Throughout this entire recession, I've heard the same thing repeated over and over again by conservatives. It used to be a mantra that you only heard from the ignorant fringe; now it is as mainstream conservative as apple pie. It's this: If you give unemployment benefits to the unemployed, they won't look for work. …or some variation on this. This … Read More
The Majority Of Republicans Is Stark Raving Mad
Well, what other conclusion can you reach when you read this: A majority of Republicans believe that President Barack Obama "sympathizes with the goals of Islamic fundamentalists who want to impose Islamic law around the world," according to a survey released on Monday. That figure, buried at the very end of a newly released Newsweek public opinion poll, reflects the extent … Read More
Not Sweatin’ Earl
Unless it veers westward, I don't expect Earl to be much of a force in the Piedmont, even though it might be a Category 4 (or even 5!). Some rain, that's it. In fact, it look my family in New England is likely to see far worse from Earl than I will.
I’ll Drink To That
It's been reported for years that moderate drinking (1 to 3 drinks per day) – especially including red wines – is thought to improve heart circulation in some small way. But now we learn something new. Specifically, failure to drink moderately may actually increase your risk of dying: A new paper in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research suggests that — … Read More
Did You Ever Get The Impression That Certain Ads Are Following You Online, Wherever You Go??
Well, guess what? They are.
It’s Over
With the 5-3 loss against the Blue Rays last night, I'm giving up on The Red Sox's chance at the playoffs. Nope, not even a wild card position. We're one month out and 6.5 games behind. And half the starting team is on the DL list. Wait'll next year…. again.
A Real Movement
Steve Benen encapsulates my thoughts: MOVEMENTS ARE ABOUT SOMETHING REAL…. I tried to keep up on today's festivities at the Lincoln Memorial, but as the dust settles, I find myself confused. For a year and a half, we've seen rallies and town-hall shouting and attack ads and Fox News special reports. But I still haven't the foggiest idea what these … Read More
Exercises In “Fair and Balanced”
Personally, I don't care all that much that Ken Mehlman, the former chair of the Republican National Committee, is gay. I think it is relevant, considering that when Mehlman was Bush's chief campaign strategist in 2004, he was instrumental in the plan to thrust DOMA into the limelight in order to motivate the (homophobic) Republican base. So Mehlman's revelation is … Read More
School Elections In Mississippi
Does your kid want to run for class officer at Nettleton Middle School in Mississippi? Cool. Just so you know, they have some, uh, interesting qualifications. For example, the student must have a “B” average and a good attendance record. Oh, and depending on the office, there are other qualifications: Apparently, this is not a hoax.
My Predictions For Glenn Beck’s “Restoring Honor” Rally & Circus In DC This Weekend
(1) Fox News will cover it wall-to-wall. (2) You won't see a lot of non-white faces there in the crowd. I should note that the Tea Party groups going to the event are giving out "advice" about how to deal with the multi-cultural DC residents, as evidenced by this, from the website of a Tea Party group in Maine: Safety … Read More
Muslim Cabbie Attacked in NYC
The poison of the rightwing anti-Muslim bigotry of the past few weeks has ripened in the Big Apple: A city cab driver is in the hospital after being stabbed by a passenger who allegedly asked if he was Muslim, police tell NY1. Investigators with the New York City Police Department say it all began Monday night when a 21-year-old man … Read More
Random Acts of Fictional Hatred
I hate Flo, the spokeswoman for Progressive Insurance. I want to punch her in her fictional face every time she opens her mouth with that annoying voice. I just need to get that off my chest. On the other hand, the actress who plays Flo seems to be nice enough, and was with the Groundlings. So, you know… a plus … Read More