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Thursday Night Open Thread

By Jeralyn, Section Blog Related
Posted on Thu Feb 11, 2010 at 08:08:25 PM EST
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Alec Baldwin is just fine after spending an hour at the hospital last night. His daughter called 9/11 from LA after talking to him and becoming concerned he might be taking pills to end his life. He was checked out and released -- no drugs or alchohol involved - and back on the set of 30 Rock today.

Speaking of 30 Rock, Jon Bon Jovi makes a guest appearance tonight playing Tina Fey's old boyfriend in a Valentine's Day special. Speaking of Bon Jovi, the band starts their new Circle tour in Honolulu tonight.

A new Survivor, Heroes or Villains, starts tonight with former castoffs. Russell is back. Too bad Coach is too. The Olympics begin tomorrow night.

This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

< Bill Clinton in Hospital, Doing Okay, Hillary Heads to NY | Tauzin Leaves PhRMA Over Potential Failure Of Health Bill, Blames Rahm? >

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    Thursday Night Open Thread | 86 comments (86 topical)

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    FYI: wonderful ceramics (5.00 / 1) (#14)
    by oculus on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 01:10:16 AM EST
    In Kyoto. But how will I get all my puchases home intact?  Must locate bubble wrap!

    When I was in Korea (none / 0) (#25)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:16:36 AM EST
    they hosted a world expo, but it was all from the Asia region. So amazing.  I bought a big set of handmade dishes from a Japanese potter.  Now I'm too afraid to use them outside of romantic meals with husband because one could break.

    Parent
    Although I drink lots (5.00 / 1) (#33)
    by oculus on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:26:35 AM EST
    of tea I plan to place the two tea bowls on my Japanese shelf at home.

    Parent
    I bet they are gorgeous (none / 0) (#40)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:35:33 AM EST
    Tea bowls enchant me.  I think it is sexy to drink coffee from them :)

    Parent
    One is a cheaper version (none / 0) (#54)
    by oculus on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:51:21 AM EST
    Of the famous Bowl--rose color w/grayish blackthe other looks like snow on pyracantha branches.

    Parent
    I got a gorgeous vase there (none / 0) (#77)
    by ruffian on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 10:10:50 AM EST
    that I still marvel at every day. It came in a wooden box, which was nice - protected it fine in my carry on.  Also got a couple of little bowls that made it back fine until I got home and dropped one on my garage floor! I was able to super glue it mostly - still has a little chip though. Oh well.

    Parent
    Tea bowl at Raku (none / 0) (#88)
    by oculus on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 07:48:32 PM EST
    Museum cracked in the kiln. Potter added gilt glaze. Gorgeous.  

    Parent
    It's been such a weird week, (none / 0) (#1)
    by Anne on Thu Feb 11, 2010 at 08:20:00 PM EST
    Two huge snow storms in less than a week, firm closed Monday, Wednesday and today; it's Thursday, but feels like Sunday - and tomorrow's Friday.

    More snow - a "little" storm - looks to be headed here for Monday evening/Tuesday morning.  Enough already!

    Am hoping things get back to some semblance of normal soon.

    Weather's changing, and (none / 0) (#2)
    by jeffinalabama on Thu Feb 11, 2010 at 08:28:08 PM EST

    I'm hitting my drip constantly. I wish they'd cut this damned thing off like I asked in November.

    With a peg leg I can be mobile, NOT be on morphine, and have a great conversation piece. Additionally, I can get overseas to do what might be best. Or stay here and do it.

    Sorry for the whine. Carrying a splntered ankle/foot at my age, when I have suggested amputation, ought to be a no brainer.

    Jeff, my daughter's best friend's (5.00 / 1) (#62)
    by Anne on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 09:10:35 AM EST
    dad just about destroyed his foot/ankle in a motorcycle accident overt 30 years ago; he spent almost a year in the hospital with multiple reconstructive surgeries, etc, and continued to have problems as the years passed.  About 10 years ago, he developed a sore on his heal that just would not heal; he ended up in the hospital for another major surgery that required him to administer IV antibiotics to himself once he got home, and essentially took off his heel.

    He lived with that for as long as he could, but five years ago, he had had enough, and after consulting with his surgeon, elected to have the foot removed - I think they took up to mid calf? - and fitted him for a prosthesis; he wishes he had done it sooner.  This is a man who spends all day on his feet - he's an orthodontist - and he feels more normal with the prosthesis than he did with his foot.

    I realize that everyone's different, and we all have our limits; whatever and whenever you decide will be the right decision for you, regardless of what anyone else's experience is.  Keep us posted.


    Parent

    Thanks, Anne. (none / 0) (#64)
    by jeffinalabama on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 09:15:34 AM EST
    the more I read,the more info i get from folks, the more I think a prosthesis would be better. Next doctor's appointment I'm going to ask some pointed questions-- are they trying to stabilize the pain to prevent phantom pains, or are they delaying because of some expectation of a miracle, or something else.

    Parent
    I hope the pain subsides for you (5.00 / 1) (#80)
    by samsguy18 on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 10:26:14 AM EST
    From a medical perspective I do believe your doctors are waitng to see if some regeneration will occur before recommending amputation. This type of pain can be excrutiating.Preparing your questions before your next visit will ensure you getting complete information Hope your feeling better
    Take Care

    Parent
    I think if you are emotionally ready (none / 0) (#66)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 09:19:51 AM EST
    for it, you will experience more of a relief like Anne spoke of.

    Parent
    Big question. (5.00 / 1) (#67)
    by jeffinalabama on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 09:25:57 AM EST
    I'm in pain, which doesn't lead to good decisionmaking. Could be that the doctors want to get the pain under control before encouraging a decision.

    I want WARM WEATHER! Maybe I should plan a kdog type trip. Or just head to the bahamas. the terrain in south america where my son is would be impossible right now-- it's like San Francisco, only taller.  

    Think I'll see what fares to Mazatlan look like.

    Parent

    Im sorry to hear (5.00 / 1) (#84)
    by jondee on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 11:00:22 AM EST
    about your trouble, Jeff. That trip, if you can swing it, sounds like a really good idea. Some place where "the shells lie in the sand"; a little ocean breeze and sunshine everyday..sounds like you could really use it.

    Im sure things'll eventually work out for you for the best.

    Parent

    Fares looked really good (none / 0) (#69)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 09:30:16 AM EST
    when last I shopped.  The damp cold is a harsher cold on body and bone.

    Parent
    Not sure if you're joking, but (none / 0) (#4)
    by observed on Thu Feb 11, 2010 at 10:59:02 PM EST
    you're definitely the first person I've heard with that attitude.
    Let me tell you, based on some gruesome vicarious experiences of mine, if a surgeon told me wanted to cut something off, I'd probably be in a hurry to do it. They don't suggest that lightly!

    And, sorry to hear about your trouble.


    Parent

    The doctora are more cautious about it (none / 0) (#29)
    by jeffinalabama on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:21:03 AM EST
    because of the permanence of amputation, but the chances of it properly healing are slim to none, especially at my age-- wrong side of 50. I say let's cut the losses, no pun intended.

    Probably the reason I get cranky on occasion. Or among the reasons...

    Parent

    I wish you the best. (none / 0) (#34)
    by observed on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:30:07 AM EST


    Parent
    thanks. At least it isn't life threatening. (none / 0) (#38)
    by jeffinalabama on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:33:09 AM EST
    I was trying to be 20 or 25, and, quite simply, I'm not.

    sometimes old dogs need to stay on the porch, and let the young dogs do the running and jumping and heavy lifting.

    Parent

    Cranky? (none / 0) (#37)
    by kdog on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:32:27 AM EST
    Not from this seat...the way you keep a sense of humor about your obstacles is to be admired jeff.

    My great-uncle's best buddy lost one leg from below the knee down due to diabetes...the prosthetic he's got seems to be really working for him...he came by over the fall to pick up some wood I had at the crib for his fireplace, we was slinging logs into his truck almost as fast I was...an almost 70 year old man with 1 leg...I was floored.  He's always pulling up his pants leg because nobody believes he's got one leg he's so spry.

    Parent

    thanks, kdog. Did the meistercapitalist (none / 0) (#39)
    by jeffinalabama on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:34:06 AM EST
    boss make you work today? I hope not.

    Parent
    I'm manning the cube... (5.00 / 1) (#47)
    by kdog on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:43:15 AM EST
    but we're not DC my friend, we can shrug off a foot and get back to business.

    Parent
    Heh. (none / 0) (#50)
    by jeffinalabama on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:46:17 AM EST
    Sonow? I got your frikkin' snow right here. Fogeddaboudit. howyadoin?

    Parent
    Not bad for a southerner:)... (none / 0) (#57)
    by kdog on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:55:23 AM EST
    But you forgot "get tha f*ck outta here wit da snow":)

    Take care comb your hair.

    Parent

    The meistercapitalist :) (none / 0) (#48)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:43:18 AM EST


    Parent
    Military Tracy what say you? (none / 0) (#8)
    by oculus on Thu Feb 11, 2010 at 11:50:38 PM EST


    Parent
    It's a small world huh? (none / 0) (#23)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:07:10 AM EST


    Parent
    The doctor at Greenville Shriners (none / 0) (#24)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:13:06 AM EST
    would be completely on Jeff's side.  Joshua's doctor in Colorado spoke a lot about how advanced prosthetics are now, and keeping him mobile and healthier as he aged.  She said that the worst thing that can happen to any of us is that we quit ambulating.  Our health deteriorates quickly after that.  It should be a no brainer, particularly for someone emotionally prepared for it.  The Greenville surgeon removed a fellow physicians foot quickly too who was going through the Jeff experience.  The fellow doctor was a distance runner and could not condone not being able to run so off with the foot, then he got whatever prosthetics he needed and carried on with life as usual.

    Parent
    And another thing comes to mind too (none / 0) (#35)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:30:28 AM EST
    for an open thread.  Half of the Colorado physician's group that we just went see has returned from Haiti.  She has two sons and is a single parent so chose not to go because nobody knew how safe things were going to be.  She is going with the next wave though because her fellow physicians saw many amputations being done on children due to a lack of pediatric ortho expertise and Haiti is such a poor country, getting those children the prosthetics they will now require as they grow and wear out is going to be next to impossible.  I think she's the only pediatric surgeon in her group and she is going now to save what can be saved because the outlook for good prosthetic care looks pretty long term dismal.

    Parent
    One of my high school (none / 0) (#44)
    by oculus on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:38:06 AM EST
    classmates is in Haiti now with Doctors w/o Borders.

    Parent
    There's a big difference between children and (5.00 / 1) (#46)
    by jeffinalabama on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:43:12 AM EST
    adults in this... I hope and pray that a haiti prosthetic fund gets started. I didn't even think about the need for new prosthetics until you mentioned it.

    this is a long term issue, I hope to find a site about it. I'm much more aware now than before, I have to tell you. I used to watch "The Best Years of Our Lives" and see the fellow, the double amputee, and think, "gee, how tough or how difficult," but thinking about children in need, especialy in a country that is economically devastated and also devastated in infrastructure... Time to plan a nonprofit if nobody else will.

    Parent

    I didn't either (none / 0) (#51)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:46:40 AM EST
    I suppose some things don't come to mind until you are in the thick of it and realizing what longterm is now going to be needed.

    Parent
    Wow Jeff, I had no idea (none / 0) (#22)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:06:36 AM EST
    You were Josh's boat.  See, now we must come to meet you.  You are close.  Are you doing alright healing.  Do you need anything?  I will email you my phone number since you are one of the few people I have an email on.  Josh's doctor in Colorado told him that he needs to prepare for this someday most likely too.

    Parent
    It's aggravating. (none / 0) (#28)
    by jeffinalabama on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:18:37 AM EST
    Whenever the weather changes it's excruciting. About the only thing to do is prop up the foot, hit the button, and try to sleep or pass out through it. Cold and wet is miserable.

    But not so bad this morning. Or not as bad as last night anyway.

    Parent

    Ouch, I'm sorry Jeff (none / 0) (#32)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:23:34 AM EST
    Is it snowing there?

    Parent
    nope, y'all southerners are in for it. (5.00 / 1) (#41)
    by jeffinalabama on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:36:50 AM EST
    Waiting to hear from my mom down in the Auburn area-- I think she's going to get 4-6 inches. She's been excited about this, though, she went shopping, and then went to the library for extra books!

    Parent
    The dogs are wild (none / 0) (#52)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:47:45 AM EST
    most of them have never seen snow, two have but those born here never have.

    Parent
    Sugar's topless double bird (none / 0) (#3)
    by magster on Thu Feb 11, 2010 at 08:31:50 PM EST
    when she won the first Survivor challenge was pretty hilarious.

    Coach is actually nice so far (none / 0) (#5)
    by BarnBabe on Thu Feb 11, 2010 at 11:17:19 PM EST
    A different person. It was rough tonight. I ouched when they put Stephanie's shoulder back in place. It seems like it will be a tough Survivor. One thing nice is that we already know the people.  Boston Rob still has the smile and it just felt like going home tonight. Olympics just around the corner and I enjoy the winter sports. And Amazing Race too. So just in time for some good fun shows while having Cabin Fever in February. This is around the time I get tired of turtlenecks and look forward to shorts and flip flops.  

    Yes, he seems chastened (none / 0) (#78)
    by ruffian on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 10:15:48 AM EST
    and might even be bearable. That Coach-Jerri showmance has to be stopped though. No good can come of that.

    Parent
    Kennedy won't run for re-election in RI (none / 0) (#6)
    by nycstray on Thu Feb 11, 2010 at 11:30:47 PM EST
    WASHINGTON - Rep. Patrick Kennedy has decided not to seek re-election after eight terms in Congress, saying his life is "taking a new direction" just months after the death of his father and mentor, Sen. Edward Kennedy.

    The Rhode Island Democrat taped a message with his decision to be aired on Rhode Island's television stations Sunday night. The Associated Press viewed the message Thursday, ahead of the announcement.

    "Now having spent two decades in politics, my life is taking a new direction, and I will not be a candidate for re-election this year," Kennedy says.

    link

    In his wonderful The Lady (none / 0) (#7)
    by oculus on Thu Feb 11, 2010 at 11:47:51 PM EST
    And the Monk Pico Iyer refers to Bon Jovi as one of those superstars you just know isn'tall that terrific as a person but you would jump at a chance to meet him. Did he learn to act?  Thinking of the movie where he played a hpusepainter. Really aweful.

    I thought he was (none / 0) (#9)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 12:10:06 AM EST
    great during his season as the plumber in Ally McBeal.

    And he happens to be a big philanthopist, including building a lot of affordable homes for the poor. The foundation's mission is "creating innovative partnerships that help break the intergenerational cycle of poverty and /or homelessness." He performed at the Concert for New York City to raise money for the families of fallen firefighters after 9/11.

    He received a big award from the foodbank of New York City for his contributions.

    Jon Bon Jovi's on-going support for local, national and international organizations has resulted in millions of dollars raised while bringing heightened awareness to the issues that adversely impact humanity.

    He's been married to his high school sweetheart for 20 years, they have 4 kids and are reportedly still very happy.

    He's politically active and a long-time supporter of Hillary. After Obama got the nomination, he also performed for him. Then he headlined a fundraiser to help Hillary with her campaign debt.

    He's one of the contributors to the new single to help Haiti, Everybody Hurts. It sold 250,000 copies in 2 days.

    What more would you like him to do to show you he's a good person?

    Parent

    Well Iyer's book was (none / 0) (#12)
    by oculus on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 01:00:21 AM EST
    Published in 1991. If I see him in Japan I will let him know.

    Parent
    The movie in which (none / 0) (#19)
    by oculus on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 05:02:41 AM EST
    Bon Jovi played a house painter was" Moonlight and Valentino" (1985).

    Parent
    and who is (none / 0) (#10)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 12:11:37 AM EST
    Monk Pico Iyer? I never heard of him. How do you know he's a good person or would know one?

    Parent
    Pico Iyer is a wonderful (none / 0) (#13)
    by oculus on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 01:03:42 AM EST
    Travel essay writer. Book title is: Lady and the Monk. Terrific. But I have no clue re his personal qualities

    Parent
    Pico Iyer.... (none / 0) (#82)
    by vml68 on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 10:52:48 AM EST
    wiki

    Parent
    One last thing (none / 0) (#11)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 12:14:06 AM EST
    I have met him....20 years plus ago at my gym in Denver one Sunday morning when the band was in town to perform. We worked out next to each other. He offered the gym staff tickets to the show. It was a very nice gesture they appreciated. So he was a nice person to them.

    Parent
    Is Bon Jovi not all the terrific (none / 0) (#21)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:02:52 AM EST
    as a person?  I don't know.  All I know is that I like to think he's a terrific person.

    Parent
    I think Iyer's point is (5.00 / 1) (#26)
    by oculus on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:16:39 AM EST
    we idolize categories of people of whom we know almost nothing. Tim Tebow comes to mind!

    Parent
    Yes I do (5.00 / 2) (#30)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:21:09 AM EST
    I think that Bon Jovi likes to make girls breakfast in bed but not too many girls.  He pines for a girl he has not met yet :)  He is also a dog person.

    Parent
    I'm thinking your (5.00 / 1) (#36)
    by oculus on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:31:39 AM EST
    Husband needs to hurry home!

    Parent
    Bon Jovi is also a wicked good (5.00 / 1) (#87)
    by jeffinalabama on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 12:18:14 PM EST
    vampire slayer, according to the documentary film by John Carpenter, "Vampires: Los Muertos."

    Always good to run with a good vampire slayer. I wonder how he handles zombies, though... I think there's more of a risk of zombies than vampires...

    Parent

    A lot of pols (5.00 / 1) (#85)
    by jondee on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 11:10:27 AM EST
    come to mind. Some people I went out with for two years (or was it six months?) come to mind.

    Parent
    Already Arranged (none / 0) (#16)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 02:17:19 AM EST
    the tl kid's dad has the best box at the arenas where the games played. I put in my request two months ago, with appropriate groveling for the occasion, and he gave me two seats. Not only do I have the box, but I get a floor pass to the front for parts of it. These boxes don't have glass in front of them so you feel like you are right there and they are very close to the stage. He also gave me his box seats to see the Rolling Stones on thxgiving a few years ago, and of all the dozen or more Stones shows I've seen, it was my favorite. The best part is his tickets come with paid VIP lot parking, so it's fast and easy to get in and out.

    Heh (none / 0) (#27)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:17:24 AM EST
    I remember you posting about this too.  Should be fun

    Parent
    It is snowing in Enterprise (none / 0) (#20)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:01:07 AM EST
    I wish I could take the dogs to the park, but nobody is allowed on the streets except first responders.

    Enjoy it! (none / 0) (#31)
    by jeffinalabama on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:22:22 AM EST
    Central alabama's getting socked in, but here in the north, just cloudy and cold.

    Parent
    I was wondering if you were getting snow (none / 0) (#42)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:37:11 AM EST
    It is giant Southern sized humidity flakes now.  Die mold Die!

    Parent
    After the hurricanes with the lowest pressure (none / 0) (#45)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:40:55 AM EST
    on record doing double destruction, if the South doesn't believe that global warming is effing up every weather pattern imaginable...they will never get it.

    Parent
    Sighm I've heard more people say that the cold (5.00 / 2) (#49)
    by jeffinalabama on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:44:54 AM EST
    this winter means no global warming. Wish the original name had been global climate change, because people believe the name is the science.

    Parent
    Man made climate change or otherwise... (5.00 / 2) (#53)
    by kdog on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:50:49 AM EST
    I think Mother Nature is trying to tell us something...like "shape up humanoids before I really get angry".

    I plan to meditate with a monster spliff at Chichen Itza to see if I can get to the bottom of the f*cked-up weather and the 2012 business...I'll be sure to pass on what the gods tell me:)

    Parent

    God my country cousins were (none / 0) (#55)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:53:39 AM EST
    cracking me up.....Colorado is going to the dogs I tell you, now they're selling dope all over the place :)  All is LOST!

    Parent
    All is Lost, pass the tequila :) (5.00 / 1) (#56)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:55:10 AM EST


    Parent
    Really? (none / 0) (#59)
    by kdog on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:59:43 AM EST
    All over the place?  Sounds like heaven:)  

    NYC used to be that way...till the dark days of law and order, "quality of life" policing (who calls this quality?), and Disney-fication took hold under the Ghoul.

    Speaking of your preferred nectar, I'm going to its birthplace ya know...want me to ship ya a bottle of the real deal that makes Cuervo look like dog p*ss?

    Parent

    For beers, I recommend (5.00 / 1) (#60)
    by jeffinalabama on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 09:04:55 AM EST
    Carta Blanca and Bohemia. Let the tourists drink corona!

    Parent
    You guys rock... (none / 0) (#61)
    by kdog on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 09:08:11 AM EST
    I've got a little notebook going with all your tips and recos...this is gonna be the longest month of waiting ever.

    Parent
    just don't ask for Chango. (none / 0) (#68)
    by jeffinalabama on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 09:28:26 AM EST
    It's a Robert Rodriguez creation. I wish there was a Chango beer, I'd drink it. Warm.

    Even if Cheech Marin served it.

    Parent

    Tecate with half a lime sqeezed in (none / 0) (#65)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 09:15:48 AM EST
    and salted!

    Parent
    You lucky kdog (none / 0) (#63)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 09:14:16 AM EST
    Lucky me though, my Aunt I just stayed with is Latino and she has some pretty good stuff.  She always has the good stuff.  And we all eat roasted red chili sauce on mashed potatoes for Colorado Thanksgiving.  She made us Croque Monsieur though too while we were there after seeing the movie 'It's Complicated'.  She knows how to cook unlike me :) She and her sisters all got together once and made the whole menu from 'Like Water for Chocolate'.  Keepin life interesting

    Parent
    Selling... (none / 0) (#71)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 09:55:43 AM EST
    ...growing and teaching.  This morning's Denver Post had an article on suburban grow houses and how people don't realize their neighbors are growing pot.  Also a big banner ad for a MM "university"--Greenway University.

    I'd provide a link, but I haven't figured out how to do that with my new (to me) iBook.  

    Parent

    At my country cousins (none / 0) (#73)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 10:02:07 AM EST
    One side was wailing about the demise of civilization, I was just sort of sitting there, then my cousin who is going to school for nursing says that some study says that we could all benefit from a daily tiny ingestion of marijuana.....everyone but me passes out and then has seizures.  And I'm cracking up and asking her really?  I'm really doing myself a disservice?  The debate is on and I don't know they'll ever roll this one back if anyone really wants to.  I think it's a done deal now.

    Parent
    Oh yeah (none / 0) (#74)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 10:04:30 AM EST
    And some family members were taking comfort in busts still happening, then nursing student says that's just the Feds...not state.  Nursing student cousin strangely informed :)

    Parent
    Question about Kindle-- (none / 0) (#43)
    by jeffinalabama on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:37:53 AM EST
    does anyone here have one? I am thinking about making the jump. how long do the batteries last?

    Are you an Amazon Prime member? (none / 0) (#81)
    by ruffian on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 10:52:22 AM EST
    I just read this article at appleinsider.com (my links don't work anymore for some reason) that says amazon is thinking about giving away free Kindles to Prime members as a way to compete with the iPad. Amazon really wants to sell more content and I guess is willing to take a hit on the hardware cost.

    I have two friends that have Kindles and love them. I have bought a couple of other ebooks in the past, and liked using them a lot, but the problem was always that it was too hard to easily get good content for them. Amazon solved that, and now the iPad seems to have also. I'm just leary of getting a dedicated ebook reader again, since I have two gathering dust on a shelf (batteries died altogether.

    Anyway, the Kindle seems to be a great choice if you are in the market. Barne's and Noble is releasing one too that also seems nice - and I think it may have color, which the Kindle lacks.

    Parent

    B & N Nook (none / 0) (#83)
    by ruffian on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 10:55:45 AM EST
    Go to Barne's and Noble's web site and look at the Nook also. Very nice.

    Parent
    Thanks for the info. (none / 0) (#86)
    by jeffinalabama on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 12:08:48 PM EST
    I wonder if books will have proprietary readers... I'll take a look at Amazon Prime and Barnes and Noble!

    Parent
    I like it a lot (none / 0) (#89)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:45:14 PM EST
    I think the batteries last days but I plug mine in when I'm not using it so I don't know.

    One thing I don't like is you can't change the background shade of gray to make it lighter, or at least I haven't found a setting or reference to it in the manual. I'd like it to be whiter.

    I especially like it for things like the Sunday New York Times when traveling. Instead of lugging all that paper on the plane, you can read it just as its printed on the Kindle for .75.

    They also have some good free books and you always get the first chapter of a book free before having to decide whether to buy it.

    So I highly recommend it.

    Parent

    Patrick Kennedy out (none / 0) (#58)
    by jeffinalabama on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 08:55:40 AM EST
    He'll announce monday he won't run for re-election, says NPR.

    It's sticking now (none / 0) (#70)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 09:46:28 AM EST
    We have accumulated about an inch.  This place is going to flip the freak out :)

    Looking at the forecast (none / 0) (#72)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 09:57:08 AM EST
    and the rain became snow two hours earlier than predicted.  They've got rain down to a fairly exact science here, but snow....not so much :)

    Parent
    the Bama Blizzard of ought ten! (5.00 / 1) (#75)
    by jeffinalabama on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 10:08:57 AM EST
    Wait till some folks start skiing behind cars and trucks. An Alabama tradition. Just like osteo surgery afterwards ;-)

    Parent
    You are so funny (none / 0) (#79)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 10:25:44 AM EST
    on that drip stuff.  I can just about hear a few of my neighbors saying that.

    Parent
    snowing here now... (none / 0) (#76)
    by jeffinalabama on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 10:09:21 AM EST
    very tiny flakes, though.

    Thursday Night Open Thread | 86 comments (86 topical)

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