Dollarshort

Barack Obama, Friend to Three-Legged Dogs

Three items (and a photo) that may be of interest to those who might still need to be persuaded to vote for Obama. [1]

Humane Society Legisslative Fund Endorses Obama/Biden.

While we've endorsed hundreds of congressional candidates for election, both Democrats and Republicans, we've never before endorsed a presidential candidate. We have members on the left, in the center, and on the right, and we knew it could be controversial to choose either party's candidate for the top office in the nation. But in an era of sweeping presidential power, we must weigh in on this most important political race in the country. Standing on the sidelines is no longer an option for us.

Best Friends Animal Society (my favorite animal-centric charitable organization) recently started a petition to get the Obama family to adopt a rescue animal. After 50,000 signatures, Michelle Obama confirmed that they would be adopting a rescue.

Finally, the poodle pictured in the photo with Obama is Baby. She was rescued after ten years in a puppy mill and is the subject of this book. Obama's political mentor -- Dick Durbin -- is the author of a federal bill to stop the practice of puppy mills. Obama appears in the book as a supporter of Baby and this cause.

[1] Yes, this post is for my mom.

Oh, Snap, Lloyd Bentsen!

Even though I was only 11, I can remember watching news reports (and possibly the actual debate) about that famous Lloyd Bentsen diss in the 1988 Vice-Presidential debate. You know the one:  "Senator, I served with Jack Kennedy: I knew Jack Kennedy; Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy." Of course, it was all lost on a child at the time.

As a kid, I didn't note/grasp the Quayle reaction. Now, it's quite interesting to see this back and forth after watching the insanely controlled debates of this year. Sure, McCain looks angry in the debates but he doesn't look as angry/traumatized/insulted/humiliated as Qualye in the following clip.

Bush/Quayle maintained their lead and we all know who won that election. It just goes to show that those who get the zingers in don't necessary win the prize.

Introducing John McCain's Signature Pose!

Having the presidential debate air on a Wednesday and right before America's Next Top Model (boo! clip show!) threw me for a loop. I can only imagine what would happen to McCain's poll numbers if he was to adopt this stance as his signature pose.

There are so many good reasons not to vote for McCain/Palin in November. But, certainly, this silly face isn't one of them -- especially considering it was a "I goof" gesture and nothing sinister or mocking. Still, it's so ridiculous, I laugh every time I see it. 

Fierce!

Jill Greenberg's Photographs

Jill Greenberg recently made headlines for her intentionally unflattering photographs she took of John McCain for the cover of The Atlantic (and seemingly for her own personal use). Even though I don't want McCain in the White House, this unprofessional behavior only makes McCain a sympathetic [1] (or pathetic) character. 

That said, when this news happened,  I got to discover Greenberg's captivating portfolio of work. You've probably seen many of her photos before -- from magazine covers to celebrity portraits. But what I loved the most was her portraits of apes and monkeys. Unfortunately, due to Flash, I can't provide a permalink for that particular section of her portfolio. Just browse portfolio, then hover over second row of images and navigate to apes and monkeys. Totally stunning!

[1] I felt bad for the guy, yes. Sort of like when you think an older person is being picked on or made fun of. Like when we're driving and I'm mad at a driver doing something stupid and then I see them and realize it's probably somebody's grandparent. But, seriously, a president should not even be potentially sad enough to make me feel this way. That's just not right.

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It's Sad Because it's True

From the Onion:

Parents of Obama Volunteer Couldn't be More Proud, Sick of Son

Lowe, who spends up to 40 hours a week sending e-mails, making phone calls, and engaging complete strangers in drawn-out discussions about Obama's message of hope as he canvasses door-to-door, is expected to cost the Democratic nominee some 15,000 votes.

Despite the fact that my parents are Republicans and we avoid talking politics at all costs, I've been shameless in trying to woo them to the blue side. So much so that when I told my mom that I was making Penelope's first birthday a fundraiser for Obama, she actually believed me.