Coldplay - Violet Hill

I like this video...A LOT. It reminds me of the old videos from the Police like "Don't Stand so Close to Me" and "Message in a Bottle." I suppose it's sorta Beatlesish as well. Anyways, enjoy!

The White House, the Press, and Iraq

The headlines have been dominated recently by Scott McClellan's revelations about the Bush administration's and the media's behavior in the run up to the Iraq war. McClellan states in his book What Happened: Inside the Bush White House and Washington’s Culture of Deception that Bush had essentially decided to invade Iraq in November of 2001. McClellan also charges the Washington Press Corp with "dropping the ball" during the months preceeding the invasion and being "far too deferential" to the White House. Now, as is evident in the Times article I linked to above, the White House is "oh snap!" about McClellan's book and coward-in-chief Karl Rove, ditz queen Dana Perino, and Dan Bartlett are out in force defending themselves and attacking McClellan. Not surprisingly, they seem to be using the same talking points as the words "puzzled" and "sad" seemed to come up a lot. Also, we hear a lot about how "this doesn't sound like Scott!" The standard response on the left has been "why did he wait so long to provide us with this information?" That's a good question, indeed. Certianly, while it's nice that McClellan is telling us all this now, and saying nice things about Barack Obama, he was complicit in helping to deceive the American public during his time as the White House Press Secretary. However, we should be grateful that this information is even coming out at all. This administration is unprecedented in its secrecy and loyalty, so McClellan should be commended for having the courage to essentially squander many a friendship, and destroy any future he might have had in the Republican Party.

That being said, Warren Strobel and Jonathan Landay, two journalists that did not "drop the ball" in the run up to the Iraq War, have an absolutely superb post up at their blog with the lovely and talented Nancy Youseff: Nukes & Spooks. Strobel and Landay lay out what really happened in the weeks and months preceeding the invasion. This is one of the best blog posts I've read in sometime and it should really be read by any patriotic American seeking to understand what exactly happened during the march to war.

Also, for a superb interview of Scott McClellan by Keith Olbermann go here, here, here, and here.

P.S. Please read Nukes & Spooks. Warren Strobel, Jonathan Landay, and Nancy Youssef are three of the most gifted journalists still writing today. These three actually deserve the moniker of "journalist." All those that seek honest, critical reporting, should make their blog and McClatchy a go to source for coverage that doesn't toe the Republican Party line.

Idlewild - American English

Spin Magazine once called this song "a prom anthem, only for those kids that didn't go to prom."

Amen to that.

Is MSNBC Pro-Obama?

I usually don't like to put too much stock in any story by Howard Kurtz, but his article in today's Washington Post definately peaked my interest. Kurtz's subject matter is that of MSNBC and it's supposedly "left-leaning" election coverage and "pro-Obama" bend. There's no question that MSNBC is anti-Clinton, and I say that as an Obama supporter. MSNBC's coverage of Hillary Clinton has been absolutely deplorable. Chris Matthews routinely descends into sexist rants against Clinton that would offend the sensibilities of even the most ardently conservative frat boy. That being said, with the exception of Olbermann, the network certainly isn't "pro-Obama." They covered the Reverand Wright scandal and lapel pin controversy just as much as any other media outlet. That being said I can understand why many Clinton supporters label MSNBC "pro-Obama" considering Olbermann's "special comments" against Hillary and Matthew's strangely homoerotic murmurs about Obama. Really though, MSNBC is pro-Obama only to the extent that they

I think that conservatives that complain that MSNBC is "left-leaning" are either way too thin skinned (which of course they are) or incredibly stupid (ok, again). Chris Matthews says nice stuff about Obama, but there is no doubt he is absolutely maddly in love with John McCain. As is Norah O'Donnell, David Shuster, David Gregory, etc., etc., etc. It really irks me when McCain campaign figures complain about MSNBC's coverage, because McCain gets a free ride from everybody, and MSNBC is one of his most frequent drivers (with the notable exception of Keith Olbermann). I certainly have spent many a frustrated night watching many an MSNBC pundit trash the Democratic Party and kick it while it's down over and over and over again. Matthews does this like none other. The man, despite working as a speech writer for Jimmy Carter and an advisor for the great Tip O'Neil, seems to loathe Democrats with every fiber of his being. This is because Matthews treasure character above all other qualities, and that character is that of the alpha-male. Constantly, Matthews rails on Democrats for not being manly enough. The man refuses to stop calling Obama an elitist and even criticized Obama for playing the rich man's game of pool. Matthews along with Russert, constantly tout their blue collar upbringing, but apparently neither of them have ever been to a dive bar in their life. Pool, a rich man's game!?! It costs like 75 cents to play pool! That's a hell of a lot cheaper than bowling! Bowling, in Matthews mind, is the sport of the working people. That's probably true, but if he would take the time to actually, you know, GO TO A BOWLING ALLEY, he would more than likely find that there are almost as many pool tables as there are alleys!

Wow, that was a long tangent into Chris Matthews (I know, tell us how you really feel Scott!). Anyways, my worry here is that MSNBC will listen to this conservative criticism and move to the right. We can't afford to have this happen. I certainly have many issues with MSNBC, but they are my go-to channel for political news. I find that the analysts they have including Racheal Maddow, Jonathan Alter, David Gregory, Pat Buchanan, and numerous others; are the best on TV! MSNBC is growing, and looking more and more like a viable alternative to FOX. Let's hope that they stick what's working and ignore the likes of Terry McAuliffe (candidate for Tool of the Year) and Steve Schmidt.

Huh?

This is weird but oddly cool. It was made using sounds and video from the Disney movie.



Via Buzzfeed.

Update: Teddy Kennedy

Teddy Kennedy was released from the hospital today. He's in high spirits and is anxious to begin his treatment. The prognosis for most people with brain cancer is not good, but Teddy has always been a fighter, so there's no reason to believe he can't beat this. Plus, I don't want to offend anyone's religous sensibilities, but if there is/are God(s) out there, they are almost certainly in the Kennedy family's debt. There are few families that have given more, and inspired so many, that have received such a raw deal in return. For those of you that didn't read Ezra Klein's superb post that I linked to yesterday, I'd just like to quote him:

Kennedy is the most effective, dogged, determined, and skilled liberal legislator in the Senate. He's one of the few Senators who is genuinely irreplaceable, whose absence would degrade the nation's social policy, and thus the life chances and economic security of millions of its disadvantaged residents. Without Kennedy, we wouldn't have the Americans with Disabilities Act, S-CHIP, the Family and Medical Leave Act, or any of a hundred other crucial pieces of legislation. Without Kennedy, it's hard to imagine passing universal health care. Without Kennedy, it's hard to imagine passing paid family or medical leave. Without Kennedy, it's hard to imagine our country becoming more decent or just or humane.

Klein couldn't be more correct. Kennedy must survive this. The Republican party, to their credit, is being quite gracious and classy. But don't think they won't try to capitalize on the liberal lion's absence, whether it be temporary or permanent. Anyways, I'm going to take a break from blogging about politics until next week. It seems like it would be insensitive of me to engage in overt partisanship in a time like this. Moreover, it's perfectly clear that last night's primary results changed ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!

The Liberal Lion

I'm sure that you are aware that Teddy Kennedy has been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. According to the Boston Globe article I linked to above, this is most likely evidence of terminal cancer and it's unknown how much longer Sen. Kennedy has to live. What can one really say at a moment like this? I often think about how much the Kennedy family has been through and it serves as a stark reminder for me at how cruel and cold our world can be at sometimes. That being said, the Kennedy brothers (namely John, Bobby, and Teddy) always inspired in Americans the willingness to combat the cruelty surrounding us and rise above the coldness. Ezra Klein has two exceptional and moving posts about Teddy Kennedy (here and here). He also brought my attention to this video from 1968 of Teddy Kennedy eulogizing his brother Bobby. Teddy's eulogy is among the most bracingly affecting speeches I've ever heard. While the eulogy is obviously a testament to Bobby Kennedy, you will no doubt find as I did that Teddy's words speak as much for him as they do for Bobby. Please keep Teddy and the Kennedy family in your thoughts and prayers.

The Tale of the Cynic

My iPod has recently decided not to function, much to my dismay, and as a result I have been forced to seek alternatives to rocking out while on the Metro to and from work everyday. Naturally, I've turned to reading. Yesterday, I read Charles Pierce's thought provoking piece in Esquire titled The Cynic and Senator Obama. Pierce is one of the best political journalists out there (yes, he is a REAL journalist) and when I came across his article I knew I had to read it as soon as possible. The article provides us with a glimpse at the tale of the cynic (Charles Pierce) and his pondering of Barack Obama. After nearly 8 years of Bush's rule, the cynic is angry and impatient for a new direction. The cynic acknowledges that Obama's biography is inspiring. Obama, in the cynic's mind, is an intelligent and distinguished man. A man that is certainly capable of leading the country in a fashion much more competent than George W. Bush. However, the cynic is not sure that Barack Obama is what the country needs. The cynic is concerned that Obama has too much faith in America and more importantly, Americans.

Needless to say, Pierce has a very interesting take on the race, and while the article is long (4 pages online, 9 pages printed out) I really think that it's worth your time to give it a read.

Lester Throws a No-No

For those of you that are not already aware, Jon Lester, the 24-year southpaw for the Boston Red Sox threw a no-hitter last night against the Kansas City Royals. This is even more impressive because Lester is a cancer survivor. After the 2006 season he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Lester's outing last night was also his first career complete game.

After the Brewers were swept out of Boston over the weekend, by the very same Red Sox, I made a conscious decision to try and limit myself from the world of baseball. However, a story like this was more than enough to end my brief hiatus. Lester's no-no is definately going to be remembered as one of the greatest of all time, not so much for the pitching (two walks, one error) but the circumstances Lester had to endure in order to come out on top like he has. His story is an inspirational one that we should all remember when times get tough in our own lives. As the great Aragorn said "there is always hope."

Congrats to Jon Lester and the Boston Red Sox.

P.S. Aragorn is a Lord of the Rings character for those of you that live under a rock

Photo courtesy of Flickr user purchase97 May 20, 2008

Green Towers?

Via Matt Yglesias, I happened upon this nice little piece by Lisa Chamerlain in New York. Chamberlain's article details the idea of Dr. Dickson Despommier of Columbia University to build vertical farms, or sky farms. Essentially, Despommier believes that we could build these farms in urban areas and they would allow for the reforestation of current farmland. Despommier insists that this is the only way to truly combat global warming. I must say that this isn't exactly my area of expertise but it seems like an idea worth exploring.

On West Virginia and the Edwards Endorsement

I realize that this post is coming 3 days late, and I said that I would have it done by yesterday afternoon, but various things delayed me. Apologies. Well, you certainly didn't hear it here first but Hillary Clinton shellacked Barack Obama in West Virginia. Anyone surprised? I sure wasn't. Anyways, for a nice wrap up of the results and the media's coverage of the results, check out this hilarious bit from John Stewart and the folks at the Daily Show. I have to admit, that I've said a lot of very intolerant things about West Virginia and West Virginians in recent days to many a friend and hospitable ear. However, upon introspection, I really don't regret calling the three women highlighted in that video "inbred rednecks", "savages", or "retarded squirrels." Now, I'm sure these women are a small minority in their state, but I see no reason why they shouldn't be lined up on the street and summarily executed anyway. The fact that such ignorance and hatred can persist in 2008 in a state that (contrary to what the first woman said) has historically been largely absent of racial conflict. As the indespensible Josh Marshall points out over at Talking Points Memo, West Virginia is 95% WHITE!!! I can't believe that the 5% racial minority in West Virginia is so assertive that it can actually cause that much racial conflict. Racism is never justified. However, I can understand why racism persists in the deep south and in many urban areas in the north. There actually is racial conflict. The population of minorities and whites in these areas are of a roughly equal proportion that allows for real tension and open conflict. In other words, the racism is rooted in sociological causes as oppossed to any entrenched cultural elements. That's just not the case in West Virginia, the demographics just aren't there. So either the racism that exists (the pervasiveness of that racism being unknown) is culturally based or West Virgina is truly some sort of anthropological phenomena that we really need to have someone study immediately.

OK. Now I realize this is an exceedingly long post, but it's gonna get even longer because I still have two more areas of interest I would like to cover. First off, I linked to the analysis of the West Virgina results by Josh Marshall before (here it is again), but there is also another great analysis by diarist DHinMI over at the Daily Kos. Before I continue, I should note that I discovered both of these posts via Ezra Klein, whom you really should be reading everyday, if you haven't been, begin doing so. NOW! Both of these posts point out that Barack Obama really doesn't have much of a white working class problem as Chris Matthews, Norah O'Donnell and the rest of MSM would have you believe. His real problem is with Appalachian voters. Look at the states Obama struggled in: Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Now West Virginia is Appalachia, but Appalachia also stretches through southeast Ohio, parts of Virginia, and central Pennsylvania. It turns out these are the areas where Obama performed the worst. Obama has done quite well among working class whites in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Indiana, and countless others. Now as to why this is? The jury is still out. The CW in the blogosphere, which I believe myself, seems to be that Appalacian voters are more impoverished, more uneducated, and more cut off from the outside world than pretty much any other voting demographic in the United States. Read the posts, and draw your own conclusions.

Finally, I was elated that John Edwards finally endorsed Barack Obama. I wish this would've come a few months ago, but considering that all Obama needs are a few more knockout punches to dispatch Hillary Clinton, the Edwards endorsement certainly counts as such a punch. Therefore, perhaps Edwards' support comes at just as needy a time. Also, it was classy of Obama to make the announcement in Michigan, considering all the electoral drama encompassing the state in recent weeks. Props to the Obama campaign for a savy political move. An Al Gore endorsement would be ideal right about now, and Obama has indicated that the two converse regularly, but we will just have to wait and see on that front. OK, I'm done. For real!

Photo courtesy of Flickr user dsmyre May 14, 2008

Really Cool Picture

Nothing really to this post. I just thought this picture of Israeli soldiers looked pretty cadillac with the muzzle flash. I'm gonna have a big post, a meta post, if you will (I like that, meta post, it sounds important, anyways, I digress) about West Virginia and Edwards endorsing Obama. But for now, enjoy the muzzle flash.

Note: Just in case Marty Peretz, Jamie Kirchick, or Alan Dershowitz are reading this blog (which I'm sure they are not); my inclusion (is that a word?) of this picture is in NO WAY an endorsement of the article by Arnon Grunberg that I took it from. I haven't even read the article yet; which is probably irresponsible on my part. I just think the picture is legitamately really cool looking. No hidden messages need be sought.

Maintenance

This post is meant to serve as a note of explanation. The times reflected in the lower left hand corners of my posts are not accurate, for instance in my last post on the cyclone in Burma, it said that I posted that at 8:27 AM; it was actually more like 11:30 AM. I've tried to adjust the time in the post options section of the Blogger software but that usually holds the post for a few hours before publishing. Needless to say, if any of you have experience with this software and can advise me on how to correct this problem, it would be greatly appreciated. As for now, disregard the time stamps, they are inaccurate.

Help needed in Myanmar

Thus far I haven't said anything about the devastation wrought by Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar. It's not because I don't find it worthy of mention (what could be more worthy?) it's merely a result of me not knowing quite what to say. Anyways, here goes. Myanmar, better known to most of us by its former name, Burma, has been devastated by a cyclone. The official death count according to the BBC article linked to above is at 34,273; however, there are fears that the death toll could be as high as 100,000 and it will only rise if rescue workers cannot reach the more than 1 million people still in need of urgent relief. Foreign assistance has only just begun to arrive in Myanmar, in part because of hesitation by Myanmar's government, which is ruled by a repressive and brutal military regime. However, there is still much we can do to help. I donated to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Socities (IFRC) today, and I urge all my readers (if there are any of you) and their family and friends to do the same. If your not a fan of the Red Cross or just prefer to donate elsewhere, CNN.com has a helpful page here with a number of other great organizations that you can donate to in order to help the cyclone victims. You're also no doubt aware of the massive earthquake in southwest China that has killed at least 12,000 people. They are in urgent need of our help as well. If anyone knows of any other good rescue and relief organizations not listed by me or CNN on their page, please link to them in comments. Most of the readers of this blog are people I know face to face, you are all great people that I feel privileged to have in my life. I have no doubt that you will all step up to the plate to help those in need in Myanmar and China. Thank you for all that you do.

Photo Courtesy of Flickr user IFRC May 10, 2008

Review: Redbelt

I really didn't know a lot about this movie other than it starred Chiwetel Ejiofor, whom I think is awesome (if you don't believe me see Children of Men, Inside Man, and American Gangster), so I decided to go check it out. I'm not going to go much into the plot of Redbelt like I usually do with most movies because the plot is so unique and twisty that I would more than likely reveal too much. Redbelt is unlike any film I've ever seen before, the plot and dialouge were constructed in a unique fashion that was new to me. It took me a few minutes to get used to it, but after that I began to really enjoy it. I was surprised to see Tim Allen in this movie, in a serious role at that, and he's was actually quite good. Emily Mortimer, whom endeared herself to me in Lars and the Real Girl, is poignant in her role as an attorney traumatized by a rape. The moviegoing experience for me wasn't the best, because without sounding to condescending or self-righteous, there were a number of people in the theater that couldn't grasp what David Mament, the director and screenwriter, was trying to accomplish with Redbelt. The movie displays the consequences of excess, both for those that indulge and those that refrain. As a result, the film itself, has little excess. The dialouge and plot drive the film therefore this movie while it may appear like it's a martial arts film, it isn't in the slightest. Perhaps, better marketing could've cleared this up for the audience. Nevertheless, David Mamet, has crafted a truly unique and thoughtprovoking film about the conflict between principle and survival.

Rating: ***1/2

*Uwe Boll/Michael Bay Bad **Keeanu Reevesish ***Great ***Excellent

The Construction of Terror

Spencer Ackerman has a very insightful post this morning that should be read by every American. Ackerman touches briefly on the story of one Abdullah Salim Ali al-Ajmi who it is believed has participated in terrorist activity since his time at Guantanamo Bay. There's not really any more I can say on the subject that Ackerman doesn't already cover. Please read his post. It's short and of the upmost importance to those seeking to understand the motivations of the other side of the "war on terror."

The B Team Heroes (Warning: Quite Geeky)

What Matt Yglesias said in regards to so-called "second-tier" superheroes. Yglesias' post comes in response to this article by John Anderson in the Washington Post the Iron Man movie. It just so happens that some of the most compelling and identifiable superheroes occupy the "second-tier." These characters, in my opinion, are ripe for hit movies. Superheroes like Ant-Man, Green Lantern, Captain America, and Green Arrow are incredibly human, and fallible characters that would translate well to the big screen if the right people (not Michael Bay/Brett Ratner/McG) got behind the project. A lot of people that would normally not give a superhero movie the time of day were very impressed by Batman Begins and Iron Man. Bruce Wayne and Tony Stark, despite their billionaire status, possess a number of shortcomings and character flaws common to almost all of us, and these limitations manifest themselves as key themes and as a result their respective stories are greatly enhanced. I mean dear God, did you see Batman Begins? Call me pathetic, but I walked out of that movie a slightly different person than I walked in! I'm looking forward to the Wolverine movie that's coming out next year. I wish I could say the same for the Silver Surfer (pictured above) but if it's a spin-off of the atrocious and I mean ATROCIOUS Fantastic Four moives, then it will surely be horrible. The fact remains, as Yglesias pointed out, there are millions of people out there (mostly single, shy, and male) that will gladly shell out the $10 to see movies made about their heroes. One can only hope that the success of (the actually not so obscure) Iron Man on the big screen will lead to more quality movies about focusing on "second-tier" comic characters.

UPDATE: It looks like my hopes have been answered!

Primary Wrap Up

Tom Edsall has got a good write up of last night's results over at HuffPost. Barack Obama won a huge 15-point victory in North Carolina and narrowly lost Indiana by less than 2-points. To make a long story short: he exceeded expectations. I also thought that his speech last night in NC was much better than his Pennslyvania concescion speech in Indiana a few weeks ago. Obama was on message and he got in a few good zingers at McCain. The crowd seemed electrified by his speech, like they used to be back in January and February, hopefully this means his once again ensnared the momentum that marked his early candidacy.

Well, I'm a broken record when it comes to my commentary on Hillary Clinton, but it's time for her to drop out. She's lost any momentum she once had and her argument for the superdelegates was pretty much negated last night. She has also reportedly lent another $6.4 million to her campaign. It's clear that the end is near for her campaign. It's unfortunate that her run is most likely going to end on such a negative note, but when you really think about it, you end a campaign because you experience a defeat, these things rarely end positively.

Also, to my amusement, Sam Stein reports that St. John had a rough night. He won majorities in North Carolina and Indiana but Mike Huckabee, Mitt Romney, and Ron Paul were able to pick up a combined 20% of the Republican vote in each state. This is notable because only Paul is still in the race. His Maverickness will need some crazy straight talk to maverick his way out of that debacle.

Review: Iron Man

Last Friday night I checked out Iron Man. Turns out that it's the second best superhero movie I've ever seen behind the brilliant Batman Begins (yeah alliteration!). So far, the movie's been getting rave reviews and it pulled in $200+ million at the box office last weekend. Needless to say, I didn't need much convinicing to reach the determination that the flick was awesome.

The film begins in Afghanistan (updated from Vietnam in the comics) where billionaire weapons manufacturer Tony Stark (played excellently by Robert Downey Jr.) is en route to Bagram Air Force base after demonstrating a new weapons system, Jericho, to the American military brass. The convoy is subsequently attacked by a local warlord and Tony Stark is captured. I should also mention that Stark is grievously injured in the attack and he is saved by a fellow prisoner. The prisoner hooks up a car battery to Stark's chest which keeps the shrapnel from entering his heart. Stark's captors order him to build a Jericho for them. With the help of his fellow prisoner, Stark builds a prototype weapons suit instead and escapes from the warlord's grasps. Stark eventually makes his way back to Malibu, CA and to Stark Industries where he is met by his assitant Pepper Potts (endearingly portrayed by Gwyneth Paltrow),his business partner Obadiah Stone (Jeff Bridges, oh and by the way, he is, as usual, ingenious in this role) and his best friend Maj. Jim Rhodes (Terrance Howard). At a press conference, Stark announces that he will no longer manufacture weapons, much to the chagrin of Stone and the plot takes off from there. If I were delve into it any further I would spoil a great movie for you, that you really need to see.

Iron Man was simply very well done. Jon Favreau has assembled a top-notch cast and crafted a superb film. Downey Jr., Paltrow, Bridges, and Howard all are at the top of their game in Iron Man. Favreau deserves major props for his visionary casting of Downey Jr. as Tony Stark. Downey Jr. approaches the role with visible understanding and humor. Iron Man, resembles Batman Begins, in the sense that both films did not let character development and dialouge take a back seat to action. That being said, the special effects and fight sequences are very good, culminating in a great face off between Iron Man and Iron Monger. Iron Man is a can't miss film that will be enjoyed by comic lovers and non-geeks alike. Also, fans of Marvel comics should make sure to stick around after the credits for a, needless to say, provocative final scene.

Rating: ***1/2

*Uwe Boll/Michael Bay Bad **Keeanu Reevesish ***Great ****Excellent