home

Friday Open Thread

Denver has a snowstorm on the way that's supposed to last all weekend. Which means, lots of errands to get out of the way in the next few hours.

Here's an open thread, all topics welcome.

< NYPD Allege Plan to Blow Up Wash. Square Arch | No Charges for NBC's David Gregory >
  • The Online Magazine with Liberal coverage of crime-related political and injustice news

  • Contribute To TalkLeft


  • Display: Sort:
    I hope everyone has gotten a flu shot. (5.00 / 1) (#17)
    by caseyOR on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 02:01:08 PM EST
    According to the CDC, the number of deaths from the flu this season has now entered the epidemic stage. While the flu vaccine is not 100% effective, it does give one a fighting chance against the flu.

    Depending on where you live, you may have to call around to find a place that has flu shots to give. The availability seems a bit uneven geographically, but keep looking.

    If you live in Boston, where Mayor Tom Menino has declared a public health emergency, city health clinics will be offering free vaccines this weekend.

    I don't know what other cities are doing, but your state or county or city health department could tell you.

    Until this year, (5.00 / 2) (#23)
    by Anne on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 02:27:52 PM EST
    I had never gotten a flu shot, but my daughter wanted those of us expected to be spending regular time with the baby to have one, so.. I did, along with the tDAP, which is a better formulation of what used to be the DPT (diptheria, pertussis, tetanus).  I had pertussis as a child, but that was so long ago, that any immunity I might have had is long gone.

    It's encouraging that the vaccine is apparently a good match for the strain that's going around, but it still pays to be smart about exposure.  I'm not a big believer in hand sanitizer, but I do use it at work, taking a paper towel with me when I leave the ladies room to use when opening the various doors on my way back to my office.  I use my knuckle to press the elevator buttons, and I use the antibacterial wipes on the grocery carts in the store.  

    Stay well, everyone - and if you can avoid the virus and germ factory that is the emergency room, probably better for you.

    If only more workers had paid sick leave, more people could actually stay home when they are sick, avoid spreading the flu and get better with fewer complications.  We do have paid sick leave, so I'm considering asking our local HR person to discourage people from coming to work when they're sick - with tax season and my daughter's wedding, I can't afford to be sick because someone else thought they were so indispensable they couldn't stay home!

    Parent

    That's very good advice, which ... (none / 0) (#38)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 03:20:27 PM EST
    ... can't be repeated often enough. If you're sick with a cold or flu, please stay home. If you're the boss and you see someone at work who's quite obviously not feeling very well, please send that person home.

    As my late boss in the legislature used to quip as her hint for us to stop whatever we were doing that late afternoon or evening and go home, the graveyards are full of indispensable people. In the long run, your own well being must take precedence. It's really not worth running yourself into the ground over work-related matters, certainly not to the point where you're no good to anybody -- including yourself.

    Anne, does your firm have a policy for promoting or using telecommuting in such instances, whereby if you somehow really were "indispensable" to its overall operational vitality and efficiency, that you and your officemates could work from home?

    The nice thing about my partner and I being our own bosses is that we've set ourselves up for the choice to work from either our office or our respective homes. We're downtown 90%-plus of the time as it is, but it's still rather nice to have that option available, particularly if either one of us feels under the weather.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Of course sick people should stay home, (5.00 / 3) (#51)
    by caseyOR on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 03:54:48 PM EST
    but, as Anne pointed out, not everyone has paid sick leave. People without paid sick days often cannot afford to miss work when they or their children are ill.

    If the choice is between going to work sick or paying the rent and feeding your kids, well, staying home is going to lose.

    Parent

    I would want to ask (5.00 / 3) (#73)
    by Zorba on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 05:14:41 PM EST
    those who do not agree with Universal Health Care and paid sick leave if they are comfortable with the thought that when they go out for lunch/dinner/whatever, the people who cook and serve their food have no health care, no paid sick leave.  Do these people really want their food prepared and served by someone who is sick, and who may have coughed on or touched their food?
    Or, for that matter, do they want to be buying anything from clerks who are sick and are handling their purchases, because the clerks cannot afford to take off from work?
    Do they want their day-care providers or baby-sitters to be working with their children while those providers are sick and potentially infecting their kids?
    Health care is a public health issue.
    Medicare For All.  Paid sick leave.  Period.

    Parent
    If they get sick... (none / 0) (#81)
    by unitron on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 07:11:31 PM EST
    ...then they just weren't rugged enough rugged individualists.

    Ask any Randian.

    : - )

    Parent

    And the Randians (5.00 / 1) (#85)
    by Zorba on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 08:07:07 PM EST
    will get just as sick as anybody else if exposed to the infectious diseases of their food preparers, babysitters, domestic help, other employees, or whatever.  And then we will see how rugged they are, and whom they blame.   ;-)

    Parent
    Agreed. That's definitely something which ... (none / 0) (#63)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 04:33:37 PM EST
    ... we need to deal with, providing people with access to some sort of paid sick leave through adopting a policy that promotes shared risk. Maybe in the next round of health care freform, hopefully.

    Far better to everyone in society over the long term to ensure that people stay home from work when they're ill, than to potentially contribute directly to a flu epidemic or some sort of pandemic by coercing them economically to show up at work when they're sick -- simply because you're too effin cheap as an employer to absorb the cost of giving them paid time off.

    I mean, how much money are you actually saving as that employer, when half your employees are ultimately too sick to work, or you're too sick to come to work yourself? Unpaid sick leave is as penny-wise and pound-foolish a policy as they come.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Don't hate me;)... (none / 0) (#104)
    by kdog on Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 11:42:14 AM EST
    but I'll be damned if I'm wasting a paid sick day on being sick....those are leisure days!

    Parent
    FYI -- Hand Sanitizer (none / 0) (#117)
    by BackFromOhio on Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 01:40:57 PM EST
    I've been told that not only does hand sanitizer only kill bacteria (i.e., not viruses such as common cold or flu), but it also kills beneficial bacteria we all have on our outer skin that are there as a first line of defense vs. illness.

    Parent
    Yes (none / 0) (#21)
    by Zorba on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 02:07:35 PM EST
    This is an unexpectedly bad outbreak.  And, as you said, you may have to call around, because there are spot shortages in some areas.
    I got my shot last November, thankfully.
    But I should also tell you that it takes about two weeks for the flu shot to reach its full effectiveness, and just because you get a flu shot does not mean that you will not catch the flu.  However, it does generally mean that, even if you do catch it, it will very likely be much milder than it otherwise might have been.  

    Parent
    Even on the Diane Rehm show yesterday (5.00 / 2) (#22)
    by shoephone on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 02:18:20 PM EST
    --a show which generally has very intelligent, informed callers--you would be surprised how many people called and emailed to voice "concerns" about getting the flu from the flu shot, and why health care workers should be required to get the flu shot. One caller even said it wasn't fair to people with religious objections. Neither Diane Rehm nor her guests (all doctors) told the woman--as I would have--that someone who refuses to get a flu shot to guard against infecting their patients shouldn't be in the health care field in the first place. But the doctors all said the same thing: The health care worker needs to get the flu shot. Johns Hopkins, apparently, mandates it.

    It's stunning to me how many ignorant people there are out there. I got my flu shot the last week of September.

    Parent

    This is, in my opinion, (5.00 / 4) (#45)
    by Zorba on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 03:43:21 PM EST
    a major failing of our educational system (and don't even get me started about all its other failings- I could go on and on indefinitely).
    You cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine.  (Just as your young children cannot get autism from any of the childhood vaccines that they receive.)
    And, if you have a religious objection (and what the f*ck is up with that???), then fine, don't get a vaccine, but don't whine if you and your family get the f*cking flu.  If she is in the health care field, she definitely should quit, because I would not want her treating me or my loved ones.
    In fact, if you have a religious objection to providing certain kinds of health care, including dispensing prescriptions (such as, you don't agree with dispensing the morning after pill), or providing something that would protect your patients that you don't "agree with," then get the he!! out of the health care field.  As a matter of fact, I would consider those kind of objections a mandate for the employers to fire their b*tts.    


    Parent
    I could not agree more (5.00 / 4) (#57)
    by shoephone on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 04:10:53 PM EST
    The whole anti-science/anti-governement/but my religion! crowd irks me to no end. And even though Andrew Wakefield was exposed as a fraud and his "studies" were totally discredited (thank god he was stripped of his medical license), there are still people promoting the dangerous falsehood linking childhod vaccines with autism.

    Parent
    Oh, yes (5.00 / 2) (#69)
    by Zorba on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 05:01:43 PM EST
    I absolutely agree with you.
    The whole "anti-science" thing drives me absolutely nuts.

    Parent
    Definitely not 100%.... (none / 0) (#24)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 02:29:53 PM EST
    my Moms has been in bed with the flu all week, and she got a flu shot.  I've been dropping off batches of my homemade chicken soup. It's a nasty season.

    Me?  No shot, and so far so good with no flu.  I credit my aversion to hand sanitizers and anti-bacterial soaps (and flu shots)...the overuse of that crap will kill us all! ;)

    Parent

    Kdog, getting the shot is not 100% protection (5.00 / 1) (#40)
    by shoephone on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 03:31:34 PM EST
    No vaccine can guarantee you won't still get sick. But if you get the shot and still get sick, it is generally a much less serious bout of the illness. In your case, not getting sick is luck. The flu season lasts until April. I wish you further good luck.

    Kudos to you for making the chicken soup for Mom. It can really help cold and flu symptoms. And it's just a nice, caring thing to do for someone you love.

    Parent

    Are you saying... (none / 0) (#46)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 03:45:37 PM EST
    I'm not a specimen with super-human immunes due to years of getting down & dirty without washing my hands?  You're no fun;(

    No kudos, I just know Moms, if I didn't bring the soup she'd be living on tea till she felt well, can't have that.  And selfishly, she is the babysitter so my sister and her husband can go to the Amy Helm show with me...she's got 24 hours!

    Chicken Soup loaded with black pepper is the best remedy for a cold/flu that I ever found, and lots and lots of sleep...the otc cold "medicines" never did sh*t for me, as far as I can tell they're placebos.  

    Parent

    i also recommend the healing (none / 0) (#47)
    by caseyOR on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 03:49:11 PM EST
    properties of chicken soup. My recipe calls for a finely diced jalapeno pepper. In a pinch, cayenne powder will do. For whatever reason the heat does seem to promote healing.

    Parent
    MMMMmmmmm, jalapeños ...!!! (none / 0) (#59)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 04:17:09 PM EST
    I can never go wrong with jalapeños. When I'm feeling junk, especially if I'm at all congested, I just make something with jalapeños and I actually do feel better. It's practically a comfort food with me, just like peanut butter -- only not at the same time.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    ... get my flu shot each season.

    I've had two prior bouts with Hodgkin's lymphoma and one with melanoma, all three of which at the time greatly compromised my immune system, both in the disease's effects and the chemotherapy / radiation treatments which proved necessary to effect a cure.

    So, speaking for myself only, I just can't leave it to chance that my body is strong enough to withstand a serious viral assault from a particularly virulent strain of influenza, as we've seen from time to time.

    As it is, I've actually become quite the asthmatic since my run-in with melanoma six-plus years ago, which now precludes me from freely indulging in the delectable herb, for all my random cracks here about the whereabouts of my wandering bong. My body's made it perfectly clear to me that I'm not invincible, and I'd like to be around for a little while longer before its breaker switch finally shuts off.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    I'm with you . . . (none / 0) (#27)
    by nycstray on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 02:32:19 PM EST
    I credit my aversion to hand sanitizers and anti-bacterial soaps (and flu shots)...the overuse of that crap will kill us all! ;)


    Parent
    Ignorance or Genius? (none / 0) (#29)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 02:38:35 PM EST
    Time will tell stray, time will tell;)

    Parent
    Been working for me so far :) (none / 0) (#31)
    by nycstray on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 02:46:35 PM EST
    Yeah, I've had the flu once or twice in my adult life, but that's a lot of years without it. And heck, I rode the NYC subway during many an outbreak ;)

    Hope your mom gets better real soon!

    Parent

    Thanks!... (none / 0) (#33)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 02:55:36 PM EST
    I hope so too...I've made three batches of soup already this week.  Unless she is milking it for me soup;)

    What I don't understand is who are all these people going to the doctor/hospital over the flu?  Infants, the elderly, those with compromised immunes...that I get.  But otherise healthy adults and children should just stay home and stop spreading the sh*t around!  There is no cure except time and rest...what do they expect the doctor to do for them?

    Parent

    I am coming soon from SW (where flu (none / 0) (#36)
    by oculus on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 03:12:10 PM EST
    epidemic has not yet hit) to NY (where it has).  Is this foolish?  Did get a flu shot.

    PS Kudos to your mom's caring son.

    Parent

    When do you arrive? (none / 0) (#42)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 03:35:59 PM EST
    Any Gotham cultural happenings lined up?  

    Parent
    Many tickets purchased , including (none / 0) (#44)
    by oculus on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 03:43:10 PM EST
    "The Suit" @ BAM 2 pm on Sat. Jan. 28. Interested?  If I can figure out when I haven't booked myself, I will ask you if any of your concert plans are in Manhattan.

    Parent
    I shall mull it over... (5.00 / 1) (#105)
    by kdog on Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 11:43:28 AM EST
    lets get together one way or the other.

    Parent
    Network news this a.m. (none / 0) (#118)
    by BackFromOhio on Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 01:42:10 PM EST
    said flu shot 62% 'effective'

    Parent
    Speaking of vaccines, our local pharmacies (none / 0) (#26)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 02:31:30 PM EST
    are pushing a Shingles vaccine. I remember my dad getting Shingles when I was a kid, and they were super painful.

    Supposedly all us old-timers who had Chicken Pox as a child have the Shingles virus w/in us as a result.

    So, should we all get the Shingles vaccine?

    Parent

    I had shingles last year (5.00 / 1) (#67)
    by Dadler on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 04:53:56 PM EST
    It was a living hell. Worse than you can imagine. Like someone is putting out cigars on your skin all day and night. I had it around my back and waist on one side, but you can get it on your face and neck, which I shudder to think about, though around my waist wearing pants was sheer torture sometimes.

    I repeat, get the vaccine.

    Parent

    You folks are scaring the living daylights (5.00 / 1) (#68)
    by shoephone on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 04:57:40 PM EST
    outta me. I have a really low tolerance for pain... and I remember now that my stepdad had shingles about 15 years ago, and my Mom didn't tell me until weeks afterwards because he was so miserable he didn't even want to talk!

    Parent
    knowing what i know now... (5.00 / 1) (#71)
    by Dadler on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 05:09:28 PM EST
    ...I would've gotten the vaccine. No question. And I don't get flu shots -- though I probably will this week.  As for shingles I wasn't fully healed for a NYC trip, and the entire week there I had bandages covering scabs and sores around my waist and back, and sort of winced my way through most of the days. Luckily, NYC is one of those towns that make you want to suck it up. So I did.

    Parent
    Get to the doctor at the very first sign of (5.00 / 1) (#94)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 08:32:23 AM EST
    shingles.... which is localized pain with, in some cases, a burning sensation. Look for clusters of red dots (which will become blisters later) below the skin. The dots may be almost impossible to see at first. Use a light and magnifying glass.

    Do not hesitate.

    Early dosage of Valtrex will stop the spread and reduce pain. Ask the Doctor for some Prednisone to help with the inflammation and pain.

    There is also some creme for pain.

    Parent

    I keep seeing those commercials (none / 0) (#28)
    by nycstray on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 02:36:16 PM EST
    I've only know one person (years ago) to get shingles. I would say it may depend on your immune/health system/history, but not something I'm going to even consider. I'm guessing it's the latest in vaccine trends this season . . .

    Parent
    nycstray - and now you know a dozen people (5.00 / 1) (#96)
    by Mr Natural on Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 09:46:41 AM EST
    who've had shingles.  I had it last fall.

    I'm not 60.  It sucked, big time.  I'm still waiting for the pain around my ribs, following a pair of nerve trunks where the infection manifested, to go away.  Wearing a shirt still hurts.

    As soon as I was diagnosed my wife asked our doctor for the vaccination.  He recommended doing it but could not prescribe it to anyone under 60, apparently because the insurance company would give him so much B/S.

    So she got one at a local drugstore.  $235.00

    I'd have paid that in a heartbeat if I'd known

    Parent

    Well, speaking as someone who had (none / 0) (#34)
    by Anne on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 03:03:12 PM EST
    shingles about 7 years ago, I can attest to it being a terribly painful and debilitating thing to have.  The best way I can describe it is that it feels like your skin is on fire, and needles are being stuck into it at the same time.  And I had just two tiny patches of it.  I did get it diagnosed quickly, and was put on Zovirax right and that may have lessened the duration somewhat.

    My husband had it on his scalp, edging down onto his forehead - danger there is eye involvement, but he was lucky and it didn't get that far.

    I think they recommend people get the vaccine once they are 60, even if they have already had a bout of shingles.  My husband had his shot and I guess I will get mine sometime after I turn 60 this summer.

    Parent

    Some people get a... (none / 0) (#116)
    by desertswine on Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 01:31:43 PM EST
    recurrence.  I know that I've had it twice. So its a good idea to get the vaccine even tho you've had it already, cause you could get it again.

    Parent
    I'm giving the shingles vaccine some (none / 0) (#30)
    by caseyOR on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 02:41:10 PM EST
    seious thought. I've had two friends go through the pain and agony of a shingles outbreak. They were miserable. I have no desire to go through that.

    The CDC recommends that everyone 60 and older get the vaccine. Anyone who had chicken pox has a dormant shingles virus in them that could rear its head at any time.

    The vaccine is not 100%, no vaccine is, but it does greatly cut down one's chances of getting shingles.


    Parent

    What are you waiting for? (none / 0) (#37)
    by oculus on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 03:12:52 PM EST
    My mom got Shingles a couple of years ago (none / 0) (#61)
    by vml68 on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 04:23:32 PM EST
    when she was visiting me. And, even though we caught it early, she was in considerable pain for a very long time.
    I would get the Shingles vaccine if I were you.

    Parent
    Two of my friends have gotten shingles (none / 0) (#32)
    by MO Blue on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 02:50:24 PM EST
    within the last year. My one friend is under 60 and had a mild case. Rash was ugly and lasted for a while but she did not have a lot of pain. Another friend who is 80 has had a terrible time with it and is still suffering a great deal of pain after several weeks. His doctor told him he really didn't need to get the shot because of his age. Bad recommendation in his case.  

    Parent
    I got my shingles shot (none / 0) (#48)
    by Zorba on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 03:52:25 PM EST
    when I turned 60.  Several reasons.  Mr. Zorba had a very, very painful case of the shingles, to the extent that we had to sleep in separate beds for awhile, because it was too painful for him if I happened to brush up against him at night.
    But the ultimate reason is because I knew three people who got shingles in their optic nerves.  One totally lost the sight in one of his eyes.  One didn't, but she almost did.  And another one lost some vision in one of his eyes.
    I would get it, if I were you.

    Parent
    Both chickenpox and shingles ... (none / 0) (#55)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 04:04:26 PM EST
    ... are caused by the same varicella zoster virus (VCV). Once you've been infected with VCV as a child or as an adult and come down with chickenpox, that virus will remain in your body for the entire course of your lifetime.

    When you subsequently come down with shingles later on in your life, that means that the virus has been reawakened from its dormant state. At that point, you can only let it run its course, which is generally several weeks in length but varies with each person.

    It's important to remember that you can't get shingles unless you've already had chickenpox, but you can be infected with VCV and come down with chickenpox, if you've been exposed to someone with an active case of shingles.

    If an adult has never had chickenpox, he or she should certainly seek vaccination against VCV. While chickenpox as a child often proves uncomfortable and inconvenient at best, catching it as an adult can be quite fatal, particularly  if it's an older adult who's age 55 years-plus.

    Chickenpox killed my former boss, Congresswoman Patsy Mink, at 72 back in Sept. 2002. She had never had chickenpox in her life, and she was exposed to VCV during a site visit to a D.C. elementary school. She came down with the illness and died four weeks later from attendant respiratory complications, after it attacked her internal organs.

    Honestly, you should consult with your physician regarding your potential risk from VCV, and whether it would be a good idea for you to be vaccinated.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Awful. (none / 0) (#89)
    by womanwarrior on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 11:38:34 PM EST
    I didn't know that.  She was great.

    Parent
    Yes, she was. (none / 0) (#123)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 03:10:47 PM EST
    And honestly, her death should really be a testament to the necessity of getting your children innoculated for VCV. It's socially irresponsible to not do so, regardless of one's perceived reason or rationale, given the threat the virus actually poses to uninfected adults. I had chickenpox right after I graduated from UW in 1985, and it was a horrible experience.

    Parent
    I never get the flu shot. (none / 0) (#49)
    by vml68 on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 03:52:35 PM EST
    Unfortunately, this time I paid for it.
    Came down with the flu beginning of December. It took me two weeks to start to feel better. Still had a lingering cough. Ignored all calls to go the doctor from husband and family. A week later cough starts to get bad again. Still stubbornly refuse to go to the doctor. Remain convinced that rest and time will take care of it.

    Spend the week of Christmas through New Year coughing (what feels like)my lungs and every internal organ up. Barely get any sleep. Finally give up and go see the doctor.
    Diagnosed with Pneumonia....:-(!

    Parent

    OMG! are you any better, vml? (none / 0) (#52)
    by caseyOR on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 03:59:36 PM EST
    The flu and pneumonia, a double whammy. Is the kind of pneumonia that can be treated with drugs or the kind that you just have to tough out?

    If I lived on the east coast instead of the west coast I'd bring you a pot of chicken soup. Hey, maybe kdog and I could tag team you with our respective chicken soup recipes.

    Sadly, I am all the way across the country, and in addition to not having the flying car we were all promised back in my childhood, I also lack the means for teleporting.

    Parent

    Thanks Casey. I am feeling a whole lot (none / 0) (#58)
    by vml68 on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 04:15:00 PM EST
    better. I was prescribed antibiotics, an inhaler and cough syrup w/ codeine. I was hesitant about the codeine but Dr convinced me I needed it. I am glad she did. I spent the majority of the next three days sleeping! and it made a huge difference. I just have a slight cough now.

    Parent
    Forgot to add that I would love to (none / 0) (#62)
    by vml68 on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 04:27:13 PM EST
    have your chicken soup recipe.
    Kdog, please share your recipe too.

    Parent
    Chicken soup recipe (5.00 / 1) (#90)
    by caseyOR on Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 01:52:44 AM EST
    None of this is written in stone. So, feel free to ad-lib.

    For the broth: in your largest soup pot (mine is 8 qts.)  place 1 whole chicken or parts to equal approx. 4 lbs. Add 1 whole and unpeeled onion, 2 washed and unpeeled carrots, 2 celery stalks, 6 whole peppercorns, 2 sprigs of parsley (if you have some). Add water to completely cover, leaving approx. 1 inch at top of pot. Bring to a low, very low boil. Skim off the foam. Lower heat to keep at a simmer. Cover pot and simmer for 1 hour.

    Remove the chicken from the pot, place in a bowl and set aside to cool. Strain the broth. Throw away the vegies. Now, if you don't want the chicken fat, put the broth in the fridge for 4 hours up to overnight. Scrape the hardened fat off the top of the broth. If you don't care about the fat, proceed to soup making.

    For the soup:  remove the cooked chicken from the bone and the skin. Shred into bite-size pieces. Peel and roughly dice 1 medium onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks. Peel and chop as much garlic as you want ( I do 4-5 cloves). Finely dice 1 jalapeño pepper. If you want less heat remove the seeds and ribs from the pepper.

    In the now clean soup pot add a glug of olive oil. Add the onion and cook until it softens, but does not brown. Add the carrots and celery to the onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the jalapeno and sautee for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook out the rawness, but do not brown. Pour all the broth into the pot with the vegies. Bring to a low boil, turn down to a high simmer and cook for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes add in the shredded chicken. Add salt and black pepper to taste. At this point you can add some greens (chard or spinach or kale) to the pot. Cook another 10-15 minutes. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed. Serve.

    If you want noodles, cook the noodles separately and add to the bottom of your bowl before you ladle in the soup. DO NOT cook the noodles in the soup.

    As I said, none of this is written in stone. Use it as a guideline. If you don't have or don't like jalapeño, add cayenne pepper to taste. If you don't want the greens then leave them out.
                       

    Parent

    My recipe is very similar, but I've started (none / 0) (#97)
    by Anne on Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 09:49:50 AM EST
    doing a couple thing differently when making chicken soup or - my family's favorite - chicken and rice: I cut the whole chicken up into its respective parts, generously salt and pepper them, and brown thoroughly on both sides - depending on your pot, you might have to do this in two batches, because crowded chicked doesn't brown, it steams, and you don't want that.

    When the chicken's nice and brown and there's a nice layer of brown goodness on the bottom of the pot, I take out the browned chicken and add the cut up veggies (lots of grated garlic, a generous amount of onion, shallot and celery, and carrots) to the oil and brown bits, and then deglaze the pot with a little chicken stock.

    When all the good stuff's been scraped up off the bottom of the pot, I add more good packaged chicken broth or stock - enough to accommodate the chicken, which goes back in - with it's nice, browned and seasoned skin on - to simmer until it's cooked through.  When it's done, it comes out until it's cool enough to take off the bone and shred or cut up into bite-size pieces. I discard the skin and bones.

    While the chicken's cooling, I throw in a good handful of chopped parsley, a generous cup or more of rice, and sometimes more stock - depending on whether I want a more soupy dish, or a more stew-y one.  Taste to see if you need more salt and pepper.

    At the point where the rice goes in, you could substitute noodles, but rice is the way we prefer it.

    I've probably watched too many cooking shows, lol, but what I've found is that in order for chicken soup/chicken and rice to have great flavor in the end, it really needs flavor at every step of the process.

    It's so comforting a dish, and with some good crusty bread and a crisp salad, it's close to a perfect meal.

    Parent

    You know, (none / 0) (#112)
    by Zorba on Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 12:49:50 PM EST
    if your family likes lemon, you could take your basic recipe and turn it into Greek Avgolemono Soup.
    After your rice is done and your chicken meat is in the pot, take the pot off the burner.  Separate four eggs and juice two or three lemons (depending upon how much you like lemon).  Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.  Beat the yolks and slowly add them to the egg whites.  Slowly add the lemon juice, beating all the while.  Then (and here's where you have to go very slowly, and be sure to keep beating), slowly add the broth to the egg mixtures, a little at a time, until you have used about three or four cups of broth.  Then carefully stir the mixture back into the pot, and reheat on a very low setting.
    (You have to be careful about adding the hot broth to the eggs, or you wind up with lemon egg-drop soup.)

    Parent
    Tips on chicken soup (none / 0) (#119)
    by BackFromOhio on Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 01:47:40 PM EST
    From two excellent cooks (mom and a friend of hers):

    To make soup stronger, use 2 chickens for same amount of liquid OR add a dozen chicken wings.

    To make it healthier:  Refrigerate soup 1 day before serving; remove from frig, skim fat off the top.

    To add to flavor:  Add in a turnip.

    Parent

    That good packaged (none / 0) (#126)
    by fishcamp on Sun Jan 13, 2013 at 09:08:01 AM EST
    chicken stock or broth is really loaded with too much salt for me but it is tasty.

    Parent
    Pacific Organics has a low-salt version (none / 0) (#127)
    by shoephone on Sun Jan 13, 2013 at 12:34:16 PM EST
    Go with Casey's! (none / 0) (#108)
    by kdog on Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 11:45:48 AM EST
    mine is a serious hack version compared to that;)

    Parent
    Gonna try it this week (none / 0) (#111)
    by Yman on Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 12:18:21 PM EST
    ... although I might try it using Anne's method with chicken parts for getting the brown bits on the bottom of the pan.  I'm a big soup fan/cook, but for some reason I always overlook chicken soup.

    Parent
    Chicken soup is so good. It freezes well, too. (none / 0) (#115)
    by caseyOR on Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 01:06:40 PM EST
    I try to keep a container or two in the freezer for those times when I am too sick to cook the soup.

    Which reminds me, I need to make a batch of soup this week as I have depleted my freezer stash.

    Parent

    Very sorry to hear that (none / 0) (#53)
    by shoephone on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 04:01:46 PM EST
    That's one of the main dangers with getting the flu--having it turn into pneumonia. I hope it's finally feeling better. Throat Coat tea is a good relaxer for cough.

    I'm with Donald on this. I have asthma and a propensity for bronchitis and severe laryngitis. The only time in the last 15 years that I didn't get the shot I got the flu. My cough lasted six weeks. It's just not worth taking the chance. And I really don't want to put others at risk, especially since I work with kids.

    Parent

    Thanks Shoephone. (none / 0) (#64)
    by vml68 on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 04:38:00 PM EST
    I spent a day in the emergency room the beginning of October for another matter which took quite a toll on me physically. I think that really contributed to how severely I was affected by the flu.

    I don't work, so it was easy for me to isolate myself from everyone to avoid infecting them.

    Parent

    What an ordeal for you (none / 0) (#66)
    by shoephone on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 04:44:36 PM EST
    Pneumonia is serious business.

    Parent
    Never had the flu shot, (none / 0) (#83)
    by brodie on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 07:17:33 PM EST
    haven't had the flu since, probably, the impeachment madness of the late 90s -- some kind of transference thing in sympathy to Bill perhaps.

    Work out regularly, eat right, mostly foods of alkaline-reacting nature, occas red wine, some chicken soup in winter, adequate sleep -- stuff like that.  One or two other kinda offbeat tweaks, which I dare not mention here on this board, and essentially the immune system seems strong enough to withstand what's out there.

    Gotta do a lot of travel this month though, so we'll see.  If I haven't posted here in a few months ...

    Parent

    They are saying (none / 0) (#98)
    by fishcamp on Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 09:51:22 AM EST
    the current flu vaccine is 62% effective for this year's flu season.  Sorry no link as I just heard it on the news.  They have a stronger version of the flu vaccine this year for we older folks which I got.  I personally think the sanitizer liquids are great and I use them all the time.  My nearest grocery store has a dispenser at the entrance to wipe the handles of your shopping cart.  I also strongly recommend the shingles vaccination which costs $200 and you have to pay it on the spot.  Medicare does cover that cost but you have to find that website and fill out the form and send in the proof of vaccination which is merely the label on the bottle.  Medicare refunded me $135 of that $200.  Down here we also have outbreaks of Dengue fever, West Nile, and Eastern Encephalitis. The torture never stops.

    Parent
    BTW you can get shingles (none / 0) (#100)
    by fishcamp on Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 09:55:23 AM EST
    again and again even with the vaccination.  I have a friend who has had it three times.  Terrible.

    Parent
    Medicare Parts A & B do not cover the (none / 0) (#113)
    by caseyOR on Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 12:57:35 PM EST
    shingles vaccine. Your Part D (prescription plan) may cover it. You need to call your Part D carrier and find out if they cover it and how to get it paid for.

    There is no generic vaccine. Merck still has a patent on it. So, it is a spendy vaccine. As fishcamp said it's $200.

    Parent

    And another Republican spouts the crazy (5.00 / 1) (#50)
    by shoephone on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 03:53:47 PM EST
    This time, it's in support of Todd Akin's absurd and offensive comments about women, rape, and pregnancy. Well, Rep. Gingrey thinks he has science to prove what he's saying because he's a former ob-gyn. Yeah. I seem to recall that Ron Paul was an ob-gyn...

    Just a sample:

    "And in Missouri, Todd Akin ... was asked by a local news source about rape and he said, `Look, in a legitimate rape situation' -- and what he meant by legitimate rape was just look, someone can say I was raped: a scared-to-death 15-year-old that becomes impregnated by her boyfriend and then has to tell her parents, that's pretty tough and might on some occasion say, `Hey, I was raped.' That's what he meant when he said legitimate rape versus non-legitimate rape. I don't find anything so horrible about that. But then he went on and said that in a situation of rape, of a legitimate rape, a woman's body has a way of shutting down so the pregnancy would not occur. He's partly right on that."

    And this:

    "And I've delivered lots of babies, and I know about these things. It is true. We tell infertile couples all the time that are having trouble conceiving because of the woman not ovulating, `Just relax. Drink a glass of wine. And don't be so tense and uptight because all that adrenaline can cause you not to ovulate.' So he was partially right wasn't he? But the fact that a woman may have already ovulated 12 hours before she is raped, you're not going to prevent a pregnancy there by a woman's body shutting anything down because the horse has already left the barn, so to speak. And yet the media took that and tore it apart."

    How did this creep ever get a medical degree? I suppose in his southern confederate mind all those thousands of bi-racial children born to female slaves were conceived in relaxing, consensual, Merlot-sipping circumstances too.

    Shoephone, you are making me (5.00 / 2) (#56)
    by Zorba on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 04:06:24 PM EST
    increasingly depressed.  {{Sigh}}
    And the worst thing is that I don't know what the he!! to do about this, except to support the causes I believe in, and call, email and write my representatives, give money to my causes and work for them, and vote my conscience.
    All of which I have been doing, for many, many years.
    It doesn't seem to be doing as much good as I would have liked, unfortunately.  And I am getting very tired, very discouraged, and, frankly, very old and disabled, to the point that I can no longer do what I used to be able to do.

    Parent
    I apologize, Zorba (5.00 / 1) (#60)
    by shoephone on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 04:21:30 PM EST
    It is depressing. But the crazies seem to be slithering out from under every rock these days, and I think they need to be vilified whenever they show their fangs. Like you, I contact my reps all the time, but they just send me a form email six weeks later, and then they go vote on a bill based on whether they think it helps them keep their seat in Congress or not.

    The real success will be in changing the media landscape, so that these dangeous people can be exposed to millions of citizens at once, as often as needed.

    It's not time to jump on Casey's and Kdog's pirate ship just yet...

    Parent

    Yes, well, the pirate ship (5.00 / 1) (#82)
    by Zorba on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 07:16:15 PM EST
    becomes more and more attractive each day.   ;-)
    One of the things that I have done is to work harder at the local level (local party committees, judges, school boards, county and state officials and representatives, etc) to try and elect/install people who are not "crazies."  These are the people who will work their way up to the national level (at least, some of them).  So I figure that, if we cannot change the national landscape right now, it may be that we can change the national landscape in the future.
    At least, this is my hope.  Even if I don't see a major change in my lifetime, I can only hope that my children will.
    That's all I can do.

    Parent
    "the local level" - Good for you... (5.00 / 1) (#99)
    by Mr Natural on Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 09:51:50 AM EST
    I do too.  Not as dramatic as the national stage, but at least we have a real effect.

    I'm pretty sure (lol) that no one on the national level gives a damn about my opinions.

    Parent

    Gregory walks (5.00 / 1) (#54)
    by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 04:02:53 PM EST
    .


    Having carefully reviewed all of the facts and circumstances of this matter, as it does in every case involving firearms-related offenses or any other potential violation of D.C. law within our criminal jurisdiction, OAG has determined to exercise its prosecutorial discretion to decline to bring criminal charges against Mr. Gregory, who has no criminal record, or any other NBC employee based on the events associated with the December 23,2012 broadcast. OAG has made this determination, despite the clarity of the violation of this important law, because under all of the circumstances here a prosecution would not promote public safety in the District of Columbia nor serve the best interests of the people of the District to whom this office owes its trust.

    Translation: Laws are for ordinary people.

    Shameful.

    .


    Why do I get the distinct feeling that ... (5.00 / 1) (#74)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 05:25:27 PM EST
    ... had the journalist in this particular instance been Sean Hannity or Megyn Kelly, you'd instead be praising OAG's decision and complimenting its wisdom and discretion?

    And please, don't bother to answer what's obviously a rhetorical question.

    Parent

    I'd have felt differently (5.00 / 1) (#75)
    by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 05:42:46 PM EST
    .

    I'd have felt differently if DC made a habit of giving people like James Brinkley a pass rather than throwing the book at them.  

    .

    Parent

    What I don't understand is: (none / 0) (#79)
    by NYShooter on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 06:30:13 PM EST
    How can you legally transport an unregistered gun?

    Or, is this one of those, "what is the definition of possession?"

    Oh, and BTW, I think Brinkley got screwed. Trust me, the last place you'll get justice is in the justice system.

    This reminds me of the cases where taxpayers call the IRS for advice on tax issues, such as whether something is deductible. The taxpayer is responsible for all taxes and penalties if the IRS employee's advice is wrong. Even if you accept the paying of the tax, but the penalty??


    Parent

    Neither Mr. Miller... (none / 0) (#84)
    by unitron on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 07:48:45 PM EST
    ...nor Mr. Gregory had criminal intent.

    Unfortunately for Mr. Miller he wasn't foresighted enough to know not to get anywhere near the White House with anything visible that even suggests "weapon", so the Secret Service guy freaked/followed established procedure and that led to the stop and search and the whole circus and of course at that point the government goes into "We can't possibly be in the wrong, so he must be" mode.

    Although it would be interesting to see what would have happened if Gregory had happened to drop by the White House press office with that clip in his pocket.

    Parent

    If it had been Hannity or Kelly (none / 0) (#91)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 08:14:28 AM EST
    they wouldn't have been cut loose.

    Parent
    That massive, octopus-like (none / 0) (#110)
    by jondee on Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 11:55:52 AM EST
    liberal media conspiracy can't wait persecute the likes of Hannity and Kelly..

    Then they're coming for our guns.

    Parent

    That's right, jondee. (none / 0) (#124)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 03:52:04 PM EST
    Jim and Abdul are damned if we do, and they're damned if we don't. But honestly, the vast liberal conspiracy is always first set into motion not by taking their guns, but rather by first using the eminent domain process to condemn the surrounding properties near their homes for either the construction of a high-speed rail line, or development of a massive wind & solar farm.

    If neither of those options are possible, then we announce the realignment of existing flight patterns of a nearby busy airport, so that arriving flights will almost always be on short final approach directly overhead from 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., or we'll grant a zoning variance to allow for the operation of a pawn shop, liquor store and "gentlemen's club" adjacent to a middle school or high school.

    We'll tell them, of course, that it's all about planning for future generations, but in reality, we liberals do it simply because we love nothing more than to conspire to make life miserable for hardworking white Republicans -- and as we all know, liberals are always responsible for bad government decision making and the imposition of life's many inconveniences.

    Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha - aloha.

    Parent

    Or even Dan Rather (none / 0) (#120)
    by BackFromOhio on Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 01:50:27 PM EST
    Gun rights coalition threatens violence (5.00 / 1) (#92)
    by Yman on Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 08:28:57 AM EST
    ... and revolution.

    Saying that the National Rifle Association is too willing to compromise with gun-control advocates, 22 state and 5 national pro-gun groups have coalesced in recent weeks to form the National Coalition to Stop the Gun Ban. Among the national groups involved is Gun Owners of America, which claims a membership of 300,000.

    ...

    "The coalition members have all agreed on a `no compromise' approach on this issue," Valone said. "It needs to die. Period."

    In an open letter to President Barack Obama, Valone speculated that some gun owners may use violent force to resist government attempts to confiscate assault weapons.

    "The real question, Mr. President, is whether you so hunger for power that you are willing to foment what might be the next American Revolution," Valone wrote.

    For those who keep trying to equate the positions and attitudes of gun control advocates with gun activist groups, ...

    ... good luck with that.

    Saw this great poster yesterday: (5.00 / 4) (#95)
    by Dr Molly on Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 09:30:33 AM EST
    HEY YOU. WITH THE GUNS.

    Your paranoid fantasies about fighting a rebellion against a theoretical future fascist government takeover do not trump my rights to appropriate and reasonable public health policies to stop gun violence in the society in which I and my children live.

    Sincerely,
    The Rest of the American People

    HA.

    (Also... gun control march on Washington March 26.)

    Parent

    Link (none / 0) (#93)
    by Yman on Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 08:29:45 AM EST
    Funny how the gun nut in the photo (5.00 / 1) (#107)
    by shoephone on Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 11:44:17 AM EST
    left out the first two clauses of the 2nd amendment on his protest sign. This part:

    "A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State..."

    Gosh, I wonder why he thought that part was so inconvenient?

    Parent

    They always do n/t (5.00 / 1) (#109)
    by Yman on Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 11:49:34 AM EST
    Rockefeller will not seek reelection (none / 0) (#1)
    by Reconstructionist on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 12:10:26 PM EST
     This seat will now require a very strong effort to keep Dem. He wasn't a shoo-in if he ran but he was by far the best candidate in WV.

    Massive snowstorm? (none / 0) (#2)
    by magster on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 12:23:26 PM EST
    I'll have to watch the news, because I thought it was more cold than snow. Oh Peyton, do not let Colorado weather defeat thee!

    Oh, why not... (none / 0) (#3)
    by Anne on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 12:37:18 PM EST
    Manning may end up wishing he was playing in the 60+ degree temps here in Baltimore tomorrow, instead of the 20-ish degrees he'll have in Denver.

    I don't know what to expect from this game.  A lot depends on which Joe Flacco takes the field, and how much all that emotion of last week's game took out of the Ravens.

    As a Ravens fan, I'd love to see a re-match of Baltimore and New England in the AFC Championship game, as long as we could avoid the bitter taste of defeat we experienced last year.  

    And, should the 49ers prevail in the NFC, how much would the media make of the Harbaugh brothers facing off in the Super Bowl?

    Well, what will be will be; my brother-in-law lives in Boulder, so I expect there will be a lot of trash talk going back and forth tomorrow afternoon.  

    Win or lose, I'll still be going to work on Monday, as usual!

    Parent

    "Have" has gone into "had" (none / 0) (#4)
    by magster on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 12:47:42 PM EST
    In relation to the phrase "I have a lot of respect for you". A Ravens fan? Holy cr@p. I'm sure BTD will back you up because he's always hated Colorado based teams.

    If I see Ray Lewis' squirrel dance again I'm going to hurl.

    The weather makes me nervous. Losing and then commenting on TL with you having a Ravens' win to always hold over me makes me equally nervous.

    Common ground: NE cannot ever go to a Super Bowl ever again!

    Parent

    Well. if that's all it took for me to (5.00 / 1) (#7)
    by Anne on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 01:23:56 PM EST
    lose your respect, I guess it wasn't that much to begin with, lol.

    If the game goes the way everyone "in the know" thinks it will, you won't have to worry about me gloating, but the question is, will you be holding a Broncos win over my head forevermore?

    Agree on the NE thing; can't stand them, will root against them if they advance.  Dilemma will be if they would face Atlanta in the SB, as I can't stand them, either.  I agree with whichever sports writer said the other day that until Matt Ryan wins a playoff game, he doesn't deserve a nickname like "Matty Ice."

    As for Ray Lewis and the squirrel dance, he does that for the Baltimore fans - as far as I know he doesn't do it on the road, so you may be spared a live action shot of it, but I can't guarantee you won't see the replay from last week.

    Also have to say that CBS has the absolutely worst coverage in the booth for football games.  I don't know who's doing the game tomorrow, but if it's Dumb and Dumber (Gumbel and Dierdorff), we will probably switch to the radio broadcast.

    In the spirit of good sportsmanship, I'll just say, good luck (but I will be hoping we have more of it than the Broncos do!).

    Love ya, magster, even if you are a Broncos fan; I will feel the same way about seeing Elway - who refused to play for the Baltimore Colts, the big baby - as you do about Lewis!

    Parent

    I don't know about anyone else (none / 0) (#35)
    by jondee on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 03:08:09 PM EST
    but I can't take any more of these emotionally manipulative commercials for the testosterone-challenged..

    Aparently they think everyone watching football is some guy in the grip of a perpetual midlife crisis with something to prove to himself..

    Parent

    Meh. (none / 0) (#6)
    by Zorba on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 01:11:13 PM EST
    That's my comment on the Denver Broncos.  (Sorry, Magster!)
    I'm not a huge football fan (as I've said before, baseball is my first love).  But it would be fascinating to see a Harbaugh-Harbaugh match-up in the Super Bowl.  So: Go Ravens!  Go 49'ers!

    (And I would definitely agree about New England, but Daughter Zorba and Son-in-Law Zorba are both Patriots fans.  OTOH, Son Zorba is a 49'ers fan.)

    Parent

    Greg and Dan it is.... (none / 0) (#10)
    by magster on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 01:32:49 PM EST
    With "the wisdom of" Solomon Wilcotts reporting from the sideline.

    John Fox in high school.

    Parent

    Awwww! (none / 0) (#18)
    by Zorba on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 02:01:20 PM EST
    John Fox looks very much the same as he does now.  Except, of course, heavier and with less hair.  Same smile, though.   ;-)

    Parent
    Truly - the worst coverage ever. (none / 0) (#25)
    by Anne on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 02:30:51 PM EST
    I guess they saved the so-called "A" team of Simms and Nantz for New England/Houston.  

    Ugh.

    Parent

    Great news... (none / 0) (#5)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 01:00:58 PM EST
    on the 2013 Concert Series front...The Black Crowes have ended their hiatus and are hitting the road.  Yip-Yeah!  Locked in for 4/3 in Port Chester.

    Kicking off the season with Amy Helm tomorrow night, Garland Jeffreys 1/18, and The Wailers 1/20. Americana's First Daughter, the funky street punk poet of Coney Island, and easy skankin' Kingston style...eclectically delicous!

    Here's what I am listening to courtesy (none / 0) (#8)
    by oculus on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 01:25:32 PM EST
    of my public library:  Woody at 100

    Parent
    FYI - Joan Baez American Masterpiece (5.00 / 3) (#121)
    by BackFromOhio on Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 01:54:36 PM EST
    Watched it last night on PBS - 1.5 hours or so; it was an amazing walk through history of civil rights and anti-war movements.  I did not know, e.g., that she joined anti-segregation marches in the mid-60s at MLK's request; her presence as a famous person brought the press and prevented violence, though she participated not knowing what would happen.  According to the program, she also insisted that her record co. contract provide for in-person concerts to non-segregated audiences -- even in the south.

    Parent
    God save Woody Guthrie... (none / 0) (#15)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 01:44:59 PM EST
    and god save the public library!

    Disc 3 Track 1 is the monster...love the Dylan/The Band version the best.

    And the police make it hard wherever I may go
    And I ain't got no home in this world anymore.


    Parent

    Absolutely love (none / 0) (#19)
    by Zorba on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 02:02:51 PM EST
    Woody!  He was one of the greats!

    Parent
    For your weekend planning: (none / 0) (#9)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 01:29:29 PM EST
    Saturday, 1:30 PM (PT), CBS, Ravens vs Broncos
    Saturday, 5:00 PM (PT), FOX, Packers vs 49ers
    Sunday, 10:00 AM (PT), FOX, Seahawks vs Falcons
    Sunday, 1:30 PM (PT), CBS, Texans vs Patriots

    My only preferences, since Eli will not be participating, is that Jim H and Bill B lose.

    Segue: football. Why (none / 0) (#11)
    by oculus on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 01:34:01 PM EST
    doesn't Jacksonville want Tebow?

    Parent
    try this... (5.00 / 2) (#20)
    by magster on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 02:06:35 PM EST
    Pretty simple . . . (none / 0) (#12)
    by nycstray on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 01:39:37 PM EST
    Crikey! wrong link! (none / 0) (#13)
    by nycstray on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 01:41:11 PM EST
    the short of it, they think he sucks (my word!)

    Parent
    Thanks! Was just getting ready (none / 0) (#14)
    by nycstray on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 01:41:56 PM EST
    to search that out :)

    Parent
    I guess it's because (none / 0) (#16)
    by Reconstructionist on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 01:53:44 PM EST
     he was inactive due to Huntington's from a young age but it seems but I weas kind of surprised he would be "only" 100 if he lived.

    Just returned from Zero Dark Thirty (none / 0) (#39)
    by CoralGables on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 03:30:11 PM EST
    Think all the pre-screening hype about torture working was greatly overblown. Definitely worth watching but not necessarily if your preference (like mine) is towards chick flicks.

    Thought Jessica Chastain did a very good job.

    Don't understand why on the radio on my way home a talk show was categorizing it as a rah rah movie. Definitely didn't get that feeling while watching, nor did I hear a sound out of the audience from the time the raid commenced through the credits. I'm pretty sure most, like me, were forgetting to breathe.

    That's kind of what I suspected. (none / 0) (#70)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 05:04:44 PM EST
    Resident film critic Kenneth Turan of the Los Angeles Times also had some very choice words yesterday for those politicians and pundits who've chosen to politicize this film, to the extent that he felt such politically motivated criticism perhaps cost director Kathryn Bigelow an otherwise much-deserved Academy Award nomination for her work.

    We're planning on seeing "Zero Dark Thirty" tonight. And quite frankly, given your own comments, I'm now looking forward to it.

    I think it's been pretty clear that the most withering criticisms directed at Bigelow and "Zero" have tended to come from those who (a) have yet to actually see the movie personally (given that it's only in wide release as of today, that's probably most of them!), and (b) are pursuing an agenda of their own.

    Ms. Bigelow's primary fault here, for whatever that's worth, was her conscious choice to trust an adult audience's innate intelligence and common sense, and to not feel obliged to offer us an uncompromising statement about the U.S. government's use of torture in stark black-and-white terms.

    Like yourself, I'll reserve personal judgment about "Zero Dark Thirty" until I've actually seen it tonight, because I trust my own conscience and counsel regarding the morality and wisdom of our government's past sanction of so-called Enhanced interrogation techniques" in eliciting information and intelligence from detainees, and because I really don't care to have others telling me that I need to think this about that.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Donald (none / 0) (#76)
    by CoralGables on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 05:43:19 PM EST
    I tend to watch movies for the entertainment value as opposed to political purposes. Therefore my movie viewing comments may not be in sync with others who watch with the intent to pick it apart.

    Another radio beef I heard today was that it's obscene for the people behind the movie to make money off of a story about the death of others. I don't recall anyone making that argument when Titanic won best picture.

    As for Titanic though, I was a bit offended when James Cameron accepted the award by saying "I'm King of the World". I would be equally disappointed if Zero Dark Thirty wins and Kathryn Bigelow says anything similar.

    Parent

    "Titanic" is not one of my favorites. (none / 0) (#80)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 06:37:21 PM EST
    To this day, I still think "L.A. Confidential" deserved the Best Picture Oscar, rather than "Titanic."

    I agree with you. Political sanctimony does not tend to enhance a movie's entertainment value. The heroes often come across as high-minded moral snobs, and the villains are live-action cartoons. Billy Jack, anyone?

    Parent

    Thanks (none / 0) (#129)
    by sj on Mon Jan 14, 2013 at 10:51:19 AM EST
    I just ordered Billy Jack from Amazon.

    Parent
    Thank you for the rundown (none / 0) (#103)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 10:57:59 AM EST
    We are going on Sunday.

    Parent
    A thought for the day (none / 0) (#41)
    by CoralGables on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 03:32:53 PM EST
    why is it no one in the Jack Lew debate is discussing his time working for Hostess.

    His signature was all over that company.


    Either that, or ... (none / 0) (#72)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 05:13:24 PM EST
    ... sombody's been dribbling frosting over White House memos bearing his name.
    ;-D

    Parent
    For Lentinel (none / 0) (#65)
    by shoephone on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 04:42:55 PM EST
    Are you going to Winter Jazzfest? Lee Konitz is playing with pianist Dan Tepfer (what do you know of Tepfer?). Donnie McCaslin's on the schedule too, and I would love to go hear him, were I in NYC. I knew him when he was just a teenager, playing with his Dad's band outside a restaurant on Pacific Ave. in Santa Cruz. I thought he was a prodigy then. And Michael Formanek, who I like a lot, is also listed. I saw play him a long time ago with Mingus Dynasty.

    never forget the basics (none / 0) (#77)
    by desmoinesdem on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 06:07:44 PM EST
    When do they teach you about not forging signatures in law school? An Iowa attorney and former state legislator got his law license suspended for 30 days.

    A former Iowa state legislator's 30-day law license suspension for falsifying the signature of a client was upheld Friday by the Iowa Supreme Court.

    Eric J. Palmer of Oskaloosa, who served in the Iowa House from 2007 to 2010, admitted to telling his secretary to sign three documents during the settlement of a personal injury case. Palmer, however, said his client gave him permission to place her notarized signature on the paperwork.

    The client, Linette Paulos of Ottumwa, told a state attorney disciplinary board that she did not remember granting permission, but admitted she could be mistaken because she had suffered a traumatic brain injury, court documents said.

    He was a good legislator (who got swept up in the 2010 landslide), but sheesh--what a bone-headed mistake. Next time get in your car and drive a half-hour to get your client's signature.

    Guess That Party! (1.00 / 2) (#86)
    by BobW on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 09:36:40 PM EST
    Ha!  Another example of the, "Guess That Party" game.  If the news article about some transgression doesn't mention the party, then it was a Democrat.


    Parent
    Imaginary victimization (none / 0) (#78)
    by MyLeftMind on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 06:12:21 PM EST
    The so called National Organization for Marriage (NOM) routinely pretends they're being picked on by their opponents who challenge their attempts to keep discrimination against lesbians and gays legal. By pointing the finger at those who criticize them for being homophobic bigots, they manage to distract from their nefarious deeds and make their followers (and donors) feel sorry for them. NOM is the king of haters, yet they always find ways to say those who believe in equality are the real haters.

    Here's their president, Brian Brown, distorting a good man's work against discrimination:

    In Illinois, where gay marriage advocates tried and failed to quickly shove through a gay marriage bill in the lame duck session, a rebellion of another kind is brewing: against GOP turncoat Pat Brady, head of the Illinois Republican party, who unilaterally gave cover to liberal Democrats by endorsing gay marriage and accusing his own party of bigotry and discrimination!

    NOM took the leadership on holding him accountable for his betrayal, calling for his resignation, and promising a quarter of a million dollar against any Republican who votes for gay marriage.

    Brady is doubling down now with ever more hateful rhetoric directed against his voters:

    "If people want to throw me out because I took a stand on an issue of discrimination [as] the chairman of the Republican Party, the party founded by Abraham Lincoln, then that's -- that's up to them and they're free to do it," Brady said. "But I'm not backing down." [emphasis mine, mostly to point out Brown's hateful rhetoric ;-)]

    Thank you Pat Brady! The country needs more Republicans who actually care about the basic tenets our nation was founded on, such as equality and fairness.


    Handgun Carry Permit Suspended by State (none / 0) (#87)
    by MO Blue on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 11:27:39 PM EST
    The state of Tennessee has suspended the handgun carry permit of James Yeager, CEO of Tactical Response, who recently said he would "start killing people" should President Obama take executive action on gun control.

    State officials explained they revoked the permit because of Yeager's "material likelihood of risk of harm to the public," according to a local TV station. Tactical Response is a Tennessee-based company that specializes in firearms and tactical training.

    "The number one priority for our department is to ensure the public's safety," wrote Commissioner Bill Gibbons. "Mr. Yeager's comments were irresponsible, dangerous, and deserved our immediate attention. Due to our concern, as well as that of law enforcement, his handgun permit was suspended immediately......link

    Good.

    Agreed. (none / 0) (#88)
    by BobW on Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 11:35:34 PM EST
    Ya.  That guy apparently thought he was helping his cause.  He wasn't.


    Parent
    A strange orthodoxy (none / 0) (#101)
    by Politalkix on Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 09:56:09 AM EST
    Socialist President of France orders military action on Al Qaida fighetrs in Mali and elsewhere in the world, recognizing the human rights violations these Islamists are committing and endangering world peace. link. Yet an American President who has closed the war in Iraq, has committed to pulling out of Afghanistan and has not got us entangled in any other messy operations elsewhere in the world is being relentlessly blamed by a fraction of the left blogosphere for continuing GWB's policies. Has the orthodoxy of a fraction of the left in America made them blind to realities that exist in the world?

    Maybe it's because ... (5.00 / 3) (#106)
    by Yman on Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 11:43:38 AM EST
    ... a "fraction of the left" can tell the (obvious) difference between continuing Bush's policies and using military force when necessary.

    Parent
    do be safe ms. merritt, (none / 0) (#102)
    by cpinva on Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 10:15:06 AM EST
    and please don't send it east!

    Nate Silver on Baseball Hall of Fame (none / 0) (#114)
    by oculus on Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 12:59:35 PM EST
    voting:

    NYT]

    Always enjoy Nate (none / 0) (#122)
    by CoralGables on Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 02:24:38 PM EST
    be it baseball or politics. I would vote for three next year:

    Bonds
    Clemens
    Maddux

    Parent

    Probably fair, given (none / 0) (#125)
    by oculus on Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 04:16:18 PM EST
    Bonds and Clemons were found n/g (mostly).

    Parent
    SITE VIOLATOR! (none / 0) (#130)
    by caseyOR on Mon Jan 14, 2013 at 06:19:25 PM EST