Monthly Archives: May 2012

Nine Issues That May Frame the Next Generation of Political Debate

Posted on May 25, 2012 by Tom Garrett

With gay marriage legalization proliferating and the near-inevitability of same-sex marriage being legal in nearly every jurisdiction within a decade, the question becomes what will be the next “cause” that will begin to make legislative gains over the next twenty … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, Politics | Tagged Commentary, Conservatism, Culture War, Fossil Fuels, Freedom of Speech, Hate Speech, Immigration, Income Redistribution, Liberalism, Libertarianism, Marriage Law, Politics, Religion, Student Debt, The Constitution, The Environment, The First Amendment, The Rich, The War on Drugs, Vegans, Vegetarians | 4 Comments

Not Creepy Enough

Posted on May 23, 2012 by Tom Garrett

This 1988 ad for a local optical shop seems misguided at best. The concept is that their low prices allow customers to purchase two pairs of glasses for the same price that their competitors charge for one pair assembled (is that … Continue reading →

Posted in General Culture and News, Pictures | Tagged 1980's, Advertising, Bret Michaels, Cultural Artifacts, Glasses, Humor, Mutants, The 80's | 2 Comments

Awkward Moments in Entertainment History: A Steady Ringtone

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Tom Garrett

Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig had already established themselves as international film stars by 2009. Each achieved superstardom thanks to involvement with powerhouse movie franchise: Jackman was “Wolverine” from the X-Men series, while Craig landed the coveted role of James … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, General Culture and News | Tagged A Steady Rain, Awkwardness, Commentary, Daniel Craig, Etiquette, General Culture and News, Hugh Jackman | Leave a comment

Any Minute Now

Posted on May 15, 2012 by Tom Garrett

After years of outcry from frustrated fans and media members, the BCS appears to be headed toward extinction. In its place, college football’s highest division will—at last—adopt a playoff system. The details are uncertain at the moment, but the general … Continue reading →

Posted in Pictures, Sports | Tagged BCS, College Football, College Football Playoffs, Pictures, Sports, The 1980s, Wishful Thinking | Leave a comment

SitCombat: 5/10/12

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Tom Garrett

The future of the Office and 30 Rock is still in doubt, although both may be moving toward official renewals. Both also may wind up knowing going in that next season will be their last. 30 Rock moves along a … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, Reviews, Television | Tagged 30 Rock, Bob Kazimakis, Commentary, CrissPoints, French-Canadian Kissing, Krang, Mayor BOOmberg, off-brandheelz.com, Reviews, Scott Scottsman, SitCombat, Sitcoms, Television, The Coupling Shed, The Office | 1 Comment

The Triumph of Self-Determination

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Tom Garrett

The legislature of the state of Washington recently passed a measure to begin allowing same-sex marriages once the governor signs the bill into law this summer. This action mirrored what occurred a few months earlier in the state of New … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, Politics | Tagged Amendment One, Barack Obama, Civil Rights, Commentary, Gay Marriage, Politics | 9 Comments

SitCombat: 5/3/12

Posted on May 4, 2012 by Tom Garrett

There’s no elaborate introduction necessary this week. The fact of the matter is that 30 Rock has claimed victory a record nine straight weeks. Given the struggles of the Office of late, Alec Baldwin and company have a terrific opportunity … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, Reviews, Television | Tagged 30 Rock, Please Defwink Responsibly, Reviews, SitCombat, Sitcoms, Television, The Office | Leave a comment

Unfortunate Placement

Posted on May 2, 2012 by Tom Garrett

I mentioned recently that I had been working on a couple of research projects at the library. The details are unimportant (and boring), but the research involves perusing a lot of old newspapers on microfilm (or microfiche—I don’t know the … Continue reading →