In Santa Monica

Teh lady and I have arrived. We got in late Saturday and have been spending most of our time trying to make our new place feel like home. Our big items won't arrive until next week...so suitcases and plastic everything. Santa Monica is unique. I don't think it's quite settled in where we are, what the people are into or any of that sort of thing. The weather as expected is surreal. We wake up anticipating some sort of rain or extended overcast. Nope. It's yet to feel hot simply relaxing. We haven't gone a dinner without a glass of wine. It does seem easy to enjoy this all too much. We're without internet for maybe a week or so. Apologies, but we hope to get a provider in the door sooner than later. Once we get our stuff set up it'll be back to usual and full of rage (some things don't change).

It's all happening!

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

And we are off

It's been an amazing five years Chicago. Thanks for all the memories, you'll be missed.( I don't have internet at this moment, so this is a phone post, forgive me for keeping it brief. ) California I hope you're ready. Frank Chow lands tonight.

I am Frank Chow and it's all just beginning

Get Your Dunkin Friday

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Tomorrow is the day! Let me first say I'm exhausted. The drive by my lonesome yesterday in the miserable weather was not fun. I enjoyed the car much more than previous rides, but holy hell country roads are a bitch. On top of that the train was packed. I keep forgetting it's Memorial Day weekend...probably a good thing. I digress, tomorrow we hop on a plane to move to California. It's been a long lead up to this life changing extravaganza, we're nervous, excited, pumped, ready and blessed. To you California peeps, I look forward to partaking in the sunshine, returning to my natural skin tone and SURF'S UP DUDE, let's get a drink or two after the lady and I get settled.

Here are your highlights:

They had 24 minutes...science and technology are wonderful things, wish we could spend more money on these sorts of things.

More on the Real Michelle Rhee

Is Palin pulling a Trump?

How to raise your kids right! LEGO WALLS!

Major Tom to Message Control, Medicare is old & fat

When a party declares intellectual bankruptcy, Steve Benen describes the modern GOP's approach to job creation,"It’s as if someone bought an iPod, uploaded one song, and hit “shuffle.”" Gangsta.

Chow!

Get Your Dunkin Thursday

Well, I'm on the road most of the day. I've got to drive the car to my lady's parent's place in Central Illinois then hop on a train back up to Chicago. Gonna be a long one. Last night we went to our favorite spot in town Blue 13 with our good friend Sterno. I arrived a little early to see what concoctions their General Manager/Beverage Director Dan might come up with for Ransom Old Tom Gin. Alas, they had run out the night before! (people are catching on, I must do something to keep precious mine) So instead I went with the Small's Gin, followed by Rogue and finished with some Hendricks. Each cocktail was unique and done just right. As for the food, you can't go wrong with lobster pizza, and a pork chop from the rock gods \m/. It was great to sit down, chat, enjoy some drinks, some fantastic food (we even got Sterno to try brussel sprouts and bacon) and to top the night off they played Manchester Orchestra. I'll miss this city, especially because of night's like that.

Here are your highlights:

Tornado death toll hits 125

Oh the fun we have to look forward to in Los Angeles - a Man's Castle

Senate Republicans on board to end Medicare, yes they're that extreme nowadays

And so it goes, Goodwin Liu withdraws his nomination. He still has a bright future, but a nice "F YOU GOP" is in order

Brad DeLong says it's "Time to Panic" the economy isn't turning fast enough. By the looks of unemployment numbers...he's right.

Chow!

There is a List

Of those who voted "Yes" to end Medicare aka the Ryan Plan and Oliver Willis has got it. NY-26 should only be the beginning.

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Ninja Thought

Hell hath no furry...

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Get Your Dunkin Wednesday

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Last night was a celebratory Drinking Liberally and boy did I drink. The only downside to the entire night was the depressing loss by the Bulls to the Heat. Conclusion; everyone in the bar hates Lebron James. HATES! We're off to California on Saturday, I'm counting down the days. The place is cleaned up and down. Only thing left to do is drive the car to her folks which I'll be doing tomorrow. Hopefully the weather clears up because I hate driving in storms. At least this time the car is equipped with satellite radio and kick ass speakers. Boom baby!

Here are your highlights:

Democrats: We’ll Use NY-26 Medicare Formula Around The Country, Congrats to Kathy Hogul!

Been a long time, Resolution of Regret for the Chinese Exclusion Act

Portis to the Giants?

Minnesota should be ashamed, hopefully the people send an "F You!" to their members

Compassionate conservatism. Cantor wants spending cuts in order to pay for Missouri tornado victims relief. He really said that. I mean I didn't make that up. He really is that big of an ass hat.

Chow!

Drinking Liberally One Last Time..

Okay, not really. However tonight will be my last Drinking Liberally Chicago with the current lot of misfits, socialists and pinko scum. Coincidently, I'm not the only one who is moving, I just happen to be the first. The crew you see is a changing.

I have many a fond memory of DL. It's become something I look forward to every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. It's amazing what can occur after you cautiously sit down with a bunch of strangers. Through the power of booze and politics I found a group of people who can talk about a variety of things intellectually for hours on end. I now proudly call them friends. I can only hope that after some time in Santa Monica, I'll find friends as good as the ones I've made at Drinking Liberally.

Here's to Pints & Politics!

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Club for Grunts

NPR:

But where some see an attack on workers' rights, others see a new era of fiscal restraint.

"It's incredibly encouraging for organizations like ours," says Barney Keller, spokesman for the conservative group Club for Growth.

"Many Americans believe that record debt and record deficits just cannot be sustained anymore," Keller says. "Because of record debt and record deficits, they see teachers and firefighters and all other local things that impact them directly ... and they feel like they're getting the short end of the stick."

No follow up to the merit of Club for Grunts Barney Keller's statement. Just this:

Labor leaders say many of these anti-union measures go far beyond cost-cutting, and attack the very existence of unions.

One side says this, the other side says that! YOU DECIDE! Let me clarify. Unions and workers' rights are not the cause of debts, deficits Keller is talking about and they aren't hopping about in cash mountains while others struggle. In fact they are amongst the many of the people currently struggling. Now we should all know by now that the debts and deficits came about so Richie Rich could get gold toilets in his personal jets. Also too, wars. And this is when both sides journalism takes a turn to misinformation because there's a part missing...Let's talk about these Club for Grunt characters shall we!

(insert MSNBC music here and Frank turning around in his chair stares at camera 1)

What Keller says is a complete sack of excrement and anyone blaming teachers and firefighters in these times needs their head examined. The people they should be blaming are lug nuts like Keller who continually put on a tutu and spin around hoping for the Tax Cut Fairy to bop our economy on the head. His failed limited gubbament act is the kind of crap that got us into this big pile of turd. And how do I know that? Well, by the company the Grunts keep. Let's just look to see who Club for Grunts supported in the last elections; winners like Sharron Angle, Sen. Ron Johnson, Joe "Alaskan Thug 4 Life" Miller, Sen. Mike Lee and Teabaggin Doorknob Sen. Jim DeMint.

Quite a lineup especially the fiscally responsible Sen. Mike Lee (UT).

Think Progress:

Child labor laws are also only one of many essential protections that would evaporate in Mike Lee’s America. The same legal theory Lee uses to impugn child labor laws applies equally to the federal minimum wage and the ban on whites-only lunch counters. And Lee doesn’t even stop there. In a subsequent section of the lecture, Lee attacks President Franklin Roosevelt for calling for the federal government to provide “a decent retirement plan” and “health care” because “the Constitution doesn’t give Congress any of those powers.” Watch it:



So Lee wouldn’t just remove the most basic protections against child sweatshops, he would also eliminate Social Security and Medicare.

Nothing says "fiscal restraint" like putting little Timmy to work while Grandma cleans tables at Denny's and Grandpa begs on the corner for the other side of the stick. Of course this all means what Keller says must be right and *NPR and the other news organizations must MUST take Club for Grunts seriously!

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

*(don't get me wrong here I still think NPR is one of the decent ones worth saving)

Get Your Dunkin Tuesday

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

It's Tuesday and I spent most of my day yesterday cleaning our bathroom for the next tenant. I'm pretty sure I was high off of bleach...still am. I will probably attempt to conquer the kitchen next. Yup, I'm "Susie Homemaker" this week as the lady is working tirelessly and someone has to prep her place before we leave. It's crazy in four days we'll be on a plane to start the next big step in our lives. Last Drinking Liberally get together tonight, if anyone knows the guys out in LA send me an email. I'd like to continue my habitual rage.

Here are your highlights:

More on the tornado that devastated Missouri

Trekkies building Trekkie/er Resort?

Comical, Cantor wants Paul Ryan to run for the White House

Tweeeeeee

How it works these days...Making Our Own Reality. Obama says something. Right-wing freaks out about what Obama didn't say. Press repeats right-wing freak out. Obama has now officially said what he didn't say. That or we really are an Idiocracy.

Chow!

We're Being Played

Political Wire:

A new study of stock trading by members of the House of Representatives concludes that lawmakers earned "significant positive abnormal returns" -- approximately 55 basis points per month or 6% annually -- over standard market returns.

The results mirror a previous study that focused on trading by Senators.

Perhaps that's what Sen. Michael Bennett meant when he said, "it's all rigged."

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Get Your Dunkin Monday

It's all gone! Our stuff is gone! Saturday the movers came, they saw and they conquered our stack of stuff in less than three hours. If you ever plan on moving cross-country I highly recommend a national moving company. The efficiency was amazing. Saturday night we had a small get together of friends at Sheffield's. It was lovely just hanging out, drinking a few too many g & t's and seeing people before we head out to Santa Monica. This is our last week in Chicago. Late last night after visiting my cousins it finally hit me. It's all been moving so quickly I don't think I've allowed myself the chance to take it in. I'm gonna miss this city, but most of all I'm gonna miss my family in Chicago. This week I'm an errand boy. Oh and cleaning like a fool.

Here are your highlights:

An Ireland homecoming for Obama

Extreme weather, Missouri hit by tornado kills 89

"Our Country is in Big Trouble" yes, we are especially when clowns like Tim Pawlenty are running for president

The Ryan Plan should have come with a fuckin bow & card

The President and 51st State, this is one of the better write ups I've read about our delicate relationship with Israel and the Middle East. I was taken back by how many self-proclaimed patriots had delusional fantasies that Netanyahu ripped Obama a new one. Even though Obama had said nothing that Netanyahu wasn't already aware of and had essentially played the moment safe. Is it me or do those on the Right think what's in Israel's best interest must be our default interest?

Chow!

Stuff Goes on the Truck Today

And I can't feel my legs...jk. We're beat and still have a couple of things to wrap up. My computer is going too. *Le Sigh. See you in California stuff!

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Ninja Thought

I'm sure the Free Market Fairy just temporarily misplaced her wand

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Get Your Dunkin Friday

Well one day to get it all wrapped up. Luckily, we don't have to worry about the big stuff. We're moving cross-country, so we hired movers that will wrap up, move and ship our big stuff without us prepping a thing. Awesome. Stuff. We have lots of it. Even in small apartment. It's quite amazing. We're heading to Sears Tower today just before we have to buckle down. My lady was kind enough to get us a fast past because sadly in my five years here, I've never been. Cross it off the list! In other news my longtime friend and future best man, Paddy K turns 30 today. Wish him a Happy Birthday folks! Our next TAT probably won't be till I'm settled in Santa Monica, thanks for your patience!

Here are your highlights:

Comcast acting like the monopoly it is...

The latest in faux outrage by the Right, Obama in the Middle East

Hopkins v Pascal II, I thought it was close the last time and I don't foresee Hopkins taking two knockdowns this go around. Might be exciting, unless Pascal runs.

What money can buy, bailout for rape

SAVE YOURSELVES!!! TEH RAPTURE IS COMING!! If the world ends tomorrow, I guess we don't have to pay the movers.

Chow!

Get Your Dunkin Thursday

I'm free!!!! Today is my first day of no longer working at the office, in fact any office. I'm filled with anxiety and great relief. For the past three years I've subjected myself to an unhealthy work environment and with our new journey on the horizon I decided to make Wednesday my last day. It's unbelievable. Today I'll be packing up our things, organizing our move and wrapping up loose ends here and there (maybe I'll get some cleaning in as well). The stuff goes on the truck in two days. All of this is happening so quickly I've barely had any time to reflect or enjoy the moments. I'm hoping once we land in Santa Monica, gather our things, and breath; the lady and I can celebrate not only our three year anniversary, but our new home and life.

Here are your highlights:

Moody's, S&P Warn U.S. Risks Triple-A Credit Rating If It Defaults On Debt -- Even Briefly

Why we are falling behind, College is now becoming too much of a financial burden

Putting the Art Back into Barista

Our media's first reaction to sex scandals, it's the woman's fault

Eyeing a very grand bargain, let's be honest Republicans aren't serious about teh deficit and their using unemployment as a political tactic to hopefully beat Obama in 2012. There will be no "grand bargain"

Fuck you Chuck Grassley. If this isn't red scare bullshit, then I don't know what is, Sen. Grassley Accuses Asian-American Judicial Nominee Of Holding ‘Communist’ Chinese Worldview. As I stated earlier, they will deny Goodwin Liu because he's not a model minority. Call your Senator today!

Chow!

Goodwin Liu Guilty of Audacity

Goodwin Liu has been nominated for the 9th Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals for over a year...let me explain, the Republican members of the Senate have held up Liu's nomination so long that President Barack Obama had to re-nominate him. That's right. Republicans wouldn't even allow a vote on Liu. So this is his second go around through the unruly process, but why is Goodwin Liu's nomination such a big deal to Republicans?

Because he has audacity and this sort of thing is not supposed to come from a "model minority" such as Liu. A Yale Law School graduate. Rhodes Scholar. Constitutional Law Scholar. Bad Ass. That's Goodwin Liu. Normally this thing would be okay with Republicans except Liu doesn't play by their rules. You see, only good, conservatives boys who believe corporations are people get to have audacity (they try to remind Obama of that everyday) and Liu tells it like it is and not in the flipping off while peering down my goggle glasses conservative sort of way.

Talking Points Memo:

The real reason Republicans are opposing him is his age and career prospects, they argue. If given the perch of the Ninth Circuit, at 40, Liu could start building up a record on the bench and eventually become the first Asian-American nominee to the Supreme Court.

Asian-American advocates, and prominent legal scholars, including former Whitewater counsel Kenneth Starr, a Republican have championed Liu since he was first nominated in early 2010. But Republicans have blocked him at every turn, arguing that he has not been forthcoming to the Senate Judiciary Committee about the content of his speeches and writings. Some Republicans also are still seething over his written testimony against Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito in 2006.

"Judge Alito's record envisions an America where police may shoot and kill an unarmed boy to stop him from running away with a stolen purse ... where a black man may be sentenced to death by an all-white jury for killing a white man," Liu wrote. "I humbly submit that this is not the America we know. Nor is it the America we aspire to be."

The testimony was "vicious, emotionally and racially charged, very intemperate, and to me it calls into question your ability to approach and characterize people's positions in a fair and judicious way," Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ) said last year.

Alito if you need reminding is this asshat:



I think we can gauge this "in a fair and judicious way." Goodwin Liu was correct in his assessment of Alito and the reason Republicans oppose Liu's nomination is because he would be the kind of judge they fawn over if only he was on their side.

As I see it, this is why you should support Goodwin Liu, he's a top-notch nominee:

Sens. Charles Grassley (R-IA) and Jeff Sessions (R-AL), the current and former ranking members of the Judiciary Committee, released a strongly worded "alert" Wednesday arguing against the confirmation.

If confirmed by the Senate, Liu "would advance his progressive philosophy for years to come, doing incalculable damage to the constitutional system of limited government and federalism envisioned by our founding fathers," the senators said in the statement.

By "progressive philosophy" they mean he supports that pesky thing called affirmative action (minorities stealing jobs and shit), teh gay ruining opposite marriage, he believes women are not trophies nor baby containers, torture is torture and that zapping people as punishment is death porn (okay I said that, but he does argue against the death penalty).

No matter how this pans out, we should put in the utmost effort to get Goodwin Liu on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The health of our nation is dependent upon maintaining a balance in our court system. Liu would be a much needed counter.

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

*bolding by me

Update: The Republicans filibustered Goodwin Liu because Democrats hurt their feelings and didn't send them a Christmas card (it was a Holiday card) or something. Republicans have been blocking Obama judicial nominees at a historic rate, chalk up this to another childish move. The 9th Circuit has a 40% Asian-population, and is grossly underrepresented. The minority outreach of the GOP continues on! (insert Nixon playing piano and exiting stage right here)

Get Your Dunkin Wednesday

Today is my last day at work. FUCK YES! It's finally here and I can't wait for the next journey my lady and I embark on. It's been a trying past three years at my position. I can honestly say I won't miss it. I won't miss the phone calls, the rude customers, the unappreciative and cold work environment, the office politics and most of all it was never wanted I wanted to do with my life. It did, however afford me the opportunity to get back into acting. If it weren't for the helpful European vacation schedule, I wouldn't have had the time to audition for my first break. It also paid for my sweet photoshop skillz, so I guess we both got something out of it. They had another rotating cog and I can make a mockery of Newt Gingrich and Sarah Palin! WIN! We are packing up our stuff the next two days. Crazy. Stuff goes on the truck to Santa Monica on Saturday. It's all happening.

Here are your highlights:

Obama walks the tight rope and speaks about the Middle East

I'm so never getting prostate cancer (knock on wood) Coffee May Lower Risk of Deadliest Prostate Cancer

Not convinced, the Catholic Church says the hippies made priests child molesters

Think of the Children - always hear this argument, but never seems to be the case

Rahm Emanuel is now mayor doing mayoral things like nonsense budget cuts

Support Goodwin Liu! After a year of Republican extremism Goodwin Liu's nomination might come to vote. As Angry Asian Man states, Asian-Americans are "underrepresented" and on top of that Liu has the potential to be on the Supreme Court down the road. However, it means more to the country as a whole that the likes of Goodwin Liu are serving, he is a liberal voice to the Roberts Court. And that is something we need badly.

Chow!

Ninja Thought

Reminder: If they GOP had their way, we'd be in the Second Great Depression. Still.

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Get Your Dunkin Tuesday

Busy day. One more day in this hell hole.

Here are your highlights:

OOPS! Historic 'Spending Cut' Bill Increased Spending By $3 Billion

Paul Ryan is becoming a sad, theatrical character of his Galt self

Mobile Payments?

#1 #1 #1 D. Rose shining in the playoffs

Stewart head to head with O'Reilly

Playing with the Debt Ceiling hurts the economy. It's not difficult to understand and the Republican Party is reckless in its games.

Chow!

Ninja Thought

The Appalachian Trail Plan

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Get Your Dunkin Monday

Well shit Blogger, what happened? Not even an explanation, but my posts got messed up, lost one, only saved another and didn't post my "Santa Monica" one for a whole day. Awesome. So anyway, what was supposed to be uninterrupted sucky blogging became non-existent sucky blogging. Yes I was in LA for less than two days for a work trip. Yes our stuff goes on the moving truck on Saturday. We're only in Chicago for two more weeks and I think it finally hit us yesterday. Crazy. I can't wait, but we'll miss the hell out of this amazing town.

Here are your highlights:

The reign of Mayor Emanuel begins today

Success! The Shuttle Endeavor blasts off

Blackwater/XE evil mastermind is now in another country being just as evil

Piracy sends "Go the Fuck to Sleep" to #1 on Amazon

Can't stress this enough, there's yet to be a definitely serious candidate out of the Republican Party. Not one, no matter who the establishment media wants to exalt.


Chow!

Walking around Santa Monica

Might be too easy to get used to. Especially on the company dime one last time before the move.

Chow!

Headslamondesk: The Asian Pick-Up Artist

Dear Asian Male Douchebag aka PUA,

Women are not trophies. They are not objects. They are not dolls or collectibles. You sir are an asshat, calling yourself a "pick-up artist" is NOT, I repeat NOT cool. It is only considered cool in the kind of circles that wear $40 tee shirts with a worn finish slaved over by child laborers and an ironic statement about boobs (it's funny cuz women have boobs and men like them and stuff). You are not helping Asian men gain respect or accomplish anything in America. What you are doing is reaffirming the idea that you are an insecure, weak individual who must overcompensate for your obviously glaring short-comings. Stop it. Stop now. And I'm talking to you J.T. Tran.

Gawker:

Meet J.T. Tran, "The Asian Playboy" and America's "#1 Dating Coach for Asian Men." He makes a cameo in Wesley Yang's New York magazine article about high-achieving Asian-American underdogs. As an aerospace engineer, J.T. spent his spare time studying from The Game pick-up artist Mystery. Soon, he became the Kumon math teacher of seduction.

There is a place for seminars meant to empower Asian American males, that argument can be made. How to perhaps conducts said seminars in a positive way is a worthy discussion to have amongst the community, this however is nothing, but embarrassing. It appeals to the lowest common denominator while degrading women to talk long glorified in locker rooms full of steroid fueled chest bumps and sunless tanner. You've just set us back. Thank you for nothing.

Regards,

Frank "RAGETASTIC" Chow

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

*blogger messed up this post and this is what I remember the content being for the most part. If anyone can find the original let me know. FML

Get Your Dunkin Wednesday

Well tomorrow I go on a work trip to LA. Yes I've put in my two weeks, however when I put the notice in my employer had no readily available back-up. I guess I surprised them...which means I fly out tomorrow, conduct a seminar the following day and fly back to Chicago that same night. It's far more romantic doing a trip like that when you're George Clooney. I will be, most likely, miserably squished between two people on a four hour flight. I'm debating bringing the laptop and watching Firefly the whole time just to infuse my nerdiness upon those I'll be bumping elbows with.

Here are your highlights:

Senate confirms Edward Chen, it only took 600 days!

The Washington Wizards get a much needed redesign, better, but why so many variables?

Job openings increased in March

Picking Sides: Star Wars Propaganda Posters

The Speaker of the House is Speaking a Crazy

Obama's approval rating jumps to 60%. Nate Silver breaks down what the killing of bin Laden does to Obama's numbers in the long run. It doesn't hurt.

Chow!

"Vile" Gangsta Rapper Scares Fox News

With songs about love and commitment:



Something that absolutely frightens them. Also too, black male with facial hair.

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Ninja Thought

Asian Tigger Cubs

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Get Your Dunkin Tuesday

Well the year of 30 has begun! Last night they lady and I enjoyed fine dining across from Millennium Park at Henri. The space was much smaller than I anticipated, but appreciated. We enjoyed Lobster Wellington, a spectacular cocktail called Sullivan's Wake, the lady chose the duck with goat cheese and I chose the venison with artichokes and blueberries. Both were prepared well, I didn't leave a spec on the plate...gluttonous! Most importantly, aside from the food and service, the chatter wasn't too loud. It being my birthday I didn't want the loud clamor that comes with gastro pubs and group seating. I'm old I know. I wouldn't recommend Henri, however for anything, but a special occasion. It's quite expensive (special thanks to my lady aka the bomb/awesome) and I've had comparable meals at less cost. Although the view of the park almost makes up for it. Overall I left satisfied and happy I had chosen Henri. Santa Monica in three weeks. WOW.

Here are your highlights:

Boehner's Big Bluff and Senator Kyl tries to up the ante to almost infinity!

The Koch brothers purchase Texas

Cheerleader must compensate school that told her to clap ‘rapist’

So far the GOP presidential field is full of uh...a bunch of...uh...

Your bullshit tests are killing education - Rude doing what Rude does, fucking awesomely

Chow!

Three Miles Down

One of those tunes that inspired me to craft better songs:



It's my birthday and I'll post what I want to.

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Ninja Thought

Yellno

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Get Your Dunkin Monday

Today I'm 30. Yup, 30 years ago today I was born in Alexandria, VA. To be honest, in my morbid head, I never thought I'd live to see this day. Thankfully I'm here and highly anticipating my next big adventure in Santa Monica. This weekend was great; hung out with the future in-laws, checked out our reception space, met up with old friends to watch the Pacquiao v. Mosley (disappointing fight), ate some delicious Dim-Sum and took a stroll around Lincoln Square. It was how I wanted it, low key. I'm excited to see what's in store for me at 30. I have a new five-year plan, much more focused and with high expectations. I hope to overachieve in the years to come. Tonight I'm going to drink to 30 more years with my favorite person in the world, my lady.

Here are your highlights:

Obama on "60 Minutes" in a poignant interview

How to make education worse in America, out pricing it

Torture apologist Liz Cheney hits new all time low. I didn't know that was possible.

Trains, trains and more trains, just not in Florida

More Akira new is bad news

Economic signs of the times. Still haven't fixed housing. CEO's still making the big bucks. FREEDOM!!!

Chow!

LEAKED: Photos of Osama bin Laden Dead

Through my anonymous and various inside sources, I was able to obtain these deeply classified images of Osama bin Laden after he was killed. The photos have been verified through a Pakistani official who I met recently while watching a cricket match that lasted two whole days. I've left out said Pakistani official's name upon his request. Plus it's really difficult to spell (his name is Bob).

WARNING: These images are graphic and could lead to a queasy stomach, a case of the vapors or excessive vomiting. Consult a doctor before viewing said photos. If you have any heart or breathing issues, it's probably best you put down the gigantic 7-Eleven cup fused to your hand before viewing these photos. In other words there is a shit ton of blood.

A photo of Osama bin Laden moments after he was killed. After years of seclusion it is apparent he grew a righteous amount of facial hair.

A photo of Osama bin Laden minutes later after he was moved from part of the compound to another. You can see he was making a vulgar gesture towards the SEAL team.

A photo of Osama bin Laden moments before he was moved out of the compound. It appears he might have been holding drumsticks to use as weapons before being shot. (I could not determine why the clock was behind in this photo, but authenticity was confirmed)

These photos are for the explicit use of this site. Beware copies and or forgeries, especially if you're a member of Congress. There's a ton of ass hats out there with amateur photoshop skills.

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Get Your Dunkin Friday

I got me an extra large Dunkin today. Last night I made shredded chicken and the lady and I had some margaritas with some bad ass chicken tacos. Cinco de Mayo! Needless to say a food coma needs a shot from the Dunkster. In other news the future in-laws are coming into town for the night, so we'll be hitting up their local stomping ground Harry Caray's. This weekend is packed (pun intended) of pre-move stuff. I can't really wrap my head around it right now...

Here are your highlights:

Osama bin Laden still dead, al Qaida releases statement

The clown show of the GOP presidential race has begun!

Restaurant workers turn heroes, stop attack at drive-through

The pew pew, stealth copter used in the bin Laden raid is ninja like

Reality Check for the primary firebaggers

It's fight weekend! Manny "Pac-Man" Pacquiao faces Shane Mosley in a match-up I would have been super hyped about five years ago. Watching Pacquiao mature of his career has been a sight. I do hope the Mosley from the Margarito fight shows up, but I do predict Pacquiao's speed will be too much for the living legend. I just don't see anyone except for Sergio Martinez and Floyd Mayweather giving Pac-Man a fight, the first one is a matter of size (stupid fight) and the other is a matter of two egos not wanting to tarnish their legacies.

Chow!

Right Wing Billionaire Afraid of Black Guy

Or something:

"Obama is a hardcore socialist and he's marvelous at pretending to be something other than that, but that is what I believe he truly is, a hardcore socialist. He's scary to me."

- Billionaire David Koch, quoted by New York magazine.

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Ninja Thought

The Free Market Fairy is fucking dead. Bury her and move on to a fairy that does something, anything.

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Get Your Dunkin Thursday

Back to our regularly scheduled blogging! Thanks to everyone who reached out through various forms of social media, we really are excited to move to California. Last night was funny, funtastic and funtabular. I'll just say it rooooocked. This weekend is chalk full of random packing and planning stuff. We're still getting married in Chicago, so the future Mrs. and I have to get as much as we can locked down before we move. I'm also returning to a quasi-regular work out program, hip injury be damned. Umm yeah, it's Thursday and I'm kind of hung over, forgive me if this is all over the place.

Here are your highlights:

Something to Keep an Eye On

A Texas teacher proves how stupid human beings can be... despite their station

Read Oliver Willis

New Green Lantern Trailer with even more CGI

Well ain't that just a cry me a river, Obama apparently hurt Bush's feelings *Meh Meh

Breaking up with your favorite band

Interesting insight into the character of our president "A cool man"

Chow!

Moving to California

Some of you are already aware of this, but I wanted to formally announce that my fiance and I are moving to Santa Monica, CA. My fiance (amazingly awesome, bad ass businesswoman) has accepted an unbelievable opportunity in her current company and we're relocating at the end of the month. It's been a trying last couple of months keeping my mouth shut, however I can finally tell everyone since I put in my two weeks yesterday. YES! HOORAY! *insert fireworks here

Moving to Santa Monica, also allows me to pursue my acting career more diligently. Although I am forever indebted to Chicago for reigniting my fire to act, it is rather limited in its opportunities for the Asian male actor. I can't wait to get out to California and start creating. I know it will be a grind the first couple of years, but my desire to make acting a career won't wane.

As for this blog, nothing should change. You'll still get the craptastic blogging style, snark and the occasional photoshop, however at times I'll be focusing on local California politics as well. Maybe just maybe I'll give insight to what projects I'm working on...

The lady and I are forever grateful for the support we've received from friends and family. We're truly blessed. I can't emphasize that enough. If any of you West Coast folks want to connect, feel free to email me. I can't wait to get out to sunny California!

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Shameless Plug

I'm in of these sketches as Captain Awesome. Visit the Matthew Filipowicz Show and subscribe on ITunes as well!

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Ninja Thought

Conquering Super Agro Cragg

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Get Your Dunkin Tuesday

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Oh man oh man oh man. What a morning. Nothing like waking up to the Today Show bringing on past members of the Bush administration to try to rewrite history. Torture, did it lead to Osama?! Answer, nope, but the Today Show didn't really get to that, it's about being "balanced." I'm afraid this is what we have to look forward to, plenty of misinformation and plenty of people trying to rewrite history. *Le Sigh, so much for being united. I think it's our duty as liberals to combat teh stupid and give credit where credit is due, but also make sure our children don't grow up thinking the Bush administration was all Freedom Fries and Liberty Toast. As Booman said yesterday I'd like my decade back. And since I can't have it back, you won't get away with trying to pretend it was Bush/Cheney who made the clouds part to reveal Osama.

Here are your highlights:

Congrats to Derrick Rose, earned it

After Osama, who's next in line and what are their motives?

It's a show. The Debt Ceiling Farce

By a nose

Anyone who falls for Rush Limbaugh's asinine ways, needs to take a step back from teh computer and smack themselves across their own face!

Chow!

Ninja Thought

"Serious people" always suggest otherwise

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

On Celebrating bin Laden's Death

Digby:

I don't do the celebrating death thing, so I won't be joining everyone in today's party. It's just not my thing -- people who cheer outside of prisons when someone is executed always make me feel uncomfortable too, even though I understand how they could feel that way, I just don't.

So, when I hear this morning that people wish the president had been more joyous or more excited, I just have to disagree. Killing someone, even someone who clearly deserves it, is a sober event, especially for the person who ordered the killing. At least it should be. He was entirely appropriate in my view, and I thought to myself when I heard it just how grateful I was that it was he who announced rather than George W. Bush who wouldn't have been able to contain his bloodlust. It's these moments when I am very glad to have "no drama" Obama rather than Mr "Feels Good!" This is serious business and it requires a serious leader.

And TNC in a sort of contrast:

I'm with Fallows:

Hooray. It is almost never right to celebrate a death. Almost.


I think I'll stop noting that Bin Laden was a killer of Muslims. I feel like Giuliani lecturing Harlem on "black on black" crime. Muslim is a big word, and part of the problem with the last ten years has been the unwillingness to acknowledge that fact. What actually sticks with me is Bin Laden killed mass quantities of human beings with almost regard for distinctions. It's not that he killed Muslims. It's that he didn't much care who he killed.

The body-count, in number and means, is spectacular--I think Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, who video-taped himself beheading human beings. I think about the hundreds of people killed in the bombing of al-Askaria Mosque, with the apparent hope of fomenting a Civil War. I think about the deaths in Nairobi, and bombing of night-clubs in Bali. It really is bigger than 9/11.

Faced with that level of callous disregard for life, I find it a little difficult to lecture 25-year olds who came of age during this time on their varied reactions. Americans are humans too.

If possible I'd say I'm in both of these camps. Most of all, I am relieved, but I'd be lying if I didn't say part of me is content with the end result being bin Laden's death. For the past decade we've been consumed by the mythology of Osama bin Laden. It has radically altered the comfort we take within our own country. It has led to irreparable damage abroad and at home. We've been at war for a third of my lifetime.

As I stated earlier, I don't think terrorism ever ends, especially when it is based in religious belief. How we contain it and prevent it is the mission. However, once the dust settles perhaps some semblance of maturity, whether it's in foreign policy or in our dialogue, will emerge again. So long as President Obama (or someone with a similar approach) is the Commander in Chief I think it may be possible.

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Get Your Dunkin Monday

I'm still in a bit of shock. It's been a long strange trip. I'd like to say a lot, but at this time I don't seem to have the words. Osama bin Laden is dead. Obama announced it late last night and celebrations broke out. My first thought was, now what? Terrorism won't end. The troops are still fighting two wars. At home, here in America, we still are as divided as ever. So, now what? Don't try to answer that...I will say thank you to President Barack Obama and thank you to the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country proudly. The partisan banter has already eaten up my Twitter feed, can't say I'm surprised. I think this image sums up all of that quite nicely.

Here are your highlights:

U.S. Authorities Homed in on Osama for last nine months

al-Qaida weaker

Plenty of Credit to Go Around, Starting at the Top

Maha

ON BUSH, RYAN, WALKER, AND NOT LETTING A CRISIS GO TO WASTE

And maybe the best question I've heard, Can I have my Decade back?

Chow!