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Friday Open Thread

Details of Osama bin Laden's life on the run, from a police report of an interview with one of his wives. Two of his kids were born in a Pakistani hospital.

Toulouse Update: French police arrest 19 suspected Islamic militants. They aren't suspected of playing a role in Mohamed Merah's killing spree, they are just part of a crackdown on "undesirables" that has followed it.

Who's buying a MegaMillions ticket? It's up to $640 million.

I'll be busy at work today, this is an open thread.

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  • Display: Sort:
    Paging 6 TL'ers... (5.00 / 1) (#2)
    by kdog on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 12:42:31 PM EST
    pick me a number between 1-56.

    28 (none / 0) (#3)
    by Anne on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 12:46:46 PM EST
    Sixteen of us at work chipped in $5 each; I really cannot imagine how it would feel to win that much money - even split 16 ways.

    Parent
    Howzabout... (none / 0) (#4)
    by StephenAG on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 12:47:30 PM EST
    ...35? Yep, dat's a good one!

    Parent
    Thank you thank you... (none / 0) (#6)
    by kdog on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 12:50:19 PM EST
    4 more por favor!

    The way the whole country has lotto fever this puppy might hit a billion by drawing time.

    Parent

    14 (5.00 / 1) (#19)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 01:18:46 PM EST
    You realize that if I see a dude in NY wirth the first name starting with a K who's in his 20's winning the lotto with a 14, my lawyers will be in touch.

    Parent
    14 is in... (none / 0) (#23)
    by kdog on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 01:21:51 PM EST
    my nephew's birthday, more McArab numerology.

    Parent
    Ditto (none / 0) (#34)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 02:02:52 PM EST
    Bastille Day, 7-14, and 7 has always been my demise, while 14 has proven to be a good soldier.

    Parent
    714... (none / 0) (#46)
    by kdog on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 02:20:06 PM EST
    One of my numbers when I play the numbers...my birth weight, 7 lbs. 14 oz's

    Parent
    The first Time I Played Roulette (none / 0) (#71)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 04:13:19 PM EST
    ...I walked into the casino with my friends, put $20 down on 14 and it hit.  I hate casinos, especially the sh1tty broke down ones in LA, so i figured I would just put it down, lose, and save myself the agony of trying to grind out a couple bucks on blackjack.  But 14 had bigger and brighter plans for me.

    Know I can't bring myself to repeat, I don't want to mess with 14's mojo, maybe he'll bring a you a little sunshine.

    Parent

    54- my age (none / 0) (#78)
    by ruffian on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 04:51:47 PM EST
    Plus I heard higher numbers were least picked

    Parent
    Glad I picked it... (5.00 / 1) (#83)
    by kdog on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 05:05:46 PM EST
    signs of synchronicity can't hurt! It's on ticket #3 ruff.

    And tickets are in hand party people...we're in it to win it!

    Some line at the lotto terminal let me tell ya...and people dropping 50 bucks at a clip.  

    Kinda sad in a way, but otoh the joy of action is priceless.

    Parent

    Wow, that is a good sign! (none / 0) (#87)
    by ruffian on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 05:13:55 PM EST
    I guess we all get superstitious over lottery tickets!

    When is the drawing?

    Parent

    11 pm EST tonight... (none / 0) (#88)
    by kdog on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 05:19:45 PM EST
    So get your pipe-dreamin' in for the next 5 hours, our numbers are posted in this thread.

    Parent
    They said at the gas station in Atlanta (none / 0) (#97)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 06:56:38 PM EST
    Tonight that people were driving to GA from MS to buy tickets.

    Parent
    11 (none / 0) (#5)
    by CST on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 12:49:46 PM EST
    Need 3 more... (none / 0) (#7)
    by kdog on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 12:52:56 PM EST
    This will be the TL ticket...if it hits everybody who has posted a comment within the last 3 months gets an equal share, to be divided after deducting the expenses for the TL convention/epic bender.

    Parent
    33 (none / 0) (#8)
    by shoephone on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 12:55:38 PM EST
    It was a very good year...

    Parent
    Patrick Ewing...check. (none / 0) (#10)
    by kdog on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 12:57:27 PM EST
    Dos mas...

    Parent
    13 (none / 0) (#13)
    by jbindc on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 01:02:37 PM EST
    Lucky 13... (5.00 / 1) (#16)
    by kdog on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 01:06:21 PM EST
    is the megaball.  Drawing is now closed, thanks all for playing!

    Consider the TL ticket purchased...11,21,28,33,35 Megaball 13.  

    If you have a live chicken...sacrifice it, pluck it & fry it! ;)

    Parent

    That's a terrible idea! (5.00 / 1) (#28)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 01:55:53 PM EST
    kdog: "If you have a live chicken...sacrifice it, pluck it & fry it!"

    What a waste of a perfectly good chicken! If you absolutely must sacrifice and pluck one to appease the lottery gods, it's really much better if you subsequently baste the chicken lightly in olive oil (preferably Bertolli), sprinkle it with some cracked black pepper, and then roast it on a rotisserie grill.

    Further, the gods also demand that it be served with a baked potato with sour cream and chives, fresh julienne-cut green beans and red & yellow bell peppers that are blanched for no more than 45 seconds, and a glass of 1961 Chateau Trotanoy Pomerol merlot (although, if you must, the 1998 vintage will do in a pinch).

    Next time, please learn to channel the gods yourself, before making such suggestions. Honestly, kdog, must we do everything for you?

    :-D

    Parent

    I don't know man... (5.00 / 1) (#32)
    by kdog on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 02:01:11 PM EST
    I've had Alabama style fried chicken...I'll put that up against your roasted in the Pepsi challenge any day of the week.

    Parent
    My insides are rebelling ... (none / 0) (#57)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 02:42:56 PM EST
    ... while reading that. I don't doubt that it's tasty, but generally, fried chicken and me do not get along. It's like hamburgers. Tastes great while I'm eating it, but about an hour later, I'm starting to regret that I consumed it.

    Parent
    Aw come on! (none / 0) (#91)
    by waldenpond on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 06:06:55 PM EST
    I want in but how can you expect me to do that to this?  She weighs maybe 6 oz soaking wet.  She'd get lost in the pan.

    Parent
    Hey, Mr K! (none / 0) (#111)
    by vml68 on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 09:45:20 PM EST
    I missed the chance to pick a number for you. I would have picked 9 and 11, so I am considering myself part of your winners circle (if and when!)... :-)! Thank-you, CST and Nycstray.

    I meant to buy some tickets today but my laziness was stronger than my desire to win the lottery... :-0!

    Parent

    Because of Mr K . . . (none / 0) (#118)
    by nycstray on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 10:55:27 PM EST
    I actually pitched in a bought 1 ticket for fun. I also bought one for the smaller drawing tomorrow night. I was at the store anyway :)

    How the heck are ya?! Long time no 'see'! Have you heard about my new 'kid'?

    Parent

    Hi Nycstray! (none / 0) (#123)
    by vml68 on Sat Mar 31, 2012 at 10:47:12 AM EST
    I have been a little busy so have not had a chance to hang around TL for the past 3-4 months. How are you doing? I missed the news of your new 'kid'. So thrilled for you!
    Tell me about her/him when you get the chance and post some pics too. I will keep checking back.

    Parent
    Josh votes 11 too (none / 0) (#75)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 04:37:33 PM EST
    It was my soccer number (none / 0) (#80)
    by CST on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 04:58:28 PM EST
    once I stopped playing goalie.  It was hard to let go of #1, but I figured 11 was an acceptable replacement.  Since then it's been my "number".  I couldn't go with 2 - that was already my sister's number and we can't have that.

    I won a lot of games as number 11.  Of course I probably lost even more but we won't talk about that ;)

    Parent

    See, it is the number of the gifted :) (none / 0) (#82)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 05:03:58 PM EST
    And the chosen.  

    Parent
    21 (none / 0) (#9)
    by me only on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 12:56:53 PM EST
    Blackjack

    Parent
    Pays 3-2... (none / 0) (#11)
    by kdog on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 12:58:46 PM EST
    never settle for even money...chickensh*t play.

    And who shall pick the megaball???

    Parent

    Nine (none / 0) (#14)
    by nycstray on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 01:05:29 PM EST
    that's a good one say my feline crew ;)

    Parent
    kdog (none / 0) (#12)
    by CoralGables on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 12:59:34 PM EST
    you can pick your numbers though a random number table HERE

    Parent
    Random Schmandom... (5.00 / 1) (#21)
    by kdog on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 01:20:44 PM EST
    just pick a number will ya and stop being difficult;)

    Parent
    23 (none / 0) (#15)
    by Yman on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 01:05:32 PM EST
    Not sure why ... they were just saying on the radio that this was the most common number - don't know if they mean played or picked, but ...

    Have you picked out an island, yet?

    Parent

    F*ck it... (none / 0) (#17)
    by kdog on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 01:07:49 PM EST
    you guys were so close, as Ernie Banks would say lets play 2.

    9, 23 (my sister's b-day, good call)...4 more.

    Parent

    12 (none / 0) (#18)
    by StephenAG on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 01:13:09 PM EST
    Let's add 12 to the mix!

    Parent
    My birthday... (none / 0) (#20)
    by kdog on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 01:19:48 PM EST
    2nd ticket heavy on McArab birthdays...I like it.  

    Parent
    10 or 2 or 20 (none / 0) (#95)
    by Angel on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 06:35:47 PM EST
    Good luck!!!

    Parent
    D@mn - just missed the PB number (none / 0) (#122)
    by Yman on Sat Mar 31, 2012 at 08:49:15 AM EST
    Turned out to be 23!

    Parent
    Heard a math professor yesterday (none / 0) (#33)
    by Dr Molly on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 02:02:39 PM EST
    on NPR talking about the statistical improbability of winning lottery. Hilarious. You are about 170 times more likely to die from flesh-eating bacteria than to win the lottery.

    But, he did say that, in order to increase your odds slightly, you should pick numbers over 30 and make them odd ones. This because most people pick birthdates (numbers under 30) and even numbers for some reason.

    Parent

    Picking numbers over 30 and odd, (5.00 / 1) (#38)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 02:06:42 PM EST
    if they in fact are less chosen than numbers <30 and even, doesn't give you any better chance of picking the correct numbers, but it does give you a better chance of not having others pick the same #'s and you having to split the pot with them.

    Parent
    touche (none / 0) (#41)
    by Dr Molly on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 02:10:58 PM EST
    Interesting (5.00 / 2) (#47)
    by sj on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 02:21:03 PM EST
    Well, someone[s] is going to win.  It won't ever be me if I don't buy a ticket.  I shall take those recommendations under advisement when I purchase my tickets this evening.  :)

    But this is crazy.  Yesterday the jackpot was $400M.  This morning it was $540M.  And it has now gone up to $640M.

    Parent

    The Visual... (5.00 / 1) (#49)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 02:23:41 PM EST
    ...I always remember someone telling me that it is the equivalent of putting one dollars bills, end to end, from the north pole to the south pole and then picking the correct one.  

    But that was for a different lottery, this would be the equivalent of 17,028 miles of bills, and picking the right one.  The earth is just under 25k miles at the equator, so like from here (Houston) to Australia, going the long way, through Africa.

    Parent

    It doesn't make any difference (1.00 / 0) (#112)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 10:02:02 PM EST
    in what people pick. That has zero influence.

    It's what the numbers that are drawn that count.

    Parent

    What a killjoy (5.00 / 0) (#120)
    by shoephone on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 11:21:35 PM EST
    Got here too late to play (none / 0) (#43)
    by sj on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 02:14:45 PM EST
    But what a great idea, kdog!

    Parent
    That's allright... (5.00 / 1) (#48)
    by kdog on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 02:21:36 PM EST
    you're an equal partner nonetheless.

    Any lurkers better register and post a comment before 11 pm EST!

    Parent

    count my (5.00 / 1) (#54)
    by the capstan on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 02:38:22 PM EST
    Sanibel snark!

    Parent
    We Should Bankroll... (none / 0) (#66)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 03:01:44 PM EST
    A Talk Left vetted third party candidate.  

    Destroying the 2 party system would be me infinitely more joy that a big fat bank account.

    Parent

    That's a good idea... (5.00 / 0) (#67)
    by kdog on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 03:17:29 PM EST
    we can vote on it at the convention, and if the motion passes nominate a candidate, as long as it ain't me...for the the sake of the new party's credibility.

    Parent
    Vetted By Us (5.00 / 0) (#68)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 03:33:07 PM EST
    Not one of us.  

    We'll make you King of Park.

    Parent

    I nominate Newt and (1.00 / 0) (#113)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 10:03:01 PM EST
    pledge $2.00.

    Parent
    You've already committed... (5.00 / 1) (#69)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 03:40:15 PM EST
    ...to being my VP.

    Parent
    My caveat still stands though... (5.00 / 0) (#70)
    by kdog on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 03:48:16 PM EST
    I wear the Nacho Libre mask at all times Mile, Vice President X.

    Parent
    Super Hero vice President... (5.00 / 0) (#72)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 04:21:10 PM EST
    ...we can sell that !!

    Parent
    Just as long as... (none / 0) (#108)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 09:16:07 PM EST
    you have the coordinated cape, tights and boots.  Got to be all in.

    Parent
    Although I am a Nuggets fan (5.00 / 2) (#39)
    by magster on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 02:08:08 PM EST
    I read in Forbes that I can buy the Bobcats for $175 million. I expect to become a dominant force in the NBA for many years after I win the lottery tonight.

    The Nugs are $316 million... (none / 0) (#42)
    by magster on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 02:12:08 PM EST
    ... I suppose I can splurge an extra $140 million so that I can keep my rooting interest the same.

    Parent
    A badass lady and her guitar (5.00 / 1) (#45)
    by Dadler on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 02:19:39 PM EST
    Huge Fan of Her in the 90's (none / 0) (#61)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 02:50:31 PM EST
    aka Joan Crawford on acid.  
    She opened for someone I saw, and I was hooked.

    She's definitely been flying low, but I would call Karen O, PJ Harvey on Oxy.  She just did a remake of Zeppelin's Immigrant Song with Rezner for the 'Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' sound track.

    Hardcore  

    Softcore

    Parent

    Also a big fan. (none / 0) (#65)
    by Dr Molly on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 02:56:53 PM EST
    Long Snake Moan - great song.

    Parent
    Here you go (5.00 / 2) (#90)
    by Dadler on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 05:43:41 PM EST
    Thanks kdog (5.00 / 1) (#52)
    by CST on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 02:32:31 PM EST
    This is the closest I've ever come to playing the lottery.  It's kind of fun.

    I should be shelling out... (5.00 / 2) (#60)
    by kdog on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 02:49:57 PM EST
    for thousands of tickets to repay you all for all the food for thought over the years, our hostess especially...I'm getting off obscenely cheap.  

    But you can now say in all honesty you have played the lottery.  Here's to some beginners luck!

    Parent

    Fed court smacks down Walker (5.00 / 4) (#73)
    by Towanda on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 04:24:04 PM EST
    This is huge.  I LOVE FRIDAYS, when every week brings a news dump to bring back Wisconsin, but THIS WAS A HUGE DAY.

    Fed court strikes down parts of Act 10, the parts that almost eradicated collective bargaining and unionization for public workers.

    And that it happened only hours after the official certification of ALL of the recalls -- Walker, the looey gov, four GOP state senators -- and set the dates for the recall primaries and election, well, that just makes this a great news dump day.  (As does another court decision to not change the venue for the trial of one of Walker's aides on four felony counts.)

    The only bigger news dump Friday to come will be the one when Perp Walker is put in handcuffs.  The indictments are coming, they're coming, with much more that has come week after week for months now.


    Oh, I am crossing my fingers (5.00 / 1) (#77)
    by Zorba on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 04:50:34 PM EST
    that Wisconsin will find its way back to "Fighting Bob" Robert M. La Follette, Sr. and the Progressive Party!  Not to mention the values represented by William Proxmire and Russ Feingold.  When did Wisconsin start to radically depart from its progressive roots?  Was it in 1999 when your 1st District elected Paul Ryan?  When?  I truly hope that Walker and his ilk will not only be swept out of office, but that Walker (and more) will be indicted.  Good luck, Towanda!  Please continue to let us know how things are proceeding there, since Wisconsin politics are not exactly making the national news in a big way.

    Parent
    Wisconsin a progressive state? (5.00 / 1) (#86)
    by Towanda on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 05:13:41 PM EST
    No, it always has been a schizoid state -- remember, it's the state that brought you Joe McCarthy, too -- since the Republican Party was founded there in 1854.

    La Follette -- a Republican -- did not really have Wisconsin; he had Dane County.  Milwaukee was Socialist, with more votes (and stayed Socialist for half a century, long after the La Follettes).

    What La Follette did, a lesson to us today, was to effect a coalition of the "progressives" aka disaffected Republicans and of the Socialists.  They gave him the support for his plans in trade for his pushing through the Socialists' long-attempted legislation -- the best laws, the landmark laws that are called "progressive."  They actually were Socialist laws.

    And then, many of those that were tried first in Wisconsin, including more put in place by La Follette's son Phil as governor, were pushed by La Follette's son Bob Jr. as Senator, too -- and became part of the Democratic New Deal.  So when conservatives denounce FDR's legislation as Socialist, they're not far off!

    But, throughout, a narrow majority of Wisconsinites remained Republican and conservative -- and naive, sadly, to not see ALEC and the Koch brothers coming to take advantage of Midwestern nice.  That's over now, of course, in sadder but wiser Wisconsin.  We hope.

    Parent

    Well, at least Wisonsin had (5.00 / 1) (#99)
    by Zorba on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 07:11:59 PM EST
    Proxmire and Feingold.  Neither of whom were perfect, but I'll take them over most of the bozos we have now!
    And I'll take the Socialist laws, too!   ;-)

    Parent
    Yep. We used to say that (none / 0) (#119)
    by Towanda on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 10:59:12 PM EST
    you can live in any decade you want to in Wisconsin, as long as you pick carefully where you live.  

    Of course, you also can pick your century.  Some are still in the 1800s -- and consider that "progressive."  (Ahem, such as Appleton, where Joe McCarthy is still a local hero honored annually.)

    Parent

    And coincidentally, the ... (none / 0) (#76)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 04:45:40 PM EST
    ... Wisconsin General Acounting Board has formally certified the petitions today, which allows the recall election to take place on June 5.

    Parent
    Yes; did you miss (none / 0) (#81)
    by Towanda on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 05:03:43 PM EST
    this in my post?:

    And that it happened only hours after the official certification of ALL of the recalls -- Walker, the looey gov, four GOP state senators -- and set the dates for the recall primaries and election, well, that just makes this a great news dump day.

    Parent

    I guess I did, and therefore, ... (none / 0) (#92)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 06:23:21 PM EST
    ... I stand happily corrected. This is indeed a great day for advocates of open, fair and honest government in Wisconsin.

    Parent
    We might be out of the hospital (5.00 / 1) (#85)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 05:11:25 PM EST
    On Sunday.  The second new veptor placement went smoothly.  Josh is in a halo vest for about 2 months though.  Everyone thought his vertebra were fused at least in a few places, but no.  We are going home much earlier than projected, even an optimistic projection didn't have a plan for home this soon.

    Well, this is (5.00 / 2) (#100)
    by Zorba on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 07:16:07 PM EST
    good news, Tracy.  Take every bit of positive progress that you can, my sister.  My thoughts and prayers are with you, Josh, and your family.  No child should have to go through what he has been through, but given his problems, he is in the best hands possible.  Stay strong!  And namaste.  

    Parent
    Happy to get both guys home (5.00 / 1) (#101)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 07:27:37 PM EST
    Josh doesn't have his usual twinkle in his eye.  He is tired of all this and he misses his poodle and his neices.  And I think my husband has lost his twinkle because Josh is done with this.  You can only watch so many movies and play so many games.  We have sunk to a new low keeping him entertained and he is watching 'Family Guy' on the Netflix streaming.  It's the only thing that makes him laugh right now.

    Home can't come soon enough I guess :)

    Parent

    Sweetie, he has been (5.00 / 3) (#104)
    by Zorba on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 07:43:23 PM EST
    through more than most people (including adults) could handle.  Of course he is tired of this, sad, and wants to go home.  This is only natural.  Stay strong (and I know that this is hard on you- it stabs us right in the heart to see our kids hurting and sad).  Many hugs from me to Josh, you, and your husband.

    Parent
    MT - Glad to hear (5.00 / 1) (#114)
    by BackFromOhio on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 10:09:02 PM EST
    some good news -- keep it going!

    Parent
    Karl Rove (5.00 / 1) (#94)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 06:31:32 PM EST
    releases a commercial accusing Obama of being a double agent. Karl Rove apparently isn't too bright. I'm sure this will work with the birthers and all but the rest of the voters? I doubt it. It makes the GOP look like it's stuck in the past (it is). The rest of the country has moved onto today's problems and they are like the Japanese soldiers who never realized that WWII was over.

    It won't work in Atlanta even (none / 0) (#98)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 07:03:46 PM EST
    At least the portion we are dwelling in right now.  Very pro Obama, have seen lots of Obama bumper stickers and nothing memorable Conservative other than one Newt sticker.  Leaving Enterprise we did pass one person sporting Palin Power :)

    Parent
    Where are you (none / 0) (#102)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 07:28:51 PM EST
    dear? We could have met for lunch as if you had any time for that. Right? Yeah, you don't see many GOP bumper stickers in Atlanta proper but even up here in the deep red area, you don't see much pro-GOP stuff. I don't know if the local party is having problems which it could be or if they just aren't that excited yet. I'm waiting to see what happens when an actual nominee delivers. I have seen signs for Romney and Newt but none for Santorum around here though I saw a few in SC for Santorum when i was there.

    Parent
    We are at Egleston....I think that's how (5.00 / 1) (#103)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 07:34:12 PM EST
    You spell it.  We should have lunch.  Even if I must get my cranky guys home soon.  We will be back in about 8 weeks and will be here for some time doing that portion of this process too.  Let's do make a plan to have some lunch then.  It will be less stressful than this part has been too.

    Parent
    I have (5.00 / 1) (#106)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 08:34:34 PM EST
    never been there but I know people who have and talked about how wonderful the staff is there--very caring towards their patients.

    Parent
    It's a wonderful hospital (5.00 / 1) (#107)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 08:40:45 PM EST
    Makes it easier too when you are doing difficult things to have that kind of staff.  Some families on different floors are even more challenged than we are.  Always seems to be a reason to be grateful.

    Parent
    All I can think of (none / 0) (#121)
    by jbindc on Sat Mar 31, 2012 at 07:18:02 AM EST
    Is that old song "Secret Ay-junt Man"

    "He's given you a number, and taken away your name.'

    Rove is an idiot.

    Parent

    There's yet another questionable ... (5.00 / 0) (#96)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 06:50:10 PM EST
    ... shooting of an unarmed black teenager, and sad to say, the police in my old hometown of Pasadena, CA are involved:

    Los Angeles Times | March 30, 2012
    L.A. County watchdog asked to probe Pasadena police shooting -- "Pasadena Police Chief Philip Sanchez asked a county law enforcement watchdog agency Tuesday to investigate the shooting of an unarmed man by two of his officers. Kendrec McDade, 20, was shot as the officers pursued two men suspected of ransacking a car and pointing a weapon at the car owner about 11 p.m. Saturday, authorities said. Sanchez said he asked Michael Gennaco, head of the Los Angeles County Office of Independent Review, to help conduct an investigation into the fatal shooting. The chief's announcement came as McDade's mother hired an attorney and the American Civil Liberties Union called for an independent investigation. Religious and civil rights leaders in the area have demanded to speak to Sanchez about the slaying. 'I just want to make sure justice is served for my son,' said Anya Slaughter, who was surrounded by photographs and plaques from her son's days as a football player at Azusa High School. 'I'm very devastated. He was my world.' McDade attended Citrus College and was interested in studying law, family and friends said."

    Two things should be noted here, which could call into question whether the purported initial robbery even occurred:

    • None of the items reported to have been stolen, a backpack and laptop, have been recovered despite an exhaustive two-day search by law enforcement, even though both of the young men were confronted by police within minutes of the alleged robbery; and
    • The man who initally called 9-1-1 to report that he had been robbed at gunpoint, Oscar Carrillo, has since been arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter, for filing a false report claiming that the suspects pulled a gun on him and were armed. which led directlyto the subsequent death of Kendric McDade.

    Let's hope the Pasadena police do the right thing and cooperate with outside investigators to discover what went wrong here, and don't merely circle the wagons, bet on the thin blue line and double down on stupid.

    Aloha.

    An absurd misapplication (5.00 / 1) (#115)
    by Peter G on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 10:15:55 PM EST
    of the manslaughter law, to charge the guy who called 911, even if it was a false or exaggerated report.  That a tragedy ensued does not make the initial action a crime, or constitute legal causation.

    Parent
    Democracy Now... (none / 0) (#105)
    by desertswine on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 08:01:17 PM EST
    had a story about a 68 yr old (black) man with a heart condition that set off his medical alert while he was asleep, in White Plains NY.

    The cops arrived and broke in his door, tased him, shot him with a beanbag, and then shot and killed him.

    Parent

    Wow. This is terrible. I'm imagining now how (5.00 / 2) (#109)
    by Angel on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 09:22:25 PM EST
    many incidents like this that we never hear about.  

    Parent
    Oh my God (none / 0) (#116)
    by sj on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 10:25:04 PM EST
    That is an incredible report.  It makes my heart hurt in a big way.

    Parent
    I kinda doubt the militants (none / 0) (#1)
    by me only on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 12:35:50 PM EST
    had a permit for:

    Five rifles, three Kalashnikovs, four handguns and a bullet-proof vest were seized in the operation, Gueant said.


    Satorum Almost Calling Obama the Nword ? (none / 0) (#22)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 01:21:41 PM EST
    The first time I watched it, no way, but after a couple times, it sure seems like the Nword was about to come out.
    LINK

    He's denying it, of course, but he sure (5.00 / 1) (#24)
    by Anne on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 01:31:52 PM EST
    was flustered after he almost said whatever it was.

    And here's the thing: the remarks that followed didn't really pick up where he left off after the stumble - you'd think, if it were some innocuous word that he'd tripped over, he'd just get the word out and go on.

    Gonna be a lot of people wondering about this, for sure.

    Parent

    Yeah, that's what I noticed too. He didn't pick (5.00 / 1) (#84)
    by ruffian on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 05:10:30 PM EST
    up the same stream of thought like he had just stumbled or stuttered . He definitely changed whatever word he was about to say.

    Still, it is so unimaginable that someone that has been in public life for so long would even think in those terms. I am the last one to defend Santorum on any grounds, but this would just indicate insanity.

    Parent

    One of The Things... (none / 0) (#26)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 01:51:16 PM EST
    ...that really freaked my out when I moved to Texas was the casual use of the word, like it was the only one ever used.

    I heard it used in Wisconsin, but rarely and usually in some sort of bravo stand.  It wasn't normal for people to use the word in normal conversation.

    And I'll buy Santorum's denial if he provides the word he intended to say very soon; which I suspect his team is at dictionary.com working over the N section real hard.

    Parent

    I felt just the same way (5.00 / 1) (#50)
    by sj on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 02:28:36 PM EST
    when I started traveling to Louisiana on a regular basis.  I couln't believe how casually it was used, and how no one even blinked.

    Parent
    You want casual racial slurs, then ... (none / 0) (#58)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 02:46:02 PM EST
    ... let me introduce you sometime to my paternal uncles in northern Illinois. It's embarrassing to hear, if only for the sheer ignorance it represents.

    Parent
    I'm pretty sure everyone has that uncle (5.00 / 1) (#62)
    by CST on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 02:51:45 PM EST
    The best thing about my racist uncle is that he always puts it in a positive light.  Like "Those (insert racial slur) are such hard working people".  Or something.

    Parent
    Heh! Not mine. (none / 0) (#64)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 02:53:43 PM EST
    One of them refers to Obama as "your ni&&er president."

    Parent
    Compared to southern Illinois (5.00 / 0) (#125)
    by Towanda on Mon Apr 02, 2012 at 02:57:03 PM EST
    your uncles are nearly members of the NAACP.  I could not believe my eyes and ears when we headed to southern Illinois and Indiana.  It's still Copperhead country, huge Confederate flags on storefronts and more, etc.  I enjoy garden art, so when we saw a sign for a factory outlet for some, we stopped -- and inside, I saw a huge room where dozens of workers were painting minstrel makeup on those awful sculptures of little boys gone fishing and eating slices of watermelon.  

    And yes, in the "southrun" parts of those states, that is known as "n****r art."  

    I have refused, when invited back, to return there.  I always, somehow, have scheduling conflicts.

    Parent

    Blah People ;) (none / 0) (#44)
    by indy in sc on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 02:19:19 PM EST
    Maybe he meant to say it like ... (none / 0) (#63)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 02:51:48 PM EST
    the electorate on his side of the aisle (none / 0) (#124)
    by jondee on Sat Mar 31, 2012 at 10:11:51 PM EST
    has gotten so bad that 'almost saying it' is liable to pick up a few more votes for him.

    Parent
    Technology Junkies (none / 0) (#25)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 01:43:29 PM EST
    I picked up a handheld recreation GPS the other day for a little adventure in May.

    I got it for geotagging the trip, namely trials and photos.

    Anyways, if you care to see the errands I ran after I put batteries in the unit, I overlayed it on a Google Map, complete with motion, elevation, and speed.  

    It's a trip.

    Had I taken photos, it would place them exactly where they were taken using the embedded time stamp.

    Fun, isn't it (none / 0) (#27)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 01:55:46 PM EST
    Unfortunately the trip you linked to is private.

    Parent
    Fixed (none / 0) (#36)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 02:05:14 PM EST
    Still waitin on two numbers.... (none / 0) (#29)
    by kdog on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 01:57:20 PM EST
    if I pick 'em I'll jinx us.

    Ticket #1) 11,21,28,33,35 & 13
    Ticket #2) 9,12,14,23, ?, & ?

    29 (none / 0) (#30)
    by CST on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 01:59:23 PM EST
    8, my son's football jersey. (none / 0) (#31)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 02:00:02 PM EST
    Done and done... (none / 0) (#37)
    by kdog on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 02:05:26 PM EST
    29...another McArab birthday, my niece.

    And megaball 8...Sarc's boy & the late great Gary Carter (good company;)

    Ticket #1) 11,21,28,33,35 & 13
    Ticket #2) 9,12,14,23,29 & 8

    Parent

    43 and 49 (none / 0) (#35)
    by Dr Molly on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 02:03:15 PM EST
    Damn it! (5.00 / 1) (#40)
    by kdog on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 02:10:35 PM EST
    Those are good though, we're heavy on the under 35's...lets play a high one.

    Ticket #3) 43, 44, 46, 49, 56 & 30

    44 my house number, 54-46 for Toots, his old prisoner number, and megaball 30 for my old man, today's his birthday.  If he were still with us I can't even imagine how much action he'd have going tonight;)

    If (err, when;) we lose everybody who has commented in the last 3 months owes me a nickel;)

    Parent

    Will You Take a Nickels... (none / 0) (#51)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 02:28:47 PM EST
    ...worth of advise ?  

    If so, I got everyone one covered.

    Parent

    what about when we win?? (none / 0) (#53)
    by Dr Molly on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 02:36:21 PM EST
    Posted above.... (5.00 / 1) (#55)
    by kdog on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 02:39:40 PM EST
    This will be the TL ticket...if it hits everybody who has posted a comment within the last 3 months gets an equal share, to be divided after deducting the expenses for the TL convention/epic bender.


    Parent
    aha. (5.00 / 1) (#56)
    by Dr Molly on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 02:42:10 PM EST
    the epic TL bender sounds necessary no matter what, IMO

    Parent
    We've talked about it... (5.00 / 2) (#59)
    by kdog on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 02:46:53 PM EST
    for quite sometime, the megamillions jackpot would erase all the logistical and other economical issues preventing a true representative TL Convention.

    If there is a multi-millionaire among us who wants to bankroll the thang right now, by all means step forward;)

    Parent

    Awesome kdog! (none / 0) (#79)
    by ruffian on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 04:57:15 PM EST
    Thanks for the fun idea, even on the off chance we don't win.

    Parent
    22 (none / 0) (#74)
    by star on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 04:25:32 PM EST
    I always miss 22 and then when it appears on tv screen.... UUUGHHHH

    Parent
    Current TV dismissed Keith Olbermann (none / 0) (#89)
    by ruffian on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 05:25:54 PM EST
    effective immediately. Will be replaced by an Eliot Spitzer show. They say he failed to live up to the terms of his contract, but they did not give details.

    I like the Young Turks show that was on right before his and also the Jennifer Granholm so that was on after, so this sounds like a better lineup for me anyway.

    I haven't seen Olbermann since ... (none / 0) (#93)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 06:28:20 PM EST
    ... he left MSNBC, since Current TV is not carried by our local cable network, Oceanic Time Warner. But from all accounts I've read, he appears to have become increasingly mercurial and irascible. Since this isn't the first time and there's an obvious pattern here, I simply don't understand his behavior and innate inability to get along with his bosses.

    Parent
    number (none / 0) (#110)
    by womanwarrior on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 09:33:22 PM EST
    I always like 39, but I never win when gambling.  But there is always a first time, right?

    And the winner is .... (none / 0) (#117)
    by Peter G on Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 10:45:30 PM EST
    46. 23. 38. 04. 02. 23