Saturday Emmylou Blogging

Here's the differentest one yet! Here's all you need to know:

Unsere Rubrik "Pop Secret" geht den bizarren, lustigen, tragischen und skurrilen Legenden und Mythen der Rock- und Popgeschichte auf den Grund. Sie sehen eine kurze Episode aus der Welt des Rock und Pop, die später zur Legendenbildung geführt hat. Und am Ende fragen wir nach einem Detail, das mit der Geschichte zu tun hat.

Finden Sie die Lösung, können Sie gewinnen!

Unter allen richtigen Lösungsvorschlägen verlosen wir ein Comic aus dem Kreuzberger Comicladen Modern Graphics.

Thanks to RBBradioeins, Guessenziewhere.

Ain't it amazin', Macy...

Yesterday was the big Macy's Thanksgiving parade in Noo Yawk City. I couldn't care less about that shit, but Mrs. G likes to watch it so I caught a little bit of it on one of the all-day reruns. I think forty years as a motorcycle mechanic gave me a slightly odd take on things.

Go see this copyright protected photo of an NYC motor cop. Take note of the cop's left hand.

There were about a dozen of these NYPD motor cops leading the parade, every last one of them slipping his clutch in unison with ballet-like precision so they could go that slow and maintain perfect formation.

I saw that and lost my mind just for a second and wished I had the contract for NYPD's motorcycle service business. I'm better now... Heh.

Heh...

Thanks to YubaNet.

Grand Old Planet

Paul Krugman gets to the heart of one of the cruxes of the biscuit about Repugs. Links at site.

Earlier this week, GQ magazine published an interview with Senator Marco Rubio, whom many consider a contender for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, in which Mr. Rubio was asked how old the earth is. After declaring “I’m not a scientist, man,” the senator went into desperate evasive action, ending with the declaration that “it’s one of the great mysteries.”

It’s funny stuff, and conservatives would like us to forget about it as soon as possible. Hey, they say, he was just pandering to likely voters in the 2016 Republican primaries — a claim that for some reason is supposed to comfort us.
...

By the way, that question didn’t come out of the blue. As speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, Mr. Rubio provided powerful aid to creationists trying to water down science education. In one interview, he compared the teaching of evolution to Communist indoctrination tactics — although he graciously added that “I’m not equating the evolution people with Fidel Castro.” Gee, thanks.

What was Mr. Rubio’s complaint about science teaching? That it might undermine children’s faith in what their parents told them to believe. And right there you have the modern G.O.P.’s attitude, not just toward biology, but toward everything: If evidence seems to contradict faith, suppress the evidence (my em).
...

And then there’s the matter of using evidence to shape economic policy. You may have read about the recent study from the Congressional Research Service finding no empirical support for the dogma that cutting taxes on the wealthy leads to higher economic growth. How did Republicans respond? By suppressing the report. On economics, as in hard science, modern conservatives don’t want to hear anything challenging their preconceptions — and they don’t want anyone else to hear about it, either.

So don’t shrug off Mr. Rubio’s awkward moment. His inability to deal with geological evidence was symptomatic of a much broader problem — one that may, in the end, set America on a path of inexorable decline.

Shorter: Mustn't say anything that contradicts the stupid beliefs of the ignoramuses who vote for them.

They are, after all, the ones who believe that Willard lost because he wasn't conservative enough!

Denialists, Whiners, and Wackjobs

Paul Begala

I used to think Republicans were a monochromatic monolith specializing in Group Think, though without the Think part. The Republicans’ reaction to the reelection of Barack Obama, however, has shown a surprising diversity in GOP thought. At least five distinct -approaches have emerged.

The Vince Lombardi Republicans. Political parties exist to win, this group says. If you don’t win, you can’t enact your agenda, can’t protect your values, can’t advance your cause. The Lombardi Republicans are pragmatic. They saw President Obama win 72 percent of the Latino vote—the fastest-growing segment of the -electorate—and they had a “Ven a Jesús” moment. [...]
...

I happen to think the Vince Lombardi types are right. But, let’s face it, they’re outnumbered by less admirable Republicans.

The Sour Grapes Republicans. For a movement that aspires to macho stoicism, there sure are a lot of whiny wusses in the GOP these days. I hate whiners. I coach my kids in baseball and basketball, and I have two inviolable rules when they lose: don’t blame the other team and don’t complain about the officials. Sour Grapes Republicans do both. Donald Trump, the village idiot of a city of 8 million (my em. Heh.), took to Twitter to call President Obama’s reelection “a total sham and a travesty,” to propose a “revolution in this country,” and to allege (falsely) that Obama had lost the popular vote. Clearly, Trump is living proof that hair spray causes brain damage.
...

The Flat-Earthers. When you listen to Flat Earth Republicans, you’d think they actually won. Karl Rove, the legendary Republican bogeyman, led groups that spent $300 million in opposition to the president and congressional Democrats. Ninety-four percent of that money was spent supporting candidates who lost. Rove’s analysis after the election: “We did good things this year.” Really? It’s not like they spent the money trying to do something truly good, like artificially inseminating zoo pandas or inventing untraceable email so Army generals can make love as well as war. No, Rove spent hundreds of millions and lost bad. That’s an abysmal year. But you wouldn’t know it listening to Flat Earth Karl.
...

The Crazies. An Arizona woman allegedly ran over her husband with her SUV when she learned he hadn’t -voted. She was apparently upset that Obamacare wouldn’t be repealed. Let’s hope her poor husband gets all the health care he needs. Lord knows he’s suffered enough.
...

The Blame America Firsters. On a conference call with his major donors a week after the election, Mitt Romney blamed his loss not on his painfully lame campaign style, his unfocused advertising strategy, or his multiple gaffes and insults. No, he blamed the American people. President Obama, he told his fellow millionaires, followed “the old playbook” of giving “gifts” to special-interest groups, “especially the -African--American community, the Hispanic community, and young people.” First, Mitt, if it was an old playbook, why weren’t you ready for the plays? [...]

I believe Lincoln got re-elected for the same reason. "Gifts" to African-Americans. Like the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment. Even if said African-Americans couldn't quite vote for him. Heh.

The real “gift” of 2012 is that, in the toughest economy of our lifetime, the American people had the good sense to turn away from a party that holds them in such contempt.

Give thanks.

A holiday guide to arguing with your right-wing relatives

Article here, but since facts don't matter to them and you don't feel like pissin' into the wind, fuck 'em. Tell 'em if they don't STFU they're gonna be damned uncomfortable eating pumpkin pie with a turkey carcass shoved up their ass.

Give thanks

GOP's Domination Was Only Temporary

Headline of the Day

Would You Like Some Crow With That Rice, Senator McCain?

Wherein McCain is described as an "irascible douche". A little high-toned but it works for me. Heh.

No Twinkies please, we’re dying

If it's Wednesday it must be Morford going on about goings on.

Surely you must see. Surely you must understand. Don’t you know rockets are falling all over Gaza and Israel? Do you not read that more than 100 people have died already in brutal and insidious fighting that’s been going on since God was knee-high to a bogus misconception?

Jesus Christ, quit whining about Twinkies already.

He then proceeds to read the riot act to a certain shallow culture we know all too well. Enjoy.

Just sayin'...

A tip o' the Brain to Grandpa Eddie.

2d Amendment rights are for Repugs only

"I was really hoping that the conservatards would have learned something from having their asses handed to them in the election. So much for optimism! All they've done is act like a bunch of whiny babies and sore losers."

Note to Old Fart: they're not acting.

"How ironic is it that a gun store in AZ which has some of the loosest gun laws in the country is actually doing more to limit people's constitutional right to purchase firearms than the Obama administration has?"

I'm sure the irony is lost on that crybaby. Either that or he's afraid us pussy liberals will arm ourselves. Note to gun store jerk: some of us already are. You will be shocked, shocked I tell you, to find that out. I hope the day never comes, but we won't be the ones to start it. End it, maybe.

More likely, to paraphrase this old tune: "We fired our guns and the wingnuts took to runnin'. There wasn't nigh as many as there was a while ago."

Thanks to oldfartrants.

Shameless Hometown Whoring

YubaNet

Truckee, Calif. November 19, 2012 - Truckee has found itself in good company sitting among the world's best ski destinations, earning a distinguished accolade from the editors of National Geographic Adventure as one of the world's top 25 ski towns.

The article, which was posted this month on the online home page of National Geographic Adventure, breaks down what constitutes a classic ski town. Truckee is celebrated as "an inviting mountain burg steeped in ski heritage, amenities, and culture."

Truckee is heralded as being a relaxed town where locals live. Squaw Valley, famed for its extreme terrain, is referred to as Truckee's "alpha mountain,"and calls out Northstar, Sugar Bowl, Tahoe Donner and Soda Springs reflecting the variety of terrain and opportunities nearby.

The article has some fun exploring what makes a place really tick by asking local luminaries for insider tips. Truckee's own Daron Rahlves, four-time Olympian, 15-year member of the U.S. Ski Team stepped up to answer the journalist's questions, recommending his picks of where to stay, play, and party.

To view the story online go to: http://adventure.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/trips/best-ski-towns-photos/

"This article provides the reader with a sense of Truckee's colorful history and authentic charm, and also makes it clear that we sit right in the midst of many world-class ski resorts," said Lynn Saunders, president and CEO of the Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce. "Truckee's mountain culture and fun-loving lifestyle are a draw for people who live here, visit here, and for those who decide that they want to be part of our remarkable community, by moving here."

The article fails to mention that one of the most fun things to do around here is watch the skiers (the "S-word") and boarders try to drive in the snow and stuff it into the snowbank. The corollary is you don't have to go out in the cold to see it. Just go to Safeway where it's nice and warm. They shop just like they drive. Which is to say they don't give a damn what anybody else is doing. The crashes are every bit as comical.

Also not mentioned is that the aprés ski activities are largely fueled with drugs and alcohol, which adds to the local charm and town coffers.

I love it here!

Hater Gasbag Tanks Stocks

Kos

The Rush Limbaugh Show is distributed to 600 radio stations via several radio industry networks. The show is syndicated by privately-held Premiere Networks, which contracts with Cumulus Media, Dial Gobal, and other networks to secure broad access in as many media markets as possible.

On Friday, November 16, Dial Global took a huge financial hit, resulting in the company voluntarily de-listing from NASDAQ. Dial Global's stock dropped by nearly 77 percent. The company identified three causes for its troubles, including "advertisers' response to controversial statements by a certain nationally syndicated talk radio personality in MARCH 2012."

Now, it is becoming apparent that Cumulus is also a troubled company. Dial Gobal appears to be on the ropes; Cumulus is, so far, failing to thrive. Both companies have publicly blamed Rush.

Ahhhhhhhhh...:-)

One hopes that millions of AM radios in F150s will fall forever silent when that pusillanimous puke racist gasbag is shown the door. Or at least replaced by some equally hateful local preacher sponsored by the feed store on stations that don't reach a mile from the transmitter.

Tea Party Leader: Romney Can Still Win

Joe My God

"Mitt Romney carried 24 states. We need to have conservative activists from all over the nation contact the electors, the Republican Party and the secretary of state in all of these states and tell them not to participate in the Electoral College when it meets on Dec. 17. If we can get 17 of those states (just over one-third) to refuse to participate, the Electoral College will have no quorum. Then, as the Constitution directs, the election goes to the House of Representatives. That is how we can still pull this election out and make Mitt Romney president in January. We need this concept shared with every tea party, liberty and patriotic group throughout the country. We have time to act, but we must pressure Republicans to do the right thing. It does not matter who gets credit for this. The credit is not important. Using our last chance to defeat Barack Obama is important." - Tea Party Nation founder Judson Phillips, telling World Net Daily how Romney can still win.

RELATED: This summer Phillips said that President Obama should prove he isn't a gay crackhead before making tax return demands on Romney.

Labels: batshittery, crackpots, electoral college, Mitt Romney, racism, Tea Party, teabaggers, World Net Daily

A real diehard. That's fine as long as he dies.

Thanksgiving Blessings 2012

Will Durst

To be perfectly honest, a four-day weekend devoted to food, family and football might be the perfect prescription distraction to help us through these rebuking times. So here's a couple rough examples of what a middle-aged, round-headed political comic counts as blessings over folded hands before performing a perfectly executed triple somersault into the gravy boat.
...

General David Petraeus: Who knew generals had groupies? Proves old high school adage: chicks dig stars. The larger the fruit salad, the more noxious the flies.
...

State of Florida: 12 years later, and they still can't count. Time to circumcise America. Cut Florida off and kick it into the Caribbean. Rename it North Cuba.
...

Michele Bachmann: Because every comedian needs a good right-wing nut job every now and then.

I think we have a right-wing nut job overload, but that's just me...

Many more.

Oh, the irony...

Ironic Times

White House Inundated With Petitions From Various States To Secede
Feel they can do just fine without interstate highways, space program.

They want the checks from the rest of us to keep coming, however. As far as I'm concerned, they can fucking starve. Most of 'em need to lose weight anyway.

Romney Blames Loss on Obama Giving “Gifts” to Minorities, Young People
Bought them off with life, liberty, pursuit of happiness.

Methamphetamine Found To Reduce Risk of Flu
Ask your dealer if methamphetamine is right for you.

Biggest problem I've seen with crank is running out after you take your car apart. Heh.

??? - News Quiz - ???
Mitt Romney lost the election because:
A ) he's cruel to dogs.
B ) he's out of touch with average Americans.
C ) he has no sympathy for people who need government help.
D ) he holds positions on social issues at odds with a majority of Americans.
E ) he never paid his fair share in taxes.
F ) he avoided military service but supports an expansionist American military.
G ) he thinks half of us are lazy moochers.
H ) he wants undocumented immigrants to be hounded out of the country.
I ) he changed his position on a range of issues numerous times.
J ) he made his living pleasing investors at the expense of American workers.
Hint: he had us at dogs.

This had to happen:

Cracker Jack Introduces Caffeine-Coated Version
Created in response to longer baseball games.

The "7th inning stretch" was replaced with the "7th inning snooze" some time ago.

"Ley de fuga" - Lynch Law in Arpaio's AZ

I guess "show me your papers" isn't enough for that asshole.

Raw Story

Newly re-elected Sheriff Joe Arpaio on Thursday pledged to put an automatic weapon in the hands of every Maricopa Country deputy because “[m]ore and more illegal aliens are attempting to escape.”

In the United States, the cops generally aren't supposed to shoot you simply for running from them. Run from a cop in Mexico, however, and the next thing you will feel is a .45 round between your shoulder blades. This is because Mexico uses "Ley de Fuga". This is nothing new. Note the date at the link.

The lynch law of Latin American justice is the "ley de fuga" (law of flight). This is supposed to empower police to shoot fleeing prisoners, but in practice often means that a troublesome prisoner is set free, then drilled before he can scoot out of range. From León in Mexico's State of Guanajuato last week came a tale of ley de fuga perfect except in one particular.

With seven bullets in his back, Cattleman Tomas Manrique was found by passers-by and bundled off to a hospital. There he explained that after having been falsely arrested for stealing 50 head of cattle, he was set free in a deserted spot. Before Tomas Manrique had taken three steps toward liberty, a rattling volley cracked. He expected to make ley de juga history by recovering.

This comes at a bad time for "Loco Joe". From Think Progress:

The United States has hit net zero on illegal immigration, as fewer people are trying to cross the border illegally. In fact, a recent report found that more Mexicans appear to be leaving the United States for Mexico than are leaving Mexico for the U.S.A for the first time since the Great Depression.

Arpaio made his bones on being hard on undocumented immigrants. Less of them means his power is waning and he might have to use his deputies for arresting people for, you know, real crimes which won't get him near enough publicity.

Better to keep the populace in fear of The Little Brown Other by arming his deputies to the teeth to protect themselves from the backs of running Mexicans. I hope the deputies are smart enough to realize that an autopsy report that shows CoD to be multiple bullet holes in the back of an otherwise innocent person will be cause for Arpaio to throw them under the bus for their bad judgment, never his.

Someone's inevitably going to die because of this. Sorry 'bout that, chief, but I hope it unseats Arpaio so it will not have been in vain.

Please proceed, Governor*

*Obama's way of saying "Yer about to trip over yer own dick, dipshit. Far be it from me to stop you!" at their 3rd debate.

Even in Defeat, Romney's Gift of Gaffe Keeps on Giving

Willard's big mouth cost the Repugs the election and he appears to be working on losing them the next one. I hope he keeps it up.

Travel Destination

Quick! Call your travel agent before this joint gets too booked up!

No crap: 'Restroom Cultural Park' opens in S. Korea

The Boxer

Very pretty version.

Thanks to desiderii, Germany.