Police Raids in Twin Cities.

As the self-proclaimed salesman for Minneapolis, I usually only post the good stuff, but this is such bad news that I have to share it.

There is an entire site, TheUpTake, reporting how the police in The Twin Cities are raiding homes and arresting citizens who are protesting the Republican National Convention.

Check it out. It's kind of scary what big brother is capable of. And to think this comes from the party that claims to want small Government...

Inappropriate.

Remember how Focus on the Family asked their supporters to pray for rain during Barack Obama's speech? I find it mildly amusing that God did not answer their prayers, but instead sent a hurricane to tear through New Orleans precisely at the opening of the Republican National Convention.

No Way, No How, No McCain.

This article sums up why I still have no interest in supporting the GOP:

"Today, John McCain put the former mayor of a town of 9,000 with zero foreign policy experience a heartbeat away from the presidency," Obama spokesman Bill Burton said in a statement. [emphasis mine]

Burton also criticized Palin as a vice presidential pick for her support of oil drilling in the Alaskan wilderness and her anti-abortion stance, referring to the 1973 Supreme Court decision that made abortion legal in the United States.

"Governor Palin shares John McCain's commitment to overturning Roe v. Wade, the agenda of Big Oil and continuing George Bush's failed economic policies. That's not the change we need, it's just more of the same," he said.

The choice of Palin was seen as a bold effort by McCain to attract disgruntled Democratic and independent supporters of Senator Hillary Clinton, who was defeated by Obama in the race to be the Democratic Party's presidential nominee.

Palin, a telegenic conservative, has led the oil-producing northwestern US state since December 2006 and was the first woman and youngest person to hold that state's top job.

Hopefully you can see that once John "No Regulation" McCain dies in office, we'd be left with someone who has only the experience of managing a village, not a country. That would be bad. Very bad.

I cannot wait for the debate between zero-experience Governor Palin and well-tested veteran Senator Biden. That will be one slaughtering I will not want to miss.

Obama's Tax Cut!

Find your Obama Tax cut using this link right here! I'll be saving $480.98!!! Whoo-hoo! :-)

Go Figure.

"My car ran out of gas right as it began to rain!"
"Go figure!"

"My electric went out right before I could switch the laundry from the washer to the dryer!"
"Go figure!"

"My boyfriend broke up with me and moved out right before rent was due!"
"Go figure!"

I hear people say it all the time. "Go Figure". You've probably said it. Hell, I know I've probably said it. But, really...what does it mean? Literally, the definitions are as follows:

• Go: travel: change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
• Figure:a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

So traveling picture? Proceeding diagram? An illustrated change in location? THAT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE PEOPLE! "Go figure" is always used as a response to a dilemma or disturbing event, yet the words have almost nothing to do with, well...anything! It's almost a knee-jerk response. "I really have no idea how to respond to your shitty life, so I'll just spew out some silly words that I don't even know what they mean. Go figure!"

Ingrish Funny!

I'm pretty sure this was found somewhere in The South...Alabama? Arkansas? Either way, I'd be willing to bet money this came from some numskull who wants a law requiring English to be designated as the *official* language of The United States and that anyone who doesn't speak English be kicked outta dis' here country!

What bothers me about that is this--it's limiting. While it's not uncommon for Europeans to speak fluently two or three languages, here in the US it's considered unique if you've mastered two languages, and genius if you're accomplished three. By forcing anyone who comes to this country to abandon who they are and learn "our ways" would be anathema to what this country stands for. We are a country of immigrants, a stewpot of people, values, beliefs, morals and opinions. But we are united under the cause and fundamental belief that tomorrow can be better than it is today. I don't ever want to change that cause. I don't want to ever imagine my country as limiting.

McCain/Palin!

My Fabulous Return!

Sorry for my absence, I've been moving and I have not had internet since Wednesday! Regular updates will be coming back...promise...

I'll take this time to say that I'll be blogging from Chicago and possibly Milwaukee the week of September 15th - 19th. I'm really excited because I am trying to do the cheapest vacation I've ever done. First off, I'm using the Megabus to travel between Columbus and Chicago. The cost? $30.50 roundtrip. From there, I'll be staying with friends, and the train between Milwaukee and Chicago is only $18 each way for students with Student Advantage. On top of that, I'll be checking out free museums, hanging with friends in coffee shops and utilizing the El to get around. My goal is to spend under $200 for the entire trip....think it's doable?

I'll be writing about the whole experience, and I'll see if cheap vacations are just as fun as regular vacations! Expect a full review of the Megabus, too, since if it's good it may be something you want to consider. I mean, a $30 ticket to one of the greatest cities in the world is already something to holler about!

High and Broad Closed!

Via Google Reader and Columbus Underground, someone posted that a window just fell out of the Huntington building! I'm hoping everyone is alright...but, try to avoid driving down High Street! It's shut down at the square!

Sunday School!

"Alright children, are you ready for a Bible story?"

:collective children's voice: "YAY!!!"

"Open your bibles to 2 Kings 2:24...the story of the children and the bears! We even have a picture to share with you..."



"And thus we now know that God is love and His Word is love! He loves ALL the children!"

:uncontrollable amounts of children screaming:

"What's the matter children? Why can't you see how much God loves you?"

...the most disturbing book ever. Period.

(Via Friendly Atheist)

Review: Caffe Daniela!

So I have this rule--nothing north of Henderson and nothing south of Greenlawn. I bike everywhere in this city, so this 10 mile stretch is still encompassing enough to explore the city, yet it keeps me from having to bike over 20 miles a day. The rule is definitely flexible, though, and today I decided to venture beyond the limits and check out Worthington's newest restaurant, Caffe Daniela. Their doors opened barely three weeks ago, and I have to say that already they are acting like a first-class, well-vetted restaurant!

The interior is beautiful yet lacking that haughty ostentation that is suddenly becoming popular among quaint cafes. (This is a good thing). The Italian influenced menu features an assortment of traditional entrees, from pizzas to lasanga, salads to paninis (even in 'mini' size!) and of course a great selection of gelato and sorbet. I selected the Enzo Panini ($6.50) and absolutely loved it. (I mean, who would complain with a marriage of prosciutto, sopressata and a light white cheese served with a dash of an italian blend dressing? Just writing about it I'm getting hungry again!) The ciabatta bread itself was so soft it had to have been baked within a few hours of me devouring it. It was delicious!

The rest of menu was certainly tempting, though I could only eat so much! However, I'll just note that the prices were extremely reasonable, especially considering the fresh ingredients, satisfying portions and the comfortable ambiance. On top of that, the staff was beyond friendly; I was asked no less than three times if I was enjoying my meal! Simply across the board, I was very impressed and will have to extend my biking limits to 161 in order to fit in more Caffe Daniela!

Caffe Daniela is located at 650 N. High Street in Worthington, Ohio. You can contact them at (614) 436-0139. (Will Shilling Photo courtesy of Columbus Alive!)

Let's Talk About Michelle Obama.

Seriously. She was low-key amazing last night.

Troops to Leave Iraq by 2011.

Hooray! Only an 8-year war!!!

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki says the United States has agreed in negotiations to withdraw all its troops from Iraq by 2011.

But U.S. officials insist no deal has been reached.

Mr. Maliki Monday said his government has reached an agreement with Washington that any foreign presence on Iraqi soil will end by 2011. He did not offer any further details.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for U.S. President George Bush said there has not been any final security deal with Iraq.

It doesn't surprise me that after the Iraqi Government has begged the US leave "no matter the condition of Iraq", The Bush Administration still won't take the hint. Even now when Iraq says, "Fine, if you won't immediately get out, please just leave within 3 years!", Mr. Bush still wants to stay longer!

Interesting, in another article, the Government spokesman for Iraq, Ali al-Dabbagh, is quoted as saying, "When the date is expired, they cannot stay even one more day in the country, for they have no more pretexts to do so then".

After a comment like that, do you really think they even want us there now?

"Young Professional"

I have a problem with the term, "Young Professional". It's so self-proclamatory. And presumptuous. And pretentious. And it's even worse when someone refers to them self as a "Young Professional", and yet has neither of the qualities needed to fulfill the term.

It just irks me.

McCain Uses Hillary!

Well, that's interesting. Why is it that almost none of McCain's videos talk about him? Is it because he's just that lacking? I know they exist, but for every positive video about about John McCain, there are three campaign videos that are attacking Barack Obama. (Check his main page. Ten videos; 7 negative solely about Barack Obama, 3 positive about John McCain).

Why Bother Funding the Education System? The Free Market Can Fix It!

Overheard at The Restaurant.

Blonde Lady: Oh, Susan's Mormon? I didn't know that. Was it her who just got married?

Grandma: Honey, if she's Mormon do you really need to ask if she's married?

Biking Through Columbus.

I wish I could blog from my bike, because I had a lot of thoughts about our fine city today! I went from campus to German Village (and everywhere in between), and to my best recollection this was what popped into my mind along the trail:

• First, there was this new bar opening next to the High Beck! I can't remember the name, but it was something like Bole'. It had the tag line "Ultra Lounge", which is something that usually perks my interest (pending it's casual, relaxed). Should be interesting! :-)
• The Grange Insurance building is coming along real nicely! They had this beautiful (yet incomplete) bridge from the parking lot to the building itself. It reminded me of the skyways in Minneapolis (or our own in the Nationwide Headquarters). Although I doubt it will be a part of the Columbus Skyline (too short, too far away from the square), it's still a nice addition to High Street. And anything that brings more people from the suburbs to the city makes me happy!
• Although still barely even started, the new courthouse downtown has its first pillars up!
• Note to self: Don't bike south on Third! Trying to fight with commuters coming onto/leaving the Highway is never a good idea!
• Whatever it is they're building across from The High Five (an old laundry mat was there) is looking pretty good! They still have a ton more to do, but I'm certainly curious what will end up being there.
• The new Student Union looks GREAT! Too bad it's still well over a year away...
• As a side note, it still irks me that as a student at The Ohio State University, I will never have been able to utilize a main library nor a student union.
  

I think those were all of my thoughts for the bike ride. If you have any info on Bole', the development at Fifth/High or any of the other things I mentioned...comment and let me know! :-)

Mayor Bloomberg...or Mayor Quixote?

Mayor Michael Bloomberg is a good guy. He's done tons for the city of New York, such as reducing congestion, increasing public health accountability and working to turn NYC into more of a 'green' city. And now his latest NYC renovation is to start building windmills on top of Skyscrapers.

"More than 100 years ago, a new statue standing tall in New York Harbor gave our nation its greatest symbol of freedom," he told the audience in Las Vegas. "In this century, that freedom is being undermined by dependence on foreign oil. So I think it would be a thing of beauty if, when Lady Liberty looks out on the horizon, she not only welcomes new immigrants, but lights their way with a torch powered by an ocean wind farm."

Mr. Bloomberg, thought by some to be a potential presidential candidate, is pinning much of his political legacy on green initiatives. He tried, but failed, this spring to introduce a congestion fee on Manhattan drivers in a bid to reduce traffic and encourage more reliance on public transportation.

Undeterred by that setback, he recently introduced a $2.3-billion (U.S.) plan to cut emissions from city agencies by 30 per cent within the next 10 years - an effort he hopes will "embarrass" the federal government, and force it to make energy conservation a priority.

Now he has solicited responses from companies on how the city can derive more power from wind turbines, tidal currents, solar panels and geothermal energy.

Josh Magee, research director at Emerging Energy Research in Cambridge, Mass., said some of these proposals, like the offshore farms, are more viable than others, because of the city's coastal positioning and the prevailing wind currents. Although this power can be expensive, it would provide the city with a natural hedge against volatile price swings in the natural-gas market, on which New York relies heavily for its power needs.

The notion of affixing windmills on the top of skyscrapers, however, appears to be far-fetched, given the turbulence and wind shear they would face at this altitude.

"Quite simply put," said, Mr. Magee "the current wind turbine technology is not designed for installation at those heights."

He's a good guy. He's a good mayor. But this is a weird idea. Windmills on top of skyscrapers? I don't know if I'd be down with that.

Not Everything is About Hillary Clinton.

Goodness people, would you cry a river, build a bridge and get over it? I was checking out what bloggers are saying about Obama's VP selection--great choice, it's exactly who he needed--and over at this site here there is a thread that begins with this comment:

what do you think about the Obama campaign sending out the text messages beginning at 3AM (confirmed by CNN). Am I crazy in seeing this as a politically tone deaf dig at Hillary [?]

Oh come on! SHE LOST! Stop trying to turn everything he does as some jab at Hillary Clinton. He doesn't care about her. America doesn't care about her. NO ONE CARES ABOUT HER! Get off your silly PUMA bandwagon and step in line--we have an election to win! Do you really think the Obama campaign is that concerned with the person they defeated months ago?

They sent the text message out at 3 AM because Barack promised his supporters that he would let them know, via text, who was his VP selection. (It's how I got the news.) However, word began leaking around 1 AM on Foxnews.com and other sources, and thus they got that "3 AM call" and made the decision to send out the message at that time--in order to stick to their promise. They also sent out the message at 3 AM in order to let the news hit the media before the morning.I doubt it made it into the papers (I haven't checked mine yet), but the world is waking up to the news of Obama's VP selection. I think that's smart, not vindictive.

Here are a few other choice comments...

"there is one and only one reason to send those messages at 3am. they thought it would be funny to kick Hillary in the teeth. plain and simple."

"How many times do people have to see Barack Obama doing petty vengeful things toward Hillary Clinton to get the message? This "3 a.m." text message was clearly deliberate."

"You know, I think they hate the Clintons far more than any republicans ever did. They want to crush her so badly they can taste it."

"All the Hillary whiners should go cry in the corner and let everyone else get on with the election process."

That last one is my personal favorite!