There’s a lot of stuff completely out of Obama’s control or any of the Democrats’ control. But I think there’s something a little deeper in terms of the optimism of the younger voter that’s happening. They wanted somebody who was going to fight against the status quo, and I don’t think that Obama has done that.
“Hope” Poster creator Shepard Fairey • Admitting that Obama’s potential hasn’t been met in the nearly two years he’s been in office. While he still largely supports the president, he doesn’t feel that if in the same position today he would’ve drawn the “Hope” poster. Beyond the politics, maybe he’s just a little frustrated by the whole thing – see, he’s been embroiled in a pretty rough copyright infringement suit with the Associated Press for a while. source
Another major sign that the tide is turning. But beyond the larger political ammo it offers, it’s a major win for Major Margaret Witt, who was dismissed from the military as a result of her sexuality. In the two-week nonjury “bench” trial, brought with the help of the American Civil Liberties Union, many of her co-workers supporter her. The Air Force, however, argued that they had to keep a consistent position on the issue for morale reasons. We’ll see what happens. source
wednesday NBC Universal CEO Jeff Zucker is worried about “devaluing” his network’s content, so he doesn’t want to allow 99-cent rentals on the refreshed Apple TV.
friday NBC announces a deal to put many of their popular shows on Netflix’s streaming service, which Apple TV includes. Oh, and that Zucker’s out. source
I want to endorse it, but it’s so milquetoast that it proves to me that these guys just aren’t ready to lead.
Andrew Roth, of the leading conservative group Club For Growth • On the “Pledge to America,” the GOP’s plan for governance in the event that they win the House and/or Senate. source
Thought vending machines had reached the height of efficiency? Japan respectfully disagrees. New drink-dispensing machines in Asia use a camera to guess your age and gender, factor in the weather conditions, and then recommend you a product based its findings. The questionable accuracy and political correctness of this method aside, why do we need this? Is it honestly that difficult to decide what to get from a vending machine? Does the problem of indecisive vending machine patrons really require a solution? This seems to us like a waste of technology and money. source
over the last twenty years, North Dakota’s aptly-named “Devil’s Lake” has almost quadrupled in size, and will probably continue doing so for the next ten years. It’s swallowed hundreds of buildings, thousands of acres, and even two towns. The problem lies with the fact that it’s a “closed basin,” meaning there are no natural waterways by which rainwater can flow out of the lake. So, it just gets bigger and bigger. For an idea of how big, check out AP’s interactive map. source
Well played, Grover. Well, played. In response to the whole Katy Perry faux-cleavage scandal, Grover and Elmo showed up on “Good Morning America” this morning. Elmo promised another playdate with Perry, while Grover asked if his outfit was “too revealing.” You have the comic timing of a champ, Grover. source
I don’t want a tomato picked by a Mexican. I want it picked by an American, sliced by a Guatemalan . . . and served in a spa where a Chilean gives me a Brazilian.
Stephen Colbert • Speaking at today’s House subcommittee hearing on immigration in the U.S. The point being made? That working farm labor jobs, as many illegal immigrants do, is really freaking hard. Colbert knows. He’s tried it before. He suggests it’s a job you, too, should try. “Americans may consider taking jobs once conditions are better,” Colbert said. “I trust both sides will work on this together in best interests of the American people – as you always do. U.S.A., Number 1.” source
Way to make yourself look like a jerk, John Conyers. We know you’re a powerful member of Congress and all, but you seriously can’t deal with the guy talking and actually drawing attention to an important issue? Wow. source
