Mmm, foamy.

Fezig- are there rocks ahead?

A giant stumbling block the future: Obamacare.

re: #2 Sharmuta

Fezig- are there rocks ahead?

If there are, we'll be dead!

Velvet Underground - Ocean

A rock... an object of interest in the foreground... shrinking the foamy waved-kissed jetty in the distance... a jetty that protects the beach... the smooth sandy beach... the smooth bay in the distance...

I think we're in a smooth mood tonight:

Well...there went my message in a bottle.

Anathema's floydian epic Pressure, which has a bit of a beach theme, if you watch the video to the end.

re: #7 Fenway_Nation

Well...there went my message in a bottle.

Love can mend your life or love can break your heart~

re: #7 Fenway_Nation

Well...there went my message in a bottle.

I remember trying to learn that song on guitar a few years ago. And failing, failing utterly.

re: #10 WindUpBird

The moral of the story...never try.

Did I mention that without even trying, I scooped the Washington Post?

/but only by a week or so.

re: #11 Fenway_Nation

The moral of the story...never try.

Homer Simpson's words of wisdom!

re: #13 WindUpBird

Homer Simpson's words of wisdom!

I thought that was Marge's when she tried running that Pretzel business.

I'd let all the band members of Papa Roach suckle peanut butter off my toes just to be on that beach right now.

re: #15 beekiller

I'd let all the band members of Papa Roach suckle peanut butter off my toes just to be on that beach right now.

I'd square dance to a Nelly song while I was being force fed mashed candy corn!

Good night, Lizards.

re: #6 freetoken

A rock... an object of interest in the foreground... shrinking the foamy waved-kissed jetty in the distance... a jetty that protects the beach... the smooth sandy beach... the smooth bay in the distance...

I think we're in a smooth mood tonight:

[Video]

when's Christmas?

re: #16 beekiller

I'd square dance to a Nelly song while I was being force fed mashed candy corn!

Good night, Lizards.

Sounds like you could use some rest. Enjoy your creepy Papa Roach/Nelly/Peanut Butter/Nipple dreams!
;)

re: #18 bosforus

Sounds like you could use some rest. Enjoy your creepy Papa Roach/Nelly/Peanut Butter/Nipple dreams!
;)

Good thing I just woke up. HURRR.

re: #15 beekiller

I'd let all the band members of Papa Roach suckle peanut butter off my toes just to be on that beach right now.

But what would you do for a Klondike Bar?

/lame joke

re: #14 laZardo

I thought that was Marge's when she tried running that Pretzel business.

You may be right, it's been a while since I was mainlining the Simpsons. Moved on to Venture Bros. and Metalocalypse. 8-)

Fuck.

re: #14 laZardo

I thought that was Marge's when she tried running that Pretzel business.

That reminds me of one of my favorite Simpsons moments ever, which is from that episode:

"And heeere come the pretzels!"

*Whitey Ford knocked unconscious by thrown pretzels*

"This is a black day for baseball."

Heh, healthcare blues, from a public healthcare supporter, bet he isn't singing the blues tonight. (actually pretty good quality tune)

man, the beach, the ocean...I need a Dr Pepper

re: #22 TheMatrix31

Fuck.

in bed.

re: #26 Racer X

in bed.

Your bed or mine?

/ducks

Geez, I can't believe I'm going to be 43 on November 16th. Damn I feel old.

Michelle Malkin already has Joseph Cao's picture up.

In his defense, I would like to point out that Congressman Cao's freezer reportedly holds only TV dinners, packages of frozen chicken, and popsicles.

re: #29 SanFranciscoZionist

ZING!

re: #29 SanFranciscoZionist

Michelle Malkin already has Joseph Cao's picture up.

In his defense, I would like to point out that Congressman Cao's freezer reportedly holds only TV dinners, packages of frozen chicken, and popsicles.

Already? Guess she'll be on Fox News come Monday showing her gums and spittling out her outrage.

re: #26 Racer X

Maybe that'd make me feel better right now.

re: #17 albusteve

when's Christmas?

Never! We will prevail in the war on Christmas this year. Our time has come. Hahaha!

re: #27 Dark_Falcon

Your bed or mine?

/ducks

I know we're getting all progressive and stuff here lately, but I got a tattoo on my ass that says "Exit Only".

re: #34 Racer X

I know we're getting all progressive and stuff here lately, but I got a tattoo on my ass that says "Exit Only".

LMAO! Thanks, I needed that.

re: #34 Racer X

I know we're getting all progressive and stuff here lately, but I got a tattoo on my ass that says "Exit Only".

How do you know what it really says back there if you can't see it?

re: #36 sngnsgt

"Dude, what does mine say?"
"SWEET!"

re: #29 SanFranciscoZionist

Michelle Malkin already has Joseph Cao's picture up.

In his defense, I would like to point out that Congressman Cao's freezer reportedly holds only TV dinners, packages of frozen chicken, and popsicles.

She's an idiot. Cao didn't even cast his vote until the Dems had 218.

re: #37 laZardo

I wouldn't know.

re: #39 sngnsgt

I wouldn't know.

And don't want to find out either...

re: #17 albusteve

when's Christmas?

You only have 46 more shopping days left!

re: #41 freetoken

Bah-hum-bug! I hate Christmas...

re: #37 laZardo

"Dude, what does mine say?"
"SWEET!"

"What's yours say?"
"DUDE!

re: #42 sngnsgt

Bah-hum-bug! I hate Christmas...

re: #42 sngnsgt

Bah-hum-bug! I hate Christmas...

Christmas songs in the stores already! On the radio, on the TV...do we really need to celebrate for two whole months the death of some hippie a couple thousand years ago?

re: #38 KingKenrod

She's an idiot. Cao didn't even cast his vote until the Dems had 218.

Her candidate lost on Tuesday, Doug Hoffman. Owens voted yes today. Frankly, I think we've heard enough from these idiot Vdare, Tea Party, Glenn Beck idiots which Malkin is a part of.

re: #38 KingKenrod

She's an idiot. Cao didn't even cast his vote until the Dems had 218.

Doesn't matter to her, he's now an official traitor to the cause.

re: #38 KingKenrod

She's an idiot. Cao didn't even cast his vote until the Dems had 218.

I still don't like that he voted for it. It may be what he had to do to keep his seat, but I wouldn't want to represent a district that wanted government health care. I'm not saying "Purge the RINO!", its just not a vote I approve of.

re: #45 BryanS

SMACK!

re: #45 BryanS

Fuck you.

re: #42 sngnsgt

Bah-hum-bug! I hate Christmas...

Christmas is difficult for me. My father and my husband both celebrate it, which means that I get stuck doing a lot of cooking and shopping for a holiday I wouldn't ordinarily celebrate. So I fix a turkey, and sides, and buy polo shirts, and at the end, don't even get a Savior out of the deal. It really is a losing proposition for me.

re: #51 SanFranciscoZionist

Do you get to at least put a Star of David on top of the Christmas tree?

re: #45 BryanS

hippie

That's not how rabbi is spelled. Just an FYI.

re: #47 SanFranciscoZionist

Doesn't matter to her, he's now an official traitor to the cause.

It's hard to see how any Republican can still call themselves a member of the party and also vote for socialized medicine. I'm all for an inclusive Republican party. I have a dislike for all the RINO cat calls on the right when someone is not pure enough, but this bill is about as antithetical to Republican principles as any bill could possibly be.

re: #48 Dark_Falcon

I still don't like that he voted for it. It may be what he had to do to keep his seat, but I wouldn't want to represent a district that wanted government health care. I'm not saying "Purge the RINO!", its just not a vote I approve of.

Back in the old days Republicans would vote any which way they pleased and nobody raised an eyebrow. In this day of neurotic bloggers and people it's an issue. It's not just the bloggers either it's a lot of people that keep themselves locked up in an ideological prison. That there was only one that voted yes is something she should be happy about. But I know, being a happy right-wing-blogger these days is something we can't expect.

re: #44 freetoken

[Video]

Yup, call me "The Grinch", that's what I am.

re: #52 Fenway_Nation

Do you get to at least put a Star of David on top of the Christmas tree?

My husband would probably think it was funny, but my mom would smack me one.

re: #51 SanFranciscoZionist

Christmas is difficult for me. My father and my husband both celebrate it, which means that I get stuck doing a lot of cooking and shopping for a holiday I wouldn't ordinarily celebrate. So I fix a turkey, and sides, and buy polo shirts, and at the end, don't even get a Savior out of the deal. It really is a losing proposition for me.

I hate all the hustle and bustle that goes with it, the malls are already crowded enough as it is.

re: #53 Sharmuta

That's not how rabbi is spelled. Just an FYI.

Eh...I figured, you know, the long hair, scruffy face, that some would appreciate the joke. Alas, I was wrong :)

re: #55 Gus 802

Back in the old days Republicans would vote any which way they pleased and nobody raised an eyebrow. In this day of neurotic bloggers and people it's an issue. It's not just the bloggers either it's a lot of people that keep themselves locked up in an ideological prison. That there was only one that voted yes is something she should be happy about. But I know, being a happy right-wing-blogger these days is something we can't expect.

I'm overall pleased that party discipline held. And while its true that things have not always been as ideological, they are that way now. We can dial down the hyper-partisanship, but we cannot get ideology out of politics. Our time is simply a more ideological time that those days.

Something made me sign back on and I'm glad I did. You guys are hilarious.
I need to come to Overnight Ocean threads more often.

Has anyone thought of what would have happened if all those "good pro-life" Republicans hadn't voted for the Stupak amendment? The Blue Dogs who said repeatedly they would not vote for the bill without it would have had no cover to vote for the bill, it wouldn't have passed.

I hope they are frigging happy now, but I guess they have to kiss the religious rights ass even when it hurts our cause. Try explaining that you only voted for abortion funding so that the entire bill would fail to that bunch of mouth breathers. Good Luck!

re: #58 sngnsgt

I hate all the hustle and bustle that goes with it, the malls are already crowded enough as it is.

Do what I do and only shop online. Screw the crowds, get out the credit card and scour eBay. Makes the Christmas season so much more relaxing.

Also: SantaCon!

What a day. Healthcare passes, met the 50 comment limit, AND I finally beat the first chapter of Ninja Gaiden Sigma on very hard!

re: #60 Dark_Falcon

I'm overall pleased that party discipline held. And while its true that things have not always been as ideological, they are that way now. We can dial down the hyper-partisanship, but we cannot get ideology out of politics. Our time is simply a more ideological time that those days.

Yeah. They all voted no. The Democrats offered too much in the end and it got passed. The Republicans, while voting no, offered nothing and would have offered nothing if they were in the majority. Translation, business as usual. The Democrats represent the unions and the Republicans represent the insurance companies.

re: #51 SanFranciscoZionist

After Independence Day, my favorite holiday is Christmas. I find it to be a special time of year when love, forgiveness and redemption mean a whole lot more than material items, but then I'm funny like that. I think it's a spirit that can infect anyone of any faith...

Peace on Earth and Good Will towards Men. Pretty universal.

Thanks for being a good sport and helping those you love to celebrate.

re: #63 WindUpBird

Do what I do and only shop online. Screw the crowds, get out the credit card and scour eBay. Makes the Christmas season so much more relaxing.

Also: SantaCon!

Dats true, I could do that.

re: #64 checked08

What a day. Healthcare passes, met the 50 comment limit, AND I finally beat the first chapter of Ninja Gaiden Sigma on very hard!

I trimmed my fingernails.

re: #66 Sharmuta

I gots two favorite holidays. Christmas and Halloween. I have an enduring-+ love of christmas lights, egg nog, and buying cool stuff for friends and family, and I think it's pretty obvious from my avatar that I like costumes!

re: #64 checked08

What a day. Healthcare passes, met the 50 comment limit, AND I finally beat the first chapter of Ninja Gaiden Sigma on very hard!

Whoo, another gamerlizard. :D

re: #53 Sharmuta

That's not how rabbi is spelled. Just an FYI.

Yeah, but everyone knows Jesus was a hippie rabbi...

re: #70 laZardo

Whoo, another gamerlizard. :D

Game developer lizard here. :D

re: #72 WindUpBird

Would it violate some NDA if I asked what company? :B

Sleep. Night.

re: #73 laZardo

Would it violate some NDA if I asked what company? :B

I'll give you a shout on Deviantart. :)

re: #74 Gus 802

'Nite Gus...

re: #74 Gus 802

g'nite...

re: #64 checked08

What a day. Healthcare passes, met the 50 comment limit, AND I finally beat the first chapter of Ninja Gaiden Sigma on very hard!

They're still making version of that game? For what system?

re: #69 WindUpBird

Hard to top Independence Day in my book. A whole day to celebrate our Liberty. I try to reflect a little on that day exactly what it means to me to be an American. I'm so blessed I was born here, and I never want to take it for granted, so for me it's the best day of the year.

re: #79 Sharmuta

Hard to top Independence Day in my book. A whole day to celebrate our Liberty. I try to reflect a little on that day exactly what it means to me to be an American. I'm so blessed I was born here, and I never want to take it for granted, so for me it's the best day of the year.

I like July 4th! It's more of a reflective time and less of a OMG HOLIDAY for me. I also usually have worked on July 4th because of my health care gig. Holidays don't feel so much like holidays when you're on the clock.

re: #79 Sharmuta

Plus, I get to make noise and blow things up!!!

re: #80 WindUpBird

To give you an idea about my feelings on that holiday...

July 4th is a day on the calendar. I celebrate Independence Day. :)

Seeing ourselves as others see us wouldn't do much good. We wouldn't believe it anyway. -M. Walthall Jackson

re: #82 Sharmuta

[Video]

That was obscene :)

re: #80 WindUpBird

I like July 4th! It's more of a reflective time and less of a OMG HOLIDAY for me. I also usually have worked on July 4th because of my health care gig. Holidays don't feel so much like holidays when you're on the clock.

I know that one...I'm a supervisor in a alarm company central station (you know, the people who call customers and/or the cops/fire department/EMS when their alarms go off). Ours, like yours, is a 24/7/365 operation and holidays at work are either stone dead boring or a madhouse. An example of less-than-thoughtful customer behavior:

Customer that we call on a fire alarm on July 4th, Labor Day, or other nice day to grill: "We're grilling outside and left the door open...we didn't think it'd set the fire alarm off!"

/facepalm...

The parents were objecting to their son's girlfriend, insisting that he ought to be a little more particular about the company he kept. "I'm sorry, Dad," said the boy, "but thats the best girl I can get with the car we've got."

Goodnight all, sleep well.

re: #80 WindUpBird

Holidays don't feel so much like holidays when you're on the clock.

I'm sure. That's why on Thanksgiving I go to the fire station and bring them a pumpkin pie as my way of showing them thanks. Been doing that since 2001. There are some of us out here who think of folks like you on those days, so don't think you're forgotten. For those who need you at work despite the date on the calendar- you're a Godsend.

re: #88 Dark_Falcon

nighty night...

Small Girl showing her older sister's bedroom to a her playmate. "My sister is 18, I thought I'd have her room someday, but she never married."

re: #82 Sharmuta

Clay trying to do a virtual duet with Bing? Meh...

Ain't nothing like the original with Bing and David Bowie...a Christmas duet I can listen to any day of the year:

re: #93 talon_262

I liked the Bowie version better too, but I also thought I'd mix it up a bit. It's early November- plenty of time to play the original repeatedly and we might even get sick of it before Christmas.

re: #89 Sharmuta

I'm sure. That's why on Thanksgiving I go to the fire station and bring them a pumpkin pie as my way of showing them thanks. Been doing that since 2001. There are some of us out here who think of folks like you on those days, so don't think you're forgotten. For those who need you at work despite the date on the calendar- you're a Godsend.

Thanks for the sentiment. ^_^ I honestly don't deserve it, without going into too much detail, my hc gig is not demanding in the way firemen, EMTs or ER nurses' jobs are. They have the real jobs!

Perplexed Wife at the dinner table to angry husband: "Monday you liked beans, Tuesday you liked beans, Wednesday you liked beans. Now all of the sudden on Thursday you don't like beans!"

re: #96 ausador

..."Monday you liked beans, Tuesday you liked beans, Wednesday you liked beans. Now all of the sudden on Thursday you don't like beans!"

Good night all! That last thread was a bear, but maintained a level of civility that was much appreciated by one such as I. The health care debate will go on, but you have no idea how much I appreciate this board.

It's all good.

re: #78 Dark_Falcon

That was for the Playstation 3. The NGS remake is more like a beta for 2 though.

re: #94 Sharmuta

I liked the Bowie version better too, but I also thought I'd mix it up a bit. It's early November- plenty of time to play the original repeatedly and we might even get sick of it before Christmas.

I never get sick of Bing and Bowie's version of Little Drummer Boy...and I'm one with a low tolerance for Christmas music playing ad nauseum.

re: #98 austin_blue

'nite...

Distressed teen-ager: "Mom! Dad! What happened to my new CD--that one I played all day yesterday?"

My bed is calling my name...namaste, y'all.

re: #100 talon_262

I never get sick of Bing and Bowie's version of Little Drummer Boy...and I'm one with a low tolerance for Christmas music playing ad nauseum.

Christmas music playing ad nauseum is why I'm glad I'm not in retail anymore.

re: #103 talon_262

My bed is calling my name...

Um... do you often hear objects talking to you?

Beware the pillow talk...

... and 'nite...

re: #3 Bagua

A giant stumbling block the future: Obamacare.

pimf/aargh:

A giant stumbling block in the future: Obamacare.

/my kingdom for an edit button!

OK...I can't help it- I thought that this was cool.

Headline's a little misleading- that should probably read Decorated Iraq War Veteran Named Miss England.

re: #45 BryanS

Christmas songs in the stores already! On the radio, on the TV...do we really need to celebrate for two whole months the death of some hippie a couple thousand years ago?

I couldn't care less about the man behind the holiday, but I still thoroughly enjoy Christmas.

It's a happy time. ***shrugs***

Following hurricane Ida's path this week should be interesting:

[Link: www.wunderground.com...]

re: #109 freetoken

Just when you thought the weather looked good...

Doesn't look strong enough to affect the energy infrastructure though, I wonder if it will be enough to push Crude back above $80?

re: #110 freetoken

re: #112 checked08

night...

/cute tune...

re: #111 Bagua

Minor effects on the energy infrastructure of the Gulf... but it should be quite the rainmaker especially if it stalls just west of FL.

re: #69 WindUpBird

I gots two favorite holidays. Christmas and Halloween. I have an enduring-+ love of christmas lights, egg nog, and buying cool stuff for friends and family, and I think it's pretty obvious from my avatar that I like costumes!

Tough call, but Thanksgiving squeaks out Christmas for me. Way less stress - all you have to do is eat - and I like to cook, so that part of it's actually relaxing. And we gave up trying to accommodate our dysfunctional extended family years ago, so it's just us and the kids, with our family "obligations" taken care of the next day over leftovers.

re: #104 Sharmuta

Christmas music playing ad nauseum is why I'm glad I'm not in retail anymore.

You do your pumpkin pie thing with the fire department - I get all my shopping done by mid-November, and hit the mall on Christmas Eve looking for incidentals, going out of my way to be relaxed and pleasant with the clerks. I've been on the other side of the counter, and remember how bad it sucks and how a smile or kind word can make it bearable.

re: #117 SixDegrees

I love the 4th of July- smack-dab in the middle of baseball season, lots of booze, BBQ and stuff that goes boom.

It's not a holiday per-se, but ever since the Henry & Luccino took over the Red Sox and the advent of sattelite radio, I have reason to dig October weekends. I really do enjoy going out for a nice long stroll and trying to decide if I should listen to the Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots or BC Eagles football...and take in the scenery and crisp autumnal air.

I keep telling myself that for one of these years, I'm going to try turducken with cajun sausage stuffing for Thanksgiving.

I'm sure the Senate will have no problems with the house bill.

re: #118 SixDegrees

I tend to do the gift-card thing these days because of the amount of travel invovled when I visit family.

re: #119 Fenway_Nation

I'm going to try turducken with cajun sausage stuffing for Thanksgiving.

That is so wrong on so many levels...

Pakistani Terrorists Mauled by Bear; Mediocre Blogger Laughs Even Harder When He Realizes It's Not Onion Headline.

re: #45 BryanS

What? Had nothing to do with the death of anybody you idiot.

You probably think Easter is when some guy see's his shadow to predict the weather.

re: #122 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

I wasn't expecting you to say 'I"m Fat Bastard Vegitarian & I Approve This Message Turducken'

/more for me!

re: #124 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

You probably think Easter is when some guy see's his shadow to predict the weather.

What?!? Are you telling me that the Easter Groundhog is not real?

re: #45 BryanS

Christmas songs in the stores already! On the radio, on the TV...do we really need to celebrate for two whole months the death of some hippie a couple thousand years ago?

You deserve to be at the top of the Bottom 10 for that.

re: #126 freetoken

What?!? Are you telling me that the Easter Groundhog is not real?

Yes, Freetoken, there is an Easter Groundhog.

re: #127 MandyManners

Good morning, Mandy. Gentlemen.

re: #127 MandyManners

You deserve to be at the top of the Bottom 10 for that.

People like that look at those things as success.

heh... The CHRISTIANS ARE WAKING UP!

Not figuratively... literally.

re: #130 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Depends on who's doing the dinging, IMHO.

re: #119 Fenway_Nation

I love the 4th of July- smack-dab in the middle of baseball season, lots of booze, BBQ and stuff that goes boom.

It's not a holiday per-se, but ever since the Henry & Luccino took over the Red Sox and the advent of sattelite radio, I have reason to dig October weekends. I really do enjoy going out for a nice long stroll and trying to decide if I should listen to the Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots or BC Eagles football...and take in the scenery and crisp autumnal air.

I keep telling myself that for one of these years, I'm going to try turducken with cajun sausage stuffing for Thanksgiving.

We did a tuducken once. It was...interesting. One problem I noticed was the skin on the inner birds - it isn't exposed to direct heat, so it doesn't brown or get crispy like the outer skin does. And pale, rubbery poultry skin is...well, there was a pile of it on my plate when I was done. I would skin the inner birds or maybe brown them before stuffing.

They also take an enormous amount of time to cook. Unlike a hollow turkey, you're trying to heat up what's basically a large, solid cannonball of meat and stuffing. It'll take a good six hours - or more - to heat through.

Worth doing once, to see if you like it well enough to do again.

re: #133 SixDegrees

How about deep-fried Turduckens?

re: #134 Fenway_Nation

How about deep-fried Turduckens?

I actually thought about that. I concluded it wouldn't work - deep frying only works on relatively thin foods, like a hollow turkey. With a turducken, by the time the inside was safe to eat the outer portion would be burnt to a nasty black crisp.

Which is sad, because deep frying is a gift from the gods.

I haven't completely given up on the idea. As noted above, the skin is critical to success, so one idea would be to deep-fry each bird individually, then assemble afterward and reheat in the oven. The birds themselves wouldn't be as cooperative, since cooking makes them less flexible and it's already a huge bitch trying to insert one bird into another.

I haven't tried the deep frying idea yet, either. Maybe next year. There are some very entertaining YouTube videos of deep fried turkeys going horribly wrong, though.

re: #135 SixDegrees

There are some very entertaining YouTube videos of deep fried turkeys going horribly wrong, though.

especially for the turkeys...

Oh, okay. I'll stop. Y'all enjoy.

re: #136 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

re: #136 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

especially for the turkeys...

Oh, okay. I'll stop. Y'all enjoy.

*gobble gobble...sssizzz zzzle*

re: #135 SixDegrees

Here's a thought...full disclosure- haven't had a chnce to check it out in practice. Fry the little game hen first...then quickly cram it into the duck or goose before that gets deep fried. The cram the game hen and goose into the turkey before it gets deep fried.

I bet it it's done quickly enough, the interior meats will reatin enough warmth after being deep-fried.

re: #139 Fenway_Nation

Here's a thought...full disclosure- haven't had a chnce to check it out in practice. Fry the little game hen first...then quickly cram it into the duck or goose before that gets deep fried. The cram the game hen and goose into the turkey before it gets deep fried.

I bet it it's done quickly enough, the interior meats will reatin enough warmth after being deep-fried.

Thanksgiving is turning into a sporting event. The bigger the better.

re: #139 Fenway_Nation

Here's a thought...full disclosure- haven't had a chnce to check it out in practice. Fry the little game hen first...then quickly cram it into the duck or goose before that gets deep fried. The cram the game hen and goose into the turkey before it gets deep fried.

I bet it it's done quickly enough, the interior meats will reatin enough warmth after being deep-fried.

Yeah, something like that might work.

When we were out in Washington, we took a whale-watching tour through Puget Sound, and at one point passed a small island that was absolutely lousy with bald eagles. They were all clustered around something on the beach, which turned out to be a baby seal carcass. Most on the tour were appalled, and didn't respond well to my query about how bald eagle fed out on baby seal might taste. But eagles are coming off the endangered species list pretty soon, so it's worth speculating...

Mmmm...eagle stuffed with baby seal. Then maybe stuff that whole thing into a manatee. I think next year's Earth Day barbecue may have the beginnings of a menu.

What's next? How to make 10 pounds of cranberry sauce using the world's most complicated recipe? Twenty gallons of giblet gravy using the giblets from the chicken, dick and turkey?

re: #140 MandyManners

Thanksgiving is turning into a sporting event. The bigger the better.

I make a tofurkey. Now, a tofurkey is a couple of pounds (including the stuffing). My son (SUPERVEGAN!) uses Thanksgiving as a marathon binge eating day. I have to take two tofurkeys... he eats an entire "bird", plus other stuff. Don't know how he does it. It is a lot of food.

re: #142 MandyManners

What's next? How to make 10 pounds of cranberry sauce using the world's most complicated recipe? Twenty gallons of giblet gravy using the giblets from the chicken, dick and turkey?

Keep my dick giblets out of this, please.

re: #141 SixDegrees

*whack*

*runs sobbing*

re: #145 MandyManners

*whack*

*runs sobbing*

Sorry. We'll have some coleslaw for you.

re: #145 MandyManners

*whack*

*runs sobbing*

re: #142 MandyManners

Chickens have dicks?

re: #141 SixDegrees

heh

re: #148 Fenway_Nation

(roosters do)

re: #143 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

I make a tofurkey. Now, a tofurkey is a couple of pounds (including the stuffing). My son (SUPERVEGAN!) uses Thanksgiving as a marathon binge eating day. I have to take two tofurkeys... he eats an entire "bird", plus other stuff. Don't know how he does it. It is a lot of food.

I like getting stuffed on Thanksgiving.

re: #148 Fenway_Nation

Chickens with dicks?

Ain't that a website?

re: #146 SixDegrees

Sorry. We'll have some coleslaw for you.

What's next? Clubbing baby seals for your kidnapped bald eagles?

re: #147 freetoken

Who is that? A Stooge?

re: #148 Fenway_Nation

Chickens have dicks?

How do you think we get baby chickens?

re: #154 MandyManners

Nope... Elmer Fudd.

re: #153 MandyManners

What's next? Clubbing baby seals for your kidnapped bald eagles?

Think of it as the circle of life.

The part of the circle Disney edited out.

re: #148 Fenway_Nation

Chickens have dicks?

How do you think we get pullets?

re: #156 freetoken

Nope... Elmer Fudd.

It sounded like a real person.

re: #158 MandyManners

It's like Chicken Run meets The Crying Game.

re: #157 SixDegrees

Think of it as the circle of life.

The part of the circle Disney edited out.

Disney also edits out the creation of life.

I drove a stake into the thread.

re: #162 MandyManners

I drove a stake into the thread.

Bad Bad Girl!

re: #162 MandyManners

I drove a stake into the thread.

Morning, Hoops.

Twenty years ago Monday, they danced atop the Berlin Wall, feet thudding on the cold concrete, arms raised in victory, hands clasped in friendship and giddy hope.

On that cold night, years of separation and anxiety melted into the unbelievable reality of freedom and a future without border guards, secret police, informers and rigid communist control.

This weekend, Germans celebrate with concerts boasting Beethoven and Bon Jovi; a memorial service for the 136 people killed trying to cross over from 1961 to 1989; candle lightings and 1,000 towering plastic foam dominoes to be placed along the wall's route and tipped over.

On Nov. 9, 1989, East Germans came in droves, riding their sputtering Trabants, motorcycles and rickety bicycles. Hundreds, then thousands, then hundreds of thousands crossed over the following days.

Stores in West Berlin stayed open late and banks gave out 100 Deutschemarks in "welcome money," then worth about $50, to each East German visitor.

The party lasted four days and by Nov. 12 more than 3 million of East Germany's 16.6 million people had visited, nearly a third of them to West Berlin, the rest through gates opening up along the rest of the fenced, mined frontier that cut their country in two.

SNIP

re: #51 SanFranciscoZionist

Christmas is difficult for me. My father and my husband both celebrate it, which means that I get stuck doing a lot of cooking and shopping for a holiday I wouldn't ordinarily celebrate. So I fix a turkey, and sides, and buy polo shirts, and at the end, don't even get a Savior out of the deal. It really is a losing proposition for me.

Slip in some bitter herbs.

Saudi Arabian forces have taken control of a mountain straddling the border with Yemen and cleared it of Shiite rebels, in five days of fighting that saw three soldiers killed and 15 wounded, the assistant defense minister said on Sunday.

Prince Khaled bin Sultan said another four soldiers were missing and that Saudi troops were still dealing with rebel infiltrators in other spots along the frontier. Bin Sultan said Saudi forces had not entered northern Yemen nor commented on rebel casualties.

"We are dealing with infiltrators and gangs. All that they seized, including Dokhan mountain, are now under our control, although there is infiltration in some locations," bin Sultan was quoted as telling reporters after visiting the region.

Saudi warplanes and artillery last week bombarded a Shiite rebel stronghold in northern Yemen for three straight days, according to the rebel fighters.

SNIP

re: #66 Sharmuta

After Independence Day, my favorite holiday is Christmas. (snip)

Wife and I celebrate April Fool's Day. It was our first date, and it's easier
to remember than the wedding anniversary.

re: #165 Fenway_Nation

Morning, Hoops.

Good morning! the coffee is finally ready...and hot..I burnt my lips..

re: #170 HoosierHoops

I had some hot cocoa myself...

Heath Care vote in the house.
Owens voted for it.

Soxfan4life mentioned this earlier, but some MSM sources are starting to pick up on it.

Former President Bush Makes Secret Visit to Ft. Hood.

re: #172 FrogMarch

Heath Care vote in the house.
Owens voted for it.

That's a 2-vote difference. Scozzafava would have been held in place.
Hunt dem RINO's.

re: #44 freetoken

[Video]

I'm kinda in the mood for a nice old Christmas classic:

re: #172 FrogMarch

Heath Care vote in the house.
Owens voted for it.

[Link: www.gouverneurtimes.com...]

This guy voted for it.
[Link: josephcao.house.gov...]

re: #68 Sharmuta

I trimmed my fingernails.

I cleaned my gutters. Five century oaks looming over my house, I've got.

Owens and Cao.
Nice job, Pelosi.

“One would think such an historic and noble action, as the Democrats have styled it, would enjoy robust support from the full spectrum of the House Democratic caucus. But in this case, only those who occupy safe seats (or think they do) can be corralled. If Pelosi gets her 218 votes, it will be unprecedented. It is fair to say that never will a piece of legislation this sweeping (and damaging) have been passed over the opposition of so much of the electorate and on the votes of such a narrow ideological slice of the governing class.”

re: #176 Cannadian Club Akbar

[Link: www.gouverneurtimes.com...]

When democrats lie and break campaign promises - no matter.

Question: if the current bill with it's mandatory purchase requirement intact becomes law, what about children? Will parents be forced to fork over a few thousand bucks per year, per child, in addition to their own coverage?

Sounds to me like parents, already more financially strapped on average than those without children, will see their dependent deduction completely wiped out, and then some with such a requirement.

Compare and contrast: my employer-provided health insurance charges more to move from a husband-and-wife policy to a family plan, but the difference is marginal - just a few bucks more per month - and it isn't levied on a per-child basis. In short, it seems to be much, much cheaper than what the government is proposing.

In retrospect, the signs of Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan's growing anger over the U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan seem unmistakable. But even people who worried his increasingly strident views were clouding his ability to serve the U.S. military could not predict the murderous rampage of which he now stands accused.

In the months leading to Thursday's shooting spree that left 13 people dead and 29 others wounded, Hasan raised eyebrows with comments that the war on terror was "a war on Islam" and wrestled with what to tell fellow Muslim solders who had their doubts about fighting in Islamic countries.

"The system is not doing what it's supposed to do," said Dr. Val Finnell, who complained to administrators at a military university about what he considered Hasan's "anti-American" rants. "He at least should have been confronted about these beliefs, told to cease and desist, and to shape up or ship out."

Finnell studied with Hasan from 2007-2008 in the master's program in public health at the military's Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Md., where Hasan persistently complained about perceived anti-Muslim sentiment in the military and injected his politics into courses where they had no place.

"In retrospect, I'm not surprised he did it," Finnell said of the shootings. "I had real questions about what his priorities were, what his beliefs were."

SNIP

re: #182 MandyManners

In retrospect, the signs of Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan's growing anger over the U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan seem unmistakable. But even people who worried his increasingly strident views were clouding his ability to serve the U.S. military could not predict the murderous rampage of which he now stands accused.

SNIP

"I told him, `There's something wrong with you,'" Osman Danquah, co-founder of the Islamic Community of Greater Killeen, told The Associated Press on Saturday. "I didn't get the feeling he was talking for himself, but something just didn't seem right."

Danquah assumed the military's chain of command knew about Hasan's doubts, which had been known for more than a year to classmates at the Maryland graduate military medical program. His fellow students complained to the faculty about Hasan's "anti-American propaganda," but said a fear of appearing discriminatory against a Muslim student kept officers from filing a formal complaint.

Fucking PC in the military.

re: #181 SixDegrees

My question. I am single with no kids and I don't want to have anything to do with gubment healthcare. Who the fuck does Nancy Pelosi think she is when she thinks I should pay a fine for not taking this? Someone needs to explain the word freedom to these idiots. Because they don't have any idea what it means.

re: #184 Cannadian Club Akbar

My question. I am single with no kids and I don't want to have anything to do with gubment healthcare. Who the fuck does Nancy Pelosi think she is when she thinks I should pay a fine for not taking this? Someone needs to explain the word freedom to these idiots. Because they don't have any idea what it means.

They know what it is. They just don't like it.

re: #170 HoosierHoops

Good morning! the coffee is finally ready...and hot..I burnt my lips..

re: #51 SanFranciscoZionist

Christmas is difficult for me. My father and my husband both celebrate it, which means that I get stuck doing a lot of cooking and shopping for a holiday I wouldn't ordinarily celebrate. So I fix a turkey, and sides, and buy polo shirts, and at the end, don't even get a Savior out of the deal. It really is a losing proposition for me.

So long as you're spreading comfort & joy, you'll receive the blessing of having done good to other people.

re: #184 Cannadian Club Akbar

My question. I am single with no kids and I don't want to have anything to do with gubment healthcare. Who the fuck does Nancy Pelosi think she is when she thinks I should pay a fine for not taking this? Someone needs to explain the word freedom to these idiots. Because they don't have any idea what it means.

A lot of people didn't want to be drafted and sent to Normandy or Nam.
Foregoing a lot of freedom can be the price of freedom.

re: #185 MandyManners

They know what it is. They just don't like it.

Refresh me please. If it doesn't get through the Senate, what's next? Sorry, just woke up.

re: #187 Decatur Deb

A lot of people didn't want to be drafted and sent to Normandy or Nam.
Foregoing a lot of freedom can be the price of freedom.

Heathcare isn't WW2 or Viet Nam. Try again.

re: #183 MandyManners

Oh nonononono...that can't be. He obviously caught Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome Cooties from all the soldiers killed and maimed in Bush's war for oil.

//

re: #188 Cannadian Club Akbar

If the Senate passes the bill as is... then it goes to the President.

If the Senate passes the bill but with differences, there will be a reconciliation process with the House committee to come up with a common bill... that then needs to be voted in both houses.

If the Senate doesn't do anything... it just dies.

re: #189 Cannadian Club Akbar

Heathcare isn't WW2 or Viet Nam. Try again.

And it's not the end of the American Dream.

Advisers to President Obama are preparing three options for escalating the war effort in Afghanistan, all of them calling for more American troops, as he moves closer to a decision on the way forward in the eight-year-old war, officials said Saturday.

The options include Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal’s request for roughly another 40,000 troops; a middle scenario sending about 30,000 more troops; and a lower alternative involving 20,000 to 25,000 reinforcements, according to the officials, who insisted on anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. Officials hope to present the options to Mr. Obama this week before he leaves on a trip to Asia.

While some civilian and military officials believe Mr. Obama is seeking a middle ground in the debate over Afghanistan, aides denied he has made any decision or is leaning toward any of the options.

SNIP

Mr. Obama has met with his national security advisers seven times since General McChrystal sent his assessment Aug. 31. Officials hope to schedule another meeting this week.

SNIP

re: #179 FrogMarch

Owens and Cao.
Nice job, Pelosi.

A pointless argument, to be frank. The margins don't matter - a bill either passes or it doesn't. Bitching about passage after the fact serves no purpose, and it's exactly this sort of whining after the fact that has both characterized the GOP response to every single issue before Congress this session and has doomed mounting an effective, rational opposition to legislation. Tactics like coalition building, establishing public consensus and putting forward viable alternative legislation have been utterly abandoned in favor of childish stunts like catcalling from the floor, promotion of fictional bullshit like "death panels" and over the top rhetoric and name-calling.

If the GOP gives a shit about health care - either stopping it or putting their own proposal on the table - they need to stop acting like children throwing a temper tantrum after things don't go their way, and start acting like adults who are capable of planning ahead and delaying gratification.

There's a very good chance that the current Democratic health care proposal can be stopped in the Senate - a much better chance, in fact, than it ever stood of being stopped in the House. Yet I don't see a single GOP effort to mount an effective opposition to it there - only the usual whining about how, somehow, the process in the House was flawed in some indefinable way and the usual insane caricaturing of the Administration, comparing them to Nazis or worse.

Given the GOP's behavior throughout this process, and particularly over the last week, turning control of the party over to loons like Bachmann, Beck and Limbaugh, attempting to shout down their opposition on the floor and refusing to even participate in important committee meetings on upcoming legislation, they richly deserved this loss. And they can look forward to many, many more like it if they don't drop the bullshit and start behaving like grown ups.

re: #192 Decatur Deb

And it's not the end of the American Dream.

But it is the gubment ripping more money out of my pocket that they don't deserve.

Funny spoof in The Onion about how tragic the fall of the Berlin Wall was.

What? It's not The Onion? Well, who else would say such a thing, then?

re: #188 Cannadian Club Akbar

Refresh me please. If it doesn't get through the Senate, what's next? Sorry, just woke up.

Beats me.

re: #184 Cannadian Club Akbar

My question. I am single with no kids and I don't want to have anything to do with gubment healthcare. Who the fuck does Nancy Pelosi think she is when she thinks I should pay a fine for not taking this? Someone needs to explain the word freedom to these idiots. Because they don't have any idea what it means.

Calling it a fine is a masquerade. That's like calling the Federal Income Tax a fine for obtaining employment. It's a tax, plain and simple, nothing more and nothing less. A tax.

They can't call it a tax because one of 0bama's major campaign promises was not to raise taxes on the middle class - which this does, dramatically. So they have to come up with a way to call it something else.

That's all it is - a relabeling. In reality, it's an enormous new tax imposed on every citizen in the country, including children, apparently.

re: #194 SixDegrees

Just stating who pushed the thing over the top; not whining. but whatever.
In any case, I think this thing this will pass the senate. The GOP is out of power and all they can do is oppose. And yes- they aren't very good at opposing when they focus on the ridiculous.

re: #195 Cannadian Club Akbar

But it is the gubment ripping more money out of my pocket that they don't deserve.

Then we're talking about money, not freedom.

re: #199 FrogMarch

Cloture will be difficult I think.

The abortion thing will cause headache for a couple of Democratic Party Senators.

The GOP boys will lean heavily on Snowe and Collins.

Getting 60 votes will be tough.

re: #187 Decatur Deb

A lot of people didn't want to be drafted and sent to Normandy or Nam.
Foregoing a lot of freedom can be the price of freedom.

Sounds familiar.

re: #196 The Sanity Inspector

Funny spoof in The Onion about how tragic the fall of the Berlin Wall was.

What? It's not The Onion? Well, who else would say such a thing, then?

Someone else who doesn't *get* freedom.

re: #200 Decatur Deb

Then we're talking about money, not freedom.

It's both issues. Forcing someone to do something against their will and fining them if they don't.

re: #194 SixDegrees

Given the GOP's behavior throughout this process, and particularly over the last week, turning control of the party over to loons like Bachmann, Beck and Limbaugh, attempting to shout down their opposition on the floor and refusing to even participate in important committee meetings on upcoming legislation, they richly deserved this loss. And they can look forward to many, many more like it if they don't drop the bullshit and start behaving like grown ups.

I think we, this nation, just lost, but that's just my opinion.
Backmann, Beck and Limbaugh will live. Many Americans are going to be hit hard with taxes, fees and fines.

re: #196 The Sanity Inspector

Boo-hoo...they have BMWs and Mercedes when they could still be driving Trabants.

re: #200 Decatur Deb

Then we're talking about money, not freedom.

The ability to enjoy the fruits of one's labor *is* freedom. IT'S MY MONEY.

Taking more of my money to give to others *is* a denial of my freedom. It's stealing my labor, enslaving my body.

re: #199 FrogMarch

Just stating who pushed the thing over the top; not whining. but whatever.
In any case, I think this thing this will pass the senate. The GOP is out of power and all they can do is oppose. And yes- they aren't very good at opposing when they focus on the ridiculous.

I haven't seen the tallies yet, but with only a five vote margin of passage there must have been a lot of Democrats who jumped ship and voted against it. I fault the GOP for dicking around the the TPers instead of working the floor, reaching across the aisle to build a coalition with like-minded Dems. Instead of horse trading, they dug in their heels and acted like spoiled children. At a minimum, there was strong opposition to the public option even on the Democratic side of the House, and it should have been easy to derail at least that portion of the bill, if not the entire bill itself.

But apparently, they felt that their strategy of all dropping their pencils at the same time was better.

re: #196 The Sanity Inspector

Funny spoof in The Onion about how tragic the fall of the Berlin Wall was.

What? It's not The Onion? Well, who else would say such a thing, then?

There was a statistical comparison between the Soviet Union in 1990 and Russia in 2009 in an issue of Newsweek a couple days ago.

Then I remembered that the Soviets were known for...exaggeration.

re: #208 MandyManners

Taking more of my money to give to others *is* a denial of my freedom. It's stealing my labor, enslaving my body.

Elitist.

/// damn sarc slash rationing.

re: #201 freetoken

Cloture will be difficult I think.

The abortion thing will cause headache for a couple of Democratic Party Senators.

The GOP boys will lean heavily on Snowe and Collins.

Getting 60 votes will be tough.

The Republicans are no match for the vindictive manipulation on the other side. While the R's bitch about abortions and death panels - the D's pull in more support.

re: #196 The Sanity Inspector

Funny spoof in The Onion about how tragic the fall of the Berlin Wall was.

What? It's not The Onion? Well, who else would say such a thing, then?

I'm reading the comments in response to it. I'm surprised Guardianski allows them.

re: #208 MandyManners

Taking more of my money to give to others *is* a denial of my freedom. It's stealing my labor, enslaving my body.

Yes, you give up some of that freedom (as in supporting Defense) to
preserve the rest. There is little practical difference between unrestricted
individual freedom and tyranny.

re: #196 The Sanity Inspector

Funny spoof in The Onion about how tragic the fall of the Berlin Wall was.

What? It's not The Onion? Well, who else would say such a thing, then?

Since the demise of the GDR, many have come to recognise and regret that the genuine "social achievements" they enjoyed were dismantled: social and gender equality, full employment and lack of existential fears, as well as subsidised rents, public transport, culture and sports facilities. Unfortunately, the collapse of the GDR and "state socialism" came shortly before the collapse of the "free market" system in the west.

She's a Commie idiot.

re: #204 Cannadian Club Akbar

It's both issues. Forcing someone to do something against their will and fining them if they don't.

In the Netherlands everyone must have healthcare.. a 150 Euro/Month..Doesn't matter if you are young and healthy or old and sick..You still pay 150E/month...Unemployed? doesn't matter..Comes out of your unemployment check...Everybody pays...It works well for that small country...Whether it works well here is yet to be decided...The Dutch live longer than anywhere in Europe or the US at 81+ years...

re: #208 MandyManners

Taking more of my money to give to others *is* a denial of my freedom. It's stealing my labor, enslaving my body.

I've seem some comments that we "need to take care of each other".

Medaura pointed out once, in a thread here, that it is NOT everybody "taking care of each other".

It's some people taking care of other people who do not (or cannot) provide for themselves, much less "each other". There is no balance in "taking care of each other". Some do the taking; others do the caring.

re: #214 Decatur Deb

Yes, you give up some of that freedom (as in supporting Defense) to
preserve the rest. There is little practical difference between unrestricted
individual freedom and tyranny.

Oh, please. Don't pull that "taxes go to the military" card. Entitlement spending is far greater than that for defense.

re: #216 HoosierHoops

The Japanese live longer than that, and they've got 150 million people on their islands.

Then again if you lose a limb there the healthcare system will probably set you up with a fully-robotic replacement that can fold back to reveal a high-powered laser cannon built into the primary joint.

re: #216 HoosierHoops

I'm betting it will be more of a challange with 300 million people.

re: #218 MandyManners

Oh, please. Don't pull that "taxes go to the military" card. Entitlement spending is far greater than that for defense.

And it just took a step toward a quantum leap of an increase.

re: #217 reine.de.tout

I've seem some comments that we "need to take care of each other".

Medaura pointed out once, in a thread here, that it is NOT everybody "taking care of each other".

It's some people taking care of other people who do not (or cannot) provide for themselves, much less "each other". There is no balance in "taking care of each other". Some do the taking; others do the caring.

And, those who demand more of others' money are putting themselves up on some pedestal because they "caaarrre".

re: #216 HoosierHoops

When I lived in Japan I paid into the gov't health insurance system, as everybody else as some sort of coverage is required of most anyone. Even when not working... though if you are unemployed or below a certain income one pays less.

It was not expensive.

OTOH, you didn't get that much either...

If I remember correctly, doctor visits there cost a bit more than they do here under my American insurance program, but the national insurance there cost less than my plan here.

re: #221 SixDegrees

And it just took a step toward a quantum leap of an increase.

And, it won't stop.

re: #220 Cannadian Club Akbar

I'm betting it will be more of a challange with 300 million people.

Across 50 states, hundreds of counties, thousands of cities and towns...and all the politicians in the offices there and in-between.

re: #218 MandyManners

Oh, please. Don't pull that "taxes go to the military" card. Entitlement spending is far greater than that for defense.

Some lizards showed a few days ago that they are roughly the same.
The argument was in the definitions. At any rate, the amount isn't the
abstract principle, viz. Freedom.

re: #221 SixDegrees

And it just took a step toward a quantum leap of an increase.

CBO said not.

re: #220 Cannadian Club Akbar

I'm betting it will be more of a challange with 300 million people.

oh i agree...If it were simple they could have saved 1900 pages of reform..
one simple line...
Everybody must have heathcare...I don't care if you are on welfare...you still pay...

re: #223 freetoken

When I lived in Japan I paid into the gov't health insurance system, as everybody else as some sort of coverage is required of most anyone. Even when not working... though if you are unemployed or below a certain income one pays less.

It was not expensive.

OTOH, you didn't get that much either...

If I remember correctly, doctor visits there cost a bit more than they do here under my American insurance program, but the national insurance there cost less than my plan here.

I work for the Japanese...I love them..Everything is first class

re: #217 reine.de.tout

I've seem some comments that we "need to take care of each other".

Medaura pointed out once, in a thread here, that it is NOT everybody "taking care of each other".

It's some people taking care of other people who do not (or cannot) provide for themselves, much less "each other". There is no balance in "taking care of each other". Some do the taking; others do the caring.

We should all live in harmony. Like this:

(and Good Morning all!)

Our Prayer -The Beach Boys

It's a juggernaut.

re: #227 Decatur Deb

CBO said not.

*snort*

re: #226 Decatur Deb

Some lizards showed a few days ago that they are roughly the same.
The argument was in the definitions. At any rate, the amount isn't the
abstract principle, viz. Freedom.

"viz"?

re: #209 SixDegrees

[Link: clerk.house.gov...]

Many Democrats in unsafe seats got the over they needed.

re: #233 MandyManners

"viz"?

Poor usage. Meant: See discussion of freedom above.

re: #230 Bloodnok

We should all live in harmony. Like this:

(and Good Morning all!)

Pass the Dutchie

Youtube Video

fix'd (;

cover (not over)

re: #234 FrogMarch

[Link: clerk.house.gov...]

Many Democrats in unsafe seats got the over they needed.

Kathy Castor of Florida(Tampa) voted yes. This after she voted for tobacco taxes that killed 500 jobs in Tampa. Good luck, Kathy.

re: #229 HoosierHoops

I work for the Japanese...I love them..Everything is first class

The Japanese don't like junk. I'd like to return, but at my age it would be difficult.

Japanese healthcare is not known for its generosity, and as a whole that nation's health care has a certain spartan feel to it, that I encountered. Some concepts common to the US, such as common orthotics, are quite rare in Japanese medical care.

The Japanese benefit from a society that views itself as a whole, and all parts are subsequently part of that whole. Here in the US we are individualists to the max, and we've built a society around that concept.

re: #222 MandyManners

And, those who demand more of others' money are putting themselves up on some pedestal because they "caaarrre".

Yep.
The fact is that we all care.
I just don't happen to believe it's necessary for the government to do the providing, which always involves the taking of more of my money (or dictating to me what I spend my money on)

re: #223 freetoken

When I lived in Japan I paid into the gov't health insurance system, as everybody else as some sort of coverage is required of most anyone. Even when not working... though if you are unemployed or below a certain income one pays less.

It was not expensive.

OTOH, you didn't get that much either...

If I remember correctly, doctor visits there cost a bit more than they do here under my American insurance program, but the national insurance there cost less than my plan here.

In Europe, nationalized plans have very limited coverage, and nearly everyone carries - and pays for - some sort of "gap" policy to make up the difference.

The cost of these policies is rarely included in comparisons, but when taken into account the whole notion of some sort of "cost savings" pretty much goes right out the window.

re: #235 Decatur Deb

Poor usage. Meant: See discussion of freedom above.

BHO, Pelosi, Reid, et al., are all about positive freedom as opposed to the negative freedom which guided the writers of our Constitution. Their version leads to more and more control over the daily lives of citizens, especially to more control over the most basic freedom, the freedom over the fruits of one's labors.

re: #238 Cannadian Club Akbar

Kathy Castor of Florida(Tampa) voted yes. This after she voted for tobacco taxes that killed 500 jobs in Tampa. Good luck, Kathy.

There's no need to sweep so-called "rinos". We need to rid ourselves of anyone who voted for it.

Cao releases statement:

Cao wrote he obtained commitment from President Obama that he would work together to address the health care issues of Louisiana, including the FMAP crisis and community disaster loan forgiveness, as well as issues related to Charity and Methodist Hospitals. "I call on all my constituents to support me as I work with him on these issues."

re: #242 MandyManners

BHO, Pelosi, Reid, et al., are all about positive freedom as opposed to the negative freedom which guided the writers of our Constitution. Their version leads to more and more control over the daily lives of citizens, especially to more control over the most basic freedom, the freedom over the fruits of one's labors.

Now we are actually bumping into one of the basic distinctions on the
Left-Right spectrum: The relative value placed on property rights. I
(lefty) think they are not coequal with Life and Liberty.

re: #245 Decatur Deb

Now we are actually bumping into one of the basic distinctions on the
Left-Right spectrum: The relative value placed on property rights. I
(lefty) think they are not coequal with Life and Liberty.

Well, I do. Liberty means just that: liberty.

re: #240 reine.de.tout

Yep.
The fact is that we all care.
I just don't happen to believe it's necessary for the government to do the providing, which always involves the taking of more of my money (or dictating to me what I spend my money on)

You don't caaarrre! What about the *sniff* chillldrrrennn?

Have they released the names of the 13 slain soldiers from Ft. Hood?

re: #246 MandyManners

Well, I do. Liberty means just that: liberty.

I haven't refined it yet, but I'm starting to think that this entire
Left/Right, Black/Red, Classical/Romantic thing is just a matter of taste.

Oh, and I'm thinking of the Constitution, not the Declaration of Independence.

I have no complaints about the health care services my family gets, but I will say the billing is just about always a clusterf*ck. Figuring out what is covered and what isn't and how much you owe is never as easy as looking at the number at the bottom of the bill. There are always errors and lo and behold the clerical errors always slant in one direction. Every bill requires a phone call to the office to either reclassify the office visit as a procedure or remove some item that shouldn't have been on the bill and that always requires waiting on hold while they figure things out. I'm pretty much convinced its a cat and mouse game and they hope to just wear you down.

I'm sure that part of health care will be all straightened out with the new plan. /

re: #249 Decatur Deb

I haven't refined it yet, but I'm starting to think that this entire
Left/Right, Black/Red, Classical/Romantic thing is just a matter of taste.

No, it's not. It's a matter of FREEDOM, the freedom to control one's own destiny, the freedom to dictate how much of your sweat goes to others.

Color Red rocket alert sounded in Sderot; no injuries reported
Published: 11.02.09, 22:10 / Israel News
The Color Red rocket alert system was sounded in the Sderot area, apparently due to a rocket being launched toward Israel; no injuries were reported. (Shmulik Hadad)

Speaking of children, I gotta' get The Kid ready for church. So far, that's one area that the fucking Commies in charge have not screwed with, the freedom of conscience. But, give them time. Give them time.

bbiab

IDF fires mortars at origin of rocket launch in Gaza
Published: 11.08.09, 15:59 / Israel News
An IDF force recognized a rocket launch from a suspicious location in the northern Gaza Strip and retaliated by firing mortar shells at the spot.

No injuries were reported following the fire, and the IDF is investigating the circumstances of the incident. (Meital Yasur Beit-Or)