Tuesday, November 30, 2010
From the Mix Tape - Daniela Andrade
For my lady, whose week thus far has been testing her patience.
Daniela Sings here and Tumbles here. I've yet to figure out why Daniela is not famous already. Truly one of the best yet to be signed artists.
The cold has crept into Chicago, the warmth was finally subsided and in Evanston (where I work) it snowed. I'm ready for a change. It's this time of year I start listening to more somber music, apologies if it comes across as "emo" as that's not my intent. It simply is my preference. Last year was Bon Iver not sure what will be my winter soundtrack this go around. Suggestions are welcomed.
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
Beating Your Chest Like a Neanderthal
Is normally a way of saying your dick is small. Also, too and such, I'm old enough to remember when using a metaphor with shooting and the president was considered treason. Accordingly it's now a sign of patriotism, freedom fighting or something of that nature.
Obama, this is why negotiating with the Republican Party is futile. They find you to be the other and they have you in their "scope."
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
Obama, this is why negotiating with the Republican Party is futile. They find you to be the other and they have you in their "scope."
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
No Reason Not to Repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell
What should be a final blow to defenders of this abhorrent policy, Think Progress:
Moments ago, in a press conference announcing the results of the Pentagon’s 10-month review of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen, Working Group co-chairs Defense Department General Counsel Jeh C. Johnson and Army Gen. Carter F. Ham, concluded that the risk of repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell to overall military effectiveness is low and Gates even urged Congress to act on repeal before the Courts overturn the policy. “Now that we have completed this review, I strongly urge the Senate to pass this legislation and send it to the president for signature before the end of this year,” he said. “It is only a matter of time before the federal courts are drawn once more into the fray, with the very real possibility that this change would be imposed immediately by judicial fiat – by far the most disruptive and damaging scenario I can imagine, and the one most hazardous to military morale, readiness and battlefield performance.”
Johnson added that resistance to repeal “is driven by misperceptions and stereotypes,” and predicted that lifting the ban would not result in a mass coming out of gay troops. “We believe that most would continue to be private and discreet about their personal lives,” he said in a prepared statement.
As John Cole says in a rational world this would be enough.
It's not, TPM:
...moments after Sec Def Bob Gates called for Congress to repeal DADT this year, Reps. Joe Wilson (R) and Buck McKeon (R) sent out a statement calling for "comprehensive oversight" of the Pentagon's study showing that repealing DADT won't damage military readiness.
Wilson, you'll remember, was immortalized for his "You Lie!" outburst during President Obama's speech to a joint session of Congress last year. McKeon and Wilson will hold key committee chairs on the Armed Services Committee and Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee next year.
Well the Slurpee Meeting obviously accomplished what many of us thought it would, nothing. I'm sure when people look back on these formative years the Republicans will be branded as ignorant bigots, but then again you can re-write textbooks these days...gonna be an awesome two years we've got to look forward to, I'm psyched!
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
Moments ago, in a press conference announcing the results of the Pentagon’s 10-month review of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen, Working Group co-chairs Defense Department General Counsel Jeh C. Johnson and Army Gen. Carter F. Ham, concluded that the risk of repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell to overall military effectiveness is low and Gates even urged Congress to act on repeal before the Courts overturn the policy. “Now that we have completed this review, I strongly urge the Senate to pass this legislation and send it to the president for signature before the end of this year,” he said. “It is only a matter of time before the federal courts are drawn once more into the fray, with the very real possibility that this change would be imposed immediately by judicial fiat – by far the most disruptive and damaging scenario I can imagine, and the one most hazardous to military morale, readiness and battlefield performance.”
Johnson added that resistance to repeal “is driven by misperceptions and stereotypes,” and predicted that lifting the ban would not result in a mass coming out of gay troops. “We believe that most would continue to be private and discreet about their personal lives,” he said in a prepared statement.
As John Cole says in a rational world this would be enough.
It's not, TPM:
...moments after Sec Def Bob Gates called for Congress to repeal DADT this year, Reps. Joe Wilson (R) and Buck McKeon (R) sent out a statement calling for "comprehensive oversight" of the Pentagon's study showing that repealing DADT won't damage military readiness.
Wilson, you'll remember, was immortalized for his "You Lie!" outburst during President Obama's speech to a joint session of Congress last year. McKeon and Wilson will hold key committee chairs on the Armed Services Committee and Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee next year.
Well the Slurpee Meeting obviously accomplished what many of us thought it would, nothing. I'm sure when people look back on these formative years the Republicans will be branded as ignorant bigots, but then again you can re-write textbooks these days...gonna be an awesome two years we've got to look forward to, I'm psyched!
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
OFA Go F Yourself
Yeah I said it. I've finally had it with the "arm of the White House", this is how you lose your base. When bragging about pay freezes is more important than immigration reform, unemployment benefits and jobs you've lost that hopey changey joy joy feel.
Dday:
We’ve officially gone around the bend.
OFA, the organizing arm of the DNC, originally began its life as an organization trying to get someone elected on the platform of hope, change, and progressive policies. You had a public option in health care, cap and trade, a more progressive tax system, diplomacy abroad, and a belief in American values of equality and opportunity.
And it's worthy of utter mocking:
That’s right, the organizing project of the Democratic National Committee wants you to organize in support of freezing public worker salaries.
And don’t worry, later in the email, OFA tells you how the Administration has really been responsible on this issue – they’ve frozen salaries of White House officials and political appointees, froze non-defense discretionary spending, and more.
So go out there and sharpen those pencils and tell everyone how great it is to cut people’s pay!
What was once a direct line to Obama supporters is now used as a meager whimpering attempt to convince people that a ball of crap policy is really a shiny piece of gold.
The OFA page can be read here if you want to burn your eyes out with teh stupid.
I WANT MY PINK SHIRT BACK!
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
Dday:
We’ve officially gone around the bend.
OFA, the organizing arm of the DNC, originally began its life as an organization trying to get someone elected on the platform of hope, change, and progressive policies. You had a public option in health care, cap and trade, a more progressive tax system, diplomacy abroad, and a belief in American values of equality and opportunity.
And it's worthy of utter mocking:
That’s right, the organizing project of the Democratic National Committee wants you to organize in support of freezing public worker salaries.
And don’t worry, later in the email, OFA tells you how the Administration has really been responsible on this issue – they’ve frozen salaries of White House officials and political appointees, froze non-defense discretionary spending, and more.
So go out there and sharpen those pencils and tell everyone how great it is to cut people’s pay!
What was once a direct line to Obama supporters is now used as a meager whimpering attempt to convince people that a ball of crap policy is really a shiny piece of gold.
The OFA page can be read here if you want to burn your eyes out with teh stupid.
I WANT MY PINK SHIRT BACK!
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
Get Your Dunkin Tuesday
Aww Tuesday. Not quite middle of the week, thankfully not Monday. This week is slam city at work and I've been trying to keep calm...not going too well thus far. Also too and such, the holiday season has begun. Yup, lights, carols, crappy muzak and thousands of emails explaining that today's HOT DEAL is better than yesterday's. I for one am a Scrooge. Not in the sense that I don't want others to enjoy family, friendship and food rather I can't stand the retail aspect and "Hallmarking" of the holiday. You know what I mean? So bah f-in humbug. Now who wants to get me a present or two, I'm hoping for a PS3!
Here are your highlights:
Chicago schools, why can't they figure out the mess? Here's idea, for all the energy spent trying to get your kid into a "magnet" school demand better from the school they are already attending.
Drill baby drill, BP Oil Well Capped, But Trauma Still Flowing
Obama to get more of the same serving of "No"
John Boehner has extremists friends
Shameless plug
I really don't see this as a difficult choice, Chart: If you want to help the nation, help the unemployed. Instant stimulus, unlike tax cuts for the rich which just make the rich richer. Make the vote happen Dems, make it happen now for chrissake.
Chow!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Get Him to the Leak
Prepare for Fail
Apparently the White House wants to freeze pay in a move based in teh stupid.
Chris Bowers at Dkos:
Freezing federal employee pay will mean a decline in real disposable income for millions, and that has never, ever led to a good electoral outcome for the incumbent party. If this proposal becomes law--and it almost certainly will--the Obama administration is throwing away hundreds of thousands of votes. And they are prominently taking credit for it, too.
No good will come of this, neither for millions of working families on the receiving end of this pay freeze nor for an administration seeking re-election in 2012.
As Bonddad has pointed out for the past year, Austerity will Completely Fail, so good luck with that!
Maybe this is some super-dimensional eighteen level of chess that is way over my layman's head, but I cannot for the life of me grasp how this is a good idea. If it is a negotiating chip the GOP, they'll only foam at the mouth for more. If it's supposed to be a lesson to Wall St. they aren't paying attention. And if it's a lesson that the middle-class and poor need to suck it up and accept the rich run everything around us...well we already knew that.
I didn't wake up from my turkey coma for this, damnit!
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
Chris Bowers at Dkos:
Freezing federal employee pay will mean a decline in real disposable income for millions, and that has never, ever led to a good electoral outcome for the incumbent party. If this proposal becomes law--and it almost certainly will--the Obama administration is throwing away hundreds of thousands of votes. And they are prominently taking credit for it, too.
No good will come of this, neither for millions of working families on the receiving end of this pay freeze nor for an administration seeking re-election in 2012.
As Bonddad has pointed out for the past year, Austerity will Completely Fail, so good luck with that!
Maybe this is some super-dimensional eighteen level of chess that is way over my layman's head, but I cannot for the life of me grasp how this is a good idea. If it is a negotiating chip the GOP, they'll only foam at the mouth for more. If it's supposed to be a lesson to Wall St. they aren't paying attention. And if it's a lesson that the middle-class and poor need to suck it up and accept the rich run everything around us...well we already knew that.
I didn't wake up from my turkey coma for this, damnit!
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
Get Your Dunkin Monday
I'm baaaaack! And still full from turkey and fixins. On top of that after days on end with my lady's niece and nephew I've contracted a cold. Thanksgiving for the win! It was a lovely time in Central Illinois, but it's also nice to be back in Chicago (where I'm not the token). I certainly didn't mind the time off. I'm not sure what I'm going to do this week. A full week of work does not sound like fun...AT ALL. How was everyone's Turkey Day?
Here are your highlights:
Wikileaks Reaction and everyone wants to bomb Iran
This is too much Fox Nation falls for an Onion article and posts it to rally the Right
Dems in their own way
Cat Food Fight, Progressive Deficit Plan
Congress "Back to Work" - the lame duck session has an agenda full of possibilities...who am I kidding?!
Chow!
P.S. The Redskins continue to disappoint.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Get Your Dunkin Wednesday
I'll be traveling to Central Illinois for a good part of the day for Thanksgiving break. Sporadic posting will ensue. I'm taking this thing they call the "train." Not sure if you folks have heard of it, but it gets me from one place to the next without much of the hassle. I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!
Here is your one highlight:
The Fed is expecting unemployment to stay quite high. You would think Congress would do something about that...well at least we get to rewrite the Constitution so we can kick anchor babies out of our country! Priorities!
Chow!
Here is your one highlight:
The Fed is expecting unemployment to stay quite high. You would think Congress would do something about that...well at least we get to rewrite the Constitution so we can kick anchor babies out of our country! Priorities!
Chow!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
It's Tuesday
Drinking Liberally tonight. Be there or hate your Constitution, freedom killer.
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
Think Tank
From the Rachel Maddow blog:
"I argue for being conscious, but perfectionism is an enemy of progress."
-Michael Pollan, healthy eating advocate, in the new Newsweek article on class and eating habits.
This stood out to me not only because I know Michael Pollan is popular with a lot of TRMS viewers, but because Jon Stewart re-aired his interview with President Obama last night and it sounds very similar the president's plea that progressives focus on what's getting done instead of what's not getting done. I'm not arguing against progressives who are frustrated with Mr. Obama, but "perfectionism is an enemy of progress" is an interesting idea to debate.
Discuss!
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
"I argue for being conscious, but perfectionism is an enemy of progress."
-Michael Pollan, healthy eating advocate, in the new Newsweek article on class and eating habits.
This stood out to me not only because I know Michael Pollan is popular with a lot of TRMS viewers, but because Jon Stewart re-aired his interview with President Obama last night and it sounds very similar the president's plea that progressives focus on what's getting done instead of what's not getting done. I'm not arguing against progressives who are frustrated with Mr. Obama, but "perfectionism is an enemy of progress" is an interesting idea to debate.
Discuss!
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
Anti-Science Anti-Intellectual
Well if you don't have proof of your theory, just make it up! God will save us from Global Climate Change anyway...right?
Mother Jones:
To prove that climate scientists have been wrong about their predictions, Barton and Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-Ky.) enlisted Edward Wegman, a statistician at George Mason University, to write a report evaluating studies of man-made global warming. The Wegman Report, released in 2006, has been much-touted by climate skeptics in the years since. But it now looks like large parts of the report used information that was plagiarized, pulled from Wikipedia, or taken out of context—and it appears that Barton's office may have been feeding Wegman's team the information to include in the report.
Wegman's report primarily attacked the "hockey stick chart," first published in a 1998 report co-authored by climate scientists Michael Mann (now of Pennsylvania State University), Raymond Bradley of the University of Massachusetts, and Malcolm K. Hughes of the Laboratory for Tree-Ring Research at the University of Arizona. The chart grew much more notable after it was included in the 2001 report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and a version of it was featured in the movie An Inconvenient Truth several years later. But in a searing piece in USA Today, reporter Dan Vergano reveals numerous problems with the Wegman report. Studies of the 91-page text "found repeated instances of passages lifted word for word and what appear to be thinly disguised paraphrases," the piece notes.
Much of the reportedly plagiarized text came from a book written by Bradley, who has asked George Mason University to investigate the matter. Analyses of the text show that some phrases were largely reproduced, and at some points tweaked in order to change the meaning. This was revealed in a lengthy report from retired computer scientist John Mashey of California, who concluded that 35 of the report's 91 pages "are mostly plagiarized text, but often injected with errors, bias and changes of meaning."
We're doomed for the next two years. Since the modern GOP plans on setting us back, perhaps now would be a good time to learn how to use an abacus?
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
Mother Jones:
To prove that climate scientists have been wrong about their predictions, Barton and Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-Ky.) enlisted Edward Wegman, a statistician at George Mason University, to write a report evaluating studies of man-made global warming. The Wegman Report, released in 2006, has been much-touted by climate skeptics in the years since. But it now looks like large parts of the report used information that was plagiarized, pulled from Wikipedia, or taken out of context—and it appears that Barton's office may have been feeding Wegman's team the information to include in the report.
Wegman's report primarily attacked the "hockey stick chart," first published in a 1998 report co-authored by climate scientists Michael Mann (now of Pennsylvania State University), Raymond Bradley of the University of Massachusetts, and Malcolm K. Hughes of the Laboratory for Tree-Ring Research at the University of Arizona. The chart grew much more notable after it was included in the 2001 report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and a version of it was featured in the movie An Inconvenient Truth several years later. But in a searing piece in USA Today, reporter Dan Vergano reveals numerous problems with the Wegman report. Studies of the 91-page text "found repeated instances of passages lifted word for word and what appear to be thinly disguised paraphrases," the piece notes.
Much of the reportedly plagiarized text came from a book written by Bradley, who has asked George Mason University to investigate the matter. Analyses of the text show that some phrases were largely reproduced, and at some points tweaked in order to change the meaning. This was revealed in a lengthy report from retired computer scientist John Mashey of California, who concluded that 35 of the report's 91 pages "are mostly plagiarized text, but often injected with errors, bias and changes of meaning."
We're doomed for the next two years. Since the modern GOP plans on setting us back, perhaps now would be a good time to learn how to use an abacus?
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
Ninja Thought
Teabaggers: under the guise that there aren't hundreds of millions of people who find them literally crazy
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
Get Your Dunkin Tuesday
Damn yesterday sucked big time. Work is swamped, I had physical therapy (which didn't go well) and I still haven't gotten a decent nights sleep. Oh well at least I have to look forward to sleeping on the couch all weekend at my lady's parent's place. Woohoo! I actually AM looking forward to it. An awesome woman at worked switched schedules with me, so I'll be heading to Central Illinois in the morning instead of night tomorrow. Thanksgiving comes early for Frank! I hope everyone has plans and a warm meal to nosh on. I'll be making stuffed mushrooms and helping out around the kitchen. Iron Chef bitches!
Here are your highlights:
2 Dead After North Korea Shells South Korean Island
Anybody is better than Tim Kaine...right?
Time to leave Afghanistan, the latest in the "we don't know why we're here"
Ireland gets Bailed Out - austerity is not a good idea
Big surprise. Ben Nelson is still a prick
Kanye's latest album "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" receives a perfect 10 from Pitchfork. I just picked it up last night and have given it a spin. It's his most ambitious release to date and it teeters on the brink of being absolutely brilliant. Kanye has taken hip-hop and created his own artistic expression. Say what you want about the man...I don't know about a 10, but thus far and only after a couple of listens it's the album of the year.
Chow!
Monday, November 22, 2010
The Worst is Over
Or maybe not, Atrios points out the same "in the know people" are still running the country, the same way:
All along there's been a failure to really come to terms with the magnitude of the financial disaster and of the culpability of the Very Serious People in charge. In the beginning it was all the fault of poor minorities who used their immense political power to force banksters to give them loans they couldn't afford, then when the crisis really hit it was just a wee 'liquidity' problem which could be easily solved with a couple trillion dollar gift from the Fed.
And we left the people responsible in charge, because, well, nobody could have predicted, without considering the fact that this is what the people in charge will continue to do because this is what they know how to do.
The powers that be thought the economy would turn itself around and some of these problems would evaporate. But it didn't and they didn't and that light at the end of the tunnel no longer appears to be just around the corner.
If we spent more time bailing out the people instead of banks...probably just maybe we would be in better shape now. Oh well let the blood bath ensue!
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
All along there's been a failure to really come to terms with the magnitude of the financial disaster and of the culpability of the Very Serious People in charge. In the beginning it was all the fault of poor minorities who used their immense political power to force banksters to give them loans they couldn't afford, then when the crisis really hit it was just a wee 'liquidity' problem which could be easily solved with a couple trillion dollar gift from the Fed.
And we left the people responsible in charge, because, well, nobody could have predicted, without considering the fact that this is what the people in charge will continue to do because this is what they know how to do.
The powers that be thought the economy would turn itself around and some of these problems would evaporate. But it didn't and they didn't and that light at the end of the tunnel no longer appears to be just around the corner.
If we spent more time bailing out the people instead of banks...probably just maybe we would be in better shape now. Oh well let the blood bath ensue!
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
Get Your Dunkin Monday
It's a short week! That's what I'm telling myself to get through each day. This weekend was exhausting. The shoot lasted for most of the day and was a success. The early stills I've seen thus far look amazing. It was kind of crazy shoot though as we were in a junk yard surrounded by old cars, beat up boats and well...junk. It was the perfect setting for a post-apocalyptic film. Unfortunately I don't think I've yet to get enough sleep to recover from it. In other news the fights went as I thought although both Martinez and Penn ended the fights much early than I had anticipated. As I said on Twitter being a fan of BJ Penn is a roller-coaster ride, but man when he shows up HE SHOWS UP! Speaking of showing up I'm glad the Redskins decided to play and play hard as well. Thankfully Vince Young and Jeff Fisher had a lovers quarrel and Gano made up for his earlier miss. I'll take it, but man did that game add to my exhaustion. Hail to the Redskins!
Here are your highlights:
There will be Blood. I'm not sure, but I don't think Krugman is being hyperbolic here.
The Military v. Republicans
F-in A. Rahm Emanuel wants his own army in Chicago
Paddy K bait, Ireland to receive bailout for banks, but what about the people of Ireland?
The Walking Dead last night was awesome!
Thank you Warren Buffett for saying what most rich pricks won't say. Trickle-down economics never worked. The Tax Cut Fairy won't save us all. We should all call it for what it is, a load of b.s.
Chow!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Bush Tax Cuts FAIL
Political Correction with an in depth analysis:
If the Republican Party's various supply-side arguments for extending the Bush tax cuts seem familiar, that's because they are. The conservative arguments for more tax cuts mirror the lofty claims President George W. Bush made when he signed the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts into law.
Bush promised economic growth and sustained prosperity; the economy got neither. In fact, from 2001 to 2007, the country experienced the weakest growth since the end of World War II. While the nation's millionaires and billionaires got rich, average household income fell for the first time on record.
In response to the recession, the Obama administration has proposed extending tax cuts for all but the wealthiest of Americans. Republicans want the rates extended for everyone, including athletes, movie stars, and billionaire hedge fund managers. These people are not likely to spend the extra money and not likely to stimulate the economy, but Republicans swear by discredited economic theories and warn that higher rates will hurt small businesses. There is little evidence for that. In fact, there is no greater evidence that tax cuts for the rich fail to lift all boats than the costly and ineffective Bush tax cuts.
The whole report can be found here.
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
If the Republican Party's various supply-side arguments for extending the Bush tax cuts seem familiar, that's because they are. The conservative arguments for more tax cuts mirror the lofty claims President George W. Bush made when he signed the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts into law.
Bush promised economic growth and sustained prosperity; the economy got neither. In fact, from 2001 to 2007, the country experienced the weakest growth since the end of World War II. While the nation's millionaires and billionaires got rich, average household income fell for the first time on record.
In response to the recession, the Obama administration has proposed extending tax cuts for all but the wealthiest of Americans. Republicans want the rates extended for everyone, including athletes, movie stars, and billionaire hedge fund managers. These people are not likely to spend the extra money and not likely to stimulate the economy, but Republicans swear by discredited economic theories and warn that higher rates will hurt small businesses. There is little evidence for that. In fact, there is no greater evidence that tax cuts for the rich fail to lift all boats than the costly and ineffective Bush tax cuts.
The whole report can be found here.
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
Stuff That Should Be On Repeat
Ben Bernanke:
[O]n its current economic trajectory the United States runs the risk of seeing millions of workers unemployed or underemployed for many years. As a society, we should find that outcome unacceptable. Monetary policy is working in support of both economic recovery and price stability, but there are limits to what can be achieved by the central bank alone. The Federal Reserve is nonpartisan and does not make recommendations regarding specific tax and spending programs. However, in general terms, a fiscal program that combines near-term measures to enhance growth with strong, confidence-inducing steps to reduce longer-term structural deficits would be an important complement to the policies of the Federal Reserve.
In other words more stimulus...and waiting....and waiting....this, however won't change a thing for Republicans as they have their agenda. Defund NPR, investigate Obama, repeal Health Care Reform, and then give a big fatty "job creator" tax break for the rich. Bang up job voters, let the pain begin!
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
[O]n its current economic trajectory the United States runs the risk of seeing millions of workers unemployed or underemployed for many years. As a society, we should find that outcome unacceptable. Monetary policy is working in support of both economic recovery and price stability, but there are limits to what can be achieved by the central bank alone. The Federal Reserve is nonpartisan and does not make recommendations regarding specific tax and spending programs. However, in general terms, a fiscal program that combines near-term measures to enhance growth with strong, confidence-inducing steps to reduce longer-term structural deficits would be an important complement to the policies of the Federal Reserve.
In other words more stimulus...and waiting....and waiting....this, however won't change a thing for Republicans as they have their agenda. Defund NPR, investigate Obama, repeal Health Care Reform, and then give a big fatty "job creator" tax break for the rich. Bang up job voters, let the pain begin!
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
Get Your Dunkin Friday
Special Dunkin today as we mark the release of the third episode of the Trans-Atlantic Throwdown! Listen, enjoy, rate and review us on ITunes and don't forget to send us an email. We love responding to emails on air, no really we do, we quite enjoy it.Episode 3 - Paddy and Frank talk Porterhouse Brewing, Hendricks Gin, Maddow-Stewart, Mid-Term Elections, Converge, Colombian Necktie, Twin Shadow and the Secret
Check out Paddy's latest rants at his site. Follow us on Facebook and teh Twitter.
Okay that's all I got, I'm exhausted from a long night of rehearsal. Franky needs some rest, this Dunkin in my hand might not be enough to keep my eyelids open!
Chow!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
When Presented With Facts Make Up Your Own Reality
That's how the GOP operates these days. Think Progress catches this whopper on CNN, Rep. Aaron Schock (IL) is presented with a poll that's contradicts his man crush on the Tax Cut Fairy, but instead of accepting public opinion he just pretends it says something else. No I'm not kidding. No he's for real. Yes, this makes satire much more difficult to execute.
Think Progress:
Last night, Rep. Aaron Schock (R-IL) was asked about listening to the American people during an appearance on CNN’s The Situation Room With Wolf Blitzer. Blitzer informed the congressman about a “brand new poll” from CNN that surveyed Americans about the Bush tax cuts. Blitzer explained that the poll found that only 35 percent of Americans want to extend the tax cuts across the board, including for the wealthiest Americans. Meanwhile, 49 percent of Americans want to extend the tax cuts just for Americans who make less than $250,000, and 15 percent want to extend them for no one. Having explained the poll results, Blitzer asked “So only a third according to this poll want all the tax rates to continue as is. You’re not listening to the American people right?”
Schock responded by saying he can only speak for the people in his district. He said “the message we heard in this election was we don’t want anyone’s taxes going up in a down economy.” Blitzer then adopted a mocking tone and asked, “And when you said do you want millionaires and billionaires to continue get the same tax rate, they said yes please make sure they get only 36 percent federal income tax rate as opposed to 39.6 percent?” Schock responded by saying that the president made that argument and that the American people “reject” it.
Actually they don't reject it. As Think Progress and Greg Sargent point out only 23 percent want to permanently extend the tax cuts for the Richie Rich's of the world. It doesn't however matter to Schock and the GOP, they'll trumpet this, call it a tax hike and stomp all the way to Target aisle till Mommy Obama rubs their tummy and gives them a Twizzler candy.
The crux of this being, the GOP isn't serious about the economy at all. They want to merely cuddle with their overlords and convince teabaggers everywhere Obama is teh socialist. It's a Fox News reality. A reality without facts, without listening, full of egoism and idiocy.
Speaking of which I invented the wheel. What do you say?! I didn't invent the wheel, but I said it and no one can refute that! A book, pfft I just paid a ghost-writer to write three history books with my name in it inventing the gosh darn wheel. Pay up bitches! Frank is the inventor of the wheel. The wheel and the button. So there. Socialists. Every one of yous be damned.
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
Think Progress:
Last night, Rep. Aaron Schock (R-IL) was asked about listening to the American people during an appearance on CNN’s The Situation Room With Wolf Blitzer. Blitzer informed the congressman about a “brand new poll” from CNN that surveyed Americans about the Bush tax cuts. Blitzer explained that the poll found that only 35 percent of Americans want to extend the tax cuts across the board, including for the wealthiest Americans. Meanwhile, 49 percent of Americans want to extend the tax cuts just for Americans who make less than $250,000, and 15 percent want to extend them for no one. Having explained the poll results, Blitzer asked “So only a third according to this poll want all the tax rates to continue as is. You’re not listening to the American people right?”
Schock responded by saying he can only speak for the people in his district. He said “the message we heard in this election was we don’t want anyone’s taxes going up in a down economy.” Blitzer then adopted a mocking tone and asked, “And when you said do you want millionaires and billionaires to continue get the same tax rate, they said yes please make sure they get only 36 percent federal income tax rate as opposed to 39.6 percent?” Schock responded by saying that the president made that argument and that the American people “reject” it.
Actually they don't reject it. As Think Progress and Greg Sargent point out only 23 percent want to permanently extend the tax cuts for the Richie Rich's of the world. It doesn't however matter to Schock and the GOP, they'll trumpet this, call it a tax hike and stomp all the way to Target aisle till Mommy Obama rubs their tummy and gives them a Twizzler candy.
The crux of this being, the GOP isn't serious about the economy at all. They want to merely cuddle with their overlords and convince teabaggers everywhere Obama is teh socialist. It's a Fox News reality. A reality without facts, without listening, full of egoism and idiocy.
Speaking of which I invented the wheel. What do you say?! I didn't invent the wheel, but I said it and no one can refute that! A book, pfft I just paid a ghost-writer to write three history books with my name in it inventing the gosh darn wheel. Pay up bitches! Frank is the inventor of the wheel. The wheel and the button. So there. Socialists. Every one of yous be damned.
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
Glenn Beck Supports Gay Marriage
Or so it seems...I wonder if it's the same person who designed this cover?
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
Get Your Dunkin Thursday
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
It has been ridic at work. I spent of the day locked in a cave with just me, a headset and a computer recording myself trying to be excited about a "new product release!" Needless to say I'm burnt out and it's only Thursday. Luckily tonight I have the final rehearsal before filming this Saturday. I'm super pumped. The location is an abandoned junk yard somewhere in Lockport, IL. It will be cold, but it should add to the aesthetic of the film. The only issue is, I accidentally trimmed my beard too short. Oops. Hoping tonight the director doesn't flip...it wasn't on purpose I swear, I thought I had the trimmer on two, it was on one. Like I said oops (this is why directors hate actors lol). Today will be just as busy as yesterday. Should be exciting (sarcasm heavy on the sarcasm).Here are your highlights:
DADT stage set for December, looks like Sen. Reid is rallying the Senate around the troops
Romney said it, individual mandate needed
Chamber of Lies
START - Cold War Nonsense from the GOP
The Ghailani verdict and American justice
This sounds about right, Congressional Members' Personal Wealth Expands Despite Sour National Economy and why there is even a debate about letting tax cuts for the top 2% expire . They are the top 2%.
Chow!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
From the Mix Tape - David Bazan
After a day like today I enjoy listening to the somber and the oft times dark. Bazan is a master of both. This song doesn't relate to my current situation what so ever, however it has a place in my time line. It is reflective of the weather out, the time change and the oncoming winter in Chicago.
I'm exhausted, the only thing keeping me up right now is a bottle of gin and awaiting my lady's arrival. I'll listen to this entire series till she gets home then promptly rendezvous with my pillow.
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
Off the Grid
For most of the day. Apologies. Work sucks and this is stupid.
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Prince William and that Poor Girl
Seriously, I've been home editing the most recent episode of TAT and all that the news channels keep babbling about is Prince William getting engaged to Kate Middleton. The worst part being how much they MUST mention that she is middle class (her family are now self-made millionaires). Or as some stations have called it "poor." I even heard on MSNBC that her grandfather *gasp was a miner. The Village disdain for the working class and this undeserving poor girl is rather pungent. That or sickly they gush over the Cinderella story while attempting to relate it to Americans as if it matters somehow.
This is an opportune time for Democrats to pass legislation extending tax cuts for the middle class. The media will be distracted by WillKate and won't notice how the rich people are being spat on by the socialist Barack Obama!
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
This is an opportune time for Democrats to pass legislation extending tax cuts for the middle class. The media will be distracted by WillKate and won't notice how the rich people are being spat on by the socialist Barack Obama!
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
Get Your Dunkin Tuesday
I'm without words. Honestly I haven't seen a game go south so quick ever. The last time there was a shellacking like this the Redskins were playing the Patriots who went on to 15-1 only to lose the Super Bowl (I refuse to link to the summary). I just don't get it. I don't believe Shanahan will do what's needed to adjust this season. He's stubborn to a fault, but he needs to change the defense to a 4-3 till we have the personnel. Followed by getting his son to remove his head out of his ass. Protection matters, having receivers who make plays matters and right now Kyle Shanahan is calling plays like he still has Andre Johnson. Not to mention I question anyone's judgment who lobbies to have Rex Grossman. Really? McNabb (btw why are people surprised Snyder overpaid? It's Snyder!) maybe should take blame for one of those interceptions, but Joey Galloway and Anthony Armstrong are no world beaters. Cutting Devin Thomas seems dumber than ever at this point. Well I guess it's a rebuilding year and we just need to be patient. How is it I root for the Redskins and the Democratic Party? Dear God, I gotta get better teams! I'm taking today off from work. I need a mental health day. Apologies for my crappy blogging yesterday, now let's RAGE!
Here are your highlights:
The Stupidity of the Republican QEII Response
Hooray! Kal Penn returns to the White House
Ummmmm the pillow remote?
It's about jobs you idiots
Can't make this stuff up. New House Republican wants his gubbament health care now!
We're still at war. Does anyone remember that? Afghanistan was all but a non-issue this mid-term election and it's disheartening. Things are not getting better, perhaps it's time to bring them all home...
Chow!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Get Your Dunkin Monday
Well it was another successful and jam packed weekend. I'm honestly spent. Paddy K and I recorded the third episode of the Trans-Atlantic Throwdown. We're excited to share it. I'm hoping I'll have it posted by Wednesday. On Saturday night we went to celebrate one of my lady's bff's birthday. It was a night of dancing, debauchery and me checking my phone a lot to get updates about the Pac Monster's fight! Yes, I was checking my phone constantly and yes I was right about my prediction: speed kills (I was that guy). Luckily Pacquiao dominated the fight and was not deterred because I was unable to watch the fight (Sorry Pac Man). Regardless we had a great time, I had considerably less shots than I did last weekend and all in all good times were had. This week is going to be busy at work, busy at home and busy getting ready for the short film. We shoot on Saturday! I'll let everyone know when it drops...Redskins v. Eagles. Shanahan NOT McNabb has a lot to prove in my book.
Here are your highlights:
Tax Cuts Duh
A grumpy old man went on tv again to affirm how grumpy he is
What's wrong with our system? Lobbyists are taking efforts at financial reforms
Vying for a tough job. More jump into the Chicago mayoral race
With friends like these...
So much for "extremists on both sides" - Krugman makes a snarky comment and the right-wing interprets as truth. It's apparent that the point Krugman was making was simple; the deficit "cat food" commission isn't and shouldn't be taken serious.
Chow!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Manny Pacquiao v. Antonio Margarito Tonight!
Hoping Manny puts on a clinic. Margarito's defense is simply too open for the speed and power of Manny. I don't think the weight differential will matter much. Manny is fighting at the weight he's comfortable at which means he'll be light on his feet. So expect the fight to look similar to the Mosley v. Margarito fight, but perhaps ending sooner. I am looking forward to catching it on the night out...we'll see if that happens....regardless PAC-MAN!!!!!
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Saturday TAT
Paddy and I just threw down Episode III of the Trans-Atlantic Throwdown and should have it for your listening pleasure mid-week. Don't forget to listen to our last episode if you need to catch up! Last night was great to finally meet Jamie Kilstein and Allison Kilkenny. The show rocked and was full of hilarity.Today we're doing the domestic thang; shopping, errands and cleaning. Tonight Manny v. Margarito. Can't wait!
Chow!
Friday, November 12, 2010
From the Mix Tape - Sufjan Stevens
Sufjan Stevens- The Age of Adz is fantastic as I've mentioned before. Heading to physical therapy to start my weekend off with a little ouch. And no "I'm not fucking around."
Chow!
Progress Has to Lose in order for Obama to Win
Adam Serwer:
In order to get anything done, in order to be able to boast any kind of bipartisan political victory, Obama is going to have to allow for some deals that take place along terms very favorable to Republicans, because they're going to have to go back and explain to their base why they capitulated to the Kenyan socialist in the White House.
But ultimately, voters don't really care that much about bipartisanship, they care about results. It's been clear to the voters since the beginning that the president has been trying to reach out to Republicans only to be rebuffed by the GOP's strategy of total obstruction. In fact, a Gallup poll way back in April of 2009 found that two thirds thought Obama was willing to work with Republicans, while only 38 percent thought Republicans were willing to work with him. Americans have been convinced of this all along -- but they voted Republicans into power anyway.
Whether the president gets reelected depends on whether the economy recovers and more Americans have jobs, not on the next Congress melting into a campfire chorus of Kumbaya. If unemployment is where it is now, voters will care about "Republican obstruction" about as much as they did in 2010.
I just don't see anything else coming from this, Obama will have to concede something somewhere or it'll be 1994-5 redux. We can't expect much good to come out of the next two years of deliberation (if you can call it that). Meanwhile the Americans who need the most help will be left out to dry. Great party you got their GOP...
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
In order to get anything done, in order to be able to boast any kind of bipartisan political victory, Obama is going to have to allow for some deals that take place along terms very favorable to Republicans, because they're going to have to go back and explain to their base why they capitulated to the Kenyan socialist in the White House.
But ultimately, voters don't really care that much about bipartisanship, they care about results. It's been clear to the voters since the beginning that the president has been trying to reach out to Republicans only to be rebuffed by the GOP's strategy of total obstruction. In fact, a Gallup poll way back in April of 2009 found that two thirds thought Obama was willing to work with Republicans, while only 38 percent thought Republicans were willing to work with him. Americans have been convinced of this all along -- but they voted Republicans into power anyway.
Whether the president gets reelected depends on whether the economy recovers and more Americans have jobs, not on the next Congress melting into a campfire chorus of Kumbaya. If unemployment is where it is now, voters will care about "Republican obstruction" about as much as they did in 2010.
I just don't see anything else coming from this, Obama will have to concede something somewhere or it'll be 1994-5 redux. We can't expect much good to come out of the next two years of deliberation (if you can call it that). Meanwhile the Americans who need the most help will be left out to dry. Great party you got their GOP...
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
Get Your Dunkin Friday
Fight night tomorrow!!!! Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao vs. Antonio Margarito at the Cowgirls Stadium. Who's excited? I'm kind of "meh" to be honest. First off Margarito does not deserve a shot at Pacquiao, second after Margarito was destroyed by Shane Mosley I don't see this fight going much differently. I believe that Margarito had more taken out of him in the Cotto fight than previously thought. Since his return, after had been caught cheating, he hasn't shown much to me to think otherwise. That being said, it's Pacquiao and any of his fights are worth watching. He is a legend and it isn't often you get to see a living legend at work in his prime. I'm hoping to catch it on my night out. Tonight the lady and I will be going to see Jamie Kilstein at the Mayne Stage. Looking forward to that, also TATPodcast recording is happening, so be on the look out for more awesome. Skins talk I'll hold off till Sunday. Let's do this!
Here are your highlights:
Ricketts hit up city of Chicago to finance Wrigley renovations
Two of my favorite people talked
Brave Sir Andrew runs away so much for "tough guy New York"
More on the Deficit Commission: The Peasants are Revolting!!
The Long Road Home, Minority Militant Happy Veterans Day and a father/son relationship
Beating a dead horse, Austerity measures don't work in our current economic times. The long of the short we keep getting from the "sensible people" is that the poor people (and middle class) must sacrifice so that the rich can have their tax cuts. We live in an upside down world.
Chow!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
And God Said
We're all doomed. Andrew Leonard explains the sad theocracy of Rep. John Shimkus (IL):
Juan Cole does us the unpleasant service of bringing back to life the comments of John Shimkus, R-Ill., a year and a half ago.
Shimkus starts by quoting Genesis 8, Verses 21 and 22, in which God makes Noah a promise.
Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though all inclinations of his heart are evil from childhood and never again will I destroy all living creatures as I have done.
As long as the earth endures, seed time and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, will never cease.
Shimkus continues: "I believe that is the infallible word of god, and that's the way it is going to be for his creation... The earth will end only when God declares its time to be over. Man will not destroy this earth. This earth will not be destroyed by a flood."
I'm glad that John Shimkus can sleep at night, faithful that that God's word is "infallible, unchanging, perfect." But for those of us who are less confident in humanity's ability to keep from massively screwing up, the thought that the Bible will be determining government energy policy is massively ulcer-inducing.
Congrats, science is now irrelevant as long as we have Noah's story and enough meth to make the pain go away! Meanwhile I'll enjoy Chicago's Indian Summer whilst huffing gasoline as it may be the only way to understand such willful ignorance. Cuz, you never know science isn't exact nor is it always right. Right! Right?! Here's an idea maybe God is finally fed up with your consistent twisted and demented approach to his word? Ever think of that?! Shimkus you sir are infallibly inane.
We're re-entering a dark period in history when policy decisions were made by men and their fetus jars.
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
Juan Cole does us the unpleasant service of bringing back to life the comments of John Shimkus, R-Ill., a year and a half ago.
Shimkus starts by quoting Genesis 8, Verses 21 and 22, in which God makes Noah a promise.
Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though all inclinations of his heart are evil from childhood and never again will I destroy all living creatures as I have done.
As long as the earth endures, seed time and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, will never cease.
Shimkus continues: "I believe that is the infallible word of god, and that's the way it is going to be for his creation... The earth will end only when God declares its time to be over. Man will not destroy this earth. This earth will not be destroyed by a flood."
I'm glad that John Shimkus can sleep at night, faithful that that God's word is "infallible, unchanging, perfect." But for those of us who are less confident in humanity's ability to keep from massively screwing up, the thought that the Bible will be determining government energy policy is massively ulcer-inducing.
Congrats, science is now irrelevant as long as we have Noah's story and enough meth to make the pain go away! Meanwhile I'll enjoy Chicago's Indian Summer whilst huffing gasoline as it may be the only way to understand such willful ignorance. Cuz, you never know science isn't exact nor is it always right. Right! Right?! Here's an idea maybe God is finally fed up with your consistent twisted and demented approach to his word? Ever think of that?! Shimkus you sir are infallibly inane.
We're re-entering a dark period in history when policy decisions were made by men and their fetus jars.
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
What Would a Democrat Do?
From TPM, a chief of staff from a Democratic Senator writes what many (including myself) have been saying for a while now regarding the tax cuts for the rich:
In any event, the White House and the Democratic congressional leadership made a terrible political mistake by avoiding a fight with the Republicans on this issue before the election, when it could have clearly demonstrated the hypocrisy of the GOP's constant harping about deficits, as well as their most critical concern: the "plight" of the poor rich people.
Astonishingly, instead of pressing our political advantage--which was also clearly the right policy choice, as well -- we flinched (in truth, in response to the political concern of members from high-income states). Voters could have had a last and important impression about who was on their side and who wasn't, but gracious to a fault, we didn't want to anger anyone, and the result was predictably awful.
Now it appears that we may well make the same mistake again (unless you assume the HuffPo writer got it wrong, and I don't). If that's what we do, it will make President Obama's many comments about fiscal responsibility an utter joke -- how can we talk about decimating Social Security, raising gas taxes (which hit low and middle-income folks disproportionately hard), raising fees for veterans' health care, messing with student loans, etc., when we're going to blow a $700 billion dollar hole in the budget because of our concern for folks who make $250k and over, who are doing more than fine? Or because those bad Republicans are just too mean?
There is a prevailing view among many people that both parties are dominated by the rich, and that voting doesn't really make a difference. If we want low and middle-income Americans to think we don't have the spine to fight for them, then how are we going to convince them to vote for us? If David Axelrod has an answer for that, I'd like to know what it is.
So would millions of Americans. You don't lose elections because you were in the wrong, this mid-term disproves that theory. You lose elections because you lack the will to fight for what matters. You lose elections because you didn't convince the people who would benefit from your policy decisions the most. You lose elections because "People want leadership, Mr. President, and in the absence of genuine leadership, they'll listen to anyone who steps up to the microphone. They want leadership. They're so thirsty for it they'll crawl through the desert toward a mirage, and when they discover there's no water, they'll drink the sand."
I would like to hear the President and the Democrats respond to Michael J. Fox. And tell me how I can take them seriously about the deficit or fiscal responsibility ever again.
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
In any event, the White House and the Democratic congressional leadership made a terrible political mistake by avoiding a fight with the Republicans on this issue before the election, when it could have clearly demonstrated the hypocrisy of the GOP's constant harping about deficits, as well as their most critical concern: the "plight" of the poor rich people.
Astonishingly, instead of pressing our political advantage--which was also clearly the right policy choice, as well -- we flinched (in truth, in response to the political concern of members from high-income states). Voters could have had a last and important impression about who was on their side and who wasn't, but gracious to a fault, we didn't want to anger anyone, and the result was predictably awful.
Now it appears that we may well make the same mistake again (unless you assume the HuffPo writer got it wrong, and I don't). If that's what we do, it will make President Obama's many comments about fiscal responsibility an utter joke -- how can we talk about decimating Social Security, raising gas taxes (which hit low and middle-income folks disproportionately hard), raising fees for veterans' health care, messing with student loans, etc., when we're going to blow a $700 billion dollar hole in the budget because of our concern for folks who make $250k and over, who are doing more than fine? Or because those bad Republicans are just too mean?
There is a prevailing view among many people that both parties are dominated by the rich, and that voting doesn't really make a difference. If we want low and middle-income Americans to think we don't have the spine to fight for them, then how are we going to convince them to vote for us? If David Axelrod has an answer for that, I'd like to know what it is.
So would millions of Americans. You don't lose elections because you were in the wrong, this mid-term disproves that theory. You lose elections because you lack the will to fight for what matters. You lose elections because you didn't convince the people who would benefit from your policy decisions the most. You lose elections because "People want leadership, Mr. President, and in the absence of genuine leadership, they'll listen to anyone who steps up to the microphone. They want leadership. They're so thirsty for it they'll crawl through the desert toward a mirage, and when they discover there's no water, they'll drink the sand."
I would like to hear the President and the Democrats respond to Michael J. Fox. And tell me how I can take them seriously about the deficit or fiscal responsibility ever again.
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
Get Your Dunkin Thursday
Happy Veterans Day! To those out there, thank you for your service and honorable commitment to our country. A special shout out to Paddy K, my Throwdown partner in crime and longtime friend. It's good to know he is safe in Dublin rather than in Iraq or Afghanistan. We'll be recording the next episode this weekend, so be on the look out for that sometime next week. We've had some great feedback and if you have any questions or comments feel free to email us. In other news tomorrow night I'm going to see Jamie Kilstein perform at the Mayne Stage. If you haven't bought tickets to this show, get them here! It will be full of hilarity, rage and politics (p.s. if you are going to the show say hello I'll be the 6'1" hybrid)
Here are your highlights:
Is the Deficit Commission Serious? The answer is a resounding "no."
This is more like it, Amnesty International wants Bush to be prosecuted
DADT lame-duck
Scientists surprised by Sea Lions adopting orphaned pups
The Joke of US Fiscal Policy
Hollywood plans to ruin another one of my favorite movies by whitewashing Akira. Just call it something else, please let us keep the integrity of the film intact. P.S. F U Decrapio & Effemron
Chow!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Michele Bachmann Tin Foil Hat Talk
Michele Bachmann puts on her tin foil hat and in the process spits so much crazy Bill O'Reilly defends the Left. Remove the ear wax Michele; it's not about defending the terrorists, it's about defending America.
From the librul usurper George Washington:
“Should any American soldier be so base and infamous as to injure any [prisoner]. . . I do most earnestly enjoin you to bring him to such severe and exemplary punishment as the enormity of the crime may require. Should it extend to death itself, it will not be disproportional to its guilt at such a time and in such a cause… for by such conduct they bring shame, disgrace and ruin to themselves and their country.” - George Washington, charge to the Northern Expeditionary Force, Sept. 14, 1775
And you wonder why even the GOP is hesitant to hand her over a leadership position...
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
Yup Pretty Much
Booman:
It's really quite amazing how incredibly uninformed or misinformed the electorate was about who they were voting for and what they were likely to do once elected.
For one example, people said their number one priority was jobs, but the government has a limited ability to create jobs. And the only tools at their disposal are making direct hires (thereby, expanding the size of government), contracting out work (more stimulus and, therefore, debt), targeted tax cuts (already being done, with the GOP opposing the latest effort to expand them for small businesses), and some tinkering by the Fed.
The Tea Party candidates explicitly opposed all these efforts except the targeted tax cuts, and their number one issue is the deficit, which most tax cuts will only exacerbate. More mainstream Republicans also oppose all these solutions. So, basically, people said they want the government to create jobs but they voted in people who don't support using any of the tools the government has to create them. That's stupid.
I have nothing to add except, *headslamondesk, this is depressingly true. Someone legalize weed already, so that I may become comfortably numb.
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
It's really quite amazing how incredibly uninformed or misinformed the electorate was about who they were voting for and what they were likely to do once elected.
For one example, people said their number one priority was jobs, but the government has a limited ability to create jobs. And the only tools at their disposal are making direct hires (thereby, expanding the size of government), contracting out work (more stimulus and, therefore, debt), targeted tax cuts (already being done, with the GOP opposing the latest effort to expand them for small businesses), and some tinkering by the Fed.
The Tea Party candidates explicitly opposed all these efforts except the targeted tax cuts, and their number one issue is the deficit, which most tax cuts will only exacerbate. More mainstream Republicans also oppose all these solutions. So, basically, people said they want the government to create jobs but they voted in people who don't support using any of the tools the government has to create them. That's stupid.
I have nothing to add except, *headslamondesk, this is depressingly true. Someone legalize weed already, so that I may become comfortably numb.
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
Get Your Dunkin Wednesday
George W. Bush or G-Dub as I liked to call him has been all over my tv set and I can't stand it. I didn't miss the guy. I don't miss the guy. I don't want to hear about him recollecting his "decisions." I don't want to hear about what he thinks about the teabaggers, Kanye, the economy or Wall St. And I especially don't want to hear talk about Saddam Hussein anymore. As Rude said, "the hole in our heart and soul is still there." This morning G-Dub was on the Today show with Matt Lauer and good old G-Dub made an unfounded claim that he created jobs. See the above graph and what G-Dub's job growth did for Americans everywhere. We can't let this man try to re-brand himself or re-write history. I certainly won't forget. And yes I'm looking backwards Barack because that's how we learn from our mistakes! Rage on ragers rage on!Here are your highlights:
Meet Virginia: as the teabaggers want "Don't Tread on Me" license plates
A vote for Civil Unions in Illinois?
HA! Michael Moore is funny
Behind the scenes of the Hollywood custom car lot
Climate progress might be regressing sooner than later with new GOP chairduhs
Unemployment numbers and look back at previous recessions. You would think by now, politicians regardless of party affiliation would sound the alarm and make sweeping legislation to combats years of unemployment. However, we have one party who didn't do nearly enough and another who is hell bent on destroying the recovery as we know it.
Chow!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Thank You Wisconsin, We'll Take Your Money
It's called stimulus you ideological nitwits. AND I WANT TO GO FAST!
Chicago Sun-Times:
Illinois wants the $810 million in federal high-speed rail money that Wisconsin Governor-elect Scott Walker has promised to reject.
“We’d love to have it,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. He said Illinois, which has already received $1.2 billion in high-speed rail funding, could spend Wisconsin’s money making further improvements to the Chicago-St. Louis corridor to add more passenger runs.
The money also could be used to build stations in Joliet and Rockford, Hannig said.
Walker, a Republican, made opposing a high-speed train line from Milwaukee to Madison a key part of his campaign against Democrat Tom Barrett. Walker objected to the state having to pay up to $7.5 million a year in ongoing operational costs.
State Sen. Jeffrey Schoenberg (D-Evanston) said he would work with other lawmakers to persuade the U.S. Department of Transportation to transfer the money to Illinois. He also would like to see trainmaker Talgo, Inc. move here. Talgo has said it can’t promise to stay in Milwaukee if the state rejects the rail project.
“If the new governor of Wisconsin is overwhelmed by $800 million of federal funds, we’d be happy to take that burden off his back,” Schoenberg said.
Apparently NY is also trying to receive the funds, but as we know that train would go nowhere. I sometimes wonder why it is neo-cons hate trains so much, maybe it really is Atrios's fault? That or they really do think Europe is teh devil. I welcome more trains and more jobs. Call me a librul socialist nazi train lova! Wisconsin, f u very much!
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
Chicago Sun-Times:
Illinois wants the $810 million in federal high-speed rail money that Wisconsin Governor-elect Scott Walker has promised to reject.
“We’d love to have it,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. He said Illinois, which has already received $1.2 billion in high-speed rail funding, could spend Wisconsin’s money making further improvements to the Chicago-St. Louis corridor to add more passenger runs.
The money also could be used to build stations in Joliet and Rockford, Hannig said.
Walker, a Republican, made opposing a high-speed train line from Milwaukee to Madison a key part of his campaign against Democrat Tom Barrett. Walker objected to the state having to pay up to $7.5 million a year in ongoing operational costs.
State Sen. Jeffrey Schoenberg (D-Evanston) said he would work with other lawmakers to persuade the U.S. Department of Transportation to transfer the money to Illinois. He also would like to see trainmaker Talgo, Inc. move here. Talgo has said it can’t promise to stay in Milwaukee if the state rejects the rail project.
“If the new governor of Wisconsin is overwhelmed by $800 million of federal funds, we’d be happy to take that burden off his back,” Schoenberg said.
Apparently NY is also trying to receive the funds, but as we know that train would go nowhere. I sometimes wonder why it is neo-cons hate trains so much, maybe it really is Atrios's fault? That or they really do think Europe is teh devil. I welcome more trains and more jobs. Call me a librul socialist nazi train lova! Wisconsin, f u very much!
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
James Fritz "Deflated"
Today marks release day and on the top of everyone's list should be Comedian James Fritz's new CD "Deflated." James has been a friend of mine in the comedy scene for some time and I've had the pleasure of performing with the man. He's one of the most brutally honest, hilarious and genuine comedians in Chicago. It's hard to do what James Fritz does so effortlessly. I recommend you purchase this CD stat and be prepared to laugh your liberal asses off!James Fritz "Deflated" is currently available on ITunes. The physical CD will be released by Red Bar Comedy Records and it will be signed by James Fritz.
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
The Re-Branding Of Bush
Rude Pundit lays into the former president:
5. Fuck you. Fuck your bullshit justifications. We were there. Some of us know what really happened. So fuck your impenetrable clusterfuck rationalizing, your tautology of excuses. You're pissed that Iraq had no weapons of mass destruction, but you doesn't regret the war. You actually come across convinced of your lies, and now your former employees are out there making sure that you are remembered as the guy who took tough, decisive action when it was necessary. And even if that's true, taking action doesn't mean that you did the right thing. You can firmly say, "Here's the road we're traveling on." Doesn't mean that it ain't the road to the mine field and sodomy pit. The failure to admit that is the damnation we all have to deal with. But your lackeys want us all to just get over it and move on.
Yesterday, Dr. William Petit, whose family was tortured and murdered, spoke quite movingly to the media when one of the men who committed the crimes was sentenced to death. This man who has suffered more than any of us could imagine was asked about gaining closure through the sentence. Perhaps it's too soon to use his words as metaphor for something larger, but something Petit said sticks in the Rude Pundit's mind as he thinks about post-Bush America. He said, "[T]here's never closure. There's a hole, you know. The way I've imagined it straight through, it's a hole with jagged edges and over time the edges may smooth out a little bit, but the hole in your heart and the hole in your soul is still there. So there's never closure."
You can smooth those edges, W. The hole you left, though, well, we'll all be long gone before we see if it ever closes.
The read the whole rant, it's rude and right on.
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
5. Fuck you. Fuck your bullshit justifications. We were there. Some of us know what really happened. So fuck your impenetrable clusterfuck rationalizing, your tautology of excuses. You're pissed that Iraq had no weapons of mass destruction, but you doesn't regret the war. You actually come across convinced of your lies, and now your former employees are out there making sure that you are remembered as the guy who took tough, decisive action when it was necessary. And even if that's true, taking action doesn't mean that you did the right thing. You can firmly say, "Here's the road we're traveling on." Doesn't mean that it ain't the road to the mine field and sodomy pit. The failure to admit that is the damnation we all have to deal with. But your lackeys want us all to just get over it and move on.
Yesterday, Dr. William Petit, whose family was tortured and murdered, spoke quite movingly to the media when one of the men who committed the crimes was sentenced to death. This man who has suffered more than any of us could imagine was asked about gaining closure through the sentence. Perhaps it's too soon to use his words as metaphor for something larger, but something Petit said sticks in the Rude Pundit's mind as he thinks about post-Bush America. He said, "[T]here's never closure. There's a hole, you know. The way I've imagined it straight through, it's a hole with jagged edges and over time the edges may smooth out a little bit, but the hole in your heart and the hole in your soul is still there. So there's never closure."
You can smooth those edges, W. The hole you left, though, well, we'll all be long gone before we see if it ever closes.
The read the whole rant, it's rude and right on.
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
Get Your Dunkin Tuesday
Conan is back and all is right in late night! The lady and I watched the opening and a couple of guests, we both didn't feel like staying up for Jack White. Regardless it was nice to see a comedian I respect get the show he deserves. It's as if he never left. I also appreciated him addressing the NBC fiasco head on. It takes real comedic savvy and courage to say to the man "F You!" It proves that with hard work, perseverance and self-respect, you don't have to compromise on everything...speaking which, how's that working out for our president? Aw, I couldn't help myself. Drinking Liberally tonight. It will be all about the lame-duck, Sheffield's at 7pm. Rock!
Here are your highlights:
Biden to roll out home energy efficiency program
Ugh, more Bush passing the buck. Torture, "the lawyers said it was cool"
Glibertarians make no sense. Trashing them is more fun.
It's an Indian Summer in Chicago
Thank God Tim Burton didn't get to ruin Superman
Let Texas secede already. First it was Gov. Rick Perry wanting to opt out of Social Security, now it's Medicaid. And to top it off they want an anti-immigration law just like Arizona. I can't wait to all that oil dries up...
Chow !
Monday, November 8, 2010
From the Mix Tape - Norma Jean
As I stated in TAT, I've been listening to a lot of different music to prepare for my next acting gig. Norma Jean being one of them. This song makes me want to rage, especially the line "lie to me." It's fitting for the type of character I'm going to be playing; the dynamics, the gut-wrenching screams and the brutal guitar riffs are reflective of the emotional scope I need to portray. In other words, I'll be playing the role of a disturbed scavenger whose lost his grasp of reality. Sounds like fun, huh?
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
Endless War(s)
Here we go again.
Democracy Now:
U.S. Deploys Armed Drones to Yemen
The Washington Post reports the U.S. has deployed armed Predator drones to hunt for al-Qaeda operatives in Yemen for the first time in years. The drones are being operated by the Joint Special Operations Command and being flown from a nearby country, possibly Djibouti or Qatar. The drones are part a major U.S. buildup in Yemen that includes the arrival of new CIA teams, up to 100 Special Operations force trainers, and the deployment of sophisticated surveillance and electronic eavesdropping systems operated by spy services including the National Security Agency. A Pentagon official told the Washington Post that plans are being made to nearly double military aid to Yemen next year to $250 million.
I understand there is a viable threat in Yemen, however, have we learned nothing from Afghanistan? This is gravely disappointing from Obama and the White House. We can't spread our forces out thinly expecting to fend off every terrorist in every country. It's a waste of money and resources.
And here's a reminder of what drone attacks perpetuate.
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
Democracy Now:
U.S. Deploys Armed Drones to Yemen
The Washington Post reports the U.S. has deployed armed Predator drones to hunt for al-Qaeda operatives in Yemen for the first time in years. The drones are being operated by the Joint Special Operations Command and being flown from a nearby country, possibly Djibouti or Qatar. The drones are part a major U.S. buildup in Yemen that includes the arrival of new CIA teams, up to 100 Special Operations force trainers, and the deployment of sophisticated surveillance and electronic eavesdropping systems operated by spy services including the National Security Agency. A Pentagon official told the Washington Post that plans are being made to nearly double military aid to Yemen next year to $250 million.
I understand there is a viable threat in Yemen, however, have we learned nothing from Afghanistan? This is gravely disappointing from Obama and the White House. We can't spread our forces out thinly expecting to fend off every terrorist in every country. It's a waste of money and resources.
And here's a reminder of what drone attacks perpetuate.
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
Blinding You With Science
It seems Climate Change scientists are beginning a new campaign and it's welcomed, "Don’t believe in global warming? That’s not very conservative." The argument is sound. It comes across as focused and direct while going after the opposition for its blatant hypocrisy. The most appealing aspect is that they are challenging conservatives to conserve (clever). Perhaps this will do some good, especially considering who was recently elected.
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
The Million Dollar Question
Kevin Drum rants about Democrats throwing a hissy-fit over losing the mid-term elections:
Honest to God, stuff like this just makes me want to scream. Why do Democrats panic so badly whenever they lose an election? Why run to the nearest reporter to spout idiocies about Obama not feeling middle class pain or not being an extrovert like Bill Clinton? Bill Clinton! For chrissake, I like and defend the guy, but he was an extrovert who felt people's pain and he lost 54 seats in the 1994 midterm. No one cared if he felt their pain. Likewise, no one cares if Obama feels their pain. They want jobs, not pursed lips and moist eyes.
This stuff is so inane, so ego-driven, so self-destructive that it drives me crazy. Why are Democrats such idiots?
It comes from years of being spineless. It comes from allowing yourself to be Charlie Browned every time Lucy has the football. It comes from the lack of political will to frame your argument. And it comes from a lot of so-called Democrats being conservatives not progressives. They concede so much because they worry more about elections instead of what's the right thing to do. It's this asinine behavior that makes Kevin and many of us scream "WTF are you doing?"
Sadly it is par for the course when talking about the Democrats. I'm sure Steny Hoyer will change that culture...
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
Honest to God, stuff like this just makes me want to scream. Why do Democrats panic so badly whenever they lose an election? Why run to the nearest reporter to spout idiocies about Obama not feeling middle class pain or not being an extrovert like Bill Clinton? Bill Clinton! For chrissake, I like and defend the guy, but he was an extrovert who felt people's pain and he lost 54 seats in the 1994 midterm. No one cared if he felt their pain. Likewise, no one cares if Obama feels their pain. They want jobs, not pursed lips and moist eyes.
This stuff is so inane, so ego-driven, so self-destructive that it drives me crazy. Why are Democrats such idiots?
It comes from years of being spineless. It comes from allowing yourself to be Charlie Browned every time Lucy has the football. It comes from the lack of political will to frame your argument. And it comes from a lot of so-called Democrats being conservatives not progressives. They concede so much because they worry more about elections instead of what's the right thing to do. It's this asinine behavior that makes Kevin and many of us scream "WTF are you doing?"
Sadly it is par for the course when talking about the Democrats. I'm sure Steny Hoyer will change that culture...
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
Ninja Thought
John Cole says something I agree with about teh gay community and so I link to it.
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message
Get Your Dunkin Monday
Ughhhhhh. That's all I have to say. Okay I've more to say, but that sums up my drunken weekend. So here's what happens when you lose weight, you can't drink like you used to! You would think I was smart enough to know this, but when in Wrigleyville do as the Wrigleyvillites would do. I took shots and drinks and got smammered. I'm honestly still kind of hurting. The lady was kind enough to get me Gatorade and greasy pizza yesterday as we stayed in watching the games. Last night was the second episode of the Walking Dead. It rocked! Must say thus far it has been excellent watching the characters from the graphic novel come alive. I personally have yet to mind any of the story adjustments either as the core and gore is still true to tale. Can't wait for another episode. Hope everyone had a splendid weekend!
Here are your highlights:
Keith Olbermann off suspension!
I don't get Blue Dogs. Steny Hoyer now playing with fire, will challenge Clyburn for Minority Whip. There are some obvious offenses made by this singular move...I doubt the African-American Caucus will take to lightly to them.
This sink is weird
They're winning: The Have-Mores Have More
Anti-Abortion Activists on Trial For "Wanted" Posters. It's disgusting how they try to twist the 1st Amendment to defend their blatant threats to doctors' lives.
Meet the GOP, same as the old GOP as they embrace the title of "Yahoos" Tell me again, how Obama is supposed to negotiate with politicians determined to hold our government hostage regardless of consequences? It's going to be a long two years.
Chow!
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