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| Tuesday, May 20, 2008 |
| Tim Russet and I think alike |
Tim Russert was just on MSNBC's coverage of the KY/OR primaries. In it, he said that he always wondered if it were possible for a return the the debate style of Golwater/Johnson: to fly around the country (in the same jet, no less), having unmoderated debates around the country in small town halls.
He thinks it's possible with McCain-Obama, and I'm as giddy at the idea of an elevated debate as the pundits are. I still think that ultimately most pundits (and all good ones) really relish the idea of a substantive debate because that's what gets them interested in the first place.
I can hope, can't I?Labels: politics, TV |
posted by Steve @ 6:49 PM  |
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| Friday, May 16, 2008 |
| On Hamas and negotiations |
"We need the United States to lead rough-minded diplomacy, this includes direct engagement with Iran, similar to the meeting we conducted with the Soviets at the height of the Cold War"
- Barack Obama, 15 February, 2008 Aaand our boy George's rejoinder:
"Some seem to believe we should negotiate with terrorists and radicals, as if some ingenious argument will persuade them they have been wrong all along," Bush said at Israel's 60th anniversary celebration in Jerusalem. We have heard this foolish delusion before. As Nazi tanks crossed into Poland in 1939, an American senator declared: 'Lord, if only I could have talked to Hitler, all of this might have been avoided.' We have an obligation to call this what it is - the false comfort of appeasement, which has been repeatedly discredited by history."
- George W. Bush, 15 May, 2008 Ah, the difference between "appeasement and "engagement." Obama never said, "appeasement," and you can bet your life that Reagan "engaged" Russia. There were four Gorbachev/Reagan face-to-face summits around the world. Those meetings directly resulted in the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. Reagan is deified for this role in closing the Cold War peacefully, but his methods are, it seems, forgotten.
But to clarify: Hitler was appeased when the British and French gave him half of Czechoslovakia and hoped he'd stop. Russia and the U.S. entered talks to end the Cold War and agreed to reduce their nuclear weapons arsenal because both recognized that MAD wasn't a good situation for either nation.
I've been looking at the rhetoric between Obama and McCain, and at this point, I don't think either one will do anything differently from each other (regarding this question of diplomacy, anyway). In a way, all I see is McCain pandering a bit to the Republicans, and Obama pandering a bit to the Democrats. Both have said they’d only talk to Iran when they recognized Israel's legitimacy, but that we’ll have to eventually talk to Hama – they might support terrorists, but they won a democratic election in the region. They are, by our own measure, the rightful leaders of that area.
We also do have really good reasons to open relationships with both of those nations. Iran is at least as influential to Iraq as we are, whether we stay or go, whether we like it or not. Moreover, they're the ones getting open ceremonial greetings in the daytime. Cheney had to come unannounced, at night, with body guards. They are also in desperate need of humanitarian aid, need help getting their own country into shape, and Iran's population isn't as radical as its leader. We both have needs that we can help each other out with. The situation is not impossible, but can be made impossible when we dismiss the possibility of finding a mutually-beneficial arrangement. Same goes for Hamas, but even more so: Hamas supports terrorism abroad, and yet runs hospitals, feeds the poor, and takes care of its people. That's how they got elected. Israel also needs to have a good sit-down. They're our staunch ally, and are definitely a stabilizing force within the region, but they can make us pretty uncomfortable when they do land-grabs, or lob missiles into family homes, and Hamas says, "See? This is why they're evil."
None of that can be solved by ignoring the problem, or threatening to bomb everybody in the region that angers us at that particular moment (which was Iran, then Iraq, then Iran again, then it was Hamas, etc.).
Now, this is all just a general outline of course – the complexities that are the Middle East have made it nearly impossible to stabilize since… forever. I don’t know
From what I know about both candidates, their top priority for Iran is to keep them from developing and acquiring nuclear weapons. I know Obama played a part in this a few years ago while working with Republicans on the anti-nuclear weapons proliferation bill. Though I don't think McCain was part of that, I think it's pretty obvious he feels the same way about it.
For Hamas, if I remember right, I've heard both say they want Hamas to recognize Israel's legitimacy (which would be an obvious first step). Obama has, more candidly, noted that Israel is causing problems as well when Israel takes the same posture towards Hamas as Hamas takes towards Israel. He's been blasted for this, but it seems pretty fair to me. Even the Israeli Jewish press (Israelis are less convinced that Israel has flawless plans than the U.S. Jewish press, which seems convinced that any criticism of Israel is out-of-bounds) has generally agreed that Obama is about as "Pro-Israel" as any U.S. politician.
Anyway, like I said, this all strikes me as political buddying-up with each candidates' political base, but I see no daylight between their stances. Still, I don't think it helps McCain at all to defend Bush, the Least Popular U.S. President of All Time, Ever (really).
Here's a really good write up I found about the difference between appeasement and diplomacy here, by someone who was/is for the war, just to show I'm not just being a Loony Lefty, here.
Update: Boy, I'm really not alone. Obama actually went on the attack to denounce the remark (which is rare, though I can't decide if that's good or bad). Nancy Pelosi called it "beneath the dignity of the office of the president and unworthy of our representation at that observance in Israel." Keith Olbermann spent more than a few segments about it. Chris Matthews laid the best damn TV-interview smackdown I've seen since Jon Stewart's Crossfire hot-wiring.Labels: Bush, idiots, Obama, politics, TV |
| posted by Steve @ 11:31 AM |
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| Monday, April 21, 2008 |
| Obama in :30 |
The very large progressive organization MoveOn.org, partly because of Clinton's screeching about them, has launched fully into a pro-Obama campaign. Tapping into the fact that Obama's campaign is almost entirely fueled by The People, they're going to nationally air an amateur commercial with the theme "Obama in 30 seconds."
With over 1,100 entries, they're having people vote. Some of them are just small class projects. Others are more robust. Some are better than others. But the overall quality is astounding. To me, Obama's ability to inspire normal people to get involved is by far the most appealing part of his candidacy. He knows that a politician cannot work miracles; he can only change the rules. If he can inspire everyone this way as President, the U.S. surely will regain its international stature.
Here are some of my favorites:
Humor:
The Narrator - the guy who does those scary voiceovers is a gangly redheaded guy. Also you have to love the tagline - Barack Obama: Politics for Grownups.
A New Direction. Reversed camera makes for a simple idea.
Confessionals:
"Thank You, Barack" - a series of unscripted people all thank Obama, and the ad wonders: When was the last time you wanted to thank a politician?
Join Me - Wonderful delivery.
Obamacan - Same, though not quite as awesome as the previous.
Kids in ads:
Children of Tomorrow - amazing cinematography of kids raising a flag.
Obama Legos - "Hey, those are my red pieces!"
Political games - "We've been playing this game for five years...."
Butterfly - So much cute! I like the camera-in-the-box trick.
From historical perspectives:
Experience matters, judgment counts.
4000+ dead.
Minimalists:
Common hopes - a series of photos and a quote written with almost no sound.
Stand - nothing but moving text and a great song.
A priest, a rabbi, and a black guy walk into a bar.
Us '08. I love any ad that emphasizes Obama's faith in Americans to change America.
America Anonymous - US problems in an AA-style meeting.
Come Together
Be the Change - Again - I love this message.
Together We CanLabels: politics, TV |
| posted by Steve @ 9:38 PM |
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| Thursday, April 17, 2008 |
| "Making politicians uncomfortable" |
ABC asked about a million questions about Wright, lapel pins, '60's extremists... basically they asked a crap load of questions the Bill O'Reilly wouldn't have had the gall to ask, especially in an arena in which policy details between two candidates are nuanced and so need more scrutiny. Oh yeah, and the economy is doing badly, and we're in a war, and social security is a problem, and there's also medical insurance prices... but no, let's talk more about the pin!
It was horrible. And yet some idiot named David Brooks thinks that a nation deciding on its President based on inane idiocies like this (as opposed to what they will do about actual problems in the nation) is somehow defensible:
I understand the complaints, but I thought the questions were excellent. The journalist's job is to make politicians uncomfortable, to explore evasions, contradictions and vulnerabilities*. Almost every question tonight did that. The candidates each looked foolish at times, but that's their own fault. If the moderators' job is to make the candidates uncomfortable, they could've dropped trousers and taken a crap on the stage.
It was about the same effect.
* Wrong. It's to find out who is the best leader.Labels: idiots, politics, TV |
| posted by Steve @ 10:25 AM |
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| Saturday, April 05, 2008 |
| Do I really want TV? |
As I blogged waaaay back in October '05, I have a European TV set that doesn't pick up TV signals and instead of a coaxial input, it has a SCART input. This total lack of functionality is good for me because I don't watch TV, but can still watch movies, 'cos it has RCA inputs).
In 2008, though, the U.S. is changing its broadcast TV to be digital. This means that analogue television sets will need converter boxes - and many of those boxes sport RCA outputs. Suddenly, the market is being flooded with cheap converter kits made just for me.
At the moment, my lack of broadcast TV is a blessing. It probably saves me a lot of time. I like just using it for watching the DVDs I have, which often are TV shows anyway I also have it attached to my computer for watching YouTube videos or, more recently, Obama's speeches and debates. Yes, partly I watch them on the TV because I'm a fan, but also because they're often 45 minutes or longer, and I'd rather sit on the couch for that.
Still, it would be nice to catch the occasional Suns game, now that the playoffs are coming up. And there are some good TV shows out there...
God help me.Labels: Internet, Obama, procrastination, technology, TV |
| posted by Steve @ 12:20 AM |
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| Saturday, May 20, 2006 |
| About Instant Messaging |
So, there's been a lot of talk about IM is The Evil on TV lately. I also realised recently that not all parents are anywhere near as comfy with IM as I am, though few people are - I've had the same AOL IM account since 1995.
So I decided to write a little doodad on IM in relation to parents and what to do and what not to do. I think it's useful and practical and will neither have parents banning its use nor getting anybody in trouble.
OK, so, if you're from BASIS, and you want to IM me, please have your parents read this. There's obviously no way I can make you do this, but I promise it won't scare them into killing your account. I'd also feel a lot more comfortable knowing that you and your parents have read it. Plus I'm really, really tired of people being afraid of it.
http://www.impulsenine.com/IM.htm
 Currently listening :
Ratatat
By RatatatLabels: BASIS, IM, parents, TV |
| posted by Steve @ 12:38 AM |
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| Friday, October 21, 2005 |
| A Funny Thing Happened Today no. 4: Stupid little quiz, interesting result. |
This is something Daniel sent to me. Normally I don't bother with this kind of crap but I thought that the result was interesting.
These are 25 questions about things we see everyday or have known about all our lives. The survey originally said that 7 is average but if it is I'm afraid. Naturally, the quiz is meant to be taken without cheating or looking things up.
1. On a standard traffic light, is the green on the top or bottom?
2. How many states are there in the USA? (Don't laugh, some people don't know.)
3. In which hand is the Statue of Liberty's torch?
4. What six colors are on the classic Campbell's soup label?
5. What two numbers on the telephone dial don't have letters by them?
6. When you walk does your left arm swing with your right or left leg? (Don't you dare get up to see!)
7. How many matches are in a standard pack?
8. On the United States flag is the top stripe red or white?
9. What is the lowest number on the FM dial? (Don't look at that dial!)
10. Which way does water go down the drain, counter or clockwise? (Get out of the bathroom!)
11. Which way does a "no smoking" sign's slash run?
12. How many channels on a VHF TV dial?
13. On which side of a women's blouse are the buttons?
14. Which way do fans rotate?
15. How many sides does a stop sign have?
16. Do books have even-numbered pages on the right or left side.
17. How many lug nuts are on a standard car wheel?
18. How many sides are there on a standard pencil?
19. Sleepy, Happy, Sneezy, Grumpy, Dopey, Doc. Who's missing?
20. How many hot dog buns are in a standard package?
21. On which playing card is the card maker's trademark?
22. On which side of a Venetian blind is the cord that adjusts the opening between the slats?
23. There are 12 buttons on a touch tone phone. What 2 symbols bear no digits?
24. How many curves are there in the standard paper clip?
25. Does a merry-go-round turn counter or clockwise?
______________________________________________________
ANSWERS
1.. Bottom
2.. 50
3.. Right
4.. Blue, red, white, yellow, black &gold
5.. 1, 0
6.. Right
7.. 20
8.. Red
9.. 87.7
10.. Clockwise (north of the equator)
11.. From Upper left to Lower Right
12.. 12 (there is no ..1)
13.. Left
14.. Clockwise as you look at it from the front.
15.. 8
16.. Left
17.. 5
18.. 6
19.. Bashful
20.. 8
21.. Ace of spades
22.. Left
23.. * and ..
24.. 3
25.. Counter
______________________________________________________
I missed 4 (answered 20 correctly):
Missed:
7.. How many matches are in a standard pack?
9.. What is the lowest number on the FM dial?
11.. Which way does a "no smoking" sign's slash run?
12.. How many channels on a VHF TV dial?
I don't smoke, listen to the radio, or watch TV. So that explains that. Labels: design, music, quiz, TV |
| posted by Steve @ 2:52 PM |
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| Tuesday, October 18, 2005 |
| Exciting Event no. 6: TV! |
That's right.
I GOT A BIG TV NOW COS I RULE RAWR!
Actually Rachel got it from work on our trade credit so we got a 27" TV in exchange for a bunch of crap we didn't want anyway and that rules so once again RAWR I/WE RULE.
Especially because this is in the middle of a massive financial crisis. I love the idea/irony of getting the biggest TV of my life a few hours after telling a credit agency to go #%*!! themselves because I (honest to God) didn't have the money.
 | Currently listening :
In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3
By Coheed & Cambria |
Labels: credit, money, TV |
| posted by Steve @ 2:50 PM |
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| Saturday, September 24, 2005 |
| A Funny Thing Happened Today No. 3: Family Guy and barroom sociology |
Tonight, while working as a DJ (as I do), I had some stuff to give away. But not just random junk - whole DVD's of The Family Guy. Five copies of the first and second seasons (which is volume 1), five of the third season, some shirts, and a bunch of DVD's with 5 "favorite" episodes. Wow.
I decided pretty early on not to let the staff have some because there was a lot more staff than giveaways - and to do trivia questions.
Now, that's all well and good but not interesting enough to justify a blog post. The funny part is how people act. I don't generally like doing giveaways because I inevitably end up acting as a referee.
It's not all bad - one guy who answered first and correctly thought I had the new 'Stewie' movie (which hasn't come out yet). He already had the set he had won and so gave it to someone else. That was really cool of him.
On the other hand, one girl literally tackled a guy to prevent him from answering a question (I didn't accept her answer - I don't care if you're right, you have to pay consequences for being a greedy bitch). Another guy actually won one - he got the 5-episode DVD - but kept bugging me to 'trade' for the box set. I told him to answer a question correctly like anyone else. And honestly - you got a free DVD, man, what are you complaining for? Doesn't help that he was attempting to crawl into my ear the whole night.
I feel very uncomfortable even when a good looking girl gets into my little personal space, nevermind a greasy lookin' dude who wants favors. I'm still a little suprised every time a girl thinks that grabbing my crotch or showing more cleavage will get a song (etc.).
 | Currently listening :
Timeless: The Singles Collection
By De La Soul |
Labels: DJ, idiots, Maloney's, music, rant, rules, stories, true, TV, work |
| posted by Steve @ 3:20 AM |
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| Tuesday, September 20, 2005 |
| Exciting Event No. 3: HOLY F.&%^!! S*%.!! |
So, once upon a time I went to Brophy, which is a private all-male high school in Phoenix. Next door was Xavier, an all-girl private school. In my freshman and sophmore years, there was a girl I hung out with name Catherine Kresge. She was very nice, a bit quiet, and way out of my league (at least, that was how I justified never working up the nerve to talk to her except amongst that small group of friends).
She went to the U of A the same time I did, and went into the theater. I didn't see her a lot, but went to her shows (though often she never knew - I never did work up that nerve) when I could and have always suspected she'd do well. Since I've been looking up my old friends and aquaintences, I looked her up.
And she's been on "The O.C.", and "That 70's Show", and she's got a new movie. Awesome?! YES! Go Catherine! Woot! I wonder if I can even still contact her.
I also found Steph, whom I also had a terrible crush in my early years at UA, but hung out with me and introduced me to more super cool things than I could properly list. This is fun. I just hope they'll remember me.
 | Currently reading :
BLACK SHRIKE
By Alistair Maclean |
Labels: Brophy, college, friends, movies, nostalgia, school, stories, true, TV |
| posted by Steve @ 3:14 PM |
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| About Me |
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Name: Steve
Home: Tucson, Arizona, United States
About Me:
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