1 klys  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 12:58:24pm

I wonder what government this is that people keep expecting things to roll out and work perfectly the first time with absolutely no kinks, exactly how the politicians say it should.

It’s clearly not the one they keep electing Republicans to.

2 prairiefire  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:01:01pm

Law, get in front of this boulder and start running!

3 Charles Johnson  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:08:15pm

Demonstrators disrupting Obama’s speech - yelling “Stop the pipeline!”

Obama: “That’s the wrong rally! This is the health care rally.”

4 Justanotherhuman  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:09:02pm

“We had the climate change rally back in the summer. This is the health care rally.” Pres Obama, after protesters tried to disrupt his talk.

Everyone was pretty much smiling about it, following his cheerful lead.

5 Bulworth  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:11:23pm

re: #3 Charles Johnson

Yeah but stop the pipeline or ur worser than Bush!!!

/

6 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:11:41pm

That was awesome LOL

7 piratedan  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:14:48pm

I guess I’m simply growing tired of the ongoing hypocrisy of the GOP, it would be different if they had what I could recognize as values or ethics….

unless you could call greed, ignorance and spitefulness some sort of framework to build your life around.

8 Vicious Babushka  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:14:58pm

I haven’t even heard the speech yet but my Tweetdeck is full of Teh Derp.

9 darthstar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:15:00pm

This guy could use some affordable health care about now (warning - put down the meatball sub until you’ve finished watching)

Liveleak Video

10 Backwoods_Sleuth  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:15:03pm

We have a confused hatchling:

littlegreenfootballs.com

11 darthstar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:18:55pm
12 darthstar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:19:59pm
13 Bubblehead II  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:23:00pm

Was that pipeline heckler again?

14 Justanotherhuman  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:23:20pm

Another tiresome disrupter.

15 darthstar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:23:34pm

re: #13 Bubblehead II

Was that pipeline heckler again?

Someone needs to shove a pipeline down his pie hole…sideways.

16 Bubblehead II  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:25:27pm

Calling out the Repugs lies about people being dropped and not being offered better packages.

17 Justanotherhuman  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:28:08pm

re: #9 darthstar

This guy could use some affordable health care about now (warning - put down the meatball sub until you’ve finished watching)

[Embedded content]

Oh, for chrissakes, DS, I just got through eating spaghetti and turkey meatballs (very early supper/late, late lunch tonight). Good thing I have a stomach of iron.

Put a better warning on that one, please?

18 Backwoods_Sleuth  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:28:11pm

oooh, he mentions Medicare Part D not being paid for!

19 Bubblehead II  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:29:08pm

I really wish he would name Governors who are obstructing the implementation of the ACA. I’m looking at you Gov. Perry.

20 makeitstop  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:30:13pm

Is this speech a good thing or a bad thing?
/CNN

21 dog philosopher  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:32:30pm

re: #16 Bubblehead II

Calling out the Repugs lies about people being dropped and not being offered better packages.

the “outrage” over issues with plans being dropped doesn’t seem to have much traction with wingnuts since they don’t really care about what happens to other people

22 darthstar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:32:56pm

re: #17 Justanotherhuman

Oh, for chrissakes, DS, I just got through eating spaghetti and turkey meatballs (very early supper/late, late lunch tonight). Good thing I have a stomach of iron.

Put a better warning on that one, please?

I did say to put down the meatballs.

But he’s a perfect example of why healthy young people should get healthcare under the ACA.

23 dog philosopher  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:33:51pm

re: #1 klys

I wonder what government this is that people keep expecting things to roll out and work perfectly the first time with absolutely no kinks, exactly how the politicians say it should.

It’s clearly not the one they keep electing Republicans to.

how many republicans does it take to screw in a lightbulb?

one to screw in the bulb and 49 to screw the rest of the world

24 darthstar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:35:09pm
25 wrenchwench  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:35:11pm

Did they put pregnant women in the front row on purpose to prove they don’t all faint?

26 Backwoods_Sleuth  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:36:15pm

re: #23 dog philosopher

how many republicans does it take to screw in a lightbulb?

one to screw in the bulb and 49 231 to screw the rest of the world

FIFY

27 Targetpractice  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:36:33pm

re: #24 darthstar

[Embedded content]

Obviously we need more bloodletting. Bring out the elderly! Bring out your dead!

28 klys  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:36:34pm

re: #25 wrenchwench

Did they put pregnant women in the front row on purpose to prove they don’t all faint?

From a perfectly logical space-packing viewpoint, it just makes more sense to have the pregnant women in front.

/too many materials science classes

29 lawhawk  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:37:09pm

re: #21 dog philosopher

There’s not much outrage when insurers drop and change their coverages with employer-subsidized insurance products - it happens all the time.

The GOP would bitch if insurers were forced to keep these grandfathered plans, claiming that they were substandard if they thought it would give them an advantage.

The insurers are deciding to drop the plans and switch to plans that conform to the ACA requirements, which is a far better insurance product, but the GOP’s got to bitch about that too.

Not because people are getting a product that is far more useful from the insurer, but because they received letters saying that their insurance policies are not being kept going into 2014.

As is no one has ever seen their policies be changed by their employer or the insurance companies based on economic decisions they’ve made.

Cost may be an issue for some people, but I doubt anyone who’s complaining has actually run the numbers to see how they compare in the real world and that these new policies would protect people from economic harms when they suffered illnesses - especially those requiring hospitalization.

30 Justanotherhuman  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:37:11pm

re: #22 darthstar

I did say to put down the meatballs.

But he’s a perfect example of why healthy young people should get healthcare under the ACA.

Yes, I agree. After I had my kids (he was in the Navy), I had health care coverage which I only used once a year to visit a gyn. I paid only a couple of dollars extra every week for the kids (usually my coverage was paid by employer in full), and they seldom used theirs—we were all very healthy during their growing up period and I didn’t take them to the dr for every sneeze or cough (I was a competent home nurse). I really have never used health care very much, even in my dotage now that I’m on Medicare.

31 darthstar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:38:44pm
32 Bulworth  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:38:48pm

re: #24 darthstar

outofcontrol spending debt deficit argle bargle

33 GlutenFreeJesus  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:40:41pm

re: #24 darthstar

[Embedded content]

Teh SHUTDOWN werkd!!!

34 dog philosopher  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:41:16pm

re: #29 lawhawk

if they’re not careful, they might discover that american health care and health insurance is more expensive than it is in the rest of the world

35 Backwoods_Sleuth  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:41:25pm

Pawlenty on Martin Bashir is saying that it’s reasonable for people to be upset to pay more for coverage if they don’t smoke or need mental health care.

What. An. Idiot.

36 Targetpractice  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:42:03pm

re: #29 lawhawk

The much ballyhooed report that showed the President “lied” pretty much lays it all out, that the private insurance market is subject to constant change, whether it be lowering level of care, raising deductibles, imposing lifetime caps, or so forth. The 40-67% are those people who, in the absence of the ACA, would likely would have seen some alteration to their insurance policies in the coming year.

The whole regulation was meant to avoid insurance companies making up losses by gouging the fuck out of people they already have policies with, but it’s being portrayed as people losing policies they were “happy” with.

37 Bulworth  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:42:09pm
Social Security benefits will rise only 1.5% next year, one of the smallest increases ever in the program’s annual cost-of-living adjustment.

The increase is down from the 1.7% increase for 2013. There was no cost-of-living increase at all in 2010 and 2011 because prices fell in the wake of the recession. A 3.6% adjustment in 2012 has been the only significant rise in benefits in recent years.

The latest adjustment will add about $19 to monthly checks, taking the average benefit to $1,294.

The small increase is due to the fact that inflation has been low.

Except of course according to the Paulite nutters Amercia is just one step away from Zimbabwe hyperinflation ENDTHEFED and buy gold!!!

money.cnn.com

38 ObserverArt  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:42:11pm

I received “the letter” from my insurance company. My rate for the same package was going to go up 20% this year. So, as I posted a couple weeks ago, I got on the healthcare.gov site and started to look around. I mentioned to everyone here, I was contacted by an insurance assistant here in Ohio that is part of the Health Choice One organization out of Colorado. He is helping me work through this new system and has provided a good service for me. As I said earlier in another thread, I hope to be hooked up tomorrow with a cheaper plan that does have better coverage.

39 klys  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:42:43pm

re: #29 lawhawk

We are supposed to be “outraged” that these individuals are “getting screwed” because they don’t get to keep the exact same plan and they already pay more for their health insurance than those of us who get our insurance subsidized by the big employers (I guess that makes us moochers?).

Meanwhile, we are on our third insurance plan in eleven months (thanks employers!). Because I really love the headache of figuring out what’s different about this one and is my doctor still covered and making sure that all the doctors and the pharmacies have the new insurance card and what’s the new copay and…

I know that we’re fortunate to have insurance. I don’t for a minute believe that a) that cost doesn’t come out of the salary and b) that I have any control whatsoever regarding it.

40 Feline Fearless Leader  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:43:21pm

re: #28 klys

From a perfectly logical space-packing viewpoint, it just makes more sense to have the pregnant women in front.

/too many materials science classes

Do you then surround them with gravel, then sand, and finally pour a beer on top?*

* - The last proving that there is always space for a beer.

41 Decatur Deb  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:43:51pm

re: #35 Backwoods_Sleuth

Pawlenty on Martin Bashir is saying that it’s reasonable for people to be upset to pay more for coverage if they don’t smoke or need mental health care.

What. An. Idiot.

Insurers can charge non-smokers up to 1/3 less under ACA. It’s one of the few ‘discriminations’.

42 Backwoods_Sleuth  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:44:42pm

re: #40 Feline Fearless Leader

Do you then surround them with gravel, then sand, and finally pour a beer on top?*

* - The last proving that there is always space for a beer.

except for the foam, unless you know how to properly pour beer…

43 Backwoods_Sleuth  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:45:09pm

re: #41 Decatur Deb

Insurers can charge non-smokers up to 1/3 less under ACA. It’s one of the few ‘discriminations’.

Exactly! That’s why I said Pawlenty is an idiot. No freakin’ clue…

44 Bulworth  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:45:58pm

re: #43 Backwoods_Sleuth


And to think we could have had this thoughtful genius as our prez…..

45 Feline Fearless Leader  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:46:33pm

re: #42 Backwoods_Sleuth

except for the foam, unless you know how to properly pour beer…

Required course for Frat 101.
;p

46 Targetpractice  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:46:52pm

Seriously, if I bought a new car, but the following year the company holding the loan came by and yanked the radio out, drained the oil, and slashed the tires, is it still the “same” car?

47 Charles Johnson  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:47:29pm
48 Backwoods_Sleuth  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:47:33pm

re: #46 Targetpractice

Seriously, if I bought a new car, but the following year the company holding the loan came by and yanked the radio out, drained the oil, and slashed the tires, is it still the “same” car?

And, at the same time, upped the original purchase price.

49 Targetpractice  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:47:49pm

re: #45 Feline Fearless Leader

Required course for Frat 101.
;p

TOGA!!!

50 dog philosopher  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:48:49pm

re: #39 klys

We are supposed to be “outraged” that these individuals are “getting screwed” because they don’t get to keep the exact same plan and they already pay more for their health insurance than those of us who get our insurance subsidized by the big employers (I guess that makes us moochers?).

Meanwhile, we are on our third insurance plan in eleven months (thanks employers!). Because I really love the headache of figuring out what’s different about this one and is my doctor still covered and making sure that all the doctors and the pharmacies have the new insurance card and what’s the new copay and…

I know that we’re fortunate to have insurance. I don’t for a minute believe that a) that cost doesn’t come out of the salary and b) that I have any control whatsoever regarding it.

i have exactly one choice for a health insurance plan through my employer which involves a $2000 “deductible” - it seems to cost me roughly $100/m out of my paycheck

i can also get a non-company plan w about the same terms for about $300/m - and i have to guess any other relatively healthy person in their 50s here in CA would be eligible for the same plan

51 erik_t  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:48:55pm

re: #47 Charles Johnson

Not only an idiot, but duller than dishwater.

How anyone around him ever kept from laughing in the face of his presidential ambitions is well beyond me.

53 Targetpractice  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:49:55pm

re: #52 Kragar

Hagee: ‘If Man Says Something That Is Contradictory to What God Says, Man Is Lying’

I always lie. I’m telling the truth.

54 Feline Fearless Leader  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:51:20pm

re: #52 Kragar

Hagee: ‘If Man Says Something That Is Contradictory to What God Says, Man Is Lying’

Arguably God has never said anything. So is Hagee saying anything about God therefore a lie?
/

55 Decatur Deb  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:51:24pm

re: #52 Kragar

Hagee: ‘If Man Says Something That Is Contradictory to What God Says, Man Is Lying’

Quetzalcoatl tells me Hagee is lying. And he’d look good on an altar with the Jaguar priests.

56 Bubblehead II  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:51:39pm

re: #41 Decatur Deb

Insurers can charge non-smokers up to 1/3 less under ACA. It’s one of the few ‘discriminations’.

And as a smoker I’m perfectly fine with that. Smoking does have health risks and health insurance should charge those who engage in unhealthy habits more. That being said, do they also charge those engaged in other risky behaviors more? You know like sky diving, Base Jumping, ect. Because I’ve never seen that question being asked when I fill out my yearly (company provided) Insurance form.

57 GeneJockey  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:52:15pm

re: #22 darthstar

I did say to put down the meatballs.

But he’s a perfect example of why healthy young people should get healthcare under the ACA.

Don’t be silly! Young people are invulnerable and know everything about evaluating and appropriately determining risk!
//

58 klys  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:52:27pm

re: #50 dog philosopher

i have exactly one choice for a health insurance plan through my employer which involves a $2000 “deductible” - it seems to cost me roughly $100/m out of my paycheck

i can also get a non-company plan w about the same terms for about $300/m - and i have to guess any other relatively healthy person in their 50s here in CA would be eligible for the same plan

Having just dealt with open enrollment for the year, the health insurance offered by the company works out to $400 every two weeks. Fortunately the company provides a benefit equal to that amount, so we are lucky in that our out-of-pocket cost is limited to the copays, etc.

But that $400 is coming from somewhere and it’s not the goodness of the company’s heart.

I’m not sure what it would cost to match the plan on the open market, but I do know this plan will probably be going the way of the dodo is another year or two as it is classified as a “Cadillac” plan.

59 Vicious Babushka  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:52:44pm

re: #9 darthstar

This guy could use some affordable health care about now (warning - put down the meatball sub until you’ve finished watching)

[Embedded content]

WTF!

I could not watch that. What was the point, is this guy a hiker who fell and is waiting for the medics to airlift him out of the wilderness? Or just a homeless guy whose leg is going to become gangrenous and then he will die.

60 Feline Fearless Leader  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:53:26pm

re: #56 Bubblehead II

And as a smoker I’m perfectly fine with that. Smoking does have health risks and health insurance should charge those who engage in unhealthy habits more. That being said, do they also charge those engaged in other risky behaviors more? You know like sky diving, Base Jumping, ect. Because I’ve never seen that question being asked when I fill out my yearly (company provided) Insurance form.

How about holding a motorcycle license?

61 Backwoods_Sleuth  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:53:39pm

re: #56 Bubblehead II

And as a smoker I’m perfectly fine with that. Smoking does have health risks and health insurance should charge those who engage in unhealthy habits more. That being said, do they also charge those engaged in other risky behaviors more? You know like sky diving, Base Jumping, ect. Because I’ve never seen that question being asked when I fill out my yearly (company provided) Insurance form.

I’d like to see a similar discrimination for alcoholics.
But I may be biased because my oldest step-son needs a liver transplant due to a congenital-related problem rather than alcohol-related.

62 Kragar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:53:43pm

“GOD SAID TO DO THIS!”
“Really, where was I when that happened?”
“You were asleep and he didn’t want to wake you. He told me to tell you when you woke up.”

63 leftynyc  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:54:09pm

re: #56 Bubblehead II

And as a smoker I’m perfectly fine with that. Smoking does have health risks and health insurance should charge those who engage in unhealthy habits more. That being said, do they also charge those engaged in other risky behaviors more? You know like sky diving, Base Jumping, ect. Because I’ve never seen that question being asked when I fill out my yearly (company provided) Insurance form.

I pay an extra $100/month for my employer based health care for being a smoker. I also wonder how other unhealthy behavior seems to go beneath the radar (like drinking which I do not do).

64 Decatur Deb  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:54:18pm

re: #56 Bubblehead II

And as a smoker I’m perfectly fine with that. Smoking does have health risks and health insurance should charge those who engage in unhealthy habits more. That being said, do they also charge those engaged in other risky behaviors more? You know like sky diving, Base Jumping, ect. Because I’ve never seen that question being asked when I fill out my yearly (company provided) Insurance form.

They’d love to, but it’s very hard to manage small populations.

(Skydiving is ridiculously safe—consistently around 16 fatals per year. We used to say the most dangerous part of our day was driving to the drop zone, and the Ft Knox club proved it more than once.)

65 dog philosopher  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:54:26pm

re: #52 Kragar

Hagee: ‘If Man Says Something That Is Contradictory to What God Says, Man Is Lying’

then stop telling me i “don’t understand” what jesus is saying in the gospels when he calls for charity and compassion

66 Feline Fearless Leader  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:55:32pm

re: #64 Decatur Deb

They’d love to, but it’s very hard to manage small populations.

(Skydiving is ridiculously safe—consistently around 16 fatals per year. We used to say the most dangerous part of our day was driving to the drop zone, and the Ft Knox club proved it more than once.)

Interactions with large tracked US Army vehicles?

67 Targetpractice  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:56:12pm

re: #62 Kragar

“GOD SAID TO DO THIS!”
“Really, where was I when that happened?”
“You were asleep and he didn’t want to wake you. He told me to tell you when you woke up.”

“Hear me! Oh, Hear me! All pay heed! The Lord, the Lord Jehovah has given unto you these fifteen *crash*…Oy! ten, ten commandments for all to obey!”

68 Eclectic Cyborg  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:57:28pm

re: #56 Bubblehead II

And as a smoker I’m perfectly fine with that. Smoking does have health risks and health insurance should charge those who engage in unhealthy habits more. That being said, do they also charge those engaged in other risky behaviors more? You know like sky diving, Base Jumping, ect. Because I’ve never seen that question being asked when I fill out my yearly (company provided) Insurance form.

I guess they weren’t really thinking about the millionaire, spelunking, BASE jumping crowd.

/

69 Backwoods_Sleuth  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:57:45pm

re: #60 Feline Fearless Leader

How about holding a motorcycle license?

Can’t speak for other states, but in Kentucky you are required to have health insurance (in addition to vehicle insurance) if you want to ride without a helmet.
Fortunately, MrB_S always wears a helmet, but still has both insurances.

OTOH, I know a lot of motorcycle peeps and I also know more people seriously injured or killed while in a car/truck than have been killed/seriously injured on a motorcycle.

70 GeneJockey  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:57:48pm

re: #62 Kragar

“GOD SAID TO DO THIS!”
“Really, where was I when that happened?”
“You were asleep and he didn’t want to wake you. He told me to tell you when you woke up.”

“I have altered the deal. Pray I do not alter it further.”

71 Feline Fearless Leader  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:59:06pm

re: #68 Eclectic Cyborg

I guess they weren’t really thinking about the millionaire, spelunking, BASE jumping crowd.

/

I would suspect that the small print has some conditions regarding voluntary high-risk activities.

72 Decatur Deb  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:59:09pm

re: #66 Feline Fearless Leader

Interactions with large tracked US Army vehicles?

interactions between car-borne members and motorcycling members who had to pull up between the cars so we could pass them their beers.

(This was a long time ago. We are all much smartermore geriatric now.)

73 Bubblehead II  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 1:59:31pm

re: #60 Feline Fearless Leader

How about holding a motorcycle license?

That too. I ride a small electric scooter (no license/registration/insurance) and take very seriously the chance of getting hit because someone “didn’t see me”.

74 Kragar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:01:03pm
75 Feline Fearless Leader  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:02:01pm

re: #72 Decatur Deb

interactions between car-borne members and motorcycling members who had to pull up between the cars so we could pass them their beers.

(This was a long time ago. We are all much smartermore geriatric now.)

Oh, *that* kind of stupidity. I just figured since you specifically mentioned Fort Knox and knowing that the Armor School used to be there and the preference for sky-divers to land in large open areas it might have been a factor.

Plus I recall seeing signs while crossing the Salisbury Plain on a bus that were something like ‘Watch for Crossing Tanks’ in much the same way as US highways have deer crossing signs.

76 GeneJockey  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:03:31pm

You could actuaralize the system into smaller and smaller compartments to make it ‘fair’, but you’re stuck with the fact that a large percentage of the costs come from things which are largely luck. You don’t choose your parents.

77 Charles Johnson  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:04:21pm
78 Feline Fearless Leader  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:04:22pm

re: #73 Bubblehead II

That too. I ride a small electric scooter (no license/registration/insurance) and take very seriously the chance of getting hit because someone “didn’t see me”.

That solution was discussed with my niece (and her father) at college since she volunteers at an aquarium about 12 miles south of campus. We collectively pretty much nixed the idea since the road does not have good shoulders and it developed heavily enough (strip malls) that the idiot driver quotient would be too high to be worth the risk. And a bicycle or campus bus is good enough for getting around on campus.

79 GeneJockey  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:04:55pm

re: #75 Feline Fearless Leader

Oh, *that* kind of stupidity. I just figured since you specifically mentioned Fort Knox and knowing that the Armor School used to be there and the preference for sky-divers to land in large open areas it might have been a factor.

Plus I recall seeing signs while crossing the Salisbury Plain on a bus that were something like ‘Watch for Crossing Tanks’ in much the same way as US highways have deer crossing signs.

Do the tanks freeze when headlights hit them, then leap out in front of you?

80 Decatur Deb  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:05:13pm

re: #75 Feline Fearless Leader

Oh, *that* kind of stupidity. I just figured since you specifically mentioned Fort Knox and knowing that the Armor School used to be there and the preference for sky-divers to land in large open areas it might have been a factor.

Plus I recall seeing signs while crossing the Salisbury Plain on a bus that were something like ‘Watch for Crossing Tanks’ in much the same way as US highways have deer crossing signs.

The tanks got to us indirectly. Many of our on-post drop zones were criss-crossed with great dried tracks—great ankle breakers. We did most of our jumping at a funky little airport at Campbellsville—thus the driving.

81 Feline Fearless Leader  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:05:34pm

re: #79 GeneJockey

Do the tanks freeze when headlights hit them, then leap out in front of you?

With a Canal Defense Light, possibly.

82 Backwoods_Sleuth  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:05:55pm

re: #77 Charles Johnson

[Embedded content]

VB had that in the last thread.
I figured out that the giant puppet heads gave it away as an anti-NSA rally…

83 GeneJockey  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:06:29pm

re: #81 Feline Fearless Leader

With a Canal Defense Light, possibly.

I gather that’s one of those that, when you switch it on, all the other lights dim like when Lepke got The Chair?
//

84 Feline Fearless Leader  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:08:08pm

re: #83 GeneJockey

I gather that’s one of those that, when you switch it on, all the other lights dim like when Lepke got The Chair?
//

en.wikipedia.org

WW2 secret weapon idea of the semi-warped variety.

85 Targetpractice  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:09:19pm

re: #84 Feline Fearless Leader

en.wikipedia.org

WW2 secret weapon idea of the semi-warped variety.

I think you pretty much described every secret weapon of WW2.

86 Feline Fearless Leader  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:10:57pm

re: #85 Targetpractice

I think you pretty much described >every secret weapon of WW2.

Some definitely more warped than others. Bat bombs, guided bombs using cats or pigeons, etc. as compared to tech stuff like this that simply had limited application.

And the sort-of aerial equivalent to the CDL, the Leigh Light, actually made good sense, was developed, and then used in the Battle of the Atlantic. Made good sense as part of night attacks on U-boats detected by radar.

87 Decatur Deb  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:11:08pm

re: #84 Feline Fearless Leader

en.wikipedia.org

WW2 secret weapon idea of the semi-warped variety.

The xenon searchlight of the M-60 era was eye hazardous out to a good distance:

scienceservice.si.edu

88 thedopefishlives  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:11:54pm

Evening Lizardim from the foggy wild north country. How go things in the war on derp?

89 Kragar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:13:07pm

re: #85 Targetpractice

I think you pretty much described >every secret weapon of WW2.

There was one system designed which had an entire plane covered with a grid of flood lamps. During daylight operations, it made them almost impossible to see over the North Atlantic. They were used for spotting German UBoats.

90 Targetpractice  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:14:06pm

re: #86 Feline Fearless Leader

Some definitely more warped than others. Bat bombs, guided bombs using cats or pigeons, etc. as compared to tech stuff like this that simply had limited application.

Think the difference ultimately comes down to which ones worked and which didn’t. The idea of floating tanks onto Omaha beach was considered pretty warped, but those that managed to make it did provide much needed fire support.

91 Feline Fearless Leader  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:15:00pm

re: #89 Kragar

There was one system designed which had an entire plane covered with a grid of flood lamps. During daylight operations, it made them almost impossible to see over the North Atlantic. They were used for spotting German UBoats.

Sounds like a description of the Leigh Light system.

en.wikipedia.org

92 Kragar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:15:01pm

re: #90 Targetpractice

Think the difference ultimately comes down to which ones worked and which didn’t. The idea of floating tanks onto Omaha beach was considered pretty warped, but those that managed to make it did provide much needed fire support.

If its stupid, but it works, its not stupid.

93 William Barnett-Lewis  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:16:10pm

re: #87 Decatur Deb

The xenon searchlight of the M-60 era was eye hazardous out to a good distance:

scienceservice.si.edu

The IR searchlights were fun in winter though. Warmed things up :0

94 Kragar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:16:30pm

re: #91 Feline Fearless Leader

Sounds like a description of the Leigh Light system.

en.wikipedia.org

I think it was designed in response to the change in German tactics. It was easier to see the planes in the daylight, so they came up with the system to hide the planes.

95 Targetpractice  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:16:34pm

re: #92 Kragar

If its stupid, but it works, its not stupid.

I’m pretty sure that they’ve got that on a brass plate mounted somewhere in the Pentagon.

96 thedopefishlives  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:17:21pm

re: #95 Targetpractice

I’m pretty sure that they’ve got that on a brass plate mounted somewhere in the Pentagon.

The history of military R&D is littered with “What the F—- were you guys thinking?” moments and ideas.

97 Targetpractice  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:19:16pm

re: #96 thedopefishlives

The history of military R&D is littered with “What the F—- were you guys thinking?” moments and ideas.

“What, sir, would you make a ship sail against the wind and currents by lighting a bonfire under her deck? I pray you excuse me, I have no time to listen to such nonsense.”

98 ObserverArt  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:20:13pm

re: #28 klys

From a perfectly logical space-packing viewpoint, it just makes more sense to have the pregnant women in front.

/too many materials science classes

I had some package design classes at Art College.

99 Amory Blaine  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:20:27pm

Look. I’m a busy American. When I’m not dropping my 2.5 children off at soccer practice or fido of at doggy daycare, I’m at Starbucks trading stocks on my laptop while I enjoy a pumpkin spiced chai. I don’t have time for all the “mumbo jumbo”. Just tell me Blitzie, good or bad mmmkk?

100 Kragar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:21:33pm

For anyone interested in a good movie about the design and implementation of odd weapon designs, check out “The Dam Busters”.

In the early years of the Second World War, aeronautical engineer Barnes Wallis is struggling to develop a means of attacking Germany’s dams in the hope of crippling German heavy industry. Working for the Ministry of Aircraft Production, as well as doing his own job at Vickers, he works feverishly to make practical his theory of a bouncing bomb which would skip over the water to avoid protective torpedo nets. When it came into contact with the dam, it would sink before exploding, making it much more destructive. Wallis calculates that the aircraft will have to fly extremely low (150 feet (46 m)) to enable the bombs to skip over the water correctly, but when he takes his conclusions to the Ministry, he is told that lack of production capacity means they cannot go ahead with his proposals.

Angry and frustrated, Wallis secures an interview with Sir Arthur “Bomber” Harris (played by Basil Sydney), the head of RAF Bomber Command, who at first is reluctant to take the idea seriously. Eventually, however, he is convinced and takes the idea to the Prime Minister, who authorises the project.

Bomber Command forms a special squadron of Lancaster bombers, 617 Squadron, to be commanded by Wing Commander Guy Gibson, and tasked to fly the mission. He recruits experienced crews, especially those with low-altitude flight experience. While they train for the mission, Wallis continues his development of the bomb but has problems, such as the bomb breaking apart upon hitting the water. This requires the drop altitude to be reduced to 60 feet (18 m). With only a few weeks to go, he succeeds in fixing the problems and the mission can go ahead.

The bombers attack the dams. Several Lancasters and their crews are lost, but the overall mission succeeds and two dams are breached

To reach their targets, the bombers were forced to fly at extremely low altitudes. At least one bomber was lost due to waves hitting it while crossing the North Sea.

101 elizajane  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:22:20pm
102 Petero1818  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:22:44pm

re: #56 Bubblehead II

And as a smoker I’m perfectly fine with that. Smoking does have health risks and health insurance should charge those who engage in unhealthy habits more. That being said, do they also charge those engaged in other risky behaviors more? You know like sky diving, Base Jumping, ect. Because I’ve never seen that question being asked when I fill out my yearly (company provided) Insurance form.

I have seen it in life insurance applications, but as I live in Canada not health insurance ones. I am not sure sky diving and base jumping are terribly relevant to health insurance as opposed to life insurance as accidents in those risky activities most often result in very little health care costs. Mostly just funeral costs and life insurance.

103 Amory Blaine  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:23:51pm

The most effective weapon I’ve seen unleashed recently is “please proceed”. No shortage of dummies putting their foot in their mouth.

104 Decatur Deb  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:24:46pm

re: #96 thedopefishlives

The history of military R&D is littered with “What the F—- were you guys thinking?” moments and ideas.

Operation Turkey Buzzard. Towing jeeps and stuff 3,200 miles in wood/canvas gliders.

Image: Jeep_being_loaded_into_waco_glider.jpg

en.wikipedia.org

105 Amory Blaine  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:26:18pm

Forget skydiving, running causes a shit ton of injuries. Lots of physical therapy going on out there. Very expensive.

106 erik_t  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:27:34pm

re: #105 Amory Blaine

Forget skydiving, running causes a shit ton of injuries. Lots of physical therapy going on out there. Very expensive.

It does, but I bet the net health care cost of running is a very large negative number.

107 Kragar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:28:35pm

re: #105 Amory Blaine

Forget skydiving, running causes a shit ton of injuries. Lots of physical therapy going on out there. Very expensive.

I recommend avoid physical activity of any kind. Too dangerous.
/

108 Decatur Deb  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:28:58pm

re: #105 Amory Blaine

Forget skydiving, running causes a shit ton of injuries. Lots of physical therapy going on out there. Very expensive.

Yup, but not much will beat alcohol, overweight, or smoking for the big dollars. Maybe alcohol, smoking and overweight for the win.

109 Amory Blaine  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:29:03pm

re: #107 Kragar

I recommend avoid physical activity of any kind. Too dangerous.
/

Creed I live by.
//

110 Amory Blaine  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:30:16pm

Hamster bubbles for all!!

111 Decatur Deb  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:32:23pm

Off to ‘carve’ a pumpkin. Involves an electric drill and several sizes of hole saw.

112 Kragar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:33:31pm

The Dow hits another record high. Where are all the jobs?

113 dell*nix  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:34:03pm

re: #64 Decatur Deb

And then it seems to be a large amount of aircraft failure involved. I started in 1976 and have a total of 322 jumps on assorted gear.

114 Targetpractice  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:34:45pm

re: #112 Kragar

The Dow hits another record high. Where are all the jobs?

Wait, how can this be? Shouldn’t we be in an economic tailspin because of the ACA?

115 erik_t  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:35:20pm

re: #112 Kragar

The Dow hits another record high. Where are all the jobs?

Yeah but what’s the unskewed Dow at?

116 Amory Blaine  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:35:57pm

Every time I hear the phrase “in real time” I want to punch myself in the face.

117 Decatur Deb  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:35:59pm

re: #113 dell*nix

And then it seems to be a large amount of aircraft failure involved. I started in 1976 and have a total of 322 jumps on assorted gear.

Started in ‘66. Still have a Paracommander in the storage room “in case”.

118 Kragar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:36:20pm
119 Sol Berdinowitz  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:36:25pm

So this just came up on FB from an acquaintance in W Va:

Obamacare Website Violates Licensing Agreement for Copyrighted Software
Company to pursue action against HHS for using copyrighted web script.

120 wrenchwench  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:38:48pm

re: #116 Amory Blaine

Every time I hear the phrase “in real time” I want to punch myself in the face.

Dammit. Now every time I hear it, I’m going to want to punch you in the face too.

121 GeneJockey  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:39:42pm

re: #120 wrenchwench

Dammit. Now every time I hear it, I’m going to want to punch you in the face too.

I’d like to see that, in real time.

122 Bulworth  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:39:55pm

re: #119 Sol Berdinowitz

That does it. Repeal now. //

123 jaunte  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:40:18pm

re: #116 Amory Blaine

“At the end of the day” you’ll be sore.

124 Bulworth  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:40:31pm

re: #114 Targetpractice

America doesn’t even exist anymore. //

125 EPR-radar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:41:16pm

re: #67 Targetpractice

“Hear me! Oh, Hear me! All pay heed! The Lord, the Lord Jehovah has given unto you these fifteen *crash*…Oy! ten, ten commandments for all to obey!”

This reminds me of the oldie:

I don’t care what your counsel has advised, these are NOT the ‘10 recommendations’

126 Bulworth  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:41:39pm

re: #101 elizajane

Pelosi: Ass-kicking is my business, and business is GOOD.

127 Lidane  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:42:55pm

re: #116 Amory Blaine

Every time I hear the phrase “in real time” I want to punch myself in the face.

re: #120 wrenchwench

Dammit. Now every time I hear it, I’m going to want to punch you in the face too.

You both almost owed me a new laptop. Luckily, I stopped myself in real time.

128 GeneJockey  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:43:39pm

re: #123 jaunte

“At the end of the day” you’ll be sore.

Is that the take-home message?

129 Kragar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:44:05pm

re: #125 EPR-radar

This reminds me of the oldie:

“In the future, please remember the mother of our savior was the Blessed Virgin Mary, not Holy Mary with the cherry.”

130 makeitstop  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:44:49pm

re: #119 Sol Berdinowitz

So this just came up on FB from an acquaintance in W Va:

Obamacare Website Violates Licensing Agreement for Copyrighted Software
Company to pursue action against HHS for using copyrighted web script.

Man, they’re getting desperate out there in Wingnutville.

131 jaunte  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:45:13pm

re: #128 GeneJockey

It’s a good thing, AND a bad thing.

132 Rev_Arthur_Belling  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:45:19pm

Anecdata:

I used to work at a small college where they had no bargaining power with insurance companies. Everyone who could be was on their spouse’s insurance for a larger employer, and - as was explained to me - the college “pool” was so small that one employee with a cancer treatment would blow premiums through the roof. Although I took the job for a bump in pay, the insurance premiums ate up the entirety of my raise, so I was basically making what I had made at another college that had better benefits, but less pay (and batshit admins, but that’s another story).

I would have *loved* to have had Obamacare back then. I might not have left that college for another state institution.

133 dog philosopher  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:45:27pm

re: #114 Targetpractice

Wait, how can this be? Shouldn’t we be in an economic tailspin because of the ACA?

we’ve gone past several 6 month periods in which we were certain to see massive inflation leading the dollar to lose value weimar style, causing roving bands of welfare-deprived minorities to attack the suburbs

oh did i mention “buy gold”?

134 Targetpractice  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:45:29pm

re: #130 makeitstop

Man, they’re getting desperate out there in Wingnutville.

They keep throwing shit against the wall and none of it is sticking.

135 GeneJockey  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:46:23pm

re: #131 jaunte

It’s a good thing, AND a bad thing.

“Okay, Nancy - What’s the bird’s eye lowdown on this caper, whatever that means?”

136 EPR-radar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:47:32pm

re: #134 Targetpractice

They keep throwing shit against the wall and none of it is sticking.

Playing with ca-ca is literally as close as this GOP can get to dealing with policy issues.

137 dell*nix  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:49:10pm

re: #117 Decatur Deb

Still have an RWPC, a Strato Star and a 105 sq ft ram air, also just in case. The large ram air is my best bet as I am too heavy for the Strato Star.(Whaoo. turkey. WHAOO!!!)

138 Lidane  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:50:11pm

re: #119 Sol Berdinowitz

So this just came up on FB from an acquaintance in W Va:

Obamacare Website Violates Licensing Agreement for Copyrighted Software
Company to pursue action against HHS for using copyrighted web script.

Pfft. These things happen when you have to write 500 milion lines of code.

139 Targetpractice  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:50:40pm

re: #133 dog philosopher

we’ve gone past several 6 month periods in which we were certain to see massive inflation leading the dollar to lose value weimar style, causing roving bands of welfare-deprived minorities to attack the suburbs

oh did i mention “buy gold”?

Hell, I had a wingnut assure me for the better part of two years that the Euro Zone was gonna implode just before last November, cratering the global economy and destroying Obama’s chance for reelection.

He’s gone back to his old standby, the impending Chinese implosion that still hasn’t happened.

140 dog philosopher  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:50:44pm

re: #119 Sol Berdinowitz

So this just came up on FB from an acquaintance in W Va:

Obamacare Website Violates Licensing Agreement for Copyrighted Software
Company to pursue action against HHS for using copyrighted web script.

the same site has an ad shouting

“Obama’s Twisted Double Life Exposed!!!

click to watch shocking video!!!”

141 Bubblehead II  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:50:57pm

re: #102 Petero1818

I have seen it in life insurance applications, but as I live in Canada not health insurance ones. I am not sure sky diving and base jumping are terribly relevant to health insurance as opposed to life insurance as accidents in those risky activities most often result in very little health care costs. Mostly just funeral costs and life insurance.

Don’t think so.

Most of these people have live. Someone has to pay for their medical expenses.

BTW, Twin Falls, Idaho is one of the few places in the U.S. you can legally jump off of a bridge.

142 dog philosopher  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:51:32pm

re: #139 Targetpractice

Hell, I had a wingnut assure me for the better part of two years that the Euro Zone was gonna implode just before last November, cratering the global economy and destroying Obama’s chance for reelection.

He’s gone back to his old standby, the impending Chinese implosion that still hasn’t happened.

has he used the phrase “unfunded liabilities” by any chance?

143 Political Atheist  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:52:34pm

re: #140 dog philosopher

the same site has an ad shouting

“Obama’s Twisted Double Life Exposed!!!

click to watch shocking video!!!”

So we can be confident this is false? Fake images of the code?

144 erik_t  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:52:43pm

re: #141 Bubblehead II

Most of these people have live. Someone has to pay for their medical expenses.

BTW, Twin Falls, Idaho is one of the few places in the U.S. you can legally jump off of a bridge.

Ever been to Twin Falls? There’s a reason for that.

/

145 Targetpractice  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:52:48pm

re: #142 dog philosopher

has he used the phrase “unfunded liabilities” by any chance?

Constantly. Of course, he’s sure that the coming Economic Armageddon will spare red states, because lower taxes, “business friendly” environments, and so forth.

Did I mention he’s charging for economic advice on his blog?

146 wrenchwench  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:53:02pm

re: #141 Bubblehead II

BTW, Twin Falls, Idaho is one of the few places in the U.S. you can legally jump off of a bridge.

In keeping with the name, does it have to be done two at a time?

147 dog philosopher  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:56:59pm

re: #143 Political Atheist

So we can be confident this is false? Fake images of the code?

probably the code thing is real - it’s not unreasonable to think that the copyright notice was not properly included in the code - but the violation is hardly a significant issue

148 Bubblehead II  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:57:51pm

re: #144 erik_t

Ever been to Twin Falls? There’s a reason for that.

/

Why yes, I have. Probably because I live here. :-)

149 makeitstop  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:58:21pm

re: #147 dog philosopher

probably the code thing is real - it’s not unreasonable to think that the copyright notice was not properly included in the code - but the violation is hardly a significant issue

Yeah, I’m thinking that the ‘taking action’ the story refers to would be the company getting in touch with HHS and asking them to insert the copyright code.

150 Political Atheist  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:58:49pm

Anyone you know have Google Glass? Looks like a lady got a ticket for driving with one on. Kinda interesting “law meet technology invented long after you were passed” issue.

If she was watching YouTube, righteous violation. But if she was using a nav feature, not illegal. Hmmm. I have wondered about that with my cell phone using Waze. But with Glass, no need to look away from the road. Glass would be an awesome safety addition if the right apps and sensors were hooked up. Heads up disply-speed, nav, traffic warnings. Even the monitor for a camera designed to see much further in fog, rain or at night.

Or we will have some fool watching porn and running off the road into nearby houses.

151 piratedan  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:59:17pm

re: #148 Bubblehead II

that is a very cool canyon just to the North of town, just saying, very picturesque.

152 dell*nix  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 2:59:55pm

flickr.com

flickr.com Surplus gear with a KAP-3 auto opener on the reserve.

flickr.com Modified T-10.

153 Charles Johnson  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:00:16pm
154 Targetpractice  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:00:23pm

re: #150 Political Atheist

Anyone you know have Google Glass? Looks like a lady got a ticket for driving with one on. Kinda interesting “law meet technology invented long after you were passed” issue.

If she was watching YouTube, righteous violation. But if she was using a nav feature, not illegal. Hmmm. I have wondered about that with my cell phone using Waze. But with Glass, no need to look away from the road. Glass would be an awesome safety addition if the right apps and sensors were hooked up. Heads up disply-speed, nav, traffic warnings. Even the monitor for a camera designed to see much further in fog, rain or at night.

Or we will have some fool watching porn and running off the road into nearby houses.

Think I’d rather just find a way to make that stuff part of the standard gear in the car itself, with necessary locks set in to prevent web-surfing while the car’s in motion.

155 Amory Blaine  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:00:24pm

Sausage pizza sub, bowl of french onion and a 36 oz chocolate shake. Risky? Yes/No?

156 Bubblehead II  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:00:27pm

re: #146 wrenchwench

In keeping with the name, does it have to be done two at a time?

On occasion.

Dorothy Custer, 102-Year-Old Woman, BASE Jumps Off Idaho Bridge To Celebrate Birthday (VIDEO)

157 Kragar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:00:47pm
158 Political Atheist  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:01:17pm

re: #149 makeitstop

It’s illustrative of why it was not running better. lots of little things not tended to.

159 Bubblehead II  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:02:55pm

re: #151 piratedan

that is a very cool canyon just to the North of town, just saying, very picturesque.

Yep.

160 Charles Johnson  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:03:12pm

Worst of all, he’s a libertarian.

161 makeitstop  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:05:08pm

re: #155 Amory Blaine

Sausage pizza sub, bowl of french onion and a 36 oz chocolate shake. Risky? Yes/No? Good thing or bad thing?

FTFCNN

162 Lidane  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:06:12pm

re: #155 Amory Blaine

Sausage pizza sub, bowl of french onion and a 36 oz chocolate shake. Risky? Yes/No?

Is it a good thing or a bad thing?

/CNN

163 wrenchwench  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:07:03pm

The latest photo of the niece.

I didn’t know they do Halloween in Colombia.

165 makeitstop  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:08:23pm

re: #162 Lidane

Is it a good thing or a bad thing?

/CNN

56 seconds (except I screwed up the tags and had to pencil it)

166 GeneJockey  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:09:45pm

re: #145 Targetpractice

Constantly. Of course, he’s sure that the coming Economic Armageddon will spare red states, because lower taxes, “business friendly” environments, and so forth.

Did I mention he’s charging for economic advice on his blog?

“If just 1000 of you send me $1000, I’ll tell you how I made $1 Million!”

167 thedopefishlives  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:10:40pm

Okay, what am I missing with this “CNN: Good thing or bad thing?” thing?

168 ProTARDISLiberal  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:10:45pm

re: #163 wrenchwench

We are exporting Halloween.

169 dog philosopher  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:11:26pm

“unfunded liabilities”

an “unfunded liability” is an estimate of the shortfall in ability to pay obligations in the future based on current revenue forecasts

what wingnuts fail to notice is this:

1) an unfunded liability estimate needs to be for some period in the future

2) the mega gazillion dollars figures usually cited for the unfunded liabilities of the federal government are for a period of the next 75 years

3) the estimates vary widely depending on whether you ask e.g. the social security trustees or the heritage foundation

but wingnuts mostly ignorantly think the unfunded liability amount is due right now

170 erik_t  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:12:09pm

re: #164 Charles Johnson

Daily Kos: Glenn Greenwald Once Again Proves He Is a Hate-Oozing Douche

I realllllly don’t want to look at those comments, do I?

171 Backwoods_Sleuth  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:12:22pm

re: #132 Rev_Arthur_Belling

Anecdata:

I used to work at a small college where they had no bargaining power with insurance companies. Everyone who could be was on their spouse’s insurance for a larger employer, and - as was explained to me - the college “pool” was so small that one employee with a cancer treatment would blow premiums through the roof. Although I took the job for a bump in pay, the insurance premiums ate up the entirety of my raise, so I was basically making what I had made at another college that had better benefits, but less pay (and batshit admins, but that’s another story).

I would have *loved* to have had Obamacare back then. I might not have left that college for another state institution.

My last “off the farm” job, the insurance premiums were more than what I made. The owner got a discount on his premiums based on how many employees signed up.

Fortunately, at the time (way back in the late 90s) I did have insurance as a surviving spouse of a steel mill retiree, so I declined that particular “benefit” without knowing how outrageous it was.

When the vulture capitalists gutted the pension plan in the early 90s, I found out how the insurance scam worked at my former employment.

I went without health insurance for several years (and almost died in the process) because I had a pre-existing condition that put individual insurance completely out of my financial reach and Medicaid was not an option because I had “assets” (read=a working farm with a land value of serious six figures).

172 Bubblehead II  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:12:32pm

Perrine Bridge

Prior to them installing locked gates at each ends of the arch, A friend and I crossed over the river using it. One of the more interesting things I have done.

173 wrenchwench  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:13:20pm

re: #168 ProTARDISLiberal

We are exporting Halloween.

Hasn’t reached everywhere yet.

174 dog philosopher  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:13:31pm

re: #168 ProTARDISLiberal

We are exporting Halloween.

when will the war on halloween start?

175 Bubblehead II  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:13:31pm

re: #167 thedopefishlives

Okay, what am I missing with this “CNN: Good thing or bad thing?” thing?

Down Stairs. Jon Stewart rips CNN a new one. Funny.

176 Dr Lizardo  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:14:40pm

re: #173 wrenchwench

Hasn’t reached everywhere yet.

[Embedded content]

Halloween is turning up here in the Czech Republic. I’ve been told by my neighbor to expect trick or treaters tomorrow night…..just kids from the building here.

177 Political Atheist  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:14:46pm

re: #154 Targetpractice

Maybe so, as in can’t have nice things because some people will just be stupid about it. . But there goes some really innovative options. One reason this got my attention is that I used a digital camera as a safety monitor in the thick central California fog. I could see much further up the road in the monitor. Far enough the 5-10mph we were down to felt safer.

178 GeneJockey  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:15:05pm

re: #169 dog philosopher

“unfunded liabilities”

an “unfunded liability” is an estimate of the shortfall in ability to pay obligations in the future based on current revenue forecasts

what wingnuts fail to notice is this:

1) an unfunded liability estimate needs to be for some period in the future

2) the mega gazillion dollars figures usually cited for the unfunded liabilities of the federal government are for a period of the next 75 years

3) the estimates vary widely depending on whether you ask e.g. the social security trustees or the heritage foundation

but wingnuts mostly ignorantly think the unfunded liability amount is due right now

So basically it’s like looking at your total mortgage payments over the 30 year life of the loan as a single figure and wondering where in hell you’re going to come up with that kind of money.

179 Sol Berdinowitz  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:15:58pm

re: #157 Kragar

Report: Cruz Won’t Help Primary GOP Senators

Ted has his 2016 Presidential campaign to think about, does not want to get bogged down in factional party politics

180 lawhawk  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:16:43pm

re: #169 dog philosopher

Well, they do the same thing with the national debt and the deficit.

The national debt is the running tally of surplus/debt accrued over the years. It didn’t occur all at once, and no single president or Congress is responsible for all of it.

The deficit is the tally where annual revenues fall short of expenditures.

The annual deficit has shrank faster this year - in part due to the sequester and tax hikes on the rich. That’s on the President and Congress.

Conflate the two and you end up with nutters claiming that Obama’s responsible for the national debt, and simultaneously claim that the GOP is responsible for cutting the spending.

181 erik_t  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:17:39pm

re: #179 Sol Berdinowitz

Ted has his 2016 Presidential campaign to think about, does not want to get bogged down in factional party politics

It may just be his FYIGMism.

182 GeneJockey  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:21:21pm

re: #181 erik_t

It may just be his FYIGMism.

Or just FYism. He seems like that big an asshole.

183 Sol Berdinowitz  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:23:04pm

re: #181 erik_t

It may just be his FYIGMism.

No, he is a man with a political future, he has to take care not to get bogged down in petty intra-party disputes, he will need a lot of support to secure the nomination in 2016, take a lead in the polls and go on to victory with Sarah Palin at his side.

By then ACA will have driven Americans to cannibalism and they will be begging for laxer gun laws so they can defend themselves from the brain-eaters.

/

184 Justanotherhuman  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:27:00pm

For Halloween, my g-grandson gets to go to the dentist. His teeth look fine, from a visual inspection, so we’ll see.

Life is good. I made a simple but killer marinara sauce for the meatballs, and waiting for g-daughter to pick up the cinnamon raisin bread I made for her. One thing about NC autumn—sometimes, like today, you have to turn the a/c back on for a few hours. Got pretty warm in here—just looked, and it was up to 82 today. By Friday night, we may need heat again.

We don’t do much Halloween around here. Get no trick or treaters at all; we haven’t for years.

186 Justanotherhuman  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:29:33pm

re: #176 Dr Lizardo

Halloween is turning up here in the Czech Republic. I’ve been told by my neighbor to expect trick or treaters tomorrow night…..just kids from the building here.

Oh shit! The Beg-a-thon reaches the Czech Republic! Get the pillow cases out for the Candy Haul!

187 Political Atheist  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:31:29pm

NY city just raised the minimum age to buy tobacco to 21.
just for a little fun-
Interesting legal logic. Smoking is bad. The locality has the authority to regulate. So, why not age 42? Or 60? If they can just about ban guns in the city why not cigarettes?

Possession of an empty pack however should not be considered the same as actually possessing cigs. (JK)

188 Dr Lizardo  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:33:14pm

re: #186 Justanotherhuman

Oh shit! The Beg-a-thon reaches the Czech Republic! Get the pillow cases out for the Candy Haul!

There’s only a dozen little kids in the entire building here, so it’s not that bad. But yeah, Halloween is starting to become a tradition here; I never saw it in 2001, but over the years as I’ve lived here, I see more and more of it every year.

It used to be that only Tesco - a British-based store - sold Halloween decorations; now I see it in Hruška - which is a locally-based grocery store chain.

189 Targetpractice  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:36:17pm

re: #177 Political Atheist

Maybe so, as in can’t have nice things because some people will just be stupid about it. . But there goes some really innovative options. One reason this got my attention is that I used a digital camera as a safety monitor in the thick central California fog. I could see much further up the road in the monitor. Far enough the 5-10mph we were down to felt safer.

I don’t disagree that the technology has a lot of potential, but just as much potential for abuse exists. Which is why the whole idea of “smart” glass in cars seems better introduced slowly, with corresponding restrictions built into the tech to keep people from engaging in hazardous activities while driving.

Then again, at the rate we’re going, we might have cars that drive themselves before we have to worry about people web-surfing on their car’s windshield.

190 ProTARDISLiberal  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:36:44pm

re: #188 Dr Lizardo

Interesting to see Halloween as an export. Cultural events are always a bit goofy in terms of that.

But, I shouldn’t talk. Because I am a fan of British Cultural Export with Doctor Who.

191 Lidane  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:38:09pm
192 Dr Lizardo  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:39:04pm

re: #190 ProTARDISLiberal

Interesting to see Halloween as an export. Cultural events are always a bit goofy in terms of that.

But, I shouldn’t talk. Because I am a fan of British Cultural Export with Doctor Who.

Look at anime; 20 years ago, there was only a relatively tiny number of fans - now it’s practically part of mainstream American pop culture.

193 aagcobb  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:40:15pm

re: #191 Lidane

[Embedded content]

The bordellos will have lines comparable to DisneyWorld rides.

194 GeneJockey  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:41:16pm

re: #193 aagcobb

The bordellos will have lines comparable to DisneyWorld rides.

Well, they are The Happiest Place On Earth!
//

195 Justanotherhuman  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:41:41pm

We have to remember that this is a poll based on 800 people.

NBC/WSJ poll: Obama approval sinks to new low

firstread.nbcnews.com

Did the pollsters pick out the dumbest people to question?

196 Lidane  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:42:05pm
197 GeneJockey  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:42:41pm

Though, to be honest, the idea of standing behind a bunch of Republicans in line at a bordello, waiting for the next available opening, is repellant.

198 Targetpractice  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:43:07pm

re: #192 Dr Lizardo

Look at anime; 20 years ago, there was only a relatively tiny number of fans - now it’s practically part of mainstream American pop culture.

Comes with the growth in availability. 20 years ago, getting an anime meant waiting months or even years for an American company to license the series for release in the US, hire staff to handle the translation and voice work, and then get it on shelves.

199 jaunte  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:43:15pm

re: #195 Justanotherhuman

“800 Adults*, including 240 cell phone only respondents”

*willing to give up their time to a poll

200 Justanotherhuman  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:43:39pm

re: #197 GeneJockey

Though, to be honest, the idea of standing behind a bunch of Republicans in line at a bordello, waiting for the next available opening, is repellant.

The idea of standing in line to actually pay for sex is repellent.

201 Amory Blaine  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:44:37pm

The ACA has me nervous here in WI. Walker basically refused setting up the ACA instead relying on the feds. At the same time he’s reforming our medicaid program (Badgercare) by kicking 92,000 mostly low income parents off the rolls while simultaneously adding 80,000 childless adults to Badgercare. All at a cost to the state of 120 million dollars. This is a recipe for total confusion in the state and one which I feel the GOP is ready to exploit. The democratic party is already incredibly weakened here. Walker and the media will be poised to place all their blame on Obama and the democratic party. And as the population here has demonstrated, is quite willing to go the extra mile to kick dirt in the face of progressives.

202 piratedan  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:45:42pm

re: #200 Justanotherhuman

The idea of standing in line to actually pay for sex is repellent.

well you can’t expect them to use the ACA website for it can you? ////

203 aagcobb  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:45:44pm

re: #195 Justanotherhuman

We have to remember that this is a poll based on 800 people.

NBC/WSJ poll: Obama approval sinks to new low

firstread.nbcnews.com

Did the pollsters pick out the dumbest people to question?

Just one poll doesn’t mean much; you get a more accurate assessment from the RCP polling average. And with the news not being real good lately, it wouldn’t really be very surprising to see his approval rating sinking.

204 dog philosopher  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:45:51pm

re: #178 GeneJockey

So basically it’s like looking at your total mortgage payments over the 30 year life of the loan as a single figure and wondering where in hell you’re going to come up with that kind of money.

rezackly

205 GeneJockey  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:47:16pm

re: #203 aagcobb

Just one poll doesn’t mean much; you get a more accurate assessment from the RCP polling average. And with the news not being real good lately, it wouldn’t really be very surprising to see his approval rating sinking.

I suspect it’s just general disgust with The System. I’d be more concerned if the GOP were RISING while Obama is sinking.

206 ProTARDISLiberal  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:48:24pm

re: #192 Dr Lizardo

American Anime Fans have some bad taste though.

How do you explain the popularity of Dragonball and Sailor Moon when better mangas/animes like Rurouni Kenshin and Fruits Basket exist? Though, with Sailor Moon, why men like it is usually creepy.

Granted, there is some stuff I think I should see, like Ghost in the Shell, Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo, and maybe FLCL.

Yes, those are two weird things to like. But it is for roughly the same reason I am a fan of Bon Jovi, Nightwish, and Taylor Swift. And why I adore Doctor Who. Because Doctor Who appeals to both sides of that.

207 dog philosopher  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:48:57pm

re: #180 lawhawk

Well, they do the same thing with the national debt and the deficit.

The national debt is the running tally of surplus/debt accrued over the years. It didn’t occur all at once, and no single president or Congress is responsible for all of it.

The deficit is the tally where annual revenues fall short of expenditures.

The annual deficit has shrank faster this year - in part due to the sequester and tax hikes on the rich. That’s on the President and Congress.

Conflate the two and you end up with nutters claiming that Obama’s responsible for the national debt, and simultaneously claim that the GOP is responsible for cutting the spending.

not only that, but the total amount of the debt has never been paid down - it just seems to grow, decade by decade - yet, somehow the wingnuts think “our children” will be asked to pay it off

208 Amory Blaine  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:49:48pm

re: #200 Justanotherhuman

The idea of standing in line to actually pay for sex is repellent.

I agree, it’s much better to sit at the bar and wait your turn.
//////(and here’s one more /)

209 Dr Lizardo  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:50:06pm

re: #198 Targetpractice

Comes with the growth in availability. 20 years ago, getting an anime meant waiting months or even years for an American company to license the series for release in the US, hire staff to handle the translation and voice work, and then get it on shelves.

Very true; that whole process is much faster now.

I’ve been into anime since the mid-1970s; early exposure to “Star Blazers” (“Space Battleship Yamato”) and “Speed Racer” warped my impressionable mind.

That, and kaiju films.

210 William Barnett-Lewis  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:50:48pm

re: #201 Amory Blaine

The Democratic party showed it’s contempt of northern and western Wisconsin by running Tom Barrett twice in a row. About the the only person who could have been worse would have been if Falk had gotten the nomination. You can’t win with only Milwaukee and Madison and you really can’t win by opposing things the majority want.

Want to know what won the recall? Concealed Carry. The percent who think it was a good idea tracks the number who voted for Walker and also provides the increase in votes Walker got over Barrett the first time.

211 FemNaziBitch  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:50:49pm

Hey all!

How is the day?

212 Dr Lizardo  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:51:33pm

re: #206 ProTARDISLiberal

American Anime Fans have some bad taste though.

How do you explain the popularity of Dragonball and Sailor Moon when better mangas/animes like Rurouni Kenshin and Fruits Basket exist? Though, with Sailor Moon, why men like it is usually creepy.

Granted, there is some stuff I think I should see, like Ghost in the Shell, Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo, and maybe FLCL.

Yes, those are two weird things to like. But it is for roughly the same reason I am a fan of Bon Jovi, Nightwish, and Taylor Swift. And why I adore Doctor Who. Because Doctor Who appeals to both sides of that.

You should see those; “Ghost In The Shell” - the film in particular - is landmark in anime. I would also recommend the films of Hayao Miyazaki and the late Satoshi Kon.

213 Justanotherhuman  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:53:01pm

re: #204 dog philosopher

Except, after paying on it for 15 years, and not even having enough interest to list as a deduction on your 1040—the standard deduction exceeded it—that mortgage payment starts to look like incidental change. At least, that’s what happened with my first house after 14 yrs, in that I was making a lot more money and didn’t have enough deductions to matter to mitigate my taxes.

So I bought up in another area. The neighborhood was going to hell in a hand-basket anyway.

Now I rent, and let someone else worry about that stuff.

214 FemNaziBitch  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:53:20pm

The whole debt thing …

Is it wrong to assume that the whole American Exceptional-ism Myth was financed after WWII by public debt?

I feel that we were sold a Ponzi Scheme and the newest generation just keeps buying-in to keep it going.

215 GeneJockey  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:53:43pm

re: #200 Justanotherhuman

The idea of standing in line to actually pay for sex is repellent.

Oh, I dunno. I gotta say the idea of lining up for it is the repellant part for me, but I’ve read enough Science Fiction written by horny middle aged guys who fantasize about the raising of the sex trade to a high art that the idea of paying for sex, as an idea, doesn’t repel me.

216 Amory Blaine  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:54:14pm

re: #210 William Barnett-Lewis

Barrett was bad. Know who’s worse? Mary Burke. The democratic machines anointed candidate for governor in 2014. An outsourcing CEO with no love for the working class.

217 piratedan  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:55:36pm

re: #206 ProTARDISLiberal

American Anime Fans have some bad taste though.

How do you explain the popularity of Dragonball and Sailor Moon when better mangas/animes like Rurouni Kenshin and Fruits Basket exist? Though, with Sailor Moon, why men like it is usually creepy.

Granted, there is some stuff I think I should see, like Ghost in the Shell, Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo, and maybe FLCL.

Yes, those are two weird things to like. But it is for roughly the same reason I am a fan of Bon Jovi, Nightwish, and Taylor Swift. And why I adore Doctor Who. Because Doctor Who appeals to both sides of that.

this is the same America where Dancing with the Stars and Breaking Bad co-exist semi-peacefully…. no accounting for taste. It’s a big enough market to allow for each entry to find it’s own niche. Remember, in the US, this stuff was primarily marketed as cartoons as a means to peddle merchandise, that’s changing as well, at least for some of the genre.

218 FemNaziBitch  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:55:55pm

re: #215 GeneJockey

Oh, I dunno. I gotta say the idea of lining up for it is the repellant part for me, but I’ve read enough Science Fiction written by horny middle aged guys who fantasize about the raising of the sex trade to a high art that the idea of paying for sex, as an idea, doesn’t repel me.

It seems the only we left to pay for all the debt is to promote and tax vice.

After we’ve wasted so much trying to suppress it.

Vice seems to be the only constant and dependable source of revenue the government can depend on. Gambling, tobacco … .

219 GeneJockey  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:56:02pm

re: #214 FemNaziBitch

The whole debt thing …

Is it wrong to assume that the whole American Exceptional-ism Myth was financed after WWII by public debt?

I feel that we were sold a Ponzi Scheme and the newest generation just keeps buying-in to keep it going.

Post-1980, yes. Pre-1980, no. Back then it was largely financed by fairly heavy taxes paid by wealthy individual and corporations.

220 FemNaziBitch  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:56:23pm

re: #219 GeneJockey

Post-1980, yes. Pre-1980, no. Back then it was largely financed by fairly heavy taxes paid by wealthy individual and corporations.

ah!

221 Justanotherhuman  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:56:42pm

re: #215 GeneJockey

Oh, I dunno. I gotta say the idea of lining up for it is the repellant part for me, but I’ve read enough Science Fiction written by horny middle aged guys who fantasize about the raising of the sex trade to a high art that the idea of paying for sex, as an idea, doesn’t repel me.

Well, I’m a woman. I’d never pay for it. But then, again, I never charged for it, either. : ) I’ve just never seen sex as some kind of “cash transaction”.

222 Targetpractice  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:57:52pm

re: #209 Dr Lizardo

Very true; that whole process is much faster now.

I’ve been into anime since the mid-1970s; early exposure to “Star Blazers” (“Space Battleship Yamato”) and “Speed Racer” warped my impressionable mind.

That, and kaiju films.

I got into anime in the 90s, back when the joke still was “Crack is cheaper.” It was that transition period, when series were beginning to actually show up with subtitles as an option on DVDs and mangas were making that slow transition from comic store novelties to acceptable bookstore fare. People just now getting into anime don’t realize how hard it used to be to get into a new series that was anything less than six months old.

223 Lidane  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:57:53pm

Ouch.

224 FemNaziBitch  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:58:03pm

re: #221 Justanotherhuman

Well, I’m a woman. I’d never pay for it. But then, again, I never charged for it, either. : ) I’ve just never seen sex as some kind of “cash transaction”.

You have to remember the old (and not so old) concept of marriage. While it is all wrapped in God and State sanctions, the basic concept is the same.

The idea of marital rape is still difficult to prove in court… . .

225 EPR-radar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:58:15pm

re: #215 GeneJockey

Oh, I dunno. I gotta say the idea of lining up for it is the repellant part for me, but I’ve read enough Science Fiction written by horny middle aged guys who fantasize about the raising of the sex trade to a high art that the idea of paying for sex, as an idea, doesn’t repel me.

Heinlein was god-awful for that. It got to be totally embarrassing how his settings were so obviously wish fulfillment (i.e., cranky old man gets incredible amount of action from a harem of hotties).

226 FemNaziBitch  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:58:44pm

re: #225 EPR-radar

Heinlein was god-awful for that. It got to be totally embarrassing how his settings were so obviously wish fulfillment (i.e., cranky old man gets incredible amount of action from a harem of hotties).

He wrote about it, Hugh Heffner lives it.

227 darthstar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:58:57pm

Three pale store-bought pumpkin pies and one home made one (mine)…dark, spicy, delicious (if I do so humblebrag)…guess which one got eaten?

228 darthstar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 3:59:46pm
229 Dr Lizardo  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:00:06pm

re: #222 Targetpractice

I got into anime in the 90s, back when the joke still was “Crack is cheaper.” It was that transition period, when series were beginning to actually show up with subtitles as an option on DVDs and mangas were making that slow transition from comic store novelties to acceptable bookstore fare. People just now getting into anime don’t realize how hard it used to be to get into a new series that was anything less than six months old.

That’s the truth. I remember those days quite well.

Anime is starting to catch on here in the Czech Republic - I showed my students “Grave of the Fireflies” one time, and I tell you, when that was done, there wasn’t a dry eye in the class. They were stunned that an animated film could pack that kind of emotional punch.

230 Lidane  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:00:40pm

re: #228 darthstar

Because when you want to talk about Obamacare, you want one of the nutjobs that pushed for a government shutdown to force a repeal.

231 ProTARDISLiberal  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:00:47pm

re: #212 Dr Lizardo

Cowboy Bebop is first on the list. 2 reasons:

1: It’s in SPACE!! I am a sucker for good outer space stories.

2: It takes place exclusively in the Solar System. This is likely how things will go in the next few centuries. Leaving earth, and going across the planets and moons of the neighborhood.

Hell, a NASA report in 2003 said that a manned mission to Callisto may be possible by the 2040’s.

232 dog philosopher  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:01:09pm

re: #214 FemNaziBitch

I feel that we were sold a Ponzi Scheme

not really - in a real ponzi scheme, ‘investors’ are told that their money will be invested for profit, but instead they are lied to and their ‘profits’ come only from newer ‘investors’

social security taxes really are invested in government bonds and turn a profit, and besides, the terms of the scheme are out in the open and on the up and up

in a real investment scheme, it is not impossible or unreasonable that things could get out of balance and not return the hoped for profits or even take a loss

233 Amory Blaine  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:01:28pm

Every day Blitzer looks more and more like a muppet.

234 FemNaziBitch  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:01:30pm

re: #228 darthstar

[Embedded content]

wtf?

ratings whore?

235 William Barnett-Lewis  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:01:34pm

re: #216 Amory Blaine

Barrett was bad. Know who’s worse? Mary Burke. The democratic machines anointed candidate for governor in 2014. An outsourcing CEO with no love for the working class.

Yep. When Feingold stood down I knew this generation was fucked. Only question is how much damage they do before he’s out of office in 8 to 12 years.

236 EPR-radar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:01:35pm

re: #222 Targetpractice

I got into anime in the 90s, back when the joke still was “Crack is cheaper.” It was that transition period, when series were beginning to actually show up with subtitles as an option on DVDs and mangas were making that slow transition from comic store novelties to acceptable bookstore fare. People just now getting into anime don’t realize how hard it used to be to get into a new series that was anything less than six months old.

I plead the fifth on how much I paid for my first anime box set in the late 90s.

237 Feline Fearless Leader  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:01:53pm

re: #201 Amory Blaine

The ACA has me nervous here in WI. Walker basically refused setting up the ACA instead relying on the feds. At the same time he’s reforming our medicaid program (Badgercare) by kicking 92,000 mostly low income parents off the rolls while simultaneously adding 80,000 childless adults to Badgercare. All at a cost to the state of 120 million dollars. This is a recipe for total confusion in the state and one which I feel the GOP is ready to exploit. The democratic party is already incredibly weakened here. Walker and the media will be poised to place all their blame on Obama and the democratic party. And as the population here has demonstrated, is quite willing to go the extra mile to kick dirt in the face of progressives.

Have they noticed the entire state of Minnesota pointing and laughing yet? Not to mention the people.

238 Dr Lizardo  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:02:13pm

re: #231 ProTARDISLiberal

Cowboy Bebop is first on the list. 2 reasons:
1: It’s in SPACE!! I am a sucker for good outer space stories.

2: It takes place exclusively in the Solar System. This is likely how things will go in the next few centuries. Leaving earth, and going across the planets and moons of the neighborhood.

Hell, a NASA report in 2003 said that a manned mission to Callisto may be possible by the 2040’s.

“Cowboy Bebop” is one of my faves.

If you’ve never seen them, I recommend “Spirited Away” and “Paprika”

239 FemNaziBitch  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:02:39pm

re: #232 dog philosopher

not really - in a real ponzi scheme, ‘investors’ are told that their money will be invested for profit, but instead they are lied to and their ‘profits’ come only from newer ‘investors’

social security taxes really are invested in government bonds and turn a profit, and besides, the terms of the scheme are out in the open and on the up and up

in a real investment scheme, it is not impossible or unreasonable that things could get out of balance and not return the hoped for profits or even take a loss

Yes, you are correct. I’m being cynical.

240 Lidane  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:02:54pm

re: #231 ProTARDISLiberal

I’ve wanted a corgi ever since watching Cowboy Bebop.

241 FemNaziBitch  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:03:19pm

re: #233 Amory Blaine

Every day Blitzer looks more and more like a muppet.

What do you have against Muppets?

242 ProTARDISLiberal  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:03:43pm

re: #238 Dr Lizardo

Saw Spirited Away on Cartoon Network when it (Cartoon Network) was still good. Also saw Laputa: Castle in the Sky.

243 Justanotherhuman  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:04:06pm

re: #224 FemNaziBitch

You have to remember the old (and not so old) concept of marriage. While it is all wrapped in God and State sanctions, the basic concept is the same.

The idea of marital rape is still difficult to prove in court… . .

Marriage was never a prerequisite for sex from my viewpoint. I never remarried, either. To me, it was just a legal construct. But I never lived with anyone, either. I valued my independence.

244 Bubblehead II  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:04:34pm

Night Lizards. May the Diety of you choice smile/scowl down upon you.

Swing Shift, you now have the court. Play nice

Sleep well.

Edited to include this.

Youtube Video

245 Amory Blaine  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:04:38pm

re: #241 FemNaziBitch

Nothing, but I think Bachmann is operating his mouth with her right hand.

246 William Barnett-Lewis  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:05:20pm

re: #217 piratedan

this is the same America where Dancing with the Stars and Breaking Bad co-exist semi-peacefully…. no accounting for taste. It’s a big enough market to allow for each entry to find it’s own niche. Remember, in the US, this stuff was primarily marketed as cartoons as a means to peddle merchandise, that’s changing as well, at least for some of the genre.

I find it very easy to believe that of those two things - equally despicable things - as they appeal to the the same level of fantasy in people who hate their day to day lives in some really deep manner. People want to believe that a few fancy steps can make their lives better and if they can’t, then killing everyone and making money by making poison that destroys the lives of everyone around them is an acceptable option.

I’ve tried to watch both. I really find them both equally offensive and neither has any redeeming virtue. IMO & all that.

247 Dr Lizardo  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:06:26pm

re: #242 ProTARDISLiberal

So Spirited Away on Cartoon Network when it was still good. Also saw Laputa: Castle in the Sky.

“Spirited Away” is, in my book at least, one of the greatest animated films of all time.

248 Justanotherhuman  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:08:09pm

re: #228 darthstar

[Embedded content]

Just standing there with her makes Blitzer look crazy-eyed, too.

249 William Barnett-Lewis  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:08:16pm

re: #222 Targetpractice

I got into anime in the 90s, back when the joke still was “Crack is cheaper.” It was that transition period, when series were beginning to actually show up with subtitles as an option on DVDs and mangas were making that slow transition from comic store novelties to acceptable bookstore fare. People just now getting into anime don’t realize how hard it used to be to get into a new series that was anything less than six months old.

This conversation reminds me of going to Japan in the 80’s. “Grey” was my introduction to manga. Wish someone had done an anime of that one. Made Cowboy Bebop look like all flowers and unicorn rainbow farts :)

250 piratedan  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:08:56pm

re: #246 William Barnett-Lewis

I find it very easy to believe that of those two things - equally despicable things - as they appeal to the the same level of fantasy in people who hate their day to day lives in some really deep manner. People want to believe that a few fancy steps can make their lives better and if they can’t, then killing everyone and making money by making poison that destroys the lives of everyone around them is an acceptable option.

I’ve tried to watch both. I really find them both equally offensive and neither has any redeeming virtue. IMO & all that.

same here, never watched either show, but they represent the scale of choices that are out there, as such, I believe that just because I don’t care for something doesn’t mean that someone else couldn’t find some escapist fantasy or pleasure by indulging themselves with it. Just that my tastes are different. I have the choice, I have a clicker and free will, or at least that’s what my wife tells me :-)

251 Amory Blaine  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:08:57pm

re: #246 William Barnett-Lewis

Shutting the TV off would have a dramatic effect on the population.

252 EPR-radar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:09:17pm

re: #247 Dr Lizardo

“Spirited Away” is, in my book at least, one of the greatest animated films of all time.

For starters, it has more imagination in a few minutes than Disney usually has in the whole length of its feature-length films.

253 Lidane  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:09:32pm


This is just as stupid as having the drinking age at 21. If someone is legally an adult at 18, and they can file taxes, go off to die in a war, and vote, they can damn sure buy a beer and some cigarettes.

254 Eclectic Cyborg  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:10:18pm

re: #252 EPR-radar

For starters, it has more imagination in a few minutes than Disney usually has in the whole length of its feature-length films.

Agreed. Fantastic, imaginative film that has so many wonderful layers.

255 Amory Blaine  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:10:54pm

Hi10P or death!!!

256 Eclectic Cyborg  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:11:16pm

re: #224 FemNaziBitch

You have to remember the old (and not so old) concept of marriage. While it is all wrapped in God and State sanctions, the basic concept is the same.

The idea of marital rape is still difficult to prove in court… . .

Compounded by the fact that many people still think marital rape can’t even exist.

257 kirkspencer  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:11:29pm

re: #231 ProTARDISLiberal

Cowboy Bebop is first on the list. 2 reasons:

1: It’s in SPACE!! I am a sucker for good outer space stories.

2: It takes place exclusively in the Solar System. This is likely how things will go in the next few centuries. Leaving earth, and going across the planets and moons of the neighborhood.

Hell, a NASA report in 2003 said that a manned mission to Callisto may be possible by the 2040’s.

Given the criteria, see Planetes.

258 Vicious Babushka  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:11:46pm

Unbelievable Myths, Lies, Conspiracy Theories About Pres Obama

AL SHARPTON SAYS IT’S BS SO THAT MEANS THAT IT’S ALL TRUE!!!!11!!! AL SHARPTON IS A LIAR WHO HATES WHITE PEOPLE!!!!!!!

Youtube Video

259 Dr Lizardo  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:12:47pm

re: #252 EPR-radar

For starters, it has more imagination in a few minutes than Disney usually has in the whole length of its feature-length films.

LOLOL; no shit. It’s a genuinely magnificent film. I was very pleased when it won the Oscar for Best Animated Film.

To me, that was the moment that anime “arrived” in American pop culture.

260 William Barnett-Lewis  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:13:43pm

re: #251 Amory Blaine

Shutting the TV off would have a dramatic effect on the population.

We took advantage of the digital cut over to kill our TV. No regrets. What little is good (Dr Who, Cowboy BeBop to stay with the thread) is online and doesn’t suck the life out of it like a TV said.

At least I think that’s what Ed told me… ;)

261 Justanotherhuman  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:13:56pm

“NSA is totally out of control!” “This is going to blow up very big!”

Poutrage from Google and the rightwing.


“Even people I know who voted for #Obama twice are becoming suspicious of who’s behind the NSA actions what is their endgame!”

262 EPR-radar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:14:00pm

re: #249 William Barnett-Lewis

This conversation reminds me of going to Japan in the 80’s. “Grey” was my introduction to manga. Wish someone had done an anime of that one. Made Cowboy Bebop look like all flowers and unicorn rainbow farts :)

Grey comes perilously close to making All Quiet on the Western Front look like a flowers and unicorns tale.

263 Decatur Deb  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:14:23pm

re: #230 Lidane

Because when you want to talk about Obamacare, you want one of the nutjobs that pushed for a government shutdown to force a repeal.

Because when you’re Wolf Blitzer, you want to talk to someone stupider than yourself. And the selection is narrow.

264 Lidane  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:16:15pm
265 Amory Blaine  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:16:23pm

Narrow, yet unlimited.

266 William Barnett-Lewis  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:16:40pm

re: #257 kirkspencer

Given the criteria, see Planetes.

OOOOHHH Ineedtofindthatonebrb…

267 EPR-radar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:18:08pm

re: #259 Dr Lizardo

LOLOL; no shit. It’s a genuinely magnificent film. I was very pleased when it won the Oscar for Best Animated Film.

To me, that was the moment that anime “arrived” in American pop culture.

Issue 19 of Sandman winning the World Fantasy Award for Best Short Fiction in 1991 is a similar moment.

268 Amory Blaine  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:18:48pm

I’ll confess I’ve never given anime a chance. I would usually just roll a bunch of doobies or whatever while all my buddies watched.

269 Lidane  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:18:59pm

Hahaha:

270 FemNaziBitch  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:19:29pm

re: #243 Justanotherhuman

Marriage was never a prerequisite for sex from my viewpoint. I never remarried, either. To me, it was just a legal construct. But I never lived with anyone, either. I valued my independence.

For men, in times past it was (for some) guaranteed sex on demand.

271 Dr Lizardo  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:19:38pm

re: #267 EPR-radar

Issue 19 of Sandman winning the World Fantasy Award for Best Short Fiction in 1991 is a similar moment.

Yep. Also, “Akira”. The film that launched a thousand ships otaku in the United States.

272 EPR-radar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:19:46pm

re: #264 Lidane

I like Star Blazers/Space Battleship Yamato quite a bit.

I can’t imagine a live action version working out well, however.

273 Targetpractice  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:19:52pm

re: #249 William Barnett-Lewis

This conversation reminds me of going to Japan in the 80’s. “Grey” was my introduction to manga. Wish someone had done an anime of that one. Made Cowboy Bebop look like all flowers and unicorn rainbow farts :)

My introduction was Gunnm, or Battle Angel Alita here in the States. Not sure where it would rate on the inhumanity scale, but it seems pretty far down there as series go.

274 FemNaziBitch  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:20:42pm

re: #253 Lidane

[Embedded content]


This is just as stupid as having the drinking age at 21. If someone is legally an adult at 18, and they can file taxes, go off to die in a war, and vote, they can damn sure buy a beer and some cigarettes.

Because we know how well those laws work … .

275 Dr Lizardo  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:20:48pm

re: #268 Amory Blaine

I’ll confess I’ve never given anime a chance. I would usually just roll a bunch of doobies or whatever while all my buddies watched.

See “Grave of the Fireflies”. One of the most emotionally devastating films I’ve ever seen. I showed to a friend many years when I was living in Portland, OR - she was exceedingly cynical, and by the time the end credits rolled, she was a blubbering wreck.

276 Dr Lizardo  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:21:23pm

re: #273 Targetpractice

My introduction was Gunnm, or Battle Angel Alita here in the States. Not sure where it would rate on the inhumanity scale, but it seems pretty far down there as series go.

“Gunnm” was freaking incredible……I loved it!!

277 Targetpractice  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:21:57pm

re: #271 Dr Lizardo

Yep. Also, “Akira”. The film that launched a thousand ships otaku in the United States.

First anime movie I ever watched, on account of it getting regular play back in the days when The Scifi Channel actually showed quality scifi movies. Used to show anime films on Saturday mornings too.

278 Backwoods_Sleuth  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:22:09pm

re: #163 wrenchwench

The latest photo of the niece.

I didn’t know they do Halloween in Colombia.

squeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!

279 Dr Lizardo  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:22:19pm

re: #272 EPR-radar

I like Star Blazers/Space Battleship Yamato quite a bit.

I can’t imagine a live action version working out well, however.

It’s like the idea of a live-action Hollywood version of “Akira”; that’s been floating around for years and years now.

To which I say, “No.”

280 freetoken  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:22:40pm

re: #217 piratedan

this is the same America where Dancing with the Stars and Breaking Bad co-exist semi-peacefully….

I’m not so sure those two shows are that fundamentally different.

281 Dr Lizardo  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:23:01pm

re: #277 Targetpractice

First anime movie I ever watched, on account of it getting regular play back in the days when The Scifi Channel actually showed quality scifi movies. Used to show anime films on Saturday mornings too.

For a lot of people in the early 90s, “Akira” was their first exposure to anime.

282 Targetpractice  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:23:36pm

re: #279 Dr Lizardo

It’s like the idea of a live-action Hollywood version of “Akira”; that’s been floating around for years and years now.

To which I say, “No.”

Hell, if you can name an anime series, an American movie company has considered a live-action adaptation at least once. I remember when there was a lot of buzz for a live-action Evangelion film. Curious as to whether or not that’ll get a new shot of life in the wake of Pacific Rim.

283 FemNaziBitch  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:23:48pm

re: #280 freetoken

I’m not so sure those two shows are that fundamentally different.

Actually, Breaking Bad was a well executed production.

284 Decatur Deb  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:23:49pm

re: #279 Dr Lizardo

It’s like the idea of a live-action Hollywood version of “Akira”; that’s been floating around for years and years now.

To which I say, “No.”

Wasn’t there a Kurosawa live “Akira” in the 50s? Different Akira?

285 Justanotherhuman  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:23:54pm

re: #270 FemNaziBitch

For men, in times past it was (for some) guaranteed sex on demand.

Yes. It still is, for some.

286 piratedan  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:24:23pm

re: #273 Targetpractice

My introduction was Gunnm, or Battle Angel Alita here in the States. Not sure where it would rate on the inhumanity scale, but it seems pretty far down there as series go.

yeah, I cut my teeth on the old Speed Racer and Kimba, The White Lion stuff, but rediscovered it with Akira, which led to Trigun and etc etc…. I still catch a few shows each season on the free dub sites, which leads to some purchases around Christmas and my B-Day, so I have a few titles around, everything from BeBop to Kare Kano to FLCL. It’s a ymmv thing with me, some stories speak and others I don’t connect with.

287 Dr Lizardo  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:24:42pm

re: #282 Targetpractice

Hell, if you can name an anime series, an American movie company has considered a live-action adaptation at least once. I remember when there was a lot of buzz for a live-action Evangelion film. Curious as to whether or not that’ll get a new shot of life in the wake of Pacific Rim.

Maybe; I liked “Pacific Rim”, personally. I know it did very well internationally at the box office. Japanese anime directors and writers praised it quite highly.

288 Decatur Deb  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:24:46pm

re: #285 Justanotherhuman

Yes. It still is, for some.

But we try to deny them our bodily essence.

289 EPR-radar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:24:53pm

re: #279 Dr Lizardo

It’s like the idea of a live-action Hollywood version of “Akira”; that’s been floating around for years and years now.

To which I say, “No.”

That should probably be HELL NO 11ty!!!

290 Dr Lizardo  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:26:04pm

re: #289 EPR-radar

That should probably be HELL NO 11ty!!!

LOL.

“Black Lagoon” could make an interesting live-action Hollywood film with the right director and screenwriter.

291 Decatur Deb  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:26:16pm

re: #284 Decatur Deb

Wasn’t there a Kurosawa live “Akira” in the 50s? Different Akira?

Ha— forgot that’s his freakn name.

292 Varek Raith  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:28:39pm

re: #277 Targetpractice

First anime movie I ever watched, on account of it getting regular play back in the days when The Scifi Channel actually showed quality scifi movies. Used to show anime films on Saturday mornings too.

First anime I saw. Back when SciFi was good.
en.wikipedia.org

293 piratedan  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:28:49pm

re: #290 Dr Lizardo

LOL.

“Black Lagoon” could make an interesting live-action Hollywood film with the right director and screenwriter.

good luck casting Revy! They’d probably want to put in a former Disney girl in the role…. sheesh, Hollywood. Also have heard rumours of a live action Bebop adaptation trying to be sold…. naturally casting Keanu Reeves as Spike… thankfully I think that ship has sailed…..

294 FemNaziBitch  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:29:21pm

Ok, what is the one with the little witch girl?

I saw some anime movie that was shown over and over on one of the kid’s channels when my kid was young. It was good.

And one about a tree —the creatures lived in the branches, but it had two trunks rooted in two different worlds.

that was cool.

Those are the only two anime I can recollect ever viewing.

295 piratedan  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:29:39pm

re: #292 Varek Raith

First anime I saw. Back when SciFi was good.
en.wikipedia.org

now it’s been recast as USA-Network Horror Division….

296 Targetpractice  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:29:47pm

re: #292 Varek Raith

First anime I saw. Back when SciFi was good.
en.wikipedia.org

Oh yes, good stuff. They even showed the live-action “sequel” as well.

297 EPR-radar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:29:50pm

re: #282 Targetpractice

Hell, if you can name an anime series, an American movie company has considered a live-action adaptation at least once. I remember when there was a lot of buzz for a live-action Evangelion film. Curious as to whether or not that’ll get a new shot of life in the wake of Pacific Rim.

I wonder if any of these movie companies are insane enough to contemplate a live action adaptation of Hellsing.

298 Dr Lizardo  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:30:21pm

re: #293 piratedan

good luck casting Revy! They’d probably want to put in a former Disney girl in the role…. sheesh, Hollywood. Also have heard rumours of a live action Bebop adaptation trying to be sold…. naturally casting Keanu Reeves as Spike… thankfully I think that ship has sailed…..

For Revy, I’d want to use an unknown actress - and definitely a Chinese-American young woman, just like her character. My concern would be the producers would want to water the character down, to make her less than the psychopathic nihilist that she is.

299 piratedan  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:30:42pm

re: #294 FemNaziBitch

Ok, what is the one with the little witch girl?

I saw some anime movie that was shown over and over on one of the kid’s channels when my kid was young. It was good.

And one about a tree —the creatures lived in the branches, but it had two trunks rooted in two different worlds.

that was cool.

Those are the only two anime I can recollect ever viewing.

You may be thinking about the witch girl as Kiki’s Delivery Service

300 FemNaziBitch  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:31:07pm

re: #299 piratedan

You may be thinking about the witch girl as Kiki’s Delivery Service

Yes! That was a darling movie.

301 Targetpractice  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:31:49pm

re: #298 Dr Lizardo

For Revy, I’d want to use an unknown actress - and definitely a Chinese-American young woman, just like her character. My concern would be the producers would want to water the character down, to make her less than the psychopathic nihilist that she is.

I’d think that trying to portray a group of modern-day pirates as the good guys to America audiences would be a tough sell. We’re not exactly talking Cap’n Jack Sparrow here.

302 Dr Lizardo  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:31:53pm

re: #297 EPR-radar

I wonder if any of these movie companies are insane enough to contemplate a live action adaptation of Hellsing.

James Cameron said many years ago he wanted to do a live-action version of “Gunnm”. That might be cool, actually.

303 FemNaziBitch  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:32:01pm

re: #288 Decatur Deb

But we try to deny them our bodily essence.

Those assholes have no idea it exists.

Sad creatures, they are.

304 ProTARDISLiberal  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:32:45pm

re: #267 EPR-radar

Which was written by Neil Gaiman.

Who would go on to become a writer for Doctor Who for the 11th.

He wrote The Doctor’s Wife and “Nightmare in Silver.”

The Doctor’s Wife was the best of Series 6. Nightmare in Silver was okay, but had significant flaws.

305 Amory Blaine  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:32:49pm

re: #275 Dr Lizardo

Thank you for that. I’ll put it on my list along with another film I’m going to watch on advice from another lizard “Come And See”.

306 Dr Lizardo  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:32:53pm

re: #301 Targetpractice

I’d think that trying to portray a group of modern-day pirates as the good guys to America audiences would be a tough sell. We’re not exactly talking Cap’n Jack Sparrow here.

That’s true. And I can’t imagine how American audiences would react to a character like Revy - a lot of folks freaked out over Hit Girl from “Kick Ass”.

307 Targetpractice  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:33:17pm

re: #302 Dr Lizardo

James Cameron said many years ago he wanted to do a live-action version of “Gunnm”. That might be cool, actually.

I’ve already given up on that. Cameron has been dragging that particular promise along for years. He said before Avatar came out that he’d take the tech he developed for that film and use it to make Gunnm. But that was before he signed the contracts to make two sequels to Avatar.

308 ProTARDISLiberal  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:33:47pm

re: #297 EPR-radar

Maybe the one that did the live action Hellboy.

309 Dr Lizardo  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:34:01pm

re: #307 Targetpractice

I’ve already given up on that. Cameron has been dragging that particular promise along for years. He said before Avatar came out that he’d take the tech he developed for that film and use it to make Gunnm. But that was before he signed the contracts to make two sequels to Avatar.

Exactly, which is too bad. I think Cameron could pull it off pretty well. Also, maybe Guillermo Del Toro.

310 piratedan  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:34:14pm

re: #300 FemNaziBitch

Yes! That was a darling movie.

If you have grand kids, I’d also recommend My Neighbor Totoro

311 FemNaziBitch  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:34:27pm

Glamour Couple of the Year!!!

You must click.

312 Dr Lizardo  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:34:47pm

re: #310 piratedan

If you have grand kids, I’d also recommend My Neighbor Totoro

Another great film from Miyazaki that I also highly recommend.

313 EPR-radar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:34:58pm

re: #302 Dr Lizardo

James Cameron said many years ago he wanted to do a live-action version of “Gunnm”. That might be cool, actually.

Yes, that could work. There are some manga/anime that could reasonably be adapted to live action. For others, the very idea seems ridiculous.

314 Targetpractice  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:35:46pm

Speaking of Gaiman, Death: The High Cost of Living is another of those projects that’s been floating around for years, with no real chance of being made in sight. I think even Neil now, when asked at conventions if it’s still going to be made, has leveled with fans that it’s not likely to happen.

315 Charles Johnson  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:36:17pm
316 FemNaziBitch  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:37:04pm

re: #310 piratedan

If you have grand kids, I’d also recommend My Neighbor Totoro

No grandkids, but I’ve been fortunate enough to be an adopted “Fairy-God” Aunt to some fantastic kids I met at the dog training club.

If ever I was inclined to say the word “blessed” —this friendship definitely qualifies.

317 EPR-radar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:37:07pm

re: #308 ProTARDISLiberal

Maybe the one that did the live action Hellboy.

Hellsing is much more extreme in terms of setting and ultra-violence than anything I remember seeing in Hellboy.

318 Dr Lizardo  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:37:28pm

re: #313 EPR-radar

Yes, that could work. There are some manga/anime that could reasonably be adapted to live action. For others, the very idea seems ridiculous.

For awhile there, Hollywood was all hot to remake J-Horror films. There’s one, though, that would never work if they tried to Americanize it.

“Noroi”. Creepy-ass flick.

319 FemNaziBitch  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:38:52pm

Gaiman, now that is one author I’ve yet to really binge on. I read a couple. He is on the weird scale with China Meiville.

Must check my queue.

Did some Louis McMaster Bujold last week. Still not seeing what the big hype about her is. Satisfying, but not all that.

Doing Beggers and Choosers now by Nancy Kress.

320 ProTARDISLiberal  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:38:53pm

re: #257 kirkspencer

re: #297 EPR-radar

re: #300 FemNaziBitch

re: #291 Decatur Deb

re: #279 Dr Lizardo

So, now I have a few more on the list.

Kiki’s Delivery Service
Planetes
Hellsing
Space Battleship Yamato
Akira

321 EPR-radar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:39:37pm

re: #315 Charles Johnson

In the Master Spy, this picture shows up under the caption “Watch Live: President Obama Speaks on the Affordable Care Act”.

Disconcerting…

322 ProTARDISLiberal  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:39:38pm

re: #317 EPR-radar

I was just using the “Hell” part in their for humor reasons.

323 piratedan  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:39:50pm

just because, I would also recommend that if you have the time and disposition, check out Summer Wars and as Lizardo mentioned before, Paprika, some very different takes on the subject matter that doesn’t get discussed too often.

324 Amory Blaine  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:40:17pm

re: #315 Charles Johnson

All kinds of innuendo in that one. Awesome.

325 Dr Lizardo  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:40:39pm

re: #323 piratedan

just because, I would also recommend that if you have the time and disposition, check out Summer Wars and as Lizardo mentioned before, Paprika, some very different takes on the subject matter that doesn’t get discussed too often.

I was quite impressed with “Summer Wars”. Good solid film.

326 Vicious Babushka  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:40:40pm

Answer to Question #1. Because poor women don’t have cars or the cash to buy plane tickets.
Answer to Question #2. Yes.

327 Kragar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:42:08pm

I wouldn’t mind a live action “Tank Police”

A live action version of “Patlabor” could also be pretty good.

328 piratedan  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:43:01pm

re: #319 FemNaziBitch

I think Ms. Bujold, depending upon what you’re reading because she does have about three different series out there, can best be classified as cozy. Decent storytelling, very few plot holes, good characterizations. Seems that most packages out there lack one of those three.

329 Decatur Deb  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:43:40pm

re: #327 Kragar

I wouldn’t mind a live action “Tank Police”

A live action version of “Patlabor” could also be pretty good.

Oshii did a live-action. “Avalon”. Quite involving.

330 Dr Lizardo  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:44:04pm

re: #327 Kragar

I wouldn’t mind a live action “Tank Police”

A live action version of “Patlabor” could also be pretty good.

Heh……I wonder who you could get to play AnnaPuma and UniPuma?

331 Vicious Babushka  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:44:18pm

The only anime I have seen was “Princess Mononoke”

332 Kragar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:45:04pm

re: #330 Dr Lizardo

Heh……I wonder who you could get to play AnnaPuma and UniPuma?

I’ll have to hold the auditions personally, of course.

333 Targetpractice  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:45:50pm

re: #317 EPR-radar

Hellsing is much more extreme in terms of setting and ultra-violence than anything I remember seeing in Hellboy.

Hellsing’s a series that would be a nightmare to sell to Hollywood execs.

“So, who’s the main villain?”
“A remnant Nazi army that’s using arcane science to produce artificial vampires and a secret branch of fanatical priests in the Vatican dedicated to the destruction of all supernatural creatures.”
“And who are the heroes?”
“A secret organization of vampire hunters working for the British government whose operatives are an axe-crazy super-vampire who in reality is Dracula, a bumbling police rookie turned fledgling vampire who can’t stand to drink blood, and a band of mercenaries.”
“How much violence are we talking about?”
“On a scale of 1 to 10? 42.”

334 Dr Lizardo  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:46:10pm

re: #331 Witches BaBOOshka

The only anime I have seen was “Princess Mononoke”

That’s a classic. See “Spirited Away” if you get the chance. It’s considered one of the greatest animated films of all time.

335 Dr Lizardo  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:46:18pm

re: #332 Kragar

I’ll have to hold the auditions personally, of course.

lol

336 Kragar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:46:33pm

Hey, the whole first Patlabor movie is on youtube, cool

Youtube Video

337 Dr Lizardo  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:46:43pm

re: #333 Targetpractice

Hellsing’s a series that would be a nightmare to sell to Hollywood execs.

“So, who’s the main villain?”
“A remnant Nazi army that’s using arcane science to produce artificial vampires and a secret branch of fanatical priests in the Vatican dedicated to the destruction of all supernatural creatures.”
“And who are the heroes?”
“A secret organization of vampire hunters working for the British government whose operatives are an axe-crazy super-vampire who in reality is Dracula, a bumbling police rookie turned fledgling vampire who can’t stand to drink blood, and a band of mercenaries.”
“How much violence are we talking about?”
“On a scale of 1 to 10? 42.”

LOLOL

338 piratedan  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:46:46pm

re: #331 Witches BaBOOshka

The only anime I have seen was “Princess Mononoke”

one of the few films where the US voice over talent matched that of the original Japanese Seiyu imho. I thought it was a good watch myself, it paved the way for Spirited Away to get much broader acceptance here.

339 ProTARDISLiberal  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:47:04pm

Someone in Japan went way out of their way to make this.

Doctor Who & Anime.

Youtube Video

340 FemNaziBitch  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:47:36pm

re: #328 piratedan

I think Ms. Bujold, depending upon what you’re reading because she does have about three different series out there, can best be classified as cozy. Decent storytelling, very few plot holes, good characterizations. Seems that most packages out there lack one of those three.

Yes, cozy, satisfying. I don’t know, I’ve yet to encounter any truly unique or interesting concepts.

341 ProTARDISLiberal  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:48:31pm

re: #337 Dr Lizardo

I would love to be in the room when that is pitched.

Rurouni Kenshin now has a live-action adaption

342 piratedan  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:48:46pm

re: #340 FemNaziBitch

Yes, cozy, satisfying. I don’t know, I’ve yet to encounter any truly unique or interesting concepts.

can I ask which of her works that you’re currently reading?

343 FemNaziBitch  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:50:34pm

I wouldn’t mind seeing the Mercedes Lackey series (I can’t remember the name) that started as a podcast. Narrated by Veronica Giguere. Nazi Aliens come back to Earth and Russian Communists KGB must cooperate with US CIA against Corporations. With naturally mutual super hero humans and such.

Very interesting plot lines.

344 Vicious Babushka  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:50:40pm

re: #334 Dr Lizardo

That’s a classic. See “Spirited Away” if you get the chance. It’s considered one of the greatest animated films of all time.

Why does it only have 2 1/2 stars on Netflix?

345 Kragar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:50:46pm

Can’t believe no one said Vampire Hunter D yet.

346 ProTARDISLiberal  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:51:03pm

re: #344 Witches BaBOOshka

That’s blasphemy.

347 Kilroy01  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:51:17pm

re: #272 EPR-radar

I like Star Blazers/Space Battleship Yamato quite a bit.

I can’t imagine a live action version working out well, however.

To late:
Youtube Video

It is pretty good. Subtitles and all.

348 EPR-radar  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:51:36pm

re: #344 Witches BaBOOshka

Why does it only have 2 1/2 stars on Netflix?

Proof that many morons provide ratings on Netflix.

349 FemNaziBitch  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:51:42pm

re: #342 piratedan

can I ask which of her works that you’re currently reading?

I read a fantasy Paladin of Souls and Sci-Fi Shards of Honor. I think I read one a while back, about a guy and a boat, but I can’t remember the name and if it was hers.

All on audio.

350 Dr Lizardo  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:53:10pm

re: #344 Witches BaBOOshka

Why does it only have 2 1/2 stars on Netflix?

Probably because the people who reviewed it are cretins.

The late Roger Ebert’s review is four out of four stars.

rogerebert.com

351 Dr Lizardo  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:53:52pm

re: #339 ProTARDISLiberal

Someone in Japan went way out of their way to make this.

Doctor Who & Anime.

[Embedded content]

That’s awesome!!

352 Mike Lamb  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:54:34pm

re: #333 Targetpractice

Hellsing’s a series that would be a nightmare to sell to Hollywood execs.

“So, who’s the main villain?”
“A remnant Nazi army that’s using arcane science to produce artificial vampires and a secret branch of fanatical priests in the Vatican dedicated to the destruction of all supernatural creatures.”
“And who are the heroes?”
“A secret organization of vampire hunters working for the British government whose operatives are an axe-crazy super-vampire who in reality is Dracula, a bumbling police rookie turned fledgling vampire who can’t stand to drink blood, and a band of mercenaries.”
“How much violence are we talking about?”
“On a scale of 1 to 10? 42.”

They made a movie about Abraham Lincoln being a vampire hunter. This is an easy sell.

353 FemNaziBitch  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:55:35pm

yep

354 ProTARDISLiberal  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:56:34pm

re: #351 Dr Lizardo

The 3rd Doctor is the one that would fit best with that. 10th and 11th aren’t bad either. What, with the 10th being a bit of a pretty boy, and the 11th being certifiable.

But the 3rd is the action hero.

355 FemNaziBitch  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:57:08pm

Indiana actually earns a point or two.

356 Dr Lizardo  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:57:18pm

re: #354 ProTARDISLiberal

The 3rd Doctor is the one that would fit best with that. 10th and 11th aren’t bad either. What, with the 10th being a bit of a pretty boy, and the 11th being certifiable.

But the 3rd is the action hero.

heh

357 FemNaziBitch  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:58:23pm

This get’s my vote for best cuteness pic evah!

358 Targetpractice  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:59:15pm

re: #354 ProTARDISLiberal

The 3rd Doctor is the one that would fit best with that. 10th and 11th aren’t bad either. What, with the 10th being a bit of a pretty boy, and the 11th being certifiable.

But the 3rd is the action hero.

I understand that was by design, that the folks at the BBC decided that The Doctor was becoming too “easy” to write for because he could just pull a deus ex machina play at the end of an episode and answer whatever situation was happening.

359 piratedan  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 4:59:54pm

re: #349 FemNaziBitch

I read a fantasy Paladin of Souls and Sci-Fi Shards of Honor. I think I read one a while back, about a guy and a boat, but I can’t remember the name and if it was hers.

All on audio.

her “best” work is the Vorkosigian Saga of stories…imho, I won’t try and explain it when there are other sources out there, but that’s what got her the attention that she has….

360 ProTARDISLiberal  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 5:03:54pm

re: #356 Dr Lizardo

This is also why I think Capaldi can be a good Modern Doctor. Just because he is older doesn’t mean he won’t be capable of action.

Not only that, but it will be interesting to see how Clara acts with him. Clara seems to belong to the same class of companion as Rose and River. Especially River.

re: #358 Targetpractice

Pertwee was a spy in WWII. Fun fact.

And Christopher Lee and Doctor Who have a connection. Christopher Lee was part of the Baker Street Irregulars, which a character in Hide was as well.

361 ProTARDISLiberal  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 5:05:40pm

re: #360 ProTARDISLiberal

From the Wiki:

Pertwee was an officer in the Royal Navy, spending some time attached to the highly-secretive Naval Intelligence Division during the Second World War, working alongside James Bond author Ian Fleming and reporting directly to Prime Minister Winston Churchill. In a 1994 interview (not published until 2013) he said “I did all sorts. Teaching commandos how to use escapology equipment, compasses in brass buttons, secret maps in white cotton handkerchiefs, pipes you could smoke that also fired a .22 bullet. All sorts of incredible things.”[6] He was a crew member of HMS Hood and was transferred off the ship for officer training shortly before she was sunk by the German battleship Bismarck, losing all but three men. During his time in the navy Pertwee woke up one morning after a drunken night out while in port to find a tattoo of a cobra on his right arm.

362 William Barnett-Lewis  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 5:07:51pm

re: #328 piratedan

I think Ms. Bujold, depending upon what you’re reading because she does have about three different series out there, can best be classified as cozy. Decent storytelling, very few plot holes, good characterizations. Seems that most packages out there lack one of those three.

That’s not a bad way to put but for me it does go a bit deeper. The series began back in the 80’s and was an enormous step above the average, especially in characterization. (You can see the 80’s and Star Trek fanfic in the early Cetagandans who are Soviet Klingons … ;)

I find that, unlike 90% of sf, I care about the characters and actually want to know what becomes of them. That especially was true after reading The Warrior’s Apprentice & Mountains of Mourning.

363 piratedan  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 5:24:05pm

re: #362 William Barnett-Lewis

That’s not a bad way to put but for me it does go a bit deeper. The series began back in the 80’s and was an enormous step above the average, especially in characterization. (You can see the 80’s and Star Trek fanfic in the early Cetagandans who are Soviet Klingons … ;)

I find that, unlike 90% of sf, I care about the characters and actually want to know what becomes of them. That especially was true after reading The Warrior’s Apprentice & Mountains of Mourning.

I agree, while I enjoyed the Challion series and the Borrowed Knife books, the Vorkosigian series is a step above, I think because she has such a good handle on military and family loyalty themes and how those threads are interwoven in the stories.

364 Backwoods_Sleuth  Wed, Oct 30, 2013 5:28:40pm

re: #315 Charles Johnson

[Embedded content]

Is that Snowden?
//

365 wheat-dogghazi  Thu, Oct 31, 2013 2:33:42am

re: #299 piratedan

The tree movie you’re referring to is probably Kaena: The Prophecy. It’s not Japanese, but French.

I’d like to suggest another French animated movie: Kirikou and the Sorceress .


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