(of a feeling. slang.) The feeling of irritation, cause by stupid or ridiculous behavior, such as misuse of the word “literal,” excessive use of the word “like,” OR political posturing that makes a mockery of our democracy and any sense of respect our country posses. In cases where “stabby” would be applicable, the feeling of irritation is so extreme stabbing oneself or someone else, would be preferable over the continued occurance one is experiencing.
As means of demonstrating the ultimate in things that make me stabby, see below.
Dear Indiana GOP Super Majority- You have got to be kidding me… I’d like my state government to be, efficient, effective and spending time on things other than Kelly Clarkson remakes, brought to you by old, out of tune, white people. The fact that you have spent time making this monstrosity, is the antithesis of what’s wrong with your party, your priorities and your time in office. Let’s raise a glass to voting as many of you out as quickly as humanly possible, based solely on this video, and not even the other ludicrous things you’ve done in this session alone. Next time, before you cut funding for education, for transportation, for hungry impoverished children, let’s watch this video together and discuss what real wasted resources looks like.
Second, every once in a while I hear some articulate Republican talking, (usually on NPR, poor thing,) about how alllllll they want is their freedom and for government to stay out of all of our lives.
Wow- What a patriot! What wonderful protector of our liberty and rights!
And- wait… Wait. Me too! I want all those pesky government types to stay out of my lady parts (sometimes literally, in the case of Virginia) and to let me worship, not worship, or dance around naked to my own freaking chants, if I so please. I’d prefer they stay out of my bedroom, although sadly, not a thing goes on in there they disapprove of but, I’d also like them to stay the hell out of my friends’ bedrooms. Also- come to think of it, since I’m allowed to marry whoever I please, as often as I please, I’m sure these freedom loving patriots would like the same for everyone else.
So… I sometimes have a feeling I can be a Republican (Or maybe even just find some common ground with the other, sometimes cuter, side), but then I think “Mmmmm… Better not.”
It’s a mess. It was a mess of an idea, it was a failure in strategy and after people complained- the response by the ICVA was arguably faulty. When people complain, especially when they do so from a place of caring, the best response usually doesn’t include “Well you’re wrong too. So there.” (I’m paraphrasing of course.)
The video was pulled from YouTube. In a short time the citizen’s of Indianapolis will forget and we’ll all move on to have a wonderful Super Bowl and continue to have a wonderful Indianapolis.
But let’s put a different spin on this:
A group, representing Indianapolis, posted a video that a culture savvy, social media active, impassioned group of Indianapolis citizens didn’t like. It wasn’t a question of impropriety or crudeness- they didn’t like the message they felt it sent about a community that already battles an unfair rap of being sleepy and behind the times.
And this group spoke up- en masse.
I think that’s a really wonderful thing. The community has so much to be proud of- I am constantly surprised by the opportunities that can be found in Indianapolis. There is so much arts and culture- In a week’s time I will have seen a pre-release screening (Young Adults) and a Sundance Festival Film Award Winner (Being Elmo). I’m not special- we’re lucky to have amazing film festivals (Heartland. Indianapolis LGBT. Indianapolis International.) and that doesn’t even mention the museums, the art, the plays, the musicals. There are truly amazing local restaurants, wonderful shopping and great sporting events. There is real diversity here and it’s impossible to wander around in any number of places without seeing that.
We want ALL that reflected.
And I love that Indy’s un-official ambassadors of awesome were outraged that we would be represented as anything less, with something so patently uncool.
The collective message ran something like:
“Indy’s better than that. The rest of the country deserves to see just how wonderful we are. Suck it.”
But what I’m hoping is, that all those who took time to complain- don’t forget to take time to continue to invest in Indianapolis. Complaining is easy. Look at Rush Limbaugh. Bill O’Reilly. The Crier.
It’s easy to have a reaction, when something is just… bad. Like this uncomfortable spectacle of television.
Ick.
Anyways, it’s less easy to strive to make an actual impact. So, for all the complainers, myself included- volunteer. Give back. Go. Do. Invest. Spend money locally. Make your voice count ALL the time, for a city we can all agree, is pretty awesome.
The fact that you too are spending your Tuesday evening glued to CNN, watching The Republican National Security Debate, should probably cause both of us to question our lives. But since we both find ourselves here, won’t you live blog with me?
8:03 p.m. The Introduction
First, how on earth did ol’ Newt get his wife? She’s sort of a hottie. He is not.
Second, I know CNN is obligated to pretend to be excited for all 8 candidates, but who are they kidding. They have to be reminded of several of the candidates names, at least twice a day.
8:05 The Parade of Contestants
In what brings me flashing back to “pageant” days- each of the Republican candidates, is introduced. They then walk out, in their bathing suit, waving at the audience.
Can someone tell me why Michelle Bachmann was walking like Morticia Adams? Anyone?
8:08 The National Anthem
Sung by the lead of Jersey Boys? Now playing in Washington DC?
Who are we kidding- he’s gay, living with his boyfriend Chuck and giggling because he experienced some Santorum of his own last night.
8:10 Introductions
Looks like all sorts of people are trying to be funny tonight.
Wolf explains that Wolf is ACTUALLY his name, Ron Paul pretends Republicans actually care about logic and Mitt clarifies that Mitt is actually his name too. This is met with no response.
None. Mitt’s attempts at funny just make EVERYONE feel awkward.
8:13 Michelle Bachmann’s Eye.
Is it just me or is she a bit cross eyed? And it seems to wander. Someone needs to call Peter.
8:16 Gingrich has no idea what’s going on. Ron Paul has some sense.
It’s odd. Newt says he’s studied this for years, but seems to have no idea what he’s talking about.
Ron Paul should really be a democrat.
8:18 Gingrich changes his mind.
Gingrich said, 2 minutes ago, that he wanted to preserve innocence of Americans until proven guilty.
Now, this might not be a good idea. Cause you know, you and I? We could be plotting to bomb something. Right now. Any suggestions on where to begin?
8:20 Bachmann feels non American’s have “no” rights.
None.
8:21 Huntsman.
I like him.
8:22 Mitt Romney Talked.
I fell asleep. I came to and he was still mumbling about something.
8:24 Abundant Good Sense
Perry used the phrase “abundant good sense”
Santorum wants us to find “The Bomber not The Bomb” I’d like to find the Santorum not the Santorum.
8:26 Let’s look at Muslims.
What if a politician got on stage and said ‘Let’s look at blacks. They might be up to no good.”
People’s head’s would BLOW off. So WHY are we openly saying, ‘Let’s stop putting white people through security. Just the Muslims.’
Awesome.
8:28 Wolf attempts to clarify the racism spewing out of Hermain Cain’s mouth.
Cain then forgot what Wolf’s name was.
‘I’m sorry Blitz. I meant Wolf. I was so distracted trying to come up with ways to put all Muslim people in a small box. Muslim-looking people too. Fuck. Anyone not really white or really black.’
8:30 Huntsman Speaks-
No one on stage knows any of the foreign dignitaries he just named.
8:32 Bachmann says she is answering the question.
You know when people say ‘No offense’ and then are incredibly offensive?
Yeah, it works very similarly with ‘I’m answering the question.’ And then not.
8:33 Perry feels Pakistan can’t be trusted.
I am pretty sure the reasoning here is because they are Muslim. Or not American. Or not from Texas.
8:36 Bachmann corrects Perry
You have to figure that Perry’s camp is currently swearing. Anytime Michelle-vaccines-cause-retardation-Bachmann is the sane one, there is an issue.
8:39 People clap for Huntsman
Yet not a one of them will vote for him.
Why? Because he doesn’t seem to hate Democrats. And Scientists. And everyone.
8:42 Newt doesn’t know what the rules are.
I love how they cut away to Newt’s wife. You can almost hear the camera men saying ‘Ugh. What a blow hard. Let’s look at how hot his wife is.’
8:43 Santorum agrees with Ron Paul
4 people applaud. Why? Because no one in that hall agrees with Ron Paul. Except Ron Paul. And probably the guy from Jersey Boys.
8:45 Commercial Break.
Thank god. I’m pooped.
8:47 I got Fun Dip.
That’s what I did with my commercial break. CNN on the other hand hid a microphone under a seat. It was like a live audience giveaway- “Everyone look under your chair- whoever has the microphone gets a free Godfather’s Pizza. And a little complimentary groping!”
8:53 There is a magical area… where all of the bad is.
I am pretty sure Perry thinks all the bad people in the world get together and have a meeting. Just hang out. Shits and giggles.
I’m having George Bush/Will Ferrel axis of evil flashback.
Ohhh Rick Santorum. Africa is a continent. Made up of many countries.
Jesus.
9:08 The Supercommittee… Who are we kidding?
President Obama is not a leader ya’ll.
But Perry is. He has a 20,000 + National Guard. Commander in chief of the Texas National Guard.
If only I could count the number of times Ol’ Texas has been invaded.
9:14 Laugh Out Loud Tweet #2
9:21 My Mom Called.
I now have the debate paused.
She has been sick all week. It’s the first time all week I’ve talked to her and she hasn’t been HACKING into the phone. She had bronchitis. It was gross.
In other useless news, ISU Women’s Basketball won tonight. Mom is now sharing that she could have been on the opposing team. Apparently they were tiny. And not good. And my little 5ft physical education major mother feels she could have made the team. Awesome.
9:27 And I’m Back to the Debate.
Ron Paul wants to cancel the war on drugs.
What I wouldn’t give for him to start talking about how much fun marijuana can be.
9:30 Hermain Cain Counts to 3
Cain proves that, unlike Perry, he can get all the way to three.
We’re all so proud.
9:32 Shining. City. Hill.
Look Santorum, we get it. America. City. Hill.
Funny Tweet #3:
9:34 Newt Gingrich won’t stop talking.
As it turns out, the thing Newt wants, in exchange for not kicking people out of the country is immigrants going to church. That proves they are real Americans.
But seriously, remember at the beginning of the debate when Newt seemed concerned about the amount of time he was allowed to talk? Yeah me too. I miss that.
9:47 Just discovered that Newt looks oddly like my father.
Oddly, he too had issues keeping it in his pants.
And I’m back to disliking Newt.
9:51 Huntsman just needs to jump ship.
I agree. Huntsman/Paul would be an interesting ticket.
Unfortunately this will NEVER happen.
9:54 America isn’t apologizing
Romney feels Pres. Obama’s apologies for America is what is causing all of our problems.
Oddly, I was under the impression that the former president, which the rest of the world was not all that fond of, is what began the need for all these apologies.
9:56 Rick Santorum is concerned about the spread of Socialism. And Communism.
What century is this??
9:57 God Love Ron Paul
What worries him most? American’s acting like assholes. Going to Afghanistan. Pissing off other countries.
That worries me too. Right after the likelihood of one of THESE assholes getting elected.
9:58 Perry is most concerned about China’s morals. And all their abortions.
I really hope Huntsman rips him a new one.
10:00 YES.
Huntsman feels we should look at the issues at home. And not worry about China’s apparent rabid abortions.
In conclusion-
What can I say? I am deeply saddened. We made it through the evening without Perry saying Oops, Ron Paul blowing up in little bitty pieces out of frustration or Hermain Cain offering to fondle anyone.
On the other hand, we did confuse the concept of country and continent. And decided to racially profile everyone, who is a color other than white or black. Completely black or white.
Awesome.
As much as I’d love to stick around and watch the commentators rehash what just happened, I need to salvage what is left of my evening- turning on Food Network and drinking wine.
Thank you for joining me for this experiment in live blogging.
Today’s quick run down of things on my mind- ranging from profoundly sad to… Brady. Enjoy!
1) Penn State
This is one of those situations I usually avoid writing about because there is so much- grey. I mean we all, universally, can agree that child molestation is bad. We can all agree something had to be done. But then there is all sorts “yeah-but” dialogue that comes into play as people debate where the fault lies, as well as the legacy of the program in the future.
I don’t care about the football program or some coach. Instead I keep thinking about the kids this happened to.
As those college students march around… shouting their love of Coach Paterno, I wonder if they would still be protecting their beloved coach if they had known the children abused. What if it had happened to them? Wouldn’t they want someone to speak up?
A radio sports personality said you can’t put too much stock into the rants of college students, they are stupid.
I disagree. College students protested the war in Vietnam, the segregation of races and proudly voted for the first African-American president, who they felt spoke to their future. College students tend to be liberal, not because of stupidity, but because at that age the practicality of bureaucracy and wealth has yet to set in and instead, they vote for social issues- their personal right and wrong.
And I wish that sense of giving a voice to the voiceless is what these Penn State students were rallying around.
No child, in any circumstance, should be taken advantage of. And whatever has to happen within the workings of a university, whoever is ultimately found guilty and whoever is cleared of wrong doing- the children are the victims. Not a football team. Not a community of students.
2) Rick Perry
I have never loved him more than I do right now.
If I’d been there, when he said “Oops.” I’m pretty sure I would have hopped the stage and kissed him. This is priceless on top of fun on top of crazy. LOVE IT.
3) Kissing. And Coworkers who can’t stop talking.
I went to an IndyHub event last night at the Libertine. It was sort of an experiment in being an adult because I usually hate anything in a group setting, especially with people I don’t know. Luckily I dragged a few coworkers along, as my desire to try the much raved about bar as well as order my first Old Fashioned (think Mad Men here ladies and gents. It’s not something you can order just anywhere- Places that serve drinks in plastic cups don’t quite fit the mood for an Old Fashioned, now do they?) was just too great to pass up this chance.
We find a table in the crowded bar that would seat the three of us, leaving an empty seat, for a fourth.
We attraced some dreamy man, independently wealthy, wanting to sweep us off our feet and cater to our every whim.
Or, we attracted a woman, Virginia, who looked, at the very least, a bit out of place in the bar of 20-somethings still sporting their business casual outfits. After the usual, and sometimes unusual, questions she began asking about our first kiss and asks what we would do if, at 30, we had never been kissed. At this point my oh-so-lovely coworkers begin mocking this concept in today’s world, only to have Virginia explain that, she, herself, at 30, had yet to be kisses.
Open mouth. Insert foot. Awesome.
She has plans to “auction off” her first kiss for charity.
Think I’m making this up? She writes a blog called The Kiss Chronicles, which I had pulled up on my phone 30 seconds after she mentioned it.
I have a ton of questions for her, some of which include a more judgmental tone than they should. Seriously?? NEVER been kissed??
But, as I drove home last night, I realized Virginia had gotten to me. I couldn’t stop thinking of first: Kisses. Relationships. Moments I’d like to request a do-over for. Firsts I would like to have.
Do you have a great first kiss story? A favorite kiss? A great I-just-stuck-my-foot-in-my-mouth-by-implying-someone-was-a-freak story? Share away.
4. Perhaps you’ve heard of the Great 72 Day Wedding right? And Beiber’s supposed Baby Mama?
Let’s watch 3 adorable people set all this fun to song. (You’ll have to watch it at the below link- I just can’t find it any where else. It’s worth it though- promise.
Don’t you just wanna kiss them all? And look like/sing like/be Carrie Underwood? Just me? Ok.
5) Greg Brady.
Bet you didn’t see that coming. Neither did I actually. But then I saw this video on Gawker today and it was just so freaking hilarious that he was added to today’s list.
He is also further proof of why girls shouldn’t marry the “pretty” guys. Why? Because, with age, they turn into narcissistic morons who have never gotten past their glory years of pretty-dom because they didn’t have to. Living the dream buddy, living the dream.
Bonus- Snatch and Grab
I am writing this as I inhale my lunch, before getting back to work in the land of Holiday press excitement.
The office has been discussing “holiday party” plans including the potential for a “Snatch and Grab.”
There is nothing funny about this term. It is in no way dirty or perverse, it is actually intended to be a classier name than “Dirty Santa” or the unexplainable term, “White Elephant.”
That has not stopped me however from mentally making Herman Cain-esque jokes. Snatch? Grab? Fine, maybe this is just funny in my head.
We need to accept that we won’t always make the right decisions, that we’ll screw up royally sometimes – understanding that failure is not the opposite of success, it’s part of success.-Arianna Huffington
As someone who is pretty outspokenly liberal, I’ve spent the last week hearing the epithets like, “Bad time to be a Democrat,” and “Rough election cycle?” Yes, the Republicans did a pretty spectacular job of sweeping just about every election across the country.
But here’s my confession. Once all the dust settled, and my brain finally just gave up trying to rationalize how exactly THAT MANY people could have voted for Christine O’Donnell, I found myself not giving it much of a second thought. I felt like the outcome of the election was sort of like a hangover after a mess of a night. The real problem had already occurred. These elections? They were just the side effects of fed up people. Why should I take it personally, it’s not like they voted me out of office. And let’s be honest, no one should be particularly surprised by the outcomes. When Democrats were controlling just about everything, its not like they were righting all the worlds wrongs. This was bound to happen, and for anyone observant of the ebb and flow of politics, this was just one more election.
You know what concerns me more? What concerns me is the number of students who, when learning of my excitement for voting, wanted to know if I meant for some sort of ISU election. Or the people who were perplexed by how they could register to vote- the day of elections.
Sure, there is a lot of discussion about how politicians are so out of touch with youth. Fair enough. Senator McCain lost an election by underestimating the power of the youth vote- by not taking the time to learn our language. And when politicians spend a disproportionate amount of time talking about issues we care less about it’s easy to tune out. Further, some people argue that the information isn’t accessible enough to us.
But maybe… just maybe, we have a responsibility too. Our vote matters, educating ourselves matters. And it doesn’t just matter when the election is fun. It isn’t just worth paying attention to when there are Get Out the Vote concerts hosted by Diddy.
Little known secret: It matters every election.
During election season, I had someone, we’ll call Bill, who is active in local politics tell me that he wasn’t a big fan of students voting. Why? Well, students, as he explained, tended to vote against his party and he didn’t want to chance it, with his candidate’s seat on the line. No, no, I wanted to yell. This isn’t about HOW youth vote. It’s about taking the time TO vote. In another election cycle, in another year, Bill’s candidate, Bill’s party may be in or they may be out. It’s a pendulum effect and inevitably Bill would spend many election nights happy, and many nights cursing the process.
But, if every year, we as a generation understand how important it is to be a part of the process, we are changing the culture. We are altering the system of democracy into a fuller representation of each one of us. That is something to be worked up about. One more election cycle isn’t.
