Some Sites I Liked Today

Dick Cheney playing poker -- an oldie but a goodie.

Ricky Gervais podcasts -- funny, dry, funny, in that order.

Reason why I love the internets part 7,008.

Cabbage Based Stink Bomb

Could this possibly be worse than a group of hungry people sitting behind you at the Hollywood Bowl opening their homemade kimchi?

Every day since this incident, I thank God Almighty that the Hollywood Bowl is not enclosed.

Every. Day.

Reason #217 Why I Love the Internets

Perez Hilton and her photoshop contests. I dare say Star Jones will never be the same.

Happy Holidays

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Joyous Kwanza, Celebratory Solistice, Wonderful Winter, etc.

I'm planning on having a nice day with loved ones, family and friends. Later this week, my sister's getting married, then the new year follows and we begin again.

Here's to new days.

A Great Book Blog

If you love reading about books, head over to Jen's for a great assessment of what she's reading and recommending!

Blogger/Gay Porn Star Koo Koo Roo

When I reads posts like this one, I'm reminded why I love the internets.

I Spy...

a dictator...and so does the Rude Pundit.

Herr Presidente admitted to breaking the law to spy on his own citizens inside our own country? What more can this country withstand? If the terrorists don't do us in, these criminals "governing" our country will.

New York Times

Now, I love the Times as much as the next guy, but the fact that they took this crooked administration's word for it and delayed reporting on this most recent spying scandal for over a year is... well, it's inexcusable.

Perez Hilton

God, sometimes I just love photoshop.

Ford Does Right

Amen.

Take a moment.

Well, really, more like a Pinter Pause, by way of RudePundit.

Email Ford

Tell them what you think.

Other Ford Owned Companies to Boycott

Lincoln
Mercury
Mazda
Volvo
Jaguar
Land Rover
Astor Martin

If you buy the Mazda from the previous post, no money will be given to the Mazda company. It's a private transaction. ;-)

Ford Motor Co. is Homophobic

Under pressure from the american taliban -- The American Family Association -- Ford is pulling all advertising from gay publications. Go here to find out who at Ford you can share your thoughts with.

I had a Mustang until this January. It was a so-so car which got terrible terrible gas mileage. It was a lease and the leasing company was Wells Fargo, who, by the way, were complete and total assholes about the return of the car. So, overall, the Mustang experience was not a very positive one.

And now, I'll never consider buying or leasing a Ford again.

I do, however, suggest a lovely mini-cooper or a Miata...

Atwater Village

While doing something so vain as looking up "atwater village" on google to see if and when this wee blog would show, I stumbled across this helpful guide to the origins of southern california city and area names. For instance, Atwater Village was for early resident Harriet Atwater Paramore.

Who knew?

WTF

The White House has added coding to the white house site which prevents search engines, archiving and cacheing sites from keeping old versions of the site available.

Save Tookie

I think I'm in agreement with this.

Chuck Norris

And you thought you knew the guy.

Disgusted and Angry

Is now the time when most americans will rise up and say "enough"? The angry, partisan debate in the House last night and the response from pundits that called it out for what it was -- a cheap political opera intended to smear the opposition -- seems to indicate a monumental shift in the political winds. Is an era of accountability nearly upon us? Frankly, it couldn't happen soon enough.

Evolution

Hey, maybe Darwin was on to something. The NYTimes thinks so.

HABEAS CORPUS

In Brown v. Vasquez, 952 F.2d 1164, 1166 (9th Cir. 1991), cert. denied, 112 S.Ct. 1778 (1992), the court observed that the Supreme Court has "recognized the fact that`[t]he writ of habeas corpus is the fundamental instrument for safeguarding individual freedom against arbitrary and lawless state action.'

Republicans in the senate are trying to deny this most important right to the prisoners being unlawfully held at Gitmo.

Kevin Drum reveals one of the many reasons this is bringing ever more shame to this country.

I'm Not a Religious Man...

but I'll say a prayer for Helen.

Fallen Fruit

LA is rich with vegetation and a lot of it is fruit-bearing trees in public spaces. These trees can be picked and FallenFruit.org has the community and maps that will guide you to that ripe Avocado tree (ripe now!).

Melting the skin of children

A good point worthy of a read.

The Election

Looks like things are looking up...for some of us, at least.

Pig Fuckers

Maybe that doesn't even best describe them. The Republican lead House voted to approve $35billion in cuts to mostly poor people to offset (by only half) the $70billion tax cut directed at mostly rich people.

Two democats -- Landieu of LA and Nelson -- voted with the Republicans.

Have our leaders no shame?

You're either a man of your word or you're just a fuckin' liar

Yeah, that's it. I think Rude Pundit says it best.

New York Doesn't Smell Like Ass

And New Yorkers are perplexed.

Sing along if you know the words...I love New York...

Brown Humor in Red States

Well, not really. But, according to Atrios, The Onion was chastised for using the Presidential Seal in a story and, well, this is their decidedly undiplomatic response.

I guess The Onion can throw mud with the best of them.

2000+ Dead

Why?

Rosa Parks

Sarah Vowell on Ms. Rosa Parks.

Rosa Parks

God bless her soul. Proof that one person can make a difference. Speak out against injustice. A just voice will be hear and joined. Ms. Parks proved it.

Have You Seen a Celebrity?

Kyle's started a site. Why don't you play along?

Or perhaps, you'd rather talk about douchebags. Well, you can do that, too.

Walmart

JibJab takes a jab. You can save a little money in the short term and shop there or save a lotta money in the longterm and shop local.

Jeff is Cool

No, really.

Happy National Coming Out Day

Now, I'm not a big proponent of outing people with one exception: outing people who are actively trying to squash glbt civil rights. So, in honor of the day, meet these prominent gay republicans.

I wonder how they rationalize their actions. It's sad really.

An argument...

against user-created content.

Greensboro, NC

Just got back from Greensboro and not much can be said for this quaint little town. Well, it does have the historic Woolworth's where in the 1950s, brave activists sat down at the food counter and protested their policy of discrimination. It's said that this is one of the most important events of the Civil Rights Movement. I don't know if it's really one of the most important, but it certainly was important. In any case, it's all boarded up now and its windows contain blown up black and white pictures of seminal moments in the Civil Rights Movement.

Other than that, though, Greensboro has a nice college campus, a lot of churches, one gay bar (in the warehouse district, which no sane person would take a cab to or from) and the sidewalks pretty much roll up after dark, except on the weekends.

Also had a couple good pubs on Elm Street or just off it, but the bbq was absolutely horrendous. Ate at Stamies, across the the Greensboro Bowl, and it was like a scene from a David Lynch movie -- very very odd people dotted around and a waitress serving tasteless, cold shredded pork on paper plates. Gimme The Salt Lick any day!

An Auction

You might be interested if you ride a harley --

Progress...

Documented. It's steady and sometimes it's 2 steps forward one step backward and sometimes it's many steps backwards, but inevitably, it's forward. It takes boldness and courage and more and these two had it, in spades.

The Greatest

May be the greatest blog ever.

eh, or not.

Yahoo News

The concept of Kevin Sites' daily dispatches is so -- and I don't want to say groundbreaking -- comprehensive and unusual and seemingly right for this time. I don't know if he'll pull it off and I suspect he's very pleased with himself, but I'm guessing that this may be a site to go back to on a regular basis just to see if it is groundbreaking, a trainwreck or somewhere in between.

Color me intrigued.

Mike Marmer

Continue to make God laugh. You are loved.

Don Adams

RIP -- Maxwell Smart. The day ofthe birthday of one of the great writers of Get Smart -- my stepfather, Mike Marmer -- Don Adams moves on.

Now, almost the entire cast and crew are gone. Must make for quite a show up there.

Katrina

Bush rehires Brown to look into what went wrong with the federal response. What's next? A medal of freedom?

Eating in Chicago

Spent 6 days in Chicago and was really hoping for more spectacular fare. The chop house we ate at was only average, the sushi was less than average, but the Italian and the fast food rose to the occasion.

Details to follow.

Katrina

A most personal chronicle of the aftermath. Get tissue first. Then read.

Fuck

You know you want to. Click.

Duck Fetus

Deep End Dining gives us the lowdown...and, yes, it is fowl.

(oh, and be warned...
this
is
not
for
the
squeamish.)

Gays Banned from Catholic Church

It's time for some outings.

No Lessons Learned

The poor are fucked... again.

Support Planned Parenthood

http://www.ppsp.org/PledgePicket-index.asp"Here's how it works: You decide on the amount you would like to pledge for eachprotester (minimum 10 cents). When protesters show up on our sidewalks, PlannedParenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania will count and record their number each day from October 1 through November 30, 2005. We will place a signoutside the health center that tracks pledges and makes protesters fully aware that their actions are benefiting PPSP. At the end of the two-month campaign, we will send you an update on protest activities and a pledge reminder. "

The Administration

Is being revealed more and more...

Hooray for the Bay State

The Mass legislature has seen the light. After a year and 6,000 gay marriages, the people of the Bay State have determined that there is no ill effect from gay marriage. Go figure.

Maybe, the Governator will change his mind. Somehow, I doubt it.

Elway's Steakhouse

Denver plays host to a steakhouse owned by fomer Denver Bronco John Elway and, though, it has some issues, it serves amazing plates of meat. Between us, we had a NY strip, Prime Rib, Rib Eye and Filet. Two had their meat covered in some sort of "Elway" sauce made of crab cake and cream and cheese. Well not a light entre, still very lovely.

For me, the prime rib was as good as Lawry's.

What disappointed was the sides... we had asparagus, potato au gratin and creamed spinach. All paled in comparison to previous recent steakhouses.

That said, there was one dessert entre which commands mention: fresh baked chocolate chip cookies and milk.

All I can say: spectacular spectacular.

Eating in Denver

Last night, we ate at a restaurant called North in the Cherry Creek area of Denver. Think that's what the area is called. In any case, it was a big scale, urban Italian trattoria...and it was delish.

I started with a warm artichoke heart appetizer. It was grilled, topped with parmesan and drizzled with truffle oil and balsamic vinnegar. Truly, a great dish.

Moving on, for my main dish I had rissotto with seared scallops and asparagus. Though, each piece of rice was not distinct and not all al dente, it was seasoned spectacularly and the scallops were fantastic.

Michael had the osso bucco which was tender and tasty and Nikos had the seared duck, which was chewy. I won out on the meal.

For dessert, we split a tirra missou, cheesecake and sorbet. None of our choices were standouts, but the sorbet was better than the rest.

Overall, a good meal in a nice atmosphere with great service.

Tonight is steak...probably at Elways. Hope he can cook as well as he quarterbacked.

That Sounds About Right

Thousands die and Bush's friends end up making money of it.

Cheney, Go Fuck Yourself

Watch. Via crooks and liars.

USA or USSR

You decide. They will not be let away with this.

9/11 Anniversary

This weekend, Discovery is airing an original movie called THE FLIGHT THAT FOUGHT BACK. It's a pseudo-doc about flight #93 that crashed in rural Pennsylvania.

It's a moving tale told from the perspective of the family members of those on board the flight and what they think might have happened.

During this time, after Katrina, it's inspiring to see a story about regular every day people who took action.

Hopefully, with the most recent catastrophe behind us, we can look forward to a more proactive government...but, somehow, I doubt it.

Anyway, this doc -- narrated by Kiefer Sutherland -- is compelling.

Find out more about it here.

Gay Marriage in California

Via friends Mike and John August. Read, sign, support.


STEP ONE:
Call the Governor's office. In general, you'll reach a voice mailbox to express your support; if you get a busy signal or a full mailbox, try again later or just call a different office:
Statewide: 916-445-2841.
Fresno: 559-445-5295
Los Angeles: 213-897-0322
Riverside: 951-680-6860
San Diego: 619-525-4641
San Francisco: 415-703-2218

STEP TWO:
Sign the online petition for Equality California regarding this issue (click on "Take Action"). The petition will be delivered to Gov. Schwarzenegger next week.
http://www.eqca.org/siteapps/advocacy/index.aspx?c=9oINKWMCF&b=1022279

Government Lies

CNN has what the government said and what was really happening. Staggering.

A Story From NOLA

Read and weep.

A National Travesty

Read and if you're american, be ashamed. Then, do something.

Congressional Republican Response

I'm sorry, but this must be noted. How do the republican leaders want to first respond to the disaster continuing to unfold on the Gulf Coast? A permanent repeal of estate taxes.

Have they no shame?

Two Americas

John Edwards says it well. But, in the end, will it -- will we -- make a difference?

Watch Anderson Cooper...

as he doesn't take this fucking bullshit anymore. Here he's looking for answers.

Help Now

Give to the Red Cross. (not Pat Robertson)

Racism

Check out the racism in the coverage.

FEMA & Pat Robertson

Third on the list of charities to donate to is Pat Robertson's?

WTF?

Starbucks or Starfucks

Either might make you gay. A conservative woman's org wants to boycott Starbucks. Seriously, ladies, aren't there more important issues out there?

More Austin Food

BAR B CUE. BBQ. Yeah.

On Wednesday, we drove 22 miles out to The Salt Lick and, Lord, honey, it was worth it. This place -- this cavernous shrine to beef -- had heaping helpings of beef. All kinds of beef.

We shared family style, beek brisket, pork ribs, hot links, tri-tip, beans, potato salad, cole slaw and more beef. The pork ribs, I swear to God as my witness, had meat that fell of the bone and swan dived into your mouth. The brisket was so tender, it could have been taken as communion. The hot links surpised with juicy squirts of hot grease with every snapping bite.

And, then, the dessert. Blackberry cobbler and pecan pie. I opted for the pie slice which came more like pie size with a giant scoop of heavenly ice cream on top.

I did not eat dinner that night.

NEXT DAY, we went to Stubs for more bbq. I had -- recommended by many -- the pulled pork sandwich. The pork was sweet and musky and tender as all get out, but the bun must have descended from heaven. Great space, great service, great food. And, do order the onion rings, you will NOT be disappointed. However, that vegetable that looks like a gerkin is NOT a gerkin. It is hot and when you mistakenly bite into it, the juice the squirts out of it and on to the back of your throat is HOT. Be warned.

Sullivan's Steakhouse in Austin, TX

Last night had delightful meat meal in Sullivans. Room is warm and masculine and the service was quick and amiable. Started with a lovely and rich mushroom and truffle fondue. Thought it was too thin to start, but as it thickened, it became an inviting and warm way to begin.

Next up: the classic wedge. It came large, cold and covered in delicious blue cheese dressing. A success!

The main event: a petit filet with peppercorn sauce. The meat was heavenly seasoned and the peppercorn sauce was rich and biting and not too sweet. The sides we shared were creamed spinach and potato au gratin. Both the best we've had yet.

Creamed spinach, we've decided will be compared from city to city. Thus far, we have a winner: Sullivans.

Finally, we ended with chocolate raspberry soufle -- a light and sweet way to end a fine meal.

Circle Jerk Gets the War

Rude pundit perfectly describes the Bush Mandate.

Six Feet Under

RIP

A great show has, fittingly, died.

I haven't spoken to anyone who did not weep last night. It was all so real and touching.

Read the salon article about it.

And HBO has obits.

Tamales

There's a great mouth-watering story at The Left Coaster that has me thinking of my tamale man.

I live in Atwater Village, a small part of greater LA that has it's fair share of Latinos (but what part of the city, state and country doesn't?). In any case, every Sunday, one man drives every street very slowly in his bullhorn-equipped car and every 20 seconds or show, he shouts over his bullhorn "Tamales".

And I haven't once bought one. Next time, I will.

Food Blogging

As it turns out, it looks like I'll be travelling for 3 days a week for the next six weeks. In fact, I just hit San Francisco and soon I'm off to Austin, Boston, Memphis, Denver and Chicago with probable repeat visits to Chicago and Memphis. And, all on the company's dime...which mean's good meals in good eatin' towns. So, what's an itinerant blogger to do but blog about food.

Unfortunately, I just thought of it today, so we'll miss out mostly on San Francisco...excpet to say I had two lovely meals in Beldin Alley (down Nob Hill, near Chinatown). This is a wee alley that's crammed with 5 or 6 great cafes. First, we ate at Pleuth -- famous for its mussels -- and it did not disappoint. The next day, we ate (and mostly drank) after a long day of work at Cafe Tiramisu. We had amazing ravioli dishes -- one with goat chese and mushrooms, which was absolutely sublime and another with lobster and crabmeat which was somewhat less so. But, then, the kicker was the dessert. You would think that a place called Cafe Tiramisu would make a good Tiramisu and in this case, you would be RIGHT. Stunning, light, little lady fingers from heaven. That's what they were.

Next up will be Austin, where we hope to have some good bbq and I hope to have pics and stronger details to follow.

Tonight's the Night

Happy Birthday Carl!

Should be quite the fete...

Details and pics to follow in the days ahead.

More on Iraq

Is the Pentagon planning on adding several brigades to Iraq this fall? Read the note.

Anti-War

Well, I am. I would think most people are. But you wouldn't really still know that by what's going on in the country. Still, though, the mood of the country seems to be shifting. Was it necessary to go to war against a country that was not a threat? Almost 2,000 americans have died, scores of thousands of Iraqis have died, more than 200 billion dollars spent and all for what? Looks like the only ones who have benefitted have been the Haliburtons of the world. Can anyone show anything or anyone else who's benefitted?

Watch the new Green Day anti-war video here.

Happy Birthday

Thanks to my parents, step-parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, sister, boyfriend and friends, I somehow, against all the odds, am still alive and am not typically described as an undecent person.

Don't know how that happened, but I'm grateful to all who have shaped me in one way or the other to help make me who I am today.

Hopefully, I'll continue to grow.

Posted with love.

WTF

The pentagon is planning a military march on 9/11 to commemorate the 4th anniversary of the attacks? Are they insane?

Disrespect

Why won't the president meet with Cindy Sheehan? What's he afraid of? This is isn't the first time and I suspect it won't be the last time that I say, "Shame on you". At long last, sir, have you no decency? This woman would like you to explain why his son gave his life for your war.

Remember Hiroshima

Not sure if this link will work or not; if it doesn't visit today's NY Times op-ed page and consider.

David Shaw

L.A. Times writer and gourmand David Shaw passed away this week. Few writers could match his skill in interpreting media or food and wine. He was a great voice in Los Angeles and the world. He will be missed.

Bush and Cheney Indicted

Posted without comment (via Billmon).

Ok, one comment: I seriously doubt it, but, boy, wouldn't it be both sweet and depressing?

2000 Dead

"Coalition" forces. Where are the protests? Where's the outcry?

Remember this war was "marketed" after August 2002 as a way to end Saddam Hussein's threat to America. The threat was described in various ways as being imminent, nuclear, chemical and otherwise. All proven lies. When the lies came out, the reason to go to war -- once we were fighting -- changed with every month.

All who remain silent are just as guilty as those who led this country into war and kept it there.

There is a collective shame to be shared.

Oy

There's a new master plan for the magnificent Griffith Park...and if you think Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi" is a paean to paving paradise, then you'll like this plan.

If maybe you cherish the park and want to keep it as natural as possible, it's time to speak out.

Two Steps Forward...

California honors equal rights. It's a good day to be a Californian!

Labor

The movement is definitely going thru a major transition in this country. Who knows if it will be good or bad...but this guy is doing good, nonetheless.

Deep End Dining

I listened to food blogger/writer (aren't we over the difference? isn't blogger and writer the same?) Eddie Lin on KCRW's Good Food this morning (so, sue me. it's on the radio when I come out of my saturday yoga class, which, btw, was absolutely on fire this morning -- and, yes, I am somewhat of a California cliche -- again, so sue me.) and color me a fan!

Great writing, good comedy, eccentric dining.

Take a peek at this one entry and become a fan.

Repeat After Me

What are you trying to hide?

As usual, the rude pundit breaks it on down and tells us what we should be asking...and not a moment too soon.

So, join me, why don't you?

What. Are. You. Trying. To. Hide?!

Ribbit Redux

Any more ribbits and we should be looking for a fairy tale prince. Sadly, this is no fairy tale; it's reality and our country has been hurt by it. Those responsible are paying and will continue to pay dearly. There's no tax cut on this, darlin'.

Rove's Resume

Ok, well, so what. Most of my posts recently have been about the one-who-shall-be-frogmarched. So, sue me. (Thank God for Tort reform.)

It looks like Auntie Karl may be looking for a new job soon and somebody at Kos has helped him with his resume.

Take a look.

Repuglican Rovian Talking Points

Debunking them here.

Schandenfreude

Ok, well, there is some joy in mudville.

Is it Just Rove

Or is the bigger story really about the coverup of false evidence leading up to the war in Iraq? Josh Marshall asks the pertinent questions.

Drip. Drip. Drip.

Choo Choo

The Turd Blossom Express has reached it's final stop. Question is: Is there one frog-marched passanger or many? Details to follow gradually and then all of a sudden (to paraphrase Gatsby).

Release the Gates

The flood waters are coming and it is not going to be pretty...but it is justified.

Raising Corn

And lambasting the cowed media and the soon-to-be-frogged Karl Rove -- via Atrios.

Ribbit

Now that Karl Rove has been fingered -- and i'm sure not for the first time, but usually it takes two or three fingers or a full fist -- his frog march shall commence shortly.

Though, he may be in criminal and political trouble, rest assured even when he disappears from the front, he'll still be pulling strings behind the scenes as long as Cheney's in the Oval office. Ah, I mean dubya.

Fair and Balanced?

Not really.

Insensitive? Why yes.

Motherfuckers

What can you say? At least 40 dead and 350 injured.

May the injured get well soon and the dead rest in peace.

More on the Fourth

A day late and probably more than a buck short, but this insightful essay will get you to think about where we came from, where we are now and where we're going.

It's worth a read.

Costa Rica

I have finally gotten around to finding a photo hosting site that's easy to use and free -- buzznet.

And I found it by rightclicking on Franklin Avenue's pics -- so, kudos and thanks to them, I am now more picture and pixel friendly.

Huzzah.

Monkey See

Monkey do.

A Costa Rican Sloth

He comes down the tree once a week to relieve himself. Well, at least he's regular.

Horsing Around

Contrary to popular belief, these weren't nay-sayers.

Tom Cruise

He so silly.

Paint Ourselves Blue and Grunt Like Pigs

Happy Independence Day, yet again. Now, instead of celebrating the machinations of war, perhaps we can look at the story from a fresh angle. Let us honor those that suffered and those that gave their lives so that we could be more free (work with me, this hasn't happened a helluva lot recently -- don't get me wrong, people are suffering and people are dying but unfurtunately not in the cause of freedom) by celebrating the attempt (any attempt) to prevent future wars and, what the hell, try to stop the current ongoing ones.

People are dying.

Happy Independence Day

Is it time to reread the Declaration of Independence? Yes.

Oh Canada y Viva Espana

Well, at least two countries are heading in the right direction...equal marriage rights for all people! Wow, what a concept! Oh, and look, the Lord God hasn't yet struck them down, the rivers have not dried up, the sun has not disappeared. Simply, people who love each other who are adults and of the same sex can now marry each other.

I thought I loved Spain before, but now, oh, Lord, honey, let me in. (Ah, I'm sure that I should probably rephrase that.)

As for Canada, I never really loved it or hated it; I was ambivalent. Though, I did once have a nice week in Toronto and did drive across a bit of it to go from Niagra Falls to Chicago (i think) on a cross country drive from Boston to L.A. Anyway, I like Canada now too. So, bully for them.

The Duke is Puke

Josh Marshall has been all over the story. It's quite possible, as I said to my good friend (digitally, natch) Gary this weekend, that this and the Rove thingy will bring down the administration.

Start reading about it here, here, here, here, here, here...

More on Froggy

Rove's lawyer is a big fat lying liar.

Gosh, will surprises never cease?

To celebrate, I think I'll go to karaoke at Akbar tonight. Not that you care or that it really has anything to do with the above, it's just that I feel like I need to link to local places from time to time. Maybe more so. Am actually, of narrowing my focus...but probably won't.

Alas.

Frog March

More than a year ago, Joseph Wilson talked about how he looked forward to watching Karl Rove be frogmarched out in front of the world for exposing his wife Valerie Plame as a spy.

Well, it seems that Karl should be getting fitted for a frog suit soon...but will he be arrested for perjury, for consipiracy, or for treason? Does this case only involve the outing of Plame or does it have something to do with forged documents from the buildup of fake evidence to support the illegal and unholy (soon to be holy) war?

Billmon speaks. You listen.

Sandra Day O'Connor Traitor?

Well, this is a different perspective that I haven't seen too much of from the left side of the aisle...and I gotta say there's some truth to it. If only she had stood up and not appointed Bush as President (with the other 4 felons), the country would certainly be in a better place today.

Check out the The Left Coaster.

The Muppets

They make funny "journalists".

Don't be a dick

What's wrong with Dick?

Repuglicans Flailing

Yes, I was disturbed by Rove's recent rants, but people like James Wolcott have eased my mind.

Now, if we can only get the inmoral thiefs and killers out of power before it's too late.

Counterfeit Mini?

Slap Him!

Happy Father's Day

Mike Marmer and Norman.

Star Wars Unravelled

Unholy captions caught on a pirated chinese version of the sith!

Gay Pride Weekend

It's gay pride weeekend in Los Angeles -- has it been a year already? -- and my friends and I are planning our annual celebration of being honest and true to ourselves. How do we celebrate? Living our lives openly, without fear. Every day. This weekend, though, we do it for all the kids out there who are gay, but are afraid to come out.

Kids like Zach from Tennesee. Zach is 16 and was afraid to come out for 3 years, but just recently came out to his family at the end of May. His parents did not react as one would hope and Zach is blogging about it.

Read about his ongoing experience and challenges and show your support here.

Meanwhile, happy gay pride this weekend and every day.

The Rude Pundit

some of what he says....

"Republicans are vile cocksuckers who deserve nothing less than to be shit on by legions of diarrhea-ridden cows. They have fucked up the Congress, the Presidency, the judiciary, and the world. Now why should I play nice with those goddamn evil powermad assholes like Tom DeLay?" And then the fun started, with Bill O'Reilly, who really ought to be sodomized with a microphone...

read it all...

more of this please...

..."only have 1 shirt to give to my country"

More of this today, please.

White Ho

Tee hee, via atrios.

Costa Rica

Just returned from my first trip to the central american country. Very briefly, it may just be the most beautiful land in the world. Lush green tropical forrests meet up with warm, clear, gorgeous oceans and clean sandy beaches. I watched monkeys swing from tree to tree, sloths hang high in the sky, vultures do their god-given thing, "Jesus Christ" lizzards, getkos, crabs and more...and with very little effort. The sky was always a mix of ominous clouds and shattering blue, the weather was humid and warm and the people could not have been nicer. It takes six hours by plane from L.A., and should be visited. The rainy season ends in October. More to come... pics to follow soon!

American Torture

The Poor Man has something to say about it and Amnesty's Report and you should read it and you should make your friends and family read it.

Iraq not going so hot

Ah, wtf? Just when you thought our leaders couldn't fuck up more, well, ah, they did.

Product Placement in Political Commercials

Yep, you read right. Via slumdance, in Arnold's commercials, there is obvious product placement going on. (See a screengrab at slumdance)

Both our political financing and commerical marketing worlds have finally lost their reason.

I mean, hats off to the water marketers who went for it, but, really, the governor's people should know better..

Open Source Commerce

Kos is all for it and so am I. A revolution has begun and like many others, it can be empowering.

I love the idea of a tshirt company using designs submitted by visitors. However, if all profits go to the company, where's the empowerment? Instead, if they set it up like a consignment shop or even with something like an affiliate program, then I think they'd be onto something.

Man Date

To Lose Count...

is to lose your humanity.

It's Memorial Day weekend. Remember

Housekeeping

Yes, I'm trying to get a better handle on adding pics. And yes I'll be adding links, too, shortly. For somebody who supposedly works in the online world, it takes a lot of effort to actually move some simple things forward. Improvements to come though...

Sabrina

Tactical Victory

By far, the best description and fullest understanding of what happened tonight in the US Senate comes from Steve Soto. In a nutshell, the right wing zealots of the republican party look like the thugs that they are and the democrats look like rational compromising leaders. Oh, and when the zealots try to invoke their self-named nuclear option again -- and it will happen and it will happen with a supreme court nomination -- which side of the aisle do you think the majority of americans will support? The thug side or the rational side?

At last, the democrats are playing chess and they're playing it to win. Short term don't mean shit and Harry Reid, Howard Dean and the rest have finally made the party open its eyes to it.

To borrow a slogan from the Bush campaign (and Herbert Hoover campaign), a corner has been turned. This time, though, it favors the country.

Conscience

A simple act thereof. Would you or I be that brave? One would hope so.

Republican Values

Ah, I guess if you were a leader in the Catholic church or a formerly black king of pop, this would be good.

Media

This week, they have to decide, are they on the right side of history or not.

Mayor Tony

Only because I can't yet spell his name. In time...

Anyhow, consensus is that Tony will be quite the uniter. Throughout the campaign, I felt like he was laying low, hiding out and just letting Hahn kill himself. I voted for him and think he has a lot of potential. Hope he does bring us together.

He can't really touch the schools, so here's my ever so brief list of things I'd like to see happen in his term:

1. More police and more community policing. The more they're out there (and not just at Astro Family Restaurant, which apparently is their commisary -- at least in the Northeast division), the more the neighborhood will know and trust them and less crime there will be. It's simple. (And, of course, Roe v. Wade has something to do with crime prevention, but that's a different story for a different time).

2. Stop the fucking bullshit obstacles to smart transit planning. Nothing (NOTHING) irritates me more and stands as a more powerful symbol than the fact that one of our city's relatively new light rail lines goes near the airport, but not all the way. The local government caved to special interests by not allowing it to go all the way to the airport. Caving to things like this is cowardly and ends up wasting billions of dollars? Don't agree? Have you ever taken that lightrail toward the airport? Ever?! Know anyone who has? Case closed.

Addendum to 2. Extend light rail on exposition, to the east side, continue to incentivize high density mixed use housing in public transit corridors, add bike lanes and let's see Tony taking the Gold line to work. He lives in Mt. Washington. Come on!

3. Speak the truth. It's hard, but I have faith.

Time will tell. Good luck, Mayor Tony.

Democratic Nazis?

When will the so-called leaders who speak for the republican party be held accountable? When will the rest of the country wake up and realize that the country that they have just awoken in is no longer the country the fell asleep in?

Wake the fuck up!

Stop hitting the freakin snooze!

Wrong

I came home from work tonight, pet the dog, took off my shoes, undid my belt, took out a bucket of trader joe's hummus, removed the lid, drowned one of those damned ugly motherfuckin long-legged spiders in the kitchen sink and promptly shovelled not one but four tablespoonfuls of hummus into my hummus hole. Not pretty. And, while doing it, I wondered if I should have been, I don't know, less callous about killing said long-legged spider and eating without skipping a beat. I mean, it was alive and now it's not and all because they freak me out ever more than slightly. Now, I doubt I'll sleep, as I'll lie there in my so-old-it's-hammocklike bed knowing without a shadow of a doublt that said spider's brethren will launch a premeditated retaliatory attack on my and my peeps as soon as slumber sets in. Fuckin spider.

Bush Backgrounder

Watch and ponder.

Global Warming

Though the current US federal government doesn't seem to think it's an issue, a bipartisan coalition of mayors (representing 29 million people in the US) seem to disagree and are acting to honor the Kyoto Agreement in their hometowns.

Who'd a thunk it? Maybe there is hope.

The Simpsons...

have been outsourced and couldn't be funnier.

Take Action

The right wing is trying to mount a campaign to get Kraft to stop sponsorship of the gay games. Well, that doesn't sound to neighborly like to mama. So, take action and show your support of Kraft!

What Would Ike Think?

Ah, not so much...

John Kerry

In the end, it may be good for the country that Kerry wasn't elected. I guess it the onus on Bush. Hopefully, the severe decline will not result in -- forgive me, Michael Stipe -- the end of th world as we know it. Then, again, I may be too hopeful. Regardless, it seems that Kerry still can't commit to what's right -- rather than what's politically expeditious.

Oh well.

Barbara Bush

I'm not a big fan, but, well, this is damn funny.

Gay Sperm Donors

The FDA says no way.

Oh, and if you're gay, you still can't give blood to the Red Cross, serve the US in the military, get married to your partner (except in Massachussetts), visit your sick partner in the hospital (some states have "visitation rights", most do not) and the list goes on and on.

Apartheid is alive and well, flourishing in the U S A.

GLBT people are asking for special rights; we're asking for the same rights.

Holocaust Remembrance Day

In the time of Darfur, dare I remind, Never Forget.

Now, Back to our regularly scheduled war

Ah, was the Iraq war waged to establish democracy in the mideast? Ah, not really. Ah, not even close. So, why do they say that was the reason now? Because they are liars.

Inuendo, Gypsy, Tramps and Thieves

My spring of live music continues!

Last night, I watch my coworker, the incomparable, Erick Burdette (Burdettte!) jam with his band, Inuendo, at -- of all places -- the Hard Rock Cafe at the Beverly Center. First of all, who knew they actually had live music?! Secondly, wow. Erick rocked. The amazingly tight band thrilled the crowd. Somebody sign them up. That good.

Now, tonight, my friend Steve just rang me and told me that he had an extra ticket to Cher's final performance (final final or just another semifinal final? time will tell.) at the Hollywood Bowl. Can't pass that up...I'd have to turn in my queer card and, frankly, it's not worth it.

So, reports on Cher tomorrow!

Bush and Abdullah

A mandate, indeed and in practice (via atrios).

Happy Passover

If you're like me and you live with an Irish Catholic boyfriend, you might find this amusing.

Special thanks to John for pointing it in my direction.

The Nuclear Option

Republicans are losing the publicity battle over their threat to end fillibusters in the Senate. If they end this 200+ year tradition of checks and balances, it will both be another sad day for democracy in this country and it will not poll well. They know it and are trying to change the language being used nationally to talk about. In fact, Josh Marshall has discovered that the republicans are saying that democrats are the ones who call it the "nuclear option".

Is this true? Well, in a word: no.

Josh has more about it here.

And still more about it here, here and here.

I think my favorite idea is to call it the "cry baby option." I think that summarizes their goals pretty fairly.

Microsoft Abandons Gay Community

Yes, Microsoft has withdrawn support for a Washington state gay rights bill.

Isn't it time you downloaded firefox?

Isn't it time you embraced open source?

The New Pope

Ugh.

Not a bad rap

Even though Hilary may be a senator from NY, it doesn't take a village in the city. It takes a minion.

Brawny

I guess this gives a whole new meaning to the "quicker picker upper"...

L.A. Rails

Atrios highlights an article in today's Times...and, I along with hundreds others, had to comment...

Adding light rail back to Los Angeles -- already happening -- is leading to redevelopment along the lines being developed. This is the only way Los Angeles will grow intelligently. Without it, L.A. will still grow into a massive headache-induced traffic jam.

And one other note, L.A., indeed, did have the most extensive light rail system in the country, if not the world. In the 40s and 50s, Rubber, Oil and Auto companies consipired to ruin the light rail in the city and, thus, citizens had no choice but to turn to cars. So, street cars weren't just "disappearing" at the time that interstate highways were being built, they were forced out.

It makes me sick to this day that L.A. once had this great system and it was destroyed. It will take billions of dollars to rebuild it, but it is the only way to make this second largest city in the country more livable.

Cell Phones and Telemarketing

Cell phone numbers will soon be made available to telemarketers. If you do not want to be getting pitched on your cell phone (unless it's a writer/producer with a killer idea), get on the DO NOT CALL LIST.

Darfur

Sixty years ago the concentration camp in Bergen-Belson was liberated.

Implored to never forget, we do not forget...but do we apply the lessons from the past to the here and now?

Sadly, only when convenient or when there is something to gain.

Somethings...

defy description.

Help

Read.

Feh

Sometimes you hope it's all a dream and that our government is again formed of the people, for the people, by the people. And, sometimes as Yuval says, you could just scream.

Throw the Jew Down the Well

Sometimes, in this country, it doesn't take a village. It takes a bar full of village idiots .

Go here and scroll down til you find the "Throw the Jew Down the Well" video.

It's both funny -- hilarious, really -- and scary -- really scary.

Starve the Beast

The starving continues unabated while the rich get richer.

Hope the people wake up before it's too late...

Tonight

What a fruitful night for me. I was going to pop out for a few libations at Akbar, but, instead, decided crabily to stay home alone.

I'm so glad. Mama needed a break!

Dying

There's a lot to be said for dying and the rituals that do and often do not follow. This new editorial in the NY Times claims that we've abandoned the rituals or replaced them with trivial new ones.

I don't think I agree. I think we just continue to evolve. However, that said, I do think it's critically important for those most griveing to see their loved one dead. Anyone who has can honestly say that they are no longer there.

Whatever happens when you die, whatever spirit - however you define it -- leaves. There's no other way to describe it really. It's weird, disturbing, sad and freeing. And more.

So, read this (if it links) and think about it.

Richard Perle

Architect of the failed war in Iraq said this:

"There is reason to believe that we were sucked into an ill-conceived initial attack aimed at Saddam himself by double agents planted by the regime. And as we now know the estimate of Saddam's stockpile of weapons of mass destruction was substantially wrong."

You can't make this shit up.

Steve Gilliard has the revolting details...or would that be the insurgent details.

Yes, insurgent. They -- the Iraqis fighting the invaders in Iraq are the insurgents. Yes.

Apparently, War is Peace. Who knew, other than Orwell?

Why I love Billmon

"I mean, what's the point of pouring a bottle of salad dressing on a rancid old ham like Pat Buchanan? You could dump a barrel of Roquefort on the guy, and he'd still taste like shit. And even a ton of vanilla custard and whipped cream wouldn't cover up the bitter aftertaste of a decaying old sectarian like Horowitz." Read it all.

And we never ate there...

Merely a few blocks away from our little atwater casa, Algemac's is now gone.

What's next? Astro? I don't know what I'd do without Astro.

The Republican Pope

Not quite. The Left Coaster has the eye-opening story and, surprise surprise, it's not really being covered by the so-called Liberal Media.

Concert Notes

Saw U2 on tuesday at the Staples Center. It was the fourth or fifth time I've seen ....2nd at Staples and it was truly magnificent. I got high off the people around me and what they were smokin'. Even still, the music and the show was magical. If you ever have the chance to see U2, you must go.

Monday, I'm off to see Garbage. There was a great article in the LA Times today about the band, but I'm too lazy to link to it. Suffice to say, I'm dying to get the new album and was asking around today for downloads, to no avail.

One non-concert note: damn, the Killers album just rocks. Almost every song off it is just really great. Add that to my list, too. And on that note, I freakin' love the Green Day album, too. It can do no wrong.

More LA Radio News

K-SURF, the ever-changing AM radio station based in Beverly Hills (of all places), is now trying all comedy on for style. It's been show tunes, it's been serial radio shows from the first half of the 20th century, it's been lite radio, it's even often been dark -- off the air.

Now, comedy tonight! Ok, boys, let's see if this one sticks.

More Liberal LA Radio

Yep, there's more. The backlash has created a backlash. (again from atrios -- where else?)

Fucking Hypocrites

Each one must be dragged out of the closet and held to account for their hypocrisy.

Attention must be paid.

Big Pussy

Oh, dear, first he beats his girlfriend and then tries to remove her completely from his site.

The indignity.

What an asshole. He should be whacked.

Well, he has been digitally. A blogger kept a record. God bless the web.

Gay & Asian

That's not me. It's my old friend (and getting older) and former colleague, Cuong. Check out his interesting perspective on the world and our times.

Oh, and thanks for din-din, Cuong. If you haven't been to Cha Cha Cha (formerly Confete, formerly La Fabula and formerly something else before that) in WeHo, do check it out. It's good; though, our waiter was from hell.

Maybe better to check ou the Cha Cha Cha on Virgil in Silver Lake.

Arrested Development

Only we, the viewers, can save it for a third season. Come celebrate with me the brilliance of the show. Go here and tell a friend.

After all, it's OK to get Arrested.

My Friend Kevin

He's in charge of enterainment at Bolt.com and is fabulously out and proud young black man.

What makes this fact great is that he shares his point of view with teens and tweens (hate that word, but you get the point) and exposes them to a rational every day perspective that just so happen also happens to come from a gay black guy.

Little things like that make this kookie world a better place.

Dick

Now, I have penis envy.

A Series of Refinery Fires

Am I the only one to notice that there have been a series of refinery fires over the past couple years. Today, another fire killed at least 14 in Texas.

I don't have access to news archives at the moment, but I don't think these are coincidences.

I could be wrong, but knowing our current government's preference for coverup, the woeful lack of security enhancements after 9/11 and much of the world's hatred for our country, it just seems that something bigger is going on.

Thoughts?

San Diego Catholic Officials

Apparently have seen the light. Miracles do happen.

When the Christian Right Speaks...

George Bush jumps.

In the past four and a quarter years, Bush has taken many, many, many vacations. Of the dozens he has taken, how many would you say he has ended early? There've been plenty of reasons to end them early...warnings of imminent attacks, natural disasters, war, genocide, you name it.

None of those moved him to end a holiday. But, finally, this past weekend, something did. It's unbelievable. Now, that's our moral leader.

Schiavo Talking Points

This is so sad. This poor woman is apparently living helplessly and without hope, with little dignity, and her husband sought to end her life to give her and her family some sense of peace.

The parents fought long and hard to keep her alive, but state courts have ruled in favor of the husband. And, now, Congressional Republicans come in to save her life because all life is sacred to them -- unless, of course, you're on death row. Then, you're life -- not sacred.

In any case, this doesn't seem to be the real motivating factor. Surprise Surprise. Here are the actual talking points that they circulated this past weeked. Prepare to be unsurprised yet still sickened.

Oh, and when Bush was Governor of Texas, he signed into a law that made it possible for hospitals to end the lives of people on life support if they didn't have the means to continue to pay for it...

So, I guess amend the earlier statement to say that Republicans value all lives with the exception of those who are poor and on life support or who are on death row. Now, that's compassionate conservatism.

Sabrina!

Results of the Rain...Oy!

Carl watching the Raging L.A. River during one of the recent Biblical Storms.

Brunch after a long, fun evening a long time ago...

Salvation

An Amazing Dog

You just gotta see it to believe it.

The Right To Die

Why does this issue keep coming up for me? Strange days, indeed.

I don't have a living will -- and neither does Carl -- but I think that even though I know my mother and sister would not want me to live as the sick woman in Florida has been forced to live by her parents and the Florida government, it's still in my best interest to make a living will...for everyone to make a living will.

Kos has a good post about the Florida case and what the American people think about all this here.

Here's a site that can help you write a living will (no endorsement implied).

Dad

Read this fitting tribute to a Dad.

Gay Biz Owner Denied Catholic Funeral

So, what? If you're gay, Catholic and die in San Diego, apparently the only way you can get a Catholic funeral is if you're a priest? Sadly this is not unbelievable.

Farm Subsidy Cuts

What, on the surface, would seem like a good thing -- Bush's budget proposal to slash spending on Farm subsidies that largely goes to help, you guessed it, big corporations and not the little guy -- is now being turned on it's ear by republican senators, who, instead, now want to...

Wait for it...

Here it comes...

And it's not exactly shocking -- more par for the course...

They want to maintain the subsidies and slash spending on food stamps and childhood nutritional plans.

The LeftCoaster has more.

Bruce Daniels

Bruce's stand-up comedy career has really taken off. He opens for Margaret Cho around the world and has now been singled out my one of my favorite bloggers ever -- Atrios.

Go Bruce!

The Right To Die

Some time ago, I wrote about a Right to Die case in Boston in which my friend Gary was the attorney representing the family. In this case, the patient has Lou Gherig's disease and the family did not want her to die, but the hospital claimed it was cruel to keep the patient on life support.

Well, it seems the case has been resolved to the mutual satisfaction of the family and the hospital.

Gary and the lawyers for the hospital -- Mass General -- are under a gag order for the next week, but I would be very interested to find out.

A sidenote about Gary -- he's a therapist and a lawyer practicing both disciplines in the Boston area. And is a man of great integrity. More about Gary here.

As usual, Gary, it sounds like you did good.

What if you went on a date with Reichen?

You know, the gay winner of The Amazing Race... Well, somebody did and wrote about it.

Heh.

Frank Rich

How much do I love him? I am actually thrilled that he's coming back to the Times Op-Ed page!

Today's another reason why.

And, while I'm at it, I have not yet heard the Aristocrat (spoilers within link) joke (I don't think), but I am positively vibrating with anticipation. It just can't possibly be as funny as what I hope for. Can it? I hope I'm surprised.

Update: Ok, I broked down and watched South Park Version and...it's disgusting.

Disgustingly funny.

The Late Revolver

We met so many of our friends and had so much of a good time over the many years at Revolver, that it's almost hard to write about. Revolver closed down last July and will eventually become another bar -- I hear it will be East West Lounge -- but, in its time, it was THE best gay bar to go to in L.A. It had a great crowd, played the best music and had a team of editors who created the standard in hilarious videos.

One of these guys was Dan-o-rama, who wasn't there long and is now quite busy editing for the world. Today, by accident, I stumbled across Dan-o-rama and his site (via the fabulous PageSixSixSix) and one of his landmark videos.

You gotta see it to enjoy it. It will give a brief, fleeting feeling of the fun & heady times we all had at the Revolver.

Meanwhile, rumor has it that certain well-loved foreign bartenders from Revolver -- along with a video producer -- may be reconvening at another watering hole somewhere in the greater L.A. metropolis. They aren't over the hill. Well, they aren't figuratively. Literally, may be another matter. But, alas, I may have said too much already.

Details of the happy reunion to come over the next few weeks. Also, more about what Revolver meant to so many people in the weeks and months to come.

Stay tuned.

Minimum Wage Being Destroyed

The new Minimu Wag bill making its way thru congress seems like it may be a good thing, but, typically, it's not what it looks like.

If only we could go back to the good old early part of the 20th century when immigrants were crammed into padlocked dirty rooms, working for a pittance, often at the risk of death -- Triangle Shirt Company anyone...

Nathan Newman finds:

"Licensing Sweatshops: While a $1.10 per hour minimum wage increase by itself would help 1.8 million workers, Santorum includes a poison bill exempting any business with revenues of $1 million or less from regulation -- raising the exemption from the current $500,000 level.

"The upshot: while 1.2 million workers could qualify for a minimum wage increase, another 6.8 million workers, who work in companies with revenues between $500,000 and $1,000,000 per year, would lose their current minimum wage protection."

It's another sick and twisted attempt to fatten the rich cats at the expense of the lower classes (Yes, I am sounding a bit more strident today, but it's really starting to piss me off.).

The Crooked Deal

Republicans are rolling back taxes, corporate regulations and individual rights and we -- the majority of the country who will be negatively affected by this -- need to come up with a short, sweet way to frame it.

And somebody at dailkos has:

The Crooked Deal.

Make it a point to include it in all your conversations about the current political situation in America and watch it take hold.

Our Leaders are Morally Bankrupt

Nothing new, just worse. The new bankruptcy law going through congress is designed to give more protection to corporations and the rich and less protection for normal midlde class and lower middle class and lower still (including the elderly and veterans).

It's disgusting. It's shameful. And several democratic senators have been supporting it.

A particularly enlightening and detailed description, found here, should stir you to action.

Unforgetable

I know I have not posted frequently the last week or so -- I've been swamped.

Tonight, I found a moment because I've been moved. Read why.

Why I love the East Side

Well, ok, I'm not really on the east side of L.A -- rather the east side of the West Side of L.A. Those who live here call it the east side and those who really live on the east side, mock us. Oh, well.

In any case, I haven't been to these regular events, but I can't wait to start dropping in.

It's right across the street from that fabulous new Vietnamese place, Gingergrass and just steps away from one of the coolest and best staffed record stores in L.A., Rockaway.

And I can walk or ride my bike to all in a matter of minutes. I likey!

Super

Funny.

When is it time to end a life?

...and who makes that decision? If somebody is chronically ill and deteriorating, not able to care for themself or even speak or communicate, who knows what the right course of action is?

The family?

The hospital?

It would seem that the family would be more likely to let emotional attachments interfere with seemingly logical actions, while a hospital may let economics interfere with compasionate actions.

As sicker and sicker people are kept alive, where does society draw the line and who is the final arbiter of that line?

My friend Gary in Boston is representing a family going through such a crisis.

Personally, when my stepfather was dying, I found most of the so-called healthcare workers at the hospital where he died to be careless and uncaring, it would not surprise me at all that a hospital would opt for the course which would cost them less money and free up a bed. That said, if a family member of mine lay in a coma, unable to communicate, deteriorating with no hope of survival, I would be inclined to let them go as peacefully as possible.

Any thoughts?

Torture at Home?

Not that the heinous crimes committed in Iraq by Americans wasn't bad enough, it now seems more evident that the same type of behavior -rightly condemned by the rest of the civilized world, including the US when it happens in foreign countries - is happening here.

Read about it then speak out.

Roofer

With the biblical rains continuing, our old casita is taking a bit of a pounding. On early Saturday morning - 2ish - I awoke to a l eak...on my head. The bed was moved instantly and the leak has moved gruadually...and gotten larger. And, naturally, no roofers returned any calls today during the brief break between deluges.

So...can anyone recommend a good southern california roofer? Please? Or an a good arc builder?

Republican Goals

An epiphany, really.

I think I've come up with a simple summary:

Republicans will do anything, including pandering to the right wing crazies and religious nuts, in order to remain in power for the purpose of dismantling all programs that strive to level the playing field so that they may derive additional benefits for only themselves and he members of the upper class.

It truly is class warfare and at some point the classes that are war is being raged on will awaken and it will not be pretty.

More on Jeff Gannon

Don't know if I'm even getting his name right, but again, here's why it matters and it matters a lot.

Who is John Negroponte?

The unsurpising choice to be the new Intelligence Chief.

Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Why Jeff Gannon or Whatever His Name is Matters

Just. Read. It.

Americablog.

Yes

Below is a shameless plug.
I. Have. No. Shame.

American Idol

The judges have narrowed the list of contestants from 100,000 to 24, and now it's up to us.

Check out the site and get to know some these people who are like you and me except for the fatc that one of them (at least) will become an American Idol.

Polls

Are you surprised when major national polls all of a sudden show huge movement...usually for Republicans?

Stop being confused. Look into their methodology. Maybe, just maybe, the huge jump can be explained by a poll that doesn't quite always take a fair sampling.

Don't believe me? Gallup was kind enough to help Steve Soto out.

It's time to stop taking things at face value.

Fingering Syria

Given the current US administration's track record, one has to wonder what its motives are in immediately identifying Syria as the likely culprit behind the assassination in Lebanon.

Everything that these people do everywhere in the world is suspect. Don't let them away with anything.

Always question.

What the...

Some things just defy description.

Ossie Davis R.I.P.

A great tree has fallen.

Howard Dean

Here's his speech. Read it and feel more empowered to change the direction this country is heading in. Or don't read it, and accept some of the responsibility for the further decline of the US.

Howard Dean

Is the new leader of the DNC.

If you're happy and you know it, give a little love.

He (and democrats) are going to face a lot of ridicule and hostility from the repuglicans.

Fight back.

Writing Smack

Having had to write a staggering amount of smack in my life, I do commiserate when I see fresh new enforced smack offered up by somebody not me. So, like Hunter, if I ever do meet the poor soul who had to write this correction in the L.A. Times, I, too, will gladly buy him/her a beer.

Attention Must Be Paid

Arthur Miller. R.I.P.

Go read David Mamet's obit.http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/13/opinion/13Mamet.html?

Nothing more need be said.

Think You're Poor?

Think Again. The big picture is if you're reading this, you are:

1. very much alone

2. not poor

Duck Jokes may be fowl, but they make me quack up

via comedy central


A man walks into a brothel and says "I only have five bucks - is there anything you can do for me?"

The Madam says "Yes", and gives him a duck.

The man hands over the cash, and disappears upstairs with the duck.

A couple of weeks later he comes back. "I have ten bucks this time." he says, "What'll that get me?"

The madam hands the man another duck.

"Hold on!" says the man, "How come this duck is ten when the other one was only five? "They're both ducks!"

"Ah yes, that's right", says the Madam, "But this one doesn't have syphillis."

Huzzah!

Google does maps! And better than anyone else does maps! Google-map it!

And note this is just in beta. When the next version is rolled out, I have heard that it takes online maps into a whole new dimension.

Next up: The Google Browser. The revolution continues.

Today's Science is a Tragedy

But with time (or a well created comic strip), it's Comedy. Damn fine comedy, that is.

Something for Gary

Who will be turning 40 in 2 years, six months and 10 days. Happy Birthday, Gary!

Palm Springs

Off to the city by the sea...ah, no, the city by the...hmm. It's really a town in the middle of nowhere. Ah well, it's better than at work and we get to zoom around in the new mini cooper convertible. First long trip in it! Yee Haa.

Back in a day or so and special thanks to Babs for dog and house sitting.

The Real Bush Mandate

Involves Joe Lieberman and is not for the squeamish.

Who Was the Iraqi Woman at the State of the Union

Was she a plant? Did she really just vote? Or is she being rewarded for not speaking of past (and/or) current atrocities. Somebody's done some digging.

Due Process

Hey, what do you know? Due Process as guaranteed in our Constitutution -- remember that, folks? -- must also apply to the people (and they are people) who the government has kept unlawfully, uncharged, without fair representation, etc, etc, etc, at Gitmo.

A good decision.

Talk Back

A housekeeping note: I don't know how many people visit, but I'm guessing not that many...which is fine. The site will grow and the audience will grow with it. That said, those people here reading my thoughts and links (such as they are), please talk back. Exchange is good (among consenting adults).

Don't make me beg. Ok, I'll beg. I've got swag. Engage more and ye shall be rewarded.

;-)

What Happened to Air America

Ok, well, I posted about this in a response to John below, but I just so damned well liked what I said that I thought I'd move it out on it's own for my slim audience to take a gander...

Well, actually, it appears as though it plum doesn't want to post. So, here it is in a nutshell.

Multicultural Radio Broadcasters owned Air America affiliates in Chicago and L.A. when the network launched. They didn't like what they heard -- maybe it was too multicultural -- so they claimed that Air America had stiffed them on payment and immediately knocked down the stations.

Now, ironically, Republican favorite Clear Channel is coming to the rescue -- in L.A., at least. They must sense profit because when it comes down to it, that's all they really care about.

More about what happened to the original affiliates here.

Gonzalez

Here's why he should not be Attorney General.

Say No to Torture

Encourage your Senators to Vote NO on the Gonzalez nomination. Take a stand.

What would Mary Cheney say

The new education secretary has come out swining against -- here it comes...wait for it -- lesbian cartoon characters!

Progressive Radio

Air America is finally coming back to L.A. this February!

We get to listen to Al Franken! Rejoice!

Liberal Media

What liberal media? Media Matters studdied the "news" channels on Coronation (sorry, Inauguration) Day and found -- gasp again -- by far, the majority of commentators were conservative republicans. By far.

Click and be appalled.

Contact CNN.

Horny Toad

Dr. Hobson, the man at Family.org who is leading the Crusade (one of many happening all over the world, so beware if you are not christian and straight!), has a children's page on his website which features -- gasp -- a large purple frog with a large purple erection.

What would Jesus think?

New Target of Right Wing Protest is...

Spongebob. No really.

Bright Idea

via altercation...

Q: How many Bush Administration officials does it take to screw in a light bulb?
A: None. There is nothing wrong with the light bulb; its conditions are improving every day. Any reports of its lack of incandescence are a delusional spin from the liberal media. That light bulb has served honorably, and anything you say undermines the lighting effect. Why do you hate freedom?

Best. Traffic. Altercation. Story. Ever.

Click and scroll down to Sunset Smackdown. You gotta love this town, sometimes. You just gotta.

Condi Rice has her finger on the pulse

...or does she?

Sound Advice for CBS

This comes from Charles Pierce by way of Altercation. It really is the best advice I've seen. I mean if they're going to complain that you have a vendetta against them no matter what, then you actually only lose if you don't pursue them and their ugly smears. Click and scroll down. I, for one, hope they listen.

No, really, why Brad and Jen broke up

Oops. I guess i was working too quickly yesterday... Though, the link is funny and no one should miss the premiere of American Idol on Tuesday and Wednesday on Fox, this is the real explanation.

Why Brad and Jen really broke up.

Breaking.

Ok, So I lied

One more Krugman (more undoubtedly to come) article that explains how Bush plans to fuck the country and ruin social security in one fell swoop. We indeed know who our enemy is, he is Bush.

Light Posting

I haven't given up, I'm just completely and utterly swamped at work. Things may or may not get better in the next week or so, but meantime, I barely have time to read the news or stick my finger out to see which way the wind of culture is heading. I've only been home now about 45 minutes -- enough time to scan the LA Times, read the comics, electronically pay a couple bills, heat up some delish Wolfgang Puck Beef Vegetable Soup (truly, the tastiest soup in a can) and pour myself a tall Vodka Martini w/ a twist that my boyfriend had kindly left in the fridge for my return from the work zone. (sip) (ah) So, for the meantime, look for heavier flows -- I mean posts -- on weekends when I have a sec to breath.

Oh, I guess I can say one thing about politics. Schwarzegger's proposed budget is a slap in the face of the majority of the state. I hope that most citizens can see through it and determine that this fraud is leading this state to further ruin.

Turning the Corner in Iraq

from the poorman (via atrios):

…And, before you ask: no, I have no clue about how we can improve things in Iraq. I don’t have a single idea for how we can un-shit the bed, and I don’t hold out much hope that this whole bed-shitting episode is ever going to be brought to a lemony-fresh conclusion. I do, however, know who shit the bed, and have some sense of how frequently he shits there. Let’s stop shitting for a start.

read more.

Introducing Madge

A unique voice.

Motivation

What do you want to do with your life?

anti-semitism is alive and well...

on the comic pages! read it and weep...and then speak out.

Yet More on Social Security

Josh Marshal on the released memos from K arl Rove's deputy is enlightening.

A Special Gift...

for a special person. Click and absorb.

Social Security A Giant Ponzi Scheme?

Not really. I responded to John's comments in the previous Social Security post, but think it's important enough to move to the top.

John, I don't think it's at all a Ponzi scheme in the traditional definition of that term. I think it was designed to be tinkered with over ongoing generations to keep up with the ebb and flow of american generations.

In the 80s, politicians realized that if left unchanged, it would run out of money. So, they raised the amount of money that people currently put into it. This caused it to have a growing surplus. The surplus will stop growing in approximately ten years or so and then will be tapped to pay the benefits of the so-called "greatest generation. Right now, if the government did nothing, it would still last well into the 2040s. If they tweak it minorly, it will likely go on for decades more. Paul Krugman has more.

And, yes, I might have some of the years slightly off, but this is the consensus of nonpartisan experts. They key, of course, is the nonpartisan part.

Susan Sontag was a Lesbian (RIP)...

but you wouldn't know it from reading the obituaries about her in the major newspapers around the country. Is that important? I think so. You decide.

Social Security

The NY Times steps up to the plate with a long editorial that simply explains what Bush is trying to sell the american public (again) is hogwash. If you care about saving social security from the evildoers, you should read it.

The Year of the Blog

Ok, well, I'm just getting started, but so are 23,000 people a day...Check it out. And, thanks, Jennifer, for the tip.

Happy New Year!

Let's hope this is a more peaceful one! More after hangover clears -- probably sunday. Cheers.
(and to my precious friends that I spent last night with, thank you! it was a blast.)