( h/t to Tice from TiceTV )
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Friday Night Fantastic Tracks featuring The 60s
There is so much that musicians of today can learn from those of the 60s.
Here's some of the artists that came up in that era that still leave their mark today
LED ZEPPELIN
( around 03:17, you might want to turn your speakers down, and Bonzo starts to get loud )
CREAM
THE YARDBIRDS
Exit question:
can you name the connection with each of these three bands?
Here's some of the artists that came up in that era that still leave their mark today
LED ZEPPELIN
( around 03:17, you might want to turn your speakers down, and Bonzo starts to get loud )
CREAM
THE YARDBIRDS
Exit question:
can you name the connection with each of these three bands?
Worst In The World v. 7.1, 7.2, 7.3
----- a veiw from the wayback-machine from last week, in case you missed them ------
Rick "The White House Leveled A Veiled Threat At Me" Santelli
Rush "My Style Is Better Than Your Substance" Limbaugh
Rush Limbaugh ( again )
Fred "Bristol Says This But Means This" Barnes
Chris Wallace
Mitch "I'm Playing Beeker In The Live Action Muppet Movie" McConnell
A"Roid" or Celina Roberts
G. Gordon "Un-apologetic Right Wing Terrorist" Liddy
Micheal "You Can't Trust A Word We Say" Steele
Rick "The White House Leveled A Veiled Threat At Me" Santelli
Rush "My Style Is Better Than Your Substance" Limbaugh
Rush Limbaugh ( again )
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Fred "Bristol Says This But Means This" Barnes
Chris Wallace
Mitch "I'm Playing Beeker In The Live Action Muppet Movie" McConnell
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
A"Roid" or Celina Roberts
G. Gordon "Un-apologetic Right Wing Terrorist" Liddy
Micheal "You Can't Trust A Word We Say" Steele
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
"A lot of the stories that Kanye told went long"
VH1 Storytellers has a tradition of showcasing artists like Tom Petty, Ray Davies, Sarah McLaughlin, Tori Amos, Tom Waits, Bowie.
I'm not entirely sure what to think when they decided to invite Kanye West to perform. Perhaps they are looking to explore the megalomania of contemporary artists rather than of someone that has something genuine to offer the audience.
More here.
If West thinks he's even near the same league as Radiohead, he's got more of a God-Complex than I first though.
But, if the premise of the show is to now just make the performer "keep talking", they certainly picked a fabulous candidate.
I cringe to even think what the final cut will look like.
I'm not entirely sure what to think when they decided to invite Kanye West to perform. Perhaps they are looking to explore the megalomania of contemporary artists rather than of someone that has something genuine to offer the audience.
The idea behind "Storytellers" is that VH1 encourages the artist "to just keep talking," and producers in turn will "eliminate any 'gotcha' moments" that don't work, Flanagan said.
During the taping, according to a Reuters reporter, West was aggrieved that Radiohead singer Thom Yorke had allegedly snubbed him backstage at the Grammys five days earlier. That hurt, West told the audience, because he idolizes the British band, and considers it one of his few creative rivals.
"So when he performed at the Grammys, I sat the f--- down," West said.
A little later, West asked the crowd, "Can't we give Chris a break? ... I know I make mistakes in life." He was referring to R&B singer Chris Brown, who was arrested on the night of the Grammys on suspicion of beating his girlfriend Rihanna.
More here.
If West thinks he's even near the same league as Radiohead, he's got more of a God-Complex than I first though.
But, if the premise of the show is to now just make the performer "keep talking", they certainly picked a fabulous candidate.
I cringe to even think what the final cut will look like.
As If You Needed More Proof: Pt IV
I'm still wondering how conservatives think that they are ever going to regain a majority acting like this:
Then there's conservatives favorite indicted man, Tom DeLay:
More from Think Progress
DeLay's and McConnell's comments provide a window that looks out onto the vast landscpe of the conservative mind. And do you know what you see?
Nothing.
They are more concerned with obstruction than progress. More involved with their own self-interests than with the interests of their country. Are more interested in gimmicks and the theatrics of the political lifestyle than advancement of their country.
It's almost as if they don't understand - nor try to understand - anything outside their limited sphere of understanding.
Honestly, if these people are holding up Limbaugh as the golden-calf of the Right, they obviously have no idea what the bulk of the country is about, what it needs, and what it strives to be.
Then there's conservatives favorite indicted man, Tom DeLay:
More from Think Progress
DeLay's and McConnell's comments provide a window that looks out onto the vast landscpe of the conservative mind. And do you know what you see?
Nothing.
They are more concerned with obstruction than progress. More involved with their own self-interests than with the interests of their country. Are more interested in gimmicks and the theatrics of the political lifestyle than advancement of their country.
It's almost as if they don't understand - nor try to understand - anything outside their limited sphere of understanding.
Honestly, if these people are holding up Limbaugh as the golden-calf of the Right, they obviously have no idea what the bulk of the country is about, what it needs, and what it strives to be.
Palin May Have Just Lost Her 2012 Presidential Bid
It will be interesting to see if this gets any conservative-media play.
Palin offering "support" could be spun one of two ways. Either she's stating that she supports the "choice" that family's would have to make, or she's saying that she is supporting this in order to prevent women under 18 from getting abortions on their own.
Protecting women from abortions or protecting families? Perhaps I'm looking at this through too conspiratorial a lens, but Palin would never get behind a piece of legislation if it weren't going to burnish her national image. I'm thinking that this might have more to do with abortion "prevention" that family "choice".
Then again, I could be wrong.
Let the spin begin.
Gov. Sarah Palin on Thursday threw her support behind a controversial bill that would generally require parental consent before girls under age 17 could get an abortion.
Palin offering "support" could be spun one of two ways. Either she's stating that she supports the "choice" that family's would have to make, or she's saying that she is supporting this in order to prevent women under 18 from getting abortions on their own.
Wherever you fall on the abortion issue, right or left, this legislation is about family, and it's about parents' rights and protecting our children, and it's supported by legislators on both sides of the aisle.
Protecting women from abortions or protecting families? Perhaps I'm looking at this through too conspiratorial a lens, but Palin would never get behind a piece of legislation if it weren't going to burnish her national image. I'm thinking that this might have more to do with abortion "prevention" that family "choice".
Then again, I could be wrong.
Let the spin begin.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Obama, Uncensored
Granted, this is what would REALLY be considered as taking something "out of context".
But, it's so funny that I had to share.
Barack Obama did the read for the audio of "Dreams Of My Father". In it, there are moments where he talks of his friend Ray - who apparently cursed, a lot.
I found these clips at April Winchell's personal blog.
But, it's so funny that I had to share.
Barack Obama did the read for the audio of "Dreams Of My Father". In it, there are moments where he talks of his friend Ray - who apparently cursed, a lot.
I found these clips at April Winchell's personal blog.
As If You Needed More Proof: Pt III
Curious about what's going on at the CPAC conference?
Yep, that's right, Cliff Kincaid - head of "Accuracy" In Media - seems to think that the thouroughly debunk notion that Obama was not born in the US is something that still needs to be explored.
Apparently the audience agrees.
And the guy can't even quote Hendrix correctly.
So, how exactly is a song about unrequited feeling for a woman that is out of your grasp, and your urge to express that emotion in song, have anything to do with conservative ideology and Kincaid's irrational fears of what Obama is and what he will do to this country?
Yep, that's right, Cliff Kincaid - head of "Accuracy" In Media - seems to think that the thouroughly debunk notion that Obama was not born in the US is something that still needs to be explored.
Apparently the audience agrees.
And the guy can't even quote Hendrix correctly.
Manic depression is touching my soul
I know what I want but I just don't know
How to, go about gettin' it
Feeling sweet feeling,
Drops from my fingers, fingers
Manic depression is catchin' my soul
Woman so weary, the sweet cause in vain
You make love, you break love
It's all the same
When it's, when it's over, mama
Music, sweet music
I wish I could caress, caress, caress
Manic depression is a frustrating mess
Well, I think I'll go turn myself off,
And go on down
All the way down
Really ain't no use in me hanging around
In your kinda scene
Music, sweet music
I wish I could caress, caress, caress
Manic depression is a frustrating mess
So, how exactly is a song about unrequited feeling for a woman that is out of your grasp, and your urge to express that emotion in song, have anything to do with conservative ideology and Kincaid's irrational fears of what Obama is and what he will do to this country?
Creating The Fear That Isn't There
Today, Michelle Makin was in full-on paranoid-delusion form:
Much in the same fashion that conservatives are using the "phantom earmark" meme - or in Sean Hannity's case, claiming that they "know" the stimulus money is going to be used for ill - Malkin is attempting to convince her readership of the following:
- Making it easier for a radio station audience to voice their opinions/concerns to station managment ( and for those voices to be heard )
- preventing a monopoly of ownership ( a common practice in business )
- diversity is bad
No one has ever said that conservative talk radio should be dismantled. This is the theme that these lunatic-fringe conservatives are using - The Fairness Doctrine will abolish conservative talk-radio. In reality, it would do no such thing.
That being said, it's easily seen from the vote on DeMint's laughable legislation ( and waste of time, actually ) that there more people willing to drop this nonsense and get on to issues that matter.
Today, at 2pm, the Senate will vote on two amendments with respect to the Fairness Doctrine.
- The DeMint amendment (Broadcaster Freedom Act) would ban the Fairness Doctrine.
- The amendment by Senator Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) would achieve the same goals of the Fairness Doctrine through backdoor FCC regulations. His legislation forces the FCC to “take actions to encourage and promote diversity in communication media ownership,” an attempt to dismantle successful syndicated radio programs. The Durbin amendment would hurt small, local radio stations who depend on popular syndicated programming for listeners and revenue.
Much in the same fashion that conservatives are using the "phantom earmark" meme - or in Sean Hannity's case, claiming that they "know" the stimulus money is going to be used for ill - Malkin is attempting to convince her readership of the following:
- Making it easier for a radio station audience to voice their opinions/concerns to station managment ( and for those voices to be heard )
- preventing a monopoly of ownership ( a common practice in business )
- diversity is bad
No one has ever said that conservative talk radio should be dismantled. This is the theme that these lunatic-fringe conservatives are using - The Fairness Doctrine will abolish conservative talk-radio. In reality, it would do no such thing.
That being said, it's easily seen from the vote on DeMint's laughable legislation ( and waste of time, actually ) that there more people willing to drop this nonsense and get on to issues that matter.
Economic Freedom Isn't Free Too
How's this for an answer from a conservative about how we can prevent further recessions:
Ali Frick @ THINK PROGRESS makes a very interesting point regarding Congressman Hensarling's thoughts that recessions and a free county go hand-in-hand:
Another point that should be made here is that the congressman never really answered the question. He made the generalization that Republicans have "tried", but never once offered insight into what those trial-and-error moments were.
Just another example of an elected representative of the Republican party that has no answers.
Ali Frick @ THINK PROGRESS makes a very interesting point regarding Congressman Hensarling's thoughts that recessions and a free county go hand-in-hand:
Of course, recessions are hardly the property of free countries alone; the economic crisis has hurt plenty of autocratic countries as well.
Another point that should be made here is that the congressman never really answered the question. He made the generalization that Republicans have "tried", but never once offered insight into what those trial-and-error moments were.
Just another example of an elected representative of the Republican party that has no answers.
Too Bad That Point Is Invalidated
Dwayne Horner @ Townhall.com had this to say in a short post today:
The same way of thinking was applied to the occupation of Iraq. All that money going to "nation building" - some of it being "lost" - and hardly any money being spent here, at home.
Obama is spending money at home, where it is needed.
Nevermind that the stimulus just passed recently and no money has been sent-out yet.
GOP Chairman Michael Steele was on Hannity tonight and pointed out a great point, "Barack Obama has spent $36 BILLION dollars a day since taking office."
Just think what $36 Billion adds up to:
- 1.5 billion dollars an hour
- 25 million dollars a minute
- 416 thousand dollars a second
Or to put it this way, he has had nearly six million seconds in office .... so under the spending of Barack Obama, we could have purchased a $100,000 house for more than 12 MILLION people in America since January 20th. That's more than New York City and Los Angeles COMBINED.
Change we can believe in.
The same way of thinking was applied to the occupation of Iraq. All that money going to "nation building" - some of it being "lost" - and hardly any money being spent here, at home.
Obama is spending money at home, where it is needed.
Nevermind that the stimulus just passed recently and no money has been sent-out yet.
The Voyeuristic Nature Of The TV Viewer
We hear time and time again how Bill O'Reilly has more viewers than any other program.
While he operates under the poorly informed notion that that means that his message is valid and his stories are "fair and balanced", it reflects more on the viewers themselves rather than the vehicle that is the message.
And, it's not just O'Reilly that has a large viewing audience.
More here.
Make no mistake, all the viewers of programs featuring Hannity, O'Reilly, Beck - or any name and number of conservative mouthpieces - will not fall into the catagory of "fans".
Far-right conservative television provides entertainment value more than it does informational value. Also, there is a certan voyeuristic quality that come with show of this nature - Hannity and O'Reilly's in specific.
They, more than any, seem to be speaking directly to their "fans" rather than an audience that they are attempted to persuade to "come to their side". In that way, they are more "commentary" than "news". When we watch these shows, we are peaking through the window at an intimate conversation based on all things outside the realm of truth and rationality. Though these shows can be peppered with the occassional rational voice, the meat and theme of them is primarily of a exploitative nature. They are meant to arouse emotion rather than to inform.
While he operates under the poorly informed notion that that means that his message is valid and his stories are "fair and balanced", it reflects more on the viewers themselves rather than the vehicle that is the message.
And, it's not just O'Reilly that has a large viewing audience.
Fox News saw its daily viewership increase by 24% last month, compared to Feb. 2008. Bill O’Reilly was up 33% (3.6 million viewers) in February compared to the previous year. Sean Hannity rose 38% (to nearly 2.8 million). And newly-minted right-wing talker Glenn Beck “has doubled his timeslot.”
More here.
Make no mistake, all the viewers of programs featuring Hannity, O'Reilly, Beck - or any name and number of conservative mouthpieces - will not fall into the catagory of "fans".
Far-right conservative television provides entertainment value more than it does informational value. Also, there is a certan voyeuristic quality that come with show of this nature - Hannity and O'Reilly's in specific.
They, more than any, seem to be speaking directly to their "fans" rather than an audience that they are attempted to persuade to "come to their side". In that way, they are more "commentary" than "news". When we watch these shows, we are peaking through the window at an intimate conversation based on all things outside the realm of truth and rationality. Though these shows can be peppered with the occassional rational voice, the meat and theme of them is primarily of a exploitative nature. They are meant to arouse emotion rather than to inform.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Wedesday Night Jams featuring Big Wreck
Big Wreck was one of those bands that had a lot going for them.
Their initial release "In Loving Memory Of...." was one of the greatest LPs of the late 90s. Alas, they fell prey to MTV. After heavy rotation of their tracks "That Song" and "Inhale" ( from the bands follow-up album "The Pleasure And The Greed" ) in 1999, early 2000 and 2001, the band disbanded in 2002.
The track "That Song" not only has a fantastic riff, but Thornley's vocal presence evokes the songs message in an amazingly resonant way: when you lose someone that you love to another, there's always "that song" that play on the radio. You try to tell everyone around you that you're fine, that you'll move on. But you keep listening to that song, because it reminds you of them.
And, from this writer's perspective, it provided more than the occassionaly cold-comfort on more than a few nights.
It skirts the edges of pop, metal, and garage in a way that no other track of it's time did.
( click the links to load the videos from SPIKE's page. The audio from YouTube is all midange and treble and sounds like ass )
"Inhale"
Big Wreck's follow-up single was "Inhale". The video lacked the imagry and simplicity of "That Song" and somewhat seemed to be a protoypical video that was showcased on MTV - when and if they did show videos. Perhaps that was the intent of the band and director, but who really knows.
The song itself is wonderful without the accompanying video.
"Blown Wide Open"
A much more fine-tuned track. The video is far less invasive and over-produced as "Inhale", allowing the song and the band to be far more present.
Their initial release "In Loving Memory Of...." was one of the greatest LPs of the late 90s. Alas, they fell prey to MTV. After heavy rotation of their tracks "That Song" and "Inhale" ( from the bands follow-up album "The Pleasure And The Greed" ) in 1999, early 2000 and 2001, the band disbanded in 2002.
Since Ian Thornley is Canadian, the band's biggest commercial success was in Canada rather than the United States. The album's subsequent singles, "Blown Wide Open" and "That Song", were not as successful on the American charts as "The Oaf" had been, but in Canada they were both Top Ten hits.
In October 2001, Big Wreck played a special show at Toronto's Roy Thomson Hall accompanied by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the Uzume Taiko Ensemble of drummers, with The Tragically Hip's Paul Langlois and Robby Baker and guitarist Eric Johnson also making appearances.
The band's second album The Pleasure and the Greed (released in 2001) was marred by poor marketing and was not as big a hit as their debut album, especially in the United States. The band broke up a year later.
Thornley moved back to Toronto, launching the band Thornley. Doherty is now living in Camlachie, a small community near Sarnia, Ontario, and is now teaching guitar to kids in that area. Doherty has also gone on to be in the indie band Death of 8, but the other band members have not yet emerged with new projects.
Hard rock band Submersed and American Idol winner David Cook have both cited the band as an influence.
The track "That Song" not only has a fantastic riff, but Thornley's vocal presence evokes the songs message in an amazingly resonant way: when you lose someone that you love to another, there's always "that song" that play on the radio. You try to tell everyone around you that you're fine, that you'll move on. But you keep listening to that song, because it reminds you of them.
And, from this writer's perspective, it provided more than the occassionaly cold-comfort on more than a few nights.
It skirts the edges of pop, metal, and garage in a way that no other track of it's time did.
( click the links to load the videos from SPIKE's page. The audio from YouTube is all midange and treble and sounds like ass )
"Inhale"
Big Wreck's follow-up single was "Inhale". The video lacked the imagry and simplicity of "That Song" and somewhat seemed to be a protoypical video that was showcased on MTV - when and if they did show videos. Perhaps that was the intent of the band and director, but who really knows.
The song itself is wonderful without the accompanying video.
"Blown Wide Open"
A much more fine-tuned track. The video is far less invasive and over-produced as "Inhale", allowing the song and the band to be far more present.
John Stewart Takes On Republican Governors
Enjoy.
Here's something to ponder.
Why are they taking such issue with "unemployment insurance" money? I may be wrong, but the keystone in unemployment money in Kentucky is that it will only work for 6 months and that's predicated on the fact that you are actively looking for a job.
Here's something to ponder.
Why are they taking such issue with "unemployment insurance" money? I may be wrong, but the keystone in unemployment money in Kentucky is that it will only work for 6 months and that's predicated on the fact that you are actively looking for a job.
Jindal's Rebuttal To Barack Obama
I've been watching this over and over today.
I can get past Jindal's hamfisted delivery. Not everyone is a great public speaker. It's a fact.
Take another look.
Jindal's rhetoric is, well, just that - rhetoric.
There is honestly nothing within this rebuttal that hasn't already been spoken, en masse, by Republican of all stripes. Jindal even falls prey to the debunked memes that are being used to oppose the Stimulus Package.
The Governor throws out the oft used "empower Americans" bit that really doesn't address the issue. It's as if just by saying to someone "you're empowered" is going to make the difference.
Where are the jobs going to come from?
How do you convince someone that their hard work will be rewarded?
From energy independance, to healthcare, protecting our country from further attacks, on down to the tried and trusted "Democrats want government to tell you what to do" bit. It was style, no substance.
Jindal continually used the word "principles". While words and phrases around taxation and spending and innovation were use in conjunction with "principles", it seemed to be a rebuttal based more on abstract, conservative, theory rather than a solid plan of any sort.
I can get past Jindal's hamfisted delivery. Not everyone is a great public speaker. It's a fact.
Take another look.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Jindal's rhetoric is, well, just that - rhetoric.
There is honestly nothing within this rebuttal that hasn't already been spoken, en masse, by Republican of all stripes. Jindal even falls prey to the debunked memes that are being used to oppose the Stimulus Package.
The Governor throws out the oft used "empower Americans" bit that really doesn't address the issue. It's as if just by saying to someone "you're empowered" is going to make the difference.
Where are the jobs going to come from?
How do you convince someone that their hard work will be rewarded?
From energy independance, to healthcare, protecting our country from further attacks, on down to the tried and trusted "Democrats want government to tell you what to do" bit. It was style, no substance.
Jindal continually used the word "principles". While words and phrases around taxation and spending and innovation were use in conjunction with "principles", it seemed to be a rebuttal based more on abstract, conservative, theory rather than a solid plan of any sort.
Actually, America Didn't Invent The Automobile
America was a pioneer in the automotive field, but we didn't invent it. Sorry, Barack.
Obama made this statement during his speech to the joint session of Congress last night.
While his point is a valid one, his fact is off.
Glenn Church at Foolocracy has the details.
And I believe the nation that invented the automobile cannot walk away from it
Obama made this statement during his speech to the joint session of Congress last night.
While his point is a valid one, his fact is off.
Glenn Church at Foolocracy has the details.
The first functioning automobile is credited to Karl Benz of Germany in 1885-6. Although some like to credit Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot of France for creating a self-propelled steam engine vehicle a century earlier, Benz had the first vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine.
Perhaps Obama thought Henry Ford invented the automobile. He perfected the assembly line. Nevertheless, I am sure the Germans appreciate Obama’s standing up for their auto industry.
Style Vs. Substance: Rush's Jindal Moment
If you're looking for a really good clip of Rush Limbaugh in full on twitchy-flesh mode, this one is for you.
I'll pass over the obvious here - Limbaugh saying that he "knows" Obama and that he "knows" that everything Obama said last night was a lie. He never once told his audience what these alleged "lies" were. And he won't.
And I'll even pass on what can only be described as Rush's near dieafication of Jindal:
Limbaugh's reactionary seizure and salivating cry that "style" won't able to save America - that only "conservativism" will. He places himself in this lofty position that he alone knows what to do, knows Obama's true motives, and can give you the direction that you should go in in order to make this country better.
These are all abstracts. Limbaugh is sucessful because of how he delivers his information. He's not successful because he knows anything. It's all "style", not substance.
And, as a nice coda to the video, check out the poorly constructed ad for the Scott McClellan book that is apparently meant to be funny. I only guessing that's what its intention was.
I'll pass over the obvious here - Limbaugh saying that he "knows" Obama and that he "knows" that everything Obama said last night was a lie. He never once told his audience what these alleged "lies" were. And he won't.
And I'll even pass on what can only be described as Rush's near dieafication of Jindal:
It should come as no surprise that Limbaugh would try desperately to shield Jindal from any criticism. Limbaugh repeatedly refers to the Louisiana governor as the “next Ronald Reagan.” During his Feb. 28, 2008 radio show, Limbaugh explained that Jindal is among the small group of conservative leaders with the “guts to articulate” right-wing “Rushism” principles.
Limbaugh's reactionary seizure and salivating cry that "style" won't able to save America - that only "conservativism" will. He places himself in this lofty position that he alone knows what to do, knows Obama's true motives, and can give you the direction that you should go in in order to make this country better.
These are all abstracts. Limbaugh is sucessful because of how he delivers his information. He's not successful because he knows anything. It's all "style", not substance.
And, as a nice coda to the video, check out the poorly constructed ad for the Scott McClellan book that is apparently meant to be funny. I only guessing that's what its intention was.
Try To Name One, Sean
If there's one thing that can be said of not only Sean Hannity, but all of the lunatic-fringe Right, is that they stay on message. Even if they are confronted with the fact that they are lying.
Here, Congreeman Joe Sestak challenges Sean to name one "pet project" in the Stimulus Package. He can't.
More from Media Matters
Here, Congreeman Joe Sestak challenges Sean to name one "pet project" in the Stimulus Package. He can't.
More from Media Matters
Being Gay Is Equal To.....
.....murder.
Well, that is if you're talking to Scott Renfroe - Republican State Senator for Colorado.
This is merely a representation of the Christian meme of "all sin is equal in the eyes of the Lord". Of course, eating shellfish and pork is no longer a sin - as that was on par with "homosexuality" in the Old Testament.
Being gay is not illegal. Murder is.
This is part and parcel of the fanatical Right's inability to understand that their narrow view of life ( no matter what aspect they are referring to ) is muddled beyond comprehension by invoking religion.
More from Think Progress.
Well, that is if you're talking to Scott Renfroe - Republican State Senator for Colorado.
Debating a gay-rights bill on the floor of the state Senate on Monday, a Republican lawmaker took the rhetoric to new heights by equating homosexuality as a sin with murder.
"I'm not saying this (homosexuality) is the only sin that's out there," said Sen. Scott Renfroe, R-Greeley. "We have murder. We have all sorts of sin. We have adultery. And we don't make laws making those legal, and we would never think to make murder legal."
Other Republicans said the bill, which would allow partners of gay state employees to be covered by health care benefits, is an attempt by Democrats to chip away at a constitutional amendment voters passed in 2006 defining marriage as between a man and a woman.
This is merely a representation of the Christian meme of "all sin is equal in the eyes of the Lord". Of course, eating shellfish and pork is no longer a sin - as that was on par with "homosexuality" in the Old Testament.
Being gay is not illegal. Murder is.
This is part and parcel of the fanatical Right's inability to understand that their narrow view of life ( no matter what aspect they are referring to ) is muddled beyond comprehension by invoking religion.
More from Think Progress.
You Think John Zeigler's A Flaming Choad Now.....
.....check this out.
Did you know that he was on one of those really cheesey dating/reality/shows?
( h/t: David Neiwert @ Crooks And Liars )
Did you know that he was on one of those really cheesey dating/reality/shows?
( h/t: David Neiwert @ Crooks And Liars )
Racheal's Reaction
Racheal Maddow is one of those unique voices in the media that is not only honest, not just intelligent, connects with her audience in such a way that evokes a trust that most other anchors lack.
Here she responds to Jindal's rebuttal to the President.
Here she responds to Jindal's rebuttal to the President.
Oh, God! Is This The Story Of The Day?
Nevermind Jindal's freakishly stiff delivery or subjectmatter that falls flat just moments after starting.
This is what all the hype is about today:
That's right, someone on a hot mic says "Oh, God".
My response is "so what"?
Jeff Emanuel @ REDSTATE dives headlong into the realm of the paranoid-delusional and claims that Jindal is being maligned because he is a "minority". And he seems more than sure that it was Olbermann that muttered the offensive phrase:
I'll pass on discussing Emanuel's pathetic and unblushginly ignorant statement on race relations. It's to be expected from people of his particular ideological bent.
My question is this - who really cares what this unknown person said while their mic was on?
No one is going to deny that it was convenient that it was spoken as Jindal appeared on screen. But, after seeing and hearing what he had to say, no one can deny it's lackluster appeal.
Just take a look at what some of the Fox"News" crew had to say:
Even though all the conservative chatter about who said this and what it might me is more than just sad, it's to be expected.
Considering that Jindal essentially fell right on his face with the Republican Response, what other approach would you expect the right-wing prattle heads to take?
More from Think Progress.
This is what all the hype is about today:
That's right, someone on a hot mic says "Oh, God".
My response is "so what"?
Jeff Emanuel @ REDSTATE dives headlong into the realm of the paranoid-delusional and claims that Jindal is being maligned because he is a "minority". And he seems more than sure that it was Olbermann that muttered the offensive phrase:
You see, President Obama is supposed to be the only minority who is allowed to address — and inspire — the American people (not to mention the fact that Jindal’s politics are all wrong, making him the worst possible kind of minority).
Listen to the clip below and you’ll hear Keith Olbermann mutter “Oh, God,” as Jindal walks out to give his response to Obama’s fake State of the Union address.
I'll pass on discussing Emanuel's pathetic and unblushginly ignorant statement on race relations. It's to be expected from people of his particular ideological bent.
My question is this - who really cares what this unknown person said while their mic was on?
No one is going to deny that it was convenient that it was spoken as Jindal appeared on screen. But, after seeing and hearing what he had to say, no one can deny it's lackluster appeal.
Just take a look at what some of the Fox"News" crew had to say:
BRIT HUME: “The speech read a lot better than it sounded. This was not Bobby Jindal’s greatest oratorical moment.”
NINA EASTON: “The delivery was not exactly terrific.”
CHARLES KRAUTHAMMER: “Jindal didn’t have a chance. He follows Obama, who in making speeches, is in a league of his own. He’s in a Reagan-esque league. … [Jindal] tried the best he could.”
JUAN WILLIAMS: “It came off as amateurish, and even the tempo in which he spoke was sing-songy. He was telling stories that seemed very simplistic and almost childish.”
Even though all the conservative chatter about who said this and what it might me is more than just sad, it's to be expected.
Considering that Jindal essentially fell right on his face with the Republican Response, what other approach would you expect the right-wing prattle heads to take?
More from Think Progress.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
An Agency Relation With A Hapless Dupe
Found this piece at WIRED.com today about John McCain's involvement in a lawsuit filed by musician Jackson Browne:
If the RIAA can go after people for simply sharing music, I think that it is more than reasonable that John McCain be attached to this lawsuit as well - strange that the Ohio Republican Party isn't, though.
The reason that I think so is in the tagline to the ad:
Running On Empty indeed.
John McCain says he was a puppet for the Republican National Committee and therefore should not be held accountable for a presidential campaign commercial that used the popular song "Running on Empty" by Jackson Browne without permission.
But the Los Angeles federal judge presiding over the copyright-infringement case was not buying it. The judge refused late Friday to remove the Arizona senator from the lawsuit in which he and the Republican National Committee are accused of violating the rights to Browne's 1977 hit.
If the RIAA can go after people for simply sharing music, I think that it is more than reasonable that John McCain be attached to this lawsuit as well - strange that the Ohio Republican Party isn't, though.
The reason that I think so is in the tagline to the ad:
I'm John McCain and I approve this message
Running On Empty indeed.
How Fast Can A Lie Travel From Disneyland To Vegas?
And how quickly can it be knocked down?
Good on you Shuster
Good on you Shuster
Candidacy Vs. Needs Of Constituancy
As opportunists go, Louisana Governor Bobby Jindal is shaping-up to be one of the best this year.
Congresswoman Debbie Asserman-Schultz takes Jindal to task over his statements that he would pass on accepting unemployment from the Economc Stimulus:
Goernor Jindal is apparently forsaking the population of the state he was tasked with representing in favour of not only a failed ideology, but of beginning his campaign for the Presidency.
Congresswoman Debbie Asserman-Schultz takes Jindal to task over his statements that he would pass on accepting unemployment from the Economc Stimulus:
As the congressman representing parts of Lousiana devastated by Hurricane Katrina, Jindal actively sought assistance from the federal government. Yesterday on MSNBC’s Countdown, Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL) called the Republican Party a “heartless and insensitive organization” and criticized Jindal for rejecting the unemployment funds. Jindal, she noted, was singing a different tune about unemployment aid when Katrina hit his district:
WASSERMAN-SCHULTZ: This is a guy, who while I served with him in Congress, voted for that [unemployment] assistance twice, and is certainly willing to take funding from the federal when people are out of a job and out of their home as a result of a hurricane, but not willing to take that assistance when his constituents are out of a job and out of a home as a result of this economic crisis. I’m not sure what the difference is. A crisis is a crisis.
Goernor Jindal is apparently forsaking the population of the state he was tasked with representing in favour of not only a failed ideology, but of beginning his campaign for the Presidency.
Zeigler's Flacid Thesis
I'm starting to wonder what John Zeigler's "documentary" is about.
Norah O'Donnell appears to understand that Ziegler is more than just a rank amateur - he's a pretty clear example of the lunatic Right's pathetic nature. She even refused to acknowledge Zeigler's claim that Norah was rewarded for allegedly stating something about Palin that wasn't true.
We all know that Palin had a penchant for drawing equivalency between Barack Obama and terrorists. That was Norah's point, which Zeigler more than likely knows. It simply just doesn't fit into his flacid thesis about the media.
The one part of this interview that really stands out is Zeigler's assertion that show like Saturday Night Live, The Daily Show, or Colbert, are used as "news sources" - or that people with whom he is directing his pathetic rage at are looking to John Stewart or Tina Fey as news sources.
Zeigler makes somewhat of a point, and then turns right around and casts it aside, of the line between entertainment and honest reporting.
The reason that shows like The Daily Show or Colbert are successful, that they connect so well with their audience, is that you have to be able to understand what they are talking about. You have to know the news before you get to those programs.
And did you catch where Zeigler said "poll after poll show that more people get their news from comedy shows"? Wonder which polls he is refering too?
Oh, that's right. Those polls don't exist.
Norah O'Donnell appears to understand that Ziegler is more than just a rank amateur - he's a pretty clear example of the lunatic Right's pathetic nature. She even refused to acknowledge Zeigler's claim that Norah was rewarded for allegedly stating something about Palin that wasn't true.
We all know that Palin had a penchant for drawing equivalency between Barack Obama and terrorists. That was Norah's point, which Zeigler more than likely knows. It simply just doesn't fit into his flacid thesis about the media.
The one part of this interview that really stands out is Zeigler's assertion that show like Saturday Night Live, The Daily Show, or Colbert, are used as "news sources" - or that people with whom he is directing his pathetic rage at are looking to John Stewart or Tina Fey as news sources.
Zeigler makes somewhat of a point, and then turns right around and casts it aside, of the line between entertainment and honest reporting.
The reason that shows like The Daily Show or Colbert are successful, that they connect so well with their audience, is that you have to be able to understand what they are talking about. You have to know the news before you get to those programs.
And did you catch where Zeigler said "poll after poll show that more people get their news from comedy shows"? Wonder which polls he is refering too?
Oh, that's right. Those polls don't exist.
A Veiled Threat?
Rick Santelli has found his gimmick.
He's now the official "victim" of White House thuggery.
Wait, didn't (m)Ann Coulter just write a book about victimhood. But, wasn't that about Democrats?
Seems that Rick went on a talk-radio program hosted by the lunatic fringe's own "unrepentant terrorist", G. Gordon Liddy, and tried to pass of White House Press Secretary Robert Gibb's discussion about his delusional rant as a "threat" directed at him:
Here's the audio:
You catch that part in the beginning? Where he says that Gibbs starts the conference speculating where Santelli might live? Liddy even goes on to say that Gibb's stated "we know where you live". Talk about a patent lie.
To bad that's not how it happened - AT ALL.
More here from Think Progress.
He's now the official "victim" of White House thuggery.
Wait, didn't (m)Ann Coulter just write a book about victimhood. But, wasn't that about Democrats?
Seems that Rick went on a talk-radio program hosted by the lunatic fringe's own "unrepentant terrorist", G. Gordon Liddy, and tried to pass of White House Press Secretary Robert Gibb's discussion about his delusional rant as a "threat" directed at him:
SANTELLI: He started that press conference saying, “I don’t know where he lives, I don’t know where his house is.” This is the Press Secretary of the White House. Is that the kind of thing we want? Is that —
LIDDY: It’s a veiled threat.
SANTELLI: It really is. […] I don’t really want to be a spokesman, but I really am very proud of a) the response I’m getting, which is overwhelmingly positive, and b) discourse, that is debate. That if the pressure and the heat I’m taking from the White House – the fact my kids are nervous to go to school – I can take that, okay.
Here's the audio:
You catch that part in the beginning? Where he says that Gibbs starts the conference speculating where Santelli might live? Liddy even goes on to say that Gibb's stated "we know where you live". Talk about a patent lie.
To bad that's not how it happened - AT ALL.
More here from Think Progress.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Let's Run With This Talking Point
According to most conservative blogs, and a lot of chatter that I'm hearing from people that I work with, the stimulus package that President Obama has passed is going to give us the following on our paychecks:
$13 per week.
Let's think about this.
What will that amount help me do per week.
I travel about 50 miles per week going to work. How much could I save in gas? Doing the math, that means that I spend about $1.56 travelling to work one way. That's taking into account $1.87/gal of gas. At that cost, I pay $15.60 per week in gas - just to go to work and back.
With Obama's plan, I could almost pay for my weekly commute to work.
So, what could I use that money for?
If you wanted to get REALLY technical, I would only save $10.40 per month.
What can I get for that amount?
That's another 5.50(plus) gallons of gas per month - at the current cost. And economists aren't predicting that it will be travelling any higher any time soon.
That's 6 loaves of bread per months - and who goes through that much?
With that money saved per week, I could buy more than 4-1/4 gallons of milk.
Just factoring that into your grocery bill per week - depending on where you lived - that's not too bad.
I'm sure you could find a way to spend that amount per week, per month, per year.
In the long run - let's say per year - that's about 125.00 per.
Try asking your employer for a raise right now - no matter the cost - and see what they say.
Granted, these figures were based off of what I spend per week. Some of you may spend less, or maybe a little more. Let me know what you spend and how you would throw thi weak talking-point back in the faces of those that think it doesn't matter. After all, this is about the "middle class".
$13 per week.
Let's think about this.
What will that amount help me do per week.
I travel about 50 miles per week going to work. How much could I save in gas? Doing the math, that means that I spend about $1.56 travelling to work one way. That's taking into account $1.87/gal of gas. At that cost, I pay $15.60 per week in gas - just to go to work and back.
With Obama's plan, I could almost pay for my weekly commute to work.
So, what could I use that money for?
If you wanted to get REALLY technical, I would only save $10.40 per month.
What can I get for that amount?
That's another 5.50(plus) gallons of gas per month - at the current cost. And economists aren't predicting that it will be travelling any higher any time soon.
That's 6 loaves of bread per months - and who goes through that much?
With that money saved per week, I could buy more than 4-1/4 gallons of milk.
Just factoring that into your grocery bill per week - depending on where you lived - that's not too bad.
I'm sure you could find a way to spend that amount per week, per month, per year.
In the long run - let's say per year - that's about 125.00 per.
Try asking your employer for a raise right now - no matter the cost - and see what they say.
Granted, these figures were based off of what I spend per week. Some of you may spend less, or maybe a little more. Let me know what you spend and how you would throw thi weak talking-point back in the faces of those that think it doesn't matter. After all, this is about the "middle class".
Ever Wonder Why So Many In The South Are Seen As Idiots
Here's example #9243.
Alabama Sen. Richard Shelby ( I bet you can't guess what party he represents ) had this to say about President Barack Obama when pressed by a constituant:
You do realize that this isn't going to stop, don't you.
More here
Alabama Sen. Richard Shelby ( I bet you can't guess what party he represents ) had this to say about President Barack Obama when pressed by a constituant:
Another local resident asked Shelby if there was any truth to a rumor that appeared during the presidential campaign concerning Obama's U.S. citizenship, or lack thereof.
"Well his father was Kenyan and they said he was born in Hawaii, but I haven't seen any birth certificate," Shelby said. "You have to be born in America to be president."
According to the Associated Press, state officials in Hawaii checked health department records during the campaign and determined there was no doubt Obama was born in Hawaii.
You do realize that this isn't going to stop, don't you.
More here
Is This The Man You Want Telling You Everything Is OK?
By now, we've all got a really healthy dose of Rick Santelli's rant about the economy.
Guess what he said right before the stock market took a nice, warm, dump in the crease of your portfolio:
Anyone else remember John McCain saying "the fundementals of the economy are strong"?
Yeah.
Let's keep listening to this guy.
Guess what he said right before the stock market took a nice, warm, dump in the crease of your portfolio:
Anyone else remember John McCain saying "the fundementals of the economy are strong"?
Yeah.
Let's keep listening to this guy.
Outside The Bubble? Oh, Yeah.
For me, this gives me hope that some politicians might just give a fuck.
More here
Of course, this doesn't mean that your letter will be read. But, the tenacious American that writes as often as they can will surely have their point heard. What does President Obama do with those letters that touch him the most?
Not a form-letter, not a mass-produced response, he writes them himself.
Every day President Barack Obama is handed a special purple folder. The folder contains ten letters, and every day President Obama takes time to read them.
Are they from world leaders? From members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff? Members of the intelligence community?
No, these letters have been culled from the thousands the White House Correspondence Office receives each day from Americans who have taken the time to sit down and write to their president.
"They help him focus on the real problems people are facing," says Axelrod. "He really [a][sic] absorbs these letters, and often shares then with us."
More here
Of course, this doesn't mean that your letter will be read. But, the tenacious American that writes as often as they can will surely have their point heard. What does President Obama do with those letters that touch him the most?
Some of these, maybe two or three each day, the President responds to in his own hand.
Not a form-letter, not a mass-produced response, he writes them himself.
Lies, Damned Lies, And Anything Mitch McConnell Says
"When they say this, what they REALLY mean is..........."
There are so many examples of predictable conservative rebuttles. The "what if" meme, the "gotcha" line that is supposed to help your preferred candidate when they flub an easy question - those are two easy ones that come to mind.
Then, there is this one from Kentucky's favorite screw-up, Mitch McConnell:
Oh, they are REALLY saying that "small businesses" are going to suffer? Really?
Wait a second. I think I see some facts over here that you missed.
Crooks And Liars' Jon Perr has more.
For more info, you can check out the Stimulus Package that was just passed.
There are so many examples of predictable conservative rebuttles. The "what if" meme, the "gotcha" line that is supposed to help your preferred candidate when they flub an easy question - those are two easy ones that come to mind.
Then, there is this one from Kentucky's favorite screw-up, Mitch McConnell:
Oh, they are REALLY saying that "small businesses" are going to suffer? Really?
Wait a second. I think I see some facts over here that you missed.
Of course, they're not talking about small business. As CNN concluded in October, "fewer than 2% of small business owners would pay more under Obama's plan."
As it turns out, McConnell is merely parroting the same fraud now that John McCain tried to perpetrate then. Last fall, then Republican presidential candidate McCain attacked Obama, wrongly asserting, "The small businesses that we're talking about would receive an increase in their taxes right now." As it turned out, McCain's human shield and faux small business owner Joe "the Plumber" Wurzelbacher will receive a tax cut, and not an increase, under the just passed Obama stimulus package.
Crooks And Liars' Jon Perr has more.
For more info, you can check out the Stimulus Package that was just passed.
Direct To DVD Nonsense
Matt Lauer and right-wing "filmmaker" John "Go Fuck Yourself Nate" Keigler had a nice chat on The Today Show:
Certainly, there were plenty of people within America that have called Palin an "idiot". But, to have that as the keystone of your argument - apparently not just within this particular interview - is a tad sophomoric.
Zeigler, to this writer, seems a bit to gung ho for his own good. By that, I mean that he seems to be far too enraptured with this idea that there is some hidden, shadow-faction of media moguls that meet annually in the Hamptons in order to discuss who they are going to get elected each voting cycle.
It's the classic "conservative sore loser" position.
People like Zeigler are not concerned with correcting the problems within the country, like the economy. They are more concerned with creating a winning image to a losing team.
That being said, I'd really like to see how the rest of the film plays out.
I'm sure that it's comedy gold.
Certainly, there were plenty of people within America that have called Palin an "idiot". But, to have that as the keystone of your argument - apparently not just within this particular interview - is a tad sophomoric.
Zeigler, to this writer, seems a bit to gung ho for his own good. By that, I mean that he seems to be far too enraptured with this idea that there is some hidden, shadow-faction of media moguls that meet annually in the Hamptons in order to discuss who they are going to get elected each voting cycle.
It's the classic "conservative sore loser" position.
People like Zeigler are not concerned with correcting the problems within the country, like the economy. They are more concerned with creating a winning image to a losing team.
That being said, I'd really like to see how the rest of the film plays out.
I'm sure that it's comedy gold.
Rham's Night Out
Far be it from me to venture into the realm of he "what if..." that conservative bloggers so often do in order to validate their waffer-thin reasoning - but let's read the following and see how any member of the Bush administration would have reacted to this situation.
From Ben Smith
Good on you, Rham.
A surprised fellow moviegoer passes on word that Rahm Emanuel took time out Saturday night to see The Wrestler at the E Street Cinema last night with a Secret Service Agent.
It was not a quiet night out.
"The guy sitting next to Rahm -- literally sharing an armrest with him -- had a seizure of some kind," the moviegoer tells me. "Rahm used some vulgarities to impress upon the movie theater staff -- who wanted to move the guy out of the movie theater so they could restart the film -- that they should wait until EMS got there."
Emanuel stayed and helped, I'm told, until EMS arrived.
From Ben Smith
Good on you, Rham.
Paranoid Delusionals: "Son Of The Fairness Doctrine"?
Brian Darling @ REDSTATE has his teeth clinched, is peaking through his blinds at any car that passes by, and is adding fuel to the fire of ignorance with this one:
While "monopolies" have been not only frowned on but fought against, in various arenas, for longer than most of us can remember, it is more than just a shade ironic that Darling ( sorry, I have to laugh everytime I read that name ) is complaining about this.
Adding to that, that ability for the end user, the listener, to offer their voice - and it be heard - to radio stations is more than just a small part of the national dialogue that conservative allegedly want to take part in.
Here's the one part of the "Fairness Doctrine" cacauphony that I can't quite wrap my head around.
Fox"News", and all that subscribe to that information that they put out, continually cite the "Fair And Balance" meme that they espouse day in, day out, all year long. The meat of the "Fairness Doctrine" is to allow both sides to be represented equally. I know that I'm not the first, and cetainly won't be the last person, to point out that what people like Limbaugh, Hannity, and millions of other conservatives are opposing is exactly what Fox"News" is claiming that they do all the time.
Just saying.
Don’t be fooled by President Obama’s purported renunciation of the Fairness Doctrine last week. The far left fully intends to use a new regulatory scheme, the Son of The Fairness Doctrine, to regulate conservative talk radio. As Erick Erickson wrote last week on Red State, “Congress will restrict how many stations a company can own in a market. They’ll also require advisory boards for each station and make it easier to address consumer complaints against stations.” Although the left has backed away from the Fairness Doctrine because it is ineffective, they are gathering support for an attack on conservative talk radio.
While "monopolies" have been not only frowned on but fought against, in various arenas, for longer than most of us can remember, it is more than just a shade ironic that Darling ( sorry, I have to laugh everytime I read that name ) is complaining about this.
Adding to that, that ability for the end user, the listener, to offer their voice - and it be heard - to radio stations is more than just a small part of the national dialogue that conservative allegedly want to take part in.
Here's the one part of the "Fairness Doctrine" cacauphony that I can't quite wrap my head around.
Fox"News", and all that subscribe to that information that they put out, continually cite the "Fair And Balance" meme that they espouse day in, day out, all year long. The meat of the "Fairness Doctrine" is to allow both sides to be represented equally. I know that I'm not the first, and cetainly won't be the last person, to point out that what people like Limbaugh, Hannity, and millions of other conservatives are opposing is exactly what Fox"News" is claiming that they do all the time.
Just saying.
Stop It Fred, You're Makin Me Dizzy
Let's put aside that Fred Barnes is talking about sex, and skip right to the fact that he is spinning so fast that this has got to be some type of Guiness world record
Hate to break it to you Fred, but Bristol's point is crystal-clear - simply telling teenagers to abstain from sex until marriage is completely unrealistic.
More here.
This, as with the overtly creepy and fawning coverage that Greta Van Susteren gives the Palin's, is a classic case of Fox"News" trying to polish the image of this family in an attempt to make them into this shining example for all to follow.
Like it or not, the Palin's are hardly an example which others should strive for.
Bristol, in her own right, actually seemed rather straight-forward and unfiltered in her interview - for a moment. And while we're on the subject, some conservatives are not happy with the fact that Bristol got some face-time on Fox.
More on that later today
Hate to break it to you Fred, but Bristol's point is crystal-clear - simply telling teenagers to abstain from sex until marriage is completely unrealistic.
In November 2007, 10 leading scientists in the field of adolescent sexual and reproductive health warned that abstinence-only education withholds “information that may be critical to protecting the health of young people.” This past April, health experts told Congress that abstinence-only education programs “have not cut teen pregnancies or sexually transmitted diseases or delayed the age at which sex begins.”
More here.
This, as with the overtly creepy and fawning coverage that Greta Van Susteren gives the Palin's, is a classic case of Fox"News" trying to polish the image of this family in an attempt to make them into this shining example for all to follow.
Like it or not, the Palin's are hardly an example which others should strive for.
Bristol, in her own right, actually seemed rather straight-forward and unfiltered in her interview - for a moment. And while we're on the subject, some conservatives are not happy with the fact that Bristol got some face-time on Fox.
More on that later today
Friday, February 20, 2009
Greta Van Whatdoyoumeanfacts
Has anyone notice that since Palin came onto the national scene, and more-so now that Alan Colme isn't a regular play on Fox"News", that Greta is just letting her inner freak-flagfly?
Here she is speculating that Barack Obama is only visiting states and counties that he won because this is political theatre:
Oh, so sorry Greta. You're wrong - again.
From Think Progress
Here she is speculating that Barack Obama is only visiting states and counties that he won because this is political theatre:
Oh, so sorry Greta. You're wrong - again.
From Think Progress
Greta is correct in saying that most of the states — four of the five, to be exact — Obama has visited are states he won. However, the places he has chosen to visit represent much less friendly territory, visiting three counties he lost by double digits and only two he won:
Elkhart County, IN: Obama LOST 44 to 56 percent [2/9/09]
Lee County, FL: Obama LOST 45 to 55 percent [2/10/09]
Fairfax County, VA: Obama won 60 to 39 percent [2/11/09]
Denver County, CO: Obama won 75 to 23 percent [2/17/09]
Maricopa County, AZ: Obama LOST 44 to 55 percent [2/18/09]
Moreover, Obama’s local visits have been open to the public — even the part of the public that doesn’t like him. In a radical break from President Bush’s policies, Obama’s town hall audiences have been unscreened, and critics are not only granted access but allowed to ask questions.
Why Do You Think They Call It HotAir?
There reall must be something inherently wrong with Ed Morrissey.
No one man can be this unflinchingly ignorant.
How often as the talking-point about the abolishment of the "secret ballot" under the EFCO been debunked?
Multiple times.
Of course, you can't tell that to people like Ed.
Maybe we should just let him keep going. He does provide good comic relief.
No one man can be this unflinchingly ignorant.
..why are [ these ] American legislators more interested in protecting Mexican workers from union abuse than workers in their own country? The easy answer: Mexican unions don’t contribute millions of dollars to the Democrats and to these politicians. Therefore, they oppose the Union Boss Bills of Mexico while working to enable them here in the US.
How often as the talking-point about the abolishment of the "secret ballot" under the EFCO been debunked?
Multiple times.
Of course, you can't tell that to people like Ed.
Maybe we should just let him keep going. He does provide good comic relief.
Conservative Idiocy In (De)Mint Condition
Doubtless that all of us know by now that Barack Obama has no desire to reinstate the Fairness Doctrine.
So, one has to ask the question: Why is Jim DeMint doing this?
Pure political theatre, that's why.
Not content with hearing for himself that the President has no desire to go that route, DeMint is more interested in finding out how many members on Congress would be willing to say "yes".
However, his Achillies Heel is going to be his own Hubris.
Since Repblicans, en masse, voted "no" on the Stimulus, what makes DeMint so sure that they are going to walk right into an obvious trap such a this?
I guess we'll see.
So, one has to ask the question: Why is Jim DeMint doing this?
Sen. Jim DeMint announced that he will force a vote next week on a bill that prevents the Federal Communications Commission from reinstating the Fairness Doctrine.
The South Carolina Republican’s bill, the Broadcaster Freedom Act, is cosponsored by John Thune, R-S.D., and 27 others and will be offered as an amendment to the D.C. Voting Rights bill…
Sen. DeMint stated: “I’m glad President Obama finally confirmed his opposition to the Fairness Doctrine, which attacks the right of free speech on talk radio, but many Democrats in Congress are still pushing it.
“With the support of the new administration, now is the time for Congress to take a stand against this kind of censorship. I intend to seek a vote on this amendment next week so every senator is on record: Do you support free speech or do you want to silence voices you disagree with?”
Pure political theatre, that's why.
Not content with hearing for himself that the President has no desire to go that route, DeMint is more interested in finding out how many members on Congress would be willing to say "yes".
However, his Achillies Heel is going to be his own Hubris.
Since Repblicans, en masse, voted "no" on the Stimulus, what makes DeMint so sure that they are going to walk right into an obvious trap such a this?
I guess we'll see.
As If You Needed More Proof: Pt III
Conservapedia is a "conservative" wiki that provides an alternative to Wikipedia. Every entry is from a blantant and unblushing far-right, lunatic-fringe, perspective.
And families that homeschool their children use this website as a teaching tool.
Check out the entry on Barack Obama
Some of the comedic highlights are:
Conservapedia, the anti-Wikipedia - because you know they are liberal satan worshipers over on that site, has this to say of "partisan postings"
The entire website is something to behold.
Never, in the entire history of recorded information, as there been a complete catalog of ignorance on display for the world to see.
And families that homeschool their children use this website as a teaching tool.
Check out the entry on Barack Obama
Some of the comedic highlights are:
Barack Hussein Obama II (allegedly[1][2][3] born in Honolulu Aug. 4, 1961)
Obama refers to America in the third person, as a foreigner would.
President Obama is the first person having ties to a known former terrorist to gain control over America's nuclear weapons.[16][17] Author and blogger Jack Cashill requisitioned a comparison of the writing style of Bill Ayers' 2001 memoir, Fugitive Days, with Barack Obama's earlier 1995 book, Dreams From My Father, and came to the conclusion that Ayres may have ghostwritten Dreams.
Obama is likely the first Muslim President
Obama has chosen the Secret Service code name "Renegade". "Renegade" conventionally describes someone who goes against normal conventions of behavior, but its first usage was to describe someone who has turned from their religion. It is a word derived from the Spanish renegado, meaning "Christian turned Muslim."
The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons observed that Obama uses techniques of mind control in his speeches and campaign symbols
Conservapedia, the anti-Wikipedia - because you know they are liberal satan worshipers over on that site, has this to say of "partisan postings"
It's typical of partisans to strengthen their criticisms of a target by claiming a source who is supposedly loyal to the target. That's why Conservapedia gets dozens of pranksters every week claiming to be Christian or conservative.
The party affiliation of a news source should be irrelevant. All that matters is whether the source has a record of telling the truth. A new source with no track record is useless, especially if it's anonymous.
Conservapedia is more trustworthy than Wikipedia, because most of the senior staff are real people (not anonymous hacks hiding behind their clever pseudonyms).
The entire website is something to behold.
Never, in the entire history of recorded information, as there been a complete catalog of ignorance on display for the world to see.
Apparently Rush Didn't Get The Memo Either
Ed Morrissey, falling over himself to talk about Rush Limbaugh's latest pointless challenge to Barack Obama, had this to say about the Fairness Doctrine:
What is it going to take for Limbaugh, Morrissey, and all these other twitchy, ignorant piles of flesh to realize that Obama has more important things to deal with than Conservatives irrational fear that they aren't going to be able to make stuff up about Democrats on the radio?
Rush Limbaugh throws down another challenge to Barack Obama on the pages of the Wall Street Journal, this time on the Fairness Doctrine — and any other attempts to limit political speech by government fiat.
What is it going to take for Limbaugh, Morrissey, and all these other twitchy, ignorant piles of flesh to realize that Obama has more important things to deal with than Conservatives irrational fear that they aren't going to be able to make stuff up about Democrats on the radio?
RedState's Dysorthographical Approach - or - How Another Conservative Just Misses The Point
I loathe a film critic.
They are often overpaid hacks that lacked the mental fortitude to create films of their own and opt to tear down that which they wish they had created.
Then again, some film critics have a valid point to make. But, that usually ends up getting lost in a tangle of tangentical ramblings and overt self-agrandization.
The later is where we find Warner Todd Huston and his commentors at RedState in a review of the original WATCHMEN series called "Unheroic Superheroes, Watch out for the Watchmen".
During Huston's seemingly endless preamble, clearly meant to give the reader the impression that he knows what he is talking about, he talks about how "dark" art has become and the saddness that he feels that art doesn't reflect the sunny nature of the world.
When he finally gets to "reviewing" WATCHMEN, it becomely blisteringly apparent that he has no clue what the material is about.
Having been a fan of the series for many years, the final sentence in that paragraph brought out a healthy dose of laughter.
In Alan Moore's own words, the series was primarily about deconstructing the superhero mythos and placing them in a "credible, real world".
How would a superhero act if they were forced to "retire", banned by the government, had to face the fact that their days of glory were gone - as well as those that once adored them?
This next part is where Huston's thought-train derails at top speed.
Huston's obvious inflammatory dig at Moore's alleged political ideology aside ( how exactly does Huston know of Moore's family background? Is he speaking in abstracts with the intent of directly his moral outrage at the comics industry? ) he greatly underestimates the ability for a writer like Moore to put aside his own socio-political preconceptions and write from the perspective of his protagonist(s).
To put it simply, Moore has a way of taking prominent elements of the present-day, as well as the past, and placing them within the clearly defined construct of a story that is speculative fiction. He has the ability to divorce himself from the notion a comic-character has to be of a "comic" nature. WATCHMEN is not, and never was, marketed toward children, despite any claims by Huston or any other conservative writer attempting to change the intended meaning of whatever story they are misrepresenting.
And when talking about "meaning" and WATCHMEN, that term - in and of itself - has to be used in the most general of ways. The reason being, is that there are multiple levels which the story operates on.
To simply claim that Moore is attempting to produce a story that is nothing more than thinly neiled "anarchistic" or "nhilistic" thought is to completely misunderstand the source material.
With this one sentence, Huston reveals himself as simply another lunatic-fringe right-winger with a blinding ideology he is attempting to push. Not only that, but he falls prey to the proto-typical "anti-American" meme used by people like Sean Hannity and Bill O'Reilly. If a story doesn't portray America or her governing body - at the time WATCHMEN was written and published it was Reagan who was President - as nobel, as a country and a people that can do no wrong, then you are wrong. This is the thesis statement of far-right thought.
----------------------------------------------
Huston's review drags on with hamfisted attempts at explaining the traits and meaning behind each of the characters, and then actually asking why Moore's doesn't write something "uplifting".
WATCHMEN is not about one political thought versus another. Moore, in this writer's opinion, would find that concept not only laughable, but utterly pathetic.
I know that I can't say that I know WATCHMEN more than another person. This was, and more than likely will remain, Warner Todd Huston's complete failure in writing this particular ream of clap-trap.
The only person that knows the material well enough to have the final word is Alan Moore. There are plenty of places for you to read or hear what he has to say about it. And, knowing Moore's attitudes towards bringing up WATCHMEN, I'm sure he would be as apt to tell Mr. Huston to kick-rocks rather than have to address such a feeble attempt at twisting a story's intended meaning.
They are often overpaid hacks that lacked the mental fortitude to create films of their own and opt to tear down that which they wish they had created.
Then again, some film critics have a valid point to make. But, that usually ends up getting lost in a tangle of tangentical ramblings and overt self-agrandization.
The later is where we find Warner Todd Huston and his commentors at RedState in a review of the original WATCHMEN series called "Unheroic Superheroes, Watch out for the Watchmen".
During Huston's seemingly endless preamble, clearly meant to give the reader the impression that he knows what he is talking about, he talks about how "dark" art has become and the saddness that he feels that art doesn't reflect the sunny nature of the world.
When he finally gets to "reviewing" WATCHMEN, it becomely blisteringly apparent that he has no clue what the material is about.
As to subject matter, it wasn’t “just a comic book.” It hit all the 80’s hot-button issues. Homosexuality, rape, war with Russia and “the bomb,” crooked US politicians, corruption, murder, sexual impotency, welfare mammas, and homicidal maniacs were all aspects of the story line. It even indulges in demonization of Nixon directly, and Ronald Reagan by inference. But it’s philosophy of nihilism and anarchy was its underlying message.
Having been a fan of the series for many years, the final sentence in that paragraph brought out a healthy dose of laughter.
In Alan Moore's own words, the series was primarily about deconstructing the superhero mythos and placing them in a "credible, real world".
How would a superhero act if they were forced to "retire", banned by the government, had to face the fact that their days of glory were gone - as well as those that once adored them?
This next part is where Huston's thought-train derails at top speed.
Obviously, the series is a commentary on the human condition as much as it is on the politics contemporary to the publishing of the work as intended by writer, Alan Moore. Moore is from a long line of political leftists and has repeatedly said in interviews that his comic series was intended to be a left-leaning commentary on political ideaology. Man is the greatest evil of all, despair is the only possible reality, and peace is but fleeting seem to be the core messages in Watchmen. And in all of this, the western world makes it even worse. Watchmen is all told on the backdrop of a fallen and corrupt western society.
But, this idea, that man will ruin everything eventually, could certainly have been told sans the ill informed and badly thought out political commentary running underneath. The basic tenets of leftist thought that forms the basic point of view in this series are proven failures and this detracts from what could have been a better story. The fact that the Left’s ideas are failures was even realizable during the era in which the book was written and not just in hindsight as we re-read it today. From the hatred of American politics, to doubt of American character, and the equalization of all ideologies to the lowest common denominator, this series fails in its political philosophy.
Huston's obvious inflammatory dig at Moore's alleged political ideology aside ( how exactly does Huston know of Moore's family background? Is he speaking in abstracts with the intent of directly his moral outrage at the comics industry? ) he greatly underestimates the ability for a writer like Moore to put aside his own socio-political preconceptions and write from the perspective of his protagonist(s).
To put it simply, Moore has a way of taking prominent elements of the present-day, as well as the past, and placing them within the clearly defined construct of a story that is speculative fiction. He has the ability to divorce himself from the notion a comic-character has to be of a "comic" nature. WATCHMEN is not, and never was, marketed toward children, despite any claims by Huston or any other conservative writer attempting to change the intended meaning of whatever story they are misrepresenting.
And when talking about "meaning" and WATCHMEN, that term - in and of itself - has to be used in the most general of ways. The reason being, is that there are multiple levels which the story operates on.
To simply claim that Moore is attempting to produce a story that is nothing more than thinly neiled "anarchistic" or "nhilistic" thought is to completely misunderstand the source material.
With this one sentence, Huston reveals himself as simply another lunatic-fringe right-winger with a blinding ideology he is attempting to push. Not only that, but he falls prey to the proto-typical "anti-American" meme used by people like Sean Hannity and Bill O'Reilly. If a story doesn't portray America or her governing body - at the time WATCHMEN was written and published it was Reagan who was President - as nobel, as a country and a people that can do no wrong, then you are wrong. This is the thesis statement of far-right thought.
----------------------------------------------
Huston's review drags on with hamfisted attempts at explaining the traits and meaning behind each of the characters, and then actually asking why Moore's doesn't write something "uplifting".
WATCHMEN is not about one political thought versus another. Moore, in this writer's opinion, would find that concept not only laughable, but utterly pathetic.
I know that I can't say that I know WATCHMEN more than another person. This was, and more than likely will remain, Warner Todd Huston's complete failure in writing this particular ream of clap-trap.
The only person that knows the material well enough to have the final word is Alan Moore. There are plenty of places for you to read or hear what he has to say about it. And, knowing Moore's attitudes towards bringing up WATCHMEN, I'm sure he would be as apt to tell Mr. Huston to kick-rocks rather than have to address such a feeble attempt at twisting a story's intended meaning.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Do High Ratings Equal Accurate / Fair Reporting?
Absolutely not.
But Fox"News" continues to think so.
And, I love this dig they get in on their competition:
Fox"News" is popular for one reason, and one reason only - it's tabloid nature.
People love exploitative television. They love to be "entertained".
If you had to choose between watching Bill O'Reilly have a shouting match with a large-breasted blonde or Wolf Blitzer talking with Alan Greenspan about bank nationalization, which would you choose?
But Fox"News" continues to think so.
And, I love this dig they get in on their competition:
This would be where CNN and MSNBC use an asterix in their ads to point out some half-baked one-time statistic to prove that somebody stumbled across their channels giving them a temporary spike in the ratings, which they would tout as unprecedented, earth-shattering and monumental. It's actually pathetic since we all know that if they massage their statistics long enough, they can come up with anything to make their tiny lame point. But deep in their hearts, even they know that FOX NEWS IS NUMBER ONE in cable news and has been for years.
Fox"News" is popular for one reason, and one reason only - it's tabloid nature.
People love exploitative television. They love to be "entertained".
If you had to choose between watching Bill O'Reilly have a shouting match with a large-breasted blonde or Wolf Blitzer talking with Alan Greenspan about bank nationalization, which would you choose?
Per Diem Palin
Are you serious?
While all this appears to be "legal", I'm sure that the Alaskan taxpayers that have to foot this bill won't exactly be pleased.
You can read Palin's November and December expense reports to see how these charges are either a bit much or just curious in nature.
The Governor, for instance, charged the state of Alaska a $60 per diem expense for an appearance on Fox News on November 9, 2008. A few weeks later, she billed taxpayers another $60 for a "phone call with Sen. Elizabeth Dole." (Dole had lost her reelection bid weeks earlier). On the 26th of November, Palin again turned in a $60 meal/incidental expense per diem report for "Phone call with Gov. Rendell, interview."
While all this appears to be "legal", I'm sure that the Alaskan taxpayers that have to foot this bill won't exactly be pleased.
You can read Palin's November and December expense reports to see how these charges are either a bit much or just curious in nature.
Quote Of The Day
And now, Rick "Man-On-Dog" Santorum
The Quran is perfect just the way it is, that’s why it is only written in Islamic
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Wednesday Night Music Chain featuring James Holden Remixes
For years now, James Holden's dub-inflected, static-laced, ambient-infused music has brought an entire genre to a new level and legions of DJs and club-goers to their feet.
His original tracks are spectacular, but his remixes are wonders all there own.
Nathan Fake - The Sky Was Pink ( James Holden Mix )
Petter - Some Polyphony ( James Holden Remix )
Roland Klinkenberg - Inner Laugh ( James Holden Remix )
Anthony Pappa - Better Make Room ( Jame Holden Remix )
His original tracks are spectacular, but his remixes are wonders all there own.
Nathan Fake - The Sky Was Pink ( James Holden Mix )
Petter - Some Polyphony ( James Holden Remix )
Roland Klinkenberg - Inner Laugh ( James Holden Remix )
Anthony Pappa - Better Make Room ( Jame Holden Remix )
Comedy Is Not For Amateurs
Very few people are proficient at completely dismissing Bill O'Reilly with a single word or phrase.
Whoopi Goldberg is one of those few
Whoopi's calm, cool, demeanor gets under O'Reilly's skin more than any verbal outrage can do.
Whoopi Goldberg is one of those few
Whoopi's calm, cool, demeanor gets under O'Reilly's skin more than any verbal outrage can do.
So, She Has Tax Issues Too? Interesting.
I'm not going to be holding my breath waiting to hear this mentioned on Fox"News"
While within Palin's cheerleading squad will defend the woman no matter what she does, it should be reminded to them that these taxes are owed, in part, because Palin billed the state for staying in her own home.
Gov. Sarah Palin must pay income taxes on thousands of dollars in expense money she received while living at her Wasilla home, under a new determination by state officials.
The governor's office wouldn't say this week how much she owes in back taxes for meal money, or whether she intends to continue to receive the per diem allowance. As of December, she was still charging the state for meals and incidentals.
"The amount of taxes owed is a private matter," Sharon Leighow, Palin's spokeswoman, said in an e-mail. "If the governor collects future per diem, those documents would be a matter of public record."
While within Palin's cheerleading squad will defend the woman no matter what she does, it should be reminded to them that these taxes are owed, in part, because Palin billed the state for staying in her own home.
Derangement Syndrome?
She's not so much deranged and she is, well.......take a look for yourself.
Since she's "pretty-much" stayed away from it, I suppose now is her time to welcome the less-than-creative on her side.
Malkin was famous for whinging about those on the "left" that used Nazi imagry against her man.
She's got an entire "look-how-clever-I-am" section of her blog devoted to "Bush-Derangement-Syndrome"
Anyone that lacks the creativity to pose an intellectually sound rebuttal, and opts for the "Nazi" retort, deserves to be mocked. But since Malkin now seems to think it's alright, she's no better than those she derided for the past 8 years.
The mere fact that she is even defending this clown - and the rhetoric that she once denounce in all her purse-lipped fury - makes her not only a hypocrite, but so glaringly pathetic that anyone that takes even a fraction of what this woman says seriously should reconsider their ability to think for themselves.
She's not deranged, she's just an opportunist of the worst order.
Now, the tables have been turned. Some folks are invoking Nazi allusions against Barack Obama.
I’ve pretty much stayed away from using such rhetoric against those with whom I disagree — especially having been on the receiving end of Nazi allusions myself countless times over the years.
Since she's "pretty-much" stayed away from it, I suppose now is her time to welcome the less-than-creative on her side.
Malkin was famous for whinging about those on the "left" that used Nazi imagry against her man.
She's got an entire "look-how-clever-I-am" section of her blog devoted to "Bush-Derangement-Syndrome"
Anyone that lacks the creativity to pose an intellectually sound rebuttal, and opts for the "Nazi" retort, deserves to be mocked. But since Malkin now seems to think it's alright, she's no better than those she derided for the past 8 years.
The mere fact that she is even defending this clown - and the rhetoric that she once denounce in all her purse-lipped fury - makes her not only a hypocrite, but so glaringly pathetic that anyone that takes even a fraction of what this woman says seriously should reconsider their ability to think for themselves.
She's not deranged, she's just an opportunist of the worst order.
Crazy Republican # 4239
Former Congressman J.D. Hayworth of Arizona is more than content with his insanity.
The fact that people on the Right are still trying pass off the "George Soros is ruining America" nonsense has gone way past pathetic and dove headlong into laughably sad.
This guy could have his own Fox"Business" show.
The fact that people on the Right are still trying pass off the "George Soros is ruining America" nonsense has gone way past pathetic and dove headlong into laughably sad.
This guy could have his own Fox"Business" show.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
WHAT?!
Forget claiming that Barnes is drinking the GOP's "koolaid", I think he's licking the beads of sweat directly from Bush's ass-crack.
Oh yeah, you know, that dinner he had with Bush not too long ago.........
Fair and balanced?
Really?
More from Think Progress.
Oh yeah, you know, that dinner he had with Bush not too long ago.........
Fair and balanced?
Really?
More from Think Progress.
The Great, Unwashed, Limbaugh
Yeah, he actually said this:
Now, let's keep in mind that Limbaugh has been such the water-carrier for the Republican party - no matter what they do - and he has of yet said NOTHING regarding their usage of government owned / operated planes.
Also, his twitch-and-howl about the private aviation industry producing "millions of skilled jobs" aside, when the auto industry is receiving federal "bailout" money, they should look at things that they can cut back on - no matter when they were scheduled to receive them.
If I can fly coach to DC for a meeting, so can anyone.
If he's going to invoke Congress using private aviation means, I'd like him show an accurate comparative analysis of Republican vs. Democratic private flight usage.
Oh, wait, he'll never do that.
And Limbaugh refering to himself as an "unwashed" plebian is beyond laughable.
Don't forget, this clown just signed a $400 million dollar "talk about shit that you make up" deal last summer.
Now, let's keep in mind that Limbaugh has been such the water-carrier for the Republican party - no matter what they do - and he has of yet said NOTHING regarding their usage of government owned / operated planes.
Also, his twitch-and-howl about the private aviation industry producing "millions of skilled jobs" aside, when the auto industry is receiving federal "bailout" money, they should look at things that they can cut back on - no matter when they were scheduled to receive them.
If I can fly coach to DC for a meeting, so can anyone.
If he's going to invoke Congress using private aviation means, I'd like him show an accurate comparative analysis of Republican vs. Democratic private flight usage.
Oh, wait, he'll never do that.
And Limbaugh refering to himself as an "unwashed" plebian is beyond laughable.
Don't forget, this clown just signed a $400 million dollar "talk about shit that you make up" deal last summer.
Some DOW Perspective For Michelle Malkin
This afternoon, Michelle Malkin made this statement on her blog:
Once again, the party of "context" completely leaves said packaging out, thereby releaving the reader of the burden of facts. And Obama's only been President for 28 days. Bush was still president when Obama was elected and the DOW did make a rebound once Obama was elected.
You see, leaving out the facts kind of crushes Malkin's clap-trap, doesn't it?
Here's a little lesson regarding the DOW and Malkin's favorite boy, George W. Bush.
What this means is, since the DOW was hovering around the mid-10,000 range when Bush took office, the DOW lost an average of 469.29471 points each month for a consecutive 18 months.
Then, there's this little nugget of joy that might make Malkin think twice about bashing Obama just yet.
While the DOW took about 4 months to lose 2000 points for Obama, it only took 10 days for her man to see close to that type of decline.
So, if you're looking for the "context", here it is.
Bush inherited a bustling economy and sat back while it fell in on itself - largely due to policies that he implemented. Barack Obama inherited a broken economy and is making a fast attempt to fix it.
Also, I'll be the first to admit that I'm not an economist. There are variables within the system that I will never understand.
This is something that Malkin refuses to acknowledge.
On Nov. 4, after Barack Obama clinched the White House, the market closed at 9,625.28.
In mid-morning trading today, the day President Obama signs his massive Generational Theft Act into law and a day before he unveils a massive new mortgage entitlement, the Dow dropped to to 7,606.53.
Now, imagine if President Bush had presided over a 2,000-point stock market tumble in the same time period — during the first few months of his presidency.
Great start, O.
Just saying…
Once again, the party of "context" completely leaves said packaging out, thereby releaving the reader of the burden of facts. And Obama's only been President for 28 days. Bush was still president when Obama was elected and the DOW did make a rebound once Obama was elected.
You see, leaving out the facts kind of crushes Malkin's clap-trap, doesn't it?
Here's a little lesson regarding the DOW and Malkin's favorite boy, George W. Bush.
While almost doubling Hoover’s decline in the S&P, Bush trailed the Depression-Era Republican slightly in the blue-chip Dow Jones Industrial Average, which measures the performance of 30 top U.S. companies. In Hoover’s first 18 months, the Dow fell 24.8 percent. In Bush’s 18 months, the Dow’s drop was 24.3 percent. [NYT, July 22, 2002]
What this means is, since the DOW was hovering around the mid-10,000 range when Bush took office, the DOW lost an average of 469.29471 points each month for a consecutive 18 months.
Then, there's this little nugget of joy that might make Malkin think twice about bashing Obama just yet.
The pace of the stock market crash under Bush also is accelerating. In the 10 trading days since Bush visited Wall Street to promote his economic plans, the Dow has dropped almost 1,500 points or 16 percent. [NYT, July 23, 2002]
While the DOW took about 4 months to lose 2000 points for Obama, it only took 10 days for her man to see close to that type of decline.
So, if you're looking for the "context", here it is.
Bush inherited a bustling economy and sat back while it fell in on itself - largely due to policies that he implemented. Barack Obama inherited a broken economy and is making a fast attempt to fix it.
Also, I'll be the first to admit that I'm not an economist. There are variables within the system that I will never understand.
This is something that Malkin refuses to acknowledge.
The Duality Of The Conservative Mind
I found these two tidbits on HotAir not only curious, but completely hilarious - as they contradict one another to such an infinate degree, that one can do nothing but point them out and laugh.
In their headlines section, they highlighted this piece from the DC-Examiner, by Byron York, with the following blurb:
And just a few days before, there was this featured post:
Byron calls Obama's pause between passage and signage "showmanship" and Allahpundit complains that Obama didn't wait another 24 hours before signing something.
Is it any wonder that their party lost the election?
In their headlines section, they highlighted this piece from the DC-Examiner, by Byron York, with the following blurb:
After rushing Congress to act, why did he wait for days to sign the "emergency" stimulus bill?
And just a few days before, there was this featured post:
Flashback: Obama promises to allow five days of public comment before signing bills
Byron calls Obama's pause between passage and signage "showmanship" and Allahpundit complains that Obama didn't wait another 24 hours before signing something.
Is it any wonder that their party lost the election?
New Mix Available For Download
Labyrinth
Running Time : 01:06:56
Tracklisting
1 - Shed - Ostrich-Mountain Square
2 - Radioslave - RJ
3 - Delete - Where Is My Moustache ( Koljah's Razor Blade Mix )
4 - Marco Carola - Sirens
5 - Marshal & Libex - Turin Quality Clubbing ( Jova Mix )
6 - SCSI - Tierra Del Fuego ( Pascal FEOS Mix )
7 - Gabriel Ananda - Eucalypse Now!
8 - Anre Winter - Trauma
9 - Chris Fortier - B-Dub ( Mark Broom Mix )
10 - Marc DePulse - P.S. You Rock ( Spektre Mix )
11 - Oliver Giacomotto - Guacamoli
12 - Slam - Ghost Song ( Joris Voorn Mix )
Selected Mix Imagry
Running Time : 01:06:56
Tracklisting
1 - Shed - Ostrich-Mountain Square
2 - Radioslave - RJ
3 - Delete - Where Is My Moustache ( Koljah's Razor Blade Mix )
4 - Marco Carola - Sirens
5 - Marshal & Libex - Turin Quality Clubbing ( Jova Mix )
6 - SCSI - Tierra Del Fuego ( Pascal FEOS Mix )
7 - Gabriel Ananda - Eucalypse Now!
8 - Anre Winter - Trauma
9 - Chris Fortier - B-Dub ( Mark Broom Mix )
10 - Marc DePulse - P.S. You Rock ( Spektre Mix )
11 - Oliver Giacomotto - Guacamoli
12 - Slam - Ghost Song ( Joris Voorn Mix )
Selected Mix Imagry
Monday, February 16, 2009
Christian Toto Has His PJs In A Twist
Toto is a writer for Pajama's Media.
You remember them. They financed the disaterous trip of Joe "The Gimmick" Wurzelbacher to Isreal as a "war correspondant.
Now, he's taking issue with a new documentary that shows just how hateful the McCain campaign's fanbase leading up to the election of Barack Obama.
Toto takes issue with the very real fact that there was a healthy does of hatred leveled at not only Barack Obama, but those that voted for him as well.
He doesn't seem to realise that the divisive nature of the McCain campaign was, and still is, very real. Remember these people:
----------------------------------------------------
In all fairness, I have to tell you, I haven't seen Pelosi's latest documentary feature.
So, I'm going to reserve my opinions on the film until after I have seen it.
The point of this post was to show that Christian Toto, and many like him, still can't seem to realize the dividing nature of not just the McCain campaign, but the party that they affiliate themselves with.
You remember them. They financed the disaterous trip of Joe "The Gimmick" Wurzelbacher to Isreal as a "war correspondant.
Now, he's taking issue with a new documentary that shows just how hateful the McCain campaign's fanbase leading up to the election of Barack Obama.
...[N]ot everyone was in such a charitable mood as it became clear Obama’s lead wouldn’t go away. And those are the folks documentary filmmaker Alexandra Pelosi sought out for her new HBO program Right America: Feeling Wronged: Some Voices from the Campaign Trail.
The documentary, debuting tonight at 8 p.m. EST, captures the very worst elements of those who climbed aboard Sen. John McCain’s Straight Talk Express.
Close your eyes for a moment. What kind of documentary would you expect given the subject matter and the filmmaker (Pelosi is the daughter of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi)?
If you said the film would show conservatives as ignorant, racist, hateful folk who genuinely cling to God and guns, give yourself a prize. Bonus points go for those who predicted the film would characterize McCain/Palin rallies as hate events.
You wanna see hate? Check out the next anti-war march. Yikes.
Pelosi, who has displayed an ability to walk an unbiased line with documentaries like Journeys with George and, most recently, The Trials of Ted Haggard, lets her ideological flag fly this time ’round. She also proves incapable of revealing some inner truths about her subject matters, something that hurt her Haggard piece as well.
Toto takes issue with the very real fact that there was a healthy does of hatred leveled at not only Barack Obama, but those that voted for him as well.
He doesn't seem to realise that the divisive nature of the McCain campaign was, and still is, very real. Remember these people:
----------------------------------------------------
In all fairness, I have to tell you, I haven't seen Pelosi's latest documentary feature.
So, I'm going to reserve my opinions on the film until after I have seen it.
The point of this post was to show that Christian Toto, and many like him, still can't seem to realize the dividing nature of not just the McCain campaign, but the party that they affiliate themselves with.
SNL, The GOP, And The Conservative Spin
Saturday Night Live's abillty to tap into a topic and really take satire to a whole other level comes and goes as the years pass.
One can almost still sense the period of almost 10 years where SNL just wasn't that funny anymore.
Then came the Presidential campaigns.
It was as if the cast somehow embodied the spirit of those they were "taking the piss out off".
--------------------------
*as an aside, it should be noted that lunatic-fringe conservatives - and those that pretend not to be - don't seem to understand what "satire it".*
--------------------------
Something happened during the opening segment of SNL this past weekend.
Dan Aykroyd was back - which is always nice to see. This time, though, there opening skit was a bit surreal, almost dadaist in forumlation - a bit true, and somewhat lackluster all at once.
Take a look for yourself.
HotAir takes on the subject matter of this skit.
Here's Allahpundits response:
And the commentors go off from there.
So, Allah, what is the GOP's alternative stimulus plans? They don't seem to have one - unless you count voting "no" and talking about earmarks that don't exists or attempting to provide supplication to their lunatic-fringe constituancy because the 2010 elections are so close.
Even the talk-radio prattle-heads who stand behind these clueless politicians can't even articulate an alternative plan.
The truth is, they don't have one.
----------------------------------------------------
The fact of the matter is that SNL seems to have nailed-it with this skit. It's just as out-of-sync, and pointless as the GOP ( and their fanbase ) are at this point in history.
I guess it kind of stings when a mirror is held up to you and you have to face how pathetic you really are.
One can almost still sense the period of almost 10 years where SNL just wasn't that funny anymore.
Then came the Presidential campaigns.
It was as if the cast somehow embodied the spirit of those they were "taking the piss out off".
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*as an aside, it should be noted that lunatic-fringe conservatives - and those that pretend not to be - don't seem to understand what "satire it".*
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Something happened during the opening segment of SNL this past weekend.
Dan Aykroyd was back - which is always nice to see. This time, though, there opening skit was a bit surreal, almost dadaist in forumlation - a bit true, and somewhat lackluster all at once.
Take a look for yourself.
HotAir takes on the subject matter of this skit.
Here's Allahpundits response:
Starts off as a goof on inaction as a political strategy during a crisis — which isn’t a fair characterization of the GOP’s alternative stimulus plans, but good luck convincing public opinion of that — before veering off into painfully broad satire of obstructionism and general conservative out-of-touch-ness. A target this big, with help from Aykroyd and Darrell Hammond no less, and they still couldn’t hit it?
And the commentors go off from there.
So, Allah, what is the GOP's alternative stimulus plans? They don't seem to have one - unless you count voting "no" and talking about earmarks that don't exists or attempting to provide supplication to their lunatic-fringe constituancy because the 2010 elections are so close.
Even the talk-radio prattle-heads who stand behind these clueless politicians can't even articulate an alternative plan.
The truth is, they don't have one.
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The fact of the matter is that SNL seems to have nailed-it with this skit. It's just as out-of-sync, and pointless as the GOP ( and their fanbase ) are at this point in history.
I guess it kind of stings when a mirror is held up to you and you have to face how pathetic you really are.
How To May Hay From A Piece Of Metal
A headline on RedState.com yesterday read: Obama Disses Brits, Will Media Miss?
In case you're wondering what blogger Warner Todd Huston is getting at, here's hit post:
More here for those who choose to visit RedState.
While it is the option and the right for every new President to redecorate the Oval Office, it's this sort of "issue" that is - well - not an "issue" at all.
With the langauge coming from the lunatic-fringe now casting any and all on the "left" as people that dispise Winston Churchill, this is going to quickly become another laughable attempt at making Obama look like "the enemy". I'm fairly certain that there is something that might be farther from the truth as that, but right now I'm not certain what that thing would be.
In case you're wondering what blogger Warner Todd Huston is getting at, here's hit post:
It appears that President Obama is dissing the Brit’s most famous and stalwart leader by quickly returning the most famous bust of the man loaned to this country by the United Kingdom in the aftermath of 9//11. The return of the bust of Churchill flustered the British government because they didn’t ask for it to be returned. Our best ally was nonplussed and even quickly told Obama he could keep it in the Oval Office where Bush had displayed the piece of art. Obama told them no thanks which made the Brits even more amazed.
More here for those who choose to visit RedState.
While it is the option and the right for every new President to redecorate the Oval Office, it's this sort of "issue" that is - well - not an "issue" at all.
With the langauge coming from the lunatic-fringe now casting any and all on the "left" as people that dispise Winston Churchill, this is going to quickly become another laughable attempt at making Obama look like "the enemy". I'm fairly certain that there is something that might be farther from the truth as that, but right now I'm not certain what that thing would be.
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