Sad news from Omaha

Just a quick note to everyone who has seen this report of the shootings in a mall in Omaha. Eight dead. Five more wounded. Fortunately, my family and I are okay. There was a nerve wracking hour where I couldn't get ahold of my wife, but it turned out she had a lesson to teach after she was done teaching classes for the day, so she was still at work and not out Christmas shopping like I was worrying. The wife of a friend of mine was right outside Von Maur, the store where the shootings occurred, when it happened. Scary stuff.

I've written in the past about working a second job at Radioshack several years back. That store is in the same mall that the shootings happened in. Scary stuff.

My deepest sympathies go out to the families who are missing loved ones tonight. Our thoughts are with you.

Charts and gaffes

Look quick, folks, because this gem from the Associated Press's Liz Sidoti isn't going to stick around for long. Nonetheless, I think it throws a light on the current state of the media, national politics, and the intersection thereof:

DUBUQUE, Iowa - Mitt Romney loves statistics. The former venture capitalist pores over charts and grafs. He analyzes situations and data from every angle. It's little wonder, then, that as he campaigns for president, the Republican sometimes shows his wonkish side.

He pours over charts and "grafs." Indeed.

I suppose the only consolation here is that for once this is happening to someone who I have no intention on voting for, but damn. From the same article:

Romney's style contrasts with that of his top rival in Iowa.

Mike Huckabee is the easygoing ex-governor of Arkansas who charms his audiences with homespun stories of growing up in a family of modest means while sprinkling in broad policy stances under the themes of patriotism and core values. The former Southern Baptist minister tends not to dwell on the details of policy matters, choosing instead to tug on his audiences' heart strings.

Conversely, Romney's pitch is heavy on policy — and details.

Can we get any more glowing praise for not knowing jack shit about policies? Because that is basically what the criticism is here. Sidoti seems to be saying, "Romney seems to know a lot about the job he is after, and I hate how stupid that makes me feel in comparison." This is the same kind of bullshit peddled about Gore that got Dubya elected the first time around.

You can find a screenshot here in case they've fixed the article.