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Thursday Night TV

Bump and Update: I just finished watching Leno. I thought President Obama was terrific. I understood what he was trying to say about the economy and AIG -- he seemed to enjoy himself which made me enjoy him-- and it was great to see him in a non-formal, non-political setting. It's obvious he's on top of what's going on and I felt reassured that if it can be fixed, he'll see that it gets fixed. (The "if", however, remains a pretty big question.)

The best part was when Leno said we need to jail lots of folks over the financial mess, and he didn't join the call and say his Department of Justice would do just that. Instead, he pointed out much of what the financial companies did was legal and we'd be better off changing the laws. How refreshing to have a President who understands that using the criminal justice system to jail more people is not a cure or a fix to the country's problems.

Update: Heeeere's Barack (the transcript.)[More...]

Update: Looks like Obama made a gaffe on Leno many are taking to be an insult to the disabled. A kinder assessment is here. [Added: Now having seen it, it was a big nothing.]

****

Some will be watching March Madness basketball. I'll be watching Grey's Anatomy, Damages and then Obama on Jay Leno.

What are you watching?

< Senate Confirms Elena Kagan as Solicitor General | Systemic Rut In Thinking About The Financial Crisis >
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    Iron Chef (5.00 / 1) (#2)
    by nycstray on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 08:30:10 PM EST
    cabbages, brussel sprouts, bok choy.  getting new ideas for the upcoming harvest season :)

    Anyone a fan (none / 0) (#24)
    by Amiss on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 11:20:31 PM EST
    of Chopped on Food Network or the new Chopping Block on one of the major networks?

    Parent
    I usually catch Chopped (none / 0) (#25)
    by nycstray on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 11:48:19 PM EST
    on the weekends if I have the TV on in the background. I always notice the ratio of men to women on that show for some reason. I watched the first Chopping Block, but missed it this week . . .  I kinda liked it. The host chef seemed pretty tough, but fair and with a soft spot. Do I have it right that Ramsey worked under him at one time?

    Parent
    Marco Pierre White (none / 0) (#31)
    by caseyOR on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 01:07:47 AM EST
    I don't know if Ramsey worked under White, but one of Mario Batali's first kitchen jobs was working for a very young Marco Pierre White in Great Britain. I've read that the experience was pretty awful for both of them.

    Parent
    Were there some egos clashing? (none / 0) (#39)
    by nycstray on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 03:35:51 AM EST
    Or just one ego?

    I hadn't heard of White until now. Which isn't saying much considering my lack of chef knowledge. Thanks for the name. I need to do a bit of googling on him and see what his recipes look like :)

    Parent

    Oculus will like this (5.00 / 1) (#18)
    by cal1942 on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 10:15:27 PM EST
    Michigan beat Clemson 62 - 59 and will advance to round two.

    Michigan tried mightily to blow a 15 point lead with 5 minutes to go.

    Ha. Maybe that's why a fellow (5.00 / 1) (#32)
    by oculus on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 01:09:11 AM EST
    Michigander greeted me so warmly tonight after the World Baseball Classic game at Petco Park.  Japan beat Korea.  

    Parent
    Yahoo has video of an (5.00 / 2) (#22)
    by Inspector Gadget on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 10:55:09 PM EST
    Underwater VOLCANO eruption. Fantastic!!

    Hope that link takes you to the video. If not, go to Yahoo. Apparently the eruption has been going on now for a couple of days.


    i read the transcript. (5.00 / 1) (#36)
    by cpinva on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 02:51:39 AM EST
    Looks like Obama made a gaffe on Leno many are taking to be an insult to the disabled.

    given the trailblazing display of incompetence by the bush administration, for the past 8 years, if this is the worst fumble by obama, i think i can look beyond it.

    yes, it was poor, but i understood what he meant. he could have chosen his words better, but i expect everyone will get over it.

    aside from that, i thought it was one of the best shows leno has done. unlike many "journalists", mr. leno seemed to have an actual grasp of the big issue at hand, and asked intelligent questions.

    pres. obama's responses were, for the most part, equally intelligent, reasonably well articulated, and not at all condescending. certainly a refreshing change from the last oval office occupant.

    jon stewart better watch his back! lol

    Compare Obama to Bush? (5.00 / 2) (#42)
    by Fabian on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 07:18:31 AM EST
    George W. Bush could make John McCain or Sarah Palin look good in comparison!  

    If you want me to say "Thank goodness Obama is no George W. Bush!", then I will.  I would also say "Thank goodness Obama is no Dick Cheney!".  

    Parent

    I don't know how the comment struck (5.00 / 6) (#45)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 07:28:07 AM EST
    you Fabian but I'm ticked.  I've been up most of the night with a little boy who is sick.  Last week he was upset though because he wanted the Presidential physical fitness award.  Can you believe he made the mark in pushups but not in situps?  That in turn spurred a family conversation about why the girls don't have to meet the same numbers because Joshua would met the mark if he were a girl :)  He would have had enough situps.  He only got 36 done though, and he has two titanium rods on each side of his spine and he is missing about a quarter of the muscles that you and I have.  What Obama said was an a$$hole thing to say and for cripes sake he isn't a damn baby who needs to be protected, he a grown man who is President of the United States and if he can't take some heat for a lack of emotional intelligece that would promote a new awareness then just fricken forget about the whole charade then is my opine!

    Parent
    It struck me the wrong way. (5.00 / 3) (#49)
    by Fabian on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 07:40:15 AM EST
    Special Olympics is about competition and doing your absolute best, not an excuse for not doing well.  (coughObamacough)

    There's nothing wrong with not being a good bowler - especially if it's not your favorite thing and you have a lot of other priorities.  

    I'm sure you encourage your son to do his best.  I do too.  People need to respect others when they do their best and give their all, no matter what.  

    Parent

    You are so sensical this a.m. (5.00 / 1) (#51)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 08:05:35 AM EST
    Appropriately discontent with energies herding, leading, and directing all to the social awareness solution.......and I'm sleep deprived :)

    Parent
    I get it from my son. (5.00 / 3) (#59)
    by Fabian on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 08:46:41 AM EST
    He was absolutely insistent that he be dressed correctly today because Phys Ed was going to be outside today. (Bad timing, it's the coldest day this week.) How can I look at that enthusiasm, that determination not to be left out, to participate fully and feel any pity at all?  He has what he needs and it's in his head, not his body.

    Parent
    Pity... (5.00 / 4) (#60)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 08:52:40 AM EST
    ...was absolutely the last thing I ever want(ed).  Understanding and acceptance of my limitations, sure--but never, ever pity.

    Hated being left out, but in my head I knew I was different from the other kids and understood there are just some things I couldn't do.    

    Parent

    But everyone should (5.00 / 3) (#64)
    by Fabian on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 09:17:22 AM EST
    have the opportunity to try.

    He wants to play soccer.  It's something we would need to have a serious talk with his pediatrician with.  At his age soccer isn't really competitive, but it's the possibility of injury that's the problem.  It's a balancing act - let him try even though a bad fall could really hurt him?  Or not let him play at all?  (He can't play contact sports.)

    A lot of it is mental.  He wants to be accepted by the other kids.  Every kid does.  

    Parent

    Yes, I know the feeling... (5.00 / 5) (#72)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 09:35:20 AM EST
    ...all too well.  Absolutely devistated when I wasn't allowed to play competative basketball because of possibility of further injury.  

    Didn't stop me from playing basketball in the drive-way or with the kids in the neighborhood though.  Gave me an outlet to show that I was just like the other kids, if not better.

    No matter how scared my Mom was for me, she never, ever stopped me from trying things that were in reason.  My handicap was never the focus--letting me find my own way was.

    Parent

    Joshua is beginning to deal with this (5.00 / 2) (#76)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 09:48:36 AM EST
    now too and my husband's family is extremely athletic.  I think it has a genetic component for him wanting to physically compete.  My husband is really too old to play ultimate frisbee, he just keeps coming home all chewed up but a guy needs to be happy right?  His sister was taken on by the Air Force Academy as a long distance runner.  I take it one day at a time, we look for whatever options are out there and we do them and use them.  His favorite class is recess.

    Parent
    Inartfully written. (5.00 / 3) (#67)
    by Fabian on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 09:25:11 AM EST
    Sad for him, perhaps?  

    I coach him on the best way to do things.  We play tag at the bus stop and I teach him not to look back when he runs and not to giggle so much.  (interferes with proper breathing)  Can't do a thing about the gimpy leg and uneven gait, so we just maximize what he can do.  That's what Special Olympics is about - do what you can with what you have.

    Parent

    What else can you do? (5.00 / 4) (#74)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 09:45:09 AM EST
    You can't change what's done, you can only help your child make the best of the hand they've been dealt.  

    I know my own Mom will, in addition to her sadness, always carry the guilt that somehow, someway, what happened to me was her fault. I understand it, but I don't accept it as true.

    Parent

    I agree with you guys (5.00 / 1) (#101)
    by Dr Molly on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 12:26:24 PM EST
    No surprise there, I guess. I don't think he intended to be insensitive or offensive, but I do think the joke was both of those things.

    Unfortunately, insensitivity to the disabled and to some other groups is still not up there on the politically incorrect list with other areas. It's still OK, for example, to use the word 'retard' - I hear it all the time from people who think that they are sensitive progressives.

    (I feel the same way about jokes about weight but that's just me - everyone else seems to think it's OK to make fun of overweight people.)

    On the other hand, I thought Obama's demeanor and words about the economy were good - he put the AIG debacle in the larger context of the mess that has been wrought by deregulation and greed run rampant. I hope re-regulation is in the cards.

    Parent

    I saw the clip (5.00 / 7) (#52)
    by jbindc on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 08:06:32 AM EST
    It was something a 6th grader would say to be funny - not something the President of the United States should say.

    Heard he placed a call to Eric Shriver to apologize (of the family Kennedy - his new BFFs).

    Sad.  Not the first time he's been caught doing /  saying juvenile things.

    Parent

    Kennedys started the Special Olympics (5.00 / 2) (#61)
    by Cream City on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 08:54:16 AM EST
    i.e., Eunice Kennedy Shriver did -- because the Kennedys grew up sensitized as a family to the situation of those of us with children with disabilities, owing to their sister Rosemary.

    Parent
    I meant TIM Shriver (nt) (none / 0) (#55)
    by jbindc on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 08:15:16 AM EST
    Thank you, Tracy (5.00 / 3) (#63)
    by Cream City on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 09:03:43 AM EST
    for your anger.  I tried to temper mine, as a parent of a child with disabilities, so I just signed off here last night, lest I have to take garbage again.

    Obama's comment was unforgivable.  So was the first response, from his staff rather than him.  And a call to one of the Kennedy clan still doesn't do it.  Obama ought to stand up and apologize in person to PWD's and the rest of us.  And no, I don't want to see him do it on entertainment tv; this is serious.  

    If Obama were an employer, he would face discipline for violating the ADA.  He just set it back, while we still are fighting for it to be followed -- in our public schools, for example.  Maybe Michelle Obama, with her much-vaunted forays into public schools with her team of rich women, could take on this educational task?  After all, she's all about physical fitness, so educate her spouse and the country to what it means for those who develop their muscular arms because they play basketball from wheelchairs.

    I've given up on this White House getting it about gender, but how about a national conversation on disabilities -- starting with sensitivity treatment at the top?  

    And may the Obamas continue to be spared the sorrows we have faced.  But if they think they are spared because their daughters are fine, they have even more to learn.  These are not all "birth defects."  As we have seen this week, the rich and powerful are not spared the possibility of accidents.  And my child's disability was not diagnosed for more than a decade.

    Parent

    Lighten up Tracy.... (5.00 / 1) (#68)
    by kdog on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 09:26:11 AM EST
    I think it is obvious Obama was poking fun at himself.

    Parent
    Nope. He's not a Special Olympian. (5.00 / 4) (#69)
    by Cream City on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 09:28:28 AM EST
    Fair enough Cream.... (5.00 / 4) (#71)
    by kdog on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 09:31:42 AM EST
    I shoulda known better.

    Parent
    No prob. You were partially correct (5.00 / 1) (#75)
    by Cream City on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 09:45:22 AM EST
    in that he was poking fun at himself -- but his aim was off, and instead he poked fun at millions of other people.  (My child's disability alone is shared by 2 percent of Americans -- and it's one of the "invisible" disabilities, i.e., no wheelchair or braces.  If only there were a fix like that for what my child has faced daily, including discrimination in school, in the workplace, and even in the laws still on the books in some states that ban my child even from being married.  Probably in the states of some of the lawyers here, if they're looking for a good cause: Get those archaic laws off the books.)

    Parent
    He couldn't have poked fun at himself (5.00 / 1) (#77)
    by Anne on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 10:05:05 AM EST
    without invoking the image of Special Olympians as something to be laughed at, too?

    Sorry - that's just lame.  "Bowling's not my thing" would have really been taking a poke at himself - and only himself - but I guess that's too much for a Harvard-educated, constitutional scholar and president of the United States to be able to figure out.


    Parent

    I'm an awful bowler myself.... (5.00 / 1) (#79)
    by kdog on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 10:21:30 AM EST
    I'd probably say soemthing like "watching me bowl is like watching a monkey trying to f*ck a football."

    Is that still ok?...:)

    Parent

    LOL! (5.00 / 1) (#93)
    by Anne on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 11:33:40 AM EST
    I imagine, though, that Obama would have needed to swap out the monkey reference for something not quite as incendiary - maybe a chihuaha? - but otherwise, yeah, that would have been fine.

    Parent
    It would be funnier! n/t (none / 0) (#85)
    by Fabian on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 10:41:51 AM EST
    I used to be (none / 0) (#106)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 08:09:12 PM EST
    and then we got a wii

    Parent
    I think you are spot on... (5.00 / 2) (#78)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 10:11:57 AM EST
    ...kdog.  He was poking fun at himself.  And as a person with disabilities, I take no offense to what he said.  

    I've been called every name you can think of because of problems and even physically assaulted because of it, so I have a pretty good idea when someone is being mean spirited--and this wasn't.  

    What offends me is people who are jumping on him strictly because it is just another chance to bash him.  

    Parent

    MileHi.... (5.00 / 3) (#89)
    by vml68 on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 11:19:33 AM EST
    I think everyone realizes that Obama was poking fun of himself but as POTUS he needs to be careful how he phrases things.

    If GWB had said it we all would have cringed and chalked it down to his general cluelessness and constant foot-in-mouth moments. Obama is constantly touted for his communication skills, he really needs to do better.
    Not every criticism of Obama is "just another chance to bash him".

    Parent

    OK. (5.00 / 2) (#97)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 12:05:55 PM EST
    But, on the other hand, I like having a POTUS who isn't afraid of being a fallible human being.  And one who can find humor in his own failings.  

    We can all stand to do better in some regard, and he is certainly no exception.  The sign of an intellegent, self-aware adult is to learn from their mistakes and try to improve.  I think he has that ability--certainly more so than Bush.

    Parent

    If Bush had said it . . . (3.00 / 1) (#80)
    by Cream City on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 10:27:49 AM EST
    you wouldn't be saying that.

    Parent
    You don't know that at all. n/t (none / 0) (#81)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 10:31:52 AM EST
    Okay. And I appreciate (5.00 / 1) (#87)
    by Cream City on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 10:56:26 AM EST
    your comments here about your experience -- in no small part because you are among those who have provided role models for my child.  

    But the very problem discussed here is the disability of those unable to appreciate the experiences of others.  And in my experience, most people with disabilities are ahead of many others in developing that empathy.  So I do also appreciate your reminder that also is not universal.

    Parent

    CC, I am glad that.... (5.00 / 3) (#88)
    by vml68 on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 11:12:32 AM EST
    Fabian, MT and you wrote what you did.
    Honestly, my first reaction to Obama's comment was "not very politically correct" and I did not give it much thought.
    Then I read the comments from the three of you and it reminded me again that sometimes we tend to gloss over things that some of us don't have much experience with but that are very personal to others.

    Parent
    Yeh, it's not "a big nothing" (none / 0) (#96)
    by Cream City on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 12:05:05 PM EST
    to some people in the White House, thankfully.  I hope that Mr. Obama will hear from the Axelrods.  Their story gives just just a bit of insight into the lives of Fabian, Tracy, and others here.

    Now, let's see what follows.  Obama has invited Special Olympians to go bowling with him at the White House as his guests.  To which, I like the response of the SO -- calling on Obama to hire PWDs, not just their parents.

    Parent

    Setting aside... (none / 0) (#90)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 11:24:26 AM EST
    ...my own opinion that Bush is a sociopath and incapable of things such as humor at one's own expense, I would have judged his words as to their intent to be malicious--just as I would  anyone else.  

    Parent
    Now you've lost me...... (none / 0) (#92)
    by vml68 on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 11:30:44 AM EST
    It might just be my reading comprehension skills but the way I understand that sentence is that anyone making that comment would have malicious intent....just not Obama?

    I would have judged his words as to their intent to be malicious--just as I would  anyone else.


    Parent
    Quite the opposite. (5.00 / 2) (#94)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 11:50:26 AM EST
    I would apply the same standard to anyone who said what Obama did.  Was it their intent to be malicious or hurtful or hateful or mean?  

    When it comes to that, I really don't give a fig as to what a person's politics are in relation to mine.  It's the whole content of the charactor thing.  

    Sorry if that wasn't clear, I'm trying to get a little work done at the same time I'm typing.

    Parent

    Gotcha... (none / 0) (#95)
    by vml68 on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 11:56:15 AM EST
    thanks for clarifying.

    Parent
    That's fair. (none / 0) (#104)
    by Cream City on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 01:05:58 PM EST
    And I figured it out from the first comment, but it's a good clarification.

    Parent
    if bush had said it, (none / 0) (#107)
    by cpinva on Sat Mar 21, 2009 at 04:16:00 AM EST
    If Bush had said it . . . you wouldn't be saying that.

    it would have probably come out so garbled, you'd need an interpreter just to figure out what he actually said.

    then, every right-wingnut in the known universe would have risen up as one, and declared a conspiracy by the special olympics, just to make bush look bad. rush limbaugh, bill o'reilly and sean hannity would have been demanding an investigation into that "socialist", "communist", "fascist" organization, to see how the "huge" sums of tp monies (like a couple million dollars, maybe) are being spent!

    they'd have some poor kid, who just won a gold medal, on as a guest, and demand to know why he hates america so!

    that's what probably would have happened, had bush said it.

    oh, and bush wouldn't have the slightest clue what all the hubbub was about.

    it was fairly obvious, to anyone with a brain, that pres. obama was attempting a self-deprecating comment. poor choice of words, and he apologized later.

    yeah, he's the pres., he's also still human, and i guarantee you, he will make more gaffes, over the next four years.

    as long as his faux pas's don't result in unnecessary wars/deaths, he'll feel stupid, we'll all survive.

    frankly, i'd rather he spend his scarce time dealing with the huge problems left us by the bush administration, as opposed to apologizing ad inifinitum, for one stupid comment.

    Parent

    Was YOur Son Upset Too? (none / 0) (#105)
    by squeaky on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 07:05:38 PM EST
    I just read that Palin was upset about the remark because of her down syndrome child. For me I did not see anything wrong with what Obama said. Clearly parents of children with disabilities were upset by the remark, but I wonder if the actual children and adults with disabilities felt the same way.

    Parent
    The American Idol Joke (none / 0) (#41)
    by WS on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 06:54:16 AM EST
    was funny.  Great line!

    Parent
    Making up any kind of business (5.00 / 1) (#47)
    by joze46 on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 07:35:06 AM EST
    Jeralyn, from my view, and considering the comment of what Obama said referenced a lot of the actions or deals made by AIG was disappointing.

    Instead, you said "he pointed out much of what the financial companies did was legal and we'd be better off changing the laws." For me is a very poor example, or impression from Obama with time to explain just simple good pre-emptive rules in practice, to current in motion AIG business goals, to future business practices. In simple suggestions in front of the public was deficient. The integrity of just blowing off deception and fraud with the notion of "much of what was done was legal" needs to be played out up front, what is the much of what. For me billions of dollars for screw ups is a lot of "much of what".

    Please understand that I feel Obama came across very good in his appearance on the Leno show. I'm even a supporter and voted for him. But totally disagree with the conclusion that the criminal justice system does not have to be used. Sorry but a huge amount of trust just dropped at this time.

    That's sort of like how America is debating the water boarding stuff. For me it is wrong, there is no debate that water boarding actions could very well create volume and blood pressure stress in any part of a persons system perhaps not braking bones but very likely distressing organs and tissue that will not work the same.

    Here, with this financial stuff in derivatives, and or home loans are making up business practices that are not with in the simple licensed limits of domestic and International laws. These AIG business license as issued by the government. We the people are the government. We the people should know what the heck is going on. This entity AIG just wondering off making up any kind of business it wants, then why even have a business license? Sounds like the basic business plan is what our politicians do what ever they want then screw up and collect money from the tax payer through the Federal Reserve. That's wrong.      

    I have to think that if you had (5.00 / 7) (#56)
    by Anne on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 08:19:50 AM EST
    a child or a sibling or a friend who had a child with developmental disabilities, this:
    Looks like Obama made a gaffe on Leno many are taking to be an insult to the disabled. A kinder assessment is here. [Added: Now having seen it, it was a big nothing.]

    would probably not be your take on Obama's Special Olympics comment; in fact, I imagine you might have found it, if not insensitive, then at least ill-considered and tone-deaf.

    How much better it would have been if he had just said, "Well, what can I say?  Bowling's just not my thing."  

    These unscripted moments - like so many others he's had - reveal essential information about him that is not particularly appealing, and explains why he and the TelePrompter usually go everywhere together.

    And I am still trying - in vain - to deal with his wholly disingenuous comments about how "stunned" he was about AIG bonuses that his own administration lobbied Congress to provide a loophole for, that his Treasury Secretary knew about, and which they thought they could shrug off with talk about the sanctity of contracts.

    I, too, raised an eyebrow when he discussed the legality of what the financial community has wrought - because it sounded like practice for explaining why Bush and Cheney and their cohorts will never be held accountable for their actions of the last 8 years - I mean, after all, the likes of the brilliant John Yoo and the dazzling Alberto Gonzales found all kinds of reasons why what they did was legal.

    On an extremely superficial level, Obama did fine last night, which is perfect, because he was in an extremely superficial environment.

    I felt reassured that if it can be fixed (5.00 / 1) (#91)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 11:29:39 AM EST
    I understood what he was trying to say about the economy and AIG...and I felt reassured that if it can be fixed, he'll see that it gets fixed.
    So if the economy does gets fixed it's because Obama fixed it, and if it doesn't, well, that's because the economy couldn't be fixed.

    Sounds like win-win spin.

    Well quite honestly (none / 0) (#1)
    by SOS on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 08:24:16 PM EST
    the Collapse of Rome for better description?

    I'm watching Gordon Ramsey yell. (none / 0) (#3)
    by andgarden on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 08:35:22 PM EST
    It's cathartic.

    Top Chef really turned me off to (5.00 / 1) (#9)
    by Anne on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 09:13:49 PM EST
    Gordon Ramsay - I found I much preferred the Top Chef-style challenges to what happens at Gordon Ramsay's Boot Camp for Aspiring Chefs.

    From the episodes I've seen this season, I just don't see a shining star who would be up to the challenge of running a restaurant at The Borgata.

    Parent

    Exactly Anne, (none / 0) (#10)
    by NJDem on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 09:27:20 PM EST
    couldn't have said it better myself--like night and day those shows.    

    In other news, spoiler alert about Obama on Leno--a failed attempt at humor:

    Parent

    Well, I guess we know why he usually (5.00 / 2) (#13)
    by Anne on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 09:32:45 PM EST
    has the TelePrompter wherever he goes, because this is the kind of stupid and offensive thing he says when he goes "solo."

    This will go a long way to helping him sell his budget, right?

    Parent

    That's just awful (5.00 / 7) (#15)
    by Cream City on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 09:41:43 PM EST
    and that tells me it's not worth waiting up for it, just for this parent of a child with a disability see that on the first time a president takes to  entertainment teevee.  

    I will be more entertained by opting instead to go read a book.  Good night, and a better tomorrow.

    Parent

    I thought about how personally (5.00 / 2) (#16)
    by NJDem on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 09:51:31 PM EST
    offensive this would be to many--I was being far too gentle with my words.  

    Naturally there's already an apology out...  Not buyin' it--he should have just said it was a stupid thing to say...--not one of these 'in no way did he mean to imply..' stuff.

    Parent

    Apology falls short (5.00 / 4) (#17)
    by nycstray on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 10:05:16 PM EST
    "The president made an off-hand remark making fun of his own bowling that was in no way intended to disparage the Special Olympics," White House deputy press secretary Bill Burton said. "He thinks the Special Olympics is a wonderful program that gives an opportunity for people with disabilities from around the world."

    So he's apologizing to the program, not the participants?

    Parent

    Amazes me... (5.00 / 3) (#21)
    by Inspector Gadget on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 10:39:29 PM EST
    how was that remark not a direct hit? He meant it exactly the way he said it and it is embarrassing that he is so callous.

    If he was intending to make fun of himself, and not insult others, he needed to say his bowling was like an episode of "Wipeout".


    Parent

    Hey, maybe now he'll think twice (5.00 / 2) (#23)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 11:02:11 PM EST
    about trying to "sell his budget" on entertainment TV.  

    All I can say is now we know the reason for the teleprompter.

    Parent

    Definitely fell short. (5.00 / 5) (#40)
    by Fabian on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 04:45:10 AM EST
    It's enough of a trial being a parent of a handicapped child.  I don't need any prominent person adding to the burden.

    If he wants to apologize, fully fund Special Education programs.  Show me the $$$$.

    Parent

    Excellent idea (5.00 / 3) (#48)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 07:37:42 AM EST
    I'm up for compensation to benefit the children!

    Parent
    Perhaps there's a reason (5.00 / 3) (#29)
    by BrassTacks on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 12:45:20 AM EST
    That no other President has ever gone on Leno.   It was sa dumb idea.  What was the point anyway?  People are not pleased that he's running to Hollywood when the economy is in shambles.

    Parent
    Not at all... (5.00 / 1) (#62)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 09:03:42 AM EST
    ...offensive to me, a handicaped person who would kick Obama's arse at bowling.  

    In the grand scheme of things--and given all of the other things I've been called my entire life, not a big deal at all.  

    You learn pretty quick that you need some thick skin if you're going to make in the World.

    Parent

    Never pass up a teachable moment! (5.00 / 1) (#84)
    by Fabian on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 10:39:56 AM EST
    You learn that as a parent - plus it's an alternative to screaming.

    There's even a kind of script for it:

    What just happened?  
    [Review the events.]
    What could you have done differently?
    [Consider the options.  Compare/contrast the options with the actual event.]
    What should you do in the future in this situation?
    Why?

    Methinks it's time for a well publicized First Lady visit to Special Ed classroom.  Or two.

    Parent

    Scratch that. (5.00 / 1) (#86)
    by Fabian on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 10:54:14 AM EST
    Barack Obama needs to go make a well publicized visit to a Special Ed or facility for disabled adults.

    Parent
    I forget you are in the (5.00 / 1) (#50)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 07:46:58 AM EST
    special child boat too, Special Olympics indeed.[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y169/Militarytracy/Forgottobebummed.jpg[/IMG]

    Parent
    Awww (5.00 / 2) (#54)
    by jbindc on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 08:08:50 AM EST
    What a cutie!

    Parent
    Thanks, being his mom has been (5.00 / 4) (#57)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 08:21:46 AM EST
    the finest opportunity I have ever had in my life to really amount to a being with some deeper understanding.  I tried so hard to be composed at first, there is a framework to follow if we are lucky enough for our children to fall within certain parameters......and then as a parent you can tend to other fluffy sort of stuff.  I had one child like that and then I had another one. The day I began to display real courage and my brain grew a bit more was the day I stopped trying to fill out his babybook while crying over it.....trying to figure out how you alter the predesigned spaces in the thing to say he walked at 2 years of age and that was terrific.  It was a beautiful Pooh babybook too and when I placed it in the trashcan suddenly we were free to become.

    Parent
    I never had the other kind. (5.00 / 5) (#58)
    by Fabian on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 08:37:55 AM EST
    It makes the transition easier.  Parents who find out their children have learning disabilities or other problems after they get to school are going through the process that I did years before my children even qualified for Special Ed preschool.  I remember the time when I went from having an apparently normal child to having a handicapped child(age 12 months), but only dimly.

    Parent
    I never will forget the day (5.00 / 4) (#65)
    by Cream City on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 09:17:48 AM EST
    of my child's diagnosis.  She still can recall how relieved her parents were, which she could not understand then; now, as an adult, she understands -- because we had been warned that the cause of her symptoms could be irreversible brain cancer.

    Every day since has been a gift, but many days also have been battles -- especially those days before the ADA.  It really did not deal directly with my child's disability; Title VII already did -- but it still is a battle for it to be enforced.  ADA is more enforceable, so it awakened schools to the realities of the legalities they could face.

    Stay strong, Fabian.  I thought I was a fighter before!  But you also have been blessed with insights and empathy now that, as we could see last night, too many people in power lack.  So you also know that sort of power is the real disability -- a crippling inability to project beyond personal experience to understand the extent of discrimination and recognize the real struggles that we witness daily.

    Parent

    Legislation is very important. (5.00 / 2) (#73)
    by Fabian on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 09:35:49 AM EST
    Although enforcement is uneven.

    My best to you and your daughter and increased understanding and compassion to people everywhere.

    Parent

    As stupid and horrible as that was... (none / 0) (#28)
    by Thanin on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 12:24:57 AM EST
    I still dont regret voting against mccain/palin.

    Parent
    Do you regret (5.00 / 2) (#83)
    by sj on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 10:38:04 AM EST
    downrating criticism of Obama?

    I'm kidding :)  

    Mostly anyway.  Please feel free to continue to downrate.

    Parent

    Heh, nice... (none / 0) (#98)
    by Thanin on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 12:06:38 PM EST
    What I will say to that is, I downgrade the noise against Obama.  The legitimate criticism I embrace, as demonstrated in this thread.

    Parent
    One person's noise (5.00 / 1) (#102)
    by sj on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 12:33:27 PM EST
    is another's Metallica.  or Mozart.

    Just sayin'

    Parent

    I know, I know... (none / 0) (#103)
    by Thanin on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 12:38:01 PM EST
    but theres always a personal tinge to the posts I downrank, which makes the comment based off of personal feelings towards Obama rather than actual policy.  Thats what makes it noise.  If they just left out the silly stuff then their comment would be worth making.

    Parent
    Hmmm..... (none / 0) (#53)
    by jbindc on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 08:08:03 AM EST
    Interesting that you bring Palin up.  As a mother of a special needs child, I'm sure she would also like to point out who looks dumber now - the guy on Leno's couch.

    Parent
    My thought, exactly (5.00 / 1) (#66)
    by Cream City on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 09:20:08 AM EST
    as both Palin and McCain, with his disability, had a lot of good impact on families of PWD's, as I could see from talking with others in person and online.  It will be interesting to go to those boards today. . . .

    Parent
    Hmm... (none / 0) (#99)
    by Thanin on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 12:11:24 PM EST
    I have PWDs who are disabled in my family and a few friends like that and they were embarrassed by mccain.  As for palin, the only people I personally know who were impressed or proud of her were flat-earthers (seriously).

    Parent
    I brought up palin... (none / 0) (#100)
    by Thanin on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 12:13:46 PM EST
    because she was on the ticket I voted for in the general, so there really isnt anything particularly interesting about that.  Obama was on the ticket I voted against in my primary, but c'est la vie.

    Parent
    Well, Fox tends to overplay (none / 0) (#11)
    by andgarden on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 09:29:18 PM EST
    his nastiness. If you watch the British version of Kitchen Nightmares, you get a very different picture of him.

    Parent
    I have seen that, and I read his book - (5.00 / 1) (#14)
    by Anne on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 09:40:15 PM EST
    and I get that he believes strongly in indoctrinating these baby chefs in much the same way he was - the only difference being that he has to compress years of trial-by-fire into mere weeks.  And, of course, it all has to be packaged and edited for the TV audience (and it is Fox - home of COPS), to wring the most drama out of each week's show.

    Definitely a different sensibility than the oh-so-above-it-all Top Chef - which, truth be told, sometimes grates on my nerves because of the rampant snobbery that comes through, and is just as packaged but in a different way.

    It has to be somewhat jarring for the HK contestants to reconcile the real Ramsay with the expletive-and-insult loaded TV version.


    Parent

    I know a GM of a restaurant. (none / 0) (#46)
    by Fabian on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 07:30:35 AM EST
    Not one of those high flying joints - but honestly, a kitchen is a kitchen and a business is a business.  Between him and Kitchen Confidential and Chef! (BBC series) and possibly Pixar's Ratatouille, I think anyone can learn the basics of a successful, professional kitchen.  You don't need all the shouting.

    Parent
    We had terrible service and (none / 0) (#33)
    by oculus on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 01:10:50 AM EST
    an unmemorable meal at Gordon Ramsey's non-eponymous restaurant in London.  Really, really expensive too.  Don't go.

    Parent
    Perhaps because it was in London?! (none / 0) (#38)
    by nycstray on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 03:29:41 AM EST
    J/K!! lol!~

    I want to try this recipe of his. I need to see if I can get some more decent clementines though, Dot the Dal and I ate the ones I had while watching teeVee . . . hmm, I bet I could use the blood oranges I have!  :)

    Parent

    that website is buggy (none / 0) (#44)
    by Fabian on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 07:24:59 AM EST
    My browser/protection software gave me a malware warning.  Your mileage may vary.

    (I love my DH because he is very security conscious.  Thanks, dear!)


    Parent
    Basketball! (none / 0) (#4)
    by Steve M on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 08:43:41 PM EST
    Looking like a solid 12 for 12 in the office pool so far.

    Wasn't sure who to root for (none / 0) (#5)
    by andgarden on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 08:47:51 PM EST
    as between American and Villanova. I'm having regional conflict!

    Parent
    It's sad (none / 0) (#6)
    by Steve M on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 08:49:52 PM EST
    when you can't root for the upset because it would bust your bracket!  Always feels weird.

    Parent
    Well, I never do a bracket (none / 0) (#7)
    by andgarden on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 08:53:58 PM EST
    I don't know a d*mn thing about the teams!

    Parent
    Heh (none / 0) (#8)
    by Steve M on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 09:13:08 PM EST
    and my 2 year old does?  Even my unborn son filled out a bracket this year!  Just take a guess.

    Parent
    Further evidence (none / 0) (#12)
    by andgarden on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 09:30:20 PM EST
    that I'm a sports incompetent!  

    Parent
    I'm a sports agnostic. (none / 0) (#43)
    by Fabian on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 07:22:29 AM EST
    I just don't believe in sports.

    When I see the sports fervor, I think "Thank goodness we have sports to keep people distracted!".  (..and Sarah Palin, the octomom, reality television,...)

    Parent

    Outstanding (none / 0) (#19)
    by cal1942 on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 10:16:57 PM EST
    Really tough to do in any round.

    Parent
    Gosh (5.00 / 1) (#26)
    by Steve M on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 11:53:32 PM EST
    16 out of 16!  Never done that before.

    Unfortunately, tomorrow is another day.

    Parent

    I'm impressed! (none / 0) (#30)
    by BrassTacks on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 12:46:18 AM EST
    You chose Maryland? (none / 0) (#34)
    by BrassTacks on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 01:24:11 AM EST
    I wouldn't have, but I'm glad that they won.  

    Parent
    Lucky guess (none / 0) (#35)
    by Steve M on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 01:33:32 AM EST
    You might as well flip a coin for those 8-9 games, and the 7-10 games aren't much better.

    Tomorrow I have Utah State over Marquette in one of the early games, so we'll see how it goes.

    Parent

    I am going with Marquette (none / 0) (#37)
    by BrassTacks on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 03:10:04 AM EST
    Only because of their past upsets.  I really know nothing.

    But March Madness sure is fun.  

    Go Terps!  

    Parent

    Go, Big Yellow Birds (none / 0) (#70)
    by Cream City on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 09:30:49 AM EST
    as the Golden Eagles also are known in their town.:-)

    Parent
    Here's some MU fun homework for you (none / 0) (#82)
    by Cream City on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 10:35:05 AM EST
    The hometown paper's insights, live blog link, etc., here.  And the campus paper's outlook, etc., here.  

    Spouse, a big MU fan, reports that the campus union and local bars are filling fast with fans as I write. . . .


    Parent

    My pet peeve (none / 0) (#20)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 10:35:27 PM EST
    Cinderella teams that turn back into pumpkins before a single game is over..

    See Villanova/American

    DARN and I was so hoping.

    Indeed (none / 0) (#27)
    by CoralGables on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 12:15:16 AM EST
    Only one potential Cinderella thus far (thank goodness for the Hilltoppers) but don't give up hope...with due credit to Miss Scarlett, Tomorrow is another day.

    Parent