Thoughts

Today is January 28th.

Every day seems important when I'm sitting in front of my computer.

Obama delivered his State of the Union address to Congress last night. It's interesting to see a mostly centrist address polarize the left and the right even more. Is it Obama's tactics? Is he attacking the right too much or not doing enough for the left? Or is it just the sad state of the Fox-News/Keith Olberman vitriol that is polarizing America itself, forcing elected leaders to respond to the radicals? One side says he isn't doing enough, the other says he's doing too much. I say just do it. If Obama is to live up to his Diane Sawyer interview (1 good term over 2 iffy ones), then forget the far right, just get something done. Losing the Mass seat isn't a cue to move right. Like the GOP would do, fight harder. They'll find something to hate no matter the concessions. Fuck, Obama is even too right-center as is. Last time the GOP lost seats at a midterm election with a Dem president, they fucking impeached his ass.

And how anyone can disagree with Americans (not just poor Americans either, because I NEED COVERAGE TOO) getting fair health coverage is beyond me. There couldn't be anything more selfish and sickening than refusing people's right to get taken care of when they're sick or injured. Choosing $ over quality of life is just totally bollocks.


From our home state...more than 700,000 signatures were delivered to election officials, well beyond the 400,000+ needed for a ballot initiative. Meaning pot legalization legislation will be on the ballot come November. Snap! I guess this is the true test. Has the City of LA just wasted weeks debating the dispensary issue? Figures.


JD Salinger passed away yesterday. Thank you, sir, for Holden Caulfield.


And the supreme court just failed in epic fashion. Obama even had to call them out in the State of the Union, in front of Congress, which never happens. Where do we stand when we allow corporations give endlessly to campaigns? Will Legislators now be allowed to wear NASCAR-style suits with corporate logos stuck all over them? Can they wear hats with company logos? Can they tattoo "HALLIBURTON" across their foreheads? Or will CEO's just follow these guys on the campaign trail? Scarier yet - many corporations aren't even based in the US. Foreign business will now have a powerful say in the most powerful government on the planet. And citing the First Amendment is just a slap in the face to the founding fathers. This country is FOR THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE.

Corporations are NOT people. American CEO's can still vote, just like the rest of us. And they really haven't had that difficult of a time getting their pawns in office anyway. We suffered through that shit for 8 long years.

The saddest thing? Most of us don't even realize how much power we've just lost.


And finally...


Update on Google Apple War:

RE: "Apple Unveils the Sadly Underwhelming iPad"

And then there was that suspicious lack of multitasking. Yes, a tablet computer wasn't shown running more than one app at a time. An oversight that couldn't possibly be considered "slight." But there was also a nice surprise. Although unmentioned by name, Google (GOOG) was featured prominently in the presentation -- both Google Maps and YouTube were given a test run. Though YouTube integration goes without saying -- there's a Safari browser, after all -- built-in Google Maps means there's still remnants of a partnership between the warring factions.


Pick a side.

green tech corridor

A departure from my usual rants...

but FYI, especially if you have a thing for Downtown.

So the CRA-LA and the Mayor are planning the "Green Tech Corridor" on the Eastern side of Downtown LA. More specifically, it's the area between Alameda and the LA River. The plan calls for sustainable businesses and research firms coming together in an environmentally friendly region, of course with some incentives from local government. I don't know much about it yet, but did hear a few words at a Little Tokyo Planning Meeting. Sounds promising...check the link below.

They say they'll be creating "green-collar" jobs. What a great marketing plan.

http://www.crala.org/internet-site/Projects/Central_Industrial/CleanTech.cfm

haiku

coachella announced

it looks amazing, again

but can't afford it