Thursday Morning Open Thread

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Blog Related
Posted on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 12:17:14 PM EST
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Thursday Morning Open Thread | 66 comments (66 topical)

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Can't keep a good woman down... (5.00 / 1) (#33)
by kdog on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 02:44:20 PM EST

Helen Thomas has a new gig after being exiled to political correctness purgatory...here's her first column for the Falls Church News-Press...lets give Helen some hits y'all.

Good for her. n/t (none / 0) (#35)
by lilburro on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 02:50:49 PM EST

Parent

: And good for us:)... (5.00 / 2) (#37)
by kdog on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 02:54:21 PM EST

her voice was sorely missed.

Parent

For Immediate Filing and Placement (5.00 / 2) (#38)
by KeysDan on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 03:02:05 PM EST

on the High Shelf: The Presidential Commission on the BP fatal oil well explosion concluded that without major changes, another such accident was likely. "The blowout was not the product of a series of aberrational decisions made by rogue industry or governmental officials that could not have been anticipated or expected to occur again." "Rather , the root causes are systemic and, absent significant reform in both industry practices and governmental policies, might well recur."

The Commission determined that the 'accident' was avoidable; BP, Halliburton, Transocean and subcontractors took hazardous and time-saving steps without adequate consideration of risks. It was found that the MMS had essentially been captured by the industry it was meant to police.

Of course, with the president announcing expanded offshore drilling in the Gulf and eastern seaboard just a few weeks before the blow (in an attempt to secure what proved to be an elusive vote from Lindsey Graham) the oil companies were probably in a hurry to move along to darker pastures.

From the "No Sh*t Sherlock" File.... (5.00 / 1) (#44)
by kdog on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 03:33:07 PM EST

IRS whistleblower says the slimey collection agency tactics used by the IRS are "is inflicting unnecessary harm on financially struggling taxpayers,"

Ya think? otoh, why should the IRS be any different than their sister agencies...

: How about (none / 0) (#60)
by republicratitarian on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 09:22:03 PM EST

A one year clemency for everyone. Regardless of how much you owe. No penaltys, no interest. I wonder if that would work. Pay your delinquent taxes or organize a payment plan with the Feds.

Parent

Two goodies (5.00 / 1) (#46)
by lentinel on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 03:41:56 PM EST

The first is the appointment of Daley as chief of staff.
What a wonderful resume he has.
I can certainly understand why Obama has been drawn to him.

The second is the news that Obama is sending more troops - 1400 Marines - to Afghanistan. This is to "solidify progress" before "troop reductions". Increase the number of troops before you reduce the number of troops. Perfect.

: saw that about the troops (5.00 / 2) (#47)
by Capt Howdy on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 03:46:33 PM EST

sort of like a store raising the prices before "dropping" them for a sale.
right?

Parent

Let's rock (none / 0) (#1)
by Dadler on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 12:26:52 PM EST

Posted this years ago, but here's an encore for all the banksters, fraudsters, war mongers, and this adminstration that coddles them - "Who The F*ck" by PJ Harvey.

Have a good day, peeps.

: and while we're on encores (none / 0) (#2)
by Dadler on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 12:32:31 PM EST

Another from years ago, but so perfect in today's national mood. a slow and twisted cover of the Stones' "Satisfaction" by PJ and Bjork.

Parent

cute doggie (none / 0) (#3)
by Capt Howdy on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 12:48:10 PM EST

of the day.

make sure you have sound.

that is so cute (none / 0) (#6)
by ruffian on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 12:54:38 PM EST

Puppies got some pipes!

Parent

very cute on video (none / 0) (#9)
by Capt Howdy on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 12:55:44 PM EST

probably not so much at 3 am

Parent

: Exactly. That is how my puppy (none / 0) (#11)
by ruffian on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 12:57:10 PM EST

made it from a crate to my bed.

Parent

Any Mac users tried the new App Store yet? (none / 0) (#4)
by ruffian on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 12:51:30 PM EST

I rarely buy software for my computer, mainly for the reasons Apple seems to be trying to address. I never knew what was out there or why I would want it unless I read about an applications in a magazine, word of mouth, etc. The new App Store gives a central location to browse, buy and install apps on your computer, the same way you do on your iPhone. Seems like a great idea to me.

Of course it is mostly games at the moment. Yawn.

games at the moment. Yawn. (none / 0) (#5)
by Capt Howdy on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 12:54:08 PM EST

hey

Parent

sorry, nothing personal! (none / 0) (#8)
by ruffian on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 12:55:07 PM EST

Maybe i should try more of them.

Parent

kidding (none / 0) (#10)
by Capt Howdy on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 12:56:11 PM EST

I agree. all iPhone games are a big yawn

Parent

I'm only hooked on Words With Friends (none / 0) (#12)
by ruffian on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 12:59:04 PM EST

My gaming skills have not advanced since Scrabble!

Parent

: well (none / 0) (#13)
by Capt Howdy on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 01:06:19 PM EST

I should say all the "shooter" type games are a yawn.
some of the oddball stuff is very cool.

Parent

best vanity plate (none / 0) (#7)
by Capt Howdy on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 12:54:42 PM EST

ever

this is getting weird. (none / 0) (#14)
by Capt Howdy on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 01:14:02 PM EST

Mystery: Thousands of Dead Crabs Litter England's Beaches

there was also another bird dieoff

: cloudy (none / 0) (#21)
by Capt Howdy on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 02:01:39 PM EST

with a chance of blackbirds

Parent

Daley (none / 0) (#15)
by lilburro on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 01:20:06 PM EST

any thoughts? An endorsement of the Third Way, but we knew that anyway.

If he comes up with a better (none / 0) (#16)
by ruffian on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 01:27:10 PM EST

press secretary than Gibbs I will be happy. Other than that I think you're right -basically a declaration of business friendly third-way policies. At this point I know better than to expect anything else.

Parent

Hmm (none / 0) (#18)
by lilburro on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 01:42:04 PM EST

maybe we should not be so blase... Daley & the 2000 recount via digby

Parent

: Really sounds like an Obama political soulmate (5.00 / 2) (#19)
by ruffian on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 01:47:40 PM EST

Surrender early, surrender often.

Parent
: And I wonder how Obama and Daley would draw (none / 0) (#20)
by ruffian on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 01:49:02 PM EST

those concentric circles that Gore drew? Methinks the priorities would be a bit different.

Parent

We can only hope that Bill, the son, (none / 0) (#26)
by KeysDan on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 02:31:08 PM EST

has his Dad's (Mayor Richard J. Daley, not to be confused with Mayor Richard M. Daley) genetic makeup with regard to political opposition: he simply gave them a kissing invitation to the hinder parts of his anatomy.

Parent

As Daley's daddy said so well (none / 0) (#17)
by Towanda on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 01:40:45 PM EST

"We shall reach greater and greater platitudes of achievement" in this White House now.

Daddy Dick must be chortling in his grave. It took a while, but a Daley finally will run the White House.

Parent

Cx: As KeysDan reminds (none / 0) (#43)
by Towanda on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 03:15:48 PM EST

The quote is from the new CoS's granddaddy. The first Dick, as it were.

Parent

It's his Daddy (5.00 / 1) (#45)
by ruffian on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 03:39:57 PM EST

the 2nd Dick is his Bill's brother.

FromNPR:

Daley is the youngest of the late Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley's seven children. He is credited with helping his older brother Richard win their father's old office and hold on to it for the past 22 years.

Parent

: Thanks. There are just too many (none / 0) (#53)
by Towanda on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 06:06:26 PM EST

Dicks in Chicago.

Parent

Gibbs and Paul Volcker (none / 0) (#22)
by Militarytracy on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 02:07:18 PM EST

leaving the White House.

'Modest' Salary (none / 0) (#23)
by Capt Howdy on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 02:11:34 PM EST

In bidding a sort-of farewell to White House spokesman Robert Gibbs, he noted the "relatively modest pay" for which Gibbs has labored.
In fact, he earns $172,200 in a nation where the average family income hovers around $55,000, unemployment is high, record foreclosures persist and wages for most folks are at best stagnant.

Parent

Modest compared too... (5.00 / 1) (#25)
by kdog on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 02:21:38 PM EST

those who he is paid to serve...hard to argue with that:)

But everybody knows "public service" is kinda like a prestigous university...the place ya gotta go prior to admittance to the big bucks club...it is where you prove your willingness to play ball to the grifter class, and sell your soul to the grifter class.

Parent

: Are you telling me I missed the (none / 0) (#51)
by oculus on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 05:48:26 PM EST

pot of gold at the end of the rainbow?

Parent

How about Dana Perino (none / 0) (#27)
by KeysDan on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 02:33:00 PM EST

as a Gibbs replacement?

Parent

I was thinking... (none / 0) (#30)
by kdog on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 02:37:51 PM EST

Eugene "Mean Gene" Okerlund...he is semi-retired, two party politics is basically pro wrestling now anyway, and he has loads of faux-fighting play by play experience.

Parent

Ari (none / 0) (#31)
by Capt Howdy on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 02:38:36 PM EST

is probably free

Parent

"Ari, is probably free", (none / 0) (#39)
by KeysDan on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 03:10:07 PM EST

or Jeff Gannon. But he is not free.

Parent

: freedom is not free (none / 0) (#41)
by Capt Howdy on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 03:14:18 PM EST

and neither is Jeff

Parent

Bleh....hack....cough....retch (none / 0) (#54)
by Militarytracy on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 07:13:38 PM EST

Unless of course she will somehow reassure "big business", then well of course, she's perfect.

Parent

: But Tracy, think of (5.00 / 1) (#59)
by KeysDan on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 07:37:43 PM EST

the continuity.

Parent

great (none / 0) (#24)
by Capt Howdy on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 02:17:30 PM EST

'Birther' arrested during Constitution reading
A woman was arrested in the House gallery Thursday after interrupting a reading of the Constitution by yelling out her belief that President Barack Obama is not a natural born citizen of the United States.
When Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) read the part of Article II, Section 1 mandating that only a "natural-born citizen" may be president, the woman, seated in the front row of the public gallery, screamed "Except Obama, except Obama. Help us Jesus."

Awesome. Wish I could buy you that drink. (none / 0) (#32)
by ruffian on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 02:43:37 PM EST

Let's get all the cards on the table right from the start. Good luck finding common ground with that crew.

Parent

: Drink reference left in the buffer (none / 0) (#34)
by ruffian on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 02:44:26 PM EST

from some other post.

Parent

Why was she locked up? (none / 0) (#36)
by kdog on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 02:53:03 PM EST

Boner just said it is the people's house. You can say crazy sh*t in your own house, can you not?

I could see escorting her out if she caused a disturbance to the other people occupying their house, an arrest is totally uncalled for. Next time it could be a person saying something cool in their house, the people's house.

Man have we gotten so intolerant of dissent...

Parent

Only congresscritters (5.00 / 1) (#40)
by ruffian on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 03:13:06 PM EST

are allowed to bellow lies in the people's house.

Parent

Different Rules, Different Fools.... (5.00 / 1) (#42)
by kdog on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 03:15:21 PM EST

Case # 9,841,644,789,666

Parent

: Your number is a little low (none / 0) (#61)
by republicratitarian on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 09:29:03 PM EST

Parent

How come when Jesus never comes through (none / 0) (#55)
by Militarytracy on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 07:16:53 PM EST

for them, the crazy Christians never get called on how much Jesus seems to hate them or ignores them because they are obviously cracked and out of their minds :)?

Parent

Miami-Dade... (none / 0) (#28)
by kdog on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 02:33:34 PM EST

Police Dept. buys their first drone, and once some FAA sh*t is worked they will be the first to put one to use. God save Miami-Dade.

Most perplexing...the local ACLU chapter approves? What's up with that? That doesn't sound like the ACLU I know and admire.

Cameron (none / 0) (#29)
by Capt Howdy on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 02:36:54 PM EST

on the Del Toro/Lovecraft movie. which happens to be the movie tie in for the Del Toro Game deal with us I was all a twitter about the other day:

Oh we're very, very actively pre-producing the film right now with Universal. The design work is phenomenal, both the three-dimensional and two-dimensional design work, the physical maquettes, the CG test scenes; the artwork is phenomenal. The fans certainly won't want for a visual feast with this film. But there's [still] a bunch of number-crunching and "How you gonna do it?" and "How you gonna make it?"; "Where you gonna do it?" All that stuff.
As for why Cameron would lend his considerable filmmaking prowess to a movie he won't be directing, this is what he had to say.

One word, one man - Guillermo. We've been friends for twenty years. We've been trying to work together, really, for that entire time. And it has never quite congealed. We're both Lovecraft fans. Me from my college days, when I discovered Lovecraft. I think I read everything he wrote in about a month. I powered through it. And if anybody can bring Lovecraft to the screen it's gonna be Del Toro.
He's got a real vision for the film. It's very, very well-developed in his mind. You know, I'm just there to facilitate his vision. I don't have any strong sense of authorship; zero sense of authorship. I'm just there to try to get it made and help him do the movie that's in his head.

and if you want to know how desperate the blogosphere is for news about this check this out. a dissection of the trailer for the game. which is really really silly. this is such a reach its hilarious.

Guillermo Del Toro's InSANE: Dissected
5-Jan-2011 Trailer Analysis: Picking apart the harrowing teaser...

its a funny news day (none / 0) (#48)
by Capt Howdy on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 03:50:10 PM EST

Iran Launches Nationwide Crackdown on Sex Dolls...

Wishful Drinking (none / 0) (#49)
by Capt Howdy on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 04:02:07 PM EST

I saw this the other night. its great. its a sort of one woman show by Carrie Fisher. what an amazing life she has had.

she talks about being the daughter of Debbie and Eddie and Star Wars (which is the funniest part of the show) and drugs and stuff.

very funny lady.

at one point she talks about a blog post with the headline "WTF happened to Carrie Fisher? she used to be hot and now she looks like Elton John"

Axiom- Never go with a hippie to a second location (none / 0) (#50)
by Ellie on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 04:59:46 PM EST

Applied by 30Rock's Jack (Alec Baldwin) to Rosemary (a DFH ex-comedy writer and train wreck, played by Carrie Fisher).

LOVE IT. And she's truly one in a million.

Parent

Saw this show live. Quite poignant. (none / 0) (#52)
by oculus on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 05:53:16 PM EST

She has had a rough life. Interesting interview of her and her mother: NYT

Parent

I didn't know until I saw this performance (none / 0) (#57)
by Militarytracy on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 07:20:54 PM EST

that she wrote 'Postcards from the Edge'. Made perfect sense though after I saw this.

Parent

I didnt know (5.00 / 1) (#64)
by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 08:19:08 AM EST

she was involved with Paul Simon. for 12 years.

Parent

: I didn't know her eyes (none / 0) (#65)
by Militarytracy on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 08:37:12 AM EST

were the cold coffee eyes. I figured he was writing about some evil biotch, that couldn't be Carrie Fisher :) I didn't even mentally see her eyes as brown until she repeated the lyrics.

Parent
: I was dying though (none / 0) (#66)
by Militarytracy on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 08:39:54 AM EST

when she said that the family calls her dad Puffdaddy since he is stoned all the time now. My dad is a big ole stoner too now. I guess he's My Puffdaddy.

Parent

I watched it again today when I was (none / 0) (#56)
by Militarytracy on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 07:19:02 PM EST

bored, I thought it was wonderful both times too. I love the part where George Lucas hands down the commandment that there is no underwear in space.

Parent

Cheap thrills (none / 0) (#58)
by Militarytracy on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 07:28:09 PM EST

Our old cell phone company sold us to AT&T. Our old cell phone company really sucked though. I had to go over our bills carefully all the time, they were forever sneaking in all sorts of B.S. extra charges. It was from them that I learned that if I pay the bill first and want to argue when I have a moment free sometime during a busy week, I have agreed with all the charges that I paid for and am screwed if I want to argue about something already paid. I wasted countless hours going over bills because they could not be trusted.

They keep calling frantically for final payment now, and of course all of their past customers in this area have no immediate incentive to pay the last bill because they can't interrupt our service. I have enjoyed the whole week so far, everytime they call I answer the phone and then immediately hang up. I will do this until I get tired of it.

Careful that you don't go to collections (none / 0) (#62)
by republicratitarian on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 09:35:23 PM EST

And get a ding on your credit report. Are you talking about Cingular?

Parent

: I was with Alltel (5.00 / 1) (#63)
by Militarytracy on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 09:39:27 PM EST

They can ding my credit for all I care. Credit reports and credit scores are kind of a scammy fraud too these days. Actually, when you first go to collections I think the incentive to get you to pay is that it won't go on your credit if you pay now. I think I'll wait until then :) Seriously though, they can ding my credit with this and it won't matter when compared to where the rest of the country is sitting with no job and most likely no pensions either. I'm not worried. It is worth it to me to keep hanging up until I'm tired of doing it or I feel like I have cost them what they ripped me off for....whichever comes first :)

Parent

Thursday Morning Open Thread | 66 comments (66 topical)

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