Monday, June 16, 2008
Friday, June 13, 2008
Millennials
Interesting, amusing article on the culture gap between Generation X and Generation Y (aka Millennials or "my generation" though I seriously frown on some of my cohort's behavior - see article).
p.s. Despite being 24, this article made me feel a bit old!
Calorie count legislation
As I'm sure you probably know, New York and California legislators are pushing restaurants to publish calorie counts. While I think it is important to have this freedom of information, particularly in chain restaurants and fast food joints, I am wholly against the idea of calorie counts on all menus, hell maybe even all chains (see link below). Maybe give patrons the option. I just don't think I need to know what that delicious piece of meat topped with sizzling butter or the pastry shelf at Tartine is doing to my waistline -- I'm already racked with guilt for my ability to afford such gluttonous luxuries, does one really need to bring health into it? In my opinion, the answer is a definite "no" - taste like that is too good to corrupt. In this case, ignorance really is bliss.
Suspected looters given Scarlett Letter treatment
Apparently, looting has become a problem in the Sichuan Province following the massive earthquake. I did not know that the public shaming tactic was still used. Does anyone else feel like we've had more than our share (and by "we", I mean "the world") of natural disasters recently?
Thursday, June 12, 2008
California Facing Drought
With this spring being the driest on record for much of the state, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared California to be in an official drought. What is being done to offset the effects of the water crisis?
- Gardeners must haul their own water from Mexico
- Wolfgang Puck to unveil new line of waterless meals
- Upon the conclusion of each Shamu Show at San Diego's SeaWorld, all persons seated in the Splash Zone must wring out their wet clothes over the lip of the orca tank
- Local radio stations required to play Garbage's "I'm Only Happy When It Rains" on the hour
- San Francisco will probably think up something young and hip to do
- Wildfires only allowed to rage out of control on odd-numbered days
- Spending $40 million to promote Napa Valley's new Chunky Pinot Noir
- Top scientific minds will be summoned to see if they can somehow utilize the immense body of water immediately to the state's left
*From The Onion, though the drought is very real.
Meanwhile, in Vegas (which is in the middle of a $%!&ing desert):
3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
show every 1/2 hour
8:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
show every 15 minutes
Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays
12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
show every 1/2 hour
8:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
show every 15 minutes
America going the way of the Romans, Greeks, etc.?
David Brooks examines the debt culture in America and the deterioration of financial morals. When did we stop being able to control ourselves?
Some scary figures excerpted:
Between 1989 and 2001, credit-card debt nearly tripled, soaring from $238 billion to $692 billion. By last year, it was up to $937 billion...
The agents of destruction are many. State governments have played a role. They aggressively hawk their lottery products, which some people call a tax on stupidity. Twenty percent of Americans are frequent players, spending about $60 billion a year. The spending is starkly regressive. A household with income under $13,000 spends, on average, $645 a year on lottery tickets, about 9 percent of all income.
Fifty-six percent of students in their final year of college carry four or more credit cards.
If financial values had not shifted so much, I do not think it would have been possible for certain things to have happened - obviously, the housing crisis is the first example to come to mind, but I think it probably also contributed to the spreading income gap in America (be sure to read "The Rich and the Rest of Us" for more talk of that). I need to meditate on this topic more, but I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts.
Some scary figures excerpted:
Between 1989 and 2001, credit-card debt nearly tripled, soaring from $238 billion to $692 billion. By last year, it was up to $937 billion...
The agents of destruction are many. State governments have played a role. They aggressively hawk their lottery products, which some people call a tax on stupidity. Twenty percent of Americans are frequent players, spending about $60 billion a year. The spending is starkly regressive. A household with income under $13,000 spends, on average, $645 a year on lottery tickets, about 9 percent of all income.
Fifty-six percent of students in their final year of college carry four or more credit cards.
If financial values had not shifted so much, I do not think it would have been possible for certain things to have happened - obviously, the housing crisis is the first example to come to mind, but I think it probably also contributed to the spreading income gap in America (be sure to read "The Rich and the Rest of Us" for more talk of that). I need to meditate on this topic more, but I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Play-by-play of Hillary's speech last night
From Wonkette, pretty funny.
Some excerpts:
9:30 — Ha ha, Terry McAuliffe just introduced Hillary Clinton, and then nothing happened, and he walked off and it was silent. Oh look, Hillary and Bill, coming out together. Bill is taking the lead, because he still thinks he is Governor of America.
9:36 — CROWD BACKGROUND EXAMINATION: Left to right: Gay photographer, Walt from Lost, a black gal with turtles on her shirt, Tony Soprano, fair-skinned Puritan pilgrim (from England), YO MAMA.
9:42 — She is very certain that her supporters have been “invisible.” Well sometimes, Hillary, the whiteness blends in with the clouds? If you’re looking from a certain angle? We don’t know, at all, what the hell she is saying.
9:53 — Well, she’s done. It seems pretty obvious that she’s using her leverage to force Obama to let her take over health care reform. Go for it, killer.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Monday, June 02, 2008
Hank's Divorce
At the end of this clip, Rip Torn has the most fantastic line (worth the wait) around 6 min, 50 sec. I've discovered that I really like the Larry Sanders Show - filled with 1990s nostalgia, and hilarious. Rip Torn and Jeffrey Tambor are definitely the cast highlights.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Going green.
You know what really irks me about this whole trend? People putting so much effort into buying the right lightbulb, while completing neglecting the obvious high-impact behavior of just reducing their own waste (because I've seen these same people with their environmentally-safe toilet paper go out and buy 3 cups of coffee from Starbucks and toss away all of that garbage). In a related vein, this sounds like a terrible idea. Why not just pay $9.99 and get the dvd forever?! Worst case scenario, you hawk it to a used cd/dvd dealer.
As a clarification, I think we should all try to do as much as we can to reduce our impact on the environment and while I think all of these new ways of doing so (consumer products, clean energy, etc. etc.) are great, we shouldn't forget about the common sense tactics we learned in elementary school. Things like turning off the lights/electronics when not in use, using as little disposable products as possible, and conserving water. Basics, people! Then when you've got that down, go ahead and get fancy.
As a clarification, I think we should all try to do as much as we can to reduce our impact on the environment and while I think all of these new ways of doing so (consumer products, clean energy, etc. etc.) are great, we shouldn't forget about the common sense tactics we learned in elementary school. Things like turning off the lights/electronics when not in use, using as little disposable products as possible, and conserving water. Basics, people! Then when you've got that down, go ahead and get fancy.
It just keeps getting worse.
Hillary Clinton's campaign makes a very sad attempt to be hip with a t-shirt contest. Take a glimpse at the truly pathetic choices here (haha although I must say that the pantsuit-shirt does make me laugh).
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Homes etc.
Stable for sheep in the Netherlands.
Awesome rug from John Pour Home. Reminds me of studying foreign language in high school, when everyone puts yellow sticky notes on the nouns in their rooms to help them learn. Or at least I did.Stolen from residential architecture blog.
This sounds trippy and fascinating.
"Miracle fruit" apparently rewires your taste buds, making sweet sour, bitter sweet, and so forth, because of a component called miraculin. Interesting...
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Esquire's Best Bars List
Great compilation of note-worthy bars by state. Sadly, I haven't been to any of the three bars in SF on the list, though I've heard many good things. Bourbon & Branch, in particular, I'd like to try. What really surprised me, however, is that I hadn't been to any of the Philly bars either. In fact, the only bars on the list I'd been to were in Delaware, New York and Maryland. Guess I'll have to work a little bit harder on my drinking...
Takes me back...
**From The Onion
Stolen Tour Bus Leads Police On Chase Of Historic Downtown Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA—Police were led on a reckless, high-speed pursuit past more than a dozen of downtown Philadelphia's most historically fascinating locations Tuesday, when an armed assailant hijacked a tour bus full of elderly retirees visiting from Cincinnati. "The suspect took command of the vehicle at Chestnut Street, home to Philadelphia's famous Carpenter's Hall, where the First Continental Congress met, and then fled north in the southbound lane of Sixth Street towards the Liberty Bell," said police commissioner Charles H. Ramsey, adding that the driver would have gotten a great view of Independence Hall at sunset had he had not careened off Walnut Street at 45 mph. "He then led police past several Victorian homes, including Edgar Allen Poe's residence from 1838 to 1844, where he penned such classics as the 'The Pit and the Pendulum' and 'The Tell-Tale Heart.'" Police reports indicate the chase ended when the tour bus jumped a curb, slammed into a cheesesteak stand, and exploded in a ball of flames.
Stolen Tour Bus Leads Police On Chase Of Historic Downtown Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA—Police were led on a reckless, high-speed pursuit past more than a dozen of downtown Philadelphia's most historically fascinating locations Tuesday, when an armed assailant hijacked a tour bus full of elderly retirees visiting from Cincinnati. "The suspect took command of the vehicle at Chestnut Street, home to Philadelphia's famous Carpenter's Hall, where the First Continental Congress met, and then fled north in the southbound lane of Sixth Street towards the Liberty Bell," said police commissioner Charles H. Ramsey, adding that the driver would have gotten a great view of Independence Hall at sunset had he had not careened off Walnut Street at 45 mph. "He then led police past several Victorian homes, including Edgar Allen Poe's residence from 1838 to 1844, where he penned such classics as the 'The Pit and the Pendulum' and 'The Tell-Tale Heart.'" Police reports indicate the chase ended when the tour bus jumped a curb, slammed into a cheesesteak stand, and exploded in a ball of flames.
Friday, May 23, 2008
The internet tackles one of life's most important problems...
Missing game pieces. Well, kind of. Anyway, did you know you can print out your own Monopoly money now? I just thought it was yet another neat use of the internet to take care of even the most minor inconveniences.
Simple pleasures
You know what's great? Sourdough english muffins with a little bit of cherry preserves and mascarpone. You know what else? Blood on the Tracks traveling via iPod into my brain. You know what else? Memorial Day Weekend. I get to leave work at 2 pm today and walk around in 70-degree sunshine. I'm not bragging, but sometimes I think it's important to be grateful for the little things that make one smile. Writing it down helps. What are you grateful for?
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Things I love about San Francisco, Part 562
Bay to Breakers!
Check the video for a glimpse of how I spent last Sunday. I don't think this could happen in any other city. FYI, there is a bit of nudity.
Check the video for a glimpse of how I spent last Sunday. I don't think this could happen in any other city. FYI, there is a bit of nudity.
Heart-warming in light of tragedy
Nicholas Kristof examines post-quake China and finds citizens willing to do their part to assist others in need, despite being relatively poor themselves. Additionally, he tackles the increasingly political (rather than dictatorial) attitudes of the Communist party leaders, particularly in the face of the disaster. Quite hopeful, I say, but we'll see what happens with the Olympics...
Stuff White People Like: Bumper Stickers
Though there is no conclusive evidence about the effectiveness of these stickers, white people show no signs of abandoning the campaign. In fact, there is a popular tale in white mythology that tells of an unenlightened man driving on the freeway who saw a bumper sticker on the back of a Subaru station wagon that said “Go Veg.” The sticker was so moving that he threw the hamburger he was eating right out the window and became a vegetarian on the spot. Two days later, he affixed the same bumper sticker to their car and the process began anew until enough people had changed their views to form what we now know as the city of Portland, Oregon.
Full post here. I've never understood the fascination myself, but then again, I don't drive a car. See entry #61 for a detailed description of how superior that makes me. ;-)
Full post here. I've never understood the fascination myself, but then again, I don't drive a car. See entry #61 for a detailed description of how superior that makes me. ;-)
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
More quotations on a variety of subjects
"It is an odd thing, but every one who disappears is said to be seen at San Francisco. It must be a delightful city, and possess all the attractions of the next world."
— Oscar Wilde
"I would rather someone be wrapped in the Constitution burning the flag than wrapped in the flag burning the Constitution."
— James Colorado (not a famous person, just a regular one with articulation -- found posted on some SF-related sites)
"Art is the greatest stimulus to life."
— Nietzsche
"The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed."
— Carl Jung
— Oscar Wilde
"I would rather someone be wrapped in the Constitution burning the flag than wrapped in the flag burning the Constitution."
— James Colorado (not a famous person, just a regular one with articulation -- found posted on some SF-related sites)
"Art is the greatest stimulus to life."
— Nietzsche
"The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed."
— Carl Jung
Weather-inspired quote
"I want to do with you what spring does with the cherry trees."
— Pablo Neruda
— Pablo Neruda
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
75,000!
What a rock star. I love it. I mean, to get that many people revved up about politics, the same way they'd get revved up about Coachella or Burning Man or Glastonbury.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Bob Dylan images
Felt the need to change my desktop background and watched I'm Not There over the weekend. That's more or less how I got here. Enjoy. 
I think I'm in love
Obama gets tough in the right way, and tells Americans the truth. Swoon!
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/may/19/barackobama.uselections2008
John McCain, that same Thursday morning, was giving a speech in part about the need to move beyond the partisan bickering of the last decade. Within an hour or two, following Bush's lead, McCain attacked Obama: "What does he want to talk about with Ahmadinejad, who said Israel is a stinking corpse?" The Obama campaign emailed reporters accusing Bush of launching "a false political attack".
Now here's the important part. In the past two presidential campaigns, that's where this would have ended. The Democrat "responded" for the record, but somewhat perfunctorily, while the Republicans got their point across: the Democrats are appeasers, the Democratic nominee wants to talk to terrorists and he won't keep the country safe.
Game, set, match. This is how Bush built margins of trust with voters over Al Gore and John Kerry on national-security questions. Invoke appeasement of Hitler, toss in Israel's safety: this is exactly the kind of thing that sent Gore and Kerry running for the hills. Even Bill Clinton, who knew better how to return a punch, would have tried to change the subject back to the economy.
But the current version of the story ends differently. Last Friday, in South Dakota, Obama gave an extended and aggressive press conference in which he hit back hard. Bush and McCain, he told Americans, "are trying to fool you. They're trying to scare you. And they're not telling you the truth." He ticked off the lies that were told about Iraq and the benefits that would redound from making war there, noting that not one of the promises had come to pass.
The headline that afternoon on the influential blog of Mark Halperin, of Time magazine, conveyed the takeaway: "Bam!! Bop!!!! Bash!!"
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/may/19/barackobama.uselections2008
John McCain, that same Thursday morning, was giving a speech in part about the need to move beyond the partisan bickering of the last decade. Within an hour or two, following Bush's lead, McCain attacked Obama: "What does he want to talk about with Ahmadinejad, who said Israel is a stinking corpse?" The Obama campaign emailed reporters accusing Bush of launching "a false political attack".
Now here's the important part. In the past two presidential campaigns, that's where this would have ended. The Democrat "responded" for the record, but somewhat perfunctorily, while the Republicans got their point across: the Democrats are appeasers, the Democratic nominee wants to talk to terrorists and he won't keep the country safe.
Game, set, match. This is how Bush built margins of trust with voters over Al Gore and John Kerry on national-security questions. Invoke appeasement of Hitler, toss in Israel's safety: this is exactly the kind of thing that sent Gore and Kerry running for the hills. Even Bill Clinton, who knew better how to return a punch, would have tried to change the subject back to the economy.
But the current version of the story ends differently. Last Friday, in South Dakota, Obama gave an extended and aggressive press conference in which he hit back hard. Bush and McCain, he told Americans, "are trying to fool you. They're trying to scare you. And they're not telling you the truth." He ticked off the lies that were told about Iraq and the benefits that would redound from making war there, noting that not one of the promises had come to pass.
The headline that afternoon on the influential blog of Mark Halperin, of Time magazine, conveyed the takeaway: "Bam!! Bop!!!! Bash!!"
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Digging Collins' sarcasm today.
A Victory Plan For Hillary
If Clinton wants to continue, there’s $11 million that says she has paid for the right to go the distance. But is it hopeless? Not entirely. Given the Democratic Party’s innovative method of doling out delegates, all that’s necessary for her to snatch the nomination is:
1) A big, big win in Kentucky next Tuesday. Ideally, Obama should be limited to no more than 100 votes.
2) Oregon, scheduled for the same day, inexplicably breaks off and sinks into the Pacific Ocean.
3) Puerto Rico, clocking in on June 1, not only gives Clinton a huge majority, but also manages to become a state in advance of the vote.
4) Finally, on June 3 as the South Dakota polls open, Thomas Jefferson’s head on Mount Rushmore comes to life and starts shouting, “You go, girl.”
If Clinton wants to continue, there’s $11 million that says she has paid for the right to go the distance. But is it hopeless? Not entirely. Given the Democratic Party’s innovative method of doling out delegates, all that’s necessary for her to snatch the nomination is:
1) A big, big win in Kentucky next Tuesday. Ideally, Obama should be limited to no more than 100 votes.
2) Oregon, scheduled for the same day, inexplicably breaks off and sinks into the Pacific Ocean.
3) Puerto Rico, clocking in on June 1, not only gives Clinton a huge majority, but also manages to become a state in advance of the vote.
4) Finally, on June 3 as the South Dakota polls open, Thomas Jefferson’s head on Mount Rushmore comes to life and starts shouting, “You go, girl.”
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Does anyone else get the feeling we're way over our heads in the Middle East?
By "we", I mean Americans and this Friedman column takes a look at our historical political initiatives there.
The Bush team, by contrast, in eight years has managed to put America in the unique position in the Middle East where it is “not liked, not feared and not respected,” writes Aaron David Miller, a former Mideast negotiator under both Republican and Democratic administrations, in his provocative new book on the peace process, titled “The Much Too Promised Land.”
“We stumbled for eight years under Bill Clinton over how to make peace in the Middle East, and then we stumbled for eight years under George Bush over how to make war there,” said Mr. Miller, and the result is “an America that is trapped in a region which it cannot fix and it cannot abandon.”
In general, when I read commentary on the Middle East (which, I'll admit, is not nearly as often as I read about domestic policy, but I try to stay informed) -- most of the article is spent explaining how things work and why, with very little concrete advice on how to proceed. Sometimes I get the feeling even the author isn't certain of the knowledge he or she is relying on. Makes me wish I had taken a Middle Eastern history course in college, or something to help me understand this whole situation better. I want to muse on this some more, but in the meantime, if anyone has any resources they'd like to recommend, I welcome it.
The Bush team, by contrast, in eight years has managed to put America in the unique position in the Middle East where it is “not liked, not feared and not respected,” writes Aaron David Miller, a former Mideast negotiator under both Republican and Democratic administrations, in his provocative new book on the peace process, titled “The Much Too Promised Land.”
“We stumbled for eight years under Bill Clinton over how to make peace in the Middle East, and then we stumbled for eight years under George Bush over how to make war there,” said Mr. Miller, and the result is “an America that is trapped in a region which it cannot fix and it cannot abandon.”
In general, when I read commentary on the Middle East (which, I'll admit, is not nearly as often as I read about domestic policy, but I try to stay informed) -- most of the article is spent explaining how things work and why, with very little concrete advice on how to proceed. Sometimes I get the feeling even the author isn't certain of the knowledge he or she is relying on. Makes me wish I had taken a Middle Eastern history course in college, or something to help me understand this whole situation better. I want to muse on this some more, but in the meantime, if anyone has any resources they'd like to recommend, I welcome it.
Colbert takes on Bill O'Reilly's vintage Inside Edition meltdown
Honestly, I think everything about this is hilarious.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Did we somehow end up with the short end of the stick?
Generally, I think I have a pretty good life. As the first four-year college graduate in my family line, I definitely feel like I'm at a better place than my parents at 24 years old. I'm sure they would agree. However, on the grand scale - it seems that my generation might be facing much tougher times than previous generations (basically the boomers have really messed things up for us, and us for ourselves, most likely). Bob Herbert artfully (and tragically) describes it as the loss of the American dream. Thus, the importance (which I have been preaching about for years) of political involvement from the get-go. Believe me, the other generations are protecting their interests - and because, in a democracy, real change stems primarily from mass, coordinated action - we need to get our shit together and stop the apathy. The good news is (I love when there is good news!), it seems to be happening. Barack Obama is obviously the catalyst - but, as cheesy as it is, he's also right about this - we are the change we've been waiting for. It's like, for the past eight years, we've all been waiting for everyone else to step up. And vice-versa. Once we got a sense that others of our age/values/mindsets were taking accountability for ensuring this one (guh - don't even get me started on the 2004 election...) goes right, once we had someone who could inspire us to actually desire a well-informed state of being, well then, the changes in ourselves and our colleagues started appearing. A few years ago, I don't think I could actually believe I would ever know THIS MUCH about politics at their current state. Pet issues, sure - but details about two candidates policies, personal lives, histories, campaign goals, etc. etc. etc. - not so much. And it's not just me - it's a very large percentage of my friends. I'm just musing at the moment - there is a lot here I'd like to address, but unfortunately do not possess the time right now (oh how I wish I could stop using that phrase - where does the time go?) - but I believe things are heading in the right direction. The important thing is that we recognize our own significance, the changes that we have every potential to make. Now that we're nearly done debating Clinton v. Obama with fellow twenty-somethings (or whomever) - it's time to figure out how we're going to make sure the change we all voted for, the vague idea that the toxic political atmosphere could clear, the renewed sense of hope - let's make sure the conservatives don't kill it. I think the GOP is probably already assuming younger folks won't show up for the general election - that's not let it slip through our fingers again. Stay involved, informed, and willing to engage. I can't wait to take on some of my Republican friends (I know, can you believe it? But I'm from Lancaster county, give me a break!) and I hope the rest of you young'uns feel the same. We're a big group with a lot of political power - we just haven't been using it. Time to start using our demographic strength - seems like we'll be needing it for quite a while.
Whoops!
A New York NBC News anchor drops the f-bomb live. Hardly the first time, but still - how do people keep making this mistake?
Monday, May 12, 2008
A little too morbid for my taste...
You've probably heard about the horrific earthquake that happened in China by now - thousands are estimated to have perished. CNN's coverage of this tragedy includes video footage - and I'm all for visuals, BUT is this really necessary?
"Watch as the death toll rises »"
Does anyone really want to watch as the death toll rises? This isn't primary coverage, these are dead people. CNN (and others!) - show some respect, eh?
"Watch as the death toll rises »"
Does anyone really want to watch as the death toll rises? This isn't primary coverage, these are dead people. CNN (and others!) - show some respect, eh?
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Friday, May 09, 2008
Wolfgang's Vault Gets Even Better
Now available - the "I'm Not There" benefit concert (the dvd is out - get it!) and indie Mondays. I'm loving it. I just wish there were more available for download...
Update: I found this cover of "Masters of War" (set at the beginning to the tune of "The Star-Spangled Banner") by The Roots to be a pretty interesting listen.
Update: I found this cover of "Masters of War" (set at the beginning to the tune of "The Star-Spangled Banner") by The Roots to be a pretty interesting listen.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Dusty: Who knew Steve Allen was so hip???
Dusty (cont.): All interviews need to be conducted in that manner, not all with a piano,but the hosts need to be playing some sort of instrument while they talk.
Agreed, my friend. I just love that this piece is AVAILABLE, and with such ease. Lordy, the times they are a-changin'...
Brooks begins to redeem himself
David Brooks contrasts the vastly different styles of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Most of the argument we've heard before, but here was the part that shocked me:
She peddled her sham gas-tax holiday and repeated her attempt to blame Indiana’s job losses on outsourcing and Nafta. Stephanopoulos asked her to name a single economist who thinks a tax-holiday plan would work, and the daughter of Wellesley and Yale took the chance to shove the geeks into their lockers: “I’m not going to put my lot in with economists.”
When Stephanopoulos pointed out that Paul Krugman, a Times columnist, has raised doubts about the plan, Clinton lumped Krugman in with the Bush administration and said she wasn’t going to listen to the people responsible for the last seven years.
Ok I don't know how many of you are familiar with Paul Krugman, but he's WAY more liberal than I am (and despite my love of capitalism, I'm pretty liberal) and I believe he owns a Bush-faced dartboard. He's always been on the Democrats' side. Anyway, this was just shameful. Which I guess is the continuing theme of the Clinton campaign - I mean, it's gotten her this far, right? HA!
She peddled her sham gas-tax holiday and repeated her attempt to blame Indiana’s job losses on outsourcing and Nafta. Stephanopoulos asked her to name a single economist who thinks a tax-holiday plan would work, and the daughter of Wellesley and Yale took the chance to shove the geeks into their lockers: “I’m not going to put my lot in with economists.”
When Stephanopoulos pointed out that Paul Krugman, a Times columnist, has raised doubts about the plan, Clinton lumped Krugman in with the Bush administration and said she wasn’t going to listen to the people responsible for the last seven years.
Ok I don't know how many of you are familiar with Paul Krugman, but he's WAY more liberal than I am (and despite my love of capitalism, I'm pretty liberal) and I believe he owns a Bush-faced dartboard. He's always been on the Democrats' side. Anyway, this was just shameful. Which I guess is the continuing theme of the Clinton campaign - I mean, it's gotten her this far, right? HA!
This is why I love YouTube.
Who knew such awesome old stuff would eventually end up on there?
This (and the millions of other amateur videos like it) is why I don't. 4 stars, really?
Monday, May 05, 2008
Friedman scores again!
Another fabulous column from Thomas L. Friedman - he must have really rejuvenated on that book tour. I've copied way too much from the article below, but I just couldn't choose which bit to share. Read the whole thing; you won't regret it.
Our president’s latest energy initiative was to go to Saudi Arabia and beg King Abdullah to give us a little relief on gasoline prices. I guess there was some justice in that. When you, the president, after 9/11, tell the country to go shopping instead of buckling down to break our addiction to oil, it ends with you, the president, shopping the world for discount gasoline.
We are not as powerful as we used to be because over the past three decades, the Asian values of our parents’ generation — work hard, study, save, invest, live within your means — have given way to subprime values: “You can have the American dream — a house — with no money down and no payments for two years.”
Who will tell the people? We are not who we think we are. We are living on borrowed time and borrowed dimes. We still have all the potential for greatness, but only if we get back to work on our country.
I don’t know if Barack Obama can lead that, but the notion that the idealism he has inspired in so many young people doesn’t matter is dead wrong. “Of course, hope alone is not enough,” says Tim Shriver, chairman of Special Olympics, “but it’s not trivial. It’s not trivial to inspire people to want to get up and do something with someone else.”
It is especially not trivial now, because millions of Americans are dying to be enlisted — enlisted to fix education, enlisted to research renewable energy, enlisted to repair our infrastructure, enlisted to help others. Look at the kids lining up to join Teach for America. They want our country to matter again. They want it to be about building wealth and dignity — big profits and big purposes. When we just do one, we are less than the sum of our parts. When we do both, said Shriver, “no one can touch us.”
Friday, May 02, 2008
A halfway decent summer blockbuster?
I was pretty surprised today to find that Iron Man has actually gotten some pretty solid reviews. I've had mixed feelings about this film from the start:
a) I'm not a huge fan of typical summer action blockbusters - I almost always end up disappointed, so I've more or less stopped going.
b) On the other hand, I love Robert Downey Jr. Most recent example - his performance in Zodiac was definitely one of the major assets of the film.
c) I don't think the commercials do it justice at all, but the trailer seems to hit closer to the mark.
d) Jon Favreau directs. As much as I dig Swingers, and I as much as I loved his guest appearance in The Sopranos, it is now very hard to take him seriously in the role of a director. Like, really? Favreau? Maybe I'm just a snob though.
Anyway, I think my interest has piqued enough to perhaps go and pay the $10 to see it. If one of you beats me to the punch though (which is very likely), I'd be curious as to your thoughts.
a) I'm not a huge fan of typical summer action blockbusters - I almost always end up disappointed, so I've more or less stopped going.
b) On the other hand, I love Robert Downey Jr. Most recent example - his performance in Zodiac was definitely one of the major assets of the film.
c) I don't think the commercials do it justice at all, but the trailer seems to hit closer to the mark.
d) Jon Favreau directs. As much as I dig Swingers, and I as much as I loved his guest appearance in The Sopranos, it is now very hard to take him seriously in the role of a director. Like, really? Favreau? Maybe I'm just a snob though.
Anyway, I think my interest has piqued enough to perhaps go and pay the $10 to see it. If one of you beats me to the punch though (which is very likely), I'd be curious as to your thoughts.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Welcome back Friedman!
And what a way to come back - Friedman kicks some serious tail all 'round with a great column on climate change and government policy. Read it!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
WTF?
My Beautiful Mommy will no doubt lead to a generation of even more image-obsessed women - why on earth are bookstores allowing this monstrosity? Please, please, PLEASE no one buy this.
Defining Obama
Dylan Loewe does a great job with this examination of the recent lackluster quality of the Obama campaign. The suggestions he provides, I believe, are exactly what Obama needs.
Such a great idea.
So I popped a few of Blood, Sweat and Tears' greatest hits on my iPod. I'm notorious for planting musical boobytraps in my library since I'm such a fan of the shuffle. Anyway, whenever one of the BS&T songs comes on = instant smile because they are just hilarious. "And When I Die" has been a particularly stand-out track.
If it's peace you find in dying,
And if dying time is here,
Just bundle up my coffin'
Cause it's cold way down there.
Just bundle up my coffin...genius. Ha!
If it's peace you find in dying,
And if dying time is here,
Just bundle up my coffin'
Cause it's cold way down there.
Just bundle up my coffin...genius. Ha!
GREAT quote
"Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."
-Abraham Lincoln
So true.
-Abraham Lincoln
So true.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Hyphy
There are some Bay Area things I will most likely never understand.
Update: As a follow-up, when ghost riding goes wrong...
Slate imagines how Hillary could turn Springsteen's endorsement against Obama
So I'm a little late on this one, but still, found it funny enough to share post-primary.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Song To Bobby
Cat Power's ode to Dylan - beautiful, definitely the best track off of Jukebox. Get it.
Too cool
Earth's Hum Sounds More Mysterious Than Ever
I think the fact that the planet makes music speaks more eloquently to the absolute necessity of that art form than anything I've ever heard of.
Mark Morford provides an amusing commentary on the phenomenon.
I think the fact that the planet makes music speaks more eloquently to the absolute necessity of that art form than anything I've ever heard of.
Mark Morford provides an amusing commentary on the phenomenon.
PA Primary Thoughts
Thank you Steve Kornacki. I was very disappointed with David Brooks (as many of you are) for turning on Obama and Kornacki puts him in his place. Regarding the PA Clinton win - we all knew it was coming. As much faith as I have (had?) in my fellow Pennsylvanians - that was a ROUGH primary for Obama - between horrible debates, misspoken words, Hil-dog downing a shot of Crown Royal... definitely not the best set-up. But the good news is that he was projected to lose by a much larger percentage just a month or two ago, and the race was closer than many predicted.
“When Obama goes to a church infused with James Cone-style liberation theology, when he makes ill-informed comments about working-class voters, when he bowls a 37 for crying out loud, voters are going to wonder if he’s one of them,” wrote Mr. Brooks, a onetime Obama enthusiast, in a column titled “How Obama Fell to Earth.”
Add to that indictment Mr. Obama’s status as the “most liberal” member of the Senate (as determined, using questionable criteria, by the National Journal) and—voilà —the G.O.P. has its caricature: Barack Obama, the arrogant liberal elitist.
“A few months ago,” Mr. Brooks concluded, “Mr. Obama was riding his talents. … Now, Democrats are deeply worried their nominee will lose in November.”
Eh, not really. That logic fixates on all of the ammunition that Republicans have at their disposal against Mr. Obama. But it ignores the more basic question of whether voters, upon being exposed to the caricature, will actually buy into it.
As I have mentioned before - I think the voters JUST DON'T CARE. Plus, Hillary really is taking all the fun out of attacking Obama for the GOP. When she's done, all they can do is pick over the scraps. Obama hasn't taken nearly as many pot shots as Clinton - and boy are the Republicans going to have a field day if she turns out to be their opponent. Really, I just don't get the whole "electability" argument against Obama. Please come up with a fresh, preferably logical, argument Mrs. Clinton, or get out of the way already.
Update: Maureen Dowd actually manages to not embarass my gender today with her political commentary - here's an excerpt:
The very fact that he can’t shake her off has become her best argument against him. “Why can’t he close the deal?” Hillary taunted at a polling place on Tuesday.
She’s been running ads about it, suggesting he doesn’t have “what it takes” to run the country. Her message is unapologetically emasculating: If he does not have the gumption to put me in my place, when superdelegates are deserting me, money is drying up, he’s outspending me 2-to-1 on TV ads, my husband’s going crackers and party leaders are sick of me, how can he be trusted to totally obliterate Iran and stop Osama?
“When Obama goes to a church infused with James Cone-style liberation theology, when he makes ill-informed comments about working-class voters, when he bowls a 37 for crying out loud, voters are going to wonder if he’s one of them,” wrote Mr. Brooks, a onetime Obama enthusiast, in a column titled “How Obama Fell to Earth.”
Add to that indictment Mr. Obama’s status as the “most liberal” member of the Senate (as determined, using questionable criteria, by the National Journal) and—voilà —the G.O.P. has its caricature: Barack Obama, the arrogant liberal elitist.
“A few months ago,” Mr. Brooks concluded, “Mr. Obama was riding his talents. … Now, Democrats are deeply worried their nominee will lose in November.”
Eh, not really. That logic fixates on all of the ammunition that Republicans have at their disposal against Mr. Obama. But it ignores the more basic question of whether voters, upon being exposed to the caricature, will actually buy into it.
As I have mentioned before - I think the voters JUST DON'T CARE. Plus, Hillary really is taking all the fun out of attacking Obama for the GOP. When she's done, all they can do is pick over the scraps. Obama hasn't taken nearly as many pot shots as Clinton - and boy are the Republicans going to have a field day if she turns out to be their opponent. Really, I just don't get the whole "electability" argument against Obama. Please come up with a fresh, preferably logical, argument Mrs. Clinton, or get out of the way already.
Update: Maureen Dowd actually manages to not embarass my gender today with her political commentary - here's an excerpt:
The very fact that he can’t shake her off has become her best argument against him. “Why can’t he close the deal?” Hillary taunted at a polling place on Tuesday.
She’s been running ads about it, suggesting he doesn’t have “what it takes” to run the country. Her message is unapologetically emasculating: If he does not have the gumption to put me in my place, when superdelegates are deserting me, money is drying up, he’s outspending me 2-to-1 on TV ads, my husband’s going crackers and party leaders are sick of me, how can he be trusted to totally obliterate Iran and stop Osama?
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Vanity Fair on Bob Dylan
http://www.vanityfair.com/ontheweb/blogs/daily/2008/04/dylan.html
Pretty cool feature examining the tastes of Bob Dylan based on his XM radio show. I was surprised (and also very not surprised) about a lot of the artists on there. Nice visual too. I enjoyed the quotes they pulled from Dylan, as well - here are a few of my favorites:
Re: Leadbelly – “One of the few ex-cons who recorded a popular children’s album.”
“Some people call Bob [Seger] the poor man’s Bruce Springsteen, but personally, I always thought Bruce was the rich man’s Bob Seger. Love ‘em both, though.”
“Willie Nelson’s tour bus runs on cooking oil….I’ve toured with Willie…sometimes late at night you can see us, I’m filling up my tank at the gas station and he’s filling his up at Denny’s.”
Re: Howlin’ Wolf—“This next song is entirely without flaw and meets all the supreme standards of excellence.”
*personal side note - I've become obsessed with Howlin' Wolf - get some!
“The Harmonica is the world’s best-selling musical instrument. You’re welcome.”
“Lipstick traces on cigarettes can get you in trouble or remind you of the wonders of the night before.”
Pretty cool feature examining the tastes of Bob Dylan based on his XM radio show. I was surprised (and also very not surprised) about a lot of the artists on there. Nice visual too. I enjoyed the quotes they pulled from Dylan, as well - here are a few of my favorites:
Re: Leadbelly – “One of the few ex-cons who recorded a popular children’s album.”
“Some people call Bob [Seger] the poor man’s Bruce Springsteen, but personally, I always thought Bruce was the rich man’s Bob Seger. Love ‘em both, though.”
“Willie Nelson’s tour bus runs on cooking oil….I’ve toured with Willie…sometimes late at night you can see us, I’m filling up my tank at the gas station and he’s filling his up at Denny’s.”
Re: Howlin’ Wolf—“This next song is entirely without flaw and meets all the supreme standards of excellence.”
*personal side note - I've become obsessed with Howlin' Wolf - get some!
“The Harmonica is the world’s best-selling musical instrument. You’re welcome.”
“Lipstick traces on cigarettes can get you in trouble or remind you of the wonders of the night before.”
BMW-sponsored photography
Despite corporate sponsorship, I enjoyed these photographs of the Flavorpill cities. John Curley does the ones of San Francisco - I enjoyed the shot of the bridge in the bay and the reflection of different buildings in the windows. I wanted to post the pictures on here, but blogger isn't allowing me to upload images right now, so a link will have to do.
Ten Things to Remember on Tuesday Night
Great Huffington Post commentary - here's an excerpt: "Hillbots will rejoice, Obamabots will panic, and McCainbots will watch Murder She Wrote and go to bed at six-thirty." This is going to be a fun election.
WWE Raw: Candidates Steps Into The Ring
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/21/candidates-to-appear-on-monday-night-raw/
Thanks to Kate for this one. I haven't watched the videos yet, but wow.
Thanks to Kate for this one. I haven't watched the videos yet, but wow.
Monday, April 21, 2008
John Edwards on Colbert Report
I never knew he was so funny! Please consider VP, John...
This episode was fantastic (and all of them were filmed at UPenn's Annenberg Center this week). Other highlights: Barack Obama puts "distractions" on notice and Hillary Clinton fixes a screen.
This episode was fantastic (and all of them were filmed at UPenn's Annenberg Center this week). Other highlights: Barack Obama puts "distractions" on notice and Hillary Clinton fixes a screen.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
"What Clinton Wishes She Could Say" - My Response
This commentary was fraught with misconceptions from the get-go. I'll try and keep this an concise as possible.
[Hillary] and Bill Clinton both devoutly believe that Obama’s likely victory is a disaster-in-waiting. Naive Democrats just don’t see it. And a timid, pro-Obama press corps, in their view, won’t tell the story.
Great start - labeling all Obama supporters as "naive Democrats" - does that really seem likely? We're naive - not the candidate running against Obama's all-but-insurmountable lead in delegates (as well as the popular vote, mind you)?
Republicans will also ruthlessly exploit openings that Clinton — in the genteel confines of an intraparty contest — never could. Top targets: Obama’s radioactive personal associations, his liberal ideology, his exotic life story, his coolly academic and elitist style.
Ha! I mean, seriously? Hillary hasn't targeted them? She's hit them all (and more!) and Americans (American Democrats plus Independents and even some Republicans, if we're to believe exit polls) have made it clear that THEY DON'T CARE. These are hardly policy-altering traits and when one weighs Obama's pros (a.k.a. his policies, ideas, composure, intellect, unwillingness to engage in political nastiness, sound judgment in the past, etc. etc. etc.) against "his coolly academic and elitist style" - well, let's just say I'm starting to have more faith in the reasoning skills of the American people again (following Bush's eight-year-long vacuum of intelligence - how did that ever happen!?).
But there is reason to question whether he would be able to perform at average levels with other main pillars of the traditional Democratic coalition: blue-collar whites, Jews and Hispanics. He has run decently among these groups in some places, but in general he’s run well behind her.
Finally, a fair assumption - he has had trouble with those demographic groups. So I decided to look up voting statistics by race from 2004 and see how it all pans out. Here's what I found (since the author is dealing in extremes, I decided to as well) - let's assume McCain gets the entire Hispanic vote and Obama gets the entire black vote. Wanting to make this a safe assumption, I decided to give McCain 51% of the white vote and split the Asians evenly (though from my own personal experience, they seem to support Barack Obama above Hillary Clinton and certainly above a Republican). But this is basically a sensitivity analysis, so I wanted to underestimate my team's chances of winning. Based on the total # voting in 2004 - here's what happened:
That would mean Barack would win 51.6% to 48.4%. Now you can say that my assumptions are out-of-whack (I did just pull them out of my behind) - but I think that if anything, I gave McCain too much. As I'm sure you all know, the Democrats have a HUGE advantage this year and McCain hasn't really done much to show he'll be a strong candidate. I mean, check out this research from the Pew Center. Plus, the author was right - Obama will likely inspire record turn-outs in black and youth voters. I don't see McCain doing the same. Nor Hillary for that matter. But yes, I'm completely and utterly biased.
The article continues with a number of arguments over what the Republican party can and/or will bring up about Obama (all speculation, of course). But the evidence thus far shows that Americans don't care about that petty little stuff anymore. And that Obama is TOUGH (do you think anyone else could have turned the Wright controversy into a political bonus?), tougher than everyone thinks. We have a nation striving to get away from the policies of the past eight years - and it begins with the election. Bush made it quite clear how he used religion and fear to win the election (well, possibly win...). America doesn't want to get fooled again. But here's the bottom line:
That is why some friends describe Clinton as seeing herself on a mission to save Democrats from themselves. Her candidacy may be a long shot, but no one should expect she will end it unless or until every last door has been shut.
Once again, I'm forced to bring up the fact that Hillary ambitiously believes she can "save" the Democratic Party (while simultaneously attempting to destroy their most likely nominee), but she can't even run a campaign that was known from the beginning as "inevitable." I just don't buy it.
Bruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuce!
Bruce Springsteen Endorses Obama!!!
First of all, as an Obama-supporting Jersey girl - I love this. But more importantly, this comes at the perfect time for Obama. After the "bitter" comment uproar, he needed an endorsement from someone that the working man can relate to - and nobody understands and embodies both the troubles and the glories of the Mid-Atlantic region like the Boss. Fantastic news.
p.s. Bruce's influence in this region may be under-estimated by pundits, or not, but as for me, I think Obama's got the Pennsylvania primary on lockdown. I mean, does it get more patriotic than this:
I don't think so.
First of all, as an Obama-supporting Jersey girl - I love this. But more importantly, this comes at the perfect time for Obama. After the "bitter" comment uproar, he needed an endorsement from someone that the working man can relate to - and nobody understands and embodies both the troubles and the glories of the Mid-Atlantic region like the Boss. Fantastic news.
p.s. Bruce's influence in this region may be under-estimated by pundits, or not, but as for me, I think Obama's got the Pennsylvania primary on lockdown. I mean, does it get more patriotic than this:
I don't think so.
High-Def San Francisco
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Up-and-coming bands I'm digging
Expect to see (hear?) good things from:
She & Him
The pair of M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel has a lovely, lovely sound.
David Ford
An indie anglophile's dream boy.
Daily Show coverage of the "bitter" gaffe
Jon Stewart uses the one defense that makes so much sense, I never expected to hear it - I want my president to be better than I am!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Nutter and Clinton pair up
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/14/us/politics/14penn.html?ref=us
This article definitely had some embedded greatness in that it both gave voice to the difficulty of Americans trying to discuss race without being racist or saying anything that could possibly be construed as racist (1) and allowed for some humor about stereotypes of political endorsement (2).
1
Vivian McCabe, a grandmother, neighborhood block captain and supporter of both Mr. Nutter and Mr. Obama, expressed the frustration in a sidewalk interview the other day. “I was shocked,” she said, referring to Mr. Nutter’s endorsement of Mrs. Clinton. “Not because he’s black, but — I was just looking at him to...” She paused. “What words should I use?” she said. She could not come up with any.
2
“He’s a really nice guy who’s talking about really important issues,” Mr. Nutter said last week while sitting over a late dinner of grilled cheese and chocolate milk at his favorite diner, Little Pete’s, “and I am aware that he is African-American.” Mr. Nutter’s wit is dry almost to the point of brittle.
This article definitely had some embedded greatness in that it both gave voice to the difficulty of Americans trying to discuss race without being racist or saying anything that could possibly be construed as racist (1) and allowed for some humor about stereotypes of political endorsement (2).
1
Vivian McCabe, a grandmother, neighborhood block captain and supporter of both Mr. Nutter and Mr. Obama, expressed the frustration in a sidewalk interview the other day. “I was shocked,” she said, referring to Mr. Nutter’s endorsement of Mrs. Clinton. “Not because he’s black, but — I was just looking at him to...” She paused. “What words should I use?” she said. She could not come up with any.
2
“He’s a really nice guy who’s talking about really important issues,” Mr. Nutter said last week while sitting over a late dinner of grilled cheese and chocolate milk at his favorite diner, Little Pete’s, “and I am aware that he is African-American.” Mr. Nutter’s wit is dry almost to the point of brittle.
Barack Obama and economic elitism
Jane Smiley gets pissed off at the HuffPost over the Clinton backlash against Obama's SF remarks (the stage really was set for something like this, was it not?). Meanwhile, Nico Pitney remembers another snazzy politician saying something similar once.
"The reason (George H. W. Bush's tactic) works so well now is that you have all these economically insecure white people who are scared to death," Clinton was quoted saying by the Los Angeles Times in September 1991.
My personal opinion is that Obama misspoke (or more accurately, he phrased his ideas in a way that is a little too dangerous taken out of context) but did not mean to be condescending. It was reminiscent of Bob Dylan's song Only a Pawn in Their Game - the over-arching theme of which, like most timeless music, fits really well in our current situation, as well as his. "...[T]he poor white man's used in the hands of them all like a tool..." Clinton at least is doing her darndest to ratify that line.
"The reason (George H. W. Bush's tactic) works so well now is that you have all these economically insecure white people who are scared to death," Clinton was quoted saying by the Los Angeles Times in September 1991.
My personal opinion is that Obama misspoke (or more accurately, he phrased his ideas in a way that is a little too dangerous taken out of context) but did not mean to be condescending. It was reminiscent of Bob Dylan's song Only a Pawn in Their Game - the over-arching theme of which, like most timeless music, fits really well in our current situation, as well as his. "...[T]he poor white man's used in the hands of them all like a tool..." Clinton at least is doing her darndest to ratify that line.
And actually, I think this little summary from Robert Shrum really points out the absurdity of all the fuss:
The political question here, of course, is whether the Clinton and McCain campaigns can exploit Obama's remarks to tag him as an "elitist" -- a label, their focus groups probably tell them, that can really hurt. Ironically, Obama's the one raised by a single mother. He's the one who only recently finished paying off his student loans. He doesn't know what it's like to have $100 million. The opponents who are attacking him are the ones who inhabit that financial neighborhood.
Zing!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Brooks column on memory loss
The Great Forgetting
Best line: "It is especially painful when narcissists suffer memory loss because they are losing parts of the person they love most."
*I realize that Alzheimer's etc. is not funny - but I think Brooks treated the subject with respectful levity and managed to see the bright side of a potentially tragic nationwide epidemic: "shorter memoirs."
Best line: "It is especially painful when narcissists suffer memory loss because they are losing parts of the person they love most."
*I realize that Alzheimer's etc. is not funny - but I think Brooks treated the subject with respectful levity and managed to see the bright side of a potentially tragic nationwide epidemic: "shorter memoirs."
C'mon, we've all been there.
"Man, what a day," Blume said regarding his 16-hour battle with everything from public transportation to profound spiritual alienation.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Seriously?
Aspiring Politican Changes Name To Pro-Life
That's right. And it will appear on the ballot that way. Sham, much?
That's right. And it will appear on the ballot that way. Sham, much?
Taxes!
I know it's everyone's favorite subject, particularly at this time of year. Thanks to Evan for pointing me to this well-done tax matrix for the presidential candidates. I had a decent understanding (and support) of Obama's tax policies, and this reinforced my views.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
You've GOT to be kidding me!
Builders, Banks Could Get Tax Breaks
Here is the problem with what the American economy has become. After hearing about one too many fairy tales of entering the stock market at the right time, making millions, then getting out before the big bust - every investor now believes they can do it. When the logical course of events shows that they cannot, well, now they have the Super Fed around to save all the... poor helpless investment bankers. Basically, you have financial players purposefully creating bubbles, in hopes of profiting short-term, rather than investing with a more healthy, long-term approach. This strategy works, because even when it doesn't, the big banks have a big ol' government safety net - which creates moral hazard in terms of risk-reward assessment. Mark my words, if this sort of government action is allowed to continue, our booms and busts will continue to get closer and closer together, until the economy fluctuates like the seasons. And with that kind of instability, you can say goodbye to any sort of progress, any gains in our quality of life. With that kind of instability, America will one day be the world's Bear Stearns, and lord knows what country will play the role of JPMorgan (although China is looking increasingly likely...).
Side note: This Slate commentary focuses more on the bad economics of this policy than the bad principles - also a good read.
Here is the problem with what the American economy has become. After hearing about one too many fairy tales of entering the stock market at the right time, making millions, then getting out before the big bust - every investor now believes they can do it. When the logical course of events shows that they cannot, well, now they have the Super Fed around to save all the... poor helpless investment bankers. Basically, you have financial players purposefully creating bubbles, in hopes of profiting short-term, rather than investing with a more healthy, long-term approach. This strategy works, because even when it doesn't, the big banks have a big ol' government safety net - which creates moral hazard in terms of risk-reward assessment. Mark my words, if this sort of government action is allowed to continue, our booms and busts will continue to get closer and closer together, until the economy fluctuates like the seasons. And with that kind of instability, you can say goodbye to any sort of progress, any gains in our quality of life. With that kind of instability, America will one day be the world's Bear Stearns, and lord knows what country will play the role of JPMorgan (although China is looking increasingly likely...).
Side note: This Slate commentary focuses more on the bad economics of this policy than the bad principles - also a good read.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Garfield minus Garfield
**Thanks to Chris for this
http://garfieldminusgarfield.tumblr.com/
^It's exactly what it sounds like, but the results are more surprising than you'd think.
http://garfieldminusgarfield.tumblr.com/
^It's exactly what it sounds like, but the results are more surprising than you'd think.
Friday, April 04, 2008
Polling
81% in Poll Say Nation Is on the Wrong Track
These results don't surprise me at all. What does, however, is the poor phrasing of the poll's choices.
81 percent of respondents said they believed “things have pretty seriously gotten off on the wrong track,” up from 69 percent a year ago and 35 percent in early 2002.
I believe your other choice is "generally going in the right direction". Are all those qualifiers necessary? Must we be so timid in our polling? Why wasn't it: America is heading in the ______ direction - check "right" or "wrong". Sometimes simpler is so much better. Instead, we have things that have pretty seriously gotten off on the wrong track. Ugh.
These results don't surprise me at all. What does, however, is the poor phrasing of the poll's choices.
81 percent of respondents said they believed “things have pretty seriously gotten off on the wrong track,” up from 69 percent a year ago and 35 percent in early 2002.
I believe your other choice is "generally going in the right direction". Are all those qualifiers necessary? Must we be so timid in our polling? Why wasn't it: America is heading in the ______ direction - check "right" or "wrong". Sometimes simpler is so much better. Instead, we have things that have pretty seriously gotten off on the wrong track. Ugh.
Yes, that's it!
Morford clarifies why I've been feeling so good about the whole Obama campaign. Hint: It's not [just] him, it's me, and you, and you....
Another great thing about California
BevMo, oh BevMo - how will I ever live without thee? This burst of poetry could have only stemmed from BevMo's cherished 5-cent wine sale - which I took gleeful advantage of and managed to walk away with 12 pretty decent bottles for $60 (clearly I'm no connoisseur, but I do my best with my budget). Now it's dinner party time!
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Great column on U.S. v. Europe
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/03/opinion/03cohen.html?th&emc=th
More commentary later, but for now - just read it.
Willpower
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/02/opinion/02aamodt.html?em&ex=1207368000&en=389b01b889cd3fb2&ei=5087%0A
Just a lot of interesting observations about will power and what may be ahead in these hard economic times.
Just a lot of interesting observations about will power and what may be ahead in these hard economic times.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
10th Anniversary of In The Aeroplane Over The Sea
...and these guys made videos. Check 'em out.
http://www.tomatoes-radiowire.com/
http://www.tomatoes-radiowire.com/
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