According to Newsweek, at least 38.4 million people watched the Democratic National Convention this year, which is an all-time high thus far.
But that's not what caught my attention. I couldn't help but laugh at this line:
"Obama's speech was the fifth-highest-rated, non-sports event watched by blacks in the last 11 years. A 30th anniversary Michael Jackson special on CBS in 2001 was on top."
Hahahahahaha I can just see the journalist who wrote this article cracking up as he snuck that gem into an otherwise standard report...
Friday, August 29, 2008
sarah who?
Does John McCain really think women are that stupid? Maybe I should bite my tongue until I see the poll numbers... many women may, in fact, be that stupid. But, come on.... Sarah Palin? Not only is his pandering embarassingly obvious, but in case anyone was fooled by such a lack of subtlety on the part of the McCain campagin, Palin herself couldn't resist from mentioning Hillary in her acceptance speech. (The speech, by the way, was ridiculous and weak on content but well-delivered... and we all know America is about style, not substance. Who's playing to America's celebrity obsession now?)
I'll give Hillary's supporters some credit, and perhaps John McCain should have, too. Yes, Sarah Palin is a woman. After that, I'm not really sure what she has in common with Hillary Clinton. It's certainly not years of experience, a liberal policy platform, and the respect of her peers. Palin has been the mayor of a teensy town of 6,000 (she was also her town's representative at the Miss Alaska pageant once... how much competition could she have really had?). She has "fought corruption" in Alaska, a state still plagued by it, while perhaps perpetuating the tradition with her cavalier attempts to fire her sister's state trooper ex-husband, as well as the man who refused to fire him. All the woman could think of to talk about today was how her husband is the ultimate man's man and they have made lots of babies. But it's not just Hillary supporters he's going after; it's Republican women who weren't excited about McCain and unlikely to bother voting in November. However, I must say that if I were a Republican woman, I would be insulted... there are many more female conservatives more qualified for the job. No woman wants a female vice president selected merely on the basis that she has ovaries; they want a woman to be chosen because her merits were assessed and she was deemed the most qualified candidate. Palin clearly is not.
Here's the catch, though: for the majority of Americans, I fear that her manly blue-collar husband and good Christian values are enough to trump any questions about her qualifications. I actually know people, family friends from St. Louis, who have regularly put their trust in businesses that turned out to be corrupt or poorly run, solely because "they're good Christians." In their eyes, this apparently implies competence because "God's on their side!" These family friends have lost their home in the mortgage crisis, the husband has lost his money and pride by pursuing risky careers with questionable businesses, and their marriage is in shambles. Yet they continue to vote Republican and probably love this Sarah Palin character. What have the Republicans ever done for them? What have the Republicans ever done for ANY working class people? Nothing. But they'll continue to talk about fishing and moose-hunting and Jesus and babies instead of competent policy, and that's how they win over the masses.
As my mom said today: if McCain and Co. manage to pull out a victory this November, we're going to have to move to a more intelligent country.
I'll give Hillary's supporters some credit, and perhaps John McCain should have, too. Yes, Sarah Palin is a woman. After that, I'm not really sure what she has in common with Hillary Clinton. It's certainly not years of experience, a liberal policy platform, and the respect of her peers. Palin has been the mayor of a teensy town of 6,000 (she was also her town's representative at the Miss Alaska pageant once... how much competition could she have really had?). She has "fought corruption" in Alaska, a state still plagued by it, while perhaps perpetuating the tradition with her cavalier attempts to fire her sister's state trooper ex-husband, as well as the man who refused to fire him. All the woman could think of to talk about today was how her husband is the ultimate man's man and they have made lots of babies. But it's not just Hillary supporters he's going after; it's Republican women who weren't excited about McCain and unlikely to bother voting in November. However, I must say that if I were a Republican woman, I would be insulted... there are many more female conservatives more qualified for the job. No woman wants a female vice president selected merely on the basis that she has ovaries; they want a woman to be chosen because her merits were assessed and she was deemed the most qualified candidate. Palin clearly is not.
Here's the catch, though: for the majority of Americans, I fear that her manly blue-collar husband and good Christian values are enough to trump any questions about her qualifications. I actually know people, family friends from St. Louis, who have regularly put their trust in businesses that turned out to be corrupt or poorly run, solely because "they're good Christians." In their eyes, this apparently implies competence because "God's on their side!" These family friends have lost their home in the mortgage crisis, the husband has lost his money and pride by pursuing risky careers with questionable businesses, and their marriage is in shambles. Yet they continue to vote Republican and probably love this Sarah Palin character. What have the Republicans ever done for them? What have the Republicans ever done for ANY working class people? Nothing. But they'll continue to talk about fishing and moose-hunting and Jesus and babies instead of competent policy, and that's how they win over the masses.
As my mom said today: if McCain and Co. manage to pull out a victory this November, we're going to have to move to a more intelligent country.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Olympics: shut your mouth and watch
I have a confession to make: I have an addiction. It's the Olympics... I just can't look away. As my clock hits 8:30 every night and I'm settling in after dinner, I automatically tune the TV to channel 4, as if some withdrawal-crazed, shivering, wide-eyed addict is inside me controlling my every move to get that Olympic fix. And now that gymnastics is over, I really have no idea why I'm watching. Track and field is so boring. Seriously, the race lasts 10 seconds and then they have to show it twenty more times in varying degrees of slow motion just to fill the space. And there's nothing worse than turning it on just to see baseball or basketball or some other sport that I thought I'd finally get a break from for a few weeks.
But by far the worst part of watching the Olympics--and being utterly unable to change the channel, even when badminton is on--has to be the commentary. I'm a figure skater, so I'm used to Dick Button's overly critical, often inane blathering at every major event. They even have a drinking game for when you and your other skater friends get together to watch Worlds ("Dick Button just called another girl's layback position "mediocre": everyone take a shot!" "Jeez, I am getting so wasted... can he please stop insulting the skaters that everyone knows he hates?"). But some of the blather I'm hearing from the expert commentators they've brought on to host events no one knows anything about is almost as bad as Dick's constant harping on "flutzes," a word I'm pretty sure he made up and continues to obsess over to make sure no one forgets it.
The worst by far is the woman who comments on diving (apparently named Cynthia Potter. The name alone suggests her grating personality. And then she opens her mouth and you hear that voice...). Not only does she rarely have anything nice to say about any of the dives, but even a near-perfect dive that receives 9.5s or even 10.0s gets some dose of criticism. Come on, lady... they probably didn't have that stro-motion technology when you were diving a million years ago, so stop acting so self-righteous whenever you show those pictures and find some flaw or another. Gah. I wonder if divers watching at home say "shut up, Cynthia" fifteen times per broadcast just like figure skaters reflexively yell "shut up, Dick" at their television sets every time he opens his mouth.
Nearly as bad are the sideline reporters who pull the American athletes aside after track and field events. First of all, they barely give them time to cross the finish line before ushering them over to answer the same stupid questions ("So what were you thinking out there?" "Uh.... run faster?"). The athletes are always panting and trying so hard to catch their breath that they can't even get full sentences out. Secondly, they always insist on asking the losers how they feel. Like yesterday, when Wallace Spearmon thought he'd won the bronze in the 200 meters only to find out post-victory lap that he had been disqualified. Of course, the reporter pulls the shell-shocked Spearmon over immediately and asks three variations on the question "describe your emotions now that you thought you had won a bronze medal only to find out you're disqualified." What an ass! I'm pretty sure his emotions are some combination of "shocked," "pissed off beyond belief," and "wanting to rip this f-ing reporter's head off." Let the man sulk in peace.
I have to say, though, that I can't help but love Bela Karolyi, the famous Romanian coach and expert commentator for gymnastics. Although he is severely biased toward the American team, it's so hilarious to watch him flip out at the unjust results that it doesn't even bother me (Cheng Fei falling and beating out Alicia Sacramone for the bronze on vault? Come on, that really was bullshit. And Bela's response was priceless). He does try to catch himself and remain as balanced as possible in general, but those moments where something astounding happens, good or bad, are hilarious. You have to love the clip of Bob Costas looking absolutely petrified when Bela celebrated Nastia Liukin's spectacular floor exercise during the All-Around. Check it out on NBCOlympics.com if you missed out.
But by far the worst part of watching the Olympics--and being utterly unable to change the channel, even when badminton is on--has to be the commentary. I'm a figure skater, so I'm used to Dick Button's overly critical, often inane blathering at every major event. They even have a drinking game for when you and your other skater friends get together to watch Worlds ("Dick Button just called another girl's layback position "mediocre": everyone take a shot!" "Jeez, I am getting so wasted... can he please stop insulting the skaters that everyone knows he hates?"). But some of the blather I'm hearing from the expert commentators they've brought on to host events no one knows anything about is almost as bad as Dick's constant harping on "flutzes," a word I'm pretty sure he made up and continues to obsess over to make sure no one forgets it.
The worst by far is the woman who comments on diving (apparently named Cynthia Potter. The name alone suggests her grating personality. And then she opens her mouth and you hear that voice...). Not only does she rarely have anything nice to say about any of the dives, but even a near-perfect dive that receives 9.5s or even 10.0s gets some dose of criticism. Come on, lady... they probably didn't have that stro-motion technology when you were diving a million years ago, so stop acting so self-righteous whenever you show those pictures and find some flaw or another. Gah. I wonder if divers watching at home say "shut up, Cynthia" fifteen times per broadcast just like figure skaters reflexively yell "shut up, Dick" at their television sets every time he opens his mouth.
Nearly as bad are the sideline reporters who pull the American athletes aside after track and field events. First of all, they barely give them time to cross the finish line before ushering them over to answer the same stupid questions ("So what were you thinking out there?" "Uh.... run faster?"). The athletes are always panting and trying so hard to catch their breath that they can't even get full sentences out. Secondly, they always insist on asking the losers how they feel. Like yesterday, when Wallace Spearmon thought he'd won the bronze in the 200 meters only to find out post-victory lap that he had been disqualified. Of course, the reporter pulls the shell-shocked Spearmon over immediately and asks three variations on the question "describe your emotions now that you thought you had won a bronze medal only to find out you're disqualified." What an ass! I'm pretty sure his emotions are some combination of "shocked," "pissed off beyond belief," and "wanting to rip this f-ing reporter's head off." Let the man sulk in peace.
I have to say, though, that I can't help but love Bela Karolyi, the famous Romanian coach and expert commentator for gymnastics. Although he is severely biased toward the American team, it's so hilarious to watch him flip out at the unjust results that it doesn't even bother me (Cheng Fei falling and beating out Alicia Sacramone for the bronze on vault? Come on, that really was bullshit. And Bela's response was priceless). He does try to catch himself and remain as balanced as possible in general, but those moments where something astounding happens, good or bad, are hilarious. You have to love the clip of Bob Costas looking absolutely petrified when Bela celebrated Nastia Liukin's spectacular floor exercise during the All-Around. Check it out on NBCOlympics.com if you missed out.
Monday, August 18, 2008
heeeee's outta here!
Musharraf resigns! Hallelujah! I, for one, didn't expect it. I thought for sure he'd roll up his sleeves and at least put up a good fight. I guess since he finally resigned as Army Chief last year, he no longer had quite the muscle he once possessed (and abused). This is great news for the people of Pakistan, who have been itching for new leadership and a return to democracy for years, and also for European and US leaders, who have been remarkably ambivalent both to Musharraf's extensive rule and to his ouster. I suppose they couldn't really decide if they liked him or not: after all, he was an ally (nominally, at least) in the "war on terror," and I guess he wasn't monstrous enough for us to really care about his illegitimate rule and the practices he used to maintain it. Regardless, he's finally out, and what's better is that it was the people of Pakistan and their true representatives who made it happen peacefully. This is the democratic process at work, and I hope that the new government is able to use this momentum to stabilize Pakistan economically and politically and to begin an even stronger campaign against extremist violence in the region.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
i call first in line for an invisibility cloak!
According to Newsweek's CW, scientists are one step closer to creating an invisibility cloak. I found an article on it here: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/ET_Cetera/Invisibility_cloak_may_be_coming_soon_to_an_apparel_store_near_you_/articleshow/3362114.cms
That's really f-ing sweet... Although, don't they know Osama bin Ladin has already been using one for years? That's obviously why we haven't found him yet...
That's really f-ing sweet... Although, don't they know Osama bin Ladin has already been using one for years? That's obviously why we haven't found him yet...
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Thursday, August 7, 2008
it's about time pakistan got rid of musharraf
Let's just see if he decides to dismiss Parliament in the face of opposition to his illegitimate rule... again: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/08/world/asia/08pstan.html?hp
As the article points out immediately, Musharraf is an ally of the US in its war on terror, a prime example of our willingness to ignore the value of democracy and freedom in an attempt to gain allies against the Taliban. What the article doesn't clarify is that the PPP, Benazir Bhutto's party until her tragic assassination upon return from exile earlier this year, is also anti-Taliban and anti-terror. After reading Benazir's book, Reconciliation, a few months ago, I have come to believe that it's about time Pakistan liberated itself from a toxic Musharraf regime, founded on illegitimate voting and brutal scare tactics, even collaboration with violent groups that help maintain its power. The US could have an equally strong partner against terrorism in a democratically elected President under PPP rule. While the initial turmoil might cause more instability, the long-term result of a stable AND democratic Pakistan unencumbered by the stubborn obstinance of Mr. Musharraf and his power-hungry policies would be an even more effective ally against the Taliban and a regional partner we can be proud to deal with.
As the article points out immediately, Musharraf is an ally of the US in its war on terror, a prime example of our willingness to ignore the value of democracy and freedom in an attempt to gain allies against the Taliban. What the article doesn't clarify is that the PPP, Benazir Bhutto's party until her tragic assassination upon return from exile earlier this year, is also anti-Taliban and anti-terror. After reading Benazir's book, Reconciliation, a few months ago, I have come to believe that it's about time Pakistan liberated itself from a toxic Musharraf regime, founded on illegitimate voting and brutal scare tactics, even collaboration with violent groups that help maintain its power. The US could have an equally strong partner against terrorism in a democratically elected President under PPP rule. While the initial turmoil might cause more instability, the long-term result of a stable AND democratic Pakistan unencumbered by the stubborn obstinance of Mr. Musharraf and his power-hungry policies would be an even more effective ally against the Taliban and a regional partner we can be proud to deal with.
lieberman should not be driving the straight talk express...
... because he's way too crooked, and also because he crashed it: http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/stumper/archive/2008/08/07/ok-who-gave-joe-the-keys.aspx
That one was definitely giggle-inducing. I would be willing to bet a million dollars that's on "The Daily Show" tonight.
On another note, I can't believe Favre was traded to the Jets! Not that I like the Bucs or anything, but I was rooting for the guy to end up with a playoff contender, not the lame-ass Jets. At least he'll still be wearing green.
And if you haven't seen the Paris Hilton rebuttal to McCain's ridiculous campaign ad, definitely check it out: http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/64ad536a6d
Maybe the girl does have some redeeming qualities if she has the smart sense of humor necessary to find this idea amusing.
That one was definitely giggle-inducing. I would be willing to bet a million dollars that's on "The Daily Show" tonight.
On another note, I can't believe Favre was traded to the Jets! Not that I like the Bucs or anything, but I was rooting for the guy to end up with a playoff contender, not the lame-ass Jets. At least he'll still be wearing green.
And if you haven't seen the Paris Hilton rebuttal to McCain's ridiculous campaign ad, definitely check it out: http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/64ad536a6d
Maybe the girl does have some redeeming qualities if she has the smart sense of humor necessary to find this idea amusing.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
doctors within borders
That clever title really brings home the pathetic reality here: http://www.newsweek.com/id/150846
When I think "Doctors Without Borders," I think kind-hearted professionals temporarily and heroically abandoning the comforts of Western life to lend a hand to the neediest of individuals suffering from painful maladies in God-forsaken Third World countries. Somehow, it's not so heart-warming when the same practice is necessary right here in the US. Props to these folks for taking the healthcare problem into their own hands and doing what little they can to alleviate the various pains of the masses. But what does it say for our country when the Doctors Without Borders program has to be applied to our own people? According to Newsweek, "(Virginia Governor Tim) Kaine points to the fact that two-thirds of the 46 million uninsured in the United States have jobs but can't afford health insurance. 'This is a matter of political will,' he says. 'Other nations have a lower GDP than we do, and they've made a political decision that their people are going to have health coverage, but we keep deciding not to.'"
This is where I get the most hoots and hollers whenever I enter a health insurance "conversation" with many other students I know (affluent, covered, already fiscally conservative...). "Europe is so socialist, and their taxes are through the roof." "The private sector can and should handle insurance." Isn't the point here that private insurance powerhouses don't work? Isn't that what this crisis is about? Isn't that what all those stories about insurance brokers getting paid more to turn down insurance money for individuals seeking expensive medical care are trying to tell us? I don't have a perfect solution, and I know everyone wants to hold onto as much of their own money as possible, but obviously this system does not work. What good is it to be the most powerful country in the world (right now...) if we have to rely on a small number of benevolent doctors to care for our citizens like they were living in a Third-World country? For the time being, and considering how reluctant so many people are to overhaul our healthcare system, maybe we could apply some of Bill Gates' creative capitalism (http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1828069,00.html) to tackle the problem. Maybe that would be more acceptable to some of my friends...
When I think "Doctors Without Borders," I think kind-hearted professionals temporarily and heroically abandoning the comforts of Western life to lend a hand to the neediest of individuals suffering from painful maladies in God-forsaken Third World countries. Somehow, it's not so heart-warming when the same practice is necessary right here in the US. Props to these folks for taking the healthcare problem into their own hands and doing what little they can to alleviate the various pains of the masses. But what does it say for our country when the Doctors Without Borders program has to be applied to our own people? According to Newsweek, "(Virginia Governor Tim) Kaine points to the fact that two-thirds of the 46 million uninsured in the United States have jobs but can't afford health insurance. 'This is a matter of political will,' he says. 'Other nations have a lower GDP than we do, and they've made a political decision that their people are going to have health coverage, but we keep deciding not to.'"
This is where I get the most hoots and hollers whenever I enter a health insurance "conversation" with many other students I know (affluent, covered, already fiscally conservative...). "Europe is so socialist, and their taxes are through the roof." "The private sector can and should handle insurance." Isn't the point here that private insurance powerhouses don't work? Isn't that what this crisis is about? Isn't that what all those stories about insurance brokers getting paid more to turn down insurance money for individuals seeking expensive medical care are trying to tell us? I don't have a perfect solution, and I know everyone wants to hold onto as much of their own money as possible, but obviously this system does not work. What good is it to be the most powerful country in the world (right now...) if we have to rely on a small number of benevolent doctors to care for our citizens like they were living in a Third-World country? For the time being, and considering how reluctant so many people are to overhaul our healthcare system, maybe we could apply some of Bill Gates' creative capitalism (http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1828069,00.html) to tackle the problem. Maybe that would be more acceptable to some of my friends...
Monday, August 4, 2008
would you let your kid bullfight?
This kid's parents must not like him very much: http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1829305,00.html
Well, ok, I get the whole honoring the cultural traditions, etc. So I guess I don't blame him or his parents for getting him into the sport, if you want to refer to it as such. But I'm still trying to picture this little boy going up against a monstrous bull. That kid must have some serious cajones... He does look pretty damn cute in his little matador outfit, though. Maybe that's his strategy?
Well, ok, I get the whole honoring the cultural traditions, etc. So I guess I don't blame him or his parents for getting him into the sport, if you want to refer to it as such. But I'm still trying to picture this little boy going up against a monstrous bull. That kid must have some serious cajones... He does look pretty damn cute in his little matador outfit, though. Maybe that's his strategy?
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