For that matter, you simply can't discuss Fox's role in Sherrod episode without their constant harping on the sham story about the Obama DOJ's allegedly going soft on freak show black radicals intimidating voters back in 2008 -- a story cooked up by one of the right-wing activist plants burrowed into the DOJ during the US Attorney firing era. Fox has become the primary purveyor of race-baiting attacks aimed at discrediting President Obama. That fact is apparently too substantive and ugly to be a fit topic for 'press criticism' or 'media reporting' which apparently must focus on journalists considered "controversial" despite not being able to point to any substantive wrongdoing on their part. Which amounts to saying that virtually all of what goes under the name of 'media reporting' these days is a crock.

The current controversy over the 'Journolist' listserve is actually instructive. Much of the story is much ado about nothing since most of what's discovered in these emails is self-proclaimed liberal opinion journalists displaying a liberal bias in their approach to politics and news. But what makes private expressions of bias relevant is the suspicion that it may lead to public dishonesty, deception or fraud -- the fundamental infraction behind all journalistic wrongdoing. In the Sherrod debacle, however, we have an open and shut case of the real thing -- outright journalistic fraud. But that's apparently not as big a 'media story'.

Read the whole thing.

Two things that are helping me wake up this morning

"Let's Go Surfing" by The Drums



And these tracks from cute Frenchies The Bewitched Hands.

Eau de Office

Every time I put on Crabtree & Evelyn's Summer Hill hand therapy lotion (which is what I currently have at my desk), my coworkers lose their mind. "It smells like a garden in here!" "This makes me happy!" Even the people who hate perfume and strong smells are gaga over this stuff for some reason. Personally, I'm partisan to their rose scented lotion. But, apparently, if you're looking to set the stage for a positive office interaction, I recommend pausing for the cause of moisturized skin beforehand.

On the other side of the coin, a note to smokers in office settings. Do what you wanna do, I don't begrudge you your vice. But please remember that post smoke-break, you reek. Seriously. You really do. This may come as a surprise, I know you can't really smell it yourself. But it's bad. You might as well stop using deodorant and showering and brushing your teeth and washing your clothes if you don't pause for the cause to air out and chew some gum or drink some water or eat a snack or SOMETHING before entering another coworker's space. You're not smelly people in general, but immediately post cigarette you bring a stink bomb into my office that hangs around and that sucks. I realize summer weather and sweatiness probably make this effect worse. And it's certainly more powerful on some people than others. But subconsciously, it makes me less open to whatever it is you're here to talk to me about. And that's no good for either of us! So do your coworkers and your professional success a favor and take a moment to freshen up after you smoke. I mean, come on! It smells like a garden in here! Let's enjoy that!

Shake it like Texas Pete, fallin on your collard greens

Many, many pixels have been devoted already to Big Boi's new record, Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty, but let me add mine. This is an instant classic album. I cannot get enough of it. The smarts and style I've come to expect from Outkast, with a lot of new and exciting turns that I'm vastly impressed with. I love this. The only thing I don't love is the skit that defines "the David Blaine," because well, it's pretty rapey!

Tails from the Housing Market

As you might know, I'm trying to sell my condo. It is the biggest ever loving pain in the ass, and broke-making venture I've ever lived through. (But hey! If you're in the market, ask me about the newly updated granite counter tops and ceramic tiles and brushed nickle handles in the kitchen! God.) My realtor held an open house yesterday and shared two stories with me about the kinds of folks that are looking to buy homes right now.

One couple came in and were clearly just not interested in the place, but specifically, said that they were very put off by the curtain covering the washer/dryer. A curtain. Hanging by a tension rod. That's something that, when removed, doesn't even make holes to spackle and paint. Right.

And then there was the woman who wondered if anybody would have a problem with her building a bridge. From my third floor condo to the ground floor. For her cat.

Best of luck your home buying process, crazy people!

This is the best internet of the day. And I read some really really good internet today.

Lindy West on lady parts and music.