ChicagoProud’s Family

This could have been written off as simple coincidence until last week when John McCain chose an inexperienced formerly obscure politician (governor of Alaska) and abortion opponent named Sarah Palin, thrusting her into the national spotlight as candidate for Vice President. More than similar to Laura Roslin, an inexperienced formerly obscure politician (Secretary of Education) and abortion opponent who was thrust into the highest ranks of fleet government as President.

You can read the rest here.

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Wired not fond of this potential VP

nobody@vox.com(Wapping Psycho) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:16:27 -0500

CreationismWitchDoctor

Wired.com has weighed in on the news that Sarah Palin is John McCain's running mate. They're homing in on her attitude to the teaching of creationism in schools:

"Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin wants creationism taught in science classes.
In a 2006 gubernatorial debate, the soon-to-be governor of Alaska trotted out the usual creationist education canard: "Teach both. You know, don't be afraid of education. Healthy debate is so important, and it's so valuable in our schools. I am a proponent of teaching both."
Teaching evolution and creationism in a scientifically balanced way is simply impossible. Evolution is accepted by scientists as driving the development of life on Earth. Creationism, which puts a (Christian) God in the engine room of life, is unsupported by science. Its arguments have been roundly dismissed by scientists -- many of whom, it should be noted, believe in God. They're just sensible enough to understand where science ends and religion begins.
American courts have also been very clear on this: the 2005 Kitzmiller v. Dover case was merely the latest in a historical line of legal judgments that so-called creation science is thinly-disguised religious dogma, and should not be taught in public schools.
By picking a woman as his running mate, Presidential candidate John McCain is clearly trying to position himself as a candidate of change. But Palin doesn't represent change. She represents a discredited past.

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Depressing...

nobody@vox.com(Wapping Psycho) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:06:12 -0500

McCain's newest bestest buddy... Mwah!

I've just watched McCain introduce his running mate, Sarah Palin. Quite a depressing experience - it was like cheap beer night at a second rate University.

So she's the person who's a heartbeat away from the Presidency? Once again, I'm glad I don't have to directly involve myself in this spectacle.

But seriously - wasn't there anyone else for McCain?... And am I the only one who was looking like he'd made a huge mistake as she presented her family to the nation? Who the hell wrote that speech??

EDIT: Well, that didn't take long...

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QotD: Fun Times Ahead

nobody@vox.com(Wapping Psycho) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:46:28 -0500

What are you looking forward to this week?

Biertje

Actually, it's this weekend that I'm most looking forward to... I and my better half will be spending it in Brussels, visiting my parentals. It's quite a while since I've been there, so looking forward to a good mooch around the city and some delightful Belgian beers. More than that however, I'm like a child on Christmas eve, giddy with excitement at the prospect of traveling there on the Eurostar.

I've had it up to here with airports this year... the queues, the stifling security and the power-trips of the monkeys in uniform.

Trains are so much more... civilised.

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QotD: It Came and Went

nobody@vox.com(Wapping Psycho) — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 04:06:10 -0500

Any last minute summer plans for the weekend?

A shameful, shameful Saturday... especially considering this is a Bank Holiday weekend here in the UK. I know several people who have jetted off for the weekend, taking advantage of this last long weekend before the inevitable gloom of Autumn/Winter (which, to be honest, kicked in early this year...).

I, however, spent most of Saturday on the couch in front of the TV. I read a bit too - psychology journals, no less, in an attempt to re-ignite enthusiasm for my doctorate - and last night enjoyed two films and a massive pizza. I then stayed up far too late, watching god-awful TV until 2am and so feel a little spaced this morning. As for the films, Hellboy was on TV and I wanted a refresh before going to see the sequel.

I also watched 'The Lives of Others' on DVD, which was simply beautiful. You must see this film. For me, it represented a timely reminder of the evils of totalitarian government... not the violence and war, but the small and regular intrusions into the lives of citizens, the thought control and the stifeling, overbearing surveillance.

As I said, quite timely.

That said, I don't feel like I wasted yesterday. I needed some downtime after a pretty hectic couple of weeks. I also fully intend to make better use of today and tomorrow i.e. catching up with friends and *finally* going to see the Dark Knight.

To be fair, I've had quite a lot of holidays this summer, and will be in Brussels next weekend, Amsterdam the following weekend. I'm viewing this as a pit-stop, an opportunity to refuel and relax.

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Dear new neighbour....

nobody@vox.com(Wapping Psycho) — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 07:12:45 -0500

...welcome to our building.

Just before you build your recent behaviour into some sort of routine, you should know that it's not really fair to others if you move furniture around on your hardwood floors at 2am. Likewise, pumping music at 4am, or running up and down your (hardwood) stairs while wearing heels.

That is all.

For now.

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Vox Hunt: Good Eats

nobody@vox.com(Wapping Psycho) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 14:22:36 -0500

Show us your favorite local restaurant.
My fave local eatery is the fabulous Lilly's on Wapping High Street. Love it. Great food, extensive menu, friendly staff. And a five minute waddle home when I'm full of steak and beer. Can't ask for more than that!

Lilly's in Wapping

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