Less informative, but more entertaining overall- I laughed out loud quite a bit, but at the same time my brain hurt when Gov. Palin was answering [not-answering] questions in her trademark convoluted/incoherent repetition-of-party-line-in-random-order run on uber confusing crazy sentences that are not unlike this one here which really don’t make any sense and hurts people to read and or listen to.

Her winks were cute though.

Still bothers me that the McCain campaign is so focused on propagating misleading information in exchange for quick, easy to understand, and attractive-to-middle-class one liners designed to stick in voters’ minds. Actually, both sides are guilty of this tactic, but the elephant side clearly employs it in higher frequency. (Hey, it works though, right?)

Another peeve was Gov. Palin reference to ‘McClellan’ a couple of times when speaking of the Commanding General (CG) in Afghanistan; I’m pretty sure the CG (the same CG that said an Iraq-style surge will not work in Afghanistan) is David McKiernan, not McClellan. A first error can be attributed to slip of the tongue, but the second misnomer confirms a lack of familiarity with the issue.

In the end, I was most impressed that Palin had the minerals to get on stage and attempt to hold her own. Props.

Watched the Presidential debates tonight and though I’m still largely undecided, I’m definitely starting to feel gravity from one side. I need to register to vote in MA because an issue much closer to my heart, Question #1 (Income Tax Repeal!), will be on the ballot later this year and I am all about an additional 5.3% of income. Eff all these special interest groups and Eff 2400 USD unemployment benefits.

(totally jacked this image from elsewhere :X would give credit if I knew where credit is due…)

What I disliked–

Obama– Talking points were too academic at first and too much on the defense unfortunately (not really his fault) which allowed McCain to control portions of the debate. A secondary result: less time spent answering lead questions. Following McCain with the bracelet stunt was not good. Dress was too much like a lawyer and not approachable. Too polite?

McCain– Too much personal attacks and the tinge of sarcasm rubs me the wrong way. McCain was too focused on disinformation campaign and spent too little time answering lead questions. Seemed to play toward earning the vote of the lower IQ individuals in the audience/those who don’t double check the facts by using airtime to spout inaccurate air time (it’s an effective tactic.) What was up with the “cutesy” voice used when addressing the audience? As a habit of many older people, the patronizing of someone younger (and being younger myself) also really bothers me. Experience does count for something, but I believe talent and intelligence trumps experience and wisdom. Bracelet ploy was lame - really, really lame.

What I liked–

McCain– (I personally thought it was heinous, but..) excellent choice of wardrobe - appeal to middle/lower class.

Obama– Keeping honest and not distorting facts to use against opponent for political gains.

Obama wins on presentability, behavior, and relevance, but I think McCain will score more votes out of this debate. The “What Obama doesn’t seem to understand” (or the many rehashes of that phrase) tactic definitely is strong and so is incorrectly portraying an opponent’s position live on international television. I respect Obama for not rolling up his sleeves, but I think his campaign could do much more than just stay on the defensive.

As I sat on the commuter rail at 11pm yesterday, suffering intolerable humidity and developing a case of extreme swamp ass, I began questioning the stereotype that the Pacific Northwest has terrible weather compared to the East Coast.

It was further perplexing to see this image on igoogle:

I actually see this pretty often, but it’s been quite the trend recently and after taking two, soaked-to-the-bone showers courtesy of mother nature while on the job in just the past month I’ve decided to do a little more research.

Results were expected - Bellevue/Seattle is more mild than Boston and rains less during the course of the year.

great video and so true.