Overnight Open Thread

OpenJanuary 2012 • Views: 40,780

The eyes of fear want you to put bigger locks on your doors, buy guns, close yourself off. The eyes of love, instead, see all of us as one.

— Bill Hicks

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223 comments

Mostly sane, most of the time. Sun, Jan 29, 2012 9:46:09pm

The eyes of gluttony want you to put bigger cakes in your oven, more cookie dough in the fridge, and hide in the closet to eat your chocolate stash.

Invite me over.

Dark_Falcon Sun, Jan 29, 2012 9:49:20pm

Goodnight, All.

Slumbering Behemoth Stinks Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:00:33pm

Bill had a troofer streak, but he was a damn funny comedian. The following is NSFW, obviously.

Youtube Video

Dancing along the light of day Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:00:49pm

re: #1 EmmmieG

I scream, you scream we all scream for ice cream. Emmie, Oreo or Peanut Crunch?

Slumbering Behemoth Stinks Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:02:48pm

re: #4 Floral Giraffe

Baskin Robbins Peanut Butter Chocolate. There can be only one!

austin_blue Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:08:38pm

re: #3 Slumbering Behemoth

Bill had a troofer streak, but he was a damn funny comedian. The following is NSFW, obviously.

[Video]

You gots to love Bill Hicks. Died too soon.

Lidane Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:11:09pm

So just how evil do the freepers and nutjobs think the GOP establishment are?

Allen West being redistricted out of existence in effort led by Romney Florida spokesman

They're apoplectic about this:

We are clearly at war in our party. Newt is our battle plan.
---

I think West would make a great Sec of Defense.
---

In the past two decades - an entire generation - WHEN has the GOP fought ANY Democrat as hard as they are now fighting conservatives?
---

After hearing West last night, I think he'd accept Newt's offer!

What a combination that would make!

Pretty sad when your own party sets out to get you out of office. Hmmmmm, a great ad for a Gingrich/West campaign? "The establishment wanted both of us gone. Why? Because we tell the truth" or something like that.
---

Becoming increasingly clear that for the past decade, Romney has been working a ‘grand strategy’ for this 2012 nomination.

He has had plenty of time and money to build a covert operation in every State with the help of Governors, legislators and also the GOP US Congress.

Romney bought Nikki Haley, Pam Bondi, Marco Rubio, John McCain and others. No wonder the GOP establishment has been pro-Romney and critical or silent on Newt, Santorum, Perry, Paul, Bachmann and Huntsman.

More diabolical than the Hillary vs. Obama contest and don’t underestimate the Axelrod oppo research to produce all the records of donations and promises.
---

The Republican establishment and Romney with his minions of covert ops and snipers have been trying to kill the tea Party for 2 years. Sofar they have been somewhat successful. They took out Palin. They took out Cain. They took out Backman. They humbled the new congressional members and now seek to finish things off. Remaking the Republican party into thier progressive view of things is hard work but they are going to do it even if it kills the country.. Marxism or fabian socialism is our future unless we can prevail in this election.
---

Newt, Palin, Cain, West, and possibly Paul could form a nice core for a new party. If that many influential people banded together others would follow. Then Romney and the rest of the socialism supporting scum could finish what remains of the GOP (what’s left now certainly doesn’t live up to the “Grand” moniker)
---

I can’t figure out how Romney obtained all this power in our party. He’s an unimpressive one term governor from a liberal state. Dick Morris keeps mentioning how Romney set the February primary schedule to his favor, and now we see how he is impacting florida congressional districts. Where I’d his power and influence come from?

Targetpractice Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:14:58pm

re: #7 Lidane

So just how evil do the freepers and nutjobs think the GOP establishment are?

Allen West being redistricted out of existence in effort led by Romney Florida spokesman

They're apoplectic about this:

I think West would make a great Sec of Defense.

ROFLMAO

Yes, that's just what we need, a war criminal running the DoD.

JAFO Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:16:13pm

re: #7 Lidane

I'm amused by the omnipotence ascribed to everybody they don't like.

Gus Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:17:01pm

re: #9 mracb

I'm amused by the omnipotence ascribed to everybody they don't like.

Moozlamic ray guns.

Kragar Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:18:26pm

re: #7 Lidane

We are clearly at war in our party. Newt is our battle plan.

The derpery of that statement alone is mind boggling.

makeitstop Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:18:52pm

re: #7 Lidane

So just how evil do the freepers and nutjobs think the GOP establishment are?

Allen West being redistricted out of existence in effort led by Romney Florida spokesman

They're apoplectic about this:

I think West would make a great Sec of Defense.

Shudder to think.

Slumbering Behemoth Stinks Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:22:05pm

Newt is our battle plan.

¿Que?

Gus Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:22:18pm

Habu flies with Rob Holland

Youtube Video

Kragar Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:23:18pm

If Newt is the plan, the objective is stupid.

Slumbering Behemoth Stinks Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:25:33pm

re: #14 Gus 802

Hawt damn that looks like fun. Is it possible to smile while vomiting?

Alexzander Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:26:48pm

I highly recommend the Bill Hicks documentary American: The Bill Hicks Story.

Youtube Video

Varek Raith Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:31:46pm

Good morning, meat bags.

Slumbering Behemoth Stinks Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:32:10pm

If I ever win the lottery, one of the first things I'm gonna do is take flying lessons.

Targetpractice Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:34:22pm

re: #19 Slumbering Behemoth

If I ever win the lottery, one of the first things I'm gonna do is take flying lessons.

Just the take-off lessons, not the landing ones?

Varek Raith Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:35:16pm

re: #20 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

Just the take-off lessons, not the landing ones?

//

Landing is for the birds.

Slumbering Behemoth Stinks Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:35:40pm

re: #18 Varek Raith

Statement:...

Slumbering Behemoth Stinks Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:37:19pm

re: #20 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

Sorry, I'm not religious.
/

Varek Raith Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:39:11pm

SB would land a plan similar to how Ace parks a car...

Youtube Video

Gus Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:39:41pm

re: #19 Slumbering Behemoth

If I ever win the lottery, one of the first things I'm gonna do is take flying lessons.

Giant scale!

goddamnedfrank Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:40:24pm

"Slavery is of course portrayed in the textbooks nowadays I'm sure as a totally negative thing. Had there not been slavery in the south, the economy would've fallen," said Tea Party Activist Brian Rieck.

LOLWUT, is there nothing that the invisible hand can't justify?

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:41:06pm

Varek Raith Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:41:57pm

re: #27 Sergey Romanov

oy

Image: trollface.jpg

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:42:35pm

re: #28 Varek Raith

Slumbering Behemoth Stinks Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:43:15pm

re: #24 Varek Raith

Heh, you give me too much credit.

Varek Raith Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:43:55pm

Spaceship house on a volcano
Neat.

Slumbering Behemoth Stinks Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:44:53pm

re: #25 Gus 802

When I was a little kid, I would have begged to be put in that thing.

Slumbering Behemoth Stinks Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:48:31pm

re: #31 Varek Raith

How'd they even find Newt's birthplace?

Varek Raith Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:49:30pm

re: #33 Slumbering Behemoth

How'd they even find Newt's birthplace?

Orbiting mirrors.

Targetpractice Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:49:51pm

re: #26 goddamnedfrank

LOLWUT, is there nothing that the invisible hand can't justify?

Orwell was just off by 30 years.

Lidane Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:49:57pm

"Slavery is of course portrayed in the textbooks nowadays I'm sure as a totally negative thing. Had there not been slavery in the south, the economy would've fallen," said Tea Party Activist Brian Rieck.

*sigh*

Another child who got left behind in school.

Varek Raith Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:52:19pm

Norquist: Republicans Will Impeach Obama If He Doesn’t Extend Bush Tax Cuts

NORQUIST: Obama can sit there and let all the tax [cuts] lapse, and then the Republicans will have enough votes in the Senate in 2014 to impeach. The last year, he’s gone into this huddle where he does everything by executive order. He’s made no effort to work with Congress.

OWS

Varek Raith Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:53:31pm

re: #36 Lidane

*sigh*

Another child who got left behind in school.

It, like, totally was a negative thing.

Targetpractice Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:53:44pm

re: #37 Varek Raith

Norquist: Republicans Will Impeach Obama If He Doesn’t Extend Bush Tax Cuts

OWS

Can you imagine a man more full of shit?

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:54:13pm

re: #37 Varek Raith

Norquist: Republicans Will Impeach Obama If He Doesn’t Extend Bush Tax Cuts

OWS

Jane Hamsher's buddy says what?

Slumbering Behemoth Stinks Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:54:42pm

re: #37 Varek Raith

Obama Wussification Syndrome?

... and then the Republicans will have enough votes in the Senate in 2014...

I thought only very young children had that kind of optimism.

Kragar Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:55:57pm

re: #37 Varek Raith

Norquist: Republicans Will Impeach Obama If He Doesn’t Extend Bush Tax Cuts

OWS

Because the Constitution says letting legislation lapse when its run it allotted time is grounds for impeachment.

Lidane Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:57:28pm

re: #37 Varek Raith

Norquist: Republicans Will Impeach Obama If He Doesn’t Extend Bush Tax Cuts

Since when does not extending tax cuts to the rich equate to treason or a high crime or misdemeanor?

Norquist can go fuck himself. Anyone who seriously tried to impeach over that is delusional.

Gus Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:57:32pm

re: #40 Sergey Romanov

Jane Hamsher's buddy says what?

/

Micro-politics. Target marketed. Niche market share.

Lidane Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:58:11pm

re: #39 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

Can you imagine a man more full of shit?

Newt Gingrich.

Targetpractice Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:58:42pm

Personally, I like how Norquist notes the "temporary" nature of the payroll tax cut...and then says if Obama wins in November and allows the Bush Tax Cuts (also temporary) to lapse, the GOP will impeach him in '14.

Seriously, it's like watching Clinton's presidency all over again. The irony being that the architect of the GOP's '96 blowout is now running for the party's nomination for the presidency.

Varek Raith Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:59:03pm

re: #41 Slumbering Behemoth

Obama Wussification Syndrome?

I thought only very young children had that kind of optimism.

I thought I'd get more attention if I brought up Occupy.
:P

Targetpractice Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:59:13pm

re: #45 Lidane

Newt Gingrich.

I'm not sure all that bulk is shit. I'm actually pretty sure it's at least 50% hot air.

Gus Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10:59:39pm

Pink Floyd - Comfortably Numb

Youtube Video

Slumbering Behemoth Stinks Sun, Jan 29, 2012 11:06:51pm

re: #47 Varek Raith

That only works on those who are obsessed with the obsessions of obsessives. Obsessively.

engineer cat Sun, Jan 29, 2012 11:07:23pm

Third Death of Newt

die, ye bloated, mendacious, amphibian of grandiosity

Targetpractice Sun, Jan 29, 2012 11:09:45pm

And also, Norquist mentions repatriation, and how Obama should have added that to the Bush Tax Cut extensions in '10, as though he didn't give enough away to begin with. And talks about how up to $800 billion could be brought back and "put into the economy," as though there's any chance of that actually happening.

Slumbering Behemoth Stinks Sun, Jan 29, 2012 11:13:55pm

re: #49 Gus 802

The numb feeling is only temporary, followed quickly by great enthusiasm.

Youtube Video

Gus Sun, Jan 29, 2012 11:24:36pm

Very tired. Good night.

engineer cat Sun, Jan 29, 2012 11:27:59pm

re: #52 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

And also, Norquist mentions repatriation, and how Obama should have added that to the Bush Tax Cut extensions in '10, as though he didn't give enough away to begin with. And talks about how up to $800 billion could be brought back and "put into the economy," as though there's any chance of that actually happening.

it's a reductive theory of economic activity that conditions all business actions on tax policy, fallacious in very much the same way as skinnerian psychology

Sol Berdinowitz Mon, Jan 30, 2012 12:33:55am

re: #33 Slumbering Behemoth

How'd they even find Newt's birthplace?

just follow the trail of slime originating from under a rock

Slumbering Behemoth Stinks Mon, Jan 30, 2012 12:37:19am

re: #56 ralphieboy

Fuck you, dude, that's not right. I'll not sit idly by while you insult the noble Gastropoda with such comparisons.

Have at thee!

Sol Berdinowitz Mon, Jan 30, 2012 12:38:20am

re: #57 Slumbering Behemoth

Limpet Bizkit!

Slumbering Behemoth Stinks Mon, Jan 30, 2012 12:59:27am

re: #58 ralphieboy

Buncha slugs.
/I don't think this kind of pun thread will slither very far...

Four More Tears Mon, Jan 30, 2012 1:00:28am

re: #3 Slumbering Behemoth

Bill had a troofer streak, but he was a damn funny comedian. The following is NSFW, obviously.

[Video]

I guess you could say he was way ahead of his time, having died in 1994...

Kragar Mon, Jan 30, 2012 1:05:26am

Gingrich vows to ban embryonic stem-cell research, questions in vitro practices

Speaking at a Baptist church in Winter Park on Saturday, the former speaker received a standing ovation when he declared that embryonic stem-cell research amounts to “the use of science to desensitize society over the killing of babies.”

And in a news conference Sunday, he said he would ban all embryonic stem-cell research, including that done on discarded embryos created by in vitro fertilization.

Gingrich added that he would also create a commission to study the ethics of in vitro fertilization, which has involved the creation of hundreds of thousands of excess embryos stored or discarded by fertility clinics.

“I believe life begins at conception, and the question I was raising was what happens to embryos in fertility clinics, and I would favor a commission to look seriously at the ethics of how we manage fertility clinics,” Gingrich said at a news conference outside another Baptist church here. “If you have in vitro fertilization, you are creating life; therefore, we should look seriously at what the rules should be for clinics that are doing that, because they are creating life.”

If women really want to have babies, they should just wait till they get raped the way God intended it to happen.
/

Four More Tears Mon, Jan 30, 2012 1:09:18am

re: #61 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Will it be banned on our moon base as well?

Slumbering Behemoth Stinks Mon, Jan 30, 2012 1:09:22am

re: #60 JasonA

I guess you could say he was way ahead of his time, having died in 1994...

Heh. I used "troofer" as a catch all for conspiracy theory nuts, and Bill was definitely one of those.

Still, he was a great stand up comic.

Sol Berdinowitz Mon, Jan 30, 2012 1:12:01am

re: #59 Slumbering Behemoth

Buncha slugs.
/I don't think this kind of pun thread will slither very far...

It will fall victim to a drive-bi-valve shooting...

Kragar Mon, Jan 30, 2012 1:13:27am

re: #64 ralphieboy

It will fall victim to a drive-bi-valve shooting...

I wish you guys would clam up, or do I need to flex some mussel?

Sol Berdinowitz Mon, Jan 30, 2012 1:15:22am

Good morning, conchos!

researchok Mon, Jan 30, 2012 1:15:47am

Morning, all

Kragar Mon, Jan 30, 2012 1:17:28am

re: #62 JasonA

Will it be banned on our moon base as well?

All moon babies will be conceived only with the consent of Newt Gingrich.

Sol Berdinowitz Mon, Jan 30, 2012 1:22:24am

re: #68 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

All moon babies will be conceived only with the consent of Newt Gingrich.

He will reinstitute Prima Noctis with himself as the Lunar Overlord

Kragar Mon, Jan 30, 2012 1:23:38am

re: #69 ralphieboy

He will reinstitute Prima Noctis with himself as the Lunar Overlord

"MY DOUGHY PROGENY WILL LOOK DOWN ON THE EARTH AND PREPARE BIG IDEAS!"

Slumbering Behemoth Stinks Mon, Jan 30, 2012 1:30:12am

re: #68 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

All moon babies will be conceived only with the consent of Newt Gingrich.

By right of Prima Newcte.

Slumbering Behemoth Stinks Mon, Jan 30, 2012 1:30:57am

re: #69 ralphieboy

Aw damnit, ya beat me to it. Sort of.

Sol Berdinowitz Mon, Jan 30, 2012 1:33:00am

re: #71 Slumbering Behemoth

By right of Prima Newcte.

All other breeding males will be Newtered

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Mon, Jan 30, 2012 1:34:23am

re: #66 ralphieboy

Hello, Newtilus.

Obdicut Mon, Jan 30, 2012 1:36:14am

Hi guys. What's newt?

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Mon, Jan 30, 2012 1:37:18am

re: #75 Obdicut

Hi guys. What's newt?

Newthing much.

Kragar Mon, Jan 30, 2012 1:40:16am

Cain you guys lighten up on the puns please?

Obdicut Mon, Jan 30, 2012 1:40:51am

re: #77 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Cain you guys lighten up on the puns please?

Well aren't you just a little fucking ray of sunshine.

Ack I have so much work.

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Mon, Jan 30, 2012 1:41:06am

re: #77 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Cain you guys lighten up on the puns please?

We cainnewt.

Kragar Mon, Jan 30, 2012 1:41:36am

re: #78 Obdicut

Well aren't you just a little fucking ray of sunshine.

Ack I have so much work.

Get off my Bachmann.

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Mon, Jan 30, 2012 1:41:39am

Youtube Video

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Mon, Jan 30, 2012 1:42:15am

re: #78 Obdicut

Well aren't you just a little fucking ray of sunshine.

A fucking ray gun would be more like it.

Obdicut Mon, Jan 30, 2012 1:42:42am

re: #82 Sergey Romanov

A fucking ray gun would be more like it.

Does that cost more than a regular ray gun?

Kragar Mon, Jan 30, 2012 1:44:28am

re: #83 Obdicut

Does that cost more than a regular ray gun?

Skip it, you get one, it never works right, but then people keep talking about it for 30 years like it was the best thing ever.

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Mon, Jan 30, 2012 1:44:30am

re: #83 Obdicut

Does that cost more than a regular ray gun?

Yes, but if you have a Boehner, you will pay.

freetoken Mon, Jan 30, 2012 1:45:38am

MP3 Audio

Obdicut Mon, Jan 30, 2012 2:16:48am

Compile. Fix bugs. Compile. Fix bugs.

Sisyphus ain't got nothing on me.

Slumbering Behemoth Stinks Mon, Jan 30, 2012 2:24:58am

re: #82 Sergey Romanov

A fucking ray gun would be more like it.

You mean this thing?

Youtube Video

boxhead Mon, Jan 30, 2012 2:38:17am

Feeling sorrowful...

Youtube Video

boxhead Mon, Jan 30, 2012 2:42:16am

re: #85 Sergey Romanov

Yes, but if you have a Boehner, you will pay.

dang it is cold here... I need to put on my Mits.

Obdicut Mon, Jan 30, 2012 2:54:19am

re: #89 boxhead

This is apparently the most depressing song ever produced:

Youtube Video

boxhead Mon, Jan 30, 2012 3:00:53am

re: #91 Obdicut

yeah... gloomy as all get out... Here is another one from the man in black.

Youtube Video

Varek Raith Mon, Jan 30, 2012 3:32:57am

What's up?

Image: pres-tax-tall.png

Sol Berdinowitz Mon, Jan 30, 2012 3:37:46am

re: #93 Varek Raith

What's up?

Image: pres-tax-tall.png

The MBF will descend soon and point out that Kerry paid a lower rate than Romney and even Bush.

But this is all about the point of view of the 2012 campaign, and Romney comes across as someone who is happy to take advantages of the tax breaks and tax rates available to the upper 1% and does not present the image or message of wanting to reform them to the benefit of the rest of us wage-earning slobs.

And that is going to be his Achilles' heel: he is not the sort of person we want to have in charge of tax policy in our nation.

Obdicut Mon, Jan 30, 2012 3:40:12am

re: #94 ralphieboy

Romney is basically Kerry. I think that's a problem for the GOP.

Targetpractice Mon, Jan 30, 2012 3:42:46am

re: #94 ralphieboy

The MBF will descend soon and point out that Kerry paid a lower rate than Romney and even Bush.

But this is all about the point of view of the 2012 campaign, and Romney comes across as someone who is happy to take advantages of the tax breaks and tax rates available to the upper 1% and does not present the image or message of wanting to reform them to the benefit of the rest of us wage-earning slobs.

And that is going to be his Achilles' heel: he is not the sort of person we want to have in charge of tax policy in our nation.

And the MBF will get bitch-slapped when she's pointed to the footnote that says that, for the purposes of the chart, Teresa's income and tax rate for '03 was lumped in with his.

Sol Berdinowitz Mon, Jan 30, 2012 3:42:53am

re: #95 Obdicut

Romney is basically Kerry. I think that's a problem for the GOP.

They share the trait that nobody can seem to like them or generate any enthusiasm. They look like the guy who just fired you and half your company's staff while giving himself a big bonus for cutting costs.

Which means that sh*t sticks to them. People liked Bush, and all but the most virulent bigots liked Obama. The sh*t did not stick, in fact, it even bounced back off them and stuck to the flingers.

Obdicut Mon, Jan 30, 2012 3:50:39am

US insurance companies cut coverage for Australian soldiers.

Way to help us keep good relations with our allies, fuckwads.

[Link: www.news.com.au...]

The company said that as a result of a smaller than expected insurance pool and high cancellation and payout rates it would have to cancel two of the three types of policies it offers with 60 days notice.

"Approximately 3000 ADF members held Chartis insurance products, with a strong probability that many of the existing policyholders were and are currently deployed," Defence said.

Part of the reason they're doing it is because they actually have to pay money when the soldiers get killed or injured.

Sol Berdinowitz Mon, Jan 30, 2012 3:58:57am

re: #98 Obdicut

Why do you hate the Free Market, and by extension, America?

100

RogueOne Mon, Jan 30, 2012 4:06:55am

NCBI ROFL: Probably the most horrifying scientific lecture ever.
[Link: blogs.discovermagazine.com...]

Although this lecture was given more than 20 years ago, the details have remained fresh in my mind, for reasons which will become obvious.

The lecture, which had an innocuous title along the lines of ‘Vaso-active therapy for erectile dysfunction’ was scheduled as an evening lecture of the Urodynamics Society in the hotel in which I was staying. I was a senior resident, hungry for knowledge, and at the AUA I went to every lecture that I could. About 15 min before the lecture I took the elevator to go to the lecture hall, and on the next floor a slight, elderly looking and bespectacled man, wearing a blue track suit and carrying a small cigar box, entered the elevator. He appeared quite nervous, and shuffled back and forth. He opened the box in the elevator, which became crowded, and started examining and ruffling through the 35 mm slides of micrographs inside. I was standing next to him, and could vaguely make out the content of the slides, which appeared to be a series of pictures of penile erection. I concluded that this was, indeed, Professor Brindley on his way to the lecture, although his dress seemed inappropriately casual.

You have to read the rest...

101

Obdicut Mon, Jan 30, 2012 4:07:11am

re: #99 ralphieboy

I'm surprised the insurance company was tone-deaf enough to admit part of the reason they were cutting the insurance was the number of payouts. That's unusually honest of them.

102

Obdicut Mon, Jan 30, 2012 4:08:01am

re: #100 RogueOne

I posted that the other day. It's one of my wife's favorite things.

That dude, by the way, abso-fuckinglutely pioneered the field and did amazing work. He's a pervert, but he's a highly functional pervert who has helped out his fellow man immeasurably.

103

RogueOne Mon, Jan 30, 2012 4:08:55am

re: #102 Obdicut

I would have paid money to attend, how hilarious is that story?

104

Sol Berdinowitz Mon, Jan 30, 2012 4:09:34am

re: #101 Obdicut

I'm surprised the insurance company was tone-deaf enough to admit part of the reason they were cutting the insurance was the number of payouts. That's unusually honest of them.

I still cannot get over it. People who volunteer to put themselves in harm's way for the sake of their coutry and we still have no scruples about letting people screw them over when it comes to taking care of their wounds.

105

Varek Raith Mon, Jan 30, 2012 4:09:47am

re: #100 RogueOne

NCBI ROFL: Probably the most horrifying scientific lecture ever.
[Link: blogs.discovermagazine.com...]

You have to read the rest...

That's some funny shit right there.

106

RogueOne Mon, Jan 30, 2012 4:18:15am

Keep your headphones off of your lap:

Testicular zap 'may stop sperm'
[Link: www.bbc.co.uk...]

A dose of ultrasound to the testicles can stop the production of sperm, according to researchers investigating a new form of contraception.

A study on rats published in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology showed that sound waves could be used to reduce sperm counts to levels that would cause infertility in humans.

Researchers described ultrasound as a "promising candidate" in contraception.

107

Sol Berdinowitz Mon, Jan 30, 2012 4:20:10am

re: #106 RogueOne

every sperm is sacred...

108

Varek Raith Mon, Jan 30, 2012 4:24:55am

re: #106 RogueOne

Keep your headphones off of your lap:

Testicular zap 'may stop sperm'
[Link: www.bbc.co.uk...]

Yeah, no.
Just.
No.

109

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Mon, Jan 30, 2012 4:31:00am

re: #94 ralphieboy

Pretty cool preemptive strike of invoking the MBF.

110

Obdicut Mon, Jan 30, 2012 4:31:51am

And another university failed to inform authorities about pedophilia.

[Link: www.annarbor.com...]

Last May, a resident physician at University of Michigan Hospital found a disturbing image on a thumb drive that was left in a locked lounge where residents work in the Pediatric Emergency Department.
It was a photograph of a “nude adult lying” on a young child whose arms "were bound" and appeared to be tied to a bed frame, university police records show.

The resident viewed several files on the drive that was left in the hospital computer she was using as she attempted to identify its owner. She suspected it might belong to another resident physician after opening a document with his name on it, records show.

She panicked, left the drive in the computer and went home because her shift was over. When she returned the next morning to file a report, the drive was no longer in the computer. She spoke with her supervisors and met with hospital security officials, sharing what she had seen and showing them the computer. She also met with the Office of the General Counsel and told them about it.

“I was told a few days after making the report that the matter was closed.” she recalled, according to court records recently unsealed in the case.

University officials waited another six months before reporting the child porn to university police.

Details of the incident can be found in two university police search warrant affidavits that were recently unsealed in the case against 36-year-old Stephen Jenson, who worked until late December as a resident physician at the hospital. He is charged with four counts of possessing child sexually abusive material and is scheduled to return to court next month for a preliminary hearing.

111

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Mon, Jan 30, 2012 4:33:18am

re: #106 RogueOne

That would actually be cool. Zero invasion? Just wave the magic wand over the berries...

112

Sol Berdinowitz Mon, Jan 30, 2012 4:34:39am

re: #109 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Pretty cool preemptive strike of invoking the MBF.

Similar discussion came up last nite regarding the Kennedys' wealth.

Pull back far enough and the MBF will always apply. But we are talking about the current campaign, where Romney's perceived status as a representative and advocate of the priveleges of the 1% is going to dog him.

113

Obdicut Mon, Jan 30, 2012 4:37:41am

re: #112 ralphieboy

Kerry's wealth was part of the problem I had with him. He's a nearly completely corporatist Democrat. It's part of the reason he lost. He was less-than-thrilling to the average joe. Romney has the same problem. He's a guy who's had all the breaks and, unsurprisingly, is very successful.

The main difference between them in personal narrative is that Kerry served with distinction in Vietnam and Romney got deferments for school and missionary work.

114

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Mon, Jan 30, 2012 4:39:46am

re: #112 ralphieboy

Before Gingrich decided to put on his "Asshat" and attacked Romney for his success, I would have told you that the only folks that would "dog" him about it were lefties.

Now? You are probably dead on.

115

Sol Berdinowitz Mon, Jan 30, 2012 4:42:19am

re: #114 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Before Gingrich decided to put on his "Asshat" and attacked Romney for his success, I would have told you that the only folks that would "dog" him about it were lefties.

Now? You are probably dead on.

I don't even see it as "attacking" him for his wealth. He made it legally and played by the same rules as most any other successful businessperson.

I just do not see him as a fit person to put in charge of determining tax policies for the rest of us.

116

Obdicut Mon, Jan 30, 2012 4:45:51am

re: #114 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Success doing what, matters.

To most people, anyway. Most people care about how someone else earns their money. our society prizes the earning of money above the method, but as individuals, most people still actually care what a guy does for a living. That's why we honor firefighters and make jokes about middle-managers. Even if that's a broad stereotype, and some middle managers may be awesome dudes whose job helps out a ton of people and some firefighters may be lazy jerks.

117

Our Precious Bodily Fluids Mon, Jan 30, 2012 4:46:36am

re: #108 Varek Raith

Yeah, no.
Just.
No.

Nah, it's worth it.

Youtube Video

118

Vicious Michigan Union Thug Mon, Jan 30, 2012 4:48:41am

re: #116 Obdicut

Success doing what, matters.

To most people, anyway. Most people care about how someone else earns their money. our society prizes the earning of money above the method, but as individuals, most people still actually care what a guy does for a living. That's why we honor firefighters and make jokes about middle-managers. Even if that's a broad stereotype, and some middle managers may be awesome dudes whose job helps out a ton of people and some firefighters may be lazy jerks.

I think that the people who developed the business model that created "disposable people"--who "consolidate" assignments, eliminate projects and recommend moving entire departments overseas in order to increase stockholders dividends or executive bonuses, I think those people are evil.

119

Sol Berdinowitz Mon, Jan 30, 2012 4:49:39am

re: #116 Obdicut

Success doing what, matters.

That's why we honor firefighters and make jokes about middle-managers. Even if that's a broad stereotype, and some middle managers may be awesome dudes whose job helps out a ton of people and some firefighters may be lazy jerks.

On the other hand, we also leave those firefighters who suffered long-term from rescuing people on 9/11 to prove the nature of their disability before offering compensation while we reward managers with golden parachutes after tanking their companies...

Some are just better at gaming the system, I guess.

120

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Mon, Jan 30, 2012 4:49:46am

re: #115 ralphieboy

I personally don't have a problem with someone's wealth and their legal pursuit of even more wealth ("How many yachts can you water ski behind!").

I also do not have any problem with someone's legal claiming of any and every tax advantage due to them.

Can you imagine anyone (right or left) looking at his accountant and saying... "Oh, no... that's enough! We don't need any more deductions. Let's go ahead and pay at this rate over here. I get a lot of advantages just by being an American!"

The conversations are generally a lot different. Something like, "Goddammit! I use that yacht primarily for business, you son of a bitch! I want every nickel I spent on it last year in my deductions! If you're going to be such a pussy about it! I'll find another accountant!"

121

Sol Berdinowitz Mon, Jan 30, 2012 4:51:08am

re: #120 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

I don't either, I just would never vote a person like that into office to determine tax policy for the rest of us wage-earing slobs who are not in a position to take advantage of all the deductions and loopholes these fellows have lobbied into place.

122

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Mon, Jan 30, 2012 4:53:00am

re: #121 ralphieboy

One thing that Romney has over Kerry? At least he didn't help write the tax code...

123

Varek Raith Mon, Jan 30, 2012 4:53:45am

The other problem with Romney is his blatantly stupid tone deafness.
"I'm unemployed."
"I was afraid I'd get a pink slip."
"It wasn't all that much" (374k in speaking fees)

124

Sol Berdinowitz Mon, Jan 30, 2012 4:54:22am

re: #122 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

One thing that Romney has over Kerry? At least he didn't help write the tax code...

tell me he didn't lobby for it or donate to candidates to help keep it in his favor...one one hand, it is perfectly legal and SOP in business and politics.

But I am not about to vote for it, and a lot of people will probably think the same way in November

125

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Mon, Jan 30, 2012 4:56:53am

re: #124 ralphieboy

Don't know. But I do know that Kerry was in Congress after he was rich.

126

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Mon, Jan 30, 2012 4:58:13am

re: #124 ralphieboy

Without this particular issue; what were the chances that you would have voted for a Republican?

127

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Mon, Jan 30, 2012 5:00:13am

re: #123 Varek Raith

Yeah. Those answers were tone-deaf. I agree.

Looking at someone and saying, "I can't imagine what that is like" rather than "I know how you feel" when they obviously have no clue how you feel is a much more empathetic response.

128

Douchecanoe and Ryan Too Mon, Jan 30, 2012 5:03:17am

Morning Lizardim from the snowy white north country. At least, it is for now, but with another mild (borderline warm) week coming up, it'll all be gone again soon enough.

re: #123 Varek Raith

The other problem with Romney is his blatantly stupid tone deafness.
"I'm unemployed."
"I was afraid I'd get a pink slip."
"It wasn't all that much" (374k in speaking fees)

I don't think it's tone deafness so much as he's just not equipped to relate socially to the "lower-class" citizens who make up the majority of America. When you're born and bred to the upper crust, you tend to develop a peculiar form of social ineptness - you accumulate habits more suited to high society than slumming with the Joes.

129

Obdicut Mon, Jan 30, 2012 5:04:05am

Okay. Burrowing back into my mound of work.

I hope the day at least proves interesting.

130

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Mon, Jan 30, 2012 5:05:11am

re: #128 thedopefishlives

"So, you're a plumber then. What on Earth is that?!?!"
-The Queen (Eddie Izzard)

131

Varek Raith Mon, Jan 30, 2012 5:06:19am

re: #130 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

"So, you're a plumber then. What on Earth is that?!?!"
-The Queen (Eddie Izzard)

The President of Burundi.

132

Sol Berdinowitz Mon, Jan 30, 2012 5:08:07am

re: #126 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Without this particular issue; what were the chances that you would have voted for a Republican?

I am prepared to weigh the relative merits of any candidate presented.

I even held my nose and voted for Bush in 2000 just because I somehow could not bring myself to vote for Gore/Liebermann (and certainly not for Nader) and I felt that I had to vote for somebody...

133

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Mon, Jan 30, 2012 5:08:24am

re: #131 Varek Raith

Speaking of which... my coffee cup is empty.

134

Douchecanoe and Ryan Too Mon, Jan 30, 2012 5:08:37am

re: #128 thedopefishlives

To elaborate a little bit more on my point, Romney knows what kind of image he needs to project to curry favor among the voters. He's just incapable of doing it because he doesn't understand how things work in a society that has to spend every penny it makes.

135

Varek Raith Mon, Jan 30, 2012 5:09:52am

re: #126 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Without this particular issue; what were the chances that you would have voted for a Republican?

Well, not at all.
I did vote for Bush on 04 and McCain in 08.
I'll vote for Obama in 12.

136

Vicious Michigan Union Thug Mon, Jan 30, 2012 5:10:33am

re: #132 ralphieboy

I am prepared to weigh the relative merits of any candidate presented.

I even held my nose and voted for Bush in 2000 just because I somehow could not bring myself to vote for Gore/Liebermann (and certainly not for Nader) and I felt that I had to vote for somebody...

I voted for Gore/Lieberman in 2000 and I'm sorry that he didn't win.
I also voted for Bill Clinton twice.

I guess I'm not as much of a Republican as I thought I was...

137

Douchecanoe and Ryan Too Mon, Jan 30, 2012 5:12:16am

re: #136 Alouette

I voted for Gore/Lieberman in 2000 and I'm sorry that he didn't win.
I also voted for Bill Clinton twice.

I guess I'm not as much of a Republican as I thought I was...

That's OK. Nowadays, it's a good thing. Heck, even I'm considering voting for Obama this year. I'm still not an overly huge fan of ObamaCare, but he's a heck of a lot better choice than whomever the other guys pick, and if he can get any of the agenda done that he laid out in the SOTU, then he's definitely got my vote.

138

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Mon, Jan 30, 2012 5:14:39am

re: #132 ralphieboy

I am prepared to weigh the relative merits of any candidate presented.

Awesome.

My first vote was for John Anderson, then it went straight Republican. If I had the advantage of a rear view mirror I would have voted for Clinton twice.

139

Sol Berdinowitz Mon, Jan 30, 2012 5:17:24am

re: #136 Alouette

I voted for Gore/Lieberman in 2000 and I'm sorry that he didn't win.
I also voted for Bill Clinton twice.

I guess I'm not as much of a Republican as I thought I was...

2000 was a very tough choice for me, but I just could not bring myself to vote for Gore/Liebermann no matter how hard I tried. I did not like Bush either, but I was not going to vote for Gore just to be against Bush.

Although in one sene it was all rather academic, as I am a registered voter in Arizona, which votes overwhelmingly Republican in any case.

140

Vicious Michigan Union Thug Mon, Jan 30, 2012 5:18:14am

re: #139 ralphieboy

2000 was a very tough choice for me, but I just could not bring myself to vote for Gore/Liebermann no matter how hard I tried. I did not like Bush either, but I was not going to vote for Gore just to be against Bush.

Although in one sene it was all rather academic, as I am a registered voter in Arizona, which votes overwhelmingly Republican in any case.

You vote by absentee ballot I assume?

141

Sol Berdinowitz Mon, Jan 30, 2012 5:18:22am

re: #138 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

My first vote was for John Anderson, then it went straight Republican.

I also voted Anderson just in the hope that it would help him receive the 5% he needed to receive election funds retroactively. I don't think he made it.

142

Sol Berdinowitz Mon, Jan 30, 2012 5:19:16am

re: #140 Alouette

You vote by absentee ballot I assume?

Yes, and you remind me that I have to re-register from Gila County to Maricopa County, as my sister (whose address I use) has moved since 2008.

143

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Mon, Jan 30, 2012 5:19:41am

re: #139 ralphieboy

The precinct where I grew up and voted until '04, when the votes were tallied and reported? I could point and show my son! "Hey! That's my vote!"

It would be in the area of a 600 - 10 ratio.

I shit you not.

144

Romantic Heretic Mon, Jan 30, 2012 5:28:11am

re: #39 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

Can you imagine a man more full of shit?

Not without Godwinning this thread.

145

jdog29 Mon, Jan 30, 2012 5:31:06am

my favorite latest...

146

Sol Berdinowitz Mon, Jan 30, 2012 5:31:23am

re: #144 Romantic Heretic

Not without Godwinning this thread.

To me there was nothing more tedious than the "Impeach Bush!" calls. Even though I even thought they might have some merit in an absolute sense, I knew it would be a political circus and a waste of time.

But Norquist is just spewing.

147

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Mon, Jan 30, 2012 5:32:51am

re: #139 ralphieboy

What was your Gore core issue? What about him did you dislike so much.

148

jdog29 Mon, Jan 30, 2012 5:33:38am

oops... :-D

Youtube Video

149

Sol Berdinowitz Mon, Jan 30, 2012 5:36:17am

re: #147 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

What was your Gore core issue? What about him did you dislike so much.

Liebermann, for starters. Him and Tipper's crusade to cleanse popular culture of filth. And I just do not know, I could not bring myself to vote for him, not even though I disliked Bush as well.

But I could not bring myself to vote for Gore just to vote against someone.

Like I said, it was all academic, Arizona went full-on Republican.

150

Sol Berdinowitz Mon, Jan 30, 2012 5:39:06am

off to work, bbl

151

jdog29 Mon, Jan 30, 2012 5:41:27am

re: #149 ralphieboy

Liebermann, for starters. Him and Tipper's crusade to cleanse popular culture of filth. And I just do not know, I could not bring myself to vote for him, not even though I disliked Bush as well.

But I could not bring myself to vote for Gore just to vote against someone.

Like I said, it was all academic, Arizona went full-on Republican.

That is so true... I'm in Illinois and it is a chore to vote at all....with the outcomes already determined in all but a handful of so called "swing states" it is surprising to see some of the vote totals in all of the "safe" states on either sides.

152

Feline Fearless Leader Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:09:23am

Good morning Lizards!
Clear and cool today in Philly (34 F).

A slow weekend spent doing chores and running errands.

153

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:17:47am

re: #136 Alouette

I voted for Gore/Lieberman in 2000 and I'm sorry that he didn't win.
I also voted for Bill Clinton twice.

I guess I'm not as much of a Republican as I thought I was...

You said you posted at freerepublic many years ago - it was founded as an anti-Clinton site. How did you cope there with such voting preferences? :)

154

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:18:20am

re: #135 Varek Raith

Well, not at all.
I did vote for Bush on 04 and McCain in 08.
I'll vote for Obama in 12.

:P

You also voted for Palin! Bwahahahaha!

155

Feline Fearless Leader Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:18:29am

And in other news the 20-year-old cat got put on a different blood pressure medication. He is not allowed to operate heavy machinery from now on. (He gets the same drug as used for hoo-mans, just a smaller dose.)

156

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:19:15am

re: #154 Sergey Romanov

You also voted for Palin! Bwahahahaha!

First of all. So did I.

Second? YOU SHUT UP!
/

157

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:20:14am

re: #156 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

First of all. So did I.

Second? YOU SHUT UP!
/

*high-pitched voice* voooted for Paaalin, voooted for Paaalin!

158

Feline Fearless Leader Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:21:02am

My voting pattern has been pretty much straight Democratic Party in recent years. The GOP went down the anti-education, anti-logic, and anti-reality path a while back in their pandering to the Socon base and that lost me their vote.

159

Feline Fearless Leader Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:21:56am

re: #157 Sergey Romanov

*high-pitched voice* voooted for Paaalin, voooted for Paaalin!

//

This place acts like a elementary school recess yard more and more every day.
//

160

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:22:35am

re: #159 oaktree

This place acts like a elementary school recess yard more and more every day.
//

You poopiehead!/

161

Vicious Michigan Union Thug Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:23:36am

re: #153 Sergey Romanov

You said you posted at freerepublic many years ago - it was founded as an anti-Clinton site. How did you cope there with such voting preferences? :)

I joined during the GWBush administration. My philosophy is, once an election has been decided, POTUS is POTUS whether I voted for him or not. I never had any patience for either the chad-counters or the Birfers.

Anyway, I stopped posting at FReep after the 2008 election.

162

darthstar Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:23:48am

I'm guessing now is not a good time for me to show up and raise the level of discourse.

Mornin' everyone.

163

Feline Fearless Leader Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:25:12am

re: #162 darthstar

I'm guessing now is not a good time for me to show up and raise the level of discourse.

Mornin' everyone.

Or you just put on the nun outfit and start imposing order by throwing chalk erasers at the malcontents.
/

164

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:27:04am

re: #161 Alouette

Frankly, I'm a little late to that party. I was a complete prick while Clinton was in office until very late in his second term.

I liked Bush; and since President Obama was elected I have tried to be very civil toward him. I think I've been effective to that end, because I have pissed off friends and relatives to no end with my "He's the fuckin' President, you need to shut up!" stance.

165

darthstar Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:28:30am

I don't hold voting for McCain against people. Just watching him stare at Palin's ass when they were on stage together was enough to make me imagine he would have been entertaining, if inept, as president. "We need more tax cuts because...because...have you seen the tits on my VP?"

166

darthstar Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:29:16am

re: #163 oaktree

Or you just put on the nun outfit and start imposing order by throwing chalk erasers at the malcontents.
/

I kicked that habit.

167

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:29:24am

re: #165 darthstar

I don't hold voting for McCain against people. Just watching him stare at Palin's ass when they were on stage together was enough to make me imagine he would have been entertaining, if inept, as president. "We need more tax cuts because...because...have you seen the tits on my VP?"

Level of discourse successfully raised. //

168

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:29:54am

re: #166 darthstar

I kicked that habit.

Pray tell, why?

169

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:29:55am

re: #165 darthstar

I still think she would have been a total "VPilf".

170

darthstar Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:30:20am

re: #167 Sergey Romanov

Level of discourse successfully raised. //

It's a gift.

171

Douchecanoe and Ryan Too Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:34:43am

re: #164 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Frankly, I'm a little late to that party. I was a complete prick while Clinton was in office until very late in his second term.

I liked Bush, and since President Obama has been elected I have tried to be very civil toward him. I think I've been effective to that end, because I have pissed off friends and relatives to no end with my "He's the fuckin' President, you need to shut up!" stance.

I try to be more civil when discussing these issues with my hardcore-GOP-for-life family. I generally hedge both sides by saying that I don't like some of the stuff Obama has done (true) but that the Republican candidates are a bunch of whackjobs (also true). Generally, that's enough to get a nod and a murmur of assent without ruffling too many feathers. When it comes down to it, though, I know which one I would prefer to be in office when the dust settles in November. And I'm pretty sure my family won't be happy with that.

172

darthstar Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:35:04am

re: #169 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

I still think she would have been a total "VPilf".

But a disaster for the country in every other conceivable way. And being president is much harder than running for President. Look at how much Obama (or Clinton of Bush for that matter) has aged in his first term. I honestly think the stresses of that job (if you take it seriously and don't just hide out cutting brush or eating jelly beans) would have been too much for McCain and we'd be watching the GOP primary themselves this year anyway...for fear of a President Palin.

173

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:39:42am

re: #172 darthstar

I think the probability of McCain dying during the first term is very, very high (given the stress). And then welcome Pres. Palin. While I'm not pissed at people who voted for Palin and later saw the light, I did use to call Palin voters ... some choice names for some time after the elections.

174

reine.de.tout Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:40:32am

re: #162 darthstar

I'm guessing now is not a good time for me to show up and raise the level of discourse.

Mornin' everyone.

And what makes you think you're qualified to raise the level of discourse?

175

Feline Fearless Leader Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:40:49am

re: #170 darthstar

It's a gift.

Do you play the balalaika?

176

darthstar Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:41:04am

re: #171 thedopefishlives

I try to be more civil when discussing these issues with my hardcore-GOP-for-life family. I generally hedge both sides by saying that I don't like some of the stuff Obama has done (true) but that the Republican candidates are a bunch of whackjobs (also true).

I don't engage my family in political discussion. They like to prod me soon enough and I'll say, "That's bullshit and you know it, but you only watch Fox news" then pick apart one of their many misconceptions - and my dad will usually agree...then ignore that point completely. I then tell them to keep on pretending the president is a foreign born muslim but to try not to say that in public because it makes them look like retards.

177

reine.de.tout Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:41:17am

re: #164 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Frankly, I'm a little late to that party. I was a complete prick while Clinton was in office until very late in his second term.

I liked Bush, and since President Obama has been elected I have tried to be very civil toward him. I think I've been effective to that end, because I have pissed off friends and relatives to no end with my "He's the fuckin' President, you need to shut up!" stance.

Ditto, here.

178

darthstar Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:41:48am

re: #175 oaktree

Do you play the balalaika?

I have a mandolin...will that suffice?

179

Feline Fearless Leader Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:44:40am

re: #178 darthstar

I have a mandolin...will that suffice?

It depends. Who taught you?

180

Douchecanoe and Ryan Too Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:44:44am

re: #176 darthstar

I don't engage my family in political discussion. They like to prod me soon enough and I'll say, "That's bullshit and you know it, but you only watch Fox news" then pick apart one of their many misconceptions - and my dad will usually agree...then ignore that point completely. I then tell them to keep on pretending the president is a foreign born muslim but to try not to say that in public because it makes them look like retards.

I think my main concern is that I don't want to get into it with any of my family. I get to see them so rarely and I'd rather just keep the peace and not drop a nuclear bomb on family relations by revealing that I don't think Obama is a sooper-sekrit Kenyan Muslim bent on taking over the US.

181

darthstar Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:47:13am

re: #173 Sergey Romanov

I think the probability of McCain dying during the first term is very, very high (given the stress). And then welcome Pres. Palin. While I'm not pissed at people who voted for Palin and later saw the light, I did use to call Palin voters ... some choice names for some time after the elections.

Most people woke up to that possibility and breathed a big sigh of relief when they watched the inauguration - regardless of party. Those who still feel Palin would be good for this country are beyond help.

182

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:49:39am

Fuck, how time flies.

183

Feline Fearless Leader Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:52:35am

re: #182 Sergey Romanov

Fuck, how time flies.

Like an arrow.

Fruit flies like a banana.

184

darthstar Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:55:56am

re: #180 thedopefishlives

I think my main concern is that I don't want to get into it with any of my family. I get to see them so rarely and I'd rather just keep the peace and not drop a nuclear bomb on family relations by revealing that I don't think Obama is a sooper-sekrit Kenyan Muslim bent on taking over the US.

My family's all well educated. I've taken to bluntness with them for the sake of my nieces and nephews. I'll say, "You're not doing your kids any favors by teaching them to be closed-minded. You want them to survive when they get to college, right?" That usually gets their attention...most of their anti-Obama rhetoric is just political grandstanding and Fox News parroting and they don't actually beieve it if they think about it for a minute.

We were having a family brunch over Mother's Day and my uber-conservative brother's kid said he didn't know why he had to learn about Muslims in school. Before my brother could make a joke about liberal education being a waste I shot across the table with, "Because you don't want people to think you're a fucking retard when you get to college." A brief pause in eating and conversation, then nods of agreement all around. My brother got the message I was really trying to deliver.

185

darthstar Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:56:30am

re: #182 Sergey Romanov

Fuck, how time flies.

Yep...time to wake the missus with a cup of tea.

186

Holidays are Family Fun Time Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:57:17am

Morning all!

Brat Puppy came in second in his class at yesterday's show. No points, but good experience. I, didn't earn any points eitiher.

I did get to meet an Irish Wolfhound, a Bloodhound and a Pyrenees that all seemed to think I was an OK person.

How is your morning going?

187

darthstar Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:58:48am

re: #186 ggt

Morning all!

Brat Puppy came in second in his class at yesterday's show. No points, but good experience. I, didn't earn any points eitiher.

I did get to meet an Irish Wolfhound, a Bloodhound and a Pyrenees that all seemed to think I was an OK person.

How is your morning going?

Pictures! Brat puppy and the others.

188

Feline Fearless Leader Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:59:25am

re: #186 ggt

Morning all!

Brat Puppy came in second in his class at yesterday's show. No points, but good experience. I, didn't earn any points eitiher.

I did get to meet an Irish Wolfhound, a Bloodhound and a Pyrenees that all seemed to think I was an OK person.

How is your morning going?

So your weekend went completely to the dogs, did it?

189

Holidays are Family Fun Time Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:59:35am

re: #184 darthstar

My family's all well educated. I've taken to bluntness with them for the sake of my nieces and nephews. I'll say, "You're not doing your kids any favors by teaching them to be closed-minded. You want them to survive when they get to college, right?" That usually gets their attention...most of their anti-Obama rhetoric is just political grandstanding and Fox News parroting and they don't actually beieve it if they think about it for a minute.

We were having a family brunch over Mother's Day and my uber-conservative brother's kid said he didn't know why he had to learn about Muslims in school. Before my brother could make a joke about liberal education being a waste I shot across the table with, "Because you don't want people to think you're a fucking retard when you get to college." A brief pause in eating and conversation, then nods of agreement all around. My brother got the message I was really trying to deliver.

I wouldn't mind the "I hate Obama" crowd nearly so much if they didn't parrot FOX News. The groupthink pisses me off. For the category of political thinkers who champion the individual, I haven't heard much individual thought.

190

Douchecanoe and Ryan Too Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:59:59am

re: #184 darthstar

My family is all well educated as well, but it was hard for me to dig my way out of the sheltered hole my sister and I were raised in. Since I only have the one sister (whom I am very close to) and no nieces or nephews on that side (yet!), I'm not really so worried about it.

191

Holidays are Family Fun Time Mon, Jan 30, 2012 7:01:28am

re: #188 oaktree

So your weekend went completely to the dogs, did it?

Oh, it did. I spent most of the day meeting dogs and grooming them. It was rather wonderful. I even got to hold a Malamute Puppy. He let me hold him like a baby.

There were a few owners who where there just to socialize their older puppies. So, lots of love was given.

192

lawhawk Mon, Jan 30, 2012 7:01:44am

re: #181 darthstar

I was one of the people who voted for McCain because I didn't think Obama was up to the task - really not experienced and thought he was lacking on foreign policy experience. Greatly and pleasantly surprised that he's been up to the task.

Palin being on the ticket didn't affect my vote either way though. I wasn't one of *those* voters.

Oh, and I caught something over the weekend that I just can't quite describe. I was flipping channels Sunday morning and caught the McLaughin Group discussing the SOTU, and Pat Buchanan called Obama's speech great - it was centrist and hit all the themes that a conservative and a GOP would be wanting to hear (including the Iraq/Afghanistan withdrawals, killing OBL, etc.)

Well, blow me down. Never thought I'd hear that. Of course, broken clocks are wrong and all that - but he was right on the policy statements and the laundry list of things to do (or have been done) - many of them are GOP-type ideas that if a GOPer were to have said it would be hailed as the second coming of Reagan, but because it's Obama, the GOP sat on its hands.

I think voters across the country who saw the speech probably thought the same thing. They saw that Congress was the real problem, not the President here (and the President gets to not only run against a GOP candidate for President, but against a Congress that has been obstructionist and can't get its own house in order). That's a winning combination for reelection.

193

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Mon, Jan 30, 2012 7:03:47am

re: #192 lawhawk

Oh, and I caught something over the weekend that I just can't quite describe. I was flipping channels Sunday morning and caught the McLaughin Group discussing the SOTU, and Pat Buchanan called Obama's speech great - it was centrist and hit all the themes that a conservative and a GOP would be wanting to hear (including the Iraq/Afghanistan withdrawals, killing OBL, etc.)

Well, blow me down. Never thought I'd hear that.

Youtube Video

194

darthstar Mon, Jan 30, 2012 7:05:28am

re: #192 lawhawk

I think voters across the country who saw the speech probably thought the same thing. They saw that Congress was the real problem, not the President here (and the President gets to not only run against a GOP candidate for President, but against a Congress that has been obstructionist and can't get its own house in order). That's a winning combination for reelection.

I hope so. My biggest fear is a GOP majority in both houses and Romney there to rubber stamp them.

195

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Mon, Jan 30, 2012 7:07:08am

re: #194 darthstar

I hope so. My biggest fear is a GOP majority in both houses and Romney there to rubber stamp them.

Yes, "moderate" or not, he will have neither guts, nor inclination to stand up to the Tea Party Congress.

196

Varek Raith Mon, Jan 30, 2012 7:08:25am

Thank Zod the world ends soon.
Dodged a bullet.

197

sattv4u2 Mon, Jan 30, 2012 7:09:53am

re: #196 Varek Raith

Thank Zod the worlds ends soon.
Dodged a bullet.

All of them? I thought the Mayans were just talkin' bout earth!

198

Douchecanoe and Ryan Too Mon, Jan 30, 2012 7:10:29am

re: #194 darthstar

I hope so. My biggest fear is a GOP majority in both houses and Romney there to rubber stamp them.

Yeah, it's not going to happen. I'm honestly not afraid of it. I think OWS is an indication that people are waking up to what's going on in this country. My only concern is that the increasingly unhinged sets of elected officials may start taking the mere fact of election as a popular mandate instead of the voting public merely holding their nose and voting for the "least bad".

199

kirkspencer Mon, Jan 30, 2012 7:13:00am

re: #194 darthstar

I hope so. My biggest fear is a GOP majority in both houses and Romney there to rubber stamp them.

I think Dems will lose seats in the Senate but keep the majority. In the house they'll gain seats, but not enough. And I expect Obama to win against Romney by a small but uncontestable margin.

The plus/minus to that goes:

If Romney's forced to continue campaigning past Super Tuesday, the margin will be larger for Obama. Further, his coattails could become long enough to put the Dems back in charge of the house.

If we have a second dip to the recession the margin could do anything from contestable to Romney winning. Reverse the coattails appropriately, though I don't think any of them are long enough to put the Republicans in charge of the Senate this time around.

counterpoint to that last minus. In the event of a second recession, if the president comes out with a clear "we must help people work" message and Romney (much less the Republicans in Congress) continue to espouse the need for more cuts and denial of programs, it becomes almost as much a positive for Obama as a long Republican nomination process.

200

Holidays are Family Fun Time Mon, Jan 30, 2012 7:15:09am

I've been listening the book Boomerang by Michael Lewis.

He wrote about how the so called Conservatives of various countries (Iceland, Greece) ruined their economies. I've just finished the section on Greece.

Anyone else read this book and have any opinions.

He is rather tongue 'n cheek about it, so I don't know how serious to take his observations.

201

Vicious Michigan Union Thug Mon, Jan 30, 2012 7:18:55am

re: #200 ggt

I've been listening the book Boomerang by Michael Lewis.

He wrote about how the so called Conservatives of various countries (Iceland, Greece) ruined their economies. I've just finished the section on Greece.

Anyone else read this book and have any opinions.

He is rather tongue 'n cheek about it, so I don't know how serious to take his observations.

It would make me crazy to "listen" rather than read a book. When I take a long car trip I like to listen to music (played Beethoven's Complete Symphonies on the way to NY and back).

202

lawhawk Mon, Jan 30, 2012 7:19:43am

re: #193 Sergey Romanov

He must be a RINO. /

203

sattv4u2 Mon, Jan 30, 2012 7:22:25am

re: #201 Alouette

It would make me crazy to "listen" rather than read a book. When I take a long car trip I like to listen to music (played Beethoven's Complete Symphonies on the way to NY and back).

Exactly

When I'm in the car and I listen to my wife, at least I can tune her out and not miss anything important
With an audio book, not so much

OUCH,, oh ,, hi honey,, I didn't know you were standing behind me!

204

kirkspencer Mon, Jan 30, 2012 7:25:40am

re: #203 sattv4u2

Exactly

When I'm in the car and I listen to my wife, at least I can tune her out and not miss anything important
With an audio book, not so much

OUCH,, oh ,, hi honey,, I didn't know you were standing behind me!

My concern is that I would pay attention to the book ... instead of the driving.

205

sattv4u2 Mon, Jan 30, 2012 7:26:43am

re: #204 kirkspencer

My concern is that I would pay attention to the book ... instead of the driving.

Staring at the CD player?
//

206

Feline Fearless Leader Mon, Jan 30, 2012 7:28:28am

re: #198 thedopefishlives

Yeah, it's not going to happen. I'm honestly not afraid of it. I think OWS is an indication that people are waking up to what's going on in this country. My only concern is that the increasingly unhinged sets of elected officials may start taking the mere fact of election as a popular mandate instead of the voting public merely holding their nose and voting for the "least bad".

I think my main issue with this is how much additional damage gets caused from a 4-8 year run of do nothing to do worse and how much time then gets burned afterwards trying to reverse the worse bits that were passed.

And under a Romney adminstration I think we'd see a constant run of bills attempting to sweep back the tide of the previous 20 year's social changes. Which I think will further polarize our political climate.

207

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Mon, Jan 30, 2012 7:30:00am

re: #201 Alouette

It would make me crazy to "listen" rather than read a book. When I take a long car trip I like to listen to music (played Beethoven's Complete Symphonies on the way to NY and back).

I drive about 70 thousand miles a year. Audio books are required for my sanity. I'm almost to the point that I can't read actual words anymore.

I haven't read a real book in five years. But, I've listened to hundreds.

208

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Mon, Jan 30, 2012 7:31:28am

‎"When you look at the world in a narrow way, how narrow it seems! When you look at it in a mean way, how mean it is! When you look at it selfishly, how selfish it is! But when you look at it in a broad, generous, friendly spirit, what wonderful people you find in it." - Horace Rutledge

209

sattv4u2 Mon, Jan 30, 2012 7:33:18am

re: #207 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

I drive about 70 thousand miles a year. Audio books are required for my sanity. I'm almost to the point that I can't read actual words anymore.

I haven't read a real book in five years. But, I've listened to hundreds.

I thought you just hung your head out the window and let the breeze blow through your hair!

210

Feline Fearless Leader Mon, Jan 30, 2012 7:35:26am

re: #209 sattv4u2

I thought you just hung your head out the window and let the breeze blow through your hair!

No. His head goes out the window to yell at the snail speed Subarus blocking his way.

(BTW FBV was that you behind me on PA-320 yesterday?)
;)

211

sattv4u2 Mon, Jan 30, 2012 7:40:57am

re: #207 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

I drive about 70 thousand miles a year. Audio books are required for my sanity. I'm almost to the point that I can't read actual words anymore.

I haven't read a real book in five years. But, I've listened to hundreds.

do your lips move when you're listening to the book?

212

sattv4u2 Mon, Jan 30, 2012 7:41:27am

re: #210 oaktree

No. His head goes out the window to yell at the snail speed Subarus blocking his way.

(BTW FBV was that you behind me on PA-320 yesterday?)
;)

heavy set guy ,,,, lips moving ,,,, cake on the passenger seat?
That was him!

213

Holidays are Family Fun Time Mon, Jan 30, 2012 7:46:59am

Just been on Amazon.com chat resolving a billing issue. They are great.

So, lots of comments about audio books in general, but none about the actual book I mentioned?

214

sattv4u2 Mon, Jan 30, 2012 7:47:35am

re: #213 ggt

:( sorry ,,,, didn't read it

215

Feline Fearless Leader Mon, Jan 30, 2012 7:48:35am

re: #213 ggt

Just been on Amazon.com chat resolving a billing issue. They are great.

So, lots of comments about audio books in general, but none about the actual book I mentioned?

Haven't read it, listened to it, or heard any other commentary on it. So I am ill-informed to make meaningful comments on it, therefore I did not.

216

Holidays are Family Fun Time Mon, Jan 30, 2012 7:50:48am

re: #215 oaktree