Yes, it's the return of an old favorite. After seeing certain people (listed below) in the news, I just couldn't resist. Who could?

For any newcomers, it works like this. I go through the news every month looking for people who behave like assholes. This isn't always a judgment of their overall worth - I've had people I like on American Asshole before - but a judgment of the particular behavior that seemed assholish in that particular month. After all, everyone is an asshole sometime.

Your part is to look at the evidence provided in the links and choose the one you think should be that month's special asshole. You vote by clicking on the "Billy Goats" link below and leaving your vote in the comments. Make sure your name is on the comment...... anonymous votes are not counted! Results are posted after the voting dies down, in a week or so.

You may nominate someone you see in the news, too. Just send a link to me in the comments here or on FB. I will consider and discuss all nominations, but retain the right of final say. As I have October assholes posted, all nominations should now be for November assholery.

Previous AA fans will see some changes in the nominations. For one thing, people who do horrid criminal things like abusing loads of adopted children have left assholiness far behind. Let the justice system deal with them. Likewise, politicians and pundits are paid to be assholes (as many of you have repeatedly pointed out) and one person's assholiness is another's "yeah!" moment, so it will be more difficult (but far from impossible) for these people to be nominated. When it comes to politicians, I'll look for behavior that all but the staunchest of partisans can agree is just plain assholy.

So what is nominatable assholiness? That is difficult to define, actually, as it involves intangibles galore. Highly unnecessary, self-centered acts by people who are oblivious to the effects on others, or simply don't care, stand out to me. So do people who don't mind causing others harm to gain a little convenience for themselves - or just out of spite. People who kick up a shitstorm when it would be easier to just keep their mouths shut are often considered. In the end, I may not be able to define assholiness, but I know it when I see it! Perhaps these individuals can help:


Richard Strandlof - It's sad that all you have is a big mouth and delusions of                                           adequacy.

Cherri Wolbruek - Support our troops, but not in HER backyard.

Keith Bardwell - Well, I guess we know what your opinion is. Do you remember what                             opinions are like? (1)

Mark DeCraepeo- Okay, then don't make the mozzarella caprese. Yeesh.

Rep. Daryl Metcalfe- That "people who disagree with me are traitors" bit is so 2003.

Adam Manning - I'm sure you're going to be a wonderful influence on your son.

Larry Whitten - You may understand the hotel business, but you sure as hell don't                              understand New Mexico tourism. Or, for that matter, New Mexico. (2)

Richard and Muyumi Heene - You know, some people become famous by developing                                                a talent or honing a skill. (1)