Ballot Measure Commercials

Proposition 1A
Yes on 1A
No on 1A

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Proposition 3
Yes on 3
No on 3

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Proposition 4
Yes on 4
No on 4

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Proposition 5
Yes on 5
No on 5

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Proposition 7
Yes on 7
No on 7

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Proposition 8
Yes on 8
No on 8

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Proposition 10
Yes on 10
No on 10

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Videos on Propositions

• What do the groups who air these commercials hope to achieve by showing them?
• What information do they convey to someone viewing them?
• How do they convey this information?
• What techniques that you saw do you think you could use in your group?

Who Votes?

In SOCCOM, we've talked about how the profile of typical voters feels out of place for some of us; some students even talked about how the "likely voter sounds like my grandma." We strategized about how to increase voter turnout, but I'm curious:

Does the part of the population that votes accurately reflect America? Why or why not?

Fmr. Secretary of State Powell endorses Obama

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell endorsed Barack Obama for president on Sunday's edition of "Meet the Press." Powell is a significant figure in American politics, especially because he served in a Republican administration and has thrown his support behind the Democratic nominee. What, if any, will the effect of this be on the race?

This is the photo Powell refers to:

Street Art + Current Events

An absolutely brilliant piece of street art that has to do with the current economic crisis!

Debate Thread

So that was by far the most interesting debate, I thought. Lots of good lines, lots of serious answers on serious issues. All around, a good way to end debate season.

In the comment thread, post a quotation from each candidate that you found surprising or controversial! Plenty to choose from this time.

Nation vs. State?

What's the difference between nation and state? Comment away...

AMAZING Song + Video

So I know it's risky to post two music things in a row, but this video was sent to me by a good friend tonight and I've watched it four times straight and downloaded the song. 

The song is a South African style of dance music called kwaito, which emerged about 15 years ago. The video is simply amazing as well. 

Basically, if you like music, you'll enjoy. The bloopy little synth line is rad. And If you like dancing, you'll enjoy. And if you are interested in, you know, anything at all, it'll be worth four minutes of your time. Check the kid with T-Rex arms at 4:00 in. The whole thing is worth watching though!

Comment away. I want to hear what you think!

Song(s) of the Week

Ok, so in 7th period Henry mentioned Phil Collins, who is a great musician from the 1980's/90's. I'm guessing most of you haven't heard of him, so I decided to post one of his best songs in honor of that class period. You can download the track by clicking on the link and then clicking on the bolded text that says "Download File" on the page it takes you to. 

Phil Collins - In the Air Tonight

I also decided to post up a song I just heard in the car earlier today that I liked. You guys might hate it, maybe not. But we'll see. It's by a band called Keane (total coincidence that I have a student by that name!) and it's from a brand-new album. It's got sort of an 80's sound, but I like it. 

Keane - Spiralling

If you want me to post music that is more along the lines of what you like, let me know in the comments what you've been listening to. I'm into everything except country. 

(NOTE: THIS DOES NOT COUNT AS YOUR BLOG ENTRY. YOU STILL NEED TO READ THE POLITICO.COM ARTICLE)

Worst Debate Ever?

The following article from Politico.com claims this debate was the "worst debate ever."

Read the article, and write a comment in which you a) explain what the article is saying in your own words, and b) explain whether you agree or disagree and WHY.

"With the country at one of its most interesting — not to mention terrifying — moments in a generation, John McCain and Barack Obama met in Nashville for what was surely one of the dullest and least satisfying presidential debates in memory.

There have been boring debates before, of course. Truth be told, probably only a fraction of these encounters, over the 32 years since general election debates became a fixture of presidential campaigns, actually delivered on their promise of great political drama. And even interesting debates are inevitably somewhat stilted affairs, as candidates cleave to their scripts and try to avoid blunders.

But the Belmont University showdown was something entirely different. Place the gravity of the moment next to the blah-blah-blah artifice of the rhetoric and overall insubstantiality of the evening, and this is what you get: The worst presidential debate ever."

Click here to read the rest of the article.