Jackblog

Papers Please

This is the website of a woman in Colorado who was arrested for failing to show her driver's license to a security officer on a public bus. The case is interesting simply for the implications it has about the state of our "personal freedoms".

The Lion, the Witch, and the Governor

Mark this one on your calendars, folks, because it won't happen often: In the current controversy between Governor Jeb Bush and Americans United for Separation of Church and State, I'm with Bush.

Definition of South, Southern Changing?

In a rather odd feature, North Carolina-based Associated Press writer Allan Breed asks the question today: "[A]re we heading toward a ‘No South'"? Things are indeed changing in the South. And so is the notion of what it means to be "Southern." In this most maligned and mused-upon of American regions, the term conjures a variety of images. Magnolias, front porch swings and sweet tea for some; football, stock cars and fried chicken for others; lynchings, burning crosses and civil rights marches for still others.

Its in the packaging too.

This is a scary article. It talks about a chemical in food packaging that causes cancer and all kinds of fun things that Dupont knew about, but neglected to inform the FDA when they found it was coming off the wrapper and being ingested in larger amounts than they originally thought.

Bush Tones Down Attack on Critics as ‘Unpatriotic'

President Bush abruptly changed his tune today from days ago when he and Dick Cheney questioned the patriotism of people who are questioning the Iraqi War (which is not a large majority of Americans): After fiercely defending his Iraq policy across Asia, President Bush abruptly toned down his attack on war critics Sunday and said there was nothing unpatriotic about opposing his strategy.

AAN Features Ayana Taylor

I Do

A friend of mine sent me this little picture and I giggled uncontrollably for about half an hour. I wanted to post it so that others may enjoy its snarkiness, but I really didn't know the text that should be included. I mean, I have my own notions about the "Loveliness of Marriage" that has absolutely nothing to do with society's.

Eight Simple Rules

I might as well go on and say it: I don't really see the point of the men's movement.

It seems to consist of a bunch of guys looking at what men are already stereotyped as being, as wanting, as desiring, and then trying to figure out how to more fully live into those expectations. It would be sort of like if the Black Power movement looked at slavery for a model, or if NOW organized itself around the archetypal figure of June Cleaver, or if the fraternity in Revenge of the Nerds never actually met in person. But whatever makes y'all happy.

If God Could Snicker

So earlier, if you were at home, and you heard this loud crunching sound...that was the sound of a short blonde woman collapsing in hysterical laughter while standing too close to a bag of Lay's salt and vinegar potato chips.

Monkey On My Back

USA Today is reporting an interesting development in the Dover "Monkey Trials".

Lott Says GOP Staffer Source of CIA Prisons Leak

Trent Lott is clearly off the reservation in terms of White House and GOP talking points. It's possible that Bush Co. took a mis-step when they failed to support Lott after his Dixiecratgate episode. Today he told reporters that the CIA prisons story was probably the result of a GOP leak, which is embarassing to the GOP leadership that is calling for an investigation into the leak.

Poll: Libby Indictment Hits Major Nerve

West Wing Live Debate - Verdict?

I happened to be flipping by and stopped on the "West Wing" Sunday although -- usually -- I turn it off if I see it, because I haven't watched for a year and don't know the storyline. I watch some of the re-runs on Bravo and, being the kinda guy who will rent a DVD to watch a TV show without commercials, I figure I'm far enough behind the West Wing not to worry about every catching it live.

Ellington