Well, that was a chore even for a politics junkie like me... Not sure what went over worse, Bush's inarticulateness or Kerry's ponderousness.
Early reviews seem to give the thumbs-up to Kerry. But were the undecideds paying attention?
Not even a good you're no Jack Kennedy moment. That's really why you watch these things, you know. Like NASCAR. You're looking for the moment when someone whips out of control and hits the wall. I thought I saw it happening when Bush kept bringing up Poland - but that was just a flashback to Ford-Carter.
The worst.
Thursday, September 30, 2004
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
Ballot provision may disenfranchise voters
Colorado Ballot provision may disenfranchise voters
The one decent thing to come out of HAVA, and now they mess with it:
"The rule, drafted by Secretary of State Donetta Davidson, says that some voters who cast provisional ballots this November will have only their votes for president counted. No other votes will be counted - not even those for statewide races and ballot issues..."
The one decent thing to come out of HAVA, and now they mess with it:
"The rule, drafted by Secretary of State Donetta Davidson, says that some voters who cast provisional ballots this November will have only their votes for president counted. No other votes will be counted - not even those for statewide races and ballot issues..."
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
Botched GOP brochure has Democrats chuckling
Botched GOP brochure has Democrats chuckling
"As our state senator, Ron Longmuir has made our schools his top priority," says the campaign brochure, sent to about 8,400 registered Republican and independent voters in Senate District 12.
In fact, Longmuir is running for his first Senate term...
Says here I'm spozed to chuckle. Chuckle, chuckle.
Ah, fall of an even numbered year. Leaves, pumpkin, cookie cutter Republican campaign lit. Just like the end of daylight savings time means the push-poll calls and the fetus flyers at the Catholic churches.
"As our state senator, Ron Longmuir has made our schools his top priority," says the campaign brochure, sent to about 8,400 registered Republican and independent voters in Senate District 12.
In fact, Longmuir is running for his first Senate term...
Says here I'm spozed to chuckle. Chuckle, chuckle.
Ah, fall of an even numbered year. Leaves, pumpkin, cookie cutter Republican campaign lit. Just like the end of daylight savings time means the push-poll calls and the fetus flyers at the Catholic churches.
Sunday, September 26, 2004
Klingon is a blue state
Klingon is a blue state
This tops the electoral votes of foreign countries story from the other week for sheer irrelevance:
According to the poll of eight local Klingons, a whopping 75 percent support Kerry. Two Klingons polled--or 25 percent--said they planned to write in Satan.
Of course, on the Klingon home world they play REAL hardball:
"On the home world, if there had been a contested election between Gore and Bush, the honorable thing would be for Gore to kill Bush," explained Khraanik (Earth name: Jason Lewis), a 38-year-old from Southeast Portland...
This tops the electoral votes of foreign countries story from the other week for sheer irrelevance:
According to the poll of eight local Klingons, a whopping 75 percent support Kerry. Two Klingons polled--or 25 percent--said they planned to write in Satan.
Of course, on the Klingon home world they play REAL hardball:
"On the home world, if there had been a contested election between Gore and Bush, the honorable thing would be for Gore to kill Bush," explained Khraanik (Earth name: Jason Lewis), a 38-year-old from Southeast Portland...
Obama Touts Democrat Efforts Across U.S.
Obama Touts Democrat Efforts Across U.S.
Well, he must have the furniture picked out, because Senator Barack Obama - we might as well just use the title now - is taking the campaign on the road with stopes this week in Philadelphia, Miami, and in Alan Keyes' back yard, Baltimore.
It's just not a complete week here at the blog without kicking Mosh Pit Al just a little. Lucky for me there's a new poll:
Obama leads Keyes by 51 percentage points according to a Tribune/WGN-TV poll published Sunday. The poll of 700 likely voters found that 68 percent favored Obama and 17 percent supported Keyes...
Jeez, even I didn't get beat THAT bad!
The Packers didn't get beat that bad but they still got beat. Even The Mighty Favre had to stand in awe of Peyton Manning today.
Well, he must have the furniture picked out, because Senator Barack Obama - we might as well just use the title now - is taking the campaign on the road with stopes this week in Philadelphia, Miami, and in Alan Keyes' back yard, Baltimore.
It's just not a complete week here at the blog without kicking Mosh Pit Al just a little. Lucky for me there's a new poll:
Obama leads Keyes by 51 percentage points according to a Tribune/WGN-TV poll published Sunday. The poll of 700 likely voters found that 68 percent favored Obama and 17 percent supported Keyes...
Jeez, even I didn't get beat THAT bad!
The Packers didn't get beat that bad but they still got beat. Even The Mighty Favre had to stand in awe of Peyton Manning today.
Saturday, September 25, 2004
Now THAT's a scary image
Now THAT'S a scary image
As the latest attempt to enforce the unenforcable gets under way:
"You will not meet Mayor Ernie Lehman standing in line for the keg at a weekend house party. You will not see Iowa City Councilor Dee Vanderhoef smoking a cigarette on the front porch. You will not get the chance to dance with Councilor Connie Champion in the basement..."
Hm. MAYBE Regenia Bailey. And definitely Brandon Ross if we could have got him elected...
As the latest attempt to enforce the unenforcable gets under way:
"You will not meet Mayor Ernie Lehman standing in line for the keg at a weekend house party. You will not see Iowa City Councilor Dee Vanderhoef smoking a cigarette on the front porch. You will not get the chance to dance with Councilor Connie Champion in the basement..."
Hm. MAYBE Regenia Bailey. And definitely Brandon Ross if we could have got him elected...
New Day Rising
New Day Rising
I see more sunrises these days. More out of the post-equinox spot on the calendar than out of any change of habits. (Nerd alert: post-equinox means sunbore is coming soon)
Husker Du's "New Day Rising" is an extremely simple song. That's the whole lyric. Just the phrase "New day rising" repeated over and over. It's hopeful, it's forward looking, it's atypically positive for that band (leave the CD on to hear stuff like "59 Times The Pain" and "Terms of Psychic Warfare"). It can be taken personally, spiritually, even politically. (I heard a lot of politician-walk-on-stage music last January, but even Smells Like Dean Spirit wouldn't have strolled to the podium blaring Husker Du...)
And it'll DEFINITELY wake you up in the morning.
I see more sunrises these days. More out of the post-equinox spot on the calendar than out of any change of habits. (Nerd alert: post-equinox means sunbore is coming soon)
Husker Du's "New Day Rising" is an extremely simple song. That's the whole lyric. Just the phrase "New day rising" repeated over and over. It's hopeful, it's forward looking, it's atypically positive for that band (leave the CD on to hear stuff like "59 Times The Pain" and "Terms of Psychic Warfare"). It can be taken personally, spiritually, even politically. (I heard a lot of politician-walk-on-stage music last January, but even Smells Like Dean Spirit wouldn't have strolled to the podium blaring Husker Du...)
And it'll DEFINITELY wake you up in the morning.
Friday, September 24, 2004
Why tilt at a windmill? Because.
Don Quixote was always my guy, champion of windmill tilting. The grand futile gesture that somehow NEEDS to be done, even when the chances of victory are nil, is priceless.
If you look at the map you see that there's a lot of states that just aren't flashing. In the polarized America of 2004, birds of a feather are flocking together more than ever and there is less and less competition. We swing staters are getting all the love, while the rest are left out.
So if you're in, say, a Big Red state, why even bother? Isn't it just a futile gesture?
Yes. It IS a futile gesture. And its's important to do in part BECAUSE it's a great, grand, futile gesture.
Because in doing so you are saying NO.
No. I do not approve of the direction of this country. No. I do not believe in this war. No. I do not believe in the divine right of kings or the inherent right of the rich or the self-appointed holy to control our lives. No. You will not do this with my approval but with my explicit opposition.
And you are saying YES.
YES, I believe we can do better than we are. YES. I can see hope even if we can't win today or tomorrow or for ten years.
It's less risky than standing down a tank on Tiananmen Square but it's just as right. Tilt at that windmill.
If you look at the map you see that there's a lot of states that just aren't flashing. In the polarized America of 2004, birds of a feather are flocking together more than ever and there is less and less competition. We swing staters are getting all the love, while the rest are left out.
So if you're in, say, a Big Red state, why even bother? Isn't it just a futile gesture?
Yes. It IS a futile gesture. And its's important to do in part BECAUSE it's a great, grand, futile gesture.
Because in doing so you are saying NO.
No. I do not approve of the direction of this country. No. I do not believe in this war. No. I do not believe in the divine right of kings or the inherent right of the rich or the self-appointed holy to control our lives. No. You will not do this with my approval but with my explicit opposition.
And you are saying YES.
YES, I believe we can do better than we are. YES. I can see hope even if we can't win today or tomorrow or for ten years.
It's less risky than standing down a tank on Tiananmen Square but it's just as right. Tilt at that windmill.
Thursday, September 23, 2004
The ghost following Kerry
The ghost following Kerry
Last December, Dean was derided by the political establishment on both sides of the aisle when he said that the capture of Saddam Hussein "has not made America safer." At the time, Kerry said Dean's statement "is still more proof that all the advisers in the world can't give Howard Dean the military and foreign policy experience, leadership skills, or diplomatic temperament necessary to lead this country through dangerous times." On Monday at NYU, Kerry put himself firmly in Dean territory when he said of Hussein's removal from power and subsequent capture, "We have traded a dictator for a chaos that has left America less secure."
For Kerry, the ghost of Howard Dean, presidential candidate, speaks truth. The war with Iraq was a mistake, and it is making this country -- and the world -- less secure. Acknowledging that is a sign of leadership.
Sigh... Well, I guess half a loaf... But remember, he's ELECTABLE!
Oh, to transplant the exitement, the wheels-about-to-rock-off buzz that was The Dean Thing... that was FUN. Kerry just feels like Necessary Work. Which I hope will get done.
What it REALLY feels like... it feels like an arranged marriage, where the parents intervened, split us up from Our True Love, and shotgunned us to the person who would cement the family alliance. Or maybe it doesn't, I have no frame of reference for that. But it's a good line anyway.
Last December, Dean was derided by the political establishment on both sides of the aisle when he said that the capture of Saddam Hussein "has not made America safer." At the time, Kerry said Dean's statement "is still more proof that all the advisers in the world can't give Howard Dean the military and foreign policy experience, leadership skills, or diplomatic temperament necessary to lead this country through dangerous times." On Monday at NYU, Kerry put himself firmly in Dean territory when he said of Hussein's removal from power and subsequent capture, "We have traded a dictator for a chaos that has left America less secure."
For Kerry, the ghost of Howard Dean, presidential candidate, speaks truth. The war with Iraq was a mistake, and it is making this country -- and the world -- less secure. Acknowledging that is a sign of leadership.
Sigh... Well, I guess half a loaf... But remember, he's ELECTABLE!
Oh, to transplant the exitement, the wheels-about-to-rock-off buzz that was The Dean Thing... that was FUN. Kerry just feels like Necessary Work. Which I hope will get done.
What it REALLY feels like... it feels like an arranged marriage, where the parents intervened, split us up from Our True Love, and shotgunned us to the person who would cement the family alliance. Or maybe it doesn't, I have no frame of reference for that. But it's a good line anyway.
Vote Policies Impeding Students
Vote Policies Impeding Students
Voting-rights activists claim that officials nationwide unfairly discouraged or prevented college students from taking part in the electoral process. "They're challenged when they get to the polls; they're told that their financial aid will be revoked or find that polling places are miles away," said Deb Callahan, president of the League of Conservation Voters Education Fund. "This is an affront to our principles of democracy."
Glad we do better than that around here. Come on down and vote today. And get registered if you're not.
yes this means you
Voting-rights activists claim that officials nationwide unfairly discouraged or prevented college students from taking part in the electoral process. "They're challenged when they get to the polls; they're told that their financial aid will be revoked or find that polling places are miles away," said Deb Callahan, president of the League of Conservation Voters Education Fund. "This is an affront to our principles of democracy."
Glad we do better than that around here. Come on down and vote today. And get registered if you're not.
yes this means you
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Just in Time for Halloween
Just in Time for Halloween
"President (sic) Bush masks have been outselling John Kerry masks by a 57% to 43% margin at BuyCostumes.com..."
But what's important is: which mask is SCARIER?
"President (sic) Bush masks have been outselling John Kerry masks by a 57% to 43% margin at BuyCostumes.com..."
But what's important is: which mask is SCARIER?
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
sticker of the day
sticker of the day
I slapped this up on the door a couple weeks after the Big Move Out. WHAT'S STOPPING YOU is good all purpose common sense advice. Needed it then. Still do sometimes.
There's also a large red number 9 on my door but that is of less significance unless you like Side 4 of The White Album. And a cartoon from my neighbor remining me to take my keys.
I slapped this up on the door a couple weeks after the Big Move Out. WHAT'S STOPPING YOU is good all purpose common sense advice. Needed it then. Still do sometimes.
There's also a large red number 9 on my door but that is of less significance unless you like Side 4 of The White Album. And a cartoon from my neighbor remining me to take my keys.
Chafee Takes the First Step
Chafee Takes the First Step
"Sen. Lincoln Chafee (R-RI) said Monday he plans to support his party in November but may write in a candidate instead of voting for President (sic) Bush...
Chafee said the party's direction in the future will determine his political career as well. He said he's "not OK" with the conservative platform from the Republican convention, but would not say if he'd consider switching parties in his next election in 2006..."
Moderate Republicans used to fly across this nation in great swarms. Just like passenger pigeons...
It would be a nice trade for Alexander from Louisiana. And I can never resist an excuse to do that "President (sic)" thing...
However, do the little old ladies at the polls a favor and skip the write in, they have to tally your Mickey Mouse and Ficus Plant "statements" at the end of a very long day.
"Sen. Lincoln Chafee (R-RI) said Monday he plans to support his party in November but may write in a candidate instead of voting for President (sic) Bush...
Chafee said the party's direction in the future will determine his political career as well. He said he's "not OK" with the conservative platform from the Republican convention, but would not say if he'd consider switching parties in his next election in 2006..."
Moderate Republicans used to fly across this nation in great swarms. Just like passenger pigeons...
It would be a nice trade for Alexander from Louisiana. And I can never resist an excuse to do that "President (sic)" thing...
However, do the little old ladies at the polls a favor and skip the write in, they have to tally your Mickey Mouse and Ficus Plant "statements" at the end of a very long day.
Monday, September 20, 2004
Bob Dylan coming to UI
Bob Dylan coming to UI
I'm so upset I can't even think of a clever lyrical reference. I'll settle for an obvious one. You've got a lot of nerve, Bob, showing up in my town four days before the presidential election...
On October 29th I'll barely have enough spare time to play "Desolation Row," let alone take an evening for a concert! Is this some kind of cruel joke?
I'm so upset I can't even think of a clever lyrical reference. I'll settle for an obvious one. You've got a lot of nerve, Bob, showing up in my town four days before the presidential election...
On October 29th I'll barely have enough spare time to play "Desolation Row," let alone take an evening for a concert! Is this some kind of cruel joke?
Wide gap among poll results mystifies campaigns, pundits
Wide gap among poll results mystifies campaigns, pundits
I hate hate hate linking to the Washington Tmes but this headline caught the problem halfway well. But the real issue seems to be buried at the bottom of the inverted pyramid:
One factor is that, with the proliferation of polls, people are increasingly reluctant to participate. Mr. Taylor said that to have 1,000 respondents, it will take about 4,000 or 5,000 calls over a two- to three-day period.
Throw in unlisted cell phone only folks like me while you're at it...
The fundamental problem with polling is you can't make people answer and you can't make them tell the truth. What used to be a margin of error factor is now a fundamental flaw. Almost sad to see a once-great science going the way of the iceman and the slide rule, and we may finally be to the point where the cliche "the only poll that counts is on Election Day" comes true.
and I HATE losing to the Bears...
I hate hate hate linking to the Washington Tmes but this headline caught the problem halfway well. But the real issue seems to be buried at the bottom of the inverted pyramid:
One factor is that, with the proliferation of polls, people are increasingly reluctant to participate. Mr. Taylor said that to have 1,000 respondents, it will take about 4,000 or 5,000 calls over a two- to three-day period.
Throw in unlisted cell phone only folks like me while you're at it...
The fundamental problem with polling is you can't make people answer and you can't make them tell the truth. What used to be a margin of error factor is now a fundamental flaw. Almost sad to see a once-great science going the way of the iceman and the slide rule, and we may finally be to the point where the cliche "the only poll that counts is on Election Day" comes true.
and I HATE losing to the Bears...
Sunday, September 19, 2004
I'm An Adult Now (?)
I'm An Adult Now (?)
Sometimes my head hurts and sometimes my stomach hurts
And I guess that it won't be long
'Til I'm sitting in a room with a bunch of people whose necks and backs are aching
Whose sight and hearing's failing who just can't seem to get it up
Speaking of hearing, I can't take too much loud music
I mean I like to play it, but I sure don't like the racket
Noise, but I can't hear anything
Just guitars screaming, screaming, screaming
Some guy screaming in a leather jacket
Wooah!
'Cause I'm an adult now
I'm an adult now
I've got the problems of an adult
On my head and on my shoulders
I'm an adult now
This song came out when I was a lot younger. I thought it was funny then. I think it's funnier now:
It's closing in on 1 AM and my downstairs neighbors are having a loud party and playing music that is abrasive even by my low, low standards. All I can do is step back, look at myself, and laugh. What the hell, it's Saturday night. And it beats the previous neighbors who complained when I walked across the floor wearing shoes.
Maybe I should hit `em with a Ramones tribute early tomorrow morning. I deserved that a few times...
The Dead Ramones would be a good name for a punk rock group, it's offensive AND it pays tribute to two influences at once...
Sometimes my head hurts and sometimes my stomach hurts
And I guess that it won't be long
'Til I'm sitting in a room with a bunch of people whose necks and backs are aching
Whose sight and hearing's failing who just can't seem to get it up
Speaking of hearing, I can't take too much loud music
I mean I like to play it, but I sure don't like the racket
Noise, but I can't hear anything
Just guitars screaming, screaming, screaming
Some guy screaming in a leather jacket
Wooah!
'Cause I'm an adult now
I'm an adult now
I've got the problems of an adult
On my head and on my shoulders
I'm an adult now
This song came out when I was a lot younger. I thought it was funny then. I think it's funnier now:
It's closing in on 1 AM and my downstairs neighbors are having a loud party and playing music that is abrasive even by my low, low standards. All I can do is step back, look at myself, and laugh. What the hell, it's Saturday night. And it beats the previous neighbors who complained when I walked across the floor wearing shoes.
Maybe I should hit `em with a Ramones tribute early tomorrow morning. I deserved that a few times...
The Dead Ramones would be a good name for a punk rock group, it's offensive AND it pays tribute to two influences at once...
Saturday, September 18, 2004
Did Karl Rove dodge the draft?
Did Karl Rove dodge the draft?
Karl Rove escaped the draft for nearly three years at the height of the Vietnam War using student deferments...
AAAAAAGH! Nam Nam Nam NAm NAAAAAAAAAAAM!
Now, I consider Karl Rove a poisonous evil slug but he's at least officially a Behind The Scenes Guy (in this case that means Pay No Attention To The Man Behind The Curtain). And are skeletons in the closet of a Behind The Scenes Guy fair game? Hey, that's one of the reasons I am a Behind The Scenes Guy!
I suppose if the behind the scenes guy hogs the limelight, he's fair game, but what's the point of bashing the guy for doing what everyone (except for some bizarre reason John Kerry) did? Wasn't all this settled back when we read Bill Clinton's "I loathe the military" letter (first thing I ever liked about the guy) and after that he WON TWO ELECTIONS? With more votes than the other guy, even?
Maybe we should just file this in the bulging GOP Hypocrisy file...
Karl Rove escaped the draft for nearly three years at the height of the Vietnam War using student deferments...
AAAAAAGH! Nam Nam Nam NAm NAAAAAAAAAAAM!
Now, I consider Karl Rove a poisonous evil slug but he's at least officially a Behind The Scenes Guy (in this case that means Pay No Attention To The Man Behind The Curtain). And are skeletons in the closet of a Behind The Scenes Guy fair game? Hey, that's one of the reasons I am a Behind The Scenes Guy!
I suppose if the behind the scenes guy hogs the limelight, he's fair game, but what's the point of bashing the guy for doing what everyone (except for some bizarre reason John Kerry) did? Wasn't all this settled back when we read Bill Clinton's "I loathe the military" letter (first thing I ever liked about the guy) and after that he WON TWO ELECTIONS? With more votes than the other guy, even?
Maybe we should just file this in the bulging GOP Hypocrisy file...
Friday, September 17, 2004
NOVEMBER ELECTION CANCELLED
NOVEMBER ELECTION CANCELLED
"Nation's voting machines made in Florida- And they don't work!"
-Weekly World News
Does this mean I don't have to go to work tomorrow?
UPDATE 9/18: My boss is skeptical.
"Nation's voting machines made in Florida- And they don't work!"
-Weekly World News
Does this mean I don't have to go to work tomorrow?
UPDATE 9/18: My boss is skeptical.
Thursday, September 16, 2004
Bye Bye Johnny
Bye Bye Johnny
"Johnny Ramone, guitarist and co-founder of the seminal punk band the Ramones, has died at the age of 55..."
Survivors include a whole buncha drummers.
Looks like tonight's playlist will have to be LOUD.
"Johnny Ramone, guitarist and co-founder of the seminal punk band the Ramones, has died at the age of 55..."
Survivors include a whole buncha drummers.
Looks like tonight's playlist will have to be LOUD.
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
Tonight's playlist
Tonight's playlist
Ride along computer cowboy
To the city just in time
To bring another system down
And leave your alias behind
Trans is the album that separates the Neil Young obsessives from... well, normal humans. Been spending the evening using my beat up but faithful laptop to overthrow the government (by strictly legit electoral means of course) in a cowboyish way.
I wanna rock and roll this party
I still wanna have some fun
Sheryl Crow is probably not Cool enough to buy at Championship Vinyl but so what. The line catches me because the only party I've been to lately is the kind with donkeys (not pin-the tail). And too many of my fellow donkeys have forgotten how to rock (look who they nominated).
You can climb a mountain
You can swim the sea
You can jump into the fire
But you'll never be free
Thy lyrics to Nilsson's lost classic do not capture the mood, you need the music. Most people including me know this as "that song from Goodfellas" in the coked-up, about to be busted "last day as a wise guy" sequence. Whenever I have a crazy day with way too many things in it, I hear this in my head. I need to make a CD of that whole sequence for driving and/or Italian cooking:
"Jump into the Fire", Nilsson
"Memo from Turner" and "Monkey Man", the Rolling Stones
"Magic Bus", the Who
"What Is Life", George Harrison
"Mannish Boy", Muddy Waters
And the best closing credits ever:
"My Way" by Sid Vicious.
Don't forget the razor blade for the garlic.
Ride along computer cowboy
To the city just in time
To bring another system down
And leave your alias behind
Trans is the album that separates the Neil Young obsessives from... well, normal humans. Been spending the evening using my beat up but faithful laptop to overthrow the government (by strictly legit electoral means of course) in a cowboyish way.
I wanna rock and roll this party
I still wanna have some fun
Sheryl Crow is probably not Cool enough to buy at Championship Vinyl but so what. The line catches me because the only party I've been to lately is the kind with donkeys (not pin-the tail). And too many of my fellow donkeys have forgotten how to rock (look who they nominated).
You can climb a mountain
You can swim the sea
You can jump into the fire
But you'll never be free
Thy lyrics to Nilsson's lost classic do not capture the mood, you need the music. Most people including me know this as "that song from Goodfellas" in the coked-up, about to be busted "last day as a wise guy" sequence. Whenever I have a crazy day with way too many things in it, I hear this in my head. I need to make a CD of that whole sequence for driving and/or Italian cooking:
And the best closing credits ever:
Don't forget the razor blade for the garlic.
JS Online: Moore poised to be state's first black representative
WI: Moore poised to be state's first black representative
Well, looks like the Wisconsin results were far more interesting than our school board election. Milwaukee's sending an African-American woman to Washington. Cool. Meanwhile in the Republican senate race, they rejected the "Right Russ" rich car dealer and went with the Save The Fetuses (fetii?) guy. So we can stop worrying about Feingold, he's safe.
And Marion Barry made another comeback in DC: Insert punchline here ______________________________
Well, looks like the Wisconsin results were far more interesting than our school board election. Milwaukee's sending an African-American woman to Washington. Cool. Meanwhile in the Republican senate race, they rejected the "Right Russ" rich car dealer and went with the Save The Fetuses (fetii?) guy. So we can stop worrying about Feingold, he's safe.
And Marion Barry made another comeback in DC: Insert punchline here ______________________________
Monday, September 13, 2004
Low stakes for me tomorrow
Low stakes for me tomorrow
For the first time in about forever I have an election tomorrow in which I have nothing invested emotionally. Of course, I hope the school levy passes, but I didn't do any campaigning for it, and we have two school board candidates for two seats. Not expected to be a nail-biter.
So tomorrow is just a long day at work. But that school levy is stil important.
And I still regret the one election I missed, the 1992 school board race which had less that 1 percent turnout. Ruined my perfect attendance streak.
Packers 24, Panthers 14
good thoughts
For the first time in about forever I have an election tomorrow in which I have nothing invested emotionally. Of course, I hope the school levy passes, but I didn't do any campaigning for it, and we have two school board candidates for two seats. Not expected to be a nail-biter.
So tomorrow is just a long day at work. But that school levy is stil important.
And I still regret the one election I missed, the 1992 school board race which had less that 1 percent turnout. Ruined my perfect attendance streak.
Packers 24, Panthers 14
good thoughts
Sunday, September 12, 2004
The best rummage sale ever
The best rummage sale ever
Back in one piece from my home town trip during which I made the single best rummage sale purchase ever. Five pairs of new jeans (including three sets of Levis 501s) for the pittance of $17. I'm set for jeans now for the next several years, barring large weight fluctuations. That's not to mention the Box Of Electronic Parts for five bucks which included more useful stuff than junk (although to be honest I have no use for an electric dog collar).
The Parental Computer is in business and the parents have had the On and Off lesson. Youngest Brother shows up next week to provide the next set of help. They have more computer than I have which is hardly fair given their user level ("This is a mouse"). I'm going to be in the market soon. The screen on Faithful Laptop is dying and I'm going to be working so much I might actually be able to afford a new machine...
I've been in political news warp so not much to report. Wisconsin has its primary Tuesday and I saw lots of yard signs, none of which seem to include those nasty words "Democrat" or "Republican."
Back in one piece from my home town trip during which I made the single best rummage sale purchase ever. Five pairs of new jeans (including three sets of Levis 501s) for the pittance of $17. I'm set for jeans now for the next several years, barring large weight fluctuations. That's not to mention the Box Of Electronic Parts for five bucks which included more useful stuff than junk (although to be honest I have no use for an electric dog collar).
The Parental Computer is in business and the parents have had the On and Off lesson. Youngest Brother shows up next week to provide the next set of help. They have more computer than I have which is hardly fair given their user level ("This is a mouse"). I'm going to be in the market soon. The screen on Faithful Laptop is dying and I'm going to be working so much I might actually be able to afford a new machine...
I've been in political news warp so not much to report. Wisconsin has its primary Tuesday and I saw lots of yard signs, none of which seem to include those nasty words "Democrat" or "Republican."
Friday, September 10, 2004
Last calm before the storm
Last calm before the storm
I'm off the air for the weekend and up to Wisconsin for Mom's birthday Saturday. It was her birthday for a long time before it was 9/11. My present is free consulting as I help set up my folk's first computer (!)
This looks like the last break; when I get back I start the seven week marathon to November 2. Longer, if it turns out like Florida...
I'm off the air for the weekend and up to Wisconsin for Mom's birthday Saturday. It was her birthday for a long time before it was 9/11. My present is free consulting as I help set up my folk's first computer (!)
This looks like the last break; when I get back I start the seven week marathon to November 2. Longer, if it turns out like Florida...
Thursday, September 09, 2004
Majority of countries prefer Kerry than Bush
Majority of countries prefer Kerry than Bush: survey
This was what I was looking for yesterday: Apparantly Red China is a blue state.
Kerry emerged favourite in 30 countries and on average, beat his Republican rival by more than a two-to-one margin -- 46 percent to 20 percent. The only countries where Bush was preferred in the poll were the Philippines, Nigeria and Poland.
Of course, it has as much relevance as Kerry's "Democrats win when the Redskins lose the Sunday before the election" theory. Except, that since Washington plays the Packers on Halloween, that's actually important.
Just because I'm thinking about it, here's a link to Pat Metheny. If I was still a DJ I'd play him today as a mysterious dedication to an unnamed listener. Doesn't fit the usual format (All Loud All The Time) but so what.
And after two months I've more or less given up on the pretense that Xavier and Dylan are "guest" cats.
This was what I was looking for yesterday: Apparantly Red China is a blue state.
Kerry emerged favourite in 30 countries and on average, beat his Republican rival by more than a two-to-one margin -- 46 percent to 20 percent. The only countries where Bush was preferred in the poll were the Philippines, Nigeria and Poland.
Of course, it has as much relevance as Kerry's "Democrats win when the Redskins lose the Sunday before the election" theory. Except, that since Washington plays the Packers on Halloween, that's actually important.
Just because I'm thinking about it, here's a link to Pat Metheny. If I was still a DJ I'd play him today as a mysterious dedication to an unnamed listener. Doesn't fit the usual format (All Loud All The Time) but so what.
And after two months I've more or less given up on the pretense that Xavier and Dylan are "guest" cats.
Seeing myself in cinema
My alter ego - found in film!
I've always loved "High Fidelity", and found myself identifying strongly with John Cusack's lead character:
Using his on-screen narration as a form of therapy and musical pop culture references as philosophy, Rob sulks around his cave-like pad full of second-hand furniture and concert posters, re-cataloging his endless LP collection and waxing huffy about his breakup to the audience. Then he has an epiphany: He'll track down those Top Five breakup girls and try to figure out what he keeps doing wrong...
But now, in the past few days, two of my best friends have independently come to the conclusion that I am NOT John Cusack. Rather, I am Jack Black:
Barry : How about the Jesus and Mary Chain?
Barry's Customer : They always seemed...
Barry : They always seemed what? They always seemed really great is what they always seemed. They picked up where your precious Echo left off, and you're sitting around complaining about no more Echo albums. I can't believe you don't own this fucking record. (tosses the record to the customer and walks away) That's insane. Jesus.
I will now go work on my Top Five Movie Characters list...
Barry's Customer : Hi, do you have the song "I Just Called To Say I Love You?" It's for my daughter's birthday.
Barry : Yea we have it.
Barry's Customer : Well, can I have it?
Barry : No, actually, you can't.
Barry's Customer : Why not?
Barry : God. Do you even know your daughter? There's no way she likes that song. Oops, is she in a coma?
There's a record store in Iowa City that reminds me a lot of Championship Vinyl (the store in the movie, if you haven't seen it - and if you haven't stop reading this and go rent it now). I sold a lot of the old vinyl there back when I lived in the one room apartment last spring. Sometimes I'm in there, think about buying something, and ask myself, "is this COOL ENOUGH to buy here, or should I slink into Best Buy instead?" Last thing I got there was the Sugar b-sides album and a couple Nirvana singles, hope that qualifies.
Special thoughts to an old friend today.
I've always loved "High Fidelity", and found myself identifying strongly with John Cusack's lead character:
Using his on-screen narration as a form of therapy and musical pop culture references as philosophy, Rob sulks around his cave-like pad full of second-hand furniture and concert posters, re-cataloging his endless LP collection and waxing huffy about his breakup to the audience. Then he has an epiphany: He'll track down those Top Five breakup girls and try to figure out what he keeps doing wrong...
But now, in the past few days, two of my best friends have independently come to the conclusion that I am NOT John Cusack. Rather, I am Jack Black:
Barry : How about the Jesus and Mary Chain?
Barry's Customer : They always seemed...
Barry : They always seemed what? They always seemed really great is what they always seemed. They picked up where your precious Echo left off, and you're sitting around complaining about no more Echo albums. I can't believe you don't own this fucking record. (tosses the record to the customer and walks away) That's insane. Jesus.
I will now go work on my Top Five Movie Characters list...
Barry's Customer : Hi, do you have the song "I Just Called To Say I Love You?" It's for my daughter's birthday.
Barry : Yea we have it.
Barry's Customer : Well, can I have it?
Barry : No, actually, you can't.
Barry's Customer : Why not?
Barry : God. Do you even know your daughter? There's no way she likes that song. Oops, is she in a coma?
There's a record store in Iowa City that reminds me a lot of Championship Vinyl (the store in the movie, if you haven't seen it - and if you haven't stop reading this and go rent it now). I sold a lot of the old vinyl there back when I lived in the one room apartment last spring. Sometimes I'm in there, think about buying something, and ask myself, "is this COOL ENOUGH to buy here, or should I slink into Best Buy instead?" Last thing I got there was the Sugar b-sides album and a couple Nirvana singles, hope that qualifies.
Special thoughts to an old friend today.
Wednesday, September 08, 2004
Welcome to the 1972 campaign
Records Say Bush Balked at Order
Documents obtained by the CBS News program "60 Minutes" shed new light on one of the most controversial episodes in Bush's military service, when he abruptly stopped flying and moved from Texas to Alabama to work on a political campaign...
Remember about two weeks ago when I said I was getting 'Nammed out?
DIdn't people know this stuff about Bush the first time they elected -- oh, wait. Never mind.
It's not just the press or pseudo-rogue outfits (as if anyone believes any of this is truly "independent" of the campaigns). Today's big quote from Terry McAuliffe: "We know that John Kerry was in Vietnam. My question, Mr. President (sic) , is where were you, Sir?"
First of all, no self-respecting Democrat should EVER call Bush "Mr. President". Second of all, I barely remember the end of Vietnam, I'm 40, and I was a boring precocius little nerd who read newspapers. How many under-40 voters are bored to death? If I had known we were going to have the 1972 campaign all over again, I would have caucused for McGovern! And I doubt anyone is gonna write a book about this one as good as Hunter Thompson's was...
Anyway, Zogby is now saying the W by 11 poll is crap and it's really Bush by 2. Another poll has Bush by 0.9 with a massive 4 percent undecided (see my rant of a couple days back).
A couple more notes in my news potpurri: One headline that ran away from me in another window while I wasn't looking says the rest of the world favors Kerry in a landslide. Which would help if they had any electoral votes.
And another too-good-to-skip Mosh Pit Al moment:
"On Tuesday Keyes did it again, this time by essentially announcing that Jesus would be supporting him (if Jesus, of course, was an Illinois voter). "Christ would not vote for Barack Obama because Barack Obama has voted to behave in a way that it is inconceivable for Christ to have behaved," declared Keyes..."
So. Please. Both sides. Enough 'Nam.
Documents obtained by the CBS News program "60 Minutes" shed new light on one of the most controversial episodes in Bush's military service, when he abruptly stopped flying and moved from Texas to Alabama to work on a political campaign...
Remember about two weeks ago when I said I was getting 'Nammed out?
DIdn't people know this stuff about Bush the first time they elected -- oh, wait. Never mind.
It's not just the press or pseudo-rogue outfits (as if anyone believes any of this is truly "independent" of the campaigns). Today's big quote from Terry McAuliffe: "We know that John Kerry was in Vietnam. My question, Mr. President (sic) , is where were you, Sir?"
First of all, no self-respecting Democrat should EVER call Bush "Mr. President". Second of all, I barely remember the end of Vietnam, I'm 40, and I was a boring precocius little nerd who read newspapers. How many under-40 voters are bored to death? If I had known we were going to have the 1972 campaign all over again, I would have caucused for McGovern! And I doubt anyone is gonna write a book about this one as good as Hunter Thompson's was...
Anyway, Zogby is now saying the W by 11 poll is crap and it's really Bush by 2. Another poll has Bush by 0.9 with a massive 4 percent undecided (see my rant of a couple days back).
A couple more notes in my news potpurri: One headline that ran away from me in another window while I wasn't looking says the rest of the world favors Kerry in a landslide. Which would help if they had any electoral votes.
And another too-good-to-skip Mosh Pit Al moment:
"On Tuesday Keyes did it again, this time by essentially announcing that Jesus would be supporting him (if Jesus, of course, was an Illinois voter). "Christ would not vote for Barack Obama because Barack Obama has voted to behave in a way that it is inconceivable for Christ to have behaved," declared Keyes..."
So. Please. Both sides. Enough 'Nam.
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
I, uh, think you can get sued for that...
I, uh, think you can get sued for that...
"Too many good docs are getting out of business. Too many OB/GYNs aren't able to practice their love with women all across this country."
-- President (sic) Bush, quoted by the AP
"Too many good docs are getting out of business. Too many OB/GYNs aren't able to practice their love with women all across this country."
-- President (sic) Bush, quoted by the AP
Monday, September 06, 2004
Let's hear it for the undecideds
Let's hear it for the undecideds
Pffffffft! There's my salute to the undecideds.
"Lose the negativity. More specifics, fewer ads, and more debates."
Right. Like anyody so disengaged that they can't decide between John Kerry and George W. Bush is going to sit and watch a debate, or pore over a position paper for "specifics." They'll be reaching for the remote before you can say
"Our three panelists who will be questioning the candidates are..."
CLICK
"Are you ready for some football!?"
CLICK
"Six bachelorettes survived last week, but tonight there are only four roses..."
CLICK
"I baked a coconut cream pie, Gilligan..."
CLICK
"Tinky Winky! Dipsy! Laa Laa! Po! Teletubbies! Teletubbies! Say Hello!"
Anyone who's gonna watch a debate has already tuned in enough that we've got our MINDS MADE UP. The reality is, people who are informed about public affairs have built themselves a worldview, a framework of ideas, and the differences between Kerry and Bush are so vast that the only undecideds left are the truly uninformed.
Not trying to sound elitist or anything. But Objective Paradigm American journalists want voters to act like them. Partisanship is "bad" and neutrality is "good." I for one think informed and passionate partisanship gets a bad rap. One of the reasons we'll see record early voting this year is that so many people have their minds made up.
Pffffffft! There's my salute to the undecideds.
"Lose the negativity. More specifics, fewer ads, and more debates."
Right. Like anyody so disengaged that they can't decide between John Kerry and George W. Bush is going to sit and watch a debate, or pore over a position paper for "specifics." They'll be reaching for the remote before you can say
"Our three panelists who will be questioning the candidates are..."
CLICK
"Are you ready for some football!?"
CLICK
"Six bachelorettes survived last week, but tonight there are only four roses..."
CLICK
"I baked a coconut cream pie, Gilligan..."
CLICK
"Tinky Winky! Dipsy! Laa Laa! Po! Teletubbies! Teletubbies! Say Hello!"
Anyone who's gonna watch a debate has already tuned in enough that we've got our MINDS MADE UP. The reality is, people who are informed about public affairs have built themselves a worldview, a framework of ideas, and the differences between Kerry and Bush are so vast that the only undecideds left are the truly uninformed.
Not trying to sound elitist or anything. But Objective Paradigm American journalists want voters to act like them. Partisanship is "bad" and neutrality is "good." I for one think informed and passionate partisanship gets a bad rap. One of the reasons we'll see record early voting this year is that so many people have their minds made up.
Sunday, September 05, 2004
Live from the road
Live from the road
Greetings fron the Drake student union in Des Moines where I am on a spontaneous roadtrip with my college roomie. We've already been mistaken for brothers once. It's remarkably easy just to walk in anywhere around here on a holiday weekend, the place is more or less deserted.
One of these years I need to get back up to Eau Claire.
Greetings fron the Drake student union in Des Moines where I am on a spontaneous roadtrip with my college roomie. We've already been mistaken for brothers once. It's remarkably easy just to walk in anywhere around here on a holiday weekend, the place is more or less deserted.
One of these years I need to get back up to Eau Claire.
Saturday, September 04, 2004
Friday, September 03, 2004
Get well soon, Bill
Get well soon, Bill
Bill Clinton changed my life in ways I never dreamed, and I'll make no apologies for my deep affection for the man. For me, he'll always be the Real President.
So, Mr. Real President, a young friend of yours in Iowa would like to remind you that hospitals can be fun and that you can have wheelchair races in the hall. Good luck, Bill.
Bill Clinton changed my life in ways I never dreamed, and I'll make no apologies for my deep affection for the man. For me, he'll always be the Real President.
So, Mr. Real President, a young friend of yours in Iowa would like to remind you that hospitals can be fun and that you can have wheelchair races in the hall. Good luck, Bill.
Young Voters Will Decide the Election
Young Voters Will Decide the Election
In my sixth presidential election I no longer qualify. But I like to think of myself as young at heart (living in college student housing at age 40 certainly requires a lack of middle-aged dignity).
More to the point, this means that in the biggest academic, youngest county in a nail-biter swing state, I'm at Ground Zero.
Read the whole thing but I'll give you my favorite nibbles:
"In 2000, one of the main reasons Gore was unable to put Bush away is because he lost the younger voters Clinton had won for Democrats for the first time since the 1970's.
In the latest Post-ABC News poll, taken immediately after the Democratic National Convention, Kerry led Bush 2 to 1 among registered voters younger than 30. Among older voters, the race was virtually tied.
If Kerry is going to win in November, he must continu his success in reaching young voters. Strike that--he must continue to do even more to reach them, even to excite them. Gore ignored young voters in 2000 and paid the price. Clinton openly wooed them and governed for eight years..."
Insert the entire text of Danny Goldberg's How The Left Lost Teen Spirit here. Then ask yourself how much ass Howard Dean would be kicking today.
In my sixth presidential election I no longer qualify. But I like to think of myself as young at heart (living in college student housing at age 40 certainly requires a lack of middle-aged dignity).
More to the point, this means that in the biggest academic, youngest county in a nail-biter swing state, I'm at Ground Zero.
Read the whole thing but I'll give you my favorite nibbles:
"In 2000, one of the main reasons Gore was unable to put Bush away is because he lost the younger voters Clinton had won for Democrats for the first time since the 1970's.
In the latest Post-ABC News poll, taken immediately after the Democratic National Convention, Kerry led Bush 2 to 1 among registered voters younger than 30. Among older voters, the race was virtually tied.
If Kerry is going to win in November, he must continu his success in reaching young voters. Strike that--he must continue to do even more to reach them, even to excite them. Gore ignored young voters in 2000 and paid the price. Clinton openly wooed them and governed for eight years..."
Insert the entire text of Danny Goldberg's How The Left Lost Teen Spirit here. Then ask yourself how much ass Howard Dean would be kicking today.
Wednesday, September 01, 2004
Words of wisdom from a gal named Chapin
Well the Tori Amos kick is off for now. Nothing against her but I've found myself rolling down the road renewing a long lost relationship with one Mary-Chapin Carpenter.
She was just after my late-80s country radio era but close enough that I was still paying attention. I grabbed the CDs out of GOP Convention Disgust. Country progressive types are hard to find and I wasn't in a Steve Earle mood so I expected to fixate on:
I sat alone in the dark one night, tuning in by remote
I found a preacher who spoke of the light but there was brimstone in his throat
He'd show me the way according to him in return for my personal check
I flipped my channel back to CNN and I lit another cigarette
But instead my brain zoomed in on
You can speak what’s on your mind
If you’ve got a gambler’s heart
You can be the truth incarnate
You can shoot straight in the dark
If there were true justice in country music Mary-Chapin Carpenter would be filling stadiums and Shania Twain would be waitressing at a Hooters in Daytona.
Plus every time I hear "Down At The Twist And Shout" I remember halftime of Super Bowl XXXI which as we all know had a happy ending. And she didn't even have to flash us.
She was just after my late-80s country radio era but close enough that I was still paying attention. I grabbed the CDs out of GOP Convention Disgust. Country progressive types are hard to find and I wasn't in a Steve Earle mood so I expected to fixate on:
I sat alone in the dark one night, tuning in by remote
I found a preacher who spoke of the light but there was brimstone in his throat
He'd show me the way according to him in return for my personal check
I flipped my channel back to CNN and I lit another cigarette
But instead my brain zoomed in on
You can speak what’s on your mind
If you’ve got a gambler’s heart
You can be the truth incarnate
You can shoot straight in the dark
If there were true justice in country music Mary-Chapin Carpenter would be filling stadiums and Shania Twain would be waitressing at a Hooters in Daytona.
Plus every time I hear "Down At The Twist And Shout" I remember halftime of Super Bowl XXXI which as we all know had a happy ending. And she didn't even have to flash us.
Hard Right Stays on Convention Sidelines
Hard Right Stays on Convention Sidelines
This is what we're up against, donkey people, that you aren't seeing in Grade A, Prime AHnold and McCain Time. The face of the base of the Republican Party:
Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas told an invitation-only Bush rally for Christian conservatives, "We must win this cultural war." He offered an agenda strikingly different from anything voters will hear from the convention platform, including a proposed requirement that pregnant women considering abortions be offered anesthesia for their fetuses.
Oklahoma Senate candidate Tom Coburn called his race against Rep. Brad Carson "a battle for the culture of America" and "the battle of good vs. evil."
Arizona Rep. John Shadegg got a standing ovation from his state's delegation when he lashed out at filmmaker Michael Moore. Shadegg said he told a newspaper executive that he had made a mistake "when you credentialed kind of the anti-Christ."
"The left wing hates George Bush the most because he believes in God," said Youngstown Mayor George McKelvey, a conservative Democrat who drew applause from Ohio delegates.
Another Republican Senate candidate, Alan Keyes... naah, why bother?
This is what we're up against, donkey people, that you aren't seeing in Grade A, Prime AHnold and McCain Time. The face of the base of the Republican Party: