Ahh, that fresh thread smell!

Storm surge is good for surfing, or so it seems.

On the Beach - The ending.

There is still time... Brother

Cynic Project - After the Storm

If I tug on this thread, what unravels?

re: #5 Fenway_Nation

If I tug on this thread, what unravels?

Oh...and blog updated with all kinds of NBA Opening night small town railway UConn murder investigation McDonals bailing on Iceland reptiles crammed into trousers goodness!

Bay Bridge closed indefinitely. Mmm, mmm, mmm!

re: #8 SFGoth

Say what now?

Did fire melt steel again?

No, some cables buckled and snapped.

Doesn't affect me, until Friday night. Fuck.

Ahhh... the foamy surf... white, like cotton, like the trim on Santa's suit...

re: #7 Fenway_Nation

Oh...and blog updated with all kinds of NBA Opening night small town railway UConn murder investigation McDonals bailing on Iceland reptiles crammed into trousers goodness!

Upding for best run-on sentence and kalidiscopic image EVAR

re: #12 freetoken

I thought that said 'foamy smurf'...

/the smurf that all the other smurfs discuss in fearful hushed tones.

re: #13 iceweasel

Don't forget the typos...but then again, with run-on sentences, I might as well go for the gusto.

re: #15 Fenway_Nation

Don't forget the typos...but then again, with run-on sentences, I might as well go for the gusto.

Extra upding for you just for the typo.

In case anyone has turned to ScyFy for their scarefest source, they're broadcasting soft core torture pr0n with Joy Ride 2: Dead Ahead. A total crapfest. Thought I'd spare anyone who hadn't been warned. This way you won't pee away two hours of your life unnecessarily.

So ends another day of viewing the crazy from afar. Congrats to Charles for being denounced by the League of the South.

re: #18 checked08

"I wouldn't want to belong to any club who would have me as a member."

Some clubs aren't worth the effort to cross the street to piss on.

re: #17 theheat

I'm kinda sorta intruiged by the ads for the new V...

/beats the perpetually spinning pinwheel o'doom any day.

re: #20 Fenway_Nation

Like V for Vendetta, or the alien movie V?

re: #21 theheat

Alien miniseries...I actually remember seeing the ads for the original on TV back in the day, but I never got a chance to see it.

re: #22 Fenway_Nation

If I remember, it wasn't all that good. But, maybe the remake will wipe the slate clean and do a better job.

Some movies shouldn't be remade, other movies were so bad the first time it's hard to make a worse remake. However, the bad movies they remake are generally as forgettable as their predecessors. The difference is usually more CGI. They love to pile on the CGI.

re: #23 theheat

If I remember, it wasn't all that good. But, maybe the remake will wipe the slate clean and do a better job.

You're being a tad optimistic, arent you? Usually the remakes are of decent pics that don't need to be remade. Or something so awful it shouldn't have been remade in the first place, let alone remade.

BTW...did you get your MDR of train p0rn?

If not, I know where you can find some!

Remember, Sully, when I promised to cut your budget last? I Lied!

The Governator has gone "Commando" in his latest veto message.
GovernorMatrix

A morning workout:

re: #24 Fenway_Nation

I liked the red train behind the hoop, with the building behind it. Very nice informal composition. But the only rust I can detect - barely - might be the basketball hoop rim itself. Percentage-wise, extremely low rust content.

I did like the post from 10/26, with the one train parked along side the tall grass. That's a really neat photo.

(Kraut)hammer time:

[Link: www.salon.com...]

This is the sort of criticism that has been sorely lacking from the right: intelligent, well formulated and reasonable. No personal attacks or frothing at the mouth.

And even a lot of Obama suporters would not disagree with some of his points.

re: #19 theheat

Beg pardon?

re: #29 checked08

Saying, being hated by the TLoTS ain't such a big thing. Really, who wants to be loved by TLoTS? They're separatists with a heaping dose of Klukker. They're sickening.

re: #23 theheat

If I remember, it wasn't all that good. But, maybe the remake will wipe the slate clean and do a better job.

Some movies shouldn't be remade, other movies were so bad the first time it's hard to make a worse remake. However, the bad movies they remake are generally as forgettable as their predecessors. The difference is usually more CGI. They love to pile on the CGI.

The original V miniseries sucked. It was a horrendously bad mishmash of The Thing From Another World, The Diary of Anne Frank and Casablanca, with wretched casting, acting and writing.

I can't imagine why anyone would even think to do a sequel, other than to bring better CGI and sexier outfits to the table. Like the original, I'm betting that the follow-on will be better watched with the sound turned off.

re: #31 SixDegrees

So in other words...I didn't miss much

re: #31 SixDegrees

I can't imagine why anyone would even think to do a sequel...

Congratulations, you just reiterated the burning question so many moviegoers have posed to the think tank known as Hollywood.

I've lost count of how many good movies have been ruined with trendy CGI remakes; movies that stood quite well on their own. But in the horror genre, specifically, new ideas are so few and far between it seems they churn out remakes long before the fresh date on the originals has expired. Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Fog, Last House On The Left, Nightmare On Elm Street, etc. have all been inappropriately reincarnated as something worse.

I haven't seen Paranormal Activity yet, but it sounds like a neat concept, albeit heavily influenced by other "shaky cam" films like Blair Witch and its spawn, Cloverdale. But I have to take my hat off to anyone that puts together an original horror film without practicing necrophilia on the dozen similar films before it.

To be honest, I haven't seen a film that shocked or surprised me since Alien (1979), or maybe Ringu. That's one heckuva dry spell. Admittedly, I'm pretty hard to scare, and even harder to impress, when it comes to scary movies ;-)

re: #32 Fenway_Nation

No, you'll have to stick to train pr0n for true entertainment. Seriously, looking at old trains is better than a bad horror movie, or any other bad movie, if you value the minutes of your life you'll never get back.

BTW, I found something to dress up your place, if you're still on the hunt. This will have the ladies banging your doors down. (Warning: NSFW.) You'll have to share with Slumbering Behemouth, and maybe coordinate your respective pads. They're "stuffed with animal friendly polyfiber", if that's important to you.

re: #32 Fenway_Nation

So in other words...I didn't miss much

I'd say it's more like your life is actually better for not having seen the original. Posing your lack of seeing it as "missing" something just doesn't make sense.

Good Morning Lizards. Looks like a slow overnight thread.

re: #34 theheat

One of the worst movies I've ever seen: Jackie Chan in 'Fantasy Mission Force'.

Starts off as a WWII movie, ends with a sort of "Mad Max' scene, complete with guys riding on top of 70's vintage cars.

re: #37 right_wing2

One of the worst movies I've ever seen: Jackie Chan in 'Fantasy Mission Force'.

Starts off as a WWII movie, ends with a sort of "Mad Max' scene, complete with guys riding on top of 70's vintage cars.

The only movie I ever walked out on while deployed on a Navy ship. Man's best friend starring Ally Sheedy. It was about a genetically altered dog that could climb trees and some such. Awful stuff.

the launch window for the NASA Ares I-X rocket today extends from 8 a.m. EDT until noon - current best estimate of liftoff is between 9 and 9:15 a.m.

[Link: www.nasa.gov...]

I was never a fan on comic books as a kid, so most all of the comics-based film franchises do not interest me a whit.

Good morning everyone! Still dark and raining outside. Need my caffeine fix this morning to get going. What a day!

U.S. defense bill would pay Taliban to switch sides. The defense bill President Barack Obama will sign into law on Wednesday contains a new provision that would pay Taliban fighters who renounce the insurgency, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin said on Tuesday.
As part of his overall strategy review on Afghanistan, Obama is debating whether to send more U.S. troops to the region and is set to meet on Friday with Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the heads of the military services, the White House said.

[Link: news.yahoo.com...]

Morning lizards. Extremely quiet day today, did something big happen yesterday or something?

re: #45 thedopefishlives

Morning lizards. Extremely quiet day today, did something big happen yesterday or something?

Hey fishie. Dunno, think it's just quiet.

re: #44 Mike DeGuzman

Oh, nuts.

re: #44 Mike DeGuzman

U.S. defense bill would pay Taliban to switch sides. The defense bill President Barack Obama will sign into law on Wednesday contains a new provision that would pay Taliban fighters who renounce the insurgency, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin said on Tuesday.
As part of his overall strategy review on Afghanistan, Obama is debating whether to send more U.S. troops to the region and is set to meet on Friday with Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the heads of the military services, the White House said.

[Link: news.yahoo.com...]

So, repeat the "Sons of Iraq" program (hopefully with some improvements), and more discussion about whether or not to surge. OK.

This is special: the GOP has introduced a resolution to honour the teabaggers from 9-12, and wildly inflating the crowd estimates as well:

Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) and 75 other House Republicans have introduced a resolution "expressing gratitude and appreciation to the individuals and families who participated in the Taxpayer March on Washington on September 12, 2009" -- and claiming that the Tea Party march drew many, many times more protesters than it actually did.

The resolution -- which has been referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform -- declares that "the fundamental American principles of limited government and personal liberty are under direct assault" and that "when the current trends of government expansion and freedom retrenchment are reversed, it will be due in large part to the efforts of the hundreds of thousands who marched on Washington, DC, on September 12, 2009."

The 9/12 march's headcount has been a matter of some debate, though the resolution's contention that there were "hundreds of thousands" who attended is many, many times higher than the estimates of mainstream media organizations.

re: #49 iceweasel

This is special: the GOP has introduced a resolution to honour the teabaggers from 9-12, and wildly inflating the crowd estimates as well:

So they've openly thrown in their lot with the tea-party tools, then? At least now we know for certain where they stand. (As if we didn't before, but still.)

re: #46 iceweasel

Hey fishie. Dunno, think it's just quiet.

Nah, everybody's just trying to catch up (or recover from) the 900+ Hot Air thread. (grin)

re: #50 thedopefishlives

So they've openly thrown in their lot with the tea-party tools, then? At least now we know for certain where they stand. (As if we didn't before, but still.)

Yes. I can't believe 75 Republicans have signed onto it.

Plus they're going with the Glenn Beck (false) estimate of the crowd. It's been pretty clear for a while, but the GOP has apparently completely given up and is letting its wingnuttiest, most fringe members run the show.

Ok - sitting here looking at 4 inches of snow... coming down hard... expected by Thursday morning 2-3 foot of snow... nasty.

re: #52 iceweasel

Yes. I can't believe 75 Republicans have signed onto it.

Plus they're going with the Glenn Beck (false) estimate of the crowd. It's been pretty clear for a while, but the GOP has apparently completely given up and is letting its wingnuttiest, most fringe members run the show.

Yeah, somehow I don't see this ending well. It's more and more looking like we're in the middle of a major phase change of American politics.

re: #53 Walter L. Newton

Ok - sitting here looking at 4 inches of snow... coming down hard... expected by Thursday morning 2-3 foot of snow... nasty.

Give me some?

[Link: www.chicagotribune.com...]

"Democrats in the U.S. House and Senate have spent the spring, summer and fall grappling with how to fix the health care system. They're still trying to craft a bill they can sell to Americans -- or even explain in plain English.
And the Republicans? Well, as the minority party, they're mainly on the sidelines. They've become the party of "no," sniping at every Democratic health care reform idea without promoting any of their own. Right?
Not entirely.
Over the summer and fall, Republicans in the House and Senate have introduced six -- yes, six -- health care reform proposals. You didn't hear? Well, those plans didn't produce much of a ripple because Democrats dominate the Congress..."

BTW, what is the deal with the new logo? I kinda liked the old scifi one, and noticed the new one the last time I channel surfed.

re: #17 theheat

[Link: online.wsj.com...]

"...In all of the 14 states WellPoint scrutinized, ObamaCare would drive up premiums for the small businesses and individuals who are most of WellPoint's customers. (Other big insurers, like Aetna, focus on the market among large businesses.) Young and healthy consumers will see the largest increases—their premiums would more than triple in some states—though average middle-class buyers will pay more too.
Not even two hours after Wellpoint had presented its materials on the Hill, Democrats were already trashing it—which, considering that it runs to some 238 pages and took weeks to prepare, must have required remarkable powers of digestion and analysis
"This is yet another insurance-industry report that twists the facts to produce a skewed result," averred Linda Douglass, the White House communications director on health care. Said a spokesman for the Senate Finance Committee, "This is akin to the tobacco companies commissioning another study claiming nicotine isn't addictive and cigarettes don't cause cancer." So in its Saul Alinsky fashion, the White House again attacks the messenger so it can avoid rebutting the message..."

re: #53 Walter L. Newton

Ok - sitting here looking at 4 inches of snow... coming down hard... expected by Thursday morning 2-3 foot of snow... nasty.

Stay safe, Walter!

Collective Nutroots Wisdom: Lieberman Blocking Public Option So Israel Can Attack Iran Or Something

Cherry picking nutroots comments sections and finding antisemitism - not a neat trick. Finding the same antisemitic meme in comments across six top nutroots blogs - still not a particularly neat trick because what do you expect from Daily Kos, Wonkette, HuffPo, ThinkProgress, FiveThirtyEight, and DU? But closer!

What would be really interesting is if blogs like HuffPo had been randomly filtering Lieberman's health care calculations through an Israel prism for weeks. Then their commenters' anti-Jewish dual loyalty canards would go from being mere seething bigotry to something more like institutionalized habits of thoughts that lends themselves to symptomatic outbursts.

re: #57 Taqyia2Me

[Link: online.wsj.com...]

"This is yet another insurance-industry report that twists the facts to produce a skewed result," averred Linda Douglass, the White House communications director on health care. Said a spokesman for the Senate Finance Committee, "This is akin to the tobacco companies commissioning another study claiming nicotine isn't addictive and cigarettes don't cause cancer.""

WellPoint:

WellPoint, Inc. is a large, U.S. based health insurance company and the largest member of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

I'd have to say the concerns that anything commissioned by WellPoint is likely to be skewed in favour of insurance companies aren't unreasonable.

re: #58 Taqyia2Me

Stay safe, Walter!

Thanks. Girlfriend is headed down hill to work, she needs to stay safe, I have no place to go today.

I hope the guys in that beach picture are skeet surfing.

gee that photo reminds me of when I lived in Hermosa beach many many many moons ago. I didn't care for L.A. much..but the Hermosa beach and Redondo area was ok, I liked living there.

re: #49 iceweasel

Yea mailed that one via LGF contact yesterday. More convincing evidence that mockery may be one of the only valid tools left ala Colbert and those fake Billionares for Heath Care guys.

re: #64 Locker

Yea mailed that one via LGF contact yesterday. More convincing evidence that mockery may be one of the only valid tools left ala Colbert and those fake Billionares for Heath Care guys.

Excellent work, Comrade Locker!
Speaking of mockery, here is something else appalling that needs mockery: (also from yesterday, apologies if it's already been seen), Randall Terry, founder of Operation Rescue, is at it again:

[Link: thinkprogress.org...]

In his latest attempt to drive attention to his hate-filled agenda, Terry has launched a contest to encourage people to make videos burning House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) in effigy. Randall Terry’s press release states:

Join a Contest! Win Prizes!

Who Can make the best “Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid BURN IN HELL!” video?

First prize: Expenses paid for weekend here in DC during Roe vs Wade anniversary, Jan 22-24, including pro-life training seminar (Includes travel stipend!), and full Insurrecta Nex television series. [...]

Send link of your video by NOVEMBER 15, 2009 to: Burninhell@overturnroe.com

Legal Mumbo Jumbo: Obey local laws on open flames; be careful; if under 18, do not burn Nancy Pelosi in effigy unless your mom or dad is with you, and gives you permission, and strikes the match; do not burn yourself; do not burn another human being; do not burn small animals; do not burn large animals; do not burn anyone from PETA; and remember: this is not a threat to Nancy Pelosi’s or Harry Reid’s person…it is a prophetic witness of what awaits them when they die if they do not repent for this horrific sin.

re: #57 Taqyia2Me

Wait. An insurance company does a study (link) based on what it says the bill will require (even though nobody has read the Senate bill), and it says that bill would cost Americans more? I'm shocked, shocked I tell you.

Let me be fair - industries can make honest studies. However, when an industry makes a study that supports their desire to remove or prevent restrictions and regulations on their business, it should be taken with a grain of salt. In this particular case the salt lies in the fact the study starts with the House bill but only takes SOME of the elements as assumptions.

By only taking some - by cherry picking the base assumptions - the company has made this an untrustworthy document.

Good morning all!

skimming the news and saw this - not good.

Gunmen storm UN guest house in Kabul, 12 dead

KABUL – Taliban militants wearing suicide vests and police uniforms stormed a guest house used by U.N. staff in the heart of the Afghan capital early Wednesday, killing 12 people — including six U.N. staff. It was the biggest in a series of attacks intended to undermine next month's presidential runoff election.
A Taliban spokesman claimed responsibility for the early morning assaults, which also included rocket attacks at the presidential palace and the city's main luxury hotel.
The chief of the United Nations mission in Afghanistan, Kai Eide, said the attack "will not deter the U.N. from continuing all its work" in the country. One of the six U.N. dead was an American, the U.S. Embassy said.

Here's another beach scene from the ending of an obscure 1980s sci-fi movie made in New Zealand. It's one of those "last man on earth following a scientific experiment gone wrong" movies. In this case, there are 3 people, 2 guys and a woman. The man on the beach is a scientist who has just blown up the offending experiment and wakes up to...

This version has improved video, but rather distorted audio:

Is it just me,or does that surfing picture make
others really HATE SNOW!!!
Gaaah!
It's 30dig and snowing...
Goodmorning all!

re: #69 reloadingisnotahobby

Is it just me,or does that surfing picture make
others really HATE SNOW!!!
Gaaah!
It's 30dig and snowing...
Goodmorning all!

Actually, I'm kinda wishing for some snow right now. Here in the wild north country we're having a middling period; not an Indian summer, but it hasn't frozen yet, either.

re: #66 kirkspencer

Wait. An insurance company does a study (link) based on what it says the bill will require (even though nobody has read the Senate bill), and it says that bill would cost Americans more? I'm shocked, shocked I tell you.
(snip)

By only taking some - by cherry picking the base assumptions - the company has made this an untrustworthy document.

Indeed. More info on WellPoint here from August: Yep, I'm sure these guys are looking out for us.
WellPoint Draws Attention to Its Own Immoral Practices in Effort to Smear Health Reform

In a recent interview, NPR’s Steve Inskeep forced WellPoint CEO Angela Braly to concede her company fears that “changes in the insurance market and regulations” could cut into her profits the most. That is because, as Igor Volsky has observed, WellPoint’s business model is “antithetical to regulation,” since the company aggressively pursues healthy customers who are less likely to use benefits to pay for medical care. As the company adds healthy customers, WellPoint has made a science of finding ways to deny coverage to the sick. California regulators uncovered more than 1,200 violations of the law by the company in regard to unfair rescission and claims processing practices.

Much more, with links.

re: #67 reine.de.tout

The chief of the United Nations mission in Afghanistan, Kai Eide, said the attack "will not deter the U.N. from continuing all its work" in the country.

That's a bit of solace, compared to when Sergio de Meira(?) got blown up in Iraq causing the whole mission there to pack up and leave.

re: #71 iceweasel

I'll be honest. Although I like the idea of universal health care I do NOT believe it can work in the United States without serious reform to the current public systems. It seems that the idea's biggest supporters in Congress are just making sure they can still keep their pockets full after such a system is implemented.

re: #72 laZardo

That's a bit of solace, compared to when Sergio de Meira(?) got blown up in Iraq causing the whole mission there to pack up and leave.

Thank goodness. Everyone knows that the UN just does great work where ever they go!!

//

In the "you can't make this stuff up" department:

OSLO (Reuters) – A man was caught by Norwegian customs carrying a tarantula in his bag, and a further 14 royal pythons and 10 albino leopard geckos taped to his body, media reported Monday.
. . .
"Customs officers quickly realized the man was smuggling animals, because his whole body was in constant motion," Breilid told VG.

re: #75 reine.de.tout

Is that a python in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?

re: #74 rwdflynavy

Thank goodness. Everyone knows that the UN just does great work where ever they go!!

//

I looked it up though. Apparently Sergio de Mello was encouraged to work in Iraq by President Bush. So the two probably did agree on something.

re: #73 laZardo

I'll be honest. Although I like the idea of universal health care I do NOT believe it can work in the United States without serious reform to the current public systems. It seems that the idea's biggest supporters in Congress are just making sure they can still keep their pockets full after such a system is implemented.

Both the Dems and the Repubs are beholden to the insurance companies-- specifically, their money. That's why Obama cut a deal with big Pharma. That's why there really isn't a need to worry that the private insurance industry will go out of business-- trust me, neither side is going to let that happen.

But the proposals so far do include some efforts to fix Medicare and Medicaid, which is one reason why the legislation is so huge and complex-- they really are attempting to overhaul the whole system.
As for what we'll actually wind up with at the end of the process...who knows. I reckon the only certainty (as usual) is that the rich will get richer.

re: #78 iceweasel

Both the Dems and the Repubs are beholden to the insurance companies-- specifically, their money. That's why Obama cut a deal with big Pharma. That's why there really isn't a need to worry that the private insurance industry will go out of business-- trust me, neither side is going to let that happen.

But the proposals so far do include some efforts to fix Medicare and Medicaid, which is one reason why the legislation is so huge and complex-- they really are attempting to overhaul the whole system.
As for what we'll actually wind up with at the end of the process...who knows. I reckon the only certainty (as usual) is that the rich will get richer.

There are too many vested interests and too many people so idologically against the idea of "socialized medicine" that they will ensure that any attempts would fail even if they get as far as being implemented.

Just imagine if they had taken the financial bailout money and used to subsidize health care in this country instead...

re: #78 iceweasel

I suspect the insurance companies and political machines are holding each other hostage though. A universal system in the current state of affairs would still grease the pockets of politicians, with federal, state and city politicos (and their cronies in unions and other non-pharmaceutical interests) using healthcare as leverage.

Still, with a tit-for-tat in regulations and deregulation, everybody 'wins' except the doctors and patients.

re: #78 iceweasel

Both the Dems and the Repubs are beholden to the insurance companies-- specifically, their money. That's why Obama cut a deal with big Pharma. That's why there really isn't a need to worry that the private insurance industry will go out of business-- trust me, neither side is going to let that happen.

But the proposals so far do include some efforts to fix Medicare and Medicaid, which is one reason why the legislation is so huge and complex-- they really are attempting to overhaul the whole system.
As for what we'll actually wind up with at the end of the process...who knows. I reckon the only certainty (as usual) is that the rich will get richer.

It would be helpful to me to see something that I'm not sure has even been done - and that is a point by point list of what needs to be "fixed", along with various alternatives that could be used to fix those problems.

It just seems to me there are very specific issues that need to be resolved; and what we have to look at is a large and very confusing piece of proposed legislation that many people have not read. Which makes it seem to me as if they've started in the middle of the process of fixing things (write legislation) rather than at the beginning of the process (identify the problems and potential solutions).

re: #80 laZardo

I suspect the insurance companies and political machines are holding each other hostage though. A universal system in the current state of affairs would still grease the pockets of politicians, with federal, state and city politicos (and their cronies in unions and other non-pharmaceutical interests) using healthcare as leverage.

Still, with a tit-for-tat in regulations and deregulation, everybody 'wins' except the doctors and patients.

Exactly my feelings. Which is why I would like to see:
re: #81 reine.de.tout

It would be helpful to me to see something that I'm not sure has even been done - and that is a point by point list of what needs to be "fixed", along with various alternatives that could be used to fix those problems.

It just seems to me there are very specific issues that need to be resolved; and what we have to look at is a large and very confusing piece of proposed legislation that many people have not read. Which makes it seem to me as if they've started in the middle of the process of fixing things (write legislation) rather than at the beginning of the process (identify the problems and potential solutions).

re: #79 ralphieboy

There are too many vested interests and too many people so idologically against the idea of "socialized medicine" that they will ensure that any attempts would fail even if they get as far as being implemented.

Just imagine if they had taken the financial bailout money and used to subsidize health care in this country instead...

Unpossible! What ever would Goldman Sachs have done, without being able to distribute those record-breaking bonuses?

Morning all. Iceweasel, do you ever sleep? I'm still new so I'm going to guess you either never sleep or you're in a timezone about 10 hrs different than mine.

re: #20 Fenway_Nation

I'm kinda sorta intruiged by the ads for the new V...

/beats the perpetually spinning pinwheel o'doom any day.

Is it still going to feature lizards?

re: #83 iceweasel
Wow!
What would it be like?
Getting payed well...huge bonuses GUARANTEED...
For doing a shitty job!
So much for setting an example with work ethics...

Anyone else get a kick out of the Schwarzenegger letter?
[Link: www.huffingtonpost.com...]

It cracked me up, even the folks at huffpo found it amusing.

re: #87 RogueOne

Anyone else get a kick out of the Schwarzenegger letter?
[Link: www.huffingtonpost.com...]

It cracked me up, even the folks at huffpo found it amusing.

I swear I'd seen that before...wait, here it is:

Happy Halloween!

re: #84 RogueOne

Morning all. Iceweasel, do you ever sleep? I'm still new so I'm going to guess you either never sleep or you're in a timezone about 10 hrs different than mine.

Ah, so you're unaware of my true nature.

(I.C.E.W.E.A.S.E.L. 9000: Integrated Communist-Enabling Wingnut Exterminator And Simulated Empathetic Liberal.)

re: #20 Fenway_Nation

The new V looks great. I made my spouse, who is a bit younger than I am, watch the DVD of the original mini-series. Special effects have come a looong way in the last 20 years.

Good morning!

I see wet people!

re: #89 iceweasel

Looks like you have your own cadre of henchman, gotta like that.

re: #84 RogueOne

Morning all. Iceweasel, do you ever sleep? I'm still new so I'm going to guess you either never sleep or you're in a timezone about 10 hrs different than mine.

Ice is messing with you. She lives on a Soros funded commune in an undisclosed location.

re: #89 iceweasel

Ah, so you're unaware of my true nature.

(I.C.E.W.E.A.S.E.L. 9000: Integrated Communist-Enabling Wingnut Exterminator And Simulated Empathetic Liberal.)

Can you open the pod bay doors?

re: #94 SteveC

Can you open the pod bay doors?

Is your name Dave?

re: #94 SteveC

Can you open the pod bay doors?

GmTA!!
I was going to say, the HAL 2001 has come a long way!

re: #95 rwdflynavy

Is your name Dave?

"I'll believe anything you want if it will get me a job." - Ghostbusters

re: #87 RogueOne

Anyone else get a kick out of the Schwarzenegger letter?
[Link: www.huffingtonpost.com...]

It cracked me up, even the folks at huffpo found it amusing.

This is extraordinary. Is it real, or is it a bit "Bible codey"?

re: #98 John Neverbend

This is extraordinary. Is it real, or is it a bit "Bible codey"?

If you notice an albino monk lurking outside your window, then it probably is.

Here's another link from san fran; [Link: www.sfbg.com...]

In the comments section the writer posts the link to the ca.gov site they found it on:
[Link: gov.ca.gov...]

There's also an update in the comments thread. They called the gov's office and got this response:

UPDATE: Aaron McLear from the governor's press office just called. When I asked him if the Fuck You message was intentional, all he would say was "what a strange coincidence." He was clearly being sarcastic.

Their commenters didn't find it as amusing as I did.

The town rabble rouser stops by the Baptist Church to see
the preacher.
"Pastor,I need ya'll to pray for me concernin ma hearing"!

"Absolutely son",throws him to the floor and commences prayin and beseeching the Lord for this lost souls hearing for thirty minutes!!
Finally picks the fella up and says,"how feelin boy"?
"Well,I feel just fine"!
"How's yer hearin"? The preacher asks.
"Don't know" ,he replies. "It ain't till next Tuesday"!

I know... I need to git to work!!
Play nice!

re: #100 RogueOne

that should have been a reply to John @ #98

Bill Kristol is definitely on drugs, and I would like some:

A Good Time to Be Conservative

Even if Republicans pick up the House in 2010, the party’s big ideas and themes for the 2012 presidential race will probably not emanate from Capitol Hill.

The center of gravity, I suspect, will instead lie with individuals such as Palin and Huckabee and Gingrich, media personalities like Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh, and activists at town halls and tea parties. Some will lament this — but over the past year, as those voices have dominated, conservatism has done pretty well in the body politic, and Republicans have narrowed the gap with Democrats in test ballots.

Yow.

The new Michael Jackson movie opens this week.

In other news, Michael Jackson is still dead.

re: #88 laZardo
I don't care if it was intentional or not!
That right there is funny!!
Way to go Aaaarnold!!

re: #104 Mad Al-Jaffee

The new Michael Jackson movie opens this week.

In other news, Michael Jackson is still dead.

I know some people who were freaking out about getting to go to the midnight showing of that movie today. I told them to keep it in their pants and not tell me anything about it.

re: #103 iceweasel

Some will lament this — but over the past year, as those voices have dominated, conservatism has done pretty well in the body politic, and Republicans have narrowed the gap with Democrats in test ballots.

You have been drinking your Bourbon from Kentucky! - 2010: The Year We Make Contact

re: #104 Mad Al-Jaffee

The new Michael Jackson movie opens this week.

In other news, Michael Jackson is still dead.

Scenario: Saturday (Halloween) night and a trick-or-treating kid shows up at your front door dressed up as Michael Jackson. What do you do?

re: #108 laZardo

Scenario: Saturday (Halloween) night and a trick-or-treating kid shows up at your front door dressed up as Michael Jackson. What do you do?

Say "I see dead people!"

re: #108 laZardo

Scenario: Saturday (Halloween) night and a trick-or-treating kid shows up at your front door dressed up as Michael Jackson. What do you do?

Give him some "Jesus Juice"?

They made a movie of Michael Jackson's "Great Beer Guide"? Set me up some popcorn and American IPAs and I'm good to go.
/

re: #104 Mad Al-Jaffee

The new Michael Jackson movie opens this week.

In other news, Michael Jackson is still dead.

I'm probably going to a party Saturday night, and it will be a pretty left wing crowd. I might just show up wearing a FOX news or Bush t-shirt. I'll be the scariest person there!

re: #8 SFGoth

REALLY!?

re: #112 Mad Al-Jaffee

I'm probably going to a party Saturday night, and it will be a pretty left wing crowd. I might just show up wearing a FOX news or Bush t-shirt. I'll be the scariest person there!

Fox tshirt and a Bush mask. Double dog dare ya!!

re: #112 Mad Al-Jaffee

What a funny idea--but even better--George W. Bush--they'll break out their rosaries or wet their pants. But how about this...
No Spin! Go as a broken top.

re: #112 Mad Al-Jaffee

I'm probably going to a party Saturday night, and it will be a pretty left wing crowd. I might just show up wearing a FOX news or Bush t-shirt. I'll be the scariest person there!

if you're lucky they'll all run off screaming and leave the candy! (Don't forget to share with your LGF family!)

re: #114 Cannadian Club Akbar

Beat me!

re: #114 Cannadian Club Akbar

Fox tshirt and a Bush mask. Double dog dare ya!!

Since I wear glasses, I can never wear masks without problems. My costumes have to be mask-free.

re: #112 Mad Al-Jaffee

I'm probably going to a party Saturday night, and it will be a pretty left wing crowd. I might just show up wearing a FOX news or Bush t-shirt. I'll be the scariest person there!

Get a "Viva Steyn" t-shirt.

Morning all. Couple of interesting news article I ran across this morning.

Japan Intercepts Ballistic Missile in Hawaii Test

Glorious Leader probably isn't too happy about this.

On the not so good side of the news.

2 Chicago Men Charged in Terror Plot Over Muhammad Cartoons

Now we know why the raided that meat packing plant in kinsman

re: #116 SteveC

if you're lucky they'll all run off screaming and leave the candy! (Don't forget to share with your LGF family!)

Candy AND booze!

re: #119 John Neverbend

Get a "Viva Steyn" t-shirt.

Maybe I could go as John Bolton.

re: #118 Mad Al-Jaffee

Since I wear glasses, I can never wear masks without problems. My costumes have to be mask-free.

Get a Beck shirt!!

re: #104 Mad Al-Jaffee

The new Michael Jackson movie opens this week.

In other news, Michael Jackson is still dead.

Rumors have it that it will be nominated for an Oscar!!! Wow. That'll put paid to the Oscars--we'll see cartoons of Oscar himself jumping the shark if we see him clutched in the cold, dead--gloved--hand of Mr. Jackson.

re: #124 katemaclaren

Rumors have it that it will be nominated for an Oscar!!! Wow. That'll put paid to the Oscars--we'll see cartoons of Oscar himself jumping the shark if we see him clutched in the cold, dead--gloved--hand of Mr. Jackson.

Maybe Jackson should win a Nobel Peace Prize.

re: #123 Cannadian Club Akbar

Get a Beck shirt!!

The singer/songwriter? :)

re: #126 Mad Al-Jaffee

The singer/songwriter? :)

There ya go. Keep 'em guessing!

re: #127 Cannadian Club Akbar

There ya go. Keep 'em guessing!

Jeff Beck? Maybe if I could play the guitar.

re: #112 Mad Al-Jaffee

Nonono. If you really want to terrify them I have one word for you: Cheney.

Parents not allowed in playground without background check

re: #129 JasonA

Nonono. If you really want to terrify them I have one word for you: Cheney.

With a little stuffed dog dressed like Darth Vader.

re: #122 Mad Al-Jaffee

Maybe I could go as John Bolton.

Do you have a bushy moustache?

re: #129 JasonA

Nonono. If you really want to terrify them I have one word for you: Cheney.

NEVER summon the Dark Lord, even in jest!

re: #120 Bubblehead II

David Coleman Headley, not a very typical jihadi name.

re: #125 Mad Al-Jaffee

That would be the capper!

re: #122 Mad Al-Jaffee

Maybe I could go as John Bolton.

T-Shirt

re: #134 RogueOne

David Coleman Headley, not a very typical jihadi name.

Like Richard Reid. Or Jose Padilla.

Crazed jihadism has no nationality or race.

Cheney. Or Glenn Beck. Or wear a tree of liberty shirt, carry an incoherent and misspelled protest sign, and go as a tea partier and Glenn beck fan. I think his fans are more frightening than he is.

re: #131 Cannadian Club Akbar

With a little stuffed dog dressed like Darth Vader.

or, Cheney mask with a hunting jacket and shotgun.

re: #138 iceweasel

re: #139 RogueOne

Both great!

I just realized what the walking robot downstairs reminds me of: Rockit!

re: #44 Mike DeGuzman

U.S. defense bill would pay Taliban to switch sides. The defense bill President Barack Obama will sign into law on Wednesday contains a new provision that would pay Taliban fighters who renounce the insurgency, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin said on Tuesday.
As part of his overall strategy review on Afghanistan, Obama is debating whether to send more U.S. troops to the region and is set to meet on Friday with Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the heads of the military services, the White House said.

[Link: news.yahoo.com...]

Back where I come from, they call that paying the neighborhood bully not to beat you up.

re: #132 John Neverbend

Do you have a bushy moustache?

No, and it would take me too long to grow one.

Good morning, folks. Hope y'all are getting a good jump start to the day.

re: #142 ryannon

Back where I come from, they call that paying the neighborhood bully not to beat you up.

Worked in Iraq if I do recall.

re: #139 RogueOne

or, Cheney mask with a hunting jacket and shotgun.

Alas, I have but one upding to give.

re: #142 ryannon

Back where I come from, they call that paying the neighborhood bully not to beat you up.

Where I come from, it's more like paying the nerdy kid to do your homework.

re: #142 ryannon

Back where I come from, they call that paying the neighborhood bully not to beat you up.

Where I come from, that's a ransom. Dumb move.

re: #139 RogueOne

or, Cheney mask with a Blackwater-branded hunting jacket and shotgun.

I know he's Halliburton but they don't have a nice logo. ):

re: #139 RogueOne

or, Cheney mask with a hunting jacket and shotgun.

That happened too long ago to be topical.

re: #134 RogueOne

Changed his name.

*snip*
Headley, who changed his name from Daood Gilani in 2006

re: #146 JasonA

I happen to like cheney, but I still chuckle whenever I think of him shooting his own buddy in the face with birdshot. That's funny stuff, you know his friends have to still be giving him a hard time about that. Slapstick humor cracks me up.

re: #148 Walter L. Newton

Where I come from, that's a ransom. Dumb move.

Its worked quite well in Iraq. We turned enemies into allies by greasing some tribal palms. This was done under Bush by the way. See [Link: en.wikipedia.org...]

re: #150 Mad Al-Jaffee

That happened too long ago to be topical.

Oh, we liberals remember, my friend.

re: #151 Bubblehead II

Now that sounds a lot more like it. No way they could have turned this into a tv movie with a name like "headley"

re: #153 McSpiff

Its worked quite well in Iraq. We turned enemies into allies by greasing some tribal palms. This was done under Bush by the way. See [Link: en.wikipedia.org...]

Only because those tribes found the Al-Qaeda that moved in to be much worse than those "dastardly American imperialists." It's different from those tribes in Afghanistan that pretty much lived with Al-Qaeda since their inception.

re: #154 JasonA

Oh, we liberals remember, my friend.

Yeah, but political/topical Halloween costumes are usually about current events. That's why we'll see lots of Balloon Boy and Octomom costumes this year.

For those Lizards in the Four Corners region...

"Synopsis – A strong storm system near the Four Corners will move slowly onto the central plains Wednesday/Thursday. This storm will spread heavy wet snow over northern New Mexico, the Colorado Mountains, the Front Range cities, to include the Denver Metro, and onto the central and high plains of Wyoming, Nebraska and the Dakotas on Thursday. In addition to the snow, gusty north to northeast winds will develop producing areas of blowing and drifting snow. Snowfall amounts of 1 to 3 feet in the mountains and up to 18 inches in the plains. High winds will also cause near blizzard conditions in some areas."

Er, I'll be getting a visit from that 1-3 foot part of the forecast.

re: #158 Walter L. Newton

For those Lizards in the Four Corners region...

"Synopsis – A strong storm system near the Four Corners will move slowly onto the central plains Wednesday/Thursday. This storm will spread heavy wet snow over northern New Mexico, the Colorado Mountains, the Front Range cities, to include the Denver Metro, and onto the central and high plains of Wyoming, Nebraska and the Dakotas on Thursday. In addition to the snow, gusty north to northeast winds will develop producing areas of blowing and drifting snow. Snowfall amounts of 1 to 3 feet in the mountains and up to 18 inches in the plains. High winds will also cause near blizzard conditions in some areas."

Er, I'll be getting a visit from that 1-3 foot part of the forecast.

It's gonna be 90 here:(

re: #153 McSpiff

True. Completely different set of cultural norms than we're used to, for them it's more about survival than doing the right thing for a government that really can't protect them.

re: #153 McSpiff

Its worked quite well in Iraq. We turned enemies into allies by greasing some tribal palms. This was done under Bush by the way. See [Link: en.wikipedia.org...]

I didn't like it when Bush did it. See what he started. We pay off pirates, Taliban, Balloon Boy families for their stupid antics, big business... we pay off everyone.

It's sickening.

But then, I know, there are people who think this is just fine.

Greets and saluts from the NYC metro area. I see that the Taliban/AQ have been quite busy in Afghanistan and Pakistan today, engaging in murderous terror attacks in both countries. A car bomb killed at least 90 in Peshawar, just as Sec. State Clinton was visiting Pakistani officials in Islamabad. That's no coincidence.

At the same time, a group of terrorists somehow infiltrated a UN facility in Kabul, killing at least six. The terrorists in that attack had police uniforms and then detonated suicide vests.

And who were the victims? They were largely Muslim, not that the Taliban care about such things.

re: #156 laZardo

Only because those tribes found the Al-Qaeda that moved in to be much worse than those "dastardly American imperialists." It's different from those tribes in Afghanistan that pretty much lived with Al-Qaeda since their inception.

That was true in the initial case. But from my understanding, even the local Al-Qaeda guys decided the US payed better. My point being, the US has payed for allies for a very long time. Iraqi police/Army and ANA are essentially the same thing. If anyone here has seen "Charlie Wilson's War", I'm actually friends with Gus Avrakotos's (Philip Seymour Hoffman's character), and I've seen pictures of him handing over cash to some pretty bad dudes. This has been policy to make friends in hostile regions for decades. No idea if it's ever actually worked mind you.

re: #162 lawhawk

Greets and saluts from the NYC metro area. I see that the Taliban/AQ have been quite busy in Afghanistan and Pakistan today, engaging in murderous terror attacks in both countries. A car bomb killed at least 90 in Peshawar, just as Sec. State Clinton was visiting Pakistani officials in Islamabad. That's no coincidence.

At the same time, a group of terrorists somehow infiltrated a UN facility in Kabul, killing at least six. The terrorists in that attack had police uniforms and then detonated suicide vests.

And who were the victims? They were largely Muslim, not that the Taliban care about such things.

I have a capital idea, and it deals with capital, let's pay them money to stop doing nasty little things like that.

bbl

re: #163 McSpiff

Don't forget there's also a difference between straight payoff and investing in infrastructure in the region.

I'm not sure if our dog is smart or totally retarded!
He sure loves jumping (6 ft) straight up to catch a snow flake
that would have landed on his face if he'd just sit still for one
second...
Easily entertained...and funny as hell!!
It's starting to accumulate on the ground and walks!
Woo Hoo!

re: #166 laZardo

Don't forget there's also a difference between straight payoff and investing in infrastructure in the region.

You're right. Maybe we can use some of that money to fix up those poppy fields and make sure they have a good harvest this year.

re: #166 laZardo

Don't forget there's also a difference between straight payoff and investing in infrastructure in the region.

O totally agreed. I'm referencing CIA agents strapped with cash type transactions, not paying local labourers for a hard days work at the local hydro station type things.

re: #167 reloadingisnotahobby

I love dogs, they can be such clowns!

re: #168 Walter L. Newton

You're right. Maybe we can use some of that money to fix up those poppy fields and make sure they have a good harvest this year.

I don't mean it that way. More like that Kabul to Mazar-e-Sharif railroad that Dark_Falcon(?) mentioned a few days back.

But if you're implying that I agree with him somehow, then I'm not sure how one will win Afghan hearts and minds after blowing the Taliban to bits and razing their poppy fields. You still have to find a suitable alternative to that.

re: #170 baier

I love dogs, they can be such clowns!

We've already had the morning threads turn into discussions on toons one day, followed by drugs the next, and then pr0n yesterday. If we can turn this thread into a dog thread this could quickly turn into my favorite site.

re: #167 reloadingisnotahobby

I'm not sure if our dog is smart or totally retarded!
He sure loves jumping (6 ft) straight up to catch a snow flake
that would have landed on his face if he'd just sit still for one
second...
Easily entertained...and funny as hell!!
It's starting to accumulate on the ground and walks!
Woo Hoo!

Well, one of my dogs is easily entertained by blowing bubbles. He'll jump and snap at them for hours on end if given the opportunity. Surprises me to no end that he's willing to bite them over and over, because I can't imagine that tastes good.

re: #171 laZardo

I don't mean it that way. More like that Kabul to Mazar-e-Sharif railroad that Dark_Falcon(?) mentioned a few days back.

But if you're implying that I agree with him somehow, then I'm not sure how one will win Afghan hearts and minds after blowing the Taliban to bits and razing their poppy fields. You still have to find a suitable alternative to that.

Have the Brits do it, maybe? It's a fucking war, let's start fighting it like a war and get it over.

re: #172 RogueOne

We've already had the morning threads turn into discussions on toons one day, followed by drugs the next, and then pr0n yesterday. If we can turn this thread into a dog thread this could quickly turn into my favorite site.

Anyone want to see some pictures of my cats?

A recent contest on Freaking News: photoshopping celebrities into goths.

re: #173 MrSilverDragon

My job after work is to play fetch for while .Then we sit on the front steps ...he sits behind me with his chin on my shoulder and we watch the cars go by!
People wave and laugh...He IS a clown!

re: #174 Walter L. Newton

Have the Brits do it, maybe? It's a fucking war, let's start fighting it like a war and get it over.

Sheesh, no need to flare up at me. Of course we have to fight it like a war. As long as there's a way to rebuild after the smoke clears.

re: #174 Walter L. Newton

Have the Brits do it, maybe? It's a fucking war, let's start fighting it like a war and get it over.

Winning the war is easy, winning the peace is hard.

re: #175 Walter L. Newton

With Maisey on her head!!
Not sure that's a good idea but...Yes!
Morning Walter!

re: #162 lawhawk

And who were the victims? They were largely Muslim, not that the Taliban care about such things.

To their "thinking", if the victims were good Muslims they will go to heaven, if not, not. Infidels are damned anyhow, so they don't matter.

re: #178 laZardo

Sheesh, no need to flare up at me. Of course we have to fight it like a war. As long as there's a way to rebuild after the smoke clears.

I haven't seen any smoke yet. Let's not but the Marshall Plan before the horse.

those two pilots from Northwest airlines will appeal losing their licenses...what nerve...140 + passengers they're responsible for, and there so engrossed in whatever is on their personal laptops that they don't even respond to airtraffic control??? and over shoot their intended airport by over 100 miles! these 2 douche bags were surfing porn or chatting their girlfriends up, and they want to act like they really did nothing wrong? Lose their license? they ought to have criminal charges brought up against them both!

re: #180 reloadingisnotahobby

With Maisey on her head!!
Not sure that's a good idea but...Yes!
Morning Walter!

Morning. Ok, six to 10 inches already up here, and they say this is just getting started. NOAA is talking about 1-3 feet in my area before it's all over late tomorrow.

re: #176 The Sanity Inspector

If you're a fan of The Office, check this gallery out:

[Link: www.nbc.com...]

Charles Johnson Overnight Ocean Photo Watch:

Well, well, well...what do we have here? People! Having a good time! People in the foreground, people in the background, people in the middle-distance!

Ok, surfers, not just people. It's a bit hazy out there and not much sun yet, but compared to Charles' previous series of deserted seascapes, it's Times Square on New Year's Eve. Either Charles has caught on and is gaming the system, or things are actually looking up: no need to banish the human race anymore, no more severe and empty existential space reminiscent of Antonioni's Red Desert period.

A welcome change that bodes well, but how long will it last?

re: #142 ryannon

Back where I come from, they call that paying the neighborhood bully not to beat you up.

Rudyard Kipling would call it paying the Danegeld:

IT IS always a temptation to an armed and agile nation,
To call upon a neighbour and to say:
"We invaded you last night - we are quite prepared to fight,
Unless you pay us cash to go away."

And that is called asking for Dane-geld,
And the people who ask it explain
That you’ve only to pay ’em the Dane-geld
And then you’ll get rid of the Dane!

It is always a temptation to a rich and lazy nation,
To puff and look important and to say:
"Though we know we should defeat you, we have not the time to meet you.
We will therefore pay you cash to go away."

And that is called paying the Dane-geld;
But we’ve proved it again and again,
That if once you have paid him the Dane-geld
You never get rid of the Dane.

It is wrong to put temptation in the path of any nation,
For fear they should succumb and go astray,
So when you are requested to pay up or be molested,
You will find it better policy to say:

"We never pay any one Dane-geld,
No matter how trifling the cost,
For the end of that game is oppression and shame,
And the nation that plays it is lost!"

re: #183 Spider Mensch

those two pilots from Northwest airlines will appeal losing their licenses...what nerve...140 + passengers they're responsible for, and there so engrossed in whatever is on their personal laptops that they don't even respond to airtraffic control??? and over shoot their intended airport by over 100 miles! these 2 douche bags were surfing porn or chatting their girlfriends up, and they want to act like they really did nothing wrong? Lose their license? they ought to have criminal charges brought up against them both!

Or in the least get an appearance on Orpah and a book and movie deal. They deserve that much.

re: #184 Walter L. Newton
As long as ya don't lose your web connection you'll be fine!
But... Damn!

re: #167 reloadingisnotahobby

He can jum 6 feet straight up?! Is he a Jack Russell?

re: #183 Spider Mensch

those two pilots from Northwest airlines will appeal losing their licenses...what nerve...140 + passengers they're responsible for, and there so engrossed in whatever is on their personal laptops that they don't even respond to airtraffic control??? and over shoot their intended airport by over 100 miles! these 2 douche bags were surfing porn or chatting their girlfriends up, and they want to act like they really did nothing wrong? Lose their license? they ought to have criminal charges brought up against them both!

From reports I've heard, they were attempting to learn the airlines new reservation system. Not that it makes it any better...

re: #171 laZardo

I don't mean it that way. More like that Kabul to Mazar-e-Sharif railroad that Dark_Falcon(?) mentioned a few days back.

But if you're implying that I agree with him somehow, then I'm not sure how one will win Afghan hearts and minds after blowing the Taliban to bits and razing their poppy fields. You still have to find a suitable alternative to that.

The railroad is actually going to be between Mazar-e-Sharif and the northern border, hence a connection to Russia's rail system.

re: #190 Mad Al-Jaffee

Boxer...Flashy Fawn.
Annoying...I mean cute as he11!!

re: #175 Walter L. Newton

Anyone want to see some pictures of my cats?

How do you keep a parrot in the same house with multiple cats? I'd have thought they'd kill the bird eventually.

re: #189 reloadingisnotahobby

As long as ya don't lose your web connection you'll be fine!
But... Damn!

That's a possibility up here. It's a "rural" co-op utility, and they have to deal with a lot of things like downed tree limbs on power lines, happens a lot.

So, it could happen. Have a small generator but I think we would be putting that to some other use than the internet. I have all the necessary emergency toys here.

re: #183 Spider Mensch

I wonder if their flight announcements go something like this:

"Im in ur cockipt, flyin ur plane! Landing rl s00n. Pls fasten seat belts. K, thx bai!"

re: #153 McSpiff

Its worked quite well in Iraq. We turned enemies into allies by greasing some tribal palms. This was done under Bush by the way. See [Link: en.wikipedia.org...]

The Afghani hill tribes have been doing this sort of thing since the British and probably well before. In fact, it's possible they wrote the book on the practice. Just more grist for their mill, and not at all comparable to what the situation was in Iraq. Hell, if we can see this from here, why can't they see it from right there? Prepare for an epic fail.

re: #194 Dark_Falcon

How do you keep a parrot in the same house with multiple cats? I'd have thought they'd kill the bird eventually.

Is that parrot colored bright yellow, with a tiny beak and with a weird speech impediment, by any chance?

re: #190 Mad Al-Jaffee

He can jum 6 feet straight up?! Is he a Jack Russell?

I got that one beat. Picture a 165lb. Saint Bernard. I'm taking him to the beach for the very first time. He's having fun walking thru the sand, sticking his nose in the holes he's finding on the beach. I take him towards the water, and I notice a bit of hesitation. A wave crashes and rolls up the beach towards us. The dog sees this, decides he does not want his feet to get wet. He jumps 5 feet sideways to avoid the water.

All I can do is stare in disbelief and complete amazement. That was talent!

re: #194 Dark_Falcon

How do you keep a parrot in the same house with multiple cats? I'd have thought they'd kill the bird eventually.

Have you ever seen a parrot terrorize a cat? The two cats here are afraid of Maisey. If they get near the cage, Maisey just has to start screaming and the noise itself bothers the cats. And her cage is secure, even with a chain, the most they could do would be to try to pull the cage down, and they couldn't.

re: #191 McSpiff

From reports I've heard, they were attempting to learn the airlines new reservation system. Not that it makes it any better...

well that's something that would be so compelling that you would probably forget that you are PILOTING A PLANE FULL OF PEOPLE!!! yes, thats there cover story and these 2 a-holes will stick with it, but seriously...they were doing something far more than reviewing flight crew scheduling procedures.

re: #200 Walter L. Newton

Have you ever seen a parrot terrorize a cat? The two cats here are afraid of Maisey. If they get near the cage, Maisey just has to start screaming and the noise itself bothers the cats. And her cage is secure, even with a chain, the most they could do would be to try to pull the cage down, and they couldn't.

Cool.

re: #201 Spider Mensch

pimf there = their

re: #39 freetoken

Thanks, good morning music.

re: #201 Spider Mensch

Which proves ...Even STUPID ASSHOLES can fly commercial jets!!
But, We already knew that!

re: #200 Walter L. Newton

Have you ever seen a parrot terrorize a cat? The two cats here are afraid of Maisey. If they get near the cage, Maisey just has to start screaming and the noise itself bothers the cats. And her cage is secure, even with a chain, the most they could do would be to try to pull the cage down, and they couldn't.

So, in a survival situation, when the rescue part arrives, all they'll learn about the whole Donner Party scene that went on there is "WHAT?" as screamed by a fat parrot.

I know if push comes to shove, my cats will eat me for sure. Hell, they start biting when their chow's more than five minutes late.

re: #197 ryannon

The Afghani hill tribes have been doing this sort of thing since the British and probably well before. In fact, it's possible they wrote the book on the practice. Just more grist for their mill, and not at all comparable to what the situation was in Iraq. Hell, if we can see this from here, why can't they see it from right there? Prepare for an epic fail.

Most counter-insurgency tactics aren't going to work in Afghanistan. The Iraqis are used to things like jobs and infrastructure. The Afghans have been killing each other, and anyone stupid enough to stumble across the border for hundreds of years. I'd be perfectly happy to see my government pay off the locals to not kill our guys till we get out of there, but I realize that's not going to be a popular sentiment here.

re: #202 Dark_Falcon

Cool.

Addendum : If they did pull the cage down, it would actually hang sideways by the chain, the chain is attached to the wall on each side of the alcove space the cage is in and runs through the bars of the cage on one side. Maisey's world would be turned upside down, but she would still be in the cage, locked and protected.

re: #200 Walter L. Newton

Yes!
They're like the Chihuahua that thinks they're a Doberman!
They think they're a Goose!

re: #206 Guanxi88

So, in a survival situation, when the rescue part arrives, all they'll learn about the whole Donner Party scene that went on there is "WHAT?" as screamed by a fat parrot.

I know if push comes to shove, my cats will eat me for sure. Hell, they start biting when their chow's more than five minutes late.

We don't use names like "Donner" or "Packard" up here, bad mojo.

re: #207 McSpiff

Most counter-insurgency tactics aren't going to work in Afghanistan. The Iraqis are used to things like jobs and infrastructure. The Afghans have been killing each other, and anyone stupid enough to stumble across the border for hundreds of years. I'd be perfectly happy to see my government pay off the locals to not kill our guys till we get out of there, but I realize that's not going to be a popular sentiment here.

But they like killing our guys.

It sure beats the hell out of killing each other, and I'll bet that on some level, they'll actually be sad to see us go.

re: #53 Walter L. Newton

Ok - sitting here looking at 4 inches of snow... coming down hard... expected by Thursday morning 2-3 foot of snow... nasty.

Bundle up. We've been getting so much rain this autumn that soccer practiced has been cancelled right & left, and I can barely find a window of opportunity to go out and mow the mushrooms.

re: #185 Mad Al-Jaffee

If you're a fan of The Office, check this gallery out:

[Link: www.nbc.com...]

Yoww...

re: #209 reloadingisnotahobby

I have 2 dobies and a nanday conure. The bird will meow like a cat and sucker the dogs over to the cage where he can try to bite their noses. Dobies are smart but they always fall for it.

I'm out. Got to head downtown. BBL

re: #212 The Sanity Inspector

Bundle up. We've been getting so much rain this autumn that soccer practiced has been cancelled right & left, and I can barely find a window of opportunity to go out and mow the mushrooms.

It's been a wet year so far in Colorado, wetter than usual I think.

I've watched "The Office" a few times. It is kinda wacky, but very funny.

re: #185 Mad Al-Jaffee

re: #217 gonecamping

I've watched "The Office" a few times. It is kinda wacky, but very funny.

The last couple of seasons have been pretty disappointing, but I'm still watching it. This might be the last season for me.

Heidi Collins on CNN had quite the interview with an Afghan woman, so-called legislator -- or "a woman among the war lords." lol..."It's all about the occupation, and that, that Bush war criminal...he should be goin' to that there International War Crimes tribunal and..." Collins interrupts and cuts her off...

I posted this last night, for those who didn't see it and are interested, we had about 4 inches overnight this past Sunday, here's what I woke up to...

Image: winter_oct_2009.JPG

Right now, I have about 6 inches of this, and it's coming down like gangbusters, and not expected to stop until tomorrow, at about 1-3 feet.

re: #218 Mad Al-Jaffee

The last couple of seasons have been pretty disappointing, but I'm still watching it. This might be the last season for me.

Ed Helms (Andy) was a friend of mine from college. I've loved the last couple seasons, but that's definitely a personal bias.

re: #219 J.S.

Clarify something for me. Last night you were talking about the 4-6 week snow-in's you get far north. Do you actually live in that same area you were talking about?

Speaking of flying...
There's something about "Wings that fold up" I find a bit
...disconcerting!

[Link: www.terrafugia.com...]

re: #220 Walter L. Newton

I posted this last night, for those who didn't see it and are interested, we had about 4 inches overnight this past Sunday, here's what I woke up to...

[Link: newton.acrossthebow.com...]

Right now, I have about 6 inches of this, and it's coming down like gangbusters, and not expected to stop until tomorrow, at about 1-3 feet.

Pretty picture.

re: #220 Walter L. Newton

Pretty. I can't stand snow. I was transferred to the dakotas for a year. After the first winter I told my VP he was going to have to get my skinny ass out of there.

Charles and Friends, thank you for your indulgence.

Last year there were 4, now there are none. This morning, the last living Hump pilot flew his C-47 into the final frontier. He survived the aluminum trail but old man time got him in the end. Although alert at 91, after just celebrating his 66th anniversary, he died of natural causes with his 7 kids and wife attending.

The Distinguished Flying Cross and The Bronze Star are among the many medals he earned during the war.

During WWII he flew a few times with Paul Tibets who was one of his many friends and he even played back yard football with the Kennedy’s. He traveled the world and his life was full of adventure to the end, and now he flies into his greatest adventure of all.

Just a month ago he picked me up in his Chrysler 300 and took me to lunch. He was my Dad.

The Aluminum Trail references a route through the Himalaya’s of over 500 miles where over 700 US aircraft where lost in the CBI (China Burma) theater. The personnel losses were far in excess of this number, as most aircraft had multiple crewmembers and were often transporting passengers. The US Dept. of Defense stated in 2004 that more than 500 US aircraft and 1200 crewmembers were still missing in the CBI theater from WW II, with nearly 416 Americans remaining missing in India alone. Nowhere in the CBI theater were the aircraft losses higher than on the notorious "Hump" route between US airbases in northeast India and airfields in Yunnan province of China. Many of these aircraft were never found, and their crew and passengers have been declared "Administratively Dead" or MIA.

Getting ready to resume the countdown for an 11:00 EST launch of the Ares 1-X launch. IF the weather cooperates.

re: #222 Walter L. Newton

Oh, wait a second -- in far northern communities, it's not excessive snow that causes problems...it's more the "in-between" seasons...during "break-up" in the Spring, and before the "freeze-up" in the Fall...during these times (when you can't use boats and you can't use ice roads) the communities are totally isolated...(in northern Canada, it's actually "dry/arid")...And, yes, I have (many many years ago) lived in certain remote areas up north...(not as far north as the Arctic)...

Great vista to observe from the comfort of indoors, makes me want to toss a log in the fireplace, kick back and watch the snow from the couch.

Snow is beautiful and fun to play in, but I don't miss shovelling to get to work. The better half would like to relocate to the mountains after I retire, but I'm not sure.

re: #220 Walter L. Newton

re: #226 filetandrelease

My condolences.

re: #226 filetandrelease

Just a month ago he picked me up in his Chrysler 300 and took me to lunch. He was my Dad.

Sorry to hear about your loss. You were lucky to have him.

The "Greatest Generation" was no bullshit. We will miss them all.

re: #95 rwdflynavy

Is your name Dave?

Dave's not here.

re: #226 filetandrelease

My condolences to you and the family. Sounds like a truly amazing man.

Ah well. Today is one of those days. You wake up, sweating from some unremembered nightmare and the only thing you want is a smoke even though you stopped smoking more than 15 years ago. You can't handle breakfast, just a cup of coffee. And in the car the only music you want to hear is Tom Waits "Bone Machine". One of those days. I wonder how this will end.

re: #221 soundboard fez

Ed Helms (Andy) was a friend of mine from college. I've loved the last couple seasons, but that's definitely a personal bias.

He's really good on it. What I don't like is it's getting to be less of a pseudo documentary and more of a wacky sitcom. I'm sometimes surprised there's no laugh track.

I really like Erin, the new receptionist. Great character.

re: #164 Walter L. Newton

That seems to be the Administration's newest tact, and I have a real bad feeling about it.

The idea of buying the Taliban off - bribing them to put down their weapons and instead focus on securing their local towns and villages is a supremely bad idea given that the rationale for the ongoing Taliban fight is far different than the situation facing the US in Iraq. It's a misreading of Taliban intentions and goals, along with culture, customs, and motivations by the Taliban to regain control.

...butthurt...

re: #226 filetandrelease
(((filetandrelease)))

re: #220 Walter L. Newton

Pretty photo, but 1-3 feet of snow is no laughing matter. That's going to make for tough travel, even in places accustomed to lots of snow.

re: #236 lawhawk

Maybe we can offer them unicorn rides in exchange for peace.

re: #234 enoughalready

Upding for mentioning Tom Waits.

re: #240 Mad Al-Jaffee

Maybe we can offer them unicorn rides in exchange for peace.

And a lifetime supply of arugula.

re: #130 SteveC

Parents not allowed in playground without background check

I regret to say that I am no longer surprised to learn that the country this is happening in is Britain. Doubtless the limey libertarians at Samizdata will have scathing things to say about it.

re: #226 filetandrelease

My deepest sympathy.

(May I, however, point out that you've pretty much identified yourself?)

Cops are making arrests, thank goodness, in the horrific gang-rape in California at a school dance.

re: #241 Mad Al-Jaffee

Upding for mentioning Tom Waits.

Tom Waits.
Obama Dithers.

Perhaps we can have horns grafted on their camels so they have their very own Unicorns (or would they be Unicams?)

re: #240 Mad Al-Jaffee

Maybe we can offer them unicorn rides in exchange for peace.

re: #236 lawhawk

That seems to be the Administration's newest tact, and I have a real bad feeling about it.

The idea of buying the Taliban off - bribing them to put down their weapons and instead focus on securing their local towns and villages is a supremely bad idea given that the rationale for the ongoing Taliban fight is far different than the situation facing the US in Iraq. It's a misreading of Taliban intentions and goals, along with culture, customs, and motivations by the Taliban to regain control.

Depends what our goals are. If we're looking for a way to say "See, its fine! we can leave now!" in a year or two, it may be fine. Not that I think thats the right goal to have, but I'm starting to suspect it might be the administrations. Buying time, not peace.

re: #246 Spare O'Lake

Tom Waits.
Obama Dithers.

Muddy Waters his plants.

re: #248 McSpiff

I think that's precisely what the Administration is planning to do. They are willing to get the level of violence down to a level where they figure they can cut and run without being called on the carpet for it; allowing the Taliban and al Qaeda to continue having a safe haven in the frontier areas, and allowing the problem to fester down the road.

It's quite troubling.

re: #226 filetandrelease

Best to you and yours. Those Hump pilots were under-appreciated. I remember reading about them, with one saying, "Those pursuit plane pilots fly at 300 mph with machine guns. We fly the same route with a pistol and a map." Or something to that effect.

re: #245 reine.de.tout

It is truly horrific that so many people seem to have been involved and/or did nothing to stop the violence against the woman.

re: #239 lawhawk

Pretty photo, but 1-3 feet of snow is no laughing matter. That's going to make for tough travel, even in places accustomed to lots of snow.

Actually, that's going to shut things down for a day. If we don't loose electricity, we are safe in the house, if we do loose power, it's a little chilly, but we have all the necessary battery operated toys, and three large warm dogs.

And who is to say we won't be attacked with weapons aquired with the funds we give them to play nice?

re: #250 lawhawk

re: #245 reine.de.tout

Cops are making arrests, thank goodness, in the horrific gang-rape in California at a school dance.

That's disgusting. Makes me wish Carrie was real.

re: #245 reine.de.tout

Cops are making arrests, thank goodness, in the horrific gang-rape in California at a school dance.

"We do not have the ability to arrest people who witnessed the crime and did nothing," Gagan said. "The law can be very rigid. We don't have the authority to make an arrest."

Any law against spitting on them?

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Good Morning LGF.