blog posts in politics
01/21/2009 • comments ()
running on hope
Posted by Zadi Diaz


Clyde (Douglas Sarine) and Clark (Nick Armstrong) bring us a video which details the assessment President Obama would probably get if he took America to the shop. :)

01/20/2009 • comments ()
it's pure obamamania
Posted by Zadi Diaz

This week most of the country is in the midst of Obamamania. Whether they're braving the cold in Washington, DC, or watching the festivities from the comfort of their home, people all over the world are looking at this presidency as a monumental event in their personal, national, and global history.

» This article continues

11/03/2008 • comments ()
get free treats for voting!
Posted by Zadi Diaz

The following places are treating voters to freebies. Just bring in your voting sticker and you're good to go:

Starbucks: Free Cup of Coffee
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: Free Drink (according to local barista)
Pink Taco (LA): Shot of tequila and three tacos
Krispy Kreme: Doughnut
Ben & Jerry's: Single Scoop Ice Cream Cones
Chick-fil-A: Chicken Sandwhich
Babeland: Sex Toy

It's best to ask around your neighborhood to find out who is giving out what. Word on the street is that it's going to be one big freebie party. Of course, limited supplies. :P

[ Via: via: fimoculous ]

filed: politics
tags: election, politics
10/29/2008 • comments ()
video your vote with PBS and YouTube
Posted by Zadi Diaz

YouTube and PBS are partnering together on Video Your Vote, a project aimed at documenting and sharing the experience of voting with the world. On November 4th, you can submit your video to Video Your Vote's YouTube channel and watch all of the other videos being submitted from across the country. It's also a good way to hold polling places accountable for any kind of "procedural abnormalities."

On filming inside your designated polling place, Video Your Vote says:

Most states do allow you to film at your polling place. However, there are some states that expressly prohibit videotaping and others that have strict rules about how close you can tape near a polling place. For the most up-to-date information on your area, visit Documenting Your Vote.

They also mention that video doesn't have to just be of your experience while voting, it can be about your general thoughts on the election process. The most compelling videos will be shown on PBS's election coverage.

tags: election, voting
09/30/2008 • comments ()
voting registration deadline soon!
Posted by Rick Rey

The first wave of voter registration deadlines sweeps a bunch of states on October 6th, so you might only have a few days left. Make sure you take a look at the election calendar here. In today's episode, Zadi mentioned a couple of online resources to make registration a relatively quick & painless process.

Declare Yourself

Declare Yourself produced an interesting set of PSA's called Only You Can Silence Yourself, featuring Jessica Alba, Christina Aguilera, and other celebs. It's also a good resource for election info and absentee ballot requests. They are big proponents of early voting, which many states offer without requiring a valid excuse. I like this option, because it will protect you against any... umm "voting machine malfunctions."

» This article continues

09/03/2008 • comments ()
dnc08: pepper spray used on protesters
Posted by Zadi Diaz


Just to be clear, pepper spray has been used on protesters in both the DNC and RNC conventions. It's all pretty crazy.

What's most apparent is how both sides attack each other, either physically, verbally, or psychologically. No one is taking the time to listen and perhaps realize that it's time to break down these stupid barriers we put up around ourselves.

Thanks to Waaaaa for the link. It's important to point out as many sides as possible. It's not great though when it's done with name-calling... which ends up just perpetuating this whole division even further.

filed: politics
tags: dnc08
09/02/2008 • comments ()
rnc08: independent reporter tear gassed
Posted by Zadi Diaz


Our friends over at the Gnooze just sent us a link to this raw video taken by them tonight at the Republican National Convention where protesters and journalists alike were tear gassed.

filed: politics
tags: rnc08
09/02/2008 • comments ()
RNC08 - so many protests
Posted by Steve Woolf

There is an amazing amount of protesting going on at the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul. The folks at The Uptake are right in the middle of things, as usual.

They have tons and tons of videos on their site and on Qik, and they are constantly live-streaming.

09/02/2008 • comments ()
dnc wrap-up, rnc start-up
Posted by Zadi Diaz


Even though we're in the midst of the Republican National Convention, there were a few more people who we interviewed at the Democratic National Convention last week.

We spoke with Eddie Rodriguez, a young delegate from New York City, who gave us his perspective on why this election year and specifically the DNC was so exciting to him.

» This article continues

filed: politics
tags: dnc08
08/29/2008 • comments ()
dnc08: interview with irene and lee
Posted by Zadi Diaz


Here are some more folks we met up with at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado. Irene and Lee talk about what the highlights of the convention have been for them and what issues they would like Obama to focus on.

filed: politics
tags: dnc08
08/29/2008 • comments ()
dnc08: interview with young delegate
Posted by Zadi Diaz


While in Denver, we met up with some pretty interesting people at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. Here's Jonathan, who is a young delegate from Colorado.

filed: politics
tags: dnc08
08/28/2008 • comments ()
DNC 08 - the line to see obama's speech is loooong
Posted by Steve Woolf

Looks like Josh is about a mile from Invesco, where Obama will be giving his speech. Dedication. He has it.

» This article continues

08/28/2008 • comments ()
DNC08 - protesters on the streets
Posted by Annie Tsai

Josh was filming some of the atmosphere outside the convention when he caught a bit of Code Pink, singing for peace. It's about 20 seconds in to this video. After the jump is another video from Josh of what appears to be a yelling, protesting toilet (?!). Interesting...

» This article continues

08/28/2008 • comments ()
chuck olsen sneaks onstage with michael mcdonald
Posted by Steve Woolf

The illustrious Chuck Olsen from The Uptake got into Invesco Field at the DNC a little early and got some footage of Michael McDonald, also known as Rick Rey's all-time super-fave Yacht Rocker, rehearsing for his gig tonight singing America the Beautiful. In fact, he even got his ass onstage! Behind the scenes ftw!

08/28/2008 • comments ()
DNC08 - taxi back to the hotel last night
Posted by Steve Woolf

Zadi and Josh head back to their hotels after a looooooong day. They shot tons more interviews for us to post, which we'll do as quickly as possible. Sorry about the dark video, such are the perils of live streaming. :)

08/27/2008 • comments ()
kickin' it with kerry
Posted by Sarah Atwood
Picture 2
As well as the updated vids, TheUptake.org rocks with live coverage. I'm totally watching John Kerry speak at the DNC right now on their page. Man, I totally forgot what a great speaker Kerry is!
08/27/2008 • comments ()
DNC08 - interview with the art director of the DNC
Posted by Steve Woolf

Zadi talked to Mai Sakai, the Art Director of the DNC. The look of this year's event has been widely praised, and it has to be an enormous undertaking to design and oversee the creation of the look of such a massive event. Zadi and Josh are getting some great behind-the-scenes viewpoints on the people who make things actually happen.

08/27/2008 • comments ()
DNC08 - time for roll call!
Posted by Steve Woolf

Josh shot a video as the process of roll call started among the delegates from each state. This is where the delegates give their nomination decisions.

UPDATE: Added a second video of the proceedings directly from the event floor! After the jump!

» This article continues

08/27/2008 • comments ()
DNC08 - interview with the DNC production supervisor!
Posted by Steve Woolf

Zadi and Josh talked to Michelle Robinson, the production supervisor for the DNC. Let's just say that she runs shit.

08/27/2008 • comments ()
protestor attack
Posted by Sarah Atwood

MIX member Jordan shared a video with us from the DNC of a female protester getting hit by a cop that ends with an odd twist. He asked if she posed a threat and deserved the attack.



Some members on the thread agree that it was unnecessary, excessive force while others would like more footage to see if the victim provoked the officer. Add your input on the thread.

08/27/2008 • comments ()
DNC08 - a qik view from the event floor
Posted by Steve Woolf

Looks like Zadi and Josh got themselves a nice view of the events!

One more quick (Qik) video after the jump.

» This article continues

08/27/2008 • comments ()
DNC08 - hot and sexy remixes from remix america!
Posted by Sarah Atwood


We're rocking out at the DNC with our friends at Remix America, an awesome site for political mashups. They supply the videos and the web-based editor, you supply the ideas, the creativity, and the funny. How 'bout a promo for the convention in the style of a hot, new TV drama?

» This article continues

08/27/2008 • comments ()
DNC08 - zadi touches down in denver!
Posted by Sarah Atwood

Zadi has landed in Denver and is ready to take on the Democratic National Convention. The DNC is four days full of every high profile democrat in America. Zadi is so excited to be there and she's gonna keep us updated with the political goings on.

» This article continues

filed: politics
tags: denver, dnc, dnc08
08/26/2008 • comments ()
countdown to the DNC: tuesday
Posted by Zadi Diaz


Alright guys, one more day 'til we land in Denver. We'll be updating on through photos on Flickr, occasionally through audio on Utterz, and through video on YouTube... You'll be able to find everything here though, so make sure to check back. From the looks of things it's pretty crazy over there.

» This article continues

filed: politics
tags: dnc08
08/25/2008 • comments ()
countdown to the DNC: monday
Posted by Zadi Diaz


This week we're gearing up for the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado. We're counting down to our arrival on Wednesday when we'll be hooking up with our friends at Remix America and The Uptake. Remix America will be remixing and mashing up video footage to tell their own unique and creative take on the even and The Uptake will be providing live reports through Qik, Mogulus and their web site.

» This article continues

filed: politics
tags: dnc08
08/14/2008 • comments ()
citizen journalist gets deported from china!
Posted by Zadi Diaz


There are a lot of stories coming out of China recently which aren't hitting the main stream press.

Recently, we had a webcam interview with citizen journalist Noel Hidalgo and Students for a Free Tibet Founder John Hocevar. They were deported from China during the Olympics for flying the Tibetan flag while speaking up for Tibetan rights.

» This article continues

07/14/2008 • comments ()
the U.S. senate approves the FISA amendments
Posted by Annie Tsai

Originally uploaded by goldberg on Flickr

On Tuesday's show, Zadi mentioned that the Senate recently passed legislation approving amendments to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. These provisions strengthen the ability of intelligence officials to listen in on "foreign targets" and grant immunity to the telecommunications companies that cooperated with the White House wiretaps after September 11th. Most importantly, this bill weakens the Fourth Amendment of our Constitution. Many privacy advocates feel strongly about this issue because it gives the White House so much power when it comes to citizens' rights.

» This article continues

filed: politics
tags: fisa, legislation, privacy
04/04/2008 • comments ()
40th anniversary of martin luther king, jr's assassination
Posted by Steve Woolf

Our friends at Moblogic did some interesting street interviews in New York to see what people thought of Martin Luther King, Jr's legacy today.

How do you think his legacy is doing today? Seems to me it's a mixed bag. I don't know if it's progress, but economic factors seem to be the most dividing elements of today's world. There's more tolerance on the surface between the races, but if you scrape your fingernail along the surface of America, what you find underneath is pretty ugly.

03/26/2008 • comments ()
wreck and salvage: club iraq
Posted by Zadi Diaz

Club Iraq from wreckandsalvage on Vimeo.


When I watched this video by the awesome Wreck and Salvage guys, so many conflicting feelings came up. Coming from a semi-military family (dad and uncles), the emotional effect of service and war definitely resonates on a deeper level. To me it's both crazy and sad. Crazy that these guys, who would normally be goofing around in a college dorm, are thrust into a world completely emotionally unequipped. Crazy that this war is happening. Sad that we're completely, irreversibly entangled. Sad that history repeats itself all too often.

What do you think?

02/22/2008 • comments ()
hillary is mom jeans
Posted by Rick Rey

Can't. Stop. Reloading. HALP!!

tags: politics, weird
02/13/2008 • comments ()
hillary clinton pranked by john mccain
Posted by Zadi Diaz


The guys over at Barely Political do it again. Oh John, you prankster. I don't blame Hillary for looking grossed out. :)

Props go out to Michael Stevens for mixing this one up.

02/11/2008 • comments ()
mccain's 'john he is' video
Posted by Zadi Diaz


Remember that inspirational "Yes We Can" music video we posted a few days ago? Well, now John McCain has his own.

02/07/2008 • comments ()
barackula the musical!
Posted by Zadi Diaz


Barackula the musical will be making its online debut this month. It's Michael Jackson's Thriller meets Jesus Christ Superstar meets... vampires. What more can one ask for?

The fictional story tells of a young Obama fighting off the forces of darkness at Harvard Law. Obama (played by Justin Sherman) must convince the secret vampire society that opposing political philosophies can co-exist or else he gets swallowed by the dark side.

Doesn't matter who I'm voting for, I'm sold just on the dancing vampires.

02/05/2008 • comments ()
super tuesday on veracifier
Posted by Zadi Diaz


We're checking out The Uptake Super Tuesday live blogging/video streaming coverage on Veracifier. You should too! :)

filed: politics
tags: video
02/03/2008 • comments ()
matt romney pranks his dad mitt romney
Posted by Zadi Diaz


Everyone loves a good practical joke right? We are pranksters in hiding here at EPIC-FU HQ, and revel in a good laugh. So it was great to see that humor knows no boundaries... especially when it involves a phone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and a politician running for office. :)

02/03/2008 • comments ()
hillary and the band
Posted by Zadi Diaz


So what did Hillary do before she ran for office? She was in a band of course. Seriously folks, you haven't heard her riff on a geetarrr? I'm sure there's some lost footage out there waiting to be found.

02/03/2008 • comments ()
barack obama music video: yes we can
Posted by Zadi Diaz


Check out this music video inspired by Barack Obama's Yes We Can speech. It's one of others starting to pop up and features a star cast including John Legend, Scarlett Johansson, Herbie Hancock, Amber Valetta and others.

Thanks to Steve Garfield for pointing it out to us.

01/26/2008 • comments ()
i wouldn't steal
Posted by Zadi Diaz


Check out this video from iwouldntsteal.net. It's a response to the "piracy is a crime" video that has aired on television.

They express that making a copy and sharing does not equal stealing. They also believe sharing expands culture and supports the artist.

01/21/2008 • comments ()
what would martin luther king say about the iraq war?
Posted by Zadi Diaz


In remembering Martin Luther King today, I came across this speech by him against the Vietnam War (or in Vietnam, the American War).

I couldn't help but wonder how he would feel about the Iraq war if he were alive today.

» This article continues

filed: politics
tags: quote
01/21/2008 • comments ()
track candidates at politweets
Posted by Rick Rey
Politweets

Here's a cool site I discovered recently for keeping up with real-time conversations about the presidential candidates. It's called Politweets and it's a Twitter-mashup that tracks mentions of the candidates' names and organizes the discussions into columns for Republicans and Democrats. It's not perfect, especially for Ron Paul -- whose last name is pretty common so only his full name tracked, but it's still useful for keeping up with what's going on in campaign-land.

Definitely check it out tonight during the South Carolina Democratic debate on CNN.

tags: mashups
12/20/2007 • comments ()
a very merry flashback from karmagrrrl
Posted by Steve Woolf

Zadi's video originally posted to her Karmagrrrl videoblog in December 2005.

Lest anyone forget what an exceptional filmmaker Zadi is, just thought I'd bring it back since it's so wonderful and (sadly) still appropriate.