ROCKWELL – Here in the Era of Opinion As Fact, it can sometimes be difficult to know who’s got the sharpest minds, the best sources, and the hardest talk.

Three Words: McLaughlin Group, motherfucker.

I promise you this: it is hella reasonable.

So, it’s time to grow up, pour yourself a tall, gin-based beverage in a handsome glass and start to deal with news commentary like an adult.  Looking at you here, Gen-X.

But don’t whine to your therapist yet, Nancy Pants.  I won’t go all R. Lee Ermey on you here.  With the help of my finest associate, Franklin Mint, I have assembled a McLaughlin Group primer by way of profiling its most prominent commentators to help you acclimate yourself to the only news commentary you will ever need.

MEET ME BEHIND THE BREAK, CANDY-ASSES!

[Read more →]

Tags: Economics, Methodology, Politics by Cash Money
1 Comment »

Rep. Patrick Kennedy asked not to participate in the Sacrament of the Eucharist…article on CNN.

I think I just need to stop reading the news for awhile. I saw this sign as part of an article on CNN this morning, I read it thinking to myself, “umm, what?”  I knew I would regret clicking on the story because it would just infuriate me and give me that sour taste of disgust for the Catholic church, AH-gain.  I don’t think ANYONE in their right mind is Pro-Abortion.  Is this what Pro-Choicers are being called today by antagonistic Pro-Lifers?  Or is this sign simply what it reads?

[Read more →]

Tags: Politics by Nekogirl
No Comments »

When I showed you my Ubuntu-based netbook and the CAD software I was running through WINE last summer, you almost seemed hurt when you asked if I had given up on Apple. At the time I quickly dismissed the possibility but looking at the intervening months (even as I compose this on my venerable MacBook Pro) I think the honest truth is a little less shiny.

We got that Apple IIgs in ‘87 or ‘88. Its capabilities were broad-ranging and we used it in every way possible short of compiling new software. Looking back now, though, its most compelling feature for me was its ability to accept and run BASIC programs, even without disk drives connected. Like the old Sinclair computers in England, there was an understanding that the most basic function of a computer was to run user-created code.
[Read more →]

Tags: Aesthetiophilia, Methodology, Politics, Technophilia, Uncategorized by KahrlZero
1 Comment »

So, a couple weeks back several members of the BOL staff had given theirtwo cents about the gay marriage being overturned. Since I have been conspicuously absent I thought I would add my much belated opinion. Firstly, that sucks. I have a lot of friends that would like to get married but can’t. Secondly, legalizing gay marriage is good for the economy, so when you’re poor and bitching about how the governor doesn’t do enough, blame yourself for voting poorly. And lastly, for my gay friends out there who are feeling down and defeated and think it will never come true, don’t worry. In the future there will be open and legal gayness everywhere. If you don’t believe me watch Star Trek.

I know, I know what you’re thinking. “But that’s the sixties, everything back then was full of sexual tension. Look at Spartacus” This may be so, but have you taken a closer look at Star Trek: Next Generation? Keep in mind this is the future. Things are more open then, or I mean will be.

See! In the future gays will have equal rights and everything will be ok. So, stop trying to outlaw gay marriages.

Tags: Audiophilia, I should probably go to bed, Politics, Videophilia by Gestalt
No Comments »

<begin>

Right. Not exactly anime, I know.

Perhaps I’ve been overly influenced by the fact that a new comics store opened only three blocks away from me recently, but I’ve been on a tear through Transmetropolitan, DMZ, and The Walking Dead these last few weeks. And by tear my inference is that entire days, nay, whole weekends at a time have succumbed to their inky goodness.

Needless to say, my wallet hates me.

Then again, it probably hates you too. But that’s inconsequential. You’re not chained to the thing.

For me at least though, I enjoy the sheer physicality of holding a trade collection, or a book for that matter,  down to the smell of the ink and even paper cuts. Antiquated, I know. But coming across a recent tweet announcing that Joss Whedon’s X-men was going all moving picturish on Hulu put me in mind of this. It’s a remarkable example of the successful convergence of forms. A moving comic. Not animated mind you, simply moving. And frankly, the outcome is really pretty stunning.

[Read more →]

Tags: Aesthetiophilia, Pictoriphilia, Videophilia by Etruscan
No Comments »

RIO DE JANEIRO – I’m really looking forward to the 2016 Olympics.

I don’t really care about sports, per se, but I am going to watch the run up to the games vividly and then I’m going to laugh and laugh and laugh.

Why?

Well, besides the fact that landing at the airport is one of the most dangerous approaches in the world, I have had the good fortune to see the 2002 film, City of God (Cidade de Deus).

[Read more →]

Tags: Economics, Politics, Videophilia by Cash Money
No Comments »

I am not sure exactly when it happened (maybe a year ago?) but one day this magazine appeared on my coffee table that had eccentric and fascinating artwork ingrained on the cover.  It had peaked my interest enough to fan through it quickly and see just what this was all about.  I stopped the pages from flying and paused on a page that made my jaw drop.  I turned another page and another and another and my jaw never closed.  Then I decided to go back to the beginning of the magazine and zip through it page by page, taking my time to examine and read the articles that accompanied the pictures.  Only the “zipping” turned into about an hour or so of reading.  I couldn’t believe some of the amazing work that I was holding in my hand.  I felt like I had found something that the word “cool” or “amazing” could not do full justice to.  I no longer needed to go searching the interwebz, it was right here all in one place, collected for me and my viewing pleasure.

Hi-Fructose Magazine covers:

The latest volume 13 blew my mind so I knew it was time I talked about it and get the word out.  What’s great about this magazine is that I don’t always find everything in it that fits my taste but I can still appreciate it as art.  I know I can’t do it justice so you’re just gonna need to see it for yourself to understand what I mean.  You can order it from the website or grab it a your local bookstore.  Either way, this is a must read to add to your list.

Here are a few covers from their previous issues…

It comes out quarterly and each issue is only $7.  Check out the website for info on artists, art shows, past issues and of course the art world as seen under the counter culture.

Hi-Fructose Magazine link for the non-hipster in you.

Tags: Aesthetiophilia, Pictoriphilia by Nekogirl
No Comments »