Wednesday, May 31, 2006

You Won't Like me when I'm angry...

No matter how many times I read this article, my opinion stays the same: I'm not welcome in this state by the right-wing religious conservatives. I'm sick and bloody tired of being accused of taking G-d out of the public arena. It's not like that and it never has been so stop it right there. The right wing takes things way out of context. The way I see it, it's their way or the high way. Well, you won't get me without a fight. No way.

I don't mean to offend any of my readers that are not Jewish but the way I was taught growing up, there's the common era (CE) and before the common era (BCE).

Of all the people that showed up to the state meeting, the paper only quoted one person of the Judaic religion.
The exception were those of Lexington resident Danny Chejec, a U.S. citizen who was born and raised in Argentina and is Jewish. He said he was moved to speak after hearing comments that he felt were insensitive.

"I am the enemy you are talking about," he said, adding that changing the board's decision would send the message that "anybody who is not a Christian is not welcome in this state."

His comments were met with laughter from some in the audience. One woman shouted, "Go home!" Asked later outside the hearing if the comments had offended him as a Jew, he responded, "No. They offend me as an American."
The second paragraph says it all right there--people like me are no longer welcome in this state for purely religious reasons. You know, my ancestors came to this country to live a better life and to live in freedom and practice our religion without the fear of persecution. It pains me. It truly does that there are some Americans who want us out. Those people make me sick.

Do the comments of the lady that shouted "go home" make me angry? Yes, they make me angry as both a Jew and an American.

If Stan Lee were to write a comic on the problems of today, I can only imagine what he would say...

In the meantime, instead of taking my anger out on you, the innocent folks, I will use it to write this screenplay or graphic novel...I have yet to decide the medium but if I write a graphic novel, I will have someone else to do the art and would make it adaptable for a movie screenplay.

That's my story and by G-d, I'm sticking to it.

Sunday, May 28, 2006

X4?

If you click here, you'll find out that there will be an X-men 4. Some other Marvel films or projects in development or post-production include:
Marvel Character Feature Film Line-Up For 2007
Ghost Rider, Sony - In post-production, February 16, 2007 release
Spider-Man 3, Sony - In production, May 4, 2007 release
Fantastic Four 2, Fox - In early pre-production, July 4, 2007 release

Film Projects Being Developed by Marvel (Partial List)
The first film is anticipated for release in 2008.
Ant-Man, Marvel - Writer and director engaged (co-writer/director Edgar Wright, Shaun of the Dead)
Captain America, Marvel - Writer engaged (David Self)
Hulk 2, Marvel - Writer engaged (Zak Penn of X2, X-Men 3)
Iron Man, Marvel - Writer and director engaged (Arthur Marcum and Matt Holloway screenwriters. Jon Favreau is the director.)
Nick Fury, Marvel - Writer engaged
Thor, Marvel - Writer engaged (Mark Protosevich, Poseidon)

The Avengers, Black Panther, Cloak & Dagger, Doctor Strange, Hawkeye,
Power Pack and Shang-Chi are also projects to be developed by Marvel.

Marvel Character Licensed Film Development Pipeline (Partial List)
Wolverine, Fox - TBD
The Punisher 2, Lionsgate - TBD
Magneto, Fox - TBD
Namor, Universal - TBD
Luke Cage, Sony - TBD

Marvel Character Animated TV Projects in Development
Fantastic Four, Moonscoop SAS (France) - 26, 30 minute episodes airing in 2006; U.S. distribution expected on Cartoon Network
Wolverine, First Serve Toonz (India) - 26, 30 minute episodes in development
Iron Man, Method Films (France) - 26, 30 minute episodes in development

Marvel Character Animated Direct-to-Video Projects in Development
Partnership with Lionsgate to develop, produce and distribute original animated DVD features. Titles include: Ultimate Avengers (released February 21, 2006), Ultimate Avengers 2 (scheduled for Q3 2006), Iron Man and Doctor Strange.

Marvel Character Live Action TV Projects (Partial List)
Blade, in production and premiering on Spike TV in June 2006; Alter Ego and Skrull Kill Krew in development

Friday, May 26, 2006

Starting where I left off

I better do this now before I get to busy during the long holiday weekend and due to length, it may be more links than commentary.

Evan Bayh spoke at DePauw University, the alma mater of some former VP that couldn't spell potato. The Monday before, he met with the bloggers. He is promoting ethanol fuel.

Next up for Natalie Portman will be

My Blueberry Nights. It will reunite her with Jude Law, and also features Rachel Weisz (also Jewish).

Last night saw Boston beating Tampa Bay 4-1. Josh Beckett picked up his 7th win and Papelbon earned his 16th save. No one went yard but Carl Crawford for the Rays is on a hot streak.

Mine safety legislation passed the Senate.

Kitty Pryde: the fictional Natalie Portman? Ironically, Natalie was offered the chance to play Rogue in the first X-Men movie but she turned it down. The new movie features the third actress to play ShadowCat. If and when I have the chance, I'll be buying the first two on DVD as well as the Fantastic Four.

The president seals the files in the Jefferson probe. This doesn't surprise me.

Redbirds Fun should be updated within the hour unless I decide to watch the first two X-Men movies again.

Thursday, May 25, 2006

Ken Lucas gets serious!

Got this press release in my inbox a while back and just now had the time to post it. Due to length, I will not be blocking the quote:

Ken Lucas Calls on Rep. William Jefferson to Resign Immediately
Lucas: “We must remove the cloud of corruption from Congress.”


COVINGTON, KY – Congressman Ken Lucas (D-Kentucky), candidate for the 4th Congressional District, today called for the immediate resignation of Rep. William Jefferson (D-Louisiana). Jefferson has been under intense investigation for allegedly taking bribes from contractors in exchange for his support for their businesses. This week, national press reports revealed that an FBI sting investigation caught Jefferson taking $100,000 in bribes and then hiding $90,000 of the money in his freezer.

“This Congress has been soaked in scandal and has almost totally sacrificed the public trust,” said Lucas. “I will stand against unethical conduct today as I always have – with a blind eye to political party. I believe that public corruption is reprehensible in any form and whether it is committed by a Democrat or a Republican.

“Therefore, I am publicly calling for Congressman Jefferson to resign his seat in Congress. He is, of course, entitled to fight these charges. But in my view, there is no good explanation for stashing bribe money in one’s freezer. The House has absorbed too many instances of confirmed corruption these past months. Congressman Jefferson should leave now so his case doesn’t do further harm to the House and further distract the Congress from the people’s work.

“I appeal to Democratic Leadership and the Democratic Steering Committee to strip Rep. Jefferson of his committee assignments at once. I believe that the charges he faces are of such a serious and consequential nature that he not be allowed further opportunity to work on the House Ways and Means Committee.”

Ken Lucas has a long history of speaking out against public corruption and immoral conduct by public officials – Democrat and Republican.

His campaign again challenged Geoff Davis to take a strong stance against congressional corruption.

“Geoff Davis has been silent as Rep. Duke Cunningham and former DeLay aide Tony Rudy pleaded guilty to public corruption charges. He has said nothing to separate himself from Rep. Tom DeLay and Rep. Bob Ney as they have been enveloped in scandal. In fact, Geoff Davis refuses to give back the dirty money he has taken from DeLay, Ney, Rudy and Cunningham. Given Geoff Davis’ silence on congressional ethics and his valuing dirty campaign cash over clean government, he has proven himself unworthy of remaining in office,” said Bob Doyle, a Lucas advisor.

Ken Lay: GUILTY

Ken Lay was just found guilty on all six felony counts. Jeffrey Skilling was also found guilty.

Both will be in jail for a very, very long time!

This is great...

So I just checked the site statistics a few minutes ago and I saw a ton of hits from BluegrassReport.org. At first thought, I was wondering if Mark linked to a story that I broke, but I haven't broken any interesting news stories lately unless you count my rant last night on why American Idol is not quality television. Then I thought, maybe he posted a comment I made with a link to the blog or he linked to it in the blogroll. I was close but he linked to the interviews I had with James W. "Jimmy" Moore and Kenneth Stepp (see links on sidebar).

Unfortunately, today is going to be a light posting day.

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Well...

I've had a long day of watching movies based on Marvel comics written by the one and only Stan Lee. It started off with X-Men, then the 2004 sequel, X2: X-Men United. Then, this evening on the WB, I decided on DareDevil since my brother wanted to watch that crap on FOX which I still believe is a disgrace to musicians. You know what's worse: more people voted for some stupid reality show then for their own representation in Congress, or even the president! That and "Jaywalking" shows how bad the state, the true state, of America is right now. In case you were wondering, I haven't made the decision on whether or not I decide to watch Hulk on Sci Fi tomorrow night. It's on from 9-midnight eastern time--which means we'd have to miss the news (Like I watch the 11 PM news anyway during the school year?!?) What's sad is my brother owns three CDs (Avril, Elton's new "Candle in the Wind", and the Evita soundtrack), and I am confused as to how he got hooked on this stupid show.

On Monday, the Boston Red Sox won 9-5 with Curt Schilling picking up his 7th win of the season. Manny Ramirez went yard for the Red Sox. Yesterday the Red Sox lost to the Yankees 7-5. Manny Ramirez went yard again for the Sox. Today, the Sox lost 8-6 and Matt Clement picked up the loss. Ramirez hit two out and Youkilis hit one also.

What goes on at the Second City Training Center? I might not be able to confirm all that right now but rest assured, I will in due time. I just need to take care of the post-high school acting course but there's some elections that need to be taken care of first. Even at that, Chicago is an expensive city to live in.

Evan Bayh got a taste of Iowa again.

Is Senator Chris Dodd considering a run for the Oval Office? If he does, I wonder how many Kentucky officials would endorse him given the fact that he went to the Brandeis Law School.

The fact that Elaine Carlson is no longer running for Congres means that current Rep. Ben Chandler could possibly make a silent run for governor in 2007. Nothing is for certain quite yet but the field will play out as it plays out. Of course, we need to focus on midterm elections first.

The 2008 hopefuls will have their immigration voting record looked at only because this president and Republicans want to make it an issue.
Meanwhile, Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh (D) said he would vote for the legislation to send it to conference with the House. "I would be inclined to vote on something that would go to a conference committee," he said, but he pointed out that amendments can change the nature of the bill.
How did Gen. Michael Hayden pass the Intelligence Cmte.? Those opposing the nomination included Senators Russ Feingold (D-WI), Evan Bayh (D-IN), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

Michael M. Adler, Chairman and CEO of Adler Group in Florida, is the new NJDC National Chairman.

A Vermont station nowhere close to the 1st district of New Hampshire picked up on this.

I'm getting kicked off now and will blog some more tomorrow.

X3: The Last Stand

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

2006 NBA Draft Lottery Results

2006 NBA Draft order
PK TEAM DRAFT HISTORY
1. Toronto
2. Chicago (via New York)
3. Charlotte
4. Portland
5. Atlanta Hawks
6. Minnesota
7. Boston Celtics
8. Houston Rockets
9. Golden State Warriors
10. Seattle SuperSonics
11. Orlando Magic
12. NO/OK Hornets
13. Philadelphia 76ers
14. Utah Jazz
REST OF DRAFT ORDER
15. Hornets (via Bucks)
16. Chicago Bulls
17. Indiana Pacers
18. Washington Wizards
19. Sacramento Kings
20. Knicks (via Nuggets)
21. Suns (via Lakers)
22. Nets (via Clippers)
23. New Jersey Nets
24. Memphis Grizzlies
25. Cleveland Cavaliers
26. L.A. Lakers (via Heat)
27. Phoenix Suns
28. Dallas Mavericks
29. Knicks (via Spurs)
30. Blazers (via Pistons)

Old School Quote of the Day

"Senator, I served with Jack Kennedy, I knew Jack Kennedy, Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you are no Jack Kennedy."
--Sen. Lloyd Bentsen, 1988 Vice Presidential Debate, October 17, 1988

May Sen. Bentsen rest in peace.

RIP: Lloyd Bentsen

Former vice presidential candidate and Senator, Lloyd Bentsen, has passed away at the age of 85.
Lloyd Bentsen, a courtly Texan who represented the state in Congress for 28 years and served as President Clinton’s first treasury secretary, died Tuesday morning, his family said. He was 85.

Bentsen, also the Democratic 1988 vice presidential nominee, died at his home in Houston.

His distinguished political career took him from the humble beginnings of a county office in the Rio Grande Valley in the 1940s to six years in the U.S. House, 22 in the U.S. Senate and two in the Clinton Cabinet, where he was instrumental in directing the administration’s economic policy.

Monday, May 22, 2006

Monday Night Recap

Has anyone caught the new made-for-TV movie, 10.5: Apocalypse. Part 2 of the miniseries airs this Tuesday from 9-11 PM. This movie is a natural disaster thriller and I found it exciting. I was drawn in by the previews (trailer) while watchung other shows on NBC. Thankfully, NBC decided to air the original 10.5 from two years ago on Saturday night -- since I had nothing else to do, I decided to watch it. Beau Bridges is the president in both. Just to think, he only heads up Stargate Command in Stargate: SG-1. I watched Category 7 when that originally aired and I'll say it right now that this is the better of the two movies. This is not as much of a thinker's movie since it deals more with seismic activity of the plate techtonic movements rather than the effects of global warming in Category 7 and The Day after Tomorrow. But to imagine North America forever changed is kind of scary.

The Bayh watch shows that Sen. Bayh is lacking political clout needed to win in 2008. I have faith that he will increase in those rankings. Remember, we are talking about a Democrat that has won FIVE times in a RED state. You don't see that too often.

I feel sorry for Paul McCartney. That's all I have to say about the current situation.

This is definitely going in the book of classic jokes. I got in in my inbox yesterday:
So, Donald Rumsfeld is briefing George Bush in the Oval Office.

"Oh and finally, sir, three Brazilian soldiers were killed in Iraq today."

Bush goes pale, his jaw hanging open in stunned disbelief. He buries his face in his hands, muttering "My God...My God".

"Mr. President," says Cheney, "we lose soldiers all the time, and it's terrible. But I've never seen you so upset. What's the matter?"

Bush looks up and says..."How many is a Brazilian?"
In more serious news, I offer my condolences to the families of the miners killed this past weekend.

The Red Sox lost to the Phillies 10-5 yesterday even though Kevin Youkilis and Mike Lowell went yard. Lenny DiNardo picked up the loss.

Sam Seder has a new book due out soon called FUBAR.

Here's an update on the V for Vendetta DVD. The 132 minute film will be available on August 1, 2006. Believe it or not, I have yet to see the film.

Ryan Alessi on Ben Chandler and Fletcher. Without a doubt, Ben Chandler will either be the next governor or he'll be the next Senator from the Commonwealth.

Sunday, May 21, 2006

KAPT Update and more

Due to my busy weekend, I failed in posting this the other day. It's an update on the KAPT situation and it comes from State Treasurer Jonathan Miller.
Dear KAPT Families:

I have received a number of emails from concerned KAPT families regarding a letter they received from KHEAA Chair Jim Jackson, in which he raised the possibility that there would be an appeal of the Franklin Circuit Court's decision last month.

Well, the good news is that the deadline for appealing the decision passed a few days ago, without any appeal. According to the office of Attorney General Greg Stumbo, who brought the suit to protect KAPT families, this means that the decision is FINAL. It is now a matter of Kentucky law that last year’s $13.7 million raid on the KAPT program was unconstitutional, and according to Judge Crittenden, "all current KAPT contract purchasers have a vested property right in the payment of future tuition and the Commonwealth, through KAPT, has an obligation to see that it is paid."

Again, I ask for your help in spreading the good news to the thousands of KAPT families who are not on our email list. Please contact those KAPT families you know, and again urge your elected representatives and your local media to spread the word. Contact information can be found at The Compassionate Community under the heading "Contact Decisionmakers."
An interesting article connecting Hollywood with the Promised Land. Mark Warner spoke at Wake Forest.

A general consensus among many: The Democrats need a message. This explains why I am sticking to campaign contributions for the time being (when I have the finances to do that...).
Luallen did not mention her potential gubernatorial candidacy.

Other Democrats considering running for governor include former Lt. Gov. Steve Henry, former Gov. Brereton Jones, central Kentucky Congressman Ben Chandler, state Treasurer Jonathan Miller, Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson and Louisville businessmen Charlie Owen and Bruce Lunsford.
My condolences to the family of Daniel Wultz. He died in Israel as a result of a suicide bombing attack. Congreesswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz gave a speech in his memory on the House floor.

In lighter news, the Red Sox beat Philly on Friday 5-3. Lowell, Varitek, and Ortiz went yard. Clement got the win, Papelbon his 15th save. On Saturday, Josh Beckett helped himself as he homered and picked up the win as the Sox won 8-4. Alex Gonzalez also hit a homer.

Wow, look what that cheater had to say about what people thought of him.
"I hate that guy," Snyder said when asked if he would give the ball to Bonds, before stadium officials announced that the 19-year-old college student had departed the game early.

At a news conference after the game, Bonds said he was mystified by such sentiments. "I don't have any idea why anyone would express any hatred toward any other person that you don't know," he said.
[Insert comic pause] Can I answer that? The guy is a frickin' cheater. He did steroids and is under investigation for perjury. It has nothing to do with race--and that's why I'll be happy the day that Albert Pujols hits #74 of the season and his 800th career home run eventually.

Give students lessons about war, says Ken Bode.

Congrats to Jack Conway on his recent marriage.

Patrick O’Bryant, a Bradley sophomore, has signed with an agent, thus ending his college basketball career, The 7 footer is likely a lottery pick in this summer's NBA Draft.

Karl Rove is going to speak in New Hampshire. How do candidates up there feel about it? Well, here's a press release from Peter Sullivan.
"I find it astonishing that the leaders of the New Hampshire Republican State Committee have invited Karl Rove to speak at a major fundraiser. This is an affront to a basic sense of decency", said Sullivan.

"Karl Rove has shown a disturbing willingness to place partisanship ahead of national security. His willingness to expose an American intelligence agent in retalliation for her husband's statements makes it clear that Mr. Rove has no place in the halls of government. He is a embarassment to this country, and it is absolutely shameful that he is being honored by New Hampshire political insiders.

"I am calling on Jeb Bradley to boycott the event with Karl Rove. By attending this dinner, Jeb would give his endorsement to Rove's appaling actions. I hope that he will do the right thing and refuse to give legitimacy to this national disgrace."
Sen. Barack Obama has a new book due out in the fall. It is called The Audacity of Hope.

Saturday, May 20, 2006

Barbaro

Please keep Barbaro in your thoughts and prayers. The 2006 Kentucky Derby winner is being taken to the New Bolton Center for further testing and career-ending surgery. X-rays showed a fracture above and below the rear right ankle.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Barbaro, Michael Matz, Roy and Gretchen Jackson, Edgar Prado.

Barbaro is by Dynaformer out of La Ville Rouge (Carson City).

Friday, May 19, 2006

Interview with James W. Moore (Former Candidate)

Danielle Solzman: First, thank you for joining the Kentucky Democrat for an interview today. How are things going now that the primary is over?
James W. Moore: I'm honored for the invite. Things are going well, although I'm finding it a bit difficult to let go and get back to "real" life. I already miss the intoxicating atmosphere that goes along with a major campaign like this. I've discovered that I love this game, and I hope to stay in it for a long time to come. I do have a guilty conscience for having ignored my software business these last few months; Once I get that back on track, I hope to become involved in John Yarmuth's campaign to defeat Anne Northup - and I look forward to that.

DS: When did you decide to run for Congress this year and what factored into that decision?
JWM: I started thinking about it right after the 2004 election - I think that a lot of us did, because we were all angry. I decided then that I would either work for a campaign or start my own. In November I began attending Democratic club meetings, and I started asking around about who might run - nobody had any good answers. Eventually it became obvious to me that none of the name-brand Democrats in town were interested. I formed a small committee and we decided that if only rookie candidates were going to enter the field, that we should just do it, too. I was traveling in Germany in December when Andrew Horne announced, and I considered abandoning my bid then, but after reflection, I realized that a primary would be a good thing. What we didn't need was an untested rookie going up against a five-term incumbent with a million-dollar war chest. When I heard that John Yarmuth was considering a bid, I tried to contact him to find out how serious he was, and to let him know that I was thinking along similar lines. I didn't reach him before the filing deadline, and on January 30th, when he hadn't yet filed, I decided to go for it. John filed the next day, of course, and with his name recognition factor I realized that I was going to have a tougher row to hoe. But I decided to press on anyway. I figured that if I ran a good race I would at least challenge both John and Andrew, and that the process would be better for it.

DS: During the primary campaign, you made a decision to not accept PAC or special interest money. Do you think that helped in getting the votes you did?

JWM: I think that the no-PAC / no-special-interest money idea resonated with a lot of people, and it did help me to get some votes. Where I made my big mistake was my refusal to accept any campaign contributions during the primary. I decided that I would finance the entire effort myself, and that I would not advertise on conventional media against my Democratic colleagues. I wanted us to run a challenging primary against one another without costing each other any money and without causing our eventual winner any political damage. I didn't want anyone to deplete the campaign funds that will be needed to defeat Anne Northup in the fall. Unfortunately, my excruciating pledge caused the persistent misconception that I wouldn't accept contributions even if I won the nomination, and because of that many people lacked confidence in the viability of my candidacy. If I had it to do over again, I would accept private contributions simply to dispel that notion.

Through some of my contacts I've also heard that the DCCC refuses to support any candidate who will not accept PAC money. That disturbs me, and if it's true I'm going to press them to change that stance. I have to be in DC for a conference next week, so I might stop by the DCCC to have a chat with Cindy Smalls - if she'll let me!

DS: Did you ever outreach to bloggers on Kos or MyDD during your campaign? Any thoughts on the way that blogs have revolutionized politics altogether?
JWM: Although I wanted to, I never did much with Kos or MyDD simply because I lacked the resources. I did try my best to maximize the use of online communities, and I concentrated my efforts on sites with local appeal - like Louisville Mojo and Bluegrass.org, as well as MySpace and craigslist. I know that John Yarmuth had a strong MySpace presence; better than what I was able to muster. I had very good success with Mojo, which I like to describe as a sort of "craigslist on steroids."

I'm very much interested in exploiting blogs and online communities as a way to move the political discussion off of the commercial airwaves. I got really motivated after listening to Markos Zuniga talk about "Crashing the Gate" at the Louisville Metro Dem meeting on May 10th. I buy completely into that vision, and it's my hope that voters will begin to look first to the internet as their prime source for political information. We absolutely have to do something to remove the crushing financial burden of running a modern campaign as well, and the internet is obviously the way to make that happen. I intend to make that the focus of my political work.

DS: Do you think the state party is heading in the right direction in order to take back the state senate and keep control of the house?
JWM: I think so - I certainly hope so! I see some very good candidates standing up, and the organization of the state party seems adept enough that I remain hopeful. The indictment of Darrell Brock along with Ernie Fletcher certainly doesn't hurt, either. Voters have to be disgusted at the scofflaw tactics of the Republican Party, both at the state and national level. I know that I am.

DS: What about your thoughts on the image of the national party given the perception it gets in the Commonwealth?
JWM: I think that the national Democratic Party still has to prove itself. As an organization it has been in disarray since the 2000 election, really, and it has yet to fully recover. Until Democrats score some successes in key races, its image will remain tarnished. Howard Dean has done good things at the national level, but we badly need some more new blood with new ideas to help re-invigorate the party. Improving the party's image in Kentucky will be very tough; We have to give Darrell Brock and Mitch McConnell credit for their efforts in recruiting new Republican voters while making us look bad in the process.

DS: With all the mess going on in Washington, would you say that it's possible that Democrats could take back Congress and the Senate?
JWM: Yes, it's possible, but to be honest I'm not overly optimistic. The New York Times wrote an article back in February entitled "Some Democrats Are Sensing Missed Opportunities." Without question the Republican Party is trying to hand us a decisive victory on a silver platter because of their screw-ups, but I agree with the Times' analysis that the Democratic Party's gains may fall short of expectations this year. Why? Simply because we haven't yet gotten our organizational act together, and because we haven't put forth enough talented candidates in critical races. Markos Zuniga echoed that sentiment when he spoke in Louisville on May 10th. I hate to say this, but we should all brace ourselves for some disappointment this fall. (I hope to eat a large helping of crow for that prediction).

DS: There's a lot of talk about the governor's race. Do you think that it is too early to start focusing on 2007 or should we be focusing on midterm elections first?
JWM: It is absolutely critical that we start working on the governor's race this summer. I think that we can do that without sacrificing the resources that we'll need for the fall mid-term elections; in fact, if we're clever, those efforts can work nicely in parallel. Sometime this summer I'm going to try to have a conversation with Jerry Lundergan about all of that (if he remembers who I am after snubbing me on KET - sniff! ;-)

DS: I know 2008 is a few years away but are any potential candidates that you see having a good chance to reach the White House?
JWM: On the Democratic side I think that the "New, Improved Al Gore" probably has the best shot. No one besides Rupert Murdoch seems quite ready for Hillary, and I think that John Kerry has lost a bit of his mojo (not that he ever had much, poor guy, although I generally like him). I see the three of them vying for the nomination along with some side-show characters, and I predict that Al will come out on top. He might even surprise us by offering Hillary the Veep spot. On the Republican side, my nominee for "The Republican Democrats Should Fear the Most" is Chuck Hagel of Nebraska. I don't always agree with Chuck, but he's not afraid to bash Bush or Karl Rove, and he's a class act. It's hard not to like Chuck Hagel.

DS: Jon Stewart or Bill O'Reilly?
JWM: That's a no-brainer! Billy O! (Just kidding; I love Jon Stewart and I generally loathe Bill. To be honest, I've hardly ever seen either one of their shows, as I try not to watch much television, unless it's PBS. I don't even have cable TV at my house in Louisville, but "America - the Book" still makes me laugh out loud).

DS: Any particular legislation in that you would have introduced or passed if you would have been nominated and subsequently elected as a Congressman?
JWM: I would have said that it's time to dust off McCain-Feingold-Cochran (or the Shays-Meehan House version) and see what we could make happen. We need more serious campaign finance reform, and if ever I make it to either the House or the Senate, they'll have to pass some much tougher reform legislation just to shut me up.

DS: What three issues in your opinion were your priorities when you ran during the primary for Congress?
JWM: First on my list was campaign finance and ethics reform, of course. As I said repeatedly on the campaign circuit, our democracy is being stolen from us, and until we do something to get it back, we're never going to be able to accomplish much of anything else. My number two issue was the 8664 initiative that opposes some elements of the Ohio River Bridges Project. I fear that the Bridges Project as currently envisioned will destroy our ability to restore Louisville's urban character. 8664 is the right vision, and I hope to continue working with Tyler Allen and J.C. Stites to further that vision. My third important issue is education reform, because it offers us the only long-term solution to so many of our problems. I see us falling behind world standards, and I see us failing to meet the demands of our increasingly competitive, complex, technical society. Not only do we need better literacy rates, we need many more math and science students. We need more engineers to meet the needs of an information technology revolution that is only just beginning.

DS: I know that you are busy being an engineer and all, but given the name recognition you got during the campaign, would you be willing to say that this was not the end of your entrance into the political arena? I guess what I am trying to say is: will you be on the ballot in 2008?
JWM: In all honesty, I don't know. I have to tell you that I've been absolutely overwhelmed by the number of positive responses to my campaign message. I've gotten lots of praise from members of the media, from Horne and Yarmuth supporters, and from a number of Republicans and Independents who just wrote or called to say that they really admired what I did. Clearly I touched a lot of people, and there is a palpable feel that we have some real momentum to carry into 2008. As for what that will lead to is anybody's guess. What I want to do now is concentrate on electing Democrats this fall. After that, I'll talk to anybody who will talk to me - and then I'll decide, along with my supporters, what to do next. It's important to acknowledge that this thing that I've started is not at all about me - it's about us.

DS: Thanks again for joining the Kentucky Democrat for this interview and keep fighting the good fight.

JWM: Thanks for having me. I must say that I'm a bit surprised myself at the degree to which I became emotionally invested in this thing. For what it's worth, I think that some of the passion that I felt in this campaign became contagious, and a lot of people picked up on that. Let's keep that feeling going as we head into the next round.

Interview with Kenneth Stepp, candidate for Congress

Danielle Solzman: First, congrats on the primary victory and thank you for joining the Kentucky Democrat for an interview today. How are things going in Barbourville?
Kenneth Stepp: It's pretty nice in Barbourville. It rained a little today, but we needed it.

DS: When did you decide to run for Congress this year and what factored into that?
KS: The plans came up gradually in December of last year and January 2006. Last time the Democratic Party did not field a candidate for the U.S. Congress for the Fifth District of Kentucky. I thought the Democratic Party should have a candidate, and at the time I filed, the lady at the Secretary of State's office told me that I was the only Democrat to file, and that was approx. January 25, 2006. I didn't want a bruising Democratic primary, but I wanted to be the Democratic candidate for the U.S. House for the Kentucky Fifth District. I would like to be a Congressman, and I am a Democrat.

DS: Will fundraising be a problem at all as you head down the stretch against Congressman Rogers? He's obviously a powerful congressman and I think money will play a large role in this race. Have you considered outreaching to the blogosphere (Kos, MyDD, Bluegrass Report)?
KS: Yes, I expect fundraising will be a problem, as it is in any political campaign. Money will play a role in the campaign, but money does not dictate the result. Sure, my Republican opponent has more money in his campaign fund than most people earn in a lifetime, and if the people automatically vote for whoever has the most paid advertising, then he will win. But think about how much more advertising you see for cigarettes than for vegetables; but most people get a lot more vegetables than cigarettes. Vegetables are good for you. Cigarettes kill you. It takes a lot of money and advertising to convince you to buy a pack of cigarettes and smoke them, because cigarettes are bad for you. It takes a lot of money and advertising to convince Kentucky voters to vote for Republicans Bush, Fletcher, and Hal Rogers because their politics of "no bid contracts", war in Iraq, and warrantless wiretaps are bad for Kentucky voters. On the other hand, the policies of Democrat Kenneth Stepp of requiring bidding on all Federal contracts, withdrawing the troops from Iraq, and requiring warrants for wiretaps, are good for the people of Kentucky, and, like buying vegetables, it should not take much advertising to convince the people of Kentucky to vote for Kenneth Stepp and those policies.
Yeah, I guess I'm on the blogsphere right now. I have participated in some blogs. I have missed the veterans' blog on KOS because I am usually traveling around the Fifth Kentucky District for the U.S. House on Sunday afternoons, when they have their group blogs.

DS: Do you think the state party is heading in the right direction in order to take back the state senate and keep control of the house?
KS: My Dad,who graduated from Berea College in Kentucky, once said, "You can't beat someone with nobody." It was true then, and is true now. Right now the policies advocated by President Bush are very unpopular, and our Republican governor is under indictment for misdemeanors--one of which has a minimum jail sentence of approx. 30 days plus removal from office. A lot of people have thought that the Republicans are bad, but the Democrats are worse. The Republicans have won in the recent elections, because the people have considered them to be "the lesser of the two evils". Right now, Chandler could beat Fletcher, and Kerry or Gore could beat Bush. I doubt the Republicans will re-nominate Fletcher, and Bush cannot run again because of term limits. We can't re-fight last year's campaigns, we have to keep moving forward, and be the party of new ideas. I see the Democratic Party taking back the State Senate and keeping control of the State House of Representatives, but it will take a lot of work and a lot of campaigning. I see the Democrats taking back the U.S. House of Representatives, but people tend to re-elect incumbents, and the Republicans have a majority of the incumbents.

DS: What about your thoughts on the image of the national party and how it is perceived in the commonwealth of Kentucky?
KS: Many Kentuckians perceive the national Democratic Party is a big city party and a Northeastern Party. There is a danger that the Democratic Party will lose its influence in the South and become a regional party. Right now Kentucky has five Republican U.S. Representatives and two Republican U.S. Senators, and only one Democratic U.S. Representative. In the last two Presidential elections, the Democratic candidate was not able to carry a single Southern state. With the party primary system, the Democrats of Kentucky choose the direction of the Kentucky Democratic Party. I like the national Democratic Party, but many of the solutions that have worked in New York City and San Francisco might not be best for Pineville and McKee. We have no large cities in the Kentucky Fifth District, and the Democratic Party needs to have good contact with rural people in order to continue to win elections in Kentucky.

DS: With all the mess going on in Washington, would you say that it's possible that Democrats could take back Congress and the Senate?
KS: I expect the Democrats to take back the U.S. House of Representatives. We just need sixteen more seats to do that. We don't have a U.S. Senate seat contested in Kentucky this year, and I haven't followed the other states' Senate races that much; I don't expect the U.S. Senate to change hands.

DS: There's a lot of talk about the governor's race. Do you think that it is it too early to start focusing on 2007 or should we be focusing on midterm elections first?
KS: We should focus on midterm elections first. Chandler, Stumbo, and Crit Luellan have been mentioned as Democratic governor candidates, but it is too early to speculate on that yet. The biggest question is whether Fletcher will be in the race; that would affect the Democratic nomination.

DS: I know 2008 is a few years away but are any potential candidates that you see having a good chance to reach the White House?
KS: Usually an obscure governor from a Southern state is a sure winner for the Democrats, like Arkansas Governor Clinton and Georgia Governor Carter. Whether the Virginia governor or former governor can pull it off and get to the White House is an interesting question. Of course, standard Democrats including John Kerry, Al Gore, Hillary Clinton, and John Edwards have good chance to make it to the White House against a Bush, a Cheney, or a McCain.

DS: Jon Stewart or Bill O'Reilly?
KS: I'm not that familiar with them. Usually the Presidential contest is more like a demolition derby. You have sixteen Democrats in the New Hampshire primary, and two of them get eliminated there. In the next round of primaries a couple more of them crash. Normally one candidate has a majority of the delegate votes heading into the convention. Sometimes the primaries are unable to produce one candidate with a majority of the delegates.

DS: Any particular legislation in that you would like to see introduced or passed once you set foot in DC as a Congressman?
KS: I plan to introduce legislation calling for the pullout of U.S. troops from Iraq by January 8, 2007. Also, I plan to introduce legislation putting an end to warrantless wiretaps. I will not vote to fund agencies that persist in warrantless wiretaps of U.S. citizens.

DS: What three issues in your opinion should be priorities as you run for Congress?
KS: Education funding is a top issue. The way to prosperity is through education. The Republican majority has voted to cut Federal educational spending by approx. twenty six per cent in a future budget. I would try to restore educational spending to the previous level, and not cut it.
Military occupation of Iraq is a top issue. There has been no declaration of war, but we have troops militarily occupying Iraq and dying each week. We should not go to war without a declaration of war. If the President can't muster the votes for a declaration of war, we should not go to war. We should bring American troops home from Iraq, and from most of the nations where they are stationed.
Warrantless wiretapping is another top issue. Search warrants are easily obtained. Concerning warrants for wiretaps of international phone calls, of 19,000 applications, only four were denied. That is not too heavy a burden on the Federal government for them to get warrants in order to tap American citizens' phone conversations. I would vote to put an end to warrantless wiretapping.

DS: Any last things you want to say to the readers of The Kentucky Democrat?
KS: Well, yes. Most people in Kentucky, and in the Fifth Kentucky U.S. House District are Democrats. Democrats outnumber Republicans almost three to two in Pike County and Floyd County. Over 50,000 Fifth District Democrats voted in the recent primary, choosing the Fifth District Democratic candidate for the U.S. House. If we Democrats stick together, and vote for our party's nominee for the U.S. House, we should have a Democrat representing the Kentucky Fifth District in the United States House of Representatives beginning in January 2007. Democrat Carl Perkins once represented the mountain people of the Fifth Kentucky District of the U.S. House area. We can have another Democrat representing us, and we can be a part of the new emerging Democratic majority in the United States House of Representatives. I'm reminding the people of Eastern Kentucky, of the Kentucky Fifth District, to vote Democratic, and to elect Kenneth Stepp, a Democrat, as our Congressman this November.

DS: Thanks again for joining the Kentucky Democrat for this interview and keep fighting the good fight. Best of luck in November.
KS: Thank you, Danielle. I'll need all the help I can get, and your readers can learn more about me and my Democratic campaign at http://www.steppforcongress.blogspot.com and Good Night.

Thursday, May 18, 2006

Some things never change

Politics or comedy. I obviously cannot choose both. The question that I have to ask myself is: Do I want to be the first Jewish president or would I rather be on Saturday Night Live? If I do select comedy, I need an acting class to study at Second City. Granted, I've not done as much political commentary like I used to on the blog but my semester was one of the more hectic ones this past year. With the way I have scheduled myself for the fall, expect a lot of commentary unless I either burnout--which is doubtful--or am heavily volunteering for campaigns in Louisville or Northern Kentucky.

No matter what career path I ultimately decide, I am committed til 2008 to help elect Evan Bayh the next president of the United States. He may not be making it official quite yet but with as many trips to Iowa and New Hampshire, you know he'll be running come 2008. When he does make it official, I will do everything in my power to get to the candidacy announcement.

In other news, KentuckyVotes.org is a great site and they are having an online fundraiser to keep up. With the type of website that they run, tracking votes and all, it is essential for the citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky that they are able to remain online. When I want to see how my representation voted in the General Assembly, I just head on over to check it out at KentuckyVotes.org. I've already pledged a small contribution myself but like the rest of my political contributions, it won't be until I start getting paid again. They've done their part, now go do yours.

Tom Daschle must be running for president in 2008. If he isn't, then he sure must be trying to trick us. I like Daschle and all but I don't know if he's presidential material. I always thought it was wrong of Bill Frist to do what he did in 2004.

Here's how both Bayh and Lugar voted on one of the amendments dealing with the US-Mexico fence.

By the way, check this blog entry on Kenneth Stepp's campaign site.

Speaking of candidates for Congress, how many seats do you think Democrats will pick up here in Kentucky?

2006 Kentucky Candidates

Here are the official Democratic nominees for the Commonwealth of Kentucky and I've endorsed all of them.

2006 Midterms
KY1
Tom Barlow (Ex-Congressman, Businessman & Frequent Candidate)

KY2
Mike Weaver (State Representative from E-town, Veteran)

KY3
John Yarmuth (former LEO publisher)

KY4
Ken Lucas (Former Congressman, Businessman, Veteran)

KY5
Kenneth Stepp (Attorney, Veteran)

KY6
Ben Chandler (incumbent)

Local races/endorsements
Jerry Abramson for Mayor
Amy Shir for KY-48
Tony Lindauer for PVA
David Nicholson for Circuit Court Clerk
Fred Cowan for Circuit Judge
Geoffrey Morris for Circuit Judge
Paul Shaughnessy for County Clerk
Ken Herndon for Judge-Executive
Allison Pitzer for Constable

One Day at a Time

I'll be honest with you. I really don't know how I feel about the issue of illegal immigration. Frankly, I feel that I'm in agreement with our own DNC Chairman Howard Dean on the issue with regards to what he said Monday evening on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart:
Here's the big difference between us (the Democrats) and the right-wing bill that passed the House with the President's support: This is a President who can't find a six-foot-four Saudi terrorist. How's he gonna find 12 million undocumented people and send them all back across the border? That's what he wants to do.
You know the only reason why Bush is doing this. It's an election year. He would not be doing it otherwise.

You remember the whole chaos that came out with a county clerk's primary in Fayette County a while back. Take a look at this. Oh and Blevins won anyway.

Kentucky Atty. General Greg Stumbo is not a candidate for governor. So he's out of the picture for the gubernatorial election now. So we will take our time. Most likely, someone will announce in November or December of this year. Congressman Chandler had this to say on the subject. The current names now for the governor's race are: U.S. Rep. Ben Chandler, D-Ky., State Auditor Crit Luallen, House Speaker Jody Richards, D-Bowling Green, Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson, and former Lt. Gov. Steve Henry.

The Red Sox crushed Baltimore 11-1 on Monday as Josh Beckett picked up the win. Lowell, Pena and Varitek went yard. On Tuesday, the Sox won 6-5. Schilling got the win and Jonathan Papelbon, the save. Trot Nixon and Manny Ramirez went yard. Wednesday saw a 4-3 loss as Ortiz went yard.

Missouri Senate candidate Claire McCaskill has been busy unveiling her military bill of rights.

This press release from NH State Rep. Peter Sullivan was in my inbox the other day:
State Rep. Peter Sullivan released the following statement in response to President Bush's remarks on Monday evening:

"The President's pledge to work with local law enforcement to provide better training and resources is a welcome development, as is his call for an earned path to citizenship. This aspect of his remarks recognizes the enforcement problem while acknowledging the need to accept and assimilate new members of the American family.

"Unfortunately, the Administration's proposal to deploy the National Guard along the border amounts to government by gimmickry. The Guard is already strained by deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq. The last thing that we need is the introduction of a training distractor of enormous proportions.

"In addition, the militarization of the border is a diplomatic step in the wrong direction. In an increasingly interconnected world, an armed southern border sends an ill-conceived message to the nations of Latin America, nations that have the potential to be important political allies and economic partners in the coming decades."
Evan Bayh is sponsoring Camp Bayh for aspiring politicians.

Pennsylvania candidate Chris Carney released the following statement on Tuesday:
"I am not surprised with the results in the primary. Mr. Sherwood has not represented our interests or our values in Washington. The primary results prove that the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania crave change and new leadership on issues like our nation's healthcare, our energy security and gas prices."

"Most of all, we all want a representative in Washington who we trust to represent our families with honor and integrity. We don't have that now. From the over $21,000 Sherwood has taken from big oil to his failure to ensure our troops receive the best support when they are sent overseas - Don Sherwood has not made us proud."

"I will make the 10th District proud."
It does not look too good for Sen. Lieberman's re-election to Senate. He is in the race of his life! However, at the end of the day, I am optimistic that Joe Lieberman will be back in the Senate come January 2007.

Former Gov. Julian Carroll is doing well after an operation to fix his heart. My thoughts and prayers go out to him.

In Lexington, Teresa Isaac will face Jim Newberry in the Mayor's race. In Northern Kentucky, it looks like Dean Kent Kelso will not be a candidate for fiscal court come November.


The Byrds
have a new box set coming out.

Actor-comedian-director Harold Ramis speaks out on Ghostbusters 3:
"What Danny had originally conceived was sending us to a special-effects hell, a netherworld full of phenomenal visual environments and boiling pits," Ramis revealed. "But what works so well about the first two (films) is the mundane-ness of it all. So my notion was that hell exists in the same place as our consensus reality, but it's like a film shutter. It's the darkness between the 24 frames.

Ramis continued, "So we create a device to do it, and it's in a warehouse in Brooklyn. When we step out of the chamber, it looks just like New York, but it's hell. Everything's grid-locked; no cars are moving and all the drivers are swearing at each other in different foreign languages. No two people speak the same language. It's all the worst things about modern urban life, just magnified."
Eric Clapton on Coldplay and U2.

I'm done for now. Will update Redbirds Fun after TDS. In the meantime, I have arranged for a few more blogterviews.

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Quotes of the Day

This first one is awfully old and here is the link to prove it. It comes from none other than former 84-WHAS talk show host John Ziegler. But after looking through some research online, I am not the least bit surprised.
"I am thrilled and excited that my good friend John Yarmuth has decided to run for Congress. While I disagree with many, though hardly all, of his political positions, the John Yarmuth I know is a man of great intellect and character and would be a tremendous addition to the United States Congress. The people of greater Louisville should consider themselves lucky to have such a candidate from which to choose. Assuming John wins the primary, which I strongly believe he will, Anne Northup is in for the race of her life; one where she will have to run against a smarter and better person than she is. I intend to do everything I can to help John get elected which, considering the perception of me in much of Louisville, will probably require me to maintain as much silence as possible."
-John Ziegler, January 31, 2006

The next comes from Congressman Harold Ford, Jr., when he was at the Indiana Democratic Party's JJ Dinner.
"And then, after winning this seat in the Senate in November, and I thank all of you for your help tonight, those of you that have helped, the I'll be happy to resume, I'll give it to Parker for the time being, but I'll be ready to resume my role as Finance Chair for this '08 bid for this young Senator from the state of Indiana."
--Rep Harold Ford, Jr regarding Sen Bayh's prospective 2008 bid, May 13, 2006

Seriously...

What is it that I need to do to get advertisers on the blog?

Coming soon...

Zach Braff has announced that ZachBraff.com will be launched soon and...
The site will launch with an exclusive super-secret teaser for my new film, The Last Kiss.

CBS Fall schedule

MONDAY
8:00-8:30 PM HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER (NT)
8:30-9:00 PM THE CLASS (N)
9:00-9:30 PM TWO AND A HALF MEN
9:30-10:00 PM THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE
10:00-11:00 PM CSI: MIAMI

TUESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM NCIS
9:00-10:00 PM THE UNIT
10:00-11:00 PM SMITH (N)

WEDNESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM JERICHO (N)
9:00-10:00 PM CRIMINAL MINDS
10:00-11:00 PM CSI: NY

THURSDAY
8:00-9:00 PM SURVIVOR
9:00-10:00 PM CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION
10:00-11:00 PM SHARK (N)

FRIDAY
8:00-9:00 PM GHOST WHISPERER
9:00-10:00 PM CLOSE TO HOME
10:00-11:00 PM NUMB3RS

SATURDAY
8:00-9:00 PM CRIMETIME SATURDAY
9:00-10:00 PM CRIMETIME SATURDAY
10:00-11:00 PM 48 HOURS: MYSTERY

SUNDAY
7:00-8:00 PM 60 MINUTES
8:00-9:00 PM THE AMAZING RACE (NT)
9:00-10:00 PM COLD CASE (NT)
10:00-11:00 PM WITHOUT A TRACE (NT)

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Bob Casey for Senate

I am very sorry that Dr. Chuck Pennacchio lost the race but I can't say I did not see it coming. That said, Bob Casey, Jr. should have everyone's support for the U.S. Senate race in Pennsylvania!

Primary 2006

Just got back from the primary election victory party. It was nice seeing old friends again and meeting some new faces.

I would like to take the time to offer my congratulations to John Yarmuth, who advances to the general election in the fall. I'll do what I can for John - when I can. With 98% reporting, John is leading Col. Andrew Horne 54%-32%. While I did not like how Col. Horne went negative with his ads against John, I do thank him for his service to our country. Perhaps he will try again for something in two years but for a different position. To Jimmy Moore, well-done. Perhaps, he'll be running for something in two years (Council?)

And to Russ Salsman, I offer my best wishes in future endeavors. I had the chance to meet Russ back in December after seeing a comment he made on the blog. He's a nice guy and I hope to vote for him again. David Nicholson is the nominee for the Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk position. Even though I did not like the stunt he pulled over the weekend, he'll have my support in the fall.

Jennifer Moore is to be commended for her job with the PVA's race in getting all those names on the ballot. I commend Aaron Tasman on his showing in the primary (I voted for him). However, I offer my congratulations to Tony Lindauer for PVA (As I told Tony, I'll never get that jingle out of my head).

In other Kentucky political news, Tom Barlow wins the first district nomination. If you remember, I endorsed Eric Streit in that race. Mike Weaver cruises on to the general in KY-2. Kenneth Stepp wins KY-5.

In the days to come, I'll be sending out emails to our congressional nominees for blogterviews as I call them. I'm still waiting on the answers from John Yarmuth but I know he's been campaigning and I expect to post them soon).

Aside from the CBS schedule, I'm taking the much needed off day tomorrow and will be back on Thursday (I'm off of work that day...and Friday).

ABC Fall Schedule

MONDAY: 8:00 p.m. “Wife Swap”
9:00 p.m. “The Bachelor”/”Supernanny”
10:00 p.m. “What About Brian”

TUESDAY: 8:00 p.m. “Dancing with the Stars” (new night)/”Set for the Rest
of Your Life” (new alternative series)
9:00 p.m. “Let’s Rob…” (new comedy series)
9:30 p.m. “Help Me Help You” (new comedy series)
10:00 p.m. “Boston Legal”

WEDNESDAY: 8:00 p.m. “Dancing with the Stars” (new night)/”George Lopez”/
“According to Jim” (new night)
9:00 p.m. “Lost”
10:00 p.m. “The Nine” (new drama series)

THURSDAY: 8:00 p.m. “Big Day” (new comedy series)
8:30 p.m. “Notes from the Underbelly” (new comedy series)
9:00 p.m. “Grey’s Anatomy” (new night and time)
10:00 p.m. “Six Degrees” (new drama series)

FRIDAY: 8:00 p.m. “Betty the Ugly” (new comedy series)
9:00 p.m. “Men in Trees” (new drama series)
10:00 p.m. “20/20”

SATURDAY: 8:00 p.m. “ABC Saturday Night College Football”

SUNDAY: 7:00 p.m. “America’s Funniest Home Videos”
8:00 p.m. “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”
9:00 p.m. “Desperate Housewives”
10:00 p.m. “Brothers & Sisters” (new drama series)

Off to victory party, be back later!

Monday, May 15, 2006

NBC Fall Schedule

Shows that I would like to watch are in bold.

MONDAY
8-9 pm "Deal or No Deal"*
9-10 pm "HEROES"
10-11 pm "Medium"

TUESDAY
8-9 pm "FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS"
9-10 pm "KIDNAPPED"
10-11 pm "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"

WEDNESDAY
8-9 pm "The Biggest Loser"
9-9:30 pm "20 GOOD YEARS"
9:30-10 pm "30 ROCK"

10-11 pm "Law & Order"

THURSDAY
8-8:30 pm "My Name Is Earl" (new time)
8:30-9 pm "The Office" (new time)
9-10 pm "STUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP"

10-11 pm "ER"/("THE BLACK DONNELLYS" in January 2007)

FRIDAY
8-9 pm "Deal or No Deal"*
9-10 pm "Las Vegas"
10-11 pm "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" (new day and time)

SATURDAY
8-9 pm "Dateline Saturday"
9-11 pm Drama Series Encores

SUNDAY
7-8 pm "FOOTBALL NIGHT IN AMERICA"*
8-11 pm "SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL"*


* denotes a potential scheduling conflict with another show.

I'll be posting the fall TV schedules for the most part this week. Consider this an open thread.

Sunday, May 14, 2006

Wow

Well, as busy as I was this weekend, I hardly had time to get online. I am catching up on things from as far back as Thursday evening.

The Boston Red Sox won on Thursday against the Yankees with a score of 5-3. Tim Wakefield got the win and Jonathan Papelbon picked up his 13th save of the season. On Friday, Matt Clement picked up the loss. Saturday was rained out. Today was also rained out.

No, I did not forget it, but Ernie Fletcher was indicted by the grand jury. It's about time that he got indicted.
A grand jury indicted Gov. Ernie Fletcher on misdemeanor charges Thursday, accusing him of illegally rewarding political supporters with state jobs.

Fletcher was charged with conspiracy, official misconduct and violating a prohibition against political discrimination.

If convicted on any of the counts, Fletcher could be removed from office, said Vicki Glass, spokeswoman for the attorney general's office. In addition, the conspiracy charge carries a potential penalty of one to 12 months in jail and a $500 fine. The other two charges carry penalties of one to six months in jail, Glass said.
Here are some reactions on the indictment. Mike Duncan filed a lawsuit against the state transportation department.

A response from Congressman (maybe future Governor?) Ben Chandler.

Sen. Bayh addreses the issue of Medicaid.

Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack traveled to Israel this past weekend.

Some more reaction to Living with War. This one from Bloomberg.

Contrary to popular opinion, Sen. Frank Lautenberg will run for re-election.

This had to be one of the best cold openings I have seen in a long time. That sketch was written by the former Vice President's daughter.

On Monday and Tuesday, you can find Jerry Lundergan on KET at night.

Sen. Arlen Spector has called for dialogue with Iran.

This is interesting. Do I read it correctly in that it says Mark Warner served as governor of two states?
But while Warner is still working on his national security experience, his gubernatorial resume is growing. The book "With All Our Might," published by the Progressive Policy Institute, the think tank associated with the Democratic Leadership Council to which both Bayh and Warner belong, listed Warner -- who was born in Indianapolis -- as being a former governor of both Virginia and Indiana.

"I'm not sure Evan is going to give me credit," Warner, "for having served in that important place as well."
Comedian Jim Belushi takes a look back at his anger.

In a state as red as Indiana, Bayh gives hope to those who are running.

Thursday, May 11, 2006

Get Used to It

It will be like this all summer long!

Rumor has it that the next state party meeting will be in the city of Maysville. Again, it's all rumor at this point.

Boston lost yesterday as the Yankees won 7-3. Mike Lowell and David Ortiz went yard for the Sox. Can someone please explain why I am starting to like the Yankees again? But by like, I do not mean like ESPN with the 24/7 coverage of that and the Bonds watch. I am sick of Bonds. While ESPN obsesses about him like they did with Duke, Albert "El Hombre" Pujols will quietly reach 80 home runs and set a new single season record for RBIs as well. Speaking of Pujols...

The DCCC is keeping score.

How come this movie was released to a very limited audience?

Five days left until election day!

Gen. Clark is raising money for Leonard Boswell in Iowa.

The Globe on Stephen Stills.

Illinois Sen. Barack Obama will be on tomorrow's episode of Late Night with Conan O'Brien.

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

All the blog fit to print

Well, it's another day and another night. Be careful as it's gonna be a stormy one.

Are you telling me that there may be a third President Bush? You have got to be kidding me!

If you are a politician, please start returning money from one Neil Voz.
Volz, who pleaded guilty Monday to charges of conspiracy to corrupt his former boss, Rep. Bob Ney, R-Ohio, has given $26,035 to Republican political campaigns and committees since 2002, according to the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics.

Among the donations was $2,000 to Bush's 2004 re-election campaign. Republican National Committee spokesman Aaron McLear said Tuesday the remnants of the campaign organization would give the money to a charity.

Volz was Ney's chief of staff until early 2002, when he went to work for the lobbying team led by Jack Abramoff, who pleaded guilty in January in the influence-peddling scheme.
The USA Network has some new initiatives for the new season starting in the fall. That reminds me that The Dead Zone is going to start up again in the summer! The Dead Zone returns on June 18th at 10 p.m. Monk starts up again on July 7.

It appears that Harris Miller, candidate for Senate in Virginia, is suffering from the Paul Hackett-syndrome.
The endorsement of James Webb (D) today by Sens. Harry Reid and Dick Durbin seems to be tacit recognition that nat'l Dems want Webb as their nominee.

National Dems want Miller out of the race, and soon.
I'm all for free speech but protesting at funerals is wrong and uncalled for. That's why I am glad this passed the House.
Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., has introduced a broader bill in the Senate that would apply to funeral services for all current and former members of the military, regardless of whether their funerals are in national cemeteries. Protesters would not be able to come within 300 feet of the funeral while it is happening and up to an hour before or afterward.

Buyer said Bayh's approach is "overreaching federalism" and would face constitutional challenges.

Bayh said he wanted all military families to be protected and the War Powers clause gives Congress the power to do so.
The Red Sox won 14-3 yesterday. Josh Beckett picked up the win. Both Alex Gonzales and Manny Ramirez went yard for the Sox. Today, Curt Schilling starts against the Yankees' Mike Mussina.

The President has extended sanctions against Syria.

Why is Israel listed on the trade watch list?

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

Well, blogging will be at night this summer

Except for when I have days off, blogging will be at night over the summer on both blogs.

Former Sen. Bob Kerrey asks for your support of current Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson.

What's new with folk rocker Paul Simon? He will be promoting his new album next week on SNL. I expect him to sing his new protest song, "Wartime Prayers."

The nominee for the CIA Director position will have a battle for his confirmation. He is involved with the eavesdropping scandal.

Former Senator and Vice President Al Gore is in the news again. It's the once-a-month rumor that he's running for president. If Al does run, that puts me in a tough position. I like Al Gore and I live Evan Bayh.
In 2008, that could mean a once-unimaginable battle for Democrats' nomination between Bill Clinton's former vice president and his wife, Hillary Clinton. To some pro-Gore Democrats, worried about Mrs. Clinton's electability, that is part of the appeal.

"I appreciate that buzz, but he's not running for president," insists Michael Feldman, a former vice presidential adviser who is helping promote the film and Mr. Gore's new book on which it is based. "He has been spending a considerable amount of time trying to educate people about the issue of global warming," and won't talk about politics "right now," Mr. Feldman says.

The demurrals aren't persuasive to some Democrats, including former Clinton-Gore White House insiders. "I do know that he's thinking about it. I know for a fact," a former adviser says. "He's talked to people about the pros and cons."

Among those said to be pushing Mr. Gore are billionaire venture capitalist and high-tech entrepreneur John Doerr and Laurie David, a global-warming activist and producer of the film, and wife of Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm creator Larry David. "When people see this movie, I know they're going to see the real Al Gore, and they're going to demand that he run," Ms. David says. But, she adds, he changes the subject whenever it comes up, and had to be talked into making the movie when she pitched it.
Article on Peter Sullivan. "Second article on Peter Sullivan.

Writers fuel Conan O'Brien's comedy.

Bayh is one of many Democrats urging foreign policy over retribution. C-SPAN will cover his commencement address at DePauw.

The BatCats are in the top ten for the first time in program history.

Monday, May 08, 2006

Farewell: 7th Heaven

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

Heading down the stretch

Since I took care of Friday-Saturday last night, it's time to take care of Sunday and Tuesday.

Midterms will decide the crucial states come 2008.

In Living with War, Neil Young praised Sen. Barack Obama as a potential contender come 2008.
In his latest album, Living With War, Young mentions Obama in the song "Lookin' for a Leader." In it, Young sings of America's need for a new leader, singing, "Yeah maybe it's Obama, but he thinks that he's too young."

The 44-year-old Obama said at a news conference before a fundraiser Saturday that he has read the lyrics. But despite being name-checked by a rock 'n' roll hall of famer, Obama said he has no intention of running for president in two years.

That doesn't mean Obama is dismissing Young completely: "I'm a big Neil Young fan," Obama said of the Canadian musician.

He and Young met in Chicago at last year's Farm Aid concert. Obama said he sat in a trailer while Young rehearsed the song Southern Man.

"The acoustics in a trailer are terrific. It was unbelievable...It was one of the best times that we've had since I was a senator," Obama said.
Well, maybe not in 2008 but eventually. There is no doubt that Obama has the potential to be a great leader and a future president.

Democrats are everywhere in the primaries for Congress here in KY. In case you have missed my endorsements in each district:
KY1: Eric Streit
KY2: Mike Weaver
KY3: John Yarmuth
KY4: Ken Lucas
KY5: Kenneth Stepp
KY6: Ben Chandler

Did Conan O'Brien learn anything in Chicago?

Now for the latest Bayh Watch from the Indy Star.

The Red Sox won 10-3 yesterday against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway. Lenny DiNardo picked up the win as Jason Varitek went yard.

Russ Feingold is heading to New Hampshire at the beginning of June.

The University of Kentucky BatCats are on top of the SEC East by 3 games after beating Mississippi State this weekend.

Kentucky Votes needs your help to continue!

Sunday, May 07, 2006

One Day at a Time

Now that it's summer, I'm taking it one day at a time. Blogging may be light like this past weekend, as I was busy, very busy.

The Hotline ran this on Sen. Bayh a few days ago but I just now got the chance to post about it. In other Bayh news, he called for energy independence yet again. More Bayh news.

Bruce Springsteen's We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions debuted at the #3 position on the Billboard charts.

And about the Derby, wow!

A Harvard professor believes that we will be on the brink of a civil war after the 2008 election. I think this sounds ridiculous if you ask me.

Matt Clement picked up the win on Thursday as Jonathan Papelbon got his 11th save of the season. Kevin Youkilis, a fellow Jew, went yard for the Red Sox. Friday saw Curt chilling get the win, Papelbon - his 12th save, and Youkilis going yard again. Saturday saw a 9-3 victory as the Sox won. Tim Wakefield got the win.

She's not even 22 and Ashlee Simpson already has a new nose.

When will NBC realize the internet viral marketing helps?

CBS has announced their summer program schedule for 2006. I wonder if I'll watch any of their shows this summer. Gameshow Marathon is the only show that looks promising.

Whoa, Lindsay Lohan turned orange?

The ACLU is fighting the recent legislation in court and I wholeheartedly support the decision to hold our legislature in contempt.
No one can "ignore court orders," says the ACLU filing in U.S. District Court in Frankfort. "Announcing a new intention to do that which a court already has forbidden is contempt."
John Yarmuth's lead is growing and please remember to vote for him!

As I type this, I have some sad news to report: 713.

Stephen Stills is going on two tours this summer.

Lewis Black is interviewed.

Got this in my inbox from BangItOut:
Top Ten Ways You Know You're at a Jewish Cinco De Mayo Party
10. Guacamole tastes very similar to leftover hummus solo
9. Before leading services, Chazan asked to replace Borselino with Sombrero
8. Mariachi band breaks into yiddin
7. When you scream "VIVA!", someone must bring up something about the hashgacha of the UWS pizza place
6. Corona beer have floating esrog slice on side
5. Someone is giving out 'Pedro For Shul President' tees
4. Piñata very much resembles Dougie from Dougies.
3. Margarita special recipe includes a touch of Manshewitz Extra Heavy
2. When Triangle Taco Chips with prune filling in the middle are brought out someone says "Taco Mamesh"
1. Beans & salsa makes one savory cholent!
Now, this is an amendment I favor!
The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously approved an amendment that would protect educational trips from lobbying reform.

The entire bill passed Wednesday night on a narrow, party-line vote of 217-213.

Democrats said Republican reforms do not go far enough, but all members agreed to an amendment that permits educational travel.

The Jewish community, led by the United Jewish Communities federation umbrella group, lobbied hard for the amendment, fearing it could affect education about Israel, Darfur and other areas.

The Senate passed a bill with a similar amendment, and the travel protections are likely to become law.
Rep. Patrick Kennedy crashed near a hospital recently and blamed his medication.
Kennedy (D-R.I.) issued a statement late last night -- his second in several hours -- saying he had been disoriented after taking prescription drugs: Phenergan for gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, and Ambien, a sleeping medication.[...]

"Sometime around 2:45 a.m., I drove the few blocks to the Capitol Complex believing I needed to vote," the statement continued. "Apparently, I was disoriented from the medication. . . . At no time before the incident did I consume any alcohol."

Kennedy, a six-term congressman, said that Capitol Police officers told him to park his Ford Mustang and drove him home. "At no time did I ask for any special consideration," the statement said. "I simply complied with what the officers asked me to do."
The most recent press release from NH State Rep. Peter Sullivan:
State Rep. Peter Sullivan today challenged Congressman Jeb Bradley and State Rep. Jim Craig to return campaign contributions from members of Congress who have been accused of unethical conduct.

"Corruption and complacency have become a way of life in Washington. As a result, critical national needs take a back seat to influence peddling and special interest whims.

"Jeb Bradley and Jim Craig have accepted campaign cash from politicians who are prime examples of what is wrong with Washington politics. People like Roy Blunt and Mike Capuano have shown a blatant disregard for open and accountable government. If we are to take either of them seriously as public servants, Jeb and Jim need to return their tainted dollars immediately".

Jeb Bradley has received $15,000 from Rely On Your Beliefs PAC, a committee headed by Rep. Roy Blunt (R-MO). Blunt has been criticized by watchdog groups for inserting language into legislation in order to benefit clients of his girlfriend and his son, both of whom are lobbyists. He has been called one of the "most corrupt members of Congress" by the non-partisan Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.

Jim Craig has received $2,100 from the campaign committee of Rep. Michael Capuano (D-MA) and an additional $2,100 from Mass PAC a political action committee controlled by Capuano.

Last January, Capuano and his wife went on a $19,000 trip to Brazil that was paid for by corporations with legislation pending before Congress. Capuano was accompanied by lobbyists for the corporations funding the junket.
Geoff Emerick tells all!

We'll get Sunday's news tomorrow!

Thursday, May 04, 2006

Afternoon blogging...

MY SEMESTER IS OVER! PRAISE THE LORD!

Now to get on to blogging today. Excuse me while I...we are experience some technical difficulties right now, please stand by while we fix this problem...wow, it feels so good to be finished with junior year!

Josh Beckett started the game yesterday for the Red Sox and it was not so pretty. Jonathan Papelbon was selected as the AL Rookie of the Month. Papelbon, until yesterday, had pitched 21.1 consecutive scoreless innings. He is the first player in MLB history to get 10 saves in April after starting the season with no prior saves.

Are there parallels between VP Gore and President Nixon?

What is James Carville up to?

Who has called on Donald Rumsfeld to resign?

Time Warner has rejected an offer from EMI.

There's a revolt dealing with YouTube.

Ted Lerner has purchased the Washington Nationals.

Masada, historic to Judaism, is a popular tourist site. But could it fall again?
Masada is one of the most renowned symbols of Jewish endurance.

Rising 750 feet above the Dead Sea valley, the site of a mass suicide of Jewish Zealots in 73 C.E., it is, next to Jerusalem, Israel’s most popular tourist site. Elite units of the Israel Defense Forces hold special ceremonies atop its heights, pledging, "Masada shall not fall again."[...]

"Masada has been degrading for 2,000 years," says Hatzor, head of BGU’s Rock Mechanics Laboratory and founder of the geological engineering team working on the problem.

"There’s no imminent danger," he adds. "Nothing is collapsing. We’re talking about long-term preservation of a World Heritage site."

The imposing, reddish-gold mountain sits directly on the Syrian-African Rift, an active fault line. Since Herod the Great built his luxury palace on the mountain’s northern face more than two millennia ago, at least five major earthquakes have hit, causing rock slides and some damage to the man-made structures. Harsh desert weather continues to impose its own disintegrative effect.

"The terraces of the palace were much larger than what they are today," Hatzor says. "There have been failures and erosions since Herod built it. We can see deterioration of the stones due to rain even in the time period we have been involved in preservation efforts on the mountain."

Masada is not one solid rock. It is composed of horizontal layers of sedimentary rock, and is fractured by vertical cracks or "joints" formed by tectonic stresses in the earth’s crust. These horizontal and vertical joints give the mountain its particular wall-like appearance of huge irregular bricks piled one on top of the other. They also make it vulnerable to seismic tremors.

Work began in 1998, when Israel’s National Parks Service began construction of a new cable car to ferry greater numbers of visitors up Masada. They called in Hatzor to evaluate the mountain’s stability, something that had never been done before.
That's all for now.

Who is your pick for the Derby?

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

Kentucky Derby Selection Draw

Randy Moss and Kenny Mayne are anchoring the ESPN footage for selection of post positions. No Pat Day, Jerry Bailey, or Gary Stevens this time around. Go back to 1983 to find none of those three competing. The draw is taken place at Fourth Street Live.

Draw Selection Order
1. A.P. Warrior Nakatani/Shirreffs 15-1
2. Bob and John Gomez/Baffert 10-1
3. Sharp Humor Guidry/Romans 20-1
4. Barbaro Prado/Matz 4-1
5. Showing Up Velasquez/Tagg 20-1
6. Point Determined Bejarano/Baffert 12-1
7. Deputy Glitters Lezcano/Albertrani 50-1
8. Private Vow Brigmohan/Asmussen 50-1
9. Bluegrass Cat Dominguez/Pletcher 30-1
10. Steppenwolfer Albarado/Peitz 30-1
11. Sinister Minister Espinoza/Baffert 12-1
12. Seaside Retreat Husbands/Casse 50-1
13. Sweetnorthernsaint Desormeaux/Trombetta 10-1
14. Cause to Believe R. Baze/Hollendorfer 50-1
15. Lawyer Ron McKee/Holthus 4-1
16. Brother Derek Solis/Hendricks 3-1
17. Storm Treasure Flores/Asmussen 50-1
18. Flashy Bull Smith/McLaughlin 50-1
19. Keyed Entry Valenzuela/Pletcher 30-1
20. Jazil Jara/McLaughlin 30-1

Post Positions
1. Jazil
2. Steppenwolfer
3. Keyed Entry
4. Sinister Minister
5. Point Determined
6. Showing Up
7. Bob and John
8. Barbaro
9. Sharp Humor
10. A.P. Warrior
11. Sweetnorthernsaint
12. Private Vow
13. Bluegrass Cat
14. Deputy Glitters

Auxillary Gate
15. Seaside Retreat
16. Cause to Believe
17. Lawyer Ron
18. Brother Derek
19. Storm Treasure
20. Flashy Bull

Sunriver, Lewis Michael, and Hemingway's Key were entered but will not be racing.

With regards to the 132nd Kentucky Oaks, my pick to win is Ex Caelis, trained by D. Wayne Lukas.

Bad omen for HRC?

ABC has pulled Commander in Chief from the schedule and will burn the remaining three shows after May sweeps. They pretty much killed it.

Three down...and happy Israeli Independence Day

I know I should be studying for my final real final but I have another six hours for that. Anyway, thought I would share this one with you.

I posted the following over at Graham Nash's message board.
What do you think of Neil's new album and what are the chances of the solo songs from post CSN(Y) careers being included in the tour?

I'm hoping to be at the Indy show.
This was his reply:
I think that a "Tipping Point" is approaching... This summer is going to be very interesting. I believe that Neil has touched a nerve in many, many people.... 32 % approval rating... and falling.. unlike gas prices...

Graham
I have quite a few emails to get through.

USA Today reviews the new albums from Neil Young and Pearl Jam. I have not listened to Pearl Jam's new album but I've listened to Neil Young's new album.

The Onion reports that the 2004 World Series ball was "physically and mentally abused" by Doug Mientkiewicz. Yes, I know the Onion is satire.

Senator Barack Obama will join Senator Ben Nelson at a rally this Saturday in Nebraska.

Happy Birthday to the state of Israel, which turns 58 today.

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Long day...and happy birthday, Kay Panabaker!

Got all these today at the game:
Braden Looper
Adam Wainwright
Josh Hancock
Randy Flores
Brad Thompson
Jason Isringhausen
Aaron Miles

This is a new record for me at a major league game. I guess having no BP helps. While waiting for the players to sign, I chatted with some fans from Memphis or Nashville who drove up yesterday for the game. Nice folks.

Anyway, now you know why I was light on blogging today. I'm tired and worn out. Just about one final left.

The new Israeli government will be sworn in on Thursday. Reminds me, I need to daven and insert the section for Israeli Indpendence Day.

Here's a feature story on comedian Martin Short.

Anyone have a "Hazy Monday?"

The not-so-ready for prime-time players. Okay, so maybe they are ready for prime time.

Mike Timlin picked up the win for the Red Sox as David Ortiz went yard on Tuesday. Johnny Damon got the booing reception which is what happens when you flip-flop on what you say in March 2005. Today's game was rained out. Papelbon did come into pitch a non-save situation.

Today was the one year anniversary of the Cardinals 7-run 9th inning when the Cards came back to score 10-9 to win the game.

Evan Bayh is testing the waters in North Carolina. He also, if I read this correctly, favors the abolishment of the electoral college.

As expected, Joe Lieberman was not hurt by his Iraq stance.

Rudy Guiliani on immigration. Wonder if anyone still remembers his affiliation with Bernard Kerik?

Happy Birthday to Summerland actress Kay Panabaker who turns 16 today.

Stephen Stills will have a solo tour before the CSNY Freedom of Speech tour.

Wow, it's almost 10:30 PM now...I'm exhausted.

Monday, May 01, 2006

Break in the action

I've got a break in the action til about dinner time so I've got a long afternoon. My hardest final is OVER, so I've got reduced stress to relieve here in a few.

Interesting article on Stephen Colbert.

An op-ed from the Indy Star after elected leaders were caught changing cars after an event.

On Saturday, Keith Foulke picked up his second win as the Red Sox won 9-6. Jonathan Papelbon picked up his 10th save in the month of April. He now holds the rookie record for April wins. Manny Ramirez went yard for his fourth home run. On Sunday, Curt Schilling made an attempt to be the 3rd Red Sox pitcher to get five wins in the month of April. Instead, he picked up his first loss on the season as the Sox went down 5-4 to Tampa Bay. Mike Lowell, David Ortiz, and Willy Mo Pena went yard. Tim Wakefield starts today as Johnny Damon returns to Fenway Park since leaving for the Yankees over the off-season.

Two former athletes are now running for office. We've seen what that's meant in Kentucky with Richie Farmer and Beanball Bunning.

It will be a tough one but I believe that Joe Lieberman is still the man for the job.

Eric "Slowhand" Clapton, one the greatest guitarists to ever live, is the new ambassador for the Entertainment Industry Foundation's National Arts and Music Education Initiative.

Here's a NY Times review of Neil Young's Living with War
The songs on "Living With War" are straightforward and single-minded, setting aside the allusive, enigmatic quality of Mr. Young's rock classics. "These are all ideas we've heard before," he said. "There's nothing new in there. I just connected the dots."

The protest song, rocked-up slightly from its folky 1960's form, has been making a comeback during the Iraq war, from arena bands like Pearl Jam, the Rolling Stones and Green Day to indie-rockers like Bright Eyes and blues-rockers like Keb' Mo' and Robert Cray. Bruce Springsteen's latest album is a tribute to the protest-song mentor Pete Seeger, although it features old folk songs rather than Mr. Seeger's topical material.
I will say that my favorite folk-rock protest song is most likely "For What It's Worth," written by Stephen Stills of then-Buffalo Springfield. Currently, he is a member of CSN and the every-so-often CSNY.

Though I am linking to an article written by a conservative, it's free advertising for some CDs you should consider buying if protest music is your cup of tea.

So will the jogging Senators be rivals with each other in a few years? I tend to hope not but you never say never.
"I care about what he thinks," Edwards said. "Evan and I have been through a lot of things together."

But the friends and former jogging buddies, who sometimes get as much attention for the way they look as for their political accomplishments, may find themselves political rivals in 2008.

The former North Carolina senator and Indiana's junior senator are among the most active Democrats looking toward a possible White House run.

Bayh's busy travel schedule brought him into Edwards' territory this weekend, where he was the keynote speaker at the North Carolina Democratic Party's major fundraising dinner. It was a chance for Bayh to continue to introduce himself to Democratic activists.

"They've both been very meticulous in how they're going about this," said Chuck Todd, editor-in-chief of The Hotline, an online political newsletter, which closely follows the presidential hopefuls. "There clearly is a long-term plan."
The article is pretty much a compare and contrast of the two Senators, both of whom I have met--but I just did not get that photo with Sen. Edwards. I did get his autograph though.

UK is tied with South Carolina for first in the SEC East after the past weekend's series with Vanderbilt.

Josh Bolten has made his Sunday talk show debut.

MLB All-Star voting has begun. Yes, I did vote for a member of the Yankees but I did not and will never vote for a member of the Chicago Cubs.