From the Edge to the Center

2011-12-24T09:06:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas.

Wow. Someone break out the gas masks.

2011-12-16T18:21:00.001-08:00

I'm really just testing a few things. This blog needs to be deleted.

Sooo... how was your year?

2011-01-03T18:55:00.000-08:00

I really didn't have time to write much last year. I feel I can get back to this in 2011. We'll see.

The thing about new year's resolutions.

2010-01-02T09:07:00.000-08:00

Last year I know I used this space to make plans for the new year. I'm really not in the mood to look back and see what I wrote. I remember trying to do Project 365 2009, where I was to take a picture every day. Part way through the first quarter of last year, my camera broke and I didn't get around to buying a new one right away. Also, I had a child.

I also recall that the first part of last year was poorly planned. My fault, all the way. I overburdened myself with work-related projects, including an endless list of presentations, student management. I slowly gained weight, lost sleep. It sort of reached a boiling point when Cheri and I went to a music performance last year. Clinging to hope that I could keep my picture project going, I snapped a picture of the empty stage. As I took the pic, an usher approached me. A kid that looked about 12 (I'd estimate 19). He began to admonish me for taking a picture of the empty stage and that pictures would not be allowed. Um, I get this, and of course I would not be planning to take pics of the performers. Not good enough, I heard from the usher. Now, my mind began to work overtime, as did my breathing. Exactly what was this guy proposing? He's gonna remove me? He's gonna take my camera. I don't think so, and quite frankly, he's an ass for suggesting anything to me, a grown man, that sounded like he'd even come near me or touch me. After all, I'm gonna put my camera in my pocket, and that's going to be how it is. I remember thinking that. I also remember saying it aloud. It covered the issue, as I remember. Cheri was not impressed, and later told me she'd never heard me talk that way.

It got better for me. As I said, we went through the experience of having our son, who's now almost eight weeks old. He's happy and doing well, though he has been diagnosed with cataracts... the same thing I have. Evidently I passed the condition on. Genetic testing will, I hope, confirm this; it's an easy explanation for a condition that otherwise can suggest bad things for a child. The trips to the eye doctor have started, and it's an absolute reflection of my childhood experience.

So, my resolution this year is... none of the above, or something like that.

January 1, 2010

2010-01-01T16:14:00.001-08:00

Daniel is the new Linus
Originally uploaded by Stephen Cummings

I really shouldn't give Daniel any opportunity to sleep anywhere but on his designated spots. Here, I set him down an adult bed while getting ready to put his coat on. He immediately zonked.

Prepping for some kind of return.

2009-12-13T19:10:00.000-08:00

I think... THINK... I'm ready to come back to this blog. Daniel, our son, has arrived, and I've been settling in to all of that. I see my blogs now as something I miss, not something that was just too much work. Of course, entering this post is a curse and I'll be off again. I don't want to be. I miss you guys.

By God, the baby has arrived.

2009-11-08T16:22:00.000-08:00

Growing up I always pictured myself driving my dilating spouse to the hospital. I'm flooring it, narrowly avoiding death, pulling up to the ER, etc, etc.

This is what really happened.

Cheri's last few clinic appoitments were pointing to an induction. Possible preeclampsia was the chief concern here, although I'll save the drama now and say that -- as of today -- it appears we avoided any major issues. Last Monday, our doctor decided we would need to just go ahead and schedule an admit to Labor and Delivery for Friday. She warned us not to expect too much on the first day of the admit. Sometimes these things can go "for days". As it turns out, I had talked to some friends who had experiences like this; under 48 hours is not the norm for such procedures.

So, yeah, all week it was difficult to grasp that the due date, while vague in the specifics, was clear in the obvious: the baby would be here shortly. Likely within a week. Or even sooner.

On Friday morning, we got up early. Cheri called Labor and Delivery and confirmed an open room. So, no speeding car, no going nuts. We even set aside time for breakfast out that morning. At nine we showed up at Labor and Delivery with our luggage.

Disclosure: I work for the hospital where Cheri delivered. So, no disparaging remarks will be found, here or anywhere, about this place. Not that any are forthcoming. It's an interesting place; the managerial philosophy subscribes to a Walt Disney approach to customer service. Concierge service, meals a-la carte. It's a sort-of shotgun wedding of the Ritz-Carlton and your family MD's office.

We check in, and are directed to room 7. Already, I'm sure Cheri's grandfather will be pleased. We were supposed to have the baby on Friday the 13, and my superstitious in-law expressed some concern over this. The first day, to sum up for you now, was absolutely ALMOST non-eventful. Cheri was given a medication to start contractions, and three doses later, Cheri and I were convinced we were gonnaa be here until next Wednesday.

I said almost. At 9:00, the docs made their evening rounds and informed us it would be good to get rest, because tomorrow would be when the action would start. Fair enough. Cheri tucked in, and I stretched out on the couch. I was watching television at 9:50 when Cheri informed me that, well, either she wet herself, or her water broke. It was a pretty profuse flow of liquid. It seemed evident, but we got the nurse to come in. Within 10 minutes the docs were back and confirmed, yes, that would be the water breaking, and cool... maybe this extra work won't be necessary. We also came across one of those factoids you don't hear everyday: water breaks, and keeps on breaking until the baby comes.

We were able to rest a little longer. Specifically, I rested, while Cheri tried to rest but also tried to gauge her contractions. At two in the morning on Saturday, I woke up to discover the night MD crew in the room, evaluating Cheri again. Now, I can't stress enough how awesome it would be if the contractions progressed normally. Cheri could remain mobile, take a whirlpool bath (they had that set up in every private room as part of that Disney hotel thing) and be off monitors. However, that dream disappeared when Cheri wound up needing to start Pitocin to start moving this process along. Having reviewed that the combination of the Pitocin and the fact that her water broke would make contractions more painful, Cheri elected to start an Epidural.

The next day was a mirror opposite of the placid Friday we just experienced. Cheri did have a restful morning, but soon the epidural was no match for the brute force of nature. The Pitocin didn't help matters, either. Further, the doctors confirmed the baby was under stress when Cheri laid on her right side; the left side was the one and only position she could safely remain, medically. Lying on her back was out; ten minutes of that, and Cheri warmed up like a chili pepper and became nauseated. Cheri started the morning about four-and-a-half centimeters dilated; by the evening, she was in intense pain and only six centimeters. It wasn't looking good. A whole day Cheri spent with an oxygen mask on, unable to move. Even a mild movement would trip an alarm, or at least make her want to vomit. A couple of calls out to the team led to a determination that her epidural needed adjustment. While this provided some relief, it wasn't enough.

At around six-thirty in th evening, the night shift MDs came in. A quick evelaution showed that Cheri's cervix was not going to dilate to let the baby move out naturally. Then and there, the decision was made to go forth with a Cesarian. This was not something we came to lightly, not after that whole day. Cheri made it clear at that point she was ready to go and make this happen. Moments later, Cheri was whisked off to the O.R., where they removed the epidural and did a spinal block. I was instructed to scrub in; I could be there after they prepped Cheri.

I hung out, dressed like a doctor, waiting for the word. A father from another room even approached me and asked for some assistance. Of course, I didn't try to pass myself off as anything other than a scared future dad.

It the room, Cheri lay on the table, the procedure underway. She was awake in good spirits, although she reported to me later she was very sleepy and didn't remember much. It was the first time in several days she was pain-free. Within moments of entering, I watched our son being lifted from her abdomen, and moments later, we heard our baby cry for the very first time.

This leads us to now. So, more later....

The Google Voice voicemail transcription service is like.... well, the Telephone Game.

2009-10-30T10:49:00.000-07:00

Here's my message(you'll need Shockwave installed):

Here's what Google hears:

Dark face been out of touch care you diet. Also, if you pretty great bastard ice.

Movie review haiku returns!

2009-10-25T15:42:00.000-07:00

Whip It:

Juno in hot pants

I guess this is Feminist

Drew gets knocked around

Seen at the Coralville Hy-Vee: the Crush Castle

2009-10-18T09:41:00.001-07:00

Seen at the Coralville Hy-Vee: the Crush Castle
Originally uploaded by Stephen Cummings

Hy-Vee gets it! Hold off a bit on the Christmas stuff.

The so-called Home Stretch.

2009-10-16T11:09:00.000-07:00

I haven't really felt like blogging much during Cheri's pregnancy. It's not that the pregnancy is going poorly. Cheri's doing well, and from what we can be told, the baby's doing well, too. The due date is November 13th.

At the beginning, I thought I'd be punching in updates multiple times a day. The opposite desire took hold, and I actually felt like keeping things quiet. I believe this is due in part to my wish not to solicit advice. At least, to avoid people chiming in more than what I get everyday.

I say this now because it's amazing what people tell you when you're expecting.

The medical establishment: "You've got congenital diabetes. You're at risk. Not that we know what the risk means. Just eat right. Whatever that means. Come back in a week. Or call us tonight if something feels weird. But not on Saturday. We're not here. Your doctor is booked up for the rest of the fall. Another doctor may be available. She doesn't know you, but you should get used to that. Let's check you in and monitor you. Okay, you can go home."

Advice sucks.

From family: "Who's going to watch the baby when you go back to work? You need a house. And and S.U.V. And you should quit your job and stay home. Raising a child is tough, didn't you hear? You will be great parents. But you don't know what you're getting into. You say you know, but you don't. Your life is over. Your life is just beginning. You'll never really be ready. Personally, I would have stayed single. Children are beautiful. Children are baggage. Get ready to never sleep again. Children make you stronger emotionally. Quit your job. You need a house. Really."

Again, with the advice.

Nobody knows anything. That's what I've discovered. And somehow humankind survives.

A few more dates before the child.

2009-08-15T18:31:00.001-07:00

When I was 11 or 12, back when Men at Work was an internationally popular band, I may have believed I'd see Colin Hay perform in 2009, but not under these circumstances. I recall that group playing huge venues, but the performance I attended last night was pretty cozy, just downtown in Iowa City. A friend from work suggested we go, and I got around to buying a couple tickets just this past Monday. The venue wasn't even sold out, and I'm guessing most people there bought a ticket to hear the hits.

To my pleasant surprise, it was a great show. Not that I thought Colin Hay is washed up; I sort of figured he'd be milking the nostalgia circuit. I was familiar with Hay being featured on the Garden State soundtrack, and he appeared on Scrubs, but he's also been putting out records somewhat consistently. During the show, Hay freely tuned his guitars, which he seemed to swap out after every song. He played the MaW hits, to be sure... "I've got about five hits, which is not as good as ten, but better than one.". He also covered a batch of new stuff. He wound up the evening with "Down Under" and "Be Good Johnny", both re-worked with his current band, and hell, they were great. He should put out a live album.

Yes, this is what's going on.

2009-07-22T17:50:00.000-07:00

First off, congrats again to Dan for landing on his feet with a new career. I've been rooting for him, as we've all been, and while it's old news, I continue to be thankful for his continued success.

As for this place, I've taken a break from blogging, particularly my photo blog. After a false start, I've decided to place that on hold for a while.

I have a baby blog of sorts, mostly created for the family, but by putting energy into that, I've been less busy with my old spot here. I think I've found a pitch that works, though. I can be a little more candid here, since most people in the family aren't pointed to this blog... that's actually the main reason I created the new place.

As for the baby, we got a name for her, which I'll post eventually. The appointments come and go. We are told everything is going well. I'm very much in the "lull" of the second trimester. While at first excited, I feel now my free time is filled up with he minutae of preparing things. I've moved old couches out, moved new furniture in. The second bedroom in our apartment was an office during our grad school days, now so far in the past. Now it's the nursery, taking shape each day. This weekend, we hope to have it almost done.

Cheri has actually struggling to eat. Most foods are not too tasty, she reports, but at least she's not eating soap or the kitchen table.

Week 24 starts tomorrow... already something akin to a light year since week six, when we were pretty sure we were on this path.

Japanese urban transportation as art.

2009-05-26T05:51:00.000-07:00

This is really well done. Having lived in Japan for several years, I can only say that this work conveys a strong sense of that experience, both in and out of the subway. The "Internet Art" section took me right back to our downtown Fukushima apa-to.

The art of kicking one's own ass.

2009-05-24T20:12:00.000-07:00

I am taking a week off this week. While I usually make a bigger deal of it here, this particular week off is the last Cheri and I will have together. I guess that's notable, but really, we've been together sixteen years now. I've lost a bit of perspective that I'm sure to get back when the child arrives.

Today I went to our gym for the first time in months and promptly lifted every weight I could find. (I really want to feel terrible tomorrow morning, but a good-terrible.) I hopped on a stationary bike, one connected to a special interactive video feature that simulates pumping up a hill. It really felt good. Despite how my muscles feel, I'm hoping to return tomorrow.

Odd thing in the mail today.

2009-05-15T19:04:00.001-07:00

I got this from my dentist. On the back is a reminder to schedule my next appointment. On the front is this.

Are we dumber yet?

2009-05-12T18:02:00.000-07:00

Just a quick thought. I feel I'm hearing Dick Cheney in interviews everyday, telling the public that torture worked. Now the daily news cycle includes his daughter, Liz. To top that off, we have a steady stream of stories about Ms. California.

As for the Cheney family, I get the strategy. They want an terrorist attack on the United States. I mean, what else do they want? In Dick's mind, that would confirm his view that the Bush administration did something right. It's sick. Not to mention wrong; the torture we did engage was a failure. Nothing suggests it had a positive effect at all.

Between that guy, and then having to tolerate a buffoon talk about opposite marriage, I lament the demise of newspapers and reputable news beuraus.

Get back... summer version.

2009-05-02T12:42:00.000-07:00

I've let my employer know that a child is on the way. I've also let them know that additional projects at work will be on hold. I've been taking on students for internship since 2004. It's a great experience, but I'm done for now. I will still teach my class on the UI campus, but that's wrapped up for the summer as of next Friday. I have the summer with "just" my regular job.

I haven't been posting to my photo project blog since January, but I have the photos and the content. With extra time now, I am hoping to get that project updated.

Also, I'm kicking off a baby-centric blog at onesingleroove.com. This is the result from several requests from family to set something up. I don't want to use this space for that purpose, hence the new domain. GoDaddy, indeed.

Coolest friends ever.

2009-04-27T10:09:00.000-07:00

I went to work on Friday, the day after my big appointment (see previous post). Thankfully my digital camera captures video.

This just in, sort of...

2009-04-25T16:59:00.000-07:00

I first let Dan know several weeks ago. I was on Facebook and saw he was online, and sent him an instant message. I think I took him by surprise, and really, who IMs anymore? We chatted for a second or two, and I spilled that Cheri was pregnant. At least, she and I were pretty sure.

"Kind of early to tell people. Just letting you know," Dan advised, wisely. At least he said something to that effect. He was right, but I had to tell someone beyond the inner circle.

I'd already told a few people, some family and some close friends at work. In my defense, Cheri dropped the news without any warning. She did several home tests, and the results were unanimous. We attempted to work out the math, and landed on five weeks that day. This was a Saturday, so we couldn't set up a formal exam until Monday at the earliest. And at that stage, there's no 'exam' other than checking for hormone level elevation. So Cheri scheduled for those. A week later, the numbers showed positive results for pregnancy. Week six came and went.

Between Week Six and now, Week 11, I've been given a lot of advice. Most belonged in the "don't announce until you're sure" category. This is wise, yes, but "announcing" is not what I'd say I was doing. In soliciting pregnancy and baby-related advice, you have to announce something. Of course people get this. All indicators pointed to an ultrasound. Okay, then, we'll get that at the first big appointment.

They didn't do an ultrasound, but we did get to hear the heartbeat. Sitting and waiting for the appointment to begin, I felt like the oldest fart in the room. I'm certain all the mothers (all whipping in and out on what I'm estimating is not their first time in the doctor's office) were under age 24. That's fine by us; by now both of us have talked to numerous mothers, many at 35 and beyond. This is not a big deal. Just need to be cautious, as I've been advised many times. That one is up there with not telling anybody.

The heartbeat came last, after we were hit with multiple piles of literature proclaiming "Congratulations on your new baby!" A pleasant, knowledgable nurse took us through the various testing options available to expectant parents. I'm thinking, this really is counterintuitive. Shouldn't we at least clear that one hurdle first? Like do that big confirmatory thing everyone swears we must do? Finally, the chief doctor arrives, the one that will be our leader through this, and... thank God, she's okay. Decent person, I think to myself. She hasn't advised us on anything the first ten minutes she's talking to us. This almost worries me. Nobody's yet asked me if I smoke. Maybe that should get covered.

Then the heartbeat check. Cheri's first. woaw woaw woaw woaw woaw. Then the next one. There it is: woawoawoawoawoawoawoawoawoawoawoa. And that's it. The doctor informs us that's the easiest heartbeat she's ever had to find. The most comforting news I've heard, ever.

How stupid. I did not factor in how I'd feel about all this. I only took two hours off this morning. I thought we'd simply comfirm what we already knew. Instead I was reminded that really, I don't know anything. I called my boss and cleared the day. She was empathetic. I apologized. "Steve, you're a good worker," she said.

I'm around people all the time, I work in a big place. Pregnancy is normal. And for us, this was no accident. We'd been trying for a while. Sometime maybe I'll post about that experience.

But just for a moment yet, we're in a bit of a vacuum here.

2009-04-17T21:07:00.001-07:00

This is a test SMS post. Riveting.

Just swap "Hardees" for "Carl's Jr.", and this video basically sums it up.

2009-04-05T18:17:00.000-07:00

They re-built the local Hardees down the street from my place. It was sad to see the massive '08 floods take out such a place... hell, the Taco Bell just across the street had a sign that said "We will be back!". It was demolished this month. Where's the fortitude, T. Bell?

So while the local commercial district got Hardees back (a brand-spanking new Hardees, even), the commercials that promote the place are still the worst on television. Oh, wait, I can't stop being annoyed by them, which means I'm thinking about them, which means the are the greatest ads on television. Thanks, MBAs.

(Again, with all videos embedded into Blogger, you either see it or you don't. Seriously, I think I may jump to Wordpress. Here's the link, just in case.)

The brew and the moment.

2009-03-29T15:13:00.000-07:00

We diverted from the usual Sunday morning routine and stopped into Bruegger's Bagels downtown this morning. We had, oh, ten minutes. We rushed to get the recycling out this morning on Benton Street; I was trying hard to forget I had another another work project deadline (the fourth or fifth in as many weeks) due by the time I get to bed tonight, whenever that will be. I want to enjoy the spring, but between the latest snowfall and my own schedule, I'd settle for the ten minutes I'd staked out.

The Bruegger's we went to has been there for at least 20 years. I know this because I'd eaten my first bagel there my fall freshman semester in 1989. It's been remodeled but it's still the same thing at the same place, to put it simply. I ordered a flavored coffee, Hazelnut, which I haven't ordered in a while. I don't drink much else than black coffee, straight. Flavored coffee doesn't taste right to me . Lattes and mochas are too expensive.

Inhaling the coffee and then tasting it, I saw this:

- The first few times I met up with my dad for the Homecoming Parade. Before my regular work schedule kicked in and my adult life began officially, I had the ability to meet my family downtown to watch the Iowa Homecoming parade, in which my dad participates as an alumni band member. His visits are annual weekend-long affairs, which often include a trip or two to the Amanas. During my undergraduate days, I'd cut a lecture or two to spend more time together.

- The subsequent attendandance of the homecoming football game. Our team does well, typically, and I'd get a cup of the same coffee to drink while walking to the game.

- The mornings I'd get up during my undergrad days to go out and study, usually prior to an exam. I would find studying for any exam particularly stressful, which is how I've felt about such things my whole life. Hoping from place to place, like this place, eased that stress a little.

- Grabbing coffee on my way to my first post-Japan job, a counselor in a sheltered workshop. The place where the seeds to my current career were laid. I carried a big plastic Bruegger's mug at the time, that you could get filled cheap. I mastered the ability to drive in snow during those days, in the late 1990s.

- Dating Cheri. We were poor but had some form of income to purchase the requisite coffee to chat, read, study, or talk. To this day, I think we do a good job abiding by a simple rule: if you're gonna take up space at a brew bar or shop, buy something at least once an hour.

And that's from just drinking the Hazelnut, which as a stand-alone coffee I wouldn't even recommend.

Since I review books elsewhere now...

2009-03-24T19:22:00.001-07:00

... sorta, at least, at goodreads.com. I read a couple of Paul Krugman's books recently. This clip sums things up.

Why bother driving... at all?

2009-03-23T17:11:00.000-07:00

It costs me $10 to take the bus into work. I'll probably do this forever. Just to see what it would take to drive into work like an adult, I signed up for several parking spots around campus. Turns out, my dream parking lot (lot #80) has a list that has at least 906 people, of which I am Number 906.

"Really? 906?" Says the nurse looking over my shoulder at the unit computer screen.

"Yeah."

"I'm 1800."

I guess I have seniority that puts me somewhere up on a list that wraps around the earth several times. And to what end? To park here, I'd have to pay a $33 a month for the privilege, then actually drive to and from work. For now, I'm sticking with mass transit, until I wake up sometime in my 40th year in a cold sweat, wondering why I haven't fully evolved yet.

Oh, yeah, I forgot... I freaking love the Beatles.

2009-03-05T20:03:00.000-08:00

I've mentioned before my guilty fascination with Guitar Hero, so it should come as no surprise that I'm intrigued by the Rock Band game The Beatles, which I guess is coming on 9-9-09 (get it?). There's a website up, which has a great graphic but is otherwise a big void.

But this isn't a comment about whether that game will be any good or if it's blasphemous or whatever. Today I realized I hadn't listened to anything Beatles in some time. So, here are my random thoughts on the subject of that group, courtesy of wandering thoughts as I walked around Iowa City today on a day off:

1. I'm 37 years old. Back in 1987, a big marketing blitz took place to promote the 20th anniversary of Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band; the CD version was released that year. I remember discussing that factoid in a high school composition class. It was in the lower level of the West High, but damn if I remember the teachers' name. The point is, it's now it's 21 years after that. This helps to justify a thought I remember having then: since pop music is just a blip in the space-time continuum, as is humanity itself, would it be alright if I just consider the Beatles part of the larger generation (including mine)? At least, sort of?

2. I would very much like to obtain the full set of original albums in vinyl form. To connect the thought from #1 further, my generation was the last to be able to buy the Beatles in vinyl form. At least I thought: a cursory check on Amazon and Best Buy sites have some of their vinyl available, apparently new. But it's disjointed, some product available direct, other stuff available from third parties. A new "Box" (which was lent to me when I was in high school) of all the vinyl is available for the low price of $800 or so. UPDATE: So, I guess some newly re-mastered CDs are coming out this year. If that's the case, I'll buy that box and be done with it for another 20 years. I'll revisit buying the same albums a third time when I'm 60.

3. I remember being fascinated by the recording process of the group. A book on the subject, which went through the Abbey Road sessions and beyond, was published in 1988. I still have it handy. Another book (which I've lost) came out at around the same time, and discussed the official discography at length, including the variations of the same song (album vs. single vs. radio station versions). Every time I hear "Penny Lane", I listen closely to hear if the song ends with a repeat of the horn notes, which is a rare version of the song made available to radio stations but not the public.

4. I believe "Hard Day's Night" sounds best on a Saturday afternoon. "Sgt. Peppers" sounds great in the car. The White Album sounds best after midnight.

5. In the early '90s I read a Rolling Stone article about the infamous "Ultra Rare Trax" series, a quality bootleg of unreleased songs and alternate takes. It spanned several discs. When we lived in Japan, those discs were sold in legitimate music stores in the same rack as the official discs. I always found that amusing.

6. I don't have a favorite album, but I spin "Revolver" a lot more than "With the Beatles".

7. Oddly, I don't take a ton of interest in any of the Beatles' solo careers. I suppose I'm missing out on a ton of stuff.

8. I managed to fully escape having the Beatles' music ruined forever by never hearing the Bee Gees do the Beatles. I know people (a few, to be sure) that swear by the Bee Gees' Beatles tribute. I should say, I knew those people.

9. Alternatively, "Across the Universe" didn't bug me that much. I just didn't get into that. There's a universal tendency to hear the Beatles and only hear Cute.

10. I have no tenth point.

Everybody's doing it... why shouldn't I?

2009-02-17T09:37:00.000-08:00

It's been quiet lately, but no worries.

2009-02-16T19:48:00.000-08:00

I haven't had much in the way of blog post topics. This seems to be a recurring theme, particularly when the new year gets going. I've been behind in a few projects, including my own photo blog. I'm hoping to get that updated by the end of the week. I take a real leisurely approach to these hobbies. If it all it feels like work to get a post op, I tend to reject it outright. My lackadasical student life pretty much worked this same way.

Wait, did I just post that?

2009-01-24T08:05:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's post, in its entirety:

Title" "Re:"

Body: "Who is using it"

The thing about cross-platform applications is, what you do in one spot may inadvertently show up in aonther. Take the post you may have seen here, yesterday, titled "re:". That was in response to a photo sent to me from a friend, and the subject was a coffee cup.

I was at home yesterday, recovering from an opthalmology exam that required five dilations. I was planning attended a gathering of friends to play video games. It took place in our church basement. I'd been looking forward to it, but the need to see the eye doctor became emergent, so stayed home, nursing a headache and feeling older than dirt.

Now, as part of an initiative at our church to stop wasting Styrofoam, some of us have brought in coffee mugs from home to re-use. It's a concept as old at the 1980s, the last time the green initiative was popular, but this time I thought I'd really get into it. I had my own mug made with my name on it.

I get pretty serious about the use of this mug. Conversely, I get a little irked when someone else uses it. I mean, come on! My name is on the damn thing. So naturally, when I'm not around during some event, and someone else does use it, my friend Kristin makes sure I know about. Last night she sends me a shot of the mug in use, and I followed up... so, who's using the mug, so I can chew them out later? She said, wisely, that she didn't know.

This conversation took place via cell phone, with a picture of the mug and my follow up. I guess my response got posted here. How did that happen? I guess I sent it to both Kristin and the e-mail address for the blogger cell phone posting application. I rarely use that app, since it's a real headache. My latest phone is an Instinct with a touch screen that imitates the iPhone, and is a little easier to use than the 9-digit keypad to text with. It's still a pain, though.

The point of all this? Just this: Who needs the National Security office when you have the user-powered web and a mass of users spying on themselves? With a GPS-enabled phone and a billion cross-platform apps, all of which detour through Facebook at some point, I guess actively updating a blog like this will become old-fashioned soon enough.

Thanks, technology, for time-shifting.

2009-01-20T09:53:00.000-08:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

If I can find a way...

2009-01-20T05:50:00.001-08:00

... I'm gonna watch the inauguration at work. Technically, I can take my lunch at 11:30 until 12:30. Multiple outlets are streaming the whole thing online, so my office is an option. We'll see.

Dr. Martin Luther King's prediction.

2009-01-19T17:01:00.001-08:00

Watch here. From the BBC. I want to see more of this discussion. Always good to have an extensive media archive.

My friend said "the first one's free"....

2009-01-16T17:05:00.000-08:00

Since I can't seem to get my hands on the Spider-Man Obama comic (which I hear flew off shelves Spidey-style), I think I'll start collecting Obama Trading Cards. Only 90 are in the set, with a few rarities. Now I can see how this kind of hobby can be addicting. Target, here I come....

How I spent this Saturday.

2009-01-10T14:22:00.000-08:00

It's rare anymore for a weekend to go by where the schedule is open and I'm not carrying a pager. (Don't get me wrong, in this economy, I'd carry the damn pager every week if I had to). So we decided to plan very little and just get out for fresh air and food, some walking and reading.

One place I don't get too often enough is the Capana's coffee in Coralville. It's located next to an open, somewhat untouched area where trees still grow. Given the recent retail growth in the Coralville area, having the view this place has is a bit of a surprise.

I read for a while, and continued to grow hair on my face.

I didn't articulate it too loudly in my beginning of the year post, but last year I missed out on a ton of books I've been meaning to read.

Words.

2009-01-08T18:17:00.000-08:00

1. Where is your cell phone? desk
2. Your significant other? Present
3. Your job? intact
4. Shoes you are wearing? runners
5. Your father? California
6. Your favorite thing? Life
7. Your dream last night? snow
8. Your favorite drink? coffee
9. Your dream/goal? respect
10. Room you're in now? office
11. Your fear? pain
12. Where you want to be in 6 years? house
13. Where you were last night? apartment
14. What you are not? dead
15. Muffins? scones
16. One of wish list items? child
17. Where did you grow up? Iowa
18. The last thing you did? exercise
19. What you are wearing? pajamas
20. Your TV? box
21. Your pet? none
22. Your computer? Gateway
23. Your life? static
24. Your mood? mellow
25. Missing someone? yes
26. Your car? cheap
27. Something you are not wearing? glasses
28. Favorite store? Target
29. Favorite color? black
30. Favorite place? home
31. Last time you laughed? today
32. Last time you cried? hmmmm
33. Who will/would repost this? everyone
34. Four places I go over and over again? 1. Work 2. Co-op 3. Church 4. School
35. Four people who email me? 1. Cheri 2. Kristin 3. Ben 4. David Plouffe
36. Four favorite foods? 1. Eel 2. Macaroni 3. Chicken 4. Meatloaf
37. Four places I would rather be right now? 1. Kyoto 2. MoA 3. Library 4. Movies
38. Four people you think will respond? 1. Who 2. Knows 3. I 4. Don't

2009: So, what shall we do this time?

2009-01-03T18:09:00.001-08:00

I've been yammering on this blog for several years now, and every year at this time I've given either somewhat specific or intentionally vague statements of plans for the year ahead. As I get older, I continue to learn how to keep my expectations low but still dream big, but not too big. I also try to summarize what's happened this past year.

Well, here's what happened last year: last year sorta sucked. Sorry for the mild invective, but what else can I say about a year where my grandmother died, and my close friends and colleagues wound up losing their homes to a big ass flood. The U of Iowa campus hasn't recovered fully and probably won't for a while. Hancher Auditorium likely won't open for another year at least. The economy went horribly wrong, apparently because we can't seem to learn from stuff like Enron. Now, fortunately for me, I still live like a graduate student and did not suffer property loss. And from what I can tell, I still have my job and nothing is expected to change there, from what I'm told as of this week. That's small consolation to my family, where job loss has occur ed.

Here's why I only say "sorta". Barack Obama got elected. I note with unwavering happiness that it was last year on this day that I participated in the Iowa Caucus, which was the day I transferred my political affiliation from mealy-mouthed "independent" to "Democrat." Hey, this is working out pretty well so far! Am I excited about January 20th? You bet I am. There's discussion that, should the incoming administration push through the economic reform it's touting, we could see some changes for the good sooner rather than later. That'd be nice.

So, here's what I'll tell you about 2009:
1. The Project 365 lives to see another year. Because why stop now? I dare myself to take better pictures, and get them posted in a timely fashion. Last year I found myself taking several weeks' worth of photos before getting them online. I'll do better this year. I got into Time magazine in 2008. Nothing like that's gonna happen again soon, but it was encouraging.

2. Debt removal. We had success in this area last year. So, it goes without saying (other than here) that we hope to continue this year. Given our slow progress, we estimate this year to be important as we finally eliminate some stubborn accounts.

3. Health. I didn't totally fall off the wagon last year, but I did slow down. Recent checkups indicated I'm still healthy, but I am looking at some indicators (cholesterol, blood pressure) with less happiness this month. So, here's a couple of changes: no more beer. And only eight ounces of coffee a day.

So, that's it. Nothing to metaphysical, philosophical, or whatever. I'll continue to read, blog, work, love, and anything that goes with it.

Approaching mid-life crisis = new drum kit!

2008-12-30T18:00:00.000-08:00

Well, sorta. First off, I'm not sure when "middle age" is supposed to hit, but I'm in the middle of 37, so I'm fine if I get dropped in that category.

Second off: I figure I may as well admit it here. I've been sucked into the Guitar Hero vortex. Yes, that plastic guitar thing that's really a video game, and has absolutely ziltch to do with artistry. In defense of this, I refused to buy it out of simple cost: about a hundred dollars to get started with one fake guitar and a game to play. I'll say here my spouse bought a used copy of Guitar Hero 3 with one "guitar" in early December. I brought it home and had a blast with it.Then, I turned around and bought the complete band set, including the fake drums and another fake guitar and a sort-of real microphone.

Seriously, this mic works. Your voice even comes out of the t.v. speakers when you sing into it.

My friend Ben on bass, sort of. Cheri is planning to overhaul the flame detail on that periphery.

It's basically a form of karaoke, with a little more participatory behavior. Again, I won't apologize here: it's a fun game and a massive time waster. And that includes Rock Band 2, which is a competing game with the same set up; on Wii, all the same parts work with the RB2 software.

Now, here's where the old guy meets the young guy. Doing some online research, I've discovered that a company named Ion has developed a set of video game drums that, they claim, act as real drums independent of any video game, should the user choose to do that. This made me very interested. Because, well, playing drums is something I've wanted to do. I was talked out of playing that instrument in grade school and was encouraged to play the baritone instead. This was probably a very practical move by my parents. I don't blame them. But as an adult with no children (perhaps just for the time being, perhaps not, who knows anymore), I figure there could be worse things than paying a little extra (oh, $500 or so) for something that I can still play after getting bored by the Wii.

Now, I haven't bought anything yet. The Wii version of the Ion drums haven't even been built yet, and there's strong skepticism that the Ion drums actually stand alone as advertised. This musician (Rachel Rine from Cockpit) is shown here playing the Ion kit, configured for Xbox. Now, whoever shot that video clip had other things on their mind than Ms. Rine's opinion on the drums, but she certainly seems to speak from her experience, and makes a strong statement: "This is not an instrument."

So, while I may at some point tire of Guitar Hero and its ilk, I may skip converting with toy drums and may just look for a real kit on the cheap. It's not, like, I'm that old yet 'n stuff.

The epitome of deconstruction.

2008-12-27T17:42:00.000-08:00

I wasn't lucky enough to find this when evaluating T-Clog's CMC mix last year. Better late than never. I'm going to strive for this type of literal translation from now on.

(NOTE: Okay, you'll have to follow this link if you are using Internet Explorer. It's all endless void and confusion otherwise.)

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Merry Christmas and other stuff.

2008-12-25T14:39:00.000-08:00

I'm at my mom's place in Waterloo again this year, hanging out, visiting, and all that stuff. It's good times. I have a few days off, just after a sort-of week off last week.

Nothing else to say. Peace today and always.

Time magazine features a photo I took. Just not the one I thought they would use.

2008-12-22T19:27:00.000-08:00

I was contacted by a Time reporter regarding a photo I tagged with "Barack Obama". I was Christmas shopping when I got the e-mail from the magazine. Through the ongoing magic of technology, I was able to grant approval for the shot via cell phone. At the time, I was pretty sure the reporter was going to use one of my shots from the Obama rally at Iowa City back in December 4 of 2007. I was particularly proud of this shot. Instead, they used this shot.

A picture of my cell phone screen. One could argue I was being lazy, since I needed a shot for that day's Project 365 photo. Seriously, I was sitting on the couch watching television. I was actually trying to capture a moment of relief and excitement. I was watching news coverage, speficially the notorious McCain "green monster" speech, when the coverage cut away to Obama. My phone buzzed. It was a very happy moment for a candidate I was, by that time, fully backing and talking to everyone I could about. Barack Obama is contacting me personally. Sort of. It was part of his campaign's success that he understood basic tech apps and exploited them to his benefit. Or, rather, they used the internet to develop deep grass roots support (the unfortunate word netroots, I guess). Perhaps that was what Time saw, since they used the photo. If you're interested, it's on page 44 of the "Person of the Year" issue.

One little footnote: look close, and you'll see my e-mail address in that shot. I've gotten a few good-hearted messages in the last few days, all saying "hey, I saw your photo" in some form. Everyone's a cut-up.

The surprise week off and the Human Dock.

2008-12-15T16:03:00.000-08:00

It was something of a surprise, in the middle of November, when I looked at my work division's back-up schedule, and noticed that I'd requested coverage for a week off a year ago. This week, to be exact. I don't recall why I chose this week, but I think it had something to do with randomly picking a week with no connection to anything. And so, here I am. Off, with no plans for anything.

Well, except that I decided to get a few medical check-ups done. I'm into having people stare up my nose, mouth, and just about any other orifice you can think of, simply because I'm going to be forty in a few years, and so far, I must say, I've lucked out. No weird little issues or potentially big ones. So, starting today, Monday, the time off and "human doc" begins. The phrase "human doc(k)" is something I've borrowed from the Japanese, where it's common to take two full days off at work and have a medical service give you a full head-to-toe. It's something we should be doing here in the U.S. But then, we should be doing a lot of things.

I'll give a diary summary of events in the upcoming postings, if you're interested in knowing how things turn out. I've got a vested interest, and this is a personal blog, so if you're reading this far, you're basically asking for it.

Over-the-counter cold remedies: a review.

2008-12-03T17:08:00.000-08:00

So I got over a brief spin with the flu two weeks ago. Fresh off that, we took our traditional state triangulation road trip to the in-laws (Iowa City to Des Moines, I-80 Westbound all the way), then to my family (Des Moines to Waterloo, I-35 to highway 20), then home again (Waterloo to Iowa City, I-380). Traditionally this is a somewhat draining experience, which I enjoy anyway because it's qualified Happy Family Time mixed with Being Off Work. However, I picked up a nice hit of sinusitis, which from what I can tell is a slaughter of snot out of nowhere that maximizes the area of the nasal cavity. Silly me, I thought I could self-medicate my way through it. Here's a recap for you, since you've read this far anyway:

1. 2 hours of sleep total on Thursday night, due to headache pressure an total inability to breathe. Remedy: Tylenol Daytime and Afrin Mist. Tylenol alleviated some of the headache. Afrin Mist was useless. This was tip-off Number One; I can usually get by with a couple mists of Afrin to get sleep. Afrin, by the way, is an odd concoction of chemicals that shrinks the bones in your nose or something. Maybe I'll stop using that stuff.

2. Friday through Sunday. Limited sleep. Tylenol Day and Night now mixed with Sucrets, which helped an increasingly sore throat. I start using a Neti Pot with saline to wash out. The Neti wash is simple: sodium bicarbonate mixed with water goes in one nostril and out the other. It works beautifully, but still can't stave off the pressure. I go to work Monday morning, but leave shortly after that because I sound like Yoda after being kicked in the face. Plus, I feel like I'd been kicked in the face.

3. Monday afternoon: Succumb to the Family Practice Clinic. The good doctor takes one look up my nose (wages earned!) and determines I have a sinus infection. I'm allergic to Penecillin, so I get 7 days of cipro. After two doses, I'm breathing normally and return to work.

The bottom line is that I try hard not to get sick, and take pride in being generally healthy. This has been a lousy couple of weeks. I hope I can return to exercise routinely by Thursday.

Coda to illness.

2008-11-22T15:48:00.000-08:00

I was sick earlier this week, and when I regained a little appitite, what hit me was a strong desire for Kellogg's Raisin Bran. I hadn't eaten it in years, primarily because it's awash in sugar (or so I remember), but the post-illness stomach wants what it wants, and Cheri ran out and got some. Well, not only did it hit the spot, but yes, it was very sugary. Also, it came with a toy surprise, something else I haven't seen in years. Hera I am getting the requisite 30 seconds of enjoyment out of it. Seriously, this is all it does.

Feel free to click here if the video doesn't appear.

Life during transition.

2008-11-20T15:58:00.000-08:00

I never wanted to go full politico on this blogspace, but it'll probably be a topic I'll come back to. I've been a fair-weather constituent at best, but as I push 40 years of age, I owe it to myself to take a much more serious stance on grown-politics 'n stuff.

In other news, I took a Random Day Off From Work, which I enjoyed by exercising for the first time in six days or so. I had to kick a nice little bug that had me down for a while. The best part of all this is the mandatory vacation I get next week for ThankyousomuchGiving. I mentally skip the meaning of TG, opting to actually embrace early Christmas festivities. That's counter to most everyone I know, who despise the push to recognize Christmas early. I'm the opposite. Why not put the tree up now? It's a "happy" thing in the face of shortening days and colder nights.

The last election-related non-personal web media excuse for a blog post. I promise.

2008-11-09T17:14:00.001-08:00

Really, this cracked me up. Remember the fear mongering of the last few months? About how it was going to be the worst we'd seen in recent history? This made me laugh.

Get the latest news satire and funny videos at 236.com.

David Letterman is awesome.

2008-11-06T16:13:00.000-08:00

His comments sum it all up for me.

Yes, indeed!

2008-11-04T20:34:00.000-08:00

I remember eight years ago. I remember four years ago. I sure won't forget tonight.

Election day distraction: The sandwich of hope!

2008-11-04T12:00:00.000-08:00

Election day distraction: I want this game!

2008-11-04T08:56:00.000-08:00

Punch-Out!! Wii 'Debut' trailer

Voting success!

2008-11-04T06:08:00.000-08:00

I wimped out and didn't take any photos inside the polling place. I don't know if there's a law against it, but I'm sure one of the volunteers would think so.

Just a small line formed at the front of the elementary school door. A volunteer came to the door at 7 and announced "we're open!" Some guy in line shouted "Hallelujah!" thought, not yet, dude.

We grabbed a coffee afterward. We're meeting up with friends at noon for lunch. I'm hoping we can get through this by midnight tonight. With all the early ballots out there, who knows.

Barack Obama Twitter Tweets.... I'm gonna miss your constant text updates.

Okay, let's do this.

2008-11-03T21:38:00.000-08:00

And this time, let's get it right.

Back to normalcy, somehow, in just two days. Right?

2008-11-02T13:02:00.000-08:00

I know one thing: barring something really bad, I'm looking forward to not worrying about the election on November 5th. I think I've made it clear how I want things to turn out. Perhaps this thing will go the way I hope it will. But regardless, I just look forward to not looking forward to it anymore.

I've attempted to distract myself by joining up with the National Novel Writer's Month again this year. After a couple of good runs completing the goal in 2005 and 2006, I didn't even get things moving past day one last year. This year, we'll see. With Project365 caught up, I've feeling ahead for once.

The book-bag catch up.

2008-10-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

I should have realized that if I waited long enough, I could merge the Goodreads account with Blogger somehow. Heck, I can even cross-platform so that my "currently-read" status on a book auto-updates Twitter, which in turn auto-updates Facebook and Plaxo. Next year, we'll all be volunteering to put wi-fi microchips in our heads... the ultimate cross-platform scenario. Who needs verbal communication?

Anyway, what I'm getting at is, I've been reading stuff. During the next little bit or so, I'll mention some of those books. First up is Florida Rep. Robert Wexler's book. I mentioned it earlier. His district is notorious (or rather, just "well-known") for the hanging chads. And the district where some guys learned to fly planes and then decided to make their one and only flight on 9/11. Wexler's book is sort of a primer of wow the Congress works, right down to the buildings freshmen reps get to choose from to set up their offices. It sort of made me want to run for Congress myself, just to have the experience of being sworn in.

I had forgotten that I'd seen Wexler somewhere before...

6 days to go: don't face-plant.

2008-10-29T20:26:00.000-07:00

Here's one reason newspapers are dying....

2008-10-27T20:29:00.000-07:00

I used to get the Wall Street Journal before it stopped showing up. It was a great day when the paperperson flung the copy somewhere between the parking lot and the front door of my complex. That got too hard, and eventually the thing stopped appearing completely. Oh, I was paying for it. I called the customer service line, and I got credited each day the paper never appeared. But that didn't seem like enough of an incentive for the delivery staff. I ended that subscription. Thankfully, most of the columns I read are available on the internet, which arrives pretty much on time.

I made one last overture to the world of newprint, attempting to receive the Sunday New York Times. The billing started on the 19th. Two Sundays, no copies. I'm giving the NYT one more week to get the paper here.

Chatter exists among the fans of the printed word. They lament the death of paper and ink. I'm one of those people. I have yet to sink into the world of the Kindle. I check out books routinely. (I do support audiobooks, becuase who doesn't like being read to?) For me, it's just this: if the newspaer industry can't get their product out to people, well, that pretty much is the message the consumers are getting: "We would really rather you not have this." Message received.

The Polling Place, Part 1: January 2008 in Iowa.

2008-10-24T21:02:00.000-07:00

It's something of a retread, but I'm going to photograph my day off on November 4, 2008. I'm hoping to get to the voting place early in the morning, then I'm going to take some pics of that day around the Iowa City area.

To start, here's a few shots from January, when I participated in the Iowa Caucus. I'm planning to submit the photos to the NY Times Polling Place Project.

At the Coralville Elementary School, heading in to register and get started...

It was was as expected: crowded, and a little chaotic.

Fortunately, stickers were available to make it perfectly clear which candidate you were (literally) standing for.

"W." The movie you've seen already.

2008-10-22T05:50:00.000-07:00

We checked out "W." last Saturday. The early Saturday matinee represented our quarterly soujurn to the movie theater. I think I can count on one hand the number of movies I've paid to see this year. I just don't get as excited about going. But I'm already digressing.

I posted the "W." trailer a while back, partly out of my own mild shock that we'd be getting a movie so soon about the current president. I'd heard the movie was in production, but still, it threw me a little. Now that it's out, it's become more evident to me how little I've thought of George W. Bush in the last month or so. Was I the same way eight years ago with Clinton still sitting while the hanging chad fiasco was everywhere? Of course, I had different feelings about Clinton then. Very different.

Cheri noted before we even sat down at the theater that "they're going to have to film an addendum to this". That's the risk you take, I guess, particularly with the subject matter here. I've seen a few Oliver Stone movies in the theater. I still remember seeing "JFK", and how it felt like a three-plus-hour steam roller. That film was so maticulous, "W." feels so conventional by commparison. It's almost like one of those movies-within-a-movie, where the real main character, George W. in this case, sits and watches his life parade in front of him. Important moments and greatest hits abound: The "Is our children learning" line; a scene in the Skull-and-Bones society; George W. Bush flubbing a press conference; the "fool-me-once" line"; and so on.

That's what the movie feels like. If you've followed things the last eight years, read one of the Woodward books, and take an even remotely left-of-center stance on politics, than you may see "W." as a spectacle, but not as something great. It does portray George W. as a slick, likable guy with Carl Rove and others essentially positioning the president into his current, wildly unpopular state.

The timing of this film did have one interesting payoff, I thought. A scene depicts the decision-making that led to the Iraq war. Bush is essentially looking for everyone to support him. In the film, Colin Powell gives a passionate statement of dissention. the very next day, the real Powell is on NBC, giving an eloquent, reasoned statement of support to Barack Obama. He couldn't have timed it better.

T minus fifteen: Kids: how to talk to your parents!

2008-10-20T19:52:00.000-07:00

It occurred to me on Sunday. Everyone around here is talking about the election. I couldn't even escape into my favorite sushi place (with a plan to sip lattes afterward) without the waitress talking about the election. With the rhetoric shooting into crazy territory, McCarthy-esque levels, I started to whisper my thoughts to my friends, in case the family behind the bamboo curtain were convinced my candidate of choice with a terrorist, or at least a terrorist-pal-arounder. So, of course, this blog space has been co-opted by my need to at least get thoughts out there. Persecution is welcome in the form of a anonymous reply in the comments section.

Speaking of discourse, I thought this following video might cheer up a friend of mine, who recently discovered close relatives of his are pretty staunch defenders of their points of view. Someday, we will all get along again, I'm sure.

Hey, there's even a how-to guide on how to talk to your parents!

When a weekend feels like a week.

2008-10-19T07:47:00.000-07:00

I slept in two times in the past two days. What's noteworthy about that is that I've been looking forward to that for several weeks now. We don't even have children, so some would argue I'm still lucky to have two consecutive restful days. I don't know, I just felt like I was on vacation, even though I haven't left the area. Yesterday I did a few house chores, ran a couple of errands, and saw a movie. It was "W.", which I will talk about later on.

I didn't watch the Hawkeyes win over Wisconsin, but I did breathe in the air of a perfect day for football (a twitter message from a friend of mine came in at 7:00 a.m.: "Now that's what I call tailgaiting!"). It's keeping under the mid 50F now, which is my favorite place to be.

So, that's the Sunday recap. I'm stepping away from the computer for a while now, so I can take in a little more of this. Really, it feels life a five-day weekend.

Since I can't resist, and to fit the current running theme of this blog, here's Colin Powell endorsing Barack Obama. His endorsement is one of those "full-throated" statements. Powell just happens to state the same feelings, so I'm sharing it here.

"It Ain't Right": Obama on one of the bggest issues I have this election.

2008-10-17T13:58:00.000-07:00

Lifted from the DailyKos site. I'm just helping to put it out there.

Forget the President: this is the real battle.

2008-10-16T18:52:00.000-07:00

Liveblog #3: "Say it to my face!" edition.

2008-10-15T17:46:00.000-07:00

Starting up soon. I've got multiple windows open on my screen here. My set-up speaks to a problem I have with liveblogging... it's hard to move from looking at the tuner screen, my text, and back again. I miss stuff. Also, as for tonight, these new financial package proposals are a bit convoluted, so I really won't know who is lying or exaggerating about their plan or the other guys' plan. I'll muddle through, anyway.

8:00: Bob Sheiffer: "The rules are simple.... FUCK the rules!"

8:02: Nice, cordial hellos. The last either will give before the election, I'm sure.

8:04: McCain: Fannie and Freddie is responsible. He'll implicate Obama. The Fannie/Freddie as culprit-theory has been fairly debunked, in my view.

8:06: Darn, I should have had an "Obama mentions middle-class" beer game rule. McCain looking straight at the guy. Say it to his face!

8:07: McCain goes after Obama's tax plan as hurting small businesses. Joe the plumber. I'm certain Obama saw this coming... yeah, he was...

8:11: McCain.. class warfare, or class welfare? "Joe the plumber" is gonna get a lot of crap tomorrow. Look! Damn it! Look here!

8:13: "Nobody likes taxes, let's not charge anyone..." Is this particular debate coming down to the one thing that's been the staple of both parties since the beginning of the U.S. political process? Yeah, I guess so.

8:17: McCain essentially quotes himself about Obama opposing drilling, and then getting out that scalpel. This is soooo debate #2. Damn, even the overhead projector thing! (which is bullshit, which is why I'm surprised he repeats it, since it's been refuted: factcheck.org). It's killing McCain to look Obama.

8:20: McCain: "I'm not Bush." I can do it all, just elect me, people! Obama takes a breath and dives in. McCain shouldn't do snarky looks, since his face will get freeze-framed and reposted everywhere tomorrow on progressive blogs.

8:25 Can't we two mavericks just get along? These respective laundry lists essentially cancel each out.

Okay, "Terrorist" has been said, by Bob. McCain: Boo hoo town hall meetings boo hoo Obama wouldn't play. McCain pissed about being called out for the racism at his rallies. Hell no Obama didn't repudiate those remarks! "We are going to run a truthful campaign!" This cannot speak to anyone but the deep McCain base. But... not exactly saying "it" to his face.

Obama's response: "People are less interested in our hurt feelings." No kidding.. McCain looked like he was going to pull out a Kleenex during his sad story about being picked on. Obama's focus on the people and not the campaign's tone is right on.

Obama on Congressman Lewis: We didn't ask him to say what he did. Palin didn't stop her crowd from yelling terrorist, either. Lewis did follow up his original comment. Again, this is all smokescreen, and Obama is making that clear. McCain spins this as Obama calling vets and moms are racist. Sleazy bastard. McCain: unacceptable t-shirts? This hurts McCain's feelings? We weren't talking about Obama's feelings, rather that the spirit of the rallies were turning uglier by the day, and Lewis' statement.

McCain's debater is getting worse. He's getting ready to pull Ayers and Acorn. And... he does!

We then spend much time on this issue. Again. As a voter, I'm beyond annoyed. Please, let this be the end of this garbage so we can hear about real issues. It's like the Daily Show yesterday: Why don't you admit you are a child molester?

Bob: Let's talk about your running mates. GOOD IDEA, BOB.

Obama's explanation of Biden is straightfoward if dull, kinda like Biden. McCain: She's a mav--- er, reformer. That pipeline was never built, McCain. The Fresh of Breath Air. Yes, we do need that. Palin has united people all over America? Her husband's a tough guy, too? I smell a man-crush.

Obama on Palin: Well, special needs programs will need to be funded, and an across-the-board freeze won't help. McCain: Why do we have to spend more? Another Kleenex, McCain.

Bob: "Screw this, new topic..."

8:45: Um, half-done. Thank God.

McCain: Mmm... Canadian oil... mmmm.... Let's put on the Nuclear Pants!

Obama: Also a diverse set of energy priorities. A full-efficient car. Free trade good.

One thing I've noticed: McCain gets pissed whenever Obama says what he's going to do. McCain's style is to say "I can do this, I will do this", with little specifics.

Hey, Obama's never gone down Mexico way! How can he be President? Palin's never been there, of course, but that's sexist to even think.

McCain: "Let me just say, my friends, that he wants to meet without pre-conditions..." These non-sequiters (sp) are, well, erratic.

Bob: "Dear LORD new topic, health care PLEASE..."

Obama recites his plan essentially as he has been throughout his campaign. Keep your plan if you wish, make the system efficient, pre-existing conditions will not be a barrier, and yes, it will cost money. McCain: $5000 tax credit. Get what insurance you want. Hey, Joe! Obama's gonna screw you! The "fine" lie is back.

Obama: Hey, Joe, if you're out there (hee), that fine will be "zero"! McCain looks like he's going to lose it at that moment. Obama points out unfortunate facts about McCain's plan.

Hey guys, Joe is a transsexual from Chula Vista, and he's about to take his wrench and go postal.

McCain: Joe is in charge! Not the Government! Joe for President!

Bob: "Let's stop there. Now, Roe V. Wade..." Get ready for the values round.

McCain: I'm a Federalist. States are in charge. Democrats screwed things up that one time. I'm not an ideologist. "I support the strict definition of the Constitution." What does that mean, actually? The constitution isn't written like an Ikea manual.

Obama: "Roe v. Wade" is right, and one left to women to decide. I will look for judges who has an excellent intellect. He cites an equal-rights decision.

McCain: "We have to change the culture of this country." He brings up the Illinois voting design, allowing for "present". Obama votes to hurt babies. Obama: Yeah, that's... not true.

Bob: "Okay a-holes, here's the last question." I love Bob.

Obama: We must invest in education and recruit teachers, and pay them something. Yeah, that takes money. College should be affordable. Tuition credits for college students. And, oh yeah... parents. They'll need to get involved.

McCain: A civil rights issue of the 21st century... wait, competition amongst schools. Charter schools. Vouchers, anyone? Will he say it? Do I hear a voucher? "Throwing money at the problem is not the answer?" I think McCain actually thinks politicians chuck money at school buildings.

Obama: Hey, McCain and I agree on charter schools. Good teachers should be supported. But no to vouchers. "America's children are not an interest group.... someone's gonna pay for it."

McCain: "That was vouchers, vouchers, damn it." Reform, reform, reform the programs. I've got a couple of reformers up to it. Autism! Autism! Palin's got an autistic child, I should note here. Oh, and one more thing: vouchers.

Obama: Vouchers actually.. not so awesome. McCain: chuckles and OH MY LORD those teeth.

Final thoughts: McCain: I'm a good steward. There's a long line of McCains. I'd be honored and humbled. Just don't tie me up again. That sucked.

Obama (he goes last, lucky dog): Same policies = crap. Fundamental change = me. Brightest days are ahead. Middle class = You. We'll come together. Right now.

Bob: Now go vote, like my mother said.

McCain and Obama: Good job, back pats. McCain does a goofy jig. Who's a happy man now that this debate's over? Well, they shook hands. That'll throw the wingnuts.

----
Final thoughts: Well, if you had a stance going in, you are very likely standing in that same place going out.

Obama: cool, man, real cool. It must get tiring, having to explain the same things a million times.

McCain: Good job (say you're a terrorist). He didn't repeat his responses, he simply carbon-copied his debate points from #2. Repeat that projector thing again, would you?

Are you feelin' it? Once more into the liveblogging brink tonight.

2008-10-15T06:24:00.000-07:00

Actually, I'm not sure what the hell I feel anymore. I don't believe anyone out there in the Democratic party is measuring the drapes yet, despite the language of McCain's current underdog stumper. I'll say it again: November 5, barring yet another fiasco, cannot get here fast enough.

Anyway, watch this space, if you wish, for one more go-around with debate comments. Because it's on television, I'm free tonight, and I'll just be pacing around the room otherwise.

Three weeks and counting.

2008-10-14T05:59:00.000-07:00

I know I'm probably preaching to the converted, or at least to the choir, with this blog. But when I can't sleep at night out of frustration for the kind of smears that the Governor of Alaska is throwing around, I have found this blog space to be somewhat therapeutic.

Actually, since McCain has gone essentially 100% negative in his attack ads, he's allowed the neutral FactCheck.org become an extension of the Fightthesmears site. The evaluation of the Ayers smear, to which the governor of Alaska gave re-birth, is covered here. I note this here because, after last week's Palin rallies, a little of that innuendo may get a little traction. I had one co-worker state to me that she was "worried about the connections between Obama and terrorism."

Three weeks to go, as of today. I'm bracing myself.

"The white flag of surrender, and the New York Times."

2008-10-12T18:58:00.001-07:00

It's been a crap week, and at one point, I thought I'd missed Sarah Vowell coming to town to read from her new book, The Wordy Shipmates. Imagine my hapiness when strolling into my favorite local bookstore, I see a display advertising two tickets to her reading next Friday, the 25th, and all I have to do is buy her new book. Finally. Something to look forward to.

Here's Sarah on the Daily Show last week:

Friday night video: comic relief at the end of a bad week.

2008-10-10T05:48:00.000-07:00

McCain's points are dropping and his increasingly mob-like crowds are starting to scare me. It looks like today McCain is trying to dial this back. It didn't go over well.

Hey, since we here like to focus on the issues, here's a video that's been making the rounds. Made me giggle a little last night.

MCain on vets: I'll take care of you, somehow, maybe.

2008-10-08T11:04:00.000-07:00

Remember at the first debate when John McCain said he would "take care" of veterans? He was pretty effusive, but noticeably vague on what exactly he meant. It's certainly not his record, where he didn't show up for votes on expanding veteran's benefits or supporting the G.I. Bill. To be fair, Obama didn't show for those expansion votes either, but he did support the G. I. Bill expansion. This is why Obama gets a B grade from the Iraq and Afganistan Veterans of America, while McCain gets a D.

Some early thoughts, and okay, I'll live blog the third debate.

2008-10-07T19:22:00.000-07:00

I feel like I missed out on some sad little party by not typing and watching television at the same time.

First thought: nothing remotely looking like a "game changer" (eh, I hate saying that... let's retire it.) For Barack Obama and his campaign, this is a fair strategy. Fair, because he's ahead. If the general public looks at this performance tonight, and nothing seems different, that would be a good thing.

Remaining thoughts: McCain appears slightly more poised than the last time, but MY FRIENDS... dear God... let's agree that while McCain doesn't want to "telegraph his punches" (there's a mixed metaphor begging for a cartoon), he's doing everything to telegraph he's a friendly, regular guy. Yeah, that's working.

Obama: Look, look, look, and may I add, look. Nothing he said tonight was a surprise. Nobody said anything that they haven't been talking during the end of this campaign. Obama winds up a pitch like Olive Oil throws a windmill. But behind his outword thoughtful approach is... a thoughtful approach. He's strong, smart, and his direct statement on Afganistan could not be contested.

McCain: I think wandering around the stage does not serve him well. Other than that, he's attacking with lies about Obama's tax plan, and his rip that Obama would fine a mother raising a child... what? First, what's that even based on, and second, McCain voted against CHIP. Dumb people, unite... this debate was for your benefit.

I'm watching the final comments now.... With Brokaw, surprise, McCain gets the last word.

"What don't you know, and how will you learn it?"

Obama: Story about his childhood. His wife knows what he doesn't know.

McCain: I don't know what I don't know, but I know I was a POW.

So, there, any shockers? Yeah, that would be a no. Obama insisted on getting a response in... McCain, the Mav himself, got pissy about not following the rules. Sheesh.

Tonight, we were told, the gloves would come off... because we'd be using the Telegraph, I guess. McCain telegraphed an attitude in this bit:

I'll get back to you after the debate.

2008-10-07T18:45:00.001-07:00

Blah blah blah in a while.

Folks, the campaign just went there.

2008-10-06T16:32:00.001-07:00

So as of today, McCain and his campaign have decided to label Barack Obama a terrorist-by-association. That means some people are now being led to believe by the McCain campaign that he's a terrorist. McCain let it happen today.

Never in my lifetime did I expect this. Never in my lifetime would I believe that the decorum of political campaigns would sink to this. Think about what's happening here, just for a moment. Think about what McCain is encouraging. The mind boggles: what will McCain bring next week? What discredited smear will he trot out next, to force the public to regurgitate?

We expected this, didn't we? Less than a month to go, McCain's got nothing. He can't talk issues. He can't even talk real character. He's got nothing. It would seem people are getting it. I truly hope this is the case, that people will see Obama as the man he is, not what the McCain campaign would lead you to believe.

Long-distance stage shot.

2008-10-05T07:39:00.001-07:00

I went to see Kathy Griffin perform at Carver-Hawkeye arena last night. She was originally scheduled to perform at Hancher Auditorium, but the floods forced a rare non-sports performance at CH. Funny stuff. Griffin has created a career of reporting on celebrities she encounters, however she's also a pressure valve for political commentary as of late. Commenting on Governor Palin's children's names: "one child is named Bristol, which is a carpet-cleaner, no metaphor intended." That should give you the general idea of the kind of humor she's known for.

Livebloggin' the VP debate.

2008-10-02T11:11:00.000-07:00

On one side: Sarah "I'll get back to you" Palin. She thinks dinos and humans existed at the same time.

On the other side: Joe "Gaffe-boy" Biden. He thinks televisions existed in 1929.

7:56: Okay, I've never done this liveblogging stuff before. It gives the "I am there" illusion to tonight's proceedings. It makes it sorta fun that way. I have a large computer screen (I don't know the actual dimensions, of course). I've got the debate on the TV tuner window open on the right, a few other blogs open in tabs, and Twitter running on the left side of the Flock browser. Okay. Enough geeking out.

8:00 p.m. It shold be starting now... Wow, a red and blue stage. No babbling brook?

So, expectations are so low. Palin just walking off the stage at the end will be considered a victory, I'm sure.

No cheers aloud! No outbursts!

"Can I call you Joe?" The charm starts. Biden goes first. They each have 90 seconds per answer. A lot of brief answers forthcoming. Biden is straight-forward and direct. Palin goes for a reference to parents expressing fear. She is as slick as her 2006 videos, as expected. So far, she sounds well-versed. She's looking at Biden when he talks, more than McCain did for Obama.

Palin: Back to defending McCain's meaning of "fundamentals." Seriously? And whoa... team of mavericks? Again? Her response is the usual stuff of "new energy".

Yes!! NEITHER ANSWERED THE QUESTION!!!

Joe Six-Pack and Hockey Moms... banding together... NEVER AGAIN... just how many hockey moms are there out there?

Biden: Attacking the notion of Wall Street self-regulating. He's got a gas station story. Palin: Attacking all tax increases, saying it'll halt job creation, and government spending control. She continues to invoke middle-class, again a lesson learned after McCain didn't use that phrase.

8:15: Biden describing the Obama tax plan. "This is not punitive". I support this perspective. Biden hitting back to Palin's rusty talking points. She attacks Biden's statement that paying taxes is patriotic. These are old, old, old Republican talking points. We've seen where this has brought us today.

8:20 Palin promotes the awful McCain private-insurance health care plan. Biden: goes after the way the McCain plan gets the tax credit. I hope people pick up on this. "The ultimate bridge to nowhere." Hee.

I take it back. Palin looks down and writes a lot. And reviews those notes. Hee, where's a gust of wind when you need one?

8:23: Palin: "I have expertise in energy". "I haven't promised a whole lot." And the best one: "There's not one thing McCain promised he won't be able to keep."

8:27: "We must thank John McCain..." for what? The financial crisis he didn't divert?

Palin has been trained to change the subject and revert to her strengths. She will not stay on the question or the point. We are about to hear "drill, baby, drill" as the ticket for foreign-oil independence. Biden has an opening: she's saying again that it doesn't matter what caused climate change. And... he takes it. Go, Joe!

He gets to the myth of drill, drill, drill. ... and, Palin corrects the phrase to drill, baby, drill! And.... drink! Damn, she just lied about Obama/Biden supporting no alternatives! Anyone gonna call her on this one before she changes the subject? Over at Americablog they call out Gwen for not getting Palin back on the point.

8:37: Now on to the family values. Biden, to his credit, takes a hard stand on same-sex couple rights. Palin is "tolerant" on her admission. Biden, on a rare attempt by Gwen for clarification, gets to it: Marriage is man-woman. That's over. Movin' on....

8:40 Palin stated that Barack did not fund the troops. This is another trained point for Palin, including the hope for "victory in Iraq." Biden: McCain voted against the troops because of the timeline. Palin: Your plan is a "white flag of surrender". The surge is the war, the surge was a success, commanders will tell us when that'll be, 100 years, baby! Biden: McCain voted against the troops! Repeat!

Gwen, hello? Anyone there? "Let's move on..." Well, it's clear Palin isn't the least prepared one in the room.

8:45, and we're half done. Pretty predictable so far. Biden attacking the administration for going into Iraq. How much you wanna bet Palin will connect 9/11 to Iraq?

Annnnddd... yes! She did. So, if you've been following the war, you know where you stand by now. This debate couldn't change a game of checkers.

Bonus round: Palin calls Obama naive for his suggestion of the rules of engagement. Palin would engage in diplomacy. And she apparently had a great conversation with Kissinger at the U.N. Last week. Biden gets a great response in about the theocracy controlling Iran. He calls back the McCAin gaffe about not sitting down with the leader of Spain.

8:52: McCain/Palin will be there for Israel. Biden probably has something to say about that. He does. DAMN IT she changes the damn subject again... Gwen? GWEN? The hell! She changes the subject and switches to "Change is coming!" She can't answer the questions with depth and goes to the bumper sticker.

Biden gets to McCain = Bush. Fair enough given that we're now talking about... not Israel.

Palin: "New-kleyar." Hee. "Can we talk about Afganistan?" Gwen: "Sure. I'm just working on my book during this debate. Talk about whatever you want."

9:00: Palin defending the approach to Afganistan. Biden defending his vote for Iraq. This is the area Palin has been most aggressively trained to address.

9:03 Palin: "I'm such an outsider... Americans are craving for straight talk." Actually, Biden did give a straight answer. Okay, now we're on Darfur, Hey, it's a notecard she has, clearly, might as well get to it.

9:05 Palin: "John knows what evil is." Dilute with vagueness. Please, people, let's not fall for this after eight years.

Joe's basically having a good time, and he at least sounds spontaneous.

Palin: Maverick, maverick, maverick is his nickname. Get rid of greed, corruption. Hey, it's 8:00 p.m. tonight all over again!

Palin: "Say it ain't so, Joe!" Don't look backward? He's talking about the current administration. Hello! Now she's going to have a big folksy orgasm. The ultimate demur. Please, my appeal: listen to her, folks. She is saying nothing. She's good at saying nothing.

Holy cow, Gwen really shouldn't be doing this job. "The VP should have a bit more authority than is currently allowed." Um, geez, that's been a problem as of late for the current veep.

9:15: The home stretch. Not sure what people will make of this yet, but I have some thoughts...

9:17: JB: "Cheney is the most dangerous VP we've had." Ding. Points to Biden for stating "him or her." Both are defining the VP role. Really, this is not a probing debate. Are they ever?

9:18: Palin: "I'm an oil and gas regulator." Should have expected to hear that one. Here's the flood: mom, heartland, mom, sittin' around the table, then the Reagan quote: "shining city on a hill." This has not been the case for the past near decade.

9:20: Biden: Brings up his family tragedy. Had to be said, because we're going folksy here, and Palin went overboard. And a major point: "I'm a man. I raised a child on my own. I know what's it like." It's moving, pivotal. Palin: "Maverick maverick maverick." She just got toasted.

Palin: "McCain is the man that we need to leave... I mean, lead." Beautiful.

Biden: Finally, called out the use of "Maverick." This debate is winding up beautifully. Did I say beautiful? "He's not been a maverick on anything that matters." He voted against LIHEAP.

9:24. Final question. What question? With Palin, will it matter? Biden's "life changing event" is great but Palin will.. what? She quasi-caved in? So she didn't really cave? What? Didn't cut taxes enough. "I don't regret any decisions."

9:26: The real final question. How did last week's events change the tone? Palin has the final words tonight is stock about walking the talk, and we're all gonna work together. McCain will create jobs and reign in spending, etc, etc, Obama will kill jobs and increase taxes.

Final thoughts: Palin: Great to meet with you. "I like to answer questions without the filter of the media." Er, and with the McCain filter. "Vote for McCain or we'll lose our freedom! AAAAAAAGGGGGH

Biden: (please say something about freedom of the press please): "It's time for America to get up. May God bless us and our troops."

Whew.

Thoughts:

1. Biden: Natural, spontaneous, great points.

2. Palin: Robotic, talking-point focused. Maverick. Folksy. Joe Six-Pack. Beer. Mmmm. Beer.

No "knockout" and Palin didn't crumble. But she did as well as she could have. This is expected: this debate did not change anything for me. I have not a single clue how people out there in the country will treat this. I am biased, but Joe carried the night.

Quick newsflash: Palin is not going to do any more interviews. That's not a shock. This debate, as well as the series of rallies, is what the McCain campaign will want her to ride the election out doing.

Here's my favorite moment of the debate. Note Palin's response. I don't know if McCain is a Maverick, but I know a hack when I see one.

What is a Maverick?

2008-09-30T09:56:00.000-07:00

If you are John McCain, this is as eloquent a definition as I can determine: Asshole = Maverick.

There's a nebulous haze that surrounds McCain's self-styled persona, and it has something to do with "reaching across the aisle" (a bizarre image for Congress, but it's what everyone says.) In reality, McCain's maverick style comes from acting like a jerk and giving into his base impulses, time and time again. the blog "Eye on Obama" covers the top ten events in this category here.

So basically, McCain blows up, loses his temper, and dispenses with decorum when he can't control himself. That's got nothing to do with "reforming Washington" or "working with the other party". After the debate last Friday, McCain's camp attacked Obama for daring to articulate support some things that McCain has stated. This is a confusing attack to make since, after all, isn't McCain the one who alledgedly does that? Of course, we know that McCain's history of voting isn't very independent at all. His Maverick reputation is based not on independent thinking, but a lack of thought and basic respect for others.

What I saw McCain do on Friday was bear out that persona of a grumpy, arrogant jerk. Of those people who watched the debate and assert that McCain was the victor: is it because of his ideas or plans, or is it because he came off angry and on the offensive? I support assertiveness in the role of the Presidency, but McCain offers only distain. This is not good for the country. (Note that I haven't mentioned Palin yet here).

Roger Ebert has another essay up that I agree with... who knew I'd be citing Ebert so much in this discussion?

Homecoming weekend. At least there's beer.

2008-09-28T06:56:00.000-07:00

The Iowa Hawkeyes couldn't give away the homecoming game away to Northwestern fast enough on Saturday. It seems the conventional wisdom of the game was, when in doubt, fumble the ball and force a turnover. They did it several times, so I'm assuming it's a strategy.

I still respect the fact that I not only graduated from a Big 10 university twice, but that the athletic program is a major part of the campus identity. Moreover, I work here now, so Herky pays the bills. So while I don't think of myself as any kind of hardcore football fan, I get into it when the mood is sumoned.

However, after baking in 85 degree weather watching one of the most pathetic performances I've ever seen, I also remind myself that going to one game every year is more than enough for me.

Fun video weekend continues. If you aren't scared, you should be.

2008-09-27T16:00:00.000-07:00

Bonus video!

Sarah Silverman endorses Barack. Proceed with caution.

2008-09-26T09:28:00.001-07:00

The Great Schlep from The Great Schlep on Vimeo.

Welcome, autumn.

2008-09-22T14:15:00.001-07:00

Regulation and taxes. We need more discussion about this.

2008-09-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

More getting the message out...

Here's Obama in Jacksonville, Florida.

I'm not sure how the discussion of taxes can be avoided. On ongoing war, the ongoing bailouts... any promise of tax cutting would be disengenuous. I'm with Biden: paying taxes is a patriotic duty. I'm not libertarian enough to think taxes are evil. I'm not socialist enough to believe we should all be paying eighty percent of our income back into taxes, either.

Barack Obama's 2-minute ad.

2008-09-18T14:43:00.000-07:00

It an effort to help get the message out...

All of Sen. Obama's major presidential plans are found here.

UPDATE: Being from Iowa, I thought I should mention that McCain and Palin appeared briefly in Cedar Rapids. Though I should note, apperantly it's the Palin-McCain ticket, and I guess it's Grand Rapids? Hello?

Also, Iowa Republicans are lemmings. At least as portrayed in the Iowa Radio Blog. People are so jazzed that if president, Sarah's gonna shake things up! And people see her when they look in the mirror! And she's got five kids! I have five kids! It's so perfect for this country! My doppledanger will be in charge!

When Obama says "I hope you'll read my plan," he has to know what he asking of good, hard-workin' folksy-folks.

This week's B.S. reminder.

2008-09-18T05:07:00.000-07:00

I have more "foreign policy" experience. Hell, my wife met Walter Mondale, then the ambassador to Japan. We're both ready for the call!

I think NBC is, like most of the eeeeevil mainstream media, weary of being painted as more evil, less mainstream, by the McPalin Group. Fortunately, NBC also very good at being accurate, at least in the following example.

Another thing I miss about living overseas....

2008-09-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

It's a simple thing: Apple's Japanese site featuring current movie trailers. A great many of them remixes of the original Western (typically U.S.) promotional clips.

When I came across this link, I was taken back to the time I spent going to movies in Japan. I saw a lot of movies during that time. The city I lived in had a couple of locally-owned and operated theaters. Double features were the norm, and I saw a series of strange couplings: "Clueless" and "Star Trek: Generations". "Speed" and "Miracle on 34th Street".

Movies started early on Saturday. We would be able to get to a matinee at 9:30 in the morning and be out by noon. The theater didn't do concessions, but that was a small blessing, as the environment was clean and quiet. Very quiet. We were often the only foreign people in the house, and our proclivity to laugh loudly was always noticable.

It was evident that either the Japanese culture had a reverence film and cinema that we lack in the U.S., or the theatre owners in Fukushima simply knew what they were doing. Classic films were always playing there, which is something that simply doesn't exist back in the states (at least in my little corner of Iowa). We saw "Some Like it Hot", "The Third Man" and "Psycho" in a marathon triple feature.

SNL opens strong.

2008-09-14T08:52:00.000-07:00

Here's ABC news reporting on one of the above-mentioned subjects, who apparently watched the skit:

"Standing alongside SNL cast member Amy Poehler who was impersonating Hillary Clinton, Fey's Palin extolled her foreign policy expertise in a flat midwestern accent: "I can see Russia from my house!"

There were howls of laughter from the sizeable press corps covering Palin's first foray on the campaign trail without her running man as a chaperone.

But, from the front of the plane, silence. The flight attendants assured us Palin and her entourage were watching. What she thought, though, is anybody's guess.

Palin has yet to say so much as hello to the press corps.

The campaign is doing its best to keep Palin well away from inquisitive reporters, going so far as to book the press corps into a separate hotel from the candidate."

Roger Ebert on Palin: One thumb way, way down.

2008-09-13T08:55:00.000-07:00

I've mentioned before I'm a big reader of Roger Ebert's columns and movie reviews. He's also published political opinion pieces in the Chicago Sun-Times. He captured a thought I've been having about the Republican VP candidate. Folksy-type folks out there, a combination of the GOP straight-liners and the intellectual DOA that make up the Undecidids, have been championing Palin's gosh-darn "likeability", that she's "one of us." Ebert's response: She's the Amercan Idol candidate!

I agree with this because there's a function of her persona, and her appeal to some voters, that says "Hey, don't pick on her. She's new to this. And she just might be good enough to be V.P." This argument is a counter to Obama's newness. Except, of course, he's been campaigning for the past two years, while carrying out his duties in the Senate. What I expect of Obama and Biden is fundamental: carry out the duties of the Executive Branch with intelligent, direct leadership. I believe they are not just able to adapt, but are ready. Palin is not ready. No matter how much pluck she has. Given that her front-and-center tactic is to lie, she's demonstrated the opposite of leadership.

Seven years.

2008-09-11T17:33:00.000-07:00

Here's my story: on the morning of September 11, 2001 I was getting ready to go to my teaching assistant job. I assisted with a basic course on computer use and general research designs. I don't know what moved me to turn the television on that morning, but I did, and the morning news was already on the story. So, because I had a random urge to catch the television news instead of my usual Morning Edition on NPR, I was able to watch the second plane strike the World Trade Center as it happened.

I have mementos that mark the events of that day. I kept all my lesson plans in a binder, and so I have a sheet with my handwriting on it that shows that we threw out the planned class content, and held a discussion about what had just happened. That same day, I attended my field placement orientation. I was starting my internship at the hospital, which is now my job seven years later. The training handouts and agendas were all marked "9/11/01". I saved those in a binder, too. Sitting in the orientation, we were informed by a late attendee that one of the towers collapsed.

That afternoon, I walked outside and looked up. The sky was empty. I took for granted the streaks that mark the trails of jets. There was just one... I estimated it was President Bush's plane. I believe he was in Omaha, not terribly far from where I was.

I met my wife, who picked me up and took us home. We watched television for several evenings, a rarity during our graduate school days, although I tried to get to bed at 10:00 p.m. each night. It was attempt to maintain normalcy. To a degree, it actually worked.

Nothing significant. Just what I remember.

"Enough!" That's the stuff...

2008-09-10T20:20:00.000-07:00

Paul Slansky makes the point very clearly. Republicans attempt to co-opt "Change" (which would be hilarious if it weren't so shockingly stupid, coming from the candidates who agree with Bush 95 to 97% of the time). So, use the one word that clearly states the feeling of your message and plan. In one word.

I could not find the unadulterated Obama clip demonstrating his use of the word, but it was used in Olbermann's broadcast tonight.

UPDATE: Thanks, AP. (First the straight footage, then the commentary).

Damn it, man, get mad.

2008-09-09T14:51:00.000-07:00

Okay, I've been watching Barack Obama do a few interviews last week. He's been insulted numerous times in the past week, and the the McCain/Palin world tour espouses lies at every stop. Last night on Countdown, I was expecting Obama to deliver a lucid rebuttal.

Instead, I'm stuck watching Obama turn into John Kerry. Thoughtful answers, sure enough, but really, isn't now the time, with less than 60 days to go, to really open up, hone the rhetoric, and deliver the message with strength? Remember when you shouted "Enough!" during your nomination acceptance speech? That was awesome. That spirit, that anger, should at least be somewhat visible in your interviews.

I know I'm mad. I'm mad at how you are getting slandered, and I'm mad that not only is McCain's team lying to the public so openly, but that people are buying it.

Latest library visit

2008-09-08T19:53:00.001-07:00

A small reward for starting off the fall semester... I can sit down and read a little in the evening. In an effort to same some money, we brew coffee at home and play jazz through cable radio. Remarkably, it makes the living room a lot more comfortable. I'm currently reading Rep. Robert Wexler's "Fire Breathing Liberal". You may know Wexler from his appearance at the Democratic Committee Hearings in May, when he represented Obama's campaign on the process for seating Florida delegates. I was struck by his performance. I had forgotten that I'd also seen him on The Colbert Report in 2006, in one of the Better Know a Distict sequences. In it, Wexler was asked to finish the sentence "I like cocaine because..." Wexler also has the distinction of representing the district where nine of the 9/11 hijackers lived and learned to fly. So, yeah, it's an interesting book.

One more funny video, then I'll back off.

2008-09-07T09:09:00.001-07:00

I'll be focusing on the election for a while, I guess. If anything, this election has finally helped explain the humor of Triumph, the Insult Dog.

I swear I was about to post that very thing.

2008-09-06T16:54:00.000-07:00

Obama: "They must think you're stupid."

McCain/Palin '08: A Bridge to Nowhere.

Here's Rachel Maddow calling it like it is:

Paul Krugman on Resentment: He nails it.

2008-09-06T07:55:00.000-07:00

If you're like me, and you are wondering why, if the Republican base has no real argument for change and yet keep the race close, Paul Krugman's editorial in the New York Times this week sheds some simple light. Like Dan, I don't "get it" either. Watching and reading the media reports this week, I was stunned (as I wrote earlier) at the use of lying as a tactic. This is, of course, not a new tactic by any stretch, but for me, the lies this week felt more out front, more clearly designed to antagonize the Left and entrench the Right. I only hope that we've come to learn the Rove playbook: if the lie can't be addressed quickly, the public will accept it as fact and remain unchangeable.

You mean it's only been a day?

2008-09-04T15:55:00.000-07:00

I forget how, in this age, the 24-hour news cycle is run by humans who need to do research to fact-check. I mean, it takes a whole day! So, in response to recent blogging about Republican talking points/lying points, here's an article from the good old AP regarding last night's high-jinks (click here) and a Slate Sarah Palin FAQ here.

UPDATE: Here's John Ridley at the Huffington Post with a variation on the Palin language/Republican Talking Lies one-sheet here.

A small reminder of what's important here.

2008-09-04T05:52:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Pat for liveblogging last night's RNC speeches. I was teaching last night, and so I had to forgo the broadcast. I figured there'd be plenty of rehashing the following day. Of course, that's always frustrating, since all reporting is somehwat subjective in these matters. A lot of headlines are out today on how Sarah Palin took on Obama, came out swinging and threw the red meat. WWE must be handling the press releases. I heard clips and saw videos this morning. Nothing shocking or out of the ordinary. Just the same nastiness I've come to tolerate for almost a decade. I do think Palin will spruce up the VP debates, and I will be Tivoing those in case they hold those debates on a Wednesday. It will be chance to hear Palin speak without full Teleprompter support. Or, at least, in her own words.

(For a quick guide on those words, check John Ridley's NPR blog about the current spin on things.)

I realize this is an attack Obama has received. So, for some perspective, and a reminder why I stand where I do today, watch Obama speak in his own words here (featured also on John Cole's Balloon Juice blog).

I unplugged for a weekend (it was still worth it).

2008-09-01T17:40:00.000-07:00

As I noted in the comments section of Dan's latest post, I get away from my own digital information portals/vices at my peril. No sooner was I in the car with my family, heading to the Minnesota State Fair (a tradition now in the sixth year), that I hear on the car radio (naturally) that McCain's V.P. choice is Sarah Palin, who is turning out to be, well, kind of an interesting choice? The Minneapolis Star-Tribune did the best it could in paper form, but stuff like this moves on a 10-minute cycle.

Anyway, while you were blogging, here's where I was:

Seriously, could you sign my copy of Stuart Saves His Family? Actually, I don't have one, but I heard it was good. I admire Franken, actually, but I didn't hog the space around the booth, seeing as how I can't actually vote for him. I'm from Iowa, so, you know...

There was a Revlon booth, which per from a female friend, we "really ought to check out." I didn't get anything, even though there were actually a few products created for men. I guess I'm just not into that kind of thing. I did get a stern reminder that I wasn't supposed to be taking pictures there. Hey, the only sign I saw was the one out front that said entering the tent would be an indication that we are okay with being videotaped!

Millions of years ago, this Twins fan was felled by the same fate as the citizens of Pompeii. Or maybe it was the Ostrich on a Stick stand just a few feet from where he now permanently stands.

Yet another movie trailer. Maybe for a movie I'll actually see.

2008-08-26T10:23:00.000-07:00

It may seem I'm going a little movie-trailer crazy, but as we approach the start of fall, more interesting movies begin to appear. Having grown up in (or at least close to) the Waterloo area, I have fleeting memories of a place called Showbiz Pizza. Turns out, even that place gets a documentary.

The Rock-afire Explosion Movie Trailer from The Rock-afire Explosion on Vimeo.

Wish me luck, and wish us all more of the same...

2008-08-25T16:12:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again... the University of Iowa campus, flooded over in June, is ready to take on the onslaught of 30,000 or so students, starting today. For me, it means another semester of my class at the School of Social Work. I have this evening to work with my co-instructor on the syllabus for the fall. Tomorrow, I'll work on my lecture for Wednesday evening. I really enjoy this process. I love the campus in the fall, and so, more than the beginning of summer, I hope for the best in life, in people, and the future. Corny, yes, and I still hope for it.

Also, this year again, I hope to have my schedule together, so that I don't feel pushed to the limit, constantly catching up from the week before. This is what happened to me in the spring, and the results weren't pretty. I just about did cartwheels (well, almost) when my employer offered to replace my aging desktop computer at work with a souped-up laptop. This means I can work on office hours, class presentations, or grade books without sitting in my stuffy home office. Ah, the little things. The second "gift" I received was information that the phone I'm upgrading to next Monday will include Microsoft Exchange in it's service plan, which means I can access work e-mail with the phone. Artless though this may be, it makes being able to go out of the house during on-call time just a smidge easier.

My student for the upcoming school year starts tomorrow. I'm a bit more motivated about this than usual because it's somebody who understands the hospital system a tad more than my usual student. Don't get me wrong... pretty much all my students have been assets. But I feel a bit liberated knowing I won't have to spend a great deal of time training someone on the details of our databases, interdisciplinary team design, etc.

So tonight, I am relegating myself to home just a bit more, so that I can finish up a few personal projects, and then dive into the semester ahead. I may check out some of the DNC stuff on television, but maybe just a little bit.

Damn it, a man can hope.

Sallie Mae debt. Going down hard.

2008-08-12T18:34:00.000-07:00

We've been paying off student loans, slowly taking down one portion of the loan, then the next. Last week we finished off one of Cheri's Law Foundation loan, backed by Sallie Mae. Of course, I should have guessed it wouldn't just disappear. Online, the loan was officially paid last week, but every loan has to be "posted" first for a "closing date". Of course, between paying and posting, 33 cents in accrued interest appeared on the charges. When we attempted to pay this online, the loan site responded by denying the payment, stating we have to pay "at least $1". We attempted to post that amount, but then was denied, the reason being "you can't overpay your loan."

Fine. Cheri cut a check for $0.33, and sent it with a 42 cent stamp. I suggested $1.01, just to be stupid, but I figured the folks at Fannie Mae would ding us for a technicality, and we'd wind up owing an extra $4 by the end of the year. Or something enormously stupid like that.

Got grilled goat?

2008-08-12T18:28:00.000-07:00

The church I attend had their second goat barbecue last week. There's no symbolism there, just a bunch of people getting together to enjoy an Amish-raised and fed goat. Among the members of the congregation is a Kenyan who recommended we drink Tusker beer with the goat, but no Tusker could be located in the Iowa City area. Someone did bring Horny Goat Beer, which seemed apt and was flavorful enough.

The goat was edible, but tough and chewier than what I'm used to. I look forward to next year, but I won't be slaughtering any goats between now and then.

Obama's documents on Scribd.

2008-08-02T20:39:00.000-07:00

Techcruch reported today that Barack Obama has an official account on Scribd. Scribd is a new service that allows you, the reader, to see documents uploaded by the user, with the visual integrity of the document maintained... basically, you can scroll .pdf files and other document formats. I've seen this type of web application in action before, and this version is spiffy enough. Essentially, it replicates a manila file or brochure rack. It follows along his desire for a "Google government", which I guess is a way of describing making government documents and more information accessible.

TrailerMania continues: A tale of two Potter spots.

2008-07-31T09:48:00.000-07:00

So, check out the trailer for the first Harry Potter film, then the trailer for the Half-Blood Prince coming out this fall. Is it just my hypersensitivity, or there an ever-so-subtle difference in thematic tone? (Watch closely, it's hard to spot.)

This is not a movie trailer parody.

2008-07-28T10:01:00.000-07:00

It's a trailer for an actual movie directed by Oliver Stone. I knew it was coming, but wow. I guess I should watch Nixon to prepare.

UPDATE: Just so you won't think I'm just shilling for Lionsgate (I'm certainly not, and likely this so-called "leaked" trailer will be taken down soon), I thought I'd add a comment. Easy argument to make: Who the hell wants to see a movie about George Bush? Well, it looks like a pitch-dark comedy, or at least I hope it is. And if that's the case, it may be subversive enough for me to want to sit through it. Bush has his defenders, but I'm not one of them.