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Thursday Open Thread

By Jeralyn, Section Blog Related
Posted on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 01:15:59 PM EST
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TalkLeft turned 9 years old yesterday. Independent bloggers seem to be fewer and far between these days. I'm not entirely convinced blogging remains relevant, but not everything can be said in 140 characters or less, and not everyone wants to carry on conversations on Facebook. So I think we'll soldier on a bit longer.

Thanks to every one of you who have read a page, posted a comment, given us a news tip, linked to TalkLeft, donated dollars and befriended us. You've made it all worthwhile.

This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

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    Thursday Open Thread | 118 comments (118 topical)

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    Hippo Birdies TL! (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 01:24:26 PM EST


    The Shame of Wisconsin (5.00 / 1) (#2)
    by Towanda on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 01:25:51 PM EST
    -- and there is considerable competition in that contest -- is its state Supreme Court, says Forbes, in a column that harks back to a discussion here a couple of days ago.

    In the world of the law, this is beyond huge. This is gargantuan.
    Great article (5.00 / 1) (#18)
    by Yman on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 02:47:55 PM EST
    Hadn't seen the dissenting language previously.

    Incredible.

    Parent

    Was thinking of you in posting this (5.00 / 0) (#74)
    by Towanda on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 08:59:07 PM EST
    as you were the first, the other day, to delve into Abrahamson's dissent to try to bring attention to it.  Glad that you saw this post with this link to Ungar's column, too -- and don't miss the comments.

    Parent
    Blogging hasn't lost any of its relavency, (5.00 / 6) (#3)
    by tigercourse on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 01:29:30 PM EST
    or at least neccesity. Twitter is fine for a joke or to find out what some celebrity had for lunch, it's useless as a tool for even the most basic analysis of anything.

    I appreciate TalkLeft even though I don't post here as often as I used to.

    Absolutely agree (5.00 / 3) (#8)
    by Nemi on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 02:00:14 PM EST
    Would hate it if blogs were no more and the replacement would be Twitter. :(

    Congratulations to TalkLeft on the ninth ... "And many mooore!"

    Parent

    Amazing two people with stressful (5.00 / 12) (#4)
    by oculus on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 01:32:48 PM EST
    jobs not confined to 40-hr. weeks have the time, interest, and energy to post here.  Thank you.

    Thanks for, and (5.00 / 2) (#5)
    by KeysDan on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 01:38:27 PM EST
    Happy Birthday to, TL.

    Happy Birthday, TL (5.00 / 1) (#6)
    by observed on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 01:42:49 PM EST
    What are the readership stats of political blogs, compared to a few years ago?
    I only read a handful now, whereas from 2003--2007, I read a couple dozen regularly. My news reading habits changed for the worse as I switched to reading blogs. I was using blogs as news portals almost exclusively. I'm trying to make a habit of scanning top stories on google news now.

    How influential were blogs in the Arab democracy protests?

    Great question (none / 0) (#95)
    by gyrfalcon on Fri Jun 17, 2011 at 02:22:04 AM EST
    No idea what the answer is.

    Parent
    Time flies when you're having fun... (5.00 / 2) (#7)
    by kdog on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 01:47:05 PM EST
    I think I've been visiting for all 9...what a long, strange, educational trip it's been.

    Eternal gratititude for all the time and effort in creating such a special blog.  

    Give it up for # 1 in our hearts and in our browsing histories, the one and only Talkleft!!

    Your comment made me think of when I first (none / 0) (#22)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 03:24:50 PM EST
    commented here.

    The exact date was pretty easy to figure out - February 1, 2002, the day Daniel Pearl was murdered.

    Parent

    Oops, scratch that. (none / 0) (#26)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 03:31:36 PM EST
    I discovered and commented on TL on Feb 21, 2002, the day the video of Pearl's murder was released...

    Parent
    Much less serious business... (none / 0) (#30)
    by kdog on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 03:45:14 PM EST
    made me stumble on the joint...when Gregg Easterbrook got fired from ESPN (since re-hired) for making supposedly anti-semitic comments in a column.  I didn't know he was fired and was googling to find his column, and Jeralyn had a post up about it.

    A politically correctness post, and years before BTD came on board...pretty funny:)

    Then I poked around and fell in love with the message and goals of the blog...and have haunted the place ever since.

    Parent

    Oct, 2003. (none / 0) (#32)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 03:49:53 PM EST


    Parent
    I stand corrected... (none / 0) (#36)
    by kdog on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 03:52:47 PM EST
    7 years and change...still calling me out on my b.s., god bless ya!

    Parent
    Wasn't meant to be a "call out," (none / 0) (#39)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 03:55:26 PM EST
    that didn't even cross my mind, just my own curiosity...

    Parent
    Of course... (none / 0) (#77)
    by kdog on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 09:05:56 PM EST
    just breakin' your chops...err, our chops:)

    Parent
    Blogs Aren't Irrelivant, Just the News... (5.00 / 2) (#10)
    by ScottW714 on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 02:15:35 PM EST
    ... sites almost all have a comment section, so essentially they have all become blogs.  I remember back in the day when you could only read the news, now the comment sections sometimes provide more facts then the stories and certainly lots of entertainment.

    I, like the commenter 'observed' used to read almost entirely from the blogs.  It was messing with my head, knowing too much about politics for me is too taxing on my sanity.

    I stuck with Talk Left because I really like the commenters.  Comments are for the most part well thought out and insightful and TL's policies make it work friendly.

    Glad Jeralyn & BTD stuck around to give us a place to exchange ideas.  Thanks.

    Wish I could remember when I started reading, close to the beginning I think, then I took a couple years off well devolving into political hysteria on other blogs, but back now.

    Agree about the value TL (5.00 / 5) (#34)
    by sj on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 03:51:16 PM EST
    Comment sections on most news sites are filled with dross having only the occasional insight.  I deeply appreciate the commenting standards here, and that they are enforced.  Although, as you say, there are drawback to being too well informed.

    I hope Jeralyn and BTD are able to soldier on for many more years to come.

    Parent

    Thank you TL (5.00 / 2) (#11)
    by lentinel on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 02:24:51 PM EST


    The TL Horoscope (5.00 / 2) (#12)
    by Anne on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 02:27:08 PM EST
    Happy birthday! The world may look like one big puzzle to solve, but it's just your mind on overdrive. Relax, spend more time with your friends and co-workers, and try to listen more than talk. People will confide the most amazing things. Follow a budget at home and avoid stress. By the winter holiday season, your partner (or perhaps a promising new partner) will absorb some social stress for you. Be gracious and grateful. Your friends love your company. Be generous, and enjoy their generosity. The spring will find you more relaxed and in the mood for romance. Breathe easy and enjoy!

    From Horoscope.com
    My emphasis - kind of interesting, eh?

    Happy birthday - here's to many more!

    Blogging is still relevant! (5.00 / 3) (#13)
    by lilburro on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 02:37:10 PM EST
    At least to me.  If TL goes away I think I will have to seek counseling.  I know of no better political blog.  Thanks for all the work you put into it.

    I hear that... (5.00 / 2) (#15)
    by kdog on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 02:43:06 PM EST
    I'd probably skip the counseling and try to kick myself though...a few days of shakes and cold sweats, then its all mental:)

    Parent
    Happy Birthday, Talk Left! (5.00 / 1) (#17)
    by Zorba on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 02:46:43 PM EST
    And many more!  I lurked but did not post for several years (I found Talk Left after BTD, then Armando, left Daily Kos the first time, and resurfaced on Talk Left- don't worry, BTD, I'm not a stalker!)  I guess I've been commenting about 2 1/2 years.  I really appreciate the blog, Jeralyn, BTD, and all the commenters.

    Happy Birthday (5.00 / 1) (#19)
    by Makarov on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 03:03:40 PM EST
    to TalkLeft and Jean Luc Picard!

    Captain Picard Day is celebrated on June 16th because it is the equivalent date to Stardate 47457.1
    Love it! (none / 0) (#96)
    by gyrfalcon on Fri Jun 17, 2011 at 02:27:27 AM EST


    Parent
    Interestingly, it's also (none / 0) (#99)
    by andgarden on Fri Jun 17, 2011 at 06:09:25 AM EST
    Bloomsday.

    Parent
    Gee, has it really been since March '03 that I (5.00 / 2) (#20)
    by jimakaPPJ on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 03:09:54 PM EST
    started commenting and reading!

    Seems like only yesterday that we were discussing the war, FISA, Plame, CIA, WMDs, etc.

    Not many of the old group left.

    Thanks. I've learned some things, made a point or two of my own and enjoyed it all!

    Go for 20!

    Shout out... (none / 0) (#33)
    by kdog on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 03:49:58 PM EST
    to Peaches, Cliff, Big Tex, Che's Lounge, Fred Dawes, Sailor, Squeaky, pigwiggle, mfox, and countless other commenting legends of the past that escape me at this moment.

    Who am I forgetting PPJ?...help a brother out.

    And of course former contributors TChris and Last Night in Little Rock.

    Parent

    Oh good job (none / 0) (#35)
    by sj on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 03:51:58 PM EST
    Add Cream City to the list.

    Parent
    Pretty still she's still here. (5.00 / 1) (#37)
    by oculus on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 03:53:23 PM EST


    Parent
    Really? Hey, Cream! Speak up! (5.00 / 1) (#45)
    by oldpro on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 04:45:16 PM EST


    Parent
    I wish (5.00 / 1) (#49)
    by Yman on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 05:12:55 PM EST
    Not since 11/07/2010.

    Parent
    DA isn't the only one who (5.00 / 1) (#56)
    by observed on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 06:11:57 PM EST
    has a new account.


    Parent
    And glanton... (5.00 / 1) (#38)
    by kdog on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 03:54:06 PM EST
    haven't seen him around.

    CC, we have our theories:)

    Parent

    Yeah, g-man, he gave me my TL handle... (5.00 / 1) (#41)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 04:05:47 PM EST


    Parent
    And Decon... (none / 0) (#79)
    by kdog on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 09:15:09 PM EST
    Nice to see J-Liv stop by for the celebration...old school!  

    Parent
    Now that I'd like to hear more about. (none / 0) (#109)
    by oculus on Fri Jun 17, 2011 at 02:05:18 PM EST


    Parent
    And ... (5.00 / 2) (#100)
    by Nemi on Fri Jun 17, 2011 at 07:37:30 AM EST
    the incomparable Kathy! Remember her KUSA? The polls where Hillary Clinton was always far ahead in every regard. :D

    And Ellie who never minced words - and didn't do it in such an elegant and eloquent way. :D

    And ... and ... and ... There are so many; missed but not forgotten. :)

    Parent

    Good calls... (5.00 / 1) (#102)
    by kdog on Fri Jun 17, 2011 at 08:53:37 AM EST
    Ellie the AK-47 never minced words.

    Teresa from Tenn...another sweetheart, hope she's hangin' in there with her back problems.

    And Easily Distracted aka Easy-D, my fellow stoner...so many interesting characters come and gone.

    Parent

    Asking an old man to remember names??? (none / 0) (#108)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Jun 17, 2011 at 01:59:41 PM EST
    About the only ones I don't see in this thread.. Repack Ryder, Jlvngstn...the guy from FL (Orlando I think the lady from Boston.. I can't remember either name.

    Parent
    Jlv stopped by... (none / 0) (#110)
    by kdog on Fri Jun 17, 2011 at 02:13:00 PM EST
    Yeah, Repack Ryder...good call!  Fla guy I think you're referring to is Bocajeff.  And Roger, a defense att. from Fla...he turned me on to Yevgeny Zamyatin's "We"...classic dystopian novel, I owe him one.  Not sure if it's the same roger who still comments once in a blue.

    And so many more...I'll never forget the time you and Jlv got into it something fierce and he challenged you to a fight...was it during the run-up to the Iraq War..err Iraq "Conflict"? You crazy kids:)  

    And I really miss Peaches, your fellow gardening enthusiast...he really made you think and deep.

    Parent

    bocajeff was a day trader, (none / 0) (#112)
    by jeffinalabama on Fri Jun 17, 2011 at 03:15:50 PM EST
    wasn't he? or am I thinking of someone else?

    Parent
    Not sure... (5.00 / 1) (#113)
    by kdog on Fri Jun 17, 2011 at 03:29:07 PM EST
    I never caught an occupation, if he mentioned it....though some commenter details tend to bleed together in my head.

    And how could I forget Patrick the Law Enforcement Officer...he helped me realize how prejudiced I am, and how foolish prejudice is.

    I know it sounds corny, but I think this blog has made me a better person.

    Parent

    Yeah, Roger was the name (none / 0) (#116)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Jun 17, 2011 at 11:59:13 PM EST
    and Jlv and I made up... The disagreements back then could be fierce but over when the debate was over. Not so much anymore.

    Ditto on Peaches. Would love to have a beer with him. We could swap gardening tips after the politics had been settled.

    Parent

    Happy Birthday (5.00 / 4) (#21)
    by sumac on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 03:14:56 PM EST
    I am an admitted lurker. I might post a comment once or twice a year, tops. But I read this blog most every day for I feel that I can get much higher quality information about subjects that interest me than I can from traditional media. And I find that the commenters are, generally, of a higher caliber than other blogs.

    So thank you for hosting your blog, Jeralyn, and for your posts...and to BTD for his posts, as well. I will now go back into hiding. :)

    Happy Birthday! (5.00 / 1) (#23)
    by Amiss on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 03:27:43 PM EST
    I dont get on the internet as much as I used to, but all things come in cycles. I have truly enjoyed every minute I have spent here and hope to have many more! Thanks!

    I'm glad this blog hasn't gone (5.00 / 1) (#24)
    by observed on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 03:28:44 PM EST
    the way of other blogs and become filled with different contributors. That dilutes the spirit of the blog, IMO.
    This factor is why I hardly ever read FDL anymore.
    Ha! That's what many of our old-timers said (none / 0) (#27)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 03:32:54 PM EST
    when BTD arrived on the scene...

    Parent
    One in particular! (none / 0) (#29)
    by oculus on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 03:36:29 PM EST


    Parent
    Ha! (none / 0) (#31)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 03:46:54 PM EST


    Parent
    Vancouver loses Cup and control (5.00 / 2) (#25)
    by Dadler on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 03:28:48 PM EST
    Good thing they have that national healthcare, but the mental health of these dopes is in question.  Jaysus.  (LINK)

    And happy burfday, TL, I've been here almost from the beginning.  You have aged well.  Keep up the good fight, J, you are a credit to your profession and the internet.

    Peace.

    Happy Birthday TL (5.00 / 2) (#28)
    by ruffian on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 03:35:19 PM EST
    Can't tell you how much I have enjoyed and been edified by the TL community.

    Thank you all!

    Made many friends... (5.00 / 3) (#40)
    by kdog on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 03:56:17 PM EST
    and even got to meet two in the flesh...so far!

    Parent
    Where else could I have (5.00 / 4) (#51)
    by caseyOR on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 05:44:42 PM EST
    hooked up with such a charming pirate crew?

    Seriously, J, this is the first place I hit every day when I fire up the computer. In fact, it is the only place I read every day. I have, virtually, met many many nice people here. And the front page posts and the comments are among the best in the blogosphere.

    I have learned about defense law, politics and the life of a military family. I've picked up tips on cooking, book and movie recommendations and music. I have bemoaned my hapless Cubs, and cheered the Oregon Ducks, while also taking a few digs at the St. Louis Cardinals. I have read arguments for and against, and formed my own opinion about, a college football play-off.

    I learned that following presidential campaign debates is much less head-poundingly stupid and frustrating when I follow Jerilyn's and BTD's live-blogging. Ditto the Oscars.

    Congratulations are maintaining such a great on-line place, J. And thank you.

    Parent

    Literally, if it's important (5.00 / 1) (#55)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 05:56:08 PM EST
    there's probably a full spectrum discussion about it here.  I have learned a lot about the law too, and what it isn't, and how fallible it is sometimes.

    Parent
    Short Cubs season this year, huh? (none / 0) (#63)
    by ruffian on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 07:58:32 PM EST
    Sigh.

    Parent
    Sad, very sad Cubs season. (none / 0) (#64)
    by caseyOR on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 08:11:00 PM EST
    And now Darwin Barney, one of the few bright spots in the Cubs line-up, and arguably the best rookie in MLB this season, is out on the 15 day DL. He injured his knee sliding into base in Monday's game.

    Hopefully, Barney will recover fully and rejoin the team at the end of that 15 days. I've been watching him since his days on the Oregon State baseball team. He's a good guy, as well as a good player.

    Parent

    My brother is complaining about the Marlins, (5.00 / 1) (#91)
    by oculus on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 11:30:36 PM EST
    who are way ahead of the Padres.  What's he whining about?

    Parent
    Happy Birthday TL (5.00 / 3) (#67)
    by MO Blue on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 08:22:50 PM EST
    Thanks to Jeralyn for providing the blog and to her and BTD for the thought provoking posts. The best of everything to everyone in the TL community.

    Parent
    Hey, Ruffian, what are you doing (none / 0) (#43)
    by oculus on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 04:35:29 PM EST
    July 5?  

    Parent
    Nothing so far- whatcha got in mind? (none / 0) (#62)
    by ruffian on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 07:56:15 PM EST
    I'm open to persuasion!


    Parent
    kdog and I hope to get tickets to Delacorte (none / 0) (#89)
    by oculus on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 11:26:00 PM EST
    in Central Park for that night.  "All's Well that Ends Well."  Ticket line starts selling at noon. Free.  

    Parent
    Great Blog (5.00 / 1) (#42)
    by AngryBlackGuy on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 04:08:32 PM EST
    Must read (and comment and infuriate here) at least once a day at this point.  Congrats.

    Thanks Jeralyn (5.00 / 6) (#44)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 04:44:33 PM EST
    For the best blooging home anyone could possibly have.

    It's pretty great (5.00 / 2) (#47)
    by sj on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 05:07:08 PM EST
    for "blogging" too.  :)

    I have this image of "blooging" being blogging while dancing.

    Parent

    what great comments (5.00 / 7) (#46)
    by Jeralyn on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 05:06:48 PM EST
    You all have no idea how great they make me feel. And a huge thanks to you BTD, it would be very lonely here without you!

    Congrats (5.00 / 1) (#48)
    by PatHat on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 05:07:11 PM EST
    I concur with most of the previous comments. I've only been here a few years, but I always enjoy the posts and comments. The legal slant of the blog makes it different and extremely interesting.

    Thanks for giving us a place to rant...and rave!

    War Powers Act does too count (5.00 / 1) (#50)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 05:42:50 PM EST
    when it comes to Libya.  Shame on President Obama, you should have had a worthy plan or stayed home.  Either make your case and sell it, or get your arse home.  I'm sick of these Presidents who insist that they don't have checks and balances.

    Can you believe the GOP is pushing (5.00 / 3) (#58)
    by oculus on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 07:14:07 PM EST
    this?  Yeah, I know it's a political ploy, but still.  

    Parent
    Such a sad day when Dennis Kucinich (5.00 / 1) (#92)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 11:35:24 PM EST
    and the GOP show up to a fight on the same side.  I'm very disappointed in the Obama administration's response to this too.  This is a democratic republic, not a dictatorship, you don't get to just wage war whenever you want cuz you are the decider.  They give you some time without having to seek any agreement to address dangers and keep the country safe, after that time is up if you haven't made the case for commitment and gained approval you are done.  We have had enough Presidents use that lag time to do things that don't pertain to the country's immediate safety...I haven't always disagreed either.  Time is up though, if you weren't going to make the case you should have had a good plan of action to work within that time frame at the very least.  Otherwise, you essentially planned from the beginning to take a dictator's stance.

    Parent
    So, do you think Congress should (none / 0) (#93)
    by oculus on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 11:49:50 PM EST
    pull the plug?  

    Parent
    For me, yes, if only (5.00 / 1) (#97)
    by gyrfalcon on Fri Jun 17, 2011 at 02:31:03 AM EST
    to make the point.

    Parent
    Yes, absolutely (5.00 / 1) (#104)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Jun 17, 2011 at 09:45:27 AM EST


    Parent
    Thanks a bunch for a much needed diversion (5.00 / 1) (#53)
    by vicndabx on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 05:51:20 PM EST
    Wishing you many, many more.

    Thank you for offering us (5.00 / 4) (#54)
    by jeffinalabama on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 05:55:33 PM EST
    this haven, Jeralyn.

    Jeff, I sincerely hope (5.00 / 4) (#59)
    by Zorba on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 07:17:43 PM EST
    that you are doing okay.  May the positive forces in the Universe, whatever you call them or whatever your beliefs may be, bestow upon you many good things.  May you have peace, brother.

    Parent
    Zorba said it so well I think I will (5.00 / 2) (#65)
    by MO Blue on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 08:19:32 PM EST
    just repeat it.

    I sincerely hope you are doing O.K.

    May the positive forces in the Universe, whatever you call them or whatever your beliefs may be, bestow upon you many good things.  May you have peace, brother.



    Parent
    I don't (5.00 / 2) (#60)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 07:31:29 PM EST
    know that I can add anything more to what everyone has already said other than I really enjoy this blog. The debates for the most part are about policy, you don't get called names if you disagree with something Obama has done and I think all who post here strive to make things better.

    I found TalkLeft because of BTD. When he had left Kos, I didn't know where he had gone and I really missed a lot of the things he used to post at Kos. I've also learned a lot about the law that I didn't know before.

    Thanks Jeralyn and BTD for such a great blog!

    I'm getting to the party late because I've (5.00 / 1) (#66)
    by andgarden on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 08:20:02 PM EST
    been on the road all day, but happy birthday TL!

    Happy Birthday TL and (5.00 / 1) (#68)
    by desertswine on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 08:27:32 PM EST
    God Bless.

    Talkleft... (5.00 / 1) (#69)
    by Thanin on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 08:27:54 PM EST
    Is one of my main news sources for politics... It's completely relevant!

    happy birthday, TL (5.00 / 1) (#70)
    by The Addams Family on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 08:37:51 PM EST
    you've created a community here

    I'm so glad to know that. (none / 0) (#85)
    by Jeralyn on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 10:04:46 PM EST
    Making TL a place where commenters can talk among themselves comfortably has always been a goal of mine. It also is one of the reasons we try to put up an open thread every day -- so commenters can pick the topics they feel like talking about when they aren't interested in what we're writing about or even if they just want to talk about something we didn't write about.

    I feel like I know so many of you, and I enjoy reading  the varied and interesting points of view you all have. (Except of course for the ones that are pro-prosecution!)  

    Parent

    Oh, Jeralyn, we know you secretly (5.00 / 1) (#90)
    by oculus on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 11:28:35 PM EST
    consider each side of the question!

    Parent
    #1 site on my Chrome most visited (5.00 / 2) (#78)
    by Rupe on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 09:13:54 PM EST
    And the only site I visit without fail once a day.  This site and the coverage during the '08 Primaries was the reason I got a smartphone, so I could follow along at work!  Thank you for providing a forum small enough to be intimate but large enough to be diverse, full of intelligent people with sometimes wildly differing opinions, covering issues I didn't even know I cared about until you made posts about them.  A true one stop shop.  Cheers!

    Happy Happy and a BIG thank you (5.00 / 4) (#81)
    by nycstray on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 09:17:42 PM EST
    from the Dot and me :)

    where else can I read/talk politics, learn about law and discuss milk and exploding tomato jars?

    Happy BD and thanks! (5.00 / 1) (#82)
    by ZtoA on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 09:18:41 PM EST
    I have so very appreciated all your fascinating posts on legal issues. I truly hope you continue TL for decades and then pass the site along to someone else who is relevant, cool, fascinating and important (or sell it for several billion). I think it is actually important to have reasonable continued voices on issues like the war on drugs and prison conditions. I hope you will think of this site as a very long term project.

    I truly think it is and will be historically relevant. It is more relevant than the the medium which is the internet and blogs. Just because 45s went out of fashion did not mean the Rolling Stones did. You have something to say, BTD does and so do commenters and, yes, how it is organized is part of the art of it. But how it (your artwork, TL) is presented is less a part of it, so if styles change in the instruments of communication I hope it does not discourage you. Who knows?.... maybe in 25 years TL will be beamed directly into chips in our brains ...and the voices will be actual voices and not just typed ...and we will actually 'hear' them. Or maybe something else.

    Happy Birthday and Thank You ! (5.00 / 1) (#84)
    by samsguy18 on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 09:34:17 PM EST
    I've learned a lot here. Most of you who post here I've come to admire and respect. You care about the country. I must admit I have no loyalty to any one party . I am an independent.I started visiting about 7yrs ago. It took me two years to post an opinion For the most part the debates here are balanced informed and insiteful. Jeralyn TL is relevant and very important especially now. I appreciate the time and effort you and BTD spend keeping the site current.

    Happy birthday TL (5.00 / 1) (#86)
    by loveed on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 10:17:57 PM EST
    Jeralyn I first became aware of you during the OJ trial. I thought you were very fair. So i kinda followed you.
     I've been reading you almost from the beginning.

    thank you (none / 0) (#117)
    by Jeralyn on Sat Jun 18, 2011 at 02:20:19 AM EST
    I stopped doing TV about 3 years ago....12 years was enough. Plus it's so much easier to blog.  I liked TV best when we were the full hour (like Geraldo's night time show)-- but in later years they swtiched to 5 to 7 minute segments. To go through all that effort (prep for the topic, do the pre-interview with the segment producer, get there an hour early for makeup, and only be on 7 minutes? Half your day/night was gone. It was fun while it lasted though and it is good practice for being a public speaker.


    Parent
    Wimpy stupid democrat (5.00 / 2) (#87)
    by loveed on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 10:23:28 PM EST
    I knew in the end Weiner would resign. He broke no laws. It was between consenting adults.

     And who pushed the hardest, the dems.

    Happy Birthday (5.00 / 2) (#88)
    by cal1942 on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 10:59:42 PM EST
    What a coincidence.

    Today my wife reminded me, it's our 21st wedding anniversary.

    Of course you remembered (none / 0) (#94)
    by sj on Fri Jun 17, 2011 at 12:56:49 AM EST
    It's the number one thing a guy should remember.  I'm sure you called her when you were on the way.  :)

    Parent
    Unfortunately (none / 0) (#111)
    by cal1942 on Fri Jun 17, 2011 at 03:00:16 PM EST
    I can never seem to remember.

    My daughter's birthday is the 17th and I never forget.

    Do I get points for that?

    Parent

    Absolutely (5.00 / 1) (#114)
    by sj on Fri Jun 17, 2011 at 08:45:32 PM EST
    and double points from your daughter.

    Parent
    Blogs saved my sanity (5.00 / 2) (#98)
    by gyrfalcon on Fri Jun 17, 2011 at 02:33:58 AM EST
    in 2000, and TL specifically saved it again in 2007/08.

    Long may you wave.

    Happy Birthday (5.00 / 1) (#106)
    by CST on Fri Jun 17, 2011 at 10:42:06 AM EST
    Everyone's already said it all so well.

    This blog is like crack.  If crack were educational, interesting, filled with nice people, and not trying to kill you.  Or maybe it's like therapy.

    Thanks to everyone here for being such interesting people to talk to.  It truly is an online "community".  And an extra thanks to Jeralyn and BTD for running it all.

    Scary (5.00 / 1) (#107)
    by lilburro on Fri Jun 17, 2011 at 12:01:52 PM EST
    via Krugman, Rortybomb:

    Someone noted that with Goolsbee leaving, all of the big names surrounding economic policy are no longer economists but lawyers and people associated with Wall Street.  And it is also telling that, with the Larry Summers editorial from the weekend, all of the economists you'd recognize who have left the administration are calling for more stimulus, while it is those there now calling for confidence.

    The article being discussed by both is by dday and is here.

    Happy Birthday, and many more ! (5.00 / 2) (#115)
    by noholib on Fri Jun 17, 2011 at 09:00:20 PM EST
    I found this blog sometime during the late Bush years.  For me, it became a real home and haven during the 2008 campaign. Thank you Jeralyn, thank you BTD, and thank you to all who contribute. The high level of the comments as well as the sense of community make this a very special place. I hope Talkleft will be around for a long time to come!

    Starting tonight (none / 0) (#9)
    by Nemi on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 02:03:14 PM EST
    and for the next 134 hours, the Norwegian TV company NRK will be showing a live transmission of a voyage along the Norwegian coast from Bergen to Kirkenes. A couple of years back the same station had quite a success showing live a 7-8 hour train ride through the country.

    Live stream

    And the producers are very proud, that they've already (one of their goals) been promised a spot in the next edition of Guiness World of Records. ;)

    I want to see how it goes around this (5.00 / 1) (#73)
    by ruffian on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 08:54:42 PM EST
    little island.

    OK, I'll stop now. I cant believe I am live blogging a slow boat to Kirkenes.

    Parent

    Lol! (none / 0) (#101)
    by Nemi on Fri Jun 17, 2011 at 07:57:45 AM EST
    Yes, it can be surprisingly addictive. ;)

    Parent
    Watching now - beautiful night sky (none / 0) (#71)
    by ruffian on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 08:44:26 PM EST
    I love this sort of thing. So peaceful.

    Parent
    Or I guess it must be sunrise (none / 0) (#72)
    by ruffian on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 08:47:49 PM EST


    Parent
    Funny, (none / 0) (#14)
    by Lil on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 02:40:33 PM EST
    when I read your post I went to hit "like".
     

    Facebook (none / 0) (#16)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 02:45:16 PM EST
    is pretty technically archaic, still.  Blogs are still plenty relevant.

    Fie Facebook debate (5.00 / 1) (#52)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 05:49:13 PM EST
    If all I have is Facebook I'm in trouble.  One of our friends who is a Republican put up some spiel about how tax cuts would make more jobs.  Just don't, he's a retired soldier who now works a GS job at Officer Candidate School or something.  So I put a comment on there that I love how someone who has nursed at the breast of Big Government their whole career and work history tries to school me on private sector jobs.  Then I got told on. My husband found out how much trouble I am on Facebook.  Fie on having honest debate of anything on Facebook.

    Parent
    Oh I know what you mean (5.00 / 3) (#75)
    by ruffian on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 09:02:51 PM EST
    I have to be very bland politically since my boss is a friend. She actually IS a friend, but not where I am politically. But she owns the company I work for, and I know she expects me to keep things bland in public. I 'like' things and comment on Sirota's stuff, and have other lefty FB friends that I can talk with, but I don't post much political stuff of my own.

    That's one of the many reasons I love TL. I really am not comfortable using my real name online. I don't think I'm ready for a completely online existence.

    Parent

    Yep (5.00 / 2) (#76)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 09:05:19 PM EST
    Definitely not the place for any form of debate.  I went to a "friend"'s Facebook page.  There, I saw a post from one of that person's friends, someone I didn't even know, that so enraged me that I had to unfriend my "friend" so I wouldn't post back.  Yeah, it was a Republican issue.

    My Facebook posts normally consist of Happy Birthday, Congratulations, promoting someone else's performances, musical, artistic, or otherwise, and really silly things like my most recent post where I compared the Alien (from the movie Alien) with a Columbine bloom, and the one where I suggested that we should feel sorry for bugs that get smashed on the wind shield....Might I suggest you stay on the lighter side of this particular social medium too?

    Oh, and I'm signed up as my dog....and since nobody here reads me much anyway, I'll tell you that the name is Darla Teresa Atkinson.  

    But Facebook is as technically back woods as you can get....doesn't even have nesting comments?  Oh the travesty....And the only person who can sell advertising is Zuckerberg?  Nope, blogs aren't in danger of dying anytime soon.  We'll be wishing Talkleft another 5-10 or more happy birthdays, I'm sure.

    Parent

    lol!~ funny thing for me is (5.00 / 2) (#83)
    by nycstray on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 09:27:18 PM EST
    it's more likely my mom is going to get into a FB fight than me :) One of my sister's friends is trying to get her to go all PETA diet wise. My mom tells me and rants a lil' and that's when I find out how close to the edge she is about posting a smack down :D

    Now, I need to create a sign for my house that lets religious solicitors know they should not approach me door. They just interrupted a quite space in time with my dog. And the freakin' church is in Napa, not even my town. Heck, if I want to go all Baptist, I got a church 2 blocks away! {/rant}

    Parent

    Yep, I got into it a little (none / 0) (#80)
    by ruffian on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 09:16:53 PM EST
    with a friend of a friend...which is really silly but I could not let a particularly egregious rightie remark go by.

    I do hate the look of it, but I guess that is what I get for being too lazy to keep up my own page.

    Parent

    happy birthday... (none / 0) (#57)
    by Jlvngstn on Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 06:44:54 PM EST
    Dear Mitt,

    To be so unemployed.

    Signed,

    Larry the Plumber.

    parody only.

    Facebook??? (none / 0) (#103)
    by Chuck0 on Fri Jun 17, 2011 at 09:19:39 AM EST
    What Facebook? Please soldier on. I have no Facebook account, have no interest in Facebook or revealing myself to the world via Facebook.

    Congrats (none / 0) (#105)
    by someTV on Fri Jun 17, 2011 at 10:26:38 AM EST
    and thank you.

    someTV

    Happy Birthday (none / 0) (#118)
    by john horse on Sat Jun 18, 2011 at 07:53:53 AM EST
    and congratulations.

    One of the reasons that ""independent bloggers seem to be fewer and far between these days" is that running a good blog is hard work.  Thanks for providing a community in which people can discuss issues in a civil manner.

    Happy birthday! (none / 0) (#119)
    by Wile ECoyote on Sat Jun 18, 2011 at 09:07:03 AM EST
    to my favorite liberal blog.

    Thursday Open Thread | 118 comments (118 topical)

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