yet another tragedy

I've generally shied away from the political stuff here, but everyone should read this NYT story about the recent death of another American soldier in Iraq. It's stunningly poignant, and still more evidence of the senselessness of this conflict.

my new buddy

Though I am now in San Francisco, I'm posting a picture of Mollie and Trevor's dog. Every morning, she'd hop into bed with me, disturbing my efforts to sleep until noon before falling asleep. Eventually, she'd wake up, spot a squirrel outside, and start barking. Not the most pleasant way to wake up, but it did encourage me to get up to watch soccer.

Minneapolis was a blast, a special thanks to my hosts. Lots of good food, good music, good friends, and general good times. I'll be back in September for Kassie's wedding.

last weekend in Minneapolis

What seemed like a long time in Minneapolis has become a short time. With just a few days left here, I'm cramming all sorts of Minnesota-related goodness into the weekend. Between World Cup games, of course.

weekend plans

Building on the overwhelming response to my quest for companions to the We Are Scientists show, does anyone want to go to the Twins game on Saturday? Should be a good time, Johan Santana is pitching, and there will be beer. Who's in?

Also, does anyone want to watch the US game tomorrow?

traveling about

Now in Minneapolis, the conference no longer consuming my time, I've put together a new Six Pictures. Despite having been in Las Vegas, the pictures are from my layover in Atlanta. Now I'm spending my time watching the World Cup and cooking for my friends. Good stuff.

the end of yearlykos

Having left Las Vegas, while sitting in the Fargo airport (with free wi-fi) some quick hits from the rest of the conference:

• Former Virginia Governor Mark Warner hosted a party at the top of the Stratosphere. Walking off the elevator, a man was pouring drinks through an ice sculpture. There was sushi and a mashed potato bar. Most people at the conference were a bit disgusted with the extravagance, I was impressed with his political operation. The blogosphere (a horrible word) is a serious fundraising machine (to say nothing of the value of its political support), and was treated as such at this event.
  
• Saturday, Governor Warner spoke to the convention. His record in Virginia is undeniable, and he presented a compelling message to unite the country, invest in technology to make America competitive, coupled with vague ideas about foreign policy. He's a good speaker, and has tremendous staff. With the current field of competitors, I think he'll win both the nomination and the White House.
  
• The young male/young female ratio at the conference seemed approximately 75:1, while the attractive male/attractive female ration was about 0:5.
  
• Sen. Harry Reid gave the keynote on Saturday night, a passionate speech about the need for intelligence reform. The positive reception for the anti-choice, pro-gun Minority Leader was yet another demonstration that the online liberal community isn't a bunch of rabid flaming leftists.
  
• Las Vegas is just as bizarre as it was when I visited in 2003, and still somewhere I don't think I'll ever go without a convention or other event to bring me.
  
• In just a few hours we'll find out just how good USA Soccer is. A win would solidify the US's place among the global soccer powerhouses, while a loss would serious jeopardize their chances to advance to the second round.
  

poor wes clark

Wesley Clark will never be President. Tonight I attended a reception hosted by Gen. Clark. This event was one of several events held at the YearlyKos convention by prominent politicians pursuing the 2008 Democratic nomination. It's part of a time honored tradition to ply potential supporters (and donors) with booze to engender goodwill.

Unfortunately for General Clark, his advance staff failed him. Held on the balcony of "the joint" at the Hard Rock Casino, General Clark was reduced to standing on a stool to address the crowd. Bad enough that the former Supreme Allied Commander was reduced to standing on a stood to speak to a bunch of bloggers, he wasn't wired for sound. After several "can you hear me in the back" calls by the General, he began speaking to the crowd. Though I found his speech meandering and uninspiring, worse was my conversation with someone else following his speech:

Me: What did you think of General Clark.
Woman: I couldn't really hear him.
Me: Yeah, he really could have used a microphone.
Woman: So I just traded dead baby jokes with the person next to me. I suspect it was about as entertaining.

If you can't compete with dead baby jokes, you can't be President. Sorry, General Clark.

viva las vegas

It's raining again. And I thought we were in the desert.

Las Vegas is exactly as I remembered it from my trip in 2002. Garish, loud, and designed with one thing in mind: to separate people from their money. While I've resisted the temptations of the casinos, I do find that I tip better and spend more indiscriminately here. Yet somehow I'll manage to avoid the iPod vending machine. Seriously, a vending machine selling nothing but iPods and related accessories. Utterly absurd.

on the road again

Back in DC for a little less than a week now, I'm leaving tomorrow for my month-long trip around the country. Should be a good opportunity for some updates to Six Pictures. Look out for a new one later tonight.