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Monday Morning Open Thread

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Blog Related
Posted on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 10:05:32 AM EST
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lilburro has a new diary on the intelligence community and the Obama Administration. Well worth the read.

This is an Open Thread.

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    Monday Morning Open Thread | 94 comments (94 topical)

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    lilburro is being productive (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by andgarden on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 10:08:39 AM EST
    Meanwhile, I've got a property exam this evening. Ugh. . .

    Good Luck! (5.00 / 1) (#2)
    by CST on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 10:13:43 AM EST
    Exams are sort of productive, they are one more step towards that piece of paper.

    I do not envy you, I know I will need grad school someday soon, but I am putting it off as long as I can.

    Some of us are unproductive without the excuse of school :)

    work is slow these days...

    Parent

    BTW, (5.00 / 2) (#3)
    by andgarden on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 10:17:34 AM EST
    can I say how much I love that Biden and Obama are taking Amtrak to the inauguration.

    Are Obama/Biden taking Amtrack to the (5.00 / 1) (#42)
    by FoxholeAtheist on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 11:55:01 AM EST
    inauguration, or is Amtrak taking them?

    I was initially confused, then amused by my confusion over your statement:

    Biden and Obama are taking Amtrak to the inauguration.

    Frankly, all populist symbolism aside, it would probably be a lot less disruptive to Amtrack's schedule and other commuters, if Obama/Biden took the usual motorcade. I imagine the security detail and delays and diversions around Amtrak will force thousands of commuters to go to the inauguration, or elsewhere, by car rather than rail.

    Parent

    Worse. (5.00 / 1) (#50)
    by Fabian on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 12:24:27 PM EST
    The rail lines aren't Amtrak owned except along the Eastern seaboard.  There's a chunk of freight traffic that will not be running that day as Amtrak shares freight rails.

    If you were in charge of security, how much of a gap time wise would you want?  An hour?  More?

    Parent

    I am sure (none / 0) (#49)
    by Wile ECoyote on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 12:23:45 PM EST
    Amtrak will knock themselves out to help.  They only survive via the taxpayer, and this is probably a homerun when it comes to lobbying.  Better and cheaper lobbying than an all expense paid trip to the Caribbean with hot and cold running hookers for members of congress.

    Parent
    Lincolnesque (none / 0) (#6)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 10:25:04 AM EST
    Of course Politico would call it presumptuous.

    Parent
    andgardenesque (none / 0) (#7)
    by andgarden on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 10:28:24 AM EST
    They're taking my route: starting in Philly.

    Parent
    Whhaa (none / 0) (#10)
    by CST on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 10:31:21 AM EST
    Stopping in Philly, but Obama is starting in Chicago and Biden in Delaware.  Sorry!


    Parent
    Wait, you're saying (none / 0) (#11)
    by andgarden on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 10:32:42 AM EST
    the Politico has it wrong?.

    Parent
    I am saying (5.00 / 1) (#14)
    by CST on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 10:36:13 AM EST
    You were right, I was confused by this: "The trip marks the final leg of a journey that began on the steps of the Old State Capitol in Illinois and will culminate on the steps of the United States Capitol".  But they were just talking about the less tangible "trip" than the amtrak one.

    Parent
    Shoud start in SF (none / 0) (#40)
    by samtaylor2 on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 11:46:12 AM EST
    Great trip.  I did it during college, it was a lot of fun.  I met the grand children of Medgar Evers.  The world is a small place.

    Parent
    That's strange (none / 0) (#13)
    by Steve M on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 10:35:50 AM EST
    To get from Delaware to DC via Philly, you have to backtrack.  Philly would be the wrong direction for Biden.

    Parent
    Biden (5.00 / 1) (#15)
    by CST on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 10:36:47 AM EST
    Is joining in Delaware.  He won't be in Philly.

    Parent
    Still freakin' C-O-L-D here... (5.00 / 1) (#8)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 10:30:05 AM EST
    ...minus 5 even with the sun out.  I have to go see the vampire today--it's going to take longer to get the layers of clothes off than it is to get the blood drawn.

    I'm already officially sick of Winter.

    Send me about 20 or so of those degrees (5.00 / 1) (#37)
    by scribe on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 11:36:14 AM EST
    so I can have it a little colder.  It's frickin' December and over 50 - I can't stand not having winter.

    Parent
    Considering that the heat is out... (none / 0) (#87)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 04:10:39 PM EST
    ...due to the water being shut off in the building (we have baseboard hot water heat), I'd be oh so glad to send some of this cold your way.  

    It is above 0 now, so that's some progress.  But, I'm still wrapped in 3 layers with the space heater going full blast.  Brrrrrrr.

    Parent

    You have convinced me (none / 0) (#53)
    by Fabian on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 12:33:17 PM EST
    to finally get online and order up my "base layers" from Smartwool (lousy Java run website) and Patagonia.  

    Rule for layering: Alternate synthetic/wool with cotton layers to keep from being a big ball of static electricity.

    Parent

    There's an old, old saying out West... (none / 0) (#85)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 04:07:00 PM EST
    ...cotton kills.  And it is very true.  Silk works a lot better for keeping the static electricity down while keeping you dry and warm.  

    Of course, with our low humidity it doesn't matter what you wear, you're going to be a science experiment!  

    You might want to check REI Outlet, Campmor or Sierra Trading Post for discount Smartwool/Patagonia underwear.

    Parent

    Just ordered. (none / 0) (#90)
    by Fabian on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 05:27:53 PM EST
    Selection is too limited on the discount sites.  I have Patagonia Capilene pants on now and I'm curious to see how the wool compares.  (They've got embarrassing holes in them - 15 years old at this point.)

    Hint to Jeralyn - get some good base layer clothing to keep you warm.  Sweats do NOT cut it.  

    Base layer
    + something
    Microfiber top
    Ski jacket shell with hood  (It's only lightly lined - but is cut roomy in the shoulders and sleeves to accommodate bulky clothing.)

    When it gets really cold, I grab my husband's down coat.  I know how and why to keep warm.  

    Parent

    Via my iPhone (5.00 / 1) (#16)
    by Plutonium Page on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 10:41:39 AM EST
    Greetings from the gym.

    25 minutes left on the exercise bike.

    Hello to the NSA as well!  I hope they find this transmission enlightening.

    Nice to hear from you (5.00 / 2) (#20)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 10:51:57 AM EST


    Parent
    Amazing Cakes (5.00 / 2) (#17)
    by squeaky on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 10:51:16 AM EST
    Wow these cakes redefine the term culinary arts. Pretty spectacular not to mention mouth watering.

    via robot wisdom

    Incredible (5.00 / 1) (#22)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 10:56:26 AM EST
    I love the Till Death Do Us Part cake.  Can you see that at a 50th anniversary?  I have a very twisted sense of humor and so does my spouse.  If we make it into old age without one of us kicking I want that cake at my party :)

    Parent
    In the past when visiting a friend, we often (none / 0) (#35)
    by scribe on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 11:34:43 AM EST
    walked by the bake shop owned and operated by one of those characters who participates in the competitive cake-decorating competitions on Food Network.  Some of the creations - made for sale and promoting sales - were in the shop window.  Along with a wall of pictures of their cakes - cut out from magazines (bridal, mostly) where the pictures had been published.

    Something to see....

    Parent

    I'm not going to let (5.00 / 1) (#51)
    by Fabian on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 12:28:17 PM EST
    my son see these or he'll be asking for one for his birthday and his friends' birthdays and....!

    Parent
    That's what I thought too (5.00 / 1) (#65)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 01:14:28 PM EST
    I have come up with an alligator and a castle using pointed sugar cones and a hershey bar draw bridge......he won't be seeing these cakes!

    Parent
    Sounds like fun (5.00 / 1) (#77)
    by scribe on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 03:15:11 PM EST
    to have a mom who makes artistic cakes.

    I suppose the only caveat I'd have on getting artistic like that would be "don't make it too nice, so you don't feel guilty about breaking out the knives and forks and eating it."

    Parent

    No Problem (none / 0) (#86)
    by squeaky on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 04:09:28 PM EST
    If you can make a beautiful cake you can make many, there is no downside to eating something beautiful as long as it is as good on the inside, that is.

    Parent
    Yup. My mom used to bake a dried lima bean (none / 0) (#89)
    by scribe on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 04:53:23 PM EST
    into the birthday cakes she made.  If you broke your tooth, you got a door prize.

    These folks sound like a lot more fun than that.

    Parent

    My son is fun to make cakes for (none / 0) (#92)
    by Militarytracy on Tue Dec 16, 2008 at 08:14:34 AM EST
    because he gets such a thrill out of it now, that this thing came from his own kitchen.  I started challenging myself to get creative because he loved the store bought cakes colors and themes but the frosting is so sweet and the whole thing is probably chock full of high fructose corn syrup.  Kudos to Martha Stewart who taught me that if you freeze sheet cakes you can then cut them into the shapes you need.......that was how we got an alligator http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y169/Militarytracy/Joshuacake.jpg.  The teeth were marshmallows cut into triangles.  My son's only complaint was that it didn't look mean.

    Parent
    Nice One (none / 0) (#94)
    by squeaky on Tue Dec 16, 2008 at 12:30:17 PM EST
    I like that cake, but your son is right, it looks super sweet, not an ounce of meanness.

    Next time wide open mouth, loooong teeth, and shifty menacing eyes would do the trick.

    Parent

    Thanks for the link BTD... (5.00 / 2) (#52)
    by lilburro on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 12:32:41 PM EST
    Writing diaries is really tiring!  I don't know how y'all keep up with it.

    Check out this tidbit I found while surfing the internet yesterday...from WAPO a chat with Jane Mayer:

    Albany New York: I've already ordered your book from Amazon, but am very interested in your take on why there's been no little effective political opposition to any of this Administration's initiatives. Is it a question of limited public awareness or interest, or a more political calculation that one shouldn't appear to be soft on terrorism?

    Jane Mayer: Since you're in New York, let me tell you about a conversation I had with one of your senators, Chuck Schumer. When I asked him why, given his safe seat, and ostensible concern for civil liberties, he didn't speak out more against the Bush Administration's detention and interrogation programs, he said in essence that voters don't care about these issues. So, he said, he wasn't going to talk about them.

    How terrible is that?  Pretty craven if you ask me.

    Minnesota Senate (5.00 / 2) (#57)
    by CoralGables on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 12:41:31 PM EST
    Having gone through more of the Minnesota challenged ballots than I care to admit to, and since no one else has decided to do it yet, let me be the first to call Al Franken as the projected winner for the U.S. Senate in the great State of Minnesota.

    This will be even tighter that the Christine Gregoire long drawn out 2004 Governor's Race in Washington that was decided by 129 votes.

    By the end of the week Franken should lead by a margin of at least 40 votes (that's eight handfuls for those news outlets that have been saying the margin would only be a handful).

    I'm sure there could be plenty of legal challenges ahead from the Coleman campaign but the news bites from both campaigns are very telling as to which way the remaining ballot challenges are expected to go.

    And it looks like I wasn't alone in my anal ballot counting after the Star Tribune posted all the challenged ballots online for the world to see, InTrade now has Franken as the favorite to win.

    Excellent news (none / 0) (#63)
    by eric on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 12:49:42 PM EST
    and welcome at this time when we are freezing our tails off up here.

    Let me ask this - upon what do you base your conclusion?  Challenges by Coleman are weak?

    Parent

    You're results are similar (none / 0) (#66)
    by magster on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 01:21:13 PM EST
    to Kos commenter tallies who have spent a lot of time reviewing the challenged ballots.  This is on top of the AP experts' opinions favoring Franken.  It is looking good, even without the improperly rejected absentee ballots.

    Parent
    Thanks for that link (none / 0) (#69)
    by CoralGables on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 01:59:01 PM EST
    their evaluation and mine are extremely close. The 40 votes I went with was without projecting out for the remaining ballots when the site stopped showing them. Those remaining ballots could also have been removed when challenges were dropped leaving it unknown who they go to.

    Mine were:
    total ballots examined: 5370/6671
    Ballots allocated to Coleman: 2428
    Ballots allocated to Franken: 2659
    Ballots with votes for other or no candidate: 283
    Initial election result: Coleman by 192
    Current Totals: Franken by 41
    Projected results: Franken by 94
    margin of error: +-36

    Dkos were:
    Total ballots examined: 5381/6696
    Ballots allocated to Coleman: 2433
    Ballots allocated to Franken: 2660
    Ballots with votes for other or no candidate: 288
    Initial election result: Coleman by 192
    Current Totals Franken by 35
    Projected election result: Franken by 88
    Projection error: +    - 36 votes

    Should be noted that neither of these consider the soon to be counted wrongly rejected absentee ballots. As to how those could break..this from Nate at 538


     A pre-election poll showed Franken leading by 8 percent among absentee voters, which would translate to a net gain of 128 ballots if there are indeed 1,600 such ballots to be counted. This estimate, however, is fairly crude, and nobody knows exactly how the rejected absentee ballots might break, although from my previous conversations with officials close to the Franken campaign, Franken also believes that a plurality of such ballots will be counted in his favor.


    Parent
    Al Franken may (none / 0) (#79)
    by KeysDan on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 03:30:47 PM EST
    come close to Lyndon Johnson' s (according to Robert Caro's Path to Power) defeat of popular Texas Governor Coke Stevenson by 87 votes; this contested primary election was decided by the Democratic party executive committee by one vote.(with the help of Abe Fortas).   In those days, that equated with election. This gave Johnson the nickname Landslide Lyndon.  Hope Al does not cut it that close, but two great outcomes wold occur:  (a) Franken is senator and (b) Coleman is gone.

    Parent
    I thought Jeralyn... (none / 0) (#4)
    by kdog on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 10:21:49 AM EST
    might get a kick out of this, considering her hassles with Comcast after she was robbed.  They tried to charge this poor slob for the cable box that caused a fire in his home.  Link

    Corporations have no shame sometimes...no shame.  Luckily they are faceless bueracracies, otherwise they'd never be able to keep a straight face.

    I'm from Philly, where Cr@pcast (none / 0) (#5)
    by andgarden on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 10:23:43 AM EST
    And let me tell you, the people who know them best, like them least.

    Parent
    Rule of Thumb.... (5.00 / 1) (#9)
    by kdog on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 10:30:11 AM EST
    Bigger the corporation, the less they think of the customer, and the less he/she is served.

    Same seems to apply to governments too...bigger is not better.

    Parent

    meh (5.00 / 1) (#12)
    by andgarden on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 10:33:30 AM EST
    I love my big government.

    And frankly, for all I hate on Comcast, they give us Jobs, Jobs, Jobs.

    Parent

    "Love my big government"... (none / 0) (#18)
    by kdog on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 10:51:38 AM EST
    Meh...wait till you're undesirable:)

    Jobs ain't the be all end all....

    Boss: Sorry, Luke. I'm just doing my job. You gotta appreciate that.
    Luke: Nah - calling it your job don't make it right, Boss.


    Parent
    Advice, Please (none / 0) (#19)
    by easilydistracted on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 10:51:44 AM EST
    Lots of good prices this week on the Sony 40" Bravia Wide-Screen TV (1080). For example, Target advertising it for $999.00 and it comes with a $100.00 Target Gift Card (the gift card basically offsets the sales tax). Anyway, maybe even deeper cuts by all electronic retailers next week, according to several reports I heard yesterday.

    Do I buy it now, or, will I get it even cheaper next week?  

    If you don't need it for Christmas or whatever (none / 0) (#21)
    by andgarden on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 10:53:39 AM EST
    wait until somewhat after new years. I personally find February and March the best time to buy electronics.

    Parent
    In most circumstances I would wait (none / 0) (#23)
    by easilydistracted on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 10:57:16 AM EST
    because TVs especially seem to be cheapest in the several weeks before the Super Bowl. However, I need it now, as my wife and I are sharing a Christmas gift this year (insurance rates after 1/1/09 going through the roof), and this will be it.

    Parent
    Ok, well (none / 0) (#24)
    by andgarden on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 11:00:52 AM EST
    Check out J&R. If you live outside of New York, they won't charge you tax (I think), and I've always had good experiences with them.

    Parent
    I appreciate it, (5.00 / 1) (#25)
    by easilydistracted on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 11:04:04 AM EST
    I'll check it out. I just took a quick looksee, and the prices look pretty darn good

    Parent
    Do you know the model number? (none / 0) (#91)
    by Robot Porter on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 05:43:36 PM EST
    Whether or not that's a good price depends a lot on what model you're buying.

    If it's the S-Series KDL-40S4100 40-Inch that's about the price they're going for.

    If it's the W-series that's a fantastic price.

    If it's the XBR KDL-40XBR6 that's a very good price.

    Parent

    Speaking of good prices (none / 0) (#26)
    by ruffian on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 11:12:06 AM EST
    Has anyone browsed car ads in the local paper lately?  I'm not in the market, but gees....practically giving them away. In fact, in some cases they are - buy one truck, get one free.

    Becha they make you pay (none / 0) (#27)
    by andgarden on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 11:13:08 AM EST
    sticker on car one.

    I'd figure out what I want first, and they bargain down the price on that.

    Parent

    Absolutely. (none / 0) (#28)
    by easilydistracted on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 11:16:39 AM EST
    Problem is, gotta have the money or a good lending source. Seems like I read somewhere that GMAC and Ford Motor Credit were requiring a minimum credit score of 700 for financing. The good prices have tempted me to dip into the 401K for personal loan. But if I do that, I'll be working until I'm 85, rather than 80, now that my 401K tanked.

    Parent
    My mother (none / 0) (#30)
    by CST on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 11:22:24 AM EST
    Is buying.  GM no less, I imagine b/c it is dirt cheap.

    Her car left her no choice.  The only way to see out the front windshield in the winter was to leave the window open or crank up the AC.  Nevermind the seatbelt not working, the radio not working, the engine sounding like cr@p, and the gear shifter being worn...

    Parent

    Good God...What was it? 2007 Kia? (none / 0) (#32)
    by easilydistracted on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 11:25:27 AM EST
    Yep, I'd say its about time.

    Parent
    Hehe (none / 0) (#33)
    by CST on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 11:28:12 AM EST
    nope, '96 Ford Escort (bought when it was new).  Manual transmission no less (don't get me wrong, I like Manuals, but not on a Ford Escort).

    Parent
    Spouse bought last car online (none / 0) (#31)
    by Cream City on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 11:22:49 AM EST
    and saved hundreds of dollars.  A tip from a friend.  Sorry I don't have the URL.  But what we did is researched online, checked out cars at dealers then unwilling to match the prices, then went online and listed specs of what we wanted.  In no time at all, several dealers a bit farther away replied with far better prices -- including delivery in many cases.

    Re used cars, btw, a good bet for a well-maintained car with a lot of the extras can be to buy from a rental/lease outfit.  Locally, for us, one that does so is Enterprise.  Lots of happy customers among our friends.  (For the last car, we wanted something much smaller, just a "city car," than the ones listed on Enterprise's sell-off site.)

    Parent

    Fleet cars (none / 0) (#54)
    by Fabian on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 12:36:31 PM EST
    are rarely the best in fuel efficiency.  I just love gassing up when the trip says 400+ miles.  (11 gal gas tank)

    Parent
    We've rented hybrids from Enterprise (none / 0) (#62)
    by Cream City on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 12:45:52 PM EST
    for our longer trips -- so we could buy only a city car . . . which, after our experience with those hybrids, convinced us to make one our next car, probably as soon as Enterprise puts 'em on sale.

    Parent
    The irony is (5.00 / 1) (#64)
    by Fabian on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 12:50:13 PM EST
    the driver best suited to a hybrid is me because I drive better (fact) and because I do mostly city driving and little highway driving.  However, I need more cargo space because I'm usually taking the kids with me.

    My husband would probably drive like the Prius driver I saw recently - jack rabbit starts & serious lead feet.  Zip! Zoom! Zip! Zoom! does not get good gas mileage even with a hybrid.

    Parent

    Bad hybrid driver, oh, I know... (5.00 / 1) (#70)
    by zyx on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 02:00:25 PM EST
    I had a Honda Civic hybrid for awhile. Then my husband and I figured out we could manage with one car, but we wanted one that could pull our little popup camper, and we settled on a Subaru wagon, and my mother bought my Civic from me and sold her many-years-old Nissan Maxima. She is a pretty terrible driver generally and really doesn't do the hybrid thing right AT ALL, so she gets lousy mileage--28 or so? And she is FURIOUS about it. No amount of tact can help her. She's had the car in the shop, and it isn't the car. She doesn't drive much, so for all the gas she actually buys, she could have muscle car, but she is still mad as a wet hen.

    Sigh.

    Parent

    I was thinking.... (none / 0) (#34)
    by kdog on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 11:32:21 AM EST
    assuming your job is secure, you're not in the stock game, and aren't looking to sell an asset...the economic downturn can be considered a good thing.

    Gas and heating oil almost half the price of the peak, sales galore on goods and services...what's not to like?

    Parent

    Uh, (5.00 / 2) (#36)
    by easilydistracted on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 11:36:08 AM EST
    which gripe would you like to hear first?

    Parent
    Don't get me wrong... (none / 0) (#41)
    by kdog on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 11:46:36 AM EST
    I know its looking very bleak for a lot of people..down at my rec football league game yesterday I talked to three friends who got laid off in the past week...not pretty.

    I was just think how it effects me and people like me...job relativeley secure, no big ticket assets that I'm looking to sell, no debts, not gambling in the market.  Compared to what it cost to heat the crib last year, me and the roomies are saving a ton.  Cost of living went down for a change.

    I'm well aware it could keep going south to the point where everbody but the millionaires are f*cked, and oil could skyrockect again at the whim of the sepculators...but as of now, no assets/steady job folks fortunate to be in good health are ahead of the game as opposed to 6 months ago or last year.

    Parent

    Hey, (none / 0) (#43)
    by easilydistracted on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 12:04:39 PM EST
    I knew exactly what you meant. I'm just sort of cantankerous today.

    Parent
    Cool... (5.00 / 1) (#47)
    by kdog on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 12:15:13 PM EST
    didn't want you to think I was rubbing it in with my relatively good fortune as most fortunes go south.  I count my lucky stars everynight...another day with a full belly and warm bed.

    Especially with your health issues, not my intention at all...any luck finding affordable decent coverage btw?

    Parent

    Thanks for remembering, and, for asking. (none / 0) (#56)
    by easilydistracted on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 12:39:41 PM EST
    No good news on that medical insurance front. I enrolled in the state sponsored high risk plan with the monthly premium costing $775.00 just for me (and $7500.00 annual deductible). Wife is enrolled in a separate plan because she isn't considered high risk (I guess they mean just for insurance purposes). Anyway, I'll keep shopping but I don't hold out for much hope.  

    And, really, I may carp considerably but life is pretty darn good for me, too. After all, I am in a position where I earn enough to pay those extravagant insurance premiums.

    BTW, my wife characterizes my mood as cynicism at its worst. I argue that its realism at its best.

    Parent

    Cynicism... (none / 0) (#61)
    by kdog on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 12:45:13 PM EST
    is much like paranoia...if you don't have at least a little or each, you're not paying attention.

    Andgarden loves our big government, so we just must be malcontents:)

    Parent

    We are in a good position (5.00 / 1) (#39)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 11:43:09 AM EST
    I paid everything off except for the second economy car we bought this summer when gas was sky high.  I still consider it a very good choice too since we can proudly claim we are a two compact car family now.  The SUV is retired to pulling the trailer when we need it.  Our house payment is affordable at a 5.5 VA 30 year fixed on a "used" home when everyone wanted a brand new one.  I pulled everything out of the stock market two years ago when I got sick of the sell offs and could see that things weren't going to get less crazy anytime soon. It doesn't mean though that I'm not aware of the situation of others.  It does mean though that everyone who called me a pessimist or looney (including the stockbroker) was WRONG :)

    Parent
    I do so wish (5.00 / 1) (#59)
    by Fabian on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 12:41:51 PM EST
    that I couldn't say "I told you so." but some of us saw this coming and some of us believed those who saw it coming.

    I blame marketing mostly.  It's so much easier to convince people they can have whatever they want than to convince them that they need to voluntarily deprive themselves.  I think people are thinking seriously (perhaps too late) about the difference between Wants and Needs.

    Parent

    You know who really gets on my nerves? (5.00 / 2) (#72)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 02:34:37 PM EST
    The network news "Business" talking heads.  I can't stand when Ali Velshi feels he has advice to dispense.

    Parent
    BTD, I see your Gators caught a break (none / 0) (#29)
    by easilydistracted on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 11:22:07 AM EST
    the other day -- The Sooners now have the Heisman curse.

    If Bradford gets drafted... (5.00 / 1) (#38)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 11:41:43 AM EST
    ...by the Lions, he's going to be cursed times two!

    Parent
    Yeah, What's up with the Detroit curse (none / 0) (#45)
    by easilydistracted on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 12:08:21 PM EST
    on Heisman winners from Oklahoma?

    Parent
    Damn Steelers (none / 0) (#44)
    by DancingOpossum on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 12:05:45 PM EST
    Beat my Ravens yesterday. Great game, controversial call and all...I don't claim to know how that final TD call should have gone, but either way the Ravens gave the game away. What did Pittsburgh get, 92 yards in one drive? Eesh. Still a great game even if my purple babies lost.

    Yep, and now they have to travel (none / 0) (#46)
    by easilydistracted on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 12:10:17 PM EST
    here and face Jones' thugs this upcoming Saturday.

    Parent
    The play should have stood (none / 0) (#60)
    by easilydistracted on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 12:42:22 PM EST
    The evidence was inconclusive to overturn the call on the field. The ball should have remained marked at the three (or was it two).

    Parent
    The review... (none / 0) (#48)
    by kdog on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 12:18:37 PM EST
    looked inconclusive to me, I would have let the call stand.  Tough break...

    How 'bout the end of that Jet game...thank the football gods Jauron is a moron calling that play-action pass so Big Shaun Ellis could run in the game winning TD off the fumble, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.  Now thats a switch for the Jets:)

    Who said potheads are unproductive?...Great job Big Man!

    Parent

    The defense woke up at the end (none / 0) (#55)
    by nycstray on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 12:37:48 PM EST
    right before the fumble/TD I was wishing that would happen. I needed points for my fantasy team, lol!~ I couldn't believe it when it did.

    Parent
    Brought back memories... (none / 0) (#58)
    by kdog on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 12:41:48 PM EST
    of the legendary Joe Pisarcik botched exchange to Larry Csonka that Herm Edwards ran back for the Eagles to win the game...thought that was ten times as boneheaded as Jauron's playcall.

    Parent
    I was on the road and the Jets game came on (none / 0) (#76)
    by scribe on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 03:13:06 PM EST
    the radio, and one of the commentators said "Joe Pisarcik!"

    I remember sitting in the TV room of my college housing with a couple buddies watching the Joe Pisarcik game unfold, in utter amazement.

    A year or so later, when the Eagles (beneficiaries of Pisarcik's earlier fumble) hired him as a 2d stringer behind Jaworski, we were all convinced it was purely out of gratitude and as a payback.

    Parent

    I was at that game, my first NFL game ever, (none / 0) (#88)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 04:33:37 PM EST
    freshman in HS.

    I learned early what it meant to be a Giants fan.

    Parent

    Rep. Barney Frank on "60 Minutes" (none / 0) (#67)
    by wurman on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 01:30:32 PM EST
    As if Liberal & pragmatist are mutually exclusive, he corrects L. Stahl here.

    The entire interview is too funny.

    Here's the whole B. Frank segment. (5.00 / 1) (#68)
    by wurman on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 01:35:16 PM EST
    Leslie Stahl & 60 Minutes "Chairman of the Board"
    about 13:26 total time & worth the look-see.

    Parent
    Will someone please... (none / 0) (#71)
    by desertswine on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 02:23:12 PM EST
    buy Leslie Stahl a sandwich?

    Parent
    Easy d'wine.... (none / 0) (#73)
    by kdog on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 02:39:18 PM EST
    you'll have the pc police on your arse for being insensitive to boney people.

    As a fellow member of the skin and bones society...I can tell you it does get old to hear "don't you eat?" all the time.

    All good though, free country:)

    Parent

    I guess she's a member of the.... (none / 0) (#74)
    by desertswine on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 02:45:36 PM EST
    "You can never be too rich, or too thin" club.

    Parent
    Some of us are just naturally thin (none / 0) (#75)
    by nycstray on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 03:02:42 PM EST
    and a sandwich or rude remarks won't change it.

    Parent
    Remarks... (none / 0) (#78)
    by kdog on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 03:30:47 PM EST
    I laughed my arse off when a friend said I looked like a wire coat hanger while trying to carry a wobbly tray of beverages.

    You gotta be able to laugh at yourself.

    Parent

    Well, I'll buy you a (none / 0) (#80)
    by desertswine on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 03:49:12 PM EST
    sandwich anytime kdog, and a beer.

    Parent
    Heh, I can laugh at myself (none / 0) (#81)
    by nycstray on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 03:49:49 PM EST
    and also get a tad bit of glee from all the rude folks over the years who now have to watch their weight  ;) Me, I'll have another bowl of ice cream, lol!~ Still weigh the same as I did in HS. 30yrs later {grin}

    I've just always wondered why it was ok to be rude to a skinny person's face. And from total strangers.

    Parent

    If I had a dollar... (none / 0) (#82)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 04:02:05 PM EST
    ...for everytime someone has remarked they wished they could give me 25 lbs, I'd be a rich, rich man.  

    Not to mention those who say "I wish I could be as skinny as you".  They usually change their mind when I start listing the internal organs I've had removed.  

    If someone is really annoying, I'll mention that I still can wear the same jeans I had in Jr. High.  

    Parent

    No offense meant... (none / 0) (#84)
    by desertswine on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 04:05:17 PM EST
    I take back what I said about Leslie Stahl.

    Parent
    None taken.... (none / 0) (#93)
    by kdog on Tue Dec 16, 2008 at 09:55:10 AM EST
    I was only kidding around about the pc police, I take no offense at skinny jokes...can't speak for stray or Mile.

    Parent
    Florida Exoneration Reveals (none / 0) (#83)
    by Amiss on Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 04:03:13 PM EST
    a Lack of Prosecutorial Accountability

    John Terzano, President of the Justice Project writes about it here.

    Last week, after spending 28 years in prison for a murder he did not commit William Dillon was finally freed.  DNA testing conducted by the Florida Innocence Project convinced prosecutors in Brevard County, Florida not to re-try Dillon for the 1981 murder. A story in the Florida Today newspaper recounted the numerous acts of prosecutorial misconduct in Dillon's case that led to this miscarriage of justice.
    Monday Morning Open Thread | 94 comments (94 topical)

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