Admittedly, I do not keep a close eye on a lot of US political landscape any other time than election time. However, in my defense, I read up on world politics and if it happens to involve the US, well good for me. The point being, I want to make an informed decision, but it’s hard to tell whether information being presented is bias to an extreme point. Anyone who claims that their info is unbiased obviously has a bias position about their own information quality. In light of the bias dilemma, I will not actually compare the candidates myself, rather I will provide links to particular sites and hope after looking at all of them you will have a slightly less bias view of the candidates. Let’s move on to some informative sites that will help make the decision in November a bit easier, hopefully.

http://www.wmur.com/compare-candidates/index.html

This information is from a news station in New Hampshire. New Hampshire is considered a tossup state this election. With a Democrat Governor and a Republican Senator New Hampshire doesn’t seem to lean any particular direction. It has a history of voting Republican during presidential races but has voted Democrat five times (Wilson, FDR, Johnson, and Clinton twice). New Hampshire seems like a state that might have the least bias information. However, the link just brings you to the issue comparison.

http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/issues/

CNN has a tendency to support the liberal side. Still it is a good source to examine the issues as long as you balance it out with the other side. It seems to be doing alright so far for this election, but I’m sure things will heat up once election day draws nearer.

http://www.selectsmart.com/president/2008/comparethem.html

I don’t know much about this site, except it has other goofy quizzes on it. It offers some decent information.

http://elections.foxnews.com/candidates/

Fox usually leans on the Republican or conservative side. Rather than comparing issues, there is some biographical information about the candidates and some related articles.

While these are not the only sites out there that will help you make a decision, they are a start to get more than one site to the issues. Please leave other links in the comments section, or comment about the links above. The more informed we are the better off we’ll be– I hope. Thank you.

Rx by

Dr. M. CLK

Despite extreme heat and work obligations, I try to get outside while the weather is conducive for lawn sports. Interestingly, most lawn sports involve throwing one object really close to another. I really cannot explain this phenomenon, but I’m not sure I’d want to waste our time if I could. Here’s a list of lawn games I think are keen.

Ladder Golf

This game can be played with 2 or 4 players. The object is to get your bolas (two golf balls attached by a thin rope) to stay on a ladder rung. Most sets are easily set up making this game portable. It’s also good for tournament style play. Remember to try to set up in a shaded area. If you have kids I’d recommend some supervision. The temptation to misuse the bolas would be a cause for concern if they’re anything like I was.

Washers

A game of skill played with large washers. Basically, you take turns throwing two washers and landing them either in the box, the cylinder inside the box, or on the rim of the box (automatic win in our books). The box I speak of is usually a square, an octagon, or a rectangle (besides a square). You play to a designated point value to win the game. Usually this game is played with 2 or 4 players. This is another game that is good for a tournament style event. I’d recommend keeping dogs away from the playing area. They have tendency to try to eat washers or walk off with the box… good dog.

Bocce

This is one of my favorites. You can either play in a Bocce court or cross-country style, called Open Bocce. You can play with 2 to 4 players (or more if you buy additional sets with varying patterns and colors). If you play in a Bocce court, one person toss the smaller ball, called a Jack or Pallino, then turns are taken to throw the larger bocce balls close to the Jack. The first person or team to reach a designated amount of points wins. If you play near a street be aware of sewer drains in the street, they might consume your Jack or bocce balls if you have a wild throw.

Badminton

Badminton is probably is the most physically demanding game on this list if you let it be. This is a good 2 or 4 player game that requires some time to setup. However, the setup time is worth it. Make sure to have some spare shuttles (or birdie) in case you get one stuck in a tree or on a roof. Unfortunately, if you become really good you can no longer play Badminton in the Olympics starting in 2012. Looks like I’ll have to find a professional circuit.

Horseshoes

I really don’t play Horseshoes too often, but I had to include it because it is a classic and I really do like playing it when I get the chance. Basically, you toss horseshoes in an attempt to land them near or, better yet, around a stake. You can play with 2 or 4 players. When playing make sure you only set up one stake, and be sure no one is near it when tossing. I prefer playing in a sand court over a yard mostly due to renegade horseshoes that hurt if you catch one with your ankle or shin even if you’re not really close to the stake.

Despite some of the inherent dangers to some of the games I mentioned, fun will be had by all once you break these gems out. Enjoy the summer!

Rx by,

Dr. M. CLK