NEW FEATURE: The Notorious Book Club

I keep running across books I want to recommend to people, but seeing as how I just found one that is currently available online (and only online) that would be the perfect choice to launch the Notorious Book Club.

The book is called "The Authoritarians" by Bob Altemeyer, a psychology professor at the University of Manitoba (yes, it turns out they do have universities in Canada!) He has spent decades studying what makes members and leaders of "authoritarian" movements tick and has finally published his findings for the non-expert. If that name sounds familiar you might recognize him as the source of much of the groundwork in John Dean's recent "Conservatives Without Conscience", a book I can'tget anyone to read because they all say "eww! why would I want to read a book about Newt Gingrich and Dick Cheney?" Well, you won't have that problem with Professor Altemeyer's book, which is quite a fascinating read by someone who not only knows what he is talking about but is also a witty and engaging writer as well.

Anyway, enough blabbing by me. Here is where you can find "The Authoritarians".

And welcome to my book club. Now look under your seat--it's the key to a new car! Unless your neighbor stole it.

ELECTION '08: Worst Campaign Slogan Ever

Rudy Giulani, Republican candidate for president, doesn't seem to realize that the purpose of a campaign is to win. He let loose with this little gem the other day:

We are very fortunate to have President Bush... that's
the kind of president I would like to be.

San Fransisco Chronicle: "America's Mayor" praises Bush in speech

Good luck with that.