Thursday, November 16, 2006
IT'S OFFICIAL
Pelosi is the Speaker-elect and Steny Hoyer will be the Majority Leader. Smart decision, Dem caucus.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
YO
Hey, what's with Alex's blog? I admit to not having checked it in awhile, but what's the deal? I want to check in on her life, her writings, her everything and I get that crazy thing? Alex, wha' happened?
SOMETHING YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT ME
I have a love-hate relationship with Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA). I love to hate her, and I think she's awesome. I also think she's a litte older-woman sexy. I'm going to regret writing this in the morning. I am not drunk. But I am laughing really hard right now.
Seriously, though, she's still got it. In that sexy-classy way. She's so excitable and I love watching her tear into someone in public. I get kinda turned on when she talks about "extensive hearings" and shit. Oh yeah.
Seriously, though, she's still got it. In that sexy-classy way. She's so excitable and I love watching her tear into someone in public. I get kinda turned on when she talks about "extensive hearings" and shit. Oh yeah.
THE NEW BLOGGER, W/ GOOGLE
I changed over to the Beta Blogger, though I don't really know what this means. And I don't know why, when I quote, the text fails to wrap properly. If anyone knows this shit, let me know. Even though I won the "Technology Award" which was really a computer pin, in 8th grade -- a technicality since the person who actually should have gotten it, Chris Reilly, already won the science award and you can't win twice -- I don't know a thing about computers nowadays.
Monday, November 13, 2006
BAD IDEA
So, Speaker-to-be Nancy Pelosi wants to shake up the Democratic House leadership a bit and is backing Rep. Jack Murtha (D-PA) to bumrush Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and win the race to be House Majority Leader in the next Congress.
I don't begrudge Pelosi from supporting her friend Murtha. Actually, she had to. Murtha ran her campaign in 2001 to become the second-ranking member of the minority leadership, behind Leader Dick Gephardt (D-MO). Her opponent in that race was... Hoyer. So there is some contentiousness there. I get it. And Pelosi reportedly believes that Murtha, having so loudly railed against the status quo at the Pentagon vis-a-vis Iraq (a position which was not incorrect), spurred the Democrats into focusing their position on Operation Iraqi Freedom. This, she believes, was the catalyst for the huge gains their party made last week.
For the record, I don't believe this to be true. I think the war was certainly a major issue at play and dissatisfaction with the way it is run was paramount in that, but I think the gutter-low approval rating of Congress at large is what gave the Democrats the edge in the election.
So I understand Pelosi's relatively late support (Hoyer has been canvassing for votes for months and has been storing up his chits for just this moment). But what I don't understand is why Pelosi had to go out of her way for such a losing cause. It is clear that Hoyer has the votes -- more than he needs in fact -- so why did Pelosi write a letter of support to Murtha and then release it to the press? Does she really want the first thing she attaches her name to to be a losing gambit? She could have worked up support behind the scenes and saved face for herself and her agenda when Murtha loses.
An unintended consequence of Murtha fighting for this position has been the stories about his unethical acts as a member of Congress. Murtha was embroiled in the 1981 Abscam scandal in which members of Congress were offered bribes by undercover FBI agents posing as Arab businessmen. Some took the bait and were later tried in court. Murtha was caught on tape taking a meeting with the agents, hearing them out, and then saying that he wasn't interested at the moment. He further suggested the Arab men invest in his district. He was not charged with a crime but did testify against fellow Congressmen who were tried. There was speculation he had cut a deal with the Justice Department. He was investigated by the House Ethics Committee, that non-partisan bastion of credibility (sarcasm dripping off the screen) and, along a party-line vote, was acquitted. The chief counsel of the committee immediately resigned in protest.
Further, a Democrat-funded (Drudge says George Soros-backed, though this is only a loose fact as Soros funds larger groups that have trickled money down to this organization) "think-tank" or whatever they call themselves, the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), have included Murtha in their 2006 "20 Most Corrupt Members of Congress and 5 to Watch" compilation. The claims against him include giving earmarks to companies lobbied for by his brother Kit Murtha, and misusing his authority as a ranking member of an Appropriations sub-committee to trade earmarks for campaign funds.
From a NY Times article about the intra-party leadership fight:
So Murtha blocked ethics reforms in the past. Is this because such reforms would be used against him? Or is this just one of those muddled Beltway PR fights and Murtha didn't support the proposed reform bill because he supported a different reform bill? I don't know, but I doubt any member of Congress is truly against ethics, even if there's a chance he'd be affected by them.
But what is really unsettling is Congressmen writing off of ethics questions in the Abscam mess because they happened a long time ago:
I don't begrudge Pelosi from supporting her friend Murtha. Actually, she had to. Murtha ran her campaign in 2001 to become the second-ranking member of the minority leadership, behind Leader Dick Gephardt (D-MO). Her opponent in that race was... Hoyer. So there is some contentiousness there. I get it. And Pelosi reportedly believes that Murtha, having so loudly railed against the status quo at the Pentagon vis-a-vis Iraq (a position which was not incorrect), spurred the Democrats into focusing their position on Operation Iraqi Freedom. This, she believes, was the catalyst for the huge gains their party made last week.
For the record, I don't believe this to be true. I think the war was certainly a major issue at play and dissatisfaction with the way it is run was paramount in that, but I think the gutter-low approval rating of Congress at large is what gave the Democrats the edge in the election.
So I understand Pelosi's relatively late support (Hoyer has been canvassing for votes for months and has been storing up his chits for just this moment). But what I don't understand is why Pelosi had to go out of her way for such a losing cause. It is clear that Hoyer has the votes -- more than he needs in fact -- so why did Pelosi write a letter of support to Murtha and then release it to the press? Does she really want the first thing she attaches her name to to be a losing gambit? She could have worked up support behind the scenes and saved face for herself and her agenda when Murtha loses.
An unintended consequence of Murtha fighting for this position has been the stories about his unethical acts as a member of Congress. Murtha was embroiled in the 1981 Abscam scandal in which members of Congress were offered bribes by undercover FBI agents posing as Arab businessmen. Some took the bait and were later tried in court. Murtha was caught on tape taking a meeting with the agents, hearing them out, and then saying that he wasn't interested at the moment. He further suggested the Arab men invest in his district. He was not charged with a crime but did testify against fellow Congressmen who were tried. There was speculation he had cut a deal with the Justice Department. He was investigated by the House Ethics Committee, that non-partisan bastion of credibility (sarcasm dripping off the screen) and, along a party-line vote, was acquitted. The chief counsel of the committee immediately resigned in protest.
Further, a Democrat-funded (Drudge says George Soros-backed, though this is only a loose fact as Soros funds larger groups that have trickled money down to this organization) "think-tank" or whatever they call themselves, the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), have included Murtha in their 2006 "20 Most Corrupt Members of Congress and 5 to Watch" compilation. The claims against him include giving earmarks to companies lobbied for by his brother Kit Murtha, and misusing his authority as a ranking member of an Appropriations sub-committee to trade earmarks for campaign funds.
From a NY Times article about the intra-party leadership fight:
He helped block changes in ethics policies that Democrats proposed last year. He
has also been an astute backroom-deal maker known for trading votes for the pet
projects known as earmarks. He has had family members who lobbied on issues
under his control, and he was caught up in the Abscam corruption scandal more than 25 years ago, though he was never charged.
So Murtha blocked ethics reforms in the past. Is this because such reforms would be used against him? Or is this just one of those muddled Beltway PR fights and Murtha didn't support the proposed reform bill because he supported a different reform bill? I don't know, but I doubt any member of Congress is truly against ethics, even if there's a chance he'd be affected by them.
But what is really unsettling is Congressmen writing off of ethics questions in the Abscam mess because they happened a long time ago:
And some of his backers say the Abscam scandal of 1980 is ancient history.
... “It was 26 years ago,” said Representative Kendrick B. Meek, Democrat of Florida and a former Florida state trooper who is supporting Mr. Murtha.
Hoyer is the right choice in this election. He is a solid Democrat on many social issues, but is considered pro-business (whatever that means nowadays). More than anything, though, he is practiced in bipartisanism and will be a good team-player. Murtha, it goes to reason, could devolve into a naked partisan and isolationist when it is the conservative Democrats that truly have the power to sway a vote after this last election.
UPDATE (11/14/06): The press is really covering this story. Some quotes from a WaPo article today:
Andrew Koneschusky, a spokesman for Murtha, declined to discuss ethics
issues, saying: "We are focused on the future. We are focused on electing the
best candidate to lead our party and deliver the change the American people
want, and that is Jack Murtha. We are looking forward, not backward."At issue is Murtha's relationships with two defense lobbyists. Paul
Magliocchetti of the PMA Group is a former aide to the lawmaker, and Robert
"Kit" Murtha is his brother and was a senior partner at KSA Consulting from 2002
to 2005.
The PMA Group has become the go-to firm to approach Murtha as
ranking Democrat on the Appropriations defense subcommittee, CREW charges. In
the 2006 defense appropriations bill, PMA clients reaped at least 60 special
provisions, or "earmarks," worth more than $95 million.
The PMA Group and its
clients have been top campaign contributors for Murtha: $274,649 in the 2006
campaign cycle, $236,799 in the 2004 cycle and $279,074 in the 2002 cycle,
according to CREW's tallies.Taxpayers for Common Sense identified more than $103 million in earmarks in
the 2006 defense spending bill that Murtha requested for his home district in
southwestern Pennsylvania -- nearly $80 million of which cleared President
Bush's desk."...For years, he has used his powerful perch as the ranking Democrat on the
defense appropriations subcommittee to dole out earmarks to build influence.
Hoyer raises campaign cash; Murtha taps the taxpayer for influence." This was a
quote by Steve Ellis of Taxpayers for Common Sense.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
HE'S RIGHT ABOUT MISSISSIPPI
Charlie Rangel is a source of candor, that's for sure. That is one of the few things I like about him. And I think his voice is kinda funny.
He's already causing quite a stir about the 110th Congress, saying:
His reason for discussing this topic is that he wants to bring more money to New York. As if New York suffers from a lack of funding. I'm all for funding increases in Homeland Security and a need-based system for allocations. And I'm glad the DHS did away with the old system of funding homeland security projects that saw non-populous states get more money per capita than the big five states that realistically need the most protection. But is New York really suffering from a lack of federal dollars?
Mississippi admittedly gets more federal money than it pays in taxes, but in many aspects this is necessary as there is not enough money at the state level and in federal taxes from the state, to fund the same programs that exist around the country.
UPDATE (11/14/06): Rangel apologized and accepted an invite to go to Mississippi. He's a funny old guy.
He's already causing quite a stir about the 110th Congress, saying:
"Mississippi gets more than their fair share back in federal money, but who the hell wants to live in Mississippi?"
His reason for discussing this topic is that he wants to bring more money to New York. As if New York suffers from a lack of funding. I'm all for funding increases in Homeland Security and a need-based system for allocations. And I'm glad the DHS did away with the old system of funding homeland security projects that saw non-populous states get more money per capita than the big five states that realistically need the most protection. But is New York really suffering from a lack of federal dollars?
Mississippi admittedly gets more federal money than it pays in taxes, but in many aspects this is necessary as there is not enough money at the state level and in federal taxes from the state, to fund the same programs that exist around the country.
UPDATE (11/14/06): Rangel apologized and accepted an invite to go to Mississippi. He's a funny old guy.
DUMBASS
On NPR tonight, I heard Mike Wallace discussing the death of Ed Bradley. Wallace is 88 and Bradley was 65. The interviewer asked if Bradley got any flack for wearing an earring on television. Wallace said he didn't like it but that a lot of people probably started wearing earrings because of Bradley. Hahahahahaa. Um, no.
FIRST MISTAKE?
Obviously, the Democrats won both houses of Congress at least party -- and maybe entirely -- on the turmoil and fiasco that is Iraq. I agree with the sentiment that the war has been waged poorly and I go farther to say that the National Security team that ran it was dysfunctional. Thankfully Rumsfeld was fired; he was the biggest danger in the equation.
As for how the newly-minted majority may address the problem of Iraq remains to be reported. But there are a few stories out there that speculate, based on prominent Democrats' comments, on what is to come:
This is a pretty germane comment, and something I do not disagree with. But what other leading Democratic voices are saying troubles me.
Withdrawal from Iraq, even just a partial one, is the wrong move, in my opinion. I think what is needed is to send more troops to Iraq. Sending too few was the biggest sin of former Secy. Rumsfeld's many mistakes and every price we pay in Iraq today is directly related to Rumsfeld's disdain for the Powell Doctrine of overwhelming force. Quelling the violence in Iraq needs to happen before any political progress can be made in Baghdad.
I am sensitive to Iraqis seeing the American presence as an occupying force and what they rail against in their bloody streets. But withdrawing troops will only create a vacuum in which violence will only escalate to even more alarming rates. The militant Sunnis are not only fighting against the Americans who issued the idiotic de-Baathification policy putting them out of work, but also at having the trappings of minority status, something they are just not used to after strongarming the Shiites and Kurds for decades.
I hope the Baker-Hamilton report will push this option for the short-term when it is released in December.
As for how the newly-minted majority may address the problem of Iraq remains to be reported. But there are a few stories out there that speculate, based on prominent Democrats' comments, on what is to come:
"The American people have spoken. They want an honorable solution in Iraq. They want to bring the troops home responsibly and not leave chaos behind," said [Sen. Joe] Biden, who's in line to become chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
This is a pretty germane comment, and something I do not disagree with. But what other leading Democratic voices are saying troubles me.
First stop next year will be legislation calling for an undetermined number of troops to come home immediately.
Withdrawal from Iraq, even just a partial one, is the wrong move, in my opinion. I think what is needed is to send more troops to Iraq. Sending too few was the biggest sin of former Secy. Rumsfeld's many mistakes and every price we pay in Iraq today is directly related to Rumsfeld's disdain for the Powell Doctrine of overwhelming force. Quelling the violence in Iraq needs to happen before any political progress can be made in Baghdad.
I am sensitive to Iraqis seeing the American presence as an occupying force and what they rail against in their bloody streets. But withdrawing troops will only create a vacuum in which violence will only escalate to even more alarming rates. The militant Sunnis are not only fighting against the Americans who issued the idiotic de-Baathification policy putting them out of work, but also at having the trappings of minority status, something they are just not used to after strongarming the Shiites and Kurds for decades.
I hope the Baker-Hamilton report will push this option for the short-term when it is released in December.
THE NEW CONGRESS
I am very pleased at the outcome of the midterm election. That statement probably comes as a surprise to some people. Divided government, I believe, is crucial to producing the best government. The Republican Congress was doing a horrible job, anyway, oversight of the Executive Branch was non-existent, and there was zero fiscal discipline. Normally, the Democrats would not be the ones to take up these issues in principle, but the current crop of Dems campaigned on such issues as a balanced budget, ethics reforms, presidential oversight and a new look at the old problem called Iraq.
There will undoubtedly be bills passed by the Democrat Legislative branch that I disapprove of, but there will certainly be bills I support. There were bills passed under the Republican Congress that I didn't like: the Southern Wall, most recently.
As for Speaker-elect Nancy Pelosi, I welcome her to history. Her views on issues are generally much more liberal than mine, and moreso than most of the country I could argue, but as the leader of the House has to be a consensus-builder among her own party -- and don't forget that most of the Democrat victors that gave the party the majority are Blue Dog Democrats. I'm not too worried about radically liberal bills becoming policy, and if they do, well, at least I've got a forum in which to rant.
I trust that she will follow through on her rhetoric of working with Republicans, and that her deputies and committee chairmen do likewise. They certainly don't have to, but they should. She has said they will, so I'll give her the benefit of the doubt. I do not support some committee chairmen already named, like Barney Frank, Charlie Rangel and to a lesser degree John Conyers, but their committees are not their kingdoms. I only wish Pelosi would give the chairmanship of the Intelligence Committee to the current-Ranking Member, Jane Harmon. She's earned the post, and is considered the most informed House Democrat on intelligence issues. She's also Pelosi's fellow Californian and replaced Pelosi on the committee when Pelosi became minority leader. We'll see what she does.
I am looking forward to the first 100 hours. Progress is good, and the Republicans had their chance, and squandered it. On to the next!
Update (11/13/06): Harman is out. From a Washington Post article, dated today:
There will undoubtedly be bills passed by the Democrat Legislative branch that I disapprove of, but there will certainly be bills I support. There were bills passed under the Republican Congress that I didn't like: the Southern Wall, most recently.
As for Speaker-elect Nancy Pelosi, I welcome her to history. Her views on issues are generally much more liberal than mine, and moreso than most of the country I could argue, but as the leader of the House has to be a consensus-builder among her own party -- and don't forget that most of the Democrat victors that gave the party the majority are Blue Dog Democrats. I'm not too worried about radically liberal bills becoming policy, and if they do, well, at least I've got a forum in which to rant.
I trust that she will follow through on her rhetoric of working with Republicans, and that her deputies and committee chairmen do likewise. They certainly don't have to, but they should. She has said they will, so I'll give her the benefit of the doubt. I do not support some committee chairmen already named, like Barney Frank, Charlie Rangel and to a lesser degree John Conyers, but their committees are not their kingdoms. I only wish Pelosi would give the chairmanship of the Intelligence Committee to the current-Ranking Member, Jane Harmon. She's earned the post, and is considered the most informed House Democrat on intelligence issues. She's also Pelosi's fellow Californian and replaced Pelosi on the committee when Pelosi became minority leader. We'll see what she does.
I am looking forward to the first 100 hours. Progress is good, and the Republicans had their chance, and squandered it. On to the next!
Update (11/13/06): Harman is out. From a Washington Post article, dated today:
Pelosi has also all but decided she will not name the ranking Democrat on the House intelligence committee, Rep. Jane Harman (D-Calif.) to chair that panel next year, a decision pregnant with personal animus.That is the only reference to Harman in the article. What a strange, dangling comment. Too bad Harman doesn't have the support of Pelosi; I liked her and thought she was a great ranking member, strong but not partisan. I wonder why Pelosi doesn't like her.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
ALWAYS BEHIND
I have 154 podcasts I haven't listened to yet. I have at least on data CD of music both old and new I have had for two months and see every morning on my dresser. There are 499 movies in my Netflix queue. I have books that are unread to read approximately 5 to 1. My room is carpeted with magazines I subscribe to but am a couple months behind in reading. I pile them up so they're not all over, but it's still clutter. Both of my DVRs are nearing capacity. I always feel like I'm a week behind in some to-do list.
It is possible that this is all good. I'm not sitting around whittling these things down because I'm busy doing other things. But when will it get to the point that I suffocate underneath all this weight of media? It's gonna be either very easy to pack up an move out in the next year, like I plan, or it will be mini Sophie's Choices over and over again. Sometimes I think the best option is to just throw it all away and follow Thoreau to Walden Pond.
It is possible that this is all good. I'm not sitting around whittling these things down because I'm busy doing other things. But when will it get to the point that I suffocate underneath all this weight of media? It's gonna be either very easy to pack up an move out in the next year, like I plan, or it will be mini Sophie's Choices over and over again. Sometimes I think the best option is to just throw it all away and follow Thoreau to Walden Pond.
I PUBLISH IN FITS AND STARTS
Yes, I know, I'm an inconsistent jerkwad. I'm a tease; I lead my few readers on only to turn high-tail and stay of the internets for months at a time. Well, I'm trying here. Be gentle.
I'm going to try to publish more. I need just to remind myself that these little burps of words are suitable; I needn't write an opus every time I sit down to the keyboard.
I hope to gain your trust again. I'm only half-kidding.
I'm going to try to publish more. I need just to remind myself that these little burps of words are suitable; I needn't write an opus every time I sit down to the keyboard.
I hope to gain your trust again. I'm only half-kidding.
SO MUCH FOR GILDED STREETS
Man, that Bears game sucked ass today. I bought into the hype that it would be an undefeated season, though not a cakewalk, and was very annoyed at their performance today. Grossman is getting less consistent, kinda like last season. I'm getting worried about the Giants and the Pats now. C'mon Lovie, make it work again. Let's hope this was just a hiccup....
NEW MUSIC TUESDAY
I know it's not Tuesday, but that's the cliche, isn't it, so it'll just have to do.
I really like the four-song Tony Lucca EP "Through the Cracks." Anyone have an opinion? Who's even reading this anymore???
I really like the four-song Tony Lucca EP "Through the Cracks." Anyone have an opinion? Who's even reading this anymore???
IS IT JUST ME?
I hate Paula Zahn. I really do. She's stiff, too tall, has an annoying voice and vocal ticks that drive me crazy. She stumbles over her words every other sentence, is too impatient in her tone, and asks roundabout questions as if she is unwilling to get to the point. She's one reason I like CNN less than I used to. Though crazy Ted's network got better the second it dumped the ridiculous "Crossfire," it lost some credibility in my eyes when it hired Zahn. She's just not up to the task.
Monday, September 11, 2006
THE FIRST FIVE YEARS
It has been five quick years since September 11, 2001. Everywhere lately, the magazines, television news programs, among friends, the headlines ask whether we are safer since then and whether we have done anything right as a country. It is a valid question, to be sure, but one I think has a very easy answer.
We are absolutely safer today than we were five years ago. Despite misgivings over the machinations and apparatus that have been designed and implemented in the wake of 9/11, our borders are safer (though clearly much work needs to be done); our citizenry is more aware (though hopefully not skittish and trigger-happy) of the world and the differences between the terrorist organizations and those they harm; our airports and planes are more secure than ever (though at tremendous cost of money and time); and most importantly our government is more calibrated to meet the threat ahead of us.
The border issue is paramount, and though work has been done piecemeal over the last five years, a substantial overhaul of border security is sorely needed. Obviously such huge, responsible legislation cannot be written overnight. But the Congress needed to work on this yesterday, instead of telling us to wait until tomorrow. Separate from the proposed guest worker programs and the like in the Senate plan, the security of our borders needs to be addressed immediately. I haven't read the House bill that passed, the one that dealt solely with border security, but I agree that that should be the first step of many, rather than an omnibus bill that addresses multiple issues. It is pathetic that election-year politics and the Congressional schedule preclude any significant action on passing such important legislation this year. We deserve better than that.
It was a border agent that began the dragnet in 1999 that botched the plan to blow up many landmarks and bridges on the eve of the new millenium. This is a crucial front in the war on terror, too, and there's one on either end of our nation. I'm not suggesting we close the borders, or establish a police state only for those non-Americans entering this great nation, but we need to be certain that people coming into the U.S. do not pose a threat to it. This is accomplished by the sharing of information. We need to make sure that the border agents are eminently capable men and women and we need to make sure they have access to the most updated terrorist watch lists, with aliases, and other information that will allow them to better patrol those portals.
I fully understand that the other implication of tighter border security would have multiple other implications. Many Mexicans and other people enter our country and work illegally, though are still a part of America through their purchasing of food, services, etc. These men and women do many jobs Americans have grown to look down upon, and do so for the chance of a better life. This is a story as old as our nation, and it is not one that should be scorned. However, any guest-worker program or other immigration plan needs to be complemented by an intense renaissance of the U.S.-Mexican relationship. The President needs to mount a full-scale effort to work closely and fortuitously with President-elect Calderon. I believe we already do work together and on many issues, but this is clearly below the fold. A refocus in the spotlight would go a long way to accomplishing many things that would make the illegal immigration problem in this country less of a problem and more like it traditionally has been in America. Calderon has said his main focus upon taking office will be a US immigration and border security offensive. I'm not sure his positions on everything, but I see this as a great opportunity for our two nations. Mexico has a long way to go to make itself a greater country for its own people, but much headway has been made. Giuliani consulted in Mexico City after he left office to reduce that city's unbelieve crime rate. More work like that would go a long way in the relationship between the US and Mexico.
The American people seem to be more interested in learning about the world than our previous reputation. I glean this from a few things. The increase in and success of political or high-minded television shows and movies (West Wing; Sleeper Cell; 24; Syriana; Fahrenheit 9/11; etc.) shows that there is a growing audience for thought-provoking entertainment. The success of the 9/11 report surprised some in the publishing industry. News channels are consistently drawing large audiences. The only opposite trend I can think of is subscription drops in newspapers. Radio was dying already, so that trend really doesn't apply. But by and large, I believe that the increase in the availability of information, coupled with the birth and explosion of blogs and pajama-clad journalists, points to a populace with the interest in learning more about our world. Which cannot be a bad thing.
The flip-side of that, though, is a hypersensitivity to "suspicious activity." Of course it is advantageous for people to be aware of their surroundings in public places and major cities, but it is not unrealistic to think some people go overboard. It appeals to their American id in the same way being able to perform a "citizen's arrest" does, but this should not replace sound judgment of what is happening in our free and open society. We should be aware, but not skittish.
We have the tendency to fight the last war. After 9/11 we understandably and rightly improved air safety, in our airports and on planes themselves. But the next attack is unlikely to be like the last one. That being said, it was a good thing to make cockpit doors more secure, and to limit carry-on baggage and curbside check-in, etc. I do believe, however, that we need to employ some kind of "profiling." I know that sounds terrible, and I don't exactly mean what it implies, but it is preposterous to perform random security searches when that includes little old ladies and people highly unlikely to be hatching a terrorist scheme. We should leave the majority of searches to better metal-detectors and gel and liquid chemical machines that need to be purchased and installed. But I don't think it is inappropriate to pull aside and more thoroughly search people who fit the profile of those that perform terrorist acts in the world. This does not mean we should pull aside every Arab or Muslim or darker-skinned traveller. But more efficient searches and better judgment would improve the ability of screeners to secure the skies. I was in Tokyo when the authorities busted up the most recent plane plot in London, and when I went to fly home I expected significant restrictions on what I could bring onboard, and of course long waits at the airport to actually board the plane. Maybe it was like this everywhere, but at Narita, security was a breeze. Not because it was lax, but because they were thorough and efficient. We could bring onboard one carryon bag but no liquids or gels. At the gate, they called up one boarding section at a time and had workers go through every aspect of our carry-on bags. I had a large, full backpack and it was pawed through by a kindly Japanese man. Everything was removed and looked at, but the whole thing took less than a couple minutes. The woman next to me had a small tube of mascara and another tube of lip gloss in a very full purse. The agent checking her spent roughly a minute longer than on me, but found the "contraband" quickly and disposed of it. It was not a dramatic process. I had no problem with this, and frankly, would be alright if this happened every time I boarded a plane, as long as it was as painless.
Part of the solution, at least in Chicago, might be the establishment of the Peotone airport. Already O'Hare and Midway have some of the worst delays in the country, and it can be hellish and unpredictable to leave Chicago through either. I don't think increasing the volume of flights at O'Hare is a sound solution. In Japan, Narita handles international flights while Haneda deals with domestic ones. Narita airport was the best I've seen anywhere. Very easy, safe, and quick but thorough. Perhaps making O'Hare the international airport only and Midway and Peotone domestic only would be a good solution. Regardless of whether that is done, taking some of the heavy traffic away from O'Hare and into the Peotone airport would ease the problems at the former. Who needs the title of "World's Busiest Airport" or other such superlatives, when it only creates dozens of hassles and problems.
Lastly, I am proud that the Patriot Act has done so much to transform our government into a better-oiled bureaucracy. Despite the obvious controversies over library records and other, more serious, complaints over the clauses contained in the legislation, much good came out of the Act. It knocked down the wall between the FBI and CIA, which mostly is a great thing. There still need to be safeguards that the CIA isn't spying on Americans, against its statute -- please refrain from commenting on the NSA phonecall program, as that's a whole book-length blog post at least -- and vice versa. But I haven't heard of any problems with the increase in communication between these two organizations. Against the president's initial disinclination to approve the DHS or the 9/11 Commission, both were created and both have lumbered towards some great accomplishments. However, as with any new giant undertaking, there were many problems with both. As time has gone on, though, I believe problems are being corrected, and we are better for it. As a conservative, I am largely against bigger government, but I am pro-DHS. I think of it more as a reorganization than an added, superfluous layer of government.
We have come a long way in these last five years, but much more work is to be done in the Global War on Terror. It will not end when this president leaves office, or when the next does, either. I am not sure exactly what will mean a victory in such a war, but I am confident that whatever challenges are presented to our nation, we will evolve and meet each one head-on. I hope I am not alone in these thoughts, though I very well may be. I do not support every action taken since 9/11/2001, but I do think most were necessary in their original, or modified, form. I hope that in the second five years, we will have done much more in the effort to eliminate the threat against us and to foment the building blocks of a better world.
We are absolutely safer today than we were five years ago. Despite misgivings over the machinations and apparatus that have been designed and implemented in the wake of 9/11, our borders are safer (though clearly much work needs to be done); our citizenry is more aware (though hopefully not skittish and trigger-happy) of the world and the differences between the terrorist organizations and those they harm; our airports and planes are more secure than ever (though at tremendous cost of money and time); and most importantly our government is more calibrated to meet the threat ahead of us.
The border issue is paramount, and though work has been done piecemeal over the last five years, a substantial overhaul of border security is sorely needed. Obviously such huge, responsible legislation cannot be written overnight. But the Congress needed to work on this yesterday, instead of telling us to wait until tomorrow. Separate from the proposed guest worker programs and the like in the Senate plan, the security of our borders needs to be addressed immediately. I haven't read the House bill that passed, the one that dealt solely with border security, but I agree that that should be the first step of many, rather than an omnibus bill that addresses multiple issues. It is pathetic that election-year politics and the Congressional schedule preclude any significant action on passing such important legislation this year. We deserve better than that.
It was a border agent that began the dragnet in 1999 that botched the plan to blow up many landmarks and bridges on the eve of the new millenium. This is a crucial front in the war on terror, too, and there's one on either end of our nation. I'm not suggesting we close the borders, or establish a police state only for those non-Americans entering this great nation, but we need to be certain that people coming into the U.S. do not pose a threat to it. This is accomplished by the sharing of information. We need to make sure that the border agents are eminently capable men and women and we need to make sure they have access to the most updated terrorist watch lists, with aliases, and other information that will allow them to better patrol those portals.
I fully understand that the other implication of tighter border security would have multiple other implications. Many Mexicans and other people enter our country and work illegally, though are still a part of America through their purchasing of food, services, etc. These men and women do many jobs Americans have grown to look down upon, and do so for the chance of a better life. This is a story as old as our nation, and it is not one that should be scorned. However, any guest-worker program or other immigration plan needs to be complemented by an intense renaissance of the U.S.-Mexican relationship. The President needs to mount a full-scale effort to work closely and fortuitously with President-elect Calderon. I believe we already do work together and on many issues, but this is clearly below the fold. A refocus in the spotlight would go a long way to accomplishing many things that would make the illegal immigration problem in this country less of a problem and more like it traditionally has been in America. Calderon has said his main focus upon taking office will be a US immigration and border security offensive. I'm not sure his positions on everything, but I see this as a great opportunity for our two nations. Mexico has a long way to go to make itself a greater country for its own people, but much headway has been made. Giuliani consulted in Mexico City after he left office to reduce that city's unbelieve crime rate. More work like that would go a long way in the relationship between the US and Mexico.
The American people seem to be more interested in learning about the world than our previous reputation. I glean this from a few things. The increase in and success of political or high-minded television shows and movies (West Wing; Sleeper Cell; 24; Syriana; Fahrenheit 9/11; etc.) shows that there is a growing audience for thought-provoking entertainment. The success of the 9/11 report surprised some in the publishing industry. News channels are consistently drawing large audiences. The only opposite trend I can think of is subscription drops in newspapers. Radio was dying already, so that trend really doesn't apply. But by and large, I believe that the increase in the availability of information, coupled with the birth and explosion of blogs and pajama-clad journalists, points to a populace with the interest in learning more about our world. Which cannot be a bad thing.
The flip-side of that, though, is a hypersensitivity to "suspicious activity." Of course it is advantageous for people to be aware of their surroundings in public places and major cities, but it is not unrealistic to think some people go overboard. It appeals to their American id in the same way being able to perform a "citizen's arrest" does, but this should not replace sound judgment of what is happening in our free and open society. We should be aware, but not skittish.
We have the tendency to fight the last war. After 9/11 we understandably and rightly improved air safety, in our airports and on planes themselves. But the next attack is unlikely to be like the last one. That being said, it was a good thing to make cockpit doors more secure, and to limit carry-on baggage and curbside check-in, etc. I do believe, however, that we need to employ some kind of "profiling." I know that sounds terrible, and I don't exactly mean what it implies, but it is preposterous to perform random security searches when that includes little old ladies and people highly unlikely to be hatching a terrorist scheme. We should leave the majority of searches to better metal-detectors and gel and liquid chemical machines that need to be purchased and installed. But I don't think it is inappropriate to pull aside and more thoroughly search people who fit the profile of those that perform terrorist acts in the world. This does not mean we should pull aside every Arab or Muslim or darker-skinned traveller. But more efficient searches and better judgment would improve the ability of screeners to secure the skies. I was in Tokyo when the authorities busted up the most recent plane plot in London, and when I went to fly home I expected significant restrictions on what I could bring onboard, and of course long waits at the airport to actually board the plane. Maybe it was like this everywhere, but at Narita, security was a breeze. Not because it was lax, but because they were thorough and efficient. We could bring onboard one carryon bag but no liquids or gels. At the gate, they called up one boarding section at a time and had workers go through every aspect of our carry-on bags. I had a large, full backpack and it was pawed through by a kindly Japanese man. Everything was removed and looked at, but the whole thing took less than a couple minutes. The woman next to me had a small tube of mascara and another tube of lip gloss in a very full purse. The agent checking her spent roughly a minute longer than on me, but found the "contraband" quickly and disposed of it. It was not a dramatic process. I had no problem with this, and frankly, would be alright if this happened every time I boarded a plane, as long as it was as painless.
Part of the solution, at least in Chicago, might be the establishment of the Peotone airport. Already O'Hare and Midway have some of the worst delays in the country, and it can be hellish and unpredictable to leave Chicago through either. I don't think increasing the volume of flights at O'Hare is a sound solution. In Japan, Narita handles international flights while Haneda deals with domestic ones. Narita airport was the best I've seen anywhere. Very easy, safe, and quick but thorough. Perhaps making O'Hare the international airport only and Midway and Peotone domestic only would be a good solution. Regardless of whether that is done, taking some of the heavy traffic away from O'Hare and into the Peotone airport would ease the problems at the former. Who needs the title of "World's Busiest Airport" or other such superlatives, when it only creates dozens of hassles and problems.
Lastly, I am proud that the Patriot Act has done so much to transform our government into a better-oiled bureaucracy. Despite the obvious controversies over library records and other, more serious, complaints over the clauses contained in the legislation, much good came out of the Act. It knocked down the wall between the FBI and CIA, which mostly is a great thing. There still need to be safeguards that the CIA isn't spying on Americans, against its statute -- please refrain from commenting on the NSA phonecall program, as that's a whole book-length blog post at least -- and vice versa. But I haven't heard of any problems with the increase in communication between these two organizations. Against the president's initial disinclination to approve the DHS or the 9/11 Commission, both were created and both have lumbered towards some great accomplishments. However, as with any new giant undertaking, there were many problems with both. As time has gone on, though, I believe problems are being corrected, and we are better for it. As a conservative, I am largely against bigger government, but I am pro-DHS. I think of it more as a reorganization than an added, superfluous layer of government.
We have come a long way in these last five years, but much more work is to be done in the Global War on Terror. It will not end when this president leaves office, or when the next does, either. I am not sure exactly what will mean a victory in such a war, but I am confident that whatever challenges are presented to our nation, we will evolve and meet each one head-on. I hope I am not alone in these thoughts, though I very well may be. I do not support every action taken since 9/11/2001, but I do think most were necessary in their original, or modified, form. I hope that in the second five years, we will have done much more in the effort to eliminate the threat against us and to foment the building blocks of a better world.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
AMNESTY AND APATHY
With everyone absent from the blogosphere lately, I decided to -- what the hell -- update mine.
I think I am going to get a laptop in the next couple months, probably an Apple, though I am not sure which model yet. It all depends on finances. And with my iPod being a little bitch lately -- it just turns off in the middle of playing -- and me too lazy to go to the Apple store and wait for half an hour while the hordes are tended to, I may have to get a new iPod too. I would rather not, for obvious reasons, but if it's unrepairable I won't have a choice. I wonder if my neighbors have wireless internet. Because it'll be the apocalypse before my dad upgrades to anything faster than this dialup connection.
So the mp3 player is pissing me off lately. So is making my Japan plans. I know I know that no one wants to hear someone bitch about planning their vacation, but it's really frustrating me. With Christine in Europe, and avoiding her email, the plans fall to me. She roped me into using a travel agent before she left, and it's a freaking nightmare. Don't ever do it. So, I'm pissing the travel agent off while having to do all the planning on my own, which is difficult when there's a language barrier. With so many Japanese speaking English nowadays, you'd think their websites would almost always have the option of being translated. That's hardly the case.
I'm also wrestling with when to quit my job. I wanted to give my two weeks on the 30th of June, which would give me two weeks before my July 28th trip to get ready. But then I was talking to my dad and he got me to change my last day to just a week and half before my trip, which doesn't make much difference, except that I HATE my job and want out now. And three extra days won't really matter if I don't work them anyway.
I'm also getting a little uneasy about the money shortfall that will begin next month. I'm not making all that much at the moment, but by living at home, etc., I have been able to save some and will be alright once I get home for a little bit if I don't get a job. And I know I shouldn't be so worried about money, since I can always make more of it and it's not like I'm going to be homeless anytime soon. But nonetheless, it's on my mind.
My parents are in Hawaii this week -- they won a raffle at the Art Institute two years ago -- and so my sister strong-armed me into allowing her to have a few friends over tonight. I'm pissed about how she handled it -- she lied and tried to maneuver and manipulate -- but I don't feel compelled to be her parent either. I want the control, sure, but I need to fight that impulse to actually exercise it. But needless to say, I made sure I laid down some ground rules, i.e. number of people, etc.
Tomorrow I'm going to a Cubs game, so let's hope they continue this winning streak. I'm writing this before tonight's game starts and they may lose, at which point I'll just say, I hope they win tomorrow's game. My presence usually means a Cubbie win. I'm just haughty enough to believe that too.
I think I am going to get a laptop in the next couple months, probably an Apple, though I am not sure which model yet. It all depends on finances. And with my iPod being a little bitch lately -- it just turns off in the middle of playing -- and me too lazy to go to the Apple store and wait for half an hour while the hordes are tended to, I may have to get a new iPod too. I would rather not, for obvious reasons, but if it's unrepairable I won't have a choice. I wonder if my neighbors have wireless internet. Because it'll be the apocalypse before my dad upgrades to anything faster than this dialup connection.
So the mp3 player is pissing me off lately. So is making my Japan plans. I know I know that no one wants to hear someone bitch about planning their vacation, but it's really frustrating me. With Christine in Europe, and avoiding her email, the plans fall to me. She roped me into using a travel agent before she left, and it's a freaking nightmare. Don't ever do it. So, I'm pissing the travel agent off while having to do all the planning on my own, which is difficult when there's a language barrier. With so many Japanese speaking English nowadays, you'd think their websites would almost always have the option of being translated. That's hardly the case.
I'm also wrestling with when to quit my job. I wanted to give my two weeks on the 30th of June, which would give me two weeks before my July 28th trip to get ready. But then I was talking to my dad and he got me to change my last day to just a week and half before my trip, which doesn't make much difference, except that I HATE my job and want out now. And three extra days won't really matter if I don't work them anyway.
I'm also getting a little uneasy about the money shortfall that will begin next month. I'm not making all that much at the moment, but by living at home, etc., I have been able to save some and will be alright once I get home for a little bit if I don't get a job. And I know I shouldn't be so worried about money, since I can always make more of it and it's not like I'm going to be homeless anytime soon. But nonetheless, it's on my mind.
My parents are in Hawaii this week -- they won a raffle at the Art Institute two years ago -- and so my sister strong-armed me into allowing her to have a few friends over tonight. I'm pissed about how she handled it -- she lied and tried to maneuver and manipulate -- but I don't feel compelled to be her parent either. I want the control, sure, but I need to fight that impulse to actually exercise it. But needless to say, I made sure I laid down some ground rules, i.e. number of people, etc.
Tomorrow I'm going to a Cubs game, so let's hope they continue this winning streak. I'm writing this before tonight's game starts and they may lose, at which point I'll just say, I hope they win tomorrow's game. My presence usually means a Cubbie win. I'm just haughty enough to believe that too.
Friday, June 02, 2006
WAAAAAAY UP NORTH
If my grandfather had gotten a sales region closer to where my grandmother grew up, I would be more familiar with the north side of Chicago. Instead, he sold Colgate products to drugstores in the Western suburbs and he moved his family to LaGrange where I eventually dwelled. And so I only venture up north occasionally, like when I had to go to court for a speeding ticket in 2004.
Here I sit, in Prospect Heights, prodded into updating this blog that no one reads anymore. Emily's new apartment is shockingly large. She had gone on a spending spree -- I imagine it not unlike a "Shop 'Til You Drop" episode on steroids -- getting all excited buying new things for her new place. It was well worth it; the place immediately was comfortable and looks great.
She also got a new job today, which is the best news for her this year. But, like me, she's finding leaving her current job to not be as much a happy affair as once imagined. She's leaving in two weeks, but I'm not leaving mine until mid-July. But I'm still finding myself with second thoughts, and as I'm getting along finally with my co-worker, I'm feeling a little guilty about leaving. I need to not confuse a couple good months of dealing with her with the horrible, miserable months she caused previously. I'll get there. I guess this just means I have a conscience, something I thought had gone into hibernation with Winter Jeff.
So with so many things happening to everyone (it seems: Mary, Matt and I with schools, possibilities; Christine with med school and all of her EU-hopping; Eric moving back up here next month) Emily has already done a lot of her heavy lifting and has settled into the beginning of her new life.
And it's looking pretty nice.
Here I sit, in Prospect Heights, prodded into updating this blog that no one reads anymore. Emily's new apartment is shockingly large. She had gone on a spending spree -- I imagine it not unlike a "Shop 'Til You Drop" episode on steroids -- getting all excited buying new things for her new place. It was well worth it; the place immediately was comfortable and looks great.
She also got a new job today, which is the best news for her this year. But, like me, she's finding leaving her current job to not be as much a happy affair as once imagined. She's leaving in two weeks, but I'm not leaving mine until mid-July. But I'm still finding myself with second thoughts, and as I'm getting along finally with my co-worker, I'm feeling a little guilty about leaving. I need to not confuse a couple good months of dealing with her with the horrible, miserable months she caused previously. I'll get there. I guess this just means I have a conscience, something I thought had gone into hibernation with Winter Jeff.
So with so many things happening to everyone (it seems: Mary, Matt and I with schools, possibilities; Christine with med school and all of her EU-hopping; Eric moving back up here next month) Emily has already done a lot of her heavy lifting and has settled into the beginning of her new life.
And it's looking pretty nice.
PATHETIC
I can't believe it's been a month since I've last blogged. That's despicable. And I haven't even gotten any threats from Eric, which is unusual. Maybe he's finally learned that I'm pathetic (see: title) with this blogging thing, and that he should check only a few times a year.
Well, maybe now I'll start back up again. We'll see.
Well, maybe now I'll start back up again. We'll see.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
ELEGY FOR RUSTY
He was a good balloon; always finding something to smile about. His joy was infectious. Everything went straight to his head, though, but that meant the highs were really high. Too bad we developed a mean streak and made him ride the eleven hours home in the trunk. Like we were sneaking him into a drive-in movie. Rusty. I don't blame him for jumping. He left him and forgot him.
----
I appear to have greatly disappointed Eric on my account. Sorry, bud. I will strive for better. It is funny that you mention "Matt" and "cocaine" in the same paragraph. When we lost Mary for half an hour, and I was on the phone with you, E, she appeared at the end of the hallway, with some guy walking with her. I said "I found Mary" and asked this dude who he was. His name was Matt. Later we found out that Mary had run into him and told him she wanted to party. He offered her some blow and she refused. He thought that's what she meant by "party." But then said, almost as an afterthought, "good, since I don't have any and don't know where to get some. Here have this Coors Light instead." Something to that effect. She came sauntering back into the bar with her Rocky Mountain Bullet and was told by our waitress Farah to get rid of it, since it was bought outside the bar. BTW, Farah gave us nothing but shit the whole time, about the ceiling fan on high to Dave stopping drinking, to Mary's contraband. What a night.
---
So my current favorite song is "Bus Ride" by Rocco DeLuca and the Burden. You should check it out. Great summer song in the same way that the Damnwells sound best during June. Slow, melodic, great hook, a litte warbly, like a musical version of the book "Lake Effect."
---
Mary and I went out to dindin tonight with our old high school counselor, Frank, and another friend of ours, Justin. We went to Emilio's Sunflower Bistro in LaGrange, and as these dinner usually go, spent way more money than we probably should have. But we both agreed that we are more comfortable dropping such cash on a great meal than on an article of clothing or something. Sure the dinner is transient and whatever else you buy lasts a hell of a lot longer, but man, food is really all that counts. When you think about it, you need food to live and you don't need stuff at all. So there. The thinnest argument for good food I can think of.
Scott, Lenertz is going to let me know, but we're planning a group meal at the Kerry Piper around May 25th. He specifically asked me to call you. Instead I'm posting it on my blog.
---
Does anyone else watch "24?" Because it was hilarious this week. Great episode in terms of suspense and tension, etc., but I laughed out loud as Chloe twice tasered that guy. She makes the weirdest faces.
----
I appear to have greatly disappointed Eric on my account. Sorry, bud. I will strive for better. It is funny that you mention "Matt" and "cocaine" in the same paragraph. When we lost Mary for half an hour, and I was on the phone with you, E, she appeared at the end of the hallway, with some guy walking with her. I said "I found Mary" and asked this dude who he was. His name was Matt. Later we found out that Mary had run into him and told him she wanted to party. He offered her some blow and she refused. He thought that's what she meant by "party." But then said, almost as an afterthought, "good, since I don't have any and don't know where to get some. Here have this Coors Light instead." Something to that effect. She came sauntering back into the bar with her Rocky Mountain Bullet and was told by our waitress Farah to get rid of it, since it was bought outside the bar. BTW, Farah gave us nothing but shit the whole time, about the ceiling fan on high to Dave stopping drinking, to Mary's contraband. What a night.
---
So my current favorite song is "Bus Ride" by Rocco DeLuca and the Burden. You should check it out. Great summer song in the same way that the Damnwells sound best during June. Slow, melodic, great hook, a litte warbly, like a musical version of the book "Lake Effect."
---
Mary and I went out to dindin tonight with our old high school counselor, Frank, and another friend of ours, Justin. We went to Emilio's Sunflower Bistro in LaGrange, and as these dinner usually go, spent way more money than we probably should have. But we both agreed that we are more comfortable dropping such cash on a great meal than on an article of clothing or something. Sure the dinner is transient and whatever else you buy lasts a hell of a lot longer, but man, food is really all that counts. When you think about it, you need food to live and you don't need stuff at all. So there. The thinnest argument for good food I can think of.
Scott, Lenertz is going to let me know, but we're planning a group meal at the Kerry Piper around May 25th. He specifically asked me to call you. Instead I'm posting it on my blog.
---
Does anyone else watch "24?" Because it was hilarious this week. Great episode in terms of suspense and tension, etc., but I laughed out loud as Chloe twice tasered that guy. She makes the weirdest faces.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
LOOK WHO'S BACK. BACK AGAIN.
Well, hello there. It's been too long. How've you been? I've been alright, but have definitely missed this contact we have here. All three of us.
I was in Oklahoma last weekend, to attend the Barebones Film Festival, which Matt's short, "Flare Gun," was shown. Not sure if I made the distinction here before or not, but I only had minimal effort with this shoot, unfortunately. I worked on the first "Flare Gun," and on the first day of this second one, but most of the footage we shot was unusable due to the crazy wind targeting Naperville. The next day, Jeff, Mary and Matt did all the pick-ups and re-shoots as it was a calm, though cold, day. I was off feasting on turkey and such at my family's "Fake Thanksgiving," which I had walked across broken glass to arrange, as I was going to be out of town on the actual holiday. Graciously, Matt gave me a credit and a thanks in the final, submitted, film, though I wish I could have done more. Next time, I'm there all the way.
During my 26 or so hours in The Sooner State, I texted Eric with the news that "this [trip] will be my return to blogging." It has taken me a week and a day, but I suppose my statement still stands up. But, now that I am back, I am finding it a little difficult to come up with interesting words and stories worthy of cyberspace. I think blogging is best as an immediate medium. Insta-blogging, as they call blogging in real-time, is a little ambitious and certianly doesn't much apply to me and my site, but it's given me an appreciation for those that chain themselves to their keyboards; it takes wild horses to bring me to mine.
----
The film fest was a lot of fun, though we really only saw the student film section and then cut out for some much-needed sleep. After we woke up, we went to dinner at the only in-town restaurant, then went to the only bar we could find and planted ourselves for the night. We found ourselves at the Roxy Theatre at midnight, talking to some guy who kept saying that the balcony looked like a bathhouse. Then Jeff knocked over a whole row of seats while downstairs, someone's film was premiering. We then promptly left, went to the hotel and called it a night. The long drive home faced us in the mid-morning. It was both a long and short couple days, but it was a great time.
I was in Oklahoma last weekend, to attend the Barebones Film Festival, which Matt's short, "Flare Gun," was shown. Not sure if I made the distinction here before or not, but I only had minimal effort with this shoot, unfortunately. I worked on the first "Flare Gun," and on the first day of this second one, but most of the footage we shot was unusable due to the crazy wind targeting Naperville. The next day, Jeff, Mary and Matt did all the pick-ups and re-shoots as it was a calm, though cold, day. I was off feasting on turkey and such at my family's "Fake Thanksgiving," which I had walked across broken glass to arrange, as I was going to be out of town on the actual holiday. Graciously, Matt gave me a credit and a thanks in the final, submitted, film, though I wish I could have done more. Next time, I'm there all the way.
During my 26 or so hours in The Sooner State, I texted Eric with the news that "this [trip] will be my return to blogging." It has taken me a week and a day, but I suppose my statement still stands up. But, now that I am back, I am finding it a little difficult to come up with interesting words and stories worthy of cyberspace. I think blogging is best as an immediate medium. Insta-blogging, as they call blogging in real-time, is a little ambitious and certianly doesn't much apply to me and my site, but it's given me an appreciation for those that chain themselves to their keyboards; it takes wild horses to bring me to mine.
----
The film fest was a lot of fun, though we really only saw the student film section and then cut out for some much-needed sleep. After we woke up, we went to dinner at the only in-town restaurant, then went to the only bar we could find and planted ourselves for the night. We found ourselves at the Roxy Theatre at midnight, talking to some guy who kept saying that the balcony looked like a bathhouse. Then Jeff knocked over a whole row of seats while downstairs, someone's film was premiering. We then promptly left, went to the hotel and called it a night. The long drive home faced us in the mid-morning. It was both a long and short couple days, but it was a great time.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
THE LAST SEVEN DAYS
Part of the reason I've been MIA from this site is because I've been effectively working two jobs since January. I have my full-time hellhole, then I work a few nights a week, and on most Saturdays, on a campaign for Lyons Township Republican Committeeman. Initially I was asked to be the "campaign manager" for the candidate, Michael LaPidus. That always was a big title for a small job. Since he realized he couldn't pay me what he initially thought, and that I wasn't going to quit my job to make no money at the campaign, I scaled back my involvement to just whenever time I could spare.
It's been interesting. I've done a lot of data entry, which is the meat and potatoes of this campaign. It's exhausting, having two jobs. I can't imagine how real people do it all the time.
Next Tuesday is the last day of this, the primary. Since it is a party position, the primary is the general, so Tuesday is the end. I can't wait. Seven days more. After that, I will be back here more often. I forgive you if you haven't come back in awhile, or if it takes you time to read this.
Four people told me just today to post something -- anything. Made me laugh. So here, 'tis a post.
It's been interesting. I've done a lot of data entry, which is the meat and potatoes of this campaign. It's exhausting, having two jobs. I can't imagine how real people do it all the time.
Next Tuesday is the last day of this, the primary. Since it is a party position, the primary is the general, so Tuesday is the end. I can't wait. Seven days more. After that, I will be back here more often. I forgive you if you haven't come back in awhile, or if it takes you time to read this.
Four people told me just today to post something -- anything. Made me laugh. So here, 'tis a post.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
ON A LONG-ENOUGH TIMELINE
It all comes down to a singular moment, as the separation between before and after. On one side of the moment, a life full of routine and regularity exists. It contains all the things you thought you knew, the security you thought you had, the love you knew was there. Afterward, everything changes colors, knowledge disappears, so does that security, and nothing looks as right or easy.
The death of a parent is like a thunderbolt thrown by an angry Zeus. My childhood friend, my very first friend, Tim Bauer, lost his father last week. Getting ready for work, his dad Joe had a heart attack. He was 59.
I cannot imagine losing my dad at my age. I guess I can't really imagine losing my dad at any age. My parents just seem immortal because that's how I've always seen them. They'll be around forever I imagined. That harsh falsity came into crystal clear view as I said a prayer over Joe's peaceful embalmed body last night.
I hadn't seen Tim since high school, but we hadn't been as good of friends as we once were since junior high. I cast my grade school classmates away when I entered 9th grade. It's just what I needed at the time. It has been six years since I last saw any of the people I grew up with. I see one or two every now and then and we say hello, but I hadn't spent any time with any of them in that long, and that's what counts. Moving through life as if those years were unimportant or nonexistent was what I made normal. It's sad, now, because I wish I hadn't been so distant from all of them. In the process I cast off the people who knew me at my most innocent. Those people, it may be argued, know more of me than anyone. And look how I treated them. Well, I suppose it wouldn't have been so easy if they had held up their end. We both silently made this decision, me and the 32 others, to go our separate ways.
I had good times back then, and times I tried to forget. I only now feel comfortable again seeing them. Maybe it's because I was forced into it by the passing of a friend's father. Maybe I've felt this way for a while but didn't recognize it. Maybe I'm making this up as I go along.
Joe Bauer was a really great man. My father and he worked together in the seventies, and our families were good friends for a long time. He went to a seminary at one point in his life and though he left the "program," his attitude and spirit embodied the best of those lessons. In recent years, when he would call for my father, and I would answer the phone, he would rope me into conversation for a good twenty minutes. He would ask about me and tell me all about Tim, and it was really nice. I remember going sledding and tobaggoning, going to model train shows at LT, bastardizing a great people through Indian Guides, spending New Years Eve at the Bauers's, playing video games and eating Vienneta. My childhood memories are incomplete without Tim and his parents. It is very sad for such an elemental part of my youth to be gone. He will be missed, but not forgotten.
On a long-enough timeline, none of this will matter. We live, we die. There are great numbers of people before us and after us, and that's even without the dinosaurs. What matters most is how we live and operate on the shorter amount of time in which we have an affect. The Golden Rule. Doing what makes you happy. Being there for others. Listening. Talking. Enjoying what you have and not coveting what you don't. These are all things that make us the people that we are to the people that know us. My life is far from over, and in many ways it is just beginning. Here's to the future, and an evolution of life.
The death of a parent is like a thunderbolt thrown by an angry Zeus. My childhood friend, my very first friend, Tim Bauer, lost his father last week. Getting ready for work, his dad Joe had a heart attack. He was 59.
I cannot imagine losing my dad at my age. I guess I can't really imagine losing my dad at any age. My parents just seem immortal because that's how I've always seen them. They'll be around forever I imagined. That harsh falsity came into crystal clear view as I said a prayer over Joe's peaceful embalmed body last night.
I hadn't seen Tim since high school, but we hadn't been as good of friends as we once were since junior high. I cast my grade school classmates away when I entered 9th grade. It's just what I needed at the time. It has been six years since I last saw any of the people I grew up with. I see one or two every now and then and we say hello, but I hadn't spent any time with any of them in that long, and that's what counts. Moving through life as if those years were unimportant or nonexistent was what I made normal. It's sad, now, because I wish I hadn't been so distant from all of them. In the process I cast off the people who knew me at my most innocent. Those people, it may be argued, know more of me than anyone. And look how I treated them. Well, I suppose it wouldn't have been so easy if they had held up their end. We both silently made this decision, me and the 32 others, to go our separate ways.
I had good times back then, and times I tried to forget. I only now feel comfortable again seeing them. Maybe it's because I was forced into it by the passing of a friend's father. Maybe I've felt this way for a while but didn't recognize it. Maybe I'm making this up as I go along.
Joe Bauer was a really great man. My father and he worked together in the seventies, and our families were good friends for a long time. He went to a seminary at one point in his life and though he left the "program," his attitude and spirit embodied the best of those lessons. In recent years, when he would call for my father, and I would answer the phone, he would rope me into conversation for a good twenty minutes. He would ask about me and tell me all about Tim, and it was really nice. I remember going sledding and tobaggoning, going to model train shows at LT, bastardizing a great people through Indian Guides, spending New Years Eve at the Bauers's, playing video games and eating Vienneta. My childhood memories are incomplete without Tim and his parents. It is very sad for such an elemental part of my youth to be gone. He will be missed, but not forgotten.
On a long-enough timeline, none of this will matter. We live, we die. There are great numbers of people before us and after us, and that's even without the dinosaurs. What matters most is how we live and operate on the shorter amount of time in which we have an affect. The Golden Rule. Doing what makes you happy. Being there for others. Listening. Talking. Enjoying what you have and not coveting what you don't. These are all things that make us the people that we are to the people that know us. My life is far from over, and in many ways it is just beginning. Here's to the future, and an evolution of life.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Thursday, January 05, 2006
WHAT WAS HE THINKING?
I was talking to my cousins Claire, Frank and Adam, and we were talking about "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" and how funny it was. I asked Frank if he saw it in theaters or on DVD, and he said DVD. Adam, who's 11, said he hadn't seen it but that he'll get someone to rent it. I asked how? He brushed me off by saying he can get anything to happen; he once got his friend's mom to rent them "Boat Trip" -- Unrated!
I haven't laughed that hard since last year.
I haven't laughed that hard since last year.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
FIVE YARD PENALTY
What a great Rose Bowl game. It's currently first down for Texas with a minute and twenty seconds left. USC is up by five. What will happen?
UPDATE: According to "E," Texas won. Thanks, Eric.
UPDATE: According to "E," Texas won. Thanks, Eric.
PANDAMEDIUM
I just realized that that title would imply something about Butterstick. But it does not. Though some people think that if all tv signals were jammed and replaced with the pandacam 24/7, there would be no wars.
What a day for the media! Insanity, out of control. The miner story clusterfuck is tragic. How could that happen? I heard Geraldo(!) today underplay the media's fault in misreporting the story, because every paper had it wrong. But that proves nothing. Even though the NYTimes didn't have the "12 live" story, presumably because they went to print earlier than the others, I know enough about the newspaper industry to wager that all the papers that printed the wrong headline this morning were piggybacking off of one main publication's reporting. Either the AP or Reuters or the Tribune was the one major publication and all the others went with that because they too had to go to print and it all looked copasetic. It is troubling that the media is showing itself to be what it has become in this age of instant information. I wonder if this would have happened fifteen years ago. Or ten years ago.
Then Ariel Sharon has a massive stroke, one that will leave him incapacitated if at all alive. The media cannot keep up. This is a tremendous blow to the minor progress that had finally started in the Arab-Israeli conflict. Something tells me that everything is back at square one with the assumed acting PM Olmert. A few egg beaters could've saved Ariel's life. Ok, I don't know what causes a stroke, but he was really overweight and I heard on some news show after his last stroke that his weight had something to do with it.
Add to this the Jack Abramoff nightmare. It's a salacious story for the media anytime someone promised to dime out Congresspeople for corruption and bribery. This is going to really affect Washington in every way, and it will not discriminate between Republicans and Democrats. This is huge.
Anderson Cooper probably wishes he was on tv more than two hours a day. Maybe he could trade with Wolf?
What a day for the media! Insanity, out of control. The miner story clusterfuck is tragic. How could that happen? I heard Geraldo(!) today underplay the media's fault in misreporting the story, because every paper had it wrong. But that proves nothing. Even though the NYTimes didn't have the "12 live" story, presumably because they went to print earlier than the others, I know enough about the newspaper industry to wager that all the papers that printed the wrong headline this morning were piggybacking off of one main publication's reporting. Either the AP or Reuters or the Tribune was the one major publication and all the others went with that because they too had to go to print and it all looked copasetic. It is troubling that the media is showing itself to be what it has become in this age of instant information. I wonder if this would have happened fifteen years ago. Or ten years ago.
Then Ariel Sharon has a massive stroke, one that will leave him incapacitated if at all alive. The media cannot keep up. This is a tremendous blow to the minor progress that had finally started in the Arab-Israeli conflict. Something tells me that everything is back at square one with the assumed acting PM Olmert. A few egg beaters could've saved Ariel's life. Ok, I don't know what causes a stroke, but he was really overweight and I heard on some news show after his last stroke that his weight had something to do with it.
Add to this the Jack Abramoff nightmare. It's a salacious story for the media anytime someone promised to dime out Congresspeople for corruption and bribery. This is going to really affect Washington in every way, and it will not discriminate between Republicans and Democrats. This is huge.
Anderson Cooper probably wishes he was on tv more than two hours a day. Maybe he could trade with Wolf?
Monday, January 02, 2006
AND THE RAIN CAME DOWN ON TOKYO
Well, ladies and gentlemen, we are now back in January. These last twelve months seem to have simultaneously flown by and dragged on. How is that possible? Ah, the mysteries of time.
Another year ends, and that means another New Year's Eve. Usually this holiday is by far my least favorite one; it is always anti-climactic and leaves me with a terrible taste in my mouth. Not the best way to enter the new year, mentally.
But this year was different. A small group of people, me and three friends, went to my aunt's lakehouse outside Madison. We skied on Saturday and nursed our muscle soreness with lots of alcohol. It was nice to ease the midnight hour in in relative quiet and calm, and it was a great grouping of people. Small numbers are so much more managable. And it was the first time of hopefully many like weekends, and that can be had by more people.
Stoughton, Wisconsin, is not a hip place. But everything is even more square on empty holiday weekends. Friday night, after getting pulled over on Highway 51, between the lake and the town, and dealing with a dickhead cop who just hates Illinoisans, we went in search of some food. There was nothing to be had, as the three bars we could find had closed their kitchens for the night. We were in each place for an average of thirty seconds, and every time we left smelling of smoke like we had put our clothes through a nicotine bath. It was remarkable, and as such, we remarked. We ended up eating at Culver's.
We had quite a breakfast of eggs, french toast and a whole package of bacon. Gearing up for a day of mass-calorie burning of running down a mountain on waxed metal feet never tasted so good. The slopes of Devil's Head were nearly empty. This is the day to ski. Mary and Jeff hadn't skied more than once each, as kids, so they needed a refresher course on the greens. Ever since my nasty accident two years ago, I've been leary of testing my ski limits, and though I didn't exactly admit it, I needed the greens too.
After a couple hours we took a break for lunch and then split up so Matt and I could ski the black diamonds, since Jeff and Mary didn't want to. We skied the rest of the runs and had no problem until the double black diamond. I kept trying to get Matt to ski the moguls, and he kept saying no, they "scare him," so imagine my delight when we get to the ridge of the double black run and after the steep ledge, all there are are moguls. It was great! The first time we skied it, it was empty except for two teenage girls whose faces were as white as the snow. It was not that scary; it's Wisconsin after all. But the secret of skiing black diamonds is to do it slowly. Be in control. It's hard to learn; as a kid I would ski those slopes in thirty seconds, just crouched down and flying as fast as I could. We decided to ski it again, but this time it was much more crowded. You don't want many people falling down when you're trying to ski a difficult run. I asked this guy stopped on the ridge looking down if he was going to do that side of the moguls. He said he wanted to, but no. So I went, and all of a sudden I see him cutting me off and skiing right by me. And so I fell over. I got up and fell over again on the next turn. Not bad falls, but annoying ones. Then another guy who was in the group of the first guy was near me and I saw that he was videotaping while he skied. I wanted to get the hell out of there after that.
The mountain closed for an hour while they groomed the runs and then Jeff, Matt and I went on some more black diamonds that we decided Jeff could ski well. He did fine and enjoyed it after he got the hang of the speed and started weaving more.
Exhausted and starving we drove back to the lakehouse. We made fajitas for dinner and then started in on the beer. We drank and drank and watched the Dick Clark and Ryan Seacrest trainwreck on TV. We had a lot of champagne and rang the new year in from a remote lakehouse in the Midwest, absent of all the disappointing factors that usually turn that event into a horrible party.
The drive back Sunday night was rainy but regular. The jury was still out as to whether this would be repeated next year. I went to bed an hour after I got home and slept for twelve. It was a great weekend.
But now 2006 begins in earnest. What will it hold for me? For you? I want to be more assertive when I'm by myself, which is another way of vowing to not be so lazy. I will finish blogging about my trips to Sydney and London/Dublin, despite no one still caring, but because it will allow me to finish what I started. I hope to continue travelling this year, to somewhere, to anywhere, I haven't been before. There's a whole world to see, but I should start with the rest of this country. Hopefully I will start school and begin planning for my career. I want to feel like I'm going someplace in my life and not just waiting the months out. Right now I don't have that, and so I want to spend this year working toward carving our a more defined existence than what I currently have. I'm leaving it vague on purpose, because I don't know what my limits will yet be. There's so much to do, and it's time to start.
Happy New Year, and hopefully you'll all be on the road to securing your own existences, however you define that. I'll see you there.
Another year ends, and that means another New Year's Eve. Usually this holiday is by far my least favorite one; it is always anti-climactic and leaves me with a terrible taste in my mouth. Not the best way to enter the new year, mentally.
But this year was different. A small group of people, me and three friends, went to my aunt's lakehouse outside Madison. We skied on Saturday and nursed our muscle soreness with lots of alcohol. It was nice to ease the midnight hour in in relative quiet and calm, and it was a great grouping of people. Small numbers are so much more managable. And it was the first time of hopefully many like weekends, and that can be had by more people.
Stoughton, Wisconsin, is not a hip place. But everything is even more square on empty holiday weekends. Friday night, after getting pulled over on Highway 51, between the lake and the town, and dealing with a dickhead cop who just hates Illinoisans, we went in search of some food. There was nothing to be had, as the three bars we could find had closed their kitchens for the night. We were in each place for an average of thirty seconds, and every time we left smelling of smoke like we had put our clothes through a nicotine bath. It was remarkable, and as such, we remarked. We ended up eating at Culver's.
We had quite a breakfast of eggs, french toast and a whole package of bacon. Gearing up for a day of mass-calorie burning of running down a mountain on waxed metal feet never tasted so good. The slopes of Devil's Head were nearly empty. This is the day to ski. Mary and Jeff hadn't skied more than once each, as kids, so they needed a refresher course on the greens. Ever since my nasty accident two years ago, I've been leary of testing my ski limits, and though I didn't exactly admit it, I needed the greens too.
After a couple hours we took a break for lunch and then split up so Matt and I could ski the black diamonds, since Jeff and Mary didn't want to. We skied the rest of the runs and had no problem until the double black diamond. I kept trying to get Matt to ski the moguls, and he kept saying no, they "scare him," so imagine my delight when we get to the ridge of the double black run and after the steep ledge, all there are are moguls. It was great! The first time we skied it, it was empty except for two teenage girls whose faces were as white as the snow. It was not that scary; it's Wisconsin after all. But the secret of skiing black diamonds is to do it slowly. Be in control. It's hard to learn; as a kid I would ski those slopes in thirty seconds, just crouched down and flying as fast as I could. We decided to ski it again, but this time it was much more crowded. You don't want many people falling down when you're trying to ski a difficult run. I asked this guy stopped on the ridge looking down if he was going to do that side of the moguls. He said he wanted to, but no. So I went, and all of a sudden I see him cutting me off and skiing right by me. And so I fell over. I got up and fell over again on the next turn. Not bad falls, but annoying ones. Then another guy who was in the group of the first guy was near me and I saw that he was videotaping while he skied. I wanted to get the hell out of there after that.
The mountain closed for an hour while they groomed the runs and then Jeff, Matt and I went on some more black diamonds that we decided Jeff could ski well. He did fine and enjoyed it after he got the hang of the speed and started weaving more.
Exhausted and starving we drove back to the lakehouse. We made fajitas for dinner and then started in on the beer. We drank and drank and watched the Dick Clark and Ryan Seacrest trainwreck on TV. We had a lot of champagne and rang the new year in from a remote lakehouse in the Midwest, absent of all the disappointing factors that usually turn that event into a horrible party.
The drive back Sunday night was rainy but regular. The jury was still out as to whether this would be repeated next year. I went to bed an hour after I got home and slept for twelve. It was a great weekend.
But now 2006 begins in earnest. What will it hold for me? For you? I want to be more assertive when I'm by myself, which is another way of vowing to not be so lazy. I will finish blogging about my trips to Sydney and London/Dublin, despite no one still caring, but because it will allow me to finish what I started. I hope to continue travelling this year, to somewhere, to anywhere, I haven't been before. There's a whole world to see, but I should start with the rest of this country. Hopefully I will start school and begin planning for my career. I want to feel like I'm going someplace in my life and not just waiting the months out. Right now I don't have that, and so I want to spend this year working toward carving our a more defined existence than what I currently have. I'm leaving it vague on purpose, because I don't know what my limits will yet be. There's so much to do, and it's time to start.
Happy New Year, and hopefully you'll all be on the road to securing your own existences, however you define that. I'll see you there.
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