Educate and excite, inform and infuriate.
October 27th, 2008 — Politics, Pop Culture, TV
In this clip from a 1966 Batman episode, “Dizzonner the Penguin,” the tuxedoed terror begins his election petition by promising “no mudslinging in this campaign”….only to immediately start tossing wet dirt at his opponent!
Sound familiar? No wonder this old, wrinkled white guy is doing horribly in the polls against…heh heh, the Caped Crusader.
[via BoingBoing]
October 27th, 2008 — Journalism, Politics, TV
FRONTLINE turns out expertly-researched, -written , -shot, and -edited news documentaries with startling consistency. But whether or not you’ve ever seen one of their incredible pieces—my favorite to date: House of Saud, on the Arabian monarchy—make absolutely sure you check out The Choice 2008.
The 2-hour work, which debuted October 14th, but I saw last night, deeply covers the rise of John McCain and Barack Obama, above, as the 2008 Republican and Democratic party nominees, respectively, noting the varied paths both men have run.
However, even with McCain’s long career in Congress, the portions on Obama are what will most captivate. Whether it’s footage of him at Harvard Law School in his late 20s; Obama, the Chicago activist, debating the then seemingly all-powerful Rep. Bobby Rush; or details of his party’s vision of him as its heir apparent and golden child, The Choice 2008 powerfully helps fill in blanks on a man who, for all of his immense and mounting visibility, still arguably remains a profound enigma. Buy the DVD, or watch it online, right now, via iTunes, YouTube, or directly on the web site. Great stuff.
October 24th, 2008 — Film, NONFICTION, Politics, Pop Culture
Why do Americans not vote?
In her new documentary, Holler Back: [Not] Voting in an American Town, director Lulu Fries’dat examines voter apathy through the eyes of Allentown, PA residents, ones both active and inactive in the electoral process.
Lulu Fries’dat is the guest on my WBAI-NY / 99.5 FM radio show, NONFICTION, this afternoon, Friday, October 24, 2 pm ET.
October 24th, 2008 — Humor, Politics, Pop Culture
In a new Funny or Die short, director Ron Howard briefly steps away from his Panaflex, shaves his beard, clips his nose hair, covers his bald pate, re-inhabits the classic roles of “Opie Taylor” (The Andy Griffith Show) and, above left, “Richie Cunningham,” (Happy Days), then, enlisting the help of famed actors Andy Griffith and, above right, Henry Winkler as Happy Days’ “The Fonz,” goes back in time somewhat, encouraging people to vote for Barack Obama. Now, all we need are the cast of The Wire to do the same thing.
October 16th, 2008 — Journalism, Media, Politics, Radio
Obama describes a nasty clog in his campaign. Photo by Jae C. Hong
TO: Joe Wurzelbacher, above, the Cincinnati, OH-based plumbing contractor that John McCain and Barack Obama mentioned by name 26 times during their debate last night (five times as many Joe Biden!)
Dear Joe:
I believe you have really great business sense. However, if you immediately follow my Seven Tips for Plumbing the Depths of Success, you are going to truly G-off….
October 16th, 2008 — Fashion, Gender, Politics
Gentlemen: If the gauzy melodies of Steve Arrington’s Hall of Fame’s classic 1983 hit plays in the back of your mind while you gaze at Sarah Palin’s seemingly endless tresses, above (in a photo taken not ten days ago, yet!), you’ve fallen to the cursed infirmity that undoes all men!
October 16th, 2008 — History, Politics
Have you noticed not a single media outlet has yet raised a question about John McCain’s characterization of segregation as “the worst chapter in American history”?
October 16th, 2008 — Journalism, Media, Politics
The Huffington Post’s Michael Seitzman wrote about last night’s debate, but by avoiding its specific proposals or content, and, instead, focusing on the manner by which it was conducted, he created something near poetry.
When is the last time we had a leader that we wanted to emulate? Continue reading →
October 14th, 2008 — Fashion, Politics
So: If Obama is Luke Skywalker, is McCain the evil Emperor? (Hey: Let’s just hope, if McCain is the Evil Emperor, that, despite the resemblance, Obama isn’t Mace Windu.)
Made of 100% cotton in optimistic sky blue. S-3XL, $16.95 – $18.45, from SnorgTees.com. Watch this while you wear the shirt.
October 7th, 2008 — Design, Humor, Politics
Still confused by Sarah Palin’s performance in the debate, despite Tina Fey’s clarfiying parody? Couldn’t shake the feeling she was getting her answers from a lower intelligence in an alternate dimension?
Aden Nak’s brilliant ph33r and loathing blog is about to make it all clear as the space between the Alaskan governor’s ears: From his “Moosehunter” post: Sarah Palin’s debate cheat sheet, above.
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