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Sunday Open Thread

By Jeralyn, Section Blog Related
Posted on Sun Sep 18, 2011 at 03:24:48 PM EST
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Dominique Strauss-Kahn gave his first French interview today. He called the French writer's claim against him "imaginary", saying there was no act of aggression or violence.

For those of you not planning on watching the Emmy's Red Carpet or the Emmys, here's an open thread for all other topics.

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    Sunday Open Thread | 37 comments (37 topical)

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    Rep. Ryan has started the class warfare screed (5.00 / 2) (#1)
    by Dadler on Sun Sep 18, 2011 at 03:49:04 PM EST
    And I really wish I lived in a world where my Democratic president replied, "You are damn right it's class warfare.  Classless and selfish and greedy idiots like you started it, so now we have to finish the fight and bury your political as*."

    Seriously, I honestly wish someone would call him on this bullsh*t, and I mean get right up in his face, go nose to nose with him, and basically show the jerk*ff that it IS war, and he better be ready to put up or shut up.  These creeps need to be dealt with like the bullies they are.  Then they will stop.  And I am 100% serious, if it takes a Dem from the ghetto chesting up to one of these cowardly blowhards, bring it on.  And note I am NOT advocating violence, merely a strong physical show of standing firm and not being intimidated or backing down.

    It IS class warfare, and the right declared it decades ago.  Long past time for the left to fight back.  Will they?  Nah.

    The really smart (5.00 / 1) (#30)
    by NYShooter on Sun Sep 18, 2011 at 11:42:34 PM EST
     psychologists, sociologists, anthropologists, and all the rest of the "gists" that I read say "it's" coming; it really is a question of "when," not "if."

    Predicting life altering, and/or cataclysmic events, is tricky business. But these experts are unanimous in their opinion that a great vacuum has been created, (the chasm between rich and poor has never been wider) and you don't have to be a "gist" to understand it, just basic physics. The vacuum must be satisfied/filled, the forces are of such magnitude that the inertia built up is irretrievable.

    Yesterday someone here referred to a posting at D.K. where several vignettes of recently impoverished, formerly middle class people, were poignantly written about. The idea that tens of millions of really good people are needlessly suffering while the human waste that caused this debacle are raking it in like never before.......and demanding more, must be resolved.

    We all hope the resolution will be peaceful, but history teaches us one very valuable lesson: the rich & powerful don't relinquish their wealth and power willingly.

    The private jets better be fueled up, and waiting on the tarmac.


    Parent

    While I hope for a peaceful resolution, (5.00 / 1) (#36)
    by observed on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 09:56:40 AM EST
    I tend to think that only actual fear for their physical well-being and/or security will motivate any change on the part of the rich, and then it might not be a change for the better.


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    Are you kidding, Dadler? (none / 0) (#9)
    by Edger on Sun Sep 18, 2011 at 04:45:50 PM EST
    C'mon. This is obviously going to be shaping up as another opportunity for a bipartisan take charge adult in the room show of force. Ryan won't be able to resist being loved to death. Starting negotiation by giving him more than he wants will throw him completely off balance. He'll never know what hit him.

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    Fall allergies. . . *Grumble* (5.00 / 1) (#4)
    by andgarden on Sun Sep 18, 2011 at 04:07:42 PM EST
    Seriously, but for the pollen, this would be my favorite time of year. Perfect weather.

    No need for a coat and no unpleasant heat. Is there anywhere in the world that's 65 F and sunny most of the year?

    California would probably come closest (5.00 / 1) (#5)
    by MO Blue on Sun Sep 18, 2011 at 04:22:38 PM EST
    to your criteria here in the states.

    1. California

    You can't beat the south and central California coast for pleasant temperatures year round. Long Beach, Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Barbara and Santa Maria all have average daily highs no lower than the mid-60s for any month of the year. Nor does it get really hot. Temperatures in summer generally stay below 85 degrees. Plus there's little rain, typically fewer than 20 inches a year. Skies are mostly clear, with Los Angeles reporting sunshine for 73 percent of the time. link

    I join you in your "grumbles" on fall allergies. The minute I turned off the AC and let in the outside air the allergies kicked in full time.

    Parent

    Yup, SF is probably closest (none / 0) (#6)
    by andgarden on Sun Sep 18, 2011 at 04:33:07 PM EST
    Amazingly, I've never visited. It's on my list!

    Parent
    And, the perfect place ... (5.00 / 2) (#20)
    by Robot Porter on Sun Sep 18, 2011 at 07:03:22 PM EST
    for you would be Pacific Grove, California.  It's in the heart of one of the most stable microclimates in the world.  The temperate there is more stable than SF.  It's the type of place where 76 is a hot day and 59 is a cold one. And you have both forests and beaches nearby.  

    It's great.  My sister used to live there.

    I prefer seasons.  But if I was into this sort of thing.  I'd pick Pacific Grove.

    Even the name is soothing ... Pacific Grove ... which of course means "peaceful orchard".  Your blood pressure goes down just typing those words.

    Parent

    I think there are mountainous tropical (none / 0) (#7)
    by observed on Sun Sep 18, 2011 at 04:44:41 PM EST
    locales which fit your bill.
    Probably Lima, Peru is about right.


    Parent
    Well, Lima is not sunny,. (none / 0) (#8)
    by observed on Sun Sep 18, 2011 at 04:45:29 PM EST
    IN fact, they have a lot of overcast days and a high suicide rate, IIRC.


    Parent
    You'd like a few Bay Area (none / 0) (#10)
    by nycstray on Sun Sep 18, 2011 at 05:00:27 PM EST
    and North Bay cities for the weather. Trust me on that one :) I haven't needed an AC 2 summers. And after the NY summers, I can't tell ya how happy I am. Bay breezes and low humidity with highs averaging 75 rock! Night sleeping temps are perfect for me. Winter isn't too bad either. Only hit freezing a couple times . . . .

    Parent
    San Diego. But, not allergy-free. (none / 0) (#18)
    by oculus on Sun Sep 18, 2011 at 05:58:14 PM EST


    Parent
    If George Clooney played Paul Krugman (5.00 / 2) (#11)
    by caseyOR on Sun Sep 18, 2011 at 05:14:30 PM EST
    in a poster. This poster expresses pretty much how I feel these days about the crooks, and the fools who enable them, who are making the big decisions in our country, as well as the simpering mouthpieces who masquerade as journalists.

    I admit that I chuckled (5.00 / 2) (#13)
    by andgarden on Sun Sep 18, 2011 at 05:16:29 PM EST
    But to be honest, I'm not inclined to joke that way. The point is that if the Serious People don't start paying attention to Paul Krugman, some people will start doing destructive things like that.

    Parent
    Yes, people will start protesting, and that (5.00 / 2) (#14)
    by caseyOR on Sun Sep 18, 2011 at 05:24:14 PM EST
    protesting will likely turn violent. And then, I suspect, we will all realize that our bloated and expensive national security state exists more to keep Americans in line than it does to keep Islamic terrorists at bay.

    If Americans take to the streets ala Cairo, or even London, does anybody doubt that the full force of the military will be turned on us? Maybe they will disguise it, make it seem like the force is all coming from police, but, seriously, the feds (Pentagon and others) will be running the show.

    Parent

    Remember (5.00 / 2) (#15)
    by lentinel on Sun Sep 18, 2011 at 05:38:21 PM EST
    Kent State?

    The government sanctioned shooting at students on their campus.

    They will shoot at us again if we demonstrate outside of the cages they construct for us.

    And Obama, the Congress, and the people behind the curtain are pushing us to desperation. And desperation causes people to do things that they wouldn't ordinarily do.

    Obama has proven himself to be either tone deaf, a hack, or an authoritarian who masquerades as a populist.

    He doesn't realize it, but he is playing with fire.

    Parent

    I'll never forget Kent State. (5.00 / 4) (#16)
    by Zorba on Sun Sep 18, 2011 at 05:50:43 PM EST
    Or Jackson State.  I was in college myself at the time, active in the anti-Vietnam War movement.  We all thought "That could have been us."  Didn't stop us, but that fear was always there.  It could happen again.

    Parent
    Oh please (2.33 / 3) (#17)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sun Sep 18, 2011 at 05:57:51 PM EST
    The government did not sanction shooting at students.

    I mean your sacrifice, or sense of sacrifice, is risible.

    Parent

    Rogue National Guard? (5.00 / 1) (#19)
    by oculus on Sun Sep 18, 2011 at 05:59:26 PM EST


    Parent
    By the way, I liked that movie. (none / 0) (#12)
    by caseyOR on Sun Sep 18, 2011 at 05:15:41 PM EST
    I think Clooney won an Oscar for Syriana.

    Parent
    That's just wrong (none / 0) (#25)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Sep 18, 2011 at 08:11:10 PM EST
    I watched 'Your Highness' yesterday, and that's just wrong too.

    Parent
    That's pretty funny (none / 0) (#34)
    by ruffian on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 08:25:02 AM EST
    But I think Krugman is more likely to be played by Paul Giamatti.

    Parent
    Obama deficit plan... (5.00 / 3) (#24)
    by Tony on Sun Sep 18, 2011 at 08:07:30 PM EST
    will not change Medicare eligibiltiy age or amend Social Security.

    Good news.

    That's a step. Now, I will watch to see (5.00 / 1) (#28)
    by Towanda on Sun Sep 18, 2011 at 08:43:04 PM EST
    if Obama fights for it or folds.

    Step three will be the jobs bill.  Specifically, if my son gets a job.

    Yes, I'm done with voting for the sake of others.  My life has been screwed up by others voting for themselves, so I've come around to self-interest at last.

    Parent

    Hooray (none / 0) (#26)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Sep 18, 2011 at 08:12:13 PM EST
    Now is the time to give up on bipartisanship in this fashion.  Thank you Mr. President

    Parent
    Paul Krugman takes up my (5.00 / 1) (#29)
    by andgarden on Sun Sep 18, 2011 at 11:22:43 PM EST
    bleeding the patient comparison (me).

    I won't ask for royalties. :D

    SITE VIOLATOR n/t (5.00 / 1) (#33)
    by caseyOR on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 07:53:48 AM EST


    Dominique Strauss-Kahn (none / 0) (#2)
    by MO Blue on Sun Sep 18, 2011 at 03:51:05 PM EST
    in his first interview acknowledged Sunday his sexual encounter with a New York hotel maid was a "moral failing" on his part, but didn't involve any violence. link

    He's had a lot of failings (5.00 / 1) (#3)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Sep 18, 2011 at 04:05:41 PM EST
    in the sexual boundaries department it would seem.  I just don't see how I can have as many people come forward claiming overly aggressive sexual actions and moments of becoming overtly sexual using his power as an incentive to do what he wanted, without realizing he has some problems around sex and sexual boundaries.

    Some good did come out of this for France, the feminist movement in France took this moment to declare NO MORE OF THIS WILL BE TOLERATED from the French elite.  They will tolerate no more press covering up either.

    Parent

    Looking at the "jobs" bill ... (none / 0) (#21)
    by Robot Porter on Sun Sep 18, 2011 at 07:13:44 PM EST
    and it seems that if the job you're looking for is "slum lord" it's a great bill.

    Any takers?

    Somewhere (none / 0) (#22)
    by lentinel on Sun Sep 18, 2011 at 07:35:25 PM EST
    inside my head I'm continuously aware that the State of Georgia is going to execute Troy Davis within days.

    Not watching the Emmys (none / 0) (#23)
    by oculus on Sun Sep 18, 2011 at 08:04:15 PM EST
    About to enjoy Amadeus live in the park. Hard to beat this venue.

    We watched 'Thor' today (none / 0) (#27)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Sep 18, 2011 at 08:25:07 PM EST
    Very odd at first to me why Natalie Portman would take a role in 'Thor' at this time in her career, my husband thought it odd too and we both commented on it because we didn't really know anything about the movie and were surprised by her presence in it.  Anyhow, we watched the movie with Josh and popcorn.  After it was all over my husband says something about how that movie had a very uncommon quality and feel to it for being what often only feels like the latest superhero movie we will see as a family.  I agreed and couldn't quite put my finger on what the heck it was.  Then the credits came up...directed by Kenneth Branagh.  Perhaps why Portman agreed to do the film?  She also did 'Your Highness' though too which we saw yesterday and IS NOT a kid's movie, very Monty Pythonish funny in all the horrible off color ways.  Not what I expected to see her in though.

    Parent
    Were you expecting something more like this? (none / 0) (#31)
    by EL seattle on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 12:05:18 AM EST
    YouTube video - Natalie Portman SNL Digital Short

    (I think that this was possibly the second 'official' SNL Digtal Short ever, from around the time that V for Vendetta came out.  On Sunday's Emmy award program featured a live musical amalgamation of some of these SNL shorts and songs... but not this Natalie Portman one.)

    As for the unusual qualities of Thor, I think that maybe Branaugh and Marvel and co. were honestly trying to achieve some of the wild and crazy spirit that made the 1960s comics so unique.  (Short of trying to directly adapt Jack Kirby's fantasy art style.)

    Parent

    It really had the feel of having "sets" (5.00 / 1) (#37)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 10:29:42 AM EST
    The family living room in Asgard was stunning, the living room of Gods.  It knocked me out.  Then seeing that Branaugh was the director made many quality things I couldn't help noticing during the viewing make sense.  He built a few serious sets for that movie.  There was something about the inside airstream trailer set too that was so darned accurate feeling for a film.  And yet, when the Portman character claimed to be a little messy, that wasn't messy.  It was drawn comic book messy though.  My kids and grandkids will show you some messy :)

    Parent
    ha! (none / 0) (#35)
    by CST on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 09:44:07 AM EST
    you saw that?  No it is NOT a kids movie at all :)

    I read some interview with her where she said doing Thor after Black Swan was one of the best decisions because Black Swan was so intense that she needed something like that just to normalize things.  I have not seen Thor, I have seen your highness though, and the SNL skits, so it doesn't surprise me that much.

    Parent

    I saw her SNL skit (none / 0) (#38)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 10:32:36 AM EST
    But that's what I expect from someone as talented as she is doing a one time stint on SNL, surprise me...stun me.  I did know she has a well developed sense of humor.

    Parent
    Sunday Open Thread | 37 comments (37 topical)

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