When I first heard it I was in college and it fit in well with what I was feeling, and the music and lyrics were very striking. I think Lifted was and is very powerful, the turns of phrase that Oberst is able to create at times are very beautiful.

I also saw Bright Eyes back in 2002 when they were still more independent and underground. But, as with most things, the band got bigger and the shows became choked with screaming teenage girls. The situation seemed to be more manipulative of the audience as time went on, whereas before it seemed like musicians interested in sharing music. In 2002 there were thirty people in the audience, in 2006 it was 500+.

All artists and people go through changes and mature in different ways and at different times. The new album may be an awkward way of moving into more adult work- Oberst's way of finding his feet as he matures. I'm still interesting in listening to it, though.

I also think it's the maturation of a generation that's happening here. The things we listened to in college and at the end of high school- that was years ago, and our responses will change, as will our expectations. I also think that the indie/emo period of music is waning, and in fact probably hit it's peak around the time "Lifted" was released. New bands with the "emo" tag and appearance seem inauthentic and market based. As with every new decade and new generation of musicians, there will be a change coming soon.

I'm honestly surprised it's that high, considering that this man is probably the most sociopathic, cold-hearted, remorseless individual to ever occupy such a high office.

Regardless, I hope he gives McCain a big hug after his speech and they can stand side by side so the American public will know exactly what it will get with a McCain presidency.

I've heard similar things said many times by my straight male friends- that there are many women who pass them over because they aren't rich or don't look like George Clooney or Justin Timberlake. This despite the fact that they are genuine, devoted individuals who are intelligent and have a lot to offer a partner.

As for how it is among gay men...don't get me started.

:)

I completely agree.

I personally think that the idealism that's forced upon us by the media is a big turn off. It's so unnatural and out of keeping with my daily experiences and encounters with other people that after a while it seems bizarre, not attractive.

I realized, why bother? You've got two "prominent journalists" and a Bush-Cheney campaign official calling the shots on this one?

A Bush-Cheney official? Are you kidding me? You couldn't find someone from Obama's staff? Or McCain's? Why didn't you get Karl Rove in there to chortle about how great the Maverick is doing?

Why isn't Obama crushing McCain?

I'll give you a hint as to why not- the media (including THIS website!) has a vested interest in giving the presidential election as much of a horse race appearance as possible. If the reporting were truly accurate Obama would be wiping the floor with McCain. Instead, we get concern trolling pieces which trash Obama on one hand, while the rest of the media treats McCain with kid gloves or kisses his ass outright.

For a site that's supposed to be progressive, I often wonder where your priorities are as of late.

First, I think your anger and dispair about the nature of American culture is justified and I share it with you.

But as a way to deal with the anger you feel, I think the therapy and anger management may help you by giving you techniques and an outlet you aren't aware of. I think therapy can be helpful, mainly because it can help us from snapping. It's better to head that off than deal with the fallout. Besides, keeping these intense emotions locked inside you won't be healthy either, and will only hurt your stress levels.

As far as your medication goes, I would speak to your doctor about it. You may need a new dosage or even a new medication. Your reaction to the medication may have changed over time, and it may be less effective for you now, or it may only help a few symptoms that another medication may completely help.

for movies. Big, spectacular blockbusters are what the summer is all about. I remember waiting in anticipation for Jurassic Park to come out in 1993, and I wasn't disappointed. The big movie for me this summer was The Dark Knight, and again, no disappointment- it was incredible and surprisingly layered and complex for something that could be considered a comic book movie. I'm also surprised that there wasn't a mention of WALL-E, which had heart and some nice visuals as well (albeit animated ones).

Complaints? Sure. I'd like to see better stories instead of two hours of special effects. You have to have something to pin it all down, otherwise the audience will get bored no matter how much stuff blows up or how many aliens melt.

But the massive summer spectacle happens every year, there are some movies that stick around and some that fade away.

But have no fear. The fall is coming, which is "Super Serious Oscar Contender" season. We'll be flooded with dramatic and torturous films. "A one-armed, blind, heroin addict who unexpectedly finds love with a Finnish parakeet farmer in the middle of war torn France." :)

Did McCain's first wife know that he was screwing around on her with Cindy while they were still married?

Inquiring minds want to know!

And also...

Why is Larry Craig still in office despite being caught soliciting gay sex in an airport bathroom? Despite his assurances that he would step down?

Inquiring minds want to know! A superficial media doesn't!