jesus Republicans. And this kind of crap is the stuff the Jesus Republicans really care about. Denounce Santorum and the Republicans alienate their own base. (Unlike Democrats, Republicans care a whole lot about not alienating their base.)
Speaking of Democrats who alienate their base: I finally managed to track down a complete copy of Liz Phair's Girlysound and am enjoying my free speech and expression accordingly. Joe Lieberman and Tipper would be aghast...
"Santorum's position even goes beyond the supposedly ''tolerant'' notion that homosexuality is OK as long as it's kept invisible: He believes the state should be able to jail people for having the ''wrong kind'' of sex in their bedrooms. Furthermore, likening same-sex relationships to child molestation and bestiality implicitly denies the very humanity of such relationships."
OK. Here's the problem the Republicans have with this:
Trent Lott was a no-brainer. Racial politics are still very much part of the GOP electoral equation, just look at how Bush/Ashcroft handled the U of Michigan case. But nobody this side of the Klan is going to openly defend Emmett Till-era American apartheid.
But a whole lot of Republicans actually agree with Rick Santorum's view of gay people. There's no way Dick Armey's "Barney Fag" comment was a one time thing...
There's two kinds of Republicans: Money Republicans and Jesus Republicans. And this kind of crap is the stuff the Jesus Republicans really care about. Denounce Santorum and the Republicans alienate their own base. (Unlike Democrats, Republicans care a whole lot about not alienating their base.)
Speaking of Democrats who alienate their base: I finally managed to track down a complete copy of Liz Phair's Girlysound and am enjoying my free speech and expression accordingly. Joe Lieberman and Tipper would be aghast...
The Miami Herald | 04/27/2003 | Bob Graham's workdays
This one gives credit for where Graham, uh, 'borrowed' the idea:
"Graham had retained a hotshot Democratic consultant named Bob Squier to develop his television commercials. Squier immediately grasped the visual possibilities, noting that he had created the television ads in 1974 for Tom Harkin, a working-class congressional candidate from Iowa who had tried his hand at various jobs throughout the campaign. The publicity from the jobs -- reinforced by Squier's television ads from the work sites -- helped elect Harkin."
For the record: Graham is running for vice president.
This one gives credit for where Graham, uh, 'borrowed' the idea:
"Graham had retained a hotshot Democratic consultant named Bob Squier to develop his television commercials. Squier immediately grasped the visual possibilities, noting that he had created the television ads in 1974 for Tom Harkin, a working-class congressional candidate from Iowa who had tried his hand at various jobs throughout the campaign. The publicity from the jobs -- reinforced by Squier's television ads from the work sites -- helped elect Harkin."
For the record: Graham is running for vice president.
Springer weighs pros and cons of Senate run
JER-RY! JER-RY! JER-RY!
"The question is whether I can cut through the clutter of the show,'' said Springer...
For those who scoff, three words: Governor Jesse Ventura.
I say take this guy seriously. I don't know if Voinovich is beatable. But Springer, despite high negatives, has something priceless: 100% name ID. The Capitol has been populated increasingly with any variety of actors, jocks, and astronauts who have a leg up on the competition because people already know who they are. I say it's preferable to the other new breed politician, the self-financed gazillionare candidate.
And have you ever seen the guy outside the context of the show? He seems like an entire reasonable thoughtful guy.
He oughta clean up on the all important Moms Who Dress Like Sluts And Slept With Their Daughter's Boyfriends vote... hey, I had to get one cheap shot in!
(Article also has some stuff on Jim Edgar in Illinois.)
JER-RY! JER-RY! JER-RY!
"The question is whether I can cut through the clutter of the show,'' said Springer...
For those who scoff, three words: Governor Jesse Ventura.
I say take this guy seriously. I don't know if Voinovich is beatable. But Springer, despite high negatives, has something priceless: 100% name ID. The Capitol has been populated increasingly with any variety of actors, jocks, and astronauts who have a leg up on the competition because people already know who they are. I say it's preferable to the other new breed politician, the self-financed gazillionare candidate.
And have you ever seen the guy outside the context of the show? He seems like an entire reasonable thoughtful guy.
He oughta clean up on the all important Moms Who Dress Like Sluts And Slept With Their Daughter's Boyfriends vote... hey, I had to get one cheap shot in!
(Article also has some stuff on Jim Edgar in Illinois.)
Saturday, April 26, 2003
Carry Nation rides again
This one is really interesting in the Iowa City context...
"As far as CASA is concerned, there is no significant difference between use and abuse. The authors gloss over the exhaustively documented health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption to arrive by statistical sleight-of-hand at their headline-grabbing figures. Their data transforms a couple sharing a bottle of wine over dinner into alcohol abusers. More than two drinks a day, and you're a drunkard...."
This one is really interesting in the Iowa City context...
"As far as CASA is concerned, there is no significant difference between use and abuse. The authors gloss over the exhaustively documented health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption to arrive by statistical sleight-of-hand at their headline-grabbing figures. Their data transforms a couple sharing a bottle of wine over dinner into alcohol abusers. More than two drinks a day, and you're a drunkard...."
Friday, April 25, 2003
‘D’oh’! Foes of signs fear more jokes at city’s expense - toledoblade.com
"Mayor Jack Ford has delayed approving new welcome signs with "ToledOH!" after learning about the potential for Toledo to be equated with Homer Simpson..."
"Mayor Jack Ford has delayed approving new welcome signs with "ToledOH!" after learning about the potential for Toledo to be equated with Homer Simpson..."
Wednesday, April 23, 2003
City shelves 21-only law
This is to stop the referendum, or at least get it pushed off to a time when their own seats aren't up.. This is also set up to fail so they can come back in a year and try 21 again...
"But I will still be here in a year... I will watch this very closely." - Connie Champion.
Remember: without the students, Iowa City is just Tipton with a toothpaste factory.
This is to stop the referendum, or at least get it pushed off to a time when their own seats aren't up.. This is also set up to fail so they can come back in a year and try 21 again...
"But I will still be here in a year... I will watch this very closely." - Connie Champion.
Remember: without the students, Iowa City is just Tipton with a toothpaste factory.
Springsteen speaks up for Dix Chix
"The Dixie Chicks have taken a big hit lately for exercising their basic right to express themselves. To me, they're terrific American artists expressing American values by using their American right to free speech. For them to be banished wholesale from radio stations, and even entire radio networks, for speaking out is un-American.
The pressure coming from the government and big business to enforce conformity of thought concerning the war and politics goes against everything that this country is about - namely freedom. Right now, we are supposedly fighting to create freedom in Iraq, at the same time that some are trying to intimidate and punish people for using that same freedom here at home.
I don't know what happens next, but I do want to add my voice to those who think that the Dixie Chicks are getting a raw deal, and an un-American one to boot. I send them my support." - Bruce Springsteen
"The Dixie Chicks have taken a big hit lately for exercising their basic right to express themselves. To me, they're terrific American artists expressing American values by using their American right to free speech. For them to be banished wholesale from radio stations, and even entire radio networks, for speaking out is un-American.
The pressure coming from the government and big business to enforce conformity of thought concerning the war and politics goes against everything that this country is about - namely freedom. Right now, we are supposedly fighting to create freedom in Iraq, at the same time that some are trying to intimidate and punish people for using that same freedom here at home.
I don't know what happens next, but I do want to add my voice to those who think that the Dixie Chicks are getting a raw deal, and an un-American one to boot. I send them my support." - Bruce Springsteen
Tuesday, April 22, 2003
Gay groups rip Santorum
"Some said the comments could be as ruinous as Trent Lott's remarks in December praising Strom Thurmond's 1948 segregationist campaign for president - words that ultimately forced him to resign as Senate Republican leader..."
For the record here's what Santorum said:
"If the Supreme Court says that you have the right to consensual [gay] sex within your home, then you have the right to bigamy, you have the right to polygamy, you have the right to incest, you have the right to adultery. You have the right to anything."
"Some said the comments could be as ruinous as Trent Lott's remarks in December praising Strom Thurmond's 1948 segregationist campaign for president - words that ultimately forced him to resign as Senate Republican leader..."
For the record here's what Santorum said:
"If the Supreme Court says that you have the right to consensual [gay] sex within your home, then you have the right to bigamy, you have the right to polygamy, you have the right to incest, you have the right to adultery. You have the right to anything."
Monday, April 21, 2003
Enjoy Caucuses While They Last Part II
"Michigan leaders confided to The Union Leader that they essentially want assurances from McAuliffe that this will be New Hampshire’s final first primary..."
Also caught up in this: NH's attempts to pass a right to work law are alienating the Democratic labor base - and that doesn't help the status of right-to-work Iowa...
I'm sticking with my prediction that 2004 is The End Of The Caucuses As We Know Them.
"Michigan leaders confided to The Union Leader that they essentially want assurances from McAuliffe that this will be New Hampshire’s final first primary..."
Also caught up in this: NH's attempts to pass a right to work law are alienating the Democratic labor base - and that doesn't help the status of right-to-work Iowa...
I'm sticking with my prediction that 2004 is The End Of The Caucuses As We Know Them.
Thursday, April 17, 2003
Planet X to close May 11
Boy, no one saw this coming, huh? Here's your non-alc alternative, City Council!
Boy, no one saw this coming, huh? Here's your non-alc alternative, City Council!
Wednesday, April 16, 2003
Iowa Caucuses: Enjoy Them While They Last (Manchester Union Leader)
On the surface, Iowa and New Hampshire win for 2004, but get this:
"But in rejecting the Levin-Dingell plan, the AFL-CIO’s resolution also called for creation of a commission to review the 2008 delegate selection process. The DNC and Levin-Dingell backers continue to negotiate issues related to such a commission."
Look out, here comes the all-star team...
Sources said the commission would be chaired by former Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter. Other members would include former Vice Presidents Al Gore and Walter Mondale, 1988 nominee Michael Dukakis and former Sen. Bill Bradley.
The view in Michigan yesterday was that even if the Levin-Dingell New Hampshire challenge fails in this cycle, the DNC will see to it that “the New Hampshire and Iowa privilege,” as one source close to the negotiations put it, ends in 2004. "
On the surface, Iowa and New Hampshire win for 2004, but get this:
"But in rejecting the Levin-Dingell plan, the AFL-CIO’s resolution also called for creation of a commission to review the 2008 delegate selection process. The DNC and Levin-Dingell backers continue to negotiate issues related to such a commission."
Look out, here comes the all-star team...
Sources said the commission would be chaired by former Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter. Other members would include former Vice Presidents Al Gore and Walter Mondale, 1988 nominee Michael Dukakis and former Sen. Bill Bradley.
The view in Michigan yesterday was that even if the Levin-Dingell New Hampshire challenge fails in this cycle, the DNC will see to it that “the New Hampshire and Iowa privilege,” as one source close to the negotiations put it, ends in 2004. "
Tuesday, April 15, 2003
Redhead List
For no good reason other than to embarrass myself.
1. keep ya guessin'
2. Nicole Kidman (that Oscar winning redhead. Says she's waiting for someone to "rock her world"; hasn't called yet)
3. Julianne Moore (that Oscar deserving redhead)
4. Gillian Anderson (fake but a good fake)
5. Laura Prepon (That 70's Chick)
But five redheads are not enough!
Honorable Mention
Retired: Shirley Manson (who has the hopefully temporary idea that blondes have more fun)
UPDATE 4/23: Just saw a picture from toward the end of the Garbage tour last fall and my girl Shirl seems to be letting the red grow back. (!) WIll watch for further developments (if the pattern follows: a year off in Scotland, 18 months in the studio in Madison, and a year or so on tour in about 2005-06)
Reincarnated Redhead: Shirley MacLaine
Classic Redhead: Rita Hayworth
All time classic Redhead: Ann-Margaret in Viva Las Vegas
60-something Redhead: Ann-Margaret again
50-something Redheads: Susan Sarandon, Bonnie Raitt
Redheads most likely to be called Reds: see above
Cartoon category, 21st century BC: Wilma Flintstone
Cartoon category, 21st century AD: Kim Possible (hey, I have a teenage kid, I see the Disney channel. Kim Possible would be a babe if she were real...)
Comic strip category: the little red headed girl
Unrequited category: ditto
Only redhead I am likely to sleep with in the near future: Butterscotch the cat
For no good reason other than to embarrass myself.
1. keep ya guessin'
2. Nicole Kidman (that Oscar winning redhead. Says she's waiting for someone to "rock her world"; hasn't called yet)
3. Julianne Moore (that Oscar deserving redhead)
4. Gillian Anderson (fake but a good fake)
5. Laura Prepon (That 70's Chick)
But five redheads are not enough!
Honorable Mention
Retired: Shirley Manson (who has the hopefully temporary idea that blondes have more fun)
UPDATE 4/23: Just saw a picture from toward the end of the Garbage tour last fall and my girl Shirl seems to be letting the red grow back. (!) WIll watch for further developments (if the pattern follows: a year off in Scotland, 18 months in the studio in Madison, and a year or so on tour in about 2005-06)
Reincarnated Redhead: Shirley MacLaine
Classic Redhead: Rita Hayworth
All time classic Redhead: Ann-Margaret in Viva Las Vegas
60-something Redhead: Ann-Margaret again
50-something Redheads: Susan Sarandon, Bonnie Raitt
Redheads most likely to be called Reds: see above
Cartoon category, 21st century BC: Wilma Flintstone
Cartoon category, 21st century AD: Kim Possible (hey, I have a teenage kid, I see the Disney channel. Kim Possible would be a babe if she were real...)
Comic strip category: the little red headed girl
Unrequited category: ditto
Only redhead I am likely to sleep with in the near future: Butterscotch the cat
Chicago Tribune: Fitzgerald not going to pursue re-election
Finally, after weeks of no news but war news, some inside-baseball politics!
Primary or general, Fitzgerald was a goner either way.
As for Fitzgeralds predecessor Carol Moseley-Braun: does this ripple into the presidential race? That one-voter trip to Des Moines must have been rattling...
Finally, after weeks of no news but war news, some inside-baseball politics!
Primary or general, Fitzgerald was a goner either way.
As for Fitzgeralds predecessor Carol Moseley-Braun: does this ripple into the presidential race? That one-voter trip to Des Moines must have been rattling...
Wednesday, April 09, 2003
Journey, Styx, REO Speedwagon join forces for tour
No, it was supposed to say Journey AND Puppet Show... Ya know, this woulda filled stadiums when I was in high school.
One of the great cultural moments in my adolescence was the week the B-52s were on Saturday Night Live. Foreverafter there were two camps: those of us who got the joke and thought it was cool, and those who thought they were idiots (actually I think the word they used was probably "fags" but that raises a whoooole buncha other issues and I was just talking music for the moment.)
No, it was supposed to say Journey AND Puppet Show... Ya know, this woulda filled stadiums when I was in high school.
One of the great cultural moments in my adolescence was the week the B-52s were on Saturday Night Live. Foreverafter there were two camps: those of us who got the joke and thought it was cool, and those who thought they were idiots (actually I think the word they used was probably "fags" but that raises a whoooole buncha other issues and I was just talking music for the moment.)
Monday, April 07, 2003
ABCNEWS.com : Vincent 'The Chin' Gigante Pleads Guilty
Vincent "The Chin" Gigante, the powerful mafia boss who authorities said feigned insanity for decades in an attempt to avoid prosecution, ended the ruse Monday by admitting he misled doctors evaluating him...
Vincent "The Chin" Gigante, the powerful mafia boss who authorities said feigned insanity for decades in an attempt to avoid prosecution, ended the ruse Monday by admitting he misled doctors evaluating him...