Friday Morning Open Thread

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Blog Related
Posted on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 11:19:57 AM EST
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Roman Polanski's new film is coming out. The NYTimes discusses that and other events that have been notable about Polanski of late.

Texas to the Big 10? I see it from the Big Ten's perspective, but not really from Texas' perspective. The idea that being in the Big Ten will "globalize" the Texas brand is pretty unrealistic imo. More on this story later at Sports Left.

The Winter Olympics have their Opening Ceremony tonight. Anyone interested in blogging the Games let me know. Sports Left is available to be your vehicle. I only like the curling, the ski jumping, the downhill and the biathlon (the skiing and shooting thing.)

This is an Open Thread.

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Friday Morning Open Thread | 97 comments (97 topical)

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Today's... (5.00 / 1) (#9)
by kdog on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 11:45:33 AM EST

kids in handcuffs story comes from Port St. Lucie...6 year old girl who threw a temper tantrum at school. The next day she threw another fit (little wonder, she got chained up for god's sake) and got committed. Committed! 1-2-3-4-5...6 years old!

Too bad we can't have our society as a whole committed...cuz thats who is really freakin' nuts...this collective of ours.

Did you see the survey results . . . . (5.00 / 1) (#12)
by nycstray on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 11:50:00 AM EST

I didn't realize a school could have your child committed. Oy.

Parent

: You ain't kiddin'... (none / 0) (#43)
by kdog on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 01:31:39 PM EST

I'm finding out their are a lot of horrors I did not realize were acceptable...if done by the authorities of course, you or I could never get away with this sh*t.

Parent

Well my afternoon is set! (5.00 / 2) (#36)
by jeffinalabama on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 12:43:37 PM EST

Netflix has Desperado on the direct-to-computer. I am a HUGE Rodriguez fan. And Salma. And Antonio. But especially Salma.

Did I mention I like Salma?

And earlier this week, I met a lovely young (for me) lady named Lupita... she thinks I sound like an Argentinian. What is it about South of the US females that changes me from rational to downright stupid? Seriously, gushing like a schoolboy, acting like the first crush. And she was so sorry about my ankle and foot...

Ahhhhh, Latinas. My Kryptonite. But what a wonderful poison!

Speaking for me only...

Quick Salma story... (5.00 / 2) (#38)
by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 01:07:52 PM EST

I work in the biz here in LA.

Several years ago Salma was trying to get one of her projects made and she called me numerous times to see if my co would give her our stuff for free (a VERY common occurrence here in Los "everyone has money, they just don't have money for you" Angeles.)

Anyway, she's Salma friggin' Hayek, and she's calling me, every day or so, with those dulcet tones...she even had a cute nickname for me...yes, yes, only for me, I'm sure. I was that special to her. ;-)

As much as it killed me to do so, eventually I had to break up with her...er...tell her no but could we still be friends?

Anyway, that was the last I heard from her, I guess I broke her heart...

Parent

Cool story... (5.00 / 2) (#41)
by kdog on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 01:18:44 PM EST

you must one helluva businessman to turn down Salma Freakin' Hayek...with willpower like that sarc, would you mind minding the treasury for us?

Parent

: I think my 8 y/o could run the treasury (none / 0) (#48)
by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 01:48:05 PM EST

better than what we've seen recently...

Parent

She probably just needs (5.00 / 2) (#46)
by jondee on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 01:39:50 PM EST

a little time, su.

These matters require a delicate touch.

Parent

: I just hope (5.00 / 2) (#50)
by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 01:52:59 PM EST

she's able to pick herself up and move on at some point. Hopefully she will, with time, as you said...

Parent

I'm so envious... (none / 0) (#39)
by jeffinalabama on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 01:13:26 PM EST

if she left me a voicemail I'd never change companies.

I'm sorry you had to break up with her, but it is what it is. Vida es dura. I hope you let her down easy.

Someone should write a tragic mariachi or tango about it.

Parent

: Salma, (5.00 / 1) (#47)
by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 01:42:55 PM EST

as I always remind people who work for me to do, gives good phone. Very good phone.

Parent

I can relate.... (5.00 / 1) (#40)
by kdog on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 01:14:40 PM EST

Always been my krytonite...and what a coinky-dink, quess what my Mexican rose's name is...Guadalupe aka Lupita!

There are no sweet nothings in your ear like sweet nothings en espanol:)

Parent

With ya kdog, my ex is from Colombia... (none / 0) (#44)
by jeffinalabama on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 01:32:31 PM EST

somthing about latinas...

Parent

But watch out for... (none / 0) (#45)
by kdog on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 01:34:33 PM EST

a latina scorpio...thats just too firey...learned that one the hard way with a Venezuelan gal...had the shiner to prove it:)

Parent

Hey now, I've told you to lay off (5.00 / 1) (#56)
by vml68 on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 02:05:11 PM EST

the scorpio lady bashing... :-)

Parent

Exception to every rule... (none / 0) (#60)
by kdog on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 02:07:57 PM EST

you do seem rather mellow vml...but I've never seen or heard you scorned...you could be like the rest of your sign:)

Parent

I think I am rather mellow and easy (none / 0) (#67)
by vml68 on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 02:15:24 PM EST

going too.
It helps that my BF has the patience and tolerance of a saint or as my mother so nicely put it the other day, "I think he is terrified of you"... :-)!

Parent

: whatever works, vml... (none / 0) (#70)
by jeffinalabama on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 02:19:38 PM EST

fear can be healthy. In them.

Parent

Or they give you the divorce papers (none / 0) (#49)
by jeffinalabama on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 01:49:05 PM EST

for Christmas... I was married to a Scorpio.

Parent

being a scorpio (5.00 / 1) (#54)
by Capt Howdy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 02:02:24 PM EST

I pity you.

Parent

Apparently she was upset (none / 0) (#73)
by jeffinalabama on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 02:24:45 PM EST

in a way I could not imagine.

Latina Scorpio upset.

I'm glad it was just divorce papers. She could have led me into an (actual) ambush and I wouldn't have suspected.

But hey, I'm a guy. I thought we were married but just didn't get along.

Parent

latina scorpio (none / 0) (#74)
by Capt Howdy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 02:27:16 PM EST

woah
stand back

Parent

: And we were in Colombia... (5.00 / 1) (#76)
by jeffinalabama on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 02:38:09 PM EST

I was on eggshells. I don't really know Colombian law, and wanted to not mess up, if you know what I mean. Her family contains lawyers and judges. And Colombian police aren't noted for their kind treatment of people detained.
A Christmas I won't forget...

Parent

Ouch... (none / 0) (#53)
by kdog on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 02:00:54 PM EST

sorry if I brought up a touchy subject.

Parent

Ever watch "Modern Family"? (none / 0) (#61)
by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 02:08:49 PM EST

One of the family members is Sofía Vergara, the patriarch's smokin' hot much younger Colombian second wife, and one of the running gags is that his son in law, married to his daughter from his first marriage, is a besotted bumbling malaprop around Sofia, and the son-in-law's wife, her father the matriarch, and Sofia are very much aware.

Funny dam show...

Parent

: saw it for the first time (none / 0) (#71)
by jeffinalabama on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 02:20:35 PM EST

last night. I'll watch it again, it was good! And she IS smokin' hot.

Parent

A friend of mine (none / 0) (#51)
by jondee on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 01:55:22 PM EST

had a very similar experience with a Venezuelan woman..Wasnt that Bobbit character's wife from Venezuela?

Parent

I thought (none / 0) (#58)
by jeffinalabama on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 02:06:05 PM EST

she was from colombia... no, the dentist who 'accidentally' drove over her husband numerous times was from Colombia...

Parent

Well (5.00 / 1) (#62)
by jondee on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 02:09:42 PM EST

they have bumpy roads in Columbia..

And hitting a body or two is not unheard of.

Parent

and after you hit something, you (none / 0) (#69)
by jeffinalabama on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 02:18:13 PM EST

have to back up to see what it was... whoops! and then go forward again before the robbers get there...whoops!

I think she got two years. Heck, she's a dentist. Can't put her away forever.

Parent

: It's kinda like the deer (5.00 / 1) (#82)
by jondee on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 03:05:50 PM EST

here in Western NY.

Parent

I had no idea Jeff (none / 0) (#57)
by Militarytracy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 02:05:19 PM EST

So when the TSA drives my Aunt completely nuts I can fix you up? She's happening though, busy girl. You have to like plays and indy movies, wine tastings? Oh yes, and you must have your own teeth, she told me that is big with her.

Parent

Haha...something about missing teeth/ (none / 0) (#59)
by vml68 on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 02:07:46 PM EST

false teeth freaks me out too!

Parent

how is she with beer NASCAR and football? (none / 0) (#63)
by jeffinalabama on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 02:09:53 PM EST

I am, after all, from Alabama.
Plays? If it ain't a musical, or if it's a good musical...

Indy films? All over it, love them!

Wine? well, okay, it does have alcohol (kidding, my dad taught a wine tasting class for years).

Teeth? I have all 12 ;-P

Parent

: She does like musicals (none / 0) (#79)
by Militarytracy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 02:57:26 PM EST

but it isn't a constant thing. Nascar I don't know. But teeth are good Jeff!

Parent

I thought Desperado (none / 0) (#96)
by oculus on Sat Feb 13, 2010 at 05:48:36 AM EST

Would have been better with some more edits. But not Banderas' scenes of course.

Parent

friday (5.00 / 2) (#52)
by Capt Howdy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 01:55:54 PM EST

dog video

: I saw this yesterday on another (5.00 / 1) (#55)
by vml68 on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 02:02:54 PM EST

board. It is very cute. Love the part where he leans his head on "his hand".

Parent
: Hysterical. Really. Thanks for sharing! (none / 0) (#83)
by Angel on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 03:05:56 PM EST

Parent

McQueen is dead. Long live McQueen. (5.00 / 1) (#65)
by Ellie on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 02:11:55 PM EST

Fashion designer Alexander McQueen died (ruled a suicide) on the anniversary eve of his mother's death. Simply heartbreaking.

He was not only a wonderful designer but a meticulous craftsman of a kind that belonged to another age. (He studied with two of the best: Issey Miyake and Romeo Gigli.)

I've become more fashion indifferent as time goes on because I don't have to wear corporate drag so much, and I won't tolerate subjecting my body to torture to humor cultural idiocy. Besides, my feet never did anything so bad to me that I'd subject them to 6" spike heels.

However, I love this outstanding McQueen kimono block top which would look and feel good on any woman. (Here's the back view.) I'm going to invite a couple of expert seamsters over and run off a pile of them from the free pattern available at site. It might be tricky for newbies to make, so ask over a buddy for fitting and work off the detailed instructions that take you step by step through the pattern.

The best advice I got about fashion? Wear what the designers wear

: I'd call that a really (5.00 / 1) (#77)
by jondee on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 02:42:46 PM EST

good piece of advice. I've noticed the designers always look great even when the models look like Satyricon extras.

Parent
: Cool top and I can't believe (none / 0) (#81)
by Militarytracy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 03:01:35 PM EST

you've got a link to the pattern. That is one thing I can do. I can sew really well. I downloaded it.

Parent

Some of you may know... (5.00 / 1) (#75)
by kdog on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 02:34:08 PM EST

I love me a good non-violent bankrobber...here's a new entry to my hall of fame.

73 years old with a mortgage to pay...this one goes out to you old-timer, good luck dodging the cage!

SOME IS RICH, AND SOME IS POOR
THAT'S THE WAY THE WORLD IS
BUT I DON'T BELIEVE IN LYING BACK
SAYlN' HOW BAD YOUR LUCK IS

Official confirms death of Olympic luger (5.00 / 1) (#78)
by nycstray on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 02:52:48 PM EST

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - An Olympic official with direct knowledge of the situation says a men's luger from the former Soviet republic of Georgia has died after a crash during training. The official tells The Associated Press that the International Olympic Committee received confirmation of Nodar Kumaritashvili's death. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the 21-year-old luger's family hadn't been notified yet.

link

So it's ok to say the guy's name and that he died before his family is notified if you do it anon?

: What a shame... (none / 0) (#85)
by desertswine on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 03:44:46 PM EST

I am reminded how dangerous some of these winter sports are. I read he was going over 90mph.

Parent

MARVEL and the teabaggers (5.00 / 1) (#86)
by Capt Howdy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 03:49:05 PM EST

cartoon characters complaining about cartoon characters. you cant make this stuff up.

A "tea bag" reference in a recent Captain America comic book that has angered the Tea Party movement will be removed by Marvel Comics in future editions, the story's writer told FoxNews.com.
In issue No. 602 of Captain America, "Two Americas, Part One," the title hero and The Falcon, a black superhero from New York City, stumble upon a protest rally in Boise, Idaho. They see scores of protesters carrying signs that say "Stop the Socialists!" and "Tea Bag The Libs Before They Tea Bag YOU!"
Captain America says the protest appears to be an "anti-tax thing," and The Falcon jokes that he likely would not be welcomed into the crowd of "angry white folks."

via stinque and thinkprogress

: Why the heck did Marvel cave?! (none / 0) (#92)
by nycstray on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 05:10:54 PM EST

Hopefully they come up with something better for the baggers . . . . {evil grin}

Parent

Texas doesn't fit the rust belt model (none / 0) (#1)
by rdandrea on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 11:22:32 AM EST

I could see Pitt or Notre Dame, but not Texas.

: They keep saying (none / 0) (#80)
by Natal on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 02:58:54 PM EST

the B10 is big and slow. Texas would offer balance. Would luv to see OSU, Michigan, Wisky, Hawks playing them regularly. Despite the top 4 B10 teams dominating in the bowls they still aren't seen as a strong Div 1A conference.

Parent

Happy V D (none / 0) (#2)
by Capt Howdy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 11:25:05 AM EST

as Peggy would say

olympics (none / 0) (#3)
by Jeralyn on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 11:28:36 AM EST

I like the snowboarding, skiing and skating. I'll probably put a few posts here and on Sports Left (since you've said you don't mind.)

Please do (none / 0) (#5)
by Big Tent Democrat on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 11:38:16 AM EST

I'll cover the curling . . .

Parent

I thought I was the only non-Canuck (none / 0) (#14)
by observed on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 11:56:16 AM EST

who liked curling.
Did your high school in Florida have a curling team, or did they bobsled.

Parent

Neither (5.00 / 1) (#19)
by Big Tent Democrat on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 12:00:14 PM EST

The brooming seems cool to me.

The closest thing they have to curling in Florida is shuffle board.

Parent

Also, you can tell that curling (none / 0) (#20)
by observed on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 12:04:17 PM EST

is a sport that's intended to go with some alcohol consumption. Too bad the Olympics wouldn't allow that---it would be fun to watch.

Parent

: Pennsylvania rules (5.00 / 0) (#30)
by jeffinalabama on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 12:25:37 PM EST

require beer consumption at some point. Either giving to the opponents or taking oneself.
Count me as another curling fan. I love it!

Parent
: And it's the only (5.00 / 1) (#84)
by Natal on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 03:07:17 PM EST

sport where competitors always shake hands after a game and never say anything negative about their opponents.
Oh yes, every curling rink in every little settlement in Canada has bar.

Parent
: That's not allowed...? (none / 0) (#72)
by kdog on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 02:23:50 PM EST

I know the world anti-doping agency is outta control, but even booze is out?
The sacrifices those athletes make..my goodness:)

Parent

I LOVE curling! We were on vacation in Canada (none / 0) (#87)
by Angel on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 04:02:26 PM EST

during the 2002 Olympics and I got sick with the flu and the only thing on the tv during the day was the Olympics coverage by CBC, and the sport they just loved to cover was curling. I had never before seen it and was taken immediately. Love the strategy and teamwork aspect of it. Came home to the states and I'm wondering if I'll be able to see it, what with all the hype about the snowboarding and Lindsey Vonn.

Parent

: One of my favorite movies is (none / 0) (#89)
by shoephone on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 04:34:16 PM EST

Men with Brooms. Yes, it's a Canadian production!

Parent

This ain't good... (none / 0) (#4)
by kdog on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 11:32:48 AM EST

The Pentagon has "fired the laser"...and it worked.

Lets start a pool...how long before we blow up the moon?

or some joker (5.00 / 2) (#7)
by Capt Howdy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 11:40:18 AM EST

makes a smiley face on it

Parent

Firing lasers at the moon.. (5.00 / 2) (#8)
by jondee on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 11:44:18 AM EST

when Cialis just dosnt do the trick any more..

Parent

Hope not, kdog (none / 0) (#13)
by Zorba on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 11:55:46 AM EST

I kind of like looking at the moon. ;-)

Parent

That's pretty cool. (none / 0) (#15)
by observed on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 11:57:35 AM EST

As long as the lasers point up and not down, it's ok.

Parent

Not cool... (none / 0) (#17)
by kdog on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 11:58:56 AM EST

if some other outfit besides the Pentagon had the death ray, then it might be cool.

Parent

Dont worry (none / 0) (#23)
by jondee on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 12:07:33 PM EST

they will.

If the carpet pee-ers can come up with carrier busting missiles, Im sure they'll be quick to get to the fore of the laser arms race.

Parent

I'm still waiting on sharks with (none / 0) (#31)
by jeffinalabama on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 12:26:46 PM EST

laser beams.

Parent

: Didnt they try those (5.00 / 1) (#34)
by jondee on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 12:30:32 PM EST

against Castro?

Parent

Am I hopelessly behind the times? (none / 0) (#6)
by vml68 on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 11:39:25 AM EST

My 8 year old neice is getting a cell phone today. The justification is that all the other kids in her neighborhood that are her age have one. But, it is also a reward for being selected into a program for gifted children and for winning a school district competition for writing.

I just don't understand why an 8 yr old needs a cell phone. Aunt V is not happy but does not really have a say in the matter. Maybe, it is a good thing I don't have children of my own, they would probably hate me!

I don't think so... (5.00 / 2) (#11)
by kdog on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 11:49:02 AM EST

my niece just got her first proper celly at age 11 for Christmas...I think thats too young. Again, all the other kids got 'em and she was getting teased so mom and dad caved. Now mom and dad are running to get an unlimited texting plan cuz she went over her first months limit in like two days:)

It's crazy.

Parent

Disengaged (none / 0) (#16)
by waldenpond on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 11:58:08 AM EST

I got my son his at 15. He's now 17 and his phone has been buried under his dirty clothes for two weeks now. He has been using his friends house lines to check in. Go figure.

Parent

My niece (none / 0) (#21)
by TeresaInSnow2 on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 12:04:18 PM EST

My niece got her first cell phone when she was 16...said texting was the only way she could communicate with her basketball coach....LOL.

The first month, she went over her text limit by $580. Her dad did what I would do -- he cancelled text messaging -- said he'd reinstate it in 3 months under the condition that this never happen again. Niece threw a fit. Mom insisted he reinstate it. Now they pay for unlimited texting.

Next, niece dropped her phone into the bathroom sink and her mom replaced it with a Blackberry. Since that worked, she then dropped the Blackbery into the sink (quelle coincidence!) and mom got her an iPhone. By then she was in college.

And you wonder about the state of kids these days...

Parent

LOL, enterprising girl... (none / 0) (#26)
by vml68 on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 12:13:56 PM EST

My neice asked for a blackberry. So I guess I should be glad that my brother is only getting her a cheap phone.

Parent

: Cheap phone (none / 0) (#27)
by TeresaInSnow2 on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 12:15:32 PM EST

...for now...;-).

Parent

Oh the memories (none / 0) (#64)
by Militarytracy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 02:11:54 PM EST

they hurt. We got a $700 bill once about five years ago. I wonder if it is funny watching your father's head explode like that?

Parent

These kids today... (none / 0) (#68)
by kdog on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 02:16:42 PM EST

we were too fearful of the old man's wrath to leave a light on in a room you weren't in or turn up the heat growing up...never mind a) getting a cell phone at all and b) running up a big bill.

And this was a man who never raised a hand to us kids...his booming voice was enough.

Parent

I know (none / 0) (#88)
by Militarytracy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 04:27:43 PM EST

I don't know how much more intimidating that man can get. After you watch his head explode, he can get into an aircraft here with hellfire missiles attached to it and have an "accidental" shot taken :) But then you would miss it and feel unwhole so you would roll those fickle genetic dice again to make a new one. There is no winning with them :) Only degrees of acceptance and humiliation until they move out :)

Parent

Hey, not just the men. (none / 0) (#93)
by jeffinalabama on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 06:25:00 PM EST

Women outlive men. I grew up with a fear of Big Momma and a couple of things-- a swich, and doing any thing that would 'raise her light bill.'

Theres fun grandparents, and there's big momma. I think it's DL Hugley on the original kings of comedy... check it out.

Peroxide, a switch, and don't do anything to raise the light bill. making noise? that could raise the light bill if Big Momma was tired. Too much noise in the morning? Switch. "I done (swich sound) TOL' YOU (Switch sound) not to be actin' (switch sound) like no monkeys!"

Hmmmm... given my marriage posts earlier, maybe Big Momma was a Scorpio. She Damm sure wasn't a Latina.

Parent

: I used to take things (none / 0) (#95)
by Militarytracy on Sat Feb 13, 2010 at 02:23:13 AM EST

away from my daughter, I have this Buddhist streak though that deals with adversity in a different sort of way and it really rubbed off on her. Removing possessions or privileges from our daughter did almost nothing to curtail behavior I didn't approve of. My mother used the back of an old hairbrush or a slipper but she was pretty slow and not very motivated :) Making her mad though wasn't a good idea because it could last forever, affected the quality of your meals, no happiness in the whole universe. It was never worth it.

Parent

How much time do 8yos spend (none / 0) (#10)
by nycstray on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 11:47:10 AM EST

on the phone?! I could see having an emergency phone programed to dial a couple numbers, but aside from that . . .

Parent

That was part of my issue with it... (none / 0) (#24)
by vml68 on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 12:08:05 PM EST

she is not allowed to take it to school and is only allowed to use it to call her parents. Since she is either at home, at school, at her mother's or her neighborhood friend's homes, it is more a keeping up with the jones' thing than a necessity.

Parent

: Sounds like she won't be able to use (none / 0) (#25)
by nycstray on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 12:12:48 PM EST

for anything fun. Keeping up with the Jones' isn't going to be all that thrilling, lol!~ might be a good lesson after all ;)

Parent
: She'll be texting. (none / 0) (#37)
by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 12:51:18 PM EST

Parent

Josh friend Matt (none / 0) (#66)
by Militarytracy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 02:13:58 PM EST

is ten and has a girlfriend who is ten as well. He stayed the night two weeks ago and they texted each other constantly.

Parent

If you're behind the times, (none / 0) (#18)
by Zorba on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 11:59:20 AM EST

Then so am I, vml68, but what do I know? My kids are long grown. I have a neighbor whose 11-year-old daughter wanted a cell phone, and her parents told her "Get a pre-paid with your own money (allowance and chore money), and add minutes at your own expense.' Kid had the cell phone for a month and lost it. Oh, well, I guess it might have been a lesson for her.

Parent

I got mine in 3rd grade (none / 0) (#22)
by andgarden on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 12:06:24 PM EST

It seemed like just the right time.

A cell phone is a very useful tool, and the potential for abuse is really quite low.

Parent

Damn... (5.00 / 1) (#42)
by kdog on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 01:23:32 PM EST

you are youngin' A.G...was it one of those prototypes as big as a shoebox?

Parent

IOW, I am behind the times.... :-) (none / 0) (#29)
by vml68 on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 12:19:43 PM EST

It seemed like just the right time.

I am not worried she will abuse it. I am just worried that she gets whatever she asks for and that is not a good thing.

Parent

: An understandable concern (none / 0) (#32)
by andgarden on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 12:27:05 PM EST

But there's just nothing exotic about a cell phone anymore.

Parent

In this world (none / 0) (#91)
by Militarytracy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 04:36:17 PM EST

I'm happier with Josh having a cell phone on him when I'm not with him than I am with him not having one. The potential for abuse is child based. With you and Josh it is very low. With other kids not so much :)

Parent

Not only the 'need' for toys but many of the SAME (none / 0) (#28)
by Ellie on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 12:17:20 PM EST

... ones in different colors (eg, digi-cams). Apparently, if you don't have at least one, you'll be completely out of the schoolyard loop. (PLUS your peers will text about you behind your back.)

If the 'loser' pressure isn't hitting micro-consumers hard enough, marketers have come up with individual cool names for each color in the toy group.

Parent

Ugh! I have seen this with my (5.00 / 2) (#33)
by vml68 on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 12:27:10 PM EST

same ones in different colors

younger neice and the whole "Little pony" madness. The exact same thing with slightly different colors and sizes and different names and she had to have every single one of them!
The thing that burns me the most is that I did not come up with this concept... :-)! Somebody pocketed a nice chunk of change.

Parent

: I'm peeved (5.00 / 3) (#35)
by TeresaInSnow2 on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 12:33:53 PM EST

that I didn't come up with post-it notes. What an easy concept.

Parent

does anyone else (none / 0) (#90)
by Capt Howdy on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 04:35:17 PM EST

find it disturbing that Palestinian protesters are painting themselves blue and dressing up as Navi?

hmm.. why is that disturbing? (none / 0) (#94)
by observed on Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 07:08:55 PM EST

Is it because they are showing bad taste in sci-fi movies?
Sounds slightly clever to me.
Btw, does this mean that the women are showing their breasts?

Parent

: Maybe it's only because (none / 0) (#97)
by jondee on Sat Feb 13, 2010 at 01:05:22 PM EST

District 9 get ups would be so much trickier.

Parent

Friday Morning Open Thread | 97 comments (97 topical)

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