Chris Christie Isn't Why Repubs Lost

"The people have spoken. President Obama has won a chance to move beyond the stunted progress of his first term and, perhaps, become a historic president. On the losing side, the Republican Party remains shut out of the White House and has blown a chance to take over the U.S. Senate, largely because it catered to the narrow concerns of tea party zealots and social conservatives who imagined themselves as the only authentic Americans but who are, in fact, way out of step with most of the people in this country.

If Republicans fail to learn the lesson of this election they are fools. If they continue to let Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity set the angry, extreme tone for their philosophy; if they continue to let anti-science religious fundamentalists dictate their social agenda; and if they think Mitt Romney fell short because he was not conservative enough when, in fact, he only began to catch on with moderate voters when he suddenly veered from his self-proclaimed “severe conservatism” and transformed back into a Massachusetts moderate; then they are doomed to become a party of the past."



- David Horsey

I'm pretty sure the above was printed in the L.A. Times specifically so that Republicans will disregard it to their peril.

Sorry For The Delay - Just A Band

Cerebus: High Society Digital Edition - 15 Bucks

Via Kickstarter which ends in a couple of days or so. The project to digitize Dave Sim's classic graphic novel met it's fundraising goal within hours of being posted. Each issue of the series (Cerebus #26-50) will probably be offered for sale for about 99 cents. Not a bad deal considering all the bells and whistles being thrown in. An even better deal is getting the whole novel for fifteen bucks if one donates that amount to the Kickstarter fund, but that option ends at some point on June 30th.

From the page;

PLEDGE $15 OR MORE

YOU SELECTED

304 BACKERS

A free copy of the entire “High Society” Audio/Visual Book in Digital Format - The digital edition Includes Every Page of Cerebus 26-50 (Which comprises the whole of High Society), Including Full Color Covers and Back Covers, Letters Page, Editorials, the audio narration and commentary (of each issue) by Dave Sim as well as the long sought after Notebook sketches and remarks! It’s essentially the Criterion Blu-Ray, Special Edition version of High Society!

Like I said, good deal. There are other goodies being thrown in for folks who donate at other levels, but this'll do for me. Estimated delivery is at the end of the year.

"Dumpin' Em All"

IN OATH - Hardcore Metal From Kenya

Three of these songs are downloadable as free MP3s.
If one is so inclined, you can like their Facebook page.

Though I consider myself a rocker (kinda), I usually don't get this heavy, either as a player or a listener. I'm real interested in how this sound may evolve in a few years. Or whether the reach of related sounds (like Last Year's Tragedy's screamo-ish hardcore) will extend further into Africa at large.

Aziz Ansari - Live For 5 Bucks

Another comedian selling directly to the fans. Only thing is, I dunno if I'm a fan. He was good in that movie about the kid with the bomb strapped to his torso, but I'm not familiar with his stand-up. 5 bucks is a decent price, though (assuming there's no DRM on the download).



As seen on Ain't It Cool

I Dunno... Are Conservatives Trying to Re-Elect Obama?

Even as the economy supposedly gets a little bit better (though, in ways not felt by most people), the President's re-election is not in the bag. There's a question as to whether or not he's doing a good enough job and that's gonna determine how most people vote.

The Secret Radical Marxist Muslim Who Wasn't Born Here and Who Pals Around With Terrorists is a narrative that plays well with some folks, but not enough folks to win an election. We know this because it didn't work in 2008.Hell, I knew it while they were doing it.

It could be a tactic to motivate the crazies in the Republican base to come out and vote for a guy who's historically a moderate (just like the last nominee). I guess that makes sense, but it kinda tarnishes the Conservative brand for some who might otherwise be receptive to the non-conspiracy theory aspects of Right-ish principles.

Also, there is possibly some appeal to the crazies in the Democrat base. Maybe more than seems obvious. Obama clearly ran as a moderate, but many lefties seem disappointed that he hadn't become the Socialist that Fox News and right wing talk radio said and keeps saying he is. Makes me wonder how much of Fox's (and radio shows like Limbaugh) audience are actually from the left.

The latest boogieman