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1 Dr Lizardo  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 4:58:54pm

The answer to the enigma of Flight MH370

2 Charles Johnson  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 4:59:31pm
3 freetoken  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:02:16pm
… Satellite data showed the plane continued to fly for more than six and a half hours after it dropped off civilian radar …

But is this true? What is the basis of this?

I’m probably behind the curve on this, but I thought that the “pings” were only that, not any meaningful data as far as “flying”.

4 Justanotherhuman  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:03:32pm

re: #3 freetoken

But is this true? What is the basis of this?

I’m probably behind the curve on this, but I thought that the “pings” were only that, not any meaningful data as far as “flying”.

It started out as 4 hrs, then 5-1/2. They’re upping the ante every day.

It’s all guess work at this point.

5 GeneJockey  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:13:10pm

re: #4 Justanotherhuman

It started out as 4 hrs, then 5-1/2. They’re upping the ante every day.

It’s all guess work at this point.

Another day or two, and they’ll tell us it’s STILL flying.
//

6 Killgore Trout  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:14:02pm

How Hilarious Is RT’s Propaganda? Bill Clinton’s a ‘Neo-Con,’ Ukraine Opposition Like Taliban

Roundtable discussion from George Galloway, Some idiot from HuffPo and some Russian academic. Fair and Balanced!

7 Charles Johnson  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:15:36pm

re: #3 freetoken

Apparently they used the satellite pings along with radar data; last I heard was that the pings stopped somewhere over the Indian Ocean.

8 Skip Intro  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:18:31pm

re: #1 Dr Lizardo

The answer to the enigma of Flight MH370

[Embedded image]

Now we’re getting some where.

Plane crashes after striking skydiver; jet strikes fish

However, recent incidents involving an aircraft departing MacDill Air Force Base and a plane practicing touch-and-go maneuvers from a small airport east of Tampa are anything but common. The reported collisions include a fish-strike and a collision between a plane and a skydiver. Both aircraft immediately returned to the tarmac; one landed safely and the other one crashed.

The larger fish-struck jet aircraft took off again without incident; however, the small plane struck a man’s chute then crashed nose first into the tarmac, dragging the skydiver along for a ride he is not likely to forget.

So, we need to include a missing skydiver and a jumping fish in the equation.

9 Decatur Deb  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:18:34pm

Guessing there were motherfucking Malaysian snakes on that motherfucking plane.

10 Charles Johnson  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:23:40pm

For what it’s worth: Malaysia 370, Day 10: One Fanciful Hypothesis, and Another That Begins to Make Sense - James Fallows - the Atlantic

2) The Pulau Langkawi possibility. Chris Goodfellow, an experienced pilot, offers via Google+ a very different sort of explanation. Far from carrying out an elaborate scheme, he says, the pilots may have been caught by surprise by an inflight fire, a major systems failure, or some other genuine emergency. At that point they called on the reflex nearly all pilots develop: the constantly updated awareness of where the nearest airport is, if they should suddenly need to get back to the ground. As he puts it:

We old pilots were always drilled to always know the closest airport of safe harbor while in cruise. Airports behind us, airports abeam us and airports ahead of us. Always in our head. Always. Because if something happens you don’t want to be thinking what are you going to do - you already know what you are going to do.

When trouble arose, Goodfellow says, the pilots headed for what they knew to be the nearest very long runway, with an unobstructed over-water approach, on the Malaysian island of Pulau Langkawi. (Pulau means “island.”) Here’s the Google Earth idea of how the Langkawi runway might look in daylight, although the plane was of course approaching at night. That runway is 13,000 feet long — enormous.

11 Dr Lizardo  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:23:52pm

re: #8 Skip Intro

Now we’re getting some where.

>Plane crashes after striking skydiver; jet strikes fish

So, we need to include a missing skydiver and a jumping fish in the equation.

Here’s a helpful graphic to explain it all:

Image: megashark-full.jpg

12 GeneJockey  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:27:58pm

re: #11 Dr Lizardo

Here’s a helpful graphic to explain it all:

Image: megashark-full.jpg

Ah! Okay. Now a shark the size of a jetliner, at the same altitude makes sense.
///

13 Justanotherhuman  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:28:30pm

Well, we won’t hear the end of this, either.

Will The Guardian split the $10K prize and cut up the Roy W. Howard Award for Public Service Reporting w/His Nibs?

14 dog philosopher  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:30:06pm

um does the megashark actually eat the plane or does it experience some kind of digestive distress for example exploding?

please excuse me as i have not kept up with godzilla science

15 Skip Intro  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:32:04pm

New kid to enter race for LA sixth district.

Former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards (D) announced Monday he will enter the race to replace Rep. Bill Cassidy (R) in the state’s 6th Congressional District.

Edwards, the 86-year-old who served an eight-year prison sentence after leaving office, told a crowd in the state he would reenter the political fray despite all the reasons against it.
<snipped>

He was released from prison in 2011 after being convicted of racketeering charges in 2001, years after he had already left office.

thehill.com

16 Justanotherhuman  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:32:08pm

Occupied Marine Unit in Feodosiya Crimea thanks for the support from the citizens of Ukraine

Youtube Video

English subtitles, from Euromaidan.

17 Dr Lizardo  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:32:43pm

re: #10 Charles Johnson

For what it’s worth: Malaysia 370, Day 10: One Fanciful Hypothesis, and Another That Begins to Make Sense - James Fallows - the Atlantic

When trouble arose, Goodfellow says, the pilots headed for what they knew to be the nearest very long runway, with an unobstructed over-water approach, on the Malaysian island of Pulau Langkawi. (Pulau means “island.”) Here’s the Google Earth idea of how the Langkawi runway might look in daylight, although the plane was of course approaching at night. That runway is 13,000 feet long — enormous.

The Pulau Langkawi possibility makes the most sense, actually. If there was an in-flight fire, the pilots may well have headed back to Langkawi International Airport in an attempt to land the plane and simply never made it.

18 FemNaziBitch  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:32:59pm

I’ve decided, at this point, I don’t need to know.

Let the people we pay to handle these things, handle it. I can’t do anything about it, regardless.

19 Skip Intro  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:33:24pm

re: #11 Dr Lizardo

Here’s a helpful graphic to explain it all:

Image: megashark-full.jpg

You haven’t included the parachutist. We need him for backup in case the shark misses the plane.

20 FemNaziBitch  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:33:29pm

re: #15 Skip Intro

New kid to enter race for LA sixth district.

thehill.com

Think he has been rehabilitated?

21 Skip Intro  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:35:16pm

re: #20 FemNaziBitch

Think he has been rehabilitated?

No. If he’s running at age 86, it has to be for the graft.

22 GeneJockey  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:35:34pm

re: #18 FemNaziBitch

I’ve decided, at this point, I don’t need to know.

Let the people we pay to handle these things, handle it. I can’t do anything about it, regardless.

But it’s irresponsible not to speculate!!
//

Seriously. I was listening to the radio this morning, and for the 4th or 5th day in a row, Ronn Owens was inviting listeners to tell him what they think happened.

All I could think was “insufficient data for analysis”.

23 freetoken  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:35:51pm

re: #7 Charles Johnson

Apparently they used the satellite pings along with radar data; last I heard was that the pings stopped somewhere over the Indian Ocean.

From the NPR link that I quoted, the radar observations stopped several hours before the the automated pinging.

My contention is, pinging doesn’t mean “flying”. From other articles it appears as if the satellite communications system was an option that the airline company turned down, so there was no real data transmission, just the automated system doing the regular self-check pinging. I’ve not found an answer - it seems like this information is hiding intentionally - whether the automated system always pings even while not in the air. Maybe it’s a security thing that is being kept under wraps.

24 Pie-onist Overlord  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:36:37pm

25 Justanotherhuman  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:36:43pm

re: #20 FemNaziBitch

Think he has been rehabilitated?

I think he just may need some money to live on. Seems like it’s an easy way to get that these days. Remember when Christine O’Donnell paid her rent with contributions and got away with it?

The Know Nothing from the North does it all the time.

Political Grifting is the New Job Description these days, it seems.

26 Charles Johnson  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:38:32pm

I didn’t watch The Walking Dead last night - recorded it and watching it now. Man, this is a brutal episode.

27 GeneJockey  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:39:01pm

re: #20 FemNaziBitch

Think he has been rehabilitated?

“‘KID, HAVE YOU REHABILITATED YOURSELF?’

“I went over to the sargent, said, ‘Sargeant, you got a lot a damn gall to
Ask me if I’ve rehabilitated myself, I mean, I mean, I mean that just, I’m
Sittin’ here on the bench, I mean I’m sittin here on the Group W bench
Cause you want to know if I’m moral enough join the army, burn women
Kids, houses and villages after being a litterbug.’

“He looked at me and said, ‘Kid, we don’t like your kind, and we’re gonna send you fingerprints off to Washington.’”

28 Stanley Sea  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:39:04pm

re: #26 Charles Johnson

I didn’t watch The Walking Dead last night - recorded it and watching it now. Man, this is a brutal episode.

I’m watching it too. ugh.

29 dog philosopher  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:39:36pm

i’ve asked judge crater and jimmy hoffa, but they haven’t seen the plane either

30 GeneJockey  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:40:08pm

re: #26 Charles Johnson

I didn’t watch The Walking Dead last night - recorded it and watching it now. Man, this is a brutal episode.

Yes. Oh my, yes.

31 freetoken  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:41:54pm

The information release on this issue has the faint odor of being controlled, as in information-control.

I do wonder if Boeing (and Airbus) implement tracking and data transmission measures (at the behest of certain governments) that are not made public.

32 FemNaziBitch  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:42:35pm

Obama Hatred Personified
Youtube Video

“A social studies teacher at a Florida high school is claiming that his “right to free speech” was violated when school administrators barred him from a recent appearance of President Barack Obama.

Coral Reef Senior High teacher Randall Scott had said that he “would rather dine in Hell with Satan” than shake the president’s hand, and described himself as a “virulent anti-Communist and hater of Obamanism.”

School Administrators, not the Secret Service?

33 Kragar  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:44:03pm

re: #8 Skip Intro

Now we’re getting some where.

>Plane crashes after striking skydiver; jet strikes fish

So, we need to include a missing skydiver and a jumping fish in the equation.

What about a skydiving fish?

34 FemNaziBitch  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:46:06pm
35 RealityBasedSteve  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:47:09pm

re: #34 FemNaziBitch

beebees!!!!!

How come the kid’s shrinking?

RBS

36 FemNaziBitch  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:49:11pm

re: #27 GeneJockey

“‘KID, HAVE YOU REHABILITATED YOURSELF?’

“I went over to the sargent, said, ‘Sargeant, you got a lot a damn gall to
Ask me if I’ve rehabilitated myself, I mean, I mean, I mean that just, I’m
Sittin’ here on the bench, I mean I’m sittin here on the Group W bench
Cause you want to know if I’m moral enough join the army, burn women
Kids, houses and villages after being a litterbug.’

“He looked at me and said, ‘Kid, we don’t like your kind, and we’re gonna send you fingerprints off to Washington.’”

I don’t want a pickle.

37 Stanley Sea  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:50:12pm

O M G

Lizzie

38 GeneJockey  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:50:44pm

re: #37 Stanley Sea

O M G

Lizzie

And that’s not all, folks!

39 Stanley Sea  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:52:01pm

re: #38 GeneJockey

And that’s not all, folks!

fuck

40 GeneJockey  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:53:39pm

OT, but we just had a St Patrick’s Day “Happy Hour” at work. Our East Coast-based company has a rather different take on drinking at work from what we in the Bay Area biotech community are used to, so no booze.

As it wrapped up, after about 50 minutes, I observed that not only wasn’t it an hour, it also wasn’t particularly happy.

41 RealityBasedSteve  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:54:36pm

I just saw the “Daily Burn” (online workout site) ad on Hulu. They have edited the peoples eyes so the pupils are square and have lights around them. At first I thought they were using ring lights, but the actual pupils were square.

IT FREAKED ME OUT!!!!!! I’m not kidding, and I don’t freak easy.

RBS

42 GeneJockey  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:54:40pm

re: #39 Stanley Sea

fuck

Yeah. For a seemingly quiet, bucolic episode it was incredibly fucking intense.

43 Decatur Deb  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:54:56pm

re: #36 FemNaziBitch

I don’t want a pickle.

Just wanna ride my motor-cy-le.

44 GeneJockey  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:55:55pm

re: #43 Decatur Deb

Just wanna ride my motor-cy-le.

And I don’t want to die.

I’d rather ride on my motorcy-
.
.
.
.
.
.
cle.

45 FemNaziBitch  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:56:08pm

WATCH: Front-Runner in GOP Senate Primary Says Planned Parenthood Wants to Kill Newborns

sometimes, I think it might be healthier for me to bury my head in the sand, or wrap a towel around it so the world will just go away.

46 TedStriker  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:57:04pm

re: #37 Stanley Sea

O M G

Lizzie

re: #38 GeneJockey

And that’s not all, folks!

re: #39 Stanley Sea

fuck

re: #42 GeneJockey

Yeah. For a seemingly quiet, bucolic episode it was incredibly fucking intense.

Hardcore, man…fucking hardcore.

/Full Metal Jacket

47 FemNaziBitch  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:57:19pm

I learned how to rearrange the icons my my iPhone screens and now I can’t find a damn thing.

48 Decatur Deb  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:58:10pm

re: #44 GeneJockey

And I don’t want to die.

I’d rather ride on my motorcy-
.
.
.
.
.
.
cle.

Whitehall Station. Had my pre-induction physical in that building. Went a lot like that.

49 PhillyPretzel  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:58:34pm

re: #33 Kragar

Where did you get the picture of Abe Vigoda? Never mind I found it. encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com

50 GeneJockey  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 5:58:52pm

re: #47 FemNaziBitch

I learned how to rearrange the icons my my iPhone screens and now I can’t find a damn thing.

First time my finger lingered too long on an icon and they started dancing, I was all, “WHAT THE FUCK IS HAPPENING?!?!”

51 GeneJockey  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:00:06pm

re: #48 Decatur Deb

Whitehall Station. Had my pre-induction physical in that building. Went a lot like that.

I’d say I feel left out because I was born in one of the few years that didn’t have to register, but no, I don’t.

52 FemNaziBitch  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:00:10pm

re: #50 GeneJockey

First time my finger lingered too long on an icon and they started dancing, I was all, “WHAT THE FUCK IS HAPPENING?!?!”

Yes, it is rather disconcerting at first.

53 RealityBasedSteve  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:03:14pm

re: #52 FemNaziBitch

Yes, it is rather disconcerting at first.

Damn… Now I have to borrow an iPhone from somebody just to see them dance.

RBS

54 Justanotherhuman  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:03:48pm

We are so fucked.

CNN’s Ratings Surge With Coverage of the Mystery of the Missing Airliner

nytimes.com

55 GeneJockey  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:04:11pm

re: #53 RealityBasedSteve

Damn… Now I have to borrow an iPhone from somebody just to see them dance.

RBS

Do it to someone who doesn’t know what it means. Watch ‘em freak out.

56 GeneJockey  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:04:55pm

re: #54 Justanotherhuman

We are so fucked.

CNN’s Ratings Surge With Coverage of the Mystery of the Missing Airliner

nytimes.com

Not enough missing white women?

57 RealityBasedSteve  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:07:43pm

re: #56 GeneJockey

Not enough missing white women?

Just imagine if it had been a plane full of white teen “Christian Cheerleaders for Christ” that had gone missing. I think the news would have reached critical mass and imploded into a mass of self-awareness.

RBS

58 Belafon  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:09:03pm

re: #57 RealityBasedSteve

Which would be the first time those involved approached self-awareness.

59 Justanotherhuman  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:09:20pm

re: #56 GeneJockey

Not enough missing white women?

“CNN also won the 25-to-54 age group from 2 p.m. through 10 p.m. on Saturday, and initial numbers from Sunday indicate the network again led across many of the hours of the day. This is only the case among the specific demographic group preferred by news advertisers; Fox News, as it always does, dominated in terms of total viewers. “

and

“But the executive acknowledged this was not really a story where reporters have been able to advance the known facts much. Instead, it has been fueled by a lot of expert analysis based on the little verifiable information that has been available, speculation about what might have happened to the plane and where it might be now, accompanied by all the visual pizazz the network can bring to bear.

“That has been highlighted by extensive reliance on the reporter Martin Savidge sitting in a flight simulator in Ontario, Canada, as well as the reporter Tom Foreman walking across an animated map of the region displayed on the floor of what CNN calls its “visual room.” At one point the anchor Don Lemon used a toy model of the plane to illustrate a point being made by one of CNN’s aviation experts. During another interview, Mr. Lemon raised the question of whether something otherworldly happened to the plane.”

Yeah, truly fucked.

60 Eclectic Cyborg  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:10:24pm

There are a lot of bizarre effects of natural phenomena on this planet that could easily be described as “otherworldly”.

61 FemNaziBitch  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:11:45pm

re: #60 Eclectic Cyborg

There are a lot of bizarre effects of natural phenomena on this planet that could easily be described as “otherworldly”.

Only because we don’t know enough of our own world.

62 GeneJockey  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:15:23pm

re: #59 Justanotherhuman

“CNN also won the 25-to-54 age group from 2 p.m. through 10 p.m. on Saturday, and initial numbers from Sunday indicate the network again led across many of the hours of the day. This is only the case among the specific demographic group preferred by news advertisers; Fox News, as it always does, dominated in terms of total viewers. “

and

“But the executive acknowledged this was not really a story where reporters have been able to advance the known facts much. Instead, it has been fueled by a lot of expert analysis based on the little verifiable information that has been available, speculation about what might have happened to the plane and where it might be now, accompanied by all the visual pizazz the network can bring to bear.

“That has been highlighted by extensive reliance on the reporter Martin Savidge sitting in a flight simulator in Ontario, Canada, as well as the reporter Tom Foreman walking across an animated map of the region displayed on the floor of what CNN calls its “visual room.” At one point the anchor Don Lemon used a toy model of the plane to illustrate a point being made by one of CNN’s aviation experts. During another interview, Mr. Lemon raised the question of whether something otherworldly happened to the plane.”

Yeah, truly fucked.

Between that, and reading today, “Could the plane have flown below the radar?”, all I could think of was the scene from Dr. Strangelove

“If the pilot’s good, see, I mean if he’s reeeally sharp, he can barrel that baby in so low… oh you oughta see it sometime. It’s a sight. A big plane like a ‘52… varrrooom! Its jet exhaust… frying chickens in the barnyard!”

63 DKoch  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:15:31pm

CNN still has a legacy brand because they were first to market.

So when some story, whether substantial or tabloid, piques the interest of the public, their ratings temporarily spike.

It’s actually kind of useful. You can check their ratings to see whether or not the public is interested in a story. So for example, their ratings didn’t move one iota when Russia moved into Crimea, despite all the yelling and scream of the war mongers and the blame-Obama-first derps.

64 Stanley Sea  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:18:51pm

re: #56 GeneJockey

Not enough missing white women?

We haven’t had one of those for awhile. Thank dog.

65 jaunte  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:21:12pm

<script async src=”//platform.twitter.com” charset=”utf-8”></script>

66 Lidane  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:23:27pm

I couldn’t take any more of the stupid speculation on this plane. Went off and watched the new Cosmos instead.

An entire episode on DNA, artificial selection, and natural selection. So awesome. I was thrilled to see them jump right in to Darwin and explaining how evolution works.

67 FemNaziBitch  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:25:29pm

re: #66 Lidane

I couldn’t take any more of the stupid speculation on this plane. Went off and watched the new Cosmos instead.

An entire episode on DNA, artificial selection, and natural selection. So awesome. I was thrilled to see them jump right in to Darwin and explaining how evolution works.

Heathen

68 GeneJockey  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:27:46pm

re: #67 FemNaziBitch

Heathen

The best part was when Tyson dissected the Creationists “What about the eye?!?” talking point.

69 Lidane  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:29:24pm

re: #68 GeneJockey

The best part was when Tyson dissected the Creationists “What about the eye?!?” talking point.

And also pointing out that evolution doesn’t mean starting all over again from scratch. Loved it.

70 RealityBasedSteve  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:29:27pm

re: #66 Lidane

I couldn’t take any more of the stupid speculation on this plane. Went off and watched the new Cosmos instead.

An entire episode on DNA, artificial selection, and natural selection. So awesome. I was thrilled to see them jump right in to Darwin and explaining how evolution works.

Really… you believe that? Tell me, what good is a half a wing? You never see a flying monkey, because what good would having half a wing do for a monkey. It wouldn’t, so that’s why evolution is a lie from the pits of hell.

RBS
Hoping beyond all that a /snark tag isn’t needed here.

71 jaunte  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:30:11pm

<script async src=”//platform.twitter.com” charset=”utf-8”></script>

72 FemNaziBitch  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:32:27pm

Who is going to do a remake of the James Lee Burke PinBall fact show—I can’t remember the name. He bounced around the world following a line of thought ….

73 RealityBasedSteve  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:33:51pm

re: #72 FemNaziBitch

Who is going to do a remake of the James Lee Burke PinBall fact show—I can’t remember the name. He bounced around the world following a line of thought ….

Connections. I was watching it on YouTube, till it got pulled for about 999 copyright violations.

RBS

74 Dr. Matt  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:34:14pm
75 Lidane  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:35:25pm

re: #74 Dr. Matt

She can’t do any worse than the idiot at CNN wondering if something supernatural happened. Heh.

76 RealityBasedSteve  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:36:06pm

re: #74 Dr. Matt

[Embedded content]

Please, please please don’t let it be found there. Let CL go back to whatever she was doing before this. (Dancing with the stars?)

RBS

77 Eventual Carrion  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:38:43pm

re: #76 RealityBasedSteve

Please, please please don’t let it be found there. Let CL go back to whatever she was doing before this. (Dancing with the stars?)

RBS

Mainlining smack?

78 jaunte  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:38:56pm

It begins:

<script async src=”//platform.twitter.com” charset=”utf-8”></script>

79 Lidane  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:40:17pm

re: #26 Charles Johnson

I didn’t watch The Walking Dead last night - recorded it and watching it now. Man, this is a brutal episode.

Here’s a gut punch for you. There’s a jigsaw puzzle on the table in the house. According to Melissa McBride, that puzzle is a picture of Sophia.

80 RealityBasedSteve  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:41:37pm

re: #77 Eventual Carrion

Mainlining smack?

Well, at least with that she can maintain a modicum of dignity.

RBS

81 Skip Intro  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:41:38pm

re: #62 GeneJockey

Between that, and reading today, “Could the plane have flown below the radar?”, all I could think of was the scene from Dr. Strangelove

“If the pilot’s good, see, I mean if he’s reeeally sharp, he can barrel that baby in so low… oh you oughta see it sometime. It’s a sight. A big plane like a ‘52… varrrooom! Its jet exhaust… frying chickens in the barnyard!”

Needs the visual. Great performance by George C. Scott.

Youtube Video

82 FemNaziBitch  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:42:19pm

re: #78 jaunte

It begins:

[Embedded content]

The Predators won’t be far behind.

83 steve_davis  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:50:01pm

re: #12 GeneJockey

Ah! Okay. Now a shark the size of a jetliner, at the same altitude makes sense.
///

It certainly does to Don Lemon.

84 Lidane  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:52:30pm

re: #42 GeneJockey

Yeah. For a seemingly quiet, bucolic episode it was incredibly fucking intense.

There was a pretty heavy allusion to Of Mice and Men, too. They brought Steinbeck to the zombie apocalypse. It was harsh, but amazing to watch.

85 Stanley Sea  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:56:44pm

re: #84 Lidane

There was a pretty heavy allusion to Of Mice and Men, too. They brought Steinbeck to the zombie apocalypse. It was harsh, but amazing to watch.

I was not surprised. Well part one of the horror I was. Part 2, no. Get rid of that mini Dahmer stat.

86 sattv4u2  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:57:56pm

re: #10 Charles Johnson

re: #17 Dr Lizardo

The Pulau Langkawi possibility makes the most sense, actually

Makes little to no sense, actually

It’s an inhabited island (some 65k people)

SOMEONE would have seen a plane that size land

HOWEVER ,,, it IS a duty free port ,,so,,,,,,,, !!!!!!

87 Gus  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:58:02pm

OK, this is weird. The NY Times is making a big deal about someone reprogramming the FMS. But they don’t know when it was reprogrammed. Also shutting off ACARS ends all communication from the FMS through ACARS. Then they say this…

It is not clear whether the plane’s path was reprogrammed before or after it took off.

Immediately followed with this…

The fact that the turn away from Beijing was programmed into the computer has reinforced the belief of investigators…

Se let’s see. ACARS was off so they really have no way of knowing. They also admit to not knowing when it was reprogrammed. Basically saying they have no data showing FMS being reprogrammed. Yet they conclude with, “The fact that the turn away from Beijing was programmed.”

88 Gus  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:59:32pm

They don’t know when it was reprogrammed. And they write this…

The Flight Management System reports its status to Acars, which in turn transmits information back to a maintenance base, according to an American official. Acars ceased to function about the same time that oral radio contact was lost and the airplane’s transponder also stopped, fueling suspicions that foul play was involved in the plane’s disappearance.

89 Pie-onist Overlord  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 6:59:33pm

I finished watching “12 Years A Slave”

What a tough movie to watch, even tougher than “Schindler’s List” IMO.

The crawl at the end says “The date, location and circumstances of Solomon’s death are unknown.”

Sue Eakin, who researched and edited the Northrop memoirs, speculated that he may have been kidnapped AGAIN, sold into slavery AGAIN and died. Or just kidnapped and murdered.

90 GeneJockey  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:00:45pm

re: #84 Lidane

There was a pretty heavy allusion to Of Mice and Men, too. They brought Steinbeck to the zombie apocalypse. It was harsh, but amazing to watch.

Ooo! Good point! I hadn’t noticed that, but you’re right.

91 FemNaziBitch  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:01:33pm

re: #89 Pie-onist Overlord

I finished watching “12 Years A Slave”

What a tough movie to watch, even tough than “Schindler’s List” IMO.

The crawl at the end says “The date, location and circumstances of Solomon’s death are unknown.”

Sue Eakin, who researched and edited the Northrop memoirs, speculated that he may have been kidnapped AGAIN, sold into slavery AGAIN and died. Or just kidnapped and murdered.

It was not uncommon for a AA who bought themselves out of slavery or were freed, to set sail for another part of the world, as a passenger or crew to be recaptured and resold over and over.

92 Gus  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:04:38pm

Link to said bologna: nytimes.com

93 Gus  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:06:16pm

A. We don’t know when it was reprogrammed.

B. ACARS was off so we can’t tell through any FMS changes through ACARS.

C. It’s a fact that it was reprogrammed.

94 sattv4u2  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:07:54pm

and on that note, the long quiet drive home beckons

((I promise I won’t turn off my ACARS till I “land”)))

95 Lidane  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:08:26pm

Heh.

96 HappyWarrior  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:10:48pm

Good evening. Nice St. Paddy’s spent seeing cousin’s son band rock out.

97 FemNaziBitch  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:10:50pm

re: #95 Lidane

Heh.

[Embedded content]

The convent?

98 HappyWarrior  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:12:01pm

re: #95 Lidane

Heh.

[Embedded content]

But I thought they were “rebranding”.

99 Major Tom  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:14:54pm

My guess is unceremoniously splashed-down halfway between the Kerguelen Islands and Perth.

100 Pie-onist Overlord  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:16:23pm

Meanwhile, wingnuts who keep insisting OBAMA IS JUST LIKE HITLER!!!!!!! continue their love affair with the guy who just Anschlussed the Crimea.

101 Lidane  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:18:28pm

re: #100 Pie-onist Overlord

Every time I see these pro-Putin memes I wonder how many of them come from people who were either home schooled or decided that actual history and actual education were the realm of pointy-headed libruls in ivory towers.

102 Major Tom  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:18:46pm

How could Putin Worship backfire?

103 Targetpractice  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:19:02pm

re: #71 jaunte

[Embedded content]

Just watched it over at Fox. And I can certainly see why the Creationists were likely ripping their hair out. Not just touching on evolution and explaining the eye, but also proposing life on other worlds.

104 Killgore Trout  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:19:04pm

Why Is Vice President Biden Going to the Baltics?

With the specter of Russian aggression looming large over Europe, Vice President Joe Biden will meet with leaders this week who represent Poland and the Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

Biden’s message to them over the next two days will be clear — the United States, NATO and the EU have your back, but please let us handle it and don’t make things worse.

We might get serious if Putin moves beyond Ukraine but today’s sanctions were weak enough that he could take the whole country without much consequence. I can see how the neighborhood is getting nervous.

105 jaunte  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:19:39pm

re: #100 Pie-onist Overlord

Maybe if we hadn’t spent 8 or 9 Marshall Plans worth of money in Iraq and Afghanistan already, Obama might have a little more room to maneuver.

106 HappyWarrior  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:19:49pm

re: #100 Pie-onist Overlord

Meanwhile, wingnuts who keep insisting OBAMA IS JUST LIKE HITLER!!!!!!! continue their love affair with the guy who just Anschlussed the Crimea.

[Embedded content]

I’d rather be a pot smoker than KGB careerist. Just saying.

107 HappyWarrior  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:20:55pm

So now being a careerist in a Soviet spy agency is something to be brag about TCOT? I need a whiskey. Make that several.

108 Lidane  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:22:50pm

re: #107 HappyWarrior

So now being a careerist in a Soviet spy agency is something to be brag about TCOT? I need a whiskey. Make that several.

These are the same people who called anyone that criticized POTUS traitors and anti-American just a few years ago. I guess that only mattered when the President was a white Republican guy.

109 Pie-onist Overlord  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:24:49pm

HURR HURR!!!! THEIR CRUSHING TEH FREE MARKET & TEH 2ND AMENDMENT!!!!! COMMUNISTS!!!!! SUPPORT ARE CONSTITION1!!!!!!!

110 Targetpractice  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:26:00pm

re: #108 Lidane

These are the same people who called anyone that criticized POTUS traitors and anti-American just a few years ago. I guess that only mattered when the President was a white Republican guy.

These are the same people who got huffy if you pointed out that the previous president was a former cokehead and boozehound who used his daddy’s connections to get a sweet assignment in the National Guard during Vietnam and then got early release to help his uncle’s political campaign. In a generation, we went from hailing his father, a decorated WWII bomber pilot who’d survived some of the worst wartime conditions and had a career in the intel community to celebrating a guy whose military “experience” was killing time in Texas while other guys of his generation were fighting and dying half a world away.

111 NJDhockeyfan  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:27:06pm

re: #104 Killgore Trout

Why Is Vice President Biden Going to the Baltics?

We might get serious if Putin moves beyond Ukraine but today’s sanctions were weak enough that he could take the whole country without much consequence. I can see how the neighborhood is getting nervous.

Biden has a huge task convincing those counties that we will take care of Russia if Putin rolls tanks to their border.

112 Lidane  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:28:15pm

re: #110 Targetpractice

And they nominated a guy who protested FOR the Vietnam war while hiding in France because he was rich and connected. Fortunate Son indeed.

113 Kragar  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:29:58pm

re: #109 Pie-onist Overlord

HURR HURR!!!! THEIR CRUSHING TEH FREE MARKET & TEH 2ND AMENDMENT!!!!! COMMUNISTS!!!!! SUPPORT ARE CONSTITION1!!!!!!!

[Embedded content]

What kind of fucking idiot thinks you can sell unserialized weapons with no registration legally?

114 TedStriker  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:30:52pm

re: #113 Kragar

What kind of fucking idiot thinks you can sell unserialized weapons with no registration legally?

Apparently those geniuses did…

115 Lidane  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:31:02pm

re: #113 Kragar

What kind of fucking idiot thinks you can sell unserialized weapons with no registration legally?

Lots of “constitutional conservatives” and “libertarians” apparently. I’ve seen derp about that story all over the damn place.

116 jaunte  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:31:09pm

re: #113 Kragar

He probably has a sovereign citizen legal adviser.

117 NJDhockeyfan  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:31:12pm
118 Killgore Trout  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:34:56pm

re: #111 NJDhockeyfan

Biden has a huge task convincing those counties that we will take care of Russia if Putin rolls tanks to their border.

I think Putin is playing a longer game and isn’t going to blitzkrieg West. What those countries really need to watch out for is rigged elections, sketchy business deals, bribery and general bullshit. Putin will need to prepare other countries before sending in the troops.

119 William Barnett-Lewis  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:37:00pm

re: #113 Kragar

What kind of fucking idiot thinks you can sell unserialized weapons with no registration legally?

80% finished receivers are not legally weapons. I can buy one, finish it by doing the last 20% of the work needed, and build an AR-10 or 15 using it perfectly legally. As a home made weapon it does not need to be serialized though most people give them novelty serials.

The question in this case was if they were making the 80% receivers IAW BATFE regulations. The company says it was, BATFE says they weren’t. Odds are that the company was in compliance but that rarely matters once BATFE decides to raid you. In their world a license holder is always guilty until proven innocent.

120 Kragar  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:37:09pm

re: #115 Lidane

Lots of “constitutional conservatives” and “libertarians” apparently. I’ve seen derp about that story all over the damn place.

If they truly believed in the 2nd Amendment, they would all be using the same weapons so they could actually serve in a real militia to augment the armed services in the event of emergency, as the Founding Fathers intended.

121 William Barnett-Lewis  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:38:17pm

re: #115 Lidane

Lots of “constitutional conservatives” and “libertarians” apparently. I’ve seen derp about that story all over the damn place.

The “derp” in this case is correct. Ares was probably fully in compliance with federal law, not that it matters to BATFE.

122 goddamnedfrank  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:38:36pm

re: #113 Kragar

What kind of fucking idiot thinks you can sell unserialized weapons with no registration legally?

Lots of people. The 80% receiver thing is a legit business model that’s been approved in many separate official ATF letters.

You can find business selling 80% complete receivers for Ruger 10/22, Colt 1911, and AR-15’s.

I’m not sure what exactly the Ares guys did wrong, but I’m guessing that the ATF objected to the product coming with an integral printed or anodized pattern showing where to the additional machining and drilling needed to be done to make the receivers functional. Other companies like Select Fire sell separate drilling jigs.

123 Kragar  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:39:32pm

re: #119 William Barnett-Lewis

80% finished receivers are not legally weapons. I can buy one, finish it by doing the last 20% of the work needed, and build an AR-10 or 15 using it perfectly legally. As a home made weapon it does not need to be serialized though most people give them novelty serials.

The question in this case was if they were making the 80% receivers IAW BATFE regulations. The company says it was, BATFE says they weren’t. Odds are that the company was in compliance but that rarely matters once BATFE decides to raid you. In their world a license holder is always guilty until proven innocent.

I live in San Diego. I’ve heard their commercials on the radio several times. They offer to sell fully functional unserialized weapons in their ads. They never mention receivers. They talk about fully functional weapons.

124 goddamnedfrank  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:41:20pm

re: #121 William Barnett-Lewis

The “derp” in this case is correct. Ares was probably fully in compliance with federal law, not that it matters to BATFE.

Ares printing the “drill here” marks directly on the unfinished receivers was probably them being too clever by half. Also probably a case of ideology getting in the way of business, since there’s money to be made in selling the machining jigs.

125 NJDhockeyfan  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:41:24pm

re: #118 Killgore Trout

I think Putin is playing a longer game and isn’t going to blitzkrieg West. What those countries really need to watch out for is rigged elections, sketchy business deals, bribery and general bullshit. Putin will need to prepare other countries before sending in the troops.

Perhaps. I don’t want to misjudge Putin. I am convinced he is going to roll into Ukraine. When he does that he might not stop there.

126 William Barnett-Lewis  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:43:55pm

re: #122 goddamnedfrank

Lots of people. The 80% receiver thing is a legit business model that’s been approved in many separate official ATF letters.

You can find business selling 80% complete receivers for Ruger 10/22, Colt 1911, and AR-15’s.

I’m not sure what exactly the Ares guys did wrong, but I’m guessing that the ATF objected to the product coming with an integral printed or anodized pattern showing where to the additional machining and drilling needed to be done to make the receivers functional. Other companies like Select Fire sell separate drilling jigs.

The claim is that the receivers were made beyond the 80% point (rendering them legally weapons) and then the holes were filled in with other plastics to try and make them into 80% receivers. You can’t “unmake” a weapon unless it is completely destroyed.

The company says that, as in most types of injection molding, the inner parts are molded first with the outer frame molded around it so that the receiver was never “completed” and was properly an 80% receiver.

A court will probably have to sort it out. In the meantime, other 80% firms are probably seeing a surge in business as a result of this raid.

127 Dark_Falcon  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:43:58pm

re: #113 Kragar

What kind of fucking idiot thinks you can sell unserialized weapons with no registration legally?

Those are unfinished “80% lower receivers”. Ares Armor says they are gun parts, but the ATF considers them to be firearms (the lower receiver is the controlled component of a rifle under US law). Here’s an article on the story from a pro-gun but sane website. It also contains critical information about the restraining order that the nutbars left out:

Ares Armor raided by ATF after restraining order overruled (VIDEO)

California based Ares Armor saw the ATF execute search warrants on its two locations Saturday even after a judge had granted the business a restraining order against such an action.

With its sale of EP Armory 80 percent polymer lowers being scrutinized by a new ATF determination letter that classifies these parts as firearms, Ares had earlier asked for protection from the Bureau after claiming that agents wanted not only the gun parts in question but also the names of 5,000 customers in the company’s database.

U.S. District Judge Janis Lynn Sammartino granted an ex parte application order to the ATF Friday afternoon, which set the stage for Saturday’s raid. The order set aside the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and prohibits Ares Armor from taking any steps to “destroy, transfer, sell, or otherwise divest themselves” of the polymer lower receivers in its inventory. In an ex parte filing, the other party is not generally given an opportunity to oppose an action or even given notice that it is being asked for.

With the court order in hand, the ATF was eligible to proceed with a search warrant from the U.S. Magistrate for the lowers in question, as the TRO did “not restrain lawful criminal proceedings.” The ATF delivered the search warrant Saturday.

“The ATF did execute a search warrant against all of our buildings today. None of our employees have been detained or arrested. We will be open for business tomorrow. We will be back up and shipping out orders on Monday,” wrote Dimitrios Karras, CEO of Ares Armor on the company’s Facebook page Saturday.

facebook.com

Read the full article for more details. It is far more informative than the crazed “Before Its News” piece.

128 Dark_Falcon  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:45:59pm

re: #119 William Barnett-Lewis

re: #122 goddamnedfrank

Thanks for carrying the load on this one guys. The article I posted took a while to get its post correct.

129 NJDhockeyfan  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:53:00pm

Turkey with some tough talk aimed at Russia…

130 William Barnett-Lewis  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:55:46pm

re: #123 Kragar

I live in San Diego. I’ve heard their commercials on the radio several times. They offer to sell fully functional unserialized weapons in their ads. They never mention receivers. They talk about fully functional weapons.

My guess, based on working in radio in the 1980’s, is that the station wrote the ad and some idiot who doesn’t understand WTF he’s talking about was the author of that ad.

131 goddamnedfrank  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:56:54pm

re: #127 Dark_Falcon

The order set aside the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and prohibits Ares Armor from taking any steps to “destroy, transfer, sell, or otherwise divest themselves” of the polymer lower receivers in its inventory.

That word, right there. Printed guides on a polymer receiver probably violate the following ATF rule I’ve taken from Tactical Machining’s website:

Legalities
A lot of questions have been raised about how our 80% AR-15 Lower Receivers can be considered non-firearms. We’ve received a determination letter from the ATF stating that the ATF does not view this as a firearm because to complete the receiver it requires specialized skills and tooling.

Does the 80% Lower Receiver include instructions?
We do not currently offer instructions or directions on how to complete our 80% Lower receiver. However, our jig top plates include the necessary depths for each of the operations enabling you to finish the 80% Lower Receiver without explicit instructions. You are free to use our forum to ask questions and view other peoples tips and suggestions. There is currently a thread by VaderSpade that explains several parts of the 80% Lower Receiver finishing process.

So TM is willing to provide the jig separately but won’t provide instructions themselves, and their receivers are aluminum and probably heat treated. Ares printed the guide right on a polymer receiver, significantly lowering the bar for expertise and tooling required to finish the job.

132 Dark_Falcon  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:58:23pm

re: #129 NJDhockeyfan

Turkey with some tough talk aimed at Russia…

[Embedded content]

That’s aimed at the Admiral Kuznetsov, Russia’s “Aircraft Cruiser”. Turkey is letting Russia know they won’t let that damn thing pass into the Black Sea if its purpose if to aid in the oppression of the Muslim Tartars.

For perhaps the first time, Erdogren’s Islamism is actually working to America’s benefit.

133 Pawn of the Oppressor  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 7:58:51pm

Re: the pilots and possible terrorism, I’m just throwing this out there as a possibility - Disclaimer, everything I know about Malaysia I learned from watching food and travel shows:

Starting with an assumption that the pilot(s) were responsible*** for the plane’s disappearance, for some dastardly reason, there is a question of motive.

Besides something like religious hatred, could there be an ethnic hatred between the pilots and the passengers? I have a vague recollection about ethnic tensions existing between Chinese and Malaysians. I am also thinking of a side-bar type article the other day about how especially upsetting it was for the Chinese that their relative’s remains were unavailable for proper burial.

Let’s say you’re a pilot of a 777 who has decided to do something evil with your plane and its passengers which, in this case, is a plane load of mostly Chinese people. What if, as a terrorist act, instead of deciding to crash your plane into a building or just nose-diving into the sea, you decide to do something psychologically damaging, like fly as far out into the middle of nowhere as possible and simply vanish forever? Maybe even land it relatively gently on the water, but with a last moment dip of the nose to suicide you in the cabin… To try and avoid triggering the ELT and just let everybody drown several thousand miles from anything?

Forgive my macabre tone, but I’m trying to think of an Evil, non-technical reason why somebody would deliberately turn a plane out to sea under these circumstances.

*** I have real doubts about the fellow with the flight simulator being somebody like this. Obviously we only know the man from what he’s left online, but somebody who builds flight simulators with enthusiasm, describes himself as a “geek”, sticks around long enough to be a grandfather, and posts air conditioner tips on youtube, doesn’t seem like the kind of guy who would commit an act of mass murder/suicide, unless he was mentally ill. I haven’t heard much about the younger co-pilot though…

134 William Barnett-Lewis  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 8:03:09pm

re: #131 goddamnedfrank

That word, right there. Printed guides on a polymer receiver probably violate the following ATF rule I’ve taken from Tactical Machining’s website:

So TM is willing to provide the jig separately but won’t provide instructions themselves, and their receivers are aluminum and probably heat treated. Ares printed the guide right on a polymer receiver, significantly lowering the bar for expertise and tooling required to finish the job.

My understanding is that they used different types and colors of plastics for different parts of the injection molding. The holes that need to be drilled are in a different color than the surrounding plastic. This is not a template as such but does provide much of the same functionality.

The template issue has come up in the past with templates being available that you can wrap around a tube of steel pipe to show you how to cut it to make it into a STEN Mk II or III reciever that can then use part kits to build a fully automatic sub machine gun. Since such a weapon is inherently illegal (the machine gun registry was closed by the Hughes Amendment) they came down hard on people selling them. They are still “out there” on the web however thanks to people scanning them.

135 Dark_Falcon  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 8:06:16pm

re: #131 goddamnedfrank

That word, right there. Printed guides on a polymer receiver probably violate the following ATF rule I’ve taken from Tactical Machining’s website:

So TM is willing to provide the jig separately but won’t provide instructions themselves, and their receivers are aluminum and probably heat treated. Ares printed the guide right on a polymer receiver, significantly lowering the bar for expertise and tooling required to finish the job.

Thank you for that, Frank.

As for me, I would not buy a polymer AR-15 lower receiver at all. They are simply not really safe yet. The link is to a rare negative gun review, where the reviewer concluded that another polymer AR lower made by a firm called ATI was unsafe for use,

Polymer AR-15 receivers may well be the wave of the future, but for the time being the future is where they should stay.

136 Dark_Falcon  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 8:21:33pm

And speaking of Malaysia:

Same As It Ever Was
Once again, Malaysia’s ruling party turns to outdated sodomy laws to discredit the opposition.

n March 7, Malaysia’s opposition leader, Anwar Ibrahim, was sentenced to five years in prison for sodomy. This is just the latest iteration in a long and unfortunate history of using sodomy laws against political rivals.

In 1307, King Philip IV of France, deeply indebted to the Order of the Knights Templar, accused the Knights of sodomy and used this as a pretext to dissolve the order. In 1533, King Henry VIII of England promulgated the Buggery Act, accused monks of sodomy, and used that as an excuse to confiscate their monastic lands. King Henry also disposed of his opponent Lord Hungerford by executing him for sodomy in 1540. He had discovered what King Philip realized two centuries earlier: Sodomy accusations are an effective way of getting rid of pesky creditors and trouncing political opponents.

Indeed, what is most exasperating about the verdict of Malaysia’s Court of Appeal in the “sodomy” trial of the opposition leader and former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is precisely that: It is so politically effective.

And of course, “Same as it ever was” has its own legend:

Youtube Video

137 William Barnett-Lewis  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 8:30:42pm

Good night all.

138 Dark_Falcon  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 8:33:07pm

re: #137 William Barnett-Lewis

Good night all.

Ditto.

139 wheat-dogghazi  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 8:34:10pm

re: #72 FemNaziBitch

Who is going to do a remake of the James Lee Burke PinBall fact show—I can’t remember the name. He bounced around the world following a line of thought ….

One was called Connections, about science and technology. He did another that was more generalized, but I’ve forgotten the name.

Ah, Google is my friend: The Day the Universe Changed was about science and technology. Connections was the more generalized study.

140 wheat-dogghazi  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 8:47:09pm

re: #101 Lidane

Every time I see these pro-Putin memes I wonder how many of them come from people who were either home schooled or decided that actual history and actual education were the realm of pointy-headed libruls in ivory towers.

I’m gonna link that idea with the A Beka history curriculum discussed in this page littlegreenfootballs.com.

I have a copy of the A Beka teacher’s curriculum guide for the 8th grade history course. The course focuses primarily on the people in history, supposedly to make it more appealing to youngsters. The course does not spend a lot of time on “big picture” ideas of history, other than continually playing the harp of Providence in every part of American history.

Now, using historical figures to teach history is fine for elementary school children, but kids by the 8th grade should be able to handle some abstract ideas to understand why and how events unfolded. I guess that A Beka’s focus on people (mostly men, BTW) is part of the “appeal to authority” that Christianists favor so much.

I’m guessing the RWNJ think something like:
Putin is an authority figure. He seems decisive, and conservative. He hates gays, after all. He wanted Crimea, because he thinks it belongs to Russia. So, he took it. If God didn’t want him to have it, Putin would have failed. End of story.

Primary school logic.

141 teleskiguy  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 9:06:07pm

teleskiguy.tumblr.com

142 Weet  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 9:09:02pm

<script async src=”//platform.twitter.com” charset=”utf-8”></script>

143 Targetpractice  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 9:57:40pm

re: #142 Weet

[Embedded content]

Georgia: “The ethnic Russians of South Ossetia are being oppressed! We must protect them!”
Crimea: “The ethnic Russians of Crimea are being oppressed! We must protect them!”
Chechnya: “Sorry, I can’t hear you over the shelling. Call back after the summary executions.”

144 Shiplord Kirel  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 10:16:41pm

It’s common knowledge in these parts that I have some small knowledge of aviation and aviation history. I’ve been asked about MH-370 a number of times over the past 10 days. I don’t have a clue where it is, but the pilot hijacking is starting to make a lot of sense. If he flew to some remote corner of the Indian Ocean, it may not be found for decades, possibly not until technology has made the oceans as transparent as the atmosphere (a development I believe is likely before the end of the century).

The last airliner to vanish with paying passengers aboard was PK-NUK, a DeHavilland Twin Otter operated by the Indonesian Merpati Nusantara Airlines. It vanished in the Molo Strait on January 10, 1995 with 14 people on board. No sign of it has been found to this day.
The last big airliner to disappear completely was Flying Tiger Line Flight 739, a chartered Super Constellation en route from Travis AFB to Saigon, Vietnam. It went missing on March 16, 1962 between Guam and the Philipines. 107 people, 93 US military personnel, 3 South Vietnamese, and 11 crew members, went with it. A merchant ship reported an airborne explosion but no bodies, wreckage, or other traces of the aircraft were ever found.
No disappearance has ever come close to MH-370 in scale.

145 Amory Blaine  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 10:22:10pm

Yikes, as if the world needs any more shit piled on. Looks like bad mojo in Chinas real estate market.

China Developer With $567 Million Debt Said to Collapse

146 darthstar  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 10:37:22pm

re: #145 Amory Blaine

Yikes, as if the world needs any more shit piled on. Looks like bad mojo in Chinas real estate market.

China Developer With $567 Million Debt Said to Collapse

China can survive half a dozen of these crises before it makes a dent in their market. Stupid amounts of money there right now.

147 darthstar  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 10:38:21pm

re: #143 Targetpractice

Georgia: “The ethnic Russians of South Ossetia are being oppressed! We must protect them!”
Crimea: “The ethnic Russians of Crimea are being oppressed! We must protect them!”
Chechnya: “Sorry, I can’t hear you over the shelling. Call back after the summary executions.”

Chechnya doesn’t have an attractive port.

148 freetoken  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 10:52:46pm

re: #140 wheat-dogghazi

The “harp of Providence” - good idea:

MP3 Audio

149 Lidane  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 11:03:24pm
150 wheat-dogghazi  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 11:07:17pm

re: #148 freetoken

Nice!

151 Varek Raith  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 11:07:20pm

Playin’ Politics

This is House Republicans trying to micro-manage the Pentagon’s priorities so they can avoid making their own tough decisions on taxes and spending.

Yep.
Cowards.

152 wheat-dogghazi  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 11:08:33pm

It’s sunny and 77 degrees here, and I get to spend my afternoon in class.

Grumble, grumble.

153 Varek Raith  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 11:09:32pm

re: #152 wheat-dogghazi

It’s sunny and 77 degrees here, and I get to spend my afternoon in class.

Grumble, grumble.

*Throws snowballs*

154 Kragar  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 11:16:51pm

re: #153 Varek Raith

*Throws snowballs*

Tomorrow’s forecast: 76 with partial clouds

155 BillinGlendaleCA  Mon, Mar 17, 2014 11:44:46pm

re: #154 Kragar

Pretty much the same here, though about 80. Hopefully Charles has remembered to turn off “Earthquake Mode” on his new alarm clock.

156 freetoken  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 1:21:55am

Some Ligeti, Idegen földön:

MP3 Audio

MP3 Audio

MP3 Audio

MP3 Audio

157 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 3:17:38am

Har. Ice this morning. But it will be 47 today, 62 tomorrow.

Up and down. Up and down. Up and down.

re: #149 Lidane

And I dreamed my g-grandson got the measles, even though his shots are all up to date, so that made me wake up a bit cranky.

I noticed that McCarthy also has a tattoo on her wrist (probably not her only one, surely there are more). Doesn’t that involve needles, too? Taking a chance on that, also, are you? Maybe a piercing here and there? I feel so bad for her kid. It’s one thing to abuse your own body with what might be dirty needles by non-medical personnel, but for chrissakes, get your kid vaccinated in a sterile medical setting.

What a stupid, narcissistic woman who will do anything for attention.

examiner.com

158 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 3:20:26am

I remember attending a baby swimming class. Part of the course involved holding the kid’s head briefly under water. I recall a mother who could just not bring herself to do that, even though it was an important step towards teaching a child how to swim.

I realize that those must be some of the same mothers who cannot bring themselves to have their child vaccinated, even though it is vital to their own child’s safety along with that of others.

159 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 3:22:14am

After Crimea vote, Youtube suspends Russia Today

filmindustrynetwork.biz

It was back up after several hours, though.

160 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 3:41:37am

“Body found in forest” — we have heard this before, during the Kyiv demonstrations when people disappeared. I’m wondering if some of the former Berket were working in Crimea. I think that’s plausible.

Poor man. I would not want to be a Tatar in Crimea right now.

161 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 3:43:38am

Russia has been suspended from the G8 group of nations, according to France’s foreign minister - @Guardian

end of alert

162 ObserverArt  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 3:56:50am

Morning!

So, freaking Jenny McCarthy is one of the topics, eh? Didn’t she also have a breast augmentation?

You know, the media that give people like her a pulpit should have to display a warning about her comments not being supported by science and people of good conscience. They should have to put up the warning before and after she opens her fake-ass yapper. Maybe it would at least give those brainless people listening to her pause.

This should also be a requirement for many politicians and for media like Fox, CNN and others. A big ol’ warning comes across the TV (or other) screen and says something like: the following comments may not be supported by actual facts and therefore we recommend that you further research and educate yourself on this topic. Believing the words of any politician, political analyst and media deliverer can be dangerous.

163 goddamnedfrank  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 3:56:51am

Attention British people, please stop saying boffins.

Boffins hit by GRAVITATIONAL WAVES - the aftershock of universe’s Big Bang
Landmark discovery backs Einstein and shows inflation is as old as time

By Iain Thomson, 17 Mar 2014

A team of astrophysicists has announced a sighting of gravitational waves - formed in the first trillionth of a trillionth of a trillionth of a second after the universe as we know it blinked into existence.

The breakthrough discovery throws enormous weight behind the famous Big Bang theory. The boffins must be expecting a call from the Nobel Prize panel in Sweden.

The signal indicating the presence of gravitational waves is much stronger than expected, too. The boffins’ evidence and papers on the discovery can be found here.

Would a straight article about a discovery by medical doctors keep calling them sawbones?

Fucking British people.

164 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 3:57:05am

re: #158 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)

I remember attending a baby swimming class. Part of the course involved holding the kid’s head briefly under water. I recall a mother who could just not bring herself to do that, even though it was an important step towards teaching a child how to swim.

I realize that those must be some of the same mothers who cannot bring themselves to have their child vaccinated, even though it is vital to their own child’s safety along with that of others.

They are horribly misinformed by the likes of McCarthy and the anti-vaxxers.

165 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 4:00:20am

re: #164 Justanotherhuman

They are horribly misinformed by the likes of McCarthy and the anti-vaxxers.

Lacking in self-assurance and open to anyone who can play to their emotions, yes…

166 Fairly Sure I'm Still Obdicut  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 4:17:20am

re: #160 Justanotherhuman

“Body found in forest” — we have heard this before, during the Kyiv demonstrations when people disappeared. I’m wondering if some of the former Berket were working in Crimea. I think that’s plausible.

[Embedded content]

Poor man. I would not want to be a Tatar in Crimea right now.

It might be them, it might just be general assholes stirred up by Russian nationalism.

167 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 4:30:19am

Putin also referred to the Euromaidan movement as a “power grab”.

Do people forget that they’re listening to the KGB officer?

Christopher Miller ‏@ChristopherJM 5m

Putin: I sympathize with Maidan, who spoke against misery. But those in Ukraine had something in mind, wanted to stage coup, seize power.

Christopher Miller ‏@ChristopherJM 3m

Putin: Crimeans used Kosovo as precedent. And West has set this precedent with their own hands.

Retweeted by Christopher Miller
Myroslava Petsa ‏@myroslavapetsa 9m

#Putin: I don’t know why Khrushchev gave Crimea to Ukraine. Maybe he wanted to hide his own wrongdoings towards Ukrainians in1930s

168 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 4:33:05am

max seddon ‏@maxseddon 12m

Putin just threw Yanukovych under the bus: acknowledges Ukrainians wanted change. Viktor Fyodorvich conspicuously absent in the Kremlin
from Ukraine

Retweeted by Maxim Eristavi
max seddon ‏@maxseddon 11m

Putin says “nationalists, neo-Nazis, Russophobes, and anti-Semites” launched “pogroms and terror” after “armed coup” in Kiev.
from Ukraine

Myroslava Petsa ‏@myroslavapetsa 17m

#Putin: We couldn’t even imagine Russian and Ukraine would become independent. Unfortunately, the Soviet Union collapsed

Maxim Eristavi ‏@MaximEristavi 16m

@myroslavapetsa “unfortunately”, jesus

169 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 4:36:29am

max seddon ‏@maxseddon 4m

This is the key speech of Putin’s entire presidency so far - lists grievances against the West since 2000, rejects “Western exceptionalism”
from Ukraine

Christopher Miller ‏@ChristopherJM 4m

Putin: West accuses us of invasion of Ukraine. I can’t think of any other time in which intervention occurred without firing a single shot.

Retweeted by Christopher Miller
Shaun Walker ‏@shaunwalker7 5m

This a classic Putin performance, MOVING FROM ANGRY RAISED VOICE…. pause… to quiet clever exposition of hypocrisy. He’s enjoying himself

170 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 4:41:03am

Thirteen hours since GG tweeted. Will he come out of the shadows and make a comment about his Putin’s major speech today? Will he condemn him—ever, as he likes to condemn the leader of his own country?

Well, I say that as if we knew what his “country” really is. GG is such a poseur, opportunist and money whore and he’ll be loyal to anyone who feeds his maw.

171 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 4:44:20am

re: #133 Pawn of the Oppressor

Two words: EgyptAir 990.

172 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 4:46:09am

I really wouldn’t be surprised if Putin guided Russia back into Soviet-style govt; after all, China is happy to practice communism for its own people while taking the West’s money.

173 Fairly Sure I'm Still Obdicut  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 4:52:19am

re: #172 Justanotherhuman

I really wouldn’t be surprised if Putin guided Russia back into Soviet-style govt; after all, China is happy to practice communism for its own people while taking the West’s money.

[Embedded content]

I would just because, well, Soviet-style government didn’t work. China isn’t really practicing communism anymore, it’s a lot more complex than that. The state-owned companies have control of less than 50% of the economy now, and even among them, they’re no longer perfectly command, they kind of operate like capitalist monopolies more than truly state organs.

I think Putin will continue doing what he’s doing: Have the country be a weird fucked up bunch of oligarchs with overtones of nationalism and militarism.

174 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 4:53:54am

Journalist Tony Halpin

tweets: Putin basically offering Kiev a deal - don’t fight me over Crimea (which is about the base) and I’ll leave the rest of Ukraine alone ‏
11:49:

Mr Putin says the Crimeans’ “will is clear: they want to be part of Russia”. He gets loud applause in the hall.
11:46:

Ukraine and Russia are “one nation”, Mr Putin says. He refers to Kiev as “the mother of Russian cities”. “We cannot live without each other,” he adds, promising that Russia will always protect the interests of Russians in Ukraine.
Kremlin hall during President Putin’s speech
11:43:

Russia had faced the possibility of Sevastopol being used by Nato, Mr Putin says, and that would have threatened southern Russia.
11:40:

The West behaved “irresponsibly” in Ukraine, Mr Putin argues, referring to the Maidan protests which toppled President Yanukovych. Russia “could not step back any more” he says, adding: “Russia has national interests that need to be respected.” He tells Ukrainians: “Don’t trust those who frighten you with Russia… we do not need a split Ukraine.” He says Crimea will remain home for Russians, Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars, but Crimea will not be home for “Banderovtsy” - a reference to nationalists. He gets applause at that point.

bbc.com

175 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 4:58:47am

SSDD

176 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 5:04:36am

re: #173 Fairly Sure I’m Still Obdicut

I would just because, well, Soviet-style government didn’t work. China isn’t really practicing communism anymore, it’s a lot more complex than that. The state-owned companies have control of less than 50% of the economy now, and even among them, they’re no longer perfectly command, they kind of operate like capitalist monopolies more than truly state organs.

I think Putin will continue doing what he’s doing: Have the country be a weird fucked up bunch of oligarchs with overtones of nationalism and militarism.

Capitalism for the oligarchs; communism for the ordinary folks. But state “companies” are still a factor in the Chinese economy, also. Social engineering of the type practiced in China may have been relaxed somewhat to prevent too much dissension, but you can still get the death penalty, for certain financial crimes, such as this guy below, and also for what China considers capital crimes. And public executions (like a bullet to the back of the head) are still common.

theatlantic.com

177 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 5:04:40am

Wingnuts have discovered TEH EBT SURFER DUDE and now today’s meme is ZOMG ALL TEH MOOCHERS BUYING TEH LOBSTERS & TEH SUSHIS WITH TEH FOOD STAMPS WHILE WE CANT BARELY SPREAD PEANUT BUTTER ON ARES WONDER BREDS!!!!!!!

178 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 5:07:35am

re: #177 Pie-onist Overlord

Wingnuts have discovered TEH EBT SURFER DUDE and now today’s meme is ZOMG ALL TEH MOOCHERS BUYING TEH LOBSTERS & TEH SUSHIS WITH TEH FOOD STAMPS WHILE WE CANT BARELY SPREAD PEANUT BUTTER ON ARES WONDER BREDS!!!!!!!

[Embedded content]

People want blood and war. Say what?

Maxim Eristavi ‏@MaximEristavi 11m

Putin’s Crimea speech ends with standing ovations & “Russia!” chants. I’ve never seen Russia being so nationalistic. Uncomfortable.
Expand

179 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 5:08:46am
180 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 5:09:01am

re: #178 Justanotherhuman

People want blood and war. Say what?

Maxim Eristavi &#x200F;@MaximEristavi 11m

Putin’s Crimea speech ends with standing ovations & “Russia!” chants. I’ve never seen Russia being so nationalistic. Uncomfortable.
Expand

OH THAT PUTIN, HE’S SO DREAMY. I JUST LOVE HOW HE PWNS OBAMA EVERY TIME!!!!! TEABAGS HEART VLAD!!!!!!

181 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 5:12:49am

The West is where it’s at—West Poland.

Volkswagen to build 800-million-euro factory in Poland

google.com

182 Flounder  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 5:15:35am

For your viewing pleasure, Sexy Jewish pinup calendars in ‘naughty vs nice’ holy war:

Hearing of a photographer seeking Jewish men for a sexy calendar, he agreed to pose, and did the most not-nice thing a Jewish boy could do: He posed for the shoot in the nude, with nothing but a tzedakah box — the box Jews use to collect contributions in temple — to cover his schmeckle.

Reading this reminds me of the stuff I would hear when my mom would have her friends over to play mahjongg.

nypost.com

183 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 5:16:20am

Happy Morning after St Patrick’s Day

Youtube Video

184 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 5:17:41am

I don’t think Ukraine is biting…

185 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 5:18:57am

re: #182 Flounder

For your viewing pleasure, Sexy Jewish pinup calendars in ‘naughty vs nice’ holy war:

Reading this reminds me of the stuff I would hear when my mom would have her friends over to play mahjongg.

nypost.com

What a schmuck!

186 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 5:19:21am

re: #182 Flounder

For your viewing pleasure, Sexy Jewish pinup calendars in ‘naughty vs nice’ holy war:

Reading this reminds me of the stuff I would hear when my mom would have her friends over to play mahjongg.

nypost.com

So. Not. Even. Going. There.

I thought of a bunch of snappy one liners but then I was all like THIS IS JUST SO LAME.

187 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 5:22:00am

I suppose Putin wants praise for his speed and efficiency now, too.

188 wheat-dogghazi  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 5:22:19am

re: #176 Justanotherhuman

Capitalism for the oligarchs; communism for the ordinary folks. But state “companies” are still a factor in the Chinese economy, also. Social engineering of the type practiced in China may have been relaxed somewhat to prevent too much dissension, but you can still get the death penalty, for certain financial crimes, such as this guy below, and also for what China considers capital crimes. And public executions (like a bullet to the back of the head) are still common.

theatlantic.com

While I never met the man in question, it so happens that I live and work in his hometown. My first year teaching at the university coincided with his investment scheme collapsing. People took to the streets, angry at the government officials whom they rightly suspected were in cahoots with Mr Zeng. It was the only time that my foreign affairs officers told me to stay on campus and not go downtown.

You can imagine the sad stories, because the same things has happened countless times all over the world. Promises of fantastic returns on investments led the unwise, including public officials, to invest most of their life savings, mortgage their homes and businesses — all in the hope of getting rich quick. Some of my students are from families who went broke after losing most of their money in Zeng’s real estate schemes. About half the money was paid back, with the local government chipping in, but in China there has to be a scapegoat. Although public officials colluded in the scheme, and benefited from it, Zeng took the fall.

189 FemNaziBitch  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 5:25:46am

It’s morning.

And I do not like it.

190 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 5:26:31am
192 Varek Raith  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 5:29:51am

re: #184 Justanotherhuman

I don’t think Ukraine is biting…

[Embedded content]

re: #190 NJDhockeyfan

[Embedded content]

Same speech?

193 wheat-dogghazi  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 5:30:32am

Here’s some more background on the Chinese “Bernie Madoff.”
wiki.china.org.cn
tealeafnation.com

194 Lidane  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 5:30:52am

It’s hard out there for a billionaire, y’all:

195 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 5:33:18am

re: #192 Varek Raith

Same speech?

Yes. : )

196 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 5:34:44am

re: #194 Lidane

It’s hard out there for a billionaire, y’all:

[Embedded content]

HURR HURR DON’T MAKE TEH STRONG WEAK!!
DON’T TEAR DOWN TEH HIGH ONES!!!!
DON’T MAKE TEH RICHS POOR!!!!
TROOF TROOF TROOF!!!!!!

197 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 5:38:01am

Why didn’t these same people complain about the previous 43 Presidents’ wives?

198 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 5:39:06am

The Tatars are the first to get screwed in the new Crimea…

199 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 5:40:04am
200 FemNaziBitch  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 5:41:01am

re: #198 NJDhockeyfan

The Tatars are the first to get screwed in the new Crimea…

[Embedded content]

I thought it was the Mongols.

201 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 5:42:07am

Russia isn’t wasting any time in taking over commerce, administration of Crimea.

Journos also detained and equipment seized while filming armed men (Crimean “self defense”) invading auto dealership in Simferopol, Crimea.

Euromaidan PR ‏@EuromaidanPR 18m

Temyrgaliev: we’ll ask Crimean Tatars to vacate part of land as it is required for social needs. 15minut.org |PR News

Euromaidan PR ‏@EuromaidanPR 21m

#Crimea’s illegal 1st vice-PM Temyrgaliev: we want to conclude agreements with Crimean Tatars to legalize land plots owned by them. 15minut

202 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 5:44:26am
203 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 5:45:25am

List of First Ladies who were hated almost as much as Michelle Obama:

1. Rachel Jackson (slut)
2. Mary Lincoln (crazy)
3. Frances Cleveland (slut)
4. Eleanor Roosevelt (uppity)
5. Nancy Reagan (had astrologer)
6. Hillary Clinton (ambitious)

Who else?

204 Fairly Sure I'm Still Obdicut  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 5:47:18am

re: #176 Justanotherhuman

Capitalism for the oligarchs; communism for the ordinary folks.

I don’t really know what this means. It’s also capitalism for the ordinary folks, in that they’ll have to pay money for goods produced by the oligarchs.

But state “companies” are still a factor in the Chinese economy, also. Social engineering of the type practiced in China may have been relaxed somewhat to prevent too much dissension, but you can still get the death penalty, for certain financial crimes, such as this guy below, and also for what China considers capital crimes. And public executions (like a bullet to the back of the head) are still common.

Death penalty for dissension doesn’t equate to communism, though. It just means they’re authoritarian. And yes, state companies are a still a huge factor in the Chinese economy, but the fact they have less then 50% of the market is important. In real communism, the state (or really, the proletariat yabba dabba dingo) owns 100% of the means of production.

It’s possible that Putin is actually preparing to have the state nationalize all the industry in Russia. If he does, then we can start saying he’s going communist.

But again, it didn’t work the first time. Oligarchy isn’t really working either, of course.

205 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 5:47:44am

LOLWHUT

206 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 5:48:29am

Apple’s business model: Planned obsolescence when the price goes down?

Apple resurrects the iPad 4 at $399, retires the iPad 2 at long last

A less-expensive 8GB iPhone 5C has also begun showing up in European stores.

arstechnica.com

207 Varek Raith  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 5:51:19am

re: #205 Pie-onist Overlord

Hit a bit of a nerve, I see.

208 Lidane  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 5:52:00am
209 Fairly Sure I'm Still Obdicut  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 5:52:25am

re: #207 Varek Raith

Hit a bit of a nerve, I see.

The obvious reason we pay for that is for security, because the president isn’t going to be able to govern well if his wife has been kidnapped.

Kinda obvious.

210 wheat-dogghazi  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 5:53:15am

re: #205 Pie-onist Overlord

Do these numbnuts not realize that the Obamas have their own money to spend?

The government provides them housing, medical care, food, transport and security, plus a full household staff. The government (AFAIK) does not provide the family with clothing, schooling, jewelry, Christmas and birthday gifts, and other personal items irrelevant to their public lives.

Michelle’s only “crime” is to be FLOTUSWB.

211 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 5:56:23am

re: #203 Pie-onist Overlord

List of First Ladies who were hated almost as much as Michelle Obama:

1. Rachel Jackson (slut)
2. Mary Lincoln (crazy)
3. Florence Cleveland (slut)
4. Eleanor Roosevelt (uppity)
5. Nancy Reagan (had astrologer)
6. Hillary Clinton (ambitious)

Who else?

Need to clarify your metrics on “almost as much”. Our generation can compare the press on NR and MO, and it’s not even in the same universe.

212 Varek Raith  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 5:57:41am
213 Varek Raith  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 5:58:05am

re: #209 Fairly Sure I’m Still Obdicut

The obvious reason we pay for that is for security, because the president isn’t going to be able to govern well if his wife has been kidnapped.

Kinda obvious.

Indeed.

214 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:00:58am

re: #211 Decatur Deb

Need to clarify your metrics on “almost as much”. Our generation can compare the press on NR and MO, and it’s not even in the same universe.

Rachel Jackson’s early demise was caused by the negative publicity about her first marriage and divorce, at a time when divorce was “scandalous” and divorced women were regarded as sluts.

Mary Lincoln’s mental illness, as well as her family’s pro-Confederate sympathies, made her an unpopular figure.

Frances Cleveland, a young twentysomething, regarded as a “slut” and a gold-digger. Grover Cleveland had a reputation similar to Bill Clinton.

215 Fairly Sure I'm Still Obdicut  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:02:32am

re: #214 Pie-onist Overlord

I know some first lady just sat in her room smoking a pipe all day, but can’t remember who.

216 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:03:11am

re: #215 Fairly Sure I’m Still Obdicut

I know some first lady just sat in her room smoking a pipe all day, but can’t remember who.

Was it an opium pipe?

217 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:06:13am

re: #214 Pie-onist Overlord

Rachel Jackson’s early demise was caused by the negative publicity about her first marriage and divorce, at a time when divorce was “scandalous” and divorced women were regarded as sluts.

Mary Lincoln’s mental illness, as well as her family’s pro-Confederate sympathies, made her an unpopular figure.

Frances Cleveland, a young twentysomething, regarded as a “slut” and a gold-digger. Grover Cleveland had a reputation similar to Bill Clinton.

They’re harder to appreciate that far back, because of the filtering of the media by time. NR and BB, and all of those since the 60s are a bit more accessible. Nothing approaches the crap on Freep and sites rightward. If the Dems accept this as the new standard and reciprocate we move another step towards ungovernable. And that’s what a portion of the RW wants.

218 Lidane  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:07:54am

Deep political commentary:

219 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:08:18am

re: #217 Decatur Deb

They’re harder to appreciate that far back, because of the filtering of the media by time. NR and BB, and all of those since the 60s are a bit more accessible. Nothing approaches the crap on Freep and sites rightward. If the Dems accept this as the new standard and reciprocate we move another step towards ungovernable. And that’s what a portion of the RW wants.

I don’t remember anyone on the left saying ANYTHING about Laura Bush. As far as everybody was concerned, she was just a nice, sweet lady.

220 Varek Raith  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:09:39am

re: #218 Lidane

Deep political commentary:

[Embedded content]

Lol, what an absolutely meaningless statement on his part.

221 darthstar  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:09:47am

re: #219 Pie-onist Overlord

I don’t remember anyone on the left saying ANYTHING about Laura Bush. As far as everybody was concerned, she was just a nice, sweet lady.

who killed her ex boyfriend.

222 Fairly Sure I'm Still Obdicut  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:10:07am

re: #219 Pie-onist Overlord

I don’t remember anyone on the left saying ANYTHING about Laura Bush. As far as everybody was concerned, she was just a nice, sweet lady.

I remember hostility towards Laura, but none at all towards Barbara until the ‘beautiful mind’ comment, which was an unfortunate turn of phrase but not nearly as bad as it sounded.

223 darthstar  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:10:13am
224 Varek Raith  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:10:28am

Obama’s like Mario while Hillary is like Sonic.

I can be over payed pundit now???

225 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:11:46am

re: #219 Pie-onist Overlord

I don’t remember anyone on the left saying ANYTHING about Laura Bush. As far as everybody was concerned, she was just a nice, sweet lady.

I might be confusing FLOTUSes, but think I’ve seen occasional stupid shots at young-adult alcohol and a fatal accident, as well as tabloid crap about the twins (who seem to have turned out well).

226 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:11:49am

re: #221 darthstar

who killed her ex boyfriend.

What what what

227 darthstar  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:11:59am
228 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:12:37am
229 darthstar  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:12:43am

re: #226 Pie-onist Overlord

What what what

It’s okay. She was young…kids…they’re just so adorable.

230 Varek Raith  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:13:26am

re: #228 Pie-onist Overlord

[Embedded content]

What.

231 chadu  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:14:55am

re: #173 Fairly Sure I’m Still Obdicut

I think Putin will continue doing what he’s doing: Have the country be a weird fucked up bunch of oligarchs with overtones of nationalism and militarism.

Welp, that explains why the American RWNJs love him.

Isn’t that essentially what we have, only Robber Baron/Hedge Fund Manager/Corporate CEO flavor?

232 Varek Raith  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:15:19am

But!
That’s the entire point of a li…
Fuck it, nevermind.

233 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:15:19am

re: #219 Pie-onist Overlord

I don’t remember anyone on the left saying ANYTHING about Laura Bush. As far as everybody was concerned, she was just a nice, sweet lady.

John Kerry’s socialite wife made some comment about how Laura Bush’s being a librarian was not a “real job” and earned her some well-deserved criticism for that.

234 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:16:31am

re: #233 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)

John Kerry’s socialite wife made some comment about how Laura Bush’s being a librarian was not a “real job” and earned her some well-deserved criticism for that.

Librarians are just under ‘nuns’ on the list of people you don’t screw with.

235 chadu  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:17:27am

re: #177 Pie-onist Overlord

Wingnuts have discovered TEH EBT SURFER DUDE and now today’s meme is ZOMG ALL TEH MOOCHERS BUYING TEH LOBSTERS & TEH SUSHIS WITH TEH FOOD STAMPS WHILE WE CANT BARELY SPREAD PEANUT BUTTER ON ARES WONDER BREDS!!!!!!!

It BLOWS MY MIND that we would cut our MILITARY before government assistance.

It BLOWS MY MIND that we would cut our PUBLIC TELEVISION FUNDING before our military.

236 chadu  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:18:28am

re: #180 Pie-onist Overlord

OH THAT PUTIN, HE’S SO DREAMY. I JUST LOVE HOW HE PWNS OBAMA EVERY TIME!!!!! TEABAGS HEART VLAD!!!!!!

I think RWNJs want to teabag Vladdy.

237 chadu  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:19:52am

re: #189 FemNaziBitch

It’s morning.

And I do not like it.

It likes you!

238 GunstarGreen  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:20:17am

re: #210 wheat-dogghazi

Do these numbnuts not realize that the Obamas have their own money to spend?

The government provides them housing, medical care, food, transport and security, plus a full household staff. The government (AFAIK) does not provide the family with clothing, schooling, jewelry, Christmas and birthday gifts, and other personal items irrelevant to their public lives.

Michelle’s only “crime” is to be FLOTUSWB.

Oh, they realize it. They just don’t care. Feels are more important than facts. Truth is that which enough people believe, regardless of its veracity.

239 chadu  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:20:23am
240 chadu  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:21:58am

re: #197 Pie-onist Overlord

Why didn’t these same people complain about the previous 43 Presidents’ wives?

Well, they kind of did.

I’m especially thinking of Rachel Jackson and Mary Todd Lincoln, off the top of my head.

241 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:22:16am

re: #239 chadu

Is AZ Man FL Man’s cousin?

Just a cry for help.

242 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:22:53am

re: #240 chadu

Well, they kind of did.

I’m especially thinking of Rachel Jackson and Mary Todd Lincoln, off the top of my head.

But there was no Twitters in those days.

243 GunstarGreen  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:23:20am

re: #235 chadu

If people “work 70 hours a week” and they “can’t afford what [people on public assistance] can”, then those people are fucking idiots working at a job who’s only qualification is being a profoundly stupid person.

244 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:24:19am

re: #243 GunstarGreen

If people “work 70 hours a week” and they “can’t afford what [people on public assistance] can”, then those people are fucking idiots working at a job who’s only qualification is being a profoundly stupid person.

Sounds like they need a union.

245 chadu  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:24:38am

re: #203 Pie-onist Overlord

List of First Ladies who were hated almost as much as Michelle Obama:

1. Rachel Jackson (biandrist slut)
2. Mary Lincoln (crazy, spendthrift)
3. Frances Cleveland (former-jailbait, incestuous overtones slut)
4. Eleanor Roosevelt (uppity lesbodian)
5. Nancy Reagan (had astrologer, former actress)
6. Hillary Clinton (ambitious lesbodian adulteress murderess/suicide arranger)

Who else?

Ah, scooped!

246 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:24:44am

re: #243 GunstarGreen

If people “work 70 hours a week” and they “can’t afford what [people on public assistance] can”, then those people are fucking idiots working at a job who’s only qualification is being a profoundly stupid person.

They must be “assistant managers” at a fast-food franchise, if so then they probably don’t pay income tax on their miserable pay, and don’t get overtime.

247 Lidane  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:26:15am
248 chadu  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:26:17am

“Biandrist” would be the het female version of “bigamist,” yes?

(I’ll take “Word formations that haven’t really gotten much historical play” for $200, Alex.)

249 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:26:51am

re: #245 chadu

Ah, scooped!

The worst real-world story from XX Cent. might have been Wilson’s wife, accused of leading a white House coup after his stroke.

250 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:26:55am

re: #245 chadu

2. Mary Lincoln (crazy, spendthrift, pro-Confederate)

251 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:28:03am
252 chadu  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:28:05am

re: #205 Pie-onist Overlord

LOLWHUT

if president were gay, or just living with someone, would taxpayers have to pay for THEM? “Modernize” the presidency.

Yes. James Buchanan’s niece served as First Lady, as he was the only unmarried president throughout all his term.

And may have been the first gay president; we don’t know.

253 Backwoods_Sleuth  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:28:06am

<script async src=”//platform.twitter.com” charset=”utf-8”></script>

254 chadu  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:29:38am

re: #249 Decatur Deb

The worst real-world story from XX Cent. might have been Wilson’s wife, accused of leading a white House coup after his stroke.

I think “accused” is too soft a term; isn’t there facts on the ground saying she essentially did “translate” what Wilson wanted to happen?

Or am I wrapped up in sensationalism?

255 GunstarGreen  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:29:56am

re: #246 Pie-onist Overlord

They must be “assistant managers” at a fast-food franchise, if so then they probably don’t pay income tax on their miserable pay, and don’t get overtime.

Yeah, like I said. Colossal idiots working at a job for profoundly stupid people. Selling their souls to The Company for a pittance, for no reason other than to feel important with that little ‘manager’ title.

Then again, I’m a weirdo that has some self-respect and won’t take a shit job with shit hours that gives shit pay. If an employer expects me to be putting in 70+ hours a week, they’re going to pay me what I’m worth or I’m going to find someone that’s offering a better deal. That’s the kind of privilege I get for paying attention in school and gaining practical knowledge/skills instead of focusing on parties and nascar.

256 chadu  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:30:45am

re: #250 Pie-onist Overlord

2. Mary Lincoln (crazy, spendthrift, pro-Confederate)

Well, half of the country loved that, until they seceded, then nobody in the country loved that.

Mary Todd Lincoln: Disapproval Exacerbated by Math!

257 GlutenFreeJesus  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:31:04am

COURTNEY LOCE HAS FOUND THE PLANE! I repeat. COURTNEY LOVE HAS FOUND THE PLANE!

avclub.com

258 FemNaziBitch  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:31:22am

re: #218 Lidane

Deep political commentary:

[Embedded content]

i saw that last night.

After that segment, O’Reilly proceeded to tantalize his audience by promising to reveal what happened to show that the fall of Obamacare was imminent.

259 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:31:45am

re: #257 GlutenFreeJesus

COURTNEY LOCE HAS FOUND THE PLANE! I repeat. COURTNEY LOVE HAS FOUND THE PLANE!

avclub.com

I saw that picture a couple of days ago, before Courtney did.

260 Varek Raith  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:31:51am

re: #257 GlutenFreeJesus

COURTNEY LOCE HAS FOUND THE PLANE! I repeat. COURTNEY LOVE HAS FOUND THE PLANE!

avclub.com

I see…
Water.
Lots and lots of water.

261 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:32:31am

re: #254 chadu

I think “accused” is too soft a term; isn’t there facts on the ground saying she essentially did “translate” what Wilson wanted to happen?

Or am I wrapped up in sensationalism?

Less sensationalism than the partisanship of the historians. They (FLOTUSes ) all translate.

262 Varek Raith  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:33:24am

re: #253 Backwoods_Sleuth

[Embedded content]

He’s such a childish asshole.
Grow up, douche.

263 chadu  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:34:21am

re: #214 Pie-onist Overlord

Rachel Jackson’s early demise was caused by the negative publicity about her first marriage and divorce, at a time when divorce was “scandalous” and divorced women were regarded as sluts.

Mary Lincoln’s mental illness, as well as her family’s pro-Confederate sympathies, made her an unpopular figure.

Frances Cleveland, a young twentysomething, regarded as a “slut” and a gold-digger. Grover Cleveland had a reputation similar to Bill Clinton.

Saw some interesting stuff about Rachel and Andrew Jackson’s “frontier marriage” and her previous husband; at the time, their actions were pretty typical and okay, but once Jackson was on the national stage, there’d been a religious boom, and the complexities of their relationship didn’t sound bite well in the positive sense.

Frances Cleveland, for added squick, was Grover’s ward for awhile, IIRC. As in, he was her guardian. Sort of a Ted Nugent-y situation there, maybe?

264 darthstar  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:34:24am

Vehicular manslaughter doesn’t make someone not a nice lady. People should stop digging up the past…let bygones be bygones…water under the bridge…no use crying over spilt milk…or blood.

265 chadu  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:34:52am

re: #215 Fairly Sure I’m Still Obdicut

I know some first lady just sat in her room smoking a pipe all day, but can’t remember who.

Rachel Jackson. Because of the slut-shaming.

266 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:35:09am

re: #253 Backwoods_Sleuth

[Embedded content]

Feral dogs wander everywhere around Moscow, the streets, the subway, even in the lobby of apartment buildings. They have evolved to be submissive because then they get fed by humans.

267 FemNaziBitch  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:35:54am

bbl

268 chadu  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:36:18am

re: #219 Pie-onist Overlord

I don’t remember anyone on the left saying ANYTHING about Laura Bush. As far as everybody was concerned, she was just a nice, sweet lady.

Well, about the only thing mentioned was her essentially skating free from that hit-and-run when she was young and drunk.

269 darthstar  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:37:41am
270 chadu  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:37:57am

re: #232 Varek Raith

But!
That’s the entire point of a li…
Fuck it, nevermind.

Forget it, Varek. It’s Intercept-town.

271 chadu  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:39:21am

re: #242 Pie-onist Overlord

But there was no Twitters in those days.

Yesh dere weres!

Der birdiez int der treezen! Dey tweeteded!

272 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:39:34am

re: #268 chadu

Well, about the only thing mentioned was her essentially skating free from that hit-and-run when she was young and drunk.

I’d even invoke the Magical Chappaquidick Fairy on that—rich white privilege an’ all.

273 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:40:36am
274 chadu  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:41:09am

re: #243 GunstarGreen

If people “work 70 hours a week” and they “can’t afford what [people on public assistance] can”, then those people are fucking idiots working at a job who’s only qualification is being a profoundly stupid person.

I’m almost certain that people who post this derpshit don’t know anyone on public assistance.

275 chadu  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:44:59am

re: #272 Decatur Deb

I’d even invoke the Magical Chappaquidick Fairy on that—rich white privilege an’ all.

Boom, headshot.

Got it in one.

276 Amory Blaine  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:46:41am

Romania: Putin Is Creating a Black Sea Barrier

Romania’s president said Monday that Russia has created a chain of conflicts around the Black Sea to further President Vladimir Putin’s goal of rebuilding the former Soviet Union along its former border with the West.

Romanian President Traian Basescu, who spoke to The Associated Press in an interview Monday, said he fears that neighboring Moldova is “in great danger.”

“If you look at the map, you will see this chain of frozen conflicts” around the Black Sea “that can be set off at any time,” he said, referring to conflicts in Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova.

Basescu said Putin’s priorities “seem to be connected to the point of contact between the European Union and NATO.” He said Ukraine and Moldova were “a priority for Vladimir Putin, who wants to rebuild the Soviet Union.”

277 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:46:52am

re: #253 Backwoods_Sleuth

[Embedded content]

The dog is probably taller than Putin, who is 5’6”.

278 Political Atheist  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:46:57am

A Startlingly Simple Theory About the Missing Malaysia Airlines Jet

A non sensational theory that no media pundit rally wants as its not click bait. Or aliens.

279 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:50:10am

HURR HURR!!!!!
This guy think that all the publicity from being [HURR HURR TEH WELFARE SURFER!!!![/wingnut] will get his rock band some gigs.

280 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 6:50:21am
281 Amory Blaine  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:00:42am

re: #279 Pie-onist Overlord

HURR HURR!!!!!
This guy think that all the publicity from being [HURR HURR TEH WELFARE SURFER!!!![/wingnut] will get his rock band some gigs.

[Embedded content]

Ha they’re nuts over there.

ABBAsFernando * 9 hours ago
Liberal SCUM!

282 William Barnett-Lewis  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:00:57am

re: #279 Pie-onist Overlord

HURR HURR!!!!!
This guy think that all the publicity from being [HURR HURR TEH WELFARE SURFER!!!![/wingnut] will get his rock band some gigs.

[Embedded content]

$80.000 a year driving truck? I do not know of any company paying starting drivers enough a mile for there to be enough legal hours in the year.

Let’s see.. 60 hours a week = 60x52x50=156,000 miles a year with no breaks but the required 34 hour reset each week. .50 cents a mile is rare, usually only after years with the company. .29 ~ .33 is more common these days.

283 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:03:02am

re: #282 William Barnett-Lewis

$80.000 a year driving truck? I do not know of any company paying starting drivers enough a mile for there to be enough legal hours in the year.

Let’s see.. 60 hours a week = 60x52x50=156,000 miles a year with no breaks but the required 34 hour reset each week. .50 cents a mile is rare, usually only after years with the company. .29 ~ .33 is more common these days.

Truck full of nitroglycerin packed in rubberized horsehair. And a shark with laser for a co-driver.

284 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:03:11am

HURR HURR!!!!! ONLY TEH WHITE MENS OWNING PROPERTY CAN VOTES!!!!!

285 wheat-dogghazi  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:07:35am

Catching up on the news this evening, I see Putin is saying Crimea is an integral part of Russia, and that he doesn’t want the rest of Ukraine.

Writer for the WaPo has used anschluss in reference to Crimea, which was exactly my thought when hearing the “integral” part. And a Romanian official has accused Putin of having designs on Moldova, and of restoring the Soviet Union, which relates to the second part above.

I don’t trust Putin.

286 darthstar  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:08:06am

re: #280 Justanotherhuman

Republicans can only dream of that kind of rebranding.

287 Dr Lizardo  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:08:27am

Hmmm………..this is an interesting bit of news.

Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon said he’s changed his mind and now leans toward supporting unilateral Israeli military action against Iran.

Advocating military strike on Iran,Israel’s defence minister says his country cannot depend on the United States to lead an action against Tehran’s nuclear program and that Israel can only rely on itself.

Yaalon’s office confirmed his remarks, which were published in the Israeli daily Ha’aretz today, but refused to comment whether the defence minister was advocating an Israeli strike on Iran.

saharasamay.com

288 wheat-dogghazi  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:09:55am

re: #284 Pie-onist Overlord

Neo-Confederate there, interpreting the Constitution the way the South did during Reconstruction.

289 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:11:21am

Very interesting article—and could be right on point, because it is—always—about the money. You have to admit, the West has done very little to sanction Russia after its invasion and takeover of Crimea, and snubbing its nose at the Ukraine-Russia treaties.

Of course, this could change if Russia were truly cut off—its assets truly frozen and trade cut off. But that probably won’t happen without affecting energy-hungry Europe especially. And there are always the financiers and money men who are more than willing to cut a deal, even with the “devil”, as long as it lines their own pockets.

Why Russia No Longer Fears the West

politico.com

290 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:13:06am

re: #288 wheat-dogghazi

Neo-Confederate there, interpreting the Constitution the way the South did during Reconstruction.

Sees the US in a corporation, in which those who pay the most taxes can then “buy” more votes, and those who pay no taxes are shut out of the process.

291 GunstarGreen  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:13:50am

re: #279 Pie-onist Overlord

HURR HURR!!!!!
This guy think that all the publicity from being [HURR HURR TEH WELFARE SURFER!!!![/wingnut] will get his rock band some gigs.

[Embedded content]

I really have to wonder who these people are that are being “taxed into oblivion”.

I work an IT job with pretty nice pay. I’m not in the top tax bracket, but I’m up there. I fill out a 1040EZ and the Georgia equivalent of it each year after filing Single 1, and I usually end up with a federal refund and a state payment that basically cancel each other out. I’m not even bothering to itemize for maximum deductions. Didn’t have any homeowner/homestead credits (this is the first year that I’m eligible to apply), despite paying rent that was WELL above what I’m now paying for mortgage.

I still have PLENTY of money left over after taxes to do whatever the hell I want and live comfortably. I keep myself entertained and healthy, and have solid transportation and housing. This, without a spouse.

Though again, I guess this is the privilege I get for paying attention in school and not popping out a kid at 20 like everyone else in this shithole of a state.

292 darthstar  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:13:57am
293 wheat-dogghazi  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:14:13am

re: #290 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)

Voting is a dividend, in other words.

294 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:17:08am

re: #293 wheat-dogghazi

Voting is a dividend, in other words.

It fits in well with the whole “let’s run the country like a business” meme.

Starting off by divesting ourselves of our non-performing assets like Mississippi and West Virginia…

295 HappyWarrior  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:20:34am

re: #292 darthstar

[Embedded content]

He’s going to be probably even more bitter than McCain has been and that’s saying something considering how McCain has been.

296 Lidane  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:20:39am

re: #284 Pie-onist Overlord

Teh poorz are allowed to vote. That guy needs to just deal with it.

297 Donna Ballard  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:21:06am

re: #253 Backwoods_Sleuth

[Embedded content]

Good Morning and Happy Tuesday Everyone…

As for Putin bring in that monster of a dog when Angela Merkel was there…
It was a control play, pure and simple. He knew she has a fear of dogs and he deliberately showed her being afraid of the dog in front of the cameras and will use that against her every and any chance he gets. What a moron and true control freak!

298 HappyWarrior  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:22:51am

re: #284 Pie-onist Overlord

HURR HURR!!!!! ONLY TEH WHITE MENS OWNING PROPERTY CAN VOTES!!!!!

[Embedded content]

Welcome to democracy 101, fuckwits.

299 HappyWarrior  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:23:56am

re: #296 Lidane

Teh poorz are allowed to vote. That guy needs to just deal with it.

They can’t deal with it because they think limiting suffrage is the answer to their ideology’s failures at the polls. How democratic authoritarian of them. Yet Obama’s a dictator because Obamacare!

300 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:24:16am

re: #296 Lidane

Teh poorz are allowed to vote. That guy needs to just deal with it.

Not if you can get them a felony rap before they turn 18.

301 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:25:34am

re: #291 GunstarGreen

I really have to wonder who these people are that are being “taxed into oblivion”.

I work an IT job with pretty nice pay. I’m not in the top tax bracket, but I’m up there. I fill out a 1040EZ and the Georgia equivalent of it each year after filing Single 1, and I usually end up with a federal refund and a state payment that basically cancel each other out. I’m not even bothering to itemize for maximum deductions. Didn’t have any homeowner/homestead credits (this is the first year that I’m eligible to apply), despite paying rent that was WELL above what I’m now paying for mortgage.

I still have PLENTY of money left over after taxes to do whatever the hell I want and live comfortably. I keep myself entertained and healthy, and have solid transportation and housing. This, without a spouse.

Though again, I guess this is the privilege I get for paying attention in school and not popping out a kid at 20 like everyone else in this shithole of a state.

Yeah, I am in that apocalyptic hellscape of Detroit and I live in a nice house and have enough left over after taxes to lease a new car.

302 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:33:25am
303 GunstarGreen  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:35:30am

re: #301 Pie-onist Overlord

Yeah, I am in that apocalyptic hellscape of Detroit and I live in a nice house and have enough left over after taxes to lease a new car.

I know, right?

I really, honestly believe that the people that whine the loudest about TAXED ENUFF ALREDDY!!1!1!!1!!! are the people that are in the greatest need of following all that “live within your means” talk they love so much. I just can’t understand how they get into a situation where the taxes, of all things, are what’s screwing their financials.

I largely funded my own way through college. My parents barely helped at all, though they did what they could. I got the “everyone gets a prize” HOPE scholarship that Georgia gives out for breathing correctly in class, and federal Stafford loans because I actually studied in college rather than partying constantly. Did my four-year course in four years rather than the five that the school’s planners kept pushing me for, saying it was ‘too hard’ to do in four years, because I knew that another year’s worth of tuition would be a giant pain in the bank account. I graduated with a modest amount of student debt, low 5-figures.

I lived at home while working for one year, devoting most of my paycheck to paying off my loans and helping out with the grocery bill. Yeah, I could have gotten out of the house sooner, but it was more important to take care of what debt I had before getting out in the world, so that I could start with a clean slate. As soon as my debt was paid off, I found an apartment that met my criteria for location and amenities and was as small as possible to keep my costs down. And thus, six years later, I am where I am now.

Taxes have never been an issue, despite me very likely overpaying compared to what I could get if I spent a whole lot of time on them every year. Where do these people come from that taxes are a huge issue for them? I have to believe that they’re blowing their cash on shit they don’t need and then blaming “taxes” for their problems.

304 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:35:41am

Don’t you just love how they try to minimize these kinds of things, even to getting the middle aged couple to testify for them.

‘No immediate danger to public’ after Colerain oil leak

cincinnati.com

Right-o. I thought people ate crayfish. But it’s hard to believe that “no animals” were harmed. If there’s oil even on the surface, something is going to get sick.

305 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:36:30am

How’s that Truce working out?

306 Eventual Carrion  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:37:42am

re: #273 NJDhockeyfan

[Embedded content]

What are they worried about? The banks are independent. Shouldn’t matter what government they are under they should be able to do business as usual, right?

307 Dr Lizardo  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:37:54am

re: #302 NJDhockeyfan

[Embedded content]

Heh…..if I were the Ukrainian naval commander, I’d scuttle the ships in a position to make the harbor unusable for quite some time.

308 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:41:45am
309 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:41:48am

Look at this Fake Outrage

310 HappyWarrior  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:42:59am

re: #309 Pie-onist Overlord

Look at this Fake Outrage

[Embedded content]

I’m sure Mark Zukerberg said that but what about Mark Zuckerberg.

311 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:43:34am

re: #218 Lidane

Deep political commentary:

[Embedded content]

That would actually speak well of Obama. “Downton Abbey” takes place in the 20th Century, a much better time to live than the pre-industrial “Game of Thrones”.

312 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:44:36am

re: #310 HappyWarrior

I’m sure Mark Zukerberg said that but what about Mark Zuckerberg.

Ping me when they outlaw freakn’ cats.

313 b.d.  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:45:01am

re: #309 Pie-onist Overlord

Look at this Fake Outrage

[Embedded content]

**Headdesk**

“The new laws issued by our legal department”?

Good. I hope the morons who believe this give up on the internets all together.

314 Donna Ballard  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:46:28am

re: #309 Pie-onist Overlord

Look at this Fake Outrage

[Embedded content]

Why am I not surprised? Ah, that’s right. I’m a jaded realist, I grew up in LA so I’ve seen just about everything including the atheistic b.s. being spewed by every big business control freak out there. Sigh, it figures…

315 GunstarGreen  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:47:43am

re: #309 Pie-onist Overlord

Look at this Fake Outrage

[Embedded content]

The Religious Right: easily fooled by obvious and poorly-done internet scams.

Because official communication from the CEO of Facebook would totally involve laughably bad grammar.

316 b.d.  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:48:02am

OK, The outarage this obvious BS is bringing is funny.

Cue the religious wrath

<script async src=”//platform.twitter.com” charset=”utf-8”></script>

<script async src=”//platform.twitter.com” charset=”utf-8”></script>

317 HappyWarrior  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:48:45am

re: #315 GunstarGreen

The Religious Right: easily fooled by obvious and poorly-done internet scams.

Because official communication from the CEO of Facebook would totally involve laughably bad grammar.

He also would spell his own name wrong. .

318 William Barnett-Lewis  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:49:05am

re: #311 Dark_Falcon

That would actually speak well of Obama. “Downton Abbey” takes place in the 20th Century, a much better time to live than the pre-industrial “Game of Thrones”.

Plus English aristo’s are a whole lot more trustworthy than anyone in the nasty mess of slime in Thrones.

319 HappyWarrior  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:49:33am

Well you know what, using their logic to gays that get discriminated against. They can always find another social network that caters to them.

320 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:49:37am

But as graph shows, #Russia assets routed thru offshore centres, makes money harder to track & sanction

321 b.d.  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:49:42am

re: #309 Pie-onist Overlord

Look at this Fake Outrage

[Embedded content]

If that were to be changed around to only banning Islam then I am certain the reaction from the peanut gallery would be 180* different, they’d nominate Mark for President.

322 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:49:47am

re: #297 Donna Ballard

Good Morning and Happy Tuesday Everyone…

As for Putin bring in that monster of a dog when Angela Merkel was there…
It was a control play, pure and simple. He knew she has a fear of dogs and he deliberately showed her being afraid of the dog in front of the cameras and will use that against her every and any chance he gets. What a moron and true control freak!

His actions aren’t moronic. They might have been “too clever for his own good” but he knew exactly what he was doing. This scaring and humiliating Merkel to make himself look and feel strong. And if a lot of Germans complain Putin will just go with a DARVO.

Deny
Accuse
Reverse
Victim and
Offender

I thought worth while to use that term here since a lot of recent Russian actions fall into the DARVO category.

323 GunstarGreen  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:50:12am

re: #317 HappyWarrior

He also would spell his own name wrong. .

Now, I’m not saying that this speaks to the intelligence of “deeply religious” folks.

But this speaks to the intelligence of “deeply religious” folks.

324 HappyWarrior  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:50:55am

re: #323 GunstarGreen

Now, I’m not saying that this speaks to the intelligence of “deeply religious” folks.

But this speaks to the intelligence of “deeply religious” folks.

Ha, indeed.

325 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:51:12am

HURR HURR!!!! LIBRULS!!!!!

326 Donna Ballard  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:52:04am

re: #322 Dark_Falcon

True, so true… I used the term moron to put him a category of the eternal asshole fraternity. But I think you got that, didn’t you? ;-)

327 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:52:45am
328 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:53:16am
329 Backwoods_Sleuth  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:55:34am

<script async src=”//platform.twitter.com” charset=”utf-8”></script>

330 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:58:18am

re: #314 Donna Ballard

Why am I not surprised? Ah, that’s right. I’m a jaded realist, I grew up in LA so I’ve seen just about everything including the atheistic b.s. being spewed by every big business control freak out there. Sigh, it figures…

It’s an obvious fake but those who are hooked on rage will use it to get their fix, then they’ll suffer the embarrassment that is their withdrawal. Then they’ll jump on a new meme and the cycle of addiction will take another turn.

331 ObserverArt  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:58:36am

re: #297 Donna Ballard

Good Morning and Happy Tuesday Everyone…

As for Putin bring in that monster of a dog when Angela Merkel was there…
It was a control play, pure and simple. He knew she has a fear of dogs and he deliberately showed her being afraid of the dog in front of the cameras and will use that against her every and any chance he gets. What a moron and true control freak!

Can anything else be expected of an ex-KGBer? People in America seem to have forgotten what the KGB was all about.

If anyone at this point wants to think of Putin as anything but a little dick-tater, they can buy a ticket to Russia and go there. Say hi to Ed Snowden for us. This country will be better off without you.

I’ve had it with stupid Americans that have no sense of history, civics and how the world works. This country has grown ignorant and it is going to cost all of us.

Grrrr.

332 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 7:59:01am

Tetrapods, or “tank traps” being used at the Ukraine-Russian border (these are being used extensively). Also, yesterday linked a video showing deeply dug, disabling-type trenches around roads to prevent unwanted traffic and so forth from leaving the road and bypassing the border patrol.

333 Lidane  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:00:41am
334 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:01:04am

re: #326 Donna Ballard

True, so true… I used the term moron to put him a category of the eternal asshole fraternity. But I think you got that, didn’t you? ;-)

Actually, I didn’t. Forgive me, over-literalism strikes again. :(

335 Backwoods_Sleuth  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:01:14am

Helicopter crash in Seattle

<script async src=”//platform.twitter.com” charset=”utf-8”></script>

336 HappyWarrior  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:01:57am

re: #335 Backwoods_Sleuth

Helicopter crash in Seattle

[Embedded content]

Fuck.

337 Dr Lizardo  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:02:29am

re: #335 Backwoods_Sleuth

Helicopter crash in Seattle

[Embedded content]

Apparently, a news chopper. No news yet on the crew.

komonews.com

338 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:02:41am

re: #335 Backwoods_Sleuth

Helicopter crash in Seattle

[Embedded content]

OK, who did Obama have killed now?

339 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:03:16am

re: #335 Backwoods_Sleuth

Helicopter crash in Seattle

[Embedded content]

340 Dr Lizardo  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:03:30am

re: #335 Backwoods_Sleuth

Apparently, Air4, the KOMO News helicopter.

341 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:03:53am

re: #337 Dr Lizardo

Apparently, a news chopper. No news yet on the crew.

komonews.com

And 2 cars were hit. Horrible.

342 Dr. Matt  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:04:09am

re: #335 Backwoods_Sleuth

Helicopter crash in Seattle

A friend on business in Seattle just saw it happen.

343 Dr Lizardo  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:04:30am

re: #341 Justanotherhuman

And 2 cars were hit. Horrible.

Yes, horrible.

344 HappyWarrior  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:05:27am

Does not look good.

345 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:05:48am
346 Dr Lizardo  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:06:47am

Livestream from KING 5 Seattle:

king5.com

347 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:07:58am

re: #343 Dr Lizardo

Yes, horrible.

Damn, you just never know, do you? How does chance work again?

348 Dr. Matt  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:09:38am

Wait for it…..

“My heart goes out to the victims, but this stinks to high-heaven!” ~Alex Jones

349 ObserverArt  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:09:42am

re: #335 Backwoods_Sleuth

Helicopter crash in Seattle

[Embedded content]

Whoa! That does not look good. The idea of something falling out of the sky and landing on someone in a car creeps me out.

Saw on the morning news where some woman in an SUV drove through a fence on a bridge entrance and fell 100 feet down onto a highway in LA. She fell right on top of an FBI agents cars and smashed it. Luckily she crushed his car from about mid roof to the passenger side and he managed to get out alive.

It’s tough enough driving down a road looking for all the distractions from front, sides and rear. Who the hell is all the time looking up?!

350 HappyWarrior  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:10:33am

re: #348 Dr. Matt

Wait for it…..

That’s come to be expected with Mr. Jones.

351 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:11:03am

Is this a second base?

352 Dr. Matt  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:11:51am

re: #350 HappyWarrior

That’s come to be expected with Mr. Jones.

In dudebro/wingnut conspiracy world, there are no accidents. Every event is controlled by the government/NWO.

353 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:12:08am

re: #342 Dr. Matt

A friend on business in Seattle just saw it happen.

What’s Don Lemon’s theory on this?

354 Dr Lizardo  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:12:24am

re: #347 Justanotherhuman

Damn, you just never know, do you? How does chance work again?

Indeed.

355 Dr Lizardo  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:13:01am

Two fatalities in the Seattle helicopter crash being reported.

356 Backwoods_Sleuth  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:14:01am

blogs.seattletimes.com

A KOMO-TV helicopter crashed at Fisher Plaza and the TV station, just south of the Seattle Center on Broad Street about 7:45 a.m.

The helicopter, which apparently slid off the Fisher Plaza building, hit at least three cars when it hit the ground, according to the Seattle Fire Department.

One person in one of the cars, a 37-year-old man, was taken in critical condition to the hospital, according to the fire department.

357 Dr. Matt  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:14:50am

re: #353 Decatur Deb

What’s Don Lemon’s theory on this?

Grunge music

358 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:15:09am

re: #349 ObserverArt

Whoa! That does not look good. The idea of something falling out of the sky and landing on someone in a car creeps me out.

Saw on the morning news where some woman in an SUV drove through a fence on a bridge entrance and fell 100 feet down onto a highway in LA. She fell right on top of an FBI agents cars and smashed it. Luckily she crushed his car from about mid roof to the passenger side and he managed to get out alive.

It’s tough enough driving down a road looking for all the distractions from front, sides and rear. Who the hell is all the time looking up?!

I refuse to drive that much anymore at my age simply because of what’s out there, and while I think my reflexes are still pretty sharp, I’m still 73—still drive defensively, though, and not at night anymore. There is a reason to slow down, though some ignore the signs. I learned that lesson from my aunt, who drove all her life, but after she had cataract surgery and the dr told her to go and get her license renewed, she refused. She simply said, I don’t see that well anymore. And never drove again.

359 Lidane  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:16:08am

re: #353 Decatur Deb

What’s Don Lemon’s theory on this?

He’s busy asking Courtney Love for her opinion.

360 Dr Lizardo  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:16:28am

The helicopter was apparently trying to land on the Fisher Plaza Building and it slid off and crashed to the ground.

361 Backwoods_Sleuth  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:16:49am

<script async src=”//platform.twitter.com” charset=”utf-8”></script>

362 Dr. Matt  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:18:47am

Dramatic video of right after the crash

Youtube Video

363 Donna Ballard  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:18:59am

re: #331 ObserverArt

Can anything else be expected of an ex-KGBer? People in America seem to have forgotten what the KGB was all about.

If anyone at this point wants to think of Putin as anything but a little dick-tater, they can buy a ticket to Russia and go there. Say hi to Ed Snowden for us. This country will be better off without you.

I’ve had it with stupid Americans that have no sense of history, civics and how the world works. This country has grown ignorant and it is going to cost all of us.

Grrrr.

Yeah, I got that part. I grew up in the cold war era, so I do know a few things about the KGB. Pretty please do not put me in the category of history ignorant Americans. I got your point that’s why I upped your post. I just prefer to take it day by day rather than dwell in the past and put historical twists on everything and everyone with a cold war past. Putin IS a product of the KGB training but he is also a twisted, warped human being and he enjoys making people uncomfortable and embarrassed. If her were a true statesman he would not be doing this kind of crap, but he’s not. He’s a low life thug with a veneer of sophistication that is very thin.

Now, since I’m not in the mood to argue and I don’t like internet arguments I’m going to log out and get to the rest of my day. I hope you all have a great day. Try not to argue too much will you? Its bad for the blood pressure! ;-)

364 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:19:28am

re: #352 Dr. Matt

In dudebro/wingnut conspiracy world, there are no accidents. Every event is controlled by the government/NWO.

Well, I’ve got a good one for this accident:

THIS HELICOPTER CRASH WAS STAGED TO DISTRACT THE MEDIA FROM BENGHAZI!!!!11

Or is that too last year?

365 GunstarGreen  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:20:04am

re: #333 Lidane

[Embedded content]

Heh. Remember that one time when a not-insane member of the GOP said “Hey guys, we need to like, stop calling people RINOs and understand that growing our party has to involve attracting people who don’t agree with us on everything?”

Yeah, the GOP response to that was to scream RINO!!!1!!11!!! louder and with more spittle.

366 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:21:22am

I just knew these slacking private contracting firms were only interested in padding their pockets.

Report: Supervisors failed to tell Navy about shooter fears

usatoday.com

WASHINGTON — Coworkers, supervisors and associates of Washington Navy Yard shooter Aaron Alexis raised concerns about his mental health, but those fears were never reported to the government, according to a Navy investigation into the shootings released Tuesday.

“If the contractor for whom Alexis worked had told the government about his troubles, the report said, “Alexis’ authorization to access secure facilities and information would have been revoked.”

“But Alexis’ clearance was not revoked, and on Sept. 16, 2013, he entered Building 197 at the Navy Yard with a shotgun and killed 12 people before police shot and killed him. The report also found that security procedures were insufficient at the Naval facility near downtown Washington.

“A key finding of the report: leaders of his employer, technology subcontractor The Experts, “decided not to inform the government of adverse information concerning Alexis’ emotional, mental, or personality condition, even when they had concerns that Alexis may cause harm to others…” More

367 HappyWarrior  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:21:33am

re: #364 Dark_Falcon

Well, I’ve got a good one for this accident:

THIS HELICOPTER CRASH WAS STAGED TO DISTRACT THE MEDIA FROM BENGHAZI!!!!11

Or is that too last year?

It’s to distract the media from the Malaysian flight which Obama caused to distract from Putin.

368 b.d.  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:22:52am

<script async src=”//platform.twitter.com” charset=”utf-8”></script>

369 wheat-dogghazi  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:23:09am

I remember listening to WOR-AM in NYC ages ago when Fred Feldman crashed in his traffic ‘copter. He was on the air at the time, giving his usual report on metro traffic. Then, he said something matter-of-fact like, “Wait a minute, having a little trouble here.” And that was it.

370 Lidane  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:23:10am

re: #367 HappyWarrior

It’s to distract the media from the Malaysian flight which Obama caused to distract from Putin.

All of which distracts from Obummer surrendering the internet! Eleventy!

371 HappyWarrior  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:24:16am

re: #369 wheat-dogghazi

I remember listening to WOR-AM in NYC ages ago when Fred Feldman crashed in his traffic ‘copter. He was on the air at the time, giving his usual report on metro traffic. Then, he said something matter-of-fact like, “Wait a minute, having a little trouble here.” And that was it.

It’s surreal I imagine hearing someone’s last moments. My best friend’s stepbrother was an air traffic control guy in Iraq and he had to hear many of those sadly.

372 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:24:34am

State Department: US immediately suspends operations of Syrian embassy in Washington, as well as honorary consulates in Michigan, Texas - @Reuters

end of alert

373 wheat-dogghazi  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:25:02am

re: #370 Lidane

All of which distracts from Obummer surrendering the internet! Eleventy!

China now controls your FB feed.

374 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:26:24am

WTF?? Didn’t they ever think of volunteering said information?

375 b.d.  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:28:15am

JUST IMAGINE HOW MUCH STUFF GREENWALD CAN WRITE ABOUT NOW THAT PUTIN CONTROLS THE INTERNET! TAKE THAT FREEDOM CRUSHING USA!!

376 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:30:35am
377 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:32:18am

re: #374 NJDhockeyfan

WTF?? Didn’t they ever think of volunteering said information?

[Embedded content]

The Malaysian military’s contract with Murdoch must have lapsed.

378 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:32:22am

re: #374 NJDhockeyfan

WTF?? Didn’t they ever think of volunteering said information?

[Embedded content]

Did anybody think of asking? You act as if we were dealing with reasonable, rational individuals without buckets of political agenda and attitude

379 wheat-dogghazi  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:32:43am

re: #369 wheat-dogghazi

re: #371 HappyWarrior

Poor memory. “Fearless” Fred Feldman was not killed in that copter crash I just referenced. His substitute pilot, Frank McDermott, was the victim.

news.google.com

Feldman died at age 63 in 1996, and not from an air accident.

Hey, it happened in 1969. It was a long time ago.

380 RealityBasedSteve  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:33:06am

re: #243 GunstarGreen

If people “work 70 hours a week” and they “can’t afford what [people on public assistance] can”, then those people are fucking idiots working at a job who’s only qualification is being a profoundly stupid person.

Sounds like they need to have their job classification reviewed to see if they are eligible for overtime.

RBS

381 HappyWarrior  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:34:46am

re: #379 wheat-dogghazi

Poor memory. “Fearless” Fred Feldman was not killed in that copter crash I just referenced. His substitute pilot, Frank McDermott, was the victim.

news.google.com

Feldman died at age 63 in 1996, and not from an air accident.

Hey, it happened in 1969. It was a long time ago.

Ah very sad in any case.

382 wrenchwench  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:35:04am

re: #379 wheat-dogghazi

Poor memory. “Fearless” Fred Feldman was not killed in that copter crash I just referenced. His substitute pilot, Frank McDermott, was the victim.

news.google.com

Feldman died at age 63 in 1996, and not from an air accident.

Hey, it happened in 1969. It was a long time ago.

Those who remember 1969 clearly weren’t really there.

383 Backwoods_Sleuth  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:35:07am

<script async src=”//platform.twitter.com” charset=”utf-8”></script>

384 Backwoods_Sleuth  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:37:34am

re: #382 wrenchwench

Got another bicycle pic for you!

<script async src=”//platform.twitter.com” charset=”utf-8”></script>

385 Gus  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:41:50am

Chick-Fil-A CEO says he was wrong. People are still outrageously outraged.

386 HappyWarrior  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:43:53am

re: #385 Gus

Chick-Fil-A CEO says he was wrong. People are still outrageously outraged.

? Guess that boycott did have an impact.

387 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:43:59am

An NBC journalist is reporting from the Ukrainian base under siege.

388 Lidane  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:44:33am

re: #384 Backwoods_Sleuth

Got another bicycle pic for you!

[Embedded content]

Pfft. That guy’s got nothing on this:

Image: 7078964787_d688959dd4.jpg

And yes, that’s a real bike. I’ve seen that dude riding around town before. Used to run into him at the grocery store.

389 wrenchwench  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:44:39am

re: #384 Backwoods_Sleuth

Got another bicycle pic for you!

[Embedded content]

Thanks! Added to the collection.

Here’s a ton of Hollywood bike photos.

390 ObserverArt  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:44:39am

re: #363 Donna Ballard

Yeah, I got that part. I grew up in the cold war era, so I do know a few things about the KGB. Pretty please do not put me in the category of history ignorant Americans. I got your point that’s why I upped your post. I just prefer to take it day by day rather than dwell in the past and put historical twists on everything and everyone with a cold war past. Putin IS a product of the KGB training but he is also a twisted, warped human being and he enjoys making people uncomfortable and embarrassed. If her were a true statesman he would not be doing this kind of crap, but he’s not. He’s a low life thug with a veneer of sophistication that is very thin.

Now, since I’m not in the mood to argue and I don’t like internet arguments I’m going to log out and get to the rest of my day. I hope you all have a great day. Try not to argue too much will you? Its bad for the blood pressure! ;-)

Donna…my comments were general and not aimed at you! By the way…this IS the past coming back. Never ignore the past and history.

391 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:45:21am

re: #387 NJDhockeyfan

An NBC journalist is reporting from the Ukrainian base under siege.

[Embedded content]

How does he know those are .50 cal rifles? Most reporters can’t tell those from rifles with sound suppressors.

392 HappyWarrior  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:45:25am

re: #388 Lidane

Pfft. That guy’s got nothing on this:

Image: 7078964787_d688959dd4.jpg

And yes, that’s a real bike. I’ve seen that dude riding around town before. Used to run into him at the grocery store.

That just looks uncomfortable to me but to each his own.

393 Gus  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:45:27am

re: #386 HappyWarrior

? Guess that boycott did have an impact.

Have no idea. I don’t do boycotts nor follow this stuff.

394 HappyWarrior  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:46:56am

re: #393 Gus

Have no idea. I don’t do boycotts nor follow this stuff.

Ah okay. I’ve actually been avoiding their business not for political reasons but health ones. I try not to do fast food as much these days.

395 wrenchwench  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:48:40am

re: #388 Lidane

Pfft. That guy’s got nothing on this:

Image: 7078964787_d688959dd4.jpg

And yes, that’s a real bike. I’ve seen that dude riding around town before. Used to run into him at the grocery store.

There are some folks around here who build those and ride them in parades. They don’t really know how to weld, though, so I’m always fearing disaster when I see them.

396 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:48:47am

re: #391 Dark_Falcon

How does he know those are .50 cal rifles? Most reporters can’t tell those from rifles with sound suppressors.

He could be one of the few who knows.

Here is another journalists on site.

397 Fairly Sure I'm Still Obdicut  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:49:28am

re: #393 Gus

Have no idea. I don’t do boycotts nor follow this stuff.

Saying you don’t follow it when you’re the one bringing it up is kinda weird.

Good on them for changing their policy, and good on him if he’s actually changed his mind on the subject. Lots of people have been having rather quick conversations on the topic of gay rights, which is really awesome to see. I never thought gay rights would advance as quickly as they have in my lifetime.

As much as boycotts and the rest may play a part, I think the largest factor is simply individual gay people with the courage to live openly, to take the abuse and discrimination and keep on going. Not just the Harvey Milks but the perfectly ordinary gay people who, through just being ordinary, workaday people, help convince their coworkers, their students, their friends that they’re just humans too.

398 Gus  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:49:44am

re: #394 HappyWarrior

Ah okay. I’ve actually been avoiding their business not for political reasons but health ones. I try not to do fast food as much these days.

Only fast food I’ve done in the past two years if Burger King. The local one here kind of sucks. Before that maybe Wendy’s. Never stepped into a Chick-Fil-A in my life. Not for any specific reason.

399 Gus  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:50:05am

Uh oh. Here comes the psycho analysis. Time to go already. Bye now!

400 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:50:57am

That guy might not be at that base. Lots of stuff going on in Simferopol right now.

401 kirkspencer  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:51:26am

re: #388 Lidane

Pfft. That guy’s got nothing on this:

Image: 7078964787_d688959dd4.jpg

And yes, that’s a real bike. I’ve seen that dude riding around town before. Used to run into him at the grocery store.

So I’ve always wondered, how do people on tall bikes (not to mention towers like this) handle stopping for traffic? I mean, I can see making sure you’re next to a pole or a building or something when you can (and when you need it braced to climb on or off) but it seems stopping in the middle of the road would be challenging.

402 HappyWarrior  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:51:34am

re: #398 Gus

Only fast food I’ve done in the past two years if Burger King. The local one here kind of sucks. Before that maybe Wendy’s. Never stepped into a Chick-Fil-A in my life. Not for any specific reason.

I’ve discovered the joy of Mediterranean Chipolte style places. Pay a little more but I find the food much more delicious and fresh not to mention healthy.

403 HappyWarrior  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:52:33am

Really need to get back into biking. Haven’t actively done it since I was a kid.

404 wheat-dogghazi  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:53:02am

re: #401 kirkspencer

So I’ve always wondered, how do people on tall bikes (not to mention towers like this) handle stopping for traffic? I mean, I can see making sure you’re next to a pole or a building or something when you can (and when you need it braced to climb on or off) but it seems stopping in the middle of the road would be challenging dangerous impossible.

FTFY and me

405 Lidane  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:53:28am

re: #397 Fairly Sure I’m Still Obdicut

Good on them for changing their policy, and good on him if he’s actually changed his mind on the subject.

He hasn’t actually changed his mind. He just regrets putting Chik-Fil-A in the middle of the culture wars:

“I think the time of truths and principles are captured and codified in God’s word and I’m just personally committed to that,” he told the AJC. “I know others feel very different from that and I respect their opinion and I hope that they would be respectful of mine. … I think that’s a political debate that’s going to rage on. And the wiser thing for us to do is to stay focused on customer service.”

406 ObserverArt  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:53:58am

re: #399 Gus

Uh oh. Here comes the psycho analysis. Time to go already. Bye now!

???

407 GunstarGreen  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:54:21am

re: #397 Fairly Sure I’m Still Obdicut

Saying you don’t follow it when you’re the one bringing it up is kinda weird.

Good on them for changing their policy, and good on him if he’s actually changed his mind on the subject. Lots of people have been having rather quick conversations on the topic of gay rights, which is really awesome to see. I never thought gay rights would advance as quickly as they have in my lifetime.

As much as boycotts and the rest may play a part, I think the largest factor is simply individual gay people with the courage to live openly, to take the abuse and discrimination and keep on going. Not just the Harvey Milks but the perfectly ordinary gay people who, through just being ordinary, workaday people, help convince their coworkers, their students, their friends that they’re just humans too.

Truit Cathy (or whoever CFA would have replaced him with by now) would never have changed his mind on “the gay issue”. They got hit by economic and social ramifications for being open bigots, saw their bottom line taking a hit, and decided that being douchebags about it was bad for business. Simple as that.

408 kirkspencer  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:55:50am

re: #404 wheat-dogghazi

I’ve seen it done on tall unicycles, but it requires not only small shifts back and forth but a bit of small quick pivoting left and right as well to catch leaning errors. I could see the back-and-forth working for the tall bikes, except for the inability to deal with compensating for lean.

409 Fairly Sure I'm Still Obdicut  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:56:07am

re: #405 Lidane

He hasn’t actually changed his mind. He just regrets putting Chik-Fil-A in the middle of the culture wars:

Well, too bad for him as a person, but as long as he doesn’t use the company to attack gay people, that’s just his own personal deal.

410 Lidane  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:56:32am

re: #401 kirkspencer

So I’ve always wondered, how do people on tall bikes (not to mention towers like this) handle stopping for traffic? I mean, I can see making sure you’re next to a pole or a building or something when you can (and when you need it braced to climb on or off) but it seems stopping in the middle of the road would be challenging.

I have no idea. If you look at that photo, dude is actually in the wrong lane. He’s across the yellow lines. He should be where the cars next to him are, but he needs the extra room to maneuver I guess.

411 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 8:59:16am

Russia, not Ukraine, has escalated.

412 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:00:54am
413 Bulworth  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:03:28am

re: #353 Decatur Deb

Plane flew into Asian Bermuda Triangle? /

414 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:05:05am

re: #412 NJDhockeyfan

[Embedded content]

“foreign journalists are liars”

Yes, esp those from all the different countries. ///

415 Dr. Matt  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:05:52am

re: #385 Gus

Chick-Fil-A CEO says he was wrong. People are still outrageously outraged.

I rarely eat fast food, but I didn’t mind one of their sandwiches from time-to-time. I haven’t had one since he came out as a bigot and will never go back.

416 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:06:39am
417 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:09:02am

re: #414 Justanotherhuman

“foreign journalists are liars”

Yes, esp those from all the different countries. ///

And they’re assholes too!

418 wrenchwench  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:12:22am

re: #401 kirkspencer

So I’ve always wondered, how do people on tall bikes (not to mention towers like this) handle stopping for traffic? I mean, I can see making sure you’re next to a pole or a building or something when you can (and when you need it braced to climb on or off) but it seems stopping in the middle of the road would be challenging.

That’s why I’ve only seen them in parades. But the guys who ride those are also the guys who run stop signs and go the wrong way on one way streets, etc.

419 Dr. Matt  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:15:34am

Southern Baptist official: The words ‘zygote’ and ‘embryo’ oppress unborn persons

This is a real, mainstream view of Southern Baptists. When I was stationed in the South, over 20 years ago, I attended a Southern Baptist church cult and frequently heard this exact same “logic” back then.

420 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:16:19am

Euromaidan PR ‏@EuromaidanPR 8m

BREAKING One more ukrainian soldier injured by #russians when capturing of #Ukraine military unit A3674 in #Simferopol -channel5|PR #Crimea

Euromaidan PR ‏@EuromaidanPR 12m

BREAKING NEWS During capturing of #Ukraine military unit A3674 in #Simferopol 1ukrainian soldier was murdered by #russian troops-channel5|PR

421 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:16:51am
422 GunstarGreen  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:17:20am

re: #419 Dr. Matt

Southern Baptist official: The words ‘zygote’ and ‘embryo’ oppress unborn persons

This is a real, mainstream view of Southern Baptists. When I was stationed in the South, over 20 years ago, I attend a Southern Baptist church cult and frequently heard this exact same “logic” back then.

Tumblr has come to the deep south.

I’m sure we’ll be seeing this called something along the lines of “Secularist Privilege” soon enough.

423 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:18:08am

Interfax, again.

Military spokesman to Interfax: Ukrainian service man killed during attack on Simferopol base in Crimea - @Reuters

end of alert

424 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:18:51am
425 HappyWarrior  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:19:24am

re: #419 Dr. Matt

Southern Baptist official: The words ‘zygote’ and ‘embryo’ oppress unborn persons

This is a real, mainstream view of Southern Baptists. When I was stationed in the South, over 20 years ago, I attend a Southern Baptist church cult and frequently heard this exact same “logic” back then.

And Southern Baptists do not know what the word oppress means. Then again these are the people who think evolution is a “theory” in the same way one theorizes who stole the cookies from the cookie jar.

426 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:19:45am
427 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:21:15am
428 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:21:21am

NSA HAS A TIME MACHINE!!!!!!!!

429 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:22:56am
430 bratwurst  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:22:59am
431 Varek Raith  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:23:04am

re: #297 Donna Ballard

Good Morning and Happy Tuesday Everyone…

As for Putin bring in that monster of a dog when Angela Merkel was there…
It was a control play, pure and simple. He knew she has a fear of dogs and he deliberately showed her being afraid of the dog in front of the cameras and will use that against her every and any chance he gets. What a moron and true control freak!

Long time no see!
HI!

432 Political Atheist  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:24:21am

Well like most I learned to ignore all the email spam that gets past even good filters. But this one, well it’s a new low in my book. nice.org.uk is a legit outfit but some lowlife spammer is using that address to enhance an email telling me my blood test results show cancer. i’d like to have a few choice words with those spammers.

433 Bulworth  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:24:23am

re: #428 Pie-onist Overlord

They should go back to 1963 and listen to Oswald’s calls…

//

434 b.d.  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:25:00am

re: #433 Bulworth

They should go back to 1963 and listen to Oswald’s calls…

//

or Snowden’s

435 Political Atheist  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:25:55am

re: #424 Justanotherhuman

Will Ukraine fight for Crimea?

436 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:27:07am

Well, as my grandson would say, “Shit just got real”.

Also,

437 HappyWarrior  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:27:58am

re: #433 Bulworth

They should go back to 1963 and listen to Oswald’s calls…

//

They should totally go back and time and crank call Hitler!

438 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:29:30am

re: #435 Political Atheist

Will Ukraine fight for Crimea?

They don’t really have the manpower to face the might of the Russians. And you know what that means.

But Russia is being very, very provocative and trying to tip the outcome of its annexation of Crimea.

439 Varek Raith  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:29:40am

re: #437 HappyWarrior

“to get tickets to HITLER, call one, eighthundred…DU WERDEST EINEN KRANKENSCHWESTER BRAUCHEN”

-Family Guy

440 Eventual Carrion  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:30:10am

re: #353 Decatur Deb

What’s Don Lemon’s theory on this?

Gremlins

441 RealityBasedSteve  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:30:26am

Prime Minister Merkel has stated that the grab of Crimea by Russia is a violation of international law. (Pretty much a matter of fact).

The Putin lovers at FR reply with their own special logic…

To: Olog-hai
“Merkel stressed that international organizations including the United Nations, the European Union and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe shared that view.”
Really? How many armed divisions do those organizations have?

3 posted on 3/18/2014 10:50:24 AM by circlecity
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To: Olog-hai
And what shall you do about it, Angela? Nothing, that’s what.

5 posted on 3/18/2014 10:52:13 AM by Army Air Corps (Four Fried Chickens and a Coke)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To: Olog-hai
Just the words, “international law” makes me want to puke. Its all about international law when some other countries want to take something from us, but it means nothing when we have been aggrieved. Libtards love international law.

14 posted on 3/18/2014 10:56:07 AM by anton
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There are far more in that vein, but that’s all I could take without screaming obscenity’s at my screen while covering it in a flecks of spittle.

RBS

442 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:31:09am

HURR HURR!!! I’M TOTALLY DIFFERENT FROM FRED PHELPS!!!! I SAY JESUS LOVES TEH GHEYS, AS LONG AS THEY GIVE UP TEH GHEYNESS & LOVES HIM BACK!!!!!!

443 Killgore Trout  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:31:55am

re: #426 Justanotherhuman

[Embedded content]

Let’s hope not. Civil war could drag on for years while NATO and UN hold meetings and issue statements of being “very concerned”. It will be a very long time before meaningful assistance arrives.

444 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:32:20am

Bryan seems to not understand that “consent” thingy.

445 Lidane  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:33:07am

re: #444 Pie-onist Overlord

Bryan seems to not understand that “consent” “reality” thingy.

FTFY

446 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:33:30am

AND U GOT A REAL PURTY MOUTH!!!!!!

447 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:34:21am

Poor guy may have gotten out of his car and walked away, but has burns over 50% of his body. He is probably in horrible pain right now, if he survives.

448 Shiplord Kirel  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:34:24am

re: #309 Pie-onist Overlord

Look at this Fake Outrage

[Embedded content]

Are there really people stupid enough to think that Facebook’s “legal department” can make laws? Apparently so. The Idiocracy is here.

As I mentioned a few days ago, I think a lot of the craziness and apparent dishonesty we see in the general public is actually gross ignorance, huge yawning gaps in categories of knowledge that used to be taken for granted. We see this, for example, in the uproar over the so-called UN small arms treaty and any number of other outrageous outrages. We in the reality based community are just not working from the same set of presumed facts as the opposition.

449 Varek Raith  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:35:27am

re: #443 Killgore Trout

Let’s hope not. Civil war could drag on for years while NATO and UN hold meetings and issue statements of being “very concerned”. It will be a very long time before meaningful assistance arrives.

Yeah, trying to avoid WW3 is a rather important thing.
Don’t ya think?

450 HappyWarrior  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:35:42am

re: #446 Pie-onist Overlord

AND U GOT A REAL PURTY MOUTH!!!!!!

[Embedded content]

Well when you liken sex between consenting adults to screwing animals, I’m going to call you a bigot, bigots.

451 Fairly Sure I'm Still Obdicut  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:35:54am

re: #443 Killgore Trout

Let’s hope not. Civil war could drag on for years while NATO and UN hold meetings and issue statements of being “very concerned”. It will be a very long time before meaningful assistance arrives.

What would you rather have happen, Killgore?

(Long pan shot across empty salt flat)

452 Lidane  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:35:59am

re: #448 Shiplord Kirel

We in the reality based community are just not working from the same set of presumed facts as the opposition.

The meltdowns over the 2012 election are proof of that. The RWNJs were literally watching a different election than everyone else.

453 HappyWarrior  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:36:03am

re: #445 Lidane

FTFY

He never has. Guy is clueless.

454 Shiplord Kirel  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:36:19am

re: #446 Pie-onist Overlord

AND U GOT A REAL PURTY MOUTH!!!!!!

[Embedded content]

As a proud hillbilly (albeit an Ivy League one), I would exclude that category, but the poster’s perception of our opinion is otherwise accurate.

455 Varek Raith  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:37:07am

re: #451 Fairly Sure I’m Still Obdicut

What would you rather have happen, Killgore?

(Long pan shot across empty salt flat)

Clearly something clear.

456 Lidane  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:37:19am

re: #449 Varek Raith

Yeah, trying to avoid WW3 is a rather important thing.
Don’t ya think?

Especially since Russia, unlike Iraq or Afghanistan, actually have shit pointed at us that can land here.

Diplomacy, sanctions, etc. are steps one through whatever before we get to any sort of military intervention. That’s a last resort.

457 HappyWarrior  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:37:26am

re: #452 Lidane

The meltdowns over the 2012 election are proof of that. The RWNJs were literally watching a different election than everyone else.

It’s a reality where it was mean to point out Romney’s flip flopping on key issues but totally okay for Mitt to accuse POTUS of sympathizing with the murderers at Benghazi. It’s the same world where gay rights activistas are the meanies and the anti-gay bigots are the poor oppressed ones.

458 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:38:33am

re: #442 Pie-onist Overlord

HURR HURR!!! I’M TOTALLY DIFFERENT FROM FRED PHELPS!!!! I SAY JESUS LOVES TEH GHEYS, AS LONG AS THEY GIVE UP TEH GHEYNESS & LOVES HIM BACK!!!!!!

[Embedded content]

What, no one has dinner and a movie before sex anymore?

Seriously, though, that teacher may have been at a “low point” in her life, but evidently this went on for some time, so why didn’t she get some therapy instead of taking it out on a student?

459 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:40:57am

Estonian President Ilves says EU response to Russia must be more robust, ‘should not be about the price of gas’ - @Reuters

end of alert

460 wrenchwench  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:41:49am
461 Dr Lizardo  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:41:59am

re: #449 Varek Raith

Yeah, trying to avoid WW3 is a rather important thing.
Don’t ya think?

While I agree that trying to avoid WWIII is indeed important, what would you recommend the West does if Putin makes a land grab for a NATO member-state? What if he tries to whip up the ethnic Russians in the Baltic states as a pretext there?

Should we allow Putin to annex NATO member-states? Or is that the real red-line?

To me, it is. That’s the absolute red-line. At that point, war will become unavoidable.

462 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:41:59am

Rush is hiding the 777 between his ass cheeks.

463 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:42:21am

re: #446 Pie-onist Overlord

No, but if you try to impose your backwards and outdated views of morality, society, religion and race on the rest of us, then you do qualify as a racist bigot moron inbred hillbilly…

464 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:43:46am

re: #458 Justanotherhuman

What, no one has dinner and a movie before sex anymore?

Seriously, though, that teacher may have been at a “low point” in her life, but evidently this went on for some time, so why didn’t she get some therapy instead of taking it out on a student?

Non-consensual sex with minors is immoral. What consenting adults do for fun in private and in their spare time is nobody else’s business.

465 Lidane  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:44:11am

Rebranding!

466 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:45:22am
467 Kragar  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:47:06am

re: #465 Lidane

Rebranding!

[Embedded content]

Read that the other day. This guy basically wants a “Love the US” indoctrination camp to be held in every school instead of actual learning to go on.

468 Bulworth  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:47:46am

Just Because.. We think for ourselves let Fox News and Rush do our thinking for us , honor God so long as He isn’t promoting love or social justice or any other commie crap like that, & love our Country but hate our fellow countrymen??

469 calochortus  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:47:58am

re: #464 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)

Non-consensual sex with minors is immoral. What consenting adults do for fun in private and in their spare time is nobody else’s business.

True. However in the case of the teacher, the student was 18. The problem is the unequal relationship between teacher and student.

The key here is free, full, and informed consent. Children, animals, plant life, comatose folks, etc. can’t give informed consent. Folks in a hierarchical relationship often can’t give free consent.

470 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:48:30am

re: #461 Dr Lizardo

While I agree that trying to avoid WWIII is indeed important, what would you recommend the West does if Putin makes a land grab for a NATO member-state? What if he tries to whip up the ethnic Russians in the Baltic states as a pretext there?

Should we allow Putin to annex NATO member-states? Or is that the real red-line?

To me, it is. That’s the absolute red-line. At that point, war will become unavoidable.

For me as well. Better World War III than that sort of dishonor.

471 Flounder  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:50:28am

Billy Dee Williams does Dancing with the Stars:

nypost.com

472 Kragar  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:50:28am

re: #465 Lidane

Other works that fail to represent that worldview are an essay by John Muir, frequently referred to as “the Father of the National Parks” and credited with saving, among other landmarks, the sequoias in northern California. However, the essay in question attacks “those who are wealthy and steal timber wholesale,” which Beason believes does not represent “American values.”

He also objected to an excerpt from John Hersey’s Hiroshima, because it tells the story of the atomic bomb “from the Japanese view,” which creates “a lack of balance that undermines American values.”

“It doesn’t sound like we’re being very good folks, does it?” he asked.

An excerpt from Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried also came under fire, because its narrator expresses regret for killing a North Vietnamese soldier.

“What is the message that’s being put across?” Beason asked. “Is it that we were the bad guys in Vietnam, or was it that we were the good guys in Vietnam? I think we’re the good guys. But I don’t get that out of this argument, I mean, of this story.”

Its almost like history is full of complex and conflicting view points which should be considered and approached carefully.

We can’t be having any of that now, can we?

473 Skip Intro  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:50:57am

re: #461 Dr Lizardo

While I agree that trying to avoid WWIII is indeed important, what would you recommend the West does if Putin makes a land grab for a NATO member-state? What if he tries to whip up the ethnic Russians in the Baltic states as a pretext there?

Should we allow Putin to annex NATO member-states? Or is that the real red-line?

To me, it is. That’s the absolute red-line. At that point, war will become unavoidable.

What a cheerful thought to start the day with.

474 HappyWarrior  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:51:14am

re: #465 Lidane

Rebranding!

[Embedded content]

Even if McCarthy was right, this would still be utterly absurd.

475 Justanotherhuman  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:51:31am

re: #464 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)

Don’t twist what I said. The guy is 18. Still, she was in a position of authority. I think she violated a huge trust.

476 HappyWarrior  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:51:44am

re: #460 wrenchwench

[Embedded content]

See, basketball is a thug game, Rush was right, Obama plays it!

477 Bulworth  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:52:50am

Rush Limbaugh speaking with a 777 pilot right now, blowing MSM BS away
#tcot

What an informative tweet. /

I’ll withholding my opinion until CBS 60 Minutes does a special one year investigation and uncovers the troof.

478 HappyWarrior  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:52:52am

re: #472 Kragar

Its almost like history is full of complex and conflicting view points which should be considered and approached carefully.

We can’t be having any of that now, can we?

They don’t accept nuance and I really do need to read The Things They Carried. Hear Bryan Cranston recently did an audiobook version which is terrific.

479 Flounder  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:52:58am

re: #475 Justanotherhuman

That is actually against the law in Texas I believe.

480 Skip Intro  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:53:44am

re: #467 Kragar

Read that the other day. This guy basically wants a “Love the US” indoctrination camp to be held in every school instead of actual learning to go on.

It’s been done before. American science. American math. American medicine.

Except it was around 80 years ago, somewhere in Europe.

481 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:54:03am

It appears it’s over at the Ukrainian military base. One dead, one wounded and the rest captured. Ukraine is calling this an act of war which I can’t disagree with.

482 Kragar  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:54:10am
483 Fairly Sure I'm Still Obdicut  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:54:37am

re: #470 Dark_Falcon

For me as well. Better World War III than that sort of dishonor.

Honor really is a bizarre and hopeless way to look at this.

We’re talking about people actually dying and stuff, you know.

484 HappyWarrior  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:54:52am

re: #480 Skip Intro

It’s been done before. American science. American math. American medicine.

Except it was around 80 years ago, somewhere in Europe.

You know, I actually thought of All Quiet on the Western Front being despised by ultra German nationalists because Remarque painted the “enemy” as human too.

485 Killgore Trout  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:55:04am

re: #459 Justanotherhuman

Estonian President Ilves says EU response to Russia must be more robust, ‘should not be about the price of gas’ - @Reuters

end of alert

It should be but it won’t be. Putin runs Bartertown for now.

486 Targetpractice  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:55:32am

re: #482 Kragar

[Embedded content]

487 HappyWarrior  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:55:34am

re: #482 Kragar

[Embedded content]

We should make it harder for Ralph Reed to appear on TV by cutting his food stamps.

488 calochortus  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:56:54am

re: #476 HappyWarrior

See, basketball is a thug game, Rush was right, Obama plays it!

Yeah, that looks like a really, really dangerous bunch of kids thugs.

489 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:58:51am
490 Kragar  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:59:03am
491 calochortus  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:59:05am

re: #482 Kragar

Yeah, divorce being illegal in Ireland worked well for women and children who had been abandoned by husbands/fathers because they couldn’t divorce. /
Not only weren’t they being supported, but they were in legal limbo.

492 Lidane  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:59:07am

re: #482 Kragar

493 HappyWarrior  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 9:59:46am

re: #491 calochortus

Yeah, divorce being illegal in Ireland worked well for women and children who had been abandoned by husbands/fathers because they couldn’t divorce. /
Not only weren’t they being supported, but they were in legal limbo.

“Pro-family.”

494 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:00:39am

HOLY FUCKING SHIT she is out of touch.

495 jaunte  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:01:09am

Snowden now at TED live.

496 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:01:39am

re: #494 Pie-onist Overlord

HOLY FUCKING SHIT she is out of touch.

[Embedded content]

besides 9+9+9=18%

497 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:03:13am

Janie’s gonna so block me now.

498 darthstar  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:03:45am
499 Shiplord Kirel  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:03:55am

re: #465 Lidane

Rebranding!
Someone broke irony: Alabama Republican wants teaching of ‘The Crucible’ banned because ‘McCarthy was right’ rawstory.com

[Embedded content]

Excellent! Now we can begin a high level inquisition inquiry into the right-wing’s sycophantic worship of Putin and his propaganda outlet, Russia Today.
“Are you now, or have you ever been, a dudebro, a teabagger, or a glibertarian? And pass me some more of that Jim Beam wouldya’?”
“It’s Jack Daniels, sir.”
“I didn’t ask what kind it was, just hand it over, goddamit!”

500 Killgore Trout  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:04:25am

Serbs are getting ideas again…..

Russia stoking Bosnian Serb separatism in echo of Crimea -Ashdown

Russia’s seizure of Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula, which is majority ethnic Russian, has again stirred dispute over the principle of sovereignty, last tested when the West supported Kosovo’s secession from Bosnia neighbour Serbia in 2008 over Russian objections.

“Some Bosnian politicians are playing the Moscow card, even, most dangerously of all, the Slav card, in support of policies of separation,” Ashdown told a NATO seminar on southeast Europe in the Bosnian capital Sarajevo.

“They hope that an illegal referendum in Crimea will make one here more likely. And Russia is doing nothing to discourage them - quite the opposite,” he said.

501 darthstar  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:04:35am
502 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:05:33am

LOLOL

503 HappyWarrior  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:06:15am

re: #502 Pie-onist Overlord

LOLOL

[Embedded content]

Oh calling someone a communist. How original is she. Did she learn that one herself?

504 Varek Raith  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:06:53am

re: #503 HappyWarrior

Oh calling someone a communist. How original is she. Did she learn that one herself?

Shut up, Commie.

505 Eventual Carrion  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:07:22am

re: #413 Bulworth

Plane flew into Asian Bermuda Triangle? /

There supposedly is one

506 William Barnett-Lewis  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:07:47am

re: #497 Pie-onist Overlord

Janie’s gonna so block me now.

[Embedded content]

I almost wish I were on Twitter just to retweet that one.

507 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:07:57am

re: #503 HappyWarrior

Oh calling someone a communist. How original is she. Did she learn that one herself?

BECAUSE SHUT UP

508 wrenchwench  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:08:27am

re: #495 jaunte

[Embedded image]

Snowden now at TED live via Skype from the Red Room.

FTFY

509 Dr Lizardo  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:08:31am

re: #483 Fairly Sure I’m Still Obdicut

Honor really is a bizarre and hopeless way to look at this.

We’re talking about people actually dying and stuff, you know.

The United States is committed to come to the defense of the following nations as NATO member states:

Albania
Belgium
Bulgaria
Canada
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Turkey
United Kingdom

It’s not so much about honor; it’s about a binding treaty. Unless the US just says, “Fuck it dudes, you’re on your own” and walks from NATO, if any of the aforementioned states are victims of Russian (or other) aggression, the US is committed to come to their military assistance.

510 GunstarGreen  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:08:32am

re: #482 Kragar

[Embedded content]

What right-wing War On Women?!?!?!?!?!?!

511 Eventual Carrion  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:08:39am

re: #417 NJDhockeyfan

And they’re assholes too!

[Embedded content]

Spoken like George W. Bush. Major league even.

512 HappyWarrior  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:09:16am

re: #507 Pie-onist Overlord

BECAUSE SHUT UP

But really, “Fair Tax” is a huge oxymoron. Sounds great but then you realize that the poor are giving much more of their income away. And that is why a progressive tax system exists and should continue to do so.

513 Lidane  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:10:05am

re: #502 Pie-onist Overlord

Wait. So you’re a communist for paying taxes? WTF.

I really need to upgrade my Wingnut-to-English translator. That makes no goddamn sense.

514 William Barnett-Lewis  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:10:15am

re: #502 Pie-onist Overlord

LOLOL

[Embedded content]

A communist for paying income tax? The Stupid is so strong in this one that she must be the one who has the midichlorians to bring balance to the stupid.

515 Mike Lamb  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:10:49am

re: #446 Pie-onist Overlord

AND U GOT A REAL PURTY MOUTH!!!!!!

[Embedded content]

The Venn diagram of the groups showing about a 95% overlap between the two suggests otherwise.

516 Bulworth  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:10:54am

re: #502 Pie-onist Overlord

ConFirmed FACTS!!!!!

517 HappyWarrior  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:11:06am

re: #513 Lidane

Wait. So you’re a communist for paying taxes? WTF.

I really need to upgrade my Wingnut-to-English translator. That makes no goddamn sense.

Real Americans put their income in an overseas tax shelter, duh.

518 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:11:11am
519 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:11:18am

re: #511 Eventual Carrion

Spoken like George W. Bush. Major league even.

George W. Bush wasn’t talking about all journalists, he was talking about a New York Times reporter named Adam Clymer who’d been going after him aggressively.

Not really the same thing.

520 Lidane  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:11:25am

re: #514 William Barnett-Lewis

A communist for paying income tax? The Stupid is so strong in this one that she must be the one who has the midichlorians to bring balance to the stupid.

Or she’s so stupid that she’s got midichlorians in the first place.

Awful plot device is awful. =P

521 Shiplord Kirel  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:12:10am

re: #514 William Barnett-Lewis

A communist for paying income tax? The Stupid is so strong in this one that she must be the one who has the midichlorians to bring balance to the stupid.

Probably thinks Honduras and Chile are pretty much the same place, or that Australia is a tea party paradise whose “president” is a godly Christian man………

522 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:12:11am

Janie totally melting down now. What a freaking tool.

523 Lidane  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:14:14am

re: #521 Shiplord Kirel

Probably thinks Honduras and Chile are pretty much the same place, or that Australia is a tea party paradise whose president is a godly Christian man………

She probably thinks Putin is a manly bear wrasslin’, God fearin’ man and that the best examples of leadership are Pinochet and Franco.

524 Eventual Carrion  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:14:21am

re: #419 Dr. Matt

Southern Baptist official: The words ‘zygote’ and ‘embryo’ oppress unborn persons

This is a real, mainstream view of Southern Baptists. When I was stationed in the South, over 20 years ago, I attend a Southern Baptist church cult and frequently heard this exact same “logic” back then.

Wonder if the word “acorn” or “seed” oppresses the Oak. And like the zygote, many a seed never make it to Oak status because of nature and circumstances.

525 calochortus  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:14:48am

re: #512 HappyWarrior

But really, “Fair Tax” is a huge oxymoron. Sounds great but then you realize that the poor are giving much more of their income away. And that is why a progressive tax system exists and should continue to do so.

Personally, I’d go for a “Simple Tax.” I’m not against having it be progressive, but I think it would go a long way if they just eliminated a lot of deductions. Of course, it will never happen. People with kids want to keep that deduction. People who have a mortgage want to keep that one. Folks with stock dividends want them taxed at a low rate. Etc, etc, etc.

I’d did a very unscientific poll a few years ago and asked whether people were willing to give up their deductions if it meant they paid the same or even less in taxes. It was a small sample, but most people wanted to keep the deductions-I think it is seen as some sort of validation of one’s life-choices.

526 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:14:56am

HURR HURR!!!!! TEH 1% DIDN’T GETS TO CASH IN ON TEH AUTO BAILOUTS LIKE TEH BANK BAILOUTS!!!!!! THAT WHY UR COMMUNIST!!!!!

527 Shiplord Kirel  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:15:33am

re: #523 Lidane

She probably thinks Putin is a manly bear wrasslin’, God fearin’ man and that the best examples of leadership are Pinochet and Franco.

There’s a serious Franco cult at Free Republic and a user who actually calls himself “Pinochet.”

528 Dr Lizardo  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:17:53am

re: #527 Shiplord Kirel

There’s a serious Franco cult at Free Republic and a user who actually calls himself “Pinochet.”

There’s a hardcore of Russian revanchists at Free Republic as well, and a smattering of Serb ultra-nationalists. That’s where a lot of the Putin worship is coming from.

529 Lidane  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:18:05am

re: #527 Shiplord Kirel

There’s a serious Franco cult at Free Republic and a user who actually calls himself “Pinochet.”

They crave an authoritarian dictatorship. It’s why they love Putin so much.

Some of these dipshits have it in their heads that if there’s a dictatorship or if the US goes full bore wingnut that they’d each be set up with their own little fiefdoms where they’ll be in charge. It never occurs to them that they’d be just as marginalized as anyone else.

530 Fairly Sure I'm Still Obdicut  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:18:13am

re: #509 Dr Lizardo

Yes, it’s not about honor. Which is what I said.

531 Kragar  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:20:09am

re: #529 Lidane

They crave an authoritarian dictatorship. It’s why they love Putin so much.

Some of these dipshits have it in their heads that if there’s a dictatorship or if the US goes full bore wingnut that they’d each be set up with their own little fiefdoms where they’ll be in charge. It never occurs to them that they’d be just as marginalized as anyone else.

Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Cal): I would love a conservative dictatorship
Read more at littlegreenfootballs.com

532 Bulworth  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:20:18am

Obama screwed the secured bondholders, $45Billion tax favor, cut nonunion workers loose & gave GM to the unions!

Some serious word salad going on there. Palin-level.

533 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:20:21am

WOW. JUST WOW.

534 Skip Intro  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:22:14am

re: #531 Kragar

Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Cal): I would love a conservative dictatorship
Read more at littlegreenfootballs.com

This video does not exist.

535 ObserverArt  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:22:28am

re: #483 Fairly Sure I’m Still Obdicut

Honor really is a bizarre and hopeless way to look at this.

We’re talking about people actually dying and stuff, you know.

I sometimes think Dark looks at military related things like pictures in a museum. All clean-up, edited, glorified and hermetically sealed in glass.

If you could ask some of the soldiers involved they would most likely be willing to trade some honor for being alive, having your limbs, etc.

War is one of man’s more evil traits. It is just plain sad that it even exists. And what is most perplexing, both sides seem to think they are doing the honorable thing. Who is honorable…the one that wins and gets to write history?

536 Fairly Sure I'm Still Obdicut  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:22:42am

New York just killed the state version of the Dream Act.

gothamist.com

Every Republican voted against it, as did two democrats. The Republicans held the vote unannounced to give its supporters no chance to organize.

Fuckers.

537 Targetpractice  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:22:44am

re: #529 Lidane

They crave an authoritarian dictatorship. It’s why they love Putin so much.

Some of these dipshits have it in their heads that if there’s a dictatorship or if the US goes full bore wingnut that they’d each be set up with their own little fiefdoms where they’ll be in charge. It never occurs to them that they’d be just as marginalized as anyone else.

But they only like the “right” kind of authoritarianism. It’s why they worship at the altar of St. Ron, who was buddies with Pinochet because he was “pro-capitalist,” but think FDR was a “dictator” for repeatedly locking horns with Congress and SCOTUS to get programs that helped the unemployed and poor.

538 FemNaziBitch  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:23:23am

how is it now?

did they find the plane yet?

539 RealityBasedSteve  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:23:24am

re: #512 HappyWarrior

But really, “Fair Tax” is a huge oxymoron. Sounds great but then you realize that the poor are giving much more of their income away. And that is why a progressive tax system exists and should continue to do so.

I have no problem with a “Fair” or “Flat Tax” system… with one big condition. Implement an excemption for each tax-payer / family to establish some degree of progressive nature in it. Take out 90% of the deductions / exceptions. Simple example. Single tax payer gets say first 20,000 bucks tax free, 17% after that from dollar 20,001. The person earning 40 grand pays on 20,000, the person earning 200,000 pays on 180000, but they pay the same rate on eligible dollars.

Obviously I’m pulling a number out of my butt for demo, but this could be revenue neutral and fair. For the sake of argument say income over 120% of poverty line is taxable.

It’s not new, it’s simple, it is, to my mind, extremely workable. Probably never go anywhere.

RBS

540 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:23:35am

Wow, it’s like she’s been saving up every single wingnut talking point for HEY HEY MY FIRST REAL LIBRUL!!!!!!

541 wrenchwench  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:24:45am

re: #540 Pie-onist Overlord

Wow, it’s like she’s been saving up every single wingnut talking point for HEY HEY MY FIRST REAL LIBRUL!!!!!!

It’s cute how she signs each tweet like we can’t tell who it’s from otherwise.

542 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:25:26am
543 FemNaziBitch  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:25:26am

ADD YOUR NAME HERE

if u wish

544 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:25:35am

re: #541 wrenchwench

It’s cute how she signs each tweet like we can’t tell who it’s from otherwise.

I think she does have a bunch of automated Tweets that go off at the same time every day.

545 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:26:01am
546 Skip Intro  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:26:31am

re: #539 RealityBasedSteve

I have no problem with a “Fair” or “Flat Tax” system… with one big condition. Implement an excemption for each tax-payer / family to establish some degree of progressive nature in it. Take out 90% of the deductions / exceptions. Simple example. Single tax payer gets say first 20,000 bucks tax free, 17% after that from dollar 20,001. The person earning 40 grand pays on 20,000, the person earning 200,000 pays on 180000, but they pay the same rate on eligible dollars.

Obviously I’m pulling a number out of my butt for demo, but this could be revenue neutral and fair. For the sake of argument say income over 120% of poverty line is taxable.

It’s not new, it’s simple, it is, to my mind, extremely workable. Probably never go anywhere.

RBS

No, it will never go anywhere because of the legions of CPAs and tax lawyers who make their living because of the complexity of the tax code.

547 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:26:37am
548 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:26:57am

re: #465 Lidane

Rebranding!

Someone broke irony: Alabama Republican wants teaching of ‘The Crucible’ banned because ‘McCarthy was right’

Tremendously gratified that one of our politicians made the cognitive leap from “Crucible” to Mccarthy.

549 Dr Lizardo  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:27:06am

re: #530 Fairly Sure I’m Still Obdicut

Yes, it’s not about honor. Which is what I said.

Heh……I guess that 6 cups of coffee earlier today wasn’t enough.

:)

550 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:28:16am
551 Targetpractice  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:28:30am

re: #526 Pie-onist Overlord

HURR HURR!!!!! TEH 1% DIDN’T GETS TO CASH IN ON TEH AUTO BAILOUTS LIKE TEH BANK BAILOUTS!!!!!! THAT WHY UR COMMUNIST!!!!!

[Embedded content]

The UAW had a contract with GM, the bondholders didn’t. The government put one class of retirees over another. If those bondholders got screwed, then that’s their problem.

552 William Barnett-Lewis  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:28:42am

re: #547 Pie-onist Overlord

[Embedded content]

How many died in embassies from 2000 - 2008, JJ?

553 Bulworth  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:28:54am

re: #547 Pie-onist Overlord

“Have you stopped beating your wife/husband?”

554 danarchy  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:29:27am

re: #530 Fairly Sure I’m Still Obdicut

Yes, it’s not about honor. Which is what I said.

It is about honoring our word to uphold a treaty. How is that not about honor?

555 calochortus  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:29:43am

re: #539 RealityBasedSteve

The “poverty level” could use some reworking. It was a number pulled out of thin air in the ’60s, because they needed some numbers to get started with. IIRC it was 3 times the amount you needed to buy food, which worked reasonably well for a while because it automatically covered large and small families fairly equitably. A few decades on and food is a much smaller percentage of family budgets, housing is much more expensive, etc.

556 FemNaziBitch  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:30:29am

re: #547 Pie-onist Overlord

[Embedded content]

Why are these American’s more important than the ones sleeping on the ground in LA, Chicago, NYT and the nation’s capital?

Why are these American’s more important than the one’s in uniform?

How much of our resources should we expend on these Americans?

557 Kragar  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:30:34am

Looks like the guy deleted his tweet. He said higher taxes paid for tyranny.

558 Bulworth  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:31:44am

re: #557 Kragar

No, back to the 1950’s of our imagination. //

559 calochortus  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:31:44am

re: #548 Decatur Deb

Tremendously gratified that one of our politicians made the cognitive leap from “Crucible” to Mccarthy.

It’s probably in the “Cliff Notes.”

560 FemNaziBitch  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:32:03am

re: #555 calochortus

The “poverty level” could use some reworking. It was a number pulled out of thin air in the ’60s, because they needed some numbers to get started with. IIRC it was 3 times the amount you needed to buy food, which worked reasonably well for a while because it automatically covered large and small families fairly equitably. A few decades on and food is a much smaller percentage of family budgets, housing is much more expensive, etc.

I agree

561 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:32:35am

Janie in a nutshell.
HURR HURR!!! TEH YOONYUNS!!!! TEH YOONYUNS IS ROBBIN TEH 1%!!!!! WERE ALL GONNA DIE!!!!!! U COMMUNISTS!!!!! MOLON LABE!!!!!!

562 calochortus  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:33:04am

re: #557 Kragar

[Embedded content]

Looks like the guy deleted his tweet. He said higher taxes paid for tyranny.

I thought higher taxes paid for bridges that are repaired and sewers and stuff. Silly me.

563 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:33:05am

re: #539 RealityBasedSteve

It’s not new, it’s simple, it is, to my mind, extremely workable. Probably never go anywhere.

RBS

Because taxes have two purposes: the first one is to raise government revenue, the second is to help implement government policies by punishing or rewarding certain activities.

A “flat tax” with no deductions would remove that aspect of taxation entirely…which is why no politician would support it.

564 FemNaziBitch  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:33:27am

A net monthly income of $1,293 for a mother and child will barely cover rent in my part of the world.

565 ObserverArt  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:36:19am

re: #509 Dr Lizardo

The United States is committed to come to the defense of the following nations as NATO member states:

Albania
Belgium
Bulgaria
Canada
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Turkey
United Kingdom

It’s not so much about honor; it’s about a binding treaty. Unless the US just says, “Fuck it dudes, you’re on your own” and walks from NATO, if any of the aforementioned states are victims of Russian (or other) aggression, the US is committed to come to their military assistance.

To be clear, you make it sound like the U.S. has sole responsibility. My understanding is “all in” meaning all the members of the UN need to pitch in to protect member nations. Isn’t that the way it is?

566 Fairly Sure I'm Still Obdicut  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:37:01am

re: #554 danarchy

It is about honoring our word to uphold a treaty. How is that not about honor?

Because ‘honoring’ isn’t the same thing as honor. When a store ‘honors’ your coupon, it really doesn’t have anything to do with honor, either.

Language is fun like that.

567 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:37:54am

re: #564 FemNaziBitch

A net monthly income of $1,293 for a mother and child will barely cover rent in my part of the world.

It’s also not enough to qualify you to enroll in ACA, if your state has pissed on the Medicaid expansion.

568 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:37:59am

HURR HURRRR!!!

569 danarchy  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:38:54am

re: #566 Fairly Sure I’m Still Obdicut

Because ‘honoring’ isn’t the same thing as honor. When a store ‘honors’ your coupon, it really doesn’t have anything to do with honor, either.

Language is fun like that.

And yet turning your back on a nation you had signed a treaty with would be totally dishonorable…language is fun like that.

570 Kragar  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:39:58am
571 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:41:26am

re: #569 danarchy

And yet turning your back on a nation you had signed a treaty with would be totally dishonorable…language is fun like that.

Ask a Lenape, if you can find one.

(Don’t look east of the Mississippi.)

572 HappyWarrior  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:41:35am

re: #568 Pie-onist Overlord

HURR HURRRR!!!

[Embedded content]

Yeah Obama’s whole intent is to destroy America. Gee, what a bore. I’d rather be proud of Obama than conservative heroes like Bush and Reagan who thought they could cut taxes and spend shitloads on defense.

573 Dr Lizardo  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:43:08am

re: #565 ObserverArt

To be clear, you make it sound like the U.S. has sole responsibility. My understanding is “all in” meaning all the members of the UN need to pitch in to protect member nations. Isn’t that the way it is?

Of course, it’s all for one; but the US by far has the largest military, and it would be all but impossible for the US to sit out a war in Europe that involved NATO member states, especially in the face of a hypothetical Russian attack on a NATO member state.

574 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:47:54am

They think I’m a YOONYUN THUG. Last worked UAW shop in 2007, that was sweet.
HURR HURR!!!

575 FemNaziBitch  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:49:53am

re: #574 Pie-onist Overlord

They think I’m a YOONYUN THUG. Last worked UAW shop in 2007, that was sweet.
HURR HURR!!!

[Embedded content]

If they only knew… . .

Baba is so past all that.

576 Pie-onist Overlord  Tue, Mar 18, 2014 10:58:17am

re: #575 FemNaziBitch

If they only knew… . .

Baba is so past all that.

Bored now. Gonna do some actual YOONYUN THUGGERY. Doing that c# thing.


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