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Monday Night Open Thread

By Jeralyn, Section Blog Related
Posted on Mon May 06, 2013 at 09:00:45 PM EST
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Time for an open thread for those who are interested in topics other than the Boston bombing.

All topics welcome.

< More Surveillance Not the Answer to Terror Threats | Tuesday Open Thread >

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    Monday Night Open Thread | 103 comments (103 topical)

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    From our "Red Dawn, Part MDCXLIV" file: (5.00 / 3) (#1)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon May 06, 2013 at 09:47:15 PM EST
    Lee Papa, aka "The Rude Pundit," expresses my sentiments, exactly:

    "44% of Republicans think we're gonna need armed revolution. Christ. That's more Republicans than those who believe in evolution (36%). That's more Republicans than those who believe climate change is really happening (27%). This nation is long past the point where we have got to start saying that some people hold beliefs that are so ludicrous, so appalling, so ignorant that they shouldn't even be considered part of the conversation. Or they're Louie Gohmert. When a third of Republicans believe that "Some people are hiding the truth about the school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in order to advance a political agenda," then it's time to treat them like the pariahs that they are. The inmates shouldn't run the asylum. The stupid kids shouldn't get to teach the rest of the school."

    Aloha.

    We're about 30-40 years... (5.00 / 1) (#49)
    by kdog on Tue May 07, 2013 at 11:42:44 AM EST
    past due for a revolution by my estimation...but it need not be armed.  Me thinks an unarmed revolution has a higher chance of success for change for the better.  A civilly disobedient revolution.  

    Judging by the lunatics pining for armed revolution, we'd just be swapping one set of tyrannical arseholes for another.

    Parent

    I think what bothers me the most ... (none / 0) (#96)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue May 07, 2013 at 06:15:01 PM EST
    ... about these sorts of polls is what it reveals about the ever-growing degree of social disconnect and political polarization that presently exists in our country.

    If a multi-party system with vigorous debate is the hallmark of a healthy democracy, what does it say about us prospectively when the GOP -- as one of our country's two major political parties -- is increasingly held in the vice-grips of a paranoid and delusional plurality that clearly prefers operating untethered within its own fact-free parallel universe, rather than having to deal with, you know, actual reality?

    Aloha.  

    Parent

    Check my math, but (none / 0) (#2)
    by bocajeff on Mon May 06, 2013 at 10:10:24 PM EST
    A total of 29% people believe in arming for a possible revolution of which 44% of those 29% are republicans and 18% are democrats (27% independents.

    Not a total of 44% of all republicans.

    As for evolution, the same link you provided states that 41% of dems and 58% of republicans don't believe in any part of evolution.

    As for climate change the link you provided states that upwards of 70% probably think it's happening (a  large percentage of that group would like to see more evidence.

    So basically, unless I've read it wrong, your numbers don't add up. This makes your point about the lunatics running the asylum rather baseless (at least in regard to this particular post).

    Mahalo

    Parent

    Uh, no. (none / 0) (#3)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon May 06, 2013 at 10:39:26 PM EST
    From the linked FDU poll, here's what the text actually says, verbatim:

    "Overall, the poll finds that 29 percent of Americans think that an armed revolution in order to protect liberties might be necessary in the next few years, with another five percent unsure. However, these beliefs are conditional on party. Just 18 percent of Democrats think an armed revolution may be necessary, as opposed to 44 percent of Republicans and 27 percent of independents." (Emphasis is mine.)

    Now, where exactly in that paragraph does it say "of which"?

    FYI, here's the statement asked of the FDU poll participants, who were then asked whether they either (a) agreed, (b) disagreed, (c) neither agreed nor disagreed, (d) were unsure, or (e) refused to answer:

    "In the next few years, an armed revolution might be necessary in order to protect our liberties."

    The respective responses were as follows:

    • Overall: Agree - 29%, Disagree - 47%, Neither - 18%, Unsure - 5%, Refused to Answer - 1%.
    • Democrats: Agree - 18%, Disagree - 61%, Neither - 16%, Unsure - 6%, Refused to Answer - 0%.
    • Republicans: Agree - 44%, Disagree - 31%, Neither - 20%, Unsure - 4%, Refused to Answer - 1%.
    • Independents: Agree - 27%, Disagree - 45%, Neither - 20%, Unsure - 6%, Refused to Answer - 1%.

    So, not only did 44% of Republicans AGREE with that statement, those who agreed also constitute a decisive plurality within the GOP, according to this poll.

    I can read English, and I can read polls. I really don't need either translated into Wingnutese.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    And they ARE armed, including the five-year (none / 0) (#4)
    by oculus on Mon May 06, 2013 at 10:46:17 PM EST
    olds. But, other than the unrestricted right to keep and bear arms and states' rights, what additional specific rights do the supporters of civil insurrection believe are endangered?

    Parent
    I wish I knew (5.00 / 1) (#5)
    by Militarytracy on Mon May 06, 2013 at 11:09:35 PM EST
    Josh's physical therapist attempted to tell me last week that soon you won't be able to be a freshman in college because the word man is in the word.  I told him that sounded ridiculous, who would argue such a thing?  He told me that feminists were making the argument and that it was going to court and it would soon be changed.  Changed to what I demanded to know.

    I told him that I am a feminist, and I do remember hearing a few feminists years ago complain about man being a root word for many descriptions of all people but even then that all seemed a little over the top for many of us, and that I had not heard such arguments in years.  I asked him where in the world he heard this story and he says Lars Larson.  Who in the hell is Lars Larson?  Obviously not a current day feminist :)  When I asked the PT if Lars Larson was some kind of wingnut talk radio personality or something, he looked at his feet sheepishly.

    Parent

    Segue: feminist. Did you see (5.00 / 1) (#6)
    by oculus on Tue May 07, 2013 at 01:09:05 AM EST
    this interview of the plaintiff in one of the same sex marriage cases SCOTUS is deciding?

    Edith Windsor

    Parent

    An amazing woman (none / 0) (#37)
    by Militarytracy on Tue May 07, 2013 at 10:56:01 AM EST


    Parent
    And His Vote Counts the Same... (none / 0) (#21)
    by ScottW714 on Tue May 07, 2013 at 09:47:43 AM EST
    ...as your and mine.  No real point other that is hilarious that someone would complain to a customer that the word freshman is going to be eliminated from existence, which apparently, this person believes that would include the actual position.  

    Good news I guess, college with be reduce to 3 years because of the feministas.  Too funny.

    Parent

    UNC has removed the word "freshman" (none / 0) (#25)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Tue May 07, 2013 at 09:55:22 AM EST
    The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill has removed the word "freshman" from official university documents, citing as their reason an attempt to adopt more "gender inclusive language."

    We are "committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our community," reads a statement administrators sent to Campus Reform on Monday.

    The University of North Carolina (pictured above) dropped the term "freshman" in an effort to adopt more "gender neutral language."

    "Consistent with that commitment, gender inclusive terms (chair; first year student; upper-level student, etc.) should be used on University Documents, websites and policies," it continues.



    Parent
    Nobody forced them though (5.00 / 2) (#28)
    by Militarytracy on Tue May 07, 2013 at 10:11:30 AM EST
    How can anyone knock any institution for desiring more inclusive language?  Or maybe feminazis broke the front door down and held the administration at gunpoint making them type out this new policy and do a press release.  And then the feminazis opened a window in the bathroom and slipped out quietly after threatening everyone that if the truth of this policy change was ever revealed that they would return to kill everyone and their little dogs too?

    For the record, I'm a feminist and I'm fine if there are freshmen of all genders.  I don't feel violated or disrespected by the designation.  If an institution wants to be first to be on the right side of history though and feels like this policy change is a vehicle in getting there, well go for it.

    Parent

    And For the Record... (none / 0) (#40)
    by ScottW714 on Tue May 07, 2013 at 10:57:21 AM EST
    ...most of us with functioning brains understand that the base term 'man' or 'men' includes all humans, not just the ones with peni. As in my fellow man.  

    It's the knuckle-draggers who take the word of bible verbatim that seem to not understand that concept.

    So what are they calling freshmen in NC ?  Pre-sophomores.

    Seems like NC has a lot bigger gender issues than the term freshman.

    Parent

    That was the point that many (none / 0) (#42)
    by Militarytracy on Tue May 07, 2013 at 11:03:45 AM EST
    Feminists made during the big "man word" debate.  That man can be seen as standing for mankind, and we all belong to that.

    I did understand the initial frustration though, I remember some of the old school rules for women, some things that are now on the dustheap.  Some women were really really ticked, and they had really been through it.  They needed and deserved a little time and space being treated more equally, a little healing.


    Parent

    I tried telling a jury about lobster fisher person (5.00 / 3) (#44)
    by oculus on Tue May 07, 2013 at 11:20:43 AM EST
    but I couldn't do it.

    Parent
    Amazing that the Mississippi abortion clinic (none / 0) (#45)
    by Militarytracy on Tue May 07, 2013 at 11:21:25 AM EST
    Is still open.  I would have predicted it would have been long gone by this time.

    State's rights is really going to evolve into a big us/them nation.  Maybe devolve is a better word, it is going to become sane states and insane uninhabitable states.

    Healthcare in Alabama and Mississippi is horrible because there is a doctor shortage too.  Nobody has insurance though and the states are so broke they really can't contribute much to healthcare.

    Our daughter's friend who is pregnant and had not been seen by a doctor yet at 22 weeks ended up hospitalized for anemia, receiving blood transfusions.  She was so anemic they fear that the baby may have not received adequate oxygen and that there could be brain damage now.

    I recently discovered that the federal government keeps the doors of all the hospitals in Alabama open practically single-handedly.  The very best doctors in the U.S. don't really have Alabama down as a place they desire to practice in.  Even if you wanted to give back to the world, showing up here....you don't have access to any state of the art equipment except for maybe around Birmingham, and I'm not overly impressed with Birmingham where Josh is concerned.

    Many Alabama natives kept steering us to Birmingham for Joshua's issues but many seemed intimidated in treating him there and we do our homework too, and Atlanta is where he has ended up.

    Parent

    LOL! (none / 0) (#69)
    by Zorba on Tue May 07, 2013 at 01:24:06 PM EST
    "Peni?"
    According to The Straight Dope, the plural of "penis" is either "penises" (English style) or "penes" (Latin).
    But "peni" sounds kind of cute.   ;-)
    Link.

    Parent
    Lars Larson is a rightwing radio whackjob. (none / 0) (#90)
    by caseyOR on Tue May 07, 2013 at 05:10:08 PM EST
    Years ago he was a reporter for a local Portland TV station. Then he figured out there was gold in them yar rightwing talk radio airwaves.

    He is a 2nd amendment cultist who wears his gun on his hip every day.

    Parent

    We have a neighbor named Larson ... (5.00 / 1) (#97)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue May 07, 2013 at 06:28:27 PM EST
    ... who'd definitely out there on a limb and sawing it off behind him, politically speaking. He has this very friendly (but now old and grey-muzzled) dachshund who'll occasionally get out of the house and amble on over to our place for a visit. Younger Daughter always cracks wise that it's because the dog is seeking out some sane company for a change.

    Parent
    lol! Once gasoline supplies and the internet (none / 0) (#32)
    by Mr Natural on Tue May 07, 2013 at 10:29:15 AM EST
    are shut off, the Couch Potato revolution will crash to a halt.

    Parent
    Question is poorly worded.. (none / 0) (#7)
    by unitron on Tue May 07, 2013 at 01:35:19 AM EST
    "In the next few years, an armed revolution might be necessary in order to protect our liberties."

    Lots of stuff "might" come about in the next few years (including previously undetected outer space aliens showing up and taking over, which would make an armed revolution necessary).

    I "might" find an untraceable package of bearer bonds in the middle of the road or sitting in my backyard.

    But I ain't holdin' my breath.

    They should have asked the respondents to rate the odds of an armed revolution being necessary in the next few years.

    I think they're kind of low, myself.

    We could certainly do with a peaceful revolution in the voting booths, though.

    Parent

    I'm frankly afraid of that answer (none / 0) (#8)
    by nycstray on Tue May 07, 2013 at 01:41:44 AM EST
    They should have asked the respondents to rate the odds of an armed revolution being necessary in the next few years.

    It seems the crazy/paranoid/conspiracy crazies are multiplying indiscriminately . . .

    Parent

    Pretty Sure... (none / 0) (#24)
    by ScottW714 on Tue May 07, 2013 at 09:51:37 AM EST
    ...we could use gun sales as a pretty good indicator.  They are putting their money where their collective mouths are.

    Parent
    Donald from Hawaii (none / 0) (#72)
    by bocajeff on Tue May 07, 2013 at 01:31:49 PM EST
    I started by saying check my math...obviously I was wrong on the one point. No need to insult me.

    What I find more interesting is that the crazy, tin foil crap seems to be thrown only on one side of the spectrum instead of looking at all the numbers. Using your numbers, 18% (1 in 5) Dems believe the same things. 27 of independents (1 in 4) believe it too. I think those numbers are actually more important because you would expect a shark to attack, but not a goldfish. That's why I added the info regarding climate change and evolution. It's skewed in one direction, but not as much as I (and I suspect others) would think.

    But, I'm just a wingnut.

    Parent

    I apologize, sincerely. (none / 0) (#88)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue May 07, 2013 at 04:59:33 PM EST
    I wrote that comment on the fly yesterday. I should have been more circumspect, and certainly should not have inferred that you were a "wingnut."

    I've worked in the politics business long enough that it sometimes seems to me that I get called names for a living, so it's like water off a duck's back for me. I really need to remember that others are not necessarily in the same position, and shouldn't be subjected by me to the same merely because of a difference in opinion.

    Apologies again. Aloha.

    Parent

    New is old again (5.00 / 1) (#11)
    by CoralGables on Tue May 07, 2013 at 08:09:28 AM EST
    New posts are not appearing as new for me in this thread with Firefox today.

    And old is new... (none / 0) (#13)
    by kdog on Tue May 07, 2013 at 08:38:15 AM EST
    old nemeses have put an early damper on our planned engagement in the Eastern Conference Finals pal.

    Hibbert & West pulling a Twin Towers impression while Melo & Smith stay ice cold in our Game 1.

    No Rose, no Deng, no Hinrich no problem for the Bulls in your Game 1.

    Though I'd imagine I'm more nervous than you are;)

    Parent

    The Bulls are a thorn (none / 0) (#15)
    by CoralGables on Tue May 07, 2013 at 09:06:49 AM EST
    that just won't go away. Matters little who is on the court for them as long as Noah is playing like the a 6'11" whirling dervish in the paint. He looks like Pebbles and plays like Bam Bam

    As for the Knicks, they can win but that trait they have of everyone gunning and never passing looks really bad when they aren't hitting.

    Parent

    Indeed... (none / 0) (#26)
    by kdog on Tue May 07, 2013 at 09:55:32 AM EST
    we gotta get back to whipping the ball around to create open looks.  Hibbert is defending the pick and roll very well, as well as giving Melo and JR fits when they drive the lane off the iso.  They gotta dish off the penetration...and it would help if Kidd wasn't afraid to shoot the damn ball.  Tonight is a must win.

    I can't believe how well Krypto-Nate is playing for the Bulls, though I still insist he will cost you a game twice as often as he will win you won playing major minutes. But so far he's been a lifesaver for Chicago.

    Parent

    Not in IE either (none / 0) (#83)
    by sj on Tue May 07, 2013 at 03:16:03 PM EST


    Parent
    From Fatster at FDL (5.00 / 2) (#14)
    by MO Blue on Tue May 07, 2013 at 08:54:13 AM EST
    Too cool!

    A 'dream come true': UK photographer gets aurora and volcano in same shot

    Bizarre story out of Cleveland (5.00 / 1) (#19)
    by Yman on Tue May 07, 2013 at 09:38:23 AM EST
    Three young women imprisoned in a house in Cleveland for the past decade finally escape.  Three brother living in the house are suspect:

    "Help! Help Me!"

    A young woman's desperate cries alerted neighbors Monday to a frightening tale in Cleveland.

    As , three young women who had gone missing between 2002 and 2004 were found Monday afternoon inside a home where the shades were said to be always drawn. No one who lives nearby seems to have suspected that there might be kidnap victims inside.
    Terrific story! (none / 0) (#46)
    by magster on Tue May 07, 2013 at 11:26:55 AM EST


    Parent
    Not a Good Day for the Military (5.00 / 1) (#81)
    by ScottW714 on Tue May 07, 2013 at 03:06:04 PM EST
    Pentagon's Annual report on Sexual Assault:
    ...the report will show that the number of reported assaults in fiscal year 2012 rose only 6 percent to 3,374 -- up from 3,192 a year before -- the number of people who made an anonymous claim that they were sexually assaulted but never reported the attack skyrocketed from 19,000 in FY11 to 26,000 in FY12.

    Air Force's Head of Sex-Abuse Prevention Charged with Sexual Battery.

    There is no excuse.

    All testosterone (none / 0) (#84)
    by jondee on Tue May 07, 2013 at 03:17:42 PM EST
    and no brains beyond the ability to comprehend orders and obey promptly, does not a fully-functioning human being make.

    And Colorado Springs, situated in whats practically the Mecca of American Christian fundamentalism;
    hows that working out?

    Parent

    Judge not amused by Obama's new Plan B (5.00 / 2) (#92)
    by caseyOR on Tue May 07, 2013 at 05:25:20 PM EST
    proposal. Remember just a bit ago when a judge ruled that the Obama administration's age restriction on access to Plan B was, in the judge's words, politically motivated and did not follow the science? The judge ordered that the restriction be lifted.

    Obama then lifted the age restriction for women 15 and older, but required photo ID. Well, the judge was not impressed.

    He blasted the administration's actions. The judge is not amused by these shenanigans.

    This morning, Korman repeatedly slammed his hand down on the table for emphasis, interrupting the government counsel's every other sentence with assertions like, "You're just playing games here," "You're making an intellectually dishonest argument," "You're basically lying," "This whole thing is a charade," "I'm entitled to say this is a lot of nonsense, am I not?" and "Contrary to the baloney you were giving me ..." He also accused the administration of hypocrisy for opposing voter ID laws but being engaged in the "suppression of the rights of women" with the ID requirement for the drug.

    Go read the whole thing. This judge, a Reagan appointee, is calling out this president for his callous disregard for science, a disregard that runs counter to Obama's own campaign rhetoric.

    More information from the hearing (5.00 / 2) (#93)
    by MO Blue on Tue May 07, 2013 at 05:46:26 PM EST
    From your link:

    The government has said it put the age cutoff at 15, because Teva had asked them to in their petition. But Korman said that in previously unreleased correspondence between the FDA and Teva, the government had specifically instructed the company to reapply in that fashion after rejecting its first attempt to lift all age restrictions. When he tried to read aloud from one of those documents, a tense standoff resulted, in which Teva's representative cut in and insisted that the correspondence was confidential. But Korman did get as far as, "We are amending our application to address the Secretary's stated concern ..." In other words, the new restrictions were apparently initiated by the Obama administration as a compromise move.


    Parent
    Government action makes sure (5.00 / 2) (#95)
    by MO Blue on Tue May 07, 2013 at 05:52:12 PM EST
    that Plan B One Step remains expensive. Government granted Teva exclusive rights to sell their product over the counter.

    Also from your link:

    Also at issue was the affordability of the drug, which can cost up to $50. Or, as Korman put it, waving toward the representative from Teva Pharmaceuticals, "Those price gougers over there." The citizen's petition filed by reproductive rights advocates had asked for all forms of the drug, including generics, to be available over-the-counter, and not just Teva's Plan B One Step, which Korman had granted. If Teva loses its exclusivity for the single-dose and over-the-counter version, which the FDA just extended for three more years, competition will presumably lower the price. The government has said that Teva is entitled to its exclusivity for three more years because it had to pay for extra usage studies and to more broadly encourage drug innovation.


    Parent
    Salon has always had (5.00 / 1) (#98)
    by sj on Tue May 07, 2013 at 06:31:48 PM EST
    good articles but I just can't stand their site anymore. It has so many links for sharing their content and so many ads that it is incredibly slow to load if one runs (as I do) anti-virus software.  Back in the day I was a subscriber of Salon premium to avoid the ads, but that isn't an option anymore.

    But back to the substance of your comment: this actually gives me a modicum of hope that insanity may not totally prevail.  I'll take any sliver of hope I can get.

    Parent

    Voting in SC-1 Today (none / 0) (#10)
    by CoralGables on Tue May 07, 2013 at 08:07:19 AM EST
    The last poll out of South Carolina had Sanford ahead of Colbert-Busch by 1 point.

    In a special election, it all depends on who gets their votes out as the masses will be staying home (benefit Colbert-Busch). Sanford has been around a long time and Romney easily won this district in 2012 (benefit Sanford). It will come down to whether Republican women sit on their hands for this one.

    He did it for his family - sure (none / 0) (#12)
    by MO Blue on Tue May 07, 2013 at 08:36:00 AM EST
    TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- Gov. Chris Christie secretly underwent gastric band surgery in February to try to lose weight at the urging of his family, spokesman Michael Drewniak told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

    The father of four agreed to the surgery, in which a tube was placed around his stomach to restrict the amount of food he can eat, after turning 50 in September. Christie told The New York Post, which first reported the surgery, that he said he wasn't motivated by thoughts of running for president.
    ...
    "I know it sounds crazy to say that running for president is minor, but in the grand scheme of things, it was looking at Mary Pat and the kids and going, 'I have to do this for them, even if I don't give a crap about myself,'" he said. link
    He had this surgery 10 days after... (5.00 / 3) (#31)
    by magster on Tue May 07, 2013 at 10:26:15 AM EST
    .... telling Connie Mariano, the White House physician to shut up when she said on CNN that Gov. was at high risk for dying in office.

    Sounds like he should apologize and thank her for spurring him into action.

    Parent

    I second that. (none / 0) (#86)
    by shoephone on Tue May 07, 2013 at 03:54:04 PM EST
    But he is known for being a bully, so an apology is probably not forthcoming.

    Parent
    Gastric band surgery by itself would (none / 0) (#17)
    by observed on Tue May 07, 2013 at 09:31:18 AM EST
    be a very heavy factor against a candidate of any party. The mortality and morbidity rates from this surgery can be quite high. The guarantee of future good health simply isn't there for Christie, no matter what he does.

    Parent
    I'm with you.... (5.00 / 1) (#51)
    by kdog on Tue May 07, 2013 at 12:15:16 PM EST
    I don't think it's healthy to have a rubber band installed in your gut to lose weight...but that's just my knuckleheaded opinion.  A co-worker had it done and had a lot of complications.

    That being said, I don't think it is any of our business and it wouldn't sway my vote either way.  I would have no problem voting for someone who is overweight or smokes or what have you as long as their ideas are sound and their mind is sharp.  The only thing somewhat related that gives me pause is advanced age cuz the mind slips.  I thought McCain was a little too old.

    Parent

    Ah, an ageist! (none / 0) (#53)
    by brodie on Tue May 07, 2013 at 12:37:09 PM EST
    But does your opinion about McC change now that it's 5 years later and he still basically looks and sounds the same, with the same propensity for wanting the US to intervene militarily at the drop of a hat?

    As for weight, it depends.  CC's current weight I think should be a disqualifier, for the reason that WH physician enunciated publicly a few months ago, 10 days before Christie's secret surgery.

    Ditto for a confirmed 2- or 3-pack/day smoker.

    Double ditto for a truly obese chain smoker.

    Parent

    McCain hasn't appeared... (5.00 / 1) (#58)
    by kdog on Tue May 07, 2013 at 12:54:45 PM EST
    to slip mentally yet, aside from the mental derangement he's always had;)  Still not worth the risk of another Reagan though, whose mind was mush by the end of his second term imo.  I don't fault anyone else their personal disqualifiers for bodily health, my concern is the mind.  I'd have a hard time voting for anybody over 70 for president, but senator or rep would be ok, they don't get the nuclear football.

    Not for nothin', if 34 is too young by law, who is the ageist here? ;)

    Parent

    What the heck is your definition of slipping? (5.00 / 1) (#60)
    by Militarytracy on Tue May 07, 2013 at 01:00:00 PM EST
    ;-)  That guy is completely off his cracker these days.  Bomb bomb bomb....bomb bomb Iran, Syria, Libya only when I says so and not when that President guy says so, North Korea, South Korea if they get mouthy :)

    Parent
    Like I said.... (none / 0) (#63)
    by kdog on Tue May 07, 2013 at 01:04:51 PM EST
    "aside from the mental derangement he's always had".

    Parent
    I remember the surge making him just a tad (5.00 / 1) (#73)
    by Militarytracy on Tue May 07, 2013 at 01:38:14 PM EST
    Crazier, and having to either support Bush or let him sink, which would likely sink McCain's Presidential designs.  He used to preach caution.  He called the Kosovo action ugly.  When I graduated from high school he was questioning our presence in Lebanon.

    He wasn't always Yosemite Sam, he used to be a swing influence.  He used to even be relevant in that area.  He went walking around an Iraqi market in body armor though and he's never been the same since :)  He is FUBAR.  You can no longer take him home to meet mom for any reason.

    Parent

    Come on kdog (none / 0) (#64)
    by Slado on Tue May 07, 2013 at 01:05:15 PM EST
    Reagan was fine.

    Yes he was old but there is little evidence that his mind was "mush".

    CBS News

    Parent

    He was obviously senile by his 2nd (5.00 / 2) (#101)
    by observed on Tue May 07, 2013 at 07:14:43 PM EST
    term, guy!

    Parent
    So, when he talked about personally (5.00 / 1) (#103)
    by jondee on Wed May 08, 2013 at 03:38:57 PM EST
    helping liberate WWII death camps he was what? in complete command of his faculties?

    Parent
    Don't Forget... (5.00 / 1) (#104)
    by ScottW714 on Wed May 08, 2013 at 05:01:24 PM EST
    ...his rants about how an alien invasion would bring mankind together.

    Parent
    I thought (none / 0) (#105)
    by Zorba on Wed May 08, 2013 at 06:15:30 PM EST
    that he spent his war years making training and propaganda films.  And participating in the war bond drives.
    Call me crazy, but I just don't see how that directly impacted the liberation of the death camps.    ;-)
    Link.

    Parent
    Dude.... (none / 0) (#66)
    by kdog on Tue May 07, 2013 at 01:06:58 PM EST
    I heard him in the booth at the 1989 MLB All-Star game fresh outta office...his slip was showing big time.

    Parent
    My family knows a Secret Service agent,... (none / 0) (#67)
    by Dadler on Tue May 07, 2013 at 01:22:00 PM EST
    ...who worked with Reagan during his presidential tenure. Guy says Reagan was seriously impaired almost from the go, that he could barely remember anything without a script, and he never remember anyone's name.  

    Six Degrees of Dutch.

    Parent

    According to yesterday's google news, PETA (none / 0) (#57)
    by oculus on Tue May 07, 2013 at 12:52:43 PM EST
    is hassling Gov. Christy for crushing a live spider under his shoe in the presence of school kids. Does this cruelty to spiders disqualify him to run for President?

    Parent
    After having my leg swell up and (5.00 / 3) (#65)
    by MO Blue on Tue May 07, 2013 at 01:06:39 PM EST
    other non fun things from a spider bite last year, I don't have much sympathy for the spider. Still wouldn't vote for Christy though.

    Parent
    It was on every channel last night too (5.00 / 1) (#70)
    by Militarytracy on Tue May 07, 2013 at 01:24:36 PM EST
    We couldn't believe there was no place to go, you were going to watch Christy smash a spider over and over and over again.

    Died laughing at PETAs response, putting a spider outdoors.  It sounds very Buddhisty but....the house we rented in CO Springs had a brick front and lots of jumping spiders all over it.  They were harmless so I didn't worry about them and we lived in harmony.  Then husband gets sent to Iraq and that summer the basement windows along the front of the house each had two female black widows nesting, one on each side.  I had never seen a black widow before that.  When the Terminix guy arrived I was wringing my hands, where did all these black widows come from?  

    I told him the only spiders that were ever on the front of the house were harmless little jumping spiders.  The Terminix guy says, "A spider friendly environment is a spider friendly environment." Go Christy!

    Parent

    LOL... (none / 0) (#62)
    by kdog on Tue May 07, 2013 at 01:03:29 PM EST
    Nah, but an endorsement from the extremists at PETA might be a disqualifier.  Now that you mention I might disqualify vegans:;)

    Note to Christie though...spiders are our friends, they eat the bugs, leave 'em to their important work controlling the bug population;)  Or at least certain spiders, stomp away at that brown recluse bastard!

    Parent

    Not clear that people will (none / 0) (#18)
    by brodie on Tue May 07, 2013 at 09:32:01 AM EST
    applaud him losing weight the surgical way compared to the old fashioned way of doing the hard disciplined work by himself.

    But since he's a Republicant I suppose we'll have to automatically double the odds in his favor for the public crediting him for taking charge of his situation and making a difficult decision etc.

    When we see him increasingly calling out Obama on various issues that will confirm that he's running.

    Parent

    My understanding is that surgery is (5.00 / 1) (#23)
    by Anne on Tue May 07, 2013 at 09:50:50 AM EST
    not the first option for weight loss, but the last - in other words, when all else has failed.  I know of several people who have had the surgery, and all of them had spent years trying to do it the old-fashioned way.  

    I also think it's important to understand that having the surgery does not come without changes in lifestyle and eating habits - not if you want the weight to stay off.  

    Listen, I'm not a fan of Chris Christie, by any means, but I don't fault him for making this choice, nor does it matter to me that he may have made it partially because of his political ambition; yes, there are risks associated with the surgery, but it's not like there aren't serious risks associated with being morbidly obese.


    Parent

    Hey I might applaud him too (none / 0) (#35)
    by brodie on Tue May 07, 2013 at 10:45:59 AM EST
    IF its true that he was really trying hard to lose weight, had studied the best and safest ways, not just made a few half-hearted efforts then thrown in the towel.

    And going mainly by one interview he gave a while back where he didn't sound convincing to me, and given he's a Repub and the political schedule just ahead, well I remain a tad skeptical.  

    For instance, someone in his position with his clout etc could have a) hired a weight loss expert consultant to help him stop bad old habits and begin new healthier ones, b) hire a personal workout trainer, and c) bring in a Cher-type personal assistant, maybe to get the whole thing started, the kind who would have license to grab him by the lapels, slap him around, and tell him to snap out of it.

    IOW, given who he is and the party he belongs to, I almost want court-worthy credible documented evidence that he had exhausted all other reasonable methods before I hand out any kudos, which I don't have a lot of at the moment.

    Parent

    It's so easy to judge from the outside (none / 0) (#47)
    by Anne on Tue May 07, 2013 at 11:31:14 AM EST
    looking in, and especially if it's someone one doesn't much like anyway.

    I mean, really, who are you to decide whether he did or didn't do "enough" or whether any of his efforts were "half-hearted?"

    And why do you care?  It's almost like you'd like to see this effort fail, too, so you could gloat about it.

    Fat's not attractive, but neither are small-minded, judgmental, petty and mean, which is how your comment comes across.

    Are you close to any fat people?  Close enough to have seen the pain that obesity carries with it, close enough to see the defensive stance of I'm-happy-just-the-way-I-am?  Close enough to see the fear of failing, the constant judgment?

    I guess, though, that since Christie's a Republican, the more suffering and pain the better, huh?

    Yeesh.

    Parent

    Wow. What a wild overreaction (none / 0) (#50)
    by brodie on Tue May 07, 2013 at 12:04:20 PM EST
    I clearly indicated both that I was going by one interview he made on the subject -- suggesting I was admittedly only glancingly familiar with his situation -- and that indeed I have a bias against both Republicans and the bully type Chris Christie represents.  How much more do I have to preface and contextualize a for-what-its-worth opinion that was clearly being offered through the lens of partisan politics?

    As far as caring, since I don't know him personally, I only care to the extent this guy is a national political figure, with considerable MSM backing, for the opposition party, who seems about to position himself to make the big run.  To that extent I care how this story is covered,or possibly overblown to make him look like some major hero, and want to suggest I'm withholding my standing ovation for his surgery until more facts are in.

    On the other hand, I don't wish him ill, as I too know people of considerable girth who are struggling with this issue -- in today's world of obesity all over the planet, it would be remarkable indeed if someone didn't know at least one person with this problem.  

    So I stand by my remarks, given in all honesty and with complete context and disclosure, and find your high-horse stance utterly unconvincing as well as nauseatingly self-righteous.

    Parent

    Kelly Ayotte called...she wants you to (5.00 / 1) (#52)
    by Anne on Tue May 07, 2013 at 12:32:18 PM EST
    write the next statement she has to issue explaining why what she said wasn't what she said and why it didn't mean what it meant.

    It won't work, but you seem to have an affinity for her style of argument.

    "...given in all honesty..."

    Hilarious.

    Parent

    Cute but no cookie (2.00 / 2) (#54)
    by brodie on Tue May 07, 2013 at 12:46:04 PM EST
    Next time I'll try to arrange for a simple diagram for those of you who need it put in simpler terms.

    Parent
    I'm glad he did it (5.00 / 1) (#29)
    by Militarytracy on Tue May 07, 2013 at 10:16:35 AM EST
    His family deserves to have him around and they need him.  Having a father who is frequently wrong is better than no father at all.  I wish he could control his eating choices and be a good example, the science on all that is all over the place though.

    Parent
    Let's just wish him good luck. (none / 0) (#30)
    by Mr Natural on Tue May 07, 2013 at 10:25:24 AM EST
    Y'know, we do not have to bash every choice and every decision made by every republican.  I'm pretty sure that at least one democrat has resorted to banding.

    Parent
    Heh, at least half of Hollywood is :) (none / 0) (#34)
    by Militarytracy on Tue May 07, 2013 at 10:38:58 AM EST
    It gets harder as you get older too.  I have a giant hematoma on my shin today from fighting the power.  It's all freaky now, I had it checked when I did it 10 days ago but it is going through weird stages.  I have never had anything like this before.  I have never even broken a bone other than a toe once and I have hit hard enough to before.  I guess I just have dense bone, but I am no longer graceful and what in the hell is this thing on my shin?  It's staying around so long I feel like I need to go buy it a toothbrush.

    Parent
    It's more than eating choices (none / 0) (#100)
    by Natal on Tue May 07, 2013 at 06:55:03 PM EST
    I would say he probably has a similar diet to many  who don't have a weight problem. I think a poor digestive system is primary here. Rather than a surgical operation he needs specific herbal formulas in his diet to enhance his digestive fire to overcome the problem of improperly digested food not being eliminated from the body. Ginger is the most commonly used one.  There are many ayurvedic formulations available.    

    I think the danger of suppressing his food intake through the surgery will worsen his condition.  I believe it will deprive his body of the nutrients needed to balance his metabolism. According to ayurveda he appears to be of the kapha body type which usually suffers from poor digestion and weight problems when the system is out of balance.

     

    Parent

    And weight loss is not just about (5.00 / 1) (#39)
    by jbindc on Tue May 07, 2013 at 10:57:13 AM EST
    Having "willpower" nad "doing the hard work".

    It seems that being fat is the last place it's still ok to make judgments and jokes about.

    Of course he's running.  But if it takes that to get him to do something drastic that will help him be healthier, then I say, Bravo!

    Parent

    Agreed... (5.00 / 1) (#71)
    by ScottW714 on Tue May 07, 2013 at 01:25:07 PM EST
    ...about losing weight, it's way more complex than simple will power.  And I think anyone who taking steps to improve their overall health deserves a little praise, even if we don't like their politics.

    But get real about the "the last place it's still ok to make judgments and jokes about".

    To me weight issues are in the area of addiction, and you have made no qualms about judging people in that category.  Judgements beyond legality.

    I think the world would be a whole lot better if weight was the only issue judgement and jokes circled around, but unfortunately it's not.  Christ, we have politicians that can't get past race and gender, laws that openly discriminate against homosexuals, sorry but weight isn't even close to topping that list.

    Parent

    Hmmmm.... (none / 0) (#79)
    by jbindc on Tue May 07, 2013 at 02:58:50 PM EST
    A personal attack - no suprise.  No qualms about judging addicts?  Strange.  Of course, any time things like drugs are mentioned around here (since that's what we all know what you mean when you say I "have no qualms about making judgments about addicts"), we have to talk about every user and every person in jail as "an addict", when in fact, most are not, and are just people who like to use drugs, but like to claim addiction as an excuse. And for people like Lindsay Lohan, who gets much love around here from some (poor, misunderstood girl) - you got me: I have no respect for people who have every opportunity and the means necessary to help themselves, nor do I think they deserve.

    Are some obese people addicts?  Yes, absolutely.  Are some weak-willed? Yep.  But not all.  Some have genetic issues.  Some have medical issues.   Some are the way they are because of socio-economic issues. It's harder to eat healthy when you are poor, since things like whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and lean meats are much more expensive than processed food. And kids are seeing their parents eat this way, and not knowing any better, so we are into the second and third generations of people with poor eating habits.  The fact that places like the Netherlands, where people walk and bike more than in the US and are generally considered healthier, have had a severe upswing in obesity over the past 30 years, should tell us something - it isn't just the fault of fat people.

    But I stand by my comment - you can still openly make fat jokes on TV, on the internet, in public, and people will laugh. Fat people can legally be discriminated against in hiring, promotion, schooling, etc, whereas a black/gay/Jewish person could not.

    For example, although this writer was called out by some, the fact that she was able to write this in a major women's magazine (blog) at all should give you an idea how much you can say about fat people where you couldn't say it about anyone else.

    To be brutally honest, even in real life, I find it aesthetically displeasing to watch a very, very fat person simply walk across a room -- just like I'd find it distressing if I saw a very drunk person stumbling across a bar or a heroine addict slumping in a chair.

    Now, substitute the words "black person", "Hispanic", "homosexual" or "Jew" where you see the words "fat person" - you couldn't write that in a magazine. But it's ok to write it about the obese.

    And while women and minorities, and even homosexuals (to some extent) have legal protections against discrimination, fat people generally have no such protections.

    Glutton Intolerance

    Oh, and the research backs me up. Here's an example of one (of many) studies on the topic. And here's another overview.


    Parent

    I Think... (none / 0) (#85)
    by ScottW714 on Tue May 07, 2013 at 03:53:20 PM EST
    ...you are reading way more into my post.  I didn't mean to attack you, that wasn't my intention, at all.  I still don't see it, but I did not mean for it be an attack.

    I was pointing out that to me, the two groups are similar in that at some level, it's a choice, but realistically it's far more complex.  My point being that maybe not all the people that you are so quick to demand justice of are not all that different that the group you are defending.  And that maybe people you can't relate to, deserve the same empathy and the realization that it's far more complex than just 'making a choice'.

    You took a lot of liberties with my post and filled in a lot of blanks, even going so far as to quote something I didn't even write.  For the record, the category I was addressing was people who struggle with drugs as it relates to people who struggle with weight.  The judgement I was addressing, was the law and order attitude, the one free of empathy and free of the very realizations that you are using to make the above argument.  Which is the human mind is far more complicated that what appears to be a very basic choice about what is best for someone vs reality.

    It wasn't about drugs other than being a good analogy.

    Parent

    Not the only factors to be sure, (none / 0) (#59)
    by brodie on Tue May 07, 2013 at 12:59:07 PM EST
    but important.  If by "willpower" we can perhaps also substitute proper food/lifestyle choices on a daily basis.

    And as long as CC himself is joking about it, and going on Letterman to joke further about it, I suppose it's, as he himself says, "fair game" and hard to criticize others for poking fun at him.  Gotta have some thick skin to be in the political arena.  But I'm not yet convinced Christie really is entirely comfortable with this humor.

    Clinton was on the receiving end of a lot of fat/chunky guy jokes too, although obviously he wasn't as far on the wrong side of the law as Christie is.  And I mostly applaud the way he eventually resolved that problem, using old fashioned methods over time, not the quick fix/high risk approach.  Huckabee too -- assuming it's true he lost all that weight organically (though I've noticed, last I checked, he'd put some weight back).

    Parent

    I hope that he becomes healthier (none / 0) (#33)
    by MO Blue on Tue May 07, 2013 at 10:38:21 AM EST
    as a result of losing weight. Just thought it was somewhat ironic that he said "running for president is minor" and had no part in his decision making process. I doubt he would be publicizing his surgery now if he did not want it to become "old news" for political reasons.

    Parent
    I Say Good For Him... (none / 0) (#36)
    by ScottW714 on Tue May 07, 2013 at 10:46:04 AM EST
    ...beyond politics, this could really increase his overall health and longevity.  He will lose weight and his joints will thank him for that, how much depends on much he commits.  For which I hope he goes all in.

    While I disagree with him on a lot of issues, he is a likeable guy and one of the few republicans that isn't unhinged.  If someone has to lead the party, better him that the lunatics like Santorum IMO.

    Parent

    Actually the only time I've (none / 0) (#43)
    by brodie on Tue May 07, 2013 at 11:18:53 AM EST
    found him likable is when he openly applauded Obama for his help during the storm.

    Otherwise I find him a bully, not so likable.

    I also find it implausible that he could get the R nom in the current political environment of that insane extremist party.

    As for Santorum/Santorum-type leading that party, as a strong partisan for the other party I'm more inclined to want the knuckledraggers to nominate a really extremist type, the easier for Hillary or someone similar to emerge the victor.

    Parent

    Well... (none / 0) (#61)
    by ScottW714 on Tue May 07, 2013 at 01:00:24 PM EST
    ...I would rather not roll them dice.  We were one scandal away from having Palin as VP, and if that happened, it would have put us one medical emergency from her in the White House.

    The more important point here if the right is willing to nominate a Mormon, doesn't seem like weight is going make any difference.  If this helps him lose weight and increase his life span, good for him.  Politically it means nothing beyond the easy pop shots the press can't help from taking.

    FYI, this wasn't a secret surgery as you mentioned earlier, granted they didn't tell anyone until after, but it was hardly a secret no matter how much the press wants to believe not informing them makes it a secret.

    Parent

    Well I understand (none / 0) (#82)
    by brodie on Tue May 07, 2013 at 03:15:36 PM EST
    from some news story earlier today that he informed only his chief of staff and no other staffers, and had checked into the medical facility under a false name.  About as secret in the political realm as it gets.

    And they nominated Romney despite his Mormonism bec he aggressively moved to the right.

    So yes they could do the same w CC but only if he does the same as the Mittster.

    Parent

    One Would Think... (none / 0) (#87)
    by ScottW714 on Tue May 07, 2013 at 04:34:42 PM EST
    ...that after 2 loses they might bend a little, but I doubt it.

    The false name is only secret if other famous people use their real names, which doesn't seem likely.  It's elective and I think because of the nature of the surgery, the discretion seems reasonable.

    How long before someone asks who paid for the elective surgery ?  Surely not taxpayers...

    Parent

    If Christie's health insurance is provided (none / 0) (#89)
    by caseyOR on Tue May 07, 2013 at 05:07:40 PM EST
    by the State of New Jersey as part of his employee benefits, then yes, the taxpayers of New Jersey paid for at least part of the surgery.

    Parent
    I Get That... (none / 0) (#102)
    by ScottW714 on Wed May 08, 2013 at 09:48:09 AM EST
    ...but did Christie pay for it himself to avoid the fiasco of having taxpayer funded elective surgery ?

    Parent
    Forever classy (none / 0) (#20)
    by MO Blue on Tue May 07, 2013 at 09:42:35 AM EST
    Vendor at NRA convention sells unique targets for discriminating gun enthusiasts.

    More fun with guns (none / 0) (#55)
    by MO Blue on Tue May 07, 2013 at 12:46:05 PM EST
    Armored Nutshellz

    Who will be the first to volunteer to test it live?

    Parent

    Bad news for the NRA (none / 0) (#22)
    by CoralGables on Tue May 07, 2013 at 09:49:59 AM EST
    The possibility of expanded background checks just won't go away. Word is there could be three Republican Senators ready to flip: Flake (AZ), Isakson (GA), and Ayotte(NH).

    Kelly Ayotte is swiftly joining an (5.00 / 2) (#27)
    by Anne on Tue May 07, 2013 at 10:03:04 AM EST
    ever-growing pantheon of Republican dim lights; how many positions has Ayotte had on this issue so far?  And what tortured logic is she using to explain her change of heart?

    It's fine with me if she decides to support expanded background checks, but she's flipped more times than an IHOP pancake, so I'm not sure I would count on it.

    Parent

    On any individual issue (none / 0) (#38)
    by CoralGables on Tue May 07, 2013 at 10:56:26 AM EST
    the flips and stances ultimately don't mean a thing. It's only the vote that matters.

    Parent
    In Ayotte's case, it tells me she doesn't (none / 0) (#48)
    by Anne on Tue May 07, 2013 at 11:36:22 AM EST
    have a clue and is working off hastily-gathered talking points that may or may not mesh with what she said before or what she will say later.

    If the vote is all that counts, we could train monkeys or gerbils to do it.

    Parent

    I don't live in her district (5.00 / 1) (#56)
    by CoralGables on Tue May 07, 2013 at 12:49:00 PM EST
    I don't give a damn abut her reasoning. I just care whether it's yes or no.

    The only no vote where the reasoning means anything to me on the gun vote is Harry Reid. The rest of the no's can twist themselves in knots all day for all I care as long as the end result of the twisting and turning and flipping is a yes vote.

    Parent

    As of yesterday, her current claim (none / 0) (#41)
    by MO Blue on Tue May 07, 2013 at 11:03:12 AM EST
    Ayotte: I Voted to Improve Background Checks

    That claim is based on her supporting Chuck Grassley's bill which Pierce describes as a "dilution of the diluted compromise -- the one that didn't mention gun shows at all -- ..."


    Parent
    How to create... (none / 0) (#68)
    by kdog on Tue May 07, 2013 at 01:22:47 PM EST
    a black market and make gangster prison guards rich in one easy step, by Mikey Bloomberg.

    Since the naked emperor banned smoking on Rikers Island in 2003, loosies are selling for 30 bucks and packs are going for 200 bucks.  

    They don't care about prison rape... (5.00 / 2) (#75)
    by Dadler on Tue May 07, 2013 at 01:48:31 PM EST
    ...why the phuck would they care if they've created another little prison mafia over Marlboro Reds?

    They ain't got the humanity of a thumbtack.

    Parent

    Sad but true... (5.00 / 1) (#76)
    by kdog on Tue May 07, 2013 at 02:09:57 PM EST
    Smoking bans in prisons are especially cruel...at the very least let 'em smoke in the yard!

    I've come to grips with no smoking, and even respect it, in all but three indoor places...the pub, where the whole reason you're there is to poison yourself and with any luck expose yourself to an std.  Casinos.  And prisons.

    Parent

    Some savant somewhere in NY (5.00 / 2) (#77)
    by jondee on Tue May 07, 2013 at 02:31:51 PM EST
    I suspect connected somehow to the insurance lobby, apparently has concluded that there's no essential difference between tobacco, heroin, and crack cocaine because they're all addictive substances..

    The ludicrous upshot being that now they'll boot a homeless teenage heroin addict out of rehab if they're caught smoking one cigarette, even outdoors..

    Parent

    Oy! (5.00 / 1) (#78)
    by Zorba on Tue May 07, 2013 at 02:58:37 PM EST
    Well, that ain't gonna help at all.  What a misguided and inhumane thing to do!

    Parent
    I caught a blurb... (none / 0) (#80)
    by kdog on Tue May 07, 2013 at 03:02:51 PM EST
    that the reason Lindsay Lohan didn't choose the Seafield Rehab center out east on LI was because they too have gone totally non-smoking.  It's insane.

    That is the rehab that helped my pops quit drinking...when he was there he was contemplating trying to quit smoking at the same time, his counselor advised against it.  Too stressful, one addiction at a time they said.  How times have changed.

    I'll never forget visiting him there....first time I got sniffed by a drug dog, which I found absolutely frightening as a 12 year old kid.  The fam got to sit in on a group therapy sessions, and some of the horror stories of addiction have stuck with me till this day and kept me outta trouble.  And I got to meet a famous boxer who shall remain nameless.

    Parent

    Speaking as both a part-time barkeep ... (none / 0) (#94)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue May 07, 2013 at 05:51:56 PM EST
    ... (although I'm on-call nowadays, and not on the schedule) and former smoker, I fully support the ban on smoking in bars, pubs and restaurants, which is in place in most cities and states.

    Sorry, kdog, but most people go to bars and pubs primarily for socializing, not to "poison" themselves into an inebriated stupor and / or an early grave. (It's also against both state law and city ordinance for me to serve you if you're obviously drunk.) Further, this isn't the 1950s and '60s anymore; per the Centers for Disease Control, less than one in five Americans smoke nowadays, and the right of the 80% majority to breathe smoke-free air obviously trumps the minority's tobacco privileges.

    Therefore, from that standpoint of those percentages, running a smoke-free establishment is also simply good business. At Murphy's here in Honolulu, business rose in double-digit percentages in each of the next three years following our owners' declaration as smoke-free.

    From a health standpoint, if your patronage at my establishment is contingent upon your being allowed to blow smoke in my face, then please take your business elsewhere, because the prospective long-term risk of emphysema (or worse) I incur from second-hand smoke really isn't worth any $10 tip you might leave me at the end of the day.

    So, if your heart is really set on a night of drinking and smoking with like-minded buddies, then I would respectfully suggest that you instead buy a case of beer and a bottle of Johnny Walker, break out a deck of cards and a few strategically positioned ashtrays, and invite them all over to your home for a night of poker.

    But if you're looking for a good time with good people, to meet new friends and perhaps catch the Mets or Knicks (or both!) on one of our HDTVs, then you're more than welcome to pull up a stool, and knock back a pint or two with me at Murphy's any time. I'll buy the first round.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    The only reason I can go into bars again (none / 0) (#99)
    by shoephone on Tue May 07, 2013 at 06:36:51 PM EST
    is because of the law to ban smoking in them. And I can guarantee you, Seattle restaurants, bars and taverns are hopping busy (no pun intended) these days! Studies have shown over the past couple of years that business has either remained steady, or, in some cases, increased.

    Parent
    Woman who ran black site bypassed for top spy job (none / 0) (#74)
    by MO Blue on Tue May 07, 2013 at 01:41:22 PM EST
    The officer briefly ran a secret CIA prison in Thailand where accused terrorists Abu Zubayada and Abd al-Nashiri were waterboarded in 2002, according to current and former U.S. intelligence officials. She was also a senior manager in the Counterterrorism Center helping run operations in the war on terror.

    She also served as chief of staff to Jose Rodriguez and helped carry out his order that the CIA destroy its waterboarding videos. That order prompted a lengthy Justice Department investigation that ended without charges.

    Instead of picking the female officer, Brennan turned instead to the head of the CIA's Latin American Division, a former station chief in Pakistan who former officials said once ran the covert action that helped remove Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic from power. That program is regarded inside the CIA as a blueprint for running a successful peaceful covert action. LINK
    A way to spend the rest of the day (none / 0) (#91)
    by sj on Tue May 07, 2013 at 05:12:17 PM EST
    100 Greatest Beatles songs with an intro by Elvis Costello and a blurb about each song.

    I've read #100 - #97 and, now that I've told anyone who might be interested, I'm going back into the rabbit hole.

    Monday Night Open Thread | 103 comments (103 topical)

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