Code Words

So the Republicans are trying another tactic against Obama — using his popularity as a negative.

In the past, when a candidate did stuff, a high compliment was to say that he “looked Presidential” — meaning that he appeared to be a natural fit for the authority of the office. Now, though, as Obama clearly “looks Presidential” — cool, clear-headed, calm, statesmanlike — the argument is that he’s “presumptuous” and “arrogant.”

Is it just me, or is that uncomfortably close to saying that he’s “uppity?”

Quantum of Solace Theme: Alicia Keys & Jack White

It’s official: The theme song to the new Bond film, Quantum of Solace will be called “Another Way To Die” and will be done by Alicia Keys and Jack White.

Sad that Amy Winehouse couldn’t get her shit together in time for the proposed collaboration with Mark Ronson, but Jack White is a helluva songwriter, and Alicia Keys is an amazing singer, so I’ve got high hopes for this one.

RPGnet Ban Lifted

The Admins have lifted my 4-year-old ban at RPGnet.

It’s conditional, obviously — I have to be on my best behavior, stay out of arguments, keep the snark down, stay away from the “Tangency” off-topic forum (since that’s where the biggest flames were back then), etc. ….

…but I’m pleased by this turn of events. 4 years is a long time, and I’ve certainly changed over the years. For one thing, the whole cancer thing definitely mellowed me out with respect to the little things — I’m way less likely to get in a strop over random internet chuckleheadery, fr’instance.

With a bit of luck, hopefully I’ll be able to work at dispelling the whole “GMS” boogeyman. I expect there are some folks who will continue to treat me like I’m some kind of windmill to tilt at, but I expect that will die down when I don’t rise to the bait.