POTpourri

• Did Clint Eastwood have a senior moment at the RNC? 
• Have you seen the reviews for "2016: Obama's America" yet?  Hardly glowing.  
• Oh, how I love a girl with nice back dimples! 
• Why do you suppose that Mitt Romney has no support from African Americans?
• Paul Ryan gave an interesting speech at the RNC.  
• Celebuzz 101 Hot Bodies, numbers 50-26.   
• Target Field in Minneapolis to host 2014 MLB All Star Game.
• Courtney Stodden is now legal!  Is porn her next move? 
• Matt Taibbi takes a pretty damning look at how Mitt Romney made his money. 
• MTV cancels "Jersey Shore".  I think it was time. 

Carl's Jr Memphis BBQ Burger

I really need a hamburger, preferably a Carl's Jr Memphis BBQ Burger.



That's Sarah Jean Underwood & Emily Ratajkowski BTW.

I commend Carl's Jr, they really know how to advertise!  I can't wait to see what's next.      

AZ Tidbits

• Russell Pearce loses once again.  Please don't run again!
• Diamondbacks trade Joe Saunders to the Orioles. 
• Jeff Flake knocks off Wil Cardon to win Arizona GOP nomination for U.S. Senate.
• Jim Lane re-elected as mayor of Scottsdale. 
• C'mon already PAC-12 Network & Directv, get it done already. 
• Krysten Simema gets Dem nod in CD9 race.  To face Vernon Parker in November.
• David Schweikert knocks off Ben Quayle in GOP CD6 race.  Hallelujah!  
• Jan Brewer again doesn't help the reputation of Arizona.  
• Paul Penzone set to take on Sheriff Joe Arpaio. 
• 2012 AZ Primary election results can be found here.

The Case Against Mitt Romney

There are lots of reasons to not vote for Mitt Romney, here are just a few of them:

1. He is still clinging to failed supply side economic theories.  
2. His tax cut plan heavily favors the rich.  
3. He supports the disastrous Ryan budget plan. 
4. He would most certainly appoint conservative Supreme Court justices. 
5. He has vowed to push for and vigorously enforce Anti-Porn laws.   
6. He wants to repeal the Affordable Care Act. 
7. He's a tax cheat.  He's obviously hiding something.  People go to jail for that don't they?
8. He won't give policy specifics, again, what is he hiding?  
9. His foreign diplomacy skills are severely lacking. 
10. He has close ties to the Bush team of Neocons.  
11. He opposes medicinal marijuana.  
12. He supports the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).  
13. He would cut back funding for food stamps, school lunches & unemployment insurance. 
14. He no longer seems to believes in Global Warming. 
15. His position on Afghanistan is incredibly merky. 
16. He opposes Civil Unions. 
17. He supports the Citizens United ruling. 
18. He's made his millions laying people off and gutting them of their pension plans.
19. He's Pro-Life, he wants Roe v Wade overturned.  He doesn't believe in a woman's right to choose.
20. He supports Personhood Amendments.  
21. His opinions change with the wind.  He doesn't seem to have any core values.
22. He opposes the Dream Act. 
23. He would not crack down against oil speculators. 
24. He believes that "Self Deportation" is a legitimate option to deal with our immigration issues.
25. He wants to cut Pell Grants.  
26. He would work towards dismantling the Consumer Protection Agency. 
27. He wants major cut backs to FEMA. 
28. His stance of Foreign Policy is very murky.  
29. He has the support of the Tea Party crazies and he courted the Tea Party crazies. 
30. He opposes the EPA Mercury Rule and Air Toxic Standards.
31. He opposes the Dodd-Frank Act.  
32. He opposed President Obama's successful Auto Bailout plan.  
33. He has yet to embrace alternative energy solutions.  
34. He would turn down an offer of 10-1 spending cuts to tax increases to reduce the deficit.
35. He is beholden to special interests. 
36. He cannot relate to real people, he's out of touch.  
37. He has embraced the crackpot "birthers".   
38. He signed Grover Nordquists Anti-Tax Pledge. 
39. He was a bully as a kid.  
40. He would reinstate "Don't Ask, Don't Tell".  
41. His plan to turn Medicare into a Voucher System would be ruinous to future seniors. 
42. He has pledged to defund Planned Parenthood. 
43. He has 0% support among African Americans. 
44. His record as Governor of Massachusetts is not that impressive.
45. He refuses to stand up to the NRA.  
46. He would be a rubber stamp for the most conservative platform in U.S. history. 
47. A Romney win would set a precedence for future attacks & sabotage of Democratic Presidents.
48. "Corporations are people", need I say more?  
49. He dodged the draft by going on a Mormon mission.
50. He enjoys "firing people".   Kind of telling don't you think?
51. Republicans don't even like him very much.
52. He has repeatedly lied and distorted President Obama's record.  
53. He supports "Stand Your Ground Laws". 
54. His solution to the housing crisis is to "let it run it's course". 
55. His election would block the grown ups in the GOP from running in 2016.  

Need I continue?   Please don't vote for this clown.   

POTpourri

• Isn't it odd that the GOP would use a lie as the theme for the RNC?  
• Shouldn't President Obama get credit for the surging stock market? 
• Lance Armstrong banned for life, stripped of titles.  With no positive test results.
• Irina Shayk is looking good!  Really good!  Really, really good! 
• Dodgers take on $261 million from Red Sox in rare blockbuster August deal.   
• Websites to give a try?  How about The Superficial & Bro My God.
• RIP Neil Armstrong & Steve Van Buren.
• Olivia Wilde bikini pics here.  Jennifer Nicole Lee bikini pics here.
• Snooki gives birth to a baby boy! 
• Chris Matthews takes it to Rence Priebus. 

Kate Upton

I'm posting too much about politics lately, how about some Kate Upton instead?

Charlie Crist Endorses Obama

Telling comments from the former Republican Governor of Florida Charlie Crist:

"As America prepares to pick our president for the next four years — and as Florida prepares once again to play a decisive role — I'm confident that President Barack Obama is the right leader for our state and the nation. I applaud and share his vision of a future built by a strong and confident middle class in an economy that gives us the opportunity to reap prosperity through hard work and personal responsibility. It is a vision of the future proven right by our history. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .We often remind ourselves to learn the lessons of the past, lest we risk repeating its mistakes. Yet nearly as often, our short-term memory fails us. Many have already forgotten how deep and daunting our shared crisis was in the winter of 2009, as President Obama was inaugurated. It was no ordinary challenge, and the president served as the nation's calm through a historically turbulent storm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .We have more work to do, more investments to make and more waste to cut. But only one candidate in this race has proven a willingness to navigate a realistic path to prosperity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . As Republicans gather in Tampa to nominate Mitt Romney, Americans can expect to hear tales of how President Obama has failed to work with their party or turn the economy around. But an element of their party has pitched so far to the extreme right on issues important to women, immigrants, seniors and students that they've proven incapable of governing for the people. Look no further than the inclusion of the Akin amendment in the Republican Party platform, which bans abortion, even for rape victims. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The truth is that the party has failed to demonstrate the kind of leadership or seriousness voters deserve.  Pundits looking to reduce something as big as a statewide election to a single photograph have blamed the result of my 2010 campaign for U.S. Senate on my greeting of President Obama. I didn't stand with our president because of what it could mean politically; I did it because uniting to recover from the worst financial crisis of our lifetimes was more important than party affiliation. I stood with our nation's leader because it was right for my state. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . President Obama has a strong record of doing what is best for America and Florida, and he built it by spending more time worrying about what his decisions would mean for the people than for his political fortunes. That's what makes him the right leader for our times, and that's why I'm proud to stand with him today."

You can read the entire op-ed here.  

This is My Body

They make some good points.  Just saying. 

POTpourri

• "The Office" to end after this upcoming season. 
• Michael Strahan named as replacement for Regis Philbin. 
• Miranda Kerr bikini pics!  Olga Kurylenko bikini pics! 
• Did the GOP just approve the 'Most Conservative Platform' in modern history? 
• Apparently, if you're Prince Harry, what happens in Vegas, doesn't stay in Vegas. 
• Tampa strip clubs are ready for the 'morals party' and their convention.  
• Nice job Russell Simmons, much respect, you're the man!  That's Tatiana Likhina BTW. 
• Don't believe all the anti-Obama ads you see.  
• Nicki Minaj joins "American Idol" as a judge.
• Polls finds Romney with 0% support from African Americans. 

AZ Tidbits

• Taylor Kelly wins the starting QB job at Arizona State.  For now anyways.  
• Mark Grace takes indefinite leave of absence from Diamondbacks following DUI arrest. 
• Money names Gilbert & Chandler among best small cities. 
• Hmm, Jeff Flake co-sponsored an Anti-Abortion bill that included 'Forcible Rape' language.
• COED Magazine takes a look at the Scottsdale Nightlife.  
• Did you gather any good information in Israel Ben Quayle? 
• Diamondbacks trade Stephen Drew to A's for chump change.
• Downtown Phoenix readies for "Go Topless Day".   
• Pub Rock Live replaces Chasers in south Scottsdale.
• Sick of right wing ideologues forcing their agenda on you?  Sign the STOP CAP petition. 

Poppycock to Blame President?

This is from 2004, it's interesting that he doesn't use the same line of reasoning with Obama isn't it. 



And about those tax cuts?  How'd that work out?  

Cardinals QB Battle

Kevin Kolb vs John Skelton.  It's looking like a really ugly battle, neither QB has impressed me in the least.  I was hoping, and I'm sure the Cardinals were hoping, that their QB's would be much further along with a full off season and a full training camp to work with but after 4 exhibition games neither has stood out, they almost look like they've regressed from last year (if that's even possible).  There's too much talent on the Cardinals offense for them to be playing this bad (Larry Fitzgerald, Beanie Wells, Ryan Williams, Todd Heap, Michael Floyd, Rob Housler, et al).  The local media seems to think that the Cardinals have to go with John Skelton at this point.  What they are basing that opinion on is beyond me, as again, neither Skelton or Kolb has looked good.  My two cents?  If it was my call, given that neither has emerged as the clear front runner, and given the investment they've made in Kolb, I think they have to give him a legitimate shot in games that actually count, I'd go with him (but with a short leash).

Funny or Die Takes on Jan Brewer

Good stuff from 'Funny or Die'.

POTpourri

• Unlikely voters favor President Obama by a wide margin.  
• Celebuzz 101 Hot Bodies, numbers 75-51.  
• You might be a conservative if ......?  
• Websites to give a try?  How about COED Magazine & Heavy.
• Todd Akin (R-MO) claims "legitimate rape victims don't get pregnant".  
• RIP Phyllis Diller.  
• Someone please help Taylor Swift buy a swimsuit!
• Congressional approval ratings ties all time low of 10%. 
• People just don't like Mitt Romney. 
• Yet another advantage to being single, it's easier to find a job. 

Republican Deficit Hawk Hypocrites

You tell them Bernie.

War on Women?

The GOP claims there isn't a "War on Women".   I don't think women are buying it, and rightfully so, they still favor Obama over Romney by a wide margin.  Todd Akins recent comments only highlight the GOP's problems.  Perhaps if they GOP wants to win back women voters they should reconsider their stance on a few issues, the Anti-Choice stance is bad enough, it's even worse when they tack on the "even in the case of rape and incest" language (hell, they don't even know what rape is), add in their push for Personhood Acts, their attacks on a woman's access to healthcare, their attacks on Planned Parenthood, their push for vaginal probes, their lack of support for the Lilly Ledbetter Act, it goes on and on.  Hell yes, there is a "War on Women" and it's the GOP waging it.  If you are a woman and you vote Republican, I'm sorry, but you are nuts.  

More Jon Stewart

He's on a roll lately, I love this take on Cockblocking the Vote.

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart

More here.

POTpourri

• Have you heard of Paul Ryan's War on Women?
• Why do you morons keep backing into parking spots??
• Yay!  More Doutzen Kroes bikini pics!
• Who are the 10 Greatest White Rappers ever?  Who will be next?
• RIP Joey Kovar & Michael Dokes.
• U.S. men's soccer team finally wins in Mexico. 
• Why is Donald Trump insulting women?  He really needs to shut up. 
• Summer TV winners and losers.  Summer Olympics anybody? 
• 24 policies that Republicans supported before they turned against them.
• Rage Against the Machine is apparently not a fan of Paul Ryan.

Romney Economic Plan

From what I can garner, and I don't have a lot to go on because he's not letting anyone in on it, there are three main tenants to Mitt Romney's plan to "fix" the economy and unfortunately they sound eerily similar to the George W. Bush plan that sank the economy.   

Tax cuts - i.e. tax cuts to the rich, i.e. trickle down economics, i.e. supply side economics.  Theory being that if you cut taxes on the rich, the rich will reinvest that money back into their companies, they will hire more people, they will start new companies, they will spend more on upgrading their current facilities, they will spend more on research and development and thus the economy will explode with growth.  It's a nice theory, sounds like a reasonable assumption to assume it would work, too bad it doesn't.  If it worked, why are companies and the wealthy sitting on piles of cash right now and not out creating jobs and how would giving them more money change that?  If you look at the history of supply side economics starting with the Reagan years, you'll see that it has essentially accomplished 3 things, 1) increasing income inequality to astounding levels, 2) ballooning the debt and 3) consequently stagnating the economy.  When has it ever worked anyways?  Under Reagan?  That's more myth than reality.  Under George W Bush?  Hardly.  They were touting Ireland for awhile.  Not so much anymore.  Even David Stockman, the architect of the Reagan tax cuts, is now opposed to this idea.  Demand creates jobs, not throwing more money at the rich.  Getting beyond my opposition to supply side economics, the facts are, 1) Romney's number don't add up, and 2) Romney's tax plan would result in a middle class tax hike.  We can do better.

Reduced Spending - We must get the budget deficit under control and NOW claims Romney, otherwise debt will continue to drag down the economy.  While I do agree that the debt needs to be addressed at some point, now is not the time to do it.  You don't believe me?  How about the CBO?  Just check out the success rate of the austerity measures implemented in Europe & Japan, they've failed miserably, all they did was dry up tax revenues and lengthened downturns.  Is that really the prescription we need?  Obama's stimulus on the other hand, was a success (despite claims to the contrary from the GOP).  The problem was we didn't go far enough.  Once the economy sufficiently recovers, tax revenues will increase enough that you can start focusing on cuts.  Another problem I'm having with the Romney debt reduction plan is that it is very light on specifics, he won't say what he will cut to meet his objectives (at the same time he's lowering taxes for the rich, maintaining medicare and increasing defense spending).  He'd have to cut back drastically on virtually every government program and even that wouldn't be enough, in other words, he's living in fantasyland.  The only way to legitimately reduce the budget is through a balanced approach of decreased spending and increased revenues, it's not that hard Mitt. 

Deregulation - Mitt Romney calls regulation a "hidden tax" and states he "will act swiftly to tear down the vast edifice of regulations the Obama administration has imposed on the economy".  Apparently he's already forgotten about the consequences of our last dose of deregulation. The deregulation of Wall Street is the main culprit for the mess we are currently in.  Should we go back further?  How about the S&L scandal?  That was caused by deregulation.  How about the Enron mess?  Yep, you can blame that on deregulation too.  What about environmental degregulation, can we really afford that?  Sure businesses would love it, the Koch brothers would love it (and you know they want something for all that money they are spending on this election), but you have to know that the end result would be increases in such things as air pollution, contaminated ground water, ozone levels and greenhouse gases.  Wouldn't the costs of those things far outweigh any advantages they'd bring in?  Whatever happened to Republicans who cared about the environment anyways?  Teddy Roosevelt is probably rolling over in his grave.

In summary, please think long and hard before giving over the reigns of our economy to Mitt Romney.  

Jon Stewart on Mock Outrage

This is funny, I was just thinking the same thing.  All of the feigned indignation is quite nauseating.

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart

POTpourri

• Is Paul Ryan really a fiscal conservative?  Not really.  
• PA judge rules in favor of draconian voter ID law. 
• RIP Ron Palillo & Johnny Pesky.
• Tatiana Gil?  I need more pics!  Damn! 
• The NY Times did an amazing job on this look at the Olympic 100 meter race.  
• Should we disenfranchise up 5 million voters over essentially a non-existent problem?  
• We should have known there was something up with Melky Cabrera. 
• Diana Falzone is hot!  Why is she working for FOX?  
• The Paul Ryan Gosling twitter page is hilarious and scary at the same time. 
• Celebuzz 101 Hot Bodies, numbers 101-76. Check them out.
• Felix Hernandez of the Mariners pitches a perfect game.

Bill Moyers on Anonymous Speech

They are Cowardly Lions!  Bill Moyers for President?

AZ Tidbits

• Arizona Rattlers win the 2012 Arena Bowl.   
• Why is the GOP trying to thwart the will of people on medicinal marijuana? 
• Jan Brewer refuses to endorse Russell Pearce.
• Looking for a pool party in Scottsdale?  Check out El Santo Cantina or The W Hotel. 
• Suns sign free agent center Jermaine O'Neal.  
• Barista Cafe is now open in Scottsdale, they just may get me to start drinking coffee. 
• Is the Phoenix Coyotes sale back on track? 
• Arizona Republic to begin charging for online access to AZCentral. 
• Is Taylor Kelly the next starting QB for the Sun Devils?  Devils's back at Camp Tontozona.
• Arizona ranked 40th for obesity rate. 

Spy on Vegas Hot 100 Winner

Wet Republic Las Vegas had their Spy on Vegas Hot 100 Bikini Contest recently.  



The winner was Lais DeLeon, she's freaking hot!

POTpourri

• Nobel economist claims "inequality weighs on U.S. economy". 
• Nicole Minetti is clearly one of the best looking politicians I have ever seen.
• Tyrann "Honey Badger" Mathieu dismissed from the LSU football team.   
• How much of his agenda did President Obama pass in his first 2 years?  Why?
• Adrianne Curry looked great at the Encore Beach Club in Las Vegas! 
• Websites to give a try?  How about theChive & BroBible. 
• Will the GOP veer to the far right hurt their upcoming Senate chances?  
• Rory McIlroy wins the 2012 PGA Championship in Kiawah Island, SC.
• Would the unemployment rate be under 6% without GOP obstruction?
• Paul Ryan is not going to help Mitt Romney win over women voters.

Final Olympic Thoughts

The 2012 Summer Olympics from London came to a close on Sunday.   Some final thoughts:

• USA, USA, USA!  USA wins the medal count!
• You can find all of the 2012 London Summer Olympic results here.  
• I've decided to finally forgive LeBron James for the way he left the Cleveland Cavaliers, his love of country, his dedication to team USA and his work ethic have won me over.  Welcome back into the fold LeBron James!  Oh hell, you too Kobe Bryant! 
• I have a feeling that I would really enjoy the Olympic Village. 
• Rhythmic Gymnastics is growing on me as an Olympic sport.  Those women are hot too. 
• It might be time to consider dropping Boxing as an Olympic sport, it hardly resembles boxing anymore. 
• Mexico has the look of a coming world power in soccer, they've got a really good, young team and a very strong developmental program, look for them to make a push at the World Cup 2014 & beyond.
• Count me as a proponent for adding Pole Dancing to the 2016 Summer Olympics.  Not so much for Yoga or 3x3 basketball. 
• I think you can give Title IX a big part of the credit for the strong showing on the U.S. women in the Olympics. American women dominated.
• They run really fast in Jamaica, and can run forever over in east Africa. 
• The reviews on London's job as host seem to be universally glowing, I tip my hat to the Brits!
• 2016 Summer Olympics will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  That could be a trip worth making.

Compromise

COMPROMISE - a settlement of differences by mutual concessions; an agreement reached by adjustment of conflicting or opposing claims, principles, etc., by reciprocal modification of demands.

Thomas Jefferson on compromise - "I see the necessity of sacrificing our opinions sometimes to the opinions of others for the sake of harmony."

Abraham Lincoln on compromise -  "All of us have particular views, a particular vision, in terms of where we think things should go. But we live in societies, we live in communities. And that means we never get our way a hundred percent of the time. That's what we teach our kids. That's what we teach our students. That's how government has to work."

Edmund Burke on compromise - "All government, indeed every human benefit and enjoyment, every virtue, and every prudent act, is founded on compromise and barter."

Collin Powell on compromise - " But just as they did in Philadelphia when they were writing the constitution, sooner or later, you've got to compromise. You've got to start making the compromises that arrive at a consensus and move the country forward." 

Andrew Carnegie on compromise - "I shall argue that strong men, conversely, know when to compromise and that all principles can be compromised to serve a greater principle."

John Keegan on compromise - "It's a necessary quality of a diplomat or a politician that he will compromise. Uncompromising politicians or diplomats get you into the most terrible trouble."

Arizona State Primary Elections

They're coming up soon, August 28th to be exact.  I've already listed my city of Scottsdale endorsements here, so I figured I may as well also list my state of Arizona endorsements.  I'm a registered democrat so I will be voting in the Democratic primary, I'll chime in on a few of the Republican candidates too though (to be fair, I will only list the races that I'm voting in as I'm not that familiar with the candidates in the other districts).  Here goes:

U.S. Senate.   Jon Kyl is retiring after 18 years, I'm happy to see him go, he had just become to partisan and unwilling to compromise, that doesn't lead to very effective governance, it's time we put the people before the party.  Arizona is a pretty red state so I'm guessing whichever Republican candidate wins the primary will have the edge in replacing Kyl in November.  That's no guarantee though, I'm sensing people are tiring of all the Republican intransigence and may be ready to try something different.  Richard Carmona is a pretty strong candidate, he's a former Bush appointee, Jon Kyl and John McCain have both previously spoken highly of him, he's got a great story, he's got a legitimate chance to win this thing, he's got my endorsement too.  The Republican primary features Jeff Flake against Wil Cardon.  Flake is a 5 term U.S. Representative, he's considered to be pretty far to the right on most issues, Cardon is the requisite Tea Party candidate, he is running to the right of Flake on most issues.  I don't think that either of them is right for Arizona or the country at this point in time, if I had to choose between the two, I'd reluctantly go with Flake only because he does seem to be a bit more of a free thinker whereas the only things that I've heard from Cardon are Tea Party talking points.  Flake has also served 10+ years now with no ethical issues and he also been one of the leading fighters against pork spending (although that may have hurt Arizona). 

U.S. House of Representative District 9.  I'm a little bit perturbed that David Schapira, Kyrsten Sinema and Andrei Cherny all decided to run in the same congressional district, I like them all, they are three of the brightest young minds in the Arizona democratic party, by all three running in the same district it means two of them will not have a place in shaping the future of the state/country, that's not a good thing.  Being that I can only select one of them, I am endorsing David Shapira, he's the most moderate of the three and should appeal to more independents.  Shapira also seemed to be the most pragmatic and well reasoned of the three when they debated.  I will strongly support whichever candidate makes it through the primary.  Lisa Borowsky in my opinion is the best of the Republican district 9 candidates, I'm guessing that means she will not be the choice of Arizona Republican primary voters though (who tend to fall on the far right fringes). 

State of Arizona Congressional District 24.  I'm a fan of both Chad Campbell & Lela Alston, they will get my vote.  Campbell is a three term congressman, he has been the Arizona House Democratic leader which is a bit of a thankless job in deep red Arizona but he has been a strong voice against the extremism of the right wing and he's got a strong track record.  Alston is another strong voice opposed to the excesses of the far right.  She's got a long list of endorsements and a proven track record. 

Maricopa County Sheriff.   It's way past time for a change at the Sheriff's office, the abuse of power, the lawsuits, the extremism, the partisanship and the incompetence of Joe Arpaio has gone on far too long.  Whoever wins the Democratic primary, will get my vote in November.   Of the democratic candidate running, I think that Paul Penzone has the best chance to beat Arpaio in November, he's got an impressive list of endorsements and a strong track record, he gets my endorsement over John Rowan.  In the end though, this will be a "anyone but Joe" vote.

Romney Picks Ryan for VP Slot

I must admit, I'm a bit baffled by the selection of Paul Ryan as Mitt Romney's VP candidate.  With his lagging poll numbers, I guess he figured he had to make a "bold" move and not a "safe" move.  Still, I'm not sure what he gains by selecting Paul Ryan.  I guess it beats John McCain's Sarah Palin selection, but not by much.

The fiscal conservatives will like the pick but they would have voted for Romney anyways, I doubt it will sway the moderates or independents that Romney will need to win over.  

The Romney team had also previously stated that they wanted someone with some executive experience, someone who could slide right into the Presidency at a moments notice if need be, Paul Ryan is a career politician, he's never held a leadership position in anything he's done.  I know the comeback from the right on this will be that President Obama's prior work experience wasn't extensive either, and that's a fair argument, but given the fact that one of the main complaints the right has about President Obama is his lack of executive experience, they missed a golden opportunity to set up a strong contrast between Mitt Romney and the President in this area.

I guess it could help Romney in the state of Wisconsin, but historically Wisconsin is not a swing state, it's really not a make or break state for either candidate.  Rob Portman had some baggage, but he would have at least helped in Ohio (which is a traditional swing state).  I also doubt that Paul Ryan's budget plan will help in the state of Florida, which is another key swing state, they've got a huge senior citizen population there and Ryan wants to gut Medicare and Social Security, I do not see that going over well.

Jon Stewart on Wife Killer

Jon Stewart is on the money once again.  I really enjoy "The Daily Show"!   

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart

POTpourri

• July was the hottest month in recorded history.  Just a coincidence?  Doubtful.
• I really want Derek Jeter's life.  C.J. Wilson isn't doing too bad either. 
• Curly Fries at McDonalds?   They're a coming. 
• Miranda Kerr nude?   Thank you God!  
• Dwight Howard dealt to the Lakers, and the rich get richer.   
• WTF is going on in Ohio?  Do you really want to win like that?
• Websites to give a try?  How about Brosome & Guyism.   
• Romney aide touts Individual Healthcare Mandate.  
• Is Miley Cyrus too thin?  I vote no, she finally lost the baby fat, she looks great!.  
• Who is waging the real war on religion?   Hint, it's not Obama.

Scottsdale City Elections

The Scottsdale city elections are coming up fast, the primary election is on August 28.  The Mayor is up for re-election and there are 3 city council spots open.  There are 3 candidates running for Mayor and 11 candidates running for the city council.  To be elected in the primary election, a candidate must receive a majority of the votes cast for that candidates race.  It seems like a good time to announce my highly anticipated and eagerly awaited for endorsements.

First of all, the main issues that concern me about Scottsdale are:  1) redevelopment of the McDowell Road corridor and South Scottsdale, they've been dragging their feet on this for way too long, 2) preservation of the entertainment district, too many of the candidates seem to be running due to their concern over the "out of control" nightlife (under the guise of "protecting our neighborhoods"), that is incredibly shortsighted in my opinion, these bars and clubs provide great vitality and life to Scottsdale (and tax revenue), they should be embraced and marketed, not chased away, 3) height limits on new development, it irks the hell out of me seeing all these tall buildings sprouting up blocking our wonderful views and 4) tourism, it really is the heart and soul of this city.

There are 3 candidates running for Mayor, the incumbent is Jim Lane, the other two candidates are Drew Bernhardt & John Washington.  I've never been a big fan of Jim Lane, I voted for him last time more as an anti-Mary Manross vote than for any great affinity for him.  I think there are things he could be doing better, the foot dragging on the McDowell Road corridor and South Scottsdale being my main complaints, the whole City Manager fiasco has also made me feel a bit uncomfortable, but in the end, of the candidates I have to choose from, I think he is by far the candidate who can best deal with the issues I listed above, thus I am endorsing Jim Lane for Mayor.  The other two seem to be too much in the Tea Party mold, they are living in the past, we need to move forward, I think Jim Lane is the best candidate to move us there. 

Running for the city council are Denny Brown, Bill Crawford, Suzanne Klapp, Debra Komarnicki,
Virginia Korte, Eric Luoma, Joe Meli, Joanne Phillips, Guy Phillips, Chris Schaffner & Christian Serena.  For many of the same reasons I support Jim Lane for Mayor, I think there are 3 easy choices for the City Council, the 3 candidates who will be getting my vote are Suzanne Klapp, Virginia Korte & Eric Luoma.

Nicolas Batum

C'mon Nicolas Batum, it's the Olympics, show some class.

AZ Tidbits

• Rick Santorum endorses Will Cardon for U.S. Senate.  NRA endorses Jeff Flake.
• Rolling Stone calls Joe Arpaio "America's meanest & most corrupt politician". 
• Arizona Sheriffs ask Governor Brewer to halt medical marijuana program.  
• Myst & Suede nightclubs close in Scottsdale, Scottsdale Beach Club is coming. 
• Jeff Flake would rather protect Insurers than Arizona citizens.
• Are you an AZ strip club fan?  If so, please consider voting democrat & signing STOPCAP.
• Polls show Carmona & Flake in a neck and neck race.
• Scottsdale Republic endorses Jim Lane in Scottsdale Mayoral race.
• Is a plea deal in the cards for Jared Loughner?  
• Arizona Rattlers headed to the ArenaBowl. 

What Are You Hiding Mitt?

Olympic Notes

We're a week into the 2012 London Olympics, here are some of my thoughts:

• I think it's safe to say that Michael Phelps is now the greatest Olympian ever.  He finished his Olympic career with 22 medals (18 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze). He has been the dominant swimmer in 3 straight Olympics now. I know it's swimming and he's had multiple opportunities to medal (as opposed to a boxer or a weightlifter for example who are limited to 1 medal per Olympics) but c'mon, 22 medals is insane.  
• Why is tennis an Olympic sport?  A gold medal is hardly the highest honor in the sport, it comes across as just another tournament for these pros, there's really not much to distinguish it from any other tournament.  I'd be fine with them dropping it from the Olympics.  
• Speaking of which, how about we get rid of the equestrian events too, the Olympics should be about people competing against people, not animals competing against animals (especially the hoity toity rich folk and their horses).  If they're going to keep equestrian, why not add dog agility competitions too?    
• I'm fine with basketball being an Olympic sport, there's no other place in basketball where these different countries get to match up against each other.  I'm enjoying it thoroughly.   I'd also be opposed to any attempt to remove the pros for the games, I want to see the best against the best (not the best amateurs against the best amateurs, not the best under 23 against the best under 23) and I want to see it in the Olympics (not some for-profit tournament set up by the NBA owners to line their pocketbooks).  Wise up folks, greed only ruins things, if you can't see how the Dream Team benefited the NBA you are blind.  
• Are the Olympics soft core porn?  That's a bit of a stretch, but I will say this, there are a lot of hot Olympians competing this year.  You've got to love seeing all those tight, toned bodies.  Destiny Hooker & Catalina Ponor have really stood out in my book.    
• The story of Oscar "Blade Runner" Pistorius is a true inspiration, I am truly in awe of this guy.  That being said, the Paralympics is probably a more suitable venue for him to be competing.  
• Usain Bolt is still hella fast!   
• I'm guessing that Gabby Douglas will really be cashing in on her Gold medals.  Rightfully so too.