4.28.2009
4.26.2009
Suck on that, NYC!!
DC teams went 3-0 against NYC teams.
DC United comes from behind to tie in the last minute and then win in injury time. VAMOS UNITED!
The Caps dominated the Rangers in game 6 of the series to tie it and force a winner take all game 7.
And finally, the lowly, woeful Nats beat the Mets.
Good day for DC teams.
DC United comes from behind to tie in the last minute and then win in injury time. VAMOS UNITED!
The Caps dominated the Rangers in game 6 of the series to tie it and force a winner take all game 7.
And finally, the lowly, woeful Nats beat the Mets.
Good day for DC teams.
4.17.2009
Milady Peggington Noonanshire!
Peggy Noonan - former speechwriter for Ronnie Raygun and G. H. W. "Read my lips" Bush, current columnist for the Wall Street Journal whose entire shtick is breathless wonder of the little people. Her "ouvre" is released on Fridays and as usual Wonkette is there with the scathing, hilarious review.
4.11.2009
4.08.2009
For F%#$s sake...
DC United stadium deal in PG County is officially dead. NoVA United here we come... or at this rate, St. Louis United.
4.07.2009
Today was a good day.
Civil Rights in my time
First, there was Majority Leader of the Iowa Senate explaining why he would not co-sponsor a bill to amend Iowa's constitution to ban gay marriage (in case you missed it, on Friday, the Iowa Supreme Court emphatically ruled that the state gay marriage ban was unconstitutional).
Then, there was the news that Vermont became the 4th state to recognize gay marriage and the 1st to do so legislatively.
Finally, there was the news that the DC city council approved a measure to recognize gay marriages from other states.
Senator Franken
Norm Coleman (political career: Democratic mayor of St. Paul - 1993, Republican Mayor of St. Paul - 1997, beat Walter Mondale by ~3% after the great Paul Wellstone was killed in a plane crash 11 days before the election to become Senator - 2002) had his last best hope backfire when the last outstanding ballots netted almost 100 more votes for Al Franken. The only thing Norm has left is an appeal to the MN Supreme Court which is not likely to rule in his favor. Yay! Welcome Senator Franken!
Pus Limpbough gets pwned
Next up, lickspittle Rush Limbaugh gets pwned by Marty McFly (around 5:50 of video) and then by a Republican caller to his Hour of Hate (I love how at the end of this exchange, after Pus has hung up on the caller, he basically says, 'That guy said torture was wrong, he definitely wasn't a Republican.' Good job, Pus, that will bring everyone flocking back to the Republican party).
Biden off the leash
It sounds like Biden was given the go ahead to go after Darth Cheney and he didn't disappoint, "...but [Cheney] is dead wrong."
On a more somber note
The right wing echo machine is finally getting some scrutiny in the corporate media following the spate of politically motivated shootings here and here.
Speaking of the media
Maybe they are coming around to the idea that the failed policies of the previous administration are at least partially their fault. The Washington Post discredits one of its own op-ed writers (dumbass George Will) in a story about climate change (although I think it's telling that the bloggers STILL had to correct some errors by the "reporters"). Also, the WSJ pointed out that, hmm, it seems that the current economic collapse was at least partially caused by Bush's tax cuts for the rich. THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, people!
So refreshing!
And finally, I've been looking at pics of Obama's European trip and surprise visit to Iraq. The troops seem to like him.
Oh yeah
In case you missed it, the same Spanish judge who brought Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet to justice is looking into charging 6 former Bush administration officials with war crimes.
First, there was Majority Leader of the Iowa Senate explaining why he would not co-sponsor a bill to amend Iowa's constitution to ban gay marriage (in case you missed it, on Friday, the Iowa Supreme Court emphatically ruled that the state gay marriage ban was unconstitutional).
Then, there was the news that Vermont became the 4th state to recognize gay marriage and the 1st to do so legislatively.
Finally, there was the news that the DC city council approved a measure to recognize gay marriages from other states.
Senator Franken
Norm Coleman (political career: Democratic mayor of St. Paul - 1993, Republican Mayor of St. Paul - 1997, beat Walter Mondale by ~3% after the great Paul Wellstone was killed in a plane crash 11 days before the election to become Senator - 2002) had his last best hope backfire when the last outstanding ballots netted almost 100 more votes for Al Franken. The only thing Norm has left is an appeal to the MN Supreme Court which is not likely to rule in his favor. Yay! Welcome Senator Franken!
Pus Limpbough gets pwned
Next up, lickspittle Rush Limbaugh gets pwned by Marty McFly (around 5:50 of video) and then by a Republican caller to his Hour of Hate (I love how at the end of this exchange, after Pus has hung up on the caller, he basically says, 'That guy said torture was wrong, he definitely wasn't a Republican.' Good job, Pus, that will bring everyone flocking back to the Republican party).
Biden off the leash
It sounds like Biden was given the go ahead to go after Darth Cheney and he didn't disappoint, "...but [Cheney] is dead wrong."
On a more somber note
The right wing echo machine is finally getting some scrutiny in the corporate media following the spate of politically motivated shootings here and here.
Speaking of the media
Maybe they are coming around to the idea that the failed policies of the previous administration are at least partially their fault. The Washington Post discredits one of its own op-ed writers (dumbass George Will) in a story about climate change (although I think it's telling that the bloggers STILL had to correct some errors by the "reporters"). Also, the WSJ pointed out that, hmm, it seems that the current economic collapse was at least partially caused by Bush's tax cuts for the rich. THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, people!
So refreshing!
And finally, I've been looking at pics of Obama's European trip and surprise visit to Iraq. The troops seem to like him.
Oh yeah
In case you missed it, the same Spanish judge who brought Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet to justice is looking into charging 6 former Bush administration officials with war crimes.
3.25.2009
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3.24.2009
Sheep herders with a little too much time on their hands.
Still, this is 10 pounds of awesome in a 5 pound bag.
3.19.2009
3.03.2009
And there you have it.
Beckham not returning to MLS until July and then gone at the end of the year.
2.22.2009
Guiness pre fish and chips
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2.16.2009
birthday pic
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2.14.2009
Gen X: The pastrami in the sandwich
Look, let me start out by acknowledging a few problems with what is to follow:
1)I have done little to no research for this piece. So, what follows should be taken with a grain of salt and with the understanding that this is currently mostly an opinion piece
2)There is disagreement on the very definition of Gen X. Specifically, what years constitute Gen X, Baby Boomers and Millenials. Therefore, it is difficult to definitively assign data to one generation or another. There is overlap.
3)Generations do not have a spokesperson, in other words, there are no statements that one could point to and say this is what this generation has agreed on.
4)The 3 generations in question have influenced and continue to influence events as they happen.
5)I am of Gen X, I am biased.
So, given those caveats, here are my basic premises:
1)The current state of technological advance, specifically computers and the Internet, exists solely because of Gen X and these technological advances wield exceptional influence.
2)Racism, sexism, sexual orientation discrimination still very much exist, but Gen X is responsible for at least starting the endgame of making these criteria of evaluation irrelevant.
3)For better and worse, Gen X is responsible for the current state of entertainment (music, books, movies). Entertainment is more than entertainment, it is both a window onto how we view the world and a driver of how we react to the world.
4)Despite the media and despite corporate mouthpiece dissension, climate change is known to be a problem and despite their obstruction, it will be fixed.
5)Depending on which dates you use (see #2 in the problems section) America has just elected the first Gen X president. I believe Obama is a good representation of us. The Baby Boomers are not going to fade quietly but he embodies the direction we will go from this point onward.
I plan to address each of these in more detail and will probably come up with more topics along the way but I want to lay the foundation of the discussion with these observations. Gen X begins any conversation with a chip on each shoulder, on the left shoulder is the Baby Boomers and on the right is The Millenials. With, say, 75 million in each, individually they dwarf the roughly 45 million Gen Xers. Yet, Gen X exerts disproportion influence on the other generations. Gen X is the pastrami in the sandwich, the other two are just bread. Thick, flavorfully influential pieces of bread, no doubt, but Gen X makes the sandwich. In the next installment I'll try to begin to prove these claims.
1)I have done little to no research for this piece. So, what follows should be taken with a grain of salt and with the understanding that this is currently mostly an opinion piece
2)There is disagreement on the very definition of Gen X. Specifically, what years constitute Gen X, Baby Boomers and Millenials. Therefore, it is difficult to definitively assign data to one generation or another. There is overlap.
3)Generations do not have a spokesperson, in other words, there are no statements that one could point to and say this is what this generation has agreed on.
4)The 3 generations in question have influenced and continue to influence events as they happen.
5)I am of Gen X, I am biased.
So, given those caveats, here are my basic premises:
1)The current state of technological advance, specifically computers and the Internet, exists solely because of Gen X and these technological advances wield exceptional influence.
2)Racism, sexism, sexual orientation discrimination still very much exist, but Gen X is responsible for at least starting the endgame of making these criteria of evaluation irrelevant.
3)For better and worse, Gen X is responsible for the current state of entertainment (music, books, movies). Entertainment is more than entertainment, it is both a window onto how we view the world and a driver of how we react to the world.
4)Despite the media and despite corporate mouthpiece dissension, climate change is known to be a problem and despite their obstruction, it will be fixed.
5)Depending on which dates you use (see #2 in the problems section) America has just elected the first Gen X president. I believe Obama is a good representation of us. The Baby Boomers are not going to fade quietly but he embodies the direction we will go from this point onward.
I plan to address each of these in more detail and will probably come up with more topics along the way but I want to lay the foundation of the discussion with these observations. Gen X begins any conversation with a chip on each shoulder, on the left shoulder is the Baby Boomers and on the right is The Millenials. With, say, 75 million in each, individually they dwarf the roughly 45 million Gen Xers. Yet, Gen X exerts disproportion influence on the other generations. Gen X is the pastrami in the sandwich, the other two are just bread. Thick, flavorfully influential pieces of bread, no doubt, but Gen X makes the sandwich. In the next installment I'll try to begin to prove these claims.
2.13.2009
ESPN, what do you think, maybe a little promotion?
Wednesday's most watched program by men ages 18-49 in some of the largest markets? That's right, the USA-Mexico World Cup qualifying match. Hmm, men 18-49, that's a pretty lucrative demographic, right?
:(
Hopefully, this is just an attempt to pressure the DC government into action, if not DC United is moving to PG County. That makes me sad because I will be going to far fewer games. For two reasons, logistically it would make the commute time an hour to an hour and a half. The other reason is more emotional, I want DC United to play in DC. C'mon, Mayor Fenty make good on your promise to give us a stadium.
2.11.2009
2.10.2009
2.06.2009
Ronnie Raygun's birthday
It still amazes me that Chimpy was able to make me detest him more than I detested Reagan. But he really put in the effort and poor Ronnie, whose birthday is today, has been bumped down to #2 on my Most Detestable President/Person List. Happy Birthday, loser!
Teacher in Texas fired for being an atheist
That's right, a teacher was fired for being an atheist. And supposedly christians are the ones who are being persecuted? pshht. I'm pretty sure it is illegal to fire someone for their religious views and, yes, that includes the lack thereof.
2.05.2009
More Hammer
In a bid to communicate directly to the American people, President Obama (still feels good to write that) published an op-ed in the Washington Post.
Here's the first line, "By now, it's clear to everyone that we have inherited an economic crisis as deep and dire as any since the days of the Great Depression." BAM! Hammer blow to the Bush FAIL administration.
Further on, "In recent days, there have been misguided criticisms of this plan that echo the failed theories that helped lead us into this crisis -- the notion that tax cuts alone will solve all our problems; that we can meet our enormous tests with half-steps and piecemeal measures; that we can ignore fundamental challenges such as energy independence and the high cost of health care and still expect our economy and our country to thrive." BAM! Hammer blow to the fiscal conservatives who say we can pull out of this with tax cuts and smaller government.
Then, "I reject these theories, and so did the American people when they went to the polls in November and voted resoundingly for change." BAM! Hammer blow to those who think they can ignore the president's mandate. Obama: "I won."
Lastly, "The writer is president of the United States." BAM! BAM!
BAM!
Here's the first line, "By now, it's clear to everyone that we have inherited an economic crisis as deep and dire as any since the days of the Great Depression." BAM! Hammer blow to the Bush FAIL administration.
Further on, "In recent days, there have been misguided criticisms of this plan that echo the failed theories that helped lead us into this crisis -- the notion that tax cuts alone will solve all our problems; that we can meet our enormous tests with half-steps and piecemeal measures; that we can ignore fundamental challenges such as energy independence and the high cost of health care and still expect our economy and our country to thrive." BAM! Hammer blow to the fiscal conservatives who say we can pull out of this with tax cuts and smaller government.
Then, "I reject these theories, and so did the American people when they went to the polls in November and voted resoundingly for change." BAM! Hammer blow to those who think they can ignore the president's mandate. Obama: "I won."
Lastly, "The writer is president of the United States." BAM! BAM!
BAM!
1.30.2009
Son of a...
Poplar Point is dead again. How is it that DC government falls all over itself to build a baseball (possibly the most boring sport in existence) stadium with taxpayer money and can't even let someone else build a stadium for a team that has won more championships than all the other DC teams combined.*
*This may not technically be true. The Redskins won 3 (1982,1987,1991), the Bullets (now the Wizards) won 1 (1977), and the Senators (now the Minnesota Twins) won 1 (1924). DC United has 4 MLS Cups (1996,1997,1999,2004), 2 US Open Cups (1996, 2008), 1 CONCACAF Champions' Cup (1998) and 1 InterAmerican Cup (1998).
*This may not technically be true. The Redskins won 3 (1982,1987,1991), the Bullets (now the Wizards) won 1 (1977), and the Senators (now the Minnesota Twins) won 1 (1924). DC United has 4 MLS Cups (1996,1997,1999,2004), 2 US Open Cups (1996, 2008), 1 CONCACAF Champions' Cup (1998) and 1 InterAmerican Cup (1998).
Obama doesn't play that game. Here comes the hammer.
After giving concessions to Republicans in the form of tax cuts (which DO NOT WORK as advertised if the current economic situation is any indication) in the Stimulus Bill, ALL of the House Republicans voted against it. And now the Obama Administration has said they will release job figures state by state. What these numbers will most likely show is that A) job loss disproportionately affects Republican states and B) that by voting against the Stimulus Bill House Republicans voted against their constituent's best interests. This is what America has needed to do for years, expose the mendacity of Republicans. Go get'em.
On a related note, Americans United for Change is releasing a couple harder hitting ads about the same issue but they are tying House Republicans to Rush Limbaugh and his "I hope Obama fails" comment.
Also, clammyc over at Daily Kos has a diary listing (which you should really go read) what Republicans have voted against, here it is:
* An increase in the maximum benefit under the former food stamp program (now called the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program or SNAP);
* An expansion of broadband internet access to rural areas of America;
* Programs to improve infrastructure and develop rural communities;
* Improvements to the criminal justice system;
* funding for science and technology research;
* Funding for the Community Oriented Policing Services;
* Funding to repair, maintain and renovate the Department of Defense (DoD) facilities;
* Energy efficiency projects and modernization of heating/cooling and electrical systems at the DoD;
* Improving Army barracks;
* Energy related research and development (renewable energy programs and expansion of existing weatherization activites);
* Funding for the Army Corps of Engineers (remember the levees in New Orleans that weren’t funded?;
* Modernization of the nation’s electrical grid;
* Construction and repair of Federal facilities;
* Funding for clean water programs and water infrastructure projects;
* Capital improvements and maintenance for Forest Service and National Park Service, the Superfund program and wildland fire management;
* Funding for the Department of Health and Human Services;
* Funding for labor and employment training programs/Department of Labor;
* Renovations to elementary and secondary schools;
* Pell Grants and other student financial assistance;
* Educational programs aimed at elementary and secondary education;
* Defense construction projects – including hospitals, barracks and day care centers;
* Funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to be used on maintaining VA medical facilities and cemeteries;
* Funding for Information Technology projects at the State Department;
* Funding for highway construction;
* Funding for housing assistance programs administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development;
* Grants to states and cities for community development;
* Refundable tax credits for middle and lower income families;
* Increase tax credit for higher education;
* Extension of tax credit for renewable energy production;
* Increase the earned income tax credit for lower income families with three or more qualifying children;
* Increased funding for emergency unemployment benefits for those who exhaust the amount of benefits they collect;
* Temporary increase in amount of unemployment benefits;
* Assistance to states for spending on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program;
* Extension of Medicaid coverage to certain unemployed workers;
* Assistance with COBRA premium payments for certain unemployed workers; and
* Incentives for health care providers to use "health information technology" which would reduce health care costs for providers and lower premiums.
On a related note, Americans United for Change is releasing a couple harder hitting ads about the same issue but they are tying House Republicans to
Also, clammyc over at Daily Kos has a diary listing (which you should really go read) what Republicans have voted against, here it is:
* An increase in the maximum benefit under the former food stamp program (now called the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program or SNAP);
* An expansion of broadband internet access to rural areas of America;
* Programs to improve infrastructure and develop rural communities;
* Improvements to the criminal justice system;
* funding for science and technology research;
* Funding for the Community Oriented Policing Services;
* Funding to repair, maintain and renovate the Department of Defense (DoD) facilities;
* Energy efficiency projects and modernization of heating/cooling and electrical systems at the DoD;
* Improving Army barracks;
* Energy related research and development (renewable energy programs and expansion of existing weatherization activites);
* Funding for the Army Corps of Engineers (remember the levees in New Orleans that weren’t funded?;
* Modernization of the nation’s electrical grid;
* Construction and repair of Federal facilities;
* Funding for clean water programs and water infrastructure projects;
* Capital improvements and maintenance for Forest Service and National Park Service, the Superfund program and wildland fire management;
* Funding for the Department of Health and Human Services;
* Funding for labor and employment training programs/Department of Labor;
* Renovations to elementary and secondary schools;
* Pell Grants and other student financial assistance;
* Educational programs aimed at elementary and secondary education;
* Defense construction projects – including hospitals, barracks and day care centers;
* Funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to be used on maintaining VA medical facilities and cemeteries;
* Funding for Information Technology projects at the State Department;
* Funding for highway construction;
* Funding for housing assistance programs administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development;
* Grants to states and cities for community development;
* Refundable tax credits for middle and lower income families;
* Increase tax credit for higher education;
* Extension of tax credit for renewable energy production;
* Increase the earned income tax credit for lower income families with three or more qualifying children;
* Increased funding for emergency unemployment benefits for those who exhaust the amount of benefits they collect;
* Temporary increase in amount of unemployment benefits;
* Assistance to states for spending on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program;
* Extension of Medicaid coverage to certain unemployed workers;
* Assistance with COBRA premium payments for certain unemployed workers; and
* Incentives for health care providers to use "health information technology" which would reduce health care costs for providers and lower premiums.
Frost on ice
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Ice on grass
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Morning ice.
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1.27.2009
Mark my words
Beckham is gone.
And another article. The only thing the LA Galaxy has to keep Beckham there is LA and, honestly I think Milan can hold its own in that contest.
And another article. The only thing the LA Galaxy has to keep Beckham there is LA and, honestly I think Milan can hold its own in that contest.
1.22.2009
1.20.2009
1.19.2009
12.31.2008
That's how I roll.
From the always awesome xkcd webcomic. That guy is a genius.
Don't understand the joke? See this Wikipedia article or this Washington Post piece.
12.14.2008
I'm proud of my President
Yes, the current president. He finally did something right. He dodged a shoe, two shoes actually. Eight years and I can proudly say, at least he's got quick reflexes. Sadly, it's the most impressive thing he's done as President.
And, apparently Dana Perino, White House spokesperson, got a black eye during the melee. Somehow fitting.
And, apparently Dana Perino, White House spokesperson, got a black eye during the melee. Somehow fitting.
11.15.2008
11.14.2008
When will we see the Karl Rove frog-march?
New revelations in the Don Siegelman case. Some background here.
11.12.2008
Your vote is important
Out of more than 250,000 votes Begich leads Stevens in Alaska by 3 votes. 3 VOTES!
11.10.2008
11.06.2008
::Wipes tear::
From the Manassas rally - 11/3/08. Pictures blatantly stolen from here.
BTW, I guarantee, both those kids, now lifelong Democrats.
BTW, I guarantee, both those kids, now lifelong Democrats.
11.05.2008
Signed, Sealed, Delivered
YES WE DID! YES WE DID! YES WE DID! YES WE DID! YES WE DID!
Oh, and excuse me ghost of Ronnie Raygun, I'll take that: It's morning again in America.
11.04.2008
Tonight.
I fully expect that by 10pm I will be crying like a child. Like a happy, hopeful, proud child. Someone recently asked me why this means so much to me, well, I'll tell ya. From a very young age my parents taught me that it matters who makes, upholds and interprets the laws of this country. Some of my earliest memories are of listening to my father talk about evil Tricky Dick (Richard Nixon). Obviously, they were/are liberal hippies.
And the things they taught me then were: Never judge people by the way they look. Always help others in need. Always root for the underdog. Don't fight (I admit that I have amended this one to: Only fight in self defense or in the defense of others, stop when the threat is gone, try to be conciliatory afterwards). Don't take more than you can use. Humans are not the only things on the planet, animals and plants are important too and deserve respect. Don't steal. Always try to imagine how things look and feel from the other person's point of view. Try to do things on your own but don't be afraid to ask for help. Try to include everyone.
Extrapolate any of those things out into essays on what government should be responsible for or the role of America in the world or what should welfare mean and they still work for me. I could probably come up with more and some of the things listed here I tend to forget or ignore but for the most part this is what my worldview could be boiled down to.
From what I've seen, from legislation passed to issues debated to methods of governance the Republican party is antithetical to most of the values listed above. And then to realize that almost 70% of my life has been spent with a Republican president in office. That I came of age during the Reagan years, REAGAN, I didn't think it was possible to detest a president more until W. That I have seen 1 very possibly 2 elections stolen. That I have seen the writ of habeas corpus, the constitution, freedom of speech come under direct attack from our own government. That I have seen America become a practitioner of torture. That I have seen the government actually fail to respond to a national disaster. That our nation continues to become divided into the super rich and the debtor poor and our economy has been brought to its knees in order to maintain that division. That all of these things, in my mind, derive specifically from Republican rule.
Yeah, this election means a lot to me and it should mean a lot to everyone else. We are actually on the verge of electing someone who embodies the ideals that make America exceptional. So, yeah, I will be crying tonight. For the return of hope. For the return of the helping hand of America. For the restoration our reputation as the arbiter of the world. For rebirth of the belief of I am my brothers keeper. For the return of an individual and collective sense of responsibility.
Some videos to help you through the waiting:
And the things they taught me then were: Never judge people by the way they look. Always help others in need. Always root for the underdog. Don't fight (I admit that I have amended this one to: Only fight in self defense or in the defense of others, stop when the threat is gone, try to be conciliatory afterwards). Don't take more than you can use. Humans are not the only things on the planet, animals and plants are important too and deserve respect. Don't steal. Always try to imagine how things look and feel from the other person's point of view. Try to do things on your own but don't be afraid to ask for help. Try to include everyone.
Extrapolate any of those things out into essays on what government should be responsible for or the role of America in the world or what should welfare mean and they still work for me. I could probably come up with more and some of the things listed here I tend to forget or ignore but for the most part this is what my worldview could be boiled down to.
From what I've seen, from legislation passed to issues debated to methods of governance the Republican party is antithetical to most of the values listed above. And then to realize that almost 70% of my life has been spent with a Republican president in office. That I came of age during the Reagan years, REAGAN, I didn't think it was possible to detest a president more until W. That I have seen 1 very possibly 2 elections stolen. That I have seen the writ of habeas corpus, the constitution, freedom of speech come under direct attack from our own government. That I have seen America become a practitioner of torture. That I have seen the government actually fail to respond to a national disaster. That our nation continues to become divided into the super rich and the debtor poor and our economy has been brought to its knees in order to maintain that division. That all of these things, in my mind, derive specifically from Republican rule.
Yeah, this election means a lot to me and it should mean a lot to everyone else. We are actually on the verge of electing someone who embodies the ideals that make America exceptional. So, yeah, I will be crying tonight. For the return of hope. For the return of the helping hand of America. For the restoration our reputation as the arbiter of the world. For rebirth of the belief of I am my brothers keeper. For the return of an individual and collective sense of responsibility.
Some videos to help you through the waiting:
Feels good
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11.03.2008
On Obama's grandmother passing
Very sad, it means his victory tomorrow will be tempered with...I can't think of the right word, seriousness, thoughtfulness...
This comment:
Regardless of the outcome of the election, it is a big deal. I interrupted my class to tell them of the sad news of Obama’s grandmother passing. I said that on the eve of what may be his great achievement, he does not have his mom, his dad nor his grandmother or grandfather. One student put it in perspective. “Yes, “she said, “but he has us…”
Comment by Daddio - November 3, 2008 at 5:17 pm
from this WSJ article made me tear up a bit. We're all in this together now.
This comment:
Regardless of the outcome of the election, it is a big deal. I interrupted my class to tell them of the sad news of Obama’s grandmother passing. I said that on the eve of what may be his great achievement, he does not have his mom, his dad nor his grandmother or grandfather. One student put it in perspective. “Yes, “she said, “but he has us…”
Comment by Daddio - November 3, 2008 at 5:17 pm
from this WSJ article made me tear up a bit. We're all in this together now.
10.30.2008
The gift that keeps on giving
Just when I think McLame can't get any more pathetic he proves me wrong.
They know.
McCain going to Maine. Why would he do that? Maine is a SOLID Obama lock with a 17 point pollster.com aggregate lead. He's doing it to make sure Susan Collins wins Senate re-election. They need to stop the bleeding and try to keep the Dems from reaching the filibuster proof 60 seats. Expect to see McCain visits in the coming days to Kentucky, North Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, and Minnesota. All states where a Democrat has a very good chance of flipping a Republican seat.
Stealing elections
Republicans only win when fewer people vote. Which is why they try so hard to disenfranchise people and suppress the vote. Too bad for them that this election will be a landslide. Can't steal this one from us.
10.29.2008
Will we ever see justice for Don Siegelman?
Don't know who Don Siegelman is? He is the former Governor of Alabama, who was brought up on trumped up corruption charges, convicted, and immediately sent to federal prison for a 7 year sentence. Almost eight months later he was released pending his appeal. There are substantial questions about the case and specifically about the role of one Karl Rove.
Can't come soon enough
LIEberman to be removed from his Chairmanship. Anyone who reads this blog regularly (all 5 of you) knows of my utter contempt for the junior Senator from Connecticut. He needs to just get it over with and become a Republican, I might even be able to muster up some respect for him as a Republican... nah, he'd still be an asshat.
10.28.2008
10.26.2008
R.I.P.
6 years ago yesterday, Senator Paul Wellstone was killed in a plane crash. As the self-proclaimed "Democratic wing of the Democratic Party" he was one of my heroes. An unrepentant and unwavering voice of progressive politics and policies he was often a lonely voice in the wilderness. But today his legacy lives on. I wish he were here to see Obama win and the resurgence of the Democratic party and hopefully a resurgence of progressivism.
10.23.2008
Props to the peeps.
Some may disagree with me but I don't see how Barack Obama would be on the verge of the landslide victory that is about to happen without the netroots. Peter Daou over at Huffington Post agrees.
10.20.2008
ManchuCandidate for the win.
Over at Wonkette there is a post about Barack's incredible September fundraising, $150,000,000 (thank you Sarah Palin!). In the comments, ManchuCandidate has a funny observation:
"I wonder if Howard Dean doesn’t call up Harold Ford Jr and Rahm Emanuel every day and go: “50 State Strategy Bitches! Yeeeeeeeeeargh!”"
I bet he does, Manchu, I bet he does.
"I wonder if Howard Dean doesn’t call up Harold Ford Jr and Rahm Emanuel every day and go: “50 State Strategy Bitches! Yeeeeeeeeeargh!”"
I bet he does, Manchu, I bet he does.
10.06.2008
I've said it before and I'll say it again...
Speaking of travel...
Definitely going to Iceland next year
It seems that their economy is in even more of a freefall than ours. Which means Iceland might be one of the few European countries where the dollar is actually worth something. I guess that's a bit opportunistic but, hey, I ain't rich, gotta go where the deals are.
9.13.2008
John McCain is a lying liar.
And don't get me started on his trophy
see Sarah Palin pictures
And he's out of touch with normal people.
And applesauce hates him.
9.10.2008
9.05.2008
MWAHAHAHAHA
That's McCain giving his convention speech last night. But what is that behind him on the screen? Duh, it's Walter Reed Middle School. Wait, what? Do you think they meant to show Walter Reed Army Medical Center? Pathetic. Or, wait, maybe McCain was actually revealing his new veterans policy. Since he is so bad about supporting our veterans perhaps he has decided that instead of giving our wounded vets the medical attention they deserve he'll send them back to middle school, ya see, he does support the GI Bill.
8.29.2008
Slackin'
So much going on, I've got 3 posts in draft form and at least 3 more in my head, hopefully I'll get to at least a couple tonight.
In the meantime, my parents, Obama supporters.
In the meantime, my parents, Obama supporters.
8.24.2008
Klaatu Barada Nikto
I think that is the hand from the Evil Dead movies.
Apparently, the hand helped DC United beat Colorado 3-0.
8.20.2008
So obvious once you see it.
The blindingly obvious solution to the "Real Sex Education vs. abstinence-only programs" problem:
Serious teen on cell: If you use a condom... It doesn't count.
--Murray Hill
From here.
Serious teen on cell: If you use a condom... It doesn't count.
--Murray Hill
From here.
Lieberman - Reason #483 for my hatred of him
So, Joe "Rape victims can just drive to another hospital" Lieberman is going to speak at the Republican National Convention. Too bad for Joe his days of anyone listening to him are numbered to 76 (if I did my math right).
Oh, and the AP agrees with me.
Oh, and the AP agrees with me.
8.19.2008
8.13.2008
Game. Set. Match.
The best part about President Obama is the possibility of the beginning of the end of the bigotry against skinny guys.
Photos courtesy The Huffington Post via Wonkette.
Photos courtesy The Huffington Post via Wonkette.
Foiled Yet Again
Well, the US go 3 and out in yet another international tournament, this time the Olympics. At least Mexico didn't even qualify.
8.12.2008
The Revolution Starts Now
I was walkin’ down the street
In the town where I was born
I was movin’ to a beat
That I’d never felt before
So I opened up my eyes
And I took a look around
I saw it written ‘cross the sky
The revolution starts now
Yeah, the revolution starts now
The revolution starts now
When you rise above your fear
And tear the walls around you down
The revolution starts here
Where you work and where you play
Where you lay your money down
What you do and what you say
The revolution starts now
Yeah the revolution starts now
Yeah the revolution starts now
In your own backyard
In your own hometown
So what you doin’ standin’ around?
Just follow your heart
The revolution starts now
Last night I had a dream
That the world had turned around
And all our hopes had come to be
And the people gathered ‘round
They all brought what they could bring
And nobody went without
And I learned a song to sing
The revolution starts now
Just recently found Steve Earle. His album "The Revolution Starts... Now" came out in August 2004 and was supposed to herald the return of sanity in America. It was supposed to be the soundtrack of the rejection of the neocons. Didn't happen that way. But this time maybe it will stick.
My Mom sent me this article, Racism and the Race, saying how much it scares her that, we Americans are still so unenlightened, blinded, fearful, that we will let race hold us back. That we will shoot ourselves in the foot or, more accurately, in the face and elect McCain simply because Obama is black.
My response is:
"The revolution starts now
When you rise above your fear
And tear the walls around you down
The revolution starts here"
Here and now.
Here and now.
The revolution starts.
Sometimes sheer force of will, sweat and work are the only things that make change happen. We can not fail.
So, I ask, "So what you doin’ standin’ around?"
Also, I may have dismissed them too soon, just heard this recently:
8.11.2008
Straight up Geek Rap. Represent.
Higgs boson in da house.
Higga, please!
Sounds like someone has been listening to Northern State.
Love has no limits
If this doesn't bring a tear to your eye, you are dead inside.
Also, can this be exhibit #1 for dispelling the myths that animals don't have feelings, exist only through survival instinct, have no memory and therefore no concept of self, and are unable to convey complex ideas to other animals?
Also, rockin' 70's haircuts.
Also, can this be exhibit #1 for dispelling the myths that animals don't have feelings, exist only through survival instinct, have no memory and therefore no concept of self, and are unable to convey complex ideas to other animals?
Also, rockin' 70's haircuts.
8.06.2008
BREAKING: Paris Hilton says something funny...and sorta smart
Armageddon is upon us.
Hooray For Anything sums up my feelings about this perfectly over at Wonkette.
"I’m a little conflicted about this. On the one hand, Paris represents the decline and fall of Western Civilization. On the other hand, she pwned him."
See more funny videos at Funny or Die
Hooray For Anything sums up my feelings about this perfectly over at Wonkette.
"I’m a little conflicted about this. On the one hand, Paris represents the decline and fall of Western Civilization. On the other hand, she pwned him."
8.05.2008
I want my MTV, no wait, I want my grass flip-flops
That's right, grass flip-flops,. Eat your heart out, Dunkin'.
This is good
From this NYT article:
"In the 26 states and the District of Columbia where registration data were available, the total number of registered Democrats increased by 214,656, while the number of Republicans fell by 1,407,971."
That's 1,622,627 in favor of the Democrats. The popular vote difference in 2004 was 3,012,166 in favor of W. The difference in Ohio where the Repubs stole that election was 118,775. In 2000, the popular vote difference was 543,895 in favor of Al Gore and the difference in Florida where the Repubs stole that election was 537.
What does all that mean? It means things are looking good for the good guys.
"In the 26 states and the District of Columbia where registration data were available, the total number of registered Democrats increased by 214,656, while the number of Republicans fell by 1,407,971."
That's 1,622,627 in favor of the Democrats. The popular vote difference in 2004 was 3,012,166 in favor of W. The difference in Ohio where the Repubs stole that election was 118,775. In 2000, the popular vote difference was 543,895 in favor of Al Gore and the difference in Florida where the Repubs stole that election was 537.
What does all that mean? It means things are looking good for the good guys.
8.04.2008
I cross against the light
All I Require in Exchange Is Your First-Born
via Overheard in New York, Aug 4, 2008
I noticed when I was in Austin, TX that NO ONE crossed the street against the light even when there were NO cars in sight.
Tourist woman: I am waiting until the sign says "walk"!
10-year old: Lady, then you're going to be here for a while.
Tourist woman: I don't want to cross by myself.
10-year old: Uh. I'll cross with you.
--Greene St
via Overheard in New York, Aug 4, 2008
I noticed when I was in Austin, TX that NO ONE crossed the street against the light even when there were NO cars in sight.
8.01.2008
Traditional media sucks; Evidence# 5,643
So, one reporter puts a quote in an article and NONE of the networks followed up to check the full quote, or to verify it, or try to interpret what Obama was actually trying to convey. Why? Because doing that would destroy the message they wanted to give. As you see in the clip eventually they came around to, "Oh wait, maybe he was actually saying the exact opposite of what we reported that he said." A$$hats. Except for Rachel Maddow, thank you Rachel.
7.29.2008
7.28.2008
7.17.2008
Hello from Austin, TX!
I'm still having a little bit of a hard time believing that I'm actually in frakkin' Texas. Talk about a state I never expected to visit. Anyway I'm here at Netroots Nation, THE epicenter of new progressive movement created, fueled and expanded by the liberal bloggers.
So, anyway here's a couple pics I've taken:
Lobby at the Hilton
Checkin
Convention Center sign #1
Convention Center sign #2
Darcy Burner checking in.
Our fearless leader of the DNC, Howard Dean
The pic that is not here is of Markos Moulitsas (founder of DailyKos, one of the founding fathers/mothers of the liberal blogosphere). I was walking along when he came up the escalator right beside me, but he was with his wife (I think) and carrying his child, didn't seem appropriate to take a picture. I would make a lousy paparrazi.
More to come, I'm hungry.
So, anyway here's a couple pics I've taken:
Lobby at the Hilton
Checkin
Convention Center sign #1
Convention Center sign #2
Darcy Burner checking in.
Our fearless leader of the DNC, Howard Dean
The pic that is not here is of Markos Moulitsas (founder of DailyKos, one of the founding fathers/mothers of the liberal blogosphere). I was walking along when he came up the escalator right beside me, but he was with his wife (I think) and carrying his child, didn't seem appropriate to take a picture. I would make a lousy paparrazi.
More to come, I'm hungry.
7.02.2008
Elitist snob
I sure hope the Republicans keep pushing that "Obama is an elitist" smear. 'Cuz all the elitists I know sit around in folding $10 lawn chairs from Sports Authority, watching their daughter's soccer game and joking around with their wives.
McCain should just throw in the towel now.
7.01.2008
Mercedes - leading the way
So, I'm seeing stories that Mercedes has announced that they will stop production of petroleum based vehicles by 2015. I haven't been able to find the actual press release and I'm not sure if "petroleum based vehicles" includes diesel or not (I assume it does not, but they seem pretty heavily invested in their diesel engines). But, whether it includes diesel or not, this is a great move and a fairly emphatic indication of the state of oil, it's done. And unless they change their ways this is the death knell for American auto makers. The Japanese already have a 10-15 year head start on hybrids and now the Europeans will leapfrog the hybrids to non-gas based cars, leaving the Americans two steps behind.
6.30.2008
Ben-ny Ol-sen! Ben-ny Ol-sen! Ben-ny Ol-sen!
What a great game that was. United destroyed the Galaxy, Beckham was non-existant, Landycakes got a bloody nose and the heart and soul of DC United was back on the field. I must admit I got a little choked up when Moreno handed the captain's armband to Olsen. BTW, I am totally taking credit for starting the Ben-ny Ol-sen chant.
Nice WaPo article here.
Pic courtesy Michael Connor/Washington Times
Oh yeah, and it turns out Becks can't sell a win at DC. HA!
6.24.2008
Is there anything he can't sell?
The answer is no, there is nothing he can't sell... as long as he doesn't speak.
For a second there I thought the woman was Cynthia Nixon. Too bad, that would have been awesome.
6.11.2008
Beer for Obama
Also, check this out. Apparently, McCain can't even monitor the comments on his own website. And he thinks he should be in charge of the country?
5.31.2008
5.30.2008
So, about Scottie's book
So, former chief liar White House spokesperson, Scottie McClellen has written a book saying that most of what he said as spokesperson was lying propaganda.
Karl Rove's response:
Well, Karl, you are correct it does sound like a left-wing blogger because we were/are FUCKING RIGHT. Sorry for the profanity but sometimes there is just no other way to convey something.
Karl Rove's response:
This doesn't sound like Scott, it really doesn't, not the Scott McClellan I've known for a long time. Sounds like a left-wing blogger.
Well, Karl, you are correct it does sound like a left-wing blogger because we were/are FUCKING RIGHT. Sorry for the profanity but sometimes there is just no other way to convey something.
5.29.2008
Hey
Hillary, Bill, Terry McAuliffe, Howard Wolfson, Geraldine Ferraro, James Carville, Harold Ickes:
Doesn't look like his daughters are too pleased with you either.
Doesn't look like his daughters are too pleased with you either.
5.28.2008
This is fun
Found this Electoral College tracking tool. My most pessimistic prediction is a 270-268 Obama win (need 270 to win). The swing state for me - Virginia. And actually, in this scenario, Obama loses Ohio, Pennsylvania and Florida.
My most optimistic is 362-176 landslide. I think the deep South, with the exception of Florida (can we give it back to the Spanish already) is very much in play. I could see North Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi and Louisiana going for Obama. Also, the Mountain West and the Southwest might have some surprises. I think Nevada, New Mexico and Colorado are all in play, with New Mexico almost sure to go blue. Montana, North and South Dakota might be possible with Montana being the most likely.
My most optimistic is 362-176 landslide. I think the deep South, with the exception of Florida (can we give it back to the Spanish already) is very much in play. I could see North Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi and Louisiana going for Obama. Also, the Mountain West and the Southwest might have some surprises. I think Nevada, New Mexico and Colorado are all in play, with New Mexico almost sure to go blue. Montana, North and South Dakota might be possible with Montana being the most likely.
OMGWTF!
Words almost fail me. The jackassiest president in all past and future history just surpassed his own record for jackassiness.
5.13.2008
West Virginia results coming in... zzzzz
I started this post yesterday morning:
So WV voters are going to overwhelmingly endorse Clinton maybe by as much as 40%. So what. By that I mean it really isn't going to make much of a difference in the nominating process. WV has 28 pledged delegates at stake and I think the most likely split is 19-9 for Clinton. And apologies to all the people who aren't racist in WV but 25% of Clinton voters cited race as a deciding factor. The demographics of WV, for the most part, mean that Clinton wins the over 65 crowd, the poor, the under-educated and the bigots, sounds like a Republican's wet dream. Hopefully, Obama is able to win over some of the over 65 crowd, the poor, and under-educated. Screw the bigots.
Wednesday:
First, for any Obama supporters who are feeling nervous or depressed, don't worry read this. The best part is the counter to "no Democrat has won the presidency without winning WV's 5 electoral votes." No Democrat has won the presidency without winning DC...and Obama won DC by 52%.
Which also brings me to this:
Notice where Obama took the lead? That's right, the Potomac Primary. Makes me proud to be a Virginian.
Finally, the real stories from yesterday. MS-01, which proves that no Republican seat is safe (DCCC press release), and NE-Sen, which proves once again that the Netroots have clout.
Something else to chew on: if you're not white and not male and not straight and not Christian, you're probably a Democrat. Minorities are not minorities when they are together and they overwhelmingly identify with the Democratic party and they are stepping into roles of power within the party. The Republicans have the white, male, straight, Christians, we have everyone else. I would speculate that the Republicans won't even have that demographic much longer.
So WV voters are going to overwhelmingly endorse Clinton maybe by as much as 40%. So what. By that I mean it really isn't going to make much of a difference in the nominating process. WV has 28 pledged delegates at stake and I think the most likely split is 19-9 for Clinton. And apologies to all the people who aren't racist in WV but 25% of Clinton voters cited race as a deciding factor. The demographics of WV, for the most part, mean that Clinton wins the over 65 crowd, the poor, the under-educated and the bigots, sounds like a Republican's wet dream. Hopefully, Obama is able to win over some of the over 65 crowd, the poor, and under-educated. Screw the bigots.
Wednesday:
First, for any Obama supporters who are feeling nervous or depressed, don't worry read this. The best part is the counter to "no Democrat has won the presidency without winning WV's 5 electoral votes." No Democrat has won the presidency without winning DC...and Obama won DC by 52%.
Which also brings me to this:
Notice where Obama took the lead? That's right, the Potomac Primary. Makes me proud to be a Virginian.
Finally, the real stories from yesterday. MS-01, which proves that no Republican seat is safe (DCCC press release), and NE-Sen, which proves once again that the Netroots have clout.
Something else to chew on: if you're not white and not male and not straight and not Christian, you're probably a Democrat. Minorities are not minorities when they are together and they overwhelmingly identify with the Democratic party and they are stepping into roles of power within the party. The Republicans have the white, male, straight, Christians, we have everyone else. I would speculate that the Republicans won't even have that demographic much longer.
5.12.2008
This makes me sad.
Whenever I think of my DC United heroes: Marco Etcheverry,Jaime Moreno, John Harkes, Eddie Pope, Carlos Llamosa I always leave out Ben Olsen. Because, for me, he is a given, the bedrock upon which the tradition of United has been built. So when I hear that he, like Josh Gros, may have to retire prematurely, it makes me sad.
5.07.2008
It's all over but the crying
With Obama's win in NC and squeaker loss in IN Clinton is done. Playing around with CNN's delegate tracker there are ways that she could still pull it out. But those scenarios are so unlikely as to be non-existent. Let's start with an across the board number for all the remaining races. If she wins all of them (WV, KY, OR, MT, SD, PR) by 85% she would still need 60% of the remaining unannounced super delegates. That 85% is impossible. Hell, in IN McCain only won 77% running unopposed.
So, let us look at some more realistic results. WV - she will win WV and she'll win it big. I'll give her the best result she has had and say she wins it 65%-35%. For many of the same reasons she will win KY, probably not by as large a margin but for argument's sake we'll say she does. OR looks like an Obama win and it should be a comfortable 5%-10% margin but we'll say he squeaks by with a 52%-48% win. I haven't seen any polls for MT so it is a bit of a mystery, it is more rural which favors Clinton but it is a Mountain West state which favors Obama. The netroots/blogger community has been very influential in the rise of the MT Democratic party which also favors Obama. I'm sure there are other factors but I'm going to give it slightly to Obama, 52%-48%. SD I think is similar to MT with the exception of the netroots/blogger influence. The one poll I've seen from there had Obama 46% Clinton 34% with 10% undecided. We'll give Clinton all of the undecideds and split the mystery missing 10% to give Obama another 52%-48% squeaker. Finally, PR. For reasons I can't figure out Clinton does very well with Hispanics so we'll give her another landslide 65%-35%. Given all that she would still need 78% of the super delegates.
In conclusion, right now Clinton could technically still pull it off. But, here are the absolute numbers. If Obama gets 188 of the remaining 488 delegates it doesn't matter what else happens. I don't think he reaches that number until after the last primaries on June 3. For that reason, I don't think Clinton should concede yet, BUT, I do think she should recognize the inevitable and change her campaign focus from bringing down Obama to unifying the party and attacking McCain. Will she do that? I doubt it but unlike her and her supporters I have HOPE.
Update: Something I noticed about their respective websites. They both have a "Find an Event" tool. Clinton's defaults to within 250 miles of your zip code. Obama's defaults to within 100 miles. Clinton's turns up 4 events, Obama 237 events at the 250 mile distance.
So, let us look at some more realistic results. WV - she will win WV and she'll win it big. I'll give her the best result she has had and say she wins it 65%-35%. For many of the same reasons she will win KY, probably not by as large a margin but for argument's sake we'll say she does. OR looks like an Obama win and it should be a comfortable 5%-10% margin but we'll say he squeaks by with a 52%-48% win. I haven't seen any polls for MT so it is a bit of a mystery, it is more rural which favors Clinton but it is a Mountain West state which favors Obama. The netroots/blogger community has been very influential in the rise of the MT Democratic party which also favors Obama. I'm sure there are other factors but I'm going to give it slightly to Obama, 52%-48%. SD I think is similar to MT with the exception of the netroots/blogger influence. The one poll I've seen from there had Obama 46% Clinton 34% with 10% undecided. We'll give Clinton all of the undecideds and split the mystery missing 10% to give Obama another 52%-48% squeaker. Finally, PR. For reasons I can't figure out Clinton does very well with Hispanics so we'll give her another landslide 65%-35%. Given all that she would still need 78% of the super delegates.
In conclusion, right now Clinton could technically still pull it off. But, here are the absolute numbers. If Obama gets 188 of the remaining 488 delegates it doesn't matter what else happens. I don't think he reaches that number until after the last primaries on June 3. For that reason, I don't think Clinton should concede yet, BUT, I do think she should recognize the inevitable and change her campaign focus from bringing down Obama to unifying the party and attacking McCain. Will she do that? I doubt it but unlike her and her supporters I have HOPE.
Update: Something I noticed about their respective websites. They both have a "Find an Event" tool. Clinton's defaults to within 250 miles of your zip code. Obama's defaults to within 100 miles. Clinton's turns up 4 events, Obama 237 events at the 250 mile distance.
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