Squashed

People worth following: AZSpot

AZSpot takes a different approach to blogging than I do. I tend to quote people I disagree with and explain why I think they’re wrong. AZSpot posts things he finds thought-provoking, usually without commentary or endorsement. And he finds some very, very good things. So, if you’re interested in the sort of thing that would interest a transnational progressive conservative/Anarcho-Christian Libertarian (and who’s not for something in that mix), AZSpot will bring it to you. Expect to disagree with many of the things AZSpot posts—but expect to to disagree in a way that is enriching rather than frustrating.

Also, AZSpot put a large Google-graphic ad at the top of his page. During the 2008 elections, a bit “Vote McCain!” ad appeared there. I’m pretty sure AZSpot was vehemently not a McCain supporter—but the inadvertantly implied endorsement was pretty hilarious.

Further disclosure: as mentioned, a few of the things AZ Spot links to are, well, crazy. But they’re generally crazy in a very interesting way.

Tumblrs worth following: Corgi Mutts

Welsh Corgis are clever dogs, bred for herding. As the preferred dog of Queen Elizabeth II, they’re both dignified and adorable. They’re also well designed. They’re long and low to the ground—which means that they can nip cows ankles without getting kicked. Or, for those of us sans-bovine, it means they have the brain and temperment of a larger dog coupled with the compactness of a medium dog. There are only two downsides.

First, they’re smart. This means if you don’t train them or give them a task, they’ll invent a task for themselves. This sometimes means counting the number of people in the room and barking in distress whenever somebody wanders out of their herd.

Second, they don’t always mix with other dogs. Sure, they play well with others. But, if your corgi plays too well with others (and you haven’t had it neutered or spayed), you’re likely to get some strange-looking off-spring.

Corgi Mutts is a blog of … half-corgi mutts. In addition to providing brilliantly-written commentary on these curiously configured dogs, it attempts to connect them with new owners. Browsing half-Corgis are sort of like browsing a vintage store. You see some strange things, most of which aren’t suited for most people. But sometimes you find something made with you in mind. If you find a half-Corgi you can rock, rock it.

Full disclosure: This blog is so witty because my wife runs it. I’m sort of biased about this sort of thing.

People worth following: Jhnbrssndn

Since I’m feeling like part of the warm and fuzzy Tumblr community, I have a few suggestions on who you should follow.

Jhn is a Professor of Public Communication. Or something. The point is, he’s way further left than I am and occasionally and eloquently shames me for my timid moderation. I’m not actually sure how he’d self-identify politically, but he’s written persuasively (though I disagree) that the correct answer to the U.K. election is none of the above.

I’m not a revolutionary. But I try to follow a few to make sure I have reasons (other than laziness) not to be a revolutionary of variety or another. And, reading the writings of somebody in the awkward (but surprisingly comfortable) marriage of revolutionary and academic is a lot more pleasant than reading the stuff written by the practical revolutionaries.

For full disclosure: Jhn has recently changed his icon to a Hello Kitty holding a pencil. Since I don’t understand why, I assume it’s something sinister.

People worth following: CrazyNutJob

Today, for reasons unknown, I’m feeling like part of the warm and fuzzy Tumblr community. As such, I thought I’d pass on a few suggestions on who you should consider following.

Crazy Nut Job does a great job of reporting, in detail, on the various financial news plaguing the country. And he knows what he’s talking about. His posts are dense, well informed, and incredibly intelligent. (And you rarely need to read them. The first sentence usually tells whether the economy is improving or imploding—and that vagues sense of terror and/or reassurance was all you were really looking for anyway. CNJ has data and, I trust, )

For full disclosure: He’s crazy. (Actually, this accusation could be leveled about most people I’m likely to recommend.) Since the hardcore libertarianism generally doesn’t make it into the posts on his Tumblr, it’s easy to forget its there. Sometimes it creeps out—either in a very well-reasoned post or in a series of hilarious posts around 11:00 at night after a few drinks. If CNJ’s economic forecasts look a bit pessimistic (in my view), they probably are.