bluegargantua

Huh,

Looks like Saparmurat Niyazov, President-for-life of Turkmenistan, has ended his term of office.

Niyazov was the classic post-Soviet Republic dictator. He ruled basically by being the focus of a cult of personality. He had giant golden statues of him erected on special turntables so the statue would always face the sun. He wrote a book containing a mish-mash of moral lessons, poetry, and administrative plans and that's the sole schoolbook. He renamed the months and days of the week after him and his family. His country sits on a pile of oil and natural gas and of course, the bounties of natural resources simply enrich his pockets and leave his people destitute.

Here's a snapshot of his country from 2 years ago.

The man was a monster and a jerk. He is also incredibly fascinating if you don't have to live under his rule.

Of course, now the question is who will replace him and there are already some political maneuvering on that front. Here's hoping that the Turkmen get someone significantly better.

later
Tom

Hi,

So people got all worked up that Clinton got a blowjob from his intern. And yeah, giving blowjobs to your married boss is pretty much a huge no-no unless there's a lot of negotiation involving all affected parties.

Understandable.

But what you have to understand is that when you take up residence at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, when you are the leader of the free world who also has the power to destroy all of it. You are a complete bad-ass and women are helpless to resist you.

It looks like George has finally realized this:

( Cut to shield your virgin eyes )

"Hey baby, I'm really good at keepin' my finger on the button, if you know what I mean..."
Tom

If there were any justice in the world I'd be the crackpot ruler of a small, former Soviet republic.

Who is also mayor of Chess City (both Chess City, Elista and Chess City, Dubai).

Some people have all the luck...
Tom

Hi,

You may be surprised to know that I'm a perspicacious observer of the Boston Polyamory scene and that I am often able to discern the hot, new trends among that crowd. Although my authority in this area is completely unrecognized, it cannot be denied because what if I'm just like Cassandra of Greek mythology?

So by now you're asking: "Tom, what's the hot, new trend in the Boston Poly scene? What hip, cool thing should we be doing if we want to be the center of attention and sour grapes gossip?"

Very simple: Start up a relationship with someone from Alabama.

I know, I know, you think Alabama you start hearing the banjos from Deliverance, but soon that redneck chic will be so very *very* in. Right now it's mostly non-natives who hope to get out from Alabama, but as the Poly Agenda program of "embrace and extend" kicks in, we'll be drawing in more and more native Alabamians. Yes, the South has a troubled past, but with a little positive reinforcement we can all once agian bask in some Southern Hospitality. Plus, those O'Hara accents will be all the rage this summer.

You heard it here first
Tom

Three good things:


1.) The Coffeehouse on WERS is playing acoustic-only music like it's supposed to.

2.) My copy of Attack Vector Tactical came in yesterday. Now, I just need to trick someone into playing it. Newtonian physics space combat!

3.) Issue 10 of Critical Miss is out!!!

later
Tom

Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor just retired.

Let the festivities begin.

Tom