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I think I'm going to try this for the next debate. Even though I thought that I would earlier today, I got lazy. Man, caring about politics can take a lot out of a person. (Edit: I actually believe it's because I got a pretty sizable cavity filled today).
The debate was interesting to watch for sure. I'd definitely have to agree with The Daily Show's coverage; Kerry definitely won this debate. On to the next one...
Related: How do I vote?
I, too, will be home watching the debate. I'm thinking I might try to live blog as well. I saw how that was done for the conventions, and I think it's the best way to get my thoughts down on the blog while I'm thinking them.
Maybe some people do want to read my thoughts. The problem is that my about page should say something to the effect of "My name is Justin. I know absolutely nothing about politics." Therefore, I really am no expert on traditional politics. That doesn't matter to me. Hopefully, it doesn't matter to anyone else either. I tend to think that I'm pretty logical and my arguments are steeped in correct logic when forming presenting my conclusions. Do I even really do that?
Updated:
I thought this was pretty good.
Chicago Tribune's version of a Presidential Debate drinking game.
Debate Drinking Game and Not Drinking Game | Wonkette
Drink One Sip If: Anyone says "terrorism" Anyone says "Halliburton" Anyone says "flip flop" Anyone says "Saddam Hussein" Anyone blames "the media" Anyone mentions their own military service Anyone says "September 11" One candidate interrupts another candidate
I have to say that I'm excited about this. I think I'm really going to try this. I think I've got to go beer on this drinking game, as I can imagine that I'll be taking many, many sips.
More on the Voters Information Guide | Kottke.org
Jason Kottke has taken some good work and made it better.
I think the deadlines are coming up. In Illinois, the deadline to register to vote is October 5. Let's not screw up and accidentally give Bush the electoral votes that Kerry so desperately needs.
Does anyone really consider the articles showing that record numbers of young voters are registering to vote for the first time. I have to believe that these people, motivated to vote for the first time, are doing so to get Kerry elected. I definitely like the idea that these people are registering more in urban areas.
Comedy Central Doesn't Want Your Bong Hit | Gawker
"Daily Show" viewers are more likely to have completed four years of college than the "O'Reilly Factor" audience.
Yes! Eat that, conservatives.
Awesome, Not Awesome | Pandagon
I'd have to agree with this statement. I like the idea that Conan O'Brien is going to get the exposure he deserves. I hope that his show does not get watered down.
The 'Slacker Uprising Tour' begins | Michael Moore
Michael Moore is out right now on a 20 state, 60 city tour to hit to the swing states hard to get people out to vote. Oh yeah, and Michael Moore doesn't like Bush (in case you've been living in a cave).
Previously: get out and vote!
Voters Information Guide | Kottke.org
Jason Kottke has gone final on his voters information guide. He's assembled the links so you, or I, actually have to do any legwork. If I ever meet him, I'll buy him a beer...
Previously: more information about getting your vote on...
Bill O'Reilly: Easier Than You Think | Gawker
I actually used to watch Bill O'Reilly when it first came on. For some reason, I actually found it funny. Now, I just find it ridiculous. Not that he's not a smart guy and his show doesn't present real issues. He interupts constantly. Then he says that he doesn't. I don't feel like finding the proof right now. You can take the above statement on fact and not my meager opinion.
I never realized how Gawker actually included gossip and news on celebrities as well as political pundits. It's true that political pundits can be huge celebrities. Especially if you host an extremely funny show devoted to political satire, write for a "sassy" political gossip blog, or host an ultra-conservative no-spin talk show.
RNC Wingnuts | Eschaton
Here's a link to an actual copy of the mailing that the GOP put together. Seriously now, I would be scared if I got that. It's a shame they couldn't include more information about terrorists or WMD's on that mailing; it would have been a strong one-two punch.
Bible Banning | Matthew Yglesias
I, too, would like to see the evidence supporting this mailer. Maybe that's just me, but this is just too over the top. I realize that this topic is probably even fifteen minutes late in the blogosphere. I don't care. This is just crazy.
'NYT' Dignity Plummets | Gawker
I am serious now. I'm going to start devoting more time to blogging. I believe in its potential. Even though I really have no edge or anything. The only thing I'm really an "expert" on is accounting or listening to digital music. That really doesn't set me apart from any other crowd. But the idea that people can make a living blogging is so inspiring to me.
Although, every article I've read that says you can make money blogging also says that you don't make that much. There's always a trade off. Just think of being able to work every day in your underwear. That's hot...
First Draft of the Voters Information Guide | Kottke.org
"Voting for Dummies"
I am really excited to see what will happen this Nov. 2. I am going to see the Beastie Boys two days after, so I'm sure they'll have a view on the election and the results.
I definitely know who I'm voting for. The problem is, I really wish that I could vote for Ralph Nader. Not that my vote counts as much in Illinois, as we usually vote for the Democratic candidate for president.
John Kerry Killed My Bible | Electablog
This is just great writing. A true inspiration in blog form.
10 Questions for John Stewart | Time
I'll tell you that I definitely think it is weird that he is known as a political pundit. It doesn't mean it isn't funny.
Daily Reason to Dispatch Bush | McSweeney's
"We found the weapons of mass destruction. We found biological laboratories ... for those who say we haven't found the banned manufacturing devices or banned weapons, they're wrong, we found them."
—George W. Bush, May 29, 2003
Update:
Matt Yglesias weighs in. I definitely knew something was up with Allawi. I knew that he had to have been appointed by Rumsfeld or Bush or some other political dude.
In response to Mark A. R. Kleiman, no, there is no other reason to bring Allawi here but to put on a good face about the terrible war that is going on in Iraq.
Iraq's Allawi Optimistic on Jan. Elections | AP
I agree that he is just putting on a good face for the upcoming elections. Will the real Allawi please stand up?
I need your help getting the word out... | Kottke.org
Not that I'm helping much. I have made it my civic duty to tell everyone that I know that they should be voting and registering to vote. A friend of mine is actually absentee voting where they're currently registered instead of changing their address. The reason for this? Well, he used to live in Pennsylvania, one of the key swing states that could make or break this election for either one of the candidates.
Related: the numbers don't lie?, string cheese incident rocks the vote
What's the moral of the story here, kiddos? VOTE!@!@!@@!#!@
Everyone beware - the cold blooded killer formerly known as Cat Stevens ALMOST made it into Washington DC. Fortunately, our ever-diligent Homeland Security put a stop to that and diverted his flight to Maine. That was a close one!
A9's Search Diary | Jeremy Zawodny
Dear Diary,
Please track my search history and display product information, I mean my "notes" about web pages that I visit.
Maybe someone that knows a little bit more about search engine technology would be able to tell me how A9 beats Google. I definitely would not be able to figure it out on my own.
Well, this is what I read today. Maybe I should read the news myself. Sometimes I do. Sometimes I rely on other people to give me my news. Does that make me a horrible person? No.
Presidential Debate Agreement Signed | TalkLeft
Debating the Debates | Pandagon
Expectations Management II | Matthew Yglesias
With respect to this next link, I have to give it up for Matthew. He really can make his case. I scoffed at his views earlier this week, really for no reason at all, and I think I learned a valuable lesson from that. I think he actually makes a very good point in this post contrary to my earlier feelings. I'd like to have the earlier blog post striken from the record.
Selective Service Proposed Draft Plan Document | TalkLeft
I'm assuming that draft means that this is something Bush is going to try and push through after he's voted OUT of office but still wants to leave his mark.
As I enjoy movies and enjoy reading them about, I almost agree with Jason Kottke's opinion when it comes to movies (read more). He's redesigned(?) his movie reviews and ratings into one nice cohesive page. This blogger is quite an inspiration.
It's true that the media coverage of this election will have you believe that John Kerry is in deep trouble. But as CBS has recently taught us, you can't believe what you see on TV! While Kerry does seem to lack moxy, the mainstream media is not doing a good job of covering this political campaign (duh).
We all know that you can't trust the polls, and since reporters seem to just keep repeating each other and regurgitating statements from campaign spokespeople, it may be time to turn off the TV and try and find the REAL story. I don't claim to know what the real story is, but this election is not over yet - and Kerry might have a better chance than you think!
I'm not the only one who wants the democrats to stop crying. Here's Michael Moore's take on our current presidential campaign:
You might also want to check out Andrea Peyser's editorial on CBS' "apology" - nice going guys!
Bush, Kerry Agree to Three Debates | Reuters
Not only do I wish that there would be a couple more debates, as I really don't feel that three would be enough to distinguish the two of these candidates from one another, but I wish that Will Ferrell was still on Saturday Night Live. I think that only he can truly spoof the President and the debates.
Expectations Management | Matthew Yglesias
This is probably the funniest thing I've ever read. Seriously, is this guy serious? No! He can't be. Don't believe it for a second. No one could ever be this funny without trying.
Titanic at the box office, Reagan at the polls, and Hillary Duff in our hearts.
No comment necessary.
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow | Kottke.org
Jason Kottke is giving Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow 67/100. That really doesn't sound that good. I like his opinion of most everything I read on his blog, so that's a bummer that this movie might not have everything that it should have. Although, it looks cool. You should never judge a movie by its trailor. Still, I'll probably see it.
List of movies I need to see...
As some of you might know, Whole Foods Market, the premier organic grocery story, features a great organic recipe section on their website. I definitely do not frequent this enough. I'm looking into becoming more organic and green in the way I live. I'd love to build a house that is good for the environment and good for my own health. Man, I'm old.
The truth is...maybe organic is just a fad. Like low-carb diets. Well, I doubt that actually. It seems as though living more healthy is starting to finally make sense to Americans. I'd admit that it makes me sick to think of some of the stuff that I've eaten growing up. I didn't ever have a salad until I was like seventeen. If that is true and I really didn't ever think about it, then I think that it is something that I should take more serious lately.
At any rate, I'm going shopping to Whole Foods tonight and I'll let you know how it does. I'm hoping on having an epiphany.
Show Me, Don't Tell Me | Matthew Iglesias
I'm sure I could cite many different people on the actual quality of this movie. Read an interesting take on Garden State above. I really don't know why I haven't seen it yet. It seems that I should go see it immediately. I need to stop reading people's opinions of it and go out and check it out myself.
I read Wonkette all the time. Well, as much as I can. It's good because a lot of the content is like The Daily Show but in blog form. The problem with that is, some of their content will definitely be lacking at some point (edit: that's not to say that my content isn't ALWAYS lacking). What I know of Wonkette is that they publish political gossip. Does one intern getting busted for pot really constitute "political gossip"?
I think I get it. I'm thinking through it right now as we speak. Monica Lewinski was an intern, right? Ah. Wonkette has clearly turned the other cheek towards the liberal media and Democratic party. As they bash the pot-intern, they are ACTUALLY saying that Democrats are bad because they ejaculate on blue dresses in the Oval Office.
W visual explanation | Simon Woodside
I'd say that I can revisit the topic of which candidate dodged what military service in the Vietnam War era. Who's really keeping track anymore anyways? The campaign has very clearly shifted in the wrong direction.
Previously: bush flight records found, bush's military records destroyed
It's Time to Cream Him, John | BuzzFlash
Remember, this is not just an election that you and John Edwards win or lose against Cheney and Bush.
This is an election that will determine, perhaps, whether the American democracy founded in 1776 continues to exist.
No comment necessary.
Update:
Judges Rule for Nader in Election Boost for Bush | Reuters
McCain Urges Court to Put Nader on Ballot | AP
That is seriously unfortunate that I have lost most of my respect that I ever had for John McCain within the last month or so. Not that I know everything about what he stands for. That doesn't really matter to me. What does matter is the fact that he is helping George W. Bush. It's horrible.
Election 2004: Let's Get Ready to Rumble | low culture
I guess I never figured out that the world of blogs is unbelievably poised to work together to successfully ridicule political figures. Currently, I think there's a blog to praise and ridicule just about everything.
Polls paint different picture of White House race : MSNBC
Here's some proof that you should rely on the polls surrounding the presidential race. Please go vote.
U.S. Report to Say No WMD Found in Iraq : Reuters
U.S. Intelligence Offers Gloomy Outlook for Iraq : Reuters
Bush Unveils Intel Plan, Falls Short of 9/11 Panel : Reuters
Need I go on? I thought not. Seriously though, the thought of these revelations still scare me. I wonder what has gone on that we, the American public, still do not know about. I'm not sure that I want to know...
Kevin Rose, one of the hosts of The Screen Savers on G4TechTV, has posted his evidence showing that freeipods.com is no scam. Check this out, and really seriously, sign up for me.
How does this relate to left-wing thinking? This is NOT an evil corporation that currently holds their customers hostage, such as Sprint PCS and Haliburton.
as seen on my google ads on the right side of the page, this site looks cool. check it out.
U.S. refuses to rule out Iran attack : Reuters UK
Were they on the original axis of evil? I can't remember. Let me try and think through it. Iraq, North Korea, Cuba? Not Iran? I'll look that up and think about it. I guess that it is reasonable to think that Bush would have had his sights on another country besides Iraq. He's addicted to it; the thrill of taking money and control by force. It's one hell of a rush.
Are You Better Off Now Than You Were Four Years Ago? : BuzzFlash
Man, this is depressing. The numbers don't lie.
Effete Elite : Pandagon.net
Pandagon asks the question of where the president's heart is in these times of reflection on September 11 and what it means for America and the world in the future. I really wish I knew the answer.
I've been looking to get into organic food products. I don't expect that I'll give up every single little piece of processed foods. I almost think that is impossible when you work for a corporation. Plus, I grew up on processed foods, and it will always have a place in my heart (literally).
Regardless, I stumbled across a nice site on the internet that sells many different organic products online. Shop Natural, located at http://www.shopnatural.com, is the place to get all your organic products online. I only wish Whole Foods could work with Peapod to get more organic foods delivered to people anywhere. I shouldn't complain, as I do have access to Whole Foods and Trader Joe's. They're just not as convenient (edit: that's no excuse).
US assault weapons ban to lapse : BBC News
I'm sure everyone already knew about this. This is truly another horrible example of how this administration has got to go. Let's hope that Kerry can get some push on the heals of such atrocities.
Bush Supporters: Classy! : Wonkette
This picture says 1,000 words.
check out this great site i just discovered vis a vis pandagon.net. it's got a great aggregation of liberal news and media.
The sixty-first minute : Power Line
Here is some insight on some of the latest allegations surrounding the Swift Boats for Justice campaign coupled with the Air National Guard AWOL soap opera that we all keep hearing so much about. This is getting crazy. I wonder when the real issues are going to start coming up...
That's not to say that these issues don't directly reflect the characters of those in question. Therein, the problem lies with the idea that we don't know which of these sources are fully trustworthy. Maybe I don't do enough research to suggest that I know which media sources are good or not. I usually trust sources that are pretty liberal.
Bush by numbers: Four years of double standards : Independent.co.uk
I'm becoming increasingly paranoid about the upcoming election. I'm going to try and find some other things that might strike a chord in me. I need to chill; whatever happens on November 2 is out of my hands at the moment. I'm doing all that I can; hence, my lame, political blog.
More Than 1,000 Military Deaths in Iraq : Yahoo.com
I hope this war stops soon. Maybe I'm just an idealistic democrat to think that this war could be ended sooner than later. I have a bad feeling that we're going to have troops there forever.
Keyes responds to Obama's wish to spank him : Illinois Leader
How could anyone really endorse Alan Keyes' campaign. This guy is a maniac. It's like watching a really stupid, conservative train wreck.
Lawsuit Uncovers New Bush Guard Records : Yahoo! News
Thank you Associated Press. Apparently Mr. Bush did have some more records that we did not know about. Are we noticing a pattern yet? Argh!
Previously: bush's military records destroyed
Why I Will Not Seek a Best Documentary Oscar : Michael Moore
I'd really like to see him get away with this. If he could show this on national television, that would be a huge step forward for the communication conglomerates of this country. By the way, it is never going to happen. It's sad, but so easily true.
Kerry makes push for contrast with president : USA Today
He needs to ramp it up. Even though Michael Moore doesn't think so, this is going to be closer than it ever should have been. Why can't they make the case against him? Is it going to come down to the debates? The night before? Please, someone tell the Kerry campaign how to win this damn election. I'll say it again; I'm moving to Canada if Bush gets reelected.
Rolling stoned : Pandagon.net
This is reason number 5,674 of why i cancelled my rolling stone subscription; sometimes their articles just suck.