Rants of a Misanthrope

Little Green Men Save The Mars Rover

2005-03-15T13:40:00.000-08:00

Maybe. The Spirit rover, one of the robots exploring the surface of Mars, has been experiencing diminishing power supply as the rover’s solar panels became obscured by Martian dust. Recently, however, the panels recently have been cleaned. Maybe a dust devil, or, perhaps, Martian squeegee men. Read this article on Spirit's new lease on life and best news since Big Tobacco quit NASA

Mr. Misanthrope

Oil Bust By 2008

2005-03-15T13:33:00.000-08:00

As I angrily filled up a tank of gas at $1.99 a gallon, I wondered if gas prices could get worse. According to this Salon article (annoying day pass required), the answer is yes. An analysis from a Wall Street company whose expertise is checking up on energy companies reports that most major American oil companies will reach peak oil production somewhere around 2008. Then everything goes downhill as the avalability of oil declines.

Could be Chicken Little speculation, which the Salon articles readily admits. Or, the $1.99 a gallon now will be replaced with a nightmarish $5.00 a gallon future. Son of a bitch.

Mr. Misanthrope

Mr. Misanthrope

Test Translation

2005-03-14T13:08:00.000-08:00

I'm trying out a translation tool for my research. Unless you read German, ignore the following. If you interested in the source and content of this, however, let me know.

An die Schriftleitung
Der Ruf
Box 20, New York, N. Y.

Das Entgegenkommen der amerikanischen Regierung hat den deutsehen Kriegsgefangenen die Mittel in die
Hand gegeben und die sachlichen Voraussetzungen geschaffen, eine eigene, deutsehsprachige Zeitung heraus-
zugeben und damit ein Organ geschaffen fuer eine ganz beachtliche Anzahl in amerikanischen Lagen befindlicher, deutscher Soldaten; Maenner aus allen deutschen Gauen, aus allen Bevoelkerungsschichten und aus allen
Berufen. Dies Zentralzeitung waere somit in der gluecklichen Lage, bestes deutsches Gedankengut an den Einzelnen heranzutragen.

An dieser Zeitung schaffende Kameraden haben in anerkannenswerter Weise die freiwillige Verpflichtung auf
sich genommen, die den deutschen kriegsgefangenen in ihrer Gesamtheit zur Zerfuegung gestellten Mittel
zusammen mit dem eigenen Schaffen so anzuweden dass das Produkt diese Zusammenwirkens von Geist und
Technik deutsehe Sprache, deutsches Wort und deutsche Seele manifestiert. In der ersten Ausgabe ist nun
leider wenig von dem zu finden, was wir in unserer Zeitung zu finden erhofften; aber sicherlich erhebt die
erste Ausgabe noch nicht Ansprunch auf Endgueltigkeit.

Die beiderseitigen Meinunger stimmen gewiss in der Feststellung ueberein, dass an der absolut deutchen Haltung Zweifel ueberhaupt nicht entstehen darf. Wir sind ferner der Meinung, das wir in unserer Zentralzeitung das Thema Politik durchaus entbehren koennen; der Grund hierfuer liegt in der Tatsache, dass Diskussionen und Debatten ueber Politik ohnehin nur theoretischen Wert haben und daerueber hinaus eben sehr
wohl geeignet sein koennen, den Lagerfrieden ganz empfindlich zu stoeren. Die unweigerliche Reaktion auf die
Stoerung des Lagerfriedens bestuende unter Umstaenden in Massnahmen, die insofern unpopulaer sind, als sie
nicht den Einzelnen, sondern die Gesamtheit betreffen. Deshalb also moechten wir das Thema Politik ueberhaupt vermieden sehen.

Wie nun unsere Zeitung beschaffen sein soll, wird ohne weiteres klar, wenn wir auf die Begleitumstaende der
riegsgefangenschaft hinweisen, auf das ewige Hin und Her, das Auf und Ab in den Empfindungen. Wir
sind in einer Weise seelischen Belastungen ausgesetzt, wie sie in solch schroffer Form eben nur der Kriegsgefan-
gene kennt. Ueber Nacht ist ihm ploetzlich das Leben fremd geworden, es erscheint ihm ploetzlich wie eine
schlecht gelueftete Stube, in die nie ein frisches Lueftehen dringt und war doch gestern noch ein schoener
Carten mit vielen bluehenden Blumen. Heute spricht der Kriegsgefangene vom eintoenigen tristen und
freudlonsen Leben und kann durchaus nicht mehr verstehen, das es gestern noch schoen und lebenswart war.
Er moechteon heute, dass der Tag einmal sechsunddreissig Stunden haette, dass der Tag einmal des abends begaenne oder einmal zwei Naechte haette, er Moechte ja, verdammt noch mal, was moechte er denn nun eigentlich?

Wir alle sind solchen oder aehnlichen Stimmungen unterworfen, niemand von uns kann sich gaenzlich davon
freimachen, wenn auch die Reaktion bei jedem Einzelnen verschieden sein mag, denn ein jeder sieht die Dinge
mit anderen Augen an und was den einen erschuettert, das laesst den anderen voellig kalt.

In solchen kritischen Augenblichen ist es gut, eine Zeitung zu haben, deren Inhalt und Sprache geeignet ist,
die misslichen Umstaende vergessen zu lassen und deren Inhalt uns herausfuehrt aus dem Chaos der Gedanken.
Eine solche Zeitung sollte "der Ruf" sein, so wuenschen wir uns unsere Zeitung.

Der Schriftleitung detailliert auseinanderzuseten, was denn nun eigentlich in dieser Zeitung gewuenscht
wird, halten wir fuer nicht notwendig deshalb, weil ihr gewiss die besten Zeitungsfachleute angehoeren, denen
langjaehrige Berufserfahrung im Dienste der Allgemeinheit den Blick fuer das Besondere geschaerft hat. Wir
druecken uns gewiss klar und unmissverstaendlich aus, wenn wir wuensehen, dass unsere Zeitung Gemuet
und Seele enthalten muss. Zu uns kenn nur einer sprechen, der so ist wle wir: einfach und schlicht. Wir lieben
das Reine, das Schoene undempfindsame.

Es ist bestimmt nicht schwer, uns Seldaten zu begeistern. Man muss das nur am richtigen Ende fassen. Dann
werden wir auch immer hinter unsere Kameraden treten, die diese Zeitung sehaffen. Wir Soldaten koennen auch
dankbar sein.

Walter Mann
Verantwortlicher Schriftleiter
der Lagerzeitung der Querschnitt"

Dienstgradlager Opelika, Alabama

Stephan Strauss
Lagersprecher.

DMV Hell In Germany

2005-03-09T12:33:00.000-08:00

Yes, the DMV is a reenactment or dress rehearsal for eternal damnation in the twelve circles. But, Germany possesses uniquely evil peculiarities in getting a driver's license. Read here about earning the right to cruise 110 MPH (screw the metric system) on the Autobahn.

Herr Misanthrope

Is Meat Murder, or Veggies Child Abuse?

2005-03-01T14:45:00.000-08:00

No offense to my vegetarian friends out there (I have several, believe it or not - friends that is), but recent research indicates their depraved meatless lifestyles might hurt....the children.

This article from the journal Nature indicates that children fed meat enjoy better health and even superior intelligence. On the bionic strength side,

Meat is a vital part of a child's diet, according to a two-year study of Kenyan schoolkids. Without it, children grow up smaller, less strong and less intelligent...Children in the meat-supplemented group showed up to an 80% greater increase in upper-arm muscle compared with the non-supplemented children; for milk drinkers, this figure was 40%1.

On the mental health side,

Kids who were fed meat also outperformed their peers in tests of intelligence, problem solving and arithmetic. "The group that received the meat supplements were more active in the playground, more talkative and playful, and showed more leadership skills," Allen said.

So, when you give up the luscious flesh of cuddly animals the terrorists win. Eat a Bambi steak.

Mr. Misanthrope

Slothful Mr. Misanthrope Is Back

2005-03-01T12:20:00.000-08:00

Well, I turned in three chapters of my thesis yesterday, totaling over some 90 odd pages...and I'm only halfway done! Good Lord, it will never end! Anyway, now is as convenient a time to return from hiatus.

Mr. Misanthrope

New Revolution In Relationship Kibitizing

2005-01-28T11:35:00.000-08:00

My friends and I endlessly anaylze the status of others romantic relationships (to use a friendly term for gossiping). Constantly we assess the strength, durability, and potential of particular pair bondings. While we've had fun doing it, nonetheless we have lacked the vocabulary to properly contextualize the sexual dynamic. No more however!

The Onion has shown us the way. Now we can assess romantic relationships using the invisibile hand of the market. Once you've read this article the way you think about romance will forever be changed. If only romantic relationships had stock options.

Mr. Misanthrope

Linguists Gone Wild!

2005-01-13T11:47:00.000-08:00

Funny little story on what the "word of the year" is, and the fility origin of the noun "santourum". Ugh.

Mr. Misanthrope

We Are All Torturers Now

2005-01-13T11:39:00.000-08:00

The appointment and likely nomination of Alberto Gonzales as Attorney General is a shameful and willful ignorance of the torture scandals of the Bush Administration.

A full recounting of the torture chronology, which extends far before and after Abu Gharib, is here by Andrew Sullivan. As a conservative hawkish on going to war, his indictment carries significant weight.

American society carries a collective shame for this. Read this NYT editorial for greater understanding.

Mr. Misanthrope

The Soft Bigotry of Lowered Expectations

2005-01-13T07:06:00.000-08:00

George Bush doesn't like pessimists. If were to condone low test scores from impoverished school districts, or guffaw at the idea of democracy springing full grown from a liberated Iraq, then you demonstrate what he likes to call: "The soft bigotry of lowered expectations." Good quote.

That's why I literally laughed out loud at this Washington Post article (it's either laugh or cry) - "U.S. Lowers Expectations On Iraq Vote". While the January 20th Iraq election has been touted as the turning point for a new Iraq, the Bushies are safely hedging their bets in case the election ends in bloodshed or an illegitimate government.

The money quote, from an unnamed administration official: "I would . . . really encourage people not to focus on numbers, which in themselves don't have any meaning, but to look on the outcome and to look at the government that will be the product of these elections." Focus on the numbers? Considering that democratic elections hinge on the very notion of focusing on the numbers, well, that's just damn funny Orwellian tomfoolery.

Regarding the possibility of the election been seen as illegitimate, the unnamed official makes a useful comparison. "The official highlighted the low voter turnout in U.S. elections as evidence that polling numbers are not essential to legitimacy." Ah, the audacity. Comparing apples to oranges, or laziness to IEDs, is preposterous. And second, this is the pathetic electoral standard American troops are dying for?

However the Iraqi election turns out, I do think it is a step in the right direction. If Iraq splinters into civil war, at least one or two factions will enjoy the fruits of democracy. If that isn't a lowered expectation I don't know what is.

Mr. Misanthrope

Two Damn Fine Editorals

2005-01-12T14:42:00.000-08:00

A couple of editorials in the Washington Post today makes me want to salute or puke, I don't know which. Two writers, Harold Meyerson and Anne Applebaum, take issue with the chicanery of the Bush Administration. They come up with the right questions, and earn praise - the answers, however, are frightening and make me sick.

First, Meyerson. A respected economic expert, he looks at the Bush Administration’s knack for creating a crisis where none exists. Back in the day: WMD. Now: Social Security. I won't try and summarize Meyerson's points, but for those giddy over the prospect of private accounts, give him a read.

Second, Applebaum. I really like her work, even if she is a bit conservative. Nonetheless, very solid writing, especially her book Gulag. Anyway, her topic today - the efficacy of torture. The fact where are debating whether is it useful of not is abhorrent. Applebaum asserts that even if morally permissible, it doesn't provide reliable intelligence.

Manufactured crises and state sponsored abuse for national security leads to the way of the Reichstag Fire and Stalin's show trials. Thanks to Meyerson and Applebaum for speaking out. Hopefully it will have an impact. Or, the inexorable advance of the New Conservative Ice Age is upon us.

Mr. Misanthrope

Rick Rubin, Da Man

2005-01-12T14:37:00.000-08:00

Who is Rick Rubin? Only the guy responsible for producing such acts as LL Cool J, Run DMC, the Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, and his most accomplished work, producing Johnny Cash's kick-ass American Recordings.

This interview by the Onion's AV Club questions Rubin about his career, influences, and work with some of the best music made in 50 years. Read about this pivotal perspective in popular culture.

Mr. Misanthrope

24 Returns

2005-01-12T14:28:00.000-08:00

My favorite and your favorite, 24, returned last weekend with a four-hour extravaganza. I plan on enjoying this season like the last three (although the last season was a little weak). No Kim though. Or Nina. Hopefully some dangerous spy eye-candy will erupt to kick ass.

Two recent articles on this season's 24 has already surfaced - one from the New York Times on 24 and the War on Terror (pretty good, no spoilers) and one from Salon (spoilers). Enjoy.

Thank God for the Tivo. Anyone locally who wants to catch up, let me know. I've got them saved.

Mr. Misanthrope

Declaring Great Victory in Iraq

2005-01-12T08:50:00.000-08:00

The search is over. The CIA's collection of WMD hunters is now done in Iraq. Result? Well, better not to ask. Not that it matters to 51% of the voting public anyway.

Mr. Misanthrope

Meet The Youngest Member of Congress

2005-01-11T13:26:00.000-08:00

Patrick McHenry, the newly elected Representative of the 10th District of North Carolina, is also the youngest member of Congress, age 29. He's also a college classmate of mine. While I most likely share few of his political views (staunch Republican), nonetheless it's nice to know someone noteworthy. Thanks to gerrymandering, if he can continue to win Republican primaries he can stay a Congressman his entire political career.

Here's his webpage, and a story from the Charlotte Observer on him. If I need a Presidential pardon I know who to talk to.

Mr. Misanthrope

Templar Knights, The Holy Grail, and Public Relations

2005-01-11T13:22:00.000-08:00

UK's Guardian has a story on the re-emergence of the Templar Knights, the location of the Holy Grail, and the PR difficulties incumbent with super secret occult organizations.

Mr. Misanthrope

Catastrophe In Asia

2004-12-28T08:40:00.000-08:00

Wow. Not much to say about this except this is a global catastrophe. All nations need to kick in and help. The US has ponied up $15 million to date, but the damage will run in the billions. Major aid will be needed in Sri Lanka and Indonesia. And no amount of money will replace the absence of 40,000+ dead (as of this morning).

This New York Times op-ed is a curious piece reminding us that in order to anticipate and help alleviate the effects of natural disasters, we need to look at history not on a human scale but a geologic one. Read the article - its interesting yet scary.

Let's keep those folks on the Indian Ocean rim in our minds and prayers.

Mr. Misanthrope

Festius Takes Over The Public Square

2004-12-26T21:27:00.000-08:00

Christians demanding the nativity scence at the county courthouse in Polk county Florida have produced an unexpected side effect. If Christian displays are allowed so then must other faiths.....including the merry festival of Festivus. Read here for the details.

One question: how do you conduct a county-wide Festivus celebration? Air griences at the shopping mall? Pin the mayor in the public park? All good questions.

Hope you all enjoyed the holidays. Take care.

Mr. Misanthrope

Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays? Neither! Celebrate Festivus! It's for the Rest of Us!

2004-12-22T11:14:00.000-08:00

The cultural war has taken a precipitously stupid turn with the debate over "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays". We're neck deep in a real shooting war and all cable news and talk radio can talk about is this dumb shit. As a Christian (Catholic by trade), I have no problem with either greeting. People who get all in a fuss are shitbags with too little time on their hands and easily offended. Oh Scott Peterson, where have you gone?!? I won't speak of it further, except to point you to two cogent articles - one by Reason, which explains why the 75% Christian majority is in fact not a persecuted minority. Bitches. The second is a list of ways in which Christians have the good life here in the United States. Funny read.

So, in revulsion of the Christmas jihad I happily report more and more folks are turning to Festivus, the winter holiday "For the Rest of Us". Turning away from the consumerism of the holiday season, Festivus gets to basics - an aluminum pole, the airing of grievances, and feats of strength. The holiday was popularized by a Seinfeld episode, but its origins are rooted in reality. See this New York Times article for the history of this cherished holiday. Cultural intricacies of the holiday, including grievance worksheets and feats of strength challenge cards, can be found here.

I will be celebrating Festivus tonight with friends. On behalf of me, Mr. Misanthrope, I would like to say how much you all have disappointed me. Merry Festivus.

Mr. Misanthrope

Blame Canada!

2004-12-22T11:05:00.000-08:00

With the conservatives controlling all three branches of government, and effectively cowing the fourth estate with the supreme importance of "values", the Right looks like it has America nearly where it wants it. What to do next?

Blame Canada! Enjoy these heartwarming clips of conservatives ripping our neighbor from the North. It's easy to forget that the worthless liberals from the frozen north helped us in World War II to the tune of 37,500 men! No wonder all these democracies are clamoring to get involved in our foreign messes!

And according to South Park they have beady eyes to...

Mr. Misanthrope

Playing Risk Can Be Harmful To Children

2004-12-22T11:02:00.000-08:00

From the World's Finest News Source...

Risk Champ Flunks Geography Test

ALBANY, NY— Alfred Wu, the 13-year-old winner of the 2004 East Coast Risk Championship, flunked his 8th-grade world-geography test, social-studies teacher Jane Laurent reported Monday. "His test paper was filled with names like Kamchatka and Yakutsk, and the Ukraine spread over half of Europe," Laurent said. "And, by his account, the U.S. is made up of only three states: Eastern United States, Western United States, and Alaska." Last week, Wu received an "F" on a paper he wrote about Napoleonic military Stratego.

Beware, folks. The game of Global Domination carries its own risks.

Mr. Misanthrope

Did You File Your TPS Report?

2004-12-10T15:42:00.000-08:00

Want some fun? Check out these sounds from the Office Space soundboard. Here Lumbergh in all his glory.

Mr. Misanthrope

Columbus Metal Massacre

2004-12-10T15:29:00.000-08:00

You may have heard about the crazy shootings at a Columbus, Ohio metal concert. A mentally unbalanced individual jumped on stage, shot the guitarist and killed several other people. The shooter was then taken down by a thankfully nearby cop.

I have several thoughts on this event. First, the band that was playing was a spin-off of Pantera, a classic redneck heavy metal band from the 90's. I saw them play in Birmingham with White Zombie back in my more impressionable high school days. The band members of Pantera were a little crazy. For them to meet such an extreme end, which tragic, seems to fit their public persona.

Another thought. The ABC Evening News on the report from last night insinuated that heavy metal is intrinsically destructive and violent music. Loud, obnoxious, and saturated with testosterone: yes. Leading to murder? No. What I found ironic was ABC showing a picture of the shooter in his Marine Corps uniform. Now, couldn't the cause of the murder be just as easily caused the death-dealing, ultra-violent indoctrination employed by the military? Couldn't the Marine influence be just as powerful as heavy metal?

The answer, is of course, of course not. His Marine training didn't cause this crime, he addled brain did. Sweeping and untethered generalizations are poor ideas. Either for the Marines or Heavy Metal.

So, ala Jack Black, I raise my Goblet of Rock to the dead guitarist from Pantera. May your legend live on.

Mr. Misanthrope

Watch Out Souless One - A Medical Draft Might Be Coming!

2004-12-10T15:24:00.000-08:00

Saw this little tidbit and thought my buddy the Souless One, currently preparing for medical school, might just get the willies. No hyperlink readily available, so read below:

"A different kind of draft"

Discussion of reinstating the draft tends to bring to mind Vietnam-era images of infantry units beefing up with young men fresh out of high school. According to a Wall Street Journal article published Wednesday, however, the young men and women who may have the most reason to be worried right now about being conscripted for military service are the ones just out of med school.

"The Selective Service System said it is reviewing a little-known contingency plan for drafting physicians, nurses and other health professionals, causing concern at the American Medical Association, which voted yesterday to communicate with the agency on the issue."

"People are concerned that it might be a doctors' draft," said Sandra F. Olson, chairwoman of the council of medical education for the AMA.

"If authorized, about 36,000 health-care workers could be selected from 60 specialties, including anesthesiology, mental health, emergency medicine and neurology. Akin to a general conscription, selection would start with the youngest registrants."

The recent talk about drafting medical professionals may not be a coincidence. By any standard, November was the most bloody month of the Iraq occupation to date. The Pentagon reported that 136 American military personnel died as a result of the conflict, and nearly 1,200 were wounded in action.

From Salon.com. Scary stuff folks. I'd hate to see Souless One get conscripted for the War on Terror Part II, Iran.

Mr. Misanthrope

Think You're So Smart? Try This.

2004-12-10T15:17:00.000-08:00

Well, when it comes to US history and geography, I think I'm hot shit. I was humbled after trying this little game however. This game lets you place individual states onto a map of the nation. No political lines to help you - so even if you know where Iowa or Rhode Island goes, you've got to get it fairly exact without relating to other states.

Give it a try. Let me know the score that you got. We'll see if it is better than mine.

Mr. Misanthrope

Yet Another Reason for Alabama To Be Embarassed - Part II

2004-12-02T14:23:00.000-08:00

Homosexuals. Love em' or hate em', they seem to attract a lot of attention these days. Especially from an Alabama state legislator (Gerald Allen, R-Cottondale), who wants to cut off all public funding for anything promoting homosexuality. Promoting. A potentially ambiguous term – so, what might this potential legislation mean?

Well, specifically "the purchase of textbooks or library materials that recognize or promote homosexuality as an acceptable lifestyle." In additional, the legislator adds that "if his bill passes, novels with gay protagonists and college textbooks that suggest homosexuality is natural would have to be removed from library shelves and destroyed." How to get rid of these offending tomes? "I guess we dig a big hole and dump them in and bury them," he said.

Well, I know extremists are ever-present in any state, red or blue. But Alabama seems to elect their wackos to office. Son of a bitch.

What worries me is when books start to get destroyed by government edict, people might just be next. Remember.....oh, I don't know, the Third Reich planning big bonfires for the Jewish books? Well, this sort of thing scares the shit out of me.

Thanks Alabama!

Mr. Misanthrope

Wonder Why The World Doesn't Like Us? Read On

2004-12-02T14:15:00.000-08:00

Following 9/11, United States immigration laws understandably and correctly were tightened. Sort of. The Mexican border is still largely porous, but for other nationalities things have gotten pretty difficult. Legal entry, foreign study, and naturalization have become bitches to obtain. But, even reasonable actions have unforeseen consequences.

And now we see the result of poorly thought out policies. Like this revolting story from the Washington Post regarding the deportation of widows. That's right, widows. For aliens or even naturalized citizens whose partner dies before a two year period, that person can be deported. Even if that person has kids, who are legit US citizens, the spouse has to go. No exceptions, even with the pleading of Senators and Congressman. Read the story - I think you'll be offended. Don’t worry, orphans will soon be sent to Guantanmo and cute kittens recruited by the Pentagon as land mine detectors.

God bless this new, cuddly era of Compassionate Conservatism.

Mr. Misanthrope

Day of Outrage

2004-12-02T09:30:00.000-08:00

Today I'm going to post stories that piss the hell out of me. Let misantrophy reign! (Is that a word?)

Mr. Misanthrope

America: Fuck Yeah! The Video

2004-12-01T13:30:00.000-08:00

One of the best songs to one of the year's most unappreciated movie, Team America, now has a video. Witness - "America: Fuck Yeah!". Brilliant.

Mr. Misanthrope

Alabama Has Yet Another Reason To Be Embarassed

2004-11-30T14:27:00.000-08:00

Whew boy. On November 2, the state of Alabama made a fool of itself twice. While voting overwhemlingly for George W. Bush (a popular sin since made apparently the majority of other Americans commited it as well), Alabamians also narrowly voted down an state amendment, Amendment 2, which would strike down segregationist language from the archaic state constitution. Arguing somewhat obtusely that this amendment was a canard for activist judges and trail lawyers to raise taxes, the Christian Coalition of Alabama and former Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore set the stage for another embarassing Alabama moment.

I found a copy of county-by-county statistics on how the votes went. While I will not reveal which county in which I live, I'm depressed to say it is in "category 4" or "strongly opposed". My neighbors voted down Amendment 2 by a two to one margin. Depressing.

Thanks Alabama!

Mr. Misanthrope

Did the Election Boil Down To The Fertility of White Women?

2004-11-30T14:20:00.000-08:00

Can the 2004 election boil be explained by the fecundity of white women? The American Conservative (not my usual reading, but oh well) thinks so.

Mr. Misanthrope

I've got a new chair, bitches!

2004-11-30T14:15:00.000-08:00

I've spent the last hour and a half putting together a new chair from Office Max. A nice, leather swivel chair with good back support for the tall man. Even better, I got a good price on it and a fat rebate. Now I will rule the world with my swivel chair Monday morning quarterbacking! Move over Alexander! Bah!

Mr. Misanthrope

Privatizing the Election

2004-11-17T07:31:00.000-08:00

From the World's Finest News Source.

Mr. Misanthrope

Fallujah - Uncut

2004-11-16T13:49:00.000-08:00

Wow. I don't know what I can say about this site. Unfiltered and uncersored gore from the Fallujah offensive, captured from Arabic TV, newspaper pics, and others. Pretty graphic images, which all Americans should probably see, especially those particularly committed to this Iraqi conflict.

Mr. Misanthrope

ODB - RIP

2004-11-16T12:34:00.000-08:00

The Ol' Dirty Bastard is dead. Long live the legend of Dirt McGirt. For a pretty good profile of this notorious rapper, see Salon's bio. Wu-Tang bitches.

Mr. Misanthrope

My Fun Weekend

2004-11-16T12:18:00.000-08:00

I've been pretty damn busy that last week. Friday my school had its Fall Open House, where we hosted around 80 people to tour and visit the campus. As this day is probably the biggest of the year for me professionally, I was pretty stressed and happy to have it over with. Things seem to have went well.

Saturday was much better. I traveled to give a presentation on my thesis at a conference, and was well received by the members of the organization. My dad was even able to watch. The group paid me $100 for speaking, which I wasn't expecting but gladly took. From the conference I traveled to Atlanta to attend a wedding of some very good friends from college. The wedding and mass was nice (held at night), and the reception that followed was even better. Shuttles (or drunk buses to use the college vernacular) drove guests from the hotel to the reception and back. So people got tanked. I stayed up till about 4AM partying with friends I haven't seen in quite some time. It was really a blast.

Unmercifully, I had to get up at 8AM to tailgate to the Atlanta Falcons Sunday football game against the Tampa Buccaneers. Friends of mine from the wedding had extra tickets, and boy did it rock. Lots of food, drinks, and good company. During the first quarter we sat in our seats near the 45 yard line. Then we moved up to the families' skybox and watched the game like feudal lords of old. I then drove the group home, serving as DD. The vehicle that I drove? A H2 Hummer. Jeeze those things are humongous. I drove them back, got dropped off, and drove back to Alabama, exhausted.

Now it’s Tuesday, and I'm still pretty tired. I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving break.

Mr. Misanthrope

Quotes of the Day

2004-11-11T11:35:00.000-08:00

Regarding politics, from the wisdom of Charles Barkley:

"Politics is too corrupt. You know how you can tell politics is corrupt? President Bush is going to raise $250 million for a job that pays $400,000. Now tell me there isn't something wrong there?"

And don't slam Sir Charles - Malcom X said this about another unique athlete, Mohammed Ali:

"Do not underestimate the quality of the mind he has in there. Although a clown can never imitate the wise man, the wise man can imitate a clown."

Mr. Misanthrope

Mr. Misanthrope Adds Links

2004-11-11T11:26:00.000-08:00

Check out the new link bar to the left of the screen (scroll down a bit, jackass). These are links to sites I regularly visit and endorse. If there are any links you think are worthy to be on the Misanthropic Link Page, let me know.

Mr. Misanthrope

Quote of the Day

2004-11-10T13:52:00.000-08:00

From H.L. Mencken, one of American's greatest and most caustic political thinkers and writers. If you're not familiar with him or his quotes (of which there are many), you should be. Thanks to Andrew Sullivan for posting this on his site first.

"[W]hen a candidate for public office faces the voters he does not face men of sense; he faces a mob of men whose chief distinguishing mark is the fact that they are quite incapable of weighing ideas, or even of comprehending any save the most elemental--men whose whole thinking is done in terms of emotion, and whose dominant emotion is dread of what they cannot understand. So confronted, the candidate must either bark with the pack or be lost... [A]ll the odds are on the man who is, intrinsically, the most devious and mediocre--the man who can most adeptly disperse the notion that his mind is a virtual vacuum. The Presidency tends, year by year, to go to such men. As democracy is perfected, the office represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. We move toward a lofty ideal. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last, and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron."

Words of Wisdom. Again, check out some other things Mencken had to say.

Mr. Misanthrope

Feeling Sorry About The Election? You’re Not Alone. Really.

2004-11-10T13:47:00.000-08:00

This is a pretty cool website that will be of interest to mourning Kerry supporters. Sorry Everybody features galleries of uploaded photos of Americans apologizing to the world that the election didn’t work out. Included are some funny pics, and humorous replies from our neighbors from around the world. Our European friends seem to be generally forgiving of our inability to kick Bush out. So, worry not my liberal friends (especially here in Alabama) – you are not alone.

Mr. Misanthrope

The Scramjet Revolution

2004-11-10T13:38:00.000-08:00

Pretty cool piece of technology is being developed right now called scramjets. These supersonic engines may soon pave a revolution in propulsion, allowing missiles and some aircraft to travel in excess of mach 10. Satellites could be launched from scramjets instead of rockets, which would be much less costly. Also, new scramjet missiles could slam into hardened bunkers with greater impact.

Anyway, if you want to geek out a little bit, check out this article on the development.

Mr. Misanthrope

The New American Geography

2004-11-05T09:12:00.000-08:00

The "values" election of 2004 has yielded a new political geography of the United States of America. Want to see what it looks like? Funny pictures here and here. Heads up to Reason for linking the maps.

Mr. Misanthrope

The Consolation of Philosophy

2004-11-04T15:28:00.000-08:00

Things aren't good in Blue State land. Tuesday afternoon, exit polls promised paradise. Wednesday morning, vote totals spelled doom. This rapid reverse, like all things in life, is reflective of the inscrutable nature of events. A philosopher from another era, Boethius, reflected on this. Persucuted and jailed for his political attitudes, Boethius went from a top poliitical leader in imperial Rome to incaracerated wretch. Reflecting on his change of fortune, he wrote the Consolation of Philosophy. Boethius makes good reading right about now. He reminds us that our circumstances and luck are contintually in flux. Our bad days, like now, are more likely than not to improve. And for those on top of the world right now, beware, for the wheel is always spinning.

Is the insatiate discontent of man to bind me to a constancy which belongs not to my ways? Herein lies my very strength; this is my unchanging sport. I turn my wheel that spins its circle fairly; I delight to make the lowest turn to the top, the highest to the bottom. Come you to the top if you will, but on this condition, that you think it no unfairness to sink when the rule of my game demands it.

Mr. Misanthrope

Some Fun To Keep The Despair At Bay

2004-11-03T12:23:00.000-08:00

While a Bush win might signal the end of Western Civilization (I'm entitled to a little hyperbole today), thankfully it won't look like this awesome movie I just bought on DVD - Dawn of the Dead. This 2004 remake of the Romero classic could be the only remake worth a damn this year. Remember the Manchurian Candidate and the Stepford Wives? Both tanked, and Denzel and Kidman were helpless to prevent it. Dawn of the Dead kicks more ass than both movies combined.

Why? Well, Maddox at the Best Page In the Universe has a little tally sheet that I largely agree with. Extreme violence, nudity, explosions, and social disorder culiminating in the apocylapse - what more can you ask for in a movie?

In writing this entry, I've discovered George Romero is filming a new zombie movie even as we speak - The Land of the Dead. Here is a story from the New York Times regarding the new film. I look forward to seeing it. My waiting might help offset the growing dread of a second Bush term.

Mr. Misanthrope

So Now What?

2004-11-03T07:26:00.000-08:00

How will the Democratic Party and progressive causes in general respond? The GOP maintained its iron grasp on the House and extended its control of the Senate. Even poor Tom Daschle, minority leader of the Dems, fell like a Homeric soldier slain by the gods. This election cycle was supposedly the Dems to win - incredible fund raising efforts, vast voter registration drives, and intensive get-out-the-vote all failed to secure victory. And the GOP can't be blamed (so far anyway) for extensive tomfoolery to win a stolen election. We lost, fair and square. So what do we do about it?

First, replace our effete party leaders with some knuckle dragging, grim, take-no-prisoner nethandrals. As much as we need every Dem vote in the Senate, I'm not to upset that Daschle lost. He was continually outmaneuvered by Rove and the gang. We need new leadership. We need a purge. So Terry McAuliffe needs to go. Nancy Pelosi doesn't strike me as an effective leader. I want bloodthirsty liberal nethandrals who are mirror images of Delay and Hastert.

Second, a major reassessment of strategy. As Ohio seems to indicate, people don't vote their pocketbooks anymore. Values trump the economy. We need a way to engage this new paradigm. Gays, abortion, and the vague "strong leadership" factor rule the day, despite what the facts might be on the ground. Rove successfully gambled that getting the base out big time would result in victory. Maybe its time to cultivate our own base, develop our own wedge issues, and be willing to divide and conquer. Appealing to the center and triangulation might be a relic of the Clinton years.

Third, forget about the youth vote. This year was supposedly their year. According to this morning's data, they sat on their collective asses. Again. Only the imminent reintroduction of the draft will stimulate them, and maybe not even then.

Fourth, exit polls suck. I'm got burned real bad on my unfounded optimism from leaked exit polling. No longer will I pay any attention to them.

Finally, we must appeal to poor, white, rural voters. Economically, they should vote for us, but they don't. On foreign policy, Bush has served up turd after turd on Iraq, but trust Bush over a Dem. They go against gay marriage when they should go for better health care. We have to find a way to make inroads with them, and it starts with picking good candidates. No more New Englanders for president. Ever. Their day is done. Southerners, or Westerners from now on. If demography is destiny, the Sun Belt is the future.

I see more re-districting and gerrymandering in the future. The Democractic Party must mend it ways immediately or risk being perpetually marginalized.

Mr. Misanthrope

Vox Populi Vox Dei...

2004-11-03T07:05:00.000-08:00

Or Latin for, "The Voice of the People is the Voice of God". While Ohio has a very far-fetched chance of falling Kerry's way this Wednesday morning after Election Day, it looks fairly certain that George W. Bush will retain the White House. The electoral college dynamic from 2000 seems to be largely stable, with Bush winning what he won four years ago and Kerry taking Gore's old territory. Thus the electoral vote is close. What is amazing is the popular vote total, which wasn’t – it reveals a clear mandate for Bush. Totals are still a bit iffy, but it looks Bush earned at least more than a million votes than Kerry, possibly more than four million votes. Bush also appears to be the first successful candidate since 1988 to win a majority, not just a plurality.

Since Bush governed in his first term like he possessed a large mandate, how will be rule when he has actually secured one? More pre-emptive war? My dad had a crazy (but not implausible) thought this morning. With Bush with a clear win, what would stop North Korea from attacking the South immediately while Iraq was still dicey? Little Kim (as Bill Maher likes to call him) might just believe Bush will attack him regardless of six-way talks, and want to secure an early advantage. A crazy and unlikely thought, but again, following this election anything might be possible. I'm looking forward to the first Supreme Court appointee who believes in creationism.

The American people have spoken. Now they have to live with their decision.

Mr. Misanthrope

Dick Cheney's Lesbian Daughter As Debate Fodder - Offensive or Not?

2004-10-28T13:58:00.000-07:00

Two of my buddies and rivals from the North Alabama Olympics, the Souless One and Big Tobacco, recently had an animated discussion on this question: was John Kerry's mention of Dick Cheney's lesbian daughter out-of-bounds or fair game? Big Tobacco says bad move, the Souless One cries no foul. I won't attempt to extrapolate the details of my friends' opinions without have witnessed the debate. My own opinion on the matter falls in between the two. On the one hand, I think that since the GOP is anti-gay (marriage), the question of the VP's stance on gay rights and his relationship to his gay daughter has merit. On other hand, it is always a bad idea to poke around with a politician's kids. Kerry has thus allowed himself to be painted as a crass opportunist.

But interesting to read is the opinion of Andrew Sullivan. Sullivan is a pretty good writer from Time and the New Republic, and is rare political bird: a gay conservative. So, on many issues (like Iraq) Sullivan swings to Bush - but on social issues, Sullivan is understandably more divided. Read Sullivan's take on the issue - in short, he says,"The truth is that Kerry and Edwards have absolutely nothing to apologize for." Click here for the rest.

So the winner of the Big Tobacco/Souless One debate on the debate? Tie.

Mr. Misanthrope

Mr. Misanthrope Returns From The Dead

2004-10-28T13:51:00.000-07:00

Or at least from my the bulk of my fall recruiting schedule. Since my last posting regarding Pensacola, I've traveled to Kentucky, West Virginia, Washington D.C., North & South Carolina, Georgia, Memphis, and have recently returned from an entertaining trip to St. Louis, Missouri. I'll post pertinent details of my trips somewhat later, as it will be time-consuming and I am preparing for my school's fall Open House. But, I will be posting my thoughts on the nearing election and other details. Soooooo.....everyone can now welcome me back. But not all at once. I don't want to be overwhelmed.

Mr. Misanthrope

Pensacola Demolition Derby

2004-10-02T11:22:00.000-07:00

I witnessed a first in my decade long driving experience - a pretty nasty wreck. It's about 8:00AM on Thursday and I'm about 3/4's awake. Some talk radio guys are talking about Jessica Simpson in the background, and my mind's eye is focused on blond bombshells and sleep. I am approaching this junction of US Highway 98 and Florida Highway 295 and preparing to turn in one of the three left turn lanes. I'm in the middle of the three lanes.

Suddenly, I see some movement from my side window. I look to my left and my jaw drops. A white four-door car is flipping over and over, two or three times by my estimation. I swerve out of the way and slow down. It all happens in an instant, but I can't believe it. This car has totally wiped out and flipped over a couple of times. Fortunately, the car ends right side up.I immediately pull over to offer assistance, as does a red SUV. As I approach the car I'm thinking the driver might be dead. Thankfully, the female driver gets out the car, scratched up and a little dazed but otherwise unhurt. The driver of the red SUV approaches and offers his apologies - he had apparently either hit her from the side or the rear, causing her to overcorrect her steering. That's a guess anyway. All I really saw was the car flipping over a couple of times.

I called 911 and stuck around until the emergency responders arrived. No one seemed interested in asking me for a statement, so I left and went on to my first appointment of the day. Crazy. If the female driver had overcorrected in the other direction, she would have flipped over onto my car. And I might not be writing this right now. Crazy stuff. Buckle up folks, say your prayers, and eat your vitamins. Like this guy.

Luckily, I've now returned to Alabama safe and sound.

Mr. Misanthrope

Mr. Misanthrope Reaches A Milestone

2004-09-29T12:57:00.000-07:00

Well, yesterday I completed a journey I started about 13 years ago when I was a wee lad acting badly in the public library. Bored stiff and waiting for my mom to pick me up, I grabbed a book that would immerse me in an epic story: Stephen King's The Gunslinger. This tale pit's a hard-bitten adventurer named Roland on a quest to reach the Dark Tower. This quest spans seven books and probably a couple thousand pages. And they have been the best series of books I've ever read. Not in that they are well-polished literary masterpieces; Stephen King just isn't interested in writing that type of book. But in terms of crafting an amazing story, King may be the best alive. Featuring numerous compelling characters, and a plot-line that spans worlds and determines the fate of the universe the Dark Tower story certainly in ambitious and enjoyable.

Well, yesterday I finished off the 800 page behemoth that is the climax and conclusion to the series, book seven entitled The Dark Tower. Boy, did it kick ass. It has plenty of ups and downs, filled with page-turning action and contemplative questions . The ending really was worthwhile, while undoubtedly difficult to accomplish. With only six previous books and a legion of anxious fans, a grievous error might have been disastrous. But, King pulled it off. I would have done a few things differently, but all in all an the book was an excellent concluding chapter to a story that I've grown up with since childhood. And no one pays me to read my opinions on the matter, so I'll leave it to the professionals. Thanks again Stephen King.

If you are interested in all the hub-ub, check out King's official Dark Tower site. While the idea of reading a seven book epic might be a little daunting, I'd advise you to give it a try. You won't regret it.

Mr. Misanthrope

Ivan Powerbombs The Gulf Coast

2004-09-29T12:49:00.000-07:00

I have been driving all around Baldwin County, Alabama today and witnessed the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan. Even after two weeks of cleaning up the place is a mess. I've witnessed hundreds of downed trees, small mountains of torn limbs and branches, and seen homes wrecked. I'm not even in the worst part of it, which is in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Ivan officially dropped a powerbomb on this part of Alabama. Keep these folks in your thoughts and prayers.

Mr. Misanthrope

Fun With The Editoral Page

2004-09-28T14:35:00.000-07:00

One of my faithful readers has hit the big time and gotten published. Check out the third editoral on why Dan Rather and George W. should resign.

Mr. Misanthrope

Mr. Misanthrope Hits The Beach

2004-09-28T14:30:00.000-07:00

Well, not really. This week I am working on the Gulf Coast. I am currently writing from a campus computer at Spring Hill College in Mobile, drinking a strawberry smoothie. I will be sporadically posting when I have internet access. Due to the busy hurricane season nearly all hotels in the Gulf coast are completely booked up. Anyway, I'll try and find a hotel and you take it easy.

Mr. Misanthrope

The GOP Has Discovered My Sinister Scheme

2004-09-24T11:10:00.000-07:00

Drats! Foiled Again! The GOP is distributing campaign literature in swing states revealing the key goal of my liberal agenda: not to get John Kerry elected, but to ban the Bible. You've heard of it, right? The Good Book? Well the left wing conspiracy and I are out to ban it. Got all kinds of questionable things in it.

Shitbats. For the irony impaired, this is in just. Such cynical political maneuvering pisses me off.

Mr. Misanthrope

Piss Off A Vegetarian Day

2004-09-24T08:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I spend some time viewing one of my personal favorite websites, the modestly entitled "The Best Page In the Universe". The content is really hilarious in a juvenile, often misanthropic way. So of course I like it. Particularly when I'm in an unpleasant mood.

Well, this little page will bring you right out of the doldrums. As you can see it really scorches the vegetarian lifestyle, not with logic and deductive reasoning but with blistering rage. Now don't get me wrong - I don't have anything against vegetarians, and this post isn't some passive-aggressive attempt to induce my friends to eat meat. Far from it. It's just that this is savagely funny, especially the picture at the top. If you can't take the time to read the article, at least look at the picture.

The picture says it all. I'm thinking about buying a t-shirt with the image featured prominently. Then I will wear it to one of the liberal events I like to attend and see how long it takes before I am yelled at by a stalwart vegan. Whew. Funny stuff.

Mr. Misanthrope

In Loco Parentis

2004-09-23T13:12:00.000-07:00

Spanish for "Excuse me, where is the bibliotheque"? No, it's Latin for "In the Place of the Parent." This theory stipulates that a school has authority over it students similar to that of the parent. These days grade and high schools are charged with this power. But, once upon a time colleges also had this power. Reason has an interesting article detailing the rise, fall, and resurrection of this legal concept in higher education. While a little on the conservative side with paranoia about "political correctness", nonetheless a good article detailing dubious concepts like "free speech zones" and "double-secret probation."

Mr. Misanthrope

Whoops!

2004-09-23T07:31:00.000-07:00

Lock up a man in solitary confinement for three years after accusing him as a grave danger to Western democracy; then, release him without charge, claiming he is no longer dangerous. Maybe he wasn't dangerous in the first place? Well, we'll never know because the Bush Administration just says "trust us". No thanks. The whole enemy combatant issue is reminiscent of this scary story. Three years gone with no explanation.

UPDATE: 9/24

The Washington Post's editorial page has published their view on the matter. While I heap copious scorn on the Post for their incredulous push for the Iraq war, this editorial on Hamdi has it right on the money. And I block quote:

What remains objectionable -- what looms as more objectionable than ever, now that the government has acknowledged Mr. Hamdi's unimportance -- is the unnecessary assault on civil liberties that the administration led in his case. For three years the administration insisted that Mr. Hamdi be held incommunicado and without any semblance of normal legal process or rights despite his citizenship. For most of his detention he was prevented from meeting with his lawyer. In 2002 the government contended in court that merely allowing him to meet with counsel "jeopardizes compelling national security interests" and would "interfere with if not irreparably harm the military's ongoing efforts to gather intelligence." Mr. Hamdi, it warned,
might even "pass concealed messages through unwitting intermediaries."
The government insisted that the courts authorize Mr. Hamdi's detention purely on the basis of a two-page affidavit from a mid-level Defense Department bureaucrat who claimed no personal knowledge of the case. An American citizen could be plucked out of all of the protections of the civilian justice system with no significant judicial review and no opportunity to rebut the facts behind the decision, the administration argued -- and it pushed this view all the way to the Supreme Court, where it received the rebuke it deserved.
The military's contentions would have been extreme even in the case of someone who truly represented a threat -- as, for example, the way the government describes Jose Padilla, the other U.S. citizen held as an enemy combatant. It is unpardonable to have staked out such ground over someone whom, it turns out, the government considers so unthreatening. Had the military allowed Mr. Hamdi to meet with his lawyer in a timely fashion and not acted so aggressively to prevent him from presenting his own account of
his behavior, it might have had credibility to reserve the right to act otherwise in a truly exceptional situation. But its behavior toward Mr. Hamdi -- even assuming he is an enemy combatant, which he denies -- makes it difficult to give the benefit of the doubt to such claims of necessity.
Apocalyptic justifications for needlessly aggressive positions that have gross consequences for liberty cannot be wiped away with a blithe "never mind."

Damn skippy.

Mr. Misanthrope

If you thought Bush was evil before...

2004-09-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

...witness the diabolical leader of the GOP sacrifice this innocent child to the Dark Lord. Chilling.

Mr. Misanthrope

The Biggest Badass In Minnesota

2004-09-22T06:42:00.000-07:00

Nope, I'm not talking about Jesse Ventura (who nonetheless is the only governor who is man enough to wear a feather boa and still kick your ass - James McGreevey of NJ take note). This Minnesotan really is a badass. Or fucking crazy. You decide.

Mr. Misanthrope

Mr. Misanthrope Strikes Back!

2004-09-22T06:30:00.000-07:00

Or alternatively entitled, "Return on the Mr. Misanthrope". Whatever. To the throngs of readers bewailing the lack of new content and critical analysis, I'm back. My work has placed me traveling far and wide across the Southeast and will continue to do so throughout the fall. Nonetheless, I will attempt to keep somewhat regular postings. Thanks for your understanding. Or whatever.

Mr. Misanthrope

The North Alabama Olympics

2004-08-24T17:28:00.000-07:00

My last weekend was short, only enjoying Saturday as a true day off and working all day Sunday. Nonetheless I participated in the historic 1st ever North Alabama Olympics (which actually have a different name, but I don't wish to disclose exactly where I live for privacy's sake). The format is as follows. Four athletes/scholars/nerds compete in a series of events, paired in teams. My partner, who I shall refer too as The All Night Weiner (Weiner for short), and I teamed up to become the Long Beach Long Dicks, from the nation of Straight Out Of Compton. Our national anthem? "Fuck Da Police".

We faced out implacable foes, The Soulless One and Big Tobacco, whose team name is (ahem) Eleven Is A Prime Number. Pretty awful huh? I can't remember what nation they represent, but it think it was all positive whole integers in the real number series. Or in other words, Bleepzorp. Their national anthem? "Getting Jiggy With It" by Will Smith. Shameful.Weiner and I competed Friday & Saturday in a host of competitive events. Let me recount for you the action...

On Friday we had the indoor games. First was Super Mario Cart, from the classic Nintendo 64. Weiner chose Peach for his racer, I chose Wario. Despite our best efforts (and my many 1st place finishes), Weiner rarely finished outside of fourth place and dragged our collective score down. The enemy won the medal. Score: Dicks 0, Primes 1.

Following the Mario Cart debacle, we engaged in the second of the classic Nintendo 64 games, Goldeneye. This event was a clear victory for us. Weiner and I pummeled our enemies, riddling their flesh with buckshot and hot lead. The Soulless One, inebriated with powerful drink, felt the dizzying effects of Goldeneye effecting his stomach and called off the event due to potential nausea. Score: Dicks 1, Primes 1.

After a triumphant Goldeneye, we zoomed ahead to the new school for PS2 Tiger Woods Golf. While I carried the team in previous events, in Tiger Woods I proved a millstone around our neck. While I did hit an amazing and inspired eagle on one shot, for the most part I did not contribute positively and the Primes took the event. Score: Dicks 1, Primes 2.

From here we took a break. In the spirit of the Olympics, we ate dinner together and tried to forge a peace between our warring nations. Unfortunately, stir fry tofu, while excellent, often renews conflict instead of ending it. So the shit was back on.In the final event of the evening, the Dicks and Primes squared off in a battle of wits in Trivial Pursuit. By this time the power of alcohol had taken its toll on all competitors. Fortunately, my powers of reason will still sharp, winning the game on this question: who wrote the Seven Pillars of Wisdom? As the Wu Tang Clan might say, konichiwa bitches. Score: Dicks 2, Primes 2.

Saturday afternoon saw the second round of the North Alabama Olympics, the outdoor competitions. After watching Lithuania beat the hell of the Team USA and the biggest reversal in sports history in 50 years (an all-white team defeating a nearly all-black team), we returned to the athletic field of battle.The first event: Horseshoes. The Soulless One's (who kindly offered his abode for the competition) newly installed pits proved an exciting venue for a close match. Weiner and threw ringer after ringer, only to have the Soulless One knock them out of the way. While Weiner and I nearly tasted victory, it was tragically snatched away at the last moment. Score: Dicks 2, Primes 3.

We were desperate for a win entering into the next event, Frisbee Golf. I had never played this before, but it proved to be quite entertaining. I won't go into the elaborate rules, but basically it's golf with frisbees. Pick a target as a hole, and the person with the least amount of throws wins the hole. After a early period of domination, by nine holes the score was even. By the full eighteen, the enemy had pulled away. This loss undercut our moral. Score: Dicks 2, Primes 4.

The next event, must win, was two-on-two basketball. This was an event we could win, being from the mean streets of Compton. While Big Tobacco is a pure guard who is faster than all of us and can out jook a statue, the Soulless One's awkward shooting proved a liability. Weiner's towering height and determination to take it to the whole greatly helped our cause. A scandal erupted on the court when the Soulless One claimed a charge when I posted up on him. While a gentle breeze might have been the cause of his fall, my profoundly mighty pivot to the hole was not. Probably. In any case, victory was ours. Score: Dicks 3, Primes 4.

By this time we had to win the last two events to tie. Unfortunately, the two events in question were not our specialties – riflery and the 1.5-mile run. Riflery was pretty much a done deal after Big Tobacco hit 9 of 10 shot. I, in comparison, hit 2. Dicks 3, Primes 5. Weiner managed to salvage some Compton pride after a stirring win in the 1.5 mile run, beating out the Soulless One. (Big Tobacco and I sat this one. 1.5 miles is a bit long for a competition whose value is basically moot). Thus, the final tallies from the event: Dicks 4, Primes 5. The Gold Medal is thus crowned to the enemy.

Luckily, in 2008 we will return and avenge our national honor. And yes, these events may be the dorkiest shut around. But screw you anyway. What better way to spend the weekend than with friends and beer? Sure, a date would have been nice. But the Olympic spirit called for competition, not nookie. Maybe next week.

Mr. Misanthrope

Mr. Misanthrope Returns - And Hits The Road

2004-08-24T17:22:00.000-07:00

My devoted readers, my apologies. My seasonal work in the educational biz has begun in earnest, and as a result I'm on the road quite a bit. Already I've been to Birmingham twice, started graduate classes Monday night, and travel to Florence/Lawrenceburg/Loretta tomorrow, and Gadsden on Thursday. And my mom will have surgery on Friday, so pretty much no blogging then.

But, I will post some things this evening regarding my last weekend, the Swift Boat shit, and other random thoughts. And I will try posting entries a bit more regularly. If you're lucky.

Mr. Misanthrope

30 Years of "Blitzkrieg Bop"

2004-08-20T08:18:00.000-07:00

Ah, 30th anniversary concert. They will play their old sentimental hits with the likes of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Henry Rollins, Rob Zombie, and classic punkers like X. I wish I could be there.

Mr. Misanthrope

John Edwards and I

2004-08-20T08:12:00.000-07:00

I have glimpsed the future Vice President, John Edwards. The word went out Tuesday morning that Edwards would visit Alabama for a fairly low-key fundraiser that evening. I received an email informing me well wishers could meet at an assigned street corner to greet the Senator.

When a friend and I arrived, there were several dozen cheering supporters armed with Kerry/Edwards signs. Recording the event were several TV cameras and newspaper reporters. Making a potentially unwise move, I stepped up to be interviewed twice. I appeared on one local channel, but I'm not sure about the other as I feel asleep before the newscast began. In any case, my buddy and I stood for about an hour and a half waiting for the Senator. And we saw him. For about three seconds, as Edwards rode by at about 30 mpg in a BMW into a parking deck. Wowza.

Some of my other friends had better luck. Two of them, an accountant/rice farmer and Jellybean, were all dressed up on the street corner waiting for Edwards. They made a strategic exit early on, volunteering to work for the fund-raiser. They enjoyed best of both worlds, hearing Edwards talk without ponying up the $1,000 a plate. Afterwards, they went to the Birmingham Kerry HQ and had the opportunity to have their pictures taken with Edwards. At least someone got a picture with Edwards.

Thus my brush with fame. I even got upstaged by another acquaintance (whose relationship with I won't go into over the internet in respect to her privacy) who made the cover of the Birmingham News. Oh well. I'll have to appear more on tv. Maybe after a tornado destroys a trailer park.

Mr. Misanthrope

I Hate My Internet Server

2004-08-20T08:09:00.000-07:00

Fucking madness. I'm back blogging today, very sporadically unfortunately as the server continues to misbehave. Evil technology...

Mr. Misanthrope

Internet down - No Blogging Today

2004-08-18T13:59:00.000-07:00

Internet servers down most of the day. No blogging to report.

Mr. Misanthrope

Hack The GOP - More Convention Protest Info

2004-08-17T12:04:00.000-07:00

Even the hackers are out to get the GOP. Wired reports on the efforts of the hacker community to crash GOP websites during the convention. Doesn't look like Bush & Company can get a break.

Mr. Misanthrope

The Whole World Will Watch - NYC GOP Convention Protests

2004-08-17T08:40:00.000-07:00

The GOP convention at the end of this month will apparently draw quite a protest crowd. Anti-war, pro-choice, anti-globalization, anti-anti-GOPers, even the beloved anarchists. For liberals and conservatives alike these protests may have considerable impact.

The large and diverse array of protest groups have for the last year battled over access and permits. NYC Mayor Michael Bloomburg's administration has repeatedly denied permits and access to what is considered key protest space, Central Park. The various difficulties are well documented by the Washington Post.

Bloomburg repeatedly comes off like an authoritarian in his dealings with protesters. Bloomburg even admonished that "if we start to abuse our privileges, then we lose them." As in the First Amendment, guaranteeing the freedom of speech, the right of free assembly, and addressing grievances to the government. Funny, I must have missed the clause in the Constitution allowing autocrats to scold the citizenry, strip them of their rights, and send them off to bed with no dinner. Idiot.

Conservatives and government types fear widespread convention disruption, property destruction, and potential violence. Thus, taking a page from the Bush playbook, F.B.I. agents have preemptively investigated potential protesters, even subponeaing them before grand juries. Thus, suspicion is based on not what these protesters have done, but what they might do. Welcome to Fortress America.

Liberals may have even more to fear from the protests. The police riot against protestors at the 1968 Chicago Democratic convention turned the tide towards a Nixon victory. While the whole world was watching police clubbing protesters, nonetheless the cool medium of television depicted long-haired hippie communists trying to subvert democracy. Numerous liberal activists are apprehensive that in NYC anarchist and fringe-left groups acting badly will be caught on tape. Then Bush/Cheney can run as law-and-order candidates and victory in November.

I wish I was in NYC for the convention. I would like to take part in the protests myself. But, it does seem like you get some odd birds at these events. One can only hope the protesters communicate their message, behave themselves, and help deliver a Kerry victory.

Mr. Misanthrope

Music Review - MC5

2004-08-17T08:35:00.000-07:00

In honor of the upcoming GOP convention, and to look back at the 1968 Democratic convention, I present the following review. The Motor City 5 was the only band to perform at the 68 Chicago convention, enduring the police riot even as established counterculture rock groups such as the grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane fled the scene. The MC5's debut album, Break Out the Jams, was also their most successful. Read on to learn more.

Mr. Misanthrope

Colorado's Best Idea Since Coors

2004-08-16T11:01:00.000-07:00

Ah, the compelling issue of the electoral college - oh, how people line up to hear about it. Well, this little article discusses a ballot measure that would make Colorado's nine electoral votes be counted proportionally. Soooo, if Kerry wins with 45% of the popular vote, he earns that proportion of the electoral votes. Et cetera with Bush, and same with any third party candidate. It kills the wretched winner-take-all system, which I deplore. The current system makes votes in Ohio or Florida count more than my vote in solidly red Alabama. I hope the measure passes.

The political group that has organized to fight the ballot measure. While I disagree with their stance, they may have the best name of a PAC I've ever heard of: Coloradans Against a Really Stupid Idea. What a title.

Mr. Misanthrope

Turmoil & The Iraqi Political Evolution

2004-08-16T08:37:00.000-07:00

The turmoil is Najaf is very troubling, and as Jim Morrison once said, "The future is uncertain and the end is always near." But the evolving democracy is Iraq, still very tenuous, gives reason for hope. The bickering present in this article amongst the nascent political groups presents the seeds of a potential democracy, or a civil war. Only time will tell.

Mr. Misanthrope

The Daily Hater - 8/15/04

2004-08-15T15:07:00.000-07:00

"...And I told Bush, if he didn't get the defecit under control I was going to get pissed. What happens with Alan Greenspan gets pissed? Well, Alan Greenspan raises interest rates for one. And then he bitchslaps the smirk right off that honkey's face. Cracker-ass cracker."

Mr. Misanthrope

Son Of A Bitch

2004-08-15T12:51:00.000-07:00

Well, declare American civilization at an end. The USA Basketball team has been decisively defeated by Puerto Rico. This is a travesty of giant proportions. How can we lose to Puerto Rico? I mean, isn't the island a U.S. territory? It's like losing to Guam. It doesn't make any sense. Well, kiss that 51st state thing goodbye.

Mr. Misanthrope

GI Joe - Real American Hero or Terrorist Patsy?

2004-08-15T12:42:00.000-07:00

Is GI Joe a staunch defender of the homeland or a pawn of the insidious malefactors such Al Queda, or most notoriously, Cobra? This article investigates.

Phish, RIP

2004-08-15T12:31:00.000-07:00

Well, the hippie phenomenon known as Phish called it quits Sunday. Entertaining tens of thousands of fans across the nation, the jam masters of New England are disbanding. While I'm not particularly a Phish lover, I do recongnize the following they've garnered and the devotion of their fans. May their hippie ways they helped inspire live on.

Mr. Misanthrope

The Rise, Fall, and Rise Again of Washingtonienne

2004-08-15T08:49:00.000-07:00

In case you missed the furor a couple of months ago, a female Senate staffer's blog about having sex with powerful D.C. men exploded into the Beltway gossip scene. The Washington Post has a dandy story covering the rise of fall of "Washingtonienne", the pseudonym of the staffer. This story is almost like a soap opera or trashy movie, but it is certainly interesting. Indulge your base animal insticts for a second and read on.

My impression is that Washingtonienne is a really sad figure in the end. She seems utterly incapable of creating any relationship that extends beyond the sexual level. The one relationship that seemed beyond sex she ruined by habitual infidelity. Sex is great and a core component to intimacy , but it certainly isn't the only thing either. I wish Washingtonienne the best of luck in the future (not that she needs much, with a six-figure book deal and all) and can find some sembalance of true romance.

Mr. Misanthrope

Dumb Laws To Protect "The Children"

2004-08-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

Underage drinking can be a problematic dilemma for young people. Some people younger than 21 know how to deal with alcohol; others lack the maturity to drink even past the legal age. Despite the realities of individual maturity, the nation nonetheless decides one day you are not competent enough to drink, the next you are. Well, the good people of Naperville, Illinois have passed some local ordinances to deal with the thorny issue of underage drinking. Apparently just fining those who teenagers who drink isn't good enough - the police of Naperville will now fine any minor in the presence of underage drinking, whether they have consumed alcohol of not. Dumb move.

Mr. Misanthrope

Powerful Account of US Soldiers in Iraq

2004-08-13T08:05:00.000-07:00

Regardless of how you feel about the Iraq war, everyone should read this story. It details a battalion of Marines serving in western Iraq, and the loss of two soldiers in a single day. The account is pretty moving. I didn't support the Iraq war, but I feel we must support those fighting it. These men are sacrificing all they have for this mission, and it must have some positive outcome. Anyway, read this powerful story from the Washington Post.

Mr. Misanthrope

The Washington Post's Mea Culpa

2004-08-12T07:49:00.000-07:00

One of the major newspapers of record, The Washington Post, has issued an accounting for its poor reporting on Bush administration claims on Iraqi WMDs. Howard Kurtz, the Post's media guru, delivers a generally objective story on how the Post repeatedly failed to take reporters with scoops dissenting from the party line seriously. Articles containing contradictions to the claims of Bush, Cheney, Rice, et all, were buried or not printed at all. While Kurtz's story is not an apology, it is a clear admission that better investigative journalism was called for. And the WMD accounting of the Post is much better than the New York Times, which begrudingly admitted that perhaps it screwed up, but not really. Thus, another reason why I like the Post much more than the alleged "Newspaper of Record". If only cable tv would be next to address this issue....but I won't hold my breath.

Mr. Misanthrope

What I'm Listening - What I'm Watching

2004-08-12T06:36:00.000-07:00

During my driving around last night, I stopped at Wal-Mart to make some purchases. While picking up the essentials, I did my part in spurring the lagging economy by relieving my wallet of discretionary spending. I picked up a cd and a couple of dvds, of which two I would like to tell you about.

The Hives - Tyrannosaurus Hives - Wow. A lot of fun. A friend introduced me to The Hives a couple of years ago. The Hives are a Swedish rock band, with a sound reminsecent of the Raw Power of Iggy Pop but a bit more coherent. The Hives are part of the cyclical resurgence of basic rock n' roll in the face of manufactured pop music (ala Brittany, Jessica, and a host of crappy alt rock bands). They share many characteristics of other bands in their cohort, the White Stripes and the Strokes. Notable songs on the disc is "Walk Idiot Walk" (song most likely you will hear on the radio) and "Two-Timing Touch And Broken Fingers". Both employ lots of power chords and speedy rhythms. The twelve song album is a little short for my liking, but like all good punk-esque music, any song over 2:30 minutes is suspect. It may seem strange that the Swedes, of all people, would help bring rock back the US, but life is full of strangeness. Long live The Hives.

Quentin Tarentino - Kill Bill, Vol. 2 - I missed the opportunity to see this on the big screen when it came out, a mistake I now regret. I thoroughly enjoyed Vol. 1, even as I thought it was a little over the top in terms of ridiculous violence. What Vol. 1 lacks in storytelling and context, Vol. 2 covers the distance. As the Bride (aka Black Mamba) continues on her spree of vengeance Tarentino takes the time to flesh out his characters. The action is still intense and entertaining, but an actual plot is intertwined between the fight scenes. My favorite sequence depicts the Bride in training with a Chinese martial arts master Pei Lei, whose abusive language and supreme martial arts skills makes him the Misanthrope of the Week. Pei Lei, and numerous other aspects of the Kill Bill series, are homages to film and pop culture ranging from any Hong Kong kung fu flick, Bruce Lee, The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly, Johnny Cash, anime, etc., etc.
Quentin Tarentino accomplishes a fitting completion to the Kill Bill saga, and I recommend both volumes for all.

Mr. Misanthrope

John Kerry - Hero

2004-08-11T12:37:00.000-07:00

Yes, JFK II won three purple hearts, was the scourge of the Mekong Delta, and even invented the quotation mark. But he did even more - such as saving the life of a choking Republican Senator. Read the article on an otherwise unnoticed act of heroism by John Kerry.

Mr. Misanthrope

George Bush - Brutal Rugby Player

2004-08-11T12:15:00.000-07:00

Want some amusing anecdotes about out President from his college days? Jim Sleeper, a political science lecturer at Yale, provides them in the L.A. Times. In his comments, he notes a Yale yearbook picture where Bush appears to be brutalizing a rugby opponent. The caption for the picture: "George Bush delivers illegal, but gratifying right hook to opposing ball carrier." To see the picture and read some humorous analysis, click here. I'd put it up on the Daily Hater, but dammit, the program is acting up again. Enjoy.

Mr. Misanthrope

The Financial Cost of the Iraq War

2004-08-11T11:32:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered what you could purchase for $144 billion? Well this dandy graph entitled "Safety Second" lets you know. While the Iraq war has failed to slow down Al Queda, secure WMD, and bring democracy to the Middle East (thus far), the conflict has eaten up other serious cash. Read on to see how it may been otherwise been spent.

Mr. Misanthrope

The World's Best Dressed Man

2004-08-11T09:31:00.000-07:00

No, it's not me. Thanks for the compliment though. The definitive opinion of fashionistas of Esquire magazine is that Andre 3000 is the best dressed pimp on the planet. Ice cold Andre, ice cold.

Mr. Misanthrope

Another voice in the chorus of the Blogosphere...

2004-08-10T11:21:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Jellybean and her new blog "Jellybean Speaks Her Mind". I look forward to reading Jellybean's thoughts on life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and whatever else she might have in mind. Welcome aboard!

Mr. Misanthrope

"I drink Moldovan wine. It cleans everything. Radiation doesn't hurt me."

2004-08-10T07:59:00.000-07:00

Bold endorsement for the strength of Moldovan wine.

This article details the problem of radioactive contamination in Russia. Apparently during the early years of the USSR's nuclear program Stalin just left radioactive debris everywhere - in forests, in rivers, hell, even in the middle of Moscow. Now the Russians are working diligently to secure this loose nuclear material with the help of the US. The fear is that unsecured uranium might be stolen for a dirty bomb. Anyway, to get to that neat quote above read here from the New York Times.

Mr. Misanthrope

San Francisco Tries Electoral Reform

2004-08-10T06:26:00.000-07:00

The good folks (or weird folks, depending on your perspective) in San Francisco are trying a new method of voting. Instead of casting one vote for one candidate, citizens in the upcoming city elections can vote in order of preference. For example: if this system was applied to the presidential election, a Green could place a vote for Ralph Nader 1st, John Kerry 2nd, and George W. Bush 3rd. After tallying the votes the candidate with the least number of votes is eliminated. Then the votes are re-tallied until a majority is achieved. Read here for a full description.

It may work for San Francisco but will never see light of day nationally. Why? Because it gives elbow room for third parties, which the two major parties will NEVER allow. Such is life in America. Blame James Madison and his dagblamed political theories.

Mr. Misanthrope

Rick James, R.I.P.

2004-08-09T09:19:00.000-07:00

In memory of the master of punk funk, I repost Dave Chappelle's tribute to the one, the only, Rick James. Bitch.

Well, none of my friends watch Chappelle's Show as much as I do. I think they should. So, for your viewing pleasure, is the clip of perhaps the most infamous Chappelle Show moment - the Rick James episode. Relax bitch, it's a celebration.

I'm Mr. Misanthrope, Bitch

Conspiracy Theories

2004-08-09T08:58:00.000-07:00

We are all prone to them. It's just the way the human mind works. You aren't paranoid if they really are out to get you. Well, I'm going to indulge my naughty conspiracy urge for a moment...

This chart displays Bush's popularity ratings during his term as president as well as the timings for security alerts. There is a corresponding regularity in as Bush's numbers decline, so too do alerts become issued.

Are terrorism alerts thus the result of political machinations? In the end I doubt it. It's simply far too risky if the alert is exposed a raw partisanship. See Spain after the Madrid bombings. But, I don't know if it can be dismissed totally out of hand. Read the chart, and the blog on which it is hosted, and form your own impressions.

Mr. Misanthrope

Spend Some Time Poking Fun At The President

2004-08-09T08:41:00.000-07:00

My accountant friend has sent my way some fun links to rib our Commander-and-Chief (whose term will hopefully expire in November). Enjoy these at your leisure....

Concerned that the mental health of President Bush is currently suffering? Read this headline: Bush Using Drugs to Control Depression, Erratic Behavior.

Do you wonder what might be our President's mind? This little graphic shows you. And, by coincidence, also shows you what dictates Tony Blair's behavior.

Do you enjoy seeing graphical distortions of Bush? Visit this site to give George W. an internet makeover.

Every wondered what Bush does in his spare time? Like me, he wastes valuable time blogging. And also apparently endangering national security. The World's Finest News Source has more.

Whew. I'm exhausted. No more humor at Bush's expense today. He deserves a break.

Mr. Misanthrope

Weekend Fun

2004-08-09T06:42:00.000-07:00

Well, I enjoyed a busy weekend. I saw The Village on Friday evening. I think this film has some real strengths, but could be a disappointment to those with expectations of a typical scary movie. The film is much more a commentary on modern life (ironically) as it takes place in a 18th century-esque locale....I won't spoil anything, but I overall I give the film a positive response.

Saturday I spent much of the day writing for my professional duties as an aspiring historian. During the evening I went to the Alabama Theatre's Summer Film Festival and watched Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo. The Alabama Theatre is a magnificent movie palace from the 1920's, decorated like a resplendent palace and featuring all kinds of interesting acts. I highly recommend it. This summer the Alabama Theatre is showing classic films like Vertigo. I had never seen the movie before and didn't know what to expect. After watching I wonder how Hitchcock made a movie this strange in Hollywood in 1958. In the coming weeks the Alabama will be showing Jailhouse Rock (with a live Elvis impersonator), Citizen Kane, Gone With the Wind, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and Raiders of the Lost Ark. I'm hoping to see Citizen Kane and Gone With the Wind, two classics I'm ashamed to say I've never seen. There is little chance I'll have an opportunity to see these films on the big screen, so I want to make sure I go.

Sunday I assisted my sister at her workplace, watched the very good Rabbit-Proof Fence, and took it easy. Maybe I watch too much tv and see too many movies. Oh well. Fresh air is for communists anyway.

Mr. Misanthrope

Hacking The Vote

2004-08-06T07:08:00.000-07:00

As electronic voting machines replace mechanical ones, legitimate fears of unauthorized tampering with the results have proliferated. Read this article on the challenge to hack the vote.

Mr. Misanthrope

The Great War And Modern Memory

2004-08-06T07:02:00.000-07:00

The UK's Guardian has a profile of Paul Fussell, literary critic and writer. Fussell's The Great War and Modern Memory is considered one of the best works examining World War I. Fussell's other works provide an unvarnished look at the terrors of warfare, and attacks the glossy romanticism of war by Hollywood and popular culture. I've been meaning to read The Great War, but, I'm buried with other books first.

Mr. Misanthrope

The Decline of American Civilization, Part II

2004-08-05T09:48:00.000-07:00

Well, Team USA beats Germany by a buzzer-beating halfcourt three pointer last night by Allen Iverson. Thank god. The only difficulty is that Germany isn't even in the Olympics. So, Team USA can barely beat a team that didn't even qualify for the big event. Soooo, are we in for trouble? Or will Team USA turn it around?

Mr. Misanthrope

Disturbances in the Holy Land

2004-08-05T08:53:00.000-07:00

What else is new, right? Well, this op-ed in the New York Times is something worth reading. It details the mortal risks Ariel Sharon faces not from Islamic or Arab groups....but from Jewish ones - notably, settlement movements. If one can take this op-ed at its word, Sharon might be in significant danger. Read the comments by the settlement radicals. Substitute certain words and you could very well have the dialogue of a radical Islamic fundamentalist. I believe in God and belong to a church, but sometimes I think organized religion can indeed be the devil.

Mr. Misanthrope

Forty Years Ago Yesterday - The Gulf of Tonkin Incident

2004-08-05T06:41:00.000-07:00

On August 4, 1964, evidence of two North Vietnamese attack on American ships in the Gulf of Tonkin allowed Johnson to wrangle from Congress the ability to wage war on the Saigon government. The National Security Archive has released a briefing book on the incident that sheds new light on the incidents. Apparently the second attack apparently never occurred. Fatefully, it was the second incident that pushed Congress to pass the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. For more cool intelligence stuff for history nerds like me, check it out.

Mr. Misanthrope

The Conet Project

2004-08-04T14:00:00.000-07:00

This is the weirdiest, coolest thing I think I've seen in awhile.

Espionage agencies like the CIA, Mossad, MI5, KGB, etc., etc., have used shortwave radio for decades as a means of communicating with agents in the field. Using code systems called "one time pads", secret services use shortwave radio stations that only read out series of words or numbers. These are called number stations. If you listened to shortwave radio for any length of time you've probably heard one before. That's the only things that these stations broadcast - a voice calling out numbers into the void. And somewhere in a dank jungle, arid desert, or apartment complex deep in enemy territory, a spy decoded the message.

The Washington Post has published a story of a man, Alix Fernandez, whose obsession focused on understanding these number stations and their bizarre broadcasts. And boy is it cool. For years he compiled recordings of these broadcasts and even produced a four CD set of them called The Conet Project. They are pretty interesting to listen to, if only for white noise in the background and the voices calling out. But, the CD set costs nearly $70.00.

Fortunately, Mr. Fernandez and the record company he founded, Irdial, believes music is a service and not a commodity. Great philosophy. So, he has posted the complete CD set online for listening and download. Scroll down the page a bit and look for The Conet Project.

I've been listening to it off and on all day. If I took drugs I'd lock myself up in a quiet place with access to food and supplies and take a bunch of LSD and zone out for two days. This music/recordings can do it for you. Too bad I don't take any drugs. Maybe you do though, so take a listen. Hippie.

Mr. Misanthrope

Wonder What Life Is Like in Sunny Guantanamo? Ask These Guys

2004-08-04T13:17:00.000-07:00

Straight from the Center for Constitutional Rights is a lengthy report on conditions at Camp X-Ray in Guantanamo Bay from freed enemy combatants now in Britain. While everything these released prisoners say should be taken with a grain of salt, if one tenth of what they say is true it could be another Abu Ghraib going on. Not good.

Mr. Misanthrope

Behold the Decline of American Civilization

2004-08-04T11:39:00.000-07:00

Lots of things are wrong in America. Poverty. Crime. Drugs. Terrorism. Republicans. And while all of these things are eroding the American Dream, hope was still possible. Until I received word from Germany.....

AND FOUND OUT TEAM USA LOST TO ITALY!!! IN BASKETBALL!!! 95-78!!

During the last four years our military has become overextended, the value of the dollar has plummeted, and gasoline prices have skyrocketed. But no worries from me. But when the United States of America loses the game we created and which we dominate? Oh shit. Losing to Italy in soccer? No problem. In tennis? That's ok. But basketball? What will our kids inherit? A Dream Team that can't beat Krapalakistan? DOH!! We are all doomed.

Bowing My Head In Shame,
Mr. Misanthrope

Mr. Misanthrope At the Movies

2004-08-04T08:56:00.000-07:00

Enjoy my thoughts on one of the trippiest movies of the 1980's, Blade Runner. Your insights and criticism is welcome.

Mr. Misanthrope