I'm back from the South with over a thousand pictures to try and wade through... sometime, and edit and upload, and and and... but in the meantime things are certainly interesting out there in the political world. I've been back since Monday evening, and the presidential campaigns have made a point of giving me lots to blog about.
Hence, it wasn't until just now that I realized I hadn't done any of the photoblogging I was hoping to do post vacation adventures. Hence, meet Mr. Biltmore Koi! He's one of a handful of super huge goldfish I photographed while we were taking a tour of the Vanderbilt estate at Biltmore in Asheville, NC. This guy was remarkably beautiful and in an effort to capture his beauty and girth I took tons of photos. This is one of my favorites, and the only one I've edited for uploading so far.
I've got some fun pictures of smores, adventures in downtown Asheville and other stuff taken early in the trip up on Flickr and over the next week or so I'll try and get more pictures up!
Until then, here's Mr. Koi, and I'll be cranking away with more political yammering, talk of music, etc. soon!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Oh, By the Way
Headline Appreciation
Jake Tapper over at ABC News gets a nod from me today for his headline, "People Who Live in Seven Glass Houses..." and the attached rundown of the current McCain how-many-homes-do-I-owngate.
McCain's campaign again rolled out the arugula today while responding to Obama's campaign releasing an ad on the subject. Oh, what fun.
This should really become an interesting little plot line, methinks. It's just so... rich, no pun intended.
McCain's campaign again rolled out the arugula today while responding to Obama's campaign releasing an ad on the subject. Oh, what fun.
This should really become an interesting little plot line, methinks. It's just so... rich, no pun intended.
Timetables, huh? Interesting idea... sounds familiar.
Just a little piece today in the AP about how Condoleezza Rice and the Iraqis met and talked through an agreement that's nearly complete. This agreement would lay out something people are describing as "timetables" for US withdrawal from Iraq.
Funny, I seem to remember one of the presidential candidates advocating for such timetables... and perhaps even a whole party doing so (sorry this article is like 2 years old... wait... that's not even old enough to capture just how long the Dems have been pushing for timetables). I also seem to remember another party, oh, I dunno, attacking such ideas as defeatist politicking.
Anyway, just a little news piece. Just some back-peddling. Perhaps a dash of hypocrisy? That's all. Nothing big.
UPDATE: Fox News calls them "Time Horizons!"
Funny, I seem to remember one of the presidential candidates advocating for such timetables... and perhaps even a whole party doing so (sorry this article is like 2 years old... wait... that's not even old enough to capture just how long the Dems have been pushing for timetables). I also seem to remember another party, oh, I dunno, attacking such ideas as defeatist politicking.
Anyway, just a little news piece. Just some back-peddling. Perhaps a dash of hypocrisy? That's all. Nothing big.
UPDATE: Fox News calls them "Time Horizons!"
Toby Keith... Democrat? Interesting.
I've never paid tons of attention to Toby Keith, honestly he's only really ever come on my radar when writing songs about sticking boots up peoples' asses 'cause that's the, "American way," or more recently when I saw writeups claiming a new song is pro-lynching [yikes]. But today I stumbled across a short piece on HuffPo about how Mr. Keith lavished some nice praise on Barack Obama while also identifying himself as a Democrat.
Among other things he said, "So as far as leadership and patriotism goes, I think it's really important that those things have to take place. And I think he's the best Democratic candidate we've had since Bill Clinton. And that's coming from a Democrat."
Wow. Anyway, um... yeah, there you go.
Among other things he said, "So as far as leadership and patriotism goes, I think it's really important that those things have to take place. And I think he's the best Democratic candidate we've had since Bill Clinton. And that's coming from a Democrat."
Wow. Anyway, um... yeah, there you go.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Polls, huh, Good GOD, what are they good for?
I think I've put up at least 3 ______, huh, Good God posts before, but this one I'm pretty excited about, and I think the title is very apt.
I just finished reading a long but interesting and very worthwhile post over at Americablog about polls, why they matter, the current polling, what it tells us, and what folks should anticipate as they look towards this fall's election. There are pieces of what they talk about that make me think all the more that Biden could be a good VP pick, and there are pieces that explain some of the context for where things stand here looking towards the conventions in the next couple weeks.
The bottom line in the article is that basically while this year has been talked about as a potentially transformational or completely new/different kind of election there are many indications that it will be very traditional in many ways. Polling and other indicators seem to show that Obama and McCain will need to fight and fight hard for every vote through the fall, and that we'll likely see the battles shaping up on familiar ground (think Ohio, Florida, etc.).
That said, I think people should continue to push to get new folks excited about engagement in this election. Obama is an electrifying presence, and one that I still believe can turn out flocks of new voters, but only if the campaign and those who already are behind it continue to try and find those new folks, register them, and get them to show up in November. In the meantime, having someone like Biden on the ticket seems (as I said before) like it could really help sure up some of the folks who are searching for depth of experience on a ticket. Blah blah blah... anyway, check out the Americablog post, "Why people should be worried about the polls." It's worth a read.
I just finished reading a long but interesting and very worthwhile post over at Americablog about polls, why they matter, the current polling, what it tells us, and what folks should anticipate as they look towards this fall's election. There are pieces of what they talk about that make me think all the more that Biden could be a good VP pick, and there are pieces that explain some of the context for where things stand here looking towards the conventions in the next couple weeks.
The bottom line in the article is that basically while this year has been talked about as a potentially transformational or completely new/different kind of election there are many indications that it will be very traditional in many ways. Polling and other indicators seem to show that Obama and McCain will need to fight and fight hard for every vote through the fall, and that we'll likely see the battles shaping up on familiar ground (think Ohio, Florida, etc.).
That said, I think people should continue to push to get new folks excited about engagement in this election. Obama is an electrifying presence, and one that I still believe can turn out flocks of new voters, but only if the campaign and those who already are behind it continue to try and find those new folks, register them, and get them to show up in November. In the meantime, having someone like Biden on the ticket seems (as I said before) like it could really help sure up some of the folks who are searching for depth of experience on a ticket. Blah blah blah... anyway, check out the Americablog post, "Why people should be worried about the polls." It's worth a read.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
The RIAA took my baby away!
Hate is a strong word. I hate the RIAA (the Recording Industry Association of America), that swarthy group of no good bastards who supposedly represent the interests of musicians and yet have done so much to take down creative forums like internet radio, to destroy venues for sharing and getting excited about music, and now they've taken down yet another internet music resource, Muxtape.com.
If you visit Muxtape, you'll see their notice simply says they're down while they work things out, and honestly I'm not surprised that the RIAA went after them. Still, this news follows the RIAA's well-established pattern of slash and burn tactics (see suing deceased grandmothers).
In celebration of this ranting and raving, please feel free to check out a fun post about how much the head of the RIAA pulls down in annual salary and benefits. At least we know the benefits from all those dead grandma lawsuits is going to the artists who work so hard to make their music... er... right.
If you visit Muxtape, you'll see their notice simply says they're down while they work things out, and honestly I'm not surprised that the RIAA went after them. Still, this news follows the RIAA's well-established pattern of slash and burn tactics (see suing deceased grandmothers).
In celebration of this ranting and raving, please feel free to check out a fun post about how much the head of the RIAA pulls down in annual salary and benefits. At least we know the benefits from all those dead grandma lawsuits is going to the artists who work so hard to make their music... er... right.
My Biden Thoughts
I think Joe Biden would be an incredibly interesting add to the Democratic ticket as Obama's VP choice. Often I hear that one of his biggest pros, that he strongly and clearly states positions, isn't afraid to go on the attack, and gets out in front of issues is also a downside when he says off the cuff things and grabs lots of negative press in the process. That said, I think his national security credentials are pretty great. I think his resume in general is impressive, and I think he would just make for a cool and strong addition to an already strong ticket. He's articulate, smart, and he's been around Washington for long enough to know the game, but still comes off as somebody who's not simply a player, someone who has a stance and sticks to his guns.
That's all pretty first-blush stuff, but I personally think Biden is one of the strongest possibilities, to my mind much stronger that Bayh or Kaine. I think there are people out there who have questions about experience and Biden could help sure up some of those folks, which is a good thing (although honestly I think their concerns are a little silly... still I think it's a real group in the electorate).
Any thoughts on Wes Clark or Kathleen Sebelius? I got the impression Clark was out of consideration for some reason, but saw some discussion of him on HuffPo today, and Sebelius is always mentioned but I rarely hear people go into much depth on the possibility.
I dropped this into comments too, but Purple State has some nice coverage of the Biden possibility here.
That's all pretty first-blush stuff, but I personally think Biden is one of the strongest possibilities, to my mind much stronger that Bayh or Kaine. I think there are people out there who have questions about experience and Biden could help sure up some of those folks, which is a good thing (although honestly I think their concerns are a little silly... still I think it's a real group in the electorate).
Any thoughts on Wes Clark or Kathleen Sebelius? I got the impression Clark was out of consideration for some reason, but saw some discussion of him on HuffPo today, and Sebelius is always mentioned but I rarely hear people go into much depth on the possibility.
I dropped this into comments too, but Purple State has some nice coverage of the Biden possibility here.
Obama-Biden
Lots of buzz that Obama could choose Biden as his running mate. I don't want to get too excited, but that pick would seriously sway my choice in November. I've always admired Biden more than any of the other Democratic contenders and he's always seemed like the kind of person you want as President. Well, best not to get my hopes up... Any thoughts?
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Invisible Curve
You know how every so often you find a new disc of music that you know instantly will be a personal favourite and possibly define your musical interest for months to come? I have just listened to such a disc: Invisible Curve by the Azure Ensemble. The Azure Ensemble is a truly innovative chamber music group from New York City, in which the prominent instruments are flute, viola, harp, piano, and cello. The piccolo is often substituted for the flute because the ensembles leader is a renowned master of contemporary piccolo music (apparently there is such a thing! How cool!) The Invisible Curve is their first recording, featuring the works of Karen Tanaka and Chen Yi, two contemporary composers. The music is relentlessly new, but also unabashedly beautiful. I thought immediately of Messeian, and apparently Bartok was an influence on Chen Yi. Since these are two of my favourite composers, it is perhaps not surprising that I enjoyed this disc so much.
One of the many noteworthy things about the Azure Ensemble is that they specialize in the works of living woman composers. Both of the composers featured on Invisible Curve are women. This got me to thinking. Why are there so few well-known women composers? Women have played an important role in every area of creative impression: they are famous novelists, painters, poets, and musicians. In popular music, there are any number of well-regarded songwriters. But within “classical” or “serious” music, it seems like the work of women composers gets very little attention. This means that the world is overlooking fully half of its talent pool.
I would resist thinking of Invisible Curve as a recording of music by women. I can’t imagine anyone could discern—or even care about—the gender of the composer from listening to the music. Invisible Curve is simply an amazing debut recording of wonderful music performed with exemplary musicianship. But you can't help but think of all the music we're all missing out on because of the masculine bias of the musical world. Maybe the Azure Ensemble will help to change that. I am pretty sure that when I look back on this post bar period of my life, this will be the disc I remember.
One of the many noteworthy things about the Azure Ensemble is that they specialize in the works of living woman composers. Both of the composers featured on Invisible Curve are women. This got me to thinking. Why are there so few well-known women composers? Women have played an important role in every area of creative impression: they are famous novelists, painters, poets, and musicians. In popular music, there are any number of well-regarded songwriters. But within “classical” or “serious” music, it seems like the work of women composers gets very little attention. This means that the world is overlooking fully half of its talent pool.
I would resist thinking of Invisible Curve as a recording of music by women. I can’t imagine anyone could discern—or even care about—the gender of the composer from listening to the music. Invisible Curve is simply an amazing debut recording of wonderful music performed with exemplary musicianship. But you can't help but think of all the music we're all missing out on because of the masculine bias of the musical world. Maybe the Azure Ensemble will help to change that. I am pretty sure that when I look back on this post bar period of my life, this will be the disc I remember.
Friday, August 15, 2008
John's August Top 50 (pt. 6: 5-1)
5. Wave of Mutilation (the Pixies)
At the heart of my Pixies/Pavement revival has been my love for Wave of Mutilation this summer. I've been listening to Where is My Mind a lot too, but between being in constant rotation on the ipod and being in the set list on Rock Band WoM has been inescapable over the last few months, and I love it!!
4. Here I Come (The Roots feat. Malik B & Dice Raw)
Hot weather, bright sunshine, hot tracks... this song off their next to latest release, Game Theory, shows the Roots plowing ahead at full steam, knocking down anything in their way. The pace is fast, the rhymes are spit in two-word phrases through most of the song... this is hip-hop raw and done right.
3. Strangers (The Kinks)
Wes Anderson is good, what can I say, and while "This Time Tomorrow" was the first Kinks song that grabbed me off the Darjeeling Limited soundtrack, this one has really stuck with me for the last 6 months. In regular rotation all the time since I first ripped it to my ipod, I still love it.
2. You Don't Know What Love Is (You Just Do As You're Told) (The White Stripes)
This song just blazes out of your speakers from start to finish. Face Burning Guitar Solo!!?!?!?! Oh yeah, you'll find one here.
1. Lights Out (Santogold)
So far this is the song of the summer for me. Sure, I may have started seeing it in beer ads, and I don't necessarily feel so original saying it, but it's damn good and I just can't deny that I leave it on every time it pops up.
At the heart of my Pixies/Pavement revival has been my love for Wave of Mutilation this summer. I've been listening to Where is My Mind a lot too, but between being in constant rotation on the ipod and being in the set list on Rock Band WoM has been inescapable over the last few months, and I love it!!
4. Here I Come (The Roots feat. Malik B & Dice Raw)
Hot weather, bright sunshine, hot tracks... this song off their next to latest release, Game Theory, shows the Roots plowing ahead at full steam, knocking down anything in their way. The pace is fast, the rhymes are spit in two-word phrases through most of the song... this is hip-hop raw and done right.
3. Strangers (The Kinks)
Wes Anderson is good, what can I say, and while "This Time Tomorrow" was the first Kinks song that grabbed me off the Darjeeling Limited soundtrack, this one has really stuck with me for the last 6 months. In regular rotation all the time since I first ripped it to my ipod, I still love it.
2. You Don't Know What Love Is (You Just Do As You're Told) (The White Stripes)
This song just blazes out of your speakers from start to finish. Face Burning Guitar Solo!!?!?!?! Oh yeah, you'll find one here.
1. Lights Out (Santogold)
So far this is the song of the summer for me. Sure, I may have started seeing it in beer ads, and I don't necessarily feel so original saying it, but it's damn good and I just can't deny that I leave it on every time it pops up.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
North Carolina, Beer & Philosophy
While visiting Asheville NC we discovered that a local brewery not only makes a tasty Milk Stout, but they have chosen their name in association with one of my friend Matt's favorite philosophical tools, the duck-rabbit.
Mmmm... this is some tasty stuff, and vacation is going swimmingly.
John's August Top 50 (pt. 5: 10-6)
10. Generator (Bad Religion)
I always admired Bad Religion back when I was big into punk music, and with my recent re-acquisition of some amount of punk music this track is a huge standout. I used to love and listen to this track a lot, and now I've been doing it again. Their ideals are present in the lyrics, but the drive of the beat itself is undeniable. Good sh*t!
9. Encore (DJ Danger Mouse feat. Jay-Z and the Beatles)
After a few years of hearing all about Danger Mouse's opus, the Grey Album (a remix of Jay-Z's the Black Album and the Beatles' the White Album) I finally got a chance to give it a listen this spring. This track is my standout. I've had it in constant rotation ever since I first flipped my way through the album. The production and mixing here is great.
8. Dear Sergio (Catch 22)
Another story of recovering old favorites, I used to listen to Catch 22 in college (I think my friend Kate introduced me to them... hmm... maybe). Anyway, I recently realized I had lost track of their stuff so I picked up a copy of Keasbey Nights. This and the title track are both very very enjoyable.
7. All You Ever Wanted (the Black Keys)
In a post earlier in the week I mentioned that the Black Keys have a consistently enjoyable and solid sound. This track, off their latest release, Attack and Release, demonstrates just that. The sound is vintage Black Keys and yet the production values are dark and thick, more robust than they often employ. It's clear from listening to this track and others why reviewers often lump the Keys in with venerable company such as the White Stripes.
6. Franco Un-American (NoFX)
More more more from the John Punk Revival! Yeah, NoFX is such an enjoyable group. I recently saw a few episodes of a show on FUSE tv about NoFX touring, and it was quality TV! They were going to play in Argentina, I believe, and when they showed up it turned out that their promoter had done nothing to secure permits, etc. but had sold hundreds of tickets to rabid fans who went absolutely batshit crazy when the police showed up to shut down shop on the show. It was interesting to watch the negotiations and mechanics behind the scene. Anyway, this song is fun, quick, and all about the odd reality of having crazy liberal ideas in your head.
heh heh heh... top 5 tomorrow!!!
I always admired Bad Religion back when I was big into punk music, and with my recent re-acquisition of some amount of punk music this track is a huge standout. I used to love and listen to this track a lot, and now I've been doing it again. Their ideals are present in the lyrics, but the drive of the beat itself is undeniable. Good sh*t!
9. Encore (DJ Danger Mouse feat. Jay-Z and the Beatles)
After a few years of hearing all about Danger Mouse's opus, the Grey Album (a remix of Jay-Z's the Black Album and the Beatles' the White Album) I finally got a chance to give it a listen this spring. This track is my standout. I've had it in constant rotation ever since I first flipped my way through the album. The production and mixing here is great.
8. Dear Sergio (Catch 22)
Another story of recovering old favorites, I used to listen to Catch 22 in college (I think my friend Kate introduced me to them... hmm... maybe). Anyway, I recently realized I had lost track of their stuff so I picked up a copy of Keasbey Nights. This and the title track are both very very enjoyable.
7. All You Ever Wanted (the Black Keys)
In a post earlier in the week I mentioned that the Black Keys have a consistently enjoyable and solid sound. This track, off their latest release, Attack and Release, demonstrates just that. The sound is vintage Black Keys and yet the production values are dark and thick, more robust than they often employ. It's clear from listening to this track and others why reviewers often lump the Keys in with venerable company such as the White Stripes.
6. Franco Un-American (NoFX)
More more more from the John Punk Revival! Yeah, NoFX is such an enjoyable group. I recently saw a few episodes of a show on FUSE tv about NoFX touring, and it was quality TV! They were going to play in Argentina, I believe, and when they showed up it turned out that their promoter had done nothing to secure permits, etc. but had sold hundreds of tickets to rabid fans who went absolutely batshit crazy when the police showed up to shut down shop on the show. It was interesting to watch the negotiations and mechanics behind the scene. Anyway, this song is fun, quick, and all about the odd reality of having crazy liberal ideas in your head.
heh heh heh... top 5 tomorrow!!!
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