499 to 39

That would be the landslide tally in the Electoral College if Bush stood for re-election today.

And the map would be a sea of Democratic blue instead of blood Republican red.

"Loggerheads"

How did this movie miss the theatres? Hollywood spends butt loads of money producing such light weight fare as "The Shaggy Dog," then lets something like this bypass the theatres and wind up on DVD with no P.R. to speak of.

And they wonder why box office receipts are so low?

In Rotation

Quality tunes currently burning up my iPod...

Wherever You Are - David Mead

Golddigger - Supreme Beings of Leisure

Blown Away - 54 Seconds

It Isn't Easy to Live That Well - Headlights

The Seed - The Roots and Cody Chestnutt

Lovelight - Lewis Taylor

Tired of the B.S.

The hard right turn toward Fascism in the United States continues.

A woman is cited for having an anti-Bush bumper sticker. Watch the story here.

Morons

They'll run ads for the Mormon Church but the major TV networks won't run an ad for the United Church of Christ. Why, you ask? Their philosophy is "no matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you're welcome here."

I guess that message is just a bit too "christian" for the religous zealots of the right.

Check out the ad here.

Spineless

Any chance that Sen. John McCain (Republican-AZ) had of getting my vote for president in 2008 - however remote - just went out the window. His pandering to President Bush and the fascist wing of the Republican Party - the very people who f*cked him over royally in the 2000 South Carolina primary - make him seem extremely spineless.

Every Child Left Behind

From yesterday's New York Times:

Thousands of schools across the nation are responding to the reading and math testing requirements laid out in No Child Left Behind, President Bush's signature education law, by reducing class time spent on other subjects and, for some low-proficiency students, eliminating it...

...with many schools that once offered rich curriculums now systematically trimming courses like [history and science].

Such a move would be detrimental to the future of the United States. While I agree that reading and math abilities need to increase drastically, to take any focus off science and history would be devestating. America's children will only be able to compete with the Bangalores of the world if they excel in science and history, as well as reading and math.

Rather than trim these courses, perhaps school districts around the country should make changes to their calendar, adding another hour or two to the school day and another month and a half to the school year. (Offering incentives to young professionals to teach for a couple of years before joining the private sector wouldn't be a bad idea either, but that's a subject for another day.)

I for Impeachment

Yesterday I went to see "V for Vendetta." The movie tells the futuristic story of a radical right-wing Britain; a totalitarian state complete with government-controlled airwaves, oppression, cruelty, and corruption. My DP, my best friend, and I left the theatre discussing the policies of the current administration and how they could lead the United States down a similar path. Then, this evening, I read this:

When President Bush signed the reauthorization of the USA Patriot Act this month, he included an addendum saying that he did not feel obliged to obey [the act's] requirements.

Holy crap.

Holy fucking crap.

A President signs a law, then says he doesn't have to follow it?? Throw censure out the window, my friends. If ever there was a reason for impeachment, this is it. And not just Bush. Remove the Vice-President from office too and let the House Speaker finish out the rest of this presidential term.

Impeachment now. Before it's too late.

Worst President Ever

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

I don't think there's much question that President Bush is the most conservative president in modern American history. But the issue is not his conservatism; it's his radicalism and destructiveness, his willingness to wreck the state. 'Worst ever' covers a lot of ground. But I think there's a good argument to be made that he is.

-Josh Marshall (who is more centrist than he is liberal), agreeing with Mark Schmitt's assessment at how history will assess George W. Bush.

$70 Million Billy

I had no idea the whole Clinton/Whitewater matter was still tangled up in the court system. But after seven years, $70 million, and minimal findings, the case came to an official close yesterday when the Supreme Court of the United States declined to hear the last remaining appeal.

Example # infinity of the Republicans wasting your money.

Brokeback Box Office

"Brokeback Mountain" has broke the $80 million mark at the box office and is now the 8th highest grossing romantic drama since 1980.

Incompetent

Incompetent: (Adj.) not qualified or suited for a purpose; showing lack of skill or aptitude; not doing a good job; (noun) someone who is not competent to take effective action.

According to a new Pew Research Center poll, more Americans describe President Bush as incompetent more than any other one-word description. Idiot, liar, and arrogant also rate pretty high.

Anemia

There hasn't been one poll done in the last 2 to 3 weeks that shows the President's approval rating above 39%. But this evening a new Pew Research poll shows his approval number at 33%. That is the lowest it's been in any poll, I think.

33% is Nixon and Carter territory; and with such anemic numbers flowing into the White House you have to wonder if the administration will get a clue.

Then again, if Karl Rove goes to Mr. Bush and says, "Mr. President, your poll numbers are anemic," the President might just respond with a declaration of war against Anemia.

Maureen Stapleton

Legendary actress Maureen Stapleton died Monday at the age of 80. She was in the select club of stars who won the "triple crown" of show business - an Oscar, an Emmy, and a Tony award.

I remember when she won her Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for 1981's "Reds." After three failed nominations (for "Lonelyhearts" in 1958, "Airport" in 1970, and "Interiors" in 1978) Stapleton got up on that stage, accepted her statuette, and said, "I expected to win because I'm old and tired and I deserved it."

Indeed she did.

Those crazy baptists

The Republican Party should really think about making this chick their new spokesperson. Watch the video. You have to hear it to believe it.

(Via Jimmy Kimmel by way of Crooks and Liars.)

Quote of the Day 2

"I recall Tim Fields, one of the vice-principals at my school, having to think for at least a minute when asked by the office lady, 'What should I put down for reason of withdrawal?' If the basis of my expulsion is so unclear to them, then surely the circumstances surrounding it are extremely questionable and the grounds on which I was removed are both unfair and unexplainable."

-Brandon Flyte, on his expulsion from West Linn High School in Oregon after presenting his assigned video project; a mini-movie that included (gasp!) a same-sex snuggle scene.

Brandon, for the record, is straight.

My friends, Fascism is alive and well in our nation's high schools.

Quote of the Day

"Senator, when you took your oath of office, you placed your hand on the Bible and swore to uphold the Constitution. You did not place your hand on the Constitution and swear to uphold the Bible."

-Law professor Jamie Raskin to a right-wing Maryland state senator during a hearing on a proposed state Constitutional Amendment to prohibit gay marriage.
(Courtesy: Wayne Besen)

Morph the Cat

The new solo album from Steely Dan front-man Donald Fagen is out today and I can't wait to get my hands on it. Judging from the samples on iTunes, this could be Fagen at his best.

Wicked

That nasty sinus infection I had a couple of weeks ago has turned bronchial. Feeling pretty wicked and I am home again today. Whatever it is, it's going around. Starts off as a cold, then you start to feel better, then your chest gets congested and you're floored again. My doc said from start to finish it lasts about 3 to 4 weeks. This is my third week so hopefully I am on the upswing. Popping antibiotics and some Mucinex; keeping hydrated.

Ugh.

Smack-down!

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

Margaret Thatcher defined a socialist as someone who knows how to spend other people's money. That is something George W. Bush has done his entire life. It was once his family's money or that of foolish investors. Now it's yours and mine. Trillions of it.

-Andrew Sullivan, after attending a conservative forum today in New York.

At this conservative event, former Reagan aide Bruce Bartlett called President Bush "unconscionable," "irresponsible," "vindictive" and "inept."

I will let their statements speak for themselves.

Florida, Redux

Andy Towle (via Nick Starr) has the scoop on how "Crash" beat "Brokeback Mountain" at Sunday night's Oscar ceremony.

It seems Jeb Bush and the Supreme Court may have been involved.

Stars In His Eyes

Eric, a dear college friend of mine with whom I have had the fortune of reconnecting recently, has himself one hell of radio blog. This week he has outdone himself...

-"I Didn't Mean to Turn You On" - the Cherrelle original, not the Robert Palmer re-make

-The under-appreciated "Inside Love" by George Benson

-1980's "Stars In Your Eyes" from uber-keyboardist Herbie Hancock

-The Sylvers' uplifting 1978 classic "New Horizon"

-And, Stacy Lattisaw's powerhouse "Let Me Be Your Angel" (she was just 14 when she recorded the song).

I highly suggest you log on and take a listen. EJ is a DJ to be reckoned with!

Fiscal Insanity

I was all for the president having the line-item veto when Congress gave it to Bill Clinton, so it is only fair for me to come out for it under George W. Bush. (The Supreme Court struck it down the first time around.)

But, on the other hand, under the current administration, the United States is heading for a world of hurt. The Financial Times lays out the bleak picture.

The Signs of a "Crash"

Another take on the Academy Awards from the Hollywood Reporter's Martin Grove.

The Oscars

Well, the Academy Awards went pretty much the way I thought they would. While I predicted "Brokeback Mountain" would win the Best Picture prize, I was fully prepared for the "Crash" upset (see my Friday predictions essay).

A few thoughts:

-Reese Witherspoon's acceptance speech was the most genuine of the evening.

-John Stewart did the best he could. A suggestion: Let's cut the host, the monologue, the musical numbers, and the montages out of the show next year. Stick with giving out the awards and I guarantee, not only will the show come in under 3 hours, but ABC might increase their audience as well.

-It used to be that the Best Picture and Best Director prizes went to the same movie. It was a very rare occassion when the Academy would split their ballot. But over the last several years it seems Oscar voters are more than happy to spread the wealth and last night was another example of Hollywood ballot-splitting, with Ang Lee taking the much deserved Director prize and "Crash" walking away with Best Picture.

Will Oscar go for "Broke?"

Handicapping this year's Oscar race sure has been interesting. In some categories the winner can be easily predicted. But in others the guessing game is as hard as I can remember. Will Oscar go for "Broke?" Or will it come in for a "Crash" landing? My predictions...

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS:

For a long time this category was always considered the wild card, with the trophy being awarded to out-of-left-field winners such as Marisa Tomei and Juliette Binoche. But the last three winners (Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renee Zellweger, and Cate Blanchett) were all considered the front-runners going into the movie awards season. This year should be no different.

Rachel Weisz's win at the Golden Globes surprised me. But since then she has picked up momentum (and a SAG award) and going into the weekend she should be considered the front-runner.

Michelle Williams might win but I have a hunch the night will leave "Brokeback Mountain" without any acting trophies. If there is an out-of-left-field upset, then Amy Adams wins for "Junebug" or Catherine Keener wins for "Capote."

I say place your bets on Rachel Weisz.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR:

This is, without a doubt, the toughest category to predict. The toughest in a long time, by far. It really is a thorn in my side this year. The way I see it this is a three to four-way horse race, so let's dispense with the guy who will not win: William Hurt. There is absolutely no buzz with this nomination. He is out.

That leaves George Clooney, Matt Dillon, Paul Giamatti, and Jake Gyllenhaal. The Academy is going to give "Brokeback Mountain" its Oscars elsewhere on Sunday night. Therefore I believe that, unless the movie rides some unexpected tidal wave, it will go 0 for 3 in the acting categories. Scratch Gyllenhall.

That leaves three. According to press reports there is apparently a Clooney vs Giamatti contest going on within the Academy. The fight goes like this: Giamatti was snubbed last year for his performance in "Sideways" and the good folks of Hollywood will want to make up for that snub by awarding him for his performance in "Cinderella Man." Clooney has three Oscar nominations on Sunday night - for writing and directing "Good Night, and Good Luck" and here for his role in "Syriana." The writing and directing awards will go to other nominees, so conventional wisdom says the Academy will not want to send Clooney home empty-handed on Sunday night and will mark their ballots for him here.

But, should the current contest between Clooney and Giamatti result in split votes, then Matt Dillon sneaks in and takes the prize for his powerhouse performance in "Crash," a movie which happened to be riding a wave of renewed interest as Oscar ballots were being marked. Thus, I think this race has actually become a fight between Clooney and Dillon.

So, my prediction? I have no idea. My heart tells me Clooney but my gut says Dillon. Do I play it safe or go out a limb?

I'll play it safe: George Clooney wins...maybe.

BEST ACTRESS:

A relatively easy category, with Reese Witherspoon the odds-on favorite to win for playing June Carter Cash in the biopic "Walk the Line."

The only possible chance at an upset would come from Golden Globe winner Felicity Huffman for her performance in "TransAmerica." Uber-movie executive Harvey Weinstein has been working full throttle on her behalf. Unfortunately for Huffman, Mr. Weinstein's magical powers aren't what they used to be.

Keira Knightly's nomination for "Pride & Prejudice" is her prize. Charlize Theron won in this category just two years ago. Judi Dench will probably tally last in the number of votes cast for her.

Witherspoon wins.

BEST ACTOR:

I really wish I could say that Heath Ledger was going to win for his amazing performance in "Brokeback Mountain." His truly is a performance for the ages. Acting students will be studying his work in this film for decades to come. In his creation of the Ennis del Mar character Ledger never made a wrong move, and if there is any justice he will win on Sunday night.

But when it comes to the Academy, justice is blind. The writing has been on the wall here for months. Philip Seymour Hoffman will win for his portrayal of Truman Capote.

On the small chance that Ledger and Hoffman somehow fall short, then Joaquin Phoenix sneaks through and wins for his roll as Johnny Cash in "Walk the Line." None of the other nominees have a chance.

Count on Hoffman.

BEST DIRECTOR:

Ang Lee will win for his work on "Brokeback Mountain." It truly is the best film of the year and Lee's brilliant direction brought out powerful performances from his entire cast. Even in the event of an upset in the Best Picture category, count on Lee to win here.

BEST PICTURE:

When I read two weeks ago that Roger Ebert predicted "Crash" to win the Best Picture prize I thought for sure the man had cracked his crystal ball. It is a powerful, emotional, complex picture – a close second in my rankings behind "Brokeback." But it was released in early May and "Brokeback Mountain" was steamrolling through the awards season to the ultimate finale...a Best Picture Oscar.

But then I realized that I should never question Ebert's crystal ball. It seems "Crash" has indeed grown some pretty strong legs. All the elements of an upset are swirling around this category.

What could possibly keep "Brokeback Mountain" from this prize? The 6,000 member motion picture Academy still has its conservative members, many of which would never vote for that "gay cowboy" movie. Are there enough of them to keep the Ang Lee masterpiece from its assumed place at the top of the heap? And if these conservatives vote against "Brokeback" would they really then mark their ballots for "Crash?" Probably not.

Yet, "Crash" still seems poised to knock the cowboys off their perch. Could it be that "Brokeback" peaked too early? In the end, I doubt it.

I don't think there will be enough votes to carry "Crash" past "Brokeback Mountain." But it will be close.

And so there you go. Right or wrong, that is how I think things will play out at the Kodak Theatre on Sunday night.

Anemic

Five polls released this week showcase the trend: Americans are fed up with the President.

CBS News: 34% Aprroval, 59% Disapproval

CNN/USA Today/Gallup: 38% Approval, 60% Disapproval

LA Times/Bloobmerg: 38% Approval, 58% Disapproval

Quinnipiac: 36% Approval, 58% Disapproval

Even Fox Jazerra has Mr. Bush at 39% Approval, 54% Disapproval (Even when his numbers are anemic, Fox polls still have a pro-Bush slant.)

Bush: National Service not a priority

Via Paul Glastris: Example #infinity why George W. Bush has never been - and never will be - up to the task of being president. In a 9/12 world, AmeriCorps is exactly the type of government program we should be expanding, yet the Prez'dint from Crawford wants to cut their budget by 80 percent. Yes, you read that correctly. 80%!!!

In October of 2001, Sen. John McCain (Republican-AZ) explained why AmeriCorps' call for national service is vital.

Whacked

Laid up at home the last couple of days with one hell of a sinus infection. Back at work today, but only barely. More blogging this evening and my Oscar predictions tomorrow.