Bill Gates on Edward Snowden: “You Won’t Find Much Admiration From Me”

Future of journalism flies into rage
US News • Views: 28,492

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Rolling Stone’s interview with Bill Gates is interesting, not least because he makes some comments about NSA leaker Edward Snowden that have thrown our pal The Mighty Greenwald into a fine rage: Bill Gates: The Rolling Stone Interview.

Do you think some of these concerns people have are overblown?

There’s always been a lot of information about your activities. Every phone number you dial, every credit-card charge you make. It’s long since passed that a typical person doesn’t leave footprints. But we need explicit rules. If you were in a divorce lawsuit 20 years ago, is that a public document on the Web that a nosy neighbor should be able to pull up with a Bing or Google search? When I apply for a job, should my speeding tickets be available? Well, I’m a bus driver, how about in that case? And society does have an overriding interest in some activities, like, “Am I gathering nuclear-weapons plans, and am I going to kill millions of people?” If we think there’s an increasing chance of that, who do you trust? I actually wish we were having more intense debates about these things.

Thanks to Edward Snowden, who has leaked tens of thousands of NSA documents, we are. Do you consider him a hero or a traitor?

I think he broke the law, so I certainly wouldn’t characterize him as a hero. If he wanted to raise the issues and stay in the country and engage in civil disobedience or something of that kind, or if he had been careful in terms of what he had released, then it would fit more of the model of “OK, I’m really trying to improve things.” You won’t find much admiration from me.

Even so, do you think it’s better now that we know what we know about government surveillance?

The government has such ability to do these things. There has to be a debate. But the specific techniques they use become unavailable if they’re discussed in detail. So the debate needs to be about the general notion of under what circumstances should they be allowed to do things.

It’s difficult, though, because no one knows really what’s going on. We want safety, but we also want privacy.

But even in abstract - let’s say you knew nothing was going on. How would you feel? I mean, seriously. I would be very worried. Technology arms the bad guys with orders of magnitude more [power]. Not just bad guys. Crazy guys. Fertilizer wasn’t too good for the federal building in Oklahoma City, but there’s stuff out there now that makes fertilizer look like a joke.

If you’ve followed this saga at all, you can probably imagine how Glenn Greenwald (aka Edward Snowden’s publicist) reacted to that. The mere suggestion from a famous personality that Snowden isn’t a hero for the ages is enough to provoke a torrent of insults and sarcasm from the Mighty G, every time.

I think Glenn feels hurt that he didn’t get Bill Gates’s approval.

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386 comments
1 TedStriker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:13:04pm

Awww, poor Glennie got his widdle fee-fees hurt.

Good…fuck him and the patsy he left to rot in Russia.

2 Kragar  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:14:31pm

How dare someone voice a different opinion about Snowden!

3 Charles Johnson  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:14:46pm

Coming soon at The Intercept: an 8,000-word rant about Bill Gates.

4 Weet  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:16:13pm

Greensnow calls Bill Gates ‘vapid’. Laughing so hard here. Just OMFG, GG is such a fucking loser.

Vapid: offering nothing that is stimulating or challenging.
synonyms: insipid, uninspired, colorless, uninteresting, feeble, flat, dull, boring, tedious, tired, unexciting, uninspiring, unimaginative, uninvolving, lifeless, tame, vacuous, bland, trite, jejune

5 Kragar  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:18:07pm

re: #4 Weet

Vapid: offering nothing that is stimulating or challenging.
synonyms: insipid, uninspired, colorless, uninteresting, feeble, flat, dull, boring, tedious, tired, unexciting, uninspiring, unimaginative, uninvolving, lifeless, tame, vacuous, bland, trite, jejune

See also: Glenn Greenwald

6 Amory Blaine  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:19:36pm

7 Fairly Sure I'm Still Obdicut  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:20:36pm

Sure, Gates mildly misspoke when he endorsed ‘civil disobedience’ but said that breaking the law wasn’t good. But it’s obvious in context what he meant by it, that it was the massive and indiscriminate leaking that Snowden did that was the problem, the irresponsible way he went about it.

I don’t even like Gates but what the fuck, attacking him like this depends on not reading what he actually said.

8 darthstar  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:21:35pm

Why does GG insist on sharing his butt-hurt with the rest of the planet?

9 Political Atheist  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:21:47pm

Picture Caption?-“The holes in Snowdens story are thiiis big”.

Maybe it’s just me but that very understated style “won’t get much admiration from me” speaks louder than if he he went on a big rant.

10 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:21:58pm

I really don’t care much what one computer nerd has to say about another computer nerd, even if one is a successful businessman and the other is a successful, er, refugee…

11 iossarian  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:22:57pm

re: #7 Fairly Sure I’m Still Obdicut

Sure, Gates mildly misspoke when he endorsed ‘civil disobedience’ but said that breaking the law wasn’t good. But it’s obvious in context what he meant by it, that it was the massive and indiscriminate leaking that Snowden did that was the problem, the irresponsible way he went about it.

To be even more specific, you could argue that “civil disobedience” usually implies that you allow yourself to be arrested and charged, if and when you break the law.

12 Gus  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:24:30pm

Glenn Greenwald - journalist unhinged PR agent.

13 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:25:15pm

re: #11 iossarian

To be even more specific, you could argue that “civil disobedience” usually implies that you allow yourself to be arrested and charged, if and when you break the law.

I think the point of CO is you’re willing to risk arrest so yeah and that’s a big part of why I have fault with GG likening Snowden with someone like Rosa Parks or Dan Eilsburg even if the latter himself has defended Snowden. Snowden wasn’t heroic and he certainly wasn’t a hero by going to Russia with his info.

14 Fairly Sure I'm Still Obdicut  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:25:47pm

re: #11 iossarian

To be even more specific, you could argue that “civil disobedience” usually implies that you allow yourself to be arrested and charged, if and when you break the law.

Good point. I also don’t agree with the way that the ACLU has gone about dealing with the Snowden stuff, but I still think if Snowden had gone to them, or just sent the files to them, this would all have gone down a lot better.

Greenwald comes off as massively insecure whenever I see him deal with anyone who’s even remotely critical. He doesn’t seem confident.

15 Kragar  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:28:41pm


How is that rebranding going, GOP?

16 wrenchwench  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:29:09pm

re: #14 Fairly Sure I’m Still Obdicut

Greenwald comes off as massively insecure whenever I see him deal with anyone who’s even remotely critical. He doesn’t seem confident.

Which would be kinda sad if he didn’t piss me off before I could get that far. He’s clearly smart enough to form a coherent world view, but sticks with the self-serving, self-idealizing bullshit. Now with added billionaire butt kissing.

17 Charles Johnson  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:29:39pm

re: #14 Fairly Sure I’m Still Obdicut

Greenwald comes off as massively insecure whenever I see him deal with anyone who’s even remotely critical. He doesn’t seem confident.

That’s exactly what I was getting at when I wrote that Greenwald really wants Gates’s approval. Having it withheld sends him into a rage, because deep down he thinks he really doesn’t deserve it. Resulting in these showy public displays of venom and insults.

(And that’s enough amateur psychology for one day.)

18 Targetpractice  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:29:53pm

re: #14 Fairly Sure I’m Still Obdicut

Good point. I also don’t agree with the way that the ACLU has gone about dealing with the Snowden stuff, but I still think if Snowden had gone to them, or just sent the files to them, this would all have gone down a lot better.

Greenwald comes off as massively insecure whenever I see him deal with anyone who’s even remotely critical. He doesn’t seem confident.

Greenwald seems to spend his days in one of two fashions: Crafting long fucking articles that admit towards the end that they’re mostly made up hogwash, and attacking his critics on Twitter for pointing out that he’s a hack writer.

19 chadu  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:31:42pm

re: #4 Weet

Greensnow calls Bill Gates ‘vapid’. Laughing so hard here. Just OMFG, GG is such a fucking loser.

Vapid: offering nothing that is stimulating or challenging.
synonyms: insipid, uninspired, colorless, uninteresting, feeble, flat, dull, boring, tedious, tired, unexciting, uninspiring, unimaginative, uninvolving, lifeless, tame, vacuous, bland, trite, jejune

(sings) “It’s Pro-Ject-tion!”

20 Targetpractice  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:32:05pm

re: #15 Kragar

[Embedded content]


How is that rebranding going, GOP?

This was covered pretty well the other day, slave owners didn’t act “nice” because they wanted to, they did so because a slave was property, an investment, and only a fool mistreats an investment.

But of course wingnuts don’t see the social safety net as an investment, they think the best way to motivate people and to help them when they’re down is to give them a swift kick to the ribs and declare that if they were worth half a damn, they’d be rich already.

21 Feline Fearless Leader  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:33:06pm

re: #18 Targetpractice

Greenwald seems to spend his days in one of two fashions: Crafting long fucking articles that admit towards the end that they’re mostly made up hogwash, and attacking his critics on Twitter for pointing out that he’s a hack writer.

That’s *PULITZER DESERVING* hogwash to you sir!

22 Kragar  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:33:15pm

Excusing slavery because some slave owners took good care of their slaves is like excusing kidnapping because someone took good care of their hostages.

23 wrenchwench  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:33:54pm

re: #15 Kragar

[Embedded content]


How is that rebranding going, GOP?

Oh, Arizona, you never quit.

Best comment there (out of the four I read):

Jim Speranza Mr. Brown, as an AZ native, i can say unequivocally that you surely fit in with the other Republicans in my home state. Now, mind you, that was no compliment. Just the opposite.
With this statement here, you’ve sunk your chances of winning any public office in this state and i guarantee i won’t be voting for you or any Republican for the rest of my life.
Preferably, you’ll crawl back under that rock where you’ve been hiding and take your blatant racism and ignorance with you.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, i need to go shower after having been on your page.
i’ll be back though to see how long it takes you to delete my comment.

24 chadu  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:35:26pm

o/t

o girl scout samoa cookies I lurve you so much let us kiss with tongues nom nom nom oops i eated you.

Repeat x too many.

25 Kragar  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:35:51pm

re: #24 chadu

o/t

o girl scout samoa cookies I lurve you so much let us kiss with tongues nom nom nom oops i eated you.

Repeat x too many.

I like the peanut butter ones

26 lawhawk  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:36:43pm

re: #8 darthstar

Why does GG insist on sharing his butt-hurt with the rest of the planet?

Twitter. And being a shameless self promoter who thinks that his worldview is superior to all others, and therefore we must kneel before Zod Greenwald.

/Zod’s going to be most upset (and that’s the Terrance Stamp version, mind you).

27 chadu  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:37:50pm

re: #25 Kragar

I like the peanut butter ones

The Tagalongs? They have already felt the caress of my lips Wrath of NOM.

About half a box of them left.

28 S'latch  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:39:53pm

Greenwald picks out the statement “I think he broke the law, so I certainly wouldn’t characterize him as a hero.” which is not completely logical. It is true that breaking the law does not negate being a hero.

But Greenwald conveniently ignores the real criticism that Snowden might have been a hero “If he wanted to raise the issues and stay in the country and engage in civil disobedience or something of that kind, or if he had been careful in terms of what he had released.”

This second part of the statement fairly summarizes Snowden’s failure. I am glad to see the Bill Gates understands the distinction. Greenwald apparently believes it is his job to pretend the distinction does not exist.

29 William Barnett-Lewis  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:40:12pm

re: #24 chadu

o/t

o girl scout samoa cookies I lurve you so much let us kiss with tongues nom nom nom oops i eated you.

Repeat x too many.

Shortbread…

I no longer buy them because I simply sit down and inhale then if I do. :(

30 Justanotherhuman  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:40:20pm

re: #11 iossarian

To be even more specific, you could argue that “civil disobedience” usually implies that you allow yourself to be arrested and charged, if and when you break the law.

When we were practicing civil disobedience back in the day, we weren’t particularly committing criminal acts. For instance, many of us “sat-in”, such as in a public area like Lafayette Park in DC, and were told to move on by the police, which some of us refused to do. We were disobeying a direct order from the police, even though we sat in a place we were, by law, allowed to be, and we were arrested, booked and jailed. Some of us also practiced ‘passive resistance” which meant the police had to physically pick us up and carry us to the paddy wagon.

Our arrests, like those of many who practice civil disobedience, were thrown out, and our bonds were refunded. Neither the judges or we saw those acts as “criminal”.

Now, if I had broken into a govt office to steal something, that would have been a criminal act. And some did commit criminal acts. And still do. I think that if Snowden had gone to the right people in the NSA and told what he thought was happening and documented it, got no results, then consulted an atty, or a member of Congress and got someone to assist with a public inquiry, I would have no problem with that. Instead, he did nothing of the sort, but merely stole what he wanted, which was planned in advance, and IMHO, did it for some kind of profit or reward.

31 Kragar  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:41:12pm

re: #27 chadu

The Tagalongs? They have already felt the caress of my lips Wrath of NOM.

About half a box of them left.

No, the do-si-dos

32 Lidane  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:41:54pm

re: #15 Kragar

[Embedded content]


How is that rebranding going, GOP?

The full FB post ABL’s referring to:

I want folks to think about something. I want folks to think seriously about how slavery really works. Back in the day of slavery, slaves were kept in slavery by denying them education and opportunity while providing them with their basic needs .. Not by beating them and starving them. (Although there were isolated cases if course) Basically slave owners took pretty good care of their slaves and livestock and this kept business rolling along.

It is my sincere belief that over entitlements are a means of em- slaving the people by robbing opportunity while taking care of basic needs. Think about it. We ARE NOT cattle. We are human beings living in a country that still allows us the opportunity to write our own ticket. But that is rapidly slipping away. We have to wake up fast and realize that entitlements aren’t there because politicians love the people. It’s a means to gain power over the people allowing them to control us. Vote smart in 2014 and pressure political leaders to focus on jobs, education and opportunity - not slavery.

Please proceed, GOP.

33 Kragar  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:43:34pm

re: #32 Lidane

“Vote smart in 2014” LOL

34 Political Atheist  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:43:38pm

re: #30 Justanotherhuman

I have to wonder (given her public statements) if Diane Feinstein would have done anything with Snowdens stolen data. I doubt it very much. But running to the Russians really tells the true tale of Ed. I’ll always wonder if they had a hand in the theft.

35 Amory Blaine  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:44:28pm

36 NJDhockeyfan  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:45:06pm

If anyone is interested the UN Security Council is meeting right now and Russia is talking funny nonsense again.

37 Kragar  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:45:46pm

re: #35 Amory Blaine

Youtube Video

38 Fairly Sure I'm Still Obdicut  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:45:54pm

re: #32 Lidane

The full FB post ABL’s referring to:

Please proceed, GOP.

Yeah, slaves mostly had to grown their own food. I mean, they were growing everyone’s food, but they couldn’t just take part of the harvest, they had to use their own little scratch gardens. That’s part of where soul food cooking comes from, the stuff they could grow easily in the little patches they were given and dammit now I want collard greens.

39 NJDhockeyfan  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:46:03pm
40 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:46:23pm

re: #23 wrenchwench

Oh, Arizona, you never quit.

Best comment there (out of the four I read):

Heh, Arizona, Texas, Florida, and South Carolina seem to be in a tug of war over who can produce the most batshit craziness.

Here’s a screencap of the his full comment and the first two responses:

41 Lidane  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:46:29pm

re: #33 Kragar

“Vote smart in 2014” LOL

If you read through the comments he starts arguing with the posters. At one point he even pulls out the neo-Confederate Slaves were expensive so the masters took care of their things! canard.

Congratulations, GOP. Keep nominating guys like this and you’ll become the white nationalist party of your dreams by 2016.

42 Gus  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:46:53pm

EDWARD SNOWDEN HAS DONE MORE FOR HUMANITY IN 6 MONTHS THAN BILL GATES HAS DONE IN HIS ENTIRE LIFETIME!
— The Greenwald

43 Justanotherhuman  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:47:18pm

re: #34 Political Atheist

I have to wonder (given her public statements) if Diane Feinstein would have done anything with Snowdens stolen data. I doubt it very much. But running to the Russians really tells the true tale of Ed. I’ll always wonder if they had a hand in the theft.

Have no clue, but I do think that he was working very closely with Greenwald and Poitras, more so than any of them is letting on. Greenwald and Poitras are being “protected” so they can get what they want, framed as they want, out in the public arena.

I still don’t think it’s coincidental that both Greenwald and Poitras are both residing outside the US. And they must have advised Snowden to do similarly, except his escape became complicated quickly. Something that was not thought out very clearly in his favor, but was in theirs.

44 NJDhockeyfan  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:47:56pm
45 Targetpractice  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:48:12pm

re: #42 Gus

EDWARD SNOWDEN HAS DONE MORE FOR HUMANITY IN 6 MONTHS THAN BILL GATES HAS DONE IN HIS ENTIRE LIFETIME!
— The Greenwald

Well, he might have a point…

////

46 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:48:44pm

re: #40 CuriousLurker

Heh, Arizona, Texas, Florida, and South Carolina seem to be in a tug of war over who can produce the most batshit craziness.

Here’s a screencap of the his full comment and the first two responses:

[Embedded image]

Well I want him to think about slavery too. Entitlements aren’t slavery. You have a choice if you want to be in entitlements or not, no one is forcing people to go on welfare but slavery, oh that whole kidnapped by European sailors thing and whippings and or death if you try to escape or in general disobey the master. So no Mr. Brown, please proceed.

47 dog philosopher  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:48:59pm

re: #32 Lidane

The full FB post ABL’s referring to:

Please proceed, GOP.

the post approaches coherency without actually arriving at it

48 Justanotherhuman  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:49:54pm

Two people are reported dead in Donetsk clashes.

49 Gus  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:50:06pm

Bill Gates laughs in Greenwald’s direction.

50 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:50:33pm

re: #40 CuriousLurker

Heh, Arizona, Texas, Florida, and South Carolina seem to be in a tug of war over who can produce the most batshit craziness.

Here’s a screencap of the his full comment and the first two responses:

[Embedded image]

“denying them education and opportunity”

WTF does “overentitlement” have to do with denying people education?

51 ObserverArt  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:50:55pm

re: #8 darthstar

Why does GG insist on sharing his butt-hurt with the rest of the planet?

Sad to say, but the butt hurt must be shared by a whole hell of a lot of people. I think they call it an audience.

52 dog philosopher  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:51:07pm

re: #45 Targetpractice

THAN BILL GATES HAS DONE IN HIS ENTIRE

well, bill gates has done a lot to disprove the theory that in a free market, superior products will win in the marketplace in the long run

53 Gus  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:51:23pm
54 Shiplord Kirel  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:51:39pm
Bill Gates on the US Govt: “Lack of corruption and a reasonable justice system.” - Yes, if you’re Bill Gates

Sure, Greenwald. As a poor man from a disadvantaged background Snowden could not possibly afford the kind of defense Gates and his ilk could muster.

Give us a break.

In fact, Snowden could probably raise tens of millions for his defense, not to mention the millions in free propaganda the dudebros could provide to contaminate the jury pool. Beyond that, every communist, anarchist, wingnut, glibertarian, and grandstanding activist lawyer in the country would volunteer to defend him; nay, they would pay for the privilege.
The only hazard to justice in all this is the inability of the lawful authorities to bring dangerous saboteurs and spies like Snowden to justice.

55 Gus  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:52:27pm

re: #52 dog philosopher

well, bill gates has done a lot to disprove the theory that in a free market, superior products will win in the marketplace in the long run

Well, I’m not rich enough to own an Apple. It’s a class thing.

56 Kragar  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:52:41pm

Ah, work, sent in a failed report email, 5 minutes later

“You never contacted me about this problem!”

“Yes, I did.”

“I’d remember if you did.”

“I’m looking at the email you sent three hours ago asking about this other job where you said you’d get back to me. The clients left the call, so I had to close out the job as a fail.”

“I was busy.”

*facepalm*

57 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:54:23pm

re: #56 Kragar

Ah, work, sent in a failed report email, 5 minutes later

“You never contacted me about this problem!”

“Yes, I did.”

“I’d remember if you did.”

“I’m looking at the email you sent three hours ago asking about this other job where you said you’d get back to me. The clients left the call, so I had to close out the job as a fail.”

sounds like a conversation with my ex…

“I was busy.”

*facepalm*

58 darthstar  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:54:49pm
59 The Ghost of a Flea  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:56:29pm

re: #50 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)

“denying them education and opportunity”

WTF does “overentitlement” have to do with denying people education?

As best I can read, paragraph 1 and paragraph 2 amount to:

Slavery was bad because it was an entitlement program

60 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:58:46pm

re: #50 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)

“denying them education and opportunity”

WTF does “overentitlement” have to do with denying people education?

*blinks, pulls out Wingnut to English Dictionary, flips through pages rapidly…*

Beats me, I couldn’t find it. Maybe it’s in the Wingnut Thesaurus…?

61 gwangung  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:58:54pm

re: #43 Justanotherhuman

Have no clue, but I do think that he was working very closely with Greenwald and Poitras, more so than any of them is letting on. Greenwald and Poitras are being “protected” so they can get what they want, framed as they want, out in the public arena.

I still don’t think it’s coincidental that both Greenwald and Poitras are both residing outside the US. And they must have advised Snowden to do similarly, except his escape became complicated quickly. Something that was not thought out very clearly in his favor, but was in theirs.

That’s because these two have no clue about politics and no sense of nuance. They don’t know how to navigate political entities and interests other than to take a sledge hammer and bludgeon any obstacle in their way. That’s why they gave the advice they gave, and that’s why Snowden is where he is.

There were PLENTY of alternatives for Snowden to try. And some of them could have gotten him ALL of what he wanted.

62 Lidane  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 1:59:23pm

re: #59 The Ghost of a Flea

As best I can read, paragraph 1 and paragraph 2 amount to:

Slavery was bad because it was an entitlement program

It was bad because it was an entitlement program, but it wasn’t as bad as people say it was. Beatings and mistreatment of slaves were isolated incidents because slaves cost money and plantation owners cared about their investments. Or something.

Mind-blowing in its racism and ignorance, but he’s proud of it. He thinks his only critics are liberals.

63 Amory Blaine  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:01:05pm

• 4 days off of work
• Fresh bag of coffee
• Stick of Truth
• Wife gone for 4 said days
• A few Colorado style party favors
• Woot!

64 Political Atheist  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:03:10pm

re: #63 Amory Blaine

No honey do list? You are a fortunate man my friend.

65 dog philosopher  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:03:10pm

re: #55 Gus

Well, I’m not rich enough to own an Apple. It’s a class thing.

if the marketplace really operated according to the theory, you would have a choice of operating systems that competed in terms of quality and price

instead, there are only windows and apple as far as most people are concerned, and the unixes, which should be available to come installed and ready to go on laptops in stores, remain the domain of those nerdacious enough to install them by hand

even wonder why non-apple laptops have the choice of coming loaded with 1) windows or 2) uh, there is no number 2

66 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:04:21pm

re: #63 Amory Blaine

• 4 days off of work
• Fresh bag of coffee
• Stick of Truth
• Wife gone for 4 said days
• A few Colorado style party favors
• Woot!

I’m not convinced it’s safe to ask, but I’m going to anyway:
What are “Colorado style” party favors?

67 Amory Blaine  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:04:55pm

re: #64 Political Atheist

I’m pretending I don’t have one for now. I work well under pressure.

68 Kragar  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:05:47pm
69 Political Atheist  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:05:57pm

re: #66 CuriousLurker

Something that just recently became legally avail. ;-0

70 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:06:38pm

re: #69 Political Atheist

Something that just recently became legally avail. ;-0

Ohhhhhhh. Duh.

71 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:06:44pm

re: #68 Kragar

[Embedded content]

Any thing to slander the poor but don’t suggest that rich people should actually pay taxes because that’s what Hitler would have wanted.

72 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:07:10pm

re: #68 Kragar

Busted: Libertarian magazine falsely claims poor families can buy sex toys with food stamps

carrots, cucumbers, zuchhini, parsnips, melons, kielbasa, leeks…the list goes on and on…

73 Justanotherhuman  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:07:47pm

re: #68 Kragar

[Embedded content]

Why would you even need something like that? : )

74 Amory Blaine  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:07:54pm

re: #66 CuriousLurker

75 Justanotherhuman  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:08:39pm

re: #74 Amory Blaine

[Embedded image]

Are we all invited? : )

76 Political Atheist  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:08:50pm

re: #72 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)

carrots, cucumbers, zuchhini, parsnips, melons, kielbasa, leeks…the list goes on and on…

Oh er uh waiter,… can I have the soup instead of the salad?… thx.

77 Shiplord Kirel  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:09:34pm

re: #72 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)

carrots, cucumbers, zuchhini, parsnips, melons, kielbasa, leeks…the list goes on and on…

Go to your room.

78 dog philosopher  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:09:54pm

re: #63 Amory Blaine

Colorado style party favors

???

79 Flounder  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:10:30pm

re: #77 Shiplord Kirel

Don’t eat the salad at Wendell’s house, you don’t know where its been!

//

80 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:11:07pm

re: #78 dog philosopher

???

See #74.

81 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:11:08pm

re: #78 dog philosopher

???

Seattle Smokies. Denver Doobies. Leadville Lights!

82 wrenchwench  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:11:49pm
83 Lidane  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:12:25pm

re: #81 HappyWarrior

Seattle Smokies. Denver Doobies. Leadville Lights!

Jazz Cigarettes!

84 Justanotherhuman  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:13:53pm

More Greenwald lies…

NSA: We didn’t pose as Facebook

thehill.com

“NSA does not use its technical capabilities to impersonate U.S. company websites,” the agency said. “Nor does NSA target any user of global Internet services without appropriate legal authority. Reports of indiscriminate computer exploitation operations are simply false.”

“Earlier this week, the Intercept website reported that documents provided by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden showed the agency used “implants” to break into some computers and retrieve data from foreign networks, as part of a program codenamed Turbine. (my emphasis)

“In some cases, the agency allegedly pretended to be a Facebook server and used the site to break into a targeted computer’s hard drive. In others, it sent out spam emails with bugs that allowed the agency to secretly record audio or take pictures from a computer’s webcam.”

85 Kragar  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:14:09pm

re: #72 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)

carrots, cucumbers, zuchhini, parsnips, melons, kielbasa, leeks…the list goes on and on…

Youtube Video

86 Ming  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:16:24pm

I agree with Gates’ perspective on Snowden. Notice what Gates says right after “I think he broke the law, so I certainly wouldn’t characterize him as a hero.”:

“If he [Snowden] wanted to raise the issues and stay in the country and engage in civil disobedience or something of that kind, or if he had been careful in terms of what he had released, then it would fit more of the model of “OK, I’m really trying to improve things.” You won’t find much admiration from me.”

My feelings exactly. I always felt that Snowden was conspicuously NOT “really trying to improve things.” It was much more like he was really trying to harm the US military and intelligence agencies, which he regarded as all-powerful parent figures.

87 Justanotherhuman  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:17:07pm

What kind of bullshit is “The Intercept” peddling, anyway?

Image: nsa_malware_feature.jpg

I think the NSA can do better than that.

88 The Ghost of a Flea  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:17:18pm

On the subject of Charles Murray, a more complete roster of his bullshit:

He demonstrated that in his last book, “Coming Apart: The State of White America, 1960-2010.” Murray argues that white people have developed the same character problems that claimed African-Americans 50 years ago, which he outlined in “Losing Ground”: They prefer shacking up to marriage, they don’t go to church, they’re lazy and dishonest and enjoy the government dole. After all, the same percent of white children are now born to single mothers - just over 25 percent — as were black children back when Daniel Patrick Moynihan issued his alarms about “the Negro family.” And the reasons are largely the same: promiscuity, laziness, women who insist on equality - and lower IQ.

and

The other deeply offensive argument Murray makes in “Coming Apart” is that feminism helps explain the decline of work among lazy lower-class men. He approvingly cites Reagan-era anti-feminist George Gilder, author of the insane “Sexual Suicide,” who blamed women’s equality for letting women give up the job of civilizing men. “Gilder saw disaster looming as women stopped performing this function, a position derided as the worst kind of patriarchal sexism,” Murray noted. “But put in less vivid language, the argument is neither implausible nor inflammatory: The responsibilities of marriage induce young men to settle down, focus and get to work … George Gilder was mostly right.”

And again, the proof of Murray’s sexist theorizing turns out to be bogus geneticism: There are genetic reasons, rooted in the mechanisms of human evolution, why little boys who grow up in neighborhoods without married fathers tend to reach adolescence not socialized to the norms of behavior that they will need to stay out of prison and hold jobs….[Liberals] will have to acknowledge that the traditional family plays a special, indispensable role in human flourishing and that social policy must be based on that truth.

89 darthstar  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:18:54pm
90 wrenchwench  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:21:05pm

re: #88 The Ghost of a Flea

On the subject of Charles Murray, a more complete roster of his bullshit:

Wingnuts hate science, yet think a hint of science in their racism makes it defensible.

91 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:21:08pm

re: #88 The Ghost of a Flea

On the subject of Charles Murray, a more complete roster of his bullshit:

and

I cannot disagree that it is better for kids to grow up in a stable family and social setting. But if the price of that is keeping women barefoot, pregnant and dependent on their husbands good graces, then I do not agree with that “solution”

92 The Ghost of a Flea  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:25:13pm

re: #90 wrenchwench

Wingnuts hate science, yet think a hint of science in their racism makes it defensible.

Argument From Authority with a fake mustache.

93 Justanotherhuman  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:25:23pm
94 Kragar  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:25:23pm
95 Justanotherhuman  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:26:48pm

re: #94 Kragar

[Embedded content]

Justice Dept has already said it was not going to pursue heavy sentences for drug offenses. I doubt that bill will go anywhere.

96 gwangung  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:27:06pm

re: #91 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)

I cannot disagree that it is better for kids to grow up in a stable family and social setting. But if the price of that is keeping women barefoot, pregnant and dependent on their husbands good graces, then I do not agree with that “solution”

In order to do that, you have to have families with wage earners that earn enough in order to have the benefits of two parents, with enough off work time to take care of children. If the two parents are working over 45 hours a week each to live on, then the family isn’t going to be stable and the children won’t get the needed attention. If the wage earners aren’t earning enough money from their jobs, then the family unit isn’t stable.

Republicans, it’s all connected. THE LAW OF UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES APPLIES TO YOU AND YOUR POLICIES, NUMBNUTS!

97 Flounder  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:27:34pm

re: #94 Kragar

States Rights?! LOL!

98 Lidane  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:29:12pm

re: #94 Kragar

A committee report submitted by Goodlatte cited the Obama administration’s decision to not intervene with marijuana legalization efforts in various states as an example of executive overreach.

Wait, what?

99 Kragar  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:29:18pm

re: #95 Justanotherhuman

Justice Dept has already said it was not going to pursue heavy sentences for drug offenses. I doubt that bill will go anywhere.

Reid said it was DOA in the Senate and Obama said he would veto it. Its just the GOP being hypocritical and wasting time again.

100 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:29:54pm

OT Drive-by:

Replicant developers find and close Samsung Galaxy backdoor
by Paul K — Published on Mar 12, 2014 04:50 PM

While working on Replicant, a fully free/libre version of Android, we discovered that the proprietary program running on the applications processor in charge of handling the communication protocol with the modem actually implements a backdoor that lets the modem perform remote file I/O operations on the file system. […]

fsf.org

The author of the article above is a Replicant developer. If you’re a programmer, here’s the really geeky technical info at the Replicant wiki.

101 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:29:58pm

re: #94 Kragar

House GOP passes bill for Federal crack down on legalized weed

Is that the “Enforce the Law” bill that was discussed somewhere earlier in a thread today?

102 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:31:01pm

re: #98 Lidane

A committee report submitted by Goodlatte cited the Obama administration’s decision to not intervene with marijuana legalization efforts in various states as an example of executive overreach.

How about a bit of executive reach-around?

103 Kragar  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:31:04pm

re: #101 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)

Is that the “Enforce the Law” bill that was discussed somewhere earlier in a thread today?

Different one. The “ENFORCE” nonsense is them wanting all their immigration pipedreams to have priority over actual crimes.

104 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:32:30pm

re: #94 Kragar

[Embedded content]

So much for the TP’s support for “limited government” and no I didn’t actually buy it for a second.

105 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:33:22pm

re: #98 Lidane

Wait, what?

That literally makes sense but this goes to show you that Obama really can’t win with people like Goodlatte and this is a tact admission.

106 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:33:36pm

They are passing the bill so that the Senate can vote it down and then the GOP can claim that the Dems are all potheads who want to destroy our childrens’ minds…

107 Feline Fearless Leader  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:33:46pm

Meanwhile, the forest industries start thinking that since “trees win” in these circumstances perhaps global warming will be good for business.
//

en.wikipedia.org

108 The Ghost of a Flea  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:34:03pm

re: #91 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)

I cannot disagree that it is better for kids to grow up in a stable family and social setting. But if the price of that is keeping women barefoot, pregnant and dependent on their husbands good graces, then I do not agree with that “solution”

As somehow whose life was made unstable by the presence of an abusive father (and husband)—and who was surrounded by a community that either refused to see his behavior, or argued to ignore it because “you’ve got to keep the family together”—I have rather strong feelings about the right wing’s tendency to elide “stable family” to mean “family with a husband and a wife.”

Because when the chips are down, the anti-feminists that insist upon the presence of a father also have elaborate excuses for his bad behavior, and how everyone else should accommodate it. Which is exactly where Murray, by way Gilder, is going with claims about the need for women to civilize men. Bad behavior by a guy isn’t his fault, some woman didn’t “civilize” him right.

109 Lidane  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:34:06pm

re: #101 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)

Is that the “Enforce the Law” bill that was discussed somewhere earlier in a thread today?

Yeah, that’s the one the wingnuts on Twitter and FB were derping about last night.

110 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:36:01pm

And if Obama did enforce the law, the GOP would complain that he wasn’t respecting state sovereignty. Tell me again why this is a legitimate political party and not a circus side show.

111 Targetpractice  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:36:20pm

re: #106 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)

They are passing the bill so that the Senate can vote it down and then the GOP can claim that the Dems are all potheads who want to destroy our childrens’ minds…

No, they’re passing it so that any Democrats who vote against can be accused of supporting the “Imperial Presidency,” that only with more Republicans in Congress can we have a president who follows the law…so long as he can’t find a lawyer who will argue that torture is legal if used on “enemy combatants.”

112 Feline Fearless Leader  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:36:35pm

re: #108 The Ghost of a Flea

As somehow whose life was made unstable by the presence of an abusive father (and husband)—and who was surrounded by a community that either refused to see his behavior, or argued to ignore it because “you’ve got to keep the family together”—I have rather strong feelings about the right wing’s tendency to elide “stable family” to mean “family with a husband and a wife.”

Because when the chips are down, the anti-feminists that insist upon the presence of a father also have elaborate excuses for his bad behavior, and how everyone else should accommodate it. Which is exactly where Murray, by way Gilder, is going with claims about the need for women to civilize men. Bad behavior by a guy isn’t his fault, some woman didn’t “civilize” him right.

So we should be blaming Sandusky’s wife even more. Got it.

Oh wait. She says that he was framed. Now I’m confused.

113 Political Atheist  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:36:55pm

Well crap. Very sad moment. just got one of those bad phone calls.

What is medical coverage like in Panu China? I have just gotten word that an old friend who has worked and lived there about 10 years and kind mentor to me has TB, diabetes and more. Can’t get into a hospital there and can’t come home, not with active TB.

114 wrenchwench  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:36:56pm

re: #96 gwangung

In order to do that, you have to have families with wage earners that earn enough in order to have the benefits of two parents, with enough off work time to take care of children. If the two parents are working over 45 hours a week each to live on, then the family isn’t going to be stable and the children won’t get the needed attention. If the wage earners aren’t earning enough money from their jobs, then the family unit isn’t stable.

Republicans, it’s all connected. THE LAW OF UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES APPLIES TO YOU AND YOUR POLICIES, NUMBNUTS!

I am not convinced the ‘unintended’ part applies to them.

115 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:36:57pm

re: #106 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)

They are passing the bill so that the Senate can vote it down and then the GOP can claim that the Dems are all potheads who want to destroy our childrens’ minds…

I honestly hope that’s a debate the Senate Dems welcome because we’ve changed the tide on SSM and its perception. Hopefully, we can do the same with weed.

116 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:38:04pm

re: #111 Targetpractice

No, they’re passing it so that any Democrats who vote against can be accused of supporting the “Imperial Presidency,” that only with more Republicans in Congress can we have a president who follows the law…so long as he can’t find a lawyer who will argue that torture is legal if used on “enemy combatants.”

you are probably right, but they will not pass up a chance to call them all potheads

117 Ming  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:38:36pm

re: #93 Justanotherhuman

re: #94 Kragar

I was a registered Republican for 25 years, and most of my comments here at LGF have been critical of Republicans, although I’m also critical of moonbats like Glenn Greenwald.

So I often disagree with both sides (or both “extremes”), and I sometimes wonder which side is worse.

Looking at the above comments (93 and 94) together, I got reinforcement for my concern that today’s right wing has gone really crazy. On the same day that gives us an agonizing glimpse of the possibility of the revival (however small) of the Cold War and one of the most evil empires in human history (the USSR), the US Congress passes a law that chastises the President for not launching a major crack down on legal marijuana in Colorado and Washington state.

In all seriousness, this dysfunction among the American right wing has got to embolden Putin. By profession he’s a KGB officer. He knows how it affects a country, when a significant percentage of its political discourse is dysfunctional. Putin may be underestimating Obama, but I’m afraid if he’s encouraged by today’s US Congress, he’s on solid ground.

118 wrenchwench  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:38:50pm

re: #103 Kragar

Different one. The “ENFORCE” nonsense is them wanting all their immigration pipedreams to have priority over actual crimes.

And an attempt to obscure the fact that Obama has done more enforcement of immigration laws than anyone in the history of the USA, much to the chagrin of many broken up families and myself.

119 Feline Fearless Leader  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:39:05pm

re: #116 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)

you are probably right, but they will not pass up a chance to call them all potheads

And Rand Paul will be at the front of that line.
////

120 Kragar  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:39:50pm
121 Justanotherhuman  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:40:15pm

You’ve embarrassed yourself before, JM. Why should they be any different?


Republicans just, well, suck, all around.

122 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:40:53pm

re: #118 wrenchwench

And an attempt to obscure the fact that Obama has done more enforcement of immigration laws than anyone in the history of the USA, much to the chagrin of many broken up families and myself.

Yep and that’s a very legitimate criticism I think to make of the administration. I know Obama personally supports things like DREAM and stuff and he really is in a rock and a hard place on having the same approach on this that he’s showing on marijuana but damn as you said, broken up families.

123 Feline Fearless Leader  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:41:29pm

re: #117 Ming

I was a registered Republican for 25 years, and most of my comments here at LGF have been critical of Republicans, although I’m also critical of moonbats like Glenn Greenwald.

So I often disagree with both sides (or both “extremes”), and I sometimes wonder which side is worse.

Looking at the above comments (93 and 94) together, I got reinforcement for my concern that today’s right wing has gone really crazy. On the same day that gives us an agonizing glimpse of the possibility of the revival (however small) of the Cold War and one of the most evil empires in human history (the USSR), the US Congress passes a law that chastises the President for not launching a major crack down on legal marijuana in Colorado and Washington state.

In all seriousness, this dysfunction among the American right wing has got to embolden Putin. By profession he’s a KGB officer. He knows how it affects a country, when a significant percentage of its political discourse is dysfunctional. Putin may be underestimating Obama, but I’m afraid if he’s encouraged by today’s US Congress, he’s on solid ground.

You’re probably right about that. But no one is going to come out and say that the reason that Putin views the United States as “weak” is the GOP Congress. Doesn’t fit enough narratives, sell enough commercials, and causes too many plodey heads.

124 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:41:30pm

re: #120 Kragar

[Embedded content]

Maybe they should liken their opponents to Hitler like you and your pals do Ted, then that would be so much more better right?

125 Kragar  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:41:48pm

re: #117 Ming

I thought I was a Republican for years.

Then the Tea Party happened and I started taking a good look at what being a Republican really stood for.

126 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:41:52pm

re: #113 Political Atheist

Well crap. Very sad moment. just got one of those bad phone calls.

What is medical coverage like in Panu China? I have just gotten word that an old friend who has worked and lived there about 10 years and kind mentor to me has TB, diabetes and more. Can’t get into a hospital there and can’t come home, not with active TB.

Sorry to hear about that. {{{PA}}}

127 wrenchwench  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:42:57pm

re: #117 Ming

Minor point: Greenwald’s not a moonbat. Moonbats are nutty liberals, and Greenwald only qualifies on the ‘nutty’ part. ‘Dudebro’ is more accurate for him, meaning a privileged, self-centered libertarian type.

128 Targetpractice  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:43:02pm

re: #121 Justanotherhuman

You’ve embarrassed yourself before, JM. Why should they be any different?

[Embedded content]


Republicans just, well, suck, all around.

What bill are we talking about here?

129 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:44:33pm

I never thought I was a Republican or conservative but I had hope after my moonbatty phase which had been Bush’s first term and then from (2005-2008) after Bush’s re-election and before Obama’s nomination that the right had some sane parts to it. Maybe to some extent, there still are sane conservatives out there but if you ask me, they’re either Democratic voting or the few ones left in the GOP have been replaced with insane assholes like Cruz and others. The party of Eisenhower, Lincoln, and TR has been replaced with the party of Cruz, Palin, and Paul Ryan. Reactionarism describes this ideology quite good since it’s not a real ideology but more so a reaction. These people are a reaction to the changes in the country that certain elements don’t like.

130 Political Atheist  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:45:42pm

re: #126 CuriousLurker

Thanks. I was shocked to hear the government hospital turned him away.

131 Justanotherhuman  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:46:26pm

re: #128 Targetpractice

What bill are we talking about here?

Aid to Ukraine. Financial assistance of around $1B, which is what Pres Obama wants.

132 Targetpractice  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:48:24pm

re: #131 Justanotherhuman

Aid to Ukraine. Financial assistance of around $1B, which is what Pres Obama wants.

And let me guess, it wasn’t “paid for,” so Senate Republicans were compelled to oppose it.

133 Ming  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:48:38pm

re: #127 wrenchwench

Thanks; I stand corrected!

134 Justanotherhuman  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:49:18pm

re: #130 Political Atheist

Thanks. I was shocked to hear the government hospital turned him away.

Is he Chinese? Or an ex-pat? A crowd-sourcing acct might be helpful, if someone could set it up. If he’s American, could the American consulate help?

135 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:49:37pm

re: #132 Targetpractice

And let me guess, it wasn’t “paid for,” so Senate Republicans were compelled to oppose it.

I’m sure the usual suspects want to a repeal of ACA tied to it because you know ACA is why Putin invaded the Crimea.

136 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:51:00pm

re: #130 Political Atheist

Thanks. I was shocked to hear the government hospital turned him away.

Why won’t they take him? Apart from it being cruel, it seems to me it would be more practical than having him wandering around with an infectious disease, especially since he can’t come home.

137 Justanotherhuman  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:51:26pm

Sticking it to Issa time.

Rep Dan Kildee, D-Mich., offers privileged resolution requiring Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif, apologize for how he conducted hearing of ex-IRS official Lois Lerner - @ChadPergram

end of alert

138 Feline Fearless Leader  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:51:50pm

nbcnews.com

Non-news news. The Senate has a bipartisan deal for extending jobless benefits. HOWEVER, said deal hasn’t gotten past the 60-vote cloture requirement, and also would then have to be passed by the House.

This is sort of like announcing that Thanksgiving dinner is ready - and the turkey is still alive and at a farm 50 miles from your house.

139 Targetpractice  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:51:52pm

re: #135 HappyWarrior

I’m sure the usual suspects want to a repeal of ACA tied to it because you know ACA is why Putin invaded the Crimea.

Seems we’re both wrong, Republicans are bitching that they don’t want to consider the bill immediately (gotta take a week long break, dontchaknow) and are bitching because the bill includes IMF reforms which the GOP doesn’t support.

140 William Barnett-Lewis  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:51:52pm

re: #113 Political Atheist

Well crap. Very sad moment. just got one of those bad phone calls.

What is medical coverage like in Panu China? I have just gotten word that an old friend who has worked and lived there about 10 years and kind mentor to me has TB, diabetes and more. Can’t get into a hospital there and can’t come home, not with active TB.

US Citizen? Call the embassy immediately.

141 Shiplord Kirel  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:52:56pm

I keep getting junk mail for funeral planning, funeral insurance, and similarly final business offers. It seems that the shadowy lords of mass marketing have pegged me as someone in imminent need of such services, possibly because I am about to turn 65. With any luck, they are wrong: I plan to stick around a few more decades if possible, mostly just to see what happens and to be with my grandchildren into their adult lives. I will also confess that it is at least partly to outlive my enemies and see them off to their just reward (hell or oblivion, depending on the belief/non-belief system of one’s choice).

Nevertheless, it pays to be prepared (though it would not pay ME in this case), so my funeral plans are in fact already made and in writing:

Service: Unitarian
Marker: granite, standard inscription plus Army aviator wings.
Place: City of Lubbock Cemetery (next to my wife).
Date: To be announced

142 Targetpractice  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:53:12pm

re: #138 Feline Fearless Leader

nbcnews.com

Non-news news. The Senate has a bipartisan deal for extending jobless benefits. HOWEVER, said deal hasn’t gotten past the 60-vote cloture requirement, and also would then have to be passed by the House.

This is sort of like announcing that Thanksgiving dinner is ready - and the turkey is still alive and at a farm 50 miles from your house.

Yeah, AP announced that as “breaking news” hours ago, and as soon as I read the article itself, I knew it was going nowhere. Part of how it’s paid for is messing with how pensions are handled, which would in effect be a tax increase. And as we all know, the Cult of Rand thinks tax increases are heretical.

143 wrenchwench  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:56:56pm

re: #137 Justanotherhuman

Sticking it to Issa time.

Rep Dan Kildee, D-Mich., offers privileged resolution requiring Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif, apologize for how he conducted hearing of ex-IRS official Lois Lerner - @ChadPergram

end of alert

More:


I’d like to see him on one knee in front of Cummings with that apology.

144 Feline Fearless Leader  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:57:13pm

re: #141 Shiplord Kirel

I keep getting junk mail for funeral planning, funeral insurance, and similarly final business offers. It seems that the shadowy lords of mass marketing have pegged me as someone in imminent need of such services, possibly because I am about to turn 65. With any luck, they are wrong: I plan to stick around a few more decades if possible, mostly just to see what happens and to be with my grandchildren into their adult lives. I will also confess that it is at least partly to outlive my enemies and see them sent to their just reward (hell or oblivion, depending on the belief/non-belief system of one’s choice).

Nevertheless, it pays to be prepared (though it would not pay ME in this case), so my funeral plans are in fact already made and in writing:

Service: Unitarian
Marker: granite, standard inscription plus Army aviator wings.
Place: City of Lubbock Cemetery (next to my wife).
Date: To be announced

I got a plot in the same cemetery as my parents (and sundry other relatives) back in January. Now need to work out the other arrangements and put them on paper for future use.

Nice rural location with a great view of a ridge line… now covered with wind turbines. O_o

145 Political Atheist  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 2:58:35pm

re: #140 William Barnett-Lewis

re: #134 Justanotherhuman

Is he Chinese? Or an ex-pat? A crowd-sourcing acct might be helpful, if someone could set it up. If he’s American, could the American consulate help?

He is Idaho bred, expat. He is one of few true top experts on precious metal jewelry manufacturing at scale. He had moved with the orders to big factories offshore to China & Thailand. Family is contacting consular officials but apparently the tuberculosis is a huge snag to bring him back. Right now I have my sights set on seeing if payment is the hospital issue of if it’s triage.

146 wrenchwench  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 3:01:22pm

re: #143 wrenchwench

More:

[Embedded content]


I’d like to see him on one knee in front of Cummings with that apology.

Of course, that’s not gonna happen.

147 Weet  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 3:01:35pm

Too soon?

148 Political Atheist  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 3:01:45pm

re: #136 CuriousLurker

Why won’t they take him? Apart from it being cruel, it seems to me it would be more practical than having him wandering around with an infectious disease, especially since he can’t come home.

Not at all clear, I’ll be in touch with his daughter who we have known all her years. There are lots of people here who will help if they can. Just don’t know enough yet.

149 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 3:05:26pm

re: #148 Political Atheist

Not at all clear, I’ll be in touch with his daughter who we have known all her years. There are lots of people here who will help if they can. Just don’t know enough yet.

Hopefully, something will get worked out quickly. Keep us posted on how things are going—you never know when someone reading here might know of a way to help that you weren’t aware of.

150 Kragar  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 3:06:46pm

MAJOR STRESS RELIEF AND GOOD NEWS!

I had to go thru background check to get my security clearance upgraded from Secret to Top Secret for my job a few weeks back. While they were going thru everything, we learned that we hadn’t filed all the appropriate paper work for my wife’s permanent residency. We’ve been working on that since then, but in the mean time, I’ve been worried that they would deny my clearance, which would mean I’d be fired and have to look for a new job.

Just got the word back today that they approved my clearance.

I cannot tell you what a major relief this is.

151 Kragar  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 3:07:30pm

I’m probably going to have my first good nights sleep since January tonight.

152 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 3:08:43pm

re: #144 Feline Fearless Leader

I got a plot in the same cemetery as my parents (and sundry other relatives) back in January. Now need to work out the other arrangements and put them on paper for future use.

Nice rural location with a great view of a ridge line… now covered with wind turbines. O_o

I doubt the view now being full of wind turbines will bother you much once you… um… get “moved in” to your final residence. ;)

153 wrenchwench  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 3:10:00pm
154 Stanley Sea  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 3:11:23pm

re: #150 Kragar

MAJOR STRESS RELIEF AND GOOD NEWS!

I had to go thru background check to get my security clearance upgraded from Secret to Top Secret for my job a few weeks back. While they were going thru everything, we learned that we hadn’t filed all the appropriate paper work for my wife’s permanent residency. We’ve been working on that since then, but in the mean time, I’ve been worried that they would deny my clearance, which would mean I’d be fired and have to look for a new job.

Just got the word back today that they approved my clearance.

I cannot tell you what a major relief this is.

Handle that residency! May have mentioned before that my Mom - South African born came to the US to marry my Navy Dad. Just hung out like all’s OK. Got a SS #, worked & everything. Well at time to collect that SS we found out that she was undocumented. All those years. She has a green card now.

155 Political Atheist  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 3:12:24pm

re: #149 CuriousLurker

Hopefully, something will get worked out quickly. Keep us posted on how things are going—you never know when someone reading here might know of a way to help that you weren’t aware of.

Just got off the phone with an air ambulance service. Round trip w/paramedic and nurse, w/ 2 passengers-Lear 60 with a CCU cabin.
$130,000 *GASP*

156 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 3:13:29pm

re: #155 Political Atheist

Just got off the phone with an air ambulance service. Round trip w/paramedic and nurse, w/ 2 passengers-Lear 60 with a CCU cabin.
$130,000 *GASP*

E gad! O_O

157 William Barnett-Lewis  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 3:24:57pm

re: #155 Political Atheist

Just got off the phone with an air ambulance service. Round trip w/paramedic and nurse, w/ 2 passengers-Lear 60 with a CCU cabin.
$130,000 *GASP*

No evacuation insurance I take it?

Again, talk to the embassy. This sounds like a good mission for a USAF medivac.

158 Dr Lizardo  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 3:28:16pm

re: #153 wrenchwench

[Embedded content]

Of course they will.

OUR GLORIOUS LEADER, COMRADE - err - PRESIDENT PUTIN HAS EXPOSED AND SMASHED A NEST OF FILTHY TROTSKYITE WRECKERS AND SABOTEURS - ummh, scratch that - A DEN OF SPIES IN THE EMPLOY OF THE FASCIST HITLERITE BEASTS - no, we used that one a loooong time ago - A HIDDEN HORDE OF BOURGEOIS IMPERIALISTS IN THE PAY OF THE DECADENT WESTERN - ahh, fuck it. We’ve run out of bullshit.

159 Political Atheist  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 3:34:36pm

GTG

160 wrenchwench  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 3:34:43pm
161 Political Atheist  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 3:35:05pm

re: #157 William Barnett-Lewis

Will do!

Work to run to.

162 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 3:41:00pm

OT: It was bound to happen. Amazon just notified me via email that on my next renewal the price is increasing.

Amazon raises price of Prime membership to $99

163 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 3:46:34pm

re: #40 CuriousLurker

Heh, Arizona, Texas, Florida, and South Carolina seem to be in a tug of war over who can produce the most batshit craziness.

Here’s a screencap of the his full comment and the first two responses:

[Embedded image]

I tweeted this screencap? How’d I do that? I must’ve inadvertently pressed a key or something when I uploaded it to my comment. I just now opened Tweetdeck and only noticed it because ww retweeted it.

164 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 3:48:18pm

Damn, looks like PA killed the thread. Heh.

165 Justanotherhuman  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 3:49:30pm

It’s awful in Donetsk; plenty of video showing Russian-favoring mobs attacking pro-Ukraine protesters, also; rock throwing, baton beating, etc.

166 darthstar  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 3:51:54pm

re: #163 CuriousLurker

I tweeted this screencap? How’d I do that? I must’ve inadvertently pressed a key or something when I uploaded it to my comment. I just now opened Tweetdeck and only noticed it because ww retweeted it.

There’s “insert and tweet” next to “insert” on the upload dialog. Done it myself a few times.

167 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 3:52:47pm

re: #166 darthstar

There’s “insert and tweet” next to “insert” on the upload dialog. Done it myself a few times.

Ah, okay, thanks. I guess I wasn’t paying attention because now that you mention it, that sounds familiar.

168 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 3:53:16pm

*SIGH*

169 darthstar  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 3:53:24pm

re: #162 CuriousLurker

>OT: It was bound to happen. Amazon just notified me via email that on my next renewal the price is increasing.

Amazon raises price of Prime membership to $99

Once Amazon realizes people will pay $150 a year for “free shipping” they’ll change the price again. It’s just a matter of getting the customer base used to the new pricing, and also finding out what their threshold is.

170 Interesting Times  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 3:53:28pm

Yikes. I come here after a several-day absence, only to find this weapons-grade turd dropped upon the Pages… o_O

171 thedopefishlives  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 3:56:09pm

Evening Lizardim from the warm and sunny wild north country. So the fishfolk are in town for a surprise visit, which should prove to be an interesting time. On the topic of the main post, good on Mr. Gates; I am not his biggest fan, but stopped clocks, twice a day, etc. How go things among the lizardfolk this fine spring evening?

172 Justanotherhuman  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 3:56:39pm

Not sure what happened by looking at the photo.

Emergency Crews Respond To Incident At Philadelphia International Airport

philadelphia.cbslocal.com

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — An airport spokesperson says emergency crews are responding to an incident at Philadelphia International Airport.

“It was reported around 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

“The spokesperson says passengers have been evacuated from the plane and no injuries have been reported at this time.” More

Sorry, CL, didn’t see yours!

174 wrenchwench  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 3:57:41pm

re: #170 Interesting Times

Yikes. I come here after a several-day absence, only to find this weapons-grade turd dropped upon the Pages… o_O

Oh, that’s the Putin pal. 10 downdings and his Page will disappear. Again.

175 wrenchwench  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 3:58:39pm

re: #170 Interesting Times

Yikes. I come here after a several-day absence, only to find this weapons-grade turd dropped upon the Pages… o_O

Also:

That’ll teach you not to go away for several days! Place goes all to hell!

176 wrenchwench  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:00:42pm

re: #172 Justanotherhuman

Not sure what happened by looking at the photo.

Emergency Crews Respond To Incident At Philadelphia International Airport

philadelphia.cbslocal.com

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — An airport spokesperson says emergency crews are responding to an incident at Philadelphia International Airport.

“It was reported around 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

“The spokesperson says passengers have been evacuated from the plane and no injuries have been reported at this time.” More

Looks like a front landing gear problem, but what do I know? Where’s Gus?

177 The Ghost of a Flea  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:01:21pm

re: #173 CuriousLurker

Global warming/climate change denier—Pages, aisle 5.

It’s more all-purpose derp with a CCD cherry on top.

The Florida special election shows something, something, global warming doesn’t exist, Democrats are DOOMED….

178 Justanotherhuman  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:02:20pm

re: #176 wrenchwench

Looks like a front landing gear problem, but what do I know? Where’s Gus?

Yeah, said to be a nose gear collapse.

179 wrenchwench  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:02:38pm

re: #178 Justanotherhuman

Yeah, said to be a nose gear collapse.

[Embedded content]

Who needs Gus!

Edited to add:

////////////////////

180 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:02:39pm

re: #177 The Ghost of a Flea

It’s more all-purpose derp with a CCD cherry on top.

The Florida special election shows something, something, global warming doesn’t exist, Democrats are DOOMED….

LOL, yeah, it was a little bit of everything.

181 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:03:14pm

re: #179 wrenchwench

Who needs Gus!

Oh no you didn’t!

182 darthstar  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:04:27pm

re: #176 wrenchwench

Looks like a front landing gear problem, but what do I know? Where’s Gus?

Nothing a little bondo, a coat of paint, and a new set of front landing gear from the pick-n-pull yard won’t fix.

183 wrenchwench  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:04:37pm

re: #181 CuriousLurker

Oh no you didn’t!

re: #179 wrenchwench

Who needs Gus!

Edited to add:

////////////////////

184 jaunte  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:05:37pm

re: #177 The Ghost of a Flea

It’s more all-purpose derp with a CCD cherry on top.

The Florida special election shows something, something, global warming doesn’t exist, Democrats are DOOMED….

And the right technique to win elections is to dumb down the science.

185 Feline Fearless Leader  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:06:41pm

re: #152 CuriousLurker

I doubt the view now being full of wind turbines will bother you much once you… um… get “moved in” to your final residence. ;)

I’ll have them face my ashes in this direction

186 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:08:37pm

re: #185 Feline Fearless Leader

I’ll have them face my ashes in this direction

Oh yeah, then everyone else has to stare at you for eternity. //

On a more serious note, it looks like a lovely resting place.

187 thedopefishlives  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:16:36pm

re: #182 darthstar

Nothing a little bondo, a coat of paint, and a new set of front landing gear from the pick-n-pull yard won’t fix.

I wonder what the cyclic fatigue numbers look like on Bondo.

188 Justanotherhuman  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:19:13pm

GM Chose Not to Implement a Fix for Ignition Problem

nbcnews.com

“Engineers at General Motors found a way to stop ignition switches from shutting off nine years ago, but made a “business decision” not to order the partial fix to a problem that has now been linked to a dozen deaths, NBC News has learned.

“Certain GM cars are vulnerable to shutting off when their keys are bumped by drivers or stressed by heavy keychains, a problem the automaker cited in recalling 1.6 million vehicles last month. Two GM executives confirmed during a lawsuit filed by the parents of a Georgia woman killed in the crash of her Chevrolet Cobalt that the company had found a partial fix for the problem in 2005 — a measure that a witness for the plaintiffs estimated would have cost as little as $1 per car.

“A high-level GM executive told NBC News the company was “deeply troubled with some decisions that were made in the past and is hoping to move forward.” More

189 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:19:39pm
190 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:21:13pm

Waiting to see who’s gonna give that Page the final Death Ding…

191 darthstar  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:21:52pm

re: #187 thedopefishlives

I wonder what the cyclic fatigue numbers look like on Bondo.

1

192 Justanotherhuman  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:22:31pm

The death toll keeps rising.


A young father-to-be is also said to be missing.

193 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:23:28pm

re: #187 thedopefishlives

I wonder what the cyclic fatigue numbers look like on Bondo.

Would you people please stop saying stuff I have to look up?? Sheesh. //

194 Targetpractice  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:23:51pm

re: #188 Justanotherhuman

GM Chose Not to Implement a Fix for Ignition Problem

nbcnews.com

“Engineers at General Motors found a way to stop ignition switches from shutting off nine years ago, but made a “business decision” not to order the partial fix to a problem that has now been linked to a dozen deaths, NBC News has learned.

“Certain GM cars are vulnerable to shutting off when their keys are bumped by drivers or stressed by heavy keychains, a problem the automaker cited in recalling 1.6 million vehicles last month. Two GM executives confirmed during a lawsuit filed by the parents of a Georgia woman killed in the crash of her Chevrolet Cobalt that the company had found a partial fix for the problem in 2005 — a measure that a witness for the plaintiffs estimated would have cost as little as $1 per car.

“A high-level GM executive told NBC News the company was “deeply troubled with some decisions that were made in the past and is hoping to move forward.” More

Haven’t we seen this film before?

195 thedopefishlives  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:24:47pm

re: #193 CuriousLurker

Would you people please stop saying stuff I have to look up?? Sheesh. //

Sorry. Worked for a company that made machines to do cyclic fatigue testing. Their biggest test rigs are used by Boeing and Airbus to do the wing loading tests on their prototype airliners. If I could, I’d find the video of the 787 with its wings flexed 10 feet up in the air on the Boeing rig.

196 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:26:30pm

re: #190 CuriousLurker

Waiting to see who’s gonna give that Page the final Death Ding…

Annnnnnd the prize goes to Skip Intro.

197 GeneJockey  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:26:55pm

re: #18 Targetpractice

Greenwald seems to spend his days in one of two fashions: Crafting long fucking articles that admit towards the end that they’re mostly made up hogwash, and attacking his critics on Twitter for pointing out that he’s a hack writer.

Nice work if you can get it.

198 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:27:34pm

re: #195 thedopefishlives

Sorry. Worked for a company that made machines to do cyclic fatigue testing. Their biggest test rigs are used by Boeing and Airbus to do the wing loading tests on their prototype airliners. If I could, I’d find the video of the 787 with its wings flexed 10 feet up in the air on the Boeing rig.

O_O !!!!!

199 Ming  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:28:37pm

re: #121 Justanotherhuman

You’ve embarrassed yourself before, JM. Why should they be any different?
[Embedded content]
Republicans just, well, suck, all around.

I agree, and I never thought I’d have much in the way to compliments to say about John McCain, after he gave the country Sarah Palin.

After reading your comment, I did a Google, and after reading about how the Senate is handling the Ukraine crisis, I must admit I feel a lot of sympathy for McCain’s comments today.

Of course, if McCain cared about his country a little more, he might consider a public apology for choosing Sarah Palin. What has he got to lose? It’s not like she or any of her admirers likes him anyway.

200 bratwurst  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:29:38pm

If you are in the mood for some craigslist humor regarding the missing plane, this will likely provide a chortle.

201 thedopefishlives  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:29:40pm

re: #198 CuriousLurker

O_O !!!!!

Youtube Video

202 wrenchwench  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:30:16pm

re: #193 CuriousLurker

Would you people please stop saying stuff I have to look up?? Sheesh. //

‘Cyclic fatigue’ sounds like what I get when I ride my bike home.

203 Skip Intro  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:30:51pm

re: #199 Ming

Of course, if McCain cared about his country a little more, he might consider a public apology for choosing Sarah Palin. What has he got to lose? It’s not like she or any of her admirers likes him anyway.

McCain should spend the rest of his active life on an apology tour for his appalling lack of judgement. I find it impossible now to take him seriously on anything.

204 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:33:10pm

re: #201 thedopefishlives

[Embedded content]

I… *THUD*

205 wrenchwench  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:34:05pm

re: #201 thedopefishlives

[Embedded content]

At least now I won’t worry as much when I see the wings wiggle a little bit.

206 thedopefishlives  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:34:56pm

re: #204 CuriousLurker

I… *THUD*

I worked in QA in the software department for the guys that made the rig. We all laughed at the Aero guys because they had 4 customers. Every time we met up with them, we’d make fun of them for spending all their time developing a new feature for one customer. Of course, as I’m sure you can imagine, Boeing et al. would pay quite handsomely for that custom work.

207 Justanotherhuman  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:36:26pm

They’re only “remorseful” because they get caught. All the people involved in this scheme, and only 1 gets jail time—8 mos. People have served more time for having an oz. of weed.

Former Fiesta Bowl chief sentenced to 8 months in campaign contribution scheme

startribune.com

Oh well, it’s just the rich sharing the wealth—among themselves.

208 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:37:11pm

re: #205 wrenchwench

At least now I won’t worry as much when I see the wings wiggle a little bit.

I loathe flying—white knuckles all the way, thanks to my frickin’ overactive imagination. Haven’t been on a plane since the spring of ‘97.

209 thedopefishlives  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:39:23pm

re: #208 CuriousLurker

I loathe flying—white knuckles all the way, thanks to my frickin’ overactive imagination. Haven’t been on a plane since the spring of ‘97.

I love flying. I want to get my pilot’s license and drive around the sky in a little prop job.

210 Skip Intro  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:40:26pm

re: #208 CuriousLurker

I loathe flying—white knuckles all the way, thanks to my frickin’ overactive imagination. Haven’t been on a plane since the spring of ‘97.

I get exhausted helping the pilot fly the plane. I know the only reason it stays airborne is because of me.

211 wrenchwench  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:42:48pm

re: #208 CuriousLurker

I loathe flying—white knuckles all the way, thanks to my frickin’ overactive imagination. Haven’t been on a plane since the spring of ‘97.

Mr. w hasn’t flown since 1969. I had a stretch of at least a decade in which I didn’t fly. Didn’t miss it. But I have siblings on three continents and parents on opposite coasts of this one, so I just sort of decided to look at it statistically and go for it. Now money is the thing that keeps me from flying more.

212 Justanotherhuman  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:44:12pm

Just as well. The plane was going to Floriduh.

US Airways flight was headed to Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., before aborting takeoff at Philadelphia airport - @NBCPhiladelphia
read more on nbcphiladelphia.com

213 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:44:23pm

re: #209 thedopefishlives

I love flying. I want to get my pilot’s license and drive around the sky in a little prop job.

Oh, nuh-uh, no way Jose. I’ve always thought it would be awesome to see NYC form the sky, but I’m too totally chicken-shit to take one of those helicopter tours—especially those, their view is so, so… open. *shudder*

Gives me vertigo just thinking about it.

Youtube Video

214 William Barnett-Lewis  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:44:31pm

re: #169 darthstar

Once Amazon realizes people will pay $150 a year for “free shipping” they’ll change the price again. It’s just a matter of getting the customer base used to the new pricing, and also finding out what their threshold is.

$80 a year was just barely low enough for me. This boost lost me. Others???

215 Killgore Trout  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:45:48pm

Really?
Harry Reid says Kochs delaying Ukraine aid
I think the obsession with Koch bros is unhealthy. I guess they’re doing this because they think it’s going to excite the base and get a lot of cable news coverage but I think it’s just going to look nutty to most American voters.

216 thedopefishlives  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:46:05pm

re: #213 CuriousLurker

Oh, nuh-uh, no way Jose. I’ve always thought it would be awesome to see NYC form the sky, but I’m too totally chicken-shit to take one of those helicopter tours—especially those, their view is so, so… open. *shudder*

Gives me vertigo just thinking about it.

[Embedded content]

A family friend of the Mrs. Fish’s is a pilot. I was going to take flying lessons from him, but before she could ask him, he crashed his plane. The very next week, his son crashed HIS plane. So now they have no planes. It’s probably just as well.

217 Skip Intro  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:46:25pm

re: #214 William Barnett-Lewis

$80 a year was just barely low enough for me. This boost lost me. Others???

I’m fine with it, but I live in an area where the closest decent shopping is 100 miles away.

218 GeneJockey  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:46:33pm

re: #214 William Barnett-Lewis

$80 a year was just barely low enough for me. This boost lost me. Others???

I don’t buy $80 of stuff from Amazon in a year. Think I should sign up?

219 GeneJockey  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:47:23pm

re: #216 thedopefishlives

A family friend of the Mrs. Fish’s is a pilot. I was going to take flying lessons from him, but before she could ask him, he crashed his plane. The very next week, his son crashed HIS plane. So now they have no planes. It’s probably just as well.

Fly a private plane? No way. Other drivers are stupid enough in 2 dimensions.

220 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:47:35pm

re: #211 wrenchwench

Mr. w hasn’t flown since 1969. I had a stretch of at least a decade in which I didn’t fly. Didn’t miss it. But I have siblings on three continents and parents on opposite coasts of this one, so I just sort of decided to look at it statistically and go for it. Now money is the thing that keeps me from flying more.

You’re aware that if you’re ever on the East Coast and don’t get in touch with me so we can go drink coffee or have lunch or whatever, then you’ll permanently be persona non grata, right?

221 darthstar  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:48:42pm
222 Ming  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:49:06pm

re: #203 Skip Intro

McCain should spend the rest of his active life on an apology tour for his appalling lack of judgement. I find it impossible now to take him seriously on anything.

It’s funny, but choosing a vice-presidential running mate is the one and only “Presidential decision” that a candidate for President (from a major party) gets to make.

223 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:49:34pm

re: #216 thedopefishlives

A family friend of the Mrs. Fish’s is a pilot. I was going to take flying lessons from him, but before she could ask him, he crashed his plane. The very next week, his son crashed HIS plane. So now they have no planes. It’s probably just as well.

Yikes! The daughter of a friend of mine ended up being a helicopter pilot. She does tours of the Grand Canyon. Obviously, she’s insane. //

224 Justanotherhuman  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:49:41pm

re: #208 CuriousLurker

I loathe flying—white knuckles all the way, thanks to my frickin’ overactive imagination. Haven’t been on a plane since the spring of ‘97.

I haven’t been on a plane since ‘72 when I went to Toronto. Haven’t had to go anywhere I couldn’t drive,l or take the train.

BTW, the worse situation for me isn’t planes, it’s having to drive in a pouring thunderstorm at night when I can’t see shit, esp when there’s on-coming traffic. I used to get off one job at 11 at night and had to drive about 15 mi home and it was rural dark roads all the way. Now that is white knuckle driving, to me. : )

225 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:50:24pm

re: #210 Skip Intro

I get exhausted helping the pilot fly the plane. I know the only reason it stays airborne is because of me.

ROFLOL—inorite?

226 darthstar  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:50:25pm

re: #214 William Barnett-Lewis

$80 a year was just barely low enough for me. This boost lost me. Others???

I watch prime videos, order maybe 100 dollars worth of shipping - mostly around the holidays - and don’t mind paying a small premium…but yeah, any higher and I’ll probably learn to live without it.

227 Killgore Trout  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:50:28pm

re: #221 darthstar

[Embedded content]

Must be nice to pick up the phone and get ahold of the President.

228 darthstar  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:52:50pm

re: #227 Killgore Trout

Must be nice to pick up the phone and get ahold of the President.

I do it all the time. I suspect Zuck won’t be getting through so easy next time he tries to call.

229 GeneJockey  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:53:05pm

re: #222 Ming

It’s funny, but choosing a vice-presidential running mate is the one and only “Presidential decision” that a candidate for President (from a major party) gets to make.

Yah. Between that, and the “Let’s suspend the campaign!” nonsense, it convinced me that even the best Republican should only ever enter the White House with a visitors pass.

230 Justanotherhuman  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:53:15pm

re: #221 darthstar

[Embedded content]

Punk thinks he can talk to the President that way just because he’s a billionaire and Obama is leader of the fucking free world?

What a douchebag.

231 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:53:25pm

re: #224 Justanotherhuman

I haven’t been on a plane since ‘72 when I went to Toronto. Haven’t had to go anywhere I couldn’t drive,l or take the train.

BTW, the worse situation for me isn’t planes, it’s having to drive in a pouring thunderstorm at night when I can’t see shit, esp when there’s on-coming traffic. I used to get off one job at 11 at night and had to drive about 15 mi home and it was rural dark roads all the way. Now that is white knuckle driving, to me. : )

Or dark rural roads down south when you know you’re in KKK country. I drove a taxi for 17+ years, from my early 20’s to late 30’s, so I’ve been in pretty much every dangerous/creepy driving situation you can imagine, but those rural roads at night are some of the worst.

232 calochortus  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:55:08pm

re: #210 Skip Intro

I get exhausted helping the pilot fly the plane. I know the only reason it stays airborne is because of me.

I haven’t flown in years (15?) I don’t fear falling out of the sky, or death-I’m very motion sensitive and fear 6 hours of bumpy flying from which I cannot escape. (Excuse me? Could you just land the plane someplace convenient so I can kind of regroup for a few minutes-then we can take off again and finish the flight.)

233 GeneJockey  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:55:36pm

re: #231 CuriousLurker

Or dark rural roads down south when you know you’re in KKK country. I drove a taxi for 17+ years, from my early 20’s to late 30’s, so I’ve been in pretty much every dangerous/creepy driving situation you can imagine, but those rural roads at night are some of the worst.

Where I grew up there were nothing but rural roads. The biggest danger? Deer. They’re really stupid. Basically skinny, fast cattle.

234 Snarknado!  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:55:36pm

re: #158 Dr Lizardo

Of course they will.

>OUR GLORIOUS LEADER, COMRADE - err - >PRESIDENT PUTIN HAS EXPOSED AND SMASHED A NEST OF FILTHY TROTSKYITE WRECKERS AND SABOTEURS - ummh, scratch that - >A DEN OF SPIES IN THE EMPLOY OF THE FASCIST HITLERITE BEASTS - no, we used that one a loooong time ago - >A HIDDEN HORDE OF BOURGEOIS IMPERIALISTS IN THE PAY OF THE DECADENT WESTERN - ahh, fuck it. We’ve run out of bullshit.

They will never run out of bullshit… this is just a momentary setback.

235 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:55:37pm

re: #221 darthstar

[Embedded content]

LOL. I left FB because of their privacy issues.

236 Ming  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:56:10pm

re: #221 darthstar

This debate about privacy will only get more interesting as time goes on. To take an extreme case, what “privacy” can we expect in an age when many people know how to genetically engineer a virus? (Obviously, this is in the future!) It’s not a bad thing if (e.g.) the CEO of Facebook and POTUS have a talk about this.

There are many ways a person like Snowden could have contributed to this most interesting debate, other than simply to undermine the United States. No doubt people like Zuckerberg and Bill Gates will be much more constructive.

237 GeneJockey  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:57:57pm

re: #236 Ming

This debate about privacy will only get more interesting as time goes on. To take an extreme case, what “privacy” can we expect in an age when many people know how to genetically engineer a virus? (Obviously, this is in the future!) It’s not a bad thing if (e.g.) the CEO of Facebook and POTUS have a talk about this.

There are many ways a person like Snowden could have contributed to this most interesting debate, other than simply to undermine the United States. No doubt people like Zuckerberg and Bill Gates will be much more constructive.

Me! I know how! Thing is, I only know how to make them light up infected cells like a firefly’s butt.

238 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:58:36pm

re: #214 William Barnett-Lewis

$80 a year was just barely low enough for me. This boost lost me. Others???

I’ll stick with it at $99, but if it goes over that, then I go back to super-saver shipping and waiting much longer for my deliveries. I have Netflix, so I can live just fine without the movies & stuff.

239 NJDhockeyfan  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:59:16pm

I’m now believing even more this plane has landed somewhere and is in a hangar. There has been nothing found in the waters and no crashes on land. This is such a strange story.

240 Justanotherhuman  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 4:59:51pm

re: #233 GeneJockey

Where I grew up there were nothing but rural roads. The biggest danger? Deer. They’re really stupid. Basically skinny, fast cattle.

Biggest danger around here, too. I’ve even seen them on the road I live on, crossing over languidly…

One night on a 2 lane, I saw what I thought was a large dog on the side of the road, but it was a deer when I got down close enough to see clearly. Almost. Almost. It turned the other way, though.

241 dog philosopher  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:01:15pm

French Ambassador to the UN Gerard Araud on Ukraine: ‘I don’t play chess well but I see Russia as a rookie player who can’t resist taking the tower and loses the game’

242 gwangung  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:02:25pm

re: #236 Ming

This debate about privacy will only get more interesting as time goes on. To take an extreme case, what “privacy” can we expect in an age when many people know how to genetically engineer a virus? (Obviously, this is in the future!) It’s not a bad thing if (e.g.) the CEO of Facebook and POTUS have a talk about this.

There are many ways a person like Snowden could have contributed to this most interesting debate, other than simply to undermine the United States. No doubt people like Zuckerberg and Bill Gates will be much more constructive.

Once the technical capability is out there, it’s out. It’s going to be used by SOMEONE. You can either engage in a technical race to block and counter block the capability or you can try to engineer solutions that bypass the battle (whatever that means).

243 GeneJockey  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:02:42pm

re: #240 Justanotherhuman

Biggest danger around here, too. I’ve even seen them on the road I live on, crossing over languidly…

One night on a 2 lane, I saw what I thought was a large dog on the side of the road, but it was a deer when I got down close enough to see clearly. Almost. Almost. It turned the other way, though.

Yep, that’s what I thought when I hit my first two deer - “Dogs! BIG dogs! DEER!!” *THUMP* In my defense, they were backlit by early morning winter sun as I came over a rise. No way to see them before that.

The other two times were at night. Silly bastards SAW ME COMING and ran across the road any way.

244 thedopefishlives  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:04:30pm

re: #233 GeneJockey

Where I grew up there were nothing but rural roads. The biggest danger? Deer. They’re really stupid. Basically skinny, fast cattle.

This just about nails it. Deer are stupid and they have just enough mass to really ruin your day. See a car up here with a dented hood and a missing or severely damaged bumper? Lay ya odds they ran into one of the suede buggers. Depending on how far out in the woods you are, its butchered body may be in the back.

245 Dr Lizardo  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:05:52pm

re: #213 CuriousLurker

Oh, nuh-uh, no way Jose. I’ve always thought it would be awesome to see NYC form the sky, but I’m too totally chicken-shit to take one of those helicopter tours—especially those, their view is so, so… open. *shudder*

Gives me vertigo just thinking about it.

[Embedded content]

I’m not a huge fan of flying, but if I ever got a pilot’s license, this is what I’d wanna do.

Youtube Video

246 GeneJockey  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:07:57pm

re: #244 thedopefishlives

This just about nails it. Deer are stupid and they have just enough mass to really ruin your day. See a car up here with a dented hood and a missing or severely damaged bumper? Lay ya odds they ran into one of the suede buggers. Depending on how far out in the woods you are, its butchered body may be in the back.

First time, I hit two deer with my Mom’s 66 Ford station wagon. Total damage? $10. Dented the grille.

Second time, I hit one deer with my Dad’s 1971 Citroen DS21 Pallas. Total damage? $600 in 1977. Stove in the front fender around the headlight, drove the front fender into the front door, which drove it into the back door.

247 Bubblehead II  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:11:07pm

re: #208 CuriousLurker

I loathe flying—white knuckles all the way, thanks to my frickin’ overactive imagination. Haven’t been on a plane since the spring of ‘97.

Try spending time on board a ship that is designed to sink, for 70 days (or longer) and doing drills to recover from incidents that will keep you there. Flying, you at least have some chance of surviving.

Thresher, Scorpion, Kursk*.

* They could have rescued some of those crewmen. But nooooooo, National pride refused the offer for help from the U.S.

We have DSRV ** capabilities for a reason.

And it’s dinner time

** Deep submergence rescue vehicles

248 NJDhockeyfan  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:11:08pm

re: #246 GeneJockey

First time, I hit two deer with my Mom’s 66 Ford station wagon. Total damage? $10. Dented the grille.

Second time, I hit one deer with my Dad’s 1971 Citroen DS21 Pallas. Total damage? $600 in 1977. Stove in the front fender around the headlight, drove the front fender into the front door, which drove it into the back door.

I have never hit a deer. (Knock on wood)

249 Justanotherhuman  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:11:44pm

re: #246 GeneJockey

First time, I hit two deer with my Mom’s 66 Ford station wagon. Total damage? $10. Dented the grille.

Second time, I hit one deer with my Dad’s 1971 Citroen DS21 Pallas. Total damage? $600 in 1977. Stove in the front fender around the headlight, drove the front fender into the front door, which drove it into the back door.

Today, they’d total that Citroen. Ins cos will total a car in a heartbeat because body work is really expensive. One reason I like the Saturn—no metal on the sides, so things just bounce off. : )

250 GeneJockey  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:12:42pm

Oh, yeah the THIRD time was years later. My wife and I, with our then-1-year-old son, had flown into Dulles and picked up a rental. Drove the 80 miles up to Mom and Dad’s house and were literally within the last 5 miles.

Coming up on a little town, my wife said, “Dear.”

“What?”

“Dear!”

“What?!?”

“DEAR!!!”

“OH! DEER!!!!”

Screee - *thump*

251 lawhawk  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:13:11pm

US Air Flight 1702 blew tire on takeoff, and skidded off runway. No injuries reported. Flight was heading to Fort Lauderdale.

252 GeneJockey  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:14:16pm

re: #248 NJDhockeyfan

I have never hit a deer. (Knock on wood)

Neither has anyone else in my family. Not a one. Me? I’ve hit ‘em 3 times.

In my family they call me the Deerslayer.

253 GeneJockey  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:14:54pm

re: #251 lawhawk

“Very scary. People were screaming.”

I should think so!

254 thedopefishlives  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:15:04pm

re: #250 GeneJockey

Okay, now THAT there’s funny, I don’t care who y’are.

255 calochortus  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:16:09pm

re: #244 thedopefishlives

A friend of mine saw a car pulled over on Hwy. 17 (over the Santa Cruz Mountains between San Jose to Santa Cruz) Anyway, they had just hit a deer, so she pulled over to check on them. Everyone but the deer was fine, but as she was starting to leave, a pick-up truck pulled over, the driver got out and asked if anyone wanted the deer and when they didn’t he gutted it, wrapped the carcass in a plastic tarp, threw it in the truck and was on his way. Illegal, but efficient…

256 Dark_Falcon  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:16:38pm

re: #7 Fairly Sure I’m Still Obdicut

Sure, Gates mildly misspoke when he endorsed ‘civil disobedience’ but said that breaking the law wasn’t good. But it’s obvious in context what he meant by it, that it was the massive and indiscriminate leaking that Snowden did that was the problem, the irresponsible way he went about it.

I don’t even like Gates but what the fuck, attacking him like this depends on not reading what he actually said.

The difference is that unlike Glenn Greenwald, you don’t have a comically inflated ego, Obdi.

257 GeneJockey  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:16:46pm

re: #254 thedopefishlives

Okay, now THAT there’s funny, I don’t care who y’are.

More so in retrospect than at the time, but yeah. We later discussed what else she might have done to direct my attention to them. “Venison!”?

258 calochortus  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:18:20pm

re: #257 GeneJockey

More so in retrospect than at the time, but yeah. We later discussed what else she might have done to direct my attention to them. “Venison!”?

Ungulate!

259 thedopefishlives  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:18:20pm

re: #257 GeneJockey

More so in retrospect than at the time, but yeah. We later discussed what else she might have done to direct my attention to them. “Venison!”?

My wife has often remarked that if we drove bigger vehicles, we might have to try claiming a wild turkey by means of vehicular poultrycide. They are quite bold up here in the wild north country, hanging out very close to the roads in plain sight.

260 GeneJockey  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:18:32pm

re: #255 calochortus

A friend of mine saw a car pulled over on Hwy. 17 (over the Santa Cruz Mountains between San Jose to Santa Cruz) Anyway, they had just hit a deer, so she pulled over to check on them. Everyone but the deer was fine, but as she was starting to leave, a pick-up truck pulled over, the driver got out and asked if anyone wanted the deer and when they didn’t he gutted it, wrapped the carcass in a plastic tarp, threw it in the truck and was on his way. Illegal, but efficient…

Venison is tasty. Lean, too. Seems a shame to leave it to the ‘yotes and buzzards.

261 NJDhockeyfan  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:18:56pm

re: #252 GeneJockey

Neither has anyone else in my family. Not a one. Me? I’ve hit ‘em 3 times.

In my family they call me the Deerslayer.

My good friend in Virginia hits a deer every time he gets a new car. Three cars, three deer. I think they know he’s been at the auto dealership and wait for him to come down the mountain.

262 Skip Intro  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:19:11pm

re: #250 GeneJockey

Oh, yeah the THIRD time was years later. My wife and I, with our then-1-year-old son, had flown into Dulles and picked up a rental. Drove the 80 miles up to Mom and Dad’s house and were literally within the last 5 miles.

Coming up on a little town, my wife said, “Dear.”

“What?”

“Dear!”

“What?!?”

“DEAR!!!”

“OH! >DEER!!!!”

Screee - *thump*

I’d never have that problem. Now, if there was a herd of assholes crossing the road things would be different.

263 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:20:38pm

re: #247 Bubblehead II

Try spending time on board a ship that is designed to sink, for 70 days (or longer) and doing drills to recover from incidents that will keep you there. Flying, you at least have some chance of surviving.

Thresher, Scorpion, Kursk*.

* They could have rescued some of those crewmen. But nooooooo, National pride refused the offer for help from the U.S.

We have DSRV ** capabilities for a reason.

And it’s dinner time

** Deep submergence rescue vehicles

NO. WAY. The ocean, as much as I love it, scares the crap out of me every bit as much as the sky does. If I can’t touch the bottom with my feet and still have my head above water, then I’m in too deep. You’ll never find CL on a cruise ship or deep-sea fishing boat.

264 calochortus  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:20:45pm

re: #260 GeneJockey

Venison is tasty. Lean, too. Seems a shame to leave it to the ‘yotes and buzzards.

Indeed. But I suppose some idiots would try to run them down if it were legal to take your road kill.

265 NJDhockeyfan  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:21:17pm

re: #260 GeneJockey

Venison is tasty. Lean, too. Seems a shame to leave it to the ‘yotes and buzzards.

I used to work with someone who would grab them off the road on the way home from work when he saw them on the side of the road. I never asked for any deer meat from him.

266 GeneJockey  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:23:19pm

re: #264 calochortus

Indeed. But I suppose some more idiots would try to run them down if it were legal to take your road kill.

FTFY

267 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:23:50pm

It’s good eating. Wish I could have it more often.

268 Stanley Sea  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:25:11pm

re: #251 lawhawk

[Embedded content]

1.5 weeks I’m ona plane. To Florida. I guess my odds are good now.

269 Feline Fearless Leader  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:25:34pm

The rule I was taught when encountering deer at night was to flick the lights at them and blast the horn so that they startle and move - but don’t get “deer in the headlights” syndrome.

One night in 1987 I am driving from D.C. to Pittsburgh on US 40 and I come over a rise in western Maryland doing about 70mph in my pickup truck. There is a herd of 50-60 deer crossing the road between two meadows. So I drop my headlights from high beam to low and blast the horn (while braking as well).

*ALL THE DEER STOP AND LOOK AT ME*

So I end up coming into a herd of glowing eyes at about 15-20mph. Slow enough that I only brushed one of them (no damage to either of us) And they just moved a step or two either way to get out of my way.

I tended to use US 30 and/or the PA Turnpike for that late night run after that point.

270 Varek Raith  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:25:49pm

re: #248 NJDhockeyfan

I have never hit a deer. (Knock on wood)

I got run over by a deer while jogging once.

271 Stanley Sea  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:27:23pm

re: #270 Varek Raith

I got run over by a deer while jogging once.

Oh do tell this story Varek.

272 GeneJockey  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:27:50pm

re: #267 HappyWarrior

It’s good eating. Wish I could have it more often.

I was lucky enough to have a friend in Montana invite me to hunt, and another friend loan me an incredibly accurate rifle*. I got a nice whitetail doe. Turns out my wife doesn’t like venison. So much for becoming a great hunter.

*Seriously, it was something else. At 100 yards, shooting off a rest, I put three rounds in a 1” circle, and I have very, very little experience shooting.

273 wrenchwench  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:28:08pm

re: #220 CuriousLurker

You’re aware that if you’re ever on the East Coast and don’t get in touch with me so we can go drink coffee or have lunch or whatever, then you’ll permanently be persona non grata, right?

Now I am! Dad’s in NC. Is that close enough?

274 GeneJockey  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:29:21pm

re: #270 Varek Raith

I got run over by a deer while jogging once.

I’ve nearly run into them a couple times while cycling. I think I must be some kinda deer magnet.

275 Varek Raith  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:29:32pm

re: #271 Stanley Sea

Oh do tell this story Varek.

I was 10 and in Boy Scouts. We were at a campsite in central NJ and jogging between the cabins. A small deer ran right in to me. Knocked me on my ass. No injuries, just laughter.

276 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:29:35pm

re: #272 GeneJockey

I was lucky enough to have a friend in Montana invite me to hunt, and another friend loan me an incredibly accurate rifle*. I got a nice whitetail doe. Turns out my wife doesn’t like venison. So much for becoming a great hunter.

*Seriously, it was something else. At 100 yards, shooting off a rest, I put three rounds in a 1” circle, and I have very, very little experience shooting.

I have the great misfortune of liking lamb in a family that doesn’t like it. Another story, I know but still. But I’ve never actually hunted before. My grandfather did but that was when I was way too young though he did take us fishing which was something I enjoyed doing with and along with him teaching me about boxing and football are some of my fondest memories of him.

277 GeneJockey  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:30:13pm

re: #269 Feline Fearless Leader

The rule I was taught when encountering deer at night was to flick the lights at them and blast the horn so that they startle and move - but don’t get “deer in the headlights” syndrome.

One night in 1987 I am driving from D.C. to Pittsburgh on US 40 and I come over a rise in western Maryland doing about 70mph in my pickup truck. There is a herd of 50-60 deer crossing the road between two meadows. So I drop my headlights from high beam to low and blast the horn (while braking as well).

*ALL THE DEER STOP AND LOOK AT ME*

So I end up coming into a herd of glowing eyes at about 15-20mph. Slow enough that I only brushed one of them (no damage to either of us) And they just moved a step or two either way to get out of my way.

I tended to use US 30 and/or the PA Turnpike for that late night run after that point.

Jesus, Rt 30? Don’t you get seasick from the up-and-down?

278 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:30:25pm

re: #275 Varek Raith

I was 10 and in Boy Scouts. We were at a campsite in central NJ and jogging between the cabins. A small deer ran right in to me. Knocked me on my ass. No injuries, just laughter.

You think that’s bad? Youngest brother got bit by one of those ponies up at Assoteague on the Maryland shore.

279 GeneJockey  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:31:54pm

re: #276 HappyWarrior

I have the great misfortune of liking lamb in a family that doesn’t like it. Another story, I know but still. But I’ve never actually hunted before. My grandfather did but that was when I was way too young though he did take us fishing which was something I enjoyed doing with and along with him teaching me about boxing and football are some of my fondest memories of him.

I love lamb, especially chops done just medium rare with garlic and rosemary.

The wife also doesn’t like lamb, so guess what ELSE I never get to eat.

280 Charles Johnson  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:32:44pm

What. The. Fuck.

281 Varek Raith  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:32:54pm

re: #278 HappyWarrior

You think that’s bad? Youngest brother got bit by one of those ponies up at Assoteague on the Maryland shore.

Ouch.

282 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:34:16pm

re: #281 Varek Raith

Ouch.

Yep and I myself got bit by Canadian geese as an infant. I’ve held a grudge ever sense!

283 GeneJockey  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:34:51pm

re: #282 HappyWarrior

Yep and I myself got bit by Canadian geese as an infant. I’ve held a grudge ever sense!

My sister was bit by a moose once.

284 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:34:59pm

re: #279 GeneJockey

I love lamb, especially chops done just medium rare with garlic and rosemary.

The wife also doesn’t like lamb, so guess what ELSE I never get to eat.

Love having it a Mediterranean places. It’s really unfortunate that my mom and grandmother won’t give it a chance because it can be so good if done right.

285 Dark_Falcon  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:34:59pm

re: #278 HappyWarrior

You think that’s bad? Youngest brother got bit by one of those ponies up at Assoteague on the Maryland shore.

Well, these folks got cornered by their cat.

286 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:35:41pm

re: #285 Dark_Falcon

Well, these folks got cornered by their cat.

Yeah I saw that one. Cats are known to be more mean then ponies though.

287 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:35:45pm

re: #233 GeneJockey

Where I grew up there were nothing but rural roads. The biggest danger? Deer. They’re really stupid. Basically skinny, fast cattle.

Yeah, deer are a big problem in Texas, even in the suburbs. Speaking of cattle, when he was around 19 or so my elder half-brother & a friend of his hit one while driving an old 1950-something pick-up that was built like a tank. It came right through the windshield & totaled the truck, but they both survived with only some facial lacerations, a few broken ribs, and lots of bruises—the truck probably saved their lives.

That brother was always having something happen to him. He also got hit upside the head with a almost-full quart beer bottle by a guy who was afraid of him (lesson: don’t fight someone who’s terrified of you—they’ll kill you trying to get away). It shattered his jaw, almost blinded him in one eye, and missed his temple by about an inch. Unlike in the movies, heavy bottles full of liquid don’t break when they meet your head—they crush your bones.

Another time when we were on the way to the coast and stopped by the side of the highway. There was a barbed wire fence with several longhorns behind it. For some reason I can’t fathom he decided to jump over the fence, just for shits & giggles. He barely missed being gored to death by a pissed off bull. My dad was livid.

288 dog philosopher  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:35:53pm

i live in a deer area so the little varmints come and eat my yard for dessert every night

they have about 10 thousand years or so head start in the area as residents versus us i reckon so i won’t begrudge them my foliage

289 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:36:00pm

re: #283 GeneJockey

My sister was bit by a moose once.

Bullwinkle! But that one takes the prize.

290 GeneJockey  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:36:03pm

re: #285 Dark_Falcon

Well, these folks got cornered by their cat.

Do those people not own a blanket and a baseball bat?
/////

291 calochortus  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:37:09pm

re: #286 HappyWarrior

Yeah I saw that one. Cats are known to be more mean then ponies though.

I don’t know about that. Ponies are pretty much unsuited for children in every way except their size. They can be stubborn and bad mannered.

292 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:37:25pm

Deer over population has been a problem here as long as I can remember. It’s pretty common to see them in residential areas. In fact, Tuesday was a warm evening so I went on an after dinner stroll with my mom and the dog. And the dog didn’t even notice them. Was going to take a shot with my phone but by then it was too late.

293 Varek Raith  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:37:41pm

I was also charged by a pissed off cow when I was 4. We rented a small house on a farm in Orange county, Va.
Ah, animals.

294 GeneJockey  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:37:43pm

re: #291 calochortus

I don’t know about that. Ponies are pretty much unsuited for children in every way except their size. They can be stubborn and bad mannered.

Just about right for Vladimir Putin, then.

295 Dark_Falcon  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:37:47pm

re: #290 GeneJockey

Do those people not own a blanket and a baseball bat?
/////

They may not have wanted to hurt the cat. My own father would have simply thrown a blanket over it as you suggest then killed it.

296 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:38:03pm

re: #291 calochortus

I don’t know about that. Ponies are pretty much unsuited for children in every way except their size. They can be stubborn and bad mannered.

True and these are the wild ponies at that too. It’s really cool to see I must say though.

297 HoosierHoops  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:38:29pm

re: #274 GeneJockey

I’ve nearly run into them a couple times while cycling. I think I must be some kinda deer magnet.

There are a ton of Deer here in the North Woods. One must be careful when driving the roads. There aren’t many folks up here so the tendency is to drive fast on empty roads…Not a good idea at night.

298 GeneJockey  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:38:42pm

re: #295 Dark_Falcon

They may not have wanted to hurt the cat. My own father would have simply thrown a blanket over it as you suggest then killed it.

Even without the bat, the blanket would have been a good idea.

299 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:38:44pm

re: #294 GeneJockey

Just about right for Vladimir Putin, then.

Do you think Lukashenko attends Putin’s pony parties?

300 Political Atheist  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:38:47pm

re: #214 William Barnett-Lewis

$80 a year was just barely low enough for me. This boost lost me. Others???

I might opt out. I take full advantage of the books, and sometimes the free videos. I don’t see enough activity for it to pay. Although as I look to move away from cable and get my content online that flips the equation back. Kinda depends on cable for me.

301 thedopefishlives  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:39:09pm

re: #297 HoosierHoops

There are a ton of Deer here in the North Woods. One must be careful when driving the roads. There aren’t many folks up here so the tendency is to drive fast on empty roads…Not a good idea at night.

{{{HOOPS!!!}}}

How go things across the St. Croix?

302 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:39:16pm

re: #273 wrenchwench

Now I am! Dad’s in NC. Is that close enough?

Dang, not quite close enough! My son’s in NC though. ;)

303 Feline Fearless Leader  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:39:31pm

re: #277 GeneJockey

Jesus, Rt 30? Don’t you get seasick from the up-and-down?

Had fun with it actually. Would get on the last straight downhill coming off Laurel Summit, put the car in neutral, and see how far I could coast before I slowed under 35mph.

304 calochortus  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:39:34pm

re: #288 dog philosopher

i live in a deer area so the little varmints come and eat my yard for dessert every night

they have about 10 thousand years or so head start in the area as residents versus us i reckon so i won’t begrudge them my foliage

You’re a better person than I. They are finding new and creative ways to get under, over or through our fence. I begrudge them my foliage and always root for the mountain lions.

305 wrenchwench  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:39:55pm

re: #302 CuriousLurker

Dang, not quite close enough! My son’s in NC though. ;)

We’ll have to coordinate something….

306 Justanotherhuman  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:40:51pm

So, these are suspicions…”could implicate”.

Utah Officials Call on Feds to Investigate Senators Reid, Lee

abcnews.go.com

“Two local prosecutors in Utah say a corruption investigation looking at state politicians and online gambling interests has yielded evidence that could implicate Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, and Senator Mike Lee, R-Utah.

“The two district attorneys - one Democrat and one Republican - already working with a team of FBI agents, are urging federal prosecutors to pick up the case and investigate - something the Department of Justice has thus far declined to do.

“The Utah officials say the evidence relates to suspect campaign contributions and other financial transactions. ” More

307 GeneJockey  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:42:33pm

re: #303 Feline Fearless Leader

Had fun with it actually. Would get on the last straight downhill coming off Laurel Summit, put the car in neutral, and see how far I could coast before I slowed under 35mph.

What used to freak me out on 30 was the signs “Runaway Truck Road, 1/2 mile ahead”. Immediately I pictured the psychotic trucker from “Duel”.

308 RealityBasedSteve  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:42:53pm

re: #290 GeneJockey

Do those people not own a blanket and a baseball bat?
/////

I saw a picture of that cat… We’re going to need a bigger blanket /jaws

RBS

309 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:43:04pm

re: #305 wrenchwench

We’ll have to coordinate something….

Definitely.

310 wrenchwench  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:44:14pm

I came face to face with a deer last week when I was walking home. He or she decided to cut through a yard instead of following the two I had passed after they turned a corner.

I’ve been kicked by a donkey, chased by a mule, thrown off a horse, bitten by a pony and peed on by a dog as I was giving a sales pitch to its owners. I didn’t understand their funny gestures ‘til I looked at my leg after I left their yard.

311 GeneJockey  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:44:30pm

re: #308 RealityBasedSteve

I saw a picture of that cat… We’re going to need a bigger blanket /jaws

RBS

We had a 25# cat for a long time. We never had to worry he’d attack us. Attacking us would have required him to acknowledge our existence.

312 Feline Fearless Leader  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:46:06pm

re: #307 GeneJockey

What used to freak me out on 30 was the signs “Runaway Truck Road, 1/2 mile ahead”. Immediately I pictured the psychotic trucker from “Duel”.

They put those in after a truck lost its brakes and demolished some buildings in the town at the bottom of the hill. Pittsburgh itself put one in on a hill after a runaway truck barreled through the Fort Pitt tunnel and into the downtown area in the late 60s. Pretty standard now in a lot of places.

313 dog philosopher  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:46:08pm

re: #310 wrenchwench

I came face to face with a deer last week when I was walking home. He or she decided to cut through a yard instead of following the two I had passed after they turned a corner.

I’ve been kicked by a donkey, chased by a mule, thrown off a horse, and peed on by a dog as I was giving a sales pitch to its owners. I didn’t understand their funny gestures ‘til I looked at my leg after I left their yard.

i’m trying to imagine the appropriate gesture to signify “um our dog is peeing on your leg”

314 HoosierHoops  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:47:24pm

re: #301 thedopefishlives

{{{HOOPS!!!}}}

How go things across the St. Croix?

Hi you! Too much snow and way too cold..It’s going to be 39 tomorrow! Think I’ll go sunbathing. LOL. Think this will be my last winter up here and spend time in California. Most folks say this is the worst winter they can remember. How goes it with you?

315 GeneJockey  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:47:37pm

re: #313 dog philosopher

i’m trying to imagine the appropriate gesture to signify “um our dog is peeing on your leg”

Lifting one leg while pointing at the victim’s shoes.

316 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:48:38pm

re: #173 CuriousLurker

Global warming/climate change denier—Pages, aisle 5.

Going back to climate change, who knew it was also partly responsible for the Mongol invasions & successful creation of their empire? Fascinating stuff. I’m really, really thankful I wasn’t alive when those guys were killing their way across Eurasia. It’s incredible how large an area they were able to conquer.

The Mongol Dominions, 1300-1405

Warm, Wet Times Spurred Medieval Mongol Rise

This great empire was made possible not by brilliant leadership alone, but by a 15-year period of abnormal moisture and warmth in central Mongolia in the early 1200s, according to Neil Pederson of Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and colleagues, who report their findings in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. A brief change in the local climate, they say, was key in the rise of the Mongols. […]

From 1180 to 1190, Central Mongolia experienced an intense drought that probably contributed to the political instability of that time. Established patterns of leadership were disrupted, and the region saw continuous warfare. “The worsening dry conditions…would have been an important contributing factor in the collapse of the established order and emergence of a centralized leadership under [Genghis] Khan,” the researchers write.

In 1211, Central Mongolia then entered its most unusual period in the millennium-long record: a 15-year stretch that was warm and, more importantly, incredibly wet. Those conditions would have provided a surplus of grass for both the horses for the Mongol army—each trooper would bring three to five horses so that he always had a fresh ride—and the livestock that followed the army to keep the warriors fed. […]

smithsonianmag.com

317 Feline Fearless Leader  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:49:29pm

This is John

When visiting my sister and brother-in-law in Colorado there was no trouble if we opted to walk out into the pastures. The horses weren’t going to hurt us, they’d come up to us since they were curious. It was just that the younger ones (1- and 2- year-olds) might be clumsy enough to step on us.

318 thedopefishlives  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:49:41pm

re: #314 HoosierHoops

Hi you! Too much snow and way too cold..It’s going to be 39 tomorrow! Think I’ll go sunbathing. LOL. Think this will be my last winter up here and spend time in California. Most folks say this is the worst winter they can remember. How goes it with you?

Up until this week, just struggling to keep the driveway clear and the cars from freezing up solid. My goodness, but this was a winter for the record books. Thought of you from time to time; glad you pulled through, and I certainly don’t blame you for wanting to take the snowbird route going forward.

319 wrenchwench  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:50:19pm

re: #313 dog philosopher

i’m trying to imagine the appropriate gesture to signify “um our dog is peeing on your leg”

The gestures were intended for the dog. Kind of a ‘shoo’ motion, while trying not to tip me off. I’m sure everyone had a good laugh afterwards. Including me, but it took a few years.

320 dog philosopher  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:50:25pm

re: #315 GeneJockey

Lifting one leg while pointing at the victim’s shoes.

i like it!

can you do ‘my hovercraft is full of eels”?

321 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:51:04pm

re: #316 CuriousLurker

Going back to climate change, who knew it was also partly responsible for the Mongol invasions & successful creation of their empire? Fascinating stuff. I’m really, really thankful I wasn’t alive when those guys were killing their way across Eurasia. It’s incredible how large an area they were able to conquer.

The Mongol Dominions, 1300-1405

It really is amazing how successful they were. Did anyone see Mongol? I believe it was a Kazakh movie made about the rise of Genghis Khan. Really good. It was supposed to be the first of three films about the Mongol empire but I am not sure if they ever made a second one. An empire from the gates of Vienna I believe that would have if not for an insane storm at sea reached the shores of Japan.

322 NJDhockeyfan  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:51:12pm

re: #293 Varek Raith

I was also charged by a pissed off cow when I was 4. We rented a small house on a farm in Orange county, Va.
Ah, animals.

I used to live near Orange. In fact I worked there a lot before I moved to Tennessee last September.

323 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:51:38pm

re: #310 wrenchwench

I didn’t understand their funny gestures ‘til I looked at my leg after I left their yard.

LOL

324 William Barnett-Lewis  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:52:02pm

re: #300 Political Atheist

I might opt out. I take full advantage of the books, and sometimes the free videos. I don’t see enough activity for it to pay. Although as I look to move away from cable and get my content online that flips the equation back. Kinda depends on cable for me.

We don’t have cable. We almost buy enough for the shipping to pay but waiting for supersaver isn’t a problem for us. Video is a pain in the *** to use compared to Netflix. Books requires the use of a Kindle. I won’t buy a device that I have to let someone else be able to delete content I bought. So it’s very quickly not worth the money.

I personally don’t watch any TV and maybe a half dozen movies a year. I’d rather do many other things.

325 Varek Raith  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:52:20pm

re: #310 wrenchwench

I came face to face with a deer last week when I was walking home. He or she decided to cut through a yard instead of following the two I had passed after they turned a corner.

I’ve been kicked by a donkey, chased by a mule, thrown off a horse, and peed on by a dog as I was giving a sales pitch to its owners. I didn’t understand their funny gestures ‘til I looked at my leg after I left their yard.

Lol.

326 Feline Fearless Leader  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:53:08pm

re: #325 Varek Raith

Lol.

Attacked by a chicken yet? I hear there is a vicious one in Bristol.

327 NJDhockeyfan  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:55:21pm

Nostalgia anyone? It’s a commercial for the TRS-80 computer.

Youtube Video

328 Varek Raith  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:56:24pm

re: #326 Feline Fearless Leader

Attacked by a chicken yet? I hear there is a vicious one in Bristol.

Heh.

329 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:56:51pm

re: #321 HappyWarrior

It really is amazing how successful they were. Did anyone see Mongol? I believe it was a Kazakh movie made about the rise of Genghis Khan. Really good. It was supposed to be the first of three films about the Mongol empire but I am not sure if they ever made a second one. An empire from the gates of Vienna I believe that would have if not for an insane storm at sea reached the shores of Japan.

Yep, I saw it—great movie (hoping for a part two soon). As a matter of fact, I bought the DVD. I’m a total sucker for cinematic eye-candy, so probably half of the movies I buy are purely for the visual pleasure watching them brings—stuff like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Mongol, Memoirs of a Geisha, Apocalypto, etc.

330 dog philosopher  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:56:52pm

i don’t recall ever having been actually attacked by an animal

the closest i come i guess are those pained looks ignatz cat gives me when i attempt to play the cornet

“do you really have to do that daddy??”

331 calochortus  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:57:15pm

re: #312 Feline Fearless Leader

They put those in after a truck lost its brakes and demolished some buildings in the town at the bottom of the hill. Pittsburgh itself put one in on a hill after a runaway truck barreled through the Fort Pitt tunnel and into the downtown area in the late 60s. Pretty standard now in a lot of places.

They’re an excellent idea. What gets me is the “no parking” signs on at least some of them. Who says ‘Oh look, a runaway truck ramp. Shall we spread out the blanket and picnic here?’

332 GeneJockey  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:57:19pm

re: #317 Feline Fearless Leader

This is John

When visiting my sister and brother-in-law in Colorado there was no trouble if we opted to walk out into the pastures. The horses weren’t going to hurt us, they’d come up to us since they were curious. It was just that the younger ones (1- and 2- year-olds) might be clumsy enough to step on us.

When I was hunting in Montana, one place where we had permission had us parking in the horses’ pasture. Two fences away there were some deer, so my friend had me load my muzzleloader at the truck and then try and sneak up on the deer. I was very intently getting everything together, loading the rifle when I felt a presence at my shoulder…

333 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:57:54pm

re: #329 CuriousLurker

Yep, I saw it—great movie (hoping for a part two). As a matter of fact, I bought the DVD. I’m a total sucker for cinematic eye-candy, so probably half of the movies are purely for the visual pleasure watching them brings—stuff like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Mongol, Memoirs of a Geisha, Apocalypto, etc.

Yeah it was a beautiful movie. SiL and my brother have been telling me I need to see Apocalypto for a while now.

334 Dave In Austin  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:58:06pm

Watching Chris Hayes…. Had to leave the room.

335 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 5:58:46pm

Worst extend of my animal attacks probably includes jellyfish. To this day, I’m careful in the bay. And horseshoe crabs while mean looking creatures aren’t mean at all.

336 Justanotherhuman  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:00:14pm

Not sure I’d fly at all…

Haze gets worse in Malaysia, Indonesia

Schools in Klang to close today, while airport in Riau closes for three days

- See more at: stasiareport.com

337 calochortus  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:00:15pm

Dinner calls. BBL

338 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:00:41pm

re: #335 HappyWarrior

Worst extend of my animal attacks probably includes jellyfish. To this day, I’m careful in the bay. And horseshoe crabs while mean looking creatures aren’t mean at all.

Gah, I’ve never seen one IRL, but they look like the stuff of nightmares.

339 dog philosopher  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:02:03pm

re: #321 HappyWarrior

It really is amazing how successful they were. Did anyone see Mongol? I believe it was a Kazakh movie made about the rise of Genghis Khan. Really good. It was supposed to be the first of three films about the Mongol empire but I am not sure if they ever made a second one. An empire from the gates of Vienna I believe that would have if not for an insane storm at sea reached the shores of Japan.

ah but what happened to the mongol empire?

spread too thin, and soon became softened up by the luxurious life of settled peoples

the romans, now, they really knew how to stay awhile and put their stamp on a place

340 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:02:21pm

re: #338 CuriousLurker

Gah, I’ve never seen one IRL, but they look like the stuff of nightmares.

They’re always or at least parts of them are always washing up on the beaches. Doesn’t dissuade me in the slightest from beach swimming but man I hate those things. Just realized you wre talking about horseshoe crabs. Mea culpa but they really are fascinating. They’re closely related to spiders.

341 Varek Raith  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:02:34pm

10 Pro-Gun Myths, Shot Down

Myth #5: Keeping a gun at home makes you safer.
Fact-check: Owning a gun has been linked to higher risks of homicide, suicide, and accidental death by gun.

• For every time a gun is used in self-defense in the home, there are 7 assaults or murders, 11 suicide attempts, and 4 accidents involving guns in or around a home.

• 43% of homes with guns and kids have at least one unlocked firearm.

• In one experiment, one third of 8-to-12-year-old boys who found a handgun pulled the trigger.

342 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:03:07pm

re: #339 dog philosopher

ah but what happened to the mongol empire?

spread too thin, and soon became softened up by the luxurious life of settled peoples

the romans, now, they really knew how to stay awhile and put their stamp on a place

True points. Really would like to read more about both empires actually. My undergrad work was more or less a lot of stuff from Napoleon to the present day.

343 chadu  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:03:59pm

re: #42 Gus

EDWARD SNOWDEN HAS DONE MORE FOR HUMANITY IN 6 MONTHS THAN BILL GATES HAS DONE IN HIS ENTIRE LIFETIME!
— The Greenwald

Yo Edward, I’m really happy for you, Imma let you finish but Benedict Arnold had one of the best betrayals of all time…one of the best betrayals of all time!

344 Dave In Austin  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:04:27pm

re: #335 HappyWarrior

Worst extend of my animal attacks probably includes jellyfish. To this day, I’m careful in the bay. And horseshoe crabs while mean looking creatures aren’t mean at all.

When the weather and tides are jut so on South Padre Island. You have to be careful where you step.

345 Feline Fearless Leader  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:04:33pm

re: #331 calochortus

They’re an excellent idea. What gets me is the “no parking” signs on at least some of them. Who says ‘Oh look, a runaway truck ramp. Shall we spread out the blanket and picnic here?’

I suspect it was so that truckers wouldn’t park there for mandatory rest time.

346 Pie-onist Overlord  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:04:36pm

Blackberry Pie

347 HoosierHoops  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:05:19pm

I get along with animals famously. Never have had an issue.
I lived through a small plane crash back in 1990. I’d rather have been bitten by a deer, chicken, cow or dog. Terrifying. My legs and face were messed for months. My face looked like I’d just gone through 15 rounds with Ali.

348 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:05:29pm

re: #341 Varek Raith

10 Pro-Gun Myths, Shot Down

Number 9 is what perks my eyebrow. Seems to me that more and more of this one crowd want any excuse to buy more guns. Doesn’t help when right wing politicians do treat them like toys. Read Coburn giving one ot McConnell at CPAC.

349 wrenchwench  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:05:32pm

re: #346 Pie-onist Overlord

Blackberry Pie

[Embedded image]

Looks like blackbird pie to me.

350 Feline Fearless Leader  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:06:38pm

re: #332 GeneJockey

When I was hunting in Montana, one place where we had permission had us parking in the horses’ pasture. Two fences away there were some deer, so my friend had me load my muzzleloader at the truck and then try and sneak up on the deer. I was very intently getting everything together, loading the rifle when I felt a presence at my shoulder…

[Embedded image]

Should have walked behind the horses to sneak up on the deer. Deer don’t count how many legs the horses have. ;)

351 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:07:10pm

re: #344 Dave In Austin

When the weather and tides are jut so on South Padre Island. You have to be careful where you step.

[Embedded image]

Incredible photo. Anyhow, I think their mating season is in late June/early July. We mostly went to the beach in late August when I was a kid since the water was always warmest and the waves the best for the bodysurfing that my father and brothers and I liked doing but this one summer we rented the family beach house in late June with my uncle and his family and I just remember there being horseshoe crabs everywhere.

352 dog philosopher  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:07:16pm

Bloomberg National Poll conducted by Selzer & Company. March 7-10, 2014

“What is your opinion of the health care law? It should be repealed. It may need small modifications, but we should see how it works. It should be left alone.”

Should be repealed 34%
See how it works 51%
Should be left alone 13%

reaffirms my faith in americans as a practical people who are willing to experiment

353 jaunte  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:07:17pm

re: #344 Dave In Austin

When the weather and tides are jut so on South Padre Island. You have to be careful where you step.

I’ve been stung on a beach like that; the tentacles often detach from the floats when they get beached.

354 Feline Fearless Leader  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:08:20pm

re: #338 CuriousLurker

Gah, I’ve never seen one IRL, but they look like the stuff of nightmares.

Got to pick one up last September at an aquarium in NC. They had a small section where you could touch or handle some creatures and that included a couple of horseshoe crabs.

355 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:08:23pm

re: #352 dog philosopher

Bloomberg National Poll conducted by Selzer & Company. March 7-10, 2014

“What is your opinion of the health care law? It should be repealed. It may need small modifications, but we should see how it works. It should be left alone.”

Should be repealed 34%
See how it works 51%
Should be left alone 13%

reaffirms my faith in americans as a practical people who are willing to experiment

It’s always that one third of the population that is dangerously nuts. Unfortunately that’s the part of the country that nominates the opposition too.

356 NJDhockeyfan  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:08:34pm

re: #349 wrenchwench

Looks like blackbird pie to me.

I see about four and twenty blackbirds in that pie.

357 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:09:21pm

re: #344 Dave In Austin

When the weather and tides are jut so on South Padre Island. You have to be careful where you step.

[Embedded image]

QFT—there are always man-of-wars around, but when there are swarms it gets really freaky/scary. *shudder*

Our family vacationed in Port A every summer. The other PITA things were nasty oil sludge washing up from time to time, and certain times when there would be a LOT of seaweed. Yyyyyuck.

358 chadu  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:09:36pm

re: #94 Kragar

States Rights Uber Alles… unless it’s something we don’t like!

359 EPR-radar  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:09:47pm

re: #348 HappyWarrior

#2 is the most compelling one for me —— as the % of households having guns increases, so does the rate of gun deaths. Really simple, and also why the NRA does everything it can to minimize the collection of relevant data,

360 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:09:57pm

Have to say. If I had pursued a career in science, marine bio all the day. And apparently that’s what my cousin’s son the surfer wants to do when he’s not surfing of course.

361 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:09:58pm

re: #346 Pie-onist Overlord

Blackberry Pie

[Embedded image]

That crust looks perfect.

362 thedopefishlives  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:10:53pm

re: #347 HoosierHoops

I get along with animals famously. Never have had an issue.
I lived through a small plane crash back in 1990. I’d rather have been bitten by a deer, chicken, cow or dog. Terrifying. My legs and face were messed for months. My face looked like I’d just gone through 15 rounds with Ali.

I’m a bit of an animal whisperer. Well, except for cats. Those beasts just stare into your soul, it’s unnerving.

363 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:12:03pm

re: #359 EPR-radar

#2 is the most compelling one for me —— as the % of households having guns increases, so does the rate of gun deaths. Really simple, and also why the NRA does everything it can to minimize the collection of relevant data,

It makes sense. I mean here’s the thing. I think there’s some well meaning but ignorance when it comes to guns and I think the NRA is largely responsible for shaping those falsehoods by fighting as you say the collection of relevant data. They want the conservation to be about anything but guns hence why LaPierre will blame media like video games and films. I also really resent that they have to use fear to strum up money too. The tactics LaPierre is using about guns are the same that he and Heston uesd against Clinton in the late 90’s following Columbine and I’m sick of it, and I am also sick of being told I am not a real American because I don’t like or want to own a gun.

364 chadu  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:12:27pm

re: #114 wrenchwench

I am not convinced the ‘unintended’ part applies to them.

Some men just want to watch the world other people burn.

365 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:13:07pm

re: #362 thedopefishlives

I’m a bit of an animal whisperer. Well, except for cats. Those beasts just stare into your soul, it’s unnerving.

Hahahahahaha…

366 NJDhockeyfan  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:13:17pm
367 thedopefishlives  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:15:09pm

re: #365 CuriousLurker

Hahahahahaha…

Mrs. Fish’s cat, Basement Cat, is notorious for this. She hides in the dark corners of the basement with her fluffy black coat and just bores her gaze into you until you break down and weep.

368 wrenchwench  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:15:37pm

Later, lizards.

369 Stanley Sea  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:18:49pm

re: #314 HoosierHoops

Hi you! Too much snow and way too cold..It’s going to be 39 tomorrow! Think I’ll go sunbathing. LOL. Think this will be my last winter up here and spend time in California. Most folks say this is the worst winter they can remember. How goes it with you?

Have you met peeps???

370 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:21:08pm

re: #367 thedopefishlives

Mrs. Fish’s cat, Basement Cat, is notorious for this. She hides in the dark corners of the basement with her fluffy black coat and just bores her gaze into you until you break down and weep.

I love cats, but even I get unnerved when it’s dark and I suddenly feel someone watching me, only to realize one of mine has jumped up on the bed and is sitting like six inches from my face, staring intently for signs of wakefulness.

371 CuriousLurker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:22:26pm

Time to break for dinner. Later, lizards.

372 thedopefishlives  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:24:02pm

re: #370 CuriousLurker

I love cats, but even I get unnerved when it’s dark and I suddenly feel someone watching me, only to realize one of mine has jumped up on the bed and is sitting like six inches from my face, staring intently for signs of wakefulness.

This is why my cats no longer sleep in my room. Oh, ostensibly it’s because the Mrs. Fish refuses to deal with cat hair all over the house and prefers to keep it confined to the basement; but I don’t think either of us could deal with the psychological scarring that comes with awakening to find those golden eyes mere inches from our face, usually accompanied by a low purr.

373 RealityBasedSteve  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:28:06pm

re: #346 Pie-onist Overlord

Blackberry Pie

[Embedded image]

That might be the prettiest pie I’ve EVER seen in my life. I would feel guilty cutting a piece out of it. (and I LOVE Blackberries)

RBS

374 HoosierHoops  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:28:43pm

re: #369 Stanley Sea

Have you met peeps???

A few..But I live in the middle of nowhere on the Lake and it’s been too cold since I moved here. I watch cooking shows all day. I’m going crazy. Can’t wait till it warms up and I cruise the boat around the lake and forget this horrible winter. You know what is bad? I tried to get out of the garage a few weeks ago and it was frozen solid to the ground and couldn’t get out to buy food. Man..was I pissed off.
How are you doing?

375 thedopefishlives  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:30:24pm

re: #374 HoosierHoops

A few..But I live in the middle of nowhere on the Lake and it’s been too cold since I moved here. I watch cooking shows all day. I’m going crazy. Can’t wait till it warms up and I cruise the boat around the lake and forget this horrible winter. You know what is bad? I tried to get out of the garage a few weeks ago and it was frozen solid to the ground and couldn’t get out to buy food. Man..was I pissed off.
How are you doing?

If you ever make your way out this far west, make sure you look me up.

376 Stanley Sea  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:30:56pm

re: #346 Pie-onist Overlord

Blackberry Pie

[Embedded image]

Of all the pies I’ve seen, this is my winner.

Y U M

377 TedStriker  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:31:56pm

re: #331 calochortus

They’re an excellent idea. What gets me is the “no parking” signs on at least some of them. Who says ‘Oh look, a runaway truck ramp. Shall we spread out the blanket and picnic here?’

The runaway ramps I’ve seen on I-24 going over Monteagle Mountain look to be filled deep with at least a couple of feet of pea gravel, for added drag. You pull a car or light truck in there too far, you’ll need a wrecker to pull you out.

378 RealityBasedSteve  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:32:25pm

re: #372 thedopefishlives

This is why my cats no longer sleep in my room. Oh, ostensibly it’s because the Mrs. Fish refuses to deal with cat hair all over the house and prefers to keep it confined to the basement; but I don’t think either of us could deal with the psychological scarring that comes with awakening to find those golden eyes mere inches from our face, usually accompanied by a low purr.

I remember once, a new girlfriend, back at my apartment, enjoying some sexy-time. I felt something on my back, and realized that my cat had jumped on my back, and was now looking down at her over my shoulder. Ackward……

RBS

379 chadu  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:32:27pm

re: #310 wrenchwench

I came face to face with a deer last week when I was walking home. He or she decided to cut through a yard instead of following the two I had passed after they turned a corner.

I’ve been kicked by a donkey, chased by a mule, thrown off a horse, and peed on by a dog as I was giving a sales pitch to its owners. I didn’t understand their funny gestures ‘til I looked at my leg after I left their yard.

When I was 8, I was attacked by a swan.

I know now I am lucky to be alive, much less relatively uninjured.

380 NJDhockeyfan  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:33:10pm

re: #373 RealityBasedSteve

That might be the prettiest pie I’ve EVER seen in my life. I would feel guilty cutting a piece out of it. (and I LOVE Blackberries)

RBS

I love blackberries too. I had a pbj today with blackberry jam :)

381 RealityBasedSteve  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:34:54pm

re: #377 TedStriker

The runaway ramps I’ve seen on I-24 going over Monteagle Mountain look to be filled deep with at least a couple of feet of pea gravel, for added drag. You pull a car or light truck in there too far, you’ll need a wrecker to pull you out.

Yep…. it’s designed to kill the speed but not do any real serious damage to the truck. I think that they periodically go in and basically roto-till it, keep it loose. I image hitting one of those would be a hell of an experience, but way better than trying to make that run down the mountain with no brakes.

RBS

382 chadu  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:39:15pm

re: #320 dog philosopher

i like it!

can you do ‘my hovercraft is full of eels”?

I didn’t know you spoke “Dirty” Hungarian!

383 Stanley Sea  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:40:06pm

re: #374 HoosierHoops

A few..But I live in the middle of nowhere on the Lake and it’s been too cold since I moved here. I watch cooking shows all day. I’m going crazy. Can’t wait till it warms up and I cruise the boat around the lake and forget this horrible winter. You know what is bad? I tried to get out of the garage a few weeks ago and it was frozen solid to the ground and couldn’t get out to buy food. Man..was I pissed off.
How are you doing?

Aw Hoops. No bueno. Thaw is coming and you can re-group. Seriously you should have a journal. You’ve got a comedy film at your fingertips.

I’m fine. No excitement.

384 Stanley Sea  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:42:14pm

Everyone’s moved up. OK, I can type this then. I just had coffee go down the wrong pipe.

It was TRAUMA.

385 Amory Blaine  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 6:59:12pm

re: #297 HoosierHoops

Not a good idea at all. We drive real slow at night too.

386 wheat-dogghazi  Thu, Mar 13, 2014 10:33:44pm

re: #113 Political Atheist

Well crap. Very sad moment. just got one of those bad phone calls.

What is medical coverage like in Panu China? I have just gotten word that an old friend who has worked and lived there about 10 years and kind mentor to me has TB, diabetes and more. Can’t get into a hospital there and can’t come home, not with active TB.

It depends on the province. I’m not familiar with Panu, so I can’t offer any exact advice. If he doesn’t have medical insurance, he would have to pay money up front to get medical care or a hospital treatment. Most cities have at least one good Western medicine hospital. The newest ones are indistinguishable from ones in America, with state-of-the-art facilities and care. TB and diabetes are nothing new in China, so I should think he’d be able to get effective care. The key part is paying for it.

But, hospitals in China cost much less than in the States. The exchange rate is now 6.1 yuan to the dollar, so that would help, too.

If he has a work visa (multiple entry), he can also go to Hong Kong for treatment, though the prices would be higher.

Where is Panu? I’ve never heard of it, and google is no help.


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