I'MMA LET YOU FINISH
Joyeux Noel Atrios
can we have some news about the cats? We're really worried!
Merry Christmas everyody, or at least have a great weekend!
Retirees and workers alike.
Eli is out on the field.
I'd imagine there might also be savings for a company or the civil service in retiring someone early at half salary, no? And most people I know who've retired early from NYC gov't jobs, cops mostly, get another job. They don't sit around all day.
And please remember that a lot of Katrina victims will spend xmas in a tent beside their rotting home.
These guys wont retire at 65 years old
And heard about the Blair plan to give pensions not at 65 but a 68? And he pretends he's labour!
The Kenosha Kid is here to kill another thread! Impeach him now!
Un-American? What if the person's state of health has gotten shakey?
Atrios, that prejudice against people who want to retire early? That's a prejudice directed ONLY to the working person; for the mega-wealthy, who seem to dabble in work as a hobby or a lark? if they don't work it's seen as perfectly acceptable. for anyone else, though, it reflects (allegedly) laziness, or lack of work ethics.
The Washington Post says impeaching me is a moonbat idea.
Some people can't afford to retire early.
You hit the key point, which does not surprise me at all given that you know a lot more about this than I ever will.
The scheme has to make actuarial sense.
And I would bet a lot that if the data were analyzed one would find that NYC transit workers die young and that retirement at 55 is actually a good deal for the city (or should be if the pension is properly managed).
Which is why Kevin Drum's post has gotten him a serious and well deserved ass kicking. I hope it does not drive him completely to the other side, but now that he works for the MSM it is possible.
The Washington Post says impeaching me is a moonbat idea.
The Washington Times says you're just ONE blowjob away from getting impeached.
wendy is right on target too.
Merry Christmas to all here...
As for early retirement, I think it's because it used to be only for "fat cats" and now even union workers -- blue collar guys! -- are getting 30 and out. Of course, many of the folks who are so resentful don't understand the toll it takes on your body to do hard physical labor for 30 or 40 years -- thus the asinine proposals to raise the "official" retirement age to 70.
My 2 cents Canadian....
Sissy
MSM = Michelle "Stupid-ass" Maglalang
I have been impeached in the Old Testament.
I have been wronged.
The Washington Times says you're just ONE blowjob away from getting impeached.
So it should be a few years. 
Academia throws a monkey wrench into the concept of retirement; from my observations, the ideal was to get enough perks and published material that you only had to teach one grad vourse per year.
I worked as a "research assistant" for a tenured prof and spent most of my time fielding messages from his broker and real estate agent. His value to the dep't was his ability to get any tripe published with a well-placed phone call. Otherwise he played tennis and attended "schmooze-em-ups" (his phrase).
Happy holidays to all and may '06 be a great year.
This seems related to why Gordo thinks of me as a 'bitch': because I worked my ass off and decided to quasi-retire 30 years early so I can pursue other things, I'm evil, lazy and sucking off the government teat.
Alito Alito Alito is the key to Bush gaining absolute power under color of law. I'm obsessing. These last two memos, together with the first one on abortion, are scary as hell. I haven't thought we really might slide all the way into overt fascism -- until this morning.
Yow.
Yes, I've taken my lithium today. Maybe more coffee will help.
The Washington Times says you're just ONE blowjob away from getting impeached.
Then he's probably safe...
What really bothers Kevin Drum is the idea that a person who works with their hands might do better than him come retirement. Drum is the elitist the trolls are always on about.
This seems related to why Gordo thinks of me as a 'bitch': because I worked my ass off and decided to quasi-retire 30 years early so I can pursue other things, I'm evil, lazy and sucking off the government teat.
Ther government teat tastes like Robitussin.
Noam Speak, You Listen
'There is no war on terror'
Noam Chomsky says Iraq debate must return to Earth
For over 40 years, MIT professor Noam Chomsky has been one of the world's leading intellectual critics of U.S. foreign policy. Today, with America's latest imperial adventure in trouble both politically and militarily, Chomsky -- who turned 77 two weeks ago -- vows not to slow down "as long as I'm ambulatory." I spoke with him by phone, on Dec. 9 and again on Dec. 20, from his office in Cambridge.
Geov Parrish: Is George Bush in political trouble? And if so, why?
Noam Chomsky: George Bush would be in severe political trouble if there were an opposition political party in the country. Just about every day, they're shooting themselves in the foot. The striking fact about contemporary American politics is that the Democrats are making almost no gain from this. The only gain that they're getting is that the Republicans are losing support. Now, again, an opposition party would be making hay, but the Democrats are so close in policy to the Republicans that they can't do anything about it. When they try to say something about Iraq, George Bush turns back to them, or Karl Rove turns back to them, and says, "How can you criticize it? You all voted for it." And, yeah, they're basically correct.
GP: How could the Democrats distinguish themselves at this point, given that they've already played into that trap?
NC: Democrats read the polls way more than I do, their leadership. They know what public opinion is. They could take a stand that's supported by public opinion instead of opposed to it. Then they could become an opposition party, and a majority party. But then they're going to have to change their position on just about everything.
Take, for example, take your pick, say for example health care. Probably the major domestic problem for people. A large majority of the population is in favor of a national health care system of some kind. And that's been true for a long time. But whenever that comes up -- it's occasionally mentioned in the press -- it's called "politically impossible," or "lacking political support," which is a way of saying that the insurance industry doesn't want it, the pharmaceutical corporations don't want it, and so on. Okay, so a large majority of the population wants it, but who cares about them? Well, Democrats are the same. Clinton came up with some cockamamie scheme which was so complicated you couldn't figure it out, and it collapsed...
NTodd is going down with the Kenosha Kid as a co-conspirator. Impeach them all!
Happy holidays to all and may '06 be a great year.
Johnjs
It will!
Scalito hearings
Rove indicted
Frist indicted
Delay in prison
Abramoff singing like a bird and all that jazz
Democrats take back senate
Impeachment of George W Bush
I don't think the Giants are going to win this game.
NTodd is going down with the Kenosha Kid
I am *NOT* going down on Kenosha, even to get him impeached.
I'm evil, lazy and sucking off the government teat.
That can't be right. Unless I'm mistaken, Ntodd prefers that the tits he's kissing and sucking, are riper and less wrinkely then tits that are 229 years old.
The Puritan "work ethic" is 17th Century shit. They had to bust their asses just to survive. Burning witches and killing Redskins is hard work.
Worst. Thread. Ever.
/comic book guy
Odd. My reaction to "early retirement" is something along the lines of:
"Really? Congrats, you lucky dog! So whatcha up to now?"
Assuming, of course, that the 'early retirement' involved sufficient to live off of for quite some time.
I am *NOT* going down on Kenosha, even to get him impeached.
NTodd
why not? That sounds so sexy in these times of gay cowboys!
Why is it that the large companies
structured as stock companies have the most problems with guaranteed pensions?
Why do they shift their profits offshore and (in the case of WMT) shift their social responsibilities to the state and local communities.
Many large stock companies rent space in the US and shift their pension liabilities to fucked up entities like the PBGc.(Pension benefit guarantee corp).
Wall Street loves Chimpo. Much of Wall Street screwed the average shareholder and pensioner shorting the markets in 2001 - 2003.
A few more acts of nature and a few more twists of the law and we a re all proletariot.
Merry Christmas
Oh, God, don't get me started.
I realize that there are lofty and high-minded philosophies that view "work" as practically a raison d'être.
I envy people who actually earn a living doing something intrinsically fulfilling and emotionally/psychologically rewarding.
But for most of us, our daily wage slavery is essentially a refined form of prostitution. This has been a real problem for me over the past decade.
I can understand people who need to work past retirement age for financial reasons, not to mention The Few who truly enjoy what they do for a living and actually find it nurturing, if that's the right word.
But I'm amazed when people in my state agency who qualify for decent retirement benefits speak blithely of working for several more years, because they just don't feel "ready" to retire.
They wouldn't know what to do with themselves! I've actually heard that said.
Admittedly, I'm in a bad place right now-- feeling burned out and claustrophobic after 22 years of slavery. Too chickenshit to walk away and "see what else is out there" too-- especially because during the past year I seem to be relying more on health insurance and the associated prescription plan.
But it blows my mind, too, that in Amerika there is something vaguely disreputable about the desire to retire ASAP and finally throw off the collar and chains of wage slavery.
OT--Part 3 of Draco With Family: I'm here as live-in babysitter as sis and bro-in-law do their Xmas drudgery. I love my 4-year old nephew, but they let him watch dreck like Transformers and Power Rangers, so everything in his imagination has to do with battles and magic powers.
There's only so much of Pirates vs. Velociraptors I can take, especially when I'm forever reminded of what a shitty raptor I make. Sample dialog:
"That velociraptor can't hurt me because it doesn't have any teeth"
"Yes it does--they're right here" [points]
"Uncle Draco, why are you not listening!?! I'm very upset with you!!!"
What if the person's state of health has gotten shakey?
That's supposed to be covered by disability insurance, not retirement.
But Atrios is right. If you can afford, and are willing, to accept enough of your pay as deferred comp., there's no reason you couldn't retire as early as 55.
The reason most people don't is that they can't afford to, not that there's anything outrageously expensive about it for the employer.
Kevin Drum needs to quit passing judgement on the reasonableness of union demands based on his personal feelings, and take a couple of econ. courses so he'll know what he's talking about.
that and those that work longer live longer. Work is more than just a broom to push. it's freinds and your blood sweat and tears of your career. Retirement is setting up to die. I hope to work till I pass on.
A point that gets missed is that in most cases early retirement is negotiated by unions. This means that they gave up something else to get it. Usually there is no way of restoring what was sacrifice. Opponents need to face the fact that labor was thinking responsibly about the future and management wasn't; that's management's problem.
todd prefers that the tits he's kissing and sucking, are riper and less wrinkely then tits that are 229 years old.
I like my teats to be as mature as my wines.
why not? That sounds so sexy in these times of gay cowboys!
I'm not a cowboy, although when I was a kid I did get a cowboy hat in Dallas.
combination of luck, planning and broad exposure to European social values allowed me to retire at age 48 on 2/3 of
salary 3 yrs ago. Most of the people in my circle & age group always inquire when will I return to "work". Reply: "working very hard to stay out of the workforce for the rest of my life".
Interestingly, everybody I know/meet from age mid 60s on, encourages: "don't work, unless absolutely necessary".
But it blows my mind, too, that in Amerika there is something vaguely disreputable about the desire to retire ASAP and finally throw off the collar and chains of wage slavery.
Little Brøther
exactly my situation and my point of view little brother! Good post
I'm never gonna be able to retire...
Scalito hearings
Rove indicted
Frist indicted
Delay in prison
Abramoff singing like a bird and all that jazz
Democrats take back senate
Impeachment of George W Bush
OR:
Scalito hearings; Boxer filibusters, Frist pulls the nuclear option, the Senate disintegrates, the Republicans unilaterally change the Senate rules to say that any Senator who interferes with the smooth flow of Senate business isn't needed for a quorum, and all Democrats but Lieberman are effectively cut out of the upper house. Consolidation of fascist power.
Frist indicted; claims separation of powers makes him immune from prsecution while in office, and Alito et al. uphold that. He continues in office. Consolidation of fascist power.
Delay in prison: yes. Doesn't make any difference now that the Senate is even more partisan than the House.
Abramoff singing like a bird: see Delay, above.
Democrats take back Senate: nope.
Impeachment of Bush: nope. And even if it did happen, we'd have President Cheney, and he'd appoint Feith VP.
I'm in a very pessimistic mood today. Alito is going to lead us straight to hell, and there's gonna be a lot of lighter fluid squirted on those coals next year.
Those lazy asses in the military get to retire after 20 years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And they get to go to the PX!!!!!!!!!!!!
/sarcasm, in case byyou can't tell
I'm never gonna be able to retire...
That's great! So American!
[/bush]
Not to mention the fact that many physically taxing jobs are difficult for many middle aged people. Some people stay fit until they're 65 but many people would find it impossible to work as a fireman, cop, nurse, garbageman, etc until 65.
I am a nurse and very active, skiing and biking at 50. Many of my coworkers aren't but nursing being historically a female dominated profession did not make provisions for early retirement. It is very physically taxing and I watch many of my coworkers struggle with the demands of the job as they pass middle age toward their retirement years.
Early retirement for Bush!
Impeachment, bitches!
And just to make sure nobody retires before 65, most companies won't hire anybody over 50...
Fortune and Money Magazine run several cover stories a year on how to retire early. Of course, they always involve investing your money on Wall Street. So it's ok for some folks to retire early. But, yeah, the Puritans did leave us a legacy that, in some ways, is way weird.
Wow, unseasonably warm in NYC.
I think I'll retire.
T2: way to pessimistic my friend! My number one prediction is Scalito won't get it! And them the wingnuts dominos will start falling down....yep! That's what i think
Afternoon, all.
If you have the Sundance
channel, there's a Wallace
& Gromit movie coming up
at two.
Damn funny.....
NTodd,
Who's gotta lose so me Vikes can get into the playoffs?
BTW, I'm wishing the best for all this holiday season.
esther: i admire all nurses. Have a great new year
And, of course, the flip side of this is: go and try to get hired for a new job once you're past 45 or so. All that "experience" counts for nada. Nilch. Nothing.
But, yeah, the Puritans did leave us a legacy that, in some ways, is way weird.
The Puritans solution to early retirement: put them in stocks.
Stop the wonking.
The puritans were a cruel, brutish, self hating bunch.
mr. simels,
Zapette gave me an early x-mas gift, in the form of Ryan Adams' new album (his third this year).
I think that you'd like it...very personable.
And not only are we expected to work until we die, but we're supposed to do so as cheaply as possible. Well, cheap for the employers, that is. I meet far too many working people who seem to think there's some sort of nobility in poverty.
And what really gets me is that the ones who think working till you die is their duty worship the George Bushes of the world who never earned a penny in their lives.
Same way they all talk about "rugged individualism" yet as soon as there's some sort of attack they go running to the "guvmint" to protect them.
I wonder, if your head explodes from these contradictions, do you get raptured?
Cup O' Joe - Blog Of The Working Man!
The Puritans solution to early retirement: put them in stocks.
Oh no you diiiin't.
Steve, i watched at 2am last night a Norman Jewison film "The Statement" with Michael Caine as a very catholic Vichy officier being hunted by the Powers who's scared he'd talk. Not bad film. Conventional filming but a good story. All british cast in this movie about the french catholic church defending Vichy collaborators
I'm in a very pessimistic mood today. Alito is going to lead us straight to hell,
and there's gonna be a lot of lighter fluid squirted on those coals next year.
T2 | Email | Homepage | 12.24.05 - 1:33 pm | #
Scalito's dead in the water.
Hasn't a prayer of getting the gig,
not after the wiretap shit and
all the stuff that's come out about
his record.
Ain't gonna happen.
Ba'al: you took the words right out of my mouth re Kevin Drum. although he is supposedly on "our side," every once in a while he posts something that really causes true liberals to scratch their heads. He really seems out of touch at times, and as a result I find myself visiting his website less and less. As Atrios says, what is wrong with a society where one can retire early, particularly if one has toiled in a hard profession that has various health risks?
Miles Standish wasn't such a hard worker, anyway. He sent some underling, John Alden, to fix him up with Priscilla Mullins.
The tables got turned, though, when Priscilla said to John, "Miles wants my hand? Fuck that, John. C'mon over to the bed. I'm ready to go all the way."
Off Topic:
Don't know if it's been mentioned or not already but the story about the UMass student who got visted by the feds for Mao's Little Red Book turns out to be a hoax.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/20...12/24/31717/
786
MYOB'
.
We have strange attitudes towards work in the country. There's almost a social stigma to retiring "early."
Bullshit Protestant work ethic.
It's the "they don't get to work, and I have to!" idea (the complaint about early retirement).
Had a student yesterday, in a discussion of the LeGuin story "The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas" who kept insisting the small child in the basement was a symbol of welfare queens, or that somehow people on welfare got away with making a living without working.
She couldn't conceive of welfare amounting to only a few hundred dollars a month. To her, it was simple: somebody else didn't have to work, while she did.
I'm with steve on Alito.
I'm hoping "Trust me" tactic that Bush uses doesn't work anymore.
mr. simels,
Zapette gave me an early x-mas gift, in the form of Ryan Adams' new album
(his third this year).
I think that you'd like it...very personable.
Zap Rowsdower | Email | Homepage | 12.24.05 - 1:39 pm | #
I think he's great, if a little
over-prolific.
BTW -- it's Steve.
Not Mr. Simels.
Mr. Simels is some old guy who
works at the United Jewish
Appeal, not
a dazzling urbanite like moi.
And, of course, the flip side of this is: go and try to get hired for a new job once you're past 45 or so. All that "experience" counts for nada. Nilch. Nothing.
Hecate Malificent
My father can't work anymore. Years of manual labor have taken a toll on his body. Yet he has to fight for the money that he's paid into SS in order for my parents to live marginally comfortable.
A cousin of mine (who's 30) got SSI for being a coke addict. Yet my Father gets the shaft.
kept insisting the small child in the basement was a symbol of welfare queens,
Like the small child in the basement in the original "Night of the Living Dead".
Paradoxically, the work ethic that abhors early retirement is also coupled with the marketers' love of glamour that means that those over 50 but under 65 can be given a hard time by the workplace... and I don't think it's just an American, but a First World thing.
We have strange attitudes towards work in the country. There's almost a social stigma to retiring "early."
Bullshit Protestant work ethic.
Buzz Bomb
I think it's simpler, and more the 'dark side' of the "pioneer spirit."
The pioneer "creates" a country by hard work. Slackers (the grasshopper, to the pioneer's ant) try to get something for nothing (i.e., reap the benefit of my work).
It has less to do with toiling to prove your virtue, and more to do with the fact that if I have to work hard, by God everybody should!
goodnight moonbats 
gonna spend some time with my family then i am going out round the pubs with me sister and her friend.
ciao
Hasn't a prayer of getting the gig,
not after the wiretap shit and
all the stuff that's come out about
his record.
Ain't gonna happen.
i hope you are right about that, because i totally agree with T2's assesment about what will happen if he does get confirmed.
and i'm not sure won't happen anyway.
BTW -- it's Steve.
Not Mr. Simels.
It was a term on endearment, my friend. Wasn't trying to offend you...
I have mucho respect for you, that's all.
GOOD: Living off capital gains from investments.
BAD: Living off deferred income from working.
Joyeux Noël Moonbootica and to all atriots
i'm going for a nap if i want to survive what we call in Québec "le Réveillons" this evening
salut!
And, of course, the flip side of this is: go and try to get hired for a new job once you're past 45 or so. All that "experience" counts for nada. Nilch. Nothing.
Hecate Malificent
After Mr. QL got laid off in August, we figured that was it. Instead he's making more money than before. I encouraged him to stay home, but the deal was just too tempting. At least it is only temporary.
I think a lot of people of afraid of being lonely. Their major form of recreation is work centered and they are afraid they will have no one to talk to. And it does happen.
LeGuin story "The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas" who kept in
Oh, I love that story.
Robert, get her to live on a welfare budget, even if just for food, not housing, transportatin, health care, clothes, etc. for just one month. Can one eat nutritious food on a welfare budget? Maybe. But most Americans really wouldn't like it or have the time.
Okay, looks like Hecate beat me to it.
If RMJ's there, I was looking at Isaiah 9, the verses about the "Prince of Peace" for the reading at a Christmas Eve service tonight (someone else doing the reading; I was looking for the context): but it occurred to me that Isaiah 10:1-4 might be as pertinent to Americans as Isaiah 9's standard verses.
An ethical life is embodied in property and material objects. If I can point at a nice home, and you can't, that means my life has more value.
That's the protestant ethic.
Some people say they'd be bored without their jobs. These people have no imagination.
5% of Americans never retire. They never go to work. They are...BORN RICH.
I think they need another tax break for their "efforts".
Robert, get her to live on a welfare budget,
Does he have to buy her a Cadillac first, like Reagan said they all have?
Plum P:
Happy Canadian Christmas to ya!
I like my teats to be as mature as my wine
wines that have gone sour and vinegery?
Plum P:
joyeux Noel et Nouvel An to you too.
You may well imagine the horror evinced toward retiring at 50....
People are remarkably interested in other people's business however.
BTW -- it's Steve.
Not Mr. Simels.
or "Yo, Simels!" if yer nasty.
We've got a lot of strange attitudes in this country.
You may well imagine the horror evinced toward retiring at 50....
Like the horror of having six weeks vacation as they do in Europe.
Is there a way to make Paris Hilton retire from whatever it is she's doing?
Please?
Like the horror of having six weeks vacation as they do in Europe.
cheney_usa's cheney_usa
I gather the Europeans in government are getting ever so slightly neurotic about how much holiday their workers are taking...
a blogwhore from a retirement village.
"We have strange attitudes towards work in the country. There's almost a social stigma to retiring "early." "
My own grandparents still have jobs despite being in their 80's.
They do it because they can't stand sitting around the house all day long. To them, working makes them feal more alive.
My grandmother makes pies at a local privately owned restaurant. Her pies have won county fairs and one of her recipes has made it into a number of recipe books(for which she sold the credits to) and my grandfather, who likened himself a Hugh Hefner wannabe is a professional photographer and camera expert. He works at a number of stores as an advisor and salesman for cameras and film. He even interviewed for a position at Playboy back in the 1960's.
Of course my grandfather considers his twilight years to be fitting since he sees this as the twilight years for cameras as more and more go straight to digital. He figures that by the time he retires for good and passes away he will have ended his life on a good note since he knows his life's passion will die with him.
MYOB'
.
IT's really weird. In Canada, retiring early if a lifetime goal. A few years ago, a bank did a tv advert with the slogan "Liberty 55". And it kind of sticked in our collective heads that retiring at 55 is fantabulous. It became our dream.
Also, it gives more opportunuities for the youngest in heavily unionised sectors where everything is done according to experience. (Of course, Canada is more unionized that America)
It would be so brillant to retire at 55, but it won't happen for me, not enough $$$
On a lighter note, it just took me three hours to buy fucking sewing machine light bulb. I got two, next time I'll just order one off the web. It must be close to 60 degrees here today.
I think it's simpler, and more the 'dark side' of the "pioneer spirit."
The pioneer "creates" a country by hard work. Slackers (the grasshopper, to the pioneer's ant) try to get something for nothing (i.e., reap the benefit of my work).
Darker than that. Being that the pioneer spirit involved the theft of the land from the original owners (Indians), it's part of the source of the American attitude, that all that matters, are the things you can aquire.
We've got a lot of strange attitudes in this country.
mena
Like my crabiness yesterday? 
How ya doing, dear?
am *NOT* going down on Kenosha, even to get him impeached.
NTodd
why not? That sounds so sexy in these times of gay cowboys!
Plum P
Could it be because Kenosha is ugly and nobody wants to blow him?
jo kin
.
This sounds like a real hootenanny:
Among those joining the president and his wife, Laura, at the wooded compound in Maryland's Catoctin Mountains are Bush's parents, former President George H.W. Bush and his wife, Barbara; Mrs. Bush's mother, Jenna Welch; and the first couple's twin daughters, Barbara and Jenna.
The president and first lady fly to their ranch in Crawford, Texas, on Monday, returning to Washington on New Year's Day.
ql,
walked from 79th and Fifth down to the West Village.
I was schvitzing!
So what are we all doing for
Christmas eve?
Anything special?
The president and first lady fly to their ranch in Crawford, Texas, on Monday, returning to Washington on New Year's Day.
watertiger
Oh gawd.
Is he going there to get "crisp" again?
It must be rough to have that much vacation time...
Plum P, you are the vision of sugar plums that dances in my head.
Hey Zap - barely awake, up half the night. Want christmas to be over.
Little Brøther: and this plum is blushing!
now i really must go have a nap
tourlou!
Is he going there to get "crisp" again?
more like "baked."
I wish George W. Bush an imprisoned new year.
I wish George W. Bush an imprisoned new year.
lipreader | 12.24.05 - 2:00 pm | #
Ditto!
It would be so brillant to retire at 55, but it won't happen for me, not enough $$$
Plum P
Plum, I am so looking forward to the day I'm eligible for my Old Age Pension. No euphemism, straight description. I shall be old. I will have an Old Age Pension. (Of about $73/month). I shall spend it on whiskey.
Anything special?
steve simels
I'm hooking up with my friend who lives in Brooklyn (and is from here), and we're gonna go get Zapette's top secret x-mas gift. Then off to Zapette's uncle's home, and then see my Grandma (they haven't met yet).
'Cause you really wanted to know...
I will dare to eat a peach.
The president and first lady fly to their ranch in Crawford, Texas, on Monday, returning to Washington on New Year's Day.
watertiger
I almost feel sorry for Pickles, being stuck with that asshole for the holidays.
GWPDA, might I recommend George Dickel's, the "other" Tennessee whiskey? I'm soaking in it (and "Since I've Been Lovin' You" live) now.
So what are we all doing for
Christmas eve?
Like an astonishing number of other Phoenicians, I went to the library. The mall parking lot was nearly empty but I had to cruise forever to find one at the library. O! Phoenix!
Now, I shall eat my turkey, brie and cranberry sandwich on onion roll from Karsh's and very likely have a little nap on the chaise, in the sun. 74F. Jolly.
Is there a way to make Paris Hilton retire from whatever it is she's doing?
Please?
Lumpenproletariat
Oh, watch out.
You'll have the "Carol" troll telling you that you are a bad person.
Last night, "Armando" was making all sorts of racist comments about Muslims, but THAT didn't bother "Carol."
Badmouth a multi-millionaire 'ho and "Carol" went ballistic.
Zap, I want to know anything you have to say. Because I luv your handle. Even though I don't know (or maybe it's remember?) why.
I wish George W. Bush an imprisoned new year.
lipreader | 12.24.05 - 2:00 pm | #
I wish the criminal to be cast into Dante's inferno where Virgil can smack his ass around.
If you have the Sundance
channel, there's a Wallace
& Gromit movie coming up
at two.
Damn funny.....
Last night on BBC america they had a very funny short of all these animals singing the 12 days of christmas. I'm pretty sure it was the same guy who does Wallace & Grommit. The funniest part was a talking plate of clams. Complete with oregano.
i don't know where to begin ... the nyc transit strike is clearly a management failure ... you know, the guys who get the big bucks ... and the workers used the only tool they had
until we as a society value work, there will be no justice
until we as a society value workers, there will be multi million dollar pay packages for ceos and scraps for everyone else
I will dare to eat a peach.
Little Brøther
Cool, dude. Just don't do it on a motorcycle, K?
GWPDA,
Would you be kind enough to email me about all that gem stuff again?
I've got a lot of atoning to do.
(No, I didn't cheat or anything that bad)
So what are we all doing for
Christmas eve?
Since it's warm here I may barbecue a steak for dinner.
Tommorrow it's off to the family to deliver presents.
I dreamed last night that I was on a flight to Paris.
Sadly, I woke up and I'm still here.
My kingdom for a bowl.
I really don't mind christmas, I guess. I just burnt out. Like so many women, I used to kill myself to provide great memories for the family: gingerbread houses, 18 different kinds of cookies, gift packs around the neighborhood, fucking popcorn strands. I don't want to do it anymore. It's not fun, what you get isn't worth the effort expended, and it's just more goddamn pressure in a pressure-filled life. Fuck it.
Just providing a little 'balance'.
Bush going to jail is as likely as OBL getting caught. It's never going to happen. At any rate, he's just a hand puppet, and we aren't allowed to know who he and all of the other visible characters are working for.
All we can do is resist, and make changes in the infrastructure when and where we can for as long as we are allowed to -- and they're working on that in that they are trying to institute the use of software voting that leaves no paper trail.
However, take heart in this -- if they were powerful enough to take over on their own right now without having to win the hearts and minds of anyone, they'd have done it already. What they're trying to do is take over without ruining the economy, and without making us sitting ducks for any nation or group of nations that might want to come here and kick all of our asses while we were engaged in civil war. They do not want to fuck up the economy, and they don't want to make themselves vulnerable.
It's fifty degrees outside! I'm on the screen porch and it's lovely!
mena, I'm with you.
I blame O'reilly for my current apathy about christmas.
Cup O' Joe - Blog Of The Working Man!
Joe Vecchio
Hello Joe, I whish you well.
I was over at your blog and it seems as if you are handeling the grief well.
All of our thoughts go out to you during this holiday and thru out life.
Hecate, have you had christmas plush yet?
'Cause you really wanted to know...
Zap Rowsdower | Email | Homepage | 12.24.05 - 2:02 pm | #
Sounds like a plan to me...
The funniest part was a talking plate of clams.
==
That's Creature Comforts. It is by Nick Park (W&G guy). I liked the clams too.
White House was against detainees hunger-striking before they were for it.
Joe, hey man! Damn, you interviewed ME on your radio show once. That shows you are cool. I'm so sorry for your loss. Luv you man.
Let the sunshine in...let the sunshine it....
I really don't mind christmas, I guess. I just burnt out.
We told my family three years ago no more presents. Best thing we ever did. Christmas is for the kids, and we did not have anybody under 25 left. Now it's just a gathering to eat, drink egg nog, and listen to some Xmas music. Takes a lot of the pressure off.
fucking drunk ass typing finger...sigh
The funniest part was a talking plate of clams.
==
That's Creature Comforts. It is by Nick Park (W&G guy). I liked the clams too.
mena | Email | 12.24.05 - 2:10 pm | #
I seem to recall a sort of gay
latin cat of some sort, languidly
lying on a tree branch.....
Hilarious.
Off topic, but:
"Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" is NOT being spied on by a pack of fascist thugs for the "offense" of NOT worshipping their vacuous twit of a figurehead as a deity.
Perhaps I came away with different impressions from MY school civics classes.
"They hate us for our freedoms."
So, hey, let's give those freedoms all up!
Makes perfect sense to me!
Mena,
Amen.
Which is, of course, an anagram of your name. Which is also an anagram.
Terry C, just because you know it all...peace!
Chris/tx - we did that too, and it does take a LOT of the unpleasantness right out of the holiday. Any time I can stay away from a mall is a good time by me.
That's Creature Comforts. It is by Nick Park (W&G guy). I liked the clams too.
Thanks. It was very funny.
All we can do is resist, and make changes in the infrastructure when and where we can for as long as we are allowed to -- and they're working on that in that they are trying to institute the use of software voting that leaves no paper trail.
However, take heart in this -- if they were powerful enough to take over on their own right now without having to win the hearts and minds of anyone, they'd have done it already. What they're trying to do is take over without ruining the economy, and without making us sitting ducks for any nation or group of nations that might want to come here and kick all of our asses while we were engaged in civil war. They do not want to fuck up the economy, and they don't want to make themselves vulnerable.
fondook | Email | 12.24.05 - 2:09 pm | #
Who are they?
Bush going to jail is as likely as OBL getting caught. It's never going to happen.
No, because the little coward is going to pull a Tricky Dick and QUIT!
watertiger, with all those anagrams I feel you are much too lucid. Party down, sweetheart.
Terry C, just because you know it all...peace!
lipreader
When did I ever say that I know it all?
The trolls say we are ALL know it alls.
They, of course, know nothing.
Terry C, in your handle...besides, I trust you know it all without you saying so.
Chris/tx - we did that too, and it does take a LOT of the unpleasantness right out of the holiday. Any time I can stay away from a mall is a good time by me.
Yeah, it's weird- I was at Target last week and I overheard some people picking out the craziest stuff for their relatives, clearly just to have something to give someone.
Weird.
I also overhead two women at a store last night talking about christmas- one was saying how she bakes a "birthday cake for jesus" every year so her kids will know it's not about Santa.
I wanted to barf.
lipreader,
well, if it's any solace, i just downed a Boylan's Birch Beer really fast, and am now enjoying the incredibly LOUD belching that is a serendipitous after-effect.
Which is, of course, an anagram of your name. Which is also an anagram.
watertiger
==
I had no idea I was so profound.
(well, yeah I did. )
Ntodd's pants know it all.
So does Thers' six year old.
watertiger, it is GREAT solace that you are drinking alternative beer.
mena - Yep, I found the gift giving the most stressful part. My wife always frantically shopping at the last moment trying to find the perfect gifts. My mother asking me for a gift list, then dragging me to the mall to pick it out because she might get the wrong size or color. Who needs it? If we want something, we just go buy it. Christmas should be a time of enjoying your family, not of stress.
Alright you pussies. I would give w a blow job if it meant the man would get impeached. Who's with me?
Terry C, in your handle...besides, I trust you know it all without you saying so.
lipreader
(deep bow)
The handle, as you know, is a dig at The Other Side.
How about a rule that if you are over 9 you don't get a Christmas gift?
Alright you pussies. I would give w a blow job if it meant the man would get impeached. Who's with me?
ql in ny
It wouldn't be worth the time it would take to FIND the damn thing.
I'm sure his dick is as small as his brain!
clearly just to have something to give someone.
I also overhead two women at a store last night talking about christmas- one was saying how she bakes a "birthday cake for jesus" every year so her kids will know it's not about Santa.
I wanted to barf.
four legs good
I would've gotten in trouble for laughing in her face.
Greets, fellow freethinkers. I would wish you a Merry Festivus, but I've been promoting a War with Jerry Seinfeld for a number of years now.
I'd promise him a blow job and carry a knife, does that count?
Yeah, it's weird- I was at Target last week and I overheard some people picking out the craziest stuff for their relatives, clearly just to have something to give someone.
I was in Trget today and the funniest shit occured. These two small black boys(probably 6 and 7) found the cans of silly string. One of the kids matter of factly stated to the other, "Hey we can shoot this on white people" the other kid responded , "yeah, wee can put it on the white people" .
I swear to god it was the funniest/cutest thing I've seen in a while. The parents looked really embarrased!
Cheese it!
The NSA is watching and watching and watching. Hi guys! You realy should be home with your families instead of monitoring Moonbats. Nothing better to do? Maybe you could be looking for Osama Bin Laden, huh?
Bats, do not discuss impeachment for high crimes or you just might be drug-off to a prison outside the US that really doesn't exist and tortured in ways that the administration never supported.
W...the bastard child of Tricky Dick.
filkertom, Jerry Seinfeld isn't funny, but he speaks with heavy ironic inflection to make idiots think he is.
I also overhead two women at a store last night talking about christmas- one was saying how she bakes a "birthday cake for jesus" every year so her kids will know it's not about Santa.
I wanted to barf.
four legs good
LMAO
I also overhead two women at a store last night talking about christmas- one was saying how she bakes a "birthday cake for jesus" every year so her kids will know it's not about Santa.
Duncan Hines for Christ.
I also overhead two women at a store last night talking about christmas- one was saying how she bakes a "birthday cake for jesus" every year so her kids will know it's not about Santa.
I wanted to barf.
four legs good
I would've gotten in trouble for laughing in her face.
Terry C, Elitist Know It All | 12.24.05 - 2:20 pm
Wha-at, you didn't know the Three Wise Guys brought gold, Frankenstein, and buttercream frosting?
Who's with me?
===
*crickets*
lipreader -- word. The spiritual descendent of the equally unfunny David Brenner.
Haloscan hates me.
If we just have to give someone something, anything, I favor pet rocks. Go outside. Find a rock. Wrap it up. At least rocks don't take up space in landfills.
I really don't mind christmas, I guess. I just burnt out. Like so many women, I used to kill myself to provide great memories for the family: gingerbread houses, 18 different kinds of cookies, gift packs around the neighborhood, fucking popcorn strands. I don't want to do it anymore. It's not fun, what you get isn't worth the effort expended, and it's just more goddamn pressure in a pressure-filled life. Fuck it.
I think many of us mature ladies feel exactly the same. I use the excuse that I don't have family nearby anymore, but it really is just an excuse. I just don't want to bothered anymore.
"birthday cake for jesus"
I'd like to sneek into her house, cut me a big piece of cake, and leave a thank you note signed "jesus".
mena - Yep, I found the gift giving the most stressful part. My wife always frantically shopping at the last moment trying to find the perfect gifts. My mother asking me for a gift list, then dragging me to the mall to pick it out because she might get the wrong size or color. Who needs it? If we want something, we just go buy it. Christmas should be a time of enjoying your family, not of stress.
chris/tx
Precisely why I'm teaching my family the "12 days of Xmas" concept.
'round here, Xmas starts on 12/24, not the day after Thxgiving, and ends the evening of Jan. 6, not sometime in the afternoon of Jan. 1.
Gifts that arrive within that time (or cards for that matter) are deemed Xmas gifts, and timely delivered.
But most of the gifts are bread and cookies anyway, so I avoid the malls.
Hate them things, specially in December.
Duncan Hines for Christ.
==
I'm in the Betty Crocker denomination. Infidel!
Re: the birthday cake..
I wanted to point out to her that jesus doesn't eat cake. And that he might like it better if she didn't put so much goddamned hairspray in her hair.
Jerry Seinfeld isn't funny
George and Elaine carried the show.
I give hugs. They wrap up nicely, are easy to return, and one size fits all.
I also overhead two women at a store last night talking about christmas- one was saying how she bakes a "birthday cake for jesus" every year so her kids will know it's not about Santa.
I bake muffins for SATAN.
SATAN MUFFINS.
fondook | Email | 12.24.05 - 2:09 pm | #
"When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible but in the end, they always fall -- think of it, ALWAYS."
- Gandhi
I'd like to sneek into her house, cut me a big piece of cake, and leave a thank you note signed "jesus".
That would be funny.
These are the same people who think they have a "personal" relationship with jesus.
The NSA is watching and watching and watching.
My favorite gerbil works as a digital NSA rectal probe. He and his ilk collect all kinds of shit.
-Liddy Dole
I damn W to being Seinfeld's Kleenex.
Jerry Seinfeld isn't funny
George and Elaine carried the show.
Tarheel
I liked Kramer.
George was annoying and Elaine was a weirdo.
I bake muffins for SATAN.
SATAN MUFFINS.
Whoo hoo!!
Now there's an idea I like.
"birthday cake for jesus"
Anyway, give her some credit. Those take a long time to make.
They only rise on the third day.
These are the same people who think they have a "personal" relationship with jesus.
==
He's coming. Look busy.
These are the same people who think they have a "personal" relationship with jesus.
four legs good
When, frankly, he thinks they're major assholes.
Thers - did you make enough for all of us?
Wha-at, you didn't know the Three Wise Guys brought gold, Frankenstein, and buttercream frosting?
Cheap bastards. They should have at least made it cream cheese frosting.
I bake muffins for SATAN.
SATAN MUFFINS.
Thers
Cheesecake for B'al!
Wha-at, you didn't know the Three Wise Guys brought gold, Frankenstein, and buttercream frosting?
filkertom
Well,don't tell the kids the frankincense and myrrh were commonly used for burial.
Corpses in Palestine stink quick; gotta perfume 'em heavily. Those were the two standards, reserved for kings and other rich folks.
I liked Kramer.
George was annoying and Elaine was a weirdo.
Terry C, Elitist Know It All | 12.24.05 - 2:26 pm
Kramer brought back that whole British monty python gesticulatory humor. Always falling down and bumping into shit....I really like his jew fro
He's coming. Look busy.
Bring Kleenex.
OT,
some holiday teh cuteness.
Anyway, give her some credit. Those take a long time to make.
They only rise on the third day.
The best christmas is where you have a legitimate excuse not to show up.
Who needs it? If we want something, we just go buy it. Christmas should be a time of enjoying your family, not of stress.
chris/tx
Holidays are about sharing time with people you love - it's about music, good vittles and drink, good conversation. I could give a damn about gifts, I've got too much stuff as it is. To me, the best gift someone could give me is their company. If they are just burning to go out and spend money, it would make me happiest if they went out and bought groceries and gifts for a family that has nothing.
Anyway, give her some credit. Those take a long time to make.
They only rise on the third day.
Oh.
Damn.
Kramer brought back that whole British monty python gesticulatory humor. Always falling down and bumping into shit....I really like his jew fro
Tarheel
Physical comedy - Chaplin, Rowan Atkinson as Mr. Bean..........
Never, ever liked Seinfeld, or Seinfeld. Michael Richards, Jason Alexander, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus were excellent as their characters, but I hated them. And, to me, Jerry was, and is, the textbook example of someone who is in no way funny but thinks he is.
Financially smart? I'll give him that. Million-plus per episode? Oh, yeah, sweet deal. Funny? NFW.
SATAN MUFFINS.
Thers
Red Devil's Food with black icing?
some holiday teh cuteness.
Awwwww.
Why is no one talking about the bill that is on the desk of the Ohio govenor that allows for indiscriminate arrests? Ohio "Patriot Act
This is mazism at its finest and no one seems to be saying much about it. I wonder how it even got to the gov's desk without any media attention.
THis is complete bullshit. If the residents of Ohio allow for this, they deserve to go to jail.
jesus would probably point out that his birthday wasn't actually in december.
Stinky -- word. My Christmas gift to my lady is a song I wrote for her.
And, to me, Jerry was, and is, the textbook example of someone who is in no way funny but thinks he is.
Never thought Seinfeld was funny.
Snide, maybe. Funny? Nada.
jesus would probably point out that his birthday wasn't actually in december.
four legs good
=
Who wrote 'Jesus is a Capricorn'? I always loved that, just for the title.
Red Devil's Food with black icing?
I can do that.
I prefer Lucifer's Linzer Tortes, myself.
But most of the gifts are bread and cookies anyway, so I avoid the malls.
That sums it up for me, "breaking bread" with family/friends for Christmas. That's one thing I miss about working, is all the holiday food people would bring to share. Even the car wash I went to yesterday had a big table setup with treats. Forget the presents, just fill up everyones bellies with good food, desserts, and a little liquid cheer.
SATAN MUFFINS.
Thers
Red Devil's Food with black icing?
No, coarse bran. They weigh about two pounds each. Then you shame a relative into eating one and let the fun begin!
Physical comedy - Chaplin, Rowan Atkinson as Mr. Bean..........
Terry C, Elitist Know It All | 12.24.05 - 2:29 pm | #
Mr. Bean fucking cracked me up in "Four Weddings..."less physical in that one....HIs BBC specials sometimes leave me yawning, but "Rat Race" was fucking hilarious too.
jesus would probably point out that his birthday wasn't actually in december.
four legs good
Well, and the Queen's isn't in May (or do they celebrate in June?).
But it's so much more fun to celebrate at a convenient time.
Although, being Creator of the Universe and all, you'd think He could have worked that out.....
Bob Taft is a mouthbreather with a 16% approval rating. In other words, he is dangerous.
I'm a Buckeye, I know of what I speak.
And, to me, Jerry was, and is, the textbook example of someone who is in no way funny but thinks he is.
Maybe. But then what IS the deal with airplane food? Huh?
No, coarse bran. They weigh about two pounds each. Then you shame a relative into eating one and let the fun begin!
You are so marvelously evil, Thers.
Nevermind about the Satan Muffins, 4LG - they probably have okra in them.
Maybe I should make some marinara in honor of the flying spaghetti monster?
well you guys are just ingrates.
Stinky -- word. My Christmas gift to my lady is a song I wrote for her.
I had a lover ask me once what I wanted for xmas and I told him I wanted a love letter -- a real, old fashioned, honest-to-goodness love letter.
It was one of the very nicest presents I ever got.
I think John Prine wrote it.
Jesus was a Capricorn, he ate organic foods.
He believed in love and peace and never wore no shoes.
Long hair, beard and sandals and a funky bunch of friends.
Reckon they'd just nail him up if He come down again.
'Cos everybody's got to have somebody to look down on.
Who they can feel better than at anytime they please.
Someone doin' somethin' dirty, decent folks can frown on.
If you can't find nobody else, then help yourself to me.
Get back, John!
Egg Head's cousin Red Neck's cussin' hippies for their hair.
Others laugh at straights who laugh at freaks who laugh at squares.
Some folks hate the whites who hate the blacks who hate the clan.
Most of us hate anything that we don't understand.
'Cos everybody's got to have somebody to look down on.
Who they can feel better than at anytime they please.
Someone doin' somethin' dirty, decent folks can frown on.
If you can't find nobody else, then help yourself to me.
Help yourself, brother.
Help yourself, Gentlemen.
Help yourself Reverend.
GWPDA,
Would you be kind enough to email me about all that gem stuff again?
Here you go dearie. Mohr's Scale: http://www.royalgems.com/gemston...guide/
aqua.aspx
and http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/jo/min...ls/
hardness.htm
For the best selection of semi-precious stones: Southwestern Minerals
7008 Central Ave SE
Albuquerque, NM 87108 - 2050
(505) 268-6778
I just got an early Christmas gift - the "Impeach Bush" bumper sticker I ordered a couple of days ago came a little while ago and I went out and put it on my car.
Felt good!
and btw,
WTF is with the Giants?
Nevermind about the Satan Muffins, 4LG - they probably have okra in them.
I'll bet you're right.
RMJ, you okay? There was a really ugly thread a couple days ago.
they probably have okra in them
Send them over this way...I can't get enough of that shit...
YES!
touchdown.
Hugs, Tena!
WTF is with the Giants?
They are preoccupied with green beans and peas.
I loves me some fried okra.
Physical comedy - Chaplin, Rowan Atkinson as Mr. Bean..........
Terry C, Elitist Know It All | 12.24.05 - 2:29 pm | #
Mr. Bean fucking cracked me up in "Four Weddings..."less physical in that one....HIs BBC specials sometimes leave me yawning, but "Rat Race" was fucking hilarious too.
Tarheel
I love Rowan Atkinson as Blackadder, too.
No one can say "Oh God" with as much disgust in his voice as Edmund Blackadder!
I just got an early Christmas gift - the "Impeach Bush" bumper sticker I ordered a couple of days ago came a little while ago and I went out and put it on my car.
sweeeeeeet!
Holidays are about sharing time with people you love - it's about music, good vittles and drink, good conversation. I could give a damn about gifts, I've got too much stuff as it is. To me, the best gift someone could give me is their company. If they are just burning to go out and spend money, it would make me happiest if they went out and bought groceries and gifts for a family that has nothing.
Stinky
Thanks stinky, what I was trying to say, you just said it much better.
Time and company is the greatest gift (well, as long as they don't stay over three days).
Free THE ATRIOS TWO!!!!!!!!
Dave TM stole something I said the other day and I bought a bumper sticker of it. I hope I get it today.
Impeach. Convict. Hand over to the Haque.
Think I'll nap for a bit.
Happy Merry to all you good folks!
I just got an early Christmas gift - the "Impeach Bush" bumper sticker I ordered a couple of days ago came a little while ago and I went out and put it on my car.
Felt good!
Tena | Email | Homepage | 12.24.05 - 2:34 pm | #
you know that owning that carries responsibility....now you must cut off/flick off/piss off, anyone with W stickers on the car. Also, throwing fecal matter from the window is in the contract.
good morning free thinkers
Late to the party, but:
I give hugs. They wrap up nicely, are easy to return, and one size fits all.
filkertom
Hope I'm on your list!
I just got an early Christmas gift - the "Impeach Bush" bumper sticker I ordered a couple of days ago came a little while ago and I went out and put it on my car.
sweeeeeeet!
watertiger
I've been seeing a LOT of those of late.
IMPEACHMENT - It's Not Just for Blowjobs Anymore!
reposted,
If this fits anyones music taste for Christmas eve, the BBC is streaming (realplayer, if you don't have it, get it at real.com) Bach Christmas music.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/aod/
r...io3_promo.shtml
RMJ not being all right? I doubt that. He knows that many of us go off on a rants that we regret later.
The Giants play like crap on the road.
good morning focus, although it 14:40 in my neck of the woods.
IMPEACHMENT - It's Not Just for Blowjobs Anymore!
Terry C, Elitist Know It All
==
Ooh, mena like.
Happy Holidays from watertiger.
you know that owning that carries responsibility....now you must cut off/flick off/piss off, anyone with W stickers on the car. Also, throwing fecal matter from the window is in the contract.
Tarheel
I can't believe anyone would leave those things on their cars.
It's like having a bumper sticker on your vehicle saying "I Support Pedophiles/Rape/Mass Murder....."
And I think Kris Kristofferson wrote "Jesus Was A Capricorn."
More of a Pisces type, I think.
I loves me some fried okra.
lipreader | 12.24.05 - 2:36 pm | #
With some ranch!mmmmmmmm....which reminds me of a joke.
HOw do you get a southern bell to give you head?
Free THE ATRIOS TWO!!!!!!!!
lion kitty maxx
They don't get off work til 6 tonight.
you know that owning that carries responsibility....now you must cut off/flick off/piss off, anyone with W stickers on the car. Also, throwing fecal matter from the window is in the contract.
When they notice your sticker, and are snarling at you do something even more radical,
be nice to them, that's the real Christan spirit.
btw, if you haven't seen it yet, wander over to TBogg's for some holiday cheer.
"Except Bill O'Reilly. He can just go fuck himself."
He'll have to.
I can't imagine any other takers!
Tarheel, what is the punchline?
{{{{{{{{{{Silleigh}}}}}}}}}}
Oh yeah.
RMJ, you okay? There was a really ugly thread a couple days ago.
filkertom
I'm fine.
Caught some echoes of that, I think.
I must have bailed early and missed it all.
Which sounds like my schedule, lately.
Besides, what can postings on line do to me, especially since most of them are anonymous, and even my "anonymous" friends here don't jump me with hob-nailed boots.
And those that do must imagine they have hob-nailed boots.
Thanks for asking, though. Must have been really bad.
The Pajama's Media icon is red and green today in honor of christmas. It looks hideous. You could use it on a warning label on drums of hazardous waste.
Being on Filkertom's list is probably lots 'n lots better than being on Holden's list.
Doug -- nice. I really should remember to check both BBC and CBC radio more often.
"First we hang him
Then we tattoo him
Then we impeach him."
- tip of the hat to "Pee Wee's Big Adventure"
The Pajama's Media icon is red and green today in honor of christmas. It looks hideous. You could use it on a warning label on drums of hazardous waste.
arabella
Looks more like shit than usual, eh?
good morning focus, although it 14:40 in my neck of the woods.
lipreader
and i suppose you'll tell me that where you are it's not 80 deg. with a sea breeze and a sky so blue you have to squint...
Islamists! Jihadis! and Birkenstocked hipsters!
They'll destroy our pop culture and marry our sisters
==
Tarheel, what is the punchline?
lipreader
Do we wanna know?
Silleigh -- a different kinda list, I hope...?
RMJ -- I didn't think it was all that bad, but it was passionate, and edging toward a line or two, and it looked as if you bailed because you'd been offended. We all know how emotional everyone gets at this time of year, and I don't like seeing friends in a bad mood.
It's HOT here today, 42F.
Doug - before the election I had a whole different set of stickers and when people showed irritation with me, I would just smile and smile and wave really friendly.
And that's what I'll keep on doing - though I doubt many people are going to object.
Dallas doesn't really like Bush, for the most part. We voted for Kerry - he carried the city, and almost carried the county.
good morning focus, although it 14:40 in my neck of the woods.
lipreader
That's okay - I didn't drag my ass out of bed till 12:30 pm today.
Hell, I'm entitled!
and i suppose you'll tell me that where you are it's not 80 deg. with a sea breeze and a sky so blue you have to squint...
focus, wisher of well
Oh no, that would fuck with my seasonal affective disorder. I can make a snowman if I want to go outside. I don't.
tp://www.reuters.hu/card_dom/index_content.htm
This from Knight-Ridder ... and it doesn't sound good:
BAGHDAD, Iraq - An Iraqi court has ruled that some of the most prominent Sunni Muslims who were elected to parliament last week won't be allowed to serve because officials suspect that they were high-ranking members of Saddam Hussein's Baath Party.
Knight Ridder has obtained a copy of the court ruling, which has yet to be circulated to the public.
There were thousands of Shiites out protesting yesterday -- and this decision wasn't known yet.
Tarheel, what is the punchline?
lipreader | 12.24.05 - 2:41 pm | #
Oh, I thought it was obvious from the statement b4 the joke. Ranch...I know it's not that funny, but godammn if it ain't true!
RMJ: I'm an agnostic Pastafarian, or something, and even I want to bail here at certain times.
Just know that you are adored and greatly valued here. I hate to tell you all the time, you being a self-described "curmudgeon" and all, but it seems appropriate today.
Little Brother and Dr. Pedant, if you are still around, you have mail.
I slept in till 9:15. For me, this is A Big Deal.
Sorry, here is the link to that Knight-Ridder article
http://www.realcities.com/mld/kr...on/
13476434.htm
you know what I want for crimbo...a fucking halo scan that doesn't erase my comments...I swear to God, as soon as I write something I consider witty or funny...gone...haloscan is against me! They're all against me!
Hey, DWD. How's it goin'?
Me is gonna buy me some ranch dressing and head south for the winter.
you know what I want for crimbo...a fucking halo scan that doesn't erase my comments...I swear to God, as soon as I write something I consider witty or funny...gone...haloscan is against me! They're all against me!
Tarheel | Email | 12.24.05 - 2:47 pm
Agent Seven... subject Tarheel is on to us. Switch to open source code and make "Bill Gates sucks" noises, stat.
Terri C - Yes, it looks more hideous than usual. There is a bright orange advert to the right of it. It is so fugly, I can't even tell you.
bush:drf
Like a dummy, I accepted an invitation for this evening. Now, all I want to do is get into jammies and stay home. Does that ever happen to you all?
Gah - Terry sorry for the typo.
gwb:drc
I already did all my holiday stuff but here is something brilliant at Crooks and Liars
VIDEO PROOF OF BUSH DRUNK!
Very funny...and what better gift (short of impeachment) could there be?
Merry Happy everyone. I'm gonna go get sumpin to eat before the whiskey eats through me.
Gawd, I hadn't seen the new PJ logo. They must not wash that thing.
Me is gonna buy me some ranch dressing and head south for the winter.
lipreader | 12.24.05 - 2:48 pm | #
Bring some biscuits and you're golden.
Oh no, that would fuck with my seasonal affective disorder
My SAD doesn't kick in till February.
Like a dummy, I accepted an invitation for this evening. Now, all I want to do is get into jammies and stay home. Does that ever happen to you all?
Yeah -- but you might surprise yourself and have a really good time.
I'm GOING to do laundry ANY MINUTE and clean up, and then lie around and dig into a Bela Lugosi collection I grabbed last night. If I have company tonight, I'll be as ready as I ever get for anything.
before the whiskey eats through me.
lipreader | 12.24.05 - 2:50 pm | #
What kind you drinking?
I might get together with friends tomorrow; haven't decided. Tonight, I'm gonna sit down and read A Christmas Carol aloud, which I have done for myself the past few years.
I already did all my holiday stuff but here is something brilliant at Crooks and Liars
VIDEO PROOF OF BUSH DRUNK!
Very funny...and what better gift (short of impeachment) could there be?
attaturk
Fucking hilarious!
Alright ladies of Eschaton, Who wants a "hot toddy"?
...or perhaps you'd prefer somethin' to drink?
Gah - Terry sorry for the typo.
gwb:drc
arabella
No problemo.
At least you're not calling me a "dumb cunt", like Gordon The Useless.
I'm GOING to do laundry ANY MINUTE and clean up, and then lie around and dig into a Bela Lugosi collection I grabbed last night
Cool!
RMJ -- I didn't think it was all that bad, but it was passionate, and edging toward a line or two, and it looked as if you bailed because you'd been offended. We all know how emotional everyone gets at this time of year, and I don't like seeing friends in a bad mood.
filkertom
Oh, that conversation!
No, I bailed because I was getting to involved in arguing over trifles.
A weakness of mine. As you say, I don't like seeing friends in a bad mood, either.
And I like even less being the cause of it because I'm being argumentative.
Out again. Gotta go to work.
VIDEO PROOF OF BUSH DRUNK!
OMG, that is indeed brilliant. Just sent that to a buncha people.
I just checked my grades and I made an A in my class.
I think I'll celebrate by drinking heavily.
Driving by to wish everyone a very joyous holiday!
Mwah!!!
*
Jenny! Back atcha!
Yay! {{{{{{{{{{Jenny ftB}}}}}}}}}}
That was me, lion kitty did not take a class this fall.
Alright Eschatonians, the wife and I are off to travel across the beautiful state of NC and head to the mountains. Hope you all have a fucking merry crimbo and to my fellow Jews, a happy Chanakau. May we all return from the holidays to hear shouts, as opposed to whispers, of impeachment. Viva la Revolucion!
Hi JftB!!!! Hope you are having a great holiday.
Alright ladies of Eschaton, Who wants a "hot toddy"?
...or perhaps you'd prefer somethin' to drink?
attaturk | Email | Homepage | 12.24.05 - 2:54 pm
What makes the not NToddy so hot?
What puts the "ate" in Atriot?
WHADDA THEY GOT THAT I AIN'T GOT???
Man spends 15 months in custody without a lawyer -- for contempt of court. Only in Bobo's World:
....And Justice For All
As always, read it with someone you love. It's a Festivus miracle!
VIDEO PROOF OF BUSH DRUNK!
OMG, that is indeed brilliant. Just sent that to a buncha people.
Silleigh
So did I!
Sorry, the "hot" NToddy. Blew the joke. Sigh. Phuque HaloScum.
Happy Happy Jenny!! I miss you!!
Later, Tarheel! Travel safe.
Sheets!
The pioneer "creates" a country by hard work. Slackers (the grasshopper, to the pioneer's ant) try to get something for nothing (i.e., reap the benefit of my work).
It has less to do with toiling to prove your virtue, and more to do with the fact that if I have to work hard, by God everybody should!
Well, fair enough. But the country's created. It's done been built. Many thanks to previous generations for doing all that hard work. They did it for us, as well as for themselves (people are always talking about "future generations.") Why can't we kick back a little and enjoy the fruits of our ancestors' labor without being made to feel guilty?
As to the country mostly being built: the infrastructure is there, yes, but it needs constant upkeep and replacement. And we can't even seem to do that. Seems to me we've become, if not a lazy country, a country of cheapskates, since the main reason (in my opinion) why spending on infrastructure is never adequate is because Americans bitch so much about having to pay taxes for it, and vote for Republicans who will hopefully cut their taxes.
Crappy Holidays!
Does that ever happen to you all?
Hell yes. But you'll have a good time. And you don't want to end up a nutty old recluse like me.
The cat guy of Minneapolis, aka
4LG,
Congrats on the A! Fantastic!
Jenny from the ßlog
Happy holidays. Welcome to a nice quiet afternoon.
late brunch here today, waffles, bacon, OJ, Fresh strawberries, Guatamalian coffee.
Any one want a snack, this batch of waffles came out really good.
"Like a dummy, I accepted an invitation for this evening. Now, all I want to do is get into jammies and stay home. Does that ever happen to you all?"
--Hecate Malificent
Too often. Two weeks out I'm on the phone saying, sure, let's meet for lunch. The day arrives and I'm saying to myself, why did you say you'd go to lunch today? Usually, someone I like, but not really wanting to go to lunch with so much.
happy happy to you Jenny from the Blog!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Like a dummy, I accepted an invitation for this evening. Now, all I want to do is get into jammies and stay home. Does that ever happen to you all?"
--Hecate Malificent
All the time, but I usually have a good time once I get there.
Same with lunch.
Man I'm awesome. So far today, I've made 9 1/2 dozen date squares, 6 stuffed potatoes to be baked a second time tonight, I have a prime rib in the oven and I made a huge pot of stew for tomorrow.
Whew!
To some, early retirement means retiring before you die.
I took early retirement at age 52, after having worked twenty-five years in the field of child sexual abuse, child protective services, foster care, and juvenile justice. My work was complex and the duties included almost daily court appearances, transporting children, removing children from abusive homes at any hour 24/7, etc.. I also faced the issue of having a parent with COPD - and death was imminent. SO, I decided to take early retirement with a very small pension. I receive Disability as well. My life has changed dramatically. I live a frugal and boring life now. I cannot socialize the way I used to. I cannot afford a car (I always had new cars) and I now use public transportation. I do have peace, however. And that is sublime. I could not devote my strong energies to my work any longer. I was exhaused and completely drained. I now live a simple life. It is good.
I am drinking a "Cuba Libre," a rum and coke with lime. It is a popular drink here in Tampa. I hope our New Year brings the impeachment of the idiot bush. I hope our New Year brings us closer to the light and the source that is love. I embrace the Buddhist understanding of life. I am older and I see that truth far more clearly. Peace and Love to all
CEO's aren't worth it.
I just retired at 55. I am one of the last group of people under the old CSRS federal pension plan. I'm getting maybe 62% of my salary. Of course, I suffered a righteous case of repetitive stress in both hands (after a career sorting and delivering approximately 13 million pieces of mail) ten years ago and couldn't pick up my kid. The body breaks down after doing anything 13 million times. I was a letter carrier so I could do anything a letter carrier does as long as it didn't involve repetitive use of my hands. So I spent ten years sitting in a chair staring at the walls. I feel like I just finished a prison sentence. I could have spent another 20 years staring at a wall and drawing a full salary, but who the fuck benefits? When your letter carrier is a broken down 70-year-old wheezing down the block at a half-mile an hour, will you be glad that he's still working? Or should we get those glue factories running again?
Retirement? This thread is for the lucky people to comment on. Yep, the injured back, the 3 years partially disabled, the working part time and sliding back routine, the house sold off to pay taxes and bills, then of course, its value goes up $100,000.
Anyone who can retire, well, good luck on your part. I'm floating out to sea on a raft and never coming back the day I can no longer pay my bills.
In this month's NEA magazine a substitute teacher wrote in to complain that she only makes $11 an hour, so why are contract teachers bitching about money? They should be grateful, she said.
What the hell? Everyone should be miserable? Nobody deserves a good salary or a retirment that comes early enough to enjoy? Teachers (and cops, and nurses and firefighters and many others) should just work for the emotional rewards?
The solution isn't to drag everyone down. You'd think that would be obvious.
I retired at age 58 ten years ago. That's why I'm still alive.
The real point is to artificially inflate the pool of labor. This will create over-supply and downward pressure on wages. Off-shoring, immigration and other sources are already helping to accomplish that goal. Ending retirement is merely an adjunct to that tactic. Note that decrease in safety net programs also force the issue. The master class can create a sub-class of workers that have been lulled into compliance through the opiate of religion, mistaken belief that those who fail are weak and myopic self-interest which prevents realistic opposition to the ruling class.
So has anyone said "Fuck Drum?"
Can I repeat it, then?
He really is a worthless piece of shit.
Too many Americans forget that we work to live, not the other way around. My European friends are always surprised to learn that most Americans only get two weeks vacation. Four weeks or more is almost a standard to Europeans, not to mention the numerous holidays.
I'm semi-retired and only work about six months out of the year and I'm 45. I'm not rich by any measure, but I am comfortable. It took 20 years of saving and investing to get to this position.
My wife and I take annual trips to New York to see a show and shop. We go to Europe every other year. Not having to work my ass off and die, allows me to enjoy life and to persue other passions.
My father was a career Air Force man who retired at 37, worked 10 years and and retired for good at 47. I once asked why he didn't keep working. He ask why should he? The house was paid for and he had enough money to maintain his modest lifestyle. You know what? The man was absolutely right.
At this point in my life, I could not imagine a mere two or three weeks of vacation time.
If you work for a corporation, take a look around and see how many grey heads you see. These have been ruthlessly purged from corporate ranks in recent decades; how can anyone avoid retirement at 55?
There should be no stigma attached to retiring early. I'm sure as hell shooting for it. Most of us in this country work our asses off, and if you can do it, great; it just opens up another job for someone else.
No, you got it all wrong.
It's a jealousy thing. Not a "it's wrong" thing. They got theirs, I don't have mine, I'm pissed: this is how everything works in America/democracy/equality.
America holds no "stigma" for anything. There are NO standards in America.
That kind of elaborate crapthink is of the Lifelong collegean, detached from reality (blogger) got you As in college, 'cause your opinion wasn't "bigoted", "racist", or "evil", but far far far from what is.
Early Retirement
Well, that's only for CEOs of huge multinationals, unless those living high on the hog have already been invited to "serve" in government as vice-president of the USA and secretary of defense, to name but two powerful posts.
Actually, Bush loves the notion of Americans working two and three jobs for minimum wage (and below) until they drop dead.
Pensions are for the rich and well-positioned -- and the best kind are designed so as to be virtually tax free.
But don't try this tax-free pension scheme at home, or you will be arrested and charged with fraud.
You really need to be a millionaire times two to really make it work to your advantage.
Just ask Bush!
Or, more particularly, ask Bush's accountant, because Bush can't understand the math -- it's way above his pay grade!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The protestant work ethic, or take it out on the Jews.
Our social group all retired in our mid to late fiftys,
we had our children late in life our forty's,
bought our homes before getting married,
bought our beach homes at 45+/-. saved frantically
sent our kids to college,
had new cars every four years,
paid cash for everything except the houses.
and now we have our pensions and investments that provide us 80% of what we earned.
yes Early retirement can be done, live within your means, start saving in yor early 20's.
Now check out the retirement ages in europe. Most are between 55 and 60.
Have a HAPPY HOLIDAY!
"I think the weird reaction people have to early pensions is not so much about the money,"
Well duh, some people are just meaner than hell.
The trouble with paying for retirement, regardless of how we pay for it, is more and more person-hours retired versus working hours - no manipulation of the exchange medium (ie, finance) can comp for that fundamental productivity v. consumption trap!
How's you Christmas?
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