Public Musings

Great Idea

Mappyhour. A map of happy hours all over the world.

A short test run of Westwood and they are missing a couple good ones - Westwood Brew Co's deal during Laker games and Napa Valley Grille. But what do you expect, they're trying to cover the whole world.

Lame

Starbucks opens a starbucks not called starbucks that will serve merlot and beer.

If Starbucks is getting pinched in the recession, why not do what other businesses do to get more customers back - lower prices. Who is going to go get drinks at a Starbucks. That sounds incredibly lame to me.

WTF

JOE BIDEN: WE HAVE TO GO SPEND MONEY TO KEEP FROM GOING BANKRUPT: Vice President Joe Biden told people attending an AARP town hall meeting that unless the Democrat-supported health care plan becomes law the nation will go bankrupt and that the only way to avoid that fate is for the government to spend more money.

Eh? So when I am about to go bankrupt, I can solve it by spending more money? Thanks, Joe Biden.

My New Hero

Harry Alford, a follow up interview after his tif with Barbara Boxer.

Why is this guy heroic? Because he's NORMAL. As Phil suggested last week after watching episode 2 of Hung - a normal dude is the new anti-hero. This is where our society is right now... Listen to the guy talk plainly about his job, his experience, what he is doing testifying on the hill, and then his reaction to Boxer's idiotic comments. It's genius...but genius because it's so obvious and plain and true.

I'm now voting against Boxer. I suggest the Dems find someone else. I don't care about her seniority. She's a moron and deserves to go.

Slavery

Obama headline on CNN: Capacity for cruelty still exists.

Uhhhh. No shit.

Re - apologizing for slavery. I don't think slavery needs to be swept under the rug...it's an important thing to know about our history as a nation. But I also don't feel like I need to apologize for it since I've never owned a slave or profited from slavery or in anyway endorsed slavery. Although, I did intern. Maybe the government should apologize to interns.

David Carr on Nikki Finke

A Hollywood reporter on a Hollywood reporter.

It sounds silly, but it's actually really good.

Waiting Longer to Marry

On why Americans are waiting longer to marry. I think they are forgetting another obvious reason: life expectancy. We are living longer, so as a percentage of life spent married vs. unmarried, I would think the numbers might be similar. At least in my own head, marriage seems like a big step, a step from which you do not return. So what's the rush? Especially because I plan to live into my 80s and work into my 70s.

Deadly Afghanistan

The war in Afghanistan is heating up and the per-capital casualties are higher than in Iraq.

It is not obvious to me why we are changing tactics in Afghanistan. We are beating Al Queda in a war of attrition and the main leadership is operating out of Pakistan anyway. Why are we heating up to fight the reconstituted Taliban? What are we gaining by adding more troops? What do we hope to achieve? How will those more troops help achieve it?

What concerns me is that the idea and support for an Afghan "surge" is rooted in the mistaken American Liberal perception that Afghanistan was the "good" war and Iraq was the "bad" war...that we took our eye off Afghanistan in '03, etc, etc. This pig-headed view towards reality could turn a winning strategy into a losing one. It needs to be explained why we need to change tactics in Afghanistan and how a "surge" is going to achieve it. I'm flabbergasted Americans aren't demanding an answer to this question, especially in light of the violent opposition to the Iraq War and the Iraq War Surge. Here we are prepping to send a bunch of troops to perhaps swift the tides of war into our DISFAVOR (considering how a large number on the ground could turn the Afghan population against us), and yet everyone is just going along with it. Afghanistan is not Iraq. If you think Iraq isn't ready for democracy, Afghanistan REALLY isn't ready for democracy.

Furthermore, it isn't obvious that the surge ALONE worked in Iraq. The surge supplemented other facts on the ground - the Sunni Awakening - and resulted in the shifted tide against Al Queda. What facts on the ground in Afghanistan suggest a surge of US troops are going to help defeat the Taliban? Granted, the argument for the surge was that it would provide temporary security to find a grand political solution to the sectarian problem. It ended up working differently than planned, by setting the stage for ground up, grassroots, localized efforts to take back control from Al Queda, and undermining their efforts to bring about civil war. It gave Sunnis jobs and it had a ripple effect. I'm sure there could be similar positive externalities to a surge in Afghanistan. But there could also be negative. And is it worth the risk? Iraq is a keystone state in the most volatile region in the world. Afghanistan was a safe haven for Al Queda. We can keep it from being a safe haven with a minimal number of troops. What are we gaining by surging?

Boxer Lit Up



Amen!

UPDATE: Just judging by the video, it seems that Boxer tries to make her point by citing another "black" group who supports her favored legislation, as if all black groups would have the same opinion on given legislation. The ridiculous nature of such a claim highlights the flaws in viewing a minority community as a like-minded group and assuming such a group has a monolithic set of interests. Plus, it also just shows the stupidity of Barbara Boxer (our US Senator).

A Disgrace

Why we ever gave George Tenent, a medal, I do not know.

AP SOURCES: TENET CANCELED SECRET CIA HIT TEAMS: As CIA director in 2004, George Tenet terminated a secret program to develop hit teams to kill al-Qaida leaders, but his successors resurrected the plan, according to former intelligence officials. Tenet ended the program because the agency could not work out its practical details, the officials told The Associated Press. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the classified program.

Well, make it work, you frigging moron. This guy oversaw the agency for 9/11 and the faulty intel on Iraq's WMDs. Why he isn't a national disgrace is beyond me.

Ryan Seacrest

I must confess to barely knowing who or what Ryan Seacrest does or is, but I know he makes a lot of money. I guess he is on American Idol, but I associate Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell with American Idol, so yeah, I'm pretty ignorant on this whole thing...I know Liz Lemon apes "Seacrest, out" although I'm not sure what that is from....

...in any case, he jumps from WME to CAA because he doesn't want to pay full commission. The agents are calling him sleeze for not wanting to pay the full 10%. Here's the thing - the guy is signing a contract for $45 mil. It's not like the agents repping him now are the guys that found him when he was doing a one-person show on Santa Monica Blvd. They are guys who inherited him, field his calls, set his meetings, and maybe negotiate his deals (although I bet he has a lawyer doing it). In any case, an agent at his level, what do they do? They aren't pounding the pavement trying to find him a job. Do you think they deserve $4.5 mil for fielding some calls and reading submissions? Probably not.

Facebook Privacy Gaps

The Canadian privacy commissioner (I love that Canada has a privacy commissioner - what is that?) investigates Facebook for privacy gaps.

If you ask me, the entire concept of social networking - facebook included - is a privacy gap. Hat tip, Robyn.

Bruno Could Make You Homophobic, According to Barbara Walters

But what if you already are homophobic?

Sounds Like a Shia LaBouf Movie

Visa mistakenly charges $23,148,855,308,184,500 on credit card. Woops. The guy was also hit with a $15 overdraft fee.

Oh, Good

Farve to decide by July 30th whether he'll return.

He wouldn't want to drag it out...

First Pitch

Comparing Obama and Bush's first pitch.

Obama does not have a good arm. Bush tosses a nice bp like pitch - but what do you expect - the man was a baseball team owner. This is not a fair comparison.

But let me say this...if I ever get to throw out a first pitch at a baseball game, I'm humming in a 70mph+ fastball and the crowd is going to cheer. F-this lobbing over the plate. Even if it hurts my arm, it'll be worth it.

Interesting Theory

Is War Over?

He notes that there have been no wars between developed nations since 1945, and that other international wars that fit the classic definition — the violent resolution of a dispute between two or more nations — have become exceedingly rare. The number of open armed conflicts around the world, on average, has been declining for years. So, too, have the number of combat deaths and war refugees around the world. Is war becoming obsolete?

The other day on the radio, a British General was talking about British combat deaths in Afghanistan. The total - in the 30s. Yeah. I'm sure more Los Angelinos died between 2002-2009 from crime than the British have lost in the Afghanistan "war."

The hippies should be celebrating.

Non-Stories

Say what you will, but the news people deserve a lot of blame for the abysmal state of news. I'm watching tonight and all they are reporting are a series of non-stories.

1. Sotomayor's "wise Latina" remark. Are you effing kidding me with this already? The lady misspoke once, already retracted it, why in god's name is this what we're talking about? We should be talking about the issue of Sotomayor being a bad writer. This is not a flaw we want in a Supreme Court Justice. The Republicans, however, don't have a leg to stand on because their two most popular figures in the past 8 years - Bush and Palin - are not very high up on the old oral and verbal skills.

2. CIA's Secret Program to Kill Al Queda Leadership. Who on this planet didn't think the CIA was trying to assassinate Al Queda leaders starting on 9/12? What is the story here? If Congress is saying they were kept in the dark, they're a bunch of frigging morons. Of course the CIA was trying to kill Al Queda and hopefully still are. Jesus Christ what is wrong with these morons?

I stopped watching. This is like the Tara-Landry plot line in Friday Night Lights Season 2. A game-ender. How can I waste my time on this crap when there is Deadwood to be watched?

Scary

VDH on the "War Against the Producers."

Is Obama's tax plan going after the very engine of America's economy? This is Atlas Shrugged...

My Doppleganger

Notice the name of the author of this article about Al Queda in Yemen.

I feel like a few different choices along the way, this coulda been me. Maybe it is.

Obvious

Anyone who thinks the CIA ought not to target Al Queda leadership for killing is an idiot. Here is a pretty obvious legal distinction:

The title of the article uses the word assassination. This is unfortunate, not because it is not accurate in the sense we ordinarily use the term, but because US law and regulation contains a ban on "assassination." Assassination in that specific legal sense is prohibited - but also not defined in US law or regulation. However, successive administrations dating from the 1980s have taken the position - e.g., the speech in 1989 to which the article refers - that a targeted killing is not (prohibited) "assassination" if it meets the requirements for self-defense under international law, including self defense against terrorists. As then-Dept of State legal advisor Abraham Sofaer put it, the assassination ban does not apply to otherwise "lawful killings undertaken in self defense against terrorists." I don't know if this is open access online; it was issued in the Military Law Review in 1989, and Judge Sofaer and others have told me that it was vetted with DOD and the White House as being US policy and interpretations of law. I am not aware of anything that has overturned it as US interpretation of the US assassination ban.

From K&L Wine Merchants Newsletter

We may not have the centuries of wine-growing history here in California like they do in Europe, but the original "New World" of wine does have some stories to tell. Cuvaison and Chalone are two classic producers who made stellar Chardonnays in 2007 that ready to drink and priced to take home.

2007 Cuvaison Carneros Chardonnay ($15.99)

92 points and a Best Buy, Wine & Spirits: "Slice a late summer Bosc pear over puff pastry and bake it - the tart will taste a lot like the flavors of this Chardonnay. It's grown at Cuvaison's estate vineyard, on 30-year-old vines. Though tightly built, the wine broadens into the finish, refreshed by a bristle of acidity. Decant it for roast veal with chanterelles." (07/09)

92 points and an Editors' Choice, Wine Enthusiast: "A beautiful Chardonnay with so much class and elegance, it's a bargain at this price. Shows lush flavors of pineapple creme brulee, Meyer lemon custard and vanilla sorbet, balanced with crisp acidity and a fine touch of smoky oak. Perfect with shellfish." (08/09)

Cuvaison has been a name that has been around the wine world for sometime, since 1969 to be exact (under the same ownership since 1979), and they have been the proving grounds for some great up-and-coming winemakers who turned into legends, Philip Togni anyone? With more history than probably 99% of the wineries in California today, and access to great vineyard sites, it’s a wonder why we don’t hear more about them.

Maybe their 2007 Chard will change all of that. It has already caught the attention of key member of the press; note the double 92-point scores above. It also caught our attention and then it wouldn’t let it go. Maybe it was due to the fruit-driven nose of hot buttered pears, cherry flesh and watermelon. That was surely a great opening line. Or it could have been due to the lime zest, Granny Smith apples and sweet corn that are so explicitly laid out on the palate. Also possible was the lasting impression it left as the finish trailed off into flavors of honeydew and butterscotch. Whatever it is that catches your fancy, the best news is that for a paltry $15.99 this can easily be the new house white. (Bryan Brick, K&L) )

$15.99 is a sale. It usually goes for $18. Either way, it's good.

Michael Totten on Iraq

The link.

The United States has basically won the war in Iraq. No insurgent or terrorist group can declare victory or claim Americans are evacuating Iraq’s cities because they were beaten. America's most modest foreign policy objectives there have been largely secured. Saddam Hussein's toxic regime has been replaced with a more or less consensual government. I doubt very much that Iraq will seriously threaten the United States or its neighbors any time soon. It isn't likely to be ruled by terrorists as it probably would have been if the United States left between 2004 and 2007. It’s a relief. A few years ago, I was all but certain the U.S. would withdraw under fire and leave Iraq in the hands of militias. Even so, many have a hard time feeling optimistic about the future. Iraq remains, in some ways, a threat to itself.

The reduction in violence and the winding down of the conflict allowed me to see the country a little more clearly than I could when I first visited Baghdad. I’m sorry to report that the city is still as run-down and dysfunctional as it was when what passed for daily life was punctuated by gunfire and car bombs. Iraq is backward and messy not only by Western standards, but by Arabic standards.

Though he declares victory, there doesn't seem to be much to celebrate.

Hillary Betrays New York

Shouldn't be a big surprise. Read her last name.

Yup

An interesting post about diversity on the court. When Sotomayor is confirmed, there will be 6 Catholics on the court. Is that too many?

See, this is the issue with the concept of "diversity." What does it mean? It has so many permutations once you get down to it, it eventually becomes almost meaningless.

I Asked the Same Question

Did the toppling of Saddam lead to the recent events in Iran?

What A Bunch of Fucking Bullshit

Swearing apparently reduces pain.

Greeeeaaat

In the future everyone will work for free (in the creative content business).

More precisely, the marginal cost of digital products, or the cost of delivering one additional copy, is approaching zero. The fixed cost of producing the first copy, however, may be as high as ever. All those servers and transmission lines, as cheap as they may be per gigabyte, require large initial investments. The articles still have to be written, the songs recorded, the movies made. The crucial business question, then, is how you cover those fixed costs. As many an airline bankruptcy demonstrates, it can be extremely hard to survive in a business with high fixed costs, low marginal costs and relatively easy entry. As long as serving one new customer costs next to nothing, the competition to attract as many customers as possible will drive prices toward zero. And zero doesn’t pay the bills.

I think I picked the wrong business.

Best Places to Live

Almost none of them are in California.

Hmmmm.

Donde Esta?

Where is the job surge?

American-the-Pyramid-Scheme

More evidence for such...on how we count unemployment. Are the real numbers actually much higher?

Great Line

"Leonore, I have an MFA."

That's a Good Sign for Republicans

Republican pundits open fire on Palin for being a quitter.

If she is around in 2012, I suspect a serious section of the Republican brain trust will distance themselves from their party and possibly leave. Unless, of course, Obama steers the country into worse economic woes. Both of these are entirely possible.

Harvard's Economic Woes

Are Larry Summers and Robert Rubin doing to the country what they did to Harvard?

According to Instapundit: A “Ferrari without the engine.”

Obama Still Smoking

I don't blame the man for being stressed out.

Real Unemployment Actually Nearer to 20%

Yikes. I'm glad they changed the unemployment definition. Bastards. It turns out to be just another way for politicians to sugar-coat the bad.

More Trouble For Housing

To be honest, I'd like to see home prices drop another 10% if not more. Of what long term value is it to give tax incentives for first time buyers to prop up overall home values? You just get more people in more debt in order to save those who already overpaid. You want to help first time home buyers? Let the market bottom out so they buy houses for what they're worth - and what they can afford.

Damn Straight

A story about a business leaving LA because of the arbitrary and burdensome city taxes. As far as I'm concerned, the city of LA owes me about $300 in taxes they charged me as an "independent contractor" in 2007 when I made roughly $3000 in freelance work. Bastards.j

Vintage Tracy Morgan

Obama Exonerated

This is the second funniest thing I've read today. It is a frame-by-frame analysis of Obama's ass-peek.

Badonkadonk.

Clever Idea

Classic TV gets porn parody treatment.

Funniest Thing I've Read in Weeks

From Simmons mail bag.

Q: If Michael Jackson's memorial had ended with him jumping out of the casket and performing "Thriller," would that have been the best moment in television history? I think so.
-- Rick, New York

That's pretty much the best thing written about this whole MJ thing.

So I'm Not a 32?

Retailers are scaling up their sizing because Americans are getting fatter.

"You may actually be a size 14 and, according to whatever particular store you're in, you come out a size 10," said Natalie Nixon, associate professor of fashion industry management at Philadelphia University. "It's definitely to make the consumer feel good."

One more argument for American-the-pyramid-scheme. How did we let this happen?

Affirmative Action For Men?

Men are bearing the brunt of the recession. If one believes in affirmative action, why would it not apply to men if they are being disadvantaged - first in school and now in jobs?

I no longer think affirmative action is a good idea. I think it had a time and place, but now it's gotten to the point where the costs outweigh the benefits. Affirmative action is a system that helps those able to game it and does not substantially assist minority populations it is designed to assist. In short, it ends up helping individuals of certain minority-groups who don't need help.

This is not the same, however, as putting together a workplace team of a diverse skill set. Certainly, employers are entitled to hire whoever they want should they think they need a woman to balance out the office environment. Or a man for that matter.

But on an entirely different note, there is a potentially huge negative social cost to an abnormally large number of men out of work.

F-That Shit

Young taxpayers shouldering the burden of state employee pensions.

In California, a state worker can retire at age 50, do absolutely nothing all day, and collect 90 percent of their salary for the rest of their lives! 5,000 of these pensions amount to six figures incomes. Nor can the state afford the system it has. As the Matt Welch piece mentions, "the state's annual pension fund contribution vaulted from $321 million in 2000-01 to $7.3 billion last year." That is a rather alarming rate of growth, and an astonishing figure, don't you think? Given that the state is bankrupt and issuing IOUs to its creditors, it doesn't seem unreasonable to complain that public employee unions have extracted benefits that are both obviously unaffordable and far in excess of what is enjoyed by the taxpayers who finance them.

That's bullshit. No wonder we're bankrupt. My sister works for UC and they are making all employees take an across the board 8% reduction in salary. Because of things like this? I guess this is what they mean when they talk about mortgaging the future.