Election Day

Remember, remember!
The fifth of November,
The Gunpowder treason and plot;
I know of no reason
Why the Gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot!
Guy Fawkes and his companions
Did the scheme contrive,
To blow the King and Parliament
All up alive.
Threescore barrels, laid below,
To prove old England's overthrow.
But, by God's providence, him they catch,
With a dark lantern, lighting a match!
A stick and a stake
For King James's sake!
If you won't give me one,
I'll take two,
The better for me,
And the worse for you.
A rope, a rope, to hang the Pope,
A penn'orth of cheese to choke him,
A pint of beer to wash it down,
And a jolly good fire to burn him.
Holloa, boys! holloa, boys! make the bells ring!
Holloa, boys! holloa boys! God save the King!
Hip, hip, hooor-r-r-ray!

Some races to watch on Tuesday...

CT Senate (Lieberman’s seat) Linda McMahon vs. Chris Murphy

Linda McMahon invents a new kind of rape: 'emergency rape'

(October 17, 2012)

IA House (4th): Steve King vs. Christie Vilsack

Rep. Steve King: I’ve Never Heard Of A Girl Getting Pregnant From Statutory Rape Or Incest

(August 21, 2012)

IN Senate: Richard Mourdock vs. Joe Donnelly

Republican Senate Candidate: Conception From Rape ‘Is Something That God Intended’

(October 23, 2012)

MA Senate: Scott Brown vs. Elizabeth Warren

Why Does Republican Senate Candidate Scott Brown Hate Rape Victims?

(January 13, 2010)

MO Senate: Todd Akin vs. Claire McCaskill

Republican Senate Nominee: Victims Of ‘Legitimate Rape’ Don’t Get Pregnant

(August 19, 2012)

Akin voted for an anti-marital-rape law, questioned use “in a real messy divorce as a tool and a legal weapon to beat up on the husband”

(May 1, 1991)

Todd Akin Campaign Features Rape Victim In Ad Targeting Women

(November 1, 2012)

ND Senate: Rick Berg vs. Heidi Heitkamp

Rick Berg to pregnant women as a result of rape: don't know what to tell you other than you're having this baby

(October 10, 2010)

PA Senate: Tom Smith vs. Bob Casey, Jr.

Tom Smith, GOP Senate Candidate: Pregnancy From Rape Similar To 'Having A Baby Out Of Wedlock'

(August 27, 2012)

WA House (1st): John Koster vs. Suzan DelBene

Candidate says "rape thing" not cause for abortion

(October 31, 2012)

WI House (1st): Paul Ryan vs. Rob Zerban

Paul Ryan Is ‘Very Proud’ Of ‘Forcible Rape’ Bill He Co-Sponsored With Todd Akin

(August 23, 2012)

Paul Ryan: Rape Just Another Method Of Conception

(August 27, 2012)

(Links source: http://www.dayswithoutagoprapemention.com/)

UPDATES:

TN House (4th): Scott DesJarlais vs. Eric Stewart
Embattled Rep. Scott DesJarlais declares "double-digit lead" in 4th District race (October 29, 2012)

Multiple groups calling for Rep. Scott DesJarlais' resignation (October 30, 2012)

It's Election Day

Well, at least it is here in Tennessee. Vote, y'all!

Go, Tom!

Way to stick to your guns!

Not missing the cable news...

As I've mentioned before, I've been living without cable TV since the end of the summer. I haven't missed it that much, though there have been times when I would have liked to watch the 24-hour news -- but then again, when they're pulling stuff like this, I think I'm better off just reading the internet:

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Sean Hannity Uses Glenn Beck's Protest Footage
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Health Care Crisis

I do really miss Jon Stewart, though, and with CNN now being Dobbs-free, I'm thinking about getting my cable hooked up again (still not a word from the epb...).

UPDATE:

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Sean Hannity Apologizes to Jon
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Health Care Crisis

Sunday Links & a Song

This is a short list, especially considering the fact that it's been a while since I've done links, but I'm tired of the politics that are filling our headlines. The best course of action here is to hide in the great music of geniuses like Elvis Costello (while reading a bit about the other stuff):

• Two can play that game (and some other protest signs -- some of my favorites: "My two moms can beat up your 14 wives," and "They're the ones that keep having gay babies!").

• Sigh. Back to health care. Let's just go ahead and cover everybody already -- even the constituents who manage to survive Boehner. One way or another we're going to pay for their health care anyway.

• I just started trying out google sidewiki this weekend. As one contributor pointed out, the implications here are numerous -- and not all positive -- but the potential is exciting.

• A Chattanooga suburb (East Ridge) made Boston.com's Big Picture last week. Seriously, we got a LOT of rain.

• And finally... the Origin of Stupidty

Linkiddy doo dah

And here is yet another hodgepodge from the past week...

• Bottled water. How do you feel about it? Ripped off? Misled? You should. We got some stainless water bottles earlier this year and they are wonderful -- the openings are big enough to add ice, there are no BPAs in the water we drink, there is no waste for the landfill, and they fit in the bike drink holders. We took them with us on our road trip last month and had no trouble refilling them with ice and cold water at gas stations along the way, and, thanks to our cozies and the added ice, it was so nice to have water that stayed cold for hours after a rest stop.

• This may come as a shock to some, but not all low-income housing has to be ugly.

• Anonymous hugging!

• This remembrance from Pam Spaulding (apparently my brother's classmate at Stuyvesant!) is the best post I've seen since Frank McCourt died last week.

• Abraham & Issac retold.

• I admit that I haven't been consuming much media lately (comcast recently cut us down to just a few worthless channels), but I'm still surprised that since the Henry Louis Gates, Jr. story broke, I haven't heard a single person mention the movie Amos and Andrew.

• On health care: we could be doing a LOT better than we are -- certainly better than BCBS is doing (which is maybe the RNC chair's insurance company -- he's not sure, but he's still trying to kill any chance at reform). Why are some of our representatives dragging their feet? Other systems work. Lewis Black shares some thoughts. And so does Bill Maher (best one ever?).

• I've said it before many, many times, but it bears repeating over and over and over again: the only thing abstinence-only education produces is really freakin' stupid teenagers.

• For the record: calorie labeling is a positive thing. As with many things (including sex -- see above), ignorance can be toxic.

• Here's a shocker: the C-Street Cult (oh, Zach!) story shows no sign of slowing down! Why is disgraced Senator Ensign giving Zach Wamp money? Apparently, it's a secret! Unfortunately, in other marriage defender/marriage non-honorer news (AKA republican sexual hypocrites), Tennessee still picks the winners.

• Jimmy Carter is challenging the Southern Baptist Convention's sexism -- but is he making any sense?

• Pat Buchanan: Why do you keep talking? You're making Lou Dobbs look good. Even Rachel, who often refers to you as "Uncle Pat," thinks you're a misinformed douche.

• Today was Sarah Palin's last day. Top Ten observes the occasion.

• Lastly, this just leaves me gasping for air. And Jimmy Carter thought the Baptists were bad! Ha!

• And finally, I posted this on facebook about a week back, but if you missed it there, you might enjoy it here. I apologize to everyone who attended my wedding, because it wasn't this cool. Neither was any wedding I've ever attended. The bar has been raised.

UPDATE:

Lots of links you might have missed!

It's been a while and these things do pile up...

• How The Average U.S. Consumer Spends Their Paycheck -- this is an interesting chart. We're by no means average (we've never carried a car loan, for one thing, and we probably spend more on food and alcohol, even though we don't eat out much), but the proportions seem to be generally true.

• Have you tried goofram yet? It's a combination of google and wolfram|alpha.

• Think you're a geek? Have you mastered the essential skills?

• The Young Republicans have elected an Aryan as their leader.

• Barney Frank visited the Daily Show last week.

• Just how rich is Fitzwilliam Darcy? (Here's an interesting bit of trivia: Pride and Prejudice is not only my favorite novel, it's also the first book I ever read aloud to Emmie -- starting when she was about a week old.) And speaking of Jane Austen, today is the anniversary of her death.

• How's your sense of pitch? (I scored a 26 out of 26 -- which, if you've ever heard me sing, you know must mean that I hear pitch perfectly -- I just can't produce it that way.)

• White Men Can't Judge.

• Local coverage of Zach Wamp's psooper psekret christian adultery cult (read about yet another C Street philanderer here -- and here!).

• You Suck at Craig's List is pretty funny (via Joe. My. God.).

• Badass of the Week, featuring Blenda, the Viking Heroine!

• Rick Perry is apparently rethinking that whole Texas-as-a-country thing (seriously -- who voted for this guy?).

• If you want to see the Great Barrier Reef, you better go soon.

• Can someone find Glenn Beck a nice small room with soft walls and a good therapist?

• ... and speaking of health care (that's what set Beck off)... Glenn doesn't have it quite right when it comes to France's system. The current American system is fine until you get sick, but will the next one be any better?

• This can't be said enough times: the only thing abstinence-only "education" produces is unbelievably stupid kids.

• I loves me some Usain Bolt footage. He makes all the other best runners in the world look like my grandma.

• Understanding our economy.

• Drunk people doing yoga.

• And finally, Pat Buchanan: he really stepped in it this week -- even more than usual!

Quote of the Day

“This guy, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, I mean, he claims victory and he is very unpopular…And the danger politically of this, he could ruin the political career of his brother, Jeb Ahmadinejad. You got to be careful.”
— David Letterman, discussing the Iran election during a monologue

(via Pensito Review)

UPDATE: he's not far off.

Blessings...

I'm anxiously waiting for the returns from today's Chattanooga city council election runoffs, and I keep trying to put up a a post, but I also keep getting interrupted. So, until I manage to find a block of time, here's a reminder of how wonderful it is to have a President who can think and talk at the same time!

Right Wing Watch

Tidbits from the Right Wing as the week came to a close:

1. Oh, but the world is coming to an end because gay people in Iowa can get married! At least, that's what you'd gather if you were hanging out with the freepers or other right wingers yesterday (my favorite comment in the response to the response: "It seems God turns a blind eye to the high straight divorce rate, pedophile priests, straight criminals etc. I didn't know that homosexuals such as myself were so powerful and could bring about Armageddon but if we are responsible it will be fabulously well run and organized. Oh what to wear?").

2. Pope condoms are selling well in France.

3. Look who is finally leaving New York (don't let the door hit you in the ginormous ass, Rush!)! UPDATE: Rush forgets.

4. And lastly, is Glenn Beck unraveling before our eyes?

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
The 10.31 Project
comedycentral.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor NASA Name Contest

Saturday Links: things you might have missed

I've found some interesting reading lately -- things that haven't worked their way into a post, but are worth mentioning nonetheless. Besides, it's been a while since I've done a link roundup.

• In The Culture Warriors Get Laid Off, Frank Rich reminds us of some glad tidings amidst all the recent rotten headlines:
  

  Here, at last, is one piece of good news in our global economic meltdown: Americans have less and less patience for the intrusive and divisive moral scolds who thrived in the bubbles of the Clinton and Bush years. Culture wars are a luxury the country — the G.O.P. included — can no longer afford.

• The interesting thing to take away from the The 20 Worst Foods in America 2009 is that even the sit-down restaurants and innocent sounding menu items (dishes that use words like "salad" and "chicken") can be loaded with fat, cholesterol and calories. If you're trying to eat healthy food, it's not enough to just stay away from the fast food joints, and surprisingly enough, some of the worst offenders are those family restaurants with the ferns and brass rails -- maybe places like TGIFridays and Chilis are best avoided as well. (And speaking of gross food, if you haven't yet seen Supersize Me, you can now catch it on Hulu!)
• The 25 Most Influential Liberals In The U.S. Media is an interesting list. I was surprised to have not heard of a few of them (and in at least one case, by who is considered to be liberal).
• It's good to see Joe Biden out there stumping for Amtrak. This country needs good passenger rail service, and Amtrak has been neglected for far too long.
• A Hand in the Health Debate is an interesting perspective on health care reform from Eugene Robinson (why MSNBC doesn't put him out in front more often than they do is a mystery to me. He's smart, funny, and he has one of the coolest voices since James Earl Jones):
  

  What is relevant is that I have good insurance, which I obtain through my employer, and haven't paid a dime out of pocket for my treatment. If I were among the 46 million Americans who are uninsured, I'd be looking at a huge hospital bill. No one should face financial ruin because of a mishap with a fork and an avocado. The way we ration health care now -- according to the individual's ability to pay -- is immoral, and if higher taxes are needed to ensure that no one has to choose between health and bankruptcy, I'll pay. That was my position all along, but now it's personal.
  
  What's changed is that I also feel more strongly about the ability to make my own choices. I decided where I would be treated and, ultimately, what would or wouldn't be done. I'm willing to pay for that, too.

• UK Street View Has Arrived and Brits are celebrating -- by finding celebs and playing Where's Waldo? (but they've still got some catching up to do!)
• This one makes me laugh every time I think about it: Tucker Carlson doesn't think Jon Stewart is funny. Gee, Tucker, I wonder why? Is it because you're a drama queen, or is it because you're still smarting from that asswhuppin'?
• I'm still blown away by this: Do you remember John Tyler? You know, our 10th president. A long time ago. Way back in the days of Tippecanoe and Tyler too. Back when the only way to take a picture was with a daguerreotype. Well, would you believe he still has a living grandson? Wow!
• And finally, what would we do without Improv Everywhere? I weep at the thought of it! Here's the latest, Subway Art Gallery Opening:

Counting small blessings

One of the things I've enjoyed so much about this new administration is catching the stray clips of our President on the TV. I don't even have to know the context to appreciate these moments -- I catch them on the evening news or in passing while in waiting rooms. He's articulate. He can think and talk at the same time. He can speak extemporaneously. He can discuss complicated subjects with reporters and doesn't need to try and distract them with silly nicknames. He has a command of the details. Intellect is no longer a dirty word.

I was reminded of the contrast between the Obama Oval Office and the previous one when I read this little tidbit, about Bush and the fact that he's planning to write (heh!) a book:

“I’m going to put people in my place, so when the history of this administration is written at least there’s an authoritarian voice saying exactly what happened,” Bush said.

Reading things like that give me so much pleasure, but only in that they remind me what a tremendous relief it is to no longer have to listen to that man's tortured attempts at communication every day. We're only fifty-something days into Obama's White House tenure -- too soon to evaluate this administration's performance -- but we do know that we are no longer dealing with a petulant, bottom-of-his-class, back-of-the-room-wise-cracker with a frat-boy sense of humor and a ham-fisted approach to diplomacy. And that is a terrific relief and an early triumph for us all.

First Aussie on Rachel Maddow!

The Good News

While I was cleaning up the kitchen after dinner tonight, I noticed that no one had yet flipped the bush countdown calendar (thanks, Uncle Bob!) over from December. When I did it, I got a little thrill, because we're down to the last page!!!! It's almost over, folks! Our long national nightmare is finally drawing to a close! Pinch me!!!!!

This is almost enough for me to pity the guy

Then I look at the remnants of what once was my retirement account, and, well, nah...

But that's the URL!

(Sorry about the language.) This. Fucking. Election.

Elitism

This is making the rounds lately via email and it's not a minor point. Not if you're one of those people who wants your surgeon to be a med school graduate and -- beyond any of the anti-intellectual BS that tends to follow this issue around -- there's a good reason for wanting your surgeon to be a med school graduate.

Barack Obama: Columbia University - B.A. Political Science with a Specialization in International Relations. Harvard - Juris Doctor (J.D.) Magna Cum Laude	John McCain: United States Naval Academy - Class rank: 894 of 899
Joseph Biden: University of Delaware - B.A. in History and B.A. in Political Science. Syracuse University College of Law - Juris Doctor (J.D.)	Sarah Palin: Hawaii Pacific University - 1 semester North Idaho College - 2 semesters - general study University of Idaho - 2 semesters - journalism Matanuska-Susitna College - 1 semester University of Idaho - 3 semesters - B.A. in Journalism

Best Endorsement Ever!

I'm not going to miss George W. Bush when he's (finally!) gone, but I will miss Will Ferrell's brilliant impressions.

Look it up, Sarah!

Eight and a half weeks (at least!) elapsed between these two clips. You'd think in that time, Palin could have spent a few moments looking up vice-president on the Internet -- or maybe she could have glanced at a copy of the freakin' Constitution! As Chris Matthews said earlier today, the problem is not that she's talking to a second grader, it's that she sounds like a second grader (I was worried that maybe Pat Buchanan was going to stroke out at that point -- watch it here).

And we thought Quayle was bad then he corrected a poor student's spelling of "potato."