Gallup: Americans Don’t Think Obama Deserved the Nobel Peace Prize

Politics • Views: 3,102

It’s official — 61% of the US public agrees with President Obama that he doesn’t really deserve the Nobel Peace Prize: Americans’ Views on Obama and the Nobel Peace Prize.

The poll breaks apart on partisan lines, of course.

PRINCETON, NJ — The majority of Americans do not believe President Barack Obama deserved to win the Nobel Peace Prize (61%), but the public is split in its personal reaction to the announcement. Asked if they are “glad” Obama received the prize, 46% of Americans say yes and 47% say no.

I’m not sure where I fit, because I’m happy our president won the Nobel Peace Prize (although I haven’t had much respect left for the prize after they gave it to Yasser Arafat), yet I also think he doesn’t really deserve it. It was a political statement by the prize committee.

I don’t really blame Obama for it — he can’t help brainwashing these folks. It’s too easy.

From a political viewpoint he handled it just right, though. If he had made a big deal about turning down the prize it would have kept the issue alive for much longer and it probably would have gotten really crazy, because the longer this kind of issue lives, the crazier it gets.

By just accepting with a gracious, soothing speech he pretty much showed what it’s worth. And what it’s not worth: a big political brouhaha.

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288 comments
1 Guanxi88  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:11:32am

"I don’t really blame Obama for it — he can’t help brainwashing these folks. It’s too easy."

Hell, they come pre-laundered, these guys. No effort at all required.

2 brookly red  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:11:49am

Well honestly no... but if the poll runs w/party lines he should be on top, yes? More Ds than Rs, I think.

3 Sharmuta  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:12:46am

The entire situation is silly, from giving him the prize to freaking out about him getting the prize. Much ado about nothing, but watching the wingnuts go insane was a little amusing, if not pathetic.

4 Right Brain  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:14:18am

People seem to fault President Obama for winning it: he did not campaign for it in any way shape or form. He was a passive recipient and received it as "a call to action" which is about as gracious as anyone could manage.

On the otherhand it was a blatant attempt by the Norweigian Parliament to interfere with the internal affairs of America, as they have again and again.

5 brookly red  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:14:45am

re: #3 Sharmuta

The entire situation is silly, from giving him the prize to freaking out about him getting the prize. Much ado about nothing, but watching the wingnuts go insane was a little amusing, if not pathetic.

It sad actually, the prize hasn't meant much for some time now IMO.

6 Cato the Elder  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:14:45am

I voted for the guy, and I think the "Not George Bush" Prize is a sham.

He should have taken a day to think about it and then told 'em to give it to that doctor in Congo.

Can't turn down the Nobel committee? Horse hockey.

7 brookly red  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:17:14am

re: #6 Cato the Elder

I voted for the guy, and I think the "Not George Bush" Prize is a sham.

He should have taken a day to think about it and then told 'em to give it to that doctor in Congo.

Can't turn down the Nobel committee? Horse hockey.

I agree. (must drink now)

8 watching you tiny alien kittens are  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:17:46am

Your all being too wordy, the proper response is;

Well, Duh?

9 Ulairi  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:17:59am

I'm glad the the American President won but I agree with Cato the Elder, he should have turned it down or he himself should give it to another person who did more to earn it.

We cannot blame him for how some two-bit leftists voted.

10 Kronocide  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:18:09am

If you hate Obama enough you'll find a way to hate him for it. However CJ is right, it's not really worth much politically. I think a scientist would value a Nobel much more: a Nobel won on those merits still has the corresponding respect for it.

Obama said 'uh, well OK, thanks...'

What the hell else do you expect him to say? 'FOAD you arrogant Eurolitists! Stick that $900k up your...'

11 Randall Gross  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:18:58am

His biggest accomplishment so far is winning the election, that was a battle and he is the first black US president. I suspect that they are looking at that as his accomplishment.
I think that's a big accomplishment, but a NPP accomplishment? Nyet. No, Non, etc.

12 Cato the Elder  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:19:30am

Well, hey, who says we're a divided nation?

13 Sharmuta  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:19:37am

re: #5 brookly red

It sad actually, the prize hasn't meant much for some time now IMO.

Exactly. It's been a laughing stock for so long, but suddenly Obama gets it, and the right pitches a collective sh*t fit... over a prize they themselves have mocked for years. But why waste a controversy, eh? There are cheap shot points to be scored, after all.

14 brookly red  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:20:04am

re: #9 Ulairi

I'm glad the the American President won but I agree with Cato the Elder, he should have turned it down or he himself should give it to another person who did more to earn it.

We cannot blame him for how some two-bit leftists voted.

/ or for the actions of the Nobel committee either.

15 Taqyia2Me  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:20:14am

Here's hoping Barack Obama's future restores luster to the Nobel Peace Prize that was so very much diminished by the award to Yasir Arafat.

16 Teh Flowah  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:21:11am

re: #6 Cato the Elder

I voted for the guy, and I think the "Not George Bush" Prize is a sham.

He should have taken a day to think about it and then told 'em to give it to that doctor in Congo.

Can't turn down the Nobel committee? Horse hockey.

I think if he had done that it might look bad. Hell I think anything he would/should/could have done would have been turned into ammo to use against him. The Nobel prize really fucked him with their stupid politics.

17 brookly red  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:21:18am

re: #13 Sharmuta

Exactly. It's been a laughing stock for so long, but suddenly Obama gets it, and the right pitches a collective sh*t fit... over a prize they themselves have mocked for years. But why waste a controversy, eh? There are cheap shot points to be scored, after all.

didn't Arafat get it too?

18 Varek Raith  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:22:37am

re: #17 brookly red

didn't Arafat get it too?

Affirmative.

19 Racer X  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:23:20am

Nobel Peace Prize means exactly squat.

Ghandi was nominated 3 times and they felt he did not deserve it.

20 Charles Johnson  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:23:41am

From a political viewpoint he handled it just right. If he had made a big deal about turning it down it would have kept the issue alive for much longer and it probably would have gotten really crazy, because everything like this gets really crazy the longer it lives.

By just accepting with a gracious, soothing speech he pretty much showed what it's worth. And what it's not worth, which is a big political brouhaha.

21 brookly red  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:23:47am

re: #18 Varek Raith

Affirmative.

well I guess that sums it up for me.

22 Nervous Norvous  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:24:08am

re: #3 Sharmuta

I agree with you, it wouldn't have made any difference. I will be interested to see who he gives the actual cash prize to, as that will say more than the awarding of the medal.

23 Kronocide  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:24:46am

re: #15 Taqyia2Me

Jimmy didn't do much to maintain the brand either...

24 Varek Raith  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:25:04am

re: #20 Charles

From a political viewpoint he handled it just right. If he had made a big deal about turning it down it would have kept the issue alive for much longer and it probably would have gotten really crazy, because everything like this gets really crazy the longer it lives.

By just accepting with a soothing speech he pretty much showed what it's worth. And what it's not worth, which is a big political brouhaha.

Can't you just imagine what the wingnut reaction would've been had Obama turned it down?

25 Cato the Elder  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:25:30am

re: #19 Racer X

Nobel Peace Prize means exactly squat.

Ghandi was nominated 3 times and they felt he did not deserve it.

Who is this "Ghandi" of whom you speak?

Oh, you must mean Gandhi.

26 _RememberTonyC  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:25:39am

I have not felt strongly one way or the other on this. It will look good in the Obama library some day. The message I get from the whole thing is that the Nobel committee is trying to steer Obama in favor of their agenda with the "honor." He should take their money, their trophy, say thanks and then do what he has to do whether they like it or not.

27 Kronocide  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:26:13am

re: #20 Charles

From a political viewpoint he handled it just right. If he had made a big deal about turning it down it would have kept the issue alive for much longer and it probably would have gotten really crazy, because everything like this gets really crazy the longer it lives.

By just accepting with a gracious, soothing speech he pretty much showed what it's worth. And what it's not worth, which is a big political brouhaha.

Not saner words I've seen written about it.

28 Taqyia2Me  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:26:21am

re: #23 BigPapa

Jimmy didn't do much to maintain the brand either...

Yeah, no doubt, does the donor list to the Carter World Peace Center still look like the Riyadh phonebook??

29 Racer X  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:26:39am

re: #25 Cato the Elder

Who is this "Ghandi" of whom you speak?

Oh, you must mean Gandhi.

Mavis Beacon? Is that you?

;-)

30 lurking faith  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:26:51am

Do I think he deserves it in any way? No.
Do I blame him for accepting it in the way he did? No.

Am I glad he won it? No.
While his selection just further underlines the knee-jerk leftist political nature of the committee, and helps to further delegitimatize previous stupid awardings, I would so much prefer to see the money go to someone who would use it for a noble cause in need of funds.

31 Kronocide  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:27:30am

re: #28 Taqyia2Me

Yeah, no doubt, does the donor list to the Carter World Peace Center still look like the Riyadh phonebook??

That was worth a rimshot.

32 brookly red  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:27:35am

re: #24 Varek Raith

Can't you just imagine what the wingnut reaction would've been had Obama turned it down?

I don't understand how someone can be presiding over 2 wars (granted he didn't start them) & even be eligible...

33 Cato the Elder  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:27:50am

re: #24 Varek Raith

Can't you just imagine what the wingnut reaction would've been had Obama turned it down?

You mean the approval he would have garnered for realistically assessing his accomplishments to date, politely declining the prize, and asking the committee to come back in a few years and see what he's been up to?

Really, what could anybody possible find objectionable in that? He would have won admirers among his critics.

34 Racer X  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:28:08am

M1: The Crab Nebula from Hubble

This ones a keeper.

35 swamprat  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:28:10am

Even NPRs' "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me" thought the prize was over the top.

36 Killgore Trout  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:28:24am

re: #30 lurking faith

I would so much prefer to see the money go to someone who would use it for a noble cause in need of funds.


He'll give the money to some charity. It will go to good use.

37 Killgore Trout  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:28:46am

re: #34 Racer X

Nice!

38 Kronocide  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:29:32am

re: #30 lurking faith

He did give the $ to charity. Don't know which ones but that was the further classy and correct thing to do.

39 Sharmuta  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:29:42am

re: #34 Racer X

M1: The Crab Nebula from Hubble

This ones a keeper.

Incredible.

40 researchok  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:30:07am

The poll is right on.

In giving the prize to Obama, we can take comfort in knowing the Nobel Prize will not be given to likes of Robert Mugabe or Muammar Qadaffi or Bashar Assad for at least another year.

Charles is right. Since awarding the prize to Arafat, Nobel credibility leaves much to be desired.

41 XopXproxyX  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:30:34am

I don't think those "folks"(had to put that in quotation marks, I would never use that word regularly, haha) are brainwashed, rather a little too keen to embrace a U.S. president who won't isolate himself on the world stage.

42 The Sanity Inspector  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:30:45am

I liked what some of the commenters over at Samizdata said:

It is the lack of hope in this world that drives so many desperate souls to bigotry, violence, and terror. Barack Obama has now struck a telling blow against this, by giving literally billions of plain people across the globe a ray of hope that - without any elitist demands for actual diplomatic achievement on their parts! - a genuine Nobel Peace Pony may yet be theirs. When, next year, he finally resolves the Middle East conflict, and is borne shoulder-high through Jerusalem by an ecstatic crowd as Netanyahu and Abbas lead a mass conga round the Temple Mount, we shall just have to give it to him twice. Unless he fails, in which case I guess it can always go to Paris Hilton.

and

Upon reflection, I think all the mockery will cease when Barack Obama walks across the Atlantic Ocean to accept His prize.

43 thecommodore  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:30:50am

For the sake of accuracy alone, Arafat was a co-winner of the prize in 1994 along with Shimon Peres, Yitzhak Rabin for their respective roles in the Oslo Accords. This is oft omitted by conservatives in their freakout over this.

Not saying it was good or bad, just sayin.

44 brookly red  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:32:14am

re: #43 thecommodore

For the sake of accuracy alone, Arafat was a co-winner of the prize in 1994 along with Shimon Peres, Yitzhak Rabin for their respective roles in the Oslo Accords. This is oft omitted by conservatives in their freakout over this.

Not saying it was good or bad, just sayin.

Thanks, I didn't recall that...

45 The Sanity Inspector  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:32:42am

re: #34 Racer X

M1: The Crab Nebula from Hubble

This ones a keeper.

False color imaging, remember.

46 Varek Raith  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:33:11am

re: #43 thecommodore

For the sake of accuracy alone, Arafat was a co-winner of the prize in 1994 along with Shimon Peres, Yitzhak Rabin for their respective roles in the Oslo Accords. This is oft omitted by conservatives in their freakout over this.

Not saying it was good or bad, just sayin.

While true, Arafat should've had no part in that at all.
/my $0.02

47 Cato the Elder  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:34:02am

re: #38 BigPapa

He did give the $ to charity. Don't know which ones but that was the further classy and correct thing to do.

He hasn't received the prize yet, so no money has gone anywhere.

48 Racer X  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:34:14am

re: #43 thecommodore

For the sake of accuracy alone, Arafat was a co-winner of the prize in 1994 along with Shimon Peres, Yitzhak Rabin for their respective roles in the Oslo Accords. This is oft omitted by conservatives in their freakout over this.

Not saying it was good or bad, just sayin.

Yes because Arafat gave so much towards peace.

/

49 Racer X  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:34:35am

re: #45 The Sanity Inspector

False color imaging, remember.

You're ruining it.

50 brookly red  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:35:19am

re: #47 Cato the Elder

He hasn't received the prize yet, so no money has gone anywhere.

Is it taxable?

51 Killgore Trout  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:35:32am

Former Fox News contributor: I left the network because I was ‘uncomfortable’ with Glenn Beck.

Today on CNN’s Reliable Sources segment, Washington Post reporter Howie Kurtz hosted Jane Hall, associate professor in the School of Communication at American University, to discuss the Obama administration’s criticisms of Fox News. Hall was a contributor to the network for 11 years and a frequent guest on The O’Reilly Factor and Fox News Watch. Kurtz asked Hall why she left Fox and whether she felt like she was “being used to give Fox a certain degree of legitimacy.” Hall replied that part of the reason she left was because of how “scary” Glenn Beck is:

Youtube Video
52 thecommodore  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:35:35am

re: #46 Varek Raith

Fair enough. But as I said, there are people implying that Arafat was a sole winner when he was not.

As I understand it, the prize isn't necessarily given because of a significant accomplishment in the cause of peace, but rather because of significant steps taken towards it and the committee felt that Oslo was just such a step.

53 lurking faith  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:35:56am

re: #36 Killgore Trout

He'll give the money to some charity. It will go to good use.

I am sure it will go to some sort of charity, or possibly some political watchdog nonprofit or something like that. But whether it will go to good use as a result remains to be seen.

Also, of course, it might depend on one's definition of "good use." (If it goes to something like microlending, or effective health initiatives somewhere, or the Red Cross, that would make me very happy.)

The Nobel Committee could have chosen where the money would go. That they decided to leave it up to someone else is, IMHO, an abdication of responsibility.

54 Racer X  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:36:36am

Another shitty day in Catalina.

55 Taqyia2Me  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:36:40am

re: #50 brookly red

Is it taxable?

It's income, so yes but Geithner's his Treasury Secretary, so it becomes nebulous.
/

56 Kronocide  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:37:12am

re: #51 Killgore Trout

When will they realize Beck is hollow profit?

57 Killgore Trout  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:37:34am

re: #53 lurking faith

Of course wingnuts will object to whoever he gives the money to. That goes without saying.

58 The Sanity Inspector  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:37:57am

Can't think of this song nowadays without bring O! to mind:

Youtube Video
59 Varek Raith  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:38:02am

re: #33 Cato the Elder

You mean the approval he would have garnered for realistically assessing his accomplishments to date, politely declining the prize, and asking the committee to come back in a few years and see what he's been up to?

Really, what could anybody possible find objectionable in that? He would have won admirers among his critics.

Sarcasm?

60 lurking faith  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:38:22am

re: #34 Racer X

M1: The Crab Nebula from Hubble

This ones a keeper.

Is it just me, or does that resemble a big, shiny dust bunny?

61 Cato the Elder  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:39:10am

re: #53 lurking faith

The Nobel Committee could have chosen where the money would go. That they decided to leave it up to someone else is, IMHO, an abdication of responsibility.

Now that's ridiculous. A prize is a prize. You don't give it to someone but say "we're donating the money in your name to XYZ"...that just doesn't happen.

62 Cato the Elder  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:39:39am

re: #59 Varek Raith

Sarcasm?

No. My opinion.

63 lurking faith  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:40:22am

re: #57 Killgore Trout

Of course wingnuts will object to whoever he gives the money to. That goes without saying.

Sadly, you're probably right.

64 _RememberTonyC  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:40:46am

re: #51 Killgore Trout

Former Fox News contributor: I left the network because I was ‘uncomfortable’ with Glenn Beck.

[Video]

Not disagreeing at all that beck is a lunatic. But Jane Hall was always extremely liberal in her views. And she has a right to make her stand based on her beliefs. She sees beck as "scary," while I see him as something less than scary. "Objectionable, unstable, and bombastic? Yes. He could cross the bridge to scary at some point, but not yet IMHO.

By the way, the NY Times seems to be supporting FOX's version of the "Feinberg freeze out" story in this piece:

[Link: www.nytimes.com...]

65 Bob Levin  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:41:06am

The news story is misdirected. The real story here is the Nobel Committee, not President Obama. And that's been the story from the first day. Conservatives have railed against the fact that seemingly impartial organizations are not only notimpartial, but they increasingly seem to be working at odds with their mission statement. And yet, just because President Obama is the recipient of a skewed decision making process, conservatives focus on the recipient rather than the process. I believe that's called "moving the goal posts." And I put that in quotes because I've heard it so often from conservative circles in criticism of liberals.

66 Varek Raith  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:42:20am

re: #62 Cato the Elder

No. My opinion.

Understood.
IMO, the wingnuts would've gone nuts over that.

67 Mad Al-Jaffee  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:42:32am
Youtube Video
68 Killgore Trout  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:43:02am

re: #64 _RememberTonyC

I see Beck as very scary. His rhetoric is very dangerous.

69 lurking faith  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:43:06am

re: #61 Cato the Elder

Now that's ridiculous. A prize is a prize. You don't give it to someone but say "we're donating the money in your name to XYZ"...that just doesn't happen.

Not what I meant. I meant they could have given the prize to someone doing difficult work they approve of, with some confidence that the money would be used towards those ends.

But they would rather meddle in US politics and let the money go where it may.

70 Varek Raith  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:43:40am

re: #67 Mad Al-Jaffee

That was... most interesting...

71 brookly red  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:44:12am

re: #65 Bob Levin

I see your point but I thought the story was about how Americans felt...

72 Racer X  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:44:23am

I do not know Obama well enough to "hate" him. He seems nice enough; if we met at a social gathering I'm sure he and I would get along just fine.

As far as his politics I find him - like most politicians - lacking. I do find encouragement in the fact that he has kept many of the previous administration's policies intact.

73 Mich-again  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:45:51am

I think the peace prize was more a statement about GWB than Obama. They wanted to get one last dig in, so they gave the guy who replaced Bush a peace prize just for not being Bush.

74 _RememberTonyC  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:47:01am

re: #68 Killgore Trout

I see Beck as very scary. His rhetoric is very dangerous.

if taken literally, yes. I have major concerns about beck ... I really do. I can understand someone being scared of him. But I think he will self immolate before he does anything that is truly scary.

75 XopXproxyX  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:47:28am

re: #68 Killgore Trout

re: #68 Killgore Trout

I don't know if it will be more tragic or more facinating when his dangerous rhetoric inevitably blows up in his face. Hopefully the latter.

76 Varek Raith  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:47:36am

re: #70 Varek Raith

That was... most interesting...

And brought to us by PJTV. Uhg.

77 Girth  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:47:38am

re: #73 Mich-again

I think the peace prize was more a statement about GWB than Obama. They wanted to get one last dig in, so they gave the guy who replaced Bush a peace prize just for not being Bush.

I almost positive McCain wouldn't have won had he been elected.

78 Guanxi88  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:47:58am

I still hold out the hope that Obama is in fact a left hawk.. He's got problems herding the cats of the domestic wing of his party, and I'm less than thrilled with some of the stuff some of his folk have to say on international affairs, abut I've got to think that the Poland and Czech Republic missile-defense deal, combined with the greater openness with the Russians, has to be part of some bigger game that we just don't see yet.

I mean, he talked like a dove, but I notice he's using drones and missiles with great effect against our enemies.

Not 100% convinced that this isn't wishful thinking on my part, but I can't imagine ANY deal involving a Clinton where they didn't come out on top.

79 A Man for all Seasons  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:48:08am

re: #73 Mich-again

I think the peace prize was more a statement about GWB than Obama. They wanted to get one last dig in, so they gave the guy who replaced Bush a peace prize just for not being Bush.

Well Hell..I'm not Bush.. Can I have a peace prize?
/

80 Cato the Elder  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:48:47am

re: #66 Varek Raith

Understood.
IMO, the wingnuts would've gone nuts over that.

What, pray, could they have said? "We agree he doesn't deserve it but..."?

81 Mich-again  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:48:57am

re: #73 Mich-again

Obama and the peace prize is a re-enactment of the scene in The Wizard of Oz when the mayor of Munchkinland gave Dorothy a key to the city for having skillfully landed her house on top of the wicked witch of the East.

82 _RememberTonyC  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:50:04am

re: #79 HoosierHoops

Well Hell..I'm not Bush.. Can I have a peace prize?
/

you need a paperweight that badly?

83 SpaceJesus  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:50:41am

kirk cameron's prefaced Origin of Species gets a trip to the woodshed

Youtube Video
84 Mich-again  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:51:21am

re: #77 Girth

I almost positive McCain wouldn't have won had he been elected.

Agreed. McCain would have been perceived by them as a continuation.

85 _RememberTonyC  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:51:54am

TD New England ... Brady is back, Hoosier!

86 brookly red  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:52:04am

re: #78 Guanxi88

I still hold out the hope that Obama is in fact a left hawk.. He's got problems herding the cats of the domestic wing of his party, and I'm less than thrilled with some of the stuff some of his folk have to say on international affairs, abut I've got to think that the Poland and Czech Republic missile-defense deal, combined with the greater openness with the Russians, has to be part of some bigger game that we just don't see yet.

I mean, he talked like a dove, but I notice he's using drones and missiles with great effect against our enemies.

Not 100% convinced that this isn't wishful thinking on my part, but I can't imagine ANY deal involving a Clinton where they didn't come out on top.

he is doing what needs to be done. if he was a hawk dinner jacket would be worried...

87 Girth  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:52:36am

re: #83 spacejesus

kirk cameron's prefaced Origin of Species gets a trip to the woodshed


[Video]

Kirk Cameron's deserved a trip to the woodshed since Growing Pains, let alone what he's been doing since.

88 Girth  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:54:08am

re: #85 _RememberTonyC

TD New England ... Brady is back, Hoosier!

Shredding winless teams back to back will do wonders for your confidence.

89 Varek Raith  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:54:13am

re: #80 Cato the Elder

What, pray, could they have said? "We agree he doesn't deserve it but..."?

I have little doubt that the likes of Geller, Malkin and Beck would have no trouble finding some crazy way to bash Obama if he did.
/Though, you may be correct. They could just as easily ignore it.

90 MandyManners  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:54:34am

re: #77 Girth

Are you out of your mind?

91 Spare O'Lake  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:55:01am
I don’t really blame Obama for it — he can’t help brainwashing these folks. It’s too easy.

It's the magic teleprompter rays.

92 _RememberTonyC  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:55:40am

re: #88 Girth

Shredding winless teams back to back will do wonders for your confidence.

NE grinds shit teams like that to pieces ... that is what good teams do.

93 A Man for all Seasons  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:55:52am

re: #85 _RememberTonyC

TD New England ... Brady is back, Hoosier!

Dang it! But Peyton is looking awesome today!
We will be meeting up during the play-offs...

94 Varek Raith  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:56:21am

re: #91 Spare O'Lake

It's the magic teleprompter rays.

That's just the cover story. The rays come from a sat in lower earth orbit. ;)

95 SpaceJesus  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:56:28am

re: #87 Girth

Kirk Cameron's deserved a trip to the woodshed since Growing Pains, let alone what he's been doing since.


agreed. I can't wait till they try passing out these revised copies of Origin at my university. I need to come up with something funny to do with them.

96 MandyManners  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:57:19am

re: #77 Girth

I almost positive McCain wouldn't have won had he been elected.

WHOOPS!

I misread badly.

97 Cato the Elder  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:57:34am

re: #83 spacejesus

kirk cameron's prefaced Origin of Species gets a trip to the woodshed

I would pay big money for a video of ZOMGitsCriss spanking the hell out of Kirk. She could use a snakeskin whip.

98 Sharmuta  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:57:58am

re: #95 spacejesus

agreed. I can't wait till they try passing out these revised copies of Origin at my university. I need to come up with something funny to do with them.

Rip out the creationist section, hand it back to them, and walk away.

99 _RememberTonyC  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:58:06am

re: #93 HoosierHoops

Dang it! But Peyton is looking awesome today!
We will be meeting up during the play-offs...

I hope so ... Indy and NE need each other ... they measure each other the way the Yankees and Red Sox do.

100 Varek Raith  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:58:22am

re: #95 spacejesus

agreed. I can't wait till they try passing out these revised copies of Origin at my university. I need to come up with something funny to do with them.

Make it a real, once in a lifetime zinger.

101 Cato the Elder  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 11:59:34am

re: #95 spacejesus

agreed. I can't wait till they try passing out these revised copies of Origin at my university. I need to come up with something funny to do with them.

Origami anthropoid apes?

102 SpaceJesus  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:00:14pm

re: #98 Sharmuta

Rip out the creationist section, hand it back to them, and walk away.


I was thinking about dressing up as Earth Jesus then walking up to their kiosk or whatever on campus. I'll pick up a copy of the book, read a little bit of it, cry uncontrollably, then cause a big scene by tearing the book to shreds.

103 lurking faith  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:00:22pm

XopXproxyX:

What's up with the commentless downding?
Do you have a problem with my distaste for seeing the Nobel committee take a big ol' cash prize and saying: "Here, you figure out what to do with it"?
Or do you think they aren't trying to meddle in US politics when they keep rewarding the opponents of one particular US president?
Or do you just not like seeing somebody clarify her own previous comment?

104 Varek Raith  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:02:06pm

re: #102 spacejesus

I was thinking about dressing up as Earth Jesus then walking up to their kiosk or whatever on campus. I'll pick up a copy of the book, read a little bit of it, cry uncontrollably, then cause a big scene by tearing the book to shreds.

I'd pay to see that. You should tape it.

105 Sharmuta  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:02:23pm

re: #104 Varek Raith

I'd pay to see that. You should tape it.

It could go viral at youtube!

106 Girth  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:03:00pm

re: #95 spacejesus

agreed. I can't wait till they try passing out these revised copies of Origin at my university. I need to come up with something funny to do with them.

I own this t-shirt for just such occasions.

[Link: www.bustedtees.com...]

107 Cato the Elder  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:05:26pm

re: #102 spacejesus

I was thinking about dressing up as Earth Jesus then walking up to their kiosk or whatever on campus. I'll pick up a copy of the book, read a little bit of it, cry uncontrollably, then cause a big scene by tearing the book to shreds.

Back in the day, Gregory Peck's son came to look at my alma mater while he was deciding what college to go to. The local papers - including the student rag - made a huge fuss about it.

So one of my fellow collegians got dressed up as Jesus the next day and walked around campus with a big sign reading "Celebrity's Son Visits Local College".

108 Racer X  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:07:23pm

Strange Cloud Formation Spooks Moscow Citizens

Youtube Video


They're here!

109 sattv4u2  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:08:26pm

re: #108 Racer X

Strange Cloud Formation Spooks Moscow Citizens




They're here!

Maybe Chernobyl burped!

110 Sharmuta  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:10:07pm

re: #106 Girth

I own this t-shirt for just such occasions.

[Link: www.bustedtees.com...]

That's a great t-shirt.

111 brookly red  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:10:43pm

re: #108 Racer X

Strange Cloud Formation Spooks Moscow Citizens

[Video]


They're here!

/when the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie...

112 lurking faith  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:11:44pm

re: #102 spacejesus

I was thinking about dressing up as Earth Jesus then walking up to their kiosk or whatever on campus. I'll pick up a copy of the book, read a little bit of it, cry uncontrollably, then cause a big scene by tearing the book to shreds.

Love it. (But I'd advise you to be ready to pay for the book.)

113 Randall Gross  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:11:50pm

re: #108 Racer X

Strange Cloud Formation Spooks Moscow Citizens



They're here!

The Elders have returned

/yog sotthoth...

Seriously, what's your guess:
A. Fake
B. Missile Launch
C. Meteor
D. Tornadic
E. Explosive Air burst of some sort

114 Cato the Elder  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:12:35pm

re: #113 Thanos

The Elders have returned

/yog sotthoth...

Seriously, what's your guess:
A. Fake
B. Missile Launch
C. Meteor
D. Tornadic
E. Explosive Air burst of some sort

E. Final answer.

115 Racer X  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:12:41pm

アホな走り集

Youtube Video


Trippy.

116 Varek Raith  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:12:49pm

re: #108 Racer X

Ummm, yeah, my ship kind of had a malfunction at those coordinates...
/Damn NavAI!

117 brookly red  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:13:04pm

re: #113 Thanos

The Elders have returned

/yog sotthoth...

Seriously, what's your guess:
A. Fake
B. Missile Launch
C. Meteor
D. Tornadic
E. Explosive Air burst of some sort

F. global warming?

118 lurking faith  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:13:06pm

re: #113 Thanos

The Elders have returned

/yog sotthoth...

Seriously, what's your guess:
A. Fake
B. Missile Launch
C. Meteor
D. Tornadic
E. Explosive Air burst of some sort

F. Gandalf showing off with smoke rings again

119 A Man for all Seasons  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:13:26pm

re: #109 sattv4u2

Maybe Chernobyl burped!

Colts Score! Again!
I was sitting on the back porch in Yountville when I first heard the Song song, Lord I was born a rambling man...
The clouds above me looked like popcorn as far as the eye could see..
I have never seen anything like it before or after in my life...A sky full of popcorn clouds...Everytime I hear that song. I think of those clouds...

120 Bloodnok  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:13:32pm

re: #118 lurking faith

F. Gandalf showing off with smoke rings again

Heh

121 brookly red  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:13:53pm

re: #114 Cato the Elder

E. Final answer.

they do cloud seeding no?

122 MandyManners  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:14:25pm

re: #108 Racer X

Strange Cloud Formation Spooks Moscow Citizens

[Video]


They're here!

Where's Dennis Quaid?

123 MandyManners  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:14:54pm

re: #118 lurking faith

F. Gandalf showing off with smoke rings again

DINGDINGDING!

124 bratwurst  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:15:50pm

re: #64 _RememberTonyC

She sees beck as "scary," while I see him as something less than scary. "Objectionable, unstable, and bombastic? Yes. He could cross the bridge to scary at some point, but not yet IMHO.

I would personally want to distance myself from him before something bad and perhaps even violent happens, but everyone has to act according to their own conscience.

125 Sharmuta  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:16:12pm

re: #113 Thanos

The Elders have returned

/yog sotthoth...

Seriously, what's your guess:
A. Fake
B. Missile Launch
C. Meteor
D. Tornadic
E. Explosive Air burst of some sort

Dementors.

126 Racer X  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:18:22pm

Hand From Above

Vimeo


Yep, they are here. Big buggers too.

127 XopXproxyX  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:21:56pm

re: #103 lurking faith

Don't the Nobel peace prize people usually give out a big ol' cash prize and say: "Here, you figure out what to do with it"?
Why are you just singling out Obama, making him out to be some kind of ruthless super villian, then basically implying that he would give the money to Acorn? Lol.
Plus I didn't reply to you because I was testing out the dingers for the first time. Oh and much more intrested in a different thread anyway.

128 Bloodnok  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:22:32pm

re: #126 Racer X

It must be this guy's new line of work.

Youtube Video
129 _RememberTonyC  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:23:29pm

re: #124 bratwurst

I would personally want to distance myself from him before something bad and perhaps even violent happens, but everyone has to act according to their own conscience.

I'm not a follower of his by any means. But the dude seems so unstable that watching his show is like rubbernecking at a disaster site ... before the disaster hits. there are enough voices denouncing beck that I am comfortable that there is sufficient attention being given to him. His views will never be mainstream enough to scare me. And if I am wrong and he creeps close to a danger zone, the fact that many (including me) are keeping their eyes on him means he will eventually be reigned in.

130 SpaceJesus  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:24:45pm

re: #112 lurking faith

Love it. (But I'd advise you to be ready to pay for the book.)


hmm, I think they said they're giving them out. Who knows.

131 Spare O'Lake  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:25:37pm

President Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize for being the first member of a visible minority to get elected POTUS on a platform consisting of... Hopenchange.
In witnessing such an unprecedented feat of mesmerism the Nobel Committee was convinced that Barack Obama can and will, at the appointed time of his choosing, have no difficulty whatsoever in causing World Peace and Racial Harmony to break out by the sheer force of his magnificent charismatic abilities.

132 bratwurst  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:25:51pm

re: #129 _RememberTonyC

I hope you are right. Believe me, I do not say such things about a TV clown lightly...but you saw how his flock feels about him at the 9/12 march. You and I are in on the joke, but there are more than a few of his faithful who are not.

133 Racer X  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:26:33pm

Trust Me, this time its going to be different

Youtube Video

Ha!

134 metrolibertarian  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:30:11pm
I’m not sure where I fit, because I’m happy our president won the Nobel Peace Prize (although I haven’t had much respect left for the prize after they gave it to Yasser Arafat)

It goes back further than that, though I wasn't alive at the time this happened, Henry Kissinger winning it was despicable and winning it in 1973, not even a year after Operation Linebacker II/The Christmas Bombing of Cambodia, was beyond ridiculous.

135 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:30:15pm

Captain Obvious Polling?

136 Killgore Trout  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:32:15pm

In contrast of the ridiculously expensive GOP website...
Whitehouse.gov using Drupal

The flag ship website of the U.S. government, Whitehouse.gov, just relaunched on Drupal. This is a big day for Drupal, and for Open Source in government, and something all of us in the community should be very proud of.

First of all, I think Drupal is a perfect match for President Barack Obama's push for an open and transparent government -- Drupal provides a great mix of traditional web content management features and social features that enable open communication and participation. This combination is what we refer to as social publishing and is why so many people use Drupal. Furthermore, I think Drupal is a great fit in terms of President Barack Obama's desire to reduce cost and to act quickly. Drupal's flexibility and modularity enables organizations to build sites quickly at lower cost than most other systems. In other words, Drupal is a great match for the U.S. government.

137 Killgore Trout  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:34:02pm

re: #136 Killgore Trout

More here: Thoughts on the Whitehouse.gov switch to Drupal

Yesterday, the new media team at the White House announced via the Associated Press that whitehouse.gov is now running on Drupal, the open source content management system. That Drupal implementation is in turn running on a Red Hat Linux system with Apache, MySQL and the rest of the LAMP stack. Apache Solr is the new White House search engine.

138 Racer X  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:34:08pm

re: #136 Killgore Trout

...President Barack Obama's push for an open and transparent government

ROFLMAO!

139 Guanxi88  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:34:33pm

re: #135 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Captain Obvious Polling?

Better Captain Obvious asking your opinion than Captain Spaulding:

Youtube Video

"If you don't have a reason why you hate clowns, I'ma kill your whole f*cking family"

140 reine.de.tout  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:35:02pm

re: #127 XopXproxyX

Don't the Nobel peace prize people usually give out a big ol' cash prize and say: "Here, you figure out what to do with it"?
Why are you just singling out Obama, making him out to be some kind of ruthless super villian, then basically implying that he would give the money to Acorn? Lol.
Plus I didn't reply to you because I was testing out the dingers for the first time. Oh and much more intrested in a different thread anyway.

I checked through the comments, and I did not see Lurking Faith mention ACORN.

And the way I read her clarification, she wasn't singling out Obama, she was blaming the Nobel committee for their choice of Obama.

If you're paying attention to a different thread, it might be a good idea to hang onto those down-dings until you've caught up. I've updinged/downdinged things I wish I hadn't by simply not paying enough attention.

141 Charles Johnson  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:35:08pm

re: #136 Killgore Trout

In contrast of the ridiculously expensive GOP website...
Whitehouse.gov using Drupal

That's very groovy!

142 iceweasel  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:35:09pm

George Will has done an OpEd piece praising...Michelle Bachmann?

(apologies if this has been posted)

[Link: www.washingtonmonthly.com...]

But in the bigger picture, that George Will feels compelled to devote a column in praise of Bachmann suggests Will is a truly hopeless case. She's the type of unhinged right-wing lawmaker Will should be condemning, not encouraging. We are, after all, talking about a lawmaker who thinks FDR passed "Hoot-Smalley" and caused the Depression. She thinks a bipartisan national service bill will lead to "re-education camps." She doesn't know what a global reserve currency is, so she keeps rating about "one-world currency." She thinks the U.S. Census may lead to "internment camps." She recently labeled school medical clinics as "sex clinics" (twice). She also recently urged her supporters to slit their wrists.

Michele Bachmann, in other words, is mad as a hatter. If George Will hasn't noticed this, he should probably get out of the political commentary business.

143 SpaceJesus  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:36:13pm

BBC on monkey alcoholics in St. Kitts

Youtube Video


"unlike us, monkeys who are heavy drinkers make better leaders."

144 Killgore Trout  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:36:26pm

re: #141 Charles

I'm not smart enough to understand the details but the geeks seem to think it's a great move.

145 Randall Gross  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:37:03pm

re: #142 iceweasel

Is it titled "In Defense of the Certifiably Insane" ?

146 Killgore Trout  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:37:53pm

re: #145 Thanos

Is it titled "In Defense of the Certifiably Insane" ?

"My favorite Martian"?

147 Varek Raith  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:38:13pm

re: #142 iceweasel

George Will has done an OpEd piece praising...Michelle Bachmann?

(apologies if this has been posted)

[Link: www.washingtonmonthly.com...]

In my mind, it's safe to say Will has lost it.
/Though I started thinking this with his misleading columns on AGW.

148 Cato the Elder  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:38:19pm

re: #113 Thanos

Actually I think it's tornadic.

149 Guanxi88  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:38:42pm

re: #142 iceweasel

George Will has done an OpEd piece praising...Michelle Bachmann?

(apologies if this has been posted)

[Link: www.washingtonmonthly.com...]

Do you think she's at Helen Chenowith levels of crazy, or has she pegged the meter yet?

150 Killgore Trout  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:39:01pm

re: #138 Racer X

Releasing code is more than just being a good open source community citizen, though. Code sharing is a major cost-saving opportunity for government. There are countless government agencies at the federal level, not to mention at the state and local level, that perform similar functions. Yet each of them does its own development, driving up costs. Federal CIO Vivek Kundra has made a great step forward in web services by creating data.gov. I'm eager to see an analogous code.gov portal for government agencies to share their open source software code.

Can't get more open than that.

151 Randall Gross  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:40:16pm

re: #148 Cato the Elder

C'mon Cato, you're not supposed to give a real answer, that's cheating ! :)

It could be where Wily E. Coyote plummeted through the clouds...

152 Killgore Trout  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:40:40pm

re: #150 Killgore Trout

Here's the missing link to [Link: www.data.gov...]

Now that's transparency!

153 Racer X  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:40:44pm

It's all because of that thing.


Skhizein


Vimeo
154 bratwurst  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:40:48pm

re: #142 iceweasel

George Will has done an OpEd piece praising...Michelle Bachmann?

(apologies if this has been posted)


This got touched upon a bit yesterday. If Will is correct and Bachmann is "an authentic representative of the Republican base", it would go a long way toward explaining why the GOP is out of power these days.

155 Guanxi88  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:41:07pm

re: #113 Thanos

The Elders have returned

/yog sotthoth...

Seriously, what's your guess:
A. Fake
B. Missile Launch
C. Meteor
D. Tornadic
E. Explosive Air burst of some sort

Silly.

"If my people are cloaked, they mean to attack."

156 Racer X  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:41:09pm

re: #150 Killgore Trout

Can't get more open than that.

I get the computer part.

157 Killgore Trout  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:41:58pm

re: #156 Racer X

They're using it to create open databases of government statistics.

158 Guanxi88  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:42:26pm

re: #154 bratwurst

This got touched upon a bit yesterday. If Will is correct and Bachmann is "an authentic representative of the Republican base", it would go a long way toward explaining why the GOP is out of power these days.

Let's say the GOP base are radicalized - then what? Can the party lead the people toward moderation in such a case?

159 iceweasel  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:42:55pm

re: #147 Varek Raith

In my mind, it's safe to say Will has lost it.
/Though I started thinking this with his misleading columns on AGW.

Agreed. Will has been increasingly lazy and phoning it in for a while. The AGW stuff has been indefensible. But praising Bachmann?
Benen points out that Will jumped on the narcissism meme a couple of weeks ago as well:

Will specifically noted that the president used the personal pronouns "I" or "me" 26 times in 48 sentences. What Will did not note is that Obama used the word "we" 26 times, "us" six times, and "our" 12 times.


[Link: www.washingtonmonthly.com...]

I used to like Will. This is really disappointing.

160 Guanxi88  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:43:52pm

re: #159 iceweasel

[Link: www.washingtonmonthly.com...]

I used to like Will. This is really disappointing.

A Leveling Wind still sits on my shelf at home. Great collection of columns. Looking at it these days, it's amazing how much erudition he devoted to what turned out to be trivial subjects.

161 Randall Gross  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:44:39pm

re: #157 Killgore Trout

They're using it to create open databases of government statistics.

The big push on the next generation of the web is open generic database info on the web...

The best demonstration of doing this so far is seen at Gapminder

It wouldn't break my heart to be able to look up and chart government statistics easily like you can at gapminder.

162 Bloodnok  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:45:13pm

re: #157 Killgore Trout

They're using it to create open databases of government statistics.

I dunno what that's about, but there must be an Alinsky rule involved somewhere. Special wingnut divining techniques will be needed for this.

(To the crystals!)

163 Cato the Elder  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:45:22pm

re: #160 Guanxi88

A Leveling Wind still sits on my shelf at home. Great collection of columns. Looking at it these days, it's amazing how much erudition he devoted to what turned out to be trivial subjects.

He lost me when he started taking baseball seriously.

164 iceweasel  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:46:08pm

re: #154 bratwurst

This got touched upon a bit yesterday. If Will is correct and Bachmann is "an authentic representative of the Republican base", it would go a long way toward explaining why the GOP is out of power these days.

Yeah, because it would mean that the base that's left is certifiably batshit insane. Even at my most cynical, I can't believe that makes up a majority of the population.

165 Guanxi88  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:46:27pm

re: #163 Cato the Elder

He lost me when he started taking baseball seriously.

I always took that as some sorta populist affectation. Baseball, as my grandfather explained, is to be listened to on the radio while you drowse away on your couch on Sundays. Strictly intended as a day-time sleep aid.

166 XopXproxyX  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:46:36pm

re: #140 reine.de.tout

I know she didn't mention ACORN, that's why I said implied.
And here is what I am referring to:

re: #53 lurking faith

I am sure it will go to ... some political watchdog nonprofit or something like that.

Plus the tone of comment #30 was, quite frankly mean-spirted toward Obama. She's free to be that way of course. But I don't have to like it.

167 Girth  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:47:20pm

re: #163 Cato the Elder

He lost me when he started taking baseball seriously.

I still maintain that the world would be a much better place if George Will had been made Commissioner of Baseball instead of Bud Selig.

168 Randall Gross  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:48:13pm

Where's the Beef?

[Link: graphs.gapminder.org...]

169 Killgore Trout  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:48:48pm

Socialism!

"Open source is a great form of civic participation," the White House's Phillips told me this afternoon. "We're looking forward to getting the benefit of their energy and innovation."

170 Guanxi88  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:49:11pm

re: #164 iceweasel

Yeah, because it would mean that the base that's left is certifiably batshit insane. Even at my most cynical, I can't believe that makes up a majority of the population.

Maybe the majority don't live out where the buses don't run, as future Governor Freedman likes to say, but they are certainly swayed by those who are cooking on another planet, to once more invoke His Excellency the Kinkster.

171 _RememberTonyC  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:49:13pm

goerge will was better when he was writing books about baseball ...

172 Spare O'Lake  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:49:30pm

re: #142 iceweasel

George Will has done an OpEd piece praising...Michelle Bachmann?

(apologies if this has been posted)

[Link: www.washingtonmonthly.com...]

No worries, it's a sexdom thing.
From the WaPo article:

"She is, however, a petite pistol that occasionally goes off half-cocked."


[Link: www.washingtonpost.com...]
Sadly, Will is losing it.

173 Killgore Trout  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:49:49pm

re: #168 Thanos

India!
/heh

174 bratwurst  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:49:56pm

re: #158 Guanxi88

Let's say the GOP base are radicalized - then what? Can the party lead the people toward moderation in such a case?

People around here keep comparing it to the situation with the Democrats between 2001 and 2006. There is something to that, but the similarities are limited. One of the big problem is that you have two high school-educated de facto party leaders on the airwaves 5 days per week radicalizing the base ever further. It is going to take some charismatic grown ups who can deal with being labeled RINO for a bit in order to restore a bit of sanity.

175 Sharmuta  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:51:38pm

For some of you new folks, I'd like to stray off topic and point out the LGF Cookbook blog. We are short on a few items, so if you'd like to contribute, there is still time to get involved with Volume 2.

You can also pick up a copy of Volume 1- there are some great recipes in there and the money goes towards two good causes: LGF and Soldier's Angels.

177 A Man for all Seasons  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:52:17pm

re: #167 Girth

I still maintain that the world would be a much better place if George Will had been made Commissioner of Baseball instead of Bud Selig.

Seriously.. The Hoopster would have been the greatest baseball
Commissioner since Judge Landis...Don't be bitter...That's life...

178 reine.de.tout  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:52:40pm

re: #175 Sharmuta

For some of you new folks, I'd like to stray off topic and point out the LGF Cookbook blog. We are short on a few items, so if you'd like to contribute, there is still time to get involved with Volume 2.

You can also pick up a copy of Volume 1- there are some great recipes in there and the money goes towards two good causes: LGF and Soldier's Angels.

do what she says, or I'll ask her to yell.

179 Sharmuta  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:53:03pm

re: #178 reine.de.tout

LOL!

180 _RememberTonyC  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:54:04pm

re: #177 HoosierHoops

Seriously.. The Hoopster would have been the greatest baseball
Commissioner since Judge Landis...Don't be bitter...That's life...

you'd have awarded an MLB franchise to Kokomo ... be honest

181 Varek Raith  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:54:04pm

re: #178 reine.de.tout

do what she says, or I'll ask her to yell.

I take it that's not something I'd want to risk?
:)

182 Sharmuta  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:54:15pm

re: #175 Sharmuta

For some of you new folks, I'd like to stray off topic and point out the LGF Cookbook blog. We are short on a few items, so if you'd like to contribute, there is still time to get involved with Volume 2.

You can also pick up a copy of Volume 1- there are some great recipes in there and the money goes towards two good causes: LGF and Soldier's Angels.

They also make a great gift!

183 Bloodnok  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:54:52pm

re: #182 Sharmuta

They also make a great gift!

And just look at that shine!

184 jaunte  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:55:41pm

re: #175 Sharmuta

For some of you new folks, I'd like to stray off topic and point out the LGF Cookbook blog. We are short on a few items, so if you'd like to contribute, there is still time to get involved with Volume 2.

You can also pick up a copy of Volume 1- there are some great recipes in there and the money goes towards two good causes: LGF and Soldier's Angels.

And if we sell 10 in the next 5 hours, I'll draw a new cartoon of R. S. McCain.

185 Sharmuta  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:55:56pm

re: #183 Bloodnok

And just look at that shine!

Order 2 and we'll throw in a shamwow*!

/* not really

186 HelloDare  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:56:16pm

Q: Why will Obama never win the Nobel Prize for Literature?

A: He wrote two books.

187 Racer X  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:56:34pm

re: #185 Sharmuta

Order 2 and we'll throw in a shamwow*!

/* not really

But wait, there's more!

188 bratwurst  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:57:06pm

re: #185 Sharmuta

Order 2 and we'll throw in a shamwow*!

/* not really

Throw in one of those new leopard print Snuggies and you have a deal!

189 reine.de.tout  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:57:30pm

re: #181 Varek Raith

I take it that's not something I'd want to risk?
:)

exactly.
Plus, I never yell.

190 Sharmuta  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:57:57pm

re: #184 jaunte

And if we sell 10 in the next 5 hours, I'll draw a new cartoon of R. S. McCain.

Now THAT'S a fine goal!

Come on, folks! Operators are standing by...

191 reine.de.tout  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:58:10pm

re: #184 jaunte

And if we sell 10 in the next 5 hours, I'll draw a new cartoon of R. S. McCain.

Now THAT would be well worth it!

192 sattv4u2  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:58:26pm

re: #188 bratwurst

Throw in one of those new leopard print Snuggies and you have a deal!

"Hey ,, Granma ,,, you know you're wearing your bathrobe BACKWARDS, dontchya??"

193 jaunte  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 12:58:59pm

re: #190 Sharmuta

re: #191 reine.de.tout

I have a couple penciled out; just waiting for some sales to start inking...

194 A Man for all Seasons  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:00:08pm

re: #180 _RememberTonyC

you'd have awarded an MLB franchise to Kokomo ... be honest

I would allow the Cleveland Indians to move to Napa...Napa is rich enough to have a baseball team.. They have a ton of tourists..
We could call them the Napa Indians.. Oh wait..That was my High School team..Never mind...
*wink*
Colts win!

195 Sharmuta  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:01:02pm

re: #193 jaunte

re: #191 reine.de.tout

I have a couple penciled out; just waiting for some sales to start inking...

Do we have a link to your fabulous cover to Volume 1?

196 Varek Raith  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:01:03pm

re: #192 sattv4u2

"Hey ,, Granma ,,, you know you're wearing your bathrobe BACKWARDS, dontchya??"

When I first saw the Snuggie, I thought "It's just a backwards robe! There's no way it'll sell!"
/Boy, was I wrong!

197 earth56  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:01:34pm

re: #25 Cato the Elder

Who is this "Ghandi" of whom you speak?

Oh, you must mean Gandhi.

Coinsidering that Gondi didn't really care about the Jews and their fate in Europe I'm glad Gundi didn't win it. A hypocrite he was at best.

198 jaunte  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:02:24pm

re: #195 Sharmuta

Here it is at Lulu: [Link: www.lulu.com...]

199 arethusa  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:03:03pm

re: #196 Varek Raith

When I first saw the Snuggie, I thought "It's just a backwards robe! There's no way it'll sell!"
/Boy, was I wrong!

They have them at my local supermarket now. A whole aisle full. In case you want to pick up a zebra-print Snuggie along with your milk and bread./

200 _RememberTonyC  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:03:09pm

re: #194 HoosierHoops

I would allow the Cleveland Indians to move to Napa...Napa is rich enough to have a baseball team.. They have a ton of tourists..
We could call them the Napa Indians.. Oh wait..That was my High School team..Never mind...
*wink*
Colts win!

Colts win ... congrats! Pats about to win ... and I'm about to take a walk on a sunny fall afternoon ... BBL

201 Sharmuta  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:05:07pm

re: #198 jaunte

Here it is at Lulu: [Link: www.lulu.com...]

Everyone check out this link to Jaunte's art. He's got mad skillz.

202 Bloodnok  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:05:33pm

re: #198 jaunte

Here it is at Lulu: [Link: www.lulu.com...]

Hey, I'm on that cover! I heard that I was represented on there as a bunch of grapes. Is that true?

/

203 Varek Raith  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:06:36pm

re: #202 Bloodnok

Hey, I'm on that cover! I heard that I was represented on there as a bunch of grapes. Is that true?

/

If not grapes, perhaps as some other form of fruit?
/

204 Bloodnok  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:07:36pm

re: #203 Varek Raith

If not grapes, perhaps as some other form of fruit?
/

I AM the bookshelf.

205 Sharmuta  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:08:24pm

re: #204 Bloodnok

I AM the bookshelf.

That's deep.

206 Varek Raith  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:09:01pm

re: #205 Sharmuta

That's deep.

Mind numbingly deep.
:)

207 Sharmuta  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:10:21pm

re: #206 Varek Raith

For real, because I thought he was the walrus.

Youtube Video
208 Randall Gross  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:10:26pm

Is there a Kindle version of the LGF cookbook? I thought Amazon had a deal where you could self publish to the kindle store?

209 Bloodnok  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:11:41pm

re: #205 Sharmuta

That's deep.

Place on me the tomes that make up your life. Separated by the bookends of updings and covered with the dust of 1,000 threads.

Youtube Video
210 Varek Raith  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:13:24pm

BBL.

I'm off to see a wizard about walking his giraffe, or some such nonsense.
/:)

211 Killgore Trout  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:14:06pm

re: #208 Thanos

Self-Publish with Amazon

212 The Sanity Inspector  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:14:21pm

re: #178 reine.de.tout

do what she says, or I'll ask her to yell.

I'm a real wizard at microwaving Hot Pockets. Does that count?

213 Sharmuta  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:14:52pm

re: #209 Bloodnok

Place on me the tomes that make up your life. Separated by the bookends of updings and covered with the dust of 1,000 threads.

I didn't know you were such a philosopher, Nok...

214 Kragar  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:15:08pm

To me, this is a non-issue. He really didn't do anything to deserve it, but then he didn't ask for it in the first place. The people who awarded it to me are a bunch of toadying lickspittles, but we've known this for years. I'm sure the Nirthers are still working themselves into a tizzy about this, but there are plenty of other real issues on which to debate Obama's track record on so far.

215 Bloodnok  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:16:05pm

re: #213 Sharmuta

I didn't know you were such a philosopher, Nok...

I dabble.

216 Killgore Trout  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:16:44pm

Anyone have a good argument against net neutrality? It seems like a good idea to me. Glenn Beck says it's a government take over of the internet. Is there a reasonable argument against it?

217 reine.de.tout  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:16:48pm

re: #199 arethusa

They have them at my local supermarket now. A whole aisle full. In case you want to pick up a zebra-print Snuggie along with your milk and bread./

There are patterns now.
In case you don't like the snuggie colors or patterns, you can pick out your very own choice of garishly-printed fleece, and make your own.

218 The Sanity Inspector  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:17:05pm

re: #182 Sharmuta

They also make a great gift!

And hearkening back to something that was said on a thread yesterday, I do think that the no-longer-here contributors to the cookbook should be retained. Who knows, maybe the cookbook will contribute to some future day of peace and reconciliation with them.

219 Sharmuta  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:18:05pm

re: #217 reine.de.tout

There are patterns now.
In case you don't like the snuggie colors or patterns, you can pick out your very own choice of garishly-printed fleece, and make your own.

Make? *gasp*

220 reine.de.tout  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:18:09pm

re: #208 Thanos

Is there a Kindle version of the LGF cookbook? I thought Amazon had a deal where you could self publish to the kindle store?

No Kindle version.
Honestly - Jaunte's art on the cover is worth the purchase price all by itself.

221 SanFranciscoZionist  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:18:33pm

re: #10 BigPapa

If you hate Obama enough you'll find a way to hate him for it. However CJ is right, it's not really worth much politically. I think a scientist would value a Nobel much more: a Nobel won on those merits still has the corresponding respect for it.

Obama said 'uh, well OK, thanks...'

What the hell else do you expect him to say? 'FOAD you arrogant Eurolitists! Stick that $900k up your...'

I would have been thrilled if he had quickly pulled a team together to pick someone else it should have gone to.

222 Kronocide  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:18:40pm

re: #216 Killgore Trout

Anyone have a good argument against net neutrality? It seems like a good idea to me. Glenn Beck says it's a government take over of the internet. Is there a reasonable argument against it?

Is there a good argument for it? I've not heard one.

223 Sharmuta  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:18:44pm

re: #220 reine.de.tout

No Kindle version.
Honestly - Jaunte's art on the cover is worth the purchase price all by itself.

Word.

224 reine.de.tout  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:19:38pm

re: #216 Killgore Trout

Anyone have a good argument against net neutrality? It seems like a good idea to me. Glenn Beck says it's a government take over of the internet. Is there a reasonable argument against it?

I honestly haven't seen enough about it.
What I want to know, though is this - what is NOT working right now, that some sort of "net neutrality" has to be implemented?

Is there a problem? If there isn't a problem, why do we need a "fix"?

225 reine.de.tout  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:20:14pm

re: #219 Sharmuta

Make? *gasp*

I won't be spending my spare time that way, that's for sure.

226 SanFranciscoZionist  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:20:15pm

re: #11 Thanos

His biggest accomplishment so far is winning the election, that was a battle and he is the first black US president. I suspect that they are looking at that as his accomplishment.
I think that's a big accomplishment, but a NPP accomplishment? Nyet. No, Non, etc.

It's a big accomplishment, but a joint accomplishment. Generations before him, and the whole country now for the length of their lives worked on it. A Nobel is too small for us having gotten to this day, and being in this day is its own reward.

That said, Barack Obama hasn't done anything yet to merit a Nobel.

227 Kronocide  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:20:37pm

re: #221 SanFranciscoZionist

I would have been thrilled if he had quickly pulled a team together to pick someone else it should have gone to.

Yeah, well, not really practical. If you're gonna go there, how about General David Petraus? LOL

228 reine.de.tout  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:21:15pm

re: #206 Varek Raith

Mind numbingly deep.
:)

So deep, I don't even get it.

229 Kronocide  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:21:39pm

re: #224 reine.de.tout

Is there a problem? If there isn't a problem, why do we need a "fix"?

it does seem like a solution in search of a problem.

230 Guanxi88  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:21:54pm

re: #202 Bloodnok

Hey, I'm on that cover! I heard that I was represented on there as a bunch of grapes. Is that true?

/

Who are you, Bacchus?

231 reine.de.tout  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:21:56pm

re: #212 The Sanity Inspector

I'm a real wizard at microwaving Hot Pockets. Does that count?

No,
But it makes you an EXCELLENT candidtate to purchase volume 1

232 Killgore Trout  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:22:07pm

re: #222 BigPapa

It's designed to keep ISP's from blocking content from competing ISP's.

233 SanFranciscoZionist  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:22:19pm

re: #32 brookly red

I don't understand how someone can be presiding over 2 wars (granted he didn't start them) & even be eligible...

Those were almost my mother's exact words.

234 Guanxi88  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:22:21pm

re: #229 BigPapa

it does seem like a solution in search of a problem.

One of the most common types of new things - be it in law or engineering.

235 Killgore Trout  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:25:05pm

re: #224 reine.de.tout
Here's an overview of the issue...
Network neutrality


The principle states that if a given user pays for a certain level of internet access, and another user pays for a given level of access, that the two users should be able to connect to each other at that given rate of access.

Though the term did not enter popular use until several years later, since the early 2000s advocates of net neutrality and associated rules have raised concerns about the ability of broadband providers to use their last mile infrastructure to block Internet applications and content (e.g. websites, services, protocols), particularly those of competitors.

Basically the large ISP's block content from smaller competing ISP's. It would be like having a phone line but you couldn't call your family because they have a different phone company.

236 SanFranciscoZionist  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:26:17pm

re: #95 spacejesus

agreed. I can't wait till they try passing out these revised copies of Origin at my university. I need to come up with something funny to do with them.

Can you send away for one? I actually might need one for a project my freshmen are doing in the spring.

237 Bloodnok  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:26:23pm

re: #230 Guanxi88

Who are you, Bacchus?

That's me on the right.

238 brookly red  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:26:41pm

re: #216 Killgore Trout

Anyone have a good argument against net neutrality? It seems like a good idea to me. Glenn Beck says it's a government take over of the internet. Is there a reasonable argument against it?

the concept actually sounds good in a free market kinda way... but I am just not a trusting person.

239 Guanxi88  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:27:04pm

re: #237 Bloodnok

That's me on the right.

You know, you told the cabbie to leave the meter running when you left, right?

240 Guanxi88  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:29:00pm

re: #239 Guanxi88

You know, you told the cabbie to leave the meter running when you left, right?

(yes, I know the deep magic of Gilligan's Island)

241 Sharmuta  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:29:04pm

Bombings target government in Baghdad, 147 killed

A pair of suicide car bombings Sunday devastated the heart of Iraq's capital, killing at least 147 people in the country's deadliest attack in more than two years. The bombs targeted two government buildings and called into question Iraq's ability to protect its people as U.S. forces withdraw.

Terrible...

242 lotharbot  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:29:30pm

The original poll question is poorly worded. For those who couldn't care less, either because they think the prize is a joke or because they just aren't interested, they get counted in the "not glad" section, which is then presented as though they're actively upset. This makes it look like people are being partisan jerks instead of just not caring.

Personally, I'm in the actively upset group, not because of any particular anger toward Obama (though I disagree with most of his policies), but because I grew up in a Mennonite church and have worked with real peacemakers for much of my life, and I wish the most prestigious peace prize in the world would go to people actually promoting peace in a significant way. Obama doesn't qualify. Al Gore doesn't qualify. Yasser Arafat doesn't qualify (despite the peace deal, the Nobel committee and the rest of the world should've known better.) There are plenty of peace/human rights activists all around the world who the Nobel committee could've chosen to draw attention to, but instead they chose to give the prize to a political leftism activist.

I also mostly agree with Charles: Obama handled it graciously and therefore allowed the controversy to settle. I personally would have preferred for him to rip the Nobel committee a new one by listing off people far more qualified than him and saying they should give the prize to one of them instead, and I think that would've been a GOOD controversy for him to stir, but I have no objections to his low-key gracious acceptance.

243 Wozza Matter?  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:30:13pm

re: #164 iceweasel

it's - at most - Bushy 20%ers.
The 20% that watches Fox Religiously, that believes Obama is from somewhere foreign, that Listens to Rushbo (and takes his as Gospel).

244 Kragar  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:30:18pm

re: #237 Bloodnok

That's me on the right.

Disappointing. From your name, I was expecting this.

245 Kronocide  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:30:45pm

re: #232 Killgore Trout

That's the clinical and distilled term for what is being proposed. Looking deeper people (or corporations bwahaha) can pay for prioritized bandwidth or have their bandwidth prioritized.

Net neutrality is merely regulation to stop that from happening.

With all the bandwidth going about and growing regulation and segregation is inevitable. I'm not sure if some kind of 'net neutrality' regulation or law is the best path.

246 Guanxi88  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:31:23pm

re: #244 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Disappointing. From your name, I was expecting this.

There he is! That chubby little bastard has caused me more trouble than just about any other ancient pagan divinity!

247 brookly red  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:32:27pm

re: #233 SanFranciscoZionist

Those were almost my mother's exact words.

/busted again, damn!!

248 Guanxi88  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:33:02pm

re: #237 Bloodnok

That's me on the right.

Hey, from your avatar - that photo looks almost exactly like the view down the C line tracks where it comes above-ground from Kenmore.

249 Political Atheist  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:33:36pm

re: #241 Sharmuta

Ungovernable. Utterly so. That nation has all the wrong borders. One of the most negative legacies of WW2 and the British empire.

250 reine.de.tout  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:34:31pm

re: #235 Killgore Trout

Here's an overview of the issue...
Network neutrality

Basically the large ISP's block content from smaller competing ISP's. It would be like having a phone line but you couldn't call your family because they have a different phone company.

More from that link:

Neutrality proponents claim that telecom companies seek to impose a tiered service model in order to control the pipeline and thereby remove competition, create artificial scarcity, and oblige subscribers to buy their otherwise uncompetitive services. Many believe net neutrality to be primarily important as a preservation of current freedoms.[4] Vinton Cerf, co-inventor of the Internet Protocol, Tim Berners-Lee, creator of the web, and many others have spoken out strongly in favor of network neutrality.

Opponents of net neutrality characterize its regulations as "a solution in search of a problem", arguing that broadband service providers have no plans to block content or degrade network performance.[5] In spite of this claim, certain Internet service providers (such as Comcast) have intentionally slowed peer-to-peer (P2P) communications.[6] However, P2P has been historically used for media piracy.[citation needed] Still, other companies have acted in contrast to these assertions of hands-off behavior and have begun to use deep packet inspection to discriminate against P2P, FTP and online games, instituting a cell-phone style billing system of overages, free-to-telecom "value added" services, and bundling.[7

If I had to say right now, I would echo BigPapa and the "opponent" section of the above - right now, it's a solution in search of a problem. I'd prefer to wait to see how it actually plays out, rather than impose something on the basis of what MIGHT happen.

251 Bloodnok  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:35:25pm

re: #248 Guanxi88

Hey, from your avatar - that photo looks almost exactly like the view down the C line tracks where it comes above-ground from Kenmore.

Well spotted! Close. E-Line -Huntington Ave. Northeastern/MFA.

252 webevintage  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:35:48pm

That you Charles for taking the road of being reasonable.

I decided to take off my cynics hat and just see the NP as an honor given to the President that was an honor for America too. It used to be folks would just be proud when the President was honored this way, now with blogs and talking heads and 24 hour news we always need to find an angle.

Instead, for once, I'll just take someone at their word:
"Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured the world's attention and given its people hope for a better future. His diplomacy is founded in the concept that those who are to lead the world must do so on the basis of values and attitudes that are shared by the majority of the world's population.

For 108 years, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has sought to stimulate precisely that international policy and those attitudes for which Obama is now the world's leading spokesman. The Committee endorses Obama's appeal that "Now is the time for all of us to take our share of responsibility for a global response to global challenges."

253 lurking faith  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:36:03pm

re: #127 XopXproxyX

Don't the Nobel peace prize people usually give out a big ol' cash prize and say: "Here, you figure out what to do with it"?
Why are you just singling out Obama, making him out to be some kind of ruthless super villian, then basically implying that he would give the money to Acorn? Lol.
Plus I didn't reply to you because I was testing out the dingers for the first time. Oh and much more intrested in a different thread anyway.

Gotcha. We all wander in and out of here as life permits. And I understand the wish to play with a new toy. Now...

1. In some cases it's obvious where the prize money will go, and in other cases it isn't. This time it's the latter, especially because it just isn't clear what the heck the prize was awarded for. Most years, you get the general feeling that the money will go towards some reasonably clear goal or activity. Not this time.

2. I am not singling out Obama or calling him a villain. (And I already said that I don't blame him for accepting the prize.) I am calling out the Nobel committee for what I consider to be an irresponsible use of foundation money. And I am talking about Obama's prize because he is the current recipient and also the topic of this thread.

I listed some possible uses for the money. This does not mean I assume Obama will use it badly; only that there is nothing to indicate what he will or should use it for. When I said "political watchdog group" I did not mean ACORN. I do NOT think he'll give it to ACORN; that would be a political mistake and he's not that stupid. On the other hand it wouldn't really be a wildly ridiculous suggestion when you consider his previous work with them. But I repeat, I don't think he will give it to them. I was thinking in more general terms.

254 reine.de.tout  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:36:27pm

re: #238 brookly red

the concept actually sounds good in a free market kinda way... but I am just not a trusting person.

eh, I would say the concept doesn't sound bad.
But still, I think it would be preferable to see what happens and if there is a problem, devise a solution to the problem, rather than implement something in anticipation that a problem MIGHT occur.

255 Guanxi88  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:36:52pm

re: #251 Bloodnok

Well spotted! Close. E-Line -Huntington Ave. Northeastern/MFA.

Ha! Ha! Still got it!

Used to live on Huntington ave; I'd walk from the Symphony stop down Mass ave and then turn over to my block.. A cheap but rough neighborhood at the time. had my first mugging (i was the victim, not the perp!) down there.

Precious memories...

256 Killgore Trout  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:37:30pm

re: #250 reine.de.tout

That's why I'm suspicious. "a solution in search of a problem" is a talking point, not an argument.

257 brookly red  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:38:03pm

re: #250 reine.de.tout

If I had to say right now, I would echo BigPapa and the "opponent" section of the above - right now, it's a solution in search of a problem. I'd prefer to wait to see how it actually plays out, rather than impose something on the basis of what MIGHT happen.

If it bleeds it can be killed & if it can be regulated it can be taxed. Harumph!

258 Bloodnok  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:38:48pm

re: #255 Guanxi88

Ha! Ha! Still got it!

Used to live on Huntington ave; I'd walk from the Symphony stop down Mass ave and then turn over to my block.. A cheap but rough neighborhood at the time. had my first mugging (i was the victim, not the perp!) down there.

Precious memories...

St. Stephen Street? Symphony Road? (used to live off Huntington myself) Never got mugged, but it is my old stomping grounds.

259 Nervous Norvous  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:39:37pm

re: #254 reine.de.tout

I am not inclined to wait in this instance, since the telecoms have already shown they can't be trusted all that much by clamping access already.

Putting it into place preemptively will hopefully prevent having to stuff the genie back into the bottle later.

260 reine.de.tout  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:39:39pm

re: #256 Killgore Trout

That's why I'm suspicious. "a solution in search of a problem" is a talking point, not an argument.

Well, it is.

But it's a talking point based on the what appears to be the fact that there is not currently a problem, but instead there is the anticipation that a problem might occur.

I think it would be better to see how things play out, and solve the problem that occurs (if one does) directly and head on, rather than implement something to try to head off or solve a problem that may or may not occur.

261 reine.de.tout  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:43:20pm

re: #259 PT Barnum

I am not inclined to wait in this instance, since the telecoms have already shown they can't be trusted all that much by clamping access already.

Putting it into place preemptively will hopefully prevent having to stuff the genie back into the bottle later.

According to the wiki article, the reasons for at least some of that access reduction has been to reduce access to communication used for piracy.

the term "net neutrality", btw, seems to me to be just as much a slogan or talking point as "a solution in search of a problem".

262 Kronocide  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:45:01pm

re: #256 Killgore Trout

That's why I'm suspicious. "a solution in search of a problem" is a talking point, not an argument.

The statement isn't an argument in and of itself but it's a fair premise. Traffic will need to be regulated and biased but there's no evidence that the proponents fears are happening.

263 brookly red  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:47:12pm

re: #262 BigPapa

"Traffic will need to be regulated and biased..."

why?

264 Guanxi88  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:48:09pm

re: #258 Bloodnok

St. Stephen Street? Symphony Road? (used to live off Huntington myself) Never got mugged, but it is my old stomping grounds.

Ok, I'll tell my Nation of Islam story.

Was getting more observant, and took to walking on the Sabbath. Anywho, in my neighborhood, I was kinda conspicuous. Had cops all the time ask am I lost?

Anywho, one evening, passing down the corner of Huntington & Mass ave, I pass a patrol from Fruit of Islam. I hold my breath as I pass, 'cause I'd heard about these guys.

I go deeper into the neighborhood before I hear someone yell "Hey, where you goin'?"

I turn back and the whole group of 'em are double-timing toward me. I break into the closest thing to a sprint I can and head for home. Get about one block before I feel a hand on my shoulder. Commending my soul to my Creator, I face this FOI guy, who's yelling at me.

"Are you crazy? you can't go in here like that! These people'll kill you. You lost?"

No, I'm going home.

"Where is it?"

Gave him the address, and had an escort to my building. Guy gave me a card with their schedule.

"You ever need to walk like that again, make sure we're with you, or you might not make it."

Changed my whole perspective on the group. Leadership's nuts, regular guys are decent, caring people with unorthodox beliefs.

265 Kronocide  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:49:32pm

re: #263 brookly red

"Traffic will need to be regulated and biased..."

why?

For efficiency. It's not an endless pipe. It takes assets and efforts to maintain and maximize.

266 reine.de.tout  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:50:15pm

re: #262 BigPapa

The statement isn't an argument in and of itself but it's a fair premise. Traffic will need to be regulated and biased but there's no evidence that the proponents fears are happening.

Exactly.
See what actual problems do occur - then do something.
The "access" thing may end up evolving differently than anticipated, with more access as companies compete for customers, rather than less access.

I've noticed all the cell phone companies lately have opened up and are offering their customers more and more phone call options that DO NOT eat into your purchased minutes. It used to be that every call used up your minutes, and you paid dearly if you went over. I only have a 750 minute plan for two phones (including a teenager), and because we have so many options for phone calls that DON'T use those minutes, I have minutes left over every month.

267 Bloodnok  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:50:46pm

re: #264 Guanxi88

Ok, I'll tell my Nation of Islam story.

Was getting more observant, and took to walking on the Sabbath. Anywho, in my neighborhood, I was kinda conspicuous. Had cops all the time ask am I lost?

Anywho, one evening, passing down the corner of Huntington & Mass ave, I pass a patrol from Fruit of Islam. I hold my breath as I pass, 'cause I'd heard about these guys.

I go deeper into the neighborhood before I hear someone yell "Hey, where you goin'?"

I turn back and the whole group of 'em are double-timing toward me. I break into the closest thing to a sprint I can and head for home. Get about one block before I feel a hand on my shoulder. Commending my soul to my Creator, I face this FOI guy, who's yelling at me.

"Are you crazy? you can't go in here like that! These people'll kill you. You lost?"

No, I'm going home.

"Where is it?"

Gave him the address, and had an escort to my building. Guy gave me a card with their schedule.

"You ever need to walk like that again, make sure we're with you, or you might not make it."

Changed my whole perspective on the group. Leadership's nuts, regular guys are decent, caring people with unorthodox beliefs.

Wow. I was expecting a much different turnout. Glad you were safe (terrified, but safe).

268 Vicious Michigan Union Thug  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:51:23pm

re: #175 Sharmuta

For some of you new folks, I'd like to stray off topic and point out the LGF Cookbook blog. We are short on a few items, so if you'd like to contribute, there is still time to get involved with Volume 2.

You can also pick up a copy of Volume 1- there are some great recipes in there and the money goes towards two good causes: LGF and Soldier's Angels.

I just sent reine some salad recipes.

269 brookly red  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:52:00pm

re: #265 BigPapa

For efficiency. It's not an endless pipe. It takes assets and efforts to maintain and maximize.

ok that explains the regulated part, & the biased?

270 Guanxi88  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:55:33pm

re: #267 Bloodnok

Wow. I was expecting a much different turnout. Glad you were safe (terrified, but safe).

Yeah, I gotta say, it didn't go the way I thought it would, either. Guess nobody's as good as we hope, or as bad as we fear. That's what I learned from it.

Taking the pedestrian bridge in the same area (a dangerous shortcut over to Huntington ave) passed a guy who asked for change.

Sorry, got no change.

"If you got bills, I can make change."

Clever trick, made me pause. Then I see the butt of a gun in his waistband.

Wants my wallet, which I hand over. It's empty, as he notes with disgust before throwing it back at me.

he opens my briefcase - a two-day old copy of the Herald and an empty thermos.

"you got anything?"

I show him my crappy seiko watch, and he just sorta laughs a bit.

Guy just looks at me for a bit.

"you smoke?"

Yes, but I'm out.

"Course you are." He opens his pack, pulls one for himself, shakes another one at me, lights up his, and then puts flame to my cig.

"If I EVER catch your broke ass here again, I ain't letting you go. You understand?"

Yes.

"okay, get outta here."

Weirdest and scariest encounter EVER in that neighborhood (this was in '92).

271 Nervous Norvous  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:58:58pm

re: #270 Guanxi88

Stuff like that is why I live out here in the boonies...

272 brookly red  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:59:16pm

re: #270 Guanxi88

and you are OK with this?

273 Guanxi88  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 1:59:38pm

re: #271 PT Barnum

Stuff like that is why I live out here in the boonies...

Funny thing is, I moved there to get away from the Boonies, and now I find myself desperate to get back out there again. Weird.

274 Kronocide  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 2:00:27pm

re: #269 brookly red

ok that explains the regulated part, & the biased?

'Biased' in the critical of terms: live video, audio, military, security, etc before college kids doing all their file sharing of MP3's, etc.

If you're a provder and have a spike in traffic you may want to slow down large emails or websites with lots of junk in leiu of other data.

I work in large homes and IT is becoming more and more complex in these homes with audio and video, so QoS (Quality of Service) is even more important now. I will have to 'bias' data traffic on these networks to make sure the right data takes priority if bandwidth becomes limited.

275 Guanxi88  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 2:00:39pm

re: #272 brookly red

and you are OK with this?

Not at all - it's just one of those colorful little anecdotes that most any urbanite could share with you. I pass it along as of a piece with the nostalgia for my old neighborhood, as depicted in bloodnok's avatar.

276 Nervous Norvous  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 2:03:53pm

re: #273 Guanxi88

I felt the same way, but I've come to appreciate being able to walk the streets at night without worrying about getting mugged, being able to have people call me by name when I go places, and just generally the larger sense of community living where I live.

But I live in the Great Plains, where being nice to other people is a congenital trait.

We do have to deal with F-5 tornadoes and the occasional winter storm, but other than that, it's a good place to be.

277 Guanxi88  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 2:04:15pm

re: #274 BigPapa

'Biased' in the critical of terms: live video, audio, military, security, etc before college kids doing all their file sharing of MP3's, etc.

If you're a provder and have a spike in traffic you may want to slow down large emails or websites with lots of junk in leiu of other data.

Every time there's a SXSW here in Austin, wireless data and voice networks get swamped by all the hipsters with their iPhones. It's a real problem everywhere.

278 lurking faith  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 2:04:21pm

re: #166 XopXproxyX

By the way, nice cherry pick of half of one of my sentences, omitting the portion that gives it a different angle entirely. What I actually wrote in #53 was:

I am sure it will go to some sort of charity, or possibly some political watchdog nonprofit or something like that.

Most people would conclude that I thought the charity option was more likely than the political group option. And that is what I think.

But here's how you quoted me:

I know she didn't mention ACORN, that's why I said implied.
And here is what I am referring to:

re: #53 lurking faith

"I am sure it will go to ... some political watchdog nonprofit or something like that."

Nice. Just total focus in on politics and ignore the fact that I said "charity" first - or at all. And even delete the qualifier "possibly" that I attached to "some political watchdog," just to distort it as much as possible.

Plus the tone of comment #30 was, quite frankly mean-spirted toward Obama. She's free to be that way of course. But I don't have to like it.

I don't like Obama. But I don't blame him for accepting the award, as I said in #30. Also I think he was gracious about it. My comment was intended to be mean-spirited toward the Nobel committee.

As for you, I think you are overly sensitive and put words into my mouth. You are free to be oversensitive, of course, but when you distort what I say by chopping up my quote, you are just being dishonest. That won't earn you any credibility around here.

279 Guanxi88  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 2:05:14pm

re: #276 PT Barnum

I felt the same way, but I've come to appreciate being able to walk the streets at night without worrying about getting mugged, being able to have people call me by name when I go places, and just generally the larger sense of community living where I live.

But I live in the Great Plains, where being nice to other people is a congenital trait.

We do have to deal with F-5 tornadoes and the occasional winter storm, but other than that, it's a good place to be.

What did it for me was having kids. I don't mind so much if I gotta live in a low-level war zone, but I can't stand to think of kids in that.

280 brookly red  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 2:06:17pm

re: #274 BigPapa

OK, I got it... thanks

281 reine.de.tout  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 2:08:21pm

re: #278 lurking faith

. ..

I don't like Obama. But I don't blame him for accepting the award, as I said in #30. Also I think he was gracious about it. My comment was intended to be mean-spirited toward the Nobel committee.

Was exactly the point I tried to make to

As for you, I think you are overly sensitive and put words into my mouth. You are free to be oversensitive, of course, but when you distort what I say by chopping up my quote, you are just being dishonest. That won't earn you any credibility around here.

Well said.

282 lurking faith  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 2:12:31pm

re: #281 reine.de.tout

I saw that, and I appreciate the help. (I always go back and rethink how I said something when somebody misreads me - and when they misread me when I'm clarifying a previous comment, it feels very strange indeed.)

Life calls.
BBL if I can

283 Achilles Tang  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 5:01:59pm

re: #264 Guanxi88

OK, maybe this is obvious, but where are you talking of?

284 sadhu  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 5:04:40pm

Obama Nobel Peace Prize prelude to extraterrestrial disclosure?

[Link: www.examiner.com...]

285 TedStriker  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 5:05:12pm

re: #64 _RememberTonyC

Not disagreeing at all that beck is a lunatic. But Jane Hall was always extremely liberal in her views. And she has a right to make her stand based on her beliefs. She sees beck as "scary," while I see him as something less than scary. "Objectionable, unstable, and bombastic? Yes. He could cross the bridge to scary at some point, but not yet IMHO.

By the way, the NY Times seems to be supporting FOX's version of the "Feinberg freeze out" story in this piece:

[Link: www.nytimes.com...]

Beck has been "scary" for a good while now...it's just a matter of time he goes all Howard Beale on us.

/the man is a full-on whacko loon...

286 lawhawk  Sun, Oct 25, 2009 6:50:12pm

The fact that President Obama won with no actual achievements to his name that actually further the ostensible cause of peace for which the award is designated reflects not on the rookie President, but on the Nobel Committee, that saw fit to entertain the notion that Obama was somehow more deserving of the honorific than others, including those who have risked their lives to assist Afghan women, groups that have made tangible efforts towards peace, and not merely awarding it to someone who simply isn't President Bush.

Partisanship aside, the issuance of the Nobel Peace Prize to President Obama says more about the Nobel committee than it does Obama (or his achievements and lack thereof).

287 JEA62  Mon, Oct 26, 2009 3:54:36am

Of course he doesn't deserve it. But it's not like he lobbied for it either. This is the Nobel committee's way of trying to influence American foreign policy.

288 Guanxi88  Mon, Oct 26, 2009 7:49:27am

re: #283 Naso Tang

Probably too late, but it was the South End in Boston, before it got gentrified and safe. It was a funny thing that at the time, you could easily lose your life in some sorta stupid street-crime less than one block from the symphony and the New England Conservatory of Music.


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