Yes; Mars, Bitches

 

Majority To Clueless Oligarch: STFU

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 Meanwhile, Back In Downtown America: Fat Karl Goes Galt

According to TPM's Josh Marshall,

Shortly after Fox and everyone else called Ohio and the election for President Obama, [Fat Karl] Rove staged a live TV mutiny.

He insisted that the Ohio call had been premature and then forced Fox’s Megan Kelly to make an SNL like walk through the Fox building and confront the network’s official number counters with Rove’s objections.

...the guy calmly explained to Kelly that yes they were quite certain that Obama had defeated Romney and it was over. Kelly then walked back through the Fox building and gave the news to Rove. But it still wasn’t over.

This full Fox News network meltdown continued for a while... [Fox news then] brought in Michael Barone — key political numbers guy who just a day ago was saying that Romney would win with 70,000 electoral votes — to basically calmly, empathetically talk Rove down from the ledge...

As this was happening the other electoral votes were piling up to the point where Ohio didn’t even matter anymore. 

 This is what being a Rightist wingnut in America -- refusing to live in a reality-based world -- is all about.  I feel so (cough cough) sorry for poor Karl.

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You Know

Uh... what?  Something going on today?

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Disney Buys LucasFilm

Not Really A Great Surprise, But...

Oy.

LOS ANGELES (New York Times) — The Walt Disney Company, in a move that gives it a commanding position in the world of fantasy movies, said Tuesday it had agreed to acquire Lucasfilm from its founder, George Lucas, for $4.05 billion in stock and cash... Mr. Lucas, who is 68 years old, had already announced he would step down from day-to-day operation of the company.

Combined with the purchase of Marvel Entertainment for $4 billion ... and of Pixar Animation Studios for $7.4 billion ... strengthens the legacy of Robert A. Iger, Disney’s chief executive, who has become known for his aggressive expansion of the company since taking charge in 2005.
 ...

Like the Marvel acquisition, the Lucasfilm purchase caught Hollywood and Wall Street by surprise... In a hastily convened conference call with investors ... Mr. Iger said Disney planned to revive the Star Wars franchise and release a seventh feature film in the series in 2015, with new films coming every two or three years thereafter.  Mr. Lucas will be a consultant on the film projects, Mr. Iger said.

After Disney bought Pixar in 2006 (and after the company had earlier said it would resist being absorbed), and the original features its founders had wanted to do were complete -- Toy Story (Toy Story 2 and 3 were afterthoughts); Finding Nemo; Monsters, Inc.; The Incredibles (Which needed a sequel but didn't get one); Ratatouille, and Wall-E -- Pixar's work fell off.

It was less edgy, less spontaneously creative. It was less about the ideas of four guys who remembered what it was like to be a child (something Disney forgot about decades ago) and built a company to capture that magic in Computer-Generated, animated images.

Their work was different than almost any previously-created animated features, whether in classic 2D cell animation or computer graphics. The shadow of Disney was omnipresent  -- they had been the gold standard of American commercial animation for generations. But Pixar's characters were being designed by animators who had grown up with a completely different perspective on art and design.

Rather than taking Disney's classic animations, or Warner Brothers' cartoons as their model and building on it, Pixar's influences were things like Ghost In The Shell, or 'Manga' and Marvel; online computer games; Sin City and 'Sandman' and The Watchmen; Miyazaki's Swept Away, "My Friend Totoro"; or music videos on MTV.  Their work was original -- and while animators can't help but acknowledge a debt to Disney's influence in creating an art form, what they were doing was so clearly not influenced by The Big Mouse.

Pixar had so far outclassed Disney's animation efforts of 1980 -2000 that, when the acquisition was announced, I wasn't surprised -- Da Mickey acted predictably and absorbed the competition (What was disappointing was that Pixar's founders had done it). But instead of allowing Pixar's original vision to energize Disney, they forced Pixar to modify it's character design, timing and art into Disney's corporatized look-and-feel.

LucasFilm and ILM started out the same way -- a bunch of film-school geeks who had cutting-edge ideas about advancing the technology of making films, of introducing computer-assisted filming and refining it until it became an industry standard. Lucas and company made a good deal of money from creating software packages for the film industry, and things like their THX sound system for theaters.

Just those two ideas showcased part of Lucas' business acumen. There was more money in changing the standard of how films were made, or presented to audiences, than just in making the films themselves.  Industrial Light and Magic's workshops and CG teams spun off an entire industry that eliminated the need for fully-dressed sets and ushered in the era of greenscreens.

Lucas and his collaborators came of age in the early-to-mid 1960's, and had a hit with "American Graffiti", but really took off with a classic, episodic sci-fi tale; a mildly campy Star Wars: Episode Four -- A New Hope.  And every two years or so, we lined up around the block to see The Empire Strikes Back and The Return Of The Jedi.  Kids bought the toys, the lunchboxes, and grew up to take their own kids to see Episode One.

But the "prequel" episodes weren't as fun as the originals; they seemed to take themselves too seriously. And Lucas' company, which began as a way cool thing in 1972, had ended up taking itself way too seriously.  It had become more about being a business, pushing a 'product' that tied in to so much more marketing: The Greedo and Clone War action figures, the Anakin Skywalker Burger King Glasses, than the real creative magic that was the impetus for getting into film making in the first place.

So, Disney.  It almost seems like a natural progression -- and, aber natürlich, George gets a really tidy sum. I'm not totally surprised, but won't be lining up to see Episode Seven.

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(An earlier version identified the first Star Wars film as "Episode Six", and the first Disney effort to revive the series as Episode Nine. Shame on me.)

Because We Need The Reminder

John Neville: The Age Of Reason; Tuesday

Neville As Karl August Friedrich Hieronymous, Baron von Munchausen

The Right Ordinary Horatio Jackson: It seems to me, sir, that you have rather a weak grasp of reality.

Baron von Munchausen: Your "reality", sir, is lies and balderdash -- and I'm delighted to say that I have no grasp of it, whatsoever!

--- Johnathan Pryce, John Neville, The Adventures Of Baron Munchausen (1988)
Written and Directed By Terry Gilliam

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What Do We Want?

-- Sanity And Reality. When Do We Want It? Really Soon. 

We need to build a different model of politics, one in which people who want a different society are willing to actually bargain and back up their threats, rather than just aesthetically argue for shifts around the margin. The good news is that the changes we need to make are entirely doable. It will cost about $100 trillion over 20 years to move our world to an entirely sustainable energy system, and the net worth of the global top 1 percent is $103 trillion. We can do this. And the moments to let us make the changes we need are coming. There is endless good we can do, if enough of us are willing to show the courage that exists within every human being instead of the malevolence and desire for conformity that also exists within every heart.

Systems that can’t go on, don’t. The political elites, as much as they kick the can down the road, know this. The question we need to ask ourselves is, do we?

Not trying to harsh anyone's buzz; only passing the idea along that this is one more election with (in part) a goal to maintain a status quo benefiting Elites. Their agenda is not in the interests of the world as a whole, or even specific national groups. It's about keeping the gravy train going, and the warm feeling that, ultimately, they Rule. Period.

That said, I will pad into a voting booth on November 6th and cast my vote for Obama, because I do not want the LardBoy-AnnieCoulter-Racist-Facisti Party to rule us for four seconds, let alone four or more years. We had Lil' Boots -- didn't that tell us anything?

But, Matt Stoller's case poses a question we have to answer: Do we want a future of Business As Usual? I suggest that not only is it a first-order priority for Americans to answer it, but that it may be easier to do so with A Democrat in the White House.

But, I could be wrong. Perhaps things will have to become manifestly worse before, finally, people say No.

Stoller's full article is here.

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The Reprint Heaven Countdown: Number 10

Berlusconi Struck By Cathedral (From December, 2009)


No; It's Not Simon Pegg In Star Trek (A Bit Old, For Simon)
-- It's The Capo d'Buffoono Capo! (UK Mirror, 11/13/09)

Earlier today (tonight, in Italy), Silvio Berlusconi, 73-year-old Prime Minister of the Republic of Italy and Chief Clown of the European Union, appeared at a political rally in Milan when he was struck by the Duomo Cathedral which borders the square where the rally took place.


Milan's Duomo Cathedral Of The Maria Bambina, Which Is Being
Held For Questioning By Italian Police After The Surprise Assault

Berlusconi, whose reign as Primo Penis L'Italia has been threatened by a series of sex scandals, alleged mafia connections and criminal charges of bribery and money laundering, had appeared at the rally in a local hotel, but was continually heckled by onlookers. Even though he was the only person in the room who happened to have a microphone and a really large public-address system, Silvio! had to spend some time shouting them down.

While exiting the building, Berlusconi had been slowed, walking through a crowd of people, shaking hands (for any other head of state, taking that kind of risk is unheard of), when he was attacked. Obviously bleeding, he was whisked to a local hospital, reportedly having suffered broken teeth, a fractured nose, and various contusions and cuts, but was otherwise still able to have sex (after a fashion) with women forty-five years younger than himself.



(Screencaptures: BBC Video Footage, December 13, 2009)

The 623-year-old Cathedral which struck the Prime Minister was thrown by Massimo Tartaglia, who had gotten close enough to the Capo de Tutti Frutti in the crowd as he left the rally. That Tartaglia (who reportedly "has a history of mental problems") was able to get so close to a major European political figure to carry out the assault is troubling to Italian authorities.

But, even more astounding is how Tartaglia was able to reduce a gigantic, Gothic-style building to the size of a paperweight, and throw it, striking Berlusconi in the snout (probably had been between the thighs of some-a young girl not long before, eh?).

How the huge stone building was then returned to its normal size and position without being seen by anyone is unknown, as Tartagliga was immediately seized -- which raises the spectre of a wide conspiracy.


Italian Authorities Consider A Connection Between The Cathedral,
And Another Architectural Feature With Time-Travel Capabilities

"We have not ruled out aliens from space, or time travelers, using futuristic technology to injure our beloved Silvio," an anonymous source in Berlusconi's security detail told the BBC.

It is also not known whether Massimo is related to the Tattaglias in the Godfather saga ("Sonny hit Bruno Tattaglia at three o'clock this morning"), and what this may mean for Diane Keaton, James Caan and Al Pacino.


Bruno Tattaglia: "Scotch? Pre-War -- Or, A Little Strangling?"

The Duomo was ordered by Italian police to remain in place in Milan and not to attempt to leave the city. In an exclusive interview with the BBC, the Duomo claimed it had never met Tartaglia before and that it had been quietly hosting an evening Mass when it was picked up and swung at the Prime Minister.

"I am innocent", the Cathedral told the BBC. "It's true -- I don't like the immoral and disgusting acts by which the Prime Minister has besmirched his office. But I have never, ever caused harm to anyone, except witches, and Protestants, and a whole bunch of Jews." The Duomo has asked for Papal lawyers from Rome to be present during further questioning.


Silvio's Own Television Network In Italy, Providing Unbiased
Coverage Of The Prime Minister's Glorious Reign Over What's Now
The Theater Capital Of Europe (Photo: UK Guardian 11/09)

[Okay; if you haven't figured it out, or don't follow the links I handed to you: Tartaglia allegedly struck Berlusconi in the face with a souvenir model of the Duomo cathedral. The symbolism is obvious and even amusing -- and no, I'm not going to explain it to you.]

While his popularity ratings remain above 50 per cent, Berlusconi's hold over his office may slip as the result of poor life choices and too much bouncy-bouncy. Dogged by rumors of connections with the mafia as a Billionaire oligarch; publicly romping with women (which led to a messy, continuing public divorce from his second wife); and after a law granting him immunity from prosecution as Prime Minister was overturned earlier this year, Silvio! may be the first leader of Italy in several generations to be convicted of criminal acts while in office.

Silvio's own television network and newspapers continue to broadcast a campaign of positive reports about him (he is reported to like dogs and enjoy life), but many Italians dismiss them as obvious propaganda. Basta!

Then, there is Berlusconi's former pay-for-play mistress, Patrizia D'Addario, who recently published a tell-all autobiography about the Buffoono's inner circle, and their sex life, entitled "What You Require, Mr. Prime Minister".


The Oligarch Minister and a Simple Italian Prostitute Girl

It seems that she saw her chance for opportunities, attention, money, and more money in her relationship with Silvio!; but even if some of her alleged details are incorrect, he is still the married head of the Italian government and was still committing adultery with (at least) D'Addario in a relatively public fashion -- not to mention whispers about the 18-year-old Silvio was seen hanging with after D'Addario smeared him in the press, which seemed one way to thumb his nose at the world (I don't give a rat's ass what you think!) -- ho ho ho; that Silvio!!.

Even his own handlers are stumped by what to say about the public backlash towards their Capo's antics. Asked about the assault, Berlusconi spokesman Paolo Buonaiuti told CNN, "There has been such a buildup of hatred toward the premier, and this is not good... This campaign of hatred has been building quite rapidly recently, and I am not surprised that what happened tonight took place."

Doctors at the hospital in Milan have indicated that CAT scans of Berlusconi's head show no abnormalities, but want to perform additional tests to be certain.


Silvio's! Physicians: Shocked by the assault -- except Dottore Tano
Carridi (At Right), CAT scan director, who wanted extra Pet Treats.

The physicians also agreed that he has Un Poco Pene, then showed scans to reporters and cleaning women on the night staff before blowing off the remainder of their shift to eat Pasta Pesto, or play with catnip bags in the shape of the Pope.

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Turning Around Twice

One reason dogs turn around before lying down to sleep is because that's what instinctively feels right. Ancestral wolves traveled in packs for a number of reasons. Perhaps dogs turn around today because the practice has become ingrained after thousands of years. When wild packs of dogs turn around before lying down in the wild, they may be establishing their territory and orienting themselves within the circle.

Another reason some experts believe dogs turn around is to trample down the area for comfort. A pack of wild dogs may decide to bed down on a grassy field, for instance, so the individual dogs turn around three times to force the tall grasses down. Any other hazards or obstructions may also be uncovered when dogs turn around three times. This trampling behavior is often observed in domesticated dogs who use padded dog beds, or sleep outdoors routinely.

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Roger Ailes Calls NYT "Scum"

 Imagine The Surprise

 The "Roger Ailes" Balloon For The Upcoming Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

(Photo: Flikr Hive Mind)

Roger Ailes, appointed by Little Rupert Murdoch to run Fox cable news, referred to reporters for the New York Times as "lying scum".

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I posted a much longer rant about this, but frankly I'm a little tired of bile, including my own.  Human nature is often disappointing, small and mean; Ailes is a good representative of the kind of person who makes the world worse, dirtier and more confined in which to live.

There's enough in the public record about his actions which define him clearly; I don't need to add to it, and you don't need to read it.

As the old Zen saying goes, If you sit by the river long enough, the body of your enemy will float by. One day we'll read Ailes' obituary, and the effects of his actions in the world will be what defines him, as it's true for all of us.

Until then, go outside; enjoy the day. Spend time with friends.

Ailes will still be who he is, and he will be fat.

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An Offering Of Darkness

One-Trick Pony

 Mitzy, Wandering In Search Of Substance For His Campaign

(Original Photo: Jim Young / Reuters)

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About Goddamn Time

Town Hall

 "Governor; Sit Down": Richie Rich, Not Happy With Being Told What To Do

I'm not an O-Bot; I'm a Dog, no matter what the Banner this week looks like. But I will not seek, nor will I accept, another replay of the go-go, Lil' Boots' Bush years.

That said, does Obama's team finally understand that, 'independents' aside, what Democrats nationally had to see -- nay; have been begging for, is a show of fire and spine?

I mean, it's one thing to stand out in the snow and sing "The Internationale" until the Cossacks show up. We'll do that. But it's hard going without seeing the embodiment of (albeit tainted) resistance providing a public (albeit failed) enema to the embodiment of the 0.01%. 

MALONE: You said you wanted to get Capone. Do you really wanna get him? You see, what I'm saying is: What are you prepared to do?
NESS: Anything within the law.
MALONE: And then what are you prepared to do? If you open this can of worms, you must be prepared to go all the way. Because they're not gonna give up the fight -- until one of you is dead.
NESS: I want to get Capone! I don't know how to do it.
MALONE: You wanna know how to get Capone? They pull a knife, you pull a gun. He sends one of yours to the hospital; you send one of his to the morgue. That's the Chicago way! And that's how you get Capone. Now; do you want to do that? Are you ready to do that? I'm offering you a deal. Do you want this deal?
NESS: I have sworn to capture this man with all legal powers at my disposal and I will do so.
MALONE: [Sighs] Well... the Lord hates a coward. [offers NESS his hand; NESS shakes it] Do you know what a blood oath is, Mr. Ness?
NESS: Yes.
MALONE: Good, 'cause you just took one.

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MEHR:  Mitzy's son, Tagg, one of his father's closest campaign advisers, told a conservative talk-show host in North Carolina (are there any other kinds, down there?) said that he would have liked to "take a swing" at the President during the Tuesday debate when Obama suggested that candidate Romney had some teensy issues with telling the truth.

“You want to rush down the debate stage and take a swing at him but you know you can’t do that because, well first cause there is a lot of secret service between you and him,” Tagg Romney said of what he would have liked to during the presidential debate earlier this week.

“This is the nature of the process,” the Romney son said, who sounded jovial in his remarks. “You know they are going to do everything they can to try to make my dad into someone he’s not. We signed up for it. We gotta kinda sit there and take our punches, and then send them back the other way.”

A campaign aide later told ABC News that Tagg Romney’s remarks were all in jest.

 These are the kinds of comments that spilled easily from the mouth of "Lil' Boots" Bush, either as a candidate or as the appointed President. 

Tagg's comments were of course echoed by his brothers Gnargn, Horst, Heber, Reinhard and Fluke.

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