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Tuesday Afternoon Open Thread

By Jeralyn, Section Blog Related
Posted on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 02:32:15 PM EST
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The temperature is dropping here rapidly and snow is soon to come. I'm off to do a round of errands before that happens.

Here's an open thread for you, all topics welcome.

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    Tuesday Afternoon Open Thread | 114 comments (114 topical)

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    Happy Festivus Eve! (5.00 / 2) (#1)
    by Cream City on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 02:35:51 PM EST
    From the state where it is a holiday declared by our gov, and where we manufacture and ship Festivus Poles to you.

    Now let us continue the Airing of Grievances.  

    As if we only do that once a year here. :-)

    I got a lot of problems with you people! (5.00 / 4) (#2)
    by andgarden on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 02:45:16 PM EST
    heh.

    Parent
    Perfect. I love that line (5.00 / 1) (#6)
    by Cream City on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:03:53 PM EST
    and plan to use it again, as ever, at the family gathering from h*ll, only a few days away.

    I also plan to bring something, anything, to spike the eggnog.  It's cheaper than bringing bail money.

    Parent

    heh, (5.00 / 1) (#36)
    by andgarden on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:53:08 PM EST
    What's so funny about that scene is that it captures a New York Jewish family holiday reasonably well. There is lots of food, no booze, and people yelling without mercy.

    Parent
    LOL CC... (5.00 / 1) (#3)
    by kdog on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 02:47:00 PM EST
    I got the traditional "feats of strength" out of the way on Sunday shoveling all the freakin' snow we got here in the east...though it will be nice to have a white christmas, shoveling s*cks.

    BTW...Enjoying Brett Favre's annual December nosedive as much as I am this year?  The guy is nothing if not predictable...welcome to the club Viking fans.

    Parent

    It's getting whiter by the moment here (none / 0) (#7)
    by Cream City on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:07:13 PM EST
    but the snow today beats what's on the way: the unshovelable "wintry mix" of rain, freezing rain, sleet, freezing rain, snow, freezing rain, and did we mention freezing rain?  All for Christmas Eve, with all the travel that there is to do?  Oh, joy.

    And yes, with the last-second heartbreaker for the Pack on Sunday, there was some joy in Packville to be had this week about the fragile Mr. Favre.  Fragile body but fragile ego, too.  Refusing to run the play the coach called?  Is this gonna be the third coach in three years that Favre gets fired?

    Parent

    Man (none / 0) (#8)
    by jondee on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:11:17 PM EST
    remind me never to play for the Jets and act like a I-didnt-ask-to-be-here diva.

    He did play on a Super Bowl team once, didnt he?

    I did enjoy that Sunday night game though, if for no other reason than that I take a perverse pleasure when life says "Oh, yeah?" after someone like Rodney Harrison prognosticates that Carolina has no chance, whatsoever. That and the fact that I like Steve Smith and Julius Peppers.

    Parent

    What happens when a group (none / 0) (#11)
    by jondee on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:23:53 PM EST
    of Jets fans runs into a group of Eagles fans after a particularly tense game; does it immediately turn   into the opening scene from Gangs of New York, or what?

    Parent
    Luckily... (none / 0) (#13)
    by kdog on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:26:58 PM EST
    we don't share a conference/division with the Eagles!

    But I'd imagine we'd only fight for first use of the noose to hang ourselves with those two squads...though I pity the Eagles fans cuz they're really sucked in right now, like I was in Week 4:)

    Parent

    Don't pity us! (none / 0) (#23)
    by lilburro on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:39:25 PM EST
    The Cowboys won and yet we're still the only ones with a lock to go into the playoffs!!

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

    Parent

    There is this house in town (none / 0) (#48)
    by Militarytracy on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:01:59 PM EST
    It has the wildest expanse of Christmas lit up yard around here for miles and miles.  Everybody goes to see it every year but me.  I can't stand it.  The guy spells out "Happy Birthday Jesus"  in huge letter lights on the top of his house and he has a huge lit up wooden single candle at the end.  I just can't stand it.  Josh and I had to drive by last night so I challenged myself to not look at what I cannot stand, but then I looked.  And he had "Roll Tide 32-13" spelled out on his roof and no single birthday candle.  It was a wonderful change!

    Parent
    It's not even Jesus' Birthday... (5.00 / 1) (#89)
    by kdog on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 05:05:50 PM EST
    its just the observance to steal the Winter Solstice thunder...but don't tell the football before lord 'Bama fan that under any circumstances...Roll Tide!  

    Parent
    One of my friends (5.00 / 1) (#91)
    by lilburro on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 05:21:13 PM EST
    who is a hardcore atheist of all things, lives right next to a family that does the same kind of thing for Christmas.  Happy Birthday Jesus PLUS the inflatable snowmen and whatnot AND outdoor Christmas music triggered at dark.  I think the music would do me in after a while.

    Parent
    I've always said that (none / 0) (#93)
    by Militarytracy on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 05:31:34 PM EST
    I want to spell out Merry Saturnalia in lights in the frontyard.  But I think things would happen to my mailbox for a long long time :) Nobody has that sort of sense of humor around here.

    Parent
    We just saw the lights at Pedernales (none / 0) (#109)
    by oculus on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 11:47:48 PM EST
    Electric Co. in Johnson City TX.  No religious themes.  Very pretty.  Power must really be cheaper in TX.  

    Parent
    That's what I mean... (none / 0) (#87)
    by kdog on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 05:02:57 PM EST
    you're sucked in...only to have your soul crushed after Christmas with a playoff defeat.

    I've gotten my football misery out of the way, yours yet to come lilburro...my condolences.

    Parent

    well I hope it doesn't come for a while (none / 0) (#90)
    by lilburro on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 05:15:39 PM EST
    Santa Claus is supposedly bringing me a DeSean Jackson jersey.  Plus in the last few years we have clawed our way pretty deep into the playoffs - last year for ex. was crazy.  Maybe the Jets will get the wild card miracle we did last year?

    Parent
    I'd say if Jackson and Celek (none / 0) (#95)
    by jondee on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 05:40:04 PM EST
    and the offensive line stay healthy for Donovan, they've got a pretty good shot.

    Even with the Colts being undefeated, I dont see any super dominant teams this year.

    Parent

    why thank you (none / 0) (#104)
    by lilburro on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 06:27:04 PM EST
    hopefully we will win the rest of our games, then I'll be more confident.  And hopefully Westbrook comes back and really is healthy.

    Now that the Saints have lost my faith in them as the real deal is a bit shaken.  Both the Saints and the Colts have had a bunch of narrow wins over crappy teams lately.  Although they WERE wins (looking at the Vikings here...).  The playoffs should be interesting.

    Parent

    Mathematically possible... (none / 0) (#98)
    by kdog on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 05:41:32 PM EST
    but I don't see us winning 2, never mind all the help required.

    McNabb has been really impressive...I gotta root for the Saints but I got nothing against the Eagles like I do the Phils.  I hope you guys crush Favre and the Vikes, thats for sure.

    Parent

    Saints are my second team :) (none / 0) (#103)
    by lilburro on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 06:22:18 PM EST
    a bunch of my friends are ex-residents.

    Parent
    Here's what happens... (none / 0) (#29)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:43:58 PM EST
    ...when a couple of 49'er fans go to a game in Philly and Santa isn't around...

    Snowballs!

    Parent

    joy to the werld (5.00 / 1) (#4)
    by Capt Howdy on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 02:58:52 PM EST
    and stuff

    happy holidays.  I am spending it by the fire with the pack.  well pack +1. I am dogsitting for a friend.  a cute little Corgi. my dogs think he is their christmas present.

    They'll be so sad when the little one leaves..... (none / 0) (#5)
    by Angel on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:00:24 PM EST
    and they discover that he wasn't their present.  

    Parent
    well (none / 0) (#9)
    by Capt Howdy on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:12:47 PM EST
    Ghost will be sad.  not sure Daisy will be all that sad.  he is some stiff competition for cutest dog in da house.
    plus now the two of them compete to see which can stay most closely to my heels when I move from room to room.

    Parent
    Aw...I used to sit for my friend's corgi Duffy (none / 0) (#12)
    by ruffian on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:25:57 PM EST
    My golden Ruffy liked to play 'roll-a-Duffy'. The two of them would run like crazy outside and Ruffy would trip Duffy and make him roll a couple of times, then Duffy would bounce right back up and keep going. Funniest thing I ever saw. Especially fun in the snow, but grass would do. Good times!

    Parent
    yep (5.00 / 1) (#14)
    by Capt Howdy on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:30:21 PM EST
    roll the Corgi.
    thats the favorite game now.  have you seen Kung Fu Panda?  Kafka (thats his name) reminds me more and more of Master Po.
    he is very calm (and short) until you smell his butt wrong and he turns into super-kung-fu-dog.
    a blur with ears.


    Parent
    Great - glad they are all having fun! (none / 0) (#57)
    by ruffian on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:05:34 PM EST
    I've been told many times I need to see Kung Fu Panda. I'll put it in the Q!

    Parent
    This is definitely not (5.00 / 2) (#10)
    by Zorba on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:18:32 PM EST
    "Joy to the World," but my husband forwarded it to me and it brought tears to my eyes.  Read the lyrics and listen to Willie Nelson.  It speaks to me, not just of the many who have lost and are losing their homes, but of all those who suffer with no health care, sick children, bills they cannot pay, no joy, no hope.  As we celebrate the season, we need to remember all those who are more unfortunate than we are.

    Willie Freakin' Nelson... (none / 0) (#15)
    by kdog on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:31:39 PM EST
    not bad for a guy who suffers from a sub-optimal intellect, according to the National Institute of Health...those are some poignant lyrics...can't wait to check out the track later when I got sound capability...Thanks for the turn-on and the sentiments Z.

    Parent
    You're welcome, kdog (none / 0) (#24)
    by Zorba on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:40:19 PM EST
    Willie may have an NIH "sub-optimal intellect" (and I'd like to know who, exactly, measured it- there are other types of intelligence than the one measured by standard IQ tests), but he can sure speak to those who are suffering.  You have a good holiday, sweetie, and may we all have a brighter New Year, although I'm not holding my breath.  ;-)

    Parent
    Right back at ya... (none / 0) (#47)
    by kdog on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:01:47 PM EST
    Happy Holidays to you and yours!

    The sub-optimal intellect thang is a private joke for jbindc from a drug law debate we had awhile back where she quoted the NIH and their finding that chronic use of Willie and I's sacrament leads to a "sub-optimal intellect"...if jb remembers:)

    Parent

    Well, I can see (none / 0) (#101)
    by Zorba on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 06:11:02 PM EST
    how partaking of the smoke-filled sacrament can lead to "sub-optimal" performance at the time that you are actually high (not to mention a tendency to eat anything that is within reach, although, of course, I have no direct knowledge of this-{cough, cough}), but I'll bet that the overall intellect at all other times is much better than those who imbibe of alcoholic liquors on a regular basis- plus, your liver, at least, will be in better shape, if not your lungs.  ;-)

    Parent
    Uh, wasn't it Willie's manager who got all (none / 0) (#79)
    by jimakaPPJ on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:42:52 PM EST
    his money?? (Not that mind whooping on a fat cat banker.)

    And it will be the Titans vs Minnesota in Tamapa Bay!!! You gotta believe!

    Merry and happy and all that Kdog and may all your Aces stand up to the idiot one card outs!

    ;-)

    Parent

    Actually... (none / 0) (#84)
    by kdog on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:54:16 PM EST
    I think the IRS got all his money:)

    Titans vs. Minny?  Hittin' the holiday sauce early are we Jim?  I'll give ya odds on some of that action:)

    A Merry Christmas to you and yours at the retirement compound as well my friend.

    Parent

    I think the IRS got all that was left (none / 0) (#97)
    by jimakaPPJ on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 05:40:45 PM EST
    they are like accountants... They come into to shoot the wounded and count the dead!

    And why let a good bottle of Cabernet go to waste?

    First 2010 WSOP event starts in Tunica in January. Come on down and I'll get us a comp for the Shoe's steak house!

    Parent

    Hmmm.... (none / 0) (#105)
    by kdog on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 06:29:19 PM EST
    pinching my pennies for a trip south of the border, or could win the knot in one swoop of degeneracy...stew on this I must.

    Parent
    Check the WSOP schedule for exact dates (none / 0) (#107)
    by jimakaPPJ on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 08:55:25 PM EST
    The ring games will be fabulous!

    Parent
    Willie and Kenny are always welcome here (none / 0) (#21)
    by Ellie on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:38:04 PM EST
    Pretty Paper,
    Pretty Ribbons of blue ...

    A seasonal favorite around my particular holiday shrub!

    Parent

    It's also (5.00 / 2) (#45)
    by Zorba on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:59:57 PM EST
    a lovely, and poignant, song, Ellie.  I guess the sentiments expressed in "Pretty Paper" and "Heartland" (among others) are why I'm still an old "leftie-liberal-hippie."  (That, and the last three verses of "This Land is Your Land" by Woodie Guthrie, which nobody ever seems to reference any more.  It's too sad that it hasn't changed since then- at least, not nearly enough.)

    Parent
    Wow! (none / 0) (#43)
    by jen on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:59:19 PM EST
    With Dylan! Thanks for this, Zorba! Light and love to all those suffering during these challenging times.

    Parent
    Dylan!... (5.00 / 1) (#86)
    by kdog on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:59:58 PM EST
    what a bonus...two of our greatest right there.

    Sounds even better than it reads too...Willie's got such a voice.  Here's a clip with some pics and album covers and such.

    Parent

    Really, Chuck ... really? (5.00 / 1) (#49)
    by Robot Porter on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:02:06 PM EST
    Just got a fundraising email for Schumer.  In it he essentially says that he's been too busy letting the Senate screw up HCR and he hasn't had time to fundraise.  And will I help him meet his year end targets?

    Don't think so, Chuck.

     

    I just got an email from Patty Murray, asking (none / 0) (#59)
    by caseyOR on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:08:23 PM EST
    for my support on the HCR bill, and, of course, for money. I am kind of surprised to hear from Patty since I don't live in Washington State.

    Parent
    She's asking you (none / 0) (#112)
    by shoephone on Wed Dec 23, 2009 at 02:00:48 AM EST
    because I've already told her to go to hades so many times.

    Last time I gave money to candidates was 2006. I'm done with that nonsense now.

    Parent

    Heh, I didn't even read mine :) (none / 0) (#74)
    by nycstray on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:34:18 PM EST
    got one from Menendez yesterday (fro the DSSC pr whatever) aong with Schumer's today. A few others have also sent me pleas to beat the Republicans and Palin. I guess they missed that I dropped the Dems for Indy status {grin}. When they do something I support, I'll donate to whoever I please. D*mned if I'm going to give to the general funding pool etc.

    I see the emails as a opportunity to laugh at their gall. Is Schumer due up on 2010? And who the heck are the Repubs going to run against them anyway?

    Parent

    That's funny... (none / 0) (#92)
    by kdog on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 05:27:49 PM EST
    Chuck is shameless..."year end targets" he goes, you're killin' me Robo!  

    You figure a staffer at least would have read The Daily News today...they had a handy little breakdown stating how the senate version of HCR will totally tear NY a new one....closing clinics, reducing reimbursements, billions in new state funding needed...and postponed the snake-oil email.

    "year end targets"...we got "year end targets" too.

    Parent

    Gillibrand offered ... (none / 0) (#106)
    by Robot Porter on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 06:36:16 PM EST
    a T-Shirt designed by Nanette Lepore.

    ;)

    Parent

    Who's handling message control ... (5.00 / 2) (#61)
    by Robot Porter on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:11:10 PM EST
    at the White House?  First the "B+" comment and now this in response to criticism from Danny Glover:

    If you want me to line up all the black actors, for example, who support me and put them on one side of the room and a couple who are grumbling on the other, I'm happy to have that

    Thunk!

    That's the sound of my head banging against the keyboard.

    What... (5.00 / 1) (#94)
    by kdog on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 05:32:15 PM EST
    no mention of socialism or Hugo Chavez?  That was a lay-up...they are slippin' at Penn Ave.

    Parent
    Wow. (5.00 / 1) (#113)
    by shoephone on Wed Dec 23, 2009 at 02:03:58 AM EST
    Just... wow.

    Methinks his grade point average dropped precipitously with that one.

    Parent

    I just spoke with my father in the (none / 0) (#16)
    by Militarytracy on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:31:45 PM EST
    Springs.  He was preparing too for the storm.  Also said that one of my second cousins had been in El Paso Co jail for like the past 12 months.  He is bipolar and his father passed away (I think maybe his dad was too as he was always a very challenging person to deal with), he obviously went off of his medication during all the stress.  The whole family was very stressed. Losing a challenging patriarch can do that, so when my cousin lost it and was arrested, his family had no ability to champion his cause.  I suppose they probably felt overwhelmed.  When my father found out what had happened he contacted some sort of available advocacy, and then my cousin was thankfully transferred from El Paso Co jail to Pueblo and he is being stabilized on his medication again.  We are the same age, he has such a good soul.  He was born with clubbed feet  as was Joshua.  When Joshua was born and he heard, he came to see him often and stayed in touch the whole time when we were in Colorado.  Always brought Joshua a little gift.  His clubbed feet are not as severe as Joshua's but even having clubbed feet he played football for the Colorado Springs Flames at one time.  When we found out he was bipolar that sort of explained to me how someone could overcome so much pain while playing football.  Anyhow, I hope he will be okay very soon and someplace warm and safe.

    Oh gosh, I hope he is OK (none / 0) (#20)
    by ruffian on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:37:45 PM EST
    Such a hard condition to treat. I have a bipolar sister - she is the most sensitive soul I know. Even anniversaries of hard family events trigger reactions in her, so I can imagine how hard your cousin's father's death was for him. Wishing him well.

    Parent
    He's like that too (5.00 / 0) (#27)
    by Militarytracy on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:43:17 PM EST
    Never realized that was likely part of it like the mania is.  I was fiercely protective of him too when we were little.  His father was one of my dad's best friends growing up and then married into our family so we visited often when we were little kids. He used to have to wear those horrible braces of old.  You can't even see Joshua's braces under his pants and in his shoes.

    Parent
    I'd say they are both very lucky to have you (5.00 / 1) (#41)
    by ruffian on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:58:37 PM EST
    looking out for them.

    My relationship with my sister is hard to put in a nutshell. I'll say we do our best given both of our emotional limitations!

    Parent

    You're a good soul, Militarytracy (5.00 / 3) (#55)
    by Zorba on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:04:47 PM EST
    You have your own family problems, and still worry about others.  May peace and love be with you this holiday season, and beyond.

    Parent
    Thank you for the compliment (none / 0) (#70)
    by Militarytracy on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:26:57 PM EST
    I think I'll pass that energy onto my father today, as he was the one who actually found out about some sort of advocate that was available and could get him out of there since his undesirable behaviors that landed him in jail are an unaddressed medical condition.  I know many people are jailed because they have a mental illnesses that isn't being treated, and the system will use jail as a solution if you don't have anyone arguing for you.  It is one thing to know that, read about it, and then it is another thing to have that happen to someone you know.

    Parent
    Anyone else going to see "Nine"? (none / 0) (#17)
    by ruffian on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:33:10 PM EST
    The reviews don't look very good. If the NYT review is accurate, will I pay $10 to watch Daniel Day Lewis lounge around in nice suits, daydreaming?

    Well heck yeah!

    I want to see it (none / 0) (#19)
    by Militarytracy on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:37:08 PM EST
    But I've always thought he was such a hottie and a terrific actor.  I really liked Chicago, it looks like something I would like. I probably won't be able to talk Josh into it though.  I will be partaking of Avatar.

    Parent
    I've wanted to see it ever since I heard (none / 0) (#25)
    by ruffian on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:41:37 PM EST
    they were making it. I have the B-way CD of the musical with Raul Julia - it was hard for me to imagine how they would make it into a movie. The music is not as snappy as 'Chicago' or some other musicals, but I read that they added some additional songs, and cut some others. I'll definitely see it, but I'm sorry the reviews make it sound like a bit of a mess.

    Parent
    We love what we love (none / 0) (#30)
    by Militarytracy on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:44:56 PM EST
    Whether or not the critics do :)

    Parent
    have you seen (none / 0) (#32)
    by Capt Howdy on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:49:59 PM EST
    the blue cats yet?

    Parent
    No, I haven't (none / 0) (#34)
    by Militarytracy on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:50:54 PM EST


    Parent
    its lame and entirely predictable (none / 0) (#37)
    by Capt Howdy on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:53:30 PM EST
    but beautiful.  he will probably love it.


    Parent
    if you want to see a great movie (none / 0) (#38)
    by Capt Howdy on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:54:15 PM EST
    see A Serious Man.  the new one from the Cohens.


    Parent
    thanks! I'll look for that. (none / 0) (#44)
    by ruffian on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:59:41 PM EST
    Just saw it on Ebert's top 10 list.

    Parent
    unfortunately (none / 0) (#52)
    by Capt Howdy on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:03:30 PM EST
    he also had Knowing on there.  one of the biggest wastes of time I have seen in ages.

    which is sad because I liked Dark City (another film by the same director) a lot.  so did Ebert.
    he did a commentary on the DVD

    Parent

    WILL DO THAT (none / 0) (#51)
    by Militarytracy on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:03:01 PM EST
    I love the Cohens

    Parent
    this is (none / 0) (#53)
    by Capt Howdy on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:03:56 PM EST
    back to their early roots.  I absolutely loved it.

    Parent
    I think the story may suffer (none / 0) (#33)
    by nycstray on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:50:38 PM EST
    but the production would be worth the 10 bucks. DDL is a priceless bonus in the eye candy dept :P

    Parent
    That's what I'm thinking (none / 0) (#50)
    by ruffian on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:02:58 PM EST
    or really not thinking much at all. I'll see anything with DDL.

    Parent
    Is that "nine" as in 8 1/2? (none / 0) (#39)
    by jondee on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:55:13 PM EST
    If there's an early sixties Claudia Cardinale lookalike in it, I might think about seeing it.

    Parent
    Kind of (none / 0) (#46)
    by ruffian on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:01:10 PM EST
    The Broadway musical "Nine" was based on the movie "8 1/2". Now there is a movie based on the musical!

    There is Penelope Cruz - close enough?

    Parent

    It proboby would be (none / 0) (#64)
    by jondee on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:16:29 PM EST
    if I had that twelve-year-old hormonal make-up back again.

    Parent
    I understand Fergie gives quite the (none / 0) (#66)
    by caseyOR on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:23:50 PM EST
    not to be missed performance in "Nine." I saw a clip of her from the movie performing the number "Be Italian", and let me just say I think I'll be going to see this one.

    Parent
    No, but saw 'Precious' last night. (none / 0) (#42)
    by Dr Molly on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:58:37 PM EST
    Tore me apart. Very powerful.

    Parent
    Today (none / 0) (#18)
    by Steve M on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:37:01 PM EST
    is my lovely wife's 30th birthday.

    She is at the salon right now getting a pedicure while I watch the kids.  Audrey just helped me put 30 candles in the birthday cake, which I got from a bakery andgarden recommended.  So this had better work out or it's on andgarden's head!!! :)

    Oh, and I got her a zoom lens for her camera.  Isn't that romantic?

    Zoom lens is very romantic (none / 0) (#22)
    by Militarytracy on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:38:58 PM EST
    Happy Birthday Mrs. M

    Parent
    You two (none / 0) (#26)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:42:21 PM EST
    sound like such a sweet couple. Good luck!!

    Parent
    Happy Birthday Mrs. M! (none / 0) (#28)
    by ruffian on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:43:36 PM EST
    I'd love to have someone buy me my camera equipment - I think you made a fine choice!

    Parent
    Oh boy, Bruce's? (none / 0) (#31)
    by andgarden on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:49:56 PM EST
    Now I'm worried!

    Congrats to the other half. BTW, how is going to feel about all of those candles. . .?

    Parent

    Actually (none / 0) (#40)
    by Steve M on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:56:46 PM EST
    she specifically requested a full set of candles!

    This is also the 5th anniversary of my proposal to her, btw, in front of the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center.  Like the cake, that's another idea I can't take credit for :)

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    Sounds good (none / 0) (#54)
    by andgarden on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:04:11 PM EST
    Did you go with the 7 layer cake? The tradition in my family is that someone gets to cut off a side with frosting (i.e. the best part). If your wife is a chocoholic, it would seem to be her turn.

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    Perfect (5.00 / 1) (#100)
    by Steve M on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 06:06:50 PM EST
    Andgarden is my new hero.  That seven layer cake might have been better than the stuff we had from the Jewish bakery growing up.

    Mommy had a great time at the salon taking a break from the kids for a couple hours and they were well behaved for Daddy... mostly.

    And the look on her face when she opened the zoom lens was like the women in those diamond commercials that run nonstop on TV for the holiday season.  Take that, Zales :)

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    Don't thank me, thank my grandmother (none / 0) (#102)
    by andgarden on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 06:17:36 PM EST
    I'm glad you all enjoyed it.

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    All the best to Mrs.M (none / 0) (#69)
    by caseyOR on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:26:37 PM EST
    By the by, I remember andgarden's comment on that bakery and I wish I was eating a piece of their cake.

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    A zoom lens (none / 0) (#96)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 05:40:14 PM EST
    A world of new perspectives on your surroundings.  A really, really, really romantic gift.

    But if I were choosing a really, really to the 6th power romantic gift, I'd give a macro lens (the one I want).

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    The storm headed to Colorado (none / 0) (#35)
    by jen on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 03:51:04 PM EST
    shouldn't be too bad -- just really cold. It was here yesterday/last night (high Sierras). Started as wind/rain, but by night the temp dropped dramatically and we got about 3" of nice, dry, fluffy snow. On top of a layer of ice. :(  Today's bitter cold and windy, but the sun keeps peeking out and it's supposed to be sunny tomorrow.

    Good luck to all those who are traveling!

    Krugman really thinks we're on the cusp (none / 0) (#56)
    by andgarden on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:05:32 PM EST
    of something really big. I wish he would show his work so I could share in his enthusiasm.  

    Maybe I'll just go with it for a few days (none / 0) (#58)
    by ruffian on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:07:35 PM EST
    I need an outrage-break.

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    I think others (none / 0) (#60)
    by Capt Howdy on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:10:56 PM EST
    should follow your lead.
    the guy always manages to catch what I am feeling before I do.


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    Too much spiked eggnog? (none / 0) (#62)
    by Robot Porter on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:12:59 PM EST


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    hehe (none / 0) (#63)
    by andgarden on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:15:09 PM EST
    I don't know too many members of the tribe who have a taste for it.  

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    You'd be surprised ... ;) (5.00 / 1) (#80)
    by Robot Porter on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:43:45 PM EST
    But, clearly, Krugman is just trying to talk himself into support.

    It's the Fox Mulder approach to policy.

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    That's why I'd like some substance from him (none / 0) (#82)
    by andgarden on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:45:53 PM EST
    In its absence, I'll reluctantly conclude that you're right.

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    Good Lord (none / 0) (#67)
    by kmblue on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:24:13 PM EST
    I just read what Krugman wrote.
    He's crazy.

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    I doubt that's the right word (none / 0) (#71)
    by andgarden on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:27:06 PM EST
    I assume he must have some basis for his confidence.

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    I meant more (none / 0) (#72)
    by kmblue on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:30:14 PM EST
    comparing himself to General Grant.
    Wow!

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    Well, we allow the noted columnist some (none / 0) (#73)
    by andgarden on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:32:50 PM EST
    rhetorical flourish.

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    Nevertheless (5.00 / 1) (#75)
    by kmblue on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:34:32 PM EST
    I posted a comment (that will never see the light of print) quoting "When Harry Met Sally":

    "I'll have what Paul's having."

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    Obama extolls his accomplishments (none / 0) (#65)
    by caseyOR on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:20:57 PM EST
    When discussing health care reform the President defies anyone to "identify any gap between what he campaigned on and what Congress is on the verge of passing."

    Does he believed none of us can read? Did he forget about YouTube? Has he installed a secret White house blocking device on google?

    Read it in the WaPo.

    Digby has it (none / 0) (#68)
    by kmblue on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:25:08 PM EST
    number one item on his campaign website"

    a public option

    oops

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    No, No and No (none / 0) (#77)
    by prittfumes on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:39:25 PM EST
    because he knows that most of the people who matter, will "believe the president", without bothering to verify anything for themselves.

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    the republigrinches relent (none / 0) (#76)
    by Capt Howdy on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:36:46 PM EST
    Senate Republicans have decided that eggnog trumps politics, so the final-final (but not final-final-final) vote on the healthcare bill is now scheduled for 8 a.m. Thursday.

    I guess the thought the sight of poor ole feeble Byrd rolling in and out at all hours was not a winning christmas image.

    Rebubs still get a couple of nights (5.00 / 2) (#88)
    by Cream City on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 05:05:04 PM EST
    to keep practicing their campaign speeches for next year.  That's what I'm hearing between the lines by Repub after Repub speechifying today.  And I have to say that some of those lines are pretty good and probably are resonating with the Repub base -- the people who actually go to the polls in an off year.

    The Repubs are just ending earlier because they realized that people won't be watching a debate in Congress on Christmas Eve.  It's about reaching their base . . . and the Dems did it for them.

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    Not at all, Captain (none / 0) (#78)
    by kmblue on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:42:25 PM EST
    They aren't thinking about Byrd--they just don't want to miss any of their own holiday cheer...
    (dammit, I've already missed dozens of cocktail parties for this!)

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    no doubt (none / 0) (#81)
    by Capt Howdy on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:44:53 PM EST
    you are correct.
    since wasnt one of them asking people to pray he couldnt make it yesterday?


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    Never mind that they could hold the vote (none / 0) (#83)
    by andgarden on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:52:29 PM EST
    right away, and there would be no difference in the outcome.

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    SHOWMANship (none / 0) (#85)
    by Capt Howdy on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 04:57:28 PM EST


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    Polanski: in absentia possible (none / 0) (#99)
    by Bosiul on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 05:43:43 PM EST
    So, they finally suggested an in absentia ruling:
    http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-polanski22-2009dec22,0,4333404.story

    One more step towards Polanski's non-extradition.

    Shades of Elian Gonzalez (none / 0) (#108)
    by CoralGables on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 09:44:38 PM EST
    with the same, and once again the proper outcome.

    The chief justice of the Brazilian Supreme Court ruled Tuesday in favor of an American father in an international custody battle.

    The ruling by Chief Justice Gilmar Mendes will reunite a 9-year-old boy with his father, David Goldman, who has been locked in a custody battle with the family of the boy's deceased mother.
    I forgot Joshua's interpretation (none / 0) (#110)
    by Militarytracy on Wed Dec 23, 2009 at 12:09:53 AM EST
    of Thirteen Days.  So before I go to bed....Wow what a President and his men.  Wow the Russians were really going to mess us up.  We talked about the Kennedy brothers some.  He asked me if when JFK was assassinated, if the country was in shock like it was on 9/11. I told him that I was born a year later, but throughout my lifetime everybody who can remember it remembers exactly where they were and what they were doing when they found out the President had been shot and that he was dead.  Then he says, "The Russians, they're the Jihadist Muslims huh mom?"  Ho Boy!  I need to think about how I answer this.  This isn't something you want to be handing out falsified info on so I told him that I needed to finish this discussion a little later.

    It was horrible, the whole weekend (none / 0) (#111)
    by caseyOR on Wed Dec 23, 2009 at 12:26:40 AM EST
    was horrible. To this day, right this minute in fact, I can pull up in my mind's eye Jack Ruby stepping out of the crowd to shoot Oswald, Oswald's mouth opening in shock, his hands, the detective holding Oswald's arm. And the lying in state and the funeral. That's all everyone did for the entire four days, watch it on TV. All of it will be with me until the day I die.

    There were, of course, those who claimed to be glad that Kennedy had gotten what was coming to him. I guess those people are always with us.

    And then Dr. King. And then Bobby.


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    I don't know how you guys (none / 0) (#114)
    by Militarytracy on Wed Dec 23, 2009 at 07:04:19 AM EST
    made it through those three assassinations and remained optimistic at a later date.  I will give Joshua's teacher here last year many kudos.  She taught her class a lot about Dr. King.  Joshua doesn't know yet or understand that all three were assassinated very close to each other.  I don't think she went into the Kennedys.

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    Tuesday Afternoon Open Thread | 114 comments (114 topical)

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