I may be easily angered...

but in the case of Rush Limbaugh's recent comments about Georgetown law student Sandra Fluke, I wouldn't say I'm over-reacting when I say this is TOTALLY AND COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE, OMG WTF?!?! WHAT IS THIS COUNTRY COMING TO???

So it was pretty satisfying to receive the first response from one of his advertisers that I'd emailed to complain, informing me that they are no longer supporting the show. Because their mission is "to delight our customers with fresh and long lasting flowers," not to spread hateful speech in the public sphere. Good to know. Wonder what they thought he was doing before this? Surely not delighting us with flowers, that's for sure. Looking forward to more emails like this one.

Russia-88

For those of you waiting for a report on "Russia-88," the movie about young Russian skinheads, you're going to have to keep waiting. I tried to go to the special screening today, and was told unceremoniously that that movie would not be shown, because the print had not been delivered. Instead, they would show "J'ai toujours rêvé d'être un gangster." Boo.

update: The story about the print was a red herring. Apparently, there was a possible threat of violence; however, police were prepared and the director himself did not know where the pressure to cancel the screening had come from. (h/t to vk)

Braggy-Braggy

This post is just to say that, while MasterGote may never experience the pains of childbirth, running a marathon, or occupying the highest tax bracket, riding an off-brand, $125, 17kg behemoth of a mountain bike with a loose saddle through snow, mud, sand, and occasional stretches of asphalt for 74km can now be checked off the list of the quite painful (but potentially awesome) things to do in life. Sore bottom, sunburn, and multiple bruises notwithstanding, it was one of the funnest things I've done so far in Russia. The people were absolutely lovely for letting a bum like me join in on their ride, considering I've never "ridden" longer than from Brooklyn to Queens and back and didn't even know the right way to change gears for going uphill (wha? there's a way to go up a hill without standing on the pedals???). Anyway, here are some pictures and here are some more braggy-braggy stats about the ride (in Russian). People back in the BK, start training...

Kitty Kat Named Blinchik

This one is for Lisa, who eats 25 ruble blini with abandon and who should spend more time in Moscow.

Hilarious house kitten belonging to the blini place by Taganskaya

Ugh, That Was Totally Uncalled For! What Was That Lady Thinking? Gross!

Okay, two things.

One:



OMFG, how did I not know about this ahead of time? I suppose this raises a question: what's more important - religious sentiment or sheer awesomeness? Cause, you know, they're dunkin' for Jeebus, people. (via)

And two: Have you seen Rachel Maddow's interview with Gov. F-word, a.k.a. Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich? If you have not, you need to download it on the itunes or get it on the youtube or whatever. It is mesmerizing. This man is an absolute maniac and I found it nearly impossible to turn away from his car-wreck of a self-defense. Here's how crazy it was: I actually agreed with him about the "innocent until proven guilty" thing and wished that other politicians *ahem, Eliot Spitzer* would stick up for themselves a bit more instead of slinking off and letting those sharks have the last laugh. What?! Eliot "I am a fucking steamroller" Spitzer? This is some strong brew. Fasten your seat-belts.

More! More! More! And Even More!

Oh huzzah! There is video of old BM himself, a mustachioed bona fide gote if ever I saw one, talking about these photos online! It's in Russian, but it's fun just to see him. Also, I think he makes the butt sex gesture at one point. In reference to the Soviet system, the Soviet system, I swears. Also, you can see the installation and the scale.

Notes on Sports

Because he is patriotic and keeps up with current affairs, MasterGote says YES to women's beach volleyball.


















PresidentGote is in agreement!