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Friday Midday Open Thread

At least it is midday where I am.

This is an Open Thread.

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    Think this will change on 01/20/2009? (5.00 / 5) (#1)
    by Fabian on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 11:34:43 AM EST
    I do think it'll be hard for Senate Republicans to explain themselves.

    They were invited, repeatedly, to participate in more than a week of negotiations with a Republican White House. They declined.

    They were asked to provide an alternative bill. They refused.

    Finally, one of their members - Senator Corker of Tennessee - participated in a day-long negotiation with Senate Democrats, the UAW, and bondholders. Everyone made major concessions. Democrats gave up efficiency and emissions standards. UAW accepted major benefit cuts and agreed to reduce workers' wages. Bondholders signed off on a serious haircut. But when Senator Corker took the deal back to the Republican Conference, they argued for two hours and ultimately rejected it.

    [TPM link]

    The facts of what took place must not (5.00 / 4) (#6)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 12:45:13 PM EST
    go away quickly either!  Sad thing is that most of America will probably never know that without the TARP money hanging out there as a possible saving grace for 3 million jobs, these nutso Senators would have destroyed any semblance of order our economy would have been able to maintain as we address this crisis for two or more years to come.

    Parent
    Clinton's Senate Seat.... (5.00 / 2) (#2)
    by kdog on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 11:44:24 AM EST
    I'm rooting for Fran Drescher.

    She's a real New Yorker and isn't beholden to any particular special interest that I know of.  No more Kennedys, no more Cuomos...give us a Drescher!

    I just wish Grandpa Al Lewis was still around to throw his hat in the ring.

    Greenwald on Moyers tonight (5.00 / 3) (#3)
    by DFLer on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 11:52:14 AM EST
    from the Moyers show email alert:

    Bill Moyers sits down with political commentator and Salon.com blogger Glenn Greenwald who asks: Are we a nation ruled by men or by laws? A former constitutional and civil rights lawyer, Greenwald looks at the legacy of the Bush Administration, the prospects for a restoration of the rule of law, as well as the possibilities for government accountability.

    check local listings PBS

    Rest in peace... (5.00 / 6) (#4)
    by desertswine on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 12:00:59 PM EST
    cultural icon Bettie Page.

    Good day for Franken (5.00 / 4) (#5)
    by magster on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 12:35:11 PM EST
    Canvassing board votes unanimously to count 133 missing Minneapolis ballots as they counted on election night, and unanimously vote to recommend improperly rejected absentees should be counted and recount totals revised.

    News courtesy of TPM election central...

    And for those (5.00 / 2) (#9)
    by CoralGables on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 01:05:25 PM EST
    with an extraordinary amount of time on their hands this weekend, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune will let you log into their site and review all contested ballots. It gives you an update as to who you have in the lead and the vote count margin of error.

    Recount

    have to have a Star-Tribune log in for it to keep your running total

    Parent

    Not feeling too inspired today (5.00 / 5) (#7)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 12:48:37 PM EST
    Actually feel sort of vulnerable and threatened after witnessing the bull of Corker and Mitch and Shelby.

    Hope! Change! (5.00 / 4) (#15)
    by Fabian on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 01:36:17 PM EST
    More traditional?  Feel free to cling to your religion, guns and knitting.

    Parent
    oh me too! (5.00 / 2) (#73)
    by jedimom on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 03:17:30 PM EST
    oh man Tracy me too, I have been going off about their shenanigans since last night..ranting and raving that's me, good thing is I got my liberal groove back as a result :0)

    http://tinyurl.com/62sp7b

    Parent

    Power Outage up north (5.00 / 1) (#11)
    by CST on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 01:21:39 PM EST
    Not sure why, the weather hasn't been THAT bad, at least not compared to what I would consider "bad winter weather".  But hundreds of thousands of people are without power.  Good thing it's pretty warm outside...

    I heard... (5.00 / 1) (#20)
    by kdog on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 01:43:35 PM EST
    one of the manufacturers I work with is up by you...they couldn't open because of the outage.

    I don't even know if it is fair to call them a manufacturer anymore..they used to manufacture, now they mostly just resell, or at most assemble...most everything is imported.

    And we keep running out of common everyday items!  Customers complaining up a storm about availability, but then again when we made the stuff here in the US, they complained about the price.  Cheap goods at the whim of the Chinese, or more expensive goods that are readily available with a strong American manufacturing base...I guess we made our bed and now we have to sleep in it.  I can't help but think it was the wrong choice.


    Parent

    Dog, Here I go again...Stop me... (none / 0) (#22)
    by easilydistracted on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 01:50:00 PM EST
    Too late...Think those pirates had anything to do with it?

    Parent
    LOL.... (none / 0) (#23)
    by kdog on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 01:53:46 PM EST
    North Atlantic in December?  Not even the Somalis are that bold:)

    Parent
    Outriggers in the North Atlantic (5.00 / 1) (#26)
    by easilydistracted on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 01:59:31 PM EST
    in December. Hello iceberg, meet fools.  

    Parent
    Long lost band of Vikings? n/t (none / 0) (#37)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 02:35:25 PM EST
    Major ice storm (5.00 / 1) (#31)
    by gyrfalcon on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 02:26:38 PM EST
    in parts of the NE.  Go look up some pix from central and western Mass.  It's a real disaster.  We had one of those in Vermont in 1998 and power was out all over the state for weeks.  It missed all but the southern part of the state this time, but man, am I glad I heat with a woodstove when this kind of thing threatens.

    Parent
    Ice storms are (5.00 / 1) (#82)
    by liminal on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 03:30:15 PM EST
    no fun.  We have one a couple of years ago where the cross over between rain and ice cut so close that the hilly part of town was coated in sheets of ice that made it impossible to drive, heavy enough to bring down tree limbs and powerlines - a serious ice storm.  Meanwhile, the flat part of town - essentially the river bottomland - was just wet.  

    Parent
    Hmmm, CST (none / 0) (#12)
    by easilydistracted on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 01:23:39 PM EST
    Any correlation ya think between our two posts??

    Parent
    I mean like, power outage, day the earth stood (none / 0) (#13)
    by easilydistracted on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 01:26:27 PM EST
    still....??  Heck, never mind, its been a bad bad week

    Parent
    Heh (none / 0) (#14)
    by CST on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 01:27:28 PM EST
    No worries, I got it.

    Not the best, but I'll give you an A for effort :)

    Parent

    Thanks. I needed the A (5.00 / 4) (#24)
    by easilydistracted on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 01:55:43 PM EST
    Took the plunge today for my only option for health care coverage in 09 (not sure whether you saw my posts last week regarding expiration of COBRA benefits). State sponsored high risk -- premiums will cost me about 4700.00 more in 09 versus 08. Deductible increasing from 1250.00 annually to 7500.00.  Damn. I'm pretty well scr**ed financially in 09.

    Parent
    Good luck! (5.00 / 1) (#33)
    by CST on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 02:29:55 PM EST
    I hope something happens for you in the next few months to alleviate the health care burden.

    Parent
    I feel your pain (5.00 / 3) (#51)
    by Amiss on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 02:54:42 PM EST
    I am diabetic as well with heart problems and even tho I am covered, it is terrifying in this economy that my husband might lose his job and we would be in the same boat.

    I have been there as well, 10 years ago and it took forever for me to get covered under a group plan.

    Parent

    Ice storm last night (none / 0) (#21)
    by nycstray on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 01:47:19 PM EST
    weird weather. Originally it was supposed to be cold today, but I guess something shifted. We just got a ton of rain. My dog is very clean {grin}

    Parent
    Very clean..... (5.00 / 2) (#27)
    by vml68 on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 02:11:04 PM EST
    but how does he smell?
    As much as I love my current dog (and all the ones before him), I have not yet learned to appreciate the smell of wet dog!

    Parent
    He's a she ;) (5.00 / 1) (#29)
    by nycstray on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 02:18:57 PM EST
    she's not a stinky dog, even when wet. I've only used shampoo on her about twice. And that was when she was still at the shelter almost 6yrs ago  :) I think it's partly her breed and also her diet. And I'm sure there's some dumb luck thrown in, lol!~ I use rain storms to keep her clean as long as it isn't too cold. Oh so easy!

    Parent
    Not a snow dog then! (5.00 / 1) (#53)
    by Fabian on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 02:56:27 PM EST
    All the cold weather dogs (mountain, husky, most LGDs) secrete a waxy substance that almost waterproofs their coat.  Add in a a very dense undercoat and you have a warm, thick coat that never gets more than superficially dirty.  (unless they roll vigorously in something wonderful)  I almost never bathed my dog in the winter unless we went to someone's house.  Most of the summer baths were as much to help with the twice annual molting as they were to clean him.

    Parent
    I didn't know that! (5.00 / 2) (#69)
    by nycstray on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 03:11:49 PM EST
    Dot loves the snow, but I also put jackets on her. She's fine as long as we don't have those zero wind chills. Which I'm thankful for as I hate wind chills myself!

    Parent
    My dog's first winter (5.00 / 1) (#92)
    by Fabian on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 04:11:56 PM EST
    was an education.  He panted inside because he was hot.  His foot prints were more than impressions, they were melted into the snow or ice.  He came in a couple mornings with frost on his fur because he was so well insulated.  We attempted to provide him with dog beds (shredded) and shelter (ignored).  We finally gave up and let him do what he liked.

    I did say I wanted a dog that wouldn't die of exposure or predation if he was left outside!

    Parent

    Mine would freeze to death (none / 0) (#95)
    by nycstray on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 04:24:45 PM EST
    literally. A few winters back a Dal did freeze in a yard just out of the city.

    Snow dogs amaze me. They are built so functional. Do you ever sled or anything with your dogs?

    Parent

    Racoon Dogs (none / 0) (#98)
    by squeaky on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 04:41:34 PM EST
    Never saw one but just read about these amazing dogs that need to be in very cold climate. They actually hibernate!

    Sad that they are mostly farmed for fur..

    Parent

    No. (none / 0) (#107)
    by Fabian on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 06:45:40 PM EST
    Someone who did try to harness up his LGD to a simple snow disc found out the LGD had zero interest in pulling, but loved riding on it!  (LGDs run 70-90+ pounds - they are not small.)  A proper harness isn't cheap, either.

    LGDs are very hardy.  They were bred to be with the flocks full time, no matter the weather.  They are also very thrifty and don't eat as much as other similar sized breeds.  I would have saved so much time, effort and confusion if I had figured out he was an LGD when I first got him.  Offering him food and expecting him to eat it within 20 minutes was a failure.  The biscuit treats ended up cached under couch cushions or stowed in a corner of a less used room.  

    Before I began to admire his smarts, judgment and temperament, I kept wondering what was wrong with my "abnormal" dog who refused to conform to the usual standards of dog behavior.

    Parent

    SHE has my apologies.. :-)! (none / 0) (#34)
    by vml68 on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 02:29:57 PM EST
    I've never had a short coated breed so I assumed they all smell when wet. What do you feed her?

    Parent
    Not all short coat dogs smell decent (5.00 / 1) (#52)
    by nycstray on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 02:55:53 PM EST
    wet or dry, lol!~ Dals are generally known to be less stinky and fairly easy maintain, aside from shedding.

    She eats a raw diet and shares some of my home cooking. Mostly turkey and chicken as she needs a low purine diet (breed issue). The raw diet also keeps her teeth clean/breath fresh so when she bathes her self (like a cat), she's not coating herself with dog breath :)

    Parent

    Raw diet.... (none / 0) (#87)
    by vml68 on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 03:43:04 PM EST
    I take it her stomach has no problem switching between a raw diet and home-cooked?
    I cook for my boy (have a big 'ol pot of turkey cooking right now!) and always wanted to try a raw diet but read a couple of places that it upsets their stomach to switch back and forth, so I never tried it.

    Parent
    She's always been fine with it (none / 0) (#94)
    by nycstray on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 04:20:14 PM EST
    but since I've had her, she never had a long term steady diet of one food. I think that's what trips most pets up. I'm in a 4th floor walk up, so tummy upsets would be a huge deal, lol!~

    We're having turkey tonight also. Making a turkey, mushroom, wild rice soup with root veggies :) For breakfast she had a raw egg (with shell), raw turkey neck and some cottage cheese. She'll get a late night fruit snack before bed (as will I).

    I started all my pets out on one protein source and built up the variety. All my cats will eat the same foods (YES!!) and the dog, well she's doggie Hoover  :)

    Parent

    Careful with turkey! (none / 0) (#101)
    by Spamlet on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 05:28:38 PM EST
    The skin is poisonous for dogs.

    Parent
    It's the fat factor (5.00 / 2) (#109)
    by nycstray on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 07:32:04 PM EST
    many pets only get turkey once a year and they are given the skin and drippings. At least that's my understanding :) My pets don't get the cooked skin unless they steal it. I like it! Mine are also used to eating turkey as it's a large part of their diet. Both raw (with skin, bones, organs) and cooked (no bones). The meats they are fed are free roaming. The fat is a different composition and better for you. Has omegas vs the factory fed fats, which aren't good for you. That said, if I see an over abundance of fat, it gets removed.

    For pets not used to "people" foods like roast turkey, a small amount of breast meat is generally fine. Moderation :) Hold the skin, gravy, grease and fat!

    Parent

    Very weird weather (none / 0) (#28)
    by CST on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 02:18:30 PM EST
    I am not too far south and last night we had rain, and pretty moderate temps.  But hey, it happens, and you get warmer weather closer to the ocean too.

    Warm out today (for December), which is nice, last weekend was freezing - the first really cold days this winter.

    Parent

    Yeah, it warmed up overnight (none / 0) (#30)
    by nycstray on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 02:26:35 PM EST
    I was watching the temps rise. Night before it did the same thing. I'll never really get used to that! D@mn glad I was below the freeze line last night. I can wait a bit longer before we get icy streets! Supposed to be warm (for Dec) on Sun and Mon also  :)

    Parent
    Warmer towards the ocean..... (none / 0) (#41)
    by vml68 on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 02:40:51 PM EST
    that's what I thought but it sure hasn't felt like it. And the wind has been absolutely wicked the last few days. I am a pretty small person (height and size)and there were a couple of times while walking my dog that I thought we would both end up flying!

    Parent
    Wind (none / 0) (#56)
    by CST on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 03:01:09 PM EST
    It is warmer by the ocean, but it doesn't always FEEL warmer b/c the wind.  Winter in the city, where you have to deal with ocean winds going through wind-tunnels is an ugly business.  Doesn't matter how many layers you have on, it'll cut right through you.

    Parent
    Ooh, I hate walking in Manhattan .. (none / 0) (#83)
    by vml68 on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 03:35:23 PM EST
    when it is windy.

    Parent
    Weird? 7 degrees today here (none / 0) (#103)
    by Cream City on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 05:51:22 PM EST
    and it will be 36 tomorrow, 40 on Sunday, turning the ice everywhere from our early storms into slush -- which then will refreeze when it drops back down to a high of 16 in a few days.

    A friend from Australia is visiting now, never seen it below 60 degrees in her life, loves the snow -- but not the energy drain that wintry weather means.  She said the snow and cold, she expected and can handle.  But she's amazed by the "burden" involved in getting ready to go out in the cold.  We have introduced her to the concept of: layers, layers, lots of layers to put on and peel off as we go from Siberian outdoors to tropical indoors to Siberian outdoors again. . . .

    Parent

    Revelatory. (5.00 / 2) (#17)
    by KeysDan on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 01:37:17 PM EST
    The NYT reports today that Richard Cizek, the longtime lobbyist for the National Association of Evangelicals, was forced to resign after mentioning on Terry Gross's NPR program that he believed in civil unions for gay couples.  He was almost drummed out in 2007 for "diluting the agenda of evangelicals" by taking stands against genocide in Darfur, global warming and torture.  I am beginning to think that some of the Christian supporters of Proposition 8 had more on their minds than the definition of marriage as between a man and a woman.

    Dobson (none / 0) (#99)
    by squeaky on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 04:44:10 PM EST
    Did him in. Too bad because Cizek also represented views among evangelicals that global warming is man made and that we need to take action. He also liked Obama, which was a black mark with Dobson.

    Parent
    When Hillary proposed a nuclear umbrella (5.00 / 3) (#25)
    by kempis on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 01:55:44 PM EST
    in the Mideast, the blogosphere erupted--except for a few pragmatic and non-CDS-affected folks like BTD, who wrote several good pieces on this version of MAD.

    Most of Obama's "progressive" supporters were horrified. Such crazy talk was proof positive that Hillary was a dangerous, neoconservative imperialist.

    This past week, Obama talks about implementing the "nuclear umbrella" and the crickets are deafening--except for this poor soul at DK:

    http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/12/11/131259/75#c194

    I agree with people that he's hysterical. But the irony is that I'm sure some of the people taking him to the woodshed sounded just like him when it was HILLARY talking about nuclear umbrellas last Spring.

    There are lots of morons (5.00 / 2) (#32)
    by gyrfalcon on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 02:29:30 PM EST
    who still cite that snippet of her words ("obliterate Iran") as proof she's a war-monger.  Pathetic.  Nice to see Obama is smart enough to realize that "nuclear umbrella" idea of hers is a darn good one.

    Parent
    yep (none / 0) (#118)
    by kempis on Sat Dec 13, 2008 at 08:32:45 AM EST
    Of course, the defense offered by the Obamabots (distinguished from the more rational Obama-supporters) is this: "nah-ah! Did not!" Until they hear this from Obama himself, they won't believe it--much like they refused to believe that Obama wanted Teh Evil Hillary for Secretary of State or they refused to believe that Obama would keep Gates at DoD or....

    It's a truly fascinating thing to watch.

    And I say that as someone who thinks the Obama transition team are doing a helluva job.

    Parent

    Oh that's pretty funny. (none / 0) (#57)
    by ThatOneVoter on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 03:01:15 PM EST
    Bummer day. (5.00 / 2) (#35)
    by Teresa on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 02:31:18 PM EST
    Yesterday was my last day of work. My back is killing me (I have 11 degenerated discs, four of them extremely severe, and arthritis all up my spine and I'm not even near old yet!) and now I have to start all over on a 12 month pre-existing clause.

    I found a knot on the chest of my little four legged boy that owns my heart. This is the dog that is in remission from a potentially fatal blood disease. I'm scared to death I'll lose him.

    The knot feels like hard gel and I can move it around like a large marble. Anyone have experience with this to give me hope until I get to the vet? We've spent over $3000 on him since May and I don't know how we can pay for chemo if it's bad. My husband said he'll sell all his boy toys (custom motorcycle especially) if he has to.

    It's also the anniversay of my dad's death and the country is in a mess.

    Kdog, help me...I need happy pills!

    Sorry to hear about all your... (5.00 / 1) (#40)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 02:40:29 PM EST
    ...problems, T!  When it rains, it pours, huh?  Hopefully things will take a turn for the better!!!

    Parent
    Thanks MH. I'll be fine if my dog is. (none / 0) (#45)
    by Teresa on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 02:47:21 PM EST
    There's no one home right now and I needed to whine a little. Thanks for listening!

    I'm just so sick of rich heartless people. I can't get over someone laying off a guy with two kids right before Christmas to save his tiny hourly pay. I'd say the gifts this man's son will receive would pay this guy for months.

    I'm also sick of insurance companies.

    I still love all of you guys, though. :)

    Parent

    Teresa, so sorry (5.00 / 2) (#42)
    by gyrfalcon on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 02:44:10 PM EST
    I lost my best buddy cat the day after the first anniverary of my mother's death, so I know how hard it is to get that double whammy.

    My advice-- if the news is bad, don't put your friend through chemo.  Love him up like crazy and indulge him and feed him his favorite food and make him really happy for as long as he's feeling good, and then do him the favor we can't do for our human friends.

    Parent

    I will do that gyrfalcon, but it would break (5.00 / 2) (#49)
    by Teresa on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 02:52:49 PM EST
    my heart. This little fellow sleeps literally with my arm around him each night. I love him too much for it to be normal. I won't let him hurt.

    I'm just praying it's a fatty deposit that his breed is known to get and not related to his other health problem.

    I lost a pet four years ago and it's hard, isn't it? My memories of her make me happy now and not sad so that's good.

    Parent

    good thoughts for the furry wonder :0) (5.00 / 3) (#66)
    by jedimom on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 03:07:49 PM EST
    "This little fellow sleeps literally with my (5.00 / 4) (#74)
    by vml68 on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 03:17:47 PM EST
    arm around him each night. I love him too much for it to be normal."
    I know how that feels. Isn't it amazing how much love you can feel for an animal.

    Parent
    I've lost (5.00 / 3) (#89)
    by gyrfalcon on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 03:57:33 PM EST
    three in the last four years, including one just last month.  Because I live in the country now, I was able to take him in my arms, give his lovely fur one last good stroking, wrap him an old soft family towel and bury him at the bottom of my property near his favorite mouse-hunting spot with a couple of his favorite toys.

    It's utterly excruciating.  We know we're inevitably going to lose these guys, yet we can't resist letting ourselves in for it over and over again.  I couldn't imagine living without animals.

    So I went out and adopted a kitten from the local shelter to fill the small hole in my household.

    But the worst, worst by far for me and for her, was the one time I couldn't reconcile myself to euthanasia soon enough to prevent real suffering.  I will never, ever let that happen again.

    I think most of us love our animal pals more than is completely "normal," it's just that some of us are more open about it than others.

    I've had to stop at three cats because I can barely get myself out of bed in the morning as it is with three of them draped all over me.  Did you know 9-pound cats weigh around 100 pounds each when they're asleep?  If I had four, I'd die of old age before I could manage to heave them off me to get out.

    So I know where you're coming from totally.


    Parent

    "I couldn't reconcile myself to euthanasia (5.00 / 1) (#97)
    by vml68 on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 04:33:51 PM EST
    soon enough to prevent real suffering".
    My first two dogs died naturally without suffering and so when my last one got really old I thought it would happen the same way. It was not till things got really bad and I had no choice but to put him to sleep that I realised that I had been ignoring all the signs of his suffering. It is hard enough to let go when the time comes but absolutely horrible to know that you contributed towards the suffering of a beloved pet.

    Parent
    It's very hard to know (none / 0) (#117)
    by gyrfalcon on Sat Dec 13, 2008 at 12:36:00 AM EST
    because animals don't always show their pain until it becomes unbearable.  My late mother always said that the time to end it is when the animal isn't having any fun anymore, and that's as good a guideline as I can think of, but it's not perfect.

    A pet animal's purpose in life is to enjoy life, seems to me, and our responsibility is to ensure that enjoyment.  When that's no longer possible, keeping it alive because we can't bear to part with it is just morally wrong, IMHO.  BUt knowing precisely when that time comes isn't always so easy since it's not usually a specific point in time but a gradual lessening of quality of life, just as it is with people.  They can't tell us how they feel about it, so all we can do is our best to pay attention and take on the burden of making the decision for them.  It's really the most profound act of love to let go for the sake of preventing or stopping suffering.

    Parent

    I know the feeling. My last baby's ashes (none / 0) (#93)
    by Teresa on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 04:12:38 PM EST
    sit on my mantle.

    I have two poodles now. The little boy is black and the little girl, a three year old, is white. She is a terror! They both sleep with us and they will sleep as long as someone will stay in bed with them.

    My vet says poodles get a bad rap because of the way people groom them, etc. Mine look like little lambs. No fancy cuts for them. Sweet dogs that don't bark much and just want to be loved on.

    Parent

    I have a black english cocker.... (5.00 / 1) (#100)
    by vml68 on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 04:44:34 PM EST
    When I let his coat grow out he gets some serious curls and everybody thinks he is a poodle.
    When I insist he is a cocker they think I got duped... :-)!  The other day someone told me he looked like a little werewolf!

    Parent
    cock-a-poo? (5.00 / 1) (#113)
    by Amiss on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 11:04:14 PM EST
    One of the best dogs I ever had was a cock-a-poo when my daughter was born, He guarded my daughter with his life and never let her run towards the street, he would pull her back by the butt of her diapers when she was tiny. Such fond memories!

    Parent
    Ashes of two furry friends (5.00 / 1) (#104)
    by Cream City on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 05:56:41 PM EST
    lost a few years ago to the poisoned Chinese pet food now are in my garden . . . under rose bushes planted on each side of my favorite bench.  And my kids found cute little garden sculptures of cats, one under each bush.  It's a nice spot for me now, after the sadness of losing both so fast.  Just a thought.

    Btw, these two had replaced the beloved cat for more than two decades that I said was irreplaceable, until the kids finally made me stop mourning (two or three years!).  This time, the kids talked me into a new kitten again after only a year or so, so we got her a couple of months ago.  And now, of course, I can't imagine life without her . . . and she gets no chancy pet food, no way.

    Parent

    Oh, Cream, how sad (5.00 / 1) (#115)
    by gyrfalcon on Sat Dec 13, 2008 at 12:23:24 AM EST
    Luckily, I got onto the whole issue of cat food quality early because my new kittens at the time were having persistent, ahem, digestive problems, which sent me Web searching on the question of food.  Turned out after a LOT of experimenting that both were unable to digest any grains at all except, weirdly, oats.  As you know, the high quality food for them costs an arm and a leg, but I felt so safe when that awful business happened with the Chinese poisoning because the food I was giving them didn't have any wheat powder or anything other than good meat, a few vegetables and some vitamin supplements.

    How terrible to find out the food you've been giving them poisoned your friends.  Oh!

    This spring, I'm going to plant some particularly nice daylilies around my little guy's spot, and my  distant sister, who fell in love with him when she visited, is going to send some to plant for her.  It's good to have a focus for remembering and grieving, I think.

    You can't ever "replace" a friend, but I have had the experience now too often that bringing a new, healthy, energetic little personality into the household is for me the best way to break my most intense grieving and turn the focus on sufering and death to thinking about life and health.  And for me, the sooner the better.

    My new little kitten just jumped up on the desk to add her energetic concurrence!

    Parent

    Man, that's tough CC. I didn't realize that (none / 0) (#108)
    by Teresa on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 06:59:50 PM EST
    had happened to you though I have read you speak up about the food issue. I'm so sorry.

    I know what you mean about the pet that can't be "replaced". Somehow, we always find room in our heart for another one. I still cry over my pets occasionally. People who've never loved an animal just don't understand.

    I'm glad you have your special bushes.

    Parent

    Okay, I'll even admit (5.00 / 1) (#110)
    by Cream City on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 08:51:37 PM EST
    that I have framed photos of the favorite cats!  That's thanks to my sentimental daughter. . . .

    I don't cry about them, but I admit that when my eye falls upon the photos, I send a little wish to feline heaven that all is well there, that they are sitting in the sun there . . . and I send a little thank-you, too, for the cats that got me through some tough times with their unfailing love.

    Well, at least I liked to think it was love.  I refuse to listen to those who suggest that it was the unfailing food I put in the dish, the unfailing treats when they would do tricks, etc.  (And yes, you doglovers, cats can be trained to do tricks!)

    Parent

    Cats (5.00 / 1) (#116)
    by gyrfalcon on Sat Dec 13, 2008 at 12:28:28 AM EST
    I don't know that it's "love" the way we think of it or just knowing we are the best source of good things and pleasure and also entertainment, but either way, if you treat a cat with love and respect and attention, they become attached to you way beyond just food.

    Mine come running across my property when I call them, just as eagerly as any dog, and half the time when I let them into the house, they're not hungry at all and pass the food dish right by.  They like being around me, which is the biggest compliment a cat can bestow.

    It's all the more remarkable because they're not pack animals, not even particularly social by nature.

     

    Parent

    Loving our "pets" (5.00 / 1) (#112)
    by Amiss on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 11:02:11 PM EST
    I know what you mean about the pet that can't be "replaced". Somehow, we always find room in our heart for another one. I still cry over my pets occasionally. People who've never loved an animal just don't understand.

    I'm glad you have your special bushes.

    I too, have special bushes, it is where I keep my lawn swing in the summer, in a beautiful part of my garden where it is cool and peaceful. I find comfort there when I have a difficult day.

    Parent

    Man, Teresa, and I thought my week was bad. (5.00 / 2) (#43)
    by easilydistracted on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 02:44:31 PM EST
    Mine pales in comparison. I sincerely hope it gets better for ya, and quick. Give that four-legged family member a great big hug for me, please. You got me kind of misty eyed here -- I need to sign off for a bit. Kdog, take over please, give her one of our pirate stories or something.  

    Parent
    Oh, I hope you are misty eyed over (none / 0) (#46)
    by Teresa on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 02:49:37 PM EST
    sweet memories of someone who loved you and not for me! I will be fine easilydistracted. I'm so sorry I made you sad.

    Parent
    Teresa, my heart goes out to you (5.00 / 3) (#64)
    by Amiss on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 03:05:36 PM EST
    I have a similar baby and it would literally kill me if something happened to him. My daughter's border collie was jumping for a ball and completely ripped her ACL and had to have surgery this week. My son-in-law lost his job in the economy so my lil girl is barely keeping her head above water. She gave her kids the option for the dog's surgery or presents for Christmas, of course they opted for Lil Lizzie to have her surgery but it broke all of our hearts to have this happen especially at this time of year.

    Parent
    Oh amiss, I'm so sorry. That's some fine (5.00 / 1) (#70)
    by Teresa on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 03:12:56 PM EST
    kids your daughter is raising. I hope a good job is in your son-in-law's future. In this economy, the job losses are getting to where we all know someone losing their jobs.

    If I knew where they were, I'd take the kids and Lizzie Christmas presents. That's such a sweet, but sad, story.

    Parent

    Please keep me updated (5.00 / 1) (#114)
    by Amiss on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 11:07:06 PM EST
    on your baby's progress. She and you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

    Thank you so much for your kind words, they meant so very much to me.

    Parent

    My thoughts are with you T... (5.00 / 2) (#47)
    by kdog on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 02:50:10 PM EST
    thats a rough week.

    If I could I would...you know this:)  But like I told ya last time, I couldn't live with myself if I got you locked up.  I know you're only kidding though...and laughter is good medicine.

    Parent

    If Kdog is distributing happy pills... (5.00 / 1) (#48)
    by vml68 on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 02:51:50 PM EST
    you can have my share... :-)
    How old is your sweet boy? I started finding the kind of lumps you described on my boy when he turned 14 and the vet told me that they were fat lumps and nothing to worry about. It differs with the size and age of different breeds.

    Parent
    He's eight which isn't too old for his (5.00 / 1) (#50)
    by Teresa on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 02:54:22 PM EST
    breed (he's a poodle but looks and acts like a "normal dog" so you all be nice :) ).

    Parent
    My old girl (5.00 / 1) (#60)
    by zyx on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 03:02:43 PM EST
    is a golden retriever but I have a two-year-old scamp standard poodle boy and he is a wonderful dog. Helluva dog! One of the best of a lifetime of dogs.

    Parent
    Poodles are fabulous (5.00 / 2) (#90)
    by gyrfalcon on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 03:59:19 PM EST
    dogs-- the ones that haven't been ruined by breeders, that is.  But a "normal" poodle is just a fantastic, smart, nifty critter and a great friend to have.


    Parent
    You're gonna have people... (5.00 / 1) (#58)
    by kdog on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 03:01:55 PM EST
    thinking I'm a kingpin or something vml:)

    To any law enforcement entities reading this board...I'm strictly a consumer, honest.

    Parent

    Don't mess with my fantasy life kdog! (5.00 / 2) (#80)
    by vml68 on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 03:27:25 PM EST
    Considering how tame my life has been for the past few years, I'd like to pretend I kinda sorta know a kingpin... :-)

    Parent
    Then by all means... (5.00 / 1) (#86)
    by kdog on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 03:42:54 PM EST
    think of me as Tony Montana...but hopefully without the ruthlessness:)

    Parent
    My older dog (5.00 / 2) (#54)
    by zyx on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 02:58:21 PM EST
    is a big ol' mess of fatty tumors, all benign. Not pretty, but the vet says it would do her more harm to take them off. I think if the lump moves around, that is a good sign. Older dogs often have these things.

    It could be something bad, so yes, you can worry, but it is possible that you just have an old dog who won't be as pretty as she used to be. I can relate to that.

    My old girl also got a first in my dog-owning book, an aural hematoma. I thought it would require some expense, but the vet said it wouldn't be painful to let resolve on its own, and it isn't. So now she'll have another kind of funny lumpy place--a crumply ear!

    Parent

    That's what I'm hoping and I read if they (5.00 / 2) (#59)
    by Teresa on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 03:02:38 PM EST
    move that's a good sign. I think my husband is going to try and get him in to our vet in the morning if he's there.

    I guess once you have a dog with an incurable disease (though the remission can last forever), you just worry over every little thing.

    Parent

    If he's an older dog (5.00 / 4) (#61)
    by Fabian on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 03:03:34 PM EST
    he may be developing lipomas - which are completely, 100% benign deposits of fat.  My brother had one on his forehead removed surgically.  It looked like a white plug about 1/2" in diameter.  

    Lipomas on dogs are usually left alone.  There's no point in risking surgery to remove something that poses no harm.

    Get it checked out for your peace of mind.

    Parent

    Hopefully your pup just has a cyst (5.00 / 2) (#62)
    by nycstray on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 03:03:50 PM EST
    I think they are fairly common. Or a benign fatty tumor. Also common. My mom's beagle used to get them. He ended up with the mouth cancer :( but even then, if he got a lump, it was always benign.

    Hopefully tomorrow everything will look brighter Count your blessings starting with your hubby and pup. Sounds like you have a good deal there :)

    Parent

    With the hubby? lol, nycstray, if I had the (5.00 / 3) (#67)
    by Teresa on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 03:08:37 PM EST
    money he has spent on three custom motorcycles, I could stay home and take care of my back! He is serious though. He loves this dog like I do and will sell it if he has to.

    I really am blessed and I know that. Just a little sad today but you guys perked me up. I have a roof over my head, food, and a 16 year old with boyfriend issues to keep me on my toes!

    Parent

    LOL (5.00 / 1) (#71)
    by jedimom on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 03:13:48 PM EST
    Teresa, you gave me a nice laugh with the 16 y/o with love life issues, my 19 y/o has them too

    maybe we should both crank up Love Bites by Def Leppard for them HA! (I know I used to listen to it when angry at my boyfriend 20 years ago...)

    here you go:
    http://tinyurl.com/2sqamg

    Parent

    For a more modern twist (5.00 / 1) (#76)
    by CST on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 03:21:34 PM EST
    There is always Leona Lewis "better in time"

    Whenever I hear that song it makes me think of breaking up.

    Or Heartless by Kanye "how could ya be so Dr. Evil..." if they still feel like wallowing.

    Parent

    I go old-school... (5.00 / 2) (#88)
    by kdog on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 03:50:31 PM EST
    "I'm So Tired" hit me so hard after a bad break up.

    You'd say I'm putting you on
    But it's no joke, it's doing me harm
    You know I can't sleep, I can't stop my brain
    You know it's three weeks, I'm going insane
    You know I'd give you everything I've got
    for a little peace of mind
    I'd give you everything I've got for a little peace of mind
    I'd give you everything I've got for a little peace of mind

    The heartache you hear in Lennon's voice is really what gets ya...

    Parent

    I know they hurt but it's so funny to hear (5.00 / 1) (#77)
    by Teresa on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 03:22:48 PM EST
    "You don't understand what it feels like to love someone and have your heart broken!"  LOL. They break up about once a week so I'm always on call for Dear Abby time.

    Parent
    That's the spirit... (5.00 / 4) (#72)
    by kdog on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 03:16:24 PM EST
    The glass is half-full.  I know when I get down in the dumps I think of the hungry and always feel better.  Any day that you have something to eat and a warm place to sleep is a good day.

    Parent
    Btw, 'tis the season to donate to food pantries (5.00 / 1) (#111)
    by Cream City on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 08:56:20 PM EST
    and especially this year.  At my workplace -- one of the largest in town -- we got a plea a couple of weeks ago from one of the food pantries for the poor that was besieged by needs in this economy.

    So we set up huge tubs all over, sent out pleas to workers one and all, and today was the day to pack up the donations to send to the pantry.  We're still waiting for the final tonnage, but tonnage it will be.  And some of my coworkers are not that well off themselves, but they came through, too.

    If anyone here has a food pantry in their town, give 'em a call.  They'll have a list of special needs, not only food but also diapers, formula, etc., for all the wee ones who won't be visited by three kings from afar.  They need our help nearby.

    Parent

    its a dry heat... (5.00 / 1) (#68)
    by jedimom on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 03:11:01 PM EST
    T can you COBRA your way to an individual policy? I hate the costs of COBRA but a 12 month preex window would be pricier if you are in trmt yes?

    Whatever works best. I was relieved to hear Daschle take dual role as WH health care policy 'cazr' AND HHS secty, this way we dont get screwed out of the universal mandate by some political move behind our backs...I did Insurance for 20 yrs I feel for ya, I have been there/done that boy does it suck..

     I hope you are in a dry environment, my move to AZ made my back much easier, I too am young-ish, but the winters were too much for my old injuries by the time I was 24...

    Parent

    Wet humid Tennessee. I do have my (5.00 / 2) (#75)
    by Teresa on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 03:18:27 PM EST
    trusty heating pad while I'm on TalkLeft.

    My company is small enough to fall under the Cobra rules. The state of TN has an insurance program for people who are between jobs that is really cheap but it does have the pre-existing clause and really awful pharmacy benefits.

    That's what I'm going to get while I wait for Daschle and Obama to do their thing. I'm really counting on them to come through for all of us fighting the health insurance battle.

    I used to run all the time. Truly hours a day. Over the years, it ruined the discs in my back (so the doctors think). Who knew it would come back to haunt me?

    Parent

    If you don't qualify for COBRA... (5.00 / 1) (#81)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 03:29:21 PM EST
    ...there should be state continuation/conversion options available under TN small group laws.  You might want to call your Department of Insurance and see if you have any options that way.  No underwriting, no pre-ex...

    Your back sounds like my knees and ankles--way too many hours upon hours of playing basketball.  Wet or dry, cold is not a good thing!

    Parent

    It's just good for 90 days and I don't have (5.00 / 1) (#85)
    by Teresa on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 03:39:07 PM EST
    the money to pay that much for crappy insurance. I've thought about it but then I would be putting my pre-existing situation off three additional months.

    I've got a good doctor. She already changed my medicines to generic for me. No more Lyrica, the miracle drug for sciatic pain. I checked and it would be about $300 a month in Canada so I know I can't buy it here.

    I agree on the cold. I'm addicted to my heating pad even though I know I use it too much.

    Parent

    Ohhhhhh, sciatica! (5.00 / 1) (#91)
    by gyrfalcon on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 04:03:54 PM EST
    I had two horrible, horrible bouts of it some years ago, about a year long each time.  For some reason, some folks think it's funny, but being in moderate to severe pain 24/7 is no joke.  Both times, mine came on suddenly and left just as suddenly almost overnight.  My profound sympathies.

    Parent
    Lyrica is awesome (5.00 / 1) (#96)
    by Amiss on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 04:27:48 PM EST
    I was o it for diabetic neuropathy, the price tho is exhorbitant, why I elect a heating pad too atm.

    Parent
    When will people learn... (5.00 / 1) (#36)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 02:32:25 PM EST
    ...to keep their antics off of Facebook?

    http://tinyurl.com/5kpdtj

    Why would anyone think taking a bath in the sink of your employer would be a good idea--much less to post the photos?

    /is glad to not had such things as Facebook as a youngin'
    //is looking forward to pictures of kdog's NYE party though

    It's actually my sisters.... (5.00 / 1) (#44)
    by kdog on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 02:46:15 PM EST
    Christmas party...you have until midnight to take pictures, then a strict "no camera" rule is in effect.

    Nobody can afford to lose their jobs in this economy:)

    Parent

    Aaaah, I see... (5.00 / 2) (#55)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 02:59:08 PM EST
    ...I guess that makes good sense.  

    But how am I supposed to live vicariously without pics?! :)

    Parent

    Who needs pics?.... (none / 0) (#63)
    by kdog on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 03:04:37 PM EST
    I've never been a picture person...I prefer memories and oral/written histories.

    Kinda like how the book is always better than the movie...imagination.

    Parent

    Coward (none / 0) (#79)
    by Robot Porter on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 03:24:19 PM EST
    :O

    Parent
    Mama dont take my kodachrome away.. (none / 0) (#84)
    by jondee on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 03:37:16 PM EST
    MileHi, you should see some of the (none / 0) (#38)
    by Teresa on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 02:35:36 PM EST
    photos my daughter shows me that girls she knows put on MySpace and Facebook. Their parents would croak. These photos could haunt them in the future and they are too young to know it.

    They even discuss their sex lives with each other for everyone to read.

    I don't eat KFC, and now I'm glad!

    Parent

    That's why I'm glad... (5.00 / 2) (#78)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 03:24:17 PM EST
    ...to have grown-up in a much, much simplier time.  No internet, no cell-phones, no tiny portable cameras.  

    Hence, very little documentation of my wild and crazy days to haunt me.  But the memories--ah the memories...

    Parent

    Facebook (none / 0) (#39)
    by CST on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 02:39:58 PM EST
    Most of us are smart enough to take those pictures off before we start working.  There used to be a whole bunch of crazy college party pictures up with me and my friends, now you can't find them anymore since everyone had to find jobs.

    Although now that my mother is also on facebook, I don't know that I would put them up to begin with.

    Parent

    Dodd presser (5.00 / 2) (#65)
    by jedimom on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 03:06:44 PM EST
    Oh Chris Dodd just gave the most awesome presser on the failure of the bridge loan, the GOP Senators who were trying to get WORK RULES in there after they had agreed to all else wanted..it was very enlightening and I am so relieved to see Dodd speak this way.....

    http://tinyurl.com/6govek


    BTD I highly suggest you surf on over to (none / 0) (#8)
    by iceblinkjm on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 01:00:59 PM EST
    scifi.com as they have the first of a series of new webisodes up.

    Forgot to add that those were new BSG (none / 0) (#18)
    by iceblinkjm on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 01:37:53 PM EST
    webisodes.

    Parent
    "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (none / 0) (#10)
    by easilydistracted on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 01:13:20 PM EST
    Wondering whether anyone has read any favorable reviews of the remake that opened today. I've seen two and both of them bad (NYT and SF Chron).

    NY Daily News... (5.00 / 1) (#16)
    by kdog on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 01:36:26 PM EST
    gave it a crappy review too.

    Parent
    Keanu Reeves is the Tom Cruise (5.00 / 1) (#19)
    by ThatOneVoter on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 01:39:23 PM EST
    of the sci-fi/action/fantasy genre.
    Good looks, wooden acting.
    If K.R. were any kind of actor, he would be so fantastic, with his looks; unfortunately, he's just terrible---worse than Cruise, even.

    Parent
    No one can replace Michael Rennie. (none / 0) (#106)
    by Cream City on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 05:58:41 PM EST
    No one.  Never shoulda tried.

    Parent
    A Tradition Dies (none / 0) (#102)
    by squeaky on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 05:51:05 PM EST
    NYT's Helene Cooper: "The White House has turned down a request from the family of President-elect Barack Obama to move into Blair House in early January so that his daughters can start school on January 5. The Obamas were told that Blair House, where incoming presidents usually stay in the five days before Inauguration Day, is booked in early January, a spokesperson to the Obama transition said. ...It remained unclear who on Bushes guest list outranked the incoming President."

    [...]

    "The White House has been extremely accommodating to the Obama family needs -- and the entire process has been smooth and friendly," the [Obama] transition official said.

    via war & piece

    Correction (5.00 / 1) (#105)
    by squeaky on Fri Dec 12, 2008 at 05:57:43 PM EST
    The tradition is still alive. Blair House is traditionally open on Jan 15 to incoming first family, as will be the case this year. Obama wanted to move in earlier.. the 5th of Jan.... that was nixed.

    Parent