4 Snouts Up for NYC
I can attest that New York has still got it. While everyone else in the world was in Boston this week, Bill and I were in Manhattan. Among many other diversions, we saw two plays: Bug and Caroline, or Change.
(:)(:)(:)(:) 4 Snouts up for Bug
Very dark twisted minds created this stunningly well-acted and well-written play set entirely in a rundown residential hotel on the outskirts of Oklahoma City. Bug "off-Broadway" at the Barrow Street Theater in the west village is for you if you love a good paranoid schizophrenic naked violent comedy. If you're tired of that genre, go see Cats for the 3rd time, see if I care.
(:)(:)(:)(; 3 and a half Snouts up for Caroline, or Change
Still far from the Cats set but squarely on Broadway (well, the Eugene O'Neal on 49th, but who's counting) is the new Tony Kushner play Caroline, or Change.
This one is a musical set in 1963 Louisiana centered around a black maid working for a white Jewish family. Tony Kushner's story and Jeanine Tesori's music are fabulous, compelling, perfectly and unpretentiously staged and acted. I absolutely love Tony Kushner's writing in the two-part critically acclaimed Angels in America (which, if you haven't seen the made for HBO movie of, you must).
The only weakness, and for me, it is a biggy, is that so far I sense no particular talent in Kushner as a lyricist, and he wrote all the lyrics. The lyrics tell the story well and vaguely go with the music, but that's the end of it. Now I'm not lookin' for Cole Porter here; I know that era is sadly long gone. No. I'd settle for Webber or Rice (whichever one does the lyrics)--despite the great story, bouncy enjoyable early 60's rock 'n' roll and R&B score, there is not a single memorable song in the show. I hummed nothin'. And that says to me, why bother? Stick to the straight show, Tony.
Friday, July 30, 2004
Thursday, July 29, 2004
President Kerry!
Hey, I'm trying to say this before every blogger and pundit in the nation does: Kerry's nomination acceptance speech tonight at the Democratic Convention was masterful in content and delivery (and he only used the word values 375 times!)
How did he do it? I am blown away by what he accomplished. Somehow he was simultaneously presidential, measured, serious, bold and inspiring. Some pundits are already trying to define this speech as centrist. I disagree. True. It has phenomenal centrist appeal. But it is far from typical tweedle dum/tweedle dee DLC fodder.
The typical Clinton era "new Democrat" speech takes Republican policies and softens them for Democrats and the mushy middle. This speech did the opposite. It took hardcore liberal Democratic policies and goals--FDR and LBJ's Democratic party--and cloaked them in the rhetoric and value-laden language that the Republicans have previously owned.
This speech was a George Lakoff wet dream--Kerry took all the advice this Berkeley professor and his team have been turning out for the past two years and put it to good use. Example: "instead of talking about family values, let's talk about what we're going to do to value families."
This simple turn-of-phrase (which would be dubbed a "charlie the tuna" in the advertising world--Starkist doesn't want tunas with good taste, Starkist wants tunas that taste good) plants a seed of doubt in the minds of every idiot swing voter (hey, I'm not promoting Slimfast, I can be as hatefest as I want) who has salivated over Bush's family values--what do they really mean? it asks. Do they value families? Are they telling the truth? What if they're not?
And that's not all!
Bill Magavern of the Sierra Club thinks that this is probably the earliest that the environment has ever appeared in a Democratic nominee's acceptance speech (within the first 5 minutes, in case you weren't timing it at home). Kerry hit all the key issues: the economy, Iraq, health care, dependence on foreign oil, fair trade and good jobs, ending racism, education--plenty of red meat for the party faithful. But instead of pandering to the crowd or giving a traditional partisan speech, he did something brilliant, he took our issues and spoke about them in a new way, so that they were everybody's issues.
And he did it with passion, sincerity, and conviction as if he were already President. And so it is.
Hey, I'm trying to say this before every blogger and pundit in the nation does: Kerry's nomination acceptance speech tonight at the Democratic Convention was masterful in content and delivery (and he only used the word values 375 times!)
How did he do it? I am blown away by what he accomplished. Somehow he was simultaneously presidential, measured, serious, bold and inspiring. Some pundits are already trying to define this speech as centrist. I disagree. True. It has phenomenal centrist appeal. But it is far from typical tweedle dum/tweedle dee DLC fodder.
The typical Clinton era "new Democrat" speech takes Republican policies and softens them for Democrats and the mushy middle. This speech did the opposite. It took hardcore liberal Democratic policies and goals--FDR and LBJ's Democratic party--and cloaked them in the rhetoric and value-laden language that the Republicans have previously owned.
This speech was a George Lakoff wet dream--Kerry took all the advice this Berkeley professor and his team have been turning out for the past two years and put it to good use. Example: "instead of talking about family values, let's talk about what we're going to do to value families."
This simple turn-of-phrase (which would be dubbed a "charlie the tuna" in the advertising world--Starkist doesn't want tunas with good taste, Starkist wants tunas that taste good) plants a seed of doubt in the minds of every idiot swing voter (hey, I'm not promoting Slimfast, I can be as hatefest as I want) who has salivated over Bush's family values--what do they really mean? it asks. Do they value families? Are they telling the truth? What if they're not?
And that's not all!
Bill Magavern of the Sierra Club thinks that this is probably the earliest that the environment has ever appeared in a Democratic nominee's acceptance speech (within the first 5 minutes, in case you weren't timing it at home). Kerry hit all the key issues: the economy, Iraq, health care, dependence on foreign oil, fair trade and good jobs, ending racism, education--plenty of red meat for the party faithful. But instead of pandering to the crowd or giving a traditional partisan speech, he did something brilliant, he took our issues and spoke about them in a new way, so that they were everybody's issues.
And he did it with passion, sincerity, and conviction as if he were already President. And so it is.
Sunday, July 25, 2004
New Progressive Action Group formed in Sacramento
I am pleased to announce the formation of People United for a Better Sacramento (no website yet), a grassroots membership-based issue advocacy and political action group working to enact progressive policies in the Sacramento area. Brought together in the wake of a successful push to elect City Councilmember Dave Jones as the Democratic candidate for Sacramento's state Assembly seat, the group is the first explicitly progressive cross-cutting issue-advocacy organization working to bring real change to the Sacramento region.
The board (of which Dave Jones is President and I am Vice-President) reflects a diverse cross-section of activists coming out of various communities: environmental, civil rights, labor, youth and student, senior, neighborhoods, disability rights, housing and other grassroots groups.
Our first action is to oppose taxpayer funding for a new sports arena in Sacramento. But, last week's City Council meeting brought a referendum on that matter that much closer. The Sacramento Bee reports that the (Sacramento Kings-owning) Maloofs are seeking a referendum in a special election (even more expensive!) in March. That article also contains the first (as far as I know) news clipping reference to the new group we've founded--shorthand, "People United," please, not "PUBS."
I am pleased to announce the formation of People United for a Better Sacramento (no website yet), a grassroots membership-based issue advocacy and political action group working to enact progressive policies in the Sacramento area. Brought together in the wake of a successful push to elect City Councilmember Dave Jones as the Democratic candidate for Sacramento's state Assembly seat, the group is the first explicitly progressive cross-cutting issue-advocacy organization working to bring real change to the Sacramento region.
The board (of which Dave Jones is President and I am Vice-President) reflects a diverse cross-section of activists coming out of various communities: environmental, civil rights, labor, youth and student, senior, neighborhoods, disability rights, housing and other grassroots groups.
Our first action is to oppose taxpayer funding for a new sports arena in Sacramento. But, last week's City Council meeting brought a referendum on that matter that much closer. The Sacramento Bee reports that the (Sacramento Kings-owning) Maloofs are seeking a referendum in a special election (even more expensive!) in March. That article also contains the first (as far as I know) news clipping reference to the new group we've founded--shorthand, "People United," please, not "PUBS."
Friday, July 23, 2004
Meanwhile, back in Sacramento...
Well, I'm not back in Sacramento, but other people seem to be and the Democratic Party is hard at work capitalizing (sic) on Scharzenegger's most recent gaff. Go to sacramentogirliemen.com to buy the actually really cute eponymous t-shirts--all proceeds go to the Democratic Party.
(Get this straight: this is a t-shirt making fun of a governor who was making fun of the Democrats by making fun of an ancient Saturday Night Live skit that was making fun of him before he was governor.)
Well, I'm not back in Sacramento, but other people seem to be and the Democratic Party is hard at work capitalizing (sic) on Scharzenegger's most recent gaff. Go to sacramentogirliemen.com to buy the actually really cute eponymous t-shirts--all proceeds go to the Democratic Party.
(Get this straight: this is a t-shirt making fun of a governor who was making fun of the Democrats by making fun of an ancient Saturday Night Live skit that was making fun of him before he was governor.)
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
Dateline Buffalo
Just got in from seeing the Psychedelic Furs play at the Continental Club on Franklin near Chippewa in downtown Buffalo, NY. The highlight of the opening act was a band called Kristofferson Airplane playing a cover of "Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch Cherry Bomb" a tiny hit from the early 80's, which gives you an idea of what caliber acts typically play the Continental.
The mix was bad and the acoustics terrible, but the Furs show was great--high energy, lots of fun. Chippewa street was hopping on a warm Wednesday night in Buffalo. Some 20 years ago when I lived in Buffalo, Chippewa never hopped. Chippewa might have sold you drugs at 4am when the bars closed. It might have put its highheeled foot on your car and straightened its fishnets. But it never hopped.
Buffalo is kind of dichotomous these days. On the one hand certain strips in the urban core are alive with independent restaurants, bookstores, coffee shops and throngs of customers. Property values have risen steeply in the gorgeous huge old homes on quiet tree-shaded residential streets spoking out from these hubs. Yet the City of Buffalo is financially unviable. Soon voters will consider a referendum, supported by the mayor and the county executive, to merge the city into the county government, because the city can't run itself on its tax base anymore.
Despite repeatedly grilling my father-in-law, probably the foremost expert in the region on state and local government and fiscal issues, I still don't fully understand how both these things are true at the same time.
But I take it as instructive for Sacramento now that we're fighting a big push for a taxpayer-funded sports arena in the city. Even the most exciting, thriving retail environment can't take the place of real jobs, it just gives the rich people somewhere to spend their money while the city dies.
Just got in from seeing the Psychedelic Furs play at the Continental Club on Franklin near Chippewa in downtown Buffalo, NY. The highlight of the opening act was a band called Kristofferson Airplane playing a cover of "Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch Cherry Bomb" a tiny hit from the early 80's, which gives you an idea of what caliber acts typically play the Continental.
The mix was bad and the acoustics terrible, but the Furs show was great--high energy, lots of fun. Chippewa street was hopping on a warm Wednesday night in Buffalo. Some 20 years ago when I lived in Buffalo, Chippewa never hopped. Chippewa might have sold you drugs at 4am when the bars closed. It might have put its highheeled foot on your car and straightened its fishnets. But it never hopped.
Buffalo is kind of dichotomous these days. On the one hand certain strips in the urban core are alive with independent restaurants, bookstores, coffee shops and throngs of customers. Property values have risen steeply in the gorgeous huge old homes on quiet tree-shaded residential streets spoking out from these hubs. Yet the City of Buffalo is financially unviable. Soon voters will consider a referendum, supported by the mayor and the county executive, to merge the city into the county government, because the city can't run itself on its tax base anymore.
Despite repeatedly grilling my father-in-law, probably the foremost expert in the region on state and local government and fiscal issues, I still don't fully understand how both these things are true at the same time.
But I take it as instructive for Sacramento now that we're fighting a big push for a taxpayer-funded sports arena in the city. Even the most exciting, thriving retail environment can't take the place of real jobs, it just gives the rich people somewhere to spend their money while the city dies.
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
Nip/Tuck on F/X is Fun/Vile
3 Snouts Up (:)(:)(:)
Have you seen this tv show? It combines soft porn with graphic surgery--what could be more enticing? Brought to you on basic cable: two men in a plastic surgery partnership in Miami--one cute, sweet and ethical, the other gorgeous, slutty and unprincipled. The scenes cut abruptly (sometimes literally) between slightly more than Sex-in-the-City level "love" scenes and vacuuming out "cottage cheese" during a lipo-suction (dieting tip: just try and eat your late night cereal in front of this show).
Somehow it's hard to resist--it's reasonably cleverly written and conceived and so disturbingly edgy that you're drawn to it without wanting to be. It doesn't hurt that Vanessa Redgrave's daughter plays the good doctor's wife and Vanessa Redgrave plays her witchy know-it-all psychotherapist mother obsessed with her own looks. At one point Redgrave senior gets it on with the unscrupulous 40 year old son-in-law's partner and then gloats about it to her daughter--nasty, vile and irresistible. But resist if you can, this is one show which signals the end of civilization is at hand (and do we need reminding?). Tuesdays at 10pm.
3 Snouts Up (:)(:)(:)
Have you seen this tv show? It combines soft porn with graphic surgery--what could be more enticing? Brought to you on basic cable: two men in a plastic surgery partnership in Miami--one cute, sweet and ethical, the other gorgeous, slutty and unprincipled. The scenes cut abruptly (sometimes literally) between slightly more than Sex-in-the-City level "love" scenes and vacuuming out "cottage cheese" during a lipo-suction (dieting tip: just try and eat your late night cereal in front of this show).
Somehow it's hard to resist--it's reasonably cleverly written and conceived and so disturbingly edgy that you're drawn to it without wanting to be. It doesn't hurt that Vanessa Redgrave's daughter plays the good doctor's wife and Vanessa Redgrave plays her witchy know-it-all psychotherapist mother obsessed with her own looks. At one point Redgrave senior gets it on with the unscrupulous 40 year old son-in-law's partner and then gloats about it to her daughter--nasty, vile and irresistible. But resist if you can, this is one show which signals the end of civilization is at hand (and do we need reminding?). Tuesdays at 10pm.
Monday, July 19, 2004
Sunday, July 18, 2004
There is no blog
Thus far, I've proven an unreliable summer blogger. One week in Yosemite, no computer, no phone, no blog. But then one week back, computer, phone, only one entry.
In my defense, I was readying the entire house for repainting and recarpeting--a job only slightly short of what's required for moving. And only slightly less irritating to the people around me, it turns out.
Everyone's heard the stories of marriages gone bad from remodelling a kitchen. Months without end of washing dishes in a bathtub take their toll on even the serenest souls.
But who has ever heard of 1 month's worth of prepping for painting and carpeting driving a family insane? Well, actually, just driving me insane, I think. My husband and children never complained.
But after about the 5th dinner conversation where Bill introduced some interesting topic from his day, worthy of say, an entire blog, like the inside scoop on Schwarzenegger's shenanigans on the budget in the California legislature and I responded with something as fascinating as "yes, but have you looked at the sample Sedona Sunrise streaks I painted on the wall?," I was boring myself, yet I couldn't stop. I had to have him see the Sedona Sunrise, I had to.
Okay, it's behind us. It's in the painter's hands.
So, now we're here in Buffalo, New York for two weeks. It's cool and rainy and everything is fabulous. After months of unrelenting Sacramento sunshine, it is delightful to sit on a porch swing and read while the afternoon thunderstorm pours down around us.
I'm hopeful that I'll write something more interesting tomorrow, but at the instance of the Rev. Julie Interrante, I'm reading No death, no fear by Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh. As such, I've learned that there is no death and no birth. By extension, I think I can easily surmise, there is no blog.
Thus far, I've proven an unreliable summer blogger. One week in Yosemite, no computer, no phone, no blog. But then one week back, computer, phone, only one entry.
In my defense, I was readying the entire house for repainting and recarpeting--a job only slightly short of what's required for moving. And only slightly less irritating to the people around me, it turns out.
Everyone's heard the stories of marriages gone bad from remodelling a kitchen. Months without end of washing dishes in a bathtub take their toll on even the serenest souls.
But who has ever heard of 1 month's worth of prepping for painting and carpeting driving a family insane? Well, actually, just driving me insane, I think. My husband and children never complained.
But after about the 5th dinner conversation where Bill introduced some interesting topic from his day, worthy of say, an entire blog, like the inside scoop on Schwarzenegger's shenanigans on the budget in the California legislature and I responded with something as fascinating as "yes, but have you looked at the sample Sedona Sunrise streaks I painted on the wall?," I was boring myself, yet I couldn't stop. I had to have him see the Sedona Sunrise, I had to.
Okay, it's behind us. It's in the painter's hands.
So, now we're here in Buffalo, New York for two weeks. It's cool and rainy and everything is fabulous. After months of unrelenting Sacramento sunshine, it is delightful to sit on a porch swing and read while the afternoon thunderstorm pours down around us.
I'm hopeful that I'll write something more interesting tomorrow, but at the instance of the Rev. Julie Interrante, I'm reading No death, no fear by Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh. As such, I've learned that there is no death and no birth. By extension, I think I can easily surmise, there is no blog.
Saturday, July 10, 2004
Don't Blog About Nader
Bill Magavern tells me not to blog about Nader any more, but then we watch Ralph interviewed on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (hosted by Stephen Colbert, not Jon Stewart!) and Bill raises some interesting questions:
[full disclosure: both participants in the interview are former employees and current devotees of Public Citizen, an organization founded by Ralph Nader, and Magavern is a former employee and current fan of U.S. Public Interest Research Group, which is an idea Ralph had in the shower that now is a huge national network with branches in several states. Magavern has, in the past, travelled with Ralph several times and Ralph asks about our children when he sees us. Magavern currently works as senior legislative advocate for Sierra Club California.]
Nichols: You seem outraged at the lack of thoroughness of this Daily Show interview, Bill. Why?
Nichols: Yes. But what exactly are the tough questions? I mean, he asked him about the spoiler thing...
Nichols: Hold it. Can you hide behind a canard ?
Nichols: Okay. Okay. Stop hiding behind the canard...
Nichols: Well, you make some good points, but what about the free trade thing? Isn't one of Nader's strongest anti-corporate positions against trade uber alles and aren't Kerry and Edwards free traders?
Nichols: Since he's been running for President?
Nichols: What about the Iraq issue? Ralph is out there raising important questions about the war and Kerry voted for the war powers. Isn't that a legitimate difference between the candidates?
Nichols: Sure, honey.
Bill Magavern tells me not to blog about Nader any more, but then we watch Ralph interviewed on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (hosted by Stephen Colbert, not Jon Stewart!) and Bill raises some interesting questions:
[full disclosure: both participants in the interview are former employees and current devotees of Public Citizen, an organization founded by Ralph Nader, and Magavern is a former employee and current fan of U.S. Public Interest Research Group, which is an idea Ralph had in the shower that now is a huge national network with branches in several states. Magavern has, in the past, travelled with Ralph several times and Ralph asks about our children when he sees us. Magavern currently works as senior legislative advocate for Sierra Club California.]
Nichols: You seem outraged at the lack of thoroughness of this Daily Show interview, Bill. Why?
Magavern: Well, if the substitute host for a fake news show won't ask the tough questions, who will?
Nichols: Yes. But what exactly are the tough questions? I mean, he asked him about the spoiler thing...
Magavern: Look, with Edwards added to the ticket just that day, the question to ask was, obviously, isn't it true that Kerry and Edwards have been consistent allies of yours in fighting corporate power?
And isn't true that you in fact advised Kerry to have Edwards as his running mate? And given this fact shouldn't you support this ticket and stop hiding behind the canard...
Nichols: Hold it. Can you hide behind a canard ?
Magavern: Well now you're applying a standard to the quality of writing in your blog which frankly...
Nichols: Okay. Okay. Stop hiding behind the canard...
Magavern: ...that there is a unified Democratic position that's soft on corporate power, when in fact Kerry and Edwards, if elected, will lead the Democratic party and it will be what they want to be which is not soft on corporate power.
Nichols: Well, you make some good points, but what about the free trade thing? Isn't one of Nader's strongest anti-corporate positions against trade uber alles and aren't Kerry and Edwards free traders?
Magavern: No. Kerry is. Edwards isn't and hasn't been and Kerry's reconsidering his position on trade...
Nichols: Since he's been running for President?
Magavern: Well, yes.
Nichols: What about the Iraq issue? Ralph is out there raising important questions about the war and Kerry voted for the war powers. Isn't that a legitimate difference between the candidates?
Magavern: Ralph can raise the issues without being a candidate for President. Can I check my email now?
Nichols: Sure, honey.
Magavern: Don't forget to tell them that Ralph scooped everyone when he announced that Jon Stewart was absent because his wife just had a baby. That was the best part...Nichols: I won't, honey.
Friday, July 09, 2004
Back from Paradise
So, yes, I've been on vacation for nearly a week. Out of cell phone and email range for the most part in Yosemite--truly awesome, in more of a 19th than 20th century way.
I spent more time contemplating subjects such as the pursuit of excellence, and how all people are essentially good, than I did politics per se, or other favorite topics (gee, are there any?). Midweek, when turned back from a hike to Dog Lake at Tuolomne Meadows due to a not yet recovered son (waaah!), I stopped in at the Tuolomne General Store for a soda and some cashews.
When asked if they had the newspaper, the young man behind the counter said, "yeah, maybe, we have some newspapers, but I don't know if they're today's." I walked over to it and chose between the Fresno Bee and USA Today--a tough one: I chose USA Today, first time buying it in years without knowing that I was quoted in a story (okay, gratuitous reminder that I once was quoted with frequency--now, if you Google me, you get some 19 year old soccer playing Sara Nichols and a question I asked of a cohousing list serve 8 years ago).
And then I read the headline as I walk back to the counter to pay for it--"Oh my God!" I scream. "Have you even looked at these? We have a Vice-President--it's Edwards!"
"Whaaaa...?" said the rocket surgeon behind the cash register. "Lemme see that," he glances at the headline.
"Whatever," he pronounces.
"Whatever indeed," I cleverly admonish, paying him a dollar for the paper.
Fortunately our son is more excited than the cashier about the selection. "Joe [his best friend] loves Edwards even more than Kerry. He shook his hand when he came to Sacramento."
Sure he shook Edwards hand. Who didn't? But did he talk his way into the $1,000 donor circle room upstairs along with 40 other people and shake his hand under false pretenses like me? I didn't think so.
I like Edwards for VP. As the Republicans will remind us daily: we've got the first most liberal and the 4th most liberal vote in the US Senate (by one credible study, truth be told, although Bill and I both think first place should've gone to Boxer--whose nightshirt I'm wearing as I compose)--woo hoo, what a team!
So, yes, I've been on vacation for nearly a week. Out of cell phone and email range for the most part in Yosemite--truly awesome, in more of a 19th than 20th century way.
I spent more time contemplating subjects such as the pursuit of excellence, and how all people are essentially good, than I did politics per se, or other favorite topics (gee, are there any?). Midweek, when turned back from a hike to Dog Lake at Tuolomne Meadows due to a not yet recovered son (waaah!), I stopped in at the Tuolomne General Store for a soda and some cashews.
When asked if they had the newspaper, the young man behind the counter said, "yeah, maybe, we have some newspapers, but I don't know if they're today's." I walked over to it and chose between the Fresno Bee and USA Today--a tough one: I chose USA Today, first time buying it in years without knowing that I was quoted in a story (okay, gratuitous reminder that I once was quoted with frequency--now, if you Google me, you get some 19 year old soccer playing Sara Nichols and a question I asked of a cohousing list serve 8 years ago).
And then I read the headline as I walk back to the counter to pay for it--"Oh my God!" I scream. "Have you even looked at these? We have a Vice-President--it's Edwards!"
"Whaaaa...?" said the rocket surgeon behind the cash register. "Lemme see that," he glances at the headline.
"Whatever," he pronounces.
"Whatever indeed," I cleverly admonish, paying him a dollar for the paper.
Fortunately our son is more excited than the cashier about the selection. "Joe [his best friend] loves Edwards even more than Kerry. He shook his hand when he came to Sacramento."
Sure he shook Edwards hand. Who didn't? But did he talk his way into the $1,000 donor circle room upstairs along with 40 other people and shake his hand under false pretenses like me? I didn't think so.
I like Edwards for VP. As the Republicans will remind us daily: we've got the first most liberal and the 4th most liberal vote in the US Senate (by one credible study, truth be told, although Bill and I both think first place should've gone to Boxer--whose nightshirt I'm wearing as I compose)--woo hoo, what a team!
Thursday, July 01, 2004
Today's Ruminations on Kerry
Everytime I think I'm too slavishly defensive of Kerry, I get a boost from an Arianna Huffington column; this latest column looks at Kerry vs. Clinton as candidates(Political Real Estate: John Kerry's Room with a View)--read it and tell me what you think.
I tend to agree with her on this (and many things). While Kerry isn't half the candidate Clinton is, he'll be twice the President (and hey, that's saying a lot, Clinton is looking pretty damn good right now--well, he always looked good, it was just--slap!--down girl, I've always had a little thing for Clinton, but it's purely physical not political, back on task...) and isn't that the main thing?
Fortunately, this is the best election year for a not-so-great candidate in decades: with only a pulse, a different last name than Bush and a (D) after his name, most of his voters would work their rear ends off for anyone to beat the chimp. The secret, and I wish it weren't one, is that this year we've got someone as our standard bearer who has the makings of a great President. I think he's going to win and I think it's going to be a different experience than any of us in my generation have ever had.
Everytime I think I'm too slavishly defensive of Kerry, I get a boost from an Arianna Huffington column; this latest column looks at Kerry vs. Clinton as candidates(Political Real Estate: John Kerry's Room with a View)--read it and tell me what you think.
I tend to agree with her on this (and many things). While Kerry isn't half the candidate Clinton is, he'll be twice the President (and hey, that's saying a lot, Clinton is looking pretty damn good right now--well, he always looked good, it was just--slap!--down girl, I've always had a little thing for Clinton, but it's purely physical not political, back on task...) and isn't that the main thing?
Fortunately, this is the best election year for a not-so-great candidate in decades: with only a pulse, a different last name than Bush and a (D) after his name, most of his voters would work their rear ends off for anyone to beat the chimp. The secret, and I wish it weren't one, is that this year we've got someone as our standard bearer who has the makings of a great President. I think he's going to win and I think it's going to be a different experience than any of us in my generation have ever had.
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Campaign Against Bush: EPIC Style?
This part of the conversation is run-of-the-mill cocktail party chatter across America right now:
"It's completely unprecedented!" says I. "I mean, think about it, when has it ever happened that millions of people have paid money to see an in-depth anti-incumbent 2-hour movie? I mean, it hasn't! And in red states too!"
This part is new:
"Actually, it's not completely unprecedented. This is basically what the right wing did against the EPIC campaign," says CLCV So Cal Political Czar, David Allgood.
"EPIC?" screech I. "What's EPIC?"
Okay, so then he reminds me: EPIC: Upton Sinclair's radical comprehensive plan to End Poverty in California, upon which he built his race for Governor in 1933.
A modicum of insufficient internet research (found some USC grad's Ph.D. fascinating thesis called Going Negative: the Smear Campaign Against Upton Sinclair) reveals both more and fewer parallels between the campaigns than even Allgood, no doubt paralyzed by temporary alcohol and nicotine withdrawal, contemplated:
True, cinematic genius and studio controller Louis B. Mayer played a key role in defeating Sinclair and electing conservative Republican Frank Merriam by creating and widely distributing several fake newsreels purporting to show the disastrous results if Upton Sinclair were elected Governor.
But a closer look at that 1933 election reveals even more similarity to this Presidential race. The real reason Sinclair seems to have lost was an unravelling of his own base, his own party. He was, it seems, successfully portrayed at least, as so far out of step with the mainstream FDR Democratic party that large factions defected every day on the campaign trail. Throughout the campaign, Merriam seems to have laid relatively low and allowed Sinclair's many detractors to bring him down.
The apparently wild success of Fahrenheit 9/11, especially among middle American possibly previously apolitical types, coupled with ever-amazing outcries from the Republican oldguard elite (former ambassadors and admirals come to mind), show that Bush is in deep deep doo doo. And, frankly, ala Merriam, who can blame Kerry for standing steady while his opponent sinks ever lower into the Michael Moore raked muck?
Let's just hope the result is the same: the radical (Bush) defeated.
This part of the conversation is run-of-the-mill cocktail party chatter across America right now:
"It's completely unprecedented!" says I. "I mean, think about it, when has it ever happened that millions of people have paid money to see an in-depth anti-incumbent 2-hour movie? I mean, it hasn't! And in red states too!"
This part is new:
"Actually, it's not completely unprecedented. This is basically what the right wing did against the EPIC campaign," says CLCV So Cal Political Czar, David Allgood.
"EPIC?" screech I. "What's EPIC?"
Okay, so then he reminds me: EPIC: Upton Sinclair's radical comprehensive plan to End Poverty in California, upon which he built his race for Governor in 1933.
A modicum of insufficient internet research (found some USC grad's Ph.D. fascinating thesis called Going Negative: the Smear Campaign Against Upton Sinclair) reveals both more and fewer parallels between the campaigns than even Allgood, no doubt paralyzed by temporary alcohol and nicotine withdrawal, contemplated:
True, cinematic genius and studio controller Louis B. Mayer played a key role in defeating Sinclair and electing conservative Republican Frank Merriam by creating and widely distributing several fake newsreels purporting to show the disastrous results if Upton Sinclair were elected Governor.
But a closer look at that 1933 election reveals even more similarity to this Presidential race. The real reason Sinclair seems to have lost was an unravelling of his own base, his own party. He was, it seems, successfully portrayed at least, as so far out of step with the mainstream FDR Democratic party that large factions defected every day on the campaign trail. Throughout the campaign, Merriam seems to have laid relatively low and allowed Sinclair's many detractors to bring him down.
The apparently wild success of Fahrenheit 9/11, especially among middle American possibly previously apolitical types, coupled with ever-amazing outcries from the Republican oldguard elite (former ambassadors and admirals come to mind), show that Bush is in deep deep doo doo. And, frankly, ala Merriam, who can blame Kerry for standing steady while his opponent sinks ever lower into the Michael Moore raked muck?
Let's just hope the result is the same: the radical (Bush) defeated.
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
No, Simply Music isn't giving me a kick-back for this promotion
If you've ever wanted you or a child to play the piano with fluency, but haven't succeeded, consider taking a course in the Simply Music method. Simply Music believes that everyone is musical and teaches you to play blues, classical and popular songs in your first few weeks without forcing you to learn to read music first or practice scales (like I had to for years).
In December of 2003, at the age of nine, never having had a piano lesson, or, indeed, any formal music instruction before, our son began taking Simply Music lessons in Sacramento. The results were astounding.
Our son has always been interested in music, but he is really just a normal 9-year-old boy. He likes to play and watch basketball and other sports, read Captain Underpants books and run around giggling and being silly with his friends.
At the end of his first lesson, he was playing a real piece of music nicely. At the end of three weeks, he had memorized three pieces and was playing them with expression and feeling. He couldn’t wait to go to his lessons or to practice, or watch the video or listen to the CD or, indeed, anything associated with the program.
None of the homework was overly time-consuming or difficult to fit into a busy family week. And the lessons are only ½ hour long—perfect for a child’s attention span.
He learned to play over 12 pieces in as many weeks, everything from Beethoven to Blues to Amazing Grace.
When I contrast this to the many years as a child that I put in doing scales, learning to read music and slaving away doing piano exercises—I have so much less to show for it today (and even then) than my boy does after just those few weeks. I am learning more about playing the piano from watching his lessons and practice than I did in over seven years of lessons!
Both he and I are completely hooked on this affordable and stunningly aptly-named program, Simply Music.
If you've ever wanted you or a child to play the piano with fluency, but haven't succeeded, consider taking a course in the Simply Music method. Simply Music believes that everyone is musical and teaches you to play blues, classical and popular songs in your first few weeks without forcing you to learn to read music first or practice scales (like I had to for years).
In December of 2003, at the age of nine, never having had a piano lesson, or, indeed, any formal music instruction before, our son began taking Simply Music lessons in Sacramento. The results were astounding.
Our son has always been interested in music, but he is really just a normal 9-year-old boy. He likes to play and watch basketball and other sports, read Captain Underpants books and run around giggling and being silly with his friends.
At the end of his first lesson, he was playing a real piece of music nicely. At the end of three weeks, he had memorized three pieces and was playing them with expression and feeling. He couldn’t wait to go to his lessons or to practice, or watch the video or listen to the CD or, indeed, anything associated with the program.
None of the homework was overly time-consuming or difficult to fit into a busy family week. And the lessons are only ½ hour long—perfect for a child’s attention span.
He learned to play over 12 pieces in as many weeks, everything from Beethoven to Blues to Amazing Grace.
When I contrast this to the many years as a child that I put in doing scales, learning to read music and slaving away doing piano exercises—I have so much less to show for it today (and even then) than my boy does after just those few weeks. I am learning more about playing the piano from watching his lessons and practice than I did in over seven years of lessons!
Both he and I are completely hooked on this affordable and stunningly aptly-named program, Simply Music.
Saturday, June 26, 2004
911 Centigrade
I didn't think I would do it this weekend. I had friends visiting. I had things to do. There would be other weekends.
And I uncharacteristically scorned MoveOn.Org's suggestion of a week or two ago to take a pledge to do it. A pledge to watch a movie? I don't think so. I'll pledge to call my congressman, give money, or hold a house party. But I won't pledge to see a movie. Much as I adore Michael Moore, and much as I planned to see the movie, I drew the line at that. And I didn't even blog about it (or much of anything--hey, I was camping, cut me some slack!)
And then, the weekend approached and people began to ask me which showing I was seeing and could I watch their kids while they went to this showing and did I have tickets and what would I be wearing and who would I be going with and would we be renting a hotel room and did we hire a limo and...well, you get the idea, it was no longer an option not to attend this weekend. It was no longer a question of whether, it was all the other details that mattered. To not see this movie on the first weekend it opens is like not voting. It's not an option.
And so, like everyone else in my corner of the demographic political woods, I saw Fahrenheit 9/11 this weekend. To be precise, I paid $5 to see it at 12:15pm on Friday, the first showing in Sacramento at the Tower Theater Save the Tower.
The 7:45 showing was sold out before we got there. Our showing sold out, and the one after it did too. Rumors of Bush-supporting hecklers spread through the crowd like wildfire (okay, fueled largely be me, but...). We glared suspiciously at each other, looking for the telltale signs: hair that doesn't move on women, lack of hair on men, flag lapel pins or crassly displayed crosses. Surely that man with a beard and birkenstocks couldn't be one of them? Nah, the notebook means nothing.
Due to a misguided last minute attempt to cop soup and bread at the Tower Cafe, we're stuck in the front row with Susan Barnhill and Ed, necks craned to take in even 50% of Michael's girth. We are thrilled. We are atwitter. At the last minute, I cause everyone around me to gasp by asking loudly sotto voce, "this is the Passion of Christ, right?"
It's not the Passion of Christ. But it does have an audience of true believers and plenty of gore (both upper and lower case). And it's moving and educational and provocative and everything else it should be. And now, a day later, I'm babysitting for my niece so my brother and sister-in-love can fulfill their civic duty.
Yes, (:)(:)(:)(:) Four Snouts up for Fahrenheit 9/11 and for the hype and for Michael Moore's projected $30 million dollar weekend. Meanwhile, my son is eager to take the pledge to see Spiderman 2 at midnight this Wednesday. He can't wait to see Doc Oc.
I didn't think I would do it this weekend. I had friends visiting. I had things to do. There would be other weekends.
And I uncharacteristically scorned MoveOn.Org's suggestion of a week or two ago to take a pledge to do it. A pledge to watch a movie? I don't think so. I'll pledge to call my congressman, give money, or hold a house party. But I won't pledge to see a movie. Much as I adore Michael Moore, and much as I planned to see the movie, I drew the line at that. And I didn't even blog about it (or much of anything--hey, I was camping, cut me some slack!)
And then, the weekend approached and people began to ask me which showing I was seeing and could I watch their kids while they went to this showing and did I have tickets and what would I be wearing and who would I be going with and would we be renting a hotel room and did we hire a limo and...well, you get the idea, it was no longer an option not to attend this weekend. It was no longer a question of whether, it was all the other details that mattered. To not see this movie on the first weekend it opens is like not voting. It's not an option.
And so, like everyone else in my corner of the demographic political woods, I saw Fahrenheit 9/11 this weekend. To be precise, I paid $5 to see it at 12:15pm on Friday, the first showing in Sacramento at the Tower Theater Save the Tower.
The 7:45 showing was sold out before we got there. Our showing sold out, and the one after it did too. Rumors of Bush-supporting hecklers spread through the crowd like wildfire (okay, fueled largely be me, but...). We glared suspiciously at each other, looking for the telltale signs: hair that doesn't move on women, lack of hair on men, flag lapel pins or crassly displayed crosses. Surely that man with a beard and birkenstocks couldn't be one of them? Nah, the notebook means nothing.
Due to a misguided last minute attempt to cop soup and bread at the Tower Cafe, we're stuck in the front row with Susan Barnhill and Ed, necks craned to take in even 50% of Michael's girth. We are thrilled. We are atwitter. At the last minute, I cause everyone around me to gasp by asking loudly sotto voce, "this is the Passion of Christ, right?"
It's not the Passion of Christ. But it does have an audience of true believers and plenty of gore (both upper and lower case). And it's moving and educational and provocative and everything else it should be. And now, a day later, I'm babysitting for my niece so my brother and sister-in-love can fulfill their civic duty.
Yes, (:)(:)(:)(:) Four Snouts up for Fahrenheit 9/11 and for the hype and for Michael Moore's projected $30 million dollar weekend. Meanwhile, my son is eager to take the pledge to see Spiderman 2 at midnight this Wednesday. He can't wait to see Doc Oc.
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
Protesting a Referendum on Public Funds for a Sacramento Arena
Last night I participated in a good sized rally outside the City Council meeting to protest Mayor Heather Fargo's concerted effort to use hundreds of millions of dollars worth of public funds to subsidize building a new sports arena for the Sacramento Kings--thwarted by her council representing its constituents well, she is now trying to get
City Councilmember, soon to be Assemblymember, Dave Jones led the troops as we packed the hearing room, standing room only, with a crowd outside pushing to get in. After 3 hours of pro stadium drek, culminating in a stupid LA-like statement by some (Sacramento King-owning) Maloof or another, flanked by the usual bimbos and bodyguards, Mayor Fargo let the public speak. You can read about it in today's Sacramento Bee article, in which I, or someone remarkably similar to me named "Sara Nicohols", am/is quoted.
What I said when I testified in the hearing was different from what is quoted. I said that although the residents of Southside Park would love to have a new sports and entertainment complex walking distance downtown, we are currently trying hard to get the city to build us a new playground, put more lights in the park, dredge the polluted lake and keep our youth club fully funded. We, like virtually every citizen of Sacramento, are vehemently opposed to public funding of a sports arena.
We find it impossible to believe that the Mayor and the Council aren't well aware of the public's strong opposition to public financing. And the revelation of some tortured polling can lead us only to believe that it will be used (like most polling) to sell the public something we don't want or need.
I didn't say this, but I, for one, will really resent having to fight this referendum on the November ballot. Doesn't the predominantly Democratic City Council understand that we've got a U.S. Senator to re-elect and a President to defeat?
Last night I participated in a good sized rally outside the City Council meeting to protest Mayor Heather Fargo's concerted effort to use hundreds of millions of dollars worth of public funds to subsidize building a new sports arena for the Sacramento Kings--thwarted by her council representing its constituents well, she is now trying to get
City Councilmember, soon to be Assemblymember, Dave Jones led the troops as we packed the hearing room, standing room only, with a crowd outside pushing to get in. After 3 hours of pro stadium drek, culminating in a stupid LA-like statement by some (Sacramento King-owning) Maloof or another, flanked by the usual bimbos and bodyguards, Mayor Fargo let the public speak. You can read about it in today's Sacramento Bee article, in which I, or someone remarkably similar to me named "Sara Nicohols", am/is quoted.
What I said when I testified in the hearing was different from what is quoted. I said that although the residents of Southside Park would love to have a new sports and entertainment complex walking distance downtown, we are currently trying hard to get the city to build us a new playground, put more lights in the park, dredge the polluted lake and keep our youth club fully funded. We, like virtually every citizen of Sacramento, are vehemently opposed to public funding of a sports arena.
We find it impossible to believe that the Mayor and the Council aren't well aware of the public's strong opposition to public financing. And the revelation of some tortured polling can lead us only to believe that it will be used (like most polling) to sell the public something we don't want or need.
I didn't say this, but I, for one, will really resent having to fight this referendum on the November ballot. Doesn't the predominantly Democratic City Council understand that we've got a U.S. Senator to re-elect and a President to defeat?
Sunday, June 20, 2004
The Way to Clean up Cah-lee-for-nee-a
According to Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Right's ArnoldWatch and everyone else, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is raking in campaign contributions at a record rate, faster than Gray Davis even. Here are his top 25 contributors, as reported by ArnoldWatch:
According to Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Right's ArnoldWatch and everyone else, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is raking in campaign contributions at a record rate, faster than Gray Davis even. Here are his top 25 contributors, as reported by ArnoldWatch:
1 A. G. SPANOS COMPANIES $614,700
2 EMULEX/ CEO PAUL FOLINO $488,764
3 THE NEW MAJORITY COMMITTEE/ The New Majority PAC $473,500
4 WILLIAM LYONS HOMES, INC. $466,200
5 WILLIAM A. ROBINSON $450,000
6 AMERICAN STERLING CORPORATION $436,200
7 AMERIQUEST CAPITAL CORPORATION $407,400
8 CASTLE & COOKE, INC./ DOLE FOOD CO. $352,000
9 JERRY PERENCHIO/ CHARTWELL PARTNERS $322,500
10 KLEINER, PERKINS, CAUFIELD & BYERS $277,836
11 HEWLETT PACKARD $271,200
12 TOYOTA USA/ TOYOTA DEALERS $258,133
13 ANHEUSER BUSCH COMPANIES $250,000
14 DRAPER, FISHER, JURVETSON/ TIMOTHY DRAPER $232,400
15 TARGET CORPORATION $220,000
16 P G & E CORPORATION - PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC $200,000
17 THE IRVINE COMPANY $188,200
18 MERCURY GENERAL CORP. $160,000
19 TRUST COMPANY OF THE WEST/ CHAIRMAN ROBERT A. DAY $151,200
20 KAISER FOUNDATION HEALTH PLAN, INC. $150,000
21 CLEAR CHANNEL $145,000
22 CAPITAL PACIFIC HOLDINGS, INC./ CEO HADI MAKARECHIAN $145,000
23 H & S VENTURES, LLC $142,400
24 CALIFORNIA DENTAL ASSOCIATION $125,000
25 CHEVRONTEXACO CORPORATION $122,200
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
How to get fired today
Take an inappropriate unscheduled musical interlude at your office and listen to Eric Idle's hilarious Fuck you, FCC song at full volume.
Or, for those of you, like me, who are essentially housewives, it could just be another opportunity to say to the kids, "just because I'm laughing my head off doesn't mean you should ever say these words!!."
Take an inappropriate unscheduled musical interlude at your office and listen to Eric Idle's hilarious Fuck you, FCC song at full volume.
Or, for those of you, like me, who are essentially housewives, it could just be another opportunity to say to the kids, "just because I'm laughing my head off doesn't mean you should ever say these words!!."
Monday, June 14, 2004
Run, Dennis, Run!
Okay, so I was phonebanked by the Dennis Kucinich for President campaign last night. Apparently, the campaign is really picking up steam. Dennis just won a primary last week and has picked up 2 more delegates.
Maybe my friends are right, maybe I've just become too mainstream, because I could barely keep from laughing at the well-intentioned phonebanker with a surprisingly good rap--at the end of the call, I complemented her on her pointless message and she said, "yeah, I give good phone." (maybe once the campaign raps up, she can make a little more money with that skill on a 900 number...)
Anyway, Dennis wants you to sign all these excellent petitions to pressure Kerry and the Democratic party at the convention. I signed all of them except the one to create a "Department of Peace"--it's probably a great idea but it just read a little too loony-tunes for me.
Okay, so I was phonebanked by the Dennis Kucinich for President campaign last night. Apparently, the campaign is really picking up steam. Dennis just won a primary last week and has picked up 2 more delegates.
Maybe my friends are right, maybe I've just become too mainstream, because I could barely keep from laughing at the well-intentioned phonebanker with a surprisingly good rap--at the end of the call, I complemented her on her pointless message and she said, "yeah, I give good phone." (maybe once the campaign raps up, she can make a little more money with that skill on a 900 number...)
Anyway, Dennis wants you to sign all these excellent petitions to pressure Kerry and the Democratic party at the convention. I signed all of them except the one to create a "Department of Peace"--it's probably a great idea but it just read a little too loony-tunes for me.
Sunday, June 13, 2004
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world...
Bill was in mourning for Ray Charles, not that other guy Friday. And so was I. I took the kids up into the Sierra foothills for the day and floated and played in a glorious mountain lake...er...reservoir.
Completely peaceful except for the motor boats and constant walkie talkies of families talking to their kids in the woods to make sure they are safe.
"Bobby! do you read me? over"
"Yes, mommy, I read you. over"
"What are you doing, bobby? over"
"I'm being torn limb from limb by a mountain lion aaaaaargggh over"
"well. at least I know where you are. over"
Bill was in mourning for Ray Charles, not that other guy Friday. And so was I. I took the kids up into the Sierra foothills for the day and floated and played in a glorious mountain lake...er...reservoir.
Completely peaceful except for the motor boats and constant walkie talkies of families talking to their kids in the woods to make sure they are safe.
"Bobby! do you read me? over"
"Yes, mommy, I read you. over"
"What are you doing, bobby? over"
"I'm being torn limb from limb by a mountain lion aaaaaargggh over"
"well. at least I know where you are. over"
Friday, June 11, 2004
Mandatory Reading on Kerry
Take the time to read this exceptionally well-written, in-depth piece on Kerry:
The Misunderestimation of John Kerry
Take the time to read this exceptionally well-written, in-depth piece on Kerry:
The Misunderestimation of John Kerry
Beware of this man. He's won every race that he was supposed to lose.
by Charles P. Pierce | Esquire | Jun 01 '04
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