I can't believe it's not a democracy!

Taking my first school day off of the year tomorrow.

Going to south Jersey for my youngest niece's 12th birthday.  She knows what she's getting and is looking forward to it.  So am I.  After looking for years, I finally found these European building models that use real tiny stones, bricks, tiles, etc.:

 

My older niece probably will be less than impressed, but it's cool.  Youngest niece and I will geek out on the nerd model kit.  It's all good.

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend.  

Gee, I wonder why?

President Obama’s approval rating hits a new low. Could it be because he hired almost all of his advisors from the "evil monster Wall Street/CEO bastard" pool? I'm guessing yes. That might go a long way in explaining the 34% of those polled who approve of his handling of the economy (60% disapprove). Obviously those 34% are hedge fund managers and GE shareholders who add value to this country, and not the shiftless 60% who have to work at some soulless toil to put food on their families.

Which segues nicely to this post by Mark Bittman: Why We’re Fasting. Short answer: Bittman and 4,000 others are fasting "to call attention to Congressional budget proposals that would make huge cuts in programs for the poor and hungry."

Something is very wrong in this country. At least Bittman is trying to do something about it, like fasting and, more important, telling people why he is doing it. But where is Obama? Where are the national democrats? Not in our corner, that's for sure. They must think that no one is paying attention. Or maybe they think we--those who identify as liberal, progressive, left, etc.--have no real options. But we do, and more and more of us are unwilling to vote for the lesser of two evils. Like it or not (and I'm in the not column), 2012 is going to be an "interesting" year.

Thanks to John for the Bittman link.

Bob Herbert goes out with a bang:

Losing Our Way. The column voices what so many of us have been feeling for a very long time. His disgust is palpable. Which makes his concluding paragraph intriguing:

This is my last column for The New York Times after an exhilarating, nearly 18-year run. I’m off to write a book and expand my efforts on behalf of working people, the poor and others who are struggling in our society. My thanks to all the readers who have been so kind to me over the years. I can be reached going forward at bobherbert88@gmail.com.

And so the NY Times loses one of the few genuine voices it had left. I understand that Frank Rich resigned two weeks ago. Which leaves Krugman as the only reason to read that rag now. When Krugman leaves, he should shut off the lights. The Gray Lady fell and she's not getting up.

America, fuck yeah:

Medium Lobster on Obama's excellent Libyan adventure: Humanitarians of the Year. Not sure if you want to click? Here's a little taste: The situation is fairly straightforward, after all - Libya faces a humanitarian crisis, and the only way to address a humanitarian crisis is to bomb it with hundreds of cruise missiles.

Hmmmm, the lobster's got a point.

Link via Atrios.

Do you have too much money and too little taste? Need to redo your kitchen? Have I got something for you:

 

The The Prince William and that commoner piece of trash,* Kate, commemorative refrigerator. No, it's not a joke. They actually are selling these things.

*Channeling the thoughts of minor nobility and those who think they should be kings.

Won't be around to comment or post tonight, because I am going to see previews of this:

"The Book of Mormon," by Matt Stone and Trey Parker, music by Robert Lopez ("Avenue Q"). Here's the poop: The Book of Mormon centers on two young Mormon missionaries sent off to spread the word in a dangerous part of Uganda. Their tale is told alongside the founder Joseph Smith, founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Yes, I can't wait. Heard it was great. Going with my friend John, who said that a mutual friend said "it is going to be a hit"--laughed her ass off. A review will follow.

Update: Just got in. I won't say much because if you can, just see it. So here's my review: Laughed my ass off. Everyone was just perfect. Worth every penny. Oh, and there is no way the Mormon church can be happy about this.

Heading south to Jersey

Going to start up some seeds for my brother's garden.  There's something really satisfying about getting the seed starter kits out, filling them with potting soil and planting those seeds.  Everything seems so hopeful: you start with seeds, then you see the first set of leaves peak through the soil, followed by plants and then peppers and eggplants, bok choy, and kale and stuff to look forward to all summer and fall.  It's nice to think about creating something for a change.  And far more productive than eating one's own liver after hearing about the latest filthy move by the republicans or "cave" by the mendacious corrupt democrats (leaving aside the mere handful who are worthy of respect, of course). 

Hope your weekend is spent relaxing and dreaming of better days.  

Alleged cum rag is now confirmed cum rag:

Former Senator Evan Bayh To Pair Lobbying With Conservative Television Punditry. Honestly, the whole of our political class, save a mere handful, are some of the filthiest, evil, greedy motherfuckers on this planet, bankers and real estate developers included.

Link via Atrios, who states that he met Evan Bayh and thought he was "about the smarmiest person I've ever met, complete with the faux-just-a-boy-from-Indiana-schtick."

Yet another reason to kill the rich:

$795 for this:

By Prada.  And yes, it's sold out.  

You can't make this shit up:

Pilots lock down cockpit over praying passengers. Um, it was more than just a little prayer: Airline spokeswoman Bobbie Egan says the crew of Flight 241 from Mexico City became alarmed Sunday after the men began the ritual, which involves tying leather straps and small wooden boxes to the body.

Can anyone explain to me why these peoples' god wants them to tie small wooden boxes to themselves, because I can't even guess. And how did they get by airport security with this shit when women have been made to drink their own breast milk to get a bottle on board?