About Patrick James

Patrick

multum in parvo

Location:

(USA)

Joined on:

11/29/06

Occupation:

Assistant Editor, GOOD Magazine

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  Politics

  

  Top Three Spontaneous Chants Of The Week

  "ZERO! ZERO! ZERO!" The audience exploded with zeros and fist pumps whenever a speaker referenced Obama's lack of experience in an executive office—actually, pretty much every time someone referenced Obama.
  
  "DRILL BABY, DRILL! DRILL BABY, DRILL!" Michael Steele coined this gem during his "are y'all ready to party?" speech. The audience loved it and clung to it like they cling to their things they cling to.
  
  "USA! USA! USA!" This old standby could be heard at least once during every prime-time speech, most notably in what seemed like an attempt to prevent McCain from making the slightest concession that some people are going through tough economic times. Earlier in that speech, it successfully (and by design) drowned out the shouts of a protester who'd made his way into the nosebleed seats with a giant sign reading: MCCAIN VOTES AGAINST VETS. The sign was destroyed by a nearby patriot.

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  Posted on September 5, 2008 by - Patrick James

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  Politics

  

  Action, Reaction

  Tonight, the crowd went mad for John McCain—but that was a given after the past three days of clap-happy shouting. There's already plenty of praise and criticism being bandied about the media landscape. But what do you think: Did the man win your heart with his humble, patriotic confidence? Did he inspire you with hope that he can change Washington (change being his new campaign, apparently)? Or did it all fall on deaf ears?
  
  In case you missed the speech, you can watch it here, or you can read this transcript if that's what suits your fancy.

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  Posted on September 5, 2008 by - Patrick James

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  Politics

  

  Meanwhile, In Minneapolis

  Tonight, most of the country will be hanging on John McCain's every word. However, some excess of 2,000 people will take their seats in Minneapolis's Orchestra Hall where Cindy Sheehan, Nellie McKay, Jesse Ventura, David Rovics, Ike Reilly, and Tom Neilson will make a vociferous case to open the presidential debates to Ralph Nader. With the Nader/Gonzalez ticket at about 6 percent in a recent CNN poll, and with an expectation of appearing on the ballot in some 45 states, they certainly have grounds on which to mount an argument. And, just to be clear, let's remember that third party candidates don't ruin elections; they simply enliven the national conversation by removing the either/or-blinders from the eyes public.

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  Posted on September 4, 2008 by - Patrick James

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  Politics

  

  La-a-ast Ni-ight, She Said

  With the audience enraptured by her alternately earnest, sarcastic, and fiery tones, Sarah Palin delivered a potent speech about reform, executive experience, and motherhood. At one point joking that the only difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull was lipstick, Palin used the stage as an opportunity to bark at the "liberal media," the "Washington elite," and the Obama campaign:
  
  "And since our opponents in this presidential election seem to look down on [mayoral] experience, let me explain to them what the job involves. I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a 'community organizer,' except that you have actual responsibilities."
  
  You had to admire the gumption, sense of humor, and graceful ease with which she addressed the nation—unless, you're a community organizer, most of whom are probably furious right now, wondering why a campaign whose slogan is "Country First" would sic their pit bull on people who dedicate themselves to serving communities when government fails them.
  
  
  
  Photo: all eyes, lenses focus on Palin.

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  Posted on September 4, 2008 by - Patrick James

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  Politics

  

  Spotted In Minneapolis...

  Phew, we were worried they wouldn't make it. Then again, how would we know?

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  Posted on September 3, 2008 by - Patrick James

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  Politics

  

  Overheard Over Drinks, Out Of Context...

  "I don't think there is an actual Southern accent. It's just that affected Yankee hearing that confuses things."
  
  "We don't care too much about Canada back home. I guess we should?"
  
  "Nixon told us the press was the enemy, and we remember!"
  
  Photo: red, white, and beer.

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  Posted on September 3, 2008 by - Patrick James

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  Politics

  

  Keywords, Highnotes, Lownotes

  Last night, service (and saying "America is the greatest nation in the world") was the name of the game. Notice the many delegates waving service signs—they were doing so during the final crescendo of Journey's "Don't Stop Believing," one of the cheers-and-applause-laden spectacle's more comically awesome moments. Speechwise, Fred Thompson violently ripped Barack "history-makingly inexperienced" Obama a new one (which, like it or not, was by far the best-delivered speech of the night), and Ol' Joe Lieberman closed the night by crossing party lines (again) to endorse John "his own man" McCain, but neither speech felt as smooth as the elevator-ride seductions of Al Williams's jazz invocation.
  
  Other musical moments included "Johnny B. Goode" (sure, we're on that page) and country singer Aaron Tippin's "I Got It Honest" (nailed it?), as well as a live performance by Rachael Lampa, which gave us an opportunity to step outside and catch up on our voice mail. Also, for the second time since the convention's commencement, Sarah Palin fell victim to a Freudian slip, when Jo Ann Davidson introduced her as Sarah Pawlenty, which must have left Tim imagining what could have been.
  
  

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  Posted on September 3, 2008 by - Patrick James

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  Politics

  

  A Face Outside The Crowd

  President Bush addresses the convention via satellite as journalists stare into laptops. If you'd like to see more out-of-focus photography, just remember this: we're here all week.

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  Posted on September 3, 2008 by - Patrick James

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  Politics

  

  Ron Paul...Who?

  Our hotel is currently and almost entirely populated by republican delegates from North Carolina and New Mexico. The other night, while sipping whiskey and making friends, we asked one delegate from North Carolina for his opinion of Ron Paul.
  
  "Who?" he replied with a sneer and a wink.
  
  That curt reaction speaks volumes about Paul's relationship with his party. Nevertheless, the man is here today to host his "Rally for the Republic," which takes place in the Twin City that didn't land the convention proper: Minneapolis. Speakers include Tucker Carlson, Jesse Ventura, Barry Goldwater, Jr., and Paul himself. It's broadcasting live here. Take a look, if you're interested in seeing what's happening on the other side of town—or finally getting an idea of just who Ron Paul is.

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  Posted on September 2, 2008 by - Patrick James

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  Politics

  

  Today's Forecast: More Drama?

  We're still awaiting news of what's to come today (who will speak?), but we do know one thing: it's raining. Maybe that means Anderson Cooper will finally show up.

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  Posted on September 2, 2008 by - Patrick James

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  Politics

  

  The Band Played On

  As it turns out, the police are getting quite arresty—both in terms of protesters and acredited journalists covering protesters. Early on yesterday, we caught sight of a small but not insignificant act of protest. The Rude Mechanical Orchestra—a self-described "radical marching band and dance troupe" that takes to the streets to demonstrate against "union-busters and tip-garnishers, gentrifiers and privatizers, xenophobes, homophobes, and a host of other big uglies"—was warming up near the grassy knolls of Capital Grounds. Dressed in stripes and tatters of green and black, their sartorial aesthetic is some fusion of bike messengers and elves.
  
  We followed them as they made their way across the bridge on John Ireland Blvd. Just up the block, at the corner of John Ireland and Kellogg, sat a small cluster of angry chanters with signs declaring that "God hates fags” among other equally presumptuous damnations.
  
  The Orchestra marched in the direction of the small mob, all the while playing music, all the while dancing. Dozens of SWAT team members lined the intersection, wearing body armor and being generally imposing.
  
  The band crossed the street and surrounded the mob, who brandished their signs with defiant taunts. Each group's demonstration was ceaseless, but the horns, drumbeats, and claps of Rude Mechanical Orchestra drowned out the hateful shouts of the lesser cluster. After a few minutes, the Orchestra marched on. It was peaceful, but it was nowhere near silent.

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  Posted on September 2, 2008 by - Patrick James

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  Politics

  

  First Day, First Ladies

  After some official delegate business, the GOP welcomed First Lady Laura Bush to the stage, who introduced a series of video greetings from four governors kept at home by Hurricane Gustav. Mrs. Bush was then met by Cindy McCain, who took the stage to resounding applause. The two urged that everyone at the convention "take off their Republican hats and start wearing their American hats." Here's a link to the aid networks suggested by the governors of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.
  
  We also learned that Republican Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin's 17-year-old daughter is pregnant.
  
  Palin and her husband issued a statement saying they were "proud of Bristol's decision to have her baby and even prouder to become grandparents." Notice the use of the word "decision," which most people will agree is synonymous with the word choice. We're just saying.
  
  Barack Obama responded to the news by saying that Palin's family was "off limits," and that it had nothing to do with her ability to lead the country.
  
  Photo: our view of things from the back corner of the Xcel Energy Center.

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  Posted on September 1, 2008 by - Patrick James

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  Politics

  

  The Best Part Of The Media Swagbag

  It wasn't the green Ford Escape Hybrid laser pointer key chain. It wasn't the American Wind Energy Association windmill lapel pin. And it wasn't the AT&T trivia challenge quiz sheet with complimentary lapel pin showing an elephant rowing a canoe with an orange AT&T oar.
  
  How could it have been any of those things when the Limited Convention Edition of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Dinner was in the mix?

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  Posted on September 1, 2008 by - Patrick James

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  Politics

  

  Watching Gustav

  As you've almost certainly heard, today will see a very pared down version of the RNC. It is, as you've almost certainly heard, a somber gesture of respect for those currently displaced by Hurricane Gustav.

  Here's what we've just learned: the brunt of Gustav is by-passing New Orleans and causing less damage than expected. Residents might be able to return home as early as Wednesday.

  What that means for the convention, of course, remains to be seen—and that, of course, is of far less importance than what it means to the people of the Louisiana area.

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  Posted on September 1, 2008 by - Patrick James

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  Politics

  

  Feeling Minnesota

  Yesterday, at just past 8 in the morning, we boarded a crowded plane in Los Angeles. As we shimmied and edged our way into an aisle spot in the 38th row, we exchanged a "hello" for a "good morning" with an elderly lady who'd be flying beside us; she smiled in the middle seat. A copy of the morning's Los Angeles Times lay folded on her lap; a blazer draped her shoulders in bright, red felt.

  "Are you excited about Sarah?" she asked.

  We smiled, reflexively, and told her we certainly weren't bored by the selection. She offered us the paper and her thoughts on Palin; we listened eagerly, hoping to glean some perspective for the week.

  Now, as we bounce between Minneapolis and St. Paul in search of insight, we hope to deliver as much perspective, thoughtfulness, and/or absurdity as possible to you.

  Photo: our room with a view.

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  Posted on September 1, 2008 by - Patrick James

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  Magazine

  

  This Week In GOOD

  Did you guys cry during the big speech last night? We cried a little. This morning, however, we just laughed at the reality that this is the wackiest, most progressive election we young pups could imagine. Seriously, if McCain's elected, who's gonna be Secretary of Defense? Tyrannosaurus Rex?
  
  This week, we did some real-deal nose-to-the-grindstone journalism, sending a series of Dispatches from the DNC (next week we'll return the favor with our equally alliterative Reports from the RNC).
  
  To the roughly 700 new friends we made in Chicago last weekend, we love you all. Please indulge in a walk down short-term memory lane by laying your eyes on these photo booth and Flickr pics from Saturday's fun.
  
  See you in St. Paul!
  
  Photo shows the $10 "Time for Change" watch that our deputy editor bought on the way into Invesco Field last night. It should be noted that within half an hour of purchase, the watch had fallen behind by a few minutes...not that a crappy piece of swag should be taken as a harbinger or anything.

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  Posted on August 29, 2008 by - Patrick James

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  Art & Design

  

  Sukiyaki Western Django

  We're really excited about Sukiyaki Western Django, an English-language Western film (read: flick) by the controversial Japanese directer Takashi Miike. The thing looks stupendous—not only because it's a Japanese Western, but also because the entire cast learned its lines phonetically—well, except for Quentin Tarantino, who plays two characters.
  
  Slate has a nice take on it here; you can watch previews on the official site. Sukiyaki Western Django arrives in New York City today and in Los Angeles on September 12.

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  Posted on August 29, 2008 by - Patrick James

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  Politics

  

  Sarah Palin And Tall

  You must remember that book-turned-three-part-TV-movie-series where sad old Christopher Walken puts out an ad for a mail-order bride and gets a life-altering rejuvenation courtesy of Glenn Close. McCain's decision to make the conservative-Christian, pro-drilling Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin his running mate is basically like that—except that it's way more politically savvy.

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  Posted on August 29, 2008 by - Patrick James

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  Education

  Flashback: Sugata Mitra Gets Talky For TED

  In the spirit of our current fascination with learning (see The Education Issue), we're keen to revisit this video of Sugata Mitra (from January of 2007). After witnessing uneducated Indian children teach themselves how to use a computer without instruction, Mitra ponders what else kids can teach themselves.

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  Posted on August 28, 2008 by - Patrick James

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  Art & Design

  

  Senisign Is Senisnide

  The above sign has been offending the very same senior citizens that it was designed to protect.
  
  Given that it makes us snicker a bit, it probably is kind of offensive. However, to be fair, it might also be a pretty effective caution prompt.
  
  Via Coudal.

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  Posted on August 28, 2008 by - Patrick James

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  Art & Design

  response to  Patrick James's post The Art Form Of The 20th Century

  Yep

  Thanks, Andrew. There's also Tadanori Yokoo, from the 1970s, whose work is mind-blowing.

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  Commented on August 27, 2008 by - Patrick James

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  Art & Design

  

  The Art Form Of The 20th Century

  Collage, Donald Barthelme believed, was THE art form of the 20th century—well, according to the play and film Six Degrees of Separation, that is.
  
  Anyway, Bjorn Copeland is making some compelling collages in the 21st century. He's clearly indebted to the bright, plastic flatness of collages that have come before him, but that doesn't diminish his work's potency for us: The twisted-pop-sensationalism-on-the-brink-of-explosion thing is working. Respect. You can check out much more of his stuff at Aesthetic Poet.

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  Posted on August 27, 2008 by - Patrick James

• And I can use ILife on my PC how?

  Authored by FortheLoveofChoice - 1 vote

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  Politics

  The Homeless Elephant In The Room

  As the DNC continues, we're already looking forward to next week's Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota. But, there's one group of people who can't wait for the whole thing to get out of town: the city's homeless population. They're being swept under the rug in order to create the illusion of a more pristine urban setting. Take that, Beijing! In the following video, Steve Perry (Minnesota Independent) and Paul Schmelzer (Eyeteeth) get to the bottom of things:
  
  

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  Posted on August 27, 2008 by - Patrick James

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  Art & Design

  

  Magic Busted

  Oh man, this thing is sweet. Can you imagine driving through Baja in it, pulling up to an empty point break and just disappearing for a few days? Well, you'll have to. The Westfalia Verdier Solar Power vehicle (or the Magic Bus) still doesn't exist. Perchance, to dream...
  
  Can you think of any other amazing ideas/concepts/inventions that never came into being? Flying cars, perhaps?

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  Posted on August 26, 2008 by - Patrick James