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

There isn't enough money for a real health care bill (or so we are told), but there's plenty of cash for this?

For the Holidays, White House Uses Barneys Decorator. Even if Simon Doonan works for free for the "honor," you know that he isn't going to stop at the local Wal*Mart for ornaments. That said, I know it is foolish to dream, but it would be nice if decided to go with the theme "edgy Xmas" in the vein of his display of Margaret Thatcher "as a dowdy dominatrix."

Proof that some fashion designers hate women:

Still not sure?  Check out these, um, "shoes."

Photos via Fashiontoast. And click this link for even more photos of Alexander McQueen's implements of torture for chicks.  Is it just me or did you immediately think about the former Chinese practice of binding women's feet?  

Update: If you check out the comments at Fashiontoast, it appears that I am one of the few people out there who think these shoes are awful. They love them! Not kidding.

Just in time for xmas?

Tesco condemned for selling pole dancing toy. I know what you are thinking--wtf? Well, if you think that is bad, you may want to check out this post: The 7 Most Inappropriate Products For Children (with photos). Not convinced anything can be worse than Tesco's Pole Dancer? Then consider this toy:

Thanks to John for the links.

Listened to most, but not all, of Obama's speech. Read the rest.

My take: What a load of shit.  A public option for 5% of the people?  Smells like mandates coming too.  Abortions not covered (you get what you deserve, whores).  Oh, and tort reform.  Apparently the republicans looked unhappy, so that means it was good, right?  No, they were unhappy because (a) that's what they do best and (b) Obama just pulled a Clinton (think welfare "reform").  So, will someone tell me how insurance companies are going to be pressured to reduce rates and provide better coverage (i.e., stop denying care required under the plans) when only 5% of the population--many, presumably, who are uninsurable--will have the choice of a government plan, but the rest of us will not.  And, no doubt, younger people who opt not to get insurance but could afford some coverage may be forced to buy insurance.  Insurance executives everywhere are probably sporting the biggest erections they have ever had.  In short: Time for a third party.  One that actually represents most Americans.  And I repeat: Change we can believe in, my ass. 

Update: I think we will get proof that this speech delivered a barrel of shit by looking at how the market responds tomorrow.  Watch the health insurance company stocks.  I will.  

Update II: The market has responded to the President's speech.  Aetna closed up $0.60, or 2.05%.  Wellpoint closed up $1.34 a share, or 2.54%.  And Cigna did very nicely: up $1.65, or 5.61%.  Ka-ching.  

We have our fucking circus:

Tom DeLay to join new cast of "Dancing With the Stars." So where's are fucking bread?

Is it just me, or did you see this and think that this is yet another sign that America is going out not with a bang, but with a whimper.

Talk about your niche fetishes:

Police seek Minn. man who slashes rubber balls. Seems innocuous, no? Well, um, not when you find out why he does it. MSNBC reports: Duluth police are looking for a man with a self-professed sexual fetish for slashing rubber balls. * * * Experts said he has an unusual attraction to inflatable exercise devices.

I recall reading somewhere that sexual fetishes are set early on in life, around the age of two or three (which may account for people who are into wearing diapers (I'm looking at you, David Vitter) or fascinated with poo (I'm looking at you, David Vitter)). So what the fuck happened in this guy's early childhood that lead to him getting off on slashing exercise balls? And it goes without saying, but this can't end well.

Thanks to Mr. Slice for the link.

Hope they realize that the divorce will get twice as much coverage:

Same-name couple to wed after Facebook meeting. Yep, straight couple getting married and they have the same name (Kelly Hildebrandt)! Great reason to marry, no? Makes me wonder...are they both also orphans? Because one would hope mom & dad would take Kelly aside and say something. You know?

I smell an indictment:

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin to resign in surprise move. People are speculating that Sarah is resigning to use the time to prepare for a presidential run. But why resign now when there are only 1 1/2 years left to "serve?" It's not like she's a policy wonk poring over every piece of legislation proposed in the state legislature. I smell a scandal. My friend John pointed out that we assume that we would know if Palin was in trouble because investigations of public officials are often leaked (thanks to Ken Starr's lack of respect for the justice system), but if the Department of Justice (or other agency) is run in a professional manner, we might not know about an indictments until it is announced. This surprise announcement doesn't make sense. Even for Sarah Palin. Just saying.

Well, now that Obama's DOJ has pissed on the queers (thanks for all the money and votes, queers!), now Obama feels free to channel W:

Obama: North Korea nuclear program poses "grave threat." So North Korea throws up a few missiles that incapable of getting anywhere near the U.S. and they are a "grave threat?" Other than nuclear technology, North Korea's biggest asset is millions of starving North Koreans. WTF? Happier by the day that I voted for one of the socialist parties last November. Because I can sleep without guilt.

So, what do you think Bermuda got from us?

U.S. sends four Uighur detainees from Gitmo to Bermuda. Because you know Bermuda got something to agree to take these guys. My guess? Let's just say I wouldn't be surprised if a certain small pretend nation doesn't have to worry as much about having their tax haven status compromised. But that's just a guess. As for the Uighurs...looks like they will be able to improve their golf scores.