I'm nearing the end of Berlin Alexanderplatz. I hope, and yet do not believe, that Reinhold will be trampled by communists in the streets or something. Gah. What a loathsome character. Franz isn't real high on my list of favorite protagonists of all time, either. Sympathetic at points? Certainly. Not without his charms. That goofy smile? The enormous wellspring of optimism? Wonderful. But this guy is like Tony Soprano with many times the schnapps and none of the foresight. And, hey, maybe try to work a little harder at not beating another girlfriend to death. You know, for a change. All of that said, it really is an interesting piece of work. Besides the "Weimar comes alive!" aspect off it, it really is an interesting look at how one gets locked in to this fatalistic spiral and sort of, well, gives up. Starts thinking that they don't deserve the second chances they've been given, gives in to the broader currents around them.

Hmmm... Zombie Reagan vs. Robot Nixon. Who would win?

What The Candidate Got Right - And What It Got Wrong. I love that movie... I really need to pick up a copy.

Erykah Badu's new album includes production by Madlib. Check out the embedded audio. So good.

Sebastian Tellier's new album was produced by Guy-Manuel de Homem Christo of Daft Punk.

Before you give up and start walking, consider the mathematics of waiting for the bus. This is of vital import for those of us who, in some small way, rely on Metro bus.

People of DC, How Much Will Your Taxi Fare Be Now?

And now, the latest slings and arrows...

C&L: Harry Reid: Democratic Leader?
TPM: Capitulation
OpenLeft: Make it a quickie so we can get to Davos

My email to the Majority Leader...

As a lifelong, dedicated Democrat I am writing today to express my utter dismay at your capitulation to those who would pass retroactive immunity for telecom companies. You've spoken against retroactive immunity... why, then, are you bringing a version that will advance that outcome to the floor and shutting down means of opposing it?

I was there at the DCCC party on election night in 2006. I heard you and Speaker Pelosi announce a new day, a new direction for this country. It's irrational, I know, but at the moment it feels like we may as well have saved ourselves the time and money that cycle. We need leadership from you on this issue, Senator. Seriously... I'm begging, here.