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Tuesday Open Thread

By Jeralyn, Section Blog Related
Posted on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 12:37:56 PM EST
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R.I.P. Pete Seeger, who has died at age 94.

Yesterday's Supreme Court unanimous decision in Burrage is here. The Court ruled that the enhanced penalty for someone who provided drugs to a person who later died after ingesting multiple drugs only applies if the Government proves that but for the particular drug the charged person provided, the person would not have died. In other words, a "but for" test, not a contributing factor test. While this case is about a drug dealer, I think it could also affect some pain doctor cases. [More...]

The Colorado Supreme Court has agreed to review the case of Brandon Coats, a quadriplegic and medical marijuana user who was fired from his job as a telephone operator at Dish Network for using marijuana in his off-job hours. The issue: Can you be fired for off-the-job marijuana use that doesn't impact your job performance? The Colorado Court of Appeals said yes, ruling because marijuana use is still illegal under federal law, it isn't a lawful activity under state law protecting employees from being fired for engaging in lawful activities in their off-hours. The Appeals Court decision is here (the dissent is much better in my view.)

In addition to deciding the employment issue in Coats, the Colorado Supreme Court will also decide:

Whether the Medical Marijuana Amendment makes the use of medical marijuana “lawful” and confers a right to use medical marijuana to persons lawfully registered with the state.

Dish contended, among other things, that the MMA did not grant Coats a constitutional right to use medical marijuana, but merely the ability to establish an affirmative defense to state criminal charges.

This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

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    Tuesday Open Thread | 206 comments (206 topical)
    Hi Kids! (5.00 / 7) (#1)
    by kdog on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 01:17:39 PM EST
    Some good posts and discussions while I was unplugged I see (a little bickering aside;)...kudos all around.

    Great great time in Baja Sur...the special lady ages like fine wine, as does our mysterious soul connection.

    Rocked our faces off at the Todos Santos Music Festival, enjoyed the nightlife and kick-arse seafood in La Paz, as well as it's many natural wonders...snorkeled with free sea lions who were fearless and friendly at La Isla Espiritu Santo, bugged out on the whale sharks from the boat, soaked up rays and swam at breathtaking Balandra Beach.

    And got the pleasure of watching the whales on their annual trek to and fro from Alaskan waters outta Cabo...wild to see such mammoth mammals fairly close.  Even spotted a few at a distance from the beach on the Pacific side in Todos Santos.

    Got back a day late due to a flight cancellation, but back in time for work...which is good, I guess;)

    Paging Oculus...I don't know how you deal with customs at LAX on your international adventures.  What a clusterf*ck, worst I've ever experienced...made my connection only by my still somewhat impressive 100 meters sprint time.

    PS...it's frickin' freezing.

     

    You Suck Dude... (5.00 / 1) (#12)
    by ScottW714 on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 02:37:09 PM EST
    ...do you know how much treasure I have spent chasing, somewhat, the great white whale(Whale Sharks) and come up with 00's.

    Good to have you back, same stuff here, different days.  

    For anyone else who doesn't know what a whale shark is, HERE YOU GO, beautiful and majestic creatures of the sea.  And regardless of the kman's adventure, they are not easy to locate and observe first hand.

    Parent

    There's my buddies... (none / 0) (#14)
    by kdog on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 02:47:54 PM EST
    they are beautiful creatures.

    Funny thing is we didn't even take the whale shark watching tour, we just bumped into 'em heading out to La Isla and the guide stopped the boat to let us admire them.  I met a couple from Alaska who did the wale shark tour and they said they saw tons of 'em.  

    And the dolphins...whole schools of 'em just rippin' by the boat playing with us. The Sea of Cortez has natural wonders in spades Bro.

    Parent

    The Whale Shark... (none / 0) (#20)
    by ScottW714 on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 03:14:11 PM EST
    ...eludes me.

    Good to have you back and that your adventure was grand, and of course that courtship continues.

    When can we start reffering to you as 'that dog', aka que-dog ?

    Parent

    That dog, what dog... (none / 0) (#22)
    by kdog on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 03:28:20 PM EST
    just don't call me late for a marlin taco dinner.

    Parent
    Sorry to hear you (none / 0) (#141)
    by fishcamp on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 08:13:49 AM EST
    like to eat the most beautiful gamefish in the world.  Shame on you.  The west coast of Mexico seems to be one of the few places they still kill Marlin of all sizes.  Terrible my friend.

    Parent
    I saw an ad... (none / 0) (#148)
    by kdog on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 09:59:12 AM EST
    in one of the english papers down there asking people not to eat marlin...I must say I was very perplexed by it.  Sports fisherman don't want people eating it, so they can just put a hook through its mouth for fun and toss it back?  Huh???

    Seems to me catching a marlin for food is a much more noble pursuit than torturing it for sh*ts and giggles.

    Regardless...that's one delicous fish!

    Parent

    It's not the sport-fishermen who are the problem (5.00 / 2) (#177)
    by fishcamp on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 12:25:07 PM EST
    it's the long liners that are killing these dwindling marlin.  It's been proven that if you don't gut hook a billfish but hook them in the mouth they have no problem recovering to be caught again.  The sport fishing industry is huge but won't be if the Mexicans keep killing them.  There are hundreds of species of other fish to catch and keep to eat.  It's my opinion that only possible world record marlin should be killed.  Basically all the other countries in the world encourage catch and release with all species of billfish.  Mexico also has fairly strict rules regarding this and are adhered to in the Atlantic but not the Pacific.  The Mexican captains on the west coast refuse to catch and release unless you make a prior agreement which usually costs about $200 per fish.  If it's proof you need for my statements, I am the proof.  I'm a member of the Billfish Foundation and have caught and released close to 500 sailfish and marlin including 78 on fly rod.  Absolutely no restaurants or fish markets sell any billfish here in the Florida Keys and I believe that's true for all of Florida.  It's just a shame they kill them in Mexico.  I know they are tasty because we caught and killed a grander in St. Thomas and it became a world record that lasted for five years.  They are very good smoked too but hard to roll.  All this is the true truth kdog and I'm asking you to please not eat any more marlin tacos.  :-)

    Parent
    Question... (5.00 / 1) (#186)
    by ScottW714 on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 01:45:38 PM EST
    ...what are the odds that someone ordering Marlin in Mexico actually getting what they ordered ?

    Not disputing any of your points, only noting that the odds, even here in America, of actually getting the fish you ordered aren't all that great, especially the coveted/pricey species.

    From the link:

    "According to Food and Drug Administration port inspections," Leamys said. "A third of seafood sold in the U.S. is mislabeled as one type when it's actually something else, even something cheaper."

    Surely that rate is higher in resort/tourist areas.  Again, not defending que-dog's ridiculous believe that "we have an inalienable right to eat anything edible we find on this earth".  I mean seriously, is it your inalienable right to eat Sasquatch or Nessy, if they were ever discovered ?  Or to go to the zoo and grill up some baby Panda steaks, that's silly.  Ditto for the dudes who like eating people that have already deceased, like Ed Gein.

    Yeah que-dog, I am calling you out on that one, eating it is killing it, whether ever it gives you a nice trophy or a full belly, you're still ensuring a rare species is terminated.  It's that dimwit view that fuels the Safari Club raffles off the life of a Black Rhino, 'to keep the species alive'.

    That argument works if you need that particular species to live, not because you want to know what it tastes like, there are way too many kinds of fish whose taste is indistinguishable and available to make that argument IMO.

    Parent

    Perfect question Scott and (none / 0) (#189)
    by fishcamp on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 01:59:49 PM EST
    that very event of not getting the fish you've ordered happens down here quite often and is against the law.  They are busting restaurants in Miami and here in the Keys for advertising Grouper but giving you Tilapia.  It's called greed.  The unfortunate problem in Mexico is it probably is marlin that kdog received.  They kill all they can catch and that's a lot of marlin, mostly Striped Marlin from the Gulf of California.

    Parent
    I'd never doubt you... (none / 0) (#182)
    by kdog on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 01:00:48 PM EST
    on the this topic fishcamp...I guess I just take a different view of it.  I'm all for conservation and keeper limits and such to keep all fish populations sound for the good of the ecosystem and future generations, but I just think we have an inalienable right to eat anything edible we find on this earth...and that we should do so with respect, and with as little waste as possible.

    For example, I'm appalled by the shark fin soup thing where fisherman just cut off the sharkfin and throw away the rest of the animal to rot...but not opposed to eating sharkfin soup, only that you should eat the rest of the animal too.  Kinda like the Native American view of it...eat the meat of the buffalo, make clotes outta the fur, tools out of the bones, etc.  Unlike the fur traders who came along, shot a buffalo, took the fur and left the rest to rot...that's a sin.

    Parent

    agreed but please think (5.00 / 1) (#188)
    by fishcamp on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 01:47:20 PM EST
    about the close to endangered marlin the next time you eat one of those tacos.  In fact with your conservation ideals I feel that you probably will not eat another marlin taco now that you have received this info.  Thanks.

    Parent
    I won't be tested... (none / 0) (#198)
    by kdog on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 02:45:06 PM EST
    till I'm on the Mexican pacific coast again...never seen no marlin on a menu here in the US, nor (as you noted) on Mexico's Gulf Coast.  But you've got my word I will at least think twice, for you old pal.  

    Question...if the marlin are in real trouble in the Pacific, shouldn't people stop sport fishing for them as well as eating them?  Not all caught and released marlin survive the trauma....especially (I'd imagine) with inexperienced novice sport fisherman on vacation in Cabo.

    Hopefully the powers that be down there get a conservation program in place, so maybe we can start eating them delicous suckers guilt-free in the future.

    Parent

    Once again it's not the sporty guys (none / 0) (#205)
    by fishcamp on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 03:06:12 PM EST
    that are endangering the marlin, it's the commercial guys.  The long liners are twelve miles offshore catching and killing as many fish as they can.  They kill thousands of marlin as well as dolphin.  Yes, of course, not every marlin caught and released survives but that only numbers in the hundreds.  And since the Mexicans kill all the fish they catch on rod and reel it doesn't really matter how experienced the anglers are.  Mexico does have a conservation program but not enough people to enforce it and there's always the mordida or bribe.  There will always be guilt because greed overpowers love.  

    Parent
    fwiw, and I'm not trying to start anything here, (none / 0) (#190)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 02:10:10 PM EST
    but the Native Americans certainly did what they could to use everything the buffalo, for example, offered, but they didn't have freezers.

    When they ran a herd of buffalo over a cliff, for example, there was no way they could use or preserve all of the meat/hides/etc., before some of it, maybe a lot of it, rotted.

    Parent

    Jerky ;) (5.00 / 2) (#191)
    by nycstray on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 02:12:07 PM EST


    Parent
    Sounds logical... (none / 0) (#203)
    by kdog on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 02:59:35 PM EST
    as does a whole lotta jerky;)

    Point being...waste not want not, and it's good to be conscious of such things.  fishcamp expanded mine, I had no clue marlin and other billfish were under threat any more than the rest of ocean life in general.  

    Parent

    LAX is a dystopic nightmare, my friend (none / 0) (#4)
    by Dadler on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 01:36:27 PM EST
    I swear, when I flew out of LAX to Hong Kong a few years back, that some dude in line in front of me managed to get a chicken through security.

    Glad to hear you had an utterly beautiful time. Southern Baja rocks. Northern Baja is like that mess in LA.

    How's the Super Bowl weather looking? Will the players be wearing snow shoes or skis? What's the over/under on frostbite victims per team?

    Peace.

    Parent

    Predicting Mid-30's and dry.... (none / 0) (#6)
    by kdog on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 01:43:05 PM EST
    for the big game, which sounds like spring right now...nothing that should phase the Hawks and Broncs.  

    Who knew the football gods love them some sensible marijuana policy...maybe Woody "Trust Fund" Johnson can talk to Cuomo and Christie to make sh*t happen so we can get the Jets in there before I die;)

    How's the better half doing Bro?  Needless to say I'm amongst the concerned.

    Parent

    Seeing the specialist today (none / 0) (#7)
    by Dadler on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 01:59:07 PM EST
    Long story. Should've seen this cat months ago, and I have reason to believe he really isn't up to date on Lady Kay's full history here, and that he'll first try to give us a speech about utterly unrelated matters, which he thinks are related, but which we will swiftly have to inform him are most definitely not related, and that my lady needs to have A, B, and C done so we can nip this in the bud if it's what it very clearly seems to be. They hate when you're a smart, informed patient. But, what's a loverboy to do? I'll keep you apprised.

    Parent
    Give 'em hell... (5.00 / 1) (#8)
    by kdog on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 02:01:32 PM EST
    in as a polite and cool-headed way as possible, which is easier said than done I know.

    Luckily for all you're a cool-headed kind cat who is just the man for such a task...you hang in there Daddy-O.

    Parent

    Grassy-ass, mi ameego (5.00 / 1) (#16)
    by Dadler on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 02:55:42 PM EST
    I am going to butter this doc up more than a Thanksgiving corn cob if I have to. Already promised the Queen I will not breach the Zen zone.

    Parent
    Pardon my naïveté (5.00 / 2) (#26)
    by Zorba on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 05:19:19 PM EST
    But I thought the whole point of putting all our medical records in electronic form was so that all the docs that see you can access your records.
    Not to mention the fact that your previous docs can either transmit electronically your tests and such, or even fax them, if the office is still in the Pleistocene.
    {{Sigh}}
    I have been through this sh!t myself, and I am so sorry, D.
    Best of luck to Mrs. D.  And namaste.

    Parent
    So far, so good (none / 0) (#53)
    by Dadler on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 10:29:17 AM EST
    It's not bladder cancer, which we were worried about, but she has a CT scan on her kidneys next week. It could be just an irritation caused by who knows what, but it's been going on too long, so it would be nice to have some kind of answer. But, like I said, at least it's not bladder cancer, which may be highly treatable, but still, no one wants to hear the C word.

    Peace out, my friend.

    Parent

    The more terrible things you can cross (5.00 / 2) (#54)
    by Anne on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 10:43:49 AM EST
    off the list, the better, so here's hoping the eventual diagnosis and resolution is something your reaction to hearing is, "ok, so that's not so bad - we can deal with that."

    Keeping the two of you in my thoughts.

    Parent

    Well, thank goodness (5.00 / 1) (#62)
    by Zorba on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 11:35:17 AM EST
    that's off the list.
    Sending positive thoughts to you both.

    Parent
    Kinda brings things into perspective, D. (5.00 / 1) (#147)
    by Mr Natural on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 09:52:42 AM EST


    Parent
    With all due respect, kdog, ... (none / 0) (#10)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 02:19:18 PM EST
    ... I think the Honorable Mr. Christie currently has far more pressing concerns, given the multiple state and federal investigations into his administration's conduct.

    You've been out of the country for a few weeks, and things have certainly moved pretty far along during that time. Let's just say that running for president has probably become the very last thing on Christie's mind.

    For my money, I think he'll probably be lucky to survive the year still in office. And if he somehow does manage that feat, he'll undoubtedly be the absolute lamest of lame ducks.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    All the more reason... (none / 0) (#15)
    by kdog on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 02:50:42 PM EST
    for Christie to try to reverse the press trend and announce an agenda that includes the legalization of recreational marijuana.  Sh*t magic mushrooms, Ecstasy, and whip-its too...desperate political fortunes calls for desperate measures! ;)

    Parent
    Well, if Christie announces that he (none / 0) (#17)
    by Anne on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 02:55:56 PM EST
    is deeming the theme of the first year of his second term as governor to be, "Don't Worry - Be Happy!" you might have reason to hope...

    Parent
    Northern Baja south of Rosarita Beach is beautifu. (none / 0) (#40)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 10:24:56 PM EST


    Parent
    Ensenada isn't really beautiful (none / 0) (#55)
    by Dadler on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 10:45:42 AM EST
    But south of that, IMO, you are right. I was more talking the social climate. Northern Baja is much more tense, has to deal with narco-bullsh*t and border politics way more than the comparatively sparsely populated south.

    Parent
    What's wrong with Ensenada? (none / 0) (#88)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 02:38:00 PM EST
    I know that the city itself has gotten a little überturista'd out of late with the influx of cruise ships.

    And further, it was also home to Francisco Javier Arellano Félix, allegedly the capo of Cártel Arellano Félix, which was based in Tijuana and for some time arguably the most ruthless drug cartel in northern Mexico -- at least, it was until its influence was greatly diminished, following Arellano Félix's August 2006 capture by the U.S. Coast Guard in international waters off southern Baja.

    But I think that Ensenada's actual physical setting on the Bahia Todos Los Santos is gorgeous, which lends itself to some of the prettiest sunsets on the Pacific coast.

    My aunt and uncle had a beach house at Corona near Estero Beach. I spent a lot off time down there in my youth and have nothing but fond memories of Ensenada -- except perhaps for that gawdawful horrific brain-skewered hangover I had in November 1982, following a three-day tequila bingefest with cousins and friends over the Thankgiving break, but that's another story for another time.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Welcome to Tijuana... (none / 0) (#89)
    by kdog on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 02:52:48 PM EST
    Tequila, Sexo, y Marihuana...Donde el coyote no hay aduana!

    Doesn't sound so bad to me, the way Manu Chao puts it;)

    Parent

    Lowell George... (none / 0) (#58)
    by kdog on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 11:12:17 AM EST
    sings the praises of Rosarita Beach beautifully.

    Cheek to Cheek

    Rosarita
    I laid on your beach
    Dreaming and drinking Tequila
    I came all the way from Marina del Rey
    On a plane yesterday
    From the gray LA air
    Cheek to cheek
    To cheek, Chiquiti-tita
    Yo soy amoroso
    What could be wrong with the hombre who sings so slow?
    From up in Californio


    Parent
    The Big Dog is back! Welcome home. (none / 0) (#9)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 02:02:36 PM EST
    Dude, if you think customs at LAX is bad, try re-entering the country via Atlanta-Hartsfield Int'l between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., when a huge portion of Delta Air Lines' overseas flights arrive from Africa, the Middle East, Europe and South America. Took us well over two hours to get through, when we were returning from Johannesburg. Ugh!

    But seriously, kdog, you hit LAX at a particularly bad time, because its international operations are presently undergoing and extensive expansion and renovation of their existing capacity to meet the steadily increased demand. Once that's finally completed, going through customs at LAX it will be much easier and much better -- not that it will do you any good.

    For that reason, I'd recommend to anyone going overseas in the next six to eight months via the west coast that if they can, they should instead try to route their re-entry into the country through San Francisco Int'l (or if coming from Asia or the Western / South Pacific, through Honolulu Int'l), rather than via LAX.

    So anyway, how is my favorite Mexican city La Paz doing? I've never failed to have a great time there. That's one place where time has stood relatively still, and it's authentic. It doesn't give you the feeling that you've been somehow transported to a giant Gilligan's Island set, like the (semi-nearby) resort community in Cabo.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    I did customs in ATL once... (none / 0) (#13)
    by kdog on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 02:43:12 PM EST
    forget the time of day...wasn't nearly this ridiculous, and it can't be just the renovations.  The brightside yesterday was after so many travellers coming from Asia with a language barrier and 20 bags full of god knows what, I think the customs agents were so happy to see a gweilo with a single knapsack I flew right through without an inspection once I got to the spot.  I'm never sure if they're gonna f8ck with me bringing meds back for my moms, so it's nice not to get your bag turned inside out.  I felt really bad for some of those Asian vistors though...they were getting the business.

    The customs experience at all our airports could use some stream-lining and customer service improvements...it's no way to welcome visitors and returning citizens...an embarassment is what it is.  And don't get me started on that "preferred traveller" sh*t or whatever they call it, that's another embarassment.

    Happier news...La Paz remains authentic and not too touristy like Cabo aka Jersey Shore Southwest.  Had the pleasure of a Saturday night on the Malecon with the senoritas dressed to the nines going dancing, ah dios mio cabron!  Lucky for me the special lady is not the jealous type adverse to the appreciation of a beautiful woman or I'd have two black eyes.  She was still the prettiest girl in town that night, but the competition was steeper than the Sierra Madres.

    Parent

    I Damn Near Got Lost... (none / 0) (#21)
    by ScottW714 on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 03:24:27 PM EST
    ...in Atlanta customs with the corridors I felt like I was some place I wasn't suppose to be.

    Living in Houston, I always assumed that customs was done when you were ready to leave the airport.  Found out in Atlanta, you do customs, then re-check in your bag for the flight home, crazy at the time.

    But now I understand that is how it's always done.

    What don't foreign airports have that kind of nightmares.  Presumably planes going to the US have to have the same inspections/security checks, yet compared to here, they are hassle free.  I wonder what foreigners think of it, I think it's nutz and I live here.

    I makes no sense unless you are tied to it in some financial way.

    Parent

    Oh, don't even get me started (none / 0) (#27)
    by Zorba on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 05:21:38 PM EST
    on Customs in Atlanta.  
    If I can avoid an overseas flight coming in through Atlanta, I will certainly do so in the future.

    Parent
    Personally, I think Cabo looks more like ... (none / 0) (#28)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 06:28:04 PM EST
    kdog: "Happier news...La Paz remains authentic and not too touristy like Cabo aka Jersey Shore Southwest."

    ... Kona, only with Spanish street signs -- a once-pristine and breathtakingly gorgeous coastline that's been (mostly) cleared of unsightly local people so that it could be put to much better use, and then enhanced by the installation of eye-catching but otherwise wholly artificial resort amenities such as manmade sandy beaches, hotel towers, and golf courses, complemented by ritzy restaurants and swanky nightclubs, so that white American tourists can socialize comfortably in the presence of their fellow white American tourists.

    After all, isn't that what an overseas vacation to an exotic sub-tropical locale really all about?

    ;-D

    Parent

    According to the state of HI (none / 0) (#59)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 11:18:13 AM EST
    about 40% of your tourists are not white Americans.

    Parent
    Actually, I should restate that. (none / 0) (#76)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 01:18:26 PM EST
    About 40% of your tourists are not Americans.

    Assuming that your American tourists are representative of America, 22% of them are not "white alone."

    That means that of your 60% of American tourists, 47% are white and 13% are not white.

    Therefore, your Hawaiian tourists are over 53% NOT white Americans.

    Parent

    Huh? (none / 0) (#117)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 05:35:29 PM EST
    Excuse me, but I live here and you don't. Please don't presume to tell me that what I see out here everyday is wrong, according to the U.S. census.

    While it is true that we have a lot of foreign tourists out here, I was talking specifically about Kona, and foreign visitors as a general rule don't travel to the Big Island, but will stick to Oahu.

    Oahu attracts two-thirds of all tourists to Hawaii, and generally averages more than six times the number of tourists that the Big Island gets. In November 2013, Oahu received 286,000 visitors, while the Big Island had only 46,000.

    Quite honestly, while we're slowly starting to see some African American and Latino tourists, certainly more than was the case even ten years ago, their numbers are easily dwarfed by white American visitors.

    Hawaii is certainly not a cheap place to visit. Sad to say but it's really a question of affluence, and white Americans are more likely to have the discretionary income needed for an extended visit, than are their minority counterparts.

    The African Americans and Latino Americans who you'll see out on flights out here tend to either be in the military, or are visiting relatives who are in the military and stationed here. With rare exception, they stay on Oahu.

    Further, the overwhelming majority of international tourists who visit Hawaii come from either Japan (almost 60% in 2013) or Canada (16%). The Canadian visitors are probably 95% white, and they overwhelmingly prefer Oahu and Maui. With few exceptions, the Japanese really tend to stay on Oahu.

    Attempts to lure foreign tourists to the neighbor islands have been met with only mixed and limited success. Canada's WestJet Airlines ferries several thousand snowbirds in and out of Maui during the winter months, but that trade dries up to a trickle the rest of the year. Japan Air Lines tried thrice-weekly widebody nonstop service from Tokyo-Narita to Kona, but that route's long since been dropped due to lack of demand.

    In contrast, the demand for flights from Japan to Honolulu has surged by about 20% in 2012-13 alone. Hawaiian Airlines now flies nonstop between Honolulu and five major Japanese cities on a daily basis, and Japan Air Lines flies eight daily flights to Honolulu. All these flights are on widebody aircraft.

    The Japanese simply prefer to hang out on Oahu and go shopping -- why, I don't know, but they do. They don't do interisland cruises, and with rare exception they really don't even do neighbor island day trips. Their average stay is six days, and the farthest they'll generally venture is to Kailua Beach on the windward side of the island, or out our direction in east Honolulu to Maunalua and Haunama Bays.

    Not that we on Oahu are complaining, because the Japanese are spending an average of $314 per person per day while here, which is more than double that spent by their white American counterparts, who average $151 per day.

    Further, we're just now starting to see a discernible rise in the number of visitors from China (2%) and South Korea (3%), and Hawaiian Airlines -- which already flies daily nonstop between Honolulu and Seoul-Inchon -- recently announced new nonstop service between Honolulu and Beijing. But even then, we actually get more international visitors from Great Britain (3%) than from China.

    South Koreans, like the Japanese, tend to hang in Waikiki and shop, but Chinese visitors are even more spendthrift than the Japanese, with a daily average of $392 per person. And though their numbers are at present too small to read any conclusive trends into them, the Chinese appear to be a bit more adventurous and will go to at least one neighbor island, usually Maui, in addition to Oahu during their visits.

    3.5 million Americans visited Hawaii in 2013. Over one-third of them came from California, and another 10% came from Washington state. And even though they comprise only a third of the numbers, visitors from California account for over half of all spending by American tourists. One out of every four flights to Hawaii from the U.S. mainland comes from Los Angeles.

    Now, per what I was talking about in yesterday's comment, the vast majority of out-of-state visitors who flock to the Big Island's Kona Coast are white Americans, and that percentage has in fact risen significantly with the recent increase in nonstop service into Kona International Airport from the west coast, Phoenix, Dallas-Ft. Worth, and Denver. All of these flights are presently on narrow-bodied aircraft such as the 757 and 737.

    Overseas commercial air traffic to and from Hawaii's neighbor island airports is at present exclusively domestic, except for an occasional flight from Canada. Honolulu is the exclusive port of entry for 100% of all non-Canadian international tourists, and 95% of them stay here and don't go elsewhere in the state.

    Go to those aforementioned "Gilligan's Island sets" at places like the Sheraton Waikoloa, Mauna Lani and Fairmont Orchid resorts in North Kona, and the only non-white faces you're likely to see will be those of the hotel staff.

    Local residents really tend to avoid hanging out in major tourist locales unless its a well-known surf spot. And when traveling to the Big Island they will often stay with relatives or friends on the west side, or will stay in Hilo on the east side and use that town for their base of operations.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Well, I'll presume to know that you wouldn't (none / 0) (#122)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 06:20:56 PM EST
    have written the same thing if the tourists were mainly Japanese, Hispanic or Black, etc.
    ... Kona, only with Spanish street signs -- a once-pristine and breathtakingly gorgeous coastline that's been (mostly) cleared of unsightly local people so that it could be put to much better use, and then enhanced by the installation of eye-catching but otherwise wholly artificial resort amenities such as manmade sandy beaches, hotel towers, and golf courses, complemented by ritzy restaurants and swanky nightclubs, so that white American tourists can socialize comfortably in the presence of their fellow white American tourists.

    And, fwiw, why does the Kona Country Club, for example, advertise that they have Japanese-speaking staff if the only tourists there are:

    white American tourists socializing comfortably in the presence of their fellow white American tourists?


    Parent
    I went through customs in Atlanta once. (none / 0) (#41)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 10:31:02 PM EST
    I think coming from Dublin. Anyhow, I picked the wrong line as the young man in front of me did not have the necessary paperwork. Very lengthy delay, but he talked his way through. Pre 9 11.

    Parent
    I try to avoid going through customs at LAX if (none / 0) (#39)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 10:22:53 PM EST
    possible as it requires much walking and waiting. However, with a GOES card there is zero wait though the distance is the same.

    Parent
    "GOES card".... (none / 0) (#90)
    by kdog on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 02:54:18 PM EST
    sell-out! j/k

    Parent
    The thing is, the feds already had all that info. (none / 0) (#128)
    by oculus on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 09:26:28 PM EST


    Parent
    Of course they have the info... (none / 0) (#155)
    by kdog on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 10:37:44 AM EST
    the state knows more about us than we care to know and remember ourselves...that's not the point.  It's the cooperation, the "playing along" that gets my goat...it lends an air of legitimacy to what they do.  

    I won't even get an EZ Pass to dodge a line, never mind this sh&t!  I'm an open borders guy remember...and a weirdo;)

    Parent

    Dude (none / 0) (#156)
    by jbindc on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 10:41:38 AM EST
    They can still get your license plate at a toll booth even without an EZ-Pass.  :)

    Parent
    Yes... (5.00 / 1) (#160)
    by kdog on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 10:50:38 AM EST
    see my answer to Oculus, "that's not the point".

    I can only control how I do...and I ain't playing! I do realize it is totally ineffectual, and I only inconvenience myself, but it feels good and right.

    Besides, I think ya need a credit card to get EZ Pass, no?  And I don't play that either;)

    Parent

    I'm kinda surprised you have a driver license (none / 0) (#159)
    by oculus on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 10:49:05 AM EST
    and passport.

    Parent
    Necessary evils... (none / 0) (#161)
    by kdog on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 10:53:58 AM EST
    even my oddball principles have a price..gotta get around, gotta travel, whaddya gonna do.

    I'll play the license and passport game till the world sees it my way in our future anarcho-syndacalist Utopian paradis,e once we make that elusive evolutionary leap of conciousness.

    Parent

    LAX (none / 0) (#133)
    by Mikado Cat on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 01:10:46 AM EST
    Seemed nothing special to me, but I am only going back and forth to the UK. The airport side of travel I treat like a visit to the dentist, its going to happen, its not going to be fun, so just deal with it in as low of stress as possible.

    Parent
    Any company that would terminate ... (5.00 / 1) (#3)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 01:33:34 PM EST
    ... your employment based solely upon what you're doing off-hours -- jobs involving public safety issues excepted -- has proven itself unworthy of both your services and your time, and probably of our patronage as well. At what point do we finally draw the line here?

    In a rational world, the fact that you're on their payroll should not give your employer(s) carte blanche to pry into and survey your personal life, nor should their offer of employment be necessarily contingent upon your ability to pass some wholly arbitrary muster by providing a urine sample.

    No doubt, were those same employers in receipt of government funds or contracts, they'd be invoking to the high heavens -- or a credulously compliant media outlet, whichever is more proximate and convenient -- their constitutional right to individual privacy, should public officials ever seek to impose upon them the very same abusive and intrusive standards to which they'd otherwise hold their own employees to account.

    Further, given that the good folks at Dish Network freely traffic in the audiovisual work products of the notoriously self-indulgent entertainment & information media industries, their legal arguments in defense of their actions against Brandon Coats are at once hypocritical, and the fact that Mr. Coats is a quadriplegic renders them simultaneously timid and shabby.

    And to think that coincidentally, we were actually considering going with Dish Network as our satellite provider, in lieu of Oceanic Time-Warner cable. Thank you, Jeralyn, for convincing me otherwise. I refuse to do business with trash.

    Aloha.

    Think Of the Hatred... (5.00 / 1) (#19)
    by ScottW714 on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 03:05:28 PM EST
    ...it takes for a company to go after a quadriplegic all the way to CO's Supreme Court or off duty medications, and the dollars it takes.

    Unfathomable.

    I will plug DirecTV right here, I have had more cable companies that I care to remember and no one has ever come close to DirecTV in service.

    Parent

    Well said Sir... (none / 0) (#5)
    by kdog on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 01:39:58 PM EST
    I'm glad I don't have Dish Network no more...aside from this cruel and inhumane treatment of a worker with medical issues, they urge customers to cut down beatiful trees when they f*ck with the reception.

    Parent
    I forget the exact (none / 0) (#134)
    by Mikado Cat on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 01:14:32 AM EST
    language that companies are using, but its gotten much easier for people to be fired for issues unrelated to their jobs that the company claims effects the company image.

    Parent
    Are you thinking of "at will?" (none / 0) (#139)
    by Anne on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 06:29:29 AM EST
    In Maryland, this is how the Dept of Labor, Licensing and Regulation defines it:

    In Maryland, employees work "at the will" of their employers. This means, in the absence of an express contract, agreement or policy to the contrary, an employee may be hired or fired for almost any reason -- whether fair or not -- or for no reason at all.

    There are certain exceptions to this general rule which provide some protection to employees from illegal discrimination based on such categories as race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability or marital status. Examples of other employment at-will exceptions include laws which protect employees from termination or retaliation for filing workers' compensation claims, for attempting to enforce rights to receive overtime or the minimum wage, for asserting rights to work in a safe and healthy workplace, for refusing to commit criminal acts, for reporting for jury duty or military service, or for being subject to a wage attachment for any one indebtedness. Terminating an employee for any of these specific reasons may constitute a violation under the applicable State or federal law.

    Even in an "at will" arrangement, employers will provide specific examples of actions or behavior that will result in the employees' termination, but they don't have to.

    Parent

    This seems like a good time to (5.00 / 3) (#11)
    by Anne on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 02:35:43 PM EST
    post a portion of Pete Seeger's testimony to the House Unamerican Activities Committee:

    MR. TAVENNER: The Committee has information obtained in part from the Daily Worker indicating that, over a period of time, especially since December of 1945, you took part in numerous entertainment features. I have before me a photostatic copy of the June 20, 1947, issue of the Daily Worker. In a column entitled "What's On" appears this advertisement: "Tonight-Bronx, hear Peter Seeger and his guitar, at Allerton Section housewarming." May I ask you whether or not the Allerton Section was a section of the Communist Party?

    MR. SEEGER: Sir, I refuse to answer that question whether it was a quote from the New York Times or the Vegetarian Journal.

    MR. TAVENNER: I don't believe there is any more authoritative document in regard to the Communist Party than its official organ, the Daily Worker.

    MR. SCHERER: He hasn't answered the question, and he merely said he wouldn't answer whether the article appeared in the New York Times or some other magazine. I ask you to direct the witness to answer the question.

    CHAIRMAN WALTER: I direct you to answer.

    MR. SEEGER: Sir, the whole line of questioning-

    CHAIRMAN WALTER: You have only been asked one question, so far.

    MR. SEEGER: I am not going to answer any questions as to my association, my philosophical or religious beliefs or my political beliefs, or how I voted in any election, or any of these private affairs. I think these are very improper questions for any American to be asked, especially under such compulsion as this. I would be very glad to tell you my life if you want to hear of it.

    MR. TAVENNER: Has the witness declined to answer this specific question?

    CHAIRMAN WALTER: He said that he is not going to answer any questions, any names or things.

    MR. SCHERER: He was directed to answer the question.

    MR. TAVENNER: I have before me a photostatic copy of the April 30, 1948, issue of the Daily Worker which carries under the same title of "What's On," an advertisement of a "May Day Rally: For Peace, Security and Democracy." The advertisement states: "Are you in a fighting mood? Then attend the May Day rally." Expert speakers are stated to be slated for the program, and then follows a statement, "Entertainment by Pete Seeger." At the bottom appears this: "Auspices Essex County Communist Party," and at the top, "Tonight, Newark, N.J." Did you lend your talent to the Essex County Communist Party on the occasion indicated by this article from the Daily Worker?

    MR. SEEGER: Mr. Walter, I believe I have already answered this question, and the same answer.

    CHAIRMAN WALTER: The same answer. In other words, you mean that you decline to answer because of the reasons stated before?

    MR. SEEGER: I gave my answer, sir.

    CHAIRMAN WALTER: What is your answer?

    MR. SEEGER: You see, sir, I feel-

    CHAIRMAN WALTER: What is your answer?

    MR. SEEGER: I will tell you what my answer is.

    (Witness consulted with counsel [Paul L. Ross].)

    I feel that in my whole life I have never done anything of any conspiratorial nature and I resent very much and very deeply the implication of being called before this Committee that in some way because my opinions may be different from yours, or yours, Mr. Willis, or yours, Mr. Scherer, that I am any less of an American than anybody else. I love my country very deeply, sir.

    CHAIRMAN WALTER: Why don't you make a little contribution toward preserving its institutions?

    MR. SEEGER: I feel that my whole life is a contribution. That is why I would like to tell you about it.

    CHAIRMAN WALTER: I don't want to hear about it.

    MR. SCHERER: I think that there must be a direction to answer.

    CHAIRMAN WALTER: I direct you to answer that question.

    MR. SEEGER: I have already given you my answer, sir.

    MR. SCHERER: Let me understand. You are not relying on the Fifth Amendment, are you?

    MR. SEEGER: No, sir, although I do not want to in any way discredit or depreciate or depredate the witnesses that have used the Fifth Amendment, and I simply feel it is improper for this committee to ask such questions.

    MR. SCHERER: And then in answering the rest of the questions, or in refusing to answer the rest of the questions, I understand that you are not relying on the Fifth Amendment as a basis for your refusal to answer?

    MR. SEEGER: No, I am not, sir.

    Digby reminds us that he was held in contempt and sentenced to one year in jail.  It took years to get that sentence overturned.

    One wonders what Seeger's fate would be in 2014.

    Good call Anne... (5.00 / 1) (#18)
    by kdog on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 02:59:56 PM EST
    a god damn American hero, rest in peace Pete Seeger.  Infinite thanks and praises to a man that represented the very best of America, and humanity.

    Parent
    In his autobiography, Pete later explained (5.00 / 3) (#24)
    by Peter G on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 03:56:16 PM EST
    that he had quit the Communist Party in 1949, that he wished he had known more about Stalin sooner, so that he would have quit sooner, but that he stood by the principles that he articulated in refusing to answer those questions. His contempt citation and one-year sentence were overturned in 1962, without his having gone to jail, because (to put it in non-technical terms) the government did not explain how the questions were within the proper jurisdiction or concern of the congressional committee.  

    Parent
    Seeger was a remarkable man.. (none / 0) (#37)
    by desertswine on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 08:54:53 PM EST
    who led an extraordinary life.

    Pete Seeger remembered on Democracy Now.

    Parent

    Have managed to see 6 of 9 best picture nominees (5.00 / 2) (#25)
    by CoralGables on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 05:07:42 PM EST
    Order of preference thus far:

    1. American Hustle
    2. 12 Years a Slave
    3. Captain Phillips
    4. Dallas Buyers Club
    5. Gravity

    6. Her

    Still on the to do list:
    Nebraska
    Philomena
    The Wolf of Wall Street

    Not sure where these three will rank, but if they aren't above "Her" they will be a waste of time. Actually, not all that impressed with any of them so far. Hopefully the last 3 step it up a notch.

    I highly recommend "Philomena." (5.00 / 1) (#29)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 07:07:53 PM EST
    We saw that one on Saturday, and it's based upon a true story which was chronicled in Martin Sixsmith's 2009 investigatory nonfiction book, The Lost Child of Philomena Lee. I must say, I walked in not really knowing what to expect onscreen, only to be very much surprised at how involved I got with the story.

    As a Roman Catholic, I found "Philomena" to be a moving and haunting film, which in lesser hands than director Stephen Frears and actors Judi Dench (as Philomena Lee) and Steve Coogan (as Martin Sixsmith) could have just as easily devolved into a tawdry little melodrama, worthy of the Lifetime Movie Network.

    The defty understated but emotionally resonant performances by Judi Dench and Steve Coogan actually served to further highlight the underlying crimes that were committed against the title character in the name of the Lord a half-century earlier.

    That conservative media sources such as the New York Post have since pilloried and dismissed "Philomena" as nothing more than anti-Catholic propaganda, only further underscores a statement made toward the film's end by co-protagonist Sixsmith (Coogan), that it's the Holy Mother Church which should really be going to confession, and not the rest of us.

    I've now seen almost all the Best Picture nominees, too, save for "Captain Phillips" and "Her." And I must say, I'll be very disappointed in Academy voters if "American Hustle" and / or "Gravity" walk away with the lion's share of honors in a few weeks.

    In fact, the more of those other nominees I've seen, the less impressed I've been with "Hustle," which gets my tie vote with "Gravity" for the two most overrated films of 2013. I'm not saying that neither was any good, because both were. They were just not THAT good.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    I loved Philomena too (5.00 / 1) (#32)
    by ruffian on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 08:16:31 PM EST
    I disagree with you about American Hustle though. I thoroughly enjoyed it and want to see it again.

    That said, my favorite film of the year, 'Inside Llewyn Davis' was not even nominated, so what do I know?

    Parent

    I liked "Hustle," too. (5.00 / 2) (#35)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 08:38:42 PM EST
    It was fun and entertaining, even if a tad on the long side.

    But is it Best Picture Oscar-worthy? In my estimation, no, not even close. In my honest opinion, the film's nominations were due to an extensive marketing campaign by the distributing studio. But I also think that a Best Picture-caliber film should be memorable as well as good, and in the weeks since I've seen it, "Hustle" has instead become more and more forgettable. Its most memorable scene to me was the opening comb-over by Christian Bale.

    I can think of any number of films, including your favorite "Inside Llewyn Davis," which were actually much better. One earlier film I felt particularly worthy of Academy consideration was the March 2013 release, "The Place Beyond the Pines," which like "Llewyn" ended up being completely ignored.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    I guess we'll have to agree to disagree on that (5.00 / 1) (#36)
    by ruffian on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 08:50:27 PM EST
    I thought the characters were memorable, and the relationships kept me intrigued.

    Another factor is the Oscars tendency to reward people one year to make up for slighting them other years. I've caught 'Silver Linings Playbook' on the tube a few times recently and like it better every time.  'American Hustle' might get 'Silver Lining's ' Oscar.  Does anyone still think Argo should have won last year?

    Parent

    "Silver Linings" is better than ... (none / 0) (#38)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 09:38:59 PM EST
    ... "Hustle." Much better, in my estimation. You could be right.

    And absolutely, yes, the Academy has often rewarded actors and films for reasons other than quality or a particular performance, etc.. And over the years, some Oscar winners have proved to be very curious choices indeed.

    Elizabeth Taylor was probably given a Best Actress award in 1960 for "BUtterfield 8" out of personal sympathy, because she had nearly died of pneumonia a few months earlier, and because she had fairly recently been widowed, with third husband Mike Todd -- a pretty popular guy in 1950s Hollywood -- having been killed in a plane crash a couple years earlier.

    But the film itself has certainly not aged well, and with its cheesy and tawdry storyline, it hardly represents Taylor's best work. (For my money, that would be her boozy, blowsy and loudmouthed Martha in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?") And I bet more than a few Academy voters probably had second thoughts later, once when they learned that she had subsequently stolen her co-star Eddie Fisher from "America's Sweetheart," Debbie Reynolds.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Oh, I thought that (none / 0) (#33)
    by Zorba on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 08:21:24 PM EST
    "Inside Llewyn Davis" was wonderful!
    I cannot imagine why it was passed over.

    Parent
    I haven't seen Philomena yet (none / 0) (#85)
    by Militarytracy on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 02:10:47 PM EST
    I loved American Hustle.  It felt like I was in a time machine.  I love the microwave scene where Jennifer Lawrence's character tells the son, "Thank God I was here".

    Parent
    Yes - the 'science oven' (none / 0) (#106)
    by ruffian on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 04:32:15 PM EST
    loved that scene too.

    Parent
    Here is Martin Sixsmith's original article ... (5.00 / 1) (#34)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 08:23:56 PM EST
    ... about Philomena Lee, as it appeared in The Guardian in September 2009.

    SPOILER ALERT: If you haven't yet seen the movie, I'd really wait to read it until afterward.

    Parent

    I am about to read the book, which (none / 0) (#42)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 10:40:43 PM EST
    the author stated differs from the film in significant ways. I thought the movie was excellent b

    Parent
    The film did take significant artistic license ... (none / 0) (#48)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 12:30:57 AM EST
    ... in its climax, in order to propel the onscreen story toward its conclusion and give the audience a sense of closure. You'll probably pick up on what the screenwriters did as you get there in the book. But the basic substance of Philomena Lee's quest for her firstborn son remains essentially the same, and it remains a compelling story.

    Parent
    Totally agree, Donald (none / 0) (#30)
    by Zorba on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 07:39:18 PM EST
    "Philomena" was great.
    "American Hustle" and "Gravity" were entertaining, in their way, but nowhere near Oscar-worthiness.
    But then, what the heck do we know?   ;-)

    Parent
    AN AXE LENGTH AWAY, vol. 261 (none / 0) (#2)
    by Dadler on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 01:32:04 PM EST
    If he could shoot money into his veins like heroin, he'd do it in a heartbeat. (link)

    v. 260
    v. 259
    v. 258

    Get your Tuesdays on, my good peeps. And let's not forget, this Super Bowl weekend, that the NFL hasn't paid taxes on its revenues since I was born. And trust me, that's a loooong time. (LINK)

    Recommended: "The Black and the White" (none / 0) (#23)
    by KeysDan on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 03:45:16 PM EST
    a documentary now on HBO, of the liberal editorial cartoonist, Herb Block (HERBLOCK), (Oct 19, 1909 - Oct 7, 2001).  His cartoons appeared in the Washington Post and were syndicated.

    The film includes in the cast, Jon Stewart, Lewis Black, Gwen Ifil, and Jules Pfeifer.  His cartoons nailed McCarthy and McCarthyism as well as Richard Nixon long before the maddening crowd. Herb Block's work was not only current in its day, but has enduring value.  

    Interesting, too, was the size of the estate he left ($90 million) of which $60 million was dedicated to the creation of the Block Foundation._ Much of his fortune came from Washington Post stock he acquired in the 1920's in exchange for funds needed and requested by the Post owners.

    The Foundation works to guarantee the basic freedoms of the Bill of Rights as well as provides scholarships and funding for pathways out of poverty.  

    No dinner for Mr. Putin (none / 0) (#31)
    by Politalkix on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 07:55:44 PM EST
    link

    As coralgables pointed out, the (none / 0) (#43)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 10:53:52 PM EST
    group email I posted attributed to Bill Cosby was not written by Cosby.

    snopes.com

    How Did You Come Accross it... (none / 0) (#50)
    by ScottW714 on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 09:17:24 AM EST
    ...and why did you post it ?

    Parent
    A high school classmate who still lives (none / 0) (#52)
    by oculus on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 10:02:59 AM EST
    In the midwest sent it via a group email. Maybe someone hacked her email. She is very conservative. I posted it because it pissed me off.

    Parent
    Isn't It Crazy... (none / 0) (#56)
    by ScottW714 on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 10:55:11 AM EST
    ...that there are people we all know who actually buy into this kind of lunacy.  My mom used to love forwarding that kind of garbage along with chain emails and every other kind of really bad email.

    Even this day, I occasionally ask her if she got the check from Microsoft yet for all her annoying emails.  She doesn't even send joke anymore, which is fine with me.

    Parent

    One of the nicest (none / 0) (#135)
    by Mikado Cat on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 01:30:09 AM EST
    old guys I know sends me regular fwd type emails that people send to him. I try to keep my responses to the nutty ones as gentle as possible with clear links to show its false. Seems to work, he avoids most of the weird stuff that he used to pass on.

    Sent me one a year or so ago about a credit card scam, and I can't shake it. Idea is you pay with a credit card and the person swaps your card for one of a stash he has of stolen cards and gives you back a card that looks the same, same bank etc, but its not your card. Has me checking my name each time I get my card back.

    Lesson to be had is that we all have a weakness toward believing a story is credible that we "like".

    Parent

    This photo... (none / 0) (#44)
    by desertswine on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 11:10:05 PM EST
    was so interesting that I had to share it. Madison Square Park, NY, 1900.

    You can spend a lot of time looking thru old photos colorized on this site.

    Tiny waists. Maybe with ribs removed. (none / 0) (#45)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 11:12:36 PM EST


    Parent
    Nope (none / 0) (#46)
    by sj on Tue Jan 28, 2014 at 11:52:57 PM EST
    I'm pretty sure that it was breathing that was sacrificed. :)

    Parent
    Here's another... (5.00 / 1) (#47)
    by desertswine on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 12:08:18 AM EST
    I think I want to go there.

    Parent
    Funny how colorizing it... (5.00 / 1) (#49)
    by unitron on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 03:06:39 AM EST
    ...makes it look not like a picture from over a century ago, but a modern re-enactment or a fairly recently filmed movie scene.

    Parent
    There are some amazing early color (none / 0) (#136)
    by Mikado Cat on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 01:38:25 AM EST
    photo's out there too. I saw a thread recently of images from 1927 London. Could be this link

    The early B&W were also very high resolution, very detailed, so its good to look at original and colorized. Lots of amazing stereo images are also around. Candid early images are full of information conveyed in no better way.

    Parent

    Seahawks Fans Name Daughter... (none / 0) (#51)
    by ScottW714 on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 09:38:00 AM EST
    ...Cydnee Leigh 12th Mann.

    The Seattle Seahawks' famed 12th Man cheering section is rowdy, dedicated and loyal -- and just added another member to its legion of green and blue. Two Seahawks fans can be thanked for the new addition, as they have named their newborn daughter Cydnee Leigh 12th Mann. The last name practically was begging for it.
    Some parents want their kids to grow up and be doctors and lawyers. Others just want them to be Seahawks fans.
    LINK

    Football people are craZy.

    I hate the "Cydnee" more than (none / 0) (#64)
    by Anne on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 11:43:04 AM EST
    the "12th."

    The other day, I dealt with someone named "Airica;" her e-mail signature block was asterisked with "pronounced like Erica."  

    I'm sorry, but I don't get these parents who don't give any thought to how names affect children, or how tired "Cydnee" will be in 30 years, explaining for the millionth time why "12th" is part of her name.  

    I should stop now before I really get to ranting...

    Parent

    Parents (none / 0) (#65)
    by jbindc on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 11:44:59 AM EST
    Should try to imagine how their children's names will look on a resume or job application.

    Parent
    Or (5.00 / 1) (#71)
    by vicndabx on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 12:49:43 PM EST
    people could stop caring what someone else names their kids.

    Then, what the name looks like on a resume or job app wouldn't matter.

    Parent

    As someone whose parents gave me (none / 0) (#74)
    by Anne on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 01:04:47 PM EST
    a first name that they never used, and called me by my middle name, I spent years explaining on the first day of every school year not to call me by that first name.  It wasn't an odd name, by any means, but I'd usually spend the rest of that first day fending off the tee-heeing, and having everyone calling me by the name that didn't feel like it belonged to me.

    Interestingly, both my father and my aunt were known by their middle names, so obviously, when my parents named me, they didn't give any thought to my eventually having to explain the whole middle name thing.

    As a result, when my husband and I decided on names for our children, I was adamant (1) that their first names would be the names they were known by, (2) that their names would be equally at home on a 50-yr old as they were on an infant (3) that sounded together, the first and last names wouldn't create their own unintentional humor, and (4) that the monogram of their name, whether first-middle-last, or first-last-middle, wouldn't spell something funny or impolite (when my daughter and her husband were sounding out names for their baby, and before they knew it would be a boy, one of the girl's names they liked would have produced a monogram of "ASS").

    But do please let us know how your campaign to stop caring about people's names goes; meanwhile, we'll look forward to the next time you return from an absence with an immediately snide comment.

    Parent

    I did that to my kid (none / 0) (#101)
    by sj on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 04:19:08 PM EST
    Call him by his middle name, I mean. And it is a major pain. Starting in his second grade of school I dealt with it by not providing his first name, but only first initial. That caused its own set of problems but at least he didn't have to defend his name.

    And I thought I covered all the bases, too:

    Doesn't rhyme with obscenity? check.
    Doesn't rhyme with derogatory name? check.
    Can't easily be twisted by classmates? check.
    Nicknames not easily twisted by classmates? check
    Initials not easily twisted by classmates? check

    Forgot to think about teachers who thought they knew more about my son's name than I did. Nipped that bud as soon as I could, but it plagued him throughout first grade. And for a while we had to practice his response when a person "in authority" asked him what his first name was. "D period" was the rehearsed response.

    Parent

    My Middle Name... (none / 0) (#102)
    by ScottW714 on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 04:22:02 PM EST
    ...is so obscure, Donovan, to this day I am not sure about the spelling, not that it matters, except...

    When I joined the service, they made me sign all three names, and because I was unsure about the spelling, I went with Donavon, well they were not as forgiving, my choices were to sign 5000 pages again, or sign one form that legally changed my name.

    My mom would freak out if she knew, but even more odd, I am not sure which one is which, good thing I go by Scott and that I don't give a damn.

    -----
    Other news, the petition to get the Biebs deported has reached 100,000 which means the White House has to comment on it, dumb on so many levels it doesn't deserve a separate post.

    But, what is more American than Beiber's behavior, maybe not what we want to project, but it's certainly American behavior to the core, idiotic, irresponsible, all fueled with drugs & alcohol, with a good sprinkling of the po-leese, and a rap 'star' to boot.

    It will be funny to hear what the White House has to say about, surely one of the kids loves the biebs.

    Parent

    Not much of an issue (none / 0) (#67)
    by CoralGables on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 11:51:34 AM EST
    the majority of ID's only accept 3 names. My daughter recently faced that with a new DL and passport and was told to drop one of them. I'm assuming of course she'd drop 12th.

    Parent
    They may grow to love... (none / 0) (#69)
    by kdog on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 11:56:38 AM EST
    their odd names, like I grew to love my weird-arse middle name.  Something to be said for originality.  

    Parent
    True... (none / 0) (#100)
    by ScottW714 on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 04:09:04 PM EST
    ...but there is nothing original about Cindy spelled 5 different ways, with the exception of que-kog.

    I live in Texas and the fad has been respelling already established, what I would call, stripper names and it drives me nuts.  Brandy is Brandi is Brandee is Brandie.

    I do dig names like Seven or the middle 'name' v.02, as in version two.

    Parent

    Irony (none / 0) (#72)
    by vicndabx on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 12:53:39 PM EST
    you explaining how tired the name "Cyndee" will be, yet 1/4 thread last week on Cash Carry.

    hmmmmm.....

    I say this not to rehash, but to ask people to simply.....relax.

    Parent

    I see your absence wasn't spent (5.00 / 1) (#75)
    by Anne on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 01:07:00 PM EST
    brushing up on your reading comprehension skills.

    Pity that - for us, that is.

    Parent

    Ok, so sue me wrong line (5.00 / 1) (#91)
    by vicndabx on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 03:02:36 PM EST
    you did say you "hate" the name Cyndee, and you "dealt" with someone named Airica.  Your meaning seemed pretty clear.  Or am I misreading your intent?

    At least one might get a laugh out of Cash Carry (maybe even the person to whom the play on name is associated with).  You were a straight hater w/your comment.  

    I hate the "Cydnee" more than (none / 0) (#64)
    by Anne on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 11:43:04 AM EST

    the "12th."

    That's your opinion of course, and you're entitled to it.  As I said, it seemed ironic in light of how hard you and others came down on Politalkix.

    My middle name is LeRoy.  How many times have I been called "Leeeeroooi" ala Shon'uff from The Last Dragon?  I laugh when people do it.  My comment above on not worrying about someone else's choice of name wasn't snide, it was merely my opinion.

    Point of all this is it seems too many people are getting chased outta here because of folks believing, IMO, a little too vehemently, their opinion is the only right one.  As I said, might be better if folks just relax a bit.  Dialogue is good, diatribes are not.

    Parent

    Thanks (5.00 / 1) (#92)
    by sj on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 03:10:15 PM EST
    Dialogue is good, diatribes are not.
    I deeply appreciate the diatribe that produced that little pearl.


    Parent
    See (none / 0) (#93)
    by vicndabx on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 03:17:49 PM EST
    It works!

    Parent
    I don't think you understand what the (5.00 / 3) (#96)
    by Anne on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 03:41:53 PM EST
    whole thing with PK was all about.

    No one chased PK out of here, vic - he had a temper tantrum because no one was supporting the arguments he was making for why it was okay to make the "quip" about Kashkari's last name.  In the process, he managed to offend someone whose ethnicity is Indian by telling her that she didn't know what she was talking about.  He tried to justify his own comments by showing where others were making the same "joke."  I tried to tell him that finding others of like mind didn't make it okay - I'm sure he could find people who still make "jokes" using the "N" word, but that's not an argument most people accept.  He blamed everyone but himself, and if he'd just said he was sorry for not thinking it through, that would have been the end of it -  and it would have been limited to his interaction with vml - no one else likely would have joined in.

    I wasn't mocking either of the names I mentioned (kind of ironic that you sort of proved my point, in that you're reading "CyDnee" as "CyNdee" and that is likely due to the way the parents chose to spell her name.  If you saw "Sydney," I doubt you would confuse it for "Cindy"), I was projecting ahead to the years and years of explaining "no, that's not how my name's spelled," "my name's not Cindy," etc.  

    I guess the issue I have with people who name their kids things like "Cydnee Leigh 12th Mann" is that they aren't thinking about their child, they're thinking about themselves.

    Parent

    I Don't think They Left... (5.00 / 1) (#103)
    by ScottW714 on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 04:24:30 PM EST
    ...PK leaves, then all of a sudden a 2 handles with the exact same non-sense appeared.  Coincidence, not likely IMO.

    Parent
    and you make point as well..... (none / 0) (#112)
    by vicndabx on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 04:53:44 PM EST
    that one can assume negative intent because often times, words alone do not convey meaning.  Hence, we need to pause and reflect before writing the quick smarmy quip.  It leads to endless back and forth over nothing.  I've been guilty of this myself.  

    Your final point about "concern for the happiness of the child" is not something that came across initially.  Taking your comment at face value, it came across as something else, to me at least.

    I do understand exactly the point PK was trying to make.  There was a play on words using a name.  Hence the examples of obummer or some similar play.  The play on words had no ethnic or racial connotation whatsoever.  You compared it to jokes using the N-word, which, IMO, do not compare to this at all.  I'd be offended by that also if I had no such animus in mind or heart.  

    It was because of the need to defend when folks assumed certain personal qualities that the thread veered off into who knows more about what offends an Indian person.  That whole thing could've been summed up in, you find it funny, I don't.

    vml understood this at the end of the conversation (or so it seemed to me).

    Parent

    Ugh! I cannot believe we are going over (5.00 / 2) (#118)
    by vml68 on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 05:38:49 PM EST
    this again.

    One last time, I took PK's "joke" at face value. I brought up the ethnicity of the name because I figured he was unaware that there are lots of Cash n Carry jokes about Indians that have nothing to do with Kashkari, but play to the stereotype of Indians owning Seven Elevens and Cash n Carry stores. Instead of acknowledging the disparaging ethnic stereotype, PK decided to become Mayor of Crazytown. That was more annoying than the actual "joke'.

    I am not a very PC person and have had my fair share of oops moments. But, when someone calls me on it, I know enough to stfu. What is the point of persisting with a joke that other people might find offensive/hurtful? And, for the record, I did not find PK's joke hurtful. Just lame, unoriginal and unfunny.

    Now, can we seriously just let this topic die.

    Parent

    vml (2.00 / 1) (#123)
    by vicndabx on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 06:54:09 PM EST
    not for nothing, you didn't go into that detail until well after the pile on.  First thing you did was say you despised the person.  Had you made it clear why you were offended possibly that whole dustup could've been avoided.   Might have helped to reveal that detail earlier about Cash Carry = Indian Store Owner.  For me, I'd never heard that before, or if I have, I'd forgotten.  Not sure if others have.  

    Again to be clear, my point in bringing this up, is not to harangue anyone or keep talking about it or any silly motive total strangers want to attribute to me.  This is not about defending any one person or picking fights with people I've disagreed with.  I don't do trivial childish $hit like that.  It is simply my observation of root cause behind what happens here regularly.

    Very simply, take a breath and instead ask a pointed question to uncover a poster's true intention so you can avoid unnecessary beefs that bring down the quality of the dialogue here.

    Thanks all, have a good night.

    Parent

    Oh, I haven't backtracked on that at all. (5.00 / 2) (#125)
    by vml68 on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 07:59:35 PM EST
    was say you despised the person

    Since you are so invested in this and claim to be unbiased, please go back and re-read the comments.

    When I explained to PK the correct way to pronounce the name, he still kept insisting he was right and linked to people who also did not know how to pronounce it as proof. If he was unaware of the ethnicity of the name, how the he11 would he know how it should be pronounced? Then he went into a mini lecture on Indians and Indian-Americans. I've lived in this country for 26 years. I really don't need a lecture from PK about the difference between the two.
    He came across as an arrogant know-it-all and I freely admit to despising people like that.

    Now, it is time for me to take a break from posting before I start to despise myself for still going on about this topic.

    Feel free to have the last word!

    Parent

    vic made a funneee (none / 0) (#104)
    by sj on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 04:29:15 PM EST
    Ok, so sue me wrong line (none / 0) (#91)
    You also got the completely wrong name. Twice. Thoughtfully providing Exhibit A as to why the name might be problematic.


    Parent
    Or (none / 0) (#115)
    by vicndabx on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 05:13:05 PM EST
    my misspelling of the name can simply be fast typing and not really focusing on the name itself as it's tangential to the point I'm making.

    Parent
    I might buy that typo thing (5.00 / 1) (#119)
    by sj on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 05:44:47 PM EST
    ... except that you really are a rather good typist who makes few errors in that regard. That you made the same error more than once indicates to me that you are typing what you read.

    But it's cute that you think you're sticking up for PK when your comments are clearly made in an attempt to pick a fight with someone you chronically disagree with. It's especially cute the way you use it to make a "tangential point". It's not just a tangent, though. It is barely related. Actually, upon reflection, it isn't related at all and so your "tangential point" is just plain old, you know, picking a fight.

    I am betting myself that you will keep this so-called "discussion" going as long as you can people to respond.

    But wev, I'm done. Have a nice ... something or other. Could be week. Could be day. Could be life.

    Parent

    It may not even be 30 years, Anne. (none / 0) (#94)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 03:20:30 PM EST
    In 1993, my cousin and his wife -- who are diehard baseball aficionados -- named their newborn son after the recently retired Montreal Expos / Chicago Cubs centerfielder Andre Dawson.

    Ten years later, out of the mouths of babes. When we were on a family trip to Illinois and at my aunt's house in Rockford, my cousin's boy politely introduced himself to Younger Daughter, who's the same age, and she asked credulously, "Andre Dawson? What kind of name is that?"

    Given that she's grown up in Hawaii with its assorted ethnic names, it sounded like a perfectly reasonable question to me at the time. But when he then attempted to explain exactly who Andre Dawson was and why he was important, she listened to him for about 90 seconds with ever-increasing impatience, and then curtly interrupted, "Oh, who cares?"

    I started to admonish her for not being very polite, when he responded, "Oh, that's okay, people say that all the time when I try to tell them." Then, turning to her, he asked, "You want to go outside?"

    "Sure." And so, away they ran out the back door, casually sloughing off the memory of future Hall of Famer Andre Dawson like water off a duck's a$$.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    As a Rockford native and Andre Dawson (none / 0) (#107)
    by ruffian on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 04:42:18 PM EST
    super-fan, she really let me down!!!

    If there was ever a better built baseball player, I have not seen him.

    Parent

    The only NL MVP... (none / 0) (#187)
    by kdog on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 01:46:27 PM EST
    to play for a last place team, if I'm not mistaken.

    And speaking of playing on names, Dawson had a killer nickname...Andre Awesome.

    Parent

    Taylor Swift... (none / 0) (#57)
    by ScottW714 on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 11:03:20 AM EST
    ...this is hilarious.  It's Ryu from Street Fighter throwing punches and kicks from the piano.

    Guess who's coming to dinner and a show? (none / 0) (#60)
    by kdog on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 11:22:50 AM EST
    Exciting TL Community announcement party people, hold onto your socks...

    3 of our finest commenters are headed to the frigid NY for some culture that will include a night out with yours truly at the Bob Weir & Ratdog show.

    Oculus, Ruffian, and Military Tracy...your rock-n-roll chariot awaits!  Fear not TL friends, I will be playing the role of Mr. Hand for the evening making sure the girls don't get mixed up with that dope whilst hanging with the hippy freaks;)

    Can't wait to meet MT and do a TL live meet encore with Ruff and Oc.  Don't forget to pack your mittens and wool caps ladies, we tailgate even if it means hyporthermia!

    I plan on scarf shopping this weekend (5.00 / 1) (#110)
    by ruffian on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 04:50:04 PM EST
    And making offerings to the air travel gods every day for the next 3 weeks.

    I don't think my employment agreement says anything about second-hand smoke, so I think I am covered!

    Parent

    The stuff of legends! (none / 0) (#61)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 11:31:06 AM EST
    Out here, we got Lucinda Williams in town next month.

    Parent
    Nice one... (none / 0) (#63)
    by kdog on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 11:41:20 AM EST
    just read in R.S. she's got a new record out.

    You're in for a treat my friend. I saw her once at an outdoor show a couple years back...the crew was dismayed to learn they weren't selling beer at the venue, but she was so good we forget all about the dryness by the second tune.

    Parent

    Ya, she's playing at McCabes in Sant Monica (none / 0) (#73)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 12:55:57 PM EST
    also, which is dry. I saw Dave Alvin there years ago, but I definitely need something to wet my throat during a show.

    Parent
    Always the flask and spike... (none / 0) (#77)
    by kdog on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 01:28:29 PM EST
    your soft drink route if you know in advance.

    Just scored a major coup...and extra ducat popped up for John F*ckin' Fogerty tonight and it landed in my lap...2014 is off to a bangin' start for me, I'm one lucky f*ck!  

    Parent

    Awesome. (none / 0) (#78)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 01:36:33 PM EST


    Parent
    Bucky Dent wants his nickname back (none / 0) (#79)
    by CoralGables on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 01:38:39 PM EST


    Parent
    Different f*ckin' context! n/t (none / 0) (#80)
    by kdog on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 01:42:14 PM EST


    Parent
    Westbury (none / 0) (#66)
    by CoralGables on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 11:46:53 AM EST
    looks like a great venue even though I've never heard of either Bob Weir or Ratdog. What other cultural events are on the itinerary?

    Parent
    The ladies... (none / 0) (#68)
    by kdog on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 11:54:33 AM EST
    are seeing the Philly Orchestra @ Carnegie Hall the night before, not sure if I'm gonna be able to get in on that jam.

    I do hope, if the ladies concur, to take them to my favorite pizza joint near my birthplace in Queens before heading out to LI for the show.  

    Other than that, who knows what else they and/or I will squeeze in.

    Still some tickets on Stubhub and stuff if ya wanna fly up CG!

    Parent

    Hell to the yeah! (none / 0) (#83)
    by Militarytracy on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 02:06:13 PM EST


    Parent
    Oh yeah, real NY pizza is required! (5.00 / 2) (#111)
    by ruffian on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 04:51:24 PM EST


    Parent
    Squeeze ya into our room! (none / 0) (#84)
    by Militarytracy on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 02:07:32 PM EST
    I think it would be an easy squeeze.  Oculus has her own pad too very nearby.  We can sleep on the stoop after martinis :)

    Parent
    Did you say "stoop"? (5.00 / 1) (#87)
    by kdog on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 02:24:31 PM EST
    you're a regula New Yawker already!

    Parent
    Calling kdog & Oculus (none / 0) (#131)
    by NYShooter on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 10:59:56 PM EST
    First: The dog-man:

    Please, since you're from Queens anyway, give your upcoming out-of-town guests the greatest culinary treat New York has to offer.....Piccolo's, 195-14 47th Avenue in Flushing. (718) 690-3302. And, I'll go a step further: If you, and your company, unanimously, don't agree it's the best eating experience you've ever had, the meal's on me. I mean it, Shooter's treat.

    The owner's name is Maurizio. You'll fall in love with him, guaranteed. You cannot make a mistake when ordering your meal, it's that good. I don't even like Italian food, yet, I can't help but stuff myself stupid when eating there. Trust me, while nothing in life is a "lock," Piccolo's is a "lock." (And, it's cheap)

    And, furthermore, if you want to be treated like Saudi Royalty, tell him/them "The Finkelsteins" recommended this place. They may just pick you up and carry you to your table.

    If you want to really show your out-of-town friends what the Big Apple's all about, start'em off at Piccolos.
    ***********

    And, now, Oculus:

    As our resident Patron of the Arts, I'd like to ask you for some advice. I have a friend who's a rather elderly gentleman, and he's moving away. He's asked me to look over some of his things that he'd like to sell, rather than dragging everything down South. Specifically, he's got a ten volume pristine set of 33 RPM Beethoven albums. Each volume contains 5 albums/records, 50 in all. This is the list:

    Beethoven Bi-Centennial Collection

    1.  Symphonies & Overtures Part 1
    2.       "            "                  Part 2
    3.  Concertos
    4.  Piano Sonatas
    5.  Music for the Stage
    6.  Choral Music
    7.  String Quartets
    8.  Music for Piano
    9.  Chamber Music
    10. Music for Violin & Cello

    What do you think? Any idea what I should offer? They look like they've never been played.
    I'd appreciate any insight/input you can give.

    Thanks


    Parent

    Just goes to show... (none / 0) (#158)
    by kdog on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 10:46:58 AM EST
    what a culinary mecca the NY is...I've never heard of Piccolo's, right in my old backyard.

    My go-to Italian joint was always Mario's on the Horace Harding westbound side...till they closed down some years back. Miss that place.

    I'll check it out Shooter!

    Parent

    You'll thank me (none / 0) (#178)
    by NYShooter on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 12:52:48 PM EST
    profusely......no doubt.

    Please, please find the time to check it out soon. No reservations required, and, no dress code. I wouldn't be harping on this like I'm doing if I wasn't positive you'll share my opinion.


    Parent

    Amazon: $115. Also, many listings (none / 0) (#164)
    by oculus on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 10:55:56 AM EST
    on ebay.

    Parent
    Hey, thanks, "O" (none / 0) (#181)
    by NYShooter on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 12:56:18 PM EST
    He wanted to charge me a lot less than a C-note, so, I guess a hundo should be fair all around.

    Thanks again

    Parent

    Just for fun... (none / 0) (#132)
    by desertswine on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 11:09:22 PM EST
    stoop sto̅o̅p)
    n. Chiefly Northeastern U.S.
    A small porch, platform, or staircase leading to the entrance of a house or building.

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    [Dutch stoep, front verandah, from Middle Dutch.]

    Regional Note:  Originally brought to the Hudson Valley of New York by settlers from the Netherlands, a few items of Dutch vocabulary have survived there from colonial times until the present. Stoop, "a small porch," comes from Dutch stoep; this word is now in general use in the Northeast and is probably spreading. The word olicook, which appears to be dying out, means "doughnut," and comes from Dutch oliekoek--literally, "oil cake." And the Dutch word kill for a small running stream is used throughout New York State



    Parent
    Assuming we all make it back from the outermost (none / 0) (#129)
    by oculus on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 09:29:03 PM EST
    reaches of LI!

    Parent
    Westbury... (5.00 / 1) (#151)
    by kdog on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 10:12:41 AM EST
    is a lot closer to the city than the outer reached of Long Island...we'll wait for a summer visit before exploring the majestic beaches of the outer reaches.

    Parent
    Hey Mr K, care to share the name of (none / 0) (#152)
    by vml68 on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 10:18:01 AM EST
    your favorite pizza joint?
    Would love to check it out the next time I head to Flushing.

    Parent
    My pleasure, Amore Pizzeria... (none / 0) (#157)
    by kdog on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 10:44:53 AM EST
    located in the Pathmark Shopping Center right off the Whitestone Expy, Linden Pl. Exit.

    A hole in the wall joint with the best slice I've ever had, hands down bar none.  I've never ever seen them have to warm up a slice...a pie comes out the oven and 8 slices are sold before it stops smoking.

    Parent

    Thanks. Will give it a try. (none / 0) (#171)
    by vml68 on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 11:16:09 AM EST
    I am really going to miss the variety of restaurants NYC has to offer.

    Parent
    I take it... (none / 0) (#172)
    by kdog on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 11:24:04 AM EST
    you will not be becoming a reqular at Sonny's BBQ down in FLA?

    Not sure about the culinary scene where you're headed near Tampa, but I really enjoyed the soul food and catfish joints when I lived in Tallahassee.  But I sure did miss pizza, bagels, and decent Chinese!  Good cold cuts were impossible to find at first, then Publix started carrying Boars Head while I was there and I felt like I died and went to heaven.

    Parent

    LOL, I am sure I will try Sonny's once to see (none / 0) (#176)
    by vml68 on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 12:23:35 PM EST
    what the fuss is all about.
    I will miss all my favorite chinese, Korean, middle-eastern, Portuguese, Spanish, greek, west indian......joints. SOB!
    At the risk of sounding like a snob, after growing up eating European deli meats, I have never be able to acquire a taste for most American supermarket deli meats. Though there are some good artisanal brands that I like.
    The good thing about living in this area is that there is no shortage of imported goods.

    Parent
    You know those posters showing NYC as the (none / 0) (#154)
    by oculus on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 10:34:10 AM EST
    largest portion of the U.S.?  I'm viewing LI from the perspective of S. CA.

    Parent
    Damn those... (none / 0) (#165)
    by kdog on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 11:00:02 AM EST
    maps and globes designed by east coast elitists!

    Parent
    oculus is booked way in advance (none / 0) (#82)
    by Militarytracy on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 02:02:27 PM EST
    We are all also going to see the Philly orchestra, tickets arrived.  After that Ruffian and I will probably scavenge tickets to some other events, and there is food together, AND DRINK together, and we are going to that event with kdog where we will be encouraged to take very deep breaths :)  I think it's something Yoga related?  Heh

    Parent
    Check out the revolving stage already. (none / 0) (#130)
    by oculus on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 09:31:19 PM EST


    Parent
    I have a great infinity scarf (none / 0) (#86)
    by Militarytracy on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 02:19:05 PM EST
    Made by an artist that is part of DailyKos.  It is really large, and gorgeous, and warm :)  I didn't plan on getting as much use out of it as I am in this Bama winter. I see they named this "storm", Leon or something.  When did we start naming winter storms?

    Parent
    I think that naming (none / 0) (#99)
    by Zorba on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 03:57:02 PM EST
    winter storms is a "thing" made up by The Weather Channel.  NOAA and the National Weather Service don't use winter storm names.

    Parent
    Anything for some sensationalism I guess (none / 0) (#116)
    by Militarytracy on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 05:29:53 PM EST
    My son-in-law is counting up dead things.  I knew when I planted the lime that it was out of zone.  But you see all these other folks planting out of zone so there you are.  The lime tree finally produced about 30 limes this year and is now probably also deceased.

    I am far from the only person planting out of zone though.  Lots of palms are dead here too now.  Things that will have to be removed and replaced.  Money in the bank for my son-in-law.

    Parent

    Well, at least he's making money. (5.00 / 1) (#127)
    by Zorba on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 08:29:00 PM EST
    Have fun this weekend in NYC, BTW.      ;-)

    Parent
    AN AXE LENGTH AWAY, vol. 262 (none / 0) (#70)
    by Dadler on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 12:10:19 PM EST
    Vlasic Pickles have cornered the maternity market. (link)

    v. 261
    v. 260

    Happy humpday, good citizens.

    New Leader in the GOP Clubhouse (none / 0) (#81)
    by CoralGables on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 02:02:16 PM EST
    New poll from PPP gives Mike Huckabee the lead. Not surprising. Say something stupid and it launches you into the temporary lead with the GOP:

    Huckabee 16
    Bush 14
    Christie 13
    Paul 11
    Cruz 8
    Rubio 8
    Ryan 8
    Walker 6
    Jindal 5

    Well, that certainly calls for ... (none / 0) (#95)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 03:30:46 PM EST
    ... some Ozzy Osborne!

    Parent
    Or some Ralph Kramden & Ed Norton... (none / 0) (#98)
    by kdog on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 03:54:12 PM EST
    Do The Hucklebuck, Do The Hucklebuck

    Parent
    Not sure about Kramden (none / 0) (#137)
    by Mikado Cat on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 01:49:04 AM EST
    but Jackie Gleason made some excellent music, a true multitalent with a good ear for brass.

    Parent
    Paul (none / 0) (#124)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 07:37:50 PM EST
    Ryan sure seems to be sinking like a stone.

    Parent
    Not really (none / 0) (#142)
    by jbindc on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 08:53:59 AM EST
    Graph

    Link

    The new survey puts Christie in third place -- with the support of 13 percent of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents -- behind Rep. Paul Ryan (Wis.) with 20 percent and former Florida governor Jeb Bush at 18 percent. The rest of the scattered pack includes Sens. Ted Cruz (Tex.), Rand Paul (Ky.) and Marco Rubio (Fla.), who are at 12, 11 and 10 percent, respectively.

    Among strong backers of the tea party -- who make up about one-fifth of the Republicans polled -- Cruz has a big lead, with 28 percent, followed by Ryan, at 18 percent. But Cruz, an iconoclastic freshman senator who rose to prominence during last fall's partial government shutdown, registers just 4 percent among those who oppose or have no opinion of the tea party.

    But again...

    Polling this far out in the cycle is poor at forecasting winners of party nomination battles, but it offers important clues about current voter attitudes. Major fundraisers and party activists in particular look to such polls as indications of potential candidates' strengths and weaknesses on the national stage as they begin to pick their horses.


    Parent
    Or...in a nutshell (none / 0) (#143)
    by CoralGables on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 09:23:12 AM EST
    There is no GOP frontrunner, just a school of frenzied fish.

    An ABC News/Wash Post poll that doesn't give an option for Huckabee, Walker, or Jindal puts Paul Ryan in the lead.

    Ryan 20
    Bush 18
    Christie 13
    Cruz 12
    Paul 11
    Rubio 10

    This is the first ABC News/Wash Post poll on the matter so nothing good to use for comparative purposes.

    Parent

    True, but (none / 0) (#144)
    by jbindc on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 09:32:07 AM EST
    Looking at the Detailed View shows that, while Huckabee, Walker, or Jindal weren't mentioned - survey respondents were given other choices, that it could be argued, would include the above names - answers such as "Other", "None of These", and "Would Not Vote" - which together only make up 9%,a nd why I included the usual caveat:

    Polling this far out in the cycle is poor at forecasting winners of party nomination battles, but it offers important clues about current voter attitudes. Major fundraisers and party activists in particular look to such polls as indications of potential candidates' strengths and weaknesses on the national stage as they begin to pick their horses.


    Parent
    "A nutshell?" - you funny... (none / 0) (#149)
    by Anne on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 10:00:32 AM EST
    but that list of possible contenders sure isn't - even without Huckabee (say, do you think putting women in binders might help with the whole libido "problem" he thinks women have?).

    Parent
    MOre or less (none / 0) (#167)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 11:04:41 AM EST
    depends on the poll then. Frankly I don't really care. They're all crazy as bed bugs.

    Parent
    Some very cool and educational... (none / 0) (#97)
    by kdog on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 03:52:25 PM EST
    billboards going up around the Meadowlands for the big game.

    Check 'em out.

    Lordy (none / 0) (#108)
    by sj on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 04:42:21 PM EST
    That Mason Tvert is absolutely indefatigable. Serious admiration for the guy.

    Parent
    Dennis McGuire Attorneys... (none / 0) (#105)
    by ScottW714 on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 04:29:39 PM EST
    ...this is craZy if true:

    Two guards wrote that they overheard McGuire -- who was sentenced to death for raping and stabbing a pregnant woman -- tell his ex-wife that his lawyer told him to give a "thumbs up" sign after the injection began.

    "If it wasn't for my daughter, I would really put on a show," McGuire allegedly said, according to the reports, which were also emailed by the state corrections department to NBC News.

    Another prison staffer wrote that during a conversation with McGuire after visiting hours had ended, the condemned man told him that the lawyer, Rob Lowe, had told him that if started to "choke or jerk" he would call the governor, get the execution stopped and have a life-saving antidote administered.

    "He also began saying that Mr. Lowe told him that if things look bad during this execution that he would be the sole reason that executions will no longer happen in Ohio and all his buddies on death row would be saved."

    LINK

    Not saying guards are the best witnesses, but it certainly raises some questions, but it doesn't negate the time it took for him to die.

    Just a random thought (none / 0) (#109)
    by CoralGables on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 04:45:14 PM EST
    Why is it we aren't comfortable with people telling us what we should do or not do with an unborn fetus, but have no trouble telling others how they should or shouldn't name them once they are born?

    Not sure how you can even compare the two. (5.00 / 3) (#114)
    by vml68 on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 05:02:46 PM EST
    Having said that, I don't care what people name their kids. All I ask is that when I write "Tiffany" on a card, you spare me the outrage because you decided to spell it "Tiphani","Typhyny","Tyfani" or some other permutation. I have a really hard time keeping track of who used what spelling.

    Parent
    The thing is that no one's telling anyone (5.00 / 1) (#120)
    by Anne on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 05:54:25 PM EST
    what they should or should not name their children, just commenting on/speculating about why they choose the names they do and relating our own experiences with respect to our own names.

    People misspell my first name all the time, leaving off the "e" - and they misspell and mispronounce my last name, too.  And I've already mentioned the whole middle name thing.  So, I feel like I have some appreciation for the difficulties that someone like "Cydnee" and "Airica" have or will face in the future.  I like to get people's names right, because it's irritating when people insist on spelling it wrong.

    My sister-in-law spells my name "Ann" all the freaking time, and I finally said to her, "do you think after almost 35 years of knowing me you could spell my name right?"

    That I don't understand parents who would saddle a kid with a name he or she will be explaining for the rest of their lives isn't the same as telling them what they should name the kid.

    Parent

    Anne with an "e" (none / 0) (#121)
    by CoralGables on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 06:12:11 PM EST
    It looks so much nicer. When you hear a name pronounced can't you always see it in your mind, just as if it was printed out? I can; and A-N-N looks dreadful, but A-N-N-E looks so much more distinguished. If you'll only call me Anne spelled with an e I shall try to reconcile myself to not being called Cordelia.


    Parent
    Maybe because (none / 0) (#113)
    by jbindc on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 04:55:31 PM EST
    Years of research have shown that names on things like resumes actually DO have effects on hiring decisions.

    That, plus the many, many anecdotal evidence provided by people who DO have unusual names or unusual spellings to their names and the trouble they have had all their lives.

    Life is hard enough.  Why shouldn't we wonder about people who make it that much harder for their kids for their entire lives?

    Parent

    I wonder if he will win? (none / 0) (#126)
    by vml68 on Wed Jan 29, 2014 at 08:11:32 PM EST
    Snowden nominated for Nobel Peace Prize.

    I really hope he does. I have a feeling the Obama administration really hopes he doesn't!

    Snowden (none / 0) (#138)
    by Mikado Cat on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 01:52:35 AM EST
    certainly deserves it more than others who have gotten it.

    Parent
    Awesome... (none / 0) (#150)
    by kdog on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 10:08:48 AM EST
    The Nobel people could go a long way towards restoring the prestige of the prize by awarding it to Snowden...I'll be rooting for him big time.

    Parent
    They Should Recall... (none / 0) (#166)
    by ScottW714 on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 11:04:25 AM EST
    ...Obama's and hand it to Snowden, along with the cash award, which is over a million bones.

    And don't forget, Alfred Noble's family dealt arms for war, and whose own brother was killed by nitroglycerin, which lead Alfred to seek and invent a safer explosive, dynamite.

    An arms manufacturer/dealer whose legacy is peace.

    Parent

    Interesting arguement against early voting (none / 0) (#140)
    by Slado on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 07:47:15 AM EST
    Early Voting

    I've never done it because I like the feeling of voting on Election Day.

    They make an interesting point (none / 0) (#145)
    by jbindc on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 09:40:23 AM EST
    When people can vote as far as 46 days out, that is a long time for more or new information to come out about a candidate, and that people may be voting with less information than they need or deserve.  

    However, it is not really a compelling argument to have say, a week of voting, instead of one day.  Barring anything incredibly crazy, by the time Election Day rolls around, candidates (at the national level, at least) have been vetted and vetted, and all that's left in the last week or so is just the nonsense stuff.

    Seriously - I never fully trust people who say two days before a presidential election that they have absolutely no idea who they're going to vote for.  What they mean is that they are not going to tell you, but they know.

    Parent

    I think what I didn't like about that (5.00 / 1) (#163)
    by Anne on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 10:55:54 AM EST
    article is that its overall message is that somehow, people are too stupid not to appreciate the pros and cons of early voting.  If that's the case, what would make anyone think they are really going to be that much "smarter" on election day?  

    The whole point of early voting is to encourage more people to participate in the process, to take away the problems of work schedules and other barriers to day-of-election voting.  Which is why, I think, we see articles like this: the fear that those who vote early aren't going to vote for the right candidates.

    Even in states where there is early voting, efforts have been made in some of them to limit the sites where early voting can take place - for the same reason.

    And look at Washington State - they have no in-person voting - it's all done by mail.

    I just don't buy the altruistic attitude that not having early voting is somehow saving people from themselves.

    I'm sure you know all of this - I should be replying to Slado, but I don't really feel like engaging him today.

    Parent

    I get it (none / 0) (#168)
    by jbindc on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 11:05:31 AM EST
    I'm all FOR early voting and allowing more people to participate - and also think we should have a federal holiday for Election Day.  I have a hard enough time getting to vote as it is, and luckily for me, the polls in Virginia open at 6 am 9but close at 7 pm), AND the polling place is across the street from my apartment, so I can stroll over there at 5:55 AM.

    But I do appreciate the point that if you allow voting early enough, it can completely skew the election.

    Parent

    Have (none / 0) (#169)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 11:11:02 AM EST
    you ever thought that maybe the people who vote early are the ones that are not going to change their minds no matter what comes out? A month before an election it's unlikely that something earth shattering is going to come out. Sure, stuff will come out but it's probably only going to affect those who vote at the last minute anyway.

    Parent
    Timing... (none / 0) (#174)
    by ScottW714 on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 11:30:37 AM EST
    ... is everything in politics, what is the difference if voting early or voting on time should circumstances change, either way things are always going to change, the only difference is if the change is before/after the election.

    Some of the same points could be made for voting on time should a scandal break the next day.

    Between GWB and Obama there is a lot of buyer's remorse, but not after 40 days.  That article is for the voters who sway from candidate to candidate, from week to week, which is what, 5-10% of the voting populace.

    The article doesn't discuss the average early voting, and people in the military or living abroad.  I can vote up to a week early in Texas, whereas in the military, we voted way early.  I assumed because the ballots had to be counted sorted and sent to each jurisdiction.

    And I seriously don't have hours to burn waiting to vote on the day of, maybe that is not your case, but here in Houston, where I vote, even at lunch for early voting, it's 15 mins.  The day of, at least an hour, and after work, several hours.  The convenience for me far out weight a possible scandal a couple days before the election.  

    In this past elections, would have had to be epic for me to vote McCain or Romney.  And being in Texas, I almost always vote D ticket for the state elections and beyond the Mayor or maybe Chief of Police, I don't really follow city politics.

    Parent

    Déjà vu? (none / 0) (#146)
    by vml68 on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 09:45:35 AM EST
    Wall Street's New Housing Bonanza.

    Will we never learn?

    Henry Waxman to retire (none / 0) (#153)
    by jbindc on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 10:20:34 AM EST
    Link

    More proof that party insiders do not expect the Dems to take back the House.

    They really need to worry about the Senate instead.

    Not really (none / 0) (#179)
    by christinep on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 12:52:57 PM EST
    Waxman has been in office for 20 terms.

    While I've lost count of the number of announced Congressional retirees, my understanding is that the numbers are in line with the usual retirement numbers.  My understanding also is that many of the Repub retirees are from safe districts; ditto with the Democrats.  'Can't recall off-hand the number of House retirees now for each party?

    For some reason, I'm not real concerned that the Democrats are going to lose the 6 seats in the Senate that it would take for a turnover... Alaska and Pryor notwithstanding (and even they have a fairly good shot at retention in view of the Repub field there and in view of their own cautionary positioning.)  What may be most interesting is that good possibility for a Nunn (Michele) to pick up the Repub Chambliss seat in Georgia.  And, of course, the Kentucky situation is interesting, too.)

    Parent

    Michelle Nunn is only leading (5.00 / 1) (#196)
    by Anne on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 02:32:35 PM EST
    by 1 percentage point.

    Charlie Pierce:

    Anyway, polling has begun, and what that polling says depends vitally on your point of view. Democratic hopeful Michelle Nunn leads all three Republican candidates. Hooray. Except that she leads them all by approximately nothing. For example, guess who runs her the closest race?

       Q1 If the candidates for U.S. Senate this fall were Democrat Michelle Nunn and Republican Paul Broun, who would you vote for?

        Michelle Nunn......... 42%

        Paul Broun............. 41%

        Undecided.............  17%    


    That's right. An accomplished, moderate Democratic woman with an impeccable political pedigree -- She's Sam Nunn's daughter -- is one thin point ahead of a creationist yahoo who proudly brags that he's the first person publicly to accuse the president of being both Hitler and a Marxist.

    Things are looking up.

    It does rather boggle the mind.

    Parent

    The fact (none / 0) (#200)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 02:53:35 PM EST
    that she is even tied is good news I hate to tell you. You have to realize that usually anyone with a D behind their name polls way behind an R.

    If she does win truly it's probably going to be a squeaker BUT there also are a lot of people who don't pay attention to politics like you and I do who don't know what a crack pot Broun is.

    This may yet be another case of the tea party causing a loss for the GOP. Broun is literally giving many in the GOP a massive heartburn. He could even cause the GOP to lose senate seats across the country like the legitimate rape candidates did back in 2012.

    Parent

    Wouldn't you say (none / 0) (#202)
    by jbindc on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 02:59:15 PM EST
    Part of the reason she's tied is because she has the whole of the Democratic Party behind her, while the Republicans are still battling out before a primary - splitting their votes?

    Parent
    You are more confident (none / 0) (#184)
    by jbindc on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 01:16:10 PM EST
    than people actually in the know. Are they wrong to be worried?  I dunno. But I wouldn't be so confident as to just assume that everything will be ok.

    From the article:

    If Senate Democrats are fretting about dollars, it's for good reason. So far this election, Republican groups have spent more than $17.2 million on TV commercials in races, slightly less than double the $8.8 million figure that Democrats have invested. In five crucial states -- Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan and New Hampshire -- Republicans have outspent Democrats by more than 3 to 1. Many of the GOP groups have focused their firepower on battering Democrats over Obamacare.

    With Republicans pouring money into contests, some Democratic donors are feeling an increased urgency. Leo Hindery, a New York City media mogul, has argued that donors should zero in on the small number of races that will determine control of the Senate.

    Democratic operatives are nervous about Michigan, Oregon, and Virginia as well, at this point.

    Republican gains and President Obama's weakness have Democrats on their heels, preparing to fight for Senate seats they never thought they would have to defend and hoping that 2016 will give them a chance to win back the Senate if they lose it next year.

    Mark Warner, one of the most popular Democrats in the Senate, is now facing a serious challenge from one of the few Virginia Republicans who can keep pace with his fundraising. Polls show the Republican favorite in Michigan running evenly with Democratic Rep. Gary Peters, and raising more money than him as well. Republicans are even watching the Oregon Senate race closely, where a Republican physician running against Obamacare raised a half-million dollars against Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley.

    Democrats are feeling the pressure and looking longingly at 2016, when the political landscape should be nearly as favorable to them as the 2014 environment is perilous to their majority. This year, the party is defending seven states that rejected Obama in 2012; the GOP will be defending six seats in state that he carried that year in 2016.

    "We always knew this cycle would have a number of difficult seats to defend," said Democratic strategist Jef Pollock. "Everything stacks up better for us in 2016."

    and

    Democrats have more reasons to worry. While nobody thought Arkansas Sen. Mark Pryor's reelection would be easy in a state President Obama lost by 24 points, getting outraised by Republican rival Rep. Tom Cotton at the end of 2013 makes the incumbent look like the underdog. Arkansas was among 10 states that gave the president his lowest approval ratings in 2013, pegged by Gallup at 35 percent.

    Even worse is the view from West Virginia, where only 25 percent approved of the president's job performance last year. The likely Republican nominee, Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, who got a yearlong head start, has raised seven times as much money.

    And, is Nancy Pelosi next?

    Parent

    i don't (none / 0) (#192)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 02:22:04 PM EST
    know why they are worried about Oregon. I think that's just something they are putting out there to make the GOP think they can win there.

    All of this is going to depend on the tea party and what they do.

    It's entirely possible that GA could lose a GOP seat.

    And i'm guessing they should be worred about AR but Tom Cotton is a freaking crazy so maybe they shouldn't be too worried. Money doesn't always translate into a win.

    Parent

    In the last election, the Senate was (none / 0) (#194)
    by christinep on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 02:27:10 PM EST
    deemed lost for the Dems ... we actually concluded with a gain.  The time before, the Senate was considered a goner for Dems ... turned out not so.  Experts???  IMO, the numbers are actually better for Dems in the Senate this time around; that is especially so when one considers such variables as the fit (Pryor and Begich as inheritors of Alaska and Arkansas "blue dog," e.g.) and the fortuitous circumstance of a Nunn (Michelle) in Georgia as well as the Tea Party divisiveness in McConnell's Kentucky.

    It is important to be cautious and work harder as a Dem, of course.  And, naturally, the hype from the conflict-thirsting media and the $$$-hungry fundraisers add to the conventional wisdom as well.  Honestly ... I am more optimistic this year than in the past two cycles; but, I'm determined to work for the Senate retention harder than ever.

    Per Roll Call today:  In this 113th Congress, announced retirements number 17 from the House.  7 Dems and 10 Reps.    And, House members running for Senate seats number 9 Republican and 3 Democrats.  Plus: 2 House Dems are running for gubernatorial positions.

    Parent

    Actually, no (none / 0) (#197)
    by jbindc on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 02:45:04 PM EST
    The numbers are much better for the Dems in 2016.  They are very tight this year.

    And, according to your numbers -  a potential of 18 Dem House seats open and only 10 for Republicans.

    Larry Sabato's predictions

    Alaska is a toss up, Arkansas is leaning Republican, LA is a toss up, McConnell will have a close race, but will win in KY, Montana will be a Republican pickup, NC is a toss up, South Dakota will likely be a Republican pickup,and West Virginia will be a likely Republican pickup.

    Charlie Cook sees things a little differently, but still has 5 possible or probable Republican pickups.

    (Purple Polling even has Scott Brown and Jeanne Shaheen tied!)

    Nobody I've read has the Dems picking up any seats.

    And while the Republicans had a chance in 2012 to take over the Senate, this year is a much better scenario in that most the states that will be casting ballots are Republican leaning: 7 of the 21 Democratic-held seats are in states carried by Mitt Romney, while just one of the Republican seats is in a state won by President Obama.

    So while it's good to be optimistic, it's not necessarily in line with the reality of the world.  It is going to be very, very close and just feeling good about the Dems isn't enough.

    And, of course, there's always how the president's approval is doing.

    Parent

    Oh, my goodness, I must tell you that (none / 0) (#204)
    by christinep on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 03:02:14 PM EST
    my record is quite good ... I do know a bit about Democratic politics ... and, yep, I'm one of those realists.

    Absolutely, 2016 is considered to be much more favorable than the three elections preceding it.  But, don't forget:  The position that the Dems started in with regard to number advantage of held seats together with the location of the races was tougher than this year.  Example: The Alaska situation should be a loser for Begich ... but, the Repubs have problems in which candidate they will field (per Senator L. Murkowski's advice); and, the same long odds should apply in Pryor's Arkansas ... but, his own astute positioning to fit his state together with the crazy opposition may well change those odds.

    At this date--and considering the poor record of the previous predictions by the "experts"-- it is a guessing game.  But, my point is that the nature of the particular match-ups (and not the "color" of the state) will be much more determinative in the 2014 match-ups.  While I'd be most concerned as a Dem about South Dakota and West Virginia, it is still a ways off.  

    Again, tho:  The best approach for a Democrat is to engage fully and work as if the Senate could topple in an instant.  That is the best prescription for retention, imo.

    Parent

    And we have been hearing for years now (none / 0) (#195)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 02:27:25 PM EST
    that the GOP was going to take over the senate. The same thing was said in 2010 and 2012 but the tea party prevented that from happening. So I wouldn't be making any predictions about the Senate at all. With the tea party having so much control over the primaries you just do not know what is going to happen.

    Parent
    Breaking News (none / 0) (#162)
    by jbindc on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 10:54:03 AM EST
    (Why this is "breaking news" is beyond me).

    CNN is reporting that Justin Bieber tested positive for Xanax and marijuana in urine test last week after his arrest in Miami Beach.

    In other Bieber news, he is turning himself in to Toronto police today, following an allegation of assault on a limo driver last month.

    Sounds like he should be worried about multiple court dates and venues instead of concerts in the near future.  I can see the t-shirts now -"Justin Bieber, with special guest Judas Priest.  The 'Breaking the Law' tour"

    Remember those (none / 0) (#170)
    by jbindc on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 11:15:50 AM EST
    "fantastic" numbers of enrollees on the state and federal healthcare exchanges?  Turns out - many of them haven't paid up yet, so aren't actually covered.

    I'm sure they'll pay ... (none / 0) (#180)
    by christinep on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 12:55:32 PM EST
    and, then, there will be another critique :)

    Parent
    Of there will be (none / 0) (#183)
    by jbindc on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 01:04:49 PM EST
    There's so much bad about the ACA, and more surprises to come.

    Parent
    You know what (5.00 / 1) (#193)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 02:25:08 PM EST
    There are a lot of problems with it but there's a lot of good too. I have some friends. Her husband is an Obama hater but signed up for Obamacare because it's the only way they could have insurance. She was able to get care for her duaghter because of it AND not be stuck with 100K worth of bills for a week stay in the hosptial. Sometimes you cannot let the good or mediocre be the enemy of the perfect.

    Parent
    True (none / 0) (#199)
    by jbindc on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 02:47:55 PM EST
    But when the 2015 rates come out, when the small employer mandate comes out, when the 1 year delay in the "grandfathered" plan is over - all right before election day, just watch the cluster-F continue.

    Parent
    And the employer (none / 0) (#201)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 02:58:35 PM EST
    mandate is going to do what? Allow more people to have employer based insurance?

    The GOP likes to scream about all this but they are unwilling to tell the truth and the truth is the problem is the insruance business model not requiring people to have insurance. They are chicken littles screaming the world is going to end. And if people don't have insurance you knwo what happens don't you? Everybody ends up paying for it in their premiums too. Premiums have been skyrocketing since 2002. Republicans like to ignore that fact and the fact that Reagan is the one that signed onto people going to the ER for treatment.

    Parent

    AN AXE LENGTH AWAY, vol. 263 (none / 0) (#173)
    by Dadler on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 11:28:41 AM EST
    You can't play that Hallmark card bullsh*t with her. (link)

    v. 262
    v. 261

    Peace to the nth degree, my friends.

    Good news for non-violent federal drug (none / 0) (#175)
    by oculus on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 11:59:15 AM EST
    conviction inmates:

    call out to defense attornies

    Death Penalty sought for Marathon Bomber (none / 0) (#185)
    by Mr Natural on Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 01:39:48 PM EST
    Not exactly a surprise.

    New York Times:

    The decision sets in motion the highest-profile federal death penalty case since Timothy J. McVeigh was prosecuted and executed for the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City.  The decision, however, is not cast in stone. In nearly half of federal death penalty cases, prosecutors withdraw the threat of execution before trial, typically because of a plea deal, according to the Federal Death Penalty Resource Counsel.
    Skydiving in outer space (none / 0) (#206)
    by Dadler on Sat Feb 01, 2014 at 09:37:46 AM EST
    Turns out Felix Baumgartner was wearing GoPro cameras when he leaped from a capsule 25 miles above earth. Insane video. As if the film GRAVITY was an XGames event. (link)

    Tuesday Open Thread | 206 comments (206 topical)