Cynthia McKinney And the Two Party System

With the Green Party's nomination of Cynthia McKinney, I have no choice but to vote for Obama. In recent weeks, Barack's move to the right and his pandering to MENSA members who watch Access Hollywood and follow NASCAR have made me question whether I should continue my support for him. I even pondered whether I would vote for Nader.

But the Greens made my decision a no-brainer by nominating McKinney. As a registered Green from about 2000 to 2007, I can say that I support 80% of the party platform. But its members, activists, candidates, and elected officials are, for the most part (maybe 80% plus), downright loopy. As in, I would not want to be stuck on a deserted island, or even a malfunctioning elevator, with one. (Matt Gonzalez is the exception.)

Well, Barack, there is very little chance that the ultra-liberal wing of the Democratic Party will flock to the Greens this November. As the proverbial lesser of two evils (Obama v. McKinney), you win.

A dash of crazy.

Maybe two.

CKY

See Obama's Hope and Change-- On An Oval

Yesterday, I ranted about my waning interest in Obama, in light of his run to the right and allowing his poor kids to be interviewed on Access Hollywood.

Today, I learned that he is going to sponsor a Nascar car.


I understand that a certain amount of pandering and ass-kissing is necessary to win the presidency, but he has gone too far. Yours truly, an unabashed car nut, is so close to supporting that infamous detractor of the automobile, Ralph Nader, instead. Ugh, I feel sick to my stomach just thinking about it.

P.S. Even if I were to accept Obama's decision to participate in Nascar (to win blue collar male votes), why the hell did he decide to back a Toyota? Are there not three better choices than a Toyota? He's already pissed off Nascar haters; why piss off Nascar lovers too?

CKY

My Obama Bumper Sticker Is Coming Off

Voting for FISA. Supporting faith based initiatives. No quick withdrawal from Iraq. Supporting gunowners' rights and capital punishment. These are all conservative Republican positions. These are all positions Obama has leaned toward since defeating Hillary Clinton and clinching the needed delegates for the nomination.

Obama is not a Republican. He is still a far better choice than McCain. It is natural for a candidate to move toward the center (whether s/he's a Dem or a Rep) after the primary process is over. But Obama has gone too far.

What turned me off more than anything else was not a position or stance he took on a vital domestic or foreign policy issue. It is his decision to allow his kids to be interviewed by Access Hollywood. This is a real poor decision on a number of levels. And because it is a sit down interview, making the decision cannot be attributed to a gaffe or a momentary lapse in judgment. He had time to accept or deny the request for an interview. He had hours, if not days, to cancel the interview after he realized that it was a bad idea.

I'll probably still vote for the guy. But my enthusiasm is gone. I will be taking my bumper sticker off my car. I will stop donating to his campaign. The honeymoon is over. The luster is gone. He is human. He is a politician.

On second thought, she wasn't soooo bad.

CKY

Nick Heidfeld Will Win the German Grand Prix

A month ago, I was the only person in the WORLD who predicted that BMW Sauber driver Robert Kubica would qualify second and go on to win the Canada Grand Prix. I will now predict that the other BMW driver, who is quickly becoming my favorite underdog to root for, Nick Heidfeld, will win his first race at Hockenheim.


His second place finish at Silverstone in the rain greatly boosted his confidence. And we have all seen that when the BMWs are running well, they are very competitive with the Ferraris and McLarens.


Nick holds the record for the most F1 starts without a win, surpassing the record previously held by Rubens Barrichello, who won his first race after123 starts.


My second prediction: Heidfeld will shave off his Chewbacca beard after the win.

CKY

Mayan Hieroglyphs

I just watched Cracking the Maya Code, a Nova episode which discusses how brilliant and creative experts over the course of the 20th century deciphered Mayan hieroglyphs.


What really shocked me was how complicated and imaginative the writing was. To explain how it works in a simple blog is impossible and far beyond my capabilities. Watch the program and prepare to have your mind blown.


The only bit I did not like about the show was how it dedicated the last couple of minutes to American academics giving the gift of Mayan culture back to the simple and backward people of Guatemala, whose ancestors created the writing system that took Westerners centuries to decipher in the first place. Thank you, gringos.


CKY

Why We Travel

Dancing by Matt Harding. This is the best video on youtube, period. If this doesn't bring a smile to your face, then your name must be Dick Cheney.

Go to Matt's website to see his two previous videos.

CKY

Welcome Shoppers!

On our way to Fairbanks, Alaska, we stopped in Delta Junction for a break. I went into the local grocery store, an IGA Food Cache, for some warmth and to use the john. Imagine my surprise when the first thing I saw upon entering was this 8'10", 1400 pound Kodiak brown bear. Unfortunately, the owner reclaimed it and moved it to his sporting goods store in Wasilla, Alaska.


The trophy's owner was injured by this bear back in 1977. I guess he showed it who's boss.

CKY

Yukon License Plates

I spent some of this long weekend doing research on the Great White North. It relates to the trip I took last year to the Arctic. One focus, of course, will be on the Alaska Highway. Something I had a lot of time doing on my trip was looking at license plates. The plates of the Yukon Territory say a lot about the people, their heritage, and how their view of themselves have evolved over the second half of the 20th century.

1950s Land of the Midnight Sun

1960s More Compact Land of the Midnight Sun

1970s Home of the Klondike

1980s Just "The Klondike"

1990s "The Klondike" In Color

Thanks to woody1778a for these great shots.

CKY

4th of July Road Trip Via Youtube

I am going on hiatus for the rest of the week. In the mean time, exercise American Independence from foreign oil by watching these car-related youtube videos.

Group B Tribute



Magnum, P.I. Opening Credits



Top Gear Porsche Challenge



E30 M3 Police Chase

CKY

Alfa 159 > Aston Martin DBS

The official Quantum of Solace trailer came out today. As we already know, the primary car chase scene involves Alfa 159s versus Bond's DBS. As I've asserted before, the 159 is one of the most beautiful contemporary cars out there. In my opinion, it is far sexier than the more exotic and coveted Aston Martin DBS. Am I nuts?

CKY