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Thursday Night TV and Open Thread

By Jeralyn, Section Blog Related
Posted on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 10:33:07 PM EST
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It's Gorilla Juicehead Heaven as Jersey Shore returns with Season 3 tonight. The group is back in Seaside Heights, minus Angelina, plus Snookie's friend Dina. In Season 1, they all drove beat-up cars to the Shore (they left in big black SUV's.) This year, most are driving black BMW's. Mike "The Situation" has moved up to a Range Rover. Can they still be authentic? Probably, as this season is supposed to be the wildest yet.

Snooki has been on a roll. She has a new book out, A Shore Thing, filled with Snooki'isms. The Daily Beast provides a partial dictionary of terms. The New Yorker pans it here. [More...]

Of course, Mike "The Situation" also has a book out, “Here’s the Situation: A Guide to Creeping on Chicks, Avoiding Grenades, and Getting in Your GTL on the Jersey Shore,” and JWOW's book, The Rules According to JWOWW: Shore-Tested Secrets on Landing a Mint Guy, Staying Fresh to Death, and Kicking the Competition to the Curb" is due out next month.

Pauly D. just got his own spin-off show.

If you have no idea who these people are, here are some individual pictures.

For those of you interested in other things, which I'm sure is all of you, here's an open thread, all topics welcome.

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    Thursday Night TV and Open Thread | 127 comments (127 topical)

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    Recommend recent bio of Cleopatra (none / 0) (#1)
    by oculus on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 10:43:02 PM EST
    by Stacy Schiff. Quite readable and full of satire and lots of information I don't remember previously encountering.  For example, did you know Cleopatra and Julius Caesar were an "item" (and had a son) before Cleopatra and Mark Anthony got together?  

    Another book recommendation. (5.00 / 1) (#3)
    by caseyOR on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 02:06:39 AM EST
    I just finished reading The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson. I cannot recommend this book enough.

    Wilkerson writes of the roughly 55 year long migration of African Americans from the south to the cities of the north and the west coast. She focuses on the journeys of three people who left the south at different times for different cities. In addition to telling these three stories, Wilkerson packs her book full of the history of this massive movement of people and the reasons so many AAs were moved to uproot their entire lives and venture to what was, for them, essentially a foreign land.

    I stayed up way too late every night until I finished this book. Yes, it is that compelling.

    Parent

    those old school power players... (none / 0) (#2)
    by Dadler on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 12:52:52 AM EST
    ...were like Bonobos.

    Parent
    I actually did know that (none / 0) (#4)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 04:29:17 AM EST
    I'll have to get this though.  I'm a big Cleopatra fan.  

    Parent
    did you know (none / 0) (#27)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 08:42:06 AM EST
    they are remaking Cleopatra with Angelina.  based on the book Cleopatra, a life.  which is quite a different story than the Liz Taylor one.

    Parent
    Is it cool to say I'm getting (5.00 / 1) (#42)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:14:41 AM EST
    a bit tired of looking at Angelina Jolie?  There are other actresses out there, and for some reason I want the remake of Cleopatra to be done by someone else.  Someone who has a Cleopatra nose like I do :)  Cleopatra wasn't drop dead gorgeous until she opened her mouth, being able to rely on the pouty lips was not in her world domination toolkit.

    Parent
    I agree with you MT (5.00 / 1) (#120)
    by lilburro on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 03:58:34 PM EST
    it's more interesting to choose the reality of Cleopatra and work from there on the subject of how she got things done, captivated men, etc.  Apparently Mark Antony and Caesar were more advanced since they seem to have been more able to look past physical first impressions than we are (that could make a person really depressed if they thought about it too hard).  But this isn't an indie movie so you might as well not bother worrying about anything other than our socially programmed fantasies.

    Parent
    sort of agree (none / 0) (#44)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:18:24 AM EST
    and sort of not.  its really not like me but I do enjoy watching  her.  and to me she seems like the natural person for this.  not so much because of what the historical person looked like but because she is the current queen of Hollywood and it just seems right.

    how shallow is that?

    my favorite Cleopatra was the one in the HBO series Rome.  not a classic beauty but fascinating.

    Parent

    Rome's Cleopatra was a wild one (none / 0) (#51)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:26:00 AM EST
    so was Mark Antony.  God they were so wrong, using real human beings for archery practice targets....it was messed up.

    Parent
    she definitely had the (none / 0) (#52)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:26:55 AM EST
    nose

    Parent
    She did (none / 0) (#71)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:43:32 AM EST


    Parent
    I love Angelina (none / 0) (#69)
    by ruffian on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:40:06 AM EST
    and I hate to say this, but isn't she a bit old for Cleopatra? So was Liz Taylor of course.

    I'd like to see it a bit more realistic in that area. I thought the 'Rome' version portrayal was very good in that respect.

    Parent

    I'm kinda blah about yet (none / 0) (#84)
    by brodie on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 10:06:03 AM EST
    another Hollywood spectacular about Cleopatra.  Hasn't that story been mined rather thoroughly by now, or has something new and exciting emerged to give it a new freshness?

    Look forward to seeing a Hollywood pic on this Sun Queen beauty and her co-ruler, the guy with the monotheism and alien looking face.  Also lots of wiggle room there for a creative screenwriter and director since the historians are not in agreement on many things about their rule.

    Parent

    Come now (5.00 / 1) (#86)
    by ruffian on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 10:09:55 AM EST
    She is beautiful, but how would they work Romans with British accents into the story?

    Parent
    something new? (5.00 / 1) (#87)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 10:10:38 AM EST
    I would say if you read about that book, yes.


    Parent
    uh-uh (5.00 / 1) (#105)
    by sj on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 11:29:16 AM EST
    No way, no how do I want to have to choose between Cleopatra and Nefertiti.

    I want it all, darn it.

    Parent

    not just an alien looking face (none / 0) (#88)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 10:12:18 AM EST
    his body was pretty alien looking too.

    Parent
    Yep, Akh's body has some (none / 0) (#96)
    by brodie on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 10:30:57 AM EST
    obvious feminine features -- hips especially.  Androgynous fellow by all appearances.  Very strange situation.

    Parent
    in the gay community (none / 0) (#99)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 10:48:40 AM EST
    we call those child bearing hips.

    nothing is more socially fatal.

    Parent

    Well, if Hollywood ever does (none / 0) (#100)
    by brodie on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 10:53:25 AM EST
    my suggested movie, I've got Anthony "Tony" Robbins playing Ahkenaten.

    Parent
    I nominate (none / 0) (#101)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 10:58:05 AM EST
    this guy

    he has become a big star in about 24 hours.

    Parent

    and I saw an iterview with the woman (none / 0) (#46)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:21:06 AM EST
    who wrote the book and it sounds like a very interesting take on her life.

    For those who think they know enough about Cleopatra or have the enigmatic Egyptian queen all figured out, think again. Schiff, demonstrating the same narrative flair that captivated readers of her Pulitzer Prize-winning Véra (Mrs. Vladimir Nabokov) (1999), provides a new interpretation of the life of one of history's most enduringly intriguing women. Rather than a devastatingly beautiful femme fatale, Cleopatra, according to Schiff, was a shrewd power broker who knew how to use her manifold gifts--wealth, power, and intelligence--to negotiate advantageous political deals and military alliances. Though long on facts and short on myth, this stellar biography is still a page-turner; in fact, because this portrait is grounded so thoroughly in historical context, it is even more extraordinary than the more fanciful legend. Cleopatra emerges as a groundbreaking female leader, relying on her wits, determination, and political acumen rather than sex appeal to astutely wield her power in order to get the job done. Ancient Egypt never goes out of style, and Cleopatra continues to captivate successive generations. --Margaret Flanagan

    interesting that on the cover her face is turned away from the camera

    Parent

    Yes I did (none / 0) (#6)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 07:20:36 AM EST
    Because I watched the movie!

    Cleo looked great wrapped in a rug!

    But I gotta read the book.

    BTW - If you like historical fiction, Ken Follett's "World Without End" is super.

    Parent

    It's in Plutarch and all (none / 0) (#10)
    by Harry Saxon on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 07:40:49 AM EST

    the other historical sources, only Shaw's play "Caesar and Cleopatra", which was also made into a movie in the early '40s, omits that part of their relationship.

    Tremor of Intent: An Eschatological Spy Novel by Anthony Burgess is funnier and better than anything Ken Follett set to paper, IMHO.

    Click Me

    Parent

    Not to be left out... (none / 0) (#13)
    by ruffian on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 08:28:06 AM EST
    I knew it too...I love those Colleen McCullough books about the Romans, the Masters of Rome series. She seems to have done a lot of research into every aspect of the era, and is a great storyteller on top of that. Historical fiction lovers, check them out:
       1. The First Man in Rome (1990)
       2. The Grass Crown (1991)
       3. Fortune's Favorites (1993)
       4. Caesar's Women (1996)
       5. Caesar (1997)
       6. The October Horse (2002)
       7. Antony and Cleopatra (2007)

    Hey! I didn't know she did an Antony and Cleopatra. I'll have to get that one.

    Parent

    Back to your topic, thanks for the (none / 0) (#23)
    by ruffian on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 08:37:40 AM EST
    recommendation. I saw it in B&N over the holidays and wondered about getting it.

    Now I have 3 books to read, just based on this one thread.

    I'm reading Jonathan Franzen's 'Freedom' at the moment. Enjoying it - the characters ring true and it is pretty funny. About to take a turn to lord knows where though, so we'll see....

    Parent

    Read "Pillars of the Earth" (none / 0) (#33)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 08:51:55 AM EST
    for more enjoyment of "World Without End."

    But even if you don't, WWW is a great read.

    Parent

    hey! (none / 0) (#56)
    by CST on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:29:28 AM EST
    I agree with Jim on something.  Who knew?

    Great books.  And I also recommend his more recent one "The Fall of Giants" which is a much more modern book and the first in a series of what will probably be 3 books.  Takes place during WW1, Russian revolution, etc...

    I'd be interested to hear your take on it as well as it's not exactly the traditional version of that history.  And it's recent enough for people to have strong opinions about it.

    But it has the same epic feel as his other books.  The plot focuses on a bunch of different families from different countries and perspectives.

    Parent

    Haven't read (none / 0) (#126)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 04:47:49 PM EST
    The Fall of the Giants but its on my list.

    Parent
    A friend gave me "Freedom" and sd., (none / 0) (#104)
    by oculus on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 11:26:46 AM EST
    let me know if it's the great American novel.  It isn't, but I also thought it rang true and was a good read, if too long.

    Parent
    Read his "Corrections" (none / 0) (#108)
    by sj on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 11:38:43 AM EST
    I hated it.  Really, really did.  I didn't like a single character in the book.  I found them to be venal rather than multi-faceted.

    And if I can't get behind at least one character in a work of fiction then there is no joy in the reading.  

    I finished it because it was our book club selection, then found out at least one other person couldn't stand it either and stopped reading it.  I thought "really?  you can do that?".  LOL

    Now, I don't care why I'm reading a book, if I don't like it I don't finish it.  You have no idea what load that was off my mind.  There were some real stinkers in the book club list.  

    Parent

    Glad to give you a chance to vent (none / 0) (#113)
    by ruffian on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 01:47:39 PM EST
    I listened to 'the Corrections' on audiobook. Although I remember enjoying it, I don't remember a single thing about the plot or the characters. Not a good sign.

    At least I think I will remember these characters better. And I do enjoy his sense of humor.

    Parent

    A friend stopped halfway through "The (none / 0) (#119)
    by oculus on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 03:53:01 PM EST
    Corrections."  She read it to find out about a family more disfunctional than hers.  But she got bored.

    My book club has picked some doozies.  I know longer read the loser picks.

    Parent

    Even halfway through (none / 0) (#112)
    by ruffian on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 01:43:21 PM EST
    I can tell it isn't the Great American Novel.  But it is a good read, and hasn't 'clunked' yet in my head, if you know what I mean. When you read a sentence just too stupid to let you continue.

    Parent
    Food riots in Algeria (none / 0) (#5)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 04:35:50 AM EST
    on January 5th.  We have moved quickly to the phase where the poor in poor countries will begin to starve now.  Investors seeking someplace for their money that is actually an asset of some kind have driven the price of food up now to the point that the poor countries will not be able to feed their people.  Go Ben Bernanke and Tim Geithner Go......save Wall Street, who cares if you exercise a little global population control doing it either?  But you won't save Wall Street in the end, only kill people.

    Remember that it takes (none / 0) (#7)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 07:23:56 AM EST
    400 pounds of corn to make one gallon of ethanol.

    And that same 400 pounds would feed an adult in a third world country, for one year.

    Call your representatives and tell them to quit starving people. Remove the mandate that gasoline have up to 10% ethanol added.

    Parent

    Ethanol isn't what is starving them (none / 0) (#8)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 07:38:25 AM EST
    Jim, speculators looking for something worth speculating in are.  Tell Ben Bernanke that as long as he engages in this quantitative easing, investors will starve the poor of this world.

    Parent
    Tracy (2.00 / 1) (#79)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 10:01:06 AM EST
    that is a partial solution. Corn went up before QE2.

    I'll call Ben. You quit using ethanol added gasoline.

    Parent

    We have the food (none / 0) (#9)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 07:39:10 AM EST
    It just costs too much for them to be able to afford now.

    Parent
    Yes... (5.00 / 1) (#14)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 08:28:14 AM EST
    plenty of food right now to feed the whole world...unfortunately there is also no shortage of greed & gluttony, so people will go hungry.  

    If only human evolution could catch up to technology...we have the technology to feed the whole world, but we act like glorified "civilized" Vikings, still pillaging and plundering like there ain't enough to go 'round.

    Parent

    We had the technology to wipe out (none / 0) (#21)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 08:35:26 AM EST
    mosquito and malaria .... DDT..

    But we in the West decided our love for the environment meant DDT must be outlawed and millions have died in the third world.

    Road to hell... good intentions.... hubris.. etc.

    Parent

    It just figures that Jim would (5.00 / 1) (#30)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 08:44:55 AM EST
    love DDT

    Parent
    aint it the truth (none / 0) (#24)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 08:38:30 AM EST
    all the world need is more DDT

    Parent
    Feh (none / 0) (#41)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:12:58 AM EST
    since when do conservatives care about third world countries? Never. So your "concern" rings really hollow. They are just a tool in the conservatives tool box to use to get what they want anyhow: rid of ethanol in gasoline and using DDT whenever and wherever.

    Parent
    I think what (5.00 / 1) (#43)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:15:44 AM EST
    Algeria really needs is more DDT

    Parent
    Uh, why do you keep missing (none / 0) (#47)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:21:26 AM EST
    that I am a Social Liberal???

    Now that means I am to the right of you on many issues, but that doesn't make me conservative.

    Parent

    we keep missing it (5.00 / 2) (#48)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:23:06 AM EST
    because you are not a social or any other kind of liberal.

    Parent
    I'v e maintained (2.00 / 1) (#77)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:58:02 AM EST
    the same position on all the social issues... gay rights, including favoring the right to marry, women's rights, minority rights, drug legalization, etc., since 2003. The only change has been I moved from being pro capital punishment to being pro LWOP.

    And I have commented in that vein time and again

    Am I right of you? Yes. Especially on defense, taxes, energy and extreme environmental issues.

    Plus, I commented numerous time that I was disappointed that Obama didn't try for a single payer healthcare system based on Medicare.

    So don't keep jumping to unfounded conclusions. The Left needs support on some issues and it is never smart to run off that support.

    Parent

    translation (none / 0) (#80)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 10:03:21 AM EST
    "I have maintained the same faux liberal smoke screen for years so I can spew my brainless right wing talking points and then tell people who call me on it I am a liberal"

    Parent
    Your lack of tolerance for (none / 0) (#90)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 10:19:19 AM EST
    disagreement on some points is plain.

    I have also commented, numerous times, that the far Right and the far Left are just opposite sides of the same coin.

    Parent

    Your lack of tolerance for (none / 0) (#91)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 10:19:19 AM EST
    disagreement on some points is plain.

    I have also commented, numerous times, that the far Right and the far Left are just opposite sides of the same coin.

    Parent

    "Social liberals" (none / 0) (#123)
    by Harry Saxon on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 04:20:15 PM EST
    usually don't watch Fox News, listen to Rush Limbaugh, etc., as you've described doing in the past here, PPJ.

    Not letting reality stand in the way of self-deception is a nice touch on your part, PPJ.

    Parent

    Supply and demand (none / 0) (#15)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 08:29:20 AM EST
    If you are using corn for fuel the supply is stressed. Corn has went up about 60% and now, even Al Gore admits, its use in ethanol doesn't really help the environment that much.

    A total lose lose deal.

    Parent

    Algerians (5.00 / 1) (#17)
    by Harry Saxon on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 08:31:36 AM EST
    don't depend on corn as a major source of their food, so you're bringing up apples when others are talking about oranges here.

    Parent
    come on (5.00 / 1) (#20)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 08:33:46 AM EST
    he would never do that

    Parent
    I never soec'd Algeria (none / 0) (#22)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 08:36:29 AM EST
    You are doing your usual straw man trick.

    Parent
    You wrote what you wrote (none / 0) (#38)
    by Harry Saxon on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:06:48 AM EST
    in response to MT's mention of food riots in Algeria.

    But please quit stalking my comments here in the future, PPJ, find another outlet for your obsessive personality if that's possible for you to do so.

    Parent

    My comments spec'd (2.00 / 1) (#40)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:10:39 AM EST
    the third world, not just Algeria.

    You stalk as bad as DA. Please stop.

    Parent

    Keep squirming (none / 0) (#68)
    by Harry Saxon on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:39:13 AM EST
    as you like to remind folks, "It's the hit dog that barks."  :-)

    Parent
    Jim (5.00 / 1) (#18)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 08:32:25 AM EST
    Do you ever read a link?  All food prices have dramatically increased over the past six months thanks to QE.  All commodities have shot up sky high thanks to QE.  If you are worried about not having enough corn to feed the world and getting the most mileage out of an ear of corn is what it is all about, I had better not catch you with a forkful of steak in hand!

    Parent
    The corn run (2.00 / 1) (#26)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 08:40:05 AM EST
    up is driven by demand, not just speculation.

    There were food riots in Mexico over two years ago.

    And I do like grass feed beef. It tastes better and is better for you.

    Enjoy driving two blocks to the grocery store.

    ;-)

    Parent

    Their diet isn't (5.00 / 1) (#29)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 08:43:46 AM EST
    corn based in Algeria and once again I had better not catch you eating any pigs or any cows (because I don't for one minute believe you pay the extra for grassfed beef) or any sheep either for that matter or chickens.  You can have beans with your corn tortillas and that is it man!  And a Nutria....

    Parent
    One more time (2.00 / 1) (#35)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:01:28 AM EST
    What Algeria not eating corn has to do with the billions of people that do is beyond me.....

    And the point is, as you know, the problem is the increased demand for corn caused by its use in distilling ethanol, not people eating corn or corn fed animals.

    Parent

    What does your hate of ethanol (5.00 / 1) (#36)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:02:59 AM EST
    have to do with food riots based on QE?  nothing...that's what :)

    Parent
    QE2 didn't exist when (2.00 / 1) (#39)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:07:49 AM EST
    they had food riots in Mexico.

    Yes, food prices are influenced by expected inflation... and energy costs.

    But the double factors, expected inflation and non-food use demand is the biggest driver in corn prices.

    Parent

    Don't forget... (5.00 / 2) (#45)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:19:15 AM EST
    the influence on price caused by good old fashioned degenerate gambling.

    Parent
    I think that is what he is terming (5.00 / 1) (#61)
    by ruffian on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:34:28 AM EST
    "expected inflation", also known as speculation.

    Parent
    No, I was trying to (none / 0) (#66)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:37:24 AM EST
    say that the speculators expect inflation. Some also claim the weak dollar.. All may be true and have an effect.

    The way to drop the price of oil and corn is to reduce demand and increase supply.

    Parent

    LOL (2.00 / 1) (#53)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:27:57 AM EST
    I always knew Hold'em was evileeeeee.

    QE2 is the latest bogey man. It may cause inflation.

    Parent

    Poker.. (none / 0) (#57)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:30:15 AM EST
    is a noble form of gambling...I can't say the same for how the degenerates shuffle and deal over at the Wall St. casino.

    Parent
    I read somewhere (2.00 / 1) (#62)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:34:36 AM EST
    that the average guy has a better chance playing blackjack in a casino that he does trying to beat the market with timed sales/buys.

    Plus, the casino will give him free booze, food, lodging and, perhaps, other comps..

    ;-)

    Parent

    I believe it... (none / 0) (#78)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 10:00:52 AM EST
    too much insider trading as the norm over on Wall...unless you've got Rockefeller-class connections that deck is stacked heavily against you.

    Parent
    How Goldman Sachs bet on Starvation... (5.00 / 1) (#55)
    by Dadler on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:29:04 AM EST
    ...and "won". Come on, Jim, even a social liberal would do his homework on this issue.

    Parent
    Where did I defend GS?? (none / 0) (#67)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:38:12 AM EST
    Come on, man.

    Parent
    Bubba, I'm giving you FACTS (5.00 / 1) (#75)
    by Dadler on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:56:07 AM EST
    This is how the starvation markets work now.  You don't want to believe it, keep your head in the sand.  Just like the housing bubble was a big Ponzi scheme, that continues to this day, so the powers that be have figured out how to make starving people a wildly profitable enterprise. A social liberal would DO HIS HOMEWORK.  On the issue Tracy brought up, you haven't even bothered to inform yourself beyond, as usual, your very narrow comfort zone.

    Parent
    Bubba? (none / 0) (#82)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 10:04:02 AM EST
    Homework????

    Just where did I defend GS?

    Come on Dader. Read the thread.

    Parent

    You pretend starvation speculation... (5.00 / 1) (#92)
    by Dadler on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 10:19:54 AM EST
    ...doesn't exist, then strawman it by saying you didn't defend GS. I'm not ACCUSING you of defending them, my friend, once again, I"M SPIMPLY GIVING YOU SOME FACTS to consider. Look, I understand, I repeat, I UNDERSTAND, the concerns about bio-fuels and the food supply, and they are legit concerns in ANOTHER CONTEXT, but not THIS one. This was about speculation in commodities reaching a level of insidiousness that returns us to feudal times.

    PPJ did NOT defend Goldman Sachs, I hearby declare it.  I hope you're happy, now do your homework.

    Parent

    Nonsense (none / 0) (#107)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 11:34:57 AM EST
    I didn't defend speculation and you know it.

    Frankly I am surprised at your attack, although I have seen you go off a few times.

    Now, go back and read the thread.

    Parent

    Jim, okay... (5.00 / 2) (#111)
    by Dadler on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 12:43:36 PM EST
    ...IMO, when you spend SO much time steering the conversation to an almost entirely irrelevant point, IN CONTEXT OF THE CONVERSATION at hand, and appear not to realize or acknowledge the deadly effect taht speculation and gambling on food had -- which led DIRECTLY to starvation of millions and riots -- then one can reasonably conclude you do not accept it, mountains of evidence to the contrary, as the root cause of what Tracy originally began talking about.

    As a social liberal, you should be horrified at what continues to be done in these markets. The idea that those crazy enviros with their ethanol is the biggest problem, well, see my above paragraph.

    Parent

    To be fair (none / 0) (#125)
    by Rojas on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 04:28:16 PM EST
    Tracey is blaming the price increase on the Fed policy of Quantitative easing (QE).
    Your link to DN is about speculators manipulating the market.
    From my perspective you and Tracy are not on the same page.

    There is no question that burning corn for fuel has/is effecting the price of other grain comoditees.

    Could it be that several factors are at play?

    Parent

    OK, let's take a back bearing (none / 0) (#127)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 05:33:25 PM EST
    First the demand for corn has been increasing because of its use to produce ethanol. Mexico had food riots about three years ago. I remember several posts about it here.

    In 2008 commodities were also under pressure. The stated reason then was an expected oil shortage, which wasn't real, and a weak dollar due to the Fed dropping interest rates. Oil soared and food, including corn, jumped in price. Congress didn't help when it kept rejecting calls for drilling in ANWR, etc. When oil hit the $145 level Bush (too late) issued his EO saying they could drill off shore. Although mostly psychological it burst the bubble.

    Speculators speculate. That's what they do. If you want to whip them I'll hold your coat but we both know that isn't gonna happen. The purpose of a commodity market is, supposedly, to keep prices stable and allow the producers to have some information of their products future value. It ain't working. They are gaming the system by trading back and forth. The only semi-practical solution I see is to limit the number of trades and then require the buyer be able to actually take delivery. That's been discussed but getting it made into law has about the same chance I have of winning the WSOP.

    Now, back to corn in specific. The way to burst the bubble is to increase supply by reducing demand. States are easier than the Feds to get to act. Call your state rep and ask that they remove the requirement that up to 10% ethanol be used in what's in the pump. If they want to talk about pollution tell'em about MTBE. (What's a little cancer between friends?)

    You could also demand the subsidy from the Feds be removed but that would do nothing but increase the price of everything to the consumer.

    Bottom line? TANSTAAFL.

    "There aint no such thing as a free lunch." (Robert Henlien)

    If you are po'd about the speculators in food, read "The Big Short," by Michael Lewis and you'll be in even worse shape.

    Parent

    Explanations (none / 0) (#128)
    by Harry Saxon on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 05:41:30 PM EST

    Explanations exist; they have existed for all time; there is always a well-known solution to every human problem -- neat, plausible, and wrong.

    H. L. Mencken

    Click Me

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    Michael Steeles best so far (none / 0) (#11)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 08:23:41 AM EST
    so this morning my barista tells me there was some kind of panel with the next prospective heads of the RNC.  including Steele. this will be paraphrase and I have not googled, it is simply to good to check, but apparently one of the questions was "what is your favorite book?"

    Steeles answer was War and Peace.  somehow managing to keep a straight face Tucker Carlson, the other questioner was Grover Norquist, said really.

    "yes, Steele said.  you know, its the best of times, its the worst of times."

    OMG.....wowzer (none / 0) (#12)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 08:25:24 AM EST


    Parent
    and (none / 0) (#16)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 08:31:18 AM EST
    confirmed

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    Jon Stewart had the video on 'The Daily Show' (none / 0) (#19)
    by ruffian on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 08:33:12 AM EST
    the other night. It was priceless. He gave Carlson props for keeping a straight face even though you could see in his eyes he wanted to laugh.

    Another good part was the female candidate thought the question was 'What is your favorite bar?' and got all flustered.

    All in all a classic Daily Show clip with Stewart's asides. Can't get to their site from here at work, but look for the video there.

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    I liked her original (5.00 / 1) (#54)
    by brodie on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:28:01 AM EST
    response when she thought it was a Q about favorite bars:

    "My kitchen table."

    Tucker Carlson, to his credit, aptly noted:  "That's a very revealing answer."

    Though it might have been even more revealing if Tucker or someone had had the cojones to call out Steele on his ignorant line confusing Tolstoy and Dickens.

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    maybe he didnt get it (none / 0) (#76)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:57:42 AM EST
    a bow tie does not an intellectual make.

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    Oh, he got it (none / 0) (#85)
    by ruffian on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 10:06:52 AM EST
    You can see his face on the video. Should he have said something? I don't know. Maybe not his place as a moderator. It was not the stupidest thing said at the forum.

    Parent
    Perhaps TC didn't want to (none / 0) (#94)
    by brodie on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 10:28:14 AM EST
    embarrass the guy who still is the head of the RNC, Tucker's favorite party.  Easier for him to tweak the competition, and the woman who responded as if she heard it as a favorite bar Q, well that was just too juicy and obvious to pass by w/o commenting.

    Parent
    And everyone was kind of laughing (none / 0) (#114)
    by ruffian on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 01:50:53 PM EST
    and wisecracking about the bar answer, the lady herself included. It was fine for him to comment too.

    It would have been really awkward if he had said anything in the middle of Steele's serious moment.

    Parent

    The part with the moderators (none / 0) (#115)
    by ruffian on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 01:54:07 PM EST
    having to tell them they could not use Ronald Reagan as the answer to 'most admired person' was sooo funny. Then the one guys sneaks in 'The Reagan Diaries' as his favorite book. Really, how anyone could keep a straight face through the whole thing at all was amazing, even if you love the GOP.

    Parent
    Looks like I'll need to go (none / 0) (#116)
    by brodie on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 02:07:57 PM EST
    view the more complete video clip to get some additional chuckles.

    I thought another eyebrow raiser during the book question portion was when someone  -- a female voice -- answered with "To Kill A Mockingbird", something I wouldn't have expected at a modern GOP confab but rather a standard answer at a Demo debate.

    Also, I thought I heard someone else answer "Law" or "The Law", which I felt deserved a follow-up clarification, but which I assumed meant a sort of Rule of Law response, any old law book would do.

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    How about all her guns (none / 0) (#81)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 10:03:40 AM EST
    in her new gun safe?  She sounded like a one woman arsenal, sort of....the only specific gun name she seemed familiar with was a Glock.  I suppose that is enough though if you are packing heat and mean it :)

    Parent
    I have to go watch this (none / 0) (#37)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:05:21 AM EST
    I have episodes DVR'd that I haven't seen yet.  Was it yesterday or the day before?

    Parent
    I watched them all last night (none / 0) (#64)
    by ruffian on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:36:09 AM EST
    on my DVR. I had them stored up too. I believe it was either Monday or Tuesday night.

    Parent
    I just found it on Tuesday (none / 0) (#73)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:50:56 AM EST
    hilarious

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    Playoffs! (none / 0) (#25)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 08:39:32 AM EST
    My picks...Take the Saints, lay the wood.  Like the Eagles over the Pack in a squeaker.  Ravens school the inexperienced Chiefs handily.

    And for the big one tomorrow night, I've been having Peyton nightmares all week and feeling uneasy, but after reading about how Mark Sanchez and the Jets made a dying boy's last days/weeks ones of dreams coming true, I like the good karma heading to Indy.  Jets in a nailbiter.

    I'll take the Seahawks (none / 0) (#28)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 08:42:37 AM EST
    and 17....

    Gotta pull for my ex-homies.

    I'll take Indy and 1 and 1/2, gotta pull for a UT guy.

    Parent

    I thought we were friends... (none / 0) (#31)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 08:46:33 AM EST
    Indy?  I won't soon forget this:)

    Parent
    kdog (none / 0) (#49)
    by CoralGables on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:25:02 AM EST
    I'm disappointed that you would be so gullible as to not notice the fudged point spreads that he listed on his picks

    Parent
    As a gambler (none / 0) (#58)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:30:34 AM EST
    Kdog hasn't missed a point spread in his entire life.

    ;-)

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    I noticed... (none / 0) (#60)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:33:20 AM EST
    I'd still take the Saints -17:)

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    That's too much! (none / 0) (#103)
    by canuck eh on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 11:01:29 AM EST
    I like the Saints to win but QWEST field is a rough place to play; the total beatdown they laid on the 'Hawks in November was at the Superdome. I'm taking Seattle and all those points

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    I love a two bet parlay... (none / 0) (#110)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 11:45:43 AM EST
    Seahawks in the 1st half + 6 1/2, Saints for the game -11.

    I think the loud Seattle crowd will keep the 'Hawks close for the first half, then the Saints pour it on...the only way the Saints don't cover is if there is a monsoon, imko (in my knuckleheaded opinion).

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    you're not gonna like this (none / 0) (#50)
    by CST on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:25:05 AM EST
    but I hope the Jets win because I'd rather the pats face them than Indy if we see one later in the playoffs.

    Did you see Rex talking trash about Brady again?  Not that extra motivation is ever really needed in the playoffs, but still...

    Parent

    The Jets should be the team (none / 0) (#70)
    by brodie on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:41:11 AM EST
    with more motivation, even with some trash talk by their coach, after their crushing by the Pats in December.

    A good matchup might be Jets v Pats, but I think the Ravens tend to play the Pats better on a more consistent basis, even in Foxboro in the dead of winter.

    Parent

    I do not (none / 0) (#72)
    by CST on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:46:40 AM EST
    want to see the Ravens in the playoffs...  That to me is a worst case scenario for the pats.  I'd take any team, including the Steelers, over the Ravens.  That's not to say Pitt is bad, but the pats seem to have their number.  Not so with the Ravens.  I have not forgotten last year, and I bet Brady and co. haven't either.

    I admit, I'm not that worried about the Jets.  Motivation or no motivation, the Brady bunch will be bringing their A game - and I just don't see the Jets winning in that scenario.

    Parent

    I just wish the Ravens (none / 0) (#93)
    by brodie on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 10:23:24 AM EST
    were more in the habit of scoring a little more on offense.  It's still a team a tad too dependent on the D, and a couple or 3 major players on D, to make the big plays in clutch time, though Flacco et al have improved in the last 2 yrs and are no longer a joke.

    I actually like Brady and his game -- highly accurate, no panic, patient, and keen sense of when he absolutely has to get rid of the ball.  And the Pats in the SB-winning years, including this one, play with a sort of well-oiled machine-like consistency, that it is something to behold -- very few mistakes, players executing to perfection and playing with intensity.  

    I just hope that Bellachick is doing things these days on the up and up in terms of preparing for opponents, and that the unfortunate cheating of a few years ago (over which he and the Pats seemed to escape with some rather light punishment) is not currently a part of their program.

    Parent

    I love watching the patriots (none / 0) (#102)
    by CST on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 10:59:34 AM EST
    They have taken quite the journey over the last decade.  At first they were the team who came out of nowhere to win, very little respect, boy wonder, etc... etc...  Then almost overnight they became an unstoppable juggernaut.  You expected them to win every game, every time.  2006 was the first real chink in the armor, as they choked in the AFC game.  Then there was 2007.... I don't know that any Pats fan will ever forget/get over that year.  But I will say it loses some of it's sourness over time and in retrospect is acknowledged in it's own right as something special.  Then the last two years have felt like maybe that was the end of a dynasty.

    And here we are.  With Brady and co. playing as good or better than ever, on what feels like a road to redemption.  My favorite thing about the team this year is they seem like they're having fun.  They care about each other, they're young or undrafted guys, just trying to win games.

    I think I "like" this pats team as much or more than any of the others.  It would be great to win this one.

    As for the spy-gate issue I'll just say this.  I don't know how much of an advantage it gave, but the bottom line is, teams have to show up and play the game.  And I think 2007 to some extent proved that the Patriots have been more than capable of doing that.  Although I know Belicheck is a huge film guy, ultimately he doesn't play the games.  But as for "getting off light" - they gave him the maximum fine they could within the NFL rules.  And they are the only team to ever lose a first round draft pick.  So I'm not sure I'd catagorize that as "light".

    Parent

    Nah... (none / 0) (#74)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:54:34 AM EST
    Rex talks so much it's hard to catch it all, and I was focused on the story about Aiden...my brother actually knows the family...so tragic.

    Hope to make you eat those words, but it's a tall order, no doubt.  

    Parent

    I'd agree on all those picks, (none / 0) (#65)
    by brodie on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:36:55 AM EST
    Saints, Aigles, Ravens.

    Kinda tired of seeing Manning and the Colts and all the fawning by the announcers over Peyton that comes with that, plus they've been so banged up at key positions, I'm not sure they'd be ready to compete against the really good teams after the 1st round.

    Not sure what to make of the inconsistent Jets.  Lots of things always going on with them outside of the gridiron, not always positive, and they tend to talk trash too much.  If they were like Joe Willie or Ali in their prime, fine, but this is still a team that's young at QB.  Pulling for them though.

    Parent

    Lights Out (none / 0) (#32)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 08:50:57 AM EST
    I recorded the premier last night but have not watched all of it yet.  but it looks pretty darn good.

    Not boring in boll weevil town today (none / 0) (#34)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 08:59:16 AM EST
    The new governor elect has announced that he is disbanding Governor Riley's gambling task force immediately.  Also says that the new AG will be responsible for enforcing Alabama gambling laws.  He also said that the bingo halls that shut down should not take this to mean that they should reopen but Ronnie Gilley already has up on the Country Crossing website that they are planning their reopening.  Fortune favors the bold :)

    Finished the first draft of my book (none / 0) (#63)
    by Dadler on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:35:03 AM EST
    THE EARLY DAZE, PART 21 (the final chapter) completes this year-long project of mine.  70,000 words later I have a complete draft of a memoir (granted one that only covers the years from 21-24). Thanks to anyone who's read and commented. Time to put it down for a few weeks, then pick it up and give it a full read. Hopefully I won't think, man, this is awful.  And maybe someday soon, before physical books with paper pages disappear entirely, you might see it in print, knock on wood. Pun intended.

    Congrats Dadler... (5.00 / 1) (#83)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 10:04:27 AM EST
    haven't finished yet, but it's been an enjoyable ride throughout...you've got skills.  

    Spark a stogie, have a Scotch, and pat yourself on the back for the first draft...and when it is published, don't forget my signed copy brother-man!

    Parent

    you'll get a personal hookah session... (none / 0) (#89)
    by Dadler on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 10:17:17 AM EST
    ...with the author AND a signed copy. thanks for the support, my friend, i appreaciate it. peace out.

    Parent
    Now you're talking! (none / 0) (#95)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 10:28:44 AM EST
    Keep that hookah packed and I'll sell those puppies door to door for ya:)

    "Get your 'The Early Daze' here, the next great American novel, the literary bridge to the 21st Century...Get your 'The Early Daze'!!!"

    We will need a fancy leatherbound copy as well for Captain Casey's Quarters on the TL pirate ship.

    Parent

    It'll be a GIANT leather bound copy (none / 0) (#97)
    by Dadler on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 10:32:50 AM EST
    and i'll leap out of it in a bikini if i can actually get this phucker published.

    Parent
    just get rid of them bedbugs... (none / 0) (#98)
    by Dadler on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 10:44:41 AM EST
    ...and i'm there. seriously, i've gone the longest in my adult life without hitting the apple, my old man was born and raised in lower east side depression-era poverty like i could never comprehend ("The roaches were my only friend, son, I really thought that."), and now some little flea-like phuckers are keeping me outta the greatest city on the east coast -- sorry I still dig San Fran for the West Coast best.  My sister-in-law, no lie, was in NYC last week, had bedbugs in her Hilton and brought them back to her house in Cali, which got infested too.

    if terrorists wanted to really ruin us, they'd think of bugs and rodents first.

    Parent

    Which Hilton? (none / 0) (#106)
    by oculus on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 11:33:29 AM EST


    Parent
    Actually, I stand corrected... (5.00 / 1) (#109)
    by Dadler on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 11:41:37 AM EST
    ...my wife has just informed me that it was at a Marriot in Newark, where she stayed for four days before spending two in Manhattan, that she acquired the pests.  Hilton lawyers, please call my attorney, at the firm of Dewey, Cheatam & Howe.  

    Parent
    But it begs the question (none / 0) (#117)
    by sj on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 03:31:11 PM EST
    If she was at the Marriot first -- where the pests were acquired -- did she, herself, end up spreading them to the Hilton as well?

    I wanna go to NYC but dang, not until this thing is under control.

    Parent

    I was there in Dec. Staying at the W &J in (none / 0) (#118)
    by oculus on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 03:51:06 PM EST
    midtown.  Not the world's most expensive hotel.  No bed bugs.

    Parent
    thanks (none / 0) (#121)
    by sj on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 04:12:37 PM EST
    for the reassurance :)

    Parent
    Ha. It's a great find. Well located (none / 0) (#122)
    by oculus on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 04:17:28 PM EST
    for theatre district and Lincoln Center and the price is right.  

    Parent
    probably (none / 0) (#124)
    by Dadler on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 04:22:02 PM EST
    if they got to her house in san diego, i'm sure they traveled with her from newark into the city. she thought she'd washed and got rid of everything infested before heading into manhattan, obviously switched rooms, etc. i'm with you, was planning a spring trip, but now...i can wait.

    Parent
    Thursday Night TV and Open Thread | 127 comments (127 topical)

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