home

Monday Afternoon Open Thread

By Jeralyn, Section Blog Related
Posted on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 02:05:36 PM EST
Tags: (all tags)
Share This: Digg! StumbleUpon del.icio.us reddit reddit

Here's an open thread for topics unrelated to the auto industry.

The nursing home killings in North Carolina are so sad. So are the stories of some of the residents:

[Jesse] Musser had lived at Pinelake for only six weeks, said his son-in-law, Jim Foster, 47, of Aberdeen. He said the man had Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases and was blind, deaf and confined to a wheelchair. Foster said the family was now trying to figure out how to tell Musser's wife, who has dementia and lives at the same facility, that her husband is dead.

"She was upset that they didn't bring him to see her yesterday," Foster said. "I don't know how we're going to break it to her. You got a clue?"

What news are you following today?

< Piling On The Straw | More On The Geithner Plan >

  • The Online Magazine with Liberal coverage of crime-related political and injustice news

  • Contribute To TalkLeft


    • Display: Sort:
    Monday Afternoon Open Thread | 92 comments (92 topical)

    Readers Must Login or Create an Account to Comment

    When my aunt's husband died at (5.00 / 2) (#4)
    by Anne on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 02:24:34 PM EST
    the end of 2008, we asked the nursing supervisor and the social worker at the nursing home whether we should tell my aunt, who has advanced Alzheimer's.

    His was a face she saw every day, but no one could really say for sure whether she had any awareness of having seen him the day before, or a week ago, and she had not been asking about him.  She's at that stage where she does not verbalize well, so it's hard to tell whether her not asking was a reflection of her inability to verbalize or her lack of short-term memory and ability to orient to place and time.

    What I was told was that if she asked, they would suggest telling her, "oh, he can't come in today - he's not feeling well."

    Were we wrong not to tell her?  I don't think so.  What I most want for her is peace of mind - with everything else falling apart for her mentally, the last thing I think we needed to do was take any measures that would possibly upset her - and for what?  She could have that upset and a half hour later not remember, or maybe she would re-live that upsetting news at odd moments for days to come.

    People have to make these kinds of decisions as situations present themselves, but we just didn't have it in us to upset this 86-year old woman's life any more than it already has been by the deterioration of her mind.

    At times like that, with conditions... (5.00 / 1) (#15)
    by EL seattle on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 02:42:12 PM EST
    ... like that, I think that the only thing that can be done is to somehow stress the love that's felt by the people who aren't there to visit.  We sometimes forget about just how powerful words like "I love you," and "he loves you so very much, you know" can be during difficult times.  Sometimes that's all that can be done, but if the family members and loved ones are there to try to help, that's the best that anyone can do, I think.

    My heart really goes out to the nurses and caregivers who have to handle those challenges (often on a regular basis) because no family members are available

    Parent

    Don't worry... (5.00 / 1) (#58)
    by NYShooter on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 04:48:48 PM EST
    My father and were very close, and saw a lot of each other. When his alzheimers was about two years into its thing, I spent about an hour talking and yapping with him. After saying good bye, his nurse was coming into his room just as I was going out. Then I heard my dad say to the nurse, "who was that nice young man who was just here?"

    I wasn't upset that he didn't know who I was; I was just glad that he knew "someone" was there, and he enjoyed that.

    Parent

    It is really good of you to go (5.00 / 1) (#87)
    by Anne on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 08:22:40 PM EST
    to your aunt and help her with the transition; change is really the enemy of the Alzheimer's patient and can be terribly upsetting.

    We've been wrestling with whether we should move my aunt from the nursing home in Fairfax to a facility in our area in Maryland, once we have her home cleared out and listed for sale.  On the one hand, it would be great to be able to just pop in and see her a couple times a week - more of us could see her on a more regular basis.

    Right now, we're a little over an hour away and while that's do-able, it's never a spur-of-the-moment kind of thing (and I have to say that commuting in and out of Northern Virginia is pretty nightmarish unless you do it at the crack of dawn or after 7:00 at night!).  On the other hand, there is the likely setback she would have being taken out of an environment to which she is well-acclimated - I just don't know how she would process the changes.

    Between work and the weekends in Virginia, I just haven't had time to look into facilities here.  I have to tell you that one of the reasons we encouraged my aunt and her husband to consider a continuing care community was the ability to move from independent living to assisted living to nursing care all within the same complex (my mom moved into one two years ago, and is busier than we are and as independent as ever).  Sadly, while my aunt was very much in favor of doing that, her selfish SOB of a husband would not budge, and I am still not over the anger I have at how much more difficult and isolated her life was as a result.

    Your aunt will do so much better making the transition with you there as a familiar and comforting presence - you are a good nephew to do this for her - and I'm sure your mother will be comforted by your help, too.

    Parent

    Oahu to Albany?! (5.00 / 1) (#19)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 02:55:54 PM EST
    Sounds like a prison sentence.

    If your daughter has never seen snow (5.00 / 1) (#21)
    by scribe on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 03:08:43 PM EST
    (at least "live" snow), her first winter in Albany will rectify that deficiency.

    Not to mention disabusing her of the idea of being tan for Christmas.

    For that matter, does she own winter clothes?  There's a budget item you might have to consider adding to the college costs ....

    Parent

    And great sales now (none / 0) (#63)
    by Cream City on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 05:50:37 PM EST
    at the mainstays for winter wear -- L.L. Bean, Lands End, etc., online -- before prices go back up when the temperature goes back down again.

    Parent
    Good -- but a tip also might be (none / 0) (#81)
    by Cream City on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 07:19:19 PM EST
    for her to check out photos on the campus website and the like to see what is cool in cold Albany.  A father of a teen-aged daughter probably also already knows that two parkas or pairs of boots can look exactly alike to us, only to find that we lack the ability to see that some are just so outre.

    Btw, very cool on a lot of cold campuses this winter that I visited from the Midwest to the East were fur earmuffs.  Faux fur, I'm sure.  And Peruvian knit hats and mittens.  As for the parkas, consider the sort with the zip-out inner layer to go from season to season, as dorm rooms have no room, and yours will not be able to easily bring home one season's clothes to swap for another.

    As for winter boots, the range is remarkable this year with variations on the clunky Uggs look -- but the coolest appear to be from Urban Outfitter.  And for the wet weather of spring and fall, they all are going wild for wellies now -- the rubber boots with wild patterns, as if they were little girls again.  But faced with the cost, I found 'em for my daughter for half the price at Target -- also a good source for cold weather, as it's hq'ed in Minnesota, after all.:-)

    Parent

    A snowboard (none / 0) (#34)
    by vicndabx on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 03:51:17 PM EST
    for the snow mountains, er, drifts would be most appropriate.

    Parent
    Re: Older Guy (none / 0) (#83)
    by vicndabx on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 07:25:28 PM EST
    Yes, I experience it as "Sir" all the time.

    Parent
    Pffft. (5.00 / 1) (#23)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 03:11:19 PM EST
    A two foot base does nothing for me--that's rock skiing season.  I get excited when its over ten feet (doesn't hurt nearly as much when I crash).

    Our streets, sidewalks and driveways where clear of Thursday's snow by Friday, thanks to Mother Nature and her sunshine.  Same with this mornings snow--already just a memory.  No need for shovels this time of year...

    Would be nice to have a bay and baby whales though--they're pretty darn cool.

    Letting you all mind the store for a few days (5.00 / 6) (#35)
    by ruffian on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 03:57:27 PM EST
    I lost my best furry friend, my Golden Retriever Ruffian, to cancer on Friday. He was 11, and my alter-ego and shadow for all of those years. I know there are a lot of dog lovers here that extended sympathy when I found out he had cancer. He lasted 10 months past the diagnosis, which was a lot longer than they expected. He was so thin, and starting to show more pain last week, and I knew it was time to let him go. Even with all that time to prepare, it has been a horrible 3 days. My other dog and of course human friends have been a great confort.

    Hug your puppies - time goes so fast. Seems like yesterday he was a puppy chasing the cats around the yard and playing in that Colorado snow.

    Condolences my friend. (5.00 / 2) (#40)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 04:04:08 PM EST
    He'll be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge.

    Parent
    I am so sorry to hear this, ruffian; (5.00 / 2) (#41)
    by Anne on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 04:07:24 PM EST
    sending hugs your way.

    All our dogs and cats ever do is love and trust us; the bonds we have with them are so special that losing them opens up something much deeper than we even realized.

    My labs are almost 10 and about-to-be 5; even though I know we should have some great times ahead, I do dread the end.

    Heart goes out to you...

    Parent

    Thanks everyone (5.00 / 3) (#46)
    by ruffian on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 04:25:54 PM EST
    I didn't know what to expect. I've lost very close family members so have been through that kind of grief.  I didn't expect this to feel so much like that - like part of me is gone and I'll never be quite the same. I know it won't feel so raw after some time - soon, I hope!


    Parent
    Actually (5.00 / 4) (#55)
    by squeaky on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 04:40:53 PM EST
    You will always have the dog's spirit as part of you. It is just the physical that has left, sad as it is. My best friend is a dog, and she moved to Spain... I can relate to the feeling that part of you is gone.

    Parent
    RIP Woof Woof (5.00 / 2) (#47)
    by squeaky on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 04:27:22 PM EST
    Tragic, but you have other loves pattering and pawing about. I was going to stuff my dog, actually freeze dry him, as he was such a beauty and friend. But in my arms, twenty seconds or so after the vet put him down with a shot, I saw his soul leave his body and all that was left was a lump of flesh and fur. Not so interesting to stuff.  His anima is what made him so beautiful.

    Sorry for your loss. Dogs are the best.

    Parent

    I have to confess (5.00 / 2) (#53)
    by ruffian on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 04:38:44 PM EST
    Call me crazy, but I did cut some hair off his tail and it feels comforting to touch it now. I think that must be behind the urge to stuff pets - so you have something left to 'pet'. Also when people used to keep locks of hair in lockets, etc. I always thought that was a little gross until now.

    Parent
    Sounds Comforting (5.00 / 1) (#56)
    by squeaky on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 04:44:07 PM EST
    Nice to have the keepsake. I just have some photos. But clearly the body of my dog was no longer the dog I loved. Stuffing it would have been a waste, so I left it at the vet.

    Parent
    A friend thought to take a picture (5.00 / 1) (#70)
    by hairspray on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 06:49:28 PM EST
    of Gizmo while she was still happy and it sits on my desk reminding me of what a pal she was. Actually she was more of an impish kid.

    Parent
    Aww (5.00 / 1) (#74)
    by squeaky on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 06:57:24 PM EST
    I always smile when I see pics of my dear departed doggie friend, as well as those of my relocated doggie friend in Spain. Pictures on the refrigerator.

    I would never see them if the pics were on my desk, because my desk is far to messy.

    Parent

    My pics are on my fridge too! (none / 0) (#91)
    by Amiss on Tue Mar 31, 2009 at 12:58:34 AM EST
    The frames are little dog house magnets!

    Parent
    Good thought. I have photos (5.00 / 1) (#75)
    by Cream City on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 07:02:30 PM EST
    of my several departed felines, thanks to my thoughtful kids who took the photos in the first place and then found them and printed them for me.  Not that I could look at them at first, but they bring back fond memories now.

    Also buried the ashes of the previous duo -- both of whom died not long ago and close together in time from that @#$$!@! Chinese-tainted pet food -- in my garden under a new rose bush for each, on either side of my garden bench.  Memories are good company in a restful place for meditation, too . . . if ever this late spring ends and snow melts, so I can get out there and commune with past pets!

    Parent

    aw (5.00 / 1) (#51)
    by lilburro on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 04:35:19 PM EST
    sounds like a great dog named after a great horse!  sorry for your loss :(

    Parent
    so sorry (none / 0) (#52)
    by Capt Howdy on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 04:37:05 PM EST


    Parent
    Sorry for your loss, ruffian. (none / 0) (#59)
    by desertswine on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 05:06:39 PM EST


    Parent
    So sorry, ruffian (none / 0) (#71)
    by Dr Molly on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 06:51:53 PM EST
    It is shocking how difficult the death of a pet is, isn't it? One thinks it will be different than the death of a human loved one, but it really is just as painful in many ways. Hugs.

    Parent
    So sorry for your loss (none / 0) (#90)
    by Amiss on Tue Mar 31, 2009 at 12:55:43 AM EST
    I know how I have felt when I lost a beloved pet and I was simply devastated. It took me several years to get up the courage to invest in another emotionally. I am so glad I did tho, the rewards so outweigh the losses, they are such giving, loving devoted creatures.

    Parent
    True unconditional love! (none / 0) (#92)
    by Dr Molly on Tue Mar 31, 2009 at 06:09:39 AM EST
    The kind you can't get from a human!

    Parent
    Condolences. (none / 0) (#94)
    by Fabian on Tue Mar 31, 2009 at 07:53:50 AM EST
    It's doubly hard when anyone who is such a part of our daily lives passes on.  Still miss my guy.  Damn.  What will I do about the rabbits now?  

    Parent
    Oh my god (5.00 / 2) (#38)
    by lilburro on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 04:00:03 PM EST
    The one thing your (well-told) anecdote makes me think:  what am I doing here?

    Social Security surplus... (none / 0) (#1)
    by sweetthings on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 02:12:57 PM EST
    Is gone, years ahead of schedule.
    According to the latest Congressional Budget Office estimate, the Social Security surplus will be only $3 billion in 2010. That number is almost surely too rosy, and the actual realization next year will be a big deficit. In February, according to data from the Social Security Office of the Actuary, the program paid out more in benefits than it collected in taxes and interest combined. There will be many more months like that before we are through.

    The economic pain is going getting started. We're going to have to do something with SS MUCH earlier than we expected, and it's going to hurt. A lot.

    I'm relatively young, and don't really consider SS part of my retirement plan, but I think my parents are counting on it. This could get messy.

    Key information from that link: (5.00 / 1) (#39)
    by eric on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 04:02:00 PM EST
    (Kevin Hassett, director of economic-policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute,

    Notice that while he he links to the "most recent report by its trustees" where we are expected to run surpluses all the way to 2017, he does not link to anything that would show that in 2010, the surplus would be only 3 billion.  Nothing.  It is based upon his own analysis and the analysis of the AEI.  These people hate SS.  They want to destroy it, and they will make stuff up to make you think there is some kind of crisis.  There isn't.


    Parent

    There are definitely some big... (none / 0) (#3)
    by EL seattle on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 02:22:59 PM EST
    ... challenges ahead.  But I think that this piece of commentary reads like it's coming through a not-completely-objective filter.

    It's worth considering that...

    (Kevin Hassett, director of economic-policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, is a Bloomberg News columnist. He was an adviser to Republican Senator John McCain of Arizona in the 2008 presidential election. The opinions expressed are his own.)

    Parent

    Yeah, that's a good point. (5.00 / 1) (#26)
    by sweetthings on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 03:25:51 PM EST
    We should know pretty soon if this guys on the level or not, though.

    Parent
    The American Enterprise Institute (none / 0) (#72)
    by hairspray on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 06:52:01 PM EST
    and the Heritage Foundation are two of the biggest right wing think tanks created in the last 30 years or so by the rise of the neocons.  They are cr*p

    Parent
    SS fund balance is okay. The treasury (5.00 / 1) (#96)
    by DFLer on Tue Mar 31, 2009 at 08:53:05 AM EST
    has been borrowing from it, and needs to repay.

    The Treasury Department has for decades borrowed money from the Social Security trust fund to finance government operations.

    WashPo

    Parent

    What do you consider part of (none / 0) (#7)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 02:26:31 PM EST
    your retirement plan?

    Parent
    I'm planning on my pension and Roth IRAs.. (none / 0) (#24)
    by sweetthings on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 03:16:47 PM EST
    Right now. But I won't be retiring for at least 20 years, probably closer to 30. Frankly, there are time when I suspect my working life will outlive our basic economic system.

    Parent
    Um (none / 0) (#10)
    by Steve M on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 02:32:32 PM EST
    Assuming we take the word of this guy from AEI that the CBO estimate is off by more than $3 billion, why would you assume that this is anything more than a one-time event?  Shouldn't we expect payroll tax receipts to return to a normal level once the economy recovers?

    Parent
    I sure hope so (none / 0) (#13)
    by Capt Howdy on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 02:36:22 PM EST
    I will be retiring in a few years and I am counting on it.

    Parent
    Dow down 300 points (none / 0) (#2)
    by jbindc on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 02:14:02 PM EST
    Link

    On bad auto industry news (5.00 / 3) (#5)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 02:25:21 PM EST
    Up down up down up down, I wonder if the Masters of the Universe want to give their Tarp money back by Friday?

    Parent
    open question (none / 0) (#6)
    by CST on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 02:26:15 PM EST
    better place to live -

    boston or ny?

    I realize this may be a biased audience - but it's been troubling me all day, and keeping me from being productive.

    I lived for years in both places (none / 0) (#8)
    by Capt Howdy on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 02:29:37 PM EST
    although a lot longer in NY.  I would say NY.
    Boston is a beautiful city and in some ways easier to live in but I also found it one of the most racist cities I have ever lived in.


    Parent
    Racist (none / 0) (#16)
    by CST on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 02:43:12 PM EST
    We've made some progress... but not nearly enough I grant you that.  It's a very weird disconnect for me, because when I was growing up and in school here it was very diverse, but as soon as you enter the job market, not so much.  Definitely makes you wonder why.

    It's been bothering me today because I have to make the choice soon, and it came up repeatedly this weekend.

    And yea, these are my only two options right now, not really looking elsewhere.

    Parent

    maybe I only noticed it so much (none / 0) (#20)
    by Capt Howdy on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 03:02:34 PM EST
    when I lived there (1990-1993) because I had just lived in Manhattan for the 10 years before that.
    It probably is no different, and perhaps even better, than a lot of other places.
    there are things I liked very much about Boston.
    and things that I hated about NY for that matter.


    Parent
    LA. (none / 0) (#9)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 02:30:06 PM EST
    Or just about anywhere else west of the continental divide...

    Parent
    why? (none / 0) (#11)
    by Capt Howdy on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 02:34:08 PM EST
    "troubling me all day, and keeping me from being productive"


    Parent
    Midwest (none / 0) (#12)
    by jbindc on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 02:34:51 PM EST
    anywhere off either coast

    Parent
    Yep, Illinois will have favored status (none / 0) (#17)
    by Cream City on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 02:51:11 PM EST
    among states for at least the next few years.

    And Minnesota's economy is among the better ones now, owing to good decisions it made a decade and more ago about investing in education there (if not in infrastructure, but the bridges now are checked).

    Other than those, though, I'd check carefully on the specific city.  Some cities are doing better than their states, some worse.  The state-level economic data do not clearly reflect localisms.

    But gosh, in my area and others, it can be a great time to get a deal on housing.  I just heard about a friend of a friend here who is retiring and figures he can't get anything worth the hassle of going on the market, so he will "give" -- sell for $1 -- his home away for anyone willing to assume the mortgage.  I really want to hear how the bank will react about that.

    Parent

    NY is Better for Me (none / 0) (#22)
    by squeaky on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 03:11:11 PM EST
    I have close cousins who live in cambridgport, and they love it. Academic and architect. The quality of life may be better there regarding home backyard etc. NYC is better for me because it is rich in the arts. Boston is a cultural backwater, relatively speaking.

    Parent
    Gotta go with NY... (none / 0) (#33)
    by kdog on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 03:47:32 PM EST
    For no other reason than the trains run all night.

    It's the only place to live if you ever find yourself hammered at 4 am and have to get home.

    Parent

    I've visited both (none / 0) (#44)
    by kenosharick on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 04:20:41 PM EST
    and my impressions were that while Boston has great history (history is my life), people there were not especially friendly- almost rude. On the other hand, I loved NY, people were surprisingly friendly and helpful. Just impressions from short visits. Too bad Chicago is not a choice--- best city in the country.

    Parent
    Hands down Manhattab So (none / 0) (#60)
    by oculus on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 05:38:43 PM EST
    Much culture!

    Parent
    And if in Manhattan (none / 0) (#62)
    by Cream City on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 05:49:31 PM EST
    a family member recently found comparatively reasonable housing at the northern end, Inglewood.  Worth a visit, anyway, with a fascinating history -- the site where the island allegedly was sold by the tribe there, still the site of the only farmhouse (now a museum) left in Manhattan, and quite different from the rest of it.  Also has other hidden treasures.  Most of the neighbors are Columbian but friendly, says family member learning a different Spanish accent and dialect.  Great little neighborhood stores, markets, etc.

    Parent
    Inwood, NY (none / 0) (#64)
    by squeaky on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 05:52:15 PM EST
    Not to be confused with Engelwood NJ.

    Parent
    Englewood Nj That is (none / 0) (#65)
    by squeaky on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 06:09:04 PM EST
    And Inwood is really really far from downtown. Even with the subway running normally it is no picnic to commute. ANd from what I hear the NYC transit authority is cutting service and raising fares.

    As state lawmakers vowed to continue trying to reach agreement on a bailout plan, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board voted yesterday to dramatically increase fares and tolls while drastically cutting service.

    Newsday

    Unless you have business in Inwood, or do most of your business north of NYC and have a car, I would never recommend living in Inwood. Especially if you are moving to NYC because you want to be close or in Manhattan.

    May as well move to NJ or CT and come in on the weekends.


    Parent

    Commuting from Inwood (2.00 / 1) (#85)
    by vicndabx on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 07:31:09 PM EST
    is not all that bad.  My ex-wife lived there for years before we got married.  The A train runs express in the AM.  Commute to 59th street is about 20 minutes.  The 1 train runs regularly also.  Since it's always local, trip down to the first express transfer on the same line is about 30 minutes in the AM.  There's also an express bus that get's you to 42nd street and the East Side in about 45 minutes.  It is the tip of Manhattan, and is basically the "top" of Washington Heights.  There are a lot of nice roomy apartments since most of the buildings are older.

    Parent
    Inwood (none / 0) (#68)
    by Steve M on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 06:48:20 PM EST
    is in Nassau County, not Manhattan.  I think you and CC might be talking about two entirely different places, no?

    Parent
    Huh? (none / 0) (#73)
    by squeaky on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 06:53:29 PM EST
    Inwood is the area that CC is talking about, It is just above washington heights, last stop on the A train (207th st) and is represents the northern tip of manhattan.

    Parent
    Yes, thanks -- that's it, Inwood (none / 0) (#76)
    by Cream City on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 07:08:22 PM EST
    and I ought to have googled it up again rather than rely on memory from the family member's email of months ago.  I hoped to get up there on my recent trip to NYC to explore Inwood's history . . . but as ever, the little time left when not working was devoted to the incredible NY Public Library (the main one), Midtown museums and strolls in Soho for its street life and terrific tiny restaurants.

    I need a week, a month, or more in NYC.  

    Parent

    Englewood (none / 0) (#78)
    by squeaky on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 07:13:23 PM EST
    Is right over the GW bridge, opposite side of the Hudson from Inwood. Pretty funny mix up, imo due to their geographical similarity.

    Parent
    I'm seriously considering (none / 0) (#95)
    by Militarytracy on Tue Mar 31, 2009 at 08:28:39 AM EST
    a summer vacation there with the Joshman and enjoying all of that.  My daughter is on Long Island now with the Coast Guard and may be PCSing this summer and I'm thinking that a week or more prior to helping with the move would be a really terrific experience for Josh.......and me too :)

    Parent
    Sounds Like a Great Idea (none / 0) (#97)
    by squeaky on Tue Mar 31, 2009 at 01:40:49 PM EST
    Keep us posted.

    Parent
    Ah, re the transportation (none / 0) (#77)
    by Cream City on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 07:11:12 PM EST
    this family member is young, maybe doesn't know better, and may be learning the hard way about living closer to work.  In part, she didn't have a job yet when she landed there, taking the big leap to try to get a start there (although after two great student summer internships there).  We'll see whether the trek makes her move closer soon.

    Parent
    Much of Brooklyn and Queens (none / 0) (#80)
    by squeaky on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 07:16:35 PM EST
    Is closer. Late night, brutal subway ride, that is in terms of length and frequency of trains.

    But Inwood park, Ft Washington park (the cloisters) is really great. Also with a car, leaving the city is super easy. Nice place for a dog and a car.

    Parent

    What on earth (none / 0) (#14)
    by CST on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 02:39:38 PM EST
    Causes a person to behead their 5 year old sister and stab the other two repeatedly?

    Meanwhile across town an all too familiar scene in another neighborhood.

    Not to mention this which thankfully didn't take any lives.

    Mental illness. (5.00 / 1) (#25)
    by Fabian on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 03:19:33 PM EST
    He also sounded somewhat psychotic.  Oddly enough, his story reminded me of post partum psychosis more than anything else.

    He was obviously in need of help.
    Was any help available?

    Parent

    not sure (5.00 / 1) (#28)
    by CST on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 03:32:31 PM EST
    whether there was help available.  There was clearly something not right beyond normal bad behavior.

    I can't imagine being the parents to come home from work to that scene.  Apparently a lot of the cops are being treated as well for what they saw since it happened in front of them and is what caused them to shoot the boy.

    Parent

    I think the hardest part (none / 0) (#93)
    by Fabian on Tue Mar 31, 2009 at 07:49:10 AM EST
    I would have as a cop is that you are supposed to shoot in certain circumstances.  Did I shoot because of an emotional reaction or was I in complete control of myself at the time?

    That's a question any ethical officer would ask.  It doesn't matter that people would understand if you reacted emotionally.  It's not how an officer is supposed to act.

    Parent

    Hillary makes a boo boo (none / 0) (#27)
    by jbindc on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 03:30:35 PM EST
    Link

    For those who accuse me of being a Hillary apologist...

    A classic gaffe, as reported by the Catholic News Agency and a couple of Mexican papers, out of Mexico City Friday:

        During her recent visit to Mexico, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made an unexpected stop at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and left a bouquet of white flowers "on behalf of the American people," after asking who painted the famous image.

        The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe was miraculously imprinted by Mary on the tilma, or cloak, of St. Juan Diego in 1531. The image has numerous unexplainable phenomena, such as the appearance on Mary's eyes of those present in the room when the tilma was opened and the image's lack of decay.

        Mrs. Clinton was received on Thursday at 8:15 a.m. by the rector of the Basilica, Msgr. Diego Monroy.

        Msgr. Monroy took Mrs. Clinton to the famous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which had been previously lowered from its usual altar for the occasion.

        After observing it for a while, Mrs. Clinton asked "who painted it?" to which Msgr. Monroy responded "God!"

    The version in the Mexican press is yet more cringe-inducing: After being told it was an apparition, Clinton apparently persisted, asking, "But who painted the painting, the roses," before being informed again that God was the artist in question.

    A State Department spokesman wasn't immediately familiar with the story.
    Few who aren't solid Catholics would (5.00 / 3) (#29)
    by Inspector Gadget on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 03:42:13 PM EST
    know that is what the Catholics believe. I was raised in that faith and find myself learning new things about it all the time. Haven't practiced for 40 years.

    Honest question. Great answer.

    Parent

    That's my Hillary (5.00 / 5) (#30)
    by ruffian on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 03:44:02 PM EST
    Questioning the dogma!!!! Wish she had kept following up with "No, seriously, who painted it?"

    Parent
    lol (5.00 / 1) (#45)
    by squeaky on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 04:22:23 PM EST
    She was not questioning the dogma, she was just asking who painted it. As a devout methodist, firm believer in god, christ and the whole kaboodle, she was at worst showing a sectarian bias, doubtful though.  More likely than not she was asking the question in earnest as if she were in a 17 century church in rome.

    Parent
    I know she wasn't really (none / 0) (#48)
    by ruffian on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 04:30:29 PM EST
    meaning to question the dogma - she is a diplomat, after all. But I'm pretty sure even a devout Methodist does not believe in these types of the Catholic "miracles".

    I'm sure she was asking in earnest. Still wish she had asked it as I suggested.


    Parent

    I'm with you, ruffian, (5.00 / 1) (#54)
    by Inspector Gadget on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 04:38:56 PM EST
    the follow-up questioning would have been hysterical, and within the boundaries of what many Protestants think of the Catholics and their miracles.

    Parent
    Yeah, Hilarious (none / 0) (#57)
    by squeaky on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 04:46:05 PM EST
    just like a witch doctor making fun of a shaman.

    Parent
    oh, squeaky, lighten up (2.00 / 1) (#84)
    by Inspector Gadget on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 07:27:00 PM EST
    to a recovering Catholic it would have been hysterical!

    Parent
    Lighten Up (none / 0) (#86)
    by squeaky on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 07:36:25 PM EST
    I thought a witch doctor making fun of a shaman for believing that rocks have hold dead spirits, when everyone knows that only wood that holds dead spirits, was pretty funny and very lighthearted.

    Parent
    Well (none / 0) (#50)
    by squeaky on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 04:34:12 PM EST
    The notion of Christ and God seems equally ridiculous to me, but what do I know.

    Parent
    Well, Hillary's not Catholic (5.00 / 1) (#31)
    by caseyOR on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 03:46:53 PM EST
    I, however, was raised Catholic. In my Catholic grade school we were regaled with stories like the Guadalupe story. As a first grader i was awed. By the time I reached sixth grade my response was quite similar to Secretary Clinton's-- who painted it?

    Perhaps she should have been better briefed, but I find these kind of "miracles" are hard for people not exposed to Catholic mythology to understand or believe.

    Parent

    Um, I'm not sure who should be embarrassed (5.00 / 2) (#32)
    by andgarden on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 03:47:05 PM EST
    "When in Rome," I guess, but it's hard to be responsible for others's strange beliefs.

    Parent
    Just a (none / 0) (#36)
    by KeysDan on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 03:57:30 PM EST
    reality check.

    Parent
    I'm confused (none / 0) (#42)
    by nycstray on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 04:08:57 PM EST
    It sounds like Mary painted it:

    The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe was miraculously imprinted by Mary on the tilma, or cloak, of St. Juan Diego in 1531.

    Anyone know what kind of "paint" was used? {grin}

    Parent

    O ye of little faith and (2.00 / 1) (#82)
    by Cream City on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 07:22:04 PM EST
    many questions, remember that God works in mysterious ways, and we -- like the blessed Mary -- are but his handmaidens.  

    That's the standard answer we got from the nuns when we worried about these silly little details.:-)

    Parent

    D@mn! . . . . (none / 0) (#88)
    by nycstray on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 08:30:07 PM EST
    that public/art school education just keeps biting me in the a**, eh? OOOPS! lol!~

    I would still like to know if any historical investigation has been done on the painting as to paint type, age, materials etc. A google image search showed some nice images, but inquiring creative mind wants to know :) {and I'm too lazy  to google further!}

    Parent

    Yes. (none / 0) (#89)
    by Cream City on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 10:34:57 PM EST
    Now you sent me googling around, and there have been studies that suggest -- to some -- layers of paint (yes, paint made from pine oil and such) and several versions and even initials underneath.

    At least, that's what the unbelievers see.  They are not worthy of seeing the miracle of it all, clearly.  (Another nun rejoinder I remember.:-)

    Parent

    Good One (none / 0) (#49)
    by squeaky on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 04:31:50 PM EST
    Hope the tongue that is so firmly implanted in your cheek doesn't get stuck there.

    Parent
    Relating back to the twittering juror (none / 0) (#37)
    by Bemused on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 03:57:38 PM EST
      Here is a case discussing issues in a case where a juror contacted the media during deliberations in a death penalty case. This case involve phone calls to newspapers and TV stations by the jury foreman.

      Us v. basham

    95% of nursing homes (none / 0) (#43)
    by SOS on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 04:12:22 PM EST
    are deplorable in this country. Better hope you just suddenly drop dead someday before getting sentenced to one of these places.
    Despite Isherwood''s (none / 0) (#61)
    by oculus on Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 05:46:16 PM EST
    Perjorative NYT review, I enjoyed "Irena's Vow" featuring Tovah Feldschuh.

    Monday Afternoon Open Thread | 92 comments (92 topical)

    Readers Must Login or Create an Account to Comment