Month: October 2009

Athenae, Economy9 Comments

The Best Health Care

In the world: 56 days . . . 55 days . . . 54 days . . . Chelsea Caudle began signing her text messages this summer with a countdown. At 14 years old, she knew no better way to express what was coming. Day Zero was to be Oct. 7, the day Dad left for Army basic training in Fort Jackson, S.C. He was moving 950 miles from their home in Watertown, 950 miles from Mom. He was leaving, even though Mom was sick with ovarian cancer. Even though he had been at her side through two long, miserable rounds of chemotherapy. Even though she … Continue reading The Best Health Care

Athenae, So Called Liberal Media11 Comments

It Doesn’t Concern You

When I talk about laziness and stupidity in media, a lot, and laziness and stupidity in politics, a lot, what I’m really talking about is the tendency to glom onto stories that have nothing to do with anything. Yes, I’m going to talk about Balloon Boy for a minute, because Romenesko isn’t, and I can’t think why not. This is a story that could plainly be seen as a hoax within ten seconds by anyone who watched Mythbusters even once, but let’s say that it was true, that a child had stowed away in a homemade helium balloon his goofy … Continue reading It Doesn’t Concern You

Afghanistan, Athenae11 Comments

Care Package Update

Hey everybody. I just got word that our care packages have safely arrived in Afghanistan! From leinie: Got this message this morning: Subject: Just thought you should know. “We have recieved those packages that was sent by your blog group. The coffee is outstanding and I dont think anyone expected to get such high end stuff in acare package. Please send my thanks to all. Thank you.” You’re all pretty great, you know. A. Continue reading Care Package Update

Adrastos, Current Affairs, Law/Justice, Malakatude20 Comments

Malaka Of The Week: Keith Bardwell

Peter Adrastos Athas

I was undecided about who the malaka of the week would be until late Thursday afternoon. But not because there was any shortage of candidates: there never are, malakatude is ubiquitous. This week’s “winner” hails from Hammond, Louisiana, which is not far geographically from New Orleans but exists in a sort of time warp; especially Tangipahoa Parish Justice Of The PeaceKeith Bardwellwho grabs the brass ring of malakatude this week. Here’s why this hitherto obscure functionary gets the nod: A Louisiana justice of the peace said he refused to issue a marriage license to an interracial couple out of concern … Continue reading Malaka Of The Week: Keith Bardwell

Stupid Republican Tricks, Tommy T1 Comment

Today on Tommy T’s Obsession with the Freeperati – Freeper fail edition

p>Good morning, everyone – you know, Freepers and fail go together like porta-potties and pumping stations. I’ve lined up some drums of toxic Freeper waste that have “Fail” stamped all over them, so let’s suit up and pry them open, shall we? Let’s see – the first one’s marked “Sooper-sekrit Mooslim Fail”… Grayson says “…Republicans will try to ban bacon.”WDBO Radio ^| October 9, 2009 Posted onFriday, October 09, 2009 10:38:59 AM byGoldStandard This is Alan Grayson discussing health care on the floor of the House on 10/8/09. Alan Grayson: “If the President has a BLT tomorrow, the Republicans will … Continue reading Today on Tommy T’s Obsession with the Freeperati – Freeper fail edition

Current Affairs, Doc, Of Interest9 Comments

There’s no “I” in “team,” but there sure as hell is one in “quit.”

Perhaps it’s this group of students or this college or something in the water out here, but I’ve noticed a goodly amount of quitters on my campus. The only time people around here get jacked up against quitting is when my editorial staff feels put upon during the “Great American Smoke Out.” Other than that, quitting has become the norm. Last week, my 8 a.m. class looked like a ghost town. Of the 15 kids signed up, I had about 10. I got one email from a sick kid, but that was it. Later that day, I got an email … Continue reading There’s no “I” in “team,” but there sure as hell is one in “quit.”

Athenae, Marriage Equality18 Comments

The Last Time You Trusted a Politician

John Cole: Nothing constructive is ever built with negativity. Period. So instead of blowing up at the first President in my lifetime to openly advocate for gay rights, why don’t you do something constructive? Why don’t you embrace his message? How about an ad campaign that has Obama speaking from theHRC declaring support for your goals, and asking Congress whether they want to join you and the President in achieving those goals? How about going to Harry Reid, who is in a tight election as it is, and asking him whether or not he will join with the President and … Continue reading The Last Time You Trusted a Politician

Adrastos, Law/Justice, Malakatude, Television

Tangipahoa Parish Malakatude Update

Peter Adrastos Athas

Surprise, surprise: the tevee people have been all overMalaka Keith Bardwell’s refusal to marry an interracial couple. First, NOLA’s WWL-TV news has some non-embeddable clips online:an interview with Beth Humphrey and Terence McKay;an interview with Mrs. Bardwell conducted while reporter Bigad Shaban tried to get Bardwell at homeanda chat with a good ole boy who supports Bardwell. Second, here’s how NBC Nightly News covered the story. div>http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22425001/vp/33351105#33351105 Visit msnbc.com forBreaking News, World News, andNews about the Economy There’s a good old fashioned shit storm brewing in the Gret Stet of Louisiana: even Governor Bobby Jindal (hereinafter PBJ) is calling forBardwell’s … Continue reading Tangipahoa Parish Malakatude Update

Athenae, Diary9 Comments

Friday Ferretblogging: Fashion Edition

So at last weekend’s ferret show (which was epic, by the way, you should have been there) there was a raffle to benefit the shelter, and I won a little hat for the ferrets. A tiny, orange, tasselled, fleece, stoner snowboarding hat. For the ferrets. And because I am becoming That Ferret Lady anyway, and because I know the Internet the way I do, I knew you would have to see them try it on. Bucky: That’s a cool story, bro. Riot: Duuuuuuude. Puck: Where’s the Fritos? Seriously, they had it on for all of three seconds. Then they were … Continue reading Friday Ferretblogging: Fashion Edition

Athenae, Immoral Values11 Comments

Marriage Sucks

It really is a wonder anybody gets hitched at all when this is the recruiting poster: Usually, especially in these Hollywood comedies, it’s also based on the idea that the difference is that men are fun and interesting, and women are tedious, status-obsessed bores. In the movies, men have friendships, a sense of adventure, and an ability to opine at length about rock music, and women have a strong desire to wear wedding dresses and look aggrieved at these baffling men, with their baffling lives that they want to live for reasons beyond simple-minded women. In real life, however, you … Continue reading Marriage Sucks

Athenae, Geek Cred, Stupid Republican Tricks2 Comments

Guys? Guys? GUYS?!!!

Michael Steele wants to hear from you. The Internet has been around a while, now. But, I still find it an amazing platform for innovation, not just in technology, but in life. Beyond admiring the way it powers so many inventions and businesses, it has become a personal thing for me. I love the fact that, wherever I might be, I can use technology to see my family and chat with them, and Social Media to tap into what my friends are doing. Now we know why Sarah Palin quit: To become his ghostwriter. ViaDan Sinker. A. ps. “The Internet … Continue reading Guys? Guys? GUYS?!!!

Adrastos, Sports19 Comments

Throwback or Throw Up Uniforms?

Peter Adrastos Athas

I was waiting for 60 Minutes to come on last night on I saw the tail end of the Broncos-Patriots game and the ugliest sports uniform since the days of double knit polyester in MLB: the circa 1960 Denver Broncos retro uniform. In the picture below, Broncos QB Kyle Orton celebrates both victory and the fact that he’ll never have to wear that much brown and yellow ever again: Thatthrow up throwback uniform is a vivid illustration as to why I never wear brown. I mentioned horrible baseball uniforms of the past. Here are the ones I had in mind. … Continue reading Throwback or Throw Up Uniforms?

Adrastos, Current Affairs, Political Crack2 Comments

Poor Poor Pitiful Berlusconi

Peter Adrastos Athas

Above: Silvio Berlusconi contemplates getting fresh with a fresco. As a longtime resident of the Gret Stet of Louisiana, I’m an aficionado of political scoundrels; especially those who combine randiness, corruption and a sense of humor.Edwin Edwards, our 4 term former Governor, who is currently a guest of the Feds, was the quintessential Louisiana pol. Fast Eddie, however, was a piker compared to Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. Berlusconi is back on my radar screen, in part, because an Italian Court ruled that he *would* have to standtrial on corruption charges. But it was his response to the ruling that … Continue reading Poor Poor Pitiful Berlusconi

Adrastos

NOLA Recycling: Mrs. Fagin and the Urchins

Peter Adrastos Athas

I’ve been calling my recycled (used? pre-owned?) post feature Letter from NOLA but that’s way too highfalutin for this bit of japery. I wanted to post something that was Naturally N’Awlins on the occasion of Obama’s first visit to Debrisville as President but the wrangling over what he should do and see while here is tiresome so I thought I’d flash back instead to January 5, 2009. Here’s the proper set-up: I own a small business in French Quarter with a prime location at Jackson Square. Having a business in the Quarter can be both very interesting and utterly appalling. … Continue reading NOLA Recycling: Mrs. Fagin and the Urchins

Athenae, Stupid Republican Tricks

Photo Tags from GOP.com

26thadamantelopeballBalloonbatBeamsbearBeckbigBirdBluebowlingCamachoCarConstabledatDealDewElephantElizondoEvolutionFlowerfoilageForestFoxGeorgiaGiantGlenngoaliegopGovernorhealthcareHectorHillsJesuskicksaveKyleLakeLaserLightslizardlushmanmimesMountainMyNathanNewsNightObamaOrangeotherPalinpancakespenny-farthingpeoplepiledriverPinkpipePlanetpresidentrackRedrocksSarahSaturnsaveScienceskrimpssoccertheThinToyTropicalTrueValuesVelociraptorsvotewaterfallwestwrestlingYellow I welcome our new Velociraptor Kicksave Jesus overlords. A. Continue reading Photo Tags from GOP.com

Athenae, Film12 Comments

Kung-Fu Zombie

People. When you see this sort of thing you’re supposed to alert me immediately.Not wait for Metaquotes to do it: I JUST WATCHED A MOVIE CALLEDKUNG-FU ZOMBIE. IT WENT A LITTLE SOMETHING LIKE THIS: 1 MINUTE: THIS MOVIE IS CALLED KUNG-FU ZOMBIE 2 MINUTES: HOPPING ZOMBIE PRIEST PLAYING THE CYMBALS AND GIGGLING LIKE A LOON 3 MINUTES: ZOMBIE DOGPILE 4 MINUTES: SPIKED PIT OF DEATH 5 MINUTES: SHIRTLESS DUDE RUNNING THROUGH THE WOODS KICKING ASS 6 MINUTES: FURNITURE FIGHT I am going to go rent this mofo right now: A. Continue reading Kung-Fu Zombie

Adrastos, Books, Current Affairs, Malakatude8 Comments

Malakas Of The Week: The Swedish Academy

Peter Adrastos Athas

Many pundits are either upset or puzzled about Barack Obama’s winning the Nobel Peace Prize from the Swedish Academy. Yeah, it seems premature: in fact, my friend Cousin Pat called it“premature enobelation.” I’m inclined, however, to agree withJosh Levin at Brow Beat who said it was like the time Sports Illustrated made Tiger Woods Sportsman Of The Year for merely being a phenom. Tiger did live up to the appellation shortly thereafter. Interestingly enough, in Will Ferrell’s one man show, You’re Welcome, America: A Final Night With George W. Bush, Ferrell’s W called Obama “that Tiger Woods fella.” I may … Continue reading Malakas Of The Week: The Swedish Academy

Current Affairs, Music10 Comments

BuggyQ’s Rules for Living

I was a little out of it last week (hence my being MIA last Tuesday) with a cold, so the whole Peace Prize thing has taken a while to sink in. Here’s my take: I have a few basic rules I try to live by: 1. Avoid people who don’t like domesticated animals. 2. Wear comfortable shoes. 3. Yield to merging traffic–literally and metaphorically. 4. Notice sunsets. (Sunrises are optional) 5. Enjoy music–either by making it or listening to it–as often as possible. After last week, I’ve decided to add one: If Glenn Beck, Bill O’Reilly and Rush Limbaugh are … Continue reading BuggyQ’s Rules for Living

Athenae, Economy, Terrorism4 Comments

Nation-Building At Home

Herbert: Whether it’s Newark, Detroit, parts of Chicago, South-Central Los Angeles, Camden, N.J. — take your pick — we’ve looked the other way for decades as the residents of hard-core inner-city neighborhoods struggled with overwhelming, life-threatening problems and a chronic shortage of resources, financial and otherwise. We’re having an intense national debate over whether to move ahead with nation-building in Afghanistan and to continue protecting the population in places like Kabul and Kandahar while all but ignoring the violence that is consuming the lives of boys and girls in Chicago, America’s third-largest city. Dozens of boys and girls of school-age … Continue reading Nation-Building At Home

Athenae, So Called Liberal Media4 Comments

Be the Journalism You Want to See

What a cool story: Eight months ago, Mr. Sprengelmeyer, 42, worked as the sole Washington correspondent forThe Rocky Mountain News, the Denver newspaper that went out of business in February, but his job these days is a far cry from the Senate press gallery. In August, he embarked on a new life in this isolated little town as owner, publisher, editor, primary writer and sometime ad salesman, photographer and deliverer of the weekly Guadalupe County Communicator, circulation about 2,000. “I covered the war in Iraq and the presidential campaign, and I knew I was never going to top that, even … Continue reading Be the Journalism You Want to See

Adrastos, Current Affairs, Political Crack7 Comments

Peace Prize Flap Reading Assignment

Peter Adrastos Athas

I’ve found it a bit disturbing that some on the Left seem to be ridiculing Obama’s peace prize in a way that *almost* echoes the Right Wing noise machine. Remember, nobody campaigns for a Nobel Prize, they sometimes emerge out of nowhere and are often awarded to *encourage* good works in the future as well as to reward past performance. Having said that, here’s your reading assignment and, yeah, I’m bit late: I was at a meeting of the procrastinators club and our starting time kept getting put back. Now where was I? There are two fine pieces at Salon … Continue reading Peace Prize Flap Reading Assignment

Athenae, So Called Liberal Media3 Comments

Another Epic Example of Not Getting It

God Almighty, how long do we have to keep having this argument? Next session is with Mitch Perry, who recently joinedCreative Loafing in Tampa; William “Windy” March, who blogs for theTampa Tribune (and its affiliated media outlets) at “March on Politics;” and Adam Smith, proprietor of“The Buzz” blog for theSt. Petersburg Times. Each of them has an interesting — and different — approach to journalism and blogging. Adam says that there is a risk of the blog kind of overwhelming the print news version, Windy is concerned about the encroachment of blogging and the fast turn-around time onto the traditional … Continue reading Another Epic Example of Not Getting It

Stupid Republican Tricks, Tommy T4 Comments

Today On Tommy T’s Obsession with the Freeperati – Nobel prize edition!

Good morning, everyone! Whether you’re happy or puzzled over Barack Obama’s being awarded the Nobel Peace prize for (per Attaturk)“Not being a dick”, if nothing else, you have to love the exploding head action in deepest darkest Freepervile. Let’s suit up, go into the containment chamber, and sample the crazy, shall we? The hilarity starts at 4:01AM Friday, with this post: Obama wins the Nobel peace Prize Posted onFriday, October 09, 2009 4:01:59 AM byGigantor President Obama wins the Nobel Peace Prize ABC NEws The poster is so rattled, he forgets to include the link, drops case on the last … Continue reading Today On Tommy T’s Obsession with the Freeperati – Nobel prize edition!

Athenae, Economy13 Comments

How We Talk to Each Other

Taibbi: But we’re living in a time of extreme crisis almost nothing on TV or in the movies is designed to get us thinking about how to fix our problems. If anything, most of the stuff on TV is designed to jack up our anxiety level without offering any solutions except the short-term fixes of buying and eating — witness the endless reality shows in which ordinary people slave away and scheme against each other for weeks on end for a 1 in 12 shot at a (pick one) modeling job/date with a non-deformed, non serial-killing person/chance to be shouted … Continue reading How We Talk to Each Other

Athenae, Political Crack14 Comments

Well, There’ll Be No Living With Him Now

Clearly this is a sign of Obama’s overexposure: OSLO –President Barack Obama won the 2009Nobel Peace Prize on Friday in a stunning decision designed to encourage his initiatives to reduce nuclear arms, ease tensions with theMuslim world and stress diplomacy and cooperation rather than unilateralism. Nobel observers were shocked by the unexpected choice so early in the Obama presidency, which began less than two weeks before the Feb. 1 nomination deadline. White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said Obama woke up to the news a little before 6 a.m. EDT.The White House had no immediate comment on the announcement, which … Continue reading Well, There’ll Be No Living With Him Now