Random Friday Post

Shout out to Pandar. Team Awesome like whoa.



Happy now?

[Slate]

Anne Hath-a-way With Me

Can I just say, I'm super excited to see "Rachel Getting Married." It's been getting good buzz and Kenneth Turan's review of it in the LA Times is excellent. This will come up time and time again and I'm not ashamed to say it, but I am pretty much that White Person that Christian Lander is talking about in Stuff White People Like. And I feel my excitement about "Rachel Getting Married" has something to do with #3 and #10; I love indie films. (RGM is not a Wes Anderson film, but I think #10 gets across the point that that's the kind of movie I like.) I blindly love indie films too. They're funny in weird ways and usually have great music and pretty colors to look at. When I go to the video store with Boyfriend, I am drawn directly to the dvd cases with "Sundance" stickers on them. This often gets me in trouble because I don't really pay attention to the subject of the movie, just that it's indie. Like one time I rented "Elephant" by Gus Van Zant because it looked good and indie and had high school kids on the cover and I thought, oh awesome, this will be like "Juno" or something. Except that it was, basically, a reenactment of the Columbine shootings in terrible detail. I still go for the Sundance rentals, I just make sure to read the back of them now too.

But I digress. What I really wanted to talk about is Anne Hathaway. Way back when, I saw the "Princess Diaries" and I thought she was awkward, both in her mannerisms and her look. I didn't really like her that much in "Brokeback Mountain" either; I think I had seen "Princess Diaries" too many times. But then the more I saw her in stuff--other movies, on the red carpet, doing interviews, what have you--I started to like her more. And, especially in "The Devil Wears Prada," she's like Richard Gere in that the older she gets, the prettier she gets. She was one of my favorites on the red carpet of the Oscars last year and her thing with that Italian con artisty guy gave her some major street cred to me. She's just simply adorable now, but with a smart edge. Ultimately, I agree with Turan that this could be a career-changing role for her, a more disturbed and brooding character that I'm really interested in seeing her take on. And I'm rooting for her to do a good job with.

I'll let you know how it is when I see it.

An Actually Serious Discussion About the Vice Presidency and the Debate

The Vice Presidential debate mattered a lot last night for surface issues; it was the Duel of the Gaffes. Would Sarah Palin continue fumbling her way through responses with the same cluelessness she had during her recent string of press interviews? Would Joe Biden get angry and impatient, losing poignant arguments in a barrage of verbiage? Who would have the best one-liners? Would anyone cry?

Were this the core of the debate--and to many people, this is the only reason they tuned in to watch--then both candidates exceeded expectations spectacularly. After viewing the debate, one would probably say, wow, everyone seemed to have their shit together. No major screw-ups and no major positive game-changers. So for the surface, the debate mattered because neither team swung the momentum in the other team's direction.

But in terms of substance--of what each candidate would actually say after we stopped concentrating on how they said it--the VP debate matters very little. The Vice Presidency is, in essence, a wing-man kind of position. The job of the VP is to be an "agent" for the President. According to the Constitution, the VP has no real executive powers. The VP's most important jobs are to 1) take over for the President in the event of death, impairment, or resignation, and 2) to preside over the Senate and to act as a tie-breaker in the event of a tie vote. Beyond that, the VP does whatever the President asks him/her to do and represents the administration overall. It's a position of mentoring--to give the President advice when it is solicited, to be a spokesperson for the President's views, and to be a general sense of support for the President. And of course, to be ready and willing to step in and take over if it's necessary. In a way, the VP is a steward of the adminstration. With little outlined responsiblities, the Vice President can act as a check within the executive branch, supervising, aiding, and guiding his colleagues.

Over the past 8 years, the Bush administration has stretched the boundaries of the vice presidential position. Vice President Cheney has removed the buffer that the vice presidency provides the Executive and has inserted himself into controversial policies and programs that should require a more objective lense and second opinion. And he's clouded the office with an unprecendented amount of secrecy and unaccountability. Most importantly, the Bush administration has asserted that the Vice President is not only a part of the Executive Branch, but also the Legislative Branch, given the VP's (usually minimal) role in the Senate. Such an assertion goes beyond the basic function of the VP in the Senate--a tiebreaker in a rare occassion of impasse--and compromises on of the fundamental pillars of our democracy: a strong system of checks and balances. By exerting Executive power within the Legislature, the Bush/Cheney version of the Vice President infects this carefully constructed system of checks and balances with unnecessary partisanship and almost unstoppable executive power.

Because the current administration has, in essence, redefined the role of the Vice President,--a role that, frankly, I feel is unwarranted and almost dangerous--I was most interested in hearing how both VP candidates see the job of the Vice President. In last night's debate, towards the end of the broadcast, Gwen Ifill asked for what I had been waiting for:

IFILL:...Governor, you said in July that someone would have to explain to you exactly what it is the vice president does every day. You, senator, said you would not be vice president under any circumstances. Now maybe this was just what was going on at the time. But tell us now, looking forward, what it is you think the vice presidency is worth now.

(cutesy exchange of little substance)

PALIN: No, no. Of course, we know what a vice president does. And that's not only to preside over the Senate and will take that position very seriously also. I'm thankful the Constitution would allow a bit more authority given to the vice president if that vice president so chose to exert it in working with the Senate and making sure that we are supportive of the president's policies and making sure too that our president understands what our strengths are. John McCain and I have had good conversations about where I would lead with his agenda. That is energy independence in America and reform of government over all, and then working with families of children with special needs. That's near and dear to my heart also. In those arenas, John McCain has already tapped me and said, that's where I want you, I want you to lead. I said, I can't wait to get and there go to work with you.

IFILL: Senator?

BIDEN: (brief comment about education from previous question)

With regard to the role of vice president, I had a long talk, as I'm sure the governor did with her principal, in my case with Barack. Let me tell you what Barack asked me to do. I have a history of getting things done in the United States Senate. John McCain would acknowledge that. My record shows that on controversial issues.

I would be the point person for the legislative initiatives in the United States Congress for our administration. I would also, when asked if I wanted a portfolio, my response was, no. But Barack Obama indicated to me he wanted me with him to help him govern. So every major decision he'll be making, I'll be sitting in the room to give my best advice. He's president, not me, I'll give my best advice.

And one of the things he said early on when he was choosing, he said he picked someone who had an independent judgment and wouldn't be afraid to tell him if he disagreed. That is sort of my reputation, as you know. I look forward to working with Barack and playing a very constructive role in his presidency, bringing about the kind of change this country needs.

IFILL: Governor, you mentioned a moment ago the constitution might give the vice president more power than it has in the past. Do you believe as Vice President Cheney does, that the Executive Branch does not hold complete sway over the office of the vice presidency, that it it is also a member of the Legislative Branch?

PALIN: Well, our founding fathers were very wise there in allowing through the Constitution much flexibility there in the office of the vice president. And we will do what is best for the American people in tapping into that position and ushering in an agenda that is supportive and cooperative with the president's agenda in that position. Yeah, so I do agree with him that we have a lot of flexibility in there, and we'll do what we have to do to administer very appropriately the plans that are needed for this nation. And it is my executive experience that is partly to be attributed to my pick as V.P. with McCain, not only as a governor, but earlier on as a mayor, as an oil and gas regulator, as a business owner. It is those years of experience on an executive level that will be put to good use in the White House also.

IFILL: Vice President Cheney's interpretation of the vice presidency?

BIDEN: Vice President Cheney has been the most dangerous vice president we've had probably in American history. The idea he doesn't realize that Article I of the Constitution defines the role of the vice president of the United States, that's the Executive Branch. He works in the Executive Branch. He should understand that. Everyone should understand that.

And the primary role of the vice president of the United States of America is to support the president of the United States of America, give that president his or her best judgment when sought, and as vice president, to preside over the Senate, only in a time when in fact there's a tie vote. The Constitution is explicit.

The only authority the vice president has from the legislative standpoint is the vote, only when there is a tie vote. He has no authority relative to the Congress. The idea he's part of the Legislative Branch is a bizarre notion invented by Cheney to aggrandize the power of a unitary executive and look where it has gotten us. It has been very dangerous.

Indeed, not only, to me, was this the most important question of the evening, but provided the most important responses. From both candidates' responses, it is clear what role each sees the Vice President as having. Sarah Palin champions the increased role of the Vice President in the Senate. She repeats that the flexibility that she believes the Constitution gives the Vice President will allow her to"usher in an agenda that is supportive and cooperative with the president's agenda". To me, this translates to: the Executive's agenda is most important, and dissenting opinion, in the Senate or otherwise, will be trumped.

In contrast, Joe Biden, along with stating outright that he believes that the Cheney Vice Presidency has gone too far, advocates a role for the Vice President that not only rolls back the unwieldy powers of Bush/Cheney, but goes so far as to provide a check for the President himself when he feels he disagrees.

Given who the candidates are as people, these contrasting views are not surprising. John McCain, as the more experienced on his ticket and, arguably, the most heated and opinionated, chose a running mate with little experience and knowledge, but who can exert power (and, again, arguably, abuse it) when needed. Barack Obama, on the other hand, is less experienced and very open to advice and guidance when he admittedly is not an expert on certain issues. He chose Joe Biden, a Senate veteran and someone who is known to never hide how he feels. But as an aging leader, he's happy to take a back seat and play support.

I wanted to watch the debate last night because, like many Americans, I wanted to be entertained. As primetime entertainment, the debate wasn't very exciting. Surprisingly, however, what I came away with--and what I hope many Americans did too--was a clear picture of what and who the Vice President should be.

For Those of Us Who Are Visual Learners

[ph33r]

Initial Thoughts on the VP Debate

If you see the post below, you know that I was watching the Phillies from about 7pm on last night. The VP debate started at 9 and they overlapped a little. Now, like most folks, I like to drink beer while watching sports, so I was in a special state when the debate came on. I definitely knew what was going on and could process some of it. My analysis skills at that point were less than sharp, however. I think my first reaction to the whole thing was "Why is everyone talking so fast?!"

I've been watching clips of the debate this morning and reading other analysis and transcripts, so I will have somewhat intelligent things to say about it a little bit later today. But I thought I would share with you some of the gchat conversations I had last night during the debate:

10:04 PM Friend 1: she is kicking ass
seriously
KICKING ASS
enough said
x-(
me: yeah, if she answered the questions she was asked
also, wow, she didn't throw up on herself
way to go
10:05 PM Friend 1: one quick study
10:07 PM me: i mean, of course i'm on the i agree with what i already believe team
i'm also a little drunk from watchign the phillies game
Friend 1: i know that was the shit
victorino!!!
10:08 PM me: fuck yeah!
seriously!
ahhhhh the phillies are so awesome
lol
who woulda thought? brett myers---great batter?
wtf
Friend 1: i know
10:09 PM 19 pitches in the first 2 at bats
me: i get so nervous
"team of mavericks"
Friend 1: haha
such bullshit
me: i'm sorry, i really can't stand her
10:10 PM like anythign that comes out of her mouth
such bullshit
Friend 1: yea but she's good
10:12 PM
Friend 1: ask palin what article 1 is
bitch
10:19 PM me: anyway, i really have no idea what's going on
everyone is just talking so fast!
Friend 1: haha
its a really good debate
all around
me: i need keith olberman to tell me what i think
10:20 PM lol
Friend 1: no
he's a blowhard
me: i'm just kidding!
Friend 1t: funny, but a blowhard
me: totally
and a di a
diva
Friend 1: indeed
me: at least biden didn't seem like a condescending woman hater
10:21 PM wait
was that an attempt to choke up?
oh joe
10:22 PM Friend 1: i think he honestly choked, but not because of what he was saying
me: yeah, but...wow
lol
Friend 1: guiliani, romney, mccain and lieberman is not a diversity party
10:23 PM me: it's a country club
10:24 PM except lieberman (he's a jew...i don't know if you know)

Another Conversation:

me: shoot me
Friend 2: not watching it
me: let me tell you, being drunk for the debate is not good
10:19 PM everyone is talking so fast!
10:21 PM these are the last remarks
10:22 PM and joe biden just attempted to choke up
like, cry
Friend 2: weird
me: i knwo
talking about his wife and daughter who died
10:23 PM Friend 2: well i hope he could cry about them
me: i mean, of course
but in response to palin talking about being a mom
10:24 PM i definitely need to sleep on this debate
it's all so confusing!
you're lucky you're not watching
10:25 PM
the phillies won!
lol

Best Headline of the Day: Hawaiian Punch

So last night I was working, like every night, until 6pm, which is when the Phillies were set to start Game 2 of the NLDS against the Brewers. Traffic in Georgetown is always fabulous, so I was in the car for a quite a bit, slamming my steering wheel and hoping that everyone at GU was infected with norovirus so they couldn't leave the house and impede my way home. While crawling down 34th street at about 6:30, I called Boyfriend at home to see how the game was going. "1-0 Brewers. Brett Myers sucks, Phillies can't hit for shit." Great, I thought, here goes Playoff Bust 2.0. But then I remember to think positive, and continued my journey home.

I got off the elevator and immediately heard a "Go go go!!!! Ahhhhhh! Whoooo! Yessss!" erupting. I ran to the door and sure enough, I had just missed Shane Victorino hit a grand slam in the 2nd to put the Phillies up 5-1. Long story short, the Phillies pulled out a win at Citizens Bank to lead Milwaukee in the series, 2-0. The craziest part was that Brett Myers's pitching was just okay, but he really took it to CC Sabathia as a batter, forcing him into 19 pitches in just 2 at-bats. His first at-bat ended in a walk that helped load the bases and primed Victorino for his grand slam. It was a really a team effort in a game where our hitting, for the most part, remained relatively cool.

Needless to say, it's a real advantage to be up 2-0 in a 5-game series, especially now that they are heading to Milwaukee. Veteran Jaime Moyer pitches tomorrow night in Game 3. Here's hoping for a sweep! Bring on Mannywood (because wtf Cubs? seriously)!

In other weekend sports, Penn State (6) plays Purdue at noon tomorrow on ESPN. The Eagles take on the Redskins in a big game at home at 1pm on Sunday.

Daily Dose

Literally the Best VP Debate Drinking Game Ever

Okay people. So the VP debate is tonight. I have been waiting for this shit show ever since McCain announced Sarah Palin as his running mate. It's probably better for my blood pressure that the Phillies are on right before the debate, so I will have already been drinking and be tipsy enough to not care so much. But for those of you who will commence your drinking at the start of this monumental match of intellect, I give you Literally the Best VP Debate Drinking Game Ever.

-Warm up. Chug your beer if all of the following occurs:
a) Both Candidates show up
b) Gwen Ifill is still the moderator
c) McCain does not accompany Palin on stage
-Take one sip anytime Palin says "reformer"
-Take one sip anytime Biden says "change"
-Take two sips anytime Palin says "hockey mom"
-Take two sips anytime Biden says "I take the train home everyday"
-Every time Palin mentions one of her kids by name, take the number of sips corresponding to that child’s birth order ( 1 for Track, 2 for Bristol, 3 for Willow, 4 for Piper, 5 for Trig, and 6 for Bristol's baby)
-Drink from the spot in a response where you think Biden should stop until he actually stops talking
-Drink from the point where the moderator needs to clarify a question for Palin (ie the Bush Doctrine) until Palin actually gives an answer sort of close to what the question asked
-Drink the amount of time it takes Biden to define something before he answers the question
-Drink the number of syllables of a foreign name or place Palin pronounces correctly
-Take a sip anytime you smack your head after a response from Palin
-Take a sip anytime Biden smacks his head after a response from Palin
-Chug anytime either say "Literally." Here's looking at you, Joe.

Have fun!

One Down, Two to Go

Woot woot! So the Phillies won yesterday afternoon, 3-1 against the Brewers in the NLDS. Whew. We have officially done better than we did in the playoffs last year! I'm having trouble talking about the whole thing, even though I am ridiculously excited, because winning one playoff game is not enough. We need to win the NLDS and in order to do that, we need to win today (and one time after that). Regardless, Cole Hamels was amazing yesterday--so amazing that he should have stayed in the whole game. And my boyfriend, Chase Utley, had a clutch double to score 2 runs in the 3rd and an amazing defensive play in the 8th. Brad Lidge gave us pretty much the only heart attack all game. Our hitting is still a little cool, but I am confident that the win Cole Hamels got for us yesterday will help the rest of the team relax and start hitting again--they'll need to be on their best game against CC Sabathia tonight. So yay Phillies!

[Philly.com]

Hey all. I have some things to take care of this morning, so the posts are minimal today. When I come back, I'll catch you up on things, like the PHILLIES WON YESTERDAY and the VP debate tonight. Holler.

Daily Dose

VP Debate Tomorrow

There are nearly 24 hours to go until the VP debate tomorrow night. It's not too late to "postpone", Sarah! Here are some good excuses you could use:

-You need to run to Washington to save the economy.
-Bristol is going into premature-premature labor.
-Trig has a cold.
-You will not talk to anyone, including Joe Biden, until you are shown respect and deference.
-You were making mooseghetti in Wasilla and you think you left the stove on.
-Willow was keeping a lookout and saw Putin walking down the street.
-You realize your candidacy is a gimmick and you are completely in over your head.


Oh this is funny. 23/6 has a great simulation of Joe Biden practicing being nice for the debate tomorrow.

SO EXCITED

OMG THE PHILLIES ARE ON IN ONE HOUR!!!!

I LOVE YOU CHASE UTLEY 4EVER!!!!

The Media Monster is Out to Get You

Over the last year as the presidential primaries and campaigns have heated up, there has been an increasing scrutiny of the media. Each major candidate at one time or another has posited that "the media"--whether they characterize the media as "liberal" or "mainstream" or what have you--is out to get them in some way. They don't like me, they're misrepresenting my position, they aren't digging up enough dirt about my opponent, they are being sexist, they are being racist, and on and on and on.

I think this whining at the fourth estate has been taken to a new level of shrillness with the McCain campaign at the moment, which is struggling to formulate a coherent message to the public, even five weeks out of the general election. Especially with the addition of Sarah Palin to the ticket, they have blasted the media for being "in the tank" for Obama, have questioned the credibility of news sources (namely, the NYT), and have refused to allow the media to talk to Palin unless they showed "some level of respect and deference."

Just today in a radio interview with Hugh Hewitt, Palin says she receives poor media treatment because she represents Average Joe Sixpack. Now, since when does the media not like, as she says, Joe Sixpack? Aren't these the same people that watch their shows, that give them ratings, that attract advertisers, that pay its salary? And how all of the sudden does being a part of the media exclude you from being an average joe? Do reporters, journalists, cameramen, photographers not have mortgages and bills? Do they not have families and churches? Are they not also a part of this country?

Of course, the media operates on a sometimes different set of standards and priorities. They have a ethics code they are held to (and sometimes fail to hold) and are at the mercy of a good story, yes. But when a reporter puts down his or her microphone and heads back home for the night to his or her family, how does it benefit them to "be in the tank" for one candidate or another? Everyone has their biases, but to accuse the media for your own shortcomings is to underestimate your own power to control the conversation, to overestimate the power of the media as one huge conglomeration, and to underestimate the sophistication of the American voter.

Oh I almost forgot. Sarah Palin, a journalism major, is especially qualified to speak about the media since she reads "all of 'em."