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Thursday Afternoon Open Thread

We've got lots of posts up today but it seems everyone still wants to talk about Gates. There's many more important things going on in my opinion, but here's an open thread if you want to keep discussing it -- or anything else we haven't covered today.

There's new details on Karl Rove and investigation into the firing of U.S. Attorneys.

I'm going to be interviewing Manhattan District Attorney candidate Richard Aborn on Monday. Here is his stand on issues. If you have suggestions for questions I should ask him, let me know in comments. I like that his stance against our current drug policies include rehabilitation for both first and second time offenders: [more...]

It's time to stop ruining young people's lives because of a single mistake. It's time to repeal the Rockefeller Drug Laws and replace them with a sensible policy grounded in public health and common sense. Drug kingpins deserve prison. First and second-time non-violent offenders deserve an opportunity to rebuild their lives. And the families of offenders unfairly caught up in the draconian Rockefeller laws deserve to be reunited.

Seems good on juvenile crime as well, urging ""Intervention now avoids incarceration later." But I'd like to know more about what his policy would be on charging kids as adults.

And, on the death penalty:

Capital punishment is contrary to our values as New Yorkers. It is immoral and it is wrong. Richard has always opposed capital punishment, and has pledged to lead the effort against any attempt to revive it in New York.

And on white collar crime, I like this:

But white collar crime does not begin and end on Wall Street. Scams against the elderly, immigrant groups and others that prey on the most vulnerable will not be tolerated and will receive a swift response.

TChris wrote the other day that among the candidates, Aborn seems to be the strongest advocate of policy changes designed to curb wrongful convictions. All three candidates debated yesterday in New York.

Again, this is an open thread, all topics welcome.

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    need something to wake you up (5.00 / 1) (#3)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 01:56:12 PM EST
    and purge the bad taste of testy discussions of race and class from you mind?

    last night I saw (again) the Angelina movie "Wanted".
    its pretty brainless but lots of fun and the soundtrack is by Danny Elfman (of Oingo Boingo) and this song has been stuck firmly in my head ever since.

    I think he just needed to show us he still knows how to rock and roll after all these years of movie music.

    It was pretty good (5.00 / 0) (#8)
    by ruffian on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:04:15 PM EST
    Not aimed at my demographic, apparently, but there were no Jane Austen adaptations out that month, so I saw it. I had to shut my eyes a lot. Did it have to be quite so violent?

    Parent
    well (5.00 / 0) (#10)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:05:37 PM EST
    it was a story about the assassins of fate.

    Parent
    Mostly that one scene (none / 0) (#20)
    by ruffian on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:11:36 PM EST
    where the young guy (can't remember the actor) is getting repeatedly punched in the face. Seemed like a total repitition of an earlier scene, and I got the point the first time around!

    Just a quibble on an other wise good and entertaining movie with, yes, a great soundtrack!

    Parent

    ya (none / 0) (#25)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:16:37 PM EST
    a little hard to watch but critical to the story.

    why are you here?

    because I dont know who I am.

    Parent

    True, it was a powerful scene (none / 0) (#30)
    by ruffian on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:23:55 PM EST
    Just watched the utube video. I may have to put that movie on my netflix q and watch it again. I forgot how good it really was. That Angelina...she's really got the star power.

    Parent
    she (none / 0) (#31)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:24:59 PM EST
    melts the celluloid in this one.

    Parent
    I think my trainer at the gym (none / 0) (#34)
    by ruffian on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:30:40 PM EST
    has seen it about 20 times :-) He's a fan.

    Parent
    she has a couple of moments (none / 0) (#39)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:34:28 PM EST
    in that movie that absolutely define "star quality"
    there is a scene where he is in the drugstore refilling his panic attack perscription and turns around and THERE SHE IS.
    Im gay and it made my knees weak.
    and also when he first comes to the castle and he is still freaked out and threatening her with a gun.

    she is a star in the Garbo sense.
     

    Parent

    Absolutely (5.00 / 0) (#88)
    by ruffian on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:15:54 PM EST
    I'm a straight woman, and I know what you mean.

    She's about the only current throwback to the old charismatic stars I can think of. I saw Bogie and Bacall in one of their old flicks a couple of weeks ago too - the one with 'you know how to whistle'. She had it too.

    Parent

    and now (none / 0) (#40)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:35:16 PM EST
    I will shut up about Angelina

    Parent
    great soundtrack (none / 0) (#13)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:07:25 PM EST
    though, huh?

    Parent
    It was okay ... (none / 0) (#145)
    by Robot Porter on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 06:04:35 PM EST
    but I would have preferred to have seen the comic faithfully adapted.

    Parent
    News flash: Padres finally found a (5.00 / 1) (#11)
    by oculus on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:05:42 PM EST
    team they can beat:  Cincinnati.

    And those darn Mets... (none / 0) (#19)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:10:04 PM EST
    ...are kicking the Rockies behinds yet again.  Johan had to pick today to finally get some run support?!  

    Good thing we have a stop over in Cincinnati on this road trip, I guess.

    Parent

    Au contraire... (none / 0) (#23)
    by kdog on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:13:19 PM EST
    I let the air out of the Rockie team plane's tires...the Rockies are being detained in Queens for at least another series:)

    Parent
    You dog! (none / 0) (#28)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:21:40 PM EST
    Coach keep saying its just a bump in the road--now we know why the road is so bumpy...

    Just keep those NJ organ nappers away from the boys!

    Parent

    I will... (none / 0) (#50)
    by kdog on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:45:04 PM EST
    you just tell them no beers in the parking lot at Sh*ti Field...instant summons from the NYPD, and if one of your boys should take offense you know what comes next!

    Parent
    Another beatdown? (none / 0) (#67)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:57:54 PM EST
    Seriously, these lopsided shut-outs have got to stop.  Losing is one thing, but being blanked two games in a row...

    Parent
    Yeah 3 games in a row (none / 0) (#87)
    by otherlisa on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:15:38 PM EST
    I guess i can take the paper bag off my head now. Though it IS Padres Brown..

    Parent
    Except Heath Bell may be traded. (none / 0) (#92)
    by oculus on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:18:20 PM EST
    Grrr... (none / 0) (#104)
    by otherlisa on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:49:56 PM EST
    I've heard that. What an insanely stupid idea. But I've also heard the team say it's "unlikely," and that the amount of money they would want is pretty over-the-top.

    But hey, never discount the notion that a San Diego Padres organization will make a stoopid, short-term decision to save money.

    Parent

    The boys I took to Hall of Champions (5.00 / 1) (#107)
    by oculus on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:52:29 PM EST
    this week are big time soccer fans.  Not so much baseball.  So me standing throughly enjoying the video of '98 Padres wasn't so mesmerizing for them.  

    Parent
    I still heart (none / 0) (#169)
    by otherlisa on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 07:43:23 PM EST
    Ken Caminiti. One of the few celebrity passings that really got to me.

    Parent
    And in such Dickensian circumstances. (none / 0) (#190)
    by oculus on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 11:18:39 PM EST
    You would love this video.

    Parent
    sounds like an outing (5.00 / 1) (#192)
    by otherlisa on Fri Jul 31, 2009 at 03:13:05 AM EST
    for me and my mom - who took my sis and me to games in Jack Murphy Stadium, when the bleacher seats were really cheap. This is how I caught baseball (and football) - from my mom.

    Parent
    Listening to post game radio show. (5.00 / 1) (#122)
    by oculus on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 04:22:25 PM EST
    Apparently the 31-year old Health Bell's fitness program is that wii dealee.  So, radio talker says--trade Heath Bell now.  Then, bring Hofmann back for his last season.  

    Parent
    Now that I no longer (none / 0) (#108)
    by lilburro on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:55:35 PM EST
    follow sports at a club level the concept of trading kind of creeps me out.

    Parent
    As the traded player always says: (none / 0) (#113)
    by oculus on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 04:03:52 PM EST
    well, baseball is a business now.

    Parent
    White collar or otherwise... (5.00 / 1) (#12)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:06:52 PM EST
    ...crimes committed against our most vulnerable citizens, be they elderly, young, disabled or what have you, shouldn't be tolerated in a "civilized" society.  No matter who is committing the offenses.  

    These populations deserve to be protected as much, if not more, than any of us since they are often unable to protect themselves.  

    what brought that on? (none / 0) (#15)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:08:37 PM EST
    I cant imagine anyone disagreeing

    Parent
    This... (none / 0) (#21)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:11:57 PM EST
    But white collar crime does not begin and end on Wall Street. Scams against the elderly, immigrant groups and others that prey on the most vulnerable will not be tolerated and will receive a swift response.


    Parent
    oh (none / 0) (#24)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:15:32 PM EST
    sorry
    guess I need to read all the way to the bottom before asking stupid questions.

    Parent
    Don't feel bad (none / 0) (#137)
    by sj on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 05:23:34 PM EST
    I HAD read all the way to the bottom, but by the time I got to MHH's comment I had forgotten that.  My reaction was the same as yours

    "...um, okay?

    Parent

    And sh*t like this... (none / 0) (#130)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 04:59:44 PM EST
    ACLU irked after Boulder police Taser impaired man

    When police arrived, according to Golden, they asked the man -- who previously had been reported missing by his caretaker -- to sit down. He refused to do so, Golden said, and "his posture remained tense and in a fighting stance with closed hands."

    He eventually opened his hands, but continued to refuse to sit down, Golden said, and an officer hit him twice with a Taser to "subdue" him. Neighbors told the ACLU that after they heard a shot and a groan, they saw the man walking away from the officer, who was still pointing his Taser at the man and ordering him to "Stop" and "Get down," according to the letter.

    When the man continued to stumble forward, the officer shot him in the back with a Taser, causing the man to fall, Golden said.



    Parent
    unbelievable (none / 0) (#134)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 05:06:46 PM EST
    but this is exactly the point I have been trying to make.  how many grannies and impaired people have to get tasered before people understand that police are out of control.

    and now they can taser three grannies at once.


    Parent

    That's the new, improved... (none / 0) (#178)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 08:03:36 PM EST
    ...model I saw being demo'd on TV the other day.  They were just so excited at the prospect of inflicting even more pain and suffering.  

    Sickening.  And most definately out of control.

    Parent

    Funny stuff (5.00 / 1) (#47)
    by Steve M on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:44:07 PM EST
    best birther comment so far (5.00 / 1) (#52)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:46:33 PM EST
    Truth is if that birther nonsense was real, Joe Biden would have let it slip out months ago.

    Parent
    I just wish I could prove it... (none / 0) (#57)
    by kdog on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:49:22 PM EST
    the reward for definitive proof is up to 100 large...thats alotta action for the best meet in all of racing, Saratoga in August.

    Parent
    have you seen (none / 0) (#63)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:55:56 PM EST
    Orly Taitz on Colbert?

    so, Obama is a Connecticut Vampire!

    Parent

    That was priceless. (5.00 / 0) (#72)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:00:21 PM EST
    How would you like to have her being your legal representative?  Or fixing your teeth.  Or selling your house...

    Parent
    OMG (none / 0) (#71)
    by Steve M on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:00:14 PM EST
    HAHAHA n/t (none / 0) (#76)
    by lilburro on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:04:10 PM EST
    Exactly. (none / 0) (#79)
    by Cream City on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:07:39 PM EST
    I have to say that I have to roll my eyes every time the breathless statement is made:  "But, but, but his birth announcement was published in the Hawaii papers!"

    One of the favorite antics of copykids and others on a slow nooz day was to put hoax info in box scores and other such sites in the paper.  Not to mention that newfangled Photoshop thingie.

    Parent

    And he's a Dem? (none / 0) (#65)
    by Cream City on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:56:14 PM EST
    Baucus' bill would place Obama's birth at the U.S. embassy in Nairobi, Kenya.

    More of the Dems doing in themselves?

    Parent

    actually (none / 0) (#78)
    by lilburro on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:06:29 PM EST
    yesterday my Republican roommate said "Obama hasn't provided his birth certificate yet, so..."

    I believe it was shot down with the correct tone and will not be heard again.

    Parent

    Franken Presiding over the Senate (5.00 / 1) (#59)
    by andgarden on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:52:46 PM EST


    Thanks (none / 0) (#85)
    by eric on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:13:45 PM EST
    for the heads up, tuning in.

    Parent
    Too late (none / 0) (#86)
    by andgarden on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:15:31 PM EST
    They switched on the hour.

    Parent
    I see that (none / 0) (#94)
    by eric on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:19:22 PM EST
    oh well.

    Parent
    He's still on the floor though (none / 0) (#96)
    by andgarden on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:20:12 PM EST
    Chatting up Orrin Hatch.

    Parent
    Maybe they'll compose .. (5.00 / 1) (#147)
    by Robot Porter on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 06:08:54 PM EST
    a song together.

    Parent
    Guess who else doesn't like the HC plan? (5.00 / 2) (#89)
    by jbindc on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:15:59 PM EST
    Obama's doctor of 22 years

    President Obama often talks about all of the forces lining up against his health care plan. But there's one critic who has remained relatively mum in the debate.

    Dr. David Scheiner was President Obama's personal physician for 22 years.

    "This isn't that kind of health care program that I think is going to work," he said.

    So what makes Scheiner so special? He was Obama's personal physician for 22 years, and voted for the former Illinois senator in the 2008 presidential election.

    Scheiner thinks the president's plan doesn't go far enough.

    "If I had to say the single one thing which is the worst part of it, is that private insurers continue to be a part of the health scheme," he said. "Everybody keeps saying we don't want the government getting involved in health care. [But] the government is involved in Medicare, and it works."



    Yeah (5.00 / 1) (#105)
    by squeaky on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:51:08 PM EST
    Most Doctors hate what the insurance companies have done to medical practice in the US. It not only bad enough that the insurance cos have a hand in the MD's pocket, but they also force the docs to spend half their time providing endless paperwork.

    I have a friend who practiced in Boston, who was originally practicing in London. After 10 years of spending more and more time dealing with the insurance end of her business, she left to go back to work under the NHS in London. There almost her entire work day is seeing patient.

    Parent

    Obama's doctor (none / 0) (#98)
    by hilts on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:26:18 PM EST
    Obama's doctor was recented interviewed on Democracy Now http://www.democracynow.org/2009/7/22/president_obamas_longtime_physician_opposes_white and discussed this topic. The interview is worth checking out.

    Parent
    They interfere in medical decisions (none / 0) (#126)
    by Inspector Gadget on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 04:33:56 PM EST
    as well as underpay the physicians.

    The insurance companies have a full staff of exceptionally well paid physicians and nurses who review the pre-approval requests, then they start telling the doctors they have to do this before they can do that and deny, deny, deny benefits.

    Parent

    House passes $636 B defense bill (5.00 / 1) (#117)
    by jbindc on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 04:09:58 PM EST
    Despite a veto threat

    The House on Thursday bucked President Barack Obama's veto threats and overwhelmingly approved a $636 billion Pentagon spending bill for fiscal 2010.

    The bill, passed on a 400-30 vote, does meet Obama's demand to cap the F-22 fighter jet program, something he personally lobbied for. But the measure still contains funding for two programs that have drawn veto threats from the administration.

    In particular, the White House this week threatened to veto the bill over $560 million for an alternate engine for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter as well as $485 million for new helicopters to fly the president on short trips from the White House. The Obama administration did not request funding for either program.



    Obama? Veto a bit of defense spending? (5.00 / 0) (#163)
    by FoxholeAtheist on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 07:30:18 PM EST
    I hope I live to see that.

    Parent
    Gee (5.00 / 0) (#181)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 08:52:06 PM EST
    I knew Coors was goat p*ss, but I had no idea it was r*cist too.  Wait until I tell my Coors-loving brother (who's never heard of the r*cist meme about it either).

    Sorry in advance about the Coors insuult, Coors lovers.

    Who else could possibly (5.00 / 1) (#186)
    by Inspector Gadget on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 10:01:43 PM EST
    have come up with that incredibly outrageous claim but someone who practices those techniques?

    I actually thought Coors had sold themselves off years ago, and don't have a clue about the family. Nor do I care who owns it. My opinion of the brew is in line with what TinS2 said.

    Beer Bash (2.00 / 0) (#60)
    by hilts on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:54:31 PM EST
    I wish Obama had followed the advice of Time Magazine's Joe Klein in responding to the Gates arrest question at the press conference. Klein recommended saying: Skip Gates is a friend, I've never known him to be disorderly and I'm glad the charges were dropped. Instead, Obama gave the dumbest, most clueless answer possible. He said Gates was a friend, admitted not having all the facts, and then passing judgement on Crowley's actions. Crowley was clearly wrong to arrest Gates, but Obama acted stupidly with his pontificating about police acting stupidly and the problem of racial profiling.  

    I voted for Obama over Clinton in the primaries and voted for him over McCain, but his performance so far leaves me wishing I had voted for Clinton and that the Deomcrats had nominated her instead.

    The beer bash being held today at the White House is nonsense. Obama has more impt issues to deal with than to indulge in this foolish PR stunt.

    Obama is a coward who lacks the guts to stand up to the Blue Dog Democrats. He doesn't command respect from his opponents and he doesn't instill fear in them either.

    What's really unforgivable (5.00 / 3) (#95)
    by otherlisa on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:20:01 PM EST
    is that Obama's drinking Bud Lite.

    Eeyeww!!!

    Parent

    BL is not only (none / 0) (#103)
    by brodie on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:48:16 PM EST
    a non-prestige brew, but it's also no longer from an American owned brewery.

    Someone rec'd Sam Adams -- totally American, and quality too.

    Working-class Bud just doesn't seem a natural fit for Ivy League educated Obama, either.  Though I'm sure his advisors warned him about ordering anything which could be perceived as elitist.

    Frankly, I wish on some of these trivial matters that pols could just be themselves.

    Like Poppy in 1992 saying he liked country music and beef jerky ...

    Parent

    I think (5.00 / 3) (#109)
    by Steve M on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:56:56 PM EST
    it would be wise of the White House to steer clear of the business of product placements altogether.  But hey, at least it isn't a Coors.

    Parent
    Here's an idea. My brother just brought (none / 0) (#111)
    by oculus on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:59:59 PM EST
    me a bottle of chocolate (!!!) port with a vanity label:  my initials and "Estates."

    Parent
    That's what... (none / 0) (#116)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 04:08:55 PM EST
    ...the cop is drinking.  Blue Moon.  

    Interesting choice considering Adolph and the boys history.

    Parent

    Coors? Orange peel and coriander? (none / 0) (#133)
    by oculus on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 05:05:15 PM EST
    Can't resist. Title on page right: (none / 0) (#143)
    by oculus on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 05:43:41 PM EST
    "Coalition of the Swilling"

    Parent
    Yep. (none / 0) (#177)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 07:58:49 PM EST
    Back in the day, Coors used to produce some decent stuff, despite their seeming lack of concern for the enviroment and basic human rights.  

    Going up to Golden for the "short tour" was a frequent activity back in our younger (and poorer) days.

    The brewmasters at the Sandlot have a little more leeway than their peers at the main plant.  The array of beers on tap at the ballpark is much better than any other current Molson/Coors offerings.  

    Parent

    There are no (none / 0) (#110)
    by eric on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:58:11 PM EST
    major breweries left that are American owned.  Bud is at least made here by union workers.

    But Sam Adams would have been a better choice, I agree.

    Parent

    Yuengling (5.00 / 1) (#112)
    by jbindc on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 04:03:18 PM EST
    Yuk (none / 0) (#114)
    by squeaky on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 04:05:24 PM EST
    Sam Adams is way too sweet for me. Bud lite, nothing I would ever drink either, seem the most neutral choice that Obama could have made.

    Low alcohol, and a true American beer.  Even though bud is owned by Stella (InBev), most if not all americans think of it as Americas' beer.

    Parent

    Sam Adams (none / 0) (#118)
    by CST on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 04:10:46 PM EST
    Not my favorite.  However, I will say that they have excellent seasonal/specialty beers.  The lager I find a bit boring.  But if you get some of their other beers, you will probably find one you like.

    Still, not nearly as good as Harpoon, another local brewery.  But definitely more "patriotic" sounding.  Although few people remember that Sam was kind of a wacko, and someone the other day asked me when he was president...

    Parent

    No (5.00 / 1) (#120)
    by squeaky on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 04:16:59 PM EST
    I have, over the years tried them all. The best is the octoberfest dark, imo. My favorite is a good Czech Pilsner, Budweiser (Budvar) or Urquel. or many of the German beers. I prefer Alt over Kolsh but would be happy with either. Bitburg is nice too, imo.

    Also I do like the belgian beers, Stella last on the list of course, but regarding stuff readily available here a nice Chimay or Duval, in the right glass is great by me.

    Parent

    msnbc (none / 0) (#115)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 04:07:15 PM EST
    beer summit countdown clock

    Parent
    Wow - who knew...? (none / 0) (#1)
    by jbindc on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 01:51:50 PM EST
    Link

    Apparently (according to Fox News) some of the "stimulus" money has gone to fund....well.....things that stimulate:

    Talk about a stimulus package.

    The National Endowment for the Arts may be spending some of the money it received from the Recovery and Reinvestment Act to fund nvde simulated-$ex dances, Saturday night "pervert" revues and the airing of pronographic horror films at art houses in San Francisco.

    The NEA was given $80 million of the government's $787 billion economic stimulus bill to spread around to needy artists nationwide, and most of the money is being spent to help preserve jobs in museums, orchestras, theaters and dance troupes that have been hit hard by the recession.

    But some of the NEA's grants are spicing up more than the economy. A few of their more risque choices have some taxpayer advocates hot under the collar, including a $50,000 infusion for the Frameline film house, which recently screened Thundercrack, "the world's only underground kinky art prono horror film, complete with four men, three women and a gorilla."



    Yes (5.00 / 0) (#2)
    by lilburro on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 01:55:22 PM EST
    why waste money on art when you can experience kinky fun for free just by tapping your foot in a bathroom stall!!

    Parent
    Yes, an idea (5.00 / 0) (#18)
    by KeysDan on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:09:55 PM EST
    that is shovel ready.

    Parent
    that is (none / 0) (#4)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 01:57:19 PM EST
    hilarious

    Parent
    Remember a few months ago when (none / 0) (#5)
    by ruffian on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:00:55 PM EST
    we were arguing the pros and cons of mortgage cramdown legislation under the assumption that banks did not want houses to go into foreclosure? How naive we were.

    "Banks don't want to be in the real estate business!" I cried. No, but it turns out the extended foreclosure business is very lucrative.

    Help like this is NO HELP (5.00 / 1) (#51)
    by mmc9431 on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:45:30 PM EST
    That article fits well with an earlier report on ABC about how 25% of the loans that have been modified have resulted in higher mortgage payments than they had before. This is due to penalties, interest, and legal fees. No wonder the program has been such a bust. It's also no wonder the banks are recovering so well! And yet I haven't heard any of our politicians taking these issues on.

    Parent
    Politicians (5.00 / 1) (#90)
    by ruffian on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:17:38 PM EST
    they came, they caved, they can't be bothered

    Parent
    A comment by a guy named Griff (none / 0) (#93)
    by jimakaPPJ on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:18:36 PM EST
    pretty well covers the issue.

    Passing of time will solve this problem, and it's sad for any homeowner in that status. However...how's about paying the flipping mortgage? Is that such a nasty problem that must be addressed ? Yes circumstances do change, but good Lord this isn't a constitutional right (like habeas corpus or free assembly).

    Yes, the banks were foolish in lending. Yes, the servicers likely have an incentive to take the least resistant path. And YES, it takes two to tango: I sign my name on the document, I darn well better support what I say i have in the bank and current income. Not everyone will be helped, and not everyone is deserving of help. There are some mortgages that just never should have been, and somewhere the free ride just had to end.

    Charging fees on 90+ delinquent loans is like bailing the Titanic with small buckets: these loans are behind and payments are, in most cases, not being made at all. Just because the servicer charges the fee does not precisely imply future collection. And, this all presumes anything is left in foreclosure to start.

    Servicing the 90+ delinquent loans is an expensive proposition. Servicers would be best served, and the homeowner as well, to sell delinquent loans to a 3rd party investor willing to pay $0.25 on the guesstimate that an investor can modify the terms such that the owner can pay & stay, and that investor ultimately recoups capital + return on the capital. Most large servicers just are not equipped to handle the deluge of problem loans, and likely they never were.



    Parent
    Once more into the fray (5.00 / 1) (#101)
    by ruffian on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:31:27 PM EST
    Yes circumstances do change, but good Lord this isn't a constitutional right (like habeas corpus or free assembly).

    Or the banks' right to get bailed out of their debts.

    Why can't we bail out from the bottom up for a change? Oh right, moral hazad. Puhleeze.

    Parent

    What you are speaking about is a bail (none / 0) (#154)
    by jimakaPPJ on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 06:35:30 PM EST
    out of individuals that can't pay their bills. Some out of bad luck, some out of stupidity, some out of greed.... If you want to do that how about buying me a new boat? I really need one, it would help the economy....etc...

    Having said that I agree that the banks got very favorable treatment and they have rewarded themselves. The problem is that AIG, and others, have so much pension money at risk that you could completely destroy the country if you let them go belly up.

    Do I like that? No.  Can it be fixed? Not with people such as Barney Frank wondering around NOW saying that Fannie and Freddie need to be loosening the credit reqs. The man is a certified idiot of the highest order.

    Parent

    Just a few things I'd like Aborn to answer (none / 0) (#6)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:01:26 PM EST
    Critical to achieving lower rates of crime is reducing the number of illegal guns in our community.

    What is his definition of an illegal gun?

    Can he put more definition to what his ideas of juvenile intervention need to be, what sort of juvenile programs is he going to champion?  What in particular is he going to do from his position of power?

    Who is going to pay for treatment verses jailing our drug problems?

    Dan Rather (none / 0) (#7)
    by jbindc on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:02:47 PM EST
    Wants Obama to save jourmalism.

    {insert your own joke or snark here}

    No snark is equal to the article itself (5.00 / 0) (#14)
    by ruffian on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:07:52 PM EST
    Hilarious.

    I've been to Aspen, but I've never been that high.

    Parent

    this (5.00 / 0) (#17)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:09:54 PM EST
    Former CBS News anchor Dan Rather called on President Barack Obama to form a White House commission to help save the press Tuesday night in an impassioned speech at the Aspen Institute.

    could totally be from the Onion

    Parent

    I know I LOL'ed (L'edOL?) (none / 0) (#22)
    by ruffian on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:12:48 PM EST
    If it's still OK to talk about Crowely/Gates (none / 0) (#9)
    by The Last Whimzy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:05:12 PM EST
    I should say it came as a surprise to me that the argument changed from Gates called him a racist but that's not grounds for arrest (something I agree with in factual context).

    That it changed from that to Crowely is a liar and Gates never called him a racist.

    I don't see the second argument making any sense.  If Gates didn't call Crowely a racist, then that means (while yes race is always in it) Crowely brought race into it, and i've been operating under the assumption that Crowely knows enough about race that polarizing the incident racially would not be good for him.

    And it also basically means Crowely arrested Gates for doing nothing at all.

    And lastly, it seems to contradict the interviews i've seen with gates since the incident.

    Even if crowely lied on other parts of the report, that does not mean he lied about gates's behavior.

    etc.

    From the little... (none / 0) (#16)
    by kdog on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:08:39 PM EST
    I've been following the DA race in the papers, Aborn seems the best candidate.

    I'd love to hear him asked about how aggressively his office will prosecute police and elected offical misconduct that occurs on his watch.  

    Some fun stuff (none / 0) (#26)
    by jbindc on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:19:16 PM EST
    neatorama? (none / 0) (#29)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:23:13 PM EST
    sorry (none / 0) (#42)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:36:32 PM EST
    that probably made no sense if you dont know that site.
    I saw all those things on one site.  

    neatorama.com.

    one of my mandatory daily visits.

    Parent

    Actually (none / 0) (#46)
    by jbindc on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:43:42 PM EST
    The Corner, from The National Review - every day they have a post about weird stuff like this, so they must get it from that site. I like to look at that every day for a little levity...

    (and the SBTB Reunion I got from MSNBC....)

    Parent

    I recommend going (5.00 / 1) (#54)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:47:53 PM EST
    directly to neatorama.
    then levity will not have to be interspersed with bouts of projectile vomiting.

    Parent
    Ah (5.00 / 1) (#58)
    by jbindc on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:52:39 PM EST
    Maybe - but you can't know what you're up against unless you read what they're thinking, right?

    And besides, occassionally, like 1% of the time, they say something that makes me stop and think.

    Parent

    A Saved By the Bell reunion? (none / 0) (#44)
    by kdog on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:40:22 PM EST
    Now thats big news...not the same without Screech, but as long as Jessie Spano is there I'm in!

    The Jessie Spano/Kelly Kapowski debate is the Mary Ann/Ginger of my generation:)

    Parent

    No contest... (none / 0) (#64)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:56:05 PM EST
    ...the Polish girl wins every time in my book.  :)

    Parent
    Yeah (none / 0) (#73)
    by Steve M on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:01:11 PM EST
    Totally Kelly all the way.

    Parent
    You guys are nuts.... (none / 0) (#83)
    by kdog on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:13:02 PM EST
    I guess you're both Ginger men too.

    I'll take the brainy girl who looks damn good in eyeglasses everytime...

    Parent

    Where is Screech, anyway? (none / 0) (#69)
    by Cream City on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:58:49 PM EST
    It asks.  Still in my town, last I knew.  Had a restaurant, it went bankrupt, he could use the money.

    Parent
    The link... (none / 0) (#82)
    by kdog on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:11:46 PM EST
    says he is in big do-do with the taxman...and their was his foray into adult entertainment and celebrity boxing:)

    Parent
    Yeh, as if (none / 0) (#102)
    by Cream City on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:38:55 PM EST
    any of that ever kept others off teevee.

    Parent
    Well Zoey runs with her arms (none / 0) (#148)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 06:09:32 PM EST
    directly over her head because my family is still so closely related to Orangutans.  I swear to God, she runs just like Clint Eastwood's friend from older movies.  Like all good NaNas of the animal kingdom, I watch and herd and smile.

    Parent
    Obama's Medal of Freedom Awards (none / 0) (#27)
    by squeaky on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:21:18 PM EST
    Big difference in this list from Bush's list.

    Ted Kennedy, Stephen Hawking, Sandra Day O'Connor,  Jack Kemp, Desmond Tutu, Billie Jean King, Rev. Joseph Lowery, Harvey Milk,  Sidney Poitier, Chita Rivera, Nancy Goodman Brinker, Pedro José Greer, Jr., Joe Medicine Crow - High Bird, Mary Robinson, Janet Davison Rowley, Muhammad Yunus..  

    link

    Well (5.00 / 5) (#36)
    by Steve M on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:32:38 PM EST
    if it wasn't different, then some people would be getting 2 medals!

    Parent
    Ba dum dum! (5.00 / 3) (#38)
    by jbindc on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:34:26 PM EST
    True (none / 0) (#48)
    by squeaky on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:44:41 PM EST
    And not every recipient of Bush's list is a ultra right wing hack. In fact there are some on his list that I applaud.

    Here is the last group of awards Bush gave before leaving office:

    Tony Blair, John Howard, Alvaro Uribe

    Anyway, I like Obama's list quite a lot. Here is a list of all Bush and Clintons Medal of Freedom recipients.

    Parent

    It is a good list, (5.00 / 1) (#84)
    by KeysDan on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:13:43 PM EST
    I hope that Justice David Souter is not overlooked. Although, from the list you kindly provided it seems as though the Supreme Court medalists have left the bench by a couple of years.  Justice Sandra Day O'Connor deserves this recognition of several levels, but I do hope the medal was not too shiny--a little tarnished, perhaps,  owing to her shameless participation in the majority opinion of Bush v Gore.

    Parent
    In the grand scheme of things (5.00 / 1) (#91)
    by jbindc on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:17:42 PM EST
    The ramifications of Bush v. Gore are partially responsible for Obama being in the WH, no?

    Parent
    My yes, I do believe you're right... (none / 0) (#167)
    by FoxholeAtheist on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 07:41:30 PM EST
    By 2008, virtually the entire electorate had, at least, a touch of GOP induced PTSD. Michael Moore's Ficus could have won that election - if it had a "D" after its name.

    Parent
    It's definitely a crime (5.00 / 2) (#106)
    by brodie on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:51:34 PM EST
    that one of the five Robed Robbers from 2000 is getting a major presidential award.  They should have been impeached instead.  Not that I'm still upset about all that stuff or anything ...

    Parent
    I find it interesting (none / 0) (#61)
    by Steve M on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:55:12 PM EST
    that the day before Clinton was inaugurated for his second term, he gave the Medal of Freedom to Bob Dole.

    Parent
    took courage (5.00 / 0) (#68)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:58:39 PM EST
    to do those ED commercials

    Parent
    Yeah (none / 0) (#74)
    by squeaky on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:02:48 PM EST
    Clinton was/is real mensch, imo. Apart from showing great respect for his adversary, he was reaching across the aisle.

    Parent
    Isn't this the award Tony Blair (none / 0) (#66)
    by Inspector Gadget on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:57:24 PM EST
    refused to accept publicly?

    Parent
    No (none / 0) (#80)
    by squeaky on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:08:20 PM EST
    That was the Congressional Gold Medal, in 2003 for being an Iraq war poodle. He never collected it.

    Here is a pic of him in front of the US Flag, when he accepted the Bush Medal of Freedom.

    Parent

    Giving it to Norman Podhoretz (none / 0) (#128)
    by jondee on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 04:40:48 PM EST
    was symbolically giving it to Wolfie, Perl, Chalabi, Ledeen and every other weasaly mediocrity who enabled the Iraq invasion. Other than that questionable qualification, what the eff did Podhoretz EVER do that remotely qualified him for a Medal of Freedom? Somebody give me something.

    Parent
    Jack (none / 0) (#49)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:44:55 PM EST
    Kemp?
    maybe we are ultimately going to end up on the gold standard.

    Parent
    Shake me... (none / 0) (#53)
    by kdog on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:46:51 PM EST
    when Tommy Chong gets one.

    Parent
    Frank (none / 0) (#56)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:48:28 PM EST
    Zappa

    Parent
    lol (none / 0) (#62)
    by squeaky on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:55:21 PM EST
    Well Joe Medicine Crow - High Bird is as close as you are going to get. In his papers, there are sections regarding the religious use of Peyote.

    Parent
    His excellent taste... (none / 0) (#75)
    by kdog on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:03:20 PM EST
    in vice aside, I was thinking Tommy should get one for taking the cage over playing ball, protecting his family.  A stand-up American hero.

    Parent
    Yeah (none / 0) (#81)
    by squeaky on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:10:23 PM EST
    I am with you on that, but considering that Joe Biden was the guy who wrote the law that was used to put Tommy Chong in jail, I doubt that we will be seeing Obama give him the Medal of Freedom.

    Parent
    Probably Not (none / 0) (#55)
    by squeaky on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:48:14 PM EST
    More likely he posthumously got the award because of this:

    Kemp was a self-described "bleeding heart conservative" who worked to encourage development in underserved urban communities.  In the years leading up to his death, Kemp continued seeking new solutions, raising public attention about the challenge of poverty, and working across party lines to improve the lives of Americans and others around the world.



    Parent
    Saw Kemp's photo in Hall of Champions (none / 0) (#70)
    by oculus on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:59:45 PM EST
    this week.  I forgot he was local, and an astronaut, and, although I informed the kids I took he was VP candidate, I couldn't remember which presidential candidate.

    Parent
    Only in Murica' (none / 0) (#32)
    by SOS on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:25:10 PM EST
    The House has rejected a bill that would reform food safety laws by giving the FDA more power over recalls and inspections.

    Not really (5.00 / 2) (#41)
    by andgarden on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:36:06 PM EST
    I just didn't pass under suspension. They're trying again today under a rule.

    Parent
    Not Only In Amurica (none / 0) (#37)
    by squeaky on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:33:58 PM EST
    The problem is world wide.. Too much money to be made from poisioning the food with chemicals to selling rotten stuff.

    The head Rabbi in Israel is also fed up:

    It's a sign of the times when the Orthodox Union starts taking its cues from the Certified Organic crowd. After 2000 years of formalized Jewish dietary law, Israel's top Rabbi has threatened to revoke the kosher status of vegetables deemed excessively sprayed.

    tristero

    Parent

    Actually the U.S. Legal System and (none / 0) (#33)
    by SOS on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:30:28 PM EST
    the endless delays and bureaucracy it creates is due a major overhaul also. Attorneys fee's aren't any less citizen friendly then medical costs.

    I don't know what is less believable (none / 0) (#35)
    by Jlvngstn on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:30:54 PM EST
    The cubs are in first place or the recession is at the beginning of its end.....

    Recession? (none / 0) (#43)
    by SOS on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:37:01 PM EST
    You think this is a recession?

    Parent
    oh yeah, definite signs of recovery (none / 0) (#45)
    by SOS on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:40:57 PM EST
    i'm a labor guy (5.00 / 2) (#77)
    by Jlvngstn on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:05:27 PM EST
    so i look at that number almost daily...It took us 46 months to return to peak employment in the last recession and I expect more of the same this time around.  Only this time around we have a consumer credit issue that will linger for god knows how long and with people not spending, jobs will be few and far between.  In 2003 the housing boom and refinancing surge provided ample spending which created jobs.  I simply do not know where the jobs are going to come from and expect the new UE standard to hover at 7 for an extended period.

    So technically we could be at the beginning of the end of the recession but I believe that we are going to double dip in October or January when earnings season hits and it is as equally ugly as it has been for the last 3 qtrs.  that said I am a labor guy and my prejudices lie within a narrow purview.......

    Parent

    Cubs aren't in 1st anymore (none / 0) (#97)
    by ruffian on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:22:27 PM EST
    if that helps your dilemma. I think their hold on the division is going to be about as shakey as the recession recovery. We'll know more in October!

    Parent
    Beat me to it, ruffian (none / 0) (#100)
    by caseyOR on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:29:01 PM EST
    Sadly, I think your analysis of both the Cubs and the economy is correct.

    Parent
    Cubs no longer in 1st place. (none / 0) (#99)
    by caseyOR on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:27:19 PM EST
    Now 1/2 game down to the evil Cardinals of St. Louis. Their time at the top of the standings was quite short-lived, much like the current anemic economic "recovery".

    Parent
    darn, guess my only hope is (none / 0) (#156)
    by Jlvngstn on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 07:02:44 PM EST
    recovery.....

    Parent
    The Cardinals in St. Louis are fantastic (none / 0) (#188)
    by MO Blue on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 10:59:20 PM EST
    It is the Cubs who are evil.

    Parent
    Illegal Immigration numbers drop (none / 0) (#119)
    by jbindc on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 04:11:48 PM EST
    by 1.7 million

    A new report estimates that the number of illegal immigrants in the U.S. has dropped nearly 14 percent in two years, a trend that mirrors the deflation of the once-fiery immigration debate.

    The Center for Immigration Studies, a nonpartisan think tank that favors reduced illegal immigration but does not advocate mass deportations, estimates that since summer 2007 the illegal-immigrant population has dropped from 12.5 million -- its peak -- to 10.8 million in the first quarter of 2009.

    The CIS report also said there is evidence that the number of new illegal immigrants arriving has fallen by about one-third in the past two years compared to earlier this decade.

    The drops have corresponded with a decrease in the number of illegal immigrants apprehended trying to cross into the U.S. and with a decline in the remittances sent back by immigrants to their home countries.

    The figures also correspond with the deflation of the hot-button immigration issue, which reached a frenzy with the Sensenbrenner bill in 2005 and the mass immigration protests of 2006, faded into the background during the 2008 presidential campaign, and has taken a decided legislative back seat to issues such as healthcare and climate change in this Congress.



    In the next couple of years, (5.00 / 0) (#189)
    by MO Blue on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 11:02:16 PM EST
    the illegal immigrants will be U.S. citizens sneaking across the Canadian border to get health care.

    Parent
    I missed a lot the past few days (none / 0) (#121)
    by CST on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 04:20:28 PM EST
    More drama from my fair city.  Although to Capt Howdy I will say this, you have a point, although it's gotten better the last decade or so, and I actually think in some ways Pittsburgh was worse (the only other place in the U.S. I've lived, although I have certainly visited other places) based on certain experiences I have had in both cities.  Mostly Boston has changed because the demographics of the city have changed.  It's no longer the irish-catholic club it was when I was growing up here.  The city itself was only 55% white in 2000, and I wouldn't be surprised to learn it had dipped below 50% by now, in fact, I'd be surprised to learn otherwise.  However, it is still different from the "Boston" you see during the day, which I would say is still overwhelmingly white.  And of course the P.D. still represents the "old guard" overwhelmingly.  However, I think even Whitey Bulger would be surprised by what Southie looks like today.

    To get to my point, Boston is changing/has changed, but certainly not as fast as I would like, and we sure didn't start out at the right place either.

    a story (5.00 / 1) (#125)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 04:33:49 PM EST
    when I lived there one of my best friends was a (approx)350lb black drag queen who was about 6'4" and who worked for a "900" company doing naughty calls as a woman.  (I always thought I would love to see the face of the guy who was paying 10 bucks a minute to, um, hear that soft sultry voice and found out exactly who he was talking to)
    anyway
    I would often go about the city with him and it was a remarkable experience.  several times I thought we were dead.  simply dead.  he never met a stranger and would strike up conversations with absolutely anyone including the occasional white cracker.  or group of white crackers.  he simply disarmed them.  it was a beautiful thing to watch.
    it would start with the expected shock and revulsion when it was notices who was talking to them and in 3 minutes he would be exchanging recipes with them or talking makeup or whatever while my life was passing before my eyes.

    Parent
    HE should have been a cop! (none / 0) (#135)
    by Fabian on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 05:12:48 PM EST
    People skills are useful in any occupation and he would have been excellent at community policing.

    Parent
    beautiful city (none / 0) (#123)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 04:25:09 PM EST
    I lived there from 1989 to 1993


    Parent
    Love the 'burgh (none / 0) (#124)
    by jbindc on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 04:28:20 PM EST
    Love them both (none / 0) (#127)
    by CST on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 04:36:32 PM EST
    And they have a lot of similarities, more than I expected.

    But I also know the dark under belly of both, since I have a habit of pushing certain buttons :)

    The Boston I knew from 84 (okay maybe I didn't KNOW it yet, but close enough) to 2002 is very different from the one I knew from 2006 - present.  Some of it is me (no longer a local kid in public school, now a working professional), some of it is the big dig (sure looks different), some of it is just change.

    My favorite aspect of both cities is the urban but also peacefull feel, that you can never find in a city like NY, even in the middle of central park.

    Parent

    ya (none / 0) (#129)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 04:55:38 PM EST
    "gentile" comes to mind.  I lived in the gay south end and worked on newberry street about a block from the park.  had no car and walked to work with the smell of laurel trees on the breeze.

    mostly pretty good memories.

    Parent

    Heh (none / 0) (#132)
    by CST on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 05:04:02 PM EST
    I know what you're talking about, but let's just say, that's the part of the city I'm "getting to know" rather than the one I grew up in.  I'm more familiar with Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, Roxbury, Southie, etc... so "gentile" doesn't fit those neighborhoods quite as well.  I was discussing with a friend of mine how it takes a certain "swagger" to fit in and not get f-ed with.  It's weird, because I still live there, but I don't work there, so I feel a little out of place in both places now.  I definitely walk differently depending on what neighborhood I'm in.

    I love the UMass harbor walk and the Arboretum.  Not to mention the Fens and of course the Esplanade.

    The nice thing is it's small and the T goes everywhere.  So there are plenty of places to get without a car.  And lot's of nice routes to get you there.  

    Parent

    Tragedy (none / 0) (#131)
    by squeaky on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 05:02:18 PM EST
    Fire gutted the Chain Bridge Road mansion and extensive art collection of longtime D.C. arts patron Peggy Cooper Cafritz late Wednesday, and officials said low water pressure slowed firefighters' efforts to contain the blaze.

    [snip]

    The blaze devoured what Cafritz's nephew called a "museum-quality art collection" by African and African American artists, and destroyed a home that had been the site of countless political fundraisers, book parties and receptions, as well as a refuge for the struggling artists and young people Cafritz routinely took under her wing.

    Cafritz, a former president of the D.C. Board of Education, and her family were vacationing Wednesday on Martha's Vineyard, said her nephew, Casey Cooper. She had planned to return to the house Thursday night in time to host a fundraiser for Terri Sewell, who Cooper said is vying to become the first African American woman elected to Congress from Cafritz's home state of Alabama.

    WaPo via laura rozen

    you are (none / 0) (#142)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 05:43:05 PM EST
    funny.  

    You are Naive (none / 0) (#149)
    by squeaky on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 06:14:52 PM EST
    Or so bent on defending Crowley or dishing on Obama that you would act naive about the Coors family.

    Or, you are allergic to reading about white supremacy in the US. and the American Industrialist families that support those groups.

    Here are a couple of links.

    Free Congress Foundation (SPL)

    Coors the right beer now

    Parent

    All this is true (none / 0) (#151)
    by Steve M on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 06:20:28 PM EST
    but suggesting that drinking Coors is "definitely" a racist dog whistle is quite the overstatement.  I'd imagine the majority of people who drink Blue Moon don't even realize it's a Coors product.

    Molson Coors is a massive company, I'm pretty sure they wouldn't have the market share they do if they were strictly for the white supremacist community.

    Parent

    Well Of Course (none / 0) (#152)
    by squeaky on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 06:24:00 PM EST
    Many many many people have no idea about coors family history and enjoy the brew because they like it, or it is popular etc.

    Of course that is why dog whistles are called dog whistles.

    Only the racists who toast to the coors family history and values, will hear Crowleys dog whistle.

    To everyone else, the vast majority, it is just an innocent toast.

    Parent

    you may not call people (5.00 / 1) (#161)
    by Jeralyn on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 07:25:27 PM EST
    racists on this site. I deleted your comment about Coors. You stated it as fact and that's potentially libelous. Please be more careful.

    Parent
    Got It (none / 0) (#164)
    by squeaky on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 07:34:00 PM EST
    Sorry, I will choose my words more carefully next time..

    Parent
    Heh (none / 0) (#153)
    by Steve M on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 06:31:23 PM EST
    I suppose there's not even a remote possibility that Crowley simply likes the taste.

    Parent
    Hard to Tell (none / 0) (#155)
    by squeaky on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 06:47:10 PM EST
    But an interesting choice nonetheless, imo. We will never know whether this is an innocent coincidence or an intentional dog whistle. One thing for sure is that many racists are going to have a big chuckle over it.

    Also that he choose Blue Moon, less obvious than a Coors seems to fit his level of sneakiness that we saw in his arrest and report.

    Parent

    And in the world of cooking (none / 0) (#146)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 06:05:19 PM EST
    or maybe not really cooking...mostly chopping (I'm a good chopper and do raw foods much better than cooked foods)....wasabi and gazpacho was amazing.  I added chopped chilled shrimp and avacado as well to my soup.  My wasabi paste has wasabi as well as horseradish but I did notice that when it was in the soup and chilling for longer than 24 hours it did lose its zip.  So wasabi prior to serving.  And now I contemplate wasabi bloody marys.

    Did you try wasabe mayo (none / 0) (#158)
    by Cream City on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 07:18:16 PM EST
    from Trader Joe's yet?  Mmmmmmm.

    Tonight, we cooked again in our new Moroccan tajine.  Amazing clay-pot cooking.  Must admit, though, that I have yet to figure out just where to toss the wasabe into Moroccan cuisine.:-)

    Balanced it with more of the best from the farmer's market, old-fashioned wilted cucumber salad.

    And then an apple-pie baked in a paper bag for the best crust and topped with caramel.  And, of course, the flavor of the day from Wisconsin's finest culinary achievement: frozen custard.  Those of you who must settle for ice cream, sorry.

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    I have no Trader Joe's Mayo yet (none / 0) (#160)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 07:25:21 PM EST
    Baking apple pies?  I'm going to really need to focus for that.  Everybody else needs to leave home for the day :)  It sounds delicious though with caramel.  And wilted cucumber salad sounds divine.  I do also make cucumber kimchi and a giant mixing bowl of it only lasts a day around here.  I wish I could figure out how to make a specific kimchi we had in South Korea that seems to be mostly greens, but the only people who even know what I'm talking about are native Koreans so far and nobody has had a recipe.

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    CC, where did you get the tajine? (none / 0) (#162)
    by caseyOR on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 07:29:13 PM EST
    Is it difficult to cook with? I have become a little obsessed with food from all around the Mediterranean, and have been wondering about the tajine. What have you been using it for?

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    Actually, it came from Australia (none / 0) (#170)
    by Cream City on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 07:45:06 PM EST
    so I hope you can find one a bit closer to home.  In addition to great for cooking, it's just a gorgeous piece of functional art.  I had a German clay pot cooker before -- before it cracked -- but it was sorta Teutonically shlockly looking compared to this.  Hope you can track down a tajine!

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    Oh, sorry -- and what to use it for? (none / 0) (#171)
    by Cream City on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 07:46:51 PM EST
    Chicken breasts tonight plus the latest best fresh stuff from the farmer's market: small fingerling potatoes, carrots, asparagus, some water, some basic seasoning, come back in an hour, voila.  Also have used it with lamb, with beef, etc. -- the recipe book with it basically says: anything.:-)

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    And (none / 0) (#172)
    by Cream City on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 07:47:26 PM EST
    couscous.  For authenticity.  Rice would be fine.:-)

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    Thanks, I'm looking around (none / 0) (#174)
    by caseyOR on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 07:54:00 PM EST
    Hopefully, in food obsessed Portland I can find one without too much trouble.

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    Wow, just googled and (none / 0) (#183)
    by Cream City on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 09:14:05 PM EST
    there are loads of 'em at amazon.com.  Spelled tagines, which I've never seen, but they have the correct shape.  Don't know about all the brands there, but it looks like all are glazed as is our tajine -- a difference from our previous clay pot.  I hope this helps, and I hope you enjoy one, too!

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    in any case... (none / 0) (#166)
    by otherlisa on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 07:39:26 PM EST
    Looks like Gates had the good taste to go for Sam Adams!

    Sorry to disappoint you, but (none / 0) (#168)
    by Cream City on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 07:43:12 PM EST
    it was Sam Adams Lite.

    Sam Adams would have tossed that in the harbor with the tea.

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    Sigh... (none / 0) (#173)
    by otherlisa on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 07:51:00 PM EST
    And there are so many great American craft beers to choose from...

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    Yes, there are (none / 0) (#176)
    by caseyOR on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 07:57:20 PM EST
    and right now I am enjoying a chilled bottle of McTarnahan's Amber Ale, brewed by Portland Brewing Company.

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    Well (none / 0) (#175)
    by squeaky on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 07:54:13 PM EST
    Now you know. Follow the links and educate yourself.

    Most people who are not racists nor study racism would ever know the connection to Coors beer. It stands out among all american beers, in a league of its own.

    I do know about Coors (5.00 / 0) (#179)
    by otherlisa on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 08:09:35 PM EST
    I've boycotted it for years. What I'm saying is that I didn't know the connection between Blue Moon and Coors, and actually, I didn't know that Molson/Coors had joined forces either.

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    Oh (none / 0) (#180)
    by squeaky on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 08:22:38 PM EST
    Me neither, I did not know about the connection until I read about it. In fact I never had even heard of Blue Moon till now.

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    I think I've seen it in the supermarket (none / 0) (#191)
    by otherlisa on Fri Jul 31, 2009 at 01:10:05 AM EST
    but never tasted it. I go for Sierra Nevada as a default.

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