So far, the crowds at this fall’s Republican presidential primary debates have booed a gay soldier, applauded the hypothetical death of a man without health insurance, cheered Texas’s high number of executions, and freaked out over HPV vaccination programs. TONIGHT AT 5 P.M. PST, during the Washington Post/Bloomberg Republican Presidential Debate, we’ll get to see […]
Eli Sanders
Eli Sanders is The Stranger's associate editor. His book, "While the City Slept," was a finalist for the Washington State Book Award and the Dayton Literary Peace Prize. He once did this and once won this, but he also once crashed his bike into a parked car while on his way to a staff meeting, never mind this, so… His website, which probably hasn't been updated in a while, is www.elisanders.net.
Posted inOccupy
The Actual Wealth of the 99 Percent (As Compared to the 1 Percent)
You may have been wondering: How does it really break down between the 99 percent and the 1 percent? Slate has some great answers, including these conclusions: One thing is inarguably true: The 99 percent don’t have 99 percent of anything, money-wise, in the United States…. Inequality has increased in the past decade, leaving the […]
Posted inElection 2012
Tonight: The Fox/Google Debate, in Which Real Americans Ask the Questions
Because what these Republican debates need more of is people in American flag clothing complaining that Rick Perry—Rick Perry!—is too soft on immigrants: The FOX News/Google GOP debate starts tonight at 6 pm—but in the meantime, how about trying your hand at an answer for the current most popular citizen question: Well? Do you have […]
Posted inPolitics
“This is not class warfare. It’s math.”
President Obama this morning, presenting his plan to lower the deficit by $3 trillion—including $1.5 trillion in new taxes, mostly on the wealthy. It’s 20 minutes long, but hey, you’ve probably spent 20 minutes in the last few months complaining about how Obama doesn’t have a spine, has caved to Republicans on everything, etc. Well, […]
Posted inPolitics
“What the hell is wrong with you people?”
The president was too polite to use the above language in his speech last night (which you really should watch, it’s clear and compelling and an example of Obama at his patient, explanatory, world-is-freaking-the-fuck-out-but-I’m-not best). However, a friend of mine did use the above language in an e-mail he sent yesterday—just like Obama requested—to his […]
Posted inMedia
Facts Are Stubborn Things
A surreal review of the “facts” in the News International scandal: Of course, as mentioned below in GMN, Rebekah Brooks, the News International chief defended in this video, was just arrested.
Posted inSports
Are You Watching the Women’s World Cup? (USA!)
I missed the quarterfinal game between the U.S. and Brazil, but it looks like it was amazing. Full highlights here and here, but bottom line: The U.S. won in a shootout after last-minute, game-tying header and now, according to ESPN, “the title is theirs to lose.” Up next for the U.S. team: A semifinal game […]
Posted inBikes
1,300 Words About a Bike Cop’s Penis (And the Number of Erections He Has at Night, and Why Maybe You Should Get a New Bike Seat)
Since it’s hard to know where to start in this thing, let’s just begin with how many more erections the New York Times says Seattle Police Officer Robert Brown has been getting at night ever since he switched his bike seat to a “no-nose saddle.” (From The Times: “During his sleep, when [Officer Brown] wore […]
Posted inSports
Ouch! (Also: Is Lying on the Ground Really the Best Way to Avoid Bees, Guys?)
Via Deadspin, an entire Brazilian semi-pro soccer match—that’s all the players on both teams, minus one impervious dude—taken down by a swarm of bees. Speaking of BEES!!! Find out more about them in this informative article in this week’s Mercury. BEES!!!
Posted inPolitics
Anything Else I Can Get You Motherfuckers?
I know these are a dime a dozen, but this one, currently making the rounds, seems to sum up President Obama’s new political position nicely:
Posted inBikes
Obama Appointee Ray LaHood: Pro Bikers, Not Certain About Hipsters
Attention pushers of the “War on Cars” meme: It’s not just Portland officials who’s siding with urban bikers these days. The rot goes all the way to the top! WASHINGTON—U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood signaled on Tuesday that his department would be looking into measures to encourage automobile drivers to observe better safety standards when […]
Posted inElection 2012
Best Part of Last Night’s Republican Debate: Ron Paul on Heroin
And the best part of the best part: As Ron Paul starts in on his heroin lecture he’s basically being laughed off the South Carolina stage. Then, in just two minutes and thirty seconds, he manages to gently point out the giant contradiction in a bunch of small-government, freedom-first conservatives cheering for government to interfere […]