Giant Leak of Offshore Financial Records Exposes Global Array of Crime and Corruption

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An amazing/horrifying report by The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists documents one of the most gigantic corruption scandals ever revealed to the public.

A massive leak of documents exposes the offshore holdings of 12 current and former world leaders and reveals how associates of Russian President Vladimir Putin secretly shuffled as much as $2 billion through banks and shadow companies.

The leak also provides details of the hidden financial dealings of 128 more politicians and public officials around the world.

The cache of 11.5 million records shows how a global industry of law firms and big banks sells financial secrecy to politicians, fraudsters and drug traffickers as well as billionaires, celebrities and sports stars.

These are among the findings of a yearlong investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung and more than 100 other news organizations.

The files expose offshore companies controlled by the prime ministers of Iceland and Pakistan, the king of Saudi Arabia and the children of the president of Azerbaijan.

They also include at least 33 people and companies blacklisted by the U.S. government because of evidence that they’d been involved in wrongdoing, such as doing business with Mexican drug lords, terrorist organizations like Hezbollah or rogue nations like North Korea and Iran.

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220 comments
1
Belafon  Apr 3, 2016 • 1:34:25pm

Saw Dr Lizardo’s comment in the last thread about it. This, from your link, ought to cause some heart burn in China:

World leaders who have embraced anti-corruption platforms feature in the leaked documents. The files reveal offshore companies linked to the family of China’s top leader, Xi Jinping,

2
Shimshon  Apr 3, 2016 • 1:35:06pm

This was such a great but maddening read. Investigative journalism at its finest, but only possible due to a leak of thousands of emails. All those hundreds of millions of dollars going to already rich people as the poor suffer. Things never change. I wonder how deep the Halliburton bribes go and if a certain former VP is implicated.

3
The Ghost of the Spaghetti Weevil  Apr 3, 2016 • 1:35:30pm

The Law Firm That Works with Oligarchs, Money Launderers, and Dictators

Who are Mossack Fonseca?

4
stpaulbear  Apr 3, 2016 • 1:35:52pm

PRESIDENT SANDERS WILL STOP ALL THE BAD THINGS!!

5
Dave In Austin  Apr 3, 2016 • 1:36:04pm

Koch Bros ties?

6
PhillyPretzel  Apr 3, 2016 • 1:39:43pm

re: #5 Dave In Austin

Most likely

7
Belafon  Apr 3, 2016 • 1:39:50pm

Upon further reading, it’s a complicated story that I’m glad I’m not trying to solve. Offshore companies aren’t illegal; what you do with them is. You’d pretty much have to chase each and every lead separately.

8
The Vicious Babushka  Apr 3, 2016 • 1:44:09pm

How much does Trump have stashed offshore?

9
Skip Intro  Apr 3, 2016 • 1:44:14pm

Once again we see how the rich really get richer, and hard work has nothing to do with it.

10
Eclectic Cyborg  Apr 3, 2016 • 1:46:30pm

And suddenly Edward Snowden becomes old news…

11
SoundGuy 2016  Apr 3, 2016 • 1:56:44pm

What’s amazing is how many journalists worked on this. Maybe not only to help pour through all the work but to protect each other, the safety of the masses? I’d expect Putin and other badder actors planning harassment if not assassinations.

12
Dr. Matt  Apr 3, 2016 • 1:59:48pm

Putin fanboys like the right-wing media, Trump, and Rage Furby will now explain to us how secret offshore holdings and shadow companies are really good things.

13
SoundGuy 2016  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:01:55pm

re: #12 Dr. Matt

Unless a popular liberal or socialist gets caught up in it. Then they’ll be against it.

14
Decatur Deb  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:04:24pm

Timely thread—just finished viewing The Big Short. Absolutely worth a couple viewings, if you haven’t seen it.

15
Shimshon  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:05:58pm

re: #2 Shimshon

This was such a great but maddening read. Investigative journalism at its finest, but only possible due to a leak of thousands of emails. All those hundreds of millions of dollars going to already rich people as the poor suffer. Things never change. I wonder how deep the Halliburton bribes go and if a certain former VP is implicated.

I thought this story is talking about the Unaoil corruption, but there is a different leak too. I should read more carefully.

16
Shimshon  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:07:29pm

re: #7 Belafon

Upon further reading, it’s a complicated story that I’m glad I’m not trying to solve. Offshore companies aren’t illegal; what you do with them is. You’d pretty much have to chase each and every lead separately.

Offshore companies are illegal in most countries if they are not declared, like most of these accounts probably are not.

17
Decatur Deb  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:10:28pm

It would be deplorable if anyone’s privacy was invaded in the release of these revelations.

18
Sophist, Premature Anti-Trumpist  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:11:34pm

re: #12 Dr. Matt

Putin fanboys like the right-wing media, Trump, and Rage Furby will now explain to us how secret offshore holdings and shadow companies are really good things.

Just think of all the jobs a global network of shadowy banks and offshore corporations creates. It’s practically a public service!

19
Eclectic Cyborg  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:14:20pm

Whoever did released this info took a big risk. They probably have a bounty/bullseye on their head now.

20
Belafon  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:15:28pm

re: #17 Decatur Deb

It would be deplorable if anyone’s privacy was invaded in the release of these revelations.

LOL

21
Decatur Deb  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:15:30pm

Do you think we could upgrade our Zionist checks to bitcoin? Just as a technical experiment, of course.

22
PhillyPretzel  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:16:29pm

re: #21 Decatur Deb

I will take my money under the table as usual. /

23
Decatur Deb  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:18:35pm

re: #22 PhillyPretzel

I will take my money under the table as usual. /

Oriental courtesies really put us to shame—white envelopes, unused bills, presented by the the right (gloved) hand.

24
PhillyPretzel  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:20:37pm

re: #23 Decatur Deb

Or as I have seen many years ago on Jeweler’s Row, a parcel of diamonds being passed from one jeweler to another with a handshake.

25
Backwoods_Sleuth  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:21:35pm
26
Decatur Deb  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:21:46pm

re: #24 PhillyPretzel

Or as I have seen many years ago on Jeweler’s Row, a parcel of diamonds being passed from one jeweler to another with a handshake.

You work for a better Zionist underboss than I do.

27
Eclectic Cyborg  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:23:06pm

re: #25 Backwoods_Sleuth

The first of several I presume…

28
Dave In Austin  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:23:29pm

So…. I guess #BabesforTrump is a thing. FYI….. Prolly not very Family Values.

29
b.d.  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:23:33pm

re: #25 Backwoods_Sleuth

[Embedded content]

Oops! The same Iceland that told the banks to go to hell?

30
Eclectic Cyborg  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:24:04pm

re: #28 Dave In Austin

So…. I guess #BabesforTrump is a thing. FYI….. Prolly not very Family Values.

Started by men no doubt…

31
b.d.  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:25:02pm

re: #25 Backwoods_Sleuth

[Embedded content]

Lots of comments like this:

32
Eclectic Cyborg  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:26:35pm

re: #30 Eclectic Cyborg

Started by men no doubt…

Actually, having just looked at the hastag, I wouldn’t be surprised if Trump himself started it.

33
The Ghost of the Spaghetti Weevil  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:26:40pm

re: #29 b.d.

Oops! The same Iceland that told the banks to go to hell?

If I recall correctly, the current guy is a lot more “free market” and “don’t criticize banks.”

35
Ziggy_TARDIS  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:27:28pm

re: #33 The Ghost of the Spaghetti Weevil

Yeah, they had a massive swing to the other side.

Somehow think that is over now.

36
PhillyPretzel  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:28:08pm

re: #26 Decatur Deb

That was many years ago. I work for someone who did not realize I was Jewish and was completely shocked by that fact.

37
Eclectic Cyborg  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:30:06pm
38
Belafon  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:31:37pm

re: #37 Eclectic Cyborg

Misogyny
Racism
Fascism

(I can’t go on and on, but I’m sure others can.)

39
Blind Frog Belly White  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:31:38pm

So, Reddington released The Fulcrum, did he?
//

40
William Lewis  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:35:05pm

re: #10 Eclectic Cyborg

Snowflake was never anything but diversion.

41
gocart mozart  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:35:11pm

Cake - i will survive

42
Backwoods_Sleuth  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:37:17pm

re: #31 b.d.

Lots of comments like this:

[Embedded content]

43
Ziggy_TARDIS  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:40:30pm

There is now a list of Cities that are supporting the UN-Brokered Government in Libya.

They are Sabratha, Zultan, Rigdaleen, Al-Jmail, Zuwara, Ajilat, Zawia, South Zawia, West Zawia, and Bani Walid.

All of these towns and cities are on the coast, West of Tripoli, with the exception of Bani Walid, which is between the Secularist Dominated Nafusa Mountains, and the MB Dominated Misrata.

44
Barefoot Grin  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:40:39pm

Link to the panamapapers not working. First I got an error code, then a message saying they are “running low on resources.”

45
Eclectic Cyborg  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:42:01pm

re: #44 Barefoot Grin

Link to the panamapapers not working. First I got an error code, then a message saying they are “running low on resources.”

Probably a metric fuckton of hits to that site right now.

46
SoundGuy 2016  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:42:54pm

BREAKING:

47
Teukka  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:42:57pm

re: #45 Eclectic Cyborg

Probably a metric fuckton of hits to that site right now.

Metring long fuckton even. Or a DDoS from people who don’t want their dirty laundry exposed perhaps?

48
Ziggy_TARDIS  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:44:03pm

re: #47 Teukka

Oh, I love having an excuse to take a swing at Russia.

49
Jay C  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:46:51pm

re: #44 Barefoot Grin

Link to the panamapapers not working. First I got an error code, then a message saying they are “running low on resources.”

Yeah, I got the following when I clicked the link in the OP:

Hello, I am a java script test analytics page

If the site is “running low on resources”, it’s probably because the Russians have offshored them all…
SRSLY: The BBC’s latest article on the Panama Papers looks into transactions associated with just one guy (a pal of Putin’s of course): I toted up references to over $1.3Billion of shady deals: and I’m sure he’s far from the only one.

50
b.d.  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:47:22pm

re: #42 Backwoods_Sleuth

[Embedded content]

Those Iceland dudes should learn to speak English so we don’t keep having this kind of problem.

//

51
darthstar  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:48:37pm

Finally got off my ass and went surfing for the first time this year. As I was coming back in from my session (“sesh” in surf parlance), I saw a gal on a boogie board wearing a hijab with her wetsuit…She looked like she was having a blast. Was my feel-good moment of the day.

52
b.d.  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:49:43pm

re: #49 Jay C

Yeah, I got the following when I clicked the link in the OP:

Hello, I am a java script test analytics page

If the site is “running low on resources”, it’s probably because the Russians have offshored them all…
SRSLY: The BBC’s latest article on the Panama Papers looks into transactions associated with just one guy (a pal of Putin’s of course): I toted up references to over $1.3Billion of shady deals: and I’m sure he’s far from the only one.

Listened to to BBC broadcast of that story and they were doing it in their best “please don’t kill us Putin for reporting this” voice

53
majii  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:50:00pm

re: #46 SoundGuy 2016

LOL. The way that pup is running resembles the way my little guy runs away from me when it’s time for him to take his oral flea and tick medicine. He’s a rescue—-a chihuahua mix. The little guy can go!

54
wrenchwench  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:50:10pm

re: #47 Teukka

Metring long fuckton even. Or a DDoS from people who don’t want their dirty laundry exposed perhaps?

This seems to be out of date, like many of the things on continual repeat in my head:

Shredding The Document

55
Ziggy_TARDIS  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:53:00pm

re: #51 darthstar

Now, if I could find those kind of people in Dallas, that would be great.

I have issues connecting or trusting men, and a handful of the people here see a need to “correct” my behaviour, and make me more masculine. Suffice to say, I am grumpy and stressed.

56
Belafon  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:56:18pm

re: #55 Ziggy_TARDIS

Now, if I could find those kind of people in Dallas, that would be great.

I have issues connecting or trusting men, and a handful of the people here see a need to “correct” my behaviour, and make me more masculine. Suffice to say, I am grumpy and stressed.

About the only thing people have commented on is when you feel the urge to lash out. There’s nothing in there about making you “more masculine” whatever you think that means.

My middle son crochets. About the only requirement I have for being masculine is that you lift the seat if you’re going to stand up.

57
KerFuFFler  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:57:21pm

re: #7 Belafon

Upon further reading, it’s a complicated story that I’m glad I’m not trying to solve. Offshore companies aren’t illegal; what you do with them is. You’d pretty much have to chase each and every lead separately.

The problem with “complicated” legal messes involving abstruse financial shenanigans is that they are very difficult to prosecute. Typical jurors often cannot follow the transactions involved to see how they violated the law. If it is difficult for forensic accountants to detect, think how hard it is to explain to a jury, and how easy it is for defense attorneys to obfuscate. That is a large part of why it is so difficult to get convictions for the huge financial crimes. That, and of course the very wealthy can often draw the legal process out for so many years and make prosecuting them very expensive.

I hope these miscreants can be arrested and prosecuted swiftly, but I won’t hold my breath.

58
Ziggy_TARDIS  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:58:27pm

re: #56 Belafon

No, not here. In Dallas, with some of the people at the Mosques.

Though, the lashing out is a consequence of the loneliness driving my stress to a point where I need to vent it off.

59
darthstar  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:59:48pm
60
Barefoot Grin  Apr 3, 2016 • 2:59:53pm

If there’s one cellist involved, there are probably more. I’d look into Yo Yo Ma, too.

61
retired cynic  Apr 3, 2016 • 3:00:29pm

re: #58 Ziggy_TARDIS

Exercise? I’m in physical therapy, and it helps the stress!

62
wrenchwench  Apr 3, 2016 • 3:02:54pm
63
Belafon  Apr 3, 2016 • 3:02:59pm

re: #58 Ziggy_TARDIS

No, not here. In Dallas, with some of the people at the Mosques.

Though, the lashing out is a consequence of the loneliness driving my stress to a point where I need to vent it off.

OK. I see. In meat space (haven’t written that in a while). Some people give crappy advice.

Not that I can give any specific advice for Muslims, but I remember when I went to University of Texas at Dallas (in Richardson), my female Muslim friends were pretty cool. Just keep looking. Be yourself. Unless you can be Batman. Then be Batman.

64
Belafon  Apr 3, 2016 • 3:04:01pm

re: #62 wrenchwench

[Embedded content]

Is anyone other than me actually surprised that the US is not colored red?

65
Ziggy_TARDIS  Apr 3, 2016 • 3:04:01pm

re: #61 retired cynic

It doesn’t make me feel any less lonely, which is the entire root of the problem.

Next person who sees a need to change me is going to get the anger equivalent of me dropping a planet on them.

66
Ziggy_TARDIS  Apr 3, 2016 • 3:06:39pm

re: #62 wrenchwench

That’s a 59-car pileup.

67
Ziggy_TARDIS  Apr 3, 2016 • 3:09:49pm

re: #66 Ziggy_TARDIS

Yes, I counted them. I know the positions of almost every nation, which helped.

68
Blind Frog Belly White  Apr 3, 2016 • 3:10:02pm

Great day for a ride! Not too hot, not too much wind, plus the wildflowers are liking the rains we had in March…

I saw some of these, though it looks like there’ll be lots more in a couple weeks…

Your Lupines or your life!

Some of these - same story, pre-peak…

Poppies will put them to sleeeeeeeeeppp…

Big patches of this…

Over and over…

Whole fields of these…

Two different species of purples

And a metric Fuck-Ton of this stuff…

Touch me…Roll in me…Rub me on your face…
69
The Ghost of the Spaghetti Weevil  Apr 3, 2016 • 3:10:26pm

re: #64 Belafon

Is anyone other than me actually surprised that the US is not colored red?

Not as weird as it seems. One, exotic locations like…Delaware…provide our shell needs. Two, some of these overseas firm specifically don’t take US clients.

70
Shiplord Kirel  Apr 3, 2016 • 3:10:30pm

My daughter, an analytical chemist and professor of same, has been bribed, blackmailed, or threatened into teaching a section of freshman geology this semester. In Kansas. Much mirth to be had at the expense of creationist indoctrinees, many of whom are astounded to learn that the “facts” they have been told were made up out of thin air. One is the belief, common in cretinist propaganda, that ages in the millions and billions of years are based on radiocarbon testing and therefore invalid because radiocarbon doesn’t go that far back. Er, no, radiocarbon is indeed limited to very recent times in geological terms, but no claim is made to the contrary anywhere in the scientific community. Mega and giga year dates are based on other processes.

Without strawmen and half truths, at least half the anti-science mob would be struck dumb immediately, with widespread fact-checking to eliminate the rest.

71
Kafitrar  Apr 3, 2016 • 3:10:36pm

re: #65 Ziggy_TARDIS

It doesn’t make me feel any less lonely, which is the entire root of the problem.

Next person who sees a need to change me is going to get the anger equivalent of me dropping a planet on them.

That’s why I suggested doing things not related to your faith. There seems to be some stressors there now.

72
Ziggy_TARDIS  Apr 3, 2016 • 3:12:25pm

re: #66 Ziggy_TARDIS

Correction, 57.

The 2 Caribbean Islands are almost certainly the islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe, who are 2 overseas Regions within France.

73
Belafon  Apr 3, 2016 • 3:14:02pm

re: #70 Shiplord Kirel

The one a creationist at work likes to bring up is the idea that radioactive atoms used for measuring age can “seep” from one rock to a nearby one.

74
Barefoot Grin  Apr 3, 2016 • 3:14:11pm

re: #70 Shiplord Kirel

My daughter, an analytical chemist and professor of same, has been bribed, blackmailed, or threatened into teaching a section of freshman geology this semester. In Kansas. Much mirth to be had at the expense of creationist indoctrinees, many of whom are astounded to learn that the “facts” they have been told were made up out of thin air. One is the belief, common in cretinist propaganda, that ages in the millions and billions of years are based on radiocarbon testing and therefore invalid because radiocarbon doesn’t go that far back. Er, no, radiocarbon is indeed limited to very recent times in geological terms, but no claim is made to the contrary anywhere in the scientific community. Mega and giga year dates are based on other processes.

Without strawmen and half truths, at least half the anti-science mob would be struck dumb immediately, with widespread fact-checking to eliminate the rest.

“It’s just a theory” is the favored last-ditch comeback line.

75
Blind Frog Belly White  Apr 3, 2016 • 3:16:40pm

re: #74 Barefoot Grin

“It’s just a theory” is the favored last-ditch comeback line.

That’s why you start innocently, teaching them that they’re misusing ‘theory’, when they mean ‘hypothesis’, and that ‘Theory’ is basically ‘Law’ sans the math.

Then when they say, “It’s only a theory!”, you can remind them what that actually means.

76
sagehen  Apr 3, 2016 • 3:17:45pm

re: #74 Barefoot Grin

“It’s just a theory” is the favored last-ditch comeback line.

So is gravity.

Yet they seem reluctant to test that one by stepping off the roof…

77
wrenchwench  Apr 3, 2016 • 3:17:47pm
78
Belafon  Apr 3, 2016 • 3:18:08pm

re: #75 Blind Frog Belly White

That’s why you start innocently, teaching them that they’re misusing ‘theory’, when they mean ‘hypothesis’, and that ‘Theory’ is basically ‘Law’ sans the math.

Then when they say, “It’s only a theory!”, you can remind them what that actually means.

a^2 + b^2 = c^2 is just a theory.

79
Eclectic Cyborg  Apr 3, 2016 • 3:18:31pm

re: #64 Belafon

Is anyone other than me actually surprised that the US is not colored red?

Well the tweet does mention the map only covers revelations in the first five hours. Takes a hell of a lot longer than that to search through 2+ TB of data.

80
wrenchwench  Apr 3, 2016 • 3:19:38pm

re: #79 Eclectic Cyborg

Well the tweet does mention the map only covers revelations in the first five hours. Takes a hell of a lot longer than that to search through 2+ TB of data.

Also only mentions public officials.

81
compound_Idaho  Apr 3, 2016 • 3:24:43pm

re: #76 sagehen

So is gravity.

Yet they seem reluctant to test that one by stepping off the roof…

Gravity sucks!

82
b_sharp  Apr 3, 2016 • 3:25:33pm

re: #75 Blind Frog Belly White

That’s why you start innocently, teaching them that they’re misusing ‘theory’, when they mean ‘hypothesis’, and that ‘Theory’ is basically ‘Law’ sans the math.

Then when they say, “It’s only a theory!”, you can remind them what that actually means.

They refuse to accept that there is a difference between the science use & the common use of the word theory. They can’t let go, because it allows them to dismiss select fields in science as too weak to be a threat to their god.

I routinely explain the differences between scientific theory, hypothesis & law to them, or at least I used to before frustration levels hit 11. The big push recently is denying evolution as a science, an idea generally based on including those areas we have high uncertainty in with the areas where confidence level is high. Tell them they’re poisoning the well which is dishonest and you get a big ‘no I’m not, you’re lying about evolution’.

83
wrenchwench  Apr 3, 2016 • 3:25:41pm

re: #10 Eclectic Cyborg

And suddenly Edward Snowden becomes old news…

Wussy Leaks

84
Shiplord Kirel  Apr 3, 2016 • 3:29:16pm

re: #76 sagehen

So is gravity.

Yet they seem reluctant to test that one by stepping off the roof…

One of the top Moon landing denialists, the late Ralph René , was also a pi denialist. He claimed that pi does not in fact go on to an infinite number of decimal places and, naturally, mathematicians are conspiring to cover this up. Other than a general luxuriation in evil, he did not explain why they would do this.
He was probably not, however, a pie denialist since he weighed about 400 pounds.
Needless to say, he was a 9-11 truther in his final years. He shuffled off this flat Earth in 2008.

85
thedopefishlives  Apr 3, 2016 • 3:31:50pm

re: #84 Shiplord Kirel

One of the top Moon landing denialists, the late Ralph René , was also a pi denialist. He claimed that pi does not in fact go on to an infinite number of decimal places and, naturally, mathematicians are conspiring to cover this up. Other than a general luxuriation in evil, he did not explain why they would do this.
He was probably not, however, a pie denialist since he weighed about 400 pounds.
Needless to say, he was a 9-11 truther in his final years. He shuffled off this flat Earth in 2008.

That makes almost zero sense to me, since there is a pretty straightforward mathematical proof that pi is an irrational number. It’s not like mathematicians have hidden this fact behind some arcane mumbo-jumbo; the proof is quite simple, despite having taken so long to finally prove in the first place.

86
b_sharp  Apr 3, 2016 • 3:31:52pm

re: #76 sagehen

So is gravity.

Yet they seem reluctant to test that one by stepping off the roof…

Use that one and you get - “gravity is a law and you can see it happen”. Their understanding that a theory is an explanation for observations is in the negative numbers. They have a fundamental misunderstanding of what has to be observed and how, for science to increase knowledge.

87
mmmirele  Apr 3, 2016 • 3:33:48pm

Here’s what Mossack Fonseca is telling its clients.

I read the articles, and the thing is, it was not a mail server breach. It was 2.6 TB of data including databases. *snort* It had to cost a small fortune for the press consortium to just process the data.

88
Barefoot Grin  Apr 3, 2016 • 3:34:57pm

Doonesbury had a couple of great comics that mocked the creationists. Sorry I can’t post them so you can immediately see, but I can never quite figure that out.

gocomics.com

gocomics.com

89
darthstar  Apr 3, 2016 • 3:36:06pm

This stupid fucker needs to remember he’s only still breathing oxygen because Putin wants him to.

90
Skip Intro  Apr 3, 2016 • 3:36:50pm

Protesters sing ‘Let Us Pee’ at LGBT rally outside N.C. governor’s house

To the tune of Let It Be, of course.

Are Republicans capable of being embarrassed by anything they do?

sanluisobispo.com

91
Ziggy_TARDIS  Apr 3, 2016 • 3:37:00pm

re: #89 darthstar

Putin’s cronies are in there by the shitton.

92
plansbandc  Apr 3, 2016 • 3:44:01pm

re: #84 Shiplord Kirel

He shuffled off this flat earth…

Guffawed.

93
mmmirele  Apr 3, 2016 • 3:46:03pm

Seriously, as someone who works for an evil, too big to fail financial institution which handles millions and millions of transactions a day across thousands of servers, midrange and mainframe boxes, I really want to know what the press consortium used to slice and dice the data. What database, what hardware? So nosy I am…

95
GlutenFreeJesus  Apr 3, 2016 • 3:56:45pm

re: #62 wrenchwench

[Embedded content]

So far…

96
b.d.  Apr 3, 2016 • 3:56:55pm

re: #91 Ziggy_TARDIS

re: #87 mmmirele

If I were a Mossack Fonseca executive right now I’d go ahead and drop off the face of the earth before some of my clients drop me off the face of the earth.

97
Ming5000  Apr 3, 2016 • 3:57:50pm

Doing a “Babes for Trump” Google image search. For research purposes only!
Some interesting findings. More investigation required.

98
unproven innocence  Apr 3, 2016 • 3:58:18pm

Charles, I thought I’d try navigating to the linked page from a higher-level point at the website, but this was an unexpected result:
Hello, I am a java script test analytics page panamapapers.icij.org

99
Le Lapin Tueur  Apr 3, 2016 • 4:00:47pm

re: #86 b_sharp

Use that one and you get - “gravity is a law and you can see it happen”. Their understanding that a theory is an explanation for observations is in the negative numbers. They have a fundamental misunderstanding of what has to be observed and how, for science to increase knowledge.

I can’t see gravity and neither can anybody else. We see the results of gravitational pull. But, there are many explanations for what we observe. The law comes from all those observations glommed together into a working hypothesis. Not news to you, but their observation of jumping out a window and going splat proves didlyshit.

100
Sophist, Premature Anti-Trumpist  Apr 3, 2016 • 4:04:05pm

re: #90 Skip Intro

Protesters sing ‘Let Us Pee’ at LGBT rally outside N.C. governor’s house

To the tune of Let It Be, of course.

Are Republicans capable of being embarrassed by anything they do?

sanluisobispo.com

Pee at last, pee at last, thank God Almighty we can pee at last.

(With all due apologies to Dr. King.)

101
Jay C  Apr 3, 2016 • 4:04:39pm

re: #98 unproven innocence

Not completely unexpected - re: #49 Jay C
Though it’s likely this site is going to be borked for quite a while: this is a HUGE scoop.

re: #64 Belafon

Is anyone other than me actually surprised that the US is not colored red?

I’m sure that there is somebody in the US, like many of their counterparts abroad, who is frantically pushing a “delete” key as we post…

102
Ziggy_TARDIS  Apr 3, 2016 • 4:07:09pm

Oh, by the way, remember how the Czech Republic was going to be so much nicer to Christian Refugees.

Czech Minister of the Interior Milan Chovanec says that authorities in Prague will send a group of 25 Iraqi Christians back to Iraq after they tried to move to Germany rather than staying in the Czech Republic. The refugees were on their way to Germany via bus before being stopped at the border. Czech authorities agreed to a request by the German police to take the people back. Chovanec said the 25 Iraqis abused Czech generosity and should go back to Iraq within seven days.

Not so much.

103
Charles Johnson  Apr 3, 2016 • 4:12:24pm

Jesus. Just read that whole Chuck Johnson article and he’s actually offering a reward for John Podhoretz’s divorce filings. What the actual fuck. This asshole just keeps getting more disgusting.

104
unproven innocence  Apr 3, 2016 • 4:13:22pm

re: #101 Jay C

Not completely unexpected -
Though it’s likely this site is going to be borked for quite a while: this is a HUGE scoop.

I’m sure that there is somebody in the US, like many of their counterparts abroad, who is frantically pushing a “delete” key as we post…

Thanks. Hadn’t yet browsed the thread. One bit of weirdness which I noticed when I examined the html page source was a fairly long numeric ID that seemed to be part of the “URL”. Have no idea if that was purely related to the site, or to something else, such as possibly tracking visitors.

105
Targetpractice  Apr 3, 2016 • 4:13:31pm

re: #103 Charles Johnson

Jesus. Just read that whole Chuck Johnson article and he’s actually offering a reward for John Podhoretz’s divorce filings. What the actual fuck. This asshole just keeps getting more disgusting.

Why do I have this image in my head of Chucky one day being found face down in the gutter after having his ass beaten black and blue by one of his former “friends”?

106
thedopefishlives  Apr 3, 2016 • 4:15:00pm

re: #103 Charles Johnson

Jesus. Just read that whole Chuck Johnson article and he’s actually offering a reward for John Podhoretz’s divorce filings. What the actual fuck. This asshole just keeps getting more disgusting.

Wait. What? Exactly what does he want those for? How much has our boy been drinking?

107
wrenchwench  Apr 3, 2016 • 4:15:33pm

Me, yesterday:

It worked. No snow today.

108
gocart mozart  Apr 3, 2016 • 4:18:34pm

interesting Cruz/D.C. Madam connection article themarshallreport.wordpress.com
Also,
Lyin’ Ted Cruz

109
TedStriker  Apr 3, 2016 • 4:19:08pm

re: #105 Targetpractice

Why do I have this image in my head of Chucky one day being found face down in the gutter after having his ass beaten black and blue by one of his former “friends”?

Screw the gutter…he might get the “concrete shoes and taken out to international waters” treatment, depending who he pisses off.

110
b.d.  Apr 3, 2016 • 4:25:00pm

re: #105 Targetpractice

Why do I have this image in my head of Chucky one day being found face down in the gutter after having his ass beaten black and blue by one of his former “friends”?

That’s why it’s safer to keep picking on Ben Shapiro.

//

111
A Cranky One  Apr 3, 2016 • 4:28:54pm

re: #109 TedStriker

Screw the gutter…he might get the “concrete shoes and taken out to international waters” treatment, depending who he pisses off.

Wonder how the HAW will respond to his spending money on such stupidity when they need a lawn mower?

Of course, given his recent flurry of misogynistic posts, I suspect he’s already in the dog house.

112
Barefoot Grin  Apr 3, 2016 • 4:32:44pm

re: #108 gocart mozart

interesting Cruz/D.C. Madam connection article themarshallreport.wordpress.com
Also,
[Embedded content]

Will we soon have an announcement “…want to spend more time with my family…”? Probably not. These things seem not to doom some GOP candidates.

113
Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)  Apr 3, 2016 • 4:33:19pm

re: #74 Barefoot Grin

“It’s just a theory” is the favored last-ditch comeback line.

because they do not understand the difference between a scientific theory and “I have a theory about…”

114
allegro  Apr 3, 2016 • 4:40:50pm

re: #112 Barefoot Grin

Will we soon have an announcement “…want to spend more time with my family…”? Probably not. These things seem not to doom some GOP candidates.

I find it easier to believe that Cruz paid one woman for sex than five women doing him for free. Dunno why.

115
Barefoot Grin  Apr 3, 2016 • 4:42:07pm

re: #114 allegro

I find it easier to believe that Cruz paid one woman for sex than five women doing him for free. Dunno why.

LOL

Expect lots of stuff about Bill Clinton from Cruz’s Christian supporters.

116
stpaulbear  Apr 3, 2016 • 4:46:18pm

re: #114 allegro

I find it easier to believe that Cruz paid one woman for sex than five women doing him for free. Dunno why.

I’d say that, to Cruz, paying for sex would mean it’s a transaction rather than lust, so it’s not a sin.

117
Eric The Fruit Bat  Apr 3, 2016 • 4:46:20pm

re: #108 gocart mozart

Depends if that numer was really Cruz’s number or not at the time the call was placed. Cellphone numbers do have a habit of a high churn rate-Cruz would have to have his carrier cough up the in-service date. Then again, Cruz would lie anyway…..

118
Eric The Fruit Bat  Apr 3, 2016 • 4:48:34pm

re: #111 A Cranky One

Ever notice how a lot or RW nutters have asian wives? Rage Furby, McConnell, Gramm, Derbyshire? Strange….

119
Barefoot Grin  Apr 3, 2016 • 4:49:54pm

What does Roger Stone have to do with the Marshall Report?

120
MsJ  Apr 3, 2016 • 4:51:38pm

re: #25 Backwoods_Sleuth

BREAKING NEWS: Reports: Iceland PM has resigned after #PanamaLeaks.
4:35 PM - 3 Apr 201

Is this the same PM that was there when their banks collapsed and they just kept all those UK bank customers’ money?

121
Charles Johnson  Apr 3, 2016 • 4:56:23pm
122
Ziggy_TARDIS  Apr 3, 2016 • 4:56:54pm

re: #120 MsJ

No. That would be the previous one, from 2009 to 2013, Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir.

123
Decatur Deb  Apr 3, 2016 • 4:57:49pm

re: #103 Charles Johnson

Jesus. Just read that whole Chuck Johnson article and he’s actually offering a reward for John Podhoretz’s divorce filings. What the actual fuck. This asshole just keeps getting more disgusting.

Yes, disgusting. OTOH, the RW zoo has been raising rabid gerbils for profit for some decades, so it’s no surprise to see an occasional bite.

I blamed the victims here. Mea Fuckn’ Culpa.

124
klys (maker of Silmarils)  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:00:15pm

Taxes filed, hooray?

125
Ziggy_TARDIS  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:00:49pm

re: #122 Ziggy_TARDIS

The one before her was Geir Haarde.

From 1991 to 2009, there were a series of Governments that were very conservative, and pushed for heavy deregulation. This eventually backfired.

After that was sorted, they elected a Conservative Government again in 2013. And now that government is in severe trouble in regards to Shell Companies.

Finland’s Hard Right government also has members there implicated.

126
Decatur Deb  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:02:10pm

re: #124 klys (maker of Silmarils)

Taxes filed, hooray?

Celebrate with a nice box Zinfandel, if you can still afford it.

127
Barefoot Grin  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:03:19pm

re: #124 klys (maker of Silmarils)

Taxes filed, hooray?

You could have set up a shell company in an off-shore location, you know.

128
klys (maker of Silmarils)  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:03:40pm

re: #126 Decatur Deb

Celebrate with a nice box Zinfandel, if you can still afford it.

They are not sending us money this year, sadly.

On the plus side, we managed to not owe them any extra on top of what didn’t quite get covered, which is always a bonus.

(The plight of the fluctuating income.)

129
William Lewis  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:03:43pm

re: #70 Shiplord Kirel

She has my sympathy and pity.

I know what I’d do (put this quote on the black board the first day “The truth of our faith becomes a matter of ridicule among the infidels if any [Christian], not gifted with the necessary scientific learning, presents as dogma what scientific scrutiny shows to be false.
Thomas Aquinas”
and then not pull any punches on the materials. But depending on just how badly their prior “edumacation” has damaged them she might not have time for that in a single semester… O_o

Sad that it takes our best so much to fix what should have never been broken in the first place.

130
Decatur Deb  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:03:50pm

re: #127 Barefoot Grin

You could have set up a shell company in an off-shore location, you know.

Staten Island might work.

131
Barefoot Grin  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:05:59pm

re: #130 Decatur Deb

Staten Island might work.

“Hiya, Shelly’s Sea Shells By the Sea Shore, what can I do for ya?”

132
Great White Snark  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:07:35pm

re: #68 Blind Frog Belly White

Great day for a ride! Not too hot, not too much wind, plus the wildflowers are liking the rains we had in March…

I saw some of these, though it looks like there’ll be lots more in a couple weeks…

[Embedded content]

Looking good. Hope for the same around here.

133
calochortus  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:07:47pm

re: #68 Blind Frog Belly White

Great day for a ride! Not too hot, not too much wind, plus the wildflowers are liking the rains we had in March…

I saw some of these, though it looks like there’ll be lots more in a couple weeks…

[Embedded content]

#1,2 and (unfortunately) 5 are native. #3 and 4 are not.

134
Ming5000  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:07:52pm

Here is a good video regarding the Panama Papers out of India. I am not sure what laws apply for the US, but from an Indian perspective I think some people are in trouble.
Video

Published on Apr 3, 2016
Individuals who have set up offshore entities through the Panama law firm. Some of the Indians floated offshore entities at a time when laws did not allow them to do so; some have taken a technically convenient view that companies acquired is not the same as companies incorporated;……..

135
BeachDem  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:08:40pm

re: #128 klys (maker of Silmarils)

They are not sending us money this year, sadly.

On the plus side, we managed to not owe them any extra on top of what didn’t quite get covered, which is always a bonus.

(The plight of the fluctuating income.)

I actually have my stuff ready to go to the accountant this week, and have made all of my estimated payments. A first. Last year, I threw some crap together April 14, wrote a check for an arbitrary amount (just to show good intent) and got an extension. I actually overpaid, so had a head start on 2015 estimates.

136
thedopefishlives  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:11:22pm

re: #128 klys (maker of Silmarils)

They are not sending us money this year, sadly.

On the plus side, we managed to not owe them any extra on top of what didn’t quite get covered, which is always a bonus.

(The plight of the fluctuating income.)

I spent hours laboring over figuring out whether we would owe money when Mrs. Fish starts up her summer daycare business this year. After working through laborious arcane equations, the answer came back: Not only no, but fuck no, why did I waste hours doing this kind of no. Ugh. Stupid tax code.

137
Decatur Deb  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:11:47pm

re: #129 William Lewis

She has my sympathy and pity.

I know what I’d do (put this quote on the black board the first day “The truth of our faith becomes a matter of ridicule among the infidels if any [Christian], not gifted with the necessary scientific learning, presents as dogma what scientific scrutiny shows to be false.
Thomas Aquinas”
and then not pull any punches on the materials. But depending on just how badly their prior “edumacation” has damaged them she might not have time for that in a single semester… O_o

Sad that it takes our best so much to fix what should have never been broken in the first place.

Aquinas is a Thomas-come-lately. On a good day in the 3rd century, Tertullian could drop:

Quippe res dei ratio quia deus omnium conditor nihil non ratione providit disposuit ordinavit, nihil [enim] non ratione tractari intellegique voluit.

For reason is a property of God’s, since there is nothing which God, the creator of all things, has not foreseen, arranged and determined by reason; moreover, there is nothing He does not wish to be investigated and understood by reason.

(He also had his bad days.)

138
klys (maker of Silmarils)  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:13:07pm

re: #136 thedopefishlives

I spent hours laboring over figuring out whether we would owe money when Mrs. Fish starts up her summer daycare business this year. After working through laborious arcane equations, the answer came back: Not only no, but fuck no, why did I waste hours doing this kind of no. Ugh. Stupid tax code.

My dad is a big fan of taking the previous year’s tax return in TurboTax and changing numbers to figure out what tax consequences certain actions have. It’s not exact, but it gives a good idea relatively quickly.

Obviously only works if you use TurboTax.

139
thedopefishlives  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:14:05pm

re: #138 klys (maker of Silmarils)

My dad is a big fan of taking the previous year’s tax return in TurboTax and changing numbers to figure out what tax consequences certain actions have. It’s not exact, but it gives a good idea relatively quickly.

Obviously only works if you use TurboTax.

I did that, but since I’m new to self-employment income reporting, it took me a long time to figure out how to actually do it. I think I got the hang of it now.

140
Charles Johnson  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:17:04pm

Instagram

#AFPrepost by @farshadusyan
・・・
Afghan burqa clad women feed pigeons at courtyard of Hz.Ali shrine in Mazar-i-sharif, Afghanistan.

141
Ming5000  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:17:55pm

re: #108 gocart mozart

interesting Cruz/D.C. Madam connection article themarshallreport.wordpress.com
Also,
[Embedded content]

I do not think that there is any connection shown in this article. It is nothing but .. innuendo. is that the right term?

If you don’t know what this is. It is a page of Debora Pelfrey,s phone records.(The DC Madam) Ted Cruz private numbers are supposedly on it!

142
calochortus  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:18:09pm

re: #128 klys (maker of Silmarils)

They are not sending us money this year, sadly.

On the plus side, we managed to not owe them any extra on top of what didn’t quite get covered, which is always a bonus.

(The plight of the fluctuating income.)

You don’t want them to send you money. It would just mean they had your money without paying interest. Not that you’d have made much on it with current interest rates, but thems the breaks.
Not owing is a good thing.

143
William Lewis  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:18:55pm

re: #137 Decatur Deb

Aquinas is a Thomas-come-lately. On a good day in the 3rd century, Tertullian could drop:

Quippe res dei ratio quia deus omnium conditor nihil non ratione providit disposuit ordinavit, nihil [enim] non ratione tractari intellegique voluit.

For reason is a property of God’s, since there is nothing which God, the creator of all things, has not foreseen, arranged and determined by reason; moreover, there is nothing He does not wish to be investigated and understood by reason.

Better quote from him than usual.

(He also had his bad days.)

There must be some British blood in you for that bit of understatement.

Still, the Kansas types may have heard the name Aquinas - I seriously doubt any of the fundies (at least none of the ones I’ve run into of late) have really dug deep enough to have run into the sewers that Tertullian hung out it… < whistles innocently >

144
b_sharp  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:19:01pm

Max just had his first in-the-sink paw cleaning of the season. He did not look too happy about it, and he’s still reviewing the job I did.

He seems to think I did a poor job, he’s redoing it all.

145
thedopefishlives  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:19:39pm

re: #142 calochortus

You don’t want them to send you money. It would just mean they had your money without paying interest. Not that you’d have made much on it with current interest rates, but thems the breaks.
Not owing is a good thing.

Honestly, I kind of treat it like a bonus. I know, it’s “my” money and they’re keeping it without interest, but it’s nice to have the lump sum come in once a year and use it to spoil ourselves.

146
Charles Johnson  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:21:06pm

The Rage Furby also says he’s sending derogatory email to John Podhoretz’s Commentary investors as well as offering money for his divorce filings. I have to wonder if Podhoretz might consider suing the Furby — he’s threatening to damage Podhoretz’s business with defamatory claims. Wouldn’t that be ironic?

147
Great White Snark  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:21:11pm

Just curious how many of you have seen Cartel Land and if you have, how/if it changed your look at how we enforce the border. I’m about to see it through for the first time.

148
calochortus  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:21:19pm

re: #145 thedopefishlives

Honestly, I kind of treat it like a bonus. I know, it’s “my” money and they’re keeping it without interest, but it’s nice to have the lump sum come in once a year and use it to spoil ourselves.

Whatever works for you. As I said, you really aren’t getting anything for it if it is in your hands anyway.

149
William Lewis  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:21:30pm

re: #145 thedopefishlives

Honestly, I kind of treat it like a bonus. I know, it’s “my” money and they’re keeping it without interest, but it’s nice to have the lump sum come in once a year and use it to spoil ourselves.

Yep, it’s an enforced one year savings plan that comes due every April instead of December so we can spend it on ourselves rather than on others ;D

Guitars, amps, guns, other toys …

150
stpaulbear  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:21:41pm

re: #128 klys (maker of Silmarils)

They are not sending us money this year, sadly.

On the plus side, we managed to not owe them any extra on top of what didn’t quite get covered, which is always a bonus.

(The plight of the fluctuating income.)

I had my taxes done on Friday. I’m getting a nice federal refund, but I owe the state $4.

151
calochortus  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:23:01pm

Actually we got money back from the Feds this year. Like Klys, it’s that fluctuating income thing…

152
klys (maker of Silmarils)  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:23:31pm

re: #142 calochortus

You don’t want them to send you money. It would just mean they had your money without paying interest. Not that you’d have made much on it with current interest rates, but thems the breaks.
Not owing is a good thing.

That’s the ideal, I agree. However. It’s sometimes easier to have them owe us money rather than having penalties.

This year we did owe, but not quite enough to have any penalties. Next year could be a different story.

153
Barefoot Grin  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:25:11pm

The wife works for a foreign company from her computer and doesn’t get her taxes paid as part of the deal. We end up on the hook for about $1K each year.

154
thedopefishlives  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:26:46pm

re: #153 Barefoot Grin

The wife works for a foreign company from her computer and doesn’t get her taxes paid as part of the deal. We end up on the hook for about $1K each year.

Might want to be careful with that - by law, if you owe more than $1k in taxes, you’re supposed to pay estimated taxes every quarter. There’s a calculation worksheet you can fill out to figure out if you owe estimated taxes.

155
Decatur Deb  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:27:51pm

re: #143 William Lewis

Better quote from him than usual.

There must be some British blood in you for that bit of understatement.

Still, the Kansas types may have heard the name Aquinas - I seriously doubt any of the fundies (at least none of the ones I’ve run into of late) have really dug deep enough to have run into the sewers that Tertullian hung out it… < whistles innocently >

My last-finished Donna Leon mystery novel revolved around Tertullian, and one of the characters was ironically nic-named for him.

amazon.com

156
Barefoot Grin  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:29:07pm

re: #154 thedopefishlives

Might want to be careful with that - by law, if you owe more than $1k in taxes, you’re supposed to pay estimated taxes every quarter. There’s a calculation worksheet you can fill out to figure out if you owe estimated taxes.

Wow. I didn’t know that. We’ve done this for several years.

157
calochortus  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:30:35pm

What I wouldn’t give for a simplified tax code-even if we paid a bit more. However, a few years ago I did a very unscientific survey of some people I know on a chat group and realized that not only do various powerful “interest groups” want those deductions, but a lot of people would rather get recognition of their life choices (deductions for children, for home ownership, etc.) in the tax code than pay the same or a bit less and not get deductions. Seems silly to me, but apparently no one really wants the tax code simplified, they just want to shift the burden around.

158
William Lewis  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:31:37pm

re: #155 Decatur Deb

My last-finished Donna Leon mystery novel revolved around Tertullian, and one of the characters was ironically nic-named for him.

amazon.com

Looks very interesting. Library time!
(ETA: got that one on hold. #23? This could be a time killer…)

159
thedopefishlives  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:31:40pm

re: #157 calochortus

I’m all in favor of a simpler tax code. As long as I don’t have to pay any more, I don’t really care all that much how we get there. And a simpler tax code makes it easier to ensure everyone pays their fair share.

160
calochortus  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:31:50pm

re: #156 Barefoot Grin

Wow. I didn’t know that. We’ve done this for several years.

You could up your withholding at work to cover the amount too, I think.

161
Eric The Fruit Bat  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:32:43pm

re: #146 Charles Johnson

His rage is so hot I can imagine once he get back on The Book of Faces he’ll post some white-flaming hot shit he’ll wind up with a permaban in under a week.

(To the Speed Racer intro)
Go Rage Furby!
Go Rage Furby!
Go Rage Furby Go!

(crashing into the wall…….)

162
thedopefishlives  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:32:50pm

re: #160 calochortus

You could up your withholding at work to cover the amount too, I think.

Yes, you can. It’s based on the amount you actually owe (or are estimated to owe). If you up your withholding, it reduces the amount you are estimated to owe. I did all this research as part of figuring out how to manage the tax situation for Mrs. Fish’s self-employment income.

163
Charles Johnson  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:34:08pm
164
Barefoot Grin  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:34:24pm

re: #160 calochortus

You could up your withholding at work to cover the amount too, I think.

I think this is probably better for us. Though we struggle as it is. Sucks to be considered almost “middle class” and live in an area with very high cost of living.

165
klys (maker of Silmarils)  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:34:45pm

re: #154 thedopefishlives

Might want to be careful with that - by law, if you owe more than $1k in taxes, you’re supposed to pay estimated taxes every quarter. There’s a calculation worksheet you can fill out to figure out if you owe estimated taxes.

More fun tax facts: penalties don’t actually kick in unless you owe more than $1k and failed to pay 90% of the amount you owe this year OR 100% of the amount you paid the previous year (110% if your AGI is above …I think it’s $159,000).

I am somewhat familiar with this gray area, yes.

166
Decatur Deb  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:35:07pm

re: #158 William Lewis

Looks very interesting. Library time!

She has 25 Commissario Brunetti mysteries out now. It’s best to start with the first, and watch him grow over the last 25 years. Totally delightful guy, always sees justice is served, rarely ends in a conviction.

amazon.com

167
thedopefishlives  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:35:14pm

re: #165 klys (maker of Silmarils)

More fun tax facts: penalties don’t actually kick in unless you owe more than $1k and failed to pay 90% of the amount you owe this year OR 100% of the amount you paid the previous year (110% if your AGI is above …I think it’s $159,000).

I am somewhat familiar with this gray area, yes.

Yep, you and me both. As I mentioned, I did pretty extensive research to make sure I did all this right.

168
Barefoot Grin  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:36:15pm

re: #165 klys (maker of Silmarils)

More fun tax facts: penalties don’t actually kick in unless you owe more than $1k and failed to pay 90% of the amount you owe this year OR 100% of the amount you paid the previous year (110% if your AGI is above …I think it’s $159,000).

I am somewhat familiar with this gray area, yes.

We pay in full every year.

169
klys (maker of Silmarils)  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:37:03pm

re: #164 Barefoot Grin

I think this is probably better for us. Though we struggle as it is. Sucks to be considered almost “middle class” and live in an area with very high cost of living.

It’d just be a change from having to write the lump sum in April versus having it deducted slowly over the course of the year. You probably aren’t technically triggering penalties, and you could do it half and half - bump up your withholdings to cover half of it and reduce the taxes owed to under $1k.

170
Barefoot Grin  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:38:30pm

re: #169 klys (maker of Silmarils)

It’d just be a change from having to write the lump sum in April versus having it deducted slowly over the course of the year. You probably aren’t technically triggering penalties, and you could do it half and half - bump up your withholdings to cover half of it and reduce the taxes owed to under $1k.

This is the key. I’m not very savvy. We’d just have to tighten the belt a bit each month. Thanks.

171
b.d.  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:38:49pm

Jeb Lund wrote a great article on the remnants of Ann Coulter:

There isn’t a lot of joy left in this presidential election, so we may as well pause a moment to appreciate those little satisfactions. When Ann Coulter tells Milo Yiannopoulos that she thinks Donald Trump is “mental”, try to see past the predictably crass slur and enjoy it.

Apparently, Yiannopoulos has a podcast. I mean, I guess he does. I didn’t listen past the preview. Anyway, this is where Ann Coulter gets to spend her time now.

theguardian.com

Ann Coulter’s job now, though she won’t admit it, is reckoning with whatever Donald Trump does, because his entire campaign has either moved to the right of her or flattened her in position. She didn’t land on Donald Trump’s point of view; for all intents and purposes, Donald Trump landed on her.

For his part, Yiannopoulos is downright plummy throughout the interview, giggling like Ernst Röhm hosting The View.

///

These are the joys we have. In campaign 2016, you can watch someone whose work normally turns your stomach belly up to a buffet full of nauseating items and force them down, one by one, with a smile.

Beautiful

172
William Lewis  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:40:47pm

re: #166 Decatur Deb

She has 25 Commissario Brunetti mysteries out now. It’s best to start with the first, and watch him grow over the last 25 years. Totally delightful guy, always sees justice is served, rarely ends in a conviction.

amazon.com

Ok, put that one on hold instead. Thank you!

173
Snarknado!  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:40:47pm

Between federal and state taxes, I could have bought a (crappy used) car for the taxes I paid with my return.

(After my last attempt, I’m leaving the calculation of penalties, if any, to the IRS. I’m sure they’ll tell me if I owe anything.)

174
GlutenFreeJesus  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:42:01pm

So, these trippy local guys in the Chi are very close to reaching their kickstarter goal for their new album. I was at this show in April last year and it was pretty remarkable. :)

Sioum “and Technological Advancements” Live at Cobra Lounge

175
klys (maker of Silmarils)  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:42:46pm

re: #168 Barefoot Grin

We pay in full every year.

It’s a weird, fussy gray area. I am mostly familiar with it because like I said, fluctuating income. We do have years where the swings are large enough that we could be in danger of owing penalties - mostly going from a lower income year to a higher income year, but also vice versa if we’re not careful.

Don’t get me started on the tax code regarding non-tuition scholarship benefits as income.

176
stpaulbear  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:43:19pm

I need to ask a question that’s kind of moronic given the tech expertise at LGF:

I just got my first smart phone this weekend. I don’t have WiFi at home, but my phone tells me that there’s an unlocked ‘xfinitywifi’ network available. Will Xfinity come looking to bill me if I connect to their WiFi network? I don’t have a cable hookup to my house so I’m not a Comcast/Xfinity customer at all. All I’m paying for is a landline and DSL service through CenturyLink.

177
William Lewis  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:43:42pm

re: #171 b.d.

giggling like Ernst Röhm hosting The View.

That has got to be the most mind boggling phrase I have ever read in my life… O_O

178
BeachDem  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:43:48pm

re: #154 thedopefishlives

Might want to be careful with that - by law, if you owe more than $1k in taxes, you’re supposed to pay estimated taxes every quarter. There’s a calculation worksheet you can fill out to figure out if you owe estimated taxes.

I’ve been self-employed as a freelancer since 1983. I am terrible about paying my estimates. But the penalties and interest have been pretty low over the years. The worst thing that ever happened was I lost a 1099 one time, and two years later the IRS politely pointed out that I owed back taxes, penalties etc.

179
calochortus  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:45:16pm

re: #176 stpaulbear

I need to ask a question that’s kind of moronic given the tech expertise at LGF:

I just got my first smart phone this weekend. I don’t have WiFi at home, but my phone tells me that there’s an unlocked ‘xfinitywifi’ network available. Will Xfinity come looking to bill me if I connect to their WiFi network? I don’t have a cable hookup to my house so I’m not a Comcast/Xfinity customer at all. All I’m paying for is a landline and DSL service through CenturyLink.

Maybe a neighbor has an account and doesn’t use a password to protect it?

180
Barefoot Grin  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:45:50pm

re: #175 klys (maker of Silmarils)

It’s a weird, fussy gray area. I am mostly familiar with it because like I said, fluctuating income. We do have years where the swings are large enough that we could be in danger of owing penalties - mostly going from a lower income year to a higher income year, but also vice versa if we’re not careful.

Don’t get me started on the tax code regarding non-tuition scholarship benefits as income.

Oh shit. I have a high school freshman. I’m not ready.

181
William Lewis  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:47:38pm

re: #176 stpaulbear

Means one of your neighbors - and a fairly close physically one - doesn’t have a password on their wireless that they pay for. If it’s a business (bar, restaurant, etc) I’d feel no shame in leeching it. If it’s another Joe Snuffy like you? Well, then, don’t do anything illegal short term and add wifi to your CenturyLink account (it’s easy enough with them).

182
klys (maker of Silmarils)  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:47:48pm

re: #170 Barefoot Grin

This is the key. I’m not very savvy. We’d just have to tighten the belt a bit each month. Thanks.

A lot of times it’s easier to adjust to a small change like that instead of scrambling to come up with the lump sum. mr. klys and I had to adjust our withholdings a bunch when I was in grad school (the marriage penalty was not kind to me) but were able to dial things back a lot when I graduated.

re: #180 Barefoot Grin

Oh shit. I have a high school freshman. I’m not ready.

The good news (hah) is that it’s mostly the room and board portion of the scholarship that gets counted as income. I suppose fees and if it gives money for books and stuff too.

On the plus side, you can deduct some of that as well?

(For what it is worth, I know a lot of folks who didn’t report that stuff. None of them were ever audited to my knowledge.)

183
Jay C  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:49:47pm

re: #176 stpaulbear

I need to ask a question that’s kind of moronic given the tech expertise at LGF:

I just got my first smart phone this weekend. I don’t have WiFi at home, but my phone tells me that there’s an unlocked ‘xfinitywifi’ network available. Will Xfinity come looking to bill me if I connect to their WiFi network? I don’t have a cable hookup to my house so I’m not a Comcast/Xfinity customer at all. All I’m paying for is a landline and DSL service through CenturyLink.

There are no moronic tech questions, bear, just answers that will go over your head…. ;)

But if this is in fact an open ” unlocked” wireless network, then you should be able to log in - I.e. , poach the signal - without having to pay. Just don’t expect a good connection.
I live in an apartment building in Manhattan: my devices usually pull in - at one strength or another - about 20 - 25 networks at at time. And, it being NY - usually NONE are unlocked.

184
Decatur Deb  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:50:07pm

re: #181 William Lewis

Means one of your neighbors - and a fairly close physically one - doesn’t have a password on their wireless that they pay for. If it’s a business (bar, restaurant, etc) I’d feel no shame in leeching it. If it’s another Joe Snuffy like you? Well, then, don’t do anything illegal short term and add wifi to your CenturyLink account (it’s easy enough with them).

Following the open-source ethic of my Penguinista kid, I don’t protect my xfinity wifi. I’ve never detected any penalty from it.

185
Barefoot Grin  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:50:35pm

re: #182 klys (maker of Silmarils)

A lot of times it’s easier to adjust to a small change like that instead of scrambling to come up with the lump sum. mr. klys and I had to adjust our withholdings a bunch when I was in grad school (the marriage penalty was not kind to me) but were able to dial things back a lot when I graduated.

The good news (hah) is that it’s mostly the room and board portion of the scholarship that gets counted as income. I suppose fees and if it gives money for books and stuff too.

On the plus side, you can deduct some of that as well?

(For what it is worth, I know a lot of folks who didn’t report that stuff. None of them were ever audited to my knowledge.)

I think I’ll have other issues. Where I work we have reciprocal tuition exchanges with other colleges. It’s supposed to be the thing that makes up for my crappy pay. I don’t think my son wants to go to any of those schools, but we may not have a choice. I’m not sure if that counts as income, but your response makes me think it may not.

186
b.d.  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:50:39pm

re: #177 William Lewis

That has got to be the most mind boggling phrase I have ever read in my life… O_O

No lack of imagery in that sentence. I’m just not sure what it means but I like it.

187
Charles Johnson  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:51:08pm

re: #176 stpaulbear

I need to ask a question that’s kind of moronic given the tech expertise at LGF:

I just got my first smart phone this weekend. I don’t have WiFi at home, but my phone tells me that there’s an unlocked ‘xfinitywifi’ network available. Will Xfinity come looking to bill me if I connect to their WiFi network? I don’t have a cable hookup to my house so I’m not a Comcast/Xfinity customer at all. All I’m paying for is a landline and DSL service through CenturyLink.

It’s probably a neighbor’s wifi - pretty sure Xfinity itself wouldn’t leave a wifi network unprotected. And Xfinity will probably notice if someone other than a customer starts using that connection. Best not to chance it.

188
calochortus  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:51:13pm

re: #179 calochortus

Maybe a neighbor has an account and doesn’t use a password to protect it?

If you do use your neighbor’s wifi and they are in any way technologically savvy, they can go in and find out that you are using it. The fact that there is no password protection argues that they are not, in fact, technologically savvy.

189
William Lewis  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:52:47pm

re: #184 Decatur Deb

I personally agree when I have an unlimited account. Currently I have a 15 gb phone data link and that gets thin by months end so I do password this one. :(

190
EmmaAnne  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:53:06pm

re: #159 thedopefishlives

I’m all in favor of a simpler tax code. As long as I don’t have to pay any more, I don’t really care all that much how we get there. And a simpler tax code makes it easier to ensure everyone pays their fair share.

If you have your own business there really isn’t much simplifying to be had. Figuring what is income is the complex part, not figuring out how much to pay on the income.

191
Stanley Sea  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:53:53pm

OK, I’ll bbl. The Walking Dead finale starting shortly.

192
stpaulbear  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:55:18pm

re: #179 calochortus

Maybe a neighbor has an account and doesn’t use a password to protect it?

There are about a dozen and a half locked systems that come up that I actually recognize some of the names. It may be a system that’s set up for the artist’s community that’s a couple blocks from my house.

If it’s a neighbor, will my use get added to their bill?

193
Backwoods_Sleuth  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:55:41pm

re: #191 Stanley Sea

OK, I’ll bbl. The Walking Dead finale starting shortly.

me, too.

I’m already ticked off after last week’s episode.
:D

194
calochortus  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:57:14pm

re: #192 stpaulbear

There are about a dozen and a half locked systems that come up that I actually recognize some of the names. It may be a system that’s set up for the artist’s community that’s a couple blocks from my house.

If it’s a neighbor, will my use get added to their bill?

Yes, assuming it’s not unlimited (or such a high limit that they don’t reach it.)

A couple blocks seems like a long distance to be getting their wifi. It’s more likely to be someone within a house or two of you.

195
klys (maker of Silmarils)  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:57:25pm

re: #185 Barefoot Grin

I think I’ll have other issues. Where I work we have reciprocal tuition exchanges with other colleges. It’s supposed to be the thing that makes up for my crappy pay. I don’t think my son wants to go to any of those schools, but we may not have a choice. I’m not sure if that counts as income, but your response makes me think it may not.

The tuition portion was absolutely not income from the point of view of my taxes. The rest of it, yes, but not tuition.

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196
A Cranky One  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:58:00pm

re: #184 Decatur Deb

Following the open-source ethic of my Penguinista kid, I don’t protect my xfinity wifi. I’ve never detected any penalty from it.

Having an open network does present a security risk if you do any on-line banking, bill payment, etc. if there are neighbors nearby who can access your network. Also, if a neighbor was poaching your wifi and downloading copyrighted material, you might be considered liable (since the downloads would be occurring from your wifi).

I left my mom’s network open but she lives too far away from neighbors to worry about poaching and she doesn’t do any financial transactions over the internet.

Generally speaking, you should keep your network locked for your own protection and privacy.

197
Decatur Deb  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:58:52pm

re: #189 William Lewis

I personally agree when I have an unlimited account. Currently I have a 15 gb phone data link and that gets thin by months end so I do password this one. :(

By the time Comcast/xfininty are done screwing me on cable, I don’t feel the modem costs, so that’s good I guess. If I ever sensed a slowdown or something, I’d secure it, but EM waves just want to be free.

198
Eric The Fruit Bat  Apr 3, 2016 • 5:59:25pm

re: #179 calochortus

Comcast customers who use Comcast equipment come already set up with an open SSID called xfinitywifi in an attepmt to create something akin to what attwifi is. At least that’s my understanding from what I’ve seen kicking around. But one should always change the SSID and make it not visible (and use WPA2)

199
retired cynic  Apr 3, 2016 • 6:00:29pm

re: #166 Decatur Deb

She has 25 Commissario Brunetti mysteries out now. It’s best to start with the first, and watch him grow over the last 25 years. Totally delightful guy, always sees justice is served, rarely ends in a conviction.

amazon.com

She did a Brunetti Cookbook, too, which is terrific, and full of stories of Venice.

200
Decatur Deb  Apr 3, 2016 • 6:01:44pm

re: #196 A Cranky One

Having an open network does present a security risk if you do any on-line banking, bill payment, etc. if there are neighbors nearby who can access your network. Also, if a neighbor was poaching your wifi and downloading copyrighted material, you might be considered liable (since the downloads would be occurring from your wifi).

I left my mom’s network open but she lives too far away from neighbors to worry about poaching and she doesn’t do any financial transactions over the internet.

Generally speaking, you should keep your network locked for your own protection and privacy.

Privacy is a dangerous illusion, viz the subject of this thread.

201
stpaulbear  Apr 3, 2016 • 6:02:45pm

Thanks to everyone for the feedback. I won’t connect to what is probably a neighbor’s WiFi.

202
calochortus  Apr 3, 2016 • 6:03:07pm

re: #198 Eric The Fruit Bat

Comcast customers who use Comcast equipment set up an open SSID called xfinitywifi in an attepmt to create something akin to what attwifi is. At least tmat’s my understanding from what I’ve seen kicking around.

I don’t know too much about it beyond having swiped wifi from my neighbor for a couple months because, well, reasons, a number of years ago. It was nothing that would give her any trouble or additional expense, so I didn’t feel too bad about it. It was a more innocent time…
Currently I get my service from a small local company so I don’t have to deal with Comcast, which would be my only other option.

203
Decatur Deb  Apr 3, 2016 • 6:07:00pm

re: #199 retired cynic

She did a Brunetti Cookbook, too, which is terrific, and full of stories of Venice.

Yes, and a book of Venice ‘walks’ with Tony Sepeda.

(Full disclosure: They were my kid’s teachers at the Aviano airbase branch of Uof M, but I’d plug her stuff anyway. Brunetti is my favorite detective other than the Morse universe.)

204
unproven innocence  Apr 3, 2016 • 6:07:33pm

re: #176 stpaulbear

I need to ask a question that’s kind of moronic given the tech expertise at LGF:

I just got my first smart phone this weekend. I don’t have WiFi at home, but my phone tells me that there’s an unlocked ‘xfinitywifi’ network available. Will Xfinity come looking to bill me if I connect to their WiFi network? I don’t have a cable hookup to my house so I’m not a Comcast/Xfinity customer at all. All I’m paying for is a landline and DSL service through CenturyLink.

To the best of my understanding, the so-called public/open xfinitywifi is, as a marketing strategy, utterly deceitful BS. Technically, customers’ wifi devices broadcast extra signals that are not encrypted, but can only be used by any other *existing* Comcast customer, when not in range of their own home wifi, but within range of someone else’s, to login to their own Comcast account upon connecting, and thereafter gain access to the internet. Any usage metering is thereby counted against the logged-in account, rather than the one associated with whatever customer’s router you made the wifi connection to. IMO, it’s a damn lie to call such an arrangement “open” or “public” wifi.

205
A Cranky One  Apr 3, 2016 • 6:09:13pm

re: #200 Decatur Deb

Privacy is a dangerous illusion, viz the subject of this thread.

Agreed. I lectured my kids about the information they were making available on social media but they didn’t understand my concerns. As they’ve gotten older, they’ve been shocked about the amount of information about them and other family members that’s available on the net.

Nevertheless, I try to keep as low a profile as possible on the web. Don’t do social media and only post on one blog. Probably fooling myself about how much that helps preserve privacy but it at least limits what information is readily available.

Yet somehow Amazon seems to know what purchases I’ve made and puts up suggestions on my work computer based on those purchases. As you said, privacy is an illusion.

206
retired cynic  Apr 3, 2016 • 6:10:13pm

re: #203 Decatur Deb

I wish Signorina Elettra could be on LGF! She’d fit right in!

207
Decatur Deb  Apr 3, 2016 • 6:11:06pm

re: #206 retired cynic

I wish Signorina Elettra could be on LGF! She’d fit right in!

We would have flower arrangements instead of all the cats.

208
Decatur Deb  Apr 3, 2016 • 6:12:09pm

re: #207 Decatur Deb

We would have flower arrangements instead of all the cats.

Of course we have no way of knowing she’s not on LGF. She’s that good.

209
William Lewis  Apr 3, 2016 • 6:12:45pm

re: #203 Decatur Deb

Yes, and a book of Venice ‘walks’ with Tony Sepeda.

(Full disclosure: They were my kid’s teachers at the Aviano airbase branch of Uof M, but I’d plug her stuff anyway. Brunetti is my favorite detective other than the Morse universe.)

Good to know. I’d have to say Brother Cadfael is my favorite, any comparison?

210
Decatur Deb  Apr 3, 2016 • 6:14:47pm

re: #209 William Lewis

Good to know. I’d have to say Brother Cadfael is my favorite, any comparison?

Only know him from the old Derek Jacobi TV series, which was quite good. (Though I always expected the Praetorians to break in and perform an atrocity.)

211
William Lewis  Apr 3, 2016 • 6:16:52pm

re: #210 Decatur Deb

Only know him from the old Derek Jacobi TV series, which was quite good. (Though I always expected the Praetorians to break in and perform an atrocity.)

The books are generally somewhat better but more for adding detail to the historical background than most else. Rare that the adaptions are as good as these (usually) are.

212
CleverToad  Apr 3, 2016 • 6:22:39pm

re: #210 Decatur Deb

Only know him from the old Derek Jacobi TV series, which was quite good. (Though I always expected the Praetorians to break in and perform an atrocity.)

Love the books. The TV series was marvelous for the sets and visuals, but didn’t do a good job of sticking to character for some of the characters and plots. Like most adaptations, you can take ‘em as semi-separate entities or just grouse a lot at the discrepancies.

If you’re going to attempt the series (20 books) read ‘em in order. The first one doesn’t read like something intended for a series, but I like it. She really hits her stride in the second one, and goes from there.

213
Barefoot Grin  Apr 3, 2016 • 6:23:31pm

re: #195 klys (maker of Silmarils)

Thanks for this. He has his mind set on MIT. We’ll have him apply for some back-up schools, too. He’s pretty smart, but probably not MIT smart. His little brother is in 6th grade and taking his math at the high school—he may have a better shot.

I can’t do fractions.

214
TedStriker  Apr 3, 2016 • 6:23:55pm

re: #176 stpaulbear

I need to ask a question that’s kind of moronic given the tech expertise at LGF:

I just got my first smart phone this weekend. I don’t have WiFi at home, but my phone tells me that there’s an unlocked ‘xfinitywifi’ network available. Will Xfinity come looking to bill me if I connect to their WiFi network? I don’t have a cable hookup to my house so I’m not a Comcast/Xfinity customer at all. All I’m paying for is a landline and DSL service through CenturyLink.

In order to connect to the xfinitywifi hot spots, you already have to be a Comcast/Xfinity customer, because you have to use your Comcast/Xfinity Internet credentials to connect.

215
William Lewis  Apr 3, 2016 • 6:29:58pm

re: #212 CleverToad

Love the books. The TV series was marvelous for the sets and visuals, but didn’t do a good job of sticking to character for some of the characters and plots. Like most adaptations, you can take ‘em as semi-separate entities or just grouse a lot at the discrepancies.

If you’re going to attempt the series (20 books) read ‘em in order. The first one doesn’t read like something intended for a series, but I like it. She really hits her stride in the second one, and goes from there.

The first one does read like a standalone. Yet there were still some real delights in the book. The interactions of the characters was a delight and the “twist” of the ending is simple justice.

216
klys (maker of Silmarils)  Apr 3, 2016 • 6:33:12pm

re: #213 Barefoot Grin

Thanks for this. He has his mind set on MIT. We’ll have him apply for some back-up schools, too. He’s pretty smart, but probably not MIT smart. His little brother is in 6th grade and taking his math at the high school—he may have a better shot.

I can’t do fractions.

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

217
retired cynic  Apr 3, 2016 • 6:36:26pm

re: #208 Decatur Deb

Of course we have no way of knowing she’s not on LGF. She’s that good.

I see that she has book #25 out, The Waters of Eternal Youth, and I just bought it as an eBook. Thanks for giving me the oomph to check to see if there was another ready!

218
Decatur Deb  Apr 3, 2016 • 6:40:59pm

re: #217 retired cynic

I see that she has book #25 out, The Waters of Eternal Youth, and I just bought it as an eBook. Thanks for giving me the oomph to check to see if there was another ready!

She’s typically as regular as clockwork, with a new Brunetti each March/April. I used to buy advance galley copies from her reviewers on eBay, but fell a book behind when I tried to read on Kindle. Went back to print to finish By It’s Cover.

219
NotAgain  Apr 3, 2016 • 9:55:42pm

re: #159 thedopefishlives

“I’m all in favor of a simpler tax code. As long as I don’t have to pay any more”

So say we all.

220
John Vreeland  Apr 4, 2016 • 2:02:25pm

Salon keeps calling them the “Pentagon Papers.” It funny the first time or two but seriously, people, get your act together.

So has Ted Cruz been firmly connected to the DC Madam? I can’t bear to check. Last week Maddow mentioned that her lawyer wanted to make an announcement about a scandal involving the candidates, and truly only Cruz would be in danger of being affected badly by this at all.


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