From the ridiculous to the merely tacky.
Today, it's not the plastic surgery industry that's seeking to profit from the Messiah's election; it's the home furnishings industry.
Last night, I was on the Metro platform at Gallery Place and noticed two large banners hanging from the balcony (the mezzanine, in Metro-speak). Two large banners in yellowish-gold reading "Embrace Change." I walked up a little closer to see what the fine print said, and it turned out they were ads for IKEA. Yes, IKEA, the furniture outfit.
In my search this morning, I haven't found anything about this ad campaign, but I wrote down the URL last night, and here's the campaign's website.
"Where do you stand on domestic policy?" it asks. "Speak out and let the president know your suggestions for fiscally responsible home furnishings." Very cute.
Also: "Enter your email to be updated when the Oval Office planner is up and running to make your voice heard!"
OK, I'll make my voice heard now. This is almost as tacky as the Obama camp's solicitation of money in a lottery for tickets to the inauguration. (At least IKEA is a commercial enterprise. I mean, at least IKEA is a self-described commercial enterprise.)
Showing posts with label Barack Obama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Barack Obama. Show all posts
December 31, 2008
Home furnishings we can believe in
December 28, 2008
Plastic surgery we can believe in
This is absolutely the best print ad of the year. Without a doubt, the best!
Assuming, of course, that you define "the best" as "the most shameless and outlandish (and therefore hilarious) effort to cash in on Obama's election."
The ad below appears in the Washington Post Sunday Magazine today. You can click for, uh, a larger image, but I'll quote the relevant text, which the ad places strategically on top of the woman's right breast:
The ad copy then discusses the clinic and actually continues on for another page, but this is all you need to see.The Ultimate You
With 2008 coming to a close, the main theme of the new year is change. President-Elect Barack Obama ran a successful campaign with the promise of change, and Americans seem ready to embrace it, despite an uncertain economy. With Americans becoming increasingly thriftier, and not spending as much money on themselves, you might think an amazing transformation with the help of plastic surgery is an unattainable luxury. However, watching your finances does not mean that you have to sacrifice your appearance. Many of our featured physicians have tailored some of their services toward affordability, as well as offering financing so that even in these shaky financial times you can still become the "Ultimate You" and feel fantastic about yourself.
I've even created the appropriate poster for it.
December 21, 2008
Sunday linkfest
After a slow week, I figured I'd throw together some links.
1. The media mocked Bush, and an pro-Sadr Iraqi journalist threw shoes at him, but the troops he sent to Iraq gave him a tremendous welcome. It's got to be heard to be believed. (via HotAir)
2. Ronald Radosh on Bush and the Jews.
3. From November, but still timely: Don Feder on the Jewish vote.
4. Almost as old but not quite: Mark Steyn on the murders at Chabad in Mumbai.
5. Coming soon to the Mets' bullpen: J.J. Putz. Next headline: "Some Putz blows the lead." Bonus: New York Times uses the P-word, the clinical term, in its article.
6. Gallows humor.
7. Mocking Time magazine may be easy, but it's still enjoyable.
8. This semi-earnest discussion of the grammar to be used when mixing a certain bad word with Gov. Blagojevich's name is quite amusing.
9. Invest in skateboards?
10. Well, at least Obama will receive excellent advice from his new science advisor. Just tell the Messiah not to invest with him. (via HotAir)
December 14, 2008
Rod Blagojevich and Rahm Emanuel talk business
-- Washington Post
"Rahm Emanuel, President-elect Barack Obama's pick to be White House chief of staff, had conversations with Gov. Rod Blagojevich's administration about who would replace Obama in the U.S. Senate, the Tribune has learned."
-- Chicago Tribune
(Rahm Emanuel walks into Governor Blagojevich's office.)
Rod Blagojevich: Hey, Rahm, get the f*** over here right now.
Rahm Emanuel: F***, Rod, I'm moving my a** as fast as I f***ing can.
Rod Blagojevich: S***, Rahm, tell me the f***ing truth here. You talking to the f***ing feds?
Rahm Emanuel: F***, no, Rod.
Rod Blagojevich: You wearing a f***ing wire?
Rahm Emanuel: F***, no, Rod, can we just stop this s***? I'm telling you the God's honest truth here. No s***. I'm bringing a plan straight from the f***ing Messiah himself.
Rod Blagojevich: The Messiah? Your people f***ing killed the Messiah, Rahm.
Rahm Emanuel: Bulls***, you f***ing anti-semite a**hole. Even the f***ing Pope says we didn't.
Rod Blagojevich: Yeah, s***, Rahm, what's the motherf***er's plan?
Secretary (over intercom): Governor, Dan F***ing Rostenkowski on f***ing line 4.
Rod Bagojevich: S***, b****, will you hold the g**d*** calls for me? I'm in a f***ing meeting. (To Emanuel:) The motherf*****'s plan, Rahm?
Rahm Emanuel: We're totally f***ed, Rod. You're so f***ing hot right now, the Messiah can't touch you with a ten f***ing foot pole.
Rod Blagojevich: What a lame motherf***ing a**hole that b****** is, anyway. Well, what the f*** do we do now? That c*** attorney general of mine is trying to get the f***ing state Supreme Court to push me out of f***ing office. Those guys are such pr***s.
Rahm Emanuel: "Pr***s"? S***, Rod, you gotta shut the f*** up, man. Those f***ers are all that stands between you and your f***ing a** in the f***ing slammer.
Rod Blagojevich: If I go to the f***ing slammer, Rahm, I'm taking a bunch of c*********s with me. We got aldermen up to their f***ing ears in horses***. We got union leaders with horses*** coming out their f***ing nostrils. S***, Rahm, you and that motherf***er you call the Messiah are up to your g**d*** armpits in it.
Rahm Emanuel: Bulls***, Rod, we have no f***ing exposure.
Rod Blagojevich: F*** you, Rahm, you're full of s***.
Rahm Emanuel: No, f*** you, a**hole.
Rod Blagojevich: I mean it, Rahm. F*** you!
Rahm Emanuel: No, f*** you, just f*** you, a**hole!
Rod Blagojevich:
Rahm Emanuel: I love you, Rod.
(They hug.)
UPDATE (12/15): Hot Air says, "Obama internal review: There were no inappropriate contacts with Blago." Ace: "Obama claims that his new statement, 'no inappropriate contacts,' is a reaffirmation of his previous statement, 'no contacts.'" Dang, these guys should have asked me for my transcript.
December 09, 2008
Blagojevich holds an auction
ABC News story. HotAir: "Obama: I never talked to Blagojevich about the Senate seat; Axelrod: Yes, he did."
November 21, 2008
Bill Clinton plans a siege
For previous Clinton photo comics:
Bill Clinton agrees to campaign for Obama
Bill Clinton responds to the New York Times
Bill Clinton gives an interview
Hillary engages in some racial healing
Bill Clinton evaluates HillaryCare II
Bill Clinton supports Hillary's cleavage
Bill Clinton grabs some contributions for Hillary
Hillary responds to Kate Michelman
Hillary begins a conversation
November 17, 2008
Messianic salute
First, he did it to Hillary. Then, he did it to McCain.
Now, he does it in a pose showing how deep and thoughtful he is.
As Baseball Crank (to whom that last link goes) said last spring, he really should be more careful with his finger. I know we'd all like him to flip off the U.N., but if he tried it on, say, Putin, I think there might be international repercussions.
November 15, 2008
He may be the Messiah, but can we expect miracles?
Clyde Haberman, New York Times, Nov. 14, 2008 *
* The online edition reduced the demand a little: "Can Obama Help Kill Baggy Pants Look?"
November 11, 2008
Protocols of the President-Elect
Ready to Rule on Day 1
"Yes, We Can; Therefore, We Will"
November 11, 2008
MEMORANDUM TO ACCEPTED MEDIA SUBJECTS
RE: Protocol for Press Meet-Ups with the President-Elect
The following rules will apply during any meet-up between the President-Elect and Accepted Media Subjects. They will be strictly enforced. Violations will result in subjects' classification as "unaccepted."
1. Prior to any meet-up, Accepted Media Subjects will leave their cell phones, pagers, blackberries, computer laptops, and other electronic devices with presidential security.
2. Meet-ups will begin PROMPTLY at the announced time, give or take 20 minutes. Accordingly, Accepted Media Subjects will be in their assigned seats no later than 30 minutes before the announced time.
3. Accepted Media Subjects will sit ONLY in their assigned seats.
4. There will be no talking while waiting for the arrival of the President-Elect.
5. When the President-Elect is about to enter the room, the meet-up organizer will announce his entrance, and the Civilian National Security Force Concert Band will play "Hail to the Chief-Elect."
6. The protocol for the entrance of the President-Elect is that all Accepted Media Subjects will stand at attention. One Accepted Media Subject will be designated in advance to ask the first question of the President-Elect, which will be in precisely these words: "Mr. President-Elect, the Accepted Media Subjects beseech you to permit them to be seated." No one may be seated until the President-Elect indicates that he so permits.
7. Questions for the President-Elect are to be asked by designated Accepted Media Subjects from the list of approved questions that will be distributed in advance.
8. Follow-up questions are not permitted.
9. The President-Elect will depart through the rear. He will walk down the aisle between the two sections where Accepted Media Subjects are seated. Accepted Media Subjects may indicate, by raising their list of approved questions in their right hand, that they wish to kiss the President-Elect's ring.
10. At the conclusion of the meet-up, an official summary of the answers from the President-Elect will be distributed to all Accepted Media Subjects, and all news stories must follow this official summary. Departures from the official summary will result in classification of the Accepted Media Subject and the Accepted Media Organ for which he or she works as "unaccepted."
November 10, 2008
If Barack Obama were Jewish, instead of the Second Coming of Jesus, Part 14
Obama (shouting into his cell phone): . . . yeah, Ma . . . yeah . . . yeah . . . a national holiday . . . yeah . . . yeah . . . cultish . . . yeah, that's a . . . that's a good word, Ma . . . and you know what? . . . no . . . no . . . you know what, Ma? . . . yeah . . . the orthodox . . . yeah, the frum folks want . . . they want to observe . . . yeah, Ma . . . they want to observe it for . . . for two days, Ma . . . a two-day yontiff, Ma . . .
Story here.
November 09, 2008
Knives out for Rahm on the left?
I've been getting a lot of hits today for my post about whether Josh Bolten, Bush's chief of staff, is Jewish.
I'm guessing the sudden interest is related to the fact that Obama has now chosen Chicago thug Rahm Emanuel as his chief of staff. Rahm is Jewish, too, so you can stop your frantic googling right now.
But it turns out that for rabid Obama supporters on the left, being Jewish is NOT A GOOD THING AT ALL. As Omri Ceren explains at Mere Rhetoric (via Ace),
Pro-Carter shill MJ Rosenberg is asking the far left to eschew anti-Semitic attacks on Emanuel. Not because anti-Semitic attacks are wrong per se - what would the contemporary DNC ever do? More because Emanuel is apparently one of those "good Jews" that DKos cretins compare to "Likud German/Jew Fascists" like Joe Lieberman.
(More from Soccer Dad.) In my experience, a lot of liberal Jews think pretty much everyone to the right of them politically is either an anti-semite or a Jesus freak, which is probably about the same thing to them. To me, this is nuts. On the right, I've come across a small number of anti-semites, but I've been astounded at how many philo-semites there are, given that, politically speaking at least, the Jews are not terribly appealing to them.
In contrast, many Jews seem oblivious to the outright hostility toward Israel and, in many cases, hostility directly toward the Jews themselves that radiate from their allies on the left. So the way I see it is that if the Obama presidency, with Rahm as chief of staff, tests anything, it'll be the willingness of Jewish liberals to continue to turn a blind eye toward "progressive" anti-semitism.
And no, I'm not suggesting Obama himself is an anti-semite. But it would be nice if he told his anti-semitic supporters to put it where the sun don't shine.
November 06, 2008
Winning the 108-year-old vote
McCain apparently wasn't old or experienced enough for this Gaithersburg woman: "Woman, 108, votes in her 22nd presidential election."
From the article:
Though she predicted victory for Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), in part because of his ability to mobilize young voters, she just couldn't get herself to buy into either Obama or Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.). So the 20-year Asbury resident — who moved to Annapolis in the 1920s and worked as a teacher — broke from the Republican ranks for the first time to vote for Ralph Nader.Because there's a guy with gravitas.
The Obama Dow Jones Death Watch
"This was the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal . . . and the Dow Jones Industrial Average began to plummet."
I apologize for being a little serious here, but it's Day 2 after the election and the Dow has plummeted again. Down over 10% in two days since the election. Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea for the man to say, "You know, we're not going to raise taxes after all, and we're going to push for a capital-gains tax cut for everyone." I mean, the election's over, and he can say whatever he wants, including things that actually make sense.
The suck-up and spin headline award goes to AFP: "Despite Obama win, Wall Street turns to hard days ahead."
This one makes more sense to me, from AP: "Stocks plunge as investors ponder Obama presidency."
And if you think I'm just being mean and vindictive, consider this: It's the worst two-day percentage drop since the crash of October 1987.
Consider what this means, too: "World markets traded lower Wednesday despite strong gains in Asia overnight as investors booked profits after Senator Barack Obama won the U.S. presidential election and the Democrats took a firmer hold on Congress." Booking profits means they're expecting the market to fall. It doesn't mean what the article suggests -- that investors were somehow doing well as a result of the election.
Biggest post-election plunge ever.
UPDATE (11/8): OK, the Dow went up 248 points yesterday, recovering just over a quarter of the two-day loss. It won't go down forever.
But Dana Milbank, one of my least favorite Posties, made this amusing point about Obama's press conference on Friday:
When Obama began his speech, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 255 points for the day.Now that the election's over and their guy won, I guess they can loosen up a little.
The AP's Nedra Pickler asked what economic measures he would take in his first 100 days. He offered boilerplate about how "my transition team is going to be monitoring very closely what happens over the course of the next several months." The Dow's gains shrank to 145 points.
ABC News's Jake Tapper asked how he would respond to a congratulatory letter from Iran's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. "I will be reviewing the letter from President Ahmadinejad, and we will respond appropriately," Obama answered. The Dow's increase on the day had shrunk to 131 points. Only after Obama disappeared behind the curtain did the market resume its advance.
November 05, 2008
Visitor of the day -- 11/5
And already the questions begin . . .
UPDATE: If you're thinking, "WTF?" right about now, try this post, where I've previously explained "suck eggs."
Another vote: no confidence
"This was the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal . . . and the Dow Jones Industrial Average began to plummet."
[Ed. - I know it technically didn't "begin" to plummet, but it had actually climbed 1,450 points in the previous 6 days of trading, up from 8,175 on Oct. 28.]
.
November 04, 2008
If Barack Obama were Jewish, instead of the Second Coming of Jesus, Part 13
Obama (shouting into his cell phone): . . . no . . . no, Governor . . . no, Ed . . . no, I didn't say that . . . I said, monitors at the . . . at the polling places . . . right . . . no, Ed . . . you putz . . . you goddam putz, Ed . . . I said A-D-L monitors, Ed . . . Ed . . . A-D-L monitors, not . . . not J-D-L . . .
Story: Philly police called to deal with Black Panthers at polls
November 03, 2008
Pre-election linkfest
Here's a short linkfest to keep you political junkies from having to hit the refresh button at your favorite news sites and blogs in the hope that you'll get some useful information.
1. Here's an argument against early voting. (via Instapundit) For what it's worth, I'm voting NO on the early-vote ballot issue in Maryland. What could possibly go wrong with early voting?
2. Contrary to some expectations, it seems younger Jews are more likely to vote for McCain than older ones. (via Volokh)
3. If you vote, you might be eligible for, er, sex toys. (via HotAir) If you vote early, you need to work on your technique.
4. Speaking of which, the feds may be moving closer to running a strip joint. Insert your own joke here. (hat tip: fee simple)
5. Headline of the day: "Nudist group wants clothing-optional polling site."
6. Obama salutes McCain.
7. Taxman. (via HotAir)
UPDATE: 8. The six most insane people to run for President. (hat tip: Right Hand Son)
October 29, 2008
If Barack Obama were Jewish, instead of the Second Coming of Jesus, Part 12
Obama (shouting into his cell phone): . . . no, Ma . . . no . . . Ma, listen . . . listen . . . your own mother and . . . your mother and father, Ma . . . Bubbe and Zayde, Ma . . . your own parents . . . they were . . . they were socialists, Ma . . . Ma . . . they were, Ma . . . and . . . and . . . it really isn't . . . it isn't socialism what I . . . what I say now, Ma . . . because, Ma . . . Ma . . . it's more like . . . just think of it . . . think of it as . . . as tikkun olam, Ma . . . Ma . . .
October 26, 2008
Charles Fried and William Weld come under fire
The Scene: Colombia, 50 miles outside Bogota
Charles Fried and William Weld share the rear seat of a black Mercedes belonging to the American Embassy. Their driver, a grizzled vet who works for the Embassy, explains the rules of the road.
Driver: This next 15 mile stretch we call "Death Alley." Coupl'a villages owned by FARC. Owned. You know why we call 'em FARC, don'tcha? 'Cause if you come unprepared, you get farked. Get it? Dangerous s*** here. But I came prepared. See that weapon on the seat?
Fried: Quite impressive.
Driver: 'Bout 20 rounds a second. Got some protection behind me, too. Four guys in the car, all armed to the teeth.
Weld: So then . . .?
Driver: You gentlemen just listen up here. This car's armored, but if there's shooting, I'm gonna yell, and you're gonna hafta get your asses on the floor quick. No -- more than quick.
Fried: The floor's dirty.
Driver: Holy s***, mac. We're talkin' f***in' killer terrorist FARCers. When I yell, you drop.
Weld: This is a $1,200 suit.
Driver: You want a $1,200 casket? Go ahead, don't listen to me.
Fried: I'm a law professor at Harvard.
Driver: S***, I don't care where you're from, and FARC don't care, either.
Weld: I care. I studied at Harvard, too, undergrad and law school.
Driver: What the f*** is wrong with you? I live with FARC every day. I know this s***.
Fried: Where did you go to college?
Driver: College? I didn't go to college. Got drafted, four years in 'Nam. Saw six buddies get their heads blown off. You're my age. You serve?
Weld: I was deferred.
Driver: He was deferred. I fought for you, then. And when I got home, I took business classes at community college at night, doing security work during the day.
Weld: Charles, I don't trust him. I hardly even know anyone who didn't go to Harvard.
Fried: I agree, Bill. I had a student who was president of the law review a few years ago, went into the foreign service. I'll call him right now. He'll have a far more sophisticated and nuanced approach.
(Loud gunfire is heard. Two jeeps cross an open field toward the cars.)
Driver: Jesus, it's FARC! Get the f*** down on the floor!
(He grabs the weapon next to him.)
Fried: Hold on, I'm making a phone call.
Weld: If he's not there, call Barack. That's a no-brainer. We could use his calm and intellect here.
(More gunfire. The car screeches off.)
Story here and here.
October 23, 2008
If Barack Obama were Jewish, instead of the Second Coming of Jesus, Part 11
Obama (shouting into his cell phone): . . . no . . . no, Ma . . . no . . . it was just . . . just a rhetorical flourish . . . Ma . . . no, Ma . . . Joe's . . . Joe's a good guy, Ma . . . he's just . . . what? . . . yeah . . . yeah . . . gaffes, Ma . . . that's the word you're . . . you're looking for, Ma . . . gaffes, yeah . . . yeah, I know, Ma . . . I know . . . she's . . . she's better looking, Ma . . . I didn't pick him for . . . right, Ma, his looks . . . no . . . no, Ma . . . we'll be OK . . . no . . . no, Ma, Joe isn't secretly . . . he isn't a Republican, Ma . . .
Story.
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