Frank Chow: Asian- American Political Pundit

Ok so yesterday my computer got the swine flu or the ebola or some kind of virus and poof, I was out of commission. Couldn't post a damn thing. Stupid PC's. So that is why you didn't get any rage filled posts yesterday or any heads slamming on desks. Last night was great. Drinking Liberally was moved to Wednesday so everyone could watch the SOTU together. It also ended up being one of the "Watch parties" for OFA, so needless to say two rooms were packed and rowdy. I for one enjoyed the speech. It is hard not to like a speech by Obama, however this particular speech was more straight talk . I spoke with another anonymous blogger who agreed that speech last night was not for the policy wonks or pol heads like ourselves, but for those who have been missing it or those being misinformed. And if you ever doubted, HE IS THE PRESIDENT. The humor was great, the stabs were playful, the focus on jobs was paramount, and the talk of bipartisanship was fantasy. Overall I thi...

Hello one and all, I had much needed R & R yesterday and then watched Sing Off with the lady. I know WAY TOO EXCITING! Although I don't think much outscores chilling with your lady and enjoying some red wine from Australia. I did come to one major conclusion last night, I hate barbershop and I hate cheesy collegiate acapella groups. And if you are an all girls group, forget about it. The word is "tinny." I can't tell you how much a difference the bottom notes of a song are, but with an acapella performance it is even more apparent. All right enough about that, I have things to rage about, yesterday by all accounts was President Lieberman's shining day of teh stupid. RAGE ON! Here are your highlights: Harkin is fed up and is trying to end the filibuster in its current form, FINALLY Health Care Timeline is Christmas All those scary terrorists are coming to Illinois! A prison near me, I am not shaking in my boots because I am one of those people who actually B...

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news , world news , and news about the economy I have had a night to think about Obama's decision and strategy for Afghanistan and I think John Cole at Balloon Juice pretty much nails it on the head. You can read it here , I, like Cole, don't think there is much to accomplish in Afghanistan. The waning years, the dithering years by the previous administration has left us stagnant. The opportunities we had have left us and any hope for a solid political partner in Afghanistan is skeptical at best. Call me cynical that's fine. I do wish that the Dems and Repubs had vehemently questioned the Bushites about the Iraq war the same way they have been with Obama's administration and Afghanistan. We probably would have avoided this all together. Of course by saying that I have just put my self on the radar for the DHS, CIA and FBI...I am so unpatriotic . Here are your highlights: Petraeus smacks down the draw down Sen. Bernie Sanders is Fed Up wit...

Juan Cole, President of the Global Americana Institute, has a compelling take on Obama's Afghanistan plans, "Obama's surge: Has the president been misled by the Iraq analogy? " An excerpt: Standing up an Afghanistan security force is a key element of Obama’s plan, as it was a central strategy in Iraq for the Bush administration and its allies. Doing so in Afghanistan, however, is a far more daunting task than in Iraq. Only 44 of the 127 units of the Afghanistan National Army surveyed for the U.S. Congress this fall were found capable of operating independently. That is, although there are on paper 95,000 troops in Afghanistan’s army, only about 33,000 can strike out on their own. U.S. military doctrine prior to the advent of smart munitions was that a 3-to-1 manpower advantage was sufficient for an attack. If there are 15,000 committed Taliban and other insurgent fighters, who have the advantage of fighting on their home terrain, then government forces could at the mo...

Oliver Willis on last night's speech and the reaction from the Left: It makes me feel weird, but in this instance I see many on the left absolutely playing to the stereotypes of the right. If we simply withdraw, this does not keep us safer. Just because George W. Bush royally screwed up as commander-in-chief, it doesn’t mean that America never fights again. Afghanistan isn’t Iraq. This isn’t about imaginary weapons of mass destruction, or a terror “connection” that’s the fevered dream of a hack Weekly Standard writer. Suicide bombers hit in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania directly based on the orders and finances of the people we’re after in Afghanistan and the Pakistani border region. I am not someone who is a kneejerk supporter of war and military action, but I feel that when we or our allies are under threat or have been attacked, we often need to respond militarily with a clear set of stated goals and an exit plan. The whole reason I didn’t support the war in Iraq but s...

Afghanistan it's all the buzz today and so this Dunkin will cover the coverings. I was able to watch some of president Obama's speech last night and was struck by the faces of the West Point cadets. The nerves, the youth and the expectation of their upcoming duties; it was a stark reality. I really don't know what to think. I have always been uncomfortable with the idea that more war was the way to end the threats of war and extremism. I thought the President gave a good speech, as expected, but the rhetoric of the "why" was all too familiar. It will be interesting to watch. It will be interesting to see if the strategy is successful. Just no "Mission Accomplished" banners, that's all I am saying for now. Here are your highlights: Spencer Ackerman has a thorough run down of the strategy and plan in Afghanistan I suggested we call this "Obama's Clean Up War" or "Obama Fixing Bush's War", the president last night stated pa...

Tuesday what are you good for? Well actually...with the Turkey Day upon us, Tuesday is more like Thursday for me which rocks the eff out! I am all about the stuffing on Turkey day, heck Cosi has this mean Turkey Day Sammy that I have already noshed down three times this season (don't judge). I have a real craving for a burger too, man I ate breakfast this morning maybe it's cuz I have been juicing my pecs so much I need more caloric intake. Probably right. Anyway I am looking forward to spending time with the lady and her family. Relaxing and watching the Packers vs. Lions, so other than that...the lyrics for this amazing song by Chuck Ragan, formerly of Hot Water Music, can be found here . Here are your highlights: Light Reading , all the disingenuous "the bill is 2000 pages" from the Republican party is embarrassing As if Gary, IN wasn't having enough of a hard time, Casinos filing for bankruptcy Lou Dobbs please run for President , 2012 will be called "How...

ACORN is the strongest and most powerful entity ever to exist. Period. I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Obviously this is not the real Chuck Norris, but a robot sent by Obama to hide the fact that Chuck Norris is the only One World Order. I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Thursday is here, which means two things Flash Forward and then Halloween parties this weekend . I have never been one to embrace Halloween as much as others. Perhaps because my profession lends itself to costuming on the regular. Alas this year the lady and I are debating two possibilities, a certain celebrity couple with eight kids (I am Asian-American, she is White aka the Devil) or a variation of a delicious snack and a play on words. I know gag alert. Costumes and such and couples, but hey it's the price you pay when you want to hang out with friends and together for one night look as stupid as possible . Here are your highlights: Good News , the economy grew in the third quarter In Chicago, when Daley fails, you get cool new ideas like making Cops and Firemen take unpaid work days The Return of Jin Who would have thought? Sen. Specter says if all else fails, reconciliation Stream the new Say Anything , I am excited for this album, since it isn't two discs long and no epic...

That weekend flew by huh? What? Well after a fantastic time spent with the in-laws, watching football, drinking bubbly and eating delicious PIG. I am back at my desk wondering why every weekend can't be so nice. Oh that's right, work. This week might be the week of weeks that I have been talking about. Frank takes ritalin and some anti-rage medication and calms down? NO PEOPLE FOCUS. HEALTH CARE REFOOORMMM!! SING IT!! Over the weekend the specualtion went to Defcon Pink or something, but it looks like the White House is trusting Harry Reid and the public option ...or Olympia Snowe depending who you ask. Regardless you know I will be here RAGING if it isn't progressive, covers most Americans and includes real subsidies while keeping the insurance mafia honest. So let's do this already! Here are your highlights: Redskins vs. Eagles tonight , 4 Keys to the Game... Sunday Morning Come Down, the best place to read about the Sunday Talking Heads is always Driftglass Obama h...

Hump Day is here. Thank Jebus. I couldn't be happier this languishing week is moving along accordingly. The weather is great out today...maybe Chicago will get Fall after all?!!! Doubt it. (insert Debbie Downer music here) All the talk around the Beltway is about the Public Option and health care reform . Tired yet? I am not, we are almost there and the word is somewhere the House and the Senate will collide. I personally am hoping for a ladder match between Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid . I am picking Nancy using a chair taking out the weak Reid in about 5 minutes of a dominate scrap. Here are your highlights: G-Dub is BACK! And he is motivationally speaking...? Hail to the Deadskins... Vinny Cerrato you gotta go , since Snyder came in and donkey Cerrato took over it has not been pretty Al Franken doing his job beautifully Diaper Dave Vitter doesn't like blacks marrying whites , so he RUNNNSSSSS!!! (get it? it's a poop joke, diapers, dirty sex, David Vitter, aww come on yo...

Hello Friday! Where did this week go? Well all the talk in Chicago is of course the Olympics . The Obamas both went and made pitches as well as the Queen of Chicago Oprah , it is all the buzz that we are the clear choice. I would chalk that up to good ole America fugg yeah optimism, but we will see in two hours. I for one am still not sold the Daleympics will be clean and uncorrupted, but my biggest concern it more gentrification proposed in the plan . Daley has this wonderful way of just pushing real and local issues farther South and just pretending it is not there. If Chicago does get the bid, then let's hope it has memories like Los Angeles and have the feel of how the Olympics should be...and we fix the unprecedented violence that we have today. Here are your highlights: Will 2010 be another 1994? No matter what the Right says, the Jews think Obama is all right You stay classy Sen. John Ensign , more damaging evidence of his illegal actions Man I remember when challenging t...

It is a Wednesday which means most of my time will be spent doing super cool awesomeness at work...I have come to the conclusion that the Right is just plain batshit wingnut racist crazy . Nothing else can explain them trying to run with a Matt Drudge story about a "white kid getting beaten by black kids" and it is all Obama's fault. You don't have to go too far back in memory to see how race plays a part in American politics and divides our country . And since the election of Barack Obama, heck since he was nominated, the crazies , nativists and extremists have come out of the bunkas screaming "gubbament takeover!" These aren't your garden variety racists , no hoods or burning crosses (yet) they are your 2000 racists and they are openly being coddled by the Republican Party . Here are your highlights: Max Baucus come on down , you are next contestant on the Republican Party of No! In Chicago 2016 there WILL BE A DALEYMPICS or else and btw taking ...

It was a wild and crazy weekend in sports and politics. Overall I was relaxed and enjoyed a nice time doing basic things I normally don't get to do, like hanging out with the lady and watching football. Alas others had a little crazier weekend covered in freedom flags and holding signs more disgusting than their discourse. I am talking about the right wing extremists known as the Tea Baggers *eliminationists. I caught some of the slop on CSPAN, but they never panned out to show the entire "two million" that attended. I am from DC and I know what a crowd looks like there when it reaches "two million" NOT EVEN CLOSE ! Amongst all the fail there was one brave man who with the help from local socialist police force members made a quiet yet poignant statement, had those cops not been there I am sure he would have been eaten alive. God Bless America and thank Jebus we have a President who is now realizing , these teabaggers want nothing to do with anything remotely...

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News , World News , and News about the Economy Last night was great on many levels. I was treated to a wonderful dinner by my lady and then we watched the President give an impressive speech that had both of us moved. It was nice to sit down and witness history together. I was to be honest rather surprised at how upfront and honest Obama was toward the GOP misinformation campaign . The overall reaction out there is that the speech was received well . For us progressive/liberal/commie/pinko scum that is a good thing. It is important that the President offered an explanation of the public option, "it won't hurt you we swear, you idiots" would have been better in my opinion, but that is why he is an eloquent speaker and I am a raging blogger. The next couple of weeks will be interesting to watch...just glad the President finally called the asshats out. Here are your highlights: The Village has spoken wanting a public option and coverage for the u...

Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday. Man, I might need another cup of coffee. This morning was a struggle as I ran into major difficulties loading a site project for my Design class. That is right I design AMERICA! On the side Frank is rather artistic and I am working on a secret, super, CIA like project for the good of America. You are welcome in advance. Just for Laughs hits Chicago and some talents that once were regulars in the local circuit our paying us a sweet visit. If you want to check out a show go tonight to Chicago Underground Comedy , with Dan Telfer, Mike Bridenstine, Jared Logan, Adam Burke, Nick Vatterot, Team Submarine and Renee Gauthier. I featured Renee up above as she is a rockstar female comedian on an all guy lineup. Plus she is actually a very sweet person even though she has snarky and sassy humor. Enjoy! Here are your highlights: A letter on Health Care Reform The GOP is Dikeme Mutumbo-ing I was at the pump yesterday and noticed the sudden spike in Chicago. Let me guess,...

this video is not mine, just youtubed it yo This weekend I was able to attend a wedding in Springfield, IL. The capitol of the great state of Illinois and the home of Abraham Lincoln. We danced, had some bubbly and enjoyed the weather which was our first warms days in quite some time. Luckily I had the chance to visit the Abrahan Lincoln Museum on Sunday with the gf and enjoyed every second of it. I encourage anyone and everyone to visit it once in their lifetime. The wax sculptures are so lifelike and the interactive historical information is stunning. Truly one of the best museums I have ever had the pleasure of spending four hours in. It was truly presented with such grace and appreciation for the man that was Abraham Lincoln, you couldn't help but feel his experience as your own. Here are your highlights: The President visits Chicago , the AMA will most likely throw bull and shizz his way. And I wonder how many stories were run about Bushie taking Air Force One ? Boxing this w...

nsfw What a week and it has gone by rather quick. Anniversary, shows, Asians for Progress and now a weekend by the river. I have not highlighted a comedian this week so today I will give a major shout out to my buddy Mike Stanley . He is the latest cast member at Chicago Underground Comedy and the Don of Comedy House Chicago. Mike has been touring the states for quite some time now and is one of the nicest guys in the business. Check out his website , enjoy his comedy and have a great fuggin weekend. Here are your highlights: Tommy Christopher got the pink slip , why? For doing what he was paid to do give insightful and some time hard to swallow commentary AOL s-canned him anyway...the lesson. Don't mess with Playboy and misogyny, utter burrshizz, Support TC ! Health Care insurers do not care about health That's it, I am going with the Black Wii We have to get used to the fact that people are gunning for our president. Every day. They are insane and need to be taken seriousl...

“For the first time in history, we have set in motion a national policy aimed at both increasing gas mileage and decreasing greenhouse gas pollution for all new trucks and cars sold in the United States of America"- President Barack Obama This is great news and about time. It is refreshing to announce decent legislation and triumphs in saving our planet. It is imperative to move in a direction that takes responsibilities for a better and cleaner environment. And for you Wing-Nuts out there. I think I can communicate to you in a way you might understand. Franks gets into a truck with a CB radio and a megaphone. Hikes it up to 11. YOUR CAR WILL BE MORE FUEL EFFICIENT AND THUS SAVING ON GAS COSTS!!!! IT SAVES YOU OVER TIME. YOU KNOW. TIME?! IT WILL BE MADE IN AMERICA?! RRRAAAGGEE CARS GO FAST WON'T GUZZLE UP GAS. LEAVE DOUCHEBAGS IN DUST ON THEIR BROKE ASS! Ah fugg it, have fun in your Hummers, while everyone around you is speeding past in lightning fast awesome minis PEW PEW. ...