Over the past decade, the Philippines has been stung by a series of killings all reportedly provoked by karaoke versions of Frank Sinatra's "My Way".
Local media call them "My Way killings", and they are occurring in some of the Philippines' thousands of karaoke-filled bars, cafs and restaurants. Someone gets up, clears his or her throat, and chooses My Way from a list of songs. The lyrics appear on a screen, the music begins to play - and the trouble begins. read more
As the National Tea Party Convention concluded this weekend, it's clear that the Tea Partiers are propelled by two competing claims," writes political analyst John Avlon, after spending time with the Teabaggers, " -- a principled commitment to fiscal conservatism and a serious case of Obama Derangement Syndrome." read more
President Barack Obama's campaign strategy for Democrats in the November elections is taking shape -- appeal to Republicans to make compromises and if they do not, accuse them of obstruction. "I told my Republican friends I want to work together with them where I can -- and I meant it," Obama said Thursday. "And I told them I will also call them out if they say they want to work on something then when I offer a hand, I get nothing in return." read more
The pink Ouija board game specifically designed for girls aged 8 and older that's sold for $19.99 at Toys R Us has critics seeing red. Stephen Phelan, communications director for Human Life International (which bills itself as the largest international pro-life organization worldwide) and who has never played the game, said the Bible explicitly states "not to mess with spirits" and that using a Ouija board will leave a person's soul vulnerable to attack. read more
Some GOPers and Teabaggers appear to have banded together into tribelettes in an attempt to establish an idealized, free-market existence in isolated, out-of-the-way valleys. In this rugged State of Nature the standard unit of currency is the pig and women know their place. read more
"Condescending Liberals" of the US Unite - A Washington Post article that sought to explain why liberals are so condescending was full of dubious assertions" by Dan Kennedy (www.guardian.co.uk) rips rightwing stooge Gerard Alexander a new one and concludes:
"American liberals, to a degree far surpassing conservatives," Alexander writes, "appear committed to the proposition that their views are correct, self-evident, and based on fact and reason, while conservative positions are not just wrong but illegitimate, ideological and unworthy of serious consideration."
There's a reason for that, but it's not the one Alexander wants you to believe.
Mescaline, that's my guess.