Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Sometimes linking is enough.
I think I've made my feelings (political feelings I must say, not personal) about the Clintons darned clear. The liberal netroots is getting it pretty good now. Take it away Bob Cesca.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
That could have hurt. A lot.
I was pretty bleary this morning as I drove to Willow Station to catch the train. KCRW's pledge drive didn't even have the power to annoy me. Something did manage to wake me up, though. Nearly getting killed turns that trick nicely. And it all happened pretty fast.
So I get to the intersection of Pacific Ave. and 8th St. This is one of the places where the Blue Line makes a right turn. I stopped since the light was red. That's what you're supposed to do. The train was to my left also stopped, obeying it's very own set of traffic lights. My light turned green - the train's didn't. I tapped the accelerator. But... so did the fucking train driver.
Now, fully awake and choking out choice obscenities, I slammed on my brakes. Fortunately, so did the train. It would have hit me right on the driver-side door of our newish car. My reflexes are good, though, as were the train driver's, thank goodness, so no harm done. But he had actually pulled it out far enough that I had to swerve around it. I did manage to give the driver a dirty look as I pulled away, while my heart jumped like a moon-bounce at an eight-year-old's birthday party. Now I wish that the trains had those "How am I driving?" stickers.
So I get to the intersection of Pacific Ave. and 8th St. This is one of the places where the Blue Line makes a right turn. I stopped since the light was red. That's what you're supposed to do. The train was to my left also stopped, obeying it's very own set of traffic lights. My light turned green - the train's didn't. I tapped the accelerator. But... so did the fucking train driver.
Now, fully awake and choking out choice obscenities, I slammed on my brakes. Fortunately, so did the train. It would have hit me right on the driver-side door of our newish car. My reflexes are good, though, as were the train driver's, thank goodness, so no harm done. But he had actually pulled it out far enough that I had to swerve around it. I did manage to give the driver a dirty look as I pulled away, while my heart jumped like a moon-bounce at an eight-year-old's birthday party. Now I wish that the trains had those "How am I driving?" stickers.
Monday, January 28, 2008
This could be bad.
Today I saw a headline on Huffpo that had pics (not pictured anymore) of JFK, RFK and Obama (BHO), on the occasion of Teddy Kennedy's endorsement of Barack Obama. I, for one, don't like the comparison. Why not put Lincoln up there too? Obama is just the kind of politician that gets shot. No one is saying this. Sorry to bring it up. Can we double his secret service people, please?
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Oh, boy. The dominoes are falling now.
First one Kennedy and now another?
UPDATE: I've seen some commentary here and there about Ted's endorsement of Obama. Some seem to think that it hurts the Obama brand to have one of the powerful liberal 'old guard' endorse him. But I like to think that some in the 'old guard' are just getting a clue.
A short list of good points here.
UPDATE: I've seen some commentary here and there about Ted's endorsement of Obama. Some seem to think that it hurts the Obama brand to have one of the powerful liberal 'old guard' endorse him. But I like to think that some in the 'old guard' are just getting a clue.
A short list of good points here.
S. C. Hangover, Part Deux. Becasue one Hangover isn't enough for this rout.
It's actually the next day - when hangovers typically happen. I don't have a true hangover, though I did pour and down a little something-something in honor of Obama's win. Now... how about a bit more condor on that.
I'm still affected by that astounding speech. It made my hair stand on end and brought tears to my eyes. It's doing it right now as I type this, blurring the screen and making life difficult - for no other reason than I'm a cynic, politically speaking, and don't fall for this kind of clap-trap. I typically take the vote-for-the-best-of-the-worst approach when picking a candidate. I was trying desperately to be cautious last night. After Iowa and N. H., I didn't want to be susceptible - again - to Obama's kind of rah-rah, right? I learned my lesson, right? So I thought.
In 2004 I voted for Kerry-Edwards, but that didn't exactly have me whistling a happy tune all the way to the polling station. There were so many problems with that ticket. Rove destroyed them, for one. Easily. And given the current Dem race, the Kerry-Edwards ticket seems so blindingly white and ineffectually male now, n'est pas? This is a little bit of an unfair comparison, but they now remind me now of what I see when I catch a logic-bending, nausea-inducing, hate-filled (yes, I typed it) Repub debate. Old white dudes. But I missed the Dean train (young white dude), and he derailed it with that doofus scream anyway, and after N. H., Kerry-Edwards became as inevitable as HRC thought she was just last week. Kerry-Edwards was my choice in '04, and I voted for them. I wasn't optimistic - I hoped like hell for the best, but I wasn't truly optimistic. I was desperate. But Bush had the inevitability of fear and divisiveness and the people went for it, small margin or not.
But now, nothing seems inevitable - particularly not fear and divisiveness - though the Clintons would have you believe otherwise. Last night, even before Obama made his speech, HRC was in Tennessee and Bill was in Missouri. Both gave a shockingly quick congrats to Obama and then moved on like it never happened, stumping away. That may be the proper response, but it's still just a lengthy river in Egypt. The Clintons have a problem. Obama's message of unity and hope is working! And because of the last seven years I have to be surprised - surprised! - that touting optimism and group problem-solving and creating a new face for the world to see is appealing to Americans. It's just a touch sad, don't you think?
But I am moved. I almost sent money I don't have to Obama last night, but then I found out that they were averaging a staggering $500,000 per hour after the speech last night, so I figured he'd be okay. And I don't care if I'm setting myself up for a fall. If someone other than Obama gets elected this year, especially a Repub, Obama will be back in 2012. But I'm optimistic - I hope - that this is the year that America gets it.
Yes we can!
I'm still affected by that astounding speech. It made my hair stand on end and brought tears to my eyes. It's doing it right now as I type this, blurring the screen and making life difficult - for no other reason than I'm a cynic, politically speaking, and don't fall for this kind of clap-trap. I typically take the vote-for-the-best-of-the-worst approach when picking a candidate. I was trying desperately to be cautious last night. After Iowa and N. H., I didn't want to be susceptible - again - to Obama's kind of rah-rah, right? I learned my lesson, right? So I thought.
In 2004 I voted for Kerry-Edwards, but that didn't exactly have me whistling a happy tune all the way to the polling station. There were so many problems with that ticket. Rove destroyed them, for one. Easily. And given the current Dem race, the Kerry-Edwards ticket seems so blindingly white and ineffectually male now, n'est pas? This is a little bit of an unfair comparison, but they now remind me now of what I see when I catch a logic-bending, nausea-inducing, hate-filled (yes, I typed it) Repub debate. Old white dudes. But I missed the Dean train (young white dude), and he derailed it with that doofus scream anyway, and after N. H., Kerry-Edwards became as inevitable as HRC thought she was just last week. Kerry-Edwards was my choice in '04, and I voted for them. I wasn't optimistic - I hoped like hell for the best, but I wasn't truly optimistic. I was desperate. But Bush had the inevitability of fear and divisiveness and the people went for it, small margin or not.
But now, nothing seems inevitable - particularly not fear and divisiveness - though the Clintons would have you believe otherwise. Last night, even before Obama made his speech, HRC was in Tennessee and Bill was in Missouri. Both gave a shockingly quick congrats to Obama and then moved on like it never happened, stumping away. That may be the proper response, but it's still just a lengthy river in Egypt. The Clintons have a problem. Obama's message of unity and hope is working! And because of the last seven years I have to be surprised - surprised! - that touting optimism and group problem-solving and creating a new face for the world to see is appealing to Americans. It's just a touch sad, don't you think?
But I am moved. I almost sent money I don't have to Obama last night, but then I found out that they were averaging a staggering $500,000 per hour after the speech last night, so I figured he'd be okay. And I don't care if I'm setting myself up for a fall. If someone other than Obama gets elected this year, especially a Repub, Obama will be back in 2012. But I'm optimistic - I hope - that this is the year that America gets it.
Yes we can!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Points that had to be made.
Marc Ambinder on the craziness that is the S. C. primary.
The first comment is nauseating. Don't say I didn't warn you. [Update: they - rightly - took down the comment accusing Obama of raping white women. Ugly.]
The first comment is nauseating. Don't say I didn't warn you. [Update: they - rightly - took down the comment accusing Obama of raping white women. Ugly.]
Speech, speech!
Obama's 'victory dance' was awesome. The best one I've seen yet. It was moving. It was topical. It was issue-driven. It put the Clintons in their place in the loveliest way. When I find the link, I'll post it. [Update: the awesomeness.]
In other news, Caroline Kennedy has endorsed a candidate. Guess who?
In other news, Caroline Kennedy has endorsed a candidate. Guess who?
S. C. Hangover.
This is big. Like, totally hugely, bigly, gigantically enormous. Obama is going to pick up a truckload of delegates. Turnout was big, too. I'm going to try not to give into the same exuberance that I did after Iowa, but it's going to be hard. Obama was supposed to win big - needed to win big to fulfill the punditocracy's vision for him - and he did. Flabbergastingly so.
The exit polling is interesting. CNN says that he won all age groups (except 65+) for the first time in a primary. Late deciders went for him. Young voters again went for him in huge numbers. (Young whites have black friends. Real ones. Don't tell the old white people.) Whites - and these are Southern whites, mind you - made up 20% of his voters. HRC got 34% in her pie chart. But Obama is going to have way more voters, more than double in fact. His 20% is likely a bigger number of actual voters than HRC's 34%. So race was not as divisive as feared. Obama is building a coalition that can win. HRC can't say that. Obama will. Repeatedly.
And then there's this. Bill Bennett - Reagan's second-term Education Secretary, who is now a conservative pundit on CNN - said “White people all over America are interested in voting for Barack Obama.“ That's telling. And that's me.
This was a rout of epic proportions. The Clintons got hammered.
So now it's on to Super Tuesday. Feb. 5 is going to cause my biggest Hangover yet - one way or another.
The exit polling is interesting. CNN says that he won all age groups (except 65+) for the first time in a primary. Late deciders went for him. Young voters again went for him in huge numbers. (Young whites have black friends. Real ones. Don't tell the old white people.) Whites - and these are Southern whites, mind you - made up 20% of his voters. HRC got 34% in her pie chart. But Obama is going to have way more voters, more than double in fact. His 20% is likely a bigger number of actual voters than HRC's 34%. So race was not as divisive as feared. Obama is building a coalition that can win. HRC can't say that. Obama will. Repeatedly.
And then there's this. Bill Bennett - Reagan's second-term Education Secretary, who is now a conservative pundit on CNN - said “White people all over America are interested in voting for Barack Obama.“ That's telling. And that's me.
This was a rout of epic proportions. The Clintons got hammered.
So now it's on to Super Tuesday. Feb. 5 is going to cause my biggest Hangover yet - one way or another.
That's almost right.
John King on CNN - "...Bill Clinton is an asset..."
At least he nailed the 'ass' part.
(Gee, Mike, how do you really feel? Hangover soon.)
At least he nailed the 'ass' part.
(Gee, Mike, how do you really feel? Hangover soon.)
Unconstitutional?
I've read a few bits here and there on the constitutionality of a former president gaining the kind of unprecedented and uncontrolled access to the POTUS that Bill Clinton would have if HRC is elected. Here's an NYT op-ed on a plural presidency. It's a worrying proposition.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Stranger in a strange land.
I work for a major arts non-profit in the financial district of Downtown L.A. It's always interesting when I need to do some banking.
Everywhere I look it's men with their Dior in navy or Armani in deep charcoal. There are power suits on women that are so powerful, that you can't look directly at them. These people are found in line in front of me, wearing Bluetooth headsets so naturally, that if they suddenly transformed into robots bent on subjugating humanity through clever ninja banking, I'd barely blink.
These people always spend so much time at the window, too. I suspect that they're doing complex transactions involving large sums of money and Geneva or Dubai or Kuala Lumpur.
It makes me feel inadequate - yet somehow amused - to approach the counter in my casual-plus dress and backpack. Especially when I ask for a roll of quarters so I can do laundry.
Everywhere I look it's men with their Dior in navy or Armani in deep charcoal. There are power suits on women that are so powerful, that you can't look directly at them. These people are found in line in front of me, wearing Bluetooth headsets so naturally, that if they suddenly transformed into robots bent on subjugating humanity through clever ninja banking, I'd barely blink.
These people always spend so much time at the window, too. I suspect that they're doing complex transactions involving large sums of money and Geneva or Dubai or Kuala Lumpur.
It makes me feel inadequate - yet somehow amused - to approach the counter in my casual-plus dress and backpack. Especially when I ask for a roll of quarters so I can do laundry.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Divisive campaigning a reality. Pass the vomit bag.
I ran across this longish article about the gender/race splits that are appearing in the Dem primary process. So much for bringing the country together. It's disheartening to say the least.
And from the department of disenfranchisement and dirty caucusing, there is this nausea-inducing anecdote. And this all-too-common theme among centrist Dems and independents. [Apologies for continually going parasitic on Andrew Sullivan's blog, but he has a huge demographic cross-section that write in. And I'm nobody's go-to guy on this stuff, so I get no email! [Update: all apologies to the reader that wrote in. You know who you are.]]
The Clintons are going to win the nomination and lose the general election. This is a real forest-for-the-trees moment for the Democratic party. In general, I can do without political parties - especially the two we have. But I'm committed. I cannot vote Repub. Cannot. If I have to, I'll choke down my loathing, and vote for HRC in the fall, likely gagging all the way. I have to believe that HRC is lesser of two evils against a Republican. But just barely.
My only hope? Positions and perceptions in this race have been changing fast. If HRC gets inevitable again, there will be a backlash. Fingers crossed.
And from the department of disenfranchisement and dirty caucusing, there is this nausea-inducing anecdote. And this all-too-common theme among centrist Dems and independents. [Apologies for continually going parasitic on Andrew Sullivan's blog, but he has a huge demographic cross-section that write in. And I'm nobody's go-to guy on this stuff, so I get no email! [Update: all apologies to the reader that wrote in. You know who you are.]]
The Clintons are going to win the nomination and lose the general election. This is a real forest-for-the-trees moment for the Democratic party. In general, I can do without political parties - especially the two we have. But I'm committed. I cannot vote Repub. Cannot. If I have to, I'll choke down my loathing, and vote for HRC in the fall, likely gagging all the way. I have to believe that HRC is lesser of two evils against a Republican. But just barely.
My only hope? Positions and perceptions in this race have been changing fast. If HRC gets inevitable again, there will be a backlash. Fingers crossed.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Nevada Hangover. (Yes, I know it's early for that. Don't hassle me.)
HRC wins the popular vote 51% to 45%. Obama wins the delegate count 13 to 12 [Update: I've read 14-14 too and other tallies. Nobody gets the delegate part of this crappy process]. Who wins, really?
It may not matter, ultimately. The Clinton machine is working. If she eeks out narrow win after narrow win, she's a winner, narrow or not.
Despite this eye-widening early poll that I noted previously, the hispanics in Nevada broke hard for HRC. She crushed Obama in that demographic. As someone who rides through South Central LA on a daily basis, it easy to see the racial tensions between blacks and hispanics. It's palpable. So I can understand the hispanic community's instinctive distrust of a black candidate.
In general, though, I'm still stuck on why HRC is even remotely appealing to the Dems. The Clintons piss off Repubs like no other public figures in the past 25 years. If she gets the nomination, and then if she's elected, we are going to see a replay of 1994. After two years of Bill Clinton in the White House, the country decided go with Newt Gingrich's “Contract with America” to sabotage the Clinton's 'liberal' agenda. So in effect, Bill Clinton handed the House of Representatives to the Repubs by reaching for too much. This will happen again. If she's elected, HRC will (potentially) hand the Congress back to the Repubs in a couple of years, and the detestable political gridlock will begin anew. She has that divisive effect on right-wingers. Obama, on the other hand, might be able to stave that off. He is a liberal, but he's a pragmatic one. He's not going to bite off more than he can chew agenda-wise. He's not going to scare anybody into changing Congress. Repubs in Congress might not love Barack either, but he's not going to immediately set off the anger and bitterness that HRC can if gets the nomination. What good is it to nominate and elect a candidate with this kind of personal and political liability?
Why would anyone want this? We've been down that road, and it sucked for the Dems and (I dare say) the country. As a liberal I want the country to change direction. A lot. But I'm willing to take it piecemeal in the short term in order to have the opportunity for long-term impact. I don't think that HRC can do this, but we'll see.
It may not matter, ultimately. The Clinton machine is working. If she eeks out narrow win after narrow win, she's a winner, narrow or not.
Despite this eye-widening early poll that I noted previously, the hispanics in Nevada broke hard for HRC. She crushed Obama in that demographic. As someone who rides through South Central LA on a daily basis, it easy to see the racial tensions between blacks and hispanics. It's palpable. So I can understand the hispanic community's instinctive distrust of a black candidate.
In general, though, I'm still stuck on why HRC is even remotely appealing to the Dems. The Clintons piss off Repubs like no other public figures in the past 25 years. If she gets the nomination, and then if she's elected, we are going to see a replay of 1994. After two years of Bill Clinton in the White House, the country decided go with Newt Gingrich's “Contract with America” to sabotage the Clinton's 'liberal' agenda. So in effect, Bill Clinton handed the House of Representatives to the Repubs by reaching for too much. This will happen again. If she's elected, HRC will (potentially) hand the Congress back to the Repubs in a couple of years, and the detestable political gridlock will begin anew. She has that divisive effect on right-wingers. Obama, on the other hand, might be able to stave that off. He is a liberal, but he's a pragmatic one. He's not going to bite off more than he can chew agenda-wise. He's not going to scare anybody into changing Congress. Repubs in Congress might not love Barack either, but he's not going to immediately set off the anger and bitterness that HRC can if gets the nomination. What good is it to nominate and elect a candidate with this kind of personal and political liability?
Why would anyone want this? We've been down that road, and it sucked for the Dems and (I dare say) the country. As a liberal I want the country to change direction. A lot. But I'm willing to take it piecemeal in the short term in order to have the opportunity for long-term impact. I don't think that HRC can do this, but we'll see.
CNN needs therapy.
Introverts unite!
I just realized something about caucusing: it disenfranchises shy people. That's not good.
They need an advocate, but - not surprisingly - find themselves unable to ask for one.
They need an advocate, but - not surprisingly - find themselves unable to ask for one.
Sometimes they try too hard.
The Jehovah's Witnesses dropped by again today. I did my usual thing of not answering the door despite my lights being on and the TV going. It always amazes me that they come through our heavily gay-populated neighborhood. I can't believe that there are many gay JWs.
Note to self: get a sticker for the front door that says, “No Solicitation. This includes the ideological kind. Takeout menus okay.”
Note to self: get a sticker for the front door that says, “No Solicitation. This includes the ideological kind. Takeout menus okay.”
Romney wins Nevada. Mormons help. A lot.
Bill Schneider - the only CNN political analyst that I can stand, cuz he's all about the numbers - had a lovely pie chart showing Romney's Nevada Mormon support at 94%. Who saw that coming? (Besides the Tabernacle Choir and anyone with a pulse, I mean.)
Mormons, who make up just 12% of the Nevada overall population, turned out in droves for Romney. Just hand him Utah now.
Mormons, who make up just 12% of the Nevada overall population, turned out in droves for Romney. Just hand him Utah now.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Limerick for Lunch.
I wonder what's wrong with a nation
that goes in for pander-ization?
Maybe we're lazy,
and a little bit crazy,
from Fox News's bullshitifcation.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
I, crackpot? Not compared to this.
I'm sure all three of my readers are terribly bored by my political rantings of late, so I'm going try ranting in a different direction here. And I mean ranting.
It's due to this mind-blowing article in the New York Times. (I was tipped by this clear-thinking blog. Seconded by a sensible neuro-scientist.) I'll wait while you read it. Try not to let incredulity overwhelm you. And don't let your eyes glaze over. That will only cheat you out of the full wonky experience.
Okay. How was it for you? Did you follow it? Understand it? Believe it? Probably not and good for you.
Unfortunately, this is a fine example of the state of theoretical physics. (If I didn't know that they were dead serious, I'd cry “Sokal hoax!”) And people call me a crackpot for thinking that this and this are better answers. Really, based on that article, I think that the gatekeepers of high-level physics are now fully prepared to don their Voodoo headdresses and drop a LSD tab for old-time sake. I say that merely to be funny. I have nothing against these folks personally. I'm sure they are accomplished thinkers and are merely attempting to build 11-dimensional houses of cards on top of the worst possible logical and epistemological foundations. This stuff is ridiculous. Needless indeterminism abounds. When is enough enough for these people? When are they going stop and say, “Hmm... that's a bit far-fetched - maybe we should rethink this”? After reading about possibly being a random protuberance and/or a disembodied brain, I'm thinking it's past time for re-examination of cosmology in its current cosmogonic guise.
Not only do we all need to yell 'shenanigans' on this, we need to get them to follow the trail back through string theory, 11 dimensions, spacetime foam, all the way to Einstein's Special (more than one three-dimensional space? No!) and General (space bends? Not!) Relativity. That's where this whole thing got off got off on the wrong foot. That's when theoretical physics became the piquant wackadoo nutjobbery that we all get to enjoy today.
More on this later. I'll let you all recover first.
It's due to this mind-blowing article in the New York Times. (I was tipped by this clear-thinking blog. Seconded by a sensible neuro-scientist.) I'll wait while you read it. Try not to let incredulity overwhelm you. And don't let your eyes glaze over. That will only cheat you out of the full wonky experience.
Okay. How was it for you? Did you follow it? Understand it? Believe it? Probably not and good for you.
Unfortunately, this is a fine example of the state of theoretical physics. (If I didn't know that they were dead serious, I'd cry “Sokal hoax!”) And people call me a crackpot for thinking that this and this are better answers. Really, based on that article, I think that the gatekeepers of high-level physics are now fully prepared to don their Voodoo headdresses and drop a LSD tab for old-time sake. I say that merely to be funny. I have nothing against these folks personally. I'm sure they are accomplished thinkers and are merely attempting to build 11-dimensional houses of cards on top of the worst possible logical and epistemological foundations. This stuff is ridiculous. Needless indeterminism abounds. When is enough enough for these people? When are they going stop and say, “Hmm... that's a bit far-fetched - maybe we should rethink this”? After reading about possibly being a random protuberance and/or a disembodied brain, I'm thinking it's past time for re-examination of cosmology in its current cosmogonic guise.
Not only do we all need to yell 'shenanigans' on this, we need to get them to follow the trail back through string theory, 11 dimensions, spacetime foam, all the way to Einstein's Special (more than one three-dimensional space? No!) and General (space bends? Not!) Relativity. That's where this whole thing got off got off on the wrong foot. That's when theoretical physics became the piquant wackadoo nutjobbery that we all get to enjoy today.
More on this later. I'll let you all recover first.
Mee-shee-gan! (The Hangovers Continue.)
I've been busy the last few days, but nothing like a primary to bring me back to the blog.
HRC - running nominally unopposed - did not fare as well as she probably should have against 'Uncommitted' in Michigan last night. She still can't win youth, African-American or independent votes. If she makes it that far, the general election is going to be a veritable hell for those of us looking for anything besides a Repub. (Interesting note: Wolf Blitzer told everyone watching that the Democratic side of the primary didn't matter due to the fact that Michigan was stripped of its delegates for breaking party rules. Then that grinning, silver-bearded bastard and his team of demonic chatterboxes proceeded to analyze beejezus out of the situation anyway. Like me. But I'm just trying to keep irony alive, whereas they're patently evil.)
And speaking of Repubs... Are they going to manage to pick a nominee before their convention? It doesn't seem like they're terribly interested in doing so. The media keeps saying 'three states, three winners' but they keep forgetting about Romney's win in Wyoming. How dare they!? Four states, three winners. This doesn't make Romney the frontrunner (though he is far and away the leader in delegates), but I hope the Repubs rally around him. It would make any Democrat's way clearer in November, since it would be like running against Bush again.
It looks like the economy is going to loom large in the year with recession rearing its ugly head. My 401(k) is in agony. Will the 99% of us that don't benefit from Bush's tax cuts for the rich notice this and vote in our own best interests? Or will the so-called 'values voters' be convinced to shoot themselves in the wallet again because they are [ALERT: hyperbolic sweeping generalization for effect coming right up!] undereducated, bigoted, anti-choice homophobes who are getting Rapture Ready? If I had the money, I'd bet on all that.
Oops. My cynicism is showing. Politics. Too many narcissistic power-mongers trying to make the world in their own poll-tested image. I'd try and refrain from commenting on it, but it's too much fun.
HRC - running nominally unopposed - did not fare as well as she probably should have against 'Uncommitted' in Michigan last night. She still can't win youth, African-American or independent votes. If she makes it that far, the general election is going to be a veritable hell for those of us looking for anything besides a Repub. (Interesting note: Wolf Blitzer told everyone watching that the Democratic side of the primary didn't matter due to the fact that Michigan was stripped of its delegates for breaking party rules. Then that grinning, silver-bearded bastard and his team of demonic chatterboxes proceeded to analyze beejezus out of the situation anyway. Like me. But I'm just trying to keep irony alive, whereas they're patently evil.)
And speaking of Repubs... Are they going to manage to pick a nominee before their convention? It doesn't seem like they're terribly interested in doing so. The media keeps saying 'three states, three winners' but they keep forgetting about Romney's win in Wyoming. How dare they!? Four states, three winners. This doesn't make Romney the frontrunner (though he is far and away the leader in delegates), but I hope the Repubs rally around him. It would make any Democrat's way clearer in November, since it would be like running against Bush again.
It looks like the economy is going to loom large in the year with recession rearing its ugly head. My 401(k) is in agony. Will the 99% of us that don't benefit from Bush's tax cuts for the rich notice this and vote in our own best interests? Or will the so-called 'values voters' be convinced to shoot themselves in the wallet again because they are [ALERT: hyperbolic sweeping generalization for effect coming right up!] undereducated, bigoted, anti-choice homophobes who are getting Rapture Ready? If I had the money, I'd bet on all that.
Oops. My cynicism is showing. Politics. Too many narcissistic power-mongers trying to make the world in their own poll-tested image. I'd try and refrain from commenting on it, but it's too much fun.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Strike? This isn't exactly "Norma Rae," you know...
[Full disclosure: As a former member in good standing of the United Federation of Musicians, I am in favor of Labor Unions and their right to collectively bargain. But, as a TV owner, I'm also in favor of The Office and Pushing Daisies, so...]
Last night, I had a chance to watch a couple of Tivoed episodes of The Daily Show (sorry, it's a A Daily Show right now) and The Colbert Report. They were okay. Stewart and Colbert are excellent improv guys - especially Colbert - and good interviewers. But there were some awkward moments on these shows where there are usually none. That's fine, but it's going to take some getting used to. And these guys are going to be exhausted by the end of one week of this. I'm still trying to figure out the fine line between making something up on the spot and writing. If you're a writer, how is making something up on the spot not writing? Especially when some of the bits seemed reasonably planned. I'm still working that one out. I imagine that the strikers are too.
In general, I'm having a hard time getting a clear picture about what the producers are holding back on. As an expert on A Daily Show pointed out, it seems to be a small step from DVD residuals to Internet Download residuals. That's right - the expert didn't get it. And even if the new tech is evolving, write the contract to acknowledge the possibility of unknowns. But no matter how you slice it, these negotiations are trouble: nothing but acrimony. Back to the table everyone! But who'll be first?
I just got cable in September. I was looking forward to new shows for the first time in several years. Instead, I get to watch TV suck more and more. Now it's reality shows and reruns. Or really bad midseason entries.
What exactly are they trying to do? Make people watch network news and sports? (The original reality TV.) Or cable news? (Maybe that's why the electorate seems so motivated. It seems to me that the Repubs have a vested interest in getting fictional TV back on - particularly the ever-torturous - in every sense - 24.)
Or is their plan - ironically - to drive people back to literature? Is that what they want!? Wait, wait... As an aspiring novelist, that's exactly what I want! Go writers! Keep trying to get your buck-oh-five... You're playing right into my hands.
Last night, I had a chance to watch a couple of Tivoed episodes of The Daily Show (sorry, it's a A Daily Show right now) and The Colbert Report. They were okay. Stewart and Colbert are excellent improv guys - especially Colbert - and good interviewers. But there were some awkward moments on these shows where there are usually none. That's fine, but it's going to take some getting used to. And these guys are going to be exhausted by the end of one week of this. I'm still trying to figure out the fine line between making something up on the spot and writing. If you're a writer, how is making something up on the spot not writing? Especially when some of the bits seemed reasonably planned. I'm still working that one out. I imagine that the strikers are too.
In general, I'm having a hard time getting a clear picture about what the producers are holding back on. As an expert on A Daily Show pointed out, it seems to be a small step from DVD residuals to Internet Download residuals. That's right - the expert didn't get it. And even if the new tech is evolving, write the contract to acknowledge the possibility of unknowns. But no matter how you slice it, these negotiations are trouble: nothing but acrimony. Back to the table everyone! But who'll be first?
I just got cable in September. I was looking forward to new shows for the first time in several years. Instead, I get to watch TV suck more and more. Now it's reality shows and reruns. Or really bad midseason entries.
What exactly are they trying to do? Make people watch network news and sports? (The original reality TV.) Or cable news? (Maybe that's why the electorate seems so motivated. It seems to me that the Repubs have a vested interest in getting fictional TV back on - particularly the ever-torturous - in every sense - 24.)
Or is their plan - ironically - to drive people back to literature? Is that what they want!? Wait, wait... As an aspiring novelist, that's exactly what I want! Go writers! Keep trying to get your buck-oh-five... You're playing right into my hands.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
“Hey, come look! It's on fire!”
I really wanted to blog about this event as soon as it happened, but that didn't work out very well.
We were watching TV and generally enjoying the evening (with the notable exception of the N. H. Primary results), when the power started flickering weirdly. Then, the power went out, but only in half the apartment. We looked at each other with bewilderment, and Addie took it upon herself to go over to the kitchen window to see if she could see anything. She could.
“Hey, come look! It's on fire!”
And as a matter of fact it was 'on fire'. A tiny little blaze had flared up on a power line near the nightclub we live next door to. As we watched, it burned through the wire and fell down - fortunately - on the sidewalk. The power on our block went out completely. Addie went outside to check the situation. Upon her return, she noted to me that our apartment complex already smelled very much like fruity department store candles. Cherry Blossom Lavender Glee and Apple Pine Ocean Breeze. Or something.
Of course, standing there in the dark, my first instinct was to blog about it. I cursed my lack of a iPhone and poured a Scotch to comfort myself. Addie lit some candles. And so it came to pass that we spent the rest of the evening living (irritatingly enough) in the year 1790.
We were watching TV and generally enjoying the evening (with the notable exception of the N. H. Primary results), when the power started flickering weirdly. Then, the power went out, but only in half the apartment. We looked at each other with bewilderment, and Addie took it upon herself to go over to the kitchen window to see if she could see anything. She could.
“Hey, come look! It's on fire!”
And as a matter of fact it was 'on fire'. A tiny little blaze had flared up on a power line near the nightclub we live next door to. As we watched, it burned through the wire and fell down - fortunately - on the sidewalk. The power on our block went out completely. Addie went outside to check the situation. Upon her return, she noted to me that our apartment complex already smelled very much like fruity department store candles. Cherry Blossom Lavender Glee and Apple Pine Ocean Breeze. Or something.
Of course, standing there in the dark, my first instinct was to blog about it. I cursed my lack of a iPhone and poured a Scotch to comfort myself. Addie lit some candles. And so it came to pass that we spent the rest of the evening living (irritatingly enough) in the year 1790.
N. H. Hangover
So the polls were a little off to say the least. HRC had a huge comeback last night that no one saw coming. The media and all of the punditocracy had virtually handed Obama the nomination. Ah, but the raging disappointment was all cued up and ready to go for Obama supporters. We just didn't know it. Another round of whiplash ensued. It's pretty frustrating.
Now it's a race, they say. They say it like they mean it, and like it's a good thing for the party and the country. (And they say it with the same conviction they brought to bear on Obama's poll numbers, BTW.) While I think that the Democratic party has given us a pretty good slate of candidates for a change (pun intended), I cannot get to the place that many others have gotten to: namely that HRC needs to be part of this conversation. I just can't get behind her.
It's certainly not because she's a woman. Hillary's gender has nothing to do with my dislike of her, just as Obama's race has nothing to do with me liking him. As I've mentioned, the politics of most of my adult life have been defined by Bush, Clinton, Bush, and I can't stomach another round in the pointless cycle of gridlock politics. It will be like the future is not happening.
And BTW, who is most excited about HRC's comeback win? The Repubs, of course. The Dems (and Independents) of New Hampshire have given the Repubs hope that they won't have to run against Obama. And make no mistake: they want to run against HRC. They're just salivating at the prospect. She can - and will - motivate the right (wing-nuts) to vote in the general election for whichever substandard candidate that Repubs choke up in their nauseating primary season. The polls may have gotten it wrong, but you can take this idea to the bank. Speaking of the bank - if I had enough money in it, I'd be sending money to Obama's campaign right now.
Okay. That's enough that.
Now it's a race, they say. They say it like they mean it, and like it's a good thing for the party and the country. (And they say it with the same conviction they brought to bear on Obama's poll numbers, BTW.) While I think that the Democratic party has given us a pretty good slate of candidates for a change (pun intended), I cannot get to the place that many others have gotten to: namely that HRC needs to be part of this conversation. I just can't get behind her.
It's certainly not because she's a woman. Hillary's gender has nothing to do with my dislike of her, just as Obama's race has nothing to do with me liking him. As I've mentioned, the politics of most of my adult life have been defined by Bush, Clinton, Bush, and I can't stomach another round in the pointless cycle of gridlock politics. It will be like the future is not happening.
And BTW, who is most excited about HRC's comeback win? The Repubs, of course. The Dems (and Independents) of New Hampshire have given the Repubs hope that they won't have to run against Obama. And make no mistake: they want to run against HRC. They're just salivating at the prospect. She can - and will - motivate the right (wing-nuts) to vote in the general election for whichever substandard candidate that Repubs choke up in their nauseating primary season. The polls may have gotten it wrong, but you can take this idea to the bank. Speaking of the bank - if I had enough money in it, I'd be sending money to Obama's campaign right now.
Okay. That's enough that.
Monday, January 07, 2008
I read the signs.
To my detriment, I assure you. I had a weird southbound commute situation due to a flat tire. Don't ask. Long story short, when I was trying to get back on the train southbound after picking up the car (again, don't ask), I was greeted first with a train that said 'Los Angeles'. At the stop I was at - Willow Station - the trains often turn around and go back to LA - so in this case, seeing that, I didn't get on. Naturally. Then, two seconds later, the doors closed, and it went south towards Long Beach anyway. There was cursing. (See here for a deeper investigation of my anger at transit and the consequences.) A lot of cursing. I guess pushing a little button to make things easier on those of us who read is too much to ask...
Apple of my eye.
A guilty pleasure that I must share. The Secret Diary of Fake Steve Jobs. Despite not having the budget to indulge myself (consumerism is crass anyway - at least that's what I keep telling myself), I am a tremendous Apple fan-boy. This blog (beautifully rendered by Steve Lyons of Forbes mag.) is funny, de jour and epic. It doesn't hurt that Fake Steve seems to be a big Obama fan...
The horse is dead... but I don't care.
Sorry about the non-PETA-friendly title, but this whole Obama-non has fired my fighting spirit. I had been lamenting to my wife about the lack of a South Carolina poll in the last three weeks, but now my patience has been rewarded. A twenty-point bulge for Obama. Are you kidding me? Perhaps HRC shouldn't have wept. Of note to California voters: the all important Hispanic voting block in S. C. (which in CA has been breaking hard to HRC) is 56% for Obama vs. HRC's 19%. Is the Bush/Clinton dynastic run over?
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Theft and the American Dream
I forgot to mention:
I - a nominal Democrat - am so excited about the possibility of leaving behind the extreme divisiveness of Reagan/Bush/Clinton/Bush-bred politics, that I now find myself in need of an American flag. Since the Repubs have cornered the market on use of the symbol (and since their tax-cuts for the rich have not helped me out), I guess I'm forced to go rogue and steal one off the bumper of an SUV.
I - a nominal Democrat - am so excited about the possibility of leaving behind the extreme divisiveness of Reagan/Bush/Clinton/Bush-bred politics, that I now find myself in need of an American flag. Since the Repubs have cornered the market on use of the symbol (and since their tax-cuts for the rich have not helped me out), I guess I'm forced to go rogue and steal one off the bumper of an SUV.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Iowa Hangover
It's the day after the Iowa caucuses, and the incredible scene of a populist, change-driven, suddenly viable black man winning handily in a state that is 91% white and tends towards conservatism still hasn't proven to be a mirage.
Astonishment is general on the web - on the right as much as the left and center. Most pundits (again on both the right and the left) are already putting this up there with the 'do you remember where you were' moments in the history of politics. We'll see. On to New Hampshire, where independents should put Obama and McCain over the top. As Obama's campaign manager put it - it's hard not to be optimistic. But again - we'll see. After all, things are not tending towards normal so far this primary season.
The web-based punditry gave itself whiplash today trying to decide what's going to happen next. Is Obama's magical, schwerve-like oratory going to carry him on to victory? Or is he going to turn into a pumpkin in N. H. or S. C.? Can HRC get her air of inevitability (or even her footing) back? Can Edwards turn an Iowa second into a N. H.... anything? Can the Repubs get any kind of press? The pundits don't really know; they only think that they do (like me).
Well, I hope that voters in the United States can see fit to get Obama to the White House. Even if he's a disaster - though I find it hard to imagine a “Don't Blame Me - I Voted For Huckabee” bumper sticker - we'll all be able to say we went for a desperately needed wholesale change, in both domestic and foreign policy spheres. (Awkward and interruptive aside - If he does get the presidency, it'd be nice if we had a democratic Congress for more than two years to avoid the political gridlock of the last... eternity. Hell, while I'm wishing, I may as well just wish for a bit less partisanship right now.) It might just be the birth of a whole new era of politics.
One more time - we'll see.
Astonishment is general on the web - on the right as much as the left and center. Most pundits (again on both the right and the left) are already putting this up there with the 'do you remember where you were' moments in the history of politics. We'll see. On to New Hampshire, where independents should put Obama and McCain over the top. As Obama's campaign manager put it - it's hard not to be optimistic. But again - we'll see. After all, things are not tending towards normal so far this primary season.
The web-based punditry gave itself whiplash today trying to decide what's going to happen next. Is Obama's magical, schwerve-like oratory going to carry him on to victory? Or is he going to turn into a pumpkin in N. H. or S. C.? Can HRC get her air of inevitability (or even her footing) back? Can Edwards turn an Iowa second into a N. H.... anything? Can the Repubs get any kind of press? The pundits don't really know; they only think that they do (like me).
Well, I hope that voters in the United States can see fit to get Obama to the White House. Even if he's a disaster - though I find it hard to imagine a “Don't Blame Me - I Voted For Huckabee” bumper sticker - we'll all be able to say we went for a desperately needed wholesale change, in both domestic and foreign policy spheres. (Awkward and interruptive aside - If he does get the presidency, it'd be nice if we had a democratic Congress for more than two years to avoid the political gridlock of the last... eternity. Hell, while I'm wishing, I may as well just wish for a bit less partisanship right now.) It might just be the birth of a whole new era of politics.
One more time - we'll see.
The Emotional Power of the Blue Line
It's amazing how timing can change my outlook on the day. Today I had to run for the train... and made it. I'm feeling pretty good about my badass myself. The guy 20 feet behind me wasn't so lucky. He probably had a crappy day. Just from missing the train. I've had that happen as well. (At least it wasn't raining until this afternoon.)
Another possibility happens to me often: if I get to a train early, and it sits at the stop for awhile, I get irritated that it's not moving. I also get irritated - and a little jealous - when other people just make it before it takes off, and I see the excitement and relief on their face. They're well on their way to a good day! Me? I'm just ambivalent. How is that helpful?
Emotions sure are life-consuming and fickle little bitches, aren't they? Even about the most insignificant things. I've got to be more mindful of this kind of thing, don't I? Answer: yes.
Another possibility happens to me often: if I get to a train early, and it sits at the stop for awhile, I get irritated that it's not moving. I also get irritated - and a little jealous - when other people just make it before it takes off, and I see the excitement and relief on their face. They're well on their way to a good day! Me? I'm just ambivalent. How is that helpful?
Emotions sure are life-consuming and fickle little bitches, aren't they? Even about the most insignificant things. I've got to be more mindful of this kind of thing, don't I? Answer: yes.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Can you smell what Barack is cooking?
I support Obama. I have for a long time. So, after tonight, I'm more optimistic. Here's an elegant take or two from Andrew Sullivan. I don't always agree with the guy (he's endorsing Ron Paul, for example), but he can turn a phrase - and I'm with him on Obama.
Let me just add that according to some measures, I'm somewhere to the left of Kucinich. But I can get behind this kind of momentum, this kind of 'something new'.
Let me just add that according to some measures, I'm somewhere to the left of Kucinich. But I can get behind this kind of momentum, this kind of 'something new'.
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