“If you do not turn on to politics, politics will turn on you.” – Ralph Nader

Ralph Nader can give a rousing speech after all. While I do find he sounds more like a politician in this clip than ever before, I think he has earned it. However, with 12,000 cheering supporters in Fleet Center in Boston I fear this may well have been the climax of his campaign.

Watch him speak at the rally in Portland and be moved. (RealVideo)

It has been brought to my attention that my online persona needs some work. Apparently I am not sufficiently sensitive or compasionate and come across as a sarcastic, and inconsiderate jerk who taunts his readers while continually bitching about the world and occasionally hitting on attractive Olympic atheletes.

Let in be known that I too have feelings. Why, just this evenings I almost cried watching the standing ovation received by the now retired Wendel Clark. There were tears in my eyes. Honest. Swear to God.

See, I can admit to an actual emotion without being ironic or sarcastic.

Truth in Advertising (requires QuickTime)

I think I may have actually been to that meeting.

Thanks to 37signals for the link.

Not only was Ralph Nader denied the opportunity to participate in the debate, they didn’t even let him sit in the audience.

Holy shit.

If the fact that the debate was boring as hell isn’t enough, I recommend you read Why voters will lose out in Tuesday’s debate by Ralph himself.

Read the title a couple more times. You are so jealous. In related news, Radiohead will be appearing in Canada. I will not tell you where or when, or how to get tickets, until I have tickets safetly within my greedy little fingers.

re: apple legitimizes amazon patent tomfoolery

Barnes & Noble is challenging the Amazon 1-Click Shopping patent.

Let’s see if the justice system works.

I missed Ralph Nader‘s rally in Porland, Maine by one day. Now I’m back home living under a boil-order.

While in Maine, I was encouraged to see home-made Vote Nader signs among the glossy Gore/Lieberman/Bush/Cheney signs.

Gore/Lieberman bumper stickers seemed to be the choice of discerning Cadillac drivers throughout the state.

Pierre Trudeau, former Prime Minister of Canada, has died at age 80. Somehow, the Americans think his story is all about them.

I just ate what may have been the finest meal of my life (which may not say a lot, but it’s the greatest compliment I have at my disposal).

If you are ever in Portland, Maine be sure and check out Katahdin Restaurant on High Street. I alse recommend the mountain by the same name (I don’t climb many mountains, so I have to take every opportunity to bring it up).

While spending a few days in Portland, Maine I had the unfortunate opportunity of watching some classic in-room american television. ESPN showed a military showcase and airshow that was the year 2000 equivalent to the now hilarious and frightening US and Soviet propaganda videos of the 50s. According to the hosts of the show it is a great opportunity for the military to mingle with the public and for the public to get a see “all the wonderful things that the U.S. Military is doing”. Don’t worry, young environmentalists, the smoke generated by the showplanes is ‘environmentally friendly’. I shudder.

On a more positive note, Portland is a beautiful city (despite the hideous buildings built in the last 40 years). I strongly recommend the Basket o’ Gritty Chips at “Maine’s original brew pub” Gritty McDuffs.

Oh, they still show Full House on TV here and the Olympics broadcasts are all a day old. God bless the CBC.