Via Atrios:

Man of the Year
I've grown to detest all year-end lists and accolades and whatnot. They all just seem to trivialize what has already been trivialized enough.Still, in the alternative universe where I edit Time Magazine the Man of the Year is (drum roll):
The Dirty Fucking Hippie
-Atrios

On behalf of dirty fucking hippies everywhere:
I accept.

For those that don't read Atrios, this is in reference to his repeated recognition of the fact that the only people who predicted the TOTAL FUCKING FAILURE that is the Iraq war before the first boot stepped down in the sand were people me, the dirty fucking hippies who insisted it was a corrupt war being fought for oil. For our trouble we were called traitors. We were told we hated America. We were called cowards and peaceniks and red-necks gave us even more harsh glares than normal.
We were right. The rest of America was dead-ass wrong.
Hate to have to say "Far out man, we told you so." but we did.

Now, years later, time to listen up to another truth no one wants to hear.
We lost.
We cannot win.
Supporting the troops means bringing them home.
NOW.
Not soon.
Not tommorrow.
RIGHT THIS VERY SECOND.
But as usual, we hippies will be ignored. I just hope it doesn't take another 4 years for you to figure our we're right about this too. But it probably will. Morons.

Iraq Study Report

The following is the only important part of the Iraq Study Farce released today. Of course, it is buried on p. 57 of 84.


RECOMMENDATION 63:
• The United States should encourage investment in Iraq’s oil sector by the international community and by international energy companies.

Now let's keep in mind, Baker is saying that the recommendations aren't to be seen as piecemeal- but all one thing- which means somehow, letting Amoco into Iraq is crucial for its future. What a bunch of shite. Assmonkeys. Between this and saying we should stay in for 12 more months- ARGH is all I have to say.

The Making of the Novel: Exodus Enisode- Episode 1

The first in a series of video podcasts created to give the viewer a behind the scenes look at the ideas and thoughts behind the writing of William Hrdina's 7th science fiction novel, Exodus Enisode. The first episode includes: why I decided to created these podcasts, my definition of alt-sci fi, a comparison of writing with your head vs. writing with your gut, and a discussion of the seed idea that inspired the novel.

The Making of the Novel: Exodus Enisode- Episode 2

The second in a series of video podcasts created to give the viewer a behind the scenes look at the ideas and thoughts behind the writing of William Hrdina's 7th science fiction novel, Exodus Enisode. The second episode includes: an updating on the writing of book 7 and an exploration of the first book in the Incarnations of the Americas Series- Portal.

FUCK RUSH LIMBAUGH AND KATIE COURIC

Rush Limbaugh is a fucking moron and we all know it, so there was no reason to be particularly surprised when he started saying some of the most unbelievably stupid shit of his whole career about Michael J. Fox. He's faking? Fuck you Rush, take another pill.
But Katie Couric is SUPPOSED to be a journalist. Now I certainly wouldn't put her in that category, but that was she's supposed to be. Watch the interview she has with Fox HERE
He's shaking uncontrollably- its painful to watch. And this fucking bitch has the nerve to question him OVER AND OVER AND OVER about whether or not Rush has made a point worth hearing. I wonder Katie, how you would've reacted to someone telling you your beloved husband who died was faking his cancer. Huh Bitch? No response?
I didn't think so.
I hope both of your dreams are visited by the demons that clearly dwell in your souls.
And on behalf of humanity, I apologize to Michael J Fox. Some people are still goddamn gorillas.

Yet Again

Once again it is Keith Olbermann who has moved me to post here, if only to once again link to a remarkable commentary he gave yesterday, on the 5th anniversary of 9-11.
Mr. Olbermann is quickly becoming the modern Edward R. Murrow- it is a shame he lacks the enormous stage Murrow stood on. One cannot help wondering if the media was set up the way it is now back in the 50's- if we ever would've knocked McCarthy off of his perch.
Watch it and tell your friends.

Keith Olbermann

I've never actually watched this guy before, but if this is how he always reports- I'm gonna start. If you are an Amercian who is afraid not of terrorists overseas, but of those holding the yolks of power here, you must watch this and ponder it deeply.

http://movies.crooksandliars.com/OlbermannBlastsRumsfeldOnFacism.mov

In case you missed it, here's what Rumsfeld said and what Olbermann is reacting to:

http://movies.crooksandliars.com/TSR-Rummy-Fascists.mov

WHOO HOO HOO!!

I just finished the first draft of my 6th 'alt sci-fi' novel. It's called "The Music of Dreams." I pride myself on the fact my novels don't summarize well, but the story is based on the idea of a society where Music is treated the way religion is- and different types of music are like different religious sects. The story starts out with a little girl named Sarah who's dog runs away. Sarah lives in the Bluegrass town called the Folken on an isolated island peninsula. This simple act sets her on a path to be exiled from her home with her brother and set out into the world. Sarah starts to have dreams about music unlike anything she's ever heard and she follows the path her dreams set out before her- even when it brings her great tragedy. This book is the 3rd "official" book in what I'm calling the "Incarnations of America" series. The 4th will be started after I take my requisite 2-3 week hiatus during which I plan to write a short story about this freaky photograph I have in my kitchen from a Dead show in 86 when I was 8 years old- yet you can clearly see me in the photo as I look now as a 30 year old. Even my own mother pointed me out in the picture and asked if it was taken last year. Anyway, the best part is I've got that fantastic feeling of relief and satisfaction that comes at the end of a long writing project where you finally know that your doubts you had 1/2 way through that there wasn't enough story to carry you through were wrong. I'm also amazed at how each book I write gets easier as I learn to feel comfortable in my own style.

Booknotes

I've just realized that the entire cycle of novels I'm currently writing are in large part a response to my use of deux ex machina through the character Rain in my first novel of the same name. It always bothered me- I wanted to know where this weird character with her big backpack and her curious ability to ward off mutual destruction with a few choice words came from. It wasn't that she was odd and powerful- it was that I didn't know how she became that way. Music of Dreams and Exodus Enisode will answer my question and take away my guilt.

Boston Legal

I don't actually watch this show regularly, but if this clip is any indication, I'm really missing out on a hell of a show.
James Spader sums up the Bush years quite nicely in 3-4 minutes. PLEASE! Check it out.

HERE