Month: April 2013

Law/Justice4 Comments

There Are No Do-Overs In Supreme Court Decisions

southernbeale2014

Jayzus effin’ whatever, lady. I guess we should be glad she at least sees the error of her ways but for crying out loud, this makes me want to fucking throw something: Now she tells us. More than 12 years after the fact, retired Justice Sandra Day O’Connor said it was probably a mistake for the Supreme Court to hear Bush v. Gore and anoint George W. Bush as president of the United States. “It took the case and decided it at a time when it was still a big election issue,” Justice O’Connor told the Chicago Tribune editorial board … Continue reading There Are No Do-Overs In Supreme Court Decisions

Uncategorized13 Comments

Weekend Question Thread

Allison Hantschel

I was just saying on Facebook this morning that I never know what to say when meeting people I admire. I turn into a gibbering idiot. What I mean is, “Your work made me think about the world differently, gave me hope when I really needed it, forced me to reconsider how I dealt with all the things we’re taught to fear and hate, and I really think your story made me a better person” and what comes out is, more often than not, “um, hi, I really love your books.” I said that to Laurie King after having rehearsed … Continue reading Weekend Question Thread

Adrastos, So Called Liberal Media9 Comments

Make up your mind already

The New Orleans Sometimes-Picayune has announced-get ready-a new print edition with a hipster douchebag name, TP Street.It will be in the tabloid format, which many of us suggested they go to in order to save money on paper. Reaction here has been scathing. Me, I think it’s simultaneously pitiful and hilarious. I’ll let my palsLiprapandKevin Hippie-Haterhave the last word. I lied, this whole thing has got me, uh, thinking: Continue reading Make up your mind already

Adrastos, Film, Sports

What would Jerry Maguire think?

Peter Adrastos Athas

It’s a pity that Cameron Crowe hasn’t made a good film in years.Say Anything, Almost Famous, and Jerry Maguire are 3 of the best films of our time. I thought of CamCro when I read this item about Geno Smith firing his agent: West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith’s fall out of the first-round of the 2013 NFL draft has claimed its first casualty as Liz Mullen of the SportsBusiness Journal reports that the rookie quarterback is parting ways with his agents, Jeff Nalley of the Houston-based Select Sports Group. Smith accepted an invitation to attend the draft and was in … Continue reading What would Jerry Maguire think?

Adrastos, Mad Men Recaps, Television7 Comments

Mad Men Thread: The Flood

Peter Adrastos Athas

I seem to be in the minority among the Mad Men punditocracy, they’re all like meh about The Flood, and I loved it. It’s partially because I lived through that period as a wee laddie, the murder of MLK was all everyone talked about for at least a week, including those who hated and feared what King stood for. It was before he became the “unifying I have a dream guy” as opposed to the rabble-rouser who was against the war, and supported the Memphis garbage men. Even then, of course, he was both, as we saw through the eyes … Continue reading Mad Men Thread: The Flood

Adrastos, Current Affairs, Law/Justice, LOL, Political Crack, Terrorism4 Comments

False Flag Puke Cornered In Cambridge

Peter Adrastos Athas

Remember the infowars malaka who asked Deval Patrick about guvmint complicityin the Boston Marathon bombing? He was in Cambridge recently where he ran into a guy who gave him the full Jude treatment and cussed his worthless ass out. Do not listen to this out loud at work or in front of impressionable chirren unless you want to expand their vocabulary, that is: Via All In with Chris Hayes. Continue reading False Flag Puke Cornered In Cambridge

Tommy T, Travel1 Comment

Today on Tommy T’s Obsession with the Freeperati – Cheesy Burgher in Paradise edition

tommyfd

Morning, everyone! Barbara and I are currently cooling our heels in Playa Del Carmen at an AI that stands alone in not paving the jungle over –the Iberostar Quetzal ! Instead of vast expanses of marble and concrete, they built around the jungle in a U-shape, leaving the center full of Agouti, Coatamundi, peackocks, flamingos, Swans, iguanas, and several famalies of howler monkeys. I t’s like walking through a zoo, only the animals roam freely to look at the amusing people. Combine that with an incredibly intelligent long-term planning decision by Playa Del Carmen to prohibit buildings taller than three … Continue reading Today on Tommy T’s Obsession with the Freeperati – Cheesy Burgher in Paradise edition

Law/Justice4 Comments

There Are No Do-Overs In Supreme Court Decisions

Jayzus effin’ whatever, lady. I guess we should be glad she at least sees the error of her ways but for crying out loud, this makes me want to fucking throw something: Now she tells us. More than 12 years after the fact, retired Justice Sandra Day O’Connor said it was probably a mistake for the Supreme Court to hear Bush v. Gore and anoint George W. Bush as president of the United States. “It took the case and decided it at a time when it was still a big election issue,” Justice O’Connor told the Chicago Tribune editorial board … Continue reading There Are No Do-Overs In Supreme Court Decisions

Athenae, Economy, Stupid Republican Tricks4 Comments

Well, First They Should Sell Some Bling

Allison Hantschel

I mean, really, quit cashing those government checks:  “I think it would be a good idea if perhaps we had the kids work for their lunches: trash to be taken out, hallways to be swept, lawns to be mowed, make them earn it,” Del. Ray Canterbury (R-Greenbrier) said during floor debate. “If they miss a lunch or they miss a meal they might not, in that class that afternoon, learn to add, they may not learn to diagram a sentence, but they’ll learn a more important lesson.” Which will be that their government and their community think they are scum, … Continue reading Well, First They Should Sell Some Bling

Athenae, Do Something

Kitty Week Purring

This is the cargo hold of George the Wonder Prius, stuffed with cans of cat food and litter and fuzzy mice and a huge fluffy pet bed so soft I wanted one in human size for me, and warming pads for sick/injured/very young kitties, all delivered to Feral Fixers this evening. More stuff is going to themoff their registry, because it was hard to find in stores (though all the electric blankets/throws are on sale right now). In case you missed it the president of the organization posted in one of the Kitty Week threads a thank you to everyone … Continue reading Kitty Week Purring

Athenae, Do Something

Kitty Week Purring

Allison Hantschel

This is the cargo hold of George the Wonder Prius, stuffed with cans of cat food and litter and fuzzy mice and a huge fluffy pet bed so soft I wanted one in human size for me, and warming pads for sick/injured/very young kitties, all delivered to Feral Fixers this evening. More stuff is going to them off their registry, because it was hard to find in stores (though all the electric blankets/throws are on sale right now). In case you missed it the president of the organization posted in one of the Kitty Week threads a thank you to … Continue reading Kitty Week Purring

Adrastos, Television6 Comments

Mad Men Thread: The Flood

I seem to be in the minority among theMad Men punditocracy, they’re all like meh aboutThe Flood, and I loved it. It’s partially because I lived through that period as a wee laddie, the murder of MLK was all everyone talked about for at least a week, including those who hated and feared what King stood for. It was before he became the “unifying I have a dream guy” as opposed to the rabble-rouser who was against the war, and supported the Memphis garbage men. Even then, of course, he was both, as we saw through the eyes of the … Continue reading Mad Men Thread: The Flood

Adrastos, Television1 Comment

Awkward

Peter Adrastos Athas

I’ve been having some severe allergy issues in the last few days. It feels as if CPAC, or something equally cacophonous, is being held in my head. Anyway, the Mad Men recap is coming but I’d like to feel at least vaguely human while writing it, so here’s one of my favorite moments from The Flood in GIF form: The GIF only ,moves if you click on it; not sure why but I’ve been fighting it for awhile and it’s time to surrender. Dang, Dawn looks fierce when Joanie goes in for the hug… Continue reading Awkward

Adrastos, Television1 Comment

Awkward

I’ve been having some severe allergy issues in the last few days. It feels as if CPAC, or something equally cacophonous, is being held in my head. Anyway, theMad Men recap is coming but I’d like to feel at least vaguely human while writing it, so here’s one of my favorite moments fromThe Flood in GIF form: The GIF only ,moves if you click on it; not sure why but I’ve been fighting it for awhile and it’s time to surrender. Dang, Dawn looks fierce when Joanie goes in for the hug… Continue reading Awkward

Adrastos, Law/Justice, Sports2 Comments

Fuck Yeah, Jason Collins

Journeyman NBA big man Jason Collins has come out of the closet becoming the first openly gay major sports player who wants to stay active. You’ll notice I’m putting a caveat on this still momentous announcement. Collins is an unsigned free agent who wants to play next year, but he’s a marginal player who played in 38 games last season hasn’t played in more than 49 game since 2008. I hate to be the skunk at this particular garden party but if Collins remains unsigned, he’s just the latest recently retired player to come out. Decent big men *are* hard … Continue reading Fuck Yeah, Jason Collins

Athenae, Economy, Stupid Republican Tricks4 Comments

Well, First They Should Sell Some Bling

I mean, really, quit cashing those government checks:  “I think it would be a good idea if perhaps we had the kids work for their lunches: trash to be taken out, hallways to be swept, lawns to be mowed, make them earn it,” Del. Ray Canterbury (R-Greenbrier) said during floor debate. “If they miss a lunch or they miss a meal they might not, in that class that afternoon, learn to add, they may not learn to diagram a sentence, but they’ll learn a more important lesson.” Which will be that their government and their community think they are scum, … Continue reading Well, First They Should Sell Some Bling

Tommy T, Travel1 Comment

Today on Tommy T’s Obsession with the Freeperati – Cheesy Burgher in Paradise edition

Morning, everyone! Barbara and I are currently cooling our heels in Playa Del Carmen at an AI that stands alone in not paving the jungle over –the Iberostar Quetzal ! Instead of vast expanses of marble and concrete, they builtaround the jungle in a U-shape, leaving the center full of Agouti, Coatamundi, peackocks, flamingos, Swans, iguanas, and several famalies of howler monkeys. I t’s like walking through a zoo, only theanimals roam freely to look at the amusing people. Combine that with an incredibly intelligent long-term planning decision by Playa Del Carmen to prohibit buildings taller than three stories (and … Continue reading Today on Tommy T’s Obsession with the Freeperati – Cheesy Burgher in Paradise edition

Adrastos, Sunday Morning Video1 Comment

Sunday Morning Video: The Improbable Mr. Atlee

Peter Adrastos Athas

1945 Campaign poster via the Labour archive. Americans love *certain* British Prime Ministers but Clement Atlee is not one of them. Perhaps it’s because he ran the great reforming post-World War II Labour government that established the NHS. Socialism, bad; Thatcherism good. Atlee was a mousy and uncharismatic figure but a bona fide political genius.He is also *very* highly regarded in the UK, where he usually ranks as one of the top 3 PMs and more often than not #1, at least in the hearts of us commie pinko types. This BBC 4 documentary is an excellent introduction to Clem … Continue reading Sunday Morning Video: The Improbable Mr. Atlee

Athenae, So Called Liberal Media2 Comments

Tom Brokaw, the Country Turns its Lonely Eyes to You

Allison Hantschel

This was just a bridge too far: Veteran newsman Tom Brokaw said that the White House Correspondents’ Dinner officially jumped the shark when troubled actress Lindsay Lohan attended the annual event. “The breaking point for me was Lindsay Lohan,” Brokaw told Politico in a story published Friday. “She became a big star at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Give me a break.” Lohan was a guest of Fox News Channel’s Greta Van Susteren at the 2012 dinner. Really? Lindsay Lohan. That was too much for you? Not the presidents joking about drone attacks or weapons of mass destruction, not all … Continue reading Tom Brokaw, the Country Turns its Lonely Eyes to You

Athenae, So Called Liberal Media2 Comments

Tom Brokaw, the Country Turns its Lonely Eyes to You

This was just a bridge too far: Veteran newsman Tom Brokaw said that the White House Correspondents’ Dinner officially jumped the shark when troubled actress Lindsay Lohan attended the annual event. “The breaking point for me was Lindsay Lohan,” Brokaw toldPolitico in a story published Friday. “She became a big star at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Give me a break.” Lohan was a guest of Fox News Channel’s Greta Van Susteren at the 2012 dinner. Really? Lindsay Lohan. That was too much for you? Not the presidents joking about drone attacks or weapons of mass destruction, not all of … Continue reading Tom Brokaw, the Country Turns its Lonely Eyes to You

Adrastos, Diary, Music, R.I.P.4 Comments

George Jones, R.I.P.

Peter Adrastos Athas

Country music legend and world class eccentric George Jones has died at the age of 81.George specialized in “tears in my beer” weepers for an obvious reason: he was a drunk, albeit a charming one. I used to hang out with a guy who knew George. Joe told me a story that I’ve never forgotten and I hope is true. George was a legendary drinker and carouser. He had his license suspended for a DWI. Surprise, surprise. George came up with a novel solution to his transportation issues: he drove his riding lawnmower to town. He was pulled over and … Continue reading George Jones, R.I.P.

Uncategorized13 Comments

Weekend Question Thread

I was just saying on Facebook this morning that I never know what to say when meeting people I admire. I turn into a gibbering idiot. What I mean is, “Your work made me think about the world differently, gave me hope when I really needed it, forced me to reconsider how I dealt with all the things we’re taught to fear and hate, and I really think your story made me a better person” and what comes out is, more often than not, “um, hi, I really love your books.” I said that to Laurie King after having rehearsed … Continue reading Weekend Question Thread

Athenae, Do Something, Epic Blogger Win, Nature is Scary7 Comments

This Blog is So Great I Need a Cigarette: Kitty Week Concludes!

Allison Hantschel

You all. YOU ALL.I said $300 for the kitties and you were all like “eh, okay, fine, but let’s make it $500 and let’s send notes of support and let’s get our friends to chip in off the wish list because you may think we’re great but actually we are so much better than you think we are and we do this EVERY DAMN TIME, like pay attention, lady.” You raised $547 for the kitties. In four days. Because when the world’s caving in you put your hands to good use. I’m so proud to know you all. I’ve got … Continue reading This Blog is So Great I Need a Cigarette: Kitty Week Concludes!

Current Affairs, Doc, On Wisconsin, Scott Walker's Horcruxes, Stupid Republican Tricks1 Comment

GOP Logic: UW spending money is bad, but saving is worse

docphd

“It’s not how much you make. It’s how much you save.” This was the edict my great-grandfather passed down to my father and the one my father gave to me. Dad recalled the story at least once a month when I was living at home. Each time, he told it, I listened as if I had never heard it before, mainly because the story was so honest and truthful. As a young man, he had just gone to visit great-grandpa after being paid for some summer work. “I was telling him how much I made and how great it was … Continue reading GOP Logic: UW spending money is bad, but saving is worse