Life is Crap

The Media

2008-07-02T23:08:00.002-04:00

Some days you just wonder - wtf can we do? And some weeks you feel like throwing your arms in the air and giving up. This was one of those weeks.

The biggest thought I constantly have is what can we do? I mean, the media just lies, when not just regurgitating the right wing propaganda machine's lies. Whether it's Andrea Mitchell lying that Clark made his comment honoring McCain's service after his "controversial" remark to all the major news organizations cropping or distorting or in some way changing the clip to benefit McCain's WATB narrative. There just seems to be no way to win. And then there's the "liberal" Washington Post and their disgusting hit piece on Obama today questioning his interest rate on his house. They apparently aren't aware that comparing Obama's rate to the average is somewhat meaningless. Two things: (1) the rate is highly dependent on credit scores, which they do not have access to (by all indications he would have exceptional credit). (2) the average implies that people are above and below that rate. If Obama was exceedingly below, well then yes we may have a story. He was not. Case closed. Not to mention these are the same news organizations that can not be bothered to scrutinize McCain's record on anything...and there's a lot if they didn't choose to look the other way.

That being said, we get it. We are not going to allow the media to select our President again. It is time for the pendulum to swing closer to the people and away from the corporations. Change takes time. It's coming. We must be patient and we must be viligant. But the right wing knows it and are lie rats in a corner...meaning this election will not be pretty. And their enablers who have benefitted from their years of rule, The Media, will do everything they can to elect St McCain. If not for them, then for their corporate conglomerate overlords who fund their multi-million dollar salaries, which are not interested in journalism but in keeping everyone dumb and happy while they rape this great land of ours. Well, we're fighting back and we won't let it continue anymore. There are better days ahead and while it might be hard to see, it's right around the corner.

Tags:

politics media bias liberal conservative Democrat Republican

Shut Up!!!

2008-07-02T23:01:00.001-04:00

VOA

2008-07-02T22:53:00.004-04:00

The greatest video ever. Don't know how I just discovered it but this totally kicks the ass of everything I ever thought was completely unbelievably cool.

Tags:

music video VOA Sammy Hagar

More People That Are President Worthy

2008-07-02T22:41:00.003-04:00

Given the outrage from the Media and McCain, I'm assuming now that Criteria #1 for President is - being shot down in a plane. Based on this logic, I am excited to witness the following candidates:

Tags:

politics media bias liberal conservative Democrat Republican

Just Asking

2008-06-30T22:53:00.001-04:00

Have we captured Osama bin Laden yet?

Imagine the daily outrage from the so-called Liberal Media and the right wing propaganda machine if 9/11 occurred under a Democratic administration and the perpetuator was not brought to justice 7 years later.

Tags:

politics media bias liberal conservative Democrat Republican bin Laden

Deep Thought of the Day 2: Electric Boogaloo

2008-06-30T22:51:00.001-04:00

The only way to be serious and tough on national security is to advocate the death and destruction through more and more glorious wars.

Tags:

politics media bias liberal conservative Democrat Republican

Ass Clown Is Such a Jokester

2008-06-30T22:34:00.002-04:00

Whenever people look back and wonder what the hell happened, all they need to do is look at the so-called media, especially the crazies and idiots who had an inordinate amount of influence. No one besides Bill Kristol may serve as a better representation than Hugh Hewitt, a gigantic ass clown who should never be allowed anywhere near the mainstream media.

From his June 25th broadcast:

HEWITT: By the way, I -- I'm still trying to find two tickets to the Ohio State-USC game. And none of the USC people will give up their tickets to me. I'd pay fair price. They -- they know Ohio State's gonna slaughter the Trojans. They know that they're gonna slaughter the Trojans, and therefore they do not want me there at the bloodbath, since it's probably the last football game we'll ever get to see before the United States gets blown up by the Islamists under Obama. I -- I would like to see Ohio State slaughter USC. This is what I'm living for right now. I'm keeping -- all the bad news, I just focus on the Ohio State upcoming slaughter of USC. So if you are a USC fan willing to sell me two or perhaps even three USC tickets to the Ohio State game, hugh@hughhewitt.com, or if you're a Buckeye fan with those tickets back in Ohio, I'll trade you some Browns tickets. New York Giants, Monday night game? Think about it. Hugh Hewitt Show.

Then, on one of the weekend shows he claimed it was taken out of context and meant as irony. Well, here's the definition of irony:

1. the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning: the irony of her reply, “How nice!” when I said I had to work all weekend.
2. Literature.
a. a technique of indicating, as through character or plot development, an intention or attitude opposite to that which is actually or ostensibly stated.
b. (esp. in contemporary writing) a manner of organizing a work so as to give full expression to contradictory or complementary impulses, attitudes, etc., esp. as a means of indicating detachment from a subject, theme, or emotion.
3. Socratic irony.
4. dramatic irony.
5. an outcome of events contrary to what was, or might have been, expected.
6. the incongruity of this.
7. an objectively sardonic style of speech or writing.
8. an objectively or humorously sardonic utterance, disposition, quality, etc.

Let's see...the only definition you could even try to defend is humorous. Well, that is funny...to joke about the deaths of thousands of Americans under an Obama presidency. What is ironic is that Hewitt can make this assertion when:

1 - 9/11 happened under a Republican administration
2 - Thousands of Americans have died in a war in Iraq against a country that never attacked us lead by a Republican administration

Hugh Hewitt - what an ass clown!

Tags:

politics media bias liberal conservative Democrat Republican Hewitt Ass Clown

Your Liberal Media

2008-06-30T22:19:00.004-04:00

My God will that Liberal Media please leave St McCain alone!!!

Let's see:

- Obama bowls a 37 and it's non-stop questions about his regular guyness.
- McCain does not know the price of gas OR buys fish for his man-made lake at one of his 7 or 8 or 9 houses OR McCain has not paid taxes for numerous years on one of said houses and...crickets

- Kerry throws away his medals and it's one of the major stories that resulted in him losing a close election AND Obama's flag lapel or lack of calls into question his patriotism.
- McCain was part of a propaganda tape while in captivity as a POW and...crickets

- Michelle Obama makes a statement about being proud of her country for the first time
- McCain said he was never proud of his country until age 31 and...crickets

The list goes on and on and on. Thank God we have a liberal media obsessed with installing a Democratic regime. Too bad they suck so bad, with only 8 of the last 28 years helping a Democrat reach The White House. Kinda makes you wonder just which side the media is really on...

Tags:

politics media bias liberal conservative Democrat Republican McCain Obama

Deep Thought of the Day

2008-06-30T22:16:00.002-04:00

The media apparently has no control over which stories make it into the mainstream...it all just happens mysteriously.

Tags:

politics media bias liberal conservative Democrat Republican

People Automatically Qualified to be President

2008-06-30T22:07:00.005-04:00

Since apparently the media agrees that anyone with military service is automatically qualified to be President and such service can not be broached (except in 2004 with Kerry), below are some people who are imminently qualified to be President. ENJOY!

Me - I'm voting Howling Mad Murdoch in 2008!!!

Tags:

politics media bias McCain Clark military service liberal conservative Democrat Republican

I Agree With Wes Clark's Statement

2008-06-30T17:12:00.004-04:00

Since no one else will say it. Sheesh, sometimes the right wing propaganda machine and the liberal media can be a bunch of f$ckin' babies. Get over yourself and stop propping up the saintly one.

Tags:

politics media bias liberal conservative Democrat Republican McCain Obama right wing propaganda machine

Still Waiting

2008-06-29T18:55:00.002-04:00

Well, the media still refuses to discuss the fact that McCain is violating campaign finance laws, punishable by 5 years in jail. While at the same time lambasting Obama for "flip flopping" on his pledge to use the public finance system*. Oh well, guess you're stuck with the media you have and not the media we deserve. At least the American people have realize how full of shit our liberal media has become. Still, would be nice to treat St McCain with some scrutiny, since there's a slight chance he'll be leading this country. And his violation of campaign finance laws, when he's Mr Campaign Finance seems like a no-brainer.

* BTW, Obama never pledged to use public financing. He said he would explore it if his opponent would enter into the system and they could work out how to deal with outside groups like the 527s. Big difference. And with McCain currently scamming the campaign finance system, why would he enter into a good-faith compromise with that guy?

Tags:

politics media Democrat Republican liberal conservative Obama McCain campaign finance

Call Me

2008-06-29T18:46:00.001-04:00

I got very little this weekend. But did rediscover Blondie this weekend. Good stuff!

Tags:

entertainment music pop indie punk Blondie Call Me

Deep Thought of the Day

2008-06-29T18:44:00.001-04:00

Drunks are much more tolerable when you are intoxicated. Weird how thin that line is between fun and annoying.

Goodbye George

2008-06-23T22:22:00.001-04:00

Not sure why but I was shocked by the sudden passing of George Carlin. Think it has more to do with how much he has influenced comedy in general. The world would be a lot less edgy and funny if there were never a George Carlin. While not a huge fan, I would always leave him on when flipping stations. For the man was hilarious. Here's to George!

Tags:

entertainment comedy humor George Carlin baseball football

Driving in the Era of High Gas Prices

2008-06-23T08:26:00.001-04:00

What if you could get an extra 5-10 miles per gallon just by changing your driving habits? Would you do it? The only drawbacks is that you might piss off a few overly-anxious drivers and it might take 5 extra minutes to get to work.

In the big scheme of things though... Who the hell cares? It's not like the over-aggressive BMW drivers of the world are going to be paying for your car if you get in an accident or subsidize your commute costs.

Becoming a safer driver makes sense in this economy especially if it can save you money at the pump and overall maintenance on your car. Here's some tips on how to get better mpg out of your existing car.

Don't Accelerate / Ease up on the Brakes
The trick to getting more out of your car is to follow the old rules. Maintain three or more cars spaces between you and the next car. This will give you the heads up to either brake or accelerate based on traffic conditions.

In rush hour, drivers are in a constant accelerate/brake cycle. That's a lot of wasted energy! Tuning your driving habits to traffic conditions can save you a lot of gas.

For example if you notice traffic is slowing down in front of you, immediately take your foot of the accelerator and coast. Sure you might grow to be about 6 cars apart, but the guy in front of you probably will have to brake to a full stop!

The 1-2 seconds that he is stopped you can coast to his position. It's even possible that you might not even have to use your brakes, because traffic will start up prior to catching up with him. Not bad, huh?

Taming the Hills
You can save a lot of gas going downhill. Take your foot of the gas and coast. Again, the distance between the car in front of you will grow temporarily, but by the end of the hill, you'll be almost on top of that son-of-a-bitch. Many drivers accelerate while on the hill and have to brake at the bottom, because they are approaching 10-15mph over the speed limit. Give your engine a break, let the hill do the work.

On the flip side, going uphill can be a drain on gas consumption. It can be kept in check if you gently ease on the accelerator. Every time your car revs up you are wasting gas. Keep it in check and you are golden.

The lights
If the light has been green for awhile then it is probably wise to not accelerate too much. There is no sense rushing to a light that you might not make.

After the light turns green, accelerate gently. It's not the grand prix after all.

Keep it Under 60
If possible try to maintain 60mph on the highways. Most car engines lose efficiency below 45mph and higher than 65mph. This rule can be painful when people are whizzing around at 75mph. Then again... How often does this happen in rush hour?

A/C versus Rolled Down Windows
Another trick is to use the A/C sparingly. Full blast mode will eat up your fuel like no tomorrow. Similarly rolled down windows will create a lot of drag on your car if you are going faster than 35mph. Put on a t-shirt and some shorts prior to driving in the summer. You won't need as much A/C to cool down if you are piratically naked.

Maintain Your Auto
Make sure your car is well maintained. Having your tires properly inflated as well as changing your oil when you should will help you get the highest mpg.

Journalism

2008-06-23T08:22:00.000-04:00

Where do you get your news? What is the news? What is journalism? Why is the news important?

These are simple and important questions, which anyone who is older than 12 should be able to legitimately answer. I am willing to wager that most Americans don't have a clue.

To set the record straight... Life is Crap is not a news source. This is an entertainment blog that comments about news events in a biased way.

I will proudly admit that we have absolutely no journalistic ability whatsoever. Our posts contains loads of opinions. We are comparable to the Daily Show, Air America, Rush, Drudge, and so forth in that regard.

Journalism, which is just about dead in this country is reporting factual information without bias. It answers the who, what, where questions and not addressing the how and why.

Even that is suspect to manipulation. Selection of news articles is in itself a form of bias. Corporations and individuals have an agenda. They will use their chosen outlet to further it.

Tom and I don't make a cent off this blog, but we too have our cause, which is to simply to give you our thoughts on a particular subject. Noble? Perhaps, but noble does not equal credible, factual, and reliable. I like to think I tell the truth to the best of my abilities, but that doesn't guarantee that my opinion is correct.

A well informed citizenry is important to preventing corruption. Our founding fathers believed in a free press primarily for that reason and encouraged it's existence.

Unfortunately most of what is considered news today is entertainment related and contains little, which could better ourselves as a society.

Lindsay Lohan, dog biting neighborhood man, Hilliary's tears, a fire in Newark, murder in Trenton does not further the integrity and spirit of this great nation and it's citizens.

It's a shame that we have become so complacent that we are distracted from the real issues of the day. Most people do not know what is happening in this country and the world yet they can talk at length about sports teams, sex scandals, and celebrities. That does no bode well for us. The disconnect is alarming.

Deep Thought of the Day

2008-06-22T17:59:00.002-04:00

Maybe when politicians put out ridiculous proposals or arguments, the media should tell us, the citizens, that said proposal or argument is, I don't know idiotic. Instead we allow the inanity to be contrasted with the rational. There are obviously differences of opinion so let's discuss those actual differences. Let's leave the idiocy at home or at least call it what it is.

Tags:

politics media Democrat Republican liberal conservative

Disappointment

2008-06-22T17:31:00.002-04:00

So the House of Representatives, lead by the Democrats, have decided our Constitution is meaningless. On Friday they voted to change the FISA law, in direct violation of the 4th Amendment. I suggest reading Glenn Greenwald for the most comprehensive writing on the subject. And it appears the Senate will follow, with Obama announcing his support on Friday.

So the real question is what to do from here. I am in full support of the blogosphere's strategy of going after the Democrats who forced through this atrocity. It is the only way they will learn. They must know there are consequences for trampling on the rights of our citizenry in favor of corporate issues. That's what so exciting about the blogs and their ability to foster so much political activism. It gives power back to the people. The only thing that sucks is we need time. At this point, the Republicans are a lost cause. All but 1 Republican representative voted for the bill. At least a majority of Democrats opposed the bill and thought our rights were more important that corporation's immunity. Since the Republicans offer no choice, we must target these despicable Democrats and make them answer for their choices. Whether this be through primary battles or other means, we must be vigilant. Again, it takes time and money and other resources. But it is possible.

Then there's Obama. Obviously the solution is not to vote for McCain. However, the solution is also not to excuse Obama's actions. They are despicable and he should be made to answer for his decisions. We have just experienced too much unthinking fealty to dear leader and see where it has got us. The answer is not to swing that way with our appointed Democratic leader. While Obama offers many wonderful possibilities, he is still a human and more importantly, a politician. He is flawed and it does us no service to excuse away his faults or when we disagree with his position. We need to try to influence him to be the politician we all think he can be. For he'll be getting a lot of advice and "guidance" from all of the other sides. He is no Jesus and can not walk on water.

That being said, a McCain presidency is the worst possible situation for our fragile Constitution. We can only hope the judicial branch does their job and strikes down this blatant violation of our Constitution. That is their job afterall. A McCain presidency would basically guarantee we lose these rights for a generation or two at the least.

It's quite interesting that an Obama presidency would probably spark outrage from the Republicans over this law they so happily voted almost unanimously. For their hypocrisy knows no bounds. I basically guarantee they will rediscover The Constitution the moment Obama becomes President. It's their way and it's not hard to anticipate. I basically guarantee that an Obama presidency will be littered with scandals, probably all manufactured by the right wing. However, the lawlessness of the Bush administration makes it very likely that Obama could be impeached by this lawlessness that has been institutionalized. The Democrats will come to severely regret this decision.

Tags:

politics media FISA Constitution rights Obama McCain Democrat Republican liberal conservative

I'm in Love With That Song

2008-06-22T17:24:00.001-04:00

Tags:

music indie punk alternative Replacements Alex Chilton Paul Westerberg

Reunited and It Feels So Good

2008-06-22T16:52:00.002-04:00

Lately I've been thinking about some of my favorite bands that are no longer around for one reason or another. Really, it started while listed to Pavement. And I was thinking, what bands do I really want to reunite and tour. For while Stephen Malkmus has achieved a certain level of success without the Pavement name, it is not the same as seeing Pavement. So I thought I would list the bands I would most enthusiastically support if they reunited and toured. To be honest, I was heavily influenced by whether I had ever seen them live before. And I obviously excluded bands where the key members are dead. While I would do everything to see The Clash, without Joe Strummer it's not The Clash.

1 - Neutral Milk Hotel

I unfortunately got into Neutral Milk Hotel too late to see them live. Just barely. If Jeff ever decides to perform as Neutral Milk Hotel, I will do everything in my power to attend. For that is what "In The Aeroplane Over the Sea" has meant to me. Such an easy choice as #1.

2 - Hater

This is listed as high primarily because the handful of times that Hater performed was in the Pacific Northwest. Plus, they really were a moment in time. But if they ever reform and decide to play live, I will be there. Their self-titled CD is one of my favorites and I used to give it to friends as birthday and Christmas gifts.

3 - Godspeed! You Black Emperor

Another band that's maybe a little too high based on the chances of them reforming. They played one of the most memorable concerts ever, shortly after 9/11 at St Andrew's Hall in Detroit. It was very moving, cathartic, and hopeful - all the more impressive since the music is instrumental. Since the odds appear low they will ever reform, I can only hope. But if they ever tour again, I will be there.

4 - Uncle Tupelo

I know - not gonna happen. But if it does happen, I'll be there.

5 - Guns n' Roses

Here I'm referring to basically the Appetite for Destruction lineup. Much like I don't recognize Mike Love's Beach Boys, I refuse to recognize Axl's myriad lineups as an official G n' R. I may like Buckethead, but he's not a member of Guns n' Roses.

6 - The Replacements

It took me a long time to get The Replacements, but now I do. And I would love to see one of their legendary concerts. Though I do realize that it would not be the drunken mess it was in the '80s. But it would be amazing to witness the music live.

7 - Pavement

As time goes by I miss Pavement more and more. I find myself listening to them more and more. Besides being a great band, time has been kind to them. Their influence is more profound and clear now than it was even 5 years ago. Truly one of the best bands ever. However, I would not object if Bob and his "singing" was left at home if they reunite.

8 - Husker Du

I thankfully had the chance to see Bob Mould live many times. He lived in Chicago for many years and was a staple at summer festivals in addition to his regular tour stops. So I've had some of my live Husker Du fix. But a whole set of Husker would be too much to ask.

9 - Television

Now I'm going into crazy territory. But you never know. Maybe a Lollapalooza or Coachella. The chance to hear Tom Verlaine's guitar work live.

10 - Fugazi

Would be higher on the list if I didn't think it was inevitable to occur. I just think Fugazi will find the need to record again. And when that happens, it will also include touring. I regret never seeing them live, which is shame on me.

Tags:

music indie punk alternative Neutral Milk Hotel Hater Uncle Tupelo Pavement Fugazi Television Husker Du Replacements Guns n Roses Godspeed! You Black Emperor

Wanna Grow Up to Be a Debaser

2008-06-22T16:45:00.002-04:00

Slicin' up eyeballs I want you to know:

Tags:

music indie punk alternative Pixies Debaser Frank Black Black Francis

Baseball For Dummies

2008-06-15T14:09:00.002-04:00

How can the most ignorant baseball "expert" write the book Baseball for Dummies? Thankfully, the only people picking up the book are most likely already gone. I hate Joe Morgan!

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sports baseball MLB Joe Morgan Baseball For Dummies

The Dubya Memorial

2008-06-15T13:56:00.007-04:00

After being in DC and walking through many monuments over the Memorial Day weekend, I can't help but imagine what the George W Bush Memorial will look like. So taking my cue from the FDR Memorial, here is how I envision the monument, heavy on statues and quotes.

As you walk in, there is a statue of Bush with the quote - "Presidentin' is hard work".

Then you advance to the 9/11 section, which glosses over the fact that he failed to capture Osama bin Laden.

You would also have to find the following quotes:
"Mission Accomplished"
"Awesome speech"

And these pictures:

Tags:

politics DC monument memorial George Bush

New Slang

2008-06-15T13:44:00.003-04:00

Such a great song from The Shins, in which the video re-creates many classic indie rock CD covers. See how many you can catch. ENJOY!

Tags:

music indie punk The Shins New Slang