Why are Republicans so uncool?

I know there's an argument that says that Republicans are cool because of something, but in popular culture whatever that argument is doesn't seem to hold water. Take for instance this 'Rock the Vote' contest on MySpace. The winner gets to perform at the Democratic National Convention. Two questions arise, 1) why is it desirable to perform at the DNC (as opposed to the RNC) and 2) why is it that the DNC is bringing in rock bands to perform? I believe that both of these point to a critical flaw in the way the GOP has marketed itself - particularly to the younger, hipper, more tech savy portion of society. The GOP does not have a considerable web presence - especially compared to the gauntlet that both the DNC and the Obama campaign have put up. A nominee that says he barely understands computers isn't helping either. Because of this the Dems have found a way to connect with young voters in a way the GOP hasn't. Since the DNC looks more cool, those younger voters are more likely to listen and be swayed by the arguments of the left. It goes beyond simply having a web presence, but I think that this one area along with things like the contest mentioned above are emblematic of why the Democrats are seen as so much more cool than Republicans.

I am in no way saying that we should replace competence for coolness. I simply believe that it's possible to have both with Obama being a living example of this and McCain being the ultimate contradiction. The GOP has a lot of money, so why can't they hire a competent marketing strategist to at least get a cool factor for the party, if only to bring in younger voters - even if they seem incapable of nominating somebody that is completely competent (and cool).

It may come to this

Fuzzy math

I found this interesting.  Apparently text messaging isn't the best deal on the web - if you don't have an unlimited plan.  Basically text messages on AT&T cost $1,310.72 per megabyte (6,553.6 text messages at $0.20 each).  Hmmm.... and the reason Sean doesn't text message is?

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Basic computer instructions

I ran across this post about basic computer instructions today over my lunch break and thought it was interesting. As the computer tech for my company I have more stories than I can count, still it amazes me when people who use computers every day have to be told, "you have to turn it on for it to work" or "you have to plug in the computer for it to work" (sometimes back to back). What are some of the best stories Mod-Bloggers have about this type of thing. I do ask that we not mock those of older generations who are just not used to computers, but people that use them all the time are fair game.

Car Talk comes to television... sort of

Car Talk is one of my 3 or 4 favorite shows on NPR.  Unfortunately because it's on so early I can't listen to it live and am forced to listen to the podcast.  Nonetheless, it's fun and sometimes even educational.  Apparently a lot of people like the show and now it's being brought to TV, except not as a call-in get your car fixed show.  instead it's going to be a cartoon with Click and Clack as the main characters.  It sounds like it'll be funny and I'll probably give it a go - provided one of my two local PBS stations picks it up.

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Prince Charles' Car Runs on Wine

Prince Charles has converted his favorite Aston Martin car to run on wine. The car gets about 10 miles to the gallon of the wine and produces 85% less carbon emissions then it did when it ran on gasoline. The Prince gets his wine from a biofuels manufacturer who buys excess wine from a local British wine producer. This gives a whole new meaning to the term "Drink and Drive".

Gas speculation card

One of the major factors economists are positing for the rapidly-rising price of oil is speculators who are buying gas futures on the open market for higher and higher prices. Not to let the American consumer be outdone, now a company is letting the average American speculate on their next tank of gas.

Save money by pre-purchasing gas at today’s prices, then fill up with your MyGallons Card when prices rise. No matter how high prices at the pump will go, the price of the gallons you’ve purchased will be locked-in.

While I am always up for saving a buck, I have to say I am skeptical about this kind of scheme. First, there is no guarantee that you won't buy high (when gas is up) and wind up gassing up when the price is lower. (It does happen, really.) Second, this tends to make us less sensitive to sudden changes in price, thus insulating oil companies and Congress from our ire. Third, it is accepted "by most fill-up stations", so there is no guarantee that the one you choose to use will be among those.

Still, I have to admit it is a creative way to combat rising gas prices.