Sunday, August 31, 2008
A Conversation with My Mother
I honestly didn't expect this from my soon-to-be 85-year-old mother.
Me: Did you think McCain lost his mind or what?
Mom: Sarah Palin? I think she makes the most sense of all of them.
Me: You can't be serious! McCain is probably going to drop dead before his first term ends and she'll be the president!
Mom: Well, Obama is probably going to get assassinated.
Me: At least we'd have Biden who has some experience.
Mom: I can't stand Biden. And Palin is Governor of Alaska with an 80% approval rating.
Sigh. If my mother gets her way we certainly won't be seeing any positive change in this country in her lifetime. None whatsoever. But then, we can't even agree on the definition of positive change. So.. at least she'd go out on a high note.
This is bewildering to me.
Me: Did you think McCain lost his mind or what?
Mom: Sarah Palin? I think she makes the most sense of all of them.
Me: You can't be serious! McCain is probably going to drop dead before his first term ends and she'll be the president!
Mom: Well, Obama is probably going to get assassinated.
Me: At least we'd have Biden who has some experience.
Mom: I can't stand Biden. And Palin is Governor of Alaska with an 80% approval rating.
Sigh. If my mother gets her way we certainly won't be seeing any positive change in this country in her lifetime. None whatsoever. But then, we can't even agree on the definition of positive change. So.. at least she'd go out on a high note.
This is bewildering to me.
Women, Keep Your Eggs Under Control
For those of you who are pregnant, or thinking about it, or not planning to, but end up pregnant by accident, or getting raped and impregnated by a total stranger, or a father or brother, the Republican Party would like to remind you that the life within you has more value than your life, regardless of the stage of development, or the cause.
Because once knocked up, they believe your choices are over. The government will handle it from there.
The Republican Party platform this year will reassert the party’s opposition to abortion. And again it will not allow for exceptions in the cases of rape, incest or to save the life of the mother, even though Senator John McCain, the presumptive presidential nominee, has long called for such exceptions.
Apparently McCain got overruled by his superiors.
Connie Mackey, a lobbyist for the Family Research Council, said: “It is out of the platform. We were told early on that the platform is going to be pro-life and that any differences the senator has with it are his own.”
Sarah Palin: A Clear Choice for Feminists?
Via Toast, who finds some amusement in the fact that some who call themselves feminists are impressed enough with Sarah Palin's feminist credentials to support her as the VP choice.
Now that Palin can be heard giggling as two shock jocks have called Senator Lyda Green, an opponent of Palin's, a "cancer" and a "bitch," we know she's the real McCoy. Or maybe that's some funny shit up in heavily-Republican Alaska.
Now that Palin can be heard giggling as two shock jocks have called Senator Lyda Green, an opponent of Palin's, a "cancer" and a "bitch," we know she's the real McCoy. Or maybe that's some funny shit up in heavily-Republican Alaska.
One Nation Under Ignorance
I have come to the conclusion that a good number of European immigrants who settled this land were not exactly the best representatives of their gene pool.
Granted, I already wasn't in a great mood this morning after rolling to the edge of the bed and planting my feet squarely into a pile of cat vomit as I arose from my not-so-peaceful slumber.
And the sight of an 18-inch tapeworm hanging from Sweet Pea's anus was another bad start to the morning.
All that aside, walking out to the street to pick up the Sunday New York Times would ultimately prove to be the most annoying aspect of my morning.
I simply cannot grasp the concept that so many Americans are straddling the political fence between Barack Obama and John McCain. It makes no sense to me whatsoever. How many people do you know who are undecided on key issues such as abortion, gay rights, Iraq, and the economy?
The differences between the two candidates are as stark as night and day, or if you prefer, black and white.
And yet, I read quote after quote from Americans in this article who simply can't decide. Am I asking too much to expect a little common sense? It's as if there are no issues, only empty, meaningless labels such as "maverick." Just read this.
Judith needs to brush up on her facts. Or maybe the Republicans will seize upon that inaccurate statement and use it in campaign ads. Who knows. But Barack Obama served in the Illinois Senate from 1997 until 2004 and has been a US Senator from Illinois since 2004. Do the math. That's a hell of a lot more than 20 months. Maybe Judith doesn't know the difference between months and years.
Thank God her daughter seems to have a brain and is putting it to good use.
For our next exhibit, we go to another suburban outpost where a vacant mentality apparently abounds.
Pardon me, but there's a county to run here. This should not be about thinking a candidate is cool because she calls herself a soccer mom and you're a football mom. But she's "very pretty" so there you have it.
"Supermom?" Please. This all might be relevant if she was running for mayor again. It is not relevant for someone running for governor and it's sure as hell not relevant for someone on a VP ticket in these trying times.
But wait. There's more! By the time I was near the end of the first section of the paper I was prepared to breathe a sigh of relief and I ran head-on into Peter Applebome's Our Towns column, and this excerpt made the milk in my coffee curdle instantly.
A liberal Republican, huh? What does that mean exactly? Because from where I stand in the political spectrum, Barack Obama is closer to a liberal Republican than John McCain. Part of the reason we live in a dangerous world is because of the failed policies of President Bush. And John McCain vows to continue trotting down that path. And this "liberal Republican" lives in Connecticut! Wait until we get to some thoughts of the non-so-liberal Republicans in the deep South.
The idea of a member of our armed services not even paying attention is baffling. I suppose that's worse than the tendency to ignore the fact that we have issues facing us.
Whatever. This makes me want to cancel my subscription and live in a cave.
William Safire alone is reason enough.
Asshat.
Granted, I already wasn't in a great mood this morning after rolling to the edge of the bed and planting my feet squarely into a pile of cat vomit as I arose from my not-so-peaceful slumber.
And the sight of an 18-inch tapeworm hanging from Sweet Pea's anus was another bad start to the morning.
All that aside, walking out to the street to pick up the Sunday New York Times would ultimately prove to be the most annoying aspect of my morning.
I simply cannot grasp the concept that so many Americans are straddling the political fence between Barack Obama and John McCain. It makes no sense to me whatsoever. How many people do you know who are undecided on key issues such as abortion, gay rights, Iraq, and the economy?
The differences between the two candidates are as stark as night and day, or if you prefer, black and white.
And yet, I read quote after quote from Americans in this article who simply can't decide. Am I asking too much to expect a little common sense? It's as if there are no issues, only empty, meaningless labels such as "maverick." Just read this.
Judith France and her daughter Holly France-Kremin have been torn about their choice for president ever since Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton lost the Democratic nomination to Senator Barack Obama. Now Senator John McCain has made up their minds, but in different ways, by his surprise pick of Sarah Palin, the little-known Alaska governor, as his Republican running mate.
“It made me like McCain a little more,” said Judith France, 62, of Thornville, Ohio. “They always say he was a maverick, and this made me think, well, he really is. He went all the way to Alaska — there aren’t that many people up there, they don’t have that many electoral votes — and he picked this person. I know people will say she’s inexperienced. But she’s been a governor for 20 months. That’s more experience than Obama has.”
Judith needs to brush up on her facts. Or maybe the Republicans will seize upon that inaccurate statement and use it in campaign ads. Who knows. But Barack Obama served in the Illinois Senate from 1997 until 2004 and has been a US Senator from Illinois since 2004. Do the math. That's a hell of a lot more than 20 months. Maybe Judith doesn't know the difference between months and years.
Thank God her daughter seems to have a brain and is putting it to good use.
Ms. France-Kremin, 36, who lives nearby in Dublin, an affluent suburb of Columbus, likewise has qualms about the seasoning of Mr. Obama, a first-term United States senator after eight years as a state senator. But she also strongly favors abortion rights, and Ms. Palin — more prominently than Mr. McCain — does not.
“That sealed my decision,” said Ms. France-Kremin, who added that she would no longer consider voting for Mr. McCain.
For our next exhibit, we go to another suburban outpost where a vacant mentality apparently abounds.
Shopping at a suburban mall in Michigan on Friday, Cathy Gates, 40, a registered Republican and a mother of two who calls herself a “football mom,” said that the Palin pick was “a big risk” but that it “makes me feel a little better” about voting for Mr. McCain.
“She does appeal to me,” Ms. Gates said. “You would feel she has the same values as you. Having a child with Down syndrome, and being the governor, and she calls herself a hockey mom. I was impressed. She’s very pretty and seems very smart. I hope it works out.”
Some Democratic-leaning women, as well, welcomed Mr. McCain’s barrier-breaking choice as some consolation after their dashed hopes of having a woman at the top of the ticket.
“I wish the Democratic Party had the courage” to pick a woman, said Kimberly Myers, a retired transit worker in Pittsburgh who supported Mrs. Clinton in Pennsylvania’s primary and said she now planned to vote for Mr. McCain.
Ms. Myers said she also saw a bonus in the choice of Ms. Palin: “The fact that she’s a working mom will send a message to America that you don’t have to choose children over career.”
Pardon me, but there's a county to run here. This should not be about thinking a candidate is cool because she calls herself a soccer mom and you're a football mom. But she's "very pretty" so there you have it.
As word of the Palin choice spread, some women said they were intrigued by what they saw as her unusual mix of last-frontier pioneer and suburban supermom. She is a sportswoman, hunter and onetime local beauty queen who married her high school sweetheart, as well as a self-described hockey mom and PTA member.
"Supermom?" Please. This all might be relevant if she was running for mayor again. It is not relevant for someone running for governor and it's sure as hell not relevant for someone on a VP ticket in these trying times.
But wait. There's more! By the time I was near the end of the first section of the paper I was prepared to breathe a sigh of relief and I ran head-on into Peter Applebome's Our Towns column, and this excerpt made the milk in my coffee curdle instantly.
Michelle Drury watched Barack Obama’s speech Thursday night and she swooned.
“I think the guy’s amazing,” Ms. Drury, a registered nurse from nearby Beacon Falls, said on Friday over the low buzz at the Valley Diner in Connecticut’s blue-collar Naugatuck Valley. “I thought he gave a great speech. To be honest, I can’t turn my eyes from him when he’s on. For a 41-year-old, getting-divorced woman, he’s a hottie. I thought he laid out a phenomenal plan and finally told us a lot about himself.”
And whom will she be voting for in November? John McCain.
“I’ve loved watching Obama emerge and evolve, but I don’t vote based on the swing of the fever,” said Ms. Drury, a mother of three who said she thinks of herself as a liberal Republican. “He put out a lot of great words, but we live in a very dangerous world, and I just don’t think Obama’s ready yet. I think he will eventually be a great president, but not yet.”
A liberal Republican, huh? What does that mean exactly? Because from where I stand in the political spectrum, Barack Obama is closer to a liberal Republican than John McCain. Part of the reason we live in a dangerous world is because of the failed policies of President Bush. And John McCain vows to continue trotting down that path. And this "liberal Republican" lives in Connecticut! Wait until we get to some thoughts of the non-so-liberal Republicans in the deep South.
The idea of a member of our armed services not even paying attention is baffling. I suppose that's worse than the tendency to ignore the fact that we have issues facing us.
And then there were the customary wonders of American indifference. Mike Palmieri, 23, is in the Army at Fort Drum in upstate New York and then headed to Afghanistan. You might think he’d have a stake in things, but he said that politics was not his thing and that he was not paying attention. There was the woman who declined to give her name who didn’t know who was running for president.
The person most in limbo seemed to be Geraldine Peter of Ansonia, a Clinton voter in the primary who’s not sure if she will vote for Mr. Obama. She said she would take a longer look at the Republicans with Mrs. Palin on the ticket.
Whatever. This makes me want to cancel my subscription and live in a cave.
William Safire alone is reason enough.
A stern editor could have improved the 4,500-word acceptance by cutting a thousand words of populist boilerplate and partisan-pleasing shots that offend centrists.
Asshat.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Periodically, When I'm Feeling Down I Get Angry
J. Goff at I am Jack’s Non-Blog says this is what Obama needs:
I don't believe those are listed in order of importance. I get the distinct impression the #1 issue is sexism. Visit any widely-read feminist blog, find a post about sexism in politics or the media, and watch the fireworks fly in the comment threads.
All of us progressives are, and should be, angry about a multitude of issues. I've been angry since J. Goff was still in his mother's womb, so trust me when I say I'm in touch with what needs to change in this nation.
I'm also a realist on some level and I know there is never going to be the perfect candidate running for any political office. There are 300 million Americans and 300 million different ideas about how to address the problems, let alone fix them! The question is this: are we going to start correcting even a few of them in 2009, or are we going to allow a single hot-button issue to destroy what may be our best hope for real leadership in our lifetime? Or am I just spewing more "hype?"
How many angry feminists does it take to swing an election the wrong way as the result of voting one's conscience or not voting at all? Who knows. This may be a year in which we learn the answer. Feminists don't like having the guilt-card played on them, nor would anyone else. And they are quick to point out that their individual vote is their individual personal choice and their business. I wholeheartedly agree. But there is a "but."
Since I brought up womb earlier, let me tell you what I think.
What you do with your body is your own business and I'm fighting hard to keep that right for you. How you cast your vote is your own business and I'm fighting hard to make certain that vote is, at the very least, actually counted. Your reproductive choices, even as a group of millions, have no recognizable impact on my life whatsoever. On the other hand, your vote as a group most definitely impacts my life and the lives of millions of others who are desperately seeking a new direction for the US. And this is where I get mightily annoyed with some of my feminist colleagues for the same reason I feel raging anger at fundamentalists and other neocons who make the election about preserving the sanctity of marriage and putting God back in the classroom. John McCain picked Sarah Palin for several reasons and I can assure you her position against reproductive freedom was right near the top of that list.
Regardless of who wins in November, even if it's Cynthia McKinney, we are going to be fighting sexism, racism, misogyny, capital punishment, corruption, lobbyists, offshore drilling, global warming, creationists, homophobia, discrimination against the transgendered, right-wing radio hosts, immigration policies, the loss of jobs, warmongering for profit, and a host of whackjobs in every corner of Congress. And I'm certain I didn't name at least 40 other injustices.
In a reply to a commenter on his post, J. Goff had this to say:
Unfortunately, due to the nature of politics these days, "centralist bullshit" is what we put up with until such time as a progressive cloaked in "centralist bullshit" can get elected. Politicians will do and say what they have to in order to appeal to the greatest number of voters. And that, much to my never ending dismay, is always going to involve a move to the "center" which is particularly irksome when the current center resides at the 35 yard line of the opposing team thanks largely to almost 30 years of Reagan and the Bush family. Sadly, Clinton didn't move that center as much as he could and should have.
I have spent the bulk of my voting life as a single-issue conscience voter. When I learned that Obama and Biden are both supporters of capital punishment I wasn't sure I could cast my ballot for that ticket. But this year I realized we have too much at stake for me to walk away in disgust. (I will not support them financially with any donation; I have to draw the line somewhere.)
J. Goff does have the benefit of being 25 which is young enough to hope for another chance or two for change in his lifetime even if this one isn't viewed by him as worth it because the candidate is perceived to be throwing women under the bus. (Or supports strapping people -- mostly black men -- into an electric chair, or pumping them with a toxic cocktail.)
Perhaps when J. Goff is my age, 48, and realizing that nothing much has changed, he'll also be getting fast and furiously fed up with waiting for.... something...before reaching retirement age.
I don't like taking baby steps and I really don't like even small compromise when it comes to politics this year. But I am taking a leap of faith because I am desperate for a glimpse of something different, an improvement, a sign of intelligent life in the White House. Being able to relax for awhile without worrying that a member of the Supreme Court is going to drop dead under a Bush or McCain watch is a nice perk.
Under all these circumstances, I am frankly astonished that sexism seems to be a focal point of the resistance to Obama given the fact that sexism is ingrained in our culture. It's not like the guy is out peddling this garbage although I am dismayed if his supporters are doing it.
It's great that the issue is finally getting more attention this year than I've ever seen in previous years, even if it is limited mostly to genuine feminist blogs (as opposed to say, a feminist group like Palin's Feminists for Life. But positive change has to start somewhere. And we must continue to push and fight for the changes we so sorely need. The ultimate question is: which candidate is most likely to listen?
In the end, if McCain is victorious, he and Sarah Palin (only the VP for as long as McCain's ticker keeps ticking) will shred this country for another four years, and it could even be worse than 8 years under Bush. I firmly believe it would be worse.
Such a victory could easily send a signal to future Democrats that the only way to have a chance of being elected is to move more to the right.
Or it could make Democrats so angry, and maybe enough moderate Republicans, to finally swing this country around in the 2012 elections with a progressive candidate who is more explicit with his or her policies, and never, ever says anything remotely sexist, and manages to finally unite the left and center as one big happy family.
I'm not banking on the latter. That's what I was certain 2004 was supposed to be.
Let's ALL get out this November, stand before that touch-screen and vote your conscience, be it McCain/Palin, Obama/Biden, McKinney/Clemente, or another. All I ask is that you let your conscience consider the bigger picture.
If the election tilts to McCain by a slim margin in one state, just don't tell me, or the millions of others who are ready to seize this moment, not to get angry if a few thousand voters in that state were refusing to support Obama because of a dogwhistle.
- LESS SYCOPHANTS.
- LESS SEXISM
- LESS TALK
- MORE SUBSTANCE, i.e.:
- MORE EXPLICITLY PROGRESSIVE POLICIES
- LESS HYPE.
I don't believe those are listed in order of importance. I get the distinct impression the #1 issue is sexism. Visit any widely-read feminist blog, find a post about sexism in politics or the media, and watch the fireworks fly in the comment threads.
All of us progressives are, and should be, angry about a multitude of issues. I've been angry since J. Goff was still in his mother's womb, so trust me when I say I'm in touch with what needs to change in this nation.
I'm also a realist on some level and I know there is never going to be the perfect candidate running for any political office. There are 300 million Americans and 300 million different ideas about how to address the problems, let alone fix them! The question is this: are we going to start correcting even a few of them in 2009, or are we going to allow a single hot-button issue to destroy what may be our best hope for real leadership in our lifetime? Or am I just spewing more "hype?"
How many angry feminists does it take to swing an election the wrong way as the result of voting one's conscience or not voting at all? Who knows. This may be a year in which we learn the answer. Feminists don't like having the guilt-card played on them, nor would anyone else. And they are quick to point out that their individual vote is their individual personal choice and their business. I wholeheartedly agree. But there is a "but."
Since I brought up womb earlier, let me tell you what I think.
What you do with your body is your own business and I'm fighting hard to keep that right for you. How you cast your vote is your own business and I'm fighting hard to make certain that vote is, at the very least, actually counted. Your reproductive choices, even as a group of millions, have no recognizable impact on my life whatsoever. On the other hand, your vote as a group most definitely impacts my life and the lives of millions of others who are desperately seeking a new direction for the US. And this is where I get mightily annoyed with some of my feminist colleagues for the same reason I feel raging anger at fundamentalists and other neocons who make the election about preserving the sanctity of marriage and putting God back in the classroom. John McCain picked Sarah Palin for several reasons and I can assure you her position against reproductive freedom was right near the top of that list.
Regardless of who wins in November, even if it's Cynthia McKinney, we are going to be fighting sexism, racism, misogyny, capital punishment, corruption, lobbyists, offshore drilling, global warming, creationists, homophobia, discrimination against the transgendered, right-wing radio hosts, immigration policies, the loss of jobs, warmongering for profit, and a host of whackjobs in every corner of Congress. And I'm certain I didn't name at least 40 other injustices.
In a reply to a commenter on his post, J. Goff had this to say:
I will die for my country. I will not vote for Obama, though, until he starts talking progressively instead of dealing with centralist bullshit.
Unfortunately, due to the nature of politics these days, "centralist bullshit" is what we put up with until such time as a progressive cloaked in "centralist bullshit" can get elected. Politicians will do and say what they have to in order to appeal to the greatest number of voters. And that, much to my never ending dismay, is always going to involve a move to the "center" which is particularly irksome when the current center resides at the 35 yard line of the opposing team thanks largely to almost 30 years of Reagan and the Bush family. Sadly, Clinton didn't move that center as much as he could and should have.
I have spent the bulk of my voting life as a single-issue conscience voter. When I learned that Obama and Biden are both supporters of capital punishment I wasn't sure I could cast my ballot for that ticket. But this year I realized we have too much at stake for me to walk away in disgust. (I will not support them financially with any donation; I have to draw the line somewhere.)
J. Goff does have the benefit of being 25 which is young enough to hope for another chance or two for change in his lifetime even if this one isn't viewed by him as worth it because the candidate is perceived to be throwing women under the bus. (Or supports strapping people -- mostly black men -- into an electric chair, or pumping them with a toxic cocktail.)
Perhaps when J. Goff is my age, 48, and realizing that nothing much has changed, he'll also be getting fast and furiously fed up with waiting for.... something...before reaching retirement age.
I don't like taking baby steps and I really don't like even small compromise when it comes to politics this year. But I am taking a leap of faith because I am desperate for a glimpse of something different, an improvement, a sign of intelligent life in the White House. Being able to relax for awhile without worrying that a member of the Supreme Court is going to drop dead under a Bush or McCain watch is a nice perk.
Under all these circumstances, I am frankly astonished that sexism seems to be a focal point of the resistance to Obama given the fact that sexism is ingrained in our culture. It's not like the guy is out peddling this garbage although I am dismayed if his supporters are doing it.
It's great that the issue is finally getting more attention this year than I've ever seen in previous years, even if it is limited mostly to genuine feminist blogs (as opposed to say, a feminist group like Palin's Feminists for Life. But positive change has to start somewhere. And we must continue to push and fight for the changes we so sorely need. The ultimate question is: which candidate is most likely to listen?
In the end, if McCain is victorious, he and Sarah Palin (only the VP for as long as McCain's ticker keeps ticking) will shred this country for another four years, and it could even be worse than 8 years under Bush. I firmly believe it would be worse.
Such a victory could easily send a signal to future Democrats that the only way to have a chance of being elected is to move more to the right.
Or it could make Democrats so angry, and maybe enough moderate Republicans, to finally swing this country around in the 2012 elections with a progressive candidate who is more explicit with his or her policies, and never, ever says anything remotely sexist, and manages to finally unite the left and center as one big happy family.
I'm not banking on the latter. That's what I was certain 2004 was supposed to be.
Let's ALL get out this November, stand before that touch-screen and vote your conscience, be it McCain/Palin, Obama/Biden, McKinney/Clemente, or another. All I ask is that you let your conscience consider the bigger picture.
If the election tilts to McCain by a slim margin in one state, just don't tell me, or the millions of others who are ready to seize this moment, not to get angry if a few thousand voters in that state were refusing to support Obama because of a dogwhistle.
Friday, August 29, 2008
A Musical Dedication to Sarah Barracuda
But first, some humor. This has been a surreal day.
I am predicting that on Wednesday morning after election day, that home-schooling, pro-oil drilling, anti-abortion, global warming denier, will be heading back north to resume her normal routine activities.
John McCain having a Sarah Palin fantasy. She may not have Cindy's money but... Cindy's money is hers anyway. Fucking prenups!
Get a fucking room!
I am predicting that on Wednesday morning after election day, that home-schooling, pro-oil drilling, anti-abortion, global warming denier, will be heading back north to resume her normal routine activities.
Friday Pussy Blog: Yawning Pussy Edition
It's been that kind of a week. We're all tired and ready for a 3-day weekend.
As a Labor Day weekend treat, I give you all four kids in one post.
TGIFF.
As a Labor Day weekend treat, I give you all four kids in one post.
Sissy is being a slut.
Sweet Pea is also showing some white fangs.
Tiger just keeps an eye on my hand because he wants it on his body.
Tater Tot just likes being near his daddy. And a box is always a good place to be.
TGIFF.
Clear and Present Dangerous Pandering
Wow. McCain has gone and done it now.
What a clever man. Somebody will make history regardless of the winner. So let's see how many of those Hillary hold-outs are going to be running to the McCain camp now that he had the balls to choose Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate.
Great. Just what we need: a woman who wants to restrict the reproductive rights of women.
McCain needs to shut up about Obama's experience now.
Again, I'll say wow. The choice in November could not possibly be more clear.
Update: I found this comment in a thread at Pam's House Blend.
If 72 year old McCain can't finish his term, we would have 44 year old Barracuda, two year governor of Alaska and former mayor of Wasilla!
Perfect. Now I can't get the song out of my head...
All we need now is for a hurricane to hit New Orleans during the Republican convention. Get ready for a ride.
What a clever man. Somebody will make history regardless of the winner. So let's see how many of those Hillary hold-outs are going to be running to the McCain camp now that he had the balls to choose Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate.
Palin has a strong anti-abortion record, and her selection was praised warmly by social conservatives whose support Mccain needs to prevail in the campaign for the White House.
Great. Just what we need: a woman who wants to restrict the reproductive rights of women.
McCain needs to shut up about Obama's experience now.
In an announcement, McCain's campaign said that Palin, who has been governor less than two years, "has the record of reform and bipartisanship that others can only speak of.
[...]
A self-styled hockey mom and political reformer, Pallin was mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, population 6,500, until she became governor.
Again, I'll say wow. The choice in November could not possibly be more clear.
Update: I found this comment in a thread at Pam's House Blend.
If 72 year old McCain can't finish his term, we would have 44 year old Barracuda, two year governor of Alaska and former mayor of Wasilla!
Perfect. Now I can't get the song out of my head...
All we need now is for a hurricane to hit New Orleans during the Republican convention. Get ready for a ride.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
The Obamanation of Unity
Here we go. The Bearded Bill is speaking. I'm ready for Obama to plaster me to the wall with his brilliance. Assuming I don't do it first. (Plaster myself to the wall, but without the brilliance.)
Since I don't have time to do a proper post on the subject, I'd like to briefly address the numbers of Hillary supporters who are still holding out by threatening to vote for McCain, vote 3rd party, or sit out the election.
Everyone has the right to vote as they please, or not. But some want to hold that right, and not be held accountable if a significant number of like-minded "progressive" people sit this one out, or vote for someone other than Obama as a protest, or by casting the "moral" vote.
It's true that the election will not be decided by one vote. Not yet anyway. But as we've seen in 2000 and 2004, elections are getting tight and are usually decided by one or two states, and often amid .... um, how shall I put this... odd circumstances. Like thousands of voters in Ohio giving up after standing in line for hours to vote.
Several thousand such angry voters in a tightly-contested state could easily tip the balance in favor of John McCain and thus give us another four years of the same old fucking shit. Not to mention a Supreme Court which will most likely overturn Roe v. Wade and worse. (Yes, it can get even worse than that.)
So, I just wanted to get this off my chest since so many of my progressive feminist comrades are still in the No-to-Obama camp. Those who are actually thinking of voting for John McCain can honestly go fuck themselves. That's not liberal, feminist or progressive.
The rest of them who are living in a swing-state and thinking about not voting or voting 3rd party can obviously do what their conscience tells them. My conscience has always told me to vote 3rd party over the death penalty issues which SO many politicians seem to favor, even Obama and Biden. But this year I'm making an exception, even in a state which isn't likely to swing. Because I want my voice heard for a louder cause than a specific moral issue, be it sexism, misogny, or killing people because they killed people.
But let konagod tell all of you this. We may not be in unity right now, but if John McCain is elected, we will all be in the same boat for the next four years.
And that boat will sink. How's that for unity?
Since I don't have time to do a proper post on the subject, I'd like to briefly address the numbers of Hillary supporters who are still holding out by threatening to vote for McCain, vote 3rd party, or sit out the election.
Everyone has the right to vote as they please, or not. But some want to hold that right, and not be held accountable if a significant number of like-minded "progressive" people sit this one out, or vote for someone other than Obama as a protest, or by casting the "moral" vote.
It's true that the election will not be decided by one vote. Not yet anyway. But as we've seen in 2000 and 2004, elections are getting tight and are usually decided by one or two states, and often amid .... um, how shall I put this... odd circumstances. Like thousands of voters in Ohio giving up after standing in line for hours to vote.
Several thousand such angry voters in a tightly-contested state could easily tip the balance in favor of John McCain and thus give us another four years of the same old fucking shit. Not to mention a Supreme Court which will most likely overturn Roe v. Wade and worse. (Yes, it can get even worse than that.)
So, I just wanted to get this off my chest since so many of my progressive feminist comrades are still in the No-to-Obama camp. Those who are actually thinking of voting for John McCain can honestly go fuck themselves. That's not liberal, feminist or progressive.
The rest of them who are living in a swing-state and thinking about not voting or voting 3rd party can obviously do what their conscience tells them. My conscience has always told me to vote 3rd party over the death penalty issues which SO many politicians seem to favor, even Obama and Biden. But this year I'm making an exception, even in a state which isn't likely to swing. Because I want my voice heard for a louder cause than a specific moral issue, be it sexism, misogny, or killing people because they killed people.
But let konagod tell all of you this. We may not be in unity right now, but if John McCain is elected, we will all be in the same boat for the next four years.
And that boat will sink. How's that for unity?
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
I Can't Trace Time
Changes
David Bowie
I still don't know what I was waiting for
And my time was running wild
A million dead-end streets
Every time I thought I'd got it made
It seemed the taste was not so sweet
So I turned myself to face me
But I've never caught a glimpse
Of how the others must see the faker
I'm much too fast to take that test
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes
(Turn and face the strain)
Ch-ch-Changes
Don't want to be a richer man
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes
(Turn and face the strain)
Ch-ch-Changes
Just gonna have to be a different man
Time may change me
But I can't trace time
I watch the ripples change their size
But never leave the stream
Of warm impermanence and
So the days float through my eyes
But still the days seem the same
And these children that you spit on
As they try to change their worlds
Are immune to your consultations
They're quite aware of what they're going through
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes
(Turn and face the strain)
Ch-ch-Changes
Don't tell t hem to grow up and out of it
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes
(Turn and face the strain)
Ch-ch-Changes
Where's your shame
You've left us up to our necks in it
Time may change me
But you can't trace time
Strange fascination, fascinating me
Changes are taking the pace I'm going through
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes
(Turn and face the strain)
Ch-ch-Changes
Oh, look out you rock 'n rollers
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes
(Turn and face the strain)
Ch-ch-Changes
Pretty soon you're gonna get a little older
Time may change me
But I can't trace time
I said that time may change me
But I can't trace time
This post inspired by txrad.
DNC: Day 3 - Biden Prepares to Woo Us
There are no words to describe my day at the "office" -- so I won't even try.
Let's just get on with politics. It seems we have a nominee! Click the pic for the scoop.
Soon we'll learn if Joe Biden is in the same speaking league as Teddy and Hillary. By the time he takes the stage I may bethree sheets nine shots to the wind.
HOT TIP: If you have Dish Network, they have a DNC Live Feed channel where you can enjoy the convention in true HD without the annoying pundits. Melissa Etheridge is performing as I write this.
Let's just get on with politics. It seems we have a nominee! Click the pic for the scoop.
Soon we'll learn if Joe Biden is in the same speaking league as Teddy and Hillary. By the time he takes the stage I may be
HOT TIP: If you have Dish Network, they have a DNC Live Feed channel where you can enjoy the convention in true HD without the annoying pundits. Melissa Etheridge is performing as I write this.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
DNC: Day 2 - Hillary's Night
I've had another exhausting and long day at work, finishing up at 7:15 tonight, then rushing to prep toppings for pizza while listening to the DNC in the background and slurping some great Australian Chardonnay. Shit, is this a Green Party convention or what??
Now I need to get a blog post up in a hurry so I can catch Hillary's not-to-be-missed speech tonight.
Drop a line and leave you comments regarding your fave moments of the night. It's going to be tough to top Kennedy last night.
But when leaving comments about Hillary's speech, please refrain from obscene and derogatory language for the sake of party unity. This would include words and phrases such as bitch, ho, cunt, heifer, whore, hag, shrill, see you next Tuesday Hillary, and the like. You will be summarilybanned deleted ridiculed and promptly reported to the feminist authorities.
After all, I was for Hillary before I was for Obama. And then I was for her again, and then I was for Obama again. But I can't wait to hear her unification speech.
For those of you who missed this konagraphic the first time around, I give you a replay.
Now, now. Let's have none of that tonight. See ya'll later.
Now I need to get a blog post up in a hurry so I can catch Hillary's not-to-be-missed speech tonight.
Drop a line and leave you comments regarding your fave moments of the night. It's going to be tough to top Kennedy last night.
But when leaving comments about Hillary's speech, please refrain from obscene and derogatory language for the sake of party unity. This would include words and phrases such as bitch, ho, cunt, heifer, whore, hag, shrill, see you next Tuesday Hillary, and the like. You will be summarily
After all, I was for Hillary before I was for Obama. And then I was for her again, and then I was for Obama again. But I can't wait to hear her unification speech.
For those of you who missed this konagraphic the first time around, I give you a replay.
Now, now. Let's have none of that tonight. See ya'll later.
Monday, August 25, 2008
The DNC Has Begun!
And I'm blogging because Nancy Pelosi wasn't exactly yanking my chain. Actually I could use a day off from blogging due to my excessively horrendous day at work. So I'm taking the easy route. I don't even know what's gone on in the world today.
Open forum. What do you like/dislike about the Democratic National Convention?
I'm about to go watch. If I get really intoxicated, I might come back and do a post totally unrelated to it. :-)
Open forum. What do you like/dislike about the Democratic National Convention?
I'm about to go watch. If I get really intoxicated, I might come back and do a post totally unrelated to it. :-)
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Flashback 18 Years
It was on this day in 1990 when my life would change forever. However, at this exact moment 18 years ago I was a single guy still looking for the love of my life. Little did I know, my wait would only be another six hours or so.
I had only been living in San Diego about two months. But I knew I agreed to move there with a friend because I had a hunch I'd meet my soul mate on the west coast. I was getting a little antsy after 2 months because I've always wanted instant gratification.
My mood was so-so as I got ready to go out with my friend to a dance club called Metro in the Hillcrest area. We got there, had a few drinks, I danced for a bit, and then I sat down at a table alone on a dark side of the bar. I was facing a dark wall. I wasn't having a lot of fun. I just sat there nursing my drink until I happened to notice a person standing very close to my table.
I must have looked up at some point to see his face and had eye contact. I looked back down at my beer as my heart began to race. He was cute! And he was standing close enough to touch. His hand was dangling at his side close to where I was holding my beer. I reached over to touch his hand and he did not recoil.
Our pinkie fingers entwined. At that exact moment, I remembered why I moved to San Diego. And I had found what I wanted.
And 18 years later, I'm still single in the eyes of the law. Just thought I'd mention that fact.
Crossposted at B3
I had only been living in San Diego about two months. But I knew I agreed to move there with a friend because I had a hunch I'd meet my soul mate on the west coast. I was getting a little antsy after 2 months because I've always wanted instant gratification.
My mood was so-so as I got ready to go out with my friend to a dance club called Metro in the Hillcrest area. We got there, had a few drinks, I danced for a bit, and then I sat down at a table alone on a dark side of the bar. I was facing a dark wall. I wasn't having a lot of fun. I just sat there nursing my drink until I happened to notice a person standing very close to my table.
I must have looked up at some point to see his face and had eye contact. I looked back down at my beer as my heart began to race. He was cute! And he was standing close enough to touch. His hand was dangling at his side close to where I was holding my beer. I reached over to touch his hand and he did not recoil.
Our pinkie fingers entwined. At that exact moment, I remembered why I moved to San Diego. And I had found what I wanted.
In Santee, California. September 1990.
And 18 years later, I'm still single in the eyes of the law. Just thought I'd mention that fact.
Crossposted at B3
The Middle Names
It's Hussein/Robinette 2008.
Caption this:
Caption this:
Joe Biden, making a point on Meet the Press.
My preferred method is to tightly grasp the base of my generous shaft with my left hand while using my right hand to gently stroke all ten inches.
Joe Just Emailed Me
And I thought, "uh-oh, he read my blog." This is not so far fetched. Back when I was a teen I wrote a rather scathing letter to the editor about a senator in Arkansas (he was appointed, not elected, to fill out the rest of a term) and I insinuated he must have been bribed somehow for a vote he cast. I won't go into details because this was back when I was a hardcore Republican and thus, a pretty stupid 16 or 17-year-old.
Lo and behold, the phone rang on our farm one evening. My mother answered and then passed the phone to me. "It's [the senator]," she said.
My heart jumped into my throat. I don't remember most of the conversation but he was trying to figure out what the hell would put such thoughts into a teen-age head and how could I make such accusations. But I didn't let him intimidate me. And I stood my ground because at the time, I believed I was right on the issue.
I was dead wrong on that one.
That, my friends, in no way diminishes the fact that senators and representatives are facing such "bribes" on a daily basis from corporate lobbyists pushing their agendas. But I digress.
The email from Joe was simply to pass along this video, and to say "I'd like to thank you for the warm welcome I've received as the newest member of this campaign."
Obviously, he didn't read my blog.
In the name of unity (and hopefully the obliteration of the McCain/Whatever ticket), I'll pass it along.
Lo and behold, the phone rang on our farm one evening. My mother answered and then passed the phone to me. "It's [the senator]," she said.
My heart jumped into my throat. I don't remember most of the conversation but he was trying to figure out what the hell would put such thoughts into a teen-age head and how could I make such accusations. But I didn't let him intimidate me. And I stood my ground because at the time, I believed I was right on the issue.
I was dead wrong on that one.
That, my friends, in no way diminishes the fact that senators and representatives are facing such "bribes" on a daily basis from corporate lobbyists pushing their agendas. But I digress.
The email from Joe was simply to pass along this video, and to say "I'd like to thank you for the warm welcome I've received as the newest member of this campaign."
Obviously, he didn't read my blog.
In the name of unity (and hopefully the obliteration of the McCain/Whatever ticket), I'll pass it along.
Beam Me Up, Scotty
If anyone is wondering if there's some secret hidden meaning in last night's post or was I overindulging in spirits, the answer is yes.Honestly, I lost about 50% of my enthusiasm for the upcoming elections in one afternoon. It's been 40 years since 2001: A Space Odyssey was released and I've been a fan of sci-fi for about that long. And I've been waiting for my country to become more like the bridge of the Starship Enterprise. And I'm still waiting.
Apparently, Gene Roddenberry put the Star Trek series far into the future for a reason.
Am I elated that the country has selected a man with African roots to run for president on the Democratic ticket? Indeed I am. It's refreshing and it's a change. But my joy stops right about there.
I wasn't blown out of my chair by Obama's choice in Joe Biden as his running mate. I was simply glad it wasn't one of the other two guys. A woman would certainly have signaled that he was serious about making history and charting a different course for a nation desperately in need of one. And there are plenty of men he could have chosen which would have sent the same signal. Wesley Clark comes to mind.
Instead, Obama went the conservative route by selecting a politician with solid foreign policy experience and thereby admitting it's a issue where he lacks experience. We now have a well-rounded ticket which hopefully will put a serious dent in the steam of John McCain's campaign.
But I am not excited about it. And unfortunately, there are plenty of progressives and feminists out there who are downright pissed off. And I can't really blame them. I think if I were 30 instead of 48 I'd be livid over this selection.
Personally, I don't think foreign policy is where we need the bulk of our focus right now, and my foreign policy advice to the next administration would be quite simple:
Stop meddling so much in the affairs of others, be cordial, fair and diplomatic, and don't do stupid shit. There, now that we've got foreign policy covered, let's address some of the issues here at home.
From Talk Left, here's just one of the things about Joe Biden which sickens me to my core.
As the author of two major federal crime laws that extend the availability of the death penalty to sixty additional crimes, I support capital punishment as a crime-fighting technique. But we must implement the death penalty in a way that is consistent with our values as Americans.
If we have any values as Americans, and I'm seriously having my doubts, the death penalty is not a value. And the last thing we need is another president or VP with beliefs rooted in the 1950s.
And capital punishment as a "crime-fighting technique?" Please. What an asshat view. Putting someone to death 20 years after a heinous crime is not fighting crime in any fucking way whatsofuckingever. What the death penalty does accomplish is keeping us in the same league as Iran and China and eons away from advanced nations which have abandoned it long ago. Putting more cops on the street in crime-riddled neighborhoods would be a crime-fighting technique.... assuming they are looking for real crimes being committed and not dope smokers.
Biden voted for the fence.
Well, that fence was -- the reason I voted for the fence was that was the only alternative that was there. And I voted for the fence related to drugs. A fence will stop 20 kilos of cocaine coming through that fence. It will not stop someone climbing over it or around it. And so -- but this bill has a much more reasonable provision in it. It has much -- a shorter fence. It does have the Border Patrol requirements. And it is designed not just to deal with illegals, it's designed with a serious drug trafficking problem we have."
Big money and party favors.
Over his long career in politics, Biden's biggest financial supporter has been the giant credit card company MBNA, which was also one of George W. Bush's biggest donors in 2000 and 2004. His son, Hunter Biden, was hired as a management trainee at MBNA straight out of law school, and was quickly promoted to executive vice president. The younger Biden has since left MBNA to establish his own lawyer-and-lobbying firm, but still receives a $100,000 per year consulting fee from the bank, which has since been swallowed by Bank of America. In 2006, Hunter Biden was appointed by President Bush to a five-year term on the Amtrak Reform Board.
And we know Biden loves to ride Amtrak to DC. Lots of people are praising that and calling Biden "one of us."
So what? The fact that he might be an "ordinary guy" who is comfortable sitting down in a bar in Iowa counts for shit. I'm wanting to elect strong progressive leadership, not a drinking buddy. Besides, that's the same crap they said about Bush.
What I want is a frank discussion about the financial mess we're in right now. I want some honesty. And a little integrity would be nice.
Biden has cast some great votes in the senate. And he's made some huge blunders. In the end, it will be far better than Dick Cheney. But we could have done better. And I'm not excited.
If, after a four-year term, these two will move us back to the center, I'll consider it a grand accomplishment given the fact that on a scale of 1 to 10, with one being ultra-liberal and 10 being ultra-conservative, the center sits at about 7 right now.
This is all assuming the Obama/Biden team is victorious in November. It is a do-or-die election for the US.
Or as Frank Rich said in his piece titled Last Call for Change in today's New York Times:
R.I.P., “Change We Can Believe In.” The fierce urgency of the 21st century demands Change Before It’s Too Late.
At least Biden would just be the VP. And he does wear the obligatory lapel pin.
That's gotta be worth a few hundred thousand votes in Appalachia right there.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Just Biden My Time
I came to my desk this morning to check my emails and was hoping for an Obama announcement. I signed up to get the email of his VP choice yesterday morning. Since then I've received nothing but emails from members of his campaign promoting this and that.
But Pam Spaulding found the answer.
Meanwhile, I'm wondering how many Obama supporters are going to be pissed off that they weren't notified first. Not that it really matters in the grand scheme of things. I can get on with the multitude of things I need to accomplish on this Saturday.
And looking forward to the Denver convention with a hefty amount of excitement and anticipation.
But Pam Spaulding found the answer.
Meanwhile, I'm wondering how many Obama supporters are going to be pissed off that they weren't notified first. Not that it really matters in the grand scheme of things. I can get on with the multitude of things I need to accomplish on this Saturday.
And looking forward to the Denver convention with a hefty amount of excitement and anticipation.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Bitch Eater
I'm a big fan of MTV HD. Which is about to become "Palladia" as of September 1st.
But tonight, they have Nellie Furtado on, and I have to say this.
Shut the fuck up. Get a real job.
txrad is the ultimate music critic and I'm not far behind. We had to shut her off. This shit sucks. I can't even imagine what kind of B-movie this shit would complement.
But tonight, they have Nellie Furtado on, and I have to say this.
Shut the fuck up. Get a real job.
txrad is the ultimate music critic and I'm not far behind. We had to shut her off. This shit sucks. I can't even imagine what kind of B-movie this shit would complement.
I'm in the Coffee Minority
Question of the Day: What's your coffee brew and where do you buy it?
I get mine at the liquor store! No kidding. How many people can make that claim?
And they just invested $1,000 in a grinder so I had them grind my bag today. I have a grinder but theirs is professional, and I really don't like starting the coffee grinder at 5:45 in the morning while txrad is still sleeping.
And I'm a coffee minority within a minority. My coffee is roasted right here in Austin, TX. Organic. Free-rangetrade. Sorry getting my coffee confused with my chicken embryos.
The pic links to their website.
I get mine at the liquor store! No kidding. How many people can make that claim?
And they just invested $1,000 in a grinder so I had them grind my bag today. I have a grinder but theirs is professional, and I really don't like starting the coffee grinder at 5:45 in the morning while txrad is still sleeping.
And I'm a coffee minority within a minority. My coffee is roasted right here in Austin, TX. Organic. Free-
The pic links to their website.
Friday Pussy Blog: The Box Set
I finally got the old PC cleaned up and ready to give away to a friend. Even though it was bought in 2001 I still had the original shipping cartons to pack it in. Yes, we have a closet dedicated to the storage of boxes.
So as I was digging through there trying to find the correct boxes for the PC and monitor, I was under constant supervision by Tater Tot.
It took awhile to get everything together including manuals and software but it's now all packaged and ready for me to deliver later today. The Tot wants to make certain those box flaps remain closed.
TGIF. Happy Friday.
So as I was digging through there trying to find the correct boxes for the PC and monitor, I was under constant supervision by Tater Tot.
"Put the camera down and get to work! No slacking off!"
It took awhile to get everything together including manuals and software but it's now all packaged and ready for me to deliver later today. The Tot wants to make certain those box flaps remain closed.
TGIF. Happy Friday.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Water Conservation Part 2
Last month I posted about our water bill and the monthly usage, and I made a pledge to reduce it during the upcoming month. I didn't do everything I considered, such as keeping buckets at the shower to catch the cold water until it warms up, but I did consistently turn the water off to a trickle while shampooing and conditioning.
Here are the statistics:
6/12 - 7/14: 3,400 gallons at a cost of $10.61.
7/14 - 8/12: 2,700 gallons at a cost of $8.91.
The cost savings doesn't put a meal on the table but the important thing is that we saved about 700 gallons in one month. Imagine if everyone in drought-stricken areas did this.
The city of Austin charges the lowest rates for water based on the first 2,000 gallons. Basically 93-cents per thousand. Anything over 2,000 gallons the rates jumps to $2.43 per thousand. And I suspect there are higher rates at some other thresholds as there should be.
I would like to reduce by another 700 gallons and see if we can keep our consumption just under the 2,000 gallon per month level. At that point our monthly water bill would be less than $2.00 vs. the $9 to $10 which we average. That most definitely would buy us a meal.
Crossposted at B3
Here are the statistics:
6/12 - 7/14: 3,400 gallons at a cost of $10.61.
7/14 - 8/12: 2,700 gallons at a cost of $8.91.
The cost savings doesn't put a meal on the table but the important thing is that we saved about 700 gallons in one month. Imagine if everyone in drought-stricken areas did this.
The city of Austin charges the lowest rates for water based on the first 2,000 gallons. Basically 93-cents per thousand. Anything over 2,000 gallons the rates jumps to $2.43 per thousand. And I suspect there are higher rates at some other thresholds as there should be.
I would like to reduce by another 700 gallons and see if we can keep our consumption just under the 2,000 gallon per month level. At that point our monthly water bill would be less than $2.00 vs. the $9 to $10 which we average. That most definitely would buy us a meal.
Crossposted at B3
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
VP Mind Games
It did cross my mind tonight. Just wondering... since McCain is an Arizona senator, what would happen if Obama picked Janet Napolitano to be his VP running mate.
And then I researched something.
From Wikipedia:
Whispers?
I'd be tempted to do it. Just to stir shit up.
And then I researched something.
From Wikipedia:
Janet Napolitano (b. November 29, 1957) is the current governor of the U.S. state of Arizona, and a member of the Democratic Party, originally elected in 2002 and re-elected in 2006. She is Arizona's third female governor, and the first woman to win re-election. In November 2005, Time magazine named her one of the five best governors in the U.S. She served as the Chair of the National Governors Association in 2006-2007. In February 2006, Napolitano was named by The White House Project as one of "8 in '08", a group of eight female politicians who could possibly run and/or be elected president in 2008. Her placement on this list has also generated whispers of placement on the Democratic ticket for vice president.
Whispers?
I'd be tempted to do it. Just to stir shit up.
Go Ahead, Wednesday; Suck My Brain Dry
I accidentally posted this with the title and nothing else. Somehow that would sum up my day.
So let's just leave it at that. Of, if you insist on knowing more, let's just call it a day of PC issues all the way around. There now. Aren't you glad you insisted?
So let's just leave it at that. Of, if you insist on knowing more, let's just call it a day of PC issues all the way around. There now. Aren't you glad you insisted?
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
The VP
I'm getting rather annoyed lately with stupid polls and the discussion of Obama's VP slot which could get picked as early as Wednesday or as late as Saturday, depending on whom you believe.
I'm adding an Obama label to my post because I'm optimistic about the November elections.
Among the Big Three, who would you like to see picked?
I'm not saying this is my favorite, because honestly I'm not going to be shaking my pom-poms at any of them, but I'm picking Joe Biden as my guess.
And that would be a relief, because I'm tired of the electoral college and the numbers game being a factor in who gets picked vs. who would be the best VP.
It's all about who can carry a swing state these days. Indiana and Virginia are certainly in the category. I'm not sure anyone is going to be assessing the impact of Deleware on the electoral college vote. That choice would be made for other reasons: balancing out the fact that there's a huge difference in poll results on the question of who is best experienced to lead the nation.
Experience doesn't count for shit in my opinion. It's what they are going to do to the nation with that experience that concerns me.
So, I'd like to offer up my own poll.
I'm adding an Obama label to my post because I'm optimistic about the November elections.
Among the Big Three, who would you like to see picked?
- Delaware Senator Joe Biden, chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee
- Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine
- Indiana Senator Evan Bayh
I'm not saying this is my favorite, because honestly I'm not going to be shaking my pom-poms at any of them, but I'm picking Joe Biden as my guess.
And that would be a relief, because I'm tired of the electoral college and the numbers game being a factor in who gets picked vs. who would be the best VP.
It's all about who can carry a swing state these days. Indiana and Virginia are certainly in the category. I'm not sure anyone is going to be assessing the impact of Deleware on the electoral college vote. That choice would be made for other reasons: balancing out the fact that there's a huge difference in poll results on the question of who is best experienced to lead the nation.
Experience doesn't count for shit in my opinion. It's what they are going to do to the nation with that experience that concerns me.
So, I'd like to offer up my own poll.
Gettin' Ziggy With It
We had a pretty good rain this afternoon which made a mess of Ziggy’s web. (I've never named a spider until today.)
I present you with Ziggy Stardust. (I don't know if he's male or female, but were we really that sure about Bowie in the 70s?)
Ziggy was busy rebuilding the web until I got out there with the camera and then he just started bouncing up and down, not really working on anything like he had been. There is no wind in this video. All the leaves you see moving are from his bouncing on the web which is attached to various nearby leaves.
Much of the noise you hear in the background is from the cats chomping on food.
After I shot the video, I came inside to take a shower. When I went back out, the zig-zag web feature had returned. That was fast.
I present you with Ziggy Stardust. (I don't know if he's male or female, but were we really that sure about Bowie in the 70s?)
Ziggy was busy rebuilding the web until I got out there with the camera and then he just started bouncing up and down, not really working on anything like he had been. There is no wind in this video. All the leaves you see moving are from his bouncing on the web which is attached to various nearby leaves.
Much of the noise you hear in the background is from the cats chomping on food.
After I shot the video, I came inside to take a shower. When I went back out, the zig-zag web feature had returned. That was fast.
Monday, August 18, 2008
The Incredible Revolving Evolving kona Blogs
I have begun a series over at Black Soap called Homes. It seems appropriate since I've had so many with interesting stories behind each one.
And this weekend I launched a new blog, totally on a whim, in about 3 hours. I wanted to get a day or two of posts behind me before I made it known, but I think it's fairly obvious the direction I'm going with this one.
Just because nothing much appears to be going on here, doesn't mean nothing much is going on.
I know the graphic resembles Blogger Word Verification on acid, and for that I apologize. But just wait; it'll get worse.
And this weekend I launched a new blog, totally on a whim, in about 3 hours. I wanted to get a day or two of posts behind me before I made it known, but I think it's fairly obvious the direction I'm going with this one.
Just because nothing much appears to be going on here, doesn't mean nothing much is going on.
I know the graphic resembles Blogger Word Verification on acid, and for that I apologize. But just wait; it'll get worse.
Hot August Color
txrad took some photos of flowering plants around the yard at the beginning of August when it was hot as hell -- unlike today when it's damn DAMP and only 73 degrees.
Enjoy his slideshow while I'm banging my brains out at work.
Enjoy his slideshow while I'm banging my brains out at work.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Nuclear Waste vs. Pig Shit
If it were up to me, I'd go with pig shit.
French Mayor Patrick Fauchon of Flamanville, site of a $5.1 billion nuclear reactor under construction, downplays the impact of nuclear waste...
Good Lord, how I wish it was that simplistic.
An aid to Jean-Louis Borloo, the minister of ecology, described it as a "microevent," and went on to suggest we're the ones with the problem because we simply don't understand.
Right. Gotcha.
Crossposted at B3
French Mayor Patrick Fauchon of Flamanville, site of a $5.1 billion nuclear reactor under construction, downplays the impact of nuclear waste...
“At the regional level, some towns accept having nuclear plants and others oil refineries,” Mr. Fauchon said. “I don’t ask Bretons if they’re happy about having pigsties and raising pigs, which creates another source of pollution.”
Good Lord, how I wish it was that simplistic.
At a nuclear plant in Tricastin, in Provence, 163 pounds of untreated uranium in liquid leaked from a faulty tank during a draining operation, seeping into the ground and then into rivers that flow into the Rhône.
While the two-year-old Authority for Nuclear Security, an independent body overseeing civilian nuclear activities, called it a category one (out of seven) incident that posed no health risk, the local prefect banned fishing, irrigation, swimming and the use of well water. The ban lasted 14 days, and the government criticized Areva, the nuclear group that is mostly state-owned, for not informing local authorities quickly or adequately. The treatment station, which was old, was being replaced, and remains shut.
Other minor accidents occurred in quick succession: a burst underground pipe at another site north of Tricastin, which leaked a tiny amount of uranium inside plant grounds, and then another accident at Tricastin itself, when 100 employees were contaminated by radioactive particles that escaped from a pipe.
The government, Areva and EDF have played down the accidents.
An aid to Jean-Louis Borloo, the minister of ecology, described it as a "microevent," and went on to suggest we're the ones with the problem because we simply don't understand.
Our system of security is extremely responsive and transparent, and that the media and public opinion needed a training period to understand how the system of nuclear security works in France.
Right. Gotcha.
Crossposted at B3
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Please Get Me Off
I want to get off the list of people receiving these "Breaking News" emails from both MSNBC and CNN. I don't believe I subscribed to them even though the emails say they aren't sent unsolicited. That's bullshit because I get a ton of them at my new work email address as well.
However, this one was at least interesting.
The imagery in my head includes something like this...
Then some shit like this happens...
And then suddenly the universe will fit through the eye of a needle. That's not funny.
What is funny is that I've posted about androids and electric sheep in one afternoon. Maybe I need to put on the Blade Runner DVD tonight.
However, this one was at least interesting.
The imagery in my head includes something like this...
Then some shit like this happens...
And then suddenly the universe will fit through the eye of a needle. That's not funny.
What is funny is that I've posted about androids and electric sheep in one afternoon. Maybe I need to put on the Blade Runner DVD tonight.
An Announcement at the Hooch Depot
I was on the west side of the store selecting brews when I heard the announcement:
"We need a wet mop on the tequila aisle."
The thought brought a tear to my eye. Kind of like the old Crown Royal print ads featuring a dropped and broken bottle of Crown Royal with the caption, "ever seen a grown man cry?"
I kicked my cart into high gear and headed east to the tequila aisle where I was prepared to offer my condolences, or possibly helpsuck it clean it up. Alas, it was only a case of some crappy flavored sweet cocktail things. Oh well, no big loss there.
"We need a wet mop on the tequila aisle."
The thought brought a tear to my eye. Kind of like the old Crown Royal print ads featuring a dropped and broken bottle of Crown Royal with the caption, "ever seen a grown man cry?"
I kicked my cart into high gear and headed east to the tequila aisle where I was prepared to offer my condolences, or possibly help
Dreaming of Electric Sheep
These arrived via email last night. The ex-boss strikes again. I wouldn't mind having one of these in my house. In fact, having one for a functioning office phone would lighten up the workday considerably.
They are made entirely of phones and phone cords.
One seems to be getting away from the flock.
They are made entirely of phones and phone cords.
One seems to be getting away from the flock.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Donald Trump Comes to Ed McMahon's Financial Rescue
Hey Donald. If you've got an extra $150,000 to spare, I could sure use it. And I don't have a fucking bitch wife spending all mine.
Friday Pussy Blog: Great Balls of Fur Edition
It's a fur ball extravanganza!
Sissy sprawling under the kitchen table.
Sissy sprawling under the kitchen table.
Tiger trying to shed some fur before it's time to grow it all back again.
The Totmeister grooming himself after a tasty dinner.
That reminds me. I really do need to make a decision about flooring in that den.
Living in Fear of the Jigaboo
Another email floating around out there with the caption:
Honestly, is this the level of racist mentality in the US? I'm just baffled. What a pathetic bunch of losers. This goes way beyond the previous attempts to spread garbage and fear. It alarms me that adults who vote are spreading this around. Seriously.
FAMILY MEMBERS ARE ALREADY HEADED TO THE WHITE HOUSE FOR A VISIT.
Honestly, is this the level of racist mentality in the US? I'm just baffled. What a pathetic bunch of losers. This goes way beyond the previous attempts to spread garbage and fear. It alarms me that adults who vote are spreading this around. Seriously.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Equal Rights Skindex
"You've Come a Long Way, Baby."
Remember that ad campaign back in the 70s for a cigarette brand? Never mind that it was still sexist for using "baby" to describe liberated women.
We really haven't progressed very far since then.
Case in point: The Nipple
No real biggie. Just two guys hanging.
Magazine cover? No problem. Just two guys in a sports pose.
Well, it's a swimming competition at the Olympics.Those white speedos are kinda tight but I ain't seeing no huge package.
Are you looking at the male nipples or the timepiece sponsorship placement?
Phelps! My God, what a torso. Nice nips!
Uh oh. What the fuck? Tuck it in you hussy. What is this, a circus? The photo was removed from a gallery after a short duration. Someone apparently overlooked the fact that a woman was exposing her... {gasp}.. BREAST! Oh, I'm sure it was just an accident. That makes it funny.
Kinda reminds me of this Super Bowl Bullshit. Get on "family tv" for 9/10s of a second and try this shit and you end up with a $500,000 fine from the Federales. (Yes, I know it's been overturned but still....)
Kinda reminds me of this Super Bowl Bullshit. Get on "family tv" for 9/10s of a second and try this shit and you end up with a $500,000 fine from the Federales. (Yes, I know it's been overturned but still....)
Chil'ren might be watching. We must protect the chil'ren from the evil female nipples.
Please note: None of the pictures in this post are meant to be funny. They are all equal. One is not funnier than the other. As long as we continue to stigmatize the female breast and "outlaw" it, the humor will continue.
That being said, we can still laugh about nipples. But let's level the playing field and find humor in our attraction to them as opposed to their mere appearance based upon the obscenity factor of the person's sex who happens to be showing a little.
The human body may be funny, but it's not obscene.
Please note: None of the pictures in this post are meant to be funny. They are all equal. One is not funnier than the other. As long as we continue to stigmatize the female breast and "outlaw" it, the humor will continue.
That being said, we can still laugh about nipples. But let's level the playing field and find humor in our attraction to them as opposed to their mere appearance based upon the obscenity factor of the person's sex who happens to be showing a little.
The human body may be funny, but it's not obscene.
I Heart Cookware
It's always fun when a delivery truck arrives with a box. And nothing makes me happier than fine professional cookware. We love the Scanpan line: they are heavy-duty and high quality.
A few years ago I ordered a set and it included a free nonstick fry-pan. We weren't sure we'd use it but it came in real handy for stir-frying the toppings for pizza. It wasn't supposed to ever chip or flake but it did. Back in mid-July I decided to order a replacement. They make them now with a "Greentek" protective coating without PFOA.
It's never a good idea to allow me to get on the inner tubes to order something like this because I ALWAYS find something else to add to the order and some good excuses to back up my decision. In this case it was free shipping over x amount and a discount over x amount.
The order was delayed because the warehouse was moving from the east coast to the west coast. But the box arrived today.
They made a few interesting changes in the designs since we last ordered. This is pretty cool. The name is reflected onto the lid from under the handle.
Here's the rest of the haul. The lid above fits the steamer which has staggered grooves on it to fit several sizes of our sauce pans. I really love the copper color on the little sauce pan. It's smaller than any in the set we bought but a small saucepan comes in handy sometimes.
Lastly, the fry-pan. The old one had a plastic handle. I like the professional look of this one with the steel handle.
What's funny is that when we ordered our set a few years back, I ordered a steamer. It was damaged so I had to send it back to be replaced. What they replaced it with was not a steamer but a double boiler. I never bothered to send that back even though I don't think we've ever used it. I figured since I was ordering a skillet, I might as well go ahead and get the steamer... finally.
And then that saucepan caught my eye. Must.... have... it.
A few years ago I ordered a set and it included a free nonstick fry-pan. We weren't sure we'd use it but it came in real handy for stir-frying the toppings for pizza. It wasn't supposed to ever chip or flake but it did. Back in mid-July I decided to order a replacement. They make them now with a "Greentek" protective coating without PFOA.
It's never a good idea to allow me to get on the inner tubes to order something like this because I ALWAYS find something else to add to the order and some good excuses to back up my decision. In this case it was free shipping over x amount and a discount over x amount.
The order was delayed because the warehouse was moving from the east coast to the west coast. But the box arrived today.
They made a few interesting changes in the designs since we last ordered. This is pretty cool. The name is reflected onto the lid from under the handle.
Here's the rest of the haul. The lid above fits the steamer which has staggered grooves on it to fit several sizes of our sauce pans. I really love the copper color on the little sauce pan. It's smaller than any in the set we bought but a small saucepan comes in handy sometimes.
Lastly, the fry-pan. The old one had a plastic handle. I like the professional look of this one with the steel handle.
What's funny is that when we ordered our set a few years back, I ordered a steamer. It was damaged so I had to send it back to be replaced. What they replaced it with was not a steamer but a double boiler. I never bothered to send that back even though I don't think we've ever used it. I figured since I was ordering a skillet, I might as well go ahead and get the steamer... finally.
And then that saucepan caught my eye. Must.... have... it.
Beauty in the Water Cube
I love the Olympics and I can't help myself. This is beautiful.
Photo: Al Bello/Getty Images
And if you were curious as to why the swimmers go shower off immediately after emerging from the pool, here's an answer.
Theories have ranged from 'to get the chlorine off' to 'they want to have fun' -- seriously, that last one is a direct quote from NBC's diving analyst, Cynthia Potter. Neither are the reason.
Divers shower in between each dive to keep their muscles warm after getting out of the pool. The temperature of the pool water and the air are usually different (the pool is usually around 80 degrees, with the air temperature between 68 and 72 degrees). This difference can cause muscle tightness. To combat this, divers warm up in either the showers or a hot tub.
And while we're on the subject of hot water action, Angelos has one to upstage Janet Jackson.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
The Week is Half Over, and I'm Feeling Canadian and Musical
A lyricless frenzy after the meme.
Is that ME on stage?
Regular konagod programming will resume shortly.
What's up with that washer & dryer combo in the background?
Or are my eyes deceiving me?
I got some high octane shit here.
Here you go. txrad recommended.
Fuck it. I can't figure it out and it ain't worth it in the long run.
Is that ME on stage?
Regular konagod programming will resume shortly.
What's up with that washer & dryer combo in the background?
Or are my eyes deceiving me?
I got some high octane shit here.
Here you go. txrad recommended.
Fuck it. I can't figure it out and it ain't worth it in the long run.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
National Vinyl Day: Meme Across the Blogs
August 13 - Wrap up down below.
Update: txrad just informed me it's "National Vinyl Day." That makes this meme all the more relevant.
Found at Soul Food, a.k.a. "fuctincalifornia" dot bloodclot dot com which makes me laugh when I see it.
les rules:
1. put your mp3 player or computer music player on random.
2. post the first four lines from the first 20 songs that play, no matter how embarrassing the song (skip repeat artists & instrumentals *duh*).
3. post, and let your friends guess which song and artist the lines come from.
4. NO googling!
(kona asks, who the FUCK came up with the notion of 20 songs? Why not 10? or 5? After the day I've had this just feels like MORE fucking pointless work!)
So we're going to play this one a little differently. One at a time. When someone gets it right, I'll do another one. That way, I'm not wasting a lot of my fucking precious time.
1.
Get your motor runnin'
Head out on the highway
Lookin' for adventure
And whatever comes our way
That one is a little tricky. I'll explain after some smart ass thinks they know who that is on my Zen player. Meanwhile, let's kick this up at notch. Clues will be posted at Black Soap.
We have a winner! Fritz! On to the next one...
2.
Programmes of violence,
As entertainment,
Brings the disease into your room.
We know the germ
Good luck with that one!
Minstrel Boy correctly identified #2.
Here's another and I may stop this at #5.
3.
I used to live in a darkened room
Had a face of stone
And a heart of gloom
Lost my hope, I was so far gone
Either this one is hard or everyone lost interest already. HA. I'll give you another clue -- I think she performed at the Republican convention in 04 or something similar. I was pretty disgusted. That should give you a clue about her genre as well.
5:59pm Thursday, Let's get these other two out of the way so I can move on... :-)
I doubt whether anyone would ever guess who this is. I may post the full album cover at Black Soap and still no one will probably guess. We'll see. I can tell you she won a grammy for this album in 1972 for best R&B category. And she was born in Galveston, Texas in 1935.
4.
I've got my scars on my knees
Where I've been praying so long so long so long
I've got scars on my knees
Where I've been praying so long, Lord have mercy, so long.
This next one turned out to be way easy. It won't even need a hint.
5.
[Prelude: (It's a live album) Now I wanna see every fucker in this place shout out... Come on. You can get fuckin' louder than that...]
Has he lost his mind?
Can he see or is he blind?
Can he walk at all,
Or if he moves will he fall?
We saw them on this tour a few years ago in San Antonio at a big arena. Still, it was fun.
Eric at Wildebeast correctly identified this song so this blog gets added to my blogroll. No free konagod t-shirt for Eric since he didn't identify the album title. (Like there are any konagod t-shirts, but there will be someday.)
#3 and #4 are still open for someone to claim victory! And since no one has, I have posted the answers in the comments at Black Soap.
Update: txrad just informed me it's "National Vinyl Day." That makes this meme all the more relevant.
Found at Soul Food, a.k.a. "fuctincalifornia" dot bloodclot dot com which makes me laugh when I see it.
les rules:
1. put your mp3 player or computer music player on random.
2. post the first four lines from the first 20 songs that play, no matter how embarrassing the song (skip repeat artists & instrumentals *duh*).
3. post, and let your friends guess which song and artist the lines come from.
4. NO googling!
(kona asks, who the FUCK came up with the notion of 20 songs? Why not 10? or 5? After the day I've had this just feels like MORE fucking pointless work!)
So we're going to play this one a little differently. One at a time. When someone gets it right, I'll do another one. That way, I'm not wasting a lot of my fucking precious time.
1.
Get your motor runnin'
Head out on the highway
Lookin' for adventure
And whatever comes our way
That one is a little tricky. I'll explain after some smart ass thinks they know who that is on my Zen player. Meanwhile, let's kick this up at notch. Clues will be posted at Black Soap.
We have a winner! Fritz! On to the next one...
2.
Programmes of violence,
As entertainment,
Brings the disease into your room.
We know the germ
Good luck with that one!
Minstrel Boy correctly identified #2.
Here's another and I may stop this at #5.
3.
I used to live in a darkened room
Had a face of stone
And a heart of gloom
Lost my hope, I was so far gone
Either this one is hard or everyone lost interest already. HA. I'll give you another clue -- I think she performed at the Republican convention in 04 or something similar. I was pretty disgusted. That should give you a clue about her genre as well.
5:59pm Thursday, Let's get these other two out of the way so I can move on... :-)
I doubt whether anyone would ever guess who this is. I may post the full album cover at Black Soap and still no one will probably guess. We'll see. I can tell you she won a grammy for this album in 1972 for best R&B category. And she was born in Galveston, Texas in 1935.
4.
I've got my scars on my knees
Where I've been praying so long so long so long
I've got scars on my knees
Where I've been praying so long, Lord have mercy, so long.
This next one turned out to be way easy. It won't even need a hint.
5.
[Prelude: (It's a live album) Now I wanna see every fucker in this place shout out... Come on. You can get fuckin' louder than that...]
Has he lost his mind?
Can he see or is he blind?
Can he walk at all,
Or if he moves will he fall?
We saw them on this tour a few years ago in San Antonio at a big arena. Still, it was fun.
Eric at Wildebeast correctly identified this song so this blog gets added to my blogroll. No free konagod t-shirt for Eric since he didn't identify the album title. (Like there are any konagod t-shirts, but there will be someday.)
#3 and #4 are still open for someone to claim victory! And since no one has, I have posted the answers in the comments at Black Soap.
Tyrants Who Want Their Country Back
txrad was the lucky recipient of an email blast from his sister. Contrary to the normal courtesy of forwarding it on to everyone you know, he just forwarded it to me and that's where it'll die as far as we're concerned.It begins with this picture -- the typical red-blooded American. You know, white and male. Friendly, jovial, and happy... as long as you agree with his views. And if you don't, the American thing to do is pack up your stuff and get your sorry ass on the next plane with a one-way ticket bound for some backwater Socialist state like Sweden. Whoever wrote this harangue and others like it are clearly living in fear of something.
Here's the entire piece for your enjoyment. The large bold font of the first line is how the entire diatribe was delivered. I can only hope the font size was chosen because the vast majority who hold these opinions are old and have bad vision. But I have my doubts.
I Am the Liberal-Progressives Worst Nightmare. I am an American.
• I believe the money I make belongs to me and my family, not some Liberal governmental functionary be it Democratic or Republican!
• I'm in touch with my feelings and I like it that way!
• I think owning a gun doesn't make you a killer, it makes you a smart American.
• I think being a minority does not make you noble or victimized, and does not entitle you to anything.
• I believe that if you are selling me a Big Mac, do it in English.
• I believe everyone has a right to pray to his or her God when and where they want to.
• My heroes are John Wayne, Babe Ruth, Roy Rogers, and whoever canceled Jerry Springer.
• I know wrestling is fake and I don't waste my time watching or arguing about it.
• I've never owned a slave, or was a slave, I haven't burned any witches or been persecuted by the Turks and neither have you! So, shut up already.
• I believe if you don't like the way things are here, go back to where you came from and change your own country! This is AMERICA.
• If you were born here and don't like it you are free to move to any Socialist country that will have you.
• I want to know which church is it exactly where the Reverend Jesse Jackson preaches, where he gets his money, and why he is always part of the problem and not the solution. Can I get an AMEN on that one?
• I think the cops have every right to shoot your sorry rear if you're running from them..
• I also think they have the right to pull you over if you're breaking the law, regardless of what color you are.
• And, no, I don't mind having my face shown on my drivers license. I think it's good... And I'm proud that 'God' is printed on my money.
• I think if you are too stupid to know how a ballot works, I don't want you deciding who should be running the most powerful nation in the world for the next four years.
• I dislike those people standing in the intersections trying to sell me stuff or trying to guilt me into making 'donations' to their cause.
• I believe that it doesn't take a village to raise a child, it takes two parents.
• I believe 'illegal' is illegal no matter what the lawyers think.
• I believe the American flag should be the only one allowed in AMERICA!
• If this makes me a BAD American, then yes, I'm a BAD American.
• If you are a BAD American too, please forward this to everyone you know.
• We want our country back!
And then it finishes with the obligatory American flag followed by “We need God back in our country.”
I could turn this into a lengthy post with all my opinions rolled into one big rant. But is it worth it? No.
I will say this. However you want to define God, or not, my definition of God has never left our country. God is in every atomic particle of everything that exists on this planet and beyond. The bark of a tree, the air, the water, the nuclear waste sludge piles, the dinosaur shit you pump into your SUV, and the cat poop I need to scoop out of my litter boxes. God is in the air you exhale as you speak English, German, Portuguese, Samoan, or Spanish.
“God” does not need to be printed on money because God exists in the paper fibers of the currency. God is distributed evenly throughout the world and that is impossible to disturb.
Apparently, I am an American’s worst nightmare. I am a free-thinking, intelligent, liberal-progressive. And you narrow-minded fascist bigots who compose crap like this should know I will fight with every ounce of my being against this tyranny of the so-called majority whose objective is silencing dissent and clamping down on a broad swath of freedoms.
You can get a big AMEN from me on that one.
"Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God." -- Thomas Jefferson
And would someone please tell me what the French call a Big-Mac? Last time I was at a McDonald's in France it was called le big-mac.
Monday, August 11, 2008
I Don't Always Disagree With Bush
The message at least. But coming from his lips, I can't help but gasp.
For fuck's sake! What is wrong with this asshole? Remember Iraq?
The good soul of Putin strikes again.
The good news is: Bush is home from the Olympics! Fuck yeah!
President Bush, little more than an hour after returning to Washington from the Olympics in Beijing, bluntly warned Russia that its military operations were damaging its reputation and were "unacceptable in the 21st century."
For fuck's sake! What is wrong with this asshole? Remember Iraq?
The good soul of Putin strikes again.
The good news is: Bush is home from the Olympics! Fuck yeah!
Hot Buttered Soul
Isaac Hayes is dead. He was 65. Aside from this connection, he was a pretty cool dude.
Samuel L. Jackson better watch his back. The grim reaper seems to have an interest in "Soul Men."
Samuel L. Jackson better watch his back. The grim reaper seems to have an interest in "Soul Men."
Mr. Hayes had health problems in recent years but had continued to tour and work occasionally in film (he had a role in “Soul Men,” a comedy set for release in November and starring Samuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac, the comedian who died Saturday).
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Hello Kitty
I'm getting a little annoyed with these Chinese athletes who appear to be 12-years-old.
He Kexin can't possibly be 16. Maybe. But I seriously doubt it. I voted for 12. I've seen reports that's she's 14. That a middle ground I'm willing to accept.
And all this purple and blue eye liner and glitter.. it just reeks of underage.
Correct me if I'm wrong. Oh, she's good; no doubt about it. But rules is rules.
16 my ass.
He Kexin can't possibly be 16. Maybe. But I seriously doubt it. I voted for 12. I've seen reports that's she's 14. That a middle ground I'm willing to accept.
And all this purple and blue eye liner and glitter.. it just reeks of underage.
Correct me if I'm wrong. Oh, she's good; no doubt about it. But rules is rules.
16 my ass.
Our Argiope aurantia
We have this spider on our back patio which has built an elaborate web and a distinctive zig zag in white. I think txrad told me that is to provide strength to the web. Here's what Wiki has to say:
The web of the yellow garden spider is distinctive: a circular shape up to 2 feet in diameter, with a dense zigzag of silk, known as a stabilimentum, in the center. The purpose of the stabilimentum is disputed. It is possible that it acts as camouflage for the spider lurking in the web's center, but it may also attract insect prey, or even warn birds of the presence of the otherwise difficult-to-see web. Only those spiders that are active during the day construct stabilimenta in their webs.
