“Whatever Happens, We Have The Maxim Gun, And They Have Not”*
It’s times like this, whenever America or Israel does something flamingly brutal, defensible only through Orwellian means, that I especially pay attention to the “serious” wingnut pundits, those who are always thinking “exterminate the brutes” but, knowing that their control of “tone” ultimately determines the amount of their pay, are word-weaselly careful to obscure that fact. Inevitably, one will crack. Their bland and lizardy Senator Palpatine mien will give way to the snarling Sith Lord within. I think Michael Rubin may be getting close to that point:
When attacked, why should not a stronger nation or its representatives try to both protects its own personnel at all costs and, in the wider scheme of things, defeat its adversaries?
Likewise, when terrorists seek to strike at the United States, why should we find ourselves constrained by an artificial notion of proportionality when responding to those terrorists or their state sponsors?
Ultimately, it may be time to recognize that, in the face of growing threats to Western liberalism, strength and disproportionality matter more to security and the protection of democracy than the approval of the chattering class of Europe or the U.N. secretary general, a man whose conciliatory policies as foreign minister of South Korea proved to be a strategic disaster.
In other words:
You the conquered have a spitwad shooter? I get to threaten you with a Desert Eagle, point five oh.
You the conquered have a switchblade? I get to bully you with an Uzi.
You the conquered have a homemade rocket? I have the right to annihilate you with tanks, jets, subs, Jericho missiles.
And I, like many a serial killer, have just rationalized overkill.
* – Belloc
Are we finally going to nuke Cuba?
Are not they who possess the flowers
Stronger, bolder, shrewder
Than those who have none?
Why should the strong —
The beautiful strong —
Why should they not have flowers?
Sooooo depressing.
Oh look! Word salad.
threats to western liberalism? oh I don’t know, destroying the idea of social contract, legal equality, freedom, and reinstatement of state tyranny?
disproportionality? wp (fu) says this is not a word. and wtf? doesn’t this entail becoming what we despise? I guess this is the end of Americanism (I hardly knew ye). After all, if GI Joe wouldn’t do it…
protection of democracy? reminds me of the CBLDF PSA with the girl with duct tape over her eyes, ears, and mouth “One more and you’ll be safe.”
approval of the chattering class of Europe… yeah, what about the chattering class over here? why is their useless approval warranted and their alleged disapproval diswarranted? this sounds like a classic rubber/glue reversal but the shoe don’t fit. the wingnuts still haven’t volunteered for active duty
what strategic disaster? not shoring up the levies in Lou Eazy Anna: disaster. not regulating offshore oil rigs effectively & letting co’s off the hook for fuckups: disaster. disaster for whom? did hot war break out in the Koreas again? am I missing something? you want to talk about the greater good, I think North Koreans are being sacrificed for the greater good, hello, land wars in East Asia.
Sure it’s ugly. But the consequences of taking more aggressive action may be worse. Like invading Iraq. Remember how that turned out?
Have we tried bombing the oil spill yet, or are the faggy libs opposed to that too?
disgusting.
When attacked, by a flotilla with aid supplies for people
Great time to wipe the bastards out. Fucking armchair military strategists…all warmongering and none of the dying.
Have we tried bombing the oil spill yet, or are the faggy libs opposed to that too?
Those bombs are for brown people. We don’t want to waste them on valuable oil for the soccermom whores and compensating washouts driving Hummers and giant trucks around town.
not shoring up the levies in Lou Eazy Anna: disaster. not regulating offshore oil rigs effectively & letting co’s off the hook for fuckups: disaster
…allowing a bridge to get so old it fucking falls in a river
Obvious troll is obvious
While mohammedans are a threat to Our Republic,
like a wingnut would a) know the word and b) spell it correctly
so the only time they like liberalism is when they get to blow up muslims in its name, huh?
…allowing a bridge to get so old it fucking falls in a river
hot damn. yeah. just… yeah.
and compensating washouts
I see what you did there.
“Well, you see, George, I did like it, back in the old days when the
prerequisite of a British campaign was that the enemy should under
no circumstances carry guns — even spears made us think twice. The
kind of people we liked to fight were two feet tall and armed with
dry grass.”
–Blackadder
New England Redneck said,
June 2, 2010 at 0:11
Aren’t you missing some war porn on the History Channel or something? Shut the fuck up you racist fucking loser. You have no idea what you’re talking about. The broader your generalizations get, the more insane and stupid you look. SHUT THE FUCK UP.
Obvious troll is obvious
Are you sure that isn’t just a word picked up from some cultish freeper site? Isn’t this a copy/paste troll, generally? I think he’s just a stupid asshole racist. I’ll bet he drives one of those retired police cars with the spotlight still on it so he can trick girls into pulling over…Fuckin creep.
I totally want a Maxim gun, as long as it fires bikini-clad starlets.
Ultimately, it may be time to recognize that, in the face of growing threats to Western liberalism, strength and disproportionality matter more to security and the protection of democracy than the approval of the chattering class of Europe or the U.N. secretary general, a man whose conciliatory policies as foreign minister of South Korea proved to be a strategic disaster.
Does this mean he supports bombing the Teabaggers?
What is a Maxim gun? I thought Maxim was a shitty lad rag.
Well, you see, George, I did like it, back in the old days when the
prerequisite of a British campaign was that the enemy should under
no circumstances carry guns — even spears made us think twice. The
kind of people we liked to fight were two feet tall and armed with
dry grass.”
Brings to mind an old rebel song:
Come tell us how you slew
Those brave Arabs two by two
Like the Zulus they had spears and bows and arrows,
How you bravely slew each one
With your sixteen pounder gun
And you frightened them poor natives to their marrow.
I’ll bet he drives one of those retired police cars with the spotlight still on it so he can trick girls into pulling over…Fuckin creep.
Ooo, I fucking hate that. And I hate that our county popo auction their old cars off without sufficiently modding them. You can still see the old livery half the time!
It is possible to buy blue lights and spotlights at police supply even if illegal to use, so the spotlight being there may not necessarily be the fault of your local PD… well, assuming they’re cheap or assiduous enough to strip before sale*. I was raised in the North and I NEVER recall seeing ex-police cruisers just wheeling around but now it’s a fucking daily occurrence. Geeniuses.
*-VsexslaveauctionR
Islam has no place in American or European culture
So you don’t support the Constitution then. Got it. That makes you nothing more than a neo nazi. You know, there are other nations that support this racial purity bullshit. You might look into moving to one of them. Please.
you left out the best part
One final note on proportionality: Fifteen “peace” activists dead is a tragedy, but they represent only one one-thousandth of the death toll of a French heatwave.
“in the face of growing threats to Western liberalism”
What, exactly, is this supposed to mean?
Not only should immigration from islamic nations be banned, their should be restrictions on which foreign nationals can travel to America. Citizens of nations known as hotbeds of muslim extremism should not ever be allowed in this country to begin with. Once Our Nation’s immigration crisis is solved, both legal and illegal, then islam will cease to be a threat to Our Republic.
Random majusculizer is random.
Likewise, when terrorists seek to strike at the United States, why should we find ourselves constrained by an artificial notion of proportionality when responding to those terrorists or their state sponsors?
Ultimately, it may be time to recognize that, in the face of growing threats to Western liberalism, strength and disproportionality matter more to security and the protection of democracy than the approval of the chattering class of Europe or the U.N. secretary general, a man whose conciliatory policies as foreign minister of South Korea proved to be a strategic disaster.
I love how he thinks he’s just invented peanut butter.
The “disproportionate response will surely silence those brutes!” thing has been around for centuries. Ask the British how well the troops in Northern Ireland worked, or the French about the troops in Algeria, or even the Union Army how effective their troops were at rooting out the KKK.
What is a Maxim gun? I thought Maxim was a shitty lad rag.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxim_machine_gun
in case you weren’t joking
Random majusculizer is random.
NOT a VMR. (And FYWP.)
The “disproportionate response will surely silence those brutes!” thing has been around for centuries.
Kill them all, and end heresy forever!
they represent only one one-thousandth of the death toll of a French heatwave.
Still confused about this. Am I missing something?
Ooo, I fucking hate that.
So do I. If there is a holy trinity of creepy motherfuckers, that guy is definitely one of the points. Driving a Ford LTD, fine, but take the fucking spotlight off of it. Those are only useful for poaching deer and trying to give the appearance of being a cop. Creep on both counts…
I consider “Maxim” a non-verbal signal that the person it belongs to is a huge, huge douche. It may as well be a flashing, neon douche sign.
On the same topic, I read a book not too long ago called “What Terrorists Want” from an author who’d grown up in a pro-IRA neighborhood in Northern Ireland and had drifted apart from her neighborhood’s politics as she grew older.
Lots of interesting stories, but the staggering one was this; in Peru, when faced with the Shining Path insurgency, the government deployed the military against them for years with the broadest powers available, and it didn’t do a damn thing. Then, an intelligence unit made up of less than a hundred men was set up within the police, and it succeeded where years of military brute strength had failed.
Yes, the proportional and legal approach is more effective in fighting terrorism – but then the right isn’t interested in fighting terrorism. They just want to kill darkies.
in case you weren’t joking
Oh, okay, that’s interesting. I dunno why I didn’t pick that up from history class, but maybe they did cover it without mentioning the name Maxim.
I was gonna say “why would a physicist like me care about your puny projectile weapons when we have the BOMB” but historical relevance and all that.
And I hate that our county popo auction their old cars off without sufficiently modding them. You can still see the old livery half the time!
Everything’s bringing to mind a song:
Now Daddy ran the whiskey in a big block Dodge
Bought it at an auction at the Mason’s Lodge
Johnson County Sheriff painted on the side
Just shot a coat of primer then he looked inside
Wasn’t there some guy who wrote a book not long ago about how terrorists were targeting our nation because we are liberal? He was a conservative. I could not for the life of me figure out what his aim was.
Well, hm. Either my inclusion of the dirty version of “come” has set off the spam filters, or I can’t use my phone correctly.
Anyway, I was just suggesting that it’s not surprising that warmongers are masturbating to this tragedy. Only in humorous and/or bluer manner.
Yes, the proportional and legal approach is more effective in fighting terrorism – but then the right isn’t interested in fighting terrorism. They just want to kill darkies.
So true. Police action would have been much more effective against al quaida than a war (which gives them cover & new recruits to boot). It’s amazing… Bush did exactly what Bin Ladin wanted. I guess Aaron McGruder was speaking the truth when he called Bush the Dumbest Man Alive, “D. U. M.–“
The “disproportionate response will surely silence those brutes!” thing has been around for centuries. Ask the British how well the troops in Northern Ireland worked, or the French about the troops in Algeria, or even the Union Army how effective their troops were at rooting out the KKK.
Considering that some people are STILL angry about the Crusades, I would say this strategy is a total winner. Oh yes, that whole Holocaust thing was a super smart idea too. I just love how these people think that this sort of shit will actually, maybe THIS time go unanswered. We used to call that shit fascism. Now we call it protecting Western liberalism? No, I think not. Using fascism to protect liberalism…hmmm sure doesn’t seem like a good idea.
Yeah, cuz the rabble hoards are skeered of conservatards… just like bin Laden was sooo sooo very scared of GWB.
Dropping the word “got” from the Belloc quote makes it sound more American, but I’m pretty sure it was intended to rhyme.
I consider “Maxim” a non-verbal signal that the person it belongs to is a huge, huge douche. It may as well be a flashing, neon douche sign.
It’s the frat rat’s monthly validation publication. A couple hundred pages of saying “It’s ok to be fucking toolbag. Chix dig it, man!”
I’ll bet he drives one of those retired police cars with the spotlight still on it so he can trick girls into pulling over…Fuckin creep.
Wait. That happens?
Maybe I do need to get a concealed carry permit…
Now we call it protecting Western liberalism? No, I think not. Using fascism to protect liberalism…
This is the right-wingers’ version of “But, baby, I’m doing this for you.”
Fuck them, the “law enforcement/stop fucking antagonizing people” approach is what has been shown to work.
Wasn’t there some guy who wrote a book not long ago about how terrorists were targeting our nation because we are liberal? He was a conservative. I could not for the life of me figure out what his aim was.
Dinesh D’Souza (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dinesh_D%27Souza). Yep, he’s a character…
True Patriots who put America First rather than succumbing to political correctness or the globalist agenda.
Sadly, shutup. True patriots would rather die than live in this fucking racist police state that you’re chattering on about.
A true patriot wouldn’t DREAM of asking a soldier to die for his country, while giving away the freedom’s he or she is fighting to protect. So go hide in your fucking hole, you chickenshit little cunt.
A couple hundred pages of saying “It’s ok to be fucking toolbag. Chix dig it, man!”
Not just a toolbag, but an idiot to boot. Seriously, I worked at CVS one summer and used to read the “articles” when I got bored. (The airbrushed chicks were usually nothing to look at, though there were exceptions.) I’m pretty sure reading that shit makes your IQ drop by one standard deviation.
Wait. That happens?
Maybe I do need to get a concealed carry permit…
Yes, sadly, it does. Not commonly, but it is a tool in a rapists kit.
Terrorists have been captured by the border patrol that have blended in with Mexicans and learned the Spanish language.
Ooo, terrifying, no-one will ever be able to penetrate that devastatingly clever ruse.
Also flexcuffs. Gah, nightmare material there.
This is the right-wingers’ version of “But, baby, I’m doing this for you.”
Ah, the close twin of “You brought this on yourself!” Funny how conservative pathology works.
Dinesh D’Souza
Dinesh dah Douchebag? Hahahaha, he gave a talk at my university once and couldn’t even fill a small classroom.
Talk about wingnut welfare.
TSAM ANGRY TODAY
but it is a tool in a rapists kit.
Imagine, if you will, an apostrophe in the proper place…FYWP?
Also flexcuffs. Gah, nightmare material there.
Oh, I have not heard of this one. I am disappointed in myself, as I try to be fleetingly familiar with all forms of male douchebaggery, pornographic or otherwise.
“But, baby, I’m doing this for you.”
Ah, the close twin of “You brought this on yourself!”
I knew we were doomed when these pukes actually beat their chests to the tune of “We have to be tough (=bomb brown people) for the sake of those limp-wristed liberals who would let the whole country be destroyed rather than do what’s necessary.”
Victims of authoritarian parenting or neglect? You be the judge.
Tsam: True patriots would rather die than live in this fucking racist police state that you’re chattering on about.
Preach it!
Tsam: A true patriot wouldn’t DREAM of asking a soldier to die for his country, while giving away the freedom’s he or she is fighting to protect. So go hide in your fucking hole, you chickenshit little cunt.
WORD.
Not just a toolbag, but an idiot to boot. Seriously, I worked at CVS one summer and used to read the “articles” when I got bored.
I read a couple few of those articles too. Obviously they were written by the same frat rats that comprise their demographic. You know, the guy with the visor on upside down on off to the side.
vacuumslayer said,
June 2, 2010 at 0:33
“in the face of growing threats to Western liberalism”
What, exactly, is this supposed to mean?
ZOMG! The terrorists are after Nancy Pelosi! And the wingnuts are the only ones who care about teh threat!
~
Not just a toolbag, but an idiot to boot.
It’s for d00dz too chickenshit to buy real spank mags.
Terrorists have been captured by the border patrol that have blended in with Mexicans and learned the Spanish language.
Even now, the terrorists have created a clever ruse to disguise their shawarmas of mass
deliciousnessdestruction!Oh, I have not heard of this one.
Cold Case Files (not the fiction show). Very educational.
And not just for the freaky murders. Watching real cops on camera (their triumphs and their failures and failings) is much more interesting to me than watching teevee cops. (Cops mugging for the camera on COPS is pretty boring, too. All you see is arrests, not outcomes.)
disguise their shawarmas
shawddup, yer making me hungry!
Oh, and since nobody else has said this:
“I get to threaten you with a Desert Eagle, point five oh.”
VGRR? Alternatively, VMXHR?
@not a gator
Thanks, dude!
As a former soldier, I was horrified that there was ever a discussion about “giving up certain liberties for national security”. I kept thinking 9/11 Reichstag (or howeverinthefuck you spell that) Fire. Then it got worse. Then worser. Then worserer. And so on. Also.
It made me wonder how it must have felt, riding in an inadequately armored HUMVEE, waiting for the inevitable ambush or IED to claim one or more of your squad, our yourself, and thinking about the people back home taking a big fat shit on the 4th Amendment.
Cold Case Files (not the fiction show). Very educational.
Bill Kurtis FTW!
The D’Souza book itself: The Enemy At Home: The Cultural Left and Its Responsibility for 9/11
There has not been an actual troll here in some time. It’s all copypoop guy, & his variations on Troofie. Nonetheless, I will ask NE Farmer Tan if all Americans of (more recent) African descent should be deported?
The “Pull over, I’m a cop” thing happens w/ depressing frequency in Southern California.
It is merely common sense patriotism.
No, it’s NOT. It’s 18th century cultural racism.
You might have heard about “the free practice thereof”, regarding religion. That means muslims too. Take the fucking blinders off and take control of your mind, fool.
Use this rule. It’s the one absolute truth in critical thinking. Pay attention, boy, I’m talking to you.
99.9% of all of the people in this world, regardless of skin color, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, creed, political affiliation and educational level are all just trying to get by in life and take care of their families. They just want to work, educate their kids, and take weekends off to go to the beach or the lake or to laser tag–JUST LIKE YOU. This is the truth. Accept it and your fears will be mitigated to a reasonable level.
I, like many on the sane side of this discussion, view this as yet another insight to the workings of the alien conservative mindsite.
The Left: “WTF Israel. Kill 15+ trying to feed and clothe the poor. Oh and attack NATO member Turkey, one of the few remaining moderate Middle Eastern countries. Way to go.”
The Right: “…Blaarrrggh!!” Fap fap “Guns, blockade!” Fap fap fap.
Oh, and since nobody else has said this:
“I get to threaten you with a Desert Eagle, point five oh.”
VGRR? Alternatively, VMXHR?
Actually, it’s a veiled .50 caliber PENIS reference. .50 = 1/2″. Sad. I don’t go around pointing my .60 caliber PENIS at people.
As a former soldier, I was horrified that there was ever a discussion about “giving up certain liberties for national security”. I kept thinking 9/11 Reichstag (or howeverinthefuck you spell that) Fire. Then it got worse. Then worser. Then worserer. And so on. Also.
I do find it weird how many soldiers you can find who aren’t actually on the neocon train. Would most of the people you knew in the military agree with you now? And you think the military’s really become more conservative since then, or has the right just gotten better at playing the patriotism card? It’s just crazy to me that there was so little outcry from the military or veterans back in 2000, 2002 and 2004, when their own people running for office were being shit and pissed on by draft-dodging cowards – especially compared with the outcry that happened at Clinton’s draft-dodging.
The “Pull over, I’m a cop” thing happens w/ depressing frequency in Southern California.
One more reason to ride public transit!
Okay, unless it’s BART and you’re Black…
One more reason to ride the bus! I knew this would come around to my paycheck eventually!
The Left: “WTF Israel. Kill 15+ trying to feed and clothe the poor. Oh and attack NATO member Turkey, one of the few remaining moderate Middle Eastern countries. Way to go.”
Sieges don’t WORK if food and medicine get in. Come on, now.
The Right: “…Blaarrrggh!!” Fap fap “Guns, blockade!” Fap fap fap.
Yes, please attack the most moderate nation in the Middle East. A nation which, btw, has graciously allowed us to use for a staging area for our past few scorched earth campaigns in the Middle East.
It’s just crazy to me that there was so little outcry from the military or veterans back in 2000, 2002 and 2004
Huh, I dunno, I heard quite a bit. There were anti-Iraq-war veteran’s groups. Then again, I was living in “liberal Massachusetts” for much of that time.
Veterans and soldiers are a totem. Wingers SURE as hell don’t want to hear what they have to say. Hell, if they contradict the CIC they’re obviously malcontents, fifth columnists, or AWOL.
Plus, there has been a concerted effort by ReichwingXtians to take over the Air Force from the inside. The cobags even went so far as trying to evangelize in Afghanistan before cooler heads finally shut them down.
Oh, come on. I doubt there’s a lot of love lost between Turks and Arabs. Though I’m sure Turks hate Greeks more. At least, I know the Greeks hate the Turks with the fire of 10,000 dying suns, so there’s that.
(Why? I can only guess it has something to do with the Greeks’ own history of military and cultural imperialism in Anatolia. Nuff said.)
The point I am trying to make is this, the “war on terrorism” and indeed all of the wars Our Nation is currently fighting in could have been avoided if our government did its job enforcing our immigration laws and put America First which is what their Consitutional Mandate is.
The truth is, you’re more boring than Gary Ruppert.
Huh, where are the purity trolls? They usually come out about now.
Those bombs are for brown people. We don’t want to waste them on valuable oil for the soccermom whores and compensating washouts driving Hummers and giant trucks around town.
THEY ARE SUCH FUCKING WHORES! High five, bro.
3: Reform legal immigration by reducing the current load to around 200,000 a year and accepting only immigrants from White European backgrounds which has historically been the American way.
Reform NER by reducing his viral load to 200,000 per litre and accepting only condom-encased dicks from clean rest stop bathrooms which has historically been the self-hating Massachusetts closet case way.
Huh, I dunno, I heard quite a bit. There were anti-Iraq-war veteran’s groups. Then again, I was living in “liberal Massachusetts” for much of that time.
But it never made it into any kind of mainstream political opposition. Then again, I suppose it’s like anything liberal these days. The fact there’s no organized money to back them, and the fact none of the media outlets dare publicize them, probably helps. That, and the “you unAmerican!” backlash that comes out of the Pentagon.
I suppose my impression to the contrary comes from my cousins and uncle, all either military or ex-military, all good Southern conservative.
Thinking it over more, though, 1) they’re all officers – I imagine the rank and file isn’t as lockstep as they are. 2) while they were all in the service, I don’t think any of them was actually in a war zone – if they were, I wonder if they’d have a different opinion. My grandfather was a three-tour Vietnam veteran and from what I’ve heard or read from him, I can’t help but think he’d have rather a different opinion.
I do find it weird how many soldiers you can find who aren’t actually on the neocon train. Would most of the people you knew in the military agree with you now? And you think the military’s really become more conservative since then, or has the right just gotten better at playing the patriotism card? It’s just crazy to me that there was so little outcry from the military or veterans back in 2000, 2002 and 2004, when their own people running for office were being shit and pissed on by draft-dodging cowards – especially compared with the outcry that happened at Clinton’s draft-dodging.
MOST soldiers are fairly moderate, but will put the wingnut face on in the interest of mandatory “unit cohesion”. Veterans are generally of the mind to obey the Commander in Chief out of a sense of duty and loyalty, I think. I also think that their silence is a sort of whispered rebuke. For the lack of outcry, I didn’t see an awful lot of rabid support, either.
The outcry about draft-dodgers was more of an astroturfing campaign by the swiftboater types than real outrage, IMHO. It always seems to me that the people most outraged by a supposed draft dodger are the fucking other draft dodgers, or the weekend warriors. I don’t remember any outrage over Bush’s minions.
At any rate, it’s difficult to gauge the political barometer of the military. Generally, though, based on my own (albeit anecdotal) observation is that most soldiers are there to do a job, and feel a strong sense of duty and patriotism, and take pride in the fact that they serve and protect their nation. Politics aside, I respect that view wholeheartedly. The jingoism and war drum beating are part of the military culture–hell it’s in the cadences they sing while marching in basic training.
4: Restrictions on who can travel to Our Nation
Eh, chill. Give it a few years, and Teh Librul Nation will be out of print anyway.
THEY ARE SUCH FUCKING WHORES! High five, bro.
And a good fuck too–up high, bro, yeeahhh!
Have we tried bombing the oil spill yet, or are the faggy libs opposed to that too?
Ever since we developed nuclear weapons we’ve been trying to make them do peaceful things*. I’m pretty sure the first thing folks trot out as a solution to any intractable engineering problem is “Why don’t we nuke it?” Thus, I am certain it has been an option entertained in the current gulf well problem.
*First 3 pops notwithstanding.
I heard tell the rooskies actually have nuked offshore oil leaks… butchya didn’t hear it from me.
Thanks for the thoughts, Tsam.
The truth is, you’re more boring than Gary Ruppert.
Yeah, back in the day we had REAL tolls.
Not like these lolly-dolly parody trolls you youngsters call trolls!
~
Thinking a bit more of HTML Mencken’s completely apt comparison of the Kurtz and the unfortunately real modern right-wing thinkers.
Like Kurtz, conservapundits hate those with less power than them. Why is that?
I think it really is as simple as, they know what they want will hurt the less fortunate in their path. But they can’t bear to realize they’re the bad guys, if they could even bear the introspection. So they have to justify their wants by dehumanizing and demonizing those in their path.
Their conscience isn’t fooled, and their self-loathing builds deep inside. But when it comes up, they shunt this emotional pressure into the same rationalizations – which causes them to demonize and hate the less fortunate even more.
“That brown person is making me feel guilty! How dare he! Kill him!”
Voila – your basic hysterical underpinning of a good 75% of conservative “thinking”.
MOST soldiers are fairly moderate, but will put the wingnut face on in the interest of mandatory “unit cohesion”.
That makes a lot of sense, come to think of it. Which would also mean it’s more about external politics (which tolerates and promotes the wingnuts) than the military.
I totally want a Maxim gun, as long as it fires bikini-clad starlets.
I think it actually hires them.
Ever since we developed nuclear weapons we’ve been trying to make them do peaceful things*. I’m pretty sure the first thing folks trot out as a solution to any intractable engineering problem is “Why don’t we nuke it?” Thus, I am certain it has been an option entertained in the current gulf well problem
Worked well for my problem acne as a teenager.
LOLsob.
Fuck the Fakestinians, Arafat, Assad, and Saddam killed more people for lunch than Israel does all day, yet we never hear about that, do we?
Just more Jew hatred.
Either it’s FYWP, or I’m fucking retarded (satire) today.
Anyway, check it.
Bill needs to watch his little obsession, or Todd’s likely to kick his ass.
Wait, who am I kidding? Todd doesn’t give a shit who Sarah bones, as long as the checks keep rolling in.
That makes a lot of sense, come to think of it. Which would also mean it’s more about external politics (which tolerates and promotes the wingnuts) than the military.
There is, to a certain extent, a need to build that sort of readiness and willingness do a job that no sane person would ever want. Call it brainwashing or training, it’s hard to argue with the overwhelmingly successful results (meaning our military is indisputably the most powerful in history).
Much of the military gets a bad reputation due to incompetent and psychotic leadership–see Sanchez and Abu Ghraib…
They found kevlar vests, machetes, and slingshots in the “humanitarian” flotilla, anyone care to explain how these things are “humanitarian aid”?
see Sanchez and Abu Ghraib
Noting that all of that shit went down under his fucked up command, and then he retires and starts badmouthing Bushco. Not undeserved, but that chickenshit asshole was part of the problem.
Just more Jew hatred.
Well, I don’t know about anyone else, but you totally have me pegged.*
Do you have anything else, friend? This particular line of “argument” is fucking tedious.
*THAT’S WHAT HE SAID.
They found kevlar vests, machetes, and slingshots in the “humanitarian” flotilla, anyone care to explain how these things are “humanitarian aid”?
Dude, don’t ask me. Your mom’s the one who’s into that shit.
They found kevlar vests, machetes, and slingshots in the “humanitarian” flotilla, anyone care to explain how these things are “humanitarian aid”?
Kevlar vests = humanitarian aid to people who are being, well, shot at.
Machetes, clearly for the dense Gazan jungles.
Slingshots, for the reenactments of David v. Goliath. That didn’t turn out so well.
Ultimately, it may be time to recognize that, in the face of growing threats to Western liberalism,
…we should arrest the Teabaggers and lock them away?
SIGN ME UP!
Machetes, clearly for the dense Gazan jungles.
Veiled K-Lo bush reference?
The point I am trying to make is this, the “war on terrorism” and indeed all of the wars Our Nation is currently fighting in could have been avoided if
…the right wing wasn’t such a pack of pussies.
There. I said it.
Have we tried bombing the oil spill yet, or are the faggy libs opposed to that too?
Ever since we developed nuclear weapons we’ve been trying to make them do peaceful things*. I’m pretty sure the first thing folks trot out as a solution to any intractable engineering problem is “Why don’t we nuke it?” Thus, I am certain it has been an option entertained in the current gulf well problem.
Operation Plowshare!
FYI: I still hate myself.
I heard tell the rooskies actually have nuked offshore oil leaks… butchya didn’t hear it from me.
The only way to be sure is to take off and do it from orbit.
Dropping the word “got” from the Belloc quote makes it sound more American, but I’m pretty sure it was intended to rhyme.
Messes up the meter, too.
FYI: I still hate myself.
Dude! Again? After what happened last time? Have you, at long last, no sense of decency, ma’am?
Dude! Again? After what happened last time? Have you, at long last, no sense of decency, ma’am?
Sorry. I’ve been drinking cheap champagne. I’m also trying to Gchat with Mr. T&U, who is sitting right next to me. I don’t think he’s amused.
FYI: I still hate myself.
I’d horsewhip you if I had a horse.
When did it get all emo around here?
I’d horsewhip you if I had a horse.
Pretty sure all you need for that is a whip. Not that I’d, uh, know about that. Or, you know, like it.
When did it get all emo around here?
I cut myself when I talk about K-Lo’s bush.
Shit. Now I have to go get fresh blades.
Isreal has the right to defend herself from terrorists, only terrorists and liberal America haters beleive that this was an aids convoy, it was full of weapons, see the videos and the proof and Rachel Corrie is still dead. So shut up.
Also, the defecet is the worst thing we face and unless we cut it we will suffer, so save your own money for retriement and stop taking my SS it is needed to pay down the defecet.
Much of the military gets a bad reputation due to incompetent and psychotic leadership–see Sanchez and Abu Ghraib…
That, and to my mind, a complete lack of accountability. The guys at Abu Ghraib mostly got off with a slap on the wrist, if memory serves.
The guys at Haditha were all cleared – by an all-military jury back home in the U.S.A, with no Iraqi civilians in attendance or even called to testify. Try imagining the Rodney King riots taking place in a closed courthouse on the other side of the country, as an internal LAPD matter, with no civilians, no black people and no one from LA in attendance, for comparison…
I even heard a story about a guy who died in prison after too much abuse, with no one charged for it – the reason given being that so many of the guards were abusing him that it was impossible to know which of the guards had struck the fatal blow.
I don’t know if the problem’s in JAG, or the chain of command, or a political climate that’s not favorable to investigating these things. But in my view, it’s like the Catholic Church and pedophilia. As long as it’s just a couple of individuals doing it, fine… when the system fails to hold them accountable, it stops being about the bad apples and starts being about the system.
I’d horsewhip you if I had a horse.
Pretty sure all you need for that is a whip.
Classic humour is wasted on the younglings.
Maxim’s took the gun off the menu shortly after they opened. Spectacular presentation but it frightened many of the less, shall we “robust” patrons.
ALSO HITLAR ALSO HATED THE JEWS SO LIBERALS ARE HITLAR
Teaparty Passion For USA said,
June 2, 2010 at 2:35
This is without a doubt the WORST parody troll this season! I’ve seen better trolling from Paula Abdul on her Twitter account!
The guys at Haditha were all cleared – by an all-military jury back home in the U.S.A, with no Iraqi civilians in attendance or even called to testify.
I may be wrong, but I believe that’s called a court martial. I have no problem with it: it’s done publicly, and you only need a simple majority to convict, not a unanimous vote.
When did it get all emo around here?
Sorry. My friend Junkpuncho told me about this place and shit just happened.
Classic humour is wasted on the younglings.
Nah. Well, maybe. Just playing the clueless bimbette this time around. Besides, you didn’t see it the first time around, either. At least, I don’t think you’re *that* old.
How does one human being use the term “time around” twice in just four sentences? I’m an IDIOT. I’m glad Emo Alpaca is here for me.
It’s like when I was in 9nth grade and this girl I asked out (well, I didn’t “asked” her per se, but am sure she knew I wanted to) turned me down… what more proof you need that all women are whores who must die horrible death? You do what you have to do, not what some chattering classes with all their “laws” and “norms” think is “acceptable”…
I may be wrong, but I believe that’s called a court martial. I have no problem with it: it’s done publicly, and you only need a simple majority to convict, not a unanimous vote.
I know how it works, but when 32 people end up dead and the perpetrators not only aren’t held accountable, but nobody in the victimized neighborhood’s even interviewed in the process of the court martial, I have a hard time not concluding that justice hasn’t been served. Certainly the Iraqis do.
Hot or Not?
Wait, what’d I do now?
I have a hard time not concluding that justice hasn’t been served.
Yeah, we aren’t particularly good about holding war criminals accountable in general. Then again, as a DFH, I figure the line between “justifiable actions” and “war crimes” is pretty fucking thin anyway.
Anyone who says he can see through women is missing a lot.
Fuck You WordPress.
Oh, I have not heard of this one. I am disappointed in myself, as I try to be fleetingly familiar with all forms of male douchebaggery, pornographic or otherwise.
Have I got some things to show you!
Actual pictures of the weapons taken from the ship (you may want to avert the childrens eyes):
http://idfspokesperson.com/2010/05/31/pictures-of-weapons-found-on-the-mavi-marmara-flotilla-ship-31-may-2010/
That’s right, sailors had access to knives up to 10″ long, hammers, broom handles, sticks, chains, ropes, and perhaps most chillingly, a paint roller handle. I know what you are thinking… if it was meant for peaceful purposes, why didn’t it have an actual roller on it!!!!
Frankly, the vicious brutes should be grateful they didn’t just sink the ship with cannon fire for trying to smuggle such dangerous contraband.
I totally want a Maxim gun, as long as it fires bikini-clad starlets.
I think what you’re after is the Hot Pussy gun.
Have I got some things to show you!
Fine. But this is the last set of etchings I’ll pretend to be interested in until at least Friday. Until then, DKW’s mom is on call.
Until then, DKW’s mom is on call.
Is she ever off call? I think GWB said “her experience is uniquely American”.
Also, the defecet is the worst thing we face and unless we cut it we will suffer
Defecet? Sounds like some kind of prescription drug. I think I saw some guy selling them in the Tenderloin on the way to work today.
Is she ever off call? I think GWB said “her experience is uniquely American”.
Good point. I meant that if you were hard up*, she would cover my shift.
Just, you know, don’t expect the same quality. Or, you know, pleasant smell.**
*VER
**Now I really, really hate myself.
I’m pretty sure the first thing folks trot out as a solution to any intractable engineering problem is “Why don’t we nuke it?”
I’m no scientist, but I can’t believe that dropping a nuke on an oil spill can possibly improve the situation. If anybody knows something I don’t, I am all ears.
It is what the mafia use to put people on the bottom of the ocean, after all.
/attempting_to_erase_that_last_post
Apparently someone was using blank CDs as throwing stars. How very terrifying.
Or, you know, pleasant smell.**
Eau de 3rd Battalion?
**Now I really, really hate myself.
Its ok, if it wasn’t for self-loathing women, I’d never get a date at all!
I totally want a Maxim gun, as long as it fires bikini-clad starlets.
i made u a joke about the Chauchat machine gun but WP eated it
Big explosions improve every situation.
There may be iguanas in the area, therefore Guadzilla will be created, thus destroying nearby cities in a more aesthetically pleasing manner.
Raw Story has more on the nuke idea:
http://rawstory.com/rs/2010/0529/energy-expert-nuke-oil-leak/
I believe there was an article at GOS lately where someone mentioned that nukes have been used four times to staunch underground well leaks. Dunno if those were all Russian.
Also said that conventional explosives are used in similar situations. Wouldn’t surprise me to find that things have gone beyond the capability for that at this point. BP has no interest in blowing up the well, because then they can’t recoup ANY of their costs, but with the socialized costs and damage, they are perfectly happy to just keep fucking that chicken.
Robert Reich is right. Force BP into receivership and take control of the efforts, otherwise it just keeps going round and round. And hey, if that requires arresting the top 100 people in BP, I think I can live with that….
Mickey Kaus needs your gote.
I totally want a Maxim gun, as long as it fires bikini-clad starlets.
Is there an option with nighties?
I am asking for Smut Clyde.
OK, Martian Buddy:
Don’t make me ask for my initials back.
[i]/attempting_to_erase_that_last_post[/i]
Morrissey would be proud. Squicked, but proud.
Truculent, indeed.
Fuckin’ hell! The site hates me now. Must I unleash the pancakes?
Apparently someone was using blank CDs as throwing stars. How very terrifying.
Well, good thing they were blank. If they were transporting, say, Barry Manilow or The Osmonds across borders, no punishment would be good enough, the pigs.
The Osmonds were HEAVY.
Morrissey would be proud.
Awww, that’s the nicest thing, like, ever! I shall dedicate my zombie novel to you.
Also, too, how the FUCK DID I MISS THIS?
Warped minds think alike?
You were not reading Thers often enough.
The Osmonds were HEAVY.
It’s like as if T. Rundgren had produced GFR.
Was expecting this one: O5 live!
Goddamn. Somebody please tell me this is satire.
No, Sarah. I don’t get it. I supposed I’m a fucking retard.
I’m actually a bit surprised more people didn’t come up w/ it, M. B.
You were not reading Thers often enough.
You are absolutely right. NEVER AGAIN!
No, it is as real as the day is long & insufferable. Check this.
I’m pretty sure the first thing folks trot out as a solution to any intractable engineering problem is “Why don’t we nuke it?”
My selective demolition spec – under the old Construction Specification Institute numbering system, section 02070 – contains the instructions “The use of nuclear explosives will not be permitted.”
PICKY PICKY.
PICKY PICKY.
Demo work is so much fun that it is the only place where I have to worry about too much work being performed.
There could be a major shift in the balance of power in the Middle East if Hamas develops the ability to sing the songs that make the young girls cry.
T&R: *I supposed I’m a fucking retard.*
When did you stop?
Not that you should have started.
I actually signed on to feed the Don’t Tread troll but I guess that’s redundant. For a moment i mistook this site as a place where everyone is responding to the likes of DTOM by thinking hey yeah I never saw it like that.
Defecet? Sounds like some kind of prescription drug.
Or how one punishes a toilet for sitting there looking all smug and shit.
I actually signed on to feed the Don’t Tread troll but I guess that’s redundant. For a moment i mistook this site as a place where everyone is responding to the likes of DTOM by thinking hey yeah I never saw it like that.
Not lulzy enough. TITS, PENIS, or GTFO.
tsam, would that be, like, the Defenestration of Cannes?
(hee hee, I crack myself up!)
Deport the Hansons. I’d call that a win-win.
When attacked, why should not a stronger nation or its representatives try to both protects its own personnel at all costs and, in the wider scheme of things, defeat its adversaries?
Why doesn’t he just say “glass parking lot” and have done with it? Fucking wingnuts make obscurantism a goddamn art form.
The best part of that badly edited Dale Whatshisface video is where they cut to a close-up of his horse, and the horse looks incredibly embarrassed to be a part of the whole thing.
Demo work is so much fun that it is the only place where I have to worry about too much work being performed.
Great minds, and such as, N__B. Adding to the problem; I usually describe the relative intelligence of contractor crews as tracking a projects completion, much like the Ascent of Man illustration; hence, demo crews are often the least skilled, and most difficult to communicate with (often you must bang rocks together) so the most difficult thing is CONVINCING THEM TO STOP.
My demo spec just refers to regular explosive demolition, but then, we don’t live in the Big City.
Also, N__B had BETTER revise his spec to say ‘nucular’
Although now that I think about it, why limit yourself?
now that I re-read that first comment, I realize it can be read that I am specifying that Demolition crews sometimes have to be stopped by explosives.
HAH!
tsam, a zombie KNOWS how to kill a threadle DED DED DED.
Nah, I really was going to respond with something about the flotilla cos it’s been two days waiting for S,N comments on it. This place helps me debrief is all.
But cheers for the lame defensiveness on your own comedic skills, feel better already.
The best part of that badly edited Dale Whatshisface video is where they cut to a close-up of his horse, and the horse looks incredibly embarrassed to be a part of the whole thing.
I guess that’s why it’s called horse sense.
But cheers for the lame defensiveness on your own comedic skills, feel better already.
That’s not defense, that’s offense, as in you offend me. Try to keep up.
cos it’s been two days waiting for S,N comments on it.
whoah. lack a life much?
now that I re-read that first comment, I realize it can be read that I am specifying that Demolition crews sometimes have to be stopped by explosives.
Well, I’m sure they sometimes are.
Amazing to learn about this hierarchy, however. So construction people think demo folks are knuckledraggers. And civil engineers–who seemed pretty damn dull to me–swore up and down that construction guys were illiterate knob-knockers. If physicists think that civil engineers are verifiable flat scans, then who shall declare physicists dunces?
Oh I know. Bus drivers!
Or Passionately Wrong Footed. It takes a man among men to keep DKW’s mom interested for two nights in a row.
Amazing to learn about this hierarchy, however. So construction people think demo folks are knuckledraggers. And civil engineers–who seemed pretty damn dull to me–swore up and down that construction guys were illiterate knob-knockers. If physicists think that civil engineers are verifiable flat scans, then who shall declare physicists dunces?
hey, it’s only my own observation.
But whatever else, don’t insult steelworkers. Just don’t.
J Neo Martin (assuming this is your blog)
we grok.
when did life get so depressing? what happened to morning in america*? question: can we use zombie reagan to plug the well? Okay, well what about nancy’s astrologer?
*i don’t know what fuckshit dimballs bought this line in the first place. I spent most of the 80’s terrified as fuck.
But whatever else, don’t insult steelworkers. Just don’t.
Dedicated to the Gay Steelworkers of America
Igor, throw the switch. BRING THIS THREAD BACK TO LIIIIIIIFE!
aaaand talking to myself. sad.
tsam, are you still awake?
when did life get so depressing?
near as I can figure, late 2000.
*i don’t know what fuckshit dimballs bought this line in the first place. I spent most of the 80’s terrified as fuck.
wait a minute, it’s so obvious: embrace of delusion, à la the tanuki death dancers in Heisei Tanuki War Pom Poko (that is ONE trippy movie. also, BALLS)
late 2000
FUCK.
BRING THIS THREAD BACK TO LIIIIIIIFE!
dude, it’s shambling, it’s shambling.
OT, but what the hell happened to Sub Pop records?
Also, N__B had BETTER revise his spec to say ‘nucular’
Yes, but make sure you do by addendum the morning of the bid and don’t postpone it. Also.
OT, but what the hell happened to Sub Pop records?
After Soundgarden left, irrelevance?
aaaand talking to myself. sad.
tsam, are you still awake?
Hi. I just returned after wiping out several thousand aliens on Halo3. It was a most excellent adventure!
No thread is killable. I’ve tried everything. They’re like wingnut stupidity. Stomp out what you can see and there are thousands more waiting to take their place. Luckily you have time to escape while they finish masturbating to John Wayne movies, and concern troll the effects of modern sissy movies that are “branwashing are chilren!”
HAH!
tsam, a zombie KNOWS how to kill a threadle DED DED DED.
Well done, zombie, I offer my congratAAAAAHHHHHH NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
nom nom nom
Okay, this may be depressy-er, but it goes to what T&U and tsam were talking about regarding police impersonators. Lacy Miller, the daughter of a friend of a friend (I did not know her personally) was murdered in just such a scenario in January 2003, near Fort Collins, Colorado. Her murderer was caught after he showed an acquaintance Lacy’s beaten, burned body, and the acquaintance turned him in. The murderer confessed, pleaded guilty, and is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Most of us are going to pull over for a police car’s flashing lights, especially after dark. Young people especially are likely to, simply because they have less experience, and as new drivers, tend to be nervous about doing something wrong and maybe losing their licenses. Tell your kids. Discuss it with them. Talk about possible scenarios, and don’t forget to tell them that they must be hyper-alert. For example, if it turns out the impersonator is not an impersonator, and is a real police officer, you don’t want your actions to protect yourself looking dangerously like resisting arrest.
Here’s a link to some safety advice, as well as a letter from a young woman who avoided harm specifically because she knew about Lacy Miller’s story.
Safety Advice
No thread is killable. I’ve tried everything.
Oh yeah? We’ll see. My comment has probably doomed this thread.
Not at all. Having scared poor young T&U w/ the knowledge of this crap, I almost mentioned the drive to a lighted area/police station bit. (Assuming that’s what was linked.)
These threads do not die, they just get weirder until the next offering from on high.
These threads do not die, they just get weirder
I believe I’ve just been insulted.
Why would that be an insult?
When the thread gets weird, the weird turn pro.
. Reform legal immigration by reducing the current load to around 200,000 a year and accepting only immigrants from White European backgrounds which has historically been the American way.
Do you mean the micks*, spics, limeys, frogs, dagos, kikes, polacks, WOPs, krauts, garlic-eaters, scandahoovians, papists, or Real White People?
*But we won’t take the Irish!
Ted Haggard’s twitter feed: “If we come close to God, God will come close to us.”
Way TMI.
When the thread gets weird, the weird turn pro.
Like.
Ps. You know how Facebook has privacy issues? Well now people can anticipate what other people are going to post. On second thoughts, they can tell in advance what Palin will post, maybe not so remarkable.
If physicists think that civil engineers are verifiable flat scans, then who shall declare physicists dunces?
Mathematicians.
The bastards.
Another great height of English culture on their colonial empire in Africa:
Britain used to make their African colonial subjects sing “Rule Britannia”, which includes the wonderful, colonial friendly couplet:
Please, please correct the title.
Whatever happens, we have GOT … the Maxim gun, and they have not.
It’s supposed to rhyme dudes!
passionately wrong footed said,
June 2, 2010 at 5:00
I don’t know how that extra “d” sneaked in! (Probably too much cheap champagne).
But you know, at least I was coherent.
Thus, I am certain it has been an option entertained in the current gulf well problem.
You are correct.
OT, but what the hell happened to Sub Pop records?
? They’re still around. I believe the husband just purchased a couple of records from their back catalog. Or am I misunderstanding?
After Soundgarden left, irrelevance?
Or, you know, Wolf Parade, The Shins, The Postal Service, David Cross…a ton of other indie bands….
Also The Thermals, Fleet Foxes, Patton Oswalt, Flight of the Conchords…
I’m sure the solution has been bandied about, but maybe the repairs to the Gulf oil well should include DKWs mom sucking that puppy dry?
The guys at Abu Ghraib mostly got off with a slap on the wrist, if memory serves.
No, only the guys responsible. The mouth-breathers and hillbillies went to the brig.
I’m sure the solution has been bandied about, but maybe the repairs to the Gulf oil well should include DKWs mom sucking that puppy dry?
She’d be a national hero!
No, only the guys responsible. The mouth-breathers and hillbillies went to the brig.
Have you seen Standard Operating Procedure? If not, you should.
She’d be a national hero!
We’d all stand to salute her! We’d have to change the flag pole to a stripper pole, but what the hey…
We’d all stand to salute her!
Veiled–do I even have to say it?
Veiled? Really?
She’d be a national hero!
She definitely knows how to support the troops!
She definitely knows how to support the troops!
And they can get behind her, to a man.
Veiled? Really?
No, not so much.
She really does deserve a medal for her long and outstanding service(s).
She really does deserve a me
dtal for her long and outstanding service(s).That’s what the poling is for…
Marc Ambinder is asking why people are so mean to him on Twitter….
Marc Ambinder is asking why people are so mean to him on Twitter….
Has anyone in comments raised the suggestion that we’ve been mean all along, he’s only just becoming aware of the contempt he’s held in?
Has anyone in comments raised the suggestion that we’ve been mean all along, he’s only just becoming aware of the contempt he’s held in?
Nope, not yet. Somebody linked to a blog post criticizing him after he said this: “and I’m sick of 140 word criticisms that are too opaque to learn from”.
SOOOOOOO MEAAAAAAAAAN.
“and I’m sick of 140 word criticisms that are too opaque to learn from”.
What’s hard to learn from “@marcambinder You’re a fucking loser douchebag”?
New Yorkers will be amused by this: this really loud woman I work with was just on the phone with someone who was obviously complaining about the size of her apartment. The woman said, “Well, I know it’s not much, but I started out with a 500 square foot apartment. That’s just what you have to do when you’re starting out. At least you’re by yourself…”
What’s hard to learn from “@marcambinder You’re a fucking loser douchebag”?
Heh. I said something along the lines of: “You’re a milquetoasty, sloppy ‘centrist’. Does that help?”
The woman said, “Well, I know it’s not much, but I started out with a 500 square foot apartment. That’s just what you have to do when you’re starting out. At least you’re by yourself…”
::blink::
My first apartment was 14×10! 500 square feet was luxury!
Also The Thermals, Fleet Foxes, Patton Oswalt, Flight of the Conchords…
O good. I was listening to a Sub Pop sampler, and other than the David Cross bit, it seemed awful.
hah. New Yorkers.
My current project features apartments ranging from 1200 to 1900 square feet. Of course, it’s in the middle of flyover country, but it’s on a river….
My first apartment was 14×10! 500 square feet was luxury!
RIGHT?! Hell, I’m used to having (cheap) space, but I felt lucky to find a 300 square foot studio for the amount of rent I was paying.
Another funny thing: my hated co-worker drives her SUV to work every day even though she lives THREE BLOCKS from work. Her parking space is *barely* closer than her apartment! Oh, Midwesterners.
O good. I was listening to a Sub Pop sampler, and other than the David Cross bit, it seemed awful.
Yeah, there’s some good stuff. There’s also some shit.
Band of Horses and Blitzen Trapper are also pretty good.
My current project features apartments ranging from 1200 to 1900 square feet.
So you’re giving the tenants more space to run and hide? That’s rather kind of you…
My current project features apartments ranging from 1200 to 1900 square feet.
Ours is about 1,000 square feet. One of my overdramatic friends visited from New York and said, “OMG YOU HAVE A MANSION!” I suggested she could move here if she wanted. She didn’t seem to appreciate the offer.
OOH Ambinder replied to me!
“and how would you describe yourself? What evidence have you of my ‘centrism?'”
Band of Horses and Blitzen Trapper are also pretty good.
Whatever happened to good band names like ? & The Mysterions, The Fuggs and Strawberry Alarm Clock, I ask you?
T&U,
Presumably, CBS News chief political consultant would be chosen with an eye towards pissing off everyone.
Tell him that.
Hey, I once lived in a closet. No, a real closet. Swear to FSM. I was a sophomore who hadn’t been diligent about lining up my housing situation. The closet’s ceiling was the staircase leading to the third floor of the apartment building. There was room for a single bed, and at the foot of the bed, near the door, a crate of my belongings.
O, the winter winds were cruel! Sometimes I’d wake up, and I’d see frost on the nailheads of the stairway risers above my head. (I had many blankets.)
But the very worst thing, the incident that caused me to flee to some other dwelling I cannot remember, happened just after midnight, when the young man who lived upstairs came home after an even of drunken festivities, but didn’t make it into his apartment. He sat down on the stairs and barfed and barfed. He barfed so hard he turned inside out for a minute.
I was all, “Eww, amateur night, what a loser”, until (insert alarmed prairie dog vid here) I began to hear…drip, drip, drip. Oh, it was like a fire drill how fast I got my stuff out, slept on the couch, grossed out my housemates as they woke up, and showered even though all the hot water had been used up.
Hey! Good morning, y’all!
What evidence have you of my ‘centrism?
d00d has a point. He’s no centrist, he’s a right-wing hack. The most current two posts from our intrepid political reporter are:
1. Harry Reid might survive in November because of a gajillion words about GOPpers. REpublicans Republicans Republicans!!!!
2. An Alabama Democratic incumbent was booted in a primary – the guy who opposed Obamacare. Why? Because Democrats are racists. Or maybe because blacks are tired of being owned by the Dems. And BTW, here’s some more information about Republicans, including minutiae and fine detail because that’s what Ambinder knows. Dems? Who cares, they’re racists.
The next posts in line are about Israel and the flotilla. I can’t bring myself to read them – I’m too ascared of what I’ll find.
Larkspur said,
June 2, 2010 at 16:25
Hey, I once lived in a closet. No, a real closet
Hey, everyone! It’s Harry Potter!
Presumably, CBS News chief political consultant would be chosen with an eye towards pissing off everyone.
Done. I also tried to make the point that reporting on stupid bullshit is not being “unbiased,” but the format’s rather limiting, so I don’t think he’ll get it…I have a feeling he’s none too bright.
Anyways, here’s a Shorter reply for Ambinder:
“Marc, you’re right – you’re not a centrist. Otherwise you’d have said that it’s also possible that some Alabama Republicans are racists too.”
the approval of the chattering class of Europe or the U.N. secretary general
Who do you think created Israel in the first place, you fucking moron?
Done. I also tried to make the point that reporting on stupid bullshit is not being “unbiased,” but the format’s rather limiting, so I don’t think he’ll get it…I have a feeling he’s none too bright.
Twitter is for twits, after all.
And besides, what part of “and I’m sick of 140 word criticisms that are too opaque to learn from” did you miss?
I am hypersensitive, easily offended, and am quite capable of bursting into tears while ripping out my adversary’s rib cage to wear as a hat*. Therefore I tweet not. It seems only sensible.
*VBtVSR
And besides, what part of “and I’m sick of 140 word criticisms that are too opaque to learn from” did you miss?
I wouldn’t have said anything else, but he asked!
He hasn’t responded yet. He’s probably going to block me, just like Jake Tapper.
The next posts in line are about Israel and the flotilla. I can’t bring myself to read them – I’m too ascared of what I’ll find.
They’re not offensive, except maybe in their oversimplifications and general stupidity.
Also, 140 “words”? Too?
I just noticed that you’ll have to tweak that shorter to get @marcambinder in and stay under 140. Hmmm, how about
“Fuck You @marcambinder you stupid fucking tool.”
am quite capable of bursting into tears while ripping out my adversary’s rib cage to wear as a hat
And they call ME compassionate for stopping short of “yo mama” jokes…
Bless your heart, actor. Now I must run. But I will be back to annoy everyone later.
*VBtVSR
Yay!
I am, too, but not when it comes to politics. Discussions of Important Personal Stuff are where I break down.
“Fuck You @marcambinder you stupid fucking tool.”
I think he’s ignoring me now.
“Whatever happened to good band names like ? & The Mysterions, The Fuggs and Strawberry Alarm Clock, I ask you?”
Or the Electric Prunes, also.
“Whatever happened to good band names like ? & The Mysterions, The Fuggs and Strawberry Alarm Clock, I ask you?”
Or the Electric Prunes, also.
They were all replaced with bands with the words “wolf” and/or “diamond” in them.
Strawberry Alarm Clock is just as weird as any of those other names, anyway.
Or the Electric Prunes, also.
Exactly! I mean, who wants to listen to Creed when you can listen to Mott The Hoople?
Of course, a lot of that might have something to do with the quality of the music, but you get my drift…
“Whatever happened to good band names like ? & The Mysterions, The Fuggs and Strawberry Alarm Clock, I ask you?”
the who now?
the who now?
First base!
Exactly! I mean, who wants to listen to Creed when you can listen to Mott The Hoople?
a) Are you comparing the bands I like to Creed?
b) All the bands I like have much more similarity to Mott the Hoople than to Creed.
c) Are you just trying to piss me off?
c) Are you just trying to piss me off?
I’m not trying to do anything.
Is it working?
Is it working?
No, of course not!
Okay. Maybe a little. I can get a bit tetchy about music…
Also, any thought of Creed fills me with nausea, which does nothing for my mood.
Also, any thought of Creed fills me with nausea, which does nothing for my mood.
Then don’t go back a thread!
Then don’t go back a thread!
Yeah, you’re a little late on that one.
Yeah, you’re a little late on that one.
I bet he hears that ALL the time.
Good band names?
You only need to know 2:
Snarkleponies
Tubesock Holocsaust
I bet he hears that ALL the time.
Don’t you have an abbatoir to design?
Good band names?
You only need to know 2:
Snarkleponies
Tubesock Holocsaust
What happened to The Sadlynauts? That name has more cool than Cheetah Chrome Motherfuckers.
That’s a gooder too.
Also Asshole Button.
Btw, I just created a Twitter account to annex my website (which is finally being built). So if you’d like me to be able to annoy the shit out of you in not one but TWO locations, holla. I’m “manipwitch”.
I bet he hears that ALL the time.
Don’t you have an abbatoir to design?
That’s what you get for that mean comment you made yesterday. Don’t think I’ll forget about it.
That’s what you get for that mean comment you made yesterday. Don’t think I’ll forget about it.
Which one? There have been so many…
I’m “manipwitch”.
Vanilla ice cream between two GOP strategists….mmmmmmmm….
Okay. Maybe a little. I can get a bit tetchy about music…
Me too! I’m an unapologetic music snob who resents other music snobs.
Ewwwwwww
That’s what you get for that mean comment you made yesterday. Don’t think I’ll forget about it.
Which one? There have been so many…
Like bitching at GM about that one lousy car they made.
That ewwwwwww was for actor and his GOP sammich. *shudder*
Like bitching at GM about that one lousy car they made.
Huh?
I would never bitch at GM about one lousy car.
The entire line reeks!
Which one? There have been so many…
I know, and that is why I like you (unfortunately).
This one, which I was far too nice in deflecting.
This one, which I was far too nice in deflecting.
Oh come come now…it wasn’t even about you!
Oh come come now…it wasn’t even about you!
I know! That’s why it’s so mean!
And actually, it is kind of about me.
I know! That’s why it’s so mean!
Well, in that case. I’m sorry. I did not mean to offend you, only to tease you.
Well, in that case. I’m sorry. I did not mean to offend you, only to tease you.
I know. I was half-kidding, but it did strike a nerve and I felt I had to stand up for my man. No worries.
I felt I had to stand up for my man. No worries
Well, that’s more than he’s capable of.
ZING!
Shorter Michael Rubin: We had to destroy Western liberalism in order to save it.
Well, that’s more than he’s capable of.
Pretty sure the kid can hold his own…
Hey, guess what? Ambinder’s back! Do I care?
“for the Republicans? I get accused of carrying more than water for Dems and being a stenographer for Obama. Which is it?
I try to take criticism seriously, but y’all are making it so easy to dismiss as absurd”
“for the Republicans? I get accused of carrying more than water for Dems and being a stenographer for Obama. Which is it?
I try to take criticism seriously, but y’all are making it so easy to dismiss as absurd”
Facts are liberal.
It was only a matter of time before this happened.
Who’s going to
donate to his libraryfriend the worst president ever?Response to Ambinder:
“@marcambinder – getting it from both sides is not a sign you have it right. You could be doubly wrong.”
SRSLY, I dunno why these tards can’t figure out that being a shill for one side does not preclude being a shill for the other. He’s an establishment shill and will pimp out his “journalistic integrity” to whomever can give him access. Idiot. Anyways,
“@marcambinder – I would have assumed that a journalist could weigh the merits of the criticism.”
“ie badly speeled tweets about Patriotism v questions about why @marcambinder accuses Democrats of racism with no support.”
Yassuh, massa Israel! Sho ’nuff, I toss yo salad, yassuh, jes as soon as I done swallowed yo dick! Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaasuh! Ol’ USA, he deserve de lash, massuh, fo sho. Yassuh, dat’s a fack. Give ol’ USA de lash, I ‘spect he had it comin’. YaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaSUH!
SRSLY, I dunno why these tards can’t figure out that being a shill for one side does not preclude being a shill for the other. He’s an establishment shill and will pimp out his “journalistic integrity” to whomever can give him access. Idiot. Anyways,
It’s sort of mind-boggling to me that he’s surprised by this criticism, and doesn’t even seem to understand it. Really, dude? You’ve never heard this before? Christ.
It’s just another sign of how internalized the whole fucked up edifice of Ambinder and Villager World is. Despite their fetishistic obsession with bipartisanship – the very notion that both Right and Left could agree that Marc Ambinder is a fucking tool is somehow un-possibile.
P.S. Or you could laugh at him that his reply of getting complaints from both sides is a pretty funny response to disprove some sort of centrist bias.
P.P.S. Fuck you @marcambinder.
P.P.P.S. However, all would be forgiven if you step up where Yglesias failed and hork a gob of spit right into ME-gan McArdle’s face.
Although to be fair to Ambinder, he’s not really a Villager proper. More like someone who lives in the suburbs of Village-town. Regardless, Fuck you @marcambinder.
I’m an unapologetic music snob who resents other music snobs.
Oh, well let me preemptively state then: “If your music is so good, how come I never hear it on the radio?”
Computers suck. Anyone know where I can score a gig chipping arrowheads out of flint?
Don’t you have an abbatoir to design?
Nah, the market for those went way down when America opened up operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. How do you compete with the DoD?
Or you could laugh at him that his reply of getting complaints from both sides is a pretty funny response to disprove some sort of centrist bias.
I just told him that it was quite possible to carry water for “both sides.”
Somebody else says: “In that, you are a symptom of the Village mentality. Being a Serious Journalist is parroting the CW, not holding spin to fact.
Your stenography is not partisan. You recite whatever platitudes are given to you, add vapid, opinion-less commentary.”
So, I think we covered it.
Anyone know where I can score a gig chipping arrowheads out of flint?
try America after the next Republican President is elected.
How do you compete with the
DoDXe?Fixxxxxorrrrrrred for greater accuracy and/or OLIGARHY.
Oh, well let me preemptively state then: “If your music is so good, how come I never hear it on the radio?”
You do. I’m not at that ubersnob level wherein a person believes that being on the radio somehow makes it bad, not good enough, too trendy or whatever the fucking sanctimonious excuse might be.
I was talking to the dude at Taco del Mar while he was making me a fantastic burrito, and Muse came up. Of course he had recently sworn Muse off since they’ve become radio darlings of late. I said “Really? You would give up on the band who wrote ‘Resistance’ because it made it to the radio?” He hesitated, started to mumble, then asked if I would like cilantro.
Ms. Vacuumslayer, I cannot find you on the Twitter. You might try making sure you’re searchable…it could just be that I’m an idiot.
tsam:
I
love
you
amen. Tell it, brotha.
Name-wise, I’ve always been partial to Bruiser Barton and the Dry Heaves.
…if I would like cilantro.
You musta really pissed him off. I mean he could have spit in your burrito right in front of your face – but CILANTRO?!? Eeeeuuuuww.
You musta really pissed him off. I mean he could have spit in your burrito right in front of your face – but CILANTRO?!? Eeeeuuuuww.
I don’t get you cilantro haters. It’s one of the most delicious things on the planet.
As far as I know I’m searchable. You might try “Beth Spencer” as opposed to manipwitch. Also: yay!
Totally with you on cilantro. People seem put off by its soapy smell, but I dig it.
I’m not at that ubersnob level wherein a person believes that being on the radio somehow makes it bad, not good enough, too trendy or whatever the fucking sanctimonious excuse might be.
Yeah, that’s just douchey. I remember when Clap Your Hands Say Yeah were HUUUUUUUUGE in the hipster scene until…….they signed a record deal. Producing a record? Total fucking sellout.
The Arcade Fire were also indie darlings until they got too big, which was probably right after I saw them (in a tiny club OMG). The thing is, they’re a fucking amazing band, period. Funeral is one of the best records of all time. I’m sad I’ll never see them in a small club again, but I’m happy that they got to open for U2 and perform with David Bowie.
I vote for Tubesock Holocaust
tsam:
I
love
you
**blush**
Totally with you on cilantro. People seem put off by its soapy smell, but I dig it.
I LOVE cilantro. I like the smell too. All the best mexican food is loaded with the stuff. Just how I like it!
Cilantro is a love it or hate it thing. I read recently that a physiological / genetic basis has (finally) been established to explain that. Still, I am unaware of reparative therapy so you cilantro haters should just kill yourselves.
I’m sad I’ll never see them in a small club again
you never know. These things often come around.
Still can’t find you, VS. Twitter’s search function can be a bastard. You might try yourself, and if you’re not showing up, you can contact them and they’ll (hopefully) fix it.
Still, I am unaware of reparative therapy so you cilantro haters should just kill yourselves.
Now, now, that’s just more cilantro for the rest of us.
I’ve gone from anti-cilantro to eating it by itself. So its not hopeless.
you never know. These things often come around.
True. And as far as I know, they might decide to start doing small clubs again. Hopefully, I’ll be closer to civilization at that point in time. I also saw them in an amphitheater, but it wasn’t huge, so the show was still pretty good.
Still, I am unaware of reparative therapy so you cilantro haters should just kill yourselves.
You liberals are so intolerant!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/10207486.stm
Thank god there isn’t anything important in the real world to worry about.
You’re all abunch of foul and disgusting perverts. Cilantro. Harumph. I suppose it has a place in the handful of Thai dishes that use it – but otherwise I say leave the plant alone to develop into coriander. As it was meant to be.
Yeah, that’s just douchey. I remember when Clap Your Hands Say Yeah were HUUUUUUUUGE in the hipster scene until…….they signed a record deal. Producing a record? Total fucking sellout.
That term, sellout, makes me as angry as the whole fascist/communist thing. It is, nearly every time, spoken by a non-musician dumbfuck who really should have his mouth sewn shut. Producing a record, and even making it big is NOT selling out. If one insists on using the term, I think Maynard put it best “I sold out long before you knew my name”.
I get so damned irritated at the attitude some people have in thinking that they’re like, better at liking music or something because a prerequisite for being liked is that they don’t get any radio play. I realize that radio play is absolutely no benchmark for talent or creativity, but it is also not an indicator that any band is just another rip off of the latest fad.
I do totally understand the sense of loss over never seeing a band in a small club. I went through that with this one band called Nirvana nearly 20 years ago. But then again, the good that Nirvana did the world with their music was totally worth it.
Producing a record, and even making it big is NOT selling out.
Well, not if you want to eat, and pay rent.
It is, nearly every time, spoken by a non-musician dumbfuck who really should have his mouth sewn shut.
Probably a trust-fund kid to boot- see above.
You’re all abunch of foul and disgusting perverts.
Thank you!
Cilantro rulez! Deal with it!
Probably a trust-fund kid to boot- see above.
Yeah, that’s not exactly uncommon among hipsters.
tsam: That’s one of the nice things about being into classical. Nobody can sell out, for one or both of two reasons: they’re already dead, and/or classical music just doesn’t draw like pop. That’s why, say, Hilary Hahn can dominate the charts with numbers that probably wouldn’t pay for the bottled water on a Miley Cyrus tour.
You’re all abunch of foul and disgusting perverts.
Wait. Just what exactly are you doing with cilantro?
Americans? Are fucking idiots.
You’re all abunch of foul and disgusting perverts. Cilantro.
Really. It was the cilantro that clued you in.
Probably a trust-fund kid to boot- see above.
Excess aint rebellion!
But it still helps score.
I can’t find myself either, Trucculent. Try going here: http://twitter.com/manipwitch
Excess aint rebellion!
You’re drinkin’ what they’re sellin’.
Well played!
Ahem. I am a wonderful-smelling pervert.
You’re all abunch of foul and disgusting perverts.
Your mom disagrees.
LULZ.
I find the obsession with trying to listen to only the most esoteric of artists so fucking irritating. As I’ve said–here, even–before, I listen to a range of music from quite esoteric to fucking Top 40. I likes what I likes.
I can’t find myself either, Trucculent. Try going here: http://twitter.com/manipwitch
It worked. You might try Googling “can’t find myself on Twitter” or something like that. They can fix it!
Wait. Just what exactly are you doing with cilantro?
Took a while to find this – it was back in the time of disemvowelling. Perverts.
Also, while we’re on this subject, I really don’t listen to groups anymore. Since iTunes I’ve pretty much become strictly a “song” person. And my tastes are so incredibly diverse. I often feel like I’m left out any convos about music, which is unfortunate.
nvrmnd th bd splng f plt
tsam: That’s one of the nice things about being into classical. Nobody can sell out, for one or both of two reasons: they’re already dead, and/or classical music just doesn’t draw like pop. That’s why, say, Hilary Hahn can dominate the charts with numbers that probably wouldn’t pay for the bottled water on a Miley Cyrus tour.
That is a nice thing about being into something besides plain old rock music like everyone else. I just don’t like the idea that obscurity = good or better than anything on the radio. I don’t like the self-important attitude that (usually) hipsters try to lay on me because I still like Muse. OMFG, Muse is on the radio. They’re still great.
My snobbery is basically limited to country music (due to my angry opposition to the whole “Bumper Sticker Patriot” paradigm. It’s not fair, I know, and I do like some Country.
Also, while we’re on this subject, I really don’t listen to groups anymore. Since iTunes I’ve pretty much become strictly a “song” person.
Is this good or bad? I mean, I agree that the old way where labels got fat off of shoving six or eight filler tracks onto a full price album that you only wanted one or two songs off of – well that sucked. OTOH, some of my favourite tunes have been “fillers”.
Took a while to find this – it was back in the time of disemvowelling. Perverts.
Gotcha. That’s kind of amazing.
I think it’s neither good nor bad. But with few exceptions very few artists are putting out albums I want to listen to start to finish. I’m not sure if this is some flaw in me or in them.
Took a while to find this – it was back in the time of disemvowelling. Perverts.
Love in the Time of Disemvowelling… Marquez?
I find the obsession with trying to listen to only the most esoteric of artists so fucking irritating. As I’ve said–here, even–before, I listen to a range of music from quite esoteric to fucking Top 40. I likes what I likes.
That’s the difference between a music fan and a fuckin stupid poser. Never be afraid to admit you like something, and don’t like things just because it’s the hip thing to do.
I’m more of a song person too. When I ripped all of my old CD’s into the computer, I didn’t rip every song.
Marquez?
Truthfully, the disemvowelling was caused by cholera.
Truthfully, the disemvowelling was caused by cholera.
Oh, man. I’ll bet your poo looked like alphabet soup.
tsam, I feel like yer my music soul mate. Seriously…right on.
Also I’ve found that downloading entire albums seriously fucks up my randomizer.
Of course I make exceptions for Tenacious D and FOC.
Yeah? What have you got against pdphl?
On the other hand, the audience is full of assholes. The good part of that is that most of those assholes will be dead soon.
I just told him that it was quite possible to carry water for “both sides.”
@marcambinder Look at the bright side: u cud be Joe Klein.
I don’t get you cilantro haters. It’s one of the most delicious things on the planet.
I prefer coriander myself.
Time to share a little sekrit. Many AAA type FM stations and even some of the pop/rock variety have great alt/indie on their second (or third…) HD channel. Check it out.
But with few exceptions very few artists are putting out albums I want to listen to start to finish.
Name and date the last album you listened to straight through.
I prefer coriander myself.
Yes yes yes but the question is, oysters or snails?
Many AAA type FM stations and even some of the pop/rock variety have great alt/indie on their second (or third…) HD channel.
And if you’re iPhoned or BB’d, download the iHeart radio app. The CBGB channel alone is worth it.
Yes yes yes but the question is, oysters or snails?
Raw, oysters; cooked, snails.
Name and date the last album you listened to straight through.
Joe’s Garage, ca. 1980. Really.
Really? I listen to albums straight through quite often. Probably less on my iPod, but it’s also kind of difficult to skip around on a record. Especially if someone in your household always blames the scratches on you.
But with few exceptions very few artists are putting out albums I want to listen to start to finish. I’m not sure if this is some flaw in me or in them.
Generally speaking, it’s a flaw in them, unless you don’t want to listen to this album start to finish, in which case it’s a flaw in you.
Joe’s Garage, ca. 1980. Really.
That’s sort of the way I was thinking: it takes a rare artist to really write an album that doesn’t mostly suck. I’d say Peter Gabriel, UP, which was 2003. But before that? Probably not since the 90s.
Joe’s Garage, ca. 1980. Really.
Dude. You haven’t even done a courtesy listen since then?
actor, last album I prolly downloaded and listened to straight through was Pauline Croze. She’s amazing. Her songs are haunting, transcendent.
On the other hand, the audience is full of assholes. The good part of that is that most of those assholes will be dead soon.
Oh? Do you seriously think that classical audiences are more assholish than, say, death metal or country or teeny pop audiences?
I’ve been going to classical concerts a long time, and the only thing I’ve ever seen audiences do that’s even mildly annoying is block the aisles while they totter to or from their seats. That is, of course, almost entirely a function of old age.
Some of the critics, on the other hand…
Name and date the last album you listened to straight through.
Drastic Fantastic, like two years ago.
Either I have very low standards, or y’all are listening to shitty music.
tsam, I feel like yer my music soul mate. Seriously…right on.
Also I’ve found that downloading entire albums seriously fucks up my randomizer.
Of course I make exceptions for Tenacious D and FOC.
Probably–I have fairly widely varied tastes, but I don’t chase genres or fads, just hear something, like it, and run with it. I’m cursed with a disease that makes me constantly analyze, think about what I would do differently, try to figure out what gear they’re using, that all becomes very tiresome sometimes. But like any art, real appreciation only means you “just like it”. No explanation needed.
Top play counts at work. It seems I am somewhat cranky.
Useless Inventions | Guided By Voices | 84
In The Club | 50 Cent | 66
The Spine Splitter | Cannibal Corpse | 65
With Teeth | The Melvins | 44
Is It Just Me? | The Darkness | 33
A Mother Has A Hard Road | Killdozer | 33
Paris 1919 | John Cale | 30
Fascinated (Radio Edit) | Company B | 28
He’s Frank (Slight Return) | The Monochrome Set | 25
(Hot Shit) Country Grammar | Nelly | 25
Got The Time | Anthrax | 23
Go Into The Water | Dethklok | 23
Power of the damager | Prong | 23
Abolish Government/Superficial Love | Slayer | 23
Hallogallo | Neu! | 22
Pepper-Tree | Cocteau Twins | 20
Hooligan’s Holiday | Motley Crue | 20
An Ending (Ascent) | Brian Eno With Daniel Lanois & Roger Eno | 19
Cow | The Melvins | 19
King of Kings | Manowar | 18
Do you seriously think that classical audiences are more assholish than, say, death metal or country or teeny pop audiences?
Depends.
I’ve seen mobs at Carnegie for, say the LA Philharmonic that rival the worst Who audiences of the 80s.
On the other hand, I’ve watched chamber music concerts where the audience sat stone still and listened.
Actually two years ago would have been the first time through. More like last night.
Maybe it’s because I’m too lazy to skip tracks. If it weren’t for shuffle, I’d only listen to albums straight through.
Either I have very low standards, or y’all are listening to shitty music.
Or, musical tastes wax and wane with the current culture. After all, SOMEone had to listen to disco…
Well, for instance, probably every band you’ve ever mentioned in passing I dig unreservedly. But music soul mates or no, I just find your approach to listening and liking just extraordinarily unpretentious and refreshing. So there. 😉
I dig disco.
Yes, I do seriously think that. Personally collected anecdata suggests that classical music fans were the biggest thieves in record stores when those were a big deal…and also the biggest assholes. Not true for all and I like classical music.
Oh? Do you seriously think that classical audiences are more assholish than, say, death metal or country or teeny pop audiences?
I can’t name any type of music whose audience is not loaded with assholes. I’ve never driven on a road that wasn’t littered with jackasses. Assholes are like assholes, they…whatever. You get the idea, I’m sure.
Or, musical tastes wax and wane with the current culture. After all, SOMEone had to listen to disco…
Yeah, but I really do think that the albums that I really love and listen to straight through are pretty timeless. There are a couple that I’m on the fence about, but there are at least two or three that I think people will still be listening to and loving in 20 years.
Dude. You haven’t even done a courtesy listen since then?
Frequently. But not end to end; at most a couple cuts at a time. I just deleted favorite from the previous sentence, no prize for guessing why.
After all, SOMEone had to listen to disco…
You know, the corollary to Sturgeon’s Law is that 10% isn’t crap.
At first I was afraid, I was petrified…
There are some albums I will never dispense with, like “Truth and Soul,” but if I’m honest with myself I ask myself: when was the last time I listened to that album? And the answer is…it’s been years.
Frequently. But not end to end; at most a couple cuts at a time. I just deleted favorite from the previous sentence, no prize for guessing why.
I see. I do that with some albums, especially if they’re from a band I don’t really care about.
I listen to this album all the way through but it’s one piece for one hour.
Oops. Maybe. A clarification. I often listen to a disc start to finish. I just don’t consider, say, Gorecki’s 3rd or the New World Symphony or even the soundtrack to Powaqqatsi to be “albums.”
There are a couple that I’m on the fence about, but there are at least two or three that I think people will still be listening to and loving in 20 years.
Possibly. But then I wore grooves into my Gary Numan LP, thought that was the direction music should go in, so what do I know?
There are precious few albums that I own now from 20 years ago that I’d sit through. Synchronicity, The Joshua Tree, The Kick Inside, London Calling…that’s off the top of my head. Meanwhile “monster” albums like Pyromania or Paradise Theater bore me to tears now.
It really does come down to craftsmanship for me. Artist first, then song.
You know, the corollary to Sturgeon’s Law is that 10% isn’t crap.
True. I meant disco ALBUMS tho…
This Chic album was great all the way through.
There are some albums I will never dispense with, like “Truth and Soul,” but if I’m honest with myself I ask myself: when was the last time I listened to that album?
Sure. I can’t really remember the last time I listened to Life’s Rich Pageant or Dry and those are two of my favorite albums of all time. But I still think they hold up (LRP less so, but that’s because their sound has been further developed and re-routed by newer artists).
Dark Side of the Moon will always be, IMHO, the best “album” ever. (Unless something replaces it, but that doesn’t seem likely at this point)
Synchronicity, The Joshua Tree
Two of my all time favorites too! Also even.
FYWP. Chic made records that were listenable all the way through.
You know, the corollary to Sturgeon’s Law is that 10% isn’t crap.
And certainly some disco was pretty damn awesome. Honestly, when I hear some of that BeeGees stuff today, I’m pretty amazed at how good it was. Hated it when I was like, 7.
I meant disco ALBUMS tho…
Well in that case, how about…uh, um…er – Saturday Night Fever?
Possibly. But then I wore grooves into my Gary Numan LP, thought that was the direction music should go in, so what do I know?
The Magnetic Fields do an amazing cover of “I Die You Die.” I will admit to loving Gary Numan still.
There are precious few albums that I own now from 20 years ago that I’d sit through. Synchronicity, The Joshua Tree, The Kick Inside, London Calling…that’s off the top of my head. Meanwhile “monster” albums like Pyromania or Paradise Theater bore me to tears now.
Well, yeah, because that first group of albums? Those are all good. Period. And their modern equivalents exist–it’s just that they’re not as popular.
Meh. Tag fail.
Personally collected anecdata suggests that classical music fans were the biggest thieves in record stores when those were a big deal…and also the biggest assholes.
Wow. That’s pretty counterintuitive, since AFAIK, classical tends to have 1) fans that are more affluent than average and 2) albums that are cheaper than average. Star power doesn’t count as much: Ivan Whoevervitch can play the Emperor Concerto just as well as Lang Lang or Emanuel Ax. (You do have to worry about sound quality, though.)
It was counterintuitive to me too, but it was true. For values of the biggest record store in my city only, but there you go.
Two of my all time favorites too! Also even.
It’s weird, because the whole concept album idea started in the mid- to late-60s, with albums like Pet Sounds and Sgt Pepper, pinnacled in the 70s with drops like Quadrophenia, Hotel California, Rumours, and Dark Side, and then slowly filtered away. It’s rare that you find an album now that really comes up to that level of quality from first track to last.
Maybe “Are You Gonna Go My Way” by Lenny Kravitz. I love “The Rising” by Bruce Springsteen, but my instinct is that it’s an emotional reaction to the subject material and the timing of its release than anything else.
Another fine disco album:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Any_Way_You_Like_It
Well in that case, how about…uh, um…er – Saturday Night Fever?
Um. No. Well for my tastes, at any rate. I liked Blaming It All, and whatever that song Yvonne Elliman did, but the rest of the album I could do without. Maybe Jive Talkin’. Maybe.
Those are all good. Period. And their modern equivalents exist–it’s just that they’re not as popular.
No doubt.
I mean the saying, not the crappy band.
It could just be me. I had more time for music back then, trying to dissect the melody and lyrics, but I have yet to find an artist who cropped up after 1990 that grabs my attention like those.
You do have to worry about sound quality, though
I made the mistake of buying a collection of late Renaissance and early Baroque music from a guy with a cart in Singapore. I think he must have burned it with a first-generation CD-R because standard CD players can’t even read it.
I, er, suspect that the artists involved may not have received royalty payments from my purchase.
But then I wore grooves into my Gary Numan LP, thought that was the direction music should go in, so what do I know?
Transportation too!
Another fine disco album:
That really is a pretty good record.
It could just be me. I had more time for music back then, trying to dissect the melody and lyrics, but I have yet to find an artist who cropped up after 1990 that grabs my attention like those.
I think you should check out The Constantines. Just don’t listen to their self-titled first. Their latest, Kensington Heights, is amazing (though I will admit that I do skip one song). Also, too, I cannot stop pimping Ted Leo. Both of those seem like something that you might like (based on my limited observations of your taste).
I really get irritated who dismiss all rap as crap. And that happens ALL THE TIME. It’s like people talk about it as if that is an understood fact. *bangs head on desk*
I find people who dismiss all rap know exactly jack-shit about rap.
Public Enemy is not crap
Digital Underground is not crap
Tribe Called Quest is not crap
3rd Bass is not crap
The Beastie Boys is not crap
And, of course, today T.I. is making music that really scratches me where I itch. It is rich and orchestral, if you really bother to listen closely.
VS–You should check out K’Naan. He’s fucking amazing. I’m not a huge rap fan and I really like him. And Common, of course.
I’ve never heard of him. I’ve really been getting into Swedish and French rap. That’s a goldmine waiting to be tapped. (mixed metaphor?)
I was bummed when I had to give up DMX cuz his lyrics are homophobic.
I have a smart playlist set up that has anything I’ve added to the library in the last 7 weeks, so I can acclimate to anything new I get, and quite often there are things that grab me enough that I have to listen all the way through. The latest Drive By Truckers, Trampled By Turtles, Split Lip Rayfield, the new BoDeans, Research Turtles have all been recently played all the way through. A couple of weeks ago I was heavy into Joy Division.
But after they slip off the recent additions list, they go into the main library, and have to vie with 38 some thousand other tracks for attention….
K’Naan grew up in Somalia until his family fled in the early 90s…he’s very smart and political.
38 000? that’s hardcore. I’m pretty merciless about culling my library.
Of course, Im pretty screwed these days. When I switched computers, I lost all my playlists, ratings, etc. (And I had all these detailed smart playlists that depended on ratings, etc.) I’m gonna have to go through and rate everything again. I’m dreading it.
I really get irritated who dismiss all rap as crap. And that happens ALL THE TIME. It’s like people talk about it as if that is an understood fact. *bangs head on desk*
YES–I agree. Anybody who says that is a fucking idiot (generally, instead of specifically limited to rap). There, I said it.
Atmosphere
Sage Francis
Aesop Rock
Lupe Fiasco
To name a few…
Even legit, or semi-legit, classical CDs can have quality problems. I suspect a lot of them are taken off long-ago pirated radio broadcasts from behind the Iron Curtain.
Of course, now that CDs seem to be going the way of the Iron Curtain, this is becoming a moot issue (if it isn’t already).
YES–I agree. Anybody who says that is a fucking idiot (generally, instead of specifically limited to rap). There, I said it.
And probably kind of racist. There, I said it.
I had it out with my younger brother (a musician!) a few years ago about rap. I’m like, dude, you’re wearing a fucking SELPULTURA shirt and you’re talking about how rap “isn’t music”? Look, I fucking HATE death metal, but I wouldn’t ever say it wasn’t music. Idiot.
Yeah, I have a big problem with people delegitimizing other people’s taste in music. I mean, you never know what’s going to resonate with a person. You HOPE it’s not Creed and Nickelback, but hell even if it is, I’m not going to give you static for it.
Well, maybe a little.
vacuumslayer: But you’re not one of those assholes who makes a face (if not the sign of the cross) and goes, “You like Blues Traveler?? EWWWWW!!”
FWIW, even though classical is 90% of what I listen to (and 100% of what I go to), I think most major music genres have something worthwhile at their core. Even if you don’t like it, you can at least be decently respectful to those who do.
Thirty second scream from Thelma Houston at around 7:15:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eALb6Zi0M8g
The white person’s version at about 45 seconds in:
Arguments about music help you identify what it is that you like about music. People telling me such-and-such is shit is often valuable, whether I buy what they’re saying or not.
But you’re not one of those assholes who makes a face (if not the sign of the cross) and goes, “You like Blues Traveler?? EWWWWW!!”
Shit. I thought I was being subtle.
“vacuumslayer: But you’re not one of those assholes who makes a face (if not the sign of the cross) and goes, “You like Blues Traveler?? EWWWWW!!”0
wouldn’t dream of it. “Hook” is a gorgeous song with gorgeous lyrics.
“Substance McGravitas said,
June 2, 2010 at 21:08
Yeah, I have a big problem with people delegitimizing other people’s taste in music.
Arguments about music help you identify what it is that you like about music. People telling me such-and-such is shit is often valuable, whether I buy what they’re saying or not.”
I think that’s a fair point. I guess I would just prefer tha discussions about something so subjective and intensely personal be more of a give and take.
Yeah, I have a big problem with people delegitimizing other people’s taste in music.
good, so nobody will trigger me when I confess that yesterday I downloaded B*****.
ecch. Still can’t admit it, and with people like actor and Subby McHeadbanger around, it’s CERTAINLY not a safe space.
38 000? that’s hardcore. I’m pretty merciless about culling my library.
obviously, I’m not.
I still have a closet fulla those big black CDs, even. Someday I will get around to converting them.
But even now, I’ve got to cull to fit stuff on my iPod, and it’s the 160 gig model. and it’s getting worse! I’ve even had to take off the multiple live recordings of the Mekons!!
I also got kind of excited talking about music, and forgot tagzez.
I can’t believe how many people still have vinyl.
Now you gotta tell us who that B artist is. Dying to know.
good, so nobody will trigger me when I confess that yesterday I downloaded B*****.
Branes? Blondie?
Ohgod…not Blondie…please.
I can’t believe how many people still have vinyl.
I still have a healthy catalog of monoaural vinyl, including all the original Beatle releases in the US.
Britney?
I can’t believe how many people still have vinyl.
Oh, Mr. T&U is a collector. I’m not sure how many records we have, but it’s a healthy amount.
Why would anyone be ashamed to cop to Blondie?
And omg…another vinyl person….dayum…
Brandy.
Ohgod…not Blondie…please.
Hold on there, Heart of Glass is one of the great songs.
As is One Way or Another and Rapture and Call Me also too as well as in addition to furthermore.
Blondie have a bunch of great songs. And by eerie coincidence Sunday Girl came up on the work machine.
The cover of Hangin’ on the Telephone is rather obnoxious, though.
good, so nobody will trigger me when I confess that yesterday I downloaded B*****.
ecch. Still can’t admit it, and with people like actor and Subby McHeadbanger around, it’s CERTAINLY not a safe space.
Just say it–I got you’re back despite knowing that if I turn my back on you, my branes is as good as eated.
At the being-mean-to-people site opinions may be expressed in variable terms. The willingness to dump on, say, country music often brings comments from Matt T. and I like reading what he has to say.
Bieber, Justin?
Burn!
Ooh, I forgot about Sunday Girl!
And Maria.
Brooks, Garth.
Why would anyone be ashamed to cop to Blondie?
NYC-centric shit. Harry used to waitress at Max’s, kept getting fired for banging customers in the phone booth and was stoned 25 hours a day.
Her early music was really good, and we sort of looked at her like a goddess….and then first came Plastic Letters and then Parallel Lines came out….they shot their wads with the first album, in other words, and had nothing left in the tank creativitywise. They rode Debbie Harry’s looks and voice until those broke.
You want to listen to the good stuff they released, check this site out. There’s a common on demand feature from Clear Channel. search out Blondie. If you don’t recognize the title, odds are its early stuff.
“She was a whore” isn’t an argument about musical quality, and Blondie released plenty of good songs after the first album.
Harry used to waitress at Max’s, kept getting fired for banging customers in the phone booth and was stoned 25 hours a day
Damn. You just don’t get service like that anymore.
Billy Ray Cyrus?
“At the being-mean-to-people site opinions may be expressed in variable terms. The willingness to dump on, say, country music often brings comments from Matt T. and I like reading what he has to say.”
What’s the mean people site? I’m curious.
And obviously I have a big problem with dismissing entire genres…so good for Matt if he’s eloquently sticking up for country.
Omg, zrm. Stop the bleeding.
Damn. You just don’t get service like that anymore.
Well, in fairness, she wasn’t sharing tips and who has phone booths anymore?
Barry Manilow?
Rofl
Bad Company?
(Urrrrrg now songs in my head).
good, so nobody will trigger me when I confess that yesterday I downloaded B*****.
BPhantom of the BOpera?
Well look at metal, which I really love a lot. It is more fair, IMO, to toss out Sturgeon’s Law and say all of it is shit, depending on your criteria. It’s almost all stupid, and substitutes athleticism and intimidation for what most people think of as musical expression. When I like it, it’s often as kind of a private joke: it’s funny more often than it’s successful at, say, making you scared that Mengele’s gonna get you.
BPhantom of the BOpera?
That is fucking dumb. And it made me laugh aloud.
Barbie and the Sensations?
BTW, I had the doll. It was fucking sweet. She even came with a tape of her shitty music!
The little monstress keeps playing that goddamned “Connected” song on YouTube.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/10207486.stm
Thank god there isn’t anything important in the real world to worry about.
Charlie Stross was onto that yonks ago.
She even came with a tape of her shitty music!
Where else would you possibly have gotten it? I don’t think there were bootleg recordings of her at the Biltmore.
She even came with a tape of her shitty music!
Did it include her greatest hit, “Math Is HARD!”
“t’s almost all stupid, and substitutes athleticism and intimidation”
Intimidation? Not sure what you mean by that.
I think metal is an interesting genre because I think its kind of nebulous label. Who, exactly, is metal? Metallica? Sure. SOAD? Dunno. What’s the prevailing sentiment? Cinderella? So when you’ve got this huge range of music, I do think a lot of it is going to be cheesy and awful. But, again, I’d never ever dismiss outright. No way.
<i.Did it include her greatest hit, “Math Is HARD!”
Get it right. She said “Math CLASS is hard.” Maybe she found the actual math easy but the teacher sexually harassed her.
All the bands you list try hard to be tough. It’s ordinarily more funny than it is successful.
Where else would you possibly have gotten it? I don’t think there were bootleg recordings of her at the Biltmore.
I dunno. JEM had some bootlegs floating around back then. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to believe Barbie might have.
JEM had some bootlegs floating around back then.
Wasn’t there a rumour that they were actually recorded by Polly Pocket?
Track list from a Smurfs record I have listened to MANY TIMES:
1. Surfin’ U.S.A.
2. Kokomo
3. Walking On Sunshine
4. Simply Irresistible
5. Don’t Worry Be Happy
6. Twist & Shout
7. Gargamel & The Smurfs
8. Smurf Town
9. I Think We’re Alone Now
10. The Locomotion
11. Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car
12. You Keep Me Hangin’ on
13. La Bamba
14. Walk Like An Egyptian
15. Whenever You Need Somebody
16. Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You
Yeah. I don’t take macho posturing seriously. But I do really like Metallica and SOAD. I guess anything I perceive as silly, I filter out. Or maybe I’m not processing it as macho. Sometimes I just like listening to SOAD because I feel like it’s letting me vent. I recently read on another blog that music like SOAD is “dude music” and purposely alienating to women. Which kind of upset me, because I never looked at it through that lens. It was just music to me. I guess I don’t take any of it too seriously. (And now I’m making your original point for you. Ha!)
Wasn’t there a rumour that they were actually recorded by Polly Pocket?
Yes, but that is a scurrilous lie. However, I did hear that She-Ra played on several songs in their second record because Kimber was in rehab.
Track list from a Smurfs record I have listened to MANY TIMES:
ZOMG.
I once shoved a Rainbow Brite tape into our family car’s tape player and my parents could NOT GET IT OUT. My poor mother.
But I do really like Metallica and SOAD
I’m afraid I don’t know who SOAD is?
System of a Down
I’m afraid I don’t know who SOAD is?
hamadahamadahamada…I knew that.
System of a Down
Ah. I’ve always felt like they were “dude music,” but you know, YMMV. If you like it, you like it!
I’m sorry, but that is adorable.
Well yeah, when I’m feeling hateful – a surprising amount of the time! – a little direction of energy is nice and the Slayer fits perfectly. But they’re stupid, they’ve always been stupid, and they will always be stupid. It’s unfortunately too rare to find something that aggressive that’s also smart. Which is why Dethklök is such a relief.
However, I did hear that She-Ra played on several songs in their second record because Kimber was in rehab.
Kimber…I remember her! Wasn’t there something about a hotel room and Transformers?
I knew that.
I’m afraid I’m not up on my nu metal.
I’m sorry, but that is adorable.
It really was. But I think I would have had to take it in to get it fixed…
Kimber…I remember her! Wasn’t there something about a hotel room and Transformers?
Yeah, she kind of had a robot fetish…weird stuff. I once heard that she banged the entire cast of GI Joe.
I’m afraid I’m not up on my nu metal.
I thought they were 90s?
Speaking of Rainbow Brite, don’t even get me started on what I’ve heard. Let’s just say that Shy Violet isn’t so shy after all…
Is that the Brendon Small Dethklok? Do they actually make albums?
I thought they were 90s?
They are, though I think they were around up until recently. Which is the right time period for nu metal. But actually, now that I think about it, they probably don’t count as nu metal. I don’t know; I’m not really up on my metal terminology.
Let’s just say that Shy Violet isn’t so shy after all…
You refer, of course, to the Care Bears incident.
Let’s just say that “Love-A-Lot Bear” will never be more than a shadow of his former self…
And they tour.
Laser Cannon Deth Sentence
Whoops:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZX62imOapU
D D D D D D D D D D D D DIE!!!
Let’s just say that “Love-A-Lot Bear” will never be more than a shadow of his former self…
Everyone tried to tell him that behind those glasses, there lurked an insatiable sadist, but he wouldn’t listen, even after what happened to My Buddy…
Holy fuck. I gotta go get me some Dethklok.
I always thought his music on “Home Movies” was amazing. I mean, I knew it was supposed to be funny but it always kind of blew me away. I would totally go see his Kafka musical.
even after what happened to My Buddy…
And people wondered why he was last seen on RentBoy.com
My sister – who can sew – is really annoyed that this never made it into full-song form:
And people wondered why he was last seen on RentBoy.com
I never knew that there was such a high demand for young men to help with luggage!
Yeah. That’s pretty damn good.
In other AS news, my ringtone is the theme from ATHF.
In times like these we must remember, whatever the consequences and whatever the cost, this one simple progressive rule:
“It’s all Ralph Nader’s fault.”
Thank you. Won’t you?
making you scared that Mengele’s gonna get you.
Angel of Death
Monarch to the Kingdom of the Dead
Infamous butcher
Angel of DEEEAAAAATHHHHHHHHHHH
Slayer.
FEEL THE KNIFE PIERCE YOU INTENSELY.
“Slayer”
Yes?
A true patriot wouldn’t DREAM of asking a soldier to die for his country, while giving away the freedom’s he or she is fighting to protect.
That is excellent. I miss this site.
http://bit.ly/bU7y7B
Danish report from Gaza: “Where’s the humanitarian crisis?”
Late to the party, but this caught my eye:
Umm, am I missing something here? I thought these people hated liberalism.
If physicists think that civil engineers are verifiable flat scans, then who shall declare physicists dunces?
Mathematicians.
The bastards.
It’s okay, I have it on good authority that the physicists got their revenge, at least during the 20th century, by “stone cold making shit up”, getting away with it “because it worked”, and thus forcing the math-makers to run around following them performing cleanup on ugly, messy, “empirical” (not really) expressions, such as, to take one example, Fourier transforms.
“But they went ahead and used it without establishing that a solution exists or that it is unique,” my college math professor whined. Yup, shole did. Hope ya laik yer color teevee.
Cool stuff has been going on in math these days, not so much in physics (the theoretical side–empirical has been doing neat stuff like Bose-Einstein condensates and entangled particles and various other technomage shit) so for all I know the shoe is on the other foot.
T&U:I don’t get you cilantro haters. It’s one of the most delicious things on the planet.
Me either. I love cilantro. My wife says it tastes like soap. SOAP? I’m guessing this might be one of those genetic flavor volatile receptor things.
I’m not sure if this is some flaw in me or in them.
Maybe it’s the times. I’m sure the expected turnaround is quicker, yet the concert schedule is much more demanding … since that’s where all the real money is anyway.
To me, Surrealistic Pillow is an almost perfect album. None of the albums I have from the 90’s match up to standard that in my opinion.
Well yeah, when I’m feeling hateful – a surprising amount of the time! – a little direction of energy is nice and the Slayer fits perfectly. But they’re stupid, they’ve always been stupid, and they will always be stupid.
Interesting. When I’m filled with rage l like to play this Handel choral piece, Dixit Dominus (HWV 232). It’s a cantata? Or something? The lyric is taken from Psalm 109: The Lord said to my Lord, sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool … blah blah He shall judge the nations, fill the places with corpses, and shall conquer the heads in many lands blah blah. So basically exactly how you describe Slayer. Except in latin.
Maybe it’s the times. I’m sure the expected turnaround is quicker, yet the concert schedule is much more demanding … since that’s where all the real money is anyway.
I blame MTV.
No, not for introducing the video form but for moving away from it. I think when bands had songs in heavy rotation, the pressure to write music that would fill a concert was much less. And as you point out, bands used to tour to support an album, but now the releases support the tour.
Hm, interesting.
Well, filesharing changed everything again so I guess we’ll see what happens as the recording giants shrink into deserved oblivion.
Well, filesharing changed everything again so I guess we’ll see what happens as the recording giants shrink into deserved oblivion.
Prince is alreay releasing songs one at a time on his website. He doesn’t seem to be hurting enough that he’s rushing to sign a new contract.