The July 2007 YouTube debate

I think that it is time to hand out some awards.

• John Edwards: Most question avoiding/re-directing. According to him both "how do you define liberal?", "do you believe in paying reparations to the descendants of slaves, and "which republican would you choose as a running mate?" are actually code for "what kind of president does the country need." A: one who will take on "big business", something he just happens to do very well

• Mike Gravel: Best name-calling. He took on Obama with skill that would have made him president of any playground.

• Chris Dodd: best skill at turning a bunch of dead cells into a political credential. It's not just hair, it is a trophy conferred upon him by the celestial forces as a sign of his dedication. But does he or doesn't he? only his image consultant knows for sure.

• Hillary Clinton: best subversive message. Of course it's not about whether she is a woman, or Obama's skin, or Richarson's race. That is because when she is inaugurated a great message will be sent to boys and girls everywhere, and the other people won't matter.

• Dennis Kucinich: best sixties throwback: Peace, dude, it's the only way to go. Not that peace is a bad thing, it just shouldn't be combined with love beads.
  

• Bill Richardson: worst crowd -exciter: His many attempts at inciting applause only resulted in his face getting red. We at least know that he will never be charged with inciting rioting.
  

• Group Award: Best skills with a crystal ball: "When I am president..." is a phrase that is freely tossed about and can be found in abundance. However, you never know, maybe this year will be the first time there will be an eight-way tie for president, but how will they fit all those desks in the oval office.

C'EST MA VIE

pools of the ages

Why do we love water so much? Perhaps it is because it is the original element. Before we were caveman discovering fire, and discovering simultaneously that we were flammable, we lived in pre-historic pools of toxic sludge. Now today’s pools lack that intoxicating combination of carbon monoxide glass and flesh eating acids, but they make up for it with urinary tract byproducts that have been neutralized, if not erased, by enormous quantities of chlorine. So we immerse ourselves in the blue water and steep ourselves in millennia of history. In the end we emerge shriveled and pruned, but with a feeling that maybe things haven’t changed that much. Then we catch sight of the snack bar hawking its icy wares and think that if thing have changed just a little it was probably for the better.

C'EST MA VIE