FOX "News" Idiocracy

If you've seen Mike Judge's Idiocracy or Paddy Chayefsky's Network, you're probably as alarmed as I am that these two satirical films are largely coming true. No place else is this scary reality as evident as at FOX "News." And even more particularly, Glenn Beck.

Rachel Maddow (yes, her again) and The Nation's Chris Hayes discuss the alternate reality of FOX, where debunked falsehoods continue exist as truth.

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Overtime With Bill Maher: February 4, 2011

Ep. 201: February 4, 2011 - Overtime

Sarah Palin®? Sarah Palin™? Sarah Palin©?

Egomaniac Sarah Palin from source, Addictinfo.com

This egomaniac is trademarking her name. "Nuff said.

[Excerpt]

Sarah Palin files paperwork to trademark her name



With a reality show and two books under her belt, Sarah Palin has become a one-woman industry, and now she’s seeking to protect her brand. . .
 
Read more at: Addictinginfo

Rachel Maddow vs. Glenn Beck & Sean Hannity

I post a lot of news stories and video clips by and about Rachel Maddow. As I've said before, I've been a fan of hers since she was on the radio show Unfiltered with (Daily Show creator) Lizz Winstead and (Public Enemy's) Chuck D, way back in 2004. I was excited to see her getting exposure on MSNBC and CNN, notably with Tucker Carlson, David Gregory and Keith Olbermann. Since she got her own program, I've been a regular viewer, and obviously, have championed her show.

But if you're a conservative reader, you probably see her name, and let out a "Pffft! That commie, pinko, moonbat, hard lefty, lesbian (or is it a dude, dude?), Mad Cow?" Because, first, conservatives must think that is the height of insightful and/or humorous commentary, and second because they dismiss anything Maddow has to say on principle. Most critiques of Rachel's work come from people who seem to only have the barest familiarity with her style, and her views. She's not the liberal Glenn Beck or Sean Hannity.

There's a difference in tone, material, and delivery.  Here are two clips from Thursday's show, about the conflict in Egypt.  In the first clip, Rachel discusses the attacks on journalists, and what that's all about. It's informative and compelling stuff. In the second clip, she shows us what Glenn Beck and Sean Hannity's perspectives are on the crisis. The contrast is very, very stark.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Pit Bull Hero

Image from DogFiles

Now here's something you don't see every day. Pit bulls usually get spectacularly bad press. But they're not all bad. My friend Stupid Monkey Planet has had a couple, and they're wonderful. My mom had one that was bug-ass crazy, but it wasn't her fault that someone had raised her for fighting (not Mom). Anyway, it's nice to see the breed--which some communities have actually outlawed--get a good story.

[Excerpt]

Stray Pit Bull Saves Woman, Child From Attacker



The wandering 65-pound Pit Bull mix might have seemed menacing to some passerby, but one woman will always remember him as her “guardian angel. . .”


Read more at: DogFiles (via @KaleyCuoco on Twitter)

Bill O'Reilly: That Man is an Idiot

Bill O'Reilly recently made a fool of himself. This is not particularly unusual. But this time he's making himself more a fool than he was originally by digging deeper. Previously, he claimed he could prove the existence of God by the regularity of the tides. Nothing else could prove tides. When people pointed out the gravity pull of the moon, Bill-O came up with this video response:



To which I say: Bill! Venus and Mars do have the sun! The same sun as us! Venus doesn't have a moon, but Mars has two! More than the strangeness of his questions is the strangeness of his speech while doing so, where he sounds like Rain Man.

The argument between atheism/agnosticism and religion will be waged for a long, long time. But O'Reilly will not win it with his smug--but oddly childlike--reasoning.  But he's right in one respect: it takes more effort to be a non-believer. You have to think, reason, study and deliberate. That is harder than just accepting a religion on faith alone. "They said it, it must be true. End of discussion." is very easy.

The Real Reason Anderson Cooper Was Attacked in Egypt

Nap Time at Work? Sign Me Up!!!

Image from source, AOL

This story makes me feel like Eric Cartman felt when he found out that there is such a thing as home schooling, and he wouldn't have to go to school anymore! I've often thought--and said outright--that we should institute nap time (followed by cookies and milk, of course) at work. Maybe twice a day! Maybe that way, I wouldn't feel like saying, "screw you guys, I'm going home!"

[Excerpt]

Why Sleeping on the Job Can Be a Good Thing



Kim Kardashian does it. So do 23 percent of American workers. You can (and maybe should) do it, too, for about 30 minutes a day. We're talking about napping. Kardashian, the paparazzi-hounded star of Keeping Up with the Kardashians and Kourtney & Kim Take New York, says she naps to feel refreshed. . .
 
Read more at: AOL

And because I can't help it, Eric Cartman from South Park:

Kids Respond to MTV Skins Uproar (Funny or Die)

Every time a group like the Parents Television Council makes a big stink over a book, a song, a video game, a movie or a TV show, it just stokes interest in it. MTV's raunchy teen series Skins might not be getting that boost, but it wouldn't be a surprise.

Teenagers thank the Parents Television Council - watch more funny videos

National Enquirer Fingers John Boehner for Extramarital Affair

John Boner Boehner's last name may become even funnier than it already is. Boehner is already such a clown-car full of comedy gold: his skin is orange, he cries profusely, he's seemingly permanently drunk, he has a disturbing facial tic, he shouts, "Hell no, you can't!!!"  What else could he do to draw the attention of late night comics, liberal bloggers and political enemies? Well, possibly stick his Boehner were he shouldn't. . .

Anderson Cooper and Other Journalists Attacked in Egypt

Image from Huffington Post

Wednesday in Egypt, many journalists and news crews covering the potentially revolutionary riots, were sought out and attacked. Included in these attacks were NBC's Richard Engel (though he was not injured) and CNN's Anderson Cooper (who was repeatedly punched in the head). These attacks apparently came from pro-Egyptian government counterprotesters, believed to be paid by the government itself.

[Excerpt]

Anderson Cooper Attacked, Punched In The Head By Pro-Mubarak Mob In Egypt



Anderson Cooper and his crew were attacked by supporters of Hosni Mubarak in Cairo on Wednesday. CNN's Steve Brusk tweeted that Cooper was punched in the head ten times. . .
 
Read more at: Huffington Post

Egyptian Conflict Takes a Turn

Since the conflict in Egypt started a few days ago, I've struggled to pay attention. I still have trouble, and wonder why this is capturing virtually all of the news' attention. I get that it's important, but I'm not sure why it's getting the entire focus of the media. But on Wednesday night, The Rachel Maddow Show began with an encapsulation of exactly what is going on. Rachel explained--in the context of other similar uprisings--the desperate desire of the Egyptian government to steer the revolt to their own advantage. The government injected paid protesters of their own, to stir up trouble, and make the whole movement look like lawless, violent rogues. They even began attacking journalists. Hey, you mess with Anderson Cooper, and you've gone too far!

If you've had difficulty getting a handle on this story, like me, watch the clip below. I think you'll find a new appreciation for what's going on.

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Chicago: The Day After Tomorrow, TODAY!

This picture just blew me away. It was cold here in the Las Vegas desert today, but our temperature span ranged between the twenties and the forties.  I wore a sherpa hoodie today, not even a winter coat! I'd like to say I feel your pain, Chicago (and the rest of the country), but I'd be lying!

Source: Chicago Tribune

Maddow Hoaxed, NewsBusters Reports, But Doesn't Understand It

My previous post notes that The Rachel Maddow Show bought into a satirical faux Christian website, ChristWire, and its report on Sarah Palin and Egypt. She admitted the error in a tweet, and also included a piece explaining the error on her show. NewsBusters.org, a site that has a SERIOUS thing for Maddow (they'll use any excuse to mention her) covered it too. This is not unexpected. In fact, I'd have been extremely surprised if they hadn't.



The funny thing is, NB didn't understand Rachel's point when explaining herself. The point is, Sarah Palin, Glenn Beck (and the whole GOP/Tea Bagger clown car) is freaking bonkers. Trying to sort out satire from what seems to be satire is a tricky business. I'm sorry that TRMS didn't suss out the ruse before they did a report on it. But I don't really fault them for being taken in. Christian fundamentalists are nutty. Beck, Palin, Bachmann, Huckabee, and so many others are right out of Mad magazine.  Here's the line that inspired this post:

". . .that was Maddow’s explanation for getting duped by a satirical website: in her view, conservatives – especially Glenn Beck – are saying all kinds of crazy things. As a result, it’s become difficult for her to know what’s real and what’s a spoof. . ."

Yes. Exactly. You've got it, and you don't even know it!

Read more (if you must) at: NewsBusters

Rachel Maddow Punk'd by ChristWire

Ohhhhhh, Rache. I knew it the second you quoted it. But only because I happened upon a different person who got taken in by ChristWire, a satirical faux fundamentalist web site. Now, right-wing world is having a field day on Rachel's (self admitted) error, but they really shouldn't be so gleeful. First, ChristWire is only a micron past any fundy web site in their outrageousness. Second, it is extremely easy to imagine the Sarah Palin stuff culled from the ChristWire piece. No, it wasn't true, and yes, Rachel Maddow got suckered. But it only worked because it was so believable. And don't forget, those other sources Rachel quoted? Those were REAL.

[Excerpt]


Rachel Maddow Falls For Christwire




Those hilariously evil queens at Christwire write us this morning to gloat that last night Rachel Maddow fell for their so-Christian-it-feels-real satire. . .

Read more at: Joe.My.God.

Giant Ice Monster Consumes Most of the United States

Whoa! So, I guess I shouldn't complain about our temperature dropping down to 34 (feels like 22!) here in Las Vegas? Hey, that's cold for us!

Thanks to my sister, Jen for the link.

Source: Yahoo! News

Sharron Angle: Beauty Queen?

So, Sharron Angle, the wack-a-doodle Tea Party candidate who didn't manage a sure thing effort to unseat Senator Harry Reid, has moved on to other things. In addition to being the face of a PAC (of course), she's also going to share her beauty secrets!  Uh. Yep, that's what she's doing.

[Excerpt]

You are cordially invited. . .Glam 'n Gloss by ScenGence­­®

An evening with Joni Rogers-Kante, Founder & CEO of SeneGence International, featuring Makeup & Skincare Experts Jeri Taylor-Swade & Amber London and special guest Sharron Angle, former candidate for US Senate. . .

You can read more about it here. I found the link at Americablog.
 
 
But I'm thinking they forgot a couple of names. While Ms. Angle is renowned for her unmatched beauty, there are a few people from her side of the aisle who deserve to be represented. I'm thinking there ought to at least be a tanning presentation by John Boner Boehner!  And do we really forget one Katherine Harris so quickly?
 

Iowa House of Reps Trying to Un-Marry Legally Married Couples

Image from source, The Advocate

Sure, as soon as we get a little good news (this time in Illinois), we get a little bad news. It always seems to go this way. In Iowa, where same-sex marriage is legal, the newly resurgent Republicans are looking to flex their muscles. That means doing something mean, naturally.  There are currently legally married same-sex couples in Iowa, but the GOP thinks they ought to be annulled, by popular vote. Because really, in America, shouldn't everyone's marriage be decided by other people? No? Okay, then here's the real reason. . .

Rather than focus on the economy or jobs, Republicans all over the country seem determined to resurrect every "culture war" issue that they've lost over the last few years.  They want to roll back any progress made by gay people of course. And they want to make at least token gestures to restrict abortion rights, so the base stays on board. After that, anything that makes President Obama or other prominent Democrats look bad. Only after all of those things are done will they (maybe) address more important issues.

The bad news is that this now becomes a ping-pong match. It used to be that when a civil right was won, it was won. Sure, you might have to fight to make sure your rights were respected and not infringed, but they weren't rolled back. Eventually, most people agree, same-sex marriage will end up being the law of the land. But how many times are we going to have to win it, lose it, and win it again? The good news is that Republicans show no signs of playing it cool. They're going to go balls-to-the-wall and overplay their hands again.

UPDATE: I wanted to add something. When I said the Republicans were being "mean," I wasn't just venting. This vote was to rescind existing rights to same-sex marriage, and also preclude civil unions, or any other legal recognition of any kind for same sex couples. That isn't "protecting marriage." That's just mean.

[Excerpt]

Iowa House Votes For Marriage Ban


The full Iowa house voted Tuesday afternoon to approve a resolution that proposes a constitutional amendment to ban marriage equality, which would effectively repeal the 2009 state supreme court decision that legalized marriage for same-sex couples. . .

Read more at: The Advocate

Apropos of Nothing: Rob Liefeld's Top 40 Worst Drawings

If you haven't noticed by the tone and nature of my recent posts, I'm finding the "all Egypt, all the time" news cycle a bit out of my wheel house. I'm sorry. I know that it's important. I know people are dying, and brave people are. . .doing. . .stuff. I'm trying to get interested. I'm trying to understand and appreciate it, but zzzzzzzzz-z-z-z-z-z-z!!!!  I'm sorry, I dozed off again. It just doesn't have the pop, nor the sizzle.

Anatomically gifted. . .
or cursed? From Progressive Boink

I know, I'm part of the problem. But since I can't find news items that raise my interest, I've been trolling the internets for frivolity. And hoo-boy did I find some. As I've said a bee-jillion times here, I'm a comics fan from way back, but more of a DC than a Marvel fan. So, I had no idea who Rob Liefeld really was, other than a vague recognition of his name. Somehow (probably after my last post on the new Superman movie), I stumbled upon this hysterical post.

Liefeld is apparently a prolific and very successful creator from comics' past and present. He's a writer and an artist, a legend to some. And he's drawn some spectacularly bad artwork. Maybe some good stuff too, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. But the writer of this excerpted piece below just cracks me up. I'd never want to be critiqued by someone of such wicked wit. But it's a blast to read!

[Excerpt]

The 40 Worst Rob Liefeld Drawings



. . .And then, there's Rob Liefeld. You know how people draw comics? Rob doesn't do that. He had his own Levi's commercial directed by Spike Lee in the 90s. He had best-selling comic books. He was a revolutionary and helped co-found Image Comics when all the hot artists ditched their classic gigs (like Spider-Man, the X-Men, and, uh, Guardians of the Galaxy) for creator-owned projects. But he doesn't "draw" comics. Oh God, no.



Just... ugh, just let me show you. . .

Read more at: Progressive Boink

Superman Recast with Henry Cavill

Image from source, Filmonic

There's a Superman named Henry? Isn't that even dorkier than "Clark?" Oh well, he looks like a handsome, strapping dude, and British or not, I think he can pull it off. I feel bad for Brandon Routh though. I'm in the distinct minority of comic book fans who actually enjoyed Superman Returns. I think much of the negative press that film took had more to do with the countless false starts, and many counted lost millions on Superman films that never got made between 1987 and 2006. Oh well. I'm just glad they're actually going to do another one. No matter how good it is, though, there will be disappointed fan boys out there. Relax, at least it isn't Nicholas Cage!

[Excerpt]

Henry Cavill is the new Superman!



After much speculation, relative unknown Henry Cavill has landed one of the most coveted roles in Hollywood. The British actor will play Superman (aka Clark Kent, as if you didn’t know) in Zack Synder’s still-untitled Superman film, set to be produced by Christopher Nolan. . .
 
Read more at: Filmonic