http://thinkprogress.org/2009/01/28/cable-news-stimulus/I don't like this one bit. Surprisingly or not surprisingly (depending on yr definition of 'liberal') even the liberal-leaning network MSNBC is trending against the stimulus package, betraying the much more significant pro-Wall Street bias that transcends the station's 'politics.' I am much more worried - but not that worried - about seeing congressional Dems pitching the Recovery and Reinvestment in public/on the tube than I am about the non-story of House Republicans opposing the economic solvency of our nation and voting against le stimulus.
The Little Unions That Couldn't - T. A. Frank
No, it's not my Thomas Frank. This Thomas Frank comes bearing the first considered, pro-labor argument that labor should cut "majority sign-up" from EFCA in order for it to pass. I've heard similar sentiments in the whisper-stream during some of the heavier "NJ pol" moments I've had since getting marrooned in the Garden State. This. would. be. a. mistake.
The power of Obama's hand - Andie Coller - Politico.com
Okay... the next time I berate the Bolivarian Revolution for being too dependent on the Chavez personality cult, remind me of things like this. Sure, I noticed the "love touch" BHO gave Biden after his very Biden-ish remark the other day. Hell, I even read half of this article! But let's not confuse this sorta starpower-hysteria with "thinking" about "politics."
Beat the Press Archive avec Dean Baker: a snarky, Dave3544-ish look at the Economic News
The Post's front page news article on the House's approval of the stimulus package described its cost as "staggering." Usually such characterizations are reserved for the editorial pages. Perhaps the Post should find reporters with more steady footing.[Seriously, you don't need to be any kind of wonk to get this stuff. I'd recommend that even the least politically obsessive make Baker's blog their 'go-to' news site for a week. Afterwards, you'll be surprised how much corporate media senselessness makes sense.]
Carrying through with this liberal use of adjectives, the article refers to the TARP as "massive." It also describes the TARP as an "effort to free up the credit markets." This is a questionable characterization. To date, the TARP has helped to keep many banks out of bankruptcy. Arguably, this is the main purpose of the fund, since Congress has thus far rejected proposals that would focused the money more on freeing up credit as opposed to paying dividends and executive salaries.
PETA add dubbed too sexy for Super Bowl...Alternet
What exactly is PETA's point? We all agree they are pretentious, etc. My question is, what do they think they're doing? Sometimes they're so obnoxious I wonder if I'm missing something. Mostly, I blame them for making people think vegetarianism = Hollywood elitism. In point of fact, it can also mean punk rock-ish elitism.
"Chevy Chase/Billy Joel" | TV | A.V. Club
The petty, elitist, Northeastern vegetarian "hipster" (fuck that word) in me would love to be the person to figure out a justifiable reason for talking shit about the Onion. But the troof is, projects like this SNL archive that would've been unfathomable before l'Onion's ascendancy, and the A.V. has really distinguished itself by attracting the best rock/'culture' (pfft!) writers. Why would I be all "contra" about this? It's like when I run into friends who "don't have a tv" or whatever. That's fine, I say, because I'd never begrudge people's urges for stripped-down living or a life without Flomax commercials. But do you realize that 'we' run tv now? It's different.
And it really is different, the television set these days. Or, maybe I'm the one who has changed. But that's not what they tell me at the nail salon.
PShip Lowest-Common-Denominator Talk « for Adults Only!
As the Prisonship gets tied up in a very specific project, and as I strive to bring back stolid "arts and entertainment" to l'OG, I feel it necessary to direct you ladies and germs to this wildly important thread, which rocked my yesterday, and features some half-filthy 'bestuv' writing from some of yr fave OG celebs.
No Team of Rivals on Economics: Bob Rubin Acolytes and Goldman Sachs Alums Dominate Obama Team and Have Blocked Alternative Views from Entering White House Ranks - The Washington Note
You know this critique by now, but Clemons actually reports in addition to editorializing:
Interestingly, I learned recently -- and this is a bit of a counterpoint to my argument -- that Lawrence Summers called Stiglitz privately to get some counsel on what was going on. Summers apparently made clear that he didn't want to be making the call to Stiglitz -- but had to. In other words, there is someone above Summers who wants diverse inputs into his economic policy thinking. The problem is that this interest in diversity is completely missing on his actual team.Spike Lee's James Brown biopic to feature original music :: Film & TV News :: Articles :: Paste
Lemme be the first to say, I don't think Spike has it in 'em to pull this off. Anybody else agree that 25th Hour is his best movie in the last decade-plus?
I enjoyed Inside Man quite a bit.
ReplyDeletei've tried twice w/ "the inside man," and twice fallen asleep.
ReplyDeleteit's got all the components i love, and is clearly taking a page from the 1970's thriller book (specifically Sidney Lumet's Dog Day Afternoon, sans sex plot). i think i just need to give it another go.
have you seen 25th hour, tho? it's on my list of beautiful films that are too painful for me to ever watch again.
I couldn't get through 25th hour, although I only gave it one shot probably while organized.
ReplyDeleteaw man, She Hate Me...
ReplyDelete