Frank Chow: Asian- American Political Pundit

Courting the crazies cuz they are crazy I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Michelle Rhee has been heralded by some as an education reformer. I tend to think of her as part of the problem. When education becomes a product, something to be bought and sold, we've lost. Also too, more tests . A recent report by USA Today reveals that perhaps the touted test results in the district while Rhee was in charge weren't without cheating. Rhee's response : “It isn’t surprising that the enemies of school reform once again are trying to argue that the earth is flat and that there is no way test scores could have improved for DCPS students unless someone cheated,” Rhee said. “It is surprising to see USA Today proceed down this path in the face of a statement from the independent investigators that there was no evidence of cheating. This story is an insult to the dedicated teachers and schoolchildren who worked hard to improve their academic achievement levels.” As Oliver Willis states , this is the kind of response you would expect from the right-wing. More im...

Welp it's Wednesday and I'm heading to Miami tonight for a conference (I know what company in their right mind sends a guy like me to a conference). It will be nice to be in warm weather, albeit only for one day. There will also hopefully be some big news upon my return...don't want to blow it, but it's exciting for me and my lady. Lot's to do today and tomorrow, so again apologies for the sucking blogging this week...not much different than normal... Here are your highlights: Judge blocks Wisconsin Anti-Union bill AGAIN! Hollywood figuring out that if you put out crap movies, people won't go to the movies Fox News Fail Manufacturing - Think Small The field of Republican candidates for president... well there's not much of one The impending government shutdown is all on Republican shoulders. Boehner is being pushed teh crazy of his party , while Dems are pushing for fixes. If anyone in the Republican Party has any sort of memory (and you don't have to g...

Also too, bad for the economy. I am Frank Krugman and I approved this message

Political Wire : Moments before a conference call with reporters and "apparently unaware that many of the reporters were already on the line," Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) "began to instruct fellow senators on how to talk to reporters about the contentious budget process," the New York Times reports. Schumer told them to portray House Speaker John Boehner (D-OH) "as painted into a box by the Tea Party, and to decry the spending cuts that he wants as extreme." Said Schumer: "I always use the word extreme. That is what the caucus instructed me to use this week." "A minute or two into the talking-points tutorial, though, someone apparently figured out that reporters were listening, and silence fell." That's it pretty much. It's embarrassing that Schumer even has to remind the caucus how to speak in a situation where the Democratic Party has the upper hand. If only they knew how to mute themselves... I am Frank Chow and I approved th...

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news , world news , and news about the economy Well I've found a way to sleep a little sounder, ITunes background noise. Last night our neighbors were up clanging and banging pots. It doesn't happen often, but when it does I can't get a wink. I decided to make my computer a sleep machine. Downloaded some serene background noise and boom baby! Slept soundly. Take that fat bearded neighbor! Yeah! In other news, I'm heading to Miami tomorrow night, so light blogging all day Thursday. Apologies beforehand. Here are your highlights: Scott Walker (like most Republicans) only cares about court orders when he agrees with them! Obama on Libya, his speech was full of American Exceptionalism speaking of which INCHES! Mississippi's drug enforcement smells of the Old South YES, Man U coming to Chicago Republicans everywhere doing their best to tank the economy Mark Kirk Republicorporatan every day in and out . Why people didn't realize this befo...

Moving on up to the Net Side I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Apologies for getting this posted late today. This morning I've been scrambling about working on future plans. I'm visiting Miami this week for a work trip and need to wrap up a bunch of loose ends before I head out. The weekend was good, crazy basketball, decent fights and I learned a valuable lesson...Saturday Mass is much more bearable than Sunday. Little known fact, Sunday is dragged out. Not to say that I don't enjoy my time in mass and all that I'm learning, however it is Lent and things get loooong. There that's my complaint. Paddy K and I recorded the latest episode of TAT , don't forget to check out the last one and be ready for another rockin episode. So close to selling out! Here are your highlights: WAR IN THE OFFICE! If only my work place would let me bring my Nerf Gun In Libya the Rebels takes another stronghold The Calm Blue Sea , for fans of Explosions in the Sky Krugman says it, The President is a Lousy Negotiator - that or the centrists in th...

First Avenger looks pretty friggin sweet! Paddy K and I will be recording the next episode of TAT , then the lady and I will be prepping her place for potential renters. The lease is up in June and she needs someone to fill it. Why? Well I can't tell you quite yet... I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Thuggish Ruggish Cron-on I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Like to posit that there are serious candidates amongst their rank and file. Truth is, they are all quite crazy . Here is Santorum the other day. But you see, the Michele Bachmann's of the world just so happen not to wear freedom masks around and so "Real Republicans" can claim that she and her like are outliers of the base. Rick Perlstein has written about this often, that the Bachmann/Santorum's are nothing new. And crazy in the Republican Party is not merely a "small portion" or "faction" it's been an integral part for years. Why else would a Michele Bachmann even consider pursuing her party's nomination for President? I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Damn it feels good to be a Friday. Each time a Friday comes around on Lent I'm always craving meat, wonder why? Paddy and I will be chatting it up tomorrow for another episode of TAT . Get ready for selling out, booze talk, politics, RAGE and some rockin tunes! Special thanks to listener Walter Robinson for writing a fantastical review on ITunes for us! Don't forget to write in as well. This weekend is a planning weekend. I'm motivated more than I have been in awhile to get my creative juices flowing. Script? Songs? Monologues? Bring it! Here are your highlights: Ron Johnson a lesson in Republican idiocy Japan, the exposure to radiation has been beyond safe levels Why not another Home Buyer Tax Credit? *Nerd Android App Makers Making Money I NEED ONE STAT! Libya update, perhaps it will end with some good news? AKIRA adaptation courts white actors - I've been raging about this over the past couple of days. BigWOWO has a post about it as well. There are many things tha...

President of the Wingnuttia States I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

The Reader takes a stab at fixing my mode of transportation: This system, we argued, would improve the commute for CTA riders in these ways: • Evanston riders: Purple Line trains would make more stops south of Howard, which would slows things down, but enter the Loop via the subway rather than the circuitous elevated, which would speed them up. Net impact on running time: zero. However, the trains would run twice as often, shortening the overall trip by as much as five to eight minutes. In addition, Purple Line trains would serve the Red Line stops between Addison and Roosevelt, which are by far the most heavily used in the system. Fewer Purple Line riders would have to change trains. • Most north-side riders: At the busiest stations, served by both the Red and Purple lines, trains would arrive every 2½ minutes at peak versus three minutes now. • North-side riders between Howard and Bryn Mawr: Service would be five minutes faster for those boarding at express stops and 2½ minutes fast...

Almost to Friday...almost to Friday! Paddy and I are getting prepped for TATPodcast . Don't forget to listen to the latest episode or write us to participate in our banter. I'm in a pretty good mood today despite the awful weather here in Chicago. The fiance and I have some big news around the corner. I'll let you know when it's final, but needless to say we are both excited and nervous (no it's not a kid). I'm visiting Miami next week for a conference looking forward to some warm weather and the ocean. Here are your highlights: My new favorite site RIP Elizabeth Taylor - true Hollywood icon This is sadly true, such a *headslamondesk moment, WHAT PASSES FOR OUR PUBLIC DISCOURSE Happy Birthday Health Care Reform , somehow America is still here! Newt Gingrich *cough* Presidential Candidate. Also, too already losing. Chow!

Why am I just discovering this? I have no idea, but I'm glad that I did. Simply beautiful arrangements and enough uniqueness in the melody that I keep returning to it. From the the talent : Ghost was released in March, 2007 on Morr Music. I started writing for the record long before that, though. I'd been collecting songs for the record since early 2004, all under the concept of making a record about houses. rBut because I'd been writing for the album over that long a period, I wound up with way too many songs, even after discarding the ones I was less excited about. So I divided those up into two categories, based on their sound. Category one was "Ghost." Category two will be my next solo record, but I'll wait until I'm closer to completion before I talk too much about that one. So "Ghost" is a concept record. I know that's a dirty word to a lot of people, but I like concept records. It was written with the idea of houses having memories, a...

It's icky, but not oh so icky as it once was. Political Wire : American Catholics Supportive of Gay Marriage In the latest poll showing increasing support for gay marriage, the Public Religion Research Institute finds 43% of Catholics in favor of allowing gay and lesbian people to marry, 31% in favor of civil unions, and 22% who said there should be no legal recognition of a gay relationship. Key finding: 39% of Catholics approve of the church's treatment of the issue of homosexuality, and 56% of Catholics believe that homosexual sex is not a sin. This is promising and a sign that times and people are evolving in their thought of teh gay. Maybe the U.S. will give up discrimination for Lent... I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

A nuclear power facility on a volcano . Perhaps we should have less regulation to prevent disaster? I'm sure that will fix most of everything (wipes hands on jackets), see it will all be a-okay. I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Put them on an island together I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news , world news , and news about the economy Last night was Drinking Liberally and last night we gathered around a fire, sang protest songs and cried. Okay, not really, but can you imagine a bunch of pinko hippies taking over a bar in Lakeview? It would be hilarious to see the meathead reactions of 50 or so Cubs hats as they turn in unison! It was kind of a depressing DL as we sat around a table discussing how by fall many of us will most likely be in other states. (insert *le sigh here) I'm sure we'll all share in plenty of pints till then, but Chicago DL has been one my favorite discoveries in the city. If you haven't been, definitely stop by next time. Here are your highlights: Da Bulls were on fire last night Interesting study, Religious Extinction Stay classy Duke Nukem I want to gooooooo, First Look at Legoland New Star Wars Miniland SUPPORT THE CONFIRMATION OF EDWARD CHEN! Supporting air strikes in Libya, 7 out of 10 people do so say...

League of Un-extraordinary Old White Man I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news , world news , and news about the economy Woah Tuesday. It seems like every time it gets here I'm not prepared. Rather busy in the office, projects I keep putting off, but on the bright side I re-discovered my monologue. It's not often I audition and am told to prepare a monologue, but it's wise to have one in my back pocket in case. I've been putting it off for some time and finally went back to the monologue that got me into college. No surprise, the monologue now means something completely different to me as I'm older and understand the character differently with age. Funny, how things come back around. Time to memorize! In other news I would like this week to be over already. Here are your highlights: February in Chicago the housing market looks better Wonk Whack, DeLong Smackdown , don't piss off an economics professor Bruce Lee: A Letter to Himself Another merger to make customers PAY Obama explains Libya to Congress . Th...

He's the toughest, weakest, socialist-dictator I know I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Was listening to this on the commute, seemed perfect considering the weekend walk to the Lake. I do think I'm done with the Chicago winters, I've been here four years now and frankly I've had enough. It's amazing how much the weather here can effect your mood, attitude and outlook on life. Sounds silly I know, but damn this past winter was brutal...and according to our weather overlords it's not over yet. It's like a 15 round boxing match and you've already been knocked out only to be picked back up and sent out to be knocked around for another round or two. That's Chicago winter. I can't wait for the sun to be a regular friend of mine, so that I may complain about my lack of air conditioning. It's gonna be a solid week of projects, drinking liberally and juicing my pecs, what's on your agenda? Here are your highlights: The planes are hitting Gaddafi directly , yeah it's war In Japan, Nuclear Plant Workers Evacuated Scott Walker STATE I...

This is the most positive take I've read about Libya and I respect David Corn greatly. This is what I've been reading amongst the liberal blogosphere ...although it does pose a conundrum when the Left wants justice everywhere , but it isn't clear how that is supposed to happen without intervention. I just don't foresee any of this turning out well nor an ending. Atrios has our media pinned: It's really quite amazing how exciting new wars are to our media. I guess old wars are "controversial" and therefore harder to cover. Also, too, dead people. New wars are just exciting missile launches and "bad guys." It's as if their inner Michael Bay comes out in full force when a shiny new war is launched. Gaddawful. I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

It's a lovely day out, so the fiance and I decided to take a walk to the lake. The wind made it a bit chilly, but we in Chicago can manage it. We also take what we get. After the walk we caught the latest Matt Damon movie (which was quite entertaining). Every time I see good cinema I'm inspired again. We're now headed to mass and hoping to hit up a new local joint. All in all according to plan. I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

So the fiance and I have booked our venue and church, both which we're really excited about. We've been talking for a little bit, brainstorming some ways to incorporate Chinese culture into our big day and I think we have some solid ideas. I'm a lucky guy in that she welcomes my input and wants to honor traditions and my family's culture. Of course it won't be all decked out, but the gestures are greatly appreciated. I thought I'd share them. Here's what we're leaning towards: Invites or Save the Dates. Not as elaborate as the one pictured , but it'd be nice to have some Chinese influence in the design. Dim Sum dishes during cocktail hour. The caterer said they'd be able to bring in a local restaurant's dim sum dishes (the safe ones for those mid-westerners) and have them as part of the early cocktail apps. This was something I was rather adamant about and I'm grateful that everyone was so open to the idea. Red Envelopes. Throughout my ch...

Can't wait till there's a Sperm Police I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

I'm so pumped it's Friday and that the weather is gradually improving. Nothing really us to report, except all things Japan ...oh and Libya . I'm appalled that we've learned nothing from our past mistakes. Perhaps this time it will work ? I can't write about it right now, I need to read more and come back to it...needless to say I'm against more wars, you already knew that. Don't forget to listen to the most recent and past episodes of the Trans-Atlantic Throwdown ! Follow us on Twitter and Facebook . Oh and write into us and review us on ITunes ! Chow!

We did that once it was called slavery and it didn't go to well. Fucking idiots. I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

It's quite amazing that the same people who consider $250,000 "not that much money" are flummoxed when a bus driver makes roughly $160,000 before taxes. Of the many thankless jobs in the world that come to mind bus driver is right up there. Bus drivers have peoples' lives in their hands and must combat the frustrations of city (sometimes suburban) traffic daily. It does take a special license to operate a bus and as far as I understand they must also have some base mechanical knowledge of the vehicles. I know of at least three people who work above me who have quite less responsibility and make considerably more than said bus driver. So, it takes a skewed perspective to be incensed by a bus driver making $160,000. That and it's also bogus . I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

So it's Thursday. Woop Woop! I'm thinking of making something new in the kitchen, any suggestions? I have my staples down now: Turkey Burgers w/ fresh veggies, Scallops and Pasta w/onion and peppers, Brussel Sprouts and Pancetta, Chinese Lettuce Wraps, Fish Tacos w/ Mexican Rice and fajita veggies, Shredded Chicken or BBQ Pulled Pork, and then Salmon in various ways mostly Asian inspired. I make a mean sammich, a nice light smoked salmon w/dill sauce and various other things. Just want to expand my menu, although I feel like I have a solid base. So yeah...any suggestions? Here are your highlights: Obama Bracketed . The dumbest of the dumb brought you by the Right and our failing media establishment. Gov. John Kasich in Ohio, seriously an evil dude, wonder if he has a cat he strokes? House panel moves the NPR defund campaign ahead Foodie Question: Waiting for a Table If God Facebooked The U.S. is not trusting the Japanese government anymore, US charters planes to help citizens ...

Trees cause more pollution than automobiles do - Ronald Reagan On a day that the Republican Party rejected the very idea that man is contributing to global warming. Calling these sociopaths "conservatives" is simply a lie. They have no qualm with selling our environment out to the slimy , oil companies. Nice party you guys got there, how does one NOT get invited? I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

United War States of America I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Man today is not too bad. I said on the Twitters I received some good news and I did. My financial situation although still not green is a little better. I can now breathe a little easier. It's now that I'm turning 30 I figured I'd have my ducks in a row...not really...not close...funny how that all happens. Anyway I feel good today and much happier, might even juice the pecs tonight. Japan is still getting devastated by the earthquake and possible radiation fall out. Don't forget to give if you can! Here are your highlights: The douchey Evan Bayh It's sad state of affairs when $9 an hour is too much, but $250k a year is not Issa Full Disclosure The media and Breitbart explained The GOP Leader is looking like not much of a leader at all. The tables seem to have turned on him and teh budget is teh devil! Chow!

The first single off their latest album aptly titled "Simple Math" due to release May 10th . I enjoy where they are going sonically. It seems like a natural progression and of course I'm highly anticipating this album. This so happens to be one of my favorite bands over the past couple of years. I like to believe if I was to write an album that sounded like my college years, it would be something similar to Manchester Orchestra's Mean Everything to Nothing . I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

In stimulus money doesn't sound too bad right about now ? Does it ? I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

How to waste money : Federal agents with guns drawn raided up to a dozen medical marijuana operations across Montana on Monday, the same a day that a bill to repeal the state's medical marijuana law stalled in a Senate committee. Near Helena, agents burst into Montana Cannabis' greenhouse, where the company grows more than 1,600 plants for its four stores across the state. The greenhouse runs about half the length of a football field and is packed with marijuana plants that can be seen from U.S. Highway 12. About 15 workers were inside the warehouse during the morning raid. Montana Cannabis employee Brett Thompson, 30, said he stepped outside to smoke a cigarette and saw agents running up the driveway. "They came in, guns drawn, got us down on the ground and in cuffs as fast as they could," Thompson said. This sums up what really happened: "It's strictly a political move to stop us from providing medicine to sick people," Williams said, standing outside ...

It's a busy Tuesday morning! Here are your highlights: Radiation fall out in Japan , it seems many fears are coming to fruition Bradley Manning has become sort of "hero" of some on the Left. Is it really what they say? Wall St. FOR ME NOT FOR THEE! Illinois nuclear plants get a much needed second look Wisconsin GOP Leader not so much a fan of democracy these days There's a Republican for you: shameless to the end Chow!

Political Wire : Greg Sargent reports that the Wisconsin Democratic Party has collected almost half of the signatures necessary to hold recall elections for eight Republican state senators in Wisconsin. "Dems have now collected over 56,000 signatures supporting the recall drives...after another surge in organizing activity over the weekend. That's up from rougly 14,000 after last weekend. This means Dems are well ahead of schedule: In each targeted district, Dems need to amass the required signatures -- 25 percent of the number who voted in the last gubernatorial election -- by a deadline of 60 days after first filing for recalls, which happened nearly two weeks ago. In other words, Dems are reporting they are nearly halfway to the finish line, with roughly three-fourths of the alloted time remaining." What to watch: The next half of signatures will be harder to collect, especially if the protests begin to wane in the coming weeks. Whether Democrats sustain or lose momen...

Party of Newts I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Well it was a successful trip down to Central Illinois. The fiance was able to hang out with her maid of honor and mom, checking out dress while I cooked some mean BBQ pulled pork. And although my fiance didn't find her dress (she's got plenty of time) we did enjoy the food, family and being at her home. It's always nice to get away. I honestly wish we could have stayed longer. Mainly because I'm now back at work and sucking at life. Don't forget to listen to the latest episode of TATPodcast . Write us an email or send us a message via Facebook or Twitter , we enjoy what ever feedback you might have! Here are your highlights: Japan is disarray in the aftermath of its massive earthquake. Ways you can donate and offer help . Obama not taking kindly to dissent. Clinton Spokesman resigns after speaking out against Bradley Manning treatment . GOP still threatening the debt ceiling ...but it's about jobs Probably shouldn't post this kind of shit on YouTube Main...

In just a few. Light blogging will ensue. Perhaps I'll test out the Android Blogger App and upload some views of the corn fields...I know you all are foaming at the mouth in anticipation. Should be a lovely weekend, I'm making bbq for the future in-laws. Nom! I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news , world news , and news about the economy The video above covers what I alluded to in TAT , that Wisconsin , Indiana, Ohio and Michigan were just the beginning of a concerted effort by the Republican Party to weaken democratic voters . In turn this also has deep implications for our democracy. It's not only abhorrent, it is the M.O. for the Republican Party that dates back to Goldwater. What's different now is that people have finally elected the sick ideological wonder boys that the GOP has always wanted to enact these types of laws. This is what they've planned to do and we have to organize, raise money and counterattack this with a grassroots effort. We can't make it about grievances past. It has to be about what needs to be done now and in the future. Don't forget you can donate to ActBlue and this weekend, if you're into this sort of thing OFA is getting groups together to mobilize for 2012 (and no I'm not endorsing...

Political Wire : Palin Upside Down A striking finding from the new Bloomberg poll : The spread between Sarah Palin's favorable and unfavorable numbers is an astonishing 32 points, 28% to 60%. How's the that for positive news, Uhmerika! I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Hard on for hate I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

After watching this? Visit msnbc.com for breaking news , world news , and news about the economy I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Well if you missed it last night shit it the proverbial fan in Wisconsin . Quick summary: the Republicans shat on democracy and rammed through an illegal session to strip workers of collective bargaining rights sans budget measures. Proving once and for all that this was never about budgets or fiscal responsibility. They simply wanted to disarm unions and the way by which everything was conducted was despicable. Oh yes, the people are pissed . I was raging last night. Everyone is fired up and you should be too. Paddy and I discussed on the most recent episode of TAT and it couldn't be clearer the Republicans intent is to weaken democratic voters. This is not just a Wisconsin issue, similar fights are popping up in Ohio, New Jersey and Indiana. It's time to stand up and say enough. As Michael Moore said, " they've aroused a sleeping giant ." Here are your highlights: Scott Walker One-Termer Newt Gingrich serious candidate... his love for his country led him to ...

For many reasons. I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Spokane : A man has been charged in the case of a bomb that had been placed at a Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade in Spokane in January. A magistrate clerk at the U.S. District Court in Spokane tells The Associated Press that Kevin William Harpham, who was arrested Wednesday, is scheduled to make an initial appearance Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time. Harpham has been charged with one count of attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction and one count of knowingly possessing an improvised explosive device. Meanwhile, federal and local law enforcement officers descended on a home near Addy, a town in rural Stevens County. Two T-shirts found with the bomb were tied to that area. The bomb was found on Jan. 17 inside a backpack by workers before the start of the parade. The bomb was defused without incident. David Neiwert at Crooks and Liars has more about this attempt at an act of domestic terrorism by a known white supremacist. I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Brought to you by My Mom is a Fob : I was very upset one day and sent out a text to my entire family, making sure to put everything in caps, and ended the message with “WTF!?” Everyone responded with texts along the lines of “Haha,” or “LOL.” Except for my mother. A few minutes later, I received this text message: “What does that mean, ‘Wednesday Thursday Friday’?” I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Today is Ash Wednesday . For those who know me personally this is my first as a C.I.T. or Catholic in Training. My fiance is Catholic, so I will be going through the process to be baptized and confirmed...I believe I'll start after Easter. Tomorrow we meet with the director of the church we plan on getting married at, I am actually looking forward to it. All of this is rather new, I grew up in a Lutheran household and it's not as if it's my first time to church either, but the process will be challenging. I'm interested to see how much I grow over the following years to come. Regardless nothing will change here, same ole ragetastic Frank with maybe a positive story here and there ; ) Here are your highlights: Quinn expected to sign Death Penalty Ban Could Walker be backing down? Emails reveal possibly AIG repays $6.9 billion of TARP In a concerted effort to suppress the vote, Republicans are targeting students New Explosions in the Sky song LOL, He's joining the Na...

As per usual, I'll be Drinking Liberally tonight with my fellow pinko scumbags! Chow!

We never fucking learn I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

A whole sammich full of stupid downstate: While Chicago-area lawmakers continue to push for tough gun laws, downstate politicians think they have the support needed to get a concealed carry measure passed in Springfield. This week, a House panel filled with "downstate gun-rights backers" is expected to approve legislation that would allow Illinois citizens to carry guns in public if they receive special training, according to the Pantagraph . The push comes as thousands of pro-gun activists head to Springfield for an Illinois State Rifle Association rally. “I’ve never had the groundswell or the grassroots effort that this bill is getting and attention that it’s getting right now,” Democratic Rep. Brandon Phelps told the Quad-City Times . Phelps is among several downstate Democrats who support a law that would allow some Illinois residents to carry a weapon with proper training. He is also one of many concealed carry supporters who is confident about passing a measure soon--d...

It's here! Episode 6 of the Trans-Atlantic Throwdown . As you can see, we've gone with new branding; we have a nice new logo (that I worked on for days on end), a new podcast blog layout and header as well as buttons...okay we don't have buttons yet, but we will be releasing some soon, promise. We hope you like this latest episode as it is back to the normal format and full of awesomeness. Synopsis: This is Episode 6 a.k.a. Fizzbitch a.k.a. Miracle Baby, because we have so many technical problems and interruptions that this one almost didn't happen! Please bear with us, we do apologize! Today Paddy is sipping on some Harviestoun (Scotland) beers while Frank gets excited about North Shore Distillery and the DMK Burger Bar in Chicago. On the political front, Paddy explains the Irish election system (ranked preferences, not binary choices) and then Frank discusses Wisconsin. Somewhere in the middle we discuss civil rights, democracy and the relationship between them. ...

Re- Ensigned I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Stephanie Izard, bad-ass chef and owner of the amazing Girl & the Goat , is going to open up an East Coast diner in Chicago ( h/t Gapers Block). EATER : Just when you thought Stephanie Izard could easily rest on her laurels with the success of the eight-month-old Girl & The Goat, she's gearing up to open an old school diner with a modern twist. The Little Goat will open within steps of her restaurant on Randolph Street likely this fall and will have the feeling of a classic East Coast diner. And don't worry, there's nothing "gastro" about this joint. "Growing up in Connecticut, we always went to the diner after the bars or in the morning [for breakfast]," Izard said. "There were diners everywhere. Everyone went to diners. There just doesn't seem to be diners in Chicago." Like those diners, Izard wants to have pictures of the food on the menu, which will consist of dishes you think of when you think of diner grub. Things like "...

Well as seen below Paddy K and I have new branding for TATPodcast . We've updated the site and should have the next episode up shortly! We're excited to share this one as we had a rockin good time recording it. This past weekend was spent cooking, cleaning and meeting with wedding peoples. The lady and I locked down the venue this weekend and are looking forward to all that is to come. Our biggest concern was if the caterer would be able to offer something that reflected both of our family backgrounds. Luckily I mentioned dim sum and the caterer was immediately receptive! We're pumped for some nom nom Chinese/American food. In other news, teh Lent starts soon. This will be my first as a "Catholic to be", should be interesting? What is everyone (who partakes) giving up? Here are your highlights: Interim CPS chief plans for the long haul but hasn't talked to Rahm Emanuel Endless war: Gates said U.S. in Afghanistan till 2014 The Racism of Frame - an interestin...

Been working on this the last week or so. I was going for something vintage and classic. What do you guys think? Next episode should be up on Monday morning! (one step closer to selling out) I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

The Other Union Negotiation I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

This is not how this is supposed to go down : WKOW in Madison, Wisc., posted some stunning video Thursday night, apparently showing state Representative Nick Milroy (D) being tackled by Capitol police as he tried to enter the building. According to KWOW, "Milroy was trying to get clothes from his office but police would not let him into the building." At least they didn't tase him... I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news , world news , and news about the economy Woohoo Friday! ...yup that's what it's come to, getting excited about every Friday relieved that I've made it through another shitty week at work. Anyway at least it's here. Is it just me or has every Republican governor just lost all creativity and drank a bottle of stupid. New Jersey, Ohio, Wisconsin and well the South! It's getting to the point where these guys will push it as far as it will possibly go...and then hopefully it will bring balance to the force! No really. What if all this extremism from Republican governors leads to a left center nation? I like that idea and thus far the data says they are in way over their heads, so I'll be hopey and changey. LET'S DO THIS! Here are your highlights: Democrats working on cuts with Republicans. ..when will Dems learn "it's not the right kind of cuts" you know like hurting poor people and minorities... The Drug War won...