Jonathan Kaplan is Back
July 23, 2008
And probably giving a few Chief of Staffs heartburn this morning.
Politico: Taxpayers pay for reps big screen TVs
A leased Cadillac: $557 a month.
Chinese food for 230 colleagues: $1,425.
A 46-inch Sony flat-screen television: $2,805.
Having taxpayers foot the bill: priceless.
We’re Totally In Love With Barack, Too
July 22, 2008
The McCain camp just launched a couple of YouTube videos about the media’s love obsession with Barack Obama. And they want you to vote.
Do you love the idea?
While Your Gas Prices Went Up Last Night, Lawmakers Played Baseball
July 18, 2008
The 307th annual Congressional Geriatric baseball game took place last night at Nats stadium. And for what seems like the 25th year in a row, the Democrats lost.
And how do we know they lost? The House GOP covered the victory via Twitter and 10 exclamation points.
From GOP Conference Twitterberry: Celebrating the GOP’s win!!!!!!!!!!
We have no idea what this victory means - but it’s always good to see old people getting excited about meaningless victories - like passing legislation on renaming the latest post office.
UPDATE: A tipster tells us at last night’s game Rep. Tom Price helped treat a guy who got hit by a bat while in his seat in the stands. It’s unclear as to which athletically prone lawmaker let a bat fly into the stands. Email us a tips@famousdc.com if you know the answer.
UPDATE: Rep. Chip Pickering was the one who let the bat fly.
DCCC Message Experts: We Can Hear You, But She Can’t
July 17, 2008
At first we thought the screen-grab blunder pictured below was the fault of the DCCC web team, but instead, maybe it’s a genius act of subliminal messaging.
There is no actual “quote” in the box because this poor child has gone deaf - and who’s to blame?
… the Bush Administration.
Politicizing the hearing impaired. Genius.
Hotdogs vs. PETA
July 16, 2008
On the hill today the American Meat Institute is sponsoring the Annual Capitol Hill Hot Dog Lunch. This means Members and staffers can stop by, grab a hot dog, and meet a baseball Hall of Famer.
Today is also a favorite day to every male hill staffer aged 22 -82, because PETA sends up their Lettuce Ladies to hand out veggie dogs right outside the Hot Dog Party. There aren’t any Hall of Fame baseball players at the PETA party, but there seems to always be a long line.
Ahh, America.
What’s Bazaar is the Photoshopped Flag
July 16, 2008
When not on the House Floor, Speaker Pelosi likes to play dress up (from the latest Harper’s Bazaar).
Hat tip - Anne Schroeder Mullins
Come Back, Hotfile
July 14, 2008
Some of our tipsters have emailed they’re worried about theHotfile. These tipsters want to know if Hotfile is OK, or if FamousDC scared her away. It has been over a week - come back hotfile!
Vermont’s Finest Makes His Big Screen Debut
July 11, 2008
Quit the day job, Pat. You’ve done good work here.
Has Barack Obama Met His Match?
July 11, 2008
We were fortunate enough to get Matt Harding, Internet super star, to slow down long enough to respond to a few of our questions. And while this post has nothing to do with the typical political tomfoolery we generally write about- it is about a young man’s determination to make a global impact - one smile at a time.
Read. Watch. Learn. And Dance.
FDC: Why is traveling abroad so important to you and would you ever consider developing an educational video game that helps children learn about cultural outreach? [Note: Before Matt set out on his journeys he was a video game designer]
Matt: I think a good first step is just showing kids that there are other places out there beyond what they’re familiar with, and that most of those places aren’t dangerous, war-torn, or desperately impoverished. The media creates a certain image of the outside world because their job is to report news, and “news” generally involves crisis. Part of what I’m trying to do is balance that skewed image by showing a lot of friendly, warm, smiling faces.
I think getting that message across can do more good than any video game I could work on.
FDC: Barack Obama has some pretty decent dances moves as well - but do you think you got him beat?
Matt: I’m not sure there’s anything I can do that Obama can’t do better, but I’d be willing to give it a shot.
FDC: We know not to ask what location was your favorite, but is there someone in the past few years, who you’ve particularly enjoyed meeting?
Matt: I got to meet George Lucas last week. He didn’t have a clue who I was and he didn’t particularly care. He was busy measuring conference room furniture with his tape measure, but it was an honor to shake his hand.
I also got an email once from someone claiming to be Walter Cronkite. He just said he enjoyed what I’m doing. I suppose someone could have easily been posing as him, but really, what kind of deranged lunatic pretends to be Walter Cronkite?
FDC: See, that was painless, right?
Matt: Yup.
We Found Matt Harding
July 10, 2008
Yesterday we posted, “Where the Hell is Matt” - and gave you a glimpse into the fascinating life of one of the internet’s freshest stars. Reported by CBS here. Huff here and the NY Times here.
His name is Matt Harding - and his mission, simple - bring smiles to the faces of those around the globe.
Like the rest of our readers - we quickly grew to love Matt’s mission - so we set off to find him on the world wide web. His website claims he reads all his emails, but lately, because he’s so busy, only responds to 1% of them. A popular guy indeed.
Well, in between CBS television appearances and the all the rest of the media attention in NYC, we’re happy to say, Matt found time for us- and we’re officially “one percenters”.
Check back tomorrow for our featured interview with the Dancing man. You won’t want to miss it - especially when we ask him if he’s a better dancer than Barack Obama.
In the meantime, if you’re not one of the 6.5 million people who viewed his latest “Dancing” video - it’s about time you did. It’ll bring a smile to your face. Or if you’re like Dan Brown from the Huffington Post, perhaps it might even move you to tears.
Famous DC’s Media Ticket
July 10, 2008
Introducing the “FamousDC Media Ticket.” If your favorite journalist didn’t make this list - perhaps they’ll make the next - or perhaps, they’re not working hard enough.
President - Mike Allen, Politico
The hardest working media personality needs the top office. He’s moral, honest, and trustworthy - to a fault. We need a President who will send 1,000 emails per day to answer the American citizens’ questions and concerns. We need daily morning summaries that include White House tee ball updates. We need a President who carries extra blackberry batteries with him, because he always outworks his PDA. We need a President who sleeps only because he’s forced to. We need Mike Allen 2008!
Vice President - Dana Milbank, Washington Post
We’re not sure what the Vice President does, but it sure would be entertaining to watch Dana in office. Milbank’s vlogs from “undisclosed locations” would be the modern day fireside chat. Milbank, who also boasts a solid pedigree, with a degree from Yale, is also a rumored member of the Skull and Bones - a secret quality needed by any potential Vice President.
White House Chief of Staff - Chuck Todd, NBC
Imagine coming into a Monday morning staff meeting at 5:45 a.m. and Chuck Todd has graphs and numbers for you as you’re choking down your first cup of coffee. Amazing. All leaked documents will finally make sense and will be justified with graphs, numbers, and awkward hand motions. We’ll follow the goater to the grave.
White House Press Secretary - Patrick Gavin, Washington Examiner
Pat already scoops most of Washington with his real time updates. We need him in front of the cameras daily for the gaggle. Cameras will be waiting for Gavin to announce the annual online contest to determine the hottest WH beat reporters.
Secretary of State - Emily Heil, Roll Call
This position requires lots of travel and protocol. Emily is perfect for the job, especially since the American people want the scoop. Who was over-served in South America? Which dignitary lost his luggage in Dubai? State press conferences would become must watch TV.
Secretary of Defense - Jeff Emanuel, Red State
Jeff has not only served his country, but has been to Iraq numerous times and knows what life is like for a US soldier. It takes a brave mindset like his to oversee the Pentagon - not to mention, any Secretary willing to live-blog from the front lines, is a man to follow.
Attorney General - Wolf Blitzer, CNN
We don’t know if Wolf has a law degree, but we believe every word out of his mouth. He’d fix whatever needs to be fixed and the 12 screens and custom animation that accompanied him would have the American people on his side.
Secretary of the Treasury - Charlie Mitchell, Roll Call
Charlie is leading a team that makes the most money in Washington and will have no problem getting the Economist to back him up. If Secretary Mitchell is the man tasked with debating currency exchanges with China - we’ll always stay in the black.
Secretary of the Interior - Anne Schroeder Mullins, Politico
The Second Secretary of the Interior was Thomas McKean Thompson McKennan, so we figured the “all media ticket” could use someone with two awesome last names. The Secretary of the Interior also oversees the National Park Foundation. And when you think of parks, you think of fun and when you think fun, well, you think of that gal with two last names.
Secretary of Agriculture - Perry Bacon, Washington Post
Who better than Secretary Bacon to investigate the tomato recall? Nobody cares about tomato more than Bacon. Nobody. Perry Bacon is from Kentucky and knows the plight of the southern farmer. He’s also another Yalie on the Allen-Milbank ticket so the DC dinner party circuit will stay intact. Secretary Bacon will be known throughout the world as “Secretary BLT.”
Secretaries* of Commerce - Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser, Washington Post
Listen, we understand there is more at stake here than sports, but does anyone really care? Within the first 100 days they’ll implement a PTI-esque daily show to explain to Americans what is happening to their hard earned money. Who doesn’t want a rundown of where to invest and when to buy another round at the bar? Tony Reali will become a household name after his “Stat Boy” updates tell people which stocks to dump in the morning before dropping pitchers in their baseball fantasy league. “Goodnight, Canada”
Secretary of Labor - Rick Klein, ABC
Secretary Klein will be the Boy Wonder of the Media Administration. A Long Island native, Klein knows the hardships of the American workforce. His Princeton degree also deepens the Ivy League bench of the Allen - Milbank ticket.
Secretary of Health and Human Services - Nora McAlvanah, The Hotline
When it comes to your well-being - they say laughter is the best medicine - and that’s exactly what Nora does day in and day out as editor of Hotline’s Wake Up Call and Last Call. Nora will likely have this country in tiptop shape within months of taking office.
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development - Christian Bourge, Congress Daily
The HUD Secretary should have an affinity for good cigars and a working knowledge of New Orleans jazz musicians. Ok, none of that will help with the job, but the HUD bureaucrats would all benefit from Secretary Bourge’s background. Originally from Louisiana, he will continue to rebuild New Orleans. Secretary Bourge will strengthen the Allen - Milbank ticket and will pull the tobacco farmer vote.
Secretary of Transportation - Danielle Jones, Politico
When it comes to moving, shaking and keeping the trains running on time - there’s nobody more qualified than this young lady. A veteran of political journalism - Danielle has seen and reported on her share of congressional train wrecks at the Hotline - so she’s more than ready to tackled the nation’s gridlock.
Secretary of Energy - Howard Mortman, Extreme Mortman
The Secretary of Energy is an integral part of any Administration, so you need someone who has a lot of energy to spare. His Extremeness never rests - posting from vacation, the powder room and several stops in between; it’ll take Extreme insight in order to manage the corner office on Independence Avenue.
Secretary of Education - Jonathan Martin, Politico
Designer Fast Food in Every Classroom! Secretary JoMa will make sure all children eat Chick-fil-a for lunch and then spend the next half hour practicing leg kicks to really awful 80’s music. We’re not sure what the kids will learn from this, but the nationwide webcast will be smash-time awesome.
Secretary of Veteran Affairs - Susan Davis, Wall Street Journal
It takes the grit of a Wall Street Journal reporter to tackle this job. Davis is known far and wide as a fair and balanced journalist - the exact qualities one needs to handle the job of Veteran Affairs Secretary. She’s also developed very good relationships within the Pentagon - which can’t hurt.
Secretary of Homeland Security - Jim Mills, The Hill
Nobody loves his country more than Jim Mills and he’ll do anything to protect it. Don’t expect to see any more duck tape press conferences with Secretary Mills at the podium - we’re in for a lot of good old fashioned US of A yelling!
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency - Juliet Eilperin, Washington Post
Juliet covered the environment since it was the smelly little thing that nobody talked about. Now she has environmental issues always on the WaPo’s front page. If we’re ready for real reform we want Administrator Eilperin at the helm.
Director of Management and Budget - David Rogers, Politico
David Rogers should be President, but he knows he’ll have more of an impact as Director. He will run circles around Obey, Lewis and the approps gang. He’ll make sure the money goes where it should. Forget earmarks - everything will run through Director Rogers…and the country will be better for it.
Director of National Drug Control Policy - Ryan Grim, Politico
This will be fun to watch. Director Grim will need a good press secretary if anyone is looking for a job. His weekly Eastern Shore Ken Kesey parties will become Page Six fodder.
United States Trade Representatives - Jackie Kucinich, The Hill; Erin McPike, Congress Daily
We understand there is only one USTR, but have you ever seen Jackie and Erin not together? We’ve heard reports since their freshmen year at American that they’re inseparable. So, we’re making two USTRs, but they’ll always travel together. Washington’s “It Girls” are too much to keep in the beltway. We support these appointments solely on the fact of future Facebook updates from abroad.
Chairman, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System - Carl Hulse, New York Times
Does Carl understand foreign markets? We don’t know, but we do know his hair will never be out of place. Markets need stability like that.
Commissioner of the Social Security Administration - Markos Moulitsas Zuniga - Daily Kos
Mr. Kos has figured out how to solve the rest of the world’s problems from his laptop, so let’s give him a go at Social Security. It will be broke in a few years and if anyone can crash the gate - it’ll be Kos.
Director of National Intelligence - John Stanton, Roll Call
We understand the DNI is usually an active duty commissioned officer in the armed forces, but we have a feeling Stanton, an American bad ass who ain’t scared of a damn thing, knows people that know people - if you know what we mean.
Barack Obama’s Mustache Mafia
July 9, 2008
Here’s an interesting phenomenon …
Ever notice that all of Obama’s close associates are hiding behind something common?
Where the Hell is Matt?
July 9, 2008
He’s a quickly becoming an internet legend - and someone we can all admire. If this video doesn’t make you smile, you have a problem.
For more on Matt, go to his website.
Maybe He Should Quit His Day Job?
July 7, 2008
NPR: Vermont’s Leahy Cameos In ‘Dark Knight’
Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), is making a cameo appearance in the latest Batman movie, The Dark Knight. The lifelong Batman fan will also host a $50-a-ticket screening on July 12. The proceeds will go to Montpelier’s Kellogg-Hubbard Library.
Romney Still Running for President
June 30, 2008
…on YouTube.
Romney’s YouTube page still has him running for President.
And the winner is…
June 27, 2008
Lawmakers in DC, not Big Oil or the War in Iraq, are now the top scapegoats for high prices at the pump. But perhaps the most interesting result from this survey is that a whopping 81% of those who responded want the U.S. government to allow more domestic drilling.
Americans are feeling the impact of record gas prices in their pocketbooks. Nearly half of those surveyed said they are saving less, and 24% said they cut back on essentials like food and health care costs.
…
As a result, 90% of those surveyed support an increase in alternative energy development, and 81% want the U.S. government to allow more drilling on and off our nation’s shores. Americans also favored conservation measures, with 83% saying they supported tax incentives for alternate transportation.
Breaking Snooze: WaPo Late to the Dance, Again
June 26, 2008
It doesn’t take a nuclear physicist to figure out that Barack Obama is beating John McCain online. But, don’t tell that to the crew over at the WaPo Style section - because do they have a timely story for you…
DEPT. OF FISH IN A BARREL - The WashPost Style front examines the tricky question of whether Obama or McCain has the more energized Web operation. Hope you’re sitting down…
Do they not understand that this story has been written over 1 million times? It’s almost as if they report from a cave in Afghanistan and don’t have a clue as to what’s news and what’s not.
Not to mention, if you’re a loyal FDC reader, you already know that if you ignore online communities like Facebook, and even take it a step further and don’t vote- then chances are you won’t get struck by lightning. Find out why by clicking here.
Organic, Union Made Fanny Packs
June 26, 2008
The blogosphere was on fire yesterday with the A-1 WSJ article on the Democratic Convention.
Wall Street Journal: The Greenest Show on Earth: Democrats Gear Up for Denver
The challenge:
The host committee for the Democratic National Convention wanted 15,000 fanny packs for volunteers. But they had to be made of organic cotton. By unionized labor. In the USA.
The reality:
Official merchandiser Bob DeMasse scoured the country. His weary conclusion: “That just doesn’t exist.”
But the real story is further down the article:
Convention organizers hired the first-ever Director of Greening, longtime environmental activist Andrea Robinson.
DNC went straight global warming heat with Ms. Robinson. That is the hottest WSJ hedcut drawing since Angelina Jolie graced their pages in the tiny pencil drawing.
Obama Leans on “Star Wars” Voters
June 25, 2008
George Lucas knows what Star Wars character Barack Obama would play - do you?
Spotted over in Mortman’s neighborhood.
Congressman Agrees to be VP – Only Problem, He Wasn’t Asked
June 25, 2008
We assume this is how things are taken care of in Texas - you say yes before being asked, only to make the entire process run smoother, or perhaps less awkwardly.
Chet Edwards Would Take VP Post If Obama Offered.
…
The Hill (6/25, Soraghan) reports Rep. Chet Edwards (D-Texas), “the congressman that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) suggested as a vice-presidential pick, says he has not talked to the Obama campaign, but he would not say no if he was asked.” Edwards said, “I cannot imagine too many Americans wouldn’t consider it an honor to serve our country as vice president. … I have not met with the Obama campaign about this.” The San Antonio Express-News (6/25, Martin) reports that Edwards “says he’s ‘humbled’ by” Pelosi’s “suggestion that” Obama consider him as a potential “running mate, but is refusing to speculate on whether he’s actually being considered.” Edwards “said he hasn’t met with the Obama campaign regarding the vice presidential nomination, and he declined to discuss the process or other potential candidates for the post.”
We don’t blame you Chet - you’re competiting for attention with the likes of 434 other people. What an awful way to live when you could be a heartbeat away from actually having to do something productive.
Congressman Turns the Tables on TMZ
June 25, 2008
If you’re a constituent from Houston, TX, you’d be happy to know that you got a two for one special when you elected Rep. John Culberson. On one hand he’s a legislator who serves the needs of his constituents back home [when he’s not breaking house rules by Twittering]- and on the other hand, he’s a member of the paparazzi.
Yesterday Culberson turned the tables on a TMZ reporter and had this to say to his new friend:
“I’m a big believer in the disinfecting power of sunshine… And TMZ just got ambushed and that’s cool, that’s great and I think that’s awesome…”
We will give him credit - he’s very tech savvy and seems to know what he’s talking about.
Watch the ambush here. *Warning, the camera work is sub par and will make you want to vomit.
When They Ask You To Leave, Don’t Forget That Nappy Hat
June 24, 2008
Don Imus, famously known for opening his old mouth and sticking his foot in it, has done it again.
Politico has the scoop and the audio.
Our Prediction: Al Sharpton will make an appearance in 3….2…..1…..
Does the “C” In CSPAN Stand For Comedy?
June 23, 2008
Rep. Thad McCotter, who represents Strangeville, USA - is at it again, this time on the House Floor.
McCotter, who might have the strangest sense of humor of anyone who has ever laced ‘em up and served in Congress, recently took to the House floor and delivered a priceless rant about “speaking Democrat”.
Meet Me on the Virtual Playground, So I Can Kick Your Ass
June 20, 2008
In the fascinating world of political blogging, often times the Left and Right-leaning bloggers find themselves tangled in controversy. No different is the latest throw-down that comes via one pissed off Michael Turk.
Turk, one of the online Godfathers for the GOP, is apparently sick and tired of lefty blogger Matt Stoller’s attempt to paint the GOP as a party of racists.
“I recently wrote a post about the fact that someone punched Matt Stoller in the face, and suggested it might have had something to do with him accusing people of being racist at every opportunity.”
Turk, a firey lad, who’s leveled a virtual punch on Stoller before, has offered an open challenge to his good pal. Curious? Click here to read it.
We’ll give you a hint - it has to do with the picture below.
Tiger, Tiger Woods Y’all
June 18, 2008
Even when he’s not trying to, Tiger dominates the headlines. His Monday playoff against Rocco Mediate slowed traffic on Wall Street faster than Woods’ wife, Elin Nordegren would while walking down Fifth Avenue. Trading volume on Wall Street was off 9.2% versus the past 30 days while the U.S. Open’s Monday playoff was going on.
But, why did everyone’s TV go black during his putt?
UPDATE: Tiger reportedly to miss rest of season.
Big, Bad, Self-Promoting John
June 17, 2008
Did Sen. John Cornyn produce a tribute video for himself?
Well, even if he did, we’re not in the business of making fun of anyone with the nickname Big, Bad John.
No Smug Bear in the Gov’s Office
June 16, 2008
Calderone: Dobbs says he’s not running for NJ governor
“I’m not considering anything right now in terms of running for governor, and that’s where I am,” Dobbs said in a voice-mail message to The Star-Ledger. “As of now, I am not in any way intending to run for political office.”
Coburn and Hensarling Will Pee Their Pants
June 13, 2008
American Public Media recently launched Budget Hero - an interactive game that lets people explore the major issues of the election by changing the federal budget to match their stands on issues and their values- sort of like WarCraft for policy wonks.
This latest game, that’ll have like-minded fiscal conservatives peeing their pants, tries to bring a “level of clarity and simplicity” to the federal budget - although the game itself isn’t exactly clear or simple.
Budget Hero puts numbers against issues like bringing home troops from Iraq soon or gradually or not at all and providing options on taxes, Social Security and Medicare. Who’s excited?
Regardless, we give American Public Media an A for effort, although it’ll never quite replace this.
May the Schwartz Be With You
June 12, 2008
If you’ve ever wondered what it would take for an elected member of congress to piss off an entire constituency, the train wreck below is a pretty good example.
Listen to how Rep. Allyson Schwartz defines “middle class” America.
$250,000 ??? Lay off the pipe, lady. Not all of us get royalties ever time someone watches this classic.
We Was Robbed
June 11, 2008
Last week we wrote about an online contest we decided to participate in. And while we felt our answers didn’t enitrely suck, unlike the rest, we were certain we had a fightin’ chance.
Well, we were wrong. Apparently our answers did suck.
From Washwords, the online host of the rigged contest:
FamousDC took the word of one caaaarrazzy tipster and devoted some prime real estate to my little blog, which I loveeeed, plus the title of their entry (”We Better Win This Contest”) I’ll admit kinda scared me, but to be fair, they entered after the deadline, and while I judged after my own self-imposed judging deadline, the rules don’t apply to me, just everyone else. (Duh!), plus they nominated themselves for best blog you don’t know and uhhh, we know them.
We can only hope there are more contests - and as for the musicians outside the metro stations, the ones we spoke so highly of, we still think they suck.
Breaking News: Politico Discovers Earth Not Flat
June 11, 2008
Well, not quite, but the story they did decide to write begs the question- have they run out of content to cover, or are we the only ones who don’t give a flying leap if a 100 year-old Senator is enamored with his blackberry?
The Politico: “People who mull such things are beginning to ask whether Capitol Hill’s BlackBerry addiction - seven out of 10 members and staffers have one - is putting too much power into the hands of small groups of well-connected constituents, exacerbating partisan polarization and snuffing out whatever’s left of Washington’s political sanctuary removed from the parochial concerns back home. “
Too much power because of a mobile device that lets them communicate with each other? Really?
Was this question posed to Robert Byrd in 1876 when Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone, right around the time lawmakers were debating postage rates? Probably not, because it’s a ridiculous assumption.
Perhaps this is 21st century product placement and BlackBerry is paying for this story. We can only hope.
Weiner Cock Blocks American Models
June 11, 2008
Rep. Anthony Weiner is hard up lately over prized foreign fashion models looking for work in the US.
Weiner, who’s been in the news lately because he’s diddling Hillary’s body gal- is again making headlines - and once more, it involves beautiful women.
Weiner, who represents parts of Queens and Brooklyn, NY, has his bachelor panties in a wad because he feels foreign fashion models get treated unjustly when it comes to granting them work visas.
Because current immigration laws lump models and tech geeks in the same category when they come stateside looking for work, Weiner is sponsoring legislation that moves models into their own category, relieving them from unjust competition they receive from the nerd community. [Sounds like a terrible reality TV show]
We’re not kidding.
The bill’s language requires that the visiting model be “of distinguished merit and ability” and that the event or photo shoot have a “distinguished reputation.”
Some complaints leveled against Weiner’s latest stroke of genius include the fact that this will hurt American models and their chances at lucrative contracts here in the US.
Weiner denies that claim, and argues if American models don’t make the cut; some agencies will begin “photoshopping a backdrop of New York City into a picture of a model in Eastern Europe.”
This, by the way, is the most ridiculous shit we’ve ever heard.
Shouldn’t Weiner concentrate on matters that are important, rather than attempting to penetrate the fashion industry?
PS: Former President Clinton is hoping to co-sign Weiner’s legislation.
Let’s Hope This Kind of Tomfoolery is a Fad, Not a Precedent
June 9, 2008
Remember Tom DeLay? Well, after he walked away from congress, folks came from everywhere, circus included, to replace him. Including her. A man in love with himself. And at one time, this guy, who tried to run, but was told it would be best if he just quietly went away.
Well, Mayor Dave Wallace doesn’t want to be quiet anymore.
Wallace, who just so happens to be the current mayor of Sugar Land, TX, is apparently also the Mayor of VH1.
Hold on tight, you might just fall out of your chair.
RNC and DNC Tangle Over ‘Friends’
June 9, 2008
File this one under mission critical.
The RNC’s Facebook friends total recently surpassed the DNC total. So what does an organization do when that happens? Simple, you attempt to pitch it to the media and hope that JoMa isn’t asleep at the keyboard. [Riveting, isn’t it?]
Only this time, it didn’t play well for the Republicans.
A few minutes after the rumors of the RNC Facebook pitch idea hit the blogosphere, Daily Kos went front page, urging people to sign up for the DNC’s Facebook group.
Seconds later, the RNC lead had evaporated.
We know what you’re thinking. This is all very fascinating and important, especially given the fact that we are constantly told the importance of the social networks this political season.
According to the political propeller-heads, the more friends you have on Facebook, the better the chances to be voted Prom King. And if you have 15,000 friends, compared to 14,000, in the case of the DNC vs. the RNC, it quickly becomes clear that, not only are you more popular, but chances are, you’ll be awarded the finest fruits and cheeses upon your arrival at the Gigabyte Gates - particularly given the fact that there are over 200,000,000 age eligible voters in the United States.
That’s right. Over 200,000,000 possible voters and both parties are pissing and moaning about friends’ lists that don’t even begin to scratch the surface of the political radar screen? Not to mention, their missing the entire point of the platform anyway.
Sarcasm aside, imagine what a 1000 friend differential could do for a presidential candidate?
1000 divided by 200 million is about .000002.
Perhaps this perspective helps:
In the United States about 1,000 people are injured by lightning every year, so 1,000 divided by 300 million or about .000003.
Conclusion: If you ignore political Facebook groups and even take it a step further and don’t vote- then chances are you won’t get struck by lightning.
The RNC’s Ultimate White Elephant Gift
June 6, 2008
On the historic eve of this Nation’s first ever African American Presidential nominee, the RNC ad geniuses introduced Sam, their brand new “white” elephant.
As if a white elephant wasn’t offensive enough, this double entendre might be the gift that doesn’t keep on giving for the RNC.
White Elephant: [defined] … a curse because the animal had to be kept and could not be put to practical use to offset the cost of maintaining it.
What is the RNC trying to say about its nominee and therefore its chances?
One would figure they had already learned their lesson.
Rep. Jane Harman Writes Laws, But Doesn’t Follow Them
June 5, 2008
Dear Jane,
In order to represent the people, it’s imperative that you act like the people. Just because you write the laws, doesn’t mean you’re above them.
Although, we do love your SUV - very foreign of you. Is it a hybrid?
Regards,
FDC Editors
2601 PARKING AND OTHER NON-MOVING INFRACTIONS
2601.1 The civil infractions and their respective fines set forth in this subsection refer to parking or parked vehicles.
Fire hydrant, within 10 feet of [§ 2405.2(b)] 50.00
What Do Supreme Court Justices Do After They Leave the Bench?
June 5, 2008
Play video games.…Obvi!
Claudia Parsons: Retired Justice O’Connor Unveils Video Game
America’s first female Supreme Court justice unveiled a videogame project on Wednesday to teach children how courts work, saying she wanted to counter partisan criticism that judges are “godless” activists.
Developers! Developers! Developers! Developers!
June 4, 2008
Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer stops by the WaPo and pronounces newspapers and magazines dead.
Kim Hart: Steve Ballmer Swings By the Post
Steve Ballmer’s favorite TV show is “Lost,” but he refuses to pay a buck to get it on iTunes–he’d rather deal with a few ads. He still isn’t sure what “Web 2.0″ really means. And he predicts that in 10 years, everything will be delivered over the Internet in an ad-supported format. Newspapers and magazines will cease to exist, but content producers will continue to proliferate. And Google’s strategy is baffling to him.
Who Farted?
June 4, 2008
From Ambinder:
So the RNC, in its video on Democrats who’ve criticized Obama, plays a sound bite of Sen. John Edwards noting Obama’s “high-falutin” language.
The accompanying translation posted by the RNC also has Edwards talking about hot air… just hot air of a different kind.
We Better Win This Contest
June 3, 2008
A tipster sent us a link to this DC related blog, which recently sponsored an interesting contest. The contest supposedly ended a few days ago, but we’re going to enter anyway.
Attention all DC’ers: bloggers, photogs, neighbors, friends - if you’re in DC (or okay, just this once, the greater DC area. yep, even you orange_liners), consider this your battle call. Here’s what I want tout suite (yep, demanding, but there’s PRIZES involved) on your blogs or in email if need be:
1) One reason why you LOVE DC.
We love DC because it’s the only place in the country where senile 100 yr-old men are woken up from naps and allowed to make decisions that affect our country’s livelihood.
2) One thing you hate/snark/whine/mock about DC (can’t think of any? me either, try virginia)
We hate the live entertainment that accompanies each metro stop. If DC Metro hired just one professional musician and circulated their talents, commuters might begin to smile again.
3) A DC favorite or secret (can be a restaurant, a deal, a park, an intersection, you name it)
The Congressional Liquor Store, otherwise known as Congo, has the world’s best chicken salad wraps.
4) Your favorite DC photo (own the rights please! that means you took it or it’s public or I’m not gonna get in trouble for sharing it!)
The drunk fly:
5) One DC blogger we might not know about.
There’s this great site called FamousDC. It’s the new black. Check it out.
