Strollerderby : joe biden

Morning News: Minivan Maker Goes Bankrupt

Amy Kuras — Fri, 01 May 2009 13:00:00 GMT

If you build a better mousetrap, the saying goes, the world will beat a path to your door. If you invent the minivan, though, you eventually end up in bankruptcy, apparently. Chrysler LLC, after narrowly avoiding bankruptcy in the last deep recession in 1980 and paying back the government loan that saved them three years later, filed for Chapter 11 yesterday.

Look, I’m from Detroit and thus incapable of driving a foreign car, and would only drive a Chrysler if even a Toyota were not available. They’re not so good, although Jeep retains a good reputation and the Chrysler 300 was a nice ride. But when you can invent the vehicle that has become shorthand for boring sexless parenting and still be on the brink of going out of business? Something’s messed up.

Thinking about following Chrysler into bankruptcy court? Forget about getting foreclosure relief that way, after a bill to let judges fix mortgages through bankruptcy proceedings failed in the Senate yesterday. Good news, though, is that the House passed a bill that would limit credit card companies’ ability to screw with you, basically. Under the bill, they couldn’t use double-cycle billing to squeeze more interest out of you and would have to give you notice before raising your rates or closing your accounts.

Still with me? You’re just waiting for the swine flu update, aren’t you? As of late yesterday the death toll in the US remained at one, but the confirmed cases rose to 109. One of those is a security aide to the president who accompained him on his recent trip to Mexico. Nearly 300 schools were closed across the United States. Although right now there’s no evidence you can get the disease from eating pork products, that’s no comfort to pork producers, who have seen their business drop. Nor is it to any friends of Olivia in Egypt, where the government is taking the drastic step of killing all the country’s pigs.

And then there’s good old Joe Biden, who felt it necessary to inform us he’s asked his family to stay out of confined spaces like airplanes and subways. Way to stay calm, Mr. Vice President.

Joe Biden's Daughter Allegedly Caught on Tape Snorting Cocaine; Do We Care?

KeriF — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:30:00 GMT

Vice President Joe Biden's 27-year-old daughter Ashley was allegedly captured on video snorting cocaine at a party. A lawyer was apparently shopping the tape around to various media outlets to the tune of $400,000.

The question is, does anyone care?

When Sarah Palin's daughter announced her (unwed teen) pregnancy, some thought the Republican ticket was sunk. But folks on both side of the aisle rallied, calling candidates' children off-limits. If anything, Palin's candidacy was buoyed by her conservative base who was proud the governor was practicing what she preached.

Then again, getting pregnant at 17 isn't illegal.

This isn't Ashley Biden's first flirtation with the dark side; she was arrested in 2002 for obstructing a police officer outside a Chicago bar, but the charges were dropped after Ashley apologized.

It was Senator Joe Biden, incidentally, who coined the term "drug czar" in 1982.

Vice president Biden has not commented on the tape. Thomas Dunlop, the Washington lawyer who was trying to sell the video, has since dropped his client after learning that the video was recorded by hidden camera. No word yet on whether anyone else will step up to represent the mystery seller, or if anyone will pony up money for the tape.

What do you think? If it is Ashley in the video, does this reflect poorly on Vice President Biden? Should a politician be judged for the behavior of his children?

I'm Not a Brat, I'm Autistic

Babble Podcast for January 12, 2009

Brett Singer — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 03:24:00 GMT

Here is the eighth Babble Podcast.

You can either listen right here

or download the MP3 file by clicking here.

On today's episode:

1. Quick news update:
- Barack Obama is a celebrity? How about Bristol Palin?
- Al Franken won – maybe.
- The Jets didn’t make the playoffs, which is worse than the Giants losing to the Eagles. Not much worse. But worse.
2. The Week in Blog
- A six-year-old driving to school alone, extra nipples, and Jett Travolta.
3. Comment of the Week
- Nobody ever claps for parents. Today, we fix that.
4. The Last Word
- The Wii Fit lets me work out in my living room, away from the freaks at the gym.

Notes on this podcast:

Songs parodied:
- The Knack, My Sharona

Songs mangled:
- Led Zeppelin, Immigrant Song

Posts mentioned:

Parents Wait a Decade to Report Missing Child

Six-Year-Old Drives Himself to School After Missing Bus

Mom-to-Be Has Two Vaginas, Two Uteruses

Tripp Palin's Name Explained

Extra Nipples, Anyone?

Yup, This is a Fairy Door

Sasha Obama Brought Something Ugly To School

Update: John Travolta Son's Death Details & Statements

John Travolta's Son Dies

Funeral For Jett Travolta In Ocala

Stuff You Never Thought You'd Say -- Winter Edition

Other posts worth reading:

UPDATE: Kid Kissing A Pig - The Musical

Should Homeschooling Parents Be Certified?

Mom Saves Kids From Sinking SUV

More News About Missing Child Adam Herrman

Past Podcasts:

Babble Podcast for December 15, 2008

Babble Podcast for December 8, 2008

Babble Podcast for November 24, 2008

Babble Podcast for November 17, 2008

Babble Podcast for December 15, 2008

Brett Singer — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 13:12:00 GMT

Here is the seventh Babble Podcast.

You can either listen right here

or download the MP3 file by clicking here.

On today's episode:

1.    Quick news update:
       - Shoes thrown at the President. It's not funny. Well, it was a little funny. And strange.
       - Big time fraud report: Bernard L. Madoff, Marc S. Dreier, and Rod Blagojevich.
         Rod isn't really a fraud case, I guess. But it fits.

2. The Week in Blog
- Kid hangs with an orangutan, a medic alert bracelet that's fashionable, Kerri Russel stripping.Well, not stripping exactly. Strips down. Whatever, just listen.

3. Comment of the Week
- Can we tie Rod Blagojevich to Obama? No? Can we try?

4. The Last Word
- Memo to McCain supporters: he lost. Obama won. Election's over. Deal with it.

Notes on this podcast:

Songs parodied:

- Hey There Delilah, Plain White T's

Just the one this week, but it is an epic tale of true love between a New York Yankee third baseman and one of the most popular pop stars of all time. Both of whom have young kids and should probably stop being so irritating in the public eye. All the time.

Posts mentioned:

Toddler Befriends an Orphaned Baby Orangutan

Bronx, Zuma Don't Make Top 2008 Baby Names List

A Guy’s Take on Stay at Home Moms and Dads (Part 1: The Cons)

Babysitter Made Pornographic Film With 2 Year Old

Students Watch Autopsy of Teen From School

Sweet Angel Child's Bracelet

Stuffed Alphabet Set

Stylish Medical Alert Bracelet

Details: Keri Russell Strips Down

Confirmed: She's Pregnant!

Kate Winslet Keeps Nude Scenes Real

Morning news: What's the Matter with Illinois?

Half Price Toys at Target

Other posts worth reading:

Movie Review – "Delgo"

Announce Your New Addition With Panties: Male Perspective

New Zealand Girl Treated Successfully With Cord Blood

Rite Aid Says They Will Stop Selling Expired Baby Products

Past Podcasts:

Babble Podcast for December 8, 2008

Babble Podcast for November 24, 2008

Babble Podcast for November 17, 2008

Hey Obama, Give This Kid an Interview!

JeanneSager — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 18:02:00 GMT

Damon Weaver's stuck his mic in the faces of the likes of Vice President-Elect Joe Biden, future Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and possible New York Senate-seat-holder Caroline Kennedy. So what makes him any different from your standard political pundit? He's just ten years old.

And now the Florida fifth grader is gunning for the biggest interview of his TV news career: he wants to land President-Elect Barack Obama.

Weaver is an anchorman for KEC-TV news, the show produced by fifth and sixth graders at Canal Point Elementary School in Pahokee, Florida. His four-minute bid for the Obama interview has gotten more than forty thousand hits on YouTube, and he's got a second video with Miami Heat guard Dwayne Wade and forward Shawn Marion putting in a few good words for the little man.

Marion says he'll play the president-elect one-on-one if he'll interview Weaver - although he can't promise he'll let him win. And Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin? He's a graduate of Weaver's elementary school, and he's chipped in some cash to help get the pre-teen to the inauguration. The school threw a carnival to help make it happen too; and the boy will spend an entire week in D.C. in January. That's when he hopes Obama will grant a few moments of his time for an aspiring reporter.

"I can interview you any time, any day of that week - just have your people call my people," Weaver says with a wide grin at the end of his YouTube message."If you want to be my homeboy just like Joe Biden, all you have to do is just let me interview you."

Well-spoken (especially for a ten-year-old), Weaver is polite, sweet and hopeful. He's got just the right mix of "I can do it" and "oh please, let me do it" that makes you want to root for him. And he's done his homework - his video has clips not just of the NBA and NFL stars but of the agricultural importance of his hometown and the classrooms where he spends his days. He might be "just a kid," but he's obviously got something to say about the country's future - and his own.

So what do you think? Should Obama give this kid an interview and help make a real reporter out of him?

Juno Goes to Washington? Congress' First Unwed Mom

Mom Gets Hate Mail for Ending Kids Thanksgiving Party

Nintendo Scrabble Game Drops the F-Bomb

Mix Rap With Kid Shows and Whaddya Get?

Babble Talk: The Easter Bunny Can House Santa

Morning News: Woman to Head Homeland Security

Madeline Holler — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:00:00 GMT

If that collection of men backgrounding Barack Obama at his first press conference nearly two weeks ago was giving you pause, don't worry. He's gotten around to naming some women to high-visibility posts -- and we're not just talking about Hillary Clinton.

Insiders say he will name Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano as his pick to head the Office of Homeland Security. Napolitano is not a surprise choice, but a great one nonetheless. She is in her second term as governor of John McCain's state and was an early endorser of the president-elect. She also doesn't come from the Clinton team, which about half of Obama's current picks do. (Slate's keeping an eye on that with this handy/goofy chart.)

Women are hoping to crack the bullet-proof glass ceiling at the Pentagon. A group that tracks the number of women working in national security says they're seeing nearly double the female applicants than in election years past.

Chicago billionaire businesswoman Penny Prizker is his top choice for commerce secretary. So there. Some more women.

Not a woman, but a Clinton teamer AND a possible compromise to Obama's no conflict-of-interest pledge, Tom Daschle has been selected for secretary of health and human services. Since getting booted out of office four years ago, Daschle has been an adviser to health care clients for a law firm and also served on the Mayo Clinic board. His wife has also lobbied on behalf of health care corporations' interests. Why did Daschle get picked again?

Anyway, on hearing that Daschle just might get the top health job, a group of senators gathered in Ted Kennedy's office to begin hammering out a healthcare policy, which the Democrats swear they're going to start moving through the next Congress. Could this actually be the year we get real comprehensive healthcare reform?

Swoon alert! Obama brought in a dozen cupcakes for his second-in-command, Joe Biden, who turns 66 years old today. The president-elect then led the group in a round of "Happy Birthday" and gave him a bunch of Chicago sports teams' swag. Best. Birthday. Ever, Joe? Oh, oh, Obama joked that considering the number of cupcakes Biden must be turning 12. "In dog years," Biden responded. Oh you guys are so cute!

We saved the worst for last: the Dow hit its lowest point in six years yesterday. And that's still not likely the bottom. 'Nother cupcake anyone?

McCain Beats Obama!

Stevens Loses; Senate Dems Now at 58

Anti-Gay Church Lays Off Workers (After Spending Gobs on Prop 8)

The Second Thing Michelle Said After Obama's Historic Win

Is Hillary Back?

Pregnant With Palin

Photo: dailylife.com

Babble Podcast for November 17, 2008

Brett Singer — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Here is the fourth Babble Podcast.

You can either listen right here

or download the MP3 file by clicking here.

On today's episode:

1.    Quick news update
2.    The Week in Blog
3.    Comment of the Week
4.    The Last Word

Notes on this podcast:

Songs parodied:

- Crosby Stills Nash and Young, Ohio
(This is a weird one, I admit it. The show I'm talking about is Diff'rent Strokes.)

Posts mentioned:

Matt Lauer Talks To Sarah Palin In The Kitchen

10 Things You May Not Know About Pregnancy (and might shock you)

UPDATE AGAIN: Palin Prepper Defends The Gov

Arkansas Adoption Ban Passes, Fails to Eliminate Queers and their Spawn from the Earth

What Did Sasha Obama Wear on Election Night?

Big Deal: 70% Off Pottery Barn Kids Clothes!

Behold the Dream Coat

Who Is Barack Obama? 50 Things You Didn't Know

Rihanna Pregnant With Chris Brown's Baby?

Angelina Jolie Pregnant Again (Ya, And Pigs Fly)

Last-Minute Baby Namers

Other posts worth reading:

Alex Rodriguez Writing Love Poems To Madonna

Teacher Has Affair With Student, Parents Say Keep The Door Open

Disney Pulls Hannah Montana Diabetes Episode

Past Podcasts:

Babble Podcast for November 10, 2008

Babble Podcast for November 3, 2008

Babble Podcast for October 27th, 2008

Morning News: Is Hillary Back?

Madeline Holler — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:30:00 GMT

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton? Maybe. Last week it was a rumor that died down quickly. Since yesterday, though, there appears to be some traction. Obama camp insiders are trotting her name out among a few others (John Kerry, Republican Chuck Hagel, Bill Richardson), and some of his advisers say she's the best pick.

Why?

It's better to have a Clinton on the inside, rather than outside making trouble (true, that). The drawback of Hillary? One word:

Bill.

On foreign matters, this update: Osama bin Laden is apparently hanging on by a thread these days. He's mainly focused on his own survival and basically cut off from al Qaeda operations. Good news, sure, but on the lam for seven years? Damn.

Those leaky Dems have also disclosed that Lawrence Summers may no longer be under consideration for the Secretary of Treasury position, thanks in part to women's groups who can't stand the guy and his girl brain/boy brain "theories."

More than 1 million people are expected to attend Barack Obama's inauguration Jan. 20 in Washington, D.C. That's a ton of people. (Will you be one of them?) Everybody's scrambling to get tickets, places to stay, enough law enforcement, and enough public viewing space.

Think some generous Northern Virginia families would be willing to put up a few of these 8,000 bedouin tribesmen for the big swearing in? These guys claim to be the lost tribe of Barack Obama. They even have evidence that they are linked by blood to the president-elect. Come on, guys, we get him first!

If your priest is a real jerk, you might want to avoid being seen at the inauguration, on TV or otherwise. South Carolina's Rev. Jay Scott Newman is refusing communion to anyone who supports Barack Obama, unless they've done penance for their vote. Who knew the Holy Trinity was so dang bi-partisan!

And you thought Joe Biden was going to be an embarrassment. Obama's Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel had to apologize on behalf of his father yesterday. Dad, who was once a member of a militant Zionist group thought to have committed terrorist acts against Palestinians, had this to say about how influential his son will be: "Obviously he will influence the president to be pro-Israel," he was quoted as saying. "Why wouldn't he be? What is he, an Arab? He's not going to clean the floors of the White House." Oh, cringe.

Speaking of terrorists? Embarrassments? People who won't go away? Bill Ayers is on Good Morning America this morning in his first interview since the election. Will ABC let Elisabeth Hasselbeck take a few minutes off The View stage to watch?

Felon/Senate incumbent from Alaska Ted Stevens is almost certain to have lost his re-election bid. But did he get to keep the grill?

A complaint has been filed against the Mormon Church for not fully disclosing allllll the contributions made to the campaign to ban gay marriage in California. Seems stuff like state phone bank use, commericals and other promos weren't reported in the disclosures. We hope this complaint turns in to a huge pain in their asses.

Disaffected youth keep pouring into Nebraska hospitals as parents watch the deadline to abondon their teens under a very unrestrictive safe haven law grow nearer. State lawmakers will way lower the age limit (to, like, three days) in a special session in January. We've said it before, but Nebraska might want to consider beefing up its family services outreach. Because, wow. Just wow.

Joe Biden Is Our First Catholic Vice President

Brett Singer — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:00:00 GMT

For obvious reasons, Barack Obama being the first African-American President of the United States is getting a tremendous amount of attention. But we have another first: Joe Biden is our nation's first Catholic Vice President.

When I've mentioned this fact to people, they often express surprise. To those such as myself who are not of the Christian faith, it's easy to forget that for many people, the differences between Catholics and Protestants are serious. I'm not going to get into what the differences are simply because I don't feel comfortable doing so, mostly because I don't know very much about the topic. (True story: in college, I saw a friend with schmutz on her forehead. I went to wipe it off; she jumped back and became very annoyed with me. It was Ash Wednesday. Somehow, despite growing up in New York City, I had never heard of Ash Wednesday before. I was embarrassed, but at least I never did that again.) The website religionfacts.com has an interesting chart. Some highlights: Catholics include the apocrypha as part of the Bible, Protestants don't. Catholics are "Free to do good or evil", Protestants are "Free only to do evil." (There's something to chew on for awhile.)

Anyway, when I point out to people that the U.S. has only had one Catholic President in its entire history (JFK), the idea that it has taken this long to have a Catholic VP isn't as big a surprise.

For some Catholics, Biden doesn't quite cut it. There's even a blog called "Catholics Against Joe Biden." It shouldn't surprise you that the authors of said blog were less than thrilled with Joe's history making victory.

So what's the big deal? Why just one Catholic out of 44 Presidents of these United States? According to Answers.com:

Even though Catholicism is the largest denomination in the United States, making up about 26% of Americans, it has not been looked upon favorably by all the other protestant Americans. Throughout history there have been fears of Catholics and the believe [sic] that the Holy Father, or the Pope might have control over American politics if a Catholic were to take power. There have been many attempts to block Catholics from office and even limit their right to vote in early American history.

So if we elect a Catholic, then the Pope is in charge. Interesting theory. Kind of like the "if we elect Barack Obama, he'll enact some secret liberal agenda." Well, not quite. But surprisingly similar. (I'm not equating the Pope with a secret liberal agenda, only the notion that somehow electing a President means that we're actually getting some sort of shadow government.)

Again, I want to point out that this is not a topic (Catholicism) that I am well versed in, but I thought it was interesting enough to point it out. If anyone has any additional info they want to add, please do so.

Also interesting is the fact that Obama, "won a majority of the Catholic vote" (AP). John Kerry did not – despite being a Catholic himself. (The general consensus is that Catholics paid less attention to which candidate shared their religious beliefs and more attention to the economy this time around, although that's a difficult thing to gauge, of course.) And Peter Steinfels, writing in the New York Times, said that, "Anyone constructing a list of the big losers on Tuesday would probably include the nation’s Roman Catholic bishops." And a Google search for obama catholic vote has over 350,000 matches. Clearly it's a big issue for a lot of people.

Do you think that the fact that Joe Biden is our first Catholic Vice President is significant?

Image: commonwealmagazine.org

Rocco Ritchie wears Yankee shirt, Guy Ritchie weeps

The Obamas wear cheap clothes

Another non news photo

Why Are The Grown Up Costumes For Women So Slutty?

Barack Obama Asked If Bill Clinton Was The First Black President

Other Stuff to Vote On Today – Same Sex Marriage, Chicken Cages

John McCain on The Tonight Show

Brett Singer — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 06:30:00 GMT

UPDATE: To watch the full interview, click here. At the bottom of the video player, click "chapters" and then select Chapter 3, where the McCain interview starts. Original post is below.

*-*-*

The interview is being billed as "in honor of Veteran's Day," although its also Senator McCain's first sit down interview since the election last week. (Was it only last week?) So far NBC has only posted a small portion of the interview online. Here's a clip:

(Click here if it doesn't play.)

Some highlights:
When asked, "how are you doing?" Senator McCain says that he was, "Sleeping like a baby. Sleep 2 hours, wake up and cry, sleep 2 hours, wake up and cry..." When Leno asked the Senator if he felt that the press favored his opponent, he replied, "Yeah, its all the press' fault," with a healthy dose of sarcasm. He said that Senator Obama "inspired" a lot of "young people", and that he thinks his campaign inspired people as well. He has kind words for Sarah Palin. Bottom line? "The one thing America doesn't want is a sore loser."

I'll post the rest of the interview when NBC makes it available, but even just this little clip makes one wonder – was John McCain hamstrung by advisers? We talk about over-parenting. Was this a case of over-managing a candidate? Over-advising? Either way, it's over.

Another thing: what did NBC do to get both of these interviews? I'm surprised that McCain would go on Leno instead of on Letterman. Leno's show does get higher ratings, but its not like the Senator is promoting a new movie or something. Also, wasn't NBC the target of much Republican ire at the GOP convention?

Last general comment: why did Sarah Palin go on a news program (The Today Show) while John McCain went on an entertainment program (The Tonight Show)? There's probably nothing to that, but it's kind of interesting. OK, one more dopey comment: I wish McCain had made Jay Leno some Halibut casserole. That would have been funny.

Source: NBC.com

Babble Podcast for November 10, 2008

Morning News: Public Schools? Hannah Montana? Michelle O's Big Decisions

Forget Michelle Obama - Sasha and Malia Are the Fashion Icons in the Family

Mississippi Students, Postal Worker, Punished For Wearing Obama Shirts

Comedians From The Past Weigh In On The First Black President

They Say: Sarah Palin Knows Nothing

Babble Podcast for November 10, 2008

Brett Singer — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 02:00:00 GMT

Here is the third Babble Podcast.

You can either listen right here

or download the MP3 file by clicking here.

On today's episode:

1.   Quick news update
2.   The Week in Blog
3.   Comment of the Week
4.   The Last Word

Notes on this podcast:

Songs parodied:

- Mamma Mia, Abba
- Only The Good Die Young, Billy Joel
- Welcome to the Jungle, Guns N Roses
- Copacabana (At The Copa), Barry Manilow

Posts mentioned:

Do Men Really Have a Pregnancy Fetish?

Morning News: Yes, He Did!

Sarah Palin Gets Pranked By Canadian Radio Hosts – Video

Star Kid: What Did Malia Obama Wear On Election Night?

How to Get Something (Free) for Conception

AirborneMini Tuning: The Ultimate In Pimp-My-Bugaboo Stroller Style

Is Brad Pitt Cheating on Angelina?

Vanity Fair: Kate Winslet Bares It All

Ashlee Simpson Gives Birth?

The View Feud: Who Goes? Joy Behar Or Elisabeth Hasselbeck?

Other posts worth reading:

UPDATE AGAIN: Palin Prepper Defends The Gov

Mississippi Students, Postal Worker, Punished For Wearing Obama Shirts

Have you ever told your kids to shut up?

11 names for private boy parts

Unusual toddler gifts

Past Podcasts:

Babble Podcast for November 3, 2008

Babble Podcast for October 27th, 2008

The Sarah Palin Doll Brings in the Cabbage!

SunnyChanel — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 05:40:00 GMT

She may have lost the vice presidency but the Cabbage Patch Kid doppelganger of Sarah Palin was certainly a winner yesterday. This one of a kind Sarah Palin doll, created by the folks at Cabbage Patch Kids, was sold on eBay yesterday for, yes, $19,000…American dollars not Pesos. The winner of this auction was someone who perhaps had a hardcore Sarah Palin fetish, got their hands on the RNC checkbook, or just really believes in Toys for Tots, who was the recipient of all the proceeds of the sale.

Also sold were a pretty tame rendition of Joe Biden, that went for $3550.01. A John McCain doll (which looked an awful lot like the Biden doll) went for $6,000. And the President-Elect Obama Cabbage Patch Kid went for a respectable $8,4000. But yes, the world’s most famous hockey mom brought in the most cash, so in Cabbage Patch land, she is the by far the leader.

The Obama Kids Get a New Puppy

Brett Singer — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 15:04:00 GMT

Dad may have won the election. But the Obama's adorable daughters, Malia (10) and Sasha (7), are getting a PUPPY.

That's right. In his victory speech last night, President-elect Barack Obama (wow, I just typed that) said, "I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House."

What I'm not clear on is whether or not this was a promise made to the children. What's that conversation like? “You know how we've been traveling, and I've been really really busy lately? Well girls, daddy is trying to become one of the most powerful human beings on the planet. And I know it's been a little tough on you, so if I win, you know what? You're getting a puppy!” Obviously, that's not what happened, but it's fun to think about.

Presidential pooches are not a new thing. The Clintons has Buddy, and of course Nixon had Checkers. According to The First Post, the Kennedys kept a pony in the garden, which seems a bit... messy.

I have to say one thing here. Despite the obvious historical significance of this election, when I was watching President-elect Barack Obama (!) take the stage last night, all I could think of when I saw those two little girls was, “Awww. They're so cute!” That's what parenting does to you, I suppose.

So like, President Schmesident. What kind of dog are they getting? And what they should they name it?

Sources: The First Post, The Guardian, every news outlet on Earth and probably in outer space as well

Image: The First Post (that's not THE dog, just some random K-9)

Obama Elected 44th President of the United States!

They say: Obama Wins

Babble Podcast for November 3, 2008

They say: Obama Wins

Brett Singer — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 04:11:00 GMT

CNN, The New York Times, and even Fox News have called the Presidential race for Barack Obama. (UPDATE: so has everyone else.)

Amazing to think that it's almost all over after so much campaigning.

Not much to say. I'm still going to watch the news for awhile; I'm like Yogi Berra – it ain't over 'til it's over, y'know? Then again, McCain just conceded. Wow. (Classy speech too, for what it's worth.)

UPDATE: I'm watching Barack's speech now. I can't imagine what must be going through his mind. Think about where he was in 2004. Wow. I know I should have something more articulate to say but "wow" is going to have to do. (It's late.)

My kids don't seem to care that much, which was actually sort of nice in a way. No matter who wins, they get up, go to school, eat lunch, run around, jump on my ribs – a typical day. Eventually I'll talk to them about this election, but not right now.

What about you – how do you feel?

image: me waiting to vote today

McCain's Mom's Morale Super Low

Other Stuff to Vote On Today – Same Sex Marriage, Chicken Cages

McCain Campaign Verbally Abuses an Innocent Child

Obama doesn't say I love you anymore

They say: John McCain is not a maverick

Babble Podcast for November 3, 2008

Republican Candidate Uses Porn-esque Robocall

Jon Stewart says: Ted Stevens is a Cheap Date

N-Word Flies at Palin Rally

Babble Podcast for October 27th, 2008

Babble Talk: The Candidates Health Plans

Joe the racist plumber?

They Say: Obese During Pregnancy? Hatch a Republican!

Sarah Palin Gets Pranked By Canadian Radio Hosts – Video

Which Candidate Has The Best Name?

They say: no one with a uterus should vote for McCain

They say: McCain not thrilled with Palin and she wants to run in 2012

Best political shirt ever - Everyone Poops

109 Year Old Daughter Of Slave Votes For Obama

Other Stuff to Vote On Today – Same Sex Marriage, Chicken Cages

Brett Singer — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:15:00 GMT

So the United States is picking a President today. But there are other candidates, and also many ballot measures in play today.

A quick round-up:

ARIZONA:
- Ban same-sex marriage.
- Require that any initiative involving spending or tax hikes be approved by majority of all registered voters, not just those casting ballots.

ARKANSAS:
- Create state lottery.
- Ban unmarried couples from adopting or being foster parents.

CALIFORNIA:
- Ban same-sex marriage.
- Authorize high-speed rail project.
- Require parental notification for a minor's abortion.
- Create 14-member commission to draw state legislative districts.
- Require all utilities to generate 20 percent of their power from renewable energy by 2010.
- Ban cramped metal cages for egg-laying hens.

I think I'm noticing a trend here.

Several states are voting on ballot measures to "ban same-sex marriage." Personally, I find this bizarre. Isn't it already banned? Are people that freaked out at the possibility of two men or two women marrying each other that they need to put it on double secret probation? (For the record, I think if gay people are crazy enough to want to be married, it's fine. Go for it.)

Looking at the article on MiamiHerald.com, it looks like the to-do of an insane person. Authorize slot machine gambling, check. Allow state's first casino, check. Ban abortion and dog racing, check. Ban cramped metal cages for egg-laying hens, check. (Those are all from different states, not the same one.) That's not to say that all of the measures are insane, it's just funny to think about them out of context. "Let's see, today...Prohibit mandatory union membership and mandatory union dues, authorize slot-machine gambling, and make English the official language of government proceedings. Got it." Busy day.

Sources: Miami Herald, MTV

Read more:

Obama doesn't say I love you anymore

They say: John McCain is not a maverick

Babble Podcast for November 3, 2008

Republican Candidate Uses Porn-esque Robocall

Jon Stewart says: Ted Stevens is a Cheap Date

N-Word Flies at Palin Rally

Babble Podcast for October 27th, 2008

Babble Talk: The Candidates Health Plans

Joe the racist plumber?

Sarah Palin Gets Pranked By Canadian Radio Hosts – Video

Which Candidate Has The Best Name?

They say: no one with a uterus should vote for McCain

They say: McCain not thrilled with Palin and she wants to run in 2012

Best political shirt ever - Everyone Poops

109 Year Old Daughter Of Slave Votes For Obama

Brett Singer — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:45:00 GMT

The line to vote for President and other stuff today might be kind of long. If you get cranky, here's an inspiring story to keep you a little bit sane.

From the Austin American Statesman:

Amanda Jones, 109, the daughter of a man born into slavery, has lived a life long enough to touch three centuries. And after voting consistently as a Democrat for 70 years, she has voted early for the country's first black presidential nominee.
…
Jones' father herded sheep as a slave until he was 12, according to the family, and once he was freed, he was a farmer who raised cows, hogs and turkeys on land he owned. Her mother was born right after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, Joyce Jones said. The family owned more than 100 acres of land in Cedar Creek at one point, she said.
Amanda Jones' father urged her to exercise her right to vote, despite discriminatory practices at the polls and poll taxes meant to keep black and poor people from voting. Those practices were outlawed for federal elections with the 24th Amendment in 1964, but not for state and local races in Texas until 1966.

First of all, the fact that anyone lived to be 109 is cool. More importantly, though, is her story. I can't imagine what it must have felt like for Amanda to cast her vote in this Presidential election.

Source/Image: Statesman.com

Read more:

Other Stuff to Vote On Today – Same Sex Marriage, Chicken Cages

Obama doesn't say I love you anymore

They say: John McCain is not a maverick

Babble Podcast for November 3, 2008

Republican Candidate Uses Porn-esque Robocall

Jon Stewart says: Ted Stevens is a Cheap Date

N-Word Flies at Palin Rally

Babble Podcast for October 27th, 2008

Babble Talk: The Candidates Health Plans

Joe the racist plumber?

Sarah Palin Gets Pranked By Canadian Radio Hosts – Video

Which Candidate Has The Best Name?

They say: no one with a uterus should vote for McCain

They say: McCain not thrilled with Palin and she wants to run in 2012

Best political shirt ever - Everyone Poops

Babble Podcast for November 3, 2008

Brett Singer — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Here is the second Babble Podcast.

You can either listen right here

or download the MP3 file by clicking here.

On today's episode:

1.   Election update
2.   The Week in Blog
3.   Comment of the Week
4.   The Last Word, my opinion on something

Notes on this podcast:

Songs parodied:

- Bob the Builder theme song
- Insane in the Membrane, Cyprus Hill
- Rock Me, Amadeus, Falco
- GI Joe theme song

Posts mentioned:

Banana Dildo the Latest in Stupid Kid Crap

Flip Flopping on Palin's Kids

Sad Animals Are Also Super Cute: Emo Animals Photo Gallery

Palin Plays the Race Card, Badly

Morning News: Palin's Had Enough of the Clothes (and John McCain!)

Breaking News! Obama Was a Pirate!

An Election Kids Can Get Behind

Big Deal: Old Navy Halloween Costumes for $5.00

Move Over American Girl There’s a New Doll in Town

Jennifer Hudson Murders: Police Looking For William Balfour

Jennifer Hudson's Family Killed, Possible Kidnapping

Jennifer Hudson's Family Confirmed Murdered; Nephew Kidnapped

Elisabeth Hasselbeck's "Great Ameri(Mc)Cain Hero" Shirt Irks Viewers

Photos: Bono Cozying Up With Bikini-Clad Teenage Girls!

(image source: PBS)

Other posts worth reading:

Babble Podcast for October 27th, 2008

Sarah Palin Gets Pranked By Canadian Radio Hosts – Video

N-Word Flies at Palin Rally

Why Are The Grown Up Costumes For Women So Slutty?

Babble Talk: The Candidates Health Plans

Which Candidate Has The Best Name?

Jay Thomas Reunites With Out of Wedlock Son

Palin Speaks Out On Special Needs Trusts

They Say: More Children Have Allergies

Obama doesn't say I love you anymore

Another non news photo

They say: no one with a uterus should vote for McCain

Is a happy ending massage cheating?

They say: McCain not thrilled with Palin and she wants to run in 2012

Best political shirt ever - Everyone Poops

Why Monday Night Football Is Important To This Election

Brett Singer — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:00:00 GMT

You probably think that a football game has no bearing on tomorrow's election.

Silly voter!

First: both Barack Obama and John McCain will appear tonight on Monday Night Football. They will be interviewed by Chris Berman, a man whose idea of humor is referring to quarterback Jack Delhomme as "Daylight Come And You've Gotta Delhomme." (Get it? "Go home?" "Delhomme?" It's even funnier when he says it every single week.) According to media reports, "The interviews will give both candidates a last major chance to appeal to Americans during a coveted spot on prime-time television. Monday Night Football has averaged 12.2 million viewers this season." That's better than the typical halftime show, although I doubt Janet Jackson will show up and offer a wardrobe malfunction. And while I would personally love it if Obama quoted Chris Rock and said, "Redskins? That's racist! That's like having a team called the New York Ni**ers," I'm guessing he won't say that. But maybe McCain will? Nah. Wouldn't be prudent, you know?

Second: if the Redskins win the game, the incumbent party – the Republicans, in case you've forgotten – wins the election. This has been true since 1948, except for once. In 2004, the 'Skins lost and George W. Bush won. Obviously this isn't a lock. Still, this is one of those weird little things that make you believe in a higher power that has a sense of humor.

The predictions I've seen generally favor the Steelers tonight, but it should be close. So if you want to start obsessing a day early, you can stay up late tonight and watch the game.

Also of interest: Obama was on Monday Night Football back in 2006 to announce… that he was a Chicago Bears fan. Here's the video.

Sources: WSJ, CBC (also image), Sporting News

Obama doesn't say I love you anymore

They say: no one with a uterus should vote for McCain

Jon Stewart says: Ted Stevens is a Cheap Date

N-Word Flies at Palin Rally

Babble Talk: The Candidates Health Plans

Which Candidate Has The Best Name?

How much is Sarah Palin worth?

They say: McCain not thrilled with Palin and she wants to run in 2012

Palin Speaks Out On Special Needs Trusts

Will Ferrell Returns to SNL

UPDATE: Jon Stewart says "F*** All Y'All"

Morning News: Election '08 Already Retro

Madeline Holler — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Have you noticed just about every website has some kind of looking-back piece about this election. Sure, we've been judging candidates since forever! And even two months ago, when Sarah Palin joined the race, seems like, well, a lifetime.

Politico has a round-up of the best lines from the two remaining candidates. ABC has a three-minute video summary of the past 21 months. Slate's got everything since the final debate -- in only two minutes! Seriously, we're dying to know what happens in the next 48 hours and would like to forget everything before that!

Sarah Palin, too, is looking ahead and not back. She's got advice for Tina Fey (it has nothing to do with clothes, accents or upswept hair). More Daily Palin: some British townsfolk are so anxious to get rid of Palin that, in a long tradition of exploding effigies of political figures, filled Sarah with fireworks and sent her up in smoke! Alas, the real one is still around, still promising to release medical records but not exactly following through.

Is she hiding an October surprise for November? You know, what ever happened to that October surprise, anyway? Wasn't Bin Laden supposed to be captured or some video of Barack Obama -- or was it John McCain ? -- supposed to be released? Wasn't Joe Biden supposed to make an unrecoverable gaffe?

Or was is this revelation that Obama's aunt has been living illegally in Boston for a number of years? She's from Kenya and Obama says he hasn't had contact with her. Furthermore, he said laws should be obeyed.

A couple of great pieces of news from this election: voter registration is the highest it has been in the U.S. since women got the right to vote. Also, the past eight years are proof positive that Rovian politics -- hyperpartisanship that catered to a small but powerful base -- worked out pretty shitty for everyone.

Finally, gather round, politics junkies. We need to take a little personal inventory in advance of Wednesday. And Thursday. And that great but scary and empty beyond: the election is coming to a close. Let's start prepping ourselves for life beyond polls, political attack ads and maybe, just maybe, Sarah Palin.

Photo: ABCnews.com

Sarah Palin Gets Pranked By Canadian Radio Hosts – Video

Brett Singer — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 02:07:00 GMT

When you were a kid, did you ever make prank calls? Call a bar and ask to speak to Dick Hertz? Dial 867 5309 and ask for Jenny? Or "is your refrigerator running? Well, you'd better go and catch it!" (That last one is way old school, dude.)

Some lucky grown-ups actually make a living doing that sort of thing. And Sarah Palin is their latest victim.

Marc-Antoine Audette and Sebastien Trudel, two Canadian radio performers who go by the name The Masked Avengers, have made calls to numerous celebrities and government officials, including Britney Spears (she's a celebrity, not a government official – just wanted to clarify that.) Now Alaska's governor can add her name to the ranks of the pranked. The Canuck comedians got through to Sarah Palin herself on Saturday and convinced her – for five minutes – that she was speaking to French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

The remarkable thing is how easily they get through. Sure, one would think that Palin would have figured out this wasn't actually the French Prez when he says that he loved the "documentary" that Hustler made about her, "Nailin' Palin." But the really sad part is the staffer who puts her right on the phone. No, "Are we expecting a call from the President of France?" Nothing.

Another good line: "We have the equivalent of Joe the Plumber in France. It's called Marcel, the guy with bread under his armpit."

The campaign released the following statement: "Governor Palin was mildly amused to learn that she had joined the ranks of heads of state, including President Sarkozy and other celebrities, in being targeted by these pranksters. C'est la vie."

So I guess if you catch your children on the phone asking some stranger if they have Prince Albert in a Can (let him out! Ha ha!), maybe you should encourage them? OK, not really.

Here's the entire Sarah Palin prank call for your listening pleasure.

Source: miamiherald.com, huffingtonpost.com

Republican Candidate Uses Porn-esque Robocall

Will Ferrell Returns to SNL

Why the Sarah Palin Shopping Spree Included a Ramones T-Shirt

Sarah Palin on SNL for real

They say: no one with a uterus should vote for McCain

N-Word Flies at Palin Rally

Alec Baldwin Discusses Palin with Letterman

Palin Busted! New Ethics Complaint Filed

Babble Talk: The Babies Tell Us Who Will Be Their Next President

Palin Mocks Autism Research

Joe the racist plumber?

They say: McCain not thrilled with Palin and she wants to run in 2012

Best political shirt ever - Everyone Poops

Jon Stewart says: Ted Stevens is a Cheap Date

Brett Singer — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 22:00:00 GMT

By now you probably now that Senator Ted Stevens has been found guilty of lying about campaign gifts. But what WERE those gifts? Must have been some spectacular stuff to be worth risking his political career and legacy for. Right?

Eh, no.

Howard Stern has been talking about this for awhile now – basically, Stevens sold his soul for, like, a barbecue grill. (But a really NICE one.) Jon Stewart weighed in last night (if the video doesn't work, try clicking here):

Personally, I prefer my corruption big. If you're going to go to jail for something, shouldn't it be something really huge? And if you're going to completely sell out to special interests, shouldn't you get better stuff than that crappy fish sculpture?

The details are just too wacky to be true, except that they are. From the Miami Herald:

Stevens maintained throughout his own testimony that he didn't want the things he was given — a grill, a fish sculpture, a generator, furniture, a high-tech massage chair, free labor — and that he never received bills for some of the work done on his home, even though he asked for invoices. He also continued to place much of the blame on his wife, Catherine, saying repeatedly that she was responsible for overseeing the renovations that led, in part, to his federal indictment. He simply was unaware of all renovation-related expenses, Stevens testified.

Let's review. He didn't want the stuff. He asked for bills and never got them. (Funny how that NEVER happens to me. Or anyone else on the planet.) He's blaming his wife. (Nice.) And it gets better:

But jurors are unlikely to regard some of his assertions as credible, including Stevens' claim that a $2,695 massage chair was a loan, not a gift, from his friend Robert Persons in 2001.
The lead Justice Department prosecutor, Brenda Morris, read from an e-mail in which Stevens told Persons "the chair arrived and it's great," but added that he couldn't accept it as a gift, just as a loan. If it's a loan, Morris asked Stevens, why then is the chair still in his Washington, D.C., home more than seven years later?
"I told him I would not accept is as a gift," Stevens said. "We have lots of things in our house that do not belong with us."

If you could hear me, you would know that I am laughing. Out loud. "We have lots of things in our house that do not belong with us." What can one say about that? Imagine you are in your child's room and you notice a toy that looks unfamiliar. You ask them where they got it. "It's not mine. I have lots of things that aren't mine." Oh! OK.

And one more thing: Madeline points out in Morning News that Sarah Palin has asked Stevens to resign his Senate seat. Some have the audacity to suggest that Palin might be eyeing his job. Or as Madeline puts it: "Is Palin looking out for Alaska's best interest? If by Alaska, you mean Sarah Palin, then some say the answer is 'yes!'"

Oy.

Source: Miami Herald, hulu

Read more:

Babble Talk: The Candidates Health Plans

Jay Thomas Reunites With Out of Wedlock Son

30 Rock Premiere Online A Week Early

Morning News: Does LA Times Hold Key to Obama Downfall?

UPDATE: Jon Stewart says "F*** All Y'All"

The Obamas wear cheap clothes

Obama doesn't say I love you anymore

They say: McCain not thrilled with Palin and she wants to run in 2012

N-Word Flies at Palin Rally

Brett Singer — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 21:00:00 GMT

This is really ugly.

I hope that whomever you happen to be voting for, this isn't something you can condone.

As the blog We Are Respectable Negroes (the name comes from the Forty Acres and a Mule document) puts it: "It seems that Barack Obama was finally called a 'nigger' at a recent Republican presidential rally."

Palin will get a lot of flack for not responding, and while I can't argue otherwise, I don't know what she should have said. (In a Palin voice: "Oh, come on now! That's a bad thing to say!") Then again, how do you stand in front of a crowd that screams out something like that?

Michelle Malkin is claiming that the person was actually shouting, "Redistributor!"

Yes, of course. I make that mistake all the time.

(Aside: in case anyone is planning to leave a comment along the lines of, "What about that Sarah Palin hanging effigy? Why aren't you railing against that?" It's terrible and should be taken down immediately.)

I'll ask you -- what do you think you heard? I actually closed my eyes so I couldn't see the captioning on the video. Send the kids out of the room and tell us what you think was said.

Source: We Are Respectable Negroes, MichelleMalkin.com

Babble Talk: The Candidates Health Plans

Palin's Ohio Rallies Reveal Frightening Misconceptions about Barack Obama are Alive and Thriving

Morning News: Malia Obama Tells Dad 'Don't Mess With My TV'

Breaking News -- Obama Assassination Plot Thwarted

Babble Podcast for October 27th, 2008

Which Candidate Has The Best Name?

Flip Flopping on Palin's Kids

Palin Speaks Out On Special Needs Trusts

Joe the racist plumber?

Palin Chooses Name for Her Next Kid

Cole Gamble — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:00:00 GMT

Republican Vice Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin has more on her mind then just her future political career. She’s already thinking about her next baby. She, the mother of five kids with such fanciful names as Track, Trig and Piper, is already talking about the name of her next child. Forget the fact she is in the middle of a national election and could possibly be sitting in the White House eating caribou stew with foreign dignitaries soon, Palin’s got baby on the brain. Wanna know what name she picked out for the future Palin? Here’s a hint: it’s a hockey term. Got to read more for the answer...

So her next child’s name? Zamboni. You know, the big machine they use to smooth the ice at hockey rinks. This she told People magazine during a recent interview. It turns out Mrs. Palin was simply joking and has no plans on more kids (for now). However, not everyone caught the “joking” part and thought Palin was for real. They might be half right. After all, Bristol’s got to be shopping for a baby name.

More Palin: Morning News: Palin's Not Just a Snazzy Dresser ... She's a Voracious Reader!

More By This Author:

Cute Overload: White Tiger Kitten and Monkey are Friends (PICS!)

Boy Grows a Second Skeleton

Child Prodigies So Amazing They'll Make You Feel Bad About Yourself

The 26 Most Disturbing Kids Movies Ever

7 Classic Kid's TV Shows Clearly Conceived on (Bad) Acid

12 Pregnancy Myths

**The Sh*t List: 10 Bizarre (or Terrific?) Potty Gadgets**

Babble Podcast for October 27th, 2008

Brett Singer — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 01:54:00 GMT

Here is the first Babble Podcast for your listening pleasure.

This is a new thing I'm trying out. If you're not familiar with podcasts, it's basically radio, but on a computer. It's also downloadable, which means you can also listen to it on your iPod or other portable audio player whenever you like. (Despite the name, you do not have to listen to podcasts on an iPod. Here is a link to an explanation of podcasting if you are interested.)

You can either listen right here

or download the MP3 file by clicking here.

Since this is a new thing, I'd love to hear your feedback. Please leave your comments right here on this post and let me know what you think.

This week's episode:

1.Topics I'm working on for Strollerderby
2.The Week In Blog, the top posts for the previous week
3.Comment of the Week

Posts discussed in this podcast:

7 Awesome Halloween Costumes for Pregnant Chicks

Morning News: Pregnant With Palin

Palin's Ohio Rallies Reveal Frightening Misconceptions about Barack Obama are Alive and Thriving

GOP Shows Obama With Fried Chicken and Watermelon

The Office's Dwight Schrute Crash "Tests" An Orbit Stroller

See Kai Run – Boots for Fall & Winter

Joe the Plumber: Republican Plant and Relative of Charles Keating?

Sarah Palin Does Porn: Video

PlumberGate: Joe The Plumber IS Related to Charles Keating, and Also Owes Back Taxes!

(image source: PBS)

Other posts worth reading:

Babble Talk: The Candidates Health Plans

30 Rock Premiere Online A Week Early

Jay Tomas Reunites With Out of Wedlock Son

Palin Speaks Out On Special Needs Trusts

Flip Flopping on Palin's Kids

Have you ever told your kids to shut up?

11 names for private boy parts

Unusual toddler gifts

The Sarah Palin Cabbage Patch Doll? Really?

SunnyChanel — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:58:00 GMT

The Cabbage Patch Kids aren’t kids anymore. They’re all grown up and just turned the ripe old age of twenty-five. And to celebrate, direct from the farm, four very special dolls have been born. In the spirit of the season, you can bid on one of the one-of-a-kind dolls created to resemble Barack Obama, John McCain, Joe Biden and Sarah Palin. Each doll was hand-painted and their clothing was hand tailored. The eBay auction starts on Thursday and ends November 4th, with all the proceeds to go to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. Oddly creepy, strangely alluring, but hey, it’s for charity so an adoption of a candidate Cabbage Patch Kid goes from goofy and gratuitous to gracious and generous.

Via MSNBC