Joe the Plumber

Things aren't looking so good again for McCain. A lot of news has been made about this Joe The Plumber guy. A citizen on the campaign trail, who got the attention of the media by posing a question to Barack Obama regarding raising his taxes. Come to find out...

According to Eisenstadt's blog:

John McCain did great tonight in the debate. But every time John mentioned “Joe the Plumber,” some of us in the campaign banged our heads against the wall. If Steve Schmidt had any hair left, I hear he would have been pulling it out tonight. He reportedly screamed at John’s debate prep team tonight (out of earshot of reporters, of course). “You idiots - he’s related to Charles Keating… of the Keating Five scandal!” They thought they had a real live Joe Six-Pack who’s spurned Barack Obama’s tax plan. But what they forgot to do was check on Joe Wurzelbacher’s background.

Turns out that Joe Wurzelbacher from the Toledo event is a close relative of Robert Wurzelbacher of Milford, Ohio. Who’s Robert Wurzelbacher? Only Charles Keating’s son-in-law and the former senior vice president of American Continental, the parent company of the infamous Lincoln Savings and Loan. The now retired elder Wurzelbacher is also a major contributor to Republican causes giving well over $10,000 in the last few years.

Barack Obama took the high road in the final presidential debate by not retorting with the Keating Five scandal when McCain brought up William Ayers of the Weather Underground. But now it (the relationship between Mccain, Keating, Joe the Plumber) will be out in the open even more now. Wonder what will the ads be like?

Word on the internet is, the guy isn't actually a plumber. A licensed one anyway.

A staff person with the Toledo Division of Building Inspection told On Call this afternoon that her division will contact Wurzelbacher to notify him that he can't work without a license.

"We're trying to track him down," she said.

In the meantime, the Democrat-friendly local plumbers' union is fuming.

"He has no license whatsoever with the city of Toledo," said Tom Joseph, the business manager for Local Union 50 of the Plumbers, Steamfitters and Service Mechanics, which has endorsed Obama. "He has no license in the state of Ohio. He has no contractor's license in the state of Ohio. He is not a plumber. He works for a plumber."

Never a dull moment in politics.

Negative McCain Ads Reach 100% - Even Twitter

I noticed even the John McCain twitter ad in the election category, is negative! I heard that John McCain had stepped up his negative ads to 100% percent, but I didn't believe it until I looked it up.



Even on twitter, he is trying to make Obama "look bad," but not delivering any answers to the problems facing America. The Barack Obama twitter ad, on the other hand, links a positive event, a speech of Joe Biden and others, including Hillary Clinton, about the issues facing this country.

Negative ads will always be part of our political process, or circus. But how effective are they, at a time, when people are struggling, even to keep up with the current gas prices in America?

Internet Surfer

How many hours a day do you spend surfing the Internet? For many of us our job relates to the internet, and some of us waste time "at work" by surfing the internet!

Some people even claim they are in fact, addicted to the internet. One thing is certain though, people in general enjoy surfing the internet. Whether doing research, or contacting family and friends through the latest social networking site popular among teens and college students.



Studying the behavior and habits of the Internet Surfer has become a science among advertising firms and marketing strategists, and for good reason. The internet has become much more than one would assume it was ever intended to be. In theory, I am sure the communication aspects of the network's origins were the top most reason for funding it's existence, but I highly doubt people thought one day we would be sharing "bookmarks" and trading photos of our favorite celebrity videos, or even watching the latest Presidential Debate via the internet!

Advertising and marketing to the Internet Surfer.

People want to know what makes someone click on something, what gets you to read the latest press release, or watch the latest commercial? Things like this are important to get site visitors to engage in advertisements within your website.

The internet surfer will always be around, clicking around, surfing the newest news site or political forum, waiting to find something new to look at, share, or buy. And as long as the internet exists people will be learning how to sell things to people via the internet.

Most people however, just want to sit back and surf the internet just like they do television. Endlessly clicking on link after link, loading page after page of celebrity gossip, political news, looking at their own house on Google Maps etc... and the internet just wouldn't be the same without them.

Who would make all those useless comments on news sites? Who would waste half a day making humorous video clips of themselves doing silly things on cam? Who could ever replace the internet surfer?

John McCain Mask

Still sitting here bored, waiting for the debate tonight...

You don't have to like John McCain to want a John McCain Costume Mask, thats for sure.

Like him or despise him, after finding the Barack Obama Mask, I had to see if I could get my hands on a John McCain mask to scare my wife or mom come Halloween!



Shake up the folks at the office come this Halloween, or add this awesome political mask to your collection today! While much creepier and scary looking than the Obama Mask, this would make a great gift for someone who either supports him or doesn't like him!

Want one? Order your John McCain mask here

Barack Obama Mask

While I am sitting here waiting for the vice presidential debate tonight between Joe Biden and Sarah Palin, I started looking for Halloween masks since it is October and my favorite holiday is coming!

Look what I found, the Barack Obama Mask.



While obviously not "scary" like the John McCain mask, the Barack Obama Costume Mask could make a great addition to anyone's political mask collection!

Learn more about Senator Barack Obama as he makes his bid for the Presidency in 2008.

If you want one, you can order your Barack Obama Mask here.

Regarding The Images On This Site

This morning I wanted to drop a quick post regarding the images used on this web site.

Unlike many sites out there, each and every image used on this site is created, altered, and produced by me. I use official government photos and public domain images on the Internet to make them. Many sites simply steal images from other sites to display on their own, but I choose to create each image for my site so people who view or read my pages get unique and creative content.



You are free to link to these images and share them online, however the site url on the image is not to be removed. If you link them from your own blog be sure to also enclose a link to this site. I spend a lot of time on these and wish to retain creative control and credit for these humorous and satirical photos.

Obama vs McCain Website Fight

I decided to take a look at both presidential candidate websites today and give a quick summary of my thoughts on each.

First I typed in JohnMcCain.com and let the page load...



First off, upon site load I was taken to a video intro page and was greeted by an annoying clip of Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin. Aggravating. But I did in fact enjoy the stars and the design layout of this page...

I could do five things. I was asked to put in my email and zip code and "sign up to join the team." I could "Learn more about why to vote John McCain" I was also given the opportunity to "recruit friends" and "take action." Or I could click the back button on my browser and get the aggravating video of Palin's voice to STOP! Finally I clicked "continue to www.JohnMcCain.com" and so I went...

The website is obviously very well designed, great use of the three predictable colors of red, white, and blue. Lots of things to click around on, and various entertaining photos, and ads.

On I surfed to BarackObama.com to compare...



I was glad to not be greeted with a Senator Biden video! Instead I was taken to a very informative page showcasing his stance on various current events and topics ranging from the financial crisis, breast cancer awareness, and even a clickable map so I could find local events to get involved in to help out. Immediately the difference I could see felt as if I was being offered info rather than Republican talking points. Obama's site used the word "learn" when illustrating an opinion compared to McCain's site presenting the info in more of a "watch this" style of presentation of media.

The Barack Obama site was easier on the eyes and had a much nicer design. The graphic elements were very nicely balanced and the fonts were legible but not distracting. I also really like the glow effect used in the site design.

McCain's web site had an annoying stretched looking font and felt as if I was browsing a military site. He even wanted me to join a "Catholic Coalition" if I wanted, and had a pull down menu of dozens more to choose from, including "bikers, lawyers, and veterans." LOL I came to his site to learn about him as a candidate, not join a religious coalition.

Both sites are encouraging viewers to register to vote, so that is good. Clearly each candidate will be asking for donations, even via the internet, so that is to be expected. However, I think people are also looking to find more info about the candidate and looking to know where they stand on certain issues.

Obama's site seemed to invite me in for a look around, whereas McCain's site seemed as if I was watching a bunch of commercials and an artificial approach to being welcomed. Overall, I think Barack Obama's site wins.

Hillary Clinton To Replace Joe Biden?

Before I even start you can go ahead and file this one under "rumor," but since the Los Angeles Times has wrote something about this I felt as if it was time to go ahead and write my own post regarding this popular rumor.

Have you heard? After the Joe Biden vs Sarah Palin debate this coming Thursday, rumor has it that Joe Biden will step aside and be replaced by none other than Hillary Clinton!



Now, I am neither Democrat nor Republican, but I have to say this would be quite an exciting change in this election campaign. I think when you compare Hillary Clinton to Sarah Palin you can see a clear difference between the resumes, and this change in the game would be very interesting.

Why would Joe Biden back out of this important election? Again, this is a rumor, but it's being said that the reason is due to health problems.

I don't watch sports, so I watch politics, however I do not do so with the emotional burden many others do. As most, my team usually doesn't win, so I am stuck watching the other winning teams parade their most valuable players and I am on the sidelines like the rest of you. My libertarian views often pit me against not only Republicans, but Democrats, but I do see the need for change within this country and will do my part in helping assist that change.

Heather Locklear Gets DUI

What would a weekend be without someone out on a good binge of pills and booze?

*drum roll* Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner.

Heather Locklear was arrested last night in Santa Barbara, California for suspicion of driving under the influence of prescription medication.

Earlier in the day she was reportedly seen "driving erratically" and she was found parked on a state highway blocking a lane of traffic. LOL

Here's the Heather Locklear mugshot:



Heather Locklear, while not really being known for doing anything herself other than modeling makeup and taking roles in terrible movies, was married to Tommy Lee of Motley Crue and as of the last decade or so been breeding with Richie Sambora from the band Bon Jovi. Sambora and Locklear divorced last year.

Barack Obama Wins Presidency

That is what the newspaper headlines would say if the election were to mirror the results of the latest Gallup poll regarding Barack Obama & John McCain. I guess maybe some would word it differently, such as "Barack Obama Is President," and dozens of more variations... either way the latest polls show Barack with a five point lead.



"Barack Obama leads John McCain, 49% to 44%, when registered voters are asked who they would vote for if the election were held today, according to the latest Gallup Poll."

With Barack's performance in the first round of the Presidential Debates being favorable and with the way debates can shape elections, hopefully these positive poll results continue to increase as his popularity grows towards the election.

Why I Stopped Watching Television

People often get a puzzled look on their face when I tell them I have not "watched television in years." As of right now, it's been over three, however last night considering the "Presidential Debate" was set to air at 9 pm EST, I debated with myself whether to watch it on traditional television or simply broadcast it from my laptopto my HDTV.

After taking my shower I had approximately thirty minutes until the debate was set to begin. "Time to make the popcorn," I shouted to my wife. "Since it's the presidential debate, maybe I'll just watch it on the HDTV instead of streaming it online tonight," I thought to myself as the popcorn began to pop. I grabbed the remote and flicked the television "on."

What popped on my screen was a television show called "Are you smarter than a 5th grader?" THIS is what is on until the debate? It got me thinking about the intelligence of those who would be tuning in. The people glued to the tube for this show actually vote??

Without going too deep into it, a few ironic facts came to me as I sat staring into what would be a moment of clarity that would help to explain my against-the-grain mindframe when it comes to sitting in front of a television.

The first thought that popped into my head was, "how did you might be a redneck if Jeff Foxworthy land this job?" This guy has spent his entire career dumbing down the same rednecks who actually buy into his humor, now he gets to host a show that basically touts 5th graders as smarter than the average mom or dad who attempts at outsmarting the kids on this show.

The second was the first and only question I could actually sit through before flicking the "input" selector button on the TV remote to "PC" so I could stream the debate via the internets.

The question was: "If you are in Mexico and you begin walking West, which body of water will you encounter?"

The dad looked as if he was just asked the hardest question in the world, the kid at the other podium simply wrote down a single word answer and looked forward toward the camera. "Dad" sat there puzzled not knowing what to do, or what to answer... "Pacific you idiot!" I shouted at the television.

The dad chose not to answer the question and instead pull one of his lifelines, a "cheat" which allows him to see the kids answer and if he agrees with the child, he can use the answer as his own. Needless to say, the kid wrote down "Pacific" as his answer and the dad was forced to swallow his ignorance before the audience and even Jeff Foxworthy looked puzzled that anyone could not know which ocean is on the west of our country. However, this is exactly the intelligence quotient of the people on this show, and no doubt of those who actually watch this type of garbage.



Do yourself a favor, don't waste any more of your life watching these shows, stop watching reality television (it's not real anyway), and please make your children go outside and play instead of watching this stuff. I know it's hard to get kids to read books, but try to find creative ways to stimulate your child into cherishing their education more than entertainment.

Shows like this are the exact reason I stopped watching television so many years ago. I will admit that after being forced to mandatorily evacuate for Hurricane Gustav I had to watch the weather forecast and location of the storm as it hit our area causing much damage, but I would consider that a permissible wavering of my "no television" diet. We were without electricity for almost a week, and I had no choice but to follow the news to see what was happening in regards to the storm, the internet was down long before the power went out. But other than that, I really do not watch television at all. It has been years and everytime I catch a glimpse of the programming I am reminded as to why I stopped watching television and now spend all my personal entertainment time online.

The debate turned out to be somewhat entertaining, a bit of a let down as I expected a bit more one on one. Hopefully in the next debate they will direct answers and rebuttals to each other instead of addressing the moderator as much. But overall, I feel Obama made the best showing, McCain was condescending and came across as a grumpy old man casting blame and accepting none as the Bush policies he has backed are somewhat responsible for the state of our country instead of listing examples of answers to our problems.

Obama also addressed McCain as "John," while John referred to Obama as "Senator Obama." McCain did not make eye contact with Barack, even as Obama continuously looked in his direction.

David Blaine LOL Money

When someone calls David Blaine a magician, your response should be "What does he do that is magic?" Because hanging upside down for 60 hours isn't exactly magic, nor is the bungy jump he called the Dive of Death. Listen, people bungy jump every day in America, this doesn't make you a magician.

Now what Gandalf does in Lord of The Rings, now that is magic!

Actually, what David Blaine does is heavily promoted stuntman work. He does not magic. Suspending yourself above a city, while possibly terrifying and definitely taking some willpower, looks cool and makes him a lot of money, it doesn't exactly equate to magic. In fact, nothing he has done in a very long time could ever be considered magic by anyone calling themself a "magician." He is a stunt man, nothing more. He just happened to find a way to make a lot more money at his trade than the guys who used to dive off the rooftops in Old Hollywood Westerns.

Which brings me to the point, David Blaine is the real winner here. He makes a lot of money, and I mean A LOT. In fact while he is hanging up there during the night in the cold city breeze, I can only imagine the thoughts going through his head as he dangles there... "lol money, money lol."



I am sure that is the extent to what keeps David Blaine focused while he is performing his latest "trick." Thousands of spectators flock to see it, millions or so tune in on television, most are let down, millions of dollars roll in via advertising revenue, and Dave just keeps thinking to himself... "lol money, money lol."

Internet street creds to YT - lol money bro.

Beating Around The Bush

Some advice for those just getting into arguments online, whether it is in a chat room or on a popular online message board or forum, even when you are wrong, you can win!

The most important tactic to develop is "beating around the bush." Never say what you mean, but mean what you say.

Always skirt the issue, facts do not matter in online disputes and when your opponent tries to use references or proof of their side of the argument, this is when you pull out your best weapon: beat around the bush. Be deliberately ambiguous about what you are trying to say, cleverly be unclear about your angle of the argument for the win.



Confuse your enemy, and never admit you are wrong, and you will always be a winner.

Everyone On The Internet Is A Winner

Despite the internet being the largest playground for nerds, weirdos, freaks, and losers - one thing is certain about everyone on the internet, we are all winners.

Give yourself a pat on the back if you have ever won an argument online. Congratulate yourself for reading this and being a part of internet history. You deserve a trophy for wasting so much time online.



You deserve a pat on the back from someone you've never met, and don't care to. And here it is, from me to you, I think you are swell for dedicating so much time to browsing the Internets. A lot of time goes into creating web pages that have no purpose, and without you there'd be no reason to do it all.

When you sit back and think the internet is full of lies and everyone on the interwebs is a complete loser, take a deep breath and tell yourself you are wrong, because on the internets everything is true and everyone is a winner.