As I mentioned last month, Al Gore taped an episode of 30 Rock, and it aired tonight as part of NBC's "Green Week."
Gore had a pretty minor role, but that show is hilarious and I'm doing my part to keep it on the air. So, check it out online here for free. I'll post my favorite quote from the episode below, and feel free to post your own in the comment section. Or you can just send them to me during my weekly 30 Rock fan club chat on mindgrapes.net... ok that's not real, but if anyone wants to start it let me know.
(my future ex-wife)Liz Lemon: Jack you have to fire Greenzo!
Jack Donaghy (reading over focus group test results): Are you crazy? They love him in every demographic: colored people, broads, fairies, commies. Gosh, we gotta update these forms.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Recap: The Gore-acle on 30 Rock
NYC Lawyers Appeal to Musharraf (as if he'd listen)
Yesterday, the President of the NY State Bar Association, Barry Kamins, sent a letter to the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, General Musharraf. The letter was designed as a plea to the good nature of the General (as if he had one) to stop beating and imprisoning lawyers within their borders and to restore a separate and independent judiciary. Kamins makes reference to both international law and Pakistani constitutional law in an attempt to quell the flagrant human rights violations that are currently taking place in Pakistan. Kamins suggests that Musharraf must reestablish constitutional order as a means of preserving democratic principles in that nation. This seems to be another failed attempt at a democratic republic in the Islamic third world. But it is evident that the concerned citizens of the United States, specifically some of its legal minds, continue to evaluate the progress made internationally regarding the rule of law. Unfortunately, this kind of peaceful protest will not have the slightest impact on General Musharraf's decisions on how to govern his country. But thanks for trying, Barry. Here is the link to the letter:
http://www.nycbar.org/pdf/report/Musharraf_Nov7.pdf
Another First for Bush
For the first time in his seven year presidency, the Senate overrode President Bush's veto today.
The president vetoed a Water bill that, according to the New York Times, "funds hundreds of Army Corps of Engineers projects, such as dams, sewage plants and beach restoration, that are important to local communities and their representatives. It also includes money for the hurricane-hit Gulf Coast and for Florida Everglades restoration efforts."
The president called the $23B bill too expensive, and "his supporters have noted that the Army Corps has a backlog of $58 billion worth of projects and an annual budget of about $2 billion to address them."
The Senate's 79-14 vote completed the veto the House started Tuesday with its 361-54 vote. This is the first override since November 1997.
So, now that this is in the history books, let's take a look at other "firsts" for President Bush and his Administration:
- December 28, 2000: President- elect Bush is in late- night meetings discussing his choices for his cabinet. First time working past 7pm.
- February 18, 2001: President Bush has to travel to Europe for a G8 summit, not realizing that German TV doesn't carry the cable network USA. First time missing WWE Monday Night Raw.
- January 14, 2003: While watching football, President Bush chokes on a pretzel and loses consciousness. First time almost dying from a snack food. (That one is true.)
- May 20, 2005: President Bush addresses the nation about the struggle in Iraq. First time the word "freedom" is used as a noun, verb, adjective and adverb in the same sentence ("Freedom-lovers love freedom, their freedom-filled country, and the free people working to freedomly freedom that country. It's hard work!")
- October 1, 2006: President Bush hands his wife, Laura, sugar when she was actually pointing to half-and-half, apologizes. First time admitting a mistake.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Vote Obamas for Premier! Very Nice!
Borat Sagdiyev is back in the news. He recently conducted an email interview with news service Reuters to promote his new guidebook to "the glorious nation of Kazakhstan and the minor nation of U. S. and A."
Here's what Borat had to say:
Q: Which country to do you prefer -- Kazakhstan or the USA?
A: "I very much preferring Kazakhstan - it nicest place in the world! Please, you must look on my guidings book and then come visit. Bring your whole family and stay at Astana Funworld Resort - it have beautiful beaches, almost totally free of landmines and the sea is guarantee to have no jellyfish, shark, or any other marine life."
Q: Which people are smarter?
A: "Kazakh peoples is definite has more powerful brains. Government scientist, Dr. Yamak have prove that our glorious leader, Premier Nazarbamshev have IQ of 412 and a brain that extend into most of his chest - it no surprise that he have never fail in complete any jigsaw puzzle. Since 93 percent of Kazakh people is direct relate to him within 3 generations, rest of population also shares this great intellects."
Q: What advice do you have for people traveling around the United States?
A: "My book contains many useful informations for Kazakh peoples traveling to US and A - for example, best places to photograph ladies without their knowledge, location of Grand Canyons if you need place to dispose of a wife and location of Kazakh Embassy and where to go if you want to shoot a Redindians."
Q: When can people expect to see you in Kazakhstan again?
A: "I already in Kazakhstan, living very happilys with my new wife. This morning, I was awoke by my clock-radio (electronic LED), after which I remove my wife from her cage and she make me delicious breakfast of western cereal 'Frosties', which I have with delicious fresh milk from her chests. I then attach her to her plough and send her into the fields before returning to my bed until she come back at luchtimes to feed me again. Life is very nice for us."
Q: Who do you favor for President in the United States?
A: "I cannot believe that it possible a woman can become Premier of US and A - in Kazakhstan, we say that to give a woman power, is like to give a monkey a gun - very dangerous. We do not give monkeys guns any more in Kazakhstan ever since the Astana Zoo massacre of 2003 when Torkin the orang-utan shoot 17 schoolchildrens. I personal would like the basketball player, Barak Obamas to be Premier."
High Five!!!
Rudy Reels in a Big Fish (not to be confused with 90s ska band Reel Big Fish)
Today, Pat Robertson, a standard-bearer for the Evangelical Christian movement, endorsed Rudy Giuliani for president. This is huge for Rudy, who has courted social conservatives despite a pro-choice, pro-gay stance.
This hurts Mitt Romeny, who has tried to take the "real conservative" mantle, and Fred Thompson, who probably doesn't care.
In his endorsement, Robertson wrote:
It is my pleasure to announce my support for America’s Mayor, Rudy Giuliani, a proven leader who is not afraid of what lies ahead and who will cast a hopeful vision for all Americans. Rudy Giuliani took a city that was in decline and considered ungovernable and reduced its violent crime, revitalized its core, dramatically lowered its taxes, cut through a welter of bureaucratic regulations, and did so in the spirit of bipartisanship which is so urgently needed in Washington today.Interestingly, Robertson noted Giuliani's promise to appoint Supreme Court justices in the mold of John Roberts and Antonin Scalia.
Meanwhile, John McCain scored some points with social conservatives as well with the endorsement of Senate colleague and former Presidential candidate Sam Brownback.
What's odd is that in endorsing McCain, Brownback verbalized doubts about Giuliani's elect-ability, but elect-ability seems to have motivated Robertson to endorse Rudy.
The bottom line is that Christian conservatives are still split, but Rudy is now a viable option.
Picture of the Day 11/7
French President Nicholas Sarkozy jokes around with President Bush at a reception in Washington.
Sarko l'Americain (Sarko the American), as he's called in France, has made no secret of his admiration for the United States, particularly our work ethic and popular culture. He's vacationed in Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire (a la What About Bob?), jogged (an American act in itself) wearing an NYPD t-shirt, and threatened military action against Iran.
Somebody get this guy a Social Security Number!
While he has been critical of President Bush's lack of leadership on the environment and of our nearly 50 million uninsured, Sarkozy is regarded as the most pro-American French president in decades.
"I've come to Washington to bear a very simple, straightforward message. ... I wish to re-conquer the heart of America. I want to re-conquer the heart of America in a lasting fashion," he said.
The French president also paid tribute to American veterans who fought in World War II and ended by proclaiming "Long live Franco-American friendship."
To Be Or Not To Be: Actors/ Politicians—Friends or Foes?
I don’t deny getting most (ok, all) of my political information from late night TV. There’s nothing more infuriating to me than reaching the pinnacle of an article only to be told to find the remainder on page 26D. I mean who has time to navigate those unkempt, colorless pages when they’re falling out of place? Not to mention, that yucky black residue stains my alabaster fingers.
When watching the Colbert Report the other night, I found myself wondering, is he serious about running for President? Or is this a parody, a farce? Is he making a mockery of the American public? Or does he just like Doritos? Does Stephen Colbert truly want to be the leader of the Free World?
I pondered some more and asked myself, does Colbert have a shot at this? Could he actually win this “race”? I thought about the Robin Williams’ movie “Man of the Year” where the host of a late night political talk show becomes President. Would life imitate art? (Though, I don’t know if you can call a Williams’ movie art these days—long gone is Mork’s staggering genius).
Then I got to really thinking—brooding, if you will—are politicians just actors filling political roles and characters? They have speechwriters, campaign managers, even make-up and hair people; their lives parallel those of actors, as they are handed a script and directed accordingly.
(Act I; scene 2: Interview with Oprah; Act II; scene 4: New Hampshire Primaries; Act III, scene 7: The Convention; Act IV: scene 5: Election night; Act V; scene 3: Inauguration; Act V; scene 5: The First Couple’s first dance; fade to black. Fin.)
It’s no wonder actors find the metamorphosis to politics painless and almost seamless. After years of silver screen success, Ronald Reagan jettisoned himself into the Presidency. Sonny Bono found himself a seat in the House of Representatives. And Shirley Temple became a U.S diplomat. Even the former WWF wrestler Jesse Ventura governed Minnesota.
Currently, California harbors two of the most famous actor/ politicians of them all: Clint Eastwood (Mayor of Carmel) and Arnold Schwarzenegger (Governor). But my favorite is Law and Order star/ former U.S Senator Fred Thompson who is making a bid for 2008. I am a little concerned, however, that some Americans may mistake Senator Thompson for his character Arthur Branch. It’s easy to get to know Branch as the southern, ball- busting DA. But who is Thompson?
It seems that Americans naturally pigeonhole people. We check boxes to discern identities, ethnicity, and income. We don’t like flip-floppers. We want our candidates to fit a mold and stay there. We use political parties to draw imaginary lines while political figures have become simple caricatures.
This is easily seen in the common depiction of Bush as the Texas Cowboy. And those running have already been branded: Edwards is the pretty boy, Romney the rich kid, Hillary the (dare I say?) bitch, and Obama the token non-white guy. What is this? A Presidential race or The Breakfast Club?
SCENE.
To Be Released Today......
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
One Regressive Step for Blacks, One Regressive Leap for Our Time
In today's Boston Globe, Charlie Savage writes about how President Bush has found a legal trick to stack the US Commission on Civil Rights with conservatives who share his philosophy on justice, as it pertains to race. The commission, which is in its fiftieth year, is made up of eight members, and party representation must be equal between Republicans and Democrats, with the Congress appointing four and the President the next four. Independents can also serve on the commission.
That is where the injustice begins. There is no penalty for, say, a Republican member to switch her registration to Independent, as Commissioner Abigail Thernstrom did immediately following President George W. Bush's reelection. Of course, a change in party affiliation doesn't necessarily correspond with a change in philosophy. The article contends Mr. Bush was able to appoint more conservative members to the commission, thus negating any concerns the moderate and liberal members would have.
Mr. Savage explains how the Justice Department provided the White House with the legal reasoning for such a devious maneuver, tutoring then Senior Council Alberto Gonzales on why no court would overturn the practice.
Is any of this surprising, or even beyond this administration's capacity to exert control over what it deems is within its sphere of influence? The same administration that believes in torture, warrantless wiretapping, and the essential neutering of the other two federal government branches, sees civil rights to be something worth politicizing. They don't mind censoring reports that speak to the health effects of Global Warming, and they don't mind making sure that Black Americans have inadequate voting resources, as in Ohio, 2004.
It's no surprise then why the top Republican contenders skipped out on the Tavis Smiley debate in Baltimore earlier this fall, since they obviously won't provide suggestions on how they would rectify this adulterated commission. Like the old Palestinian adage, the conservatives never fail to miss an opportunity with respect to Black Americans.
Quote of the Day 11/6
"Our production will stop in the next couple of days because we will stop writing. The strike lasted five months the last time . . . this could be that long."
- Tina Fey writer, star and executive producer of 30 Rock to CNN yesterday on the picket line. If this strike interrupts my programs I am going to be pissed. Last night, late night programming went into unexpected reruns with Letterman, Leno, Conan, The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, The Late Late Show, and Jimmy Kimmel Live all repeating.
In a show of solidarity with his staff, Daily Show host Jon Stewart (a former TV writer), will pay the Daily Show and Colbert Report writing teams out of pocket for the next two weeks.
Barack Obama also weighed in on the strike: "I stand with the writers," Obama said in a statement. "I urge the producers to work with the writers so that everyone can get back to work."
So here's a shout out to Liz Lemon (my future ex-wife)... the letter Dennis gave her after she broke up with him, the perfect speech for a guy with a broken heart:
Dear Liz Lemon:
While other women have bigger boobs than you, no woman has as big a heart. When I saw you getting ready to go out and get nailed by a bunch of guys last night, I knew for sure it was over between us. And for the first time since the '86 World Series, I cried. I cried like a big dumb homo. And if it was up to me, we would be together forever. But there's a new thing called "women's liberation" which gives you women the right to choose and you have chosen to abort me, and that I must live with. So tonight when you arrive home, I will be gone.
I officially renounce my squatter's rights.
I'll always love you. Goodbye and good luck. I'll never forget you.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Manning vs. Brady
Yesterday, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning faced off on the football field. I'm a huge Manning guy, Brady, not so much. So while Tom may have prevailed on the gridiron yesterday, there's a more important playing field-- Saturday Night Live. I've posted their best SNL skits below, both are hilarious, and you can judge for yourself.
Writers On Strike? What's next?
The Screen Writers of America West officially went on strike today in Los Angeles and here in New York. An industry-wide strike could mean that some of your favorite shows might air in the coming seasons with hacks. Who knows what to make of this, as it seems like a settlement is not close between parties involved. I just hope that the producers give them what they desire so that the new season of 24 can air on time and with the best writing team possible for my favorite show. I mean Jack Bauer can do a lot, but to ask him to write for the show as well might be pushing it a little.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/05/business/media/05cnd-strike.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
Picture of the Day 11/5
US ally General Musharraf of Pakistan has cracked down on dissent. He is limiting the opposition party, and has pushed off parliamentary elections. This puts the US in a terrible position. We flat out need Pakistan to defeat Al Qaeda as they stream across the Afghan boarder, and Musharraf, while imperfect to be sure, has proven a relatively moderate voice. The Bush Administration has said it will continue to supply billions in aid, but has called on the general to abandon his military post (which he said he would) and hold free and open elections (seems unlikely).
Above, the police clash with lawyers, whom are the main dissenters in Pakistani society.
And I thought passing the bar was tough.
New Link
If you check the SAM's Links on the sidebar, you'll notice a new website posted. It comes courtesy of SAM blogger PTB, it's a site called Real Clear Politics. It's a great resource, with daily links to tons of interesting articles.
So check it out, and if something piques your interest, why not write about it on this site? (Probably because you're lazy that's why)
One Way to Waste $3M in New York City
The New York Daily News has a front page story today about a Women's Museum that wasn't. In 2000, then- Governor George Pataki proposed a bit of a pet project: A 10 story world class museum in the heart of Battery Park, Manhattan to celebrate the struggle and achievement of women. His wife, Libby, chaired its development committee.
The proposal quickly gained approval, and an estimate of the museum's total costs was $146M, including $27.5M for artifacts, most of which was supposed to come from private donations.
However, seven years later, the proposed site is vacant, $3M of taxpayer money has been spent, and one artifact (a wagon used for women's suffrage rallies in New York City) was purchased. Despite money spent to drum up private donations, only $22,650 was ever raised. Read the article for the ridiculous things taxpayers bought (Flying board members in from around the country, giving them a daily stipend, putting them up at a fancy hotel... for nothing).
Yesterday, New York pulled the plug on the project. Governor Elliot Spitzer and Mayor Mike Bloomberg announced a new school will be built there instead.
According to the News the school is "desperately needed." So the public will see a benefit after all.
As for women's history- maybe the school should be named Susan B. Anthony High. She'd probably have liked that.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Obama on SNL
Barack Obama made a suprise cameo (is that redundant? I don't think so) on SNL last night. He showed up to Hillary Clinton's Halloween party wearing a Barack Obama mask.
The skit is actually pretty funny, with all the Democrats showing up in costume. My favorite part has to be Bill dressed as Mystery.
And by the way, Horatio Sanz playing Bill Richardson... who could have predicted that?
Saturday, November 3, 2007
What it's All About
A site called Glassbooth.com provides an excellent quiz to match you up with your ideal presidential candidate... this is awesome, so please check it out.
Actually, I conducted this exact study with my 8th grade social studies class to tell them whether their beliefs were more in line with Republicans or Democrats (I guess we should have known back then). First, you gauge how important the top issues of this election are for you. Then, you give your stance.
It's quick and painless, and by the end you know which candidate fits your beliefs best.
I was surprised by my results... but let's just say that by a score of 88% I ought to enjoy expensive haircuts, silk suits and massive punitive damages in tort claims.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Bush Cracks Halloween Joke about Cheney
Apparently the "Darth Cheney" jokes aren't lost on the president.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
New Edwards Ad
Here is John Edwards' new ad that's running in Iowa. It plays up his working class roots, and his commitment to the middle and lower classes.
As his deputy campaign director said: "What this ad does is begin to build on the argument John made the other night that … right now we face the moral test of our generation."
Yesterday, I argued with a friend who said that Edwards is now so rich that he can't relate to the people he claims to protect. His haircuts cost hundreds, he lives in a gigantic mansion, and made millions as a trial lawyer. But he's the son of a North Carolina miner (I think) and the first in his family to go to college.
To me, his talk about "Two America's" is genuine, and comes hard won. Most importantly, he has the detailed proposals to back it up.
D. Wright on the D. Show
Mets 3B/ my hero David Wright was on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart last night to promote his "Do the Wright Thing" charity event. On it, he said he'd switch positions to accomodate Alex Rodriguez, talked about the Mets' collapse and listened to Jon Stewart compare A-Rod to Dick Cheney... check it out.
