pete hoekstra's in da house

So I'm going back upstairs after my morning break and I pass Rick Albin on the stairs. He's a bit of a celebrity to me as he's the political reporter for WoodTV 8. I quickly learn that I have ju-ust missed Pete Hoesktra who is giving a press conference downstairs. I'm currently looking for something to throw at him as he walks past my desk on the way out. I can only assume he's weighing in on the immigration issue something that has taken a local turn with protests planned for today in Grand Rapids. An estimated 500,000 people took the streets of L.A. to protest the impending legislation that's hitting Congress this week. I can't help but think this is all a bunch of political posturing. There is very little chance of anything actually getting passed and signed in a mid-term election year on such a divisive issue. There are so many opinions and bills being thrown around, I'm having a hard time keeping track of who is for what. A big wall that lines 700 miles of the border with Texas (compliments of Bill Frist) is one of my favorite proposals. What a fantastic idea! No one would ever think to CLIMB the big wall or dig a tunnel UNDER the big wall. Plus, nothing says isolationist better than a ginormous wall. If I had to take a guess, I'd say G.W.B. is looking at another bad week. The Republicans appear to be distancing themselves further and further away in an election year attempt at redefining the party and getting away from an administration with sinking poll numbers. What's interesting is that G.W.B. is actually trying to help the party retain the Hispanic vote--an important demographic that could swing the presidential election in 2008.

The Silver Jews concert was even better than expected, despite the sweltering temperatures within the confines of the Blind Pig. Someone, of course, already had a review up yesterday afternoon complete with a set list. They just sounded so good live. I realized I didn't have much motivation to listen to them before going. Though I adore the lyrics, musically I had a hard time listening to the cds because it seemed thin. There weren't nuthin' thin about that concert. David Berman was exactly what imagined him to be: a big greasy looking poet with an entirely too calm demeanor and an undercurrent of major anxiety. Pre-concert we took in some food at Seva's and then a beer or two or three or four at Ashley's where Xtina made the classic mistake of telling Peter that she would kill him if he put "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey on the jukebox. Despite knowing that it was possible he'd get run out of the place by an angry mob, Peter could not help himself. Many thanks to kevdek for navigating successfully in an unfamiliar town and getting us safely back to Grand Rapids in the wee hours of the morning. And thank you thank you thank you for the Hem cd! I listened to it yesterday and I am even more excited than ever to see them live. I don't know about anyone else, but after that brief trip I'm back to getting serious about thinking about the possibility of maybe going to grad school at U of M. Don't worry. I won't make any rash decisions.

I was told that I misrepresented someone in a previous post. I'm pretty sure I promised I'd make things right, but unfortunately I'm having a hard time remembering...well...that part of the conversation. I'm optimistic I'll see him soon as I'm in possession of one of his coffee mugs and forks. Next time I'll take copious notes assuming I'm capable of writing.

Maybe a tape recorder is a better way to go.