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Thursday Night Open Thread

Our last open thread is full, and I'm about to watch Senor de los Cielos. Here's a new one, all topics welcome.

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    I found an old court document (5.00 / 5) (#1)
    by Repack Rider on Thu May 14, 2015 at 10:30:12 PM EST
    ..while looking through family papers.

    It concerns the last hanging in Tombstone, Arizona Territory and the last two men buried on Boot Hill.

    Flickr image of document

    The court document is dated April 7, 1899, signed by the father of my grandmother's second husband, William D. Monmonier.  I remember hearing that Granddad Charlie's father was the judge in Tombstone, and here is the evidence.  

    The charge is as follows: "...[O]n or about the 6th day of April, 1899 in the County of Cochise, Territory of Arizona, William Halderman and Thomas Halderman willfully and with malice aforethought made an assault on Mr. C.L. Ainsworth with a deadly weapon and did then and there willfully and of this malice aforethought did mortally wound him the said C.L Ainsworth of which said mortal wound he afterwards did die."

    I looked up the Messrs. Halderman.  The shootout involving the two brothers was one of the last to take place in the Old West.  They had been accused of rustling cattle, and had agreed to surrender peacefully to Constable C.L. Ainsworth and Deputy Teddy Moore.  Aisnworth and Moore mounted up and waited for the brothers to exit the house to accompany them.  Instead, the brothers opened fire, killing Ainsworth on the spot and mortally wounding Moore.

    Charged the next day in the document above, and with a $50 reward on their heads, the brothers lit out for New Mexico, where they were captured five days later.  They were tried, found guilty, and hanged in November 1900, the last to be thus executed in Tombstone and the last to be buried on infamous "Boot Hill."

    Here is Wikipedia on the shootout, here is The American Cowboy.

    Because one branch of my family descends through Tombstone, I should add that Wyatt Earp was not popular there then or now.  Family history is not kind to him, seeing him as a drifter, gambler, thug and opportunist who only lived there a year and made a lot of trouble for the permanent residents while he was there.

    Mr. Earp and his associate Bat Masterson had the good fortune to live well into the 20th Century and write their own legends as the last men standing, but they were far from the heroes they have been portrayed.

    Tombstone, AZ is also home to ... (none / 0) (#4)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri May 15, 2015 at 07:15:16 AM EST
    ... the world's largest single rose bush, which is of the Lady Banksia variety. More tree than bush now, it was first planted in 1886, and now covers 9,000 square feet of trellises which support its weight, and it has a trunk that's about 12 feet in circumference. When driving through southern AZ on our way from El Paso to L.A. in 2003, we visited the town and were intrigued by the sign making the claim. And so stopped in to see it, but really had no idea the bush was that huge and impressive.

    Parent
    This sounds like (none / 0) (#5)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri May 15, 2015 at 08:27:35 AM EST
    something that would show up on Antiques Roadshow and be worth a lot.  Great story.

    Parent
    If the document you found is the signed original (none / 0) (#6)
    by Peter G on Fri May 15, 2015 at 09:24:19 AM EST
    of the indictment, complaint or warrant (not clear which, from your quotation), I would suggest you consider donating it to the Arizona Historical Society (if there is one), the State Museum (ditto), or University of Arizona Library. It should be in a place where historians and scholars can access it, and where it can be properly cared for and preserved. I imagine you'd get a nice tax deduction for doing that, also. The donee cannot provide an appraisal for tax purposes, but an autograph dealer could

    Parent
    The document (none / 0) (#7)
    by Repack Rider on Fri May 15, 2015 at 09:47:09 AM EST
    ...is definitely original.  It is punched on the top to be bound in some sort of clipboard.  It must have been seen by someone as important, since it is the only legal document to be handed down through the family.

    Until I looked up the participants, the reason for its preservation may have been a mystery to the two or three generations it passed through.

    As to the description (warrant, indictment or whatever) I scanned it and there is a link for your inspection.

    Parent

    So you did. Sorry. (none / 0) (#9)
    by Peter G on Fri May 15, 2015 at 10:24:12 AM EST
    This document is what is called a "complaint," which is an application in the federal court system for issuance of an arrest warrant. The same procedure is used to this day (although our current understanding of the Fourth Amendment would require more than a conclusory recitation of the elements of the murder charge; today, there would also be an affidavit of a witness in support of the complaint, which could be hearsay, but at least establishing probable cause.) I don't see any language at the bottom, above the Justice of Peace signature, that shows the issuance of a warrant.  So that would have been a separate, companion document, probably issued and signed by the same judge/JP at the same time.

    Parent
    Breaking: B.B. King dies at 89. (5.00 / 1) (#2)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri May 15, 2015 at 06:43:53 AM EST
    Daughter Claudette King has announced that the blues legend passed away peacefully in his sleep late Thursday night at his home in Las Vegas. He'd been suffering from diabetes in recent years, and had entered hospice care last month.

    Aloha to a true master. He'll be missed.

    The Thrill is Gone now (5.00 / 2) (#8)
    by Molly Bloom on Fri May 15, 2015 at 09:56:44 AM EST
    Saw him 3 times. 1st time in law school 30 plus years ago.

    Parent
    Glad I got the chance... (5.00 / 2) (#10)
    by kdog on Fri May 15, 2015 at 10:43:36 AM EST
    to see him last summer for the first, and sadly only, time.

    Not many of the OG Bluesmen left.

    Parent

    Well, you've also been to his club! (none / 0) (#12)
    by oculus on Fri May 15, 2015 at 11:50:25 AM EST
    B.B. King frequently performed at Street Scene here. And I got to hear him. Then the son of the organizer told him the acts dad chose were lame.  After which street Scene moved to Qualcomm from the Gaslamp Quarter and subsequently died on the vine. Too bad.

    Parent
    Bummer... (none / 0) (#15)
    by kdog on Fri May 15, 2015 at 12:01:23 PM EST
    who's lame now? lol

    Parent
    I saw him a few times.. (none / 0) (#90)
    by jondee on Mon May 18, 2015 at 11:59:07 AM EST
    a couple of times on festival bills with folks like Big Mama Thornton,Albert King, Clifton Chenier, John Lee Hooker, Junior Wells etc etc

    BB made Lucille sing and chirp over that horn section like an overly amorous hummingbird..

    One of a kind.

    Live At The Regal and Live At Cook Country Jail are still the gold standard of electric blues guitar, imo..

    Parent

    I saw B.B. King (5.00 / 4) (#11)
    by sj on Fri May 15, 2015 at 11:38:29 AM EST
    as an "opening act" for the Rolling Stones. I'll say this for the Stones -- they never let ego influence their  choice of tour companions. They always went for the best. At least in the shows I saw. I assume that hasn't changed.

    I'd never heard of King before, and I was absolutely mesmerized.

    Parent

    BB King plays himself off stage... (none / 0) (#3)
    by Mr Natural on Fri May 15, 2015 at 07:06:33 AM EST
    Fresh Air's Terry Gross interviewed King (none / 0) (#51)
    by Mr Natural on Fri May 15, 2015 at 10:22:01 PM EST
    in 1996.  The interview was rerun today on NPR.  

    This is it.

    Parent

    I feel (5.00 / 2) (#13)
    by lentinel on Fri May 15, 2015 at 11:53:29 AM EST
    a combination of joy and utter pessimism.

    The pessimism is based on things like the current election - with a bunch of manic bozos on one side, and Hillary Clinton on the other.

    And also I have never been more concerned with nuclear bombs than I am now.

    Iran wants one. Maybe.
    Where the negotiations are --- I have no idea. This item  - which I feel is of vital importance - has absolutely left the news. Of course they would rather cover a football scandal -- but still - not a peep from Obama or Kerry... So I don't know what's happening.

    But yesterday I read that Saudi Arabia wants the bomb. And since they own us --- I see that in the future.

    And Israel has a bomb.
    And North Korea has a bomb.
    And Pakistan has a bomb.
    And India has a bomb..

    And we like to think that they would never be used... until we realize that we used one!

    A certain hysteria - righteous or not --- and boom!

    The joy part comes from family and friends.

    And I love you guys on TalkLeft.

    If there's one thing I've learned, (5.00 / 4) (#17)
    by Anne on Fri May 15, 2015 at 12:28:22 PM EST
    it's that if one doesn't pull away from the relentless and generally depressing news, the dismal choices at the voting booth, and seek out the the things that make one happy - family, friends, hobbies, nature - one can easily sink into a dark and unhappy place. Sometimes, you just have to back away from the depressing stuff because too much of that and you can almost feel your heart and soul shriveling - and that is not a good thing.

    Lately, the atmosphere here at work has been getting to me.  Morale is terrible - as bad as I've ever seen it - and it's just people complaining and kvetching seemingly all the time.  It's not that the firm isn't doing well - it is.  It's the way the staff is being managed, some new "management tools" and policies that are just killing people's spirits for no good reason.  You know, some consultant said, "do this," and management can't seem to admit that it isn't working.  

    It's at the point where I just want to say to people, "look - we've had these same conversations a million times, and nothing's changing, so your choices are to take your issues to someone who can do something about it, accept that this is the way it is, and if you can't accept it, go out there and find a new position."  

    It's making me a little crazy.  But I can always find a laugh or two here, some positivity, some good.  I know that you all are good people who care, who like a vigorous discussion, but aren't interested in riling people up (well, mostly), or hurting anyone.  This community has lifted up people who were sad and dealing with difficult things, has offered solutions to problems and shared recipes for delicious food; it's shared in the joys of grandchildren, of marriages and births, of new jobs and major accomplishments.  People have opened up their lives - and in some cases, their homes - and that is kind of a rare thing out here in the ether.

    I'm very grateful for it.

    Parent

    I got an email at work today (5.00 / 1) (#38)
    by ruffian on Fri May 15, 2015 at 03:57:45 PM EST
    about the formation of a 'Morale Committee'. I almost replied that was an oxymoron, but that would have ruined the morale of the admin assistant that sent it.


    Parent
    Funny timing (none / 0) (#42)
    by sj on Fri May 15, 2015 at 04:24:53 PM EST
    I just left a meeting of ours.

    Last year we were quite active and successful, but then Management caught on and put a stop to that. Can't have laughter and joviality apparently.

    Anyway, the "committee" is poor, puny reflection of its former self. I will likely see this next activity through and then drop out.

    It can be great fun if roadblocks aren't constantly put in the way, and the payoff can be fantastic; people getting to know others with whom they might never otherwise interact. Gratifying.

    You might want to give it a try. You can always do what I plan to do. :)

    Parent

    I usually do volunteer for stuff like this (none / 0) (#43)
    by ruffian on Fri May 15, 2015 at 04:38:55 PM EST
    but maybe I just feel too tired today..maybe it is better left for the younger people. My morale would be best improved by everyone just doing their dang jobs. Probably not what they want to hear in the committee meeting :-)

    Parent
    From an old navy saying (none / 0) (#46)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri May 15, 2015 at 06:07:20 PM EST
    All leave and liberty is cancelled until morale improves.

    Parent
    I always liked... (none / 0) (#89)
    by kdog on Mon May 18, 2015 at 11:46:56 AM EST
    the "floggings will continue until morale improves" variation.

    Parent
    This kind of stupd (none / 0) (#47)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri May 15, 2015 at 06:15:29 PM EST
    stuff just grates on me. Maybe if they paid people decently and quit treating people like dirt morale would improve. It's really an Occam's Razor kind of thing and these committees and consultants usually make things worse.

    Parent
    Now ya done it... (none / 0) (#28)
    by kdog on Fri May 15, 2015 at 02:17:41 PM EST
    prepare for a dissertation from our pal Donald about the vital function of consultants. Other than making workers miserable and gobbling up our raises, that is.  

    PS...just bustin' your horns Don, nothing personal, I have no respect for my "profession" either.  We all gotta pay the rent.

    Parent

    Don't Get Me Started on Consultants... (none / 0) (#34)
    by ScottW714 on Fri May 15, 2015 at 02:49:50 PM EST
    ...while some provide specialized services that are necessary, the great majority suck up resources that could be used to actually hire people.

    Nothing rubs me the wrong way more than having to train a consultant making $600-800/hr, who are flown in from long distances so they could bill more hours than the same person working here in town.  So not only do we get stuck with the bill, we put them up for the entire time and pay all travel costs.

    This year we decided to drop the consultants who were billing more dollars than that the actual employees.  We hired two people and so far we are miles ahead.  I only have to train once, and not stay into the wee hours because they aren't trying to set billable hour records.

    But then they decided to hire consultants to design a new system, the down-payment was $500k and I bet my last dollar what they sold and what we get aren't even in the same ballpark.  Final cost will be, and this is me guessing, three times the original quote.

    Whenever I hear this line, I think of consultants:

    And the man in the suit has just bought a new car
    From the profit he's made on your dreams

    Because nothing, and I mean nothing is ever their fault and the people around here just buy it up.  They love them because they take us out to lunch every day.  Never mind they bill us back for it, a free lunch to some people will damn hear get them to name their first born after them.

    This is my experience with accounting, namely tax consultants with one of the big four at Corporate America.  They are leaches who make ridiculous sums of money doing what anyone in the field can do.  And when I say they, I mean the partners, as per hour the actual workers bees makes less than most in the industry.  

    It is no way a evaluation of what Donald or any other consultant does.

    Parent

    Those who can't, teach... (none / 0) (#36)
    by kdog on Fri May 15, 2015 at 02:55:43 PM EST
    and those who can't and can't teach either, they "consult".

    Parent
    My memory is jogged (none / 0) (#48)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri May 15, 2015 at 06:55:34 PM EST
    to the time corporate hired a consultant to teach all us sales types how to sell..

    He knew nothing of the industry and proposed such things as "teasing" the customer with a product brochure. When asked how he thought a president of a company would react to be teased with something he didn't want he was confused. Plus he snorted as he spoke... So bad that we started making book on the number of snorts in the next "X" number of minutes.

    Which, of course, led to all sorts of disagreements as to when the measured time started and whether some where actual snorts, coughs or half and half.

    When he has asked what he had ever sold his reply was classic.

    "I sold this to your management."

    Magically many important customers started calling and asking that their sales rep come see them immediately. A good sales person is devious if nothing else.

    The only good thing that came out of this was that the corporate dude who hired the idiot was sent to a line unit where he lasted about two months.

    OTOH I dealt with many consultants who were hired by my customer which made them a "customer." You had to get the nod from the consultant and the customer. Most were professional, up front and fair with a few in the pocket of some manufacturer.

    I found this to be bad only when they didn't understand that my company and product wasn't the best and recommended some other firm....

    Parent

    No offense taken, kdog. (none / 0) (#45)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri May 15, 2015 at 05:51:00 PM EST
    As a consultant to foundations, not-for-profit organizations and philanthropists, I'm actually very good at what I do, whether it's facilitating fund development or engaging in strategic planning, and I have the track record to prove it. And to continue the shameless self-promotion, I'm still considered by many of my peers to be one of the best grant writers west of the Rockies, which is how I started out in the business after I left the government's employ.

    But the sad and simple fact of the matter is that there are many so-called "consultants" out there in the business world and political arena, who shouldn't be trusted to get your lunch order right, never mind tasked with the oversight and operation of a program or project.

    Nevertheless, such "consultants" have often managed to build a business by capitalizing upon personal relationships, aka "name dropping," and many have actually done quite well for themselves in that regard, if not for their sometimes-unfortunate clients.

    While they might see themselves as the gold standard for consulting and will often charge accordingly, in fact these are some of the truest a$$-kissers you'll probably ever find in this lifetime. They're more than likely to curry personal favor by telling you what they think you want to hear, rather than impart something which you actually need to know.

    (And when it comes to political consultants and the two major parties, I swear to the heavens above that the interlocking relationships between clients, contractors, consultants and the media are often so incestuous, "Dueling Banjoes" should rightly be playing in the the background whenever they get together. I won't consider such consulting as a career option, because I consider its quid pro quo aspect to be generally unethical.)

    That's why it's always important, before you engage the services of any consultant -- or any other professional for that matter -- to ask for professional references who are not either relatives or personal friends of that person. Then you need to follow up with those references personally, and not be afraid to pose specific questions to them regarding that person's (or firm's) performance.

    I know that it sounds like what I'm saying is so commonsensical that it should be painfully obvious to almost everyone, but you'd be surprised how many people don't really perform any due diligence before hiring a consultant, lawyer, etc. At that point, if you choose to go on blind faith or personal hunch alone, it becomes a hit-and-miss proposition for you and your firm / organization.

    If you've hired me on that faith or hunch, I can say to you without hesitation that the odds are very much in your favor that you'll be quite happy with my work and results. Further, I will refer you to current and former clients, if you haven't already asked for those references.

    But if you've hired the nephew of your board president's old college teammate and still-good buddy on that sole basis alone, well, the very best of luck to you.

    Okay, that's enough lengthy dissertating for the week. Have a great weekend, kdog. And when you raise your glass or bong in toast, please remember your good buddy in the islands, who'll be too busy packing for our impending move to imbibe much right now.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    You too my good man... (5.00 / 1) (#55)
    by kdog on Sat May 16, 2015 at 07:31:52 AM EST
    Moving sucks...err, the process of moving sucks. Though it is a good chance to rid yourself of all the useless kipple we accumulate.

    Just recently we did a top to bottom intense house cleaning at the crib...labor intensive, but liberating. As someone who shuns possessions, I was surprised how much crap I found buried in closets and drawers. Mostly my roommates sh!t, but still. It's a good feeling to have shed that weight and passed it on to goodwill and the garbage can.

    The major culprit? Marketing schwag! Next person to bring a stupid keychain or foam beer can holder with a corporate logo on it in the house is getting an earful from me! Though I must admit all those ugly free t-shirts came in handy for use as cleaning rags.  Took 4 alone to clean that nasty arse oven.

    Note to corporate America...enough with the schwag, you're literally throwing your money in the garbage, not bringing in business.  Your marketing guy is playing you, put the money in the product and the people that make it. A good product, happy employees, and word of mouth is the best marketing there is.

    Parent

    Long Live The Blues... (5.00 / 1) (#14)
    by kdog on Fri May 15, 2015 at 11:56:23 AM EST
    The pinnacle of the new guard will be in Central Park Monday night gratis, the fantastic Tedeschi Trucks Band.  I'm sure a tribute to great BB King is in store.

    Here's Derek, Susan, and BB jamming together with John Mayer.  

    why unions are good (5.00 / 8) (#16)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri May 15, 2015 at 12:08:00 PM EST
    just got off the phone with the pension fund.  As a result of my seven vested years in the IATSE union,  in a few months I will start getting about an additional 700 bucks a month forever and about 52,000 as a lump sum payment.  The first number won't change since its linked to the number of hours worked, the second number will likely increase by a few thousand by the time I take it.
    Since I am currently getting enough money to live, that is, buy food and pay all the bills with very little left over this will quite literally change my life for what's left of my life.  May it be long.

    This is why unions are good.

    Our daughter the NY theater lighting designer (5.00 / 1) (#18)
    by Peter G on Fri May 15, 2015 at 12:47:50 PM EST
    just was accepted to join the union. Would that be IATSE also?

    Parent
    Possibly (none / 0) (#19)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri May 15, 2015 at 12:51:45 PM EST
    IATSE is International Association of Theatrical and Stage Employees.

    I hope her benefits are a generous as mine.  They increase a lot after 10 years.  For example I could have gotten the money at 62 if I had 10 vested years.

    Parent

    How is it that (5.00 / 1) (#31)
    by NYShooter on Fri May 15, 2015 at 02:36:13 PM EST
    the people making millions of dollars in salary and bonuses can be so dumb? If you read the financial news you will find there's one question that seems to have all those Wall Street geniuses flummoxed. With over two Trillion dollars of Treasury Stimuli, years& years of QE, lowest interest rates in history, forgiving Bank debts, and everything else possible to assist these Job Creators in driving the economy, growth remains in a funk. Corporate profits are through the roof, the stock market levitating in record La-La-Land, yet the economy is teetering on recession.

    What gives?

    To answer this seemingly, intractable, question let's take it away from the Harvard/ Wharton, Wall Street, Boy-Geniuses, and  ask some simple Main Street observers.

    Is it possible, even theoretically possible, that all those Billions of dollars in profits, and Government largesse, going to only the top 0.01%, who then hoarded all of it for themselves and spent nothing on the future had something to do with it? Could it be that by squeezing their workers for lower wages, lower benefits, and lower security added to this contraction? Did any of the movers and shakers even ask the question, "how can the consumer buy our products when we've taken away any disposable income they might have had, and who are struggling to barely survive? Did even one of these "Wunderkinds" ever hear the fable about, " Killing The Goose that laid the Golden Egg?"

    Seems so simple, doesn't it? And, yet, the Masters of Wall Street, Corporate CEO'S, The Secretary of the Treasury, The FED Chairman, and, even the President, are stumped. All that money, taken from average, middle class citizens, and handed over to the already filthy rich, and they have the balls to ask, as if it's a serious question, "what's wrong with American Consumers? After all we did, what more do they want?"

    The Republicans say, "more of the same; cut, cut, cut."

    The Democrats say, "What? Can you repeat the question?"

    It's so funny, why isn't everyone laughing?


    Parent

    It would actually be interesting to know (none / 0) (#20)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri May 15, 2015 at 12:56:01 PM EST
    if that is her Union since I was primarily the same job, lighter, for computer generated images.  I did other stuff but I believe that is my "title".

    Parent
    Yes, in fact it is. I checked. (5.00 / 3) (#22)
    by Peter G on Fri May 15, 2015 at 01:03:16 PM EST
    United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, of IATSE. She referred to it, in her note to is proudly announcing her acceptance, as "the strongest union in the country," although I don't know on what basis or by what criteria.

    Parent
    congrats, that is wonderful (none / 0) (#39)
    by ruffian on Fri May 15, 2015 at 04:00:16 PM EST
    Should make life a lot more comfortable for you - maybe some travel!

    Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

    Parent

    IATSE is also the union for cameramen. (none / 0) (#58)
    by fishcamp on Sat May 16, 2015 at 07:56:28 AM EST
    I was a member of local 659 out of Hollywood for 14 years.  Unfortunately, being remote, in Colorado, we didn't qualify for the pension program, even though we had to pay the same dues.  There were many strange situations that the remote members had to accept.  We couldn't work within a 30 mile radius of downtown Hollywood, unless it was a sports show.  They didn't want any remote members working on feature films being shot in L,A,  They only wanted us for difficult sporting events the regular members couldn't do.  Congratulations to your daughter Peter.

    Parent
    I have heard similar stories (none / 0) (#61)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat May 16, 2015 at 08:40:53 AM EST
    about other fields.  They tried really hard to screw the CG people.  I was lucky enough to participate in the first acts of bringing CG into the union.  It was happening at a time just after Dusney had really pi$$ed a lot of us off so we were in no mood for it. I was actually the union test case.  Along with four others.  I was doing exactly the same work as my counter part Greg, exactly the same, but since he was hired as an animator and I as a TechnicalDirector he qualified for full Union benefits and I none.
    We banded together, there was 61 of us at the time. Signed a document saying we would walk out unless given parity with the animators.  We elected a group to confront the lawyers which I was honored to speak for, which was hands down the most fun I ever had with my clothes on, and we won totally.  The folded almost immediately and gave us everything we demanded.  If not that dumb Dinosaur movie would never have been made.  At least not on their schedule.
    So I am very sympathetic to those who were not lucky enough to have solidarity and time on our side.
    But I played a singular role in getting the benefits I am now enjoying.  That feels pretty good.
    It's still the only representation for CG people in the industry.  CG is the only group in Hollywood who does not have an industry wide Union.  Which is why our names are always last in film credits.    After the drivers and caterers etc.  because they all have unions who negotiate for their place in those credits.

    Parent
    Btw (none / 0) (#63)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat May 16, 2015 at 08:53:45 AM EST
    they is Disney.  The union had been trying to bring CG in for a while and was really just waiting for a test case.  The lawyers were also Disney lawyers.  A group who take themselves VERY seriously.  Their leader wore a very expensive teal colored suit that I will never forget.

    Parent
    Do you take customer service surveys? (5.00 / 2) (#26)
    by McBain on Fri May 15, 2015 at 02:08:55 PM EST
    When I call customer service for a company, like Comcast, I'm usually asked to give feedback.  I assume my comments can help the person who assisted me get a promotion or raise, so I usually take the survey.  I have discovered I have two problems with this...

    1.  It can be a pain in the butt.  Sometimes I get an email, asking several somewhat complicated/ambiguous questions. The only company who seems to get it right is Netflix.  After the phone call they ask one question... all I have to do is press one button.  The worst is Turbo Tax.... at least 10 email questions where I need to assign number (1-10) to rate the service plus leave written comments as to why I felt that way.

    2.  I'm not always sure what to say.  Sometimes, the person helping me was great but the company itself sucks.  If I leave any criticism at all, I'm worried it will reflect poorly on the rep, so I usually lie and say everything went reasonably well, even though I know I'll probably have to deal with the same problem later.


    I don't have the patience for... (5.00 / 1) (#57)
    by kdog on Sat May 16, 2015 at 07:44:37 AM EST
    Surveys...except public opinion calls related to politics and elections, I can tolerate those to get my knuckleheads views recorded and freak out the survey taker.

    I do try to make a habit of complimenting good work/service to store managers and what not. Generally people like to b#tch instead of compliment, so I like to offset that with praise where due. I searched out the store manager at my super market just yesterday to compliment the deli staff...I'm picky that my ham is sliced translucent thin and they deliver every time even though it's a pain in the arse. Means the world to my ham and swiss on rye.

    Parent

    Ironically (none / 0) (#59)
    by FlJoe on Sat May 16, 2015 at 08:24:01 AM EST
    over the past 2 decades I have made my living in the Market Research industry, phone data collection segment. The stories I could tell. Let me just say garbage in garbage out definitely comes into play and don't even get me started on the blatant push polling I have seen.

    Parent
    I don't take those post-service phone surveys (none / 0) (#41)
    by Zorba on Fri May 15, 2015 at 04:20:27 PM EST
    Although, most places, they often ask me if I would stay on the line to complete a survey.  Usually, I've been on the line long enough waiting to speak to an actual human, I'm not waiting around longer to complete a survey.
    What I do do, though, if the rep has been particularly helpful, is tell them directly that they have been extremely helpful and polite and thank them profusely.  I figure that might cheer them up a bit, and since those calls are usually recorded, someone may listen to it.
    I will occasionally fill out a post-survey questionnaire if they email it to me.  Depending upon its length.
    If the service rep on the phone is a complete b*tt-head, I ask to speak to a supervisor.  That's only happened twice.  (I did ask a couple of times, however, to speak to someone else when I absolutely could not understand the heavy accent of the rep.  When you get older and your hearing is starting to go, that can be a problem.)

    Parent
    That's the primary trouble with surveys. (none / 0) (#49)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri May 15, 2015 at 07:04:59 PM EST
    There are direct correlations between a survey's results and usefulness, the overall composition of its participants and the quality of their answers. That's why it usually best to engage a neutral third party to conduct such in-house surveys, in order to:
    • Avoid real or potential conflicts of interest within a given organization or corporation, whose members, customers or employees are being surveyed;
    • Ensure that the survey's participants actually provide a representative cross-section of the particular community one is seeking to poll; and
    • Convince participants to be completely candid and honest in their responses to various questions, by assuring them -- repeatedly if necessary -- that whatever is said by them will always be held by that third party in the strictest of confidence.

    Further, whenever you as a survey participant are not sure what to say in response to a given question, please remember always that you have the right to decline to answer for whatever your reason might be, or to state forthrightly that you don't know the answer whenever that's the case.

    And if the interviewer tells you that "decline to state" or "I don't know" are not acceptable responses, then that's a pretty good clue that they're likely conducting a push-poll and not a proper survey, so it's best to not allow them to waste any more of your time.

    If you're talking to a live body on the phone, simply inform them that the interview is now over, thank them for their own time if you feel like being polite, and then hang up and go on about your day. Trust me, you're not going to hurt their feelings -- and if you do, then they really need to find another line of work.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    When they say (none / 0) (#53)
    by Repack Rider on Sat May 16, 2015 at 01:34:01 AM EST
    ...that the call will be recorded, I always say that I don't permit anyone to record my calls, so I'm sorry, can't talk to you.

    In California it is illegal to record a call without both parties' permission.  I don't grant it and that gets me off the hook.

    Parent

    Paul Krugman, NYT op ed, (5.00 / 1) (#40)
    by KeysDan on Fri May 15, 2015 at 04:04:11 PM EST
    May 15, 2015, discusses Jeb's new spearheading of the "Fraternity of Failure, --Republican men and women united by a history of getting everything wrong and refusing to admit it.  Dr. Krugman takes a look at Jeb's mis-hearing, mis-understanding, evasive and reluctant, mistakes were made, answers over a few days to what should have been anticipated questions  And, these were questions from friends of FOX.  Yes, Jeb said, initially, if he knew what he knows now, would he invade Iraq?  And, yes, with curious qualifications. And, no, after several days--he guesses he has to answer hypotheticals, after all.

    Jeb, Dr. Krugman continues, wants to stop taling about this. And, you can see why.  he has a lot to stop talking about.  But, Dr. Krugman argues that we should not grant his wish.

    I agree.  This is not a campaign gaff; one of those gotcha questions, like Katie Couric asking Sarah Palin what she reads (as her defenders claim.)   As Krugman asks, whose mistakes. The published list of Bush foreign policy advisers is a who's who of mistake-makers.  Rather, Jeb has been glommed onto as someone who will keep the blunderers on board so that they can repeat the blunders, which are not blunders, at all--in their fraternity of dunces.

    And, what about that classic (none / 0) (#44)
    by christinep on Fri May 15, 2015 at 05:29:26 PM EST
    The unforgettable "I mis-spoke?"  A ready euphemism,  Does anyone remember which President first used that concocted misrepresentation for "lie?"  Was it Nixon?

    Parent
    I think it was Ron Zeigler. He was (5.00 / 2) (#50)
    by Mordiggian 88 on Fri May 15, 2015 at 08:30:14 PM EST
    Nixon's press secretary who once declared a previous statement he had made about the Watergate affair "inoperative".

    Parent
    Jon Stewart's take (none / 0) (#56)
    by Yman on Sat May 16, 2015 at 07:37:33 AM EST
    As always, he nails it ...

    Parent
    Happy Birthday (5.00 / 1) (#52)
    by desertswine on Fri May 15, 2015 at 10:49:19 PM EST
    Well, we just got news that I suppose is ... (5.00 / 2) (#67)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat May 16, 2015 at 06:42:04 PM EST
    ... all but inevitable for most people our age. Elder Daughter and her beloved are tying the knot in August -- and of course, when I asked them why only a few months hence, she just smiled and replied that on or about the first week of December, we will become grandparents for the first time.

    It hasn't quite sunk in yet, so please excuse me if I'm not jumping up and down in exhilaration. They've been together and inseparable since they first met as sophomores in college, so their marriage was hardly unexpected. But a baby four months later? Wow. Our new mother-to-be is in awesome physical shape, and she said that her doctor expects no complications, and that we'll likely know the baby's gender in about three to four weeks.

    It's also probably a good thing that we're moving out, because that will give them plenty of time to get the Kuliouou townhouse ready for their new arrival.

    And you know, much of the place is still baby / toddler-proofed from the time when Younger Daughter was still moving about the floors on all fours. (I'm now picturing her in my mind from 19 years ago, navigating her way down the stairs for the very first time, backwards, with her rear end leading off.) I just never got around to changing the electrical outlets back and removing cupboard latches, etc. We just got used to it and worked with it. So at least they have a head start in that regard.

    It's exciting, to be sure, a new chapter and all that. But right now I'm just sort of numb, and don't know whether to reach for the bong or the Geritol. Because suddenly for some reason, I'm feeling a lot older this afternoon than I did yesterday. But this too shall pass. Life is meant to be a series of adventures, and this is going to be one of them.

    Aloha.

    You'll (5.00 / 1) (#68)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat May 16, 2015 at 06:49:27 PM EST
    be fine. You just got hit with two things at once and your mind is trying to adjust. You were halfway expecting a wedding but i'm sure the baby has taken you for a loop. No mental time to prepare for that one like once they got married and then had been married a few years you would probably be expecting to get the baby news.

    Are you done with your chemo treatments?

    Parent

    Right now, I'm done. Thanks for asking. (none / 0) (#74)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun May 17, 2015 at 02:12:01 AM EST
    But I'll need to see my oncologist and dermatologist every month for the remainder of the year, which will be no problem since I'll have to come back to Honolulu for work anyway.

    Then if I don't have any recurrence, they'll cut those visits back to every 90 days for the following two years, then eventually I'm to go no more than six months between visits to the dermatologist for the foreseeable future, became the form of melanoma I had was aggressive and they'll need to follow my progress and observe me for new growths.

    My hair is now growing back, mostly dark silver-gray. I have to say, I do like the new look, and so does my wife and everyone else in the family. So there's one silver lining from the experience, pardon the bad pun.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Glad (none / 0) (#76)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun May 17, 2015 at 11:12:42 AM EST
    to hear your health is on the mend.

    I'm still going every six months for the thyroid cancer to see the endocrinologist. He said at the 5 year mark he will probably drop me down to once a year. While I'm tired of going to the doctor there is a kind of feeling of safety going every six months.

    Parent

    Mazel tov, Donald! (5.00 / 2) (#69)
    by caseyOR on Sat May 16, 2015 at 07:05:11 PM EST
    I get that this news, especially the baby part, is a bit of a shock to your system. Give it a little time to sink in, and I recommend the bong over the Geritol, and you will be grinning from ear-to-ear.

    A wanted baby is a blessing to a family.

    Parent

    Oh my goodness, Donald, being (5.00 / 1) (#70)
    by Anne on Sat May 16, 2015 at 07:52:05 PM EST
    a grandparent is just the most wonderful thing, it really is.  It's like God decided to reward us for all those years of parenting - and I must say, it's a pretty damn good reward.

    But you're still reeling, trying to process both an impending wedding and an impending birth, and that's a lot to take in.  With my first grandchild, our daughter had been married for 5 years.  Younger daughter and her husband were married for less than a year when she got pregnant, but they'd been together for 7 years.

    We're lucky that both girls live close by, so if someone needs us, we're only minutes away.  And it just provides us with a lot of opportunity to spend time with these precious little boys.  Which we do - I can never say no!

    I could not be happier for you, Donald - my best wishes to you and your family.

    Exciting times ahead!

    Parent

    Thank you, Anne. (none / 0) (#75)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun May 17, 2015 at 02:49:55 AM EST
    It is indeed exciting, but now everyone's got a lot of planning to do to pull together a wedding by their tentative date of August 22, and coming as this all does in the midst of our own impending move to Hilo, which is three weeks away, you're right in that this is all rather overwhelming.

    My younger sister became a grandmother at age 42, and she's been loving it, so if she can handle it, so can I. Of course, she admits that having almost everyone mistake her now-five-year-old grandson for one of her own children is quite flattering. But that's a reasonable mistake, since her own youngest daughter is only six years older than the boy. Further, his face also happens to very much resemble that of his grandmother, it's almost uncanny. (I can't believe that he'll be starting kindergarten in the fall.)

    My wife is a little less than nine years younger than me, and our grandchild is due the same week as her 46th birthday. So who knows, maybe they'll be destined to share a special day together.

    Elder Daughter called both my mother and her grandparents in Corpus Christi, and they're all very happy. Another good thing is that Mom immediately offered to assist with the wedding plans, which of course was much welcomed and accepted immediately. And since she was planning on coming over next month anyway for our official housewarming in Hilo, she's going to stay an extra week or so in Honolulu to help her with the logistics.

    Well, it's certainly been an eventful day, to say the very least, and even though it's only 9:30 p.m., I'm exhausted and going to bed. So I'll bid you a good evening, even though you're likely already fast asleep yourself, given that it's 3:30 a.m. back east.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    grand-dads... (5.00 / 1) (#73)
    by desertswine on Sat May 16, 2015 at 09:42:35 PM EST
    are the coolest things on the planet. Congrats!

    Parent
    Congratulations to all of you! (none / 0) (#72)
    by christinep on Sat May 16, 2015 at 09:27:40 PM EST
    What a wonderful reason to have a toast (or more than one toast!)  In fact, it sounds to me that you won't have time to be old ... enjoy the reverie of your home from before and get ready for a rousing adventure of new life.  

    Think about this: How many people have so much good fortune in terms of a daughter whom you trust and love, a long time prospective son-in-law who will soon become the full son-in-law, and a wonderful new baby.  That grandbaby will have such promise and love around her ... just savor the thought of all the learning ahead that you will see together.

    Parent

    So, Donald, (5.00 / 1) (#79)
    by fishcamp on Sun May 17, 2015 at 04:54:38 PM EST
    do you have to sleep on the couch, now with the new baby room, on those hops from Kona to Honolulu?

    Parent
    Our townhouse is 4BR, 3 BA. (none / 0) (#80)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun May 17, 2015 at 06:55:54 PM EST
    So no, one of the bedrooms will always be available to us. But a new baby certainly changes the household dynamic, particularly for Younger Daughter, when she returns to Honolulu during semester breaks from UH-Hilo. Up until yesterday, we had planned that both girls would enjoy equal use of the place, particularly once the younger girl graduates from college in another three semesters or so. That equation will be changed just by the prevailing circumstances.

    Also, we're moving to Hilo, which is on the eastern (windward) side of the Big Island, so I'll be hopping back to Honolulu from there, and not from Kona, which is in West Hawaii. The two towns are about 90 miles apart via the new Hwy. 200 -- aka "the Saddle Road" -- through Puhakuloa, and it's a two-hour drive between them. But while the tourist industry is anchored in Kona, nearly 50% of the island's population of 195,000 live in and around Hilo, which is easily the larger of the two towns and also serves as the county seat.

    Each side of the island also has its own airport. Kona International Airport is serviced by all the major air carriers, which fly from all across the country. But in Hilo, Hawaiian Airlines enjoys a virtual monopoly and United Airlines flies one daily roundtrip to and from Los Angeles.

    Hawaiian presently flies 21 daily round-trips between Honolulu and Kona, and another 18 daily round trips between HNL and Hilo. But while flights between Honolulu and Kona are 80-85% full of tourists, nearly 70% of all passengers flying between Honolulu and Hilo are Hawaii residents. So as you can see, each airport serves an entirely different market from one another.

    So whenever we'll be flying to the U.S. mainland or elsewhere, we'll probably go first to Honolulu and connect there, rather than drive the 90 miles to Kona and catch a direct flight. It's just a lot easier and faster.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    In an isolated incident (none / 0) (#21)
    by Repack Rider on Fri May 15, 2015 at 01:03:11 PM EST
    ...involving sixteen Miami police officers, hundreds of racist and sexist emails were exchanged by these impartial guardians of morality.

    To be clear (none / 0) (#23)
    by CoralGables on Fri May 15, 2015 at 01:39:33 PM EST
    that would be Miami Beach and not Miami, which actually makes it quite a bit worse as that department is much smaller.

    Parent
    Actually it was just 2 officers (none / 0) (#24)
    by CoralGables on Fri May 15, 2015 at 01:42:05 PM EST
    doing the sending. The rest were on the receiving end. Hard to hold anything against someone for "getting" emails. But the 2 senders are another story.

    Parent
    Boston Marathon Bomber Sentence (5.00 / 1) (#25)
    by Amiss on Fri May 15, 2015 at 01:47:50 PM EST
    Reached. Will be announced at 3p.m.

    Parent
    Boston Marathon sentencing (none / 0) (#27)
    by Amiss on Fri May 15, 2015 at 02:14:28 PM EST
    17 counts carry capital punishment. And I meant to post that as eat too.Big crowd in front of Boston Courthouse. The jury had 3 options:
    Yes to all counts
    No to all counts
    Yes to some counts.

    Tsarnaev is not in the courtroom at this time.

    He is just entering courtroom. Twitter #JimArmstrongWBZ  #Tsarnaev
    AND is local Boston TV
    Judge and Jury in just now

    8counts are Yes to some.

    Parent

    The way it's sounding (none / 0) (#29)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri May 15, 2015 at 02:22:22 PM EST
    is not that good for life without parole.

    Parent
    Death sentence (5.00 / 2) (#32)
    by Peter G on Fri May 15, 2015 at 02:39:38 PM EST
    returned by the jury, per breaking news. Not what I anticipated. So sad.

    Parent
    Just commented on this (none / 0) (#33)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri May 15, 2015 at 02:41:59 PM EST
    in another thread.

    Parent
    Death (none / 0) (#30)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri May 15, 2015 at 02:31:30 PM EST
    said I wouldn't be surprised.   I am not.


    I Am, I am Aslo Surprised... (5.00 / 1) (#35)
    by ScottW714 on Fri May 15, 2015 at 02:52:41 PM EST
    ...at how quick.  But then again I can say that I have ever followed a DP case.

    Parent
    new and separate post created (5.00 / 1) (#37)
    by Peter G on Fri May 15, 2015 at 02:56:18 PM EST
    on this topic. Time to move there.

    Parent
    What else... (none / 0) (#54)
    by unitron on Sat May 16, 2015 at 05:51:53 AM EST
    ...did Death have to say to you?

    Parent
    how does (none / 0) (#60)
    by FlJoe on Sat May 16, 2015 at 08:38:04 AM EST
    this not cause a tear in the space-time continuum? We should all hope that a singularity is created allowing no bloviation to escape.

    Saw that (none / 0) (#62)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat May 16, 2015 at 08:49:18 AM EST
    made me laugh out loud.

    Parent
    More Republican hypocrisy (none / 0) (#64)
    by Yman on Sat May 16, 2015 at 10:46:06 AM EST
    From the party of "family values", Rep. Scott DesJarlais (R.-Tenn.) votes for abortion ban.  The same guy who pressured his ex-wife to get abortions.  Oh, and some of his mistresses, too.

    Oy.

    I saw that. (none / 0) (#65)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat May 16, 2015 at 02:16:20 PM EST
    Another tea party cretin.

    Parent
    Shades of Bob Barr! (none / 0) (#66)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat May 16, 2015 at 05:50:31 PM EST
    Their blatant hypocrisy is almost comical to behold, were it not so tragic. And what's really sad is the way in which their uncritical base will grant them mulligans for their follies, time and again. Mr. DesJarlais will more than likely be returned to office in 2016.

    Parent
    You people should go (none / 0) (#102)
    by jondee on Mon May 18, 2015 at 12:25:56 PM EST
    to a few meetings before you judge Tea Party members based solely on what they say and do.

    Parent
    I Would Rather Go The Sadistic Dentist... (none / 0) (#104)
    by ScottW714 on Mon May 18, 2015 at 12:45:05 PM EST
    ...than attend a meeting in which people share the same views as Jim.

    Parent
    meetings at which he's the token liberal (none / 0) (#108)
    by jondee on Mon May 18, 2015 at 01:06:04 PM EST
    Are you guys deliberately trying ... (none / 0) (#113)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon May 18, 2015 at 01:20:56 PM EST
    ... to conjure up his presence, like Beetlejuice?

    ;-D

    Parent

    Should (none / 0) (#110)
    by FlJoe on Mon May 18, 2015 at 01:13:00 PM EST
    we also all go to some Nazi Party meetings before we judge them?

    Parent
    yes (none / 0) (#111)
    by jondee on Mon May 18, 2015 at 01:17:10 PM EST
    by all means go to few, and get to know more than a couple of sadistic dentists, before you condemn them all en masse.

    Parent
    um (none / 0) (#71)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat May 16, 2015 at 08:47:54 PM EST
    talk about surprising and "outside the box" gay relationships in popular entertainment .....

    Anyone watching Outlander?  

    PreviouslyTV (none / 0) (#77)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun May 17, 2015 at 03:34:01 PM EST
    Outlander, what the f&$@ing f$&k? I know you're on pay cable, so we're supposed to expect a certain level of nudity and violence. And on an individual level, each of the things in "Wentworth Prison" isn't something I haven't seen somewhere before. But as a whole, it all adds up to...what, exactly? A cavalcade of hard-to-watch sh!t presented as prestige drama. I didn't need to see Jamie's hand getting (repeatedly) smashed with a hammer. I didn't need to see the nail going into Jamie's hand. I sure didn't need to see YET ANOTHER near-rape. And you know what? I don't care if all this stuff is in the books. You're a TV show with professional TV writers. You can make the material into something new. (And Outlander readers: if some of this isn't in the book, I apologize.)

    Be warned.  Even these jaded eyes were a bit shocked.
    fishcamp, ye kin?


    Parent

    Disturbing (none / 0) (#130)
    by Militarytracy on Mon May 18, 2015 at 09:31:43 PM EST
    Black Jack is disturbed

    Parent
    Yes Howdy, I ken, (none / 0) (#131)
    by fishcamp on Tue May 19, 2015 at 09:08:49 AM EST
    but the books are very graphic as well.  There's seven of them in the entire Outlander series, and a few more shorter novels about Lord Grey.  She goes into detail regarding medicine, since she was a nurse before she went through the stones.  She even distills penicillan later and uses a snake fang to inject it.  But your right, the producers will probably concentrate on the gory.

    Parent
    I was quite surprised (none / 0) (#135)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue May 19, 2015 at 04:51:03 PM EST
    at how graphic and brutal it was.  Unlike the thing I quoted I did not think it was gratuitous.  I think it could have been way worse.   There was simply no way to show what he did, and intended to do, without going there.

    MT said Jack was disturbed.   Personally I think that totally understates what he is.

    And I'm happy to say it can be done without someone whining about a negative depiction of gay men because you can't throw a screenplay these days without hitting a positive, complex and layered depiction of a gay man.

    Parent

    I haven't watched the new episode yet (none / 0) (#118)
    by Militarytracy on Mon May 18, 2015 at 01:51:46 PM EST
    It's waiting for me on the DVR.

    Parent
    Lower (none / 0) (#119)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon May 18, 2015 at 01:52:42 PM EST
    you were to quick.

    Parent
    I am overjoyed (none / 0) (#78)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun May 17, 2015 at 03:44:34 PM EST
    that there is a new weather channel, Wearher Nation, that has weather all the time.  Woohoo

    From last year-

    In the last three plus years, the "Weather Channel" has increasingly shown it is not so concerned about covering accurate information on the weather. Reality shows are now its main feature. In years past, whenever one turned on the "Weather Channel", one got the weather. Not so any more.

    Several years ago the first "reality shows" started showing up on the TWC. Perhaps this does not seem like a big deal to some, but for those of us that are weather enthusiasts, when we want the weather, we want the weather. Many do not support "The Weather Channel/Reality Show Channel", but it seems we no longer have a choice.

    Now we do.  Never again will I seek weather and find Fat Guys in the Woods.

    America's Shooting Gallery, Part MMCMDIXVII: (none / 0) (#81)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun May 17, 2015 at 07:35:35 PM EST
    Nine people are dead and sixteen have been wounded in a violent shootout at the Twin Peaks restaurant and bar in Waco, TX, apparently the result of a confrontation between three rival biker gangs, which had initiated as fisticuffs between two guys in the restaurant men's restroom, but then quickly escalated into a general melée involving well over one hundred gang members in the parking lot outside.

    On the News... (none / 0) (#82)
    by ScottW714 on Mon May 18, 2015 at 09:58:06 AM EST
    ...today they said it was 5 gangs fighting over territory, and that the police were ready as they had know about it for a week.

    Twin Peaks put out something about cooperating with the police, and the police siad they tried to close the place for a week and even contacted corporate, which did not cooperate.

    No 'civilians' wear injured as they hid in some sort of cooler.

    Your link must have been updated as it has that information.

    He said the violence could have been avoided, and he blamed management at Twin Peaks for not cooperating with police, who had learned beforehand of possible trouble and were waiting nearby, preventing further injuries and deaths.

    Weapons used included chains, brass knuckles, knives, clubs and firearms.

    Clubs & chains, I thought that was most certainly Hollywood.

    Parent

    Police were alert (none / 0) (#83)
    by Palli on Mon May 18, 2015 at 10:19:24 AM EST
    but did not instill a riot by wearing riot gear, blocking off streets, utilizing pepper spray or placing "detained" persons in shackles and plastic cuffs and "nickel-riding" them to lockup.

    Apparently, this violent display either frightened the police into inconspicuously facilitating whatever these white folk were going to do or it just a case of clear white privilege.

    Parent

    Hillary Clinton (none / 0) (#84)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon May 18, 2015 at 10:45:37 AM EST
    campaigns in Iowa "amid allegations that the Clintons made 25 million dollars --- OMG imagine me clutching my pearls, in speaking fees since Jan of last year.

    Oh my god

    allegations of making money by earning it.  How can they EVER recover from this horrific scandal???
    (Note triple question marks, that means I'm really in a snit a out this)

    It must be a slow news time (none / 0) (#85)
    by christinep on Mon May 18, 2015 at 11:23:21 AM EST
    What are the deprived news boys & girls going to do ... write about real-life issues that we all face, experience?  Nope, can't do anything if they can't find or manufacture a scandal where the Clintons are concerned.  For the next week or so, let's expect the NYTimes and WashPo to trade off nothing-burger bank balance stories.  

    For me, the $$$$$ that most power-players in politics and other areas make isn't a central concern so long as the fortunate few find a way of "giving back," so to speak.  When fortunate families--through legacy and/or earnings--find a significant way to contribute to society, I don't fault that avenue.  The Roosevelt family, the Kennedy family knew great fortune ... and they contributed time & effort in the service of the country.  The narrative of past Presidents is instructive in how fame or fortune is used ... e.g., President Carter put his position and know-how to work working on building human habitat and in assisting in international election processes.  And, with the Clintons: President Clinton has travelled the world responding to such natural catastrophes as tsunami, earthquakes, etc. via his unique ability to raise necessary funds/resources to alleviate the human suffering that afflicted many thousands. For some reason, when I think of the Clinton Foundation my impression is that the humane efforts via the Foundation resemble the worthwhile efforts of the well-known, extensively funded Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

    Not worth clutching-the-pearls over what is essentially an artificial press issue going nowhere despite the methodical story whip. Maybe it would be interesting to take a look at all past Presidents for the last 50-70 years to learn what they did with their time, how they got their money and all that <snark.>  In the meantime, the ability to channel one's talents and other blessings to help others or to the broader public service is something anyone, including the media, might want to take a look at in their free time or during a slow news day.

    Parent

    Only the GOP and Beltway media could ... (5.00 / 1) (#109)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon May 18, 2015 at 01:11:20 PM EST
    ... cynically conflate a renowned charitable foundation, one which provides valuable aid and assistance to millions of people across the globe, with a political action committee.

    If only they'd give similar scrutiny to the Ronald Reagan Foundation or the Bush Family Foundation. Oops, excuse me, my bad -- there ARE no Reagan or Bush foundations performing charitable works on behalf of the less fortunate, are there? There are only the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and the the George W. Bush Foundation, whose sole beneficiaries are their respective presidential libraries in Simi Valley, CA and Dallas, TX.

    In fact, what exactly do Republicans contribute to charities, anyway? My gut instinct, given their selfish rhetoric, is that the amount is likely but a fraction of what the rest of us give, percentage-wise.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    To me (none / 0) (#112)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon May 18, 2015 at 01:18:56 PM EST
    it seems like the classic Rovian dog trick of trying to make a positive into a negative.

    It will work with FOX viewers. I don't see much traction beyond that.

    Parent

    Maybe it's me (none / 0) (#87)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon May 18, 2015 at 11:34:45 AM EST
    but that just seems laughably desperate.

    Parent
    Me or the press? (none / 0) (#91)
    by christinep on Mon May 18, 2015 at 12:03:06 PM EST
    Speaking for me: I know that I am laughing at the press for a number of reasons ... not the least of which being that they have gained no traction.

    Parent
    The press of course (none / 0) (#94)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon May 18, 2015 at 12:10:21 PM EST
    sorry if that was not clear.   It's the ridiculous republicans sayings this of course.   The press is just "doing their job" by dutifully repeating it.   Every 15 minutes.

    Parent
    Yup, proof that CDS knows no bounds, (none / 0) (#107)
    by NYShooter on Mon May 18, 2015 at 12:57:07 PM EST
    even the venerable New York Times felt this "scandal" is of such breathless importance that it warranted prominent front page headlines.

    Parent
    It's (none / 0) (#86)
    by FlJoe on Mon May 18, 2015 at 11:28:49 AM EST
    funny how what's  common practice becomes scandal if the Clinton's are involved. The Clinton Rules must be followed!!!

    Parent
    Conservatives can't have it both ways (none / 0) (#88)
    by jondee on Mon May 18, 2015 at 11:44:12 AM EST
    according to their "job creators" "meritocracy" party line, making 25 mil automatically makes the Clintons embodiments of what supposedly makes this country great..

    The conservative, laissez faire head of the Harvard economics department just published an article stating that we should all stop criticizing and look up to and treasure those in this country who have 25 mil in the bank..

    Parent

    You just misunderstand (none / 0) (#92)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon May 18, 2015 at 12:08:03 PM EST
    when you are the Clintons and you earn 25 mil because people are willing to pay you to speak in 18 months it's a betrayal of everything American.   But if you are Ted Cruz and have a billion dollar sugar daddy deposit 30 mil in 4 different pacs in a couple the space of a couple of months it's pure boot strap populisim.

    Parent
    Well (none / 0) (#97)
    by jondee on Mon May 18, 2015 at 12:15:04 PM EST
    I guess we don't want secret communists with those kinds of resources at their disposal..

    After all, back in the nineties, when conservatism when utterly off the rails, people like Duke Cunningham were claiming Bill had been initiated into the communist party by Senator Fulbright..

    Parent

    Duke Cunningham was released ... (none / 0) (#106)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon May 18, 2015 at 12:54:38 PM EST
    ... from federal prison in June 2013, having served seven years for public corruption.

    And excuse me for asking, but isn't conservatism still "utterly off the rails"?

    ;-D

    Parent

    If they weren't Democrats, the GOP (none / 0) (#96)
    by Anne on Mon May 18, 2015 at 12:13:34 PM EST
    would be worshipping them for making this kind of money...

    But since they are Democrats, they must suffer for having trespassed into what Republicans regard as their sole province: making the big bucks.

    I mean, really now: how dare they?

    Parent

    Well (none / 0) (#99)
    by jondee on Mon May 18, 2015 at 12:17:22 PM EST
    since their Democrats, the Lord obviously didn't want them to have that money.

    Parent
    I just (none / 0) (#115)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon May 18, 2015 at 01:46:35 PM EST
    tune all this stuff out and frankly it makes me laugh most of the time. The pearl clutching brigade is at it again and frankly if the Clintons wore sack cloth and were pinching pennies to make ends meet I'm sure that would be a negative too. It's all so tiresome.

    Parent
    Can we please just change (none / 0) (#93)
    by KeysDan on Mon May 18, 2015 at 12:09:00 PM EST
    the subject?  Enough of this Iraq war stuff, after all, lies, err--mistakes were made.  Thanks, Jeb.

    In an interview on Christina Broadcast News, Jeb  was asked if it is okay to refuse service to same sex couples for religious reasons. Jeb replied: "Yeah, absolutely."    And, for good measure, he added,  think of the children: : "we need to be stalwart supporters of traditional marriage," so as to protect "children born in poverty."  

    I saw this (none / 0) (#95)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon May 18, 2015 at 12:11:35 PM EST
    im sorry.  I just don't see this guy as the nominee.

    Parent
    The more he says, the more he (none / 0) (#98)
    by Anne on Mon May 18, 2015 at 12:16:24 PM EST
    appears to be someone who got away from his minders...

    I suppose the silver lining is that there are a lot of Republicans in this field who will never, ever be taken seriously again. Except by other people who also have minders...

    Parent

    The minders are starting to freak (none / 0) (#103)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon May 18, 2015 at 12:32:50 PM EST
    Large GOP field has party leaders anxious about their chances in '16

    With no clear front-runner and Bush so far unable to consolidate his path to the nomination -- his fumbles over the Iraq war and his brother's legacy further exposed his vulnerabilities -- the GOP's internecine battle could stretch well into the spring of 2016.


    Parent
    Yeah (none / 0) (#114)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon May 18, 2015 at 01:43:57 PM EST
    and from that same article

    Looming above the GOP show is Hillary Rodham Clinton, the dominant Democratic candidate whom Republican officials brashly dismiss as a scandal-plagued, out-of-touch relic of the past but whose early strength and political durability is nevertheless giving them a serious scare.

    Republican officials are dismayed that months of relentless, negative press coverage of her use of private e-mail servers, foreign donations to her family's charitable foundation and her six-figure paid speeches have done minimal damage to her favorability ratings.

    So in other words they are dismayed that what they have been doing is not working but they are going to keep on doing it.

    Parent

    What else have they got? (none / 0) (#116)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon May 18, 2015 at 01:48:09 PM EST
    i mean, they could formulate some actual ideas for governing, find a reasonable electable standard bearer and try to win the old fashioned way.
    Raise your hand if you expect that to happen.

    Parent
    Yeah (none / 0) (#125)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon May 18, 2015 at 03:05:34 PM EST
    that is what I tell my GOP friends. I said you guys are stuck in the past, your ideas are old and they failed under George W. but it's like they can't move. They are just frozen. And I said you need to do something about the tea party but they don't.

    Parent
    I Wonder How Many... (none / 0) (#100)
    by ScottW714 on Mon May 18, 2015 at 12:18:46 PM EST
    ...said that of George ?

    Parent
    Yeah well (none / 0) (#101)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon May 18, 2015 at 12:21:10 PM EST
    W was the second Bush.  He would be the third.  And it's not looking like a charm to me.

    Parent
    ... while we were over in Kailua on Oahu's windward side, the skies above became filled with thick black smoke, and we were wondering what happened.

    Unfortunately, on the other side of a short ridge from where we were, a USMC MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft with 21 Marines and one Navy corpsman aboard crashed and burned during a training exercise at nearby Bellows Air Force Station in Waimanalo, killing one and injuring another seven, three of them critically.

    Honolulu Fire Dept. rescue personnel from the Waimanalo and Kailua stations were on the scene within minutes of the crash, as was a physician from Tripler Army Medical Center who just so happened to be camping on the nearby Bellows Beach about two hundred yards from the site. The injured were rushed to nearby Castle Medical Center in Kailua for evaluation and treatment.

    The Marines on board that aircraft are from the 15th Expeditionary Force out of Camp Pendleton, CA and were here in the islands on a seven-month deployment. FAA and military investigators are still at the crash scene this morning, trying to figure out what happened. The aircraft is a total loss; only its charred wreckage remains.

    It should be noted that the MV-22 Osprey has had a controversial and somewhat troubled history, and this latest incident may spark a renewal of public criticism of the Pentagon program.

    Aloha.

    MT GoT question (none / 0) (#117)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon May 18, 2015 at 01:51:30 PM EST
    what if any is the significance of Jon Snow and Ramsey Snow having the same last name.   Is this, like, the default b@stard name?  Alan Smithee of Westeros?  Or just some coincidence?

    ???

    It is (5.00 / 2) (#120)
    by Militarytracy on Mon May 18, 2015 at 01:56:59 PM EST
    A bastard born in the North is a snow.  If you are born a bastard in Dorn you are a Sand.  So, Cersie got a threat from the Sand Snakes, the Sand Snakes are Oberyn Martell's bastard daughters.

    Dorn is very "liberal" though.  Being a bastard doesn't shame you the same way, and women have more personal power in Dorn.  

    Parent

    Sorry..Dorne, my iPad doesn't like Dorne (none / 0) (#121)
    by Militarytracy on Mon May 18, 2015 at 01:58:01 PM EST
    Trying to remember all the bastard names :) (none / 0) (#122)
    by Militarytracy on Mon May 18, 2015 at 02:02:55 PM EST
    Lady Stark was from the riverlands, so bastards there were Rivers.  In the Vale, a bastard is a Stone.

    Parent
    there are also (5.00 / 1) (#123)
    by CST on Mon May 18, 2015 at 02:06:57 PM EST
    The Hills - ???, the Waters (King's Landing), the Pykes (Greyjoy's people), and the Flowers (the Tyrells' area)

    Parent
    I figured this (5.00 / 1) (#124)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon May 18, 2015 at 02:36:35 PM EST
    but after watching the thing all the way thru twice I don't remember it being mentioned in the series.  Maybe they assume you will figure it out?

    I like the idea tho.  I think each state should have default b@stard names.  Possibly picked by the state tourist boards.
    AR could be Hillbilly.

    Parent

    This is awful, and I am a Clinton supporter (none / 0) (#126)
    by Militarytracy on Mon May 18, 2015 at 04:54:58 PM EST
    But.......Hillbilly

    Someone sent it to me as a joke, testing how deep my humor runs :)

    Parent

    Yikes (none / 0) (#127)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon May 18, 2015 at 04:56:44 PM EST
    you can't unsee that

    Parent
    Occasionally Conservatives exhibit (none / 0) (#128)
    by Militarytracy on Mon May 18, 2015 at 04:58:30 PM EST
    Short spurts of creativity :)

    Parent
    If sometimes the point escapes me (none / 0) (#129)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon May 18, 2015 at 05:06:34 PM EST
    is it supposed to be a insult by linking her to the most popular politician on earth?

    Parent
    Poor Sansa...worst wedding night ever (none / 0) (#132)
    by ruffian on Tue May 19, 2015 at 03:57:43 PM EST
    well, with the possible exception of her uncle that that married the Frey girl.

    I can only look at Ramsey without passing out by imagining that actor as the nice neighbor in that BBC series with Ian McCellan and Derek Jacoby instead. Sansa does not have that option.

    Parent

    Ha (none / 0) (#133)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue May 19, 2015 at 04:38:30 PM EST
    yes.  The only nonvicious person on Vicious.

    Quite a range there.

    I just saw a movie I think I never heard of that you might like.

    Blood Ties

    Blood Ties is a 2013 French-American crime thriller film directed by Guillaume Canet. It is a remake of 2008 French thriller Les liens du sang by Jacques Maillot, an adaptation of the French novel Deux frères: flic & truand by Bruno and Michel Papet. The screenplay was written by Canet and James Gray and stars Clive Owen, Billy Crudup, Marion Cotillard, Mila Kunis, James Caan and Matthias Schoenaerts. The film was selected to be screened out of competition at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival.[6] It received a limited release on March 21, 2014 in the United States.

    One of those happy surprises you sometimes get on premium cable.

    Parent

    Still (none / 0) (#134)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue May 19, 2015 at 04:40:31 PM EST
    that was a party compared to what the poor guy on Outlander got.

    Parent