Spain Humiliates the U.S.

I feel sick. Spain is seeking warrants for the arrests of six Bush administration officials for authorizing torture, including Alberto Gonzales, Jon Yoo, Doug Feith and David Addington.

The potential fallout for our global standing, already in the toilet, is catastrophic. Cheney has publicly defended the torture, he and Bush oversaw, since the Bush administration ended. He's taken categorical responsibility for it. We could soon be living in a country where our former president and vice president cannot leave our borders without fear of arrest, a la Augusto Pinochet.

Is this even registering with you? Can you really hear this and not want to throw up? And why Spain? Can't we take some responsibility for ourselves?

Thankfully, Dawn Johnsen is Obama's selection to head up the Office of Legal Council. That very office is where Yoo drafted the infamous torture memo. Johnsen is a vehement Geneva apologist and advocate of humane treatment. Her selection gives a glimmer of hope that the US, under Obama, Holder, and Johnsen, will take responsibility for prosecuting our own citizens responsible for war crimes.

If we can beat Europe to the punch by prosecuting these unapologetic, criminal demons, we will be able to recapture some moral authority during a moment in history in which we, and the world, so desperately require us to.

global edition

We all know that the social safety net in europe is stronger than it is here. Put another way, Europe has one and we do not. Still, it's sometimes difficult to think of European solutions to our problems, even when examples of their success are close at hand. Enter: the NYTimes global edition.

You can easily click through to the global edition from the regular times homepage. I was quickly exposed to ten writers I wouldn't have otherwise read today. They were advocating for shorter, more flexible work weeks as a replacement for layoffs in the United States. There's the problem of the safety net, yet some job is always better than no job, especially if you live in Kentucky; or Brooklyn for that matter.

Of course I look at European papers when I can, but having the editorial voice of the Times cull and organize the cacophony for me is very helpful. I feel smarter already, although I did just finish my second cup of coffee and that often does it.

Anyone else think this might be the last reorganization of the nytimes.com online content before they make the big jump to online monetization? I'm definitely getting that feeling.

memo

Loons on the Lake

As a friend observed today, the loons are out in force on Madison lakes, being heard all about the shoreline. The lake is now completely without ice. Madison was dumped upon by snow, last night, which makes for an interesting juxtaposition of lively water and frozen ground.

Maybe all those protesting loons made the melt start so swiftly, today.

Listen to the call of the loon here.

gauges

still, there is only one real measure for the end of a fire. you know it's over when it stops burning.

(photo: paul dorfman)

Ze Frank, in Spain, Drinks Until They're Drained

Ze Frank likes to eat and talk.

Normally, this wouldn't strike me as news, but the internet-baby slayer, Ze Frank, is rarely pictured surrounded by finery and I just thought you should see him soak it up. I'm glad he knows how to have a good time.

You can see his latest work by following the link in the sidebar. Click the internal links above if you want to see episodes of "the show with ze frank". Clicking through, of course, implies limited knowledge of ze frank or a lasting curiosity. Whichever, enjoy the brain crack.

"Executive Assassination Ring" says Sy Hersh

There's a good article at truthout right now. It transcribes, and provides audio of a Seymour Hersh lecture in which he gives a preview of his next book. Specifically, he describes an special combat unit that reported to no one but Cheney and had the power to assassinate people, overseas, at will. Any of those links will take you there.

There's more, if more formal, reportage by Hersh about the potential for peace accords between Israel and Syria.

Seeing as we're limited to about one or two articles from this man per year, I'd say start savoring.

ShamWow Vince Arrested for- You Don't Even Want to Know

This is not a nice story. It's only worth noting because it's curious the way this strange man's smarminess may now, somehow, translate into hooker battery.

legit story here (at the smoking gun)

You know Vince from ShamWow. He was arrested for beating up a prostitute that bit his tongue and wouldn't let go.

Below you'll find a video for Slap Chop, a lesser know pitch by Vince.

If you like Slap Chop, google "cock punch slap chop" and maybe cross reference it with funny or die... I'm to lazy to find the code, but you'll thank me.

Degrees of Ween

I'm late to the Chris Harford party. I tripped across this as I was reminiscing of my days gone by scored by Ween.

Dean Ween really is the Jimmy Hendrix of my generation. His guitar is soul crushing. I don't care who knows I have a crushed soul.

He takes over the song around the five minute mark. Chris Harford's longish ode to himself is worth a listen. No need to fast forward; unless you're running out the door, enjoy the whole of the Ween brothers backing up this eminently competent songwriter.

Chris Harford Myspace

Rise Up Children

You may not be aware of this, but this is the new face of the revolution. If you, like me, are sick and tired of the fascist Marxists ruining our country with their condoms, rock and roll and blackness, contact the human toilet below and spew your bullshit to her. She'll listen.