Life according to Logan

My Letters to Senators re: Judge Southwick Confirmation

loganotron — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 05:28:48 GMT

Also here: http://www.loganotron.com/2007/10/24/my-letters-to-senators-re-judge-southwick-confirmation/ Today the Senate voted to confirm controversial judicial nominee Judge Leslie Southwick to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Nine Democrats voted to confirm the nominee while three didn't cast a vote. I decided to write a letter to the Senators. The nine Democratic Senators who voted to confirm were: Akaka (HI), Byrd (WV), Conrad (ND), Dorgan (ND), Feinstein (CA), Johnson (SD), Lincoln (AR), Nelson (NE), and Pryor (AR). My letter to these Senators reads: Dear Senator ___, Today I noticed that you voted to support the confirmation of Judge Leslie Southwick to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. I am shocked and appalled that a judge with such a controversial background would so easily sail through a Senate confirmation hearing. Perhaps a year ago when the Republicans still controlled the Senate, this wouldn't have surprised me. Back then, it took everything the Democrats could muster to filibuster a few of the Bush Administration's radical judicial appointees. Today, however, the Democrats control both chambers of Congress. Now is the time to assert the will of the people, and to reintroduce Congress as an equal member of the governing triumvirate. Congress must prevent President Bush from appointing additional extremist ideologues to lifetime positions. And yet today, just such an ideologue was easily confirmed by the Senate. Senator, I fail to understand how you, as a Democrat, could have voted to support the nomination of Judge Southwick. I respectfully request that you explain your rationale behind confirming a judge who lets personal prejudices and biases so radically influence his decisions. Honestly, Senator, I expected more from you and from the Democratically controlled Senate. I am disappointed and dismayed with your vote. As a citizen and a Democrat, I appreciate, in advance, your taking the time to explain your rationale to me. Respectfully, The three Democratic Senators who did not cast a vote were: Boxer (CA), Dodd (CT), and Kennedy (MA). My letter to these Senators reads: Dear Senator ____, Today I noticed that the Senate voted to support the confirmation of Judge Leslie Southwick to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. I am shocked and appalled that a judge with such a controversial background would so easily sail through a Senate confirmation hearing. Perhaps a year ago when the Republicans still controlled the Senate, this wouldn't have surprised me. Back then, it took everything the Democrats could muster to filibuster a few of the Bush Administration's radical judicial appointees. Today, however, the Democrats control both chambers of Congress. Now is the time to assert the will of the people, and to reintroduce Congress as an equal member of the governing triumvirate. Congress must prevent President Bush from appointing additional extremist ideologues to lifetime positions. And yet today, just such an ideologue was easily confirmed by the Senate. As I reviewed the roll call, I noticed that you did not vote on the confirmation of Judge Southwick. Given the importance and impact of appellate judicial nominations, I wonder why it is that you did not cast a vote on this controversial nominee. As a Democratic Senator who was present during the heated filibusters of previous Bush Administration candidates in prior years, I expect that you understand the importance of blocking such controversial candidates. As a citizen and a Democrat, I respectfully request to know why you did not cast your vote on the Senate floor today. I appreciate, in advance, your taking the time to explain why you did not vote to block Judge Southwick. Respectfully, CONTACT Info for Senators mentioned above: Akaka (HI) http://akaka.senate.gov/email.cfm Byrd (WV) http://byrd.senate.gov/byrd_email.html Conrad (ND) http://conrad.senate.gov/contact/webform.cfm Dorgan (ND) senator@dorgan.senate.gov Feinstein (CA) http://feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ContactUs.EmailMe Johnson (SD) http://johnson.senate.gov/contact/ Lincoln (AR) http://lincoln.senate.gov/webform.html Nelson (NE) http://bennelson.senate.gov/contact/email.cfm Pryor (AR) http://pryor.senate.gov/contact/ Boxer (CA) https://boxer.senate.gov/contact/email/policy.cfm Kennedy (MA) http://kennedy.senate.gov/senator/contact.cfm Dodd (CT) http://dodd.senate.gov/index.php?q=node/3128&cat=Opinion

My Personal Journey with ENDA

loganotron — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 16:38:00 GMT

(Note: You can read it on my blog with hyperlinks and formatting at - http://www.loganotron.com/2007/10/11/my-position-on-enda/ ) Last week I heard the brief rumblings over the "T" being dropped from the LGBT-protective ENDA bill. The situation goes a little something like this: - A version of ENDA was introduced in April that would protect LGBT citizens from discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation - A new version of the bill was introduced recently that dropped protections for "T" or transgendered citizens and, thus, gender-identity. This was a compromise made so that the bill would actually pass. The more inclusive April bill would almost certainly not pass. - Some people, support passing any form of the bill, even if it's not as inclusive as it could be. Moderate gains, baby steps, and so on. - Most gay groups argue that the new bill is unacceptable because not only does it leave out gender-identity and thus trangendered citizens, but it also leaves out protections for gender (non)conformity (more on this below). When I first thought about the issue, I came to a preliminary conclusion that it was better to protect some people now and include the rest later. My friend Todd asked me what my opinion was, and I shared with him my rambling perspective. In so doing, the somewhat offensive nature of my line of thinking became clear to me. I realized that excluding a subset of people from protections so that my more-privileged subset could be protected was not in line with my philosophies. (It may be odd to draw these types of distinctions within the LGBT minority group, but they exist. Some would argue, and I agree, that the classes are as such [in descending order of class/political power]: gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, and finally transgendered folks.) Over the last couple of days I have read quite a bit more about ENDA, thought about the social, political, and cultural ramifications of my initial position, and come to terms with the fact that I was uninformed and personally pretty ignorant on the subject beforehand. After all of this, I realized that my position needed to evolve to reflect my core set of beliefs about equality and civil rights. I feel that it is neither right nor acceptable to exclude a group from protections because of the politics of xenophobia. Transgendered citizens fight the same battles for civil rights, and we (gay men, lesbian women, and bisexuals) should not allow discrimination against our transgendered brothers and sisters to continue to be discriminated against while we benefit. I cannot be complicit in sacrificing a group who has been instrumental in the struggle for LGBT rights, simply because we are now being offered a devil's pact that would protect most of our minority group. It also turns out that by eliminating gender-identity and a few other choice words, the new version of ENDA doesn't even adequately protect LGB citizens if they don't happen to conform to heteronormative cultural standards. Thus, a corporation could fire someone and simply (legally) claim, "We don't have any problems with gays/lesbians, but we can't have a man/woman work for us who isn't masculine/feminine enough." This loophole is yet another reason why the newer version of ENDA is completely unacceptable and insufficient. I realize politics is about compromise, and you don't always get exactly what you want. But if we've waited 30 years for ENDA to pass, we can wait another year, or two, or ten until we can pass a bill that adequately and inclusively covers all those who suffer from gender- and orientation-based discrimination. Bush has also vowed to veto any version of ENDA. I don't support passing a bill through Congress that doesn't represent the full protections it was intended to encompass. I understand the argument that if we can pass a bill in Congress now, despite its limitations, then that sets precedent. Then, in subsequent years and administrations, we can pass more inclusive bills that will will get signed into law. I just don't agree with or feel comfortable passing a precedent-setting bill that doesn't represent the full protections I support. There were a few other things that I pondered that helped change my mind. The first was swapping the "T" for "G." In other words, would I still support the bill if ENDA proposed to protect lesbians, bisexuals, and transgendered citizens, but exclude gay men? The answer is an emphatic *no.* This helped me realize that it was all to easy to for me to accept the exclusion of a group, as long as it wasn't mine. The exclusion of a minority group doesn't fit with my personal, political, and social philosophies, no matter what the reason for exclusion. Another way of addressing the issue involved thinking of it hypothetically. How would I explain to my friend Chase (FTM) or my roommate's dad (MTF)? How could I look them in the face and tell them, "We're just excluding you for now. We're just allowing you to be discriminated against a little while longer. First, we're going to pass protections for the *rest of us*. Then, sometime in the future, we'll make sure you get included under the umbrella of protection from discrimination. I realized I just couldn't have that conversation. I could never utter those words to an FTM or MTF, or any other person for that matter. I just don't believe in the sentiment and personally don't agree with the underlying statement it makes. I plan on calling the offices of Nancy Pelosi, Barbara Boxer, and Diane Feinstein to tell them I do not support the newer, exclusive version of ENDA, and I will urge them to vote "no" or to not bring the current bill to a vote. Instead, I will urge them to resurrect the original, inclusive version of the bill, whether it passes a vote or not.

When Calling your Representatives goes awry

loganotron — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 19:47:12 GMT

My mom has been recovering from surgery and spending mornings at home for the past several weeks. She has been reading her email daily, and looking at all of her email from MoveOn.org. One of the emails she read prompted her to call her U.S. House of Representative Devin Nuñes' office in Washington, D.C. She called regarding the SCHIP bill that funds millions of kids' healthcare. (more info here - http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h3-r4-QX2sJIwxAkeLfY3zUOHgQA) Apparently the funding is set to expire over the weekend unless the new reauthorization bill passes. Democrats have increased the coverage under the new bill so that more kids will get health insurance. Republicans are upset and Bush has threatened to veto the bill. The reason my mom called is that my niece is covered under SCHIP because my sister doesn't qualify for medicare but doesn't make enough to have her own health insurance (and her employer doesn't cover her). The amazing thing is what Nuñes' aide said to my mom. The Washington office aide, named Andrew, told my mom that: - She was a liberal activist, so of course she wouldn't understand the issue at hand - That he wouldn't expect her to understand the complex "legalese" on their web site about the SCHIP bill (my mom went to Nuñes' site and the information was *not* in legal speak) - That he should and could spend hours trying to convince her that she was wrong - That the Democrats are using this as spin and pulling on American's heartstrings to promote excessive spending, that the Democrats always use this "spin" tactic to distract from the real issues (my mom politely reminded him that the Republicans did the same thing in '04 with gay marriage, helping reelect Bush) - After my mom told him she was college educated and a high school teacher, Andrew said that too much education messes up people's understanding of politics and clouds their judgement - And he said that once Nancy Pelosi pulls her head out of her ass, this whole issue would go away. So, my mom called me to relate all of this. I quickly encouraged her to call Barbara Boxer's office, Diane Feinstein's office, and most importantly Nancy Pelosi's office. To relay all of what Nuñes' aide said, especially that he was trying to convince my mom she was wrong, that she wouldn't understand because she was liberal and well-educated, and the bit about Nancy Pelosi's head and posterior. My mom called Nancy Pelosi's SF office first and related what her experience was with the Nuñes aide. When my mom got to the "pull her head out of her ass" comment, the Pelosi aide said "ma'am this conversation is over, we won't engage with that sort of language." My mom quickly tried to tell the Pelosi staffer that my mom's a Democrat and was calling to support Pelosi and that she thought Pelosi should know what Nuñes' aide had said. At that point the Pelosi aide hung up on my mom. So, finally my mom called Senator Feinstein's Fresno office. The aide who took her call was helpful, listened to everything my mom had to say, thanked my mom for her support, said that the Pelosi aide should not have hung up on her, and was very disappointed to hear that Nuñes aide had acted inappropriately. She said she would bring all of this, including my mom's support for SCHIP, to Senator Feinstein's attention immediately. Who knows if that's just good political handling or was sincere. Whatever the case, my mom finally felt like her opinion had been heard and counted. A few things still left for me to ponder: - I'm still not sure if I should call Pelosi's SF office and tell them I'm very disappointed in the way they treated my mom. I've seen Pelosi personally expertly handle a public forum in SF with hordes of protesters. I'm a little ashamed that her aide wasn't able to handle a call from a single supportive constituent. - In each of the calls except to Feinstein's office, my mom mentioned that she'd become alerted to the issue through an email from MoveOn.org. Is that the reason Nuñes' aide said my mom was an liberal activist and why Pelosi's aide hung up on her? Has MoveOn become the new black sheep, a burr in the side of Democrats, and an easy brush-off for Republicans? If nothing else, the fact that my mom is reading and reacting to information provided by MoveOn is proof that they reach a vast network of non-activist, non-uberleftie voters. I actually encouraged my mom to leave out the MoveOn reference in her calls to Feinstein and Boxer, at least until she'd communicated the core of her message. - I'm debating whether to continue to urge my mom to write about her experience with Nuñes in the Fresno Bee. If she's spent her political activity/interest for the day, week, month, should *I* write a letter to the Fresno paper? This is not how a representative or his aide should treat a constituent. Update: My mom called while I was at lunch to tell me the staffer at Boxer's office was also incredibly helpful and mirrored the sentiments of the Feinstein aide. At least half of the calls turned out alright. Although, in school, only getting half right is still a failing grade. P.S. And finally, an interesting little tidbit of hope. My mom tells me that my dad (who voted for Bill Clinton twice and the George Bush twice) is going to vote for Hillary Clinton if she makes it as the candidate. And let's be honest, she *is going* to be the Democratic nominee (even if I'd rather have Edwards).

Officially Car-Free

loganotron — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 20:50:30 GMT

Today, January 25th, 2007, marks the day I sold my largest material possession and became car-free. I feel liberated and limited at the same time. Excited and anxious. I have no doubt, though, that this is yet another step I'm taking toward having the life I want to live.

Bruno

loganotron — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 18:35:32 GMT

Today I was arriving at an appointment in the Upper Fillmore around 8am. I pulled into a metered spot and sat in my car for a minute. While I sat there, I looked at the shiny, new Miata parked in front of me. Then I noticed that the driver of the Miata had very noticeably left his keys in the trunk lock. I hesitated for a minute. I couldn't just leave the keys unattended like that, could I? Should I sit there and guard the car? Maybe take the keys inside one of the businesses? I looked around, no businesses were open yet. Damn. Ok, should I take the keys and leave a note? Yes. My note said that I had taken the keys to help prevent the car from being stolen, and gave my cell phone number. About 45 minutes later a guy called saying he got my note and he was at his car. I took his keys down to him. When I got there, he was very grateful. Clearly I did the right thing. He explained that he'd been late for his appointment at Pets Unlimited across the street, and was so flustered he forgot his keys. He introduced me to Bruno, his 8-week old cocker spaniel. Too bad Bruno's owner was about 15 years too old for me. How cute of a "how-we-met" story would that have made?

The shore...

loganotron — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 18:28:41 GMT

I was at a yoga class last night with Elise Lorimer instructing. She's a bit more hippy/spiritual than some of the other teachers whose classes I take. But, I like Elise's comments on the status of Mercury in retrograde and various other spiritual attunement highlights. Last night she said that Mercury would soon be coming out of retrograde which meant a lot of positive change in people's lives. Now, I don't know how much I subscribe to this whole retrograde stuff, but last night it seemed to hit home a bit more than usual. There *is* a lot of change headed my way, and I'm struggling to think of it in a positive light. So, my mind started wondering and then Elise read this quote to the class: "One doesn't discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time." (by André Gide) These words really resonated with me. I am about to embark on one of the biggest changes in my life. The last major change was moving *into* the warehouse, and now four years later I'm moving *out.* The quote helped reinforce what I already knew: that you have to let go of safety and security if you are to open youself to new possibilities. Not necessarily forgetting about the comfort of the past, but letting go of it. Clearing space in your heart, soul, and mind. Allowing for new interests, people, opportunities, energies, to come in and fill that space. I'm going to keep this quote on each of my computers, easily accessible. When I start to feel sad or anxious over the next couple of months I'll read these words to remind myself that really good, new things are on the horizon.

All good things...

loganotron — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 05:58:53 GMT

I've finally decided to move out of the Soap Factory. After four years of living in a communal hub, I'm ready to strike out and try something new. Thus, I am officially in the market for a new home. Ideally I'd like to live with friends or friends-of-friends. But, I am open to completely new living situations and new people too. I can move as early as December 1st and as late as February 1st. I am most interested in a room/flat somewhere near BART or lots of Muni. As for my ideal neighborhoods, I'm thinking Castro, Duboce Triangle, Mission Dolores. I want to move into a home with a heart, ie. somewhere that people hang out as roommates, have people over, share communal food, cook dinner together, watch movies, etc. If you or someone you know is looking for a new roommate, let me know! Thanks, -Aaron

South Africa allows the gays to get married

loganotron — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 21:38:58 GMT

Big ups to South African this fine Tuesday. Their Parliament just voted to leaglize same-sex marriage. Awesome! South Africa joins Canada, Belgium, The Netherlands, and Spain where same-sex marriage is legal nation-wide. Oh, and the UK has civil unions which confer all the rights of marriage. http://www.365gay.com/Newscon06/11/111406SAFMAR.htm http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/14/world/africa/14cnd-safrica.html?hp&ex=1163566800&en=4613ee699ccbb376&ei=5094&partner=homepage

24 years

loganotron — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 21:58:30 GMT

A person infected with HIV can expect to live an average of 24 years: http://articles.news.aol.com/news/_a/average-american-with-hiv-lives-24/20061110163909990011

False Profit and Dub Beautiful Present: GALACTATE

loganotron — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 23:11:12 GMT

It's midnight. Your chakratic sacred geometry is fully galactronic. But your inner boddhavista wrestles with the memewaves you are only just beginning to integrate.  What if mimetic emergence is /not/ inevitable? What if we are all just minimal hypersurfaces of low fractal dimension, memepixels pulsing in interstellar flux? Will I ever mutate my depth into co-peaks? Can I possibly become more integrated with the crystal geomantic technology?    Whats an elftastic empath to do?     Woah there! Fret not fair wanderer, there's still community to be found. Just hover on over to Galactate. Gather with Dub Beautiful and False Profit for a harmonic convergence of beats bodies and bindis. GALACTATE http://www.false-profit.com/2006/11/18/galactate/ Saturday, November 18th 10pm - 4am Jelly's The Artists: The Seedling Escape aka Kitty-D and Ooah (Glitch Mob) RD (The Designed Disorder, ELM - LA) Sariah Storm (Terpischore) Lux aka Rodman Danny (Moontribe) JD (False Profit) and more! $15 door $10 before midnight $10 with Synergenesis conference badge Featuring art and projections from the Synergenesis conference (www. synergenesis.org)

Dear Howard Dean

loganotron — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 00:38:06 GMT

A letter I recently sent to Howard Dean: Dear Dr. Dean, I want to express my thanks and congratulations. The success of the Democratic Party a few days ago is in large part due to your sage guidance and strategy. Two years ago when you ran for chairman of the DNC, you proposed the 50 State Strategy. If I recall correctly, many in the party establishment were resistant. "Why should we spend money on races in 'red states" where we have no hope of winning?" they asked. Despite our revered leaders' opposition, much of the Democratic party's base (we the citizens) realized the potential promise of this strategy. Not long after you were elected chair of the DNC, I started making small, automatic, monthly contributions to the organization. At the same time, I noticed that the DNC emails soliciting contributions began to directly indicate how the money would benefit a specific race or strategy. I appreciated this new straightforward tactic. I made further contributions to my recurring monthly donations, once I knew exactly how my contribution would help. I have had high hopes for your long-view strategy for competing in all races in all 50 states. On Tuesday your strategy paid off as we took Senate seats in places like Virginia, Montana, Missouri, Ohio, and Minnesota, typical Republican strongholds. Even in Tennessee where Ford lost, the race was closer than I would have ever expected. Certainly each of the Democratic candidates who ran a smart campaign this year also deserves credit and praise. And no doubt, the Republican failure to govern fairly and wisely is responsible in part. However, I also wanted to personally thank you for your insightful strategy that helped usher in a Democratic Congressional majority in 2006. With this strategy, I look forward to stronger majorities in each of the houses of Congress, and to a presidential win in 2008. Thank you, and keep up the good work. You have many young supporters who feel energized and enfranchised as a result of Tuesday night's success. Kind regards, Aaron Hall

If you're happy and you know it...

loganotron — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 18:29:25 GMT

Watching the election results was a cause for celebration, mostly. We took the House in a huge sweep, and are poised to take control of the Senate too. We also gained 6 governor spots. Overall, the Democrats did very very well. Unfortunately, two issues I cared a lot about, didn't pass in California. The Clean Energy tax on oil companies failed. Likewise, the Clean Elections proposition was voted down. Add that to the fact that several of my very liberal friends and relatives voted for Schwarzenegger, and I'm left realizing that California is not as blue as I'd like to believe it is. Nonetheless, all Democratic incumbents retained their seats, with the possible exception of a Democrat Rep in Georgia, who is still neck-in-neck with the Republican challenger. All the incumbents who lost their seats are Republicans. This is a very good day. UPDATE: The Associated Press is calling Montana for Tester (D) and RUMSFELD JUST FUCKING RESIGNED. OMFG!!!!

Get Out the Vote!

loganotron — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 07:34:23 GMT

Get out there and vote. False Profit wants to see every single one of you wearing your "I Voted Today" sticker! http://www.false-profit.com/voterguide/ Governor: Angelides Lt Governor: Garamendi Attorney General: Brown Secretary of State: Bowen Treasurer: Lockyer Controller: Chiang Insurance Commissioner: Bustamante SF Supervisor District 6: Chris Daly SF Supervisor District 8: Alix Rosenthal SF Supervisor District 10: Sophie Maxwell SF School Board: Jane Kim State Measures: Proposition 1A: NO Proposition 1B: NO Proposition 1C: YES Proposition 1D: YES Proposition 1E: YES Proposition 83: NO NO NO Proposition 84: yes / no Proposition 85: NO NO NO Proposition 86: YES YES YES Proposition 87: YES YES YES Proposition 88: NO Proposition 89: YES Proposition 90: NO NO NO SF County Measures: Proposition A: YES Proposition B: yes Proposition C: YES Proposition D: YES Proposition E: yes Proposition F: YES Proposition G: yes Proposition H: yes Proposition I: no Proposition J: YES Proposition K: yes

Robocalls: Speak Up!

loganotron — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 23:25:59 GMT

The Republicans are up to voter fraud using dirty robocall tactics. http://www.rollingstone.com/nationalaffairs/?p=690 http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/news_theswamp/2006/11/posted_by_frank_2.html Call Mark Leno and tell the staffer that answers that you want these robocalls investigated. That you think this amounts to voter fraud and it should be stopped through legal action immediately. It takes 30 seconds to call and make a difference. Mark Leno (415) 557-3013 http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a13/district.htm

Gunfire in the Castro

loganotron — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 18:45:00 GMT

Last night someone opened fire on the crowd of Halloween revelers in the Castro. Police say 10 people were injured, one of whom sustained potentially life-threating injuries. http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/11/01/BAGF0M3UOQ5.DTL One interesting thing I noted from this Chronicle piece is Bevan Dufty's (Castro district city supervisor) assertion that 80% of the attendees are from out of town and only 20% are SF residents. I wonder how he knows that number. I'm predicting that this is the end of Halloween in the Castro.

Put Your Hands Up... For Detroit!

loganotron — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 05:49:32 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXR30IdiUGI So dope...

Fall 2006 False Profit Voter Guide

loganotron — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 21:45:06 GMT

http://www.false-profit.com/strategy/vote2006 Ah, October... Leaflets have started falling from the sky, gobs of money are being spent to decorate suburban lawns, and spooky TV ads are popping up around every corner. Yes, it's election season, and here in California that means a flood of deceptively worded ballot propositions. This year a San Francisco voter has the opportunity give their thumbs up or down to _twenty four_ separate propositions, each with their own murky nuances being papered over by shifting coalitions of supporters and naysayers. To make matters worse, several of the propositions are described by ballot text that contains flat-out lies. How is the average citizen supposed to make intelligent decisions in this environment? Well, today is your lucky day, because this time we made the decisions for you. Here is the first annual False Profit California Voter Guide. Pass it on, print it out, investigate where you think we've gone astray. Just another dividend paid from us to you. But, whatever you do, vote. The latest results from polling firm Datamar, Inc (http://www.datamar.net/pdf/ca101506.pdf) shows that the more misleadingly-titled propositions (83, 90) are ahead by a significant amount, and proposition 85, requiring parental notification for under-18 abortions, is a dead heat. Let's help turn the tide, together. False Profit :: It's for your own good The Short Version Governor: Angelides Lt Governor: Garamendi Attorney General: Brown Secretary of State: Bowen Treasurer: Lockyer Controller: Chiang Insurance Commissioner: Bustamante SF Supervisor District 8: Alix Rosenthal SF Supervisor District 10: Sophie Maxwell SF School Board: Jane Kim State Measures: Proposition 1A: NO Proposition 1B: NO Proposition 1C: YES Proposition 1D: YES Proposition 1E: YES Proposition 83: NO NO NO Proposition 84: yes Proposition 85: NO NO NO Proposition 86: YES YES YES Proposition 87: YES YES YES Proposition 88: NO Proposition 89: YES Proposition 90: NO NO NO SF County Measures: Proposition A: YES Proposition B: Don't care/YES Proposition C: YES Proposition D: YES Proposition E: yes Proposition F: YES Proposition G: yes Proposition H: yes Proposition I: no Proposition J: YES Proposition K: yes The Long Version STATE MEASURES http://speakoutca.org/now/2006general.php http://www.datamar.net/pdf/ca101506.pdf http://theballot.org/2006/cafu Proposition 1A: NO Autopilot budget for more Freeways, less public services FP Says: Restricts the funds too much, interest on borrowed money too high Proposition 1B: NO $20B Bond for Freeways and Suburban Sprawl FP Says: 80% to highways, only $3.6 billion for public transit and $400 million for inner-city rail. No to suburban sprawl and more highways. Proposition 1C: YES $3B Bond for Low-Income Housing FP Says: No-brainer, everyone is for this except an asshole Republican Assemblyman from Irvine. Proposition 1D: YES $10B Bond for School Repairs FP Says: Build new classrooms, like a statewide version of Prop A, covers K-12 and universities. Widespread appeal, main complaint is that it is not enough $$. Proposition 1E: YES $4B Bond for Delta Water Structures FP Says: "If the voters adopt Prop. 84 and the other $37 billion in infrastructure bonds in November (Props. 1B through 1E), the percentage of General Fund revenues necessary to service all the state's capital-outlay bonds would be less than 6 percent. Most financial analysts deem this ratio prudent." There was a court ruling last year that makes the state liable for any disaster that results from the levees breaking... this could potentially bankrupt the state. Proposition 83: NO NO NO GPS Tagging and Tracking of All Sex Offenders FP Says: GPS devices? WTF?!?!?!??! This is *not* a tenable solution. It will effectively require all 'sex offenders' to relocate out of most major city areas, will strip them of civil liberties that even convicted murderers retain, and in general create an expensive and cumbersome bureaucracy. http://www.zephoria.org/thoughts/archives/2006/10/24/prop_83_sex_off.html Proposition 84: yes (AH) / no (AB) $5B Bond for Levee Repair / Clean Drinking Water FP Says: AH says this fixes problems facing the central valley in the near future. AB says this is too much $ for an unsustainable solution. Proposition 85: NO NO NO JESUS FUCKING CHRIST STOP BRINGING THIS UP YOU REBIBLICAN ASSHOLES Parental Notification of Abortion FP Says: We voted on this last year and it failed. Proposition 86: YES YES YES Cigarette Tax for Emergency Healthcare FP Says: Despite what critics say, *will* reduce smoking, and *will* save the state money by reducing emergency room operating costs. Proposition 87: YES YES YES Tax Oil Companies and Invest in Renewable Energy FP Says: This is in line with the taxes levied by other states. All $$ goes to great programs, including funding for university research in alternative energy and, appealingly, venture capital. Some critics complain that venture funds do not need more money, but this infusion of cash can only accelerate the progress of small businesses developing alternatives to existing energy infrastructure. For a great example of how silicon valley-style entrepreneurship is /already/ making an impact, see: http://www.wired.com/news/wiredmag/0,71414-0.html Proposition 88: NO Money for Schools, with caveats FP Says: Flat $50 property tax increase to go to some vaguely defined education programs, no guarantees about how or where it will be spent. Doesn't really specify what it will do or how it will be audited. Would love to fund schools, but need a concrete plan. Proposition 89: YES Clean Elections in California FP Says: Fair campaign finance. Doesn't level the playing field, but takes steps in the right direction. Proposition 90: NO NO NO False Eminent Domain Issue; Developers Run Wild FP Says: This is *NOT* an eminent domain issue, would let developers do whatever they want. This is part of a nationwide campaign by a NYC-based real estate developer who is trying to enforce libertarian ideology and prevent governments from implementing land-use regulations. http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-6173105,00.html LOCAL MEASURES http://theballot.org/2006/sf Proposition A: YES School Bonds FP Says: Continues the work of a previous 2003 bond, extends it to 64 more schools. That program seems to be working and has been audited favorably. Everyone in favor (except the Republicans). Mainly structural programs - retrofitting for earthquake, replacing portable trailer classrooms, etc. Proposition B: Don't care/YES Telecommuting for Board of Supervisors FP Says: Vote NO if you want to make a statement about pointless referendums. Proposition C: YES Salaries of Top City Officials FP Says: Straightforward, fair, replaces a previous system that has lagged behind. Proposition D: YES Privacy of Personal Information FP Says: Straightforward. Make city contractors with access to identity information required to handle that information properly and disallow them from selling it. Proposition E: yes Downtown Parking Tax FP Says: Iffy about how the money will be spent, but in general in favor of lowering # of cars in the city. Previous parking taxes have seen about 40% of their revenue go to public transportation. Proposition F: YES Paid Sick Leave Requirement FP Says: Paid Sick Leave Ordinance for City of San Francisco - Summary: 5-9 days off per year, max. The ordinance would require that employees earn paid sick leave at the rate of 1 hour for every 30 hours worked. New employees would begin to earn sick leave after 3 months on the job. Employees who work in businesses with fewer than 10 employees could accumulate up to 40 hours of paid sick leave. All other employees could accumulate up to 72 hours of paid sick leave. - Rights issues: Small business owner/regulation vs. quality of life for workers. Public health. - Fiscal issues: Will cost the city $9.3M. Only about $1M of that is administration. The rest is actual lost productivity from city employees. Opposition estimates $33M in losses to private business. - Pro-folks cite a study that employers will actually save $44M. "Employers save by reducing turnover, cutting the spread of disease at work, increasing productivity and minimizing absenteeism." Look this up: Dr. Vicky Lovell of the Institute for Women's Policy Research. Proposition G: yes Limitations on Chain Stores FP Says: Limitations on Formula Retail Stores in City of San Francisco. Requires hearings before chain store can be put in. This is mostly good. - Summary: A new hoop for chains to jump through - Formula Retail: More than 11 stores Extends "conditional use authorization" to non-NCDs (Neighborhood Commercial Districts.) Allows neighborhoods to submit comments on new development - Issues: Fiscal issues are relatively neutral, administration-wise. You can argue the economic impact in various ways (lower cost vs. loss of character/local production, etc.) For me, this is an aesthetic call. - This is more or less a no-op, because it's not a change from the current de facto situation. However she doesn't feel that the current situation is necessarily fair to neighborhoods that may /want/ big box stores for various good reasons. Proposition H: yes Relocation Expenses for No Fault Tenant Eviction FP Says: Extends OMI/No-fault eviction reimbursement clause to cover demolition and 'substantial rehabilitation'. Increases the required reimbursal to $4500, with an additional benefit to seniors of $3000. Intended to reduce condo conversions. Proposition I: no Make the Mayor Meet with City Council "On the Record" FP Says: Want to make squabbles public. Some supes want to shame Gavin (Chris Daly). Pinkfist says YES because she wants to shame Gavin. AB says: I want to shame Gavin too but I don't want the ballot to be a high school slapfight. Proposition J: YES of course Policy Statement: Impeach Bush/Chaney Proposition K: yes Seniors and Disabled Housing Protections FP Says: You could vote NO because there's not much substance to it

Hooray for New Jersey

loganotron — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 20:43:35 GMT

The New Jersey Supreme Court just ruled that it is unconstitutional for the state to deny gays and lesbians the same rights as married straight couples. In the ruling, the court gives the legislature 180 days to come up with a new system that gives gays and lesbians equal rights. The court did not mandate that the new system be called "marriage." Thus, the outcome could be civil unions much like Vermont currently has. Whatever the case, this seems like at least a small victory. The court ruling reads in part: "Only rights that are deeply rooted in the traditions, history, and conscience of the people are deemed to be fundamental. Although we cannot find that a fundamental right to same-sex marriage exists in this State, the unequal dispensation of rights and benefits to committed same-sex partners can no longer be tolerated under our State Constitution. With this State’s legislative and judicial commitment to eradicating sexual orientation discrimination as our backdrop, we now hold that denying rights and benefits to committed same-sex couples that are statutorily given to their heterosexual counterparts violates the equal protection guarantee of Article I, Paragraph 1. To comply with this constitutional mandate, the Legislature must either amend the marriage statutes to include same-sex couples or create a parallel statutory structure, which will provide for, on equal terms, the rights and benefits enjoyed and burdens and obligations borne by married couples. We will not presume that a separate statutory scheme, which uses a title other than marriage, contravenes equal protection principles, so long as the rights and benefits of civil marriage are made equally available to same-sex couples. The name to be given to the statutory scheme that provides full rights and benefits to same- sex couples, whether marriage or some other term, is a matter left to the democratic process." This is definitely awesome and sent a shiver of excitement and happiness through my soul. I wonder, though, how this will affect the elections in two weeks. Will the religious right glom onto this ruling like they did in 2004 and swing the religious right into action? I can only hope that their fear-mongering tactics have begun to fall on deaf ears.

Germ Warfare

loganotron — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 22:05:56 GMT

I should know better. I really really should. On Saturday night I partied on down low with everyone and drank from far too many friends' water bottles. I also tempted fate by bragging to Brendan last night that I hadn't been sick since February. Stupid, stupid, stupid. The fates don't take well to being taunted like that, and they're clearly punishing me for my insolence. Last night, I woke up coughing and aching. I immediately realized that I was the lucky recipient of a rhinovirus. I immediately grabbed for my zinc nose spray. I slept in this morning and stumbled into work several hours late. All day I've been sucking on zinc lozenges and drinking Emergen-C. I plan on going home and getting more sleep very soon. A roomie suggested that I eat two cloves of raw garlic, drink lots of water, and go to sleep. I imagine there must be a hundred remedies out there, but I question which ones actually work. I'm sure sleep is the best hope for beating this thing. I. Hate. Being. Sick. Ugh.

Benched

loganotron — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 21:10:04 GMT

Not having gone to the playa this year, I didn't get the pent-up dancing bug out of my system. Instead, the LoveFest came along and I danced the weekend away. Unfortunately, high-impact dancing on concrete for six hours is bad bad bad for your legs. Fast Forward two weekends. Friday night was the wedding celebration and I rocked it (in dress shoes, ugh). Saturday I bought new running shoes so I went for a long run. Then danced at the underwear party. Sunday brought Decom, more dancing, and the worst case of shin splints I've ever had. So, now I have to rest and recuperate. No more dancing (or running) for me for at least two weeks. Nightly ice-packs and regular anti-inflamatory drugs to keep the pain at bay. Hopefully I'll still make it to the upcoming parties. But, I'll just be the guy on the sidelines, benched because of injuries. I'll wave to all y'all players on the field though!

An August Odyssey

loganotron — Tue, 05 Sep 2006 21:16:34 GMT

While every human I know in SF was off camping in a dry lake bed in Nevada, I was bestowed with a much needed peace and quiet . In this solitude my mind settled into clarity and an idea came to me. I dreamed of an exciting journey, a trek, a challenge. Something to do next August while my friends are all immersed in their playa preparations. I decided that I want to hike the John Muir Trail. The trail runs from Yosemite to Mt. Whitney, through 211 miles of the most pristine countryside in the lower 48 states. The thought of getting away from civilization for 2-3 weeks sounds amazing. I imagine it is inspiring and intimidating to have wilderness as far as the eye can see in every direction. The first thing my parents asked was, "Who are you going with? You can't make the hike that all by yourself." I told them that of course I would be going with friends. But next August is a long way off and I still have a lot to figure out before then, including which friends might be interested such an intense excursion. So, consider this my first inquiry: anyone interested in hiking the JMT with me? ps. photo borrowed from a user on Flickr

Heart flutter

loganotron — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 18:42:32 GMT

As I read JasonUnbound's post today, and stared at the ariel pictures of the fledgling playa city, my heart fluttered with the slightest touch of longing. I've been very resolute about my decision to stay home this year. I didn't have a very good time in 2005. The magical moments had dwindled to only a few. It became one long week of sitting through dust storms, heat spells, and cold snaps. Not something I looked forward to experiencing again this year. But, the pictures of Black Rock City in its infancy struck deep into the well of good memories. I've always enjoyed the first days on the playa. Watching the city grow, observing our own camp as it takes shape, neighbors and art popping up all around. These are the things that made Burning Man special for me. Perhaps my most precious memories are of the False Profit playa parties. Dancing until dawn and beyond, with old friends and new. The friendly dawn light cresting the mountains to the East, washing across the playa, the city, our dust covered, ecstatic faces. These are the moments that I will miss dearly. Fortunately, I have photos and strong, vivid memories of these mornings from years past to keep a smile on my face. False Profit and the Mog rocking it in in the early morn '03: http://flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=47302022&context=set-1032039&size=l

Starting the day off right

loganotron — Wed, 23 Aug 2006 16:31:25 GMT

I've been waking up half an hour early this week and going for a quick jog. It's very enjoyable running through the awakening city in the summer fog. I see people headed to the bus stops, walking their dogs, straggling into coffee shops, all wearing a warm protective layer against the misty morning. It's quite surreal and peaceful to have these be the first images I take in each morning. The interesting side-effect of this daily dose of tranquility is an intoxicating energy surging through my brain when I get to work.

Il Pirata del Culo

loganotron — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 18:30:56 GMT

Last night was a lot of fun. I'm glad all my friends were able to come out and celebrate with me at Il Pirata. Pirates always make me giggle because I can't avoid thinking to myself "butt pirate." Anyway, I think my birthday drinking binge would have made my Irish honky-tonk bar-owning Grandpa very proud. That is, until Dina poured me a glass of vodka with a splash of apple and cran. Oh well, I guess there isn't anything special about being awake for the last few hours of your birthday! I'm told that although I wasn't having fun (being passed out on the couch and unaware of my surroundings), that my roomies dervied plenty of amusement from my unconscious state. Highlights of the night included the Green Lantern pinky ring Bex got me and the boob cake. Even though the cake should've manly bits, I appreciate the effort. But gang: I know I don't *act* all that gay, but I promise you that I dig the dudes. Seriously and F'reals. Next year, perhaps a penis cake is in oder. Or, maybe even a real penis with a hot boy attached. That would be the best bday present ever...

Owwwww. I've been tagged.

loganotron — Wed, 14 Jun 2006 19:59:35 GMT

I've been tagged by Dina, and this seems like fun. My Eight are very wordy, but that's because I like reminiscing. RULES - Once you've been tagged, you have to write a blog with 8 facts/things/habits about yourself, saying who tagged you. In the end you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. No tag backs. I tag: Dre, Brendizzle, Tree, Toast, KidB, DangerMarc 1) When I was 3 years old I fell down and knocked out my two front teeth. I had two silver front teeth for a couple of years, until they fell out to be replaced by my adult teeth. In kindergarten my school pictures show my gleaming silver teeth. Of course, in the winter X-mas pageant I was the only kindergartner to perform solo, singing "All I want for Christmas are my two front teeth. Theee. My two front teeth..." I suppose that experience is responsible for my obsession with nice teeth. 2) I lived out in the middle of nowhere when I was growing up. My "best friend" was usually a stuffed toy of some sort (sure was better than playing with my annoying little sister). The bfs included Mickey Mouse (I was in his club), Gizmo (the gremiln), and "My Buddy" (a little stuffed boy doll made especially for all of us little homos-to-be). I'm not sure if it was the Velveteen Rabbit that put the idea in my head or not, but I truly truly believed that I possessed, or could someday possess, the magic to make these toys come alive. I remember the devastation I felt when I left Gizmo out in the tree house one night and the dog found him and chewed off his ear. I was crushed because he was more than just a toy to me. 3) I used to make my SuperFriends and/or Voltron characters (not the cats but the people that drove the cats), have sex or have intricate love-trysts. It was never the usual cast of characters. Firestorm and WonderWoman had a fling, and got super busy. Firestorm was the cocky young guy who no one saw for what he was, except of course for the Amazon Princess who wanted to jump his bones. Superman and Green Lantern always seemed to have some spat over one feeling cold-shouldered by the other. Finally, there was Keith (pilot of the Black Lion) and Lance (pilot of the Red Lion) who were always taking care of each other. (Screw that silly Princess, she didn't know anything about how to relate to the guys.) When they'd get injured in battles, Keith and Lance would take each other to the hospital, or be sad when the other was sick. 4) In high school I had a Letterman's Jacket with four Letters. 1: Sports (Track and Cross Country), 2: Academics, 3: Band, 4: Academic Decathalon. Along the sleeve I had all 7 Gold Chevrons (one for each semester of 4.0 GPA). Ok, ok, I was a big dork. 5) I grew up on Country music and Oldies. It wasn't until senior year of high school that I started listening to top 40. When Kurt Cobain died my junior year in high school, I kinda knew who Nirvana was. Mostly I just knew that my grunge friends all seemed to be really really sad. (Ok, a *different* kind of sad than usual). 6) When I was in college my best friend Todd and I had an obsession with a straight football player who was 2 years younger. Lest I incriminate myself, let's just say that we paid way more attention to this adorable little guy than two perfect strangers should. 7) Between the ages of 8 and 12 approximately, I often roamed the 16 acres my parents owned. In the winter I would study the way the creeks had changed from the previous year. In the spring I'd take note of where the wild-flowers grew. I was fascinated by the rock formations and twisted willows growing out of springs, thinking that each marked the entrance to a magical underground world. There was this wild rose bush that had grown into a large nest of sorts. It didn't grow bigger from year-to year, just stayed about the same. Somehow I felt it too hid something special, like the rosebush where the Rats of NIMH lived. (I guess I was pretty obsessed with magic as a kid, huh?) 8) I didn't have cable tv growing up so I read a lot instead. My only exposure to cable was when we would go visit my grandma on the coast. One Thanksgiving weekend, I spent nearly the entire visit watching tv in her room (away from the sporting events on the main room tv). That weekend I watched my first ever MTV. What really kept me zombified was the marathon of Real World: Los Anegeles. I couldn't get enough. I fell in love with the concept, and developed a huge crush on the blond, surfer, adonis housemate Aaron. (It should be noted that it was still 1993, so I didn't actually realize it was a crush at the time.) It wasn't until near the end of the marathon that he started spouting Republican propaganda bullshit and how he hated Bill Clinton. The spell was broken, and Aaron the surfer adonis was dead to me. Real World, however, remained an obsession of mine until Season 12: Las Vegas when I stopped following it.