Stephen Colbert Takes on the World, Or At Least South Carolina
In part two of my ongoing series on Stephen Colbert’s mockery of our electoral system I’m brining the blog up to date regarding the comedians latest exploits. Last time we focused on the formation of Colbert’s PAC and super PAC, but in this point we’ll focus on the role his latest Presidential run plays into his parody.
Although Colbert did run for President briefly in 2007 his 2012 mock bid is set to be better funded and executed thanks primarily to his super PAC, Citizens For a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow. Because of the run (and in accordance with the rules governing campaign spending) Colbert’s super PAC is no longer affiliated directly with the comedian. Colbert has instead handed over the PAC to his former boss and current Comedy Central colleague, Jon Stewart, who has since changed the PAC’s name to The Definitely Not Coordinating With Stephen Colbert Super PAC.
Due to the change and Colbert’s run the comedy duo has been able to make fun of the loose regulations that stop campaigns from coordinating with the PACs supporting them. In a campaign season flooded by attack ads largely funded by super PACs this viewer education may yet effect how voters relate to PACs.
On Tuesday’s episode of “The Daily Show” Colbert dropped by to answer some of Jon’s questions and to “not coordinate” with Stewart on how best to spend the super PAC’s money. Although FEC rules do restrict coordination between campaigns and candidates, those rules are mostly bogus and not strictly enforced—despite what Mitt Romney may say. The lack of real rules allowed Colbert and Stewart (with their lawyers permission) to discuss the super PACs business just as long as Colbert didn’t give any concrete instructions.
Even if Stewart and Colbert do get accused of coordinating they won’t go to jail or even spend a day in court. Most likely they’d get a small fine of 4 or 5 figures—luckily they’re free to spend super PAC money to pay them off.
Stephen Colbert Makes A Mockery Out of You—And Maybe Me
More than any so-called advocate’ today Stephen Colbert’ has illuminated flaws and inconsistencies in the U.S. electoral process—and provided a few laughs along the way. Corbert’s journey to showcase the worst of our regulation system doesn’t seem to have a clear end in sight; in light of that I’m going to be doing periodic updates on his journey to become President (of South Carolina) and beyond.
To set the scene for this series (and to update those who might be completely out of the loop) I’m doing a bit of history lesson on how the parody began and what might come next.
Part One: Colbert Explains PACs 101
In late March 2011 announced on the Colbert Report that he’d be forming a PAC or political action committee to influence the 2012 elections. Like television pundits Sarah Palin and Mike Huckabee before him the comedian determined that “If you wanna be a political playa in 2012, you need a PAC,”
Most of the past year has been spent educating his viewers first hand on the seemingly unlimited powers he’s been granted first as the owner f the Colbert PAC and then as the owner of the Colbert super PAC. Through the show Colbert’s exposed many of the dangers that lax campaign finance laws create; secret contributions by small groups of big money donors, coordination between campaigns and ‘independent’ supporter groups, media exemptions that allow unequal time.
In the lead up to a Presidential election year Colbert’s lessons have begun playing out in real time. The Romney campaign and the American Crossroads super PAC associated with conservative strategist Karl Rove have garnered headlines for actions that while slightly unseemly are completely legal in a post Citizens United World.
What started as a parody of the system may lead to it’s eventual change as watchdog groups Democracy 21 and the Campaign Legal Center argue that Colbert’s actions are an example of how regulation loopholes can be interpreted by candidates. In a way Colbert may prove his super Pac right and help make ‘a better tomorrow, tomorrow.’
Four Sites That Were Destined To Exist
Some things are simply meant to be. They show up on the Internet and you become so hooked you don’t know how you survived without them—or why you’d want to. Below are a few of the sites that were always going to happen.
A marketplace for the baggage left over from past relationships—minus the emotional kind.
This startup site provides a place for a place that gives users a way to get rid of unneeded items, usually at a discounted “break up” price. If it takes off it could be a great new location for bargain shoppers. At the moment the featured listing include a vintage copper fondue set and a leather jacket worth $75 and $70 in real life, but only $40 and $15 in breakup pricing.
If more users flock to the site and choose to keep writing humorous descriptions of their breakups and the items they sale this site could become an awesome little community.
Pintrest is kind of like your mom’s Tumblr. It provides a place to organize and share online images that you find interesting or affecting. My aunt uses it to find new recipes and craft ideas for her kids and since signing up (it’s invitation only at this point) I’ve seen everything from “best gifts for boyfriends” to Somecards screenshots.
The main differences from Tumblr to Pintrest are that all uploaded items are known as Pins, which each user can place on customized Boards. You can create Boards for any topic imaginable.
If you’re interested check out this Beginners Guide to Pintrest.
Possibly one of the simplest and easiest flight searches I’ve used. Hipmunk provides not only the traditional search options, but also options for those who need other options to search by how much ‘agony’ they’ll endure from each flight, to search by airline, or the ability to show flights that are ‘worse’ but slightly cheaper than your thriftiest option.
The site gets provides more helpful hints ranging from “times that at night are darker” and “we hide flights that are worse” the more often you search.
This one isn’t technically a website but it’s certainly an app that was destined to exist. This app (made for Android and iPhone) allows users to finally stop drunk texting for good. A built in timer forces users to block out the phone numbers/email addresses of those you really shouldn’t text at 2am.
Decoding The Jobs Report
Job gains in the U.S. got a boost on Friday when the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the latest jobs data. Last month’s unemployment rate unexpectedly fell to its lowest level since March 2009 down to 8.6% from 9%. That translates to about 120K jobs added in November. This and the other indicators provided by the report highlights an economy possibly on the rise—if you know how to read it.
For many of us analysis came from newspapers around the country most of which provided commentary on the headline number. What’s the new rate? The other factor’s U-3, U-6, payrolls, etc. aren’t as heavily reported on, but are ultimately more important in understanding the environment.
Firstly remember there are many different ways to measure unemployment. 
Payrolls:
The establishment payroll survey report is based on a survey of approximately 140,000 businesses and government agencies. The statists they collect are monthly statements of employment, hours, earnings for both the U.S. as a whole, individual states, and major cities. It’ often thought to be more accurate than the overall jobs number.
U-3: Official Rate
Those who want or are able to work, but can’t find a job. Underemployment is not counted in this official number because workers are gaining some income, though often not enough to support them.
U-6: Underemployed Rate
Measures employees working part time when wanting to work full time. The current underemployment measure is 15.6% from 16.2%. If you work one hour a week at a minimum wage job you’re not unemployed (U-3) but you are underemployed (U-6)
For other looks at the jobs number and a bit more specific commentary please check out Time, Salon, and the Christian Science Monitor.
Serious Problems with Siri
I’ll admit it. I’m an iPhone 4 user not an iPhone 4S user so I don’t use Siri; I can’t actually, it isn’t compatible with my phone. For a while I was moderately upset about this. With all the cool updates that users get to experience regardless of which phone they have Siri seemed to be the most innovative an non universally available product Apple has created in some time.
The sting wore off though, especially after reports of the kind of information Siri is programmed to know (and not to know) started to show up in my Google news feed. And on Twitter. And Facebook. And Tumblr and every other cavern of the Internet I regularly track. The story was everywhere.
Siri doesn’t know much about women, or at least not information hat appears to be provided from the perspective of women. Siri may be able to tell you where the nearest locksmith is located or how to find an escort it can’t tell you anything about women’s health care. Note I said women’s health care not men’s. Siri’s voice activation also knows that drugstores sell Viagra, but ask about birth control and it comes up empty. Same goes for abortion clinics.
Regardless of whether the oversight is just that an oversight made out of neglect and not malice it’s still unacceptable and speaks to a broader issue. It means that programmers spent more time teaching Siri lame jokes than incorporating information about and for half the population.
The Top Four Most Affecting Blogs
While reading some of my favorite blogs this week I realized that at their best they can make you tear up with laughter or go mute with sadness.
Some touch your soul and make you feel all sorts of things; joy, sadness, hope. The emotional connection that these writers showcase is almost painful it’s so honest… and earnest.
Here are some of my favorites.
#1: Dear Old Love
The site is essentially a laundry lists of short notes submitted to the site about people they’ve loved. The notes aren’t just angry or bitter or sad; though they certainly are that, but also beautiful in a way. There’s prose and a simplicity of language that’s compelling. The best posts speak to a longing that everyone feels, broken heart or not.
#2: An Earnest Attempt to Humanize Bullies Pt 1-3
Not only is RookieMag a great place to hang out in cyber space, but the series takes on a sensitive topic and handles it in a gorgeous way. It talks seriously about bullying, victims, and bullies themselves through the voices of past bullies. It’s provided a place were it’s safe to voice your most horrible moments—and seek forgiveness.
This Tumblr blog gives a voice to the Occupy Wall Street movement. It’s honest and heartbreaking and exposes the real problems that are at the root of OWS. The blog itself lists hundreds of personal stories written out or shown in photo form, but the stories themselves are what makes this site remarkable.
#4: Thought Catalog
I’ll admit it occasionally posts here are hit or miss. Sometimes, when reaching for poignancy writers instead find the most common clichés to describe our generation. At other times the site flourishes. When it’s successful, (Make Friends Like It’s The Sandlot Or Stand By Me) these posts are the quickest trip to visceral reactions. They hit that emotional cord that’s partly about nostalgia, but also about a sense of community and connection. When so many people seem to share a specific idea or passion it not only makes that thing special. It makes you feel special too.
Warhol in the District
Over the holiday I went to see Andy Warhol “Warhol: Headline” at the National Gallery of Art. After having the misfortune of missing out on Hirshhorn’s “Shadows” exhibit earlier in the month it was a treat to expand my sense of Warhol as an artist.
What struck me most was the limited view I now realize I’d had of Warhol. When I think of Warhol I automatically think of his pop art or outlandish statements on individuality.
The headlines exhibit showed an unknown side of the artist. His work for the National Enquire and the New York Post and his prints of John F. Kennedy’s assassination and funeral, all work of a man with much more substance than I’d given him credit for. Beauty and simplicity always comes to mind when I think of this artist, but the ability to transform fact into brilliant art don’t. Luckily the National Gallery of Art changed that.
When Anyone But Mitt Romney Means Just That
Sunday morning I woke up to the news that The New Hampshire Union Leader was endorsing Newt Gingrich, a candidate who has undergone a surge, but is still far from electable. Later Sunday, Union Leader’s editorial page editor Andrew Cline twisted the knife a bit more in Romney’s side while a guest on CNN’s “State of the Union” Sunday.
During the appearance he said, “Electability is a factor, it’s one of many factors. But I don’t think you can look at this particular moment and conclude therefore that a year from now Mitt Romney would be more electable than Newt Gingrich.” Cline then described Romney as a ‘safe’ candidate that would be “perfect” for the job in the “late 19th century”.
The blows to Romney’s campaign didn’t end with there despite the fact that the endorsement represents tangible signs of a conservative movement that wants to elect anyone except him. Today the newest DNC sponsored ads are allover the blogosphere turning up on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and other social networking platforms.
The ads, that pit Mitt Romney against Mitt Romney in previous campaigns (and occasionally of last week). The ads are well made and have linger just long enough to ensure that viewers understand that these aren’t simply misstatements, but instead show the biggest concern with his candidacy—that voters may never now the real Mitt Romney.
My Top Seven Favorite This American Life Episodes
As I’m want to do occasionally I have gotten obsessed with This American Life like TED Talks before it. Such an amazing show, but like so many great things there isn’t too much original to say about it. Ira Glass and his companions are great storytellers who have done a stellar job educating listeners on everything from life, loss, religion, and the financial crisis. Their engaging tales and ability to find the humanity in everyone’s story is one of the finest things about them.
#339: Break Up—For anyone who’s every fallen in love only to drop back to earth and anyone who’s ever hoped their heartache would inspire something lasting. The journey through losing and finding yourself again begins with writer Starlee Kine… and Phil Collins. Just like a really sad song this story will make you feel sad them bring a little bit of comfort.
#203: Recordings for Someone – All the stories in this week’s show center on personal recordings that one person made for just one other person. This one begins with a story of a friend and then spirals into some truly memorable overheard conversations, including the story of what some people claim is the best voicemail message ever.
#396: #1 PARTY SCHOOL—12.18.2009
Penn State has been in the top 10 of the Princeton Review’s #1 Party School in America this episode is dedicated to that list and the positives and negatives of a culture built on only four years your life can be at least partially dedicated to excess.
#379: RETURN TO THE SCENE OF THE CRIME—05.01.2009
Possibly my all time favorite, this live episode of the program includes stories told on a stage by Dan Savage, Mike Birbilis , and a musical accompaniment by Joss Whedon.
#449: Middle School –10.28.2011
I like to say who you are in middle school is the worst version of ourselves, but this program reminds listeners that it’s a time of beauty as well.
#152: Crush—12.11.00
A story of love at its earliest and purest form, crushes. This episodes reminds us of what’s terrible and lovely about them.
#304: Heretics—12.16.05
One of my favorite episodes mostly because of how sensitively it handles religion giving respect to people’s beliefs while speaking with candor. The only commonality in this episode is the idea that faith like love is messy.
10 Must Have iPhone Apps
Over the last month I’ve actually gotten more obsessive with my iPhone not less. These apps are just some of the reasons why I would marry an electronic device if that were legal in all 50 states. Whether you’re joining the roster of new iPhone users, like myself, or you’ve been reenergized by the newest iPhone update these updates will help you make the most of your phone.
Dropbox
For any current users of Dropbox on your Mac/PC you know that the company provides a service that lets you store and sync files online (sort of like the iCloud software, but not nearly as pretty). I could tell you about all the positives of the service, but I think I’ll let Jason Snell from MacWorld do it for me.
Ubersocial
As a twitter user I’m always looking for the best application to tweet out quickly and efficiently. As a Blackberry user I tried out Seemic as well as the usual suspects with finicky results. With the iPhone I assumed Ubersocial would just give me more of the same positives, but it actually improved the service. The picture is better as is the ability to spell check and the ability to save drafts of each tweet.
Gorillacam
This is the same company that pioneered the awesome twisty-legged tripod for digital cameras. Not only are those twisty-legged tripods great for fledgling journalism students, but this app takes everything that’s average about the iPhone camera and innovates it. This app really highlights how poorly featured the iPhone’s native camera app.
Oovoo
A little too ambitious as a service with a LONG list of features, but what it does do well video calls, voice calls, group video, and IM it supports on the iPhone as well—and better than Skype.
Free Wi-Fi Finder
This one is s helpful as it is easy. Just turn on your location series and it will instantly find all free Wi-Fi Internet hotspots wherever you are. For college students or recent graduates with competing who are being frugal with their Internet plans this is the perfect app to save you some time and money.
KakaoTalk
My favorite application for international or just super long texts. No texting plans or hassles this Korean based service is a favorite.
Dragon Diction
This application doesn’t have the most accurate dictation, but it is one of the most easy-to use voice recognition services. It’s up to five times faster than typing on the keyboard and it has clearly displayed “Clear Text” and “Try Again” buttons.
Shazam
A great deal has already been said about this service, but it needs to be included because it has one major feature and it executes it perfectly. You’ll never again have to strain to find the name of a song playing on the radio.
Ted
TED (Technology, Entertainment, and Design) has held an amazing conference since 1984. Their motto, “Ideas Worth Spreading” is an idea they’ve definitely driven into their newest application. It’s stylish, easy to use, and an incredible diversion from all that work people are always asking you to do.
Adobe Reader
For any student, recent graduate, or young professional whose every needed to read a PDF on the go the Adobe Reader app lets you read and interact with the widest variety of files yet. Luckily it’s now available for iOS.
