home

Tuesday Open Thread

The number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. has reached 40 million.

The Taliban has claimed full victory and the right to govern all of Afghanistan. It has not yet officially named the leaders of its new government, but its spokesman says the announcement is imminent.

Pretrial hearings are scheduled to resume this month at Guatanamo for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and the other detainees accused in the 9/11 attacks.

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, began Monday night. If you are cooking for the holiday, the New York Times offers these recipes.

This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

< Thursday Open Thread | Taliban Announces New Government >
  • The Online Magazine with Liberal coverage of crime-related political and injustice news

  • Contribute To TalkLeft


  • Display: Sort:
    L'Shana Tovah (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by Peter G on Tue Sep 07, 2021 at 12:36:39 PM EST
    to those celebrating the Jewish New Year. Apples and honey are traditional, in hopes that the new year will be sweet.

    Too bad you're not closer (none / 0) (#2)
    by jmacWA on Tue Sep 07, 2021 at 02:34:09 PM EST
    Apples and honey are traditional

    They may be traditional, but we have a bumper crop of super-sweet asian pears this year.  They would really get your New Year off to a great start :-)

    Parent

    Lincoln Project (5.00 / 1) (#5)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Sep 07, 2021 at 06:52:13 PM EST
    The Lincoln Project (5.00 / 1) (#26)
    by Jeralyn on Thu Sep 09, 2021 at 01:15:41 AM EST
    is a Republican organization that hates Trump but otherwise endorses republican values. A

    They need to replace the female announcer in their commercials. Her timing is off and her pronunciation is terrible.  Her words run together in the beginning of her sentences and  drop off altogether at the end of each sentence. In the Santis commerical, she's unintelligible. They could have grabbed a Valley Girl off the street and she would been more comprehensible.

    As for Ivermectin, I think the ad is close to libelous in its recitation of side effects.  It is not clear that it is satire, and I suspect most people who watch it won't be able to recognize it as such.

    Ivermectin is not a bad drug-- it is approved for human use as an anti-parasitic drug to treat river blindness and intestinal roundworm infections.  It's just not appropriate for treating or preventing COVID-19.  But it's also not the equivalent of bleach and this commercial portrays it as worse.

    Beware the Lincoln Project. Republicans don't change their stripes when inter-feuding. They are still the same as they ever were.

    Parent

    close to libelous (none / 0) (#45)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Sep 09, 2021 at 06:01:50 PM EST
    was almost certainly the goal.

    Parent
    So true (none / 0) (#63)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Sep 10, 2021 at 02:01:37 PM EST
    Tah . dah.... And the Ig Nobel Peace Prize... (5.00 / 1) (#44)
    by desertswine on Thu Sep 09, 2021 at 05:22:16 PM EST
    I am not a fan of rehabilitating Dubya (5.00 / 1) (#79)
    by MO Blue on Sat Sep 11, 2021 at 01:43:17 PM EST
    but his speech today on terrorism is on point and very welcome.

    There is little cultural overlap between violent extremists abroad and violent extremists at home," he continued. "But in their disdain for pluralism, disregard for human life. In their determination to defile national symbols they are children of the same foul spirit and it is our continuing duty to confront them."

    Rawstory

    "I am not a crook" Richard Nixon 2.0 (5.00 / 1) (#89)
    by KeysDan on Mon Sep 13, 2021 at 09:41:33 AM EST
    Being introduced by Senator Mitch McConnell, Associate Justice Amy Coney Barrett spoke to a crowd of 100 yesterday to celebrate the 30th anniversary  of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville.

    "My goal today is to convince you that the court is not comprised of a bunch of partisan hacks." asserted the Justice. the court is defined, she continued, by "judicial philosophies."  

    Yes, judicial philosophies vetted by the Federalist Society and based on theology, the deep thinking of her sponsor the twice impeached former guy, and the enthusiatic approval of the putsch party.

    ACB (5.00 / 2) (#91)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Sep 13, 2021 at 11:56:06 AM EST
    and other federalist society creeps have done more to turn the SC into a partisan hackery than anybody in the history of the court.

    Parent
    "The court (5.00 / 3) (#92)
    by Zorba on Mon Sep 13, 2021 at 03:41:02 PM EST
     is not comprised of a bunch of partisan hacks." asserted the partisan hack.

    Parent
    Making the rounds. (none / 0) (#133)
    by KeysDan on Fri Sep 17, 2021 at 11:18:39 AM EST
    Justice Clarence Thomas, in a speech at Norte Dame University, claimed  that the Court is not partisan.  Judges, he said, should not let personal feelings or religious beliefs enter into their decisions. Nor should they legislate or make policy.

    Parent
    They are laughing (none / 0) (#134)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Sep 17, 2021 at 12:19:56 PM EST
    at us.

    Parent
    Yes,, (none / 0) (#137)
    by KeysDan on Fri Sep 17, 2021 at 01:50:09 PM EST
    I get that feeling too.  And, among them is non-partisan, Ginny Thomas, wife of Clarence, who sent her LOVE to the insurrectionists on Jan 6.  She later tried to get away with---her message was sent before the violence.  

    Parent
    Yes, well (none / 0) (#145)
    by Zorba on Fri Sep 17, 2021 at 07:24:07 PM EST
    He's certainly a partisan hack, himself.
    As is his wife Ginny.


    Parent
    Watching Fauci On Morning J (5.00 / 2) (#100)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Sep 14, 2021 at 06:37:14 AM EST
    He is saying the article yesterday that was being chattered about that says third vaccinations are unethical misses the point.

    He says conflating the two different things is the wrong way to look at it.  That as long as we are doing what we can, we are, to help poorer parts of the world there is nothing wrong with giving third booster shots.

    And he thinks we will.  Soon.

    The video of this will be going around I suspect.

    I'm glad I got one.  Personally.

    Had to wake up early (5.00 / 1) (#101)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Sep 14, 2021 at 06:38:39 AM EST
    To get my car fixed.  Next time I will say a little later would be better.

    Parent
    The Lancet article (none / 0) (#103)
    by KeysDan on Tue Sep 14, 2021 at 03:25:05 PM EST
    by several experts, including Drs. Phillip Krause and Marion Gruber, long-time FDA scientists who recently announced that they would leave the agency, have argued that more time is needed to determine if boosters are needed for the general population.  Other arguments of these authors involve the need for better studies as well as to express their concerns for logistics of vaccination and for the need to develop clear public health messaging about boosting.

    However, a core argument appears to be their preference for world-wide distribution as a priority. As stated "...whatever advantage the shots might provide would not outweigh the benefit of using them to protect the billions of people who remain unvaccinated worldwide."

    Parent

    it bugs me a bit (none / 0) (#105)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Sep 14, 2021 at 04:07:18 PM EST
    that people who have gotten the booster are being portrayed "rich and connected" im certainly neither.  as i suspect are you or fishcamp.

    anyone who wants one is getting one around here.  its a lie to say we are rich and connected.  it makes me trust their opinions on anything less.

    Parent

    like (5.00 / 1) (#106)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Sep 14, 2021 at 04:12:40 PM EST
    i saw my Dr today (none / 0) (#107)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Sep 14, 2021 at 04:29:12 PM EST
    routine visit.  but the checkin form on the web now has a box to check if you have had a third covid vaccination.   that was new since the last time.

    last time it was 1 or 2.

    Parent

    The Biden plan (none / 0) (#108)
    by KeysDan on Tue Sep 14, 2021 at 05:00:21 PM EST
    is for a third shot (booster) for the general population.  It will, once again, be widely distributed and be free.  As the president said, this is the plan--which awaits the recommendations of the FDA and CDC.  

    Of course, these scientists are correct in noting that more data needs to come in and be analyzed. But, the safety can be observed by the great number of vaccinations given world-wide. It may be that studies will show that the third dose (booster) may require a lesser dose to achieve boosting, but I would be willing to bet the farm (if I was rich enough to have one) that boosters will come to be necessary to not only address waning antibodies, but also to bolster immune memory cells. Both being necessary for immune protection.

    These Lancet authors, and others of similar thinking, do not fully dispute the notion of waning antibodies (although they do question the Israeli studies that report the decrease over time), rather, they use the guideposts of the vaccine continuing to be effective in very serious cases (causing hospitalization and death.)

      From their perspective, symptomatic disease or breakthroughs that may occur are not reason for moving ahead with boosters.

    They may have a point if the only consideration is hospitalization and death,  but this ignores public health matters that impinge on economics and a return to normalcy. And, concerns for long Covid, which are not necessarily related to the severity of the infection. The president has many factors to take into account in looking after the general welfare of the US citizens. And, he is confident that the country can do both--provide for the third dose here and for third world countries over there.

    Parent

    Merrick Garland. (5.00 / 3) (#112)
    by KeysDan on Thu Sep 16, 2021 at 12:45:30 PM EST
    It seemed, at the time, that President Biden's pick of Merrick Garland as Attorney General was a wise one. A distinguished jurist who, in the manner of President Ford's pick of Edward Levi, was called upon to clean up a corrupted DOJ.

    However, my thoughts are now that Mr. Garland is not the man for a 2021 Department of Justice. He appears cautious to a fault. And, maybe he is just lining up his ducks, crossing t's and dotting i's as he deals with Trumpian crimes and misdemeanors. I sure hope so. But....

    Attorney General Garland did respond to the Texas "Fugitive Uterus" Act, but after much uproar.

     The Republicans in Pennsylvania are seeking information on every voter in the state as part of their Big Lie scheme. Subpoenas for expansive private information such as driver's licenses and partial social security numbers would appear to be an overreach. Without voters consent, it may violate federal laws protecting voter privacy.  Surely, it is intended to intimidate voters as a part of voter suppression. The DOJ should get on the stick.

    Trump Attorney General Barr's special counsel John Durham, who was appointed to investigate possible wrongdoing at the FBI and other agencies related to the 2016 election, is not preparing to seek the indictment of attorney Michael Sussmann, for lying to the FBI in 2016. when he raised concerns about ties between a Russia-based Bank and a computer server of Trump's campaign. Charges against

    Sussmann's indictment would seem to turn the investigation on its head--arguing that the FBI was the victim of a crime. AG Garland should be wary of this charge, probing to see if there was lying, and if so, was it a material lie. Otherwise, he should not let it proceed. Unless, he is worried that he would not look good, not independent and political.

    And, too, there have been questions about the handling of some of the January 6 seditionists.

    It is not a time for the Attorney General to just keep his head down and act as if he is the managing partner of a big law firm.  He needs to get out front and be more aggressive.  He needs to realize, if he does not already, the Republicans are not his father's Republicans.  Or, the nice Republicans who came before him while on the bench.


    Personally, I wasn't thrilled about Obama (5.00 / 2) (#113)
    by MO Blue on Thu Sep 16, 2021 at 01:10:22 PM EST
    Selecting him for the Supreme Court and definitely don't think he is aggressive enough in pursuing Trump, his accolades and  the assaults on our democracy.

    Parent
    President Obama (none / 0) (#114)
    by KeysDan on Thu Sep 16, 2021 at 03:35:14 PM EST
    nominated Judge Garland to the Supreme Court with the notion that his moderate judicial stances would make him acceptable to Republican senators.  A fabled "bipartisan" effort.

    Moscow Mitch et al reciprocated by not even granting Garland the courtesy of informal office visits let alone a hearing. And, the new rule was crafted that no nominations to the SC in the last year of a president's term--if a Democratic president. So,  the rule did not apply to Amy (I am not a political hack) Barrett.  

    Parent

    Me Either (none / 0) (#128)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Sep 17, 2021 at 12:33:58 AM EST
    I have not been a fan (putting it mildly) since his tenure as U.S. Attorney in Oklahoma during the OKC bombing trials. He is certainly not a progressive. I was very sorry Obama nominated him. But I'd rather he be Attorney General than on the Supreme Court for life. No Attorney General is going to be progressive, they put people in prison for a living.

    Parent
    Indicted (none / 0) (#117)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Sep 16, 2021 at 05:13:14 PM EST
    A grand jury working with special counsel John Durham's office handed up an indictment Thursday of lawyer Michael Sussmann, who prosecutors have accused of making false statements to the FBI during the 2016 presidential campaign," the Washington Post reports.

    New York Times: "The charge centers on a Sept. 19, 2016, meeting with an FBI official in which Mr. Sussmann relayed concerns by cybersecurity researchers who believed that unusual internet data might be evidence of a covert communications channel between computer servers associated with the Trump Organization and with Alfa Bank, a Kremlin-linked Russian financial institution."

    Rachel did a good segment on this last night

    Parent

    It is (none / 0) (#118)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Sep 16, 2021 at 05:17:01 PM EST
    Transcript (none / 0) (#123)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Sep 16, 2021 at 05:30:44 PM EST
    EMMYs tonight (5.00 / 1) (#158)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Sep 19, 2021 at 01:32:52 PM EST
    We chose to watch Paul Robeson (none / 0) (#160)
    by Peter G on Sun Sep 19, 2021 at 09:27:09 PM EST
    on TCM, and then the first segment of Ken Burns' new Muhammad Ali documentary on PBS.

    Parent
    Don't generally watch awards shows (none / 0) (#162)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Sep 20, 2021 at 07:28:50 AM EST
    But I couldn't have because i don't have networks.  Or need or want them.  Don't have Paramount right now either.  

    I spent last night finishing the first season of For All Mankind on Apple+.  It's very good.  An alternate history of our space program and the government around it.

    It imagines what might have happened if we lost the race to the moon and so continued that Apollo program in an effort to establish the first base on the moon.

    I like it more than I expected to.

    Parent

    When it comes to enacting Biden's agenda (5.00 / 1) (#163)
    by MO Blue on Mon Sep 20, 2021 at 07:45:29 AM EST
    the Republicans have a least a 52 to 48 majority in the Senate. And when it comes to lowering drug prices (which has majority support with citizens) the Dems lack a simple majority in the house.

    The corporate Dems will ensure the Republicans will regain numerical control of Congress in 2022 and in the future. They would rather have the $$$ than give their constituents what they need and what the Dems promised.

    It really is unbelievable (5.00 / 1) (#164)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Sep 20, 2021 at 08:07:14 AM EST
    but really, if we don't do this with a majority why would anyone vote for us next time?  Why should anyone.  Everyone now knows if the party rolls were reversed the republicans would be giving their base everything it wanted.  Without a second thought.

    I the optimist fear what is coming.  If this country ever works again I think we are going to need to new and very different parties.  Can't see it in my lifetime.  Sad to say.  

    Shorter version, I really hope this is the democratic version of Susan Collins.  Blah blah blah and then vote with the party.  I fear it's not.

    If they don't pass this reconciliation bill we are F'ed.  

    Oh, want to talk about the debt ceiling ?

    Parent

    I can't find the articles (5.00 / 2) (#165)
    by MO Blue on Mon Sep 20, 2021 at 10:25:23 AM EST
    but the house Dems who voted against reducing drug prices are in safe seats. They are also big recipients of Big Pharma money. If they do not get challenged in the 2022 primary, there is no hope for the Democratic Party.

    Parent
    I agree (none / 0) (#166)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Sep 20, 2021 at 10:59:45 AM EST
    I saw the same thing.  It's about campaign dollars.  Plain and simple.  It outrageous.  If they are not primaried out of office we don't deserve to win,

    Parent
    AVARICE (5.00 / 3) (#167)
    by jmacWA on Tue Sep 21, 2021 at 04:36:04 AM EST
    Nothing more.

    However, I disagree, we (the people) deserve to win, greedy sobs deserve to be primaried out of existence.

    Parent

    It like (5.00 / 2) (#169)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Sep 21, 2021 at 05:45:58 PM EST
    they are trying to goad them into killing the filibuster

    Debt Ceiling Off-Ramp Closed

    September 21, 2021 at 6:35 pm EDT By Taegan Goddard 24 Comments

    "One idea that we heard from Senate Democrats is Republicans can let Schumer get onto a clean government funding bill and then let Democrats pass it with 50 votes on their own," Punchbowl News reports.

    But Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) ended those hopes: "No. We got members who publicly said that they would filibuster the cloture vote."



    Komodo Dragons are now endangered (5.00 / 3) (#170)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Sep 22, 2021 at 02:58:22 PM EST
    Pretty sure the kimodo (5.00 / 1) (#171)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Wed Sep 22, 2021 at 03:10:19 PM EST
    would eat that little kid for breakfast.


    Parent
    The kid is me (none / 0) (#173)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Sep 22, 2021 at 03:43:49 PM EST
    so I get to decide who eats who.  Anyway, I have treats.

    Parent
    Very nice sketch (5.00 / 2) (#172)
    by MO Blue on Wed Sep 22, 2021 at 03:39:52 PM EST
    Thanks for sharing it.

    Parent
    Final harvest (5.00 / 1) (#175)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Sep 22, 2021 at 06:31:30 PM EST
    Sadly (5.00 / 2) (#179)
    by jmacWA on Thu Sep 23, 2021 at 03:15:21 PM EST
    We are nearing the end too.

    I am hoping for one more Bhel Poori and one more fresh tomato pizza.

    SO makes our Bhel Poori with tomatoes, peppers, scallions, and any other veg we have. She uses a Bhel Poori Kit from our local Indian grocery for all the Indian goodies.

    Parent

    Yes, we are (5.00 / 1) (#181)
    by Zorba on Thu Sep 23, 2021 at 03:24:30 PM EST
    having our probably last caprese salad.
    Although we still have some cherry tomatoes left.

    Parent
    I am venturing out to a retaurant for the 1st time (5.00 / 1) (#177)
    by Chuck0 on Wed Sep 22, 2021 at 10:12:10 PM EST
    since the pandemic started. Meeting my retired cousin (supreme caurt) and her daughter (my cousin once removed) for a late lunch in Odenton, MD. Between Baltimore and DC. The daughter lives in Mexico City. She's up to help transport her mom for a med procedure.

    I haven't seen them since around xmas 2019. We used to get together every few months. All are vaccinated. The daughter came up back in May to get the J&J jab.

    Mahlzeit! (none / 0) (#178)
    by desertswine on Thu Sep 23, 2021 at 10:45:28 AM EST
    Oldest human footprints in North (5.00 / 1) (#186)
    by desertswine on Thu Sep 23, 2021 at 11:44:21 PM EST
    America (so far) discovered at White Sands.  They are dated to be 21,000 to 23,000 years old.

    White Sands National Park, in southern New Mexico, is known for chalk-coloured dunes that stretch for hundreds of square kilometres. But at the height of the last Ice Age, the region was wetter and grassier. Mammoths, giant sloths and other animals walked the muddy shores of shallow lakes that grew and shrank with the seasons. And they had company.

    In a landmark study published on 23 September in Science1, researchers suggest that human footprints from an ancient lakeshore in the park date to between 21,000 and 23,000 years old. If the dating is accurate -- which specialists say is likely -- the prints represent the earliest unequivocal evidence of human occupation anywhere in the Americas.


    Two New Mexicans die from Ivermectin (5.00 / 2) (#187)
    by desertswine on Fri Sep 24, 2021 at 01:12:54 AM EST
    poisoning.

    The New Mexico Department of Health said two people in New Mexico have died from Ivermectin toxicity. Not much is known about either patient -- but one of them was battling a severe case of COVID-19.

    "We've had cases of seizures, hallucinations, coma, you know it can be very dangerous if you take a high enough dose," said Susan Smolinske, director of New Mexico Drug and Information Center.

    Well, that's two votes the republicans won't get.

    I can't bring myself to feel (5.00 / 3) (#194)
    by MO Blue on Fri Sep 24, 2021 at 09:05:58 PM EST
    any sympathy for these ignoramuses. Actions have consequences and they are dying because of the choices they made.
    My sympathies go out to the healthcare workers who have to treat them and watch them die from self inflicted injuries.

    Parent
    You can't make it up (5.00 / 2) (#188)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Sep 24, 2021 at 06:26:55 AM EST
    The discovered an additional 360 votes for Biden.

    Maricopa County
    @maricopacounty
    BREAKING: The #azaudit draft report from Cyber Ninjas confirms the county's canvass of the 2020 General Election was accurate and the candidates certified as the winners did, in fact, win.
    9:29 PM · Sep 23, 2021·Twitter Web App

    There is no joy in Mudville.  

    Do you think (5.00 / 2) (#192)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Sep 24, 2021 at 04:52:07 PM EST
    Bob Woodward mispronounces "nuclear" just to troll us?  I always thought that was the idea behind EYErack.

    Rick (5.00 / 5) (#193)
    by FlJoe on Fri Sep 24, 2021 at 05:41:58 PM EST
    Wilson, say what you want about him, channels his inner Charlie Pierce and hits one out of the ball park
    I'm a sterner sort than anyone on the committee, but for ONCE, get the taste of blood in your mouth. For ONCE, act like you f*king mean it. Enforce subpoenas. DOJ will back it. Jail obstructionists. Demand candor.

    Follow the phones. Follow the money. Follow the email trail. The Venn diagram of White House/Trump World conspirators and the angry mob is filled with some truly degenerate and vile human filth like Roger Stone and Ali Alexander.

    Live hearings. Fill the media void with the Trump mutant parade. Bring in the spawn of Trump. Make it hurt.

    [My edit for profanity]
    The whole thing matches my feelings exactly.

    Parent
    It has long been my contention ... (none / 0) (#200)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Sep 28, 2021 at 06:31:00 PM EST
    ... that those who mispronounce "nuclear" as "new-cue-lar" are likely the very same people who mispronounce "February" as "Feb-you-ary."

    ;-D

    Parent

    Poor little Howie Kurtz (5.00 / 1) (#196)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Sep 26, 2021 at 04:17:10 PM EST
    mauled by the killer attack dog the bred nurtured and trained.

    Boo f'ing Hoo

     


    HowardKurtz
    @HowardKurtz
    A little sad that when the GOP-commissioned and Trump-ally-funded Arizona audit found Biden got 99 more votes, people attack me & the media. Raising questions about possible errors & fraud is not the same as proving them, and was reported. This is our tribal politics today
    2:41 PM · Sep 26, 2021



    LOTs (none / 0) (#197)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Sep 26, 2021 at 06:24:30 PM EST
    of "being hoisted on their own petard" going on these days.

    Parent
    Impeachment starts tonight (none / 0) (#3)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Sep 07, 2021 at 04:34:06 PM EST
    It's the new season of FX American Crime Story(remember OJ?).

    I would watch just to see Clive Owen play Bill Clinton and Sara Paulson play Linda Tripp.  In a fat suit.

    Here's what I found most impressive about FX's Impeachment: American Crime Story -- though Monica Lewinsky is a producer on the show, even she doesn't get out of this tale unscathed.

    It's true, Lewinsky fares best among the major characters here. Clive Owen's Bill Clinton is a smooth-talking Jekyll and Hyde with an Arkansas twang - sensitive and caring when they're having secret trysts in the White House, angry and ruthless when she challenges him. Annaleigh Ashford's Paula Jones is an earnestly dimwitted deer in the world's biggest headlights; caught between conservative activists intent on weaponizing her horrifying story of sexual harassment by Clinton and a callous husband hoping to turn any fame reflected from her into an acting gig for himself.

    And there's Sarah Paulson's Linda Tripp. Made dowdier by a controversial fat suit and near-impenetrable helmet of blond hair, Paulson manages to evoke both pathos and revulsion playing the frustrated administrative secretary who turned secretly-recorded conversations of Lewinsky venting about her affair with President Clinton over to federal investigators.

    npr

    Lots of people weren't watching. (5.00 / 1) (#51)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Thu Sep 09, 2021 at 09:40:16 PM EST
    "'Impeachment' is impaired. The Ryan Murphy FX series about Monica Lewinsky and Bill Clinton failed to score 1 million viewers on Tuesday night. The total came in at 916,000."

    I have to admit, that story left such a sour taste in my mouth 22 years ago that I really have no desire to relive it, even in a dramatization. It was one of the very few scandals in American history in which nobody emerged unscathed and personally, I think we were diminished collectively as a nation for the entire ugly experience.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    I think (none / 0) (#55)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Sep 10, 2021 at 05:56:12 AM EST
    that is it. Everybody already knows this story and what is the crime? Perjury? Seems like nonsense compared to crime stories of murder etc. This story makes a better soap opera story line.  

    Parent
    SEE (none / 0) (#4)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Sep 07, 2021 at 05:45:18 PM EST
    I've been watchin this on Apple+

    That's link is to a fair review.  There are lots of bad reviews.  I sometimes like reading bad reviews most.   They can miss the point and still provide good info as to what to expect.

    I think one of the great things about the new glut of streaming entertainment is it not only makes experiments possible it makes them necessary.  It's hard to stand out so people often get away with odd things that at another time would never be made.

    See is such a thing.  But it's a great thing.  It's such a great idea to try to visualize a society where everyone is blind.  You can forget and take for granted how much of our lives are visual.   From clothes to architecture to jewelry to all kinds of other things they are a whole different thing if no one is ever expected to see them.  Only touch and hear and smell them.

    Parent

    Impeachment (none / 0) (#6)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Sep 08, 2021 at 08:44:58 AM EST
    It's worth the time.  I fell asleep but I know what happens.  Mostly.  I will finish it today.

    The cast is stellar.  

    Also, the "fat suit" on Sara Paulson, it's really more like a "normal suit".  She is wearing something that gives her hips and tiny love handles.  Considering John Goodman was Linda Tripp on SNL that seems a step up.

    Also Sara Paulson is incredibly thin.  I don't know how these people do it.  Do they eat?  Anyway, should could not have played Linda Tripp without some padding.

    And she's doing a great job.

    Parent

    I'm recording it so I can (5.00 / 1) (#10)
    by ruffian on Wed Sep 08, 2021 at 02:24:58 PM EST
    FF and have no commercials. But yeah, Sarah Paulson in a fat suit is basically an average tall woman.  It's really weird to  see the reviews that talk about her portrayal of someone unattractive - 'she can't really know what it's like!'  Just highlights for me how very looks conscious we are about everyone in the news. I knew that already of course.  But it's no wonder so many women go to such lengths to improve their appearance. IIRC Tripp had 'work' done after she became a media presence too.

    Anyway, I did not know if I would watch it or no once I still remember it all so well anyway, but who was I kidding?

    Parent

    It had you at (none / 0) (#11)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Sep 08, 2021 at 02:58:17 PM EST
    Clive Owen.

    Parent
    And (none / 0) (#12)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Sep 08, 2021 at 03:00:31 PM EST
    I fing love Aunt Lydia is Lucianne Goldberg

    Parent
    No, sorry that's Anne Dowd (none / 0) (#13)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Sep 08, 2021 at 03:06:16 PM EST
    This is the actress from Leftovers

    Parent
    Ok, no. (none / 0) (#14)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Sep 08, 2021 at 04:01:08 PM EST
    Anne Dowd is also leftovers.

    THIS is Margo Martindale

    from Dexter and Justified and other stuff.

    Parent

    but no such problem for (none / 0) (#24)
    by Jeralyn on Thu Sep 09, 2021 at 12:50:52 AM EST
    Melissa McCarthy in the current Hulu series, 9 Perfect Strangers. She looks radiant in every scene and has a wardrobe that is beautiful and looks great on her.  Examples here. She really is the star of the show, which is no small feat considering Nicole Kidman plays the principal character.

    I can't imagine watching the Monica/Linda show.  I doubt many Democrats care to relive the story, especially one told from a lslanted viewpoint (Monica is a producer on the series.)  

    I think American Crime Story is a terrible series on any topic. It  butchers facts (OJ for example) and glorifies supposed victims, crime warriors and prosecutors.

    Linda Tripp is dead. Yes, she was ugly, before and after her facelift.  Monica was somewhat sympathetic in the 90's but that only lasts so long. What has Monica done with her adult life other than go to school, keep a low profile and  jump on the bullying bandwagon to make money as a lecturer? Nothing that I can tell.

    So now Monica wants to be a media star, reinserting herself into the public consciousness when she has done nothing to deserve the attention. Bill Clinton is in his 80's and Hillary is in her 70's.  Neither one of them deserve to be dragged through a one sided pile of mud  now. They are national heroes, compared to Monica and Linda, who as victims,  are  less than nothing.  

    American Crime Story falsely proffers that its shows portray real life events through the benefit of hindsight. Hardly true. It's show on OJ was biased to the point of absurdity in its portrayal of Marcia Clark and Chris Darden.  The shows might as well be scripted by Nancy Grace. Even the casting and acting sucks.

    I really hope no one wastes their time or watches this show. The Clintons deserve better and Monica, Linda, and American Crime Story deserve bupkes (at most, maybe a Bronx cheer).

    Parent

    You are welcome to your opinion (none / 0) (#31)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Sep 09, 2021 at 08:27:24 AM EST
    But if you had watched even the first episode you would know that neither Linda or Monica are being portrayed as "victims".

    As far as the general quality of the series, both seasons seasons,  Versace and OJ, won Emmys for Outstanding Series in the year they were released.  Along with literally hundreds of other awards.

    So I guess awards shows get bashed next.

    I can promise you lots of "democrats" will watch.  In fact most of the people who voted to give the show all those awards were probably mostly democrats.

    Parent

    I gather you are watching based on the actors (none / 0) (#35)
    by oculus on Thu Sep 09, 2021 at 12:58:56 PM EST
    and director, not for historical accuracy or educational purposes.  

    Parent
    Do you watch opera (none / 0) (#38)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Sep 09, 2021 at 03:00:35 PM EST
    for historical accuracy?

    Parent
    Of course not. Not a documentary. (none / 0) (#42)
    by oculus on Thu Sep 09, 2021 at 05:09:57 PM EST
    You think (none / 0) (#43)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Sep 09, 2021 at 05:16:15 PM EST
    we are talking about a documentary?

    Parent
    Yes. Why else Lewinsky/Clinton? (none / 0) (#47)
    by oculus on Thu Sep 09, 2021 at 06:47:50 PM EST
    (I do enjoy Clive Owen.)

    Parent
    I think I see the problem (none / 0) (#48)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Sep 09, 2021 at 06:56:36 PM EST
    It won all those awards as a drama.  It's a drama.  It's not a documentary.  It's a drama about historical figures.  A historical drama.

    That said, I am not quite in total agreement with the alleged inaccuracies.

    One important point I think it makes is about the situational outrage of many on the left.  Depending on who's ox is being boned.  So to speak.

    Parent

    I was curious as to would watch this series. (none / 0) (#7)
    by oculus on Wed Sep 08, 2021 at 09:01:05 AM EST
    Now I know.

    Parent
    I guess you mean (5.00 / 1) (#8)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Sep 08, 2021 at 09:41:38 AM EST
    "as to WHO would watch"

    The answer is a lot of people.  The OJ series got great reviews and awards.   This probably will too.  Even NPR liked it.

    Parent

    As to "who would watch" (5.00 / 1) (#9)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Sep 08, 2021 at 10:01:37 AM EST
    I forgot about the other season of this show about Versace.  

    here's a list of the awards for that.

    It includes an Emmy for outstanding limited series.

    So, yeah.  People will watch.

    Parent

    Monica took an underserved pummeling (none / 0) (#17)
    by jondee on Wed Sep 08, 2021 at 04:22:21 PM EST
    for years after that whole debacle - for basically applying the same time-tested stress-relieving strategy that the peaceful Bonobos have used for a several millennia..

    In the larger scheme of things, it was never anyone's effin' business - until some low-rent Nixonian dirty tricksters made it their business..

    And don't even get me started on that slimy pond-dweller Newt, or Lucianne and Ken Starr. A pox on all of them. Gingrich in particular can go head-first into the fires of Mount Doom and the world would be none the worse.


    Parent

    Brett Kavanaugh, (none / 0) (#20)
    by KeysDan on Wed Sep 08, 2021 at 06:26:50 PM EST
    who worked for Ken Starr for three years, developed the salacious memo and prepared graphic questions to be asked of President Clinton.

    Parent
    I had forgotten (none / 0) (#21)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Sep 08, 2021 at 06:54:39 PM EST
    George Conway was behind Paula Jones


    So he wrote an op-ed, published in the Los Angeles Times, that argued "no man is above the law." It caught the attention of Jones's lawyer, Jerome Marcus, and Conway began writing legal briefs to assist in their legal battle against Clinton.

    It wasn't about sex or just a plain somebody having an affair. It wasn't, you know, the morality police the way people put it," he continued. "I thought people got it then, right, cause there was all this thing about sexual harassment back then. Now, it's like, oh, before Me Too ... you've got this public official using a police officer. And nobody's really disputed the facts. Nobody's really disputed the facts."

    Conway pointed out that Danny Ferguson, the state trooper dispatched by Clinton to bring Jones to his hotel room, confirmed a basic element of her story.

    Who ever is playing Paula Jones is perfect.

    Parent

    I think it was around (none / 0) (#23)
    by jondee on Wed Sep 08, 2021 at 09:29:50 PM EST
    the same time that Bill said he'd like his eventual epitaph to read:

    Here Lies Bill Clinton, But That Depends On What You Mean By Lies.

    Parent

    exactly, so why watch? (none / 0) (#25)
    by Jeralyn on Thu Sep 09, 2021 at 12:52:31 AM EST
    Because it's great tv (none / 0) (#29)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Sep 09, 2021 at 08:07:04 AM EST
    And will probably get the Emmy for limited series.  Again.

    Parent
    I read the actual Proud Boys (none / 0) (#15)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Sep 08, 2021 at 04:13:49 PM EST
    we're saying stay away from this.  Don't come.  It's a trap.  I gotta say if it is it's pretty smart.  Get them all in one place and don't let them go home this time.

    Capitol Police Brace for Political Violence Next Week

    September 8, 2021 at 4:00 pm EDT By Taegan Goddard 132 Comments

    "Law enforcement officials are bracing for potential clashes and unrest during an upcoming right-wing rally in Washington, DC, as violent rhetoric surrounding the September 18 event has increased online and counter protests are being planned for the same day," CNN reports.



    This (none / 0) (#16)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Sep 08, 2021 at 04:20:29 PM EST
    I am (none / 0) (#19)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Sep 08, 2021 at 06:01:43 PM EST
    sure Marge and Matt will be showing up.

    Parent
    It has been reported that (none / 0) (#34)
    by MO Blue on Thu Sep 09, 2021 at 10:27:25 AM EST
    Rep. Matt Gaetz, Greene and Cawthorne plan to miss the event. They prefer their supporters risk jail/prison time.

    Parent
    Interesting (none / 0) (#36)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Sep 09, 2021 at 01:35:59 PM EST
    Clapton comment (none / 0) (#27)
    by Jeralyn on Thu Sep 09, 2021 at 01:19:16 AM EST
    deleted due to linkage to site with inappropriate anatomical ads. Please don't bring that stuff here.

    That was site called Thumbsnap (none / 0) (#28)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Sep 09, 2021 at 08:04:35 AM EST
    It's a free image hosting site.

    The ads a different for everyone and based on you browser history.  I have used that site for many years here and elsewhere.

    Parent

    However (none / 0) (#30)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Sep 09, 2021 at 08:10:18 AM EST
    On looking at the ads they do seem to have trended toward the explicit.

    I will find another free image hosting site.

    Sorry.  I honestly never even looked at the ads.  I really have used it for years.

    Parent

    One other thing about that (none / 0) (#32)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Sep 09, 2021 at 08:44:59 AM EST
    There is a drop down that lets you select "family friendly" or whatever the other choice is.

    For the record I always made sure it was set to family friendly.

    Didn't seem to effect the ads.

    Parent

    Imgur is what all the kids use (none / 0) (#57)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Sep 10, 2021 at 11:29:18 AM EST
    at least my kids

    Parent
    Amazon Music (none / 0) (#33)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Sep 09, 2021 at 09:50:53 AM EST
    I decided to give this a try with the free offer.  

    I really like it

    They seem to have more content than any of the others.  They have everything.  I have tried to beat it searching for things like obscure 20th century composers or Balinese Gamelan music.

    They had it.

    I think it's totally worth 7 bucks a month.

    MANDATES (none / 0) (#37)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Sep 09, 2021 at 02:34:59 PM EST
    Biden to Announce Sweeping New Vaccine Mandates

    September 9, 2021 at 3:36 pm EDT By Taegan Goddard 37 Comments

    "President Biden is announcing sweeping new vaccine mandates Thursday that will impact tens of millions of Americans, pushing all businesses with more than 100 employees to require their workforces to be inoculated or face weekly testing," the Washington Post reports.

    Associated Press: "The expansive rules mandate that all employers with more than 100 workers require them to be vaccinated or test for the virus weekly, affecting about 80 million Americans. And the roughly 17 million workers at health facilities that receive federal Medicare or Medicaid also will have to be fully vaccinated."

    "Biden is also signing an executive order to require vaccination for employees of the executive branch and contractors who do business with the federal government -- with no option to test out. That covers several million more workers."

    CNN reports companies could face thousands of dollars in fines per employee if they don't comply.



    This is good news for my clients (5.00 / 2) (#39)
    by Peter G on Thu Sep 09, 2021 at 04:19:43 PM EST
    in federal prison. The biggest threat to their health, it turns out, is not being forced to live in close quarters with other inmates -- almost all of whom have accepted the vaccine -- but the high percentage of guards and contractors who are unvaccinated (by choice), and who come and go daily to and from the outside community.

    Parent
    This is our life now (5.00 / 1) (#58)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Sep 10, 2021 at 11:50:36 AM EST
    Student Mocked by Adults for Sharing Covid-19 Story

    September 10, 2021 at 12:39 pm EDT By Taegan Goddard 57 Comments

    A Tennessee student who was mocked by adults for sharing a story of his grandmother dying of Covid-19 said he was "shaken" when adults interrupted him with laughter as he tried to argue in favor of a mask mandate in his school, WSMV reports.

    Said Grady Knox: "It was complete insanity, from my perspective. If they laugh at me about, like, a personal story about my grandmother, that's just disrespectful... I was like shaken a little bit."

    However, Knox got the last laugh when the school board approved the mask mandate.



    Parent
    This is good news for my clients (5.00 / 1) (#40)
    by Peter G on Thu Sep 09, 2021 at 04:19:50 PM EST
    in federal prison. The biggest threat to their health, it turns out, is not being forced to live in close quarters with other inmates -- almost all of whom have accepted the vaccine -- but the high percentage of guards and contractors who are unvaccinated (by choice), and who come and go daily to and from the outside community.

    Parent
    Sorry about double post (none / 0) (#41)
    by Peter G on Thu Sep 09, 2021 at 04:20:47 PM EST
    No idea how that happened

    Parent
    I have been pushing my employer (5.00 / 1) (#49)
    by Chuck0 on Thu Sep 09, 2021 at 07:54:45 PM EST
    for a vax mandate ever since I returned to work in late May. Even though I work at home. This is great news. We are a govt contractor and the company will have to abide. I expect to see an email announcement tomorrow. I hope it is clear, get vaxxed or don't come to work. It should apply to all. Even those work at home (there are many). I will gladly submit a copy of my vax card.

    Parent
    Mandated v. Compelled (none / 0) (#81)
    by KeysDan on Sat Sep 11, 2021 at 02:45:18 PM EST
     President Biden has mandated vaccination deploying an official order or mandate so as to carry out his policy. There are consequences to non-compliance with this authorized mandate, such as it being a condition of employment or access to certain public spaces.

    However, a mandate does not compel or oblige involuntary vaccination. The non-compliant are not strapped down or otherwise vaccinated by force.

    And, an additional option is offered, in lieu of vaccination and to avoid consequences of vaccination non-compliance, weekly testing.

    There are potentially deadly consequences to choosing not to be vaccinated to the individual and others.  Not being admitted to a diner or sports ball game pales in comparison for the sentient. Which seems to exclude the fascist party, aka. the Republican party.

    Parent

    I was just talking to my brother (5.00 / 1) (#82)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Sep 11, 2021 at 03:10:23 PM EST
    The one who had breakthrough covid.  He called to tell me he had just talked to my sister and he thinks both she and our brother in law now have covid.  Both are sick.  Runny nose coughing fever.  He is worse.  But my brother said he won't go to the emergency room because - I will paraphrase to avoid bad words - "..he said the F'ing doctors get paid to say he has covid.  Where the F do they get this S?!?"

    He was as angry as I have ever seen my brother.  Angry with the anti vaxxers and the conspiracy nuts.  My brother voted for Trump twice.  

    But this has changed him.  We are actually becoming closer I think because he is deciding I've been right about a lot of things.  

    We talked about the crazy wing of the family, my sisters, in more frank agreement than I remember with him.

    So, yeah, my very frail 76 yo sister probably now has covid.  
    But my brother and I are now friends.


    Parent

    i pray (none / 0) (#85)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Sep 12, 2021 at 08:32:29 AM EST
    that your sister and brother in law get through COVID unscathed.

    Parent
    Two weeks ago, Delta Air Lines announced ... (5.00 / 4) (#95)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Sep 14, 2021 at 01:34:18 AM EST
    ... that all unvaccinated company employees would henceforth be assessed a $200/mo. surcharge on their health insurance premiums to cover the cost of mandatory weekly COVID testing. 20 percent of those unvaccinated employees have since changed their minds and have gotten their first shots.

    Last week, someone in our managing director's office told me he was refusing to comply with the mayor's mandate to get the vaccine because, you know, freedom and schitt. I said fine, and asked if he was prepared to accept the consequences. He said sure, he wasn't worried about COVID. I said okay, and informed him that he needn't come to work tomorrow because I was placing him on unpaid administrative leave, effective immediately.

    He called me today to tell me that he got his first Moderna vaccine shot this morning. I reinstated him, but with the provision that he get the second shot in four weeks as scheduled or else his employment with the county would be terminated that very same day, and he'd be replaced by someone who was more amenable to being a team player.

    As I noted earlier, the time for asking nicely is over.

    Parent

    Isn't this a somewhat specious argument? (none / 0) (#130)
    by coast on Fri Sep 17, 2021 at 07:52:51 AM EST
    Sure we're not telling you have to get the vaccine, but if you don't you need to have weekly test.  One administration spokes person, last week, said the unvaccinated could just work from home.  For some, neither is a choice.

    The majority of unvaccinated are mid to lower income individuals/families (generally $75k or lower per year) and typically AA or Hispanic.

    The argument for not requiring IDs to vote has always fell on it puts an unfair burden on minorities and is discriminatory.  You only need to apply for an ID every 5 to 10 years depending on your state and age, and that's considered burdensome. Yet you're going to require people to get tested every week?  That simply doesn't reconcile.

    I'm vaccinated, so I don't have a dog in this fight.  But to act as if people have a choice it to completely disregard the data.

    Parent

    You know nothing (none / 0) (#131)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Sep 17, 2021 at 08:01:54 AM EST
    The majority of unvaccinated are mid to lower income individuals/families (generally $75k or lower per year) and typically AA or Hispanic.



    Parent
    Here is the data (none / 0) (#159)
    by coast on Sun Sep 19, 2021 at 05:31:53 PM EST
    from Bloomberg and the CDC.

    Parent
    I think I'm going to buy this (none / 0) (#46)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Sep 09, 2021 at 06:29:07 PM EST
    It is from an artist friend.

    It's hangs on the wall.  It's about 1x2 feet.  Not including tentacles.  Which are pose-able.  

    what do you think

    Also trying out my new image hoster.  I've been meaning to do that anyway.  Click on the image for a high res. Haven't figured out how to avoid that step yet.

    Not what I would want hanging on my wall (5.00 / 1) (#50)
    by Peter G on Thu Sep 09, 2021 at 09:10:15 PM EST
    But it is brilliantly executed.

    Parent
    It seems a bit.... nightmare inducing, perhaps. (5.00 / 2) (#52)
    by desertswine on Thu Sep 09, 2021 at 10:25:42 PM EST
    Speaking of tentacles (5.00 / 1) (#53)
    by jondee on Thu Sep 09, 2021 at 10:37:55 PM EST
    I've been tempted a couple of times to put up a print of Hokusai's The Dream of The Fisherman's Wife, but it wouldn't go over in this household.

    We like our seafood, but there's limits to everything.

    Parent

    Great (5.00 / 1) (#54)
    by jmacWA on Fri Sep 10, 2021 at 04:52:22 AM EST
    Especially on the black wall.  I have the perfect spot for one.

    Parent
    It's 300 (none / 0) (#56)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Sep 10, 2021 at 06:20:44 AM EST
    Which is an insider price.  He made 6.  They are numbered.

    I have been trying to think of anything else I could buy for 300.00 that would be half as cool.  Can't do it.

    Parent

    It puts me in mind (none / 0) (#60)
    by jondee on Fri Sep 10, 2021 at 12:53:01 PM EST
    of the cover art from some of those Creepy and Eerie magazines I used to read as a kid.

    Used to have to sneak them into the house, due to their subversive, un-christian content.

    Parent

    The artist (none / 0) (#61)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Sep 10, 2021 at 01:31:22 PM EST
    is definitely also a child of Creepy and the rest.  He is an interesting guy.  What he mostly has been doing for years is Tintype photographs.  

    One story.  Early on the Dinosaur project we had nothing to do.  Literally.  For several months all of those hired early did not even have equipment.  Such was the job market at the time.  Roughly 1995.  Anyway, we came to work.  Usually.  Things were organized.  Like drawing trips to the zoo and arboretum.  Movies as a group sometimes.

    One thing they did was drawing classes.  At the first drawing class the instructor said something like this is just an intro but if someone from the class wants to sit on the stool we could draw.  

    No one volunteered.  Robert volunteered.  He walks up to the front and before anyone can say anything he peals off all his clothes kicks off his flip flops and sits on the stool.

    The silence that followed, the pause before everyone just......started drawing, is my most treasured experience from Disney.

    We were instantly friends.

    Parent

    Bravery and audaciousness (none / 0) (#64)
    by jondee on Fri Sep 10, 2021 at 02:12:20 PM EST
    in the name of art. I like it.

    Parent
    I got into it (none / 0) (#65)
    by jondee on Fri Sep 10, 2021 at 02:54:35 PM EST
    the other day with someone who's a huge fan of 'The Four Horsemen' atheist group, ie, Hitchens, Dawkins, Harris, Dennet, who propose to replace irrational religious fanaticism with scientific enlightenment..My point being that the territory commandeered by the loonier forms of spirituality can only be defused and neutralized to extent by art, music, literature, dance etc and art education.

    Scientific knowledge and know-how just doesn't go deep enough and never will. Which isn't to say that we don't need scientific knowledge, obviously we do.

    Parent

    Yes (none / 0) (#67)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Sep 10, 2021 at 03:09:28 PM EST
    it's not an accident it flowers under repression

    Harry Lime: In Italy for thirty years under the Borgias, they had warfare, terror, murder, bloodshed. They producedd Michaelangelo, da Vinci, and the Renaissance. In Switzerland, they had brotherly love, five hundred years of democracy and peace, and what did they produce? The cuckoo clock.



    Parent
    One of my favorite scenes (none / 0) (#69)
    by jondee on Fri Sep 10, 2021 at 03:26:34 PM EST
    from the movies. Orson had it goin' on.

    Read the Autobiography of Benvenuto Cellini not long ago. What a wild man. Black magic rituals at midnight in the ruins of the Coliseum, wars, intrigues and back-stabbings (literal and figural) the inside scoop on Michaelangelo. I highly recommend it.

    Parent

    Synchronicity. I finally read Cellini's (none / 0) (#71)
    by oculus on Fri Sep 10, 2021 at 03:35:28 PM EST
    autobiography too.  Excapes. Murders. You name it.

    Parent
    Wasn't as much of a slog (5.00 / 1) (#72)
    by jondee on Fri Sep 10, 2021 at 03:38:54 PM EST
    as you thought, was it?

    Parent
    Hope it's (none / 0) (#73)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Sep 10, 2021 at 04:01:53 PM EST
    Audio

    Parent
    There's a (5.00 / 1) (#75)
    by desertswine on Fri Sep 10, 2021 at 06:04:24 PM EST
    Oh, heck (5.00 / 1) (#76)
    by Zorba on Sat Sep 11, 2021 at 12:20:49 PM EST
    I read a bunch of these Classic Comics when I was a kid.
    I should have kept them, they're probably worth something nowadays.

    Parent
    I started the audio book this morning (none / 0) (#78)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Sep 11, 2021 at 01:42:25 PM EST
    It's something I probably would not have found without recommendation but I love it.  I love the casual way he refers to his carnal fun with men.  The language is great to listen to.

    Parent
    What a different consciousness (none / 0) (#86)
    by jondee on Sun Sep 12, 2021 at 01:32:09 PM EST
    people had back then. All the remorseless ironclad rules and dogma and power structures were in place and people still found ways to improvise and dance around it like a kind of jazz.

    Parent
    A great Cellini quote (none / 0) (#87)
    by jondee on Sun Sep 12, 2021 at 02:02:04 PM EST
    for today's MAGA crowd:

    "When the poor give to the rich, the
     devil laughs."

    Parent

    I just heard the part (none / 0) (#102)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Sep 14, 2021 at 12:09:40 PM EST
    Where the Pope absolves him of every murder he ever committed for the church, or would ever commit for the church.

    I also like the part when he is talking about getting the cardinals or whoever to stop wearing the big hats because they make such a good target.

    I'm really enjoying this.

    Parent

    I remember having (none / 0) (#88)
    by jondee on Sun Sep 12, 2021 at 03:58:37 PM EST
    The House of the Seven Gables comic as a kid and thinking What the?! This stinks! Where's all the ghosts and monsters?

    Parent
    Just got the audiobook (none / 0) (#74)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Sep 10, 2021 at 05:12:57 PM EST
    It sounds great but I won't listen till tomorrow while I'm working.

    Parent
    Quite a bit more engaging (none / 0) (#80)
    by oculus on Sat Sep 11, 2021 at 02:20:14 PM EST
    than Vasari.

    Parent
    That's cool. (none / 0) (#97)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Sep 14, 2021 at 03:38:45 AM EST
    I didn't think I'd like it at first, but then I stared at it for a minute or two and thought, yeah, that would work.

    I have an oil painting, which only I really like, of a rather forlorn-looking Emmet Kelly-like circus clown standing on a cloudy evening in front of a Barnum & Bailey big top that's being dismantled in the background by a road crew. It hangs in my office at home.

    Painted in 1945, it's a serious, darkly detailed and even faintly sinister portrait, not at all whimsical. But it's the "same as it ever was" look of resignation in the clown's eyes that just reached out and grabbed me, the very first time I saw it hanging behind a bar at an estate sale in Fairfax, VA back in 1990. And so I bought it for $20. I've never regretted it. It's mine.

    All I know is that when it comes to purchasing art, you gotta do you. And if you like it and it pleases you, then who cares what others think, really?

    ;-D

    Parent

    Hell (none / 0) (#99)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Sep 14, 2021 at 06:18:47 AM EST
    To dust though.

    Parent
    I commissioned an artist friend ... (5.00 / 1) (#109)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Sep 15, 2021 at 07:09:44 AM EST
    ... to refurbish the painting a few years back. Cost me a bit more than the $20 I had first paid for it 30 or so years ago but it was well worth it. It's not a gaudy painting at all; most of it is composed of dark colors and the Emmet Kelly-like clown cuts a sad and hobo-ish figure. Basically, she cleaned the surface patiently and gently by hand, and the removal of several decades' worth of accumulated dirt and grime really made a difference in its overall appearance and presentation.

    Parent
    I vote yes (none / 0) (#59)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Sep 10, 2021 at 11:55:02 AM EST
    Am I the only one (none / 0) (#62)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Sep 10, 2021 at 01:59:07 PM EST
    Feeling like we are crawling out of a Game of Thrones type winter (the winters lasted years)?

    Yeah but (5.00 / 1) (#66)
    by jondee on Fri Sep 10, 2021 at 03:03:15 PM EST
    the White Walkers are still among us.

    Be careful one doesn't cough on you and yours in the grocery store.

    Parent

    So was 1/6 (none / 0) (#68)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Sep 10, 2021 at 03:13:08 PM EST
    The Battle of the Bastards :)?

    Parent
    I hear you (none / 0) (#70)
    by jondee on Fri Sep 10, 2021 at 03:30:31 PM EST
    life imitating art.

    Parent
    Today is the (none / 0) (#77)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Sep 11, 2021 at 01:24:14 PM EST
    20th anniversary of 9/11. Have we learned anything? I fear we have not.

    I think we are. (none / 0) (#98)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Sep 14, 2021 at 04:00:26 AM EST
    We're learning, finally, that we are not omnipotent. But it won't be the military reverses in the War on Terror that will ultimately humble us. Rather, it'll be the still-unfolding human toll and economic devastation wrought by the COVID pandemic.

    Parent
    Maybe (none / 0) (#83)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Sep 11, 2021 at 03:27:29 PM EST
    The Supreme Court should not be a lifetime appointment.

    The language of Article III of the Constitution (none / 0) (#84)
    by Peter G on Sat Sep 11, 2021 at 09:59:08 PM EST
    saying that the Justices of the Supreme Court may serve "during their good behavior" has always been understood to mean that they cannot be compelled to retire, or otherwise to terminate their service involuntarily, except upon impeachment and conviction. So ending lifetime appointment would require a constitutional amendment, in all likelihood. Although there have been a few creative alternative suggestions made.

    Parent
    TFG, Jr., Holyfield, and Belfort. (none / 0) (#90)
    by KeysDan on Mon Sep 13, 2021 at 11:31:36 AM EST
    A TKO, Holyfield down, ref stopped the fight in the first round.  Just 91 seconds. TFG and Jr. got to go home early. Some say the twice-impeached guy was reduced to a fight commentator, and not a good look for 9/11. But  it seems to be an upgrade.  And, he was able to coach Evander to claim the fight was rigged and declare the win.  Probably well worth the $49.95 to the deplorable fans. But, now they will have to tighten their belts so as to afford  horse-dewormer.

    Has there been any news (none / 0) (#93)
    by fishcamp on Mon Sep 13, 2021 at 03:50:52 PM EST
    about people catching Covid after receiving their booster shot? The gym still oncenns me, even with the few in attendance.

    Probably too (none / 0) (#94)
    by KeysDan on Mon Sep 13, 2021 at 04:44:46 PM EST
    soon to gather data and evaluate.  But, from my perspective, the COVID booster or third shot is designed to maintain an immunity level that may have waned over time.  This is the objective of all vaccine boosters. No iron-clad guarantees are likely, of course, but I believe we are in a better position.


    Parent
    Owning Those Libs, Part MMCMXVII: (none / 0) (#96)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Sep 14, 2021 at 02:02:59 AM EST
    Let's please pay our final respects to Bob Enyart, firebrand pastor of the Denver Bible Church, far-right radio show host and for all intents and purposes, a professional crackpot who tempted fate by playing Wile E. Coyote to the COVID-19 pandemic's Roadrunner.

    Of course, you'll never guess what happened next. (Sigh!)

    In lieu of (5.00 / 1) (#104)
    by Zorba on Tue Sep 14, 2021 at 03:46:50 PM EST
    paying any final respects, I think I will take a page out of his playbook and listen to "Another One Bites the Dust."

    Parent
    Cruelty and Stupidity ... (none / 0) (#116)
    by desertswine on Thu Sep 16, 2021 at 03:51:44 PM EST
    were his best traits.

    Parent
    Cool (none / 0) (#110)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Sep 15, 2021 at 07:43:58 PM EST
    That's almost as interesting as.. (5.00 / 1) (#115)
    by desertswine on Thu Sep 16, 2021 at 03:41:58 PM EST
    the dswine Law of Expanding Liquids, which states, that any liquid, upon hitting the floor (especially in the kitchen) immediately doubles in volume.

    Parent
    This looks pretty exciting (none / 0) (#111)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Sep 16, 2021 at 09:56:46 AM EST

    Foundation trailer: Apple TV Plus series won't stick to the books, and that's good


    One of the most anticipated upcoming science fiction shows is Foundation. A new trailer for the Apple TV Plus series landed Thursday, showing Jared Harris leading the cast of this heavyweight adaptation of Isaac Asimov's classic series of novels.

    Foundation is slated for release on Apple TV Plus. If you've never heard of the Foundation books, a search of any sci-fi "best of" list will find it near the top. The series is a staple of the genre. I've read it multiple times. The covers by artist Michael Whelan were so influential that I have three signed prints hanging in my office. They opened my mind to what's possible in fiction and writing in general, and in no small part inspired me to write sci-fi myself.

    These books are legendary, fascinating and -- as written -- would make really, really boring television.

    To put it another way, there isn't much in the way of emotion in Foundation. It's about things. Again, this isn't a criticism. They're brilliant for what they are, but they're books, and by the nature of what they are, converting them to TV is going to be seriously difficult. The very thing that makes them interesting is going to be next to impossible to translate to screen.

    A lesser issue, though certainly related to the difficulty, is the wide avoidance of action or direct conflict. "Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent," one character says. The problem is, violence makes for great TV. Some form is essentially required in big-budget sci-fi shows. Huge space battles, inherent in the premise of the books, are promised then largely avoided. Remember Battle of the Bastards in Game of Thrones? One of the most epic battle scenes ever put on TV? Now imagine if that had been talked about for six seasons, built up by plot and hype for years, and then right before it begins Jon Snow and Ramsay Bolton meet up in a tavern and sign a trade treaty, roll credits. That is Foundation.

    It starts a week from tomorrow.  24tn.  Apple+

    G' imar chatima tova. (none / 0) (#119)
    by fishcamp on Thu Sep 16, 2021 at 05:18:43 PM EST


    I had to look it up (none / 0) (#129)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Sep 17, 2021 at 12:35:31 AM EST
    Thanks Fishcamp for teaching me a new way to say it.

    Parent
    Inar (none / 0) (#120)
    by fishcamp on Thu Sep 16, 2021 at 05:19:18 PM EST


    This is starting to seem like (none / 0) (#121)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Sep 16, 2021 at 05:21:23 PM EST
    not such a bad idea.

    As much as I would hate it I would relocate to a blue America.


    Most Southern Republicans Support Seceding

    September 16, 2021 at 4:11 pm EDT By Taegan Goddard 396 Comments

    Christopher Ingraham: "A new YouGov survey conducted on behalf of a democracy watchdog group finds that 66% of Republicans living in the South say they'd support seceding from the United States to join a union with other Southern states."

    "Secession is actually gaining support among Southern Republicans: back in January and February, 50% said they'd support such a proposal."

    Meanwhile, conservative Ben Shapiro floated the idea of a "friendly separation" of certain states away from the union.



    These are same people (5.00 / 1) (#124)
    by Chuck0 on Thu Sep 16, 2021 at 07:32:13 PM EST
    who claim to be such patriots. Who fly oversized American flags on the back of their pickup trucks (next to their stars and bars). The hypocrisy of the reprobates has become overwhelming. Ckaiming to christian and republican tells me you believe in nothing.

    Parent
    Been saying for a while (none / 0) (#125)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Sep 16, 2021 at 07:46:19 PM EST
    we should resurrect the old right wing saw "America, love it or leave it"

    Maybe with America printed in rainbow colors.

    That said I'm half sure that T shirt exists waiting to be ordered.   I have not looked.

    Parent

    The thing about this is (none / 0) (#122)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Sep 16, 2021 at 05:26:29 PM EST
    I usually dismiss polls that say 70% of republicans believe X.

    Because republicans are about 25% of the population so who cares.   In the south, that's not true.  

    Parent

    Insane extended family news (none / 0) (#126)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Sep 16, 2021 at 07:59:59 PM EST
    My brother just told me one of his crazy antivaxer grandsons plan to be in DC for "the event" this weekend.

    He was very upset.  I tried to sound sympathetic but I hope he goes.  And does not come back.  At least immediately.

    I would not go near them (none / 0) (#127)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Sep 16, 2021 at 11:04:08 PM EST
    for anything this weekend. Law enforcement is not messing around. Nobody is boarding up, the Nationals play that afternoon. Nobody is afraid of them now, everyone is sick of them.

    Parent
    My brother said (5.00 / 1) (#132)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Sep 17, 2021 at 08:05:48 AM EST
    He told him this.  That people were saying stay away.  You can't tell these people anything.

    Parent
    The fence going up around the Capitol (none / 0) (#135)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Sep 17, 2021 at 12:56:17 PM EST
    Again has really pissed everyone off too. DC has had it with insurrectionists.

    Parent
    I think (5.00 / 1) (#136)
    by KeysDan on Fri Sep 17, 2021 at 01:42:35 PM EST
    this second run at a  putsch will be a dud.   Not only the increased security, but also, a real and patriotic  president is in the White House.  And, of course, most of these execrable seditionists have noticed that many of their  January 6 cohorts are in jail.  

    Parent
    And Congress is out of town (none / 0) (#138)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Sep 17, 2021 at 02:20:41 PM EST
    If kidnapping is the goal ......

    Parent
    Talking to my brother and some others (none / 0) (#140)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Sep 17, 2021 at 02:55:52 PM EST
    I get the feeling every MAGA feels like missing Jan 6 was like missing Woodstock.  So they don't want to miss Altamont.  

    I expect my nephew will go someplace safe and throw back beers and take a selfie in front of some DC landmark for Facebook.  Mission accomplished.

    Parent

    Some who claim to be here (none / 0) (#146)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Sep 18, 2021 at 07:06:00 AM EST
    Are posting photos with guns on social media. How stupid do you have to be?

    There is a street festival on H street that refused to cancel. I think it was cancelled last year because of the pandemic, but they weren't letting MAGAs cancel it this year.

    Parent

    Isn't the MAGA motto (5.00 / 1) (#147)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Sep 18, 2021 at 07:20:35 AM EST
    YOU CAN'T BE TO ARMED OR TO STUPID

    Parent
    ROTFLMAO (none / 0) (#148)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Sep 18, 2021 at 07:27:44 AM EST
    Love that! Yes, it is true.

    Today on Facebook a high school classmate MAGA told an MD classmate that she wasn't taking the COVID vaccine "because it wasn't a vaccine". SMDH.

    Parent

    The mark of the beast (5.00 / 1) (#152)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Sep 18, 2021 at 07:36:17 AM EST
    Is my favorite.

    Parent
    Needle rape (5.00 / 1) (#161)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Sep 20, 2021 at 07:20:55 AM EST
    Rolls off the tongue

    Parent
    The Hunt (none / 0) (#139)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Sep 17, 2021 at 02:28:11 PM EST
    I only just saw this because I just learned it's from Damon Lindelof

    It's pretty great.  It will melt snowflakes on both sides.

    This will clear all the confusion right up (none / 0) (#141)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Sep 17, 2021 at 03:21:15 PM EST
    FDA Panel Narrows Scope of Booster Shots

    September 17, 2021 at 4:29 pm EDT By Taegan Goddard Leave a Comment

    After rejecting widespread Covid-19 booster shots, an FDA advisory panel endorsed booster shots only for Americans 65 and over or at high risk for severe disease, the Associated Press reports.

    Instead of everyone who thinks they need one it's everyone over 65 who think they need one.

    Much better.

    Washington Post | September 21, 2021
    FDA authorizes Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine booster for older Americans and those at high risk of illness - "he Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday authorized a Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus booster shot for people 65 and older and adults at risk of severe illness, an effort to bolster protection for the most vulnerable Americans against the highly transmissible delta variant of the virus."

    This has been a long slog. 40% of all COVID infections and COVID-related fatalities in Hawaii over the course of the pandemic have occurred in just the last seven weeks. 99% of those infections and deaths happened to unvaccinated people.

    The good news is that our state is on the verge of passing the 80% threshold sometime next week on vaccinations for eligible recipients. Coercion is working, apparently. After the mayor issued his vaccine directive, 90% of our county workforce is now vaccinated.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Yes, after six months being fully vaccinated. (none / 0) (#143)
    by KeysDan on Fri Sep 17, 2021 at 04:26:59 PM EST
    And, the Panel informally advised the FDA to include health care workers or others at high risk of exposure.

    Not sure what informal advise means in the scheme of things.  Pfizer's application, apparently, was based on Israeli data, which relied on antibodies rather than immune response, which is a different bar to hurdle.

    While dealing with a novel virus and new vaccines it is understandable that some panelists would want to be cautious. But, I am hopeful that advisement is not related to petty politics.  Dr. Phil Krause, deputy director of FDA's Office of Vaccination and his colleague Marion Gruber signed a Lancet paper earlier in the week arguing that its too soon to start giving boosters. Global equity and distribution should not have been a part of this determination, if it was.

    Both Krause and Gruber also announced that they will be leaving the FDA soon. There has been reported some friction between these researchers, who were not consulted on the matter,  and the acting head of the FDA, based on the White House planning to start booster administration as of September 20 contingent upon FDA and CDC approvals.

    The White House planning was so as to gear up for the enormous responsibility to distribute and administer booster shots, if and when approved.
    In any event, the over 65, high risk for severe disease, and health care workers and others at high risk are a reasonable step given the inevitable differences of opinions, not to mention the occasional pitch battle.

    Scientists being human, will be subject to human frailties. But, it is a pandemic after all.

    Parent

    I would qualify under these guidelines (5.00 / 1) (#150)
    by MO Blue on Sat Sep 18, 2021 at 07:32:47 AM EST
    I definitely plan to get the booster shot when these guidelines go into effect here. Hopefully, I can get it the first week in October, if not sooner.

    Parent
    my brother in law (none / 0) (#144)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Sep 17, 2021 at 05:08:38 PM EST
    has covid.  so far my sister does not.

    Parent
    I hope your sister (5.00 / 1) (#156)
    by MO Blue on Sun Sep 19, 2021 at 08:51:58 AM EST
    Stays COVID free and your BIL has a mild case.

    Parent
    Doing he same thing (none / 0) (#142)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Sep 17, 2021 at 04:18:47 PM EST
    and expecting a different result


    "The U.S. Capitol Police chief formally asked for 100 armed National Guard members to be on standby for a rally this Saturday at the Capitol in case it turns violent, but withdrew the request at the urging of a top Senate security official who said he had not followed protocol," the Washington Post reports.

    "But the change to the chief's original security plans infuriated some Capitol Police officials. They privately argued it was a foolhardy repeat of a central mistake that had left the Capitol so vulnerable during the Jan. 6 protests -- not preparing for the worst."



    It is just not necessary (5.00 / 1) (#149)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Sep 18, 2021 at 07:31:08 AM EST
    They have FBI swat teams, Metro Police are ready to assist.

    When National Guard are deployed, each and every time there are separate orders for rules of engagement and a very tight scope of what their authority is. They aren't flexible law enforcement. Unless they are MPs they aren't even trained for law enforcement work. My understanding is that they must also be sworn in in the armory to act as a type of law enforcement at the Capitol.

    There are National Guard Quick Reaction Forces on call for the Capitol since January 6th occurred. It is really disturbing to me how for some reason combat armed National Guard is seen as something needed to be marching around our Capitol. The Capitol Police, Metro Police, FBI swat are far better trained for face to face law enforcement than weekend warriors packing around an automatic weapon they probably don't even have the muscle memory to be responsible for.

    My brother-in-law's (who is a retired National Guard General) response to seeing the Guard sleeping on the Capitol floor clutching their weapons was, "How many accidental fire incident reports is this going to be?"

    But I suppose trauma also plays a big role in this. The Capitol Police and Metro Police who responded were traumatized on January 6th.


    Parent

    And DC has those rooftop snipers (none / 0) (#151)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Sep 18, 2021 at 07:34:11 AM EST
    That every liberal who ever protested in DC has always had a very healthy fear of and respect for. Are they just eye candy or what?

    Parent
    Okay....more rant (none / 0) (#153)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Sep 18, 2021 at 01:32:01 PM EST
    The Pentagon offered Capitol Police a different use of National Guard forces on 1/6, and that fact keeps getting buried in BS.

    The Pentagon offered National Guard troops to provide a security presence at other sites that the Capitol Police were responsible for on 1/6. They offered this so that all Capitol Police could be concentrated at the Capitol. That offer was refused by someone! The Pentagon offered support, they just weren't offering troops to be armed and in face to face confrontation with protesters.

    Parent

    When I left that comment (5.00 / 1) (#154)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Sep 18, 2021 at 04:10:56 PM EST
    they were not yet saying you could have them without arms.  They were just saying you can't have them.

    I have not been able to find out if my DS nephew went.  It was a bust I guess so I hope he did.

    Parent

    You can't have them somewhere unarmed (none / 0) (#155)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Sep 19, 2021 at 02:13:21 AM EST
    Where you have a high level of threat. It isn't ethical to have them at the Capitol unarmed if you expect violence. It probably is against a few written policies too.

    But high level of rogue citizen violent threat, National Guard is your least capable law enforcement unless you need a hammer, probably a clumsy hammer. And if you need a hammer is that law enforcement or war? And if you need a hammer, then just reach for your regular Army who trains all day to hammer threats swiftly, deftly, and uses words like collateral damage.

    But the National Guard can perimeter other lower threat responsibilities in riot gear, and free heavily armed law enforcement up. They are hella good at perimeters. And they ran the perimeters in DC after Jan 6 as slick and pain free as they could have been. They did re-establish security, even around the Pentagon where some chafed at National Guard governing the entrance and exit to their workday.

    But that is really what they train for, lines and perimeters and social stress. They are community troopers more than troops. And they ARE good at what they train for.

    Parent

    The National Guard (5.00 / 2) (#157)
    by leap on Sun Sep 19, 2021 at 09:23:37 AM EST
    ran the mass vaccination site here, earlier this year. It was so well-run, smooth as could be, and all the personnel were so friendly. No guns involved, though. Just shots of Pfizer.

    Parent
    Congratulations Veronica Rossman (none / 0) (#168)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Sep 21, 2021 at 03:28:30 PM EST
    On being confirmed to the 10th Circuit. A public defender on the bench is a good thing.

    True colors (none / 0) (#174)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Sep 22, 2021 at 04:34:03 PM EST
    Susan Collins to Endorse Paul LePage

    September 22, 2021 at 4:31 pm EDT By Taegan Goddard 174 Comments

    Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) will endorse former Maine Gov. Paul LePage (R) when he launches a campaign for his old job, the Portland Press Herald reports.

    Susan Collins Would Oppose Abortion Rights Bill

    September 22, 2021 at 4:00 pm EDT By Taegan Goddard 136 Comments

    "As Democrats consider legislation to respond to a new Texas state ban on abortion after about six weeks of pregnancy, they have lost the support of one of the few remaining Republicans who support abortion rights," the Los Angeles Times reports.

    "Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) said she opposes the Democrats' bill, which would prohibit states from enacting restrictions on abortion through fetal viability."



    Well, of course (5.00 / 2) (#180)
    by Zorba on Thu Sep 23, 2021 at 03:23:00 PM EST
    she will endorse LePage.  And not support abortion rights.
    This is Susan. She acts all "concerned," but at the end of the day, she's still a typical Republican.

    Parent
    I wish I was confident (5.00 / 1) (#184)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Sep 23, 2021 at 04:48:57 PM EST
    we could count on some of those.  Say they are concerned about spending and then vote with the party.  

    Unfortunately on our side to often they don't just act sympathetic to republican needs but actually are.

    Parent

    I don't get what the endgame (none / 0) (#182)
    by jondee on Thu Sep 23, 2021 at 04:23:02 PM EST
    is for these people like Sidney Powell, Flynn, Mike Pillow, and Lin Wood et al  I'm starting to think these people and their minion's delusionary thinking is the result of the rising CO2 levels.

    Sidney's now making the rounds of the christian-conspiracy outlets and claiming that a Kelly Loeffler political aide was "blown-up in his car"(it was actually a multi-car accident) in order to send a message to the Governor to not conduct a post-election audit.

    If Sidney's trying to dodge responsibility for her Dominion-Smartmatic allegations by exhibiting that she's not of sound mind, why doesn't she go all the way and claim she was abducted by Big Foot or experimented upon by aliens?

    The grifting of the death (none / 0) (#183)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Sep 23, 2021 at 04:42:18 PM EST
    is craven and awful.   But it's not the craziest

    Michael Flynn Thinks They Might Be Putting the Covid Vaccine in Your Salad Dressing

    Think they have meetings where they say  "let's tell them THIS and see if they believe it!"?  Or maybe it's an improv thing.

    Parent

    This calls for offering salad (5.00 / 4) (#185)
    by MO Blue on Thu Sep 23, 2021 at 08:26:13 PM EST
    to any Republican friends or family members you may have.  Make salad your dish of choice at each and every pot luck.

    Parent
    I'd think the two most likely suspects ... (none / 0) (#201)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Sep 28, 2021 at 06:41:59 PM EST
    ... would be Thousand Island and Ranch, although one should not be so quick to dismiss Kraft Green Goddess.

    Parent
    Summer's over. (none / 0) (#189)
    by Chuck0 on Fri Sep 24, 2021 at 09:08:50 AM EST
    But I'm still getting excellent PA peaches from a country produce stand about 2 miles from my home.

    My favorite part of summer is nectarines. But I've become a big fan of PA peaches in the last few years. I'm not native to PA, but I'm a booster for the peaches. If you haven't tried peaches from PA, you are missing out. The local crop has been so sweet and large.

    Would anyone have any thoughts (none / 0) (#190)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Sep 24, 2021 at 10:06:38 AM EST
    on why the NYTimes/Google covid tracker has not been updated in 3 days?

    here's a link

    I've been checking this every day fir months.  WTF?

    From The New York Times · Last updated: 3 days ago



    It finally updated (none / 0) (#191)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Sep 24, 2021 at 02:13:45 PM EST
    shrug

    Parent
    Fasten your seat belts (none / 0) (#195)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Sep 26, 2021 at 07:45:47 AM EST
    It's going to be a bumpy week.

    "Put on your heat shields and buckle up, because this is going to be intense."

    -- Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), quoted by the New York Times, on Democrats trying to pass their legislative agenda this week.



    2024 (none / 0) (#198)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Sep 26, 2021 at 08:03:16 PM EST
    Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) told 60 Minutes that Americans "deserve better than having to choose between" President Biden's "disastrous" policies and former President Trump "who violated his oath of office."

    Cheney also said she was "wrong" to oppose same-sex marriage -- a stance that caused a rift with her sister, Mary Cheney.



    She won't (none / 0) (#199)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Sep 27, 2021 at 08:21:16 AM EST
    get out of the primary unless their voter composition makes a big change over the next few years.

    Parent
    'President Biden's disastrous policies' ... (none / 0) (#202)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Sep 28, 2021 at 06:45:44 PM EST
    ... says former Vice President Dick Cheney's daughter without even a hint of irony.

    Parent
    Happy Birthday Angie... (none / 0) (#203)
    by fishcamp on Thu Sep 30, 2021 at 03:58:29 PM EST
    Dickinson who is 90 today.