They are Cowardly Lions! Bill Moyers for President?
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
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!
The winner was Lais DeLeon, she's freaking hot!
Monday, August 13, 2012
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.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
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."
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."
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.
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.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
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.
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.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Thursday, August 9, 2012
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.
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.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
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.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Sunday, August 5, 2012
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.
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