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Friday Afternoon Open Thread

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Blog Related
Posted on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 03:52:32 PM EST
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In court all day. Flying tonight. Tomorrow morning at 10 am EST is our Daily Kos Radio debut on Sirius XM Channel 127. You can get a 30 day free trial online subscription. Hope you can join us. Open Thread.

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    Friday Afternoon Open Thread | 63 comments (63 topical)

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    Good luck on the show (5.00 / 1) (#6)
    by pluege2 on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 05:30:06 PM EST
    in an otherwise bleak period of an intellectually discouraging society fomenting an ever deepening  cesspool of Social Darwinism and abject inanity...

    more BTD is a good thing.

    I'll be listening in spirit if (5.00 / 1) (#8)
    by jeffinalabama on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 05:50:51 PM EST
    my hangover's as bad as I think it will be.

    Parent
    There is some humor there (5.00 / 1) (#7)
    by CoralGables on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 05:35:16 PM EST
    in that I'm on the east coast and I find 10:00 a.m. EDT a bit early for me, but 4:00 a.m. a touch more to my liking.

    Conservatice economist (5.00 / 1) (#10)
    by Warren Terrer on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 06:06:58 PM EST
    admits stimulus works!

    Bad news from the doctor today at (5.00 / 6) (#11)
    by jeffinalabama on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 06:14:49 PM EST
    4:30 p.m. I'll have to call him back tomorrow... he's on call this weekend, thank goodness, but after "malignant...aggressive...every sector of prostate... lymph nodes... bone scan and CT as soon as possible, maybe Monday" my brain sort of stopped.

    You can tell it's a bad day when you buy a 12-pack of your favorite, and the first mouthful tastes like carbonated soap.

    Pulling for you Jeff! (5.00 / 7) (#12)
    by andgarden on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 06:17:42 PM EST


    Parent
    Best of luck (none / 0) (#28)
    by easilydistracted on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 07:55:09 PM EST
    pay no mind to the "1" rating. I hit the wrong darn key, just as the screen refreshed. My bad

    Parent
    no problem. (none / 0) (#29)
    by jeffinalabama on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 07:58:36 PM EST
    As I'm finding, lots of things happen over which we have little control!

    Parent
    Especially as we age..... (none / 0) (#31)
    by easilydistracted on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 08:13:29 PM EST


    Parent
    Oh...I almost forgot... (none / 0) (#33)
    by easilydistracted on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 08:16:36 PM EST
    and like living under the shadow of Rick Perry.

    Parent
    So sorry (5.00 / 5) (#14)
    by Towanda on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 06:24:15 PM EST
    and empathizing from across the country.  Your path has been the same as that of my children's dad, who had a new lease on life after a long, hard year of chemo, radiation, massive surgery, etc. -- and then came the most recent checkup.  And then more tests.  And then more surgery a couple of days ago.  And then the results today.

    But heck, as I told the kids -- and as they told him, for the first smile on his face for a while -- he now is cancer-free again! And you will be soon, too.  And taking it all a day at a time, because that's all that any and all of us can do.

    Parent

    Peace, my man (5.00 / 4) (#15)
    by Dadler on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 06:27:49 PM EST
    Enjoy whatever you feel like enjoying, laugh your ass off if you can manage it, and I'll be saying my atheist prayers and meditations for you.  All in, baby.

    Parent
    Dadler, I'm watching one of the few (none / 0) (#17)
    by jeffinalabama on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 06:37:52 PM EST
    recorded performances of Robin Harris right now. I'll be watching other comics tonight, but probably not the white, silly, Steven Wright-types.

    Wish I had some old Alan King, other than Youtube.  Check out his routine "Survived by..."

    Parent

    Robin Harris was brilliant (5.00 / 1) (#21)
    by Dadler on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 07:06:06 PM EST
    Never forget him in DO THE RIGHT THING:

    "F*ck Mike Tyson!  He ever dream of kicking my ass, he better wake up and apoligize." (LINK)

    I remember Alan King doing survived by on The Tonight Show with Carson.  Classic.

    Parent

    Thatne deserves a 50. (5.00 / 1) (#22)
    by jeffinalabama on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 07:12:15 PM EST
    Robin Harris would be ranked with Prior, Foxx, and Murphy (and I don't mean Jamie Foxx, although he's getting there) had he lived.

    Parent
    "People as my why (5.00 / 1) (#24)
    by jeffinalabama on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 07:13:27 PM EST
    I wear my wedding ring on the wrong finger. 'Cause I married the wrong woman."

    Parent
    Try these comedy clips (none / 0) (#26)
    by Dadler on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 07:33:45 PM EST
    Sam Kinison's First appearance on Letterman -- not great video, but audio is fine (LINK)

    Cloris Leachman roasts Bob Saget. (LINK)


    Parent

    Oh, I am (5.00 / 1) (#16)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 06:30:00 PM EST
    so sorry, so very sorry that you didn't get good news. This is really upsetting to me so I can't say anymore right now. Take care.

    Parent
    Folks, I'm one tough old bird... (5.00 / 4) (#18)
    by jeffinalabama on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 06:56:37 PM EST
    so we'll just have to see.

    I said it before.

    The Simbas couln't kill me.
    The Sandinistas couldn't kill me.
    The Panamanian Defence Force couldn't kill me.
    The Iraqui Republican Guards couldn't kill me.
    Pablo Escobar and his sicarios couldn't kill me.

    Nor grad school, divorce, or making an 8 year old learn three years of math in two weeks... my current project.

    The good die young.  I'm a baaaaaaad man!!!! to quote Muhammed Ali!

    Parent

    I don't know what to say, (5.00 / 2) (#20)
    by caseyOR on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 07:04:35 PM EST
    except I am so sorry to hear this.

    You do seem rather resilient, though. So, I am, for now, betting on aggressive treatment and your stubborn refusal to let anyone or anything defeat you.

    As always, anything I or the pirate crew can do, just say the word.

    Parent

    Be stubborn; you are (5.00 / 1) (#36)
    by the capstan on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 09:36:46 PM EST
    stronger than the doctor knows.

    Parent
    Tough day, Jeff. Laughter is (none / 0) (#25)
    by oldpro on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 07:31:03 PM EST
    definitely the best medicine, so glad to see you taking yours.  Have you stocked up on hilarious movies?  Let me recommend Raising Arizona, even the second or third time...

    Parent
    Smiling, here, oldpro... (none / 0) (#27)
    by jeffinalabama on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 07:34:39 PM EST
    one of my favorites. Love the tattoos, and the 20 minute intro with "away out there" getting played!

    Parent
    Smilig here, too....xoxoxox (none / 0) (#40)
    by oldpro on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 10:33:58 PM EST


    Parent
    Hang in there Jeff... (none / 0) (#39)
    by desertswine on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 10:11:17 PM EST
    this'll all work out, you'll see.

    Parent
    saying my manner of prayers for you Jeff (5.00 / 2) (#19)
    by The Addams Family on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 06:58:08 PM EST


    Parent
    It sucks (5.00 / 2) (#23)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 07:12:52 PM EST
    But I know with confidence that you have a POWERFUL will.  That cancer didn't know what it was getting itself into when it took on a fight with you....

    Wish you the very best.

    Parent

    Keep your head up (5.00 / 3) (#30)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 08:04:56 PM EST
    you can beat this!

    Parent
    This just sucks, jeff...it freaking sucks. (5.00 / 3) (#32)
    by Anne on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 08:13:58 PM EST
    And for what it's worth, I'm really sick of good people getting clotheslined by cancer - not that I would wish it on anyone, but geez - you'd think there'd be some points, karma, mojo, whatever, out there in the universe for the good guys.

    Well, we all know your plan is to live - and thank goodness for that; with all you've faced down up to this point, now is no time to go with a different plan.

    So, until you can talk to the doc, and set up the next set of things to do, here's my suggestion for getting through:

    (1) take a long, hot shower; there's not much a hot shower doesn't make feel better, and if all that water washing over you helps you let go and cry - even better.  Cry out the pain and the fear, and let it wash down the drain - that's the best place for it.

    (2) comfort food.  I know you're looking to lose a lot of weight (and by the way, can I tell you that you inspired me to try that 3-day awful diet - I need to drop some weight and am looking at it as a jump start to get back on Weight Watchers - and yes, I did lose some weight, but honestly - if I ever actually have to eat cat food, it can't be worse than eating a cup of plain tuna with nothing but salt and pepper.  I nearly choked on the stuff), but - eat something that makes you feel good.  Whatever it is - ribs, fresh corn on the cob, peach cobbler, a hot fudge sundae, a tomato sandwich dripping with juice and mayo (Duke's mayo, of course) and salt. Feed your soul.

    (3) Music - you're already doing this.

    (4) Laughter - ditto.

    (5) Help someone else - it doesn't have to be something big, it just has to be something that takes you away from the darkness.

    (6) Love yourself.  Listen to your heart.  

    (7) Don't be afraid to reach out - and know that we are all here for you, for whatever you need.

    [If any of this sounds like a Stuart Smalley seminar, I apologize...!]

    Parent

    All, thanks for the messages. (5.00 / 1) (#34)
    by jeffinalabama on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 08:28:31 PM EST
    Jim, keep a seat for me warm there in Tunica, I will need it.

    Anne, I'll buy a jar of Duke's tomorrow! Also, I'm listening to The Dead Kennedys, The Clash, and The Osbourne Brothers and Rickey Skaggs.  It fits, believe me.

    I hope one thing. Not for me. Let Obama and minions declare the AFPAK theatre an Allied Expeditionary Force. Let the folks on the ground write the rules of engagement. I.Don't.Care. if some village gets woken up.

    Since the ROE remain classified, I hope for brigade-level and division level Time on Target, Battalion 6, when soldiers go forward. Asymmetrical means they hit us with an RPG, and we drop 16,000 lbs of hot steel bursting 20 meters above their heads.  

    I don't even mention rotary or fast-movers. LEt's go all asymmetrical. Brute force and ignorance often serves better than nuance.

    Just my .02.

    Parent

    BTW, I'm sure you won't (5.00 / 2) (#37)
    by andgarden on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 09:39:05 PM EST
    but just the same I might as well mention that you shouldn't be afraid to ask your Doc for drugs. And not the wimpy stuff either. Uppers or downers.

    It's your life.

    Parent

    Got that seat locked up and waiting! (5.00 / 1) (#57)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sat Aug 13, 2011 at 09:58:53 AM EST


    Parent
    I can really sympathize with you (5.00 / 2) (#41)
    by suzieg on Sat Aug 13, 2011 at 12:15:08 AM EST
    My husband found out on July 27 that he has kidney failure caused by multiple myeloma. It's all very scary!

    Parent
    So sorry, Suzi...don't be afraid (5.00 / 2) (#44)
    by oldpro on Sat Aug 13, 2011 at 01:18:38 AM EST
    to ask family and friends for help and/or accept it when it's offered.  Trust me, as chief caregiver, you'll need it.  Take time out to keep yourself healthy, for yorself as well as others.

    Do you have children?

    Parent

    I have stepchildren (5.00 / 1) (#59)
    by suzieg on Sat Aug 13, 2011 at 12:34:19 PM EST
    but both live in Canada.

    The best thing we ever did was moved to Austin - we've been embraced, from day one, by all these young people living in the building.

    Our door has always been open to them to come and go as they pleased and I cook supper for at least one every night so yes, I guess we have quasi  adopted children.

    They've been extremely helpful during the 11 days he spent in the hospital and are now driving us to and fro to all his medical exams and chemo treatments and will be driving us to Houston (MD Anderson) where we're hoping they'll accept him for a stem cell transplant regardless of his kidney failure. We're waiting for an answer from their committee.

    Thank you so very much for all your good words of encouragement, I cannot find the words to express how grateful I am for them!

    Parent

    A friend underwent the (5.00 / 1) (#61)
    by MO Blue on Sat Aug 13, 2011 at 12:59:45 PM EST
    procedure for a stem cell transplant. To say that it was not a pleasant 3 weeks would be an understatement but it was successful and she is now in remission. So it was well worth the effort for her.

    Good luck with the committee decision.

    Parent

    Delighted to hear that (5.00 / 1) (#63)
    by oldpro on Sat Aug 13, 2011 at 01:47:08 PM EST
    your young neighbors have helped with transport to and from medical appointments and treatment.  Until I had the need myself, I had no idea what a huge issue that could be.

    A close friend took over scheduling without being asked and eventually signed up 43 people who took turns driving...even to this day, 12 months later!  They never would take money for gas so I decided the only fair thing to do was feed them on that day.  Depending on the time of appointment and how I'm feeling (and the driver's personal schedule) I take them to lunch or dinner.  

    It's been wonderful, catching up with old friends and acquaintenances, breaking bread together and chatting during the drive, over and back.  Distracting me, of course, but also feeding me in so many ways, socially and emotionally.  And physically!  I need to eat a decent meal every day and as a widow my cooking skills have long ago vanished so eating out is a necessity.  Knowing that, 3 of my neighbors have also taken to leaving meals or leftovers at my front door with just a knock or an email alert.  Fabulous cooks...variety and spontaneity!  Gives me a life every time...

    Thanking my lucky stars for such kind friends and neighbors.  So glad you have found the same.

    Parent

    I'm glad that you have people nearby (5.00 / 1) (#64)
    by caseyOR on Sat Aug 13, 2011 at 01:47:20 PM EST
    to lean on, suzieg. And so very sorry that you and your husband are going through this.

    Parent
    I'm so sorry to hear this (5.00 / 1) (#47)
    by sj on Sat Aug 13, 2011 at 02:42:59 AM EST
    It IS so scary.  

    Parent
    So sorry (5.00 / 1) (#50)
    by MO Blue on Sat Aug 13, 2011 at 07:38:16 AM EST
    It is a scary time. Treatment has come a long way for multiple myeloma in the last couple of years so hang in there.  

    Take oldpro's advise and get all the support that you can for both you and your husband.

    Please remember that you cannot take care of anyone else if you forget to take care of yourself.

    Parent

    Suzie - I'm so sorry to hear this... (5.00 / 1) (#53)
    by Anne on Sat Aug 13, 2011 at 09:08:32 AM EST
    I hope the docs are able to alleviate - or reverse - this problem as soon as possible; it's just so frustrating - and demoralizing - to have to keep gearing yourself for hurdle after hurdle, so please - both of you - do whatever you can to keep yourselves energized for the fight.

    From my own experience with friends and family who have, or had, cancer, we quickly learn that "one day at a time" is about all we have any control over, and the choices we make about how we live in that day are more important than ever.

    Sending you a hug, good thoughts and a prayer.

    Parent

    Ugh (none / 0) (#42)
    by lilburro on Sat Aug 13, 2011 at 01:08:41 AM EST
    My thoughts are with you and your husband too suzie.

    Parent
    Jeff, a wise man ... (5.00 / 1) (#45)
    by Robot Porter on Sat Aug 13, 2011 at 01:25:20 AM EST
    once said to me:  "The chance that you'd be born was infinitesimal.  After winning that lottery, everything else is short odds."

    You can beat this thing.  If the group who survives it is very small, you can be part of that group.  If no one has, you can be the first one.

    Good luck!
     

    Parent

    Oh, my dear (5.00 / 1) (#46)
    by sj on Sat Aug 13, 2011 at 02:42:29 AM EST
    There is so much good advice here, there is no need to add my two cents worth, so I'll just add my support.  I know that you'll do the very best that you can -- and you're such a hardy soul, and you know how to feed that soul -- so your best will be mighty good.

    Parent
    I found these great books in (5.00 / 2) (#62)
    by suzieg on Sat Aug 13, 2011 at 01:05:38 PM EST
    the oncologist office done by:

    www.cancersupportcommunity.org - they've helped me more than anything else.

    I was so relieved to find the one titled: "Coping with the Cost of Care" which, along with other great information, will give you lists of names of organizations who pay for all inclusive travel expenses to the best Cancer Treatment Centers such as MD Anderson.

    If I can be of any help, while I'm researching my husband's best treatment options, I'll be more than happy to look also for what is being done for Prostate Cancer.

    Parent

    Jeff...oh Jeff...I'm sorry (none / 0) (#13)
    by christinep on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 06:21:30 PM EST
    Okay...when the numb brain unnumbs, get thee to that doctor & the whole scan on Monday. Please take someone with you, if possible.

    My wordy self ain't so wordy here. Just prayer thoughts for you. (And, fighting thoughts too.)

    Parent

    Oh jeez, Jeff! (none / 0) (#35)
    by shoephone on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 09:16:04 PM EST
    Reaching my arms out across the cyber universe to give you the biggest hug possible.

    I know how you love classic jazz, so here's something that may make you feel a little better and brighter in the dark hours until Monday...

    Cannonball and Coltrane

    You can download all the tunes (except for one) in MP3 format for .99 apiece.

    In fact, I think I'm going to go listen to my CD of it right now, and send you another hug. And then one more after that.

    Parent

    I second that (none / 0) (#38)
    by lilburro on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 09:56:55 PM EST
    a big hug from North Carolina for you Jeff.  I'll be thinking of you and hoping for the best.  Whatever happens, kick its @ss!

    Parent
    Sorry that the news was not better (none / 0) (#49)
    by MO Blue on Sat Aug 13, 2011 at 07:30:03 AM EST
    Hopefully this will be the end of the negative new and it is all up hill from here on out.

    Parent
    Specialized treatment center (none / 0) (#55)
    by the capstan on Sat Aug 13, 2011 at 09:35:24 AM EST
    Jeff, research and advice is called for on where to get treatment--or rather what facility should direct your treatment at home.  My niece had a brain tumor and because she lived near DC, her family chose treatment at Johns Hopkins and NIH (at NIH treatment for life can be free sometimes).  Short story was short life; the family bypassed the brain research centers until the very end, when the cancer had taken over her brain.

    Maybe there is not a specialized center for prostate cancer--but places like M. D. Anderson in TX and Sloan-Kettering in NY often have trials going,  (You may not want a trial because of possibly not getting the most advanced treatment.)

    Parent

    Sending good vibes your way, Jeff. (none / 0) (#60)
    by byteb on Sat Aug 13, 2011 at 12:40:01 PM EST
    Hang on tight and keep fighting.

    Parent
    Dear Jeff and Suzie...I am so sorry (5.00 / 2) (#51)
    by samsguy18 on Sat Aug 13, 2011 at 08:53:41 AM EST
    You both are having rotten troubles. Over the years I have learned the patients who have the better outcomes are those who as patients are  involved and invested in their care and treatment. Never let any question you have go unanswered...educate yourself about treatments and those who will be advising and taking care of you....Thinking of you both.

    Thinking of you Jeff (5.00 / 1) (#52)
    by oculus on Sat Aug 13, 2011 at 09:05:12 AM EST
    So much, in fact, I am thinking of buying a beer to drink as I enjoy this sunny, beautiful day.

    Fair Winds! (none / 0) (#1)
    by Gerald USN Ret on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 04:07:37 PM EST
    Fair seas!

    any way to retrieve these DK (none / 0) (#3)
    by oculus on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 04:43:50 PM EST
    broadcasts after the fact?  Hope so. I did hear a man of avout 65 utter the word "Republican" tonight. I flinched but did not debrief him.

    Hope you'll read the 11th Circuit opinion (none / 0) (#4)
    by andgarden on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 04:46:30 PM EST
    before you go on. If not for vanity, my hair would be sitting in a pile on the floor after just a skim.

    Break a Leg! (none / 0) (#5)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 05:14:06 PM EST
    Is it a call-in show? Can people call in and ask you questions?

    Judge Perry is a small petty man (none / 0) (#9)
    by loveed on Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 05:54:27 PM EST
    The state lost, get over it.

    I know some don't like TINS (none / 0) (#43)
    by lilburro on Sat Aug 13, 2011 at 01:10:22 AM EST
    but I thought this was a great example of what clear eyed progressive activism can do.

    That is good reading; thanks. (5.00 / 1) (#48)
    by Towanda on Sat Aug 13, 2011 at 06:28:29 AM EST
    And I hope that we hear more from these senior citizens of Iowa, mad as h*ll and not taking it anymore.

    Parent
    Beautuful and sunny and (none / 0) (#54)
    by oculus on Sat Aug 13, 2011 at 09:33:58 AM EST
    Shirtseelve weather today in Alesund, which was destroyed by fire in 1904 and rebuilt in the Ars Nouveau style. Lots of facades maintained --by law.

    Tonight:  Roger Moore in conversation. "Shaken or Stirred.". Hmmmmm.

    Hear anything about the recent tragedy there? (none / 0) (#56)
    by Dadler on Sat Aug 13, 2011 at 09:58:33 AM EST
    But you'd probably have to speak Norweigian, obviously, to really get the scoop.

    Parent
    Did hear today about (none / 0) (#58)
    by oculus on Sat Aug 13, 2011 at 10:08:53 AM EST
    the mass murder in Norway. Victims from throughout the country, two from Alesund area, where we are right now. Guide, a retired man from the area, sd. he was proud to see all the homes flying thé Norwegian flag. Much too rainy to do so 'til now.  

    Friday Afternoon Open Thread | 63 comments (63 topical)

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