Sunday, November 25, 2012

Sunday Night Music Club XXIX

When it comes to original Americana, I always say one thing:

It's all about the music.

From Wikipedia:
"Wagon Wheel" is the title of a song originally sketched by Bob Dylan and later completed by Old Crow Medicine Show.

The song describes a hitchhiking journey south along the eastern coast of the United States, from New England in the north-east, through Philadelphia, with the intended destination of Raleigh, North Carolina, where the protagonist hopes to see his lover.

"Wagon Wheel" is composed of two different parts. The chorus and melody for the song comes from a demo recorded by Bob Dylan during the Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid sessions. Although never officially released, the Dylan song was released on a bootleg and is usually named after the chorus and its refrain of "Rock Me Mama." Although Dylan left the song an unfinished sketch, Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show wrote verses for the song around Dylan's original chorus. Secor's additional lyrics transformed "Rock Me Mama" into "Wagon Wheel." Secor has stated the song is partially autobiographical. The song has become extremely popular since its inclusion on Old Crow Medicine Show's major label debut, O.C.M.S. in 2004, although the song appeared in earlier form on the now out of print "Troubles Up and Down the Road" EP in 2001. Dylan's song is often credited to "A. Crudup.", and the official publishing information is Dylan/Secor.
In this video the song is covered by a local Pennsylvania band called Willin-N-Able. Watch the video and listen to the subtle musical nuances that this band performs almost effortlessly. It's true audio artistry!

In fact, I enjoyed this video SO much that I probably watched it at least a dozen times!



Yup, it's ALL about the music!

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Inequity in pay rejected

This is an interesting view of how non-human primates share a knowledge of fairness and inequity.



So, it's likely a primal instinct in all of us to dislike being rewarded differently for doing the same job.

Which explains a lot about us.

(via FireDogLake.com)

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Of course he is...


Joe Lieberman is a guy who is much more comfortable around conservatives than the people he represents. I can't say I'll miss him when he's gone.

Thursday, November 08, 2012

Rachel Maddow sums it up

In an elegant and powerful three-minute piece, MSNBC commentator Rachel Maddow explains in simple language why the results of the election were a surprise to no one except the Republicans, and how they must accept reality if they are ever to break out of their ever-widening cycle of defeat.

Tuesday, November 06, 2012

I hope it's warmer this time around

We went to the Inauguration in January 2009, and it was something like 17 degrees when we went to the parade route. During the day a breeze kicked up, so even though the temperature rose to nearly 30, it was frigid all day long.

I'm glad to have been there for it, but this time around I might watch it on TV in front of our fireplace!

Congrats to President Obama v.2.0

Yes we did!

AGAIN!


Our president successfully staved off a spirited Republican challenge, and America obviously wants to see Obama finish the job he started.

Well done!

Congrats to CT's Congressional Delegation

Another clean sweep!

Elizabeth Esty gave me a bit of a scare, but she held on to win it! Rosa, Jim, Joe, and John all go back to Congress to continue the excellent work they've been doing.

And Ohio just went to Obama, so I guess that means...

Congrats to Senator Murphy

Well done Connecticut!

As Tom Tomorrow says, it's good we didn't replace Joe Lieberman with that crazy wrestling lady!

Congrats to Chris Murphy on be elected the youngest current member of the Senate (h/t Anderson Scooper)


A tie in Dixville Notch!


OH MY GOD!!!

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!?


President Obama and former Governor Romney BOTH got five votes and a tie in the tiny New Hampshire town that nobody gives a shit about every OTHER day for four years!

Can we just stop with the silliness?

Oh, and in the national results, here's my prediction of the popular vote:

Obama-Biden 52.5%
Romney-Ryan 45.5%
Other 2.0%

And Obama-Biden will get 295 electoral votes.

(If I'm right, everyone will think I'm frickin' Kreskin!)

Voted at 8:25AM

At Westshore in Milford, so far 524 votes cast by 8:25AM. Turnout is brisk; I had to wait a few moments for one of the 12 or 14 privacy cubicles to open up.


Doing my bit to keep the Working Families Party line available for the next election. I always vote WFP if my candidate is running on it. The Democratic line will always be there, and I think in a close election it helps to have a second ballot line on the form.

The only drawback is that the Republican party line is on Row A rather than Democratic, because even though Malloy won the governor's race, the Republican party vote was larger than the Democratic due to the WFP line. So maybe it's a wash as far as ballot advantage goes.

Anyway, I'll be checking in periodically today. And blogging later as the results start rolling in.

This is it!

No more waiting.

No more wondering.

No more goddamned NEGATIVE ADS!!!!

Get out and VOTE today!

...and let's start a pool on what time Twitter will immolate itself tonight.

Monday, November 05, 2012

After Linda loses, the GOP is DONE with her!

Linda McMahon's political career will end somewhere around 11PM on Tuesday, because she's openly campaigning for Barack Obama! The Republican party will declare her persona-non-grata after this betrayal.

Don't let the door hitcha on the ass, Linda!

Photo of a McMahon campaign door-hanger, via Talking Points Memo.




Sunday, November 04, 2012

Lori Nicholson for State Rep in the 102nd





You probably know a bit about my political leanings from this blog, so it may come as something of a surprise that I am endorsing a Republican for State Assembly in Branford's 102nd District.

You see, when it comes to politics on a national stage, parties are very important. Somewhat less so on a state level, and nearly insignificant on a local level. What matters more to me is the character of the person rather than the political party they belong to.

I've known Lori for many years, and I can tell you that she will be a tireless public servant for the citizens of Branford. She's a committed activist on many important issues, and has experience in the Capitol while working for Diana Urban.

Lori Nicholson is the endorsed Republican candidate for State Representative (102nd Assembly District).

Prior to running for state representative, Lori served as a member of the Education Committee—Branford Early Childhood Collaborative. She also served as chair of the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter Commission. Lori is also involved with Take a Vet Fishing, and she is a regular volunteer at the Branford Community Dining Room, the Branford Senior Center, and the Branford Thrift Shop.

Lori earned a Bachelor of Science from Southern Connecticut State University, where she focused on public policy and graduated political science valedictorian with summa cum laude honors. As a student, she served as a Legislative Intern for Representative Diana Urban, where she worked with her on the Appropriations Committee, the Select Committee on Children, and the Environment Committee. Lori was also a member of the Pre-Law society and the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

Lori is a private music teacher, a published songwriter, and a professional musician with worldwide touring experience. From 1981 to 1997, Lori served our troops by taking five USO tours to entertain United States troops overseas. Lori is also involved with the Committee Boat Branford Regatta and the Branford Wellness Cup.

Lori lives on Pawson Road in Branford with her Husband, Tim.

Visit Nicholson2012.com to learn more!

Friday, November 02, 2012

Barack for Chris Murphy



Thank you, Mr. President!

Again!

Sorry I've been gone for a bit...

...did anything newsworthy happen while I was gone?

Oh, and that gal Sandy?

She's kind of a "rhymes-with-witch", if you know what I mean!

Taking my electricity away like that! Really! She should be ashamed of herself!

Anyway, back to reality.

...and it's good to be back!