Destructive Anachronism

8.27.2009

"Conservatives warn of 'Wellstone Effect'" -- remind me again why anyone gives a shit what Congressional conservatives think. They're completely irrelevant.

Tip to Atrios, whose headline I have filched.

Gooey Daydreams about Merge

Though I completely share this sentiment.

Pelecanos, Price, Friedman, McCullough, and Haruf Step On Down

If you're lucky, maybe you'll even get the magical sticker of presidential wonder. (Ok, I searched for quite some time for the magical sticker of presidential wonder, but basically the newest printing of Netherland has a red sticker with a quote from Obama on it where the "A Novel" sticker is now.)

I Don't Get it Either

Re: John Cole: All I know about Leon Wieseltier is that he's done more disgrace to the English language and logical reasoning than just about anyone this side of Donald Rumsfeld.

8.26.2009

At Least They Didn't Bother With Bukowski

The Times Higher Education supplement submits literary giants to faculty review for department hires. Kek.

Can't Wait for the U.S. Tour

Jello Biafra -- pretty much the musician for whom I have the most respect -- is back with a new band (Jello Biafra and the Guantanamo School of Medicine) touring the U.K. this fall. The Quietus has a great interview with him about the new band, the old band (THE old band, that is), Obama's policies, Bush's legacy and more. Looking forward to hearing these guys live.

Shinies

I've been off the grid for a couple weeks/getting everything through Google Reader, so I had not noticed the lovely redesign of The Millions.

Just For the Dark Crystal Reference...

The Top Ten Geekiest Constructed Languages of all time.

We Just Want Our Single Payer

Gotta agree with Atrios on this -- forcing my generation into the welcoming claws of the medical-industrial-insurance complex isn't a great way to cement our support of the good 'ol DP.

Slowing Down with Charles Baxter

Great Rumpus interview with Charles Baxter on the obsession with speed/acceleration and the consequent distrust of slow life and silence that characterizes so much of contemporary American social culture. I'm not all that familiar with Baxter's work, but this interview definitely makes me more inclined to pick up his collection of essays under discussion, Burning Down the House (any Talking Heads reference is also a major plus, in my book).

Does the Dream Still Live?

I'm really filled with sadness right now because of Teddy... I'm fortunate enough to have become a constituent in the last year of his life, and am grateful that I met him once briefly. He was one of the few who had the courage to stand for a vision of a different and better America, and as the reality of the dream drifts slowly out to sea, I wonder how we will ever replace him.