how jedi are you? :: by lawrie malen
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Proof yet again that green is the color of positive morality
This is a short (less than three minutes) film called After Oz. It was created by a Vancouver Film School student...
...named Percy Kiyabu.
...named Percy Kiyabu.
John Hajduk feels properly chastised
Further to yesterday's statement:
Well, uh...yeah. That was sort of, kind of, half the point (at least). Of course the idea is so senseless as to be laughable, so incongruous that it invites ridicule. The test is, whether or not you think I'm so foolish or stupid as to make such a statement seriously.
Apparently, you do.
Point taken, and I feel properly chastised. But humorous or not, the statement was still idiotic.
John Hajduk
Well, uh...yeah. That was sort of, kind of, half the point (at least). Of course the idea is so senseless as to be laughable, so incongruous that it invites ridicule. The test is, whether or not you think I'm so foolish or stupid as to make such a statement seriously.
Apparently, you do.
Friday, May 23, 2008
I'm not one to give fashion advice...
...but in this picture, do you think Dita Von Teese means to be dressed like Tinky Winky, the gay Teletubby?
(Gad, I'm such a bitch...)
(Gad, I'm such a bitch...)
Game Over
Y'know...I'm sure it'll pass...but for the past day or so I've actually been feeling kind of sorry for John McCain. I think he's gonna get creamed, and I want him to, but...man, he's just getting worked like Tina Fey's publicist.
He actively seeks the endorsement of two "controversial" pastors, then, when their comments become too hot, distances himself from them. So he's alienated people who were offended by those comments, but most of them weren't going to vote for him anyway.
He can't even claim, as Obama could, to have tried to stand by a man in bad times as well as in good out of friendship and respect.
But McCain's also alienated the very people whose votes he was courting by seeking the endorsements in the first place.
Plus of course, he's a republican at a time when gay child molesters in Tennessee are more popular than republicans (should John Hajduk be looking in, I'm being comic).
But it's not just that. Everyone, including McCain himself, makes jokes about him being old. But there's more to it than jokes. I don't know if he really gets (or cares) that everything he's said or done is now fair game--and can be brought to the masses.
Could he have imagined even eight years ago, the last time he ran, that some schlep in Seattle would be sitting there pitying him?
If anything, Obama may have to work at least a little hard to avoid the appearance of picking on an old man.
He actively seeks the endorsement of two "controversial" pastors, then, when their comments become too hot, distances himself from them. So he's alienated people who were offended by those comments, but most of them weren't going to vote for him anyway.
He can't even claim, as Obama could, to have tried to stand by a man in bad times as well as in good out of friendship and respect.
But McCain's also alienated the very people whose votes he was courting by seeking the endorsements in the first place.
Plus of course, he's a republican at a time when gay child molesters in Tennessee are more popular than republicans (should John Hajduk be looking in, I'm being comic).
But it's not just that. Everyone, including McCain himself, makes jokes about him being old. But there's more to it than jokes. I don't know if he really gets (or cares) that everything he's said or done is now fair game--and can be brought to the masses.
Could he have imagined even eight years ago, the last time he ran, that some schlep in Seattle would be sitting there pitying him?
If anything, Obama may have to work at least a little hard to avoid the appearance of picking on an old man.
John Hajduk takes things a wee bit too seriously
Got time for an email?
("Yes, Ben, there's always time for email, launch the rocket and we sail, flying from Mars to email...Gotta go now, I've gotta make out with Mick Jagger.")
This is from John, commenting on my post w/the David Bowie video yesterday:
Now, there are two possibilities here. One is that I truly do think David Bowie is the inventor of rock and roll, and was being idiotically disrespectful to folks like Robert Johnson, Chuck Berry and Ray Charles.
The other is that I was using deliberately inflated rhetoric to pay tribute to someone who is something of a hero (along with Kraftwerk and Roxy) to the kinds of musicians that I like.
Which do you think it could possibly be?
("Yes, Ben, there's always time for email, launch the rocket and we sail, flying from Mars to email...Gotta go now, I've gotta make out with Mick Jagger.")
This is from John, commenting on my post w/the David Bowie video yesterday:
David Bowie, "inventor of rock and roll"? I like your blog, but that's about the most idiotic thing I've read in I don't know how long. It's also incredibly disrespectful to all those folks who preceded him (and who I'd guess he'd credit himself).
John Hajduk
Now, there are two possibilities here. One is that I truly do think David Bowie is the inventor of rock and roll, and was being idiotically disrespectful to folks like Robert Johnson, Chuck Berry and Ray Charles.
The other is that I was using deliberately inflated rhetoric to pay tribute to someone who is something of a hero (along with Kraftwerk and Roxy) to the kinds of musicians that I like.
Which do you think it could possibly be?
Right: I am not making this up...
Believe it or not, every afternoon, I sit down here, and I say, "OK. I'm not going to do any posts about Hillary Clinton." And every day she does something that I find absolutely irresistible to comment on.
Like yesterday, when, as I said, she equated the "disenfranchisement" of Florida and Michigan with slavery. Or, like today, when she said the reason she hasn't dropped out of the primaries is because, y'know, Robert Kennedy was shot in June and you never know what might happen.
Now: That would be a shitty thing to say under any circumstances (especially when, as I understand it, Obama had to take Secret Service protection early because of threats). But considering what happened to Ted Kennedy this week...it's an exceptionally stupid and insensitive thing to say.
And indefensible.
Like yesterday, when, as I said, she equated the "disenfranchisement" of Florida and Michigan with slavery. Or, like today, when she said the reason she hasn't dropped out of the primaries is because, y'know, Robert Kennedy was shot in June and you never know what might happen.
Now: That would be a shitty thing to say under any circumstances (especially when, as I understand it, Obama had to take Secret Service protection early because of threats). But considering what happened to Ted Kennedy this week...it's an exceptionally stupid and insensitive thing to say.
And indefensible.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
The New Republic is even less impressed with Clinton right now than I am
This hardly seems possible. But here Jonathan Chait makes the case, that with her latest actions--equating the "disenfranchisement" of the Florida and Michigan primaries with slavery (I am not making this up)...
Chait also reminds us that, in a phrase that has become common coin over the past few years, Clinton was for this "disenfranchisement" before she was against it.
What we have here is a case where one candidate (Obama) agreed to the rules and played by them consistently and fairly.
Another (Clinton) agreed to the rules and played by them only and until it became apparent that without those states, the race was over for her.
(Actually, even with them, the race is over for her, still, it's no wonder she wants to count these states, in at least one of which Obama's name wasn't even on the ballot)
I don't know if any Clinton supporters still read this blog. I would understand if they don't. But can anyone answer these questions?
Do we really want another president who thinks the rules don't apply to them, and changes their position with the winds of opportunity?
Do we really want another President with no apparent sense of shame?
Do we really want another President who puts their party into freefall?
Do we really want another President with basement-level ethics?
Isn't there a saying about finding out who a person is when their back is against the wall?
She is proving herself temperamentally unfit for the presidency.
Chait also reminds us that, in a phrase that has become common coin over the past few years, Clinton was for this "disenfranchisement" before she was against it.
What we have here is a case where one candidate (Obama) agreed to the rules and played by them consistently and fairly.
Another (Clinton) agreed to the rules and played by them only and until it became apparent that without those states, the race was over for her.
(Actually, even with them, the race is over for her, still, it's no wonder she wants to count these states, in at least one of which Obama's name wasn't even on the ballot)
Moreover, it's obviously true that Obama not campaigning, organizing, or advertizing in those states hurt him, and helped the more familiar candidate in Clinton.
I don't know if any Clinton supporters still read this blog. I would understand if they don't. But can anyone answer these questions?
Do we really want another president who thinks the rules don't apply to them, and changes their position with the winds of opportunity?
Do we really want another President with no apparent sense of shame?
Do we really want another President who puts their party into freefall?
Do we really want another President with basement-level ethics?
Isn't there a saying about finding out who a person is when their back is against the wall?
The show Weeds has never really given me that much pleasure...
...even back when I had Showtime and could watch it. I'm not saying it's not good, but I tried an episode or two, and found it not my cup of tea. Or perhaps I should say spliff of ganja.
All that said, however, how could I not like this promo picture of Mary-Louise Parker returning to the garden...
I love that girl. She rocks.
Via
All that said, however, how could I not like this promo picture of Mary-Louise Parker returning to the garden...
I love that girl. She rocks.
Via
I believe they call that "enabling."
Via Bloomberg.com Worldwide, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Clinton:
No, she might not still win this. It's mathematically impossible. There's no way.
I've used this line before, but Mrs. Clinton: Look at all the Democrats running from you right now. Do you even know who your friends are anymore? Desperation is not attractive in a candidate (male or female). You're hurting your party, you're hurting your country, you're hurting yourself, you're hurting your sex. Just stop it. Stop it already. You've lost. It's over. Stop embarassing yourself.
``You know she still may win this -- but whatever the outcome, new ground has been broken, and it won't be left broken. It will be built upon.''
No, she might not still win this. It's mathematically impossible. There's no way.
I've used this line before, but Mrs. Clinton: Look at all the Democrats running from you right now. Do you even know who your friends are anymore? Desperation is not attractive in a candidate (male or female). You're hurting your party, you're hurting your country, you're hurting yourself, you're hurting your sex. Just stop it. Stop it already. You've lost. It's over. Stop embarassing yourself.
They'll show us how to break the rules, But never how to make the rules.
This is a great live version of the title track from the album Black Tie White Noise, by inventor of rock 'n' roll David Bowie, a duet with Al B Sure. Both the album and song are critically underrated, IMO. Gorgeous vocals.
Do you have any idea how long some of us have been waiting to see the words "subpoenas" and "Karl Rove" in the same headline?
House subpoenas Karl Rove
Called to testify at inquiry on political meddling at Justice Deptartment
The House Judiciary Committee on Thursday subpoenaed former White House top political adviser Karl Rove to testify about whether the White House improperly meddled with the Justice Department.
Accusations of politics influencing decisions at the department led to last year's resignation of former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Totally Bitchin!
Electronica piece “90%...composed using sounds recorded from the Disney film ‘Alice In Wonderland’.” Visuals from the same source.
Via Cartoon Brew, w/thanks to Corey Klemow.
Via Cartoon Brew, w/thanks to Corey Klemow.
For your consideration...
...two more Amazon reviews of books I've read recently, Free Ride: John McCain and the Media by David Brock & Paul Waldman, and Zigzag: The Incredible Wartime Exploits of Double Agent Eddie Chapman by Nicholas Booth.
To be fair (if only to myself), the second one isn't really a full review--inasmuch as what I post to Amazon is ever a full review, compared to what I've written elsewhere. I just wanted to say something nice about the book, and wrote what you'll see late last night, very fast.
To be fair (if only to myself), the second one isn't really a full review--inasmuch as what I post to Amazon is ever a full review, compared to what I've written elsewhere. I just wanted to say something nice about the book, and wrote what you'll see late last night, very fast.
A cautionary tale
This is three short (about two minutes altogether) sequences from "Arctic Radar," an episode of The West Wing. It follows a "c"-or-"d"-story in which Josh Lyman lays out a line that I think more than one of us part time SF fans tries to walk...
Unfortunately, the picture fades and then sound cuts out before the last lines of of the last sequence, which are:
Unfortunately, the picture fades and then sound cuts out before the last lines of of the last sequence, which are:
JOSH
...you can't bring your hobbies in to work, okay?
JANICE
Got it.
JOSH
Except on Star Trek holidays. [exits]
JANICE
There's no such thing as a Star Trek holiday.
JOSH
Well, work hard around here. We'll make one.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
It's over, Clintons.
Campaigning with his wife in Kentucky, former President Clinton dismissed Obama's inevitable claim on pledged delegates.
"There won't be tonight, unless you decapitate Michigan and Florida, which violates our values and is dumb politics," Bill Clinton said.
Oh, good. A lecture on the violation of values and dumb politics by Bill "Mr. Moral Authority" Clinton.
I really can't believe how sick I am of both of them at this point...
Oh, those randy Australians
This was going to be another post about how I'm afraid Clinton's reached a point where she's not only making a fool of herself, but of millions of women. To illustrate that fear, I was going to refer to the fact that yesterday she actually stooped to citing conservative bad-stepper (and traitor) Karl Rove.
But I got diverted from that. Because as I was searching for an item about it to which to link, I found this headline in the Sydney Morning Herald:
Bush's bosom buddy gives sagging Clinton a lift
But I got diverted from that. Because as I was searching for an item about it to which to link, I found this headline in the Sydney Morning Herald:
Bush's bosom buddy gives sagging Clinton a lift
Oh, Geraldine...
Is this how you really want to be remembered?
The part I found hardest to swallow was when she proposed that Obama's appeal was to "the hip-hop generation." I don't know if that says she's a racist, or just doesn't understand that "generation," but either way it's not a moment I would be proud of.
The part I found hardest to swallow was when she proposed that Obama's appeal was to "the hip-hop generation." I don't know if that says she's a racist, or just doesn't understand that "generation," but either way it's not a moment I would be proud of.
For my generous friends who may be wondering what I'd like for a (late) birthday or (early) Christmas present...
Wonder no more. Sports Night, the show so good it made me love a show (I thought was) about sports, is being re-released on DVD in a 10th Anniversary edition.
To illustrate the point, a quote and a clip:
I missed this show the first time around. Although I had regard for Aaron Sorkin (who created the series and wrote all but a handful of episodes) at the time, it wasn't as high as it would become. Not quite high enough to vault the wall of my sports ignorance.
That changed after West Wing, and I "rediscovered" Sorkin's first series when Comedy Central began running the repeats.
Marking 10 years after Sports Night's initial premiere on network television, the multiple award-winning cast and creative team come together for the first time on DVD when Shout! Factory presents Sports Night: The Complete Series 10th Anniversary Edition DVD box set on September 30, 2008. Offering the first comprehensive Sports Night experience ever, the 8-DVD collector's box set contains all 45 acclaimed episodes, a special 10th Anniversary book, and 2 full discs of exclusive bonus features that reveal the genesis, life and afterlife of the series with all-new interviews, behind-the-scenes featurettes, gag reels, deleted scenes, and commentaries featuring the principal cast and creative team. You don't have to know sports to enjoy Sports Night.
From creator and executive producer Aaron Sorkin, executive produced by Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Tony Krantz, Thomas Schlamme and Rob Scheidlinger, and produced by Imagine Television in association with Touchstone Television, Sports Night debuted on ABC on September 22, 1998 and received an extraordinary reception from television critics and fans alike. Brimming with wry wit and high-brow humor, Sports Night is not a program about sports. The show provides an all-access pass to the inner workings of a high pressure cable newsroom and sheds lights on those dedicated news anchors and crew who ultimately push personal conflicts aside to bring their audience the best sports program offered on television...sometimes against considerable personal odds.
To illustrate the point, a quote and a clip:
"You need therapy"
"I'm in therapy."
"You need more."
-"Kyle Whitaker's Got Two Sacks," Sports Night.
I missed this show the first time around. Although I had regard for Aaron Sorkin (who created the series and wrote all but a handful of episodes) at the time, it wasn't as high as it would become. Not quite high enough to vault the wall of my sports ignorance.
That changed after West Wing, and I "rediscovered" Sorkin's first series when Comedy Central began running the repeats.
If the Iranians love their children too
The Washington Monthly's Kevin Drum, on deterrence, 2008 style...
I nonetheless continue to be amazed at the rose-colored glasses that so many conservatives use these days when they talk about the old Soviet Union. Back in the day they sure didn't think the Soviets were rational. They didn't think much of MAD either, a term initially invented by conservatives as a term of ridicule. And communism was very much considered an apocalyptic, expansionist ideology that would never rest until the West was buried.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Keep fucking around, Tennessee. See what you get.
U.S. Democratic presidential front-runner Barack Obama says that Republicans should direct their attacks at him and not his wife Michelle.
He was referring to a video posted on YouTube by the Tennessee Republican Party last week that targeted a remark Michelle Obama made in February.
An American family in front of 75,000 people.
Holy Cow.
Y'know, as a rule, I don't like to get into the race thing too much when talking about Obama. I'm not naive enough to think that it isn't a factor, but I also think it's short-sighted, and maybe dangerously so, to overstate its importance in his groundbreaking success.
I believe, if you will forgive me an obvious allusion, this success is at least as much to do with the content of his character as the color of his skin. That said, however...
I have to admit that it gladdens my heart to see a black, American family standing up together before an amazing crowd of their fellow countrymen. The husband and father all but certain to be his party's nominee.
As Craig Ferguson says, it's a great day for America, everybody...
Y'know, as a rule, I don't like to get into the race thing too much when talking about Obama. I'm not naive enough to think that it isn't a factor, but I also think it's short-sighted, and maybe dangerously so, to overstate its importance in his groundbreaking success.
I believe, if you will forgive me an obvious allusion, this success is at least as much to do with the content of his character as the color of his skin. That said, however...
I have to admit that it gladdens my heart to see a black, American family standing up together before an amazing crowd of their fellow countrymen. The husband and father all but certain to be his party's nominee.
As Craig Ferguson says, it's a great day for America, everybody...
For those skeptics among you who may think my gladness of Eva Amurri is solely to do with her size-36 (I'm guessing) tits...
For shame, skeptics. And just to prove my point, here she is, literally covered from head-to-toe...and I'm still just as glad to see her.
And as if that wren't enough, would you get a look at that mouth?
(and hands?)
And as if that wren't enough, would you get a look at that mouth?
(and hands?)
I like to think only this blog would illustrate...
...a link to (and excerpts from) an opinion piece about engagement and negotiations...
...with a Liza Minnelli album cover.
...with a Liza Minnelli album cover.
When [Reagan] and Mikhail Gorbachev signed the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 1987, which for the first time eliminated an entire class of nuclear weapons, Buckley's National Review dubbed it "suicide." The Conservative Caucus took out a full-page newspaper ad saying "Appeasement is as unwise in 1988 as in 1938." It paired photos of Reagan and Gorbachev with photos of Neville Chamberlain and Hitler.
The Bush administration has been little different, refusing for years to talk to North Korea or Iran about their nuclear programs because it wanted to defeat evil, not talk to it. The result was that Pyongyang tested a nuclear weapon and Iran's uranium program continued unfettered. (By contrast, when the administration negotiated with Libya -- an act that its chief arms controller, John Bolton, had previously derided as, yes, "appeasement" -- it succeeded in eliminating Tripoli's nuclear program.)
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Ladies...
Some notes on dresses and lingerie.
1. There's got to be more subtle ways to communicate what you'd like in bed.
2. Lingerie that gives us a headache is not sexy.
On the other hand, if the goal is to make us want to see it on the floor even quicker than we usually do...
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1. There's got to be more subtle ways to communicate what you'd like in bed.
2. Lingerie that gives us a headache is not sexy.
On the other hand, if the goal is to make us want to see it on the floor even quicker than we usually do...
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Think Christopher Reeve in the original Superman or Johnny Depp in the Pirates trilogy
Robert Downey's star performance is one of the best ever in a superhero movie.
Like Reeve, Downey can play light as well as "heavy" which, I believe, is exactly what this genre needs.
Unlike Depp, he has a well-written script...against the odds, given its four listed writers.Considering what a blockbuster it's been, you probably don't need me to tell you any of this, but for the record, and the benefit of any of you who haven't seen it yet...everything you've heard about Iron Man is true.
The light/heavy balance of Downey's performance is true of the movie as a whole: It respects the original material (unlike, say, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier), but has a sense of humor (unlike, say, The God-awful Hulk of a few years ago).
It's great fun, in a way that makes me feel, sorry for the cliché, like a 13-year-old kid again. The kind where you bob your head (to the heavy-metal derived-score) with sheer enjoyment. I did, anyway.
Honestly, it makes me want to use words like "Bitchin!" Or like that kid at the end of The Incredibles: "That was totally awesome!"
I'm looking forward to the inevitable sequel, and hoping Marvel will try to sign director Jon Favreau for a "Silver Surfer" movie. One senses he might be able to make it good, not just better than Fantastic 4 II (which would not be hard).
This neat-o Lego Iron Man was made by Arvo.
A word about the suit in the film: I don't know how much was practical F/X and how much was CGI, but I'm sure there'll be features about it on the DVD. But my point is: I don't know how much was practical F/X and how much was CGI.
Because of the combination of Downey and the effects work, I was always identifying with Tony Stark inside it. That's what I think they should give awards for, not blowing up stuff real good.
Speaking of awards, Jeff Bridges is delightful, but when is he not? The guy's had one of the best track records in Los Angeles ever since he was Oscar-nominated for his first major role in The Last Picture Show, in 1971. Even in self-consciously "original" material like The Muse, he has a way of coming out on top.
So that didn't surprise me. What did was Gwyneth Paltrow, of whom I've never been the biggest fan. Her work here is splendid. She looks gorgeous; I think motherhood must agree with her, it's made her softer, rounder.
She's also looking more like her own mother, Blythe Danner, every day.
It's not the most enlightened of roles--the super-efficient secretary-not-so-secretly-in-love-with-her-boss. But to their credit, the film (and Paltrow) does manage to suggest that she is both insightful and educated.
I can only hope that in the aforementioned inevitable sequel, her role will be expanded upon.
Oh, and if you're anything like me, you'll be wondering who plays the reporter from Vanity Fair. Her name is Leslie Bibb
, seen below posing at the premiere.I'll close this probably-unnecessary review with an observation someone else must have made; I just haven't seen it yet.
It's an interesting quirk of casting that three of the stars of this movie all come from show biz families.
Robert Downey Sr. is a filmmaker (god help him, he made that turd of a movie Up The Academy) and sometime actor.
Besides Paltrow's mother being a great; hot actress, her father, Bruce was a director, producer and writer.
And Jeff Bridges of course is the son of Lloyd and the brother of Beau.
PS: Oh, and the obligatory Stan Lee cameo came precisely at the moment I was thinking, "Hey, isn't it about time for the obligatory Stan Lee cameo?"
PPS: For those of us who know something of Marvel's policies towards its creators in the '60s and '70s, there's something ironic in this film's villain’s line to Stark:
You really think that just because you have an idea, it belongs to you?
Them's my kinda lesbians
Column here from the San Francisco Chronicle, about response to the California Supreme Court decision that same-sex marriage is constitutional. The columnist, C.W. Nevius, quotes a couple he encountered:
How could I not love it?
Karen Strauss and Ruth Borenstein were holding hands and waiting for the traffic light to change in front of the public library across from City Hall when we began to chat.
"Can I tell him what I told you when we left the house this morning?" Borenstein said. "I said, 'If we win this, you better f- marry me.' "
"Well, she'll have to ask more nicely than that," Strauss said.
How could I not love it?
Friday, May 16, 2008
But can I swing from a thread?
Your results:
You are Spider-Man
Click here to take the Superhero Personality Quiz
Look out, here I come...
You are Spider-Man
| You are intelligent, witty, a bit geeky and have great power and responsibility.  |
Click here to take the Superhero Personality Quiz
Look out, here I come...
Joe Lieberman is a boob.
And not the good kind.
(BTW, there's more than one play-on-words involved with the above photo. Do you know what the second one is?)
What Lieberman thinks of Pastor Hagee:
What John Hagee thinks of the men and women of Lieberman's faith:
and
Joe Lieberman is a boob.
(BTW, there's more than one play-on-words involved with the above photo. Do you know what the second one is?)
What Lieberman thinks of Pastor Hagee:
“I would describe Pastor Hagee with the words the Torah uses to describe Moses,” Lieberman told Hagee and his followers at a recent conference the group held in Washington, at which Lieberman was invited to speak. “He is an `Eesh Elo Kim,’ a man of God, because those words fit him; and like Moses, he has become the leader of a mighty multitude in pursuit of defense of Israel.”
What John Hagee thinks of the men and women of Lieberman's faith:
How utterly repulsive, insulting, and heartbreaking to God for His chosen people to credit idols with bringing blessings He had showered upon the chosen people. Their own rebellion had birthed the seed of anti-Semitism that would arise and bring destruction to them for centuries to come.... it rises from the judgment of God uppon his rebellious chosen people."
The [Jews who don't agree with him] who are not driven by the Word of God have a liberal agenda.
And the liberal agenda is they are pro-abortion. They're pro-homosexual. They're pro-gay marriage -- they want men to marry men and women to marry women -- and their difference with me is not really what I'm doing with Israel. Their hostility to me is poisoned by their liberalism."
and
Jews do not have living souls.
Joe Lieberman is a boob.
Two great headlines that read great together
Huckabee quips about gun aimed at Obama at NRA convention
and
Huckabee Veep Momentum Is Growing
Yes, John. Tag Huckabee as your running mate. That would be fantastic.
and
Huckabee Veep Momentum Is Growing
Yes, John. Tag Huckabee as your running mate. That would be fantastic.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha...
Y'know...I really have been trying to lay off the Tennessee bashing. I felt it was getting in the way of my growth as a lovelier human being (and maybe in the way of my sanity). So I've been trying to move on from the trauma; to remember that many fine musicians either come from or live in Tennessee (so it cannot be all bad). Like that.
But, well, we have words for this.
We call it, "Asking for it."
But, well, we have words for this.
We call it, "Asking for it."
Ok, the "negotiate with terrorists" thing
As you may have heard, some Democratic leaders and bloggers are shocked--shocked!--that in a recent overseas speech, Bush commented
I have little to say about this. It's being taken, I think rightly, as a swipe at Obama. But I don't think it's worth getting our knickers all twisted in knots about it, because I think that's exactly what they want us to do.
I think Bush’s role in all this is to be a lightning rod, and distract attention away from McCain. They must know by now that nothing is going to inflate Bush's support again, so why not let him go out there and be Spiro Agnew to McCain's Richard Nixon?
So, instead, in the time-honored tradition of Democrats, I'm going to go after my own people.
Nancy, in this white house, the office of the president has no dignity. And BTW, that's not even a political statement, merely an aesthetic judgement. Dignity is honor, high standing among others, good name, prestige, reputation, repute, respect.
President Bush doesn't have any of those things.
Why no, Rahm, no, he doesn't. Shame is disappointment in oneself, regret for one's actions. And Bush hasn't evidenced anything like it in eight years. Glad you two woke up in time for his last day of school.
PS: The idea that "America doesn't negotiate with terrorists" is stupid on its face. It was stupid during Iran/Contra, it was stupid as a Fox promotional slogan, and it's stupid now. We do negotiate with terrorists; have for years (and so, of course, has Jack Bauer).
We do. And we should.
"Some seem to believe we should negotiate with terrorists and radicals, as if some ingenious argument will persuade them they have been wrong all along."
I have little to say about this. It's being taken, I think rightly, as a swipe at Obama. But I don't think it's worth getting our knickers all twisted in knots about it, because I think that's exactly what they want us to do.
I think Bush’s role in all this is to be a lightning rod, and distract attention away from McCain. They must know by now that nothing is going to inflate Bush's support again, so why not let him go out there and be Spiro Agnew to McCain's Richard Nixon?
So, instead, in the time-honored tradition of Democrats, I'm going to go after my own people.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday that Bush's remarks were "beneath the dignity of the office of the president and unworthy of our representation"
Nancy, in this white house, the office of the president has no dignity. And BTW, that's not even a political statement, merely an aesthetic judgement. Dignity is honor, high standing among others, good name, prestige, reputation, repute, respect.
President Bush doesn't have any of those things.
As Pelosi was speaking, House Democratic Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel issued a statement in which he said: "The tradition has always been that when a U.S. president is overseas, partisan politics stops at the water's edge. President Bush has now taken that principle and turned it on its head: for this White House, partisan politics now begins at the water's edge, no matter the seriousness and gravity of the occasion. Does the president have no shame?"
Why no, Rahm, no, he doesn't. Shame is disappointment in oneself, regret for one's actions. And Bush hasn't evidenced anything like it in eight years. Glad you two woke up in time for his last day of school.
PS: The idea that "America doesn't negotiate with terrorists" is stupid on its face. It was stupid during Iran/Contra, it was stupid as a Fox promotional slogan, and it's stupid now. We do negotiate with terrorists; have for years (and so, of course, has Jack Bauer).
We do. And we should.
My [Congress] man, "Bagdad" Jim McDermott, endorses Obama
As I like to say--and I mean it as a badge of honor--ole' "Bagdad" Jim is such a prominent liberal Democrat he was in Farenheit 9/11, for god’s sake. The man knows a winner when he sees one.
Any Clinton supporters who may be looking in: This is called keeping your eye on the ball...
"I believe now is the time to unite behind Barack Obama so we can be in the strongest place possible to win in November," McDermott said.
Any Clinton supporters who may be looking in: This is called keeping your eye on the ball...
Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah!
We have an indictment, ladies and gentlemen, in what some are still calling the
I guess that's understandable shorthand, but as I've said, the methods used are far less material to me than this fact: (Alleged) adult (alleged) human beings had nothing better to do with their time than to bully a 13-year-old girl they knew had been in treatment for depression.
In a word: Good. What this woman did was a real offense against society, and for society not to charge her for it would be an offense against justice. It's at times like this that we want society, in the form of our criminal law system, to step in; taking at least a few steps to balancing the scales.
So we don't have to do it ourselves.
We're a nation of laws, not of men, as they say, and this is why we have them.
MySpace Suicide Case
I guess that's understandable shorthand, but as I've said, the methods used are far less material to me than this fact: (Alleged) adult (alleged) human beings had nothing better to do with their time than to bully a 13-year-old girl they knew had been in treatment for depression.
Lori Drew was indicted this morning in Los Angeles on federal charges for fraudulently using an account on MySpace. The indictment charges Drew in four counts -- one count for conspiracy and three counts "for accessing protected computers without authorization to obtain information to inflict emotional distress," according to a press release. The latter charge relates to the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.
If convicted on all four counts, Drew could face up to 20 years in federal prison.
In a word: Good. What this woman did was a real offense against society, and for society not to charge her for it would be an offense against justice. It's at times like this that we want society, in the form of our criminal law system, to step in; taking at least a few steps to balancing the scales.
So we don't have to do it ourselves.
We're a nation of laws, not of men, as they say, and this is why we have them.
Clear your mind must be, if you are to discover the real villains behind this plot.
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Which attack of the Clones character are you? created with QuizFarm.com | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| You scored as Master Yoda You're Yoda, now, fight like hell!
|
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
It doesn't seem very likely, but...
As you may have heard, John Edwards has endorsed Barack Obama. That Times blog post says (alongside much more):
I think Edwards--who has been kind of a hero of mine, off-and-on--would make a deserving AG nominee. But if they could overcome the unlikelyhood--has anyone ever been a vice presidential nominee two elections in a row for two different presidential candidates?--that's a ticket I would dearly love to see.
Everything else aside, think of the wit of a campaign with Obama, Edwards, and John McCain. I don't want McCain in the oval office, but the man's got a better sense of humor than either Bush or Clinton. If McCain picks Rudy Giuliani as his running mate, get the popcorn.
...privately, [Edwards] told aides that he would consider the role of vice president, and favored the position of attorney general, which would appeal to his experience of decades spent in courtrooms as a trial lawyer in North Carolina; and his desire to follow in the footsteps of Robert F. Kennedy, one of his heroes.
I think Edwards--who has been kind of a hero of mine, off-and-on--would make a deserving AG nominee. But if they could overcome the unlikelyhood--has anyone ever been a vice presidential nominee two elections in a row for two different presidential candidates?--that's a ticket I would dearly love to see.
Everything else aside, think of the wit of a campaign with Obama, Edwards, and John McCain. I don't want McCain in the oval office, but the man's got a better sense of humor than either Bush or Clinton. If McCain picks Rudy Giuliani as his running mate, get the popcorn.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Mr. McAuliffe, don't make me angry. You wouldn't like me when I'm angry.
Clinton Chair Praises Fox News
On Fox & Friends -- a show we last mentioned, I believe, after it repeated the false smear that Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, was educated in a madrassa -- the affable Terry McAuliffe appeared this morning to explain the difficult delegate math that would lead Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-NY, to the Democratic nomination.
"...I have said this - Fox has been one of the most responsible in this presidential campaign -- I have said that all along.''
-Political Punch
So this is what it's come to, huh folks? The chairman of a Democrat's campaign actually sucking Fox's cock on cable TV.
Mrs. Clinton: Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is know when to give up...
Movies that apparently few of you have seen, or at least remember
Being the (unguessed) answers to my annual "name that movie" quiz...
Was from
Carlito's Way. A film I think takes itself way too seriously; is flawed and overrated, but man I empathize with that line.
Was from the Lost in Space movie, and truer words were never spoken. As Peter David said, to LiS movie writer Akiva Goldsman, "subtext" is something you find spray-painted on the side of the Red October.
So why does that quote stay with me? Because Apollo 440 sampled it into their dance-rock-trash remake of the theme, by far the greatest thing to come out of the movie.
Not that this is saying a lot...
Are from I, the Jury. Asked by a woman who's just been killed; answered by the man who's just killed her.
The "hero," yet.
It's that kinda movie.
...this one, I'm surprised none of you got. I was deliberately going for a mix of the blockbuster and the more obscure this year, but for pete's sake.
One of the funniest movies of the past 25 years? Anybody?
9. "Yeah, I had a dream, Charlie, but now I’m awake. And I hate my dream."
Was from
Carlito's Way. A film I think takes itself way too seriously; is flawed and overrated, but man I empathize with that line.5. "This mission sucks!"
Was from the Lost in Space movie, and truer words were never spoken. As Peter David said, to LiS movie writer Akiva Goldsman, "subtext" is something you find spray-painted on the side of the Red October.
So why does that quote stay with me? Because Apollo 440 sampled it into their dance-rock-trash remake of the theme, by far the greatest thing to come out of the movie.
Not that this is saying a lot...
4. "How could you?"
"It was easy."
Are from I, the Jury. Asked by a woman who's just been killed; answered by the man who's just killed her.
The "hero," yet.
It's that kinda movie.
2. "Well now, what about that, huh? What about a woman showing up naked in a public place, Freddie?"
"Well I'm for it, of course."
...this one, I'm surprised none of you got. I was deliberately going for a mix of the blockbuster and the more obscure this year, but for pete's sake.
One of the funniest movies of the past 25 years? Anybody?
Monday, May 12, 2008
Eva Amurri makes my favorite color glad to be alive.
Very very glad.
(Seriously--I think she's some kind of Welsh/Italian goddess. Look, in this image it even looks like she has an extra arm...)
I just finished reading So Wrong for So Long: How the Press, the Pundits--and the President--Failed on Iraq by Greg Mitchell over the weekend
This link leads to the Amazon page, which features my review.
Last Friday, as is my habit on days when I see my therapist, after I took my walk around the park I went to lunch at Burger King.
I carried the book in with me--I'm a constant reader-while-I-eat.
The young woman who took my order, a friendly sort who I've seen more than a few times there before, caught sight of the first part of the title, and asked if it was a self-help book.
No, I said, letting her see the whole cover, it's about the war.
Which war?
The war we're in now.
Then she surprised me mildly by asking Is it anti-soldier or antimilitary?
No, I said, it's not anti-soldier, it's anti-some of our leaders.
She read the subtitle then and, as I remember it, nodded sadly and smiled slightly, adding, Yeah, they screwed up.
I've kept this back-and-forth in mind because, I think, there was something so telling about the way in which she leapt to the conclusion that a book called So Wrong for So Long, with a picture of a US soldier on its cover, must be antimilitary.
I'm not sure what it tells me, but I think it's telling. I wondered not long afterward if she has a relative or other loved one who either has or is serving.
I thought of asking, but decided it would be an invasion of her privacy.
...tower over london/Tower up and frankly I'm amazed/What's done cannot be undone, not here not in london/What's done can never be erased
Your Score: Macbeth
You scored 49% = Tragic, 34% = Comic, 37% = Romantic, 36% = Historic
You are Macbeth! A supposed retelling of the true story of King Macbeth of Scotland, Macbeth is one of Shakespeare's bloodiest plays. Macbeth, after hearing the prophesy of three witches, believes he will be named king of Scotland. However, this line of thinking eventually leads Macbeth down a horrible road of blood and death as he fights first to gain, and then to keep hold of the crown. Believing the play to be cursed, many actors will not even say the name of the play inside of a theater unless it is being performed and refer to it simply as "The Scottish Play". But you probably don't care about some stupid old curse. As Macbeth you most likely don't take warnings too well and you are so headstrong that you can't take good advice when it comes your way, even if it is for your own good. But being Macbeth isn't all bad. You are most likely a man (or woman) of action. People probably like you because you are good at thinking on your feet and making quick decisions. But be careful, as your rash behavior may also get you in to trouble along the way.
| Link: The Which Shakespeare Play Are You? Test written by macbee on OkCupid, home of the The Dating Persona Test View My Profile(macbee) |
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Say...hasn't it been quite some time since I posted video of young women dancing to a club classic?*
We must correct this at once.
*or in this case, a record that's stolen from a club classic, but the principle's the same.
*or in this case, a record that's stolen from a club classic, but the principle's the same.
The question: Why won't Hillary Clinton just give it up?
Asked and answered:
Can we stop pretending she gives a fuck about any of us at this point now?
Hillary Clinton may have a financial incentive to remain in the presidential race for a while. And she has Senator John McCain to thank for it.
Clinton loaned her struggling campaign $11 million in recent months. A little-known provision of a 2002 campaign- finance law cosponsored by McCain prevents candidates who drop out of the race from raising money after the nominating conventions to repay themselves for personal loans.
Should Clinton fail to come up with the funds by the Democratic convention in August, she'll be out the $11 million. If she quits the campaign before then, she may find it hard to get people to keep giving cash just so she can retire her debt.
Can we stop pretending she gives a fuck about any of us at this point now?
A choice of captions
One: "See Africa the way the natives do,' you said, 'you don't want to go on one of those tacky guided tours,' you said, ‘we’ll get 'em cheap,' you said..."
Two: "Boy, Rick Santorum sure was right. If not for same-sex marriage, we never could have..."
Three: "On three, we rampage. Pass it on."
Four: "Psst! Say, Mabel."
"What is it, Gertrude?"
"Did I have too much champagne last night, or are there blue humans riding us?"
Six: "I told you not to double down. Didn't I tell you not to double down? My brand-new BMW and you had a pair of sixes..."
Seven: "I AM NOT AN ANIMAL! I AM A-"
"Steve, calm down, you're an animal."
"Oh, right. Sorry. Sorry, everybody."
Eight: "And I'm telling you, the corn was as high as my eye!"
Nine: "So I said to George Lakoff', I said, you never even think of me at all anymore!"
Two: "Boy, Rick Santorum sure was right. If not for same-sex marriage, we never could have..."
Three: "On three, we rampage. Pass it on."
Four: "Psst! Say, Mabel."
"What is it, Gertrude?"
"Did I have too much champagne last night, or are there blue humans riding us?"
Six: "I told you not to double down. Didn't I tell you not to double down? My brand-new BMW and you had a pair of sixes..."
Seven: "I AM NOT AN ANIMAL! I AM A-"
"Steve, calm down, you're an animal."
"Oh, right. Sorry. Sorry, everybody."
Eight: "And I'm telling you, the corn was as high as my eye!"
Nine: "So I said to George Lakoff', I said, you never even think of me at all anymore!"
And yes, I'm still very depressed.
The growing death toll in Myanmar, and the middle east, to say nothing of our own midwest and south.
The economy.
Hillary Clinton's apparent inability to know when she's beaten.
Jennifer Aniston frolicking with John Mayer.
Once again, it makes you wonder what's really worth staying alive for, doesn't it?
...Kitties!
The economy.
Hillary Clinton's apparent inability to know when she's beaten.
Jennifer Aniston frolicking with John Mayer.
Once again, it makes you wonder what's really worth staying alive for, doesn't it?
...Kitties!
Madonna and other mothers
As the vile Rumsfeld might have said, you've got to live with the mother you have, not the mother you might want. Nevertheless
, here are some mothers (or mother-figures, or symbols) I might want. How many can you name?
, here are some mothers (or mother-figures, or symbols) I might want. How many can you name?
I've run out of flowery ways in which to say this
Sweet lord but Scarlett Johansson has some big tits.
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