2.29.2008
2.28.2008
word { Sesquipedalian
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
ses·qui·pe·da·li·an /ˌsɛskwɪpɪˈdeɪliən, -ˈdeɪlyən/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ses-kwi-pi-dey-lee-uhn, -deyl-yuhn] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–adjective Also, ses·quip·e·dal /sɛsˈkwɪpɪdl/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ses-kwip-i-dl] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation.
1. given to using long words.
2. (of a word) containing many syllables.
–noun
3. a sesquipedalian word.
[Origin: 1605–15; < L sésquipedālis measuring a foot and a half (see sesqui-, pedal) + -an]
2.27.2008
local { Krispy Kreme leaves Minnesota
Krispy Kreme leaves Minnesota. I can't say this surprises me. The one that opened here in Rochester closed before a year even passed. Besides the slaughtering of the spellings of crispy and cream for the sake of a brand name, I found them distasteful because the donuts really were not that great a pastry. They were greasy. They were sickly sweet. The coffee they sold sucked. They're no Tim Horton's.
Here in Rochester, I chalked the closure up to the mistake of opening 1/2 block from a local (and outstanding) bakery, Daube's.
On a side note, last night KTTC, the local JV quality NBC affiliate, whose 10pm newcast I can't stop watching...its sooo bad...ran a 5minute equivalent of an infomercial because Starbuck's closed early for training of its employees on how to make a good cup of coffee. Well good for Starbuck's, but I guess I can't see how this is news. It smelled a helluva a lot like a paid commercial, sneaked into the newscast as news. But there was a nugget at the end, Starbucks will be closing 100 under-performing stores. Which is about time, I think they hit saturation point about 10 years ago. When we went to San Francisco in 2005, literally, there were areas of downtown San Fran where three of the four corners of the intersection had a Starbucks. It was obvious the reason they were so dense was they bought out or pushed out a local shop that was in that location previously.
P.S. KTTC, your 10pm newscast could improve greatly by getting rid of Tim Overlie. You made a vast improvement by getting rid of Betsy Singer and replacing her with Rachel Wick. (We ran into Betsy Singer one night going to a movie at Chateau, she was fronting some evangelical christian jesus-fest activity that involved a lot of screaming kids and a ball bin).
In politics, last night KTTC ran a commercial, and I really wish I could remember the name of the organization that paid for this, it had one of those innocent sounding names, yet the organization is pure evil type things like Americans for a Democratic Society.
UPDATE: Found it, the group is 'Defense of Democracies'. Here is the FUD ad. WARNING, this ad contains Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt as well as unhealthy amounts of Jingoism with no facts.
The commercial is a FUD piece saying the Senate had shown true leadership and concern for the safety of this country by voting FOR the new FISA bill (which is the bill the Bush Administration wants that include Telecom immunity), while the House ducked its responsibility and went on vacation. It showed a whole bunch of scary images and pro-American jingoism, terrorist bad bullshit common in these times thanks to the Bush Adminisration. The end put up Tim Walz's picture and contact information (which isn't on the YouTube version, and must have been added regionally for each member of Congress targeted) and urged people to call him and tell him to vote YES for security! Vote FOR the FISA bill (now with new and improved Telecom Immunity!). I won't go into why this ad is wrong on so many levels, as it makes me so enraged I get even more incoherent. But sufficed to say, the new FISA bill will not make us safer, the old FISA legislation (which had been updated) protects us and our civil liberties by requiring judicial oversight and review (even after the fact if time of the essence) and the new bill weakens civil liberties and expands the power of the Administrative Branch by weakening the checks and balances. The fact this ad could give no facts and only provide push-button emotional rhetoric should illustrate why everyone when they see something like this should, in the words of Buffalo Springfield, 'there's something happening here, what it is ain't exactly clear...stop children, what's the sound? Everybody look whats goin down...'
2.25.2008
politics { The Cottonwood Tragedy
StarTrib actually has a good article urging level headed thinking in
response to the accident that claimed the life of 4 children, instead of
the hate fueled divisional politics of the vigilantes (and certain
Republicans).
2.24.2008
wtf { Lvl32 Citizen WTB civil liberities
Spo0kz could b3 inz my g@mez sn00ping my chatz omgwtfbbq!!!!1111!!!11!1one!!!
WP article.
2.21.2008
2.20.2008
2.19.2008
2.18.2008
politics { Couple of things...
First, Obama should tap Bill Richardson as V.P. No discussion! Do it! Do NOT tap Edwards.
Secondly, this website puts a lot of the political issues in easy to understand cartoon form! The latest is about FISA and Illegal Wiretapping and is narrated by Snuggly the Security Bear.
2.14.2008
casual_friday { Gonna be busy tomorrow
So two videos today for tomorrow:
Ashley MacIsaac - Sleepy Maggie
Aesop Rock - None Shall Pass
(yes I realize today has been a videogasm)
love { For you Nerdwife
Jeff Healey Band - Angel Eyes
Heather Nova - Walk This World (still one of my favorites)
Brian Adams - Heaven
The Proclaimers - I'm Gonna Be
Liz Phair - Supernova
Oasis - Wonderwall
Crash Test Dummies - Swimming in Your Ocean
2.13.2008
politics/privacy/civil_liberties { FISA Bill passes Senate WITH Telecom Immunity
And the small pebble rolling down the slippery slope hits another small pebbles which starts to roll down the slope and pick up speed...
The Bill (HR version)/Senate version.
Who voted:
Grouped by Home State
Alabama: Sessions (R-AL), Yea Shelby (R-AL), Yea
Alaska: Murkowski (R-AK), Yea Stevens (R-AK), Yea
Arizona: Kyl (R-AZ), Yea McCain (R-AZ), Yea
Arkansas: Lincoln (D-AR), Yea Pryor (D-AR), Yea
California: Boxer (D-CA), Nay Feinstein (D-CA), Nay
Colorado: Allard (R-CO), Yea Salazar (D-CO), Yea
Connecticut: Dodd (D-CT), Nay Lieberman (ID-CT), Yea
Delaware: Biden (D-DE), Nay Carper (D-DE), Yea
Florida: Martinez (R-FL), Yea Nelson (D-FL), Yea
Georgia: Chambliss (R-GA), Yea Isakson (R-GA), Yea
Hawaii: Akaka (D-HI), Nay Inouye (D-HI), Yea
Idaho: Craig (R-ID), Yea Crapo (R-ID), Yea
Illinois: Durbin (D-IL), Nay Obama (D-IL), Not Voting
Indiana: Bayh (D-IN), Yea Lugar (R-IN), Yea
Iowa: Grassley (R-IA), Yea Harkin (D-IA), Nay
Kansas: Brownback (R-KS), Yea Roberts (R-KS), Yea
Kentucky: Bunning (R-KY), Yea McConnell (R-KY), Yea
Louisiana: Landrieu (D-LA), Yea Vitter (R-LA), Yea
Maine: Collins (R-ME), Yea Snowe (R-ME), Yea
Maryland: Cardin (D-MD), Nay Mikulski (D-MD), Yea
Massachusetts: Kennedy (D-MA), Nay Kerry (D-MA), Nay
Michigan: Levin (D-MI), Nay Stabenow (D-MI), Nay
Minnesota: Coleman (R-MN), Yea Klobuchar (D-MN), Nay
Mississippi: Cochran (R-MS), Yea Wicker (R-MS), Yea
Missouri: Bond (R-MO), Yea McCaskill (D-MO), Yea
Montana: Baucus (D-MT), Yea Tester (D-MT), Nay
Nebraska: Hagel (R-NE), Yea Nelson (D-NE), Yea
Nevada: Ensign (R-NV), Yea Reid (D-NV), Nay
New Hampshire: Gregg (R-NH), Yea Sununu (R-NH), Yea
New Jersey: Lautenberg (D-NJ), Nay Menendez (D-NJ), Nay
New Mexico: Bingaman (D-NM), Nay Domenici (R-NM), Yea
New York: Clinton (D-NY), Not Voting Schumer (D-NY), Nay
North Carolina: Burr (R-NC), Yea Dole (R-NC), Yea
North Dakota: Conrad (D-ND), Yea Dorgan (D-ND), Nay
Ohio: Brown (D-OH), Nay Voinovich (R-OH), Yea
Oklahoma: Coburn (R-OK), Yea Inhofe (R-OK), Yea
Oregon: Smith (R-OR), Yea Wyden (D-OR), Nay
Pennsylvania: Casey (D-PA), Yea Specter (R-PA), Yea
Rhode Island: Reed (D-RI), Nay Whitehouse (D-RI), Yea
South Carolina: DeMint (R-SC), Yea Graham (R-SC), Not Voting
South Dakota: Johnson (D-SD), Yea Thune (R-SD), Yea
Tennessee: Alexander (R-TN), Yea Corker (R-TN), Yea
Texas: Cornyn (R-TX), Yea Hutchison (R-TX), Yea
Utah: Bennett (R-UT), Yea Hatch (R-UT), Yea
Vermont: Leahy (D-VT), Nay Sanders (I-VT), Nay
Virginia: Warner (R-VA), Yea Webb (D-VA), Yea
Washington: Cantwell (D-WA), Nay Murray (D-WA), Nay
West Virginia: Byrd (D-WV), Nay Rockefeller (D-WV), Yea
Wisconsin: Feingold (D-WI), Nay Kohl (D-WI), Yea
Wyoming: Barrasso (R-WY), Yea Enzi (R-WY), Yea
Thankfully Klobuchar voted 'Nay' this time. Obama and Clinton should have voted.
2.12.2008
politics { blog wars part IX
No there weren't VIII other parts, I just thought the title was good.
There was a discourse between the blogs 'Norweigiantity' and 'The Cucking Stool' and by discourse I mean in that intellectual smack down way. But I think I missed something in their debate.
Spotty falls back on a tiresome wingnut meme:
Of course, the reason that the people who volunteered to be delegates were not quizzed more closely about their choice for senator or congressman/woman is that most precincts had room for anyone who wanted to be a delegate to be one. From what Spot hears, that happened in some heavily-DFL precincts in Minneapolis and St. Paul, too. There was absolutely nothing to prevent anyone from asking who the delegate volunteers supported. Perhaps there is room for the discussion of a more formal primary system for presidential preference - and a discussion of who will pay for it - but what would you have us do for the other offices, professor?
[crickets] . . . [/crickets]
Crickets? Spot, old dog, all you had to do was ask me and I would have been glad to explain this to you.
First off, our favorite Dalmatian needs to realize that in no other state does the party endorsement precede a primary. This is Minnesota's problem, and one that the DFL is curiously resistant to discussing. This makes the delegate slots incredibly valuable, and a thing worth running for whether you want to participate in the party or not.
All across Minnesota people stepped up to become delegates not because they necessarily are hungry to do the hard work political parties need to have done, but because they want to advocate for their candidate for U.S. Senate. What happens to all those delegates whose candidates get flushed this June? I would argue that they largely drop out of the process, weakening the party in the general election.
Caucuses also favor the better retail politicians. They are one of the few things that stand in the way of entirely media-driven campaigns. Spot likes that and says it is healthy for democracy.
That's the theory, but not the practice. This year Minnesotans have been deluged with mass mailings thanks to Al Franken's successful out-of-state fundraising. That and Al's celebrity status benefited Franken enormously as he traveled the state drawing large crowds, but large crowds that he didn't necessarily convert to his cause.
Move the primary to May, and then ratify the voters' choice in June. That's the honest thing to do, and you still have a caucus system for the workers and activists.
But so long as Minnesotans yoke their party endorsement to a flawed system, the Minnesota caucuses will continue to weaken the DFL, costing the party dearly on election day.
And no, I don't think I sound much like a cricket.
I read both sides and can agree with points on both sides. I did notice in my Precinct (CD1, Ward 2, P1) everyone was all about the President, and there were a few advocating Senate race. But the Senate race was not a focus. Even though we had 300 people, attend, we had a hard time filling 29 delegates and 5 alternate spots.
I would agree there is a problem with how the DFL endorses candidates, but I don't think moving the Primaries up would solve it. Or rather I don't understand what was suggested in Norwegianity would fix. I do, as an average citizen feel there is a bit of a disconnect in the caucus (i.e. resolutions seem to take a backseat to candidates stumping, but this could also be a by product of how the DFL is run in Olmsted County). I was spoiled as my first caucus was 2004 in St Paul CD5/SD65A and it was an issue soaked passionate liberal smack down (in a positive way) where I coined the phrase Full Frontal Democracy.
I tend agree with Spotty, our current system isn't perfect, but I think it works and I feel it is healthy, however it could use a bit more dissension and discussion of issues. But again that may be an Olmsted County thing. CD5/SD65A caucus was all about issues and criticism of the local DFL (which in my opinion makes it stronger). I (and Nerdwife) were the only ones who confronted Rep Tim Walz at the caucus to inquire his reasoning behind voting for the FISA Bill back in August, and I'm glad I did. But we're both a different species of liberal down here than most.
Both in CD5 and here in CD1 everyone was welcoming of new people, at the Precinct level. At the county level in 2006 the Olmsted DFL executive committee tried to pass a bylaw that limited service in the leadership of the county DFL to those with six years of service to the party...which of course both angered and alienated the independents, Republicans, and Libertarians who left their parties to throw in with the DFL cause. That was a bad move and thankfully was voted down. New people were encouraged to be delegates, and some were voted in by consensus as delegates. Those who were interested, but shy, were greatly encouraged to if not serve as delegate, at least server as an alternate. It took a while but we eventually filled all 34 slots.
But never asked were the questions: Who do you support for Senate? Who do you support for President? Is that a problem? Yeah I guess it kinda is because it may mis-represent and filter so to speak delegates at higher levels (since one caucus elects delegates to the next and so on), however at the Senate District/County Level I think some of that is offset by the walking caucus, where people openly declare who they support and what issues they support.
What I think we need more of at the Precinct level is the walking caucus, but I realize the walking caucus is chaos and quite intimidating to first timers. It would also tax the volunteers, who at this years caucus I think did an amazing job with the 200-300% over projected turn out.
Also, the caucus serves a purpose more than just selecting candidates, it is also a forum for discussion on issues and resolutions, which work their way up to form the foundation of the DFL platform. Sadly it seems a lot of our resolutions are filtered down here by a select few, in 2006 I noticed a few good resolutions made at the precinct level never make the county/SD level. This was done under the guise of reducing duplicates, but even then, 75% of the 140+ resolutions brought to the convention were in fact duplicates or slight variation on a theme of support education, which in itself was well covered already in the DFL platform.
But again, I guess I don't understand the problem they were discussing, so I don't have a solution.
2.08.2008
casual_friday { Bow Down Before Me Peons!
(because I'm in a badass sort of mood)
John Williams - The Imperial March
2.06.2008
odd/tech { International Underwater Cables being Cut
Just caught wind of this off OmniNerd, then read up on Schneier's blog.
I agree could be coincidence but the fact Iran is now isolated seems fishy.
test { Results Not Surprising
Saw this quiz linked on 'Wheat is in Everything'.
| You are a Social Liberal (78% permissive) and an... Economic Liberal (5% permissive) You are best described as a:
Link: The Politics Test |
2.05.2008
politics { Congressional District 1, Ward 2 Caucus
Update: Salon.com has a great results page.
Just got back from the Caucus here in Rochester. Record turn out, over 2000 people showed at our caucus. In my precinct alone 300 people showed, more than twice the number in 2006 (and the veterans were saying in 2000 only 20 people showed to caucus). There were so many, they ran out of ballots at 7:15pm and had to start cutting up resolution papers. We were late because the parking lot was full and cars were backed up for a considerable distance. There was a lot of energy in the air, positive and hopeful. It was good to see 75% of our immediate neighbors there and ready.
The Ward went ~1400 Obama, 689 Clinton, and <100 for the others.
I've been made a delegate (along with Nerdwife) for the County Caucus on March 29.
Resolutions passed in my Precinct:
*DFL will oppose any constitutional (state or national) that restricts the definition of marriage as between one man and one woman.
*Provide or subsidize health care for all residents.
*DFL will support and recognize labor unions and support measure providing fair wages for all residents.
*DFL will support and fund transportation infrastructure including effective public transportation, railways, roadways, and bridges.
*Fully fund and support education programs for all. (a lot of education programs have been mandated, but not funded)
Resolutions that were rejected:
*Support of the Marty Bill providing Universal single-payer health care. This was a tough one. Much debate, many good points for and against, but it was pretty much over when Sheila Kiscaden spoke against it as a division point that would polarize discussion on the issue in the legislature instead of providing a phased implementation towards a universal health care solution. I'm not familiar with the legislation, but I voted for this resolution as in my opinion it is a step in the right direction.
The biggest event of the night: Nerdwife and I met with and confronted Representative Walz on his vote for the FISA bill. He was very energetic and honest on the topic and we talked for almost 15 minutes. He understands the frustration and the feelings of betrayal those on the left felt for him after that vote- but Walz put forth a passionate defense. He voted for the FISA bill to keep the topic open for discussion because it had a six month end clause forcing renewal (note that Walz states he opposed the recent 15-day extension, which was a voice vote). He felt further deliberation provided a chance for substantial revision or repeal in the Senate. Unfortunately, the Senate's bill came back with only one change: a clause granting immunity to the Telecom Companies. He (and a few other Democrats) voted for the initial bill to deny it as wedge issue the GOP could use against them in the election. Walz has promised a "No" vote on renewal - lets see if he keeps his promise. After discussing this topic with him, and playing good constituent/bad constituent (guess who was who!)we both felt he was honest, and his reasons made sense. It changed my feelings on the subject and regarding him. At this point, I am likely to vote for him for another term.
nerdwife: I can't say I agree with Walz's logic- after all, isn't a "no" vote at this point simply going to afford the GOP a wedge closer to election time?- but he seemed genuine, well-informed about the bill and his decision, and most importantly, ready to knock the current bill down. To those who have written/called/emailed: he is very aware of your feelings! Walz was really on point about this vote, and had answers ready for this frowning constituent.
politics { Caucus Night!
...or stuffing 8 pounds of residents into a 5 pound can.
Back from precinct caucus night.
WOW!
309 people showed up, registered, and voted in the straw poll. There's maybe 2000 registered voters in this precinct. (SD62, Minneapolis, Ward 9 Precinct 9) That is huge. Ran out of chairs and people were standing after 7pm, with a line down the hall and out the door of the school of people waiting in line to sign in. It took until the time-certain ending of voting to get everyone in and have them vote.
73% Obama
26% Clinton
We ended up passing several resolutions, some of great intelligence, some a little more vague, some by first time caucus attendees (maybe 1/2 of who showed up had never been to a caucus before - that's great).
Here's to community democracy in action.
UPDATE: Seems that was the case a lot of places.
politics { This phrase sums me up as political voter
From an article on salon.com
From the start, the Democratic field offered only varying degrees of dissatisfaction: Where was the candidate who believed that all Americans deserve educations, healthcare, the right to marry whom they please, and more reproductive freedoms than they could possibly use up in a lifetime? He or she did not exist, at least not in any purely terrestrial incarnation.
Why don't we have a viable candidate that represents these values? Kucinich comes the closest, but he's like Ron Paul, not electable.
Its sad that I think more people paid attention to last week's Super Bowl than have the last 2 years to the state of this country.
To quote a friend, "We get the government we deserve."
2.04.2008
politics { Super Tuesday
Reminder: Tuesday is Caucus night in Minnesota.
Find your caucus location here
My Endorsements (does not reflect on the other Cubezoo contributors):
President - Barack Obama (not my first choice, but the best choice given the candidates)
Senator - Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer
2.01.2008
reviews {'Cloverfield'
Meh.
Moving on: I just watched a fucking movie about a man who shaves his mustache off, and was enthralled the entire time. Cloverfield is a goddamn big monster movie, and I was counting the seconds. It's not like the bar to entertain me is impossibly high, here. The achievement of Cloverfield was to force this viewer to experience time dilation in the movie theater while entertaining fantasies of fleeing madly out the exit, unmindful of my raptly attentive car-key holding spouse. Seconds became hours. The door is further, further away! Run! Don't look back, it's still playing!!! I've never been so ready for protagonists to die a horrible fiery nuclear death.
Overall: D
ps, La Moustache overall: A+++
GeistX review of 'Cloverfield': I liked it. Nerdwife has not seen 'The Star Wars Christmas Special' or 'Congo', now those are the true definition of the word pain.
reviews { 'La Moustache'
'La Moustache'
Synopsis: Man shaves off mustache, breaks with sanity.
Man shaves off mustache and no one notices and in fact claim he's never had one. Are they playing a joke on him? Is his crazy? Are they? Are you? Is this real? Isn't it?
Overall: A
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