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Sunday Afternoon Open Thread

By Jeralyn, Section Blog Related
Posted on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 01:17:39 PM EST
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What's on your agenda today? I think everyone is having a better day than Jane Hamsher of Firedoglake, who is at Quantico with David House to deliver 42,000 signed petitions to Bradley Manning. They are being detained and their car has been searched, inventoried and now towed. Follow along on her Twitter feed. The latest:

In tow truck, waiting 2 b escorted off Quantico base. No idea how @DavidMHouse & I get back to DC.

Update: Here is statement of what happened.

This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

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    Sunday Afternoon Open Thread | 166 comments (166 topical)

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    They towed the car?? (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by shoephone on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 01:23:55 PM EST
    How ridiculous. Jane will have a field day with this.

    The U.S. government sure is good at turning citizens into martyrs.

    Further reading indicates (5.00 / 1) (#2)
    by shoephone on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 01:43:17 PM EST
    that Quantico is creating a very crazy situation--towing the cars and threatening to arrest them if they try to leave, even by walking out. Jane must have contacted a lawyer by now. Sounds more like kidnapping, false arrest and false imprisonment than anything.

    WOW.

    She probably tweeted Glenn Greenwald. (none / 0) (#5)
    by oculus on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 01:47:09 PM EST


    Parent
    I have to say that I was surprised (5.00 / 1) (#6)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 01:57:49 PM EST
    after watching a video at dailykos the other day about how "personally" the Marines at the gate were taking the protest.  It sort of floored me.  I saw hands clenching and unclenching.  I saw the guy in charge seem to be getting spun up.  I also saw a local cop come along though and talk to the protestors, and he was calm, friendly, but not inviting anyone to break the law.  I have been to such things...even taken part in such things and been approached by law enforcement before.  This is not personal, and it is what America is about....Freedom of Speech.  The law is on the Marine's side.  They have everything they need to do their jobs and if the protestors do anything not legal you simply take the action that is yours to take...you don't have to spun up, flipped out, or goofy.  You can be as calm as calm can be and still enforce the existing laws.  Why were the Marines getting so stressed out and freaked out?

    Parent
    Tracy It is very personal (none / 0) (#10)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 02:20:39 PM EST
    to the people who feel that their safety and lives have been put at risk by this whole sorry affair.

    Parent
    To be a professional soldier (5.00 / 3) (#40)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 04:54:26 PM EST
    though Jim is first professional.  The idea of the professional soldier is in play in the extreme at this time now too.  I have to pass through MP gates all the time, and with them it is also very very important for them to be calm and professional first in face of all kinds of stress, just like good police officers.  What happens to Manning is not any single soldier's decision, it will be decided by something greater than any single one of us so the guys at the gate have no business taking any part of this personally.  I chalk what I saw up to a very poor commander directing them and empowering them.  If your commander is losing it over the stress and you are a young Marine, you aren't going to be able to contain your own stress very well.

    Parent
    Best I can tell from your description (none / 0) (#53)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 06:16:35 PM EST
    the Marines have done nothing except upset people who are pro demonstrators by clinching/unclinching and looking unhappy.

    That's tough toto.

    And whatever happens to Manning it won't be enough.

    Parent

    If they can't be professional (5.00 / 2) (#54)
    by Harry Saxon on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 06:32:26 PM EST
    in the wake of 'provacative' behavior, as described here, how would they fare on the battlefield?

    Parent
    They have more respect for their battlefield (none / 0) (#78)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 09:58:35 PM EST
    enemies..

    Parent
    If you mean they can afford (none / 0) (#86)
    by Harry Saxon on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 02:06:55 AM EST
    the luxury of emotions that would get them killed if indulged in while on the battlefield, I see what you mean.

    That's what I like about you, PPJ, you combine the best of two worlds:

    Southern efficiency, and Northern hospitality.

    TTFN

    Parent

    Nope (none / 0) (#134)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 02:28:37 PM EST
    I meant what I wrote not what you want me to have written.

    And you claim emotions play no part??

    It is the control of the emotions, which the Marines are maintaining, that is the key.

    TTFN? I see you have one leg out of the closet.

    ;-)

    Parent

    Yes, since you keep prating (none / 0) (#160)
    by Harry Saxon on Tue Jan 25, 2011 at 10:28:16 AM EST
    about this "Dark Avenger" fellow, I found he used to use that farewell, and thought you'd recognize it and mistake me for him again.

    Just playing with you, PokerPlayingJames, you can take a joke, can't you?

    :-)

    TTFN

    Parent

    Then you go kill him, Jim (5.00 / 2) (#60)
    by Dadler on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 07:41:33 PM EST
    You can behead him in public just like the Saudis do.  Which is what you want, right?  His blood pouring out of him in in the street, for even small children to see, so they know never to challenge the powers that commit mass murder in their name again.  You are a complete phony, Jim.  Whatever happens won't be enough?  With your track record, is is almost assured that you haven't the slightest CLUE what Bradley Manning has or hasn't done.

    But still, go rip his guts out with your bare hands, pee into his eye sockets, it still won't be enough, will it?  It still won't feel like he's suffered enough, or like his mother won't be sorry enough she birthed him.  Flay him alive while you're at it. Maybe we can use his toenails for guitar picks.

    Now piss and moan about this being a personal attack. Go ahead.  

    Parent

    Did you ever think of a career (2.00 / 1) (#80)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 10:00:47 PM EST
    writing fantasy stories??

    Parent
    PPJ is a recognized authority/practitioner (none / 0) (#159)
    by Harry Saxon on Tue Jan 25, 2011 at 07:42:33 AM EST
    in that field, so this is his way of responding to possible competition, FWIW.

    Parent
    how, exactly, (5.00 / 2) (#64)
    by cpinva on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 08:33:12 PM EST
    are the marine guards at the main gate's lives being "put at risk" by this jim? please, do tell?

    Parent
    How about you explaining how (none / 0) (#79)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 10:00:10 PM EST
    the exposure of confidential information does not put us all at risk. Those in the military more so.


    Parent
    Not the issue (5.00 / 2) (#88)
    by Yman on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 07:54:27 AM EST
    The issue is the soldiers' treatment of Hamsher, who was there to deliver a petition demanding an end to the harsh conditions under which Manning is being held.  Hamsher's petition and the delivery thereof endangered no one.

    Parent
    Huh? (2.00 / 1) (#133)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 02:25:27 PM EST
    That's like talking about a disease and ignoring the cause.

    Parent
    It's really not confusing (5.00 / 2) (#143)
    by Yman on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 03:41:38 PM EST
    The original post (and MT's response) are dealing with Hamsher's visit/petition and the soldier's actions and demeanor as they relate to Hamsher's visit.  As MT correctly points out, the soldiers should be expected to reacted calmly and professionally.  Their behavior and reaction to Hamsher and the protesters should be no different whether Manning is charged with disclosure of unauthorized disclosure of classified data or a parking ticket.

    Quite a simple concept, really.

    Parent

    What is really simple is why (2.00 / 1) (#156)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 07:13:03 PM EST
    the Marines are angry.

    Sorry that you want to marginalize them.

    Parent

    Yes - I want to "marginalize the ... (5.00 / 1) (#157)
    by Yman on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 07:18:29 PM EST
    ...  marines" when I speak of the need for them to be professional and calm.  I also hate apple pie and babies ... must be a basic reading comprehension issue with you, JimmyJoe.

    Educated in one of those red, "welfare queen" states, huh?

    Parent

    They appear to be (none / 0) (#161)
    by jimakaPPJ on Tue Jan 25, 2011 at 10:59:33 AM EST
    calm and professional.

    Do you claim they must also smile and curtsy?

    Parent

    "It's the hit dog that barks." (none / 0) (#162)
    by Harry Saxon on Tue Jan 25, 2011 at 11:26:27 AM EST


    Parent
    "Smile and curtsy"? (none / 0) (#163)
    by Yman on Tue Jan 25, 2011 at 12:38:53 PM EST
    Guess you were educated in one of those welfare states.

    Parent
    At least I was educated (none / 0) (#164)
    by jimakaPPJ on Tue Jan 25, 2011 at 03:54:06 PM EST


    Parent
    Yeah, Jimmyjoe (none / 0) (#165)
    by Yman on Tue Jan 25, 2011 at 06:26:12 PM EST
    If that's what you want to call it.  Course, it's all relative.  I guess once you finish lurn'in yur letters and numbers down there, you're ej-ee-cated ...

    ... compared to your relatives.

    Parent

    Whenever (none / 0) (#166)
    by Harry Saxon on Wed Jan 26, 2011 at 03:44:10 AM EST
    PokerPlayingJames gets a little emotional, then the words start to get misspelled here and there when he posts.

    In his chosen recreational pastime, it's called a 'tell'.

    Parent

    So THAT'S what ... (none / 0) (#167)
    by Yman on Wed Jan 26, 2011 at 07:31:54 AM EST
    ... "PPJ" stands for!

    Parent
    Maybe the media attention? Maybe (none / 0) (#11)
    by oculus on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 02:22:12 PM EST
    the Marines assigned to gate duty shouldn't have been?

    Parent
    FDL tweets (5.00 / 1) (#8)
    by shoephone on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 01:58:38 PM EST
    show that Jane and David have now been released and are leaving in the tow truck. Apparently, David House has authorization to visit Manning, but guards at Quantico denied him anyway.

    Parent
    If they think you mean to cause any sort (none / 0) (#49)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 05:41:11 PM EST
    of trouble what so ever, even if you smell slightly funny, they can and they will. You are on a U.S. military base and solely there at the pleasure of that base commander.  If you are deemed to be any sort of threat you will not be tolerated and they don't have to tolerate you...at all.  A permit is only as good on any given day as the commander says that it is.  I'm glad that all the top brass showed up, they needed to do this to calm their young inexperienced soldiers down in the wake of the protest.

    Parent
    The Supreme Court of the U.S. (none / 0) (#70)
    by Peter G on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 09:13:04 PM EST
    totally agrees with your analysis, MT, and has since 1976 in the case of Greer v Spock (involving Dr. Benjamin Spock, the pediatrician and political activist, btw, not the Startrek Vulcan).

    Parent
    It can be intimidating driving onto (none / 0) (#76)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 09:55:10 PM EST
    post and reading how few rights I am going to have, how I am agreeing to give up my rights by moving forward and going beyond this certain big white sign and posted point.  I remember the first few times I did it, it felt really spooky.  What I can say is that everytime I have been on post I have been treated with the utmost civility and care by the existing authority.  I have never felt inappropriately violated or pressed upon by MPs and authority thusfar.  I am on my best behavior though of course, and speed limits are very strictly enforced so I demand that my lead foot toe the line.

    Parent
    Yes, the speed limit part is hard (none / 0) (#96)
    by ruffian on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 11:13:43 AM EST
    I've never had a horrible experience, just some frustrations when the access list at one gate is not up to date with the one at another, or with the one in the office. I've had days I was afraid to leave for fear I would not get back in for my next shift!

    And there was one ham-handed MP who cracked my drivers license. I still have a grudge against him.

    Parent

    Anyone else interested in (5.00 / 0) (#4)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 01:46:14 PM EST
    Duane Clarridge today?  I think the larger story on this guy is huge.  He is the person who was putting it out in the press that Karzai was a heroin addict...and then he was bipolar.  Before that he was planting information stateside that Karzai's brother was heavily involved in the drug trafficking therefore there was no way we could have the Karzais running anything and hope to break Taliban rule since they were partners in crime.  So many people ran with this guy's information too, but he hates the Karzais and will do anything to remove them from power in Afghanistan.

    At the start of Obama's mission in Afghanistan our intel was horrible.  The Bush administration was not interested in accurate intel on Afghanistan or Pakistan because accurate intel could make things even worse for them with what they did to our military and did with our treasure in Iraq.  So I do understand if anyone did reach out to this guy trying to build a foundation for intel.

    What I want to know is if this guy had anything to do with David Petraeus running around with a fake Taliban chief Mullah Akhtar Muhammad Mansour.  Last I read we were blaming the Brits for it.  But this Duane yahoo has been manufacturing false information about Mullah Omar so why not manufacture a fake Mullah Mansour.  The fake Mullah Mansour was played out in the press as another Hamid Karzai humiliation.

    The military seems to be really P.O.ed at Clarridge and they say that he misled them, but they didn't really get real specific about what.

    Convicted of 7 counts of perjury re (5.00 / 1) (#9)
    by oculus on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 02:04:06 PM EST
    Iran-Contra, pardoned by Bush I.  (Per Wiki.)  This guy is a loose cannon, running his own undercover operation in places where U.S. forces are deployed.  How does he get away with this?

    Parent
    oculus (none / 0) (#29)
    by cal1942 on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 04:16:22 PM EST
    If you find out please tell us all.

    Sometimes I think guys like Claridge walk between raindrops and pop up wherever shady business is at hand.  He always comes down on the soiled side of matters.

    This guy's been knocking around since the 80s.  How is he 'connected,' how does he get along financially.  I mean who hires this guy?

    Parent

    According to the NYT article, (none / 0) (#37)
    by KeysDan on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 04:45:45 PM EST
    Dewey Claridge and his private spy network won, in 2009, a Pentagon contract for about $6 million, arranged by Michael Furlong, a defense department civilian (now under criminal investigation) with a "military information warfare" command in San Antonio. To get around a Pentagon ban on hiring contractor spies, Mr. Furlong's team rebranded their activities as "atmospheric information" rather than intelligence.

    Seems Dewey and his derring do boys have been providing information for top Afghan commanders detailing allegations about Karzai's drug connections and other crimes. Back channels were used to get information passed on to Dennis Blair, then director of intelligence. The atmospheric information was also passed on to Brad Thor, writer of thrillers and right wing blogs--sort of "Deweyleaks." And, of course, with that Iran Contra background, Ollie North must be somewhere at the bottom of the pile, and he is.

    Parent

    Deweyleaks! (none / 0) (#48)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 05:37:27 PM EST
    I love it.  I'm sure to wear that out in private conversation :)

    Parent
    Goodbye Jack... (5.00 / 1) (#85)
    by desertswine on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 01:32:30 AM EST
    You had a long rich life and were an inspiration to many.

    When my little brother was about (5.00 / 1) (#87)
    by jeffinalabama on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 07:54:15 AM EST
    eight, he sent Jack a letter asking how to get in shape. Not only did he get an answer, he got a signed photo.

    My respect for the man exponentially climbed. He will be missed. Kindness and encouragement never go out of style.

    Parent

    Black Monday... (5.00 / 1) (#95)
    by kdog on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 10:52:33 AM EST
    Congrats to the Pack and Steelers...better teams won.

    Though the refs in the Jets/Steelers contest missed/ignored a minimum of 5 holding calls on the Steelers, it wouldn't have mattered...it was the Rashard Mendenhall Show and the Jets just couldn't stop him.  Not to mention when ya can't punch it in with 1st and Goal on the 2 ya don't deserve to win.

    Oh well, there is always next year...labor contract pending:)

    Your new membership card for (none / 0) (#103)
    by Anne on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 12:08:54 PM EST
    The Steelers Broke My Heart Club will be mailed to you shortly.

    You've already paid your dues...

    Can we sign you up for a limited membership in the Green Bay Packers Fan Club?  

    Parent

    I'll have to pass... (5.00 / 1) (#110)
    by kdog on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 01:04:48 PM EST
    maybe if it was Pats v. Pack...but I have no hate for the Steelers, I will support our conference, the superior conference.

    Not an option for a Raven fan...Yo comprendo Anne, yo comprendo.  I will root for Big Ben to get slapped around by Clay Matthews Jr. though...so much for the Jets defending the honor of drunken college girls everywhere, it's up to the Pack now.

    Parent

    My Steeler-rooting days are over for now (5.00 / 1) (#113)
    by CST on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 01:21:04 PM EST
    To be frank, I don't want Big Ben to have three rings.  I'm greedy and protective of my QB like that.  So I'll have to pull for Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.  I'd love to see him get a ring.

    I have no real hate for the Steelers though, so I won't be upset if they win, I just can't root for them anymore.

    And then there is this: "defending the honor of drunken college girls everywhere"

    honestly, even the die-hard Steelers fans I know (is there any other kind of Steelers fan?) have a hard time rooting for Ben.  What an @ss.

    Plus... I'd feel weird pulling for the same team as kdog.  Just doesn't feel right :)

    Parent

    I have a theory why... (none / 0) (#116)
    by kdog on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 01:30:04 PM EST
    the football gods sided with Ben and the Steelers, despite his ungentlemanly ways with the college girls...I'm guessing the incident between the Jets and the Mexicana reporter made it a wash in the eyes of the football gods in regards to being a gentleman, and they reverted to another of their mysterious criteria to decide the contest:)

    Parent
    yea... (none / 0) (#117)
    by CST on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 01:35:23 PM EST
    T.B. hasn't won a bowl since he left his baby-mama either.

    Parent
    Left his baby's mama... (none / 0) (#123)
    by kdog on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 01:52:27 PM EST
    while she was pregnant...your golden boy could be blacklisted for life for that d*rtbag move:)

    Parent
    So... (none / 0) (#120)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 01:46:24 PM EST
    ...you do realize that your Sanchize was alleged to have had the same problem with the college girls at USC that Ben has, right?  Right?

    Parent
    Not aware... (none / 0) (#126)
    by kdog on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 01:55:08 PM EST
    ya sure you're not thinking of Leinart?  Never heard of any Sanchez skeletons...

    Parent
    I'm sure. (none / 0) (#127)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 01:56:52 PM EST


    Parent
    Found it... (5.00 / 1) (#129)
    by kdog on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 02:11:22 PM EST
    an incident that lead to a night in jail when Mark was 19.

    Far cry from late 20's Ben still acting like a college freshman, but point taken Mile.

    Parent

    Its tough (none / 0) (#155)
    by christinep on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 06:00:44 PM EST
    ...when considering the person involved in who we root for. For me: 'Always loved the Packers (the diehards of the North), BUT 'am Pennsylvania bred (with a Dad who even played semi-pro in PA out of the mines many, many, many years ago. So, of course, the Steelers! But Ben R...yoiks (tho, I'm sure he will be seen to be "rehabilitated" over the next two weeks.) OTOH, I spent the college years in Bloomington, Indiana...when Bobby Knight was there; and, despite what a horse's part he was, well...as we all said, he won baskeball games. So, maybe it is the Steelers after all.

    As you know, MileHi, the Bronco's fanclub and reality has sort of been in retreat. 'Just casting about these days.

    Parent

    Sorry, man (none / 0) (#153)
    by jbindc on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 05:45:58 PM EST
    I had a great night watching the game.  Especially as the player who sealed the win with a clutch catch on 3rd and 6 (and had a shout out by Coach Mike Tomlinson) was rookie Antonio Brown, of my alma mater, Central Michigan University.  

    Can't wait to wear my black and gold again in 2 weeks!

    Parent

    Chicago news (5.00 / 1) (#106)
    by Zorba on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 12:47:58 PM EST
    The Illinois Appellate Court just bounced Rahm Emanuel off the mayoral ballot.  Link

    Carpet bagger! (none / 0) (#108)
    by oculus on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 12:51:48 PM EST


    Parent
    According to (none / 0) (#109)
    by Zorba on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 01:00:17 PM EST
    an article in the Huffpost, he had rented his house out when he moved his family to DC.  He was found not to have met the one-year residency requirement.  He'll appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court, but he's running out of time.  

    Parent
    Ahhhhhh (5.00 / 1) (#141)
    by MO Blue on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 03:06:15 PM EST
    Too bad, so sad if the courts decide he has to abide by the same rules as ordinary folks.

    Parent
    The basis of his appeal (none / 0) (#112)
    by KeysDan on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 01:17:57 PM EST
    will be that the judges were "f...... re...ds",  and the authors of the municipal code were members of the professional left.:)

    Parent
    Hahahaha! (5.00 / 1) (#115)
    by Zorba on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 01:26:12 PM EST
    Somehow, I don't think that will fly with the Illinois justices.   ;-)  
    Rahm still may pull it off.  But it was pretty arrogant of him to waltz back into Chicago after living in DC for awhile and expect to roll right into the mayor's job.

    Parent
    Agreed. he will likely prevail, (none / 0) (#128)
    by KeysDan on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 01:57:12 PM EST
    but he better get lucky and get him some good Daley judges.

    Parent
    He rented out the house and the renters (none / 0) (#118)
    by oculus on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 01:35:33 PM EST
    registered to vote from that address.  Query:  where was Rahm registered to vote while he was working at WH?  

    Parent
    I would think (none / 0) (#121)
    by Zorba on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 01:47:40 PM EST
    that this would be relevant.  I also wonder if he was paying Illinois State Income Taxes for the time he was in DC.  (If I recall correctly from when I lived in one state and worked in another, you file and pay in your state of residence, and also file as a non-resident in the state you work in, but you get a tax credit for the amount you paid to your state of residence.)  So the question is, did Rahm file and pay as an Illinois resident?  I would think this would also be relevant.

    Parent
    Sun-Times article talks about (none / 0) (#131)
    by oculus on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 02:16:29 PM EST
    discrepancies between municipal code and elections code.  In the latter, serving the U.S. is decisive.  Still a resident for purpose of voting.  Haven't found the muni code section yet.

    Parent
    It depends upon (none / 0) (#137)
    by Zorba on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 02:38:06 PM EST
    what the definition of "serving the US" is.  I'm sure that it applies to US elected officials, who usually live in the DC area for large parts of the year, but also maintain a residence in their district.  This is so our elected reps can still vote in their districts (and run again from there).  I'm not so sure it would apply to employees.  Rahm wasn't elected- he worked for the President.  Is that considered "serving"?  I don't know.  I guess we'll see what the Illinois Supreme Court says.

    Parent
    Voting v office holders (none / 0) (#138)
    by waldenpond on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 02:39:38 PM EST
    Voting is easy... you just need to own property.  An interest is established by the payment of property taxes.  Just don't vote in multiple elections at one time.  I am aware of a person with multiple residences that was considering repeatedly changing where they voted so they could hit multiple city councils in one year.   We suggested this was a very bad idea.

    Running for office typically has residency standards.

    Parent

    That makes sense (none / 0) (#140)
    by Zorba on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 02:57:29 PM EST
    But if you vote in a district, I would think you could run for office in that district.  Not, of course, according to the Illinois Appellate Court.  I'm glad I'm not the one who has to rule on these things.

    Parent
    Flashback alert! (2.00 / 0) (#3)
    by smott on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 01:45:25 PM EST
    ....to 2008....when all things were viewed through the prism of racism!

    Oy. I forgot how annoying this kind of thing is.

    And I'm usually in a good mood Sundays.

    http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11023/1119763-109.stm

    I wonder if he keeps his knees together? (5.00 / 1) (#7)
    by nycstray on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 01:58:11 PM EST
    :)

    Parent
    LOL! (none / 0) (#13)
    by Zorba on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 02:58:13 PM EST
    Yes, I try to avoid sitting next to any male- black, white, Asian, whatever, I don't care- who has his legs all splayed out (or his legs crossed), taking up a seat and a half.  

    Parent
    flashback alert! (5.00 / 0) (#34)
    by CST on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 04:34:32 PM EST
    you're not kidding.  FWIW I use to take that bus every day.

    And it's not because of his knees, it's because he was black.  Honestly, at some point I started intentionally sitting next to black people on the bus because no one else did.  It's funny that he wrote an article about it because I noticed the same thing and actively started to change my behavior because of it.

    Now, I don't think it's necessarily intentional on the part of white pittsburghers, honestly, until I started actively thinking about it I woulldn't be surprised if I was doing the same thing.  But on some level it does happen, and it happens enough that I noticed.

    Parent

    Well (5.00 / 1) (#56)
    by smott on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 06:41:13 PM EST
    His argument seems to be that - this only began happening AFTER Obama became a viable candidate in 2008....as if all those 54C riders suddenly showed their racist stripes at that point.

    I guess kinda like the Clintons suddenly became racists during the NC primary. <sigh>

    I'd hope that this guy, sociology student that he claims to be, might investigate how a candidate and a campaign that claims to be all about unity, could somehow divide the party so much. That perhaps their inability to discuss any issue in anything other than racism terms might do more damage than good. Just as he seems only able to view his world through a prism of racism.

    I was half expecting him to descibe the riders of the 54C as "average white folk" or call them "bitter and clinging" or whatever.

    Parent

    actually (5.00 / 1) (#58)
    by CST on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 07:22:21 PM EST
    I think he said that he only just started riding the bus and expected things to be better since it was after the 2008 elections.

    But other than that I didn't see this as an article about Obama so much as an article about how things haven't changed since then.  We can't talk about race now without it becomming a campaign for Obama somehow?

    You're dismissing and belittling this person based on nothing more than your feelings about Obama.  And if you think race isn't still an issue in this country that displays itself in subtle but pervasive ways, than you're not paying attention.

    Parent

    Give it a rest, smott (1.00 / 1) (#59)
    by Politalkix on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 07:25:11 PM EST
    I have posted an article from the WP which may open your eyes that the Obama campaign did face racism from some HRC supporters during the primaries. It is stupid to deny it.
    Here is another article about some problems relating to racism that the Obama campaign discovered in Pittsburgh.

    If you did not hear anything else other than complaints about racism from the Obama campaign, it is because of your own limitations in being objective. The Obama campaign did talk about a lot of issues.

    Parent

    "Some"? .... wow (5.00 / 1) (#90)
    by Yman on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 08:43:03 AM EST
    3 (out of 18 million) voters?  You could find a few racists in any sizeable group of people, including Obama supporters.  Smott was clearly objecting to the many false accusations of racism leveled at HRC and her supporters.

    OTOH, Obama doesn't mind pandering to bigotry when theirs votes to be gained.

    Parent

    Who wants to have people sitting next (5.00 / 1) (#91)
    by tigercourse on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 08:54:00 AM EST
    to them on mass tranist? I don't care if it's because I'm white, short or an atheist, thanks for not scrunching up next to me everybody.

    Parent
    As the resident sociologist, (none / 0) (#92)
    by jeffinalabama on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 08:57:52 AM EST
    I'm not particularly fond of participant observation when it comes to conclusions about large numbers of people.

    Definitely the observations are there, and can be found in plenty of other settings and situations. But inferring to the thoughts, attitudes of others from it, not so much.

    But grad students do such things. It's creating the framework for thinking scientifically.

    Parent

    that's fair n/t (none / 0) (#114)
    by CST on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 01:21:41 PM EST


    Parent
    McCain ready to touch third rail (none / 0) (#12)
    by Politalkix on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 02:36:00 PM EST
    linkI am saying "Go for it" to the Senator from Arizona and his GOP colleagues. Let Democrats defend SS.

    "Mr. McConnell did not outline where he would like to cut spending, but Senator John McCain of Arizona, the Republican presidential candidate in 2008, said Washington needs "to take on some of the sacred cows."

    "Agriculture subsidies are outrageous today," he said, in an appearance on CBS's "Face the Nation.". "Ethanol is a joke." Another target should be federal subsidies to the Post Office, which Mr. McCain called a "model of inefficiency."

    "And then we have to go after entitlements," Mr. McCain said. "And entitlements have to be on the table sooner rather than later. You and I could write the solution to Social Security problems on the back of an envelope." "

    He's wrong about (5.00 / 0) (#26)
    by Zorba on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 03:32:33 PM EST
    Social Security, but, amazingly, I happen to agree with him on agricultural subsidies and ethanol for gasoline.  This may be the first time in many, many years that I've agreed with anything that McCain has said.  I guess even a stopped clock is right twice a day.  (Or, as Mr. Zorba would say, "Even a blind pig finds an acorn once in awhile.")

    Parent
    But he's also right about SS (5.00 / 1) (#72)
    by gyrfalcon on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 09:38:16 PM EST
    if he didn't go further and start blathering about cutting benefits.  We've talked many times here about how a "fix" for SS is easy-peasy, just raise the cap on income in calculating deductions.  A tiny extra expense for the wealth, and the problem is fixed.

    Parent
    McCain will have a friend, too, on (none / 0) (#39)
    by KeysDan on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 04:51:51 PM EST
    the US Post Office.  Obama has used that canard about how private carriers like FedEx have no financial problems, just the US postal service.  As if they provided the same services, and FedEx never has any problems.

    Parent
    I live in (5.00 / 1) (#47)
    by Zorba on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 05:36:50 PM EST
    a remote rural area.  Yes, we get FedEx and UPS deliveries, but I do wonder if the post office goes belly up, they might decide that we're too remote to be worth bothering about, except maybe once or twice a week (or they decide that we have to go down the mountain and pick stuff up ourselves).  We'll see.  We've had some mistaken deliveries with the USPS, but we've also had at least as many with FedEx and UPS.  And, if we need to mail or return something, the post office is a heck of a lot closer than either FedEx or UPS.  (And the USPS picks up our regular mail at the house, in our mail box with the flag up.)  

    Parent
    I think USPS needs to add/update more services (5.00 / 1) (#50)
    by nycstray on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 05:59:47 PM EST
    and become more competitive. I used to use priority mail all the time when I was shipping a lot, and still chose it when I have the option. Not sure how the service is in less populated places, but as a city person, between the 3 on 2day deliveries, it was always the cheapest and just as reliable. Loved my old UPS guy though, he used to call me if he was running late, lol!~ He had been doing my del/pu for years though.

    Parent
    Dunno why USPS should have to (5.00 / 3) (#73)
    by gyrfalcon on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 09:41:49 PM EST
    try to compete with express delivery services.  They should do what they do best, regular mail delivery, and slightly less than express service.

    Also don't know why anybody thinks they should be self-financing.  Seems to me that mail delivery is one of those things we ought to do for ourselves as a society.

    Parent

    I think so, too (none / 0) (#61)
    by Zorba on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 07:50:59 PM EST
    But they're talking about stopping Saturday delivery- not good.  We have no problem here with USPS priority mail, and, at least so far, we get mail on Saturday.  FedEx and UPS do not deliver here on Saturday.

    Parent
    How are we to think about the NFL (none / 0) (#14)
    by oculus on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 03:03:44 PM EST
    games if BTD doesn't post his wagers?

    very simple, my dear (none / 0) (#15)
    by nycstray on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 03:08:21 PM EST
    J.E.T.S, Jets . . . well, you know the drill :D

    Parent
    Ha. What is "T-A" statistic (none / 0) (#16)
    by oculus on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 03:10:51 PM EST
    category for defense, for example Packers' Charles Woodson?

    Parent
    "T-A"? Treats and Alcohol? (none / 0) (#18)
    by nycstray on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 03:16:05 PM EST


    Parent
    A lot of help you are! (none / 0) (#20)
    by oculus on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 03:17:31 PM EST
    ESPN website doesn't reveal what their stat. category means.  Touchdown attempt?  On defense?

    Parent
    Tackle/Assist? (none / 0) (#21)
    by nycstray on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 03:18:45 PM EST
    we scored those in our Fantasy league

    Parent
    Maybe so. (none / 0) (#22)
    by oculus on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 03:22:32 PM EST


    Parent
    Should be (none / 0) (#31)
    by CoralGables on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 04:18:18 PM EST
    Solo and Assisted = Total Tackles

    Parent
    I don't have (none / 0) (#17)
    by Zorba on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 03:12:55 PM EST
    a dog in this fight (and no, that isn't a Michael Vick reference) and I don't really care who wins, but if it will make you happy, nycstray, I'll root for the Jets.  We did live in New York for awhile (Long Island), and my daughter and her husband currently live in New York City, so I guess that's enough of a connection.    ;-)

    Parent
    Thanks. Tad unsure about (none / 0) (#19)
    by nycstray on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 03:17:17 PM EST
    how this is going to go down later today . . . .

    Parent
    I'll be pulling for the JETS (5.00 / 1) (#23)
    by oculus on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 03:23:08 PM EST
    during the string quartet concert!

    Parent
    Enjoy (none / 0) (#24)
    by Zorba on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 03:27:52 PM EST
    the concert, oculus!  I love a good string quartet.

    Parent
    Thanks. Me too. Last night (none / 0) (#25)
    by oculus on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 03:31:26 PM EST
    I heard the Miro Quartet plus pianist Joyce Yang superbly perform a Dvorak Quintet.

    Today the Hausmann Quartet, in residence at SDSU, performs at central libary.  This quartet was in residence at chamber music festival this summer and subjected to daily coaching sessions by wonderful chamber music players.  The quartet is very resilient!

    Parent

    Which quintet? (none / 0) (#28)
    by shoephone on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 03:53:34 PM EST
    I'm only familiar with Dvorak's symphonies. They're some of my favorite pieces, particularly Symph. #4.

    Parent
    This one: (none / 0) (#62)
    by oculus on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 08:16:45 PM EST
    DVORÁK    Piano Quintet in A Major, Op. 81

    Parent
    "Just Ended Their Season" (none / 0) (#154)
    by jbindc on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 05:47:21 PM EST
    J-E-T-S

    Parent
    I ber rhe packers and steelers (none / 0) (#30)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 04:16:43 PM EST
    Not very large though.

    I also bet on Robin Soderling not to win in straight sets.

    Parent

    I think you're (none / 0) (#32)
    by Zorba on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 04:25:40 PM EST
    safe on the Packers.  Chicago's on their third-string quarterback as I type.  Should have bet more on this game.   ;-)

    Parent
    OTOH (none / 0) (#33)
    by Zorba on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 04:29:53 PM EST
    Chicago just scored a TD, with ten minutes left in the 4th quarter.  Game's changed.

    Parent
    Yes, I had a glimmer of hope there (none / 0) (#52)
    by ruffian on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 06:10:47 PM EST
    but alas it was not to be. The third stringer looked at least as good as the first two on this particular day. I'm glad he had a chance to play in a big game.

    Go Jets!

    Parent

    Caleb Hanie had the best game of all three (5.00 / 1) (#55)
    by caseyOR on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 06:39:21 PM EST
    Bears QBs today. He engineered both TDs, and completed more passes than Cutler or Collins.  Not a bad day for a third-string player. It's too bad Cutler didn't play as well. I have never thought Cutler was a very good QB.

    I swear, the last good QB the Bears had was Jock Concannon. I know, what about McMahon? But I think that season was a bit of a fluke. Why can't the Bears field a quarterback who consistently plays well?

    Oh well, pitchers and catchers report in a few weeks. I can move on to banging my head against a wall because of the Cubs.

    Parent

    My sister and I were asking ourselves (none / 0) (#71)
    by ruffian on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 09:37:30 PM EST
    the same question about the Bears QBs. McMahon was a great spark for those couple of years, but was not consistent.

    We used to tell ourselves it was just that they preferred a running game and it did not take a great talent to hand off to Walter Payton.

    I wanted to believe in Cutler.....I don't know. Isn't there a Manning brother available?

    Parent

    I think the NFL has reached its quota (none / 0) (#77)
    by caseyOR on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 09:57:31 PM EST
    of Archie Manning offspring. :)

    The Bears have some excellent receivers, what with Knox and Forte. Now they need a good QB, one who excels at the passing game, is able to run when needed, and has that Joe Montana-like ability to see the whole field.

    Yeah, like that'll happen.

    Parent

    I think part of it might be (none / 0) (#97)
    by ruffian on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 11:17:37 AM EST
    that Chicago fans are pretty hard on them. No weakness is left unpunished. I can't blame QBs for not wanting to play there.

    Parent
    I gather AFT did not sweep up (none / 0) (#63)
    by oculus on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 08:19:56 PM EST
    your bookie.

    Parent
    Off shore (none / 0) (#66)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 08:51:14 PM EST


    Parent
    Ah. Book recommend: Carlos (none / 0) (#67)
    by oculus on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 08:53:39 PM EST
    Eire's "Waiting to Die in Miami."  Peter Pan airlift.  He started out in Florida City, taunted by the kids on the other side of the fence at Homestead AFB.  

    Parent
    "everyone is having a better day" ? (none / 0) (#27)
    by Andreas on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 03:43:59 PM EST
    What about Bradley Manning?

    He is certainly not having a better day than Jane Hamsher. He is systematically being tortured on behalf of the Democratic Obama administration. That is the reason why Jane Hamsher and David House were not allowed to visit him.

    He should have thought about that before (2.00 / 1) (#38)
    by tigercourse on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 04:49:02 PM EST
    he went and betrayed his duty.

    Parent
    Whether he broke the law or not (5.00 / 3) (#41)
    by shoephone on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 04:56:01 PM EST
    does not justify inhumane detention or cruel and unusual punishment. How many times do we need to revisit this???

    Parent
    Nothing that has been reported about his (2.67 / 3) (#42)
    by tigercourse on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 05:00:09 PM EST
    treatment seems particularly cruel to me.

    Parent
    Then you haven't ben doing much reading (5.00 / 3) (#44)
    by shoephone on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 05:12:21 PM EST
    It has been reported by his own lawyer that, in recent weeks, Manning's physical and mental conditions have both seriously deteriorated.

    It is suspected by David House (who has previously been given authorization to visit many times) that one of the reasons he and Jane were denied access today is precisely because the Marines don't want them to see Manning's current deterioration.  

    And solitary confinement is often considered cruel punishment for a "crime" such as this one. For the record.

    Parent

    He's likely better off in solitary (3.50 / 2) (#45)
    by tigercourse on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 05:15:51 PM EST
    then general population.

    And I'm guessing that the reason they were denied this time rather then all the other ones was their intention to make something of a spectacle of the event.

    Parent

    Nobody is better off in solitary confinement (5.00 / 2) (#51)
    by sj on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 06:01:54 PM EST
    That's why it's used as punishment.  And for short periods of time.  

    It has been banned under the Geneva Conventions

    Solitary confinement is banned under Common Article Three of the Geneva Conventions as it amounts to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.


    Parent
    tigercourse (none / 0) (#69)
    by Jeralyn on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 09:00:16 PM EST
    you are chattering, see the comment rules. You get one more comment today.

    Parent
    How did I attempt to dominate, (none / 0) (#82)
    by tigercourse on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 12:14:59 AM EST
    re-direct or hijack the thread?

    Nor did I "Post numerous times a day and insults or engages in name-calling against other commenters or the site's authors or repeatedly makes the same point with the effect of annoying other commenters. (i.e. is a blog-clogger)"

    I posted only 3 times and I was responding to someone who called President Obama a torturer.

    By your stated rules I did not "Chatter". The only rule I broke was in having an opposing view. Your rules state (underlined) that I must also be breaking one of the other rules to be considered a chatterer. I wasn't.

    Parent

    You're making stuff up (none / 0) (#83)
    by shoephone on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 01:17:59 AM EST
    I did not call Obama "a torturer."

    Parent
    Andreas may have done that (none / 0) (#84)
    by shoephone on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 01:20:18 AM EST
    but you responded to him only once. You responded to me twice.

    Parent
    Go Steelers! (none / 0) (#35)
    by CST on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 04:40:27 PM EST
    And by that, what I really mean, is f*ck the Jets!

    Grudge much? (none / 0) (#36)
    by nycstray on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 04:43:08 PM EST


    Parent
    I'm from Boston (none / 0) (#43)
    by CST on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 05:05:15 PM EST
    I don't need much of an excuse to hate NY sports teams.  Esp. division rivals.

    And yes... I hold sports grudges.

    Parent

    So do I . . . (none / 0) (#46)
    by nycstray on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 05:32:40 PM EST
    And yes... I hold sports grudges.

    as a old '9er fan, there's a reason I never root for the NYG, or Cowboys . . .  :)

    Parent

    if they still need a ride back to dc, (none / 0) (#65)
    by cpinva on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 08:34:52 PM EST
    let me know. i live 20 miles south of quantico, and can pick them up in dumfries.

    Condolences to kdog and nystray. (none / 0) (#68)
    by oculus on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 08:54:21 PM EST


    You saved me from having to check (none / 0) (#74)
    by ruffian on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 09:42:53 PM EST
    the score.

    Welcome to the loser's lounge kdog and nycstray. I've been here a few more hours than you and am sliding off my bar stool.

    On the bright side I just had a few hours free up on Super Bowl Sunday since I have no desire to watch either of those teams who I refuse to name.

    Parent

    Hey, ruffian, did you get your BAM ticket? (none / 0) (#75)
    by oculus on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 09:53:51 PM EST


    Parent
    Not yet - was going to ask you (none / 0) (#98)
    by ruffian on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 11:19:22 AM EST
    the same thing.

    NPR had a good story on the BAM season this morning. I would have liked to see all of those plays! Really looking forward to ours.

    Parent

    My tickets arrived in the mail (none / 0) (#105)
    by oculus on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 12:47:54 PM EST
    last week.  Yes, I would love to see the play in which both Alan Rickman and Fiona Shaw are appearing.  

    Parent
    Ticket came today! (5.00 / 1) (#158)
    by ruffian on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 08:15:44 PM EST


    Parent
    If I don't get mine in the next few days I will (none / 0) (#111)
    by ruffian on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 01:10:00 PM EST
    call them back.

    Yes, that was the one that most caught my ear this morning. I could listen to Alan Rickman read the phone book.

    Parent

    That afternoon just opened up for me, too. (none / 0) (#81)
    by caseyOR on Sun Jan 23, 2011 at 10:01:29 PM EST
    I wonder what movies will be playing in two weeks.

    Parent
    Conundrum time: (none / 0) (#89)
    by jeffinalabama on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 07:59:11 AM EST
    What do you call someone you're seeing when you two are the same age (heh, I'm dating an older woman again, by two months) and don't fit into the 'youth' demographic?

    Boyfriend/Girlfriend-- ugh.

    Hoochie Mama / Hoochie Papa-- discussed and discarded.

    Papi Chulo and Mami Cula discussed and discarded, also.

    'Special Friend' is too Forrest Gump for this part of the world.

    Suggestions? they don't have to be serious, as long as they're memorable. And pronouncable.

    I'm partial... (5.00 / 2) (#94)
    by kdog on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 10:47:31 AM EST
    to the Dude's way of putting such a thing..."lady friend", with the potential upgrade to "special lady" pending.

    "She's not my special lady, she's my f*cking lady friend. I'm just helping her conceive, man!"

    Parent

    Just remembered....i believe the current (5.00 / 1) (#101)
    by ruffian on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 11:24:46 AM EST
    lingo is 'My Plus 1'....works for both sexes!

    Parent
    Great suggestions. (none / 0) (#102)
    by jeffinalabama on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 11:34:11 AM EST
    Thinking of going with Captain Underpants' here...

    my 'one Hot Mama!"

    I'll send that one up, and see what happens.

    She's two months older than I am, so I could say my 'cougar,' couldn't I?

    ;-)

    Parent

    'Better half' works (5.00 / 1) (#119)
    by canuck eh on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 01:45:57 PM EST
    Not only age-appropriate but complimentary (like most men I know very little about women- but they like compliments)

    Parent
    Well, depending on how (5.00 / 1) (#136)
    by Anne on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 02:35:34 PM EST
    things are going, you could say, "this is Jane - I think she might be the last piece of my puzzle."

    Or, "this is Jane...she completes me."  

    How about, "this is Jane...sigh...every time I say her name, an angel gets its wings."

    "The woman I'm dating," works, even if it isn't catchy or clever.  Or, "the woman I'm spending as much time as possible with."

    You could say, "This is Jane - we're still tryting to figure out if I'm the lid to her pot, or she's the lid to mine, but in the meantime, we seem to be something of an item."

    Just please, please NEVER refer to her as your "old lady."

    Parent

    there's always (5.00 / 1) (#148)
    by ruffian on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 03:55:51 PM EST
    "My future ex-wife"

    Later, as a friend refers to her husband, "My first husband"

    Parent

    "my outlaws"--coined by a friend. (5.00 / 1) (#152)
    by oculus on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 05:16:22 PM EST
    Here's one I really hate:  the father of my children.

    Parent
    ...and a chill went through the room... (none / 0) (#150)
    by jeffinalabama on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 04:48:25 PM EST
    Is this thing on? Well, then let me tell you about...

    I love it!

    Parent

    I've thought of... (none / 0) (#142)
    by jeffinalabama on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 03:11:55 PM EST
    This is ___, whom I want to sweep me away to a life of luxury and deceit," but that might be too honest... ;-P

    Parent
    Ha! But you could try: (5.00 / 1) (#144)
    by Anne on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 03:42:17 PM EST
    "This is ___ - the woman who might be able to keep me in the style to which I always wanted to become accustomed - [long pause] - unconditional love AND great sex.  And you thought I was talking about money, didn't you?  Tsk, tsk."

    Hee, hee.

    Parent

    Brilliant! (none / 0) (#145)
    by jeffinalabama on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 03:47:10 PM EST
    I love the way you use words, Anne!

    I'll forward the idea, and come up with something silly like my 'bees knees' as a short saying!

    Parent

    Have you gifted the lava lamp yet? (none / 0) (#107)
    by oculus on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 12:48:52 PM EST


    Parent
    This coming weekend. (none / 0) (#124)
    by jeffinalabama on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 01:52:31 PM EST
    n/t

    Parent
    Significant other works too, it's simple (none / 0) (#122)
    by republicratitarian on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 01:48:33 PM EST


    Parent
    It is hard, isn't it? (none / 0) (#99)
    by ruffian on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 11:22:50 AM EST
    Hard to call a guy in his 50's my 'boyfriend'.

    I take it you discarded 'Old Man' and 'Old Lady'? Would have been hip in the 60's but too specific now!

    I like 'special lady', and 'special fella'.

    Parent

    I like (none / 0) (#125)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 01:52:59 PM EST
    lady friend. That is a tough one though.

    Parent
    Neither of us have been able (none / 0) (#130)
    by jeffinalabama on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 02:14:09 PM EST
    to come up with an answer. I might suggest something like 'coffee cup' or something since salad days now exist because of cholesterol, not other reasons.

    We're not to the point of being 'significant.'

    Heck, Forrest Gump may be the best... 'most special friend...' or 'she's the peas to my carrots...'

    thanks for all suggestions. It's not easy.

    Maybe this: she's my Billie Holliday, and I'm her Ben Webster.

    Nah, no idea.

     

    Parent

    This fellow had the same difficulty: (5.00 / 1) (#132)
    by oculus on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 02:21:03 PM EST
    Marketplace-what's in your wallet!

    Inside the left pouch, in sort of a clear case, I have my friend Megan's business card in here. Because I guess you would say girlfriend, I guess that's how you refer? But when I was traveling, I wanted a reminder of her and of home.

    (The female in question was standing next to the guy being interviewed.)


    Parent

    Kind of wordy (5.00 / 1) (#151)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 04:56:28 PM EST
    but you could say the lovely lady that I'm seeing or dating.

    Parent
    Red State (none / 0) (#93)
    by Capt Howdy on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 10:41:47 AM EST
    this is not "Clerks"

    Red State begins with a conceit that sounds very much like the Kevin Smith of old. Three friends, played by Michael Angarano, Nicholas Braun and Kyle Gallner, decide to take out Mommy's car because a girl on the internet has promised to sleep with them. And while Smith couldn't resist throwing in some of his classic sex dialogue, this is no Clerks 2 donkey show. The boys are drugged and brought to a fundamental church called the Five Points ran by Pastor Abin Cooper (Michael Parks). Much like Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Church, which gets name dropped in the film, Cooper preaches that homosexuals are the devil and the world does everything it can to encourage their power. The boys who've been captured will be punished for the sins of the world and we're lead to believe they aren't the first, nor last.

    After an intriguing opening, Red State grinds to a screeching, 10-15 minute halt when we first meet Cooper. Smith, as well as Parks, is obviously in love with this out-there madman and they relish their moment to introduce him in his element. So he begins to preach. And preach. And preach. Parks completely transforms into Cooper during this scene, but not even the best actor alive could be that captivating for that long. Once he addresses the caged boy in the room though, the film picks up the pace extremely quickly and remains tense throughout. Smith likes to call Red State a horror film, but I'd more accurately describe it as a religious action thriller.
    AICN has lots of coverage (none / 0) (#100)
    by Capt Howdy on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 11:23:09 AM EST
    and pics

    Parent
    Man, meet Your Moment (none / 0) (#104)
    by ruffian on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 12:11:11 PM EST
    If ever there was a Senate candidate tailor made for the dimmest bulbs in the tea party movement, it is this guy.

    Sell popcorn.

    no (none / 0) (#135)
    by Capt Howdy on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 02:32:04 PM EST
    to Rahm

    Rahm Emanuel booted off ballot in 2-1 Appellate Court decision

    senator Olberman? (none / 0) (#139)
    by Capt Howdy on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 02:50:40 PM EST
    Some enterprising members of the left wing DailyKos website have begun a DraftOlbermann campaign for the Connecticut Senate seat soon to be vacated by Joe Lieberman. Hey if Linda McMahon can run...
    Donor v Best Deal States (none / 0) (#146)
    by waldenpond on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 03:52:31 PM EST
    Interesting numbers on Ratigan.... CA/NY pay 40% of federal revenue.  CA/NY/IL/CT have 'donored' $500 billion.  That's some heavy distribution going on.

    Who get the most.... well of course everyone knows AL but who else?  Miss and NM.

    I think this would be another factoid to add to the discussion of expanding representation in this country.

    Alaska not AL (none / 0) (#147)
    by waldenpond on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 03:53:28 PM EST


    Parent
    just made the executive decision (none / 0) (#149)
    by CST on Mon Jan 24, 2011 at 04:39:11 PM EST
    that 945 on a Sunday night is not too late to see Aziz Ansari do standup.

    Super excited.  I guess that's what mid-afternoon naps are for.

    And parks and rec is back too.  Just in time to defend government jobs!

    Sunday Afternoon Open Thread | 166 comments (166 topical)

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