Slothrop's Dream

Saturday, March 27, 2004

With the release of his book coinciding with his 9/11 Commission testimony, the incendiary statements made by Richard Clarke seemed designed to spin facts into a narrative for the sake of selling books. Now it seems that perhaps these statements- both in interviews with the media and under oath- were not only twisted, they were perhaps contrary to earlier testimony he gave in July of 2002. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist is now moving to have this testimony de-classified.

Clarke's trouble with straight facts was evident early in his testimony when he addressed statements in the press that he was acting in a partisan manner. His evidence of this is that in 2000 he voted in the Republican primary for John McCain. For those that have forgotten that primary there were masses of Democrats that choose to vote a Republican ballot in an attempt to affect the outcome of their rival party as the Gore/Bradley contest was over before it started. Recalling this it was no surprise to read Robert Novak reporting Clarke has only given contributions to Democrats. Those who have convinced themselves that Clarke is a heroic Republican seeking to espouse truth will be shocked at this, but they shouldnt be. Profit and partisianship are all Richard Clarke peddles.
1:37:22 PM

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Monday, March 22, 2004

Jes

Jes looking coy

11:53:25 PM

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Tuesday, March 16, 2004

Blonde Ambition

Most often one gets what one expects when entering an establishment for the first time. Decor, location, even signage all are indicators cluing potential customers in to what is offered inside. Occasionally though, one comes across a location that goes against the grain. The ultra-cool bar hidden behind a rundown front is an example of a joint that uses a sketchy image to keep away certain clientele while offering up a welcome surprise to others. Tragedy ensues though, when a slick looking new spot opens, only to offer nothing of what was promised.

A recent visit to Budapest Blonde, a new smoke free wine bar in Independence was one such experience. To go with the sexy name, Budapest has a dark interior equipped with intimately spaced tables and a few couches, all wrapped around a tiny bar. Beyond this though, the sexiness ends. Waiting over ten minutes for a menu while owners gab with friends is enough to turn anticipation into boredom. Doctor's office easy listening piped in turned boredom into displeasure. Once the menu arrived a staid experience was no longer in doubt. Miniscule and boring are the antithesis of what the opium den atmosphere had promised. Sticking to the most obvious varietals with four or less to choose from each. The most important aspect to the wines was not quality but that they have a novelty animal name on the label. There were a few champaign choices; none that wouldn't turn up at a modest chain restaurant. And they don't serve beer. Not one.

I didn't enter Budapest looking for beer but leaving is a different story. I went seeking a palace to vino. After finding only a scant selection paired with appetizers and an assortment of vodka drinks labeled "martinis" I knew I had been had. Were this in any sense at all a wine bar--having say, half the selection of a decent restaurant-- the lack of beer and prohibition on cigar smoking could be overlooked. A few decent reds, some Miles Davis, or a server with even a mild interest in the product would of made it bearable. Sadly though, this blonde was showing her roots.

12:29:21 AM

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Monday, March 15, 2004

Hello Jes! Hope this is working
7:25:56 PM

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Here is a first post to test the look and feel of things. Hopefully some real content will appear soon

4:36:47 PM

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