I’m one of those Americans sometimes characterized as “center right,” but my “rightness” tends to be more of a libertarian tinge than a desire to control my neighbors’ worship patterns or sexual choices, so I am obviously not “right” in the way some current Republican-right blatherers would like me to be. Whatever. Ideological leanings aside, one thing I expect from my federal government — and have not gotten during the Bush years — is competence. I want a government that can handle the common defense, maintain the Interstate Highway system, react swiftly and efficiently to natural disasters such as hurricanes, and generally take care of its business in an intelligent manner. And so far, it looks as if Barack Obama is choosing cabinet members and other advisors who are capable of doing this.
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That’s right, neocon White People. It’s payback time!

I did not make this video. Just linkin’ to it…

There is always something new to see at Studio 14eleven, an Artists Studio and Gallery with a personal approach to exhibiting original contemporary art, cards and unique creative gifts. We are run by resident artists Dean Arscott and Perry deVick (recent graduates of Ringling College of Art & Design) who present their own work as well as exciting new art by emerging guest artists. We also provide demos & workshops. Open for ArtWalks, Village events, & by appointment.

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Sabine Musil-Buehler is missing. A mutual friend has asked me to spread the word; to see if anyone out there (you?) knows what happened to her. You can learn more about her disapperance from articles in the Bradenton Herald and Sarasota Herald Tribune.

If you have any information, please contact the sheriff’s office through the phone number that appears in both articles or call Crimestoppers @ (866) 634-TIPS.

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Read more at Linux.com.

There was only one early voting location in Manatee County, Florida, so lines were long. People accepted the waits with good grace, though. Video includes interviews with voters waiting in line and both Republican and Democratic party activists.

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This is an experiment in opening nice, big widescreen video in a new window from a small thumbnail. Cute, eh?

Tamara and Xavier left Cuba six years ago, but instead of going to Florida they ended up on Curacao, where their band plays Cuban music for locals, fellow Cuban emigres, and even for tourists from Europe and North America. (This was shot with a Sony A1U with infrared “night vision” in almost no light; I greyscaled the dance floor shots in Sony Vegas to give them a retro/film look.)

With all the rancor in the current presidential campaign, it’s easy to forget that both major candidates are basically decent human beings. But they are. And once the election is over, one will be President and the other will still be in the Senate, and I’m sure that — even though they disagree on many issues — they will work together to make this country a better place for all of us.