Man Of Principle
"I think the (border) fence is least effective. But I'll build the goddamned fence if they want it." - John McCain
4 Ocak 2007 Perşembe
New Day Rising
New Day Rising
To greet the dawn of the Democratic Congress, some Hüsker Dü. Nancy and Harry, take those instruments of power and PLAY IT LOUD.
Admit it: this would kick butt as stage music at a political rally. Michael Moore, bring your mosh pit.
Local boy makes good: Iowa City lawyer Jim Larew will be named Culver's chief legal counsel...
To greet the dawn of the Democratic Congress, some Hüsker Dü. Nancy and Harry, take those instruments of power and PLAY IT LOUD.
Admit it: this would kick butt as stage music at a political rally. Michael Moore, bring your mosh pit.
Local boy makes good: Iowa City lawyer Jim Larew will be named Culver's chief legal counsel...
3 Ocak 2007 Çarşamba
Open Up Your Eyeballs, Eyeballs
Open Up Your Eyeballs, Eyeballs
...pretending that you're Al Green, Al Green.
Took me forever to figure out what Adam Ant was saying.
That's true, plus would be caucus star Britney Spears appears to be unavailable.
And she's no doubt hoping that in 2010 Iowa voters tell Chet "I'm Still In Love With You."
Personally, I'm partial to "Take Me To The River" which everyone my age first heard by Talking Heads and everyone in their 20s first heard by Big Mouth Billy Bass.
My inaugural weekend plans don't call for the Hancher gala - even though I can almost see Hancher out my window - but I am planning a road trip to Des Moines and some coverage of the festivities therein.
...pretending that you're Al Green, Al Green.
Took me forever to figure out what Adam Ant was saying.
"Both Chet and I love Al Green," said Mari Culver. "We are lucky to have such talented entertainers here in Iowa.
That's true, plus would be caucus star Britney Spears appears to be unavailable.
"Chet and I are honored that so many of them have agreed to join us for the inaugural events."
Culver said her favorite Green song is "Let's Stay Together."
And she's no doubt hoping that in 2010 Iowa voters tell Chet "I'm Still In Love With You."
Personally, I'm partial to "Take Me To The River" which everyone my age first heard by Talking Heads and everyone in their 20s first heard by Big Mouth Billy Bass.
My inaugural weekend plans don't call for the Hancher gala - even though I can almost see Hancher out my window - but I am planning a road trip to Des Moines and some coverage of the festivities therein.
2 Ocak 2007 Salı
Who needs more entertainment at the caucuses?
Who needs more entertainment at the caucuses?
"It could be a really big deal," said Greg Edwards, president of the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Universal derision in the Iowa blogosphere today - particularly at the Britney Spears idea. Dropping the name of the shallowest famous-for-being-famous person in entertainment is just plain condescending to every caucusgoer in the state.
(I mean, seriously. She had ONE major hit EIGHT years ago, and mid-twenties is a bit long in the tooth to be milking a career founded on the Jailbait Fantasy.)
Lee Greenwood is clearly mentioned as the GOP ticket balancer, which I guess means Democrats are supposed to love Britney, huh?
A classic Chamber Of Commerce Doesn't Get It moment. If you HAVE to do this, and shoot for the alleged young demographic, bring in Christina Aguilera and Pink - they can at least SING.
You know what gets Them Young Folks excited about the caucuses? A good race with interesting candidates!
Besides, who needs more entertainment when Dennis Kucinich is running again? We're the Super Bowl of politics - and we don't need a pregame show.
This ranks as the dumbest idea since "Tax Free Under 30" last year.
"It could be a really big deal," said Greg Edwards, president of the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Universal derision in the Iowa blogosphere today - particularly at the Britney Spears idea. Dropping the name of the shallowest famous-for-being-famous person in entertainment is just plain condescending to every caucusgoer in the state.
(I mean, seriously. She had ONE major hit EIGHT years ago, and mid-twenties is a bit long in the tooth to be milking a career founded on the Jailbait Fantasy.)
Lee Greenwood is clearly mentioned as the GOP ticket balancer, which I guess means Democrats are supposed to love Britney, huh?
A classic Chamber Of Commerce Doesn't Get It moment. If you HAVE to do this, and shoot for the alleged young demographic, bring in Christina Aguilera and Pink - they can at least SING.
You know what gets Them Young Folks excited about the caucuses? A good race with interesting candidates!
Besides, who needs more entertainment when Dennis Kucinich is running again? We're the Super Bowl of politics - and we don't need a pregame show.
This ranks as the dumbest idea since "Tax Free Under 30" last year.
Mauro Puts Paper Trail #1
Mauro Puts Paper Trail #1
Transition Day all over the place as Bill Northey and Mike Mauro officialy take office and Patty Judge and Chet Culver are technically unemployed for 11 days. (The terms are out of synch; state law requires the legislature, which convenes Monday, to certify results for governor)
Just about the first words out of Mike's mouth?
Personally, I think election day voter reg is a bigger deal, but the trifecta should make paper trail a slam dunk so we can focus on other election reform.
Congrats also to Jamie Fitzgerald who replaces Mike as Polk County Auditor.
Transition Day all over the place as Bill Northey and Mike Mauro officialy take office and Patty Judge and Chet Culver are technically unemployed for 11 days. (The terms are out of synch; state law requires the legislature, which convenes Monday, to certify results for governor)
Just about the first words out of Mike's mouth?
"The top priority is making sure we get a paper trail in place," said Mauro, a Democrat. "I think the people of Iowa want it and I think it's important."
Mauro said a disputed congressional election last November in Florida underscored the need for a paper trail that could verify votes using electronic machines. In that race, the lack of paper verification was a factor in a dispute that led the losing candidate to go to court to gain access to the software used in the voting machines.
Personally, I think election day voter reg is a bigger deal, but the trifecta should make paper trail a slam dunk so we can focus on other election reform.
Congrats also to Jamie Fitzgerald who replaces Mike as Polk County Auditor.
1 Ocak 2007 Pazartesi
Candlelight Vigil Marks 3000th American Soldier Killed in Iraq
Candlelight Vigil Marks 3000th American Soldier Killed in Iraq
Not much to say: 3000 American soldiers have died. Candlelight vigils across the country tonight; here's some photos from Iowa City (links are to bigger versions)

The Old Capitol flag at half mast, though for other reasons, just makes the occasion seem that much more somber. (This photo is worth looking at the big version.)

No chanting, no yelling, just quiet music and a simple message.

The instinct to huddle together for warmth took precedence over the need to spread out and look bigger.

The view from across the street; I counted about 65 people at the height of the event. Two TV crews and an unidentified print reporter were there.

He's not just a statistic: Specialist Dustin R. Donica of Spring, TX.
Not much to say: 3000 American soldiers have died. Candlelight vigils across the country tonight; here's some photos from Iowa City (links are to bigger versions)
The Old Capitol flag at half mast, though for other reasons, just makes the occasion seem that much more somber. (This photo is worth looking at the big version.)
No chanting, no yelling, just quiet music and a simple message.
The instinct to huddle together for warmth took precedence over the need to spread out and look bigger.
The view from across the street; I counted about 65 people at the height of the event. Two TV crews and an unidentified print reporter were there.
He's not just a statistic: Specialist Dustin R. Donica of Spring, TX.
Is This It?
Is This It?

Standing on the 20-yard line at Soldier Field after taking a photo with his offensive linemen, Favre got choked up during a TV interview, saying he would decide 'soon' whether he would retire or return next season...
The eight-fecta that had to happen for the Pack to make the playoffs didn't happen. But 8-8 is only half as bad as last year's 4-12. Despite the official "meaningless" situation, Chicago was playing to win last night (though it was hard to notice). Sending Da Bears into the playoffs demoralized is a good way to end the season.
Favre has always said he won't come back just for stats, but one more season would about guarantee him several career records:
If he plays like he did last night he still has a lot to contribute. But he doesn't owe anyone anything. And I've lived to see my team win The Big Game (which is more than any Vikings fan can say). Thanks, Brett, and good luck with the surgery today.
Standing on the 20-yard line at Soldier Field after taking a photo with his offensive linemen, Favre got choked up during a TV interview, saying he would decide 'soon' whether he would retire or return next season...
The eight-fecta that had to happen for the Pack to make the playoffs didn't happen. But 8-8 is only half as bad as last year's 4-12. Despite the official "meaningless" situation, Chicago was playing to win last night (though it was hard to notice). Sending Da Bears into the playoffs demoralized is a good way to end the season.
Favre has always said he won't come back just for stats, but one more season would about guarantee him several career records:
Favre is only seven touchdown passes shy of breaking Dan Marino's career mark of 420. With the Packers' victory, Favre tied Marino for No. 2 in career victories (147) and is only one away from tying John Elway for the record.
If he plays like he did last night he still has a lot to contribute. But he doesn't owe anyone anything. And I've lived to see my team win The Big Game (which is more than any Vikings fan can say). Thanks, Brett, and good luck with the surgery today.
Kaydol:
Kayıtlar (Atom)