back in business - 11.2.2011

IT'S ALIIIIIIVVVVEEEE!!

Yes, I know, we took a short break, and yes, I've received your messages about where we went. Two things happened: One, Halloween, and I wanted to enjoy my favorite holiday. Two, I had a strange thing happen to me, and since I'm an open and honest guy, I'll share. At the Democratic cocktail party, for reasons that I (nor can my doctor) cannot explain, I had a severe drop in blood pressure. It was completely random, but it was enough to make me faint and when I fell, my head apparently "bounced" off of the concrete floor of the Ramada hotel. Then, I came to, fainted once more, and tapped my noggin again. I got checked out the following day, and other than a little confusion and fuzziness, I was fine. No concussion, no bleeding. I lucked out.

I don't know what caused it, but just to be safe, I've cut energy drinks/shots out completely, and am watching my sugar intake. To my knowledge, I'm not diabetic, though it runs in my family, so I will be getting tested for that, too.

Needles. Joy.

But hey! We're back in business! Now, on to the good stuff

Paranormal Disappointment

I finally got to see Paranormal Activity 3, and contrary to what I thought it was going to be, it sucked. Severely. They clearly cut a good 45 minutes out of the movie and the ending was so hokey it made the ending of The Last Excorcism look like an Oscar worthy performance. Maybe they'll redeem themselves in Paranormal Activity 4. I've heard rumors about a high school, this time. And trust me, there's nothing creepier than three things: creepy kids in horror movies, creepy old folks in horror movies, and creepy high school buildings at night in horror movies.

The Sanctimoniousness of Marriage

Two things happened this week. One, the National Organization for Marriage had an advertised display for their bigoted brigade of discriminating dorks in the Granite State. New Hampshire is one of the few states in the nation where Jaron and I could get married if we wanted to, and this wonderful goon squad wants to take that right away from us. Anyway. They advertised this photo of a crowd at a rally opposing same-sex marriage:

Oh WOW! That looks like quite a large gathering of anti-equality assholes, doesn't it! Wow, I'm sure shaking in my left-wing, socialist, gay agenda-promoting boots!

But, much like their anti-gay platform is based on lies, falsehoods, and misinformation, so are their political tactics. You see that massive crowd of people supposedly standing up for a state's perrogative to make gays second class citizens? It's actually a photograph taken from a rally from 2008 in favor of then-Senator Barack Obama's candidacy for president. Observe:

Now, I highly doubt that people going to an Obama event are generally the type that want to ban same-sex marriage.

But WAIT! It really, really does get better! I give you photo number 2! From the National Organization for Marriage in New Hamspshire, here's a second ad, showing a bunch of tireless crusaders for everything traditional, looking to take our country back to 1685:

Yeah! Look at all of those brave souls fighting to take away what few equal rights I have in this country. Boo-yeah! ....But wait.... something about that photo looks strangely familiar........

IT'S FROM AN OBAMA RALLY! Check out the left hand side of both crowds... anyone look familiar?? Again, not the type of people that would want their likenesses being used to promote institutionalized hate.

I'm wondering something... The fact that NOM is using photos from Obama rallies for their nefarious legislative purposes can mean only one thing, right? That maybe they have to fake the support for the repeal of marriage equality because New Hampshire doesn't want marriage equality repealed! According to a recent poll by NH news outlet, WMUR, 50% of New Hampshire residents want to keep marriage an equal right in the Granite State while only 27% want it to go away. In addition, in the same poll, it shows that only 8% of New Hampshire residents felt that marriage equality had negatively impacted their state while the vast majority -- to the tune of 88% -- felt it had little or no impact on their lives.

Maybe NOM is the oppressed majority they claim to be, being that they want people who support gay rights investigated by the federal government for harassing them and all (though what they call harassment, the rest of us call participation in the democratic process and not voting their way).

Or maybe, they're just a bunch of assholes:

Like, Woah, Man...

Here's the second thing that happened this week. Again, in the much talked about State of New Hampshire, Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R-Obviously) was clearly in rare form as he gave a campaign speech.... Some are saying he was drunk. I've been around drunk people, and that's not how they act. Jaron and I closely examined the video footage of this incident, and after laughing hysterically, and subsequently watching it a second time, we came to two conclusions: 1, PLEASE GOD LET RICK PERRY BE THE GOP PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE. And 2, this guy was high. That's right, high. If Rick Perry wasn't stoned off his ass at that speech, then I'm an NRA member. But why take my word for it when you can watch it in all of its glory, yourself:

Songs You Should Listen To

This song is dedicated to all of those punks who said I was too young for a seat on County Council, yet now think Stefanie Salavantis and Steve Urban, Jr. are just right to vote for. It's a cover of a Wheatus song, updated for my generation (i.e., New Found Glory instead of Iron Maiden. I really DO love NFG!). I guess I'm just a Teenage Dirtbag, baby, you don't know what you're missin'!

war on halloween - 10.24.2011

Frankenstein Vs. Santa?

Okay, just a short post today, as I'm working on a bigger political post for tomorrow or Wednesday. Another Halloween post... what can I say, tis the season!

Of course I used 'tis the season' for a reason (hey that rhymed!). Of course, this time every year, there are reports in the news about schools or town councils across the country trying to ban Halloween parades, costumes, etc. It seems many Evangelical churches are in on the gig, too. Now, I find an irony here, and I'll explain in a moment.

The motivation is that Halloween is somehow an "evil holiday", and therefore, banning students from dressing up, prohibiting neighborhoods from putting up Halloween decorations, protesting Halloween festivities at community centers are all steps to take to try to dissuade people from celebrating the holiday.

Yeah, good luck with that one, guys.

The irony I find is that when December rolls around, these very people are arguing that there's a War on Christmas: that Santa has replaced Jesus and that stores that say "Happy Holidays" with the intention of being inclusive of people that are celebrating more than just one holiday in winter is somehow an assault on Christianity. The claim being that they have the right to celebrate their holiday, have their favored holiday's decorations adorn Court House lawns, etc.

Is it not a double standard? Just because they dislike Halloween doesn't give them the right to try to ban it and ruin the fun for the rest of us, just like they say that no one has the right to rain (or, rather, snow) on their streetside carolers and nativity re-enactments.

Call me crazy, or hell even agree with me, that perhaps we should all just learn to live and let live and be inclusive of everyone? I personally feel, specifically regarding Christmas, that saying "Happy Holidays" and not being so, how shall I put this, Santa-centric is much preferable than any alternative because it includes people of all faiths and people of no faith -- it's a nice way of wishing everyone happiness and cheer in a dreary time of year. Isn't inclusiveness and "good will toward men [and women]" the whole POINT of Christmas in the first place?

I don't go around egging and toilet papering the houses of people who yell at little kids in bunny masks and Captain America costumes who ring a door bell saying, "Trick or Treat!" because they feel that observing Halloween offends their religious beliefs. One might even say that such individuals that want to uphold such a double standard have a "My Way or the High Way" or even "Yahweh or No Way" approach to life in all its aspects (see marriage and abortion debates for more info).

So, why isn't anyone talking about the War on Halloween and the attempt by some in society to deport Dracula and furlough Frankenstein?

Who knows, but I say, this October, if you're one of those partypoopers that wants Trick or Treaters banned under solicitation ordinances, wants your school to let the [weekend of the] 31st pass unnoticed, or if you're simply a permanent resident of a self-imposed 'No Fun Zone': If you want us to say "Merry Christmas" to you in December, then wish everyone a Happy Halloween and don't be a jerk about it, because it's a two way street.

For your entertainment, here's a full Donald Duck cartoon that depicts our favorite waterfowl being one of those Halloween Humbugs and how his costumed duck-nephews, Huey, Dewey, and Louie, get back at him for being a scrooge, with the help of a hysterical and friendly witch named Hazel! Enjoy, and save me some candy corn!

it's always something - sunday bloody sunday

Weekends Are For Chumps, Anyway

I had hoped to post a review of Paranormal Activity 3 today, but unfortunately, for reasons beyond my control and that I kind of don't want to get into, my weekend plans were shot to hell. Actually, they were nuclear bombed. But here's a few lessons I've learned because of it: don't make plans unless you know you can make them happen, and racism sucks.

I'll probably go see it by myself sometime this week after work and I'll give you all a belated review. It might be the only treat I give myself, because at this point, my Halloween might be ruined, too, and I'll be spending my favorite holiday at home, in the most boring way possible.

Thanks, circumstance.

U.S. Foreign Policy and YOU!

With the death of a Libyan dictator, the death of Osama bin Laden, and the Arab spring, one wonders how all of these things will play in the 2012 presidential election. Regardless of whatever one can say about Barack Obama (and believe me, I can say plenty), you can't say that America hasn't been asleep at the foreign policy wheel. The world is changing rapidly around us, and for the first time in a while in some areas, for the better. Secretary of State and generally awesome person Hillary Clinton has had a lot to do with this. What the election, still wet behind its ears, hasn't ventured into yet is foreign policy, and I think that's a discussion worth having right along with the economy. I mean, come on, can you imagine Herman Cain, the Pizza Guy, as Commander in Chief, laying down the law to foreign dictators?

Me neither. Unless Mahmoud Ahmadinejad wanted extra pepperoni on his order.

paranormal activity - the saturday supplemental

Lights, Camera, Scream

Of all of the holidays that exist, from St. Patrick's Day, to the 4th of July, to Easter, to Christmas, to Passover, to Ramadan, to every other holiday there is, the most important one of all is Halloween, in my opinion. Unlike any other day of the year, it's the only day when you can scare, or be scared, for fun. It's different and unique, and ever since I was a kid, I've always put Halloween first.... except for the one St. Patrick's Day when I first turned 21... then, that was a tie.

That being said, I will be going to see Paranormal Activity 3 this weekend to start getting into the Halloween spirit. It looks positively frightening... and to prove it, here's the trailer. Note, when the two girls start doing the "Bloody Mary" thing in the bathroom -- I suggest you watch with care, because after you see this, you may not want to look into a mirror for at least a few days. It's bonechilling...

Did you see that?! Did you see that?!?!? I cannot wait to go to this movie. I've always been a fan of horror films, and the Paranormal Activity series has just gotten better and better with each installment. The first one was eerie, the second one was terrifying, and this one, based on what a coworker said to me after he saw it, is a heart-pounding, sweat-inducing scream machine.

In addition to PA, PA2, and PA3 and in honor of the greatest holiday EVER, I've compiled my very own, Casey-recommended, must-watch list of Halloween movies for everyone to check out this year. 13 of them, of course ;)

Enjoy watching them! Though, just a bit of advice: If the killer calls you on the telephone, that means he's already inside your home. Start running. Now.

1.) Rob Zombie's Halloween & Halloween II remakes (OMGWTFBBQ!!!!!!!!)
2.) Nightmare on Elm St. (1, 2, Freddy's Comin' for You.........)
3.) Drag Me To Hell (Campy Fun)
4.) The Shining ("Come Play With Us....")
5.) 1408 (You'll start to go mad right along with John Cusack)
6.) Interview With The Vampire (Classic, Classic.....)
7.) Hocus Pocus (The Only Good Movie Disney Ever Made)
8.) The Loved Ones (I strongly oppose Xavier Samuel getting tortured. He's my No. 1)
9.) Audition (I'm still opposed to Torture after seeing this)
10.) Insidious (WTF!)
12.) Jennifer's Body (Campy Fun, Plus Cannibalism)
13.) Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Original AND Remake. Don't Wuss Out)

Clip of the Week


Yes, yes, I know I stole this from E!, but here's your YouTube Clip of the Week. Love it. Embrace It. Appreciate it's zen-like quality. Funny Halloween pranks of people scaring the bejeezus out of their friends. Man, I could watch stuff like this all day. Watching people get scared is hysterically funny!

(Saturday Supplemental is a non-political segment for the weekends. I will also have a Sunday edition, because I don't believe in this whole "just because it's Sunday means everything is closed" stuff. Enjoy :] )

comrade casey - 10.21.2011

Oh No You Did-inh't!

So, funny story.

I recently sent a letter to the local political blogs, LuLac Political Letter and Gort42, in support of my good friend Liz Martin who is running for Dallas Township Supervisor (and by the way, if you live in Dallas Twp., please vote for Liz, she is an awesome person, and Jaron and I will both be working our asses off on election day to get her in office. Liz rules. Represent!). I wanted to give Liz a boost from any and all supporters that I had in the municipality from my run for County Council.

Then, I happened to read the comment section, albeit a day late, from LuLac's post on the subject. And boy, oh boy! It was quite the interesting find. As I fixed my early morning, omg-im-out-of-coffee-the-world-will-suffer-my-wrath eyes onto my computer screen, I noticed some interesting things said... Negative things. Not about Liz, mind you, which I was pretty happy about, but rather, about little ole' moi. Here's the 411:

From Anonymous Jerk No. 1: "Casey Evans nauseates me when he speaks of "holding office" as a Deistsrict Chair. He acts like being a District Chair is some form of accomplishment. Who did he run against to "win" that position? Seems like he is realy full of himself."

My response to Anonymous Jerk No. 1: Erm, what's a "Deistsrict Chair"? If I nauseate you, then ask your doctor if Pepto Bismol is right for you. For a 24 year old breaking in to the most tightly-knit and, in the case of some individuals, tightly-would, political scene for the very first time and becoming a District Chair in the majority party, yeah, I'd say I accomplished something. I ran against Jane Walsh-Waitkus for that position, and in case you haven't heard, she's one of the Democratic nominees for County Council now. Also, let me say that I adore Jane, and I think she's a fantastic person, and she'd make a wonderful County Councilmember. I hope she does well on election day. But, I have to wonder why Anonymous Jerk No. 1 wanted to know that. As for being full of myself, how about this: Going online and posting petty insults about people without leaving your name is not only being full of oneself, but also, being a coward. Come on man, this is politics, not high school. So, I invite you -- yes, you, Anonymous Jerk No. 1! -- to comment on my blog, Caffeinated Politics, and we'll have a civil, frank discussion about my, and your, positions in county politics and we can weigh accomplishments, because I guarantee you, I've done a lot throughout my career, and a ton of it since I, yes, took office as District Chairman. Please take my invitation, AJNo.1, and this time, try to not to resort to your time honored debate tactic of being an a**hole.

From Anonymous Awesome Person No. 1: "evans beat jane waitkus for the position from what im told. waitkus is now running for county council. beating a political insider seems to be a big accomplishment for someone so young. anyone who gets his name trashed for the simple fact of having a boyfriend and being a dude at the same time and surviving it has earned the right to say what he wants. i didnt vote for him in may but i wish i had."

My response: Ummmm....... how do you know so much about me? Jane, is that you? :] Seriously, thank you, friend, that's quite humbling. I haven't shown him the LuLac comment section yet, but I'm sure Jaron would thank you, too. I do, however, wish people would remember me for the issues I fight for instead of who I love. I also appreciate that you wish you could go back in time and vote for me -- believe me, I wish you could go back in time and vote for me, too! -- but there's always a next time. You'll see my name on a ballot again very soon, don't worry, friend. Again, thank you.

From Anonymous Jerk No. 2: Pardon me, but were forgetting some things. Casey Evans is a socialist who wants government run health care and wants to destroy the private insurance where we actually have the freedom to choose our medical plans. He supports the slaughter of unborn children and calls it a "right". He wants to punish the rich for working hard every day of their lives to make their fortunes and give their money to people to stay on unemployment. Don't forget he is a HOMOSEXUAL he is going to HELL.
[LuLac's] EDITOR'S NOTE: The rest was deleted because it was hate speech.

My response: Hmmmmm. Okay, a couple of points, here. First, if you want to call me a socialist because I believe in reducing the income inequality gap, believe in eradicating economic and social injustice, and point out how HMOs screw the U.S. citizenry on a regular basis and suggest that perhaps a health care system run by the people, for the people, might be a better way of, you know, keeping the American people healthy and NOT letting them die because they might not be able to afford the treatments and medications that would save their lives, then you go right ahead. If that makes me a socialist, then so be it. I'll wear that label with pride. Second, I will always stand up and fight to protect a woman's Constitutional right to make her own medical decisions. If my position on that issue is going to be a problem for you, then you should probably vote for somebody else in the future. Third, BWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I'm not even touching "ohhh the poor, poor rich people" comment. That's so ridiculous it speaks for itself. I fight for the poor and the middle class. The rich don't need me to fight for them, because, alas, they have people they can pay to do that for them. And yes, I really did laugh like that when I read that. And Fourth, yes, I'm gay. I don't really see how that is, at all, an issue for people, or why people choose to care more about my personal life than I do, but since they do, and since they want to make a whole big deal out of it, I'll fly my personal rainbow flag with pride. In fact, if I find out that my gayness upsets Anonymous Jerk No. 2, then obviously, I'll have to find out who this person is and make it a goal to be even more gay when I see them in public. Maybe Jaron and I could -- GASP! -- HOLD HANDS! :O If I'm going to Hell for being gay, then AJNo.2 is going to Hell for acting contrary to what Jesus said Christians should act like. In fact, I'd wager that if Jesus met this person, he'd casually walk away from them with the best "I'm pretending I don't know you" face you've ever seen.

And, Finally, From Anonymous Cool Person: "I am a Republican and I think Casey Evans is a really nice guy. Personal attacks against him are immature, hateful and just plan wrong. That being said, he is an unapologetic socialist whom I disagree with. But I would never let my difference in political views affect how I view him as a person."

My response: Thanks!!... I think. In all seriousness, it's very cool of you to stand up for me, and since it appears as though I know you offline, although you posted anonymously, please let me know who you are, because, my Republican friend, if I see you out somewhere, you get a free beer on me for being a stand up person. I tip my hat to you, sir or madam.

When we were joking around on the phone one day, you know, making fun of the people that called me a socialist/communist/leninist/marxist/whatever during the last election, Jaron mentioned to me that the natural slam for me would most likely be "Comrade Casey", and that in the future, that's what the right-wing will come to call me. I think he should get his brain checked for psychic abilities, because he saw this coming from a mile away. However, perhaps I can capitalize on the situation and start printing up "Comrade Casey" shirts and stickers and such..... actually, I think that's EXACTLY what I'm going to do! I'm serious, I'm going to get working on this.... I mean, hey, if people are going to make fun of me, I should at least be able to make a quick buck off of their stupidity, right? Maybe I can donate the proceeds to a good cause. Like, say, gay rights!

And Speaking of Squabbles!

It appears as though there will be a forum for the candidates for Mayor of Wilkes-Barre this Wednesday, October 26th, at Wilkes University! Holy Talking Points, Batman! Incumbent Mayor and Democrat Tom Leighton, Libertarian Betsy Summers, and Republican Lisa Cope will square off with one another in what I anticipate to be quite the show. If I don't have work, I'm going to head down to the campus and, hopefully, they'll let me bring popcorn and maybe one of those big cherry slushees that you get at the movies. Keep your arms and legs inside the car at all times, because this is going to be one hell of a ride!

While We're On The Subject...

Yesterday, it came to my attention that Lisa Cope, the aforementioned GOP candidate for Mayor of Wilkes-Barre, is going around telling people that Libertarian Betsy Summers supports drug use. This blatantly untrue statement left me flabbergasted -- yes, flabbergasted! I have been waiting a LONG time to use that word in a sentence -- because it's the sign of a campaign that's pretty desperate. Ms. Cope, if that's all your campaign has to offer the people of Wilkes-Barre then you need to go back to the Kindergarten class of political school where you belong. Anyone who has ever met Betsy will tell you that she's classy, sassy, and smart. She listens to what people have to say, even those that disagree with her politically, and if that's not an indicator of good leadership skills, then I don't know what is. Ms. Cope is trying to tell everyone that a Mayor Betsy Summers would barge into your house, stick a joint in your mouth, and light it for you, and that just shows you what a sorry state her candidacy is in. The fact that Betsy Summers has taken all of this in stride and has kept her head held high proves what a dignified and classy woman she is, and I salute her, because trust me, I know what it feels like when people talk smack on you in public and say things that aren't true. I'm not gonna lie, it hurts. That's beyond negative campaigning, that's political slander, in my opinion; it's false rhetoric designed to discredit another candidate and make that candidate look bad. But the only person that this tactic makes look bad is Lisa Cope. You know, I told you all I would try not to curse on this blog, but I have to say this: That is the shittiest campaign move I have ever seen in Luzerne County politics. Poor form, Lisa. Poor form.

If you agree, perhaps you might want to go on to Lisa Cope's Facebook Page and tell her that nobody likes a liar or a bully.

Songs You Should Listen To

For this edition of Songs You Should Listen To, I invite you all to tune your ears to the epic sounds of Muse, my favorite band in the world. They're a mix of rock, classical, and progressive. This song is dedicated to all of the [good] candidates running in this election. From the lyrics: "The best, you've got to be the best, you've got to change the world, and use this chance to be heard. Your time is now."

october surprises - 10.20.2011

Politics Written ALL Over It

According to this wonderful piece from the Citizens Voice today, it appears as though the Harvey's Lake Council has "passed an ordinance regulating all things oil and natural gas-related, from drilling to pipelines". Ohhh reeeeeallllly now? According to the article, it seems as though the borough has decided to finally take the threat of gas drilling seriously, once and for all!! ...Erm, actually, not so much. In fact, quite the opposite, as I'll demonstrate. The Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund lobbied hard for its passage and according to Francis Kopko, Borough Council President, it is "very comprehensive" and includes natural gas compressors, metering stations, pipelines, wastewater treatment facilities, and sets limits such as how far away they can be from structures and noise levels.

Noise levels. Right....

Pardon my lack of enthusiasm, because I want to kick the gas drillers out of here as much as anyone else who likes clean drinking water and, you know, NOT getting cancer, but I find myself laughing more than anything else. And here's why:

The Democratic ticket at Harvey's Lake for the November 8th election this year includes heavy hitters Michelle Boice and Ed Kelly. Ed Kelly has served on Council before, and is well-respected. His name carries a lot of weight in the borough and as someone who has met him and gotten to know a bit about him, I can vouch for the fact that he's just an all-around good guy and that people like him. Michelle Boice is Luzerne County's Crusader for the People: Remember that protest on the court house steps after the debit card scandal and the property reassessment debacle when everyone was screaming for Greg Skrepenak to "SECOND THE MOTIONNN!!!!"? That was Michelle Boice's doing. The informative calls on Corbett and Sue Henry that you hear, issuing warnings about accidents pertaining to natural gas drilling that, somewhere in the state or the country, eventually come to pass? That's Michelle Boice. The other two names on the ticket, who have dubbed themselves the Harvey's Lake Hopefuls, I am not as familiar with, however, with Boice and Kelly on the ballot, the Democratic candidates have a BIG chance at upsetting the political status quo at the Lake and winning the election.

This ordinance, while as a symbol a great thing with a purpose I generally support, is a watered-down response to the top issue. It's an October Surprise -- wanna know how I can tell? It's because the very same Council that just took such a "strong" stance on gas drilling actually REJECTED an ordinance in March that was stronger and more substantive. In fact, the same councilmembers that voted for this current legislation are the same ones that voted down the better proposal earlier this year.

They said they voted down the March ordinance because it would have put the borough at risk of being sued by the gas companies -- gee, way to grow a spine, everyone -- and, they also claimed, because it would have violated the PA Oil and Gas Act, even though it actually wouldn't have, because other jurisdictions in Pennsylvania had passed similar ordinances. In a nutshell, it was the borough not wanting to upset the apple cart too much.

Now, with the election right around the corner and the Harvey's Lake Hopefuls running a strong campaign, Council now decides to get its act together and pass something to curb gas drilling? Puh-Leeze. This ordinance has nothing to do with gas drilling and everything to do with the election, which is only 19 days away.

I'm not sure why such politically motivated moves are called "October Surprises" when they're all the same. They should really call them "October Political Re-Runs".

WTF Is Michele Bachmann Smoking??

Did anyone catch the latest GOP presidential candidates debate in Las Vegas, NV? I had it on as background noise as I was doing something more important than watching Mitt "Corporations Are People!" Romney, Rick "Execution Afficionado" Perry, and Herman "I'll Only Sign Bills 3 Pages Long" Cain  try to out-right wing each other (which, by the way, was changing the strings on my guitar and tuning it, if you're curious). However, my ears perked up and honed in on one comment from Michele Bachmann with bat-like precision. The good Congressnut from Minnesota had mentioned that Iraq and Libya should re-imburse the United States for liberating and rebuilding their countries.

Did you pick your jaw up off of the floor yet? Here's the video, if you don't believe me, or if you didn't watch the debate:

Excuse me, Congresswoman, but what kind of drugs are you on, exactly? I'd speak to your dealer about quality, if I were you, because you got some bad stuff....

Bachmann suggested two things in that response: first, that she thinks you shouldn't expect the U.S. to help get rid of dictators or tyrants or help in natural disasters unless you can afford to pay us back every dime for it -- Imagine if FDR had that policy about Hitler -- and two, that if we go into another country, uninvited and unasked, kill their leader and shoot the place to Hell in the process, occupy them for years, and torture captured citizens in secret prisons like Abu Ghraib, that they should turn around and pay us for it... the torture-politics aside, the idea that Iraq should repay us for what we spent rebuilding their country after we damn near destroyed it is beyond-the-pale crazy, even for Bachmann's standards.

I mean, seriously, let's look at this logically for a second: Say a guy smashes his car into the side of your house, and then turns around and bills you, asking you to re-imburse him for the time and money he spent repairing the damage that he caused. What would you say to such a guy?

I know what I'd say. So, I'll say it. Michele Bachmann, "Go frak yourself".

Blythe Evans' New Video,

Candidate for Luzerne County Council Blythe Evans (R-Plymouth) has a new campaign video out, and he wanted me to share it with everyone, and because I'm an equal-opportunity liberal, I would of course be happy to. Blythe is not a partisan, nor is he a political insider. In fact, we often times find ourselves agreeing rather than disagreeing on local issues (state and national may be another story, however, but alas, that's for another time, hehe). He's a pretty stand-up guy, and his ad is very well done, I must say. We Evanses have to look out for one another, and so without further ado, here's Blythe's new ad. Oh, and also, when he's examining the solar panels in the ad, check out his awesome Welsh Flag shirt! As a Welsh/English American, I salute him for wearing the colors of St. David.

Songs You Should Listen To

For this edition of "Songs You Should Listen To", I bring you some tunes that will certainly please your eardrums from the British music duo known as Massive Attack. They're one of my favorite artists (or rather, pair of artists). Here's "Atlas Air" from their album Heligoland (2010):

time for a different perspective

So, here I sit, at 5:45 a.m., as I watch the holy-hell-i'm-up-way-to-early-for-this news end and Morning Joe start on MSNBC and regretting having gotten up in the first place, when I, as per my daily routine, log on to the Times Leader and Citizens Voice websites to read the letters to the editor (what can I say, it's a guilty pleasure) and subsequently check LuLac and Gort for the latest happenings in the local political scene. Of course, they deliver the usual buzz with all of the candor and reliability that we have come to expect from them, and then it occurs to me...

"I could totally do this, too."

Okay, well actually the original thought was, "Ughh, why did I have to drink more coffee than half of Manhattan yesterday, crash so early, and now am up at what I believe to be the most unholy hour of the day." And then, like the Muse* herself descended from Olympus to grant me my own personal fortune cookie of inspiration, I was inspired to slave over a hot (or rather, mildly warm) keyboard for about 15 minutes and I created Caffeinated Politics. I'm going to be posting my thoughts about issues and current events or anything else I think is worthy of having an opinion attached to it. Most of this will be local and national.

Some of this will be international! My partner -- the ever-loveable, blue eyed, naturally blonde, unusually tall and always awesome Jaron -- is a Canadian born citizen, so we follow the goings on in the True North Strong and Free on a somewhat regular basis. Musings about what our hockey-loving neighbors who have sworn their allegiance to the maple leaf, Wayne Gretsky, and general awesomeness are up to will both educate the mind and stimulate the senses.

So, I hope you're all ready for my raw, unrestrained wit and sarcasm and genetic inability to give a damn what the right-wing thinks (Oh, and btw, debates are both welcomed and encouraged.). It's time for a younger perspective on this crazy world of ours, and I am more than happy to answer that call.

On one final note: I like to think of myself as somewhat of a classy guy, so I will refrain from posting profanity, and that includes if you decide to comment on anything. I reserve the right to delete your comments if I find them to be offensive, however, if your comments are out-of-this-world crazy, I may let them through, if only so the offending poster can endure public humiliation. One exception though, and those of you familiar with the [mindblowing] television series on SyFy called Battlestar Galactica will know what I'm talking about, is a euphemism for a certain word that starts with F and rhymes with duck: That's right! The F-Bomb! While I won't type such a word on here, I will warn you ahead of time that I have a substitute word that I will utilize instead, just so my more "emphasized" posts don't lose their punch. That word is frak; i.e., "that's frakking ridiculous!" or "what the frak was that about?!". If this word (that got BSG past the FCC sensors) offends you, I highly suggest you go to another blog -- for example, 'Betty's Blog on Beautiful Bouquets' might be right for you. My blog, my rules, so deal with it.

*Muse not only pertains in this context to not only the historical masters of inspiration, but also pertains to the name of the greatest band that has ever graced the face of the planet. Their music will be making frequent appearances.

Welcome and Enjoy.