Of all the heinously criminal dealings that have the potential to bring down Silvio Berlusconi, it seems as though he might just be done in by an 18-year-old chippie named Noemi Letizia. The irony, of course, is that it was La Berlusca himself who single-handedly created an Italian culture that couldn’t give a shit about real issues, but sinks its teeth into a scandal like a fucking pit bull.
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Nothing says, "I'm more of a badass than Ann Coulter" like a leather vest and chola makeup.

“If you take your kids to see Watchmen, you’re a moron.

If you see it yourself, you’re also probably a moron and a vapid, indecent human being.”

That’s how Debbie Schlussel, D-list Ann Coulter wannabe, begins her thoughtful, measured review of this year’s biggest box office hit. She’s a real charmer, our Debbie.

Now, I agree with the first statement – and apparently, so does the Motion Picture Association of America, which gave the film an R rating. But does the second statement not, by default, name her as a vapid, indecent human being? Oh, right, she was just performing a service for dull-minded parents who do whatever their kids tell them to do.

If you’re wondering why her name sounds familiar, you might know her as the author of a twice-weekly column entitled, “Debbie Does Politics.” She is a role model for the children, really.  And drag queens.

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This photo of a forlorn-looking Eiffel Tower was taken by me, your intrepid Foreign Correspondent, at midnight on New Year’s Eve to document the fact that THERE WERE NO FIREWORKS. Little did I know, however, that all the action was happening out in les banlieues of Paris and beyond, where Champagne and canapés have been replaced by the annual torching of cars to ring in the New Year.
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You thought that snoozer the other night was the final time Obama and McCain faced off on the hard-hitting issues of the day?  Oh-ho no, children.  As any ardent fan of West Wing knows, the Al Smith Dinner is the make-or-break moment of any Presidential campaign.

After the jump, both candidates’ speeches for your consideration.

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NPR has a fun little electoral map that lets you play along! Simply click on each state until it becomes the color you want, and then check your totals at the bottom (hover over each state for polling and electoral vote numbers). It looks innocent enough, but if you’re anything like me you’re going to push it, plug in your nightmare scenario and start hyperventilating.

What wacky combination will send you over the edge?  Mine made Colorado this year’s Ohio/Florida! Luckily for me, it’s almost cocktail hour!  Enjoy!

I can’t wrap my head around what’s happening in the world, and everything is scary and dark and cold. Nothing makes sense.  So, I’m retreating into my happy place – West Wing DVDs on constant loop until November 4.  Join me behind the jump, and pretend with me that everything is right and good, won’t you?
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I found this to be a most excellent and timely word of the day, and something I think all of us Stinquers should feel free to incorporate into any intelligent political discussion:

hey rube

MEANING:

noun: 1. A fight between members of a circus and the general public. 2. A call to rally circus members in a fight.

ETYMOLOGY:

The term originated in the 19th century when circuses were rowdy affairs and Hey Rube was the rallying cry to call all circus people to help in a fight with townspeople. It’s not clear whether Rube in this term was someone specific or simply a use of the informal term rube (shortened form of Reuben) for an unsophisticated person from a rural area.

Please discuss proper usage in the comments.