I don't even want to think about how much those houses cost. They have an excellent location and are quite lovely, but I'm sure they have price tags to match.

Beautiful. I wish I was there.

As usual, I miss it. :)

Oh wait, I am there. Just on the other coast. Silly me.

Oh, and BTW, still can't get enough of Brandi Carlile. Her voice transports me to where I want to be. Simply amazing.

Just because.....

re: #6 srb1976

Best line EVER! Prepare to die!

re: #7 Irenicum

Not sure what made me think of it, but there's never a bad time for the Princess Bride = )
(In my opinion anyway)

re: #8 srb1976

There's never a bad time for Princess Bride. Not a bad sentiment indeed. As you wish.

re: #6 srb1976

Just because...

[Video]

Great stuff, though the final battle is PG-13. Not that I mind, but it does mean you should watch this movie with your kids if they want to see it.

Inconceivable!

Very beautiful. So is the latest CD by A Fine Frenzy. I'm really enjoying it. It's romantic and upbeat, which is good.

re: #10 Dark_Falcon

True, although...the Little Man has pronounced himself "the greatest warrior ever seen" (his words, I swear) and insists on running around with his pirate sword.......

Still, probably best to save this one til he's a bit older

re: #11 Irenicum

Oustanding!

re: #13 srb1976

As long as he doesn't go about declaring himself a sexy, shoeless god of war, you probably have nothing to worry about.

So my youngest daughter made a sandwich tonight and on the way to the coffee table, she drops it. She calls out "5 SECOND RULE!" picks it back up and sits down and starts eating. My wife just stares at her and I gad to go into the bedroom while I laughed my ass off.

re: #14 srb1976

Please understand I hold you in the highest respect.

re: #15 Slumbering Behemoth

Not yet, but there is the whole "wearing nothing but a superman cape, holding a pirate sword" thing
Funny, cute, and it only worries us a little.....

re: #16 Kragar (proud to be kafir)

So my youngest daughter made a sandwich tonight and on the way to the coffee table, she drops it. She calls out "5 SECOND RULE!" picks it back up and sits down and starts eating. My wife just stares at her and I gad to go into the bedroom while I laughed my ass off.

*wipes tear*

They grow up so fast these days. Heh.

Have fun storming the castle! And with that, G'nite kiddos!

re: #17 Irenicum

I'm kinda bummed that I can't find a good one of the ROUS's

(i don't think they exist)

re: #19 Lidane

*wipes tear*

They grow up so fast these days. Heh.

The best part was later when my wife asked what she meant, my daughter (6) explained it was a rule that all Marines know about and if they didn't know about it you would get thrown out of the Marines.

I was in tears. My wife looked at me, "This is your fault."

re: #22 Kragar (proud to be kafir)

The best part was later when my wife asked what she meant, my daughter (6) explained it was a rule that all Marines know about and if they didn't know about it you would get thrown out of the Marines.

I was in tears. My wife looked at me, "This is your fault."

Fun little story. Thanks for it.

re: #22 Kragar (proud to be kafir)

The best part was later when my wife asked what she meant, my daughter (6) explained it was a rule that all Marines know about and if they didn't know about it you would get thrown out of the Marines.

I was in tears. My wife looked at me, "This is your fault."

That's so adorable. All parts of the story. :)

So there's these two cannibals; they're eating a clown. One of them looks at the other and says, "this taste funny to you?"

re: #16 Kragar (proud to be kafir)

So my youngest daughter made a sandwich tonight and on the way to the coffee table, she drops it. She calls out "5 SECOND RULE!" picks it back up and sits down and starts eating. My wife just stares at her and I gad to go into the bedroom while I laughed my ass off.

heeheehee I LOLed :D Well done!

re: #25 cliffster

There's only one response possible:

WHY HERE?

WHY NOW?

WHY...CLOWNS?

(also Dean Wormer)

Night everyone.....

re: #22 Kragar (proud to be kafir)

The best part was later when my wife asked what she meant, my daughter (6) explained it was a rule that all Marines know about and if they didn't know about it you would get thrown out of the Marines.

I was in tears. My wife looked at me, "This is your fault."

Heh. That's awesome.

I was just on the phone with my best friend, who is up late studying for a pharmacy school test, and I told her this story to try and lighten her mood. Her husband is a Captain in the Air Force, and the whole thing had her laughing hysterically over the phone. She said her youngest daughter would do the same thing if it happened, much to the horror of her older sister, and to the eternal amusement of the older brother. I laughed.

re: #27 WindUpBird

When poop, boogers, and that's what she said lets you down, there's always clowns.

Speaking of odd, yet adorable children.

Is iDub still here tonight lurking?

Hah!

Like you could sucker me into spending that kind of money for California real estate, between the daily mudslides, earthquakes, and wildfires I expect them to announce the mandatory evacuation of the entire state soon.

(not to mention all those horrible calamities that the syfy channel dreams up to destroy selected cities there)

/

African Head Charge - 'Dinosaurs Lament' :

re: #32 ArchangelMichael

Is iDub still here tonight lurking?

yes! fighting downstairs and talking about civil liberties. Where's the music, baby? And how the hell are you?

re: #35 iceweasel

yes! fighting downstairs and talking about civil liberties. Where's the music, baby? And how the hell are you?

Garbage - I'm Only Happy When it Rains

re: #35 iceweasel

yes! fighting downstairs and talking about civil liberties. Where's the music, baby? And how the hell are you?

Prodigy - Firestarter

;-)

re: #36 Gus 802

Garbage - I'm Only Happy When it Rains

[Video]

I've actually emulated that video more than once, even once in front of my guy's on the job site. But you have give it a defiant tone when you say "Pour your misery down on me" with your arms spread and palms up. Otherwise the "Spite Gods" might think your serious and really let you have it.

/

re: #37 Jimmah

Prodigy - Firestarter

[Video];-)

Jimmah don't you know by now that white guys can't sing rap for shit? Hell, Vanilla Ice sounds good compared to that...

///

re: #39 ausador

Jimmah don't you know by now that white guys can't sing rap for shit? Hell, Vanilla Ice sounds good compared to that...

///

Ooooh - just as well you included all three sarc tags there ;-)

Anyway, that's not rap, that's...punk (sort of) :

Sneaky post...

And if your disappointed not to hear what it said it was which is also a great tune...

I used to wonder what happened to Scot's after a generation or two in the desert...now I know.

/

Loved ones recall Ben Larson's last day in Haiti

St. Paul, Minn. — Benjamin Larson's last day alive began in the slums of Port-au-Prince, helping a nurse care for people in need.

He ate a late lunch at a fancy Chinese restaurant with his wife, Renee, and cousin Jonathan -- and they laughed later, recalling how dirty they were compared to the Chinese diplomats sitting nearby.

The three seminarians walked back to their hillside guest house, which was in the same building that provided a home for 20 Haitian boys rescued from slavery. Soon after they arrived, it was time for their before-dinner routine -- playing cards.

While sitting at a table on the building's fourth floor, the earth began to shake. The ceiling fell and concrete walls caved in. Renee Splichal Larson and Jonathan Larson made it out alive.

Large pieces of concrete fell on Ben Larson. It was too much for his body to handle, and he died in the earthquake that ended up claiming the lives of some 200,000 people...

re: #36 Gus 802

Garbage - I'm Only Happy When it Rains

[Video]

So I took some Zoloft a couple hours ago and now...

re: #43 ausador

I used to wonder what happened to Scot's after a generation or two in the desert...now I know.

/

[Video]

That's a bit overkill, isn't it?

re: #45 laZardo

So I took some Zoloft a couple hours ago and now...

[Video]

Love that song.

Night all.

Just remember as I'm sure you do. Life is precious.

re: #47 Gus 802

Got it from the Gran Turismo series. That was in the 2nd one, the first one had...

re: #48 Gus 802

Night all.

Just remember as I'm sure you do. Life is precious.

Also g'night.

This thread went past the point...

February 11th is getting so close.

hold me.

Morning... just stopping in for a few minutes... leaving for work soon... anything happening?

re: #53 Walter L. Newton

Good morning, Walter. People must be off somewhere else duking it out.

re: #54 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

yeah, well screw you too....

(just kidding)

Last year, wife was telling me that she wanted to move out west somewhere. Somewhere with big mountains and snow. Colorado somewhere. Montana somewhere.

We're getting snow again today in VA. She's officially over that little idea.

It has been spring like here in the Northwest.... really mild winter.

re: #58 windhorse

We haven't had more than three inches of snow at any time for 20 years or so. This is nucking futs!

back to work I go.... have a nice day ever body

re: #57 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Last year, wife was telling me that she wanted to move out west somewhere. Somewhere with big mountains and snow. Colorado somewhere. Montana somewhere.

We're getting snow again today in VA. She's officially over that little idea.

I don't understand what all this stressing about the snow is all about? About once a decade, the east coast gets snow patterns like this. Just because some parts of the east this winter have gotten more snow than recorded in the record books doesn't mean anything. Out of all recorded snow falls, ONE will have to hold the record, and in this case, it's not by much.

I lived on the east coast for 24 years. From 1952. I've seen blizzards in NYC, I've seen hurricanes in NYC, I've seen tornados in North New Jersey. It happens, every year something happens weather wise.

And by the way, we don't have as much snow in the Denver/Front Range and foothills area as most people imagine. Most any winter in North Jersey will beat out Denver in total snow fall.

re: #59 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

We haven't had more than three inches of snow at any time for 20 years or so. This is nucking futs!

Get real...

[Link: climate.virginia.edu...]

re: #62 Walter L. Newton

Oh, it's not that big of a deal. We're having fun with it.

We've had three separate snows so far... 22 inches, 12 inches and 10 inches.

Last winter we had to total inches.

My sister lives in the DC area. Much worse up there where there are more people. They're calling it "Snowcalypse" or "Snowmageddon".

Traffic up there sucks on sunny days.

Morning people, more and more snow everywhere.

re: #64 RogueOne

Morning people, more and more snow everywhere.

Check your calendar... it's winter.

re: #65 Walter L. Newton

You obviously haven't been watching the news. This is snowpocalypse, the fault of an angry planet, 24" of global warming....we're all gonna DIE!

re: #66 RogueOne

You obviously haven't been watching the news. This is snowpocalypse, the fault of an angry planet, 24" of global warming...we're all gonna DIE!

I know... I call bullshit on all the over reactions...

[Link: climate.virginia.edu...]

Ok, I'll stop complaining, since I am off to work. Road are a bit icy here in the mountains... scary...

This is the town and these are the people
This is the town where the people all stay

re: #68 Walter L. Newton

Check your calendar, it's winter.//

Careful.

re: #69 ulmsey123

That's what I've been saying for years!

Wait!

Huh?

re: #71 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

That's what I've been saying for years!

Wait!

Huh?

"The Point"
And, as we all know, a point in every direction is the same as no point at all.
So sayeth the Pointed Man.

re: #72 ulmsey123

What's yer point?

re: #68 Walter L. Newton

Be careful, Walter!

Good morning, everyone! They found another survivor in Haiti!

slow morning. Shall I put on a pot of Columbian?

I killed it - sorry :(

re: #75 SasyMomaCat

Good morning, everyone! They found another survivor in Haiti!

Seriously? How the heck?...

re: #78 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

nothing short of a miracle

I've been away for a week. Any news?

re: #80 Cannadian Club Akbar

good morning! - I'll let the others catch you up, though, as I'm almost as behind as you.

Beer can make stronger bones!!

[Link: www.nypost.com...]

Drink up!

Oh, I had a TV malfunction and didn't get to see the Super Bowl.:(

Good Morning! Another clear and cool day in sunny Philadelphia. :)

I figure East Coast freak-out mode (sub mode: snow) will descend this evening as the snow monster currently over Ohio gets closer.

And in typical fashion Philadelphia spent their entire snow removal budget for the first storm this winter. (The estimate is that it costs approximately $1 million per inch of snow.)

re: #83 Cannadian Club Akbar

Dang - that's a bummer.

re: #84 oaktree

g'mornin'!

bbl

Fires strike 2 more east Texas churches

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

animated Unemployment Graphic

re: #88 Ericus58

Sounds like some pyromaniac out there has had one too many bad experiences related to church . . . either that or he/she figures it's less likely to be an occupied building in the middle of the night.

Morning lizards. Cold and blowy outside, with some lingering snow. Looks like the worst of it is over, although you wouldn't know it by the morning commute. How is everyone today?

re: #91 thedopefishlives

Good morning - no white stuff here anymore. Just rain.

re: #92 SasyMomaCat

Good morning - no white stuff here anymore. Just rain.

I think my felines are annoyed by the wind. They were all crying and begging for attention when I got up for work this morning.

re: #91 thedopefishlives

Morning lizards. Cold and blowy outside, with some lingering snow. Looks like the worst of it is over, although you wouldn't know it by the morning commute. How is everyone today?

The local news says we got about 20 inches from the last storm which brings the total for the season to 62 inches. It's starting to snow right now and the forecast is for 6-10 more inches. I understand Vancouver is running low on snow. They are invited to come and take mine.

re: #94 NJDhockeyfan

The local news says we got about 20 inches from the last storm which brings the total for the season to 62 inches. It's starting to snow right now and the forecast is for 6-10 more inches. I understand Vancouver is running low on snow. They are invited to come and take mine.

Yeah, you're getting what's left of the storm that just blew through here. I looked at it on the weather map. I have to admit, seeing the pile of snow on the ground at fish headquarters, that I'm starting to feel for you guys just a little bit.

re: #93 thedopefishlives

It's amazing how weather can affect them. I know when we get a sudden cold snap, mine get frisky and playful. They don't seem to pay much attention to the wind, though.

re: #96 SasyMomaCat

It's amazing how weather can affect them. I know when we get a sudden cold snap, mine get frisky and playful. They don't seem to pay much attention to the wind, though.

I live in an old drafty lakeshore cabin right now. The wind tears through that thing like it was made of paper. I'm not surprised that they respond to it.

A US strip club has raised almost $1,000 for earthquake victims by staging a charity 'Lap dances for Haiti' event.

re: #97 thedopefishlives

Ah, yes, well, that would certainly make a difference. The lakeshore cabin sound charming. Of course, being drafty and given the weather, I'm sure it's not feeling so charming at the moment.

re: #99 SasyMomaCat

Ah, yes, well, that would certainly make a difference. The lakeshore cabin sound charming. Of course, being drafty and given the weather, I'm sure it's not feeling so charming at the moment.

It was a great place for the purpose I rented it for: A bachelor pad. Now that I'm married and planning on starting a family before too much time goes by, it's definitely not suited to the task.

Bill for broadband setup: $70,427.98

CUMBRIA, England, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- A British couple said a broadband service quoted them a $70,427.98 installation price because all of the company's equipment is being used.

Ray and Frei Walker of Cumbria, said they used their dial-up service for nine and years and was finally told by broadband company BT it would cost them $70,427.98 to upgrade because their current network is filled to its capacity and needs new components to add new customers, the Daily Mail reported Monday.

"It's a farce, and obviously we're staggered. We don't have (the money) and if we did we wouldn't spend it on this," Ray Reil said.

A BT spokesman defended the charge.

"There can be very rare cases where the amount of work that's required for the network to deliver a particular service like broadband
is exceptional and in those very rare cases excess charge can be applied," he said.

re: #101 NJDhockeyfan

That's the whole point of RAISING CUSTOMER FEES. It pays for extra equipment to add capacity. I'm amazed they even let it get to this point; it's not like it's hard to monitor network usage and determine when new data centers need to be installed and new cables laid.

re: #100 thedopefishlives

Well, could be find for STARTING a family (what with draftiness promoting snuggling and all), but definitely not suited for raising one.

Best wishes on that endeavor, btw.

Good morning all...

re: #104 PT Barnum

good morning!

Mmmm, caffeine. The cause of, and solution to, all of my low-energy problems.

re: #106 thedopefishlives

Mmmm, caffeine. The cause of, and solution to, all of my low-energy problems.

I've had to cut down due to blood pressure issues...so now I start off my day with a big juicy orange...

Explosion underscores gray area in regulatory oversight

The lessons learned after a fatal North Carolina gas explosion last year may never have made it to the Middletown power plant that burst into a fireball Sunday, killing five.

The blast may also have underscored a gray area in regulatory oversight among an alphabet soup of state, federal and local officials with limited -- or no -- authority over the construction of power plants.

An apparent delay, following the U.S. Chemical Safety Board's "urgent" recommendation last week that safety procedures be strengthened during gas pipe testing and cleaning, will be among the issues explored in a congressional hearing announced Monday by U.S. Reps. Rosa DeLauro, Joe Courtney and John Larson, all D-Conn. They said U.S. Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, agreed to the investigation.

A Middletown deputy fire chief on Monday adamantly told reporters that union pipe fitters followed all safety rules during the weekend cleaning -- called purging -- of a gas line connecting an electricity-producing turbine with an exhaust stack at the nearly completed power plant along the Connecticut River.

Courtney, in an interview, said that under former President George W. Bush, the federal Department of Labor's Occupational Safety & Health Administration did little or nothing to improve worker safety for eight years. "Seemingly non-controversial rules would not move under the Bush administration," Courtney said. "OSHA almost came to a grinding halt."

Of course, it's George Bush's fault!

re: #107 PT Barnum

I've had to cut down due to blood pressure issues...so now I start off my day with a big juicy orange...

I like that. I usually keep some sort of breakfast food at the house - bread for toast, or bagels, or something carbohydrated. That's enough to get me out of bed, but a full day at work takes a little kickstart.

re: #109 thedopefishlives

I like that. I usually keep some sort of breakfast food at the house - bread for toast, or bagels, or something carbohydrated. That's enough to get me out of bed, but a full day at work takes a little kickstart.

The smell of bacon will always get me out of bed...

re: #110 PT Barnum

The smell of bacon will always get me out of bed...

I tend to be self-sufficient in the mornings because my wife is a bit of a night owl, and on occasion will indulge in late-night chatting with friends, gaming, and watching movies to excess. On those days, she's usually asleep by the time I get up for work, and sometimes still asleep when I get home.

re: #109 thedopefishlives

I like that. I usually keep some sort of breakfast food at the house - bread for toast, or bagels, or something carbohydrated. That's enough to get me out of bed, but a full day at work takes a little kickstart.

Actually I usually stop at McDonald's and get a cup of decaf and an Egg McMuffin on my drive to work. Their coffee has gotten much better than it used to be. Around here, it would actually reach out of the cup and pour itself down your throat, but it's mellowed a little. Now it just says "Drink Me!"

re: #110 PT Barnum

loves me some bacon! Especially thick sliced.

re: #111 thedopefishlives

I tend to be self-sufficient in the mornings because my wife is a bit of a night owl, and on occasion will indulge in late-night chatting with friends, gaming, and watching movies to excess. On those days, she's usually asleep by the time I get up for work, and sometimes still asleep when I get home.

My oldest son is like that...bad insomnia. Causes problems when he comes to visit because he's up all night and then sleeps all day.

re: #113 SasyMomaCat

loves me some bacon! Especially thick sliced.

We have a local company that does a very good job of making bacon. The local grocery store sells boxes of ends and bacon scraps for about $5.

Think almost ham in some cases. Makes the best BLTs ever!

re: #112 PT Barnum

When I'm feeling indulgent and have money in the budget, I stop for a large Coke and a sausage McGriddle. Om nom nom.

re: #113 SasyMomaCat

loves me some bacon! Especially thick sliced.

Bacon is life.

re: #115 PT Barnum

We have a local company that does a very good job of making bacon. The local grocery store sells boxes of ends and bacon scraps for about $5.

Think almost ham in some cases. Makes the best BLTs ever!

By ham, I mean the slices are quite thick and very much more lean than fat in some cases. MMMMMMMMMMMM!!!

re: #118 PT Barnum

By ham, I mean the slices are quite thick and very much more lean than fat in some cases. MMM!!!

Almost like Irish bacon. (Thick-sliced and meaty)

re: #115 PT Barnum

ends and scraps are the best way to buy, especially locally made. The meat may not always look like bacon, but it is generally fantastic and costs a whole lot less. Better bacon for less money is always a good deal :)

re: #118 PT Barnum

That's been my experience, too.

Google Doesn't Want To Know How To Make Friends With Black People

[Link: consumerist.com...]

Yesterday's Google super bowl ad was a cute story about a guy falling in love with a French lady told through his searches. The trouble is, they showed the autocomplete prompts and, as anyone who has ever used Google knows, the autocomplete suggestions can be, uh, kinda weird. So, of course, some the search suggestions have been edited out. Like one about making friends with black people.

Although I can't get past the Yuck factor when thinking about this:

Good morning Lizards .... Apparently John Murtha's death was the result of malpractice on the part of his doctor ...

[Link: blogs.ajc.com...]

Very sad to hear ...

re: #123 PT Barnum

eeewwww - that's just wrong.

Good morning, jokers. Everything happy and joyous now?

re: #123 PT Barnum

Just think of it like pork done adobo style with mole sauce. In both cases, it's pig, chocolate, and sweetness.

re: #124 _RememberTonyC

Good morning Lizards ... Apparently John Murtha's death was the result of malpractice on the part of his doctor ...

[Link: blogs.ajc.com...]

Very sad to hear ...

There's not a lot of room to work with in there...My bil is a surgeon and specializes in bariatric surgery. He did my gall bladder and I had complications afterward. I suspect he nicked my bile duct, as I was in agony for a few days after I came home until they put in a drain.

re: #126 cliffster

Good morning, jokers. Everything happy and joyous now?

yeah for the most part...although the restaurant burned my steak last night...:)

re: #123 PT Barnum

Although I can't get past the Yuck factor when thinking about this:

Bacon & Chocolate are good together. Bacon & anything, really. There's a donut shop in SF that sells a maple-bacon donut...it's fantastic.

Mornin' all.

re: #124 _RememberTonyC

Good morning Lizards ... Apparently John Murtha's death was the result of malpractice on the part of his doctor ...

[Link: blogs.ajc.com...]

Very sad to hear ...

I really wasn't paying much attention to it yesterday. This morning I heard it was a result of gall stone surgery, that's a pretty odd way to go.

re: #124 _RememberTonyC

'morning.

Seems that malpractice may be a stretch, though. When you're inside someone cutting, it is conceivable that something could get nicked, punctured, or otherwise inadvertently damaged. Even the most careful surgeon is human and imperfect. The injury itself does not necessarily point to malpractice. Still, a rough way to go.

re: #126 cliffster

morning!

re: #128 PT Barnum

There's not a lot of room to work with in there...My bil is a surgeon and specializes in bariatric surgery. He did my gall bladder and I had complications afterward. I suspect he nicked my bile duct, as I was in agony for a few days after I came home until they put in a drain.

i guess when the patient is 77 years old, the tolerance for fighting off infections is vastly reduced. glad you are OK.

re: #123 PT Barnum

Although I can't get past the Yuck factor when thinking about this:

I am going to make this one day.

Porkgasm

This thread needs more puppies:

Hipster Puppies
[Link: hipsterpuppies.tumblr.com...]

re: #134 _RememberTonyC

ditto that

re: #126 cliffster

One hopes.

Have I already mentioned the fucking coolest thing ever I learned recently?

Children are better at logarithmic plotting (putting numbers on a logarithmic number line) than they are at linear plotting (putting numbers on a normal linear counting line.)

We make them unlearn their original logarithmic thinking and then reteach them math through the linear mode-- so much so that children at the age of four-five are actually better than adults at plotting fractions on a fractional number line-- as in 1/1116 at one end at 1/1 at another, for example.

If you ask an adult to place 1/22, say, on that number line, he'll place it far to close to 1/1-- when 1/22 is far, far closer to 1/1116 than it is to 1/1. Children at age five will place it much closer to the correct location.

So basically, every kid in the world is born with a slight ability toward understanding logarithmic numbers, and instead of building off of that, we burn it to the ground and rebuild it, to the extent that we never regain at least one ability we had as children.

I think that this shows that it's possible to develop a better way teaching math to kids that uses natural logarithmic ability rather than simple quashes and replaces it, and that this could help enormously with mathematical teaching overall. And I work at a children's educational toy company, so I'm actually getting to try to push our company to be the ones to do that research and come up with a teaching method.

It's pretty nifty.

re: #132 SasyMomaCat

'morning.

Seems that malpractice may be a stretch, though. When you're inside someone cutting, it is conceivable that something could get nicked, punctured, or otherwise inadvertently damaged. Even the most careful surgeon is human and imperfect. The injury itself does not necessarily point to malpractice. Still, a rough way to go.

true, but my wife works in the malpractice insurance business and when it comes to suing over malpractice, there will be lawyers quite willing to take this case if the Murtha family wants to pursue a malpractice lawsuit. Ironically, Murtha's death COULD spur some sort of debate on tort reform if a suit goes forward as a result of his death.

re: #129 PT Barnum

yeah for the most part...although the restaurant burned my steak last night...:)

Heh, those lousy pieces of dog doo.

Later Lizards .... I'm off to make my monthly visit to the local old age home to talk sports with the older fellas. BBL

re: #135 NJDhockeyfan

I am going to make this one day.

Porkgasm

I'm sorry that just made me want to hurl...

re: #138 Obdicut

how cool! That's really neat!

re: #139 _RememberTonyC

Now that would be ironic.

re: #138 Obdicut

That is nuts! Where can I read about that?

re: #142 PT Barnum

I'm sorry that just made me want to hurl...

I think I liked the idea of the massive pork roll better. It was linked the last time pork recipes came up, and I can't remember when.

morning, all. i spent the weekend in a glorious haze of Mass Effect 2 whenever my family wasn't around. what a game.

re: #139 _RememberTonyC

And interestingly, most research shows that people do not sue doctors based on actual perceived harm, but based on that attitude they get from the doctor. It's how they feel that they were treated as people. Gladwell cites this well in one of his recent books.

Most people who are harmed in medicine never sue at all, whether it's because they don't feel they deserve too, they like the doctor, or they don't feel like they can take on what's necessary to do so.

I much prefer, rather than malpractice insurance, a transparent system like the one proposed by Atul Gawande, who said that all physicians should contribute to a general fund for patient compensation and be perfectly honest about their mistakes. A board of doctors and patients advocates could decide on compensation for the most common sorts of mistakes, and then the thousands of people who currently are harmed during the practice of medicine-- not because doctors are sloppy but because doctors are human-- would be able to be compensated.

I think it'd help the trust between doctor and patient enormously, as well.

re: #141 _RememberTonyC

enjyoy!~

re: #145 cliffster

[Link: www.psy.cmu.edu...]

This is the guy. It's the third paper down, called "The logarithmic-to-linear shift: One learning sequence, many tasks, many time scales."

I got to meet with him recently when he gave a talk at my work. Great guy, and all his work is very, very readable. I encourage anyone interested in the subject to read it. A knowledge of statistics is helpful.

re: #148 Obdicut

I had read this too, but how many arrogant sons of bitches would then get out of medicine because they actually had to admit they were human?

re: #148 Obdicut

That sounds like a terrific idea. But, who would decide which patients are entitled and how much? (this malpractice suit that I'm on the jury for is really driving home how complicated and nuanced that can be)

re: #148 Obdicut

Hello, Obdicut! How are you after the barn burner we had last night? Here is Chicago its snowing quite hard.

A man dies & goes to Heaven.

Upon arriving at the Pearly Gates he is told "Welcome to Heaven, everyone is equal here."

The man is then given a tour of Heaven and finds that it is indeed true.

The man decides he's just got to try the food & goes & stands in the cafeteria line.

While waiting ,a man in green scrubs goes rushing to the front of the line & gets his food ahead of all the others.

"Hey, I thought everyone is equal here. Why did he cut line?"

"Oh, him?" says St Peter, "That's God, he thinks he's a surgeon."

re: #151 PT Barnum

Well, it probably would have a market effect of driving the lower-performing physicians to less-risky procedures, which I think is a good, desirable goal. It would also make it easier, probably, for hospitals to implement checklist plans as described by Atul Gawande in his The Checklist Manifesto book.

Basically, I think we ought to give the keys to healthcare to Gawande and let him rearrange it, because he's supersmart, incredibly dedicated, a medical professional, and cares deeply about the responsible practice of medicine.

re: #155 Obdicut

Well, it probably would have a market effect of driving the lower-performing physicians to less-risky procedures, which I think is a good, desirable goal. It would also make it easier, probably, for hospitals to implement checklist plans as described by Atul Gawande in his The Checklist Manifesto book.

Basically, I think we ought to give the keys to healthcare to Gawande and let him rearrange it, because he's supersmart, incredibly dedicated, a medical professional, and cares deeply about the responsible practice of medicine.

What I've read of him makes me want to agree. My dad was a pharmacist in a county hospital, and we had several conversations about treating medicine as an engineering discipline, in that the same sorts of quality techniques used in manufacturing (I was an ISO-9001 wonk at the time) could be applied to medicine as well to reduce mistakes and improve quality.

re: #153 Dark_Falcon

I'm alright. Sorry to see it didn't stop after I left-- on the part of all parties.

It's a slightly cold and slightly wet day, and I'm going to have to go to work and explain to one of my managers why she's very deeply wrong about something, which is always politically tricky. So that'll be fun. But her idea would add about five hours a week to my workload-- and the workload of every producer-- that we really don't have.

And if she doesn't listen to me, I have to go over her head. And I hate office politics. So I'm dreading it a little bit.

Your audit went fine, right?

re: #153 Dark_Falcon

Hello, Obdicut! How are you after the barn burner we had last night? Here is Chicago its snowing quite hard.

I would have thought that barn had burned to the ground weeks ago. Must be a big barn

re: #153 Dark_Falcon

Hello, Obdicut! How are you after the barn burner we had last night? Here is Chicago its snowing quite hard.

which thread? I may have to go back and read...

re: #156 PT Barnum

Two of my heroes, Frank and Lillian Gilbreth, a husband-and-wife efficiency team, were the ones who came up with the idea of a surgical nurse acting as a 'caddy' and handing the surgeon his instruments so he didn't have to take his eyes of the patient. He came from an industrial design background and really improved operating rooms.

re: #159 PT Barnum

Oh don't. It'll just depress. Stay here in the relative calm of the morning.

re: #161 Obdicut

Oh don't. It'll just depress. Stay here in the relative calm of the morning.

I am rather curious. Anyone wanna give me the 10,000 foot view?

re: #157 Obdicut

I'm alright. Sorry to see it didn't stop after I left-- on the part of all parties.

It's a slightly cold and slightly wet day, and I'm going to have to go to work and explain to one of my managers why she's very deeply wrong about something, which is always politically tricky. So that'll be fun. But her idea would add about five hours a week to my workload-- and the workload of every producer-- that we really don't have.

And if she doesn't listen to me, I have to go over her head. And I hate office politics. So I'm dreading it a little bit.

Your audit went fine, right?

Yes, we passed comfortably. I have to go to work, so everyone have a good day. BBT

re: #163 Dark_Falcon

l8r

re: #163 Dark_Falcon

Glad it went well - have a splendid day!

re: #162 thedopefishlives

It's really not that interesting. Severe name-calling, basically.

re: #156 PT Barnum

What I've read of him makes me want to agree. My dad was a pharmacist in a county hospital, and we had several conversations about treating medicine as an engineering discipline, in that the same sorts of quality techniques used in manufacturing (I was an ISO-9001 wonk at the time) could be applied to medicine as well to reduce mistakes and improve quality.

Here is an example, surgeons learning from some real-world task engineers:

[Link: blog.ted.com...]

re: #166 Obdicut

It's really not that interesting. Severe name-calling, basically.

Oh. So nothing unusual compared to about half the morning open threads these days, then.

*ducks*

re: #166 Obdicut

It's really not that interesting. Severe name-calling, basically.

bleh. 'nuff said. few things dumb down a debate as effectively as insults.

re: #168 thedopefishlives

Oh. So nothing unusual compared to about half the morning open threads these days, then.

*ducks*

!#@%$@$#^%@$&@%@

//

re: #170 Aceofwhat?

!#@%$@$#^%@$&@%@

//

You hug your mama with those fingers?

re: #167 Decatur Deb

Ah, TED. Is there anything we can't learn from you?

And with that, I've got to go out to my commute.

It's nasty weather in San Francisco: that means it's fifty degrees and somewhat damp. What torture!

re: #163 Dark_Falcon

Yes, we passed comfortably. I have to go to work, so everyone have a good day. BBT

Good to hear!
:)

re: #135 NJDhockeyfan

It's the pork Turducken!

re: #170 Aceofwhat?

!#@%$@$#^%@$&@%@

//

Actually, my second thought on reading that was that silly Orbit Gum commercial: "Who you callin' a cootieface, you lintlicker?!"

re: #153 Dark_Falcon

Great to hear it went well at work! It's a bad time to be looking for work.

re: #152 SasyMomaCat

Oh, sorry, Sasy, didn't see your comment. I'll answer real quick before you leave:

Gawande expands on the idea in Better, but basically it'd be doctors, patients rights advocates, public health advocates hashing it out, combined with some sort of averaging of the actual 'cost' to the victim of the injury-- how much it affects their quality of life. Being paid for something transitory versus something permanent would be quite different.

Sorry that that's all I have time for-- read Better, it's a great book!

Ah, there really is nothing like the sweet smell of hypocrisy in the morning.

"Evil bankers, evil bankers!"

"Whoops, except these two bankers, they're ok...we should help them"

re: #177 Obdicut

THanks - I'll add it to my growing "must read" list. It sounds fantastic.

Have a great day!

re: #175 thedopefishlives

Actually, my second thought on reading that was that silly Orbit Gum commercial: "Who you callin' a cootieface, you lintlicker?!"

best ad campaigns of the gum brands, no doubt.

re: #180 Aceofwhat?

I also kinda like the Stride commercials where they make customers spit out their gum so they'll have to chew another piece.

re: #180 Aceofwhat?

best ad campaigns of the gum brands, no doubt.

As much as I despise marketers (being an engineer, and a software engineer at that), I have to admit, they come up with some frighteningly clever stuff. They've made a veritable science of knowing one's market and how to pitch a sale.

This will help some forget about the weather for a moment.

S.I. swimsuit issue cover model revealed

FYI it was my birthday on the 8th. I'm such a senior, I hit the big 2-3. :)

re: #184 wiffersnapper

FYI it was my birthday on the 8th. I'm such a senior, I hit the big 2-3. :)

Ugh!

I have things in my freezer older than you!

re: #184 wiffersnapper

FYI it was my birthday on the 8th. I'm such a senior, I hit the big 2-3. :)

Get off my lawn!

I'll say it again, certain personalities here, there are others besides the ones in the thread in question, although they tend to be the most commonly involved, respond with vitriol as a default setting as opposed to working their way up to it.

I find humor and gentle teasing to be more effective in a lot of ways, or at least in a way that leaves one feeling a little better. (Walter actually seems to like my line about nicknaming him Mr. Crankypants)

If you find you have offended someone, apologize. If you are offended, say so, but without anger.

Everybody leaves happy except those for which being angry is an addiction. I feel sorry for those types of people.

re: #186 cliffster

Get off my lawn!

Heh...Beat me to it!

re: #184 wiffersnapper

FYI it was my birthday on the 8th. I'm such a senior, I hit the big 2-3. :)

Young people of LGF UNITE!
:)

re: #184 wiffersnapper

happy b-day!

(thanks for making me feel old!!!!)/

re: #189 Varek Raith

Young people of LGF UNITE!
:)

Dyslexics UNTIE!

Hey Lizards!

Drive-by morning post to say:

Have a great one all!

re: #189 Varek Raith

Dyslexics of the world UNTIE!

re: #183 NJDhockeyfan

Only for a moment.

The NWS is now saying 8-13 for NYC metro area (revised up from the 6-12 reported yesterday). Accuweather and other outlets are saying 10-18, and possibly higher amounts. Fox 5 NY was saying this AM that 10-18 is probably conservative. Near blizzard conditions are nearly certain, blizzard conditions possible (snow plus winds over 35mph for 3+ hours are technically considered blizzard conditions - not the amount of snow falling).

re: #191 sattv4u2

well, now I look lame :)

re: #193 SasyMomaCat

Dyslexics of the world UNTIE!

I knew a dyslexic devil worshipper that sold his soul to Santa

re: #192 ggt

You, too!

re: #182 thedopefishlives

As much as I despise marketers (being an engineer, and a software engineer at that), I have to admit, they come up with some frighteningly clever stuff. They've made a veritable science of knowing one's market and how to pitch a sale.

I only despise bad marketers. All i ask is for an ad campaign to not make me want to cut myself. Is that too much to ask, honestly?

re: #195 SasyMomaCat

well, now I look lame :)

At least you needed help

Me ,, not so much!

re: #196 PT Barnum

oh, now that is funny

re: #199 sattv4u2

awww, that's sweet ...

Nah, you don't look lame

re: #196 PT Barnum

I knew a dyslexic devil worshipper that sold his soul to Santa

hehehehehehe

re: #198 Aceofwhat?

I only despise bad marketers. All i ask is for an ad campaign to not make me want to cut myself. Is that too much to ask, honestly?

One example of marketing that I despise is GoDaddy. Sure, their ads are very, er, fetching. But when I have to tell the Mrs. Fish to change channels during the Super Bowl because "this is a sleazy commercial and your mom and dad would flip out if they saw it", there's something wrong with that.

re: #198 Aceofwhat?

I only despise bad marketers. All i ask is for an ad campaign to not make me want to cut myself. Is that too much to ask, honestly?

A local beer company used to do some really funny radio commercials.

I was working in radio at the time and would actually listen to them repeatedly just for the laughs.

Schmidt beer was the brand...this was back in the mid 80s.

re: #198 Aceofwhat?

I only despise bad marketers. All i ask is for an ad campaign to not make me want to cut myself. Is that too much to ask, honestly?

you may want to look beyond the ad campaigns for the source of your problems

re: #194 lawhawk

Only for a moment.

The NWS is now saying 8-13 for NYC metro area (revised up from the 6-12 reported yesterday). Accuweather and other outlets are saying 10-18, and possibly higher amounts. Fox 5 NY was saying this AM that 10-18 is probably conservative. Near blizzard conditions are nearly certain, blizzard conditions possible (snow plus winds over 35mph for 3+ hours are technically considered blizzard conditions - not the amount of snow falling).

It just started snowing at my house here in Virginia.

Here is an ironic headline from yesterday. Seems like I see something similar every year.

NOAA: Blizzard Rearranges Climate Change Announcement

re: #198 Aceofwhat?

I only despise bad marketers. All i ask is for an ad campaign to not make me want to cut myself. Is that too much to ask, honestly?

A real quandry when the commercial in question is about cutlery!

Do you use THEIR product to cut yourself, thereby tacity endorsing it !!?
Oh ,, the conundrum!

re: #203 thedopefishlives

those commercials make my skin crawl. They are awful.

re: #203 thedopefishlives

One example of marketing that I despise is GoDaddy. Sure, their ads are very, er, fetching. But when I have to tell the Mrs. Fish to change channels during the Super Bowl because "this is a sleazy commercial and your mom and dad would flip out if they saw it", there's something wrong with that.

Yep. Not sure that driving away a sizeable percentage of the viewing public is the smartest move.

re: #203 thedopefishlives

One example of marketing that I despise is GoDaddy. Sure, their ads are very, er, fetching. But when I have to tell the Mrs. Fish to change channels during the Super Bowl because "this is a sleazy commercial and your mom and dad would flip out if they saw it", there's something wrong with that.

It's not just that they are sleazy, they are also old and tired. GoDaddy has been using that same schtick for the past four years. Always the same, hot girl talking to another hot girl, clothes get removed, go to the website, wocka wocka wocka. They need a new idea.

Oh, and good morning everyone.

Well, time for me to do some 'productive work'...
:)

re: #210 soap_man

Yes, they do. The spokesbabes have changed, but the basic tack is the same. Sex appeal isn't the same selling point it used to be back when they first came out with the ads.

re: #211 Varek Raith

Me too...have a good day all...

re: #207 sattv4u2

A real quandry when the commercial in question is about cutlery!

Do you use THEIR product to cut yourself, thereby tacity endorsing it !!?
Oh ,, the conundrum!

Best commercial i've seen in a long time = the Shamwow and slap chop remixes. Not only is the remix funny, but how fantastic is it that some exec saw the remix and thought "I will put that on TV". thinking about buying a shamwow based on nothing but the sheer chutzpah of the commercial.

if you haven't seen it and can watch YouTube without being fired, you have to see it. and while you're watching, remember that this actually plays on TV from time to time...

re: #210 soap_man

updinged for 'wocka wocka wocka'

Hey, Lizards!

One of my busy mornings with extensive pre-sales prep -- but I wanted to toss this out there and ask a question. I'm not entirely awake yet, so I'm having trouble processing fully -- but is this as blatantly disingenuous as it gets, or am I just caffeine-deprived this morning?:

the RNC "Census"

Don't get me wrong -- political parties can ask all the questions of their members they wish to ask, I honestly don't care (since I'm no member of any of them). But isn't this approach more than a little slimy?

re: #210 soap_man

good morning!

re: #212 thedopefishlives

Yes, they do. The spokesbabes have changed, but the basic tack is the same. Sex appeal isn't the same selling point it used to be back when they first came out with the ads.

I think the first ad worked because it was so direct. They were like "Hey, sex sells. We're not going to hide what were are going for here. Look at the babes. Want to see more of the babes? Go to the website."

There was something unique about that, maybe even clever. But it got old real fast.

re: #211 Varek Raith

re: #213 PT Barnum

have a good one!

re: #216 Slap

It's only partially dishonest. (Wow, my brain must be half-fried to even THINK that.) I mean, yeah, using the term Census over and over and making it look official and Census-like is disingenuous; but if they did, in fact, clearly label it as an RNC document, there's no official grounds for confusion.

In other news, House Republicans are going to refuse to attend the televised healthcare discussion. Top House Republicans throw cold water on health-care summit

re: #218 soap_man

The first ads were supposed to be so salacious that they had to direct folks to the website; it works only because it was new.

Now, the schtick is just that - schtick. Build up anticipation and claim that the ads are too hot for the Super Bowl ads to run during the game because the network says so.

It's the same thing that happened with the Tebow family ad. Unless you clicked through to the website, you really had no clue what they were talking about (unless you read about the situation online before).

The best ads don't require that kind of manipulation and sell the product at hand. If it's done with humor and in a clever way, people respond better.

The Google ad was clever in that way. You knew exactly what the product was - the search system - and it was clever because it showed a guy going through a life's journey via various searches.

If you don't know what Go Daddy is, you'd never know from the ads - they never say. Bud and Bud Light sell Bud - sometimes with sex, definitely with the animal spots. Coca Cola sells Coca Cola. Those are more effective IMO.

re: #216 Slap

Hey, Lizards!

One of my busy mornings with extensive pre-sales prep -- but I wanted to toss this out there and ask a question. I'm not entirely awake yet, so I'm having trouble processing fully -- but is this as blatantly disingenuous as it gets, or am I just caffeine-deprived this morning?:

the RNC "Census"

Don't get me wrong -- political parties can ask all the questions of their members they wish to ask, I honestly don't care (since I'm no member of any of them). But isn't this approach more than a little slimy?

eh...it's marketing slimy. think about the junk mail that you get offering you weird things like credit insurance...the envelopes and language inside are always sensationalist, in an attempt to get you to respond. this is sensationalism. it's not like they're asking for social security numbers, right? it's a survey...marketers will do almost anything to get their surveys back...

re: #221 soap_man

In other news, House Republicans are going to refuse to attend the televised healthcare discussion. Top House Republicans throw cold water on health-care summit

The republican letter is interesting...Gibbs' reply is a joke.

re: #221 soap_man

In other news, House Republicans are going to refuse to attend the televised healthcare discussion. Top House Republicans throw cold water on health-care summit

pols will be pols

re: #216 Slap

A mailer sent to republicans that is clearly documented as a "Republican Census" isn't slimy in the least. I do like the overly dramatic hyperbole from common cause "it's akin to shouting fire in a movie theater!". C'mon, really? Republicans are going to stampede in fear because they received a fund raising letter?

The better story on that page was this:

Woman Chasing Dog Falls Off Cliff
[Link: www.kcra.com...]

MENDOCINO, Calif. -- Authorities said a woman fell about 60 feet to her death after she chased her dog off a cliff in the Mendocino headlands.
Danny Hervilla, chief of the Mendocino Volunteer Fire Department, said witnesses saw the woman disappear over the cliff while running after her black dog Sunday evening.

The good news is the dog is alright.

Who exactly is in the White House? I can't tell, since this is the kind of headline I expected (and saw) during the Bush years.

Good morning all.

I'm still getting over the giggles of the Ross Perot imitator in the Democratic race for the TX governor's democrat nomination.

re: #227 lawhawk

heh

re: #221 soap_man

In other news, House Republicans are going to refuse to attend the televised healthcare discussion. Top House Republicans throw cold water on health-care summit

If they're making 'demands' before they'll even consider talking to the president, then why should the president even try? People who make demands before coming to the table aren't interested in negotiating in good faith. They just want to chip away at the legislation until there's nothing left. They've already got more concessions from the Democrats than they could dream...and they've given nothing in return...not even a single vote. Why should anyone believe they'll offer support now that they're demanding a restart?

If the Democrats agree to start over on Health Care Reform, they'll regret it in November, and we'll be having this same discussion in February 2011.

re: #226 RogueOne

hehe. Of course, "running after the dog" doesn't really imply, "chasing off a cliff". Maybe the dog was just running away. I'm against people and animals alike falling off cliffs. Unless she really did chase the dog off. Then I say, "have a nice trip"

re: #221 soap_man

Several of the inquiries make good sense to me.

Also, I would like to see them (congress) whittle away at the problem - take one facet of the issue at a time instead of trying to "fix" the multiple systems involved with one huge, complex, confusing, and unreasonable bill. I'm sure there are some parts of this discussion that both sides can agree on at least to some point. That would be a great starting place.

(and, yes, I think they need to hit the reset button and start over)

re: #230 darthstar

If they're making 'demands' before they'll even consider talking to the president, then why should the president even try? People who make demands before coming to the table aren't interested in negotiating in good faith. They just want to chip away at the legislation until there's nothing left. They've already got more concessions from the Democrats than they could dream...and they've given nothing in return...not even a single vote. Why should anyone believe they'll offer support now that they're demanding a restart?

If the Democrats agree to start over on Health Care Reform, they'll regret it in November, and we'll be having this same discussion in February 2011.

Whatever process led to the possibility that union members in Massachusettes could have received a tax exemption that my family wasn't eligible for isn't a process worth supporting.

re: #225 cliffster

pols will be pols

It looks bad for them, no matter how you slice it. Dem or Republican, I think most people agree that the GOP looked foolish during the televised Q&A. Boycotting another televised discussion—for any reason—makes them look either petty, scared, or dare I say, the "Party of No." (I hesitate to use it, because I hate the phrase, but the GOP isn't doing itself any favors.)

Don't worry...it's only satire

re: #234 soap_man

It looks bad for them, no matter how you slice it. Dem or Republican, I think most people agree that the GOP looked foolish during the televised Q&A. Boycotting another televised discussion—for any reason—makes them look either petty, scared, or dare I say, the "Party of No." (I hesitate to use it, because I hate the phrase, but the GOP isn't doing itself any favors.)

I agree with that. Showing up is the only way to have a chance to make your point. If you show up and aren't allowed to truly participate, you can always leave mid-way through and draw attention to the supposed unfairness.

re: #232 SasyMomaCat

Several of the inquiries make good sense to me.

Also, I would like to see them (congress) whittle away at the problem - take one facet of the issue at a time instead of trying to "fix" the multiple systems involved with one huge, complex, confusing, and unreasonable bill. I'm sure there are some parts of this discussion that both sides can agree on at least to some point. That would be a great starting place.

(and, yes, I think they need to hit the reset button and start over)

I don't agree that it is in the Dems best interests to start over. When you get right down to it, I think the GOP plan is not to start over so they can have a bill they can vote for, but to use whatever means to kill any bill whatsoever.

As long as Obama's name is attached to it, they won't vote for it, even if it is something they would easily support if it came from a Republican president. I will keep thinking that until they prove otherwise.

re: #231 cliffster

hehe. Of course, "running after the dog" doesn't really imply, "chasing off a cliff". Maybe the dog was just running away. I'm against people and animals alike falling off cliffs. Unless she really did chase the dog off. Then I say, "have a nice trip"

What I didn't take into consideration is she might have received her republican census form and taken off running out of fear. Common Cause might have been right after all.

re: #216 Slap

Hey, Lizards!

One of my busy mornings with extensive pre-sales prep -- but I wanted to toss this out there and ask a question. I'm not entirely awake yet, so I'm having trouble processing fully -- but is this as blatantly disingenuous as it gets, or am I just caffeine-deprived this morning?:

the RNC "Census"

Don't get me wrong -- political parties can ask all the questions of their members they wish to ask, I honestly don't care (since I'm no member of any of them). But isn't this approach more than a little slimy?

Morning!

It's not a little slimy, it's a lot slimy. But consider the source.

I kept getting Republican questionnaires in the mail during the election. Flyers only sent out to registered Republicans and I've been a registered Dem my whole life. The only reason I can figure they sent it to me is because I support some Israeli causes so my name's on a bucket load of mailing lists.

And if you don't think THAT's insulting! It's the whole rightwing meme that Dems hate Israel so if I'm getting Israeli mail, I must be a Repub.

re: #230 darthstar

Which part of the Republican inquiries irks you? (other than the fact that they were put forth?)

Don't get me wrong, I didn't agree, necessarily, with the overall tone or even a few of the implications. However, it doesn't seem unreasonable to ask about the "starting points" of this discussion before entering it.

re: #237 soap_man

I don't agree that it is in the Dems best interests to start over. When you get right down to it, I think the GOP plan is not to start over so they can have a bill they can vote for, but to use whatever means to kill any bill whatsoever.

As long as Obama's name is attached to it, they won't vote for it, even if it is something they would easily support if it came from a Republican president. I will keep thinking that until they prove otherwise.

And I want to be clear that I'm speaking from an objective, political strategy perspective. My comments are not about whether or not I care for the bill. I don't think I do.

re: #239 marjoriemoon

how is a questionnaire anything more than slimy marketing (which i classify as "typical slimy", like a telemarketer...as opposed to "really slimy", like quid pro quo stuff)?

it's just a questionnaire.

re: #237 soap_man

I don't care about what is in the Dems best interest or in the Repubs best interest. What I care about is what is in the nation's best interest - what will best serve you and me as citizens.

re: #241 soap_man

And I want to be clear that I'm speaking from an objective, political strategy perspective. My comments are not about whether or not I care for the bill. I don't think I do.

You're probably right on the bit about Republicans not voting for anything with Obama's name attached to it. I don't think, though, that that necessarily means they are wrong in this instance. I don't think the health care plans currently working their way toward becoming law are in the best interest of the country. But I will also freely admit that I haven't thought up any better ideas, either.

re: #243 SasyMomaCat

re: #244 thedopefishlives

They don't think that way, unfortunately. Neither party. Getting reelected comes first, defeating the other party comes second and the best interests of the country comes third.

re: #245 soap_man

Sad but true ...

re: #244 thedopefishlives

You're probably right on the bit about Republicans not voting for anything with Obama's name attached to it. I don't think, though, that that necessarily means they are wrong in this instance. I don't think the health care plans currently working their way toward becoming law are in the best interest of the country. But I will also freely admit that I haven't thought up any better ideas, either.

Which to me, personally, means that there is no rush. Passing something lousy is worse than passing nothing at all. Politicians need to take the Hippocratic oath instead of incessantly making hypocritic oaths...

re: #240 SasyMomaCat

Which part of the Republican inquiries irks you? (other than the fact that they were put forth?)

Don't get me wrong, I didn't agree, necessarily, with the overall tone or even a few of the implications. However, it doesn't seem unreasonable to ask about the "starting points" of this discussion before entering it.

Mostly, I don't trust them. They've made demands and gotten concessions several times now, and have yet to vote for anything even when they've been given what they asked for. Their stated objective is to defeat the president. He has repeatedly said, "Work with me." and their response is a set of demands? Fuck them. This isn't about them. It's about the American people.

Starting over is a non-starter. Now that they have a 41 seat majority (yes.../ ) they don't feel like they have to let anything pass...with the exception of budgets.

re: #245 soap_man

re: #244 thedopefishlives

They don't think that way, unfortunately. Neither party. Getting reelected comes first, defeating the other party comes second and the best interests of the country comes third.

I think that for most congresspeople, "best interests" not only isn't even 3rd, it doesn't come into play. I say that in all sincerity.

Checking out, talk to yall later. Have a pleasant day.

re: #226 RogueOne

Yeh, the "fire in a crowded theater" hyperbole just made me snicker and shake my head. I certainly don't find this to be outrage-making. It's just that the timing of it, so close to the census, just vaguely disturbed me. Sigh. Partisanship isn't my favorite thing, especially early in the morning.

Many thanks for the perspectives, tho. Combined with the coffee, I think things are rolling now.

re: #244 thedopefishlives

I agree.

I think part of the problem is in trying to tackle such a huge chunk of it at one time. It seems to me that they should break down the issues into several interrelated sub-categories (and maybe even sub-subcategories) and tackle each part individually, involving key stakeholders in each discussion.

re: #235 darthstar

Don't worry...it's only satire

You know, as much as I hate that word and find it offensive, I'm behind Colbert 1000% on that one. She deserves more than a little mocking.

re: #251 SasyMomaCat

I agree.

I think part of the problem is in trying to tackle such a huge chunk of it at one time. It seems to me that they should break down the issues into several interrelated sub-categories (and maybe even sub-subcategories) and tackle each part individually, involving key stakeholders in each discussion.

You make it almost sound like a business case. But you can't run a government like a business, no no no, you just can't!/

re: #248 darthstar

And you trust the Democrats more?

re: #249 cliffster

Have a good one -

re: #242 Aceofwhat?

how is a questionnaire anything more than slimy marketing (which i classify as "typical slimy", like a telemarketer...as opposed to "really slimy", like quid pro quo stuff)?

it's just a questionnaire.

It's a questionnaire made to look like a census.

I play a little game at home, "Who can get me to open their mail?", with all the clever things they put on the envelope. SERVICE SET TO EXPIRE, or whatever. The idea is to throw the envelope away without being conned into opening it. I always hate it when I fall for the gimmick.

But dressing something up as the Census is just extra, special slimy. I don't know if I'd call it yelling fire in a theatre. I don't think the envelope is endangering any lives, but it sure could confuse a lot of people that maybe haven't been citizens very long.

re: #248 darthstar

I think, also, both sides are coming at this from different starting points. Both see the issues as being fundamentally different. Until everyone has agreed to the fundamental nature of what they are discussing, there will not be any possibility of compromise. They are talking about apples and oranges.

re: #253 thedopefishlives

Ya, that wound never work, eh?/

re: #250 Slap

coffee + anything = better