06/23/08 11:05 - 65ºF - ID#44758
Informed Voting, Obama, and You
It's all too common. These people are not informed; they are starstruck.
Permalink: Informed_Voting_Obama_and_You.html
Words: 31
06/19/08 02:35 - 64ºF - ID#44719
Buffalo Security Cameras, Pt. 2395863
The advocacy group Cameras For A Better Police State, aka the Buffalo Common Council and the Buffalo Police Department, cynically prop up the suggestion that safety is the primary concern. Everybody knows that is bullshit. I am sick and tired of our elected officials treating us like children in a juvenile detention center, who can't possibly possess the intelligence and foresight to realize how dishonest these fork-tongued bastards are. I wonder if they even regard us that much. This is what you get when your populace doesn't care - the people in power can fuck with you with no repercussions to their careers or reputations. Hell, if it isn't City Hall being buffoons and making a complete mockery of our city, it's the School Board. None of this is going to stop without the citizens demanding that they do so. I'm for safer streets like anybody else - I'm not for this tripe the city is trying to serve us in the form of reasons. I'm not hearing reasons; I'm hearing excuse making and patronizing vomit speech. Speaking of vomit speech, FUCK Byron Brown, the police department and our city officials. The idea that they are on our side and working to make our city a better place to live is a joke - our city is one or two plant closings away from being a certified hollow shell. They are currently worried about spending grant money in a way that will generate "revenue" to prop up their wasteful and utterly ineffective government. Misplaced priorities? Buffalo? Naaah. Let us keep building Security Cameras that will build us a "bridge to the future" (thanks Slick Willy) and ensure that our city will thrive well into the 21st Century. Don't these idiots know that sooner rather than later, there won't be a tax base left to nickel and dime, annoy, and generally take the piss out of?
Here's some comedy to temper the madness -
Indeed, because if you don't laugh you might cry. Or in the case of the City of Buffalo, you might die.
Permalink: Buffalo_Security_Cameras_Pt_2395863.html
Words: 476
06/17/08 01:35 - 58ºF - ID#44690
Living Out Loud
These ladies are 87 years old and 84 years old, respectively. The length of their relationship is actually longer than that of my grandparents, who were together for 52 years prior to my grandpa's passing. The pursuit of happiness, with few exceptions, should not have limitations. Yet, we live in an America where some people have to wait until they are 87 years old before they can legally marry. And why?
I can barely force back the tears when I see a picture of a couple in their 80's who have had to wait 55 years to fully live their lives out loud. I can't fathom it... I really can't. It rips me apart... this shouldn't be. In America we need to think very carefully about the denial of happiness to others and the consequences of doing so. In my opinion it makes a mockery of our country and its laws, to say the least. Some suggest that comparing gay rights of today and civil rights of the 1960's is wholly inappropriate. I suggest this - if we have rights that some people are excluded from, we have no rights to be proud of at all.
I see this event as a major exercise in freedom. Seeing the smiling faces of the people who have finally been granted this right shows that in more way than one they have been set free. That is something to be celebrated.
Permalink: Living_Out_Loud.html
Words: 257
06/11/08 11:42 - 71ºF - ID#44617
M*A*S*H Bash
On Friday though, gratuitous fun was had by all at the M*A*S*H Bash. It was my first time attending, and all in all its your standard carnival-style tent with food, a stage with a band, free wine and beer, cigars and lots of people. It was staged, if you didn't notice it, at the Red Cross building on Delaware. I think I should have ate before I drank - it got ugly and my friend had a camera to document it all. Here are some of the more publicly acceptable images.
My brother, myself, my buddy JV and our friend Anne, a former Buffalonian who was visiting from NYC. I was very impressed with her willingness to smoke a stogie with us - she didn't even give it a second thought. She golfs as well so I suspect that she's been around enough golf events to have learned to appreciate fine tobacco. I shouldn't have been so surprised.
My brother and I - as you can see its still daylight but I'm already too drunk to keep my eyes open. (e:jason) was amused.
At Gordon's towards the end of the night. Me, Anne and one of the girls JV and I played darts against. I don't recall this particular picture being taken, and as you can see at this point I probably wasn't taking much into consideration at all. JV told me that I came up with a "classic line" before I left - I'm a bit terrified to find out exactly what I said, to be honest!
Permalink: M_A_S_H_Bash.html
Words: 373
06/09/08 10:16 - 82ºF - ID#44592
Obama - what is hip?
Devastating. The article I pulled this picture from referred to this as the "Seinfeld look." This vaguely reminds me of another humorous picture taken of a presidential candidate in 2004.
If you ask me, the only thing missing from Obama's picture is training wheels, which depending on your political outlook may provide some apt symbolism.
Personally, I'm waiting to hear the reaction from the utterly humorless among us that couldn't stand to hear or see exploitation of one humorous moment from "their" candidate. At least he appears to be enjoying himself during some very well-earned downtime. Can't hate on that!
Seriously though, even President Bush has enough sense to put on a track suit. The hippest presidential candidate in 40 years can't really be that unhip, can he?
Permalink: Obama_what_is_hip_.html
Words: 142
06/04/08 04:15 - 73ºF - ID#44545
Office Guard Dog
She's doing the same thing right now. If she were on the payroll my boss would totally smoke her. Instead she gets cut off when the Tim bits arrive.
Watch this space for a political entry very soon regarding last nights speeches and how I feel about the upcoming election. I am going to utter some words that I've never imagined uttering before regarding Senator Clinton.
Permalink: Office_Guard_Dog.html
Words: 76
05/29/08 11:32 - 56ºF - ID#44484
News of the Strange and Outrageous
Item 2 - A film of a real deal alien, alive and apparently blinking, is going to be shown to the media Friday in Denver. When things like this pop up, UFO fanatics usually completely overblow the whole thing. Then, when the video is shown everyone is naturally underwhelmed. I really hope this doesn't end up being a scratchy video with a couple of shifting pixels.
Item 3 - Notorious lefty punching bag, Rupert Murdoch, lavishes praise on Barack Obama and the Democrats while poking Olbermann in the eye. (e:jason) and I watched Olbermann last night - I'd have to say I agree. and
Item 4 - In what I am now dubbing the "Million Moaner March," some of Hillary's supporters are planning protests in Washington over what they feel is an inadequate, unfair and disenfranchising solution to the Florida and Michigan delegate problem. A particularly salient bit - "If either candidate dislikes the committee's eventual decision, the matter could go before the party's Credentials Committee in July or August. Any action it took would have to be voted on at the national convention, which opens Aug. 25 in Denver." If the final tally shows that Hillary would have won had all the votes counted, I guarantee it will go to the convention.
Item 5 - Famous opera house La Scala plans on staging an opera production of Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth." This is as disturbing as setting Don Rumsfeld quotes to chamber music. The funniest bit is that this will give the phrase "operatic kvetching" a whole new spectrum of irony.
Permalink: News_of_the_Strange_and_Outrageous.html
Words: 397
05/27/08 11:09 - 48ºF - ID#44462
Journalists Criticizing Journalists
It is about how small stories become big news and how the media is complicit in the proliferation of such news, using the recent Hillary Clinton-RFK example. I find media members critiquing other media members fascinating because its one of the few times where they are actually honest about the shortcomings in their profession. The twist - the author was witness to the media echo chamber that he criticizes in this example.
Its just one of many examples on how journalistic integrity is on the wane. Its a bit scary to think that a generation of journalism students are learning from this and presuming that this is the correct way to go about their job.
Permalink: Journalists_Criticizing_Journalists.html
Words: 149
05/21/08 03:52 - 46ºF - ID#44410
Useless but somewhat interesting news
Creator of N'SYNC is going to the pokey - apparently the man made a decades long career out of bilking banks and individuals for $300 million. For his troubles he's about to become the jail pincushion for 25 years. Looking at the man makes me wonder if Karl Rove and Chris Farley had some sort of love child.
OMG! on Yahoo is the gossip section, so you know. (I'm talking to you Ho sisters and Mike but I suspect you're already familiar with these sites!)
In other news - will we see a quantum leap in space travel during our lifetimes? Scientists are working on developing anti-matter technology for future propulsion systems - as the article states, it would shrink an 11-month journey to Mars down to 1 month.
Permalink: Useless_but_somewhat_interesting_news.html
Words: 146
05/16/08 07:52 - 49ºF - ID#44357
Lagniappes Restaurant Endorsement
Yesterday (e:jason) and I went down to Hardware after work to drink some Westmalle Dubbel (oh, and we got let in on a couple secrets they keep in the cooler) when I thought about food. Where the hell are we going to eat? I looked out the window across the street at Lagniappes. I thought, "Oh, I read about this guy (gulp) on Buffalo Rising's website!" BRO readers gave the place a ringing endorsement so I had to check it out. Besides, they have po'boys and I haven't had a proper one since I was last in New Orleans.
Its a small place but I'm telling you, the place smells like love. I'm sorry but there is nothing like a small area smelling fragrant with the creole spices in the air. When a place smells that great, you just know that the food is going to be good. Bottom line - I love this kind of food. I ordered the fried oyster po'boy with remoulade, and (e:jason) ordered a fried soft shell crab po'boy. I also got an order of the jambalaya to share with my brother.
I didn't get to the jambalaya and in fact its sitting in my fridge, which is a shame because I did have a bite of it and its freaking lovely. I loved my sandwich - you get a choice of side and I went for the black eyed peas. Absolutely delicious. For a side (e:jason) went for the fried okra - I nicked one when he wasn't looking and agreed with him after letting him know I stole one that they were excellent.
This is not your normal sandwich shop though - the man in the kitchen is an award winning chef. I think it would have been more pragmatic to skip the extra entree I ordered and went for the gumbo. There is little pretentious about the place, with the possible exception of artwork on the wall created by local artists.
Lagniappes dinner hours are Tuesday - Saturday, from 4pm - 2am, and lunch hours are Tuesday - Friday from 11am - 2pm. Read carefully - no Sundays or Mondays. They also deliver if you are so inclined. Here is their website - - give them a try if you haven't. The desserts are listed on their menu as "Fresh Selections Daily - Please Ask." So, for me the only question left is this - where are the beignets?
Quick note - the prices on the online menu are wrong - a few items have gone up a buck or two. A good example is the jambalaya I ordered - originally it was $8 and I paid $10 last night. Nor am I complaining about it really. Keep in mind that their prices are subject to change without notice. The priciest thing on the entire menu is their cajun sampler, at $19 - it includes crab cake, jambalaya, red beans and rice, a cup of gumbo and fried oysters. It must be a mountain of food and I'm sure that it would be a great meal to share with a like minded person of the opposite sex (or same sex, depending on your persuasion). You know, creole spice smells in bed aren't a turnoff for me. Does that make me weird?
Permalink: Lagniappes_Restaurant_Endorsement.html
Words: 586
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Even when he was ahead in the polls, plenty of pundits were suggesting that he should be VP, which, for a front-runner, is just stupid.
His organization, his campaign, and ultimately, his votes led to him being taken more seriously. Before that, he was a liberal black guy that could make a great speech. A lot of people liked him, but didn't think he could be president.
I have heard suggestions that Obama has been treated unfairly in comparison to Hillary, which I find impossibly ludicrous.
I guess that shows the company I keep.
Don't you remember that Hillary was "inevitable?"
The media coverage changed because Obama (and his supporters) changed it.
(e:drew) - I actually would like to see that proven re: what McCain supporters would say, in a similar format, or "man on the street" style.
McCain is flip flopping for the conservatives... he's trying to reassure them and get their full, if not somewhat reluctant support. He's a Teddy Roosevelt sort of Republican, similar to what I used to be prior to my leaving the party. What he isn't, is a GWB conservative. That is not, by the way, an indicator of support - I'm still considering writing myself in or voting for Lyndon LaRouche - I hear he's out of jail!
Actually the media has been incredibly interesting to me lately, because there has been a LOT of open introspection lately regarding whether or not their coverage of Hillary Clinton was fair. Just last week on NPR they openly questioned some of Obama's claims about McCain as well. That is not, to say, that they are being balanced in their coverage... they never have been. What they (some of them, anyway) certainly are interested in and self-conscious about lately, it seems, is fairness. We'll see how things go.
The Wright story could not be ignored - for them to do so would have been silly regardless of how they felt about it. This is a business, after all. So yes, they did cover it, but how MSNBC shaped their coverage was vastly different than FNC. The New Yorker virtually deified Michelle Obama while referring to Cindy McCain literally as a "Stepford Wife" - in the same article. Obama's speeches being referred to on every alphabet network as "worthy of RFK, Abraham Lincolnc, etc." We all know there will be no invitation for Cindy McCain on The View. We all know how the NYT, LAT, Boston Globe, etc. editorials read. Those of us who don't know any better still watch the network news. To suggest that Obama has had a tough time in the media... I'm sorry (e:drew) but I won't be buying it.
Governors in my view have always been the best pool of Presidential candidates because they have already done much of what the POTUS will do in terms of governing a large bureaucracy... simply on a much smaller scale and without foreign affairs concerns. I don't think it is a coincidence that congressmen rarely make it to the top desk. This year is rare and notable in that regard. In my opinion anyway, many Senators already think they should be President (Joe Biden, Barack Obama, John McCain, Chris Dodd, Hillary Clinton STAND UP!), and most of them are arrogant blowhards to begin with. House members mostly have local concerns to worry about when legislation isn't being considered. Plus, the House is occupied by two of the weirdest men ever to hold office in world politics, let alone run for President - Dennis Kucinich and Ron Paul. I dunno - overall I like governors much better.
A lot of people just vote because of party affiliation. Others are voting because of race (both ways). Many people are sucked in by "celebrity," many others are scared by Obama's name.
Anyway, if they assembled the same panel with McCain supporters, the response would be similar. Or, at the very least, it would be humorous, because--as I mentioned earlier--McCain is against the McCain-Fiengold campain finance law and the McCain-Kennedy immigration reform.
This link will show you his "accomplishments" of his most recent term :http://www.govtrack.us/congress/person.xpd?id=300071&tab=bills
This link will show you that McCain has only voted in the Senate once since March 15: :::link:::
As for Cindy McCain, I am sure that if she wants to be on the view, she can get on the view. I think the campaign doesn't want her out there.
The same media that is "polishing" Obama played Wright over and over and asked (again and again) "can America handle a black president?" It hasn't been a cakewalk.
gotta go. More later.
As for registering huge numbers of new voters, indeed that is a great accomplishment, although I'd venture to say 9/10 of them sound like these people as they are utterly and completely new to politics. Nevertheless, people have to start somewhere so in the end this is, in fact, one certified and worthwhile accomplishment Obama can lay claim to. Where were you in that crowd (e:drew)? You could have flustered Hannity! =P
It really is, however, an elegant illustration of how hollow the foundation is that Obama's candidacy has been built upon. The man's reputation has been built on hype and celebrity aura rather than achievements. I'm sorry, but when talking about voting for the POTUS that is an incredible problem. Voters don't know who he is - even those who claim to support him. I thought it was telling that Chris Matthews was as dogged as he was. After all, he is the one who Media Matters tried to crucify due to perceived anti-Hillary bias.
They don't know what they are voting for, and I'm sorry, but millions of these sort are looking at Barack Obama in a favorable light because of his air of celebrity. It has little to do with what is important (the issues). The truth is that if you look at what he has advocated for in his speeches (carbon taxes, windfall profit taxes, increased taxes on income LOL except for the middle class!, virtually immediate withdraw from Iraq regardless of what his commanders tell him, universal health care, expansion of entitlement programs, etc.) - all of it is classic liberalism, the economics in particular of which will have disastrous consequences for the American economy if actually implemented. Americans don't trust him on security, and for good reason - we'd be handing a glorified community organizer the title of Commander-in-Chief, and a lot of Americans are concerned about that one.
Even the Chinese government last week through out a pre-emptive shot at Obama - clearly they don't respect him and perceive him as a weak, if not terminally inexperienced leader. Particularly interesting to me is the media's complicit willingness to scrub the Obama's image... think Cindy McCain will be on The View anytime soon?
All of this is lost on the people in that video. I'd prefer that people actually know what they are talking about - admiring his vision isn't enough when it comes to the POTUS, and overlooking a lack of experience in favor of some nebulous vibe the candidate is giving off is bewildering to me. This is the POTUS we are talking about, for chrissakes! I suspect that when the debates begin there will be millions of liberal Democrats who will get a cold splash of water to the face because they've never been exposed to, or have flat out ignored the negative aspects of their own candidates. Hillary included there as well. It won't be introspection going on, either... these people will miss the point and wonder why so many people disagree with them.
What other accomplishments does McCain have? Bringing Iraq almost back to the place where it was before he authorized war?
I think registering millions of new voters is a huge accomplishment, as is raising a ton of cash from individuals (as opposed to special interests).
But I don't care as much about accomplishments as I do about vision. If McCain were good at getting things done, that would make him an even LESS desirable candidate, because most of what he wants to accomplish is bad for the country. I would prefer an ineffective person working for good to an effective person that makes things worse any day (and I think that Obama will show himself to be effective anyway!)