Some fundamentalist loon is trying to initiate a boycott of our new book. Pro-Jesus, the “home of the pro-active, pro-freedom, pro-family, pro-Christian boycott” claims our book is “WAY out of bounds” and “strikes beneath the belt.” Guess they’ve never heard of free speech. We don’t know if we should be honored or deeply distraught. Enter pro-jesus at your own risk.

Your kids won’t get raptured if Jesus returns and they’re wearing Harry Potter or SpongeBob PJs. Make the righteous choice and put them to bed in Army of God PJs. They’re just what every kid wants. And just in time for Christmas. From the website:

The whole Armor of God Pajama set will help your children to depend on God to protect them from their fears, doubts, and uncertainties at night so their sleep can be restful and peaceful.

It’s too bad they don’t make these for adults. We could all use a little rapture-assurance while we’re sleeping.

Related:
Prayer Warrior Toys!
The Wacky Packages of Christian T-Shirts

Because Fox presents real news. And without the spin.
From Think Progress

Today on Fox News, Neil Cavuto devoted much of his show’s coverage to the one year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. To give the real picture of what’s going on, Cavuto brought in two ‚”experts” on back-to-back segments — exercise guru Richard Simmons and boxing promoter Don King:

On a related note, Fox News’ Ratings Take a Nosedive.

From Raw Story:

The announcement is due to arrive at 4:30 PM, outside of Verizon headquarters in New York, RAW STORY has confirmed.
The subpoenas come on the heels of two federal court decisions that were seen as blows to the Bush Administration warrantless spying program…
Mayer explained that the subpoena seeks to learn “whether the Bush administration has unlawfully targeted journalists, peace activists, libertarians, members of congress or generated an ‘enemies list.’” READ IT ALL

Mika Miko – “C.Y.S.L.A.B.F.”
(Kill Rock Stars)
Download: Capricorinations (MP3)
Since 1991, Olympia, WA-based label Kill Rock Stars has been a proud promoter of kick-ass feminist punk music. At the time of its founding, the label released some of the most influential recordings of the riot girl movement. That youthful, idealistic spirit is recaptured on “C.Y.S.L.A.B.F.”, the debut full-length by the label’s most recent all-girl signing Mika Miko.
The group, a thrashy five-piece from Los Angeles, have a sound somewhat akin to early eighties hardcore. Given the current climate of trendy, mop-haired emoism, their classic one-two-three-go approach is rather refreshing. Plus, the group eschews the cheerleading, anthemic approach so relentlessly driven home by their now-defunct labelmates Bratmobile and Bikini Kill.
Cranked guitars and propulsive rhythms combine in alternately punky and funky ways. And dynamic dual vocals — one brash, one raspy—add just the right amount of complexity to their slightly simplistic ruckus, as do impressive bass and guitar licks whose melodies complimentarily collide up and down the scale.
The band adds an organ here and there too, as on “Take Hold” and “Capricorination” — perhaps their catchiest songs. But the instrument is too often buried in the mix to make much of a difference overall. Mika Miko have a righteous, raw punk sound that really shines, but it could stand to sparkle more.
“C.Y.S.L.A.B.F.” suffers from a minor case of stiffness and grows stale too soon over the course of the disc’s twenty minutes, yet a number of their songs are simply too infectious to ignore.
Catch Mika Miko with their Kill Rock Stars labelmates Erase Errata and The Gossip when their girl-powered tour van touches down at Irving Plaza in New York City on September 13.

Paper Rad – “Trash Talking”
(Load)
Paper Rad is a Pittsburgh, PA/Northampton, MA collective that first gained notice for its irregularly published, multi-colored comic-based newspapers. The Paper Rad artists specialized in surrealist sketches and absurdist non-stories and I never missed a chance to grab an issue when I stumbled upon one.
I usually found them at shows providing merch money for their touring musician friends, or sometimes they would show up mysteriously at my local record or bookshop. For a mere dollar I would walk away alternately psyched and hesitant about what I would find when I opened it up.
Paper Rad is likely still involved in print media, but the artist collective has recently morphed into an animation and video group, applying their twisted talents towards the moving image—and the transformation has proved surprising effortless. Their very original, colorful, and slightly disturbing visions and confusing tales still excite.
Perhaps the only difference between their print and video art is the later appropriates popular culture on a grander scale. Its visual references tease your memory bank while its vibrant, clashing colors dilate your pupils. Their video art is also arguably less shocking, but Paper Rad hasn’t gone soft, just pixilated.
“Trash Talking” will subversively extend your capacity for visual stimulation. Don’t sleep on this one.
— John Rickman

This is hilarious. Watch it here via Crooks & Liars.

Tomorrow is the anniversary of Katrina. We’ve been in Iraq nearly 5 years. Gas prices continue to soar while corporate big wigs cash in. The Middle East is a terrifying mess. There’s no sign of Osama. Meanwhile, Dubya is on vacation. Have you had enough of lapdogs like Kline? [Hat Tip Atrios]

Summer is almost over and we’ve yet to take a vacation, so we’re officially signing off for a week. In the meantime, [*shameless plug coming*] go buy an advance copy of our new book, while we luxuriate in a champagne glass hot tub in the glorious Pocono’s.

Advance press for our new book, The Sinner’s Guide to the Evangelical Right:
“Like all great satire, the book is cerebral, irreverent and hilarious, while also edifying”
— Publisher’s Weekly
“Not only is this an important
book, it’s a funny book.”
— Marc Maron, Air America Radio
“This book should lay at the lifeless feet of your corpse as a silent, yet powerful and all encompassing explanation as to why you took your own life.”
— David Cross, Arrested Development

Archie Bell, best known for the ’60s soul hit “Tighten Up”
On Friday August 18
From Flavorpill

River to River presents the New York Dolls—FREE
when: Fri 8.18 (7pm)
where: South Street Seaport (Pier 17, 212.732.7678)
details: Event Info
They may be oldsters—hell, only two of them are actually alive— but the New York Dolls are still very much kicking. Tonight, Johansen and Sylvain recruit rocking support to show the kids why they’re punk-glam legends.

On Saturday August 19:
From Flavorpill

Rubulad presents Delirium Summer: A Fever Dream feat. Extra Action Marching Band and DJ $mall ¢hange
when: Sat 8.19 (10:30pm)
where: 3rd Ward (195 Morgan Ave, Bklyn, 718.715.4961)
price: $10
Rubulad aims for a “surfer circus” vibe with a night of disparate freaky performers, DJs, video, and food in Bushwick’s expansive indoor/outdoor 3rd Ward.

On Sunday August 20:
A free concert at McCarren Park Pool
Archie Bell & Mighty Hannibal backed by The Dansettes, The Fabulous Soul Shakers, DJs: Phast Phreddie and Cosmo Baker
More info here

Califone
This promises to be an amazing show. The wildly underrated Califone is one of our favorites.
Click here for more information on tonight’s show.
DOWNLOAD: Califone – Pastry Sharp (MP3) (via BrooklynVegan)