The Pony Club

Get ready to get down, Greek-style

2010-05-29T16:24:00.005+01:00

A lot of the P-Club are of to Santorini for the Scout's nuptials next week, which seems like a pretty good excuse to post this great scene from Zorba the Greek:

Yiamas!

- Mr. Ed and Beigey

Speaking of silly...

2010-05-07T06:41:00.005+01:00

Late update: Labour holds penistone.

Swing spares Balls...

2010-05-07T05:31:00.006+01:00

And it seems a hung parliament beckons. Despite the lack of a decisive outcome, it certainly has been an exciting election. I've been glued to the BBC livestream all evening, it's uncanny how similar the coverage is to this classic:

Plus ca change...

Mr. Ed

We Had a Hell of a Good Time Together

2010-04-28T21:38:00.002+01:00

I found this in our stable shortly after Bluecupboard physically left our Earthly Pastures - I know I was meant to find it.

Taken from What Do You Care What Other People Think? by Richard P. Feynman.

"It's hard to explain. If a Martian (who, we'll imagine, never dies except by accident) came to Earth and saw this peculiar race of creatures - these humans who live about seventy or eighty years, knowing that death is going to come - it would look to him like a terrible problem of psychology to live under those circumstances, knowing that life is only temporary. Well, we humans somehow figure out how to live despite this problem; we laugh, we joke, we live.

The only difference for me and Arlene was, instead of fifty years, it was five years. It was only a quantitative difference - the psychological problem was just the same. The only way it would have become any different is if we had said to ourselves, "But those other people have it better, because they might live fifty years." But that's crazy. Why make yourself miserable saying things like, "Why do we have such bad luck? What has God done to us? What have we done to deserve this?" - all of which, if you understand reality and take it completely into your heart, are irrelevant and unsolvable. They are just things that nobody can know. Your situation is just an accident of life.

We had a hell of a good time together."

Beigey. x

Won't Someone think of the Ponies

2010-04-28T16:23:00.002+01:00

- Via No 1 Fan Grace

Snow my god!

2010-02-12T13:54:00.002Z

It's been a mighty cold and snowy winter all over the northern hemisphere. Now, it seems even little old Chucktown might get a taste of the white stuff. From teh Wethurdotcom:

The storm will reach a position just off the South Carolina coast by late tonight. Once it reaches this point it is expected to intensify which will spread snow up the South Carolina coast bringing accumulating snows to places like Charleston and Myrtle Beach before pulling out to sea Saturday morning.

Very excited about seeing palm-trees with snow on them!

- Mr. Ed

How do they do that?

2010-02-09T10:47:00.000Z

- Philip

Grey

2010-01-19T21:18:00.005Z

Grey. Grey is the theme. Grey is created through the mixing of complementary colours - colours on opposing sides of the colour wheel doing battle and finding agreement in mulch. Grey is the colour of the day at present. However, it is also the hue of better things. In the grey corner then I present to you, mon petit chaumes, Papercuts - Future Primitive:

And the chromatically similar and similarly sinister, Acts Of Man, by Midlake:

A final wikipedic raid tells us that the first recorded use of grey as a colour name in English was in AD 700. So, um, there.

Monotonously yours
Chives

What is a pearl anyway?

2009-12-06T06:02:00.020Z

A pearl,
like many precious stones, is an accident of nature.
It is for precisely this reason it is held in high esteem;
such accidents are rare.

The oyster seeks only to salve an irritation;
the result, in the the hands of man,
becomes a gem.

It's no secret to most of you P-clubbers that I'm a big - neigh - massive Janis Joplin fan. That said, I'm not an expert on Jople-trivia, so perhaps it shouldn't come as a surprise that I recently stumbled on an interesting tidbit from the life of the Queen of Rock. I knew that Pearl was posthumously released and that it was her best selling album, however, I was not aware that the instrumental track, buried alive in the blues, was never intended to be instrumental at all. Here it is, have a listen:

Joplin was scheduled to record the vocals for buried alive in the blues on October 5th, 1970; tragically, she was found dead on the 4th. The odd thing is, you almost wouldn't notice. The track is already chocked full of instrumental fabulousness (fabulocity?), which is why it's always been one of my favourite songs on the album. It acts as a foil, providing a break from Janis's vocals - yet at same time emphasizing them by their absence - and it also showcases the talents of the sublime Full Tilt Boogie Band backing her.

And it's a curious thing to contemplate: the song that never was. The unfinished work is a common theme in art and science, to be sure; however, the unfinished work that works despite being incomplete, is a rare thing indeed - perhaps that's an awkward way to put it, but I trust you follow my drift. Moreover, what does it mean for art and the intention of artists? I'm reminded of a few of Blue Cupboard's works that Beigey and I found in his studio. They seemed to be complete, yet by their context - their placement in the studio, for example - it seemed equally clear that he did not consider them 'finished'. If we're all postmodernists now - aren't we all? - then who is to say that a work is 'finished' or 'unfinished' anyway? Before this 'post' becomes a rant I'll leave you, dear ponies, but it is something to ponder, no doubt.

Ruminantly ruminating,

- Mr. Ed

Catharsis?

2009-11-22T05:30:00.007Z

Dear Blue Cupboard,

This seems so silly, I can't believe I'm writing to you like this, but somehow it makes sense too. Maybe a blog post or an email is the 21st century version of sending a letter up the flue? I don't know, and I guess it doesn't matter. The point is, I miss you. Terribly. Your absence leaves me achingly, wretchedly alone. I don't really know what to do with myself sometimes, all I want is to have you say one thing - just one thing - back to me. Sometimes I think if I say (or write) bad things, things you wouldn't approve of, maybe you'll send me a signal - any signal would do - and at least I'd know you are there, somewhere. But that's just it, isn't it? You aren't there. For fuck's sake, why aren't you there? Why? For the love of fucking everything, why are we - all of us - denied you? This really isn't fair, or right or anything. I just want one moment, just one split fucking second with you again. Is that so much to ask?

You had a look in your eyes sometimes, often in the last few years, like you knew that I was squandering my time. Did you know this was coming? I hope not. I think sometimes you worried it would, but I hope you didn't dwell on it too much. It's a funny thing really. I find myself alternating between missing you so much that I wish you could see us, even though you're gone, and worrying that if you were able to see us, you'd see how much we we're all suffering and that would be the worst thing in the world. I hope you didn't think this out too much - who am I kidding - I know how vivid your imagination could be, and I'm sure you imagined a million terrible versions of all this. Did you think about what this would do to me, and Annabel and Ella, and our folks? Did you see all this? Was that the sadness in those sweet blue eyes? I really hope you didn't dwell on it too much. After all, that would hurt you more than any shitty tumour could. Isn't that ironic? No, I agree, fuck that.

I miss you so much - it hurts too much - I just can't bare it. I love you so much. I just turned over the record again... I skipped ahead to "You don't have to cry". Remember how we used to laugh about this song, the hippy-dippy lyrics about "living a reality blah blah blah and telephones" and all that shit. Christ on a bike, who will stay up all night with me and talk about that sort of nonsense now? You've left this enormous hole in my life - in our lives - and how the buggery bollocks are we supposed to fill it? There's just no way. No way. I don't even want to think about this - about you - anymore, but can I stop? Can I fuck. It's just the most achingly lonely feeling, not having you in the world. It's just so wrong. and even worse, there is no making it right.

Oh fuck,

- Mr. Ed

Chap hop!

2009-10-30T19:20:00.003Z

I am just the biggest fan of this Elemental chap (and I do mean chap), and his tea-based rapping. Check out "Cup of Brown Joy" below:

When I say herbal, you say no thanks!

- Mr. Ed

You just gotta fill that little space...

2009-10-27T09:33:00.000Z

Something that Chives might appriciate more than most other ponies.

Ya know?

Colin

The front fell off

2009-10-04T16:37:00.002+01:00

Self-explanatory, really.

- Mr. Ed

Via Teh Sully.

Could it be true!?!

2009-09-17T12:01:00.003+01:00

A Pavement reunion? For realz yo!?! Apparently so... In celebration of such joyous news, here's Shady Lane:

- Mr. Ed

Via teh Yglesias

More Mattoy!

2009-09-11T03:36:00.005+01:00

Here's OUB - another installment from the rare and previously unreleased "Rue de Spa Sessions" by Mattoy. I think you'll agree - it's is pointy little number with a swagger several pints wide. The footage, as you all bloody well know, is from a certain past New Year's Eve party. There's a Simon clip in there too, but then it wouldn't be a Zvayam video if it didn't feature Simon. You can click here for a larger version, or watch it below:

- Mr. Ed

How bad options help us make choices

2009-09-07T21:15:00.003+01:00

I stumbled on this the other day and it occurred to me it was pretty damn Pony worthy. By the way, there are lots of other really good TED talks out there on the intertubes to watch too...

- Mr. Ed

Solar Powered?

2009-09-05T07:08:00.003+01:00

Well the P Club finally went global. Recorded and edited literally a quarter of the world apart, here is "Kramfundstum" by Mattoy, with some half-arsed video provided by Zvayam.

Bon Chance mes amis,

Mr. Ed, for Chives Eclair and SqueEZy jUPiter

Happy Birthday Bluecupboard

2009-08-27T19:14:00.008+01:00

We love you and miss you.

- Mr. Ed

Stand by me

2009-05-06T21:27:00.003+01:00

Haven't felt much like posting things lately, but Beigey just played this for me, and it took me back to a long, long time ago when Blue Cupboard and I were foals.

- Dr. Ed

A message...

2009-04-14T17:21:00.004+01:00

from the American Institute for the Destruction of Tooth Fairy Science.

Via Hell's News Stand.

- Mr. Ed

Inescapable future of humanity...

2009-04-07T18:35:00.004+01:00

I pass this dude about five times a day at work, I never knew what research he did though...

Rumour has it that Mr. Colbert will give the commencement address at MUSC on May 15th. Stay tuned for more updates...

- Mr. Ed

Change?

2009-04-06T07:26:00.004+01:00

Oh you better fucking believe it...

- Mr. Ed

P.S.
You can watch (most) of the town-hall meeting here - just click on the link at the right-hand side for the next part.

P.P.S.
You really really should watch the whole speach I linked above, it's just marvelous. If you need any more incentive, here's a little nugget of joy from "prt2":

"As it was in the darkest days after World War II, when a continent lay in ruins and an atomic cloud had settled over the world, we must make the journey together.

We know that transformational change is possible...

for all our differences, there are certain values that bind us together and reveal our common humanity: the universal longing to live a life free from fear, and free from want; a life marked by dignity and respect and simple justice.

Our two republics were founded in service of these ideals. In America, it is written into our founding documents as "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." In France: "Liberté" -- (applause) -- absolutely -- "egalité, fraternité." (Applause.) Our moral authority is derived from the fact that generations of our citizens have fought and bled to uphold these values in our nations and others.

And that's why we can never sacrifice them for expedience's sake.

That's why I've ordered the closing of the detention center in Guantanamo Bay. (Applause.)

That's why I can stand here today and say without equivocation or exception that the United States of America does not and will not torture. (Applause.)"

A-fuckin'-men.

The lost tribes of NYC

2009-04-05T16:16:00.001+01:00

The Lost Tribes of New York City from Carolyn London on Vimeo.

Via teh Sully.

- Mr. Ed

(not really) Star Wars

2009-03-20T15:53:00.003Z

See also Star Wars according to a three year-old.

- Mr. Ed

Jon Stewart Shakes His Fist At Twitter

2009-03-03T15:38:00.001Z

Philip - Via @doctorow

Baboon Metaphysics?

2009-02-27T09:17:00.005Z

Excrement in the Late Middle Ages? Curbside Consultation of the Colon? Yes ponies. This week saw the shortlisting take place for the Oddest Book Title of the Year Award. Baboon Metaphysics is up top and almost over the crest as the bookie's favourite (apparently the bipeds gamble on all manner of things as well as our sprint n'leap activities) but this nag has a sneeking feeling that The Large Sieve and its Applications could be the title to push it all the way.

While we wait in barely containable containers for the result, it would be good to loll a while amongst some of the previous titles to lift the award. In 1980? The Joy of Chickens. 1992? How to Avoid Huge Ships. 2002? Living With Crazy Buttocks.

But in 2004 a tome with an altogether more sensible subject at its core lifted the title and this correspondent for one adds a winny of approval to its doing so - Bombproof Your Horse.

Yours
Chives

Change you can believe in...

2009-02-24T18:29:00.004Z

might just have been an election slogan but this is even better - change that might fund our research! From the Science section of the New York Times (probably the best thing about Tuesdays):

The law gives the National Science Foundation $2 billion in stimulus financing for research grants, and the foundation also has until September 2010 to spend the money. But the foundation will act much faster, pushing nearly all of that money out to scientists within 120 days, said Jeffrey Nesbit, an N.S.F. spokesman. (Last year, the science foundation’s $6.1 billion budget included $4.8 billion for research grants; Congress has not finished work on the budget for the current fiscal year.)

The spending increase comes after six years of nearly flat research budgets at the N.I.H., the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy and other agencies, and growing desperation at research universities, which depend on the agencies to underwrite much of their scientific faculty and laboratory infrastructure.

To speed the process, the science foundation will not put out any new calls for proposals from researchers, but will instead use the money to finance a higher fraction of proposals already under review and to finance old ones that were judged meritorious last year but were rejected for lack of funds.

So, that proposal we submitted in January might really pay off!

Hooves crossed,

- Mr. Ed

The Simpsons Goes HD + New Start

2009-02-16T13:21:00.001Z

- Philip ummmmmmmm snout.

Wow! He's one Big Fella

2009-02-10T16:13:00.005Z

photo by way of The Guardian

Turner Prize winner Mark Wallinger has won the Ebbsfleet Landmark project with a proposal for a 50m high horse. We here at the P-Club, purveyors of all things equine, like to be right on these matters. Jonathan Jones loves the idea, while, in a rundown of the other proposals, Adrian Searle is less than convinced, smelling an Essex boy's joke at the expense of his Kentish neighbours. Who knows... with a human standing below the horse's hoof, a red letter day for horsekind at least...

-yours in a small way, Bluecupboard...

It never ends, this shit.

2009-02-10T09:58:00.001Z

Sony Releases New Stupid Piece Of Shit That Doesn't Fucking Work

- philip

Via Daring Fireball

Bacon Explosion

2009-02-05T14:52:00.005Z

Do you like bacon? I mean really, really like bacon? Then maybe Bacon Today is the website for you. I discovered this compendium of all things thinly-sliced pork when reading about the Bacon Explosion over at BBQ Addicts. What's that, you ask? Behold the raw materials, and feel your arteries harden at just the thought of it:
That is:
2 pounds thick cut bacon
2 pounds Italian sausage
1 jar of your favorite barbeque sauce
1 jar of your favorite barbeque rub

Care must be taken cooking the Bacon Explosion, as this video clearly demonstrates, because with great deliciousness also comes the risk of fat fires...

Alternatively, may I suggest Bacon infused vodka?

Mmmm meaty,

Mr. Ed

Waldron in the news

2009-02-04T15:32:00.002Z

BBC News - Click Here

Video from local BBC News - Click here

- Philip

Look around you

2009-01-31T17:48:00.002Z

I just discovered Look Around You via Boingboing. You can hunt out a number of episodes on youtube. Here's my favourite so far, Sulphur:

effervescent as ever,

- Mr. Ed

Imagine getting news from your computer!

2009-01-29T17:53:00.002Z

A news report from 1981:

I love the "owns home computer" caption when the old guy is talking.

- Mr. Ed

via teh Sully

This made my day

2009-01-26T11:39:00.004Z

Via - Why That's Delightful and you must check out Robert Popper both found via LullyWeb.com

- Philip

Today's the day!

2009-01-20T15:56:00.002Z

It's finally here - the inauguration of our 44th President, Barack Hussein Obama! The E-monster and I are heading up to Marion Square in the centre of Chucktown where, apparently, there will be a big screen and a crowd of people celebrating. We'll be wrapping up warm - it's a brisk 4 degrees C here and they are predicting snow showers later!

More updates to come,

- Mr. Ed

So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, adieu

2009-01-08T15:58:00.002Z

Via the BBC news website, Enjoy - ClickHere.

- Philip

Apple has done it again at MacWorld 2009

2009-01-08T13:32:00.000Z

Apple Introduces Revolutionary New Laptop With No Keyboard

- Philip

How about that

2009-01-08T08:13:00.002Z

No, really - that's awesomeness.

- Mr. Ed

Allen Ginsberg

2009-01-08T07:54:00.003Z

Is awesomeness...

Allen Ginsberg reading his poem (unfinished) "America", March 18th 1956.

- Mr. Ed

Thou shalt not swipe the baby...

2008-12-30T15:14:00.006Z

Whilst sitting here waiting for the ceiling to stop dripping (long story of almost Noah-esque proportions) I came across this little seasonal titbit I felt might be appreciated by all my equine friends out there...

Image from the Alameda Sun

-Bluecupboard

Crimble Jazz

2008-12-23T01:40:00.003Z

Having a jazzy little cristmas drink with Derwent Enterprise (long time reader, first time poster to the P Club) and listening to this super Wes Montgomery tune so... mister maestro will you play:

N'night then,

- Mr. Ed and Derwent Enterprise

It's Christmas...

2008-12-21T06:06:00.008Z

While visiting the Chucktown, Chives and I enjoyed a super little acoustic set by Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent. They played a lot of songs from their fantastic, new-ish album "Shovels and Rope", which is well worth a listen/download. Young Trent has also been busy recording with The Films, and ahead of the release of their new album next year they recorded the little christmas ditty you can enjoy below:

What's the difference,

- Mr. Ed

'Tis the Season

2008-12-18T11:53:00.002Z

Steinbrenner and I just dropped Chives off at Newark Hairport, marking the end of his American Adventures. A little later today I'll be heading back to Blighty myself for the Crimble season. In honour of our last staging post in the US, here is some classic New Jersey Christmas cheer.

- Mr. Ed, Steinbrenner and Chives Eclair (in absentia)

Papervision - Augmented Reality

2008-12-11T15:05:00.001Z

Papervision - Augmented Reality (extended) from Boffswana on Vimeo.

- Philip

Why use Twitter?

2008-12-07T23:00:00.006Z

Every once in a while little gems appear.

- Philip

A feline first?

2008-12-02T22:47:00.004Z

This postcard from 1905, recently found in a Seattle antique shop, might just be the oldest LOLcat in existence. Intruigingly, this paleo-LOLcat shares more than just an all-caps caption with the cat that started it all; as the folks at ICHC point out, this kitteh seems to want cheezburger too.

More LOLz at I can has cheezburger.

-Mr. Ed

M(a)pple + The Simpsons - Big Joy

2008-12-01T13:00:00.003Z

Oh how you mock my favorite fruit Mr Groening - Philip

Just to make you all smile

2008-11-25T17:18:00.000Z

- Philip

Harden the F**k up!

2008-11-18T20:48:00.002Z

This comes courtesy of our shaggy Czech pony friend. The sentiments found herein struck a rather harmonious chord with my own personal manifesto however.

Yours equinely

Colin

Mitch Mitchell 1947-2008

2008-11-16T22:59:00.004Z

I was sad to hear of the passing of Mitch Mitchell last week. I always loved his busy, jazz influenced freestyle. Sometimes chaotic, sometimes precise, always rocking and somehow keeping up with, if not balancing the genius of Hendrix's guitar. Rest In Peace Mitch or if that's too dull for you jam with Jimi & Noel.

Terry Stewart, chief executive of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, said Mitchell transformed his instrument from a "strictly percussive element to a lead instrument."

"His interplay with Jimi Hendrix's guitar on songs like 'Fire' is truly amazing," Stewart said Wednesday. "Mitch Mitchell had a massive influence on rock 'n' roll drumming and took it to new heights."

- Scout (after a nod from Blue Cupboard)

Breaking News

2008-11-13T12:07:00.000Z

- Philip

Fruit Bat Joy...

2008-11-12T09:28:00.003Z

Whilst tucking into our breakfast cereals this very morning, Beigey, Peggysus and my thoughts were drawn to this old chestnut. You've probably seen it several times before, bet somehow I still laughed my hooves off watching it again...

-Bluecupboard

Eleventy-six tonnes of awesome...

2008-11-10T03:21:00.002Z

Via Andrew Sullivan I'll pass this on without further comment.

Get the latest news satire and funny videos at 236.com.

- Mr. Ed

Why this is so good...

2008-11-08T20:05:00.003Z

Well, given the outpouring of enthusiasm for all things Obama here on the P-Club, it's not surprising that some ponies have jumped the fence and started to feel a little jaded. So I present for your delectation a sample of vintage Bush Whitehouse thinking by way of the N.Y.T Magazine of 2004. Ron Suskin was interviewing an unnamed individual working in the Whitehouse at that time:

“The aide said that guys like me were ‘in what we call the reality-based
community,’ which he defined as people who ‘believe that solutions emerge
from your judicious study of discernible reality.’ I nodded and murmured
something about enlightenment principles and empiricism. He cut me off.
‘That’s not the way the world really works anymore,’ he continued. ‘We’re an
empire now, and when we act, we create our own reality. And while you’re
studying that reality – judiciously, as you will – we’ll act again, creating other
new realities, which you can study too, and that’s how things will sort out.
We’re history’s actors . . . and you, all of you, will be left to just study what we
do’.”*

Of course we cannot forsee the future - and who knows, given a few years we might find anything has happened, (Blair was indeed a tragic disappointment on a massive scale [although if you look hard enough on the left people will tell you the same about Trotsky]). However, with any luck this may represent a return to the edges of, oh I don't know, "the reality based community", or something like that...

-Bluecupboard (voting with my hooves)

* Ron Suskin “Without a Doubt,” The New York Times Magazine, October 17, 2004.
I came by way of this from a great essay by Steve Rushton, Masters of Reality The Media of Stimulus and Response,which is available on his weblog here if you want something to get your teeth into...

In response to Colin...

2008-11-08T19:59:00.016Z

I hope that the P Club will always be a home to open debate, and that voices of dissent are always heard. It is in that spirit that I feel that I have to respond Colin's post from a few days ago. (Apologies for the enormous length, I had a lot to say. I know, Mr. Ed had a lot to say - shocker.)

At first glance, I simply took issue with the suggestion that we should tame some of our enthusiasm for such a momentous occasion. After all, the election of the first African-American president is a milestone, which seemed highly unlikely even at the start of this year. Furthermore, I would argue that the end of the George Bush's disastrous tenure as President is an event well worth up-ending a few beers over too. After thinking more about how I might reply to Colin's post, however, it occurred to me that I also take issue with his premise that the election of Tony Blair and New Labour achieved nothing, and moreover, I feel that such a cynical view of politics is both intellectually lazy and ill-advised.

The issue of race is one that has divided the US since its inception. The second paragraph of the declaration of independence begins: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights." Yet, the authors of this noble document were almost all slave-owners. The civil war remains the bloodiest conflict in US history - it claimed more American lives than all the wars the US has fought in the 20th century combined - and despite the crowing of a few 'Southern' historians, the root cause was slavery. Although at the end of the war slavery was abolished, blacks were forced to live as second-class citizens for another 100 years.

It's easy for us foals to view early 60s as a far distant time, but it is also important to remember that at the time of Barack Obama's birth, inter-racial marriage was illegal in many US states. During that time we've come a long way in the US, over the past 40-odd years, but it hasn't been easy. There have been tremendous set-backs and devastating losses; there have also been great triumphs, such as the victory on Tuesday night. Celebrating such a pivotal moment in history is important, not only to recognise Barack Obama's remarkable achievement, but also to recall the tireless work of so many who laid the groundwork for his victory, and most of all, to remember the terrible price so many have paid in the struggle for racial equality.

With that said, the effusive joy that accompanied Obama's win this past week has another side to it. This election marks the ouster of one of the most unpopular US presidents in history, and the end of a truly dark time for the world as a whole. Bush launched a dreadful and unnecessary war. He illegally spied on US citizens, intercepting their letters and phone calls. He suspended civil rights, held US citizens with hearing or trial, and abducted innocent people and sent them to distant countries to be brutalised. He authorised the use of torture by US soldiers and spies, and started a concentration camp, conveniently outside of the jurisdiction of US courts. Furthermore, George Bush was a lousy domestic leader; from Katrina and Terri Schiavo to the co-opting of the Justice Department as a wing of the Republican Party, his record has been one of incompetence, over-reach and corruption. The end of Bush's disastrous foreign policy, his illegal and immoral practices in the war on terror and his abysmal domestic governance are surely something to celebrate.

I think the paragraphs above go some way to explaining why I think Colin's analogy linking 1997 in the UK and 2008 in the US is flawed: Tony Blair was never, and could never be, a cultural or historical figure on par with Barack Obama. Not to mention that John Major and the Tories, for all their flaws, were never anywhere near as malign as the Bush-Rove Republican Party. However, even glossing over these imperfections, I would take issue with what is implied by the analogy: that Tony Blair and the Labour government elected in 1997 ultimately failed to achieve the "great things" their supporters (and detractors) thought they might achieve.

On a narrow political angle, Tony Blair led the Labour party, for the first time ever, to three consecutive electoral victories. Moreover, with hindsight it is clear that the 1997 election marked a watershed, the point at which mainstream British politics shifted to the centre or even centre-left. For evidence of this, one need only look at the opposition party. After the 1997 election, the first instinct of the Tories was to move even further to the right, albeit with a younger face: William Hague suffered a devastating defeat. After another election defeat and several more years in the wilderness - and several more leaders - the Conservative party has finally returned to some semblance of a viable political force. How did David Cameron achieve this? The new Conservative party represents a softer conservatism, one that embraces the NHS. There's a focus on conservation, the environment and public transport initiatives. There are even stirrings of a less hostile approach to Europe. In short, these policy positions represent a profound movement to the centre for the Tories - a move they had to make to be viable in the political climate of Britain today. A political climate, that Tony Blair was instrumental in creating.

In the final analysis Blair's legacy will be inextricably tied to the Iraq war, and rightly so. Like many Britons, I still feel betrayed by his mendacity in the lead-up to the war, and history has rendered its judgment on his decision to support Bush. However, to measure the successes (or failures) of the New Labour movement as a whole by this metric is myopic.

Finally, I would take issue with Colin's tone. Enthusiasm for a candidate or party running with on a mantra of "change" can always be written-off as mawkish naiveté. I would counter though, that knee-jerk cynicism is no better; at it's best it is intellectual laziness, at worst, a fool's substitute for wisdom. Of course Obama will make mistakes, as he himself acknowledged in his speech on Tuesday, and he will make decisions that I disagree with - this is par for the course in politics. However, feeling confidence, pride even, in a prospective leader of a country should not be construed as naive or shameful.

It's all to easy to say all politicians are crooks and liars, the parties are just modern tribalism, and that regardless of the outcome of an election, the end result will always be the same. There are many examples that prove this thesis wrong, but none so fresh in my mind, nor so stark, as the 2000 election here in the US. After 8 years of economic growth and prosperity, Americans were complacent. Conventional wisdom held that the outcome of the election wouldn't have any lasting impact on the country; and yet, imagine where we might be on issues such as climate change or the War on Terror if Gore had been in the White House instead of Bush. Perhaps the most striking, not to mention ironic, effect of the 2000 election is this: if Al Gore had won, it is almost certain that Barack Obama would not have just won the 2008 election.

All decisions have consequences, all choices matter, and few are more important than those made at the ballot box. The outcome of every election has both long- and short-term effects, many of which are unknowable. We can choose to vote according to our aspirations and our ideals, or we can let fear, prejudice and cynicism guide our electoral choices. Call me naive, but I know which I prefer.

- Mr. Ed

In Your Face

2008-11-08T09:50:00.004Z

Well after all that I was a bit let down by the victory speech:

- Scout

Never one to go against the stable, but.......

2008-11-07T15:50:00.003Z

I know it's all very exciting this new Barak H. Obama chap getting world omnipotence and everything, but it all takes me back to a day when we were all just ponies, some not even old enough to vote. Yes back in 1997 I heard the same intense, and dare I say it slightly naive enthusiasm when a certain Tony Blair and his trendy New Labour gibbons promised a whole bunch of change and new, oh so great, horizons. Well we all now how that panned out don't we?

Now don't get me wrong, out of the two options, the best man won but I would like to ask for a certain 'reining' (probably the best pun on pony club yet) in of celebration. After all a war in Pakistan could be just around the corner.

I know I might upset a few ponies with this, but I thought the whole thing needed some balance.

Colin.

It's all true, it was in the papers and everything

2008-11-06T12:31:00.003Z

Congratulations to P-Clubbers on both sides of the pond and may I be allowed to congratulate the American people who's decision, I believe will benefit them and the world.

Just in case you thought you were dreaming, it's OK because there was some stuff in the papers about it.

Also, well done Mr Ed on your prediction of the electoral votes, spot on (almost).

- Scout

Wow

2008-11-05T17:07:00.004Z

I woke up a few hours ago, rubbed my eyes, registered a pretty heafty headache, and then remembered what all the fuss was about. After ~~months~~ years of dreaming, hoping and waiting for this moment I am overwhelmed with emotion. The atmosphere last night out and about in Charleston was incredible. There was a a spell, at least an hour or so, after the election was called where everyone in the Upper Deck was hugging and kissing each other. Outside in the streets there were honking cars, and raucous crowds of Obama supporters celebrating. I've been here in chucktown for three presidential elections now, and last night is without parallel.

Yes, we did!

- Mr. Ed

Election special part two

2008-11-05T00:15:00.011Z

7:21pm A new post for a new pad!

We're going to start the evening in the '03 (29403 the upper peninsula, that is) with pulled pork sandwiches and beers at KenthE's house. Curently in attendance are Myself, Erk, KenthE and Rufus the hound (See below) with many more on their way. In election news Vermont has gone for Obama and Kentucky for McCain. Time for a beer!

- Mr Ed

Update 8:58pm Networks have called PA for Obama.

The party at KenthE's is really kicking off. The pulled pork is delicious, the beer is going down, and I'm told the apple cobbler is to die for. The win in Pennsylvania is vital for Obama - if he lands a red state now, victory is pretty much assured. Something tell me it'll be a long night yet though. Walt, scarred by his experience during the 2000 election in DC, says "I'm not celebrating anything until the morning." Grumblings about heading out to the bars begins to grow.

- Mr. Ed

Update 9:25pm. Fox and MSNBC call Ohio for Obama.

This could be it folks! Ohio will put Obama over the top... In other news, the drumbeat to start the night's bar-crawl begins in earnest.

- Mr. Ed

Update 2:42pm Fuck yeah!

Well I think that about does it. Welcome to the 21st century, we are finally arrived. I am drunk. I am about to get more drunk.

- Mr. Ed

Live Blogging Election Special

2008-11-04T20:39:00.011Z

Hi. In a desperate attempt to give myself something to do while I anxiously await the results later this evening, I thought I'd set up a live-blog thread. So all you usual P Clubbers feel free to add any thoughts, observations or bloviations to this post below, or in the comments.

4:13pm: I'll kick things off with a few observations:

~ As predicted, turnout seems to be huge. My wait wasn't too bad, but I've heard about 2 to 3 hour waits at a number of other polling places in Charleston, especially in James island, North Charleston and the upper Peninsula, all three of which have large African-American populations. South Carolina isn't about to become Obama country, but the margin here might be very interesting. More on that later I'm sure.

~ I interrupted a pony-political chat with Bluecupoard a moment ago to answer another incoming call. Turns out, it was from Scarlett Johansson, she was asking me to join her in voting for Barack Obama today. I told her I already had, and took the opportunity to ask what she was up to later in the week. She just kept talking about hope and change though, like she was a robot or something. So if you reading this Scarlett, I'm with you on the Obama thing - and I'm still interested - but you've got to learn that conversation is a two-way street.

-Mr. Ed

Update: 4:35pm Steinbrenner sent me a link to this video earlier, but I only just got around to watching it now. What's not to like about Natalie Portman and kittens?

- Mr. Ed

Update: 4:51pm Oh the waiting, oh the agony! Luckily Andrew Sullivan posted the greatest muppet video ever, which helps kill some time:

- Mr. Ed

Update: 4:59pm Steinbrenner pointed out in the comments of the post below that she was miffed that she didn't get an "I voted" sticker this morning in Jersey City, NJ. So instead, she made one for herself, and for a co-worker who was also slighted at the polls. She just sent this picture from her phone:

In other news, I couldn't hold out any more, I've started drinking.

- Mr. Ed

Update 5:03pm I'm SO popular - I just got a call from Barack Obama! He was celling to tell me that I still had a few hours to vote, and that it was really important to make my voice heard. A funny thing occured to me though as he was talking, and I'm starting to believe the republicans might have been right about him. I listened to him patiently for a while, but when I tried to respond, he ignored me... just like that CELEBRITY strumpet Scarlett Johansson before. Jeez, why are they all so elitist?

- Mr. Ed

I Voted!

2008-11-04T15:20:00.003Z

I just got back from voting at the school around the corner from my house. My district had a pretty short wait, around 40 minutes, the other district though had a line at least 4 times as long. I got there around 9ish and I was back home by 10am. Here are some pictures:

Just so that I can be ridiculed later, I'm going to make a wild prediction. My optimistic side says Obama by 36o electoral votes, my inner pessimist says 320, so I think I'll plump for 340. Now we just have to sit back and watch me proved totally wrong...

- Mr. Ed

A day to remember

2008-11-04T05:23:00.006Z

Regardless of the outcome, today will be singular day in history.

(Barack Obama speaking at the College of Charleston, Thursday, January 10, 2008. Image - Zvayam )

This campaign season has already broken any number of barriers and mile-stones. The simple fact that a man who is half-Kenyan and half-Kansan - and was raised for several years in Indonesia - could reach this point is both uniquely American and profoundly remarkable. That he could win a landslide victory today might say more about our need, as a nation, to repudiate the last 8 years, as it does about our faith in Obama's abilities to lead us forward in the next 4 or 8 years. Regardless, there is a palpable sense that America is a country in need of revitalising renewal, and who better to usher in a new epoch, and truly unite these states once again, than a man who is at once the essence of all that makes America truly great, and heir to its most bitter legacy.

Yes we will,

Mr. Ed

The title of this post is lifted, whole-sale, from Andrew Sullivan. You can view better/more images of the rally in Charleston here.

Nailin' Palin

2008-11-02T11:02:00.000Z

- Scout

Is there time to make a small shit?

2008-10-30T10:11:00.000Z

- Philip

Whassup?

2008-10-25T20:37:00.004+01:00

Remember the "Whassup" Budweiser ads from the early 2000s? Well, here's an updated version for 2008, it seems things haven't really worked out for the guys...

Just 10 days to go,

Mr. Ed
(Currently blogging from a sofa in Chicago)

Et maintenant le voyage a la supermarche...

2008-10-22T17:03:00.002+01:00

Missing the boat, the admiralty, the whole dang fleet, Chives has discovered Flight of the Conchords. See my compendium. If you haven't already many, many times over.

I'm the Muthaflippin'...

Like a steaming pile of last year, this has been Chives.
Um, Chives.

Meme-arama!!

2008-10-12T20:48:00.005+01:00

Beigey and I stumbled on this little numbber on You Tube a while ago, and I've been looking for an excuse to post it- Mr. Ed's earlier post was just what I needed . There seems to be a whole meme relating to the "misheard lyrics/subtitled video" concept. What other wonders lie in wait for we P-sters, I wonder...
Anyway, here come the hotsteppa...

- Bluecupoard and Beigey

Pipe wrench fight!

2008-10-12T19:40:00.005+01:00

A literal interpretation of Ah-Ha's classic "Take on me". Is this the beginning of a new internet meme? Let's hope so...

- Mr. Ed

Heady days

2008-10-11T05:42:00.011+01:00

"Whoah there!"

We ponies know this expression all too well

but this week
it's been used much more frequently
as an exclamation
rather than a command

as in:

What the yellow rubbery fuck is going on!?!

The Dow had its worst week ever in terms of points as well as percent drops, losing 1874 points or down 18.15%.

-snip-

Dow Worst Week Ever:

-The second biggest weekly percentage drop was the week ending July 21, 1933 when the Dow closed down -15.55% for the week

-The third biggest weekly drop for the Dow on a percentage basis was the week ending Friday, 9/21/01 after 9/11 when the Dow fell 14.26% for the week

-There has never been a point drop in a week of greater than 1,600 points back to the Dow's inception in 1896

-The Dow is now down 40.67% off its market peak on October 9, 2007 of 14,164.53

This week the McCain campaign, despite grim economic news around the globe, has plowed ahead with the sleaziest campaign of living memory. Don't just take my word for it - here's a pretty telling clip reel from TPM:

Perhaps it's no surprise that the poll numbers haven't moved - the 1960s were a long time ago, and to be honest, the only number-letter combination anyone is worried about right now is 401(k). But it is rather gratifying to see that, not only did Obama predict that they would try this tactic:

But also that he's calling them on it:

And so is Joe Biden:

McCain seemed rattled when Charlie Gibson brought it up:

But maybe - just maybe - now, even he has realised the need to damp down his frenzied supporters:

Heady days indeed my horsey friends.

Or as some might say...

All in all
it's just a-
'nother Saab in the wall.

- Mr. Ed

Update:

John Cole has all you need to know about the Trooper-gate report that was released today.

Laugh? I nearly shat.

2008-10-10T23:13:00.002+01:00

Sorry to buck the trend of quality posts but just had to say how much I laughed at the below. Fucking hilarious Ed!

Who knew?

2008-10-10T13:04:00.005+01:00

That Robbie Fowler, Jimmy Tarbuck and Stephen Fry were in a Gospel trio together, way back when...

- Mr. Ed

Image from LP Cover Lover via Boingboing.

A BIG shout out...

2008-10-02T04:58:00.004+01:00

to the post below. It's not often that we get self-referential around here, at the P club, but that last post had all of my geek nerve-endings firing on 'fuck yeah', so I felt obliged to give Blue Cupboard some props.

Go on, scroll down and feel the awe-inspiring massiveness of the numbers numb your mind...

- Mr. Ed

Now that's what I call quite big...

2008-10-01T18:52:00.004+01:00

Philip kindly sent me this little link to Google's "2001 Index" part of their 10th Birthday doings. Why not visit and look up things that aren't on it? Anyhoo, all of this Google related such-n-suchery got me to thinking, and brought me round to the subject of this post, which, started out with the humble googol, and, well it ended up... well, I'm just going to have to cut and paste this in by way of the mighty Wiki...

How big is a googolplex?

One googol is presumed to be greater than the number of elementary particles in the observable universe, which has been variously estimated from 10⁷⁹ up to 10⁸¹. A googol is also greater than the number of Planck times elapsed since the Big Bang which is estimated at around 8 × 10⁶⁰.

Since a googolplex is one followed by a googol zeroes, it would not be possible to write down or store a googolplex in decimal notation, even if all the matter in the known universe were converted into 0's. Indeed, if you had an unlimited supply of ink and paper, you would need around 10²⁰ times the current age of universe to fully write down a googolplex.

Thinking of this another way, consider printing the digits of a googolplex in unreadable, one-point font. TeX one-point font is .3514598 mm per digit, which means it would take about 3.5 × 10⁹⁶ meters to write in one-point font. The known universe is estimated at 7.4 × 10²⁶ meters in diameter, which means the distance to write the digits would be about 4.7 × 10⁶⁹ times the diameter of the known universe. The time it would take to write such a number also renders the task implausible: if a person can write two digits per second, it would take around 1.1 × 10⁸² times the age of the universe to write down a googolplex.*

S'quite big, then...

Yours,

somehow a little afraid,

Bluecupboard

* I had literally no idea that when I cut and pasted this in from the Wiki, that all the links would stay live! Holy information fandango, Batman!! Thought I'd better mention that someone else did all of that in case you thought I'd lost my mind (and also learned a large amount about maths and physics very quickly)...

No Gas in Nashville!

2008-09-30T21:05:00.005+01:00

There have been intermittent petrol shortages across the the Southeast US in the wake of Hurricane Ike, which pounded the refinery-rich Texas coast a few weeks ago. Apparently things got pretty bad in Nashville for a while, which inspired someone with a real knack for subtitle writing to re-cut this scene from Downfall. A lot of the humour relies on local knowledge, but regardless of how much (or little) you know about Nashville's suburbs, indie bands or sports teams, I think you'll agree it's a winner.

For some reason the video is refusing to embed properly, so you'll have to click here to watch it.

- Mr. Ed

Also from the BFI

2008-09-29T21:55:00.000+01:00

Best use of post-it notes in an animation film goes to.....

- Scout

For real though

2008-09-26T02:33:00.006+01:00

So, I'm as proud as the next South Carolinian of our 'skew-wuhls' and their outstanding performance in standardized testing, but I couldn't help but be amused when an incoherent Miss South Carolina was splashed all over the youtubes. If you need a reminder of the thirteen shades of jibberish she babbled, here's the video:

And now, compare and contrast this with Sarah Palin - who I'll remind our fair readers is the bloody vice presidential nominee of the Re-shitting-publican party for fuck's sake - when she's asked about the proposed ~~fat cat cash grab~~ ~~communist revolution~~ 700 billion dollar 'Wall Street bailout' currently being mulled over in DC:

I mean this is a joke, right? They're going to announce who the real VP nominee is soon ...right guys? ...Right?

Five. Long. Weeks.

- Mr. Ed

youtube fun from the BFI

2008-09-25T12:47:00.005+01:00

Earlier this week I scouted out an excellent evening of entertainment. Myself and 'soon to have a P-Club name' went to the British Film Institute on the Southbank to an event called BUG presented by old favourite, cheeky funny man and hobbit Adam Buxton. The programme was a comprehensive showcase of new music videos, clever short films, interactive and youtube vids, all shown on the big screen with big sound. It covered some very interesting and controversial clips for generally very cool tunes. One aspect was interactivity and the exploration of youtube and I thought I would share the following with the p brethren.

Instructions

1. Best to do this at home when you can fully enjoy with sound etc and have time. It does take a bit of doing.

2. Open 3 separate browser windows with youtube open in all

3. Search 'semi babe 1' 'semi babe 2' and 'semi babe 3' in each window

4. Click on film with said names but pause all

5. Reduce size of windows to size of youtube screen

6. Line up windows next to each other with semi babe 1 in the middle, 2 on the right of it and 3 on the left of it

7. Play 1, follow countdown and play 2 on time

8. Enjoy song/clever vid and play 3 at any given moment

-Scout

Who is the man That would risk his neck for his brother man?

2008-09-24T08:46:00.001+01:00

- Philip

Southern Living

2008-09-06T21:14:00.015+01:00

The day after a tropical storm comes through is always fresh and cool, as if all the wind and rain has scrubbed the air clean. A day like this shouldn't be wasted - so I took the opportunity to go on a little road-trip up to Williamsburg county - home of Scott's BBQ. Scott's is a landmark amongst people who know their BBQ and after hearing about it several times, I thought I'd go and see what all the fuss was about.

It's about a two hour drive up Highway 41 to Hemingway, where you take a left, and drive about 2 miles out of town to get to Brunson Crossroads, which is just that - the junction of County Road 261 and Cowhead Street. Other than a dilapidated barn and an abandoned General Store - Scott's pretty much is Brunson Crossroads.

Scott's Pit Cooked BBQ

Signage is not their primary concern.

I parked in front of the old blue and white building, and as I got out of the car I was met by dubious stares from a couple of old men sitting under the awning.

"Excuse me," I asked awkwardly as I walked up to the closest man, "I was told there's some really good BBQ around here, could you tell where I could find it?"

A broad grin spread across his face as he nodded to the door and said, "It's right in there." It turns out, I had just addressed none other than Rodney Scott - the owner, and BBQ legend.

Mr. Scott on the left.

After devouring a heaping sandwich, and procuring a pound of 'que to take home with me, I got talking to the men outside again. Mr. Scott's right-hand man offered to let me see the pits where they cook the hogs.

He led me into an adjacent building - "the shed" - thick with smoke, where a row of large pits, filled with pig, were quietly smoking away. Then he showed me "out back", where they burn the wood in large metal drums, before bringing the coals into the shed and shoveling them into the pits under the meat. They cook each hog whole, which takes about 8 hours. I can honestly say I've never eaten better barbecue.

The Shed. The sign on the left above the door says "No drugs or loafers allowed!"

Inside the shed - note the holes under the pits where the coals go.

A whole hog cooking in one of the pits - this one is almost ready.

If you're still not convinced, here's a quote from the article I linked to above:

Scott's should be on the National Historic Register. It's that authentic. It's that good. If you want to see the essence of what barbecue is all about, this is it. They sell three basic commodities: pulled pork, fried skins, and King Thin white bread. Ten to 12 hogs a night are cooked and slathered with an absolutely atomic vinegar sauce, the spiciest we've ever eaten (of course, you can also forgo the sauce). If you go to Scott's, make sure to take a tour of the pits; timeworn and weathered, they hold three generations' toil within their grease-laden facades. These guys are so authentic that they chop their own wood — and to a barbecue fan, that should be convincing enough to plan a trip tomorrow.

Looking forward to more BBQ for dinner...

- Mr. Ed

Jerry & Bill or is it Bill & Jerry

2008-09-05T08:43:00.002+01:00

- Philip

"It's a Cobweb"

2008-09-02T22:47:00.006+01:00

Just a couple of comments on the previous storm posts.

Firstly, here is our Friday forecast. Not as dramatic or exciting but you have to admit really quite shit and rubbish. There is a deep depression hanging over this country in more ways than one.

And on the other storm - I love that interview. I'd love to see that idiot man grilled live on TV about the Kapp Putsch or Brown Terror.

I honestly thought he was going to say "Its a cobweb".

- Scout

Speaking of Storms

2008-09-02T05:41:00.003+01:00

Well, Sarah Palin certainly seems to have put the cat amongst the pigeons, and in the kerfuffle following her selection as McCain's VP there have been some quality media moments - take the video of McCain Campaign Spokesman Tucker Bounds getting repeatedly called on Sarah Palin's experience. John Cole posted a clip of it back to back with a clip from Hardball in May, which might be Tweety's greatest moment EVAH (something even these folks admit).

If you like train wrecks, then you'll love these clips...

Tucker Bounds gets taken down:

Tweety unleashed:

You just got skooled by Chris Matthews Fool!

- Mr. Ed

Ehhhhhh

2008-09-02T04:28:00.006+01:00

It's that time of year again! Although the "official" Hurricane season runs from June to November, but the last week of August and the first three weeks of September are the prime time, and right on cue the tropical Atlantic is getting fired up. Here's the state of things as of 8pm tonight:
From left to right, that's Gustav (now a tropical storm), hurricane Hanna and tropical storm Ike.

Currently, Hanna is projected to hit Charleston dead on:

Of course a lot could change over the next two or three days, but if things stay the way they are, it looks like Friday afternoon will be mighty stormy around here.

Crossing my fingers,

- Mr. Ed

Images from the National Hurricane Center.

Seinfeld

2008-08-25T20:20:00.011+01:00

I had a sheltered childhood, spending most of my time outdoors wearing goat leggings, digging large holes and making rabbit skin pouches.

Now, however, I am trying to relive my mispent TV youth by watching stuff that I missed. So when the opportunity arose to watch season one of Seinfeld, I thought I would give it a go.

I, as most of you will know, am rather fond of all things Apple. I am, however, not so keen on the Mac vs PC advertising campaign. As a Mac user, I used to find myself defending the Macintosh platform against the PC, to people unfortunate enough not to know any better, or too stubborn to switch to a more stable and beautiful platform.

So for the last few weeks I have been watching Seinfeld and I am really enjoying it, especially when the set is littered with works of art such as the Mac SE (see below)

Apple and Jerry have been pals for some time it seems. See the end of the old Apple ad below.

So it was a great shock read that Jerry's soul has been has devoured by the Dark Side. That's right - starting in September Jerry will be working alongside Bill Gates to promote Microsoft in a new $300,000,000 deal.

The Joy of Tech sums it up very well and this is why I will continue to watch the rest of Seinfled to the end. ClickHere

Au revoir Jerry!

- Philip x

It's Joe

2008-08-24T06:38:00.003+01:00

Just over a year and half after announcing his candidacy, on the steps of the of the Capitol in Springfield Illinois, Barack Obama introduces his Vice Presidential nominee, Joseph Biden.

- Mr. Ed

Has it got sharks in it and that?

2008-08-23T19:11:00.003+01:00

For the past 4 days Chucktown has been lashed by the outer bands of Tropical Storm Fay, which has been meandering over Florida this past week. Here are some photos of downtown, near MUSC and my 'hood, at high tide yesterday afternoon:

Wearing my wellies to work,

- Mr. Ed

From the Dept. Unintentionally Great Headlines

2008-08-22T12:03:00.005+01:00

Via Josh Marshall, from yesterday's NT Times:

More proof, if you need it, that the mainstream media has gone to shit.

- Mr. Ed

~ Political interlude ~

2008-08-20T03:35:00.004+01:00

Do not be alarmed P Clubbers - the light-hearted, clippity-cloppity, breying-'n'-neighing fun will return shorty. We now present:

~ Some dull political commentary ~

In response to a reader's comment:

...the essence of Obama's campaign needs to be "John McCain will do anything to get elected."

-snip-

This is short. And it's easy to remember. And it counters McCain's own branding of himself as a Maverick.

Josh Marshall wonders,

"why this point hasn't been hit harder or hasn't caught on more even irrespective of the campaign. Because here you've got a guy who's literally abandoned everything he supposedly used to believe in, all to be president. There really is nothing he wouldn't do."

As if taking a cue, Andrew Sullivan unleashes a ferociously good take down of McCain on almost exactly that tack. Here are a few choice parts, but you'd do well to read the rest.

"In all the discussion of John McCain's recently recovered memory of a religious epiphany in Vietnam, one thing has been missing. The torture that was deployed against McCain emerges in all the various accounts. It involved sleep deprivation, the withholding of medical treatment, stress positions, long-time standing, and beating. Sound familiar? According to the Bush administration's definition of torture, McCain was therefore not tortured.

- snip-

No war crimes were committed against McCain. And the techniques used are, according to the president, tools to extract accurate information. And so the false confessions that McCain was forced to make were, according to the logic of the Bush administration, as accurate as the "intelligence" we have procured from "interrogating" terror suspects. Feel safer?

-snip-

[T]he actual techniques used on McCain, and the lies they were designed to legitimize, are a matter of historical record. And the government of the United States now practices the very same techniques...

-snip-

Now the kicker: in the Military Commissions Act, McCain acquiesced to the use of these techniques against terror suspects by the CIA. And so the tortured became the enabler of torture. Someone somewhere cried out in pain for the same reasons McCain once did. And McCain let it continue.

These are the prices people pay for power.

So where's the Obama surrogate, or the Ad for that matter, hitting this point?

- Mr. Ed

LOL Pols

2008-08-15T21:19:00.003+01:00

The current Russian-Georgain conflict, and the confused, ineffectual role the US has played in it, only serves to remind us that the end of Dubya's tenure in the Whitehouse can't come soon enough.

Or to put it more succinctly in a LOLpol:

Image from Pundit Kitchen

- Mr. Ed

Beat This

2008-08-10T12:13:00.004+01:00

Dear Clubbers P. I saw a clip of this on Never Mind The Buzzcocks and knew I recognised it from somewhere - Ferris Bueller's Day Off.

When you think of Midland two-tone ska from the late 70s who comes to mind? The Specials, dare I say UB40? Well it seems The Beat have been overlooked. This is my first new purchase in a while and I'm loving it. May I introduce Mirror In The Bathroom by The Beat (AKA 'The English Beat' in the US).

- Scout

Spider Update

2008-08-09T08:55:00.005+01:00

For those of you who doubted me, here are some up-close and personal photos of the offending deadly spider - after a thorough killing, naturally. Her mortal remains now reside in a jar that once was used to vend IPTG from a reputable supplier. Her spirit, one would assume, is... returned to whence it came?

Click on photos to enlarge
And now it's time for a poem:

Anywho,
it occurred to me,
recently,
that kharmically,
I'm buggered.

"Why so pessimistic?" you impetuously ask.

Well, in the last week:

I've put my hands under a table, where beneath dwelt a deadly poisonous spider.

I've left my car keys IN THE DOOR OF THE FRIKKIN CAR for 18 hours without my car being stolen.

AND!!!

I've spilled beer all over my computer without apparent damage.

So, if an earthquake-plague of locusts-hurricane combo should strike Chucktown soon, you'll know why...

- Mr. Ed

Ahhhhhhhh!

2008-08-04T06:12:00.007+01:00

The other day my mate Erik stayed on my futon, a common enough occurrence apres les bars. When he woke up, he noticed a rather large spider had made it's home under the table, next to the futon. That's why Erik noticed it, he woke up pretty much nose to nose with it. He pointed the spider out to me, and rather casually said, "it's ok though, I don't think it's a Black Widow or anything". Well, it turns out Erik isn't an much of an entomologist, and it most assuredly IS a Black Widow. Here are some rather crap* photos of it.

click on images for a larger view

What's really AWESOME is that I discovered it around half past 12 this evening, so I'll have to wait until morning before I can go to the shops and buy gallons of the strongest insecticides known to humanity. It will die, it will die!

- Mr. Ed

* It was a difficult angle, and yes, I was less than keen on getting very close to the blighter. I'd like to see how close you'd get to a deadly poisonous spider, just to take a photo of it. Well, quite.

Tourjours tunetastique

2008-08-02T07:16:00.003+01:00

It's been a while since we've had a P Club tunetastic tune, so here's Devendra Banhart with "Carmensita". As an added bonus, the video features Dev's current squeeze - the ever-gorgeous Natalie Portman.

- Mr. Ed

Bible stories #1

2008-07-28T22:09:00.003+01:00

Here's some more from the man who brought you the George Washington song. Brad Neely takes on the old testament and retells the story of Soddom and Gomorrah:

Great stuff, though definitely not very safe for work.

- Mr. Ed

Meanwhile, back at the Daily Planet

2008-07-26T17:59:00.009+01:00

Another setback* in the war on drugs. Still you have to admit, if Clark Kent lived in Hove, he'd certainly perch his mild mannered buttocks in the offices of the Argus by day....
"Oh, gee-whilikers, that's headline-writing, Lois..."
"I know Clark, but your swoop-away PonyClub's spotted it before!"

-Bluecupboard, Beigey, and Peggysus

*Of course it is entirely possible that this could refer to actual, real cracking in brickwork, concrete, or even, dare I say it, masonry. Still, an easy and salacious story is what your gallop-about P-Club has always been about. Even as I type this, I'm trying to think of ways to get exotic dancers, the mayor, and a gold-plated elephant bought with taxpayers money, oh the shame of it all into one world exclusive shokka...

Counting: old vs. new

2008-07-22T02:47:00.004+01:00

Via Matt Yglesias, here's Feist on Sesame Street:

Not bad, but it's not a patch on the classic:

- Mr. Ed

Quatorze Julliet!

2008-07-13T22:23:00.007+01:00

Otherwise known as Bastille Day, to you and me, my pony friends, and in keeping with the P-Club's recent National Holidays Series (see 4th of July- free binder with Part 1) it seems appropriate to roll out that movie moment that can even make us horses wish they were French (and between you and me, that's not without its complications)...

Yes indeed, Rick's bar in ol' Casablanca, and one of the finest moments cinema has to offer...

-l'armoire bleu...

wrong, wrong, wrong,

2008-07-10T19:14:00.007+01:00

I think we've all had that experience when the contents of pre-packaged food fail to live up to the golden images presented on the outside of the box, can or carton in the shimmering "serving suggestion". Oh yes, many's the time that your dear correspondant has literally kicked the stable walls with rage after finding that the prepackaged food I had been duped into purchasing failed utterly to come up to the standard of that which was promised on the tin. But no more my dear ponies- now a German website has provided the joy of direct comparison- and frankly my dears many of these things don't look like what they claim... A few things come off all right, but frankly, this ain't right, which ever way you slice it.*

by way of The Guardian

-Bluecupboard

*This may well be the first documented examle of the "Herring Cup", which was something I thought I'd invented, but apparently someone has give the Salmon Cup an even more nautical angle. As I've said before, wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong with vinegar on it...