Sarah Palin's Legs

Even before I knew she was a wingnut, and even though she looked pretty good at the last McCain rally in black leather, I didn't really think Sarah was all that hot. And even though she said she was a runner, I didn't quite believe it. I think this picture from Hawaii is proof of those two things: she's not that hot, and she's not a runner.

I ran across a couple of great dog videos yesterday

I could certainly see Farley doing this with a deer.



Maybe this is where the term "dogged" originated.

Langley Whale Watching

Farley and I and Megan the Elder took WaveGuide up to Langley this weekend to watch the California Gray Whales who are on their annual migration from Mexico up to Alaska. Apparently the big detour they take into the Puget Sound is worth their while because of the sand shrimp or something that they find in the area around Langley. If you want more information, look it up. Do you think I'm a whaleologist or something?

In any case, the weather on Saturday was decent, and the whales even cooperated! Eat your heart out Marian!

This guy got so close to the boat and came up so quickly that I didn't have a chance to unzoom my camera.

We did see one guy who looked like he (she?) was auditioning for an insurance commercial or something. He came way out of the water, straight up, looked around and flopped back down. Of course I wasn't quick enough with my camera to catch it, but it was cool, very cool!

I hadn't had my boat out for over a month, so it was good to stretch its sea legs. All was well, no problems, and a good time was had by all.

The Lunatic Fringe Doesn't Represent Most Americans

But there certainly are a lot (maybe 20% overall) on the lunatic fringe. There are so many, it's not really a fringe at all. But in spite of the pessimism of my last post, I was gratified to see a national poll just out that show that generally, most people support the health insurance reform. A lot of them are probably like me. They think the bill sucks, but it's a step in the right direction, and it's better than nothing.

It's Scary Out There

I've posted a few times about all the whackos out there. Now that health insurance reform has passed, it's only getting worse. Democratic offices in various cities across the US were vandalized over the last couple of days. And it's not just the lunatic fringe. Here are the findings from the latest Harris poll of Republicans:

• 67 percent of Republicans (and 40 percent of Americans overall) believe that Obama is a socialist.

• 57 percent of Republicans (32 percent overall) believe that Obama is a Muslim
• 45 percent of Republicans (25 percent overall) agree with the Birthers in their belief that Obama was "not born in the United States and so is not eligible to be president"
• 38 percent of Republicans (20 percent overall) say that Obama is "doing many of the things that Hitler did"
• Scariest of all, 24 percent of Republicans (14 percent overall) say that Obama "may be the Antichrist."

And it's not just in the national polls and news media. I know lots of right-wing whackos. Right here in the famed liberal supremacist enclave of Seattle. Here are a couple of emails I received from people I know over the last few days. They are a bit long, but if you want to be stunned by the ignorance of otherwise intelligent people, read on.

> Subject: E-Mail of the Year
>>
> WOULDN'T IT BE GREAT TO TURN ON THE TV AND HEAR ANY U.S. PRESIDENT,
> DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN, GIVE THE FOLLOWING SPEECH?
>
> 'My Fellow Americans: As you all know, the defeat of the Iraq regime has
> been completed.
>
> Since Congress does not want to spend any more money on this war, our
> mission in Iraq is complete.
>
> This morning I gave the order for a complete removal of all American forces
> from Iraq . This action will be complete within 30 days. It is now time
> to begin the reckoning.
>
> Before me, I have two lists. One list contains the names of countries which
> have stood by our side during the Iraq conflict.!
>
> This list is short .
> The United Kingdom , Spain , Bulgaria , Australia , and Poland are some
> of the countries listed there.
>
> The other list contains every one not on the first list. Most of the world's
> nations
> are on that list. My press secretary will be distributing copies of both
> lists later this
> evening.
>
> Let me start by saying that effective immediately, foreign aid to those
> nations on List 2
> ceases indefinitely. The money saved during the first year alone will pretty
> much
> pay for the costs of the Iraqi war. THEN EVERY YEAR THEREAFTER It'll GO
> TO OUR SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM SO IT WONT GO BROKE IN 20 YEARS.
>
> The American people are no longer going to pour money into third world Hell
> holes and watch those government leaders grow fat on corruption.
>
> Need help with a famine ? Wrestling with an epidemic? Call France .
>
> In the future, together with Congress, I will work to redirect this
> money toward solving the vexing social problems we still have at
> home. On that note, a word to terrorist organizations....
> Screw with us and we will hunt you down and eliminate you and all your
> friends from the face of the earth.
>
> Thirsting for a gutsy country to terrorize? Try France or maybe
> China .
>
> Iam ordering the immediate severing of diplomatic relations with France,
> and Russia . Thanks for all your help, comrades. We are retiring from
> NATO as well.
>
> I have instructed the Mayor of New York City to begin towing the many UN
> diplomatic vehicles located in Manhattan with more than two unpaid
> parking tickets to sites where those vehicles will be stripped, shredded
> and crushed. I don't care about whatever treaty pertains to this.
> You creeps have tens of thousands of unpaid tickets. Pay those
> tickets tomorrow or watch your precious Benzes, Beamers and limos be
> turned over to some of the finest chop shops in the world. I love New
> York.
>
> A special note to our neighbors: Canada is on List 2. Since we are likely
> to be seeing a lot more of each other, you folks might want to try not
> pissing us off for a change.
>
> Mexico is also on List 2. Its president and his entire corrupt government
> really need an attitude adjustment. I will have a couple thousand extra
> tanks and infantry divisions sitting around. Guess where I am going to
> put 'em? Yep, border security.
>
> Oh, by the way, the United States is abrogating the NAFTA treaty -
> starting now.
>
> We are tired of the one-way highway. Immediately, we'll be drilling for
> oil in Alaska -which will take care of this country's oil needs for
> decades to come. If you're an environmentalist who opposes this
> decision, I refer you to List 2 above: pick a country and move there.
>
> It is time for America to focus on its own welfare and its own citizens.
> Some will accuse us of isolationism. I answer them by saying, 'darn tootin.'
>
> Nearly a century of trying to help folks live a decent life around the world
> has only earned us the undying enmity of just about everyone on the
> planet. It is time to eliminate hunger in America . It is time to elminate
> homelessness in America . To the nations on List 1, a final thought.
> Thank you guys. We owe you and we won't forget.
>
> To the nations on List 2, a final thought : You might want to learn
> to speak Arabic.
>
> God bless America .. Thank ! you and good night.'

If you have the stomach for more, here's another one.

OK, I am sending this to almost everyone in my address book.  If you don't want to hear my opinions, just delete this.  If you want to respond, I welcome throughtful rebuttal.  I know many of you will disagree.  I usually bite my tongue, but can't any longer....

  Yesterday was Black Sunday for our country.  What the hell are we doing?  Against the will of the people, our congress passed legislation that was a victory for:  government intrusion, political corruption, backroom dealmaking, fascism, nanny state socialism, government beauracracy, a stall in our short term economic recovery, and the hastening of our long term economic downfall.

  It was a slap in the face to:  personal freedom, personal responsibility, limited government, the constitution, honest politics, free enterprise, economic prosperity, freedom of choice, fiscal responsibility, and economic reality.

Tactics.  We were promised an end to politics as usual.  No backroom dealmaking.  Negotiations broadcast on CSPAN.  Bi-partisanship.  Ha, this was politics at it's sleaziest.  A bill that is 2500 pages long, contains unrealated goodies and bribes, and has not been read, nor can be understood by the averarge congressperson should be rejected for those reasons alone.  Does no one stand on principle?

The constitution.   The tenth ammendment... does it mean anything?  What business does the federal govt have in health care at all?  None!  It is prohibited.  States my dabble in health care, the feds may not.  Let each state try what works.  People are free to move to the state that suits their desires.  Where can we go to escape Obamacare?

Economic reality.  Does anyone believe the lies of the proponents regarding cost?  Has any social progam not cost multiples of that projected?  Does government ever project accurately?  Is there anyone gullible enough to believe that the numbers are honest and the truth is not being stretched?  This entitlement will grow out of control... as all have. 

Economic reality II.  We are broke... worst than broke.  The federal government has debts that can't be paid.  We have no plan to pay them.  We are on the road to ruin.  We are the equivilent of a family with credit cards maxed out and monthly expenditures that far outpace income.  If that family were to adopt two more children and buy a new car, it would be like taking on this health care bill.  What the hell are we thinking?

Economic reality III.  Demand on health care is increased by providing it free or cheaper to millions more.  Supply is reduced by lowering doctor compensation.  How does this not result in higher cost or a serious shortage of care?  The law of supply and demand is kind of like the law of gravity. 

Fascism.  For the first time in history, the federal government is mandating that all people buy something... health insurance in this case.  What next?  A warm hat, a recycle bin, the right kind of light bulbs?  Will butter be outlawed as an unhealthy drain on the collective?  Will the few left that are financially able, be required to buy a new two cylinder GM Barrakmobile because it will save the planet and the jobs of union autoworkers?  Does this government intrusion not concern everyone? 

Socialism.  Socialism at it's purest has been shown to be an absolute failure.  Think U.S.S.R. Cuba, China, and North Korea.  Yet we continue to believe we can nudge closer to it and maintain our high quality of life.  Europe is trying... and teetering.   Socialism is a trade-off of supposed fairness at great expense to overall prosperity and particularly personal freedom.  Socialized medicine, or anything else, comes at great cost.

Throw those bastards out of office!

I think Fred Eaglesmith was right.

Politics

Even though I haven't posted much on the healthcare debate lately, I have been watching it with interest. It's like watching a good sporting event where your team is winning and looks like it will win, but you're never sure until the final whistle. It looks like the thing will actually pass this Sunday. Intrade, a real-money stock exchange where people put their money where their mouths are, rates the chances at 85%. Nate Silver, of fivethirtyeight.com fame, the primo-predictor the last election essentially agrees. Obama and Pelosi have pulled out all the stops and put on a full-court press and whatever other metaphors you want to use. Obama is in full campaign mode, and still has a little of that old magic left. If the bill doesn't pass, it will be one of the most shocking defeats of a presidential initiative ever. I still think it's a really crappy bill, but it's better than the status quo and will help real people at least a bit. And besides, I couldn't bear the chortling of the right-wing-whackos if the bill fails to pass.

In the meantime, the Republican Governors Association is putting out commercials like this:



Note the music from The Omen (and every other horror movie). Inspiring stuff, isn't it?!

Just call me Admiral!

As many of you know, I like sailing, and I like sailing fast. I've had my beautiful power boat WaveGuide up for sale for more than two years now with the plan of buying a sailboat as soon as WaveGuide sells. But the economy being what it is, it's a buyer's market out there. So what did I just do? I joined the buyer's side, and snapped up not one, but two two Hobie Cat 16's, bringing my boat ownership up to three (four if you count the dinghy on WaveGuide). So with a fleet that size, you can call me Admiral!

Yesterday Megan and I delivered them up to the Cabin in the Woods. As I've noted before, the CITW is also near a couple of lakes, and what better way to enjoy those lakes than to go sailing? Here's a shot of the catamarans (there are two on the trailer) just before tucking them into my garage.

I bought the two Hobie 16's and a trailer on Craig's List last week. They looked like a pretty good deal. One is complete and more or less ready to go with lots of new rigging, while the other is disassembled, but all the parts (some new, some used) are there. I'll put them together, and we'll have some racing on Fish Lake!

Who knows? We could soon become YouTube stars!



It's more likely I'll end up in this kind of video.

Toyota and Torture

I've been struck by all the heat that Toyota is taking for its "unintended acceleration" problem. There have been at least 34 deaths linked to Toyota's accelerator in the last ten years in the USA.  Whether or not Toyota is the cause, let's assume it is. What have they done about it? Recalled something like 9,000,000 vehicles, spent 100's of millions of dollars, watched sales collapse, apologized to Congress, and suffered incredibly bad press and public outrage for weeks.

And a quick aside - Why is it that only Americans suffer this fate? Toyotas are sold all over the world, yet a quick Google search didn't find any reports of deaths elsewhere in the world. Why does Toyota hate America?

As for torture, over 100 detainees have died in military or CIA custody in the last ten years. Dozens are missing or unaccounted for. Recently released internal CIA documents could be called Waterboarding for Dummies. It's truly a chilling read. Here's a taste:

"The doctors were also present to monitor the detainee "to ensure that he does not develop respiratory distress." A leaked 2007 report from the International Committee of the Red Cross says that meant the detainee's finger was fixed with a pulse oxymeter, a device that measures the oxygen saturation level in the blood during the procedure. Doctors like Allen say this would allow interrogators to push a detainee close to death – but help them from crossing the line."  

Doctors were present!! Doesn't this violate every oath a doctor takes? Where is the outrage from the medical profession, let alone the public?? Specially designed quick-tilt gurneys, medical professionals, emergency tracheotomies were all part of the officially sanctioned waterboarding procedure. What happens with the press? The story gets buried in the blogosphere.

What's the connection between  Toyota and torture? None really, but if the numbers are to be believed, your chances of being tortured to death by the CIA are about three times that of dying in a runaway Toyota.

Avatar

Daughter Megan and I went to see Avatar 3D this afternoon. I don't remember the last 3D movie I saw, but in this one, the effects were really impressive. Not only was the scenery amazing, but there were floaty things (bugs, pollen, whatever) in the jungle that sometimes appeared to come from behind me. Truly spectacular.

That's the good news.

The bad news is that this is the most expensive moralistic cliché-ridden piece of Hollywood crap I've ever seen. It was a Western; it was a war story; it was sci-fi; it was a love story; it had evil capitalists; it had virtuous natives. Did I miss anything? Oh, did I mention the movie was long? After an hour I was thinking, "Get on with it." After two hours I was saying, "Doesn't this thing get any better?" After three hours, I was saying, "Enough already!" But I stuck it out for another 40 minutes, just to say I did it. No wonder the Academy said no to Avatar. You can too. Take my advice and save yourself the $12 it costs for a mid-week matinée.

As for the Best Picture of 2009, of the nominees I've seen, Up in the Air is my pick. It was funny and sad; George Clooney and Vera Farmiga had sexy chemistry; and Anna Kendrick was the perfect annoying recent MBA college grad. The best part is that it wasn't a predictable, feel-good movie where everything works out in the end. I liked this movie a lot. It deserved more recognition than it got.

Oscar nominations

Even though I can really enjoy a good movie, I'm not much of a film buff, and I don't really care all that much about the Oscars. But I did see a couple of Oscar-nominated films in the last few days that are worth a mention.

The first one was Crazy Heart, a movie I was totally prepared to love. I like Jeff Bridges and Maggie Gyllenhaal, and I love down and dirty country music. In the final analysis I liked the movie, but didn't love it. Jeff Bridges did a great job as a down and out whiskey and nicotine soaked C&W singer-songwriter, even singing his own songs, but maybe it was too good a job. I could almost smell the booze and tobacco and BO on Bridge's character and found it unbelievable that a classy woman like Maggie Gyllenhaal's character could ever jump in the sack with him. Megan the Elder watched the movie with me and concurred totally. I also like Robert Duvall's work, and was surprised to hear that he can even sing a bit, but this movie was in many ways a remake of Duvall's 1983 movie Tender Mercies. Crazy Heart was pretty good, but I liked Tender Mercies more.

I am a big fan of Coen Brother's movies and was anxious to see A Serious Man. It certainly was a classic Coen Brothers movie with a somewhat odd plot, quirky characters, and plenty of dark humor. As with many of their other movies, I laughed out loud at times and was well entertained, but at the end of the movie wasn't quite sure I got it.

I haven't seen enough of the Oscar-nominated films to make any educated guesses as to who will win what.  Lack of knowledge doesn't usually stop me from making my opinions known, but I guess in this case I don't really care enough.

Stuff that scares the crap out of me

Here are a couple of items that popped up in the news recently that make me wonder if there is any hope.







Check out the Army of God story here, and check out their website here.




And then every liberal's favorite conservative David Brooks writes this:

"About 40 years ago, a social movement arose to destroy the establishment. The people we loosely call the New Left wanted to take on The Man, return power to the people, upend the elites and lead a revolution.

Today, another social movement has arisen. The people we loosely call the Tea Partiers also want to destroy the establishment. They also want to take on The Man, return power to the people, upend the elites and lead a revolution." 

To equate the counter-cultural movement of the 60's with the Tea Partiers is the height of intellectual dishonesty. As I recall, the protest movement of the 60's was ignited by the core concerns of an unjust war and civil rights. The war eventually ended and civil rights, both for blacks and women took a huge leap forward. Sex and drugs and rock'n'roll were fringe benefits. 


What unites the Tea Partiers? Taxes, loony conspiracy theories, and a racist-fundamentalist-nihilist-apocalyptic Christianity that smells a lot like the Taliban. And they all have guns.


It's hard to imagine anything good (or fun) emerging from it.




Ps. For the best-ever take down of David Brooks, read this piece by Matt Taibbi. Here's a taste:

I’m always afraid to write about David Brooks, because I worry that my attitude toward this guy is colored by certain strong feelings I have about his appearance — he just looks like a professional groveler/ass-kisser, and every time I see him in public I have to fight off visions of him home at night in his Versace jammies, feverishly jacking off with one hand while caressing in the other an official invitation to, say, a White House event, or a Harvard Club luncheon.

It was a busy weekend

On Saturday, I got up dark and early to take my boat over to Brownsville to meet Dan and the crew of Great White at 8AM to go racing in The Jim DePue Memorial Race on Puget Sound. It's times like this that I love my boat! It's about 17 NM from Elliot Bay to Brownsville, and it only took me an hour to get there. If I'd gone by car, I'd have a drive, a ferry ride, and another drive, and far more than an hour to get there.

Like the forecast for the Toliva Shoals Race, the forecast was for light winds and rain. As it turned out the winds were great, and the rains never got past the drizzle level. We had a good race, coming third across the line even though we bumped one of the marks and had to do a penalty 360. By the time the times are corrected for handicaps, we'll have finished third or fourth. Thanks to Dan for another opportunity to race!

We even got back to Brownsville in time for me to make it back to Seattle in daylight. That was a good thing because there was a lot of debris in the water which would have made for a very stressful trip back in the dark. So I got back to the dock, washed down the boat, teamed up with Megan, and headed for the Cottage in the Woods.

Weekends just don't get any better!

Thin Ice

As planned, we went up to The Cottage in the Woods armed with skates prepared to practice our moves on Fish Lake. Alas, it was not meant to be. The last week was warm and sunny, and the lake, which last week was covered with ice fishermen and skaters, had turned slushy, and no one dared venture out on the ice.

Here's the "rink" in the late afternoon sun.

Megan practicing her moves on the deck.

The spirit and flesh were willing, but the weather was weak. We had hot cocoa anyway, and had a wonderful time pretending that we'd had wonderful day pirouetting and carving graceful turns on the ice. Oh well, there's always next year.