If you can't decide who you should support in the the upcoming SuperTsunamiTorrentialDownpourHurricaneWintryMix Tuesday, let me direct you to Barack Obama's latest endorsement.
Wil Wheaton Chooses Change!
Time to transfer to the USS Obama, Trek fans. All trek and political kidding aside, Wil's an engaging writer and you should be reading his blog . . . regardless of your political affiliation.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
He's Baaaaaaaack
Looks like my I Won't Vote HRC safety net is almost in position.
Nader Explores Presidential Run.
He's rested and ready for action.
Nader Explores Presidential Run.
He's rested and ready for action.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
SOTU: dilliwag edition
Good evening my fellow Americans.
blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah surge is working blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah stand strong in war on terror blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah not a recession blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah al Queda must be defeated blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah call on Congress to support stimulus package blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah land of the free, home of the brave.
God bless America.
I didn't watch a single second. How'd I do?
blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah surge is working blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah stand strong in war on terror blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah not a recession blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah al Queda must be defeated blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah call on Congress to support stimulus package blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah land of the free, home of the brave.
God bless America.
I didn't watch a single second. How'd I do?
Friday, January 25, 2008
ABC
You know, I've been trying to keep an open mind about the Democratic campaign for delegates and the eventual Presidential nomination. While I openly support Obama, Edwards has always been second choice, and Clinton a distant third. Truth be told, the difference between the three in terms of policy is minuscule. So, I thought to myself, I'll be the good liberal voter and support anyone who takes on the Republican machine. About a week ago, I changed my position. As of today, I'll support Anyone But Clinton. I'm not going to enumerate the various shenanigans pulled by the Clinton campaign as the press has done a decent job in the last couple days of shining some light on the subject. The latest move--the attempt to have Michigan and Florida delegates counted when the states broke the rules of the DNC--is absolutely slimey. When the DNC penalized Michigan and Florida, Edwards and Obama removed their names from the Michigan primary and refused to campaign in either state. Democratic unity and all that, right? Wrong. Hillary Clinton is now calling for the delegates to count (she's the only candidate who stands to benefit significantly from the move).
Do we really need more politics as usual? This whole move smacks of something Karl Rove would cook up. If Clinton wins the nomination, it's my belief she'll lose the general election to [Insert Republican Candidate Here]. Is there any Democrat more loathed by the Right than Hillary Clinton? Is there any Democrat more loathed by the Left?
I heard Nader is thinking about making another run. If Clinton wins the nomination, Nader can count me a supporter.
[Updated] Another excellent NYTimes Opinion piece about the Clintons and campaign strategy.
Do we really need more politics as usual? This whole move smacks of something Karl Rove would cook up. If Clinton wins the nomination, it's my belief she'll lose the general election to [Insert Republican Candidate Here]. Is there any Democrat more loathed by the Right than Hillary Clinton? Is there any Democrat more loathed by the Left?
I heard Nader is thinking about making another run. If Clinton wins the nomination, Nader can count me a supporter.
[Updated] Another excellent NYTimes Opinion piece about the Clintons and campaign strategy.
Return of the Feast
Feast #177
Appetizer--How many times per day do you usually laugh? A half dozen, maybe? Not enough, lately, that's for sure.
Soup--What do your sunglasses look like? Which pair? One, two (olve green, though), three, or four (black frames)?
Salad--You win a free trip to anywhere on your continent, but you have to travel by train. Where do you go?
Seattle, the land of rain and coffee.
Main Course--Name one thing you consider a great quality about living in your town/city. Zero traffic. Non. Nada. Zilch. 5 PM rush hour means we might have to wait for four or five cars to pass through a four way stop. Less than a minute delay, tops.
Dessert--If the sky could be another color, what color do you think would look best? The reddish pinkish orangish color we see from photos on Mars.
Appetizer--How many times per day do you usually laugh? A half dozen, maybe? Not enough, lately, that's for sure.
Soup--What do your sunglasses look like? Which pair? One, two (olve green, though), three, or four (black frames)?
Salad--You win a free trip to anywhere on your continent, but you have to travel by train. Where do you go?
Seattle, the land of rain and coffee.
Main Course--Name one thing you consider a great quality about living in your town/city. Zero traffic. Non. Nada. Zilch. 5 PM rush hour means we might have to wait for four or five cars to pass through a four way stop. Less than a minute delay, tops.
Dessert--If the sky could be another color, what color do you think would look best? The reddish pinkish orangish color we see from photos on Mars.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Lost
Find out Which Lost Character Are You at LiquidGeneration.com!
Hmmm . . . oddly enough, I think this might be appropriate. If you haven't watched the show, Locke is an interesting character. To say the least.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Persons of the Year
I've been meaning to comment on Time magazine's choice for Person of the Year. In case you missed it, the folks at Time went with Vladimir Putin (Al Gore was runner up). Vladimir Putin? Huh? Boy, do I think they missed the boat.
The choice for persons of the year was unanimous here at Rhetorical Imprints. 2007 was the year of the Poptarts: Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, and Paris Hilton. How many times did these three paragons of excess, overindulgence, and personal spectacle grace the literal and figurative covers of our favorite mediated sources? Have three individuals ever provided, albeit inadvertently, so many life lessons? It's like these three set out to produce public services announcements regarding poor parenting skills, drunk driving/addiction, and the consequences of spoiling children. And the most important lesson of all: don't party in public without wearing underpants.
Could any professional writer produce a more poignant morality play?
The choice for persons of the year was unanimous here at Rhetorical Imprints. 2007 was the year of the Poptarts: Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, and Paris Hilton. How many times did these three paragons of excess, overindulgence, and personal spectacle grace the literal and figurative covers of our favorite mediated sources? Have three individuals ever provided, albeit inadvertently, so many life lessons? It's like these three set out to produce public services announcements regarding poor parenting skills, drunk driving/addiction, and the consequences of spoiling children. And the most important lesson of all: don't party in public without wearing underpants.
Could any professional writer produce a more poignant morality play?
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Hope
My argument, however, is that we have no choice. You don’t need a poll to know that the vast majority of Americans–Republican, Democrat, and independent–are weary of the dead zone that politics has become, in which narrow interests vie for advantage and ideological minorities seek to impose their own versions of absolute truth. Whether we’re from red states or blue states, we feel in our gut the lack of honesty, rigor, and common sense in our policy debates, and dislike what appears to be a continuous menu of false or cramped choices. Religious or secular, black, white, or brown, we sense– correctly–that the nation’s most significant challenges are being ignored, and that if we don’t change course soon, we may be the first generation in a very long time that leaves behind a weaker and more fractured America than the one we inherited. Perhaps more than any other time in our recent history, we need a new kind of politics, one that can excavate and build upon those shared understandings that pull us together as Americans.
Roughly one year ago, I read these words written by Barack Obama and thought to myself, "If this guy decides to run for President, I might just buck my trend of voting for third party candidates." About six weeks ago, I agreed to caucus for Barack Obama. I don't agree with all his policy positions and would probably find a better match in an idealist like Dennis Kucinich, but Obama seems the best electable option. So, I talked him up to folks I encountered, allowed the campaign to plant a sign on our corner lot (that was actually more STK's doing than mine), and marked the caucus on the calendar. Tonight, I did my civic duty and stood with Barack Obama. In fact, I even approached a couple other caucus goers who supported non-viable candidates and invited them to join the Obama camp. At least one of those folks shifted allegiances to Obama. As STK said earlier this evening, "Nice work, d. You did your duty."
I watched Obama's acceptance speech tonight and I have to say, I haven't been this excited about a candidate in, well, ever. When I listen to him speak, I hear a genuineness that doesn't seem present in the other front runners. I think some of that sincerity is the result of naivety; Obama clearly thinks he can take on the Washington establishment and make significant changes. I suspect he hasn't been around long enough to realize that much of what he wants to accomplish will be met with resistance at every turn, even from his own party. Even so, I find his "audacity of hope" compelling. I'm tired of Washington business as usual and from where I'm standing, Barack Obama presents the best opportunity to actually see some change.
I am an Obama supporter and I approve this message.
Roughly one year ago, I read these words written by Barack Obama and thought to myself, "If this guy decides to run for President, I might just buck my trend of voting for third party candidates." About six weeks ago, I agreed to caucus for Barack Obama. I don't agree with all his policy positions and would probably find a better match in an idealist like Dennis Kucinich, but Obama seems the best electable option. So, I talked him up to folks I encountered, allowed the campaign to plant a sign on our corner lot (that was actually more STK's doing than mine), and marked the caucus on the calendar. Tonight, I did my civic duty and stood with Barack Obama. In fact, I even approached a couple other caucus goers who supported non-viable candidates and invited them to join the Obama camp. At least one of those folks shifted allegiances to Obama. As STK said earlier this evening, "Nice work, d. You did your duty."
I watched Obama's acceptance speech tonight and I have to say, I haven't been this excited about a candidate in, well, ever. When I listen to him speak, I hear a genuineness that doesn't seem present in the other front runners. I think some of that sincerity is the result of naivety; Obama clearly thinks he can take on the Washington establishment and make significant changes. I suspect he hasn't been around long enough to realize that much of what he wants to accomplish will be met with resistance at every turn, even from his own party. Even so, I find his "audacity of hope" compelling. I'm tired of Washington business as usual and from where I'm standing, Barack Obama presents the best opportunity to actually see some change.
I am an Obama supporter and I approve this message.
Holiday Redux
Three weeks, three "official" holiday parties, 2000 miles, and three holiday celebrations with friends and family. And people wonder why I'm not all "JingleBellsDashingThroughTheSnowJoyToTheWorld" about the holiday season? Personally, I find it all a bit exhausting. It's always a treat to see friends and family, bask in the hustle and bustle of the big city, and get away from home for a bit, of course, but I'm glad it's all over and that I'm back in the middle of almost nowhere (although the Presidential candidates seem to think we live somewhere--nearly all of them have been through our neck of the woods the last couple weeks).
The holiday booty proved predictable--probably because I send out the same list every single year--but right on the money for my tastes. Highlights include Fahrenheit, Kaladi Coffee for a year (1 lb a month), some Aveda product (clove shampoo), a couple Barnes and Noble gift cards, and a black sweater vest. I'm on the prowl for a skinny black tie.
Throughout the holiday sojourn, the weather wizard tried to complicate matters. We left town ahead of a winter storm and while we managed to dodge the snow we spent the better part of nine hours driving through heavy fog and drizzle. Brilliant sunshine illuminated the second leg of the journey providing a beautiful view of the mountains as we approached the front range. Alas, the sunshine proved fleeting and substantial amounts of snow (8" on two different occasions) complicated travel plans slightly. The snow did provide the opportunity to do some shoveling for both my in-laws and my 'rents, thus paying forward the shoveling done by DrOneDink and AlabamaHick (they shoveled our sidewalk while we were away). While I was hoping for one of those 65 degree Colorado Christmases that turn up now and again, a white Christmas was unavoidable.
The drive back from Colorado seemed shorter this time around, largely due to my discovery of Nebraska's most excellent Public Radio network. With slight adjustments to the dial, NPR comes in loud and clear across the entire state. STK and TLO spent most of the trip in the back of the Element, dozing and watching Star Wars DVDs, while I just kept on truckin'.
A viewing of Stardust ushered in the New Year. Of all the nights on the calendar, I avoid doing anything on New Years Eve or, as I like to call it, Amateur Night. On New Years Eve, almost everyone thinks they can drink like a pro. The result is a bunch of goofy, buzzed or falling down drunk folks who aren't all that entertaining . . . unless you're also loaded, of course. Not that exciting for us sober folk. I also get tired of everyone turning to me and saying, "Hey, Derek can drive us home. He doesn't drink." Uh, no. You are responsible for your own behaviors. Assign a designated driver, call a cab, walk, or take a bus. I am not spending my evening chauffeuring drunks. The best way to avoid the entire mess is to stay home. Thankfully, STK and I are on the same page.
With the holiday season in the year view mirror, I'm turning my attention to the upcoming spring semester. I'm on mini sabbatical until January 31st and have a list of academic projects in my queue: 3rd year review personal statement, conference paper, course syllabi. A busy January for sure, but I get to work completely on my own schedule. Huzzah!
The holiday booty proved predictable--probably because I send out the same list every single year--but right on the money for my tastes. Highlights include Fahrenheit, Kaladi Coffee for a year (1 lb a month), some Aveda product (clove shampoo), a couple Barnes and Noble gift cards, and a black sweater vest. I'm on the prowl for a skinny black tie.
Throughout the holiday sojourn, the weather wizard tried to complicate matters. We left town ahead of a winter storm and while we managed to dodge the snow we spent the better part of nine hours driving through heavy fog and drizzle. Brilliant sunshine illuminated the second leg of the journey providing a beautiful view of the mountains as we approached the front range. Alas, the sunshine proved fleeting and substantial amounts of snow (8" on two different occasions) complicated travel plans slightly. The snow did provide the opportunity to do some shoveling for both my in-laws and my 'rents, thus paying forward the shoveling done by DrOneDink and AlabamaHick (they shoveled our sidewalk while we were away). While I was hoping for one of those 65 degree Colorado Christmases that turn up now and again, a white Christmas was unavoidable.
The drive back from Colorado seemed shorter this time around, largely due to my discovery of Nebraska's most excellent Public Radio network. With slight adjustments to the dial, NPR comes in loud and clear across the entire state. STK and TLO spent most of the trip in the back of the Element, dozing and watching Star Wars DVDs, while I just kept on truckin'.
A viewing of Stardust ushered in the New Year. Of all the nights on the calendar, I avoid doing anything on New Years Eve or, as I like to call it, Amateur Night. On New Years Eve, almost everyone thinks they can drink like a pro. The result is a bunch of goofy, buzzed or falling down drunk folks who aren't all that entertaining . . . unless you're also loaded, of course. Not that exciting for us sober folk. I also get tired of everyone turning to me and saying, "Hey, Derek can drive us home. He doesn't drink." Uh, no. You are responsible for your own behaviors. Assign a designated driver, call a cab, walk, or take a bus. I am not spending my evening chauffeuring drunks. The best way to avoid the entire mess is to stay home. Thankfully, STK and I are on the same page.
With the holiday season in the year view mirror, I'm turning my attention to the upcoming spring semester. I'm on mini sabbatical until January 31st and have a list of academic projects in my queue: 3rd year review personal statement, conference paper, course syllabi. A busy January for sure, but I get to work completely on my own schedule. Huzzah!
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Flaming Yams
A delicious recipe enjoyed during this year's Joulupukki celebration hosted at our home.
---
2 Cans Yams in Light Syrup
1 Jar Marshmallow Fluff
1 Stick Butter
1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
*Drain yams; retain syrup.
*Place yams in 9 x 9 baking dish.
*In a saucepan combine retained light syrup, butter, and brown sugar. Heat until butter and sugar are melted. Pour mixture over yams.
*Top with generous layer of marshmallow fluff.
*Broil until marshmallow fluff bursts into flame.
---
Smoke filled the kitchen and four adults scrambled around trying to decide how best to put out the fire--a lid smothered the flames nicely. Despite the "Holy Crap the Kitchen is on Fire!" moment, the holiday meal turned out just fine. Good times.
---
2 Cans Yams in Light Syrup
1 Jar Marshmallow Fluff
1 Stick Butter
1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
*Drain yams; retain syrup.
*Place yams in 9 x 9 baking dish.
*In a saucepan combine retained light syrup, butter, and brown sugar. Heat until butter and sugar are melted. Pour mixture over yams.
*Top with generous layer of marshmallow fluff.
*Broil until marshmallow fluff bursts into flame.
---
Smoke filled the kitchen and four adults scrambled around trying to decide how best to put out the fire--a lid smothered the flames nicely. Despite the "Holy Crap the Kitchen is on Fire!" moment, the holiday meal turned out just fine. Good times.
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