I hate the term "Joe Six Pack."  Just like I hate "the little housewife" or "the ball and chain" or any other gender/class stereotype.  I grew up just outside a mill town along the Monongahela River -- with kids whose parents worked in the mills and coke plants outside Pittsburgh.  It was actually the town portrayed in The Deer Hunter.  Some kids lived in trailers, some in four room "starter houses" that no one ever moved out of. 

I am as angry and uneasy as anyone over the nomination of Sarah Palin but I think it's time to stop now. This morning I heard Paul Begala say on MSNBC that every day McCain isn't talking about the economy, he wins. That he can't win ON the economy so if he keeps distracting the voters and the press he will be better off - a premise supported by the current poll numbers. Begala also kept comparing Palin to the "shiny object in the water" on a fishing line that makes a fish take the bait. I think he's right.

From my first BlogHer three years ago in San Jose, I've understood the power and wonder of BlogHer.  Through this campaign though, I've also been grateful for the friends and colleagues I've met.  The combined wisdom, thoughtfulness, humor, passion and outrage that converges here is a real gift.  There is so much to think about, and talk about, and rant about, that this built-in political community is a blessing.  I've found many new blogs, both those I agree with and those I don't, and feel smarter, and less alone in my concerns, and gratified as well at those who've come to my blog for t

I seem to have developed a real attachment to this film - reviewed it on my blog (http://dontgelyet.typepad.com/dontgeltoosoon/2008/01/everyone-loves.html) and am working right now listening to the (amazing) soundtrack. It's exciting to see a film written by a woman, about a young woman, very 21st Century in its sensibility, get such attention. Makes me feel good. The nominations are for Best Picture, Best Actress (Elle Page/Juno), Best Director (Jason Reitman) and Best Screenplay (Diablo Cody.) Now we just have to hope our girl wins at least one of them....