A good question, bro...

..and one I felt ill-informed to answer as of yesterday, which was how I felt about the latest Allen-Webb poll.

Having had the chance to read the article and reflect, I am surprised the most about Allen's inability to pass the 50-percent mark. He's not my cup of tea, but politically he has been untouchable in Virginia in the past decade, so this is a bit of a shock.

The real question is, with the large # of undecideds, can Jim Webb successfully present himself as a viable alternative. He's woefully behind in cash (though he's matched Allen in cash raised, Allen has a shitload in the bank) and name recognition. However, I had the opportunity to see both Webb and the man he defeated in the Democratic primary, Harris Miller, as they both spoke at a Charlottesville rally a few weeks back (one I failed to blog on for a # of reasons, biggest one being clearing up the storm damage to our house), and I can definitely say we picked the best guy to take on Allen.

Harris Miller, in his introduction, to put it bluntly, was a snot. Although he hit the talking points, and respect must be given for coming out to support the victor in a primary that could charitably be described as nasty, Miller made a couple of snide comments that did not go over well w/the audience. He started one statement with (paraphrase): Now I know some of you in Charlottesville are guilty of putting Allen there in the first place... He then also made a comment along the lines of had the Democrats in VA been as active as Repubs in 2000 were in Florida Creigh Deeds would have won his tight race for Attorney General instead of losing in a recount. Both of these comments quieted the audience; you could hear the uncomfortable fidgeting on his behalf. I certainly think Miller deserves recognition for going out to help Webb win, but maybe he should just write a check.

When Webb spoke, however, all I could think was "Man he's goooood." He hit on themes of family and security, and in response to George Felix Allen's habit of waving a football around at rallies (emphasizing his college football career), Webb held up a plastic model of a FREAKIN' MX MISSILE, responding that his dad used to build these to keep America safe. Now I don't know how this played in super crunchy C-Ville, but I got a tinglin' that required an application of cornstarch. This'll play in VA.

Webb definitely has a shot against Allen, even douchebag Larry Sabato says so (in the linked article on top), but he'll have to overcome a lot of inertia against a Republican incumbent, not to mention a first-class politician, to win this thing.

Arise, Sir Loin of Beef!

Nothin' gets nerds in a tizzy like the release of a new Looney Tunes DVD set, and this teaser suggests one of my faves, Rabbit Hood, is going to be on it, so time to start savin' them pennies!

Since I know you're slow when it comes to national emergencies, Georgie boy, take my advice. Send National Guard troops to Las Vegas by next week.

Because if these people are seriously sending a chimpanzee to play in the World Series of Poker main event, you're going to have a riot on your hands.

This has to be bullshit. Even if the handler is allowed to accompany Mike (which I'd seriously doubt), on the video the chimp commits three infractions that would get his hand mucked in an honest-to-goodness tournament. I also doubt competing players would be as tolerant of Mike's touchy-feely antics as the GMA hosts are.

Even if the chimp somehow kept up protocol, the slow play is going to annoy people for sure. Now if Phil Hellmuth draws the chimp's table, ESPN will be able to make enough money off DVD sales to fund Disney for the next century and cure world hunger, but as much fun as that may be, I have to officially protest against this stunt, as I would against any stunt that may potentially denigrate and harm ignorant beasts who have no clue to what's going on in the world around them.

I also think it may be harmful to the chimp as well. Thank you very much, tip your waitress!

Tickets, please, stay to your left...

Musical journey time! (courtesy of my Yahoo station)

Belle & Sebastian, "The Wrong Girl" (rating: 50)

One of the good songs on a rather uneven album. Unfortunately, they've only gotten worse...

A-Ha, "Velvet" (rating: 96)

The best A-Ha song I've ever heard...out of the three, and one that was a big Eurohit. I only knew about this song because while I lived in Russia they played the video one day, and I was convinced that it was better than "Take On Me" and one of the best videos ever.

I saw it again not too long ago...and I was wrong. But you can see boobies and Morten's six-pack...

Frank Black & The Catholics, "All My Ghosts" (rating: 60)

A nice harsh song. This album made me think that ol' Charles was ready w/Pixies Mark II. Good one, you got me! The first Catholics album is still the best, but I'm afraid that unless Prince takes him aside and lets him know that just because he writes a song doesn't mean it HAS to be on an album FB will never write another great one.

And what I've heard of his new one has made me say meh...

3rd Bass, "Eye Jammie" (rating: 90)

Hee. Still makes me laugh fourteen years later...

Miss me?

Hey kids! What's been happening in this nutty blogosphere?

Oh me, nothing much, tree fell during a storm, sideswiped our house and took out our phone and DSL line for two precious weeks, but that certainly doesn't explain the long absence...

But who doesn't love the "sorry I haven't posted in a long time" blog post?

Anyhoo, here's the most awesome thing on TV in the past month...