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Saturday Night Open Thread

What I'm watching: The X Games in Aspen (here's today's updated schedule) and next the Screen Actor's Guild Awards (Red carpet airing now on E.)

I've gone days without blogging. The biggest reason is both the mouse and the track pad on my laptop are on the fritz. They alternate between not doing anything and all of a sudden moving to a different page. The hard drive is just about full, making it very slow. (And there's nothing I feel like moving to an external drive.) [More....]

I'm trying to pick out a laptop -- but I want another Sony VAIO. Or any VAIO. After Sony sold the line to a company in Japan, VAIO's stopped being available in the U.S. The first to be marketed here last fall is this Canvas, which looks great, but at $2k to $3k, it's too pricey. I also want a bigger screen.

Next week, the new VAIO company will begin shipping a "Flip" line of laptops, and in March, it will reintroduce the VAIO Z and the VAIO S to the U.S. But both will only have 13.3 inch screens. And I don't think I can wait that long.

So my blogging could be very light until I decide on a new laptop and get it shipped here.

Why is buying a laptop with exactly what you want so difficult these days? There are fewer and fewer "build your own" offerings among the major brands.

My typing patience is now exhausted. This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

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    New Flat Earth movement (5.00 / 1) (#42)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 02:56:41 PM EST
    No, really.
    Dont even tell me you are surprised by this.


    When I posted the video of Neil deGrasse Tyson's appearance on The Nightly Show earlier today, in which he definitively slapped down the idea that's been debunked for more than two millennia that the Earth is flat, I never thought I'd be reading an article at a major online publication defending people who promote this Stone Age idea -- the very same night.

    Aristotle debunked this foolish nonsense in the fourth century B.C., but here we are again: In Defense of Flat Earthers - The Atlantic.

    Writer Lizzie Wade says she's not actually trying to give credence to the flat Earth craziness, she's just praising the people who spread it:

    LINK

    That Was Dumb... (none / 0) (#126)
    by ScottW714 on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 11:35:58 AM EST
    ...but there are times when it's brought up in a conversation and I will argue that the mission to the moon was staged, just for fun.  Oh man, so long as the person doesn't know a couple key things, like the reflectors, it's fairly easy to at the very least, get someone to seriously consider it.

    One guy did it in that article, claiming the only proof is from NASA.

    People love to be sold a good government conspiracy.

    But selling the Earth is flat is too much, it would be interesting to know if they actually believe it.

    Parent

    Clinton argument (5.00 / 1) (#46)
    by Kmkmiller on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 03:32:36 PM EST

    Clinton: "I don't want to over promise and under deliver. I would rather under promise and over deliver."

    I find this a rather remarkable thing to say. It does seem to feed into criticism of incrementalism, especially during a political primary.

    But I do hope voters appreciate the sentiment, it has long been what I think is wrong with our political process. Over committing and under delivering leads to depressed voters. Yet the visionary speeches inspire voters--> wild mood swings in electorate, etc.

    In any event in every other industry in the world this is a sensible thing to say.

    Really (5.00 / 1) (#62)
    by lentinel on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 05:14:02 PM EST
    that sounds like a bunch of ... nothing to me.

    And it is an oblique way of saying that Sanders is "over-promising".

    And that stuff about Sanders promising things?
    I haven't heard him promise anything.
    What I have heard, at least on the domestic front, is that he has a clear grasp on what we, as citizens, need and deserve.

    It's not as if we don't send a he!! of a lot of our money to Washington... And they spend in on updating their nukes, getting into more civil wars, and domestic repression.

    Is she really saying that we should vote for her because she is not promising much - with the hint that she will deliver on things yet to be determined?

    That must be a misquote.

    Parent

    That's what I figured (none / 0) (#68)
    by Kmkmiller on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 05:25:16 PM EST
    Yes it is a jab at Sanders but more than that it's an unintentional affront to Overton window politics which is the team sanders play book.

    Yeah I get it.  But it's legitimate to go a little meta cause most people do agree our collective ability to discuss issues needs work.

    I'm not sure I'm right I'm kinda thinking I'm wrong but I do HOPE Iowans are as sick of Overton window as I am.

    It's not a misquote, I copied and pasted it.

    Parent

    To over-promise is to mislead (none / 0) (#73)
    by christinep on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 05:47:54 PM EST
    It is a sad, cynical practice sometimes cloaked in idealism.  Increasing taxes on the middle-class to the level minimally required for redoing our healthcare system (an undertaking that alone would take a substantial amount of a new term) and for taxpayer-funded college education (when we have not even begun a national or congressional conversation on the matter)mistakes a glimmer of an idea for a plan.  That really boils down to misleading would-be voters.  And, that will have relatively rapid consequences in future years ... not just voter payback, but even further electoral cynicism.

    Parent
    I think it's pretty clever (none / 0) (#48)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 03:40:32 PM EST
    A will probably be effective.

    Parent
    I think it's effective with the cohort for (5.00 / 3) (#61)
    by Anne on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 05:12:21 PM EST
    whom that is their comfort zone, but I'm not sure how well it plays elsewhere.

    Some food for thought:

    On a larger note, though, Clinton's argument is reflective of the larger primary debate: is it better to advocate for policies that are completely unlikely to make it through Congress in the hopes of a massive progressive turnout that upends politics as usual (a "political revolution," as it were), or is it better to advocate for things that are simply highly unlikely to make it through Congress but still fall within the realm of the possible within current constraints? The Clinton argument is that protecting the Affordable Care Act is difficult enough in its own right, and that single-payer healthcare is dead in the water in Congress.

    But this argument overlooks the potential power of the presidency in shaping public opinion toward policy goals, and underestimates the degree to which it will be nearly impossible to accomplish anything as long as the GOP holds Congress.

    Clinton's just flat-out saying "no," she's telling the people that it doesn't matter what they want, that she isn't up to the fight and isn't going to bother.  I think a lot of people don't see that as practical or pragmatic, but as defeatist.  

    As Brian Beutler noted in The New Republic, the Sanders approach assumes an aggressive negotiating posture that might actually be a better bet toward accomplishing legislative goals in the face of an intransigent Congress than the incrementalist Clinton approach:

       But if we're imagining both of their agendas as opening bids in negotiations with Congress, why fault Sanders for not negotiating with himself? Ask a future Democratic Congress for single payer and a $15 minimum wage and you might get laughed at... but you also might get the public option and a bump to $12. Ask it for the public option and a $12 minimum wage, as Clinton might, and you'll get a fair hearing from the outset, but you might end up with advancements barely worth fighting for. President Obama, as Sanders is fond of noting, negotiated with himself, and progressives paid an unknowable price as a result.

    I can't be the only one who remembers the frustration of this approach, but the frustration of years past is now replaced with praise for it.

    More likely, however, is that almost nothing will actually be accomplished in the very likely event that the GOP holds the House past 2016. In that case, notching legislative "wins" won't be nearly as important as communicating the party's values and sharpening the differences between the parties in order to mount an increase in turnout for 2018. The President's biggest job in the case of viciously divided government won't be Compromiser-in-Chief, but pusher of the Overton Window.

    Single-payer healthcare is popular with the public, and it deserves an advocate at the highest level of American politics because of its obvious superiority to the current system. In an environment where little good can happen legislatively anyway, the best thing a President could do on the healthcare front is make it clear that their party would enact single-payer healthcare if the opposition weren't standing in the way.

    Desire for an improved healthcare system might or might not lead to stronger base turnout in subsequent elections, but in either event the germ of the idea of single-payer healthcare would move from the outside edges of liberal circles to mainstream discourse on the front page of the New York Times. And that in turn means that with enough demographic change and redistricting, single-payer healthcare might actually become a reality by 2030. In other words, just talking about single-payer healthcare from the bully pulpit makes it much likelier to happen over time. Certainly much more so than saying it will "never ever happen."

    Politics isn't just the art of the possible today. It's also about shaping the realm of the possible tomorrow. When the opposition is willing to compromise, pushing the envelope might come at the expense of real gains in the moment. But when the opposition is intransigent, advocating for the impossible might just be the most productive thing a president can do to lay the groundwork for gains in the future.

    It's about a difference in vision, in leadership, in focus.  Her reaction makes me wonder if she will listen to us at all, ever, or if she's just going to be the Mommy-in-Chief, telling us what's best for us.  

    It's kind of insulting, really.

    Parent

    Insulting (5.00 / 2) (#66)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 05:24:23 PM EST
    Interesting choice of words.  I think it's sort f insulting to try to get people to vote for you by promising them free college and free healthcare for life when the congressional leader of your own party is publicly  saying its a fairy tail.

    Parent
    Well, to be fair, Pelosi was not the leader of his (5.00 / 1) (#116)
    by ruffian on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 02:01:57 AM EST
    party until sometime  last year. He's not used to paying her any attention.

    Parent
    It is called "over-promising" (none / 0) (#71)
    by christinep on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 05:37:52 PM EST
    Over-promising is standard for a number of politicians ... an old and almost-venerable practice.  And, Sanders is definitely practicing it.

    The problem for anyone engaging in that mechanism as the principal path to office: The inability to fulfill expectations--big time.  We might appreciate that it would be a Hades-cold day should even the understated amount of taxes on the middle-class associated with the time-intensive reworking of our healthcare system as well as the costs of 4 yr free tuition at all state colleges receive much Congressional attention, but what about the young people who want so much to believe.  What a way for a young person to start their civic life as adults ... with a full, cynical smack in the face.

    The heart of the deliberate over-promise is either reckless naivete or sad cynicism.

    Parent

    Here's the thing, christine: Sanders isn't (5.00 / 1) (#77)
    by Anne on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 07:12:18 PM EST
    promising these things; he's saying he believes these are things that make sense, and the people are telling him these are things they want.

    So, you can keep framing this as "over-promising," but those who are actually listening to Sanders, and those who are actually doing their homework, know that he's not doing that.

    But what Clinton is doing, christine, is closing the door on something that a significant majority of Americans say they want - something that nations throughout the world are doing, and successfully.  

    Clinton's aspirations for her presidency seem to be limited to simply being Obama 2.0; I think people want more, and Sanders is telling them that if they want these things, they're going to have to work for them, going to have to get out and vote.

    Parent

    You know (5.00 / 1) (#79)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 07:35:07 PM EST
    It's really disingenuous to say he's not promising these things.

    Sort of like Tad Devine saying hiw they pride themselves on running a purely positive campaign, but, emails.

    Parent

    I think it's disingenous... (5.00 / 1) (#128)
    by kdog on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 12:45:05 PM EST
    to say Sanders is making promises.

    He's been very clear from Day 1 that a political revolution will be necessary to bring these changes about...if the voters hear promises of anything other than effort on their part outside of simply voting, that's on them and their comprehension failure.

    Parent

    Right (none / 0) (#130)
    by jbindc on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 12:54:28 PM EST
    He's running on a platform of.....nothing, then?

    Oh wait....he's promising by electing him, that's what will start said revolution.  

    Too bad it doesn't work that way.

    But if we start his magical revolution, then he can promise he'll give us free college tuition and single payer, all without raising taxes!

    Parent

    It's the Seinfeld campaign (none / 0) (#140)
    by CoralGables on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 03:18:39 PM EST
    How could you be so obtuse... (none / 0) (#144)
    by kdog on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 03:42:41 PM EST
    is it intentional?

    Clinton/Pelosi and the rest remind me of Lyndon Johnson saying the timing just not right for civil rights, trust us give us time we'll get around to it...well, the people made it the right time.

    We can make it the right time for single payer and free public university too...and with a President Sanders we only need to smack some sense into one branch of government instead of two.  But if ya'll want to fight on two fronts instead of one, go right ahead, I'm lazy and would rather have a president to help instead of hinder and make excuses.

    Parent

    To suggest the civil rights movement (5.00 / 2) (#153)
    by Towanda on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 06:34:27 PM EST
    comparison seems not just obtuse but insulting to the memory of many who died, millions who sacrificed for many decades, to achieve their rights.

    This is not a movement; it's a political campaign.  Maybe it can become a movement.  We'll check back.

    And single-payer health care and free college tuition are not rights.  They're great ideas, but they hardly compare to life, to liberty from lynching, to the pursuit of education at all. . . .

    Parent

    Exactly my point.... (none / 0) (#157)
    by kdog on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 06:57:14 PM EST
    nothing happens without millions sacrificing. Who better to maybe possibly hopefully spur such a movement than a president of the god damn United States of America? Not a preacher or poet or radical, the commander and chief!

    Imagine having such a powerful ally in single payer, taxpayer funded higher education, 15 dollar minimum wage, and many more...instead of another obstacle like Johnson was to the Civil Rights movement.

    Not to equate the struggles Towanda, obviously...just a comparison of the dynamics of change. While pragmatism, compromise, and realism are important...in excess, they are no virtue.

     

    Parent

    Yeah? (none / 0) (#154)
    by jbindc on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 06:39:48 PM EST
    President Sanders we only need to smack some sense into one branch of government instead of two.

    How'd that work for Hope and Change?

    Parent

    Sounds (none / 0) (#155)
    by FlJoe on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 06:45:00 PM EST
    like something Trump would say.

    Parent
    jb (none / 0) (#156)
    by CoralGables on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 06:48:39 PM EST
    something you should know moving forward. A very large chunk of those that are fans of Obama are voting for Hillary. You might want to keep that in mind before you throw out your Sarah Palin style commentary.

    Parent
    Nope (none / 0) (#158)
    by jbindc on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 06:58:25 PM EST
    Thinking President Sanders is gonna "smack one arm of government around" is Trumpian, or maybe more like this

    Parent
    You misunderstood.... (none / 0) (#159)
    by kdog on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 07:06:44 PM EST
    It is we the people who must slap some sense into Congress, as they (supposedly) answer to us.

    Bernie makes sense, hence needs no slapping...at least from me, ymmv.

    Parent

    Then what exactly (none / 0) (#131)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 12:56:41 PM EST
    Is the point of electng Bernie to lead the party to electoral disaster?

    Parent
    A new and different: you are the change (none / 0) (#133)
    by oculus on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 01:23:22 PM EST
    you've been waiting for.

    Parent
    I find so much of this (5.00 / 1) (#134)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 01:31:03 PM EST
    Disturbingly circular

    Parent
    Speaking of (none / 0) (#81)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 07:40:50 PM EST
    Tad Devine, guess what he has said? He has said that he is going to lead Bernie to be the nominee the same way he led Michael Dukakis to becoming the nominee in 1988. Does he think most primary voters think that is a good thing?

    Parent
    I just love the idea (none / 0) (#84)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 07:46:13 PM EST
    That he never shuts up about this stuff.   It's in every speech.  But he is not really "promising" it.

    No.   I'm not actually telling you I will make this happen.  Im just saying I like the idea a lot more than Hollary does so I will talk about it a lot more.

    Oy.


    Parent

    I didn't realize Hillary was running a silent (5.00 / 1) (#107)
    by Anne on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 10:08:55 PM EST
    campaign, where she never gives speeches or talks about her agenda; that's so weird.

    So, what is it people think Hillary's going to deliver?  Anything?

    Parent

    Yeah...now we are right back where we were (5.00 / 1) (#115)
    by ruffian on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 01:52:18 AM EST
    six months ago when it seemed he was a 'raise awareness' candidate, not one that really expected to be president. Reality bites.

    Parent
    The young people believe he is (none / 0) (#91)
    by christinep on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 08:36:44 PM EST
    going to deliver these things.  The worst form of ...uh, I won't use the stronger word... is a misleading to the edge where those not so astute in the way of syntax as yourself are expected to and do believe that is exactly what will be delivered by the candidate.  It is cynical, at best.

    Parent
    Funny, but I don't remember all this (5.00 / 1) (#106)
    by Anne on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 10:05:37 PM EST
    pearl-clutching when Obama was running, but I guess you can just see so much more clearly now...#huffyforhillary.

    Parent
    That's interesting (5.00 / 1) (#124)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 09:16:28 AM EST
    Because what I remember when Obama was running is pearls being clutched so hard and so often they actually turned into diamonds.  

    Point of view, I guess.

    Parent

    Dear Anne: And, your point? (none / 0) (#108)
    by christinep on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 10:11:43 PM EST
    You do seem in a tizzy :)

    Parent
    Yeah (none / 0) (#72)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 05:41:34 PM EST
    I get that.   But I don't remember a congressional leader of your own party making a point to publicly call it out.   And while I'm sure Pelosi is for Hillary, she has to worry about down ticket, I don't think that was the primary reason for it.
    The main reason is she is smart enough to know running on raising taxes is suicidal.

    Parent
    I think (none / 0) (#74)
    by jbindc on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 05:58:18 PM EST
    It's a fairly stunning comment coming at this time from the Minority Leader, while addressing the House Democratic Caucus at their annual meeting, days before anyone has cast a vote.  These are the people who would propose and vote on this.

    Parent
    There (none / 0) (#80)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 07:39:23 PM EST
    is some kind of internal polling going on that apparently is driving a lot of what is being said IMO. The problem is as I see it you can't argue that so many people are not making a lot of money and are struggling and then turn around raise their taxes. It just doesn't compute.

    And as far as over promising, well, over promising is what has gotten the GOP in so much trouble. They promised a lot of things that they knew there was no way to deliver and hence the anger and the rise of Trump.

    Parent

    Don't really need a poll (5.00 / 2) (#82)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 07:41:53 PM EST
    To know saying you are going to raise middle class taxes us a great way to lose 48 states.

    Parent
    Nate Cohen, NYT, says educated whites who (none / 0) (#109)
    by oculus on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 11:57:57 PM EST
    supported Bernie in the past do not support him now. I'm thinking it is promise of a tax hike.

    Parent
    Full of trepidations (5.00 / 1) (#119)
    by NYShooter on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 04:10:06 AM EST
    I must disagree with you.

    If they truly are "well educated," they understand math, and, how a participatory democracy works. Unlike Republicans, who many studies indicate rate lower on the cognitive ability scale, they realize it takes money to do the things that need doing. And, again unlike Republicans, they believe the mountains of peer-reviewed studies showing that lowering taxes on the wealthy really does not result in more inflow to our Treasury.

    So, maybe, just maybe, they feel as I do when April 15th rolls around, "*", and pay their fair share of taxes, without whining & wailing.
    -----------------------------------------------

    " * "......I would not argue very strongly with anyone questioning whether I belong on a list titled, "educated."

    Parent

    Ah ha, the old Repubs are dumb (none / 0) (#121)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 08:31:25 AM EST
    shtick...

    The point that really gets made is that the tax increase will be on "me."

    Parent

    Nobody's saying Republicans are dumb, Jim. (none / 0) (#132)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 12:57:48 PM EST
    "Dumb" is an immutable human characteristic that isn't a choice in life. Rather, we're saying that Republicans have chosen to be both sincerely ignorant and conscientiously stupid, which often leads to results that reflect such a lazy and self-absorbed choice.

    Because that's what happens whenever one deliberately cherry-picks facts and manipulates data to fit one's own preferred narrative, while consciously ignoring the rest of the readily available evidence. And that's not a choice which wise and informed people tend to make, given their general aversion to being kicked in the a$$ repeatedly by reality and truth. (See "Iraq War," "climate change" and "supply-side economics.")

    Glad I could clear that up for you.

    Parent

    I see that you (none / 0) (#136)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 01:53:40 PM EST
    don't Google. Shooter wrote:

    Unlike Republicans, who many studies indicate rate lower on the cognitive ability scale,

    And the answer is:

    "Cognitive abilities are brain-based skills we need to carry out any task from the simplest to the most complex. They have more to do with the mechanisms of how we learn, remember, problem-solve, and pay attention, rather than with any actual knowledge.Dec 18, 2006

    And you prove your lack of same when you mention "climate change..."

    Around $20,000,000,000 wasted this year that could have been spent on any number of actual problems that we could actually do something about.

    Parent

    And you once again prove the studies are correct (none / 0) (#139)
    by CoralGables on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 03:17:38 PM EST
    Tell is again about all those scientists (none / 0) (#180)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 08:10:58 PM EST
    Thomas Aquinas asserted that an appeal to authority to advance an argument is the weakest possible basis to support one's case.


    Parent
    Howdy: Circumstances (none / 0) (#95)
    by christinep on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 08:41:44 PM EST
    in my Democratic Party are such that the "calling out" in a very direct way by legislators may not be wise in the long term IF we are to consolidate and move forward strongly, smoothly after the primaries.  As for me, I have a quick enough temper that I would delight in a bit of what for or calling out here, but the longer view makes more sense.  As for Nancy Pelosi, she is a strong and dedicated legislator and a good woman leader ... I will trust in her response for now.

    Parent
    Pelosi (5.00 / 1) (#97)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 08:50:42 PM EST
    Is telling the truth.  A truth that needs to be told.  Truth is good.  I'm all for it.

    Moving forward smoothly will depend almost entirely on the loser.  Will Bernie be as gracious as Hillary was?   We will probably find out.

    Parent

    FTR (none / 0) (#76)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 06:57:22 PM EST
    FAIRY TAIL is exactly what I meant

    Parent
    I need some examples of when (5.00 / 4) (#113)
    by ruffian on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 01:25:15 AM EST
    a presidency in which ideals are talked about but nothing is done has been effective in advancing those ideals, pushing the Overton window, or anything else. It is an EXECUTIVE office. If you can't do big things and are unwilling to do small things, people are going to stop listening to your big speech on the big thing you would really want to do if only you had some power.

    There is one body of government perfect for doing all of those things - it is called the United States Senate. It is a great place to start winning people over to your way of thinking and debate some proposals. You have the ability to go on any number of TV news chat shows whenever you want to make your case. Senator Elizabeth Warren is already doing a lot more good on the issues that Sanders talks about than a President Sanders would - in fact, if she had not been spreading that message for the last 10 years as a professor and a Senator, he would not have found such a ready-prepped constituency.  

    a revolution comes from the bottom up, not the POTUS.

    Parent

    Democratic debate scheduled for Thursday. (none / 0) (#129)
    by caseyOR on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 12:46:09 PM EST
    MSNBC has announced that it will host a debate with all three Democratic candidates on February 4, 2016. The DNC has now sanctioned this debate and said that it will schedule more sanctioned debates.

    Chuck Todd and Rachel Maddow will moderate the debate which will be held in New Hampshire. That should be interesting. Maddox, whom I generally like, has been obvious in her support for Sanders. And Chuck Todd. . .well, Todd is just awful, awful, awful. What a dope.

    Thankfully, Sanders, Clinton and O'Malley are all serious, thoughtful people.

    Parent

    I agree with this (none / 0) (#65)
    by jbindc on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 05:24:20 PM EST
    Single-payer healthcare is popular with the public, and it deserves an advocate at the highest level of American politics because of its obvious superiority to the current system.

    Which is exactly why he needs to stay on the Senate where he can be heard on this again and again.  If he becomes president, it's a dead subject because 50 other things will garner his attention and NO ONE in either house of Congress will talk about it.

    Parent

    It's Nonsensical... (5.00 / 1) (#127)
    by ScottW714 on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 12:03:46 PM EST
    ...considering she has said she would like to cure Alzheimers and eliminate ISIS.

    I get it, that is what they do, but to come out and say you aren't going to make promises you can't keep, while making promises you can't keep, reads more like she has run out of ideas.

    While I agree it could be effective, the problem is she has not done that and she will not continue to do it.

    More:

    OK, so maybe she can investigate Area 51, but everything else is dependent on Congress.  Wasn't Bill going to do the same thing, or was that Reagan ?


    Parent
    I can say (none / 0) (#52)
    by Kmkmiller on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 03:53:50 PM EST
    A real pattern of over committing and under delivering will get you fired in all other industries only we can't fire a president for this.

    Parent
    So Would... (none / 0) (#143)
    by ScottW714 on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 03:40:15 PM EST
    ...talking about religion, abortion, and politics on a regular basis would certainly get you a trip to HR.  Insisting the people currently in the position you want are incompetent or criminals will never ever get you that job, in politics is almost a requirement.

    I would also argue that most resume's are padded and that people often make claims of things they did or will do in most work settings.  Certainly at the higher levels, still waiting for Yahoo to turn around.

    Parent

    Not sure (none / 0) (#51)
    by jbindc on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 03:52:43 PM EST
    Why incrementalism is a bad thing.

    Parent
    It's not (none / 0) (#55)
    by Kmkmiller on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 03:58:05 PM EST
    But it's not the most inspiring thing on a campaign trail, although I would argue it should be.  I think it takes some guts to repeat this line, if It resonates with Iowa voters in a way I wouldn't normally expect, well fantastic!

    Parent
    I agree (none / 0) (#56)
    by jbindc on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 03:59:48 PM EST
    FOX is doing an "in depth" (5.00 / 1) (#63)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 05:20:01 PM EST
    About how Iowa doesn't really matter.   Good news for Donald about their expectations I would say.

    FTR (5.00 / 1) (#69)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 05:26:55 PM EST
    I'm getting the feeling Donald is going to do much better than that DRM poll suggested.

    Hillary too actually.

    Parent

    Yeah (none / 0) (#83)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 07:42:27 PM EST
    after reading how the GOP Iowa caucuses are run I would say Donald has a very good chance of running away with it unless the GOP figures out some way to not count his votes.

    Parent
    Weather (none / 0) (#86)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 07:48:11 PM EST
    What I mean is (none / 0) (#87)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 07:57:51 PM EST
    The snow is creeping in earlier and earlier in the western rural part of the state.   That is the Huckabee/Santorum part of the state.  The most rabid evangelicals, Cruz supporters mostly, are famous for showing up co e hell or high water.  You will pardon the expression.
    Snow could conceivably help Ted.  Probably not enough to win but possibly enough to take the edge off that earlier prediction of Donald and expectations.

    Or not.  Lot of rural folks like the Donald.

    Parent

    I have (none / 0) (#88)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 08:06:28 PM EST
    not looked at the level of commitment on the GOP candidates in the Selzer poll but that could be telling. I think Ted being born in Canada is a big problem with a lot of voters in IA. I'm not sure how he gets past that one. I mean after all these are the same people that picked Joni Ernst.

    Parent
    In the BG (5.00 / 1) (#89)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 08:26:35 PM EST
    Tweety, Maddow and O'Donnell are worrying terribly about those shady machinations in the democratic caucus process being used against Bernie by that evil Hillary campaign.

    The exact same evil machinations that were used 8 years ago against Hillary, by the same people actually, that they had no problem with at all at the time.

    Okay. (none / 0) (#90)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 08:34:14 PM EST
    Well, why don't they just go ahead and say Bernie is going to lose. They all seem to be dancing around that one big elephant in the room with this kind of stuff.

    Parent
    Maddow (none / 0) (#92)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 08:36:54 PM EST
    Just asked Hillary live if she "was aware of this sort of thing" like she was asking about the freaking Berlin Wall.

    Pffft

    Hillary said, well that is sort of tradition.   It happened to me.

    Parent

    Judging (none / 0) (#93)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 08:39:41 PM EST
    by reactions I'm wondering if things are not worse for Bernie than the polls are reporting.

    Parent
    Does everyone know (none / 0) (#96)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 08:45:19 PM EST
    What's being discussed here?

    The manipulation of the process, like moving Hillary caucus goers to OMalley and other things, to prevent Bernie from getting delegates.  It's based on the Byzantine dem caucus process and it's exactly how Obama beat Hillary.  Being executed by the same people who perfected the process 8 years ago.

    Parent

    Reportedly (none / 0) (#99)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 08:52:38 PM EST
    They have an app for it.

    Seriously.

    Parent

    It's certainly (none / 0) (#100)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 08:57:46 PM EST
    "tradition". It's a reason to get rid of them it seems to me.

    Parent
    Quite a normal strategy (none / 0) (#103)
    by christinep on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 09:06:37 PM EST
    in caucus states.  Practical.  We use it all the time in disputed races in Colorado caucuses.  Are those MSNBC types really that thin-skinned:)

    Parent
    Nate Silver currently gives Clinton (none / 0) (#98)
    by CoralGables on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 08:51:27 PM EST
    a 79% chance of winning Iowa. That would lead to a 48 state romp, after a one week reprieve where the news outlets will be saying Sanders can tie it up in New Hampshire.

    Parent
    It's time for the Koch Brothers... (none / 0) (#1)
    by desertswine on Sat Jan 30, 2016 at 08:42:41 PM EST
    More water on Pluto than originally thought (none / 0) (#2)
    by McBain on Sat Jan 30, 2016 at 08:51:53 PM EST
    Link

    Seems like we keep finding planets and moons with water of some form.  The odds are pretty good there's life somewhere other than Earth.

    CNN has been running an Eagles (none / 0) (#3)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sat Jan 30, 2016 at 10:43:24 PM EST
    history special.

    First time I have ever wished I had a DVR.

    Definitely one of the better musical documantaries (none / 0) (#4)
    by McBain on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 12:36:08 AM EST
    I've been on somewhat of musical kick lately.  I watched Love and Mercy about Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys and Beware Mr. Baker about former Cream drummer Ginger Baker. You don't have to be a big fan of either group to enjoy those.  

    I knew more about Wilson than I did Ginger Baker.  I didn't realize Baker was considered one of the greatest drummers of all time.  I really only knew about Eric Clapton of Cream.

    Any other good musical films/docs come to mind? There was a good one about the Rolling Stones out a while ago.  

    Parent

    The standard was set nearly 40 years ago ... (5.00 / 2) (#5)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 01:16:01 AM EST
    McBain: "Any other good musical films/docs come to mind?"

    ... by director Martin Scorsese with "The Last Waltz," which chronicles The Band's valedictory performance on November 25, 1976 at San Francisco's Winterland Ballroom. Music and film critics have hailed it as perhaps the greatest musical documentary / concert film ever made.

    If you've never seen "The Last Waltz," please do. You likely won't be disappointed.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    I have seen and enjoyed The Last Waltz (none / 0) (#7)
    by McBain on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 02:36:23 AM EST
    I also enjoyed Scorsese's George Harrison: Living in the Material World.  Haven't seen his documentary on Bob Dylan yet.  

    Parent
    Aside from "The Last Waltz," ... (none / 0) (#8)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 03:42:13 AM EST
    ... my favorite concert films are "The Song Remains the Same" (Led Zeppelin, 1976), Gimme Shelter" (The Rolling Stones, 1970), "Rattle and Hum" (U2, 1987) and of course, "Woodstock" (1970).

    Of more recent vintage, I also really enjoyed "I'll Be Me," the very poignant documentary about country music legend Glen Campbell's farewell tour amid his deteriorating physical and mental condition due to Alzheimer's disease. While I was never a fan of his, or of country music in general for that metter, but there's a raw and terrible beauty to this film that really moved me in a way that few documentary films have.

    One can't help but admire Campbell's determination and fortitude in the face of such serious personal adversity. What we saw on screen was not flattering and all too real, and I think about how courageous both he and his family were to have allowed that to be chronicled for posterity, in order to raise public awareness about this awful disease.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    And I thought Spinal Tap set the standard (none / 0) (#35)
    by MKS on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 01:43:09 PM EST
    I watched Spinal Tap with people who (none / 0) (#38)
    by McBain on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 02:09:45 PM EST
    thought it was a real documentary.

    Parent
    Wait... (5.00 / 3) (#39)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 02:10:39 PM EST
    It wasn't?

    Parent
    "Hello, Cleveland! Rock and roll!" (none / 0) (#57)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 04:28:32 PM EST
    I think my favorite scene is the one where Rob Reiner focuses his camera on the band members in their basement dressing room as they psyche themselves up for a concert, then follows right behind them as they try to navigate their way upstairs to the concert hall, while the crowd is obviously getting restless. We quickly realize that they're hopelessly lost in the theatre's bowels, and when they have to stop and ask the maintenance guy for directions, yet still can't find their way topside -- well, I laughed so hard that I nearly fell out of my chair.

    Parent
    Well, it did in its own inimitable way. (none / 0) (#47)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 03:38:22 PM EST
    "This Is Spinal Tap" is Rob Reiner's masterpiece as a director, and it stands as arguably the best film parody of any genre ever made.

    Parent
    I saw 'Spinal Tap" (none / 0) (#59)
    by jbindc on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 04:46:00 PM EST
    For the very first time about 3 weeks ago.

    I fell asleep halfway through.

    Parent

    As a former roadie (none / 0) (#125)
    by Repack Rider on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 10:42:40 AM EST
    ... I saw in "Spinal Tap" a better send-up of that world than most viewers imagined.

    Similar to my reaction as a former Army medic to the film (not the horrible, unwatchable TV show) M*A*S*H.  Whoever wrote that script had been in an Army medical unit, because he/she nailed it perfectly.

    The TV M*A*S*H was like "Leave it to Beaver" or "Happy Days" set in an Army camp.  It had nothing to do with reality, while the film did.

    Parent

    While I liked the TV show, ... (none / 0) (#135)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 01:49:04 PM EST
    ... at least its early seasons, I do agree with your assessment that it bore little if any resemblance to Robert Altman's "M*A*S*H."

    My first exposure to "M*A*S*H" was the TV show, because I was only ten years old when Altman's film was released. I never even saw it until one night years later when, uninspired by anything else at Blockbuster, I rented the video of what I had been told was a classic -- and I was literally blown away by what I saw.

    Rather, I think the sitcom version first attempted to parody what was a biting and satirical masterpiece, before smartly abandoning that misguided effort and trying instead to just be a good sitcom, which it was.

    While the show was loosely based upon and inspired by the movie, I try not to compare the two side by side because as you noted, they're really divergent. Altman's film stands as one of the best antiwar statements ever put to celluloid, and the TV show naturally pales in comparison to its namesake.

    (Although the TV show did have its own occasional and prescient antiwar moments, as when Frank Burns cooed to "Hot Lips" Hoolihan, "Oh, Margaret, never have so many been so miserable, just so so few could be so happy." That line has obviously stuck with me to this day.)

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Truth be told (5.00 / 1) (#33)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 01:02:17 PM EST
    the Eagles are the only rock group from that era, that I would watch for two hours. Not that I don't enjoy some. The BTO, Seiger, Clapton, the Stones, Skynyrd come to mind as putting out some great songs but not enough to keep me penned.

    I must have heard "Lay Down Sally" at least a thousand times performed by various bands at Holiday Inns and juke joints around the SE when I was a Road Runner. And "Hollywood Nights" remains in my top 10 of memory songs.

    To me Disco was more about dancing than listening. And since I could dance and loved too some of the old songs cause fun memories to flash across my mind.

    Parent

    Hail! Hail! Rock and Roll! (5.00 / 1) (#41)
    by oculus on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 02:53:25 PM EST
    I think you need to stop and ... (5.00 / 1) (#58)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 04:34:43 PM EST
    Have you seen the film I (none / 0) (#85)
    by oculus on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 07:47:03 PM EST
    recommended?

    Parent
    What film was that? (none / 0) (#117)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 02:53:49 AM EST
    I'm sorry, but I must've missed your suggestion.

    Parent
    The story of Arnel Pineda (none / 0) (#110)
    by sj on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 12:37:22 AM EST
    becoming the lead singer for Journey:  Don't Stop Believin': Everyman's Journey

    I've seen them together and he's perfect. I just checked their tour schedule and they are coming to Denver in June.

    Parent

    Just wanted to say (none / 0) (#6)
    by Kmkmiller on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 01:21:24 AM EST
    and not to get too personal but the Sanders campaign's responses to Clinton's and O'Malley's new debate ideas reminds of my divorce.

    their OCD attempts to control narrative... oh well.... a debate will happen in Flint and a debate will (probably) happen in brooklyn and OK FINE it was all Bernie's idea.  thank you Bernie for making sure all these debates happened exactly as you demanded they happen.

    Who woulda thunk it... (5.00 / 2) (#11)
    by kdog on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 07:42:52 AM EST
    a candidate who woulda been a mocked also-ran in any other primary season in my lifetime now has clout in 2016.

    Come writers and critics
    Who prophesize with your pen
    And keep your eyes wide
    The chance won't come again
    And don't speak too soon
    For the wheel's still in spin
    And there's no tellin' who
    That it's namin'
    For the loser now
    Will be later to win
    For the times they are a-changin'


    Parent
    I am, (none / 0) (#12)
    by lentinel on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 08:53:26 AM EST
    I must admit, rooting for a Sanders victory in Iowa.

    Entre-nous, I must also admit that I wish he was running on a platform of getting us the he!! out of Syria and Iraq and Afghanistan and all of the other -stans.

    Cuz, I fear, unless we do so, we will have no resources with which to implement his enlightened domestic agenda.

    I will, nevertheless, be rooting for him.
    For me there is no viable alternative.

    Parent

    I Understan... (5.00 / 1) (#13)
    by kdog on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 09:19:44 AM EST
    Were his domestic policy ideas implemented, the foreign policy changes we seek may just come about as a side effect.

    If resources are allocated to help poor, working class, and middle class Americans, to alleviate the fallout of climate change, to improve the healthcare system, the infrastructure, education...then less resources will be available for war, meddling, spying, and assorted nastiness.

    Like a bonus.

    Parent

    Improve? (none / 0) (#17)
    by Kmkmiller on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 10:46:38 AM EST
    You mean replace cause Obama let progressives down amirite?

    Parent
    Well, (5.00 / 1) (#19)
    by lentinel on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 10:50:38 AM EST
    he certainly let down everyone who expected great things from him. (I was not among them. After all, why would I vote for a guy who campaigned for Joe Lieberman?)

    Parent
    Just weird (none / 0) (#20)
    by Kmkmiller on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 10:55:02 AM EST
    And a matter of perspective I guess I think he accomplished great things ...

    Parent
    Like lentinel... (none / 0) (#24)
    by kdog on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 12:03:38 PM EST
    I wasn't let down...didn't expect much, didn't vote for Obama.  Though I did prefer him slightly to Clinton, only because of the wild card factor, which did not materialize.

    If 2016 were 2008, Obama would be O'Malley...that's how far this country has moved politically and I think it's fantastic.

    But don't worry, the old guard will probably squeak out one more win and you can rejoice in November. But watch out in 2024!!!!

    Parent

    Great things (none / 0) (#26)
    by Kmkmiller on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 12:08:24 PM EST
    Like gay marriage and by 2024 laws prohibiting firing someone the day after they were married more great things for you to poop on.

    Parent
    Obama did that? (5.00 / 3) (#28)
    by kdog on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 12:10:51 PM EST
    I thought we the people did that, and dragged Obama along for the ride. In 2008 he was too craven to openly and forcefully support gay marriage.

    Parent
    In fact... (5.00 / 1) (#94)
    by lentinel on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 08:39:48 PM EST
    not only was he too craven to openly support gay marriage, he openly opposed it - claiming it had something to do with his religious upbringing.

    What cr@p. A grown man giving us that drivel.

    And he chose as a companion for one of his campaign tours one Donnie McClurkin. A true freak of a man whose claim to fame was that he had seen the light and been cured of the "curse" (his word) of homosexuality.

    And none of this mattered to the adoring throng.
    As Sherlock said, they "see but do not observe".

    Parent

    If kdog had meant "replace," he'd have (5.00 / 2) (#29)
    by Anne on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 12:11:43 PM EST
    said "replace," but he didn't, and that's because Sanders isn't saying "replace."

    But you already knew that.  Or should have.

    Is your life really that boring that you have to entertain yourself trolling this blog?

    The opportunity exists for meaningful discussion, so it's interesting that your mission seems to be putting words in people's mouths for the express purpose of starting trouble.

    Starting to think you're the worst kind of Clinton plant; it's not helping, trust me.

    Parent

    Kdog just called Obama a coward (none / 0) (#30)
    by Kmkmiller on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 12:21:59 PM EST
    Pretty sure he meant replace.

    Parent
    Where did kdog do that? (5.00 / 1) (#32)
    by Anne on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 12:58:50 PM EST
    Pretty sure you're just determined to take what people say and turn it into something you want them to have said so you can try to have the argument you want.

    Did you really thing we haven't run into that kind of dishonest and disingenuous commenting before?

    Parent

    What does the word craven mean? (none / 0) (#34)
    by Kmkmiller on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 01:18:25 PM EST
    Last I checked it meant cowardly.

    Parent
    Replacing dozens off.. (none / 0) (#31)
    by kdog on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 12:40:14 PM EST
    profit driven payers with one non-profit payer would be an improvement. Absent that, there are others ways we could improve...a la a public option and let the individual decide if he wants Uncle Sam or Uncle Oxford to administrate.

    Parent
    What (none / 0) (#18)
    by lentinel on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 10:47:15 AM EST
    a great scenario, kdog!

    I would find a Sanders presidency so interesting.

    Parent

    Is it really that interesting (none / 0) (#21)
    by Kmkmiller on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 10:57:27 AM EST
    When nothing gets done and half the party is running away from your tax plan?

    Maybe it is ...

    Parent

    Pelosi (5.00 / 1) (#36)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 01:50:58 PM EST
    Just had a pressed saying

    A.). We are not raising taxes.  Period.

    B.). Single oayer is a fantasy.  Does anyone in this room believe single oayer is going to happen.........no you don't

    That would be the DEMOCRATIC. leader.

    Parent

    Nancy (5.00 / 1) (#37)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 01:55:16 PM EST
    LINK


    Wednesday, "We're not running on any platform of raising taxes."

    Pelosi gave a nod to the single-payer health care model, saying it was "a very popular idea" but said Democrats came together on another approach with Obamacare and touted that 18 million more Americans now have health insurance because of the law.

    But then Pelosi took another pointed swipe at Sanders' plan, saying, "It's no use having a conversation about something that's not going to happen."



    Parent
    It is an Urban Myth that turkeys (5.00 / 1) (#43)
    by Mr Natural on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 03:15:23 PM EST
    stand around in rainstorms looking up at the falling rain with their mouths gaping open and that the turkeys fill up with water and drown.

    It is not an Urban Myth that voters believe politicians.


    Parent

    Damn (5.00 / 1) (#49)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 03:42:21 PM EST
    Turkeys don't drown themselves.

    Spinal Tap was not a real documentary.

    This has been a bad afternoon for me.

    Parent

    But Turkeys can fly, right? (4.00 / 1) (#50)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 03:50:14 PM EST
    I've been helping organize this ariel turkey drop for Valentine's Day over the Main Street festival.

    Parent
    lol. Les Nessman? (none / 0) (#54)
    by Mr Natural on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 03:55:45 PM EST
    Eat Hootersville rutabagas... Eat Hootersville rutabagas...

    WKRP, Cincinnati and Green Acres were great shows.


    Parent

    You might want to refer (none / 0) (#60)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 04:46:01 PM EST
    More of Nancy's quote (none / 0) (#53)
    by jbindc on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 03:53:54 PM EST
    "He's talking about a single-payer, and that's not going to happen. I mean, does anybody in this room think that we're going to be discussing a single-payer?" she asked. "I've been for single-payer for 30 years, and it is a very popular idea in our country. But we have made a decision about where we're going on healthcare."


    Parent
    Pelosi, (5.00 / 2) (#64)
    by lentinel on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 05:20:43 PM EST
    for me, has zero credibility.

    When she was given the honor of becoming Speaker, thanks to the landslide for Democrats in 2006 with the mandate given to them to end the war in Iraq, she promptly sold us all down the river. She and Reid.

    Parent

    She is the leader of the democratic (5.00 / 1) (#70)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 05:28:38 PM EST
    Party in the House.   They decide where the money goes.   Your estimation of her "credibility" doesn't seem that relevant.

    Parent
    I woulda thunk it (none / 0) (#16)
    by Kmkmiller on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 10:44:08 AM EST
    The media needs your "revolutionary" candidate so more people will tune into the cialis commercials.

    The times sure are a changin'.  Wee!

    Parent

    That's odd... (none / 0) (#22)
    by kdog on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 11:50:58 AM EST
    the media tried liked hell to ignore him...a revolutionary doesn't sell boner pills, a horse race does. And it looks like we've got ourselves a horse race.

    Can Seabiscuit beat War Admiral twice in a century?

    Parent

    Yep (none / 0) (#23)
    by Kmkmiller on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 11:55:51 AM EST
    That's what I said msdia wants a horse race pretty corporate and establishment.

    Revolutions.

    Parent

    I'd think they'd much prefer... (none / 0) (#25)
    by kdog on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 12:07:43 PM EST
    Clinton and O'Malley neck and neck...Sanders might give the home audience some funny ideas if they're not careful selling the soap.

    And part of this shift is you need not get your news from a corporation anymore...that's a huge factor in Sander's success.

    Parent

    Indeed (none / 0) (#27)
    by Kmkmiller on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 12:10:00 PM EST
    Both the main stream and the crazy news pro Bernie.

    Parent
    Weird story about Yosemite National Park (none / 0) (#9)
    by Mr Natural on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 04:38:14 AM EST
    A deeper version of the story: (none / 0) (#10)
    by Mr Natural on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 05:11:55 AM EST
    LA Times: The corporate grab behind the Yosemite Park trademark clash

    "In its reply to the company's lawsuit, the National Park Service says Delaware North has "apparently embarked on a business model whereby it collects trademarks to the names of iconic property owned by the United States." It cites its application to trademark "Space Shuttle Atlantis" in connection with its concession at the Kennedy Space Center."

    "According to the federal trademark database, the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office granted that trademark last year, which raises the question: Why is the USPTO so free and easy with trademarks of national assets?"

    More? from Mother Jones,  Huffington Post,  Yosemite Park's FAQ, NPR's Ari Shapiro

    Parent

    I saw this a few weeks ago. (none / 0) (#118)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 03:02:51 AM EST
    The Ahwahnee Hotel is indeed iconic. I think it's a shame that the NPS feels compelled to change its name, as well as that of Camp Curry, rather than give in to corporate blackmail. Hopefully a federal judge will put a stop to this company's nonsense. What a bunch of scam artists!

    Parent
    Lenovo (none / 0) (#14)
    by vicndabx on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 09:55:37 AM EST
    Jeralyn,

    I've purchased both a Lenovo laptop and 2 in 1 tablet and like both. Sturdy, reliable with good features.

    Lenovo's Yoga is a pretty cool device. (5.00 / 2) (#45)
    by Mr Natural on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 03:29:35 PM EST
    The Surface Book looks pretty cool too.  The newest screens are drop.  dead.  gorgeous.

    I'm in the same boat as Jeralyn.  I need to move and soon.

    The issue isn't the price.  It's the commitment.  Moving into a new laptop is like moving into a new home or moving in with someone.  Decisions.  Upheaval.  Arranging and rearranging.

    And in the back of your mind there is knowledge certain - that if one little piece of this new universe fails - you could be homeless again.


    Parent

    I love my Surface (none / 0) (#67)
    by Towanda on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 05:24:49 PM EST
    . . . that I have had for years now, so it's not the Book.  But users of that also appreciate the Surface features that I do.  

    And half of my teaching is online classes, so I went to the Surface for the features that it offers that are not in Ipads and many other makes.

    Parent

    I agree Mr Natural (none / 0) (#105)
    by Jeralyn on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 09:51:19 PM EST
    it's a really big decision. I only get a new laptop every 4 years or so. If I forget to order a important feature, it's years of regret. To keep the price down I usually forego the software and then waste hours trying to move the license from the old computer to the new one, particularly with Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop (aka Creative Suite), MS Office (which I rarely use), Wordperfect and video capture and modification programs.

    Parent
    Apple has a terrific (none / 0) (#120)
    by fishcamp on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 07:29:58 AM EST
    Macbook pro out there with one terabyte of solid state hard drive space and other fast goodies, but it costs $3,100.  I really want one to replace this old thing with the battery falling out and the lid/screen separating from the body.  It's still chugging along though.

    Parent
    Give yourself some margin for error (none / 0) (#15)
    by CMike on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 10:07:28 AM EST
    Costco has a return policy you just can't beat. [LINK]

    BASKETS (none / 0) (#40)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 02:49:08 PM EST
    What just happened?  
    That could easily be your reaction to this.  It was mine.  I can't honestly say I "liked" it but I might watch it again.


    There's a scene in the pilot episode of Baskets that could serve as a litmus test of sorts to determine whether you'll find FX's new Zach Galifianakis vehicle hilarious, horrific or a little of both.
    Galifianakis' Chip Baskets, who's dropped out of a French clown academy and is plying his trade at the Buckaroo Rodeo in his hometown of Bakersfield, Calif., stands in a single spotlight and dreamily sprinkles glitter into the air as a maudlin ballad plays over the loudspeaker. Suddenly, an enormous bull charges into frame and knocks him face-first into the dirt, finally eliciting hoots and laughter from the befuddled audience.

    Much of Baskets` humor arrives in the same swift, unexpected and painful fashion -- and probably isn't recommended for viewers who aren't fond of seeing hapless characters get pummeled over and over, physically and emotionally, by the cruel realities of life.
    Right from the show's opening moments, we see Chip's dreams are really just delusions: His Parisian clowning professor refuses to acknowledge his pleas for tutoring (in the guy's defense, Chip only speaks English) and his French girlfriend agrees to his marriage proposal for the sole purpose of scoring a green card. Yet while he can't pay his cheap-motel rent and has to rollerblade home from work, Chip refuses to be deterred from pursuing his art (or his "part-time job," as described by his mother, played with lovely flourishes of humanity by Louie Anderson).



    The Revenant (none / 0) (#44)
    by CoralGables on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 03:22:54 PM EST
    Somehow I missed that this was a remake of the 1971 version titled "Man In The Wilderness" staring Richard Harris which I watched this afternoon.

    THE CHICKENING!!! (none / 0) (#75)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 06:05:00 PM EST
    I have no idea why anyone would do this

    But I'm really glad they did.


    Not safe for work, especially if you work at a Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise. Somehow, I think Stanley Kubrick might appreciate this.


    Triggered (none / 0) (#78)
    by Kmkmiller on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 07:17:55 PM EST
    Made mistake of watching CNN and they were praising Bernie for not going negative. Tad Devine says something like thanks we pride ourselves on delivering a positive message to Iowa we want to fix this rigged economy controlled by banks and corrupt politicians who receive donations from banks.

    That is all.

    Any guesses (none / 0) (#101)
    by lentinel on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 08:59:13 PM EST
    about why O'Malley is sticking it out?

    Same reason so many of the (5.00 / 1) (#111)
    by ruffian on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 01:03:22 AM EST
    remaining GOP candidates are still in- running for president is a job in itself, and it keeps your name relevant and in the hat for various other jobs. Not necessarily even in politics.

    Parent
    Why wouldn't he (none / 0) (#102)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 09:02:38 PM EST
    As we hear so often,  not a single vote has been cast yet.

    Parent
    Leverage comes in all forms (none / 0) (#104)
    by christinep on Sun Jan 31, 2016 at 09:10:47 PM EST
    When your name and positions are out there, you often are accorded a say on a policy position, a good speaking spot during the convention, etc.  One never knows what will happen down the road; and, this allows O'Malley to remain a player (albeit minor) for some time.

    Parent
    Started watching Billions (none / 0) (#112)
    by McBain on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 01:09:37 AM EST
    It's one of those shows where it's tough to find a character to root for because everyone is a jerk. The cast is good but I'm not sure I'll be in it for the long run.  

    I enjoyed the first season of Broadchurch even though I need the subtitles on to deal with the accents.  

    hoping bloomberg enters race (none / 0) (#114)
    by Kmkmiller on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 01:30:44 AM EST
    if Sanders wins.

    And so do the Repubs (none / 0) (#122)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 08:35:05 AM EST
    Part of it is emotional (none / 0) (#123)
    by Kmkmiller on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 08:48:54 AM EST
    If sanders wins my mom dies before seeing a woman be president.  That's emotional.

    Rational.  Been reading some stuff about how Carter tried to "fix washington" .... Etc.

    Lastly not only is my vote meaningless in a dem primary, but it's absolutely worthless in a general election cause thanks electoral college, so blah blah blah....

    Parent

    The Americans (none / 0) (#137)
    by ruffian on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 03:13:44 PM EST
    I started watching it over the weekend - I have had the first Season 1 disk out from Netflix for the last 3 months, meaning I could have bought the whole Season 1 and 2 already....but I digress...it is great!  Now I see the whole series is on Amazon Prime, so I don't have to wait for Netflix disks.

    So I'm not sure how much Iowa results I will be watching tonight either, Capt Howdy. And my 'Lost' viewing will have to wait.

    So glad you are doing Americans (none / 0) (#141)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 03:27:59 PM EST
    It is great.  Really looking forward to the new season.

    Going to take this opportunity to plug COLONY on USA.
    So good.   The psychology of occupation.  The pros and of collaboration.  Based on the Nazi occupation of France.   Very good stuff.   Not your typical alien invasion series.

    Parent

    Downton Abbey last night was (none / 0) (#138)
    by ruffian on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 03:16:41 PM EST
    really shocking. I gasped out loud! Also, the whole hospital debate thing finally paid off in the visit by a very special guest to the Abbey. Soooo funny.

    Is the spoiler period past yet, or should we wait a few days to discuss?

    DA was quite a shocker. (none / 0) (#142)
    by caseyOR on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 03:34:11 PM EST
    Although, if you are referring to what i think you are, didn't you suspect this was coming? Like since last year's Christmas episode? Of course, you might be referring to something totally different.

    How long is the socially acceptable spoiler alert period? I think it might in effect only until the program has aired in all US time zones.

    Parent

    I expected it to come (none / 0) (#145)
    by ruffian on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 03:46:06 PM EST
    but not in quite so dramatic a way!!!  Holy hell!


    Parent
    And certainly not with Neville (5.00 / 1) (#146)
    by caseyOR on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 03:49:31 PM EST
    Chamberlain as the dinner guest! Chamberlain's inability to stand up to the Dowager Countess does seem predictive of his dealings with Hitler.

    Parent
    Yes, that was really wonderful (5.00 / 1) (#149)
    by ruffian on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 03:54:19 PM EST
    I kept waiting for someone to say 'appease'. So do you think they set that whole plot line up because they had research that he was health minister in that time? I just thought that was fantastic. Seems so ham handed, but they pull it off so perfectly.

    Parent
    I don't know. Perhaps (none / 0) (#151)
    by caseyOR on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 03:59:07 PM EST
    the whole hospital control story line was set up, at least in part, to bring Chamberlain to Downton. Julian Fellowes and crew are such meticulous researchers, so committed to getting it right, that I don't doubt they knew Chamberlain's history long before last season.

    As to Robert, well all I can say is thank goodness Tom came back.

    Parent

    Kudos to them for pulling that off (none / 0) (#147)
    by ruffian on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 03:51:24 PM EST
    Not a surprise at all, but still a shock.

    Parent
    The question now is (none / 0) (#148)
    by caseyOR on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 03:52:22 PM EST
    does he or doesn't he? Survive, that is.

    Parent
    Did they take him to the local (none / 0) (#150)
    by ruffian on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 03:57:46 PM EST
    hospital...or the one in York!!!  Maybe he will come close to dying in the local hospital and Violet will see that they need to modernize after all.

    I would hate to end the series on a death like that, though of course I get the symbolism. I hope Fellowes resists that impulse.

     

    Parent

    I think he went to the local hospital. (none / 0) (#152)
    by caseyOR on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 04:00:29 PM EST
    That way Dr. Clarkson can treat him, fail, or nearly fail, to save him, and show the Dowager the error of her ways.

    Parent
    Only (none / 0) (#160)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 07:12:02 PM EST
    41% of caucus goers are newly registered.

    Wow (none / 0) (#161)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 07:12:57 PM EST
    43% of republicans are first timers

    Also record numbers of evangelicals (none / 0) (#162)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 07:13:54 PM EST
    Hard to (none / 0) (#170)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 07:23:53 PM EST
    tell exactly how that is going to fall out.

    Parent
    May of them (none / 0) (#163)
    by jbindc on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 07:14:54 PM EST
    According to the early comments, coming out for the first time to vote AGAINST Donald Trump.

    Parent
    According to who? (none / 0) (#164)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 07:16:29 PM EST
    CNN (none / 0) (#165)
    by jbindc on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 07:18:26 PM EST
    Just said it again (none / 0) (#166)
    by jbindc on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 07:19:00 PM EST
    Cross your fingers (none / 0) (#168)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 07:21:38 PM EST
    FWIW the early entry polls are showing a Trump lead.  

    Parent
    And Clinton (none / 0) (#172)
    by CoralGables on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 07:25:46 PM EST
    Not suprising (none / 0) (#175)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 07:31:35 PM EST
    Probably rural areas reporting first.

    Parent
    Yeah well (none / 0) (#167)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 07:20:02 PM EST
    Pick your poison.

    MSNBC republicans were just explaining that high numbers of evangelicals do not at all mean a good night for Cruz.

    Parent

    It was at the Ankeny Republican caucus (none / 0) (#169)
    by jbindc on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 07:22:53 PM EST
    Sounds like (none / 0) (#171)
    by TrevorBolder on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 07:25:42 PM EST
    Good news for John McCain

    And Marco Rubio

    Parent

    Republican caucus sites (none / 0) (#173)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 07:25:52 PM EST
    Running out of registration forms

    By design (none / 0) (#174)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 07:27:22 PM EST
    or by accident?

    Parent
    I'm pretty sure (none / 0) (#177)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 07:33:30 PM EST
    They will get more.  Or print more.

    Parent
    Democrats too (none / 0) (#178)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 07:36:31 PM EST
    --on purpose or by accident?! --

    8-P

    Parent

    Democrats (none / 0) (#179)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 07:39:08 PM EST
    don't have the new numbers that the GOP has but it seems neither one was prepared if they're running out.

    Parent
    Something not mentioned (none / 0) (#176)
    by CoralGables on Mon Feb 01, 2016 at 07:32:47 PM EST
    but unlikely to sit well with the Sanders backers. Going into the night there are 52 delegates up for grabs, but before voting even began Hillary had a small chunk of Superdelegates in her pocket giving her a 2 field goal lead before kickoff (just to add to the sports metaphors)

    Weird: Jefferson Airplane's first female Singer (none / 0) (#181)
    by Mr Natural on Wed Feb 03, 2016 at 12:42:40 AM EST