I'll be at a Markman hearing in beautiful Orlando, Florida the next few days, so there will be (even) lighter posting from me. Before I go, however, a couple non-insightful, relatively-boring thoughts:
1. Dean has to do well in New Hampshire now. He can survive a close second, but anything worse is the end of him.
2. The race is now probably between Kerry, Dean, and Edwards. Even a great showing by Clark or Lieberman in New Hampshire means little, because Edwards is now a viable candidate. As a result, he's almost certain to be a enough of a force in the South and Midwest, sucking up voters Clark and Lieberman desperately need.
3. Why was Dean upset? Three reasons: The capture of Saddam (and Dean's insta-gaffe response); Gephardt's relentless attacks (which seem to have also consumed Gephardt in their fury); and the unfair perception that Dean's supporters are mostly Bush-hating dervishes of a more naive stripe. Nothing scares away Democratic party veterans than the whiff of McGovern.
Wanna meet for lunch? I'm within 15 minutes of you, I believe.
Posted by: Slartibartfast | January 20, 2004 at 10:01 AM
I agree, which hurts Clark since he just received the McGovern endorsement to go along with his warm acceptance of Michael Moore's support.
Posted by: Thorley Winston | January 20, 2004 at 10:15 AM
I still think Edwards' inexperience is going to hurt him in the end, Von. Of course, people will bring up William Jefferson Clinton and his inexperience, but I think this is a different situation in that Dubya is somehow keeping a lot of people happy especially the South.
Posted by: Peppers | January 20, 2004 at 11:24 AM
Wanna meet for lunch? I'm within 15 minutes of you, I believe.
I'd love to Slarti, but I'm going to be wholly consumed today and tomorrow. Next time, howabouts -- I'm down here a bit.
(Commercial plug: Love the Westin high speed internet access.)
Agree completely, Thorley.
I still think Edwards' inexperience is going to hurt him in the end, Von.
I'm sure you're right, Peppers. But he's sitting far prettier than Clark or Joey from the CT right now.
Posted by: von | January 20, 2004 at 11:57 AM
Grand Bohemian? That's close to downtown. Looks nice. Let me know next time, unless you've got reservations about that sort of thing. No pun intended.
Posted by: Slartibartfast | January 20, 2004 at 12:39 PM
Von,
Be careful, if Slarti asks you up to see his sketches of Fjords you'll know it's time to fake a pressing engagement.
:-p
Posted by: Macallan | January 20, 2004 at 01:30 PM
Is this a wrinkly/flat kind of qualitative assessment, Macallan? IOW, did pressing have some connotation that I, as a designer of wrinkly terrain, would find counterproductive?
Posted by: Slartibartfast | January 20, 2004 at 01:39 PM
Well, I can now pronounce the following concerning the Grand Bohemian-Westin, Orlando:
1. Excellent Starwood Alliance* features: Heavenly bed; high speed internet in room; wireless internet in lounge.
2. Strangely useless location. Where the heck is downtown, anyway?
3. Decent restaurant, marred by maddeningly slow service. (Third time I've dined there; each time slower than the last.)
Is someone from Westin taking notes?
The Federal Courthouse ain't much to look at -- abysmal blockiness, by a freeway.
Next time I'm going to Orlando, Slarti, I'll send a heads up. (Warning noted, Macallan.)
von
*Sheraton, Westin, W, etc. hotels. B-t-b, best Starwood-brand hotel visited thus far: the Princeville on Kauai'i. Excellent value for price -- though it is pricey, and tough to justify. (Perhaps, however, it was the fact I was Kauai'i on my honeymoon that sold me on the place.)
Posted by: von | January 20, 2004 at 11:08 PM
2. Strangely useless location. Where the heck is downtown, anyway?
Ummmm...you're soaking in it. Downtown Orlando, such as it is, is pretty small. I recommend Pebbles on Church Street for good food and proximity. It's the only place I've ever had the chance to try marlin, and it was fantastic. The wife and I used to go there so much, we got engaged there. There used to be an Irish Pub right next door, but it's gone by the wayside. Closest thing is the Bull&Bush. You've got broadband; use it, damn you. There's a couple of ok-ish bars, but that's the extent. Then again, I don't get out much.
Posted by: Slartibartfast | January 20, 2004 at 11:43 PM