Nov
30
2009

So,

there are many things that could be (and have been) said about John Carney’s “Annual Guide to Holiday Romance [For Dudes]” but I don’t have as much time as I’d like. So, in bullet form:

  • Carney’s list is heavily ironic; the “author” (or authorial voice) is clearly meant to be a DudeBro douche of the highest order.
  • Some people, not always women, will not get the irony. Some DudeBro douches of the highest order will laugh at the inherent “truth” in these bon mots.
  • Those DudeBro douches think John Carney is on their side.
  • Even people, not always men, who get and enjoy the irony, might be laughing at the inherent “truth” in these bon mots.
  • Those people are Stealth DudeBro douches.
  • They also think John Carney is on their side.
  • He might be.
  • It is possible to understand but not appreciate the irony, or the idea that irony is free from criticism even when it (and our enjoyment of it) is problematic.
  • So: rah rah to freedom of speech and all that, and to holiday lists that are essentially an excuse to flex one’s comedic muscles and exhibit biting, up-to-the-minute insight into gender politics (except it’s ironic! so it’s not really saying that any of those 54 (?) points are true, except maybe a little bit).

That’s all.

posted 2 days ago

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Nov
30
2009

"I just don't think I'm cut out to be a writer."

— every writer in the history of everything.

(But most recently a friend of mine who is a very successful reporter — she grew up in the south Bronx, earned a scholarship to Yale, now gainfully employed at a prominent publication; also may receive a smack on the mouth.)

posted 3 days ago

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Nov
25
2009

“Most academic philosophy is just a big word game. The game is played with pensive looks and jargon and claims to have read improbably large amounts of ever more obscure philosophical writings. (‘You can’t possibly understand unless you’ve read 14c Laotian philosopher Pa Vong’s obscure unpublished early work which has never been translated from the ancient Lao and which you need a $100 a month subscription to Lao Philosophy Today to read…’).”

- Comment on Philosophy Bites’ podcast on “What You Can Do With Philosophy.”

I DIE.

Also, I’ve found that every philosopher has her own language, which does not necessarily correlate with the meanings of words as normal human beings understand them, so: good luck conveying truth(s) about life, academic philosophical dialogue.

posted 1 week ago

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Nov
25
2009
Italian group asks MTV to cancel 'Jersey Shore'

As an Italian-American, I support the push for cancellation. Also, as a human being.

posted 1 week ago

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Nov
25
2009
I don’t think racially about everything but I always find myself fascinated by old white dudes. What do they eat? Where do they come from?
Okay, you may hate Community (BMichael!), but the fictional characters’ real-life Twitter feeds are kind of awesome.

posted 1 week ago

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Nov
24
2009

Lady Gaga “Bad Romance” Parody (featuring LORD Gaga).

The stuffed shark on a leash…can’t stop laughing.

posted 1 week ago

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Nov
24
2009
Davis denied forcing the woman to have sex, but admitted in court that he used a “lock down maneuver” to pin her to the bed when she said she wanted to stop. He told the court he backed off when she kicked him, though he said he muffled her mouth with his hand when she began to scream after he demanded his money back.

US Marine Acquitted Of Raping Prostitute

Real quality quote from the guy’s lawyer: ”He is glad it’s over,” Macedone said. “It has been very stressful for him.”

(via spreadmagazine)

(via abbyjean)

So according to U.S. law, sometimes “no” means “yes,” and now we know that it’s not possible to change your mind during sex. Especially if you’re a prostitute being put into a “lock down maneuver” by a member of the U.S. military.

posted 1 week ago

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Nov
23
2009

Wait: so why do Foster Kamer's articles enrage people?

Responding with anger assumes that his pieces require or invite dialogue. They don’t. I’m not being sarcastic when I say that in his universe, “I don’t give a fuck what you think” is a valid response to even the most cogent rebuttal. Dude is not trying to convince you of anything. He is talking (writing) at you.

The tone of his articles/posts remind me of a certain cousin. I love this cousin. We have grown up together. But listening to her — whether she’s sharing good news or bad — is the aural equivalent of being garroted. “I GOT INTO GRAD SCHOOL, CAN’T STOP ME NOW, BITCHESSS” “Oh, that’s great, I’m really happy for —-” “HATERS TO THE FUCKING LEFT!” “…okay.” And I think it’s all right that some people employ a rhetorical style that is essentially a knee to your (fuckin) jugular, but…I’m old? And I find unapologetic hostility kind of wearying? So I just avoid things or people or pieces of writing that make me feel like I’m being assaulted. But I think, maybe intentionally, those kinds of pieces, ones that are more monologue than anything else, shield themselves from criticism because it seems so ridiculous to argue, as an adult, that “hey, London IS, TOO, AWESOME!” Does anyone really believe they could persuade Foster? His entire body of work is an encomium to the art of insult, not argument. (Not necessarily a bad thing, depending on what gets you hot.)

So, yeah, the outrage: why? Either you enjoy his gleeful viciousness or you don’t. But there’s no argument to be made.

posted 1 week ago

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Nov
23
2009
See? I can take care of myself all by myself. I’m not afraid to be alone, I know my way to go, AND I’m not afraid of Sharp Tooth… I hope he doesn’t eat any of you!

Oh, Cera, you are wise.

(Thanks to The Curvature for bringing this to mind.)

posted 1 week ago

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Nov
23
2009

I just think we should agree that some days, the Internet should be turned off.

I can’t read one more piece of constantly-updating information.

posted 1 week ago

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