A Pretty Good Guy

ON HIATUS

2009-06-22T23:27:00.002-04:00

On this, the day that Neil (God) Rogers leaves the South Florida airwaves, I'm gonna make official what followers of this space have already noticed. APGG is going on hiatus. Hopefully, like Neil, I'll return. In the meantime, many thanks to those who have offered encouragement, especially Rick at the South Florida Daily Blog. You should bookmark his site and support local bloggers. And that's exactly what I'll be doing. Later.

AMERICAN BLOOD ON THEIR HANDS

2009-05-31T23:09:00.005-04:00

The tragedy of Dr. George Tiller's assassination stunned me to the core. Regrettably, it hasn't shocked me, nor should it shock anyone. I worked in the pro-choice movement when Dr. Tiller was shot in both arms in 1993 and when Dr. Barnett Slepian was assassinated in the kitchen of his home. The extreme-right wing in America contributes to a climate of fear, hate and intolerance that gives rise to acts of violence. Consider Exhibit A, the despicable cartoon above.

Also consider the comments of columnist Cal Thomas. Writing for Fox News, he strongly, and of course rightfully, condemns the assassination. But like many purveyors of intolerance, he just can't help himself. Less than a few hours after the assassination, he said.

There is no doubt that Tiller engaged in grisly activity - the destruction of babies in the third trimester. Thanks to advances in technology, many of those babies might have lived outside the womb at a time when they were being killed inside the womb.

And that's exactly the inflammatory language that fuels not debate, but violence. And it also overlooks the fact that for conservative pundits like Thomas, late-term abortion is a political red herring. The procedure represents approximately one percent of all abortions in the nation and is performed in most cases to preserve the health or life of the woman. Thomas, with his educational and journalistic stripes, knows better.

The late wife of slain Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin believed that pundits and politicians fanned flames of hatred which led to the slaying of her husband at a Tel Aviv peace rally. Today, we see the results of our own right-wing opinion leaders. And they have American blood on their hands.

RUDO Y CURSI

2009-05-25T20:13:00.002-04:00

APGW and I saw the wonderful movie, Rudo y Cursi this weekend. The film, a funny tale about brotherhood, love and the trappings of success was produced by Cha Cha Cha, the brainchild of Mexican directors Alfonso Cuarón, Guillermo del Toro and Alejandro González Iñárritu. Think Spielberg, Scorsese and Sam Mendes collaborating on something meaningful.

It's a sad commentary, however, that the film is showing at just three theaters between Miami and Jupiter. I guess its hard for independent films to break the collective chokehold that Tom Hanks, Ben Stiller and the Wayans have on theater chains across our region. Until then, we'll have to wait on killer indies like the riveting Tyson, which is playing in, eh, "selected cities." Cities with a pulse. Until then, its Dance Flick for South Floridians. NetFlix anyone?

DOMINO THEORY

2009-05-12T20:17:00.003-04:00

Ever since the People's Governor announced his bid to become the People's Junior Senator from Florida, I can't get the song Domino out of my head. Not the Van Morrison version. The one by KISS. It's better, trust me.

No matter. Look for dominos to fall all over the Florida political landscape. Sink for Governor? Yeah, now you're talkin'. But here comes Bill McCollum, who holds the record for seeking 1,098 different elected positions in the state. Wait, he's the Attorney General. Dave Aronberg from Palm Beach wants that job. Has since he was 12. Then who takes his seat?

The haymaker, of course, is the Crist-Rubio primary. Rubio will attempt to paint Crist to the left of Chavez and who knows what else he'll try to make stick. Rick had it right over at SFDB. It's time to ante up for some popcorn. This one will be rich.

FINS TO THE LEFT...

2009-05-02T09:47:00.002-04:00

So the "Stadium formerly known as Joe Robbie," will be renamed the "Stadium formerly known as Dolphins Stadium." Sad, man. Sad. Not that we never thought the naming rights would be sold to the highest bidder. But Landshark Stadium? Come on. It's as if they learned nothing from the Pro Player debacle. I'd say Landshark Lager has the shelf life of say, Bud Dry. And then what? You got it. We revert back to the "Stadium known as Dolphins Stadium Until Someone Else Comes Along and Antes Up."

CORAL SPRINGS CHAMPIONS FOR KIDS

2009-04-30T11:55:00.004-04:00

Coral Springs, FL. Suburbia. Known for, hmmm... They have a way cool Chik-Fil-A, right? But seriously, it's Florida's epicenter of child advocacy.

Consider Rep. Ari Porth. During a legislative session void of any discernible champion, Porth stood out. He asked two young people tied to Broward’s dependency system to serve in the messenger and page program. One of them, Ernst, is 17 years old and transitioning from foster care to independent living. The other, “Shaq,” 14, is a poster child for kinship care – he and his siblings are being raised by their Grandparents. Thanks to Ari, their experiences were notable not just for their service, but also for the attention that he gave them during their week in Tallahassee.

He even helped Ernst meet Alonzo Mourning, who was in Tallahassee advocating for a proposed kidney transplant bill. When Mourning, who himself grew up in foster care, was told of Ernst’s situation, he asked to be re-introduced to Ernst and they eventually connected again in the Governor’s office. He greeted Ernst and said, “I hear we have something in common, we both grew up in the system.” They talked for a while about their respective situations and related on a level that few people can.

And then there's Andrea Moore, the Executive Director of Coral Springs-based Florida's Children First. She's my friend, hero, mentor, confidant. OK, you get the idea. Sadly, at least for the kids, she's decided to leave her position this summer.

Her accomplishments? To say they are legion is an understatement. When she assumed the reigns of FCF four years ago, Florida's child advocates and the Department of Children and Families got along like Arlen Specter at a GOP Caucus meeting. Today, thanks to Andrea's hard work, they now partner on behalf of Florida's children. FCF is now Florida's leading voice for children and she's trained scores of young advocates to serve as articulate voices on behalf of their sisters and brothers in foster care. And that, by any measure, is the greatest legacy of all.

WHO LET THE DOGS OUT?

2009-04-22T21:12:00.002-04:00

The Marlins are winners on and off the field. On Friday, support the Marlins and the Humane Society of Greater Miami by attending Bark at the Park 2009. Join APGG in the bleachers. Just watch your step!

HOLDING STEADY WITH RACHEL RAY

2009-04-15T20:36:00.004-04:00

If you visit this space, you know that APGG hates Rachel Ray like poison. OK, more like arsenic, but you get the point. Still, she gets mad, albeit begrudging props tonite. Why? Because APGG is a really, really big fan of The Hold Steady, and at SXSW 2009, they rocked Rachel's official party to 1,000,000 pieces. If Rachel isn't torn in 1,000,000 pieces, its the next best thing. See for yo' bad self.

TEA PARTY? WHAT A GAS!

2009-04-14T19:06:00.003-04:00

Tax protesters crack me up. Seriously. Maybe it's their inability to think beyond the afternoon talk radio drivel. Or maybe it's the way they froth (I've been waiting to use the word "froth" in the blog) at the mere mention of Bill Clinton. Or now, President Obama. But what really makes me laugh is their sheer, unadulterated hypocrisy.

Take Lauren O'Brien of Broward County, for example. She's mad as hell. Just ask her. Tomorrow, while the rest of us are, heh, working, she'll lead a contingent of tax protesters for a "tea party" reminiscent of when the colonists rallied against British rule.

I shouldn't be having to pay for corporations. I shouldn't be having to pay for people who got themselves in a mortgage they couldn't handle.

But what about O'Brien? Is she declining government assistance? Walking the proverbial talk, so to speak? Heh. Far from it. O'Brien's two children get their health care through Medicaid, the government-run program for individuals and families with low incomes and resources. The program was created in 1965 and stands as a beacon of LBJ's Great Society social reforms.

No matter, you'll still find O'Brien on the streets of Broward tomorrow, Glen Beck talking points in hand, spewing venom towards Obama, Rachel Maddow, whoever. She'll rail against others while she collects assistance from the government. How does that commercial go? Oh. Priceless.

DELI DELIVERANCE IN EAST BROWARD

2009-04-12T16:12:00.004-04:00

It was like hitting the jackpot at the Hard Rock. An Exacta at Gulfstream. I demonstrated my best Mark Gastineau sack-dance for anyone who would watch. So maybe I didn't get that crazy, but don't misunderstand me, I was pumped.

APGG headquarters moved from Coconut Creek to East Fort Lauderdale in November. Since then, we've quested for a a deli. A real deli. A kosher-style, New York deli. I didn't hold out much hope. After all, Westminster Academy and Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church loom large in our neck of US-1, complete with the requisite Red Lobster and Olive Garden post-church options. Today, however, was deliverance. It arrived in the form of Pomperdale's New York Style Deli, located on Commercial Blvd. just west of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Pomperdale's is no frills. Patrons order their food at the deli counter and then grab a table along a long, narrow hallway reminiscent of the cramped quarters of Manhattan. You grab a Dr. Brown's from the beverage cooler, again, self-serve, and then, violia, it's time to collect your meal.

And what a meal. The matzoh ball soup featured a "sinker" ensconced in strong broth, noodles and carrots. Pastrami, Corned Beef and brisket is carved by seniors and with one look you get the sense they've made more than their share of sandwiches. It arrives overstuffed and piping hot. It's plenty lean, but jeez, there's gotta be fat somewhere because it has lots and lots of flavor.

Once upon a time, I was thrilled if my neighborhood had a killer sports bar. Today, the gold standard is a good deli. Am I getting soft? Maybe. But thanks to Pomperdale's, I'm in deli heaven.

BLUE EASTER

2009-04-11T22:32:00.003-04:00

APGG is familiar with the term "Blue Christmas," but not "Blue Easter?" Nah, can't be. Easter is the time of rebirth, renewal and compassion right? For Caroline Kennedy, the hits continue. First, her bid to succeed Hillary (see, I didn't call her Swillary in an effort to repair the post-election breach) in the U.S. Senate is fumbled by New York Governor David Paterson. Now this.

Vatican sources told Il Giornale that...abortion disqualified Ms Kennedy and other Roman Catholics President Barack Obama had been seeking to appoint.

OK. The Kennedys can be accused of a lot of things. But not worthy of the Vatican? Come on. Caroline's Uncle ascended to the Presidency while embracing his Catholicism. And what about empathy? The family suffering is legion. The snub is an embarrassment to the Church and the timing is dreadful. Easter should be a time of coming together. Instead, the Vatican chose division. Let's hope they reconsider.

EBERT SLAPS AROUND O'REILLY

2009-04-08T23:37:00.003-04:00

This is worth a read. In its entirety. Unedited by me. Here goes.

Thoughts on Bill O'Reilly and Squeaky the Chicago Mouse
By Roger Ebert/April 7, 2009

To: Bill O'Reilly

From: Roger Ebert

Dear Bill: Thanks for including the Chicago Sun-Times on your exclusive list of newspapers on your "Hall of Shame." To be in an O'Reilly Hall of Fame would be a cruel blow to any newspaper. It would place us in the favor of a man who turns red and starts screaming when anyone disagrees with him. My grade-school teacher, wise Sister Nathan, would have called in your parents and recommended counseling with Father Hogben.

Yes, the Sun-Times is liberal, having recently endorsed our first Democrat for President since LBJ. We were founded by Marshall Field one week before Pearl Harbor to provide a liberal voice in Chicago to counter the Tribune, which opposed an American war against Hitler. I'm sure you would have sided with the Trib at the time.

I understand you believe one of the Sun-Times misdemeanors was dropping your syndicated column. My editor informs me that "very few" readers complained about the disappearance of your column, adding, "many more complained about Nancy." I know I did. That was the famous Ernie Bushmiller comic strip in which Sluggo explained that "wow" was "mom" spelled upside-down.

Your column ran in our paper while it was owned by the right-wing polemicists Conrad Black (Baron Black of Coldharbour) and David Radler. We dropped it to save a little money after they looted the paper of millions. Now you call for an advertising boycott. It is unusual to observe a journalist cheering for a newspaper to fail. At present the Sun-Times has no bank debt, but labors under the weight of millions of dollars in tax penalties incurred by Lord Black, who is serving an eight-year stretch for mail fraud and obstruction of justice. We also had to pay for his legal expenses.

There is a major difference between Conrad Black and you: Lord Black is a much better writer and thinker, and authored a respected biography about Roosevelt, who we were founded to defend. That newspapers continue to run your column is a mystery to me, since it is composed of knee-jerk frothings and ravings. If I were an editor searching for a conservative, I wouldn't choose a mad dog. My recommendation: The admirable Charles Krauthammer.

Bill, I am concerned that you have been losing touch with reality recently. Did you really say you are more powerful than any politician?

That reminds me of the famous story about Squeaky the Chicago Mouse. It seems that Squeaky was floating on his back along the Chicago River one day. Approaching the Michigan Avenue lift bridge, he called out: Raise the bridge! I have an erection!

SPEED KILLS

2009-04-07T21:08:00.004-04:00

Just ask the Washington Nationals. Over the past two games, they've become aquainted with the Marlins new third baseman, Emilio Bonifacio. An opening game inside-the-park home run was followed a triple in the contest tonite. I gotta learn more about this "Boni"-fide star! Heh, that was bad. But cut me some slack. APGG's downright giddy from the 2-0 start!

RICKY MARTIN WAS UNAVAILABLE?

2009-04-06T21:25:00.004-04:00

Dolphins Stadium. Opening Day - 2009. Florida Marlins. The pomp. The pagetry. And to sing the national anthem comes...Chicago? Because nothing says South Florida like, eh, Chicago. Somethin' tells me that if the Miami Sound Machine came out to sing the National Anthem at Wrigley on Opening Day, they'd be booed into Gary, IN.

PS - Sending mad props to the Fish. 12-6 opening effort. Watch Scott Olsen get hammered in his return to South Florida tomorrow.

ROLL THE DICE FOR FLORIDA

2009-04-04T10:25:00.003-04:00

APGG has a rule of thumb when it comes to controversial issues. Look at who's on each side. And so it goes with the expansion of gambling in Florida. It's really a misnomer, since save for brothels, Florida has everything you'd find in Nevada. You just need to take a short boat ride out of Port Everglades, Port Canaveral, Port of Palm Beach, whatever.

This week, the forces opposing expansion of the Seminole gaming compact descended on Tallahassee. They were led by former House Speaker Marco Rubio. Oh, he's running for the United States Senate. Rubio, you recall, is Florida's version of Nero, who played the fiddle while Rome burned. With a state deficit approaching $5 Billion, he opposed every initiative to increase revenue and preserve human services. Here's what Rubio had to say this week:

There is a real moral issue with asking government to expand its operations to be increasingly dependent on an activity we should be discouraging, not encouraging

A moral issue? Morality is implicated when the state limits funds for foster youth transitioning to independence, when working families can't access affordable health care, when children with disabilities can't access services. You get the picture.

But Rubio doesn't. His name ends in a vowel and figures he'll need all the help he can get attracting Bible-belt voters. That's pandering. And that's wrong for Florida. Lawmakers would be wise to approve the Senate version of the state gaming compact with the Seminole tribe.

BEST. DEAL. EVER.

2009-04-02T21:42:00.004-04:00

Are you in the market for your first home? Lucky devil. The United States of America will give YOU $8,000 towards the purchase of that home. Sound too good to be true? Of course it does. But brace yourself. It's legit. And all part of President Obama's plan to re-energize the economy.

Join APGG in an objective evaluation of this "perfect storm." Colossally low interest rates. Homes priced ridiculously below market value. Eight grand from the government that you never, ever, ever have to pay back. Stop the madness!

I'm betting on a real estate turn around. And I'll bet that if you haven't purchased that first home, you're at www.realtor.com about now.

PERSONAL FOUL

2009-03-31T18:08:00.006-04:00

This one goes against President Obama for Unsportsmanlike Conduct. Or conduct unbecoming of an elected official, let alone the leader of the free world. The President, it seems, has invited Super Bowl coach Tony Dungy to serve on the newly created White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. The concept isn't a bad idea at all. APGG has a fairly good handle how human services are delivered to communities in need and the faith-based community does it pretty well.

What stinks, though, is his choice of Dungy to serve on the panel. The President has either learned nothing from the Rick Warren inauguration debacle or when it comes to matters of faith, simply chooses to antagonize and divide.

Dungy, you see, endorsed a 2007 Indiana ballot initiative to ban gay marriage and similar legal arrangements for gay couples. He touted his support at a banquet sponsored by the Indiana Family Institute, a conservative Christian group associated with Focus on the Family. This is the same Focus on the Family that asked people to pray for "rain of biblical proportions" during Barack Obama's appearance at Invesco Field to accept the Democratic nomination for president.

Back to the aforementioned banquet, which featured a veritable who's who of Indiana "white and right (wing)" elite. Dungy regaled the crowd by telling them:

"I feel like telling people when they look at this issue of same-sex marriage . . . I'm not on anybody's side. I'm on the Lord's side." He added for clarity. "IFI (Indiana Family Institute) is saying what the Lord says. You can take that and you can make the decision on which way you want to be."
Oh, It gets better..."We're not trying to downgrade anyone else, but we're trying to promote the family—family values the Lord's way."

It seems that Coach Dungy feels that he's an expert on more than X's and O's. He's got a PhD in morality too. And that's sad. Because more than anyone, for reasons too sensitive and painful to chronicle here, he should (now) appreciate the importance of family and being loved. The President would be wise to reconsider his appointment of Dungy to the faith-based panel. And focus on candidates that understand that all-important biblical message. Tolerance.

SUREST SIGN OF THE APOCALYPSE

2009-03-30T21:07:00.005-04:00

I'm a Marlins fan. My Major League Baseball commentary is typically confined to the goings on with my own team. Or at least the National League. Until now...

Like most fans, I was aware that the New York Yankees are planning to debut a shiny new stadium this season. Predictably, it would boast luxury skyboxes, umptious seat licenses and some fancy food options. Never, ever, ever did I think a franchise as steeped in history as the Yankees would stoop to this. A Hard Rock Cafe.

That's right. Glam and pure unadulterated smaltz will be available to fans in the new Yankee Stadium. For some reason this doesn't seem suited for Yankees. More like something that one might find, say, at the home of the California Angels.

But wait, there's more. Hungry for more? Get out your checkbook, because there's a full blown, no holds barred Steakhouse planned for this palace of the, heh, people. Here's what the official website for NYY Steak has to say about their plans.

NYY Steak will be located above the Hard Rock Cafe inside Gate 6 at Yankee Stadium in The Bronx, NY. Opening in the spring of 2009, the newly branded NYY Steak will offer guests an upscale dining experience...The menu will feature USDA Prime dry-aged beef, fresh seafood and a variety of premium wines to complement your meal choice. Notable features will include a glass wall bearing the signatures of legendary Yankees players, and a spectacular wine display.

Welcome to the devolution of sports and a workin' stiff's worst nightmare. Yankee fans, you might as well root for the Marlins. After all, the arepas are cheap.

BEISBOL EN MIAMI

2009-03-29T16:19:00.002-04:00

An interesting week for Miami baseball, eh? There's the stadium debacle, but APGG is still amazed by the World Baseball Classic, which delivered some interesting semi-final action here at home. Regrettably, it'll be remembered less for what happened on the diamond than for the rabid, froth-filled anti-Chavistas who cheered en masse against their own team. At least when Venezuelan superstar Magglio Ordonez came to bat. Or when he left the dugout. Returned to the dugout. Touched himself. Breathed. You get the idea.

Ordonez as El Diablo? Por supuesto! Just look at that photo of him standing along Lucifer* himself. I know what you're thinking. This is Amerikkka. We shouldn't expect tolerance and freedom of speech. I guess not, since Ordonez was booed mercilessly. His crime? Politics. APGG was in attendance and stood aghast at the foolish behavior demonstrated by the Venezuelan fans. Imagine if on Opening Day, APGG arrived at Dolphins Stadium armed not only with the Marlins roster, but the Federal Election Commission contribution report for the team. "RBI Uggla...High Five, brother!" "No, wait. It says here he gave $750 to Mitt Romney**. Fuck him! Booo!!"

Can you imagine? Absurd, huh? That's what it was like in Miami for Venezuela vs. The Netherlands. What's the lesson here? When it comes to sports, leave politics at home. If you can't...stay home yourself.

*Hugo Chavez is not Lucifer. He's a cuddly, revolutionary teddy bear.

**APGG does not know if Dan Uggla is amongst the lunatic fringe that donated money to Mitt Romney.

APGG RESURRECTION

2009-03-28T19:07:00.003-04:00

Welcome to the resurrection of A Pretty Good Guy.

Middle English resurreccioun, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin resurrection-, resurrectio act of rising from the dead, from resurgere to rise from the dead, from Latin, to rise again, from re- + surgere to rise.

Thanks Merriam-Webster. It's a common theme throughout history, right? We've seen Tupac Resurrection. There was Alien: Resurrection. And don't forget about that fellow from Bethlehem (no, not PA). This post represents nuevo dia at APGG headquarters. My best attempt to resurrect what was once a thriving blog.

This comes nearly three months after my most recent posting. Three months. Truth be told, it was an unplanned hiatus. But who knows, maybe the downtime sharpened the skillz? Heh. Skillz isn't what you need to blog successfully. Time is whatcha really need. But I'm back. So keep an eye out for more commentary on sports, roots rock, lefto politics, whateva. Oh, and please. Don't call it a comeback.

THE NIGHT THAT CHANGED COLLEGE FOOTBALL

2009-01-02T21:44:00.004-05:00

Today, APGG had the high honor and privilege of joining local blogger/podcaster Kartik Krishnaiyer for a very special Canes Rising retrospective on the game that changed it all - the 1984 Orange Bowl. It was a game that not only catapulted the University of Miami football program to national prominence, but also paved the way for the pro-style offense that most college teams utilize today.

Canes Rising Radio #27: 1984 Orange Bowl Retrospective

DOTHAN ALECHEM

2009-01-01T21:19:00.005-05:00

January 1 seemed like a good time to revisit my favorite story of 2008. It involves the north Alabama City of Dothan and their soon to be burgeoning Jewish community. That's if Larry Blumberg has anything to say about it. He loves, loves, loves Dothan and thinks you should too. Well, maybe not you, but definitely me.

You see, Blumberg is tired of being an army of one, at least when it comes to being a Dothan Jew. He'd like some company at Temple Emanu-el and put his money where his mouth is by offering $50,000 to 20 Jewish families willing to relocate to Dothan. That's enough to make me say Goodbye Publix, hello Piggly-Wiggly!

Why not? Dothan has quite a bit to offer. Screw Martha's Vineyard. We're talkin' Maria's Vineyard, nestled amongst the Oak and Pecans. And don't forget the Peanut Monument, which I imagine pays homage to crushed Peanuts worldwide. But here's the question. Were they kosher?

PORTER SIZE JUSTICE

2008-12-29T21:00:00.002-05:00

Zach Thomas/Dallas Cowboys - Outta the playoffs

Jason Taylor/Washington Redskins - Outta the playoffs

Joey Porter/Miami Dolphins - AFC East Champions

MAD PROPS FOR THE WILDCAT

2008-12-22T21:15:00.003-05:00

And said props have come from the most unlikely of sources, The New York Times. That's right. Each year, the venerable newspaper publishes the Year in Ideas. The eight annual edition appeared in the NYT Magazine on December 14 and guess what made the list...

In the pros, the idea of creatively spreading the offense found expression in the so-called Wildcat formation, which the Miami Dolphins first used in September to pummel the New England Patriots in a surprising 38-13 victory. It is now popular leaguewide.
I can't think of higher praise. So put away the Mojitos, Dolfans. Join the Merlot drinkers of Manhattan in toasting the Wildcat...

DOWN ON MAINSTREET

2008-12-21T23:42:00.003-05:00

In public life, you can't be expected to know everything that's happening. Even if it's in your backyard. Consider Miami's own Manny Diaz. The earnest Mayor wields a big stick as the leader of the U.S. Conference of Mayors "Mainstreet Economic Recovery" plan which calls for $73.2 billion for infrastructure programs in various states.

But then, the damm journalists at CNN decided to sort out the pork from, well, the pork. When it was suggested to Mayor Manny that a whole lot of the $73.2 billion seemed more than a bit frivolous, he responded:

You can't simply just say because something sounds like it isn't right, that it isn't in fact right.

OK, fine. But when pressed, he acknowledged he was not aware of a proposal for a new $1.5 million water ride at the Grapeland Water Park in...Miami! Lots of pork in that wave pool.

APGG'S TOP ALBUMS OF 2008

2008-12-20T07:21:00.012-05:00

APGW (A Pretty Good Wife) and I are finally settled in our new home at APGG Heaquarters in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. With that, the holiday season marks a return to blogging and what better way to relaunch than with APGG's Top Five Albums of 2008. The list, of course, is limited to my own niche tastes and what I could afford to spend on music. So here it is, APGG's Top Five Roots Rock Albums of 2008.

1. Drive by Truckers – Brighter Than Creation's Dark

I began 2008 as a casual fan. By December, I was a full blown, no holds barred DBT disciple. What changed? The arrival of Brighter Than Creation's Dark. 19 songs and guess what? They all work and contribute to the opus. The lyrics are rich and address themes as diverse as Crystal Meth, Iraq and daily freaking life. My favorite cut is Self Destructive Zones, a tidal wave encompassing the recent history of what Mike Cooley sardonically describes as angst-rock. Cooley rules, but as always, DBT is driven by Patterson Hood. If you caught the Truckers in Ft. Lauderdale at their September show, you’ll remember PH extolling you to "Please don't elect that motherfucker to a third term!" Awesome. I’m down with Hood/Cooley in 2016.

2. Chris Knight – Heart of Stone

Knock you over with a feather, right? CK made the list. After all, this space is named (this is not an ego blog) after a Chris Knight album. My most anticipated album of 2008 did not disappoint. Is it my favorite Knight album? Nope. There are a few throw away songs like My Old Cars that distinguish it from previous releases. But mercifully, Knight’s fierce songwriting can be found throughout. The signature bare-bones production allows the rapsy vocals to shine though on romps like Home Sick Gypsy and my favorite, Danville. Crooked Road appears sans band and the results are predictably powerful.

Damn these hard times / Damn the coalmines / Damn the good dreams gone cold / And while I’m at it, damn this crooked road...

3. Marah - Angels of Destruction

Two of the albums on my list, Brighter than Creation's Dark being the other, hearken back to January. They’re etched in my crainium and Ipod for good reason. They rock. I hadn’t heard of Marah prior to 2008. All I can say is thank you blogosphere. On their sixth album (man, I need to start paying attention) Marah is nothing short of ferocious. Like The Hold Steady, there are shades of Springsteen gone punk and lyrics that would certainly meet with the Boss’ approval. I really like the Spanish influences on Santos de Madera, apparently they’re really big in Spain. The introductory track Coughing Up Blood is what got me hooked. It’s a shame that the Philadephia music scence is defined by bands like The Hooters and Hall and Fucking Oates. Marah redeems Philly for legions of bad music...and also for Andy Reid.

4. Lowlands - The Last Call

There’s a simple reason that Lowlands has managed to relegate several of my all-time favorite artists like Reckless Kelly and James McMurtry to the ranks of this year’s Honorable Mention category. They made a better album. The Last Call is another blogosphere find for 2008. And there’s not a single album that’s gotten more play at APGG headquarters. Ghosts in this Town hooks you in from the start with its hard driving sound and lyrics. New music has gotta have that hook. The rest is Alt-country history. An original sound that has this blogger thirsty for more. Oh, here’s the best part. They’re from Italy! Now if they could only help jettison that Berlusconi fellow… Something tells me they won’t be playing his inauguration.

5. The Hold Steady - Stay Positive

Several years ago, I saw KISS and Aerosmith co-headline the same tour. Someone's gotta have top billing, right? But who? The Drive By Truckers/The Hold Steady - Rock n' Roll Means Well tour presented the same prediciment and they alternated, depending on the venue. And with good reason. Both bands rule. The Hold Steady is The Ramones meets Springsteen (sense a theme here) and with improved production, they've created their best album to date. Track #2 features Sequestered in Memphis, their best track ever. 2008 brought them to my conciousness as well as the Late Show with David Letterman. The Hold Steady, my friends, have truly arrived.

Very Honorable Mention:

Hayes Carll - Trouble in Mind, Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers - Turbo Ocho, Peter Cooper - Mission Door, James McMurtry - Just us Kids, Micky & the Motorcars - Naive, Drag the River - You Can't Live this Way, Los Lonley Boys, Forgiven - Reckless Kelly - Bulletproof, Paul Thorn - A Long Way from Tupelo, Two Cow Garage - Speaking in Cursive, The Whipshaws - 60 Watt Avenue.

CAN I HAVE MY VOTE BACK?

2008-12-19T17:41:00.004-05:00

Dear President-elect Obama:

I'd like my vote back. Please. I mean, it won't make a difference in the outcome. You won handily and even took my home state of Florida. But I want to give my vote to Cynthia McKinney.

Sure I know she's wacked and like her father Billy, probably isn't too fond of Jews. I'm not even sure how you'd retrieve my vote. Perhaps by Executive Order? But regrettably, she deserves it more than you.

This probably surprises you. After all, while some of my left-swinging pals were swilling the Kucinich and Edwards Kool-aid, I had your back. "Change we can believe in." It became my mantra from the day you announced in Springfield, IL.

It was a more recent announcement that crushed my heart in 9,124,522 pieces, your exact margin of victory over John McCain. How you could allow Rick Warren attend, let alone preside at your inauguration defies belief. He's a man who has equated homosexuality to incest and pedophilia. You accepted NARAL's endorsement, but alas your Preacher DeJour has compared abortion to the Holocaust.

Some of my friends have shrugged off this move and given you the benefit of the doubt. "He's doing what he has to do," they say. Here's what I suggest you do, Mr. President-elect. Take Michelle to see the wonderful film Milk, starring Sean Penn. Then rethink your choice of Pastor Warren. The film is great, and you'll see what it really means to lead a Purpose Driven Life.

HE WON'T LEAVE HIS HEART IN SAN FRANCISCO

2008-12-18T20:56:00.005-05:00

Incredible as it sounds, Canes Rising reports that Miami QB Robert Marve will miss the coveted Emerald (Nuts) Bowl against California because he arrived 15 minutes late for his English class. In Coral Gables, this counts as an absence and marks the fifth time the prodigal QB had missed class this semester.

Apparently, folks at the Hecht Center are adhering pretty strongly to what amounts to a "five strikes and you're out" policy for athletes. I know what you're thinking, how can a kid possibly succeed with a mere four chances? Amazing, huh? But not nearly as wacked as the ham-handed explanation offered by Marve's father, who's passed the jock mentality down to his son. Consider this...

What happened was he was given a warning not to miss another class. He was 15 minutes late to the class because he was talking to another teacher...His grade for the particular English class was not fine, but his overall GPA was fine, so he would have been able to play.

Looks like this didn't fly with Coach Shannon, who's son Xavier, by the way, owns the highest GPA on the Canes squad. Holding players accountable will pay off in the long run. With Jacory Harris behind center, and Marve following in the footsteps of former next-best-thing malcontents like Bryan Forte, the Canes could be trading in their (Emerald) Nuts for Sugar or Oranges in, gulp, 2010.

FARM RAISED IN THE FAR EAST

2008-12-02T21:34:00.003-05:00

APGW (A Pretty Good Wife) suggested that I pass by the Costco to collect a few items. Amongst them was frozen Tilapia. Far be it from me to follow the rules, so a colleague and I used free passes to check out the local B.J.'s Wholesale instead. They had the fish. No problem. The front of the bag screamed in big letters, FARM RAISED. The back of the bag whispered in print barely discernible to the naked eye, PRODUCED IN CHINA. Farm raised? Sigh. Somewhere, a lonely Mississippi fish farmer sheds yet another tear for his vanishing industry. The new economy. Coming to a dinner table near you.

GOT MILK?

2008-12-01T22:42:00.005-05:00

First, an apology to those who frequent this space. I've been AWOL. My recent posts have been sporadic, few and way too far between. Moving will do that. Have you ever schleped a 46 gallon fish tank? Oy. But I digress.

APGG's uber ally Deh Tourista reflects on his salad days in the Bay Area. Not Tampa. San Francisco, baby. He does so in a humorous manner, and weaves in his take on the new film Milk. It ain't really me to comment on a movie that I haven't seen, so I'll share my thoughts later and dare you to check out his post. But, it's worth noting that incredibly, Milk is showing in just one Broward County theater. It's being screened at the earnest Gateway4. That's it. And that's sad. If more theaters had Milk, maybe, just maybe, the abominable Amendment 2 could have been defeated. Sigh.

BRING BACK THE "X"

2008-11-21T21:54:00.002-05:00

OK. I listened to my common-taters, er, commentators. I gave XM-Sirius's Outlaw Country one last try. Here's what I got. Conway Freaking Twitty. Totally ponderous. Hell, don't take my word for it. Here's what the fellas in Reckless Kelly say about deh mess that ended roots rock on satellite radio.

Dear friends and music fans,We are sure those of you out there that are XM Satellite Radio subscribers and fans of channel 12 Cross Country noticed that on Tuesday November 11th the station changed to its Sirius counterpart, Outlaw Country.The entire station " Cross Country " was dismantled and its programmer Jessie Scott was let go. Jessie is a pioneer in radio and has a vast knowledge of the music we all know and love. She was instrumental in getting bands like us in front of audiences that would have never heard our music, bought our records or paid money to come see us play live.With a listening audience of over 1 million people the channel 12 cross country station was one of the most popular channels on XM.While we love Dallas Wayne and the crew at Outlaw Country we feel that both stations are unique and have very different styles and playlists. Losing Cross Country is going to put a very large damper on the progression and promotion of the TX /Red Dirt/ Americana music scene. We need your help to try and get Jessie and Cross country back on the air! Please send an email through XM's email format: http://www.xmradio.com/help/emailus.xmc?ch=12 and tell them how much you miss Cross Country and Jessie Scott. Or call..............1-800-XMRADIO. Or write to.................Scott Greenstein,XM Programming Center and CorporateHeadquarters, 1500 Eckington Place, NE Washington, DC 20002.
We are joining together with our friends to try and make an impact. Please help us fight for what we believe to be one of the best things to happen to our music scene and genre ever. Thanks for your help and support, RK.

WHEN HEARING AND DEAF WORLDS COLLIDE...

2008-11-20T13:24:00.009-05:00

It can be a beautiful thing. Consider what's happening at South Plantation High School, where the theater program is presenting West Side Story in both song and sign language. I'm no theater critic. To be sure, you're more likely to see an album review or post-game rant in this space rather than a theater critique.

But...APGW (A Pretty Good Wife) and I went to see West Side Story on Saturday and the experience was nothing short of memorable. WSS, of course, is remarkable for its choreography and the dancing is nothing short of phenomenal. The fight scenes are stirring and quite literally lifted me out of my seat. The singing? Amazing. Junior Kellie Smith "voiced" the role of Maria and make no mistake about it, she's on the road to Juilliard. Her voice is smooth as glass and contains the requisite passion that the role deserves.

What defines this show, however, is the inclusion of sign-language. Many of the characters both sign and voice their lines. Others do one or the other. The synergy between the two Marias...that's right, two Marias, is worthy of national applause. Junior Giovanna Vazquez (above) signs the words while Smith sings them. It seems cumbersome, right? Nope. It works. And it's why you should see this play, which runs thru November 23rd at the Paladin Playhouse on the campus of South Plantation. Its yet another example of young people accomplishing extraordinary things. APGG says you should support them this weekend.

DASCHLING THE HILL(ARY)

2008-11-19T20:08:00.004-05:00

There's nothing wrong with Tom Daschle. It's why President-elect Obama (man, that sounds good) named him today as Secretary of Health & Human Services. But is it the right position for him and is there anyone else on Capitol Hill better suited for the job?

The answer, of course, is the CAPITAL Hill. Hillary would be sensational as HHS Secretary. It would be an extension of not just her work in the U.S. Senate, but her entire life. Like her or not, HRC is tailor made for the role. Especially in a progressive Obama administration. Her commitment to extending health care to all Americans is unparallelled and during the campaign she gave the impression that she practically invented the S-CHIP program.

She's got the ear of leaders in the child advocacy like her BFF Marion Wright Edleman of the Children's Defense Fund and understands the need for investing in children before problems arise. Prevention and early intervention are her mantra.

So what's the fascination with the Secretary of State position? I mean, HRC has brandished foreign policy credentials in recent years, but wasn't that just in furtherance of her dash for the White House? With Bill Richardson available, he could slide into State like a glove and Hillary could do some incredible things at HHS. If only HHS was sexy enough of a position for the Clinton ego. If only...

BROWARD'S SHAME

2008-11-17T20:44:00.005-05:00

The body count from Tuesday-Saturday was two. I dunno, it may be more. Broward's a big county. But I know this much, its two...too many.

On Tuesday, a 15-year old girl shot and killed another 15-year old girl. This happened on school property. The girls attended Dillard High School, part of the Broward School System.

Early Saturday morning, a 17-year old boy was stabbed and killed by another 17-year old boy. This happened outside a coffee shop. The boys attended the North Broward Preparatory School. Presumably, the boys attended this school to receive an education that in the judgment of their parents, was superior to what was offered by their local school district.

The circumstances of these tragedies may be different, but the similarities are more than staggering. It demonstrates that as a community, we're failing our children no matter what they look like. Here in Florida, school funding is tied to performance on the FCAT, which measures "hard" skills like math and reading. The past week demonstrates that we need to take a hard look at soft skills like constructive problem solving and conflict resolution. Before the body count rises even one more.

XM-SIRIUS HERE AT LAST

2008-11-12T20:59:00.003-05:00

So it's official. As of this morning, XM Radio is now XM-Sirius. Excuse me if I'm less than enthused. XM Radio, you see, changed my life. It really did. X-Country turned me on to the music that I love the most. Roots music. Rockers like Cross Canadian Ragweed and Lucero. Songwriters such as Chris Knight and Todd Snider. And who can forget the irascible James McMurty? When I got in my car earlier today. X-Country was gone. In its stead was something called Outlaw Country, some ridiculous amalgamation of Waylon Jennings and Loretta Lynn.

It's not all bad, though. I will listen to E Street Radio with it's 24-7 Springsteen programming and when the spirit moves me, I'll take in some of the all-Grateful Dead station. Little Steven's Underground Garage looks promising. After all, would Silvio steer us wrong? When the smoke clears, though, it looks like I'll be spending more time with Steve Jobs' handheld creation powering my car stereo and less time with the radio. Terrestrial or otherwise.

MARLINS - EMPTY WALLET, EMPTY COMMITMENT

2008-11-11T07:11:00.005-05:00

And they wonder why the seats look like this. Today, South Florida baseball fans awoke to the news that the Florida Marlins, led by their erstwhile President David Samson, traded pitcher Scott Olsen and slugger Josh Willingham to the Washington Nationals for a bagel and a cup of coffee.

What's significant here isn't the trade. Remember, the Marlins have a sordid history of salary dumping and APGG is still stung by the departure of their all-time favorite Marlin, Miguel Cabrera, who by the way, would have made a tremendous franchise cornerstone.

The rub is the fact that it was made with the Nasty Nats. A team that morphed from the Montreal Expos a short while ago, and was run by MLB for lack of a qualified owner. But look at 'em now. They play before capacity crowds in a new stadium that no one begrudges. And here they are in November 2008, trading for players that are set to anchor their franchise into the future. The Marlins? They remain a source of angst for their fans, but a really, really good excuse to watch washed up metal acts from the 1980's. As a former Expos fan might say, Vive la différence.

THIS FRANKEN THING

2008-11-05T21:31:00.006-05:00

I'm off to Minnesota and while there, I'll try and wreak some havoc on the returns that have Senator Norm Coleman leading, eh, Al Franken. Why is the land of ten trillion lakes green, you ask? Check it out yourself.

DOWN FOR WHATEVER

2008-11-02T10:41:00.006-05:00

Yesterday, I spoke with a friend who successfully, he thinks, navigated a 2.5+ hour line to vote in Miami Gardens, FL. He described the scene as alternatively joyful and frustrating, the latter being an obvious response to a colossal line for, well, anything. I asked about his sense of things and he responded:

Man, I sure hope Obama wins. I've never seen so many "down for whatever" first-time voters in my life!

I wasn't exactly sure what this meant, so I did some research on what John McCain calls, "deh google." I found a definition at The Urban Dictionary, which says.

Down for Whatever: Ready and willing to participate in most any activity. If said by your homie it implies that he is ready to have a good time in any situation.

But even though I expect Tuesday nite to nothing short of epic, it's not about the party. It's not even about the candidate. Even Senator Obama would concede that point. It's about meaningful change. Change that will manifest itself in three ways.

Policy - The almost immediate overhaul of trickle down policies and cow-towing to Wall Street that have left working families in the proverbial economic gutter;
Hope - That electing a person of color will lead to even more salient and significant societal change; and,
Process - That the concept that we've always taken for granted - one man, one vote - rears its head in Presidential Politics for the first time since 1996 (damn, it's been a while since we've had a kosher election).

At this stage, the hope for process is strongest. Even uber humanists, present company included, PRAY for an honest election that is free of voter intimidation, disenfranchisement and fraud. Why? Because Obama supporters like myself have too much invested in his candidacy. We believe in this with every fiber in our souls. And on November 5th, if Obama is not president-elect due to dirty tricks-as-usual, you best watch out. Cuz I'm down for whatever.

PLAN B

2008-11-01T21:28:00.001-04:00

YO. THAT WAS SLICK

2008-10-29T20:27:00.004-04:00

And definitely not your father's informercial. Sure, tonite's Obamercial featured the requisite smaltz. But it also spoke to dude's character and outlined some exceedingly concrete policy priorities. Then came the kicker. A LIVE cut to Obama. Where? Try Broward County. Bank Atlantic Center in the house! Seems like someone is REAL committed to winning Florida. Rock on, BO!

HAPPY DAYS ARE ALMOST HERE

2008-10-26T19:47:00.003-04:00

Watch Opie get his Democratic groove on. I don't know what surprised me more. The fact that this retro-dorsement was spectacularly funny, or that Andy Griffith endorsed someone who you wouldn't find hanging out on the streets of Mayberry. Y'all like that for being understated? Chalk up the icon vote to Obama. Fonzie and Sheriff Andy Taylor. That's what I call street cred. Take that Chuck Norris.

TROUBLE THE WATER

2008-10-23T22:55:00.004-04:00

Remember the Coke commercial from the 1970's? It went somethin' like, I'd like to buy the world a Coke. Screw that. I'd like to buy everyone in the world, or at least the U.S., a ticket to see Trouble the Water at the Sunrise 11, the only theater brave enough to show it Broward County.

Hurricane Katrina is, in the judgment of this blogger, the saddest chapter in recent* American history. It exposed the commitment of government, at all levels, to poor people as, well, nil. Nothing. Could care less.

The callous indifference was on display to the world and I had hoped that maybe, just maybe, it would help focus attention on issues relating to race, poverty and class. Sadly, that hope died quickly, as did many left behind in the storm. Trouble the Water is filmed and narrated from inside the storm, so you'll get a totally honest perspective that will shock your conscious. It's gritty, yet poetic and poignant. See it. Please.

*Recent history is defined by my 39 years on earth.

IN GOD SHE TRUSTS

2008-10-22T23:07:00.006-04:00

In this case, that's a scary proposition. You see, Sarah Palin is a maverick. Most people believe that the Presidential election on November 4th will be decided by the voters. Not Palin. She's supremely confident, as she told maniacal anti-choice wacko Reverend James Dobson, during a recent radio interview, that:

At the end of the day putting this in God’s hands, the right thing for America will be done, at the end of the day on Nov. 4.”

That explains why in West Virginia, early voters are reporting that when they vote for Democrats, their votes get switched to Republican candidates. Economist Adam Smith championed the concept of an invisible hand in free market capitalism. By the time this election is decided, Palin may be remembered for touting the invisible hand of God at the ballot box. Scary? As the Caribu Barbie might say, you betcha!

HOGAN KNOWS JUSTICE

2008-10-21T16:04:00.003-04:00

Nick Bollea, a.k.a. Nick Hogan was released from the Pinellas County Jail today. He was released 166 days into an eight month sentence, ostensibly for “good behavior.”

Good behavior is far from what landed the aspiring drift car racer in the can. Since receiving his drivers’ license, young Nick began amassing a series speeding tickets. Some kids collect comic books, Nick collected moving violations. That is, until the fateful August 2007 evening when he totaled his Toyota Supra, ensuring that his passenger, a U.S. Marine veteran and, um, “friend,” will slurp apple sauce for the remainder of his (now) pathetic existence.

But don’t worry about Nick. According to his mother Linda, “his focus is to make a positive difference in this world, media-free.”

Oh really. Here’s what Nick had to say a few short months ago…

Will you work on that reality deal for me and get that thing lined up so the minute I walk out of wherever I walk out of, it`s there, boom?

Let’s hear what The Hulkster has to say about his son’s new outlook on life… "He's very grateful, which is the highest frequency to be vibin’ on. He's very present which means he's walking in the spirit of Christ."

The Hulkster, apparently, is a veritable Santa Claus. You see, he knows who’s been naughty or nice. Dig this…

I don`t know what type of person John was or what he did to get himself in the situation. I know he was pretty aggressive and used to yell at people and used to do stuff. For some reason, man, God laid some heavy shit on that kid, man. I don`t know what he was into.

So there you have it. Another spin-off in the making. Only this time it won’t be called Hogan Knows Best. Call it Dysfunctional Family Ties.

EVERYONE LIKES A WINNER

2008-10-19T10:26:00.005-04:00

Especially this guy. As I furiously pound out this entry, Colin Powell is announcing his support for Barack Obama on Meet the Press. It's now tres chic to do so, even amongst the Conservative elite. Just ask the Chicago Tribune. Or that talk-radio radio wing-nut Michael Smerconish. Now don't get me wrong. I'm really, really pleased. But it reminds me of another prominent Obama endorsement.

Before John Edwards wrestled the mantle of chief Democratic whoremaster from former President Bill Clinton, his endorsement was coveted by both Obama and Hillary Clinton. Both made pilgrimages to his really, really modest North Carolina home. Once, as Donna Brazile might say, the Democratic Primary was "all over but the shouting," Edwards bounded onto a stage with his signature Mellencamp music blasting to endorse Obama. Not exactly a show of testicular fortitude (I know, bad Edwards metaphor).

Anyway, Powell's endorsement, while significant, is far from courageous. Not that he's shown much courage since he served as cheerleader-in-chief for George W. Bush at the 2000 G.O.P. convention. Or since he trumpeted false claims against Iraq at the UN.

It's funny, a true profile in political courage can be found right here in our backyard. Congressman Robert Wexler endorsed Barack Obama long before it was politically expedient to do so. And, given the overwhelming support for Hillary amongst the condos that comprise his base, it was down right risky.

As the election nears, candidates are talking a lot about American values. One of those core values is that when you risk something, you should be rewarded. Here's hoping that Congressman Wexler is rewarded by an Obama presidency and his star rises to national prominence. And that Colin Powell, who risked very little, is left to contemplate what's left of his tarnished legacy.

BLOGGER'S REMORSE

2008-10-19T08:33:00.002-04:00

Damm. I feel like part of the problem!

DISCO DICKHEAD

2008-10-17T22:24:00.001-04:00

Isn’t this a dance move once known as the “Funky Chicken?”

CAPTAIN CAVEMAN

2008-10-15T22:53:00.004-04:00

If there was any doubt, that was sure put to rest in tonite's debate. Especially when discussing a woman's right to choose. I didn't think McCain could be more out of touch on any issue other than the economy, but on abortion, he really out did himself. Whereas Obama talked about common ground between pro-choice and anti-choice Americans, McCain, after several litmus test denials, muttered sumthin' barely intelligible about judges that respected the sanctity of human life.

It remains to be seen however, at least from the debate, how McCain feels about the life of a pregnant woman. He may not care, since he "mocked" Senator Obama's position insisting on an exception to a late-term abortion ban that would protect the health of a woman. It would go to figure then, that he would similarly oppose an exception protecting the life of a woman as well. And he thinks pro-choice Americans are extreme? Sigh.

GUITAR HERO

2008-10-13T19:17:00.007-04:00

I'm psyched. Obama's up like 12 points nationally. The Dolphins no longer suck. And Mad Men is careening towards a riveting season finale. That's all good. But I'm looking forward to next weekend, which heralds the arrival of the top guitar player today.

Ooooooh. Yngve Malmstein, you say? Nah. We're talking Henry Garza, Jr. of Los Lonely Boys. He and his brothers are coming to Pompano Beach's Club Cinema (never been) next Friday nite. Get ready for the fuze. Blues, Rock, County, Pop. Labels don't apply for these guys. And Garza, Jr? He's a phenom. The song asks, "how far is Heaven?" On Friday, its as close as Pompano Beach.

UNFIT FOR MIDDLE RELIEF

2008-10-12T11:38:00.005-04:00

Forget the Vice-Presidency, at least for the moment. Let's saunter back thru APGG's archival past. In June 2008, we suggested that Marlins reliever and gopher ball specialist Logan Kensing ought to be tossed from the bullpen. Ol' Logan is mas macho. He likes to:

track wild hogs and coyotes with a helicopter hovering over his native Texas, then gun them down from above.

Sick, huh? Fast forward to August 2008, when John McCain introduces the world to the the Artic Assassin, Sarah Palin. She's quick with a wink and likes to say "you betchya!" No Fargo jokes, please. But she also shares a penchant for Logan's favorite pastime. Slaying animals from high above sea level.

In Alaska, they're sorely at a loss for wild hogs, so what's a lazy hunter to do? Chase prey by foot? That's so Teddy Roosevelt. Governor Palin has the answer. Kill wolves. And set about to promote it. In early 2007, Palin's administration approved an initiative to pay a $150 bounty to hunters who killed a wolf from an airplane in certain areas, hacked off the left foreleg, and brought in the appendage.

I mean, that's tourism. Can't you see the trailer parks across the Redneck Riviera of the gulf coast states reeving up for the long trek to Alaska for some, eh, wolf extermination? No longer will Alaskan cruise ship passengers be forced to disembark and take photos of silly totem poles. Soon, an optional excursion will whisk them away via plane for a wholesome game of wolf kill. Fun for the whole family and 25% off if you book thru Royal Caribbean.

Did I vote for McPalin? Nope. I voted by mail, and cast my ballot for Barack. But you know what, a part of me wanted to see her separated for the Alaska Governor's Mansion. Let's hope that a free and independent Alaska awaits in the not too distant future.

AQUA-JESUS

2008-10-10T20:47:00.002-04:00

Wait til' Bill Maher gets a load of this!

MAIL IT IN

2008-10-10T20:18:00.003-04:00

No, I'm not talking about what the Miami Heat did during the last half of the 2007-08 season (but man, did they ever). That's a story for another day. I'm referring to your ballot. Mine's in. Done. Finito. Tussle with a octogenarian poll worker? Not me. I voted in my boxers. You should too.

Think about it. Would you drive to Florida Power & Light, wait in an interminable line, go out of your way...to pay your electric bill? Of course not. Then why wouldn't you vote that very same way? Convenience. It's the American way. Making things easier on ourselves. And others.

They get the memo in Oregon. Five years after switching to an all Vote By Mail election, more than 80% of Oregon's voters prefered it to polling place elections, and more than 95% reported that they voted as often or more often under Vote By Mail.

In Flori-duh, of course it makes sense to take a flyer on this good idea. After all, what do we have to lose. After all, in Palm Beach County, they lost plenty of votes just last month. And I'm not talking metaphorically.

So, Obama has it right. We need change on Election Day. It just needs to be effectuated in the most efficient way - and in the comfort of our homes.

NO DEPRESSION

2008-10-09T08:32:00.004-04:00

If you're astute enough to recognize that the title of this blog is far from a narcissistic declaration, but a tribute to Chris Knight's great album, then I've got some really good news. The folks at No Depression have reopened for business!

What's No Depression? For starters, it's the title of Uncle Tupelo's great album that should be an essential part any music collection. But more to the point, it was, up until they published their last edition in 2007, the best magazine devoted to music in the world. Take that Rolling Stone.

The zine' fell victim to the mad rush of readers who flocked to the internet for their consumption of information. On any topic. In some way, APGG could be part of the problem. But no matter, they've reopened for business online. And they're promising to deliver the same long-form (think articles with a lot of words in em') feature stories that were the hallmark of their great publication. Roots rock aficionados rejoice. The holy grail is back, baby.

FIRST MONDAY IN OCTOBER

2008-10-06T16:20:00.005-04:00

If you listen to Barack Obama and John McCain, they’ll tell you this Presidential election is the most important one in modern history. And they’re entirely correct, except it’s not for the reasons they cite. Iraq? Nope. The Economy? Nah. Energy. Not even close. What is it? To paraphrase James Carville, it’s the courts, stupid.

Today is one of the most significant dates on the calendar. That is, if you’re an attorney or just a fan of good ol’ jurisprudence. It marks the opening of the annual Supreme Court term, during which some of the most important issues of our time have been addressed. Segregation, the Death Penalty, Abortion, Bush v. Gore. You name it.

The new President will have an awesome opportunity to put his own stamp on the Courts, either thru the appointment of Federal judges or Supreme Court Justices. John Paul Stevens is 88; Ruth Bader Ginsberg is 75; Anthony Kennedy and Antonin Scalia are 72; Steven Breyer is 70; and David Souter is 69. Holy lasting legacy, Batman!

Fortunately, we all know the Judges are above politics. After all, that’s why they’re appointed for life. Hogwash. There’s really no such thing as a Maverick (heh) on the court. They’ve all got a bent, whether it be conservative or liberal. Today’s Court is divided along 5-4 liberal/conservative lines. To be sure, the views of the Judges can surprise even the most jaundiced court-watchers and even the President who has appointed them. Consider William J. Brennan, the liberal lion, and favorite all-time Justice of APGG (here, the “A” stands for attorney). Who appointed him? Republican President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Even Justice David Souter, who was appointed by President Bush I is solidly in the liberal leaning camp.

So with this posting, I’m reaching out to those who are considering Obama, but sorta think he’s not just experienced enough. Don’t vote for Obama, vote for the courts. We’ve got a choice in this election. Turn back the clocks on women’s rights, gay rights, workers rights and just plain ol’ individual rights with John McCain, or take back the courts that have been politicized by the Bush administration. Remember the legal cannon, res ipsa loquitur. Translated from the Latin, it means “the thing itself speaks.” For itself.

WHEN BRUCE SPEAKS, APGG LISTENS

2008-10-05T17:16:00.002-04:00

October 4, 2008 - Philadelphia, PA

"Hello Philly,"I am glad to be here today for this voter registration drive and for Barack Obama, the next President of the United States.

"I've spent 35 years writing about America, its people, and the meaning of the American Promise. The Promise that was handed down to us, right here in this city from our founding fathers, with one instruction: Do your best to make these things real. Opportunity, equality, social and economic justice, a fair shake for all of our citizens, the American idea, as a positive influence, around the world for a more just and peaceful existence. These are the things that give our lives hope, shape, and meaning. They are the ties that bind us together and give us faith in our contract with one another.

"I've spent most of my creative life measuring the distance between that American promise and American reality. For many Americans, who are today losing their jobs, their homes, seeing their retirement funds disappear, who have no healthcare, or who have been abandoned in our inner cities. The distance between that promise and that reality has never been greater or more painful.

"I believe Senator Obama has taken the measure of that distance in his own life and in his work. I believe he understands, in his heart, the cost of that distance, in blood and suffering, in the lives of everyday Americans. I believe as president, he would work to restore that promise to so many of our fellow citizens who have justifiably lost faith in its meaning. After the disastrous administration of the past 8 years, we need someone to lead us in an American reclamation project. In my job, I travel the world, and occasionally play big stadiums, just like Senator Obama. I've continued to find, wherever I go, America remains a repository of people's hopes, possibilities, and desires, and that despite the terrible erosion to our standing around the world, accomplished by our recent administration, we remain, for many, a house of dreams. One thousand George Bushes and one thousand Dick Cheneys will never be able to tear that house down.

"They will, however, be leaving office, dropping the national tragedies of Katrina, Iraq, and our financial crisis in our laps. Our sacred house of dreams has been abused, looted, and left in a terrible state of disrepair. It needs care; it needs saving, it needs defending against those who would sell it down the river for power or a quick buck. It needs strong arms, hearts, and minds. It needs someone with Senator Obama's understanding, temperateness, deliberativeness, maturity, compassion, toughness, and faith, to help us rebuild our house once again. But most importantly, it needs us. You and me. To build that house with the generosity that is at the heart of the American spirit. A house that is truer and big enough to contain the hopes and dreams of all of our fellow citizens. That is where our future lies. We will rise or fall as a people by our ability to accomplish this task. Now I don't know about you, but I want that dream back, I want my America back, I want my country back.

"So now is the time to stand with Barack Obama and Joe Biden, roll up our sleeves, and come on up for the rising."

PRICELESS (PALIN)

2008-10-02T23:17:00.003-04:00

Priceless is not the punchline to a Master Card commercial. Priceless is the candidate who throws down the gauntlet early in a debate that she's not going to appropriately answer, uh, questions. Priceless is concurrently killing terrorists and building schools in Afghanistan. Priceless is confusing our Commander in Afghanistan, General David McKiernan, with Civil War General George McClellan. Nah, she has no idea who George McClellan was. Priceless is referring to the a Holocaust in the context of Israel when you govern a state with just over 3,000 Jews. Priceless is contemplating your service as a Special Needs Czar when you have no training in the area. Priceless is painting yourself as the next Dick Cheney. Priceless is calling Obama naive, when you don't even read newspapers (or at least remember the ones you read). Priceless is having no freaking idea what an Achilles Heel is - or what the phrase means. Priceless is Sarah Palin.

GO (WHITE) SOX

2008-09-30T11:55:00.003-04:00

Tonite, the Chicago White Sox play the Minnesota Twins in a playoff to determine the American League Central Division Championship. Guess who I'm rooting for?

Barack Obama earned the backing of White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen..."He has to be our president," he told the Chicago Tribune's Sox beat writer Mark Gonzales.

A PRESIDENTIAL IDEA

2008-09-28T20:52:00.002-04:00

Stop your multi-tasking and focus for a moment. Close your other browsers. End your IM session. This is the most important post in the short but storied history of this blog. That’s right.

I’m here to announce the APGG alterative to the ponderous format sanctioned by the Commission on Presidential Debates. I’m here to suggest a Presidential Job Examination. Call it a test, call it a quiz. Whatever. Here’s how it works.

Each candidate would be seated at a computer terminal with ergonomic keyboards. Flat screens. Seats would be real comfortable. For McCain, we’d incorporate assistive technology to support any residual disability from his war wounds. In other words, we’re ADA compliant.

Jim Lehrer would serve more as a proctor than moderator. He’d pass out a sheet, face down to each candidate, and ask them not to turn it over until asked. The rules would be explained. The sheet would contain six (6) short answer, fact pattern questions relating to Terrorism, the Economy, Health Care, Energy Policy, the Middle East and taxes. The candidates would be provided 30 minutes to review the questions and outline their answers. Then, for the remaining hour and a half, they would complete their answers on the computer. Their work, in real time, would be available to all Americans via television and the internet.

Pundits, of course, would be able to “comment” in real time. And voters would be able to see how smart the candidates really are. Imagine the fun that Colbert and Co. would have. Would we be looking for good grammar, spelling and syntax? You betcha. Do we want a President who can’t communicate effectively in writing? In the internet age, the fabled “red phone” will be cast aside for a direct email communiqué to Moscow.

The genesis of this idea came to me when John McCain suspended his campaign in order to return to Washington, DC and “work on the fiscal crisis.” I got to thinkin’. Work. What does that mean? Make speeches? Pontificate? Yell? It’s one thing to talk the talk, but to this blogger, the rubber hits the road when it comes to thinking under pressure. The APGG Presidential Job Examination will signal the end of debates as we know it and usher in a much more meaningful and important process. If only...

THE DEBATE CRITIQUE

2008-09-27T07:30:00.009-04:00

Granted, APGG has a pretty cushy perch in the blogisphere. I've got the luxury creating this from my home and at my (extreme) leisure. But, here's what I would have said, or wouldn't have said, last nite if I were Obama. If only.

Pointed out that the McCain Campaign is being run by lobbyists. Exclusively by lobbyists. Some maverick.
Mentioned the Keating Fucking Five. Repeatedly.
Talked about McCain's support for privatizing Social Security, a gambit given the meltdown of the fiscal markets.
Jettisoned the "fundamentals of the economy" line. Everyone's heard that. I'd remind people that McCain says "the issue of economics is something that I’ve really never understood as well as I should.”
Noted the sheer, unadulterated absurdity of shifting the burden of obtaining health care from employers to workers.
Praised McCain's military service, but listed the laundry list of votes casted by McCain against veterans health benefits.
Wondered aloud how McCain's war wounds would have healed if he was forced to rehabilitate at an asbestos-laden, disgusting shithole like Walter Reed Medical Center (ok, I wouldn't go that far, but you get the drift).
Explained to the American people that McCain's "friend" (who isn't his friend) Dr. Henry Kissinger is a mass-murderer guilty of crimes against humanity who makes Dick Cheney seem palitable.
Snatched the Israel high-ground from McCain by explaining how the Bush-McCain policies have destabilized the middle-east region like never before and placed Israel at it's greatest level of risk. Ever.

OK. My fill of Saturday am quarterbacking. He'll do better next time.

MCCAIN FEELS PRETTY

2008-09-25T21:56:00.002-04:00

SFDB reveals that John McCain has been channeling his inner John Edwards. (insert joke here)

CAN BROWARD'S JEWS BE DUPED?

2008-09-25T18:53:00.003-04:00

Yes, according to the Republican Party of Florida. My mailbox today contained, in addition to a $11.99, three-topping Domino's Pizza coupon, a flyer touting John McCain's credentials on Israel. It even had the requisite endorsement by ~~Jew~~ Joe Lieberman Now this smacks of "micro-targeting." Jewish last name, predominately Jewish zip code. According to the mailing, paid for by the Republican Party of Florida:

THE CHOICE IS CLEAR. ONLY JOHN MCCAIN HAS THE EXPERIENCE AND THE JUDGMENT NECESSARY TO HELP DEFEND ISRAEL FROM TERRORIST ATTACK.

Whoa. Heavy stuff for a guy who supports Middle-east policies that have destabilized Israel's "neighborhood" like never before. McCain, the guy who brags about shattering Roe v. Wade is trying to appeal to Jews? He selected Sarah Palin, who's never governed, let alone met a Jewish person. Me thinks we're smarter than that. Much smarter...

ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAY...

2008-09-21T20:33:00.002-04:00

A) Ronnie Brown can score five touchdowns.
B) The Patriots (and the Colts) can from the ranks of the invincible.
C) Chad Pennington can channel his inner Dan Marino.
D) Anthony Freaking Fasano can emerge as the second coming of Kellen Winslow.
E) All of the above.

THIS CAN'T BE GOOD FOR OBAMA

2008-09-18T22:25:00.003-04:00

The USA Today reports that 55% of Americans are officially off their collective rockers. Nah, that's not what the article said, but dats the jist. Over half of all Americans...

"Believe they have been protected from harm by a guardian angel"

As my peeps might say, oy vey! Why does this bode poorly for the Obama campaign? These are the same people who will see Sarah Palin as a heroine from one of the "Rapture" books. The same folks, who, like my (then) barber, saw John Kerry as "hostile to the Christian faith." Guess it doesn't matter if Bush, Cheney, McCain and Palin are "hostile to common sense!"

ROCK LIVES!

2008-09-14T17:36:00.003-04:00

Mercifully, it's alive and well and travelling the world in the form of the Drive-By Truckers. The road show came to Ft. Lauderdale and gave us townies a taste of the greatest touring band going. This is significant on a lot of levels. First, we just don't get many good shows. The live music scene here is abysmal, unless you're hip to Madonna, the Jonas Brothers or Merengue mega-stars that draw Saturday p.m. fans to Marlins games.

Secondly, there just aren't a lot of good rock bands any more. Rock has given way to a syrupy form of pop that sells of all things, ring tones. Are you kidding me? But have not fear. The great rockers of yesteryear? They're all channeled by the Truckers. Skynyrd. AC/DC. Molly Hatchett. Even Van Halen. Two of their albums stand out. Southern Rock Opera is the best concept album sine The Who's Tommy and Brighter than Dark's Creation gets my vote for best album of 2008.

So (hyperbole be dammed), the show was manna from heaven. 2 1/2 hours of pulsing rock from those who do it better than those who pioneered the freakin' genre. As Patterson Hood would say, Let There be Rock!

Oh, one more thing. During the encore, which was highlighted by Neil Young (Keep on Rockin' in the Free World) and Van Halen (Ain't Talkin' Bout Love) covers, PH encouraged the crowd, "Please don't elect that motherfucker to a third term!" Wonder who he was talkin bout? Pretty liberal for a kid from Florence, Alabama...

ON 9/11, THE GREAT LITTLE STEVEN

2008-09-11T06:48:00.007-04:00

Oh, you thought his character Silvio Dante from The Sopranos had balls? This was taped in 1984, when hyper-jingoism was de regur and if you didn't fall in with Reagan inspired patriotism, you were sorta ostracized from your friends, co-workers and community.

The Boss gets the glory, and deservedly so, for his efforts on behalf of peace and justice. But Little Steven has the guts. So today, on the anniversary of 9/11, watch him channel Jackson Browne's I am a Patriot into something more relevant today than ever before.

APPG'S FANTASY TEAM

2008-09-11T05:59:00.006-04:00

So the hated J-E-T-S won this weekend. The Fins suck, but if you listened to talk radio after the game, you'd think that because it was close, they won. Bullshit. Farve launched a gyroscopic touchdown pass that should have been picked off. It provided the margin of victory and that pisses me off.

No matter, there's one South Florida team that's 1-0 after the inaugural week of the season. Check out APGG's Fantasy Football roster.

QB's - Peyton Manning, Kurt Warner

RB's - Edgerin James, Brandon Jacobs, Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris

WR's - Randy Moss, Greg Jennings, Joey Gallaway, Devin Hester

TE's - Jeremy Shockey, LJ Smith

K - Steven Gostkowski, Matt Bryant

D's - Jacksonville, Buffalo

WILCO FOR CHANGE

2008-09-08T20:50:00.006-04:00

If you thought Jeff Tweedy was brilliant before, this ought to seal the deal.

ITALIAN STALLIONS

2008-09-06T11:10:00.003-04:00

APGG's been looking for a place to land in the cataclysmic event that the GOP steals a third consecutive Presidential election. Malta holds some big-time appeal. They take democracy super-seriously with 95% of the nation turning out for national elections. Venezuela is an intriguing choice. Chavez is such a lovable and progressive teddy-bear. Besides, who wouldn't want to pay $.09 for a gallon of gas?

But I've made my choice. We're hightailing to Pavia, Italy. I've always said I'd travel far n' wide to see a great Alt-Country band. I've walked the talk, having caught Ragweed in Austin and Reckless Kelly in OKC. I just never thought I'd be compelled to leave the country for Alt-County.

I'm talkin' about Lowlands and their first release, The Last Call. Ed Abbiati masterminds this rocker from a perch in Northern Italy and his creation is alternatively frantic and soulful. Through it all, it the lyrics are majestic. Think Dylan. Or the reigning lyrical master, Chris Knight.

I'm hoping to see more from this group and man, it would be a treat to catch them live. Just don't make me travel to Italy in order to see them. If enough people vote Obama-Biden, it'll be allright "in the end."

UNHOLY ALLIANCES

2008-09-04T07:17:00.006-04:00

So the GOP plan to win the 2008 Presidency is clear. It hinges on the establishment of an unholy alliance of freaks, cheapskates, single issue Israel voters and racists.

First, let's look at the freaks. They were on display last night en masse. They represent the Republican party base. A group that was floundering until their Lady Godiva appeared in the vision of Sarah Palin. These are the ones who cling to their End of Days books and are preparing for the inevitable rapture.

Next are the cheapskates who upset me the most because they know better. Most are well educated. Some are even pro-choice, believe in that pesky division between church and state and progressive on other social issues. They've got one big problem. They love money soooo much, that they'll cut off their nose to spite their face, not to mention their children's future. To save a few bucks on their tax bill. They're so smug, driving around in their BMW's, Mercedes', Audi's and gas-guzzling SUV's of all stripes. I know many of these people. And I hate them.

The single issue idiots are consumed by fear. They'll believe lies. Obama is a Muslim. Obama hates Israel. Obama french-kisses Ahmadinejad. If they would take a deep breath, they'd see that these lies (and they are lies, since Obama would be a better President for Israel) are promulgated by folks in the freak camp. Lieberman is fanning these flames. He ought to know better too.

Finally, the racists are out there. And it goes without saying, that they would vote for Krusty over a person of color.

So excuse me if I'm a bit fired up this fine day in September. I'm ahntoisht, but it will be a cold day in Hell before I lay down and let this unholy alliance run amouk in my county!

JUST SAY NO?

2008-09-01T23:01:00.004-04:00

So let me get this straight. The poster-girl of the month (Governor Palin) for abstinence-only education finds her 17 year old daughter pregnant. Should this topic be off limits? Perhaps the part about Bristol herself (me thinks Governor Palin was a fan of ESPN at some point). But in the context of a policy debate, this story should be highlighted in blue, underlined in red and circled in green.

A right-leaning pal emailed me tonite and said that if the Governor was a Democrat, she would have encouraged her daughter to have an abortion. Here's the thing. If she was a progressive thinker, from either party, she'd support age-appropriate sex education which includes introducing a full range of contraceptive choices, and guess what, Bristol wouldn't be a teen baby-mama to be. Check out the photo. She'll have her hands full. In more ways than one.

FANFARE FOR THE COMMON MAN?

2008-08-31T12:06:00.003-04:00

I've stood in longtime opposition to a new stadium for the Florida Marlins. After all, I work in both human services and politics, giving me a unique perspective on critical unmet needs in our state. I'm also a bit Broward-centric and can't help but cringe at the thought of schleping to the site of the former Orange Bowl after a long day of saving the universe. I now realize that both of these reasons are bunk. I'm adverse to a new stadium cuz there's no way I could afford to go.

The in-thing in stadium construction is personal seat licences. The Super Bowl Champion New York Giants are charging season ticket holders $1,000 to $20,000 a seat for personal seat licenses and once fans buy them, they'll still have to pay from $85 to $700 a ticket. The New York Mets once stood in scrappy contrast to the glitterati of the Yankees, but with season tickets ranging from $125 to $225 a game, their seats will be filled with Chardonnay creatures, not bleacher creatures.

In fairness, I'm a season ticket holder of the Dolphins, not the Marlins. But make no mistake about it, Lauria and Samson will pass along the cost of the stadium to single game attendees as well. I've seen my Fins tix rise over 50% as the their win total has plummeted over 500% during that same period. One thing is for sure, fandom sure ain't for the common man anymore...

MEET SARAH PALIN

2008-08-29T21:02:00.003-04:00

Me think she makes Dick Cheney seem like Papa Smurf. What do you think?

GO KENDRICK GO!

2008-08-27T21:01:00.000-04:00

Grrrrrreat introduction of Bill Clinton!

GREAT SEATS, EH BUDDY?

2008-08-27T20:48:00.002-04:00

Check out Florida Senator Bill Nelson sitting right behind Chelsea and Hillary tonite. Think Florida isn't important to the Dems?

Also, my choice for Veep is speaking right now. Jack Reed. Not to worry, I vented last week. I'm 100% behind "Give 'em Hell Biden!"

CHUCK TODD IS SO NOT INVITED

2008-08-27T18:27:00.003-04:00

I dunno, sumthin' tells me that Chuck Todd won't be on the guest list for Charlie's wedding. Check out Andrea Mitchell joining in the guffaws.

WHAT A RACE IN SOUTH COUNTY

2008-08-26T23:07:00.007-04:00

UPDATE: Sobel wins!

This one was as advertised. Kenny, Tim and Eleanor goin' down to the wire to replace Steve Geller. Six percentage points seperates the pack with 75% reporting. Each of them would make an awesome Senator, but it looks like Sobel will retain her slight edge.

Hazelle Rogers is on her way to Tallahassee. That's cool. APGG is a huge supporter. Just saw that Josephus Eggelletion, Jr. is crusing to victory. Voters in Commission District 9 are either nutz or simply don't read the New Times.

WHERE'S WILLARD SCOTT?

2008-08-26T23:00:00.004-04:00

This is my 100th posting. Who'da thunk it. And what a way to celebrate. By watchin' Hillary say all the right things!

I'M UNDERWHELMED

2008-08-23T09:53:00.004-04:00

Feh!

KINGS POINT BLUES?

2008-08-21T21:22:00.005-04:00

Hillary Clinton, reporting for duty? Campaigner-in-chief? I dunno. APGG received a pretty reliable spy-report from someone with a front-row seat at today's Clinton speech to 1,500+ seniors at Kings Point in Tamarac. Seems that while Hill said all the right things, she lacked entusiasm and energy. Granted, it's not an easy grind. And it must be hard to stump on behalf of someone you've sorta deamonized. But still, this was about party, the Democratic Party. An attempt to repair-the-breach and energize voters who aren't sold on Obama. These seniors may not see like they used to, but they can sense candor. And from what I heard this afternoon, Hillary must have been saving sumthin' for Denver. I sure hope so...

FOOD PORN

2008-08-20T20:40:00.003-04:00

Eh. I bet youz were expecting some punditry in this space. Nah, just a mid-week restaurant review. Maybe I'll make it a regular feature. Well, we begin with our take dinner from Friday. Went to Toa Toa in Sunrise at the suggestion of APGI (A Pretty Good In-laws). It's located in an unassuming Pine Island Dr. strip mall that we've been to a million times. It was the hot spot when APGW and I were dating because the Sunrise 11 offered, in addition to really cool indie and foreign films, drum roll please...free popcorn!

Regrettably, we never ventured to the south side of da mall where dim sum greatness awaits. Truth be told, the area seemed kind of tired. Still does. Imagine how jazzed I was to discover dim sum greatness!

We started with Won Ton soups. The broth was medium strength and while the (two) won-tons were small, they were obviously hand crafted with TLC. Then came the signature dim sum - Steamed Pork Buns. They rivaled Chinatown in the Big Apple. The bun was sweet as cake and the pork was as advertised - pork. No grissle.

Shrimp Dumplings followed, and they were cased in a translucent wrapper that allowed the shrimp to shine as thru. And shine it did. Amazingly fresh and filling. Our guilty pleasure, the Fried Dumplings were delicious. Pan Fried and crunchy, the accompanying sauce t'was awesome too. Mad props for the generous portions and the low prices. We got out for less than $20. Stick that in yer wok and stir it, Rachel Ray!

THE BAFFLING BUZZ 'BOUT BIDEN

2008-08-19T19:08:00.004-04:00

So I've thought about it and thought about it. It doesn't make sense. Joe Biden as Veep? Anyone who thinks this guy knows how to play second banana is, well, bananas! Sure, he's perched atop the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, but what Obama needs is someone who served. Someone who gets the military thing, you know?

Traditionally, the running-mate serves as the attack dog for the campaign. He, eh, or she, slings deh zingers that are perhaps too unseemly for the nominee. Well here's the thing, Biden has always been more show dog than attack dog. And therein lies the problem. Anyone who's ever flipped channels on Sunday morning knows about Biden's proclivity towards self-love. Even by Washington standards he's affected. I dunno, this isn't gonna be good for Obama. Having said that, if he's the choice, I'll work like the dickens to see that, ewwwwww, Joe Biden is elected Vice President of the United States!

Update: I just took a gander at The Google and typed in "Biden Blowhard." Check out Biden's blather from 18 years ago.

SEND 'EM ALL HERE

2008-08-17T22:58:00.005-04:00

An actual conversation from last nite:

APGP (A Pretty Good Pal): "So, why isn't Obama creaming McCain by double digits? What's wrong with him.

APGG: Eh, see what I post tomorrow morning *here.

*This is a must read. Step away from the coverage of Tropical Storm Faye.

JUSTICE FOR NICK

2008-08-16T09:12:00.006-04:00

Because you read APGG, you're APSG (A Pretty Smart Guy) and as you may have guessed, Nick is a Jack Russell. Regrettably, he was seen getting pummelled mercilessly by my friend Leslie Mann. Who cares? The great Michael Mayo does. And he chronicled the sordid tale here. The Ft. Lauderdale police, however, is a different story. They treated the case with callous indifference, despite this pesky *law.

*Broward County Animal Care Ordinance Chapter 4, Section 4-17 which defines cruelty to Animals as: "Any person who beats, cruelly ill-treats, torments, overloads, overworks or otherwise abuses an Animal or intentionally causes such Animal to be mutilated or inhumanely killed, or causes the same to be done, or otherwise treats an Animal in a cruel or inhumane manner, shall be deemed to be in violation of this section."

CAPITOL PUNISHMENT

2008-08-15T06:26:00.003-04:00

Like Florida's Capitol doesn't have enough problems. First, the place is objectively and anatomically phallic, probably even more so than the better-known Washington Monument. Secondly, and most importantly, it's a proverbial hen-house being guarded by foxes. Republicans in the House outnumber Dems 78-42, and in the Senate, the GOP leads 26-14, one short of two-thirds.

So what does this mean for Florida's future? The folks here have a pretty good idea. But thanks to the incredibly shrinking Capital Press Corps, they may be the only ones. While the state budget gets balanced on the already broken backs of families who are struggling at the margins of survival, Florida's major newspapers are scaling back their coverage of the Legislature.

Now I don't wanna launch into hyperbole, but this will be devastating to Floridians. What happens in Tallahassee is nuanced by folks who know what they're doing and it takes skilled and experienced reporters to sort our, eh, the truth. According to Broward Senator Nan Rich, if there are no reporters to challenge the information that agencies put out:

The truth gets lost, if it gets out at all.

APGG agrees. Read more here.

WITH FRIENDS LIKE THESE, WHO NEEDS REPUBLICANS?

2008-08-15T06:18:00.002-04:00

If there was ever a poster-child for ignorance, insolence and stupidity. Mark Penn on Barack Obama.

"All of these articles about his boyhood in Indonesia and his life in Hawaii are geared towards showing his background is diverse, multicultural andputting that in a new light. Save it for 2050."

TURNING THE OTHER CHEEK

2008-08-11T19:56:00.005-04:00

The new, improved version of APGG 2.0 has pledged to be a bit less sanctimonious and preachy, so I hope I don't need to remind you that this is what a hero looks like. Not Kobe. Not LeBron. Not even that swimming dude, uh, Phelps.

It's Joey Cheek, who after winning Gold at the 2006 Winter Olympics, turned his celebrity into something meaningful. Not for himself, but for mankind. And in particular, the victims of Genocide in Darfur. Curiously enough, that pisses people off. And at the top of that list, are members of the Chinese Government.

As a major trading partner of the Sudanese government, the Chinese are in the proverbial catbirds seat when it comes to doin' sumthin about Darfur. They could leverage immeasurable power on the Sudanese to pursue peace without firing a single shot. Instead they chose hope. Yeah, they hope the problem will just get swept under the rug. The folks at NBC are certainly complicit. I dunno. Me thinks these games should have been boycotted, or played at a more progressive location. Like Pyongyang.

MORE MILES THAN MELLENCAMP

2008-08-08T19:46:00.004-04:00

For the love of Jesus, Jah and Jaweh, can Obama really give serious conderation to Kenny G (see above) as his running mate? I'm not sure a more disqualifying photo has appeared sans genitalia. They eviserated Dukakis over the tank thing. Heh, imagine what they'll do to Mr. "Smooth Jazz."

WHICH AMERICA DOES SHE LIVE IN?

2008-08-08T18:10:00.002-04:00

Probably the one whose denizens sleep on 1,200 thread count sheets and have no qualms about sleeping with someone scummy enough to cheat on his cancer stricken wife.

BUTTERWORTH RESIGNS

2008-07-29T09:46:00.006-04:00

Bob Butterworth resigned this morning. He will go down as the gold-standard for DCF Secretary's in Florida. He placed children above politics and the safety and success of Florida's most vulnerable children was his mission during his 19-month tenure.

THE ABSURDITY OF IT ALL

2008-07-28T15:08:00.003-04:00

I'm watchin John McCain making a live statement in Bakersfield, CA in the backdrop of, you guessed it, a workin oil rig. Watch it go up, down, up, down. Really weird stuff. Then, he begins to extol the virtues of nuclear power ands all the jobs it will bring to "ordinary Americans." He's going in the wrong direction! While the rest of the nation is going green, this guy is hearkening back to the days of Standard Oil.

VIVE LA FRANCE

2008-07-28T11:14:00.004-04:00

If you haven't sauntered over to Kartik's World recently, you really should. But put your thinking cap on first. He makes the astute observation that the arrogance offered by American conservatives, the same kind that has led to the morass(es) both domestically and in Iraq, has played out before. And led to the defeat of France in WWII.

ROCK YER FACE OFF WITH THIS, YO

2008-07-27T09:58:00.004-04:00

The pillars upon which this blog is built, are

Politics;
South Florida Sports; and,
Roots Rock.

When it comes to Roots Rock, the rock always trumps the roots. So...accept this this inviation to, eh, rock. Roots be dammed. Enjoy. Thank me later.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

2008-07-26T06:44:00.003-04:00

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel published an insightful Letter to the Editor in today's paper. The author seems like A Pretty Good Guy.

Your headline on Tuesday, "An independent point of view," described Sen. Joe Lieberman's recent visit to a Surfside synagogue on behalf of Sen. John McCain's presidential bid. Nothing, however, could be further from the truth. By cheerleading for the war in Iraq, supporting strikes against Iran, voting to confirm anti-choice judges and leading the fight for school vouchers, Lieberman is less of an independent voice and more of a wholly owned subsidiary of Bush Inc.

DOGGIE STYLE IN BROWARD

2008-07-25T15:06:00.005-04:00

Yum. For all of Broward's faults, and they are legion, there is something to celebrate. We're home to a lot of damm good hot dog joints. I've tasted pretty good dogs in different areas of the county, and in just a moment, I'm gonna announce my wiener, I mean winner!

But first, something to whet your appetite. If you haven't seen the nine-year-old, but timeless PBS Documentary A Hot Dog Program, set your DVR. Now! You'll see hot dogs that range from classic to exotic to downright nasty. Viva la preferencias!

I could wax on and on about this subject, but I'll spare ya. Announcing, the APGG Top Three Dogs in Broward.

3. Dogma Grill: Here in Broward, we've benefited from this recent import from Miami-Dade. Despite a bit of retro-flash, they serve a solid dog. If you like your weenie finished on the grill, this could be your choice.

2. Costco Food Court: Ok, before you start leavin' me comments like, are you ^*$#@ high, let me explain. For $1.50, Costco serves up a quality meal-busting dog and a soda. The thing is huge. For a long time, I've felt that it was too huge. But then I grew up and realized that this perfectly spiced Kosher dog (see it modeling above) is the best kept secret in town. Any town! Recently, they even upgraded their bun! That's a commitment to quality.

1. Big City Dogs: Congratulations to the team at BCD (on Commercial Blvd., east of I-95) the recipient of APGG's Best Dog in Broward. Why do they rock? Let me count the ways. First, they're cool. My main man (deh owner) who's name escapes me at the moment, exudes Philly/NY, but is far from obnoxious about it. At a lot of faux-Chicago joints, they treat you like shit and you're supposed to chalk that up to the experience. Huh? Secondly, it's literally cool for an walk-up lunch spot. The extra-blasting fans allow for a quick on-the-spot meal that you don't have to take back to the office. Finally, and of course the main reason for bestowing this high honor, is the food. The dog is served fresh and the chili simply rocks. I love a good chili dog, but alas it's hard to find. Well, I've come home to BCD, where it's all served on a steamed bun that won't scold your hand off. Of course their menu stretches from here to Melbourne (Australia, not Florida), but amongst the highlights are the Jersey Ripper, if you have to ask, watch the Documentary, and a dog wrapped with lots of glorious bacon. The fries rule as well. Wash it all down with a Birch Beer. It's all good. Who knows, you may run into you Cardiologist!

DANKE SCHOEN, DEUTSCHLAND!

2008-07-24T18:48:00.002-04:00

200,000+ WOW!

TEA FOR CHANGE

2008-07-22T22:29:00.004-04:00

I know what you're thinking. Milan, right? Nah. Try Coral Springs. This weekend, Heron Bay was the site of one of the most creative and down-right different political fundraising events in the nation. Tea for Change was the brainchild of Sandra Bernard-Bastien. In addition to being a community activist and author, she's a really big fan of Barack Obama. So, with her childhood friend Joanne Straatsma, these Trinis, yes, that's Trinidad and Tobago hosted a tea party to raise funds for Obama for America. And a tea party wouldn't be complete without a fashion show, eh, see above. It attracted Broward Vice-Mayor Stacy Ritter and many other local glitterati. What an amazing event! Still not convinced? Check out the pics!

WHAT'S LEFT OF THE SUN-SENTINEL?

2008-07-21T12:20:00.005-04:00

Growing up, I kinda dug South Florida. It seemed like a real place. Cities, sports franchises and what I thought was one of the coolest trappings of all, genuine newspapers. I'd go visit APGC (A Pretty Good Cousin) in Tallahassee and laugh at The Tallahassee Democrat. It seemed like they had no local columnists or reporters. Either that or their most prolific journalist went by the first name "Associated" and last name of "Press."

Later, after the internet, I'd admonish my pals as they one-by-one decided to jettison their newspaper subscriptions to the Sun-Sentinel, PB Post, Herald, whatever, in favor of checking out articles on-line.

Today, I gotta say that I can't blame them. Sure, I still subscribe to the local paper and since swearing off gambling (eh, for the most part) and drugs (eh, for the most part), pouring thru the pages of the Sunday New York Times is about the guiltiest pleasure I have. But check out today's editorial section of the Sun-Sentinel. There's one - count them - one editorial! And it's about freaking algae! Some things you can't make up.

Earlier this month, fellow blogger and Rudderless Tourista Andrew Leone and I were bemoning the "incredibly shrinking editorial page" when the whole section went from two full pages of editorial commentary (editorials, letters and, op/eds and columns) to one-and-a-half pages of content and a half-page of the sale de jour at Dillard's. Having just one editoral comment takes things to a new low. We're well on our way to becoming Mayberry. Guess I'll be grabbing the Sun-Sentinel at Floyd's barber shop.

BEASTS OF THE (NFC) EAST

2008-07-20T22:36:00.004-04:00

So let's take stock. We've got Zach Thomas playing for the Dallas Cowboys this season. And now Jason Taylor will be suitin' up for Deh Skins in the Fall. Let's not forget about Sam Madison, who's been busy shining his Super Bowl ring during the off-season. Three guys who sorta embodied the Dolphins franchise are in the NFC East. Yeah, someday Wayne-o will have them back wearing deh ghastly Aqua blazer when they induct so-and-so into the Dolphins Stadium ring o' fame. But for now, they're gone. To greener pastures, of course. In the meantime, mark your calendars for September 28, when bro-in-law Cowboy hosts bro-in-law Redskin here. Let the hype begin.

Oh, if you did click on here, tell me. Does the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium look like it belongs in Gotham City, or what?

DEH ONE TRICK PONY

2008-07-20T18:22:00.005-04:00

Mad props to the South Florida Daily Blog for bringing this one to APGG's attention. And you can knock me over with a feather. A Congressional candidate from Miami using Paul Simon in a TV ad. And a credible candidate at that. Increíble! Come to think of it, they could have channeled Bob Dylan, cuz in Miami's Cuban community, the Times They Are A-Changin'.

So we wish Joe Garcia well in his quest to unseat Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Cuba). He, along with Raul Martinez, who's waging a strong fight against the other interchangeable Diaz-Balart, are on the precipice of comin' thru with some real meaningful change for Miami. Bout' time.

LEATHERFACE BEHIND CENTER?

2008-07-17T07:01:00.002-04:00

Who knew that the Miami Dolphins were planning to hand the QB position to a campy and ubiquitous horror star from the 1970's? This news ought to really please deh Tuna, eh?