Are there any parties going on? I'm hanging out with a good friend, but we don't know what we're doing yet... I'm seriously disappointed in Austin, TX this time of year. So much for the end of year hoorah before the move. Somebody, please prove me wrong about "the live music capital of the world".

If we lived in NYC, we'd probably be here on NYE:



Hosted By: Afro-Punk / Coup d'etat Brooklyn
When: Wednesday Dec 31, 2008
at 9:00 PM
Where Sly Art vs. Robot City
425 Broadway (between Canal St. & Howard St.)
New York, New York|33 10013
United States
Description:
Afro-Punk / Coup d'etat Brooklyn

Click Here To View Event

On Thursday, I forgot to mention all the things I'm thankful for, like family, friends I care about more than words can express, and the music, art and entertainment that compel me to laugh, think, and create. Guess this is it-giving thanks for the people in my life and the things I'm able to do that give me joy in my life.

One more joy in my life I forgot to mention on Thanksgiving Day? Writing about local events, people, and places - like the Master Pancake Theater Christmas Show at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. The Best Comedy Troupe in a Best of Austin 2008 poll is throwing a holiday shindig, an interactive clip show of classic favorites and oddities. I was lucky enough to talk with them about the method of their madness, and a reunion of sorts, with Sinus Show alumnus and celebrated writer Owen Egerton.

Read about the master movie mockers (how's that for alliteration) online now (and maybe in print - haven't picked up a copy yet) in The Onion's local entertainment features offspring - Decider. Master Pancake Theater: The Alamo's professional cut-ups get set to heckle the halls

For the link challenged:

http://austin.decider.com/articles/master-pancake-theater,1042/

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...
Addendum: Checked out a copy of The Onion at Opal Divine's Penn Field tonight. The interview's on page 25.

He's seeing green–and it's not political envy.


The one important issue the former 2008 presidential candidates agreed on is what may make the reality of global warming legislation–and a green economy–realities in our lifetime. In fact, Obama has been gracious by crossing party lines (offending some Democrats) because he is unwilling to be a sore winner. His meeting with Senator John McCain and response to Senator Joe Lieberman's possible censure indicate a President reconciling differences to get things done. According to a Capitol Watch post from the Hartford Courant:

"President-elect Barack Obama wants embattled U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman to remain in the Senate Democratic caucus, according to sources who have spoken to www.washingtonpost.com and www.huffingtonpost.com."

This kind of reminds me of a meeting of minds over two hundred years ago, between Presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Beyond the partisanship that strained their unlikely friendship after the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, they believed in a free and prosperous United States of America.

I typically don't trust politicians, but I don't question their motives or intentions. Most politicians are trying to represent the best interests of the people, but get sidetracked by petty partisanship, power plays, and corporate lobbyists. In the case of the strain between political rivals Adams and Jefferson, you can replace corporate lobbyists with wealthy men wanting to abstract the will of the people. Obama and McCain are faced with the same troubles America's founders faced. they are both aware a change is needed, and it will take men and women willing to set aside petty differences to ensure a free and prosperous nation, guided by the will of the people.

Based on my observations and reading, the will of the people is conserving our land, the world we live in, and providing more opportunities for prosperity. If you keyword search "green economy" on the internet, the motives of President-elect Obama become clearer. Conservatives and progressives alike may fear his agenda, but the fact that congressmen like McCain, Joe Lieberman, John Warner, and Barbara Boxer are crossing party lines to stave off the effects of global warming and provide incentives for corporations to reduce these effects is a sign that politicians are paying attention to their constituents–and truly becoming the government of the people and a democracy.

Watching documentary series like Frontline, American Experience, and reading the following articles from Time Magazine may convince you that the intentions of politicians like Obama and McCain are good. As an independent voter with conservative values and progressive ideals, I trust American history and peaceful transition in government is on our side. The fact that our 44th President constantly quotes the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution is also on our side.

Why the Climate Bill Failed

and

Despite the Economy, Obama Vows to Press Green Agenda

I don't like the headline of the latter article, because Obama seems to press the "Green Agenda" because of the economy, not "despite" it. The President-elect has obviously done his homework, and calling on McCain while will help him set a goal for the American economy that will help us become less dependent on foreign energy interests, help save the environment, and create new jobs that will stimulate a recessive economy enough for it to rebound and grow.

A green economy may seem scary to some because it isn't conventional wisdom, but a bold initiative that can succeed if we are willing to invest in new plans and businesses, and economize in other areas. Our country wasn't founded on conventional wisdom. It was an unconventionally bold experiment in democracy. Imperfect? Yes. But Americans enjoy more freedoms and opportunities than citizens of many countries now because America achieved independence despite conventional wisdom and ideology.

The climate bill that failed was a failure of politicians in Washington, D.C. and America. The politicians got caught up in all or nothing backbiting, and conventional thinking. They weren't willing to see global warming, or climate change, as a serious issue and do something about it. The liberal lawmakers claimed it wasn't progressive enough, and the conservatives were in denial about the message of global warming. It also seemed like both parties were trying to punish the messengers when the climate bill failed. I was saddened by Joe Lieberman losing his Environment and Public Works Committee position yesterday because of his work on the bill. Like the naysayers at the constitutional conventions leading to revolution, the status quo threatens to undermine doing the right thing for America.

Maybe it's extreme to compare global warming and green economy legislation to the American Revolution, but a secure climate and green economy is the right thing for America because it means more jobs; and most importantly it means declaring independence from foreign oil, conservation of natural resources, and a healthier environment–free from climate warming emissions and carcinogens that devastate our quality of life and threaten lives in the future. Terrorism is still a threat, but we must not overlook other threats to our future.

President-elect Obama demonstrates his willingness to work Senator McCain and overlook Senator Lieberman's political jabs to put our homeland, economic, and environmental security first, reconciling putting "Country First" with "Change We Can Believe In". With Senators Mccain and Lieberman supporting climate security and green economy bills, President-elect Obama will consider his presidency a success, and not a failure due to "politics as usual". And maybe once again, time will be on our side.

This is my last blog on MySpace until the U.S. Presidential election. Friends can still watch me find my marbles on LiveJournal. Others can "suck a cheetah's dick"*.

Five T-Shirt Designs or Logos I Would Never Wear

I don't like wearing t-shirts, unless all my pajamas are dirty, or I'm involved in some kind of strenuous activity, like exercise, or sex. So I rarely wear t-shirts. But if I could only wear t-shirts, these are the five t-shirts I would never wear (even though I'd really want to for the sake of shock and irony):


Actual logo on t-shirt worn by members of Count Dracula's Weed Smuggling Jam Engine. It would be hilarious, because I don't have a dick, yet I can be a dick sometimes... Ha-ha.


I think Cee-Lo looks a helluva lot better in a wedding dress than I would. Seriously. I wonder if Mondo Tees already has it in stock...


The irony would be very obvious, me being a fat chick. And me wearing a logo like this would probably shut up those rude drunk guys on 6th Street. Maybe...


It would be completely insensitive and anti-feminist, really. So I'd probably pass on wearing it as a logo on my t-shirt.


I bet this wasn't a PhotoShop job. What a classy President we have! (It was either this, or a photo of that baby shooting the finger.)

Next Year: Five Bumper Stickers I Would Never Have on My Bumper

*Quote attributed to Wesley Willis (1963-2003).

A lot has been said from two major campaigns during this long, grueling election process. Some of it true, some of it distorted, some of it completely untrue. As a "moderate" independent voter I took the time to research the facts presented from all the candidates, even considering a vote for two other candidates that the media has failed to present as progressive alternatives, Cynthia McKinney (Green Party), and Ralph Nader (Independent). I was also aware of the more conservative options as an independent voter, Bob Barr (Libertarian), and Chuck Baldwin (Constitution Party).

After making my decision and casting my ballot during the early voting period, I was nagged- and annoyed - by repeated allegations that one of the major party candidates is attempting to spread socialism based on a tax cut proposal. Because it's not true. The major issues to me are saving our constitutional rights, ending wars as peacefully and responsibly as possible, and the topics many other Americans care about: economics, education, and health care. I also pride myself on knowing the difference between socialism and nationalism, and which candidates promote either.

So to make sure independent voters like me, with no allegiance to either major party or any other party (Green, Libertarian, Reform, etc.) were completely informed, I've decided to post links to the campaigns for the two socialist candidates running for the U.S. Presidency. I'm sure the Socialist and Socialist Workers Parties were as offended as I was to find their party and ideals misrepresented by a major party candidate, for all the media to broadcast, to cast his opponent in a negative light.

For the record, the only socialist candidates running for U.S. President this year are:

Socialist Party USA (SPUSA) "America's Voice for Democratic Socialism"

President - Brian Moore (Florida)
Vice President - Stewart Alexander (California)

(Go to vote-socialist.org for more socialist candidate info.)

Socialist Workers Party, United States (SWP, US)

President - Róger Calero
President - James Harris (alternate in some states)

Unfortunately, I couldn't find an official site for the historic communist party, but I'm certain you can find information about their candidates @ votesmart.org.

I'm not endorsing any party or candidate here, I'm simply expressing concern as an independent voter who knows the difference between socialism and a proposed tax break. You may want to research all the parties and candidates, even if you have already made your decision and casted your vote. We need more informed citizens in America, whether we agree on certain issues or not.

I hope everyone registered, conservative and liberal - or somewhere in between - votes today. It's a freedom we should exercise and enjoy.

Yesterday I almost posted this photo, with a link to the article written by In These Times contributor David Sirota, "Remembering Those Other American Dreams".

The declaration below the bold title, "Democrats struggle to win blue-collar voters", makes me wonder why blue-collar workers struggle voting Democrat, especially considering most Democrats support fair wages and treatment on the job, and cost of living wage adjustments. Just "google" the Democratic and Republican voting records and tactics to increase-or stall-minimum wage, and you may agree.

But reading Sirota's opinion opened my eyes to the white collar elitism that happens when Democrats (and Republicans) don't truly value our hardworking Americans in farming and industrial communities. Forget "Joe The Plumber" who aspires to join the business owning class, and think about the majority of rural voters, farming and ranching worker votes, who make it a tie between McCain and Obama. And think how many workers in factories across the U.S. aren't certain either candidate will look out for them regarding fair trade, wages, and benefits. This election is also about American job security in an insecure world market.

For voters on the fence not swayed by racial and rhetorical pandering, they must look to nonpartisan media outlets to weigh the plans of each candidate and decide what's best for them. This means ignoring the condescension of both parties and making an informed decision for the "workin' man"-and woman.

Next Thursday: Animated self-portrait of me naked, showing peace sign.

A lazy ripoff of the latest post from The ITT List, the coolest blog on the planet:

http://www.theittlist.com/site/ittlist/ind/5217/a_palin_presidency/

I've overexerted myself-back to lunch!

Red, White and Black: A Salute to Fake (Hollywood) Black Presidents

The real America may not be ready for a real black President, but fake America-Hollywood-definitely is according to the history of film and television. A few of the following pictures of actors and comedians portraying melanin rich U.S. Presidents link to video clips for your enjoyment.



Sammy Davis Jr. (1933 - "Rufus Jones for President")

If the title and still from this satirical short musical seem stereotypical, your powers of observation are correct. At age 8, entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. starred as the title character, whose cuteness of thinking he can be President of the United States is overshadowed by the chicken and watermelon eating and dice playing. Yeah, that stereotypical.



James Earl Jones (1972 - "The Man")

I haven't seen it yet, but from reading the premise and viewing the clip (above) this movie seems made to appease closet racist as well as non-radical civil rights voters. The venerable actor James Earl Jones (the branding voice of CNN, and Darth Vader) plays a cabinet member who only gets the job of Commander-in-Chief, a.k.a. "The Man", after a series of freak accidents. (Shirley Chisholm never really had a chance, did she?)



Richard Pryor (1977 - "The Richard Pryor Show")

I'm a child of the 1970s, so I knew about my mom's Richard Pryor live 8-tracks (which I would sneak off and listen to when no one was paying attention), but I never knew about his short-lived prime time variety series on NBC until recently. Maybe because I was only four-years-old at the time. Well, luckily I can see the late comedic genius on DVD, along with a now stellar cast of comics making appearances on the show. In one of the "Richard Pryor Show" skits, Pryor portrays the president at a press conference-with black cultural references and racial fears exposed.



Tommy "Tiny" Lister Jr. (1997 - "The Fifth Element")

In an almost forgettable role in a Luc Besson film, Tommy Lister as President Lindberg reminds us that the President will have to contend with the bad guys as much as the economic policies of the country. Asteroids = Terrorists, "The Great Evil" = Osama bin Laden.



Morgan Freeman (1998 - "Deep Impact")

Starring as a cool, calm, thoughtful president (remind you of anyone?) in a deeply underrated movie (thanks to the crappy, overrated "Armageddon"), Morgan Freeman remains resolved to see the nation through a comet crisis. Race isn't even an issue when it comes to President Tom Beck getting the job done well, and when people are in a panic. Well done, Mr. President-I mean Mr. Freeman.



Dennis Haysbert (2001-06 - President David Palmer "24")

The actor now known for his assuring Allstate Insurance commercials and lead role in the CBS action-drama series "The Unit" co-starred in the popular Fox series "24" for five seasons as President David Palmer, a democratic leader of integrity. A lot of people claim his role made a lot of (white) people comfortable with the idea of a President Barack Obama.



Chris Rock (2003 - President Mays Gilliam "Head of State")

The craziest thing about this Black President movie isn't the scene-stealing late Bernie Mac as V.P. candidate, or the hip hop meets populist culture context of the...um...race...The craziest thing is that Chris Rock's character Mays Gilliam (a community organizer-ha!) is not simply played as a stereotype, but as an "everyman".



Dave Chappelle (2004 - Black President Bush, "Dave Chappellle Show")

Perhaps inspired by Pryor and the questionable (war) intelligence and tactics of our current president. The comically brilliant Chappelle offers a sublimely ridiculous skit, imagining if President Bush was black. Not much of a difference if you factor ignorance and stupidity...Click on the photo above and you'll understand what I mean.



Terry Crews (2006 - President Camacho, "Idiocracy")

A former wrestler and porn star is "President of America" in the 26th century? The issue of race is never brought up in this effective (and underrated) satire, because everyone is equally dumb and ineffectual. A scary, and not completely impossible future if we don't stay informed, valuing knowledge and progress.

From the latest Bust.com blog.

Unintentional Feminist Political Satire-or Sexist?

I'm definitely not a Palin supporter, but I respect her as a strong woman and feminist (seriously) who doesn't apologize for her beliefs and politics, even if they're wrong. I view this card as political satire, and could care less if it offends anyone, including other women and feminsts. It's tacky yet timely humor, and a flashback to the '80s when kids like me swapped Garbage Pail Kids cards.

Sarah Palin or Tina Fey still aren't very funny, but Fey does a great impression of Palin from what I've seen on "Saturday Night Live". I just prefer seeing Carol Burnet, Lily Tomlin, Whoopi Goldberg, Ellen Degeneres, Margaret Cho, Janeane Garofalo, etal... to political impressions by Fey and SNL castmate Amy Poehler.

Anyway, here's my comment on Bust.com's blog about the "Garbage Palin Kids":

Forgive the rambling, but doesn't anyone see the humor in our political process?

Palin reminds me of another (former) governor who currently holds the office of President, only she loves guns and hunting a heck of a lot more. Intelligence has nothing to do with who gets elected sometimes, which is a shame-yet funny.

Biden may have put his foot in his mouth a few times to hilarious effect, but who hasn't in both campaigns, e.g. John McCain-"Bomb, bomb, Iran"?… and Palin not having a clue what a V.P. does? Funny.

Satire is sometimes a form of flattery and free advertisement in politics, and all the candidates get it, Palin gets it. I disagree with Palin on most of the issues (on marriage and reproductive rights, clean/alternative energy, and last but not least the economy) but I respect her right to express her views, G_d bless her. And Palin has a sense of humor, even about herself.

I just wish SNL and the press had funnier bits about Obama-maybe about his high school partying and basketball. I'm sure he'd laugh at them as much as Palin laughs about Tina Fey's impressions. I'm certain she'll be laughing about the Garbage Pail Kids spoof too. It's surprising they haven't made one with Obama, a pacifier in his mouth and turban on his head. Yeah, I went there…

Next Thursday: A picture of Al Franken, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate (Minnesota), shaking hand of terrorist during his Operation Desert Storm coverage. That's almost as unforgivable as "Stuart Saves His Family" in 1995.

A LiveJournal blog, ripped from a Salon.com blog:

The Lady Tigra, formerly part of bubbly hip hop duo L'Trimm, has a new song available for free download at lazystrippers.com and MySpace, a biographical love song about Michelle Obama and her husband, Senator Barack Obama. It's called "First Black First Lady", and according to Salon.com it's "the latest from electro-hip-hop star -- and, we hope, skilled clairvoyant". Here's the video they posted from the site:




At the Show: The Lady Tigra [Obama-rama in Spaceland] - "First Black, First Lady" from Spaceland Recordings on Vimeo.

If I'm ever lucky enough to interview Lady T, I would ask her about the inspiration and process of writing this song about the possible First Lady and President, The Obamas, and who the rapper is featured on the track and video.

Next Wednesday: "Thanks, Governor Palin! I'm Buying A Rifle...And Shooting My TV".