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Sunday Open Thread

By Jeralyn, Section Blog Related
Posted on Sun Jul 21, 2013 at 01:23:07 PM EST
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The Pentagon has sent out a notice that periodic review boards will be reinstated to evaluate 71 detainees and determine whether any any should be transferred.

46 captives currently held as “indefinite detainees,” a category created by an Obama Task force in 2010 of captives considered too dangerous to release but for whom there was no evidence that could justify a criminal trial;

25 other captives who in 2010 were listed as candidates for trials by military commissions or civilian courts.

The notice also seems to be timed for Wednesday's congressional hearing, "Closing Guantanamo: The National Security, Fiscal, and Human Rights Implications."

46 detainees are now being force-fed.

In other news, judges warn that the sequester may trigger a constitutional crisis.

This is an open thread, all topics welcome, except those related to George Zimmerman. Please use a Zimmerman-related thread for to discuss his case or matters related to race.

< Standing Up For the Constitution | Princess Kate Delivers Healthy Baby Boy >

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    Seems like that hunger strike worked, to a (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by scribe on Sun Jul 21, 2013 at 03:13:31 PM EST
    degree:  Obama's executive order required the reviews a year or two ago and they finally got the government's thumb out.

    Of course, one of the detainees' attorneys noted the silliness of the exercise - it's not likely there's going to be any new information about events of a dozen years ago.

    So the reviews will be a political fig leaf and come to the same result - more detention time and more torture.

    AN AXE LENGTH AWAY, vol. 74 (5.00 / 1) (#2)
    by Dadler on Sun Jul 21, 2013 at 05:13:18 PM EST
    Bleak humor for a Sunday, plus the rest of last week's comics. (link)

    Homeless vets lose funding while (5.00 / 1) (#6)
    by MO Blue on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 07:56:52 AM EST
    we pay for Generals to live in villas and mansions. Just one example listed in article:

    CORAL GABLES, Fla. -- Marine Gen. John F. Kelly works in a fortress-like headquarters near the Miami airport. Starting this fall, he will live in Casa Sur, an elegant home with a pool and gardens on one of the area's swankiest streets.

    The five-bedroom residence, across the street from the famed Biltmore Golf Course, is provided rent-free to Kelly as head of U.S. Southern Command, which oversees military operations in the Caribbean Latin America.

    The cost to taxpayers? $160,000 a year, plus $402,000 for renovations and security improvements now underway.

    Casa Sur is one of hundreds of high-end homes, villas and mansions where senior generals and admirals are billeted, according to a Pentagon report prepared for Congress last month but not publicly released. link

    This is not even the most expense resident provided to the top brass. Read the entire article.

    Though programs run through the Department of Veterans Affairs (and the Department of Veterans Affairs itself) will not be affected, many veterans living on the streets, and in transitional or low-income housing will be, since many use Section 8 or were, until Friday night, on a waitlist to get assistance from Section 8.

    Section 8, or the Housing Choice Vouchers Program, is a program funded by the federal government, which subsidizes monthly rental payments for very low-income people, including veterans. As the White House explains in a statement on its website, Section 8 will "face a significant reduction in funding, which [will] place about 125,000 families at immediate risk of losing their permanent housing," among them veterans.

    As Tom Griffith, a veteran Navy SEAL who lives in transitional housing, explained, "All [the government] is concentrating on is the people in low-income housing, and how not to boot them out" rather than concerning themselves with those veterans who are currently homeless or are in transitional housing.

    Unfortunately, even veterans currently in housing aren't safe from the sequester cuts. As the White House points out, "more than 100,000 formerly homeless people, including veterans" will be removed from their housing and transitional housing "putting them at risk of returning to the streets."

    Already, our country faces serious problems when it comes to our vastly over-represented population of homeless veterans. According to a 2011 US Department of Housing and Urban Development survey, 14% of homeless people found on the streets are veterans, while only 7% of the general population have served in the military. link

    Sequestration will result in slightly more than five percent cuts to nearly all programs within the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The cuts will have a more immediate impact on programs that are not funded through yearly grants, such as Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing. HUD estimates that as a result of sequestration 125,000 individuals and families, more than half of whom are elderly or disabled, will lose assistance provided to them through the Housing Choice Voucher programs. Sequestration will also do substantial harm to homeless assistance programs, as HUD estimates that more than 100,000 homeless and formerly homeless people, the majority of whom are members of families, disabled adults, or veterans, will be removed from housing or shelter programs. The cuts will also have devastating impacts on public housing agencies, as well as the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS, HOME Investment Partnerships, and the Community Development Block Grants programs, among others. The one significant exception in cuts to HUD programs is programs for veterans administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), all of which are exempt, including the joint HUD-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program. link
    Certainly could be much cheaper (none / 0) (#7)
    by CoralGables on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 08:55:32 AM EST
    but as swanky goes in Miami, this house isn't quite what you think of when you think swanky.

    Coral Gables just happens to be expensive but it's also old. And it's nothing compared to houses on Miami Beach.

    The plug about being near the Biltmore is rather interesting because the Biltmore has been in and out of bankruptcy quite often. It's a hotel that's not near anything, very old, and with few amenities. In my lifetime I think the hotel has been closed for more years than it's been open. My daughter used to think Casper the Ghost lived there.

    I believe they have used that house for generals for about 16 years. It may be about security as much as anything else. Or maybe they just like the pink sidewalks.

    Parent

    Wow, that is really a shame (5.00 / 3) (#9)
    by MO Blue on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 09:39:04 AM EST
    that $562,000 ($160k + $402) doesn't buy you untra-swank in Coral Gables. My heart bleeds for these generals who make between $190,958 - $234,803 who are only provided with a staff of servants and free housing in semi-swank facilities. Maybe they can petition the government to eliminate all programs for homeless vets and all section 8 housing so that they can move to facilities more in line with their needs.      

    Generals might like pink sidewalks and villas in Italy, but most homeless vets and people who live in poverty would settle for a safe bed. BTW, section 8 housing isn't normally in swank neighborhoods either.

     

    Parent

    I really like the Biltmore Hotel. (5.00 / 1) (#11)
    by KeysDan on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 10:13:36 AM EST
    Yes, it is old (1926) but it is my kind of place--love the lobby,  a good restaurant, the rooms are a little small by today's standards but OK.    And, my favorite:  the pool.   It is one of the largest hotel pools anywhere.   Apparently, was, back in the day, the swimming haunt of Johnny Weismuller (of the old Tarzan movies).  Don't know if Jane swam there.  The generals, however,  will really  get a work-out and be fit for warring if they use that pool.  

    Parent
    Jesus... (5.00 / 2) (#12)
    by ScottW714 on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 11:08:33 AM EST
    ...just Googled it.

    Parent
    Was my favorite golf course long ago (none / 0) (#13)
    by CoralGables on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 11:43:16 AM EST
    Until they jacked up the price because "people play it too much". Seriously, that was the reason the city gave for the increase. (It's a public course)

    They used to let you walk for $12. Now it's $89 on weekdays.

    The hotel is still a huge draw for weddings. Probably the most popular place in Miami other than maybe Plymouth Congregational Church in the Grove. The last time I looked into that church they did about 5 every Saturday and booked almost a year in advance. Bride shows up late and she's shuffled off to find a justice of the peace somewhere else. They don't mess around.

    Parent

    Actor Dennis Farina has died (5.00 / 2) (#17)
    by jbindc on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 01:34:06 PM EST
    He was 69.
    RIP

    What a shame. (none / 0) (#35)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 06:31:21 PM EST
    Dennis Farina was a versatile but greatly underappreciated actor, who was at home in either heavy drama or raucous comedy.

    I really liked him with Bette Midler in Carl Reiner's 1997 film That Old Feeling, in which they played a couple of highly combative former spouses since remarried, whose still-volatile sexual attraction to one another threatens to eclipse both their current spouses, not to mention potentially ruining their daughter's honeymoon and compromising their new son-in-law's political ambitions.

    He'll be missed.

    Parent

    Oh my, one of my favorites too. (5.00 / 1) (#39)
    by ruffian on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 07:38:47 PM EST
    Did you see him in the ill-fated HBO series "Luck". He and Dustin Hoffman were like an old married couple themselves.

    He had such a unique presence. Really sorry to lose him.

    Parent

    You can't Make This Sh1t Up (5.00 / 1) (#19)
    by ScottW714 on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 01:51:48 PM EST
    Police say George Zimmerman helped rescue a family trapped in an overturned vehicle off a Florida highway last week, Zimmerman's first known public sighting since his acquittal in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin.
     LINK

    obama finally removes his mask (5.00 / 1) (#20)
    by Edger on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 02:15:23 PM EST
    revealing the cartoon character he really is

    Looks Just Like a Certain... (none / 0) (#27)
    by ScottW714 on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 04:03:53 PM EST
    ...vampire from Wyoming.

    Parent
    GOP chair doesn't like the word 'tolerance' (5.00 / 4) (#55)
    by shoephone on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 11:43:30 PM EST
    This is what Reince Preibus believes in:

    "If you're looking at the evidence, what you will see is a party that embraces life, a party that embraces marriage and a chairman that understands that there's only one sovereign God and that we ultimately aren't dependent on what happens in politics," Priebus explained. "What ultimately matters in our lives is that we're salt and light in the world and that we're honoring God in the things that we do every day. I get that. I think our party gets that and there's never been a movement away from that."

    It's all about the God-man.

    And this is why I abhor Democrats who sponsor terrible legislation and vote with Republicans in order to placate the right wing, just so they can keep their seats.

    AN AXE LENGTH AWAY, vol. 76 (5.00 / 1) (#62)
    by Dadler on Tue Jul 23, 2013 at 10:34:41 AM EST
    When hitting your "Butterfield 8" weight just ain't in the cards. (link)

    Vol. 75
    Vol. 74
    Vol. 73
    Vol. 72

    Christine Quinn (5.00 / 1) (#72)
    by CoralGables on Tue Jul 23, 2013 at 02:20:39 PM EST
    Meet your new best friend in the NYC Mayoral race:

    Carlos Danger

    "too dangerous but no evidence" (none / 0) (#3)
    by Mr Natural on Sun Jul 21, 2013 at 06:53:36 PM EST
    Like bad 80s television:

    Kafka in Charge

    SITE VIOLATOR: usb io (none / 0) (#4)
    by jbindc on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 07:09:53 AM EST
    Over all old threads

    sequester (none / 0) (#5)
    by ragebot on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 07:26:54 AM EST
    Is the eight hundred gorilla in the room.

    Not to say courts will not have real problems, and lets remember non federal courts also get bucks from the feds often more on the defense side.  Closing Gitmo would also cost money and congress has bashed giving Obama funds for that pre sequester.

    But as the Atlantic blurb pointed out the courts really don't get a lot of the federal budget.  What happens when the places that get the bulk of federal dollars, SS, Medicare, and Medicaid have to deal with big hits and there is a ripple throughout the country.

    Antonio West (Ga baby shot in face) (none / 0) (#8)
    by Vanmichael on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 09:01:12 AM EST
    What is Jeralyn's take on the information on this case in which this 13 month old was alledgedly shot in the face by 2 black teenagers in March 2013 in Brunswick, GA and Sherry West (mother) was shot in thigh.  But gun residue was found on the mother and father (not present at crime scene).  No witnesses.  Baby's body was cremated the next day.  Sherry's daughter is stating the mother has asked about collecting insurance money on the infant.  Father is now in jail for stalking.

    Victim:  Antonio West (infant)

    On the face of it (no pun intended) (none / 0) (#95)
    by melamineinNY on Wed Jul 24, 2013 at 01:13:21 PM EST
    sounds like a post-murder staged murder for hire. Interesting. Jeralyn hasn't commented on it on here as far as I can tell. BTW, citing the color of the alleged assailants is gratuitous here.

    Parent
    AN AXE LENGTH AWAY, vol. 75 (none / 0) (#10)
    by Dadler on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 09:39:25 AM EST
    When your senator, um, lights up the room. (link)

    So the Canadians don't have to (none / 0) (#14)
    by MO Blue on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 11:43:31 AM EST
    The true goal of multinational oil companies and Canadian politicians backing the pipeline is to reach export outlets outside the U.S. for tar sands oil and refined fuels, which would drive up the oil's price.  

    And that's always been the Canadian in the woodpile right there. We have to risk, among other things, a slice of the Oglalla Aquifer so a company from the Great White North can sell its ghastly slop to the Chinese. And we have to risk that because the Canadians will be d@mned if they're going to risk it.

    Political leaders in the Canadian province of British Columbia have officially opposed plans for a major new tar sands oil pipeline from Alberta through their province to the Pacific Coast. Two other similar proposals may meet the same fate, and are certainly years in the future. This Canadian opposition increases the motivation of tar sands investors and developers and to get Keystone XL built as sure access to overseas markets. link

    BTW, did I mention that we here in the U.S. will pay more for gas, not less.

    I Suspect the Canadian... (none / 0) (#16)
    by ScottW714 on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 01:04:42 PM EST
    ...Rockies have a lot to do with it.  Canada has already approved the pipeline, and when you consider how many pipelines are in Canada, it's clear that going to the pacific is more of a logistical issue than an environmental one.

    I don't know what all the hype is about, HERE & HERE are maps of pipelines in the US.  It's beyond frightening, not sure how one more is going to make a damn bit of difference.

    Here is a MAP of all the aquifers in the US.

    Parent

    The province of British Columbia is ... (none / 0) (#21)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 03:22:41 PM EST
    ... officially on record in opposition to the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline from Alberta's oil fields, citing the daunting logistical issues which it says renders the entire project environmentally unsound.

    British Columbia is pretty much a logistical nightmare when it comes to transport issues, thanks to both the Rockies and the Cascades / Coast ranges farther west. There are only two east-west highways crossing the province, one from Edmonton to the deep-water port of Prince Rupert in the north, and another from Calgary through Rockies and the Kamloops Valley to Vancouver in the south.

    There are no direct north-south highways between Prince Rupert and Vancouver, and the only means of transportation is either by air or sea. The North American Pacific coastline from Vancouver to Glacier Bay, AK is characterized by a multitude of deep fiords, a lot of glaciers and ruggedly steep mountains.

    (It's a hauntingly beautiful part of the world, and if anyone is looking for something different to do when traveling, I highly recommend a voyage on the Alaska State Ferry System between Bellingham, WA and Juneau, which is a 36-hour trip, one-way. I did twice, once with my college roommate, and again in 1999 with the Spouse and kids. Book it early if you want a stateroom, because it's a popular trip and you'll otherwise be stuck sleeping on the deck chairs -- which is fine when you're a young college student, but not necessarily when you're over 50.)

    Much more importantly, though, the proposed pipeline project became a volatile political issue in British Columbia, which voters cited as decisive in the recently concluded provincial elections this spring. Since its construction was opposed by the re-elected Liberal provincial government, the point's now moot.

    Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, a Conservative who represents the Alberta district of Calgary West as an MP, has long been on record in favor of the project. But his government is in no position politically or legally to unilaterally impose its will on British Columbia, whose own prime minister has threatened to litigate the project in court for years, were it to ever come to that. That's why both Enbridge and Harper are once again looking south to the U.S. and the Keystone XL project.

    But you're right that Aloha.

    Parent

    Breaking news headline but no details yet. (none / 0) (#15)
    by Angel on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 12:07:01 PM EST
    Federal judge blocks enforcement of North Dakota abortion law.

    This should be the result (none / 0) (#18)
    by MKS on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 01:51:40 PM EST
    with respect to all of these statutes--including the Texas statutes....The fear is that the respective Circuit Courts of Appeal will reverse in an attempt to challenge Justice Kennedy to disagree.

    Parent
    It's going to be another long fight, unfortunately (none / 0) (#28)
    by Angel on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 04:06:59 PM EST


    Parent
    Anyone know a good (none / 0) (#22)
    by ZtoA on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 03:43:14 PM EST
    Restaurant in NYC ?

    John's Pizza (5.00 / 1) (#24)
    by jbindc on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 03:47:46 PM EST
    on Bleeker Street

    Parent
    I always recommend il cortile (5.00 / 1) (#30)
    by vicndabx on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 04:24:06 PM EST
    in little Italy.

    AJ Maxwell's (steakhouse) around Rockefeller Center is another.  

    I've had out of town co-workers/bosses in and they've enjoyed both.

    Parent

    Eleven Madison Park (5.00 / 1) (#36)
    by Zorba on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 06:45:27 PM EST
    Outstanding.  Be prepared to spend some bucks, but worth it.
    Balthazar.  Get the plateaux de fruits de mer.  It reminds us of our trip to Biarritz, France.
    For deli type food, Tal Bagels has the best bagels.  Russ and Daughters has smoked fish that is out of this world.  Especially try the smoked sable and the smoked trout.  

    Parent
    Yes (5.00 / 2) (#37)
    by squeaky on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 07:10:30 PM EST
    I second eleven Madison Park.. and Balthazar too definitely fun, trendy though.. .  So many great restaurants here...   Russ and Daughters... yummm  

    also Katz's deli if you want low brow meaty goodness.. old style jewish deli.  

    Parent

    Would our waiter deign to bring me (none / 0) (#38)
    by oculus on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 07:22:32 PM EST
    a cup of hot, black tea?  No

    Parent
    thank you thank you all (5.00 / 4) (#40)
    by ZtoA on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 07:40:02 PM EST
    I popped over to Public and had a truly lovely meal - seared and smoked scallops and duck breast medium rare with some kind of root veggie that seemed related to a potato. Hendricks martini with cucumber and a glass of OK bordeaux.  I'll try the 11 madison one tomorrow evening.

    NYC is incredible. I don't like crowds so I'm out of luck on that front. But the people are so friendly. I've gotten into many rewarding conversations with cabbies, people on the street etc, including one guy who had beautiful arm tattoos with imagery lifted from ancient Nepalese paintings which I recognized. I feel so Portland here - white and a bit frumpy and quirky. You hear languages from all over the world and accents and faces too. I found a cool bookstore - Printed Matter - and had a great time there and bought several books. I should know better by now, books are heavy and now I have to haul them around. Good thing they are worth it.

    I have meetings during the days for the next couple of days and hope some museums are open for evening hours. I've got all day Thursday for museums and galleries - way too short. I'd like to see Turell at the Guggenheim and I've never actually been to that museum! The Met, moma, I'd like to see the Frick again, Chelsea museum which I guess is the New Museum of Art and Design. New York seems to have its own art trends like all cities. I go to LA rather frequently and always enjoy the aesthetic there. So far (in the few hours I've been here looking thru windows) it seems like the taste is for dynamic minimalism.  I'll have to go to some galleries to lay my eyes on them because, for me, minimalism just cannot be translated via reproduction, it must be seen and experienced.

    Oddly, as far as painting goes, I think Portland rivals NYC in many ways. But, as a friend says, Portland is a place where it is OK to be naive. Not sure I like that but sense that it is true.

    Parent

    Yumm (5.00 / 1) (#44)
    by squeaky on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 08:20:06 PM EST
    Public never disappoints.. mellow vibe too..

    For art, if you like minimalism, go to the new David Zwirner gallery 537 W20th street..  the building is gorgeous, and there is a Donald Judd show there, and a group show of minimalist artists there as well.

    Also if you like Judd his SoHo Foundation is now open for viewing by appointment.

    I would not miss the Paul McCarthy show at Hauser and Wirth, 18th street..  also his show at the uptown Armory 65th and Park is spectacular, if you like that kind of contemporary art.

    Personally I would skip the Chelsea Museum.. and go to the galleries in Chelsea instead.

    Parent

    I've seen enough of Judd (none / 0) (#46)
    by ZtoA on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 09:15:35 PM EST
    Its OK but its not Rothko - but I love seeing collections by appointment as its always so fascinating. Saw a collection in LA recommended by Oculus that was absolutely fascinating. Weinstein collection. I don't particularly care for Paul MaCarthy tho but what do I know? I might pleasantly have my mind opened so I'll consider it. Thanks.

     What I do like is paint, especially juicy paint. Its just my thing. There was a Rothko show at Portland Art Museum a year or so ago which was extremely interesting. I happened to go see it with the materials developer for Gamblin paints and we talked materials which was fascinating for me since Rothko, in his most profound works used "dead" colors - mordem caput (sp?) and slate grey. They were like requiems and beautiful and so many of them just falling apart even at this age. Pigments just pinging off because he used so little medium - his pigments just cling (for not long) to the surface. I surprised myself when I found myself checking for pigment dust at the Weinstein collection under a beautiful Rothko hung over a horrid chintz couch. Bacon was hung next to Harring because, according to the assistant curator, they both "were pink". Life is interesting!

    I do like design tho. Is the Chelsea museum the same as the New Museum of Art and Design? I passed by one today but it was closed (Monday). I may go by Zwirner because it is so famous and I'd like to see that show.

    I'd also like to see the Natural History Museum which I've not seen in decades. I really love all the bones and gems and oddities. Damn, so much to see and so little time!!

    Parent

    If you like photo galleries (5.00 / 1) (#54)
    by shoephone on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 10:15:17 PM EST
    check out Sepia International, on 24th and 6th in Chelsea.

    Parent
    I am a huge admirer of Helen Frankenthaler. (none / 0) (#47)
    by oculus on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 09:21:00 PM EST
    Really loved the yellow painint in the yellow bedroom at the Weinstein. Saw a gallery show near the Frick with many newer ideas. I really enjoy the Neues north of the Met on 5th Ave. and two wonderful cafes. .

    Parent
    I haven't been to the (5.00 / 1) (#50)
    by ZtoA on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 10:02:26 PM EST
    Frick in so many years, but remember it with gusto from way back when. I would love to see it now. You've never steered me wrong so I hope to include it.

    I am such a recluse and was so dumb to allow only a couple of days to see what I love in this amazing city. I just went out to have a surreptitious cig on 7th (where I have a very inexpensive room (  - read cheap - and not very nice but, I'd rather spend $$ on other stuff than sleeping posh) and so many people are just walking by. Who are they and where are they going?  Its a bit overwhelming to take in. Plus it is hot and muggy here with a few drips of rain which people seem to think requires an umbrella. Wimps. (from the Portland perspective.)

    The plane ride out here was bumpy - people actually screamed. But everyone is so friendly. People in LA are too. Not Boston (sorry to say.)

    What I really loved in the Weinstein collection was the Sandro Chias. Amazing paintings. And sculptures, but the paintings really got me. There was a lot of great art while being juxtaposed with incongruent works which was interesting since you usually see work set out in sets or historical settings, and not just the taste of a collector.  I've had the privilege ot seeing several collections by collector and they always say so much about the collector. Art collectors are interesting for artists.

    Parent

    My friends enjoyed the Rubin recently. (5.00 / 1) (#53)
    by oculus on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 10:08:30 PM EST
    Some day I hope tonhear abconcert at the Frick. My circuit also includes the Asia Society on Park but they may be closed at present b

    Parent
    Natural History Museum Is Great (none / 0) (#56)
    by squeaky on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 11:53:38 PM EST
    New Museum of contemporary art,  I have not seen the current show there yet. Chelsea Museum, not for me.. very third rate imo.. Better to walk around and stop in the chelsea galleries... at least that is what I would do.

    MoMa. lots of paintings ..and they have an Oldenberg show including his Ray Gun store. But the Met is awesome for painting.. I could spend days there and always want to come back for more..

    Enjoy! sounds like you are having a good time..

    Parent

    Great travelog! (none / 0) (#42)
    by oculus on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 08:05:14 PM EST


    Parent
    For What? How Much$$ (none / 0) (#23)
    by squeaky on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 03:46:03 PM EST
    Lot's of great restaurants in NYC..

    Parent
    Good food (none / 0) (#26)
    by ZtoA on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 03:58:05 PM EST
    Any price

    Parent
    Well (5.00 / 2) (#29)
    by squeaky on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 04:19:03 PM EST
    David Chang's restaurants are all great.. google.. Per Se would be my choice but you need an in or long lead time..  Less glam, but great is Public

    WD-50, I like Sushi Azabu for sushi, and for less expensive fare the upstairs greenwich grill is good. Kin Shop is a great contemporary Thai place, and their earlier restaurant Perilla is good..

    For simple seafood Pearl Oyster Bar is great..  For downtown bistro Odeon is always good, late night eating too. Simple Italian I like Ballato's (55 East Houston)

    Parent

    Squeaky (5.00 / 1) (#92)
    by ZtoA on Tue Jul 23, 2013 at 09:31:10 PM EST
    Thank you for your suggestions. I've tried several. Next time you visit the Frick look closely at the paintings in historical order and see that they are only brush work up until the Goya. There are knife marks (palette or painting knives, I can't tell, but probably palette) and the painting is The Forge. I hope these figures are forging some kind of knife (or sword), which would be poetic. Also, did you know Frick changed all of the frames to edit out gold leafing? He thought it detracted from the art. And the Rembrandt Nicholas Rutt has an interesting strip of wood on the left side not part of the frame.

    I met with an art historian (brilliant man) today who paid me a compliment - that I'm perverted  - (he specifically said it was a compliment.) and told me I could not leave NYC without seeing the multiple MaCarthy shows, so I'm going to the Armory Thursday and also the JP Morgan library. This city is very friendly. I've gotten into wonderful conversations with pretty much everyone I've encountered who have not been walking or hailing a cab. Lucky you, and now I understand your rude comments. Rudeness is an art form here.

    Parent

    Good (none / 0) (#96)
    by squeaky on Wed Jul 24, 2013 at 01:43:38 PM EST
    I looove the Frick, except it reminds me of the Gardner in Boston (or vice-versa) and all the masterpieces that were stolen. Rembrandt The Storm on the Sea of Galilee one of my favorite paintings..  and Vermeer the Concert among others..  

    But next time I am there, I will check out your perverse observations. Maybe it was the piece that influenced Robert Morris'
    Box with the Sound of its Own Making.

    As for being a typical NYer, I doubt that is true. I am from NYC which is quite rare..  but maybe it is all about the water..


    Parent

    Wasn't the Gardner heist supposed to (none / 0) (#97)
    by oculus on Wed Jul 24, 2013 at 02:54:28 PM EST
    be cracked about a year ago?  Wonder why that didn't happen.

    Parent
    No (none / 0) (#98)
    by squeaky on Wed Jul 24, 2013 at 03:00:58 PM EST
    The statute of limitations expired, and the FBI announced that they knew who did it, but no news for the public. And the paintings are no where to be seen.

    There was a lot of hope that when Whitey Bulger was apprehended he would shed some light on it. The speculation was that the theft was mob related and anything mob related in Boston he have finger in, or at least be knowledgeable about.

    But nothing.. so far.

    Parent

    Yes re S/L. But I remember info in the NYT (none / 0) (#101)
    by oculus on Wed Jul 24, 2013 at 03:20:31 PM EST
    about poss. recovery of some of the stolen paintings.

    Parent
    We'll See (none / 0) (#107)
    by squeaky on Wed Jul 24, 2013 at 03:45:46 PM EST
    Bob Wittman, a retired FBI agent from Philadelphia who specialized in art crimes, said he helped recover a set of seven Norman Rockwell paintings stolen from a Minneapolis museum in 1977. The paintings were found in Rio de Janeiro in 2001. Wittman said he also helped recover an original copy of the Bill of Rights that had been stolen more than 130 years earlier.

    "I think that the chances are that if they still exist, there's a 95 percent chance they are going to get the paintings back," Wittman said.

    "At some point, they are going to come back to market. Whoever is holding them illicitly is going to get old. An heir or a child is going to find it and try to sell it."

    Just speculation at this point, and the FBI has said that they "believe" that they know who did the heist. Although they also believe that the paintings have changed hands several times in the last 23 years.. so who knows.  I do not expect to see them anytime soon.

    Parent

    Meanwhile, here's an acceptable (none / 0) (#108)
    by oculus on Wed Jul 24, 2013 at 03:54:38 PM EST
    substitute:  two Vermeers, a room blessed w/Rembrandts, another room hung w/Canaletto's paintings of--Dresden.  

    Parent
    Yes (none / 0) (#109)
    by squeaky on Wed Jul 24, 2013 at 04:04:10 PM EST
    The Frick is amazing. I'm just nostalgic for the lost Rembrandt in particular..  it featured the 12 apostles on a ship during a storm.. there are 13 figures in the painting.. the extra person is Rembrandt vomiting over the edge of the ship..  sea-sick, I guess

    Parent
    have you heard about this? (none / 0) (#111)
    by ZtoA on Wed Jul 24, 2013 at 06:35:14 PM EST
    "Investigators announced this week that they may have recovered the ashes of seven stolen artworks at the bottom of a stove in Romania. The art, which included works by Monet, Matisse, and Gauguin, was stolen from Rotterdam's Kunsthal museum last October in a highly publicized heist and three suspects were arrested in Romania in January. One thief's mother now claims to have burned the works, which were valued between $130 million and $260 million, when she learned police were searching for them. How often do art thieves destroy their loot?"

    link.  

    I have spent many hours and days at the Gardner before that theft. There is a young Rembrandt self portrait that I always visited. He is young and beautiful with a luscious large feather in his cap (very moving in contrast with the late self portrait at the Frick.) Its painted with his usual very restricted palette of earth tones and carbon. I'm sure the background green tones are yellow ochre and carbon. There is a great website with lots of info used by conservators which identifies palettes and reformulates pigments and paints which you might find interesting. Link.

    Parent

    Yes (none / 0) (#112)
    by squeaky on Wed Jul 24, 2013 at 09:13:18 PM EST
    She has recanted, and now says she did not burn the paintings. Still we do not know where they are. Seems like the scam was fake burn the paintings and then sell them when the heat is off.

    Yes I remember that painting..  beautiful..

    I am not so techie when it comes to painting, and the site would not load for me..  but I will keep an eye out for it.

    Parent

    TeeVee Proven Dangerous to US Kids (none / 0) (#25)
    by squeaky on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 03:54:22 PM EST
    Falling television sets have injured nearly 200,000 children in the US over 20 years, a study has found.

    bbc

    lol, so what are the stats on the injuries (5.00 / 1) (#49)
    by Mr Natural on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 09:33:11 PM EST
    caused by the unending river of mental pollutants which pour out of those televisions?

    Parent
    While we were baby-watching (none / 0) (#31)
    by jbindc on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 04:32:33 PM EST
    500 prisoners escaped out of Abu Grahib prison

    There's also a reason we have a constitution... (5.00 / 3) (#52)
    by shoephone on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 10:08:22 PM EST
    and yet, there are hordes of prisoners at Guantanamo who have not been formally charged with a crime.

    Parent
    There's a reason ... (5.00 / 4) (#59)
    by Yman on Tue Jul 23, 2013 at 07:13:08 AM EST
    ... we have a Constitution.

    Parent
    well... what's left of it, anyway. (5.00 / 2) (#65)
    by Mr Natural on Tue Jul 23, 2013 at 12:22:27 PM EST


    Parent
    Baseball (none / 0) (#32)
    by CoralGables on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 04:47:04 PM EST
    tries to put a stop to all the baby news:

    Ryan Braun suspended without pay for remainder of 2013 season for violations of Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.
    Sounds like he cut a deal (none / 0) (#33)
    by CoralGables on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 04:47:57 PM EST
    No appeal

    Parent
    I suppose it was only a matter of time ... (none / 0) (#34)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 06:00:27 PM EST
    ... before Gloria Allred was retained by one of the alleged victims in the burgeoning scandal that presently enveloping San Diego Mayor Bob Filner. What is surprising is that Ms. Allred's client, Irene McCormack Jackson, was formerly the mayor's communications director.

    Putting your communications director in a headlock, and telling her that she should show up to the office sans panties? That sounds less like harrassment, and more like it's crossed the boundaries into felony assault. What a total walking a$$wipe this guy Filner's turned out to be.

    I don't know who's advising Hizzoner at this point, but given today's developments (which include Ms. Allred's timely arrival on the scene), I'm pretty confident in predicting that he's not going to be able to ride this out.

    Filner clearly can't govern effectively under these circumstances. Rather, he needs to do what's in the best interests of his constituents, and resign his office -- preferably last week. And if he won't leave on his own, the San Diego City Council ought to seriously consider his impeachment and removal.

    Aloha.

    Any underling in his office would probably (none / 0) (#41)
    by ruffian on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 07:41:03 PM EST
    be fired or at least suspended. Same rules should apply to hizzoner.

    Parent
    Exactly. (none / 0) (#77)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Jul 23, 2013 at 02:48:29 PM EST
    I'd hope that Bob Filner would at least have the sense of dignity and decency to know that his tenure in San Diego has obviously run its course.

    Parent
    We are eternally doomed to have Republican (none / 0) (#48)
    by oculus on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 09:31:10 PM EST
    mayors.  

    Parent
    It's embarrassing, yes. (none / 0) (#63)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Jul 23, 2013 at 12:14:03 PM EST
    But real Democrats are honest with themselves, and try not to make excuses for inexcusable behavior when it's committed by a fellow Democrat. Donna Frye was right. Filner needs to go.

    Parent
    I am beginning to think our Mayor is (5.00 / 1) (#64)
    by oculus on Tue Jul 23, 2013 at 12:18:19 PM EST
    suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's. .  

    Parent
    Bob Filner has a history of ... (5.00 / 1) (#68)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Jul 23, 2013 at 01:50:45 PM EST
    ... verbal abuse directed toward his staff. From what I understand in talking to fellow Dems in California, he's never been an easy man to work for.

    I very much hesitate to consider Filner a victim, but in a certain sense, he is -- of changing times and public attitudes toward egregiously boorish behavior such as his.

    Two to three decades ago, he'd have probably gotten away with it. Not any more, for the same reason that Justice Clarence Thomas would probably never be confirmed by the Senate to a seat on the U.S. Supreme Court today, given his history. I think that, by and large, people are generally no longer inclined to tolerate that sort of "boys will be boys" Schitt. I know I sure don't.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Re verbal abuse, yes nsame re D. Feinstein (none / 0) (#69)
    by oculus on Tue Jul 23, 2013 at 01:54:49 PM EST
    and A. Weiner.

    Parent
    Honestly, I never heard that about Feinstein. (none / 0) (#73)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Jul 23, 2013 at 02:26:24 PM EST
    That said, I do know from those who have worked for her (and still do) that she's a very demanding boss, and that a lot of people have eventually decided over the years that they'd be happier working someplace else. Her kind of hectic pace tends to burn staff out, so there's a lot of turnover in her office, save for those dear souls who don't have a life.

    I used to work for the late Congresswoman Patsy Mink on Capitol Hill, who had the same reputation as a tough taskmaster, and I must say she certainly lived up to it. We worked six days a week, Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to whenever we were done, and on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It wasn't uncommon for me to put in 60-70 hour weeks. But to be fair, she was just as demanding of herself. I'd see her leave the office at 7:00-8:00 p.m., with an armful of reading material and outgoing correspondence for her review and edits.

    (And I'm not including the hours I spent commuting between Washington and Honolulu, 12 hours each way, as her legislative director. Frequent flier mileage aside, that got very old, very quickly.)

    I ultimately left Mrs. Mink's employ after deciding that my work schedule wasn't fair to The Spouse and daughters, who were three and six years of age at the time and had never signed up to be the children of an absentee father who saw them for only a few hours on weekends, if at all. While she was sorry to see me go, she did give me a glowing written recommendation as I returned to Honolulu and the state legislature.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Speaking of Anthony Weiner (none / 0) (#74)
    by jbindc on Tue Jul 23, 2013 at 02:38:46 PM EST
    The other shoe finally drops

    Parent
    Like that's a surprise. (none / 0) (#76)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Jul 23, 2013 at 02:45:45 PM EST
    I'd never vote for him, but unless this latest revelation concerns his behavior after his resignation from Congress, it's certainly nothing that should be considered shocking or earthshaking.

    We don't need to analyze every single game from an 0-12 season, in order to conclude that this is a lousy football team.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Looks to be from after his resignation (none / 0) (#79)
    by shoephone on Tue Jul 23, 2013 at 03:27:33 PM EST
    although it has not been confirmed by him...

    While Weiner did not reference the specific allegations Tuesday, screenshots of conversations and photographs appeared on a gossip website that are allegedly between Weiner and the woman last summer, a year after Weiner resigned. CNN has not independently confirmed the messages.

    <snip>

    The statement came after chat messages purporting to be from Weiner were published on the website TheDirty.com. The post cited a "solid" source alleging Weiner engaged in lewd online conversations with her, and reproduced lengthy chats that were sexual in nature.

    The woman, aged 22, says Weiner vowed to secure her a place on a panel hosted by Politico, as well as purchase a condominium for her in Chicago.

    Sheesh.

    Parent

    I feel very sorry for his wife (none / 0) (#81)
    by shoephone on Tue Jul 23, 2013 at 03:34:24 PM EST
    but I find myself kinda sick and tired of having to feel sorry for the wives. I know a few political wives and it's stressful enough just being married to someone who revels in being the center of attention. When that need for attention becomes dangerously narcissistic, the families really suffer. It stinks.

    Parent
    That's just pathetic. What a loser! (none / 0) (#89)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Jul 23, 2013 at 05:38:46 PM EST
    Blecchh!! :-P

    Parent
    I can't be the only one who (none / 0) (#94)
    by Anne on Wed Jul 24, 2013 at 08:15:18 AM EST
    thinks of him as Anthony D!ckhead, can I?

    Parent
    Victorian Vice Squad Leader Speaks (2.00 / 2) (#99)
    by squeaky on Wed Jul 24, 2013 at 03:10:52 PM EST
    OK... you may not like Anthony Weiner who's eponomous calling card has gotten him in to so much trouble, but his voting record is pretty progressive and he is 100000% better than the next likely Democratic primary winner Christine Quinn.

    So I will vote for him without a second thought..  although if Bill Thompson appears to have a chance I will vote for him.

    Parent

    I have no idea why you think (5.00 / 1) (#102)
    by Anne on Wed Jul 24, 2013 at 03:29:16 PM EST
    my comment has anything to do with uptight, puritanical, Victorian-era attitudes, but then, this is what you do: take what someone has said, turn it into something else and use it to insult them.

    Just so you know, I think of Weiner as a d!ckhead because that's what married men who engage in the kinds of behaviors Weiner has admitted to are.

    It's possible I would vote for him, too, if I lived in NY, but that wouldn't make him any less of a jerk than his personal behavior has demonstrated he is.

    Parent

    Well (none / 0) (#103)
    by squeaky on Wed Jul 24, 2013 at 03:39:03 PM EST
    His wife is standing with him..  who knows what their relationship is? I understand that for you Marriage means one thing, but many have different arrangements.

    And as for the eponymous calling card, who knows what went on there..  just because there was a complaint, does not mean that the initial contact was not con-sensual..

    And as for the Victorian Vice Squad Vicar.. well I couldn't help myself..  alliteration and all.. seemed apt.  

    Parent

    At least the wife is not stoically walking (none / 0) (#104)
    by oculus on Wed Jul 24, 2013 at 03:42:50 PM EST
    up the courthouse steps w/her husband to hear criminal charges read and see him enter his plea.

    Parent
    Nah (none / 0) (#105)
    by jbindc on Wed Jul 24, 2013 at 03:42:50 PM EST
    This guy agrees with you.

    My opinion of Anthony Weiner couldn't have gotten much lower even before his dick pic -- the first one -- surfaced. Because I had already known him as an ambitious but entirely empty pol who wasn't afraid to get a little bit racist to win elections, and who then did nothing but talk in front of cameras once elected, my take on Weiner since the scandal has been "the sexting isn't the reason you shouldn't vote for Anthony Weiner." That is still essentially what I think. But, also, now the sexting is officially on the list of reasons.

    SNIP

    The primary reason Anthony Weiner shouldn't be mayor, or anything else, is still that he's an unaccomplished opportunist with few principles and malleable views on every public policy issue besides the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, a subject on which he has indefensible and insane views. But if people decide to not vote for him because of the dick pics I'm fine with that too.

    Apparently, he's not a fan.

    Parent

    Let's see what Gail Collins has to say this time. (none / 0) (#106)
    by oculus on Wed Jul 24, 2013 at 03:45:02 PM EST


    Parent
    Ask and you shall receive (none / 0) (#113)
    by jbindc on Thu Jul 25, 2013 at 07:25:09 AM EST
    Gail Collins

    Parent
    I didn't think she was as spot on this time. (none / 0) (#114)
    by oculus on Thu Jul 25, 2013 at 11:31:46 AM EST


    Parent
    He seems like he is in so (none / 0) (#71)
    by Militarytracy on Tue Jul 23, 2013 at 01:59:44 PM EST
    Much denial

    Parent
    His kind usually are, MT. (5.00 / 1) (#75)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Jul 23, 2013 at 02:39:05 PM EST
    It's rather sad and pathetic, because I believe that he quite honestly doesn't grasp what he's done that's so very wrong.

    In that regard, he's an awful lot like former Sen. Bob Packwood (R-OR), who long enjoyed a stellar public reputation as an earnestly progressive champion of the rights of women, and for nearly as long a time, a less-known personal reputation as a boorish pig who treated them like pieces of meat.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    I died laughing when I read that (none / 0) (#80)
    by Militarytracy on Tue Jul 23, 2013 at 03:28:19 PM EST
    He said he denies harassing anyone, but says he needs sexual harassment prevention training.  I think it might be too late to train, I think by the time you are 70 that train may have already left.  Not all trainers would agree though, some at this point would reach for the shock collar :). And some of us may be reluctant to stay their hand :).

    Parent
    Yeah, right. (none / 0) (#90)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Jul 23, 2013 at 05:50:39 PM EST
    MT: "He said he denies harassing anyone, but says he needs sexual harassment prevention training."

    That's like claiming that you're not an incorrigible alcoholic, but want to go to the Betty Ford Center because you've never been to Palm Springs.

    ;-D

    Parent

    Packwood. UGH. (none / 0) (#82)
    by shoephone on Tue Jul 23, 2013 at 03:36:38 PM EST
    I remember that scandal very well, with disgust.

    Parent
    Maybe he's just horny.. (none / 0) (#100)
    by jondee on Wed Jul 24, 2013 at 03:19:48 PM EST
    there are worse, more appalling things that he could be..

    At least he's not dead from the neck down like so many of those pasty, sexually-repressed football hooligans from across the pond that we're all supposed to be so ga-ga over..

    Parent

    Wow...really? (none / 0) (#110)
    by Militarytracy on Wed Jul 24, 2013 at 05:10:19 PM EST


    Parent
    Dems get their preferred Senate candidate in GA (none / 0) (#45)
    by CoralGables on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 08:32:45 PM EST
    Michelle Nunn, daughter of former Georgia Senator Sam Nunn will officially enter the race to win the seat of retiring Saxby Chambliss (R) on Tuesday.

    Every statewide office in Georgia is currently held by a Republican.

    What do you think her chances are? (none / 0) (#51)
    by shoephone on Mon Jul 22, 2013 at 10:06:20 PM EST
    Wasn't her father chair of the Armed Services committee? I don't remember him as a social conservative. Is she?

    Parent
    Oh goodness, Sam Nunn was very socially (5.00 / 1) (#57)
    by caseyOR on Tue Jul 23, 2013 at 01:56:28 AM EST
    conservative. It was thanks to Nunn and Colin Powell double-teaming Clinton over gays in the military that we ended up with DADT.

    I still, sadly, remember Sam Nunn leading a group of journalists around a submarine pointing out to them all the ways that, in his opinion, having gays in the military would be icky.

    Parent

    Oh, criminy. Either I didn't know that (none / 0) (#58)
    by shoephone on Tue Jul 23, 2013 at 02:08:00 AM EST
    or I just didn't remember. I hope his daughter doesn't share the same views - and is willing to say so in the campaign. But... GA being the heart of the confederacy...

    What Chambliss did to Cleland in their last campaign was so reprehensible. It would be nice to think a moderate Dem (the best we can hope for there?) would be able to pull off a win. Assuming she is a moderate Dem.

    Parent

    Right (none / 0) (#60)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jul 23, 2013 at 07:32:11 AM EST
    now I don't think too many people know where she is on the issues. She's probably smart enough to know that she's actually got a shot at winning because of the holy war that is engulfing the GOP here in GA. Saxby got his though. He is despised even by the GOP now.  

    Parent
    I would agree (none / 0) (#61)
    by CoralGables on Tue Jul 23, 2013 at 08:16:21 AM EST
    we don't know where she is on the issues but comfortable in saying she'll be left of all the Republicans in the Senate and right of all the Dems in the Senate as she campaigns.

    People talk about the swing taking place in Texas but it's far more pronounced (albeit quietly) in Georgia. It's a tough hill to climb but not impossible. Where Chambliss ranks as the 74th most liberal Senator, I think we could expect Michelle Nunn, if elected, would come in at just about 50th. A +24 to the good.

    Probably the Dems best chance at a Senate Seat pickup in 2014.

    Parent

    That's assuming, of course, that ... (none / 0) (#78)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Jul 23, 2013 at 03:01:36 PM EST
    ... Republicans in some of these states won't heed the call of the wild and crazy, and choose as their nominees a few crackpots who subsequently try to define the difference between illegitimate and legitimate rape, view a pregnancy borne of sexual assault as a gift from the Almighty, or publicly characterize Mexican-American schoolchildren as a bunch of cucarachas.

    Parent
    Get ready for (none / 0) (#83)
    by jbindc on Tue Jul 23, 2013 at 03:39:38 PM EST
    Outrage Camp - Summer 2013

    Parent
    Holy Cow, jb (5.00 / 2) (#85)
    by sj on Tue Jul 23, 2013 at 03:58:35 PM EST
    That deserves a post of its own.
    Both Organizing For Action (the newly outfitted Obama campaign organization) and the Republican Party just outlined their plans for safe, controlled, focused fury at the other side.
    Who wouldn't want to participate in that?

    Parent
    These people are wackadoodle (none / 0) (#86)
    by shoephone on Tue Jul 23, 2013 at 04:11:53 PM EST
    and by that, I do mean the Republicans. "Every day I serve in Congress, I work to fight Washington." That's nice.

    And the Dems are fighting for their same issues, as usual.

    Neither side places the wisdom or foolishness of military interventions on its agenda. We're out of Iraq, and that nation is going up in flames. We're not yet out of Afghanistan and bombings are routine. And now we may be going into Syria, at half a billion dollars a year.

    So, let's all focus on guns, God, and gays. That sounds about right, huh?

    Parent

    Well... (none / 0) (#88)
    by sj on Tue Jul 23, 2013 at 04:28:30 PM EST
    Neither side places the wisdom or foolishness of military interventions on its agenda. We're out of Iraq, and that nation is going up in flames. We're not yet out of Afghanistan and bombings are routine. And now we may be going into Syria, at half a billion dollars a year.

     So, let's all focus on guns, God, and gays. That sounds about right, huh?

    How else are they going to safely control that safe, focused fury?

    Parent
    Maybe that's (none / 0) (#87)
    by jbindc on Tue Jul 23, 2013 at 04:12:44 PM EST
    what this show is about and I just haven't been setting the DVR....

    Parent
    "I was [not] a rat for the FBI" (none / 0) (#66)
    by Mr Natural on Tue Jul 23, 2013 at 12:28:40 PM EST
    Whitey Bulger is looking seedier by the minute.

    The Boston office of the FBI isn't looking much better.

    I think it's sad how his two brothers ... (none / 0) (#70)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Jul 23, 2013 at 01:58:23 PM EST
    ... overcame the same South Boston obstacles to make something of themselves legitimately, only to be dragged down into Whitey's muck and subsequently ruined professionally, thanks to their misplaced sense of family loyalty to a very bad apple.

    Parent
    More sequester junkiness (none / 0) (#67)
    by Militarytracy on Tue Jul 23, 2013 at 01:48:28 PM EST
    Went on post to get a referral for medical checkup.  The offices that handle it closed due to sequestration, was sent to the managed care office.  There is one guy in there working his butt into the ground today doing every referral coming out of here...retirees, active duty, family members, veterans, everyone.  Good thing he is as competent as he is.

    Two gates going onto Fort Rucker closed due to sequestration, so lines and cars backing up to get in.  Tax payers paid for a new system that logs everyone coming on post at the gate easily and efficiently as long as you have most photo IDs.  They scan your ID, drivers license, whatever you have, but now it takes too long maybe or not enough resources to keep the system up and running so gate guards just making sure your ID matches your face and through you go.

    If a base or post gets hit right now they'll make it Obama's fault and he has not been a good defender of himself over this sequestration stress and failure.  God only knows what that new system cost us all too and now it can't even be used.

    I thought you knew (none / 0) (#84)
    by sj on Tue Jul 23, 2013 at 03:52:04 PM EST
    that it is Obama's fault. Or at least his idea. It took Congress to enact it.

    My fear (and frankly expectation) is that he is going to use the harm it caused to set another fork at his serving of Grand Bargain that further hurts those who are hurting now.

    Parent

    Oh for Gods sake (2.00 / 1) (#91)
    by Militarytracy on Tue Jul 23, 2013 at 07:24:48 PM EST
    Really?  It's all  Obama's fault?  This kind of attitude is why BTD doesn't post here anymore.  I don't blame Obama for sequestration and he needs to IMO do a better job of defending himself.

    Will he?  I don't know.  His latest input on issues of race was riskier than I am used to him being, and it was a risk worth it.  Not all risking pans out great though.

    Parent

    Jeebus, MT (none / 0) (#93)
    by sj on Wed Jul 24, 2013 at 03:11:09 AM EST
    Read the links. Also, read the comment. I used the word "fault" because you did. Of course it isn't "all Obama's fault". The Presidency doesn't do the enacting. But if the idea didn't come from the WH (and it looks like it did) it surely had the backing of the WH. The "they" who will make it be Obama's fault have a strong leg to stand on.

    Parent
    Sunday Open Thread | 113 comments (113 topical)

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