lesterblog

Migration

2009-05-01T06:10:00.003-04:00

For various reasons, not the least of which is that I've had less interest in political blogging lately, most of my blogging activity will now be found at The Real Jon Lester blog, which consolidates all of my interests into one place, with an emphasis on my creative output.

While you're here, how about a game?

Asteroids made by Neave Games

Miss Atom 2009 / The Power of Obama

2009-03-05T16:13:00.001-05:00

Here's proof the American energy sector could be far more creative in capturing the people's imagination and persuading them to consider new nuclear power options:

In other news, a Moscow politician has, unlike Georgia's Vernon Jones, successfully appropriated Obama's image for the purpose of his election, although apparently without the president's written permission, as required by Russian law.

Similarly, the funniest of the new wave of get-paid-to-click sites does much the same thing:

You can expect to see more of my referral links for similar "PTC" sites. Things are so bad now, I'll take a few extra pennies a day where I can find them. I would greatly appreciate your support.

Randy Bewley

2009-02-26T18:31:00.001-05:00

Yesterday we lost Pylon guitarist Randy Bewley all too soon.

As a lifelong resident growing up in the Athens area, Pylon was one local act that influenced me as much or more than my favorite international artists. While their reunions were frequent, we never know when we've already seen someone's last show. It's another reason to support live music, to see your favorite acts and your like-minded friends when you can, because everyone should enjoy times with others before the next unexpected loss.

A Song for Today

2009-01-19T19:55:00.004-05:00

Only a fan video exists for this 1986 OMD song from The Pacific Age but it will more than suffice for the occasion:

And as a bonus, here's a reminder of where we've been:

One Great American

2009-01-15T21:50:00.004-05:00

Tonight, Americans from every walk of life celebrate the 100% survival rate of US Air Flight#1549 after its emergency crash-landing in the Hudson River. The LinkedIn page for pilot C. B. "Sully" Sullenberger makes one marvel that, of all the pilots who might have experienced the same circumstances, no one could have asked for a better one to manage the actual event.

Way to Go

2009-01-05T20:10:00.003-05:00

Some days I wonder how and why I ever belonged to RedState; I assume full responsibility for my own failure to see the rapid deterioration of the community as a whole into dementia, before I abruptly quit last August.

Not content with savaging dissenters and merchandising "antichrist" stickers, now Macon wunderkind and RS co-founder Erick Erickson and company have created a "RedState Strike Force" crest that has offended actual veterans of recent conflicts.

Via Sadly, No

Zaxby

2008-11-18T23:14:00.002-05:00

If you're not familiar with the Zaxby's chain of restaurants, the experience is one of waiting entirely too long and paying too much, and all you get is chicken:

Amazon mp3's

2008-11-16T17:00:00.001-05:00

I have reissued the 2006 "Terry & Holly" EP for sale through Amazon's mp3 store. I used the CreateSpace service which allows authors to upload and submit music, video or text for sale and with no up-front costs. I have also submitted another EP with "The Bowman Draws" as its lead single, and I expect that to be available on Amazon as well within the next couple of days.

Apologies from GA-10

2008-11-11T22:55:00.002-05:00

As a constituent of Georgia's 10th Congressional District, I pass on Rep. Paul Broun's regrets:

America

2008-11-04T23:22:00.003-05:00

This is for all of our foreign friends who bore with us to see us through this historic night:

Sink

2008-11-02T01:54:00.002-04:00

I needed a few days to stew over the news that "Joe the Plumber" will now enjoy the gross injustice that is the music industry, particularly as practiced by Nashville. I am now prepared to share what I really think about it:

Sweet Virginia

2008-10-23T20:24:00.004-04:00

The reigning Miss Virginia is offended by recent, high-profile suggestions that some parts of her state are more "real" than others.

I would quote the line, "thank you, for your wine, California."

McCain Campaign Solicits Donations from Foreign Government

2008-10-21T20:34:00.003-04:00

A mass mailing mishap, probably borne more of Hanlon's Razor than conscious iniquity, has landed a fundraising solicitation in the mailbox of the Russian mission to the United Nations in New York. The mission has stated that it does not interfere in foreign elections.

Prescient Reflection

2008-10-12T02:24:00.002-04:00

Tonight's SNL was a rerun of the season premiere, yet I welcomed it as a reminder of where we are lately.

Consistent with my impressionistic habits of choosing images for promotional posters, I find this relic of yesteryear to fit nicely with the current scheme of things:

Next Wednesday

2008-10-09T04:25:00.002-04:00

Boris Yefimov, Cartoonist, 1900-2008

2008-10-01T23:18:00.002-04:00

The 90 year career of Soviet political cartoonist Boris Yefimov was ended only by his passing today at age 108.

Interesting "Airwolf" Episode Title

2008-09-11T14:25:00.003-04:00

I don't believe this is a nefarious coincidence but it's interesting all the same. I remember this episode of "Airwolf" but I had completely forgotten that the title was "Flight #093 Is Missing," and of course that's a flight number we'll never forget.

Ed Koch, Swing Voter

2008-09-09T20:16:00.002-04:00

Having actively campaigned for the re-election of George W. Bush in 2004 on the basis of national security concerns, former New York City mayor Ed Koch has concluded that he will place his trust in the Obama-Biden ticket this November.

Pimp the Flag

2008-09-07T03:27:00.001-04:00

Just in time for 9/11.

RIP Don LaFontaine

2008-09-03T23:29:00.003-04:00

As a film fan and filmmaker, I join in mourning the passing of voice-over master Don LaFontaine and I regret that I can't have his voice in my own future trailers.

I also regret the passing of Jerry Reed. Every child of the 1970's will never forget either his music or his acting in the Smokey & the Bandit movies.

St. Paul Police Getting Ridiculous

2008-09-02T18:51:00.003-04:00

I don't know who's ultimately responsible for the indiscriminate arrests of activists during the Republican National Convention but I find it hard to believe that Democracy Now! host Amy Goodman did anything to invite her own arrest. I've seen the TV version of the show on Free Speech TV and, while it might often have some far-out guests, I've never seen anything resembling incitement evident in the show's mission.

UPDATE: Sign the petition!

Putin Shoots Tiger, Saves Television Crew

2008-09-01T00:28:00.003-04:00

Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin, visiting a wildlife preserve, shot and tranquilized an Amur tiger that came dangerously close to a television crew from RTR-Vesti and then assisted in measuring the sedated animal and attaching a GPS collar to its neck. The news channel has video (in Russian).

Update: the BBC has the story in English.

44-Pound Cat

2008-08-31T23:48:00.000-04:00

Very Kindly Bumped-Up Comment

2008-08-29T21:14:00.002-04:00

The good folks at The Political Carnival bumped a comment I made up to a new blog entry with its own community's comments. Thanks to TPC and to you for following the link there.

Ain't That America

2008-08-29T00:27:00.000-04:00

Pink Houses @ Yahoo! Video