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Mother's Day Open Thread

By Jeralyn, Section Blog Related
Posted on Sun May 13, 2018 at 07:21:00 AM EST
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What a treat for Mother's Day: Brunch with the TL kids and grandbaby, who is now 6 months old. I think she is really cute, especially her huge blue eyes. [More....]

She just started smiling and giggling a month or so ago, and when she does, I just melt.

How are you spending Mother's Day? I wish all TL readers and all mothers and grandmas everywhere a happy, love-filled holiday. If your mom is still around, be thankful, and don't forget to call her. If not, like me, you can take out a photo or look up at the sky and tell her hello. Wherever she is, she's probably thinking of you too.

This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

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    Mother's Day Open Thread | 106 comments (106 topical)

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    Happy mother's day (5.00 / 3) (#1)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun May 13, 2018 at 06:30:54 AM EST
    All you mothers

    Very cute baby

    My mom lives nearby (5.00 / 2) (#2)
    by McBain on Sun May 13, 2018 at 09:31:44 AM EST
    so I'll go to her place for lunch today.  Probably won't bring the dogs. She has her own dog and when the three of them get together, it's bit much.  It's a beautiful neighborhood and it looks like a nice day, so I predict a long walk at some point.

    Happy Mother's Day!

    Mom turned 98 two weeks ago (5.00 / 4) (#3)
    by Repack Rider on Sun May 13, 2018 at 10:24:13 AM EST
    My sister and I will be going over to her house for brunch.  Same house she was living in when I was born.

    She takes no prescription meds. Has a housekeeper and gardeners. Since she quit driving last year, I take her shopping.

    Wow, no meds (none / 0) (#4)
    by McBain on Sun May 13, 2018 at 10:56:18 AM EST
    that's great.   I think most of the medications, supplements people take for general health and longevity are either useless or counter productive.  

     

    Parent

    I am going to spend this day (5.00 / 2) (#5)
    by Towanda on Sun May 13, 2018 at 10:59:07 AM EST
    with my grandbaby, too.  He is a year older than yours, Jeralyn, so I can tell you that you have such fun ahead. . . .

    He also has big blue eyes, from his dad -- and red hair, the most unusual combination, I read.  Why, yes, he is Irish on both sides.

    Gorgeous baby! Happy Mother's Day (5.00 / 1) (#6)
    by Militarytracy on Sun May 13, 2018 at 05:33:07 PM EST
    To all TL moms.

    I told our graduating senior to sleep in this morning instead of making me breakfast. He's been studying his butt off for AP tests. I appreciate that.

    I did force the father out though early to go to the Gorgetown Flea Market. Bought some wedgewood pieces there and 2 old converted oil lamps. Then we went to the Eastern Market. Beautiful day even though it was cool and a little foggy.

    P.S. (none / 0) (#7)
    by Militarytracy on Sun May 13, 2018 at 05:34:48 PM EST
    What is Avenatti tweeting about? This is supposed to be Mom's day off.

    Parent
    Some middle easterner (5.00 / 1) (#8)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun May 13, 2018 at 06:04:36 PM EST
    that was in the meeting with Cohen Flynn et al in December. I'm not sure if it is the one that supposedly attempted or did bail Jared out of his personal financial mess or not.

    Parent
    Has Josh decided upon (none / 0) (#17)
    by Zorba on Mon May 14, 2018 at 11:22:03 AM EST
    his college?  Is he going to the Mount?

    Parent
    He is (none / 0) (#22)
    by Militarytracy on Mon May 14, 2018 at 01:22:47 PM EST
    So we will be pestering you in the mountains.

    Parent
    Happy Mother's Day (5.00 / 1) (#9)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun May 13, 2018 at 06:07:36 PM EST
    everyone. Youngest son and husband took me on a picnic. Nice weather for it!

    Your grandbaby is incredibly cute, Jeralyn!

    How fun! (none / 0) (#11)
    by Militarytracy on Sun May 13, 2018 at 07:35:21 PM EST


    Parent
    28 years ago today, May 13 was also Sunday, (5.00 / 4) (#10)
    by Peter G on Sun May 13, 2018 at 07:29:05 PM EST
    Mothers Day. And on that day, the youngest of our three daughters was born. This morning, she and her partner came out from the city to have brunch with us. They left with one of the two cheesecakes my wonderful wife, a great mother (and super-lawyer and elected township commissioner) baked yesterday. This is also the first Mothers Day that one of our girls (the middle one) is herself a mother. My own mother, soon to be 95, is physically well but has sadly lost her memory and ability to converse. So, the day is bittersweet.

    What an awful day (5.00 / 2) (#15)
    by Militarytracy on Mon May 14, 2018 at 07:39:34 AM EST
    We are dedicating the US embassy in Jerusalem while Palestinians protest. 37 dead.

    And this won't make (5.00 / 1) (#19)
    by Zorba on Mon May 14, 2018 at 11:35:42 AM EST
    a d@mned bit of difference to Trump and his minions and supporters, except to convince them even further that Palestinians are "bad."
    I've about had it with this country.  If I wasn't so old, I'd seriously consider moving elsewhere.  :-(

    Parent
    That's the only thing keeping me from leaving. (5.00 / 1) (#20)
    by Chuck0 on Mon May 14, 2018 at 11:39:53 AM EST
    Age and health. (well, and some financial considerations). If I was 20 years younger, I would be settled in Ireland by now, or perhaps join my sister in Nanjing.

    Parent
    Hope all the moms had a nice (5.00 / 1) (#16)
    by Anne on Mon May 14, 2018 at 07:58:38 AM EST
    day yesterday!  I had such a busy weekend, Mother's Day almost felt like an afterthought, but I did spend time with my daughters, as well as my mom, it was just a little disjointed.  But good!

    I can barely keep up with the news these days, there's so much of it and it's coming fast.  Sometimes feel like we're letting ourselves get too caught up in things that maybe, in the grand scheme of things, aren't monumentally important.

    For example, there's no question what Sadler said about McCain was low and utterly tasteless.  But I care less about what some no-name WH aide says about McCain than I do what Republican - and some Democratic - Senators are signing onto on matters of legislation and policy.

    No one could possibly be shocked that the WH hasn't apologized, or that Sarah Sanders is all about the leaks, not at all about what the leakers are saying.  The aide said what she did because she works for someone who regularly - like daily - insults and demeans anyone and everyone - and never apologizes for it.

    The country is being led by someone whose ego is so damaged and fragile that putting others down seems to be the only way he can keep his ego propped up and avoid dealing with the reality that he is such a marginal, damaged human being.

    Well, I had a very nice (5.00 / 1) (#18)
    by Zorba on Mon May 14, 2018 at 11:31:16 AM EST
    Mother's Day.  Got two dozen roses from Daughter Zorba, a hanging basket of flowers from Son Zorba and another one from Mr. Zorba.
    Mr. Zorba and Son Zorba made a wonderful breakfast (French toast, bacon, and blueberry sauce for the French toast, made with fresh blueberries).
    Dinner was excellent, seared tuna steaks, along with stir fried fresh vegetables and rice.
    And even better, I didn't have to do a thing.  Except sip the excellent white wine that Mr. Zorba had purchased for the occasion, plus the Moët champagne later.

    The Right Stuff author... (5.00 / 2) (#37)
    by desertswine on Tue May 15, 2018 at 11:37:16 AM EST
    Tom Wolfe passes away.

    My son was sad when I picked him (none / 0) (#59)
    by Militarytracy on Wed May 16, 2018 at 10:07:39 AM EST
    Up from school yesterday.

    On the bright side, I think there is a good chance he passed his AP Lit exam.

    Parent

    A writer from your neck of the woods (none / 0) (#85)
    by jondee on Thu May 17, 2018 at 02:51:30 PM EST
    Edward Abbey, had some memorably choice words for Wolfe at one point..

    Lets just say it was an assessment I have some sympathy for and leave it at that.

    Parent

    I must admit that the only work of Abbey's... (none / 0) (#87)
    by desertswine on Thu May 17, 2018 at 03:44:04 PM EST
    that I have read is the beautiful and iconic "Desert Solitaire," a high water mark of nature writing.

    On the other hand, the only work of Wolfe's that I've read was "The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test," a really great read also.

    I really didn't know anything much about either author except that I have read lately that Wolfe seemed to have loved dandified clothing.

    Parent

    Question for desertswine (5.00 / 1) (#98)
    by jmacWA on Fri May 18, 2018 at 05:32:49 AM EST
    This has been bugging me since the first time I noticed your user name (early 2000's as I recall).

    Can you answer:

    Are we talking

    A  

    OR

    B

    Every time I read a comment by you I cannot decide... I know it's a stupid question, but I have been bugged by it for a long time.

    Parent

    My guess is 'B'. (5.00 / 1) (#101)
    by vml68 on Fri May 18, 2018 at 12:27:13 PM EST
    Where he lives + animal lover.

    Parent
    B.... but I do love the A. (none / 0) (#102)
    by desertswine on Fri May 18, 2018 at 12:48:44 PM EST
    Didn't mean to confuse anyone.

    Parent
    No Confusion... Curiosity (none / 0) (#105)
    by jmacWA on Fri May 18, 2018 at 03:04:58 PM EST
    My original thought was javelina, but then one day I realized it could be desert's wine... So it was my habit of overthinking everything.

    Thanks for clearing it up for me

    Parent

    Jeralyn, saw this and thought of you as fangirl. (5.00 / 1) (#49)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue May 15, 2018 at 03:33:18 PM EST
    The Onion | May 15, 2018
    Jon Bon Jovi Jealous Of Former Classmate Who Made It Out Of Jersey - "MIDDLETOWN, NJ -- Rattling off reason after reason why his hometown sucked, rock icon Jon Bon Jovi sheepishly told reporters Tuesday that he's been feeling jealous of a former classmate lately who had managed to make it out of New Jersey."

    LOL! Have a wonderful afternoon.

    OOPSIE on that Nobel thing (5.00 / 1) (#51)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue May 15, 2018 at 04:38:50 PM EST
    North Korea threatens to cancel US summit

    Kim probably (none / 0) (#60)
    by KeysDan on Wed May 16, 2018 at 10:59:09 AM EST
    was not bowled over by Bolton's references to the "Libya" solution (regimen change with Mummar al-Qaddafi sodomized and hung out in a meat locker) or by Trump's rejection of the Iranian deal he could only hope to achieve in N. Korea. And, of course, no one thought to postpone those South Korea/American military exercises. Maybe they should have consulted with our Ambassador to South Korea...oh wait, never mind.

    The best thing at this point, is for the grand Singapore meeting to be skipped, since Trump will do anything at this point to stay in the running for his self-nominated Nobel Peace Prize.  Donald from H. may wind up living in east North Korea. The art of the deal.

    Parent

    STALE (none / 0) (#78)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed May 16, 2018 at 06:29:22 PM EST
    It Sure Looks Like John Bolton Is Trying to Sabotage the North Korea Talks



    Parent

    Only if the second coming of Krakatoa ... (none / 0) (#79)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed May 16, 2018 at 08:20:44 PM EST
    ... doesn't get us first. Seriously, though, the mainland media really needs to tone down the apocalyptic coverage of Kilauea's latest phase in its now-35-year-long eruptive cycle - and yes, it's merely a phase, albeit a particularly active one. However, it's nothing that anyone out here hasn't seen before.

    But the Armageddon-like headlines are something new, and they're causing a serious problem out here, because they've triggered a precipitous drop in Big Island hotel / resort bookings by mainlanders and a corresponding increase in airline reservation cancellations.

    The damnedest thing about it is that the major resort areas in North Kona and Kohala are over 100 miles away from the region of recent volcanic activity in Puna, on the opposite end of the island, and they are not in any way threatened. But you'd never know that, reading the major papers and watching CNN.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Speaking of "Armageddon-like headlines" (none / 0) (#82)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Thu May 17, 2018 at 11:56:59 AM EST
    check out what the local Hawaii news orgs are saying...

    Hawaii Tribune-Herald:

    Explosive eruption at Kilauea summit confirmed, ash plume to cover surrounding areas

    Hawaii News Now:

    Explosive eruption at Kilauea summit sends ash 30,000 feet into sky

    Honolulu Star Advertiser:

    Scientists at the summit Wednesday morning discovered rocks of up to 2-feet across that had been tossed from the crater into a parking lot several hundred yards from Halemaumau, which "reflect the most energetic explosions yet observed and could reflect the onset of steam-driven explosive activity," according to USGS.

    The Garden Island:

    Hawaii volcano erupts from summit, sends huge plume into sky

    Hawaii Catholic Herald:

    `Pray for Puna': Church responds to the needs of those displaced by the volcanic eruption on the Big Island

    By Patrick Downes Hawaii Catholic Herald "Pray for Puna." That's the message coming from the Big Island of Hawaii as a fierce and unpredictable volcanic eruption displaces hundreds of residents. I


    Ya. Those meddling mainlanders...

    Parent
    And your point is - what, exactly? (none / 0) (#86)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Thu May 17, 2018 at 02:57:02 PM EST
    Further, that's OUR local media coverage from which you're selectively taking snippets, when the overall gist of that reporting has hardly been apocalyptic. We live here, and we understand the risks. We know what's going on, and nobody here is freaking out about it. Kilauea has been in an active state of eruption since March 1983. At 35 years, it is currently the longest continual volcanic eruption in the world.

    The sort of explosive eruption at Halemaumau which occurred at about 4:15 a.m. HST this morning was long anticipated by state and county civil defense officials. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has been closed to visitors since last week, our east Hawaii island communities are well-prepared and further, it's hardly the sort of cataclysmic event that's heretofore being alluded to in mainland media. Kilauea last experienced an explosive summit eruption in 1924. (I would note that as I write this at 9:00 a.m., the eruption at the summit's Halemaumau crater has since subsided.)

    For sure, the direct impact on people who reside in the immediate vicinity of the east rift zone activity down in Puna has been substantial, with about 2,500 residents presently displaced. But for the rest of the island, the biggest issue has been vog and acid rain. Here in Hilo, which is 25 miles northeast of the Kilauea summit, we've had some fallout of volcanic ash, which has actually been rather minimal today. The ash-and-steam plume was easily visible from most of South Hilo District yesterday, but since it's cloudy and raining this morning, today not so much. (The noise you hear in the linked video is not the eruption itself, but wind gusts whistling through the camera's mic.)

    But the overall impact on the Big Island's economy will likely also be substantial, because media reports of the Kilauea eruption on the U.S. mainland offer no sense of proportion regarding where exactly the eruption is occurring and who's being affected. Viewers / readers are being left with the impression that the entire 4,000+ square mile area of the island of Hawaii is somehow at risk, when that's not the case at all. The Puna district comprises 15% of the Big Island's land mass, and the current eruptive phase is actually confined to a few locales in Puna and at the Kilauea summit.

    As a direct result of the sensational media coverage on the mainland, the resort areas along the North Kona and South Kohala coasts have been experiencing a sharp 50% cancellation rate this past week, even though those regions are over 100 miles northwest of Puna. As a rough comparison, that would be like people cancelling trips to L.A. last winter because of the threat of mudslides in Santa Barbara County.

    The mainland media needs to tone it down.

    Parent

    We have friends (none / 0) (#90)
    by Zorba on Thu May 17, 2018 at 04:29:58 PM EST
    Who are currently vacationing on Oahu.  Two of our mutual friends expressed alarm because "OMG!  They're in Hawaii!  They may be in danger!"
    I just looked at them and said, "First of all, Oahu is a different effing island!  Get a map!  Secondly, even if they were on the Big Island, they would not be staying down near the volcanic activity.  Get a clue."
    Jeez, I'm getting tired of stupid people.

    Parent
    LOL! Tell me about it. (none / 0) (#96)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Thu May 17, 2018 at 06:57:09 PM EST
    ;-D

    Parent
    My point is your local hawaii media is also (none / 0) (#91)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Thu May 17, 2018 at 04:34:58 PM EST
    blasting
    "Armageddon-like headlines
    ; it's not just the "mainland media."

    I thought that was pretty obvious.

    Parent

    You took individual sentences out of context ... (none / 0) (#95)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Thu May 17, 2018 at 06:55:51 PM EST
    ... from local Hawaii articles to make a dubious point that really isn't true at all, because our local media isn't portraying this event as Armageddon. So, you're wrong. Period. End of discussion. See Zorba's comment above.

    Parent
    U a funny guy. (none / 0) (#99)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri May 18, 2018 at 11:17:12 AM EST


    Parent
    They did the same thing (none / 0) (#84)
    by CST on Thu May 17, 2018 at 01:08:40 PM EST
    With the whole "bomb cyclone" cr@p.  You'd think this was a terrible winter by all the panic on the news about it.

    I'd say it was about average with a little extra flooding.  And those "bomb cyclones" are just another way of making the winter storms that we get every single year sound extra scary.

    Parent

    Did you know that we're 'clinging to life'? (none / 0) (#88)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Thu May 17, 2018 at 04:10:00 PM EST
    Neither did I.

    ;-D

    Parent

    The ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY (5.00 / 1) (#54)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed May 16, 2018 at 08:10:37 AM EST
    Of the Mueller investigation is tomorrow.  Rudy and the Peanut Gallery are planning a little (or big) round of interviews attacking the investigation for "getting nothing done"  among other things.

    Who else would not be surprised if Mueller lets them do it in the morning and then drops a new round of indictments in the afternoon?

    Or maybe he gives them a full day and does it tomorrow.

    From your lips ... (none / 0) (#58)
    by Yman on Wed May 16, 2018 at 09:57:57 AM EST
    ... to Mueller's ears.  I'm not sure that's the way his mind works out if he just times out all the noise, but that would be a smart move if he's ready to move on anyone.

    Parent
    Like a Rolling Stone (5.00 / 1) (#69)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed May 16, 2018 at 03:18:02 PM EST
    FBI Named Trump-Russia Investigation After Rolling Stones Lyrics
    The secret investigation was called Crossfire Hurricane

    I died (none / 0) (#74)
    by Militarytracy on Wed May 16, 2018 at 03:48:19 PM EST
    Doesn't this have Talkleft dedicated thread with attached video written all over it?

    Seriously, exactly who named it this?

    Parent

    Same thought (none / 0) (#77)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed May 16, 2018 at 05:08:20 PM EST
    Here

    Parent
    The FBI investigation into Michael Cohen ... (none / 0) (#89)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Thu May 17, 2018 at 04:20:04 PM EST
    ... and associates should be called "Sweet Virginia," because as everyone knows, you "got to scrape that schitt right off your shoes."

    Parent
    Qatar (5.00 / 4) (#97)
    by MKS on Thu May 17, 2018 at 09:20:40 PM EST
    Rachel went through what looks like a shakedown  of Qatar to extort financing for a Kushner real estate project in New York.

    Stunning.  

    In the ongoing Trump disaster, this little gambit will stand out.  And, it makes me re-assess where this whole thing is going.  I have been slow to believe that Mueller would get anything that would drive Trump out of office.  This Qatar  business, however, is so brazenly crooked that the whole Trump administration seems so shaky to me now.  I think Mueller may well take him down.

    We've spent the weekend in Honolulu ... (none / 0) (#12)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun May 13, 2018 at 08:20:47 PM EST
    ... visiting Elder Daughter and the grandbabies. We're off to the airport in 30 minutes for the return home. Younger Daughter, who recovering from finals at UH-Hilo this past week, will pick us up at 5:45 p.m. and then we're off to dinner at my wife's favorite restaurant, Café Pesto on the waterfront.

    Down at Kilauea's east rift zone, Fissure No. 18 has opened up, threatening the Puna Geothermal power plant and forcing yet more evacuations and road closures. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is once again closed, and about 3,000 residents in Puna have been displaced by Pele thus far.

    What's been getting me, though, is the "vog," the volcanic haze that has enveloped the southern half of the Big Island. I'm asthmatic, and it's really been doing a number on my respiratory system. I need to stay indoors with the air conditioning.

    Aloha.

    George Patton vs. Mauna Loa (1935), ... (5.00 / 1) (#52)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue May 15, 2018 at 05:56:01 PM EST
    ... or "I fought the lava, and the lava won."

    ;-D

    Parent

    VOLCANO UPDATE: New fissures opening. (none / 0) (#24)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon May 14, 2018 at 03:49:05 PM EST
    We drove down to Pahoa last night after dinner to see the eruption - from a safe distance, of course. And I must admit, it's a spectacular sight, with fountains reaching several hundred feet into the air and the cloudy sky reflecting the eruptions eerie red glow. And further, the eruption is also very loud, akin to a jet airliner talking off from an airport, punctuated by explosions.

    Big Island Video News has some pretty good footage from last night. And the USGS has set up a live webcam of the action in the Lanipuna Gardens subdivision.

    Another new fissure has opened in Lanipuna Gardens, as well as three new fissures just to the northeast, and we've had several earthquakes today. Scientists at the Volcano Observatory aren't sure whether this means that Kilauea is becoming more aggressive, so they're advising everyone to stay out of the immediate area. The ground through Lanipuna Gardens is ripping open in a nearly straight seam.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Michael Avenatti (none / 0) (#13)
    by Repack Rider on Sun May 13, 2018 at 10:11:11 PM EST
    ... is like a tougher version of Jason Statham.

    Trump has (none / 0) (#14)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon May 14, 2018 at 02:04:06 AM EST
    met his match with someone who can drive the news cycles.

    Parent
    Walking around my mom's neighborhood (none / 0) (#21)
    by McBain on Mon May 14, 2018 at 12:56:11 PM EST
    yesterday, I saw a few front lawn signs urging people to vote NO on the recall of Judge Persky.  He's the judge who presided over the Brock Turner sexual assault case and was criticized for handing out a lenient sentence.  A week ago I saw a sign in favor of the recall.  

    I think this upcoming vote on June 5th is going to be very interesting.  If successful, I believe this recall will send a horrible message to elected officals.

    Here's an article in favor of the recall

    For women in Santa Clara County, Brock Turner's sentence isn't just shocking, it's dangerous. It reinforces the myth that sexual assault is not a serious crime. It discourages victims from coming forward to seek justice when even a jury verdict results in a slap on the wrist.

    Here's one against

    This recall is a threat to judicial independence. Judges take an oath to act according to the law and to disregard opinions of any sort from the community. As judges contemplate a difficult decision they should not be thinking about who will come after them if unhappy about the outcome. This concern is a silent and subtle corrupting force that undermines judicial integrity and independence. The ability to shut out public pressure is being undermined by this campaign. If the recall succeeds, will those who come before a court continue to be confident that a ruling is impartial or will they fear it is in response to outside pressures?


    There are good arguments on both sides. (none / 0) (#23)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon May 14, 2018 at 01:53:44 PM EST
    Judge Aaron Persky's critics contend that he was unduly swayed by Brock Turner's status as an elite athlete at the judge's alma mater Stanford, where Persky was once captain of the university's lacrosse team back in the early 1980s.

    And to an outside observer, there's really no doubt that the judge was extraordinarily lenient on Turner at sentencing for what appeared to be frivolous reasons, and that his public statements at sentencing certainly demonstrated much more concern with the well being of the defendant than with the then-present disposition of his battered and abused victim.

    What particularly galled critics was that Persky showed leniency even though Turner had clearly failed to tell the truth, take responsibility and show any remorse. And since his release from jail after having served only three months, Turner has taken steps to have his conviction reversed, even though he had been caught en flagrante by two passing grad students on campus grounds while engaged in the act of violating his unconscious victim.

    That said, I am a firm believer in judicial discretion, and I think that recalling a sitting magistrate for one instance of albeit very questionable judgment is rather dubious public policy. Most of Persky's peers on the bench and in court have defended his character in the wake of withering attacks, and call him fair and impartial.

    If the recall is successful, Judge Persky would be the first sitting California judge to be removed from office by voters in 86 years. This is also why I believe that judges should be selected through a thorough peer review process, and not owe their posts to the often fickle whims of the popular vote.

    So, were I a resident of Santa Clara County, I'd likely vote "No" on the recall. But then a couple years from now, once his term on the bench has expired and he's up for retention, I would vote against retaining Judge Persky in his present capacity. Sometimes, questionable judgment needs to have consequences, and this instance is one of them.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Joseph Mifsud is missing (none / 0) (#25)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon May 14, 2018 at 08:12:31 PM EST
    That's the guy who told Papadopoulos about "dirt" on Clinton.  And it's one of those stories that has not been 'top of the fold' that seems like it might be something that turns out to be important.

    A mysterious professor who told the Trump campaign about 'dirt' on Hillary Clinton has gone off the grid


    In WhatsApp messages revealed by Buzzfeed between Mifsud and his fiancé, Anna -- who spoke to Buzzfeed on the condition that she be referred to only by her first name -- the professor urged her to not speak to journalists.

    "Someone from London [sic] journalist asks about you," Anna messaged Mifsud last October 31.

    "Do not reply please," Mifsud messaged back.

    That was the last time the two have been in touch.

    Mueller's Probe Is Even More Expansive Than It Seems

    Anna (none / 0) (#27)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon May 14, 2018 at 08:19:09 PM EST
    Has had his child since he was missing.

    That seems seriously missing

    Parent

    Jeralyn (none / 0) (#26)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon May 14, 2018 at 08:17:36 PM EST
    there is a bunch of spam in this thread

    Another wrongfully convicted man released (none / 0) (#28)
    by McBain on Tue May 15, 2018 at 08:45:09 AM EST
    after 18 years in prison.

    Robinson had been behind bars since being convicted in 2001 of killing Sheila Box, who was shot to death after leaving a Sikeston bar she co-owned with $300 in cash and checks. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

    Apparently, the only "witness" was a police informant who was paid to lie on the witness stand.

    Man wearing MAGA hat allegedly allegedly harassed (none / 0) (#29)
    by McBain on Tue May 15, 2018 at 08:55:35 AM EST
    at a Cheesecake Factory restaurant in Miami.

    A dozen or so employees joined her at the table and started making statements about the hat. Some even said they wanted to punch Joseph in the face, the witness recalled.

    "So then all the employees started standing there, saying things out loud, like, 'I'm going to knock his head in so hard his hat is going to come off," the witness added....

    ...Other witnesses also alleged some of the employees referred to him as a "n**ger" in their conversations. They went on to say as the family exited the restaurant, the manager followed them out and told them some of the employees admitted to their actions and a staff member was sent home.

    If this is true I wonder if Cheesecake Factory will close all its locations for day of implicit bias training? So far, it looks like they're dong the right thing.  Here's an official statement...

    No guest should ever feel unwelcome in one of our restaurants and we are taking this matter very seriously. Upon learning of this incident, we immediately apologized to the guests in person. The individuals involved have been suspended pending the results of our investigation.

    I'm glad they're at least doing an investigation.

    So, I guess you didn't spend one second (5.00 / 5) (#30)
    by Peter G on Tue May 15, 2018 at 08:59:40 AM EST
    actually trying to learn what implicit bias is, or how you might benefit from acquiring that understanding.

    Parent
    I'm waiting for the post (5.00 / 5) (#31)
    by CST on Tue May 15, 2018 at 09:24:40 AM EST
    Where you suggest that the server is probably being railroaded and you doubt that they actually did anything wrong at all.

    But apparently that's not the post you chose to make about this particular incident, unlike all the others.

    Parent

    I don't know what they did or didn't do CST (none / 0) (#44)
    by McBain on Tue May 15, 2018 at 01:43:21 PM EST
    I know what they were alleged to have done. I also know the CF statement is a lot better than the one Starbucks was quick release after their Philadelphia incident. Do you agree?

    Parent
    I don't (none / 0) (#45)
    by CST on Tue May 15, 2018 at 01:56:23 PM EST
    Have a problem with the way either company is choosing to handle their PR and staffing issues.

    Not knowing has never prevented you from casting doubt on people before.

    Parent

    Sure it has (none / 0) (#46)
    by McBain on Tue May 15, 2018 at 02:10:09 PM EST
    In fact "not knowing" prevented me from making any firm judgements or predictions about the potential guilt/wrongdoing in this case.

    As I've said many times before... I'm not perfect but I do a pretty good job of not rushing to judgement.  I wish some others in here would try that.

    Parent

    Being contrary (5.00 / 2) (#47)
    by CST on Tue May 15, 2018 at 02:48:01 PM EST
    Is not the same as being judgement free.  It's just judging from the opposite point of view.

    I recall some pretty specific judgements you made that women complaining about Harvey are really just regretful of the fact that they slept with him for a role.  The fact that you aren't judging Harvey doesn't mean you aren't rushing to judgement.

    You also seemed to have no qualms about judging the actions of Starbucks despite acknowledging that you didn't go there or "get" the appeal, or know whether or not there are hipsters on the east coast, or whether it's common for people to hang out without ordering.

    Frankly, it makes this whole shtick really hypocritical.

    Parent

    I know it's a pain to go (none / 0) (#48)
    by McBain on Tue May 15, 2018 at 03:26:14 PM EST
    back and look through someone's past comments but by not citing a specific comment, your argument is quite weak.  Can you at least tell me which actress you're talking about?

    As for Starbucks, I know I never said there aren't any hipsters on the east coast. That's your strawman or your faulty memory.  This is what I did say...

    Something I find interesting about this incident (none / 0) (#90)
    by McBain on Tue Apr 24, 2018 at 01:34:23 PM EST
    is the man who asked to use the restroom had a scruffy beard and
    wasn't dressed very well. I wonder if the manager thought he was homeless? Where I live, people (especially me) dress casually when they go out.... shorts, sweatpants... but I don't know if that's the case in Philadelphia?

    I'd like to know what Starbucks policy/advice was for dealing with the homeless or people they thought might be homeless.  

    and..

    I have friends in LA who look a lot more (none / 0) (#92)
    by McBain on Tue Apr 24, 2018 at 04:16:35 PM EST
    scruffy than him (unshaven, bedhead, hipster clothes) but that's LA.  Philadelphia might be another story. In general, I think race is overrated and clothing/grooming is underrated when it comes to sizing someone up as a potential customer or potential menace.

    How is that hypocritical?  If that's not quite your argument then be more specific.


    Parent

    it's also (5.00 / 2) (#55)
    by CST on Wed May 16, 2018 at 08:14:39 AM EST
    Against site rules to dig through past comments.  I shouldn't have even brought it up, my apologies.

    Also, your response to the Starbucks incident doesn't even bother to address my point - which is that you've judged Starbucks for their day of anti-bias training, while telling yourself that you're withholding all judgement for not judging the Barista.  That's the hypocrisy.  To be more specific.  

    And yes, it is a bit ironic that you created a strawman in order to say I created a strawman.

    Parent

    I see your point about Starbucks (none / 0) (#56)
    by McBain on Wed May 16, 2018 at 09:20:48 AM EST
    I don't agree with it but I appreciate you taking the time to be, somewhat, more specific.  Most in here wouldn't do that. They would just double down on insults.

    As for our battle of strawmen, at least I can admit when I misrepresent something. As soon as I posted my comment I realized I misquoted you and corrected it.  I wish others in here would do the same.

    Parent

    But really (none / 0) (#57)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed May 16, 2018 at 09:50:04 AM EST
    This is what scares us about you

    Parent
    Howdy, the insults are usually a dead giveway (none / 0) (#61)
    by McBain on Wed May 16, 2018 at 11:50:53 AM EST
    of fear.  It's an attempt to lower the status of someone you disagree with or don't like.  Basically, if you can't compete on an even playing field, you need to try to put them at a disadvantage.  The problem is most people see right through that.  

    Parent
    Not necessarily (5.00 / 4) (#63)
    by MKS on Wed May 16, 2018 at 12:44:15 PM EST
    It can be a sign of exasperation or disgust. And, the unwillingness to play your game or waste more time .

    Parent
    Those who believe they can (5.00 / 2) (#66)
    by Anne on Wed May 16, 2018 at 02:08:35 PM EST
    see through others often miss the reality of their own transparency.

    Parent
    It's true (none / 0) (#67)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed May 16, 2018 at 02:39:30 PM EST
    ITS TRUE.  IM AFRAID.  

    IM SOOOO AFRAID OF MCBAIN AND HIS PIERCING INSIGHT.

    Parent

    Potent Quotables for $ 200 Alex... (none / 0) (#71)
    by kdog on Wed May 16, 2018 at 03:31:23 PM EST
    "Too often, we judge other groups by their worst examples - while judging ourselves by our best intentions."

    Who is George W. Bush

    Parent

    Probably more correctly (none / 0) (#72)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed May 16, 2018 at 03:38:58 PM EST
    Quoted as Ws speech writer.  

    Parent
    Potent Quotables for $400, please. (none / 0) (#76)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed May 16, 2018 at 05:06:13 PM EST
    "The thing that's important for me is to remember what's the most important thing."

    Who is George W. Bush?

    There, fixed it for you. ;-D

    Parent

    Since I don't like it when people (none / 0) (#50)
    by McBain on Tue May 15, 2018 at 03:36:08 PM EST
    misquote me or misrepresent my argument.  I should have posted...

    "I never said I don't know whether or not there are hipsters on the east coast"

    Parent

    I wasn't (none / 0) (#65)
    by CST on Wed May 16, 2018 at 01:52:14 PM EST
    Quoting you.

    That's what I inferred.   And I stand by that.

    Parent

    This seems almost like one (none / 0) (#41)
    by jondee on Tue May 15, 2018 at 12:58:04 PM EST
    of those Project Veritas-type set pieces.

    The scenario and the timing of it are just a little too pat right after the Starbuck's incident.

    Something tells me theres more to this story.

    Parent

    I'm always suspicious (none / 0) (#43)
    by McBain on Tue May 15, 2018 at 01:35:27 PM EST
    of early reporting.  Not saying it's some kind of set up but there could be another side to this story.  As I pointed out in my original post, I'm glad CF is going to do some kind of investigation and the alleged offenders haven't been fired.  

    Parent
    My world view would be incomplete (none / 0) (#42)
    by jondee on Tue May 15, 2018 at 01:01:51 PM EST
    without having McBain here to expose pc culture and liberal intolerance and hypocrisy.

    Parent
    Another statement from CF (none / 0) (#62)
    by McBain on Wed May 16, 2018 at 12:03:04 PM EST
    link

    "Not all of the information reported by the media accurately portrays what occurred," a Cheesecake Factory spokesperson told CBS MoneyWatch in a statement. "The situation may have been exacerbated by an all-staff meeting that took place during our shift change between our staff members working the lunch and dinner shifts - which may have been perceived as a crowd gathering near the guests' tables."

    I love the first sentence.  Apparently, some CF employees  have been fired but the investigation is "ongoing".  

    Parent

    Is anyone watching Atlanta? (none / 0) (#32)
    by CST on Tue May 15, 2018 at 09:36:59 AM EST
    Now that they've cancelled the Expanse, my "current TV" show list is down to Westworld, Atlanta, and Silicon Valley (and Game of Thrones if it ever comes back).

    Of these shows Atlanta is definitely the one that hits the hardest.  The Fubu episode in season 2 especially.

    It's written and starred by Donald Glover, who is recently in the news for the music video "This is America" - which if you haven't seen yet, you probably should, even if rap isn't your thing, the music is kind of besides the point.

    Wait (none / 0) (#33)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue May 15, 2018 at 10:06:46 AM EST
    What?  They cancelled the Expanse ?

    Surely not in mid season.

    I'm recording Atlanta.  I saw a couple of bits of a couple of episodes.  It is something.  Just to much to get to.

    Googling Expanse.

    Parent

    End of season 3 (none / 0) (#34)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue May 15, 2018 at 10:10:00 AM EST
    To bad.  Really.  But the truth is I'm not surprised.  It never seemed something that would get a huge audience.  

    Most space opera fans don't want cerebral plots.

    Really.  To bad.

    Parent

    I'm still holding out (none / 0) (#35)
    by CST on Tue May 15, 2018 at 10:25:28 AM EST
    The faintest hope that they get picked up by Amazon.  Apparently part of the problem is not enough live viewers - but streaming viewership was fairly solid, so it might make sense for an Amazon to pick it up (Netflix has already passed).

    There's always the books, which I've heard are pretty good.

    I missed season 1 of Atlanta, but season 2 was something I didn't even know was missing from my life until I found it.

    Parent

    You can almost certainly (none / 0) (#36)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue May 15, 2018 at 11:10:53 AM EST
    Stream season one on the FX app.

    Parent
    Captain, (none / 0) (#38)
    by KeysDan on Tue May 15, 2018 at 11:39:10 AM EST
    thanks for the recommendation of Peaky Blinders.  Great.

    Parent
    It really (none / 0) (#39)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue May 15, 2018 at 11:43:48 AM EST
    Really is

    Parent
    I have to do a tiny spoiler (none / 0) (#40)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue May 15, 2018 at 11:55:18 AM EST
    So don't read if you don't want it.

    Warned

    The name is so perfect.  It really sounds goofy.  But it is in fact quite horrifying .

    The Peaky Blinders were real.  They existed.  Google them.  

    The name (which you learn in the first episode of the first season) is based on their trademark move.

    They concealed razor blades in the "peak" of their caps, do the Google and you will understand, and their trademark move was to head butt their foes, blinding them.  Permanently.

    The thing is I learned this from WIKI.  The reason I mention it is, for those who have seen it, that they really do not do that in the series.   I just watched all four seasons.  If the use the caps it is as a weapon.  Yes sometimes to blind.  But there is never a scene in the series where they do this trademark move.  Why?  Why is that.
    And correct me if I am wrong.

    There is a few references to head butting but you dint see it.

    Weird?

    Parent

    'Cause grifters gotta grift, don'tcha know? (none / 0) (#53)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue May 15, 2018 at 08:54:30 PM EST
    The Daily Mail (London, UK) | May 15, 2018
    EXCLUSIVE: Michael Cohen 'asked Qatari investor for millions of dollars' which he said he would 'pass to Trump family members' at Trump Tower meeting - and Qatar's foreign minister was there too - "Donald Trump's lawyer, Michael Cohen, is facing claims he asked a Middle Eastern official for millions of dollars to give to 'Trump family members' in a meeting at Trump Tower weeks after the president's election victory, DailyMail.com can reveal. Cohen is alleged to have asked Ahmed Al-Rumaihi, a former diplomat in charge of a $100bn Qatari investment fund, to send 'millions' through him to Trump family members. A source told DailyMail.com that the Qatari said he refused. Al-Rumaihi on Tuesday issued a statement agreeing that he was at Trump Tower and a source with knowledge of the daysaid that Cohen had 'popped in' briefly to a meeting. Photographs show that he was part of a group greeted by Cohen, who went up in an elevator with them. DailyMail.com can disclose that the group also included Qatar's foreign minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. The claims of a demand for 'millions' were made by a senior Kuwaiti government source close to Al-Rumaihi."

    The meeting in question allegedly took place on Dec. 16, 2016, while Trump was President-elect. NSA-designate Michael Flynn was apparently also in attendance.

    Oy.

    For Jeralyn (none / 0) (#64)
    by Militarytracy on Wed May 16, 2018 at 01:09:00 PM EST
    BREAKING: A hacker has broken into the servers of Securus, the company that enables real-time, warrantless cell phone location tracking for cops, and has given some of the information to Motherboard.
    This made me laugh (none / 0) (#68)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed May 16, 2018 at 02:45:48 PM EST
    `Infuriated' Jared Kushner Lost His Cool When Russians Didn't Deliver Hillary Dirt

    Mostly because the idea of Jared 'infuriated' is pure SNL.

    I could cut a b*tch (5.00 / 2) (#73)
    by Militarytracy on Wed May 16, 2018 at 03:44:39 PM EST


    Parent
    Rogers time in the barrel (none / 0) (#70)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed May 16, 2018 at 03:21:49 PM EST
    WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Justice Department Special Counsel Robert Mueller has issued two subpoenas to a social media expert who worked for longtime Donald Trump adviser Roger Stone during the 2016 presidential election campaign

    Swamping the Drain: (none / 0) (#75)
    by KeysDan on Wed May 16, 2018 at 04:47:20 PM EST
    Trump nominated Gordon Hartogensis to be director of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.  Gordon is Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R. KY) and the brother of McConnell's wife, Elaine Chao. Elaine is Secretary of Transportation in the Trump Administration.  Gordon is no doubt very well qualified for the post.

    Of course, this insures the independence of McConnell and is not intended as impeachment/conviction insurance for Trump.  There oughta be a law.

    Hey, Dan, I think you (5.00 / 2) (#80)
    by caseyOR on Wed May 16, 2018 at 08:22:09 PM EST
    Left out a few words. Hartogensis is married to the sister of McConnell's wife, Elaine Chao, making him the brother-in-law of both Mitch and Elaine.

    And, yes, he appears to be shockingly unqualified for this position. So, par for the course in Trump administration.

    Parent

    Geniuses in Government... (none / 0) (#81)
    by desertswine on Thu May 17, 2018 at 11:48:18 AM EST
    Mo Brooks (R-Idiot) thinks that falling rocks or whatever are causing the oceans to rise.

    I think that (none / 0) (#83)
    by Zorba on Thu May 17, 2018 at 12:12:51 PM EST
    several falling rocks may have hit Mo Brooks on the head, causing him to lose all critical thinking skills (assuming he had any to begin with).

    Parent
    This seems interesting (none / 0) (#92)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu May 17, 2018 at 05:18:52 PM EST
    Exclusive: Manafort's former son-in-law cuts plea deal, to cooperate with government - sources

    Also interesting (none / 0) (#93)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu May 17, 2018 at 05:29:22 PM EST
    That he flipped in January and has been cooperating since then

    Parent
    The (none / 0) (#94)
    by FlJoe on Thu May 17, 2018 at 05:45:24 PM EST
    wheels of justice
    slowly grinding
    very finely

    Parent
    MSM (none / 0) (#100)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri May 18, 2018 at 11:21:34 AM EST
    Mass shooting

    Royal wedding

    Mass shooting

    Royal wedding

    Mass shooting

    Royal wedding

    Etc etc etc

    Twists and turns in domestic abuse case (none / 0) (#103)
    by McBain on Fri May 18, 2018 at 02:59:35 PM EST
    of SF 49es player Reuben Foster

    The accusations were a big deal in the bay area a few months ago but now the accuser has recanted.  

    Cam Inman@CamInman 17 May
    Reuben Foster's accuser just gave extensive testimony, says he did not hit her once and actually she struck him with hanger.
    "I was threatening Reuben. ... that I was going to f*** up his career"
    Called 911 3x because "I wanted to be extra. I wanted him to go down. I was pissed"

    Not everyone believes she is telling the truth here.  Some believe her earlier account of being abused and think she's now lying.


    kevin myers @kmyers1717
    I think that's BS. I'm sure she got strong armed into that. And I'm sure some money will get thrown her way for that "confession". Pretty sad what people with money seem to get away with
    6:33 PM - May 17, 2018

    Lots of drama with the 49ers in the past few years...  Losing head coach Jim Harbaugh, dealing the with the Colin Kaepernick situation and having other players charged with serious crimes.  

    Parkland survivor David Hogg wrote... (none / 0) (#104)
    by desertswine on Fri May 18, 2018 at 03:02:40 PM EST
    "Get ready for two weeks of media coverage of politicians acting like they give a s*** when in reality they just want to boost their approval ratings before midterms."

    That's about right.

    THE HAPPYTIME MURDERS (none / 0) (#106)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri May 18, 2018 at 06:42:47 PM EST
    This looks great

    trailer NSFW

    but it's been done before.  Set the wayback machine for 1989, long before Peter Jackson was into hobbits he was into puppets

    MEET THE FEEBLES

    also NSFW

    Mother's Day Open Thread | 106 comments (106 topical)

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