Grace Jones: "Pull Up to the Bumper"
Today in Rick Santorum Says Something Stupid
In a recent interview with the Concord Monitor, Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum, currently polling at LOL%, said many stupid things, as is his signature campaign strategy. Here are the Top Three:
Part One: Your body is a car.
To control health care costs, Rick Santorum says Americans should treat their bodies more like their cars: Only the priciest procedures should go through insurance.Moving right along.
"You don't even turn in a little fender bender if it's only going to cost you a little bit more than your deductible," the Republican presidential candidate said last week during an interview with the Monitor's editorial board. "Why? Because you don't want your insurance to go up."
With health care expenses, "consumers should pay for the maintenance of your vehicle, you being the vehicle," Santorum said. That would mean paying out of pocket for "minor scrapes and scratches" - like a broken arm, he suggested.
"It's a serious problem, but it's not a catastrophic event," he said.
Part Two: If they're so ALLEGEDLY poor, why are they so fat?
[Santorum] would address the deficit not by increasing taxes but by cutting spending, citing federal education spending, the State Department and food stamps among his primary targets.This brilliant rhetorical observation, in addition to highlighting Santorum's compassionate side, underlines how much attention he was paying while serving as a senator in the US Congress, whence comes the answer to his nifty question.
"Is there a hunger problem if the poorest people in America are the most obese?" he said.
Part Three: Gay marriage is poopy and you're a bunch of doodyheads shut up!
Santorum said he doesn't "have any problem if people want to live their life the way they want to live it." But gay marriage affects him personally, he said, because it "changes what marriage is" and deprives children of their right to a mother and father.What-the-fuck face. Contemptuous head shake. Long exasperated sigh.
..."What you're saying with same-sex marriage is, you want people, you're designing a system around a system where children are denied their birthright."
BONUS STUPID! On why he's not getting more media attention and thus not polling higher: "I'm not the guy with the bouffant hairdo that everybody wants to twirl around the dance floor with. I'm the guy you want to take home to Mom and Dad." Ha ha sure. Or the guy you slowly back away from because he talks such nonsensical shit that you figure there's a 50-50 chance he's an alien goblinoid masquerading as a human, and it's worth keeping an eye on him.
[H/T to @PamSpaulding.]
Top Chef: Texas Open Thread
Dakota and Sarah do some cheffy type shit.
Last night was the big steak cook-off. At the Cattle Baron's Ball. Of course! What other Texian awesome (i.e ridiculous) stuff will we be privy to this season? Tumbleweed Soufflé? Ten Gallon Hat Nachos? Spurs Con Carne? Remember the Alamo Aioli?
Stop the Texas, I want to get off! Spoilers below.
Great News! (Not Great News At All)
A third installment in The Hangover franchise could begin shooting as early as next year! And if you're one of the many people asking themselves CAN THE MAGIC OF A BUNCH OF STRAIGHT WHITE DUDES GETTING BLACK-OUT DRUNK AND DOING STUPID, HURTFUL, AND FREQUENTLY CRIMINAL THINGS BE RECREATED A THIRD TIME?! don't you worry your pretty little head, because it definitely can. This time in LA.
Good job, film industry! You are THE BEST.
[H/T to @scatx.]
Primarily Annoying
According to the latest CNN/TIME/ORC poll, if the Republican presidential primary were held today, 48% of the registered Republicans likely to vote in the Florida primary would support Newt Gingrich. The next closest contender is Mitt Romney, with only 25%. Yikes.
Gingrich also leads Romney in Iowa (33% to 20%) and in South Carolina (43% to 20%), while Romney leads Gingrich in New Hampshire (35% to 26%).
No candidate gets more than 50% support anywhere. In fact, the only response that gets more than 50% anywhere is "might change mind." Oof.
Which makes Gallup's latest poll findings thoroughly unsurprising: Republicans Less Enthusiastic About Voting in 2012. "Republicans' enthusiasm about voting in the election for president next year has decreased, with 49% of Republicans and independents who lean Republican now saying they are more enthusiastic than usual about voting, down from 58% in September. This narrows the gap between them and Democrats, 44% of whom are more enthusiastic than usual, essentially the same as in September."
The lack of enthusiasm isn't difficult to understand when frontrunner Mitt Romney is asked to comment on the Eurozone crisis and says shit like this: "Europe is capable of solving Europe's problems. I actually think that—I mean, I'm not an economist by training, but what limited understanding of the economy I have suggests it's very difficult to cobble together Greece, Ireland, Italy and Germany with the same monetary policy and highly disparate fiscal policies. I don't know how they hold it together." (Emphasis mine.)
Definitely the guy you want to elect in the middle of an economic crisis is the one who says he's got a "limited understanding of the economy," for sure.
At least we know it's a "limited understanding of the economy" that's behind Romney's also saying shit like this:
[President Obama] seeks to replace our merit-based society with an entitlement society. In an entitlement society, everyone receives the same or similar rewards, regardless of education, effort and willingness to take risk. That which is earned by some is redistributed to the others. And the only people to enjoy truly disproportionate rewards are the people who do the redistributing — the government.Whooooooooooooooooops that is not even close to reality, sir.
Entitlement societies are praised in academic circles, far removed from the reality of a competitive world. Opportunity is replaced by the certainty that everyone in an entitlement society will enjoy nearly the same rewards. But there is another certainty: They will be poor.
In an entitlement society, the invigorating pursuit of happiness is replaced by the deadening reality that there is no prospect of a better tomorrow.
In a sign of how dire this Republican primary really is, Rep. Ron Paul is picking up steam and now finds himself in third place behind the lawbreaking Gingrich and the flip-flopping Romney.
"Welp, we've tried Trump, Bachmann, Perry, Cain, Romney, and Gingrich, and they all stink, so maybe we should give this Paul fella a look." Zoinks.
Why do I have the sneaking suspicion that Sarah Palin is watching all this from the sidelines and contemplating the possibility that, if she waits long enough, then reverses her decision and throws in her hat after all, she'll get the nomination sheerly on the basis of Republican primary voters' desperation for someone else please Jesus someone anyone else...?
Question of the Day
What is your favorite animated film?
I'm not a huge animated film buff, so my reservoir of potential answers is a lot narrower than other film genres. Of the ones I've seen, my favorite is probably The Last Unicorn, which strongly resonated with me when I was an awkward pre-feminist 8-year-old, and resonates with me still.
Honorable mention to Pixar's A Bug's Life, which features one of my favorite lines of dialogue of all time: The Fly, disgusted with the shitty quality of the Flea Circus at which he's in attendance, departs with the line: "I only got twenty-four hours to live, and I ain't gonna waste it here." Brilliant.
Discussion Thread: Cooking Shows & Cooking Tips
If you are one of the many Shakers who loves food shows, whether just straight-up cooking shows or cooking competitions (or both), share in this thread what the best tip (or tips) you've ever gotten from a cooking show is.
I've gotten a lot of great tips over the years, but my absolute favorite has to be crushing garlic cloves with the side of your knife to separate the garlic from its skin. Works a million times better than a garlic press!
(Here's a demonstration, if you don't know what I mean.)
What I'm Listening To
[Lyrics here.]
As I've mentioned once or twice or three hundred times, I loooooooooved the movie Starman as a kid (and I still do) because Karen Allen. Just hearing the sampled bit of the score in this track gives me a wave of nostalgia so strong it nearly chokes me up.
Whoa
[Trigger warning for violence.]
After 30 years, prosecutors in Philadelphia have begrudgingly dropped their campaign to execute Mumia Abu-Jamal, the former Black Panther who was convicted of killing white police officer Daniel Faulkner in 1982. Abu-Jamal, who is now 58, and continues to maintain his innocence, will instead spend the rest of his life in prison.
Jorge Rivas has more here.
For those who are familiar with this case, which spawned the "Free Mumia" movement, the fervor with which the execution of Abu-Jamal has been pursued over the years makes this decision really rather extraordinary.
Pat Robertson Responds to Hillary Clinton's Speech
[Trigger warning for homophobia and Christian Supremacy.]
I'm pretty sure if someone had asked me to predict what Pat Robertson's response would be to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's landmark LGBTQI rights speech, I would've guessed pretty much exactly this, minus one Thomas Jefferson (mis)quote, and plus one deeply misguided rendition of Dolly Parton's "Straight Talk."
Isn't it appalling that the United States of America would try to enforce the acceptance of homosexuality on other nations, but at the same time we would not force them to take care of their religious minorities and they would permit discrimination and persecution of Christians? What kind of a country have we got? You know, there is a god in heaven and he is just. Thomas Jefferson: "I tremble when I remember that god is just." He is just; he is not going to allow this kind of thing to go on forever. This country cannot continue to violate god's principles and to make a mockery of his laws and think we're going to get away with it. And when the blow comes, it's going to be horrible.That's what she said.
[Via.]
Daily Dose of Cute
Olivia Twist, who is currently taking up every available bit of free space on my desk, snoozing.
Number of the Day
14: The number of years in prison to which former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was sentenced today, after making one last plea for leniency and telling the court, "I am unbelievably sorry."
Blago, who was convicted of 18 counts of corruption charges, including "attempting to sell or trade an appointment to fill the US Senate seat left vacant by the election of President Barack Obama," will "have to surrender Feb. 16. Under federal sentencing rules, Blagojevich will have to serve 85 percent of his sentence, or just under 12 years in prison, at a minimum."
Whooooooooooooops.
Reproductive Rights Updates: Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Alabama, South Dakota
Ohio! There are two issues in Ohio. First, the a senate committee will have the first public hearings (1pm EST) on HB 125, aka the "heartbeat bill".
The Senate Health, Human Services and Aging Committee, which is chaired by Sen. Scott Oelslager, R- North Canton, will hear from the bill’s sponsor, proponents and interested parties today. Typically, opponents also are given a chance to weigh in on legislation, but no other hearing has been scheduled at this point.That doesn't sound suspicious at all. Sounds like totally balanced government, right there. Sure.
Oelslager also chaired a special committee appointed by Senate President Tom Niehaus, R-New Richmond, that has been privately reviewing the legislation, which passed the House in June.
Now, I came across this by accident in looking up info on the senate hearing mentioned above: SB 201. SB 201 was introduced to a senate finance committee yesterday. So while it's new, it's not that new because it's the companion legislation to HB 298, which I wrote about back in July. The bills are an attempt at a Medicaid work-around to de-fund Planned Parenthood.
***
In Michigan, a senate committee sent two bills to to the senate that prohibit insurance coverage of abortion services:
Health Policy Committee members on Wednesday sent to the full Senate two bills that would require health insurance policies sold on the MiHealth Marketplace website or in insurance markets to not cover abortions unless women buy an additional rider on their policies.The leader of MI "Right to Life" supports this, of course, because he says: "abortion is a social decision, not health care." Of course you say things like that! Of course you do.
***
In Wisconsin, there will be a hearing next week on SB 306 (AB 371), which is a bill that says women cannot get an abortion via medication unless seeing a doctor in person.
Madison - A hearing is slated for Dec. 13 on a bill that would prevent women from receiving drugs that induce abortions unless a doctor gives them a physical exam and is in the same room when they receive the drugs.Supporters of this are very determined that women should not get a consult via webcam. Supporters of this are very determined to make as many hurdles possible.
[...]
The legislation would also require doctors to speak with women seeking abortions out of the presence of others to determine whether they were coerced into getting abortions.
***
In Alabama, Sen. Phil Williams (R-Madison) has "pre-filed" a "personhood" bill for the Feb. 2012 session.
Senate Bill 5 looks to legally define humans as persons from the moment of fertilization and implantation. It is similar to Mississippi’s personhood bill, which was defeated 58 percent to 42 percent on Nov. 8.Intro'ing a bullshit bill that's similar to another that was shot down earlier this year totally doesn't sound like a colossal waste of time at all!
Williams’ attempt to pass comparable legislation earlier in the year was killed by a voice vote on the Senate floor.
In an interview with Mobile news station WKRG on Nov. 9, Williams said he believes personhood legislation is important to Alabamians.
“Number one, I think that this is a matter of state’s rights, that we can do this,” Williams said. “I think that this is something that Alabamians would want.”
***
In South Dakota, a federal appeals court has agreed to rehear arguments about doctors being forced to tell patients that they'll have a higher risk of wanting to commit suicide if they have an abortion.
he South Dakota Attorney General's office says a federal appeals court has agreed to rehear a case dealing with a 2005 South Dakota abortion law.The suicide bit? A lie (.pdf).
[...]
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley says the full 11-member court will rehear arguments related to the suicide advisory in January.
Goddammit
Plan B ruling: FDA says it wanted to ease restrictions, was overruled by Obama administration:
In a rare public split within the federal government, the Health and Human Services Department overruled a decision by the Food and Drug Administration to make [Plan B, aka the morning-after pill] available to anyone of any age without a restriction.There is literally nothing I can say that I haven't already said dozens of times before. This is yet another incredible disappointment.
In a statement, FDA Administrator Margaret Hamburg said she had decided the medication could be used safely by [people] of all age. But she added that Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius had rejected the move.
"I agree ... there is adequate and reasonable, well-supported, and science-based evidence that Plan B One-Step is safe and effective and should be approved for nonprescription use for all [people] of child-bearing potential," Hamburg said.
"However, this morning I received a memorandum from the Secretary of Health and Human Services invoking her authority under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to execute its provisions and stating that she does not agree with the Agency's decision to allow the marketing of Plan B One-Step nonprescription for all [people] of child-bearing potential," she said.
The surprising decision is a stunning blow to some doctors, health advocates, family-planning activists, members of Congress and others to help women prevent unwanted pregnancies.
An Observation
So, I watch a lot of cooking shows. Especially various cooking competitions, like Chopped, Iron Chef, The Next Iron Chef, 24 Hour Restaurant War, Chef Hunter, Top Chef, Top Chef Masters, Top Chef Just Desserts, and Top Chef We're Just Fucking with You Now. And one of the things I've noticed (I am such a good noticer of things!) is that a lot of the male chefs—who outnumber the female chefs by probably at least 2-1 across all these shows, especially when you include all the chef judges—tell really cool stories about how they were inspired to be culinary artists by their mothers and/or grandmothers.
So many awesome stories about mama's signature greens and nonna's homemade gnocchi!
And then many of these same male chefs with the terrific stories about their female influences turn around and treat their female colleagues with sneering contempt, without a trace of irony.
Evidently, women are meant to cook exclusively for free to inspire men, who then go cook professionally for lots of money.
If they're talented they're lucky their grannies passed on the best recipes.
I guess a woman's place is in the kitchen, unless and until a man decides he wants to be there.
Wednesday Blogaround
This blogaround brought to you by pencil cases.
Recommended Reading:
Julie: [TW for rape culture and imagery; victim-blaming] PA Liquor Control Board to Teens: Rape Is Your Fault, and Your Friends' Fault!
Andy: [TW for homophobia] Rick Perry Attacks Gays in the Military, Obama's 'War on Religion' in New Ad
Shark-fu: Pondering the Newtonian Revival
Fannie: [TW for body policing, violence, medical malfeasance, misogyny, racism] Involuntary Procedures and Local Power
L Boogie: [TW for rape culture] Fanon, Alienation, and Sexual Harassment
Michelle: [TW for discussion of eating and hunger] How Does Hunger Feel?
Chally: [TW for injury and objectification] The Humbling of a Pretty Girl
This piece for Shameless magazine, in recognition of Canada's National Day of Remembrance, was written by a member of the Shakesville community who prefers to remain anonymous: [TW for violence and rape culture] National Day of Remembrance and Action of Violence Against Women in Canada.
Leave your links and recommendations in comments...
It's Like They Took My Life and Put It On Television
[Trigger warning for misogyny, LGB-phobia, and transphobia]
Remember Bosom Buddies? It was this awesome show about two dudes who dressed up as chicks so that they could live in this cheap building for ladies. The show's title was pretty funny too, in that bosom is another word for tit.
Anyhow, Sara Rue and the CW have a great idea for a new show. Basically, it's just ripping off Bosom Buddies, only with a twist! Two (totes real, cissexual) ladies will pretend to be lesbians so that they can live together in New York City, because that's totally how things work in The City. Plus, the ladies will so get the perks of being domestic partners in a state that allows gay marriage.
I can't wait for the awkward second episode when one of the ladies has to explain to a really hot guy that even though she's a lady who (pretends she) likes other ladies, she (also) likes dudes! That's so strange! How do the writers presumably come up with this stuff?
Don't worry though, the entire purpose of the show is to empower real lesbians, in that it will show their plight or some such bullshit.
(Also, "faux-lesbian" is the greatest term ever. From now on, I'm referring to myself as "nouveau-lesbian." I love French shit.)
Speaking of bosoms, ABC's got a great new show coming up. It's about two dudes who pretend to be chicks so they can get a job, because that's totally how things work in the world.
I can't wait for the awkward second episode when one of the "ladies" has to explain to a really hot chick that he's a (pretend) lady who likes other ladies! That's so strange! How do the writers presumably come up with this stuff?
Don't worry though, the entire purpose of the show is to empower real ladies, in that it will show their plight or some such bullshit (e.g., when you are a lady, you can get a job easily!). Some people might claim the show is transphobic, but since these guys are dudes pretending to be ladies, it's clearly not about trans* people, in that trans* people want The Surgery or some such nonsense.
Now I've you'll excuse me, I'm off to buy a TiVo. They still make TiVo, right?
The Kingmaker!
LULZ: Gingrich or Romney: McCain prepares to play kingmaker. Ooh, I bet no one can wait to hear who McCain endorses! If he's as good at picking nominees as he is at picking running mates, we should DEFINITELY listen to his advice.
