So this VP debate is coming up on Thursday. Quite frankly, I’m more excited for it than I was for last week’s presidential one. I think it’s because Palin has been in debate “bootcamp†since last week, and I picture her standing in camo at a podium barking her answers at Beavis and Butthead’s gym teacher Mr. Buzzcut. That image brightens my day.
But seriously, what’s she learning at this so-called camp? One can only speculate…
The presidential debate last Friday has been analyzed and critiqued to the hilt, especially the candidates words.
Check out this funny video by Scott Bateman that dissects the body language of John McCain and Barack Obama and what wasn’t said in last week’s presidential debate. A lumpy-faced McCain takes on a tall-headed Obama in this clever video.
Dear American Voter,
Have you ever wondered what the rest of the world is saying about you?
Here’s an idea:
“America is not the savior of the world, nor its hope. It is up to you Americans to make sure that you are loved more than you are hated.”
“Anyone who is American, who thrives on the remains of Red Indians, is a rapist. Rapists don’t give rights to anyone. They do not know about the suffering of the people. The suffering of Iraqis, Palestinians or Muslims in general. The thing Americans know best is how to take oil.”
“American leaders should behave like world leaders. They should spread love, not hatred. Vote for a candidate who wants peace, not just in America, but in the whole world.”
Link TV has been collecting videos from around the world, asking international non-voters to speak directly to Americans and tell them what they think their priorities should be during voting season. The result is a candid array of foreign perspectives, ranging from the moving to the disturbing, and an insight into the global awareness of America’s big decision.
The Dow’s 777-point loss? that’s Monday’s news… Bush spoke Tuesday morning, like he did the day before, urging members of Congress to pass the bailout plan. He said he hoped negotiations for new bailout legislation would move forward when members of congress returned to Washington on Wednesday, after the Jewish New Year. Known as a great motivator, Bush was especially inspiring in Tuesday’s speech. “We are at a critical moment for our economy,†he said. “Congress must act.†Analysts agreed Monday’s drop was the worst in two decades.
As for the markets today? It’s a little pointless trying to report real-time stock info, especially when the indexes are so volatile. Check out the Dow yourself. It was up more than 200 points in the first minutes of trading.
Why exactly did the House vote fail? Both the Washington Post and Los Angeles Times have good articles explaining why. WaPo conclusion: Americans said “hell no!” and have lost faith in their leaders to lead in times of crisis. LAT conclusion: Some members of congress voted “no” to preserve their jobs. And thanks to redistricting, members in safe districts didn’t have to worry about reaching a consensus with their colleagues across the aisle.
Obligatory sad, horrible, depressing international news: At least 168 pilgrims were crushed to death Tuesday at a Hindu temple in Western India when thousands panicked after getting false word of a bomb scare. The pilgrims broke coconuts as religious offerings, and the slippery floor caused many to fall.
Best New York Times story of the day: The Grey Lady is often mocked for the seriousness it brings to all topics. But that seriousness can result in hilarity in unexpected ways. Like when the Times gets an exclusive interview with Somali pirates. Best paragraph of the piece:
In a 45-minute-long interview, Mr. Sugule expounded on everything from what the pirates want—“just moneyâ€â€”to why they were doing this—“to stop illegal fishing and dumping in our watersâ€â€”to what they eat—rice, meat, bread, spaghetti, “you know, normal human being food.â€
Here’s a transcript of the interview. The reporter asked, “Why did you want to become a pirate?” Dumb question—who doesn’t want to be a pirate?!
And in other galactic news … The Mars lander Phoenix found two minerals known to be formed in liquid water—calcium carbonate and sheet silicate. NASA reported Monday the rover’s laser also detected snow falling from clouds more than two miles in the sky. It did not reach the ground.
