we now have 4 permanent Dem field ops here in Oregon, thanks entirely to Howard Dean.  so does every other state.  this means we have a permanent resource to back up the somewhat transient nature of party political activity.  how can this hurt any race for Congress?  oh, yea, it takes away money Emmanuel & Schumer want to use to be the bigshots.  screw 'em.  they've been useless in Congress, every bit as powerful as Daschle and his ilk.  if they can't see that the future of the party is at the 'roots, then they need to leave DC, get a job doing retail and learn about the real world.

grunge, per se, came and went in its "pure" form.  but the impact of grunge has had a lasting impact.  for one thing, it threw a massive wrench into the over-produced music of the 80s and brought back the raw, unpolished styles of early rock.  people can still over-produce their music if they want, but the kids and others who prefer and produce garage-band music know that they are not alone and that if they play it, they will come.  grunge continues to have a profound effect on music and society.

alternative/sustainable energy is a jarring idea to most americans.  it's easier to flip a switch and get the lights (aka: pretty pop music).  to make a change, you have to make a decision.  and the right decision probably means learning what the hell is going on.  most consumers don't like having to become informed or, worse yet, having to make an unpleasant decision.  they want their lifestyle changes to be nice and gentle and full of smiley faces.  alt/sustainable energy is none of these.  that's what's going to make it a tough sell.