ViewfromGreenhills

Tweet from @Proudlib

2011-09-22T06:05:00.001-07:00

@Proudlib: GOP-Pushed Student Voter Fraud Investigation Finds Zero Voter Fraud http://bit.ly/pktpwM

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Street Battle in Iran

2009-06-22T15:46:00.000-07:00

Likely one of the most compelling videos I've seen:

Battle w/ Police - Tehran, Iran - June 20th 2009
by mightier-than

Tancredo Rant

2009-05-31T18:31:00.000-07:00

Because Tom Tancredo says that La Raza is the the Hispanic KKK, and La Raza's about the same speed as the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick ony Hispanic rather than Irish, and I guess since I attended the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick picnic in 1985 (Pete Gillen, the newly hired head coach at Xavier was there to), I, too must meet Tom Tancredo's definition of a racist.

183

2009-04-26T18:23:00.000-07:00

How does anyone survive being waterboarded 183 times - - in one month. That's over 6 times a day, and most assuredly it wasn't with that level of consistency, I'm assuming.

I was also struck by the clinical nature of the commentary from the Bradbury report:

...where authorized, it may be used for two "sessions" per day of up to two hours. During a session, water may be applied up to six times for ten seconds or longer (but never more than 40 seconds). In a 24-hour period, a detainee may be subjected to up to twelve minutes of water appliaction....Additionally, the waterboard may be used on as many as five days during a 30-day approval period.

Thinking about those times in my life, either as a result of some foolishness underwater, or something going down the wrong pipe, experiencing just a few seconds of the panicked sensation of not being able to breathe, and then multiplying it out to the extent of what is described here is unfathomable.

Best Comment Yet on the AIG Scandal

2009-03-18T20:51:00.000-07:00

Johnathon Turley on the Olbermann show, yesterday: "When you give billions of dollars to the Pirates of Penzance, you can hardly be suprised when they spend it on women and grog."

Things I Did Not Know

2009-03-01T18:54:00.000-08:00

From the World Baseball Classic an interesting twist to keep things moving in the extra inning games.

Extra Innings: After 12 innings, each half inning will start with runners on first and second. - these runners will be the 8th and 9th hitters due up in that inning.

Kind of interesting. They do have pitch limits at each stages of the tournament, and mercy rule(s) as well.

Republicanistical Party

2009-02-27T10:37:00.000-08:00

Chris Matthews lets Barney Frank top off Congressman Issa's silliness.

Fred Phelps and Westboro Baptist Church give Baptists a Bad Name

2009-02-08T18:32:00.000-08:00

This story on the response to Fred Phelps and the members of his questionably sane churn in Kansas City is quite inspirational, and gives hope that a new generation will reach to higher, more active level in defense tolerance.

President Obama Asks Us to Get Started...

2009-02-08T18:30:00.000-08:00

President Obama

2009-01-23T08:21:00.001-08:00

'Nuf Said.

Climate Change Deniers' Bad News Holiday Release

2008-12-27T10:44:00.000-08:00

No problem here. Move along:

"In one of the report's most worrisome findings, the agency estimates that in light of recent ice sheet melting, global sea level rise could be as much as four feet by 2100. The IPCC had projected a sea level rise of no more than 1.5 feet by that time, but satellite data over the past two years show the world's major ice sheets are melting much more rapidly than previously thought. The Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets are now losing an average of 48 cubic miles of ice a year, equivalent to twice the amount of ice that exists in the Alps."

One Minute Blog for 11-26-08

2008-11-26T09:17:00.000-08:00

We are living through the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression. There, I said it. Having written it, now I have to let it sink in. It'll even be wierder when I see it posted.

Cool Stuff

2008-11-18T08:44:00.000-08:00

Burrowing

2008-11-18T06:24:00.000-08:00

I thought the only burrowing I'd hear about in the eight years of this hellish administration is Barney at the ranch in Crawford. This is more mailicious than stealing all the "W's" from the White House computer keyboards.

I Get Email (The Happy Kind)

2008-11-09T15:42:00.000-08:00

Friends,

Thank you for all that you did to make Tuesday November 4th possible.

The hard work and dedication that you put into this campaign enabled us to bring about the change that we need in Washington.

Now that the election is over, it is time to turn our attention to the real work that is at hand.

I look forward to working to ensure that the residents of Cincinnati, and the State of Ohio, have the representation that they deserve in the 111th Congress.

Please do not hesitate to contact my office with any questions or concerns.

I look forward to serving you in the United States House of Representatives.

Thank you again for your support.

Steve Driehaus
Congressman-Elect, OH-1

Yes We Did

2008-11-09T13:17:00.001-08:00

Indiana Looking Blue

2008-11-04T16:56:00.000-08:00

CNN Really focusing on Indiana showing the 2004 vs. 2008. Closing the gap in key counties.

Fred Barnes: Chief WATB

2008-11-04T16:52:00.000-08:00

Barnes Key Boogie Man: Early Voting. So Much Happens. They miss SO Much! October Surprise - - what if that happens!

Wassup 2008

2008-10-28T19:24:00.001-07:00

They Really Suck

2008-10-26T16:17:00.000-07:00

They really do.

Attack Themes and Trending in the Blogosphere

2008-10-26T15:49:00.001-07:00

This chart at left shows the frequency of the mentions of "Socialist + Obama", "Reverend Wright", and "Williams Ayers" or "Bill Ayers" in blogposts over the past 2 months. You can tell when the memo stressing the key talking points went out on pasting Obama with the Bill Ayers attack in the blogosphere.

Noticeably, the commentary on Reverend Wright showed a modest spike at the beginning of the month of October, but my guess is that since that was not a successful line of attack with Hillary, the McCain camp as laid off that commentary as well.

And finally, it would appear that the "Obama as Socialist" commentary is not hitting the desired strided either.

Are these Available at McCain HQ?

2008-10-25T12:54:00.001-07:00

Debate Watching Party in Greenhills

2008-10-14T18:20:00.000-07:00

It's close to the neighborhood and the beer will be cold, from what I've been told.

Colonel Potter would say "Horse Hockey!"

2008-09-28T14:28:00.000-07:00

John McCain swears during debate.

Sarah Palin: Bible Spice

2008-09-26T06:40:00.000-07:00

I believe the interview with Katie Couric was intended by her handlers to be a relatively low impact/ high reward opportunity for Palin to burnish her credentials with softball questions from an interviewer not known for hard hitting tete-a-tete. But I guess the bar was too high. Palin has seen fit to embarrass herself even more, with answers to questions that can, at best be described as incoherent, and at worst, frighteningly incoherent.

Update: SNL spoofed the Couric/Palin interview. This is getting too painful to watch.

Local Congressional Races Featured

2008-09-23T18:52:00.000-07:00

The Daily Kos features the local races, including Wulsin and Driehaus>

This ought to be a tossup right until election day, and Chabot has staved off serious challenges in the past, but things look great right now.

Pat Buchanan Gushes Over Obama's Acceptance Speech

2008-08-30T10:06:00.000-07:00

One Commenter Says:

I called hell. Their wearing parkas.

Best line of the Convention

2008-08-28T18:43:00.000-07:00

We need a president that puts Barney Smith before Smith Barney.

Desperately Seeking Change We Can Believe In

2008-08-24T10:10:00.000-07:00

Frank Rich Says It All:

Is a man who is just discovering the Internet qualified to lead a restoration of America’s economic and educational infrastructures? Is the leader of a virtually all-white political party America’s best salesman and moral avatar in the age of globalization? Does a bellicose Vietnam veteran who rushed to hitch his star to the self-immolating overreaches of Ahmad Chalabi, Pervez Musharraf and Mikheil Saakashvili have the judgment to keep America safe?

Obama Going for Jugular: Attack Ad from Georgia

2008-08-20T17:09:00.000-07:00

Home Made McCain Ad

2008-08-14T13:28:00.001-07:00

This Might Be...His Finest Moment

2008-08-03T11:00:00.001-07:00

Insurance Company Rules

2008-07-20T14:40:00.000-07:00

Obama for President

2008-07-12T13:27:00.001-07:00

I'm attending a Obama house party over on the east side of town today. I am co-hosting with a co-worker near his home, and near my parents' home. I've been asked to provide a few comments on why I am supporting Barack Obama for president.

In short, my thinking is simple. He is the best qualified candidate for leading the change that we must make to return America to the proper course. Respect for our fellow man both domestically and around the world, for the environment, honoring the service of the men and women who have served in the armed forces, whether they are still serving, or have returned home, and making sure that they are supported appropriately, commensurate with their sacrifice. It is important that we instill new leadership that is prepared to address these challenges. And I am confident that Barack is the candidate to take on those challenges.

Greenhills Dems Convene Again: July 17th

2008-07-12T09:08:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that we are supposed to get back together again Thursday, July 17th, at 7pm. Hope you all can make it! We need to get energized for the fall elections. We'll be up at the Greenhills Community Building Library again.

Cognitive Dissonance

2008-07-12T08:42:00.000-07:00

One thing that I don't understand as we roll into this election cycle is the disconnect on the right as it pertains to torture. I see a recurring theme around the fact that torture tactics that we employed against detainees at Guantanamo, Abu Ghraib, and other now-infamous US facilities are somehow tolerable, and that the provisions of the Geneva Convention are quaint, because frankly the means justify the ends, given what we suspect the detainee might have done. And in the same breath, the mere utterance of McCain's military record (not to mention his time as a POW)by anyone on the left triggers a hue and cry that no doubt signifies an impugning of his complete service record, and is nothing short of an indictment of the patriotism of the commenter.

We should either honor McCain's service, the incredible hardships he endured in five years as a POW, AND at the same time reject the premise that our own tactics (many similar, if not the same as those that McCain endured) were nothing less than torture, or alternatively, we relegate the tactics employed by American forces (hired guns and otherwise) to that just a step above "frat hazing" and then must therefore question the punishment that McCain endured as simply his initiation into the North Vietnamese chapter of Delta Tau Chi.

FISA Capitulation by Dems

2008-07-09T20:15:00.000-07:00

Obama's vote on the FISA bill makes me somewhat queasy. But unfortunately his actions are merely the last component of capitulation, the sacrificing of our civil liberties at the feet of the most corrupt administration in American history. Bush, needless to say, is thrilled, and he should be: he was able to get every last component of what he was looking for out of a Democratic congress.

Chris Wallace: Big Oil Shill

2008-06-23T10:13:00.000-07:00

If it were any more obvious, the folks at Fox would literally have to reach through the TV and pound us over the head with a 55 gallon drum. Wait until the end for the punchline. Laugh out loud funny.

Greenhills bike, hike study presented

2008-06-18T17:41:00.000-07:00

Well, this news item from the Community Press is intriguing, but in my judgement, the reference is worthless without a more detailed reference to what the freaking report actually says. Money quote:

A copy of the report can be viewed at the municipal building.

It's not surprising that Greenhills wouldn't actually make available a soft copy for the Community Press to link to. Don't think that perhaps college students themselves would have a soft copy of their report? In fact, wouldn't they likely offer up a soft copy for broader distribution.

Just askin'

Without a Doubt, the Creepiest Stuff I've Seen Out of the McCain Campaign

2008-06-18T17:32:00.000-07:00

> Oh wait, that's not campaign material. My bad.

New Yorker Article on Keith Olbermann

2008-06-16T20:22:00.000-07:00

Overall, a pretty fair treatment of Keith. Although, as others have noted, this from the article confuses me (in reference to his "Special Comments":

His bosses loved it. “I think we’re onto something,” the president of NBC News, Steve Capus, told me. “That’s what we keep hearing from the audience, more and more, is that they appreciate that we have people who are actually speaking truth to power, or being transparent in their own personal viewpoints.” That’s another way of saying that liberals, after many failed attempts, seem finally to have found their own Bill O’Reilly.

How many are many failed attempts? All I can think of is Donahue.

"I'm Voting Republican"

2008-06-14T21:53:00.001-07:00

It'd be funnier if it wasn't so true.

Greenhills Streetview Available On Google`

2008-06-14T19:32:00.001-07:00

Okay, so it's only Winton Road. But it seems significant.

Let's Not Forget

2008-05-23T19:27:00.000-07:00

What this country went through when Bobby Kennedy was assasinated. Why the hell would Hillary bring this up? Again, what goes through her mind to justify citing RFK's assassination as an example of the reason should stay in the race. It shows her singular focus on things that only matter to her.

America Is Driving Less

2008-05-23T18:37:00.000-07:00

There would in fact appear to be some price elasticity of demand with gasoline. Vehicle Miles Fell 4.3% in March

Hillary Justifies Staying in the Race since RFK was assasinated in June

2008-05-23T13:47:00.000-07:00

In what is one of the more telling statements of her state of mind, Hillary Clinton justifed her continued participation in nomination process by referencing the timing of Bobby Kennedy's assasination in June of 1968:

"My husband did not wrap up the nomination in 1992 until he won the California primary somewhere in the middle of June, right? We all remember Bobby Kennedy was assassinated in June in California. I don't understand it."

My reaction here is that this is symptomatic of her having taken this too far. This is no longer a competitive candidacy. It has become a fixation, with some element of psycopathy thrown in for good measure.

Belated Commentary on Mark Dann

2008-05-22T20:55:00.000-07:00

The Dems were able to get Mark Dann out of office. That was actually 2 days before I predicted his departure would take place.

Lesson here: Responsible leaders should purge their ranks of the bad eggs, not welcome them back with thunderous applause.

Greenhills Voting Trends - Last Three Primaries

2008-05-18T20:32:00.000-07:00

There has been some commentary elsewhere on the Internets suggesting that it might more likely to consider crossover voting with the intent of mischief in Greenhills, more so than the voters' consideration for the "current state of affairs" (e.g. War in Iraq, gas prices, housing market, flat wages, health care costs, etc.) driving the larger Democratic turnout. I had indeed made what I think would be a fairly sound assumption that the movement to the Democratic side of the ballot could actually result from the assessment that the community's own view of the situation would drive a better turnout. Challenged on this point, I'll post my thoughts in more detail over the next few days, as time permits.

One method of validation will come once the actual registration patterns are revealed at a household level. I would guess that we will see some of the mischief described above (R->D switches among long term Republicans, following Rush Limbaugh's directive), but not at the level that would account for the difference. Voter turnout, along with the number of new registrants will be another element to look at as well. Each will be a a topic for a later post. And a final point to consider will be declared voting patterns over the past 3 primaries.

To that final point, I think the chart, with vote totals from the last three presidential year primaries, suggests that there might be something happening in Greenhills. There has been a 305% increase in declared Democratic ballots cast in the village at the same time the Republican tally has decreased by nearly 24%.

One election is an anomaly. Three election cycles suggests a trend. More to come on this topic as well.

Greenhills: Total Presidential Primary Votes Cast

2008-05-15T21:21:00.001-07:00

A breakdown for all candidates across both parties is shown at right for the community of Greenhills in the March primary. The story here is the overwhelming number of votes for the Democratic candidates - - nearly doubling up on McCain. This was March, so at the time, Romney had dropped, but I think Huckabee was still in the game, possibly dropping out soon after Ohio.

There was some compelling commentary on NPR this morning regarding whether the Obama will be able to pull in the Clinton supporters by November. It will be intriguing to watch over the next couple months, to see if in fact, as the contest becomes a two person race, whether Obama can overcome what has been an unhealthy and divisive (for Democrats) aftertaste of the campaign, up until the last couple of weeks. If McCain can be saddled with the "third Bush term" yoke, and those Americans with a racist chip on their shoulder can nonetheless see through broader benefits a more comprehensive change provides, we may see history made in November.

Update: I realized the chart might be hard to read:

Clinton 383
McCain 380
Obama 350
Huckabee 172
Romney 25
Paul 25
Edwards 8
Thompson 6

Greenhills Democratic Presidential Primary Votes

2008-05-15T20:59:00.000-07:00

Clinton and Obama came out of the primary neck-and-neck, reflecting the competitive nature of the Democratic presidential primary throughout this election cycle. Given the demographics of the community, I'm actually a bit surprised by the strong turnout Obama has within the community. You'd think the way the media has portrayed in the more recent election cycles, I never would have guessed there were that many Elites (or for that matter, African Americans) in Greenhills for him to get 350 votes.

Kidding aside, I think this might, in our own little corner of RedState America, bode well for Obama.

Greenhills: More Dem Ballots Cast in Recent Primary

2008-05-15T20:37:00.000-07:00

Not that this should be too big of a shocker, given the current state of affairs in the country, but more Democrats voted in the March primary in Greenhills than Republicans. This data, pulled from the Hamilton County Board of Elections website, suggests that of the 1,469 votes cast in the March primary, 747 (or 51%) were Democratic ballots, 627 (43%) were Republican ballots, and 95 (or about 6%) were Issue ballots only.

Now, how many were part of Operation Chaos?!?

Barack Obama 'has enough super-delegates to win Democratic nomination' - Telegraph

2008-05-11T10:02:00.000-07:00

Not sure why this reporting is coming from the UK, but there you have it, from the Telegraph in the UK, at the same time that 4 out of the 5 major Sunday news shows are still positioning the fight as continuing. I'm betting the nomination fight is over, but Hillary's activities in tearing apart the Democratic Party may only now be hitting high gear.

No, Not a "We Should be Like Europe" Rant

2008-05-11T09:51:00.000-07:00

We are not Europe. In Europe, the middle and upper class seek to live in the urban centers, while the poor/lower class tend to live outside the city. With the notable exceptions of say, New York and Chicago, the opposite is the case (blanket indictment I know, but let me make my point). The left is often get accused of secretly aspiring to model America to be like Europe. And the attached chart makes that point that as it pertains to other forms of transportation, Europeans have the capacity certainly to walk or bicycle to other locations, given how they live. But Krugman makes the point that in terms geography, and for the most part with respect to our our living patterns, we are not significantly different than Canada, but in terms of the effectiveness of our public transportion, they are way ahead of us.

Case Example 4,562 of BushCo's Disregard for the Military

2008-05-11T07:26:00.000-07:00

Yet another example of the Bush Administration's blatant disregard and disrespect for our nation's military. In this example, the remains of fallen military are taken to a animal crematorium for processing, contrary to standard - and appropriate - military procedure.

This Ain't No Ringin' Endorsement

2008-05-05T10:48:00.000-07:00

I hope Dann is packing his boxes, and clearing out his office, because when the Governor makes these sort of comments, he does NOT have your back. It can't happen soon enough. I'm guessing by next Friday (May 16th) Dann will be gone.

Dean on Fox News Sunday - Smart Commentary

2008-05-05T09:10:00.000-07:00

I have to say that I waver at times as to the role that Howard Dean has played leading the DNC. One point in in his favor, a very strong point at that, is his 50 state strategy, which he was criticized for by beltway dems, and ridiculed by the right; however I believe it paid some dividends in 2006, and will do so again in 2008.

He talks in soundbytes, sometimes too abbreviated. But as Chris Wallace tried to make some hay around the you-were-boycotting-us-before-but-now-you're-not meme, Dean came back with a couple zingers that were spot on. His explanation that the Dems avoided Fox for the debates, completely negates Wallace's argument, and points out that the Dems strategy worked to a "T": When it mattered most to Fox, during the debates, when Fox could control the questions and the agenda, the Dems would not and did not participate. But on the Sunday news cycle, as things are winding down (hopefully), and the Democratic candidates and party leadership are seeking opportunities to reach out to the fringe Dems who still watch Fox, its completely on Fox's dime. Free Pub for Dems. Gotta love it.

How to leave a comment

2008-05-05T08:33:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I know there are folks who are reading this blog, because I will get the occasional commentary. A very simple means to begin the online conversation is to post a comment. It's really very simple:

Just click on the comments field below. At this point, I've not blocked anyone from posting, so you are free to post away.

Greenhills Democrats: Next Meeting May 15th

2008-05-05T08:27:00.001-07:00

It's once again time to convene the Democrats in the community. We are shooting for our next meeting May 15th at the Greenhills Community Building Library. Meeting begins at 7:00pm, but hey, were Democrats, so I wouldn't be surprised if thing don't kick off til 7:15 or so...

Last time I was able to make the meeting, there was some artwork from Winton Woods students, I think in the primary grades as a I recall, which was just outstanding. Hats off to the arts program, for creating an outlet for students to really spread their wings creatively.

SubPrime Poster Child: CountryWide

2008-05-05T08:25:00.000-07:00

From the multi-million dollar compensation packages of its leadership as his ship slid downward, into what is now a a negative equity situation, Countrywide stands out, as hard as that is to do -- as one of the more notable, and infamous participants in the subprime mess. It was announced today that Bank of America might in fact walk away from Countrywide.

Reverend Wright! Reverend Wright!

2008-05-05T08:16:00.000-07:00

America needs to be distracted by more Obama-bashing. Otherwise, the dying breed of truth tellers (McClatchy being one of the last) will continue to tell stories that actually depict what's happening in the reality based world.

Hillary Reaching DINO Status

2008-04-21T08:05:00.000-07:00

It's still early -- April for crying out loud -- but Hillary is already displaying her DINO (Democrat In Name Only) credentials. I suspected this when my Hannity- and Falafel-Bill loving cousin indicated that he could support EITHER Clinton or McCain for president.

Troubling, But Certainly Not Surprising

2008-04-19T17:24:00.000-07:00

In the article "Behind TV Analysts, Pentagon’s Hidden Hand in tomorrow's New York Times, we learn the not-so-surprising manipulation by the administration of the military talking heads as a "rapid reaction force" to counter critical news coverage that shed an unfavorable light on the War in Iraq.

Though many analysts are paid network consultants, making $500 to $1,000 per appearance, in Pentagon meetings they sometimes spoke as if they were operating behind enemy lines, interviews and transcripts show. Some offered the Pentagon tips on how to outmaneuver the networks, or as one analyst put it to Donald H. Rumsfeld, then the defense secretary, “the Chris Matthewses and the Wolf Blitzers of the world.” Some warned of planned stories or sent the Pentagon copies of their correspondence with network news executives. Many — although certainly not all — faithfully echoed talking points intended to counter critics

Paraphrasing Al Gore, I have to download my outrage to external hard drive to make room for more outrage.

Update: PBS has produced a report on the story, and had in fact invited the other broadcast and cable news outlets to weight in. Their response: crickets.

Greenhills Dems Convene Again: April 17th

2008-04-15T18:44:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that we are supposed to get back together again Thursday, April 17th, at 7pm. Hope you all can make it! We need to get energized for the fall elections. I'm out of town on business, so both of my readers should try to make it up to the Greenhills Community Building Library in my place.

File Under Schadenfreude

2008-04-13T11:41:00.000-07:00

Feeling down, so I blog.

Saw this today and had that, as yet undefined (at least in the English language) sense of feigned disappointment, or as Wikipedia defines it, "pleasure from misfortune":

Alberto R. Gonzales, like many others recently unemployed, has discovered how difficult it can be to find a new job. Mr. Gonzales, the former attorney general, who was forced to resign last year, has been unable to interest law firms in adding his name to their roster, Washington lawyers and his associates said in recent interviews.

Surprised his former boss' reference doesn't seem to carry much weight, I guess.

Jeebus H.!

2008-04-13T11:37:00.000-07:00

On "Press the Meat," Carville and Shrum! You've got to be kidding me!?

Balance?

2008-04-13T11:31:00.000-07:00

Guests this week on Stephanophalagus:

George Will - Conservative, with flavors of "Neo-" thrown in for good measure
Donna Brazile - Centrist Democrat and Clinton Supporter
Mark Halperin - Right Wing Hack Neoconservative
Torie Clarke - Former DOD Spokesperson under Rumsfeld and NeoCon

Keep on looking...

National Health Care Costs / Percentage of GDP

2008-03-28T09:46:00.000-07:00

I was at a family dinner last weekend, and one of my relatives who works in the medical field mentioned that those who are begging for "universal health care better be careful for what they ask for." While I think the comment is fundamentally flawed, because I'm not sold yet that the decision is between what we currently have and universal health care, I firmly believe what we have right now is not working.

The graph, from this report referenced in a blog posting from Krugman speaks to the underlying dilemma. I think the argument should be that simply put, doing nothing, as we have not done pretty much for the time frame of this chart, is not working, and we need to now do something. I think for it's faults, (including the lack of a full mandate), Obama's plan is a good start, and is better than anything that has been proposed from the other side.

Steve Driehaus Looking for Contributions

2008-03-27T08:38:00.000-07:00

As mentioned previously, 01 is considered a key target in the 2008 election cycle for the Dems. Contribute early and often to Steve's campaign.

Next Meeting of the Greenhills Dems: April 17

2008-03-27T07:13:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that we are supposed to get back together again Thursday, April 17th, at 7pm. Hope you all can make it! We need to get energized for the fall elections. We'll be up at the Greenhills Community Building Library again.

Fries Cafe - New Home for Drinking Liberally Cincinnati

2008-03-27T07:09:00.000-07:00

This represents a certain harmonic convergence for me...

Hi all,

As you know, the District One chapter of Drinking Liberally Cincinnati hasn't had a permanent home in quite a while. Well, starting this Tuesday, April 1st, we're going to move into our new digs. To have a central location, we've chosen Fries Cafe in Clifton as our bar of choice. Fries is located at 3247 Jefferson Ave., just down from Ludlow. Fries typically has a wide selection of draft beers (they're especially fond of the Bell's brand), and has a very laid-back atmosphere to enjoy a drink or two in.

Now here's the interesting catch. Fries does not serve food (obviously that's why it's called a cafe), but they will allow you to bring food in from outside - so long as we clean up after ourselves. We're going to use this opportunity to patronize local restaurants as well. Each week we'll pick a neighborhood restaurant that one of the group will take orders for and bring in the food, or you can feel free to bring in your own if you'd like.

For the first meeting, we'll be bringing in pizza from one of Cincinnati's oldest and best pizzerias, Adriatico's Pizza (they're so old they don't even have a website). If you're interested in ordering with the group, be at Fries around 7:30 - we'll put in an order around 7:45-8:00 depending on group size (sorry, I can't do e-mail orders, we need you to be there so we can collect cash and such).

Any questions, feel free to reply to this e-mail. Hope to see you all Tuesday for the grand opening of the new location!

Cheers,
Adam

Hillary Did Take Sniper Fire in Bosnia

2008-03-27T07:07:00.001-07:00

Who Knew?

Apologies to the Greenhills natives who are Hillary fans.

Hagel: 900 Dead Soldiers Someone Else's Definition of Success

2008-03-23T18:19:00.000-07:00

Hagel nails it in this quick exchange with the Stephanopolagus. In essence, what is lost in the meme around the "surge is working" is that most everyone, including the talking heads in the mainstream media seem to forget that decrease in violence was not the end, in and of itself, but rather, a means to an end, whereby the Iraqi's would be able to build some semblance of a political structure opened up by the draw down in violence. The former has not happened, despite the latter.

Jon Stewart on Thursday described the Surge as a "Human DMZ (Demilitarized Zone)" that we continue to sustain, evidently indefinitely.

From My Email

2008-03-23T14:46:00.000-07:00

This Jewel of a Community-Growing up in Greenhills Ohio in the 1940's
A Lecture by Charles Gene Mefford
Monday, March 24, 2008
Greenhills Municipal Building11000 Winton Road
2nd floor - Handicapped Accessible
7:30 p.m.
All welcome
FREE REFRESHMENTS

Hillary's Plan

2008-03-22T06:12:00.000-07:00

A very republican co-worker suggested that Hillary, if she won the nomination would pick Bill as her running mate, and if that happens Obama would go independent, and run with Bloomberg. I replied that (1) I am fairly confident that Bill can not be Vice President (something about people who've been president can't be in line to be president again, or some such constitutional legalese), and (2) Bloomberg is a Republican at heart, and would not run with Obama, nor did I believe that Obama would pursue a cross-over corporatist as his running mate.

The point of this though is that I am now hearing rumors that Hillary might consider an independent run against Obama if she does not be the nomination. Given the the tenor of the commentary after the recent turn of events (Richardson's endorsement of Obama to name one), my sense is that this could be something she pulls off.

I could think of no better way to guarantee a McCain victory in the fall!

News Item from Friday Night

2008-03-22T06:11:00.000-07:00

Noted without comment:

White House: Computer hard drives tossed

The New Hybrid Scion

2008-03-20T19:50:00.000-07:00

I guess somebody thinks this is cool, but I'm sorry. This is just plain ugly

A Test for McCain - Support for the New GI Bill

2008-03-20T19:26:00.000-07:00

Who am I kidding. The "Maverick" actually putting his neck out and alienating his new-found base. Jim Webb will be waiting a long time for McCain's support for this, the new GI Bill for post 9/11 veterans. My prediction: won't happen this election cycle.

Holy Crap! JPMorgan Chase To Acquire Bear Stearns

2008-03-16T18:10:00.000-07:00

This is not a small thing. This is big cr*p-in-your-pants sort of stuff.

On Obama's Pastor

2008-03-16T07:46:00.000-07:00

The "God Damn America" comment by Obama's pastor as a standalone seems incendiary especially as the MSM is positioning it, no doubt, but the quote in larger context seems to drive to the heart of the social commentary for which he is known (from ABC News):

No, no, no, God damn America, that's in the Bible for killing innocent people," (Wright) said in a 2003 sermon. "God damn America for treating our citizens as less than human. God damn America for as long as she acts like she is God and she is supreme."

I disagree with Reverend Wright on one point: I do not believe it is America that is at fault for killing innocent people. I do believe it is the misguided policies of our leaders who should be damned, that resulted in the tragedy to which Pastor Wright is foreshadowing. I would add that the phrase itself, when compared with the commentary of some other supporters for other candidates (including those who suggest that we should bomb Iran as part of a larger war against Muslims, and/or that Catholicism is a cult), seems to pale.

And I think the biblical quote he is referencing seems to provide some clarity as to the underlying rationale of the spirit of his commentary: This from DailyKos. In many ways, the words he uses to provide his interpretation is shocking, and in a certain sense, is meant to shock his community -- shock it into action.

Additionally, I can't bring myself to object to his right to say these words. We live in America, and one of the greatest things about living in America is that commentary such as this has been part of what burnishes our views on all sides of all issues.

A Meeting of Greenhills Democrats, 3/20

2008-03-16T07:43:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that we are supposed to get back together again this Thursday, at 7pm. Hope you all can make it!

Blogs Afire with Anti-Hillary Meme

2008-03-08T15:01:00.000-08:00

And rightfully so. Her putting McCain on a pedestal (I think the technical term in the political circles - a term borrowed from the adult movie industry - is "fluffing") at the same time throwing Obama under the bus is getting out of hand. Although I haven't pinpointed her rationale, Randi Rhodes' theory is justthisside of far-fectched. Of her two theories, that (a) Hillary wants to be his running mate, or (b) she'll implode the party in order to give McCain the election this year, allowing her to come out in 2012, the latter seems more plausible.

Chabot Aide Gets Caught Doing Campaign Work from House Office

2008-03-08T11:29:00.001-08:00

Having worked in a congressional office, this is one of those things that you have to be careful about. We would get calls in the roll-up to campaign season in the office, and would have to refer them elsewhere, pretty quickly. Some of the mistakes are inevitable, and I put this in that category.

Managing China: Cincinnati Skyline Featured?

2008-03-08T08:36:00.000-08:00

Interesting Screen Capture from CNBC World this morning. This is a show called "Managing China" which, because it is completely in Chinese has captions. Today's topic was on the challenges in China dealing with firms who are illegally or inappropriately profiting off their association with the Beijing Olympics. Of note is the backdrop for the show: the Cincinnati skyline.

This Is What Real Accountability Looks Like

2008-03-06T06:07:00.000-08:00

I wish I had representation like this in Congress. Rep. Ackerman (D-NY) holds Satterfield accountable as Satterfield dissembles and tap dances his way through the responses.

Update (3/22): I can not seem to find an update. It means nothing if there's no follow-up. I hope that Ackerman's efforts weren't for show.

Open Thread

2008-02-26T19:49:00.001-08:00

Come on People. Let us know what your are thinking. I know you are out there!

I Voted on Saturday

2008-02-26T19:40:00.000-08:00

Open Voting was (and is) available on Saturday mornings from 8am-12pm. I headed down, and got to the Board of Elections by about 10am. I rode the elevator up with 5 other citizens, and stepped out to find a line of another 6-8 ahead of me, waiting to cast their ballot. As I got a view of the room, their were another 10 folks already standing at the voting booths casting their ballots. The BOE staff was working through the line with a great degree of efficiency, making sure all those in line had a clear understanding of the administrivia that accompanied a walk-up absentee ballot submission. The energy and excitement of being involved in the political process was palpable.

Now the even better news. I heard all 5 folks immediately ahead of me in line ask for Democratic ballots.

Bill Cunningham Makes Us All Proud

2008-02-26T19:38:00.000-08:00

...to be from Cincinnati. I know it's schtik, but its racist, malicious schtik. And shockingly, John McCain was not aware, nor did he anticipate Cunningham's commentary. Sad.

General Motors Leader: Global Warming is a "Crock"

2008-02-22T20:34:00.000-08:00

I guess I look at Bob Lutz's commentary (Lutz is the Vice Chair, responsible for New Product Development at GM) about global warming being a "crock of sh*t" and seem resigned to the fact that the U.S. Auto Industry will continue to trail the rest of the world in product development in line with customer expectations.

From a business standpoint, he has a responsibility to know his market, stay ahead of it, and where necessary, evangelize about his products to align with his most compelling market segments. Perhaps Bob wants to continue to appear to the "global warming is a crock o' sh*t" segment of the market -- and that's fine, if Bob is truly interested in pursuing a (by nearly all accounts) shrinking segment of the market. I know, given what he believes, I'm going to think twice about purchasing an alternative fuel vehicle from GM, quite simply because I'm not sure it's leadership is committed to supporting it long term.

Trade-Off: Lawmakers want Quiet Hybrids to Make More Noise

2008-02-22T20:29:00.000-08:00

Not to make light of this, because I think it makes some sense to the visually impaired, but it seems like we're worrying about this issue a bit early in the hybrid "adoption curve".

You Go to War with the Army You Have...

2008-02-22T18:12:00.000-08:00

Don Rumsfeld's moved on but his spirit of shorting the troops of the necessary supplies lives on in the stories from our brave men and women serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. Obama took some heat from the right for some commentary regarding an undermanned, under-equipped platoon during the debate last night, but his story checks out, according to CNN.

Chabot Shows Flashes of Bipartisanship

2008-02-22T17:39:00.000-08:00

In what can likely be termed a timely, and admittedly astute move for Ohio's First Congressional District Representative, Steve Chabot has shown some bipartisanship around the sub-prime mortgage crisis. He continues to maintain a fairly low profile within the district and for that matter in Washington. Will Steve Driehaus put together a message that can unseat Chabot?

All 7 Democrats Get Together in Greenhills

2008-02-21T19:11:00.000-08:00

Well, actually, the 8th, former Mayor Ron Otting, couldn't make it. But we've decided to get back together on March 20th, at 7:00pm. Tell your uncommitted friends to be there.

(Kidding about there being only 8 Dems in Greenhills. I think snow kept the other 4 away).

If We Could Only Travel Back in Time

2008-02-21T19:07:00.000-08:00

Although I see Kinsley's point, I really don't think the hypothetical he suggests would change anyone's view - at least not anyone who voted for Bush back then.

McCain Response to the Obama Video

2008-02-11T08:41:00.000-08:00

Very Funny Stuff - A McCain response to the Obama video

The Good Ol' Days

2008-02-09T06:24:00.000-08:00

Atrios pulls a news items out the archives, this one dating to 2003, on the cusp of the invasion. It speaks to Rep. Darrell Issa's(R-CA) efforts to position QualComm as the wireless provider of choice soonafter things settle down in Iraq. For each of these, there are hundreds more stories where BushCo companies profited off the war, that will likely never be told.

Spring Sports Registration in Greenhills

2008-02-03T09:30:00.001-08:00

Greenhills Baseball Registration forms are available for Greenhills Knothole T-ball and baseball through local schools and at Riley's, Wright-Patterson Credit Union, Ameristop and the Greenhills post office.

Greenhills Soccer registration is available online, at the Greenhills SAY Soccer website.

Good Speechifying Taken to the Next Level

2008-02-03T09:26:00.000-08:00

Worth a look-see from Obama supporters: Updated with working link

Reframing the Discussion

2008-02-02T07:44:00.000-08:00

Jamison Foser over at Media Matters does a nice job reviewing the commentary on the Democratic candidate's health plans. Key observation, coming out of the debate when Blitzer keys in on how the Dems will pay for their health care plans:

Indeed, one wonders why debate moderators don't ask the Republican candidates how they will respond to Democratic charges that they have run up massive deficits through grotesque fiscal mismanagement

This is indeed the fundamental question to ask.

I Haven't Heard Obama Much

2008-01-31T18:35:00.000-08:00

Hillary is dominating the California debate. Obama looks passive at times, almost conciliatory. I think if he was banking on Edwards' endorsement, contingent upon his ability to fight, this performance is not necessarily helping that effort.

And now, Let's take a look at the Monster Employment Index

2008-01-31T18:28:00.000-08:00

Sounds like a line from a scene in a Pixar flick featuring ghoulish newscasters. I had no idea it actually existed, and to be honest, it's not as funny as I hoped it would be.