Thank You

I have been telling myself for years that I was going to start a blog.

But, being the procrastinator that I am, it's taken me far longer than it should have.

So, as we find ourselves at the end of 2008, I just wanted to say thank you to all those that read and those that left comments, suggestions, and even those that called me nasty names.

I've only been here since June, and already I've had some interesting hatemail, wild misunderstandings thrown at me, and even a visit and comment from a lady that has been nominated for a 2008 Weblog Award ( you're welcome here anytime, Bluegal ).

So, for any reading this and hasn't commented on something I wrote, don't be so scared. I don't bite unless asked or paid in advance.

Have a great New Years.

Worst In The World v 5.9 & 6.0

Bill O'Reilly

Gretchen Carlson

Sean Hannity

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Gretchen Carlson and Sean Hannity

Florida State Department Of Revenue

Carl Lindner Jr.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Nuggets Of Win : Part III

George W. Bush is just like Batman? Really?

Actually, Dick Cheney does sound like "The Penguin".

But that just wouldn't fit into Andrew Klavan's textual handjob to George W. Bush.

There seems to me no question that the Batman film "The Dark Knight," currently breaking every box office record in history, is at some level a paean of praise to the fortitude and moral courage that has been shown by George W. Bush in this time of terror and war. Like W, Batman is vilified and despised for confronting terrorists in the only terms they understand. Like W, Batman sometimes has to push the boundaries of civil rights to deal with an emergency, certain that he will re-establish those boundaries when the emergency is past

The main point that Klavan uses is that, in the film, Batman uses illegal surveillance to find The Joker and his henchmen. What Klavan doesn't seem to realize is that the two are not equivalent, but mutually exclusive.

Batman had actual and reliable intelligence that The Joker was in Gotham and was prepared to have the surveillance equipment destroyed when the job was done. Bush's position was slightly different, to put it mildly.


And there's so much more that happened this year, and the bulk of it happened close to Novemeber:

It's the crazy lady from the McCain "townhall":



Oh, oh, oh.............can we get the cool MTV, John Woo, action film angle on this?



This next one was so incredible, I almost couldn't believe it was happening.

Michelle Malkin got her knickers in a twist when Dunkin Donuts spokesperson, the every lovely Rachel Ray, wore a scarf that offended her delicate sensibilities:

Sigh. You all know I’ve been a fan of Dunkin Donuts for quite some time–and have touted their strong position in favor of immigration enforcement.

Charles Johnson notes, and many readers have e-mailed about, Dunkin Donuts’ spokeswoman Rachel Ray’s clueless sporting of a jihadi chic keffiyeh in a recent DD ad campaign. I’m hoping her hate couture choice was spurred more by ignorance than ideology.

A terrorist scarf?!



If you care to take a glance through the comments section of the thread in question, you'll get a first hand look at some interesting interactions I had with the lunatic fringe who would likely see the face of evil in an Old Navy fleece pullover if Malkin told them to.

Tuesday Beats featuring MF Doom and Dangermouse

Sofa King

Republican Muppet Doesn't Want To Be Stimulated

Mitch "Beaker" McConnell seems to not have a problem with giving out billions to banks that aren't too keen on telling us what they are doing with it. But, when it comes to other matters ( ie: infrastructure, health-care, or education ) McConnell tells the American people - in his own way - to fuck-off:

As of right now, Americans are left with more questions than answers about this unprecedented government spending, and I believe the taxpayers deserve to know a lot more about where it will be spent before we consider passing it.

More from The Washington Post





Think Progess has more

According to the Washington Post, McConnell has also “called for a weeklong cooling off period between when the bill is drafted and when it is voted on, allowing time to dissect it for signs of ‘fraud and waste.’” Conservatives have the power to filibuster the legislation if they oppose it.

McConnell, however, had no problem quickly passing President Bush’s Wall Street bailout, even though that package had almost no oversight safeguards. In fact, as McClatchy reported, McConnell “led the battle” to pass the bill.

McConell also opposed Congress’s rescue package for auto workers, arguing that he couldn’t “ask the American taxpayer to subsidize failure” and using it as a political opportunity to bash unions.

What this all boils down to is that Republicans have no plan for stabalizing the country, so they do the only thing they know how to do - be against any and everything a Democrat is for.

Why?

Have you ever known people so obsessed with "celebrity" that they are chomping at the bit, so enraptured with the thought of the next issue of whatever grocery-store mag has the juiciest cover story.

When Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin confirmed that her teenage daughter, Bristol, and boyfriend Levi Johnston were expecting a baby, the celebrity weeklies knew that the first photos of the Palin-Johnston baby would incite a bidding war. Baby Tripp Easton Mitchell Johnston, born Dec. 28, proved those editors right.

According to one source, bidding for the baby photos began at $100,000. People won out in the end, but In Touch was the only other weekly to make serious bids, according to several sources involved in the process.

The price didn't soar immediately, according to the sources, because Sarah Palin stories just didn’t sell all that well for the weeklies on newsstands.

How much you wanna bet that Sarah and Todd Palin will be in on the negotiation process?

It's an honest question. After all, Palin was more than willing to exploit herself and her entire family. What makes you think she won't do the same with her grandchild.

Pathetic.

Fellowship Of The Promise Rings

Pledges are something that sound great at the time.

It may make your parents happy, or even give you this false sense of accomplishment.

So, is it any wonder that premarital abstinense pledges are ineffective?

Teenagers who pledge to remain virgins until marriage are just as likely to have premarital sex as those who do not promise abstinence and are significantly less likely to use condoms and other forms of birth control when they do, according to a study released today.

The new analysis of data from a large federal survey found that more than half of youths became sexually active before marriage regardless of whether they had taken a "virginity pledge," but that the percentage who took precautions against pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases was 10 points lower for pledgers than for non-pledgers.

But, this study comes with those that are claimed that the analysis has an "ideological tilt":

"It is remarkable that an author who employs rigorous research methodology would then compromise those standards by making wild, ideologically tainted and inaccurate analysis regarding the content of abstinence education programs," said Valerie Huber of the National Abstinence Education Association.

More from the Washington Post.


If you want some solid proof that teens are having sex - and most likely unprotected sex - here's your fun fact of the day:

Bristol Palin, the 18-year-old daughter of former Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin, gave birth on Sunday to a healthy 7 lb., 4 oz., baby boy in Palmer, Alaska.

More here

Nuggets Of Win From 2008 ( Part II )

The first juicy bit is from the guy who fancies himself the face of the conservative movement - well, that is if Rush Limbaugh lets him think that - an economist, a foreign policy expert, and just a man that knows everything there is to know that would make America the best friggin place on earth - Sean Hannity:



So, what was that you were saying about the economy, Sean?

And here's this one:



"I am the biggest supporter ofIsreal, and I have a 30 year history on their record book"

I'm wondering, what does it mean to be the "biggest supporter" of Isreal, what does that person do, and where is this "record book" that Isreal keeps?





It wasn't the fact that he had fainted, that there was something wrong with him. It seemed to me that he had a stroke, and I have had several people in my family that have had this horrible moment befall them. It was that someone-shouted-that-someone-had-shouted-something-and-they-must-answer. My God, could they be the culprit.

*queue scary music*

Of "Magic Negros", Racism, And The Republicans That Embrace It

For starters, let's get down to the basics on the whole story.

This song is grounded in nothing but racism. I don't care who you are, what you believe in, who you listen to, or what you read. This - song - is - about - denegrating - blacks. Period.

Rush Limbaugh, that mass of twichy flesh and cholesterol, who originally broadcast this, calls it "satire".

However, those of us with the bone marrow intelligence enough to tie our own shoes and wipe our own ass know that this sort of right-wing conservative drivel is nothing more than what it has been known by for ages - dyed-in-the-wool racism.

This is how Limbaugh operates.

This is what his fanbase thrives on.

But, what of a real, satirical response? What would something like that sound like?

I give you Ice-T and Perry Ferrell.



I wonder what they would have to say about all this.

Nuggets Of Win From 2008 ( Part I )

Well, the year isn't over yet, and I'm not going to do a Top 10 list - cause there's too much to pick from - so here's Part I of my favorite moments that made 2008 a little more tolerable, brought suprises, and confirmed A LOT.

We begin, in no partucular order:

Sarah Palin reads EVERYTHING!!!

That's right, the woman whos glittering vocabulary varies from the majesty and splendor of "gosh-darnit" to the power and wit of "shucks" and "dog-gonnit", Sarah Palin reads more than you, and your mom, your three cousins, and that college professor that you used to flirt with, all combined.



Peggy Noonan, the uber-conservative that she is, breaks character on live TV. Oopsy.




E.D. Hill's "Terrorist Fist-Jab"

Not merely content with trying to malign Barack Obama with William Ayres in that special ham-fisted style that Sean Hannity and Bill O'Reilly have perfected, Hill just put it right out there without evening trying to gloss over it.





So much for Fox's pathetic meme of "fair and balanced".

Praying For Time

It seems that the tactic of the outgoing administration is to bank on people's ignorance in the future.

Here's the man with the moustache that could rival Sam Elliot - John Bolton:

In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, he was strong and decisive and that was critical for both the country and for the Western world,” believes John Bolton. “In 100 years people aren’t going to remember Guantánamo or Abu Ghraib, they’re going to remember 9/11 and Bush’s reaction to it.”

More here from the UK's Telegraph.

And Condi Rice is working doubly-hard on that spin:

Q: Looking at the big picture of what’s the whole foreign policy of this Administration – you come out of the academic tradition so I think it’s fair to ask, what kind of grade do you give yourself and this Administration on foreign policy?

RICE: Oh, I don’t know. It depends on the subject. I’m sure that there are some that deserve an A-plus and some that deserve a lot less. … We’ve left a lot of good foundations.

Q: You know, you say that, but the Pew Global Attitudes Project released a new report very recently. On the very first page it says, “The U.S. image abroad is suffering almost everywhere.” … It has to be more than just a perception problem.

RICE: No. Rita, first of all, it depends on where you’re talking about. In two of the most populous countries, China and India, the United States is not just well regarded for its policies, but well regarded.

More from ThinkProgress

From our perspective - you know, those people that the Bush administration don't give a nickle about - we are able to see them revise history, or to just be blatantly lying. When we take them to task, when we point out their blatant attempts to deceive, we are lambasted for having some type of "derangement syndrome" by their overly eager fanbase. It is our hope that, 50 or 100 or 300 years from now, that people won't be as ignorant of the past as people in the present are hoping for.

Everyone Loves Books

Definately getting this one with my Barnes and Noble gift card.



What did you get for Christmas?

Does MPG now stand for Motivated-by-Plump-Girls

*yeah, lame title, I know*

Am I the only one who is reminded of the scene in Fight Club where Brad Pitt and Ed Norton are raiding the lyposuction clinic so they can make soap?

Liposuctioning unwanted blubber out of pampered Los Angelenos may not seem like a dream job, but it has its perks. Free fuel is one of them.

For a time, Beverly Hills doctor Craig Alan Bittner turned the fat he removed from patients into biodiesel that fueled his Ford SUV and his girlfriend's Lincoln Navigator.

More at Forbes

After Christmas Random Video

What does a person with A LOT of time on there hands do?

Why, make a fake Thundercats movie trailer, of course



See if you can name all the movies that the images were snagged from.

Something Awesome For You

This band fuckin jams.

Matisyahut deployed what may be the only large, mirrored, rotating dreidel in show business — a Jewish answer to a disco ball — at Webster Hall on Sunday night, the first night of Hanukkah. It was also the first of eight New York City shows for Matisyahu in his third annual Festival of Lights series, bringing different opening acts and guests each night. A large menorah was set up for a mid-concert lighting ceremony, with the blessings declaimed in Hebrew by an audience volunteer.

More here from the New York Times.

The band is also in a scene of a really interesting documentary that I discovered this summer - The Protocols of Zion

The Year In Review?

Well, the year isn't over yet. There's plenty enough time for Sarah Palin to say something dumb that she thinks will be just friggin sweet; Joe-The-Author to do a "reading" at the local Books-A-Million in Butte, Montana; John McCain could reappear from out of nowhere and think he still has a chance at winning the election; right-wing talk-radio could do something that actually merits everyone's attention; or Bill O'Reilly could make it through one show without having some ditzy blonde on so he could check out her tits.

So, in the meantime, here's a rather weak offering from Jib/Jab ( what happened guys? ) and the ever awesome TomTomorrow.

Come to think of it, I might just do a "worst of" list this year.

Tuesday Night Electronic Jams featuring John Graham ( Quivver )

John Graham ( Quivver ) is, in many respects, one of the most talented EDM producers around.

He's had a hand in some of the greatest electronic tracks of the past 10 years. And on top of that, the man has a great voice.

Here's his Drum-and-Bass offering:

Chasing A Feeling



Check out my ProjectPlaylist selection at the bottom of the page and hear John Graham on Hybrid's "Choke"

Snacky Snack Times

I had no idea that spam-sushi was a Hawaiian snack. I also had no idea that Barack Obama liked Spam. Something interesting that may come back to haunt him when *insert reflexive, twitchy, conservative name* writes a book about Obama's first year as President.

The treat, called Musubi is pretty easy to make.



From my own perspective, Spam brings about memories of growing up in a house that didn't have much money in the early 80's. Also, it's a visual queue that triggers images of the "common man". Perhaps Joe-The-Turncoat can identify with Obama now. Well, it is sushi, and that's probably too highfalutin for Joe.

And now, for something completely predictable:

About That Infrastructure Idea

Watching the video below this morning, I kept hearing the voices of those that seem hell-bent on shouting down Obama's plan to rebuild needed infrastructure in the US.



Kind of makes one wonder what could have been done with the hundreds of billions of dollars that have gone into Iraq.

Oh, and those "voices"? One of was Bush:

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton urged President Bush during a Veterans Day ceremony yesterday to agree to a $300 billion economic stimulus package that might be considered by a lame-duck session of Congress next week.

The Bush administration has opposed another economic stimulus on the grounds that the $700 billion Wall Street rescue plan approved in early October served as a de facto second stimulus and needs more time to have an effect on the economy.

More here from LoHud.

Considering that 21 banks, when contact by The Associated Press, refused disclose what has been done with the $700 billion, how exactly are we to feel comfortable that this "defacto stimulus" is even working?

Who Would Jesus Vote For?

Honestly, I don't know a single thing about Norm Coleman. Don't really care to, as a matter of fact. Well, perhaps if I lived in Minnesota I would.

I've only followed the highly publicized recount between Coleman and Al Franken - whom I happen to think is a brilliant comedian and satirist. But, would be make a good Senetor? It's possible.

But, is it possible that The Big J is on Coleman's side?

From Politico:

“I feel fairly confident. In the end, the good Lord’s going to decide,” Coleman told the local Fox affiliate. “The numbers look good to us. Certainly there’s uncertainty. I’m not worried about it. I’ve done everything I can do. I’m not really agonizing about the outcome.”

Coleman went on: “Life goes on, regardless of what your job is. I certainly love what I do. If I can keep doing it, I’ll be thrilled, and if not, I’m sure we’ll do something else.”

Coleman made the comments at a Hanukkah celebration in St. Paul last night (make sure to watch the end of the video to see Coleman dance the hora).

Coleman was much more confident about his chances the day after the election when he declared himself the winner. Both Franken and Coleman have largely remained out of the public eye since the recount began.

The invocation of "the Lord" by any politician either means one of two things: they are in some serious trouble - like losing your Senate seat, or they are trying to cover-up that "meeting in the bathroom stall".

Even Though

The newest "reality" commercial about 'clean coal'.



At times, I find myself in a strange position when watching these types of adds. I work for a company who services the coal industry in my region of the US. In point of fact, the coal industry is responsible for me being able to have a job.

Naomi Who?

Count this as the second image of Naomi Watt's I'm not going to be able to get out of my head. The first being the scene in Mulholland Drive where she was crying and slapping her kitty around

Buck And Frank

This isn't going to be the Buck Rogers some of you might remember from TV.

Frank Miller is now signed on to direct a big-screen update of classic sci-fi comic serial Buck Rogers, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Miller is also set to write the adaptation and has apparently already begun to sketch ideas for what the trades claim will be a "darker take," with many of Miller's signature visual elements and themes such as corruption and redemption.

With mainstream Hollywood films lacking in any real substance, and independant writers and directors really delivering qualitiy cinema, it's equally refreshing to see Frank Miller - who came up in teh comics industry - breathing new life into classic characters.

Also, for those wondering about Sin City 2, look for Miller's Buck Rogers to start filming first.

"Conservative" Means "To Annoy People"

Well, according to (m)Ann Coulter it does.

Sarah Palin wins HUMAN EVENTS’ prestigious “Conservative of the Year” Award for 2008 for her genius at annoying all the right people. The last woman to get liberals this hot under the collar would have been … let's see now … oh, yeah: Me!

Coulter also thinks that if you put the word "prestigious" in front of an award most people havent' heard of that it will at least sound important. Come to think of it, people like Coulter and Palin never really annoyed most people. They continually provide hours of laughter and are great source material for jokes. If only for that, the two should be receive some sort of achievement award.

That being said, reading through this preachy and long-winded piece - what else would you expect - you start to get the feeling that Coulter is a little slow off the mark, that's she's starting to lose the edge that she had 2 years ago when she put out "Godless".

The entire article is rehash of tired conservative meme's that never worked from the get-go.

However, this segment seemed to contain the thesis that Coulter could muster during her endless, verbal handjob of a preamble:

Palin was a kick in the pants, she energized conservatives, and she made liberal heads explode. Other than his brave military service, introducing Sarah Palin to Americans is the greatest thing John McCain ever did for his country.

But unless Palin is going to be the perpetual running mate of “moderate” Republicans who need conservative bona fides, she will need to become wiser and better read. Even Reagan didn’t run for President in his 40s. (True Obama is in his 40s, but we are not Democrats.)

Palin, a "bona fide" conservative?

If that's the case then keeping people like her as far away from higher office as possible shouldn't be a problem.

Maybe She Thought It Was A Prank?

From US NEWS & WORLD REPORT

He won't exactly say his feelings are hurt, but Whispers hears that former President George H.W. Bush is a bit miffed that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin hasn't returned his phone calls of congrats for a good effort in the presidential election. Our source ran into the 41st prez recently at a Texas restaurant. When the subject of Palin came up during their chat, Bush told of twice phoning her office but never receiving a call back. The first message was left at McCain HQ after she was picked to be Sen. John McCain's veep; the second with the governor's office after the election was over. He shrugged it off as staff error, but our source says he was clearly perplexed. A Palin aide says the guv didn't get the message, as odd as that sounds. "At this time, we are not aware of any attempts by President Bush to get in touch with the governor, but again, she would be honored to receive a call." So if you are reading, 41, try again.

So, she knows who George W. Bush is, but not George H.W. Bush. For someone that allegedly read ALL publications possibly, you would think she would at least know who the 41st President is.

Your Vagina Is Not A Clown-Car PT II

18 kids all with names that start with the letter "J".

An Arkansas woman has given birth to her 18th child.

Michelle Duggar delivered the baby girl by Caesarean section Thursday at Mercy Medical Center in Rogers. The baby, named Jordyn-Grace Makiya Duggar, weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces and was 20 inches long.

"The ultimate Christmas gift from God," said Jim Bob Duggar, the father of the 18 children. "She's just absolutely beautiful, like her mom and her sisters."

The Duggars now have 10 sons and eight daughters.

The cable network TLC broadcasts a weekly show about the Duggars called "17 Kids and Counting." Chris Finnegan of TLC _ which handles public relations for the Duggar family _ said the show's name would be updated to account for the latest addition to the family. He said TLC also will air a show Monday on the baby's delivery.

It's a good thing that The Duggar's have a television show that brings them money, otherwise, there is no way in the world they could afford to care for themselves.

Check out more info at the family's website

The Horror

If you ever needed someone or something to let you know that you should be happy with your body, this is it.

Most certainly NSFW.

Conservative Losers Get Radio Gigs

With the Obama adminimstration doing it's level best to be as transparent as possible, conservative talk-radio is in full-on offense-mode.

The new batch of right-wing prattle-heads is shaping up to the a whos-who amongst Republican Presidential losers:

It is a lively time to be behind the microphone. One television talker, Joe Scarborough, is starting a radio show. Another, Bill O’Reilly, is ending his.

Several of the supporting actors in this year’s Republican primary are showing interest in the medium, too. Fred Thompson, the “Law & Order” star turned presidential candidate, will begin hosting a two-hour show in March, as the syndicator Westwood One is expected to announce this week. Mr. Thompson’s show would take the place of Mr. O’Reilly’s.

Rudolph W. Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City and a Republican presidential candidate, had been in negotiations with Westwood One for Mr. O’Reilly’s time slot, according to two people with knowledge of the talks who spoke on the condition of anonymity because a deal was not struck.


Mike Huckabee, the former Republican presidential candidate who now has a weekend program on the Fox News Channel, is trying radio as well, hosting short segments for ABC Radio beginning Jan. 5. While there are plenty of topics to talk about — and plenty of hosts willing to do the talking — nagging questions about the business remain. A sharp advertising downturn is limiting revenue for stations. And some hosts are worrying about the relevance of talk radio in a digital age.

More here.

When one realizes the severely inflated value that conservatives place on those talk-radio voices that are intended to represent their own, it's easy to see that Right-Wing talk is becoming more and more irrelevant.

Giuliani can't seem to make it through one semi-coherent thought without invoking Spetember 11th at least 3 times. Thompson will probably hold a call-in contest to see who can give him the best "appalause" that he desires. And Huckabee's way too soft-spoken to be a successful right-wing talk-host.

Truthfully, neither of the three will probably have what the bulk of conservative audiences want - that red, red, meat.

This is a demographic that needs to have it's opinions spoon-fed to them. They don't want to hear about the struggles of the poor, the problems with urban educational systems. They want to hear about how great "free markets" are. They want to be told that some faceless person in Congress is trying to begin back "The Fairness Doctrine". They seem to have this deep desire to be scared.

While Giuliani seems to be the only one out of the new-school of incoming talking-heads that can accomplish such a feat - only because he loves talking about terrorists - I don't see any of these shows lasting.

The Saturday Music Chain

Medway - The Baseline Track





Smith & Selway - Move!





Cass & Slide - Diablo ( Evolution Mix )





Minimalistix - Struggle For Pleasure ( Filterheadz Mix )





PMT - Gyromancer





Slacker - Flying

Jury Duty

I've often wondered what is really going through the minds of the 12 people selected to sit in judgement of a person that they, quite possibly, could care less about? Come to think of it, does anyone take jury duty seriously? Is the "trial by a jury of your peers" slogan nothing more than that - a slogan?

Well, I'm about to find out. I am perspective juror #244.

For the three or four of you that happen to be reading this ( if that many ) I'll be away for a bit.

Perhaps I'll have an interesting story or two when I return.

The Thursday Night Music Chain

The Crystal Method - Keep Hope Alive



Tilt VS Paul van Dyk

( this track could always be found in my record crate back in 1999 )




Humate - Love Stimulation ( Oliver Lieb Mix )




Cass & Slide - Perception ( Vocal Mix )

And Now, A Moderately Attractive Woman Shouts At O'Reilly

More "War On Christmas" Clap-Trap



I don't care for Megyn Kelly, and I loathe O'Reilly to the Nth degree. But, since Kelly used to be a lawyer, it's rather enjoyable to hear her tell him:

I've never met a non-lawyer who argues the law so confidently, albeit so wrongly

But, what O'Reilly doens't understand, the Governor isn't being mocked by the excessive signage, it's him.

Keeping Information From The Disinformer

Seems that the good folks over at Fox Business Network have filed suit against the Treasury Department for failing to comply with a FOI ( Freedom Of Information ) request for documentation showing how the federal "bailout" money was being distributed to the troubled credit institutions.

In a press release, Fox Business said there were two requests — one filed on November 25 sought information on the use of the bailout funds for AIG and Bank of New York Mellon, while another filed on December 1 sought information on Citigroup.

Fox News Executive Vice President Kevin Magee said, "The Treasury has repeatedly ignored our requests for information on how the government is allocating money to these troubled institutions. In a critical time like this amidst mounting corruptions and an economic crisis, we as a news organization feel it's more important than ever to hold the government accountable."

More here.

So, what exactly at the guys and girls at FBN driving at? Does this have anything to do with the bailout of the credit markets or is merely a publicitiy stunt to draw in an audience that might make FBN's advertisers less likely to flee?

Chuck Palahniuk's New Book

Already being touted as a hybrid of The Manchurian Candidate and South Park, look for Palahniuk's new book to hit stands May of next year.

Here's the write-up from Amazon.com

“Begins here first account of operative me, agent number 67 on arrival midwestern American airport greater _____ area. Flight _____. Date _____. Priority mission top success to complete. Code name: Operation Havoc.”

Thus speaks Pygmy, one of a handful of young adults from a totalitarian state sent to the United States, disguised as exchange students, to live with typical American families and blend in, all the while planning an unspecified act of massive terrorism. Palahniuk depicts Midwestern life through the eyes of this thoroughly indoctrinated little killer, who hates us with a passion, in this cunning double-edged satire of an American xenophobia that might, in fact, be completely justified. For Pygmy and his fellow operatives are cooking up something big, something truly awful, that will bring this big dumb country and its fat dumb inhabitants to their knees.

It's a comedy.

It's Touched Everyone Now

While skimming through some sites I haven't read in a while, I came across this little gem of a piece from MixMag entitled "DJ Forced To Sell Gold Teeth From Credit Crisis"

DJ Talent (real name Anthony Ghosh) has been forced to sell his gold teeth to make ends meet during the apparent credit crisis.

Talent, who plays electro house, hopes to get £30k for his 28 gold crowns.

"It's a big decision getting rid of my teeth" he told BBC News "and could actually cost me my career as I don't know if I'll be noticed with white teeth"

We cant say we'd ever noticed him with gold ones.

While the words "talent" and "electro-house" should never be placed within specific proximity of one another in a paragraph, I'm wondering why people are still putting the "DJ" in front of their names.

I guess this kid's idea of stealing Goldie's look wasn't such a good idea after all.

Worst In The World v 5.7 & 5.8

Blackwater CEO Eric Prince

Karl Rove

Rush Limbaugh

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Fox Business Network

Henner Schmidt

Gretchen Carlson

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Concords Taking Flight

If anyone reading this happened to make it to the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival last year - and were lucky enough to get a seat in the comedy tent - you probably saw the genius of Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement. Their HBO program, Flight Of The Concords, has it's second season debut online.

The half-hour Season 2 opener kicks off with one of those comic meetings of the minds, in which Bret and Jemaine dump clueless manager Murray (played by Rhys Darby).

In classic Conchords form, the management meltdown leads to a musical number that kicks off the long-awaited second season's story arc.

If you're new to Conchords, don't let Murray's earnest singing put you off the show. Comedian Greg Proops quickly shows up to make the folkies an offer they can't refuse; make it to the end of the first episode, and you'll be rewarded with a musical set piece showing Bret and Jemaine as guitar-strumming angels.

More on the show here.

Here's a clip from their Bonnaroo performance:

Snotty Scarlett

I've always had a soft spot for Scarlett Johansson.

She's not only amazingly beautiful, she's a fantastic actress. However, I'm not so obsessed with her that I would pay for her snot.

Video Recaps | Full Episodes | Webisodes

At least the money was going to charity.

Nickelodeon To Cover Inauguration

If you needed any more proof that Barack Obama has not only rallied Democrats
of all stripes, the fact the Nickelodeon is going to cover the inauguration tells me that his candidacy and his win have captured the imaginations of children as well.

Throughout the presidential campaign, Nickelodeon found that interest among its young viewers matched that of the adults. Nick's own online "election" had 2.2 million children voting, with kids supporting Obama over John McCain (51 percent to 49 percent) in a closer margin than the real election.

"We decided to carry it through so that kids would have the full experience of the presidential election," said Marva Smalls, executive vice president of public affairs at Nickelodeon.

The coverage will show up during commercial breaks and, most prominently, during the periods between regular shows in prime-time. Nick will offer a retrospective of past presidents taking the oath of office and interviews with young people about Obama's election and his inaugural address.

Read more here

Thursday Morning Cover Versions featuring Information Society

Information Society does an amazing version of Gary Newman's song "Are Friends Electric?"

I couldn't find an actual video for the track, so we'll have to make due with this video-game overlay.

An Odd Sort Of Balance

This isn't the first time that I have been disappointed in Barack Obama. I'm almost certain that it won't be the last. However, this does not mean that I am going to assume anything or stomp about in a rage because he made a choice that I don't agree with 100%.

Here's a bit of a surprise: Dr. Rick Warren of Saddleback Church will give the formal invocation at Barack Obama's inauguration. The good pro-life theologian first met Obama in 2006 at a Saddleback AIDS forum in California. Obama used the occasion to press the evangelical pastors present to embrace "realism" when they considered the issue; preach abstience, yes, but preaching against contraception can kill. (Here's some of what Obama said that day: "I know that there are those who, out of sincere religious conviction, oppose such measures. And with these folks, I must respectfully but unequivocally disagree. I do not accept the notion that those who make mistakes in their lives should be given an effective death sentence.")

More here from The Atlantic.

Given Warren's stance on issues ranging from gay marriage to abortion to an abundance of issues that the religious-right attempts to pass-off as truth, I was somewhat troubled that Obama would chose him.

That's when I started to think about how Obama promised to "reach out" to people. When Warren's viewpoints are taken into context, this is an interesting person to be reaching out to. Then again, that could very well be the point.

But, I also noticed who was giving the closing prayer at the inauguration:

Rick Warren, whose recent remarks on issues ranging from war and torture to sexuality and abortion have generated some justifiable pushback lately, will give the invocation at the inauguration. The pick was news to us.

But he's not the only one who will be praying from the podium on January 20. Rev. Joseph Lowery a civil rights icon and supporter of same-sex marriage, is giving the benediction at the end of the event.

From the Faith In Public Life blog.

-----------------------------------------------

A larger question to be asked is this - is it only Barack Obama's choice to have, not just Warren, but any guest at the inauguration give a speech? The scheduling of guest speaker at any Presidential inauguration is surely determined by a variety of people who are chosing from a large list of likely guests.

One interesting way to look at this, at least in my mind, is that Warren is going to be giving the invocation while Bush is still "technically" President, and then Lowery will be delivering the benediction when Obama becomes President. Although some may view this as a bit of a "reach", to me, it is the very definition of change.

Archeology And Comedy

There's always been something fascinating about Archeology. Recently, there has been a great discovery in Peru.

Scientists say the find, 22 kilometres from the Pacific coast city of Chiclayo, most likely dates to the Wari culture, which existed in what is now Peru between about AD 600 and AD 1100.

If initial assumptions prove correct, the discovery would connect the ancient Wari civilization to the Moche culture, which flourished from about AD 100 to AD 600.

More from TheGlobeAndMail

But the science of Archeology often time confounds me. So, when that happens, I consult the wise, executive transvestite - Eddie Izzard:

Bush, Cheney, and Shadow Government

Considering that I can be a bit of a paranoid person when it comes to government leaders changing the rules at the last minute, this doesn't make me comfortable at all.

President Bush issued a formal national security directive yesterday ordering agencies to prepare contingency plans for a surprise, "decapitating" attack on the federal government, and assigned responsibility for coordinating such plans to the White House.

The prospect of a nuclear bomb being detonated in Washington without warning, whether smuggled in by terrorists or a foreign government, has been cited by many security analysts as a rising concern since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

The order makes explicit that the focus of federal worst-case planning involves a covert nuclear attack against the nation's capital, in contrast with Cold War assumptions that a long-range strike would be preceded by a notice of minutes or hours as missiles were fueled and launched

"As a result of the asymmetric threat environment, adequate warning of potential emergencies that could pose a significant risk to the homeland might not be available, and therefore all continuity planning shall be based on the assumption that no such warning will be received," states the 72-paragraph order. It is designated National Security Presidential Directive 51 and Homeland Security Presidential Directive 20.

More from the Washington Post.

That's right boys and girls, Bush is trying to stick it out even after his time is over.

Dear God, It Could Get Worse

Not that I give TVNewser all that much credit to being with, but now we're hearing from an even lesser credible source - The NY Post's Page 6 - that Rudy Giuliani is angling for the coveted O'Reilly radio show gig.

EVERYONE knows Bill O'Reilly is quitting his radio show to concentrate on his Fox News TV program. Now, Page Six has learned the leading candidate to succeed him is Rudy Giuliani (above). Westwood One, which syndicates the O'Reilly show, is negotiating with the former mayor. Giuliani, who doesn't suffer fools gladly, famously ridiculed a ferret owner on the radio in 1999, calling him "deranged." Some wonder if Rudy could sit for three hours a day chitchatting about politics. The other question is how it might affect his possible gubernatorial run in 2010. Giuliani's office did not return calls.

Rudy does come with some radio show experience. Here's a memorable moment:




If Rudy does get the gig, it's sure to be nothing more than a continual discussion of Sept. 11th and how he was "right there when it all happened".

Lord Of The Rings - The Really Short Version

You can find this and other goodies at KungFu Monkey

How To Prevent The Dreaded Hangover

I've always subscribed to a mixture of "cures". Advil and water before bed - Fruit Punch Gatorade and Chinese food for breakfast. It's worked for years.

Advil and Water Before Bed

Most people think dehydration is the only cause of a hangover, but inflammation is a big contributor as well. That's where the anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen (the ingredient in Advil) comes in. True aficionados recommend taking two to three pills with a couple of big glasses of water before hitting the sack. By ingesting it before you go to sleep you attack the problem of inflammation as it's starting, rather than once it's already taken hold. Helpfully, it also prompts you to rehydrate. A trusty preemptive measure, though if you're sentient enough to remember to take the Advil, maybe you won't be so hungover anyway....

Gatorade

When you're hungover, reversing dehydration is a critical first step, and replacing your body's mineral-rich bodily fluids with salt-heavy Gatorade is a far tastier way to do that than a cup of bouillon (apparently recommended by the National Headache Foundation). Of course, the drink was actually invented by four U of Florida researchers in 1965 to help the football team rehydrate in hot weather. The Gators famously went on to win the Orange Bowl later that year, and credited the drink. (Rumor has it the idea to use the drink as hangover cure was discovered the day after the big win.)

Hair Of The Dog

Little more than an excuse to start drinking again? Maybe, but there's merit here, too. The reason? When the liver breaks down alcohol, it deals with ethanol before methanol, which is the more toxic of the two components. By introducing more ethanol into your system, you actually delay the methanol processing. (Bloody Marys are extra-effective because the spices slow things down even further.) Of course, to continue avoiding the reckoning, you'd have to keep boozing forever. And sadly, what flies at Sterling Cooper doesn't always fly in the real world.

For some more suggestion to clamp-down on that morning headache and wooziness that is sure to come around this holiday season, check out the list at Men.Style.com

They Actually Called Her?!

When you're a loyal "Bushie" then you expect things to go your way. Such is true with Elizabeth Hasselbeck.

"Following today's live show, Elisabeth received a call from the The White House, and they both had a great conversation," Karl T. Nilsson, the executive publicity director of The View told Usmagazine.com. "The President's office apologized and explained that she and her husband were indeed invited to the White House for Christmas and were sorry that it did not arrive. It was simply an oversight."

Before finding out that the snub was unintentional, Hasselbeck said she had a "bone to pick" with the White House.

"I love Christmas cards," she said. "I love getting them. There is one in particular that I usually like, and it's an invitation to the White House Christmas party. Not the big one but the 20th one down the road that you get the leftovers at the party. I'd be going to that one. No invitation this year."

More here from US Magazine.

Hasselbeck is one of those rare creatures of the media that will cry at the drop of a hat if they are not provided with adequate supplication.

The part of this story that demands some sort of attention is not the fact that Hasselbeck is whining like a little girl with a skinned knee, it's that she expects the White House to send her an invitation. Not only that, but the fact that they called her, that they felt compelled to call her and apologize.

Don't the people in the White House have better things to do?

Yes, but let's think about who still resides there.

For more, plus video of Hasselbecks "nails-on-a-chalkboard" whining, click here

Just When You Thought It Couldn't Get Any Worse

Who is the one person almost as annoying as Bill O'Reilly that could possibly take his place?

TVNewser has learned John Gibson will be replacing Bill O'Reilly on FOX News Talk beginning January 19.

"Gibson on FOX" will be available for affiliates to pick up as an alternative to The Radio Factor, which has its final broadcast early next year. "Gibson" will air live from Noon-3pmET.

Gibson's current show on FOX News Talk, which airs from 6-9pmET, will end its run.

That's right John "make more babies" Gibson is taking O'Reilly's place.

He's also the guy that mocked Heath Ledger's death, is in line with O'Reilly in regards to the "war on Christmas" nonsense, and even made fun of John Stewart's 9/11 speech. He'll fit in quite nicely.

However, since Limbaugh is on at that time, I don't see Gibson making an gains in the ratings. So, any chance of a comeback from the bowels of irrelevancy just went out the door.

More here

Curing "Teh Gay"

Not suprisingly, we find that Sarah Palin - and her church - believe that homosexuality is a "choice" and can be "cured".

In September, an insert in the bulletin of the Wasilla Bible Church — where Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has worshipped for about six years — promoted an upcoming Love Won Out conference that sought to “convert gays into heterosexuals through the power of prayer.” In an interview with Fox News’ Greta Van Susteren last night about suspected arson at the church, Palin defended the promotion of the event, claiming that “people looked at that and wanted to spin that into something that it was not“:

She spoke about this with Fox"News" personality Greta van Susteren:



More here from ThinkProgress.

This comes as little suprise, as Palin also thought that the "laying-on-of-hands" by a "witch-hunter" would help her and John McCain get elected.

The Wasilla Bible Church reminds me a lot of the film "Saved" that came out in 2004.

Wednesday Morning Jams featuring The Red Hot Chili Peppers

Quite possibly the last great track the group did before they became soft and predictable.

Suck My Kiss

What Is Your Point, Dennis?

It's a familiar tactic that has come to the forefront since Barack Obama started running for President - random, white, conservative pundits, bloggers, radio and TV personalities sprint right up to the very edge of "racist thought and word" and stop just short enough before they let slip something that would surely brand them.

When, and if, they are called on their actions, the shout heard from the Right is "race-baiter". After all, what better way to divert from their own idiocy than to point the finger at someone else.

Dennis Prager's latest piece at Townhall.com is based around this theme:

For a generation, America has been awash in the celebration of minorities and minorities celebration of themselves. Just recall Black is Beautiful or I am a woman, I am invincible.

At the same time, the majority group in America -- white Christians -- has been allowed to celebrate very little. Rather, they have constantly been reminded of what they should be ashamed of -- their racism, sexism, homophobia, patriarchy, and xenophobia -- real and alleged.

But what about minority shame?

So, let's get this straight - according to Prager, minorities ( and he means ALL of them ) haven't shown ample "shame" for the actions of others.

So what does he consider "ample"?

Considering that Prager is Jewish ( another convenient "out" when someone attempts to slap the "racist" label on him ) he sites the "massive display of shame" of Jews after the Palestinian massacre:

It was a surge of Jewish shame that years ago led to one of the largest demonstrations of Israeli Jews in Israels history. They were demonstrating against the massacre of Palestinians in the Sabra and Chatilla refugee camps in Lebanon. The killings were committed by Lebanese Christian militias, but they took place while Israel occupied that area of Lebanon.

It would seem, then, that group shame is a good thing.

So, what does Dennis Prager think "minorities" should be ashamed of?

The relative absence of expressions of shame in the Muslim world over the atrocities committed in Islams name is an example of the above. The labeling of blacks who express shame over disproportionate rates of violent crime and out-of-wedlock births in the black community as Uncle Toms is another. The absence of any expression of shame in the gay community over the current blacklisting -- and attempts to economically destroy -- anyone who donated to the California proposition defining marriage as between a man and a woman is another example. When Sen. Joseph McCarthy blacklisted people in Hollywood for real or alleged support for the Communist Party, he was finally shut up with the words, Have you no shame, sir?

Muslims, regardless of where they may live, haven't taken to the streets in protest because of people like Dennis Prager who are members of a political ideology that cast them in the role of "evil-doers" without the slightest consideration of their innocence.

Blacks have much more to worry about than "out-of-wedlock births". What of discrimination when applying for jobs - and I'm not talking affirmative action - or the state of inner-city schools, and a whole host of issues. Prager is simply making reference to "marriage" because it is one of the conservative-right's go-to weapons.

And why should anyone within the gay community be ashamed of those that are rightfully outraged over the removal of a basic right that is afforded to everyone but them?

I'm not saying Dennis Prager is a racist, a bigot, or a homophobe. But, his unblushing ignorance is, without question, frightening.

Worst In The World v 5.5 & 5.6

Commissioner Steve Rule (sp? )

Bill O'Reilly and Dick "Suck My Toes, Bitch" Morris

Bill O'Reilly and Gretchen Carlson





Fox"News"

Larry DuRita

Glenn Beck

Because The Two People That Read This Blog Have Asked

Let's get some shoes.

Official Wolverine Trailer

X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE HD


Check out the IMDB.com info here.

Real News?

What is real new to you?

Is it the fact that someone has a "strange last name" and is going to be using it during the inauguration?

Is it another "missing white girl"?

Or, is it the alleged arson at Sarah Palin's former chruch?

Glenn Beck is angling for the later.



Fox and Friends a "think tank"!?!?! They wouldn't even pass for a septic-tank.

I think I just threw up in my mouth a little.

Kanye Sucks - Vol. 2654

Courtesy of Gawker, we have further proof that Kanye West's "talent" seems to disappear when he isn't digitally enhanced.



Be on the look-out for Kanye to blame SNL for not only their lack of space for his digital-voice-enhancer set-up, but the massive rig that it takes to prop-up his ego as well.

Get Your Drink On

Some unique holiday beverages that you might want to try this year:

Schlag-n-Nog

Ingredients: 3 parts eggnog 1 part Goldschlager® cinnamon schnapps ground nutmeg

Preparation: Add the egg nog and Goldschlager together in a bowl. Add nutmeg if desired.

JagNog

Ingredients: 3 parts eggnog 1 part Jagermeister® herbal liqueur

Preparation: Mix in a punchbowl or make individual drinks.

And here's another variant on Egg Nog that sounds tempting.

12 eggs 1 cup sugar 1 cup milk 2 cups Bailey's Irish Creme 6 cups heavy cream freshly grated nutmeg

In a large bowl, beat eggs until very thick and creamy. Gradually bet in sugar. Blend in milk and Baileys.

Whip cream in another bowl until it holds soft peaks. Stir whipped cream into egg mixture. Chill until ready to serve.

When ready to serve, stire again and ladle into punch cups. Top each serving with a dusting of nutmeg.

Monday Morning Industrial Noise featuring KMFDM

Juke Joint Jezebel

.....So?

Much in the same way Dick Cheney said "so?" regarding the (5th) "surge" and it's "success", George W. Bush has decided it's time for his moment of "so":



The one piece of "conservative-conventional-wisdom" that keeps popping up whenever someone can't seem to find a logical and rational way to defend the ham-fisted handling of the Iraqi occupation is to state that the U.S. hasn't been attacked since Sept. 11th 2001.

That's like saying that since you've been wearing the same pair of socks all year, and you haven't gotten cancer, that the two much be linked in some way.

Check out more information here from Think Progress.

It's becoming more and more apparent that Bush's behaviors tend to cast him not so much in the light of a "leader" but of a sociopath.

The Top Films Of 2008

According to the American Film Institute

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

THE DARK KNIGHT

FROST/NIXON

FROZEN RIVER

GRAN TORINO

IRON MAN

MILK

WALL-E

WENDY AND LUCY

THE WRESTLER

More Best-Of-2008 here

If you haven't heard of "Frozen River" or "Wendy and Lucy", here are the trailers:





It's interesting to not that 4 of the 10 films listed are just now hitting theatres.

Of Shoes And People That Are Missing The Point

It's been the hot story for the past day, the Iraqi journalist that threw both his shoes at soon to be former President George W. Bush.

Just in case you'd like to see it again, here it is:



So, who is this journalist who buys his ammunition at Foot Locker?

Iraqi journalist Muntadar al-Zaidi, a reporter with Cairo-based network Al Baghdadia Television, had experienced first-hand the brutal violence that consumed Iraq last year.....Zaidi, colleagues said, was kidnapped by Shiite militiamen last year and was later released.

Considering the fact that Bush is a person that isn't viewed as the Iraqi liberator that he most likely fancies himself as, this is almost an expected incident. He's leaving office in a little over 30 days and he decides to make one last "suprise visit".

Predictably, conservative bloggers and pundits are frothing at the mouth and shouting "what if it was a bomb?!?!?!?!". To this I would ask them to exercise even a modest amount of intelligence.

First off, this is taking place well within the "Green Zone". It's in a press conference room where there are certainly more security that you aren't seeing within the shot of Bush and AL Maliki.

Secondly, did you notice the look on Bush's face? It's a pretty safe bet that he knows it's a non-lethal weapon and - once the second shoe takes flight - he probably realizes that it is, in fact, a shoe. He even waves-off the Secret Service agent that comes up to him.

You can read the full account here.

Considering that fact that throwing ones shoe at a person has more cultural significance in Iraqi culture than we might be able to understand, this particular incident has a much broader meaning.

Here we have an Iraqi journalist - one that has been kidnapped and had to deal intimately with the horrors of Iraq every day - that has been widely ignored by the President and by the American media at large. Being of a very passionate culture, what would one expect him to do?

To Muntadar al-Zaidi, this was a moment of pure emotion. It was his own powerful, symbolic jesture toward the man that is the face of the American occupation of Iraq. He has nothing to do with the "liberal press" that some conservatives shout about.

An unhinged Iraqi journalist fulfills the dream of every MSNBC anchor and NYTimes editorial columnist by throwing his shoes at President Bush during an impromptu news conference in Baghdad.

For what it's worth - and just because my brain works this way - it should be noted that NIKE is the goddess fo "victory".

X-Men Origins : Wolverine - Bootleg Trailer

Yeah, it's a CAM shot.

See if you can spot an awesome X-Man cameo



I'm on the hunt for a better version of this

It's About Ideology, Not The Economy

From my own personal perspective, conservative Republicans would gladly slit the throats of the working class in order to push their own ideological nonsense.

Further proving that they are the party of "against" ( this time in reference to the auto industry $15 billion dollar bailout ) the conservative Republicans have turned the 'Big Three' auto maker's financial troubles into nothing more than a massive union-busting effort.

Now that Republicans have squashed the bailout, they are claiming that it was the unions that were at fault:



Here are some comments from UAW president Ron Gettelfinger:



The massive $700 billion dollar bailout for "Wallstreet" passed with such literal ease that it reinforces the notion that many within the Republican political realm care far more about corporate interests than those of the working class. When viewed against the $15 billion dollars requested by the auto industry, there seems to be little - if any - reason to question conservatives motives.

The American economy and the working-class be damned. Conservatives seem to be ready to do whatever it takes to destroy an entire segment of the population just so they can save face with a few.

Think Progress has more.

While there are a variety of opinions regarding the auto industry's need for an injection of funds, I have to ask the question when viewed through the lens of the support industry.

What about the companies that supply steel to the auto makers? US Steel has already http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/12/12/8150/9863?new=true thousands of jobs.

There is a definate ripple-effect that many don't seem to be willing to take into consideration.

Do You Need Inspiration Today?

R.I.P. Bettie Page

The world has lost one of it's greatest icons.

Bettie Page died in Los Angeles last night:

Bettie Page, the 1950s secretary-turned-model whose controversial photographs in skimpy attire or none at all helped set the stage for the 1960s sexual revolution, died Thursday. She was 85.

Page was placed on life support last week after suffering a heart attack in Los Angeles and never regained consciousness, said her agent, Mark Roesler. He said he and Page's family agreed to remove life support. Before the heart attack, Page had been hospitalized for three weeks with pneumonia.

More here.



Also, if you haven't watched the 2005 film "The Notorious Bettie Page", Gretchen Mol turned in a fantastic performance as the iconic pin-up queen:

Violin Hero

When I started playing guitar at 13, I wanted to be just like Jimmy Hendrix, or Kirk Hammet, Jimmy Page, and Eddie Van Halen.

I tried to play my guitar every way imaginable. With cello bows, drills, drum-sticks, and objects not meant for use in any musical arangement.

I still play. And, after 20 years, I'm still trying to perfect my style.

Bobby Yang has a style all his own.

( click image to play )



For those that don't recognize the track, that is Eruption from Van Halen's debut LP.

Fucking incredible.

Ladies And Gentleman, We Are Floating In Space

This is what happens when a solid-rocket booster seperates from the Space Shuttle and plummets back to Earth.

And yes, there is sound.

Choose, But Choose Wisely

Remember thge "Choose Your Own Adventure" books from the 80s?

Invent Your Destiny!!!!

This guy is so full of win, it's scary.

Free From The Freedoms Of Speech - Because Jesus Wants It That Way

Gretchen Carlson is the type of employee that Fox"News" loves. She will tow the line, read the script and not ad lib, and be as serious as her pagent-training will allow her to be.

Steve Doocy is just a choad among choads. There's nothing that this man can do to make anyone believe that he is a serious journalist. He's a glorified weatherman - period.

And, Brian Kilmeade just tries to damn hard. He likes to play the hard-nosed reporter, but he simply comes off looking like a hack.

This latest bit of drivel from the Three Stooges of morning TV is about the trumped-up Christmas controversy in Washington state.

DOOCY: We've got -- we've got to be tolerant of people who celebrate holidays in December, like Ramadan. We've got to be tolerant. You've got to be tolerant of all people.

CARLSON: I am tolerant. I'm all for free speech and free rights, just not on December 25th.

BRIAN KILMEADE (co-host): On Ramadan -- we stopped bombing on Ramadan --

While Carlson has most likely convinced herself to actually believe that there really is a day when free-speech doesn't exist, it's Doocy and Kilmeade that make this piece even more annoying. They don't give two shits and a nickle what anyone outside their limited sphere of understanding believes, they are just antagonizing Carlson so she'll say something stupid.

They really don't have to try hard, that's for sure.

More here from Media Matters

Oh, Come On

Yes, she's just wearing a tie and the pic has been retouched.

Can we talk about something of value now?

Alright, then.

Fun With Legos

Not nearly as awesome as Michel Gondry's video for the White Stripes track "Fell In Love With A Girl", but still pretty friggin sweet.

His Own Network Is Afraid Of Him?

I've watched the Fox"News" late-night show Red-Eye a few times and I can say without fear of contradiction that Greg Gutfield is one of the most annoying men on television. His schtick seems to be a mix of Dennis Miller and that annoying kid in your college Lit class that drones on and on about the religious imagry in Moby Dick and how he's related to Faulkner and was published when he was 9.

It's Fox's attempt at a show that is edgy. However, it falls quite short of the mark. The show hasn't seemed to get past the "look at me, I'm so edgy. Look at my popped collar and my Dolce and Gabana sunglasses". Yeah, it's pretty full of itself.

Well, they had the editor of High Times magazine on recently and, as expected, the pot jokes started. That's when a perculiar thing happened.

( click the image to view the video )



That's right, they "bleeped" Bill O'Reilly's name.

Why?

Are people at Fox so afraid of angering the splotchy-one that they feel they have to edit themselves when his name is involved?

Wow.