Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Live-blogging the third debate!

6:05. Back at Henry's. Can barely hear. McCain looks crazed. If I didn't know better, I'd think he's been crying.

6:06. Joined by a motley crew tonight. Dana, Sandhya, Shawn, William, Emily, and Alex. Obama talking.

6:06. I guess the question's about the economy?

6:07. Whatever Obama's saying, the CNN line tells me that the women are responding better than the men.

6:08. McCain's back on. Telling a story about some plumber in a higher tax bracket.

6:09. McCain promising low taxes, health care. Pitting Obama against Joe the Plumber.

6:09. Obama responds. McCain wants to cut taxes for the rich. Obama wants to cut taxes for the poor. 95% of working Americans. The line loves this; how will McCain respond?

6:11. McCain responds. Keeps using the phrase "spread the wealth around" in reference to Obama. I think he's playing the socialist card.

6:13. The screen is littered by little graphs that appear to pertain to various pundits. But I have no idea how to read them.

6:14. Bob Schieffer with a new topic: specifics about the deficit.

6:15. Obama first. Talking about correctly structuring the rescue package.

6:15. Racer 5 is delicious.

6:16. Obama wants to eliminate federal programs that don't work. This is in step with "Obama's New Deal," which he alluded to in the last debate.

6:16. Serious energy policy will also alleviate "borrowing from China to pay Saudi Arabia." The line says he's doing well.

6:17. McCain responds.

6:18. Alex notes that McCain "is getting pissed."

6:18. McCain is talking about ethanol subsidies. An Obama attack.

6:19. Again with the "I know": I know how to save taxpayers millions.

6:19. Tamar observes that McCain keeps saying this kind of thing.

6:19. Alex is right. McCain's gonna explode.

6:21. McCain claims that he loves President Bush.

6:22. McCain cites the record. Attacking Barack for not going against the leaders of his party.

6:23. Obama landed a punch, judging by reactions, but I didn't hear it. Oh, he backed something up by citing Fox News.

6:24. Obama went after him hard. McCain responding. It sounds like he's defending his record as a maverick.

6:25. Next question. Candidates have not taken the high road as they said. Dana loves the question. Alex sees this as a softball to bring up Ayers.

6:26. McCain responds that it's a tough campaign. McCain criticizing Obama for not doing town halls. Obama looks bemused. Talking about the negative aspects of "both" campaigns.

6:27. Reference to Sarah Palin.

6:28. Obama still looks bemused. Think he's ready for this. McCain just called Obama a "longshot candidate."

6:28. McCain criticizes the high spending of the Obama campaign. I think he's criticizing Obama for making more money.

6:29. Obama points out that 2/3 of Americans believe McCain's running a negative campaign. People care about health care, tax policy.

6:30. Obama says the attacks don't matter; just fix the problem. The women seem to like that one.

6:31. McCain criticizing Obama's spending again.

6:32. Obama just brought up "terrorist," "kill him." McCain getting antsy.

6:32. Obama denounces the civil rights comparison, but points out that American people are tired of the back-and forth in politics. Which he wants to focus on.

6:34. McCain just called the racists "fringe people." Apparently some T-shirts have hurt Senator McCain's feelings.

6:35. Obama: "Disagree without being disagreeable."

6:36. Gergen's pundit-meter not doing much; Alex asks whether he fell asleep.

6:36. McCain brings up ACORN. Obama still looking bemused.

6:37. Obama calls Ayers the "centerpiece" of McCain's campaign. Obama explains the Ayers connection, mentions that Ronald Reagan funded it.

6:38. ACORN, according to Obama, paid people to register voters. Obama represented them alongside the Justice Department.

6:38. The Line is responding well. McCain looks uncomfortable. Like, "what the fuck am I gonna say?" The women like this.

6:39. Henry's just burst into applause. Obama's remarks played well.

6:40. McCain's response was muddled. Something about taxes. Next question.

6:40. Which running mate is better? Obama first.

6:41. Obama is pointing to Biden's expertise. Scranton.

6:41. The bar is a lot quieter when Obama talks. This is Berkeley, of course, but still.

6:42. Obama advocates for energy independence. McCain's up.

6:43. I don't envy him; he's got to defend Palin. The hoots are starting.

6:43. He's pointing to Sarah's pipeline to nowhere--a pipeline that doesn't exist--as her experience.

6:44. McCain brings up special needs families. My lord, he actually went to Sarah Palin's Down's baby.

6:44. Dana: Look at the retarded-baby spike! Bwah ha ha ha ha!

6:46. McCain attacks Obama again for wanting to raise taxes. Schieffer changes the subject to energy.

6:48. Alex popints out the McCain's suit is shittier than Obama's. Intentional?

6:48. Whatever McCain said, it got a favorable response.

6:49. Obama responds. Expand domestic production. But we can't drill our way out of the problem due to the numbers.

6:50. Obama points out that we invented the auto industry. That probably earned him some red state points.

6:52. Playing the "uppity" card. Can Obama field this without "getting black"?

6:54. Obama refers to car dealerships closing. Talks about the "fuel-efficient cars of the future."

6:56. McCain's up. The line just went from the top to the bottom. McCain goes from there to preconditions again. The ladies hate him. "Senator Obama wants to restrict trade and raise taxes."

6:56. McCain has lost the plot.

6:57. Next question. Controlled health care costs or expanded health care coverage? Obama says we need both. The Line likes it.

6:58. The Line is maxed out, women and men. McCain is comfortably at the middle.

7:00. Alex: "Those are the shittiest-looking hand stitched lapels I've ever seen. Aren't you supposed to be rich?" Tamar: "He's trying not to show it." Maybe.

7:03. Obama is killin' this question. Explaining his health care plan, showing why McCain's sucks.

7:03. More regulation.

7:04. McCain on "spread the wealth" again. I think he's really trying to call Obama a socialist.

7:05. McCain is playing the communism card re: Obama's health plan. Here's the thing: that worked on Kerry in 2004.

7:07. Roe v. Wade. Schieffer wants to know if they'd nominate a Supreme Court Judge that disagrees with their position on it.

7:07. McCain says he's a "federalist;" he would leave it to the states, not have a "litmus test."

7:07. McCain points to his maverick record.

7:09. Obama answers. He hasn't looked uncomfortable this hold debate.

7:09. Obama says that any judge must be able to provide fairness to the American people.

7:10. Obama's killin' it. McCain knows he's fucked.

7:11. Obama's talking about the statute of limitations. Oh, he's going after the women. More applause from Henry's.

7:12. Me: "This debate's not fair to both candidates. When are they gonna ask a question about Matlock?" Tamar: "McCain kind of looks like Matlock..."

7:14. Obama supports a ban on late-term abortions, except where the mother's life is threatened. I hate abortion, but I agree.

7:15. Obama maxed out the line again. McCain is dead in the water.

7:16. McCain takes it to his adopted Bangladeshi child--which, if you'll recall, was a liability in 2000.

7:16. Schieffer with the next question, re: education. U.S. spends most on education, yet we suck. Is this a national security threat? How do we fix?

7:17. Obama: It's tied to our economic future and national security. Debate his between more money and reform; Obama says we need both.

7:18. Obama: $4,000 tuition credit for public service: military service, peace corps.

7:19. Obama says "we can't do it just for the schools; parents must step up."

7:19. McCain alleges that we have equal school access. He's talking about charter schools and vouchers.

7:20. McCain advocates Teach for America.

7:21. Schieffer wants to know if federal gov't should play larger role in education. Obama says the government should step up and help. No Child Left Behind, alas, sucks.

7:22. Obama wants to provide higher salaries and more support. Obama seems to attack every problem on two fronts. I like that.

7:23. McCain is on about vouchers. Parents want them, he says, because parents want the ability to choose.

7:25. McCain's Sarah Palin reference doesn't play well at Henry's.

7:26. Obama responds re: vouchers in DC.

7:27. Schieffer puts in a weird plug for "mydebates.org."

7:27. McCain closing. "My friends" returns!

7:28. McCain says America needs a new direction. McCain, the Maverick, will deliver.

7:29. McCain says that it comes down to the candidate that you can trust.

7:29. Now he's talking about a "long line of McCains" that has served the country.

7:29. Obama responds. Looks straight into the camera; this could be a fireside chat.

7:30. The Line is responding well to Obama's closing.

7:31. Obama renews his old message, that we all have to work together.

7:31. Obama's closing drew applause in Henry's.

7:31. Schieffer: "Go vote now. It'll make you feel big and strong."

7:33. P.Y.T. playing at Henry's. Sweeeet.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

An Open Letter to John McCain

By now, everyone is familiar with the negative direction taken by the McCain-Palin campaign. Obama has been accused of "pal[ling] around with terrorists," of being a secret Muslim fanatic, of being an outsider. "We don't know him," we hear over and over again. He's dangerous, we're told. He doesn't see America the way that we see America. And so on.

These attacks are morally repugnant, yes. I shan't go into detail about why, as I think it's a topic that has been addressed ad infinitum. Suffice it to say, I think this sort of thing runs against the principles upon which our country was founded, and for which our country is supposed to stand. I'm really much more interested in the question of just why you, Mr. McCain, are going along with this.

Oh, sure, I can theorize as to why your campaign has taken on this tack. Quite simply, I think the sort of folks that buy into this sort of thing may be all that you have left. As the economic crisis has reared its ugly head, and more voters have defected from the party perceived to have caused this mess, I think it's possible that you've been left with the guys who are too scared--of the unknown "Other," of terrorists, or what have you--to jump ship. From a political standpoint, if the folks most strongly in your camp are the ones that respond to this sort of thing, why not just appeal directly to your base? Perhaps from a political strategy viewpoint, this makes perfect sense.

Of course, the fact that there may be a motive behind this sort of campaigning does not excuse it. Sure, I can see why the Republican brass might take things in this direction. There is a status quo in place. A lot of people have a lot at stake in protecting that status quo. So, sure, I can understand why they might go to such lengths to accomplish their goals.

I think I can even understand where Governor Palin is coming from. Oh, sure, the things that are coming out of her mouth are fanning the flames of hatred, and I think it's very hypocritical for her to question Obama's qualifications, record, et cetera. But you know what? If the Republican brass approached me with a chance to become Vice President, I might accept it as well, woefully under-qualified or no. And I might spout whatever partisan rhetoric they told me to, as well; these guys, after all, are old hands at this. They must know what they're doing, right? Ms. Palin has already demonstrated that thinking for herself is not necessarily her forte; I think I understand how she finds herself here.

But I am extremely disappointed you, John McCain. While I have always identified more with Democrats than Republicans, the truth of the matter is, I used to like you. There was even a time (years past now, but still) when I even thought I'd be willing to vote for you. Here was a guy with such convictions that he'd stand up for what he believed in even when it went against the party line. Here was a guy that pissed off his own party as often as the other guys did. And he didn't seem to care, because this was what he believed in. Clearly a class act.

But now. Now. Oh, Senator McCain. I can't believe that, in your heart of hearts, you don't know that this is wrong. Listen to the things that people are saying, for heaven's sake. So you'd like to President instead of Mr. Obama; I can understand that. But this is a person, a real person, not just an opponent. He has a wife. And children. And family. And friends. Not to mention the support of at least half this country. That is a lot of people that, at the very least, would prefer not to hear these awful things said about him. And at worst? We don't want to see him get hurt because you were trying to win an election. I don't think you want that, either.

And please, don't hide behind the fact that you're not the one saying the really inflammatory stuff. I know, it wasn't you that yelled "terrorist" or "commie fag" or "kill him." And you have no control over people's thoughts, or the words that come out of their mouths. But you do, sir, have a responsibility to condemn this sort of talk. Because your silence is tantamount to acceptance, Mr. McCain, and I don't think this is who you really are. In any event, Mr. Obama has been forced to denounce the support of individuals who have been identified with intolerance and unrest (Rev. Wright and Louis Farrakhan spring to mind). Are you unwilling to dissociate yourself with an entire atmosphere of bigotry because votes are votes? You are better than this, sir.

In short, Mr. McCain, Governor Palin is new to Washington, and new to us. She has an excuse for engaging in this kind of behavior (not a justification, mind you, but an excuse). But you, sir? We expected better from you. Or at least, I did.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Liveblogging the debate--now with hyperlinks!

Important moment in history, blah blah blah. I'll spare you the background. It's 6:00. The atmosphere is tense. The Presidential debate is about to start. I'm with Sandhya and Shawn, two friends from law school.

6:01
They're setting the stage.

Everyone expects attacks. On McCain re: Keating, on Obama, re: Ayers.

6:01
Brokaw's on. Explaining that it's a town hall.

6:02
Still talking about the rules. 2 min. responses to common question, one minute follow-up. Side note: apparently, a town hall can be bad for a candidate, cf. Bush in '92.

6:03
Eisele is an asshole.

6:04
First question, bald white man. Economy on downturn; what's the fastest most positive solution to bail these people out of the grind.

Obama first. Thanking people, for now.

6:05
A "final verdict." Strong language from Barack.

6:05
Obama is rambling a bit. I think he should have just answered the gentleman's question, then thanked people when appropriate.

6:06
He's really saying a lot. But it seems a little disjointed. Almost...Palin-esque?

6:06
McCain uses a classic trial technique. Goes to the guy, answers his question.

He's talking slow and easy. I'm worried.

6:07
He's talking about how the problem has gotten severe. But, hello, that's the fucking problem the Republicans created. He really thinks we'll swallow this?

6:08
Who would you appoint secretary of the treasury? I don't think that's a fair question.

McCain says "someone we can trust." That sounds like vague Bushery. Mentions Meg Whitman, CEO of eBay.

6:10
Obama is on the attack now.

6:11
Just noticed that Brokaw is wearing a Livestrong bracelet. Cool.

6:11
Black guy asking question. Quite a hot burgundy shirt, beige suit combination.

6:13
Just tossed Eisele under the proverbial bus. Not sorry!

6:13
Still no knockout punches. Hottest story so far is the guy's sweet suit.

6:14
Obama responds to black guy. He's looking at the guy. He seems to be discussing like a professor.

6:14
I gotta correct McCain's history, Obama says. He's pointing out McCain's hypocrisy.

He's pointing to the record, now, showing that he wrote a letter about this, and no one acted.

6:15
Obama's doing well.

6:15
Barack is coming across half-Economics professor, half trial lawyer. Almost Bartlet-like.

6:18
Give me a fucking break. You wrote a letter Obama didn't sign? McCain, pull your head out of your ass.

6:18
Obama needs to set the record straight. McCain is full of shit.

6:18
Slightly retarded woman (?) just implicated both parties. Obama first...stumbles trying to decipher the question.

6:19.
Sandhya points out that it's "Mentally-disabled." I am shamed(?)

6:22
Eisele is a cad.

6:22
OK, so am I.

6:24
Brokaw asks for a straight up list of priorities. McCain says work on all three at once. The whole bar is laughing. Did I mention we're watching at Henry's?

6:25
Something strangely homo-erotic about the phrase "reaching across the aisle."

6:25
I just realized. I'm watching with the right two people. Sandhya, on my left, is the idealist. Shawn, on my right, is the cynic. Perfect.

6:27
Obama says he's gonna get rid of the earmarks, line by line. He's a con. law prof.; presumably he knows what he can actually do (unlike McCain).

6:28
He's talking about tax policies a lot.

6:28
Brokaw's chastising about time: "we'll have more bills than the government."

6:29
Next question. What sacrifices will they ask us to make?

6:29
Shawn calls me out for pigeonholing him as a cynic. Damn. But he's right. Re: sacrifice, Shawn points out that Carter was ridiculed for suggesting turning down your thermostat.

6:29
Claims he's going to cut defense spending? I'm confused...didn't he criticize Obama for cutting funding from troops?

6:30
Barack just 9/11'd up. Oh fuck.

6:31
Sandhya fears that McCain will go to military record.

Obama ridicules Bush's "Go out and shop."

Obama is talking about offshore drilling? I...don't understand.

6:32
I think he's saying that these options are not mutually exclusive.

I think what he's saying is that, no matter which option you like, we all have to work. That is about sacrifice.

Now he says he wants to double the Peace Corps. He is still talking about sacrifice, "led by Washington."

6:33
Weird question with "drunkenness metaphor."

6:34
Obama repeats: Spending side, revenue side. Then another earmark attack.

I'm not sure if he's really answering the question.

6:34
Apparently "a woman in the front row looks like Dustin Hoffman?" Hell, that could BE Dustin Hoffman.

6:35
McCain claims that Obama's plan is like nailing jello to the wall (?)

Now he's criticizing, the "tax increases."

NOW he's talking about Senator Obama's "secret": the exact same "50% of businesses attack" from last time.

6:38
I think Brokaw just bitch-slapped Obama...

6:38
Yeah, he's not going to respond to the lying tax attack.

6:40
Still on about tax policies. Tax cuts. What's not fair, what doesn't work. I think he should move on.

6:41
"I'll answer the question." More McCain snarkiness.

6:41
McCain makes an experience attack.

6:43
Candidates both breaking rules, Brokaw points out. Next question re: inspiring Congress to act on the issue of the environment.

6:44
McCain advocating nuclear power that's not necessarily safe for disposal.

But now he's talking about green technology. He seems to be contradicting himself.

6:45
Obama talking about a leap forward like the computer. Technically, everyone thinks McCain can't use one. He must have learned by now, though...

6:46
Apparently, Barack is for nuclear power too...ugh. Henry's doesn't like this one.

6:46
Points out that McCain had a record of fucking up.

6:47
He supports drilling. But we have 3% of reserves, use 25% of oil. So we can't drill out of the problem. That makes sense, I think.

6:48
Who wrote that last question? Sarah fucking Palin?

6:49
"That one?" I think that was out of line.

6:51
Explaining his health care plan now. Sounds like it makes sense. Here's what happens if you do have insurance, here's what happens if you don't.

6:52
Points out that McCain wants to tax health care benefits. McCain talking about "community health centers"--that sounds like a clinic. I think the public health people will be against this.

6:53
Now he's saying..."Senator Obama will fine you?" Or is he saying "find you?" Just what is Senator Obama allegedly going to do?

6:56
Just taking a moment to think about what is at stake in this election. Boy howdy, do I hope this works out.

6:56
He's talking about a matter of administrative law. A fine? How much is the fine?

6:56
"Health care is a right for every American." That drew applause from the bar. This turns it on McCain, I guess.

6:57
Obama talking over McCain now. Still talking about what he will actually do.

6:57
Sandhya points out that there are no Asian-Americans in the audience, but then muses that this may be this is taking place in Tennessee.

6:58
I think Obama landed a punch; lot of applause in the bar.

6:59
McCain still on about the fine. He seems rattled on the next question, re: foreign policy.

7:00
Here we go. "America's the greatest force for good in the History of the World." American exceptionalism. Questioning Obama's experience. Claiming this is a matter of judgment. "No time for on the job training."

7:02
Obama was ready for this one. Wrong judgment? How about Iraq? How about "cheerleading Bush"?

7:03
Obama points out that we could really use the 79 billion dollar surplus in Iraq right here.

7:03
We can't do anything about the genocide in Darfur because resources are depleted. Obama will go into Darfur, he says, but we gotta make some changes first.

7:04
What's the Obama Doctrine? Moral issues are at stake, says Obama. He's invoking the Holocaust. Now McCain will take a go at flattering Israel.

7:05
We can't do everything at once. We gotta use judgment, and allies. That's what Obama says he'll do.

7:06
McCain claims to have a "cool hand at the tiller."

7:08
Ah, there it is. McCain says "Never Again" re: the holocaust.

7:09
Wonder if Obama baited McCain on this one?

7:09
Obama is talking about people in Afghanistan plotting to kill Americans right now. Oh dear.

7:10
Obama wants to change relations with Pakistan, expand non-military aid to Pakistan, insist that they have Bin Laden taken out. Or else we WILL take him out.

7:11
McCain just named Roosevelt as his hero.

7:11
Shawn: I think he just badmouthed Obama's big stick.
Sandhya: Did you make a joke about a big stick? You did, didn't you?
Me: Eisele's a hound.
Sandhya: Yeah. But isn't that positive? I like dogs, that's why.

7:13
Wazirastan?

7:13
Obama follow-up. Brokaw says he's "hired help."

7:13
Obama keeps saying "pah-ki-stan" (correct).

7:14
Clarifying his policy. Pointing out McCain's attack directly. The guy who sang "Bomb Iran." Not an example of "speaking softly." Not bad.

7:14
Yeah, I think Obama landed a punch there.

7:15
Obama defends himself on his record. Going back to the experience attack. Another cheesy "my friends."

7:16
Failure in Afghanistan. Brokaw wants to know how the candidates would reorganize.

7:17
Obama: Our guy in Afghanistan needs help.

7:17
Huh, Obama blames Karzai? Didn't see that coming.

7:17
McCain cites Petraeus. Once at the beginning, once at the end. Putting it all on Petraeus.

7:20
Re: Cold War, McCain is other-izing Putin. Claiming that Putin is after Ukraine. Obama should point out that we can't send troops into Russia or Ukraine or Georgia without a draft.

7:21
Talking about "international pressure" on Russia.

7:23
Brokaw: "This is a yes or no question. " Is Russia an evil empire?

7:24
Obama: They've done evil things.

7:24
McCain seems to be dodging the question: "Maybe."

7:30
Lost the plot due to my computer's battery dying. Set up on Shawn's now.

Now on last question: What don't you know, and how will you learn it?

Obama: My wife knows, and most of the time I ask her.

Then: It's never the challenges you expect, it's the challenges you don't. But this country gave me opportunity.

7:30
He's talking about public scholarships, social programs, that have propelled him to success. Are we going to pass on the same American dream to the next generation, he asks? He's got a good narrative going.

7:31
He's talking about a better life. That's what's at stake. This sounds really good, I think.

7:32
McCain: I don't know what's going to happen. Like all of us. Challenges around the world, new and different...we'll be talking about countries we can't locate on a map? That didn't play well at Henry's.

7:33
Invoking a single mom, his time as a prisoner of war. Having people pick you up and put you back in the fight.

7:33
He's leaning pretty heavily on the military record. Again with the steady hand at the tiller.

7:34
Whew, and that's it. I can only wait to see what happens in the polls.

7:42
Well, at least the entire bar is talking...

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Regarding the nature of committment, Pt. 1

As Som notes, October is the month of Earth: a time to reflect upon patience, inner strength, and commitment. Largely as a result of my martial arts training, I have found myself reflecting more and more upon the nature of commitment. I'd like to share some of these thoughts.

I believe the nature of commitment depends upon the time-frame you're talking about. Commitment in the short term, though related to commitment in the long term, is not quite the same thing. In order to differentiate the two, I shall call them "Commitment" and "COMMITMENT."

A Commitment may be something short term. You and your friend agree on Wednesday that you'll go to see a movie together on Friday. Thursday, another friend calls to ask if you'd like to go bowling that night. You tell him, "I'm sorry, I can't, I have a prior commitment." This type of commitment is active in its operation. You say that you're going to do something on Friday night; either you follow through, or you don't.

A COMMITMENT is more long-term, and is made up of Commitments. A person might, for example, decide that she wants to be healthier. To that end, she might decide to ride a bicycle everywhere. She might cut certain foods out of her diet. She might pay closer attention to the things that she eats, and the way they make her feel. Each of these things is a Commitment. You ride your bike to work, you've fulfilled your Commitment for that day. You opt for a salad instead of a cheese steak, you've fulfilled another Commitment. These smaller Commitments, over time, contribute to a larger COMMITMENT: to better manage one's health. As time wears on, and more of these smaller Commitments build up, the larger COMMITMENT becomes reaffirmed.

Problems often arise, however, when we talk about "commitment" in the context of a personal relationships (as we so often do). "We've been dating for [insert period of time], but I just can't get him to make a commitment" is a complaint we've all at some point heard (or perhaps made). Problems may also arise where one wants to get out of a commitment: "She promised we'd be together forever, but then she left me!"

I believe that these problems arise from a failure to realize the dual nature of commitment; that is to say, when we confuse Commitment with COMMITMENT. More to come.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

The Sarah Palin Debate Party and Drinking Game, Part 2: The Rules

As you are all aware, tonight is the night of the Vice Presidential Debate. Unlike most Vice-Presidential debates in recent memory, this one is actually important. For more on the context surrounding the debate, you can take a look at my prior post, or here. The gist of it, however is this: Palin hasn't been performing well, voter confidence in her is low, and Barack Obama, either because of this or in addition to it, is stomping McCain.

Which brings us to tonight.

Sarah Palin is going head to head with Joe Biden, the Democractic Vice-Presidential Nominee. Palin will be looking to regain (or perhaps gain) credibility with the voters. Biden will concentrate on not appearing sexist, and upon not blowing it. The stage is set for the Palin-Biden Vice Presidential Debate Drinking Game.

The rules are a just a tad unconventional, but pretty standard fare. First, I'm introducing the Palin Preparedness Drink Multiplier. The PPDM serves to multiply the number of drinks taken per rule depending upon Palin's overall level of preparedness for the debate.

PPDM is calculated as follows:

PPDM = 1 if Sarah Palin is not prepared at all. Basically, if Sarah displays the same level of mental acuity that she has displayed heretofore.

PPDM =2 if it is apparent that Sarah has done some preparation, but still cannot be mistaken for an intelligent, prepared politician. Use this multiplier if Sarah's doing better than she has been, but obviously still could not survive Meet the Press, say.

PPDM = 3 if Sarah Palin actually appears to be a competent individual. Use this one if based upon the things she's saying, you actually might for a second think she's qualified to assume any job that has "President" in it. I don't expect this rule to come into play either, but one has to cover one's bases.


With the PPDM out of the way, let's move on to the rules.
  1. One Drink
    1. Anytime the CNN audience reaction line takes a huge jump DURING a candidate's statement (i.e, not when it jumps back to middle after someone talks).
    2. Palin mispronounces the name of a world leader.
    3. Palin shits on any of the following
      1. Barack Obama
      2. Community organizers
      3. San Francisco
      4. Gays
      5. Abortion
      6. The Media
    4. Palin rambles at length about exactly nothing.
      1. One drink for the ramble, plus add a drink for any of the following buzzwords:
        1. The economy
        2. The bailout
        3. Job creation
        4. Health care
        5. Tax cuts/increases
        6. Foreign policy/foreign affairs
        7. Mortgages
    5. Anyone invokes John McCain
      1. Add a drink if they call him a "maverick."
      2. Add a drink if Biden calls McCain his friend.
      3. Add a drink if Palin contradicts McCain (i.e. on offshore drilling in Alaska).
    6. Biden stumbles on a line.
    7. Either candidate sends a shout-out.
      1. Add a drink if it's Ted Kennedy
    8. Anyone mentions George Bush
      1. Add a drink if it's Palin.
    9. Biden panders to old people.
    10. Any reference to a Palin scandal, including, but not limited to:
      1. Troopergate
      2. Bristol Palin
      3. Trig Palin
      4. Her alleged affair.
      5. Her being Ms. Alaska.
    11. Blatant hypocrisy by either candidate. Keep an eye out for Palin calling out Obama for not having foreign policy experience, or maybe complaining about sexism, but this one is flexible.
  2. Two Drinks
    1. Palin attacks Biden and gets smacked down.
    2. Any mention of either Clinton.
      1. Add a drink if it's Palin comparing herself to Hillary.
    3. Anyone mentions "lipstick," in a positive or negative context.
    4. Palin misidentifies a world leader.
    5. Palin doesn't know who a world leader is.
    6. Palin gets "cute" instead of answering a question.
    7. Someone mentions being able to see Russia from Alaska.
      1. Add a drink if Palin tries to defend the claim that this = foreign policy experience.
      2. Add a drink if it comes out that Palin's never actually been to the part of Alaska from whence you can see Russia.
    8. Palin makes fun of Biden (not attacks, mind you, but makes fun of)
      1. Add a drink if Biden has a witty rejoinder.
      2. Add two drinks if Biden has a not-so-witty, more-mean-spirited rejoinder (i.e. "At least I don't have a retard baby" or "Bitch").
    9. Any reference to Katie Couric or Charlie Gibson
  3. Three Drinks
    1. Biden attacks Palin and gets smacked down.
    2. Biden says something sexist or patronizing.
      1. Finish your drink if Palin has a witty rejoinder.
    3. Someone invokes Reagan
      1. Finish your drink if there's any mention of coffins.
    4. Palin mentions something pro-actively to show that she DOES know about it.
      1. Finish your drink if she's still wrong (i.e. tries to come up with a Supreme Court case, mentions "Hamdi vs. Spider-Man").
    5. Palin wants to do something blatantly unconstitutional.
    6. Palin suggests we go to war with someone.
      1. Finish your drink if it's not someone we expected ("We gotta get in there and bomb Finland, you know?")
    7. Biden makes a Biden-ism (i.e. "I believe in Barack America.")
      1. Finish your beer if it turns out to be an awesome catch-phrase, like Barack America.
    8. Palin mentions her gay friend ("black friend," e.g., also acceptable).
    9. Any reference to Michelle Obama.
    10. Any reference to Tina Fey
      1. Finish your drink if Biden brings her up for the purpose of making fun of Palin.
      2. Finish your beer if Palin makes fun of Tina Fey. Then hold me back.
  4. Finish your Beer
    1. Palin makes an "us vs. them" play.
    2. Palin says something you're "just not supposed to say," i.e. racist, sexist, homophobic, et cetera.
    3. Palin loses it completely (cries, yells, has a break down, whatever).
    4. Biden somehow comes out of the debate much worse off.
    5. Palin takes issue with the moderator
    6. Biden loses his temper.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Personal Finance Management on a Bi-Weekly Schedule

Many of us are looking to get into the job market in the coming year. The economic downturn being what it is, it's not a bad idea to think ahead about what you're going to do with that bi-weekly paycheck.

This article on The Simple Dollar gives some advice about that. I generally like this blog (this is where I got the idea to freeze my credit cards while I paid 'em off). Check it out.

October: One of the months of Earth!

October is one of the months in which we practice the concept of Earth. The philosophy of Seibukan Jujutsu is based on the natural elements of Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, and the Void, as understood through working with Consciousness and Balance.

As part of this training, the Earth level represents a dedication to believing in one's self and in accomplishing one's goals through Hibi Tanren - every day training!

The element of Earth, demonstrated through nature as a peaceful mountain, a strong, polished river rock, and a patient and powerful bear, exemplifies the concepts of Patience, Inner Strength, and Commitment.

The concept of Earth also symbolizes the third part of the triangle of Awareness, Assessment, and Action, which encourages us to take decisive Action with confidence and commitment to our goals!

The Sarah Palin Debate Party and Drinking Game, McMarthy's Place, 9pm

Mike and I are throwing a party to watch the Palin Debate. Our place, 9pm, we'll watch off Tivo. E-mail or call me or Mike if you don't know where it is.

But if I may be permitted, I'd like to share some thoughts.

If you're like me, you're wondering what the hell is going on in politics these days.

The economy is going to shit in a basket of shit. The Republicans buried the bailout, lest they "put a coffin upon Reagan's coffin." John Stewart asks, "who's in that other coffin?" Who indeed.

Apparently, letting Wall Street die creates a vacuum of trust. This, in turn leads to a Great Depression.

Meanwhile, everyone's voting for the young black guy. No one's voting for the old white guy. The media is starting to grow a pair. Up is down, down is up, and clearly anything is possible.

And at the center of it all is Sarah Palin.

We all know the type. The quintessential mean girl. Where a conventional bully uses her punches, she uses her looks and popularity. If you're a guy, she's used you. If you're a girl, she's made you cry. But now she's being exposed as a ditz. And in the most beautiful twist of fate, Tina Fey, writer and co-star of Mean Girls is getting her revenge lampooning her. She's batting her eyes waiting for the boys to save her, but this time they won't save her.

Interesting times. But Sarah Palin is a distraction. We're so busy reacting to her, we're not paying attention. If someone grabs your wrist, he's about to punch you in the face; don't just stare at the hand on the wrist.

I think the punch in the face is about to hit. As you know, the bailout got killed. Turns out it was the zombie Gingrich. Apparently he's back, and even more the villain. Then today I saw this posted on Facebook. See it for yourself and decide what you think.

Meanwhile, It's 4:02 pm, and the Senate is about to vote on the bailout. Now that McCain has taken his shot at "saving the bailout," Barack Obama takes his turn, addressing the Senate. Elsewhere, Bill Clinton, finally, is coming through, campaining to geezers in Florida. Biden is about to go into play, yet another assurance to the old people, worried about their money.

And tomorrow, tomorrow, Sarah Palin, Republican Belle of the Ball must face Joe Biden, assurer of geezers.

In short, there's a lot going on right now, and we know about more of it than ever before. I don't know about you, but I don't want to miss a moment of this. Join us tomorrow night, won't you?

Still to come: Part 2, The Rules of the Drinking Game. I invite you to e-mail me ideas for rules.