Well, now that I have a laptop and internet access again, it's time to start writing. Let's start with a few quick topics in the news about which I've been stewing:
The Republican Party
Sigh. What happened? Why are they insistent on following a philosophy to continue running their party into the ground? I have several republican friends who would make for much better leaders (and who are only about 25 years old). Here's a few quick thoughts:
1. Christianity is not the answer when the majority of American's aren't Christian! Whatever happened to separation of Church and State?
2. Axe Michael Steele! I remember seeing him make a fool of himself on Bill Maher last year and thinking, how was this guy a Lt. Governor. What do the repubs do? Elect him as their leader! Amazing. Did that watch that show? Put me on a stage against him and I'll run him into the ground.
3. Tax cuts (for the rich). It's pretty clear that America wants the Government in their lives. While nobody likes to pay taxes, I'm pretty sure that the rich shouldn't pay less than the poor percentage-wise. If you have it, why not help. $20 to me means a lot more than $20 to Bill Gates.
4. Social Issues. Why do Repubs preach less government in your personal life when they're trying to legislate issues like gay marriage and abortion? Again, the majority of American's favor gay marriage and are pro-abortion. Why do they insist on saying that the country in center-right when in actuality, it's center-left? It's like refusing to believe the Earth revolves around the Sun or not believing in evolution...oh wait...
Steroids in Baseball:
Way back when Slammin' Sammy and Marky Mark were hitting dingers into the next state, I can safely say I knew that they were on "special" vitamins. While I was a lot younger than I am now, I knew that their body types could not simply come from hard work and dedication. I remember specifically one summer in high school...I worked out religiously with my Dad in Atlanta almost every day. For three months we absolutely KILLED ourselves. We took protein powder, creatine, altered our diets, pretty much every trick in the book to get bigger and faster (except 'roids). In the beginning of that summer, my Dad could bench about 225 pounds and I could throw up around 150. After three months, I was able to get up to 185, while he increased his bench to 260. I couldn't believe how much I had improved!
Let's put that in perspective. Does anyone remember David Ortiz when he played for the Minnesota Twins? I sure don't. But if you do look back at his first few years in the big leagues, he was SKINNY! He didn't hit for power, whatsoever. From 1997 to 2002 his highest home run total was 20. He arrives in Boston in 2003 and promptly hits 31, 41, 48, 54 and 35 dingers. I know what you're thinking - yes, he had Manny hitting with him and maybe his work ethic substantially increased. I love David Ortiz - he can hit the heck of a baseball and is by all accounts, a great person. However, please explain to me why, at only 33, he suddenly can't seem to get the ball out of the infield? I'm pretty sure steroids can't help someone like me hit the ball out of the park, but I'm also sure that they could potentially lift a ball from the warning track to the stands...either way, I doubt we'll know for sure. Going back to my Father/Son anecdote - we worked our butts off and saw improvement, but nothing hardly earth-shattering. So now I'm supposed to believe that A-Rod's bench increased from 110 to 310 in one summer? Really? At this point, everyone is guilty until proven innocent (except my boy, Ken Griffey Jr!).
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Ducati 848 Review
Sophia!
In December of 1995, amidst a bevy of holiday activity, a simple yet humorous movie was quietly released to the public – Grumpier Old Men. While the movie itself consists mostly of an aging Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau straining to recapture the “Oscar” and “Felix” chemistry of old, the true star of the film is the ageless, scene-stealing Sophia Loren. The shock from Loren’s intoxicatingly beautiful Italian silhouette hit me with enough force to break down the thick adolescent wall restricting boys from becoming men.
Mamma mia!
Thirteen years later during an all too short summer weekend, another red-colored Italian knocked me on my heels…the Ducati 848, an 849.4 cc L-twin engine (intrinsically different yet equally impressive to Sophia’s “twins”) with enough power to outrun middleweight sportbikes of today and literbikes of yesterday. Much like the recent 2006 Triumph Daytona 675, the Ducati 848 is a class re-definer.
The lines on the all-new 2008 Ducati 848 (list price $12,995) now mirror those of a new Maserati – angular, purposeful and distinctly Italian. Any fears of Ducati dropping the proverbial design ball can officially be put to rest. Questionable design components have been eliminated (I’m looking directly at the 749 headlights!) while MotoGP-derived design elements have been further incorporated, helping to lower the motorcycle’s already impressive drag coefficient.
Perfecto!
The new middleweight Ducati replaces the 749, a strong all-around bike which managed only a few more cheers than jeers among loyal Ducati followers. Highlighted by a thoroughly revamped new engine utilizing Ducati’s legendary Desmodromic valve system, the extra power of the 848 can be felt throughout the rev range, easily controllable from Ducati’s precise throttle and smooth clutch. The 848’s engine effortlessly produces usable power from 3000rpm to the 11,000rpm redline, marked by a trio of red warning LEDs. With a sweet spot between 7,000rpm to 9,000rpm, the engine produces 15% more horsepower (134) and 10% more torque (70.8) than its predecessor.
Given the user-friendly nature of the engine, this is the ideal bike for spirited weekend riding on everything from quiet winding country roads to sharp, tactical canyon workouts. An upgraded tubular steel trellis frame, new brakes and reworked suspension all contribute to an enjoyable and predictable ride, allowing riders to quickly find their most efficient riding style. Balanced turn-in, perfectly hit apexes and exit speeds you never thought possible on a middleweight bike are all achievable on the 848.
Meraviglioso!
Ergonomically, the 848 ranks among the most comfortable sportbikes I have ridden. The 848 easily received my 6’6, 210lb frame, allowing for a good amount of fore and aft movement - enough room to explore multiple riding positions even if you’re a larger cyclist like myself. After a four-plus hour long roundtrip to and from San Diego, my legs successfully evaded the jello-like atrophy experienced when riding most sportbikes for more than an hour.
Sophia Loren, herself with an unforgettably deep and sensuously raspy voice, would undoubtedly appreciate the Italian symphony composed by the twist of your right wrist and played through the 848’s exhaust pipe, here doubling as your orchestra. Beginning with an auspiciously playful gurgle, the engine crescendos to an unrestrained, melodious howl when approaching redline. The best part – no need to purchase additional tickets, this musical performance can be enjoyed repeatedly each time you decide to upshift or downshift.
Fine.
After a long day of riding, I greatly appreciated the ability of the Ducati to act as both canyon carver and comfortable cruiser. Its versatile engine allows for a lazy but pleasurable stroll home after a day of bombing down challenging switchbacks and conquering decreasing radii highway off-ramps. While Ducati also offers the 848 in a pearl white finish, there’s really only one color to select - rosso. Sophia wouldn’t have it any other way.
In December of 1995, amidst a bevy of holiday activity, a simple yet humorous movie was quietly released to the public – Grumpier Old Men. While the movie itself consists mostly of an aging Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau straining to recapture the “Oscar” and “Felix” chemistry of old, the true star of the film is the ageless, scene-stealing Sophia Loren. The shock from Loren’s intoxicatingly beautiful Italian silhouette hit me with enough force to break down the thick adolescent wall restricting boys from becoming men.
Mamma mia!
Thirteen years later during an all too short summer weekend, another red-colored Italian knocked me on my heels…the Ducati 848, an 849.4 cc L-twin engine (intrinsically different yet equally impressive to Sophia’s “twins”) with enough power to outrun middleweight sportbikes of today and literbikes of yesterday. Much like the recent 2006 Triumph Daytona 675, the Ducati 848 is a class re-definer.
The lines on the all-new 2008 Ducati 848 (list price $12,995) now mirror those of a new Maserati – angular, purposeful and distinctly Italian. Any fears of Ducati dropping the proverbial design ball can officially be put to rest. Questionable design components have been eliminated (I’m looking directly at the 749 headlights!) while MotoGP-derived design elements have been further incorporated, helping to lower the motorcycle’s already impressive drag coefficient.
Perfecto!
The new middleweight Ducati replaces the 749, a strong all-around bike which managed only a few more cheers than jeers among loyal Ducati followers. Highlighted by a thoroughly revamped new engine utilizing Ducati’s legendary Desmodromic valve system, the extra power of the 848 can be felt throughout the rev range, easily controllable from Ducati’s precise throttle and smooth clutch. The 848’s engine effortlessly produces usable power from 3000rpm to the 11,000rpm redline, marked by a trio of red warning LEDs. With a sweet spot between 7,000rpm to 9,000rpm, the engine produces 15% more horsepower (134) and 10% more torque (70.8) than its predecessor.
Given the user-friendly nature of the engine, this is the ideal bike for spirited weekend riding on everything from quiet winding country roads to sharp, tactical canyon workouts. An upgraded tubular steel trellis frame, new brakes and reworked suspension all contribute to an enjoyable and predictable ride, allowing riders to quickly find their most efficient riding style. Balanced turn-in, perfectly hit apexes and exit speeds you never thought possible on a middleweight bike are all achievable on the 848.
Meraviglioso!
Ergonomically, the 848 ranks among the most comfortable sportbikes I have ridden. The 848 easily received my 6’6, 210lb frame, allowing for a good amount of fore and aft movement - enough room to explore multiple riding positions even if you’re a larger cyclist like myself. After a four-plus hour long roundtrip to and from San Diego, my legs successfully evaded the jello-like atrophy experienced when riding most sportbikes for more than an hour.
Sophia Loren, herself with an unforgettably deep and sensuously raspy voice, would undoubtedly appreciate the Italian symphony composed by the twist of your right wrist and played through the 848’s exhaust pipe, here doubling as your orchestra. Beginning with an auspiciously playful gurgle, the engine crescendos to an unrestrained, melodious howl when approaching redline. The best part – no need to purchase additional tickets, this musical performance can be enjoyed repeatedly each time you decide to upshift or downshift.
Fine.
After a long day of riding, I greatly appreciated the ability of the Ducati to act as both canyon carver and comfortable cruiser. Its versatile engine allows for a lazy but pleasurable stroll home after a day of bombing down challenging switchbacks and conquering decreasing radii highway off-ramps. While Ducati also offers the 848 in a pearl white finish, there’s really only one color to select - rosso. Sophia wouldn’t have it any other way.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
"Hello" : Author - MAW3
Yesterday is history. But there ain't nothing new under the sun.
The past and present need each other, if ever the future is to become.
What comes next I do not know. I'm anxious for its arrival but fearful at the same time for I've learned.... nothing is as it seems. Good deeds get done in vain. And dreams can be slain by whomever holds the blade with the sharp edges.
My charge to myself has wavered at times. Sometimes it is to stay strong, stable and steadfast on my course and greatness will find me. Other times it has been to blaze the trail before me, lest the current surroundings bore me, and sprint toward my goal with all deliberate pace. But if there is nothing new under the sun and history proves to serve correct, then I know of at leas one feeling to expect. A warm churn in my stomach. Slightly discomforting. Yet the signal of one of life's memorable moments getting ready to occur. And if there is nothing new under the sun, I know that when i lay eyes on you, I'll have no choice but to be breathless. I know it will be YOU, because before I turn blue, You will breathe life back into me when you say "hello". I don't know what this will mean to you, but for me this moment shall last for all of time.
This moment,, just like the two before it, will ultimately shape who I am in this world. This moment, just like the two before it, will change you as a woman. But I know, just like the two before you, that you don't know this. You don't know that you will be taking down the pictures of us kissing just as fast as you will rush to kiss me again. And you will be boxing up my gym shorts, old t-shirts, boxers and my toothbrush just as fast as you'll be calling me to come over and get undressed all over.
Like the one before, I don't know if I'll give you my heart and completely give in to the only desire of continuously making you smile... only to be stuck breathless when you say "i don't think 'we' are going to work anymore. I just can't do it..." with no hope of you breathing life back into me. Or like the one before her, I don't know if it will be me that's caught in the whirlwind of green grass on that side of the street or the fool's gold glittering before my eyes... and decide that my heart is no longer with you. Indeed, the grass was green for a number of years. But for every summer, there is a winter... and grass doesn't survive in the cold. I can only hope it comes back even greener in the spring time.
But just like the two before, I know it will be the best moment of both of our lives , even if its only for a moment. And if there is nothing new under the sun, then we will have such a good time together. We will talk with nothing to say; but only to hear the sounds of each other's voices. We'll go places with nothing to do; but only to hold hands as we stroll. You are so pleasing to my eyes. The way you turn heads when you walk thru a room and the way strangers see us together and say "boy, you two sure look good together!"... or "Man, take care of her. That's a good looking woman!" are the moments when we really know we have something special. And it can be for an hour, a day, a year, or a lifetime.... but it will be special. And we will smile on the inside.
Whether I'm what you've been waiting on our entire life or if you are merely taking off your cool & taking a chance with someone a little different from the rest, this timeless moment will be etched into history. I don't know who you are. I don't know what you think of all of this. And you could be anywhere in the world right now. That could be you I see everyday on the way to work... or it could be you right here next to me, with a warm churning feeling in our stomach. Slightly discomforting. Yet the signal of one of life's memorable moments getting ready to occur.
Yesterday is history. and there ain't nothing new under the sun. The past and present need each other, if ever the future is to become. The wind was knocked out of me for a moment. But despite being breathless for that moment, I'm hopeful at the same time. For history tells me that you will breath life into me again when you say... "hello".
The past and present need each other, if ever the future is to become.
What comes next I do not know. I'm anxious for its arrival but fearful at the same time for I've learned.... nothing is as it seems. Good deeds get done in vain. And dreams can be slain by whomever holds the blade with the sharp edges.
My charge to myself has wavered at times. Sometimes it is to stay strong, stable and steadfast on my course and greatness will find me. Other times it has been to blaze the trail before me, lest the current surroundings bore me, and sprint toward my goal with all deliberate pace. But if there is nothing new under the sun and history proves to serve correct, then I know of at leas one feeling to expect. A warm churn in my stomach. Slightly discomforting. Yet the signal of one of life's memorable moments getting ready to occur. And if there is nothing new under the sun, I know that when i lay eyes on you, I'll have no choice but to be breathless. I know it will be YOU, because before I turn blue, You will breathe life back into me when you say "hello". I don't know what this will mean to you, but for me this moment shall last for all of time.
This moment,, just like the two before it, will ultimately shape who I am in this world. This moment, just like the two before it, will change you as a woman. But I know, just like the two before you, that you don't know this. You don't know that you will be taking down the pictures of us kissing just as fast as you will rush to kiss me again. And you will be boxing up my gym shorts, old t-shirts, boxers and my toothbrush just as fast as you'll be calling me to come over and get undressed all over.
Like the one before, I don't know if I'll give you my heart and completely give in to the only desire of continuously making you smile... only to be stuck breathless when you say "i don't think 'we' are going to work anymore. I just can't do it..." with no hope of you breathing life back into me. Or like the one before her, I don't know if it will be me that's caught in the whirlwind of green grass on that side of the street or the fool's gold glittering before my eyes... and decide that my heart is no longer with you. Indeed, the grass was green for a number of years. But for every summer, there is a winter... and grass doesn't survive in the cold. I can only hope it comes back even greener in the spring time.
But just like the two before, I know it will be the best moment of both of our lives , even if its only for a moment. And if there is nothing new under the sun, then we will have such a good time together. We will talk with nothing to say; but only to hear the sounds of each other's voices. We'll go places with nothing to do; but only to hold hands as we stroll. You are so pleasing to my eyes. The way you turn heads when you walk thru a room and the way strangers see us together and say "boy, you two sure look good together!"... or "Man, take care of her. That's a good looking woman!" are the moments when we really know we have something special. And it can be for an hour, a day, a year, or a lifetime.... but it will be special. And we will smile on the inside.
Whether I'm what you've been waiting on our entire life or if you are merely taking off your cool & taking a chance with someone a little different from the rest, this timeless moment will be etched into history. I don't know who you are. I don't know what you think of all of this. And you could be anywhere in the world right now. That could be you I see everyday on the way to work... or it could be you right here next to me, with a warm churning feeling in our stomach. Slightly discomforting. Yet the signal of one of life's memorable moments getting ready to occur.
Yesterday is history. and there ain't nothing new under the sun. The past and present need each other, if ever the future is to become. The wind was knocked out of me for a moment. But despite being breathless for that moment, I'm hopeful at the same time. For history tells me that you will breath life into me again when you say... "hello".
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Debate
I was proud of Obama. He did what he had to do. He showed that he had a great command of the issues and he acted very presidential. Which is important because the independents are looking for a reason not to vote for Obama...sorry, I'm drinking gin.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Suspending the blog...
Until I get some better ideas to write about...
I mean, come on, McCain. How stupid do they think we are? Let's even look back at what Bush said after 9/11. He said we need to go about our normal lives, shop, don't be afraid...blah blah blah. Even Bush had his head on straighter than crazy ass McCain. Blah! I'm out, no more for today, I can't take it!!!!!
I mean, come on, McCain. How stupid do they think we are? Let's even look back at what Bush said after 9/11. He said we need to go about our normal lives, shop, don't be afraid...blah blah blah. Even Bush had his head on straighter than crazy ass McCain. Blah! I'm out, no more for today, I can't take it!!!!!
Monday, September 22, 2008
George Carlin on Evangelicals
"Think about it. Religion has actually convinced people that there’s an invisible man living in the sky who watches everything you do, every minute of every day. And the invisible man has a special list of ten things he does not want you to do. And if you do any of these ten things, he has a special place, full of fire and smoke and burning and torture and anguish, where he will send you to live and suffer and burn and choke and scream and cry forever and ever ’til the end of time! But He loves you. He loves you, and He needs money! He always needs money! He’s all-powerful, all-perfect, all-knowing, and all-wise, somehow just can’t handle money! Religion takes in billions of dollars, they pay no taxes, and they always need a little more. Now, you talk about a good bull%#*? story. Holy #%*?!”
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Repub Rebuttals
How in the world are republican's claiming sexism is playing a part in this whole Palin fiasco? James Carville was on Larry King the other night and made a good point - how is it sexism to question the qualifications of someone running for the second highest office in the land? Wake up!
There was a McCain surrogate on Morning Joe today who said children of politicians have not been brought up in politics before 48 hours ago. Hmm...I seem to remember McCain himself making a joke about how Chelsea was the daughter of Hillary and Janet Reno. Funny how none of the hosts pointed that one out. It's also funny how the right acts all high and mighty like their shiza doesn't stink, when the actuality is that they've screwed up beyond belief. I'm 100% positive that I could do a better job running this country than McCain, Bush, Palin, or any one of those loons.
And, think about this - now that McCain is boycotting the media (what is this, 1st grade?) because he picked a woefully unprepared, inexperienced religious nut of a VP, what does this say about how he'll do with Putin or Ahmadinejad when they say things he doesn't like? Will he sit in a corner, put his ears in his ears and hold his breath until he gets his way? Grow up!!!!
Paz
There was a McCain surrogate on Morning Joe today who said children of politicians have not been brought up in politics before 48 hours ago. Hmm...I seem to remember McCain himself making a joke about how Chelsea was the daughter of Hillary and Janet Reno. Funny how none of the hosts pointed that one out. It's also funny how the right acts all high and mighty like their shiza doesn't stink, when the actuality is that they've screwed up beyond belief. I'm 100% positive that I could do a better job running this country than McCain, Bush, Palin, or any one of those loons.
And, think about this - now that McCain is boycotting the media (what is this, 1st grade?) because he picked a woefully unprepared, inexperienced religious nut of a VP, what does this say about how he'll do with Putin or Ahmadinejad when they say things he doesn't like? Will he sit in a corner, put his ears in his ears and hold his breath until he gets his way? Grow up!!!!
Paz
Quick Thought
To me, this is the most important political election ever – not just because a black man is running for President, but because our country has essentially derailed. I am truly hopeful that we as a people will do the right thing and elect Obama, but you never know. When I interact with McCain supporters I think of an old proverb (I’m guessing from the Bible): “There is none so blind as those who will not see.”
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Email About Palin
Here's an email I just sent out on Sarah Palin:
Ok, back from lunch, to finish...her speech definitely wasn't taken out of context (check the video) and she's had a history of similar statements citing how God wants us to do some sort of work. Here's a question - how is the right going to defend her crazy ass Pastor since the republicans had such a hard-on about Reverend Wright? Have you seen some of the things he's said? Here's an example:
"I hate criticisms towards the President," he said, "because it's like criticisms towards the pastor -- it's almost like, it's not going to get you anywhere, you know, except for hell. That's what it'll get you."
This is relevant because Palin wanted go all Fahrenheit 451 on a librarian who did not give her "full support" as Mayor, which amounted to Palin wanting to remove books with "inappropriate language". Really? Colin, you're an advocate of our Bill of Rights so i'm sure you like the First Amendment as much as I do:
So to sum it all up with some more fun facts:
At the end of the day, I can safely say that I'd do a better job as Vice President than this kook.
Sources:
Ok, back from lunch, to finish...her speech definitely wasn't taken out of context (check the video) and she's had a history of similar statements citing how God wants us to do some sort of work. Here's a question - how is the right going to defend her crazy ass Pastor since the republicans had such a hard-on about Reverend Wright? Have you seen some of the things he's said? Here's an example:
"I hate criticisms towards the President," he said, "because it's like criticisms towards the pastor -- it's almost like, it's not going to get you anywhere, you know, except for hell. That's what it'll get you."
This is relevant because Palin wanted go all Fahrenheit 451 on a librarian who did not give her "full support" as Mayor, which amounted to Palin wanting to remove books with "inappropriate language". Really? Colin, you're an advocate of our Bill of Rights so i'm sure you like the First Amendment as much as I do:
- [Former Wasilla mayor John Stein] says that as mayor, Palin continued to inject religious beliefs into her policy at times. "She asked the library how she could go about banning books," he says, because some voters thought they had inappropriate language in them. "The librarian was aghast." The librarian, Mary Ellen Baker, couldn't be reached for comment, but news reports from the time show that Palin had threatened to fire her for not giving "full support" to the mayor. (http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,1837918,00.html) and (http://www.adn.com/sarahpalin/story/510219.html)
So to sum it all up with some more fun facts:
- She was elected Alaska's governor a little over a year and a half ago. Her previous office was mayor of Wasilla, a small town outside Anchorage. She has no foreign policy experience.1
- Palin is strongly anti-choice, opposing abortion even in the case of rape or incest.2
- She supported right-wing extremist Pat Buchanan for president in 2000. 3
- Palin thinks creationism should be taught in public schools.4
- She's doesn't think humans are the cause of climate change.5
- She's solidly in line with John McCain's "Big Oil first" energy policy. She's pushed hard for more oil drilling and says renewables won't be ready for years. She also sued the Bush administration for listing polar bears as an endangered species—she was worried it would interfere with more oil drilling in Alaska.6
- How closely did John McCain vet this choice? He met Sarah Palin once at a meeting. They spoke a second time, last Sunday, when he called her about being vice-president. Then he offered her the position.7
Sources:
1. "Sarah Palin," Wikipedia, Accessed August 29, 2008
http://www.factcheck.org
http://www.factcheck.org
2. "McCain Selects Anti-Choice Sarah Palin as Running Mate," NARAL Pro-Choice America, August 29, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r 515&id 661-8285693-m.xl33x&t=1
http://www.moveon.org/r?r 515&id 661-8285693-m.xl33x&t=1
3. "Sarah Palin, Buchananite," The Nation, August 29, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r 736&id 661-8285693-m.xl33x&t=2
http://www.moveon.org/r?r 736&id 661-8285693-m.xl33x&t=2
4. "'Creation science' enters the race," Anchorage Daily News, October 27, 2006
http://www.moveon.org/r?r 737&id 661-8285693-m.xl33x&t=3
http://www.moveon.org/r?r 737&id 661-8285693-m.xl33x&t=3
5. "Palin buys climate denial PR spin—ignores science," Huffington Post, August 29, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r 517&id 661-8285693-m.xl33x&t=4
http://www.moveon.org/r?r 517&id 661-8285693-m.xl33x&t=4
6. "McCain VP Pick Completes Shift to Bush Energy Policy," Sierra Club, August 29, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r 518&id 661-8285693-m.xl33x&t=5
http://www.moveon.org/r?r 518&id 661-8285693-m.xl33x&t=5
"Choice of Palin Promises Failed Energy Policies of the Past," League of Conservation Voters, August 29, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r 519&id 661-8285693-m.xl33x&t=6
http://www.moveon.org/r?r 519&id 661-8285693-m.xl33x&t=6
"Protecting polar bears gets in way of drilling for oil, says governor," The Times of London, May 23, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r 520&id 661-8285693-m.xl33x&t=7
http://www.moveon.org/r?r 520&id 661-8285693-m.xl33x&t=7
7 "McCain met Palin once before yesterday," MSNBC, August 29, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r!119&id 661-8285693-m.xl33x&t=8
http://www.moveon.org/r?r!119&
Friday, August 22, 2008
No Longer Silent
So a lot has been happening on the political scene since my last post. Most importantly, I believe the 2008 Presidential Campaign has turned a corner. Below is a quick summary of happenings in the past few days of the race:
1. When asked how many houses he has, McCain answered "I'll have my staff get to you." Interestingly enough, McCain is the one attempting to paint Obama as elitist and out of touch, and yet McCain pays his butlers and maids a total of $270,000, $50,000 more than the median housing cost in the U.S.!
2. The U.S. and Iraq just agreed on a timetable (yes, the dreaded "T" word) for U.S. troop withdrawal. One staple of McCain's recent attacks is as follows: "Obama would rather lose a war in order to win a political campaign" because he wants to withdraw from Iraq prematurely (in his opinion). McCain can now officially be viewed in the same light as the Flat Earth Society, the Holocaust deniers and those who still believe in Bigfoot...oh wait, I thought we finally found him - whoops!
3. McCain continues to question Obama's overall judgement, saying he does not question Barack's patriotism, just his judgement. Well, let me steal a post on Digg for that one:
"When last fall he suggested bombing Pakistan if we had actionable intelligence you all laughed at him and called him an idiot. Then Bush did it. When he called for Timetables for withdrawal from Iraq (a war which we won a long time ago - we beat the Iraqi Army and Sadaam was executed- how is that a loss? It's been a civil war between Iraqi's since then) you all called him an idiot and today Condi Rice slipped into Baghdad and voila- Agreed to TIMETABLES. When Barack has been shouting for more troops in Afghanistan, you all laughed at him, but just yesterday the Pentagon sent 12,000 new troops there. It seems like Barack has pretty good judgment."
1. When asked how many houses he has, McCain answered "I'll have my staff get to you." Interestingly enough, McCain is the one attempting to paint Obama as elitist and out of touch, and yet McCain pays his butlers and maids a total of $270,000, $50,000 more than the median housing cost in the U.S.!
2. The U.S. and Iraq just agreed on a timetable (yes, the dreaded "T" word) for U.S. troop withdrawal. One staple of McCain's recent attacks is as follows: "Obama would rather lose a war in order to win a political campaign" because he wants to withdraw from Iraq prematurely (in his opinion). McCain can now officially be viewed in the same light as the Flat Earth Society, the Holocaust deniers and those who still believe in Bigfoot...oh wait, I thought we finally found him - whoops!
3. McCain continues to question Obama's overall judgement, saying he does not question Barack's patriotism, just his judgement. Well, let me steal a post on Digg for that one:
"When last fall he suggested bombing Pakistan if we had actionable intelligence you all laughed at him and called him an idiot. Then Bush did it. When he called for Timetables for withdrawal from Iraq (a war which we won a long time ago - we beat the Iraqi Army and Sadaam was executed- how is that a loss? It's been a civil war between Iraqi's since then) you all called him an idiot and today Condi Rice slipped into Baghdad and voila- Agreed to TIMETABLES. When Barack has been shouting for more troops in Afghanistan, you all laughed at him, but just yesterday the Pentagon sent 12,000 new troops there. It seems like Barack has pretty good judgment."
That's just three quick points I wanted to make before I left work for the weekend. I could write for an immeasurably longer period of time on this, but the upcoming conventions and VP pick (Biden?) will be more than enough fodder to fuel my upcoming posts. I shall leave you will Obama's newest ad, which, in my opinion, can't be any better:
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
2BP as Chuck Taylor?
So I recently found out that my Great-Great Grandmother on my Mom's side was Caucasian. Add that to the Scot-Irish, Cherokee, Choctaw, Spanish and African on my Dad's side and that makes for one hell of a mix! Best of all words - drinking ability of the Irish, resourcefulness of an American Indian, the sexy mystique of a Spaniard and the athletic ability of an African. Gotta love it!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Nigger
Even just reading the word makes your cringe...Over the years I have been a staunch advocate of not using the word, "Nigger". My feeling was that it brought up too many terrible feelings associated with slavery, Jim Crow, dogs, fire hoses, etc. However, after watching Nas' new video, "Be a Nigger Too", I can now officially say that I have pulled a John McCain (flip-flopped). For those of you who haven't seen it nor heard the song, Nas touches on the word, it's origins and why we might be so afraid of it. LINK .
Maybe it was me being young and now I'm grown, but I figured out that running from our past isn't the best thing to do to get over it. Instead, we should all embrace the good and the bad about our history...there's a great audio sample in Nas' song in which Paul Mooney asks (I'm paraphrasing), "How are white people going to ask us not to say the word when they made it up? And they made a song out of it! Eenie, meanie, minie, mo, catch a nigger by his toe..."
For those of you who think music (i.e. Hip-Hop) has gone downhill the past few years, well, you're correct. However, when artists like Nas come out with a song like this, which causes you to re-think the beliefs you had previously thought correct, it's a life-altering event. If I ever have the chance to meet Nas in person, I will tell him that that on June 10, 2008 at around 8:40 am, he changed my life. Thanks, Nasir.
Maybe it was me being young and now I'm grown, but I figured out that running from our past isn't the best thing to do to get over it. Instead, we should all embrace the good and the bad about our history...there's a great audio sample in Nas' song in which Paul Mooney asks (I'm paraphrasing), "How are white people going to ask us not to say the word when they made it up? And they made a song out of it! Eenie, meanie, minie, mo, catch a nigger by his toe..."
For those of you who think music (i.e. Hip-Hop) has gone downhill the past few years, well, you're correct. However, when artists like Nas come out with a song like this, which causes you to re-think the beliefs you had previously thought correct, it's a life-altering event. If I ever have the chance to meet Nas in person, I will tell him that that on June 10, 2008 at around 8:40 am, he changed my life. Thanks, Nasir.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
Hillary is Going Down!!
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/05/hillary-clint-1.html
ABC News' Kate Snow Reports: In an interview with the Argus Leader, Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., took the unusual step of invoking the assassination of Sen. Robert Kennedy, D-N.Y., when discussing the continuing Democratic nomination battle.
"My husband did not wrap up the nomination in 1992 until he won the California primary somewhere in the middle of June, right? We all remember Bobby Kennedy was assassinated in June in California. I don't understand it." Clinton said.
Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton responded: "Senator Clinton's statement before the Argus Leader editorial board was unfortunate and has no place in this campaign."
Sen. Clinton almost immediately tried to blunt the potential impact of her statement, telling reporters in South Dakota, "Earlier today I was discussing the democratic primary history and in the course of that discussion mentioned the campaigns that both my husband and Senator Kennedy waged in California in June in 1992 and 1968. And I was referencing those to make the point that we have had nomination primary contests that go into June that's a historic fact. The Kennedy's have been much on my mind for the last days because of Senator Kennedy."
"I regret that if my referencing that moment of trauma for our entire nation - particularly for that family - was in any way offensive," Clinton continued. "I certainly had no intention of that whatsoever. My view is that we have to look to the past and to our leaders who have inspired us and give us a lot to live up to and I'm honored to hold Senator Kennedy's seat in the United States Senate in the state of New York. And have the highest regard for the entire Kennedy family."
Clinton's statement stands in contrast to the initial reation from the Clinton camp.
"She was simply referencing her husband in 1992 and Bobby Kennedy in 1968 as historic examples of the nominating process going well into the summer. Any reading into beyond that would be inaccurate," responded Clinton campaign spokesperson Mo Elleithee.
The context of the statement came as Clinton said that reports that her campaign has made overtures to the Obama campaign about her being vice president or about an exit strategy were "flatly untrue."
"This is part of an ongong effort to end this before it's over," Clinton said. "I sure don't think it's over."
Clinton said that perhaps people are forgetting that there were other candidates in the past who were finishing a distant second and who went all the way to the convention. "I rememeber very well 1980, 1984, 1988, 1992," she said.
Clinton also said she would look to "the camp of my opponent for the source of those stories (about an Obama-Clinton ticket)."
"People have been tyring to push me out of this ever since Iowa," Clinton continued.
"Why?" the reporter asked. "I don't know. I don't know. I find it curious. Because it is unprecedented in history. I don't understand it. Between my opponent and some in the media there has been this urgency to end this. And historically, that makes no sense. So I find it a bit of a mystery," Clinton responded.
The reporter asked if she buys the argument that Democrats are seeking party unity.
"I don't because I've been around long enough. My husband did not wrap up the nomination in 1992 until he won the California primary somewhere in the middle of June, right? We all remember Bobby Kennedy was assassinated in June in California. I don't understand it," Clinton said.
Clinton said it was a "historical curiousity" to her that she is being pushed to leave the race and when asked if she thought it had anything to do with her gender, she said she would not speculate but noted that others have.
Clinton went on to argue -- as she has been arguing for some time -- that she is best positioned to beat John McCain in the fall. She cited Karl Rove's electoral maps obtained by ABC News last week as proof that she has a better chance of winning in November.
"Does that mean that my opponent can't win? Of course not. But based on what we know now, if you're a South Dakotan, who would your best bet be to win the White House? It would be me," Clinton said.
Pressed on whether Obama could win the presidency, Clinton said, "Of course he can win. Anything is possible in politics."
ABC News' Jake Tapper contributed to this report.
ABC News' Kate Snow Reports: In an interview with the Argus Leader, Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., took the unusual step of invoking the assassination of Sen. Robert Kennedy, D-N.Y., when discussing the continuing Democratic nomination battle.
"My husband did not wrap up the nomination in 1992 until he won the California primary somewhere in the middle of June, right? We all remember Bobby Kennedy was assassinated in June in California. I don't understand it." Clinton said.
Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton responded: "Senator Clinton's statement before the Argus Leader editorial board was unfortunate and has no place in this campaign."
Sen. Clinton almost immediately tried to blunt the potential impact of her statement, telling reporters in South Dakota, "Earlier today I was discussing the democratic primary history and in the course of that discussion mentioned the campaigns that both my husband and Senator Kennedy waged in California in June in 1992 and 1968. And I was referencing those to make the point that we have had nomination primary contests that go into June that's a historic fact. The Kennedy's have been much on my mind for the last days because of Senator Kennedy."
"I regret that if my referencing that moment of trauma for our entire nation - particularly for that family - was in any way offensive," Clinton continued. "I certainly had no intention of that whatsoever. My view is that we have to look to the past and to our leaders who have inspired us and give us a lot to live up to and I'm honored to hold Senator Kennedy's seat in the United States Senate in the state of New York. And have the highest regard for the entire Kennedy family."
Clinton's statement stands in contrast to the initial reation from the Clinton camp.
"She was simply referencing her husband in 1992 and Bobby Kennedy in 1968 as historic examples of the nominating process going well into the summer. Any reading into beyond that would be inaccurate," responded Clinton campaign spokesperson Mo Elleithee.
The context of the statement came as Clinton said that reports that her campaign has made overtures to the Obama campaign about her being vice president or about an exit strategy were "flatly untrue."
"This is part of an ongong effort to end this before it's over," Clinton said. "I sure don't think it's over."
Clinton said that perhaps people are forgetting that there were other candidates in the past who were finishing a distant second and who went all the way to the convention. "I rememeber very well 1980, 1984, 1988, 1992," she said.
Clinton also said she would look to "the camp of my opponent for the source of those stories (about an Obama-Clinton ticket)."
"People have been tyring to push me out of this ever since Iowa," Clinton continued.
"Why?" the reporter asked. "I don't know. I don't know. I find it curious. Because it is unprecedented in history. I don't understand it. Between my opponent and some in the media there has been this urgency to end this. And historically, that makes no sense. So I find it a bit of a mystery," Clinton responded.
The reporter asked if she buys the argument that Democrats are seeking party unity.
"I don't because I've been around long enough. My husband did not wrap up the nomination in 1992 until he won the California primary somewhere in the middle of June, right? We all remember Bobby Kennedy was assassinated in June in California. I don't understand it," Clinton said.
Clinton said it was a "historical curiousity" to her that she is being pushed to leave the race and when asked if she thought it had anything to do with her gender, she said she would not speculate but noted that others have.
Clinton went on to argue -- as she has been arguing for some time -- that she is best positioned to beat John McCain in the fall. She cited Karl Rove's electoral maps obtained by ABC News last week as proof that she has a better chance of winning in November.
"Does that mean that my opponent can't win? Of course not. But based on what we know now, if you're a South Dakotan, who would your best bet be to win the White House? It would be me," Clinton said.
Pressed on whether Obama could win the presidency, Clinton said, "Of course he can win. Anything is possible in politics."
ABC News' Jake Tapper contributed to this report.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Chris Rock On...
A few of my favorites:
On John McCain's age: "How you going to make decisions about the future when you aren't going to be here?"
On the primaries: "What are superdelegates anyway? Certain white people count for nine?"
On black people not voting for Obama: "He reminds me too much of me."
On race: "Marion Jones is in jail. Don't you feel safe?" And: "When I heard they were trying to get rid of the word n_____, I told my accountant to buy 800 shares of coon."
On John McCain's age: "How you going to make decisions about the future when you aren't going to be here?"
On the primaries: "What are superdelegates anyway? Certain white people count for nine?"
On black people not voting for Obama: "He reminds me too much of me."
On race: "Marion Jones is in jail. Don't you feel safe?" And: "When I heard they were trying to get rid of the word n_____, I told my accountant to buy 800 shares of coon."
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Almost There...
Barack wins North Carolina!!
CLICK HERE
Hopefully this will spur Billary to finally concede defeat. Be a grown-up about everything, Hill!
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