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Wednesday Morning Open Thread

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Blog Related
Posted on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 12:03:47 PM EST
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It's afternoon in New York, but still morning in Denver.

Ed Kilgore, who's been killing it at Political Animal, on pearl clutching.

Open Thread.

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    Wednesday Morning Open Thread | 53 comments (53 topical)

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    Kilgore really does nail it (5.00 / 2) (#2)
    by ruffian on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 12:40:00 PM EST
    So at some point, you simply have to start challenging the lies, and trying to establish some common basis of facts on which liberals and conservatives can compete with their different opinions of what to do about those facts. If you don't, then the lies become "opinions" and the lie-based "opinions" become facts (e.g., the non-existence of climate change) for vast numbers of people, and before you know it, you are having to argue with people over things like the religion of the president of the United States or his place of birth--even as David Graham chastises you for feeding the lies by mentioning them.

    I totally agree. By challenge the lies, I don't mean fighting fire with fire in an equally obnoxious way. I mean just calling out the lies and correcting them, repeatedly. Ignoring them does not make them go away.

    Where Do You Begin ? (5.00 / 1) (#8)
    by ScottW714 on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 01:30:44 PM EST
    Obama's birth country is established fact, but it will never be enough, never.

    Never mind that the rights ruling class lives on lies.  For example, climate change.  Do you really think that by calling out the lie, which I am positive has been done again, and again, and again, it's going to actually be believed.  It hasn't worked so far, not sure how anyone thinks this will change.

    How long did it take to dispel the myth that Obama wanted to kill grandma.  So absurd a lie, that only a complete moron would believe it.  These are people who had no insurance, who are poor, yet hell bent against health care.

    They have an TV Network dedicated to seminating lies, they don't want the lies to stop, ever.

    For anyone to think they can change that, well they should join the Obama's Kumbaya Klub where we all get along and tell the truth for the sake of humanity and for the Nation.

    The rest of us will continue to deal with reality.

    Parent

    I think you just have to keep (5.00 / 1) (#18)
    by ruffian on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 01:49:35 PM EST
    telling the truth. What else, give up and never challenge them? That doesn't work. Or go to the extreme on the other side and come up with our own distortions?

    It will take a long time for it to work, but I don't see what else to do.

    Parent

    I think people trying to tell the truth (5.00 / 2) (#20)
    by ruffian on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 01:56:48 PM EST
    just get tired and exasperated after a while trying to correct the misinformation, especially when people seem hell bent on not really wanting to know the truth. It is a big problem. Back when I used to watch MSNBC I used to see it all the time - the people that were supposed to be the liberals on the panel just looking tired and shaking their heads instead of saying anything to refute the lies.

    It it s problem.

    Parent

    Agreed... (5.00 / 1) (#23)
    by ScottW714 on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 02:01:22 PM EST
     ...but that's exactly what has been going on.  Big debate, they lie, and we spend all our energies trying, usually in vain, to correct the obscene lie, that they win the debate.

    And although I disagree with Obama's deal making plans, he's at least stepped across the line in good faith and all it's got him is screwed, or rather us, screwed.

    Just don't see what the change is, business as usual IMO.

    Parent

    I'm not at all talking about what Obama (none / 0) (#40)
    by ruffian on Thu Mar 15, 2012 at 07:05:19 AM EST
    is doing to 'reach out', Just the opposite. He should be calling them liars every time he opens his mouth, as far as I am concerned, instead of being so tolerant and hoping they will go away.

    Parent
    Goldman Banker Quits In Disgust (5.00 / 1) (#6)
    by Babel 17 on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 01:10:59 PM EST
    http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/power-players-abc-news/sh-t-politicians-103300187.html

    "Another PR disaster is unfolding for Goldman Sachs (GS), the Wall Street investment bank that has already borne the brunt of popular wrath in the aftermath of the financial crisis.

    A senior executive at the firm, Greg Smith, quit today in spectacular fashion, announcing his resignation in a scathing New York Times editorial in which he accused the firm of gleefully "ripping off" its clients and succumbing to short-term greed.

    Within today's Goldman Sachs, Smith says, senior bankers often refer to the firm's clients as "muppets.""

    I couldn't shake the feeling that it was a video from The Onion News.

    just read that (none / 0) (#7)
    by CST on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 01:13:30 PM EST
    It sure was something.  My initial reaction is this may be effective at scaring away clients in the very least.  It certainly seems aimed at them despite the fact that he says he wants the company to change - it's pretty clear that he's trying to force the outcome he is predicting.

    Not that there's anything wrong with that.

    Parent

    Unless of Course... (5.00 / 1) (#11)
    by ScottW714 on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 01:33:12 PM EST
    ...he's betting against them.

    Parent
    Rush says he's not anti-woman (5.00 / 1) (#31)
    by Yman on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 03:23:59 PM EST
    Referring to "NAGS" (his name for National Organization for Women - "National Association of Gals" in Rush-speak), he asks, "How can I be anti-woman? I even judged the Miss America Pageant!"

    He's not joking.

    No more college hoopes for Dadler (none / 0) (#1)
    by Dadler on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 12:32:34 PM EST
    USF's season came to an end last night on the hilltop, where a far more athletic and deep Wazoo team beat the Dons 89-75.  The most telling stat: USF's bench line, which was less a line and more like a barely visible dash, to the tune of 0 points and 1 rebound.  That's your entire bench, all night.  Unless you're starting the Trotters against the Generals, 9 times outta ten, you're gonna lose with that line from your subs.  We were missing a starter to injury, which put us in the hole from the go.  All in all, a good season, ready to watch the best thursday and friday of b-ball all year.  Go Aztecs.

    And remember to visit Dadler's story blog, THE ABNORMAL WIDTH OF NORMAL HEIGHTS. (link)  Have some new short fiction posted.  Give a read, leave a comment, pour a glass of wine.  Peace, my friends.

    Wednesday (none / 0) (#3)
    by CoralGables on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 12:41:07 PM EST
    and Trudeau brings Rick Perry into the mix.

    and transvaginal hits the funny pages for the first time in history

    A transformer (none / 0) (#4)
    by CST on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 12:44:00 PM EST
    caught fire in the back bay last night.  12,000 people still don't have power, and a lot of the traffic lights are out in a very busy area.  Luckily no one was injured so far.  But the air was thick with toxic black smoke for a while so who knows.  Yay.

    "At its worse, more than 20,000 residential and business power customers lost electricity across a broad swath of central Boston, including parts of the Back Bay, South End, Chinatown, the Theater District, and Kenmore Square."

    the firm I work for has an office in the (none / 0) (#15)
    by Anne on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 01:44:51 PM EST
    Back Bay, and it is still out of commission - no one's even being allowed in the building, apparently.

    It seems to have thrown a wrench into a settlement that was to take place today; no word when they can expect to be back in business.

    Sounds like a real mess, but from what I gather, has been handled about as well as can be expected; that it happened after 5:00 probably meant way fewer people to deal with in offices - maybe timing is everything, huh?

    I don't know what the weather's like there today, but if it's anything like it is here in Maryland, I don't think I'd mind too much having an unexpected and "free" day off!

    Parent

    yea the whole area is still out (none / 0) (#22)
    by CST on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 01:59:14 PM EST
    but I agree that it was handled as well as you can hope for at this point.  There were fewer people in offices but that is also a big dinner/hotel area, so there were plenty of other people out and about.  I was actually at a friend's house in the area, and driving home was a bit terrifying since they didn't have cops at all the intersections and you basically had to just go for it and pray, at least people were being careful.

    The weather was gorgeous yesterday but pretty glum today.  Still, I'm sure most people who stayed home aren't complaining too much.

    The only real concerns now are getting the power back on and any auxillary effects from this.  Luckily no one was injured, and there have been no reports of looting/vandalism/etc...

    Parent

    Newest scandal at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (none / 0) (#5)
    by shoephone on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 01:10:55 PM EST
    Lt. Colonel Robert Underwood: a case study in mental illness.
    This soldier not only had severe PTSD -- which was ignored -- but honestly, considering the mental trauma he experienced as a child, he never should been allowed into the military in the first place.

    Kinicks coach (none / 0) (#9)
    by CoralGables on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 01:32:37 PM EST
    Mike D'Antoni resigns today

    Wow (none / 0) (#10)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 01:33:05 PM EST


    Parent
    Happy pi day (none / 0) (#12)
    by CST on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 01:34:11 PM EST
    to all math nerds.

    What is the proper way (5.00 / 1) (#14)
    by CoralGables on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 01:38:19 PM EST
    to celebrate national pi day? Eat 3.14 slices of pie?

    Parent
    you're aiming too low (5.00 / 2) (#16)
    by CST on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 01:44:55 PM EST
    why not 3.14 whole pies?

    I dunno, back when I was in college they would chalk the sidewalks with pi to the whatever digit.

    Parent

    I Wear My PIE T Shirt... (5.00 / 2) (#29)
    by ScottW714 on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 02:31:01 PM EST
    ...after work.

    It reads " I (heart symbol) (PIE symbol)"

    Can't find mine, but here are a bunch of cool ones.

    Factoid, 3.14 mirrored is PI.E

    PIE ARE SQUARED

    Parent

    all your squared pie (5.00 / 1) (#30)
    by The Addams Family on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 03:10:35 PM EST
    are belong to me - nom

    Parent
    Let the joyous news be spread... (none / 0) (#13)
    by kdog on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 01:36:06 PM EST
    Mike D'Antoni, or Damn-toni as we have come to call him in my living room...resigned as Knicks coach.

    Wonder if the Melo & Chandler for Howard & Turkoglu trade rumors had anything to do with it...such as D'Antoni making a "make this trade or I quit" ultimatum.

    Melo is the problem (none / 0) (#17)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 01:45:18 PM EST


    Parent
    I didn't wanna hear it... (none / 0) (#19)
    by kdog on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 01:52:28 PM EST
    but I'm coming around to that school of thought.

    D'Antoni had to go regardless...8 seconds or less may be fun to watch when run correctly with the right players, but it ain't ever gonna win sh*t in the NBA.

    Dolan is everything I ever said he was if he didn't at least call Orlando...that was our out with Melo.  How could Orlando say no to that deal?  Howard is leaving, the only question is if they get something for him.

    Parent

    Very fun reading this comment. (none / 0) (#21)
    by oculus on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 01:57:44 PM EST
    Wonder what it means?

    Parent
    I understood all of it (5.00 / 1) (#27)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 02:10:42 PM EST


    Parent
    Melo and Chandler (none / 0) (#24)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 02:02:10 PM EST
    for Howard and Hedo.

    Do it.

    Parent

    Seriously... (none / 0) (#26)
    by kdog on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 02:10:33 PM EST
    but knowing Jimmy "Silver Spoon" Dolan, he hasn't been able to get in touch with Isiah to run it by him first.  

    Parent
    How long have I been saying this??? (none / 0) (#25)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 02:07:14 PM EST
    Or in other words, told you so!

    Parent
    You was right bro.... (none / 0) (#28)
    by kdog on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 02:18:55 PM EST
    you and George Karl.

    I'd trade Melo for Gallo straight up right now...but the Nuggets would hang up the phone;)

    Parent

    Oculus... (none / 0) (#32)
    by kdog on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 05:16:22 PM EST
    Didn't wanna go OT on the Blago thread...the SEDC sentence seems appropriate.  It's a city funded "development corporation" after all, in NYC a skim would be assumed;)

    Ya certainly don't need to be paying for them to sit in a cage...insult to injury.

    I think they got probation and (none / 0) (#33)
    by oculus on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 06:04:28 PM EST
    very unonerous restitution sched b/c one of the defendants is the daughter of a prominent AA leader in SD.  

    Parent
    Could be... (none / 0) (#34)
    by kdog on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 06:13:06 PM EST
    I'd imagine ya need connections to score the SEDC gig at 150k a year, pre-skim.   Ain't what ya know kid...;)

    I hope San Diego got some affordable housing or a park or something outta the deal at least.

    Parent

    HBO ceases production on LUCK... (none / 0) (#35)
    by Dadler on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 06:24:37 PM EST
    ...due to three horse deaths. (LINK)

    Augh!!! (none / 0) (#38)
    by lilburro on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 08:11:26 PM EST
    I just read about this.  Why does this happen to every David Milch show??  Why???  Not to take away from the deaths of the horses, but I just can't take anything HBO says at face value.

    Parent
    Just heard it too. I am so sad (none / 0) (#41)
    by ruffian on Thu Mar 15, 2012 at 07:08:03 AM EST
    If it is unsafe for the horses, then by all means it should be shut down. But like you I am suspicious...Milch has such a history with HBO, I wonder if something else is going on.

    Too bad because it is such a good show. I was really enjoying it.

    Parent

    F*ckin' PETA... (none / 0) (#42)
    by kdog on Thu Mar 15, 2012 at 08:26:15 AM EST
    going overboard yet again.  Lunatic fringe outfit that hates horse racing period. Squeaky wheel got their grease.

    I find it hard to believe a huge corporation with as much to lose as HBO would be lax with the equine safety standards, especially while filming at Santa Anita.  I'd bet the horsemanship on set was sound.  Unfortunately, horses get injured under the best of conditions.  Such as the latest regrettable incident where a horse reared up while being led in the stable area and fell on its head.  Coulda happened at any stable.

    Parent

    My hunch (5.00 / 1) (#44)
    by Dadler on Thu Mar 15, 2012 at 10:49:50 AM EST
    ...is that they discovered it is next to impossible to film a weekly show that requires putting animals (and humans, for that matter) in danger every day.  Also, the horses have owners, whom, I'm sure, aren't shy about suing for negligence.  With three already, they probably just cut their losses since, and this is the real factor probably, up to this point the show has been a ratings, and thus financial, failure.

    Parent
    Could be... (none / 0) (#45)
    by kdog on Thu Mar 15, 2012 at 11:05:37 AM EST
    there out on a show they regretted renewing for a second season.

    PETA has a lot of friends in Hollywood though...

    Parent

    I know (none / 0) (#46)
    by Dadler on Thu Mar 15, 2012 at 12:07:11 PM EST
    Honestly though, IMO, 3 horses dead in one season, that's worse than almost any track in America for any season.  Something was wrong with whatever they were dong.  

    Parent
    doing (5.00 / 1) (#47)
    by Dadler on Thu Mar 15, 2012 at 12:07:37 PM EST
    dong, lol

    Parent
    Third horse... (5.00 / 1) (#48)
    by kdog on Thu Mar 15, 2012 at 12:39:21 PM EST
    was season two...but still alarming.  First two in simulated racing, the last a freakish accident.

    Horses seem to be breaking down more frequently across the country...been a really bad meet at Aqueduct, they've lost 16 horses in this winter meet.  National average is 2 per 1000 starters.  Jockeys and others say the Aqueduct inner dirt track is in great shape, nobody can figure it out.  Today's paper says Cuomo is ordering an independent investigation of some sort.

    My theory is weakened bloodlines and drugs as the major factors for more breakdowns.  Back in the day horses ran a lot more races, and raced more often, yet broke down far less.

    For all their speed and strength, horses are very frail animals.  

    Parent

    I'm wondering how many takes Milch (none / 0) (#49)
    by ruffian on Thu Mar 15, 2012 at 01:44:17 PM EST
    uses to get those fantastic racing sequences. Is one day of filming the equivalent of 2 races, for example? Maybe the whole production environment was harder on the horses than anyone expected.

    Just sorry it did not work out. The article said PETA was going after Dustin Hoffman. That could not have been comfortable for him.

    The show would not have been nearly as good with stock racing footage, and I'm sure Milch insisted on not doing that. The horses are the soul of the show, in every way.

    Parent

    Yes they are... (none / 0) (#50)
    by kdog on Thu Mar 15, 2012 at 01:55:19 PM EST
    some of the best cinematography  I've ever seen on the small screen...it makes the show.

    But I'm digging so many characters I kinda wish they would continue without the simulated live racing scenes, at least to finish the second season.  I'm hooked!

    Parent

    I had a friend who was a trainer (none / 0) (#51)
    by jondee on Thu Mar 15, 2012 at 02:04:36 PM EST
    who got out of it in the eighties because of the unmitigated sleeze going on and the megalomaniacal egos of the owners.

    She said she wouldn't want her own daughter ever brought any nearer than twenty miles to a racetrack.  

    Parent

    Finger Lakes? (none / 0) (#53)
    by kdog on Thu Mar 15, 2012 at 02:53:55 PM EST
    The sh*ttier the track, the shadier it gets.  Too many unscrupulous horsemen in the game, I can't argue with that...money corrupts anything and everything.

    My great uncle was a lifelong horseman...not thoroughbreds, he trained jumpers and show horses.  I had the pleasure of working for him for two summers at a summer camp up in New Hamsphire...great memories of time spent with amazing animals...I just love 'em, and love watching them run.  I'd watch even if there wasn't gambling involved;)

    Parent

    You're probably right Dadler (none / 0) (#52)
    by lilburro on Thu Mar 15, 2012 at 02:35:21 PM EST
    and bring up some good points.

    I just cannot believe a Milch show was cut short AGAIN.  Especially when it's about a very real world that you almost never see on TV.  Sigh...

    Parent

    Ron Paul (none / 0) (#36)
    by CoralGables on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 07:28:57 PM EST
    chatting with the Romney campaign about a possible endorsement in exchange for a possible boost for Rand?

    As if we didn't see that one coming.

    Boing Boing (none / 0) (#37)
    by Edger on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 08:11:11 PM EST
    and Tom The Dancing Bug out Boing Boing Boing

    "Hello! You've Been Targeted For a Drone Assassination!" Helpful Info From Your U.S. Government

    Q. Wait. What?

    A. Ha-ha. Don't be coy. The President has decided you are a Terrorist (for definition, see Form 357-T*) and sentenced you to death.
    *You can not see these forms. (none / 0) (#39)
    by Edger on Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 09:01:02 PM EST


    Parent
    Yup (none / 0) (#43)
    by AngryBlackGuy on Thu Mar 15, 2012 at 10:32:04 AM EST
    "The Department of Labor is reporting that there were 351,000 initial claims for unemployment last week, dropping 14,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 365,000. This ties a four-year low reached last month and continues the trend of unemployment claims falling below the 375,000 threshold signaling sustained job gains. The four-week moving average, a measure which reduces volatility, was unchanged at 355,750."

    Wednesday Morning Open Thread | 53 comments (53 topical)

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