Bush to the Nation, we can still win

I watched the President's speech last night. I'm not sure what to say... he seemed uneasy at times, messed quite a few times, attempted to re-write history again, told us that the war in Iraq was winnable (I thought we won already? Like May of 2003? Mission Accomplished anyone?), that we have enough troops in Iraq, that the Iraqis were going to take over sooner rather than later, told us about the new enemy, and talked about 9/11.

Okay am I missing something here? Most of the news from Iraq since April of 2003 has been bad, from the looting in the very first days to the daily bombings of today. While we have handed over power to the Iraqis, last I checked the Iraqis can't run the country right now. In effect, we are keeping the country afloat and from falling into utter chaos, thus we hold the power. Maybe we can win in Iraq, but we don't seem too close to that goal. Plus what is winning in Iraq? A stable democracy? Is that winning? Besides getting rid of Saddam, what was or is winning? Just a sable democracy? What about the WMDs? Is the fact that they didn't have them winning or a victory? So a stable democracy is what Bush wants... what if they aren't pro-American like Iran? Then what? What if we install a stable democracy that's anti-American? Is that is desired? Bush's speech only raised more questions it answered very little.

And then there is 9/11. For political reasons Bush has to bring up 9/11, it's all he has. Between not having caught ben Laden and the mess in Iraq, Bush's post 9//11 track record is shameful. So Bush has to go back to 9/11, something that moves every American, to justify Iraq. But as we know, Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11. The new line I'm hearing is that the culture and political climate in the Middle East led to 9/11 and therefore reforming Iraq is going to change things. Of course that’s a lie of BS since first we heard about the WMDs and democracy doesn’t guarantee that the terrorism will stop. Just look at the terrorist organizations actually gain in popularity in the Middle East, from Hamas and Hizbullah to various parties in Iran, via democratic means. Even if Bush and the US is successful in reforming Iraq, there is no guarantee that this will happen in the rest of the region. And the idea of taking the fight to the enemy, I need not tell anyone that the terrorists were not in Iraq in early 2003, it has been the war in Iraq that has only created more terrorists and has made Iraq and the entire region more delicate.

The reality is that we're in Iraq for the long haul. We'll be there in 2008 in all likely hood (thus whoever follows W in the White House will have to deal with Iraq). Now, Bush may pull the troops before that, but politically both domestically and internationally, that would be a disaster. The best W and friends can hope for is a stable government. The worst-case scenario would be a civil war in Iraq that would only create more chaos in the Middle East. And somewhere in between, the threat of Iraqis turning against the US military still exists. Hope doesn't lie in the American military at this point, they're actually doing a fantastic job; rather hope lies in the Iraqis. That in itself is a scary position. If one of the three groups in Iraq feels left out, who knows what will happen.

Bush got up there yesterday and tried to be a cheerleader, he tried to tell us that it was going to be all right, that we can win. But he didn't seem very reassuring. He continues to blur the line between truths and lies. And it's becoming more and more clear that success in Iraq will be what ever Bush says it is; even if he never said it from the get go. Is it a hopeless situation? Probably not, but that doesn't change too much. I mean it seems pretty clear that the war was, a total and utter mistake.

The NBA Draft

Before we get to Bush's lame ass speech last night, two quick things to talk about.

First, it seems that Putin took New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft's Super Bowl ring. This is classic. Gank that shit Val. Gank it! That's funny, folks.

Last night was the NBA draft. I really have no opinions about it, I didn't watch much of it but the little I watched wasn't too interesting. It's pretty obvious that I could run the Toronto Raptors. I don't think Bogut at #1 is that bad of a pick for the Bucks, while he probably won't be a superdooper star, he should be one of the better centers in the league. The Hawks taking Williams isn't a bad pick, but they've got too many 3s as it is. Both Williams and Paul are going to be good players for the Jazz and Hornets respectively. Felton going at 5 was too high. Everyone is saying the Pacers and Boston had the best drafts, and it does look like they got a lot of bang for their buck. But I want to link the Sports Guy's Top 60 moments of the last six or seven drafts (not including last night's draft). My personal favorite is either calling Elgin Baylor "veteran of the lottery process" or Samuel Dalembert jumping on stage and shaking hands with Stern. That was funny.

The Right to be Stupid and Trafalgar 200 years later

I don't have much to say, but I will throw a few links up there today...

Since I'm moving to DC, I've got to get back to reading the Post. First, an editorial on flag burning. As I said before, just as veterans have fought for our freedom, they've also fought for the right to burn the flag. That's what makes America great, we can burn the flag. Now, I don't like burning, I think it's sort of stupid to be honest, but it's a right and it harms no one. Once again, burning a flag does not harm anyone. Don't ban the ability, no matter how stupid, to burn the flag.

Two-hundred years ago today, the Brits beat the French at sea and pretty much destroyed Napoleon chances at sea at Trafalgar. Go Lord Nelson! But this is one of those battles that if it had gone the other way... who knows what the world would look like today. Anyway interesting review.

Don't know if anyone likes Dave Eggers or has read any of his many publications and writings, but here a link to his monthly lit rag, The Believer. Something to check out, you know.

Helping those who need help

Here is an interesting and proactive idea from the state of Illinois on dealing with and helping prisoners with drug problems.

Obviously, the current means of dealing with drug inmates isn't working. Prison isn't 'reforming' the inmates, who most of the time just end up back in prison. Any new attempt to help reform and turn inmates into positive and productive citizens is worth the chance. Too often we, as a society, give up on prisoners too soon, and they often aren't given second chances. Hopefully this new idea and program will not only create productive and healthy citizens, but also make us all aware of the situation and give them the second chance to make something of themselves.

Blast From the Past

The Real World: Austin got me googleing, finding a Real World blog, checking out a few former Real Worlders websites... the funniest being the loser Kyle's from Chicago, I mean words can't describe this website. Check out his bio... check out the pictures. I mean does he look in the mirror every morning and say "I love being shallow! Look at me!" I know, I know, I shouldn't judge others and who the are because of the Real World... but please. Does this man take himself this serious? I feel for him, though a good laugh on the site.

But actually, I've been nearing addiction to Lori's website from Real World X: Back to New York (full name Lori Trespicio). Not sure why I enjoy her site so much... maybe because she has some interesting things to say, actually has some insights and brains, doesn't appear to be totally shallow, doesn't talk about herself only (if that makes sense, there's two ways to talk about your self... talk about what's going on around you and how you feel about it or talking about how awesome you are) and seems just like an interesting person. Yeah so enjoy if you will. Sort of interesting and I liked Lori on the show, I mean I sort of half assed watch NYCII and she seemed cool. But I just think what she writes is sort of interesting.

Of course, after reading all this crap about the Real World, I feel dirty and worthless and totally sucked in by our society and culture... but whatever, Real World binges are always fun for a few hours.

Best Job in the World and Wimbledon

A buddy of mine likes to argue that Jim Nantz has the best job in the world. He does the Masters, NCAA tournament, a few other golf outings, and the NFL pregame show. That's it, unless CBS has the Olympics. Those three or four events are all interesting, fun, and special.

But I'm going to disagree with him. Chris Fowler may have the best job in the world. The man does NCAA football and the Grand Slams in tennis. That means he does two weeks in Sidney, Paris, London, and New York... and travels around the country going to different college campus' with Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreet. Not a bad gig. Plus he's got two of the greatest analysis working by his side, Corso and... Brad Gilbert.

Now who is Brad Gilbert? Good question. I guess he's a tennis coach, former coach of Agassi and he played on the tour in the 80s. But he's completely outrageous and sits there with his hands placed palms down on the desk. He looks like a wooden duck. But he just shouts things randomly and has an outrageous website and is one of my favorite TV analysis.



Anyway, Wimbledon is always fun and cool to watch. I like the fact that they are playing on grass. In fact, tennis as a sport is fun to watch usually. It has interesting characters and players... like Sharapova! Maria Sharapova won easily this morning, a great way for one to start his day, waking up turning on ESPN2 and seeing Sharapova defeat her opponent.

Right to Burn the Flag

The House today approved the Flag Burning Amendment, it now goes on to the Senate where if 2/3 of the Senate approves, to goes to the states to be radified, if 38 states do so within seven years it becomes an amendment.

This of course is bad news and hopefully it won't get out of the Senate. While I'm no fan of flag burning, it's perfectly within someone's right to do so. They aren't harming anyone and merely just expressing themselves as they are allowed to do according to the First Amendment. Another way to look at it would be to say that soldiers have defended this country to protect our rights to burn the flag.

The language of the amendment is a bit worrisome too: "The Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States." Does that mean one cannot write on the flag? One cannot alter the flag in any way? I'm sure there will be more on this tomorrow.

Maxwell St., The White House, and Send in Dog!

Now a few links for the day...

Here is a good article about Maxwell Street, it's fate, and Blues Brothers. I was too young to ever experience the 'real' Maxwell Street, but it must have been phenomenal. Too bad it's stale and corporate there now.

Dick Durbin apologized for his statements, which while maybe a tad exaggerated had the right tone to them. The White House is getting away with abusing and torturing prisoners. And there have even been deaths, though no one has said it was because of torture or executions, (though would anyone be surprised if we found out in the next year or so that American military personal had executed prisoners? At this point, I wouldn't, which is a sad prospect to even be entertaining as a citizen of the United States). But the White House, preaching freedom, liberty, and democracy from their mouth, is openly engage and allowing the abuse and torture of prisoners with their hands. Classic cases of do what I say, not as I do. Of course, actions speak louder than words. And the White House's actions speak plainly: torture and abuse of humans is okay and justified if the people being abused and tortured are not on our side.

I'm surprised at how often I agree with Friedman, or at the very least, his insights into politics. I think he's right in this article, the lack of a 'heir' or 'successor' to W has lead the White House into dangerous waters. They're only going to be their 8 years, and then they're gone. Even if a GOPer is elected in 2008, odds are that person will be much more moderate than Bush. But they'll have to fix W's mess (tax cuts, the War on Terror, Iraq, and spending to name a few)...

Humor is a funny thing. And Steve Lopez writes a humorous piece here about sending 'Dog' (some dude/bounty hunter from a reality TV show) into western/central Asia to catch bin Laden. His point, of course is why haven't we caught this man and how many more times do we have to hear that we're closing in or close? He's the real enemy, but we seem to forget this from time to time. I still say the Democrats should run an add on TV, 30 seconds long, the screen is black, and in white lettering says this: "We have just one question? [five seconds] Where is bin Laden?"

Real World: Austin

The Real World is one of those shows that will probably never go out of style. Sure some casts are better than others, and we all have our favorites, but the show it self is just perfect. Take seven people, take a pimped out house, take away TV, give them no responsibility, and give them plenty of booze and you get great TV.

Last night's premiere of Real World: Austin was fantastic. At least four of the characters seemed some what interesting (Wes, Lacey, Nehemiah, and Johanna) thrown in a hot nymphomaniac (Melinda) and a dumb Bostonian (Danny; and by the way you'd think Boston is sick of the number of dumb people from the city that seem to make reality TV? I mean, if I only watched reality TV and never visited or met someone from Boston, I'd think everyone from the area was stupid. Danny not only has trouble speaking, but he's also got the "I wanta be a drunk sort of meathead dude with goofy hats and ogles at woman) thing down. You should have seen some of his facial expressions last night. The look of pure stupidly on his face sometimes... classic). But back to last night, Johanna seems smart but can't handle her booze, starts a fight with Nehemiah, he wisely takes off and leaves, Wes and Danny go looking for him after a crying Johanna tells them some BS, they end up getting in a shoving match with some locals, Danny needs to be held back, fight breaks out in the street, Danny is pulled down, and then gets his face beat in by some dude who throws a total cheap shot as Danny lies on the ground. The punch probably knocked him out... and turns out he needs surgery. Wow. And of course some how Nehemiah got blamed for this, but considering everyone was drunk, I'm sure it's going to fall on Johanna's lap sooner rather than later. And we haven't even gotten to Melinda who will take being on the Real World to the next level this year. Looks like a fantastic year for MTV and the Real World: Austin.

Materialism

There is nothing that catches my eye in the news... Guardian is boring and all about Wimbledon. The New York Times has this article about stolen credit card data and the Internet. Which was interesting and informative. But what's scary about identity theft is first, on a personal level, the loss of privacy and in many ways the self. Your private information is out there for everyone, or at least one individual to see. It's a scary idea that someone can take on your identity and buy thinks at your expense. But it's also scary in the more intellectual sense that there is such demand for credit card information. With stolen credit card information, one can buy things... it's all about materialism or consumerism. The ramped desire and demand of materialism in our society is scary and sickening. People are stealing other people's identity just so they can buy material things. The idea of it is scary. The fact that it happens is sad. The only thing that matters is the material, the shirt/car/chair/glass/shoes/video game/vase/sofa/knifes... and on and on and on. I'm not sure what the demand or desire for these things, sure some are necessities, but stealing others identity for these things? That is personal corruption at the highest. It is also one of the greatest problems in our society. Materialism, in my opinion, only creates emptiness. It places things/stuff/objects between the individual and other individuals/society. This space or gap that is created is filled by only one thing, more emptiness. We move even further away from out society and others around us, creating unhappiness. To make up for this unhappiness, people buy more... and it continues on and on and on.

The United States under-20 soccer team made it to the round of 16 in the World Youth Championships, lead by Freddy Adu (who seems to have been having just an okay tournament). They play Italy as we speak. Go USA!

Allianz Arena

Well if everything goes right, This Life on a Bench will now have photos. Hurray! And the inspiration behind the ability to get photos was this amazing stadium in Munich, Allianz Arena. The area was built for the 2006 World Cup and already hosts games between the two Munich football sides. Depending on who is playing, the arena will light up in either blue or red to let everyone know who's playing. Very cool.

Staying with sports... Big Shot Bob... what else can you say? That dunk in OT was a thing for the ages and the fact that he won the game on top of it... amazing. One of the most amazing clutch preformers of our life times.

And finally, the Sox won in the late innings again, they're now 46-22 cleary the best team in baseball and opened up a 7.5 game lead, and an 8 game lead in the wild card. The only real problem I see is that they could use a third baseman. But other than that, this team is playing great baseball and can beat you so many different ways. GO! GO! WHITE SOX!

What happened to the re-watchable movie?

Bill Simmons proposed an interesting question today in his column:
"It's one thing to continually discuss the '80s movies like "Rocky 4," "Karate Kid," "Fletch," "48 Hours" and everything else of that ilk, since you can only truly dissect a movie after you've seen it 700 times. But if you look at the most re-watchable movies from the past 10 years, the list looks like this: "Rounders," "Boogie Nights," "Good Will Hunting," "Almost Famous" and "Swingers." Any time one of those five movies comes on, I'm watching. Even if I stumbled in halfway through the movie.

But did you notice something about that list? Each of those movies came out between 1996 and 2000 … which means there hasn't been a Hall of Fame re-watchable movie in five full years. So what happened to the really well-done, really entertaining movie that could be watched again and again? Where did it go?"

That's a great question. Just going over movies that either myself or friends I know watch over and over again, the list is close to what Simmon's lists: Top Gun, Karate Kid (the first and Part III), the Star Wars movies, and so on... you know those type of movies that everyone likes. But what's gone on since 2000? There is next to nothing...

I drew up a quick list:
*Pirates of the Caribbean (other than Johny Depp there is no reason to watch this movie)
*Elf (I'd put it there, but then again I don't want to watch a Christmas movie in July)
*The Last Samurai (ummm, no)
*The Bourne Identity (I'm putting it on the re-watchable list, but I like movies that don't take place in the USA)
*Anchorman (No... I can't do it, it isn't good enough)
*Austin Powers (too bad it was made before 2000, but it's on the list or should be)
*The Royal Tenenbaums (Too much of a cult film)
*Rushmore (Better than Tenenbaums in my opinion, but still too much of a cult film)
*Zoolander (No, sorry, this movie just isn't funny or interesting enough to make the list)
*"Band of Brothers" (YES! But it's a mini series more than a movie)
*Gladiator (I go back and forth on this one, it's a good movie, but it's not that good... but then again if it's on I'm watching it)
*Traffic (Much like Gladiator, but not enough maybe too much of a drama)
*High Fidelity (Love story sinks it, but it's pretty good no matter)
*Fight Club (Let's put it on the list, but it was made before 200 (in 1999) so it should be on the list above)
*Old School (This was a movie where they had only a half hour of material... so the other 60 mins just suck)

First lets add Fight Club and Austin Powers to the '96 to '00 list of:
"Rounders," "Boogie Nights," "Good Will Hunting," "Almost Famous" and "Swingers."

So what does the leave us with... what movies if they came on TV or you walked into a buddies place and he/she is watching this movie that you stop what you're doing and watch?
* The Bourne Identity
* Band of Brothers
* Gladiator

Three movies and one is a miniseries. The other is a violent and dark drama that has almost no comedy to speak of and the other is an action flick with again, almost no comedy to speak of. Basically all comedies now-a-days are stupid slap sticks that really aren't that funny in the first place (Zoolander anyone?). Movies like Tenenbaums and Rushmore have that good movie, plot, characters, and humor mix; but for some reason they aren't mainstream in anyway. But there is nothing like a Top Gun or 48 Hours or Pulp Fiction or Karate Kid or Shawshank Redemption.

Hopefully the era of re-watchable movies will return soon.

Soccer and Race in America

Here is a fantastic article in the Guardian about soccer here in the States and the racial divide that has arisen. The author, thankfully, points out that racism in America is a problem, but it's also a problem in the UK. And then goes on to say that part of the reason we don't see many black soccer players is because suburban whites what to keep it that way. They think that soccer is their sport. And after 'losing' basketball and football, they want to 'keep' soccer. There is a great quote in the article where a local official of a soccer league in Philly said, under his breath: "If they think they're going to do what they did to basketball, they're crazy." This goes back to my theory that white people in America are wimps and scared of what's around them and believe the media and others who have been more than willing to push black stereotypes on us for hundreds of years. There's no reason a 6'6" 220 pound white kid can't play basketball, if he doesn't succeed it isn't because he's white: it's because he either gave up, figured he wasn't as good, or was intimidated by stereotypes that just aren’t always true. All we need to do is look at some of the international players in the league today and realize that it isn't the color of ones skin, it's the attitude in ones heart and mind. White American's for some reason believe they can't run, jump, or shoot like a black kid. That just isn't the case. And if you don't believe me, play some pick up b-ball at Catholic Universities gym for a day.

Let me say this... the new Coldplay album is not very good. Is long, dragged out, slow, full of cheesy lyrics, and bad ballads. While a few songs stand out, for the most part, save your money and buy something actually interesting and good...The Decemberists, Bloc Party, or Sufjan Stevens. And "Swallowed In the Sea" might be the worst song I've heard all year. It just flat out sucks. "Speed of Sound" stands out because it's actually sort of interesting, but for the most part, this is just a bland album, with bland lyrics, bland melodies. It's not bad, it's just not good.

Bush's poll numbers are falling... and falling fast. His approval rating is down to 42%, which is starting to get dangerously low. Support for the war in Iraq is dropping, as is just about everything else that Bush has done, does, or is trying to do (like Social Security, note to W, the public doesn't like your idea). And oh yeah, as bad as things look for Bush, people are even more disappointed and pissed at Congress. Let's see some action that people actually want boys and girls.

More on the UN, Unions, and Dick Durbin

It's amazing what bipartisan councils can do. Thanks to Newt Gingrich and others, they have spent the last six months working on a report that outlined some of the problems with the United Nation and finding ways to make the UN better. As I said yesterday, the UN is flawed, it isn't perfect, and we aren't always going to like what it says, but it is a necessity and fundamentally good organization. Anyway to improve it will only benefit the world, and therefore the United States.

AFL-CIO looks to be in trouble of losing some major unions and therefore power. As a union man, this probably is a good thing. The AFL-CIO is just too big and has lost sight of many of their original goals and looking out for their best workers. Hopefully this will serve as a wake up call to the AFL-CIO and they can get back to the basics. Forget about politics and focus on the workers.

And who's going to take over for the Conservatives once Howard steps down in the next few months? Start with this 38 year old.

Good for Dick Durbin to stick to his guns and opinions about the bullshit going on at Guantanamo Bay and the mistreatment of prisoners. He's right, the actions by American personal in Guantanamo is disgusting and an insult to what we stand for as a nation.

Wow, I actually agree with the White House

House GOPers are looking to pass a bill that would cut the dues the US pays to the UN, and the White House doesn't want them to pass the bill. Say what you will about the White House, but this is a good move both nationally and more importantly internationally. The United Nations, for all its faults, is an outstanding organization where states can come together, talk things out, and help each other out socially, economically, and politically. Lessening power or influence of the UN would be a stupid move and only create instability. I'm not sure if House GOPers are greedy, xenophobic, or so nationalistic that they are this short sighted about the rest of the world. Do they realize that a turbulent world filled of inequalities is not a good thing for the United States? Do they realize that if the UN, for as limited as it is, isn't able to reach out to other nations; then no one, either individual states or international bodies, will be able to or actually be able to help other countries in their development.

Another interesting trend that we're starting to see is how radical the House is becoming. Thanks to the gerrymandering that has taken place over the last ten to fifteen years, the most seats in the House are uncompetitive. This creates representatives that are shoe in's in terms of being elected from their districts every two years. Not having to worry about ones political life allows them to be a bit more radical, and as a result we get a House that's full of hacks and morons preaching a top their piles of lobbyist 'donations'.

Sufjan Stevens, Iraq, and The Sports Guy

Sufjan Stevens is attempting to write an album about all fifty states. And if the other 49 are as good as his first one, on his home state of Michigan, we're all in for a treat. His second, on Illinois, is to be released early next month. And ambitious project, and hopefully they'll all be as inspired and enjoyable as the first. I tip my hat to Sufjan, not only for the music, but also for how cool of idea the project is.

Friedman wants us to talk more about Iraq.

I'm giving in and going to add Bill Simmons, my favorite writer, to the side links. It's just too hard not to add him... I tried not to give him props just because everyone seems to have done so and does and it would look like I was a copy cat, but I've been a Simmons fan for four years now. I read him before, but he sold me on his comments on the Eagles back in 2001... "it's the 10-year anniversary of the '91 Eagles, one of the greatest video game teams of all-time." That might be one of the single greatest things ever written in the history of sports. Cheers to Simmons.

Red Meat = Cancer

This is not good news... every night I'm eating red meat and drinking red wine. Turns out while one can prevent heart problems, the other causes cancer. This sucks. I love hot dogs, hamburgers, and steak. Being American can stink sometimes.

Links!

We lead off the day today with a look at the full text of those British memos that basically say that The White House decided to go to war in the middle of 2002 and was looking to build their case politically and internationally. Intel was fixed... and the rest is history.

Here is an interesting read about abortion and a different look at it, even if you agree or disagree with what the author has to say. There is so little discussion when it comes to abortion, you're either this or that, that we haven't, as a country or society, been able to get anywhere. I believe John Iriving attempted to open up the discussion when he wrote The Cider House Rules to something other than this or that, but was shot down by both sides.

Here is an article about the most uninteresting and boring people in Washington, DC. If you happen to see them out (I suggest looking for them at the Angry Inch), run. They really are just so boring. I've met this people, they only want to talk about what they do, who they know/work for, and how much they hate America but love America at the same time. Why do they hate American, because they hate our government and are looking out only for the interest of the individual. The idea of community is lost to them. Oh well, hopefully they'll be able to live in a shell their entire lives.

Prom in New York City

A very good, and bit confusing, article about the George Washington High School in New York baseball team and their prom. A nice, heart warming and interesting story.

And Rafael Gonzalez? Check out his minor leauge stats here and here.

Fidel Days Numbered?

Probably not, but an instresting story about what's going on in Cuba at the moment. Cubans are becoming more and more vocal about the government. While change will proably have to wait until Fidel's death, Cubans may be getting ready for just that.

The Modern Media and Celebrities

Interesting look at the roles that the media, public, and celebrities play in our daily lives, what we read, and what we watch. So while we report and read the latest on Crowe's anger problems or Brad and Jen and Jon Voight's daughter, not only do we miss the point (what's actually going on in the world) but we're also told that we're guility for wanting to know about these celebrities by the very celebrities who are out there creating all this "news". And while they have a point, the fact still remains... you didn't have to do the photo shoot or the movie or the interview... don't blame us for giving you what you didn't want.

Random Thoughts

Today seems like a good day to look away from the various newspapers (it helps that the NY Times is reporting that the economy is on firm ground… yawn… and the Guardian has Bono on the front page. Which is funny enough by itself. In fact I’m linking the story just because it is Bono. And by the way, does he sleep with those wrap around sunglasses? Who has the nuts to go in front of the leaders at the EU wearing wrap around sunglasses tinted yellow? Only Bono. God love the Irish). Anyway, no newspapers today, instead just random pop culture thoughts:

Who doesn’t want to be Val Kilmer… I mean think about this. For starters you’re Iceman. And as if that wasn’t enough… try Batman, the dude from Heat, you get to be the totally creepy guy from the Saint, and then of course Jim Morrison. And once again, you get to be Iceman and say things like “YOU!”

The Facebook might be one of the five greatest things about the 21^st century.

I still can’t get over the heroin ring inside the Water Department. Should I be mad? Scared? It makes me laugh to be honest. Remember don’t do drugs though.

Some of my favorite songs at the moment… “The Laws Have Changed” the New Pornographers, “Change your Mind” The Killers, “Maps” Yeah Yeah Yeahs, “Romulus” Sufjan Stevens, “Persona Jesus” Depeche Mode, “I Used to Love You” John Legend, and “They” Jem, I think “Someday” by the Strokes is the best drinking song with you buddies ever, “Afternoon Delight” Starland Vocal Band because it makes me laugh and the Anchorman DVD video.

In greatest movie lines of all time, “I’m going to take a shower…. Thank you….. I enjoyed being here.” From Top Gun has to crack the top 100.
Others:
--“Alright, Alright, Alright.”
--“I want a hamburger -- no, a cheeseburger. I want a hot dog. I want a milk shake. I wan-."
"You'll get nothing and like it!!!"
--"Are you drunk?"
"Pretty much. (thinking) Yeah."
--“We’re on a Mission from God.” And “We’ll talk to Bob.”
--“Old time hockey…” “Like Eddie Shore!”
And every line from Terry Silver in “Karate Kid: Part 3”. I mean it doesn’t get much better than “Pain! In every party of his body! And Pain! In every part of his mind!” and I’m not doing it justice. Trust me… just a fantastic movie experience.

I love Terry Silver.

Third World Country or....

... just the way the world works? Even in the first world we find huge amounts of corruption and drug rings. Just like here in Chicago. Amazing that this was going on in the city, but in many ways I'm not too shocked. Corruption like this is pretty bad, but it just goes to show that it happens and I'm sure it happes to some degree on every level of government, from the White House to your local town hall.

Heroin rings in the city Water Department, sounds like something from Lima or Mexico City or Kabul... not Chicago.

36% of the Way There

The Sox are 39-19 (.672) as of right now. They've played 58 games, or 36% of their schedule, and they have 104 game left. Here's what happens if they play x% the rest of the way:
.450 -- 86-76
.475 -- 88-74
.500 -- 91-71
.525 -- 93-69
.550 -- 96-66
.575 -- 99-63
.600 -- 101-61
.625 -- 104-58
.650 -- 106-56
.672 – 109-53

Right now they have the highest RPI in baseball at .549, the Twins are second at .533. The Sox have played the 9th toughest schedule thus far @ .507, the Twins a tad tougher @ .508 (and coming in 8th). The Twins expected W-L is a tad better than the Sox:
Twins – 34-22 (.600)
Sox – 35-23 (.595)

The Sox have the best record in baseball, with the Cards close behind. But the Cards have played one of the easiest schedules in the majors so far. The Twins are the second best team in the American League, and third best in baseball. The Sox currently hold a six game lead over the closest Wild Card team (the Angels), and hold an 8 game lead on the BoSox (who are four back of the O's who are four behind the Sox). The Jays are 8.5 back… the Yanks? A full 11 games.

The Twins and the Sox are basically neck in neck in runs scored/allowed (Sox 263/217; Twins 262/214). The Twins are better at getting on base and hits, but the Sox have more home runs. It's amazing how similar these teams are... total bases, doubles... When looking at their pitching stats, the Twins just don't walk anyone. The Sox have a good K/BB rate, but the Twins are just destroying the majors with a 3.62 K/BB rate (the Sox are a solid 2.20). The Sox pitchers strike more hitters out (6.47 to 5.92); and teams have much more trouble getting a hit off the Sox (.241 to .253). Their ERAs, to no surprise, are extremely close (Sox: 3.48; Twins 3.41). WHIP? Sox: 1.23; Twins:1.14.

The Sox have four pitchers in the top 16 in the AL in ERA (Contreras - 3.13; MB 3.15; Garland 3.40; Garica 3.51). The Twins have four in the top 26. Contreras and Santana go 1-2 in Opponent Batting average (.202 and .215). Garcia is 6th (.236) and MB 8th (.241).

So basically at this point in the season, the two of the three best teams in the game, and maybe the two best teams, are the Twins and the White Sox. And it's really not that close. The Cards are there, but as I've said, they've played an easy schedule so far and get to beat up on probably the worst division in baseball, where it's probably likely that none of those teams will finish above .500.

It's going to be a race. The important thing is the nice lead the Sox have on the Wild Card teams. I expect the Rangers to fade and the BoSox to turn it up a bit as the season goes on. At this point, I'm rooting for the O's and Jays and who ever is playing the Twins.

Why We Love Daley

Non-Chicagoans seemed scared or miffed at why we love our Mayor so... the answer is simple, stuff like this:

"Can I tell you something? Everybody has responsibilities. I put somebody on the dance floor. They have to dance. I have to make the judgments, and I'll make the judgments," the mayor said.

My new theory is that Bush wants to be like Daley, he just lacks the command and respect of half the country. (notice the only people who don't like Daley are those who live in the 'burbs... call it
jealousy).

Dance, readers, Dance.

The 1990s... Whatever, Bill

I'm not sure how we'll look back on the 90s... probably as a time of peace and wealth. Hisorians will probably call it the first decade of the 21st century (thus the 20th century last only 75 years (1914-1989)), and musically I have no clue. The late 90s as far as music went, kind of sucked. It would give the late 70s a run for its money. Anyway, if you want to buy a 7 CD box set on the 90s... you can check it out here.

The Strange Career of Coldplay

In one of the more interesting days in music in a while, both Coldplay and the White Stripes' new albums come out today. I've enjoyed both bands... I've listened to Coldplay more but think the White Stripes are a better band. Coldplay gets me every time on a few songs, "Shiver", "Clocks", "The Scientist", and "Green Eyes". Everything else is fine, nice, blah, how does it go again?, I'm not going to turn it off... Coldplay rarely makes me feel or think. Not that that's bad, but some what disappointing since they have written "Clocks" with that fantastic piano hook... but when Pitchfork (who are a bit hard on them) write about how "innocent and inoffensive" the songs are... you can't help but to think about it and say... they're right. Here is their review on Coldplay's new album.

The White Stripes on the other hand, just made good rock. It's simple yet interesting, in your face at times, sad and lonely at others, sentimental at others... and after listening to the White Stripes you can't help but hope that someday, one day, Coldplay will actually say something, and actually do something, and actually mean something. The talent is there to be more, just listen to "Clocks", "The Scientist", or "Shiver" for goodness sake, but the meaning or feeling or reflective thought in most Coldplay songs doesn't seem to be there.

So while the White Stripes continue to make interesting and moving music, Coldplay continue to make "innocent and inoffensive" music and then tease us with once or twice an album. I guess in the end, I think of the White Stripes like a John Irving; known and read by many, but not John Grisham. And while Grisham is fine to read, when the book is finished do you ever find yourself thinking about it a week or two later?

The Problem with Society...

Crowe should never have done this and he should have been arrested, but...

Is this really front (web)page material on the LA Times? I think not. If anything, just put it on the police beat. But of course the media doesn't do this.

Crowe is an actor. That's all he is, maybe he inspires a few people to be actors, but over all, Russel Crowe has little impact on the world. Him being an arsehole isn't worthy of our time.

Maybe it's time we looked in other places for interesting and important stories. Crowe throwing a phone at someone is just a waste of time.

The Guardian on Till

One of the saddest chapters in 20th century American history looked at by the Brits.

Fascism, Part Two: Franco

So why isn't Franco considered a fascist by many historians and political science gurus? It's quite simple; actions speak louder than words. Despite the fact that Franco was allied with Hitler and Mussolini, he wasn't a fascist. He never had expressed any fascist ideology prior to the Spanish Civil War, and after the war, he gave the fascist party no power in the government.

People want to consider Franco a fascist because he received support from Hitler and Mussolini during the Spanish Civil War. True, the war became an anti-fascist campaign for many on the left after Hitler and Mussolini gave support to Franco's side in the conflict. But it's important to point out that Franco's side in the civil war was made up of many different groups… the military, Catholic Church, rich land owners, urban elite, and conservatives (including the fascist party of the time). One only has to quickly compare Franco's support groups to those of Hitler and Mussolini to realize that they had next to nothing in common. The military did not support Hitler and Mussolini until after they took power… the Church wanted no part of their fascism
since the Church was marginalized and disliked by fascists. Many land owners and the urban elite didn't support the fascist parties in Germany and Italy. Fascists in Germany and Italy were attracted to fascism because of the stress it put on the state, the failures, usually financial, of the liberal democracies in place in these countries, many came from the left, and were centered around the rural, often farmers, of the country. This can't be stressed enough, the Nazi party attempted to recruit follower from urban centers in Germany, but failed miserably. The rise of the fascist party had much to do with the failure of farmers in the 1920s, agriculture was the biggest loser of the 'boom' of the 1920s. Farmers were losing money and faith in the political parties of their countries, and turned to the fascist party and their promises and attempts to help them by organizing tax strikes, protests against banks, and also ambition and opportunity ceased by the fascist parties at this moment (p 65). In Spain, the Nationalists were a mix of everyone… those who wanted to keep things as they were and supported the monarchy. Franco didn't come to power thanks to a gradual fascist movement; he came to power due to a political conflict between many different parties, cultural and economic conflicts that lead to the Spanish Civil War.

And once the war ended in 1939 and Franco was victorious, Franco then moved quickly to consolidate and establish power for him self in Spain. Unlike in Germany and Italy were the fascist party was part of the power structure of those courtiers, Spain was radically different.
Franco wanted, after three years of civil war, order and quite in Spain. A frantic, dynamic fascist party or fascist country would not fit into those desires.

Franco never wanted a "revolution of the soul". He never went to war or created war to promote Spain's 'greatness'. He allowed no share in policy making or administration with fascists or a fascist party like Hitler and Mussolini. He was the solo ruler, the dictator of Spain. Franco actually submerged the Falange (the single party in Spain that some may consider the fascist party) under umbrella organizations with both fascists and monarchists. When one of the leaders of the party tried to assert independent authority, Franco had him arrested. After the Second World War, the Falange became a "colorless solidarity association" and by 1970 its name was abolished. "By then Franquist Spain had long become an authoritarian regime dominated by the army, state officials, businessmen, landowners, and the Church, with almost no visible fascist coloration." (p. 150).

Franco was a military dictator, an authoritarian. To consider any, or all, military dictatorships fascist would be wrong. "Authoritarians would rather leave the population demobilized and passive, while fascists want to engage and excite the public. Authoritarians want a strong but limited state. They hesitate to intervene in the economy, as fascism does readily, or to embark on programs of social welfare. They cling to the status quo rather than proclaim a new way" (p. 217). We don't see the public excitement or desire for a "revolution of the soul" or proclamation of a new way in Spain. We see Franco holding on to what Spain was in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries… a strong, authoritarian leader who has close ties to the landowners, rich/nobles, and the Church.

There is no doubt that Franco did barrow some ideas from Mussolini, referring to himself as Caudillo and making the Falange the only party in Spain (but as we saw, they were powerless). The Allies viewed Franco as a fascist because of his closer than most relationship to Hitler and Mussolini, the blood spilled immediately following the civil war, and the regime's efforts to close down cultural and economic contact with the world. But then again, so did Stalin in the 1930s and after the Second World War. He signed the non-Aggression Pact with Hitler, he killed millions in fortifying his power, and closed the borders of the Soviet Union and the Eastern Bloc.

Franco was much more interested in establishing and keeping his power than any fascist movement. He and Spain were "always more Catholic than fascist, built its authority upon traditional pillars such as the Church, big landowners, and the army, essentially charging them instead of the state or the weaker Falange with social control. Franco's state intervened little in the economy, and made little effort to regulate the daily life of people as long as they were passive" (p. 217). You saw little or none of this in Germany and Italy; the fascist party was the most important part of political and often daily life in Germany and Italy during their rules. Everything else took a back seat.

Was Franco a cold, ruthless, and brutal dictator? Without a doubt, but to call him a fascist would be incorrect. He was a military man, one who had little to no respect and ideological desire of fascism. He didn't separate the state from the Church, the economy was not war based, the party was not at the center of daily and political life. His rise to power had little, if anything to do with fascism and the fascists, and everything to do with his position in the army. Franco was a military dictator, a brutal and ruthless dictator. But a fascist? There just isn't enough there.

Fascism, Part One

The question has come up often in history classes... was Franco a fascist? And this has also lead to the question, is Bush a fascist? Today, in the first of a THREE PART SERIES (how exciting) I'm going to look what is fascism and makes one a fascist?

I'm using Robert O. Paxton's "The Anatomy of Fascism" which was published last year. Paxton is one of the leading historians in 20th century fascism, "Years ago he became the first post-war historian to turn comfortable French myths about Vichy upside down. His classic "Vichy France: Old Guard and New Order" (1972) argued that Vichy was less a shield for republican France against Nazism than a repressive and anti-democratic regime that begged Hitler to accept its
co-operation." - The Economist

First, let's define where fascism came from, what would make one a fascist, or a fascist government. Fascism came from the fear of the collapse of the community, society is seen as falling apart and is losing touch in who and what the nation is and should be. In their eyes, the nation is the best. It is the greatest of all nations… and maybe most importantly, the nation should be placed before people's individual rights. The citizens of the state are the chosen people and have been weakened by other groups of people, xenophobia; political parties, social class, minorities, and the lack or loss of community has also weakened the state.

The rise of Left after the First World War was another important factor. Fascism saw itself as the protector of the nation state, the anti-Left. They saw the Left and were horrified by its ideas of equality no matter who or what you were and desire to rid the world of the nation state.

The failures of the liberals gave the fascists even more ammunition. They saw the First World War and the economic crisis of the 1880s (and to a degree the 1930s) as a result of the great liberal ideals of a free market, free school, and freedom of individual rights.

In short, Fascism scorned bourgeois politics, was anti-left, took nationalism to the extreme, and saw the use of violence as an acceptable means of 'saving the country'. And fascists were willing
to give up their individual rights in the name of the country or nation-state. They were willing to use violence to gain power and against people who didn't see eye to eye with them.

Once in power, fascist governments wanted "to engage and excite the public" (Paxton, The Anatomy of Fascism, p. 217). Fascists were looking to excite the people, to purify the public; the state was the center of attention, not the party. They often ruled by fear and radicalization, not force and work; though they would not have been conceivable without terror. Though, since the Nazi's violence was directed at specific groups of people, "Germans often felt more gratified than threatened by it" (p. 135). The Nazis weren't violent towards most Germans, and the Italians were actually fairly 'peaceful' (only 9 people were sentenced to death in Italy between 1926 and 1940) after Mussolini gained power (though his take over was bloodier than Hitler's). Hitler's success came from "his superior audacity, drive, and tactical agility; his skillful manipulation…. Of the idea that imminent communist "terror" justified the suspension of due process and the rule of law; and a willingness to commit murder" (p. 128-129). Another thing to consider is that, just because Hitler's Nazi party was more powerful in Germany doesn't mean that it was more fascist than Mussolini's Italy.

Fascists were masters at manipulating different groups. They recruited youths, used peer pressure, used fear to scare people into ratting on neighbors… "The Fascist pull forward toward dynamic, leveling, populist dictatorship, prepared to subordinate every private interest to the imperatives of national aggrandizement and purification" (p. 120). Fascists wanted to change society, not in the socioeconomic sense, but a "revolution of the soul" and make their people, their country the most powerful in the world. "They wanted to revolutionize their national institutions in the sense that they wanted to pervade them with energy, unity, and will power, but they never dreamed of abolishing property or social hierarchy" (p. 142). The fascists wanted to subordinate the individual to the community; they wanted the individual to embody the national destiny… to serve the nation to the highest.

The economy was geared toward one thing, preparing and waging war. "Fascist economic policy responded to political priorities, and not to economic rationale" (p. 145). Everything was geared towards war… war was the chance to show that the country, the state, was the most powerful. They were the greatest. That the people of Italy and Germany, truly were great because of the victories on the battlefield.

Hell

I'm not sure I could think of a more boring and hellish life. If I avoid this sort of life when I'm a bit older, I have won at life. Everyone is the same, looks the same, acts the same, likes the same things... I'm not sure if anything could be worse.

Great read, and the family seems very nice and does their best to make the most of their choices (since they've choose economics over everything else).