(cross-posted at my blog)

So as previously noted, I am unemployed, going on three weeks now. In an effort to keep myself busy, I’ve painted two entire rooms, as well as attempting to assume all cleaning duties around the house (an endeavor the Special Lady Friend has informed me that, in no uncertain terms, I am terrible at.)

Also, I stopped shaving immediately after losing my job, the better to show solidarity with my millions of brothers in the Great Hirsute Unemployed Brotherhood:

These days, the hirsute pursuit has evolved into a full-blown, full-grown trend. According to the marketing research company The NPD Group, sales of electric shavers and men’s facial trimmers have dipped 12 percent just in the last year while beard-related activities are, well, bristling.

Beard Team USA, a division of the World Beard and Moustache Championships, boasts 36 chapters in the U.S. alone, many in urban hotspots such as Los Angeles, Dallas, St. Louis and New York. There are beard contests and beard blogs, mustache movies and facial hair fundraisers.

(snip)

Why the sudden growth spurt? The blustery weather — and brutal job market — are certainly part of it. But Paul Roof, assistant professor of sociology at Charleston Southern University in South Carolina, says there are other issues at play.

“For some it’s a trend, but for others it’s a way of life and simply self-expression,” he says. “At the heart of the revival, I think, is the ‘reclaiming of masculinity.’ Beards are a direct backlash against metrosexuality and the feminization of modern man. But beards are also the only accessory route that men have — the only way men can change their looks.”

You hear us, Mr. President? We’re hairy, we’re angry, and our ranks grew by 598,000 last month. It’s like Fight Club, only instead of beating the shit out of people and blowing stuff up, we’re blowing away your societal preconceptions with our rockin’ facial hair. Our beards demand to be heard! Our beards demand satisfaction!

Now, speaking for myself, after two weeks of unrestrained growth, my appearance began to scare young children, so I trimmed the beard back to a very stylish “Evil Genius” appearance:

(Above: Kneel before Zod!)

Nevertheless, I still maintain ultimate respect for those of my Facial Hair Brothers who choose to rock the full on Caveman look.

No doubt you, the new mustache or beard owner, have many questions concerning the awesome power your facial hair holds. Luckily, through the magic of the Interweb Tubes, I’ve discovered a series of training videos to help you find your way. You’re welcome.

Shorter version of the latest manufactured “scandal” surrounding the Obama campaign:

1) Obama makes a speech stating that, after 30 years of being hung out to dry by Republican/Clintonian economic policies that shipped their manufacturing jobs out of the country, many working class Rust Belt voters are understandably angry and bitter

2) Hilary Clinton and John McCain, two enthusiastic architects/supporters of the policies that shipped said manufacturing jobs out of the country, accuse Obama of being “out of touch” with working class Rust Belt voters

3) Overwhelmed by cognitive dissonance, Aaron bangs head against wall repeatedly

(much, much longer tirade on this “scandal” posted nyah)

However, unlike Al Gore and John Kerry, Obama seems to have learned the lesson of what to do when Republicans (and yes, I’m counting Hilary as one) spin your words to try and make them mean the exact, polar opposite of what they actually mean:

Namely, you don’t ignore it and hope it goes away. You FIGHT BACK.

I’m a proud Barack Obama supporter! Today I checked my myspace and there was a new blog from Obama with video from his recent appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres show. I clicked on to see what he had to say and the first video had me laughing. You can view it here. That’s right Obama busting a move with Ellen. The man has some pretty good moves!Happy viewing! 

I recall fond, fond memories.

Jay Howell is an artist. Dude is crazy. He made this thing:

It made me laugh. It also made me want to animate more. I spent a small amount of time at evergreen on an animation project and truly enjoyed it. Has anyone else messed around with stop motion or anything of the like? Flip books in middle school?

This was shown in schools in the 90s, but alas, I’m too old to have had the privilege.

How I love thee.

I just can’t get enough of LCD Soundsystem’s new one, Sound of Silver. It’s derivative of 80s new wave, 90s indie, and 00s dance, but in the best way, creating contemporary thematic gestures out of the cast-off dregs of past musical movements. With a particularly heavy nod to New Order, “All My Friends” (along with “Someone Great”) is bound to be one of the best singles of 2007.