You know for a while I really did think that with McCain and Obama as the two major parties candidates that we would actually have a campaign that would be about the major issues facing our nation. I honestly did think that our country could become nuanced in each party's ideas to deal with our financial crisis, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, health care for both the insured and uninsured, a fair immigration idea, and to wean ourselves off the teat of non-renewable resources like oil.

Instead we are talking about lipstick on a motherfuckin' pig. The media has culpability in this latest endeavor, because they much rather eat of the shit-pie the McCain camp has served up as narrative instead of dealing with the corner the republicans have painted themselves into with 8 years of George W. Bush. I saw the speech Obama gave and he was talking about the "Change" the republicans are offering as counterpoint to the change Obama aims to bring. His intent was to illustrate that while McCalin/Palin talk about change, they in fact offer no real change. It's putting a fresh coat of paint on a condemned house...or maybe putting lipstick on a pig.

I know why McCain camp did what they did. They want to make it look like the black guy hates the white woman. The Republicans did much of the same thing in Henry Ford Jr.'s election. It the tired ploy of a desperate party, play on white folks fear of African-Americans. It's disgusting, but this is the party that gets God every four years and then goes and then runs off to the nearest bathroom stall for a guy on guy suck-fest.

Give me a break. It's time to kill the pig, put it on a stick, and see who can be Lord of the Flies.

A month ago I suggested to a co-worker that he should give a lecture about whether Christians should get tattoos. I added that it'll be cool if he gives the lecture as he is tattooing someone. Well, I kinda volunteered thinking that the idea would get shot down.

Well in 20 minutes I have my first sitting. It will take roughly 45 minutes, and it'll be just outside the library where I work for everyone to see. In another week I have another sitting that will take about 3 hours because of all the color work.

I'll obviously have pictures, maybe some video, and hopefully some stories to tell.

I hesitate even saying what it'll be just to save the surprise.

I just hope I don't cry from the pain, because my wife will ridicule me.

So wish me luck.

Update: So I was initially surprised by the pain, after I while the pain was present but not intense. We had a good turnout of many people coming to gawk, which turned into a tattoo fashion show of folks showing off their tattoos or regaling on what tattoo they are thinking about getting.

So here's the money shot:

In another week comes the longer sitting, but I'm sure will look fantastic! It's a Celtic Wild Goose which is symbolic of the Holy Spirit.

Well here's one way to get me writing more on Lefty Side of the Dial, talk about your other site, The Married Gamers. Things have been very busy, very stressful, and also a lot of fun in our household as of late, and I thought this place is a better to celebrate, bitch, kevetch, or otherwise about the going-ons as Mrs. Lefty and I become video game podcast celebrities (to a very small demographic).

In July we left a network of video game podcasts that we were in since it started. We really really liked all the folks that were a part of this network, but it was obvious to us that the network was helping our site and podcast improve our numbers, hits, listeners, or move us forward. So we jumped ship to another network and since then, along with a few other things, our subscribers have gone up, our hits have gone way up, and the marketability has skyrocketed. I use Alexa to watch how popular our site is and since July we have gone from being the 4 million-something most visited site on the internet to being the 380,000 most visited site on the internet...and we continue to improve our ratings. I imagine, and hope, that very soon we'll actually have some paid advertising which will go a long way to giving our writers some of it, upgrading our equipment, and take care of operating costs.

As our numbers improve I am finding that it is getting easier to get interviews, get products to review, and make connections in the video game community. At the same time, I worry that Mrs. L and I need to stay grounded with our community of listeners that are part of our growing community forums. It's trippy having this community that spend their time listening to us, enjoying our commentary and perspective, and becoming a very nice and friendly place to people can play games with.

Anyway we are one week away from flying to Seattle for PAX, the Penny Arcade Expo. We ordered our 3 day pass way back in February, but now we don't need them because we are going as media. These past two weeks has been filled with making appointments with game developers, trying to preserve some time to catch a few PAX programs, and some "Us" time for Mrs. Lefty and I to walk the con floor, meet with podcasters we are fans of, and take some time to eat. It is going to be a whirlwind of activity, and I hope that we find time to post our news stories, record a nightly podcast, and most of all celebrate our one year podcast anniversary.

I'm very nervous that we'll have enough money to have a relaxing time, and nothing bad comes up to prevent us from going. And I still have one PAX pass to give away. If you are in the Seattle area and want to go to PAX, let me know.

Oh, and will all of this PAX craziness is going on, I just got word that I will also be going to another event called E for All in L.A. in early October as a member of the media. I really do need to get some paid advertising to pay for all of these hotel expenses.

Anyway, long time readers be prepared for this to be a regular thread on the Lefty Side of the Dial, and like I promised old familiar stuff will return in September...including the LSOTD podcast.

1. Burn Notice -I recently started downloading Burn Notice on the Xbox Live Marketplace, and have really enjoyed the series of a former spy trying to find out who burned him and at the same time help people out of bad situations.

2. Geometry Wars 2 -I liked the first Geometry Wars, so I had no reservations with purchasing this arcade game, but I was not prepared for the degree in which they improved upon the original while still retaining the gameplay and feel of the first one. It is a game that you plan to play for just a short time, but end up playing for hours. Proving that a game doesn't have to be complex to be good.

3. X-Files Season 2 -I'm still watching episodes of the X-Files. I probably won't get around to the movie until it comes out on DVD or hits the "cheap theater" in town. Season 2 things really start to hit their stride, and I have really been enjoying the start of mythic backstory to the series that was a boon to the hardcore and hinderence to others.

4. U2 Box Set [Boy, October, & War Deluxe Edition] -Amazon had a special box set of the first three U2 albums which recently remastered and got the "Deluxe Edition" treatment...and it was cheaper than getting them individually. I am a huge U2 fanboy, so ths has been the Bees-Knees for me.

5. U2 Joshua Tree Box Set -So I did go a little U2 crazy recently. I picked up the Joshua Tree box set that comes with a DVD of a Paris show during that time. It is a decent show, and I dug the sort of video journal doc that is also on the DVD. The bonus songs are okay, but I've heard many of them elsewhere, but I've been waiting for the U2 catalog to get a little better mastering.

6. Rock Band Rock Band 2 comes out for the Xbox 360 in September, so recently my wife and I have been playing the Band World Tour on Rock Band trying to complete all the cities around the world before the sequel comes out. So far we've complete two or three, and we have several more to go. I love gaming with my wife.

7. Final Crisis # 2-3 - So after a worrisome first issue, Morrison is once again proving that he is the man with big ideas. This supposed Final Crisis has the feeling like we may see an actual substantial change in the DCU status quo. How will things change, and how big makes for interesting conjecture and a compelling read. Granted I don't know every facet of the DCU, I can appreciate seeing some of Morrison's machinations start to boldly take shape. Can't wait to see how things pan out.

8. Embargoed Game -I am currently checking out a game that I can't mention it's name until Monday. It's the first time I've had to keep stuff like that secret, but I can say that it is indeed a game, and I can't wait to have my review of it on The Married Gamers on Monday.

9. Hooters "Nervous Night" -Yes most folks know I have a soft spot for 80s music. I recently pick this disc for free, and have been loving it. Members of the Hooters went on to be a backing band for Joan Osbourne. I love the vocal harmonies on the disc.

10. Joan Jett & the Blackhearts "Bad Reputation" -Downloaded this fantastic album from eMusic, and I have fallen hard for it. I love this album, and can't believe I've never picked this up sooner. Sure, I've long liked the title track after hearing as the theme song for the TV show Freaks & Geeks, but the rest of the album is so freakin' fantastic.

So what is some of your recently time wasters?

However, I am thinking about having guest spots of a political or topical nature pop up here.

Oh, and I have been slowly collecting my thoughts for a Top Ten of what is occupying my time as of late.

But you all should know that I am alive, busy, and now driving a brand new 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid that has been begging for a road trip! I will be taking "Little Martha" (as we affectionately have dubbed her) to San Francisco for a games press event at EA as they show off all kinds of forthcoming Wii games, and a few sports games as well.

Well, I'll try to have a Friday Three Questions up sometime after my lunch break. Until then let me just say thanks for those folks who have asked when this place will receive new content.

Oh and Monday is my...let's see here 1971 from 2008...carry the one, multiply by 7....Monday is 37th birthday. So one of my Fresno friends needs to pick me up and escort me to a movie, a record store, and a bar. At least two out of three.

Anyway, here are this week's three questions:

1. Have you ever dressed up in an opposite gender's clothing? When was the last time you've done that?

2. Who do find to be funniest comedian still walking among the living at this very moment?

3. What is your favorite reoccurring sketch/characters from any season of Saturday Night Live?

1. So what do you like to do when it too damn hot?

2. I know The Closer starts on Monday, but other than that is there ANYTHING good on television right now?

3. Borrowing this from a twitter discussion...How would you reboot the Marvel superhero, Dazzler?

So I'm alive, and have been grooving to a Buzzcocks Greatest Hits cd, and wishing I had the Plant & Krauss cd which I didn't think I'd like but after seeing them perform on Music HD was enamored with. I blame T-Bone Burnett who is able to coax great performance out of talented musicians.

So other than ignoring this blog, I've been playing some video games, getting together with some friends. Even attended a movie marathon.

Oh, and trying to adjust to a 4 day work week...I keep forgetting what day I am scheduled to take off during the week.

1. If you could pick one album to be redone in a different musical genre, what album would it be and what genre?

2. What is or was your favorite Marvel Comics miniseries?

3. What's the last song you remember floating in your head, and where did you hear it last being played?

As always my answers are in the comments section, where you are invited to leave your answers there as well.

Had a great time up in Sacra-tomato Tuesday night to catch the Drive By Truckers and had a swell time. As I mentioned in a Twitter, you know you got a good "seat" when you can smell the Jack Daniels coming off from the band while they play. They played great and they put on a fantastic show, and I'm so thankful for the last minute invite from my good friend and musical guru (who I actually turned on to this fantastic band) Steve P.

I didn't get home to early in the morning, but thankfully I had the day off as part of my work's new 4 day work week. We work 9 hours for 4 days and get a day during the summer. It's a good idea, and one I hope will continue after the summer heat subsides.

Anyway, so being dog-tired threw me off my game on Wednesday, and I didn't get a chance to go to the comic book shop to see Morrison redeem himself in the fan's eyes for what is perceived as a letdown in Final Crisis #1. I can't wait to go after work today, but I do believe Morrison can craft an amazing story that may transform the DCU for ages to come....if the Kirby Fourth World fans can accept change.

In other DC news comes word of Didio possibly being fired or removed or retconned or maybe killed and then resurrected after Levitz punches a hole into the metaverse. I am of two minds on this. I do think Didio has pushed a storyline in the DCU that has caused an avalanche of event books and minis. However I do think Didio has been instrumental in bringing quite talented fellows in the DC stable. I can honestly say for better or worse I am a DC fanboy because of the creative folks that have worked their asses off. Like, Quesada Didio LOVES the medium, love the company, and loves turning new readers onto the medium. Have you read Tiny Titans? It's crack for DCU fanboys and acts as an excellent gateway drug for young readers too.

It'll be interesting to see how things turn out, so close to San Diego Comic Con...which I won't be covering as press because I never heard back from the press reg person. That kinda is dissapointing escpeccialy since the folks there were awesome at getting me and Mrs. L to Wondercon for some fantastic coverage. Maybe next year.

You can check out the episode here.

All of this reminded me that I really need to get another episode of Lefty Side of the Dial out. I'm thinking of doing one on Saturday.

+ I can honestly say that my wife and I are back on the wagon when it comes to our diet. About two years ago I started off strong, lost 30 pounds and then fell off the wagon, gaining ten of those pounds back. Well, after a visit with our nutritionist we're making great food choices that does manage to keep me without hunger pains and tastes pretty darn good. Sure that summer Slurpee is now a monthly reward for myself...but and even bigger reward is have less of me to lug around. I am actually anxious to step on a scale for a weekly weigh-in.

+ I wonder if all those shitheads going after Barack's wife right now is more because Michelle is darker skinned and plays the racism card to get out the vote. Fox News should be protested for its 'Baby Mama' comment. It hits a new low standard for an already low-blow GOP Cable News Network.

+ I have to get used to being in the public eye now that my wife and I are doing our video game podcast and getting fairly successful at it. We recently got an email which used some information garnered here and there from old blog posts, which called my Christianity into question claiming I was bisexual and I got off on weird sexual perverse stuff involving my wife. Talking to other video game podcasters, they've gotten similar stuff. Man, there are really some sick folks out there. Remind me to grow a thicker skin.

+ Vampire Weekend is now on eMusic...you may now commence downloading and thank me later.

...off to lunch, and another episode of X-Files Season 1.

1. X-Files Season 1 DVD

During my lunch breaks I've been watching episodes of the X-Files. I won't wrap up the series before the new film hits the theaters, but I have been really enjoying the journey. I haven't hit any of the mythology episodes yet, but even the "monsters of the week" manages to be a great time.

2. Lego Indiana Jones on Xbox 360

I've just finished the story for the original three movies, and I am now spending some time grabbing any quick achievements I can. The game is very much like all the other Lego video games, and I was more than a bit disappointed that online co-op wasn't in this game. However I did have an enjoyable time for the most.

3. Swirling Eddies "Outdoor Elvis"

I love this album. It is perhaps one of my favorite Christian albums of all time. I've listened to this thing so many times since I recently was gifted it. It's very much like listening to an musical version of the sarcastic Christian magazine, the Wittenburg Door.

4. Battlestar Galactica

The last season of Battlestar has been a little hit or miss for me but the last three episodes have been hard hitting and have been a thrill-ride to watch. The mid-season ender really did a good job in taking a promise and giving the audience something they didn't expect. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if they trotted out Neo from the Matrix in 2009.

5. Doctor Who

Okay, so I've been a wee behind on watching Doctor Who....well about three weeks behind. I've now have started watching, and am really enjoying it.

6. Rock Band

I still love this game. Every friday some co-workers and I get together to play some video games during our lunch hour and for several weeks we've been playing Rock Band. I dig just hanging out and playing. At home I've also been enjoying it, because it is such a blast when my wife and I sit down and play together. I am really looking forward to next week's DLC release...the full album release of The Pixies' "Doolittle".

7. Buko Sudoko

Yes it's sudoko, but before this game on the Xbox Live Arcade came out I never played sudoko...and I'm hooked in a major way. Last time I've checked I am 15th in the world...which is a lot of games. I have been digging just seeing how fast I complete the screens while listening to music I've ripped to my Xbox 360.

8. Eastern Promises

A fantastic, brutual movie that manages to do some surprising things in script and acting. Viggo was so in character it's scary. This film also marks the last HD-DVD I'll ever be getting from Netflix.

9. Bruce Springsteen "Magic"

I've been listening to this album while I play Buku Sudok oand have really enjoyed rediscovering it, and a hell of a joy to sing along with. Springsteen does anthem rock like no other, and still really dig this album.

10. Trinity (DC Comics)

After getting burned on Countdown, I actually did not add Trinity to my pull list, however I sampled the first two issues, and came away impressed. It has a very Brave & Bold feel to it, and Kurt Busiek shows why he's the perfect go-to writer for a weekly series. The art for the primary section of the book from Bagley is very nice and I just love well he tells a story with art in clean and non-flashy way that really services the script exceptionally.

2. Mythbusters (implement experiments to affirm or debunk several myths)

3. X-Files (solve several x-files while wearing unattractive pant suits)

4. Cops (not only do you play as a cop but you can co-op and play as the camera man)

5. 24 (a real-time game that you must finish in 24 hours or you lose)