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Happy Passover and Open Thread

Passover begins tonight at sundown. Tomorrow is 4/20. Cochella is streaming live on You Tube this weekend. Sunday is Easter.

Monday night, La Reina del Sur 2 returns on Telemundo, with English subtitles and the terrific Kate del Castillo back in the lead role. It's been 8 years since season 1 and many of the cast members who survived Season 1 are returning. I've been waiting for months for the return, and I'm not going to miss a single minute. [More..]

Back in 2011, the series was Telemundo's most expensive and most popular. This season, filmed in 8 countries (Italy, Russia, Spain, Rumania, Mexico, Belize, Colombia and the U.S.) will be even more impressive from a production standpoint. Telemundo is making full use of the advanced technologies now available for action scenes. People (the Spanish version) says the first episode is non-stop adrenaline.

I wish Alberto Jiminez was returning as Oleg "the Russian", but he had a bad motorcyle accident last Feburary and was unable to return. Maybe for season 3? His character this year will be played by Antonio Gil. It's always hard to take over a role for a beloved character -- it was a disaster when they tried to replace Rafael Amaya as Aurelio and Mauricio Ochs as El Chema in Senor de Los Cielos -- and Maria Fernanda Yepes as Rosario Tijeras. They need to just let the characters go when the actor who played the role for so long is not available for a sequel, even one in another country.

The other character I will miss in La Reina del Sur 2 is El Pote, Castillo's loyal Sinaloan bodyguard played by Dagoberto Gama. They really didn't need to kill him off at the end of season 1 -- his death took up 30 seconds in the final episode and there was so much else happening, it didn't do him justice. I bet the showrunners are sorry now. No matter who they cast to guard Kate del Castillo, we'll all be thinking of Pote.

Of course, in narcodramas no one is every dead for good.The inimitable Monica Robles was killed a bunch of times in Senor de Los Cielos but always came back until last season. They didn't even bother to make up a minimally plausible excuse.

As an aside, I really appreciate the fast moving plots and action in these series. I tried to watch GOT for the first time ever last week during its season premiere and couldn't concentrate on anything but counting the number of seconds between speaking lines. A few were over 20 seconds where the viewer just sits there staring at the face of the character who just spoke one line. No actor should need 20 plus seconds to convey an emotion, and no viewer should need 20 plus seconds to let the emotion sink in.

So whichever holiday you are celebrating, and whichever TV you are watching, including none at all, feel free to comment, all topics welcome.

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  • Display: Sort:
    One of my friends (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by Repack Rider on Fri Apr 19, 2019 at 07:41:42 PM EST
    ...is one of the "Waldos" who gave us the term "420."

    Every year about this time he gets all over the TV.

    Golden Gate Park in SF is the scene of an informal gathering of 20,000 or so who celebrate the date.

    Happy EASTER or whatever (5.00 / 1) (#7)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 20, 2019 at 10:20:15 AM EST
    To celebrate the holiday you really really REALLY should stream the season 1 finale of AMERICAN GODS.

    It was all about Easter.  And it's amazing.

    Are you watching Season 2? (none / 0) (#20)
    by ruffian on Sat Apr 20, 2019 at 05:20:45 PM EST
    I don't have whatever network it is on - if you say it is good I'll wait a few weeks then get it for a month and binge.

    What am I saying, it has to be good, right?

    I watched the one episode of GoT with Ian McShane last week and realized again how much I love that dude. Maybe I'll l watch Deadwood again - him AND Olyphant? Why not!!!

    Parent

    It's not as good as season one (none / 0) (#22)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 20, 2019 at 05:35:58 PM EST
    Different show runners.  But it's still pretty good.

    They have mostly dropped those strange little interludes and background stories.  

    Parent

    So because I said that (none / 0) (#58)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 10:15:05 PM EST
    They did one of the best backstories yet.  Mad Sweeney.

    Parent
    I like the backstories. (none / 0) (#166)
    by ruffian on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 05:35:57 PM EST
    Maybe I'll get stars for a month. I really did love last season.

    Parent
    Oh it's STARZ (none / 0) (#23)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 20, 2019 at 05:37:10 PM EST
    And don't forget the DEADWOOD movie is coming

    Parent
    May 31st (none / 0) (#24)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 20, 2019 at 05:39:17 PM EST
    I did forget! Sweet! (none / 0) (#31)
    by ruffian on Sat Apr 20, 2019 at 08:44:17 PM EST
    Soooo....thoughts on GoT Ep 1? (none / 0) (#32)
    by ruffian on Sat Apr 20, 2019 at 09:05:11 PM EST
    I've played that last scene 4 times. In all the speculation preseason I never thought to consider what THAT would be like. Perfect. Do you think the 3 Eyed Raven has plans for Jaime?

    One reviewer pointed out that Dani really needs a Gary on Veep whispering 'he's a Tarly' etc. in her ear. Epic fail on Jorah's part.

    Parent

    Almost perfect (none / 0) (#33)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 20, 2019 at 09:22:17 PM EST
    The Tarly thing was very awkward.

    Probably not as awkward as when Jon shares the news with his aunt.

    Just read a (goofy imo ) theory that Jamie is Azor Ahai.  If you google you could find it.   That waiting for an old friend line was one of the supposed clues.  

    I'm very happy so far

    The timing of the news for Jon was the first big departure from the spoilers I mentioned.  So I expect there will be others.

    Are you familiar with the story of how the original flaming sword Lightbringer was created?  If not you should do a google.  It would not be a spoiler but it a good thing to know cause it is supposed to be created again.  How/by whom is a big question.

    Yikes

    Parent

    Love both episodes (none / 0) (#51)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 09:43:47 PM EST
    Of this season so far. The Army of the Dead arrives at Winterfell on episode 3? What the heck happens in the rest of episodes? Shhhh, don't tell me.

    Parent
    Everyone is so upset (none / 0) (#52)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 09:47:54 PM EST
    That Arya knocked boots. Lemme tell ya, I wouldn't willingly square off with Night King headed for forever night as a virgin if I could help it LOL. Nope! Nada! But my husband is appalled and too many to count on Twitter too.

    Parent
    I can tell you what's already (none / 0) (#54)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 10:08:40 PM EST
    Been in the press releases without spoiling anything I assume.

    There is the battle of Winterfell which doesn't go that well (they have put the trashed Winterfell in promos) then there is the final battle which happens in episode 5.  This was going to be pretty obvious when they released the lengths of the episodes weeks ago.

    Next week is 90 minutes I think episode 5 is even longer.

    I also love the season so far.  Love Brieann  loved Arya and Gentry loved the drinking party.  Loved it.

    Parent

    You know (none / 0) (#63)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 10:47:56 PM EST
    One theory has Arya and Gendry ruling.

    Not sure I buy it but I could live with it.

    Parent

    I have kind of bern avoiding theories (none / 0) (#64)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 10:55:18 PM EST
    But one stumbled into my Twitter feed. Remember in the first season when Cersi talks about her first child? Robert's child? And she called him black haired. And then later Gendry was asked about his mother and he said she died when he was little and she had golden hair?

    Parent
    This is not a spoiler or even a theory (none / 0) (#66)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 10:59:49 PM EST
    But just an observation I was thinking about

    So, all the women an children are going down into the crypt.  And what is in the crypt?  Has it not occurred to anyone that this night king guy raises the dead?

    Jus sayin.

    Parent

    Endless possibilities of things that (none / 0) (#68)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 11:09:38 PM EST
    Can go badly

    Gilly and little Sam dead, that would be pretty devastating. And Layanna Mormont maybe survives because she ignored Jorah's concern trolling?

    Parent

    Appalled? (none / 0) (#57)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 10:13:50 PM EST
    I'm sorry.  That makes absolutely no sense on any level I can imagine.  

    Parent
    I was a little shocked at first (5.00 / 1) (#171)
    by ruffian on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 05:51:20 PM EST
    Had to get child Arya out of my head. I'm ok with it now. And hey, she picked the right guy, possibly the rightful heir to the throne!

    Yeah, too many statements about how the crypt is the safest place for it to really be that safe! I think it is going to be a chance for Tyrion to do something great, or else die. Sob.

    I loved episode 2. That group at a fireside is all I really need for entertainment.

    Parent

    You and I have always been wild LOL (none / 0) (#59)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 10:24:15 PM EST
    Other folks consider her almost a child. I told my husband she's a short assassin, he says underage...underage

    She couldn't shuck those drawers fast enough once Gendry told her he was Robert's son.

    Parent

    Underage (none / 0) (#61)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 10:36:45 PM EST
    That's actually funny after all the stuff she has done.  Do we even know how old she is supposed to be.  Her body did not look underage.

    Parent
    Hey, I know (5.00 / 1) (#65)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 10:58:44 PM EST
    I'm thinking if you can stroll into a brothel and murder a bad dude

    But no

    It seems mostly men having a hard time with this. And they didn't show much of a scene, as if they expected some viewers were going to have a hard time with the idea.

    Parent

    I checked Maisys age out of curiosity (none / 0) (#67)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 11:03:59 PM EST
    She is 15.  I would think in the series supposed to be older.  Sansa was 14 in like the first or second season.  
    In any case after what she has been through she deserves to not die a virgin.

    IMO

    Parent

    Women on Twitter (none / 0) (#69)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 11:11:32 PM EST
    All support Arya's choice as far as I've seen. It's only dudes

    Parent
    It was clearly her choice (none / 0) (#70)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 11:14:34 PM EST
    Gendry was more surprised than anyone

    Parent
    The prudes can relax (none / 0) (#72)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 11:37:12 PM EST
    But, viewers were left questioning Arya's age on Twitter. For those who don't know, she's 18



    Parent
    It isn't concern about the age of the actress (none / 0) (#91)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 10:14:41 AM EST
    It is concern about the perceived age of the character. Nobody knows how old Arya is in the television series. And in the books they last left her in Bravos so there really isn't a correlation any longer between the book Arya and GoT series writers Arya.

    Parent
    Nope (none / 0) (#92)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 10:21:35 AM EST
    she is 18

    Sorry for the confusing way I did that


    'Game of Thrones': HBO Reminds Viewers Arya Is 18, Leading to Sex Scene Speculation


    Parent
    Which makes perfect sense (none / 0) (#94)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 10:26:37 AM EST
    As I mentioned Sansa was 14 at least 6 years ago.

    So if Arya was 2 years younger, 12, she would 18 now.

    Parent

    You realize that's ridiculous right? (none / 0) (#97)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 11:59:34 AM EST
    If one season equals one year then little Sam is at least seven years old. Little Sam isn't even speaking full sentences, little Sam is not seven. He appears to be about three.

    Parent
    For petes sake (none / 0) (#98)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 12:07:12 PM EST
    HBO said she is 18.

    I can not account for Sam nor do I real give a rats but based on the measure I mentioned it works.

    By the way by that same measure Sansa was underage when she was horribly raped.

    Parent

    Good question (none / 0) (#99)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 12:10:42 PM EST
    By the way (none / 0) (#100)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 12:12:01 PM EST
    Staying away from spoilers as the link speculates Sam IS a special baby.

    Parent
    Bran (none / 0) (#101)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 12:13:14 PM EST
    Has certainly grown up.

    Parent
    Here is some (none / 0) (#102)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 12:21:42 PM EST
    Interesting (none / 0) (#103)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 12:26:16 PM EST
    That most of the responses were along the lines of

    "Well, we don't know the time between seasons"

    Well, now we do.  HBO said Arya is 18.  So little Sam is not growing normally and it not anyone's imagination and it's very unlikely to be an oversight

    I would say

    Without further spoilers.

    Parent

    Funny (none / 0) (#104)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 12:44:43 PM EST
    I had not noticed this until you mentioned it but it looks like

    it has been noticed and agonized over like everything else

    This freaking show.  Like was said in another comment, no way to keep up.  Every time you thing you've got it a whole new thing pops up.

    Parent

    We know the last two seasons hardly any time (none / 0) (#172)
    by ruffian on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 05:55:39 PM EST
    passed at all. I'm fine if HBO wants to,claim she's 18 in show years. Won't even ask them to show their math. I'm fine with 16 yr olds having consensual sex, liberal that I am!

    Parent
    So how does Arya age 6 years (none / 0) (#107)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 12:59:25 PM EST
    And little Sam 3?

    It is a reasonable question

    Parent

    I know I know I know !! (none / 0) (#108)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 01:04:20 PM EST
    Don't tempt me

    Parent
    Wrong (none / 0) (#73)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 11:38:41 PM EST
    She is 22

    Not sure what I got the first time

    Parent

    That's Williams (none / 0) (#74)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 11:39:42 PM EST
    In real life Arya is 18

    Parent
    Still not getting the timing of (none / 0) (#77)
    by ragebot on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 07:51:41 AM EST
    Jon telling Danny the news.  My experience with the few times I knew combat was imminent was a reaction like the Onion knight that I could not sleep and would walk all night.

    In any case it does not make sense for Jon to reveal anything to Danny that could affect her battle readiness since she is a key feature of the battle plan.

    I am also liking Danny less.  Not just because of how she reacted to Jon's news but also for how she treated Sansa when they tried to make amends.  If the Iron Islands can be autonomous why not the North as well.

    Parent

    I think clearly we are meant to feel this way (none / 0) (#83)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 08:26:55 AM EST
    She has not been very likeable lately.  

    Pure speculation - maybe she is being set up to redeem herself with some desperate heroic act?

    Did you read the back story of Podricks song I posted?

    Parent

    yea (none / 0) (#87)
    by ragebot on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 09:36:56 AM EST
    read that


    Parent
    There was another Sansa moment (none / 0) (#85)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 08:43:54 AM EST
    That shocked me.  J&D are talking about Sansa.  Jon says something like `she doesn't know you' and she said

    "She doesn't have to be my friend but I'm her Queen.  If she doesn't respect me.........."

    And she never finishes the sentence (which was brilliant) because someone walks up.

    You and Jon were left to fill in the blanks...

    ....I will burn her alive.

    ....I will etc etc

    It was a wow moment for me.  And for Jon I think.

    Parent

    You're liking Dany less? (none / 0) (#109)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 01:05:50 PM EST
    For those reasons?

    You're not watching Little House on the Prairie LOL

    It's called Game of Thrones LOL

    I did see a really funny Tweet though

    Elizabeth Warren wants to break the wheel

    Parent

    I thought no I have asked this before (none / 0) (#111)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 01:14:13 PM EST
    But I don't remember a response

    Do you know the story of how the original flaming sword Lightbringer was created?

    I keep asking because it's important.

    Parent

    I don't know if it is significant (none / 0) (#112)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 01:29:11 PM EST
    In the television series outside of signifying those who wield swords for the Lord of Light.

    Gendry is 1/4 Targaryen? He might fit the prophecy if the television series goes there.

    Parent

    Lightbringer (none / 0) (#113)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 01:33:09 PM EST
    According to the Red Woman must be forged again to defeat the night king by the new Azor Ahai

    This is the way it went the first time

    Lightbringer is the sword said to have been carried by Azor Ahai, the hero of the first war with the Others.

    The sword is said to have been forged by Azor Ahai himself, in three seperate attempts. The first attempt, he labored for thirty days and thirty nights in the sacred of fires of a temple and to temper it he plunged it into water, it then burst into flames and nothing was left. The second time, he labored fifty days and fifty nights, captured a lion and plunged the sword into its heart. The steel once again shattered. The third attempt, he labored a hundred days and as many nights, and when the time came to temper it, he asked his wife, Nissa Nissa, to bare her breast. She did as he bid and he plunged the blade into her heart. It is said that all of her strength became part of the sword

    See where I'm goin with this?

    Parent

    Is it Jon? OMG (none / 0) (#114)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 01:39:55 PM EST
    Is it Gendry?  Double OMG

    I happen to think it will not be either Dani or Arya that provides the heart but a heart is going to get poked aparrently

    Parent

    Hmmm. I don't like the sounds of that! (none / 0) (#174)
    by ruffian on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 06:05:48 PM EST
    La Reina del Sur (5.00 / 1) (#16)
    by Coral on Sat Apr 20, 2019 at 02:28:01 PM EST
    I had no idea until I read this that there was going to be a second season for La Reina del Sur. I loved the first season, which I watched on Netflix. I do get Telemundo, but maybe not in HD. Hoping it will be televised with English subtitles.

    NY Times article on Kate del Castillo (none / 0) (#37)
    by Coral on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 09:33:43 AM EST
    here

    The first season was groundbreaking. I had no idea what a huge hit it was for Telemundo.

    Parent

    there will be subtitles (none / 0) (#42)
    by Jeralyn on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 02:02:56 PM EST
    The leader of the (5.00 / 2) (#17)
    by desertswine on Sat Apr 20, 2019 at 04:39:25 PM EST
    United Constitutional Patriots has been arrested by the FBI.  These heavily armed bozos have been running around the US-Mexican border rounding up asylum seekers, many of them children.  It's fun I guess, until you kill someone, as is bound to happen.

    I spend (none / 0) (#26)
    by MKS on Sat Apr 20, 2019 at 06:34:11 PM EST
    a fair amount of time in rural Grant County (you're in Santa Fe?), so these nutballs are in my backyard.

    Parent
    Actually, I'm in (none / 0) (#41)
    by desertswine on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 12:53:46 PM EST
    Albuquerque.  Santa Fe's a little rich for my blood, although I do like to visit.  

    The Constitutional Crazies have been running around the Sunland Park area.

    Parent

    Sunland Park (none / 0) (#44)
    by MKS on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 02:07:04 PM EST
    is Upper Valley El Paso.  Wealthy. Ranches and farms with cotton fields. .....I thought they built their big fence there.

    Parent
    Misquote (none / 0) (#105)
    by ScottW714 on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 12:45:00 PM EST
    These heavily armed bozos

    Should be 'Their heavily armed felon bozo leader'.

    I wonder why the FBI are involved.

    Parent

    More From the Bozo Securing the Border (5.00 / 1) (#124)
    by ScottW714 on Tue Apr 23, 2019 at 09:29:15 AM EST
    The leader of an armed group that is stopping undocumented migrants who cross into the US from Mexico once boasted about training to assassinate Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and George Soros, an FBI agent said in court papers on Monday.

    Larry Mitchell Hopkins, leader of the United Constitutional Patriots (UCP), whose camouflage-wearing armed members claim to have helped US officials detain some 5,600 migrants in New Mexico's desert in the last 60 days, was arrested on Friday on a weapons charge.

    ...

    When agents entered the home they collected nine firearms, ranging from pistols to rifles, Horton was illegally in possession of as he had at least one prior felony conviction, according to the complaint.

    The FBI said in court papers that in 2006, Hopkins was convicted of criminal impersonation of a peace officer and felony possession of a firearm, and that in 1996 he was also convicted on a firearms charge.

    LINK

    Parent
    DONT READ GOT COMMENTS (none / 0) (#106)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 12:47:31 PM EST
    Jus sayin

    Parent
    Not Worried About It... (none / 0) (#115)
    by ScottW714 on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 02:07:30 PM EST
    ... I skimmed some of the GoT discussion and unlike a lot of people I either won't remember or don't care about spoilers.

    Parent
    Hopkins attacked in jail (none / 0) (#140)
    by ragebot on Wed Apr 24, 2019 at 03:15:46 PM EST
    Jesus H Christ... (2.00 / 1) (#146)
    by ScottW714 on Thu Apr 25, 2019 at 10:02:19 AM EST
    ...so the guy who is denying people their civil rights, who was running around the desert rounding up anyone with brown skin a gun point is going to sue the correctional facility for not keeping him safe?

    The nerve, he treats people like garbage then sues when they decide they don't like it.  Weak old man without his crew & without his gun.  

    I hope this is only the beginning of his dealings with karma.  May he be cared for, and imprisoned, with the very folks he spent his life disparaging.

    Parent

    No one deserves to be treated inhumanely (none / 0) (#149)
    by Peter G on Thu Apr 25, 2019 at 01:16:14 PM EST
    while in the custody of the state. I cannot imagine reveling in another person's suffering, no matter how despicable the other person's past conduct or attitudes.

    Parent
    I Wouldn't Call It Reveling... (none / 0) (#150)
    by ScottW714 on Thu Apr 25, 2019 at 02:24:43 PM EST
    ...more like pointing out the that karma is not far away for any of us, and that some days, some people, get exactly what they deserve.

    Having no sympathy for people who make it their life's work to make other people's lives miserable, is not a character flaw.

    Parent

    On that other thing you mentioned (none / 0) (#141)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Apr 24, 2019 at 03:39:39 PM EST
    IMO it's a stupid piece.  The writer has no idea what's actually happening or will happen.  But they presume to tell the most successful show runners in the history of tv what they need to do.  Ive said before SLATE is the dumbest liberal site on the web.

    But it illustrates what we were talking about.

    Why Did Game of Thrones Turn on Daenerys Targaryen?
    She used to be the Breaker of Chains, but now the show seems hell-bent on convincing us she's unfit to rule

    Clearly we are not the only ones noticing Dani is not so nice anymore.

    Parent

    Having trouble following this sub thread (none / 0) (#145)
    by ragebot on Wed Apr 24, 2019 at 10:21:27 PM EST
    Not sure if it is about GOT or the mess of civilians trying to stop illegal border crossings.  In any case Hopkins lawyers may well sue the local jail, and I loved the link just for the new term I learned; Cleganebowl.

    Parent
    Two Grammy winners... (5.00 / 1) (#35)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 12:29:05 AM EST
    show up at Seattle's Pike Place Market and "busk" for pocket change. Emerald City cool.

    It being the 20th Anniversary of the Columbine massacre, it is hard to find joy today, but this helped.

    May all our souls find peace.

    the Large Magellanic Cloud (5.00 / 1) (#47)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 05:47:53 PM EST
    Watching CNN Townhall (5.00 / 2) (#122)
    by MKS on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 08:03:31 PM EST
    Elizabeth Warren was better than I thought.

    Bernie is on now.  The first question was how he would phase out private healthcare, and he evaded the question.  Whiff as far as I am concerned.

    And, I do hold it against him that he trashed Hillary, and his supporters like Nina Turner refused to endorse her--after the Primary was over.

       

    Trump's new wall, (5.00 / 1) (#135)
    by KeysDan on Tue Apr 23, 2019 at 09:41:36 PM EST
    and Democracy will pay for it. The stonewall put up against Congressional investigations is Trump going full Roy Cohn. Looks like he is an advocate for his impeachment. Democrats should accommodate him.  

    Many of the devout (none / 0) (#2)
    by desertswine on Fri Apr 19, 2019 at 11:13:02 PM EST
    in NM make an annual pilgrimage to el Santuario de Chimayo in northern New Mexico.  I have visited there a few times but I've never walked there.  People take some dirt from a place inside the church; it is said to have healing properties. It's in a beautiful part of the state.

    Ok, so, I'm curious (none / 0) (#3)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 20, 2019 at 09:09:11 AM EST
    If, god forbid, the choice came down the Bernie or Biden who would you want.  If you are honest you have to admit it's a real possibility.

    No equivocating no multiple choice.  You gotta pick one.

    This is not about who you would VOTE for.  If this series of unfortunate events happens many of us will have already voted for someone else.

    What Im curious about is who do you think, of the two, would be a better candidate.  The most likely to win.

    It's not a simple question.  I realized this after thinking about it in the shower.

    On policy personally I would vote for Bernie.  But Biden really might be a better candidate.  OTOH if it comes down to the two of them and Bernie loses I think there is a real possibility many Bernie supporters would not vote for Biden and worse would vote for Trump.

    Who do think more likely to win?

    I think (5.00 / 2) (#4)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Apr 20, 2019 at 09:25:58 AM EST
    Biden would be more likely to beat Trump than Bernie simply because there is a whole world outside of the bro universe who will not vote for a self described socialist.

    Something people never seem to take into account is the number of people who won't vote for Bernie. It's always a concern about the left that won't vote for Biden.

    Personally if either of them ends up as the nominee we are screwed by either losing the election or having a horrible president.

    Parent

    I think (none / 0) (#6)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 20, 2019 at 10:17:41 AM EST
    Trump is going to be so damaged by Nov 20 either could probably win.  But being a presidential election, no landslides.

    But I do agree Biden is a better candidate.  In fact I have to admit a small evil part of me would like to see a Trump Biden debate.

    That said only a slightly smaller evil part would like to see a Trump Bernie debate.

    Parent

    Well, (5.00 / 1) (#9)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Apr 20, 2019 at 10:41:24 AM EST
    we may not even be running against Trump. We could be running against Pence who btw I personally think would be easier to beat.

    I'm really looking past all that to who I think would make the best president. I'm not sure who that is right now but I'm pretty sure Bernie would be a disaster simply because he has shown no ability to get hardly anything passed in congress in 30 years and Biden would be a disastrous repeat of Obama where we're gonna beg the Republicans 24/7 to go along, post partisan unity shtick redux.

    I want a candidate that will stand tall and campaign on issues, explain how our issues help the middle class and forge a coalition for the future.

    Parent

    We will be running (none / 0) (#10)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 20, 2019 at 10:46:12 AM EST
    Against Trump

    Taking bets here

    Parent

    I go back (none / 0) (#11)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Apr 20, 2019 at 10:55:42 AM EST
    and forth on that one with all these rumors of the GOP getting him to resign or someone cutting no prosecution deals if he will resign. I can understand where your certainty comes from though because even if a deal is cut there is nothing that is going to keep him from getting prosecuted by NY. He knows as long as he clings to the presidency he is not going to be indicted. He's also desperate to win reelection for the same reason. I also expect him to be colluding with the Russians in 2020 presidential race.

    Parent
    Exactly so (none / 0) (#12)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 20, 2019 at 10:57:53 AM EST
    As long as he rules

    He rules.

    He will never step down

    Parent

    The irony (none / 0) (#13)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Apr 20, 2019 at 11:06:20 AM EST
    is though I'm not sure that NY can't indict him while in office using the Agnew decision. That is something that would probably have to be worked out in the courts.

    Parent
    No question in my mind (none / 0) (#78)
    by ragebot on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 07:58:51 AM EST
    Trump will be the candidate.  All the bookies have him as the favorite to win; and that is against the field.

    Parent
    Good. (none / 0) (#88)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 09:57:09 AM EST
    The entire GOP will be embracing Russia as their true homeland. It will be obvious.

    Parent
    My vote goes (5.00 / 1) (#14)
    by KeysDan on Sat Apr 20, 2019 at 11:31:59 AM EST
    to Joe , given the circumstances presented.  Joe v Bernie neuters both the age and fresh face issues that may exist.  Joe has more skeletons in his closet than there are in a Saudi Consulate, but he can claim evolution and continue to bask in Obama's sunshine.  A running mate such as Senator Harris would make for a strong ticket.  

    Bernie has many good ideas and while, actually, long a part of the Democratic mainstream, and popular with most voters, may be smothered by the socialist labeling.  His flailing style may not be in vogue this time around.  It is not easy to come up with a complementary running mate---more of a one man show.

    As president, both Joe and Bernie would be lawful--a new criterion.  And, both would likely be transitional. Just by throwing out the thieves  and criminals of the Trump Maladministration--and it's Boss, they will have succeeded as president, having done what the country needed for its survival. Right up there with Abe Lincoln.


    Parent

    Easy for me (none / 0) (#15)
    by MKS on Sat Apr 20, 2019 at 01:03:36 PM EST
    Biden.  I am not for Medicare for all.

    Parent
    Between the two I would have to pick (none / 0) (#18)
    by ruffian on Sat Apr 20, 2019 at 05:15:32 PM EST
    Biden. He has more national and international experience,  and I believe his personality more suitable to governing.

    Parent
    As I expected (none / 0) (#19)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 20, 2019 at 05:17:12 PM EST
    Seems the consensus

    Why am I afraid it will be the other guy.

    Parent

    Ha! I really think it will be neither (5.00 / 2) (#21)
    by ruffian on Sat Apr 20, 2019 at 05:21:54 PM EST
    of them. So I didn't mind voting in your poll.  I think they will both have dissolved into nothingness before the voting even starts in January.

    Parent
    I don't really either (none / 0) (#25)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 20, 2019 at 05:44:13 PM EST
    I hope we are right.

    Parent
    Bernie (none / 0) (#27)
    by CST on Sat Apr 20, 2019 at 06:42:18 PM EST
    Is who I'd want, but I suspect that's not a surprise. To be honest I think either one could win.

    I kind of hope they end up taking each other out early,  but that's not a political calculation its a personal one.  IMO,  they have the best chances against Trump, for different reasons.

    Parent

    Yes (none / 0) (#28)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 20, 2019 at 06:57:24 PM EST
    Although it could easily be one unless someone plausible (ie as much as I like him as am happy he is in the race I don't really see Pete as plausible in the top spot) really catches fire.  So far I don't see fire.

    Parent
    I think the huge field (none / 0) (#29)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 20, 2019 at 06:58:53 PM EST
    Is going to help them both.  So many candidates are going to split the rest of the votes

    Parent
    Personally (none / 0) (#30)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Apr 20, 2019 at 08:02:07 PM EST
    I see Biden as the Scott Walker of 2020. He polls high and then he starts running and shows up in debates and his numbers just keep going down. I see Bernie going down when he starts getting questioned on everything he did in 2016 from paying women 1/2 of men, to the harassment that went on in his campaign to questions about Russia Active Measures helping his campaign.

    Parent
    Question for dem insiders (none / 0) (#80)
    by ragebot on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 08:09:49 AM EST
    There seems to be some agreement that with all the candidates and the way the primaries are set us (especially with CA going early) no one will be a clear winner and the convention will be brokered.

    So in a brokered convention Biden would seem to have the edge to me, but that may be based more on name recognition more than anything else.

    Do you guys think there will be a brokered convention, and if so who would have an advantage there.

    Parent

    I think a brokered convention (none / 0) (#84)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 08:28:07 AM EST
    Is very possible.  But I think Bernie and the bros will definitely be ready for that.

    Parent
    I've been binging (none / 0) (#5)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 20, 2019 at 10:02:29 AM EST
    TWIN PEAKS - THE RETURN

    So my brain and eyeballs are feeling a bit singed and blasted.

    I did not watch it when it was broadcast.

    David Lynch's Black Hole (none / 0) (#34)
    by MisterPleasant on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 12:17:14 AM EST
    Twin Peaks - The Return is aptly referred to as an 18 hour film broken into one hour segments.  It is based more on the prequel film Fire Walk With Me  than the original series. It has a dark soul, much darker than The original series. Kyle McLachlan literally scared the crap out of me when his bad Cooper persona was introduced.   There is an episode about mid season that constitutes the most amazing thing I have ever seen on television. I won't give anything away if you haven't seen it, but will be interested to hear your thoughts once you see it. You will know what I'm referring to when you see it.

    I am a true Lynch fan. That said, there are some glacial pacing  issues that might throw some off. For me the sum of the parts and the process of getting to the end was well worth a Showtime subscription.

    Parent

    Also a life long Fan (none / 0) (#36)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 07:34:55 AM EST
    I saw Eraserhead in midnight shows more times than I remember.

    There is a great cd collection of his short films you would like.

    About "that episode".  Yes I believe you are referring to episode 8.  Got A Light?".

    I have read about it.  I know a lot about the series but I just kept putting it off.  It's always good to have something great waiting to see.

    Parent

    Episode 8 (5.00 / 1) (#46)
    by MisterPleasant on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 03:35:44 PM EST
    Yes that is the episode to which I was referring. Since you have read about it then you know that it is Lynch's origin story for the evil introduced into the world by modern man. I get goosebumps and start sweating just thinking about it.

    I hope you enjoy the series as you work your way through.  I temporarily paused a rewatch but feel ready to push forward again.

    Parent

    Holy Krap (none / 0) (#123)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 10:04:48 PM EST
    I just watched episode 8. Now I have to go to sleep.  Thank Crom for Ambien.

    I had heard Threnody to the Victims of Hiroshima before years ago.  I did not know it was in there.  I just knew about 9 Inch Nails.  It was something to see his visuals over it.

    You probably know this but he started more or less as an animator.  Many of his first, and my favorite, films are experimental animation.

    Like my personal favorite

    Six men getting sick six times

    Parent

    I don't know why this needed to be 18 episodes? (none / 0) (#38)
    by McBain on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 10:04:47 AM EST
    There is plenty of greatness but too much filler. Sometimes great artists/filmmakers need a producer/editor to cut things out.

    There is an episode about mid season that constitutes the most amazing thing I have ever seen on television.

    Yes.  Other parts felt like regular TV, that episode was special.

     

    Parent

    My brain is singed (none / 0) (#49)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 09:36:10 PM EST
    Just thinking about binging Twin Peaks

    Parent
    Its really something (none / 0) (#62)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 10:45:15 PM EST
    You sit there thinking I can't believe they let him do this.

    Parent
    I probably won't watch La Reina del Sur (none / 0) (#8)
    by McBain on Sat Apr 20, 2019 at 10:40:21 AM EST
    but I agree with Jeralyn's assessment of American television (I assume she meant all/most American TV, not just GOT)

    I'm not sure why we put up with slow moving plots? Every series seems to be the same.... the first episode or two is interesting.. then things slow down for 5 or 6 episodes... then they pick up a bit at the end.  

    When it comes time for a second season, it's usually too similar to the first.  Stranger Things and Ozark are examples of good first season shows that more or less repeat things in the second season.  A few exceptions to this rule are True Detective and American Horror Story.

    I haven't started this season's GOT.  The previous two were pretty good but I found the storylines less interesting once they starting going off the books.

    actually I just meant (5.00 / 1) (#43)
    by Jeralyn on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 02:05:20 PM EST
    GOT. It was the number of long silences I couldn't stand. I felt like it was wasting time.

    Parent
    GOT has tons of (none / 0) (#81)
    by ragebot on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 08:17:49 AM EST
    interconnected story lines and during what you call long silences I often find myself thinking 'how is this related to the bigger picture'.  If you jump in the middle of the story you may not be aware of all the implications of what has just happened.

    Even as someone who has watched and rewatched every single episode I was shocked that after Jon told Danny the truth about his parents she replied along the lines of that story was concocted by your brother and best friend.  While true that was really an eyeopener to me; and explained how Danny could have doubts about the truth of the claim.

    Parent

    A prayer (none / 0) (#39)
    by CST on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 10:21:42 AM EST
    For the candidates

    Sadly that is (5.00 / 3) (#40)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 12:05:32 PM EST
    so true. It's why I push back hard against any and all misogyny against any woman candidate. Seriously I have just had enough and the press clearly still does not realize how badly they screwed up in 2016 and continue to make the same mistakes.

    Parent
    We went out to the movies Saturday (none / 0) (#45)
    by Peter G on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 03:15:37 PM EST
    to see "Amazing Grace," the concert film of Aretha Franklin performing two nights in an African American church in 1972, backed by a gospel choir. Various technical and legal difficulties kept the film from being released for over 45 years, until after Aretha died. Superb music and spirit. Go see it if you can.

    Did we ever discuss (none / 0) (#48)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 08:48:55 PM EST
    the man in the high castle. As I normally watch things say later than everybody else I could not remember

    It been discussed a bit. (none / 0) (#56)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 10:11:22 PM EST
    I have not seen it.  I keep putting off getting prime because there are so many great things coming I've been trying to wait until there are as many as possible.

    Parent
    TBH (none / 0) (#75)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 05:27:44 AM EST
    I really am not a huge fan of Prime. Maybe it's my terrible skill of finding things to watch but most of the shows they have I really don't find interesting or they are old and something I already watched. My husband is the prime fan.

    Parent
    Bosch (none / 0) (#79)
    by jmacWA on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 08:06:11 AM EST
    One of my favorites on Prime is Bosch which just dropped a new season last week.

    Parent
    I will (none / 0) (#89)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 09:57:45 AM EST
    have to check that one out.

    Parent
    Prime is Horrible... (none / 0) (#110)
    by ScottW714 on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 01:10:26 PM EST
    ... for finding stuff.  If it wasn't linked to 2 day shipping I would never pay for it.  When you browse, all of a sudden there are cheesy unpopular 80's & 90's shows, but then I will see recommendations online and there is good stuff listed, but for some reason Prime doesn't really push them, or make them easy to locate, when you are in the program.  It's a major flaw IMO.

    That being said, there are some gems out there.  Man in the High Castle, Sneaky Pete, and the Romanovs are a couple I can remember, but there are plenty more.  I keep meaning to watch Transparent, but I can never get into the mood as I know that is going to be emotionally draining.  Plus I watch Arrested Development and I am not sure George Bluth is ready to be a transvestite.

    Parent

    I really like Man in the High Castle. (none / 0) (#117)
    by Chuck0 on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 02:50:06 PM EST
    Looking forward to another season. I like most stuff by Philip K. Dick that has been made into TV or movies.

    I like the variety of stuff available on Prime. I like that I can watch old 60s biker movies or 70s drive-in fare.

    I get my HBO through Amazon as a subscribed channel.


    Parent

    There are some great new series (none / 0) (#118)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 03:31:34 PM EST
    Coming to Prime

    not mentioned in that link is a LORD OF THE RINGS series
    Also the are talking about a DARK TOWER series.  Hopefully it will make for that terrible movie

    RINGWORLD, SNOWCRASH Ana LAZARUS

    Parent

    Bron of the Blackwater (none / 0) (#119)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 06:01:32 PM EST
    "Game of Thrones" and "Ripper Street" regular Jerome Flynn has joined the cast of "The Dark Tower" TV series at Amazon Prime Video. Flynn joins Sam Strike ("Nightflyers") who has been cast as Roland Deschain the Gunslinger, and Finnish actor Jasper Paakkonen ("Vikings") as the Man in Black.

    The Media Rights Capital-produced series was initially going to tie in with the 2017 film adaptation starring Idris Elba as Roland and Matthew McConaughey.

    However, after that film's critical and commercial failure it was decided the series will stand on its own as a more faithful adaptation of the sprawling world author Stephen King created across several books.



    Parent
    Roy Price Was a Real Piece of Work... (none / 0) (#125)
    by ScottW714 on Tue Apr 23, 2019 at 12:44:27 PM EST
    ...as head of Amazon Studio.  There were several single season shows that I could not believe didn't get picked up.  I was hoping his replacement will circle back on some of those shows, but so far she hasn't.  I think they are gone for good, sad face.

    Parent
    I talked about it a little (none / 0) (#82)
    by ragebot on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 08:22:59 AM EST
    when it first came out.  Thought the cast was good and as a history buff still wonder what would have happened if Hitler had waited to attack Russia.  With all his troops in the West and Russia nominally helping occupy NE Europe the Allies would have had less chance of success.

    No one seemed to be watching it; or at least want to discuss it.

    Parent

    What I find (5.00 / 1) (#90)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 09:59:42 AM EST
    interesting is that there are a few parallels to what is going on today for example the dehumanization of POC from Trump and conservatives. And also take out the Nazi uniforms and much of the stuff could have been straight from TV shows of the 50's and 60's.

    Parent
    I read the book (5.00 / 1) (#93)
    by Peter G on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 10:25:24 AM EST
    by Philip K. Dick.

    Parent
    I don't know if we discussed it (none / 0) (#86)
    by CST on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 09:14:06 AM EST
    But I'm a fan.  I keep going back and forth on prime,  they aren't nearly as solid as Netflix or HBO, and I don't do much online shopping,  but they did just pick up The Expanse which is another favorite of mine.  I tend to get it for a month once a year, watch what I want,  and then cancel.

    Parent
    I think you need to (none / 0) (#50)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 09:40:55 PM EST
    Watch GOT from the beginning Jeralyn to grasp why certain pauses were so pregnant

    Yes (none / 0) (#55)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 10:09:36 PM EST
    They never waste a second of screen time.  Everything means something.

    Parent
    I see Armando loves (none / 0) (#60)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 10:28:13 PM EST
    This season so far too

    Parent
    Easter eggs on Easter (none / 0) (#71)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 11:34:14 PM EST
    Game of Thrones season 8, episode 2: Podrick's song, explained
    The episode's musical Easter egg, "Jenny's Song," could be foreshadowing the end of Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen.

    The second episode of Game of Thrones' eighth and final season, "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms," contains a big Easter egg from the books the show is based on (fitting, since it aired on Easter Sunday), and it could be major foreshadowing regarding what the future holds for Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen, and which one may take the Iron Throne.



    Parent
    Happy Easter (none / 0) (#53)
    by desertswine on Sun Apr 21, 2019 at 10:03:51 PM EST
    Jack Nicholson is 82 today. (none / 0) (#76)
    by fishcamp on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 07:31:07 AM EST


    More good tv (none / 0) (#95)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 11:26:46 AM EST
    Oops (none / 0) (#96)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 11:31:05 AM EST
    Now Apocalypse is STARZ.

    And it's amazing.  It's on after American Gods which has a season finale next Sunday.

    Parent

    Gentleman Jack (none / 0) (#120)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 07:27:48 PM EST
    Starts tonight

    Also KILLING EVE.  Definitely.

    Parent

    All in The Family to get a one night reboot (none / 0) (#116)
    by McBain on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 02:35:21 PM EST
    Link
    "All in the Family" and its spinoff series "The Jeffersons" were two of the boldest and most beloved sitcoms of the 1970s and early '80s. In fact, both shows were so groundbreaking that many pop culture spectators and industry insiders have long claimed they'd never even make it on network TV these days.

    But Norman Lear, the writer and producer behind both hits, is ready to prove the naysayers wrong with a one-night-only live special featuring new stars in the same old roles.

    At first glance you'll think many in the cast are too young but they're actually older than the original cast when it first aired.

    What are the odds this will actually work?  

    Awaiting 2 May (none / 0) (#121)
    by ragebot on Mon Apr 22, 2019 at 07:36:15 PM EST
    DOS is suppose to end waivers to buy oil from Iran.

    Not sure how much this will affect me; maybe higher gas prices.

    But the bigger news for me is DOS is also changing access to Cuba (number of reasons to go drastically cut to family members of Cuban citizens only, no more veiled tourism) and remittances limited to $US1,000 a month on 2 May unless Cuba removes it's military from Venezuela.  Back in the day you could sail to Cuba and the custom's man would put a small sheet of paper in your passport and ask if you wanted the sheet or your passport stamped.  That changed when Obama ended the wetfooot/dryfoot policy.

    The 2 May date also is when the date when suspension of Title III ends which has multiple implications.  Long story short US interests (US Sugar and King Ranch, largest land owner in Cuba pre revolution) can sue companies that are doing business in Cuba.  EU is claiming if their companies are sued they will sue the US companies in the World Court.  Not to mention that nasty response from Cuba mostly because of the worry that foreign investment will start to dry up.  Cruise ships and airlines would also see a big drop in potential passengers from the US.  With the number of airlines serving Cuba already dropping flights this is a concern.

    Easy to miss stories like this.

    Professional Sports Gambler... (none / 0) (#126)
    by ScottW714 on Tue Apr 23, 2019 at 03:26:00 PM EST
    ...James Holzhauer is kicking A on Jeopardy.
    So far Holzhauer has racked up $942,000 in just 13 episodes, breaking the record for the best one-day earnings on the show (his performances have been so strong he also has the second-best, third-best and fourth-best one-day earnings).

    In terms of overall winnings, he's now second in the show's history, behind Ken Jennings who won $2.5m over 74 episodes in 2004 - but Holzhauer is on track to beat the record in half the time.

    ...
    In tonight's episode, Holzhauer could break the $1.3m (£1m) mark. His run will be costly for showrunners, who must be experiencing a little jeopardy themselves, as they normally budget for far smaller prizes: a Jeopardy! winner takes home an average prize of $19,980 an episode; in Holzhauer's best performance he took home $131,127.
    LINK

    It's no fun.. (none / 0) (#142)
    by desertswine on Wed Apr 24, 2019 at 07:24:53 PM EST
    watching the same guy answer all the questions.

    Parent
    He's brought (none / 0) (#144)
    by Repack Rider on Wed Apr 24, 2019 at 08:49:07 PM EST
    ...the ratings for the already popular show up significantly.  The guy is a joy to watch, somebody who studied for two years and has re-written the concept. He's the Steph Curry of Jeopardy, using the existing rules and showing a new way to approach them, by daring and skill.

    I've been watching with my mom, who will be 99 on Monday.  She has a notebook where she keeps every day's results and totals, and the answers that she got but no one on the show did.

    He's not making a secret of his strategy. He uses it every night on TV.  He's a gunslinger, throwing all in on the doubles.

    My mom doesn't like James because he makes it look too easy.  So does Steph Curry, and that's why she loves watching HIM.


    Parent

    You Couldn't Pick... (none / 0) (#147)
    by ScottW714 on Thu Apr 25, 2019 at 10:18:22 AM EST
    ...someone not on the Warriors ?  I cannot get past the horrible analogy.  If you want to talk about transforming the position, there is only one, James Harden.  Steph Curry, pfft.

    The Rockets had them beat last year if CP doesn't go down.  I am positive the Warriors know this and they also know we are 2 of 3 this year.

    We don't want the Clippers, we want the Warriors.  So do us a favor and don't lose the series.  We will be waiting...
    -----------

    Yeah, the Jeopardy guy isn't not scared to gamble that is for sure.  I wonder if he is inspiring other gamblers to apply ?

    Parent

    Holzhauer's got the goods, (none / 0) (#151)
    by desertswine on Thu Apr 25, 2019 at 02:25:55 PM EST
    that's for sure.  His recall of trivia is nothing short of amazing.  His strategy is nothing new though, I'm remembering Arther Chu who worked it the same way, and someone who was named Jacobs, I think.  But neither had the brainpower to sustain their winning streaks for too very long.

    But what's most amazing about Holzhauer is his control of the buzzer.  He's averaging near 60% to being the first to buzz in on any given question. If you buzz in first, you get to answer the question.  That leaves the other contestants fighting it out at 20-20 maybe.

    Holzhauer is, essentially, a professional Jeopardy player, and he's making good at his one big shot at it.  In doing so, he's turning a fun trivia game into something much darker, sort of a Death Jeopardy.  Instead of Steph Curry, I would consider him more like the Machine-gun Kelly of Jeopardy.  I'm going to not-watch Jeopardy until he's gone, which could be a looong time.

    Parent

    He Bought a Book at Amazon... (none / 0) (#153)
    by ScottW714 on Thu Apr 25, 2019 at 03:10:18 PM EST
    ...and I am totally not joking, Secrets of the Buzzer, which he attributes his quick draw to.

    Parent
    He said in a NYT interview... (none / 0) (#157)
    by desertswine on Thu Apr 25, 2019 at 09:10:41 PM EST
    that he studied kid's books in the library because they were easier to read, and more to the point, to bone up on his trivia.

    Parent
    The perfect gift for your EX (none / 0) (#127)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Apr 23, 2019 at 05:53:44 PM EST
    Apparently this guy Hajos (none / 0) (#136)
    by desertswine on Wed Apr 24, 2019 at 02:21:55 AM EST
    had been in the business of breeding rare and exotic animals for a long tome.

    The Hajos family owns Gateway Farms in High Springs, Florida, and has been involved with raising and keeping exotic pets for over 40 years.

    We didn't have cassowaries where I used to work, but we did have emus and ostriches.  I wouldn't go anywhere near those things without a fence between us, they are very dangerous.  They can slice you open with their feet.

    Parent

    That cassowary foot (none / 0) (#137)
    by jondee on Wed Apr 24, 2019 at 11:33:18 AM EST
    looks like a Velociraptor's.

    As if Florida doesn't have enough problems with invasive species, imagine if some of them got loose and bred in the wild..

    Parent

    jondee (none / 0) (#143)
    by fishcamp on Wed Apr 24, 2019 at 07:56:43 PM EST
    We have panthers down here...among other critters.

    Parent
    Maybe they should let some (none / 0) (#152)
    by jondee on Thu Apr 25, 2019 at 02:40:37 PM EST
    cassowarys loose to eat some of the monitor lizards and iguanas and maybe a baby python or two..

    What could go wrong?

    Parent

    Not too many (none / 0) (#154)
    by ragebot on Thu Apr 25, 2019 at 04:43:49 PM EST
    Panthers are going extinct in Florida.  Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and all the way North of Palm Beach on the East Coast and Naples and Ft. Myers on the West Coast along with US 27 and I75 have reduced the Everglades to less than 1/4 of it's size when I was a kid growing up in South Florida.  

    Parent
    Ima grownazz woman (none / 0) (#128)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Apr 23, 2019 at 05:58:58 PM EST
    I think part of it is she looks younger (none / 0) (#130)
    by McBain on Tue Apr 23, 2019 at 06:57:36 PM EST
    than she is. She's short with a childlike, roundish face and we remember we she really was just a little girl.  

    I didn't read all of the article you linked but if it says our country is still immature about sex, I agree.  

    Parent

    Where did our little girl go? (5.00 / 2) (#131)
    by jondee on Tue Apr 23, 2019 at 07:28:59 PM EST
    One minute they're in the midst of innocent throat-slitting, eye-gouging girlhood, and the next minute they're suddenly all boy-crazy.

    Parent
    I've noticed Arya (5.00 / 1) (#132)
    by jondee on Tue Apr 23, 2019 at 07:50:24 PM EST
    sometimes gets this Wednesday Addams expression on her face after she's killed someone. Like she's enjoying it just a little too much..

    Parent
    Yeah (none / 0) (#133)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Apr 23, 2019 at 08:01:49 PM EST
    There are some pretty unusually strong women on GoT

    One of my personal favorites is Yara Greyjoy.

    Gemma Elizabeth Wealan is also in the new HBO series GENTLEMAN JACK that started last night.  If you are not watching it you really really should be.  It also has some (ahem) strong women.

    You see, Gentleman Jack is Anne Lister (Suranne Jones), whose decoded diary entries inspire the series of the same name. A music cue here and a fourth-wall break there don't quite match the swagger of this LGBTQ icon -- or the bona fide star playing her.



    Parent
    Yeah, I find Yara very appealing (none / 0) (#134)
    by jondee on Tue Apr 23, 2019 at 08:29:06 PM EST
    on a few levels.

    Parent
    I SO can't wait (none / 0) (#129)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Apr 23, 2019 at 06:33:48 PM EST
    If You Dig Wes Anderson... (none / 0) (#138)
    by ScottW714 on Wed Apr 24, 2019 at 02:21:41 PM EST
    ...maybe you will dig his wallpaper.
     

    RELENTLESS DOPPELGÄNGER (none / 0) (#139)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Apr 24, 2019 at 02:38:57 PM EST
    I Oppose the Death Penalty for Many Reasons... (none / 0) (#148)
    by ScottW714 on Thu Apr 25, 2019 at 11:36:49 AM EST
    ... but morality is not one of them.

    Today we witnessed the peaceful and dignified execution of John King for the savage, brutal and inhumane murder of James (James Byrd Jr.) on June 7, 1998 -- really a modern-day lynching. King, who was the ringleader of the three, had a deeply ingrained hatred of blacks as evidenced by his actions, tattoos and hate-filled rhetoric. He wanted to make a name for himself and his organization by killing a black man. James was chosen as his target. James was shown no mercy as they dragged him while alive behind a pickup truck using a 25-foot logging chain. His body was slung from side to side like a sack of potatoes until he was decapitated. King showed no remorse then as well as tonight. His execution tonight was just punishment for his actions.
    LINK

    I moved to Texas w/i a couple of days of this.

    What ever one thinks of the death penalty (none / 0) (#155)
    by ragebot on Thu Apr 25, 2019 at 04:52:41 PM EST
    it seems ridiculous to me that it takes as long as it does to execute the sentence.  It took about six years to execute Timothy James McVeigh and I still have questions about details of his crime.  On the other hand I have no questions about what King did yet it took 20 years, over three times what it took for McVeigh.

    Parent
    I have handled appeals of two murder convictions (5.00 / 2) (#163)
    by Peter G on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 05:16:23 PM EST
    that ended in exonerations. One from death row. Both took over ten years from the time I began to work on them, and both clients were incarcerated over 20 years by the time they were freed. And both looked guilty as sin to any objective observer when we started. Only thing is, they weren't. Every death sentence is treated in our appellate system -- and rightly so, in my view, based in part on these experiences -- as a potential wrongful conviction, and thus as a potentially grievous miscarriage of justice. There is nothing you can tell me about any given case, in advance, that will persuade me to make an exception.

    Parent
    Thank you so much (5.00 / 2) (#169)
    by ruffian on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 05:45:48 PM EST
    for your work and explaining that so perfectly.

    One of the reasons I'm  not on here as much these days is that I've gotten interested in wrongful conviction cases and helping out in small ways like transcribing the Undisclosed podcast. They started out with the Adnan Syed case and have told the stories of many other wrongfully convicted people. It drives me crazy that these are horrible situations and broken families that could more easily be rectified with a different process in place. I'm glad to see conviction review units and other mechanisms taking hold in some jurisdictions.

    Executing people at all is wrong in my view, and even the chance of executing an innocent is simply unacceptable.

    Parent

    Seems to prove my point (none / 0) (#177)
    by ragebot on Sat Apr 27, 2019 at 01:54:18 PM EST
    It took you ten years, quite a long time to me, to get the job done.  Not dissing you at all; I view you as capable.  But when it takes a capable lawyer ten years to right a wrong there is a problem.

    I am sure Jeralyn knows more about this than any of us but McVeigh was a quick execution IMHO.  While I am not doubting his guilt there did seem to be unanswered questions; especially about why his get away car had an expired tag.  Not to mention the claim (disputed by some) of someone with him when he rented the van.

    As I posted earlier I have no doubt King was guilty of killing Byrd and no questions about the circumstances leading up to the crime.  Yet it took way longer for his execution.

    What ever side of the death penalty you favor it is hard to argue in favor of dragging things out.

    Parent

    I just want to remind everyone (none / 0) (#156)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Apr 25, 2019 at 05:41:46 PM EST
    That while all the gang is preparing at this moment to fight the Night king at Winterfell
    he was not there.  
    Why?
    Because (I theorize) he is headed with half the hundred thousand wights to Kings Landing to add a million or so more dead soldiers to his army.

    Remember Brans vision of a giant dragon shadow over KL?  I'm betting that was Viserion.  And Dani's vision of a burned and gutted Red Keep will be.

    Will the Golden Army be paid well enough to fight 50 thousandish zombies!  I think not.


    I suspect (none / 0) (#158)
    by CST on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 09:40:24 AM EST
    They'll get paid just enough to become an even bigger army of undead.

    Parent
    How do white walkers react to (none / 0) (#159)
    by ragebot on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 11:09:15 AM EST
    Probably much like (none / 0) (#160)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 01:43:56 PM EST
    Septons and Septas

    I do hope we get and update on the romance of The Mountain and Septa Unella.

    Parent

    The Mountain has no time for foolishness (5.00 / 1) (#161)
    by ragebot on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 05:03:20 PM EST
    with Unella.

    He has to get ready for the Clegane Bowl.

    Parent

    Definitely coming (none / 0) (#162)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 05:15:25 PM EST
    With 5+ hours to go there's time for both

    Parent
    Ewww, no I do not need that, (5.00 / 1) (#167)
    by ruffian on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 05:37:43 PM EST
    Unless it is like Madeline Kahn In Young Frankenstein. That would be great.

    Parent
    That bit has to be my favorite (5.00 / 1) (#173)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 05:59:16 PM EST
    Evil Cersei scene.  Even better than the Sand Snakes.  She might as well have just literally chewed on the scenery.

    I know its evil but I kind of want to know how it went.  

    Parent

    I can't hate evil Cersei (none / 0) (#175)
    by ruffian on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 06:12:49 PM EST
    The way I know I'm supposed to. I love her. I want her to win all the things,

    Parent
    I just hope we finally get a good episode (none / 0) (#165)
    by McBain on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 05:27:20 PM EST
    not much happened during the first two.  

    Because (I theorize) he is headed with half the hundred thousand wights to Kings Landing to add a million or so more dead soldiers to his army.

    Sounds good, let's just get on with it.  

       

    Parent

    Deep impact (none / 0) (#164)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 05:23:00 PM EST
    On March 26, 2019, astronomers discover an asteroid in the night sky, far dimmer than Pluto to their telescopes. They name it 2019 PDC. Initially, it appears that the asteroid's eccentric orbit bring it within approximately 18 times the Moon's distance from the Earth, with a chance of hitting the Earth at one in 50,000 in 2027.

    Astronomers continue to track the object as it gets closer. They learn it could be somewhere between 100 and 300 meters wide--the size of a skyscraper. After a month of tracking, the probability of collision with Earth is now 1 percent--the threshold at which international organizations have agreed they must take action.

    Astronomers are able to create a "risk corridor," measuring where the asteroid might hit. Its potential paths intersect the United States, some of western Africa, and the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean.

    NASA and FEMA Will Simulate an Impending Asteroid Strike Next Week



    This is why we need Space Force (none / 0) (#168)
    by McBain on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 05:39:00 PM EST
    As long as (none / 0) (#170)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 05:50:20 PM EST
    Orange Trump wigs are part of the uniform I'm for it.

    Parent
    The fact that a collision (none / 0) (#176)
    by jondee on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 09:33:49 PM EST
    would mean the destruction of a lot of property, is possibly the only thing that might get the influential Cato-Heritage faction to drop their "no new government programs" dogma.

    Parent
    Original outline (none / 0) (#178)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 27, 2019 at 04:23:28 PM EST
    From George Martin is pretty different

    LINK

    Some hilites

    * Arya and Jon were supposed to fall in love, with their "passion" for each other tormenting them, "until the secret of Jon's true parentage is finally revealed in the last book". 


    • Catelyn, Bran and Arya were going to head beyond the Wall and meet up with Mance Rayder, and Catelyn was intended to die at the hands of the White Walkers.

    • Dany was going to kill Drogo in an act of vengeance for the murder of her brother. Rather than being gifted the dragon eggs, she was going to find them in the wilderness.
* Tyrion would have dethroned Joffrey, with Jaime taking the throne after him (it sounds like much of his plot went to Cersei instead). Tyrion would then side with the Starks against Jaime, and ALSO fall in love with Arya, leading to a "deadly rivalry" between him and Jon.