Obama-Biden 2008

Well, I'd been holding out for Biden as Secretary of State, but I'll take him as VP, instead.

Most pundits missed the best part of the new arrangement, though, until the joint appearance from Springfield, IL, when Biden began speaking: Biden provides chops. 

He is the attack dog (or, these days, does one spell that "dawg?" I'll have to ask my 20-something year-old housemate when he gets back to town...). Biden will be Bad Cop to Obama's Good Cop. He came out swinging, which I think is a good thing, both for the ticket and, oddly, for Biden. 

From the standpoint of the ticket, Obama can make the case for their own ticket, while Biden can keep reminding people why the other side is flawed every which way.

From Biden's standpoint, this can only be a free ticket to blissville for the next two and a half months: the man likes to rail against bullshit, and, with a ticket position assured, he can stop selling Dems and start selling it to everyone else. He seems to thrive in a campaign setting, which adds energy to his talent in the Senate, which is in-your-face debate and boldly calling bullshit for what it is ("Don't listen to Rumsfeld! He doesn't know what the Hell he's talking about!" he once told someone in a committee hearing).

This, in turn, absolves Obama from getting his own hands dirty. He can remain above the fray, doing what HE does best. Call it what you will, "broadcasting optimism" or "blowing rainbows up people's asses," he does it best when not also having to get dirty.

In any case, I think this is likely the best ticket possible for the Democrats in 2008. I am looking forward to the debates...

Unemployment, or, Waiting for the Extension

Who do you have to fuck to get a decent job in Southeast Michigan?

Just asking.

So long, Jesse!

I was wondering how to go about noting the end of Jesse Helms, when an Americablog post directed my attention to this obituary in the Guardian.

I figure Satan finally opened a new administrative wing, and Jesse's suite was ready and waiting for him.

On hypermiling, camping, and moving crap...

I have been trying to adopt the behaviors of hypermiling, now that I have a car again. Early results are rather interesting, as two fill-ups (at 1/2 tank and 3/4 tank, respectively) have resulted in calculated mileage of 37 and 40 mpg. Of course, I have new spark plugs and fuel cleaning additives, so that may have contributed to the results. Driving conservatively may also be having a big impact. Hypermiling is certainly easier, I would think, having a manual transmission.

At any rate, I am trying to empty the gas tank as much as possible so that my next fill-up results in a more accurate calculation of mpg. Of course, I just got an oil change, and they futzed with the tire pressure, so who knows what my numbers will be this time.

All this talk about insane mileage has me chomping at the bit to take a camping trip. It looks like I am headed for the Upper Peninsula, with the destinations narrowed down to the Keewenaw Peninsula, Pictured Rock National Lakeshore, and Isle Royale. Of these, Isle Royale would be the most interesting, and most taxing. First, it's an island in Lake Superior, and therefore pretty damn far from urban light pollution, which appeals to the amateur astronomer in me. Second, it is almost purely rustic, so no weak campers need apply. Third, bugs bugs bugs.

That said, I am all shagged-out, having moved a lot of my crap from my brother's apartment to my own--something postponed by the lack of a car, in part. I am way out of shape, which would seem to bode ill for any trip to Isle Royale, too. Harrumph.

Arts and Alcohol

Over a year ago, I interviewed for a job with an arts group which, as part of it's overall marketing plan, sponsors a winefest.

Now, I like wine and other intoxicants as much as the next guy. However, should any non-profit group ally itself with what could arguably be considered a social scourge? What inherent connection is there between art and alcohol that makes such a connection legit?

Arts groups often get funding based on educational objectives. What is educational about connecting art and alcohol? What are children being taught? Funders are winos? Wealth means getting tipsy? Art belongs to the elites?

Sure, such a strategy brings in funding, but, I ask, at what cost to society?

Besides VP...

Anyone have a dream cabinet?

How about Biden at State?

Edwards as AG?

Just a couple of thoughts. ;)

Class Act

John McCain's been married before...