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Moving Hiatus and Open Thread

I am completely immersed in moving and will be until early next week. It could be a week before I'm back here, but I'll try to check on the threads a few times if I have internet.

This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

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    I will never move again (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Aug 14, 2019 at 04:03:18 PM EST
    By the old gods and the new.

    I just returned from an expedition into the heart of MAGA darkness.  Spent the afternoon with my sisters bat shi+ family.

    The ground is shifting.  I really think it might be.  Russia, China, recession, being called a fascist racist,  I think it's starting to take its toll.

    They might totally crawl back but if the economy goes into the toilet Trump is on the verge of being deader `un Elvis.

    The fringe (my family) has pretty much had it.

    And they were very pleased and impressed that I got my medical marijuana card.


    Just read (none / 0) (#3)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Aug 14, 2019 at 04:37:39 PM EST
    an article in the WaPo today about how the evangelicals are going to show up for Trump much like they did in 2016 and maybe Trump will even do better with them. However, there are not enough of them to win. Even in Texas where the interviews were taking place the article stated they are only like 38% of the electorate and he's not going to get 100% of them. My question is did the evangelicals show up for him in 2018? I believe they did show up and I also believe that 2018 showed they are not the force that they think they are. The article also pointed out how hypocritical they really are.

    I mostly see a couple of things with Trumpers. I still see the hardliners. I see people who have been basically demoralized and I see people who have decided to keep their mouths shut out of embarrassing themselves. I hope you are right and they go back under their rocks.

    Parent

    Family (none / 0) (#4)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Aug 14, 2019 at 04:41:07 PM EST
    Let's their hair down

    Especially over pork

    Parent

    That's true (none / 0) (#5)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Aug 14, 2019 at 05:09:00 PM EST
    enough. I'm sure none of these people that I'm talking about would let me know that they have given up on Trump. I would imagine some of the ones that have gone silent probably have but would never admit it.

    Parent
    Jus sayin (none / 0) (#24)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Aug 15, 2019 at 02:02:00 PM EST
    Spent the afternoon (5.00 / 8) (#10)
    by Repack Rider on Wed Aug 14, 2019 at 08:19:00 PM EST
    ...making applesauce with my 99 y.o. mother. She grew up during the depression, and can't stand the thought of the apples on her enormous tree going to waste.  We can't eat them as fast as they grow, so we can them as applesauce.

    Her mobility is limited, so I pick the apples, cut them and put them in the big pot, she boils them down and then we use her applesauce tool to finish up.  

    No sugar added, totally sweet, very red from the color in the peels.

    This was our third batch, probably enough still on the tree for one more. We get about 3 quarts out of a batch.

    Sounds like a great way (5.00 / 1) (#11)
    by desertswine on Wed Aug 14, 2019 at 09:39:29 PM EST
    to spend the day.

    Hickenlooper out. (5.00 / 1) (#17)
    by Chuck0 on Thu Aug 15, 2019 at 12:43:38 PM EST
    Says he is considering a run for Senate. Now that, is a good idea. There is more than one Democratic presidential candidate that who ought to follow his lead. (Beto? Bullock? you listening?)


    As I've said before... (5.00 / 1) (#22)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Thu Aug 15, 2019 at 01:52:07 PM EST
    running for Senate is what he should have been doing all along. Some are upset that he would steal the thunder from the younger Democrats already running for the Senate seat and/or tear the state party apart.

    However, for me, getting rid of Cory Gardner is all that matters. Hick is the one practically guaranteed to win the seat.

    He is getting up there in years (and it has been showing of late), so I see him serving one maybe two terms and giving our strong Democratic bench its turn. I would love to see US Senator Cary Kennedy in 6 to 12 years.

    Here is his announcement.

    Parent

    "getting rid of Cory Gardner (none / 0) (#26)
    by Chuck0 on Thu Aug 15, 2019 at 02:59:19 PM EST
    is all that matters". Agreed.

    Beto did have a good showing against Cruz in Texas. It was all about the turnout. Texas is notorious for low voter turnout. El Paso may get people off the butts and voting, against Cornyn if Beto were to try again.

    Since Bullock has proven he can win statewide in Montana, he should run for Daines seat. Two Democrats in the Senate from Montana would quite something.


    Parent

    Of all the also rans (none / 0) (#104)
    by CST on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 03:00:53 PM EST
    Beto is growing on me.   He was terrible at the debates but (unfortunately) he really shines when addressing the toxic racism of the Trump era as amplified by the El Paso shooting.

    He recently said he's absolutely not running for Senate.   So did Rubio, but I actually believe Beto.  It's a shame but hopefully Hagar can pull something off.

    Parent

    I really think this is possible (none / 0) (#18)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Aug 15, 2019 at 12:54:29 PM EST
    I get why staying in as long as possible makes sense.

    I really think  there is going to be a flock dropping out and heading for the senate

    Parent

    Fun Speculation (none / 0) (#31)
    by RickyJim on Thu Aug 15, 2019 at 07:17:01 PM EST
    Trump gets reelected but Dems take both the House and Senate. Trump decides to return to his former (pre 2012) self and supports and signs Democratic legislation on healthcare, environment and taxation.  Also nominates Merrick Garland for the Supreme Court.  What does Trump have to lose by playing ball with the Dems?

    Parent
    Looks like somebody dropped acid. (none / 0) (#41)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Aug 16, 2019 at 06:20:54 PM EST
    ;-D

    Parent
    The support of the deplorables (none / 0) (#55)
    by Yman on Sat Aug 17, 2019 at 07:21:25 AM EST
    With all of the disgusting things he's said and done over the past few years, it's not like Democrats would suddenly respect or support him, no matter what he signs or does.  Almost every one would hate him at that point.  

    Not to mention the entire premise is laughable.

    Parent

    One down. X to go. (none / 0) (#184)
    by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Sat Aug 24, 2019 at 12:15:32 PM EST
    "Frail" - heh (none / 0) (#189)
    by Yman on Sat Aug 24, 2019 at 09:16:55 PM EST
    On his worst day, Biden is orders-of-magnitude more intelligent, coherent, logical and competent than the ignorant, babbling man-child you guys put in the White House, but do tell us all about how "frail" he is.

    Good to know Biden scares you.

    Parent

    Frail (none / 0) (#192)
    by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Sat Aug 24, 2019 at 11:28:43 PM EST
    Look for yourself.

    Parent
    So what? (none / 0) (#200)
    by MKS on Sun Aug 25, 2019 at 02:34:58 PM EST
    Attn: Chairman Nadler. (5.00 / 2) (#28)
    by KeysDan on Thu Aug 15, 2019 at 03:21:17 PM EST
    Yet another article of impeachment:

     Trump has blatantly abused presidential power by demanding that an ally (dependent on presidential good will) deny entry to its country by elected members of the US Congress.

     The president has abused the power of his office in an attempt at political gain and partisan strategy.  And, to diminish, punish, and make an example of, US Representatives, by using presidential influence so as to demean their office and deny fact-finding capabilities necessary to their legislative role.

    Trump tweeted:  "It would show great weakness if Israel allowed Representatives Omar and Tlaib to visit.  They hate Israel and all Jewish people and there is nothing that can be said or done to change their minds.  MN and MI will have a hard time putting them back in office.  They are a disgrace."

    Shortly after the tweet, the Israel government announced it would deny the US Congresswomen entry during an upcoming trip.

    It may be that Bibi is in competition with Tony Blair for title of "Poodle", but Trump is the US president and the US disgrace.  Abuse of office, US Congress, Impeachment Article Number 10,000.

    Oh well, (5.00 / 1) (#29)
    by desertswine on Thu Aug 15, 2019 at 06:32:13 PM EST
    another day, another horror.

    Parent
    Taking its toll (none / 0) (#30)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Aug 15, 2019 at 06:37:24 PM EST
    Even Kevin McCarthy thought, and said, this ain't right

    Parent
    Strangely (none / 0) (#56)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Aug 17, 2019 at 10:13:11 AM EST
    Watching Trumps mental and political disintegration is not making me more optimistic about our future.

    It's making me nervous.

    Because when it really becomes obvious he can not win another term that, IMO, is when we move to DEFCON 1, Red Alert mode.

    Because he can not lose.  I absolutely believe he will do anything - anything - to avoid losing.  Or if he can't do that...

    Scaramucci has been on a Trump bashing tear, your credibility mileage may vary.  But he said something that really made my neck hairs stand up.

    It was (paraphrase) `He will eventually turn on everyone.  Eventually he will turn on the country'

    Boy that sounds so damn possible.  If I'm going down I'm taking you with me.  That carries new meaning when you have the nuclear codes.

    Parent

    Yep, although ... (5.00 / 2) (#58)
    by Yman on Sat Aug 17, 2019 at 11:26:56 AM EST
    ... it's not the nuclear codes that worry me.  When he loses, my concern is he will claim voter fraud and rile up his base to think the election was stolen from them.  I think the odds of violence are very high.

    Parent
    That too (none / 0) (#59)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Aug 17, 2019 at 11:31:40 AM EST
    Scaramucci is right. He will turn on the country. (none / 0) (#64)
    by Chuck0 on Sat Aug 17, 2019 at 05:14:40 PM EST
    I don't see anyway trumpenfuhrer can possibly win re-election. However, I agree with Bill Maher, he will not go willingly or quietly. This will be the messiest transition in the history of this country.

    He will claim massive voter fraud. He file numerous lawsuits. I agree with Yman, he will ratchet up his base and the fringe magats may very well get violent.

    The period of time from election day 2020 through January 20, 2021 will be a tumultuous period of time. Definitely not looking forward to it.

    Parent

    "he will turn on the country" (none / 0) (#65)
    by KeysDan on Sun Aug 18, 2019 at 10:22:58 AM EST
    Correction:  he has turned on the country.

    Getting Trump out of the Oval Office after losing to the Democrat will be a nice problem. All the claims you cite are likely to occur, but after his bluster and bullying, he will be out, and the deplorables will be manageable. Although, the new president will need a major step-up in the domestic terrorism program throughout his/her term.

    Parent

    adlerpoems (5.00 / 1) (#67)
    by Dadler on Sun Aug 18, 2019 at 10:39:57 AM EST
    Available now from (sh)Amazon (link).

    Anyone who is hurting financially and needs a free copy, email me at david adler at earthlink dot net, and I'll send you a free copy. I'd just ask that you put a review up. Even if you think it's a surreal mess. I swear to you.

    Peas & Loaves to all.

    Trump cancels Denmark trip because... (5.00 / 2) (#129)
    by desertswine on Tue Aug 20, 2019 at 08:37:42 PM EST
    Greenland!

    President Donald Trump is calling off an upcoming trip to Denmark after its prime minister rebuffed his interest in buying Greenland, a Danish territory, the White House announced on Tuesday.

    What a nutcase.

    He's warming up (5.00 / 1) (#130)
    by jondee on Tue Aug 20, 2019 at 08:57:46 PM EST
    to field-testing his "shoot someone in the middle of Fifth Avenue" hypothesis.

    Meanwhile, he just accused 70% of Jews in America of "disloyalty" and or, gross ignorance.

    Spin that, Kellyanne and Fox and Friends.

    Parent

    The man is obviously demented.. (5.00 / 1) (#131)
    by desertswine on Tue Aug 20, 2019 at 09:31:31 PM EST
    and getting worse.

    Parent
    Greenland. Pffft! (5.00 / 2) (#132)
    by Chuck0 on Wed Aug 21, 2019 at 11:23:45 AM EST
    I say we make an offer on Luxembourg! And if they refuse to sell, invade.


    Parent
    France (5.00 / 1) (#133)
    by Zorba on Wed Aug 21, 2019 at 12:18:01 PM EST
    The food's better.  Not to mention- great wine!

    Parent
    How could you pass up a tasty (5.00 / 1) (#135)
    by Chuck0 on Wed Aug 21, 2019 at 01:57:10 PM EST
    Lots of people (none / 0) (#141)
    by Zorba on Thu Aug 22, 2019 at 08:08:04 AM EST
    In lots of countries make great potato pancakes.
    I don't have to go to Luxembourg to eat them.  ;-)

    Parent
    McLaughlin Group Returns Sept 6 (5.00 / 1) (#136)
    by RickyJim on Wed Aug 21, 2019 at 04:56:10 PM EST
    For those of us not receiving Maryland Public Television, I am sure that youtube will have the broadcast soon after production.

    When will the media learn (5.00 / 2) (#142)
    by KeysDan on Thu Aug 22, 2019 at 12:23:35 PM EST
    that Trump's "jokes" are trial balloons for policies in the works?  The purchase of Greenland, a few days ago, was a joke, and now it is an international mess.

    Senator Tom Cotton (R. Ak..aka Tom of Greenland) is now claiming credit for being among those who put the idea in Trump's "very large brain." And, Trump claims he has been thinking about this for a long time.

    Now, the Republican National Congressional Committee has, if you act now, a limited number of T-Shirts for sale depicting Greenland as a part of the US. And, "support Trump and his effort to help America grow."

     Of course,  cartography is out of the Republicans wheelhouse, showing the island to be out of proportion to Alaska, which is only slightly smaller than Greenland in land mass. Maybe, just another grifting opportunity, but maybe not.

    The real worry should be what Trump will do next.  I doubt that the Prime Minister of Denmark's response of absurd and Trump's reaction to stand-up the Queen, is the end of the story. It is very likely that Trump's chief advisor, Putin, is urging a Crimea-like annexation of Greenland. Trump gets Greenland, and Putin puts NATO in Article 5 crisis (an attack on one NATO country (e.g., Denmark, is an attack on all).  Either NATO  takes steps against the US or it collapses.

    I WILL speak ill of the dead. (5.00 / 1) (#148)
    by leap on Fri Aug 23, 2019 at 09:04:13 AM EST
    David Koch.

    Smack you.

    In lieu of flowers, (5.00 / 1) (#161)
    by KeysDan on Fri Aug 23, 2019 at 12:41:11 PM EST
    the family asks that you purchase another Republican politician.  If already in our inventory, a donation to the Pompeo or Pence PACs would honor our beloved departed.

    Parent
    "I was gaga... (none / 0) (#172)
    by desertswine on Fri Aug 23, 2019 at 02:38:46 PM EST
    about dinosaurs as a kid."  -  David H. Koch

    Because he was one of them.

    Parent

    Sam Bonner freed after 37 years. (5.00 / 1) (#151)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Aug 23, 2019 at 10:00:36 AM EST
    "It's axiomatic that a prosecutor's function is not merely to seek convictions, but also to honor truth. Here, that did not happen."
    - Judge Daniel Lowenthal

    Citing "gross prosecutorial misconduct," and over the vociferous objection of L.A. Deputy Dist. Atty. Evelis De Garmo, Superior Court Judge Daniel Lowenthal vacated Bonner's 1982 murder and robbery conviction and ordered him immediately released from state custody.

    Ironically, Judge Lowenthal had denied two earlier motions filed by Bonner for review of his case. But thanks to California's new felony murder law, which went into effect this year and retroactively limits who can be charged with murder to those accused of actually killing or intending to kill, Bonner was able to repetition Lowenthal, thus setting the stage for yesterday's dramatic reversal of fortune in court.

    Better late than never.

    The US Department of Justice (5.00 / 1) (#163)
    by KeysDan on Fri Aug 23, 2019 at 01:26:49 PM EST
    Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) sent an email newsletter to all immigration judges and staff that included an article from VDare, a white nationalist site. The particular article featured Trump's move to decertify immigration judges' union and uses Nazi buzzwords, such as "lugenpresse", German for lying press, and "kritarch", referring to an ancient Hebrew system of rule by judges, often used by anti-Semitic people.  

    The article includes pictures of several immigration judges with "Kritarch" before their names. After an article in BuzzFeed about this newsletter, the EOIR responded by saying it was not their fault, the news briefings are compiled by a contractor and the VDAre blog should not have been included, because the DOJ condemns Anti-Semitism in the strongest terms.

    It just happened. DOJ does not review the newsletter. Chalk it up to basic Trump/Barr incompetence.

     But, the union leader, Ashley Tabaddor, is not having any of it, writing to EOIR that an apology is in order for all immigration judges, including those mentioned in the referenced blog article.  And, separately, EOIR should take safety and security measures for all judges given the tone and tenor of the newsletter.

    No word, at this writing, from the King of the Jews.  He is busy, at this point, in attacking Fed Chair, Jerome Powell (worse than the Chinese president) and ...hereby ordering US corporations to stop, immediately, doing business with China, which sounds a little communistic, with that central planning bit, if not socialism. Or, just plain old madness.

    This is pretty nuts. (5.00 / 1) (#171)
    by desertswine on Fri Aug 23, 2019 at 02:26:19 PM EST
    As is everything lately.  The Chosen One is about to go to France to throw another little tantrum and embarrass us again.

    Parent
    Oh look (5.00 / 1) (#174)
    by smott on Fri Aug 23, 2019 at 02:52:02 PM EST
    Now Trump is crashing the stock market

    Mosquito (5.00 / 1) (#188)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Aug 24, 2019 at 08:18:43 PM EST
    The heavyweight champion, and our apex predator in perpetuity, is the mosquito. Since 2000, the annual average number of human deaths caused by the mosquito has hovered around 2 million. We come in a distant second at 475,000, followed by snakes (50,000), dogs and sand flies (25,000 each), the tsetse fly, and the assassin or kissing bug (10,000 each). The fierce killers of lore and Hollywood celebrity appear much further down our list. The crocodile is ranked #10 with 1,000 annual deaths. Next on the list are hippos with 500, and elephants and lions with 100 fatalities each. The much-slandered shark and wolf share the #15 position, killing an average of ten people per annum.

    The mosquito has killed more people than any other cause of death in human history. Statistical extrapolation situates mosquito-inflicted deaths approaching half of all humans that have ever lived. In plain numbers, the mosquito has dispatched an estimated 52 billion people from a total of 108 billion throughout our relatively brief 200,000-year existence.

    The Deadliest Hunter of Humans on the Planet
    In this introduction to his book "The Mosquito,"



    I was under the impression (5.00 / 1) (#203)
    by jondee on Mon Aug 26, 2019 at 12:05:17 AM EST
    his base had already determined that hurricanes were righteous retribution for gun control and for people saying Goddammit.

    AVENGERS (none / 0) (#2)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Aug 14, 2019 at 04:21:24 PM EST
    ENDGAME started on PPV yesterday.  So, like agazillion others I watched INFINITY WAR and ENDGAME together.

    You know what?  Its f'ing awsum.   I do not say that as a comic book movie fan boy but as a movie addict.

    It's really something.  If you have never seen a Marvel movie and you have a slow afternoon, try it.

    It's a bunch of hella great actors who sell a story about a giant purple guy with a nu+sack for a chin that has one goal in life - eliminating half of it.  In the entire universe.

    James Browlin alone should get some praise for making a cartoon into a character you actually felt for.

    Not to mention how it perfectly ended one of the most successful movie franchises ever.

    ENDGAME should get nominated (nominated) for Best Movie of the Year

    I have to tip my hat to someone who (none / 0) (#6)
    by McBain on Wed Aug 14, 2019 at 05:45:43 PM EST
    can sit through 7 hours of CGI make-believe.  I saw both films but months apart.  I agree Brolin was good.  

    I know I'm in the minority but I don't think there's a huge difference in quality between Marvel and DC comic book movies.  They're all kind of the same to me with Wonder Woman,  Black Panther and Deadpool being a bit more memorable.  

    Parent

    5.5 hours (none / 0) (#7)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Aug 14, 2019 at 06:00:10 PM EST
    I'll say one thing for Marvel (none / 0) (#105)
    by CST on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 03:05:01 PM EST
    I haven't seen 3-5 different actors play Ironman in the last two decades like Spiderman or Batman.  It's not so much the actors changing as it is the fact that we've gotten the origin story each time, etc...  At least Wonder Woman had been a white.

    Parent
    Oops (none / 0) (#106)
    by CST on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 03:05:39 PM EST
    The last word should be "while".

    Parent
    ... and treat yourself to your very own David Lean Film Festival by watching Bridge on the River Kwai, Lawrence of Arabia and Dr. Zhivago in succession.

    ;-D

    Parent

    It wasn't a marathon (none / 0) (#9)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Aug 14, 2019 at 07:09:43 PM EST
    FTR

    I started the days before ENDGAME was released.

    This is why god made DVRs

    Parent

    Moving sucks (none / 0) (#12)
    by Dadler on Thu Aug 15, 2019 at 11:19:53 AM EST
    You have my condolences, sympathy, and, if I had one, my moving van.

    I owed a moving company (none / 0) (#27)
    by Repack Rider on Thu Aug 15, 2019 at 03:05:11 PM EST
    So when I moved (for the last time, ever!) I drove my own truck to the house and had my own employees load it.

    I was the kind of customer that I and my employees hated, badly packed and barely prepared.

    But my inefficiency wasn't costing ME what it would have cost my customers. All I paid was the wages. I took 2-3 times as long to move as a good customer would have taken, for about half the cost.

    Parent

    You owed them or OWNED them (none / 0) (#66)
    by Dadler on Sun Aug 18, 2019 at 10:27:05 AM EST
    I think it makes a difference in your story here. But I'm just an old welfare/food stamps kid at heart. XO.

    Parent
    OWNED (5.00 / 1) (#69)
    by Repack Rider on Sun Aug 18, 2019 at 01:08:24 PM EST
    I became a piano moving specialist after that.  Moved pianos for many rich and famous, Grateful Dead, Chick Correa, Metallica, Huey Lewis and the News, Journey, Andre Agassi among them.

    Floated pianos on rafts and slung them from cranes. Took them up hundreds of stairs. Never missed a day of work from injury, retired at age 68, nothing hurt on that day, and I could have kept doing it.

    Parent

    For about 10 minutes (none / 0) (#70)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Aug 18, 2019 at 01:13:08 PM EST
    In the late nineties I decided I wanted to learn the piano.  

    So I started taking lessons.  I rented a piano because, even I am not that optimistic.  And I moved in this period about 3-4 times.  

    Each time involving piano movers.  And it was the same ones every time.  And I started looking forward to hearing the "piano moving stories".

    It is truly an interesting profession.  Apparently  

    Parent

    Here's a pair of great piano movers... (none / 0) (#71)
    by desertswine on Sun Aug 18, 2019 at 03:05:43 PM EST
    I can't tell you how many times (none / 0) (#72)
    by Repack Rider on Sun Aug 18, 2019 at 04:38:01 PM EST
    ...I heard from a customer, "Hey, did you ever see that Laurel and Hardy piano moving movie?"

    Parent
    The Aspen Music school (none / 0) (#73)
    by fishcamp on Sun Aug 18, 2019 at 05:58:09 PM EST
    Is selling 150 pianos the students played on all summer.  They do it every year and once I  iwent out and saw them all lined up ready to go, where I'm not sure.

    Parent
    I watched it a couple of hrs ago.. (none / 0) (#74)
    by desertswine on Sun Aug 18, 2019 at 06:00:00 PM EST
    and began to laugh uncontrollably when they were hoisting the piano through the window and got their hats mixed up. I know, stupid but it hit me at just the right time.

    Parent
    You would be surprised (none / 0) (#75)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Aug 18, 2019 at 09:05:35 PM EST
    How many stairs like that there are in LA.

    Parent
    I tried (none / 0) (#13)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Aug 15, 2019 at 11:30:09 AM EST
    But I have to respond to this

    I know I'm in the minority but I don't think there's a huge difference in quality between Marvel and DC comic book movies.

    This statement betrays an ignorance of both movies and the comic universe.

    Let's start with reception.  Justice League made 650 odd million.  Endgame (alone) was 2.8 billion.  Making it btw the top movie in history passing Avatar.

    This is not, dear reader, a function of marketing.

    It's the story, stupid.

    Similarities between the two:  we have super hero's battling a giant CG bad guy for the fate of the universe.

    Um, that's it.  That the only similarity.  

    The bad guy, like the heros, in Justice League were straight up one dimensional cartoon characters.  Assuming movie goers would be happy with the basic comic universe.  

    THIS is also why DC comics are snickered at by comic fans of the Marvel universe.  Which is made up of "heros" AND "villains" who are complex interesting characters.  Not one dimensional "black/white/good/bad" characters like Superman.

    This is beautifully illustrated by the DC attempt to be grownup by killing Superman a couple of movies back.  The laughable thing was everyone knew he was coming back.  They could not even finish that movie without "clues" he was coming back.

    Ironman is not coming back.  Black Widow and Vision are not coming back.  Captain America is not coming back.

    This might not impress you but what is relevant here is NONE of the DC universe will ever really die.  It's impossible.

    So, there's that.  Then there is just the fact of moviemaking.  Justice League was crap.  Movie wise.  The whole digitally removing Superman's f'ing mustache alone makes it, as an effects person, almost unwatchable.  It was a crappy movie.

    Endgame is so layered with personal story it's amazing. Hulk reconciling his bi polar life, Thor slipping into depression and alcohol gaining 50 pounds (and proving even chubby Chris Hemsworth is hot), the whole thing between Hawkeye and Black Widow about who dies to save the mission.  It's a great story.  Then there is the performance of Josh Brolin as the bad guy which is so different and better that the bad guy in Justice League who could hardly be called a character at all.

    Shorter opinion, that is a silly clueless statement.

    My favorite superhero of all time ... (5.00 / 1) (#20)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Thu Aug 15, 2019 at 01:31:01 PM EST
    My favorite line from Endgame (none / 0) (#21)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Aug 15, 2019 at 01:35:12 PM EST
    "So, Back to the Future is bullshi+?"

    Parent
    There have only been a few superhero movies (none / 0) (#14)
    by McBain on Thu Aug 15, 2019 at 11:56:56 AM EST
    I really enjoyed.  The first two Christopher Reeve Superman efforts were fun.  The first Tim Burton Batman was OK but after that it's been a mess with a few exceptions.  

    One thing both DC and Marvel have in common are ridiculous action scenes that remove any possible tension.  The Infinity War/End Game battlefield scenes were particularly hard to watch. Too many fake things going on, kind of like the horrible Star Wars prequels.

    I'm not a big M. Night Shyamalan fan but Unbreakable and Glass were refreshing because they downplayed the action.

    One problem I have with Marvel is they bring out too many subpar heroes.....   Hawkeye and Black Widow are uselsess.  I like Paul Rudd and Anthony Mackie but do we really need Ant Man and flying bird man?  

    Parent

    Ohmygod (none / 0) (#15)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Aug 15, 2019 at 12:03:03 PM EST
    Just

    Ohmygod
    Ohmygod
    Oh My God

    Parent

    " Too many fake things going on" (none / 0) (#16)
    by Chuck0 on Thu Aug 15, 2019 at 12:30:04 PM EST
    Alert. Movies ARE fake things going on.


    Parent
    Comic book (none / 0) (#19)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Aug 15, 2019 at 12:55:06 PM EST
    Movies

    Parent
    AXE (none / 0) (#23)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Aug 15, 2019 at 01:54:30 PM EST
    Body spray

    Parent
    On this golden anniversary of Woodstock, ... (none / 0) (#25)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Thu Aug 15, 2019 at 02:02:57 PM EST
    ... it should be joyously noted that Nick and Bobbi Ercoline, the young "Age of Aquarius" couple who were embracing in the Woodstock movie soundtrack's now-iconic album cover photo, are still together and happily married 50 years later.

    No, really (none / 0) (#32)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Aug 15, 2019 at 07:55:59 PM EST
    Wouldn't green... (none / 0) (#35)
    by Jack E Lope on Fri Aug 16, 2019 at 01:20:53 PM EST
    ...clash with his skin tone?

    "Orangeland" might upset The Netherlands, though.

    Parent

    The Plan to Save Democracy (none / 0) (#33)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Aug 16, 2019 at 08:57:42 AM EST
    This it seems is becoming a thing.  It honestly sounds pretty good to me.   I will rely on the brilliant resident cynics to explain the fine print I'm missing.


    America's elections need a revolution: Democrats offer drastic new plan to save our democracy

    What makes Beyer's plan so bold, and so necessary, is that it dares to tackle one of the root causes of our broken politics in this era of polarization: Single-member, winner-takes-all districts.

    Our winner-take-all system, in which only one person is elected to represent each district, simply accelerates dysfunction and extremism in this era of hardened partisanship. It locks most voters into congressional districts where the outcomes are predetermined and leaves too many voters voiceless and unrepresented. So Beyer simply wipes out today's map of safe red and blue seats and replaces them with larger, multimember districts (drawn by nonpartisan commissions) of three, four or five representatives. Smaller states would elect all members at large. Everyone would be elected with ranked-choice voting, which would ensure that as many voters as possible elect a representative who reflects their views.

    This is the very best way to repair Congress.

    And now, a word from the foreign minister of Greenland:

    "We are not for sale."

    They also countered (none / 0) (#39)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Aug 16, 2019 at 05:38:38 PM EST
    with an offer to buy us.

    Parent
    That was satire. (none / 0) (#43)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Aug 16, 2019 at 06:39:21 PM EST
    "As we have stated, Greenland is not for sale," a spokesperson for the Danish government said on Friday. "We have noted, however, that during the Trump regime pretty much everything in the United States, including its government, has most definitely been for sale."

    LINK.

    Parent

    Ooh. Good catch. (none / 0) (#61)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Sat Aug 17, 2019 at 01:16:21 PM EST
    Random deep thought (none / 0) (#34)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Aug 16, 2019 at 10:49:33 AM EST
    God is not good enough that the Jerry Falwell Jr/pool boy story is true.

    Supposedly (none / 0) (#36)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Aug 16, 2019 at 01:37:32 PM EST
    Mrs. Falwell was sexting with the pool boy.

    Parent
    Ah, yes, the Pool Boy. (none / 0) (#37)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Aug 16, 2019 at 04:39:26 PM EST
    RIP Easy Rider (none / 0) (#38)
    by Chuck0 on Fri Aug 16, 2019 at 05:28:33 PM EST
    Peter Fonda. 79.

    Great film (none / 0) (#45)
    by McBain on Fri Aug 16, 2019 at 06:44:54 PM EST
    Also Ulee's Gold and The Limey.  RIP

    Parent
    The Limey (none / 0) (#60)
    by jondee on Sat Aug 17, 2019 at 01:16:17 PM EST
    is a very underrated film. I always suspected Peter's character was based on Terry Melcher, which it turns out, was a common perception.

    Terrence Stamp absolutely knocked it out of the park in that movie

    Parent

    Well (none / 0) (#40)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Aug 16, 2019 at 06:10:21 PM EST
    in anecdotal information it would seem that the magats are realizing that Trump is in really bad shape electorally for 2020. They just seem to have gone bat sh*t crazy on social media.

    That (none / 0) (#44)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Aug 16, 2019 at 06:41:57 PM EST
    FOX poll must be causing some reflux.  

    Just stunning numbers.  Amazing he never gets more than 39 against anyone.  Which is lower than his approval.  So some fairly significant number are saying I approve, but not enough for another four years.

    Also amazing between Trump and Biden when you ask people who disapprove of both of them Biden is like 30 points ahead of Trump.  Which is a flip of 2016 when the people who disapproved of both were going for Trump over Hillary.

    Parent

    That's probably it (none / 0) (#52)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Aug 16, 2019 at 08:02:46 PM EST
    Since it was a Fox poll, it punctured the bubble.

    Parent
    It you haven't seen this you should (none / 0) (#42)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Aug 16, 2019 at 06:28:56 PM EST
    Huh? (none / 0) (#47)
    by leap on Fri Aug 16, 2019 at 07:01:19 PM EST
    I don't get what you are getting at. What is amazing and creepy? That guy Hader seems like a goof.

    Parent
    You dint notice him actually (none / 0) (#48)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Aug 16, 2019 at 07:03:01 PM EST
    Transforming seamlessly into Tom Cruise and Seth Rogen

    Parent
    I am not familiar with any (none / 0) (#49)
    by leap on Fri Aug 16, 2019 at 07:04:42 PM EST
    of those people, so, no.

    Parent
    Those were not (none / 0) (#50)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Aug 16, 2019 at 07:06:09 PM EST
    Just really really good impersonations

    It's an example of Deepfake.  Which is a lot more complicated than just photoshop tricks moving.  It involves ver sophisticated AI

    here's another

    Parent

    I like that she makes the difference (none / 0) (#51)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Aug 16, 2019 at 07:41:30 PM EST
    Between "deep" and "shallow" fake.  And why even tho the technology has been around for a long time to digitally alter images this is a whole different thing.

    I used to make a living producing shallow fake images.  Digitally altering images for all kinds of reasons.  Including replacing a face on a body.

    But it was tedious and time consuming.  More than you would imagine.  And also literally an art.  If you were not good at it it looked like crap.  No art is involved here.  This is about science.  And it's very quick and easy.  

    Parent

    The changes are so sneakily (none / 0) (#53)
    by desertswine on Fri Aug 16, 2019 at 09:51:47 PM EST
    subtle that I can see how they may slip past one's consciousness.

    Parent
    Toto, we're not in Kansas (none / 0) (#63)
    by jondee on Sat Aug 17, 2019 at 01:31:09 PM EST
    anymore. Oy.

    For the people who were already inclined to believe in BS, the world just turned it up a notch.

    Parent

    I suggest watching this (none / 0) (#57)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Aug 17, 2019 at 10:22:26 AM EST
    With no sound.  Try it.  For whatever reason, which I assume is at least one of the points here, it's much easier to see the visual transformations when you are not listening to the unbroken dialogue from Hader over (drastically) changing faces

    I just noticed this myself.

    Parent

    The transformation (none / 0) (#62)
    by jondee on Sat Aug 17, 2019 at 01:23:16 PM EST
    that cracked me up was Cruise's into that (I assume) Weinstein-like character in TT.

    That was one for the ages

    Parent

    Murder seems like overcharging to me (none / 0) (#46)
    by McBain on Fri Aug 16, 2019 at 06:50:22 PM EST
    for this one...
    Police near Chicago say six teenagers were trying to break into a house when the elderly homeowner told them to leave and fired a gun after they refused.
    The youngest of the group, 14, was shot and killed.
    Now the other five, including four under 18, have been charged with first-degree murder as adults, the Lake County Sheriff's Office said in a statement on Facebook.

    More...
    Nerheim explained the rationale behind the law that holds felons accountable for deaths that occur during their crime. When felons are armed, "the possibility of death or great harm increases dramatically," Nerheim stated.


    This bizarre and obsolete legal doctrine (none / 0) (#54)
    by Peter G on Sat Aug 17, 2019 at 01:45:58 AM EST
    is called the "felony murder rule."

    Parent
    Currently 106 (none / 0) (#68)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Aug 18, 2019 at 12:56:03 PM EST
    In our journey to 110.  To hot to go outside.  I ran out of paint and the hardware store is closed.  There's Walmart, but no.  Anyway, the hardware store has the magic formula.

    So I got hooked on the final season of GOT.  running on HBO2.

    You know what,  it's even better than I remember.

    It was 92 in Hilo today ... (none / 0) (#76)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 02:33:07 AM EST
    ... with comparable humidity. The heat, I can normally handle, but when it's humid like this, blecch! So we went upcountry to Volcano Village today to visit friends, where at 4,000 feet elevation it's 15 degrees cooler. When we left tonight, it was a brisk 53. Got back home 10 minutes ago and it's still 82 at 9:45 p.m.

    Parent
    I hate humidity. (none / 0) (#78)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 05:12:24 AM EST
    It's just that extra layer of misery added to the temperature.

    Parent
    Most homes in Hawaii ... (none / 0) (#107)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 03:12:57 PM EST
    ... don't have air conditioning, ours included. And to be honest, most of the time when the trade winds are blowing at 15-25 mph, we really don't need it. We just open all the windows, and we also have ceiling fans throughout the house, which usually suffice to keep the air circulating and conditions quite comfortable.

    But when the outside air is still and sullen, particularly when when we're caught in the doldrums of nearby weather phenomena such as hurricanes and tropical storms / depressions, it can make things pretty miserable inside the house, and the ceiling fans will just blow a lot of warm air around.

    Our cats can just go under the beds or into the closets to stay cool. Alas, we have no such capacity. Hence, we retreat upcountry, because it does get significantly cooler as you head upslope. And thankfully, with 10-14,000 ft. mountains and 4-to-8,000 foot saddles, we have a lot of upslope areas to visit on the Big Island. Next weekend, we'll be up in Waimea for a wedding.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    When I lived in the Palm Springs (none / 0) (#109)
    by Chuck0 on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 03:47:43 PM EST
    desert area of California, I was surprised that few people had air conditioning (or least traditional air conditioning). Rather most people in the desert had swamp coolers (also known as evaporative coolers). Swamp coolers will add some humidity to the dry desert air.


    Parent
    Pasadena is hot enough in the summer. (none / 0) (#112)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 05:49:06 PM EST
    I could never live in Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley region, where it's 110 degrees by 10:00 a.m. But there are 200,000 permanent residents who obviously disagree with me.

    ;-D

    Parent

    In August (none / 0) (#77)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 05:11:40 AM EST
    I always start to look forward to fall. August has been miserable this year but I have to say the entire summer has not been as hot as it seems to have been previous years.

    Parent
    You are correct (none / 0) (#79)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 07:59:34 AM EST
    July Was the Hottest Month Ever Recorded on Earth

    So far at least here August has been hotter.  And more humid.  The relentless rain we have received has fed this cycle.  I have said before this area is becoming subtropical.

    Parent

    There has been some really alarming (none / 0) (#80)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 08:12:16 AM EST
    Climate news getting mostly lost be cause of our 3 ring government.

    4 of the 5 hottest years have happened since 2015

    Glaciers are being "memorialized"

    This was making the viral rounds.  After being called "alarmist"
    A 2014 climate change documentary imagined a weather report in 2050. Those temperatures are already being exceeded

    Almost make me glad I'm almost 68

    Parent

    That and not having (none / 0) (#85)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 09:13:38 AM EST
    children. My age gives me no comfort when it comes to this because what are my children going to have to deal with?

    Parent
    Fortunately (none / 0) (#86)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 10:50:08 AM EST
    Not the only reason I'm happy i do not have children

    Parent
    Welcome (none / 0) (#81)
    by FlJoe on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 08:12:54 AM EST
    to the club.

    Parent
    ... here in the islands. If July and August are any indication of what's to come, I'm really not looking forward to Labor Day. :-(

    Parent
    Mindhunters, Season 2, (none / 0) (#82)
    by KeysDan on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 08:48:25 AM EST
    was released over the weekend.  The period thriller of the FBI's nascent Behavioral Sciences Unit picks up from Season 1, under the direction of David Finches (House of Cards, Fight Club) and the top notch acting of Holt McCallary, Jonathan Groff and Anna Torv.

    Another excellent series.  Recommended.

    You should be watching The Righteous Gemstones (none / 0) (#83)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 08:49:01 AM EST

    The previous work from the team of Danny McBride and Jody Hill is perhaps best known for just how divisive it is. The comedy, pitch-black with no punches pulled, attempts a tonal high-wire act; balancing the anger and cruelty of its characters with more purposefully human moments, which isn't for everyone. Eastbound & Down and Vice Principals are difficult to watch, and they're meant to be, and that means where some see pointless aggression and male chauvinism--McBride has called this trio of shows, which now includes The Righteous Gemstones, his "misunderstood angry man trilogy"--others see comedy acting as an escape valve for a toxic culture, a parody of outsized behavior masquerading as strength and power.

    "The Righteous Gemstones" is a near-perfect setup for the series. It establishes the uneasy relationships at the heart of the family while also teeing up a couple mysteries for later on. It dabbles in a critique of the empty religious despotism that's corroding communities in parts of America while leaving room for something more scathing in future episodes. It's clear, concise, and funny as hell, and worth a trip to the altar every Sunday

    AVClub

    2 things (none / 0) (#84)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 09:06:58 AM EST
    I love it's on after Succession because as that review notes it's sort of a dirty cracker version of Succession involving the very people who would be the viewers of the fictitious FOX news in Succession.  Can't be an accident.

    Also, my favorite part of the show was very small.  It's the relationship between the youngest son, Kelvin who is single, and his friend/house sitter/??? who is a reformed satan worshipper with 666 tattooed on his chest in big gothic letters.
    The chemistry between them is wonderful and if you know what to look for you just know that one story line as some point is going to be their "finding" each other

    Parent

    Justice delayed ... (none / 0) (#87)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 11:36:35 AM EST

    The New York Police Department announced on Monday that it was firing Daniel Pantaleo, the police officer who killed Eric Garner by placing him in a choke hold in 2014.



    Troll preemptive (none / 0) (#88)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 11:42:55 AM EST
    Yeah, this is political.  Almost certainly.  With this Warren and Harris saying he was "murdered" is really just semantics.

    Parent
    After thought (5.00 / 1) (#90)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 11:52:33 AM EST
    Earlier I was watching Warren at the Native American whatever/thing.

    She has gotten better.  As a candidate.

    Split screens now popular with her and Trump, calling her that slur I will not repeat, are making me reconsider Liz.

    Can't say why but today she looked like a president

    Parent

    Get used to it (none / 0) (#89)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 11:46:47 AM EST
    🖕

    Parent
    California Gov. Gavin Newsom just signed ... (none / 0) (#101)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 02:36:57 PM EST
    ... AB392 into law, which enacts what are probably the toughest police use-of-force standards in the country. The measure gives law enforcement agencies across California 18 weeks to implement its provisions, and formally takes effect on January 1, 2020.

    Police officers and sheriff's deputies in California killed 146 people in 2018, according to the State Attorney General's office. That represents a 16% drop from 172 deaths in 2017. (157 were killed by police in 2016.) A disproportionate number of these deaths were people of color.

    The immediate catalyst for AB392 was the fatal shooting by Sacramento police in March 2018 of an unarmed 22-year-old black man, Stephon Clark, who was standing in his grandmother's backyard. Clark's death sparked outrage across California and the country, led by Black Lives Matter, which only got louder when the Sacramento DA's office declined to charge the officers involved.

    No doubt, #BLM helped their cause earlier when they rallied to the side of Veronica Noble in Fresno and called for public accountability in the July 2016 police shooting of her son Dylan, a despondent and unarmed 19-year-old white male who had made intimations of suicide.

    Officers had been called to the scene to de-escalate the situation and instead wound up pumping four bullets and a shotgun blast into Dylan, delivering the two fatal shots as he already lay on the ground.

    Look, I think most of us clearly understand that the job of police officer is a difficult and sometimes dangerous one, and I'm sure many of us are grateful for their service.

    That said, we grant law enforcement personnel an extraordinary amount of authority in our society, including the right to take someone's life if it's deemed in the immediate and necessary interests of public safety. They need to be integral and responsible members of the communities in which they serve, particularly in communities of color and poor whites, where their behavior is often seen as that of an occupying force whose presence intimidates the populace, in lieu of actually protecting them.

    Therefore, I really don't think it's too much of a burden on those same officers to demand that they show far more care and discretion in the daily performance of their official duties, than has regrettably been the case all too often in this country. AB392 is a good first step.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    I'd rather see higher standards for (none / 0) (#113)
    by McBain on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 06:20:07 PM EST
    detectives, prosecutors and judges.  Rarely are any of them held accountable for putting innocent people in prison.

    If we're going to expect more of the police officers out in the streets making the arrests, we should also expect more of the people who commit crimes.  It can't just be a one sided conversation if we're going to improve anything.

    Parent

    I can't agree (5.00 / 1) (#116)
    by Repack Rider on Tue Aug 20, 2019 at 09:20:39 AM EST
    If we're going to expect more of the police officers out in the streets making the arrests, we should also expect more of the people who commit crimes.

    Why should we expect the behavior of criminals to be subject to societal approval?

    The reason they are criminals is because they are outside such approval.

    i think the London Police should send over a rookie constable to show American police how to take a knife away from a black man without shooting him, reloading, and shooting him some more.

    Parent

    Yep (5.00 / 2) (#120)
    by FlJoe on Tue Aug 20, 2019 at 02:16:32 PM EST
    what this country needs is a better class of criminal. Back in the day a petty criminal like Eric Garner would have choked himself to death to save the decent hardworking cops the trouble.

    Parent
    I don't have all the answers Repack (2.00 / 2) (#126)
    by McBain on Tue Aug 20, 2019 at 06:04:30 PM EST
    but I do know this... If you resist arrest you risk injury or death. That simple point usually gets lost in the media coverage of police related deaths.

    It would be great if all cops were wresting and martial arts experts but that's not going to happen any time soon. If you punch a cop or try to take his gun, you might get shot.  If you have breathing related health issues and resist being put into handcuffs you might die like Eric Garner did.

    We don't need more articles or panel discussions about how police aren't perfect.  We need more of  the basic, common sense message, don't resist arrest.  

       

    Parent

    Death penalty for resisting arrest (5.00 / 3) (#127)
    by MKS on Tue Aug 20, 2019 at 07:00:51 PM EST
    I do know this (5.00 / 5) (#128)
    by Yman on Tue Aug 20, 2019 at 07:43:22 PM EST
    Wingers love them some victim-blaming.

    Parent
    Great idea, guy! (5.00 / 2) (#147)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Thu Aug 22, 2019 at 09:34:31 PM EST
    McBain: "If we're going to expect more of the police officers out in the streets making the arrests, we should also expect more of the people who commit crimes."

    I think you should immediately start drafting "An American Felon's Code of Conduct."

    :-|

    Parent

    The code is... (5.00 / 1) (#160)
    by Jack E Lope on Fri Aug 23, 2019 at 12:19:43 PM EST
    ...more what you'd call "guidelines" than actual rules....

    Parent
    I don't have an elaborate code of conduct (none / 0) (#176)
    by McBain on Fri Aug 23, 2019 at 03:16:04 PM EST
    for that, just simple advice that would save lives and reduce prison sentences...
    •  Don't resist arrest
    •  If arrested don't talk to police without legal representation

    Does that apply to the worst, hardened criminals? No, they're going to do stupid, terrible things.  
    Does that apply to the mentally ill?  Of course not.
    Does that apply to someone like Eric Garner? I think so.  I think it could have saved his life.    

     

    Parent

    Or, maybe (5.00 / 1) (#177)
    by MKS on Fri Aug 23, 2019 at 03:17:34 PM EST
    the cops should stop killing people of color who are unarmed.

    Parent
    MKS, as long as people resist arrest (none / 0) (#178)
    by McBain on Fri Aug 23, 2019 at 03:25:40 PM EST
    there are going to be deaths. Some will be justified, some won't.  Why take a chance?

    One thing I keep hoping for is a better stun gun.  The current taser isn't good enough for many situations.  A big improvement in this area would be especially useful in dealing with the mentally ill.

    Parent

    The Michael Drejka trial starts today (none / 0) (#91)
    by McBain on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 12:01:00 PM EST
    This is the Florida case where Drejka shot and killed Markeis McGlockton after a confrontation outside a Florida convenience store.
    The shooting video remains a riveting part of the case. Jurors will see multiple versions, including a slowed-down clip that Drejka's defense team tried to keep out of the courtroom. Prosecutors will argue it shows McGlockton starting to turn away before Drejka pulls the trigger.

    As in the Michael Slager criminal trial, I believe the jury will have to factor in reaction time to their decision.  Here's a video of the confrontation just before the shot is fired. You can see it's not really a stand your ground case because Drejka has been knocked to the ground and can't retreat.  

    This trial is moving along rapidly (none / 0) (#145)
    by McBain on Thu Aug 22, 2019 at 08:21:53 PM EST
    or at least much faster than other high profile cases I've followed.  The judge suggested the jury might get the case tomorrow night.  

    Court TV is airing the trial and I got to see the opening statements and some of the witness testimony. The prosecution is putting a lot of effort into downplaying the toxicology report of McGlockton.  Apparently, he had ecstasy in his system during the altercation.  Personally, I don't think it really matters.

    In a pre trial interview, one of the defense lawyers said there will be a witness who will testify that McGlockton's girlfriend told Drejka somethign to effect of "my man is going to f- you up".  

    Parent

    I forgot to include (none / 0) (#146)
    by McBain on Thu Aug 22, 2019 at 08:34:04 PM EST
    the prosecution has a witness to an earlier confrontation at the same convenience store where he says Drejka threatened to shoot him. As with the ecstasy, I don't think it's all that relevant.
     

    Parent
    Guilty of manslaughter (none / 0) (#181)
    by McBain on Fri Aug 23, 2019 at 11:28:41 PM EST
    Link

    The judge set the sentencing date for October 10. Drejka faces up to 30 years in prison

    I was surprised the case moved as quickly as it did but most of the case was in the video.  

    Jury deliberations lasted about six hours, with a brief pause around 9:30 p.m. when jurors sought clarification on the instructions for deciding guilt or innocence.
    The judge sent the jury back to the deliberations room after rereading the instructions to them, and about a half hour later the jury announced it had a decision.


    Parent
    I officially got (none / 0) (#92)
    by CST on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 12:35:02 PM EST
    A fixer upper.  Now it's time to start fixing her up.  Already took out the puke-colored carpet, trying to decide if I'm going to get new flooring or just refinish the old hardwood.

    Also, apparently parlor heating is a thing that exists (don't recommend it).  Luckily MA recognizes that there is a communal benefit to efficient heating, so they have a program to help people fund energy upgrades to their old homes, which I plan on taking full advantage of.  Moving is on the horizon but there's a lot that needs to happen first.

    I feel both (none / 0) (#93)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 12:37:12 PM EST
    Your pain and ecstasy

    Parent
    It's (none / 0) (#94)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 12:37:53 PM EST
    Totally worth it

    Parent
    Congrats! (none / 0) (#95)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 12:46:47 PM EST
    I hope you will be very happy there. My suggestion when considering floors is look into what care consists of and how much work it is going to be.

    Parent
    Thanks! (none / 0) (#98)
    by CST on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 01:26:44 PM EST
    There's also head/heart issues like I know it's probably more cost effective to just get new flooring (hardwood needs serious TLC) but they are such nice wide original boards.  They don't make them like that anymore.

    Parent
    Real wood floors (none / 0) (#164)
    by Towanda on Fri Aug 23, 2019 at 01:46:55 PM EST
    are wonderful, and Murphy's Oil soap is all you need. And I agree that old wide-plank flooring is a treasure -- if it's hardwood? Some were pine, which is pretty but more easily dented and scarred.

    We left our lovely hardwood floors behind when we went condo. Our condo kitchen has the fake wood flooring that looks pretty good, if not as good as our gorgeous old real hardwood flooring, but care is no easier.

    Parent

    The joys of home ownership. (none / 0) (#97)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 01:13:40 PM EST
    My realtor, who is now a neighbor, says "you never really finish, you just choose to stop."

    Congrats and have fun!

    Parent

    Ha! (none / 0) (#103)
    by CST on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 02:57:54 PM EST
    I'm already finding the upside in things like "asbestos shingles last forever".  And apparently lead paint is just fine as long as I don't have small children or chew on the walls.

    My favorite thing about housing in MA is the sheer amount of existing stock that would be completely illegal to build today, and that's just based on methods and materials,  nevermind zoning and the fact that I'm not sure my "rear setback" is greater than 6 inches, let alone 20 feet.

    Parent

    Ha! Our house was my main hobby (5.00 / 1) (#117)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Tue Aug 20, 2019 at 12:09:20 PM EST
    when we first bought it. My wife finally told me to stop going to Home Depot on my way home from work, because I'd get home late almost every day!

    Parent
    Hahaha! (none / 0) (#124)
    by Zorba on Tue Aug 20, 2019 at 04:20:39 PM EST
    Sounds like Mr. Zorba, years ago.

    Parent
    Your realtor (none / 0) (#111)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 03:51:51 PM EST
    is a very wise person because that it completely true. We bought our house new but we're now at the point where 17 years later we are going to have to redo everything.

    Parent
    Yup, same. We bought 19 years ago, (none / 0) (#118)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Tue Aug 20, 2019 at 12:10:24 PM EST
    and it's about time for a refresh.

    Parent
    We went 20 years (none / 0) (#165)
    by Towanda on Fri Aug 23, 2019 at 01:51:07 PM EST
    at our historic old house, with lots of work in between, but getting it ready to go on the market made us look anew  . . . and we needed to do a lot of repainting and more, much more.

    Parent
    Try to put off (none / 0) (#99)
    by KeysDan on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 01:30:03 PM EST
    moving in until you no longer have a choice.  Construction/renovation while living in the property is very unsettling and takes a lot of joy out of the project.  And, I speak, unfortunately, from experience.  

    If the hardwood floors are uniform and in good shape, re-finishing the original flooring may be preferable, both in retaining the vintage appearance  and in costs.  If not extensive, bad sections can be patched--maybe from pieces in areas that are to be tiled/carpeted.  As Scarc says, have fun.

    Parent

    Mark Halperin, the disgraced (none / 0) (#96)
    by KeysDan on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 01:05:27 PM EST
    pundit, fired from NBC in 2017, owing to allegations that he used his position of power in the media to sexually assault and harasse women, has signed a book deal with Regan Arts to publish "How to Beat Trump".

     The editor, Judith Regan, says she believes in forgiveness and redemption (and,apparently, monetary opportunities). Curious in that forgiveness is usually a gift offered by those harmed, and she was not among accusers.

    The focus of this "How to" book is on interviews with "dozens of political strategists, including Donna Brazile, James Carville, David Axelrod, Tad Devine, Mike McCurry, Bob Shrum, Jennifer Granholm, and Kathleen Sebelius."  

     While unsurprising that Halperin would attempt a come back, as we have seen in cases such as Louis CK, it is unseemly that so many Democrats would be willing to lend a hand in the resuscitation of what, in my view, should be a media corpse.

     It appears that David Axelrod now has second thoughts, minimizing his contribution and wishing he had not even done that much. It would be interesting to know which, if any, Democrats were asked to contribute, but refused.

    Moreover, it seems from the lineup, that the answer to the "How to" will be how to become Republican-lite so as to capture those never-Trumpers and the proverbial economically anxious. And, of course, not to become too progressive. If this is the thrust, this could be a handbook for the Biden campaign.

    Hope the Haperin book is made of Ultra Soft 4-ply so that it will have some value.

    At this point, I would suggest that ... (none / 0) (#102)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 02:46:10 PM EST
    ... it's probably best for critics of the self-disgraced and intellectually overrated Mark Halperin to simply ignore and shun him. As for those who would purchase his "How To" book, well, fools and their money are often soon parted.

    ;-D

    Parent

    Disgraced yes (none / 0) (#110)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 03:49:11 PM EST
    but the hatchet job he did to journalism still appears to be living on.

    Parent
    Judith Regan (none / 0) (#108)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 03:47:33 PM EST
    Why am I not surprised to hear THAT name in association with an attempt to rehabilitate Halperin.

    Axelrod was one of the worst responses. Just be like Granholm and own what you did.

    Parent

    LOL (none / 0) (#114)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 19, 2019 at 06:58:28 PM EST
    LOL LOL

    Renee Jensen and her boyfriend were relaxing on a sunny Saturday afternoon when an unidentified object landed in their backyard.

    As Jensen approached the object to inspect it, she came face to face with Pennywise, the murderous clown that lives off fear.

    The plush toy, with its frayed-off tag and mysterious markings on its forehead, was enough to spook Jensen and her boyfriend.

    "I turned it over and I jumped back and dropped the thing and yelled for Alex," said Jensen. "He picked it up and I was freaking out. It was creepy and it had weird...I don't even know what the writing was. It looked culty."

    So when officers left, Jensen, who owns a reiki and intuitive healing business, did not want to take any chances.

    "They left and then I burned the thing," she said. "I tried to burn it with a lighter. The stupid thing would not light because it has the flame retardant. Then I put olive oil on it. Still wouldn't light. Then I put newspaper on it and light it up on fire."

    After burning the doll, Jensen burned sage and walked around her property, trying to cleanse the area. And at night - still scared - she slept with a knife. Just in case.

    and as great as that all is to really appreciate it you must see the horrific effigy that cause Renee so much trauma

    The doll (none / 0) (#115)
    by jondee on Tue Aug 20, 2019 at 08:35:20 AM EST
    is an intuitive healer message: Shirley McLaine sleeps with the fishes.

    Parent
    BIDEN! (none / 0) (#119)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Aug 20, 2019 at 12:59:19 PM EST
    I'm not as bad as the other guy.

    Yeah, that'll work

    Julian Castro (none / 0) (#121)
    by KeysDan on Tue Aug 20, 2019 at 02:27:56 PM EST
    Has suggested an animal welfare plan that would protect pets, wildlife and animals raised for food.  Among components of his plan are ending euthanasia of healthy cats and dogs in shelters (encouraging adoptions and providing funding for spaying/neutering), making animal cruelty a federal crime, and expanding US protected lands. Moreover, a $2 billion wildlife recovery fund is proposed as well as vigilance in trophy hunting.

    Animal welfare is becoming increasingly important among many voters.  In any case, it says something good about Castro's soul.

    In other news, Trump is plowing ahead with endangering endangered species and Don Junior is off to kill beautiful wild animals for kicks and giggles.


    Economic slowdown, recession, (none / 0) (#122)
    by KeysDan on Tue Aug 20, 2019 at 02:48:03 PM EST
    you're the economic slowdown and recession.  Trump said " our consumers are rich.  I gave a tremendous tax cut, and they are loaded up with money".

    Yes, we are rich. No more whining. Unload some of that cash.

    Meanwhile. the White House is feverishly working on more tax cuts (payroll tax, which will do wonders for the already stressed social security trust fund), and Trump is bullying the Fed to lower interest rates.  All because the economy is the best iand we are rich.  Logic for Maga's.

    Even (none / 0) (#125)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Aug 20, 2019 at 05:46:02 PM EST
    our jagoff governor is saying that we are going into a recession.

    I have to say we still have no recovered from the last recession. Not looking forward to another recession that is likely worse than the one in 2008. I never thought that at my age I would be struggling as much as I have been. It's not fun and the sad thing is it is going to take whomever wins in 2020 a month of Sundays to fix the massive damage Trump and the GOP have inflicted on the country.

    Parent

    The "Masterpiece" (none / 0) (#123)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Aug 20, 2019 at 02:53:43 PM EST
    Trump is, once again, (none / 0) (#134)
    by KeysDan on Wed Aug 21, 2019 at 01:20:08 PM EST
    calling for the re-admission to the G-7 to become the G-8.  A step taken in response to Putin's annexation of the Crimea, in violation of international law, and the illegal referendum held in Crimea in violation of Ukraine's constitution.

    Trump, as is his wont, makes this blatant entree in the service of Putin out in the open. We may have become inured to Trump being a possible Russian asset, but his working in the national interest should be suspect unless and until the results of the unparalleled counter-intelligence investigation into Trump, as a sitting president, are resolved and made known.

    What do y'all (none / 0) (#137)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Aug 21, 2019 at 06:17:44 PM EST
    think about what the Mooch says about Trump quitting the presidential race around March 2020? I don't see it happening because the indictments are going to be coming in 2021 and he knows it. And if he doesn't run for reelection there is a 100% chance that he's going to be fighting those indictments.

    NY State Indictments (none / 0) (#138)
    by RickyJim on Wed Aug 21, 2019 at 06:40:56 PM EST
    may be coming this year.  There are lots of weird scenarios to consider.

    Parent
    Ah, yes (none / 0) (#139)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Aug 21, 2019 at 07:51:45 PM EST
    I completely forgot about NY state. It may be if those indictment come out the GOP will refuse to nominate him.

    Parent
    How would the GOP do that? (none / 0) (#143)
    by Jack E Lope on Thu Aug 22, 2019 at 12:26:52 PM EST
    Indictment would only motivate his base, and the GOP was not able to stop him last time....

    If I were to think about timing something to the election, I'd try to find some evidence that the Republican Senators could not ignore - shades of Nixon, here, except Nixon was smart enough to get out - and have impeachment hearings that would cast doubt on Drumpf's ability to hold the office for a second term.  (Since a conviction may lead to disqualification from holding any federal position, forever.)

    Timing would be key; I don't know if revealing powerful evidence would work better before or after the Republican Convention, when Drumpf-Agnew is already the ticket.  My guess is after....

    Parent

    Basically they (none / 0) (#144)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Aug 22, 2019 at 02:06:33 PM EST
    would have to be willing to blow up the party unlike they were willing to do in 2016.

    Parent
    Aaah, he's just doing the fandango, (none / 0) (#140)
    by desertswine on Wed Aug 21, 2019 at 08:29:03 PM EST
    trying to stay relevant.  He likes the spotlight.

    Parent
    23 August. (none / 0) (#149)
    by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Fri Aug 23, 2019 at 09:49:35 AM EST
    80th anniversary of the Nazi Soviet nonaggression pact, that carved up Poland among other not so nice things.

    Armando has managed (none / 0) (#150)
    by smott on Fri Aug 23, 2019 at 09:54:31 AM EST
    To get himself punted off DKos, and apparently Twitter.
    Some really dumb arse tweets to Nina Turner got the Sanders camp up in arms and Jay Carter started a petition.
    Shame, but he really was stupid innhow he worded a tweet and cries of sexism arose.

    I agree with Armando's point (none / 0) (#152)
    by MKS on Fri Aug 23, 2019 at 10:14:34 AM EST
    but the expression of it was problematic.

    He didn't say Nina Turner was having sex with Bernie but rather doing Bernie in.   But it read starkly.

    Too bad.  I can't find Armando's twitter feed since the disassociation.  I assume he will surface somewhere.

    The Bernie people always show their self- righteous moralizing and ideological rigidity.  Thank you, Elizabeth Warren, for at the very least neutralizing Bernie.  Take that, Susan Sarandon--I understand your frustration over Warren's candidacy.

     

    Parent

    A Bernie (none / 0) (#153)
    by MKS on Fri Aug 23, 2019 at 10:18:57 AM EST
    supporter tweeted in Armando's feed that he was a corporate shill and just interested in lower taxes personally because he was critical of Nina Turner and Susan Sarandon.....

    Just made me grit my teeth.  If you dare criticize us, you are just motivated by greed and are just like the GOP.  I actually do not support Warren in the Primary, (but would in the General if she were the nominee), but I may donate to Warren just to get rid of Bernie.....

    Parent

    ... and Susan Sarandon. But surely one can do so without making it personal. I really like Twitter as a platform to disseminate information and engage people, but I purposely limit that engagement by doing my level best to avoid the flame- and bombthrowing.

    Parent
    Yeah he was foolish in the wording (5.00 / 1) (#158)
    by smott on Fri Aug 23, 2019 at 11:39:52 AM EST
    For sure. If he'd just added the word "over" after "paying you to fckk him" ...ugh.

    Gave the Sanders camp a perfect opportunity and they didn't miss it.
    Oh well.

    I'm more appalled that Sanders has gotten Sarandon out of mothballs.

    Does this herald a third party run, should Iowa not look good for Bernie?

    Because THAT would be a real disaster. And I don't put it past him for a second.

    Parent

    Susan Sarandon's (5.00 / 1) (#175)
    by MKS on Fri Aug 23, 2019 at 02:56:20 PM EST
    impliedly criticizing Warren as having once been a Republican is so amazingly hypocritical.  At least she is a Democrat now, and has been for decades.

    Bernie even today is not a Democrat.....

    People talk about getting rid of Armando....Bernie should get rid of Sarandon.

    Parent

    People like (5.00 / 1) (#179)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Aug 23, 2019 at 05:32:17 PM EST
    Susan Sarandon have been a thorn for about 20 years now. What the heck is she hoping for? If she can't see the damage she is doing and has done there is no hope for her.

    I have been saying since 2016 we need to just cut these people lose. Don't listen to anything they have to say. Let them have their pity party over at Green Central. I'm beyond tired of them.

    Parent

    Ignore Susan Sarandon. (5.00 / 2) (#191)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Aug 24, 2019 at 09:29:38 PM EST
    The fact that she's a great actress doesn't make her an expert in everything else. Politically, I think she's a real ditz.

    Parent
    That's what the right (none / 0) (#193)
    by Chuck0 on Sun Aug 25, 2019 at 09:27:21 AM EST
    says about everyone in Hollywood.

    Parent
    I do not think (none / 0) (#194)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Aug 25, 2019 at 10:40:50 AM EST
    Bernie will run indie

    He didn't the last time and the stakes are clearly far higher this time.

    Susan should be judged by what she does later.

    IMO.

    PS

    Mitch is not defending the filibuster for the benefit of democrats.  Hello

    Parent

    I so don't get (none / 0) (#180)
    by MKS on Fri Aug 23, 2019 at 06:36:50 PM EST
    why Dems don't love Amy Klobuchar....

    Whatever.....

    Parent

    I don't either. (5.00 / 1) (#182)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Aug 24, 2019 at 06:22:20 AM EST
    She checks a lot of boxes. I think if Biden was out she would be taking the votes of moderates. I hope I am not forced to vote for Biden to get rid of Trump.

    Parent
    In a rational world (none / 0) (#183)
    by MKS on Sat Aug 24, 2019 at 10:30:46 AM EST
    the Primary would boil down to a choice between Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar:  both acceptable, qualified and decent people with a clear policy choice.

    Parent
    Armando has only himself to blame ... (none / 0) (#154)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Aug 23, 2019 at 10:40:00 AM EST
    ... for his self-marginalization. His Twitter posts had become increasingly hostile and abusive, even to people whom one would believe were his nominal political allies, and it reached a point where I stopped following him regularly a while ago.

    Just my opinion, of course, but his profanity-laden and flamethrowing tweets were representative of the worst that social media platform has to offer. He didn't engage those brave souls who dared to disagree with him. Rather, he verbally taunted, bullied and belittled them on a regular basis. And if someone stood up to him and called him out on it, he'd simply block them.

    Like you said, it's a shame, because as anyone who's read his posts here at TL knows, Armando is clearly capable of so much better than what his disrespectful Twitter persona reflected. We have enough loudmouths and blowhards out there. He needs to elevate his game and channel his inner impulse control, if he wants to remain relevant to the public discussion.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    He's still on Twitter (none / 0) (#155)
    by CST on Fri Aug 23, 2019 at 10:56:04 AM EST
    But his name changed to stop referencing dkos.

    The wording was problematic.   Doesn't help when you have a fan base that will immediately jump to the worst possible interpretation but he left himself open to that by using that wording.

    This $hit is why I was really hoping Bernie wouldn't run though.  His fan base lives to poison the well and then people retaliate and everything gets out of hand.

    Parent

    I've been saying (5.00 / 1) (#170)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Aug 23, 2019 at 02:09:18 PM EST
    all along that Bernie wants to do nothing but cause dissent. He did it in 2016 and he's doing it again. The irony is they act just like Trumpers.

    Parent
    Agreed. (none / 0) (#157)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Aug 23, 2019 at 11:03:30 AM EST
    But personally, I've learned to just ignore them. They are who they are. Dogs bark, and the caravan passes.

    Parent
    Where? (none / 0) (#159)
    by smott on Fri Aug 23, 2019 at 11:40:41 AM EST
    His old account is gone.

    Do you have a twitter link?

    Parent

    Armndo now uses the moniker (none / 0) (#166)
    by Towanda on Fri Aug 23, 2019 at 01:55:53 PM EST
    "blank" before @armandodkos. At least, as of yesterday. i haven't been on Twitter today to see if he changes it again.

    Parent
    It's (none / 0) (#167)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Aug 23, 2019 at 02:01:05 PM EST
    ArmandoNotDK

    Parent
    Thanks; I just was going to post that (none / 0) (#169)
    by Towanda on Fri Aug 23, 2019 at 02:04:01 PM EST
    update, as I see on my Twitter feed today.

    Parent
    Thanks all (5.00 / 1) (#173)
    by smott on Fri Aug 23, 2019 at 02:51:41 PM EST
    I found it.


    Parent
    Gone too (none / 0) (#185)
    by smott on Sat Aug 24, 2019 at 04:04:55 PM EST
    I found it but it's gone now too.

    Kicked off Twitter altogether perhaps.

    Hell hath no fury like the Sanders camp scorned!

    It's a shame, I often liked his takes when he wasn't being a total a-hole.
    Which in his defense he freely admitted !

    Parent

    He's still there (none / 0) (#187)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Aug 24, 2019 at 07:27:35 PM EST
    but now as ArmandoNDK.

    Parent
    He was kicked off DKos before, (none / 0) (#162)
    by leap on Fri Aug 23, 2019 at 01:10:48 PM EST
    probably 15 years ago or so, for being a real a$$ to people on the site. Guess he's the same old same old. That's really too bad. He's smart and knowledgeable, but apparently he still can't control his reactions.

    Parent
    He was off of the (none / 0) (#168)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Aug 23, 2019 at 02:03:21 PM EST
    site for a long time. I really can't remember what the deal was back then but it was before 2008 and he was blogging here. He definitely can be acerbic but you just have to learn to blow it off or avoid interacting with him.

    Parent
    If enough people avoid Armando, ... (none / 0) (#190)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Aug 24, 2019 at 09:25:42 PM EST
    ... then he's preaching to an internet echo chamber full of nothing but devoted acolytes. I don't know, maybe that's what he wants -- but if it is, geez, what a waste of a great intellect. He has so much to contribute, if only he'd cease being so obnoxious.

    Parent
    Who the H*** is Armando? (none / 0) (#195)
    by RickyJim on Sun Aug 25, 2019 at 11:36:55 AM EST
    I keep seeing references to him on this blog.  I am not on Twitter.  I guess that he used to be here but it was before my time.  Can somebody fill me in as to what I have been missing?  Thanks.

    Parent
    Has been reported (5.00 / 1) (#199)
    by KeysDan on Sun Aug 25, 2019 at 02:23:21 PM EST
    to suck on lemons to get his disposition in shape.  An intellectual and smart as a whip.  Engages in reasoned and factually-based arguments, but as the Captain notes,has a low tolerance for fools and trolls.  A recipe for trouble in some quarters.

    Parent
    He's listed on the top right (none / 0) (#196)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Aug 25, 2019 at 12:08:29 PM EST
    Armando Llorens

    He doesn't suffer fools gladly.  Hence the twitter problems.

    Parent

    Revisionist History Season IV (none / 0) (#186)
    by RickyJim on Sat Aug 24, 2019 at 06:50:44 PM EST
    The annual series of Malcolm Gladwell's 10 podcasts is now complete for 2019.  Two items deal with familiar topics of this blog.

    Episode 4 - "Good Old Boys" covers, among other things, Lester Maddox, a 1970s Georgia governor and his appearance on the Dick Cavett show.  Maddox was a sort of Trump like  populist figure who liked to play the victim.

    Episode 7 - "Descend into the Particular" deals with police shootings of unarmed civilians.  In particular the Michael Brown case in Ferguson, Missouri is discussed.  There were two federal reports that should be read together:  A forensic analysis of the shooting and a sociological analysis of the relationship of the police with the black community.  The police had been using the black community as a source to raise money for the city by collecting fines for all sorts of minor infractions.  This might explain Michael Brown's behavior when told to walk on the sidewalk.  Also there was a section on the suicide by cop in 2016 in New Mexico of Angel Navarro. Forensic criminologist Dr. Ron Martinelli explained how it was determined from the video it was suicide.  A lawsuit by Navarro's family against the police was dismissed in 2018.

    Struggling (none / 0) (#197)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Aug 25, 2019 at 12:14:20 PM EST
    To get my mind around the fact the most authentic candidate so far IMO might be Joe Walsh.

    "I helped create Trump.  And George, that's not an easy thing to say.  -- I got personal.  I got hateful. I said some ugly things about President Obama that I regret. -- the beauty of what Trump has done is he's made me reflect on some things I've said in the past."

    I really think as threats to Trump go, this guy is way above Bill Weld.

    Yes, (none / 0) (#198)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Aug 25, 2019 at 01:09:27 PM EST
    because Walsh was Trump before Trump and Weld never was Trump. Weld is there IMO to be the Republican  who never was a birther or a conspiracy theorist.

    Parent
    What could go wrong? (none / 0) (#201)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Aug 25, 2019 at 06:11:05 PM EST
    Maybe, Tr*mp is a stable genius, afterall. (none / 0) (#202)
    by vml68 on Sun Aug 25, 2019 at 10:35:53 PM EST
    If nuking the hurricanes resulted in a nuclear winter, that would solve the issue of global warming. Two birds, one stone ;-)!