Saturday Afternoon Open Thread

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Blog Related
Posted on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 01:16:28 PM EST
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Saturday Afternoon Open Thread | 66 comments (66 topical)

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Am I the only one on this board (5.00 / 1) (#1)
by brodie on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 02:08:02 PM EST

watching the Women's World Cup on Espn?

Couple of interesting matchups today in the quarters, with some WWII overtones.

First match pitted former WW2 allies England and France against each other -- exciting finish in regular time as France came back to tie it. Then after 2 overtime sessions, it went to a PK shootout, with La France again coming from behind to win as the last English kicker -- the team captain who's also got an MBE from the Queen no less -- failed on her attempt. Now, will she still get to keep her award?

Second match now: former Axis partners Japan vs Germany. Gee, let me guess who's going to win that one being played on German soil.

I'm right there with you. But Germany (none / 0) (#5)
by tigercourse on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 02:43:11 PM EST

isn't looking so strong at half time. Though most of the play is on Japan's side so it seems inevitable that Germany will score.

I find it hilarious to listen to the commentators (particularly the Brit) taling about the "agressiveness" of each side. "Japan is tenacisous and just launched a sneak attack on German defense! Germany has the power and sheer force of will to take this!"

Parent

Japan goes ahead 1-0 (none / 0) (#19)
by brodie on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 04:03:28 PM EST

in 2d overtime. Wow. Exciting match.

Germany has plenty of time though to level up.

Parent

Japan wins! Quite an upset. (none / 0) (#20)
by tigercourse on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 04:26:40 PM EST

Both teams seemed to fall apart whenever they got close to the goal, but Germany was clearly the worst in this department. They only really seemed to have a spark after Japan scored, but after that it was too late.

Parent

Deutschlander wimmun -- (none / 0) (#24)
by brodie on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 05:27:02 PM EST

lousy at heading the ball today from corner kicks. How many opportunities squandered that way?

Congrats to the Japanese womenfolk -- physically about half the size of their German opponents -- whose back line and goalie stayed steady and didn't buckle under relentless pressure from the home team.

Parent

Yes, it seemed like they headed it over the (none / 0) (#34)
by tigercourse on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 07:08:33 PM EST

goal about 20 times. They could just not put together a coherent attack. Alot of credit goes to Japan's goalie though.

USA vs. Brazil is going to be the big one. I'm kind of dreading it because I'm pulling for the US but think Brazil will win. And I might have to miss the end (if it goes into any overtime) because of work.

Parent

: Nah, Heather O'Reilly is coming (none / 0) (#47)
by Militarytracy on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 08:09:54 PM EST

back on the field. We'll take it :)

Parent

Sounds like the victory (none / 0) (#44)
by jeffinalabama on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 07:49:53 PM EST

goes to patience, tenacity, and discipline... established long before this game.

And I mean to take nothing away from the German effort, either. One of the most difficult things to do in a major sports competition is to stay the course.

Parent

poor England! (none / 0) (#43)
by desmoinesdem on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 07:46:04 PM EST

I was watching the Women's World Cup the other day for a while, and they were talking about how England wanted to avoid a matchup against Germany right away.

Losing in a penalty shoot-out is the absolute worst.

Parent

I'l take your word for it (5.00 / 0) (#3)
by ruffian on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 02:19:44 PM EST

Could not watch more than 40 seconds of that idiocy.

I don't know anymore. I don't see how to find common ground with such people on anything mores serious than dogs and cheeseburgers.

We're just getting to know (5.00 / 0) (#4)
by brodie on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 02:24:52 PM EST

MB and the kind of people she hangs out with and endorses.

I was also interested to hear the interesting-sounding voice of her husband as he ranted against gays -- or "barbarians" as he calls them.

Long ways to go in the GOP primary contest, and getting hot in the polls in July, as is the case with MB, means nothing at best, and at worst is a sign that she may have peaked too soon.

There was a discussion (none / 0) (#7)
by KeysDan on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 02:48:12 PM EST

of that "barbarian" rant of Marcus Bachman, complete with a re-play of the video, on Bill Maher's show last night. It was observed that when Mr. Bachman spoke a purse fell out of his mouth which resulted in speculation and wonderment. However, Bill was thrown off a bit by the fact that the Bachmans have five children---as an "aficionado" of LBJ, I was hoping that you would appear on the set and tell them about Walter Jenkins, who was the father of six children.

Parent

: And I might have done (none / 0) (#9)
by brodie on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 03:01:47 PM EST

just that -- I'm just the type of ... person who would stand up in the audience and shout out about that historical precedent*.
But then I dunno -- I might have been too busy congratulating Bill for publicly uttering the obvious, what many people immediately thought of but might have been too afraid to mention, in regard to hearing Mr. Bachmann's voice for the first time.
(* tough break for WJ wasn't it? and the timing ... right before the Dem convo of 1964 -- curious. I don't think Lyndon ever spoke to him again, btw, at least not during the rest of his presidency, and they had been very close)

Parent

You know, Donald (none / 0) (#51)
by Zorba on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 08:47:38 PM EST

I had the exact same thought. Great minds, and all that. ;-)

Parent

Miami is humid and rainy today, (5.00 / 3) (#6)
by jeffinalabama on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 02:45:16 PM EST

but I'm happy... we're going to head to the beach about dusk, then eat pizza.

For my son, American food is strange and delicious and he misses it... the same way I miss empanadas, and pig out on them while I'm here!

Don't know how much I'll be on line for a while.

I'm thinking of floating my 8 year old a C note, and we'll both hit the HArd Rock Casino. Good idea or not?

All that worry (5.00 / 4) (#10)
by CoralGables on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 03:08:38 PM EST

but your planning paid off, and everything fell in place perfectly for you without a hitch once the wheels left the ground.

Parent

I still owe you one for (5.00 / 4) (#11)
by jeffinalabama on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 03:12:42 PM EST

backstopping me... although a certain 8 year old wants to go to the beach in an hour or so.

As I said, you've got a solid from me, redeemable when you need it. I'll even try to get you AU FLorida tix.

Parent

This turn of events makes me feel (5.00 / 4) (#12)
by shoephone on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 03:18:46 PM EST

so happy for you! And CG, you are a real mensch.

Parent

: Like I said, Shoe, this is a community, (5.00 / 3) (#13)
by jeffinalabama on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 03:20:15 PM EST

not simply a blog. It's amazing. I hope it lasts forever.

Parent

I'm thinking (5.00 / 3) (#21)
by CoralGables on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 04:28:55 PM EST

a walk down South Beach on a sunny day and and you may never get him to go to Alabama. Lucky for you it's cloudy and he's only eight.

Parent

So great to hear your good news (5.00 / 3) (#14)
by ruffian on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 03:21:21 PM EST

Much needed on a hot steamy cranky-making day.

If you make it through Orlando I have a universal studios park day pass I have not managed to use. You are welcome to it. Kdog, jeralyn, or oculus have my email address.

Have a great time regardless!

Parent

Joshua says that that is a great idea! (5.00 / 2) (#16)
by Militarytracy on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 03:33:01 PM EST

Parent

Never too young... (5.00 / 3) (#17)
by kdog on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 03:42:06 PM EST

to learn how to gamble...though the Hard Rock might have an issue:) I think it an excellent idea, when we weren't so rule-crazy my old man would set me up with vouchers to make my own bets at the track, and not much older than your boy...probably a felony now, but I call it bonding:) I tell ya I can't place a bet without thinking of the old man.

So happy for you and your son, a father and child reunion, as it should be....tis beautiful news on a beautiful summer day. This calls for another poolside Hoe-G...raising a bottle to you and my pops and all the dads! Love and respect! Salud.

Parent

Happy Late Father's Day! (5.00 / 3) (#32)
by desertswine on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 06:45:06 PM EST

The best that there is.

Parent

I'm so (5.00 / 3) (#36)
by Ga6thDem on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 07:27:18 PM EST

happy for you. I'm glad things finally worked out with you and your son. Have a great time together!!

Parent

That is great news, Jeff! (5.00 / 1) (#53)
by vml68 on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 09:11:24 PM EST

Hope you and Little Saber 6 have a great time.

Parent

Wonderful news. Enjoy. (5.00 / 1) (#64)
by oculus on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 11:09:11 PM EST

Parent

Now now, I'm sure low taxes (5.00 / 2) (#15)
by ruffian on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 03:28:18 PM EST

and the easing of worries about the federal deficit will induce businesses to hire once the GOP has its way with Obama.

Who needs demand?

This debt ceiling mess (5.00 / 2) (#22)
by lilburro on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 04:38:21 PM EST

makes me want to read Naomi Klein's Shock Doctrine. No one has explained (and no pol has bothered to try) the reasons why we can't just raise the debt ceiling. So I assume disaster capitalism is what we've got going on here.

: I think so. (5.00 / 1) (#23)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 04:56:15 PM EST

Disaster capitalism seems to be the answer. The GOP is clearly vested in tanking the economy as much as possible in an effort to boost their election chances.
Witness Bachmann's statement the other day:

"Does it strike you that as the unemployment rate goes up, your chances of winning office also go up?" host Carl Quintanilla asked. "Well, that could be. Again, I hope so," Bachmann replied.
Our only hope may be their Corporate Masters seeing enough downside to not raising the debt ceiling to put a stop to this idiocy. Then again, they just might be enjoying the road to ruin we're on too.

Parent

Not a fun day (5.00 / 1) (#28)
by MO Blue on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 06:03:45 PM EST

Just got back from the ER. Good chance that I was bitten by a brown recluse spider. Antibiotics now, follow up with my doc Mon. or Tues. and further treatment may well include cutting away effected area. Ick... Really, really hate for docs to cut on me.

Yuck (5.00 / 1) (#29)
by Militarytracy on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 06:09:33 PM EST

We have many of them here. I couldn't tell you if I have ever been bitten, I understand that our response to a bite can vary a lot. I hope your wound heals quickly.

Parent

The only one living in my house (5.00 / 2) (#35)
by MO Blue on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 07:23:06 PM EST

who can wait on me is ......ME. See no point at all for being laid up.

If for any reason I won't be able to do the "waiting," I will have to go stay with my daughter. Good care and good food there but slavish devotion and being waited on hand and foot only happens if I am unable to take care of myself.

I'm sure I will be fine and yet, this was definitely not on my To Do List. Thanks for the laugh and encouragement.

Parent

Take care and don't be (5.00 / 3) (#42)
by jeffinalabama on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 07:42:23 PM EST

afraid to call on the daughter. Brown recluse bites can be nasty!

Parent

If need be, I won't hesitate to (5.00 / 2) (#58)
by MO Blue on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 09:50:06 PM EST

go to my daughter's. She, her husband and the kids are great. Had major medical problems in 08 and 09 and I spent a lot of weeks living there with them taking care of what I could not.

So far the ER instructions were take the antibiotics, elevate leg and no strenuous exercise, go to primary physician Mon. or Tue. and return if condition worsens.

So glad that you are with your son. Wish I was going to the beach like you instead of "hating" on spiders right about now.

Parent

: Do be careful (5.00 / 2) (#60)
by jimakaPPJ on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 10:48:33 PM EST

If you are otherwise healthy you should be okay. But if you have other health issues things can get bad.

Parent

I'm so sorry, sweetie (5.00 / 2) (#52)
by Zorba on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 08:52:03 PM EST

If I were still back in Missouri, I would bring you over food, hot tea, and {{hugs}}.

Parent

: Thanks Zorba (5.00 / 0) (#59)
by MO Blue on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 09:54:28 PM EST

From what I have read about your cooking, I'm definitely missing a treat because you are no longer in MO.
I will consider myself hugged though. Since no one can get enough hugs.

Parent

Oh no! (5.00 / 1) (#39)
by sj on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 07:35:00 PM EST

Here's hoping that the antibiotics do the trick.

Parent

Hope you heal quickly, MoBlue. (5.00 / 1) (#54)
by vml68 on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 09:18:26 PM EST

I saw some pics of brown recluse spider bites on the net and all I can say is don't neglect it and take good care of yourself.

Parent

: I made the mistake of using "The Google" (none / 0) (#57)
by MO Blue on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 09:36:32 PM EST

when I got home from the ER. Hopefully what they are showing on the net is a worse case than what the bite that I have. The pictures were rather gruesome. Unless things get worse (i.e. fever etc.) I will have to wait until Mon and Tues. to find out what will happen. I hate the uncertainty most of all.

Parent

Yikes! But good call to go to the ER. (5.00 / 1) (#55)
by Anne on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 09:26:44 PM EST

Brown recluse spider bites are nothing to fool around with.

Hope time is on your side and whatever effects you have will be minimal.

Keep us posted!

Parent

That is no fun. (5.00 / 1) (#63)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 11:00:23 PM EST

Recover well!

Parent

Whoa, so sorry MOBlue! (5.00 / 1) (#69)
by Dr Molly on Sun Jul 10, 2011 at 06:06:48 AM EST

Glad that you went to the ER, and really hope it heals quickly and well.

Just what you needed, huh?

I wish I was close by, and I could help out!

Parent

: Thanks Dr. Molly for the nice thought (none / 0) (#72)
by MO Blue on Sun Jul 10, 2011 at 08:10:17 AM EST

ER just gave me antibiotics with instructions to elevate leg, avoid strenuous activity and see primary care doc Mon. or Tue for further treatment. The ER doc thinks it was a brown recluse bite but not sure. From what I gather, there isn't a specific test to determine if it is a brown recluse bite or just another spider bite that is causing a stronger than normal reaction. If the antibiotics do the trick, then it was just a nasty reaction from a bite. If not, then thats when they will have to cut away dead skin. (ouch)
So for the time being I plan to be a lazy slug and am fine on my own. If they have to do any cutting, then I will go stay with my daughter. She and the rest of my family will take good care of me.
Once again, thanks for the kind thoughts.

Parent

Good luck to you with the meds (5.00 / 1) (#70)
by ruffian on Sun Jul 10, 2011 at 06:49:36 AM EST

My friend's dog got bitten by a brown recluse a few years ago - it can be very serious. Here's hoping for a mild reaction.

Parent

Boehner announced he is giving up (5.00 / 2) (#45)
by masslib on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 07:57:54 PM EST

on the deficit plan he and Obama discussed, and will instead pursue the smaller package he and Biden discussed. Hope this means entitlements are off the table.

: Sounds like (none / 0) (#67)
by sj on Sun Jul 10, 2011 at 12:49:48 AM EST

Boehner is more interested in being reelected than Obama is as O wants him to come back to the table for the more draconian cuts.
O is even willing to give up the cover of it being the best deal he could cut with those intransigent Republicans.

Parent

Jeter is amazing for... (5.00 / 1) (#56)
by pluege2 on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 09:33:36 PM EST

capturing the moment. Never seen anyone better at it. 5 for 5 day, Homer on No. 3000, game winning single. The guy is amazing.

OTOH, we have a not-yet-ready-for prime-time POTUS who convinced a bunch of fools that he was that guy, but turns out he was just the opposite. All smoke and mirrors with no spark and fuel - we are Effed!

Ewwwwwww (none / 0) (#18)
by Stellaaa on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 03:47:58 PM EST

Has anyone seen (none / 0) (#25)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 05:31:02 PM EST

Wilfred on FX and if so, is it any good?

How about movies--any must haves for my Netflix queue in the theater? The new Winnie the Pooh is definitely getting added. Just started watching "The Pacific"--hoping its on par with "Band of Brothers".

Have you seen "Winter's Bone"? (none / 0) (#27)
by Robot Porter on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 05:47:43 PM EST

Here's the Netflix synopsis:

In director Debra Granik's unflinching noir drama set deep in the Ozarks, resilient teen Ree Dolly (Jennifer Lawrence) goes on the trail of her missing, drug-dealing father when his absence jeopardizes the family's safety. Her deadbeat dad has a key court date pending, and Ree is determined that he show up -- despite the objections of the insular Dolly clan. The film earned Oscar and Independent Spirit Award nods for Best Picture and for Lawrence.

Parent

Haven't seen it yet (none / 0) (#30)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 06:16:57 PM EST

but it is on the list (#21). It goes instant the end of the month. That plot description almost sounds like it could be of an episode of Justified.

Right now I have Whip It, The Informant and Sherlock Holmes at home.

Parent

: Artier than "Justified" ... (none / 0) (#48)
by Robot Porter on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 08:21:54 PM EST

and better music.

Parent

I have been away from home (none / 0) (#37)
by Militarytracy on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 07:31:16 PM EST

for awhile, just got back. My husband said that he watched it. He said it was interesting yet sort of creepy.

Parent

We just watched The Fighter (none / 0) (#40)
by Militarytracy on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 07:36:00 PM EST

via mailed disk from Netflix. I really liked it

Parent

Also, you can see the horror flick (none / 0) (#41)
by Militarytracy on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 07:38:07 PM EST

'Let Me In' on instant right now on Netflix. I really liked that too, vampire theme but vampires and children.

Parent

Not a big horror film fan (5.00 / 1) (#61)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 10:56:28 PM EST

especially vampire ones. Watching Dark Shadows as a kid cured me of that!

Parent

: Josh recorded something that we watched (none / 0) (#73)
by Militarytracy on Sun Jul 10, 2011 at 01:51:23 PM EST

this morning called 'Neverwas',it was pretty cool.

Parent

Thanks Don (none / 0) (#62)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 10:58:38 PM EST

I'll check it out. Speaking of Letters--wasn't there supposed to be a companion to that? From the American perspective if I remember correctly?

Parent

BTW (none / 0) (#66)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Sun Jul 10, 2011 at 12:08:57 AM EST

Have you seen this photo series?

Parent

White House Wage Freeze Shenanigans! (none / 0) (#26)
by Robot Porter on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 05:43:19 PM EST

(Haven't see this covered here. Apologies if I missed it.)

In Obama's recent press conference, he said this:

By the way, people who work in the White House, they've had their pay frozen since I came in, our high-wage folks. So they haven't had a raise in two and a half years, and that's appropriate, because a lot of ordinary folks out there haven't, either. In fact, they've seen their pay cut in some cases.

But Gawker found the White House staff got raises through shenanigans which may not have violated the letter of Obama's statement but certainly the spirit.

Like this absurdity:

Michael Gottlieb's 14% pay bump from $114,000 to $130,500--was a clear violation of Obama's freeze on salaries over $100,000. UPDATE: A White House spokesman says that, because Gottlieb left his job in 2010 only to return in 2011 at precisely the same title but with a higher salary and "considerable additional responsibilities," his raise didn't violate the freeze.

These people just don't get it.

Old guys can hope (none / 0) (#65)
by cal1942 on Sat Jul 09, 2011 at 11:46:26 PM EST

as well.

Hope that there's a trace of bare wire someplace, a breach of insulation, that touches the Rupert.

My fantasy of the day is Rupert Murdoch doing the perp walk.

: I was hoping for some spillover (none / 0) (#71)
by ruffian on Sun Jul 10, 2011 at 06:53:12 AM EST

But then I remmbemverd FOX News is not really a news organization - they don't go digging for any information whatsoever, just hire themselves out as mnouthpieces. I think in this case their vacuity is in their favor.

Parent

Exactly. No surprise (none / 0) (#68)
by Nemi on Sun Jul 10, 2011 at 06:03:19 AM EST

The hacking scandal currently shaking Rupert Murdoch's empire will surprise only those who have willfully blinded themselves to that empire's pernicious influence on journalism in the English-speaking world.

Hugh Grant on the closing of the paper:

What we're gonna find out in the next weeks and months is that this wasn't just News of the World. I almost feel sorry for them in that they're taking the rap for the malpractice of the entire industry.

Here's the Guardians take on Grant's "stunt" back in April.

Progess in realizing progressive goals (none / 0) (#74)
by Politalkix on Sun Jul 10, 2011 at 03:17:39 PM EST

Credit Unions are increasing their business lendings.link

Saturday Afternoon Open Thread | 66 comments (66 topical)

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