2014

New York Times Columnist Line of the Day – 4 November 2014

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If you frequent this here premier “web log,” there’s a good chance you may once or twice have read the New York Times op-ed page. You might even recognize the names of the columnists, who every day spout the most conventionally wise of the conventional wisdom. This is a feature that is dedicated to these folks, highlighting one line that is either funny, ridiculous, strange, or actually intelligent or well-written. Today’s is from David Brooks, whose whole column today, “Death by Data,” could just be the line of the day, brings us this nugget: They’re not asking: How can I guarantee affordable contraception? OH...

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Sports in the Courts: Jeff Wilpon answers the allegations

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It has been seven weeks since former Senior VP of Ticket Sales for the Mets, Leigh Castergine, accused her former boss of discriminating against her for being pregnant and unmarried. The team’s Chief Operating Officer, Jeff Wilpon, was accused of numerous disparaging comments.  Today, Wilpon and the Mets filed their answers in federal court in response to Castergine’s complaint. You can read Wilpon’s answer here; the answer filed on behalf of the Mets makes the same response. The same law firm is representing both defendants. Wilpon’s response in short, “[none of it is true].” Above all, Wilpon...

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Mango the Cat

assorted color mangoes

Dear V and V, I’m sorry it’s been so long. Months ago, I had such good intentions of re-joining this blog with regular posts. Oops. A few things have happened in the interim– law school graduation, bar exam, new job. Plus we got this very photogenic cat, Mango. She is very sweet, and if you ever come to New Haven, she would probably like to cuddle with you. Please accept this picture of Mango and her mini-me as my apology for the long silence. xoxo, ladyblaga

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The Yale Community Apparently Doesn’t Know What the Word “Refute” Means

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“Indeed members of the Yale community who know Dach personally refute any possibility that he could have been involved in the scandal. According to 32 sources interviewed, Dach’s character is best represented by the way he interacts with others on a regular basis.” –Amid scandal, University community defends Dach “Refute” implies that these sources knew something about the “scandal” Dach is accused of– to wit, hiring a prostitute in Cartagena, a place where prostitution is legal, while working as a volunteer for the Obama campaign.  Only one of the sources quoted even mentions ‘women’s issues,’ describing Dach...

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Watch: Today in Political Buffoonery

So you’re the unpopular governor of a state that hasn’t been doing well, and you’re having some issues in your reelection campaign. Your opponent is the relatively unpopular former governor, whose rank opportunism led him to switch parties. Yet, you’re polling neck-and-neck. Of course, the proper thing to do if you’re Florida Governor Rick Scott is to refuse to participate in the gubernatorial debate because your opponent, former governor Charlie Crist, had a little fan put in the base of his lectern. Because being a petulant little bitch is a good way to appeal to Florida voters? The Tampa Bay Times...

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There was an original video for Chris Isaak’s Wicked Games that was directed by David Lynch

Chris Issak’s “Wicked Game” was not a quick success. Despite being released in 1989, it didn’t achieve real attention until it appeared on the soundtrack of David Lynch’s movie Wild at Heart. In fact, David Lynch directed a video for the song as it was rereleased for the movie soundtrack. It definitely casts a different emotional context than the one in which he rolls around on the beach with a model.

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Nevermind is 23 years old

Here’s your reminder that Nirvana’s Nevermind was released 23 years ago today: September 24, 2014. Armed with new veteran producer Butch Vig and a happier outlook on life by Cobain, the songs were cleaner, catchier and much more accessible than its predecessor, Bleach (and definitely its successor). It also introduced a new drummer in Virginia’s own David Grohl, whose drumming was arguably as integral to Nirvana’s sound as Cobain’s songwriting. It also changed rock music forever. Sure, the words mostly made absolutely no sense whatsoever, but I guess that’s the whole point.* * One of the most amusing things from the Nirvana Wikipedia page is...

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We’re only 65% sure that Rep. Vance MacAllister’s wife is not being held hostage hashtag blessed

We have another super creepy and weird political ad today (earlier). This one is from Louisiana Representative Vance MacAllister, who really, really wants to remind you that he and his wife a super-duper Christians hashtag blessed. You see, the problem with this whole “I’m wicked Christian” thing is that Vance got caught making out with a lady who isn’t his wife. But that’s okay—because he is blessed to have “a wonderful Christian wife,” so that makes it okay because she is blessed “to have a husband that owns up to his mistakes.” But good lord, are we sure she...

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