Pulp Fiction Thursday: The Devil In The Bush
Another arresting pulp image from a book I haven’t read by an author I’ve never heard of. I’m in it for the art, such as it is: Continue reading Pulp Fiction Thursday: The Devil In The Bush
Month: January 2014
They’re Addicted To Hate
From Album 5 Earlier this week the New York Times ran an op-ed by someone who described his transistion from addiction to alcohol and drugs to addiction to money and power in the financial world …and maybe it’s just me, but I think you can see the same pathologies in wingnuttery…with hatred. It’s really become an addiction — not that it was ever particularly useful — but hatred has really become a pursuit in and of itself. With predictably troublesome results. The ride’s going to remain bumpy…for a while. Now if I could only get that song out of my … Continue reading They’re Addicted To Hate
A suggested theme song for the McDonnell trial
America’s favorite grifting ex-Governor, Bob McDonnell and his greedy wife, Maureen, have been indicted by the Feds. They’re guilty of, although not charged with, being cheap bastards who always wanted someone else to pick up the tab, check, or Rolex. In the spirit of helpfulness for which I’m known, I’d like to suggest a theme song for the trial. If wars can have theme songs why can’t a corruption trial? My suggestion is the Tubes ode to rampant consumerism, What Do You Want From Life: Continue reading A suggested theme song for the McDonnell trial
Prove You’re Really Poor
I do not get it, I do not get what we get out of it, I do not understand the impulse to be mean for the sake of being mean, and I will never ever comprehend how anybody else’s fucking purchases of cereal or whatever should bother me at all: Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) on Wednesday introduced legislation to require food stamp recipients to produce a valid photo ID every time they purchase food with their Electronic Benefits Transfer card. Under the Food Stamp Fraud Prevention and Accountability Act, anyone caught using someone else’s EBT card illegally would be banned … Continue reading Prove You’re Really Poor
We Can Make Things That Need to be Easier, Easier
It’s possible: Patient-centered practices include private rooms, available at the standard price other hospitals charge for semi-private rooms. There are no more visiting hours. Family and friends are welcome at all hours and are allowed to stay the night in the patient’s room. And as part of the patient-focused approach, no one is woken up between 10 pm and 5 am unless there’s an emergency. Perhaps the most remarkable fact about the $360 million facility is that it costs less than the average hospital. For common chest and hip procedures, the hospital incurs one-third the cost or less. Granted, limits … Continue reading We Can Make Things That Need to be Easier, Easier
For-Profit Company Don’t Care
Chicago’s new privatized public transporation Ventra system raises costs for people who need the transit the most: Without a reprieve, the new choices will be to buy: •$3 Ventra single-ride paper tickets, representing a 33 percent increase over the $2.25 fare on the CTA rail system and on buses when payment is made with cash. •Multiday passes, which are used far less by the agencies than are the single-ride tickets they purchase in bulk orders. (There is no price break on bulk sales, either before Ventra or currently.) •$5 Ventra transit smart cards, which don’t suit the needs of many … Continue reading For-Profit Company Don’t Care
On “You’re In My Prayers”
[My relevant background: I am non-religious. I generally describe my belief system as “apathetic” rather than “atheist”; I would not live my life any differently regardless of the existence or nonexistence of a deity or deities. I do not engage in any sort of spiritual or religious practice. I was, however, raised Catholic.] I noticed a post floating around tumblr earlier this week, deriding specifically atheists who reject the offer of prayers from religious or spiritual people. The original post reads: If you have suffered a tragedy and someone says, “you’re in my prayers” with sincerity, and you respond with … Continue reading On “You’re In My Prayers”
On “You’re In My Prayers”
[My relevant background: I am non-religious. I generally describe my belief system as “apathetic” rather than “atheist”; I would not live my life any differently regardless of the existence or nonexistence of a deity or deities. I do not engage in any sort of spiritual or religious practice. I was, however, raised Catholic.] I noticed a post floating around tumblr earlier this week, deriding specifically atheists who reject the offer of prayers from religious or spiritual people. The original post reads: If you have suffered a tragedy and someone says, “you’re in my prayers” with sincerity, and you respond with … Continue reading On “You’re In My Prayers”
On “You’re In My Prayers”
[My relevant background: I am non-religious. I generally describe my belief system as “apathetic” rather than “atheist”; I would not live my life any differently regardless of the existence or nonexistence of a deity or deities. I do not engage in any sort of spiritual or religious practice. I was, however, raised Catholic.] I noticed a post floating around tumblr earlier this week, deriding specifically atheists who reject the offer of prayers from religious or spiritual people. The original post reads: If you have suffered a tragedy and someone says, “you’re in my prayers” with sincerity, and you respond with … Continue reading On “You’re In My Prayers”
On “You’re In My Prayers”
[My relevant background: I am non-religious. I generally describe my belief system as “apathetic” rather than “atheist”; I would not live my life any differently regardless of the existence or nonexistence of a deity or deities. I do not engage in any sort of spiritual or religious practice. I was, however, raised Catholic.] I noticed a post floating around tumblr earlier this week, deriding specifically atheists who reject the offer of prayers from religious or spiritual people. The original post reads: If you have suffered a tragedy and someone says, “you’re in my prayers” with sincerity, and you respond with … Continue reading On “You’re In My Prayers”
On “You’re In My Prayers”
[My relevant background: I am non-religious. I generally describe my belief system as “apathetic” rather than “atheist”; I would not live my life any differently regardless of the existence or nonexistence of a deity or deities. I do not engage in any sort of spiritual or religious practice. I was, however, raised Catholic.] I noticed a post floating around tumblr earlier this week, deriding specifically atheists who reject the offer of prayers from religious or spiritual people. The original post reads: If you have suffered a tragedy and someone says, “you’re in my prayers” with sincerity, and you respond with … Continue reading On “You’re In My Prayers”
Nebraska
Nebraska is a road movie in glorious black and white. It’s like Harry and Tontowithout the cat, Sidewayswithout the wine, or About Schmidtwithout the RV and the Dear Ndugu letters. The tell here is the last two films both of which were directed by Alexander Paynewho has returned to his home state in his latest picture. Payne is usually what Hollywood insists on calling a hyphenate but this time the script is by Bob Nelson and it’s squarely in Payne’s wheelhouse and he knocks it out of the park. Nebraska is a comic drama (I hate the term dramedy as … Continue reading Nebraska
NOLA Notes: None Of Your Beeswax
As always, New Orleans puts the weird into the news of the weird. The wax in question is actually-get ready-earwax but it involves a dispute between rival bars so I’m giving them both the, uh, business: It was apparently meant to be a joke, but those who were supposed to be the punch line are not laughing. While watching a football game on Jan. 1, Michael Miller, who owns the Carrollton Station bar, ran across the street to Willow, a bar formerly known for years as Jimmy’s Music Club, and slipped a smoldering piece of paper into a door. Willow … Continue reading NOLA Notes: None Of Your Beeswax
NOLA Notes: None Of Your Beeswax
As always, New Orleans puts the weird into the news of the weird. The wax in question is actually-get ready-earwax but it involves a dispute between rival bars so I’m giving them both the, uh, business: It was apparently meant to be a joke, but those who were supposed to be the punch line are not laughing. While watching a football game on Jan. 1, Michael Miller, who owns the Carrollton Station bar, ran across the street to Willow, a bar formerly known for years as Jimmy’s Music Club, and slipped a smoldering piece of paper into a door. Willow … Continue reading NOLA Notes: None Of Your Beeswax
Album Cover Art Wednesday: Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.
We’ve all been talking about Jersey lately. I cannot imagine why. It’s had me thinking of Bruce Springsteen who is one of New Jersey’s claims to civilization, rock and roll style. Bruce’s first LP Greetings From Asbury, N.J. wasn’t a big hit when it came out in 1973, but the critics loved it and put the proto-Boss on the map. The post card themed cover was designed by John Berg who was the art director at Columbia Recordsfrom 1961 to 1985. The whole LP isn’t available on YouTube so we’ll have to make do with Spirit in the Night: Continue reading Album Cover Art Wednesday: Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.
On “You’re In My Prayers”
[My relevant background: I am non-religious. I generally describe my belief system as “apathetic” rather than “atheist”; I would not live my life any differently regardless of the existence or nonexistence of a deity or deities. I do not engage in any sort of spiritual or religious practice. I was, however, raised Catholic.] I noticed a post floating around tumblr earlier this week, deriding specifically atheists who reject the offer of prayers from religious or spiritual people. The original post reads: If you have suffered a tragedy and someone says, “you’re in my prayers” with sincerity, and you respond with … Continue reading On “You’re In My Prayers”
From the frying pan into the fire
The least surprising news of the new year is that David Vitter is throwing his diaper into the ring in the 2015 Gret Stet Governor’s race. If any masochists out there are wondering who could be worse than PBJ, the answer is Bitter Vitter. So, let’s hope we don’t go from the PBJ frying pan into the Vitter fire. It would be good for the satire business but horrible for everything else. Continue reading From the frying pan into the fire
For-Profit Company Don’t Care
Chicago’s new privatized public transporation Ventra system raises costs for people who need the transit the most: Without a reprieve, the new choices will be to buy: $3 Ventra single-ride paper tickets, representing a 33 percent increase over the $2.25 fare on the CTA rail system and on buses when payment is made with cash. Multiday passes, which are used far less by the agencies than are the single-ride tickets they purchase in bulk orders. (There is no price break on bulk sales, either before Ventra or currently.) $5 Ventra transit smart cards, which don’t suit the needs of many … Continue reading For-Profit Company Don’t Care
Don Zimmer?
The Jersey Bridge Too Far scandal is heating up. I’m a bit baffled by the news that Don (Popeye) Zimmer the former Bosox and Cubs manager is now Mayor of Hoboken. Did Sinatra’s ghost put in the fix for him or something? I never knew Zim was into politics. Of course, like Christie he’s no blow dried motherfucker but who’da thunk a tobacco chewer could get elected to anything in 2014: I just took another look at my boy Steve Kornacki’s piece about the Hoboken Shakedown. I seem to be having an Emily Litellamoment since the Mayor is a woman … Continue reading Don Zimmer?
Nebraska
Nebraska is a road movie in glorious black and white. It’s likeHarry and Tontowithout the cat, Sidewayswithout the wine, orAbout Schmidtwithout the RV and the Dear Ndugu letters. The tell here is the last two films both of which were directed byAlexander Paynewho has returned to his home state in his latest picture. Payne is usually what Hollywood insists on calling a hyphenate but this time the script is by Bob Nelson and it’s squarely in Payne’s wheelhouse and he knocks it out of the park. Nebraska is a comic drama (I hate the term dramedy as much as hyphenate) … Continue reading Nebraska
Don Zimmer?
The Jersey Bridge Too Far scandal is heating up. I’m a bit baffled by the news that Don (Popeye) Zimmer the former Bosox and Cubs manager is now Mayor of Hoboken. Did Sinatra’s ghost put in the fix for him or something? I never knew Zim was into politics. Of course, like Christie he’s no blow dried motherfucker but who’da thunk a tobacco chewer could get elected to anything in 2014: I just took another look at my boy Steve Kornacki’s piece about theHoboken Shakedown. I seem to be having anEmily Litellamoment since the Mayor is a woman named Dawn … Continue reading Don Zimmer?
MLK Day
Martin Luther King was a radical who opposed the Vietnam War, and was murdered while he was supporting the rights of sanitation workers to organize. He was also the healer and conciliator most folks are talking about today. It’s possible to be both but that’s too hard for the MSM to wrap its head around as we were reminded after the passing of Nelson Mandela. There are two must read MLK pieces at Salon today. First, Joan Walsh on The Radical MLK we need today. Second, David L. Chappell on how hard it was to get this holiday through Congress. … Continue reading MLK Day
Prove You’re Really Poor
I do not get it, I do not get what we get out of it, I do not understand the impulse to be mean for the sake of being mean, and I will never ever comprehendhow anybody else’s fucking purchases of cereal or whatever should bother me at all: Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) on Wednesday introduced legislation to require food stamp recipients to produce a valid photo ID every time they purchase food with their Electronic Benefits Transfer card. Under the Food Stamp Fraud Prevention and Accountability Act, anyone caught using someone else’s EBT card illegally would be banned from … Continue reading Prove You’re Really Poor
Today on Tommy T’s Obsession with the Freeperati – Gruesome grab bag edition
Good Monday morning, everyone! We’re going to start with some new stuff and also dip into the older stuff – because there is no “sell-by” date on stupidity.
First – they’re standing their ground! (composite thread – and several were yanked by moderators for some reason)
‘I can’t believe I’ve been shot’: Last words of man killed by retired police captain (truncated)
Daily Mail Online ^ | January 13, 2014 | Daily Mail ReporterPosted on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 4:04:00 PM bycenturion316
A 43-year-old father was shot dead by a retired cop in a Florida cinema after a row about him texting his three-year-old daughter as they waited for the movie to start, witnesses said.
Chad Oulson was shot in front of his wife and horrified movie-goers during an argument with 71-year-old Curtis Reeves.
The victim’s wife, Nicole, was injured in the shooting after holding her hands out to try to shield Mr Oulson during the confrontation at a movie theater near Tampa on Monday.
After Reeves fired at his chest the victim was heard saying: ‘I can’t believe I got shot’, according to Fox News.
Reeves, who is facing life in prison if found guilty, has been charged with second-degree murder. During a hearing on Tuesday he appeared via video link, wearing a green suicide smock – a fire resistant outfit that can’t be torn or turned into a noose.
The judge ruled he should be held without bond because of the severity of the charges, but the no bond ruling can’t be confirmed until a live hearing with Reeves.
Apparently this guy didn’t like people texting in the movie theater, even before the movie started. The penalty for noncompliance with demands to cease being death.
Of course, by federal law, retired law enforcement officer who meet certain conditions are permitted to concealed carry. It’s just ordinary citizens who can be restricted from doing so in order to protect the public. I wonder who protects the public from retired LEO’s?
1 posted on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 4:04:00 PM bycenturion316
So – all ex-cops are now evil creatures.
Got it.
To: centurion316To serve, protect and defend-—yeh, right.
I said I GOT IT!.
Jeez.
On the other side, however:
To: centurion316he appeared via video link, wearing a green suicide smock – a fire resistant outfit that can’t be torn or turned into a noose.
Hell, I would give him a noose, a razor blade, and a bottle of potassium cyanide and save the state the expense of trying and housing him.
9 posted on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 4:14:39 PM byBlood of Tyrants (The War on Drugs has been used as an excuse to steal your rights. Support an end to the WOD now.)
To: centurion316During the hearing, Reeves’ attorney said he ‘had every right to defend himself’ after the victim threw a bag of popcorn at him.Yeah, people are killed or seriously injured by thrown popcorn on a daily basis. </sarcasm>
10 posted on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 4:14:44 PM byDoodleDawg
I can see how this would conflict the Freeperatis’ hive mind. On the one hand, they’ve all wanted to shoot someone who pissed them off. On the other, they mostly hate cops.
Some see this as a teachable moment:
To: Repeat OffenderIn a just world, he’d be hung from the neck until dead in front of the county courthouse
So far it sounds like a clean self-defense shooting. The other man threw something at the ex-cop, he felt that he was in danger and shot the man.
I’m not sure how this couldn’t be self-defense, but I’m sure they’ll crucify him.13 posted on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 4:17:22 PM byTexasGunLover (“Either you’re with us or you’re with the terrorists.”– President George W. Bush)To: centurion316I take the cops side in this. All the guy had to do was shut off his damn cellphone. He got increasingly belligerent and the ex-cop obviously felt threatened.
I’m sick and tired of belligerent bullies. Mean people suck. Don’t be an ass, you never know who you’re dealing with and what they have on them.
19 posted on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 4:23:47 PM byTheRhinelander
And of course, some can always find the real issue hiding behind the bad-guy-with-a-bag confrontation:
To: Balding_EagleAnd I’m guessing the race of the offending “texter.”
I would NOT be surprised if his name was Jamal.
I’ll get flamed for this fer shere.
But typically, if there is a nuisance in a movie house, its usually a wigger or a …
23 posted on Monday, January 13, 2014 5:52:26 PM byConradofMontferrat ( According to mudslimz, my handle is a HATE CRIME. And I HOPE they don’t like it.)
Oops – he was white.
But thanks for playing. Now go cut your balls off so you can’t reproduce.
To: driftdiverPopcorn is thrown in his face, he’s taken by surprise, can’t see…who knows what’s coming next?
Some Rasinettes?
To: bill1952…and he should be punished. He did the wrong thing, what he should have done is walk away.
The fact is the guy would be alive he wasn’t a jerk. Just think of all the people saved from the jerk’s behavior. I’m sure this wasn’t his first episode.
33 posted on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 4:30:52 PM byTheRhinelander
But definitely his last. And hiswife widow will definitely think twice about getting involved with smartphone users if she ever starts dating again.
To: TheRhinelanderAll the guy had to do was shut off his damn cellphone.
Mosey down here and tell me to turn my phone off and see how well that works for you.
From my cold – dead – HANDS!
Older stuff after the pause for station identification…
Continue reading “Today on Tommy T’s Obsession with the Freeperati – Gruesome grab bag edition”
Sunday Morning Video: They Sold A Million
Here’s a 2013 BBC Wales documentary about Badfinger: Continue reading Sunday Morning Video: They Sold A Million
We Made Things Suck and Now They Suck
SHOCKING: Over the past year, the Cleveland paper has followed much the same plan that owner Advance Publications carved out in New Orleans and elsewhere: it reduced print delivery, shed staff through layoffs and buyouts, and saw the creation of a new, non-unionized digital company under the same corporate umbrella. The Plain Dealer Publishing Co. and the new company, Northeast Ohio Media Group, are separate entities, but both contribute material to the free website Cleveland.com and to the print newspaper, which saw its newsstand price rise to $1 this week. I keep saying this, but it keeps being true: It’s … Continue reading We Made Things Suck and Now They Suck
We Made Things Suck and Now They Suck
SHOCKING: Over the past year, the Cleveland paper has followedmuch the same plan that owner Advance Publications carved out inNew Orleans and elsewhere: itreduced print delivery, shed staff through layoffs and buyouts, and saw the creation of a new, non-unionized digital company under the same corporate umbrella. The Plain Dealer Publishing Co. and the new company, Northeast Ohio Media Group, are separate entities, but both contribute material to the free website Cleveland.com and to the print newspaper, which saw its newsstand price rise to $1 this week. I keep saying this, but it keeps being true: It’s not that newspapers … Continue reading We Made Things Suck and Now They Suck
RINO Alert!
Ironically, the George W. Bush “Presidential” Library does not allow guns.#jeffdoesdallaspic.twitter.com/pp9O6Nof7z — Jeff (@JT__Orlando)January 15, 2014 A. Continue reading RINO Alert!
RINO Alert!
Ironically, the George W. Bush “Presidential” Library does not allow guns.#jeffdoesdallaspic.twitter.com/pp9O6Nof7z — Jeff (@JT__Orlando)January 15, 2014 A. Continue reading RINO Alert!
Friday Catblogging: Who’s following me?
Here’s a wee feline stil life with a sprawled Della Street looking over her shoulder at the Big O. Do cats even have shoulders? Continue reading Friday Catblogging: Who’s following me?