Thursday Random Thoughts

By Jeralyn, Section Blog Related
Posted on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 02:05:42 PM EST
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I'm busy at work today, as is BTD. But here are some random thoughts. Feel free to add your own:

Things that make me feel old:

Charles Manson is 74, take a look at him then and now.

Things that make me annoyed:

The number of emails I get that from people and organizations promoting their online content that have no relevance to issues covered by TalkLeft.
Unsolicited faxes where you have to call the 800 number to be removed
People who twitter boring stuff or news everyone already knows with no added original content

[More...]

The number of spammers in the past week who have registered for accounts on TalkLeft and left comments with links to whatever they are selling. I have no idea how they are getting through but there have been more than ten a day this week. I'm just deleting all new accounts that link to a business so if you are thinking of registering to comment at Talkleft, leave your website off your registration. Including a non-commercial blog address is fine, using TL to promote your business or someone else's is not.

Afternoon news:

The Judge in the Joe Nacchio case tentatively agreed to let him stay out of prison pending the determination of his Petition for Writ of Certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court. She will make her final decision after reviewing the petition which he expects to file tomorrow. She denied the request to delay his surrender date for medical reasons -- the growth on his leg turned out to be benign.

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments today on Bernie Madoff's appeal of his denial of bond pending sentencing. The court reserved ruling.

Natasha Richardson's autopsy results show her death was an accident. The cause of death is listed as "epidural hematoma due to blunt impact to the head."

Your turn. All topics welcome.

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Thursday Random Thoughts | 110 comments (110 topical)

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More good news for Nacchio: (5.00 / 1) (#3)
by scribe on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 02:32:05 PM EST

No cancer.

And I am probably one of those boring people sending along stuff everyone already knows, too.

I am surprise (5.00 / 1) (#5)
by Saul on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 02:35:03 PM EST

that Jeralyn or others who can post stories on this blog are not posting anything about the mess Obama is in on how the treasury is responsible for influencing the stimulus bill in getting Dodd to exclude his original stipulation that no bonus be given period.

Seems that this is the big news of the day and in almost all major blogs that is the leading story.

I wondered the same-- (none / 0) (#8)
by NJDem on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 02:41:02 PM EST

though to TL's credit, there have been many posts lately.

I just read how Geither admits his role in the mess (yeah, thanks Tim) and it's shocking how blatant Dodd lied. Apparently all the Conn. papers are running with it too--as they did for his Countywide problem--probably not great for his 2010 bid, though I haven't seen any recent numbers.

Good article in the Stanford U Alumni (5.00 / 7) (#38)
by hairspray on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 03:52:40 PM EST

publication (March/April 2009) about Brooksley Born, a Chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) who was appointed by Clinton. After a stellar career, she began sounding the alarm in late 1997 on the prevailing anti-regulation mindset at the time to no avail. In fact it was Alan Greenspan who was the most adamantly opposed to her "caution." Also on board were Robert Rubin and Arthur Leavitt. These people with the help of some in Congress began dismantling the power of the CFTC to shut her up. She left after the first term even tho' Clinton offered her another term. Also implicated to a lesser degree accoding to Born, were Lawrence Summers and Tim Geithner. Looks like Obama picked a sorry bunch and should now get them out.


: I think that was (5.00 / 2) (#58)
by cal1942 on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 05:37:07 PM EST

Obama all along. Our preview was his Milton Friedman memorial economics team during the campaign.

I don't know anything about AIG (none / 0) (#73)
by Jeralyn on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 06:43:14 PM EST

or the economy...BTD writes more than five posts a day on it, I leave it to him.

I do care about the stock market and social security (which I also know nothing about) but unless it's big news, it's kind of off-topic for me. Sorry.


Off topic? (none / 0) (#92)
by Saul on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 07:27:12 PM EST

but unless it's big news, it's kind of off-topic for me. Sorry.

Its been the headlines on every newspaper, blog and TV show. since this morning


: no, I meant unless (none / 0) (#99)
by Jeralyn on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 07:51:00 PM EST

the stock market or social security is big news that day, I rarely write about them, even though I care about them, because I don't know enough.
I wouldn't write about AIG no matter how big it got because I know absolutely nothing about it, everyone else is writing about it and it's not of particular interest to me.

Things that tick me off today (5.00 / 6) (#14)
by CST on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 02:45:59 PM EST

Coming into work sick as a dog, because I have too much to do, because they fired everyone else who can do my job.

Being refused vacation time (which I haven't taken in over a year) because I am "too busy" while my boss is skiing in Utah this week.

Being asked to work overtime while sick and boss is on vacation and friends just got laid off.

Clients asking me if I am the project manager because I am doing all the project manager work, while being the lowest paid employee in my company.

Having no other choice but to smile and take it because at least I have a job even if they treat me like cr@p.

Ok I am done ranting, back to work now.

: Don't apologize. (5.00 / 1) (#16)
by jbindc on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 02:48:48 PM EST

I feel like ranting to my co-workers for you!
Feel better!

: Geeze (5.00 / 3) (#25)
by nycstray on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 03:14:04 PM EST

I have a very strong urge to bust you out of your workplace, bring you home and fill you up with some homemade chicken soup and fluids.
Feel better VERY soon. And remember, your health is more important than your job. They can't fire you for being sick, so you may want to leave a bit early and visit a doctor.

: Aww (5.00 / 2) (#49)
by squeaky on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 04:31:03 PM EST

Sounds like you are someone to be counted on, a real trooper. Feel better soon. Ask for a raise.

: The key is (none / 0) (#67)
by blogtopus on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 06:27:41 PM EST

if you get time, find a good opportunity somewhere else, then say you've found another, better employer RIGHT at the time when they need you most. Then ask for a raise.
Of course, this doesn't breed trust in you, but it sounds like the kind of place that you don't trust anyway; at least you can show them how much you actually matter... I had trouble like this before, and I worked so much I blew a gasket, and left work and never came back. They were completely flummoxed, and offered me my job back - heh, so generous. No raise or promotion, just: We'll give you your job back, we forgive you.
I'm so glad I went freelance. Longer hours, less pay, but I get to do exactly what I want.

: Project Manager? (none / 0) (#75)
by Jeralyn on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 06:45:39 PM EST

Maybe you could try out for the Apprentice. I like personal rants, don't apologize. We probably should do more posts where people can just vent.

Clothes make the man. (5.00 / 1) (#17)
by lentinel on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 02:56:33 PM EST

Talk about before and after:

The photo of Bernard Madoff's mugshot speaks volumes.
He looks like the con-artist thug that he is.

When you look at the photos in the fine suit - he looks beyond reproach - untouchable - wealthy - yet human. Uncle Bernie.

But the mugshot is revealing.
The truth shines through.

He is a second-story man. He robs people of their possessions.
He violates their privacy.

I must say that I have no sympathy for this guy.
I never did.
But seeing him au naturel - the way he really looks - without the disguise - confirms what I already knew.

Close up. (5.00 / 1) (#32)
by lentinel on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 03:38:31 PM EST

It seems easier sometimes to focus on the injustice of executing an innocent person than on the injustice of sending in drones over Pakistan killing innocent children.

: That's Because (none / 0) (#52)
by CDN Ctzn on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 04:36:19 PM EST

some keep the myth alive that "those people" hate our freedom.

Pet rant (5.00 / 1) (#53)
by TeresaInSnow2 on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 05:02:44 PM EST

Nasty women's basketball coaches.

Here's what the women's Pitt coach said about playing my Montana Grizzlies in the first women's round:

""They're big, stocky women," Berenato said of Montana. "They don't press, they don't have a good transition game, they play a zone. They're a very methodical team; they almost lumber. They go hard to the paint, then they like an inside-outside game. They have a great 3-point shot."

(Link)

Big stocky women? So is Courtney Paris. So are many, if not most, female basketball players. Lumbering? Should I be peeved? I guess I should be thankful that he didn't use "nappy-headed" in the description. Is this sportsperson-like?

I wouldn't read too much into it... (5.00 / 1) (#56)
by kdog on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 05:16:25 PM EST

big, stocky, lumbering are all legit basketball adjectives.

If somebody calls you a beast or a pest on the court, those are compliments.


: Ah, a correction (none / 0) (#60)
by TeresaInSnow2 on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 05:48:38 PM EST

The Pitt Coach is a woman...her first name is AgNUS....kind of a fitting name for that kind of talk....;-)

Grrrrrrr. (5.00 / 1) (#63)
by Cream City on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 06:22:20 PM EST

I get a lot of women hoopsters in my classes, and they are generally not only great students but just bring a smile to my face seeing them bound into the room -- and I do mean bound. I guess it's that where some see "big and stocky," I see tall and healthy and energetic and darn near effervescent in their effect on others. So they look gorgeous to me.

And knowing the sort of people and students they tend to be, I am one whose heart was broken along with the players and coach and parents of the fine young women that Imus dissed. And it wasn't the racist comment about their hairdos that broke the hearts -- it was that he called them whores.

The team and coach and parents made that point again and again in their presser and more, but of course, race trumped gender in the media talk about it. And every woman athlete, present and former, whom I know noticed that. Stereotypes of women athletes continue, and it's unforgivable.


: My impression (none / 0) (#102)
by cal1942 on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 10:49:46 PM EST

of women basketball players is the same. They really do great interviews. Intelligent, effervescent, etc. A pure joy and they put their whole heart into the game. And yes, they are all beautiful.
Wish the men could do half as well.

In fairness (none / 0) (#55)
by Steve M on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 05:13:23 PM EST

male players are often referred to as "widebodies" and other uncharitable terms of that type.


: Hmm (none / 0) (#59)
by TeresaInSnow2 on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 05:42:59 PM EST

Is that a sign of a reverse man-crush?

Least he didn't mention (none / 0) (#65)
by Fabian on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 06:24:31 PM EST

cleavage!

Then I'd be really upset.


Sounds like (none / 0) (#68)
by cal1942 on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 06:32:20 PM EST

a description of Montana's style of play. I really don't believe there is any attempt at insult.

This is very much as many would describe Wisconsin's mens team. Methodical, don't press, etc.

Not unusual to hear players described as stocky, widebodies (as Steve M pointed out), etc.

Sounds to me like Pitt will try to run on Montana but that Montana will try to blunt Pitt's speed with a methodical style calculated to control the tempo of the game, a contest between two opposing philosophies of play. Could be a very interesting game.


I should mention (none / 0) (#89)
by TeresaInSnow2 on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 07:22:19 PM EST

that her comment about stocky,lumbering upset my niece Misty greatly. I have rarely heard this wording used for women's teams.

Here's a team pic:

: From a man's point of view (none / 0) (#101)
by cal1942 on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 10:40:14 PM EST

I think they're all very pretty young women.

Great Idea (5.00 / 1) (#69)
by squeaky on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 06:36:27 PM EST

WASHINGTON -- On Friday, Michelle Obama will begin digging up a patch of White House lawn to plant a vegetable garden, the first since Eleanor Roosevelt's victory garden in World War II. There will be no beets (the president doesn't like them) but arugula will make the cut.
While the organic garden will provide food for the first family's meals and formal dinners, its most important role, Mrs. Obama said, will be to educate children about healthful, locally grown fruit and vegetables at time when obesity has become a national concern.

NYT

That is great! (5.00 / 2) (#72)
by NJDem on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 06:43:14 PM EST

Alice Waters had been pushing for one for a while--she brought it up on 60 Minutes this past Sunday.


They should plant beets anyway (5.00 / 3) (#77)
by nycstray on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 06:51:24 PM EST

who cares if he doesn't like them. I thought this was to educate children, etc? Plus, I'm sure the WH Chef could slip them in some brownies and O would be none the wiser.


: Slip Them In Some Brownies... (5.00 / 2) (#81)
by daring grace on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 07:04:36 PM EST

Heh! Reminds me of the other Alice (not Waters).
No, I've heard of this trick with veggies, desserts and kids.
I agree they should plant some beets, because 1) I love them. 2) What you said. 3)The garden is supposed to be for state dinners as well as the Obama family and there are plenty of great recipes that take beets...like borscht when the Russians come? OK too obvious.

: Besides, beet greens are MUCH tastier than spinach (none / 0) (#110)
by DFLer on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 08:38:01 AM EST

(steamed, that is)

Delta has Wi-Fi on planes (5.00 / 1) (#80)
by Big Tent Democrat on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 06:58:59 PM EST

This comment was written from 35,000 feet.

Pretty cool.

How do they charge? (none / 0) (#83)
by andgarden on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 07:16:12 PM EST

Hour? Megabyte? Flight?

Free vouchers in 1st class?


10 bucks flat fee (none / 0) (#84)
by Big Tent Democrat on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 07:17:10 PM EST

Not bad, depending on length (none / 0) (#86)
by andgarden on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 07:18:42 PM EST

Do a speed test?


1874 (none / 0) (#90)
by Big Tent Democrat on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 07:22:46 PM EST

It is pretty good by my naked eye.


About as good as when you steal your (none / 0) (#91)
by andgarden on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 07:26:55 PM EST

neighbor's Wi-Fi (which I don't do, because I'm not a Slowsky).


Really? (none / 0) (#94)
by squeaky on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 07:32:56 PM EST

I use my neighbors, and my speed is 9777. My neighbors are fine with me using theirs. I bring them bottles of wine from time to time, we share that too...


Well, it depends, of course (none / 0) (#97)
by andgarden on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 07:39:53 PM EST

In buildings, speeds often go down because of walls and congestion.


: Yeah (none / 0) (#98)
by squeaky on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 07:45:10 PM EST

Also how many people are sharing a line. I used to have time warner but it would get really slow, like dial up slow, sometimes for days. When I complained they BSed. Must be the rain, or there is a problem in your area we are working on it... bla bla bla.
I knew that they were FOS because there were unencrypted WiFi's that I could join which were much faster than mine, and I was paying $50/month.
After trying to get better service, for months, I eventually just asked my neighbors and dumped Time Warner. Don't have a teevee so I do not need them.

That's it, I'm flying Delta (none / 0) (#87)
by Cream City on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 07:19:21 PM EST

next time, after interminable time on planes last week. So what if the last time I flew Delta, the bathrooms were not working. . . .


WH message (4.30 / 10) (#22)
by jbindc on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 03:03:05 PM EST

Apparently not as strong, nor as disciplined as during the campaign. Think it might have something to do with the fact that the MSM / "progressive" blogs don't have She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, Granpda McCain, or a certain Governor of Alaska to focus on? They actually have to focus on what Obama is saying and not on pantsuits or arms that can't raise above a head or elevating Tina Fey above her relevance?

: How about (5.00 / 4) (#24)
by scribe on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 03:10:17 PM EST

"January 20, they took down the box that collected questions for Obama" and stuck cotton in their ears after we google-bombed the site with a really insubordinate question about torture and prosecutions".
Communication is a two-way street, bubbie.

Remember this? (4.25 / 4) (#4)
by jbindc on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 02:35:00 PM EST

Remember when people made fun of McCain for coming back to work on TARP because he thought it looked better (and was better) to come back and do his job and asked to cancel or postpone the debate and Obama preferred to keep the debate on?

Looks like Obama is now having comments made about having time to fill out NCAA brackets and go on Jay Leno.

I'd be surprised if there wasn't a (5.00 / 1) (#12)
by NJDem on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 02:43:25 PM EST

reprisal of the summer's 'Celebrity' ad at some point by the RNC.

It's not just unprecedented for a sitting president to go on the show--but now? During this crisis? It's like, you won--you don't need to campaign anymore!


It makes perfect sense (5.00 / 1) (#31)
by samtaylor2 on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 03:34:51 PM EST

Why go through congress to try to gather support for his budget when he can go directly to the people? What should he be doing during the hour it takes to record the show?


The proper place (4.75 / 4) (#57)
by cal1942 on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 05:18:02 PM EST

is a televised address to the nation in prime time a la Roosevelt's Fireside Chats.


: Since the teevee has replaced the fireside (none / 0) (#109)
by DFLer on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 08:36:46 AM EST

in most American homes, I'm not so sure that the Tonight show is an inappropriate venue for a "fireside chat"

Most of "the people" (3.00 / 2) (#42)
by TeresaInSnow2 on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 04:04:35 PM EST

are sleeping at 11:30, at least the work-a-days are.

To discuss serious issues, he should try Meet the Press or 60 minutes. The Tonight Show is about entertaining the youth....Unfortunately, a drinking game involving Obama's mention of the budget on the Tonight Show will likely be a very sober affair indeed.


You right, no one watched the tonight show??? (none / 0) (#61)
by samtaylor2 on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 05:54:10 PM EST

Not people (2.50 / 2) (#62)
by jbindc on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 06:06:18 PM EST

Who want to hear substantive answers to serious questions. And not people who have to get up for work in the morning.


Thanks Nielson (5.00 / 2) (#88)
by samtaylor2 on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 07:19:51 PM EST

You must be right no one who works watches the tonight show??

We have established that you go to bed early. However, my guess is that you are wrong about a lot of other people who work.


: I never watch the Tonight Show (none / 0) (#105)
by shoephone on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 12:58:58 AM EST

because I cannot stomach the unbelievably UNfunny Jay Leno. But that's just me. I've always been a Letterman fan.
I do think it would be better for Obama to go on Jon Stewart's show. He'd really have to hold his own though!

That would make sense if (none / 0) (#41)
by coast on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 04:03:28 PM EST

we, the people, actually voted on this stuff. But we don't.


All at our expense now (5.00 / 3) (#18)
by Inspector Gadget on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 02:56:54 PM EST

not just those who contributed to his campaign.

Air Force One is probably the most expensive taxi in the country...not to mention the cost to LA areas where the police and security details had to be brought in for protection - the entire route from airport to venue and back.

I remember 2 trips in one year for GWB to come to Medina (Bill Gate's community)...the locals were infuriated at what it cost that small city to provide protection for the motorcade and the event.


Chopper from Long Beach (5.00 / 4) (#27)
by MKS on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 03:19:30 PM EST

to Costa Mesa....no motorcade.

Selling the agenda is important....coming to California to have Ahnold support the stimulus is helpful.


: But they shut down the airspace (none / 0) (#71)
by Jeralyn on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 06:41:08 PM EST

and the American Idol contestants missed their flight to Detroit for Motown Week -- Ryan Secrest tweeted about it.

Pfft. (5.00 / 1) (#26)
by TheRealFrank on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 03:16:19 PM EST

The appearance is part of a publicity campaign supporting the budget.


It's a pep rally! (4.25 / 4) (#29)
by nycstray on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 03:24:57 PM EST

It's not like he's going on (4.00 / 3) (#33)
by NJDem on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 03:38:39 PM EST

Meet the Press to sell it, that would make some sense. It's an entertainment show--one that is on the complete opposite side of the country--even going on Letterman would have made more sense!

But it doesn't really matter is there's any logic involved--it appears foolish, and perception is, well, pretty big in politics...


: It's hardly primetime TV where (5.00 / 1) (#34)
by Inspector Gadget on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 03:42:16 PM EST

one doesn't have to force oneself to stay awake and then try to drag themselves out of bed for work in the morning.
Leno your choice for asking the tough questions? Not mine, and I'd be willing to bet his 10 minute slot will be about basketball, superbowl party, and the fun he's having living in the lap of luxury.

: He's falling back on his experience (4.57 / 7) (#36)
by nycstray on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 03:49:31 PM EST

it's the one thing he knows how to do. Plus, he's going to stay in campaign mode for the full 4yrs, I believe. They even mentioned 2012 positioning when forming the women's WH council group.
He can't go on Letterman. He would have to make Dave understand and explain in pretty clear detail how he's going to fix it. Letterman really wants to know, lol!~

: BINGO! (4.50 / 6) (#37)
by jbindc on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 03:50:59 PM EST

There will be no serious talk of the economy, AIG, or anything else. We will hear a softball "serious" question, then it will be March Madness, the green in the WH fountains, the girls and their new swingset, and how much b-ball he's played since he's been in the WH.
And, it's not like a presidential address - the Tonight Show is on at 11:30 at night.
This is completely "I'm cool, so you can't question me because I must be right" move. The only people who will think that he did well tomorrow will be those who voted for him for no other reason than he was going to "change" Washington with his awesomeness.

Exactly (4.00 / 4) (#28)
by jbindc on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 03:23:27 PM EST

It's lame.


: Not lame.. (5.00 / 4) (#30)
by TheRealFrank on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 03:29:23 PM EST

These days, it's pretty standard fare. If you want to get something passed as big as the upcoming budget, you need a publicity campaign to go with it.
Maybe that is lame, but it can't be avoided, sadly.
I'm glad that he's doing this. I didn't like what he did with the stimulus package: aim too low on what matters, and aim too high on "bipartisanship". With the budget, I think he's getting it right: aim high and push hard through a publicity campaign.
This whole thing was obviously already planned before the whole AIG angry mob. I don't think he should have canceled it just because lawmakers in DC are pushing eachother over trying to grandstand on the issue. In fact, it's one more reason to go through with it. Obviously the AIG thing has turned into a PR war that he is involved in, and appearing on tv regularly can't be bad.

Dumb Move by McCain (5.00 / 3) (#39)
by WS on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 03:53:44 PM EST

That was one of the dumbest moves by the McCain campaign and showed him to be erratic in a crisis.

He didn't just "go to work" in Washington. He went there and loudly proclaimed he won't leave until the crisis was resolved. Then he went to the debate anyway.


: And we're seeing what from this (4.00 / 4) (#44)
by coast on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 04:09:52 PM EST

administration?

I'm guilty of one of those emails (none / 0) (#1)
by jeffinalabama on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 02:20:01 PM EST

for legal issues. sorry. Won't happen again.

: If its legal issues it's okay (none / 0) (#70)
by Jeralyn on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 06:39:18 PM EST

It's stuff not related to what TL covers I'm talking about.

Probably you need some form of CAPTCHA (none / 0) (#2)
by andgarden on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 02:24:59 PM EST

to block to bots from registering. I don't know how that can be integrated into scoop, though.

Different topic: do people have a favorite treatise on the New York (city and/or state) realty transfer tax that they could point me to? I want to read about something I'll likely be dealing with this summer.

Funny, I was just reading. . . (5.00 / 7) (#9)
by LarryInNYC on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 02:41:38 PM EST

about New York realty transfer taxes last night.

Oh, wait. I was actually pounding nails into my forehead. I get those things mixed up all the time.


I'm thinking andgarden may (5.00 / 1) (#11)
by oculus on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 02:43:14 PM EST

be well advised to seek a different summer opportunity.


It actually works out for a number of reasons (none / 0) (#20)
by andgarden on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 03:00:10 PM EST

But yes, I could end up begging Larry for the nail gun by mid June. . .


I'm happy for you? (none / 0) (#23)
by oculus on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 03:06:12 PM EST

: Yes ;-) (none / 0) (#46)
by andgarden on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 04:21:25 PM EST

Ha, ha, ha. (none / 0) (#6)
by scribe on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 02:37:55 PM EST

In reality, you're just looking for either (a) something to facilitate an insomniac sleeping on the beach/porch or (b) something to weight down whatever it is around your house that needs some serious pressing.

You do know that it's called the "New York State
Real Estate Transfer Tax and Mansion Tax"?

As I read it, you start with $2.00 per $500.00 of transferred value, and then the Mansion tax kicks in when it's a house valued at over $1 mil. And you owe it within 15 days, or else.

You might want to google "New York State
Real Estate Transfer Tax".


Oh, yeah. (none / 0) (#7)
by scribe on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 02:38:27 PM EST

There's a city tax, too.


: No idea what it is... (1.00 / 1) (#13)
by kdog on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 02:44:45 PM EST

but I'm still confident I can sum it up in two words knowing nothing else but "NY" and "tax".
"Bend Over"

: Yup, and I'm interested (none / 0) (#21)
by andgarden on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 03:02:05 PM EST

to see if anyone has written about the differences between the two. I'll be comparing it all to Philadelphia/Pennsylvania, where I already have a text as a starting point.

heh (none / 0) (#19)
by andgarden on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 02:57:28 PM EST

Thanks.


Good Thing (none / 0) (#48)
by squeaky on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 04:29:12 PM EST

It does not apply to NYC co-ops.


One thing annoying me lately... (none / 0) (#10)
by kdog on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 02:41:51 PM EST

is the state troopers calling every night lately looking for donations...talk about barking up the wrong tree calling my crib.

My stock answer is always the same..I gave at the courthouse in the form of fines and lost wages.

My answer is (5.00 / 1) (#74)
by Jeralyn on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 06:44:03 PM EST

to anyone who calls selling something or seeking donations, "I don't accept telephone solicitations" and then I hang up.


I liked that answer the best... (none / 0) (#93)
by kdog on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 07:31:52 PM EST

when I did that atrocious work...the worst were the people who would listen to the whole scripted song and dance, then decline. They think they are being polite, but I didn't wanna say the spiel any more than they wanted to hear it.


: I used to stop them right after they (none / 0) (#100)
by Anne on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 07:56:27 PM EST

asked me "how are you this evening?" and would just say, "Look, I know you're trying to make a living, but you aren't going to make any money with me, so I'm going to hang up now and let you get onto your next call."
I say "used to" because once I did the Do Not Call list, those kinds of calls stopped.

Maybe (4.33 / 6) (#15)
by jbindc on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 02:48:06 PM EST

They're just checking to see if you're home. ;)


: Their budget for ankle braclets was (5.00 / 1) (#45)
by coast on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 04:12:24 PM EST

cut, so you get a good night call instead.

I thought all those LE calling for donations (none / 0) (#47)
by sarcastic unnamed one on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 04:21:47 PM EST

are scams?


: or at least telemarketers who get a cut of the (5.00 / 1) (#51)
by DFLer on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 04:35:26 PM EST

donation

: Probably... (none / 0) (#54)
by kdog on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 05:04:09 PM EST

Though I assume if you're calling me, and I don't know you, you're scamming to some degree.
Heck, I've been there...scammed the phones for AT&T and others back in the day...that sh*t sucks.

The Do Not Call list (none / 0) (#66)
by Fabian on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 06:27:05 PM EST

is your friend.

Reminds me - T Bones Pickens called tonight (his robocall did). I need to re-register our phone #.


Probably is... (none / 0) (#95)
by kdog on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 07:33:29 PM EST

but I ain't signing up on principle...I don't do lists...the annoyance is a cost of freedom I gladly pay:)


Best Tactic (none / 0) (#96)
by squeaky on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 07:38:49 PM EST

Is to engage the callers for as long as you can. If I have the time I ask them about their education, family, ambitions, food and anything I can think of.

I have read that engaging sales callers in small talk is really good for people on the autistic spectrum to practice social skills.

Eventually the sales callers put you on a blacklist.


: That takes time. (none / 0) (#108)
by Fabian on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 04:50:08 AM EST

The interruptions bug me. During the day, I have to answer the phone because it might be the school about my kids. At night I have the kids and it's homework and dinner and baths and bedtime.
"No/Thx/click" is about all they'll get from me.

AIG to raise bonus amounts after today's 90%... (none / 0) (#35)
by magster on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 03:46:05 PM EST

tax vote so that net bonuses remain the same.

Not really, but it wouldn't suprise me.

: I have a really bad feeling... (5.00 / 1) (#40)
by kdog on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 03:54:11 PM EST

this "tax weapon" is gonna come back to bite us in the arse...taxes are not a joke.
Once the government has a weapon they use it, and not always as intended.

Six years after the Iraq Invasion... (none / 0) (#43)
by desertswine on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 04:08:08 PM EST

Ever wonder "where are they now?" Here are some of them.

faxes (none / 0) (#50)
by jharp on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 04:33:59 PM EST

"Unsolicited faxes where you have to call the 800 number to be removed"

Good luck with that one. It went on for years for me. And the faxes never did stop. I finally disconnected my fax.

And FYI. I believe it's against the law in many states. Still, there isn't much you can do about it.

I prefer the counter attack (none / 0) (#76)
by CoralGables on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 06:46:50 PM EST

Those faxes also usually have an 800 fax number to send something back. Repeatedly faxing them back what they sent you generally convinces them to stop.


Yup, reverse fax/spam works well (none / 0) (#78)
by nycstray on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 06:52:47 PM EST

Yeah (none / 0) (#79)
by squeaky on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 06:56:34 PM EST

And the worst is all black background with a little bit of pungent white text.


I love (none / 0) (#82)
by CoralGables on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 07:07:05 PM EST

when I learn a new method of fax warfare :)


: Yeah (none / 0) (#85)
by squeaky on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 07:18:06 PM EST

Black jams the fax of the receiver because it takes so long to print out. I think I learned that from ACT UP tactics or another advocacy group to shut down Jesse Helms et al offices..
Wiki has a nice entry on them. Evidentially for max effect they can be looped.

Twitter is as twitter does. (none / 0) (#64)
by Fabian on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 06:22:21 PM EST

Whaddya expect?

It seems (none / 0) (#103)
by MrConservative on Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 11:57:59 PM EST

As thought your CAPTCHA system has been broken. Assuming you were using CAPTCHA. Hopefully you'll get an update soon which will fix the problem.

Don't use captcha (none / 0) (#104)
by Jeralyn on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 12:51:38 AM EST

But registering requires a legit email to get the password. Any ideas for how they are getting in? I think they are signing up for accounts and getting the passwords at their email address and registering. Before, spammers didn't take the time to do this.

I'm also wondering whether my increased use of Twitter and/or facebook is alerting them to the site.


I think the spammers are on a roll this week (none / 0) (#106)
by shoephone on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 01:05:44 AM EST

The site I used to write for (which has gone dark for posting, but apparently not for commenting!) has been getting hit with drug and porn spam for the last two days. I was able to delete some of it, but I'm not the blog owner -- I just wrote him and asked him to delete and ban those IP addresses.

It is very annoying.


: And I'm not on Twitter n/t (none / 0) (#107)
by shoephone on Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 01:06:25 AM EST