We’re supposed to get snowed in tonight and tomorrow. Mr. A and I will likely burrow in tonight — NYE is Amateur Night in Chicago, and you pay $300 to get $12 champagne dumped on you by strangers — and I’ll make a valiant attempt to stay up untli midnight. Little Kick, who is 25 days away from her debut on the planet, dictates much of my sleeping schedule these days. From what I’ve read, that’s unlikely to change. 2014’s going to have someother big announcements, including a First Draft anthology, because WE ARE TEN YEARS OLD THIS YEAR BITCHES … Continue reading Let It Snow
I’ve been reading and watching a lot of end of the year coverage and regardless of viewpoint everyone uses the term Obamacare instead of the Affordable Care Act or ACA. I realize this horse is already out of the barn (feeling vaguely rural right now) but the ACA was dubbed Obamacare by its opponents. It’s gotten to the point where many supporters of health care reform call it that as well. I wish they wouldn’t. That label is a way to make the ACA seem temporary when it’s here to stay. We don’t call Medicare, Johnsoncare or Truman-wanted-it-care, after all. … Continue reading There is no such thing as Obamacare
2013 was a vintage year for malakatude of all types. I considered going with a Tea Party Republican but there were too many to choose from so I’m posting a link to a piece in Salon about GOP rebranding fails. I also considered doing a year in malakatude post but Dave Barry has that coveredeven if he doesn’t use the M word. There was one towering figure in the annals of 2013 malakatude. A guy so schmucky and creepy that he dominated TPM’s Golden Duke Awards.I am, of course referring to the one, the only TORONTO MAYOR ROB FUCKING FORD. … Continue reading Malaka Of The Year: Rob Ford
That’s my favorite line from my favorite film of 2013, American Hustle. It’s one of those rare 2+ hour films that felt as if it ended in the blink of an eye, and left you wanting more, which is one of the biggest compliments I can pay any movie. Writer-Director David O. Russell has been on a roll of late with The Fighter and Silver Linings Playbook but American Hustle is the best of the bunch and that’s saying a helluva lot, y’all. In addition to the Abscamtastic plot, likeable characters, and witty dialogue, American Hustle has got big hair. … Continue reading Don’t put metal in the science oven
Friend J posted this on Facebook before Christmas and I’ve been kicking it around ever since: Buffalo, meet Popeye’s Chicken. Some transplants already familiar with the national chain swear it was worth the wait. “Wouldn’t classify Popeye’s as fast food. It’s something else. It’s like a culture, a way of life, a cuisine I guess,” Buffalo resident Rob Fussell said. But, even the owner didn’t expect this kind of reception. Drive-thru traffic lined up into the city’s busy Elmwood Avenue, Tuesday evening. “We keep up. We’ve got enough food already for tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, so the truck is … Continue reading Safety Food
The Internet IS A MURDERER: Media malpractice like this didn’t trigger the collapse of traditional revenue models, but it’s hastening the job. Everyone wants everything for free now—news, music, movies, etc.—which means the companies don’t have any money to pay people to produce original work. None of this is anything you haven’t heard before, but it bears repeating. In order to make a living, those of us who had the bad sense to shackle ourselves to a career in media before that world ended have to churn out more content faster than ever to make up for the drastically reduced … Continue reading Media Companies Have No Money!
Phil Robertson the cranky bigoted teevee quacker is back.A&E has issued a statement claiming to explain why, but I think this Randy Newman song sums it up quite nicely: Continue reading Shorter A&E
When I was 4 years old, we moved into the house my parents still occupy, a two-story brick home in a small off-shoot of Milwaukee’s South Side. That winter, heavy snow pounded the area from about late October through the early part of the spring. This included about a foot or more that hit us thanks to the infamous “Blizzard of ’78,” which was crippling Ohio and Michigan that year. The drifts and piles were so bad that my father liked to remark he only found out we had 6-foot bushes separating us from the neighbors after everything melted in … Continue reading Snow Neighbors
The Internet IS A MURDERER: Media malpractice like this didn’t trigger the collapse of traditional revenue models, but it’s hastening the job. Everyone wants everything for free now—news, music, movies, etc.—which means the companies don’t have any money to pay people to produce original work. None of this is anything you haven’t heard before, but it bears repeating. In order to make a living, those of us who had the bad sense to shackle ourselves to a career in media before that world ended have to churn out more content faster than ever to make up for the drastically reduced … Continue reading Media Companies Have No Money!
Phil Robertson the cranky bigoted teevee quacker is back.A&E has issued a statement claiming to explain why, but I think this Randy Newman song sums it up quite nicely: Continue reading Shorter A&E
That’s my favorite line from my favorite film of 2013, American Hustle. It’s one of those rare 2+ hour films that felt as if it ended in the blink of an eye, and left you wanting more, which is one of the biggest compliments I can pay any movie. Writer-Director David O. Russell has been on a roll of late with The Fighter andSilver Linings Playbook butAmerican Hustle is the best of the bunch and that’s saying a helluva lot, y’all. In addition to the Abscamtastic plot, likeable characters, and witty dialogue, American Hustle has got big hair. Really big … Continue reading Don’t put metal in the science oven
Any New Year’s Resolutions? Eventually I want to get back to running this year. I was doing pretty well still working out until I sprained my ankle in August, and then I figured take the hint already and take it easy til the baby was born. Now I see runners on the street and want to chase them and ask them to take me with them. I miss it tremendously. A. Continue reading Weekend Question Thread
Snoop Dogg. John Kerry. Together. Please, Santa, all I want is Kerry/Snoop Dogg 2016. (A reminder of Snoop Dogg’s thoughts on politics. “He’s a Mormon but he ain’t got no hoes.”) Thank you, Elsbeth. A. Continue reading *incoherent fangirl screaming*
Snoop Dogg. John Kerry. Together. Please, Santa, all I want is Kerry/Snoop Dogg 2016. (A reminder of Snoop Dogg’s thoughts on politics. “He’s a Mormon but he ain’t got no hoes.”) Thank you, Elsbeth. A. Continue reading *incoherent fangirl screaming*
Any New Year’s Resolutions? Eventually I want to get back to running this year. I was doing pretty well still working out until I sprained my ankle in August, and then I figured take the hint already and take it easy til the baby was born. Now I see runners on the street and want to chase them and ask them to take me with them. I miss it tremendously. A. Continue reading Weekend Question Thread
Are we not past this yet? Mr. Miller was more than happy to explain his N.S.A. segment, which he said he would not change if he had the chance. As a reporter, he has a blend of insider knowledge and careful inquiry that has been lauded by many, including me, especially during the school shootings in Newtown, Conn. He is nothing if not confident, dismissing his critics as ankle-biting, agenda-ridden bloggers who could not be compelled to get out of their pajamas and do actual reporting. “I fully reject the criticism from you and others,” he told me. “The N.S.A. … Continue reading Still, With the Pajamas
When I was 4 years old, we moved into the house my parents still occupy, a two-story brick home in a small off-shoot of Milwaukee’s South Side. That winter, heavy snow pounded the area from about late October through the early part of the spring. This included about a foot or more that hit us thanks to the infamous “Blizzard of ’78,” which was crippling Ohio and Michigan that year. The drifts and piles were so bad that my father liked to remark he only found out we had 6-foot bushes separating us from the neighbors after everything melted in … Continue reading Snow Neighbors
Friend J posted this on Facebook before Christmas and I’ve been kicking it around ever since: Buffalo, meet Popeye’s Chicken. Some transplants already familiar with the national chain swear it was worth the wait. “Wouldn’t classify Popeye’s as fast food. It’s something else. It’s like a culture, a way of life, a cuisine I guess,” Buffalo resident Rob Fussell said. But, even the owner didn’t expect this kind of reception. Drive-thru traffic lined up into the city’s busy Elmwood Avenue, Tuesday evening. “We keep up. We’ve got enough food already for tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, so the truck is … Continue reading Safety Food
I hope everyone had a good Christmas day including my fellow heathens and all the other non-Christians out there. Call me crazy but I’ve long associated the holidays with the music of the Grateful Dead including other artists’ versions of their songs. Here’s a stellar cover of a Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter tune by Los Lobos: Continue reading Thursday Night Music: Bertha
I hope everyone had a good Christmas day including my fellow heathens and all the other non-Christians out there. Call me crazy but I’ve long associated the holidays with the music of the Grateful Dead including other artists’ versions of their songs. Here’s a stellar cover of a Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter tune by Los Lobos: Continue reading Thursday Night Music: Bertha
Posted on 12/18/2013 6:47:00 PM by Blue Turtle
“Duck Dynasty” star Phil Robertson has been fired from the reality program following his controversial remarks in GQ magazine regarding homosexuality.
A+E Networks, parent company of A&E, has released the following statement to Variety:
“We are extremely disappointed to have read Phil Robertson’s comments in GQ, which are based on his own personal beliefs and are not reflected in the series Duck Dynasty. His personal views in no way reflect those of A+E Networks, who have always been strong supporters and champions of the LGBT community.”
1 posted on 12/18/2013 6:47:00 PM by Blue Turtle
Atrios asked me (on Facebook) if the Freeperati were “freeping out” over this. My reply:
“And I was going to take a break. This always happens.”
To: Blue Turtle
Are you kidding me?
The left is really asking for it.
2 posted on 12/18/2013 6:48:15 PM by skeeter
Ah – “the left”. That monolithic entity that actually controls all competing media corporations.
Do these guys ever listen to what’s coming out of their mouths?
To: Blue Turtle
I hope his entire family simple (sic) says they will not do the show without him.Let them CHOKE on that!
Left wing fascism at its worst.
15 posted on 12/18/2013 6:51:52 PM by Viennacon (Right vs. Left… is Right vs. Wrong!)
Now, now, freepers – isn’t this a time to reflect on prejudice and the damage it does?
Isn’t this a clue to indulge in a little self-examination of your homophobia, hate speech, and gay-bashing?
To: All
33 posted on 12/18/2013 6:55:52 PM by TomServo
Perhaps not.
To: Blue Turtle
Shut ‘er down and move to another network.
Or start your own like Glenn Beck did.
43 posted on 12/18/2013 6:58:45 PM by E. Pluribus Unum (Who knew that one day professional wrestling would be less fake than professional journalism?)
Of course! What a brilliant marketing move that would be. Why, Beck has almost 300,000 subscribers left!
To: Blue Turtle
The anus-lovers of A&E have spoken.
51 posted on 12/18/2013 7:00:32 PM by E. Pluribus Unum (Who knew that one day professional wrestling would be less fake than professional journalism?)
Hey – I can’t help it if nobody loves your ass.
OK – enough of this! Let’s see some Freeper retribution.
To: Salamander
If you’re REALLY outraged, cancel your cable. Yeah…that’s happening. That is why the left has conservatives on the run…all talk, no action.
57 posted on 12/18/2013 7:01:34 PM by who knows what evil? (G-d saved more animals than people on the ark…www.siameserescue.org.)
To: who knows what evil?
If you’re REALLY outraged, cancel your cable. Yeah…that’s happening. That is why the left has conservatives on the run…all talk, no action.
You’re on the internet, right?
Who provides most internet connections? Cable companies.
We’re screwed either way.
112 posted on 12/18/2013 7:16:16 PM by Extremely Extreme Extremist (Governor Sarah Heath Palin for President of the United States in 2016)
Heh – he said “screwed”.
To: Responsibility2nd
The trouble is, the only way a cable-only network can crash and burn is if the reaction is so strong is that folks cancel the whole cable bundle that includes it to drop the channel. Of course, this should accelerate the decision of folks to “cut the cable”, but I’m not sure that can hurt Hearst’s and Disney’s bottom line enough to harm the A&E brand in the estimation of its owners.
150 posted on 12/18/2013 7:26:06 PM by The_Reader_David (And when they behead your own people in the wars which are to come, then you will know
Details, details.You guys need an action plan to demonstrate to A&E that you are right and they are wrong!
To: Blue Turtle
AE wants to be the pro-Anus Enterer channel I gather.
149 posted on 12/18/2013 7:25:47 PM by ConservativeStatement (“World Peace 1.20.09.”)
That’s not really what I meant.
More Sigmund Freud troll-bait after the homosexualist jump.
From Album 5 OK, I know, it’s not actually something akin to the Festivus Feats of Strength ritual, but it IS a holiday, at least for certain parts of the British Empire or its legacy. So have yourself a merry little Boxing Day, Canada and points elsewhere…and on a more serious note, stay warm in places that lost power because of the ice storm. Having dealt recently with electrical issues at ye olde abode (broken main circuit breaker), no electricity — or heat — is no laughing matter. Hope things are back to as normal as possible as soon as … Continue reading Happy Boxing Day!
FromAlbum 5 OK, I know, it’s not actually somethingakin to the Festivus Feats of Strength ritual, butit IS a holiday, at least for certain parts of the British Empire or its legacy. So have yourself a merry little Boxing Day, Canada and points elsewhere…and on a more serious note, stay warm in places that lost power because of the ice storm. Having dealt recently with electrical issues at ye olde abode (broken main circuit breaker), no electricity — or heat — is no laughing matter. Hope things are back to as normal as possible as soon as possible… Continue reading Happy Boxing Day!
I’m going to put my regular features on hiatus this week. But Oscar and Della were not amused when I included catblogging, so here’s happy holidays from two glowering, faux reindeer phobic felines: Continue reading Happy Holidays: Early Catblogging Edition
