N. Korea Agrees to Suspend Nuclear Activities for US Food Aid

Major breakthrough

WorldFebruary 2012 • Views: 33,536

This could be huge: N.Korea Agrees to Nuclear Moratorium, IAEA Inspections.

WASHINGTON, Feb 29 (Reuters) - North Korea agreed on Wednesday to stop nuclear tests, uranium enrichment and long-range missile launches, and to allow checks by nuclear inspectors, in an apparent policy shift that paves the way for resuming long-stalled disarmament talks.

The surprise breakthrough, announced simultaneously by the U.S. State Department and North Korea, also includes U.S. food aid for the impoverished state and makes possible the resumption of six-nation nuclear negotiations with Pyongyang. The news followed bilateral diplomatic talks in Beijing last week.

“These are concrete measures that we consider a positive first step toward complete and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean peninsula in a peaceful manner,” White House spokesman Jay Carney said.

Analysts cautioned that Pyongyang had backtracked repeatedly on past deals, but the moves by North Korea mark a sharp change in course, at least outwardly, by North Korea’s reclusive leadership after the death in December of veteran leader Kim Jong-il.

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202 comments

Achilles Tang Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:28:10pm

We have been here before. Every president gets a turn.

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:29:31pm

re: #1 Blue Spot Vlamingii Tang

We have been here before.

Maybe the young bloodsucker will be more pliable.

Kronocide Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:30:40pm

re: #1 Blue Spot Vlamingii Tang

We have been here before.

Not necessarily since the previous dictator is dead. But caution and a good view of history is prudent.

Gus Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:31:15pm

Good news. Of course this won't ever satisfy the 101st Chairborne. One must be an optimist in these things. It beats the alternative.

Charles Johnson Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:31:23pm

re: #1 Blue Spot Vlamingii Tang

We have been here before. Every president gets a turn.

Not really - with the death of Kim Jong Il these are encouraging signs. Sure, it could still fall apart, but this is a definite change in tone.

Killgore Trout Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:32:17pm

Timeline of North Korea nuclear program
They do this every couple years.

General Nimrod Bodfish Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:33:31pm

re: #5 Charles Johnson

Not really - with the death of Kim Jong Il these are encouraging signs. Sure, it could still fall apart, but this is a definite change in tone.

Exactly. We knew with Kim Jong Il what such gestures ultimately don't lead to. Everyone has been wondering how differently his successor will be, and so far it looks promising. Now we must wait to see what comes out of it.

Achilles Tang Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:34:25pm

re: #2 Rush Limpaugh, PhDick

Maybe the young bloodsucker will be more pliable.

Does anyone seriously think a little fat boy in his 20's tells that country what to do?//

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:34:28pm

Oh, Carla! You breakin' my heart.

Kronocide Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:34:50pm

I'm sure this will end up being bad news in some circles.....

Charles Johnson Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:35:04pm

The fact is, like the Soviet Union, North Korea can't keep going for much longer with their current policies. They're literally starving their own country to death.

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:36:32pm

re: #8 Blue Spot Vlamingii Tang

Does anyone seriously think a little fat boy in his 20's tells that country what to do?//

I didn't say that. However if it's the military that is behind the move, then this could be due to absence of Kim Jong Il, and softness of Dracula Jr.

Kronocide Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:37:12pm

re: #11 Charles Johnson

Maybe some of them in the upper power structure know this, and with Kim il Jong dead, there's a lifting of fear to speak of this reality.

palomino Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:38:43pm

re: #6 Killgore Trout

Timeline of North Korea nuclear program
They do this every couple years.

Their dictator dies every couple years?

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:39:54pm

re: #14 palomino

Their dictator dies every couple years?

Killgore Trout Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:40:13pm

re: #14 palomino

Their dictator dies every couple years?

re: #14 palomino

Their dictator dies every couple years?

Those who fail to understand history are doomed to repeat it.
....repeat it.
....repeat it.

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:41:01pm

WMD.

[dobro slide]

Gus Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:42:45pm

Myanmar turned around. Russia, China, Vietnam Cuba, and so on.

Iwouldprefernotto Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:43:40pm

re: #16 Killgore Trout

re: #14 palomino

Those who fail to understand history are doomed to repeat it.
...repeat it.
...repeat it.

You are so missing the point. We give them food and get to inspect. Could they cheat? Of course. But the alternatives are all much worse.

Trust but verify -- Reagan
Give peace a chance -- Lennon

Achilles Tang Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:43:48pm

re: #11 Charles Johnson

The fact is, like the Soviet Union, North Korea can't keep going for much longer with their current policies. They're literally starving their own country to death.

I disagree. The leadership doesn't starve and the population control is Orwellian. Far worse than the USSR. There will be no revolution by the people (and China prefers the status quo just as it does in Syria).

A coup by the generals is equally improbably as they will hang themselves if they allow more liberty.

China could change them but they have no ethics of that sort, and it would be expensive for them with refugees and the like. Even South Korea would have a hard time absorbing the north, worse than Germany did with the east not long ago.

(pessimism rules today. Check back tomorrow)

Gus Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:44:16pm

re: #16 Killgore Trout

re: #14 palomino

Those who fail to understand history are doomed to repeat it.
...repeat it.
...repeat it.

So should the administration have rejected this and instead continue along a path of aggression?

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:45:19pm

re: #19 Iwouldprefernotto

Well, yeah. The naysayers don't say what bad can come from it. NK has da bomb. In any alternative they still have da bomb.

Gus Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:46:18pm

re: #17 Rush Limpaugh, PhDick

WMD.

[dobro slide]

The Palin doctrine.

[Irony]

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:47:18pm

re: #23 Gus

The Palin doctrine.

[Irony]

Monty Python?

[starbursts]

Achilles Tang Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:48:43pm

re: #18 Gus

Myanmar turned around. Russia, China, Vietnam Cuba, and so on.

Not comparable, unless you go back to Stalin perhaps. There are/were still live dissidents in those countries. There are not in NK, that we know of.

William Barnett-Lewis Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:48:59pm

re: #19 Iwouldprefernotto

You are so missing the point. We give them food and get to inspect. Could they cheat? Of course. But the alternatives are all much worse.

Trust but verify -- Reagan
Give peace a chance -- Lennon

But don't you know that the North Korean Nuclear Program is made entirely of OWS Rapey Stabey Leftist Nuclear Physicists?

Killgore Trout Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:49:11pm

re: #21 Gus

So should the administration have rejected this and instead continue along a path of aggression?

No, I think it's worth going through the motions to see what happens. N Korea is going to join the world community eventually but given their history this agreement won't last much past the food delivery.

Achilles Tang Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:49:47pm

re: #21 Gus

So should the administration have rejected this and instead continue along a path of aggression?

Aggression? Have you been listening to NK radio?//

Kragar Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:50:13pm

I blame Obama.

WAIT...FUCK!

Gus Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:50:43pm

re: #27 Killgore Trout

No, I think it's worth going through the motions to see what happens. N Korea is going to join the world community eventually but given their history this agreement won't last much past the food delivery.

It's worth the effort.

Gus Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:51:30pm

re: #28 Blue Spot Vlamingii Tang

Aggression? Have you been listening to NK radio?//

Right. South Korea is made of rainbows and sunshine.

Only The Lurker Knows Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:53:44pm

I'll believe it when the inspectors get there and are allowed full access to all relevant sites. Until then, it looks like the same wash, rinse, repeat cycle to me. Not to mention the fact that they have already built and tested 2 nuclear devices. Can anybody honestly say that they haven't constructed more and have them squirreled away someplace the Inspectors will not be told about?

Achilles Tang Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:54:49pm

re: #31 Gus

Right. South Korea is made of rainbows and sunshine.

You think S. Korea has plans to invade the north? Do you think any form of defense preparation can be considered aggression, as they do in the north?

Gus Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:55:21pm

re: #29 Kragar

I blame Obama.

WAIT...FUCK!

This is a Tweet from the American Enterprise Institute (AEI):

Hey, #NorthKorea! We won’t attack you, but it’s OK if you attack us. Love, Barack Obama

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:56:07pm

re: #34 Gus

I don't even...

Gus Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:56:36pm

re: #33 Blue Spot Vlamingii Tang

You think S. Korea has plans to invade the north? Do you think any form of defense preparation can be considered aggression, as they do in the north?

Nice Straw Man you're building there. I'd help you out but I have other plans.

Achilles Tang Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:58:01pm

re: #36 Gus

Nice Straw Man you're building there. I'd help you out but I have other plans.

Huh? I repeat.

Do you seriously think NK is in any danger of being invaded by the south?

Gus Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:58:26pm

re: #37 Blue Spot Vlamingii Tang

Huh? I repeat.

Do you seriously think NK is in any danger of being invaded by the south?

Achilles Tang Wed, Feb 29, 2012 3:59:31pm

re: #38 Gus

NO

So then the aggression you allude to is because the south has too many defenses? Help me out here, please.

compound_Idaho Wed, Feb 29, 2012 4:04:05pm

and where does the food aid go? the army? We would be better off pushing food out of the back of C5's. At least the people would have a chance at it.

Achilles Tang Wed, Feb 29, 2012 4:09:57pm

re: #38 Gus

NO

Perhaps the word aggression we are on about was not the best to use?

BBL.

dragonfire1981 Wed, Feb 29, 2012 4:10:54pm

re: #34 Gus

This is a Tweet from the American Enterprise Institute (AEI):

This is EXACTLY the kind of response I expected from wingnuts.

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Wed, Feb 29, 2012 4:24:17pm

Hmm.

CuriousLurker Wed, Feb 29, 2012 4:27:08pm

re: #43 Rush Limpaugh, PhDick

Hmm.

That's what I always say. ;)

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Wed, Feb 29, 2012 4:28:02pm

re: #44 CuriousLurker

Do you happen to know about "Ansar al-Zindiqi"?

palomino Wed, Feb 29, 2012 4:29:18pm

re: #16 Killgore Trout

re: #14 palomino

Those who fail to understand history are doomed to repeat it.
...repeat it.
...repeat it.

And those who have nothing to say speak in tired cliches.
....tired cliches.
....tired cliches.

CuriousLurker Wed, Feb 29, 2012 4:30:19pm

re: #45 Rush Limpaugh, PhDick

Do you happen to know about "Ansar al-Zindiqi"?

It roughly translates into "helpers of the heretic(s)". Made me LOL, so I came to see what'll happen.

Mocking Jay Wed, Feb 29, 2012 4:32:11pm

*blinks*

Not an Onion story?

Shiplord Kirel Wed, Feb 29, 2012 4:33:18pm

What? Our bombs aren't falling yet? OBAMA! SELL-OUT! IMPOSTOR! KENYAN MARXIST! ACORN! Death panels! *cough* Teleprompter! *gasp* White----*sputter* ...........SOMEBODY HELP ME! I'M MELTINNGGGG!

b_sharp Wed, Feb 29, 2012 4:33:58pm

re: #47 CuriousLurker

It roughly translates into "helper of the heretic(s)". Made me LOL, so I came to see what'll happen.

Sounds like a good name, although I'd prefer 'god of the heretics'.

PhillyPretzel Wed, Feb 29, 2012 4:34:27pm

re: #49 Winston Smith, Fox News Moderator
::: tossing a bucket of water ::: /

b_sharp Wed, Feb 29, 2012 4:35:30pm

re: #51 PhillyPretzel

::: tossing a bucket of water ::: /

I'll keep an eye out for the flying monkees.

Mostly sane, most of the time. Wed, Feb 29, 2012 4:35:46pm

re: #40 compound_Idaho

and where does the food aid go? the army? We would be better off pushing food out of the back of C5's. At least the people would have a chance at it.

They wouldn't be allowed to pick it up.

If you put People's Republic of North Korea through google translate, it comes back "Hell on Earth."

Mocking Jay Wed, Feb 29, 2012 4:37:28pm

re: #53 To hold my temper, most of the time.

They wouldn't be allowed to pick it up.

If you put People's Republic of North Korea through google translate, it comes back "Hell on Earth."

Huh. I thought the only way to get that result was by putting in "Detroit"...

Darth Vader Gargoyle Wed, Feb 29, 2012 4:41:29pm

re: #52 Inner Demon

I keep an eye out for the flying monkees.

Is that a Davy Jones joke?
//

steve_davis Wed, Feb 29, 2012 4:41:47pm

re: #19 Iwouldprefernotto

You are so missing the point. We give them food and get to inspect. Could they cheat? Of course. But the alternatives are all much worse.

Trust but verify -- Reagan
Give peace a chance -- Lennon

Trust, but give peace a chance --Vlastimil Ilyich Lennon (the sixth Beatle)

b_sharp Wed, Feb 29, 2012 4:42:40pm

re: #55 Beatings will continue until morale improves

Is that a Davy Jones joke?
//

Only when he gets his wings.

compound_Idaho Wed, Feb 29, 2012 4:45:01pm

re: #53 To hold my temper, most of the time.

Sadly, I suspect you are correct.

Mostly sane, most of the time. Wed, Feb 29, 2012 4:51:21pm

re: #58 compound_Idaho

Sadly, I suspect you are correct.

It would be ghastly, wouldn't it? Starving to death, watching your kids starve to death, food in the form of MRE packets lying on the ground, but you pick them up you get shot.

I have a feel some would disappear under cover of darkness. They don't have lights at night, anyway.

austin_blue Wed, Feb 29, 2012 4:52:39pm

OT:

Maureen, please quit kicking Torquemada in a Sweater Vest (henceforth TiaSV):

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

Oh, and the fifth 'graph is absolute genius.

austin_blue Wed, Feb 29, 2012 4:54:47pm

re: #59 To hold my temper, most of the time.

It would be ghastly, wouldn't it? Starving to death, watching your kids starve to death, food in the form of MRE packets lying on the ground, but you pick them up you get shot.

I have a feel some would disappear under cover of darkness. They don't have lights at night, anyway.

True dat:

Image: world_at_night.jpg

Mocking Jay Wed, Feb 29, 2012 4:57:12pm

Most awesome post of the day, courtesy of Eric Erickson, in case anyone hasn't seen it yet:

When you have a candidate few people really like, whose support is a mile wide and an inch deep, whose raison d’etre (a 4am fancy word) is fixing an economy that is fixing itself without him, and who only wins his actual, factual home state by three percentage points against a guy no one took seriously only two months ago, there really is little reason for independent voters in the general election to choose him if the economy keeps improving.

Seriously, putting it bluntly, conservatives may not like Barack Obama, but most other people do. And when faced with a guy you like and a guy you don’t like who says he can fix an economy that no longer needs fixing, you’re going to go with the guy you like.

If Republicans in Washington are not panicked and trying desperately to pull Bobby Jindal in the race tomorrow, or someone like him, the party leaders must have a death wish.

Achilles Tang Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:00:27pm

re: #62 The Right Height

Most awesome post of the day, courtesy of Eric Erickson, in case anyone hasn't seen it yet:

Right, Jindal the creationist.//

Mocking Jay Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:01:15pm

re: #63 Blue Spot Vlamingii Tang

Right, Jindal the creationist.//

OUT, DEMONSPAWN!!!

Tigger2005 Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:01:54pm

So is anyone planning on seeing The Hunger Games?

b_sharp Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:03:32pm

re: #63 Blue Spot Vlamingii Tang

Right, Jindal the creationist.//

The only barrier to Jindal's return is an island made of sand.

b_sharp Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:03:54pm

re: #65 Tigger2005

So is anyone planning on seeing The Hunger Games?

Can't. I just ate.

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:04:52pm

Charles, may I pitch an idea for consideration? I think it could be worthwhile (and traffic-saving) if we could rate comments direct from the Spy.

Mich-again Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:05:00pm

I think this is great news for the USA and the whole world. That said, I kind of wonder how will the right wing outrage machine respond after they have a day or so to formulate a hyperventilating conspiracy-laden response..

My first guess is that they will look at this as an underhanded way for Obama to buy off the farm lobby and throw a bone to the American farmers whom the right wing likes to call their own. Just a hunch.

Sheila Broflovski Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:05:06pm

re: #61 austin_blue

True dat:

Image: world_at_night.jpg

This photo is better

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:06:29pm

re: #70 Learned Mother of Zion

This photo is better

NK is green! //

Mich-again Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:06:46pm

I can't wait to see Rush Limbaugh bitching about this.. HEY! that's MY FOOD they're shipping to the Norks!

austin_blue Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:07:37pm

Important caveat:

The United States agreed to send 240,000 metric tons of food aid, though it limited it to high-protein biscuits, infant formula and other nutritional supplements, rather than rice and grains. Administration officials noted that rice and grains had previously been diverted by the government to the military, or even sold abroad.

Sheila Broflovski Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:07:43pm

re: #72 Mich-again

I can't wait to see Rush Limbaugh bitching about this.. HEY! that's MY FOOD they're shipping to the Norks!

Rush Limbaugh eats more in one day than an entire village of North Koreans eat in a year.

b_sharp Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:09:10pm

re: #74 Learned Mother of Zion

Rush Limbaugh eats more in one day than an entire village of North Koreans eat in a year.

He probably wastes even more.

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:09:47pm

re: #75 Inner Demon

He probably wastes even more.

Mostly orally.

Dark_Falcon Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:10:18pm

re: #11 Charles Johnson

The fact is, like the Soviet Union, North Korea can't keep going for much longer with their current policies. They're literally starving their own country to death.

Call it yet another proof of the failure of communism.

And who is "Carlaschluge", anyway? That person is the one person who downdinged this post, for what reason I cannot imagine. There's nothing in this news that's bad for America in any sane interpretation.

Interesting Times Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:10:20pm

re: #68 Rush Limpaugh, PhDick

Charles, may I pitch an idea for consideration? I think it could be worthwhile (and traffic-saving) if we could rate comments direct from the Spy.

I recall Charles mentioning previously that he wouldn't do that, because comments in the Spy fly by so fast there's a constant risk of the wrong thing getting dinged. It would also be a little too helpful for stalker stealth-dinging types.

Mostly sane, most of the time. Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:10:52pm

re: #73 austin_blue

Important caveat:

The United States agreed to send 240,000 metric tons of food aid, though it limited it to high-protein biscuits, infant formula and other nutritional supplements, rather than rice and grains. Administration officials noted that rice and grains had previously been diverted by the government to the military, or even sold abroad.

Sold abroad? While their own people were starving?

I think I was right about Hell on Earth. I think I know where evil lives.

wrenchwench Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:12:11pm

re: #77 Dark_Falcon

Call it yet another proof of the failure of communism.

And who is "Carlaschluge", anyway? That person is the one person who downdinged this post, for what reason I cannot imagine. There's nothing in this news that's bad for America in any sane interpretation.

Check the rest of the front page posts. This isn't the only one. Carl or Carla likes red pixels.

Dark_Falcon Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:13:02pm

re: #79 To hold my temper, most of the time.

Sold abroad? While their own people were starving?

I think I was right about Hell on Earth. I think I know where evil lives.

Yes, they're Stalinist in that way too. It doesn't matter if the peasants starve, so long as the Grand Poo-Bah gets to "fulfill his glorious vision".

/spits

Sheila Broflovski Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:13:05pm

re: #77 Dark_Falcon

Call it yet another proof of the failure of communism.

And who is "Carlaschluge", anyway? That person is the one person who downdinged this post, for what reason I cannot imagine. There's nothing in this news that's bad for America in any sane interpretation.

Check out the "bottom 10" comments.

Kragar Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:13:17pm

I'm trying to feel bad for these people and failing utterly

Andrew Schiff was sitting in a traffic jam in California this month after giving a speech at an investment conference about gold. He turned off the satellite radio, got out of the car and screamed a profanity.

"I'm not Zen at all, and when I'm freaking out about the situation, where I'm stuck like a rat in a trap on a highway with no way to get out, it's very hard," Schiff, director of marketing for broker-dealer Euro Pacific Capital Inc., said in an interview.

Schiff, 46, is facing another kind of jam this year: Paid a lower bonus, he said the $350,000 he earns, enough to put him in the country's top 1 percent by income, doesn't cover his family's private-school tuition, a Kent, Connecticut, summer rental and the upgrade they would like from their 1,200-square- foot Brooklyn duplex.

"I feel stuck," Schiff said. "The New York that I wanted to have is still just beyond my reach."

The smaller bonus checks that hit accounts across the financial-services industry this month are making it difficult to maintain the lifestyles that Wall Street workers expect, according to interviews with bankers and their accountants, therapists, advisers and headhunters.

"People who don't have money don't understand the stress," said Alan Dlugash, a partner at accounting firm Marks Paneth & Shron LLP in New York who specializes in financial planning for the wealthy. "Could you imagine what it's like to say I got three kids in private school, I have to think about pulling them out? How do you do that?"

Sheila Broflovski Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:14:13pm

re: #83 Kragar

I'm trying to feel bad for these people and failing utterly

Hey, 1%'ers have problems too.

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:14:19pm

re: #78 Interesting Times

I recall Charles mentioning previously that he wouldn't do that, because comments in the Spy fly by so fast there's a constant risk of the wrong thing getting dinged.

Whenever I have to ding, I have to open a separate comment window (unless I have thread open), for that I have to click on a link. And there never was a time when I accidentally clicked on a link of a message that dropped from above. So I don't think it should be a problem.

It would also be a little too helpful for stalker stealth-dinging types.

It would be helpful to Lizards first of all. Who cares about dingers?

Dark_Falcon Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:14:38pm

re: #80 wrenchwench

Check the rest of the front page posts. This isn't the only one. Carl or Carla likes red pixels.

Well, its one thing to downding if its a post about partisan politics. But to downding this post shows signs of trollishness, IMO.

Varek Raith Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:14:48pm

re: #34 Gus

This is a Tweet from the American Enterprise Institute (AEI):

Lol.

Kragar Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:14:58pm

re: #77 Dark_Falcon

And who is "Carlaschluge", anyway?

A total and complete fucktard.

Moving on...

palomino Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:15:24pm

re: #77 Dark_Falcon

Call it yet another proof of the failure of communism.

And who is "Carlaschluge", anyway? That person is the one person who downdinged this post, for what reason I cannot imagine. There's nothing in this news that's bad for America in any sane interpretation.

Have you read any of carla's posts? "Sane interpretation" deosn't seem to be in his/her wheelhouse.

Lidane Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:16:16pm

re: #62 The Right Height

If Republicans in Washington are not panicked and trying desperately to pull Bobby Jindal in the race tomorrow, or someone like him, the party leaders must have a death wish.

Memo for Erick, Son of Erick: Neither Jindal nor Marco Rubio will help you or the GOP. Why? Because the same racist douchebags who go on and on and on about Barack Obama's birth certificate hate Jindal and Rubio too. Why? Because their parents are immigrants.

Fix the racism and idiocy on your side and you might get a chance at national candidates like Jindal and Rubio someday. For now, you're stuck with Mittens, who even you admit no one likes.

Mostly sane, most of the time. Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:16:23pm

re: #83 Kragar

I'm trying to feel bad for these people and failing utterly

Well, that's better than deciding which of your kids get to eat today.

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:16:38pm

re: #85 Rush Limpaugh, PhDick

Also, it could be an option, i.e. turned off if someone doesn't find it comfortable to use.

wrenchwench Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:16:41pm

re: #86 Dark_Falcon

Well, its one thing to downding if its a post about partisan politics. But to downding this post shows signs of trollishness, IMO.

heh.

How about a primary Open Thread?

Dark_Falcon Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:17:01pm

re: #82 Learned Mother of Zion

Check out the "bottom 10" comments.

I see Brain Surfer fell off the Stupid Tree and hit every branch on the way down.

palomino Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:17:49pm

re: #81 Dark_Falcon

Yes, they're Stalinist in that way too. It doesn't matter if the peasants starve, so long as the Grand Poo-Bah gets to "fulfill his glorious vision".

/spits

North Korea is an amazing disaster. Even a dump like Cuba is, by comparison, a paradise. At least they have food, hospitals and some nighttime illumination.

Lidane Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:18:02pm

re: #94 Dark_Falcon

I see Brain Surfer fell off the Stupid Tree and hit every branch on the way down.

So did Carla. It's a sad state of affairs for the trolls around here.

erik_t Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:18:40pm

re: #90 Lidane

Fix the racism and idiocy on your side and you might get a chance at national candidates like Jindal and Rubio someday. For now, you're stuck with Mittens, who even you admit no one likes.

Maybe someday getting a chance at candidates who are against 'something called volcano monitoring' ... dayum, am I jealous.

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:19:36pm

re: #83 Kragar

"The New York that I wanted to have is still just beyond my reach."

fucking entitled subhuman scum

"Wahh! I don't have cosmic wealth! I just have amazing wealth!"

Sheila Broflovski Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:19:52pm

re: #94 Dark_Falcon

I see Brain Surfer fell off the Stupid Tree and hit every branch on the way down.

carla had all the comments yesterday.

Can't even hold its place in the bottom 10. FAIL.

100

Lidane Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:20:15pm

re: #97 erik_t

Maybe someday getting a chance at candidates who are against 'something called volcano monitoring' ... dayum, am I jealous.

Oh, Jindal absolutely sucks as a candidate. What I mean is that maybe someday, the GOP will evolve enough to accept a national candidate like Jindal or Rubio, in the sense that their parents are immigrants. Right now, the GOP is infested with nirther morons who think that both parents have to be American in order for a child to be American.

101

Kragar Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:20:21pm

My Netflix suggestions just said I might like:

Fireplace for Your Home | 2 Episodes

Suitable for any time of the year, Fireplace For Your Home includes our famous old-fashioned, wood-burning fireplace, as well as a natural crackling yule log fireplace all set to Christmas holiday favorites.

The member reviews are becoming a thing of legend.

102

Dark_Falcon Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:20:22pm

re: #93 wrenchwench

heh.

How about a primary Open Thread?

Well, I've downdinged at least one of those, but that was for its Anti-GOP sentiment. I upding Charles far more than I downding. I also confine my disapproval to downdings and I don't troll on the point or act butthurt about it. I try to stay calm and argue my case.

103

Our Precious Bodily Fluids Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:20:33pm

re: #83 Kragar

I'm trying to feel bad for these people and failing utterly

"People who don't have money don't understand the stress," said Alan Dlugash, a partner at accounting firm Marks Paneth & Shron LLP in New York who specializes in financial planning for the wealthy.

Youtube Video

104

Renaissance_Man Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:21:14pm

re: #90 Lidane

Memo for Erick, Son of Erick: Neither Jindal nor Marco Rubio will help you or the GOP. Why? Because the same racist douchebags who go on and on and on about Barack Obama's birth certificate hate Jindal and Rubio too. Why? Because their parents are immigrants.

Fix the racism and idiocy on your side and you might get a chance at national candidates like Jindal and Rubio someday. For now, you're stuck with Mittens, who even you admit no one likes.

You know, I think you're wrong here.

There is racism, sure, and a disproportionate amount of it in the Conservativist base. But I think the hatred of Democrats and liberals is far, far more central to their faith than hatred of brown people. Cultists will happily pull the lever for Bobby Jindal if Rush tells them to, if he is ordained as one of Us. Because even a brown person can be a Thing Liberals Don't Like, which is the only thing that matters to a Conservativist.

105

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:21:16pm

re: #100 Lidane

Oh, Jindal absolutely sucks as a candidate. What I mean is that maybe someday, the GOP will evolve enough to accept a national candidate like Jindal or Rubio, in the sense that their parents are immigrants. Right now, the GOP is infested with nirther morons who think that both parents have to be American in order for a child to be American.

mmmm exorcism

106

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:21:36pm

re: #102 Dark_Falcon

Well, I've downdinged at least one of those, but that was for its Anti-GOP sentiment. I upding Charles far more than I downding. I also confine my disapproval to downdings and I don't troll on the point or act butthurt about it. I try to stay calm and argue my case.

YOU LIE! EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT THOSE WHO DOWNDING CHARLES ARE IMMEDIATELY BANNED AND DELETED!!!1

107

wrenchwench Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:21:57pm

re: #102 Dark_Falcon

Well, I've downdinged at least one of those, but that was for its Anti-GOP sentiment. I upding Charles far more than I downding. I also confine my disapproval to downdings and I don't troll on the point or act butthurt about it. I try to stay calm and argue my case.

You do OK. Usually.

108

Dark_Falcon Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:22:28pm

re: #96 Lidane

So did Carla. It's a sad state of affairs for the trolls around here.

It's always a sad state of affairs for the trolls here. They DERP and spew until Charles gets sick of it and clubs them. It's not like they actually do any thing useful other than serve as objects of mockery.

109

Page 3 in the Binder of Women Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:22:34pm

re: #84 Learned Mother of Zion

Hey, 1%'ers have problems too.

Ya, LA traffic is the great equalizer.

110

Mostly sane, most of the time. Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:22:47pm

re: #98 windupbird is in the gravity well

fucking entitled subhuman scum

"Wahh! I don't have cosmic wealth! I just have amazing wealth!"

The thought that having to put their kids in the same schools as the rest of America is some kind of Shakespearean tragedy is astounding. I'm trying to imagine this person saying this to a group of normal Americans, and the looks that they'd get.

Most Americans are delighted if they can get good public schools.

111

Only The Lurker Knows Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:22:52pm

re: #83 Kragar

"People who don't have money don't understand the stress," said Alan Dlugash, a partner at accounting firm Marks Paneth & Shron LLP in New York who specializes in financial planning for the wealthy. "Could you imagine what it's like to say I got three kids in private school, I have to think about pulling them out? How do you do that?"

Cry me a river asshole. There are people out there who have to explain to their kids why the can't eat tonight because they don't have the money for food.

Fucking 1%ers

112

Dark_Falcon Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:23:15pm

re: #107 wrenchwench

You do OK. Usually.

We all go a little mad sometimes.

113

Lidane Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:23:17pm

re: #108 Dark_Falcon

It's always a sad state of affairs for the trolls here. They DERP and spew until Charles gets sick of it and clubs them. It's not like they actually do any thing useful other than serve as objects of mockery.

They provide gamey meats for the grill. I guess that counts for something. Heh.

114

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:23:47pm

re: #110 To hold my temper, most of the time.

The thought that having to put their kids in the same schools as the rest of America is some kind of Shakespearean tragedy is astounding. I'm trying to imagine this person saying this to a group of normal Americans, and the looks that they'd get.

Most Americans are delighted if they can get good public schools.

Imagine the pants-wetting if they had to work a physical job

115

ProGunLiberal Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:23:50pm

Is there a site to find out how long it takes for a piece of mail to get somewhere via USPS?

116

Varek Raith Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:24:11pm

re: #112 Dark_Falcon

We all go a little mad sometimes.

CONSIDER YOUR SPECIES EXTINCT.

117

ProGunLiberal Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:24:43pm

re: #108 Dark_Falcon

I had to bring out the Irish Potato Famine as an attack on Carla.

118

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:24:53pm

re: #111 Bubblehead II

It's like opposite day! The rich guy has so much mjore to worry about than the people who can't afford to feed their kids!

I just pray to God they keep talking, they're slitting their own political throats

119

Page 3 in the Binder of Women Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:24:56pm

re: #95 palomino

North Korea is an amazing disaster. Even a dump like Cuba is, by comparison, a paradise. At least they have food, hospitals and some nighttime illumination.

Hell, the view from your window on Sullivan's blog the other day was from Havana.

Someone there with an internet connection and a camera or cell phone reads his blog.

Once there's a view from NK, we will know change.

120

wrenchwench Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:25:13pm

re: #112 Dark_Falcon

We all go a little mad sometimes.

NUH UH!! NOT ME!!1

oh, wait.

Later, lizards.

121

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:25:16pm

re: #115 ProGunLiberal

Is there a site to find out how long it takes for a piece of mail to get somewhere via USPS?

the USPS site itself

122

Lidane Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:26:06pm

re: #104 Renaissance_Man

You know, I think you're wrong here.

There is racism, sure, and a disproportionate amount of it in the Conservativist base. But I think the hatred of Democrats and liberals is far, far more central to their faith than hatred of brown people.

To an extent, sure. But look at the angst in the Anyone But Romney camp right now. Their biggest complaint, after the RINO and flip-flopper ones, is that he's a Mormon, and evangelicals simply won't vote for a Mormon.

If they can't even get past that, how could they accept someone like Rubio or Jindal as a national nominee? Ordained by Rush or not, there's a whole lot of stupid among the RWNJ's when it comes to citizenship and race.

123

Mocking Jay Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:26:28pm

re: #103 Pope Ron Polyp XXXVII

This is far too much douche for me to handle.

124

b_sharp Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:26:59pm

re: #121 windupbird is in the gravity well

the USPS site itself

Does that include lost mail?

125

Darth Vader Gargoyle Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:27:06pm

re: #83 Kragar

I'm trying to feel bad for these people and failing utterly

It's like something out of Oliver Twist!!
//

126

Decatur Deb Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:27:21pm

re: #115 ProGunLiberal

Is there a site to find out how long it takes for a piece of mail to get somewhere via USPS?

Up to 70 years:

[Link: losangeles.cbslocal.com...]

127

Tigger2005 Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:27:32pm

re: #125 Avast you slimy pollywogs!

It's like something out of Oliver Twist!!
//

Please sir I want some MORE

128

Page 3 in the Binder of Women Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:27:35pm

re: #114 windupbird is in the gravity well

Imagine the pants-wetting if they had to work a physical job

Or had a fuel pump blow out. On the freeway.

129

Robert O. Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:27:49pm

My better judgement tells me Kim Jong-Un is just copying his father.

Recall that in 1994, Kim Il-Sung died, North Korea (like other Communist countries at the time) lost privileged access to Soviet aid and the Soviet market. North Korea was in famine. Kim Jong-Il made an IDENTICAL food for no-nukes deal with President Clinton. There is a famous photograph of former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright toasting the "Dear Leader" and giving him a basketball signed by Michael Jordan. We know what eventually happened.

Kim Jong-Un isn't trying anything new or inventing a new idea for himself. All the thinking has already been done for him.

130

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:27:51pm

re: #111 Bubblehead II

"People who don't have money don't understand the stress," said Alan Dlugash, a partner at accounting firm Marks Paneth & Shron LLP in New York who specializes in financial planning for the wealthy. "Could you imagine what it's like to say I got three kids in private school, I have to think about pulling them out? How do you do that?"

Cry me a river asshole. There are people out there who have to explain to their kids why the can't eat tonight because they don't have the money for food.

Fucking 1%ers

My white angelic children might have to mix with the disgusting mudbloods!

They might have to eat lunch with the MIDDLE CLASS

By god I can't have it, Doris, cancel my 2:15 prostitute and bring the car around, the republicans must know!

131

Page 3 in the Binder of Women Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:28:03pm

re: #115 ProGunLiberal

Is there a site to find out how long it takes for a piece of mail to get somewhere via USPS?

USPS is pretty good. Big to navigate, but good.

132

palomino Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:28:11pm

re: #62 The Right Height

McErick's analysis actually makes a bit of sense until you get to the last paragraph. If the GOP ignores the 4 current candidates, the full year of campaigning they've engaged in, the 20 debates we've had to endure, the primaries that have already been held, etc., and just pulls Bobby Jindal, Paul Ryan, or Jeb Bush out of their ass at the last moment, that seems like a disaster in the making. Some conservatives may be happy, but the rest of the country will want to know why this year long adventure was nothing more than a charade. And a candidate who jumps in at the last moment has huge challenges: fundraising, organization, lack of time, just introducing himself to the public, and of course explaining why the Republican primary system broke down.

133

Our Precious Bodily Fluids Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:28:18pm

re: #111 Bubblehead II

Cry me a river asshole. There are people out there who have to explain to their kids why the can't eat tonight because they don't have the money for food.

Are there no prisons? Are the union workhouses still in operation?

134

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:28:40pm

re: #124 Inner Demon

Does that include lost mail?

no, just an estimate when you look up the rates

135

Mocking Jay Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:28:51pm

re: #125 Avast you slimy pollywogs!

It's like something out of Oliver Twist!!
//

The horror.

The horror.

136

ProGunLiberal Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:29:55pm

re: #124 Inner Demon

I sent a letter from Norman OK, to Fort Collins. Want to know how many days it would take to get there. I think it should be there Friday.

137

Mocking Jay Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:31:25pm

re: #132 palomino

McErick's analysis actually makes a bit of sense until you get to the last paragraph. If the GOP ignores the 4 current candidates, the full year of campaigning they've engaged in, the 20 debates we've had to endure, the primaries that have already been held, etc., and just pulls Bobby Jindal, Paul Ryan, or Jeb Bush out of their ass at the last moment, that seems like a disaster in the making. Some conservatives may be happy, but the rest of the country will want to know why this year long adventure was nothing more than a charade. And a candidate who jumps in at the last moment has huge challenges: fundraising, organization, lack of time, just introducing himself to the public, and of course explaining why the Republican primary system broke down.

You know, I'm still not sure what the purpose of those debates were. We didn't need twenty of the damn things to tell us that Rick Perry was dropped on the head a few too many times.

138

Page 3 in the Binder of Women Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:31:32pm

re: #136 ProGunLiberal

I sent a letter from Norman OK, to Fort Collins. Want to know how many days it would take to get there. I think it should be there Friday.

3-5

Although my office just received a returned postage due large envelope we sent out a month ago. We are kind of stressing that that may not be the last of it. Auto postage machines are whack.

139

Mostly sane, most of the time. Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:31:35pm

re: #136 ProGunLiberal

I sent a letter from Norman OK, to Fort Collins. Want to know how many days it would take to get there. I think it should be there Friday.

Is this telling your father you're a Muslim, or to the young lady?

(See, I pay attention)

140

b_sharp Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:31:41pm

re: #136 ProGunLiberal

I sent a letter from Norman OK, to Fort Collins. Want to know how many days it would take to get there. I think it should be there Friday.

Don't ask here, go look it up.

141

Page 3 in the Binder of Women Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:32:55pm

Just FYI, love coming home and seeing who the new names are.

142

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:33:01pm

this is my favorite from that article

Scheiner said he spends about $500 a month to park one of his two Audis in a garage and at least $7,500 a year each for memberships at the Trump National Golf Club in Westchester and a gun club in upstate New York. A labradoodle named Zelda and a rescued bichon frise, Duke, cost $17,000 a year, including food, health care, boarding and a daily dog-walker who charges $17 each per outing, he said.

So let me get this straight, people can't afford food in america and this

143

Varek Raith Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:33:18pm

re: #138 College is GOOD you asshat.

3-5

Although my office just received a returned postage due large envelope we sent out a month ago. We are kind of stressing that that may not be the last of it. Auto postage machines are whack.

Yes, yes they are.

144

ProGunLiberal Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:33:48pm

re: #139 To hold my temper, most of the time.

The second. Birthday is coming up. Should get there Friday, based on the USPS site.

145

erik_t Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:34:14pm

re: #142 windupbird is in the gravity well

this is my favorite from that article

So let me get this straight, people can't afford food in america and this

Of course the motherfucker has a labradoodle.

146

Mostly sane, most of the time. Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:34:27pm

re: #142 windupbird is in the gravity well

this is my favorite from that article

So let me get this straight, people can't afford food in america and this

This man spends more on his dog than I probably spend on all of my kids combined.

No, I take that back. The 12 year old has turned out to eat like his father at that age. More on the dog than on four of the five.

147

Varek Raith Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:34:38pm

WTF is a labradoodle?!?!

148

Mostly sane, most of the time. Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:35:06pm

re: #147 Varek Raith

WTF is a labradoodle?!?!

Oh, come on, this is easy. It's a status symbol.

149

Decatur Deb Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:35:12pm

re: #145 erik_t

Of course the motherfucker has a labradoodle.

Breedist.

150

What, me worry? Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:35:23pm

re: #129 Robert O.

My better judgement tells me Kim Jong-Un is just copying his father.

Recall that in 1994, Kim Il-Sung died, North Korea (like other Communist countries at the time) lost privileged access to Soviet aid and the Soviet market. North Korea was in famine. Kim Jong-Il made an IDENTICAL food for no-nukes deal with President Clinton. There is a famous photograph of former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright toasting the "Dear Leader" and giving him a basketball signed by Michael Jordan. We know what eventually happened.

Kim Jong-Un isn't trying anything new or inventing a new idea for himself. All the thinking has already been done for him.

As I recall it, we (President Clinton) gave him fuel for nuclear electricity much to the chagrin of Congress who was pissed off at the whole affair, but it did work. We had the inspectors in there. Even though Jong iL was still trying to acquire nuclear weapons, he had not during Clinton's presidency so the inspectors were, at least, a good enough deterrent.

George W. cancelled the fuel deal within his first 100 days in office and it's rumored they have moved much further along in their nuclear weapons pursuits since 2000.

151

Darth Vader Gargoyle Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:35:28pm

re: #142 windupbird is in the gravity well

this is my favorite from that article

So let me get this straight, people can't afford food in america and this

I certainly don't mind folks making this much, but bitching about it is really over the top.

152

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:35:31pm

re: #146 To hold my temper, most of the time.

This man spends more on his dog than I probably spend on all of my kids combined.

No, I take that back. The 12 year old has turned out to eat like his father at that age. More on the dog than on four of the five.

But we should feel sorry for them

I am really wondering about the hunger statistics in america, if they keep heading up, we are going to start seeing real violence

153

jaunte Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:35:34pm

re: #142 windupbird is in the gravity well

A labradoodle named Zelda and a rescued bichon frise, Duke, cost $17,000 a year,

I like dogs, but that's insane.

154

Renaissance_Man Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:35:55pm

re: #137 The Right Height

You know, I'm still not sure what the purpose of those debates were. We didn't need twenty of the damn things to tell us that Rick Perry was dropped on the head a few too many times.

It was entertainment for Conservativists. That is the actual purpose of FOX, and of the debates - to provide entertainment for a particular market segment. All twenty debates were nothing more than Conservative Idol.

I don't actually mind the general idea of political porn/entertainment. Give the people what they want, bread and circuses, rule 34, and all that. I just wish FOX wouldn't name their characters after real life people, like the President. It just confuses people.

155

erik_t Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:36:09pm

re: #150 marjoriemoon

George W. cancelled the fuel deal within his first 100 days in office and it's rumored they have moved much further along in their nuclear weapons pursuits since 2000.

Rumored? Pretty sure they've at least (somehow) fizzled a gun-type mechanism.

156

palomino Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:36:30pm

re: #147 Varek Raith

WTF is a labradoodle?!?!

It's a dog...smarter than a labrador, less french than a poodle...the perfect combo for the status conscious real American.

157

Decatur Deb Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:36:52pm

re: #153 jaunte

I like dogs, but that's insane.

Enroll the mutt in BoCare.

158

b_sharp Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:37:09pm

re: #83 Kragar

I'm trying to feel bad for these people and failing utterly

I've been trying to ignore this tripe, but it really pisses me off. I just don't know how to adequately express my disgust about these obliviots.

159

Varek Raith Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:37:23pm

re: #148 To hold my temper, most of the time.

Oh, come on, this is easy. It's a status symbol.

re: #156 palomino

It's a dog...smarter than a labrador, less french than a poodle...the perfect combo for the status conscious real American.

I see.
Also, I don't get it.
Status symbols are lame.

160

Only The Lurker Knows Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:37:34pm

re: #133 Pope Ron Polyp XXXVII

Upding for the Oliver Swift reference. It truly explains the mindset of the 1%er. Let them Eat Cake!

/// That tuned out well. Didn't it?

161

Kragar Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:38:11pm

re: #158 Death of Rats

I've been trying to ignore this tripe, but it really pisses me off. I just don't know how adequately express my disgust about these obliviots.

Hans Kullberg, 27, a trader at Wyckoff, New Jersey-based hedge fund Falcon Management Corp. who said he earns about $150,000 a year, is adjusting his sights, too.

After graduating from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 2006, he spent a $10,000 signing bonus from Citigroup Inc. (C) on a six-week trip to South America. He worked on an emerging-markets team at the bank that traded and marketed synthetic collateralized debt obligations.

His tastes for travel got "a little bit more lavish," he said. Kullberg, a triathlete, went to a bachelor party in Las Vegas in January after renting a four-bedroom ski cabin at Bear Mountain in California as a Christmas gift to his parents. He went to Ibiza for another bachelor party in August, spending $3,000 on a three-day trip, including a 15-minute ride from the airport that cost $100. In May he spent 10 days in India.

162

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:38:52pm

re: #158 Death of Rats

I've been trying to ignore this tripe, but it really pisses me off. I just don't know how adequately express my disgust about these obliviots.

Well, at the current rising rate of hunger in America, soon the disgust will be expressed in tangible ways

163

palomino Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:39:07pm

re: #158 Death of Rats

I've been trying to ignore this tripe, but it really pisses me off. I just don't know how adequately express my disgust about these obliviots.

Look, that's just commie class warfare from a well known far left rag, the Bloomberg Business Report.

164

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:39:39pm

re: #159 Varek Raith

re: #156 palomino

I see.
Also, I don't get it.
Status symbols are lame.

Dumb people with money and no self esteem, buying shit to impress other dumb people

not a creative bone in their body

165

b_sharp Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:40:14pm

re: #159 Varek Raith

re: #156 palomino

I see.
Also, I don't get it.
Status symbols are lame.

Only when you break their legs.

166

Decatur Deb Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:40:22pm

re: #162 windupbird is in the gravity well

Well, at the current rising rate of hunger in America, soon the disgust will be expressed in tangible ways

Not smart if it's the poor burning out the near-poor.

167

erik_t Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:41:23pm

In a grant gesture of magnanimity, I promise the relevant Kim one slice per warhead.

No takebacks, and I hope you like various forms of pig.

168

palomino Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:41:43pm

re: #159 Varek Raith

re: #156 palomino

I see.
Also, I don't get it.
Status symbols are lame.

Yeah, it's one of the things I actually like better about Houston than Los Angeles--less of an obsession with status symbols. But the far better weather and social liberalism keep me on the Left Coast.

169

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:41:56pm

re: #166 Decatur Deb

Not smart if it's the poor burning out the near-poor.

I didn't say it was smart, just that it may be coming

170

Decatur Deb Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:43:19pm

re: #169 windupbird is in the gravity well

I didn't say it was smart, just that it may be coming

Evening Newsporn for the guys up in the Gulch.

171

Dark_Falcon Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:43:30pm

re: #142 windupbird is in the gravity well

this is my favorite from that article

So let me get this straight, people can't afford food in america and this

Yeah, this guy makes Mitt Romney look like a paragon of empathy for the poor. At least Romney gives to charity and makes sure the monies aren't misappropriated. This asshole sounds like he clings to every dollar as his utter right and still demands more. Fuck him.

172

Sheila Broflovski Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:43:33pm

re: #169 windupbird is in the gravity well

I didn't say it was smart, just that it may be coming

I'm in Detroit, been there, done that.

173

jaunte Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:44:14pm

The family rents a three-bedroom summer house in Connecticut and will go there again this year for one month instead of four. Schiff said he brings home less than $200,000 after taxes, health-insurance and 401(k) contributions. The closing costs, renovation and down payment on one of the $1.5 million 17-foot-wide row houses nearby, what he called “the low rung on the brownstone ladder,” would consume “every dime” of the family’s savings, he said.
“I wouldn’t want to whine,” Schiff said. “All I want is the stuff that I always thought, growing up, that successful parents had.”

So, even you understand it's a fantasy, then.

174

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:44:17pm

re: #168 palomino

Yeah, it's one of the things I actually like better about Houston than Los Angeles--less of an obsession with status symbols. But the far better weather and social liberalism keep me on the Left Coast.

I think the average age of a car in Portland is like 15 years old

Never seen so many 80's and 70's vehicles (not classics, just normal cars) being used as daily drivers as when i moved here

In portland the status symbol is your creativity, I dig it :D

175

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:44:33pm

re: #173 jaunte

So, even you understand it's a fantasy, then.

Mindblowing

176

What, me worry? Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:44:39pm

re: #155 erik_t

Rumored? Pretty sure they've at least (somehow) fizzled a gun-type mechanism.

I used to be totally onboard with the rest of the world regarding the "rumors". Same for Iran. But after we saw what happened with Sadaam Hussein, even though the inspectors and specifically David Kay said they had no idea what he had, I'm very hesitant to believe what I read. I don't know really where that leaves us (the collective Western world).

Israel bombed the Osirak facility in Iraq in '81. It hadn't become a nuclear weapon's reactor at the time. I'm ok with doing the same thing to Iran if at all possible.

177

b_sharp Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:45:22pm

re: #163 palomino

Look, that's just commie class warfare from a well known far left rag, the Bloomberg Business Report.

Obliviots have no class.

178

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:45:46pm

A 1.5 million dollar house

Seriously

179

erik_t Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:46:14pm

re: #176 marjoriemoon

I used to be totally onboard with the rest of the world regarding the "rumors". Same for Iran. But after we saw what happened with Sadaam Hussein, even though the inspectors and specifically David Kay said they had no idea what he had, I'm very hesitant to believe what I read. I don't know really where that leaves us (the collective Western world).

No, I mean, they set it off. This is a thing that happened.

180

jaunte Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:46:16pm

re: #178 windupbird is in the gravity well

And it's 17 feet wide!

181

palomino Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:46:41pm

re: #171 Dark_Falcon

Yeah, this guy makes Mitt Romney look like a paragon of empathy for the poor. At least Romney gives to charity and makes sure the monies aren't misappropriated. This asshole sounds like he clings to every dollar as his utter right and still demands more. Fuck him.

I don't think Romney necessarily lacks compassion for the poor and working classes. But I think he's spent so much time cocooned that he seems unable to speak in a way they can relate to. Also he's a bit stiff and robotic. Not his fault, just the way he was ~~assembled~~ born.

182

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:47:03pm

re: #180 jaunte

And it's 17 feet wide!

We can't live in an apartment! That would destroy our souls!

183

Mocking Jay Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:47:24pm

First they came for the exorbitant bonuses, and I didn't speak out...

184

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:48:04pm

re: #183 The Right Height

then they came for my air conditioned luxury car garage

185

What, me worry? Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:50:44pm

re: #179 erik_t

No, I mean, they set it off. This is a thing that happened.

Ah well. Thank you, George Bush.

It's a good thing the inspectors are going back in. Let's hope it all goes through.

186

SanFranciscoZionist Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:55:43pm

re: #19 Iwouldprefernotto

You are so missing the point. We give them food and get to inspect. Could they cheat? Of course. But the alternatives are all much worse.

Trust but verify -- Reagan
Give peace a chance -- Lennon

They say a bad peace is better than a good war.

That's all any nominal peace with North Korea has going for it.

The peace of the starving and the silenced.

Bleah. No good options.

187

b_sharp Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:56:38pm

re: #186 SanFranciscoZionist

They say a bad peace is better than a good war.

That's all any nominal peace with North Korea has going for it.

The peace of the starving and the silenced.

Bleah. No good options.

Poetic.

188

SanFranciscoZionist Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:56:44pm

re: #31 Gus

Right. South Korea is made of rainbows and sunshine.

Compared to North Korea?

189

SanFranciscoZionist Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:57:07pm

re: #32 Bubblehead II

I'll believe it when the inspectors get there and are allowed full access to all relevant sites. Until then, it looks like the same wash, rinse, repeat cycle to me. Not to mention the fact that they have already built and tested 2 nuclear devices. Can anybody honestly say that they haven't constructed more and have them squirreled away someplace the Inspectors will not be told about?

Probably not.

On the other hand, people fucking need the food.

190

b_sharp Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:58:07pm

re: #189 SanFranciscoZionist

Probably not.

On the other hand, people fucking need the food.

People not fucking need the food too.

191

SanFranciscoZionist Wed, Feb 29, 2012 5:58:26pm

re: #65 Tigger2005

So is anyone planning on seeing The Hunger Games?

Not really.

I read a dissection of the first book that left me fairly uninterested.

192

SanFranciscoZionist Wed, Feb 29, 2012 6:02:31pm

re: #147 Varek Raith

WTF is a labradoodle?!?!

Labrador-poodle mix.

Cute, bright, and fashionable about five years ago, which is doubtless when he got his.

One of the kids probably has allergies, so hypoallergenic mix it was.

193

Lidane Wed, Feb 29, 2012 6:07:44pm

re: #65 Tigger2005

So is anyone planning on seeing The Hunger Games?

I am. I liked the series, and figure it will be interesting to see on the big screen.

194

b_sharp Wed, Feb 29, 2012 6:08:55pm

re: #192 SanFranciscoZionist

Labrador-poodle mix.

Cute, bright, and fashionable about five years ago, which is doubtless when he got his.

One of the kids probably has allergies, so hypoallergenic mix it was.

Stainless steel fur.

195

MittDoesNotCompute Wed, Feb 29, 2012 6:18:49pm

re: #70 Learned Mother of Zion

This photo is better

That's pretty damned stark right there; with the exception of what I assume is Pyongyang, NK is pretty much dark from the Chinese border to the SK DMZ.

196

MittDoesNotCompute Wed, Feb 29, 2012 6:22:15pm

re: #79 To hold my temper, most of the time.

Sold abroad? While their own people were starving?

I think I was right about Hell on Earth. I think I know where evil lives.

Sold abroad for hard currency to keep Dear Leader and family in in their accustomed luxury...and for the military.

197

Tigger2005 Wed, Feb 29, 2012 6:31:41pm

re: #191 SanFranciscoZionist

Not really.

I read a dissection of the first book that left me fairly uninterested.

LOL well, you could check it out from the library and decide for yourself. I only let critics influence whether or not I'll go see a movie, because that's a lot of $$ for a couple of hours of my time. Usually I get more out of reading.

I found it pretty thought-provoking myself. It is good science fiction...not "hard" science fiction, but extremely plausible nonetheless. Of course the idea of televised death matches is hardly new, even ones involving kids, but Collins puts her own unique spin on it.

198

Tigger2005 Wed, Feb 29, 2012 6:32:20pm

re: #1 Blue Spot Vlamingii Tang

We have been here before. Every president gets a turn.

Peace in our time.

199

MittDoesNotCompute Wed, Feb 29, 2012 6:36:26pm

re: #165 Dead Wait

Only when you break their legs.

*rimshot*

200

SanFranciscoZionist Wed, Feb 29, 2012 7:13:21pm

re: #197 Tigger2005

LOL well, you could check it out from the library and decide for yourself.

I could, but since the extensive excerpts and plot outline I read left me entirely uninterested, maybe I won't bother.

201

Gus Wed, Feb 29, 2012 8:14:51pm

I suddenly thought this song is perfect for this thread.

When Johnny Comes Marching Home

Youtube Video

In a Dr. Strangelove sort of way. And beyond.

202

Spocomptonite Wed, Feb 29, 2012 8:42:36pm

re: #174 windupbird is in the gravity well

I think the average age of a car in Portland is like 15 years old

Never seen so many 80's and 70's vehicles (not classics, just normal cars) being used as daily drivers as when i moved here

In portland the status symbol is your creativity, I dig it :D

Even amongst the Northwest, Portland stands out. I lived near the Canadian border and when the fuel pump went out on my 15-year-old Volvo, I had to go all the way to South Seattle to get a replacement on short notice.
I go to Portland via train, and on the 10-minute drive from the station to my friend's house I pass 3 mechanic shops that specialize in used Volvos. Because Portland.

Spy Mode Auto

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