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Friday Morning Open Thread

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Blog Related
Posted on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 12:31:44 PM EST
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It's the afternoon in New York, but I follow Colorado time for TalkLeft.

Open Thread.

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    Watching Bob Gibbs for the first time (5.00 / 0) (#52)
    by andgarden on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 02:17:04 PM EST
    in a while. Is he really still this bad after all this time? He's halting, bright red, and transparently trying to say nothing.

    he's a disaster (5.00 / 1) (#54)
    by ruffian on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 02:21:06 PM EST
    Carney will be better, if a little slick.

    Parent
    I noticed also... (5.00 / 0) (#56)
    by jeffinalabama on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 02:22:43 PM EST
    much worse than usual. Out of his depth with this one, and doubtless no clear guidance from the inner circle.

    Either that, or he has a 3:30 pm lingering hangover, which I doubt.

    Parent

    My thing is (5.00 / 1) (#57)
    by andgarden on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 02:25:46 PM EST
    that he is this way every single time they put him on, apparently. I have no idea why they would retain the worst press secretary in my lifetime for this long.

    Parent
    Yes, I see no difference (5.00 / 0) (#59)
    by Towanda on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 02:44:50 PM EST
    in this presser vs. his previous pressers, sadly.  He is so awkward in his job, at least this part of his job.  So he must have been good at some other part about which we do not know.

    Parent
    I've been (5.00 / 1) (#60)
    by Zorba on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 02:47:43 PM EST
    saying for quite awhile that Gibbs has all the arrogance of Ari Fleischer, and all the (lack of) brains of Scotty McClelland.  He's really bad, all right.

    Parent
    Well said (none / 0) (#71)
    by ruffian on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 03:13:00 PM EST


    Parent
    Wondering what you'all would have (none / 0) (#82)
    by oculus on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 03:46:19 PM EST
    Gibbs say?  Very fluid situation.  Best to hedge and wait to see what happens.

    Parent
    In this particular situation he is (5.00 / 1) (#121)
    by ruffian on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 06:46:33 PM EST
    disadvantaged by his prior performance. If he didn't come across as dishonest, confused,  or hedging even when he is sure of his facts i'd cut him slack in a fluid situation.

    Parent
    I look at Carney as being in the Tony Snow model (none / 0) (#55)
    by ruffian on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 02:22:41 PM EST
    except not as partisan in background.

    Parent
    HA (5.00 / 1) (#75)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 03:21:13 PM EST
    leader in Kuwait announces he intends to give several thousand bucks to every single Kuwaiti every months for the next several months.

    I call that getting out in front of the problem

    I detect some (5.00 / 1) (#116)
    by brodie on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 05:38:34 PM EST
    Nixon '73 aspects to the Mubarak decision to try to tough it out, ask for the resignations of the cabinet, as Tricky asked Haldemann and Ehrlichman to step aside, then later tried to put off a complete investigation of the tapes by issuing volumes of edited transcripts.

    It took a year or more for Nixon to finally leave, but that was w/o massive public demonstrations demanding same.  We'll see about Hosni, but I doubt if he has much longer to rule.  

    I think Baby Doc Duvalier's villa on the Riviera is now available, which could become Hosni's San Clemente.

    mob headed for state television (none / 0) (#1)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 12:41:25 PM EST
    now its getting interesting

    Really hope the... (5.00 / 1) (#3)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 12:55:26 PM EST
    Egyptian pres has the good sense to take his money and run, as opposed to shedding lots of blood to maintain power...it's over dude, don't make things worse.

    Parent
    I dont think (none / 0) (#5)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 12:59:12 PM EST
    shedding anyones blood is an option any more.  the military seems to be siding with the protesters.  being welcomed and celebrated by them.  the curfew is not being inforced.

    if Hosni knows whats good for him he is already out the back door.

    Parent

    How awesome is that? (5.00 / 1) (#8)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 01:03:22 PM EST
    I mentioned earlier...can you imagine riot cops in the USA ever dropping the tear gas to join protestors, under any circumstances?  I can't.

    For all their religion and economic problems, there appears to be a solidarity of the masses in Egypt that is sorely lacking in our kick the dog country.

    Parent

    fairly (none / 0) (#12)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 01:07:22 PM EST
    awsum

    Parent
    Cops are attacking protesters (none / 0) (#22)
    by Towanda on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 01:35:49 PM EST
    in Egypt -- different from the military there, per reports on CNN and other.  Interesting.

    Parent
    according to AlJazzera (none / 0) (#24)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 01:39:56 PM EST
    Police and firefighters have fled.  none to be seen anywhere.

    Parent
    Where in Egypt? (none / 0) (#27)
    by Towanda on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 01:44:29 PM EST
    Not according to live tv I just saw -- but protests are at several sites across the country.

    Parent
    Cairo (none / 0) (#34)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 01:54:37 PM EST
    dump cnn and turn on Al Jazzera

    Parent
    Found Al Jazeera live-stream (none / 0) (#61)
    by Towanda on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 02:47:51 PM EST
    here for others here.  Thanks.

    Parent
    sorry (none / 0) (#63)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 02:48:42 PM EST
    I think I put it in the other thread

    Parent
    ruling party hq (none / 0) (#25)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 01:40:20 PM EST
    has been looted and destroyed.

    Parent
    quote (none / 0) (#26)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 01:41:57 PM EST
    security apparatus washed away


    Parent
    The military will wind up (none / 0) (#28)
    by jeffinalabama on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 01:45:41 PM EST
    in charge. I think the State Department is waiting for Mubarak to actually leave before briefing the press.

    Remember Tehran? This looks familiar...

    Parent

    Protesters form a human shield (5.00 / 1) (#30)
    by Harry Saxon on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 01:48:41 PM EST
    to prevent looting of the Museum of Antiquities.

    Parent
    Thank heavens, and (none / 0) (#32)
    by Towanda on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 01:51:07 PM EST
    may the line hold.  I had horrible memories of the looting of museums in Iraq.

    Parent
    looting of museums (none / 0) (#36)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 01:55:36 PM EST
    this is not those people

    Parent
    Beautiful... (none / 0) (#40)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 01:59:38 PM EST
    just like the human shields to protect the coptic christian minority from religous extremist violence over the holidays.

    May such beautiful diplays of humanity guide this uprising...the world needs a new beacon of hope since our light dimmed under the storm clouds of greed and oligarchy, show the world how it is done Egypt, be the new beacon of freedom and liberty!

    Tearing the mother down means nothing unless something better is built in its place.

    Parent

    Dr Zahi Hawass for President! (none / 0) (#50)
    by Harry Saxon on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 02:14:05 PM EST
    if he'll accept the demotion :-)


    Parent
    No, not Zahi! (none / 0) (#69)
    by brodie on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 03:11:06 PM EST
    The Hosni Mubarak of the Giza Plateau.

    In my humble opinion of course ...

    Parent

    you mean the guy who has (none / 0) (#70)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 03:12:48 PM EST
    taken over all the egyptian discovery channel shows.

    oh god no.


    Parent

    Could be hit or miss... (none / 0) (#29)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 01:47:36 PM EST
    with authorities flippin' sides and joining the uprising...that would make sense.

    Though I'd also suspect our corporate & authority-friendly media would try and keep that kinda sh*t under wraps...don't wanna give other mercs any ideas, ya know?  Especially ours...we've already had a few sheriffs refusing to act on eviction orders.

    Parent

    One report I saw said that in Alexandria (none / 0) (#31)
    by ruffian on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 01:49:54 PM EST
    a 6 tank convoy was delayed for 35 minutes while the tank drivers got out and shook hands with all the protesters. As much as we talk in the USA about a)the military defending our freedom and b)we love the troops I doubt that would happen on either side of the equation.

    There were some scenes of violence - one feed from Suez showed a police truck driving into a couple of protesters, and also some rock throwing, but by and large it has been an amazing sight.

    I don't condone the burning of course. Someone innocent is going to get hurt.

    Parent

    that was a police truck (none / 0) (#33)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 01:54:08 PM EST
    the army is completely different.

    Parent
    Equate the police to the president's own (none / 0) (#53)
    by jeffinalabama on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 02:19:36 PM EST
    KGB, and the Military to brothers, sisters, parents, etc., who get victimized just as much by the police... except maybe the highest level officers.

     For 30 years, there has existed the insiders and the little people. the numbers of 'little people,' or marginalized non-inner circle folks have grown tremendously given Egypt's demographics.

    Imagine trying to live on 50  bucks a month with the way food prices have increased in the past few years.

    Hungry folks, combined with being young (Most protests started by young folks), won't stand for continued mistreatment. Egyptians are proud... in their person and in their . Look at the result following the 1973 war with Israel. After re-taking the Suez, peace became possible.

    Pride and dignity. Stooping to corruption or trickery goes against the cultural norms.

    Parent

    This photo is interesting (none / 0) (#38)
    by waldenpond on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 01:57:40 PM EST
    from the Atlantic....  I read the cables of police oppression and brutality, this protestor has an intersting approach

    Subversive Kiss

    Parent

    Great picture... (none / 0) (#48)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 02:12:36 PM EST
    that clap you just heard was MLK Jr. and Ghandi High-Fiving in heaven.

    Parent
    Flight out of Egypt: (none / 0) (#2)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 12:54:58 PM EST
    Entire Israeli embassy staff evacuated by helicopter

    Parent
    Egyptian government... (none / 0) (#4)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 12:57:31 PM EST
    censoring the internet, even shutting it down for parts of the country.

    Last throes of a dead regime?

    from TPM (5.00 / 1) (#6)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 12:59:48 PM EST
    Blocking the Internet may be seen in retrospect as the Ceausescu moment for the regime.


    Parent
    The death rattle of the asp. (none / 0) (#11)
    by KeysDan on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 01:07:11 PM EST
    The issue "going forward" using beltway-speak, is the replacement government.  Mohamed El Baradei, formerly UN Ambassador IAEA and Nobel winner, seems to ready for that forward movement, if he gets the Army support.  A country of such strategic importance, it is scary.

    Parent
    it is scary (none / 0) (#13)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 01:08:49 PM EST
    but I can not help being jubilant watching people power.

    also from what I have read this is not the muslim brotherhood.  it is primarily young secular people.
     

    Parent

    Yes, me too. (none / 0) (#17)
    by KeysDan on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 01:20:23 PM EST
    However, religion plays a big role in Egypt and as their world becomes more scary and chaotic, groups like the Muslim Brotherhood may seem comforting.    The young, educated people will need to take the leadership after the fall of the Mubarak to make sure that the country does not go from the frying pan into the fire.  Our hopes, prayers and, probably, our CIA,are with that goal.

    Parent
    isnt Elbaradei (none / 0) (#19)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 01:25:52 PM EST
    considered a pretty pro western guy?

    he seems to be where the focus is.  i heard a while ago that he was surrounded and unable to leave his house after being arrested.

    Parent

    Yes... (none / 0) (#18)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 01:20:55 PM EST
    uncertainty can be scary...but it is also an opportunity.

    Tyranny and oligarchy and authoritarianism is scary too.

    Parent

    One western commenter on AlJazeera said it proves (none / 0) (#35)
    by ruffian on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 01:55:15 PM EST
    that the alternative to a dictator does not have to be the Taliban.  I hope that is the way all of these upheavals prove out.

    Tehre was a yong Tunisian woman interviewed on NPR yesterday morning. I didnot realize how far ahead they are on women's rights in Tunisia - they are in the Constitution, and they had abortion rights prior to Roe v Wade here. This young woman was sure that the fact that women were protesting right alongside the men would guarantee that their rights would not be stripped away by whatever new government is formed. I wanted to give her a hug. I don't pray much, but I did say a quick one that she is right.

    Parent

    I hear ya... (none / 0) (#43)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 02:05:48 PM EST
    I'm worried sick for the Tunisian and Egyptian people and the great uncertainty they march into as we type...but I am also jealous.  

    Such moments when revolutionary positive change is within reach are so very rare...please let them seize the day.

    Parent

    quote (none / 0) (#44)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 02:06:47 PM EST
    they have a sense victory is within their grasp


    Parent
    Muslim Brotherhood (none / 0) (#120)
    by Raskolnikov on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 06:39:44 PM EST
    That's encouraging that its mostly younger secular types.  A marginalized religious political organization with new found freedom and power doesn't present a rosy situation for United States interests.  Still, very cool to see that people still have the power to effect change: in our necessarily cynical modern age this is a ray of sunshine.

    Parent
    i.e. (none / 0) (#14)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 01:10:46 PM EST
    link

    link

    Parent

    Hosni (none / 0) (#7)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 01:02:28 PM EST
    apparently rethinking addressing the nation.

    except in the rear  view mirror I suspect.

    Sultan al-Qassemi tweets: (none / 0) (#9)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 01:04:49 PM EST
    "Egyptian student shows Al Arabiya tear gas canister that says `Made in USA'. `How can we allow this in Egypt?'"

    how  can we allow it in amerika

    Even worse... (none / 0) (#15)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 01:12:50 PM EST
    it was probably charity tear gas...not the way to get off on the right foot with any new regime, is it?

    We'll never learn...

    Parent

    I was surprised (5.00 / 2) (#16)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 01:13:30 PM EST
    to learn we still "make" something

    Parent
    they must (none / 0) (#21)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 01:34:10 PM EST
    be old surplus.  yes?

    WWII vintage probably.

    Parent

    MSNBC and the World's Greatest Football Team (none / 0) (#10)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 01:06:27 PM EST
    Part I
    It's one thing for this he/she said non-sense when writing about politics, after all most of it is subjective, but does it have to cover every story ?

    MSNBC spent two pages writing about the what each side has to say about the lawsuit, one says 77% beef, the other 33% beef in the meat product.  Would it have killed them to take a taco and have it tested, or are really at the point where investigative has been removed and we are left with just stenographers.

    I could care less about Taco Bell, but it just rubbed me the wrong way an easily verifiable fact could have been tested at little expense.
    ------------------------

    Part II and Unrelated.
    The Green Bay Packers are the most awesome football team to ever step foot on the tundra, just in case anyone didn't know that.  

    Trying to get tickets for the game, I'm in Houston, born and raised in Wisconsin.  But damn, I ain't got $2500 for a nosebleed.  Funny how the NFL locks down football so tight that I couldn't get an AM stream to listed to the game on my phone, yet every clown in town seems to have a ticket and wants 4x face value for it, what gives.

    What gives? (none / 0) (#20)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 01:27:31 PM EST
    It's the Super Bowl man...money and connections talk, diehard fan walks....very few tix ever even become available to the general public at face value, then you've got the scalpers to contend with.  

    As for the Taco Bell controversy...I'd rather there be no independent testing...I don't wanna know, pass me a chalupa:)

    Parent

    SuperBowl is not about football (none / 0) (#23)
    by Towanda on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 01:38:08 PM EST
    but about advertising, commercialism, etc.  I went to one once.  Hardly anyone actually watched the game.

    Parent
    Yeah, it would be different if it was at one of (none / 0) (#41)
    by ruffian on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 01:59:42 PM EST
    the home fields of the participating teams. As it is now it is just a corporate event. The football is incidental.

    But I wish the Bears were going! The faithful watching at home care about the game.

    Parent

    I read something the other day and it said (none / 0) (#45)
    by Angel on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 02:09:31 PM EST
    the actual time the ball is in play is only minutes!  I got a laugh out of that.

    Parent
    Sounds about right (none / 0) (#49)
    by ruffian on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 02:12:56 PM EST
    I rarely watch a game anymore, but the last two Bears games I watched were so frustrating. 3 hours of time to watch 1 hour of 'football', some of which is walking around, setting up, etc. I hate to sit there and watch commercials, and reading is hard in fits and starts. I was jumping up to do housework every 5 minutes.

    Parent
    The Record, ya Right... (none / 0) (#67)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 03:07:32 PM EST
    They have the audacity to count the clowns outside the stadium at the stadium party, who will watch it on a screen rather than the game.

    How anyone can count them as attending the game is beyond stooopid.  Why stop at that party, why count every clown in town in the parking lot, even the ones listening on a radio.

    To me, either you are watching the game in person or you aren't ?

    I wonder what sate they stated in 1976, because in 2010 the first game was on August 8th.  I'm guessing early September in '76.

    The clowns outside at the party are paying $1000 to watch the game on TV.  I guess there is some significance to being counted, because I can't figure why anyone would go that route.

    Parent

    Well, the Jerry Jones (none / 0) (#80)
    by brodie on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 03:41:45 PM EST
    Billion Dollar Memorial Behemoth to Hisself and Outsized Texas Egos is about right.  And by that gaudy standard, all the football stadiums I've been to out here on the Left Coast are about two football stadium generations and $900 million in infrastructure and $100 million in art collections behind Jerry and his Boys.

    Better though and perfectly fitting to have something as ridiculously outsized and gaudy and overdone-to-a-max as our annual Super Bowl played there and with the climate-controlled conditions than, say, in the middle of winter in NJ/NY which is where it's supposed to be played in the very near future.  Good luck with that one, and the global warming-induced 100-year blizzards that seem to come around every few years.

    As for season length, check, although no real NFL fan actually counts the beginning of the season from the first pre-season game -- except for me, way back, when the previous year's champion -- pre-SB era, early-mid 60s -- used to play the College All Stars.  Now that one was often entertaining ...

    Parent

    That parking lot ticket.... (none / 0) (#86)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 03:50:15 PM EST
    is an odd one...then again they auction license platd for 5 figures down in Texas, so cashish must be growing on trees in Big D.

    Parent
    Yeah MSNBC - take $100 from Tweety's (none / 0) (#42)
    by ruffian on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 02:03:22 PM EST
    paycheck and do some investigative reporting for a change.

    Parent
    AJ quote (none / 0) (#37)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 01:56:43 PM EST
    in the last 12 hours a new egypt has been born
    Al J commentator: can't go back. (none / 0) (#39)
    by oculus on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 01:58:23 PM EST
    Beginning of a revolution.  Think 1952.  

    Parent
    egypt air (none / 0) (#46)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 02:09:39 PM EST
    suspends all flights

    I have one concern (none / 0) (#58)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 02:27:20 PM EST
    my producers sister (completely non political) lives three  blocks from Mubarak in a gated enclave.

    not the best place to be methinks.

    Lets check on the domestic authorities... (none / 0) (#62)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 02:48:23 PM EST
    for a moment...

    Man making a cell phone call leads to a Wal-Mart police state lockdown in MO.  This what happens when you advertise "see something, drop a dime".

    Roadside body cavity searches in Atlanta.  License, registration, and a little of what you ate for lunch yesterday sir.

    Cops in Dallas stealing Crimestoppers reward money.  Well, I guess thats one way to discourage dime droppin'...welch on the reward money.

    And lastly, a whole LA community was on lock down after some school cop made up a tall tale about being shot...looks like he shot himself.  If I'm not mistaken they gave Plaxico two years cage time for doing that.

    I anticipated you would pick up on the (none / 0) (#64)
    by oculus on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 02:51:40 PM EST
    Jet Blue SF to Tallahassee (sp) young man who got very angry because he couldn't pay for headphones with cash.  Oh, and the flight attendants wouldn't serve him alcohol.  

    Parent
    LInk (none / 0) (#65)
    by oculus on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 02:53:31 PM EST
    UPI

    Parent
    Missed that... (none / 0) (#66)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 02:59:31 PM EST
    the no cash on the plane rule is annoying...wonder how much of a kickback Visa/MC gave the airlines to enact that policy.  Not that I want their sh*tty earphones, unedible food, or over-priced drinks...I get buzzed before I reach the terminal:)

    We can't bring anything resembling a weapon (or our dignity) on the airplane...we have nothing to hold up the flight attendants with, so it can't be a theft concern.  Unless its a concern about under-paid over-abused flight attendants skimming earphone money.  I just don't get it...do airline execs sit in a conference room all day dreaming up new ways to p*ss off their customers and make their employees jobs much more difficult?  Who are these people?  

    Parent

    Seems to be faster. (none / 0) (#68)
    by oculus on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 03:08:25 PM EST


    Parent
    If speed is what they need... (none / 0) (#72)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 03:15:16 PM EST
    jack up the ticket price 5 bucks and tout free earphones in your advertising...but I don't think it is transaction time behind it.

    Parent
    If they do that some other airline (none / 0) (#74)
    by ruffian on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 03:19:41 PM EST
    comes out $5 cheaper on the Travelocity search.

    Really, the way they game that system is maddening. Pretty soon all the basic fares will be $20 on Travelocity and there will be add-on fees for fuel, flight attendants, etc.

    Parent

    Don't forget (none / 0) (#77)
    by Zorba on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 03:35:55 PM EST
    the fees for seats and seat belts.  ;-)

    Parent
    Grrrr... (none / 0) (#79)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 03:40:14 PM EST
    airline pricing structure and policies...another kick in the junk.

    NYC to GDL is $450 all in on Tues., call the special lady to confirm days Wed., she says all good, price is $570 all in on Thurs...now I gotta wait till Tues. to see if it comes back down.

    Kinda reminds me how the mfg I work with prices their water heaters...distributor prices by map area so they can rip people off in rural areas...come across situations where the price changes when you cross the street...it makes no sense to me, but I guess thats why I'm a broked*ck and the water heater big shots are millionaires...I'd price those heaters at cost of production plus a reasonable profit and call it a day, same price to distributors in Manhattan or West Bubblef*ck.  The way they do it is unethical, imo.

    Parent

    Well, but, Dog (none / 0) (#97)
    by Zorba on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 04:21:03 PM EST
    You're ethical.  And humane.  They're not.  That's the difference.  ;-)

    Parent
    I think so (none / 0) (#73)
    by ruffian on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 03:16:57 PM EST
    Sorry kdog, I think it makes the flight attendants' job easier not to have to collect money.

    But I'm with you - I never buy anything anyway.

    Parent

    Factoring in customer grumbling... (none / 0) (#81)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 03:44:04 PM EST
    abd disatisfaction I don't think it makes their difficult job any easier, all things considered...just ends up being more snide remarks to swallow.

    Parent
    I think, if (none / 0) (#83)
    by Zorba on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 03:48:18 PM EST
    they said "exact change or credit card," it wouldn't be all that difficult to collect the money.  I do remember times when flight attendants would be roaming up and down the aisles asking if anyone had change for a twenty, but if "exact change" was specified (and enforced), I can't see how that would be any more difficult for them than having us use a credit card.

    Parent
    Have you seen the flight attendants (none / 0) (#85)
    by oculus on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 03:50:05 PM EST
    run the credit card through the hand held reader?  An accounting miracle, I suspect.  

    Parent
    or just get a little lockbox... (none / 0) (#88)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 03:54:40 PM EST
    full of fives and singles...worked well at every lemonade stand I set up as a kid.

    If my 10 year old arse could make change of a twenty in 20 seconds for a quarter cup of lemonade, I think flight attendants can handle it.  

    And that passerby thought saying "I only have a twenty" would get him out of purchasing my discount lemonade....think again sir:)

    Parent

    Yes, well, (none / 0) (#95)
    by Zorba on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 04:19:28 PM EST
    when my church does our Greek Food Festivals, we certainly have plenty of change, and the cashiers are able to take orders and make change pretty darned fast.  And everything is a different price- unlike on an airplane, where, IIRC, beer and wine are one price and hard liquor another, and that's it.  But I guess it's too much to expect of flight attendants (who, I might add, I have every respect for, because they have to deal with all kinds of idiots and emergencies).  

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    Or the blackjack table... (none / 0) (#113)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 05:23:12 PM EST
    at the VFW and church festivals around here...those old-timer volunteers doing damage with a stack of singles...like modern day John Henry's against the demon swiper:)

    Hear ya on flight attendants too...tough job.  Long Live Steven Slater.  

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    Yes, That is Exactly What They Do. (none / 0) (#76)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 03:24:59 PM EST
    Not a sediment owned buy the airline industry, I would toss in the cable TV execs, the guys in charge at every construction site on my way home, jacka$$es who keep trying to sell me stuff via the phone, and all republican politicians.

    I almost forgot the real culprits, spammers, who think a million obnoxious emails are going to convince to buy Extends, Viagra, and porn.

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    HA #2 (none / 0) (#78)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 03:39:14 PM EST
    "I strongly believe the Egyptian military has no role to play in resolving the present situation," @senjohnmccain says in statement
    .

    at least now we know who Hosni gonna bunk with

    speaker of the parliment (none / 0) (#84)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 03:49:14 PM EST
    to speak to the country soon.

    not the president not the prime minister.

    hmmmmmm

    official (none / 0) (#87)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 03:51:02 PM EST
    important announcement coming

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    Hopefully to announce (none / 0) (#89)
    by brodie on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 03:58:50 PM EST
    Hosni and Zahi are both on a plane right now to the south of France.

    Isn't that where a lot of these dictator types end up?  Or Switzerland?

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    Hopefully (none / 0) (#91)
    by andgarden on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 04:04:43 PM EST
    he has in his hands Mubarak's resignation. Is he empowered to call an election?

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    nile tv (none / 0) (#94)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 04:15:33 PM EST
    now says Mubarak to speak

    wtf

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    shorter Hosni (none / 0) (#99)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 04:30:02 PM EST
    last warning.

    is going to be a long night in egypt

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    its midnight in egypt (none / 0) (#90)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 04:00:52 PM EST
    do you know where your Hosni is?
    official egypt news (none / 0) (#92)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 04:07:44 PM EST
    agency talking about how close the fire is to the museum
    who besides me thinks they will torch it and try to blame the protesters?

    Al J says the museum is next door to (none / 0) (#101)
    by oculus on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 04:35:05 PM EST
    the torched party headquarters and that tanks and protesters are ringed around the museum to protect it.  But fire trucks not in evidence yet.  

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    very interesting (none / 0) (#93)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 04:11:24 PM EST
    Reuters is reporting that the speaker says the country is in Mubaraks safe hands speaker tells television.

    problem?

    he hasnt spoken yet.

    Mubarak (none / 0) (#96)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 04:19:52 PM EST
    these demonstrations could not have taken place without the freedoms I have given you.

    woooooow

    this wont (none / 0) (#98)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 04:22:54 PM EST
    end well

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    Mubarak says nothing to do w/me but (none / 0) (#102)
    by oculus on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 04:35:51 PM EST
    the rest of the government is gone.  Very gutsy.

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    wont (none / 0) (#104)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 04:36:52 PM EST
    work

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    Agree. (none / 0) (#105)
    by oculus on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 04:39:11 PM EST


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    the army (none / 0) (#106)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 04:41:46 PM EST
    may convince him to change his mind.

    they have ways.

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    Mubarak rose to power through (none / 0) (#107)
    by oculus on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 04:42:38 PM EST
    the army.  Let's see if they persuade and/or protect thim.

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    that will (none / 0) (#108)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 04:43:43 PM EST
    be the key

    maybe the reserved way they behaved today is temporary but the protesters seemed to be pretty sure they were on their side as soon as they arrived.

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    opposition leader: (none / 0) (#111)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 05:09:32 PM EST
    Mubarak must go. the army must step in and save egypt.

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    Mubarak and his family should be at (none / 0) (#112)
    by oculus on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 05:11:04 PM EST
    the airport, if they are savvy.

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    sorry for blogclogging (none / 0) (#100)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 04:31:29 PM EST
    not been this psyched since 1969.

    I want to be there.

    have a good weekend

    :-)

    Doesn't this situation deserve its own post? (5.00 / 2) (#103)
    by oculus on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 04:36:15 PM EST


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    YES! (none / 0) (#117)
    by christinep on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 06:18:37 PM EST


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    Thank you. I am severely disappointed. (5.00 / 1) (#118)
    by oculus on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 06:20:47 PM EST


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    Thanks for the updates everyone (none / 0) (#109)
    by CST on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 04:44:38 PM EST
    One of the more interesting open threads in a while.

    Scary, exciting, all of the above.

    Here's to hoping it turns out well for the Egyptians.  But I agree with those who think - good thing it's Tunisia and Egypt.  I think they are somewhat less likely to go the extremist route.  There seem to be many women involved in this process as well.

    Listening to Al Jareera. Fascinating. (none / 0) (#110)
    by oculus on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 04:53:08 PM EST


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    Sen. John Kerry is in Davos saying (none / 0) (#114)
    by oculus on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 05:32:21 PM EST
    Pres. Mubarak has an opportunity here.  Out of touch?

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    Now Pres. Obama is speaking. He just (none / 0) (#115)
    by oculus on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 05:36:47 PM EST
    spoke with Pres. Mubarak after Mubarak finished addressing Egypt.  Pres. Obama's rhetoric has changed significantly since Gibbs spoke on his behalf this morning.

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    Vice President Biden (none / 0) (#119)
    by Zorba on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 06:22:22 PM EST
    Vice President Joe Biden said Thursday that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is not a dictator and shouldn't have to resign, but should be more "responsive" to the needs of his people.

    Link

    Can somebody put a muzzle on Biden?  Sheeeesh.

    Looks like a lot of knives are out (none / 0) (#122)
    by KeysDan on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 07:12:37 PM EST
    for Mohammed El-Baradei--in this country.  Tweety had former Ambassador to Morocco, Marc Ginsberg, on his show as an expert in the area.

    El-Baradei, IAEA head and recipient of the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize, has returned to Cairo and is serving as a senior face of the call for regime change.  Ginsberg, a commentator for FOX and writer for the Weekly Standard, dismissed El-Baradei on several counts (not living in the country for many years, although Chalabi, was different story).

    But, the backdrop, to Ginsberg's disdain includes El-Baradei's challenge to the Bush/Cheney claim of WMD, where El-Baradei noted through his International Atomic Energy work that Saddam's nuclear program was dismantled, despite what Colin Powell said  Even worse, was El-Baradei revealing, in March 2003, that  the document stating that Saddam was attempting to obtain yellow-cake uranium from Niger was a forgery.

    John Bolton and Condi Rice tried to stop El-Baradei from getting another term at IAEA, but his international reputation defeated their efforts.  Of course, Ginsberg looks to the Egyptian military officers, someone, anyone to ride to the rescue. Ginsberg, also took the opportunity to undermine the situation by claiming without knowledge, that Iran was putting money into the demonstrations.  Fortunately, the good Egyptian people will be making the choice and, hopefully, President Obama will ignore Ginsberg and friends switchblades.

    Bad for your blood pressure (none / 0) (#123)
    by waldenpond on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 07:42:20 PM EST
    I had on Aljazeera next to US coverage.  The difference is stunning.  Our media is shallow and extremely lacking in knowledge in comparison.

    Aljazeera was trying not to snigger about Bolton and being clear to disassociate Bolton from typical US position and yes, to the rest of the world Biden looked like a buffoon.

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    I've been listening to Al Jazeera all day. (none / 0) (#124)
    by oculus on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 08:01:40 PM EST
    I just listened to NPR--not to worry, Mubarak won't be overthrown.  

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    It is hard to put the top back on Pandora's box (none / 0) (#125)
    by christinep on Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 08:13:33 PM EST
    or to put the cork back in the bottle after the genie is out...etc. etc....and all thos cliches.  It strikes me that Mubarak may buy a little time with the promise of reforms--e.g., in a non-mideast and much earlier uprising, one thinks of Russia in 1905, replete with some of the military joining the peasant uprising for bread, etc., and one remembers several years bought by tossing them some parliamentary (duma) changes; but, that only tamped it down for a dozen years--but, this has a ferocity and a special furious pace with a defined focus of getting Mubarak et al to leave, that it may spin faster to the inevitable ouster than old examples would suggest.

    As I commented to the Captain earlier today, I sure hope that the regime will change very soon...because the inevitable line and time for negotiation really seem to have passed by. For myself, I'd really like to hear more about ElBaradei...for starters.

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    Friday Morning Open Thread | 123 comments (123 topical)

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