In college, I studied Political Science and History, and although I am not working in a related field, I remain fascinated by the ability of politicians and parties to create a remarkable gap between public perception and reality.

That ability– to spin and distract from critical issues– keeps us from facing them honestly, instead focussing our attention on the petty and inane. The longterm effect of this, together with a continous pattern of material consumption, may lead to our downfall as the world's sole superpower. Not in a few years, but in a few generations. The voters sense this, which is why both parties are campaigning on change.. I doubt we will be able to change in time.

In college, I studied Political Science and History, and although I am not working in a related field, I remain fascinated by the ability of politicians and parties to create a remarkable gap between public perception and reality.

That ability– to spin and distract from critical issues– keeps us from facing them honestly, instead focussing our attention on the petty and inane. The longterm effect of this, together with a continous pattern of material consumption, may lead to our downfall as the world's sole superpower. Not in a few years, but in a few generations. The voters sense this, which is why both parties are campaigning on change.. I doubt we will be able to change in time.

In college, I studied Political Science and History, and although I am not working in a related field, I remain fascinated by the ability of politicians and parties to create a remarkable gap between public perception and reality.

That ability– to spin and distract from critical issues– keeps us from facing them honestly, instead focussing our attention on the petty and inane. The longterm effect of this, together with a continous pattern of material consumption, may lead to our downfall as the world's sole superpower. Not in a few years, but in a few generations. The voters sense this, which is why both parties are campaigning on change.. I doubt we will be able to change in time.

In college, I studied Political Science and History, and although I am not working in a related field, I remain fascinated by the ability of politicians and parties to create a remarkable gap between public perception and reality.

That ability– to spin and distract from critical issues– keeps us from facing them honestly, instead focussing our attention on the petty and inane. The longterm effect of this, together with a continous pattern of material consumption, may lead to our downfall as the world's sole superpower. Not in a few years, but in a few generations. The voters sense this, which is why both parties are campaigning on change.. I doubt we will be able to change in time.

And of course the ACL Festival is only two weeks away!

Add to that a trip the weekend after ACL to Dallas to see a production of the Merchant of Venice and then the new, updated Tutankhamun exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art, and finally the week after that 6 days in Sonoma and Napa.

Then I will be back, relaxed, refreshed and ready for the home stretch to November 4. Trying to keep some balance in my life, at least.

And of course the ACL Festival is only two weeks away!

Add to that a trip the weekend after ACL to Dallas to see a production of the Merchant of Venice and then the new, updated Tutankhamun exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art, and finally the week after that 6 days in Sonoma and Napa.

Then I will be back, relaxed, refreshed and ready for the home stretch to November 4. Trying to keep some balance in my life, at least.

And of course the ACL Festival is only two weeks away!

Add to that a trip the weekend after ACL to Dallas to see a production of the Merchant of Venice and then the new, updated Tutankhamun exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art, and finally the week after that 6 days in Sonoma and Napa.

Then I will be back, relaxed, refreshed and ready for the home stretch to November 4. Trying to keep some balance in my life, at least.

Frankly, I still rely more on the mainstream media than I do on what bloggers have to say. Most who blog come from such a biased vantage point, have little or no access to inside information, and write abominably. So, while I've been blogging for six years, I have little respect for most political blogging that gets done.

Presidential elections are a major buzz for me, though I do tire of the unimportant things that often take central importance in these “silly seasons.” As you say, that's nothing new. Few will recall, for example, that in 1960, one of the absorbing issues of one Kennedy-Nixon debate was what to do about Quemoy and Matsu. But even that's more substantial than arguing over “lipstick on a pig.”

Good post.

Mark Daniels

Frankly, I still rely more on the mainstream media than I do on what bloggers have to say. Most who blog come from such a biased vantage point, have little or no access to inside information, and write abominably. So, while I've been blogging for six years, I have little respect for most political blogging that gets done.

Presidential elections are a major buzz for me, though I do tire of the unimportant things that often take central importance in these “silly seasons.” As you say, that's nothing new. Few will recall, for example, that in 1960, one of the absorbing issues of one Kennedy-Nixon debate was what to do about Quemoy and Matsu. But even that's more substantial than arguing over “lipstick on a pig.”

Good post.

Mark Daniels

Frankly, I still rely more on the mainstream media than I do on what bloggers have to say. Most who blog come from such a biased vantage point, have little or no access to inside information, and write abominably. So, while I've been blogging for six years, I have little respect for most political blogging that gets done.

Presidential elections are a major buzz for me, though I do tire of the unimportant things that often take central importance in these “silly seasons.” As you say, that's nothing new. Few will recall, for example, that in 1960, one of the absorbing issues of one Kennedy-Nixon debate was what to do about Quemoy and Matsu. But even that's more substantial than arguing over “lipstick on a pig.”

Good post.

Mark Daniels

I am currently in the midst of the Toronto International Film Festival. For obsessive folks, there is nothing like a film festival to shift one's focus to what really matters: Nutters trying to create something out of nothing.

Lots of great little films that won't ever find a distributor. Then good ones that might be hits. Saw “The Other Man” the other day. Nice film about adultery, with Liam Neeson and Antonio Banderas (an often underrated actor, since his Almodovar days).

Rent a pile of DVDs, Elrod, and do a film marathon for a weekend. Nothing quite like it for recharging the spirit. Be sure to include craptastic films as well as classics for balance. It is good to laugh, and watch things blow up real good. As Epicurus said: Moderation in all things.

Sex. Often. (Forget Epicurus…he's dead!)

And finally . . . when there is nothing else left . . . there is Beer.

God's great gift to humanity.

Win or Lose in November . . . there is always Beer!

I am currently in the midst of the Toronto International Film Festival. For obsessive folks, there is nothing like a film festival to shift one's focus to what really matters: Nutters trying to create something out of nothing.

Lots of great little films that won't ever find a distributor. Then good ones that might be hits. Saw “The Other Man” the other day. Nice film about adultery, with Liam Neeson and Antonio Banderas (an often underrated actor, since his Almodovar days).

Rent a pile of DVDs, Elrod, and do a film marathon for a weekend. Nothing quite like it for recharging the spirit. Be sure to include craptastic films as well as classics for balance. It is good to laugh, and watch things blow up real good. As Epicurus said: Moderation in all things.

Sex. Often. (Forget Epicurus…he's dead!)

And finally . . . when there is nothing else left . . . there is Beer.

God's great gift to humanity.

Win or Lose in November . . . there is always Beer!

ps. I love this blog.

ps. I love this blog.