Barack pledges to restore the 'American Promise'

There's no doubt last night's speech by Barack Obama will be one discussed years from now. I'm confident there won't be another political event like it. There were many topics he addressed -- health care, national security, ridding dependence from foreign oil for clean coal and other alternative sources, and provided some tough talk to those who are using the same failed policies and wanting to continue them. His judgement is unparallel to this point. Co-sponsoring the Non-Proliferation Act with Conservative Dick Lugar, Ethics Reform, opposing the Iraq invasion from the outset, streamlining medical records for veterans returing home, and asking us to tell government what we need. Enough of my interjecting into this. Here's Barack's acceptance to be our next President of the United States and speech from last night. Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZ0gxF869NE

The 'Silly Season' is all-year round for Conservatives

Yesterday, there were intermittent gusts of wind, heavy downpours, and another welcome relief from the oppressive heat in Augusta. My colleagues and I just finished loading up our bins filled with fasteners for tomorrow's delivery to our key client. I went back to my work station and began sorting another part. My radio sets atop a small, white counter top. Since my CD player keeps wigging out on me (short circuiting), I decided to try some talk radio (mainstream music today is awful, particularly on our local stations). I tried ESPN radio, but all I heard was a muffled Scott Van Pelt voice through all the static. No go. O.k. Let's hear what our Con-Servative has to say today. I turned on Augusta's Conservative talk personality, Austin Rhodes, and gained some good laughs from his usual b.s.

When there isn't a high profile crime or local politician's scandal happening, Rhodes does what he does best -- comment on those who preceded his show, Neal Boortz and Rush Limbaugh. He praised Michelle Obama's speech as someone who can deliver a great presentation. Well, that's fine. Literally, a few seconds later, he tried to portray her as someone who was raised in privilege. FALSE. Her father, stricken with multiple sclerosis, worked long hours in the south side of Chicago. The family literally lived paycheck to paycheck. On the other hand, John McCain's father was a retired Admiral in the U.S. Navy. The same McCain who said anyone who earns $5 million per year or more in this country is considered wealthy. I guess it makes sense he's out-of-touch, since he was asked how many homes he and his wife Cindy own and told the reporter to get with his staff on that one.

Rhodes switched gears and decided to question why Catholics would vote Democrat. "Isn't Joe Biden Catholic? I'm surprised he isn't ex-communicated from the Catholic Chruch." This is when he went into his anti-choice, anti-abortion rant. This is an easy one and a woman's issue. Robin (girlfriend and law grad) would delve much deeper into this. How does a simpleton who has no scientific cred, medical background in particular, determine when life begins? Abortions keep rising in this country under the Bush Administration and you ask why. Well, abstinence-only education, lack of funding for pre-natal care to those living in poor regions, and several reasons why a decision came down to saving the woman or potential baby's life. If abortion was banned, how would Rhodes feel if the government told him what he can do with his body? Right. This wouldn't be an issue.

Finally, Rhodes decided to take a cheap shot at MSNBC. He played the audio of a clip when Joe Scarborough (who walked off his own show after Rachel Maddow put him in his place during a debate) and MSNBC correspondent David Shuster. There was really nothing to this spat. Shuster was upset Scarborough continues living in la-la land and doesn't ask the McCain camp the same tough questions. Scarborough began accusing Shuster as a biased (liberal) reporter. Shuster said "you can look at my voter registration record and see I'm independent." As usual, Joe just ran his mouth off to no avail.

Rhodes claims, "This is why MSNBC has such terrible ratings. I'd love to see Scarborough debate Olbermann." Rhodes' trusty sidekick, A.B., the station's sports director injected, "I don't know how you can stand watching Olbermann." "I like to hear what the other side is talking about," Rhodes responded. As a radio personality, you think Rhodes would know about MSNBC's track record. According to the Nielsen ratings, Olbermann's audience has increased substantially year after year. Several shows, including a guest appearance by Maddow, revealed his show was #1 for the 8:00 p.m. EDT time slot for the 25 to 54-year-old demographic that competes with bumbling Bill O'Reilly on Faux News, CNN Headline News' hack, Glenn Beck, and CNN's Paula Zahn Now (now cancelled). This same day, Scarborough once again wanted to crash the DNC's party with some more nonsensical logic. Olbermann called him out on it.

Overpowering Selflessness

I watched the tears stream down many faces tonight. Their backgrounds, as similar or different as they may be, shared in hearing many powerful narratives delivered at Denver's Democratic National Convention tonight. It was a testament to our will to strive to better ourselves and those around us. This is the root of the Democratic Party and why I'm so proud to support it.

The night's keynote speaker was Michelle Obama, our next First Lady. Any innuendo that she is "bitter" or "cold" should immediately be withdrawn. Her life's story is extremely enriching and empowering. First, I was impressed by those closest to Michelle who described the type of person she is. What struck me is something that I fought for growing up. At one point, her brother, Craig Robinson, an educator and men's basketball coach at Oregon State University brought up an interesting antecdote.

When they were young and supposed to be at sleep, Michelle would ask him who was having a hard time at school. They would talk about it, and Michelle set her sights to reach out to these people. Her strength, courage, and compassion at this moment never subsided. She reached out to those who were ostracized or feeling left out then, just like she continues to do so today. It's this strength that inspires me to do the same, whether it has been through journalism stints that led to engaging people about those who face overwhelming odds or setting my sights on future endeavors that might include public service.

One man stepped up to the podium tonight who has overcome so many tragedies and triumphs -- Sen. Ted Kennedy. Undergoing extensive treatment for a brain anneurism, he still had plenty of his fiery passion to attend this event. The Kennedy family over the years have been my champions. No one exemplifies that more today than Ted. He has never backed down in his more than 40 years of service in the Senate to champion health care and education reform. And through all this tiring work, he still sets time aside for his family and even strangers who are in dire need. A picture of Ted should be in the dictionary next to public servant.

These stories heard tonight -- working to pay your way through college, parents working very long hours to ensure their children attend college, organizing community groups to build homes and businesses, and sharing a vision that this country can provide opportunities if we strive for them, all are a part of my personal experiences. My father remains to this day the only one out of his rural Nebraska's high school class to leave the state. He also has worked long hours and ensured my brother and I receive his attention by way of vacation, sporting events, and time spent together. A relative of mine attended this event tonight as a delegate. What an event it must've been to see it firsthand.

Before I pull an all-nighter watching FearNet, it's time again for Rate Me

Robin (girlfriend) is passed out. The Red Sox won again and Tampa Bay keeps doing the same. This season isn't getting any longer. So, why not piss away some time here.

This is quite simple. I'll provide you with a scant description of a person. Let's keep it with people. Places or things are monotanous, right? After revealing who this is via youtube clip with my computer illiteracy, rate this individual on a scale of 1 to 5.

Known for his on-stage antics that include frequent cigarette breaks and occasionally delving into sex politics, this singer/composer led what many might call a super group of modern rock n' roll musicians. He was the lead singer for a tribute band to the film Backbeat. This group included Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth) and Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) to name a few.

Currently, he is beginning to collaborate with Mark Lanegan (Screaming Trees). They are touring and have received favorable reviews. After his good friend Ted Demme (movie producer and director who is the nephew of Jonathan) died, his life went into a downward spiral. He fought off a cocaine addiction. And on one final note, he tried out for Judd Nelson's role in the 80s blockbuster film, The Breakfast Club. Who the hell is this guy?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gd_HWdsbzkg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq9Dq1I1yM4

I could be wrong on this pick

I luckily won second out of 12 participants in the NCAA tournament pool this year that my best friend had at his work. Thanks to the Memphis Tigers' imploding at the free throw line and a poor decision not to foul a Kansas Jayhawk player at the end of regulation, I made the right pick with Kansas for the Men's NCAA Division I Basketball Championship. The same held true for the Boston Celtics. So, who is going to be Obama's VP pick?

I like Evan Bayh, Democratic Senator from Indiana. He chairs the Senate Finance Committee, and issue #1 in this campaign is the economy. He's the right pick, because he is a centrist. On social issues and his stance on the Iraq War, I disagree with him. He will get hammered for co-chairing with McCain the regime change in Iraq and for his support of the occupation. However, he is soft spoken and like many VPs in the past, won't steal the spotlight away from Obama. As a staunch supporter of Hillary, I'm hoping along with the Clintons, he will bring back the vast majority of those Hillary supporters who are still ticked off after her narrow defeat.

Bill Maher gets it

Prove to me there is a Heaven and Hell. Why has there been a war, diseases, and famine throughout human civilization? What was happening in the area of the world where and when The Bible was written? Is religion a means for self-restraint? If we're all created in God's image, why do people commit such atrocities? Evil can disappear if it's God's will, right?

As someone who was born and raised Catholic, I have my own interpretations of faith. I don't condone The Vatican's oppressive stances on many issues. Personally, I view The Pope as more of a spiritual guide than someone who is practically viewed as being annointed by God. The point is we all have differing views on religion and its role on our society. It should remain that way.

Last week, I was disappointed to see Barack Obama and John McCain's first appearance together would be on a church's grounds. Thomas Jefferson authored our Constitution and the last thing he would want to see is a fusing of politics and religion. James Madison and Jefferson made that very clear when Madison authroed the Virginia Statue for the Separation of Church and State. Yes, the vast majority of this country is Christian. How ironic is it that religion plays such a major role in our discourse when so many people fled Europe due to religious persecution. For the past eight years, Republicans have injected their personal faith countless times inside Congress. It hasn't led to Christ-like acts. Instead, it's a deterrent used for avoiding our reality-based problems. And yes, I can genuinely tell you that these Republicans who push their values are anti-American.

Living in the Bible Belt, I know firsthand how nutty people are with their faith. The vast majority of these people I've met are selfesh. They praise Jesus while playing the role of Judas at the same time. One of my old colleagues used to persistently make bigoted comments and felt it was fine. He was a self-proclaimed Born Again Christian. He was upset one day when I reminded him, "I don't recall Jesus ostracizing anyone. He sat at the same table with criminals, prostitutes, and the lepars."

Bill Maher appeared again on CNN's Larry King Live last night and didn't disappoint. Much of the discussion delved into his new documentary, Religilous. Conservatives, no doubt like Limbaugh, will plug plenty of soundbytes into their program for trying to portray Maher as an evil secularist. Oh, he's from Hollywood. He's just another latte sipping liberal. Ever notice how these hosts never have the spine to debate guys like Maher on their shows? Hmm. Perhaps, it's because he would rip them a new asshole on any debate.



King played a few clips of Maher's film last night. Both were just absurdly humerous. Here is a video from King's show where King plays two short clips of Maher's upcoming film:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CWiASiqDdU

Our unique differences coming together as one

Conventions are grand pep rallies. They're filled with unfettered postive enthusiasm, charisma, and opportunities for Party members and supporters to pledge their support for their Party's Presidential ticket. One of the main reasons I'm proud to be an American is our ability to accept and embrace all walks of life. To this day, there are some who don't embrace this concept and choose to be homogenized with those like them. So, our struggles continue despite huge gains we've made in recent history. It hasn't been easy, and there are too many unnamed heroes who helped champion human rights (unions, Civil Rights, etc.). Barack Obama's convention in Denver is right around the corner. I was impressed to read about the 10 different Americans selected to join him backstage. They all have unique backgrounds, and it's encouraging to see how they truly believe, like myself, Barack is a transformational leader.

One woman is a self-described evangelical Christian who believed until now she is supposed to vote Republican. This time is different. She is engaged, she said, for the first time in politics and will vote for Barack. Another man comes from a small town in the South who strongly supported John McCain back in 2000. He is a veteran who connected with John, but John's recent adoptions of Bush's policies has him turning to Barack. These are just a couple examples of those who will be backstage, and it's people who aren't hardcore Democrats that simply tout the Party's beliefs -- they simply see a man who has the potential to lead this country back to prosperity.

Bush to Costas: 'I don't see America as having any problems' and Madden '09 review

I love what my girlfriend's father said one time about George W. Bush, "There's dirt under every Bush." Combine that with Bush's recent stupefied interview he had with one of the all-time great sportscasters, Bob Costas, and it sums up the entire Bush administration. Ignore intelligence that could've very well thwarted al-Qaeda's attack -- no problem. Outing an undercover CIA agent, Valerie Plame -- no problem. Ignoring the 4th amendment for warrantless wiretapping and detaining suspects for an indefinite time -- no problem. Federal response to Hurricane Katrina -- Alan Chertoff is having dinner, don't disturb him. No problem. Invading a sovereign country who posed no imminent threat -- No problem. Record-high mortgage foreclosures, jobs shipped overseas, high unemployment, record-high gas prices -- No problem. Continuing to serve the best interests of the oil companies and military contractors -- priceless for the Bush administration.

A few nights ago after watching the Red Sox and heading home, I turned on Alan Colmes' radio show. He discussed Bush's interview at length and as usual hit home on some very good points. "Oh, I know what the Conservatives are going to say. You liberals, you want everything to go bad, so you can elect your left-wing, liberal extremists." He began listing the obvious like the Iraq War, economy, etc. He went on to say that it's simply the reality things aren't going well. Unfortunately, listening to his predominant Conservative callers, they won't be swayed by reason and continue using illogical, irrational innuendos to defend a Bush position dear to their hearts: "We're winning in Iraq." (what was the strategy the Bush administration had for winning the Iraq War? I can't count on both hands how many times their position changed.). Another one is cherry picking one Obama vote a few years ago that favored tax cuts to the oil companies. O.k. He expected another bill to come that would rescind those tax cuts from the original bill. That original bill also supported a comprehensive approach to alternative energy sources, so there.

I still haven't figured out how to do a blogroll on here yet, so I recommend you check out alancolmes.com and click on liberalland at the top of the screen. You'll find under his previous posts a nice pic of Bush staring at one of our American beach volleyball player's asses. It is a nice one, though. I agree with the President. Shocker. However, he's a married man who supposedly is a culture-valued Conservative. I guess the mainstream media, like they've done with John McCain's extramarital affair during his first marriage, will have to ignore Bush's silly shenanigans to cover John Edwards' over two-year-old affair. News flash: Edwards isn't running for office. McCain is.

Here is Bush's interview with Costas in its entirety. Also, notice in this interview how he subtly pimps out HIS religious belief AGAIN to drive home a point. Before the Madden review, congrats to Michael Phelps again. This guy is unbelievable. I've only been able to catch the U.S. playing Japan in women's volleyball and swimming thus far.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keN12U2coK8

The Madden '09 game for the Playstation 3 console exceeded my expectations. For one, the game speed is much smoother for this year's version. Online gamers last year experienced some lagging speed and on occasion, the game would nearly freeze up. Also, the designers did well this year to seemingly ensure cheat codes and glitches are kept to a bare minimum. A few plays last year were commonly used throughout a game. One main one was a wide receiver screen that would automatically have your defenders move away from the receiver and the screen immediately moves to an overhead shot of the field. It looks like that has been eliminated.

I only play this at a married friend's house who has two children about twice a month. So, it was nice timing we were able to do it yesterday when it was first released. My first game was played in the rain at Irving, Texas, home of the Dallas Cowboys. It was realistic. On three to four different plays, my receivers were wide open and simply dropped the ball. Then again, I was using the Tennessee Titans who aren't known for their receiving core.

Defense can dominate this game. If you're like me who mixes up the run with the pass, you'll find that running the football is difficult, especially up the middle. But, there is one nice new feature this year. You can direct your linemen to block to the direction you want to run off tackle or off guard.

Overall, the graphics have improved once again, plenty of plays to select on offense, and games that should be very close even from opponents who play every day opposed to the occasional player like me. I give this game an A+. Great job again Electronic Arts.

Rate Me

Every Friday, I want to do an interactive bit with all of you. This is the premier of rate me and it's quite simple. I'll provide a very scant description of a person, place, or thing that somewhat interests me and it's your job to do two things: 1.) Who, What, or where the hell am I talking about? 2.) Rate on a scale of 1-5 what you think of this person, place, or thing. At the end of this, I'll reveal who this is from a short YouTube clip.

This first one is based on a person. His name has been mentioned on the news recently. He starred in one of my favorite 80s series, Our House as Gus Witherspoon. There were two episodes that recently came to mind. First, Gus literally went ol' school in one episode and demanded his entire family avoid any modern technological device for a month. So, the kids had to take cold showers, couldn't watch MTV, listen to music on headphones, etc.

The second episode featured Gus and his neighbor, Joe "Jew" Kaplan. I'm not a bigot, but apparently Gus was in this one. While inside a pharmacy waiting to be checked out, Gus made an anti-semitic rant to Joe. Joe didn't take it very well. It was puzzling how they mended their differences at the end of this one. Gus never apologized for the comment, and Joe did something like help one of Gus' family members out of a conflict (Joe was known for that and coming over to the home for a fresh cup of coffee.) Who is this guy? Please rate.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXEi7wN-Qug

Amazing story of one of nature's most revered and feared creatures

Thank you Robin (girlfriend) for forwarding these following videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvCjyWp3rEk


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjWtRYaxmWM

Mrs. Buffalo Chip

One trip John McCain might actually remember is his recent visit to the Black Hills area of Sturgis, South Dakota. If any of you have seen Deliverance, many from this area have similar appearances to that creepy kid playing the banjo. About 50,000 bikers drove into town probably ready to raise some hell and drink some beer. At one point, McCain brought his Joker clone (wife) on stage to deliver a big announcement.

McCain said his wife could be the first woman to be the first lady and Mrs. Buffalo Chip. Hmm. So, if she wins this contest, we should call her Mrs. Buffalo Shit. That's what Buffalo Chip means. Women competing in this contest were shown topless and bottomless. Go Cindy, go. You go, girl. I'd love to see it. Not that Cindy is a sexy beast (well, beast might apply), but that plasticky appearance she has only entices the viewer to see what's underneathe. Is the skin shiny? Bubbly? McCain might forget about his positions on energy and the economy from the day before, but I'm sure this is one rendezvous he will retain for a long time.