Jane Fonda Had to Get Her Some Colbert

I don't know why, but I thought this was just extra funny.

Fonda actually makes Stephen a bit nervous. Well done.

If you want the whole context you should watch this one first. The Ice Cream 3-Way

Then this is the one I'm talking about:
A Personal Interview

Latest Music Recommendation

Silversun Pickups - Carnavas

This CD just keeps getting better. My air guitar skills have gone up ten fold and I can't seem to turn the volume down... (Try out "Dream at Tempo 119").

To Better Know a Country: #1 France

Welcome to the first in a new series of what I'll call, "To Better Know a Country." The First one, France.

Today the French will elect a new leader to power and the country seems a bit divided. The polls suggest that Nicolas Sarkozy is most likely to win. He faces, the first would be woman President in France, Segolene Royal. She is the socialist candidate, concentrating on a new direction and a recall to more socialist policies. Sarkozy promises equally new amounts of change, but in the other direction. He claims to be able to pull the economy out of the doldrums and fix the current unemployment hanging around 8%.

Some main concerns that have arisen along the way; both candidates seem to love to discuss their feelings and themselves and not so much their qualifications and policies. This is especially true for Mrs. Royal who has been nicknamed Egolene... (comme Egoist). Sarkozy is not far behind in that camp, but he seems to pull it off with a more authoritative demeanor. During the last debates he was attacked by Mrs. Royal and managed to come of as the more level headed and prudent candidate. Wrapping up our brief critique of Royal is the well reported notion that she has absolutely no foreign affairs experience or direction. In this age of Globalization and increasing free trade, foreign affairs are more important than ever. This may indeed be her downfall.

Speaking of open borders, Sarkozy has faced a great deal of criticism from the French over his immigration policies. He holds a very hardline stance on immigration, promoting closed borders and a return to a more pure French state. During the car-burning rioting escapades of last year his tough stance on juveniles and immigrants disturbed many in the country and helped proliferate a rift between the French and their increasingly alienated immigrant population. Closed borders and rifts with a large portion of the population just won't do Mr. Sarkozy. Ultimately though the French will probably get behind this man because he does appear to be the more qualified candidate, and he promises more economic security. At the end of the day people still worry about their well-being, which is very influenced by the bottom line.

Something to consider though. France will be France, and despite all the tough talk of change France has proven remarkably resistant to change. And why not, the majority of their population enjoys a rich cultural lifestyle seeped in tradition. Craig Smith at the NYT says it well with Forget Who'll Win in France. Change Is a Loser.

Update: Sarkozy takes the Presidency (You can read about it anywhere)
Here is a good video

Next Series, Turkey...

Recent Articles Worth Reading

It's time for a new series! Recent articles worth reading. Enjoy. I'll add new ones every week or so.

-=Video=-
Jon Stewart on Bill Moyer's show. (Apr 30) (Politics)
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/04272007/profile.html
It's Jon as usual, well spoken, well formulated ideas steeped in logic and presented with a twist of comedy.


-=News=-
The Move From Hell (Apr 16)
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18108845/site/newsweek/
In the past four years, the Pentagon has sent 9 million tons of gear to Iraq. Getting it all back will take time. What I want to know is how to predict which company/s will get these contracts to move home all the war stuff.


-=Politics=-
Money Chooses Sides (apr 23)
http://nymag.com/news/politics/30634/
Speaks about the democratic hopefuls and their fund-raising/campaign strategies.


-=Business / Economics=-
Credit derivatives. At the risky end of finance (Apr 21)
http://www.economist.com/business/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9033348
Good article about fin. derivatives. Helps explain some of the recent losses in the sub prime industry. (Fairly technical, it's economist..)


-=Sports=-
Federer as Religious Experience
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/20/sports/playmagazine/20federer.html?ex=1313726400&en=716968175e36505e&ei=5090
"Almost anyone who loves tennis and follows the men’s tour on television has, over the last few years, had what might be termed Federer Moments. These are times, as you watch the young Swiss play, when the jaw drops and eyes protrude and sounds are made that bring spouses in from other rooms to see if you’re O.K...." This might help one to understand the love of tennis..

Viva Norman

I'm here in Norman for some time with friends. This past weekend was a blast, I got to enjoy my new tennis racquet and it's performance enhancing abilities against formidable opponents. Won some lost some, but all and all I'm sold on the K factor. Played several marathon days (4-5 hrs of tennis). Yesterday I played some golf and about 9 games of Basketball. Sports all day / parties all night, life in Norman is tough. That's why I'm staying an extra day...


Here are a few various photos: