the leftorium

Update: Talking Points Memo has a sweet update that looks like some good news in John Kerry's favor. Check it out here.

Based on some strange phenomenon I just recently read, The Leftorium is predicting that John Kerry will win the election on November 2. In the anticipation building up for this election, it's hard for me to read the headlines to see that the race is in a complete dead heat, not allowing most of us to accurately see who will be taking over the White House in January.

Maybe I should explain why I think John Kerry will be a better president for the United States than four more years of Bush, or as Kerry likes to call it, "the same". (edit: that phrase is so lame). I believe with many things that Kerry and the Democrats stand for. I tend to agree with the liberal side of the population. I actually think that Kerry is going to take most of the undecided's votes on the day that is matters most.

Maybe it is better to consider the idea that we won't know who the President will be come this evening November 2. Although, I think George Bush would too easily be able to sway the Court's opinion in his favor. It's going to be a good one to watch!

Posted by justin at 05:17 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (1)

'Today' Show Scares The Shit Out Of Everyone (via Gawker)

This made me laugh out loud pretty hard when I should have been working. Is everyone looking forward to a very ghoulish Halloween this weekend? I know I am...

Boo!

Posted by justin at 09:44 AM | Permalink

• » Over at Blog for America, they have the story of a high school in Michigan that hosted George W. Bush, only to have the access to the assembly controlled by the White House. The clothing you were wearing, for instance, if you had on a John Kerry button, would determine if you were admitted or denied entrance.
• » On Electablog, Dave puts it to us in simple, dot-com bust, terms. When determining who to attack after Sept. 11 would be like a Board of Directors determining who to invest in right at the start of the dot-com bubble; if you invested in the wrong company, "YOU'RE FIRED!" says the Donald.
• » Pandagon is reporting that ABC News is holding back some terror warnings which would clearly swing the votes in Kerry's favor.
• » TalkLeft revisits the Abu Ghraib prison scandal by reminding everyone that no one was held accountable for this except for Lynndie.

Posted by justin at 07:25 AM | Permalink

I can't believe that they actually came back from a 3-0 deficit in the American League Finals and won EIGHT in a row to win the World Series. Congratulations to all Boston Red Sox fans. Go Cubs!

Posted by justin at 07:18 AM | Permalink

Look What I Pulled Out of My Loophole (via Electablog)

I just saw The Daily Show's take on how easy it is to set up one of these organizations, collect all the money in the world that you want to, and target it negatively towards the campaign or candidate that you want to lose. I guess the current administration doesn't see this as something that could negatively affect them. That's hard to swallow, but anything's possible in the next six days!

Posted by justin at 10:27 PM | Permalink

Apple iPod Photo now available at Apple Stores (via iPodlounge)

I think I might break out at lunch tomorrow to take a look at these bad boys. Well, that's just a lie. I'm actually just trying to create a buzz. I do imagine that I might spend some time with it the next time I stop by the Apple Store. If you want, purchase one. I dare you.

Posted by justin at 08:46 PM | Permalink

iPod Photo

It's definitely confirmed. I just bought my first iPod as well. Oh well, I'll just have to wait a little while until mine breaks until I get a new one. These iPod Photos look lovely. For retail of about $500 - $600, that's quite a bit of money for a portable music player. Not only is it a portable music player, it's now a photo sharing fun box.

New iPod Plays Photos (via PC Magazine)
Apple Introduces iPod Photo & U2 iPod (via Neowin.net)
iPod Photo First Details, HOT: iPod Photo Announced!, iPod Photo is Alive, iPod Photo Connects to TVs (via Gizmodo)
iPod Photo (via Jimmy Tan)

Posted by justin at 08:32 PM | Permalink

Updated yet again: Well, it seems official that Google is not interested in building a browser. (via Kottke)

Updated:
The Google Browser (codename: waggle) | hello, typepad
The comments actually made me laugh out loud. I love it when that happens. Instead of actually typing LOL, I laughed.

More evidence of a Google Browser | Kottke.org

Yes! I love Google and just about everything that they stand for. I can't wait to see what they might put out in the form of a browser. Jason Kottke's got the scoop (as he did with the Ken Jennings bombshell). At any rate, Google in browser form would be awesome.

Posted by justin at 04:36 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (2)

Another $70 billion (via Eschaton)

I know there was tons of fuss in the debates over this issue, but it looks like Kerry and Edwards predicted that this would happen (although, they said that we've already spent $200 billion).

I don't think I can live in a world where we control other nations through military force. Maybe I'm just an accountant living in Chicago who loves jambands, but this is just ridiculous. Can't we honestly live in a world where military force is not only honorable, but not necessary to use on nations where they can't defend themselves or pose no real threat to the United States? I'm just curious...

Posted by justin at 07:44 AM | Permalink

Update: Even the O'Franken Factor has the story on these switching constituents. I don't think this will be the bread and butter of the Kerry campaign that they're looking for. Also, it appears that Gov. Dean has endorsed John Kerry. Wow! What a huge surprise??!?!?! I do think that it is cool that the New Yorker has endorsed a candidate, specifically John Kerry, for the first time in their history as a publication.

Errol Morris' political switch ads (via kottke.org)

I, too, find these ads completely and unbelievably useful. And, I do also wonder what it takes to get these ads out there where they need to be. How can Bush still be leading in polls? I don't even care if the polls are wrong...how can he actually be leading in any poll conducted any way possible?

I always loved the Windows Apple ads...

Previously: Newly registered voters prediction, Gallup polls don't show the whole story, more kerry endorsements

Posted by justin at 07:45 AM | Permalink

Happy 3rd Birthday to Apple's iPod (via MacDailyNews)

Wow. Has it been that long since they released the first one? I remember thinking that it wasn't going to be anything better than what was on the market at the time. Especially since it would be for such a small percentage of computer users as a whole...

Posted by justin at 10:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Update: Everyone's got the lowdown on Wolf Packs for Truth, including James Wolcott.

In one of the lowest moves of the campaigns yet, both candidates are resorting to animals to portray the other candidate or their impending presidency. It's so unbelievable to me how this administration can actually say that Kerry would not keep this world safe. It's not always Kerry that's calling the shot; keep that in mind. If his security advisors tell him we're in danger, he's going to react. He's not that stupid...

I watched Fahrenheit 9/11 again last night on DVD. I really do enjoy this movie and I'm glad that Michael Moore shows what he does. I still can't over how he got this footage, too. Also, my wife and I were curious if Bush and his administration have seen the movie. I'm guessing that there's the obvious Secret Service that would watch it to ensure that Michael Moore doesn't hide a secret "let's kill the president" sort of message. I have to think that Bush has seen the movie, while my wife thinks otherwise. What do you think?

Posted by justin at 05:43 PM | Permalink

Update: The Weblog endorses John Stewart for president. He's already starting his mudslinging when making his first appearance on Crossfire.

Matthew Yglesias has endorsed John Kerry. I have to say that I didn't really see this one coming; I've only read this blog enough to know that we can agree on some things but not all things. I guess that would be the case no matter what, depending on whichever blog I read.

Most of the blogs I read are actually liberal in nature, as I definitely tend to be on the left side of most issues (hence my inconceivably sweet blog name that you all love so dearly).

Posted by justin at 05:32 PM | Permalink

Well, I'm pleased to report that my scheduled blog maintenance has gone very well. I'm super psyched because I've got MT-Blacklist now installed, I've upgraded to 3.121, and more plug-ins are sure to be installed this week. How am I doing?

Posted by justin at 01:24 PM | Permalink

The Election Made Simple

Boston Red Sox 11 -- St. Louis Cardinals 9
I have to say that I'd like the Cardinals to win because then I can suck up to my boss who's one of their biggest fans. But, Boston would change if this happened to their team.

George Bush for Dog Catcher

Posted by justin at 03:16 AM | Permalink

Update: This is so bad to think that I actually stopped live blogging and went out. It was worth it though. I caught up with the game at the different locations I ended up throughout the evening.

7:32 -- Miller singles hard to left, about three inches right of the left field third base line. Red Sox 4 - Cardinals 0

7:25 -- David Ortiz has been so clutch during the playoffs, and he continue to not disappoint. Red Sox 3 - Cardinals 0

Under 2 Hours to Go | Chris's Corner

Posted by justin at 07:30 PM | Permalink

I still can't believe that this really works.

The proof is in the pudding. FreeIpods.com. It's really that simple.

Previously: FreeIpods.com proof from Kevin Rose

Posted by justin at 02:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (1)

iPodlounge FAQ

Check out possibly the best, all-inclusive iPod resource on the internet. I need to read up on some of this stuff, but I just discovered it. Right on!

Posted by justin at 12:48 PM | Permalink

Men in Blue | James Wolcott

I loved every moment I watched last night on television. This Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees playoff game was one of the best playoff games that I've seen. Congrats to Boston and now congrats to the St. Louis Cardinals. I'm definitely going to watch the World Series wondering what the Cubs might have to do next year to compete with these teams.

Posted by justin at 07:53 PM | Permalink

For some crazy reason, this blog looked horrible at the Apple Store last night. That worries me...

Sorry to all the Mac users that can't read my awesome blog. I'm working on it.

Posted by justin at 06:41 AM | Permalink

Enjoy the Draft! Spread the Word and Pictures | TalkLeft
I have to say that the possibility of this scares the bejesus out of me. Check it on Pandagon.

Late Night Thread | Eschaton
Eschaton's got it right by allowing their blog to function as a sweet, little discussion forum. That's the goal.

The No Pull and Twist Zone | Electablog
All these Bill O'Reilly allegations lately involving sexual harassment and weird porn.

Posted by justin at 09:09 PM | Permalink

The revolution will be commercialized | Kottke

I think the ease of putting a couple extra pennies back into your pocket has allowed this to happen. Personally, I think it's cool that some people can make a living out of this. Especially the people that really wanted to write all of their lives. I love the idea that it's possible. Ward Blogs is born.

Posted by justin at 06:59 PM | Permalink

Update: The Daily Herald in Illinois has endorsed Kerry as the lesser of two evils...

George Bush: A Failure as President | TalkLeft

The NY Times has endorsed Kerry and given some nice insight into why...

We have specific fears about what would happen in a second Bush term, particularly regarding the Supreme Court.

For a list of newspapers that currently are endorsing Kerry, click here. The discussion at Daily Kos also tells me that the Chicago Tribune has decided to endorse Bush. I better pick up a paper and figure out why. My hometown paper endorsing someone that I don't think they should endorse? Well, who really cares anyways...

The Inquirer endorsed Kerry and then took it back; what a blatant flip-flop.

Posted by justin at 07:48 AM | Permalink

Between a Rock and a Hard Place | Jambase

Aron Ralston's story makes me googley inside. I can't possible fathom what he had to do. It's an unbelievable story that deserves to be told.

Posted by justin at 07:46 AM | Permalink

Now playing: The Daily Show

No Draft Here | Matthew Yglesias

I have said it before and I will say it again...I would move to Canada.

Posted by justin at 10:06 PM | Permalink

Now playing: Umphrey's McGee--The Triple Wide > Walletsworth--10.8.04 House of Blues

Report: Dems Register More New Voters in Swing States | TalkLeft

As I have said before, I believe that more people are registering to vote because they see a need for a change in the current administration. I can't believe that the election is coming up so fast...

I'm worried that I'm not prepared.

Posted by justin at 09:11 PM | Permalink

What did I do this weekend? I went to see Team America: World Police last night at Webster Place in Chicago, IL.

Personally, I thought this movie was unbelievably hilarious. There might be some critics who think otherwise (and some that agree), but this movie had me laughing during the entire thing. I still can't believe that they did have to sacrifice some graphic images in order to get the movie to an "R" rating. I wonder if they could put that on a special edition DVD when it's ready for release.

To me, the way that Trey Parker and Matt Stone view the world is that many aspects of our lives, and some people, are just huge jokes. They might get some flack for actually laughing at us at a time when we don't need to be joked with. I don't really care though. To say that Trey and Matt shouldn't be continuing with the humor that they produce because what, we're fighting a war and they make fun of Amreica in this movie? This movie definitely more than makes up for Orgazmo.

Warning: I'm not going to post any spoilers that haven't already been found elsewhere. No matter what you learn from this--Go see the movie anyways.

Team America is a crime fighting force that lives in Mount Rushmore. They fight terrorists all over the globe, including Paris, Cairo, and North Korea. When they learn that some terrorists might be plotting something big, the team decides that they need to bring someone else in that can infiltrate terrorists; namely, one of the best broadway actors to date, Gary Johnston. With the help of Team America, Gary must get inside the terrorists' network in order to stop the massive unloading of WMD's and "9/11 times 100, 1,000, or even 2,346".

The movie actually had a plot. I can say that I didn't really expect to find one; I expected many, many fart, sex, homosexual, pedophile, celebrity, etc. jokes. I can say that they did not disappoint.

If you're a homosexual, the jokes might offend in the way that only Trey and Matt can. Also, if you're an prominent Hollywood actor that tends to give up too much of your political views, you might be SERIOUSLY offended. I think that was the goal of the film. Trey and Matt constantly strive to teach people that they can't take themselves and the world in which they live in too seriously. How could you not try and laugh and make fun of the issues in society and America and the world in general?

Really, this is not a movie for anyone under 17. That being said, this really isn't a movie for anyone that takes themselves too seriously. My favorite line? I'm going to leave that one up to you...

Posted by justin at 09:09 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (3)

Update: I think I could agree that this was a pivotal moment in Jon Stewart's career. He just became a media-integrity pundit.

Jon Stewart on Crossfire
I have to say that this is unbelievably powerful piece for me. It's weird to think of the media now as corporations that can control the thoughts of MILLIONS! I'll let that one soak in for a minute...

But honestly, I think Jon Stewart now realizes his own responsibility. He can see that now he has a voice. His role as someone satirizing the media is to ensure that it is not in his best interest to continue that career path.

Watch the video. Hilarious moments for me range from the obvious--Jon Stewart calling the bow-tied nerd that he's a dick--to the understated--Jon Stewart pleading to one of the leading media outlets to be better and stop "spinning". I thought it was great. Check out some of the blogworld's reaction...

• Wonkette: TuckerGate, TuckerGate transcript, John Stewart states the obvious
• TalkLeft: JS on Crossfire video
• Pandagon: Stewart lays it down
• A W L N: JS on Crossfire
• Electablog: Jon Stewart Gets Serious (and it's hilarious)

Posted by justin at 12:05 PM | Permalink

Update: Best. Homophobe. Ever. (Pandagon) -- I have to say I agree with this. It's sad that someone says lesbian and everyone wants to hurt him now. I hate "spin".

Well, I can say that it definitely makes me happy to wake up to something like this. Yes, the results are definitely in. Good job, Kerry. I'd say it's almost out of your hands now...

I'd say it's unanimous that Kerry won. The debate featured some great repetition by Bush and Kerry. Is homosexuality a choice?

Bush: "I don't know..."

Kerry: "No, it is NOT a choice..."

Good answer, I guess.

Posted by justin at 07:23 PM | Permalink

Identity Politics | Eschaton

This is an unbelievably good question. I really never thought about this. I'd say the breakdown is as follows of all gays in the media:

• CBS - 2%
• ABC - 2%
• NBC - 2%
• CNN - 2%
• MSNBC - 2%
• FOX - 90%

Posted by justin at 07:35 AM | Permalink

Update: Replace the word Yankees with Nader.

Call to Ralph Nader: Leave the Race | TalkLeft

I couldn't agree more with this. I can't believe I actually voted for him in 2000. Yes, I am stupid. No, it didn't affect the outcome of the election, as I voted in Illinois. Yes, it would have added 1 to Gore's popular vote count. Yes, I felt that every state should have been recounted.

Posted by justin at 07:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Halloween | Airbag

Check this out...you can actually skin your iPod now. This could be fun. Although, this could turn into the cellphone / faceplate issue that is currently plaguing America. "Yes. I do have a leopard-skinned cell phone. I think it's sexy..."

What's more...the iPod shows no signs of slowing down. They're selling like hotcakes. I've loved every minute with mine...

Posted by justin at 06:41 AM | Permalink

Google Desktop | Kottke

All I can say is "WOW!". Download this piece of software today. Once all your files on your computer are indexed, you have an unbelievably efficient place to search for all of your files. Privacy issues? Personally, I don't really care that much. I believe that this technology only helps to make our lives more efficient. If Google needs information from me, well I wish that they would ask first. The same issues came up when they launched GMail.

Speaking of which...anyone need a gmail invite?

Posted by justin at 06:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Bush 'Not Concerned' About Bin Laden in '02 | latimes

The proof is in the pudding for me. Why aren't these exaggerations getting really bad press? Where are all the headlines? I'll tell you that this headline definitely doesn't help Bush. "He's on pace to cut the deficit in half." Isn't that what Kerry's supposed to do?

Posted by justin at 06:45 PM | Permalink

Update: And the results are in...

I have to say that I agree with Matthew Yglesias; it looked like Bush was holding a big booger in the side of his mouth. It was pretty nasty looking for a little while actually...Also on Matt's latest, I have to say the Osama Bin Laden bomb was dropped tonight. That was a huge misstatement by Bush. I thought it was horrible at the time when he said "I really don't think about him that much..." I'm just glad it came back to haunt him. It really did show last night...

Seriously, I felt as though I was watching Kang and Kodos tonight. They were wearing the same tie tonight. They hair has pretty much the same amount of salt and the same amount of pepper. I have to believe that we're voting for the same candidate. It's amazing that the only candidate that can get elected right now is one that is a "perfect" hybrid of both parties.

Oh yes, I thought John Kerry won tonight. I'm excited about it.

Posted by justin at 10:03 PM | Permalink

Well, you've got to love that post title...

Seriously now, do we really think that the president of the most powerful country in the world is breaking the rules right in front of a national and international live television audience? See picture here on Salon.com.

I hope not...my discussion at work today was actually one where I felt that it could have been true. You be the judge, I guess.

Posted by justin at 09:41 PM | Permalink

Fool Me...Err... | Pandagon

Pandagon's got the scoop on me. This is just weird. I feel like I'm watching an even scarier Lawnmower Man.

Posted by justin at 06:48 PM | Permalink

Republican Dozens | McSweeney's

Just felt like posting something funny. Love it!

Posted by justin at 08:28 PM | Permalink

You Cannot Be Serious | Electablog

I think I agree with every word in this post. I really sit back sometimes and wonder how anyone could really vote for George Bush and still support him after all that has come out. You have to wonder what their motives are for...

The people that I have met that still support Bush all say entirely different things.

• John Kerry is going to raise taxes -- I say so what. I really don't care that much. I make enough money that I feel that with all the problems domestically (and now internationally that Bush has caused), I WOULD pay some back to get our world into better shape


• John Kerry is going to kill my unborn fetus -- I guess this is just a matter of religious faith. No real arguments there. If you believe the hype, then keep following it.


• It really doesn't affect me much, so it doesn't matter who I'm voting for -- Let's not even discuss that ridiculous point. Please go vote. 'Nuff said.

Posted by justin at 09:48 AM | Permalink

Bush Flips Out | Oliver Willis
Watch the video. It's awesome.

Second Debate Glue Sniffing Game | Electablog
I don't know if i subconsciously knew that this game could be played, but this is definitely what I remember doing last night while watching the debate. Although, I don't remember much else.

Pinocchio | Airbag
The one thing that the president could have set which I think would have helped this campaign would be a huge apology. Why doesn't he understand that this might actually help him? Well, maybe it wouldn't help him. The truth is that I definitely no nothing about politics. Let's move on then.

Town Hall Debate: Sort of Half-Assed Live Blogging | Wonkette
I must have missed the yelling. I need to watch my TiVo'd copy to see what I missed. This is just comedy. The whole debates. This news article. This sentence.

10:10 Did the President of the United States really just ask Charlie Gibson if he "needed wood"? Where's Bob Dole when you really need him. ..

Posted by justin at 10:41 AM | Permalink

Debate Prep the 2nd | Eschaton

The town hall debate is tonight, my friends. Let's spend our Friday not getting drunk, but celebrating the imminent victory of John Kerry. From the press meetings that I've seen Bush hold, John Kerry should have no problem responding to questions A LOT better than George Bush can. Only time will tell...

Previously: my debate schezum flazum, my own debate reflections, the debate fallout

Posted by justin at 07:20 AM | Permalink

Now That I've Seen It | Matthew Yglesias

Finally, I agree with something this guy writes. (Edit: that statement is false, see here) But, I think Matthew nailed this one right on the head. The debates are really interesting to me. It was like a minor nerd fight last night. It's just funny to me when two grown men are sitting across the table from one another and they both know that part of what they're telling the American people is completely bullshit. Meaning, Cheney telling Edwards that he's never met him. You've got to wonder where the real truth is on so many of their facts. I did manage to catch this little ditty. It does appear that some "surprise" news is coming out right for the election. Although some might expect that this news could help the current administration, I think in the end it will net out on the side of the liberal weenies.

Posted by justin at 08:28 PM | Permalink

Debate Coverage | Pandagon
I keep getting lazy and not live blogging the debate. I guess I'll just reblog it.

How the White House Embraced Disputed Arms Intelligence | NY Times

Posted by justin at 07:24 AM | Permalink

Gawker Media Grows Some Balls | Gawker

Read more from the man himself, Nick Denton. The last I read from Gawker Media was that they were in the process of starting a travel blog. I personally think that I could make a killing on an iPod blog. Maybe Apple would try to sue me or something.

I wish I could put together a company like this. Maybe I should stop wishing and just make it happen. I'll name it, Just In Media. Patent pending...

Edit: Maybe I should be into blogging for the love of it. I think I'm ready to get it going. I do have some more ideas. Get ready.

Posted by justin at 08:01 PM | Permalink

Paging Wonkette! Paging Wonkette! | Mr. Sun!

No comment necessary. Thanks Mr. Sun!

Posted by justin at 07:42 PM | Permalink

Netflix, Tivo to Develop Internet Movie Product | PVRblog

For me, this is just another way to gain more weight. I'm already slightly overweight. Do I really need to be this fat?

I think this is exciting. I'm always pleased to learn about new technology that would allow a seemless integration of all digital devices to please our endless desire for instant gratification. I think it's awesome.

Posted by justin at 10:35 PM | Permalink

Honestly, Kerry really did look well more prepared, thoughtful, offensive, genuine, concise, etc. etc. than he has ever looked in my eyes. Hell, I'm supporting him, too. I think anyone that actually watched the debate was definitely well informed about how each candidate will "protect America".

There were so many times during the evening that Bush was the one to instigate the 1:00 extended discussion sessions. Also, and I'm sure others noticed, Bush was drinking plenty of his little cup of water. He did actually finish it at one point. Whether or not the man got thirsty is one thing. I admit that I get thirsty when I'm nervous.

I loved Kerry's stance on how Iraq was a diversion from the real war on terror. A war on terror that Bush just completely created. Good stuff...

Previously: the debate fallout

Posted by justin at 06:44 AM | Permalink