Ninja Thought

Scheduel

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Calendars

It's already September, imagine that. New desktop calendars to make your computer a bit shinier.

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Get Your Dunkin Wednesday

Well we shoot tomorrow. Everything is confirmed. I'll be at a house in Rondondo Beach for 14 hours or so, doing what I do. I'm looking forward to it. Next week is a short one because of Labor Day and the lady and I are returning to Chicago for a wedding on Thursday. Well...we'll actually be in Central Illinois half of the week, boating, and what not, then that following Thursday we'll be getting engagement pictures. I'm thinking of posting outfit ideas on this here blog on Friday. Sounds like a good idea.

Here are your highlights:

Irene wasn't a walk in the park for rural areas

The rich can afford higher taxes evidence number 1,000,098,666

Hollywood's low tech background actors - I swear a couple of them look like Sully

College Football begins, 3 days till Michigan starts anew!

Is the bottom in housing prices staring us in the face?

If losing your job or being jobless wasn't enough, now conservatives want to kill COBRA subsidies. It's as if they have no clue what that means or they really just want people to suffer. I've been without health insurance for three months. I couldn't afford COBRA from my previous employer. I'm relatively healthy, however, the prospect of something happening has me on egg shells. BEST HEALTH CARE EVER!!! This kind of thinking by conservatives is not only bad for our economy, but quite the opposite of "compassionate conservatism."

Chow!

Welcome to LA Beth Stelling

Named best stand-up comedian in Chicago by the Reader in 2010 and new to the West Coast, Beth Stelling is going to kill it in this city folks. I remember seeing her first show ever and dying laughing. She's only improved since, visit her site and do your best to see her live. In fact she's got a free show tonight at the Downtown Independent, be there!

Welcome to La La Land Beth!

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With Friends Like These

Dick Cheney gets the brown nose treatment from Rush Limbaugh...



As Steve M points out, Cheney doesn't even really need a re-imaging campaign, the Village has got that under control. It's tragic. Here he is a criminal, in plain sight, parading about in Hickey Freeman on a robotic heart and getting fellatished by Rush Motherfuckin Limbaugh. The Right openly embrace Cheney's hatred for America and its processes.

It's safe to say he won't bring balance to the force. And it's safe to say, the media will continue to flog his book for him. *insert "We're #1" chant here

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Ninja Thought

The new "Middle" is pro-guns, anti-choice and no taxes. Oh, and Jesus went to Mexico.

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Get Your Dunkin Tuesday

It's a hammer, drill, and slam kind of morning here in Santa Monica. It seems all of my neighbors are doing work on their buildings...simultaneously. FML. It's nearly impossible to concentrate and it's impossible to work on TAT. Sorry folks, maybe tomorrow I'll be able to get it done.

Here are your highlights:

Bill Nye explains Climate Change to Fox Business...and he has to speak to them like they're children

Dick Cheney wrote a book and he openly admits to breaking the law. SOMEONE ARREST THIS ARSE FACE!

Mike Vick gets a big contract, $100 million, as my future mother-in-law says "at least he's contributing to society." Sad part is most guys out of prison don't play football like a demi-god and we don't do anything, but make it near impossible for them to get back in the game.

We just don't have good jourmamilism anymore

Twenty Iconic Male Movie Roles In Which Helen Mirren Would Have Ruled

Time for Obama to GO BIG OR GO HOME, it's jobs, jobs and more jobs. That's what the people need to hear, it's time to forget what you can get politically and just stick it to Republicans. The nation will have a clear choice. Vote for the guy who wants to improve the economy or vote for the guy who wants to make the rich richer.

Chow!

Get Your Dunkin Monday

New week. Still no work. Waiting and waiting for the food truck to get off teh ground. The lady and I had a great weekend as you can see below, we hit up the beach. It was just what the doctor order. Apologies to my East Coast pals, I'm not meaning to brag. This week I'm writing, working out and filming on Thursday, can't wait! We've done three rehearsals now and I feel ready to shoot. One long 15 hour day and if everything goes to plan it'll be done. It's a short mind you. So you never know. How was everyone's weekend? Hopefully not too wet!

Here are your highlights:

Hurricane Irene, damages been done, now the clean up

Rick Perry, presidential candidate, thinks Social Security is Unconstitutional

Anderson Silva, GOAT?

Congrats to Adam Serwer who is moving on from the Prospect and heading to Mother Jones

Banksters are assholes, it's our fault not theirs....right

How far does Republican care for their fellow man go...not far at all. Even before Irene they were saying no federal aid without cuts. Will they really go that far, now that Irene has passed? I wish they would all go Galt and leave our country before they heartlessly wreck it.

Chow!

Saturday Sandwich

The lady and I hit up the beach today. Enjoyed the water for a bit and the sun. It was the relaxing day we both needed.

We then decided to stop by Blue Plate for a late lunch. I went with the "Montana Club" with truffle fries. Truffle fries, a cheat, but delicious nonetheless.

Probably end the night with some summer vegetables, Mad Men and Chardonnay. I've totally sold out bro.

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P.S. Stay safe East Coasters!

Computer Take Over!!

My lady is working from home today and has confiscated my desk so she may serve her overlords. I am rendered useless. It's quite impossible to surf the political internets without my proper bookmarks. Guess I'll go run or something...overrated.

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Get Your Dunkin Friday

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

Well East Coast folks it looks like Irene is pissed. A really pissed off hurricane and she's headed your way. So be safe. Be smart. Stock up on bottled water, maybe a life preserver if you have flooding, don't get milk it'll spoil and flashlights. Oh and if you're told to evacuate, evacuate. No heroes needed. Just get out of Irene's way. In all seriousness, I wish everyone the utmost safety and a healthy weekend. It's Friday, so I got not much on the plate. This weekend, we'll sit in the chillax zone. Hooray for weekends!!

Here are your highlights:

Track Irene and her path

Worst Person Ever? Eric Cantor won't help his constituents, at the epicenter of the earthquake, unless he gets to cut programs

Rookie Jarvis Jenkins, out for the season. Damnit.

Shark Fin ban approved by California Committee

The Fed, the economy. Ben our only hope? What Bernanke did say, was what a lot on the Left have been saying; jobs, stimulus, and the debt ceiling fight was stupid. This nugget, however should get the White House moving:

"Our economy is suffering today from an extraordinarily high level of long-term unemployment, with nearly half of the unemployed having been out of work for more than six months. Under these unusual circumstances, policies that promote a stronger recovery in the near term may serve longer-term objectives as well. In the short term, putting people back to work reduces the hardships inflicted by difficult economic times and helps ensure that our economy is producing at its full potential rather than leaving productive resources fallow. In the longer term, minimizing the duration of unemployment supports a healthy economy by avoiding some of the erosion of skills and loss of attachment to the labor force that is often associated with long-term unemployment."

Chow!

White House AAPI: "What's Your Story?" Video Challenge

The White House Initiative on Asian American and Pacific Islanders has launched a challenge to you fine, gorgeous and rockin AAPI's out there. Check it out, participate and tell everyone "your story."

From the White House:

The White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders announces the launch of its “What’s Your Story?” video challenge. The challenge aims to explore the personal stories of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) across the country who have impacted their community through their dreams, experiences, and dedication to a cause.

Our stories define who we are.

Tell us how your unique experiences have shaped who you are today. Are you a passionate advocate of green and health initiatives for nail salons? Have you made a difference in your community through work with immigrant integration programs? Are you part of a movement that paves the way for AAPIs in the arts? Respond to our launch video below with a video under 3-minutes about your own experience and community leadership. You may also submit an essay under 1,000 words to address these questions.

To make your submission just fill out the form and link to your work.

This is a great way to reach out and start an open conversation amongst our community. Best of luck and get to work ya'll!

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Get Your Dunkin Thursday

I apologize for the sucky blogging since the move. It's been difficult to sit down with all that needs to be done around here. Not to worry though, as the election comes closer I'll be buckling down. Man in the trenches so to speak. It's Thursday! A week from today I'll be filming my first short in LA. Pretty excited for it and hopefully I'll be able to share it with all of you. I'm editing an interview I did with Colombian Necktie a couple of weeks ago and hopefully will have it up in a day or two. Then TAT will be up and running soon in a rockin capacity.

Here are your highlights:

Hey a Bit of Sense

Steve Jobs steps down from Apple, is it the end of an era? How Steve Jobs Changed The Way We Listen

Memo To The Media: The U.S. Spends Six Times More On Military Than China

The Redskins best move in the off-season, probably Cofield

Bon Iver & James Blake team up to make beautiful music

Only as Rude can do, Someone Slap Marco Rubio with a History Stick, if only the US was like the good old days when we simply pretended we took care of everyone else and worked for the greater good. Oh the 50's....

Chow!

Ninja Thought

The Fat Lady wears laser sighted Ipod guns

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From the Mix Tape - Girls

I was introduced to this rockin band last night via someone's Ipod. Great stuff. Reminds me of my Elvis Costello era. When I first moved to Chicago I lived by a similar soundtrack. Learn more about Girls, which has an interesting cult past.

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Get Your Dunkin Wednesday

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

Welp, the whole fam is okay. I checked in with my Dad and brothers everyone is okay. The earthquake did little but rattle frames on walls and give a scare for a few minutes. Crazy stuff. I hope everyone else is as lucky, no harm to anyone you know. It's weird that DC gets an earthquake right when I move to California. Coincidence? I think not! Last night was great as my sister, Tommy K and I went to see my buddy Brendan McGowan perform at a comedy show. The place was a hip movie theater downtown and included a great lineup of funny comedians. If you haven't seen Brendan McGowan though, take the time to see him live. One of the best storytellers I have seen. Period.

Here are your highlights:

Economists: GOP Cites Deeply Flawed CBS Report To Blame Debt On Obama

Education, couldn't agree with this quote more

McCain loves him some Qaddafi

As actor I find the stereotype of nerd in tech shop better than most

Samsung wins teh day

Fear Irene, just after the earthquake...it looks like a Category 3 Hurricane is headed the East Coast's way. Let's hope it dies down.

Chow!

Earthquake Hits Home

ABCNews:

A 5.8 magnitude earthquake centered northwest of Richmond, Va., shook much of Washington, D.C., and was felt as far north as Rhode Island and New York City.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the earthquake was 3.7 miles deep. Shaking was felt at the White House and all over the East Coast, as far south as Chapel Hill, N.C. Parts of the Pentagon, White House and Capitol were evacuated. The quake was in Mineral, Va., in Louisa County.

Hope everyone is okay. My younger brother was evacuated during one of his classes at law school in Richmond. From the Facebook statuses I see, seems like most everyone else did the same. Man, this world is fragile.

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Get Your Dunkin Tuesday

Yesterday was a good day. I met with some people who can potentially help me really get going in my acting career. It was a nice sit down, maybe 15 minutes, but enough time to get a feel and understanding of how much work I need to put in. I'm ready that's for sure. These past weeks I've been getting back into shape, kicking my butt and rehearsing. It's crazy, we moved here two months ago and despite the struggles of getting acclimated in a new town, the stress of unemployment and being the "new kids"; it's been moving a long at a pace both my lady and I welcome. It helps that we have each other. Her career is booming. Mine is just getting started. And we have some of the best weather on the planet. My sister started classes yesterday, so she's back in LA and tonight we're checking out an old friend do stand-up. I would say the last couple of weeks have been pretty good. Hoping this week continues on that trend.

Here are your highlights:

Rebels reported enter Tripoli compound

One major thing I want to help change in Hollywood, the diversity on television

Sampling the 1886 Summer Cocktail Menu

Remember that Strauss-Kahn scandal? Yeah, he's no longer IMF director and the charges were dropped...

Redskins starting lineup starting to take shape

Must read of the day by BooMan, A Dope, a Joke, and a Fraud. The pathetic state of Republican "intellectuals" and the buyers' remorse of the Monster they've made over the past couple of decades.

Chow!

Get Your Dunkin Monday

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

So filming has been bumped back a bit. We're waiting on the location set up which is great, it allows more time to rehearse. I had a great audition on Friday for a play, first time I've done that since college. Today I have a meeting with potential representation in other words, I've been busy and that is a good thing. Hopefully this week will be more of the same.

Here are your highlights:

Libya, at a heightened point of tension and no sign of Gadhafi

Jon Huntsman undercover brother?

Me likey, Shanahan praise's Beck's decision making

TAKE THAT 2012!

Rick Perry, one week into his campaign disowns Rick Perry

For the President, "We do big things" EJ Dionne says well "Do Big Things"

Chow!

When You Dip We Dip We Dip

Everyone keeps yapping about the risk of a "Double Dip Recession", but the easiest way to avoid the risk is to get people jobs. Put people to work. There's no urgency, however, because we have 50 multimillionaires and hundreds of six figure reps all on vacation as we speak. How convenient. Also too, the Tax Cut Fairy is headed our way any day now...just gonna take her a little bit longer...

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Meat is No Treat to Those You Eat

I'm not a vegan nor a vegetarian, but I like to consider myself conscious of what goes into my body. The lady and I frequent the farmers market, buy mostly organic and have weaned off red meat. Put simply, I try to be as informed as possible about the fuel I intake.

This video of the "Chicken Harvester," courtesy of Geekologie, is absolutely frightening and gives insight to the cruel nature of the meat industrial complex.

We need to demand better.



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The Muppets

The Green Album first listen.

Featuring, Weezer, OK GO, Alkaline Trio, Andrew Bird & more. Enjoy the fun!

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Get Your Dunkin Friday

The Daily Show - World of Class Warfare - Warren Buffett vs. Wealthy Conservatives
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,The Daily Show on Facebook

I have an audition today I have to prepare a little more for, so enjoy your Friday highlights folks! And rock the fugg out!

Here are your highlights:

The 50 Richest Members of Congress

Woohoo Jerry Brown not backing down on high-speed rail

Austerity Stupid

I wholeheartedly support this, Elizabeth Warren exploring a Senate run

Fuck Yeah Asian/Pacific Islander History

Redskins Preseason, 4 players to watch in tonight's game against the stinkin Colts. Hail to the Redskins! Hopefully there's some major development in personnel.

Chow!

Ninja Thought

Slight Oversight

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Get Your Dunkin Thursday

Thrice - Promises [Lyric Video] from Vagrant Records on Vimeo.

I gots work to do. Audition tomorrow for one of my favorite plays...also too, voice is shot. I need to learn to take better care of myself. Oh well, thems the breaks, right? This weekend is either going to be busy or full of chill. I would prefer busy cuz that would mean I'd be working, but chillin ain't so bad either. Check out this new tasty song by Thrice. I'm excited for what they bring out next. From what I hear, the new jams are a good balance. As long as they don't go soft on me, I'm still gonna listen to their music.

Here are your highlights:

Taibbi v. the FEC, Felix Salmon clarifies

Syrian president asked to step down by Obama

The Robot takeover of mankind is only 10 miles per hour away!

Fallout from Wisconsin, Gov of Ohio backing off?

From the sound of it....John Beck is the starting quarterback for the Redskins unless he royally screws up...YES!

Our media, Republicans and their fail. Obama on vacation the facts don't lie. BUT HE'S ON TOO MANY VACATIONS!!!!

Chow!

Ninja Thought

Listening to Rush will make you less racisty

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Face It

Might be one of the coolest shots I've seen in awhile. Via Boing Boing:



I believe...in whatever it may be. Stunning.

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Get Your Dunkin Wednesday

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

It's hump day...and I have four days till shoot! It's amazing how fast things comes about. We had our second and final rehearsal last night and it was a blast. Lots of laughing, lots of improving and a good time to figure out our characters and their relationships. It's a short film, not a feature or even television, but it's where we get to hone our craft and it's probably my favorite part of the process. I hope I can share it with you all in the future. On the work front, the food truck is set back another week. I can't wait to get started, hand out some delicious eats and figure the layout of this town. Half way through the week folks, rock on!

Here are your highlights:

The same day MSNBC touts the Tea Party, they are at their lowest approval

Was it all worth it in, Wisconsin? Answer YES! Momentum.

Coooool, pictures from NASA

Boxing update, the controversial Mares v. Agbeko fight will have a rematch

Sean Hannity out of lies?

Monopolies, slopolies. Beer Charts of the Day. And this is moment I thank Jimmy Carter for making maybe one of the best decisions by any recent president; having the foresight to allow home brewing leading to CRAFT BEERS!!!!

Chow!

New Owen

Sounds like Owen. And I like.

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Unaware Media

Sometimes I wonder if the media knows it's part of the problem. Maybe they really believe they are "observers"...Regardless I don't know how ones justifies reporting on the price and security of the president's bus when the purpose behind the bus tour is much more significant. Over the past three years, they haven't really said we need fuckin jobs. Perhaps they just don't give a damn or they really want the president to roll up in a Winnebago...

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Get Your Dunkin Tuesday

F U ILLINOIS! Apparently the state of Illinois can't get their paperwork correct...again...and they think I still owe them state taxes. I've gone through this once already, faxed the info, got confirmation of the fax and nope they can't get it right. I'm not sure what I need to do, but these asshats can't seem to get their shizzle correct. I don't owe them money. In fact by my calculations they owe me money. Nevertheless, I'm tired of dealing with it. Blows. In good news I got my Redskins season tickets finally! HAIL! If anyone is interested in any games, send me an email. I'd love to go this year, but ummmm I live in Santa Monica now. So hit me up!

Here are your highlights:

Let's Get Real...about jobs

Cobra Starship is dead

It's clear that the Right is starting to have buyer's remorse, but It's the Bed that Karl Made

American families, still in debt

Rick Perry Revisionist History

Globally there is one conclusion that is easy to make after the financial crisis, Elite Fail, those who are supposed to "know better" know absolutely nothing. And we've been paying for it.

Chow!

Ninja Thought

Not so super after all

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Get Your Dunkin Monday

Howdy folks! The lady is back in wonderful Santa Monica, my sister gets into USC today and well I'm losing my voice...so two out of three ain't bad, right? Sadly I have a voice over job that's yet to be complete at this point and well I have my second rehearsal tomorrow. Today I'll be taking it easy guzzling down green tea, salt water and honey. Busy week, coming up ahead. Looking forward to it.

Here are your highlights:

The Modern GOP in one picture

The arctic temperatures are rising, making new pathways on the Northwest Passage

Denard Robinson will run the ball less this season for Michigan

Todd Palin gets schooled

Damn this is some stupid stuff, Maureen Chao should be fired

Obama's base. Is solid and strong. Let the bickering begin. Perhaps it's that the casual Obama supporter knows he walked into a shit storm and understand he's the best chance for us to get out of it...

Chow!

Pour One Out for T-Paw

He's out. I'm sure he'll find a nice spot on Faux News next to another former governor/quitter. Also too poor showing, I mean Bachmann is a rep in his state...damn. Get that man a drink!

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Making a Mojito with Rachel Maddow

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

I love this.

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Ninja Thought

Burning down the house

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Unconstitutional!

Activist judges activated their ideological brain power by declaring the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional.

The dissent by Judge Stanley Marcus, however was where the fun happened:

Quite simply, the majority would presume to sit as a superlegislature, offering ways in which Congress could have legislated more efficaciously or more narrowly. This approach ignores the wide regulatory latitude afforded to Congress, under its Commerce Clause power, to address what in its view are substantial problems, and it misapprehends the role of a reviewing court. As nonelected judicial officers, we are not afforded the opportunity to rewrite statutes we don’t like.

Ooohh burrrn. This will march to the top where the Roberts court will probably not only declare it unconstitutional, but an impeachable offense...

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Get Your Dunkin Friday

(this needs to go viral h/t Geekologie)

I had my first rehearsal last night for a new short film I'm going to be in...it...was...awesome. It's great to have time to work on character development, get chemistry with other cast members and improv around the script. It's going to be fun to shoot. My lady gets back to Santa Monica tomorrow, so I gots to clean like a mother. Enjoy your Friday ya'll!!

Here are your highlights:

Redskins - Steelers begin the preseason this is going to be fun!

Another idiot Republican Texas governor running for president

The downgrade some truths, GOP caused the unsettling

Laotian American serviceman killed in Afghanistan helicopter crash

GOP Indiana rep sets up gay meeting via Craigslist, doubt this will be dragged out like Weinergate...since it's state level...but really?

On the move, Obama is reaching out to people about jobs. Call Congress and get job creation on the table. What's sad is, we're limited by teh crazies in Congress!

Chow!

Ninja Thought

Back to School

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Get Your Dunkin Thursday

I gotta get back on schedule. Since the lady's is in Chicago, I've been staying up way late. I'm a night person. She's a morning person. Now, that she's in Chicago I go into full night person mode. I stay up till the late hours watching movies, writing and reading. And sometimes I fix myself a martini. I gotta get that out of the schedule as well. In unrelated news, tonight I have my first rehearsal for a short film I was cast in. I'm looking forward to it. I get to play the lead and it's something I can relate to; the guy wants to propose to his girlfriend, but not everything goes as planned. Can't wait to share it once it's complete! (Yes that means a reveal...or not)

Here are your highlights:

Pelosi names her final three for the Super Duper Committee That Won't Do Anything

Tea Partier loves his big loans of money he can't payback

Thank you Kevin Drum for writing this, we have to do better.

London putting the pieces back together?

Redskins have two big injuries with no timeline, Landry & Moore

Colbert onto something

And finally Mitt Romney shows why he's not ready to be president, Corporations are people!! Sidenote: Does anyone else find the way Romney says "my friend" condescending? I mean the dude can't hide his contempt for working class Americans.

Chow!

Get Your Dunkin Wednesday

Well I've got three days to get the apartment tidy for my lady. She's rockin out in Chicago for a work conference, going to Cubs games and tough stuff like that...today I'm meeting up with a friend to watch a game show, should be good times. I've hopped back into Insanity, I say hopped because I'm not sure if I can every fully commit like the lady and I did last year. Perhaps it's because we know all the routines now or because I don't feel like getting injured again...probably both. I'm all over the place today and the coffee hasn't even kicked in! Lastly major props to the Wisconsin Democratic Party, the Unions, activists and organizers. Unseating two incumbents in Republican districts is a monumental accomplishment. As I said yesterday well done!

Here are your highlights:

David Cameron readies to fight back against rioters...this should end well

So if you have a kooky idea, but are Christian you can get a major tax break!

BLS: Job Openings "essentially unchanged" in June

This confuses me, World's Longest Scooter, I mean is it even a scooter anymore?

STOP THE STUPID! Obama never had real Democratic majorities...why? Claire McCaskill with a clear example. These Blue Dogs get in the way all the damn time.


Chow!

Well Done Wisconsin

It's just the beginning! Congrats to the two new Dem Senators Jessica King and Jennifer Shilling. And of course there has to be a tad bit of controversy. ACORN! NEW BLACK PANTHER PARTY! Nope, Ke$ha county....

TPM:

Democrats defeated Republican state Sen. Dan Kapanke, who represented the most Dem-leaning seat of any Republican in the chamber, by a 55%-45% margin. They also won a 51%-49% victory over state Sen. Randy Hopper, whose campaign was also damaged by a messy divorce, and allegations by his estranged wife that he "now lives mostly in Madison" after having an affair.

This would get Democrats from their previous 19-14 minority, following the 2010 Republican wave, to a 17-16 margin. In two more safe Republican districts, incumbents Robert Cowles and Sheila Harsdorf won by margins of 60%-40% and 58%-42%, respectively.

But in the two remaining toss-ups, Democrats have lost close calls. State Sen. Luther Olsen won by a margin of 52%-48%. At time of writing the Associated Press had yet to officially call the District 8 race for incumbent state Sen. Alberta Darling, but other accounts indicated she would emerge the winner.

Also next week are two recalls targeting incumbent Democrats Robert Wirch and Jim Holperin. However, both Wirch and Holperin have significantly out-fundraised their challengers, and are at least favored to hold on -- but in this polarized environment, anything is possible.

Democrats were already crying foul in the Darling race, due to late returns in heavily Republican Waukesha County -- the same place where, during the April state Supreme Court race, the declared discovery of an election night computer error gave several thousand votes and a margin of victory to conservative Justice David Prosser.

IT'S ABOUT TO BLOW!!

It's quite a feat to take down two incumbents in Republican districts make no mistake about that. As Nate Silver tweeted:

Dems would be silly not proceed with Walker recall based on tonight. The results project to a toss-up if you extrapolate out statewide.

This is what we need, none of this blame Obama, or blame teh internets or the media. Get it done with progressive activism. 2012 is going to be a helluva fight and I'd like to thank Scott Walker, the Koch brothers and their ilk for that.

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Comedy Break

With all the Shark Week I watch this seemed appropriate. So here's Ian Edwards, one of the first comedians I saw perform when I moved to LA. The "dumpling" line is fantastic.

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Ninja Thought

You must be this tall to ride

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Get Your Dunkin Tuesday

(saw this rockin band on Sunday as well, check them out here)

So it's Tuesday I have to take our car to get checked out for smog. Who knew a dragon was living in cars?! Badumching! Last night I saw an old friend perform comedy at a bar in Los Feliz. It was great to see how when Chicago comics roll in anywhere, they throw it down hard and the crowd leaves cracking up. And that's when I realized I haven't been posting as much as I used to about local and touring comics. So later today I'll be posting a video for your viewing pleasure, why? Because with all the nonsense going about in the world we need to laugh. That and these guys are friggin brilliant!

Here are your highlights:

All eyes on Wisconsin, let's see if the GOP let's it be a fair fight...

Umm jobs, here's an idea on the gov't level

Early signs of Obama's campaign not so hopey or changey

Moving on up! Daily Kos radio

Riots in London, it may be hard for some Americans to understand what's going on there, but there are many dynamics that we won't hear in the US about tensions in London.


Chow!

Get Your Dunkin Monday

Had a rockin weekend, seeing Dastardly at the Mint in LA and Central in Santa Monica. Both unique venues that were kind enough to host a Chicago band touring the West Coast. The band and I have mutual friends, plus they're pretty friggin sweet, so it made sense to see them rock out. You can check them out here on Tumblr and this thing called MySpace, what's Myspace? This weekend I also had the first meeting at my new place of employment. I'm excited to share with you all what it is once it gets started. Tentative date is Aug. 22. Nom!

Here are your highlights:

Poll show Wisconsin recalls are close

Who's to blame for the downgrade? Republicans, make no mistake about it

Applaud Tito Ortiz

Umm, Bane in Batman Rises sounds drunk....

Economic Week in Review

Ryan on Revenue, the "brave", "courageous", Paul Ryan on revenues, no movement really and that's not a surprise from zealots

Chow!

What Are We Doing There?

NPR:

A military helicopter was shot down in eastern Afghanistan on Friday, killing 31 U.S. special operation troops and seven Afghan commandos. It was the deadliest single incident for American forces in the decade-long war.

According to The Associated Press, most of the Americans were from the elite Navy SEALs unit that killed al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden. NPR could not independently confirm that the Navy SEALs were among those killed.

The Taliban claimed they downed the helicopter with rocket fire while it was taking part in a raid on a house where insurgents were gathered in the province of Wardak late Friday. It said wreckage of the craft was strewn at the scene. A senior U.S. administration official in Washington said the craft was apparently shot down by insurgents. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the crash is still being investigated.

NATO confirmed the overnight crash took place and that there "was enemy activity in the area." But it said it was still investigating the cause and conducting a recovery operation at the site. It did not release details or casualty figures.

"We are in the process of accessing the facts," said U.S. Air Force Capt. Justin Brockhoff, a NATO spokesman.

One current and one former U.S. official told the AP that the dead included more than 20 Navy SEALs from SEAL Team Six, the unit that carried out the raid in Pakistan in May that killed bin Laden. They were being flown by a crew of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because families are still being notified.

Thoughts and prayers go out to the men and women who lost their lives and their families. If someone can explain to me why this had to happen, illuminate me...

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Get Your Dunkin Friday

The Colbert Report
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Howdy folks, we made it to another Friday! I've got an odd weekend coming up; gonna see a friend rock out, meet up with some fellow writers, and then I have the first meeting at my new employer. All of this would be awesome, if it weren't for my lady flying out tonight back to Chicago for a work conference...yes this is where I put in sappy stuff about how I'm going to miss her. And I will. A LOT. Anyway, my new job doesn't go full swing now for another two weeks because of delays with the opening, that blows. I'll have plenty of time to write and explore this here city. In good news, I just got word I will have the lead in a short film shooting later this month. It should be fun and I'm excited to work again on set. I'll keep everyone updated and maybe even give you a link to it, once it's done!

Here are your highlights:

How stocks react to the macroeconomy

Ummm, is this okay? Rick Perry holding a religious rally...scurry

Hannity douchey still douchey

FIGHT WEEKEND!!! Evans v. Ortiz, highly doubt Ortiz can bring the magic two fights in a row

How does Megan McArdle have a job? Simple, because liberals hate her

RUNNNNNNNNNNN!! Zombie 5K obstacle course in Baltimore, learn how to survive our most certain end.

Chow!

Ninja Thought

Austerity the Conqueror

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

Yesterday went well, but I'm knocking on wood and saying some Hail Mary's. I don't know much about this town still, but I did my thang, that's all I can hope for. The lady is heading back to Chicago tomorrow for a week long corporate party/sales conference. I will be hunkered down eating ramen and pbj's writing a lot I presume. One fantastic thing about living here, aside from the weather, is the amount of creative energy flowing. I've been writing almost every other day and on a variety of things. I'm meeting with folks this weekend to share ideas, collaborate and hopefully get some of these projects going. Can't wait!

Here are your highlights:

The fallout from the debt "crisis" it encourages hostage taking politics

Mitt Romney hearts secret moneys

A glimmer of hope, Jobs report...need more of this LOTS more

New Multi-Racial Spidey!

Well there you hate, Iowa Governor vetoes tax break for poor because it didn't help corporations...WWJD?

Happy Birthday to President Barack Obama, it's been a tough year, best of luck and happy 50th!!!


Chow!

From the Mix Tape - Virgin

By Manchester Orchestra.



Read the cool story of how an art student, and fan of the band, showed Manchester Orchestra his work and before he knew it he was making this video. The imagery seems fitting at this point in our history. Great stuff!

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Get Your Dunkin Wednesday

Well it's Wednesday! Today is a big day for me or not so big day if I keep my cool...I've got an important meeting that I hope will go swell. I'm kind of nervous. I'll report back if it's good...otherwise this never happened. I'll go back and delete this entire post. I KID! I'll be off the grid for most of the day. Wish me luck! Say a Hail Mary! High five a rockstar! In other news, football is right around the corner!!!!! HAIL TO THE REDSKINS!!

Here are your highlights:

They Say 'Jobs, Jobs' But There Are No Jobs

Niiiiice, Dunkin Donuts comes out in K Cups!

Speaking of jobs not enough good news

Hands of Stone Carlos Rogers signs with the 49ers, won't miss him

Your Liberal Media

HEY LISTEN UP: FOR THE HUNDREDTH TIME: THERE IS MORE TO POLITICS THAN ELECTIONS, Steve M. makes an excellent point about the progressive movement. It needs to quit depending on the people we elect to get the job done. It's about the movement and until we get back to organizing instead of sending out petitions about how much Obama sucks...we'll still be pissed about not moving the country more Left.

Chow!

Mattttt Daaaaamon

Rocks.



"Maybe you're a shitty cameraman" I'm stealing that.

(h/t Oliver Willis and many others)

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Ninja Thought

Thatta boy Charlie, you get em!

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

Okay I said my piece yesterday, now give yourselves a week and get over it. Time to move on. It's clear that some emo progs never liked Obama in the first place and so all of this just confirms their raging bias towards the man...we've got to do better. And better means jobs. To reiterate, demand jobs, we "fixed" the deficit right? The Confidence Fairy should be feeling pretty darn good right about now which means onto jobs. Those things that bring in revenue, spur growth and you know get us out of the mess everyone keeps complaining about. After that be willing to let the Bush Tax Cuts, all of them, expire. It's a 2012 sticking point. I'm not ready to hand the country over to Romney or Bachmann and yes there is a BIG DIFFERENCE between Obama and those two or any Republican candidate for that matter. It's not difficult to discern.

Here are your highlights:

White House adopts new preventive services for women

Must read: Another Take, on the debt ceiling deal

Chat with NFCEast blogger, Dan Graziano

Maybe the electorate is having buyers' remorse from 2010...

Worst person ever, Pamela Geller, justifying the Norwegian killer because the camp had "mixed race and brown people". Fucking disgusting.

The idea that our political system is broken is a common theme amongst casual observers. Steve Benen points out, we don't have a political system problem, we have a Republican party problem.

Chow!

Ah, Cynicism

Digby takes it to a new level:

Wow. This is a great way to make this vote for The Deal a nearly sacred act:

@Rep_Giffords Gabrielle has returned to Washington to support a bipartisan bill to prevent economic crisis. Turn on C-SPAN now

Giffords being there adds a poignancy to the whole thing that will take the sting out of the horror. I don't know whose idea it was, but it's very clever.

Probably not Digby's finest hour...it could be, perhaps, that Giffords wanted to be there to cast her vote.

The official press release via TPM:

U.S. REP. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS CASTS FIRST HOUSE VOTE SINCE JAN. 8 SHOOTING

Congresswoman travels to Washington to support bipartisan bill to avoid default

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords returned to Congress today to vote in favor of legislation that will avoid a default by the U.S. government.

It was the first vote she has cast since she was shot and critically wounded on Jan. 8 while meeting with her constituents in Tucson.

"I have closely followed the debate over our debt ceiling and have been deeply disappointed at what's going on in Washington," Giffords said. "After weeks of failed debate in Washington, I was pleased to see a solution to this crisis emerge. I strongly believe that crossing the aisle for the good of the American people is more important than party politics. I had to be here for this vote. I could not take the chance that my absence could crash our economy."

In December 2009 and again in February 2010, Giffords refused to go along with an increase in the debt limit. But this vote was substantially different, with the strength of the U.S. economy hanging in the balance.

Gabrielle Giffords should be applauded for her strength and resilience. Her return to Congress shouldn't be sullied by the heinous Congress that just put us through this manufactured debt crisis. She has earned the right of having the benefit of the doubt.

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Get Your Dunkin Monday

Get your fans out folks! Start wafting some air your way! The Progressives have the vapors! Teabaggers want blood!

Last night it seems the Senate, the House and the President reached a debt deal. An austerity plan that is supposed to show that at the very last minute possible with the debt ceiling on the line we can trash programs and ask poor people to bear the burden. UHMERIKA!! The deal is yet to be fully finalized, however a lot of it is out in the news and it's bad. Bad for both sides, but don't forget it's always bad for the President and even worse for progressives. So fan away!

Why is it bad for progressives? Well it's actually not bad for progressives, it's bad for our economy (and progressives seem to be the only ones who care about the economy). Austerity doesn't work. We know that. It's bad for the economy because any serious deficit reduction plan can't be cuts only. Yet the plan that was struck has cuts only and a SUPER DUPER CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE...I shit you not. Another commission. David Brooks is touching himself right now to the idea...I digress.

Looking at the deal there are some things to be happy about, remember when everyone was screaming that Obama had sold out Medicare and Social Security, well it looks like he didn't. CONSOLATION! *Sigh that should be basic Dem non-negotiable. BUT WHAT ABOUT THE CUTS?! Well, if you look at it, the major cuts don't come till later. So that's good. Yes we can thank Jeebus, the numbers they are talking about aren't across the board now. That's what the Teabaggers wanted and they didn't get it. Also too, debt ceiling raised. *Double Sigh. We shouldn't have to be at this point, but one party is made up of sociopaths and they know they can blow up the whole damn town because of how our gubbament is set up.

So what now? Well instead of huffing and puffing (I do hope the primary crowd gets themselves together) progressives need to start a movement. Jobs. Job creation. March if you have to because right now the only ones being heard are the ones with guns to the hostages' heads. And no this isn't all Obama's fault. The way I see it, he's the last line of defense against Blue Dogs handing over the country on a platter with a side of ribs to the crazies who don't really care about Americans, but only destroying America as we know it.

Finally the reason why the Winners and Losers thing is stupid is because no one in the media is talking about how this whole fucking fiasco is a loss for the American people. 9% unemployment and these asshats can't even put one highway project together. Such fail, such fucking fail.

Chow!