Shakesville

(((Broce)))

You might have noticed that Shaker Broce has been absent from comments lately, after recently mentioning she was having a problem with her eye.

With her permission, I wanted to share that she's been in the hospital for treatment after her vision deteriorated and has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

Through the whole week, she's been keeping me updated by email as much as possible, with her usual frank wit. She's okay, she's now at home recuperating from what turned out to be optic neuritis, and she's resolved to show up to the pub tonight and take her usual seat at the bar.

In the meantime, I hope you'll take a moment to send some good thoughts or restorative energy or prayers or whatever you've got her way.

As for me, Broce, knowing that integrating a life-chanting diagnosis into your world is a big task that can easily overwhelm, I offer you "40 Inspirational Speeches in 2 Minutes," which comes via Recon, who says it made him "want to jump out of my chair, scream 'Freedom!', crane-kick a Californian teenager, dance with Ewoks, and high five Jesus on the cross." And who couldn't use inspiration like that?

We loves ya, Broce.

Quote of the Day

"Let's talk about rape for a moment. Rape is not what George Lucas did to your childhood. Rape is not what happens when a sports team beats another sports team by a wide margin. Rape is not what happens when your electric bill is higher this month than it was last month. Rape is when a person violates another person in the most despicable, degrading way imaginable and among the myriad of terrible things humans can do to one another, rape is among the worst. I think the casual misappropriation of the concept of rape extending all the way to its widespread comical usage is disgusting even by Internet standards. Off my chest."—Jeffrey Rowland, author of the journal comic Overcompensating. (The comic at the link above the commentary may be triggering, because it represents the ubiquitous nasty attitudes about rape on which the author is commenting.)

You might recall this was also the subject of an "Important Announcement" at Shakesville back in April.

I would, btw, take issue with the use of the word degrading in the above quote, because of the widespread assumption that rape leaves its survivors broken (or "degraded"). Rape does not degrade its victims; it degrades its heinous perpetrators.

[H/T to Shaker Audrey.]

Friday Blogaround

This blogaround tastes great on Pathetic Anger Bread.

Recommended Reading:

Louisa: Agnes Scott College: Lesbians Until Graduation?

Mary: Obama Hits It out of the Park on His Energy Secretary Pick

Lisa: Porn Producer with a Heart of Gold (Also see: Renee.)

Coturnix: "Newsworthy-ness"

Lauren: Good Rhetoric

Lauredhel: Junk Mail and Code Breaches

Jon: Get FISA Right

And Shaker Minstrel Boy is going to be on Jeopardy!, so set your VCRs or TiVos or whatever the kids are using these days to record stuff.

Leave your links in comments...

RIP Bettie Page

Iconic pin-up queen Bettie Page has died at age 85.

Like most sexualized imagery, there are legitimate critiques that take issue with some (e.g. the submissive bondage series), or even all, of her work.

But I also think it's fair to say that any woman who appreciates whatever recognition of her sexual autonomy she has owes a little something to Bettie Page, a survivor of multiple sexual assaults who made our culture consider the idea of a woman owning her own damn body.

[Also see Blue Gal, Chris, BAC, and Phil (some images NSFW).]

Because I Jinxed It

Just the other day I mentioned how pleased I was not to hear a darn thing about John McCain in the news lately. Of course, that prompts not one but two stories about him to crop up. (And rather than muck up this blog with more of my pointless yammering, I'll just drop them both into one post.)

Part One: Even Joe The Plumber Thinks You Suck

Sammy "Joe the Plumber" Wurzelbacher said he felt "dirty" after campaigning with McCain. Particularly, he was upset by McCain's efforts to keep the economy from tanking completely. Wurzelbacher said he "asked him some pretty direct questions. Some of the answers ... they appalled me, absolutely. I was angry." (But that's okay, looks like Wurzelbacher will get his wish soon enough.) I guess he doesn't think people in this country should get something for nothing. Unless it's a book deal, or a recording contract.

He added, "In fact, I wanted to get off the bus after I talked to him." He didn't. Points for integrity, Sammy.

Part Two: Pot Meet Kettle

McCain appeared on Letterman last night, and inevitably the subject of Blagojevich came up. While discussing the governor's refusal to step down amid pressure from all sides. Letterman pondered "[Blagojevich] is either stupid or he's nuts. What do you think?"

To which the senator replied "I think a rare combination of both."

Well, if anyone knows crazy and stupid, it's McCain.

On This Date

December 12, 2000: The Supreme Court ruled in favor of George W. Bush's appeal to stop the vote counting in Florida, basically handing him the presidency.

Talk about a "day which will live in infamy."

The Onion, however, has some late news.

Supreme Court Overturns Bush v. Gore

In an unexpected judicial turnaround, the Supreme Court this week reversed its 2000 ruling in the landmark case of Bush v. Gore, stripping George W. Bush of his earlier political victory, and declaring Albert Arnold Gore the 43rd president of the United States of America.

The court, which called its original decision to halt manual recounts in Florida "a ruling made in haste," voted unanimously on Wednesday in favor of the 2000 Democratic nominee.

Gore will serve as commander in chief from Dec. 10 to Jan. 20.

"Allowing this flaw in judgment to stand would set an unworkable precedent for future elections and cause irreparable harm to the impartiality of this court," said Chief Justice John G. Roberts in his majority opinion. "Furthermore, let me be the first to personally congratulate President Gore on his remarkable come-from-behind victory. May he guide us wisely into this new millennium."

Added Roberts, "The system works."

To quote Lord Byron, "And if I laugh at any mortal thing, 'tis that I may not weep."

Best of 2008

by Shaker Mike

Hello, Shakers! My name is Mike and I'm a longtime lurker who's been tapped to provide a little bit of "musical" content for the website. What are my qualifications, you ask? Well, really I don't have any, other than that I know some Scottish guy who knows the editor.

Along with this, I have a job that allows me to listen to a couple of hours of music during the day, I attend as many live shows as possible, and I've got gigs upon gigs of music. I have, and my wife will back me up on this, WAY too many CD's; our apartment is covered in them. I pride myself in finding new bands and turning people onto artists they've not heard before. I listen to everything I can get my hands on—though with the thousands of albums coming out each year, I am sure to miss some, so I appreciate recommendations, too.

My hopes for writing these posts is to get some discussion going, and hopefully introduce and discover some new music…

Since everyone and their mother is putting out "Best of 2008" lists, I figured that I would start by reviewing what I thought were the best albums of 2008. (Please let me know in comments what you think and what I missed.) I was going to rank them; however, coming up with them was tough enough, so these are in no particular order.

One note: I would like to point out that many of these CD's are not "family friendly" and may have some lyrics that some would find offensive. I know there have been conversations at Shakesville before about appreciating art that isn't in perfect alignment with one's personal politics, and I don't necessarily agree with every expressed opinion in the music I listen to—so I apologize if anyone gives something a listen and finds something objectionable.

That all being said, here we go…

Kanye West: 808s & Heartbreak

From what I've read online, this is definitely a love/hate album. If you like Kanye and appreciate an artist taking a chance, then you will enjoy this CD; if you are not a fan of Kanye, or you are a hip-hop purist, then I would suggest not even giving this one a listen. I just read another article today that said this was the WORST album of the year—while that is a bit harsh, I could see their points, too. Still, there is just something about this album that makes me want to listen to it whenever I have a chance.

Portishead: Third

Over a decade in the making, this album was definitely worth the wait. The vocals on this CD had me mesmerized for the entire length of the album. The audio is mixed beautifully and the entire CD just comes together. In summary, LISTEN to this CD.

Fleet Foxes: Fleet Foxes

I was not sure about this CD when I first got it, but after a few listens and after seeing them live at Austin City Limits, I could not stop listening. The harmonies on here are amazing—and with their being so young, I'm hoping for some great things from them in the years to come. If you have an aversion to the burnt-out hippy look, don't judge this band by its cover. They are mesmerizing performers.

Black Keys: Attack and Release

The Black Keys have been around for quite awhile, but on this one they choose to use Danger Mouse as their producer and it shows. Their sound is fresh, and has a bit of a hip hop edge to it, and it really works. Also, the fact that this band is just the guitar player and the drummer makes their sound all the more amazing.

Atmosphere: When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold

The album title alone should get this one on any "best of 2008" list, but the content is what solidifies its spot. This isn't the best Atmosphere CD out there, but it was a pretty weak year in hip-hop and this was one of the bright spots. Also I have to appreciate any hip hop artist that comes from Minnesota (not exactly a hotbed of hip hop moguls).

Beck: Modern Guilt

Again another Danger Mouse produced album. It's Beck, I'm a Beck fan, enough said.

Jenny Lewis: Acid Tongue

Seeing as I was a huge Rilo Kiley fan, I figured this album would be worth checking out, and I was not disappointed. Lewis is able to jump from genre to genre, while keeping the album from sounding like a random mixtape, and once you’re done with this one, go and check out the Rilo Kiley albums as well as Jenny's other solo CD.

Cold War Kids: Loyalty to Loyalty

Cold War Kids had a great CD in 2006 with Robbers & Cowards and this CD is no different. Solid CD from a solid band. Some say that rock is dead, but hearing a CD like this allows me continue to call those people crazy.

TV on the Radio: Dear Science,

I'll admit when TV on the Radio won Spin's CD of the year in 2006 with Return to Cookie Mountain, I was not a fan; however, this new CD won me over. This is a great CD to spice up a lazy afternoon or to get rid of a case of the "Mondays." Also, it looks like this was named Rolling Stones' album of the year, and, while I do not really respect that magazine much anymore, that's still a notable accomplishment.

The Cool Kids: Bake Sale EP

I've been waiting for this one for about a year, and the Cool Kids did not disappoint. They are bringing back "old school" hip hop with the heavy bass beats and the non-violent lyrics. This is a must-have. Also they are from Chicago, so I need to show some love for the hometown!

Lupe Fiasco: The Cool (end of 2007)

This CD came out a little too late to be on most 2007 "best of" lists, and while it was technically not released in '08, I'm putting it on my list. Just you try and stop me. There is no better lyricist out there right now better than Lupe. Again, I may be a Chicago homer, but this is one of the best hip-hop albums in a long time. I've seen Lupe perform a few times in concert as well, and if you are not sold on the CD, then go see a live show—definitely worth the ticket price.

Girl Talk: Feed the Animals

When an artist feels strong enough about his product that he can offer it up as a "pay what you like," I have to give him credit. I've heard many critics downplay this album since "all he is doing is putting together other artists' work," but that's not easy, and Girl Talk is one of the best out there doing it. I challenge anyone to stay seated at a party if this CD is thrown on.

Dr. Dog: Fate

I was a little late on the Dr. Dog bandwagon, but I'm glad I hopped on. This is just a solid CD throughout—great lyrics and nice music. This is great for relaxing after a tough day at office.

Conor Oberst: Conor Oberst

I was not really a huge fan of Bright Eyes before hearing this CD, but I have since gone back and found out that I am a big fan. This is the frontman's first foray into a solo CD and he did a great job. He is also another artist that I saw live at Austin City Limits, and he put on a great show.

Ida Maria: Fortress Around My Heart

I had never heard of Ida Maria until I opened my year end issue of Paste Magazine (this is a great magazine by the way) and took a look at their top 50. I'm not really sure how I would describe the music on this CD, except that when I listen I can't help but be in a good mood. And of course who can argue with song titles like "I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked"?

The Hold Steady: Stay Positive

The Hold Steady are a rock band out of Brooklyn and they are amazing. Their sound is tight and the lead singer's voice is like nothing I've ever heard. I've heard some reviewers say that these guys are the next coming of Bruce Springsteen, and I just hope that they are able to make half of his impression on rock music.

Bon Iver: For Emma, Forever Ago

This CD was the byproduct of Bon Iver locking himself in a cabin in northern Wisconsin last winter, and it is quite impressive. This may not be the best CD to put in if you're feeling down, but otherwise an excellent CD.

Vampire Weekend: Vampire Weekend

This may be my "sell-out" CD, but I am still listening to this CD, and if you know me, that's impressive. These guys were a big hit on college radio and they were finally able to jump over to the mainstream. Also, these guys put on what was probably my favorite show at Austin City Limits, and now I'm hoping that they just come out with some new music already!

Estelle: Shine

I'm going to call this one my fun pop record of the year. The first time I heard "American Boy" I was in Florence at an outdoor pub, and I knew right away that this may be the hit of the Summer. I know the music purists don't like to say they enjoy anything on the Billboard Top 100, but I am not afraid!

N*E*R*D: Seeing Sounds

I love N*E*R*D. I'll listen to whatever they put out, and I'll probably be able to make an argument that it is great. This CD is no different. There is no other act out right now that sound like these guys, and even though Pharell may not be the best vocalist, it just seems to work. Also, these guys put on a heck of a stage show; it almost seemed like we were watching a 70's punk band.

All right, so that's my 2008 wrap-up. Leave your recs in comments, solicit my opinion on other albums, offer your opinions, tell me I'm brilliant, tell me I'm wrong, but get talking, Shakers!

Party of Hoover: Senate GOP Kills Auto Bailout Bill

In short, the GOP demanded that the bailout be contingent upon busting unions, and, when their demand wasn't met, they tanked the deal.

Republican opposition killed a $14-billion auto industry bailout plan in the Senate on Thursday night, putting the future of U.S. automakers in doubt and threatening to deliver another blow to the economy.

The measure died after a last-ditch effort by Senate Democratic leaders to strike a compromise that would have lured enough support to save the legislation, which was crafted in consultation with the White House.

In case you missed that, the Senate Dems are working with the Lame Duck to try to solve this problem, while rogue Republicans are giving the finger to their own president.

Bush personally lobbied recalcitrant Senate Republicans after Vice President Dick Cheney failed to round up support Wednesday during a contentious two-hour meeting.

"If we don't do this, we will be known as the party of Herbert Hoover forever," Cheney told them, according to a Senate Republican aide, evoking the president whose inaction is widely blamed for helping trigger the Great Depression in the early 1930s.

And the Senate GOP is pretty much fine with that. Now the pressure is on the White House to tap into the Wall Street bailout to help Detroit, which Bush has been reluctant to do. But:

[W]ith the Senate's action, Detroit's supporters looked to the White House for help.

"Plan B is the president," said Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said action by Bush was the "only viable option."

"For God sakes, I hope the president acts," exclaimed Mayor Virg Bernero of Lansing, Mich.

Meanwhile, the world markets and the value of the dollar plunge in the wake of the clusterfucktastrope wrought by the GOP and their continuing unwillingness to be anything but obstinate fucking assholes.

See Maha and Steve for more.

She' s No Lady

by Shaker Kathy from Birmingham Blues

So we all know that Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was arrested on Tuesday, charged with attempting to sell the US Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama. And we know that the case is based on wiretaps of Blagojevich's home and office, which caught him uttering some obscenities as he discussed the various targets of his alleged pay-to-play scheme.

But did we know that his wife was also heard to utter the f-word? Oh noes, the little woman said "fuck". And said it repeatedly. Let me sit down right now. I think I have the vapors.

The Chicago Tribune published a story yesterday that opened with this totally not sexist description of Patricia Blagojevich:

An unflattering portrait depicting Illinois First Lady Patricia Blagojevich as a modern-day Lady Macbeth who plotted against her husband's perceived enemies and backed his corrupt schemes emerged in court documents connected to the governor's arrest Tuesday.

Yes, of course. The scheming woman with blood on her hands. How original.

While reporter Stacy St. Clair acknowledges that Patricia Blagojevich has not been charged with any wrongdoing, she also tells us, "Her alleged ambitions and brashness are outlined in a 76-page federal criminal complaint…" Brashness? Really?

She helped her husband hatch a plan to sell President-elect Barack Obama's old U.S. Senate seat. She angled to trade her husband's power for lucrative spots on corporate boards. And she unleashed an obscenity-filled tirade suggesting Tribune Co. ownership should "just fire" Chicago Tribune editorial writers if the company wanted the state to help it unload Wrigley Field to ease its crushing debt.

"Hold up that [expletive] Cubs [expletive]," she is quoted as saying in the background as her husband talked on the phone, authorities alleged. "[Expletive] them."

See, that last part is most important. We can tell because the reporter emphasized it. Yes, Patricia Blagojevich may have had a hand in her husband's plans to sell Obama's former Senate seat. Yes, she may have attempted to trade on her family connections to advance her own career. (Gosh, no one has ever done that before!) Yes, she may have encouraged her husband to punish his political enemies. And none of this is okay.

But worst of all, she used profanity in the process!

Steve Rhodes of NBC Chicago picked up the banner, quoting the Tribune article, with emphasis on the Lady MacBeth meme, and pointing out yet again her propensity for profanity. Some of the commenters there also have a bad case of missing the point:

Are you kidding me? Listen to her talk! That will tell you what kind of women she is. Corrupted!

What a WHITE TRASH piece of bleep!

Patti isn't a woman, she's a dog. So referring to her as "The (bleeping) First Lady" is actually a complement. Her poor daughters.....

Rod Blagojevich is being excoriated in the press because he allegedly tried to sell a Senate appointment. His wife, who allegedly aided and abetted him in his efforts, is catching hell – oops, I mean heck – because she has a potty mouth.

At the risk of destroying my own reputation, I have to ask, "What the fuck?"

History: Ur Doin It Rong

Last night, I was flipping through the TV listings and saw that there was a show on the History Channel called "Rogue Waves." I was curious to know how a show that sounded like it should follow "Man Versus Beast" on Fox and be subtitled "Xtreme Water!" was suitable for the History Channel, so I clicked on the show description.

I swear to Maude this was the actual description:

Rogue Waves—Ocean disasters caused by massive waves are recalled. Included: Footage from the films "Poseidon" and "The Perfect Storm." (2006) Documentary.

I'm pretty sure ur doin documentaries rong, too.

Two-Minute Nostalgia Sublime

Firehouse

Question of the Day

As the closing days of the Bush administration draw near at last, I can't help but reminisce about all the priceless oratorical gifts with which our outgoing president is leaving us. Earlier today, I recalled a real beauty: In his Jan. 2006 State of the Union address, President Fumblenutz pulled one of his greatest non-sequiturs ever out of his ass, requesting that Congress pass legislation to ban the creation of "human-animal hybrids." My god, that was a thing of beauty. We had fun with human-animal hybrids for months. Remember the Cheneyshark and the mangaroo? Good times.

So tonight's QotD is: If you could become a human-animal hybrid, with what animal would you be crossed?

I would be half penguin, so I could hold my breath under water for at least a half hour and dive to 1,700 feet. And because I love sushi. Also, I'd always be ready at a moment's notice for a formal party.

Iain would be half dolphin, so he could "swim in the ocean, be dolphiny, and emit ear-piercing screeches that would shatter the windows of local shops." I suspect he isn't taking this question very seriously.

Love Makes the Baby Jesus Cry

A top evangelical leader has resigned his post following an uproar over a recent interview when he said he supports civil unions for gays.

The National Association of Evangelicals says the Rev. Richard Cizik quit Thursday as the group's representative in Washington.

The announcement follows Cizik's Dec. 2 interview on National Public Radio's "Fresh Air" program. Cizik said on the show that he backs same-sex civil unions and made other comments that the evangelical group says don't reflect their values.

Cizik had already made enemies of some evangelical leaders because of his high-profile fight against global warming.

Gay rights?! Science?! Whatevs, Reverend Lucifer.

Too bad "religious people don't have the right to burn others at the stake," eh, Fuckabee? 'Cuz that dude would be first on the list!

You've Made It! Now What...?

First read Tami. Then read Ann.

Now discuss.

I've found that the longer I write about politics and culture, here and elsewhere, the more I find it exceedingly easy to be a Feminist Progressive Female Writer Who Writes about Many Things from a Feminist Progressive Female Perspective.

Meaning, I don't feel obliged to limit my topics (to, say, "women's issues," or "everything but women's issues"), nor do I ever feel obliged to leave parts of myself behind, e.g. regard myself as a political writer who happens to be a woman, as if that's incidental. When it's really, really not. No matter about what I'm writing.

And I know that balance is a rare gift for a woman who writes.

Or any marginalized person.

It helps that I don't give a shit if I get written off for being "too feminist." Which is mostly possible since I don't work for the American media.

Republic Workers End Sit-In

Because they won:

Laid-off workers at a Chicago window factory ended a five-day sit-in after banks agreed to lend the failed company $1.75 million for outstanding wages and benefits, union officials said Wednesday.

"The occupation is over," said Armando Robles, president of the United Electrical Workers local 1110, which led the sit-in.

About 200 workers launched what they called a "peaceful occupation" of the Republic Windows and Doors factory Friday after Republic gave its employees three days notice of the layoffs. According to the workers, Republic told them that Bank of America had cut off credit to the company.

Federal law requires 60 days notice or 60 days paid compensation for workers when they close plants.

Bank of America agreed Wednesday to approve $1.35 million in loans to pay those obligations. Another $400,000 came from J.P. Morgan Chase, union officials said.

Workers approved the deal at a meeting Wednesday night. Union official Carl Rosen said the average worker will receive about $6,000 under the package.

But he added: "This is about more than just money. It's about what can be achieved when workers organize and stand up for justice."

Right on.

Caption This Photo

Both of them want to devour you...but only one of them uses Brut.
[Via Recon, who was using this luxurious image back in May to inspire himself while trying to grow out his "warrior hair."]

Quote of the Day

"In Illinois, as is true in American politics generally, there are two views of politics. There’s a view of politics that says you go in this for sacrifice and public service, and then there's a view of politics that says that this is a business, and you're wheeling and dealing, and what's in it for me? … There are extraordinary traditions of public service coming out of Illinois, even after Abraham Lincoln. … But what you also have, I think, are habits and a culture that thinks of politics as a—as a means of self-aggrandizement. That's exactly what has to change."—President-Elect Barack Obama, during a press conference this morning.

Think Progress has video, with full transcript.

Obama also noted this morning that he is "confident that no representatives of mine would have any part of any deals related to this seat" and has "asked my team to gather the facts of any contacts with the governor's office about this vacancy so that we can share them with you over the next few days."

Wow. Transparency. I almost forgot what that looked like!

(Pun intended.)

Obama's Green Team

Pet mentioned in the Morning Readings that Nobel Prize-winning physicist Steven Chu has been chosen to be the next Secretary of Energy, but there are a few more appointments mentioned in the article I wanted to highlight.

As Deeky mentioned yesterday, Deputy Major of LA Nancy Sutley, who was a Hillary Clinton supporter and is a lesbian Latina, has been chosen to chair the White House Council on Environmental Quality.

Carol Browner, who served as EPA administrator for all eight years of President Bill Clinton's presidency, will "fill a new White House post overseeing energy, environmental and climate policies." She was also the legislative director for Al Gore when he was serving as Senator.

And, last but certainly not least, Lisa Jackson has been selected to head the EPA.

An African American native of New Orleans, Jackson grew up in the Ninth Ward, the poor and largely black neighborhood devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Jackson's mother, stepfather and godmother fled the city as the 2005 storm approached. A few months later, in her swearing-in speech as New Jersey's environmental chief, Jackson said the devastation wrought by Katrina put her environmental work in a new perspective.

"My family escaped with their lives, but everything else -- their homes and possessions, even the family Bible -- was lost," Jackson said. "We were among the lucky ones."

"The shameful failures of government that the world witnessed in the wake of Hurricane Katrina have given me a special appreciation for the importance of public service," Jackson added.

Blub.

Jackson, currently chief of staff to Democratic New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine and formerly head of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, is credited with persuading Corzine to sign the Global Warming Response Act, "an ambitious climate measure that pledges to cut the state's greenhouse gas emissions 20 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050." Just the thought of having someone who wants to use the Environmental Protection Agency to actually protect the environment after eight years of the Bush administration's Orwellian abuse of the agency is making me absurdly happy.

Actually, this whole team makes me absurdly happy.

Daily Kitteh

Cute squared.

House Passes Big Auto Bailout Bill

The House just passed the $14 billion Detroit Big Three autos bailout bill by a vote of 237-170, sending it to a Senate where approval is no slam-dunk, thanks to the promised opposition of leading Republicans.

The bill was overwhelmingly endorsed by Democrats (205-20) and strongly opposed by Republicans (32-150).

How absurd is it that when I read that, my first thought was, "Only fourteen billion? That's not too bad."

clunk