IN BRIEF

Posted in STATE OF THE ARTS on June 22nd, 2009 by Michael Mehl

At the intersection of art and non-profit is where art becomes diminished.

Home Is Where The Art Is Where The Money Is Not

Posted in STATE OF THE ARTS on November 18th, 2008 by Michael Mehl

If you are not a city, state, or federal employee, odds are these days, you stand a good chance of losing your job, your home, or your pension; or all three. If you are a retiree, you probably don’t have a job -yet, your home is paid for, and your nest egg has become catfish batter. If you are a city, state, or federal employee, odds are you get to keep your job and whether you keep your home or not depends on your credit card habits. But regarding your pension plan, I suggest you take a good look at it because odds are, thanks to the convoluted investments in which city, state and federal pension managers have placed your cash, the affordability of your retirement is not a safe bet anymore; not by a long shot. By this reckoning many livelihoods are up against significant statistical odds of being wiped out.
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Airhead Guitar Heroes

Posted in THE POLITY on October 5th, 2008 by Michael Mehl

Air Guitar Heroes rejoice! One of yours is now on a presidential ticket to, maybe, somewhere.

Sarah Palin is here to take up your cause. There is no longer need to wallow in nerdy resignation because you really, truly, have no talent whatsoever; as much as you try to make up for it by going all silly, breaking into a sweat with fake guitar chops ripped off from old videos of Stairway To Heaven.

It’s OK to pretend now. It’s legit. It’s cool. So long as you have an audience.
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Of Clowns And Men

Posted in THE POLITY on October 3rd, 2008 by Michael Mehl

Compared to Sarah Palin, George W. Bush has wisdom and gravitas. Compared to the current incarnation of John McCain, George W. Bush really has a pair of cojones. Compared to all three, Dick Cheney is Master Of The Universe.

George W. Bush never had convictions to begin with, so it is inappropriate to fault him for losing them, leaving them behind, or throwing them away. In his case, convictions are irrelevant. John McCain not only had convictions, as he has said, he had the Courage of his convictions, as is perceived by his base. In McCain’s case, in his public persona, his convictions are the most relevant aspect of his character. In his quest for power however, he has pointedly put courage and convictions aside.
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