Solon and I are in the car thinking about how hard it is to compile a really good soundtrack. So I pose the question: what are your top ten soundtracks? In thinking of the best from our generation, here are our favorites (in no particular order):
Singles
I Am Sam
Judgement Night
Garden State
The Crow
Romeo and Juliet
Pulp Fiction
Reservoir Dogs
The Last Time I Committed Suicide
Trainspotting
Honorable mention:
In Good Company
8 Mile
Dirty Dancing
The Big Chill
Forest Gump
Purple Rain (Harrogate?)
Clerks
A Hard Days Night
Magnolia
Stand By Me
Help!
The Graduate
Natural Born Killers
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Next Year, Be Brave
An inspiring television sequence. Whoever chose this particular song to go with this particular sequence: Tip of the Hat to Ye!!!!!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Tuesday's Musical Tribute.... Bentham Wins!!!!
We drove to the dreaded Ikea this morning to find cheap but comfortable furniture.For some reason our Ikea experience was rather tolerable, even I dare say enjoyable, unlike the last time the four of us attempted to shop there. Let's just say that no one needs to be institutionalized this time....
It is Tuesday Harrogate, Tuesday.
Of course, we have a new Ikea experience to discuss. Ikea in Brooklyn is in a rather dodgy area of Brooklyn, along the waterfront by the Battery Tunnel. To get to the store, you must drive through what looks like a terrible neighborhood, highlighted by the Police "Crime Scene" yellow tape that closed a block near the store. Yet, that was not the only spectacle to be seen.
In the spirit of Jeremy Bentham, the NYC's finest deployed a panopticon of sorts, the Police Watchtower, which contains four cameras. Normally this type of equipment is used for crowd control. Now, they have been employed to prevent crime and, according to the NYC PD, they have worked already in other areas of Brooklyn, even at the base of the Brooklyn Bridge (see below).
To celebrate Bentham's victory, here is "All Along the Watchtower," since "you and I have been through that and this is not our fate."
To listen to the Dylan version, click here.
It is Tuesday Harrogate, Tuesday.
Of course, we have a new Ikea experience to discuss. Ikea in Brooklyn is in a rather dodgy area of Brooklyn, along the waterfront by the Battery Tunnel. To get to the store, you must drive through what looks like a terrible neighborhood, highlighted by the Police "Crime Scene" yellow tape that closed a block near the store. Yet, that was not the only spectacle to be seen.
In the spirit of Jeremy Bentham, the NYC's finest deployed a panopticon of sorts, the Police Watchtower, which contains four cameras. Normally this type of equipment is used for crowd control. Now, they have been employed to prevent crime and, according to the NYC PD, they have worked already in other areas of Brooklyn, even at the base of the Brooklyn Bridge (see below).
To celebrate Bentham's victory, here is "All Along the Watchtower," since "you and I have been through that and this is not our fate."
To listen to the Dylan version, click here.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
A Very Waits Christmas
A Twofer. "Silent Night" followed by "Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis" and then back to "Silent Night." Good stuff. As with most Waits, especially good in the late night hour.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Wednesday (that's right, Wednesday!) Musical Tribute
When Harrogate reflects on the relationship between the following glorious drinking song, and the TRS Board Members, his thoughts turn naturally to Paperweight first, because Harrogate knows DAMN WELL that Paperweight has loved this song for a long time, even though he and Harrogate have never spoken of it.
But the song certainly casts a broad net. Chances are high that this song has a special place in the hearts of p-duck and m, for example. And perhaps even if you caught him in the right mood, Roof Almighty would admit that this is indeed the "perfect country-western song."
"Well I was drunk the day my mom got out of prison;
And I went to pick her up in the rain.
But before I could get to the station in my pickup truck,
She got run over by a damned ole train!
And I'll hang around as long as you will let me;
I never minded standin' in the rain.
And you don't have to call me 'Darlin,' Darlin:
You never even called me
(I wonder why you don't call me),
Why don't you ever call me by my name?"
But the song certainly casts a broad net. Chances are high that this song has a special place in the hearts of p-duck and m, for example. And perhaps even if you caught him in the right mood, Roof Almighty would admit that this is indeed the "perfect country-western song."
"Well I was drunk the day my mom got out of prison;
And I went to pick her up in the rain.
But before I could get to the station in my pickup truck,
She got run over by a damned ole train!
And I'll hang around as long as you will let me;
I never minded standin' in the rain.
And you don't have to call me 'Darlin,' Darlin:
You never even called me
(I wonder why you don't call me),
Why don't you ever call me by my name?"
List, list, O list
Brief let me be.
Sleeping within my orchard, my custom always of the afternoon, upon my secure hour thy uncle stole, with juice of cursed hebenon in a vial, and in the porches of my ears did pour the leperous distilment; whose effect holds such an enmity with blood of man that swift as quicksilver it courses through the natural gates and alleys of the body, and with a sudden vigour doth posset and curd, like eager droppings into milk, the thin and wholesome blood: so did it mine; and a most instant tetter bark'd about, most lazar-like, with vile and loathsome crust, all my smooth body.
Thus was I, sleeping, by a brother's hand of life, of crown, of queen, at once dispatch'd: cut off even in the blossoms of my sin, unhousel'd, disappointed, unanel'd, no reckoning made, but sent to my account with all my imperfections on my head:
O, horrible! O, horrible! most horrible!
If thou hast nature in thee, bear it not; let not the royal bed of Denmark be a couch for luxury and damned incest.
But, howsoever thou pursuest this act, taint not thy mind, nor let thy soul contrive against thy mother aught: leave her to heaven and to those thorns that in her bosom lodge, to prick and sting her.
Fare thee well at once! The glow-worm shows the matin to be near, and 'gins to pale his uneffectual fire:
Adieu, adieu!
Sleeping within my orchard, my custom always of the afternoon, upon my secure hour thy uncle stole, with juice of cursed hebenon in a vial, and in the porches of my ears did pour the leperous distilment; whose effect holds such an enmity with blood of man that swift as quicksilver it courses through the natural gates and alleys of the body, and with a sudden vigour doth posset and curd, like eager droppings into milk, the thin and wholesome blood: so did it mine; and a most instant tetter bark'd about, most lazar-like, with vile and loathsome crust, all my smooth body.
Thus was I, sleeping, by a brother's hand of life, of crown, of queen, at once dispatch'd: cut off even in the blossoms of my sin, unhousel'd, disappointed, unanel'd, no reckoning made, but sent to my account with all my imperfections on my head:
O, horrible! O, horrible! most horrible!
If thou hast nature in thee, bear it not; let not the royal bed of Denmark be a couch for luxury and damned incest.
But, howsoever thou pursuest this act, taint not thy mind, nor let thy soul contrive against thy mother aught: leave her to heaven and to those thorns that in her bosom lodge, to prick and sting her.
Fare thee well at once! The glow-worm shows the matin to be near, and 'gins to pale his uneffectual fire:
Adieu, adieu!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Tuesday, December 23rd
Monday Musical Tribute
This is perhaps Harrogate's favorite Christmas Song. And this version is up there with the best of em. It just makes Harrogate so freakin' happy to watch this. So very, very happy. He suspects it will make YOU happy, too.
But. If you want the Real Deal. Nat King Cole. Nuff Said.
But. If you want the Real Deal. Nat King Cole. Nuff Said.
Monday, December 22, 2008
I worry that the Situation is dying on us.
Goddammit, you bitch! You never backed away from anything in your life! Now fight!
Fight!
Fight! Right now! Do it! Fight goddammit! Fight! Fight! Fiiiiight!
Monday Night Waits
Megs, here is a side of Waits we did not explore when you guys were down here in Texastown. But you need to get to know this side of him. And do not worry, CDs will come, at least one of which will allow you to explore the side of which Harrogate speaks.
Tip of the Hat to Roof Almighty, who feels this is a song that deserves to be taken seriously.
Tip of the Hat to Roof Almighty, who feels this is a song that deserves to be taken seriously.
Is She Being Ironic?
An in interview, Sarah Palin told Human Events (via CNN) that she regrets she did not "seize the opportunity" to speak more to the American through the media. This quote seems priceless:
Palin's rhetoric style downplays any conception of irony. Her calling for more interviews is quite odd since in her interviews she did quite poorly (see here) and is quite hostile to the media and the first amendment.
Yet, her ignorance of irony on one level works to her advantage as she negates McCain's handlers by praising McCain.... "I did not come to bury McCain, but to praise him..."
Only four more years till she runs a campaign on her own....
“I was not allowed to do very many interviews, and the interviews that I did were not necessarily those I would have chosen. But I was so thankful to have the opportunity to run with John McCain that I was not going to argue with the strategy decisions that some of his people were making regarding the media contacts.
“But if I would have been in charge, I would have wanted to speak to more reporters because that’s how you get your message out to the electorate.
Palin's rhetoric style downplays any conception of irony. Her calling for more interviews is quite odd since in her interviews she did quite poorly (see here) and is quite hostile to the media and the first amendment.
Yet, her ignorance of irony on one level works to her advantage as she negates McCain's handlers by praising McCain.... "I did not come to bury McCain, but to praise him..."
Only four more years till she runs a campaign on her own....
Friday, December 19, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
A Little Drag to Start the Day
Here's an awesome image of RuPaul dressed as both Michelle and Barack Obama (found at eonline.com, of course). Apparently, the pic is part of the promotional campaign for RuPaul's new show.
Happy Wednesday!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Tuesday Musical Tribute....
It's Tuesday, Harrogate. Tuesday.
To celebrate the Roof's last, great tag and to leave a tribute to the past few wonderful days, my one and only post from this Texas trip is: Yakety Sax. Sweet Toddler J (or Jeezey) danced to this sing while devouring lunch. Hence, it must be good.
For a shorter version, click here.
To celebrate the Roof's last, great tag and to leave a tribute to the past few wonderful days, my one and only post from this Texas trip is: Yakety Sax. Sweet Toddler J (or Jeezey) danced to this sing while devouring lunch. Hence, it must be good.
For a shorter version, click here.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
"Normal Birth"
To follow up to M's last post (and my comment that got cut off somehow), what disturbs me about the Orgasmic Birth site is the idea that there is such a thing as a "normal" birth. If we were to poll the TRS mothers we'd find many different birthing experiences; none more "normal" than others. While an unmedicated home birth might be a more "natural" way to give birth, the truth is that the process does carry inherent risks for mothers and babies. Furthermore, the idea that one way of giving birth is more "natural" and "normal" ostracizes women who, for whatever reason, cannot have an unmedicated home birth.
"A large part of the reason is that technocratic practitioners are deeply afraid of birth. As a result, they overuse technology in an effort to make themselves feel in control of a process they don’t really understand. [...] Why isn’t that OK? Because, as I say in Orgasmic Birth, the overuse of drugs and technology interferes with the normal physiology of birth and causes far more harm than good. It is a sad fact that obstetricians are not trained in and do not understand the normal physiology of birth. How could they be? Only about 3% of births in the United States, including those that take place at home, are normal; drugs and technology dominate all the rest. Doctors almost never see normal birth. Therefore, they have no opportunity to learn about it. "
According to this logic, duckling's birth was abnormal and my doctor was scared.
Drugs and technology kept my baby breathing when she was having difficulty, drugs protected my heart from infection (I have a heart condition), forceps helped prevent a c-section, pitocin (evil satan's syrup that it is) sped up stalled labor, etc. None of the technology or drugs was used without my consent, my doctor exuded confidence and did not want to intervene until she had to, and all of it seemed normal to me at the time.
Aaahh... I could write on this much more, but sadly mediocre student papers beckon.
"A large part of the reason is that technocratic practitioners are deeply afraid of birth. As a result, they overuse technology in an effort to make themselves feel in control of a process they don’t really understand. [...] Why isn’t that OK? Because, as I say in Orgasmic Birth, the overuse of drugs and technology interferes with the normal physiology of birth and causes far more harm than good. It is a sad fact that obstetricians are not trained in and do not understand the normal physiology of birth. How could they be? Only about 3% of births in the United States, including those that take place at home, are normal; drugs and technology dominate all the rest. Doctors almost never see normal birth. Therefore, they have no opportunity to learn about it. "
According to this logic, duckling's birth was abnormal and my doctor was scared.
Drugs and technology kept my baby breathing when she was having difficulty, drugs protected my heart from infection (I have a heart condition), forceps helped prevent a c-section, pitocin (evil satan's syrup that it is) sped up stalled labor, etc. None of the technology or drugs was used without my consent, my doctor exuded confidence and did not want to intervene until she had to, and all of it seemed normal to me at the time.
Aaahh... I could write on this much more, but sadly mediocre student papers beckon.
Look, up in the sky, it's a stupid man
While out walking The Woof Almighty (aka Harley Reads / aka The Harlequin / aka The Brown Double / aka Montana Slim), she and I, I am pretty sure, saw Marine One stroke by on the way to campus.
I fu
[Editpost motivated by Thinkpol]
Yay! America achieved!
I fu
[Editpost motivated by Thinkpol]
Yay! America achieved!
Orgasmic Childbirth
My friend L sent me a link to an article on Orgasmic Childbirth. I'm curious to know what everyone at TRS thinks about this.
This is why parents get angry at teachers
I want to preface this post by saying that I generally think parents are too quick to blame teachers for their children's bad behavior or bad grades. Most teachers in this country are overworked and underpaid, and many parents are unwilling to acknowledge problems with their children, preferring to heap all the blame on teachers.
That said, reading this story entitled "Teacher sorry for binding girls in slavery lesson," reminds me that sometimes teachers are to blame. On some level, I understand the pedagogy behind a move like this, I really do. When I teach Harriet Jacobs's Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, I mark off a space that is 3' high, 7'long, and 9' wide, which are the dimensions of the crawl space that Jacobs occupied for 7 years to escape slavery. I have my students lie down in this space and imagine what it felt like to be in the space for 5 minutes, let alone 7 years. So I understand wanting students to understand as much about slavery as possible. But binding the hands and feet of students is taking things a bit too far.
That said, reading this story entitled "Teacher sorry for binding girls in slavery lesson," reminds me that sometimes teachers are to blame. On some level, I understand the pedagogy behind a move like this, I really do. When I teach Harriet Jacobs's Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, I mark off a space that is 3' high, 7'long, and 9' wide, which are the dimensions of the crawl space that Jacobs occupied for 7 years to escape slavery. I have my students lie down in this space and imagine what it felt like to be in the space for 5 minutes, let alone 7 years. So I understand wanting students to understand as much about slavery as possible. But binding the hands and feet of students is taking things a bit too far.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
"If the Pope is right, we are seriously fucked": Understanding Polution as Sin
On March 10th, M uncovered the Vatican's new list of sins, which includes pollution. Megs follows with a post about prescription drugs in our drinking water.
Drawing her first premise from M's post, Megs constructs a frightening argument.
Premise #1: The Pope says Pollution is a Sin.
Premise #2: Pharmaceuticals Pollute Our Water.
Conclusion: Therefore, We Are Seriously Fucked.
Enjoy hell, everyone!
Drawing her first premise from M's post, Megs constructs a frightening argument.
Premise #1: The Pope says Pollution is a Sin.
Premise #2: Pharmaceuticals Pollute Our Water.
Conclusion: Therefore, We Are Seriously Fucked.
Enjoy hell, everyone!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Kid Rock Goes Deep
I saw this on Storytellers last night. I dug it. This is Kid's attempt to write something relevant. From his album Rock N Roll Jesus:
"Now God damn it! I'm scared to send my children to church." Amen.
"Now God damn it! I'm scared to send my children to church." Amen.
Seriously, we needed to research this?
Ok, so I'll freely admit that my own research is a bit esoteric, but then again, I doubt I'll ever require huge sums of money to complete my research--at any point in my career. That said, it really irritates me when people research the obvious, as this doctor did: Study Unveils Likely Cause of Mt. Everest Deaths. I mean, seriously? We needed to conduct a lengthy study of all the deaths of climbers on Everest from 1920 to 2006 to know that most of them likely died from a lack of oxygen, complicated by the extreme weather conditions present on Everest? Hell, I'm not a doctor, I'm not a mountain climber, and I've never been to the Himalayas, but you know what? I knew this without having to read a study published in the British Journal of Medicine. I ask my fellow Situationers, most of whom are also academics: did this really need to be researched?
Best of 2008: APB for Harrogate
In the midst of March Madness, Solon issued an all points bulletin for Harrogate, which I found extremely amusing, as that period was the only time this Spring when Harrogate wasn't blogging profusely. I also enjoyed Southpaw's cogent analysis of Solon's missteps in his search of Harrogate.
To Descend is Honorable
I don't know how I overlooked this beauty of a post from February 12th. It is probably one of my top five for the year.
The post was initiated by Harrogate. But today's retrospective honors Megs for her profound comment to that post. It is a comment that forced me to do much soul searching. In the end, I knew that she had tapped into a deep and powerful truth: it is honorable to descend on Saturday, but praiseworthy every day.
The post was initiated by Harrogate. But today's retrospective honors Megs for her profound comment to that post. It is a comment that forced me to do much soul searching. In the end, I knew that she had tapped into a deep and powerful truth: it is honorable to descend on Saturday, but praiseworthy every day.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
This is your life; or, The Tuesday Musical Tribute....
"You are not a beautiful and unique snowflake...." It is a mind-numbing kind of night. A night in which the most exciting thing in the world, an inside look into Harrogate's or Oxymoron's or Super D's or M's or Meg's (maybe not Roof's as I may not return and definitely not South Paw's as he is incapable of writing) inner thoughts, would not be enough to save me from myself.
It is Tuesday night. I have five papers left to grade and then an exam tomorrow and more grades to discover.... One grade at a time....
"I say deliver me from Swedish furniture." A few months ago, we went to Ikea. Megs still has not recovered; neither has Sweet Toddler J. I never liked the store in the first place....
Bonus song of the day: The Pixies, "Where is My Mind?"
Bonus Query: What is the worst act ever implemented out of boredom? I mean something with absolutely no value whatsoever but you did it any way because, well, because... because you were bored....and then you enjoyed it....Mine on the flip...
It is Tuesday night. I have five papers left to grade and then an exam tomorrow and more grades to discover.... One grade at a time....
"I say deliver me from Swedish furniture." A few months ago, we went to Ikea. Megs still has not recovered; neither has Sweet Toddler J. I never liked the store in the first place....
Bonus song of the day: The Pixies, "Where is My Mind?"
Bonus Query: What is the worst act ever implemented out of boredom? I mean something with absolutely no value whatsoever but you did it any way because, well, because... because you were bored....and then you enjoyed it....Mine on the flip...
Deepak Chopra chastises Sean Hannity
Unlike many of my fellow bloggers I don't make a practice of reading or listening to Sean Hannity (why would I want to deliberately raise my blood pressure like that?). I did, however, run across this very interesting letter from spiritual guru Deepak Chopra to Hannity on the Huffington Post while eating my lunch today. Here's my favorite part:
No one expects the right wing to change, but for what it's worth, they have entered an era of reconstruction. They've lost both their power and their credibility. Instead of trying to educate me about being an American, you might want to re-educate yourselves about dirty pool and below-the-belt attacks. Just a thought.
No one expects the right wing to change, but for what it's worth, they have entered an era of reconstruction. They've lost both their power and their credibility. Instead of trying to educate me about being an American, you might want to re-educate yourselves about dirty pool and below-the-belt attacks. Just a thought.
A White Lie and a Pedagogical Lesson; Wherein the Shit Hits the Fan
4 March 2008:
Texas TRS bloggers do the Two-Step. They cast their primary votes during the day and return to their polling station later that evening to caucus.
5 March 2008:
TRS bloggers share their experiences: M reports that her experience was anti-climatic and criticizes the entire process as anti-democratic; I admit that my caucus was anything but sexy, Harrogate claims that his experience was boring, although his retelling of the story suggest otherwise, as he found himself "in the middle of things"; and Paperweight reveals that his caucus was "a waste of FUCKING time" [emphasis his].
Following these less-than-stellar reviews of the Texas caucus, Megs reminds Situationers that their suffering was worthwhile and calls for a joint ticket. Solon quickly offers arguments against a joint ticket.
Meanwhile...
Harrogate, Sarah, and I convene in Harrogate's office. We further discuss the caucus. Even though our experiences fell short of expectation, Harrogate notes that Solon probably wishes that he was still in Texas so that he could caucus. The reason: the idea of deliberative democracy in action makes him "cream his jeans." Sarah and I laugh at this expression, as neither of us have heard it since middle school. Admid our laughter over creamed jeans, a very bad idea emerged: let's fool Solon. Yes, let's see how excited he gets knowing that one of us is a delegate. With hesitation, Sarah consents. I sit in the corner, still laughing over the expression.
Sarah makes the fateful statement in the comments section of Megs's post:
Four minutes later, Solon replies:
But the conspiracy was short-lived, for Sarah could not live with the lie. She could not continue to toy with Solon's emotions, and so she revealed the entire plot on TRS.
Harrogate back-pedals and claims that the conspiracy against Solon was a pedagogical lesson designed to show "what voters in Florida and Michigan must have felt, on learning that they would not, in fact, get to have a say [in the democratic primary], because of sealed agreements made by removed forces." He then quickly changed the topic back to the joint ticket. But, alas, it was to late. Things were headed downhill. Quickly.
Solon is obviously hurt, as he does not respond for some time.
But Megs fights the good fight, closing the day with a post that identifies "an actual delegate." Stab. Ouch.
6 March 2008:
Harrogate begins the day with a post on the "Michigan and Florida Clusterfuck." Solon replies to said post, addressing Harrogate with a new epithet, "Oh Wise Harrogate, supporter of Senator Clinton and, hence, possessor of the truth; teacher of pedagogical lessons." Much like Romney after Huckabee's win in West Virginia, it seems that Solon is pissed.
The aggression against Harrogate continues. And he feels it. He calls Oxymoron, upset that the seemingly innocent "delegate" joke has backfired and made things very, very bad.
Then Paperweight fuels the fire, publishing a post that asks Obama supporters to tell him why he, like many of them, should hate Clinton. I try to neutralize some of the antagonism in the post--and some of the tension on TRS, in general--by commenting on his use of "fucking" throughout his post. But my efforts fall short, as Megs feels that she and Solon are being attacked by PW. More fun ensues.
Eventually, M calls for everyone to take a breather, to focus our energy towards our dissertations. She is more successful in this attempt to steer us away from heated political discussion than in her previous attempt.
Things come full circle when Megs asks Reverend Todd to comment on the current issues being discussed the Rhetorical Situation. I inform Megs that the Good Reverend hasn't been following our discussions because he is busy studying his delegate's packet. Ha!
Texas TRS bloggers do the Two-Step. They cast their primary votes during the day and return to their polling station later that evening to caucus.
5 March 2008:
TRS bloggers share their experiences: M reports that her experience was anti-climatic and criticizes the entire process as anti-democratic; I admit that my caucus was anything but sexy, Harrogate claims that his experience was boring, although his retelling of the story suggest otherwise, as he found himself "in the middle of things"; and Paperweight reveals that his caucus was "a waste of FUCKING time" [emphasis his].
Following these less-than-stellar reviews of the Texas caucus, Megs reminds Situationers that their suffering was worthwhile and calls for a joint ticket. Solon quickly offers arguments against a joint ticket.
Meanwhile...
Harrogate, Sarah, and I convene in Harrogate's office. We further discuss the caucus. Even though our experiences fell short of expectation, Harrogate notes that Solon probably wishes that he was still in Texas so that he could caucus. The reason: the idea of deliberative democracy in action makes him "cream his jeans." Sarah and I laugh at this expression, as neither of us have heard it since middle school. Admid our laughter over creamed jeans, a very bad idea emerged: let's fool Solon. Yes, let's see how excited he gets knowing that one of us is a delegate. With hesitation, Sarah consents. I sit in the corner, still laughing over the expression.
Sarah makes the fateful statement in the comments section of Megs's post:
I just wanted to let you all know that I hung around for the end of the caucus and was chosen as a delegate.
Four minutes later, Solon replies:
I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO jealous...
But the conspiracy was short-lived, for Sarah could not live with the lie. She could not continue to toy with Solon's emotions, and so she revealed the entire plot on TRS.
Harrogate back-pedals and claims that the conspiracy against Solon was a pedagogical lesson designed to show "what voters in Florida and Michigan must have felt, on learning that they would not, in fact, get to have a say [in the democratic primary], because of sealed agreements made by removed forces." He then quickly changed the topic back to the joint ticket. But, alas, it was to late. Things were headed downhill. Quickly.
Solon is obviously hurt, as he does not respond for some time.
But Megs fights the good fight, closing the day with a post that identifies "an actual delegate." Stab. Ouch.
6 March 2008:
Harrogate begins the day with a post on the "Michigan and Florida Clusterfuck." Solon replies to said post, addressing Harrogate with a new epithet, "Oh Wise Harrogate, supporter of Senator Clinton and, hence, possessor of the truth; teacher of pedagogical lessons." Much like Romney after Huckabee's win in West Virginia, it seems that Solon is pissed.
The aggression against Harrogate continues. And he feels it. He calls Oxymoron, upset that the seemingly innocent "delegate" joke has backfired and made things very, very bad.
Then Paperweight fuels the fire, publishing a post that asks Obama supporters to tell him why he, like many of them, should hate Clinton. I try to neutralize some of the antagonism in the post--and some of the tension on TRS, in general--by commenting on his use of "fucking" throughout his post. But my efforts fall short, as Megs feels that she and Solon are being attacked by PW. More fun ensues.
Eventually, M calls for everyone to take a breather, to focus our energy towards our dissertations. She is more successful in this attempt to steer us away from heated political discussion than in her previous attempt.
Things come full circle when Megs asks Reverend Todd to comment on the current issues being discussed the Rhetorical Situation. I inform Megs that the Good Reverend hasn't been following our discussions because he is busy studying his delegate's packet. Ha!
Monday, December 08, 2008
"This is Just a Football Game."
John Lennon was killed twenty-eight years ago tonight. Howard Cosell announced his death on Monday Night Football. You can watch the announcement, which is quite surreal, on You Tube.
Here is Nightline's report from that night.
It is a rather creepy story. Chapman desried to live out some Catcher in the Rye fantasy: "He [Lennon] knew where the ducks went in the winter." Hours before Chapman killed Lennon, he appeared in a photo with him that was taken outside of The Dakotas.
After the shooting, Chapman sat down on the sidewalk, read Catcher in the Rye, and waited for the police.
This brings us to Monday's Musical Tribute: There is no tribute...
Here is Nightline's report from that night.
It is a rather creepy story. Chapman desried to live out some Catcher in the Rye fantasy: "He [Lennon] knew where the ducks went in the winter." Hours before Chapman killed Lennon, he appeared in a photo with him that was taken outside of The Dakotas.
After the shooting, Chapman sat down on the sidewalk, read Catcher in the Rye, and waited for the police.
This brings us to Monday's Musical Tribute: There is no tribute...
Sunday, December 07, 2008
P-Duck Speaks Up
P-Duck has been silent for a while, but she is no Grinch. Thus, in the sharing spirit of the season and in homage to the nostalgia lately experienced on the Situation, she humbly offers this timeless classic.
Sunday Musical Tribute
I woke up with this song in my head, so I felt compelled to share. Unfortunately, this isn't a particularly good version, but apparently many people aren't compelled to post songs by Allison Moorer.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Bad Santa
Just in time for the holiday, a pair of writers from the Chicago Tribune have published a book featuring photos of terrified children sitting in Santa's lap. Truly heartwarming.
For the record, yes, I have laughed heartily at pictures like these (including one of my nephew), but I really don't understand why a parent would subject his or her child(ren) to this. We took Supa-T to see Santa at the mall (where else?). While he was happy to chat with St. Nick and even accepted a candy cane from him, when it was suggested that he sit in Santa's lap, Supa-T held on to me for dear life with his arms and legs. This kid could be one hell of a horseman.
P.S. If you do a Google image search with the key words "scared of santa," you will discover that lots of people are eager to share these sorts of images. You can find a slideshow here.
For the record, yes, I have laughed heartily at pictures like these (including one of my nephew), but I really don't understand why a parent would subject his or her child(ren) to this. We took Supa-T to see Santa at the mall (where else?). While he was happy to chat with St. Nick and even accepted a candy cane from him, when it was suggested that he sit in Santa's lap, Supa-T held on to me for dear life with his arms and legs. This kid could be one hell of a horseman.P.S. If you do a Google image search with the key words "scared of santa," you will discover that lots of people are eager to share these sorts of images. You can find a slideshow here.
Friday, December 05, 2008
Friday Musical Tribute: Who's Got the Best Girlfriend?
As Tacitus might have put it. Tacitus, of whom Herman Melville's most bizarre fictional creation once observed:
So. As Tacitus would have no doubt put it: Fuck It.
There is nothing at all wrong with celebrating the same musical group a lot of times in a row, if that is what happens to be powering your steamboat at the time. Besides, this is all Sweet Toddler J's fault anyway.
And then, Harrogate was suddenly seized with the paralytic, ungraspable fear that Oxymoron has never heard this song. Which must be corrected forthwith.
"As we get older
And Stop Making Sense,
You won't find her waiting long."
Now that right there is worthy of Blake.
Drop Tacitus. Phrenologically, my young friend, you would seem to have a well-developed head, and large; but cribbed within the ugly view, the Tacitus view, your large brain, like your large ox in the contracted field, will but starve the more. And don't dream, as some of you students may, that, by taking this same ugly view, the deeper meanings of the deeper books will so alone become revealed to you. Drop Tacitus. His subtelty is falsity. To him, in his double-refined anatomy of human nature, is well-applied the Scripture saying--"There is a subtle man, and the same is deceived." Drop Tacitus. Come now, let me throw the book overboard.
So. As Tacitus would have no doubt put it: Fuck It.
There is nothing at all wrong with celebrating the same musical group a lot of times in a row, if that is what happens to be powering your steamboat at the time. Besides, this is all Sweet Toddler J's fault anyway.
And then, Harrogate was suddenly seized with the paralytic, ungraspable fear that Oxymoron has never heard this song. Which must be corrected forthwith.
"As we get older
And Stop Making Sense,
You won't find her waiting long."
Now that right there is worthy of Blake.
Atheist Scrooges....Film At Eleven
CNN reports that Atheists in Olympia, Washington have struck back against a city Nativity scene as a group posted a sign that states religion is a superstition.
I wonder how long it will take for OReilly or Hannity to call out the atheists for their "insensitivity."
CNN reports that there are similar signs and messages in other parts of the country. I guess, all I can say is, "Joy to the World, The War has Returned. Let' O'Reilly's voice pronounce....."
I wonder how long it will take for OReilly or Hannity to call out the atheists for their "insensitivity."
CNN reports that there are similar signs and messages in other parts of the country. I guess, all I can say is, "Joy to the World, The War has Returned. Let' O'Reilly's voice pronounce....."
Harrogate's Favorite of All the Videos He, To Date, Has Posted This Year
While getting the ball rolling on the current Retrospective Festival taking place on TRS, oxymoron indicated here that at times, it seemed as though Harrogate preferred Ron Paul to all other Presidential candidates. Reading Oxy's comment, Harrogate was moved to take introspective pause. How much substance, in the end, was there to the claim? It was certainly the case that Harrogate's Award-Winning sequence, "Why Some People Like Ron Paul," included some of the clearest, most passionate prose Harrogate ever placed on these Boards.
But at the same time, while this writing intentionally implied much admiration for the good Dr. Paul, much of it was after all quite hostile, with Harrogate wearing anti-Libertarian bias on his sleeve for all to behold. In the end, the truth is that the thing about Paul that moved Harrogate the most was the incredible response his Call for Liberty evoked in citizens across the country. Paul, unlike every other candidate this season, did not at all come across as having tailored his Rhetoric to Focus Groups. Indeed, he neither hemmed nor hawed. There was never any doubt as to the sincerity of his position, no confusing for anything else his intellectually-grounded Love for the United States of America.
Do many of Paul's convictions nauseate Harrogate? Indeed they do. But one both can and should live with that in the arena of ideas. And the rejection of many of Paul's ideas, by Harrogate, did not thereby insinuate a questioning of his patriotic motives, his Constitutional breadth of knowledge, or his Political Bravery.
Some, by the way, have said that Situationers post too many videos. But Harrogate disagrees. The videos, musical, or political or otherwise, accomplish many important Rhetorical goals, not the least of which is the kind of community-building work that Oxymoron has recently identified with Feminine Sociolinguistics. But the Videos are also expressions of what move each indiviual blogger, and chance to put out into the Blogosphere "stuff {insert name} likes."
The Above Video Homage to Ron Paul, Harrogate posted on two separate occasions in this Year 2008. Now he has posted it for the third and final time. It takes one of our Nation's greatest Musical Pop Anthems, and uses it persuasively on Paul's behalf. This video is all about America, about ideological substance, and it is beautiful.
And so here is another chance for Readers to check it out.
Gross
Today's People.com poll is "Who has the best body after baby?" The nominees are Halle Berry, Nicole Kidman, Jessica Alba, Nicole Richie, Gwen Stefani, Christina Aguilera, and Jennifer Lopez. I'm grossed out. As if these women weren't already obsessed and starving themselves so they look the way they're "supposed" to, now we get to compare them--and vote on it! Disgusting.
"No politics, please!"; Wherein new board member M unsuccessfully attempts to steer the direction of TRS, and Solon pushes back
Yesterday M honored Solon for his post on playground etiquette. The reason his post is worthy of accolade, she explains, is that it "got us away from the election, if only briefly."
While I never wrote too much about the election (and rarely write about politics at all) on our blog, I always appreciate the political perspectives offered here, as they often inform and influence my own thinking. In this regard, TRS is not just an opportunity for me to have fun with friends online, but also and always a chance to learn something new, whether that subject be politics, music, pandas, or stout penes.
It therefore surprised me when our beloved M called for a one-day moratorium on political waxation [coined!]. This was mid-February, right in the heap of primary season, where so much can happen in a single 24-hour period. I mean, just think back to that fateful day when Huckabee won West Virginia. Amid a moratorium, we might never had learned the extent to which Romney was pissed. We might also have missed out on Pot's statement about Kettle.
So, again, M's request was a bit surprising. But what was not surprising was the reaction of TRS bloggers. While no one forthrightly commented on her post, we nevertheless responded in very predictable ways--along gender lines.
Sociolinguistic research tells us that women often use language to build and maintain relationships, while men are usually only concerned with delivering information. What's more, women strive to achieve a communal balance during conversation, whereas men use a more aggressive style that establishes or perpetuates hierarchies.
Following M's call for a momentary change in direction on our Award-winning blog, Solon immediately and aggressively exerted his power to blog about whatever his heart desired. A mere sixteen minutes after M's request, Solon issued to her a giant "fuck you, bitch," publishing a post about Karl Rove and censorship. Luckily, Megs came to the rescue in a womanly way, which is to say that she attempted to maintain relationships and rapport on the blog. She published two back-to-back posts, neither of which was overtly political.
But Solon retaliated against Megs feel-good attempts to foster an egalitarian community on the blog. "No one will tell me what not to write about," his next few posts tacitly screamed. That's right, he continued to deliver the political news and commentary for which he is known across the blogosphere, publishing three more posts on political topics. Yes, you heard right: he delivered three more giant "Fuck You"s.
I chose not to smoke any blog that day, for I was internally conflicted. As man I wanted to be like Solon; I wanted to tell the world that I'm not here to give hugs and affirm the worth of those with whom I converse. On the other hand, as a then stay-at-home dad (with testicles only somewhat intact), I wanted to do my part to build a sense of community on our blog, where everyone's input is valued.
While I never wrote too much about the election (and rarely write about politics at all) on our blog, I always appreciate the political perspectives offered here, as they often inform and influence my own thinking. In this regard, TRS is not just an opportunity for me to have fun with friends online, but also and always a chance to learn something new, whether that subject be politics, music, pandas, or stout penes.
It therefore surprised me when our beloved M called for a one-day moratorium on political waxation [coined!]. This was mid-February, right in the heap of primary season, where so much can happen in a single 24-hour period. I mean, just think back to that fateful day when Huckabee won West Virginia. Amid a moratorium, we might never had learned the extent to which Romney was pissed. We might also have missed out on Pot's statement about Kettle.
So, again, M's request was a bit surprising. But what was not surprising was the reaction of TRS bloggers. While no one forthrightly commented on her post, we nevertheless responded in very predictable ways--along gender lines.
Sociolinguistic research tells us that women often use language to build and maintain relationships, while men are usually only concerned with delivering information. What's more, women strive to achieve a communal balance during conversation, whereas men use a more aggressive style that establishes or perpetuates hierarchies.
Following M's call for a momentary change in direction on our Award-winning blog, Solon immediately and aggressively exerted his power to blog about whatever his heart desired. A mere sixteen minutes after M's request, Solon issued to her a giant "fuck you, bitch," publishing a post about Karl Rove and censorship. Luckily, Megs came to the rescue in a womanly way, which is to say that she attempted to maintain relationships and rapport on the blog. She published two back-to-back posts, neither of which was overtly political.
But Solon retaliated against Megs feel-good attempts to foster an egalitarian community on the blog. "No one will tell me what not to write about," his next few posts tacitly screamed. That's right, he continued to deliver the political news and commentary for which he is known across the blogosphere, publishing three more posts on political topics. Yes, you heard right: he delivered three more giant "Fuck You"s.
I chose not to smoke any blog that day, for I was internally conflicted. As man I wanted to be like Solon; I wanted to tell the world that I'm not here to give hugs and affirm the worth of those with whom I converse. On the other hand, as a then stay-at-home dad (with testicles only somewhat intact), I wanted to do my part to build a sense of community on our blog, where everyone's input is valued.
Best Inaugural Post
If I may, I would like to nominate my own first contribution to the Situation as the [see post title] of 2008. Who doesn't love a pantsuit? Or Barbie? Or Supa?
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Yes, It's From Shrek
but I first heard it on the L-Word. Don't know which is worse. But what I do know is that I heard Rufus Wainwright's version of Hallelujah today at Starbucks. (What, am I a corporate shill tonight?) And it makes my soul hurt like a Jamesian dull ache. (That's for you, Harrogate. You'll understand.) And after comparing the Wainwright version to Leonard Cohen's, and even Jeff Buckley's, I could finally explain to solon why I love James novels more than Wharton's. So here it is, one for the ages:
Yes, it's way too serious for tonight. But it deserves to be taken seriously.
Yes, it's way too serious for tonight. But it deserves to be taken seriously.
Because Girls Blog Here, Too
Hi everyone. Megs here. Frequent reader, first-time poster. I'd like to nominate Supa's Mr. Noodle post. Because, well, it's not only gratifying to think about Harrogate's anger toward Mr. Noodle. It's also important to introduce the phrase "Mr. Noodle" into the dialogue.
Oh Say Can You See....
Why the NHL is an inferior product: Part Ad Nauseam.
ESPN reports that the NHL indefinitely suspended soon to be ex-Dallas Stars forward and NHL bad boy, i.e. player without any talent that may be known more for hookers than hockey, Sean Avery because of his comments about his former girlfriend, Elisha Cuthbert. After the morning skate before Tuesday's game with Calgary, Avery walked by reporters, stopped, and stated:
Avery directed his comments toward Calgary defenseman Dion Phaneuf, who now dates Cuthbert. By the way, video is available just in case you do now know what it is like seeing an idiot speak.
Even before Dallas and Calgary dropped the puck, Gary Bettman, the worst league commissioner of all commissioners, suspended because Avery delivered "inappropriate public comments, not pertaining to the game." According to the League Avery's words could have led to a fight in that night's game. I am Shocked! Shocked! A Fight? In Hockey? And the fight might not have anything to do with the game itself? I wonder how much of a hickey game actually concerns hockey these days.
While Avery's comments are beyond ill-advised and deplorable (please reread those words, I am not defending what Avery said), they reveal a few problems with the NHL.
First, in his apology Avery apologized, stated, "It was a bad attempt to build excitement for the game." If your game needs excitement to get fans "up" for the game and you think this will help, then your game is not a real game.
And I'm sorry Michael Farber, Avery has not embarrassed the game any more than the league has embarrassed the game. Just remember: #7 of the Calgary Flames, Todd Bertuzzi, broke another player's neck in an on-ice act of revenge. For some reason, the NHL still allows him to receive million dollar contracts. That is an embarrassment.
Second, the Dallas Stars purged Avery from the team's roster, meaning he will not be back even when the NHL decides to announce how long his suspension will be. Since this is his fourth NHL team, moving form team to team because his previous teams grew to dislike his antics, not many NHL teams may take a chance on him. Maybe he'll languish in the minors. Maybe another team will sign him. Maybe the Dallas Stars will buy-out his contract (i.e. give him $8,000,000 to never play again). Who knows.
Yet, while the league will probably give Avery a heavy punishment, the NHL as an organization and the teams in the NHL fail to deliver this type of punishment to players that attempt to injure other players, especially with hits to the head. While I find Avery's comments inappropriate in so many ways, I do think it is slightly odd that the NHL will punish a player for speech (as most leagues do, especially when players or coaches criticize the league of the refs), no matter how unwise it is, but will allow players to inflict serious injury upon one another each and every game unless a thug deliberately swings a stick at someone's head. Hits that leave people with a concussion or out of the game for a year or prematurely end their career, well, that is part of the game.
Third, this is just another example that there are different standards of justice in the NHL. Most players, especially stars, would not receive a heavy punishment. Useless players, like Avery, will receive a suspension. Imagine that: completing standards of justice. Hmph. That's new.
To see more of Sean Avery's tactics, see why the NHL adopted the Avery Rule (when a player receives a penalty because that player stands in front of the goalie and waving his stick without any intention of actually playing the game).
By the way, Bret "foot in the crease" Hull signed Avery against the wishes of management. I wonder if he will lose his job.
ESPN reports that the NHL indefinitely suspended soon to be ex-Dallas Stars forward and NHL bad boy, i.e. player without any talent that may be known more for hookers than hockey, Sean Avery because of his comments about his former girlfriend, Elisha Cuthbert. After the morning skate before Tuesday's game with Calgary, Avery walked by reporters, stopped, and stated:
"I just want to comment on how it's become like a common thing in the NHL for guys to fall in love with my sloppy seconds. I don't know what that's about, but enjoy the game tonight."
Avery directed his comments toward Calgary defenseman Dion Phaneuf, who now dates Cuthbert. By the way, video is available just in case you do now know what it is like seeing an idiot speak.
Even before Dallas and Calgary dropped the puck, Gary Bettman, the worst league commissioner of all commissioners, suspended because Avery delivered "inappropriate public comments, not pertaining to the game." According to the League Avery's words could have led to a fight in that night's game. I am Shocked! Shocked! A Fight? In Hockey? And the fight might not have anything to do with the game itself? I wonder how much of a hickey game actually concerns hockey these days.
While Avery's comments are beyond ill-advised and deplorable (please reread those words, I am not defending what Avery said), they reveal a few problems with the NHL.
First, in his apology Avery apologized, stated, "It was a bad attempt to build excitement for the game." If your game needs excitement to get fans "up" for the game and you think this will help, then your game is not a real game.
And I'm sorry Michael Farber, Avery has not embarrassed the game any more than the league has embarrassed the game. Just remember: #7 of the Calgary Flames, Todd Bertuzzi, broke another player's neck in an on-ice act of revenge. For some reason, the NHL still allows him to receive million dollar contracts. That is an embarrassment.
Second, the Dallas Stars purged Avery from the team's roster, meaning he will not be back even when the NHL decides to announce how long his suspension will be. Since this is his fourth NHL team, moving form team to team because his previous teams grew to dislike his antics, not many NHL teams may take a chance on him. Maybe he'll languish in the minors. Maybe another team will sign him. Maybe the Dallas Stars will buy-out his contract (i.e. give him $8,000,000 to never play again). Who knows.
Yet, while the league will probably give Avery a heavy punishment, the NHL as an organization and the teams in the NHL fail to deliver this type of punishment to players that attempt to injure other players, especially with hits to the head. While I find Avery's comments inappropriate in so many ways, I do think it is slightly odd that the NHL will punish a player for speech (as most leagues do, especially when players or coaches criticize the league of the refs), no matter how unwise it is, but will allow players to inflict serious injury upon one another each and every game unless a thug deliberately swings a stick at someone's head. Hits that leave people with a concussion or out of the game for a year or prematurely end their career, well, that is part of the game.
Third, this is just another example that there are different standards of justice in the NHL. Most players, especially stars, would not receive a heavy punishment. Useless players, like Avery, will receive a suspension. Imagine that: completing standards of justice. Hmph. That's new.
To see more of Sean Avery's tactics, see why the NHL adopted the Avery Rule (when a player receives a penalty because that player stands in front of the goalie and waving his stick without any intention of actually playing the game).
By the way, Bret "foot in the crease" Hull signed Avery against the wishes of management. I wonder if he will lose his job.
Thursday Musical Tribute: Getting Slippery With It
As Eric Cartman would put it, Harrogate is seriously.
Over the last 24 hours something has happened whereby nothing but stuff like this will do. This song, actually, has long been one of Harrogate's favorites. But it has extra cache today.
Over the last 24 hours something has happened whereby nothing but stuff like this will do. This song, actually, has long been one of Harrogate's favorites. But it has extra cache today.
Solon waxes parental
In a year when Solon regaled us with his vast knowledge of all things political, he occasionally waxed parental. In what is one of my favorite posts of 2008, Playground Etiquette, Solon contemplated how to teach Sweet Toddler J about sharing at the playground. I rank this among my favorites because it got us away from the election, if only briefly, to an issue that is, while mundane, pivotal to most of us who blog regularly at the Situation. And, frankly, who among us hasn't gotten annoyed because someone has spent too much time on the swings?
Assy McGee Award®: Townhall Blogger and Former Winner of this Award, Amanda Carpenter, Wins Again
Carpenter won this Award on October 20th, Ye will remember, as a Double-Decker Deal. She both levied an Ad Hominem Attack on Tina Fey & Began a Vociferous Defense of Minnesota Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann. Verily, Carpenter has been shown to be one of the most deserving recipients of the Assy McGee Award®. Now comes her treatment, on the Townhall Blog, of the Anti Prop 8 Musical Video circulating, which stars Jack Black, Neil Patrick Harris, John C. Reilly, and other Hollywood luminaries.
As to the Actual Video. Harrogate will leave it up to Readers to Determine the Value of its Arguments.
But whatever ye think of the video, Carpenter's little write-up of it exemplifies the kind of Bad Rhetoric that we Situationers are dedicated to defeating. The Piece is Entitled Jack Black Trashes Mormons, Blacks Over Prop 8. What is Wrong with this Headline? Without watching the Video, you might think nothing would be wrong with it, since it is well known that the African-American Community as well as the Mormon Church factored centrally in the Passage of Prop 8. Except there's one little thingy, here. The video Makes Absolutely No Mention, Explicit, Symbolic, Whatever, Of Either African Americans or Mormons.
Does the Video attack Proposition 8? Well of course it does. But it does so by pointing up the Hypocrisies inherent to Biblical Literalists seeking to Shape the Law. Jack Black, for example, offers the familiar counter-argument that the same text which condemns homosexuality also says you cannot eat shrimp cocktail, that a man may sell his daughter into slavery, have his wife stoned to death, etc.
All of which is to ask, WHY does Carpenter lie so overtly in her Headline? Thoughts?
Celebrating Cunt, Revising Gump
As Harrogate pointed out yesterday, February of '08 was an "effusive" month on the Rhetorical Situation. The month gave us a number of excellent posts, many of which centered on the Clintonian pantsuit and fashion in general; it gave us memorable phrases, such as "Romney is pissed" and "Fuck you, Tim Gunn"; and it also introduced us to Paperweight and to the Wisdom of Reverend John Todd [see comments section].
But this particular retrospective is not about those great moments in our Award-winning blog; this post is about the word Cunt. As many of you remember, February is the month that the C-Word officially entered the lexicon of TRS. It first appeared in celebration of Jane Fonda's use of the word on the Today Show, shortly followed by a transcript of Brooke Shields defending Fonda on the O'Reilly Factor. It also appeared in censored form here, where CUNT was the abbreviated name of the anti-Hillary group Citizens United Not Timid (to whose name Solon replied, "Seriously? This doesn't even make sense.").
But perhaps the most exciting use of the C-Word on TRS appeared on February 26 when Harrogate posted a photo from Feministing. Such an overt celebration of Cunt was uncomfortable for some in our blogging community, especially the most conservative and then newest member of our board, Reverend John Todd. The Good Reverend was so bothered by the four women with C-U-N-T written across their bodies that he was moved to revise the photo in a manner that reflected more accurately his traditional values. But, alas!, his efforts were futile, as he soon learned [see his comments] that the offensiveness of the photo could not be circumvented by elementary photoshop skills.
But this particular retrospective is not about those great moments in our Award-winning blog; this post is about the word Cunt. As many of you remember, February is the month that the C-Word officially entered the lexicon of TRS. It first appeared in celebration of Jane Fonda's use of the word on the Today Show, shortly followed by a transcript of Brooke Shields defending Fonda on the O'Reilly Factor. It also appeared in censored form here, where CUNT was the abbreviated name of the anti-Hillary group Citizens United Not Timid (to whose name Solon replied, "Seriously? This doesn't even make sense.").
But perhaps the most exciting use of the C-Word on TRS appeared on February 26 when Harrogate posted a photo from Feministing. Such an overt celebration of Cunt was uncomfortable for some in our blogging community, especially the most conservative and then newest member of our board, Reverend John Todd. The Good Reverend was so bothered by the four women with C-U-N-T written across their bodies that he was moved to revise the photo in a manner that reflected more accurately his traditional values. But, alas!, his efforts were futile, as he soon learned [see his comments] that the offensiveness of the photo could not be circumvented by elementary photoshop skills.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Introducing Proposition 9
Never heard of it? Well, I'm introducing it today. Proposition 9: A ban to prevent military personnel from marrying. The ban extends not only to same-sex marriages within the military but also to traditional marriages. In other words, no marriage. Period.
Why? Let me tell you.
The Associated Press reported today that "[t]he divorce rate among soldiers and Marines increased last year as military marriages suffered continuing stress from America's two wars." It is estimated that there were over 13,000 failed marriages among active duty military men and women in the last year.
I'm not against equality or anything. I don't hate the military. I just don't think that people who choose that lifestyle should be able to marry like the rest of us do. I mean, look how they're undermining and destroying the sanctity of marriage, look at how many of them choose to "cut and run" when things get difficult.
I value the ideals of traditional marriage and don't think that military men and women should have the right to demolish our most precious of Godly institutions.
Vote YES on Proposition 9.
Why? Let me tell you.
The Associated Press reported today that "[t]he divorce rate among soldiers and Marines increased last year as military marriages suffered continuing stress from America's two wars." It is estimated that there were over 13,000 failed marriages among active duty military men and women in the last year.
I'm not against equality or anything. I don't hate the military. I just don't think that people who choose that lifestyle should be able to marry like the rest of us do. I mean, look how they're undermining and destroying the sanctity of marriage, look at how many of them choose to "cut and run" when things get difficult.
I value the ideals of traditional marriage and don't think that military men and women should have the right to demolish our most precious of Godly institutions.
Vote YES on Proposition 9.
Remember Those Posts You Really Loved But Somehow Never Commented On?
Harrogate has had a few of those.
One that stands out is this one by Solon. In which the Awesome Musical Intro to Hitchhiker's Guide was featured. When Harrogate and Supadiscomama went to see the movie, Harrogate remembers expressing to her afterwards that while he thought the film itself a bit better than okay, he thought that the Dolphin Montage deserved an Academy Award nomination. He was not kidding. And he still thinks that highly of it, because it really, really captured the essence of what is to be loved about Douglas Adams, even as it did its own wonderful thing. Harrogate watched that clip like six times when Solon posted it, and yet somehow, he never wound up writing anything in the comments box.
This, Harrogate suspects, has happened a lot among Readers & Contributors in our brief history as an Award-Winning Blog. The writing, the videos, the pics all get pored over with interest, but sometimes, the comment box is left unvisited. (Although, as ye can see, the particular Post by Solon in question did not go uncommented. Oxymoron came through with his typical penache. All Posts should be so lucky, as to get such feedback).
And verily, another Word about that Post by Solon. Readers, how awesome was it to discover that Sweet Toddler J loves "Once in a Lifetime" by the Talking Heads? That discovery caused a Talking Head Renaissance for Harrogate. Even as he types this, in truth, Harrogate is listening to "Take Me to the River (Drop Me in the Water)."
One that stands out is this one by Solon. In which the Awesome Musical Intro to Hitchhiker's Guide was featured. When Harrogate and Supadiscomama went to see the movie, Harrogate remembers expressing to her afterwards that while he thought the film itself a bit better than okay, he thought that the Dolphin Montage deserved an Academy Award nomination. He was not kidding. And he still thinks that highly of it, because it really, really captured the essence of what is to be loved about Douglas Adams, even as it did its own wonderful thing. Harrogate watched that clip like six times when Solon posted it, and yet somehow, he never wound up writing anything in the comments box.
This, Harrogate suspects, has happened a lot among Readers & Contributors in our brief history as an Award-Winning Blog. The writing, the videos, the pics all get pored over with interest, but sometimes, the comment box is left unvisited. (Although, as ye can see, the particular Post by Solon in question did not go uncommented. Oxymoron came through with his typical penache. All Posts should be so lucky, as to get such feedback).
And verily, another Word about that Post by Solon. Readers, how awesome was it to discover that Sweet Toddler J loves "Once in a Lifetime" by the Talking Heads? That discovery caused a Talking Head Renaissance for Harrogate. Even as he types this, in truth, Harrogate is listening to "Take Me to the River (Drop Me in the Water)."
Annoying M, indeed!
As of late there's has been much said about what does and does not annoy M. In fact, the tag "Annoying M" is apparently Solon's favorite. I feel called upon to respond to this line of analysis.
Derriere!
Derriere!
WHERE THIS BLOG REALLY BEGAN
Oxymoron and Harrogate, discussing the Burkean Pentad over drinks, suddenly found themselves adroitly using the principle of The Rhetorical Situation, to unpack the following Scene from National Lampoons Vacation.
This was the conversation in which the Idea for the Blog was born. But for the Dream to become a Reality, Solon had to grab the reins.
It was Chase's line at the 1:54 mark, that sealed the deal.
This was the conversation in which the Idea for the Blog was born. But for the Dream to become a Reality, Solon had to grab the reins.
It was Chase's line at the 1:54 mark, that sealed the deal.
Wednesday Musical Tribute
Strolling Down Memory Lane just now, Harrogate watched a performance of Dido's "Here With Me." But that is not the point, Since Harrogate Hath refused to Reprise the "Love Actually Musical Countdown."
The point is, from there the Internet Tubes took him to this Amazing Thing, which Harrogate did not know had ever taken Place. It is pleasing for Harrogate to Know that Eminem and Dido performed "Stan" together in London. And Harrogate hopes Readers will agree, the Performance is excellent.
The point is, from there the Internet Tubes took him to this Amazing Thing, which Harrogate did not know had ever taken Place. It is pleasing for Harrogate to Know that Eminem and Dido performed "Stan" together in London. And Harrogate hopes Readers will agree, the Performance is excellent.
Speaking of Memories
Harrogate wants to take this opportunity to ask Readers to stop flooding his email box with requests to Reprise the "Love Actually Musical Countdown" he virtuosically performed two years ago. Readers, it was indeed a great Holiday ride. And through the experience we Learned, once and for all, what was In Truth the Greatest Pop Song Ever Written. But it is from the days of Yore.
It belongs in our hearts.
It belongs in our hearts.
Inquiry
Does any one have a photo of McDermott's party with Gates in attendance? And if they do, can they email it to me?
I'm looking to you Oxymoron....
And now for something completely different....
I'm looking to you Oxymoron....
And now for something completely different....
When Solon Noted, "Romney is Pissed"
As We are already beginning to see, February 2008 was one of this Blog's most effusive months. Southpaw's great jibe at Harrogate's homelife notwithstanding, there were moments when it seemed all the Irony had been drained out of the Situation, leaving only successions of straightforward, impassioned political argument.
But even in the thick of things, there were non-doctrinal gestures of humor that would appear at surprising moments, and which in a very real sense Stood as a Towering Marker of the great friendships on which this Blog has been Built.
And one of the most memorable Posts of that Crazy Season was this one by Solon. The title of the post, "Let the Games Begin," obliterated the line between Cliche and Poignantness. But when Solon wrote:
"Huckabee wins West Virginia. Romney is pissed...."
Actual Art had been achieved.
For months after, Harrogate would think about that sentence in its entirety. And the slight suggestion of a grin that must have played across Solon's mouth as he wrote it: his knowledge that it would delight Harrogate even as it captured the essence of the new Internicine GOP to come.
Solon, ye were on fire this year. Your Constitutional Passion, your Patriotism, and your steady support for Obama all did this Blog a great credit. And through it all, you never allowed yourself to lose your sense of humor.
Harrogate tips his Hat to you, friend.
But even in the thick of things, there were non-doctrinal gestures of humor that would appear at surprising moments, and which in a very real sense Stood as a Towering Marker of the great friendships on which this Blog has been Built.
And one of the most memorable Posts of that Crazy Season was this one by Solon. The title of the post, "Let the Games Begin," obliterated the line between Cliche and Poignantness. But when Solon wrote:
"Huckabee wins West Virginia. Romney is pissed...."
Actual Art had been achieved.
For months after, Harrogate would think about that sentence in its entirety. And the slight suggestion of a grin that must have played across Solon's mouth as he wrote it: his knowledge that it would delight Harrogate even as it captured the essence of the new Internicine GOP to come.
Solon, ye were on fire this year. Your Constitutional Passion, your Patriotism, and your steady support for Obama all did this Blog a great credit. And through it all, you never allowed yourself to lose your sense of humor.
Harrogate tips his Hat to you, friend.
Southpaw Shows Harrogate at Home
For this third day of our countdown to the new year, we celebrate a post by Southpaw. Because of post like this one, where he offers an exclusive look into Harrogate's homelife, Southpaw will always be valued member of this blog, even if we've already heard his last word.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Top Five Labels
I'll admit it: one of the reasons why I find a lot of enjoyment on the blog concerns the labels. They are too damn funny. SO to start my year-end review, here I my top five labels from 2008:
5. Oxymoron's Listening Room: It's a cult classic.
4. Breaking News!!!: It reminds me of my October visit to Texas and the absurdity of the MSM.
3. Can't Sleep-- Clowns Will Eat Me: It makes me laugh, every time. Honorable mention goes to Kick Me in the Balls just because.
2. Sexual Harassment Panda: I'll be honest, I still have no idea what this means and that's why it finished at Number 2.
1. Annoying M. Well, you know.
5. Oxymoron's Listening Room: It's a cult classic.
4. Breaking News!!!: It reminds me of my October visit to Texas and the absurdity of the MSM.
3. Can't Sleep-- Clowns Will Eat Me: It makes me laugh, every time. Honorable mention goes to Kick Me in the Balls just because.
2. Sexual Harassment Panda: I'll be honest, I still have no idea what this means and that's why it finished at Number 2.
1. Annoying M. Well, you know.
Solon Lightens Mood, Borrows Joke from Playground
Solon always has a finger on the pulse of the Rhetorical Situation. February 14 of this year was no exception.
America was amidst a tough Democratic primary race, and our board members were divided in their choice of candidate: many Situationers liked Hillary Clinton; a few of them supported Barack Obama; and it occasionally seemed that Harrogate was pulling for Ron Paul.
Things would soon get very heated. And I suspect that Solon knew this, for he urged us not to take ourselves too seriously. To help relieve stress on the Situation, Solon offered a funny joke.
America was amidst a tough Democratic primary race, and our board members were divided in their choice of candidate: many Situationers liked Hillary Clinton; a few of them supported Barack Obama; and it occasionally seemed that Harrogate was pulling for Ron Paul.
Things would soon get very heated. And I suspect that Solon knew this, for he urged us not to take ourselves too seriously. To help relieve stress on the Situation, Solon offered a funny joke.
Breaking News: Palin Adopted by Academics
The following CFP (call for papers, for those not indoctrinated) has been posted:
Discuss amongst yourselves...
An Edited Collection by Demeter Press
The Palin Factor:
Political Mothers and Public Motherhood in the 21st Century
Please see link for more informaiton
http://www.yorku.ca/yfile/archive/index.asp?Article=11551
Editors: Andrea O'Reilly and Deirdre M. Condit
The nomination of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as the Republican party Vice
Presidential nominee in the 2008 U.S. president election has initiated a public
conversation about the meaning and depiction of Sarah Palin and her role as a
publicly elected, working "hockey mom."
Despite Palin's active embrace of her "hockey mom" image, her public motherhood
remains enigmatic. The election of women to public office has been a central
goal of the women's movement precisely because the voices and experiences of
women and mothers have been, from the outset of our
democracies, simply absent. Whether or not Sarah Palin continues in national
public life following the 2008 election, she is a breakthrough figure for
public women who mother small children. Moreover, Palin's national candidacy
offers an opportunity for public and academic discourse about what it means to
be an elected, and thus public, representative of other women and wage earning
mothers. This edited collection seeks to inaugurate a timely,
interdisciplinary, theoretical and critical discussion of the Palin phenomenon
as an iconic representation of public motherhood. Topics include but are not
limited
to:
Media representations, interpretations or responses to Palin's motherhood;
Public discourse on Palin balancing her work as Governor or Vice Presidential
candidate and being a mother; Her role as a public mother of a child with
disabilities; The impact of her as a wage working mother on voters; Her status
as a policy making mother on disability policy; Palin as an icon for
conservative, Christian-identified non-wage working mothers; The evident
conflict between Palin's self-identification as a Christian Conservative, whose
values include "traditional gender roles," and the juxtaposition of her evident
work and family life style; The sexualization of Palin among white,
conservative, working men and its impact on their discourses about mothers and
motherhood; Her transformational role as the "head of the family," and her
husband's public transformation as the "little man" at home; Discussions of
public or party rhetoric about "working mothers"; The conflicting responses
among liberal women's groups concerning Palin's status as a working-mother
feminist; The commodification of the "hockey" mom identity in politics; Palin's
public/private mothering conflicts; Public displays and deployment of the
motherhood trope; Racialized responses to Palin's mothering style and messages;
Public life and the possibilities of "intensive
mothering"; Palin and political motherhood and the politics of Motherhood; The
transparency of public mothering; in the Palin case; Feminist discourse on
Palin; Sexism, Mother Blame in Politics; Mothers in Politics/Mothers as
Politicians; Public representation of and responses to Palin as the mother of a
teen mom; Political tokenism and mothers; Sexuality, motherhood and politics;
Gendered responses to Palin as mother and as politician; Progressive versus
conservative positioning of mother politicians; The Republican deployment, use
and misuses of Palin (Palin as a sacrificial lamb); Palin and Mothers' Rights;
(Mis) readings of Palin as Pro-Mother; Palin and the (new?)
conservative/religious right feminism; Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin.
Please submit a 250 word abstract and 50 word bio February 1, 2009 to
aoreilly@yorku.ca
(Accepted chapters (of 15-18 pages in length) due July 1 2009)
Demeter Press c/o
The Association for Research on Mothering (ARM)
726 Atkinson, York University
4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3
Phone: (416) 736-2100 x60366 FAX: (416) 736-5766
Email: arm@yorku.ca
Discuss amongst yourselves...
Monday, December 01, 2008
The Problems of US Foreign Policy
While preparing for one of many last classes of the semester in which we will discuss if it is appropriate for social movements to use violence as a legitimate political tactic--I know, great timing-- I found a few videos from 1985.
President Reagan dedicated the Space Shuttle Challenger to the Afghan "Freedom Fighters," those that opposed the Soviet Aggression in Afghanistan.
You can see the video of President Reagan sitting with the Afghan Fighters here.
If anything, I would hope that the Obama administration can alter our foreign policy in a way in which our friends today will not be enemies for the next president in 2012 or 2016.
President Reagan dedicated the Space Shuttle Challenger to the Afghan "Freedom Fighters," those that opposed the Soviet Aggression in Afghanistan.
You can see the video of President Reagan sitting with the Afghan Fighters here.
If anything, I would hope that the Obama administration can alter our foreign policy in a way in which our friends today will not be enemies for the next president in 2012 or 2016.
Old Lions and New Blood: A Rhetorical Renaissance; Wherein Harrogate Credits Solon with Change, and Solon is Portrayed
The first post to be honored in our countdown to '09 was penned by Harrogate. It demonstrates that quality is not always accompanied by comments. In the post, Harrogate welcomes new voices to the Situation. Moreover, he credits Solon for bringing our blog back to life and perhaps more movingly honors him with a photo.
From January 17, "The Rhetorical Situation: A Makeover."
From January 17, "The Rhetorical Situation: A Makeover."
Sunday, November 30, 2008
The Unconstitutional Secretary of State
President-Elect Obama and Senator Clinton will make a joint appearance tomorrow in Chicago where the President-Elect will announce that he will nominate the junior Senator from New York for Secretary of State.
I am still ambivalent about the pick. It makes sense politically for Obama and it takes advantage of Senator Clinton's political skills. It makes sense as Clinton is a known international figure though not known for foreign policy. Yet, I still do not care enough about the pick.
Interestingly enough, the nomination is unconstitutional from a textual perspective. As Ben Smith notes, according to Article I, Section 6:
This, of course, will not be the first time that an appointment like this occurred. Ben Smith notes that this same problem occurred when Lloyd Bentsen became Treasury Secretary in 1993 and when Richard Nixon made Senator William Saxbe Attorney General in 1973. Clinton could escape the textual problem since she is not a he but to make this interpretive move would create much larger problems.
I am not sure how to interpret the nomination and, unconstitutionality, of the nomination. Is it more like a deontological position, "it is unconstitutional, hence bad" (similar to you are either pregnant or your not: there is no kinda pregnant) or is it more like a consequentialist position, "it's unconstitutional but it is not like the administration implemented torture or usurped Congressional power to declare war."
In some ways, when an incoming administration chooses to ignore the constitution even before it takes office bothers me as it does not offer a lot of confidence that the administration, or anyone else, will follow the constitution. However, most people just do not care.
Oh well. I think i'll take a nap.
I am still ambivalent about the pick. It makes sense politically for Obama and it takes advantage of Senator Clinton's political skills. It makes sense as Clinton is a known international figure though not known for foreign policy. Yet, I still do not care enough about the pick.
Interestingly enough, the nomination is unconstitutional from a textual perspective. As Ben Smith notes, according to Article I, Section 6:
"No Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the United States which shall have been created, or the Emoluments whereof shall have been increased during such time."That is, if the Cabinet, or other, post got a pay hike during the term of the senator, the senator couldn't take the job. During Clinton's Senate term, Bush raised the Cabinet's pay.
This, of course, will not be the first time that an appointment like this occurred. Ben Smith notes that this same problem occurred when Lloyd Bentsen became Treasury Secretary in 1993 and when Richard Nixon made Senator William Saxbe Attorney General in 1973. Clinton could escape the textual problem since she is not a he but to make this interpretive move would create much larger problems.
I am not sure how to interpret the nomination and, unconstitutionality, of the nomination. Is it more like a deontological position, "it is unconstitutional, hence bad" (similar to you are either pregnant or your not: there is no kinda pregnant) or is it more like a consequentialist position, "it's unconstitutional but it is not like the administration implemented torture or usurped Congressional power to declare war."
In some ways, when an incoming administration chooses to ignore the constitution even before it takes office bothers me as it does not offer a lot of confidence that the administration, or anyone else, will follow the constitution. However, most people just do not care.
Oh well. I think i'll take a nap.
Friday, November 28, 2008
What is wrong with College Football
Over at CNNSI, Andy Staples discusses how Notre Dame can fix its program. The first solution is for the school to drop its academic standards "at least occasionally." This is not the first time Staples wrote about the conflict between sports and academics.
But, I guess, college only describes football. It certainly has no relationship to academic standards. Maybe it should be renamed to exploitation football. That phrase provides a must better description to reality than college football.
But, I guess, college only describes football. It certainly has no relationship to academic standards. Maybe it should be renamed to exploitation football. That phrase provides a must better description to reality than college football.
Why We're Right
Another reason not to shop at Wal-Mart: MSNBC reports that a clerk in Long Island was crushed in the opening stampede and died. Another woman miscarried. Ah, consumerism at its best.
iPhone is the New Blog; or How I Learned to Stop Worrying (About the Cost) and Learn to Love the iPhone
Noticed the lack of blogging from our household this holiday? No, it's not the food coma that we're ostensibly in. It's the iPhones that have descended upon us. I admit, I had serious buyers' remorse immediately after the purchase. I wasn't even planning on buying the damn thing, but it was cheaper than the other QWERTY phones I was looking at.
Now, though, I'm hooked. You know the commercial for the App that tells you what song is playing? Got it. The one that's like a slot machine for restaurants? Check. Crabby kid stuck in line? Turn on Youtube. Running to the store to get more garlic salt on Thanksgiving? Oh, wait, it's an iPod, too.
Have you people played with one of these? You really should.
Now, though, I'm hooked. You know the commercial for the App that tells you what song is playing? Got it. The one that's like a slot machine for restaurants? Check. Crabby kid stuck in line? Turn on Youtube. Running to the store to get more garlic salt on Thanksgiving? Oh, wait, it's an iPod, too.
Have you people played with one of these? You really should.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
A note to Solon
Today's holiday beer selection is the Yeti Imperial Stout by Denver's Great Divide Brewing Company.
Description:
9.7% Alc. by Vol.
My palate is very hoppy!
Description:
Yeti Imperial Stout is an onslaught of the senses. It starts with big, roasty malt flavor then gives way to rich caramel and toffee notes. Yeti Imperial Stought gets its bold hop character from an enormous quantity of hops. It weighs in at a hefty 75 IBUs.
9.7% Alc. by Vol.
My palate is very hoppy!
Happy Thanksgiving, Situationers!
Here is a clip from one of my favorite Thanksgiving shows. One Thanksgiving, in the not so distant future, we need to organize a similar Thanksgiving for the Situation. . .
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Wednesday Musical Tribute: There is No Point in Grabbing Hold of Your Socks, for They Are About to Be Knocked Off
Not so very long ago a'tall, we had a wondrous thread running in which Contributors indicated what their entrance music would be. There were far too many contributors who did not respond. What would p-duck's entrance music be, for example? What about paperweight? Etc. Ye who ignored the call, know who ye are, and the litany of those who have yet to respond stands as a blight on our noble blog. So here Harrogate offers redemption. What would your entrance music be?
Meanwhile, those who already responded can of course feel free to change their minds, or offer alterntatives here. Harrogate unsurprisingly stands by his choice of "2001: A Space Odyssey." Still, Ennio Morricone's Transcendant piece, "The Man With the Harmonica" (careful with this link it is so freaking good it might make you cry), finishes a VERY CLOSE SECOND.
Which brings us to today's Harrogateian Musical Tribute. Bear Witness as Muse tears "The Man With the Harmonica" a new one, and then performs a breathtaking segue into "Knights of Cydonia."
Toooo sweet.
Meanwhile, those who already responded can of course feel free to change their minds, or offer alterntatives here. Harrogate unsurprisingly stands by his choice of "2001: A Space Odyssey." Still, Ennio Morricone's Transcendant piece, "The Man With the Harmonica" (careful with this link it is so freaking good it might make you cry), finishes a VERY CLOSE SECOND.
Which brings us to today's Harrogateian Musical Tribute. Bear Witness as Muse tears "The Man With the Harmonica" a new one, and then performs a breathtaking segue into "Knights of Cydonia."
Toooo sweet.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Movie Night
It is movie night in the apartment. Tonight's feature of almost choice (it was shorter than the one we really desired): Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
Besides Paul Rudd's character, the movie is just not that good. Well, I should restate: the movie is not good for sober parents of two children who do not watch movies. We are about ten years too old for this movie.
Why should we watch the end of this? Well, besides we paid for it....
Besides Paul Rudd's character, the movie is just not that good. Well, I should restate: the movie is not good for sober parents of two children who do not watch movies. We are about ten years too old for this movie.
Why should we watch the end of this? Well, besides we paid for it....
A Happy Musical Tribute to Tuesday: Wherein Harrogate Rejoins Oxymoron's Gesture
Since we're on the subject of songs we'd forgotten about, here's the perfect thing for a chilled Tuesday in November. This was long before Magnolia, friends. This was back when John McCain was in his forties. This, in short, was a long time ago.
Tuesday Musical Tribute; Or, Con-Air part the Third, wherein Cyrus "the Virus" defends the Rights of the Aboriginals.
iPhone Envy
I so covet an iPhone. And I have grown to hate Verizon.
The only question I need to ask: do I covet an iPhone to the degree I will allow myself to be economically raped by Verizon?
In order to get an iPhone, the new technological love of my life, I would need to break my contract with Verizon as I can do nothing with them until March. My phone, a PDA, needs to be replaced as it is a piece of shit (by piece of shit I mean, one, it is not an iPhone and, two, my space bar does not work). Last week I went to Verizon to replace it and they kindly told me Megs could switch her phone and but if I chose to select a new phone I would need to pay full price, which means even their customer service told me to get an iPhone. I imagine if I upgraded, to say the new touch screen Blackberry, that would not be a problem except that a Blackberry is not an iPhone.
Suggestions? (Other than get a life or do work instead of just being on Thanksgiving break).
The only question I need to ask: do I covet an iPhone to the degree I will allow myself to be economically raped by Verizon?
In order to get an iPhone, the new technological love of my life, I would need to break my contract with Verizon as I can do nothing with them until March. My phone, a PDA, needs to be replaced as it is a piece of shit (by piece of shit I mean, one, it is not an iPhone and, two, my space bar does not work). Last week I went to Verizon to replace it and they kindly told me Megs could switch her phone and but if I chose to select a new phone I would need to pay full price, which means even their customer service told me to get an iPhone. I imagine if I upgraded, to say the new touch screen Blackberry, that would not be a problem except that a Blackberry is not an iPhone.
Suggestions? (Other than get a life or do work instead of just being on Thanksgiving break).
Secretary of Education: Elisabeth Hasselbeck
Whoopi posed the following question to the women of The View today: If you had the opportunity to be part of Barack Obama's cabinet, what appointment would you like?
Hasselbeck initially responded that she would never be on Obama's cabinet. But added that if John McCain had won the election, she would like a position in education.
Hasselbeck initially responded that she would never be on Obama's cabinet. But added that if John McCain had won the election, she would like a position in education.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Sponsor Embarrassed by YCT
Texas A&M professor John Fike stepped down from his post as faculty adviser for the A&M chapter of the Young Conservatives of Texas. The reason: he is ashamed of the way the group behaves.
Following the group's anti-Obama rally where students were invited to toss eggs at a picture of Barack Obama, and after the circulation of a flier that pictured four A&M professors who signed a petition of support for Bill Ayers, Fike said that he had finally had enough. He says that the YCT's actions have, once again, embarrassed the university.
The chairman for the YCT chapter said that the group had already planned to drop Fike because he was an Obama supporter.
Following the group's anti-Obama rally where students were invited to toss eggs at a picture of Barack Obama, and after the circulation of a flier that pictured four A&M professors who signed a petition of support for Bill Ayers, Fike said that he had finally had enough. He says that the YCT's actions have, once again, embarrassed the university.
The chairman for the YCT chapter said that the group had already planned to drop Fike because he was an Obama supporter.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Earlier this year, Kanye West owned the Grammy's
Remember this: He said, "This is my house; I've set up camp here." Or something like that. Shortly thereafter, Vince Gill reminded everyone that the Grammy's are, in fact, bigger than Kanye, saying, "I was just awarded a Grammy by a Beatle [i.e. Ringo Starr]. Has this happened to you yet, Kanye?" Yes, Kanye, the Grammy's have a rich history beyond you.
Well, tonight at the American Music Awards, Kanye honored himself for "breaking new boundaries" and then announced the following:
"We will be the new Beatles!"
Well, tonight at the American Music Awards, Kanye honored himself for "breaking new boundaries" and then announced the following:
"We will be the new Beatles!"
Vatican Forgives John Lennon
According to Reuters, the Vatican has officially forgiven John Lennon for making a statement in 1966 that the Beatles were more famous than Jesus.
The Vatican's daily newspaper observed in an article yesterday that Lennon's remark "sounds only like a 'boast' by a young, working-class Englishman faced with unexpected success."
Yesterday was the 40th anniversary of the "White Album."
The Vatican's daily newspaper observed in an article yesterday that Lennon's remark "sounds only like a 'boast' by a young, working-class Englishman faced with unexpected success."
Yesterday was the 40th anniversary of the "White Album."
Friday, November 21, 2008
Appalled
Read this article in Self Magazine "Date rape cases still hard to win," and I bet everyone at the Situation will be as appalled as I am.
Open mouth, insert foot
A mayor of a small town in Australia has been awarded the country's yearly award for most outrageous, sexist comment for asking "ugly ducklings" to move to a remote mining town to reverse a shortage of eligible women. Here is what I want to know: does this man actually expect any woman to move to this town now?
The Post-Election Sarah Palin Chronicles: Thanksgiving Edition
And the incompetence continues....
After following the unique Thanksgiving tradition of pardoning two turkeys, though letting the rest suffer the fate of feast, Sarah Palin gives an interview.
Yet, showing the American people how well she knows her speaking situation, Palin speaks to a reporter while workers at the turkey farm kill turkeys in the background of the interview. According to Fox News in San Diego, Palin knew what was occurring in the background but chose not to shoot the interview at another location.
And to think, she could be our V.P. Elect.
As an FYI, I am on vacation in San Diego. I mean I am at our National Conference in San Diego. It is a hard-knock life, I know, but I will move forward.
After following the unique Thanksgiving tradition of pardoning two turkeys, though letting the rest suffer the fate of feast, Sarah Palin gives an interview.
Yet, showing the American people how well she knows her speaking situation, Palin speaks to a reporter while workers at the turkey farm kill turkeys in the background of the interview. According to Fox News in San Diego, Palin knew what was occurring in the background but chose not to shoot the interview at another location.
And to think, she could be our V.P. Elect.
As an FYI, I am on vacation in San Diego. I mean I am at our National Conference in San Diego. It is a hard-knock life, I know, but I will move forward.
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