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Friday Open Thread

What a busy week. Here's a new open thread, all topics welcome.

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    You know what I do not understand? (5.00 / 5) (#1)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 04, 2019 at 11:30:32 AM EST
    I do not understand why, every time Cheeto brings up 5 B tax dollars to pay for his stupid f'ing wall, someone doesn't say...

    Wait, I thought Mexico was going to pay for the wall.  You said a hundred time and your mouth breathing supporters hooted it back to you, MEXICO was going to pay for the wall
    Why the FU@K are you now expecting american taxpayers, 75% of whom do not want the stupid thing, to pay for a stupid punchline in your stupid speeches to your stupid f'ing supporters?

    Seriously.

    Why is no one asking him this?

    I (5.00 / 3) (#3)
    by FlJoe on Fri Jan 04, 2019 at 11:56:59 AM EST
    see a lot of people mocking him and questioning his supporters about this. His current explanation is that Mexico is paying for it through the new trade deal.

    What bothers me is that few in the media are asking the question of why the wall is needed in the first place.


    Parent

    Because they're all much too busy ... (5.00 / 3) (#18)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Jan 04, 2019 at 07:21:08 PM EST
    FlJow: "What bothers me is that few in the media are asking the question of why the wall is needed in the first place."

    ... tittering like a bunch of 6th graders over Rep. Rashida Tlaib's video last night, in which she yelled "Impeach the Mofo!"

    ;-D

    Parent

    Yet (none / 0) (#25)
    by FlJoe on Sat Jan 05, 2019 at 07:58:23 AM EST
    this is normal presidential behavior
    Trump also kicked off the meeting with a profanity laden opening salvo lasting more than 15 minutes


    Parent
    Kanye (none / 0) (#26)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Jan 05, 2019 at 08:52:08 AM EST
    Used the same word.  To Trump.  In the oval office.  On national tv.  No one seemed to care.

    Parent
    Yes, it is to the fainting couch (5.00 / 1) (#28)
    by KeysDan on Sat Jan 05, 2019 at 03:45:43 PM EST
    for Trump and portions of the media. Just locker room talk if done by Trump or a male, but beyond words if said by Congresswoman Tlaib.  Former Secretary of State Rexxon Tilerson, apparently, was more proper in calling Trump a fkg moron--- but without the mother part.  So there is that. All too rich...will the sh..hole countries weigh in?  Trump needs to wake up to how younger people speak, and that the new wave will also act not to his liking.

    Parent
    Not new language. Younger people (5.00 / 4) (#29)
    by caseyOR on Sat Jan 05, 2019 at 03:57:24 PM EST
    were making free and easy use of expletives way back when I was a younger person in the dark ages of the 1960s. F*ck in its various permutations has been in my regular vocabulary rotation lo these many years.

    The difference with today's crop of young Democratic politicians is that they can dish it right back at the Republicans. They are unfazed by the faux-outrage on the right. They will not crumple in the face of FOX news shock and dismay at the "crude and coarse and unseemly" language.

    And for that I applaud them.


    Parent

    As I see it, the problem here ... (5.00 / 2) (#32)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun Jan 06, 2019 at 02:02:53 AM EST
    ... isn't that Rep. Rashida Tlaib called the president a "mutherphuquer." Rather, it's that in the face of all evidence demonstrating Trump's obvious unfitness for the office, the pearl-clutching Beltway press corps still calls that mutherphuquer "president."

    Further, given the smashing Democratic victory in the 2018 midterms, how much longer is the Beltway press corps going to continue pushing its shopworn "Democrats in Disarray" meme?

    ;-D


    Parent

    And, when the motherf. is (none / 0) (#35)
    by KeysDan on Sun Jan 06, 2019 at 10:41:50 AM EST
    on the other foot, the Republicans applaud, laugh with giddy excitement. Trump, at a Las Vegas MAGA rally, chided the Chinese, saying he would tax them 25 percent.  "And, I could say, Listen you motherfkers, we're gonna tax you 25 percent."


    Parent
    IMO (5.00 / 3) (#37)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 06, 2019 at 11:08:56 AM EST
    Much additional horror was experienced because the source was not only a woman but, if you can believe it, a Muslim woman!!!

    Those people are not even allowed to speak that way, right?  I mean, it's eating pork.

    Parent

    Yes (none / 0) (#31)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Jan 05, 2019 at 04:57:27 PM EST
    I think this new crop will way less likely to be cowed and constantly put on the defensive.

    I loved the way she responded.

    Trump and the stupid media really had no idea what to do after she said "yes, I said it and I would say it again.  Got a problem with that?"

    Parent

    Just spent a painful 10 minutes (5.00 / 4) (#6)
    by Chuck0 on Fri Jan 04, 2019 at 01:24:56 PM EST
    waiting for the The Talk to come on. CBS News Special Report of Cheeto literally rambling on incoherently. My wife and I both agreed he sounded like a 5 year old trying to sound smart to a room full of adults. Just rambling, repetitious word salad. What a complete embarrassment to the entire country. If I was press, my first question would have been "do you have any idea what you just said?" Then I would have asked why Mexico isn't paying for the stupid wall.

    Parent
    He's unhinged, and dangerous. (5.00 / 4) (#7)
    by desertswine on Fri Jan 04, 2019 at 04:14:35 PM EST
    Wasn't that like 3 train wrecks? (5.00 / 4) (#9)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Jan 04, 2019 at 05:34:11 PM EST
    Agreed, the wall needs (5.00 / 1) (#36)
    by KeysDan on Sun Jan 06, 2019 at 10:58:15 AM EST
    to always be coupled with .."and Mexico will pay for it."   And, associated with that statement should be a demand for what this wall will accomplish (e.g. how will it keep out rapists and murderers); what this wall will be (e.g. a tall and thick concrete wall with a beautiful door, a see-through steel wall, or a beaded curtain); and demands for other details, after all, the federal government does not fund ideas without documentation.

     Recall, too, that that $5.9 billion request is just the first installment for a wall that would likely cost near $50 billion or more, so that first installment is really a commitment for a much larger amount and for exercise of such issues as eminent domain to obtain private lands.

    It should also be understood, that a "wall" with all that money around, would be a bonanza to Trump grifters and associated thieves. Of course, Jared would likely be put in charge of the project, with Ivanka designing the beautiful door.

    Parent

    ... is nonsensical and stupid. The only reason this silly discussion is being needlessly prolonged is the cowardly failure of our ingratiating D.C. / N.Y. press corps to denounce the proposal for what it really truly is, a cartoonish 4th century B.C. solution to a 21st century problem. Instead, the entire debate is being conducted on the Trump administration's terms, to the point where even Fox News' Chris Wallace is becoming exasperated by their kabuki.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    b-b-b-buuutttt.... (none / 0) (#42)
    by leap on Sun Jan 06, 2019 at 12:37:54 PM EST
    Mexico will pay for the wall.

    Parent
    Speaker Pelosi (none / 0) (#4)
    by leap on Fri Jan 04, 2019 at 01:14:41 PM EST
    is saying that. She answered a question yesterday, after her swearing in, that no, the tax payers will not be paying for Trump's wall, since Trump said Mexico will pay for it, which they most certainly will not because it is ineffective, divisive, and cruel . She said, correctly, it is a Trump distraction to keep people from seeing what he and his horrid administration is really doing to this country. Thank dog Pelosi is there with a Democratic majority to really fight this fh!†.

    Parent
    My heart goes out (none / 0) (#8)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 04, 2019 at 05:14:48 PM EST
    To the govt employees.  It really does.  It's pathetic and despicable that hundreds of thousands of families would be put in this position.

    But Trump can not be allowed to win this.

    Parent

    The half or so of our family income (5.00 / 5) (#16)
    by Peter G on Fri Jan 04, 2019 at 07:05:33 PM EST
    that comes from my wife's federal compensation for acting as a court-appointed criminal defense lawyer has stopped dead. I am frustrated, and she is very angry (partly because the prosecutors are deemed "essential" and still being paid). And we don't have it half as bad as a lot of full time federal workers, particularly those in two-income families of federal workers.

    Parent
    I'm sorry (5.00 / 3) (#20)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 04, 2019 at 08:15:54 PM EST
    100 years ago today, ... (5.00 / 2) (#33)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun Jan 06, 2019 at 03:53:11 AM EST
    ... former President Theodore Roosevelt, 60, died quietly in his sleep from a pulmonary embolism at Sagamore Hill, his home in Oyster Bay, NY (Long Island). Although the country was stunned by his passing, TR had actually been in very poor health at the time of his death, having never really recovered from the tremendous physical ordeal he suffered during his ill-considered and poorly conceived 1914 expedition to Brazil's Amazon basin.

    Psychologically, the former president had also just recently endured a terrible blow with news of his 19-year-old son Quentin's July 1918 combat death in France during the final months of the First World War, which likely further hastened his physical decline and ultimately, led to his demise six months later.

    Although he was a Republican, TR is still revered by many liberals for his progressive policies, and most notably for his willingness to take on and break up the powerful business monopolies which then had a stranglehold on American commerce.

    You can listen to an excerpt of TR's "Right of the People" speech, which he gave (and was recorded by Thomas Edison) at Carnegie Hall on March 12, 1912 as he prepared to challenge his successor, President William Howard Taft, for the 1912 GOP presidential nomination. He would lose that fight, but then leave the GOP TO run as an independent, which ultimately split the Republican vote and assured the election of Democratic nominee Woodrow Wilson.

    Aloha.

    it is funny (none / 0) (#34)
    by nyjets on Sun Jan 06, 2019 at 06:20:50 AM EST
    People don't realize that the current political parties are quite different now compared to what they used to be.
    The republican arty used to be fairy progressive and the democratic party had conservative elements. Now they have switched.
    I think you can say that the switch started during the great depression and world war era.

    Parent
    All political parties evolve with the times. (5.00 / 1) (#54)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun Jan 06, 2019 at 06:08:43 PM EST
    For Democrats, their path toward progressive liberalism began with the 1932 election of Franklin Roosevelt as president, followed by the nationwide political landslide of 1936, which left Democrats sitting pretty for the next 30 years.

    For Republicans, their party's lurch to the right -- and eventually, toward its current dance with the devil of right-wing extremism -- began 28 years later in 1964 with Sen. Barry Goldwater's scorched-earth presidential campaign, which knocked the GOP's moderate wing back on its a$$ where it's remained ever since.

    But unfortunately for Republicans as well as everyone else in the country, what followed Goldwater was the return of Richard Nixon, who launched the GOP on a trajectory of escalating scandal and illegality that really began with his wanton sabotage of the Paris peace talks prior to the 1968 election, which arguably prolonged the Vietnam War by another seven years.

    Further, Nixon's "Southern Strategy" seduced and embraced the Democrats' conservative Dixiecrat wing, which by 1968 -- truth be told -- was already well on its way out the Democrats' front door, thanks to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965.

    Still further, Nixon also re-introduced to the GOP a ruthlessness in its political conduct that freely crossed the threshold of propriety into criminality, a trait which had really not been present in that party since Theodore Roosevelt consigned the Gilded Age of the late 19th century to history's dustbin a half-century prior.

    Nixon taught Republicans to not worry about any limitations to their bad behavior but rather, to instead take steps to not get caught. That eventually led to Watergate and later, to Iran-Contra. Trump's apparent alliance with Putinist Russia is the logical conclusion of that sorry trajectory.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    a terrific book about TR's journey into the Amazon (none / 0) (#41)
    by leap on Sun Jan 06, 2019 at 12:25:38 PM EST
    is The River of Doubt by Candice Millard. It's one of those books that is so well-written and riveting, it was hard to put it down for a night of sleep.

    Parent
    Agreed. That is a great book. (none / 0) (#79)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Jan 07, 2019 at 04:44:49 PM EST
    Likewise, I found it hard to put down. I actually binge-read it during our Hurricane Lane-related downpours last August, because the monsoon-like weather was too awful to venture anywhere outside for four days. That's what rainy weather is good for -- reading and naps. And here in Hilo, it rains a lot.

    Parent
    Over the holidays (5.00 / 1) (#38)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 06, 2019 at 11:21:21 AM EST
    My brother told me he had done one of those DNA things and was pi$$ed it told him he had no Native American blood.  Which totally contradicts everything we have been told our whole lives.
    For the record, I don't believe it.  I met our ancestors.  As he did.  
    I was recently reading how inaccurate those DNA test can be.  A reporter sent 6 away and got 6 different results.
    But whatever.
    The thing is I have a lot of sympathy for what happened to Warren.

    That said.

    Elizabeth Warren is not going to be the 2020 democratic nominee.  Bernie Sanders is not.  Joe Biden is not.  Terry McCauliff is not.

    They are just not.  And honestly the very fact they think they will be shows a level of political tone deafness that is disqualifying on its face.

    In my opinion.

    Been involved with DNA tests awhile. (none / 0) (#43)
    by ragebot on Sun Jan 06, 2019 at 02:14:53 PM EST
    There is a simple explanation for why the tests differ.  Your DNA is what it is.  The question is what does it mean.  A person's DNA is made up of a lot of small parts inherited from ancestors.

    Those parts are compared to what I will call a standard template of a known population.  This is where the confusion arises; how do you get the standard template.  For what I will call historically scientifically advance populations like Europe and more recently the US (think maybe from 1850 till now) there is a better defined template than other areas.  But various DNA testers use different templates so they have different results.

    Two of the major testers, 23&Me and Ancestry, recently changed their chips and now post before and after DNA results which for most folks are different.  Both of the companies claimed the upgraded chips produced better (but different results) than the older chips.

    To complicate matters almost all North American Indian tribes go out of their way not to provide DNA and every testing company I am aware of makes it clear the DNA template they use on their testing chip only has DNA from Central and South American Indian tribes.  The testing sites often combine East Asian and Native American DNA.  While migration from East Asia to North America is fairly well established and this makes sense a lot of Asians would test with more Native American DNA than Americans who's ancestors came from Europe.

    There has also been significant research into what I will call ancient DNA.  My tests have shown me to have 292 Neanderthal variants which puts me in the top 25%.  This means a little less than 4% of my DNA is from Neanderthals; but also means 50% of the population has about 2% Neanderthal DNA.

    While that may sound like a lot the thing to keep in mind is that back when Neanderthals were around the population was very small.  It was not until the 1500s that there was any mixing of "Indian" and "non Indian" DNA and there were a lot more people around.  While the DNA mixing increased since then it was never really that much in great part due to the massive decrease in the "Indian" population due the influx of Europeans.

    If you go to any of the DNA boards there is a constant stream of posts along the lines of 'my family told me we had Indian DNA but it is not showing up in tests' by new comers.  The old hands try to be patient but the fact of the matter is while claiming Indian DNA seems to be popular it is far less common than most folks think.

    I had less Indian DNA than Warren and my best guess is it occurred some time between 1700-1750.  Sad to say paper records from that time are few and far between for Indians.  Not sure that means I will, or will not, be the nominee.  On the other hand I have traced my paper records back a lot further to England, Normandy Vikings, and Viking raiders in the Great Heathen Army.  This is possible not just because of better paper record keeping in Europe but also because there were far fewer people back then.  Not only were there fewer people there were "alpha males" who sired many offspring.

    The question I would asked you is if your brother was on trial for murder and the DNA from the killer showed Native American DNA and a DNA test cleared your brother would you still be pi$$ed.

    Parent

    The Vikings and paper records *snort* (none / 0) (#45)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Jan 06, 2019 at 02:49:00 PM EST
    I didn't actually say I was pi$$ed (none / 0) (#47)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 06, 2019 at 03:40:31 PM EST
    I said he was.  I said I didn't believe it.

    I actually read a lot of what you said about the way they come to the conclusions they come to after that conversation with my brother.

    I have a simpler explanation for the wild variation in outcomes.  Or an additional explanation.  Sloppy collection and processing.

    I have no doubt the way DNA is used by professionals is a more exact science.  But it seems to me there are a hundred ways the mail in things could be rendered more or less useless.

    Parent

    Livescience (none / 0) (#49)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 06, 2019 at 03:59:10 PM EST
    I Took 9 Different Commercial DNA Tests and Got 6 Different Results

    Scientists who specialize in this sort of research told Live Science that none of this is all that surprising, though they noted that the fact that the companies couldn't even produce consistent results from samples taken from the same person was a bit weird.

    "Ancestry itself is a funny thing, in that humans have never been these distinct groups of people," said Alexander Platt, an expert in population genetics at Temple University in Philadelphia. "So, you can't really say that somebody is 92.6 percent descended from this group of people when that's not really a thing."



    Parent
    Exactly. (none / 0) (#50)
    by leap on Sun Jan 06, 2019 at 04:43:43 PM EST
    My brother was given a National Geographic version of "this-is-your- DNA" test package by a friend of his. The results he got were: 99% Jewish Diaspora, 1% Neanderthal. What does that even mean? How do they come to that conclusion? He would never pay for one of these silly amusements, but hey, it was free entertainment. I think that's how you need to look at those, a divertimento, eine kleine nachtmusik.

    He was hoping for more Neanderthal. Because why not?

    Parent

    Maybe you read it (none / 0) (#51)
    by ragebot on Sun Jan 06, 2019 at 05:21:29 PM EST
    but not sure you understood it.  The link you posted was about some guy who tested with different companies and one said he was 93% Jewish, one 92% Jewish, and one 88% Jewish.  All showed very high percent of Jewish ancestry.  The difference is explained by the different companies using different chips to recognize the segments related to Jewish ancestry.  But as the guy himself said

    the results indicated that I'm super-duper Ashkenazi Jewish

    Not only is there no consensus on which chip is the best there is also no consensus as to which templet is the best one to use to indicate standard population markers.

    The respected genealogy sites all say the same thing; you need to use all tools possible to research your past.  Most folks who saw multiple sites return results with 88%+ Jewish would say the guy was Jewish; it certainly meets the reasonable doubt standard for me.

    Another big consideration is that certain health markers appear in certain populations.  Africans are much more likely to get Sickle Cell than other populations.

    As for my Viking ancestors there is agreement that one of the reasons for the Vikings success was that almost none of them were lactose intolerant so they could get good protein from cows milk while other populations in Europe (and lots of the world in general) could not always drink milk.  Same goes for what use to be called the "Vikings Disease".

    Dupuytren disease has been referred to as a Viking or Celtic disease, but existed in Europe earlier than the Viking Age8345270 and originated much earlier in prehistory 12015711 . James Barrie, author of "Peter Pan" had a right contracture thought to be Dupuytren's, which formed the source material for Captain Hook's hook. The Papal Benediction sign, with bent ring and small fingers, may have started with a pope with the condition 10050238.

    While not dispositive someone with the Vikings Disease who is not lactose intolerant has circumstantial evidence to support a claim of Viking ancestors.  Especially when DNA test support this.

    Parent

    I really did understand it (none / 0) (#53)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 06, 2019 at 06:04:42 PM EST
    And I read all about the chip business.

    Btw
    I love milk and all kinds of dairy.  I must be a Viking

    Parent

    Well that is a start. (none / 0) (#69)
    by ragebot on Mon Jan 07, 2019 at 09:40:49 AM EST
    If you have Spencers and de Spencers from Normandy in your family tree like I do that would add some weight to your claim.

    Parent
    I happen to have records (none / 0) (#46)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Jan 06, 2019 at 02:55:30 PM EST
    That show that for the last 3,000 yrs all your women kin have been abducted in their sleep and impregnated by aliens.

    Parent
    Not in their sleep (5.00 / 1) (#48)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 06, 2019 at 03:43:30 PM EST
    They got drinks first

    Parent
    McAuliff, Sanders, Biden (none / 0) (#52)
    by KeysDan on Sun Jan 06, 2019 at 05:42:40 PM EST
    en.....Castro, Booker, Harris, O'Rourke, Brown.. At this point, the credible, possible Democratic presidential contenders, would, in my view, make good presidents.  Indeed, most all Democratic officeholders profess progressive values to an acceptable level and would do well, save for the likes of a Joe Manchin.

    Given the existential threat Trump demonstrates to our democracy, my thinking has gone to what combination of qualities (and candidates) would be needed to cleanse the Trump stain on the nation's present and future.

      We may not need a Baptist Sunday School teacher, as was Jimmy Carter, after the criminal Nixon resigned, but it does seem that we need a solid citizen with government/private experience and a good sense of humor.. one that warms the citizenry but does not come across as smug or flip.  

    While age is not an overwhelming factor, Democrats would lose the edge over Trump with a candidate his age or older. We need seasoned leaders to work the often arcane ways of Congress, such as Speaker Pelosi, but the presidential ticket would, preferably, offer candidates not older than in their 50s.

    And, the Democratic ticket needs to look like America, as they say.  No two white males.  Tim Kaine would have been a good vice president and president, if that happened, but he hurt Secretary Clinton by not helping her.

    The Democratic Party as well as candidates and spokespersons need to, as a priority, take on the insidious and rampant old saw, of bothsiderism, calling out lazy media figures at all times.  
    And, importantly, Democrats need to avoid bothsiderism as a way to appear fair and honest.

    Shortly before the midterms, the Daily Show invited two guests, a Democrat (Cory Booker) and a Republican (John Kasich) to give their thoughts. Kasich sounded like Bernie Sanders in his take on Republicans as progressives, when we all know different; Booker spoke about how both sides do it, and both need to get together to make DC work..  Kasich almost had me (not really).  

     

    Parent

    Booker is very low on my list (5.00 / 1) (#55)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 06, 2019 at 06:12:42 PM EST
    Not far above Kasich.  

    I think we are at a nexus in our politics we, even the younger among us, may never see again.

    The left is fired up and motivated.  The right, by the time we get to 2020, will almost certainly be fractured and demoralized.

    We need to go big.  The last thing we should do IMO is go middle of the road both sider.  We are in a position to elect a real progressive along with a Senate majority.  Given the rules the republicans have set for crapping on the minority democratic government could bring real long lasting changes.  

    It could change the world.

    All we have to do is have the courage to not be cowed.

    Parent

    Also (none / 0) (#56)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 06, 2019 at 06:16:48 PM EST
    I think ironically we have Trump to thank for this.  He was responsible for taking the house.  Not denigrating or minimizing all the hard work.  Simply saying Trump inspired it.

    He will also almost certainly be responsible for assuring and democratic Senate and president.

    Parent

    I have (5.00 / 1) (#81)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Jan 07, 2019 at 07:27:51 PM EST
    Heard a couple of people say Booker sounds too much like Obama and we all know how that ended up for us. It is unappealing to hear we need to hold hands with white nationalists.

    Parent
    I like Booker less than Obama (none / 0) (#86)
    by CST on Tue Jan 08, 2019 at 03:12:11 PM EST
    And Warren has never been my first choice.

    But I also have to say that the more hits they get from the usual suspects, the more I want to support them out of spite.

    Yes, I know that's a terrible reason to vote for someone, so I hope it all settles down a bit before the primary.

    One upside about potentially having 20 nominees is it's going to get harder for the usual suspects to tar and feather all the minorities and women before the primary.

    Parent

    I understand (none / 0) (#98)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Jan 12, 2019 at 04:25:59 PM EST
    what you are saying about the usual suspects. I have defended a lot of potential candidates from them even though I may or may not end up being a supporter of said candidate. The ususal suspects never seem to focus on voting records which is a legit complaint in my opinion but character assassination like "Kamala is a cop" which I have no idea where that even comes from. We all learned from 2016 that we have to stand up to the Bros because they are going to do nothing but cause trouble.

    Parent
    All I gotta (none / 0) (#57)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Jan 06, 2019 at 06:19:05 PM EST
    Say is it needs to be someone who can get the votes of PIC and the suburbs. I know who it is not but not who it is. It is not Biden Warren or sanders.the others i have no idea.

    Parent
    I have a very strong opinion (none / 0) (#58)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 06, 2019 at 06:35:24 PM EST
    Raise your hand if you are surprised - both about who it should and will be.

    At this point.  Could change.

    Parent

    I don't know (none / 0) (#60)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Jan 06, 2019 at 07:14:24 PM EST
    Who you have  in mind but I see a few possibilities.

    Parent
    I am (5.00 / 1) (#89)
    by Zorba on Wed Jan 09, 2019 at 10:56:51 AM EST
    Officially old.  (Well I have been for quite awhile.)

    This August is 50 years since the Woodstock Music Festival.
    There will apparently be another Woodstock Music Festival this August in celebration.

    Deep Blue cruises. (5.00 / 2) (#108)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Thu Jan 17, 2019 at 01:06:13 AM EST
    "Deep Blue," the massive 20 ft.-plus-long female great white shark first seen and filmed three years ago off Baja California, has shown up 3,000 miles away in waters just south of Honolulu, where she joined a bunch of large tiger sharks to feed on the carcass of a sperm whale which had been towed away from Sand Island last Monday. She is the largest great white ever to be caught on video.

    Female great whites tend to be much larger than males, and it's been estimated that due to her sheer size, Deep Blue is about 50 years old. In the video taken of her today, she also looks to possibly be pregnant. Thanks to e-tracking, we do know that female great whites also migrate from the California coast to Hawaii. Researchers speculate that they come here to whelp (they give birth to live young), which may explain Deep Blue's large girth.

    Fascinating stuff.

    Sara Huckelberry (5.00 / 1) (#117)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 25, 2019 at 08:50:12 AM EST
    Say this has nothing to do with the White House.

    Darn

    I was so hoping it did

    you made me laugh (none / 0) (#133)
    by leap on Fri Jan 25, 2019 at 12:00:17 PM EST
    out loud, as they say, but it's true!

    Parent
    Other things I do not understand (none / 0) (#2)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 04, 2019 at 11:54:39 AM EST
    Why would ANYONE watch a show called Dr Pimple Popper?

    Seriously

    Yes, there is a show about removing globules, pustules, lipomas, boils, cysts, zits, and pus -- a veritable "Macbeth" witches' brew of soggy atrocities -- from various body parts. Furthermore, there's a solid audience for it, as the show has just returned for a second season after last year's 16-episode first season, which averaged 2 million viewers per episode.

    So it has come to this. Reality TV has gotten absurdly specific, and apparently there is an appetite for vivid images of embedded detritus being set free from the body. Are we this bored? This is a time when TV is featuring the best scripted shows in its history, when there are always too many good or better series to catch up on, but still there is a taste for "Dr. Pimple Popper."

    What can I say. There may well be legitimate reasons for disapproving of the series -- perhaps because, like many self-improvement reality shows, it gives a false sense that fixing one thing, a pimple, will solve everything. But for me, the distaste for "Dr. Pimple Popper" is far simpler. I cry foul. It's all DISGUSTANG.

    `Dr. Pimple Popper' is enough to make your skin crawl

    I worry for the future of our species.

    Love ya bro!! (5.00 / 1) (#5)
    by Chuck0 on Fri Jan 04, 2019 at 01:19:32 PM EST
    I laughed my a$$ off at that. I have been asking my wife that EXACT question ever since I first saw that show listed on Sling.

    Parent
    I just discovered Dr Pimple Popper (none / 0) (#11)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Jan 04, 2019 at 05:39:08 PM EST
    And how dare you!

    But some people are saying this has to do with a fear of holes? Some sort of phobia? And I can't walk on grates. I'm scared of them? Anyhow....what say the armchair shrinks?

    Parent

    Have you ever done one of those glass floors? (5.00 / 1) (#13)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 04, 2019 at 06:32:28 PM EST
    like the Grand Canyon Skywalk

    or in the tower in Toronto

    I can't do those.  My logical brain shames me but my alligator brain say no way.

    BTW you can actually see the apartment building I lived in for a year in Toronto in that pic.

    Parent

    I can't even think about doing (5.00 / 2) (#19)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Jan 04, 2019 at 07:22:43 PM EST
    A glass floor. But the grate thing, I could keep it secret until visiting New York City. Grates everywhere trying to cool that place off. Now I have confessed to my husband and he dies laughing noticing me walk around grates. He never really noticed me adjusting my path before.

    The wooden walkway on the Brooklyn Bridge where you can see daylight through the slats also makes me dizzy. I have to distract myself while walking across, control what I focus on or look at. Weirdness

    Parent

    Whitney: Warhol exhibit on now. (5.00 / 1) (#99)
    by oculus on Sat Jan 12, 2019 at 04:27:52 PM EST
    Fear of puss (none / 0) (#12)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 04, 2019 at 06:15:22 PM EST
    Um, pus (none / 0) (#14)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 04, 2019 at 06:37:25 PM EST
    Miss (none / 0) (#10)
    by ragebot on Fri Jan 04, 2019 at 05:37:45 PM EST
    The bowl season has become anti-climatic. (none / 0) (#17)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Jan 04, 2019 at 07:14:32 PM EST
    It should be perfectly obvious by now to everyone who've followed the sport over the last 20 years that even though there are 130 FBS (Division 1) programs in college football, only a handful of schools are actually allowed to compete for the sport's so-called national championship.

    Those schools have been, in order of appearance in designated "championship" games since 1998, are: Tennessee, Florida State, Virginia Tech, Oklahoma, Miami, Nebraska, Ohio State, LSU, USC, Texas, Florida, Alabama, Auburn, Oregon, Notre Dame, Clemson, and Georgia. (Additionally, Michigan State and Washington have made the CFP semifinals.)

    I would further note that this year's CFP payout to Alabama and Clemson is estimated to be about $14-15 million apiece. Average payout to each SEC program from the CFP will be $4.5 million per school, based on the $54 million each conference will receive from the CFP. That's why the CFP / BCS has been such an exclusive club. It's been an extraordinarily lucrative set-up for the Power 5 conferences plus Notre Dame.

    The other five FBS-level conferences (aka "Group of Five') will collectively share a remaining pool of $81 million, which works out to $16.2 million per conference and is only 30% of what the Power 5 conferences will pull in. Additionally, Central Florida will receive another $4 million for its appearance in the Fiesta Bowl.

    Greed is ruining college sports.

    Parent

    TGIF (none / 0) (#15)
    by fishcamp on Fri Jan 04, 2019 at 07:04:20 PM EST


    All Friday day means to me is (5.00 / 2) (#22)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 04, 2019 at 08:17:50 PM EST
    ANCIENT ALIENS.

    So it's always TGIF

    Parent

    Wadda you care? (none / 0) (#21)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 04, 2019 at 08:17:02 PM EST
    Or I should say wadda we care?

    Parent
    Hoping (none / 0) (#23)
    by jmacWA on Sat Jan 05, 2019 at 05:23:34 AM EST
    for a good news dump maybe?  No such luck this week

    Parent
    What do our legal beagles say (none / 0) (#24)
    by smott on Sat Jan 05, 2019 at 07:54:32 AM EST
    About Emergency Powers?
    How easy or not for Trump to do?

    Politically, it would (none / 0) (#30)
    by KeysDan on Sat Jan 05, 2019 at 04:03:56 PM EST
    be a disaster; legally, it would be decided by the Courts, up to the SC.  Trump would have a legal fight on his hands, in my view, demonstrating and defining the national emergency, and, importantly, the military emergency.  President Truman attempted to seize private property in the steel mill strike during the Korean War, but was yanked back by the S.C.

     It would surely be tied up for a good while, but, then, it may be a way out of the corner he painted himself into...Congress refused, so I am fighting on, using the $5.9 Billion from Defense appropriations and will continue to work with Congress for the real amount needed (the $5.9 is just an initial installment on probably, in the neighborhood of $50 billion, plus the new costs associated with border patrol.)   A possible step for him to continue this con and satisfy Ann Coulter et al.

    Parent

    Yes, the legal framework was established (5.00 / 1) (#67)
    by Peter G on Sun Jan 06, 2019 at 10:57:23 PM EST
    in the "Steel Seizure Case" in 1952. A fairly conservative Supreme Court slapped Truman's hand pretty hard. The guidelines for future Presidents and Courts were set forth by the brilliant Robert Jackson in his concurrence. Jackson was the last Supreme Court justice to have not graduated from law school. He took a leave from the Supreme Court in 1946 to serve as chief prosecutor at Nuremberg. I am a fan of his writing, and often of his thinking.

    Parent
    Sarah Sanders (5.00 / 1) (#73)
    by KeysDan on Mon Jan 07, 2019 at 11:53:44 AM EST
    announced that Trump will be visiting the US/Mexico border this Thursday to see..."those on the frontline of the national security and humanitarian crisis."  Of course, he will see a national emergency, what with all those poor people seeking legal asylum.

    It is getting to look more and more like Trump will call an National Emergency to build his wall, see-through steel fence, whatever the barrier du jour. In my view, he does not care if he wins in Court, he just wants the fight.  

    Parent

    I'm loving Sopranos (none / 0) (#27)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Jan 05, 2019 at 10:02:24 AM EST
    It's like rediscovering DVDs back when the Star Wars movies were only available on laser disc.

    OMG (none / 0) (#39)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 06, 2019 at 11:56:40 AM EST
    I love leaving some of the best for later.

    Parent
    The violence (none / 0) (#40)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 06, 2019 at 12:12:45 PM EST
    IS very disturbing

    Parent
    Gah! Trump is excited that he (none / 0) (#44)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Jan 06, 2019 at 02:47:26 PM EST
    Killed a known terrorist. He got to use the words Al Qaeda in his touchdown dance tweet and he seemed almost orgasmic. Something smells funny.

    Odd how this happens in the middle of the Pentagon arguing with him about troops leaving Syria.

    Imma jaded MFer anymore

    I managed to miss this one (none / 0) (#59)
    by Zorba on Sun Jan 06, 2019 at 06:41:51 PM EST
    But then, we've spent a relaxing weekend mostly avoiding the news.
    He killed a "known terrorist"?
    With his own tiny hands, or did he kick his way into a hideout, spraying his machine gun around?

    Parent
    The military got him (5.00 / 1) (#62)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Jan 06, 2019 at 07:39:59 PM EST
    I doubt Trump had any idea he even had anyone tracking the guy since Trump doesn't read any national security assessments or military briefs.

    Parent
    Ray Donavon (none / 0) (#63)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 06, 2019 at 08:10:01 PM EST
    Has been blowing the doors off this season.  It really does just get better every year.

    Tonight is the penultimate episode of season 6.  It been renewed for 7.

    I wish that I could fast forward... (none / 0) (#64)
    by desertswine on Sun Jan 06, 2019 at 08:25:14 PM EST
    thru all the idiotic acceptance speeches at the GG awards.

    Was Van Dyke having a stroke?  He didn't look well.

    My solution is (none / 0) (#65)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 06, 2019 at 09:21:50 PM EST
    Side by side picture in picture so you can see who wins with no sound unless there's something you want to hear.

    Parent
    I had to turn it off for a while. (none / 0) (#66)
    by desertswine on Sun Jan 06, 2019 at 09:42:03 PM EST
    Van Dyke looked OK when he was up on stage.  He sounded pretty sharp. I guess he was just sitting there with his mouth hanging open for a while.

    Parent
    Car Alarm as percussion (none / 0) (#68)
    by Dadler on Mon Jan 07, 2019 at 09:24:51 AM EST
    Another good one from TOO MANY ZOOZ.

    Peace & Love to all.

    PS) "adlerpoems" out in the next month from Dr. Cicero Books. (link)

    Now for some real news. (none / 0) (#70)
    by ragebot on Mon Jan 07, 2019 at 09:42:16 AM EST
    When you are 100 years old (5.00 / 1) (#71)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jan 07, 2019 at 09:56:08 AM EST
    And recuperating from cancer surgery think it's pretty established her health is in question

    I wouldn't get my hopes up just yet.

    Parent

    Yes, of course (5.00 / 1) (#72)
    by KeysDan on Mon Jan 07, 2019 at 11:09:47 AM EST
    Justice Ginsburg's health is worrisome. However, her not returning to the Court, as of yet, is not in and of itself, a serious concern.   Recovery following cancer surgery, including the removal or partial removal of a lobe, can take weeks to months.  And, condition of health and age play into recovery time. It is encouraging to learn that the Justice is working from home, and probably, engaged in pulmonary rehabilitation.

    Parent
    From Russia Without Love, (none / 0) (#74)
    by KeysDan on Mon Jan 07, 2019 at 12:26:34 PM EST
    but with lots of political tension.  Patriarch Bartholomew I, leader of the Eastern Orthodox Christian Church in Constantinople, issued a decree of independence to Metropolitan Epiphanius I of Ukraine, cleaving millions of Ukranians from the Russian Orthodox Church and its leader, Patriarch, Kiril I.

     The Ukrainian church has been under Russian control since 1686 when under pressure from Russia, it abandoned allegiance to Constantinople (Istanbul), the historical seat of the Eastern Orthodox Church.

    The independence has outraged the closely aligned political and religious leaders of Russia. Ukraine's president Poroshenko, on the other hand, proclaimed that having spiritual freedom is another act of Ukraine's independence.  Last month Putin warned of possible violence over the schism. An historical worry when state religions and geopolitics get mixed up with one another.  

    Oh, don't even get me started on this (5.00 / 2) (#75)
    by Zorba on Mon Jan 07, 2019 at 01:57:10 PM EST
    Too late.
    The Ukraine has had several Orthodox Archdioces (not inter-related) for years, to the point that when those of us in other Orthodox Churches would meet someone who said they were Ukrainian Orthodox, we would ask "Which Ukrainian Orthodox Church?"

    This is very much political, as well as religio-political.  For a number of reasons, the Russian Orthodox and the Russian Orthodox Patriarch in Moscow have been feeling their oats and there have been suggestions (or more than mere suggestions) that, since the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople is pretty much bottled up by the Turks, the Ecumenical Patriarchate should be moved to Moscow.

    The Ecumenical Patriarch is not really the equivalent  of the Roman Catholic Pope.  He's "first among equals," and doesn't have the powers of the Catholic Pope.  But it's important for the Eastern Orthodox.

    And those of us Orthodox who are not Russian really, really don't like the fact that the Moscow Patriarchate and Putin are way too close.

    Parent

    It appears Cheeto (none / 0) (#76)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jan 07, 2019 at 02:24:02 PM EST
    Plans to announce a "national cover his stupid pasty azz emergency" to get out of the corner he has painted himself into.

    He plans a "national address" tomorrow night.

    Perhaps he will include a return address in case it is returned unopened.

    Seems to me (5.00 / 1) (#77)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jan 07, 2019 at 02:33:20 PM EST
    This MIGHT be good news.

    It would allow Cheeto to declare victory while the actual effects go through the courts and possibly the government is reopened.

    And democrats can just roll their eyes.

    Parent

    Yes, Trump (none / 0) (#78)
    by KeysDan on Mon Jan 07, 2019 at 02:58:18 PM EST
    can show Ann Coulter et al that he is fighting for wall or fence or slats.  And, the deplorables will love him for it.   Not important if he wins in the Courts.   Trump's emergency is on its way, another abuse of power.  

    Parent
    Oy. (none / 0) (#80)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Jan 07, 2019 at 05:21:20 PM EST
    "There's a joke, and I know it very well.
    It's one of those that I told you long ago,
    Take my word. I'm a madman, don't you know?
    The ground's a long way down, but I need more.
    Is the nightmare black, or are the windows painted?
    Will they come again next week?
    Can my mind really take it?"

    - Elton John, "Madman Across the Water" (1971)

    We've really got to get this power-hungry rodeo clown out of there.

    Parent

    Ugly baby demon (none / 0) (#82)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jan 07, 2019 at 08:11:04 PM EST
    So, Mike Pence. (5.00 / 2) (#83)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Mon Jan 07, 2019 at 11:57:20 PM EST
    But but (none / 0) (#84)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 08, 2019 at 11:49:31 AM EST
    LOL. And I thought Mike Pence was ... (none / 0) (#87)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Jan 08, 2019 at 04:26:37 PM EST
    WATCHMEN (none / 0) (#85)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 08, 2019 at 12:00:17 PM EST
    I am very excited about the final season of GoT.

    I am honestly equally excited about the series expected to replace it.

    WATCHMEN

    Damon Lindelof (LOST, LEFTOVERS) is running the show.

    PROJECT BLUEBOOK (none / 0) (#88)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 09, 2019 at 10:38:59 AM EST
    It was good.  The production design was great as you would expect from Zemeckis.

    Review: `Project Blue Book,' where `X-Files' meets `The Americans'



    This is (none / 0) (#90)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 09, 2019 at 05:54:38 PM EST
    very cool


    This astonishing 24.9-billion-pixel photo really has to be seen to be believed.

    The picture, which went viral on Twitter a few days ago, is truly incredible to see for yourself. Select any part of the photo to zoom in on, and zoom in. Then zoom in some more. Then some more.

    Despite starting on top of a skyscraper, you'll be able to make out individual blades of grass.



    Strange Doings at McLaughlin Group (none / 0) (#91)
    by RickyJim on Fri Jan 11, 2019 at 10:33:57 AM EST
    They missed broadcasting a session last weekend and today on their Website:
    Exciting news coming soon for The McLaughlin Group fans!
    We are taking a brief hiatus on-air and will have a major announcement coming soon.
    "The American Original" for over three decades, the sharpest minds, best sources and hardest talk will be bigger and better in 2019.
    Thanks for your support and stay tuned right here, on mclaughlin.com, and on our social media for the latest.
    Twitter @McLaughlingroup


    RIP, Judge Patricia Wald (1928-2019). (none / 0) (#92)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Jan 12, 2019 at 02:00:33 PM EST
    Judge Wald was nominated in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter as the first woman to serve on the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, aka the D.C. Circuit Court, which she subsequently led as its Chief Judge from 1986 to 1991. She also served on the United National Tribunal on War Crimes and Genocide for the former Yugoslavia. She died today at age 90. Per Nan Aron, President of the Alliance for Justice:

    "Judge Pat Wald was a dear friend and a trailblazer throughout her remarkable career, but she was also more than that: a mentor to so many young lawyers who looked up to her, an advocate for the rights of children at a time when the concept was new, a lifelong champion for human rights and a person who believed in her heart that the law should be an instrument for bettering the lives of everyday people. This woman of vast accomplishments was also a beloved and dedicated parent and grandparent, and will always be remembered as one of the women who opened the door to so many opportunities for women today."

    Aloha, Judge Wald.

    Judge Wald was a great progressive lawyer (5.00 / 2) (#96)
    by Peter G on Sat Jan 12, 2019 at 04:03:52 PM EST
    in children's rights and bail reform in the early 60s, and became an influential judge on the D.C. Circuit after her appointment by President Obama. (The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, by the way, is not the "First Circuit" - the latter being a sister court that sits in Boston and receives appeals from the federal courts of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine and Puerto Rico.) I had a memorable opportunity to meet and interact with Judge Wald when I was a law student in the late '70s, and then again at meetings of the American Law Institute in the last ten years. A tremendous loss to our legal system and to America more generally.

    Parent
    Perfect! (none / 0) (#93)
    by KeysDan on Sat Jan 12, 2019 at 02:08:06 PM EST
    Ivanka Trump is being considered for the position of President of the World Bank, replacing Jim Yong Kim.

    Ivanka would bring to the job all her experience as a Board member of the Trump Foundation, now being dissolved under the supervision of a judge, for, as the NY AG states "a shocking pattern of illegality...including self dealing and more."  The AG is also seeking to bar Ivanka, her siblings and father from serving on any NY charitable boards.

    The World Bank had better keep Ivanka away from the money vault and doling out funds to underdeveloped countries.

    You've got to be kidding. (none / 0) (#95)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Jan 12, 2019 at 02:36:53 PM EST
    The world would be a far better place if she and her father, husband and elder siblings were instead hauled off to The Hague.

    Parent
    Bad link. (none / 0) (#100)
    by leap on Sat Jan 12, 2019 at 04:51:30 PM EST
     Was this on the Borowitz Report?

    Parent
    You wish (none / 0) (#101)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Jan 12, 2019 at 05:30:43 PM EST
    The Financial Times reported on Friday that the name of Ivanka Trump is "floating around Washington" regarding the need for a new president of the World Bank.


    Parent
    here is a link to the Guardian (none / 0) (#103)
    by leap on Sat Jan 12, 2019 at 06:59:35 PM EST
    'Ridiculous'

    [can't read Financial Times without a subscription]

    Parent

    Another (none / 0) (#106)
    by KeysDan on Sun Jan 13, 2019 at 10:08:31 AM EST
    It wouldn't be the first time.. (none / 0) (#105)
    by desertswine on Sat Jan 12, 2019 at 11:21:47 PM EST
    one of our presidents nominated an idiot to head the World Bank.  Remember Wolfowitz?

    Experienced, high-level World Bank officials began resigning in droves as they saw Wolfowitz institute a reign of cronies with little development experience and massive salaries. The management style of the newcomers, cliquish among themselves and harsh toward outsiders, alienated those who remained.

    None of these appointments, however unpopular, proved Wolfowitz's undoing. It was the provisions he made for his girlfriend, Shaha Ali Riza, that finally blew up in his face.


    Parent
    You know you're getting old when ... (none / 0) (#94)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Jan 12, 2019 at 02:15:22 PM EST
    ... you can recall your excitement over Led Zeppelin's whimsically titled debut album, "Led Zeppelin," which was first released 50 years ago today on July 12, 1969. Its first track "Good Times, Bad Times" set the stage for everything that was to follow.

    I knew Hawaii was in a very different time zone (5.00 / 1) (#97)
    by Peter G on Sat Jan 12, 2019 at 04:05:25 PM EST
    But how this can be the 50th Anniversary of anything that happened in July 1969 is a bit confusing.

    Parent
    A bit confusing? (5.00 / 1) (#104)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Jan 12, 2019 at 07:13:28 PM EST
    It sounds like my Led Zeppelin theme song is exactly what you need: LINK.

    And you're right. Led Zeppelin I was released on January 12, 1969, which is 50 years ago today, and not on July 12. I'm working on a federal grant proposal today, and I had to type in the dates of the State of Hawaii's fiscal year -- which commences on July 1 -- in so many places on a federal e-form that I likely had July on the brain.

    ;-D

    Parent

    Having my (ugh) 50th HS reunion (none / 0) (#102)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Jan 12, 2019 at 05:34:45 PM EST
    In the spring.  Its weird.  I remember when the book and movie 2001 came out.  I realised (in about 1969) that "omg, in 2001 I will be 50 years old"
    Pfft
    "That could never happen."

    Parent
    ... today in Brooklyn, longtime cartel associate Alex Cinfuentes testified that the alleged drug kingpin once paid a $100 million bribe to former Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto.

    DEADLY CLASS (none / 0) (#109)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jan 17, 2019 at 10:19:54 AM EST
    SYFY premiered an new series last night.  Like other recent offerings from SYFY this one will not be for everyone.

    But I LIKE IT

    It's sort of Harry Potter without the sap.  A school for assassins.

    One interesting subplot, we learn - it's set in the 80s so great music - the lead character joins so he can gain the skills to kill the man who ruined his life.  Ronald Reagan.

    They are using footage of both Ron and Nancy.  'Just say no' is a tagline.

    Tuning in now (none / 0) (#110)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 25, 2019 at 08:01:18 AM EST


    So (none / 0) (#111)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 25, 2019 at 08:08:48 AM EST
    What's the over under on Stone flipping by Monday?

    Could be a very good day (none / 0) (#112)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 25, 2019 at 08:14:28 AM EST
    A person with direct knowledge of the matter told CNBC that Bannon, who was then CEO of Trump's campaign, reached out to Stone.

    Bannon's attorney declined to comment, and the one-time White House chief strategist did not return repeated calls seeking comment.



    Parent
    Or several (none / 0) (#113)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 25, 2019 at 08:17:38 AM EST
    "In the summer of 2016 we were watching what was happening in terms of what was being released by WikiLeaks and how the Russian hand was behind this," Brennan said. "So the intermediary was something looked at very closely by the FBI and others, so again, this indictment is not surprising in any respect."

    "I expect in the next 60 days you're going to have a fair number -- a significant number of indictments. i think people are waiting for the report that is coming out from robert mueller. what i look for most are the indictments. it's so rich in detail. to me all of these indictments will be basically the compendium of Robert Mueller's, the special counsel's investigation."



    Parent
    Maybe that's (none / 0) (#114)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Jan 25, 2019 at 08:23:34 AM EST
    a clue that Bannon is next to be indicted. You have to know he lied to both congress and the SC Office. If Mueller is wrapping it up there probably is going to be a rash of indictments over the next 60 days and then at some point we're going to have trials for those that don't plea.

    Parent
    Think I just heard (none / 0) (#115)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 25, 2019 at 08:46:00 AM EST
    That a warrant was being executed at Bannons home.

    Parent
    No (none / 0) (#116)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 25, 2019 at 08:47:20 AM EST
    I guess that Stones NY home

    Parent
    That's confirmed (none / 0) (#118)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 25, 2019 at 08:56:23 AM EST
    Search warrants in NY

    Parent
    Like (none / 0) (#120)
    by FlJoe on Fri Jan 25, 2019 at 09:06:14 AM EST
    I said in the other thread Bannon was not involved in the campaign when much of the action started.

    Parent
    Just saying what (none / 0) (#121)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 25, 2019 at 09:07:56 AM EST
    "A source close to the investigation" just told NBC

    Parent
    Bloomberg (none / 0) (#122)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 25, 2019 at 09:09:51 AM EST
    The wording (none / 0) (#123)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 25, 2019 at 09:13:08 AM EST
    Is even more interesting than the possible identity

    "A senior campaign official WAS DIRECTED to..."

    Directed by who?

    Parent

    That (none / 0) (#126)
    by FlJoe on Fri Jan 25, 2019 at 10:07:01 AM EST
    "direction" came in July when Bannon was not officially in the picture.

    There is only one mention of a campaign official in October, which very well could be Bannon but the more damming interactions came in July.

    I think Bannon is being thrown under the bus.

    Parent

    Works for me! (none / 0) (#128)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 25, 2019 at 10:07:33 AM EST
    Directed (none / 0) (#137)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Jan 25, 2019 at 12:54:56 PM EST
    by Trump seems to be what happened. Apparently Bannon being the campaign manager and the hierarchy he was only instructed to do anything by Trump. He instructed everybody else. Apparently he is going to have to be extradited from Europe where he is helping the Nazi parties over there. Maybe Mueller is waiting for him to fly back and will arrest him at the airport. Bannon is probably a flight risk though.

    Parent
    They are saying Bannon (none / 0) (#119)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 25, 2019 at 09:04:20 AM EST
    Is referenced at least twice.

    GROUND STOP AT LAGUARDIA (none / 0) (#124)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 25, 2019 at 09:20:05 AM EST
    Due to controller issues.

    This is the shutdown death rattle

    NBC (none / 0) (#125)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 25, 2019 at 09:22:28 AM EST
    Now lifted (none / 0) (#127)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 25, 2019 at 10:07:02 AM EST
    No doubt because of white house intervention.

    But this was a warning.  Along with an explanation from TSA/FAA saying all these guys calling in sick are following FAA regulations which say if you are "fatigued" you are obligated to call in sick.

    Adding these guys have been working 10 hour days and 6 day weeks.  Plus some are taking second jobs as waiters and Uber drivers.

    This was a warning.  Johnny Isackson is going to be screaming at Mitch as we speak about the Super bowl

    If I was them, that would be my target.

    Parent

    Johnny voted for both (none / 0) (#136)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Jan 25, 2019 at 12:51:27 PM EST
    bills in the senate he is so desperate to end the shutdown. Perdue is another story. I guess he is fine with it even though he writes me letters telling me he is not.

    What two words describe hack? David Perdue. It's gotten to the point where I just laugh at him. He is so ridiculous.

    Parent

    I suspect (none / 0) (#138)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 25, 2019 at 02:41:17 PM EST
    Isackson expects to have a future in the Senate.

    Perdue not so much.

    Parent

    Ironically (none / 0) (#139)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Jan 25, 2019 at 05:09:55 PM EST
    Isakson is in poor health with Parkinson's. The one who expects to have a long senate career is Perdue. I would be very supprised if Isakson does not run in 2022 for health reasons. Truly though he may not make it that long. Right now he hobbles along with a cane and I don't know how much longer he is going to be able to do that and I'm not sure he wants to do a Strom Thurmond repeat and basically be a corpse in the senate.

    Parent
    ROGER SPEAKS!!! (none / 0) (#129)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 25, 2019 at 10:24:18 AM EST
    In less than an hour.  

    Not sure I have enough pot and vodka

     Calling a neighbor for backup

    They terrorized (none / 0) (#132)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 25, 2019 at 11:32:38 AM EST
    My wife and my dogs

    Bahahahahaha..ahhhh

    Parent

    My question (none / 0) (#130)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 25, 2019 at 11:02:17 AM EST
    Where are the trolls??

    We really REALLY need some equivocation.

    Do yer fu@king jobs.

    The "president" (none / 0) (#131)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 25, 2019 at 11:09:46 AM EST
    Will speak on the shutdown

    Pffffft

    12:30 (none / 0) (#134)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 25, 2019 at 12:11:33 PM EST
    Central (none / 0) (#135)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 25, 2019 at 12:11:58 PM EST
    I Just Lost a $10 Bet (none / 0) (#140)
    by RickyJim on Sat Jan 26, 2019 at 10:36:04 AM EST
    with a Trump lover that Reagan and Clinton didn't use "Make America Great Again" in campaign speeches.  I blame the posters here for making me think it is obviously a racist meme.  The cited Wikipedia article makes clear that it use has been more nuanced.

    The point is that (5.00 / 1) (#142)
    by jondee on Sat Jan 26, 2019 at 11:05:42 AM EST
    when the expression is wielded by obvious racists and bigots, it becomes tainted by the aforementioned bigotry and racism.

    Parent
    Indeed (none / 0) (#143)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Jan 26, 2019 at 11:19:47 AM EST
    Pardon me but (none / 0) (#141)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Jan 26, 2019 at 10:47:35 AM EST
    That was a dumb bet.  Maybe you should have asked the posters here before you did it.

    Parent