Monday, August 30, 2004
Republicans Get Their Chance
Well, day one just wrapped up and it's always interesting to ask... if politicians speak and it's not on television do their words reverberate with the general public?
John McCain and Rudy Guliani hit the podium tonight, both speaking highly of W and the war in Iraq.
They spoke of freedom and the fact that terrorism grows from governments that oppress which is why we needed to take care of Saddam now...strange that no one mentioned that most of the terrorist were Saudis and that the government there oppresses as good as anyone, but that probably wasn't the point they wanted to make.
They both spoke well, McCain was very much on message while Rudy was a bit less formal and spoke with more bravado. Guliani attacked Kerry with verve on his changing of his mind on support for the war and told some wonderful anecdotes about Bush and 9/11.
There was plenty of reminders of 9/11 and a number of family members of the victims spoke. I'm still not a big fan of this attempt to use the families to promote a political party, but clearly the families have every right to express their views however they choose.
Probably the most important aspect was that both Guliani and McCain are moderate Republicans, both expressing their support for the President (despite the fact that he is anything but moderate.)
I'm looking forward to the rest of the convention. I'm sure at some point they'll bust out the far righters who will speak of the constitutional amendment against gay marriage or the plank in the platform that seeks to create a constitutional amendment giving embreyos equal rights under the 14th Amendment.
This is an interesting issue. The way the law is written, abortions of all kinds would be illegal. There would be no exceptions for mother's health, rape or incest. However, when questioned about the issue, Rick Santorum (a big republican supporter of the amendment) said that if a mother's life was in danger a termination probably could be performed in much the same way that if you were being attacked you could act in self-defense. Essentially saying that it's still murder, but it's self-defense so it's ok. The problem with that is if you run into an over-zealous prosecutor trying to make a name for himself, who doesn't believe the mother's life was truly in danger, he could prosecute both the mother and doctor on murder charges.
On top of that, who doesn't seek a return to the days of backroom abortions?
John McCain and Rudy Guliani hit the podium tonight, both speaking highly of W and the war in Iraq.
They spoke of freedom and the fact that terrorism grows from governments that oppress which is why we needed to take care of Saddam now...strange that no one mentioned that most of the terrorist were Saudis and that the government there oppresses as good as anyone, but that probably wasn't the point they wanted to make.
They both spoke well, McCain was very much on message while Rudy was a bit less formal and spoke with more bravado. Guliani attacked Kerry with verve on his changing of his mind on support for the war and told some wonderful anecdotes about Bush and 9/11.
There was plenty of reminders of 9/11 and a number of family members of the victims spoke. I'm still not a big fan of this attempt to use the families to promote a political party, but clearly the families have every right to express their views however they choose.
Probably the most important aspect was that both Guliani and McCain are moderate Republicans, both expressing their support for the President (despite the fact that he is anything but moderate.)
I'm looking forward to the rest of the convention. I'm sure at some point they'll bust out the far righters who will speak of the constitutional amendment against gay marriage or the plank in the platform that seeks to create a constitutional amendment giving embreyos equal rights under the 14th Amendment.
This is an interesting issue. The way the law is written, abortions of all kinds would be illegal. There would be no exceptions for mother's health, rape or incest. However, when questioned about the issue, Rick Santorum (a big republican supporter of the amendment) said that if a mother's life was in danger a termination probably could be performed in much the same way that if you were being attacked you could act in self-defense. Essentially saying that it's still murder, but it's self-defense so it's ok. The problem with that is if you run into an over-zealous prosecutor trying to make a name for himself, who doesn't believe the mother's life was truly in danger, he could prosecute both the mother and doctor on murder charges.
On top of that, who doesn't seek a return to the days of backroom abortions?
Sunday, August 29, 2004
How Embarrassing for Me
I spent three hours tonight watching what I thought was the opening of the Republican Convention...turns out it was the closing ceremonies of the Olympics. A lot of people dancing around celebrating seemingly for no reason, saying things that seem pretty, but that I couldn't understand and a parade of corporate sponsors getting plenty of facetime detracting from whatever the actual message of the event was... who could blame me?
Right.....
So in a recent article in Time Magazine, George W is quoted as saying that Iraq has been a "catastrophic success."
Huh? I'm not really sure what he means, but I'm sure of one thing... at least one of those words are right.
Huh? I'm not really sure what he means, but I'm sure of one thing... at least one of those words are right.
You Don't Have to Like Him....
But you have to respect the Bush team (or at least Karl Rove) for the way they run a campaign. Bush conceeded that Kerry served "heroically" in Vietnam and that he "put himself in the face of danger", unlike Bush himself. It difuses the issue which has been growing since the swift boat (No we don't have a chip on our shoulder) group began their campaign against Kerry.
It works well for Bush because the issue wasn't really hurting him in any way, nor was it really helping Kerry, but now Bush looks magnanimous.
It will be interesting to see how the Republican convention plays out this week. Expect a very centrist sounding platform and little prime time mention of Abortion, stem-cell research, gay marriage or anything that might put them too far to the right.
It works well for Bush because the issue wasn't really hurting him in any way, nor was it really helping Kerry, but now Bush looks magnanimous.
It will be interesting to see how the Republican convention plays out this week. Expect a very centrist sounding platform and little prime time mention of Abortion, stem-cell research, gay marriage or anything that might put them too far to the right.
A loss....
This was a bit of a surprise....I used to love her... when I was 9.....
Laura Branigan, a Grammy-nominated pop singer best known for her 1982 platinum hit "Gloria," has died. She was 47. Branigan died of a brain aneurysm Thursday in her sleep at her home in East Quogue, said her brother Mark Branigan. He said she had complained to a friend of a headache for about two weeks before she died, but had not sought medical attention.
Along with the tragedy of her death, I also didn't know she lived in East Quogue which I thought was where the Lorax also resides.
Laura Branigan, a Grammy-nominated pop singer best known for her 1982 platinum hit "Gloria," has died. She was 47. Branigan died of a brain aneurysm Thursday in her sleep at her home in East Quogue, said her brother Mark Branigan. He said she had complained to a friend of a headache for about two weeks before she died, but had not sought medical attention.
Along with the tragedy of her death, I also didn't know she lived in East Quogue which I thought was where the Lorax also resides.
Friday, August 27, 2004
Oops
MIAMI (Aug. 27) - Small toys showing an airplane flying into the World Trade Center were packed inside more than 14,000 bags of candy and sent to small groceries around the country before being recalled.
Lisy Corp., the wholesaler that distributed the candy, said Friday that the toys were purchased in bulk from a Miami-based import company.
The toys came in an assortment purchased sight unseen from L&M Import in Miami and included the toys depicting the Sept. 11, 2001, attack on the twin towers, whistles and other small toys, said Luis Pedron, Lisy's national sales manager. The invoice said the toy was a plastic swing set.
"I hate to blame the importer. He probably did not know what he was getting. He brings them in 40-foot containers. But whoever made it knew exactly what they were making," Pedron said.
Pedron said Lisy did not notice the small plastic figurines until two people complained, but there is no mistaking what the toys represent: At the bottom of each is the product number 9011.
"When we found out what happened, we recalled them immediately," said Pedron, who said the toys do not reflect the company's view. "I was offended by them."
The company's 100 distributors sent out the candy bags. Most are sold to small Hispanic and Mexican groceries, Pedron said. He estimated about 90 percent of the bags have been collected.
Anna Rodriguez, who bought a bag of the candy for her grandson, said she was stunned when she saw the toy.
"It makes me angry," she told television station WFTV. "I was offended because I couldn't believe that someone would give something like that to a kid."
Pedron said he is saving the toys to return to the distributor.
A woman who answered the telephone at L&M and refused to give her name said Friday she did not know anything about the toy.
Lisy Corp., the wholesaler that distributed the candy, said Friday that the toys were purchased in bulk from a Miami-based import company.
The toys came in an assortment purchased sight unseen from L&M Import in Miami and included the toys depicting the Sept. 11, 2001, attack on the twin towers, whistles and other small toys, said Luis Pedron, Lisy's national sales manager. The invoice said the toy was a plastic swing set.
"I hate to blame the importer. He probably did not know what he was getting. He brings them in 40-foot containers. But whoever made it knew exactly what they were making," Pedron said.
Pedron said Lisy did not notice the small plastic figurines until two people complained, but there is no mistaking what the toys represent: At the bottom of each is the product number 9011.
"When we found out what happened, we recalled them immediately," said Pedron, who said the toys do not reflect the company's view. "I was offended by them."
The company's 100 distributors sent out the candy bags. Most are sold to small Hispanic and Mexican groceries, Pedron said. He estimated about 90 percent of the bags have been collected.
Anna Rodriguez, who bought a bag of the candy for her grandson, said she was stunned when she saw the toy.
"It makes me angry," she told television station WFTV. "I was offended because I couldn't believe that someone would give something like that to a kid."
Pedron said he is saving the toys to return to the distributor.
A woman who answered the telephone at L&M and refused to give her name said Friday she did not know anything about the toy.
Thursday, August 26, 2004
Oh Man....
So watching Men's Volleyball (the indoor type, not beach) I thought to myself, "this is really gay". I meant that in an 90s style, old school homosexual way. It turns out, as offensive as that thought might be to some people I was wrong and I'm sorry.
It turns out that the 50k Walk is the really gay sport. It's so bad that I don't mean that in a homosexual way because it would be so horrifically offensive to even the most stereotypical flamboyantly gay persons. I just can't think of another way to put it. Just watch it. You'll see exactly what I mean and nod your head. Plus, it must be some source of great pride to win a gold medal, but how do you break it to people that it's a gold medal you got in walking?
Did you train in the malls early in the morning?
What's the biggest challenge in your sport, not running?
And what about a walking Hall of Fame featuring all the greats? Like that guy who first took steps standing upright or the guy who somehow convinced an Olympic committee that walking was a competitive sport.
I remember in high school all the girls wanted to date the captain of the walking team.
I remember the '76 olympics where that great American hopeful Bobby "The Walker" Jackson blew his chance for a gold in the last 2k of the race when he tripped over a crack in the road and accidently broke into a brief canter. Our Olympic walking program still hasn't recovered.
It turns out that the 50k Walk is the really gay sport. It's so bad that I don't mean that in a homosexual way because it would be so horrifically offensive to even the most stereotypical flamboyantly gay persons. I just can't think of another way to put it. Just watch it. You'll see exactly what I mean and nod your head. Plus, it must be some source of great pride to win a gold medal, but how do you break it to people that it's a gold medal you got in walking?
Did you train in the malls early in the morning?
What's the biggest challenge in your sport, not running?
And what about a walking Hall of Fame featuring all the greats? Like that guy who first took steps standing upright or the guy who somehow convinced an Olympic committee that walking was a competitive sport.
I remember in high school all the girls wanted to date the captain of the walking team.
I remember the '76 olympics where that great American hopeful Bobby "The Walker" Jackson blew his chance for a gold in the last 2k of the race when he tripped over a crack in the road and accidently broke into a brief canter. Our Olympic walking program still hasn't recovered.
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Good Morning
Hello everyone I am back from my whirlwind tour of Philadelphia, NYC and Maryland.
Hell of a good time. Stayed at one of the nicest hotels in NYC (St. Regis) for my brother's wedding. How expensive is it? My room had a butler. No seriously, a butler.
The wedding was unbelievable, but perfect. I had to give not one, but two speeches in my station as best man. I think I did ok. Got to mention that my brother had his first run in with the police at four. He's clearly the badass of the family. Got to go to the University Club for the rehersal dinner. The library they have is unbelievable. It's on the 7th floor. I highly recommend you check it out. My brother's friends were all very cool and fun. They started drinking at 3:30 on the day of the wedding, they were all still up and running at 4:30am. My cousin, who is a professional, took the pictures. You can check out her work here.
We did carry the bride and groom on chairs. We also got our sisters, moms and my father. My dad claims to be on the South Beach Diet, but having lifted him this weekend I question either the validity of that statement or the effectiveness of the diet.
A couple of things of note. NYC is loud, all the time. But it's still a damn cool town. Jerry Seinfeld's ex-girlfriend Shoshana is in love with my daughter, played with her all during the rehersal dinner. My daughter tried to steal her purse on the way out, just like her daddy taught her. Rachel Nichols, the ESPN reporter, was there. Her husband Max (son of Mike)is a good guy, one of my sister in laws best friends.
Within 2 hours of touching down in Philly, we were at the new citizen's bank ballpark to watch the Phillies lose to the Astros. 10 minutes into the game, Tess made it up on the big screen so now another 40,000 people are familiar with just how cute she is.
Maryland, in contrast, is nice and quiet, but the Eastern Shore remains beautiful in it's own way.
Those aren't really all the details, nor are they in any specific order, but I'm tired so deal with it.
Hell of a good time. Stayed at one of the nicest hotels in NYC (St. Regis) for my brother's wedding. How expensive is it? My room had a butler. No seriously, a butler.
The wedding was unbelievable, but perfect. I had to give not one, but two speeches in my station as best man. I think I did ok. Got to mention that my brother had his first run in with the police at four. He's clearly the badass of the family. Got to go to the University Club for the rehersal dinner. The library they have is unbelievable. It's on the 7th floor. I highly recommend you check it out. My brother's friends were all very cool and fun. They started drinking at 3:30 on the day of the wedding, they were all still up and running at 4:30am. My cousin, who is a professional, took the pictures. You can check out her work here.
We did carry the bride and groom on chairs. We also got our sisters, moms and my father. My dad claims to be on the South Beach Diet, but having lifted him this weekend I question either the validity of that statement or the effectiveness of the diet.
A couple of things of note. NYC is loud, all the time. But it's still a damn cool town. Jerry Seinfeld's ex-girlfriend Shoshana is in love with my daughter, played with her all during the rehersal dinner. My daughter tried to steal her purse on the way out, just like her daddy taught her. Rachel Nichols, the ESPN reporter, was there. Her husband Max (son of Mike)is a good guy, one of my sister in laws best friends.
Within 2 hours of touching down in Philly, we were at the new citizen's bank ballpark to watch the Phillies lose to the Astros. 10 minutes into the game, Tess made it up on the big screen so now another 40,000 people are familiar with just how cute she is.
Maryland, in contrast, is nice and quiet, but the Eastern Shore remains beautiful in it's own way.
Those aren't really all the details, nor are they in any specific order, but I'm tired so deal with it.
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
"It's not you...."
So I still have no job despite a rather extensive and expansive search for a job. I kinda feel like everyone is saying, "It's not you... well it is you, but if we say that you might take is as discriminatory..."
I'm heading out of town for a week starting on Wednesday. Heading back to Philly, then New York for my brother's wedding. I was informed this week that I am to be Best Man. I presume this is mostly because he doesn't want to have to choose amongst his good friends. I also think it's because he knows this is a prime opportunity to have his oppressive older brother say something nice about him in public. We'll see about that.
I will need to give a speech so if anyone has any suggestions or embarrassing stories about my brother now would be the time to send them to me.
I'm heading out of town for a week starting on Wednesday. Heading back to Philly, then New York for my brother's wedding. I was informed this week that I am to be Best Man. I presume this is mostly because he doesn't want to have to choose amongst his good friends. I also think it's because he knows this is a prime opportunity to have his oppressive older brother say something nice about him in public. We'll see about that.
I will need to give a speech so if anyone has any suggestions or embarrassing stories about my brother now would be the time to send them to me.
Saturday, August 14, 2004
A Request from the Gallery
I went to see Death Cab for Cutie and They Might Be Giants play at the Bite of Oregon last night. Both put on great shows. Well worth the five dollar donation to Special Olympics. That said, I travelled down town on MAX, which is Portland's light rail system. I don't mind riding public transit. You get a chance to see some of the more colorful members of the community that way, but if you are going to be riding the train and using the ceiling handrails....use deoderant.
Seriously. I had one guy stand next to me who smelled like a slaughterhouse dipped in vomit and cat shit. At one point he was holding on with both hands, I swear the side of the train he was leaning towards started to melt. The smell was so strong I blacked out. I don't even remember getting off. I must have made it purely on survival instinct. My brain shut down my senses to protect me.
They should offer complimentary deoderant on public transit or just spray everyone who gets on with Fabreeze.
Seriously. I had one guy stand next to me who smelled like a slaughterhouse dipped in vomit and cat shit. At one point he was holding on with both hands, I swear the side of the train he was leaning towards started to melt. The smell was so strong I blacked out. I don't even remember getting off. I must have made it purely on survival instinct. My brain shut down my senses to protect me.
They should offer complimentary deoderant on public transit or just spray everyone who gets on with Fabreeze.
Friday, August 13, 2004
Celebration and Mourning
It is my baby sister's birthday today. Happy Birthday! She's 27. While I'm at it, she also weighs 137 pounds. I don't know if there's anything else I'm not supposed to say, but if you can think of something, email me. I'm a rebel willing to break rules like that.
Meanwhile, Julia Child passed away at the age of 92.
In honor of both I hit the kitchen. First I made a chocolate cake. Went really well with milk. Had to eat it myself because my wife's in Cincy and my sister resides in NYC.
To honor Julia, I made Chicken A La King from scratch. I also downed a bottle of wine while doing it. When I poured the slightest amount into my chicken I announced, "this one's for my homey Julia." Then I pointed to the sky in her memory and finished the bottle. We'll miss you Julia.
Meanwhile, Julia Child passed away at the age of 92.
In honor of both I hit the kitchen. First I made a chocolate cake. Went really well with milk. Had to eat it myself because my wife's in Cincy and my sister resides in NYC.
To honor Julia, I made Chicken A La King from scratch. I also downed a bottle of wine while doing it. When I poured the slightest amount into my chicken I announced, "this one's for my homey Julia." Then I pointed to the sky in her memory and finished the bottle. We'll miss you Julia.
Thursday, August 12, 2004
Remember When...
Maybe I'm just waxing nostalgic, but remember when Dennis Miller was funny? I was watching his show today on CNBC and it's awful. It's not because he's become a conservative, but he's really lost all perspective on things and more importantly, he's just not funny.
He had a woman on today, Michelle Malkin, a commentator from Fox News and she wrote a book.
The book defends the internment camps in WWII and applies that racial profiling logic to the war on terror. This is the kind of woman he would have torn into, or at least made fun of, but I think 9/11 smacked him around so badly that he's just talking scared now.
He used to shoot arrows at everyone, but not it's just at the Democrats. Even his less politically charged jokes aren't funny.
He had a woman on today, Michelle Malkin, a commentator from Fox News and she wrote a book.
The book defends the internment camps in WWII and applies that racial profiling logic to the war on terror. This is the kind of woman he would have torn into, or at least made fun of, but I think 9/11 smacked him around so badly that he's just talking scared now.
He used to shoot arrows at everyone, but not it's just at the Democrats. Even his less politically charged jokes aren't funny.
Why Aren't You Listening To....
Creeper Lagoon- Take Back the Universe and Give Me Yesterday
Sure it came out a couple of years ago, but I was listening to it today wondering why it wasn't more popular? It's a damn fine power pop album from the San Francisco/ Portland/sorta Cincinnati band. I heard that Sharky, the singer and founder, succumbed to his addiction to smack destroying the band. He reformulated the band and they're working on a new album. Ian, who was in the band has formed "On the Speakers". They're not too bad, you can check them out here. Either way, check out Creeper Lagoon and enjoy... lest I kick your collective asses.
Sure it came out a couple of years ago, but I was listening to it today wondering why it wasn't more popular? It's a damn fine power pop album from the San Francisco/ Portland/sorta Cincinnati band. I heard that Sharky, the singer and founder, succumbed to his addiction to smack destroying the band. He reformulated the band and they're working on a new album. Ian, who was in the band has formed "On the Speakers". They're not too bad, you can check them out here. Either way, check out Creeper Lagoon and enjoy... lest I kick your collective asses.
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
Insight
For your.... well for your something here's an actually snipit from a conversation I had today... The names have been changed to protect me and the other person (neither of whom are innocent)
W= her
1= me
w: i'm looking for that list I sent you ...
w: it's driving me crazy now
w: the thing is ... I can't remember what's in it
w: it's something i foudn on the internet
1: sad
1: can't even come up with your own musical ideas
1: bad enough that you let someone else dictate your belief system
w: feeling feisty are we?
1: I would suggest that would always be the case
w: but that would go against your dictatorial inclinations
w: and my *I* suggest emphasis on the "dic" part?
1: you could suggest that if your sentence actually made sense
1: and I am at no time dictatorial
1: merely right
1: I would be more than happy to agree with you
1: but then we'd both be wrong
W= her
1= me
w: i'm looking for that list I sent you ...
w: it's driving me crazy now
w: the thing is ... I can't remember what's in it
w: it's something i foudn on the internet
1: sad
1: can't even come up with your own musical ideas
1: bad enough that you let someone else dictate your belief system
w: feeling feisty are we?
1: I would suggest that would always be the case
w: but that would go against your dictatorial inclinations
w: and my *I* suggest emphasis on the "dic" part?
1: you could suggest that if your sentence actually made sense
1: and I am at no time dictatorial
1: merely right
1: I would be more than happy to agree with you
1: but then we'd both be wrong
Monday, August 09, 2004
Oh yeah!
So, my wife is out of town and you know what that means?
That's right, watching tv alone. There is nothing more exciting than the bachelor experience. Whether it be cooking for one, watching television alone or not getting a single phone call all day so I interact with no one, there's just something special about this time. Before I slip into a deep, dark depression (this to be contrasted with my usual daily shallow, boring depression) please offer your suggestions on what I can do to keep myself amused all by myself.
Also, no points for suggesting masterbation. It's a little cliched.
That's right, watching tv alone. There is nothing more exciting than the bachelor experience. Whether it be cooking for one, watching television alone or not getting a single phone call all day so I interact with no one, there's just something special about this time. Before I slip into a deep, dark depression (this to be contrasted with my usual daily shallow, boring depression) please offer your suggestions on what I can do to keep myself amused all by myself.
Also, no points for suggesting masterbation. It's a little cliched.
Friday, August 06, 2004
Ok...
So the employment figures were down....2nd quarter GDP was down... I still don't have a job
George Bush in a speech today says, " I say we have a strong economy, and it's getting stronger."
Stronger than what exactly? I swear he's using some sort of a jedi mind trick. He says it, we know he's wrong and yet no one really feels like they should say something.
I swear to god, if he was Nero and Rome was burning, he'd step out in front of it and say, "Everything's ok" and we'd smile and nod and wonder who was having a bar-b-que.
Just two weeks ago in a speech Bush said we are safer than ever with him as our President. Last week he said "we're in great danger."
"Great danger?" That doesn't sound safe. That sounds like the kind of warning teenagers would get at an abandoned summer camp before they start to take their tops off and have sex.
I don't mean for this site to become another Bush bashing arena, but he just provides so much material.
George Bush in a speech today says, " I say we have a strong economy, and it's getting stronger."
Stronger than what exactly? I swear he's using some sort of a jedi mind trick. He says it, we know he's wrong and yet no one really feels like they should say something.
I swear to god, if he was Nero and Rome was burning, he'd step out in front of it and say, "Everything's ok" and we'd smile and nod and wonder who was having a bar-b-que.
Just two weeks ago in a speech Bush said we are safer than ever with him as our President. Last week he said "we're in great danger."
"Great danger?" That doesn't sound safe. That sounds like the kind of warning teenagers would get at an abandoned summer camp before they start to take their tops off and have sex.
I don't mean for this site to become another Bush bashing arena, but he just provides so much material.
Thursday, August 05, 2004
No Explanation Necessary
George W. Bush from a speech today...
"Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we," Bush said. "They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we."
Luckily, Scott McClellan was there to defend his mis-speak... White House spokesman Scott McClellan said Bush's misstatement "just shows even the most straightforward and plain-spoken people misspeak.""But the American people know this president speaks with clarity and conviction, and the terrorists know by his actions he means it," McClellan said.
My question is...who's going to defend McClellan's mis-speak...or did the President really mean his mis-speak in which case we're all in trouble.
"Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we," Bush said. "They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we."
Luckily, Scott McClellan was there to defend his mis-speak... White House spokesman Scott McClellan said Bush's misstatement "just shows even the most straightforward and plain-spoken people misspeak.""But the American people know this president speaks with clarity and conviction, and the terrorists know by his actions he means it," McClellan said.
My question is...who's going to defend McClellan's mis-speak...or did the President really mean his mis-speak in which case we're all in trouble.
Wednesday, August 04, 2004
Irony Again Rears It's Pretty Head
Here's an exerpt from an article on Laura Bush...
First lady Laura Bush thinks the news media is increasingly filled with opinions instead of facts, and suggested Tuesday that journalists are contributing to the polarization of the country."I think there are a lot of reasons to be critical of the media in America," she said in an interview Tuesday with Fox News Channel's "The O'Reilly Factor.""I think that a lot of times the media sensationalize or magnify things that aren't -that really shouldn't be," she said."I do think there's a big move away from actual reporting, trying to report facts," the first lady said. "It's in newspapers and everything you read - that a lot more is opinion."
She had this revelation talking to Bill O'Reilly....Isn't that sort of like going to a garbage man to talk about how the dump stinks?
First lady Laura Bush thinks the news media is increasingly filled with opinions instead of facts, and suggested Tuesday that journalists are contributing to the polarization of the country."I think there are a lot of reasons to be critical of the media in America," she said in an interview Tuesday with Fox News Channel's "The O'Reilly Factor.""I think that a lot of times the media sensationalize or magnify things that aren't -that really shouldn't be," she said."I do think there's a big move away from actual reporting, trying to report facts," the first lady said. "It's in newspapers and everything you read - that a lot more is opinion."
She had this revelation talking to Bill O'Reilly....Isn't that sort of like going to a garbage man to talk about how the dump stinks?
Tuesday, August 03, 2004
Chris Makes Lifestyle Change
As unemployment continues to wear on him, Chris decided to make a change this week.
"It wasn't quite what I was shooting for." Said a saddened Chris, "When the idea was presented to me I just figured the guy had a speech impediment. You know, who doesn't want to be unique? I thought it would help me in my job search."
Sadly, it was not a speech impediment and after a brief procedure Chris was left lacking a few old friends.
"Let's just say my boxers feel a bit more empty these days."
Asked if he was any closer to a job as the result of his recent change, Chris smiled.
"Admittedly, it was probably the worst thing that ever happened to me, but today I did see an ad in the paper... the opera is seeking a castrati. That's something I couldn't have done before."
"It wasn't quite what I was shooting for." Said a saddened Chris, "When the idea was presented to me I just figured the guy had a speech impediment. You know, who doesn't want to be unique? I thought it would help me in my job search."
Sadly, it was not a speech impediment and after a brief procedure Chris was left lacking a few old friends.
"Let's just say my boxers feel a bit more empty these days."
Asked if he was any closer to a job as the result of his recent change, Chris smiled.
"Admittedly, it was probably the worst thing that ever happened to me, but today I did see an ad in the paper... the opera is seeking a castrati. That's something I couldn't have done before."
Yeah well...
Word came down today that the most recent warning from the folks at homeland security was about three years old. Thanks guys. You're on the ball.
Of course, the Democrats had spent a lot of time on Sunday and Monday whining about how this was a Bush Administration ploy to take away from the Democratic convention. Don't know if they are right, but this certainly doesn't look good. It also makes it difficult for the public to really figure out what's important to listen to.
I understand it's tough to decide what information to disseminate, but how about making sure that the stuff you do tell us really is as urgent as you say. Keep crying wolf and you'll put us all in a whole lot more danger than if you gave a more reasonable assessment of the situation when talking to the media in the first place.
Of course, the Democrats had spent a lot of time on Sunday and Monday whining about how this was a Bush Administration ploy to take away from the Democratic convention. Don't know if they are right, but this certainly doesn't look good. It also makes it difficult for the public to really figure out what's important to listen to.
I understand it's tough to decide what information to disseminate, but how about making sure that the stuff you do tell us really is as urgent as you say. Keep crying wolf and you'll put us all in a whole lot more danger than if you gave a more reasonable assessment of the situation when talking to the media in the first place.
Sunday, August 01, 2004
Sad
Getting desperate now.... If anyone knows of anyone in the Portland, Oregon area who wants to hire a genius type to improve their business. Please contact me. I need a job. Seriously. Going stir crazy without one. Plus, not having a job has amounted to a great deal of quality time for my impressionable daughter. As anyone who knows me will attest, that can't be good for her. So, if nothing else, find me a job... do it for the kid.
A Reminder....
Oh Boy!
Only three more months to go in the Presidental race and it's already exhausting as both candidates vie for the undecided vote. Bush came out, all guns ablze, calling Kerry a fraud as he pointed to his not so spectacular record in the senate. Bush says it's all about results and while it may be true that Kerry's senate record isn't particularly distinguished, Bush's record right now is on the ropes.
The economy has slipped back a bit in the last few months after some strong growth in the first two quarters. Unemployment showed a slight uptick in the last report and the jobs that seem to be returning are not as high quality as the jobs that left. Iraq still sucks and if we're safer at home with Bush why are we on higher alert in Washington D.C. and NY with only very limited information about what may or may not happen?
Kerry did have an outstanding convention, but is going to have to give more specifics about just what he's planning with the economy and foreign affairs. It's not enough to be the anti-Bush. Also, while I'll give him great credit for not dodging his service in Vietnam... he was only there for four month so it's a brief but distinguished career. The way it's become a recent centerpiece of his campaign you'd think he was Audie Murphy. (If you don't know who he was check this out.) The battle only seems to be headed towards a really ugly campaign flooding the masses with (mis)information to change the minds of a few.
One interesting thing to look for at the Republican convention is will they try to hide their spots. The Democrats threww all their laundry on the table... just look at who spoke.... Bill, Hillary, Al Sharpton, Joe Leiberman... they well represented the party... some more liberal than others. The Republicans, meanwhile, are kicking things off with Rudy Guliani and Arnold Schwartzeneger, both support Bush, neither are particularly socially conservative. Then there's John McCain who is sure to have a spot. McCain hates Bush, but is still stumping for him. He too doesn't fit the mold. It appears if anything that the Republicans will do their best to seem much more moderate than they are.
It'd be more honest if they had the Ralph Reed types speaking, but I suspect we won't here too many speaches about taking away peoples rights and putting the ten commandments in every class room or court, nor will be hear too much about the heathens trying to teach science in the schools with their (clearly not proven) "theories" of evolution.
The economy has slipped back a bit in the last few months after some strong growth in the first two quarters. Unemployment showed a slight uptick in the last report and the jobs that seem to be returning are not as high quality as the jobs that left. Iraq still sucks and if we're safer at home with Bush why are we on higher alert in Washington D.C. and NY with only very limited information about what may or may not happen?
Kerry did have an outstanding convention, but is going to have to give more specifics about just what he's planning with the economy and foreign affairs. It's not enough to be the anti-Bush. Also, while I'll give him great credit for not dodging his service in Vietnam... he was only there for four month so it's a brief but distinguished career. The way it's become a recent centerpiece of his campaign you'd think he was Audie Murphy. (If you don't know who he was check this out.) The battle only seems to be headed towards a really ugly campaign flooding the masses with (mis)information to change the minds of a few.
One interesting thing to look for at the Republican convention is will they try to hide their spots. The Democrats threww all their laundry on the table... just look at who spoke.... Bill, Hillary, Al Sharpton, Joe Leiberman... they well represented the party... some more liberal than others. The Republicans, meanwhile, are kicking things off with Rudy Guliani and Arnold Schwartzeneger, both support Bush, neither are particularly socially conservative. Then there's John McCain who is sure to have a spot. McCain hates Bush, but is still stumping for him. He too doesn't fit the mold. It appears if anything that the Republicans will do their best to seem much more moderate than they are.
It'd be more honest if they had the Ralph Reed types speaking, but I suspect we won't here too many speaches about taking away peoples rights and putting the ten commandments in every class room or court, nor will be hear too much about the heathens trying to teach science in the schools with their (clearly not proven) "theories" of evolution.
