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Wednesday Night Open Thread

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Blog Related
Posted on Wed Oct 14, 2009 at 08:49:11 PM EST
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    Wednesday Night Open Thread | 45 comments (45 topical)

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    No "Top Chef" spoilers, please! (5.00 / 2) (#1)
    by Spamlet on Wed Oct 14, 2009 at 08:57:21 PM EST
    It's only 7 p.m. on the West Coast.

    Not spoiler: "cat food" :D (5.00 / 1) (#5)
    by andgarden on Wed Oct 14, 2009 at 09:54:52 PM EST


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    That should be a standing message (none / 0) (#2)
    by andgarden on Wed Oct 14, 2009 at 09:02:53 PM EST
    I often don't get around to watching until the next day anyhow!

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    I find that I end up watching (none / 0) (#32)
    by Anne on Thu Oct 15, 2009 at 07:09:40 AM EST
    it twice - the second time to pick up on the details I missed the first time.

    I don't know about anyone else, but I'm getting impatient to move the clear underperformers out so we can get on with the real competition; I still believe the top four are the Brothers V, Kevin and Jennifer - although Jen has had her not-so-great moments recently.

    I can't stand Mike Isabella - although on an interesting note, his wedding story was recently featured in the Sunday WaPo (they started doing some in-depth write-ups of weddings recently - I admit to finding them fun to read) and he doesn't sound like he's as big an a$$ as he does via Top Chef editing, Ash is clearly in over his head, Laurine is likeable but not TC-worthy, and Robin...well, I admire her strength in the face of cancer, and I think she's probably one of those nice people who would give someone the shirt off her back, but I don't think she has the skills to be TC, Eli has potential, but he's got some growing up to do.

    I've told my husband we need to go to Bryan's restaurant soon, because if he wins, we won't be able to get near the place!

    And did you know that Padma is with child?  I hope this does not mean TC will hand off hosting duties for the next season to TC Masters host Kelly Choi, as she kind of got on my nerves.

    Oh, well - when everyone's watched this week, I'll be interested in hearing what everyone thinks.

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    What I think (none / 0) (#38)
    by Spamlet on Thu Oct 15, 2009 at 10:31:43 AM EST
    is that the sobriquet "Amuse Douche" should migrate from Mike Isabella to Eli. Or maybe it can rotate between the two.

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    Rep. Thadeus McCotter (R-MI) (5.00 / 1) (#3)
    by oculus on Wed Oct 14, 2009 at 09:36:33 PM EST
    put a bill in the hopper for tax breaks for pet owners:  NPR

    Will he vote for a robust public option for people?

    Too bad it's not (5.00 / 1) (#7)
    by nycstray on Wed Oct 14, 2009 at 09:59:14 PM EST
    per pet {grin}

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    No kidding! (none / 0) (#37)
    by vml68 on Thu Oct 15, 2009 at 09:38:26 AM EST
    There was a time I was in the "Octomom" category. I should have qualified for government assistance... :-)

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    Ugh (5.00 / 1) (#9)
    by andgarden on Wed Oct 14, 2009 at 10:03:32 PM EST
    I would totally vote against that. I hate pets.

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    This didn't quite come off the right way (5.00 / 1) (#12)
    by andgarden on Wed Oct 14, 2009 at 10:13:09 PM EST
    I didn't have a dog growing up, and I really don't like encountering other people's dogs. Cats I am mostly indifferent to, but I would never own one.

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    Never say never (5.00 / 3) (#14)
    by Inspector Gadget on Wed Oct 14, 2009 at 10:24:48 PM EST
    Cats have a way of winning hearts that thought they really couldn't be swayed.


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    Cats don't have owners (5.00 / 5) (#16)
    by jimakaPPJ on Wed Oct 14, 2009 at 10:41:13 PM EST
    They have servants.

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    Cats have domesticated us <n/t> (5.00 / 1) (#26)
    by FreakyBeaky on Thu Oct 15, 2009 at 01:27:14 AM EST


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    I can say never... (none / 0) (#35)
    by kdog on Thu Oct 15, 2009 at 08:55:13 AM EST
    on the cats...I'm convinced they are evil creatures.  Had the displeasure of living with 2 of the infernal beasts when I was shacked up with a ladyfriend in FLA...never again.

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    Now it's all clear ... (5.00 / 1) (#25)
    by Robot Porter on Thu Oct 15, 2009 at 01:17:02 AM EST
    Andgarden really doesn't have a problem with Obama's health care policy.  He's just jealous of the fact that Obama's kids talked their parents into having a dog, and little Andgarden was never able to do this.

    ;)

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    heh (none / 0) (#40)
    by andgarden on Thu Oct 15, 2009 at 03:14:00 PM EST
    I would have been quite upset if my parents ever brought home a dog. But it was never going to happen, because my mom feels exactly the same way I do.

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    I understand. (none / 0) (#30)
    by Fabian on Thu Oct 15, 2009 at 03:47:52 AM EST
    Dogs can be quite in-your-face.  Mine was - to the point that I told people that he'd appreciate if they bent down so he could sniff their face.  (Never lick!  That's juvenile puppy behavior.)

    Cats?  Fun to look at, but I don't want to live with one.  

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    Majority rules (5.00 / 2) (#24)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Thu Oct 15, 2009 at 12:23:33 AM EST
    and pet hating is (thankfully) a minority opinion.

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    Really? (none / 0) (#11)
    by nycstray on Wed Oct 14, 2009 at 10:12:26 PM EST


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    Boo! (none / 0) (#29)
    by Spamlet on Thu Oct 15, 2009 at 01:49:08 AM EST


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    It's about time (5.00 / 2) (#21)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Wed Oct 14, 2009 at 11:37:33 PM EST
    I'm all for it.  

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    They make (5.00 / 1) (#28)
    by gyrfalcon on Thu Oct 15, 2009 at 01:43:35 AM EST
    a darn good point about the proven health benefits of having pets, gotta say.  It sounds crazy and won't pass, but it could actually bring health care costs down overall.

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    If nothing else (none / 0) (#39)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Thu Oct 15, 2009 at 12:17:22 PM EST
    it should be allowed for elderly and/or people who may have no one else in their lives except their pets.

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    Use of this shorthand/whopper must be stopped (5.00 / 5) (#22)
    by Ellie on Thu Oct 15, 2009 at 12:11:50 AM EST
    Snowe also said that she'd like to see the Baucus bill used as the basis for the final legislation. That may well end up happening, but it won't make liberal Democrats, especially the ones in the House, very happy.

    Aaaarghhh:

    1. 2/3 of the public demonstrably agrees with "liberal Democrats", so using the latter as a symbol of the fringe is deliberately obfuscating (ntm stoopid);

    2. The assumption that liberal Democrats are as "out there" as conservative Republicans is a falsely skewed perspective;

    3. P!ssing off a particular group is not a reasonable indication that Olympia Snowe's position is intelligent, independent even downright heroic;

    4. Taking a whack at liberals has become so routine during the aughts, it's short form for "Why take a whack at each other when we can all wail on them?" It should be retired from use.


    Sources of above Snowe quote (5.00 / 1) (#23)
    by Ellie on Thu Oct 15, 2009 at 12:22:02 AM EST
    Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009 19:36 EDT installment of the War Room by Alex Koppelman (Salon.com), commenting on Sen. Snowe's appearance on Hardbawl.

    Matthews and Snowe basically pat each other on the back for bipartisanship.

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    BBC America News (none / 0) (#4)
    by trillian on Wed Oct 14, 2009 at 09:50:45 PM EST
    ...reports that Obama is going grant McChrystal's wish......40k troops.

    Oh, no. Hundreds were called up (5.00 / 5) (#13)
    by Cream City on Wed Oct 14, 2009 at 10:24:43 PM EST
    from the Guard in my state this week, and some of my students have had extra callups to training lately.  I had a suspicion, as that sort of increase in the paperwork for weeks (for me for their absences from class as well as for them) has been a heads-up before, when they are called to war.

    Now I will have to worry about whether the flag will be flying at half-staff on my campus again for another student lost to war.  We have so many in the Guard, trying to earn tuition that way.

    I hate this, I just hate this.  Every one lost has been such a fine young woman or man.  They are a loss for us all.

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    I stand firmly with (none / 0) (#15)
    by Inspector Gadget on Wed Oct 14, 2009 at 10:36:35 PM EST
    Buddism on the worthless nature of war.

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    And that is true for all those who (none / 0) (#17)
    by jimakaPPJ on Wed Oct 14, 2009 at 10:42:50 PM EST
    die defending the country.

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    Yes. But how many do you know (5.00 / 3) (#19)
    by Cream City on Wed Oct 14, 2009 at 10:56:41 PM EST
    and how many have you taught?  How many of their faces have you seen when they light up with the excitement of learning a new concept, of leading a discussion, of getting a great grade on a test?  How many have turned in assignments to you that share their family history in relating it to American history, sharing glimpses into their lives that are like gifts from their past?  And how many have you hugged at graduation, looking forward to emails from them for years as they realize their hopes for the future?  But instead, I read their names in the paper in the obituaries of war.

    I swear that if every one in Congress and in the White House had gotten to know these women and men in the classrooms, they would send themselves back to school to learn another way than war.

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    I know what you mean, firsthand. (5.00 / 6) (#27)
    by oldpro on Thu Oct 15, 2009 at 01:30:57 AM EST
    To this day, for Memorial Day, I decorate the grave of one of my sweet students from my very first class...a 7th grader in 1958-9...killed in Vietnam before he ever had a chance at life.  He is buried in the local military cemetary, same row as my parents.  Makes me tear up even to this day.

    I am not a pacifist but I am not a fool.  Wars of choice are insane.

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    All wars are wars of choice, (none / 0) (#43)
    by jimakaPPJ on Thu Oct 15, 2009 at 10:21:03 PM EST


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    By your definition...not mine. (none / 0) (#44)
    by oldpro on Fri Oct 16, 2009 at 01:38:07 AM EST
    I suppose one could choose not to defend one's home, community, country when attacked.  I, however, am Irish, without a pacifist bone in my body.  Attack me or mine at your peril.  I will go to war with anyone who does...

    ...but that's just me.  A war of choice, I guess.

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    Well, I knew my father and (none / 0) (#33)
    by jimakaPPJ on Thu Oct 15, 2009 at 07:47:49 AM EST
    his brothers... And since I served in Naval Aviation for 10 years I would guess I knew 200 or so quite well and was around maybe 2000 more.. Sorry I can't be exact but when it was going on I never knew someone would want a count.

    Been to requiem services and told the wives of two friends what fine men they had been. And I have never forgot another that was never buried because there was no body.

    War is ugly but sometimes necessary. The least we can do is remember with love and respect those who fought and died and support those who still serve.

    I hope that answers your question.

    Because believe it or not and laying all the buzz
    words aside we are engaged in a world wide struggle with people who have twisted a religion into an excuse to kill and put their beliefs in control of us.

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    So now you see another world war? (5.00 / 2) (#34)
    by Cream City on Thu Oct 15, 2009 at 08:41:20 AM EST
    My father and five uncles served in the last world war, too, and my spouse in Vietnam.  And they never talked much about their wars -- even the "good war," because war is never good.

    It is because I have respect for all those who serve that I want to see them home again -- to help the fight here against those bad belief systems.  Their deaths will not stop the struggle.  They really won't.  But they may stop domestic struggles that matter here and now.

    And that we have had to hire out our wars now to so many mercenaries ought to tell you -- and Obama -- something.  Those of us who saw the national mood switch on Vietnam see it again.  This is Obama's War now, as the teevee special said.  And all I hear in my head is "hey, hey, LBJ, how many more you gonna kill today. . . ."

    So I fear that, once again, thousands of our best and brightest are dying in a war that we cannot win, because I also remember what Ho Chi Minh said about why his people could only win.  It is worth looking up and thinking about again.

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    I have learned to never argue (none / 0) (#42)
    by jimakaPPJ on Thu Oct 15, 2009 at 10:20:05 PM EST
    with an anti-war person. That you are totally wrong could never be understood by you.

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    Patronizing and rude. (none / 0) (#45)
    by oldpro on Fri Oct 16, 2009 at 01:43:11 AM EST
    Not very persuasive.  Your technique needs work, jim.

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    I couldn't disagree more (5.00 / 3) (#36)
    by Inspector Gadget on Thu Oct 15, 2009 at 08:56:47 AM EST
    we are engaged in a world wide struggle with people who have twisted a religion into an excuse to kill and put their beliefs in control of us

    With that sentence in your comment. Please provide a credible source where another country has said they want their religion to be the primary religion of the U.S. and world.

    Religion is most often at the center of war, but the war in Iraq was started by the U.S. with the final excuse being our previous administration wanted them to give up their culture in favor of living like us.

    Some christians are quite talented at twisting their beliefs into excuses to be cruel, btw.

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    Osama said: (none / 0) (#41)
    by jimakaPPJ on Thu Oct 15, 2009 at 10:18:21 PM EST
    This is from an interview in March 1997 with Peter Arnett (then) with CNN.

    REPORTER: Mr. Bin Ladin, will the end of the United States' presence in Saudi Arabia, their withdrawal, will that end your call for jihad against the United States and against the US ?

    BIN LADIN: ..... So, the driving-away jihad against the US does not stop with its withdrawal from the Arabian peninsula, but rather it must desist from aggressive intervention against Muslims in the whole world.

    Link

    Do you need further clarification? I sure hope not.


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    Will he explain this to his people though? (none / 0) (#6)
    by Militarytracy on Wed Oct 14, 2009 at 09:56:16 PM EST
    They need to hear his words on this.

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    I sense a speech in our future. (5.00 / 4) (#8)
    by oculus on Wed Oct 14, 2009 at 10:00:25 PM EST


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    Finally, a speech explaining something (5.00 / 2) (#10)
    by Militarytracy on Wed Oct 14, 2009 at 10:03:50 PM EST
    that he is actually doing.  I'm full up on Hopium speeches.

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    Should Mr. O give yet another speech - (5.00 / 1) (#31)
    by Boo Radly on Thu Oct 15, 2009 at 03:58:49 AM EST
    he may find people are "up to here" with someone once again, speaking to gawd knows who, with meager facts and empty platitudes. His "people" - the brainless sycophants, will never get it. Rather they be paid shills or the ones who have "got theirs already" or just the ones who use identity politics, it is beyond them to reason out how superficial this particular pol is and what the real agenda is. It has been perfectly clear from the beginning. From the verbiage used, the methods of superiority - it's the oldest game in the world for the same objective. It's that simple.

    I look forward to that one speech too many. Like Bush, it seems they live in an alternate world. He may be one Bu$h too many in such quick sequence. Too many outright lies with no attempt to cover up the truth.

    If the HCR was of any value to the 68% of the voters who want a public option - we most certainly would know the details now -

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    Link (none / 0) (#18)
    by FreakyBeaky on Wed Oct 14, 2009 at 10:48:13 PM EST
    Obama 'may unveil Afghan surge'

    US President Barack Obama may announce a substantial surge in US troops to Afghanistan, the BBC has been told.

    The BBC's Newsnight said the increase could be announced next week.  However, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs dismissed the report, saying the president had not yet made a decision on troop numbers.

    On the programme, Said Jawad, the Afghan ambassador to Washington, was asked if he could confirm that the United States would be sending more troops.

    "We should wait for the official announcement by the US government but all indications are that President Obama is honouring the request by Gen McChrystal."

    He was asked if that meant 40,000 to 45,000 extra troops.

    "This is part of the request, yes," he said.

    But Mr Gibbs said the president had "not made a decision".
    He added: "I think that you can assume that the BBC will not be the first outlet for such a decision."

    It would fit with another story that is floating around about 13K support troops having been deployed.  It also makes some rough sense: if we're not going, we must be staying.  But I suppose we shall just have to see.  Hell of a scoop if it turns out to be true though ...

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    Well, if we multiply it by 50 times (5.00 / 1) (#20)
    by Cream City on Wed Oct 14, 2009 at 11:07:25 PM EST
    the callup this week alone in my state Buard being sent to Iraq, perhaps to free up other troops for Afghanistan? we would have 20,000 called up this week alone.  (But my state has had one of the higher totals for years, so 13,000 may be about right.)

    Nearly 400 Wisconsin National Guard troops are headed to Iraq in March.  The troops are from the 724th Engineer Battalion. . . .  The mobilization is expected to last about a year. . . .  The battalion last deployed to Iraq from March 2003 to July 2004.

    About 3,700 Wisconsin National Guard members currently on active duty in Iraq, Afghanistan and other places around the world. There are about 6,500 Guard members in the state.



    Parent
    Wednesday Night Open Thread | 45 comments (45 topical)

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