I'MMA LET YOU FINISH
once
Hello.
An' howdy-doo.
IMPEACHMENT - It's not just for blowjobs anymore.
grrrrrrreetings and hallucinations!
Impeach the fucker.
IMPEACHMENT - It's not just for blowjobs anymore.
May I have this on a bumper sticker, please.
All I want for xmas if for Bush to be impeached.
If I thought I could get 'em both to the Hague in chains, I'd do Bush and Cheney in a threesome.
All I want for xmas if for Bush to be impeached.
Hecate Malificent
==
See how generous you are: a gift for all of us!
I didn't read the last thread so I'm not sure if this has been mentioned.
http://www.realcities.com/mld/kr...on/
13476434.htm
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.
We *will* get a twofer a la 1973-74.
If I thought I could get 'em both to the Hague in chains, I'd do Bush and Cheney in a threesome.
filkertom
*stops, gets a visual, retches uncontrollably*
*retches some more*
Oh, yeah - they all need to rent a brain:
Sen. Biden's Blind Allegiance to the Abortion Lobby Enables Sex Traffickers to Continue Their Trade, Says FRC Wed Dec 21, 8:05 AM ET
To: National Desk
Contact: Bethanie Swendsen of the Family Research Council, 202-393-2100 or bas@frc.org
WASHINGTON, Dec. 21 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.) is currently holding up legislation that the U.S. House of Representatives approved unanimously on Dec. 14. The bill, H.R. 972, targets purchasers of illegal sex acts and the traffickers who exploit the victims domestically. The End Demand for Sex Trafficking Act focuses on halting the trafficking of people, primarily women and children, in the United States for the purposes of prostitution and sexual slavery. In the Senate, Sen. Biden is trying to attach language that would allow taxpayer funds to go to foreign organizations that perform and promote abortion, including coercive abortions.
Connie Mackey, vice president of government affairs for the Family Research Council, released the following statement:
"I applaud Rep. Smith (R-N.J.), for introducing and championing this legislation that finally targets the exploiters in the illegal sex slave trade in the U.S. Unfortunately, Senate Democrats are protecting sex traffickers in their allegiance to promoting abortion on demand -- this is inexcusable. "Senator Biden appears to be so beholden to pro-abortion organizations that he is willing to halt this legislation. His blind allegiance to the pro-abortion lobby enables sex traffickers to continue their exploitive and horrific trade. This is unacceptable for a member of the United States Senate and he should lift his hold on this crucial legislation without further delay."
Chris Smith is SO fucking ONE NOTE.
Until recently, I really didn’t believe that the media and many Democrats were on the "other side." But, consider:
They suggest we scrap the Patriot Act, and in fact their Senate leader actually bragged that they "had killed the Patriot Act." They want us to stop targeting terrorists overseas and stop coercing those high valued leaders that we capture to make them talk. They seem to believe that if we make it more difficult for our spies to snoop, if we retreat from Iraq, leaving the battlefield to Saddam Hussein loyalists and al-Qaeda, we’ll be okay.
They seem to want our enemies to know everything we’re doing and want to hamstring everything we’re doing to stop our enemies. This is getting freaking ridiculous.
I’m wondering when the American public will turn on the media and the far Left the way most Iraqis have turned on the terrorists there.
IMPEACHMENT - It's not just for blowjobs anymore.
May I have this on a bumper sticker, please.
Me too!!
If I thought I could get 'em both to the Hague in chains, I'd do Bush and Cheney in a threesome.
filkertom
And when I offered to blow w to get him impreached, I got crikets. Humph.
Jenny, if you're still tuned in-- and even if you're not!-- Happy Holidays!
Shit, it's happening again. Which one of you is sending me your hangover? Maybe it's a troll who does this. I'm tired of hangover by proxy. My head ...
Buzz Bomb -- hey, how do you think I feel about it!? Anne Hathaway and Salma Hayek, they ain't.
And when I offered to blow w to get him impreached, I got crikets. Humph.
ql in ny
==
I'm sorry. I love my country, but not that much.
Okay, give me a little time here for the sticker....
dave = club gitmo
from two threads ago
and dave/club gitmo? You're welcome here, just as soon as you have an original thought, and not one that is just a stale rehash of Republican propaganda
Has anyone looked into the legality of the telecommunications companies giving access to the customer's communication and data without a proper warrant?
I think it would be a good idea to start contacting various communications carriers to see which ones will fess up to taking part in Bush's escapade.
dave | Email | 12.24.05 - 3:08 pm | #
Why don't YOU get bent?
just as soon as you have an original thought, and not one that is just a stale rehash of Republican propaganda
Dr. Pedant
You're asking the impossible.
fake dave, (you really have to be an obsessive wanker to not come up with a handle of your own)
Why do you hate American and it's constitution?
Freaking Freeper traitor!
You're asking the impossible.
Terry C
Well, it is "the season for miracles", or somesuch.
You're asking the impossible.
Terry C
Well, it is "the season for miracles", or somesuch.
i'm all in favor of early retirement for george bush and his entire cabinet.
fake dave, (you really have to be an obsessive wanker to not come up with a handle of your own)
Why do you hate American and it's constitution?
Freaking Freeper traitor!
Doug, It from outer space
I would like to know what color the sky is in HIS world.
dave spins a nice fairy tale about what he has hallucinated the administration has accomplished.
But it's all hallucinations. Hey, dave, how many terrorists has this DOJ tried and convicted?
dave's ideal country is N. Korea. The perfect national security state.
He never sees the sky because he's in a basement typing on a computer.
Oh, and dave - WHERE'S OSAMA BIN LADEN?
Bush fellaters cannot name one GOOD thing that has happened to this country under their hero.
Not one!
Bears repeating:
"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!
i'm all in favor of early retirement for george bush and his entire cabinet.
r@d@r
You and me both, and I think we're going to get our wish, too.
I would like to know what color the sky is in HIS world.
my sky? the sun has broken through the clouds, and that whole portion of the sky is a blinding yellow white.
Pretty!
dave = quack quack
Oh, and dave - WHERE'S OSAMA BIN LADEN?
This is a real tin-foil hat thought, and not at all like me (really really) but did it ever occur to anyone else that the reason they haven't captured ObL is in the hopes he might do it again? After all, 9/11 was the best thing that ever could have happened to the Bushies...
fuck off dave
Terry C - I understand from the last thread that Gordon has been stalking you.
I'm sorry for your inconvenience. I'll try to be on the scene the next time he shows up.
I'm the only known sure-fire Gordon repellant.
troll-
When you go outdoors, you will see that the ceiling is sometimes blue, and sometimes gray, and sometimes black with little lights in it. Why not step away from your computer and take a look.
bush:drf
The "I" word in Barron's!!!
C'mon Dave, give me a break!
You and me both, and I think we're going to get our wish, too.
Tena | Email | Homepage | 12.24.05 - 3:15 pm
how about somebody give "dave" one of their socks so he can be free to leave?
[/potter]
Scary Vagina, there are many of us. Funny thing we don't seem to scare liberals, only the trolls. Why is that?
Merry Christmas to all of you lovely moonbats!
I support SPEW. Vote SPEW, not blue.
hope I'm not tempting fate
i, for one, welcome our scary vagina overlo - uh, er, overladies. or whatever.
Considering that a large portion of our financial data is sent over seas in fax and email, I am stunned businesses like banking and other financial insitutions aren't going apeshit over this. In fact why aren't all good republicans freaking out? I mean their tax dollars are being spent on spying on their own financial communications. Boggles the mind, it does.
This is a real tin-foil hat thought, and not at all like me (really really) but did it ever occur to anyone else that the reason they haven't captured ObL is in the hopes he might do it again? After all, 9/11 was the best thing that ever could have happened to the Bushies...
Dr. Pedant
They haven't caught him because he and the Bush Regime were working hand-in-glove on 9-11.
Nothing will ever convince me otherwise.
Scary Vagina, there are many of us. Funny thing we don't seem to scare liberals, only the trolls. Why is that?
Scary Vagina
I like being scared.
Wow, that was quite a strawman that dave wove, almost the same as Assrocket's posts.
There are indeed many of us, but I am the original.
We scare them because they fear what they have no experience with. Kind of like how white people in rural Kansas fear black people, even though they've never met one.
Scary Vagina, there are many of us. Funny thing we don't seem to scare liberals, only the trolls. Why is that?
Scary Vagina
They fear the unknown?
House Elf Dave has to iron his hands and shut his head in the oven every time he says something bad about Bush. House Elf Dave wears a tattered tea towel and nothing else.
Bad Dave! Bad Dave!
I support SPEW. Vote SPEW, not blue.
hope I'm not tempting fate
arabella | Email | 12.24.05 - 3:19 pm
i sincerely hope that stands for the Society for Punishment of Evil Wankers.
Before I take my much-deserved nap, I'm going to pass this bit of wisdom along to all of you. Keeping in mind that I am very very old, a little more than 103 now, and have seen great horrors and great wonders.
To-morrow, when you haul out the turkey, don't forget to check BOTH ENDS for the little packet o'guts, neck, liver and lights which the poultry industry so thoughtfully returns to the fowl after it's been processed. You want to take this out, and without ever looking at it, dispose of it promptly. Nobody wants you to cook it or to mince it for inclusion into anything you will serve later on in the day. Then, in a delicate move, put the turkey underneath a running, cold water tap and rinse it until the water runs clear. Both ends. Take a couple of paper towels and pat it (relatively) dry. After that, as you will.
Nap time!
Before I take my much-deserved nap, I'm going to pass this bit of wisdom along to all of you.
"I didn't have to stuff it. It was already stuffed."
--Fat Freddy
Terry c., don't you have some christmas festivities to attend?
Santana Moss is my hero
Been awhile since I got offa the local blogs out here in the Rust Belt, but thought I'd check in with some breaking news out here in the real world.
First home heating bills of the season arrive next week.
Much of America will be asking how the hell are we gonna pay for 'em? A 70% increase over last year's gas bills is projected here in Pittsburgh. And Congress, in all its conservative wisdom is cutting emergency energy funds. Thanks for flying home for that, Dick.
Somebody call me when the Democratic party picks up on this story. At least a couple of the network evening news programs ran stories last night.
Terry c., don't you have some christmas festivities to attend?
will
WHY do YOU care?
Shit, as soon as even one of our freedom-hating trolls posts from Fallujah I'll start reading their comments. I know why god invented scroll-wheels.
I support SPEW. Vote SPEW, not blue.
Damn SPEW trolls. They don't care nuthin' 'bout house-elves. 
(Wish I had a house-elf today -- I'd treat it VERY well.)
Nobody wants you to cook it or to mince it for inclusion into anything you will serve later on in the day.
One more point, never feed the gizzard to a dog, cooked or raw, unless you enjoy removing it from the floor.
Hey! Merry Christmas Eve!
Tena, I saw your post on that last thread! Whew, indeed! You go girl!
JftB ~ {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{hugs!!!}}}}}}}}}}}}}
Dear Arthur J. GWPDA, if you buy an organic turkey, is it okay to cook the neck with carrots, celery and onion to make a stock to baste the turkey?
WHY do YOU care?
I want you to be happy. I want you to have a full and vibrant life.
To-morrow, when you haul out the turkey, don't forget to check BOTH ENDS for the little packet o'guts, neck, liver and lights which the poultry industry so thoughtfully returns to the fowl after it's been processed.
Took me two fookin' holidays to figure out about the second hidden bag. I almost fainted when the knife hit a white plastic bag in the second turkey.
One more point, never feed the gizzard to a dog, cooked or raw, unless you enjoy removing it from the floor.
Floor? FLOOR? We don't use no steenkin FLOOR. We go for rugs.
First home heating bills of the season arrive next week.
Much of America will be asking how the hell are we gonna pay for 'em? A 70% increase over last year's gas bills is projected here in Pittsburgh. And Congress, in all its conservative wisdom is cutting emergency energy funds.
Could get very interesting.
I left some cooking instructions out for Arthur to type - did he do it?
Concern trolls - so transparent.
I'm going to repeat what I said below:
I'm awesome! Since 10 AM today, I've made 9 `1/2 dozen date squares, 6 stuffed potatoes to be baked a second time tonight, I have tonight's prime rib in the oven and I made a huge pot of stew for tomorrow.
I think Aunt Petunia and Lily are part house elf.
I'm at home enjoying some peace and quiet. Tomorrow a few hours with my extended family for dinner and two hours with the inlaws for dessert.
Ah, bliss.
Bush's defense of his FISA violations demonstrate executive activism: creating new law, which according to the Constitution, can only be done by the Congress.
Anyone against judicial activism should be up in arms.
Not that I expect them to be.
But Tena, who is gonna eat all that food?
mer.
No.
That's why there's Swanson's broth.
Goin' to Tena's for dinner, who's with me???
Tonight, I'm baking cranberry orange bread, cherry pecan bread, and making fudge. And a cherry pie. Because it's Christmas, and it's my favorite pie!
Tomorrow, Spanakopita. And for Monday morning, quiche.
Yes!
I left some cooking instructions out for Arthur to type - did he do it?
See, that's the diff between cats and dogs. Dogs type, cats dictate.
I'm awesome! Since 10 AM today, I've made 9 `1/2 dozen date squares, 6 stuffed potatoes to be baked a second time tonight, I have tonight's prime rib in the oven and I made a huge pot of stew for tomorrow.
Tena
That IS quite awesome.
BUSH IS A WAR CRIMINAL. HE MUST BE REMOVED FROM OFFICE.
I left some cooking instructions out for Arthur to type - did he do it?
He said after cooking that the turkey should always be presented to the dog first.
Arthur, believes his job as food taster is very important.
OT:
Russia formally proposed to Iran on Saturday that it move its uranium enrichment facilities to Russian territory, raising pressure on the Tehran regime to accept the Western-backed plan for restraining its nuclear program.
Tena,
You are awesome. I've always said so.
(Psssst. When's dinner?)
will - the stew stays here. The potatoes and the roast and 2/3d's of the cookies go to my mother in law's. My sister in law and her husband and our nephews are coming down from Missouri tomorrow night.
Tonight it's just Mr. Tena, his mom, and myself.
The leftovers will go to feed the horde.
Merry Christmas Miss Vickie, you crazy wench
will, get lost. Go take care of an ailing relative or something.
gwb:drf
I've made 9 `1/2 dozen date squares, 6 stuffed potatoes to be baked a second time tonight, I have tonight's prime rib in the oven and I made a huge pot of stew for tomorrow.
MMmmmmmmm.
If BushCo is brought up on criminal charges, can charges also be brought against the NYT for covering up the crime? Or would they be exonerated for reporting it even if it was more than a year after the fact and after an election that would no doubt be profoundly affected if the truth were made public? Does anybody know?
will - betcha thought I was going to waste it - since you were telling me on the thread below (under a different nym) that I am a child of privilege and therefore I enjoy the holidays at someone else's expense.
Which doesn't explain why we're broke when it's all over...
I know why god invented scroll-wheels.
ronjazz
Particularly since the trolls are getting more and more lame!
Gotta go do junk. Later, babies, and Merry Happy.
If BushCo is brought up on criminal charges, can charges also be brought against the NYT for covering up the crime?
By the grace of the goddess, IANAL, but I would say that that would be some really novel precedent.
will, get lost.
You're the only family I got.
Latest news from the war on christmas:
I ordered my 12-yr-old Lego MindStorms from e-Toys and somebody stole it off my front porch. So, he won't have it tomorrow morning.
The good news if e-Toys is going to replace it, but it won't arrive til Tues or Weds.
Note to DHL: Dallas is not Mayberry.
Thank you thank you - Dr. Pedant, dinner is around 6:30 - my mother in law is getting too old to eat later.
I just had to brag on myself - I've been cooking pretty much nonstop since the week before Thanksgiving.
I'm about to go on strike.
You're the only family I got.
That's just sad.
gwb:drf
I want a cherry pie recipe that isn't too sweet. Is that too much to ask?
sniveling. . .
Wonder how Swanson's makes their broth? Now I'm depressed.
i, for one, welcome our scary vagina overlo - uh, er, overladies. or whatever.
r@d@r
Overies?
Or whatever...
I want a cherry pie recipe that isn't too sweet. Is that too much to ask?
Can't you pit your own cherries, and thus control the amt of sugar that goes in? Lot of work, tho...
I'm about to go on strike.
Tena
We're reversing roles! I'm about to start cooking like Julia Child now that I'm on vacation! I can't wait. I'm making pasties next week, Simels' excellent ginger shrimp dish...hell, I have a whole list!
I'm so excited to have the time to do it well.
That's just sad.
It is. The local homeless shelter is having a turkey and ham dinner. I may walk over.
a cherry pie recipe that isn't too sweet.
If you can get them, use sour cherries.
you were telling me on the thread below (under a different nym) that I am a child of privilege and therefore I enjoy the holidays at someone else's expense.
Tena |
Amazing how you can't win with the wingers. On one hand, they say we're waging war on Christmas and want it done away with. On the other hand, they're telling people we're enjoying the holidays at the expense of others.
Amazing, too, how they can make SO many judgments about people they've never met.
You aren't homeless.
I ordered my 12-yr-old Lego MindStorms from e-Toys and somebody stole it off my front porch. So, he won't have it tomorrow morning.
You're over near the Lakewood postoffice, aren't you? I remember you moved here and got a house right over there - unless I'm hallucinating myself -
I'm so sorry that happened - that's the first time I've heard of something like that. That just really breaks my heart for you and your kid - but in the long run, you know it will be OK - he'll just get to be excited all over again.
Note to DHL: Dallas is not Mayberry.
That is for sure. I see so many W/04 stickers here, it makes my stomach churn. I think the entire 39 percent live here.
Oh. Dr. Pendant, good point. Not in season now but they come FROZEN. I just have to jump the last hurdle: Intense Frugality.
Some day this week I'll give in and buy some actual fruit and not processed goo.
I want a cherry pie recipe that isn't too sweet. Is that too much to ask?
Put in less sugar. I use tart cherries, 1/2 c sugar, 1/4 C flour for thickening, and then place it in the pie plate. Then, I drizzle Almond Extract over top and top with 2 T butter. Top with a second crust and bake at 425 for about 35- 45 minutes.
Vicki - I enjoy it too. But I'm tired.
First it was Thanksgiving, then our dinner party and now this.
I'm just going to take a rest for a bit.
Tena, I can't wait to make your potato puffs recipe. Nabbed it off the thread last night. Maybe one night next week.
somebody stole it off my front porch.
Shoulda answered your door.
Could a person who has made numerous international calls in the last four years sue, or in anyway leaglly force their provider (read: big telecommunications company) to reveal if any of his/her communications were monitored by the government? Any lawyers care to comment? Would a citizen have, under FOIA or any other Privacy laws, any course of action?
It's a topic beyond my pay grade. Help.
Leon, somebody will sue.
Tena, I've been so lazy at cooking this year now that Audrey's grown...I'm looking forward to it purely to get back into the hobby/art of cooking.
"Put in less sugar. I use tart cherries, 1/2 c sugar, 1/4 C flour for thickening,..."
My mom uses tapioca for her thicking in cherry pie. Delicious.
smalfish - Excuse me, but Kerry carried the city of Dallas and almost carried the county.
I haven't seen a W sticker in months. Nor have I seen more than 3 magnetic ribbons in two months.
So, Russia deploys new strategic ICBM's today, that can be re-targeted in flight to dispel any missile defense. Then, the news that Russia has invited Iran to move its nuclear enrichment program to Russian territory.
Maybe we won't be seeing that US strike on Iran after all?
Ohhhhh Vicki. Yum.
I use quick tapioca for cherry pies--when it's summer, that is.
Latest news from the war on christmas:
I ordered my 12-yr-old Lego MindStorms from e-Toys and somebody stole it off my front porch. So, he won't have it tomorrow morning.
The good news if e-Toys is going to replace it, but it won't arrive til Tues or Weds.
Note to DHL: Dallas is not Mayberry.
cheney_usa's cheney_usa
Damn.
I dropped my manpurse yesterday which had my wallet, cell phone and PDA in it yesterday.
Didn't realize it was gone until this morning. Called the grocery store and somebody turned it in, with everything still there.
Des Moines isn't Dallas either.
In Re: "Any course of action for the citizens who may have been wrongly monitored" (above)
I mean if Paula Jones could sue a sitting President fro showing off his John Thomas... surely this would be possible...
A civil suit... Jane Doe vs. G.W.Bush ?
I haven't seen a W sticker in months. Nor have I seen more than 3 magnetic ribbons in two months.
You don't drive the 'burbs then. This here neck 'o the woods is littered in w support.
I hate it.
The best way to solve nuclear proliferation is to give everyone nuclear weapons.
Vicki - One reason I love cooking so much is that it completely absorbs me while I'm doing it. I don't time to worry about things, though I do cuss a lot and bitch at inanimate objects.
I ordered my 12-yr-old Lego MindStorms from e-Toys and somebody stole it off my front porch. So, he won't have it tomorrow morning.
Sorry to hear that. We're wrangling with UPS right now over some packages that were listed as delivered, but never actually made it. Virtual reality Xmas...
If you could make everyone on the right read the Allegory of the Cave from Plato's Republic, do you think anything good might happen?
I hate cooking. Thank goodness I never have to cook any more. My husband does it all.
I haven't seen a W sticker in months. Nor have I seen more than 3 magnetic ribbons in two months.
I'm down near Tampa, and the goddamn things are all over down here. Good thing I'm leaving in a couple of days; most of the people (and they know who they are) are driving me crazy!
You don't drive the 'burbs then. This here neck 'o the woods is littered in w support.
I think a better word would be infested with w support.
You don't bomb the countries because they build a nuke, you give them a nuke, and bomb them if they use it. Otherwise, mutually assured destruction hinders use.
smallfish - no, you're right, I avoid the burbs like the plague.
I don't much go north of Northwest Highway, or east of Jupiter Rd.
Although occasionally I go out to Rockwall.
From Glenn Greenwald:
"The Administration’s purported efforts to find radiological activity in Muslim mosques is now supposed to be thrown onto the pile along with its lawless NSA eavesdropping program, so that the whole confusing controversy is aggregated into nothing more than the same tired, irrational terrorist-defending fetish of trying to impede George Bush in his valiant crusade to protect us from The Terrorists. And sure enough, like puppets on cue, the most blindly loyal of the Bush defenders are spitting out exactly this scary tale." http://glenngreenwald.blogspot.com/
I'm eating peach yogurt and savoring the tranquility.
I haven't seen a W sticker in months. Nor have I seen more than 3 magnetic ribbons in two months.
Tena
Come to the county where I live....
I awoke to the sound of a process server cheerfully serving the neighbors with a summons and complaint.
I have no idea what it's about, but he wished them a merry Christmas after explaining the whole thing.
30 percent of the country will support Bush no matter what he does. I say to hell with them. Let's rally 70% to oppose him.
bush:done, ruined and fucked.
More shameless blogwhoring, but think Alito... these new memos are really scary from a Constitutional law perspective. neoprogblog)
I'm signing off and going out of town for a couple of days. Everyone in Eschatonia, have a Very Merry SolstiHannuKwanzaMas!! (Or Rohatsu. Or Diwali. It's all good!!)
Scott
a question for someone - how often do people actually have any sort of thoughtful discussion in open threads? I mean, just once, I'd like to come to a thread, and not find it just either a lovefest, or a trollwar, or something like that.
Seriously, someone help me on this
I awoke to the sound of a process server cheerfully serving the neighbors with a summons and complaint.
I guess that's better than awaking to the sheriff moving the furniture into the street, but not by much.
Re: UPS
I had the opposite experience the other day. I returned home from work expecting to find a couple of packages that were "scheduled for delivery" that day.
When they weren't on my doorstep, I checked the UPS tracking site and both were listed as "out for delivery".
A little while later, my doorbell rang. By the time I pulled on some pantaloons and answered the door, my packages were waiting and the UPS truck had pulled away.
Just for the sheer randy hell of it, I refreshed the tracking page when I got back to my PC, and sure enough the status had changed to "delivered".
No big deal, but I did get one of those "technology is the damndest thing" cheap thrills.
Everything's like a dream in Kansas City...
I ordered my 12-yr-old Lego MindStorms from e-Toys and somebody stole it off my front porch. So, he won't have it tomorrow morning.
I've been home
I've been out
Something's kept him off his route
The boxes never reach my house
Superchunk, "Package Thief"
Or, if anyone is up for having some sort of discussion right now, yo!
Ferris:
If you're serious: a lot. But it's like a cocktail party: we flip from politics to economics to gossip and back again.
If you want deeper discussion, though, you're always free to click on my site and comment away!
SOOLF;*
Ever since that "discussion" a week or so ago of Jefferson Starship's slide into oblivion starting with "We Built This City", I've been thinking it might be nice if Slick and Kantner reworked the lyrics to
"Rebuild This City", and made a video about NOLA, thus redeeminbg the "Worst song of all time" in a worthy cause. Not gonna happen, of course, but I still think it has a ring to it...
*Straight Out Of Left Field
vicki, I couldn't help but notice that you are working on making pasties...2nd job?
You don't bomb the countries because they build a nuke, you give them a nuke, and bomb them if they use it. Otherwise, mutually assured destruction hinders use.
The fact that Russia has invited Iran to move its nuclear enhancement program to its territory is an indication that the Russians see any American aggression on Iran as a threat to themselves. I think that with Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran under American control, the Russians will definitely feel encircled.
Good thing for them they developped these re-targetable ICBM's.
joyeux noelle!
My pippel!
No-kill initiative working
Alison Stanton
Special for The Arizona Republic
Dec. 24, 2005 12:00 AM
The goal of not euthanizing any adoptable animals in Maricopa County during October has continued into late December.
Since Oct. 1, no healthy animal has had to be put down by any of the 10 animal shelters that are part of Maddie's Pet Rescue project.
"So far, we've made it through December with no healthy animals euthanized, so we're keeping our fingers crossed and continuing our efforts," said Linda Branch-Dasch, director of Maddie's Pet Rescue project and executive director of the Arizona Animal Welfare League in Phoenix.
Branch-Dasch said the statistics help illustrate the success of the no-kill initiative.
"In 2004, we documented that 260 healthy dogs and cats were euthanized in October and November combined. This year, zero healthy dogs and cats were euthanized during that same time period," the Surprise resident said.
Branch-Dasch said the increased ability to transfer dogs and cats from Maricopa County Animal Care & Control to the nine other shelters that are part of Maddie's Fund has contributed significantly to the success of the initiative.
"I think that has meant the difference between euthanasia and another chance at a happy home for many animals," she said.
She credits the teamwork between the Maddie's Project partners, including Animal Care & Control.
"Without the cooperation and focus of all the groups working together, along with the leadership and logistical support from Animal Care & Control staff, this success would not be possible," Branch-Dasch said.
Although she is thrilled by the success of the no-kill initiative, Branch-Dasch said she hopes the goal continues well into 2006.
"This is definitely an ongoing effort," she said.
man, i fall asleep for a lousy half hour, and the Giants are STILL losing?
feh.
People who wants to support Jeanne D’Arc of Body and Soul in her effort to keep blogging should read this and this.
Seriously, someone help me on this
Ferris Valyn
1. It's Christmas Eve - lighten up, Francis.
2. We know each other here rather well in general, so conversations drift into other areas. I've been talking to most of these people for 3 years now.
3. We often have serious discussions, but if you don't like the company here - sorry but we aren't going to change to suit someone else.
a question for someone - how often do people actually have any sort of thoughtful discussion in open threads? [...]
Seriously, someone help me on this
Ferris Valyn - 3:46 pm
It happens in a random, unpredictable way.
But people who make snide and derisive comments, even with an implicit "I'm not asking this to be a mean-spirited smartass" disclaimer, can expect to provoke a thoughtful discussion about being welcome to fuck off.
Seriously, I hope this helps.
The right is a hydra -- cut off one head and it grows nine more. Has any worthy historical analyst ever posited how Hitler might have been defeated before they became the ruling majority?
I ate too much and it's only December 24th. I'll never make it to January 1st.
I'm too lazy right now to be serious.
"Worst song of all time"
No no no no. You're wrong. The worst of all time has to be the Starship's "Miracles". Seven minutes long with one word for the lyrics. (I exaggerate, but not by much).
(Now, the Greatful Dead could have gotten away with it.)
oh, and memo to self:
take the contact lenses out BEFORE falling asleep.
Little Brother - that's been my experience with UPS. We have a courtyard, which makes our front door more private, but UPS leaves stuff all over the neighborhood, on front door steps. I've never heard of a problem, though that's not to say it hasn't happened.
This is a city. There's crime. Mr. Tena's golf clubs were stolen out of the garage a few years ago.
Ferris, How much more basic and important can you get than FOOOOOD? Sex, maybe, but this isn't one of those threads.
I couldn't help but notice that you are working on making pasties...2nd job?
No. Cornish pasties ~ meat and root vegetable pies. They are so fucking awesome...the crust is milk based, and is so flaky if you know how to roll a good crust.
...Hitler might have been defeated before they became the ruling majority?
Hitler never won a majority. He won the Chancellorship with a plurality of approximately 35%, and then declared an end to elections.
Oh. Godwin!
"Worst song of all time"
No no no no. You're wrong. The worst of all time has to be the Starship's "Miracles"
Gak. That's the song made me think it was time for a career change for those folks. Into the garment trade, or something. But I din hand out the award, Blender Magazine did that.
I find the digressions here comforting. I'm probably guiltier than most for focusing too heavily on the list of horribles. It's nice to be reminded of the sweetness most of the folks who visit here possess, evidenced by the attention to good food, music, pets, other loved ones and the details of daily life.
No. Cornish pasties ~ meat and root vegetable pies. They are so fucking awesome...the crust is milk based, and is so flaky if you know how to roll a good crust. Vicki - 3:54 pm
But how do they stay stuck to your nipples?
"Rebuild This City", and made a video about NOLA, thus redeeminbg the "Worst song of all time" in a worthy cause. Not gonna happen, of course, but I still think it has a ring to it...
*Straight Out Of Left Field
Doozer,
With a few lines reworked, Queen/Bowie's "Under Pressure" is pretty close to being the perfect NOLA anthem. I surprised it's been overlooked.
.
noblejoanie, that was a beautiful comment.
ya just can't make this shit up.
I'm reading "The Coming of the Third Riech" by Richard Evans. Hitler had support from only 30% of the people. He turned Germany into a fascist state and stopped elections. I think Rove uses Hitler as a role model. Frightening similarities of method.
Bush:drf
But how do they stay stuck to your nipples?
I think they just have to stay on long enough to be nibbled off.
But how do they stay stuck to your nipples?
Little Brøther
!
funniest thing I've read in weeks - HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Nice job wt. How'd you make a non-link blue?
does anyone burn scented candles?
But how do they stay stuck to your nipples?
I think they just have to stay on long enough to be nibbled off.
Dr. Pedant - 3:57 pm
Mmmm... yummy.
I find the digressions here comforting
Us bats's digressions are better than most people's points!
does anyone burn scented candles?
her eyes, being watched
I do. Are you allergic?
Hey Dims,
Suck on your xmases, and shut your queef holes.
Eli Manning is still an apprentice.
All conversations are digressions, if you think about it.
thanks, noblejoanie. You have a very apropos nym, to judge by the comments you leave at Adventus.
Oh the agony, tried to drink all the Mai Tai's in Waikiki last night. I've officially decided, it can't be done.
Other news, Alaska lost one of our heros yesterday. Old Norm, he's one guy who did it all.
Col. Norman Vaughan, dies at age 100
Hitler never won a majority. He won the Chancellorship with a plurality of approximately 35%, and then declared an end to elections
Right, then.
But what went wrong in Germany that allowed for the mass hypnosis of so many people? Why did they allow themselves to be taken down a path that they knew was wrong? Why was resistance so ineffective?
It appears to be happening all over again, right here.
Imagine eating meat pie off of my nipples....you guys are so silly!
Have to take the kid to work!
And go out and buy Swiss Cheese, because of the $ 182 in groceries I spent today, I forgot the Swiss Cheese!
Later, Soonest!
Happy Christmas Eve!
Melikelikimaka, Barry!
whoooops!
blue link.
but not dirty.
dammit.
I think Rove uses Hitler as a role model.
Never had a doubt whatever. Oh, and the nazis did win, it just took em a while.
Hey! Hi dith! Welcome back! We mithed your poetry.
I do. Are you allergic?
Vicki | Email | 12.24.05 - 3:59 pm | #
i don't think so, however i find them most of them make me nauseaus. 
fondook - Read "The Coming of the Third Reich." Serously.
All conversations are digressions, if you think about it. arabella - 4:00 pm
All of mine certainly are. I'm pretty sure I'm the responsible party, though.
Melikelikimaka, Barry!
Jay C.
Um, is that Hawaiian for "Give me the damn aspirin"?
watertiger, please warn us if you are putting chimpy up, i'm getting sick as it is from my scented candles...
That IS interesting. Look what she did.
ya just can't make this shit up.< / a > < br / > < span class="byline" >
Damnedest bit of off-color HTML I ever did see.
No. Cornish pasties ~ meat and root vegetable pies. They are so fucking awesome...the crust is milk based, and is so flaky if you know how to roll a good crust. Vicki - 3:54 pm
But how do they stay stuck to your nipples?
I find that letting my gerbils lick my nipples first works just fine.
-Liddy Dole
Jeez,
I step away from the laptop for 15 minutes and miss all the holiday nipple talk.
I cannot imagine a worse thing than serving papers on someone on Christmas (at least that's the worst thing I could to to someone)
I think Rove uses Hitler as a role model. Frightening similarities of method.
Arabella - You need to read the article that was in Harpers a couple of years ago. It's blow back your hair. Yes, they use Hitler. They admire him for the control he was able to exert and the power he accumulated.
For really real - there's a group that is ostensibly Christian, they own this house outside of DC where young scions come for a year or two and learn all about Hitler.
Remember several years back there was a brief scandal about a Congressman living in a room in this house outside of DC - he rented it from this Christian group? That was the house. A Harper's reporter lived there and went through some of the program.
It will scare you silly!
Melikelikimaka, Barry!
Um, is that Hawaiian for "Give me the damn aspirin"?
I think that's Cead Me Failte in Gaelic, at least on March 18th.
now if I could only figure out how to make links show up in red.
Terry C., Eli Manning is still an apprentice.
I cannot imagine a worse thing than serving papers on someone on Christmas
Newt Gingrich came pretty close.
But what went wrong in Germany that allowed for the mass hypnosis of so many people?
My favorite book on the subject is out of print, but it's called "Before the Deluge", by Otto Friedrich. There's a haunting passage where, after the war, a question like yours is asked of someone who might have been in a position to answer it. There's a long pause, and then "I don't know" was the answer.
But I can tell you this: The Nazis didn't just start murdering with the concentration camps. They engaged in wholesale campaigns of murdering their enemies before they were even in power, and the judiciary either approved or was cowed by it. Thousands were assassinated.
I have no doubt that the neocons revere Hitler for his methods. They even want to create a 1000 Year Reich. They want to commit genocide, and have gotten a good start. They are evil, dangerous people.
I cannot imagine a worse thing than serving papers on someone on Christmas
The guy receiving them was laughing. Just incredulous.
My money is on a construction dispute that happened over the summer. Couldn't wait until New Year's, I guess.
Running in 'n' out. I once had a crazy UPS man, for real. When my husband and I had moved to WA from Cal, my family flipped out a little on sending care packages, so the guy was at my door all the time. One day, right outa the shower with towel on my head, I joked, "we've gotta stop meeting like this.", and he actually blanched. The next week, I just happened to glance out of a 2nd story window to see him 'delivering' a package in the back yard - into the barbecue.
It appears to be happening all over again, right here.
fondook
Yeah, well, except for the part about passing laws the disallow jews to teach school, practice certain professions, then kicking out the windows of all jewish businesses, then putting them on trains and taking them to concentration camps; and except for the part where there were jackbooted thugs on all the streets, kicking asses and taking names, it's remarkably similar.
Um...why are is FOX Sports showing us a ref getting his groin taped up?
Tena and Vicki,
Thank you.
They even want to create a 1000 Year Reich.
they really do. and conditions are ripe for it. i once read somewhere that hitler was able to succeed in what he did because people were afraid and economically depressed after wwi.
GWPDA? is this true?
Maybe he wears his mike in his groin and it came loose.
Seriously, someone help me on this
Allow me to helpfully remind you to fuck off and die if you don't like the company.
I'm sure you'll find that helpful.
Um...why are is FOX Sports showing us a ref getting his groin taped up?
watertiger
But, but they said it was just a really, really high ankle sprain?
Okay, new stuff at my Cafe Press shop.
Yeah, well, except for the part about ...
Tena makes a very good point. We aren't there yet. On the other hand, there are all kind of ways of controlling the populace. Sometimes carrots, sometimes sticks.
The depression, hyperinflation and joblessness in Post WWI Germany were great contributors to Hitler's success. The failure of the Versailles treaty was a contributor too. Alas, Moonmootica is out celebrating, or she'd help us out here.
they really do. and conditions are ripe for it. i once read somewhere that hitler was able to succeed in what he did because people were afraid and economically depressed after wwi.
This is true.
I heartily recommend Shirer's Belin Diary about pre-WWII germany.
But, but they said it was just a really, really high ankle sprain?
the cruel announcers were chuckling while they watched.
Alas, Moonmootica is out celebrating, or she'd help us out here.
There are plenty of folks here who know about history.
Moonie is studying ancient history anyway.
Hey, where's that dude who wanted a serious discussion? We're talking about Hitler. You can't get more serious than that,
I wondered what Tony Siragusa's unprompted take on today's events would be.
I was just speaking of moonbootica with admiration. She is a lovley person.
gwb:drf
thanks, four legs good, i'm always looking for good reading material.
which is why i come here so often.
I am not a historian, but it has always been my understanding that one of the main things that led to Hitler's rise was Germany's humiliating defeat in WWI. That was followed by a depression.
The people were already down and out.
We're not. This isn't Germany in 1937. This is still America, several judges, including a very right wing judge, slapped Chimpy hard last week, and slapped the Jebofascists harder.
Quit it, guys - we're going to get out of here. This is still our country and they are not going to get away with this. Not from what I'm reading and hearing.
filk,
therein lies some reeeeeally good shit!
Yeah, well, except for the part about passing laws the disallow jews to teach school, practice certain professions, then kicking out the windows of all jewish businesses, then putting them on trains and taking them to concentration camps; and except for the part where there were jackbooted thugs on all the streets, kicking asses and taking names, it's remarkably similar.
Yeah, well if chimpy gets his wish of being able to target so-called "enemies" here in the US, we just might see those things here.
Only the targets will be "liberals" instead of jews.
Okay, new stuff at my Cafe Press shop.
Done. I took five. "Impeachment. Not just for blowjobs anymore."
Yeah, well, except for the part about passing laws the disallow jews to teach school, practice certain professions, then kicking out the windows of all jewish businesses, then putting them on trains and taking them to concentration camps; and except for the part where there were jackbooted thugs on all the streets, kicking asses and taking names, it's remarkably similar
Maybe not the specific incidents, but the wind is blowing that way. I'm Jewish, and keep running into people who turn from being friendly to being pretty damned cold when I mention my last name in the course of conversation or while making introductions. In spite of the alleged support from the radical Christian right, it seems that once again it's cool to treat us as less than desirable individuals. Crap that I once only heard from John Birchers and the like is coming up in conversation at dinners and at work.
I wondered what Tony Siragusa's unprompted take on today's events would be.
probably: "huh huh huh huh huh."
and she's lovely as well as lovley.
gwb:drf
well, being German, I would say that the defeat of WWI set up a lot of the conditions for Hitler. there was the collapse of the economy, but Germany's fledging national identity was built around the might of the Prussian war machine, and losing to France was an awful blow. Germany hadn't existed as a nation state for very long at that point.
Economic conditions and the failure of the Weimar Republic to provide any type of guidance didn't help matters either.
The Nazis didn't start out sending Jews to the gas chambers, they started by harping on the shameful defeat of WWI and how traitors had caused it.
fucking tag. Maybe I should turn the lights on.
Thanks, guys. I've gotta fix the white-on-black bumper sticker, but... yeah.
All of Shirer's stuff is good.
"Berlin Diary" is his account as a correspondent in pre-war Berlin.
It's remarkable and frightening.
millions!
The president said the holiday also is a time to remember heroic men and woman who died in war.
"We pray that God will comfort the loved ones they left behind," he said. "The sacrifices of these brave troops have rescued millions from lives of tyranny and sorrow, and made America more secure. We will always cherish the memory of each of our fallen servicemen and women, and count it a privilege to be citizens of the country they served."
I wondered what Tony Siragusa's unprompted take on today's events would be.
Mongo but pawn in game of life.
anybody wanna do my laundry for me?
Mongo but pawn in game of life.
In Crawford today, President Bush delivered a stirring eulogy for an emptied pitcher of egg nog.
watertiger- "millions" is counting sperm as well as people.
Tena, I hope you're right. At the moment though I feel like the republic stands on the edge of a knife...
Stray just a little and it's DOOM FOR ALL OF US!!
And seriously, I don't see how we come to any accomodation with the batshit insane fundies. I don't.
[...] except for the part where there were jackbooted thugs on all the streets, kicking asses and taking names, it's remarkably similar.
Tena - 4:08 pm
I think that the creation of "free speech zones" and the aggressive police tactics during otherwise peaceful public assemblies in cities like NY, Philly, and Miame qualify in the "jackbooted thug" department.
Certainly this retail goonsmanship is not on the scale of Kristallnacht, or the ruthless homicide practiced by occupying Nazi forces, but it's still state-sanctioned brutality. In fact, it's exactly on the level of kicking asses and taking names.
four legs good - read Dr. Pedant's comment, then tell me that this is the Fourth Reich.
How many citizens of the Third Reich could walk or drive around advertising their open dislike for Hitler? I have an Impeach Bush sticker on my car as of today.
I do not think I will be herded anywhere and suffer some punishment for that sticker or anything else. I will say that I have been really worried about the Muslims in this country and I want to know just what the government has been up to with regard to American Muslims.
But this is still America.
anybody wanna do my laundry for me?
watertiger
It depends are there delicates?
you are right Tena, it is still our country, and i am heartened somewhat by recent developments. it is just that fascism is so "insidious"...it can happen so gradually. nazi germany wasn't born overnight.
i'm glad of indictments and chimpco losing support, but i'd feel a heck of a lot better if there were a more vocal and responsive democrats out there protecting us and our freedoms.
watertiger- "millions" is counting sperm as well as people.
SNOWFLAKE BABIES!
IMO, it was'nt the mass murdering, or the attempted genocide that was the main fault(though, certainly a sinster aspect) of the Nazi's. It was the blatant atempt at ruling the world that made Facsim so dangerous. We are on a similar path in that regard.
anybody wanna do my laundry for me?
No. I need to do my own.
Ack. And lion kitty won't help! bastard.
but Tena, you could walk around in Munich in 1925 saying you hated Hitler. Not in 1933, however.
It depends are there delicates?
oh yeaaaaaaaaah. a couple of those netted lingerie bags.
watertiger- "millions" is counting sperm as well as people.
SNOWFLAKE BABIES!
watertiger
"I'M SACRED LIFE...I DID YOUR WIFE"
IMO, it was'nt the mass murdering, or the attempted genocide that was the main fault(though, certainly a sinster aspect) of the Nazi's.
I think those tendencies were what made sane folks not want them to rule the world.
Just saying.
I ordered my 12-yr-old Lego MindStorms from e-Toys and somebody stole it off my front porch. So, he won't have it tomorrow morning.
The good news if e-Toys is going to replace it, but it won't arrive til Tues or Weds.
Note to DHL: Dallas is not Mayberry.
cheney_usa's cheney_usa | Email | Homepage | 12.24.05 - 3:31 pm | #
The USPS here in Dayton tends to 'lose' packages, or place them out in full view of my neighbors, who tend to steal them. UPS, on the other hand, hasn't lost anything of mine and knows where to hide the packages from prying eyes. Plus, he's cute!
And Barnes and Noble is now on my shit list because they sent my christmas present to myself by mail, not UPS like I requested. So it's not here. Gah.
Ack. And lion kitty won't help! bastard.
Lion Kitty: "Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr."
I do not think I will be herded anywhere and suffer some punishment for that sticker or anything else.
If rebublicanism is not turned away in the next election, don't be so sure that will not be the case in 07.
In Crawford today, President Bush delivered a stirring eulogy for an emptied pitcher of egg nog.
all kind of ways of controlling the populace. Sometimes carrots, sometimes sticks.
Sometimes bread. Sometimes circuses. Sometimes just reality tv.
Sammy the Stem Cell ROCKS!
- Katie Couric
anybody wanna do my laundry for me?
No, but do you need a pool boy?
I cannot imagine a worse thing than serving papers on someone on Christmas
My ex BIL got remarried years ago. His wife gave him the divorce papers last Xmas day after dinner and booted him out of the house. Merry Christmas fucker!
In Crawford today, President Bush delivered a stirring eulogy for an emptied pitcher of egg nog.
I came here to down egg nog, not to praise it.
Watertiger, just for you.
http://img.photobucket.com/
album...lushyxmas_4.jpg
Little Brother - I agree with you about the free speech zones.
They've done a lot of crap like that and I'm not saying that they aren't fascists - they are. Absolutely.
But I think they are getting ready to get their asses thrown out. I do. This hasn't gone so far that that isn't possible. And I see it as highly probable.
I have confidence that we'll survive this. As for the fundies, they have a disproportional amount of influence. I say stop accomodating them. The 25-30% of the population who are fundies have influence only because the noecons are using them. And to liberals I say, don't bother trying to convince the fundies. They do not want to be convinced.
Bush: done, ruined and fucked.
Liberal Elitists,
Just took a long walk through the park. Now heading out for the big Xmas Eve celebration. I leave you with best wishes for Xmas, Hannaukah, Kwaanza, Festivus, the Saturnalia, Nero's birthday, or whatever holiday you choose to observe.
Oh, I also leave you with this: PA Community Celebrates Festivus.
No, but do you need a pool boy?
don't laugh. the people across the courtyard from me have an indoor pool in their brownstone. I get to look at it from my windows.
[/jealous]
I came here to down egg nog, not to praise it.
The brandy and nutmeg of our young Holiday Season have been plucked away like the Spring flowers...
Lewis's It Can't Happen Hear:
Nice discussion of the book
I read it about 12 years ago. Not science fiction, that's for sure.
Tena, I love you for your optimism.
It can't Happen Here.
I do not think I will be herded anywhere and suffer some punishment for that sticker or anything else.
==
I don't really think it'll get that far myself. But even the cynical side of me is appalled that the peoplerunning our government today would take us there in a heartbeat, if they thought they could. I hated Reagan, but I never thought he wanted to put me in a concentration camp. These guys....
that cat. I don't know what it is about Lion Kitty Maxx, but he is just . . . da bomb.
The 25-30% of the population who are fundies have influence only because the noecons are using them.
I'm not sure who is using whom. Fundies and neocons are both ugly mofos who shouldn't be near sharp objects, much less the levers of power.
Why is it so windy here?
WTF?
all kind of ways of controlling the populace. Sometimes carrots, sometimes sticks.
Or a stick painted to look like a carrot.
Germany Serbia -- whenever the totalitarian/racist regime takes over, they make sure they have the media. It's been the tool of choice.
so how does that tool changed with the internet gaining power and a wider audience?
Pope celebrates first Christmas.
"Hey, anybody got any of those fleische candles?"
that cat. I don't know what it is about Lion Kitty Maxx, but he is just . . . da bomb.
It's that funny little lion face mug.
I'm an American. I choose to stay and fight.
Right now I'm wearing jammies with christmas trees on them and these pajamas don't run. No. "these colors don't run." No, the jammies are red and green.
But you get the idea.
Or a stick painted to look like a carrot.
What's brown and sticky?
A stick.
I don't know why that joke makes me laugh.
I do not think I will be herded anywhere and suffer some punishment for that sticker or anything else.
In 1966 my folks had a "Get out of Vietnam" bumper sticker. Got their tires slashed.
(I come from good stock. )
Pope ratzo is just an evil looking fuck.
It's that funny little lion face mug.
and the "You are so pwn3d" expression.
4LG - that is a look of pure love! (on Maxx)
Why is it so windy here?
WTF?
run! it's the rapture!
I'm always encouraged by your unquenchable optimism, Tena, even when I'm not able to fully share it.
I agree that there is cause to hope that our nation may yet reach a tipping point and reject the malignant tumor that is Dubya and his criminal regime.
I won't get pissed off if you and Arabella get to say, "I told you so!"
What's brown and sticky?
A stick.
What's brown, and sounds like a bell?
Dung!
I wish I'd downed some eggnog so I'd have an excuse for my typing.
and the "You are so pwn3d" expression.
I think that may be it.
(it's also a hurry up and take the fucking picture before I hurt you look)
Pope celebrates first Christmas.
"Hey, anybody got any of those fleische candles?"
watertiger
The first Christmas is always special. Let's hope Ratzo celebrates it with the Vaticans best hooker.
mena - Oh fuck I totally agree - the Junta would do anything if they could, anything awful we can think of, they'd do it. If they could.
But that hasn't been possible, and now they aren't able to do much at all - except by end-runs around Congress. They still have to get their $$$$ from the House, so there's only so far out there they can run around the end.
I think they're finished.
Funny that as soon as I jokingly type something about our President in full-on Holiday Cheer mode, someone shows up at the door with a bottle of whiskey.
Thank you, baby Jeebus.
A happy happy and a merry merry to you all.
Okay, off to the store.
Italian food tonight!! All hail the divine marinara!
Afternoon, all.
If I haven't already, let
me send holiday
Best Wishes to all the fine
folks here.
Except the trolls (if any).
Have a great night and a fun
tomorrow!
I have to go take a shower.
Later, batties.
Hey - it's Christmas Eve. Think what a difference a year has made.
We thought they were unstoppable this time last year. They're in a world of hurt now.
...Vaticans best hooker.
And that's saying something!
I've gotta go do a few things in anticipation for tomorrow, but... in case I don't get back later tonight, I love you guys. Merry Whatever and a Happy Who Hash.
steve simels - bestest Holiday Wishes to you and your parental unit and all your friends and relatives.
Joy joy joy - believe it, children. Believe it.
i love you for your optimism, as well Tena.
and for your intelligence and wisdom.
and because you are a goddess.
alright. gonna go do laundry. back shortly.
Simels!
someone shows up at the door with a bottle of whiskey.
One of the best Xmas presents was when a friend of mine bought a case of Jack Daniels and went around handing it out to all of us. Talk about people being glad to see ya...
The neocons are cynical bastards who are using the fundies. In fact, they are using all religions. One of the chief proponents of the neocon movement has backtracked from saying that he doesn't belive in god. He now implies that (they) need religion to keep the people in line. I can't remember the guy's name, or the exact context, but I'll look for the link.
You don't think that the neocon elite scorns the fundies? I do.
The first Christmas is always special. Let's hope Ratzo celebrates it with the Vaticans best hooker.
"All you wops getta offa da lawn!"
- Cheech & Chong
Yo, Wassail, y'all!
The paralells to the Third Reich are many and interesting, and as bad as things are , perhaps as Billmon shows , it's still only a blundering Reich-lite phenomenon at present . I think it was Americablog that says " until they are in the streets doing violence in the name of the leader , we aren't there yet" Indeed , as Tena elucidates, some seemingly obvious trends in discourse are troubling , but the US is a long way from Kristallnacht and Auschwitz. I do think however, that Shrub smirking the day he vetoes Gay-bashing legislation is correctly read by Stormfrontiers and LGFuckwits as tacit approval of whatever they might " have to do " in the future . And this is the scary part.
Fact is , most domestic Nazi wannabees don't understand Goering or Hitler , they just take exciting imagery from the history books and emulate the manner, clownishly. Even the American History X story of modern hate owes little in ideology to an industrial nation in Europe in the 30's. It's iconic appropriation .They are little more than brownshirts as a result of a modernized Klan mentality .
The PNAC is a different and far more terrifying reality however. They are the baldest faced threat and the most successful mainstreaming of Neofascist ideology on the planet at present. ( my homepage link offers my fave art-vid about these swine )
Like Hilter ( spelling inside joke for some of u ) and his crue , the PNAC make no secret of the Plan , and have made incredible steps forward . Unlike Hilter , they have made a few shrewd calls early; most importantly they seem to have no connection of any note to modern LGFrs and Stormfrontiers,( the large membership of Likudniks in the PNAC might be the reasoning there...) they've bypassed the pageantry and get ups and goose-stepping and maintained outward respectability in grey suits and boardrooms. They've made aggressive warfare and oppression look attractive to the investor class, and so far as we can see done a fair amount of it on behalf of AIPAC. Again, out-front and obvious.
The PNAC features on it's homepage a map of the world as a butcher chart. What cut of meat do you live in? I can only hope that the Iraq adventure , botched as we see , can only serve as both first act and swan song for their other plans .
Steve Simels--i have been trying for over a week to email you that graham parker song, and i'm having no luck at all.
may all of my friends and moonbats
have a joyous festivus
may each of you get
all of the hennessy, crackers, licorice,and oatmeal lumpy
that you desire
One of the chief proponents of the neocon movement has
backtracked from saying that he doesn't belive in god. He now implies that
(they) need religion to keep the people in line. I can't remember the guy's
name, or the exact context, but I'll look for the link.
Ot was Bill Kristol's father.
But all those guys let it drop
from to time. William F. Buckley
for instance.
He's a Catholic not because he's
a believer. He just thinks you
have to advocate religion as a
way of keeping the proles from
getting ideas and deciding to slit the
throats of their ruling class
oppressors.
Steve Simels--i have been trying for over a week to email you that graham
parker song, and i'm having no luck at all.
her eyes, being watched | 12.24.05 - 4:35 pm | #
I wonder why. Is it in mp3 format?
Oh well, thanks for the attempt
anyway!
A. Scott - That's fascinating. I agree that the parallels between the Nazis and the neocons only superficial. Here's another big difference: Germans had/have a strong national identity. We don't have that in America, we're too much of a mix.
who doesn't like singing reindeer,
http://www.reuters.hu/card_dom/
i...ex_content.html
I'd be more than happy to find that my pessimism and was unfounded, and that I was just being paranoid.
But I'm still not letting my guard down, and I'm still not trusting anyone who says they "love Jews."
yes, it is an MP3, but it is taking so long to send it my computer times out...
i'm going to try to figure out something else...
I got my whole fan-damily here
so I'll be intermitent
Evening, Festivus sufferers.
Well, somebody has to be optimistic or the yin/yang or the universe will be upset. I'm not saying "don't worry" I'm saying "don't panic."
We each have to work to get rid of these bastards. I'm more of a slogger than a big action sort of person.
gwb:drf
joyeux noelle, DWD
Filkertom , check ur mail . Attaturk , teach me to be Your kind of funny in a sentence or less. Fuck ur good .
Delicates. Off to Fez to by a hat . Thanks .
DWD--are you feeling any better? has your pain abated at all?
Mmm...who hash...
DWD:
Merry grimble, kiddo!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
just rode my mojocycle up to the top of sandia peak and back. it was a lot of fun, but i am freezing. must go procure some distilled spirits.
olexicon--happy holidays to you too!
BlakNo1
happy happy!
I made a baby quilt for my niece, and it's a big hit with the family cats. Someday the baby will notice it too.
Photo link
Hi!!
My Christmas wish is that the train wreck that seems to be coming for this incarnation of the Republicans is not simply political, but one of culture.
They seem to have attracted the worst of the human condition into one body. I hope that association becomes shameful and ostracized.
It's warm out!
Deck us all with boston charlie
Walla-walla washington and
kalamzoo.
Nora's freezing on the trolley....
I don't remember the rest!
Hey, Blak!
It's freakin' BALMY in NYC.
It's warm out!
BlakNo1 | Email | Homepage | 12.24.05 - 4:51 pm | #
--------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
it's kind of warm here, too. at the bottom of the mountain anyway.
Oh yeah, it's still 45F here!
it sure is...it's been a lovely day.
Like I said, in 'n' out. A Scott, you're dead on with that. The people that say it's 'all' about Israel, or Oil, or jihad, are all right - thePNAC guys are working for themselves, and working everyone around them with unseen levers. I think it's the blatancy that unnerves me so much. As I said above, I never felt that Reagan and his cronies wanted to see camps in this country, but that these guys rather obviously do seem to. That's a bunch of qualifiers, because I can't imagine the real motives. Why? Why do they want to, and why don't they care if I know it? It's this apparent overconfidence that's so threatening.
roast beast?
watertiger:
Isn't it fricking weird?
Big X-mas eve plans, BTW?
My holiday is complete. My husband has decided to do the laundry so that I don't have to.
OK, everyone gather under the mistletoe.
gwb:drf
T2 - Im taking a look at your site right now.
Tena - I'll ignore the first point, and look at the other 2.
I admit I am a newcommer to Eschaton, but I've seen this on other blogs - most of the time, open threads tend to be some sort of lovefest, or screw off session, or dealing with a troll. I admit you can't do much about the last, but my point remains - why is it open thread quite often go in the direction of goof-off sessions? why don't they seem to lend themselves as well to say, deep discussion, or idea generation sessions?
Little Brother - actually, the ending disclaimer was intended to be a snide, off the cuff remark - the question was a straight question - Im not intending judgments, its just, well, my point remains.
I ask this because I have an idea I am trying to present to the world, but I need suggestions on how to get it out there to get attention.
I keep thinking we will make it out of the Bush maladministration. What scares me is the fiscal mess he has inficted on this country. I fear for my children's future more than I do mine.
it's this apparent overconfidence that's so threatening.
word on that...i was attempting to convey this last week.
chimpy gets on national television, admits to breaking the law, and basically says he's going to continue to do so? WTF!
Her eyes, I guess the pain is a little better. Went to the doctor's this day. Received more treatment. It is just really annoying. Thanks for asking.
Steve, my problem is that I am about to leave for the annual family get together. I will be back in several hours though. They have a cat and while I am generally appreciative of cats: I remain thoroughly allergic
TOW - it's beautiful!Kitty's just making sure it's all broken in and loved for baby.
Steve,
It figures. I bought the heaviest effin' coat on Monday. It'll be springlike the rest of the winter.
My Xmas eve plans? Feet up on the coffee table, a slew of MST3K monster movie DVDs in the player.
It's been a helluva week.
why is it open thread quite often go in the direction of goof-off sessions? why don't they seem to lend themselves as well to say, deep discussion, or idea generation sessions?
-ferris valyn
*********************
they aren't organized at all. it's just the nature of this type of forum.
now i am going to procure those distilled spirits.
Fear paralyzes me, so I avoid being afraid. No matter what the situation is.
gwb:drf
steve,
what are you doing this eve?
why don't they seem to lend themselves as well to say, deep discussion, or idea generation sessions?
because that's what the regular threads are for.
it can't always be heavy, man.
we'd go fucking crazy.
watertiger:
Sounds good to me. Enjoy!!
Ferris, if you're serious, an open thread is just that--an open thread. Click on some of Atrios' other posts if you want discussion about a certain topic. OR, say something you want addressed in an open thread that folks will probably discuss if they feel like it.
Complaining about open threads is silly.
watertiger - I wish I could spend the evening with you.
watertiger - I wish I could spend the evening with you.
(pats couch) there's room!
"...we'd go fucking crazy."
--her eyes, being watched
Ya beat me to the punch. If you were spinoza, I'd say, "damn you."
Simels...one of us hasn't been around much lately . Missed ya , and oh yeah , blow me .
Just a Xmas flash back . Hope you've been well .
Arabella : Yes,and isn't it interesting how AEI and PNAC members/ sympathiets/ appologists are always so vocal against multi-cultural sensitivity? You are very much correct that the ethnic mix in the US does prevent the wholesale of white-suprem. ideas . It is also why the Right and those holding power are so egre to dismantle the NAAPC , an anxious to prevent a larger domestic coalition between Brown and Black power movements , a population truly larger than any of them could counter . The FBI put huge resources into dicreditiing the LA Latino Brown poer movement in the 60's and 70 and openly stated a dread of they and the other black/ civil rights communities ever demanding fair play in one voice .
also, ferris, if you have an idea, throw it out there.
the atriots most helpful when asked.
Thanks, Mena. It's the first quilt I ever made and am pleased with how it turned out.
I'm annoyed with the photos I took because it's a new camera and some of the pics were blurry. Using sharpen in Photoshop doesn't really help. Oh well. That just means I need to take more pics and learn how to use the damn thing.
Remember, Althouse complained about Eschaton saying that atriots "did not stick to the assigned topic."
gwb:drf
DWD--can you take an antihistamine? would that help?
mer--damn away!
watertiger--room for me?
arabella--what are you afraid of?
A. Scott:
Right back at ya, kiddo.
Have a cool yule.....
TheOtherWA--
that is a very cute kitty and quilt combo!
arabella--what are you afraid of?
I'm afraid of the big scary vagina.
her eyes,
plenty of room here.
I'm not afraid of nothin' except parties, maybe. I'm trying to be diplomatic. I think it's unwise to worry about the political situation so much that one loses the ability to endure and fight back.
gwb:drf
Okay, kiddies...off to see KING
KONG and then quaff some elitist
chardonnay somewhere.
Catch you all on the flipper....
and have a great holiday!
Remember, Althouse complained about Eschaton saying that atriots "did not stick to the assigned topic."
So, anybody want some fudge?
Her eyes, thanks.
That particular kitty is a love sponge, and a total sweetie.
I'm not afraid of nothin' except parties, maybe.
i hear ya on that one.
one of the many reasons why i hate the holidays so much.
Stick to the topic. And where are the feminists? Why aren't you defending Ann Althouse?
So, anybody want some fudge?
as soon as i'm done with these eclairs.
steve - have a lovely evening!
watertiger - if I can get out of xmas dooties here, I'll bring the microbrews. Lager or ale?
That particular kitty is a love sponge, and a total sweetie.
teh cute!
ai-yah. dryer time. BRB.
watertiger, i'll bring the popcorn.
Okay, kiddies...off to see KING
KONG and then quaff some elitist
chardonnay somewhere.
You too Simels, I really, really liked King Kong.
OK. Now the assigned topic isn't cats, recipes or Hitler. It's fudge and eclairs. Where's ferris - somebody has to tell him.
Remember, Althouse complained about Eschaton saying that atriots "did not stick to the assigned topic."
So, anybody want some fudge?
attaturk
Just polishing off the fruitcake, so give me a minute.
So, what's the topic?
I want to know what I'm not stickin' to.
Stick to the topic. And where are the feminists? Why aren't you defending Ann Althouse?
arabella
I'm a feminist.
Ann Althouse is one of these people who trash feminism and feminists!
Why should I defend her?
watertiger, i'll bring the popcorn.
her eyes, being watched
==
See? It's a party!
mena:
have a great one, kiddo!
And now I'm really outta here.
In case anyone wants to make up a few custom bumper stickers, try this site:
MakeStickers
You can try different templates, fonts and wording. Fun, fun fun!
mena Didja look at the link in my homepage ? Everyone should. The PNAC are so able because they represent a large groups of powerful people with years of government experience and are some of the leaders of American Enterprise . ( I always laugh at the fact that Dan Quayle is a member , perhaps he is holding them back from even greater success...we should thank him ....)This is a club of those who know how to make things happen , bad things . The only saving grace is that with such confidence and huberis , as plainly shown in all things Bushesque, comes massive blindness and blundering . AS a measure of their great Failure , consider the newly formed Central and South American Socialist network, with Venezuela happily offering assistance to any nation harmed by refusal to play ball with US free-trade agreements. And doing it with massive public support !The entire Southern Continent is about to join in unified defiance of the New American Empire,and they will have been caught entirely by surprise.Peru states " we are inoculated againt World Bank control , and in this century we will see a free South America . " Bold statements about which the PNAC can do little.
Sadly, I find I've finally gotten the Xmas spirit.
A sudden desire to spend lots of $$$ on useless plastic crap.
Lots of useless plastic crap.
This is not good.
four legs good - Would you put up the snap of Mr. Plushy telling off the world? That snarl makes my day.
Terry C. - I'm a feminist too. Women like Althouse make me laugh. She was expecting the Feminist Justice League of America to race to her defense. Over what, I forget. But when she copied and pasted threads from here and saw all kinds of insults against her she was hysterical. I'm sure you remember.
Funniest thing I've seen around here, and I inclued Live Free or Die's economical recipes and Toby's poetry.
TheOtherWA
Nice quilt. I should have been working today, but the f*&king lightbulb blew on the sewing machine, and store was two long busrides away. Then I needed a nap. Then I needed to catch on Eschaton. Oh well, there is always tomorrow.
See? It's a party!
mena | Email | 12.24.05 - 5:12 pm | #
prolly the only kind i can go to...
i really wanted to go to eschacon back in sept. went so far as to arrange for the time off. luckily, i didn't book the room or transportation.
RMJ, it does happen to us all. Remember my need for a salad spinner?
See? It's a party!
mena
the roof
the roof
the roof is on fire~!
Got me some new dogs from east TX:
http://img.photobucket.com/album...as/
pic02258.jpg
A.Scott - yeah, I know ( I will check out the link). What I don't get is what's holding this insane coalition together like glue. It's funny that they're so attached to poeple who would promote'intelligent design', since there so clearly is one. Or many. But then, they don't seem to really get irony.
GWDPA
Tonite
Ukriainian christsamas supper!
Any reports on how well retailers did?
Attaturk : Fudge ? I was thinking it might rain ...
what were we talking about . RMJ wants to know. I could offer that I was mis-spelling quite a lot today . Lets make this thread about Dyslexia , which I can usually spell .
Or fudge. Yes, fudge. Except not with walnuts. They have odd mouth-feel ( an obscene term invented by starbucks that I use without promting to make hosts uncomfortable > try it , no one likes the word Mouth-feel , its icky )
Fudge is easy to spell.
The neocons give lip service to ID and religion to keep the proles in line. They don't believe in this stuff - they mock it.
QL, thank you! Since the lightbulb blew on your machine, you were not meant to work today. Nap, hang out here, relax! The store will still have bulbs next week.
why don't they seem to lend themselves as well to say, deep discussion, or idea generation sessions?
Because, we are almost none of us sophomores. We are old. We know how to mix our pleasures with our philosophies and both with a generous dollop of kidding. Intensity is one of those things that, mercifully, fades as one ages, replaced by thought that informs action, rather than the reverse.
Also, most of us are drunk.
A sudden desire to spend lots of $$$ on useless plastic crap.
==
Well RMJ, there's probably a Mallwart near you. You could burn out that urge driving around the parking lot.
Any reports on how well retailers did?
Hecate Malificent
The bookstore (where I am at the moment) did well, which usually indictes the malls are doing poorly.
Get more impact from a book than from an X-Box, for the money. One X-Box = several books, and one book can = a gift to one person.
At least, it seems to work that way. When people feel flush, we get passed by. When they don't, we get their Xmas business.
Take that for what it's worth.
Sadly, I find I've finally gotten the Xmas spirit.
A sudden desire to spend lots of $$$ on useless plastic crap.
Lots of useless plastic crap.
Take a deep breath.
Think about sending the Golden Child to college.
Think about paying for her wedding.
See? All better!
Hecate:
How the retailers did
But this is from the NY Times, and they blame the transit strike (in part.) So maybe it's lies.
dunno.
Fudge is easy to spell.
A.Scott
and too pack
(tooblue?)
RMJ, it does happen to us all. Remember my need for a salad spinner?
GWPDA, yclept Irate Scholar
I find it to be a seasonal and/or geographical affliction.
Xmas. Summer, just when school is out.
And whenever I'm out of town.
Also, most of us are drunk.
GWPDA, yclept Irate Scholar
==
I love you.
mena, for a short while after Bushco stole '00, my brother and I wondered what was driving them. My brother got it first, sent me an email which stated "THEY'RE INSANE!", which conclusion I was already near anyway. They are insane, in the clinical fashion. Sick, twisted little narcissists who literally believe themselves to be better and smarter than us. Does anybody claim that Hitler, Stalin, Pol Pot, Saddam Hussein or any number of other "leaders" was sane? They would like to be moving faster, but they know that they need to stack the system in their favor. They have gone too far, with the secret wiretap foolishness, but they have also dismantled much of the system. If America is as "good" as we all believed, they will fail.
In the meantime, sushi, fudge and King Kong await, Happy Merry, all.
Hey Batses - I'm all clean and sparkly for Santa.
What's going on?
Also, most of us are drunk.
Or intoxicated in other ways.
Stack the fridge and stoke the bong, I'm stayin' home tonight!
driving around the parking lot should cure anyone of any urge except the one to puke.
i'm sorry, what was the topic again?
mena - You too, sugar.
sushi, fudge and King Kong
"Only," she said, admiringly, "in America."
i'm sorry, what was the topic again?
her eyes, being watched
how drunk was the PNAC?
by Robert Frost
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village, though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
merry christmas all
mena : What unites them seems to be the correctness of American Affluence , the god given right to consume , and the similarly devine right to enjoy profit. What I think also unites them is this bafflingly on-sided and counter productive militaristic defence of Isreal ( also I think right up front in their webspace )
PNAC was really just a brainchild of that ghastly Kristol , and I actually don't know if they even maintain offices anywhere ( of course , wolfawitz has a really nice one in some large financial institution you might have heard of ... )It's an ideological meeting place that unifies AIPAC and AEI and their ilk, but so far as I know , it is primarily a virtual club and not an actual institution .
Take a deep breath.
Think about sending the Golden Child to college.
Think about paying for her wedding.
See? All better!
Hecate Malificent
Thanks.
Now I can't breathe at all, and I need a nitro pill.
And I don't take nitro pills!
Hey Batses - I'm all clean and sparkly for Santa.
What's going on?
Some of us are drunk, some of us are making fudge to go with our sushi. Some of us are making our lists and checking them twice. Some of us are talking RJM back from the ledge.
Lager or ale?
what, not both?
Actually, I'm more of a vodka fan.
What I don't get is what's holding this insane coalition together like glue. It's funny that they're so attached to poeple who would promote'intelligent design', since there so clearly is one. Or many. But then, they don't seem to really get irony.
mena
I honestly believe it is beginning to fall apart. There's a reason why it was w's name on all the orders to conduct warrantless evesdropping. And look how quickly the fundies turned on w over Harriet Miers. The coalition is only skin deep. If w doesn't get Alito through, I look for a few more layers to peel away. And I do think that "republican" and "underhanded cheating fucks" are going to remain synomous for decades. Hell, tonight I even think some of the fundies are going to get tired of marhing in lockstep with their pastors and leaving in droves.
that is my most favoritist robert frost poem.
thanks arrgh!
some of us are making fudge to go with our sushi.
mmmm....fudge sushi....
fudge. with or without nuts?
___ with
___ without
Drive by just to say...
Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!
Off to the party
Peace
Yay, done with my shopping...not that it was that much of a task.
The grocery store was dead tonight.
I am having one or two Labatts (yes, I'm poor) and then I'm going to tackle my next paper.
Ukriainian christsamas supper!
Wowza! Pieroggis and girls in heavily embroidered bodices!
RMJ - I only went to one mall for 2 hours, last Wednesday. I went to Northpark - it's the only mall I can stand.
Anyway, the traffic to get in was god awful because they've taken so much parking for valet that everyone was circling and it was backed up. I was trying to get to the valet and thought I never would.
All of which is a long ass preamble to saying that once I got inside, I was shocked. It wasn't that crowded at all. Not at all.
It hasn't been all that crowded anywhere I've been.
Pieroggis and girls in heavily embroidered bodices!
GWPDA, yclept Irate Scholar
and don;t forget the borscht!
If you're still looking to thicken a cherry pie and have it not too sweet, try a little rice flour.
Does anybody know where I put my long term care insurance policy?
Also, most of us are drunk.
GWPDA
Not yet, but I'll be working on it. Usually I stick to to red wine, but it being Fitzmas and all, maybe tonight I'll have whiskey.
I am having one or two Labatts (yes, I'm poor) and then I'm going to tackle my next paper.
Marcia Brady ∞
Don't sass candian beer !
Fudge without nuts. Cookies without nuts. I like my nuts straight or savory.
Has anyone tried penuchi? Its my sister's specialty.
No nuts.
PNAC brand Fudge , one little bite and you'll fuckin invade anyone who argues .
NOW WITH MORE NEO-CON YUMMINESS
Eating PNAC brand fudge may cause idiocy and humorlessness. PNAC brand Fudge is no longer available in South America , ( for now ) but is coming in plain brown boxes to certain Persian Outlets after New years 06
and don;t forget the borscht!
Can you send me a jar or two? I've got sour cream already....
no nuts
Ukriainian christsamas supper!
I'm off in a bit for my friend Renee's traditional Polish xmas eve dinner. I'm not sure what she's serving.
Oh and I put a pic of me as
The Baby Jeebus
at my homepage.
I was a pudgy baby Jeebus indeed!
i'm cooking a fat-ass turkey tomorrow with all the trimmings.
GWPDA--thanks to arthur for posting the reminders about the innards.
I've got sour cream already....
GWPDA, yclept Irate Scholar |
you are ready
I'd habe to make inquiries
Some of us are talking RJM back from the ledge.
Hecate Malificent
Jeez, you can't jump now. Don't you want to see how Fitzmas and the impeachment come out?
I know that'll keep me going for a while...
ql - I heard part of an interesting report on NPR Wednesday or Thursday. It was about what a wretched year it's been for Frist, and by extension, the WH. The reporter said that the Repugs are fractured and that it is only going to get worse for them next year.
The Dems are unified to an extent rarely seen.
And we all know how left leaning NPR is these days. (ho ho ho)
I ask this because I have an idea I am trying to present to the world, but I need suggestions on how to get it out there to get attention.
Ferris Valyn
Start your own damn blog and spam it... just don't spam it here.
Does anybody know where I put my long term care insurance policy?
It's not in the glove box of your convertible, is it?
no nuts!
i'm nutty enough.
olexicon, you should be aware that I have a Ukrainian aunt. She does not, of course talk to me, but her son, who also does not talk to me, owns a bunch of the Cinnabon stores here in Phx. Thus, if you were to come to Phx, you could in some fashion claim Ukrainian/Canadian connexions at Cinnabon stores that might net you like as much as 5% off....
Thus, if you were to come to Phx, you could in some fashion claim Ukrainian/Canadian connexions at Cinnabon stores that might net you like as much as 5% off....
GWPDA, yclept Irate Scholar
the Uknriainian MAfia!
Ukranadian
The PNAC realpolitik component drives and dominates our criminal regime, certainly.
But I'm not sure what to make of the Dominionist component.
Mark Crispin Miller discusses this in "Cruel and Unusual". It's more than just a matter of Rove/Dubya cynically pandering to Jeebofascists.
There is, for lack of a better term, truly a cabal of wealthy and influential persons who apparently sincerely believe that Thomas Jefferson was the satanic serpent who perverted and derailed the Dominionist's Garden of Eden or earthly paradise: the Christian State.
This regime has transferred social service funding away from government to religious institutions by promoting "faith-based initiatives". And of course there's Dubya's personal pious pronouncements.
I don't think the perpetrators realistically expect to establish a true theocracy here, but I do see that they're attempting to irreversibly warp the secular principles espoused by our Founding Fathers into something much more Christian-friendly and Christian-permeable.
Even the PNAC can be seen as latter-day Crusaders, seeking to establish military-corporate Christendom in any smaller nation that has something to offer, is unstable enough to offer opportunities for encroachment, and is vulnerable.
I like walnuts in fudge, but I haven't eaten fudge in years. It's a lot of work to make it.
It's not in the glove box of your convertible, is it?
I'm pretty sure not - but my neighbor left a message that she's out of town til the 30th, so I could sneak over and check. My car is in the carport over there, by itself....
Does anybody know where I put my long term care insurance policy?
under the papers on the desk , deep in there . Or upstairs safe and sound where u won't look for another 2 months. Thats where mine was anyway.
My comments weren't intended as whining, honestly - it was intended as a serious question - however, given I was being called for every other minute for a while to help with dinner, well, I now have a few minutes
I'd like thoughts on an article, if people would be willing to take a few minutes
http://www.thespacereview.com/ar...m/article/499/
1
thoughts?
Anyway, the traffic to get in was god awful because they've taken so much parking for valet that everyone was circling and it was backed up. I was trying to get to the valet and thought I never would.
All of which is a long ass preamble to saying that once I got inside, I was shocked. It wasn't that crowded at all. Not at all.
It hasn't been all that crowded anywhere I've been.
Tena
I live near a mall, which usually affects December traffic.
Yesterday was the only day traffic has been notably bad.
Even today, there's not much traffic around it.
Pudgy babies are the very best. My grown baby had rolls around her wrists when she was an infant. Now she's a svelte 5'7", 120 lbs.
the Ukrainian Mafia!
Yes- I understand that back east, that means something a bit different. Here, we're talking pieroggis and sweeties. Far more critical.
Here, we're talking pieroggis and sweeties. Far more critical.
GWPDA, yclept Irate Scholar
and vital to Canada's national interests
Don't sass candian beer !
olexicon, arbitrary carp
Canadian beer is a constant friend here in NY. Strange, but it was pretty pricey in CA.
I was a pudgy baby Jeebus indeed!
scout prime |
One of my dear friends in law school was the Baby Jesus in the Rose Bowl parade.
She too was jewish.
It's a lot of work to make it.
I made a test batch the other day - I had never made fudge before.
Given what I'm used to spending time on, it didn't seem that arduous, although heating the milk to 234º is a bit of a pain in the ass.
What really amazed me was the amount of support the striking transit workers received. Sure everyone groused that it was the wrong time of year to strike, Spring would have been better, but really there was quite a bit of sympathy for their plight. I'm happy they quit when they did. They would have lost that support if it had gone past Fitzmas. That tells me a whole lot of workers are being pinched and wondering why they aren't getting ahead.
QL, just imagine what it used to be like when sewing machines had kerosene lamps-- and before that, when they were lit by candle.
It must really have been a bitch trying to keep the kerosene and tallow off the work.
Not to mention all the extra work replacing the burnt parts.
Little Brother - I agree with all that, but as I said upthread - the Jebofascists were slapped upside the head really hard by the federal court last week.
I think all that Dominionist bullshit is going out with the same people it came in with - and sooner rather than later.
Global warming and the freaky weather it is producing is something that almost the most dedicated anti-environmental wack job can ignore any longer. I think people get it about the environment, at least better than they did before all the safeguards were lifted.
We're going to see a turn around on environmental policy. The big question is whether it's too late.
Ferris, is that your article? I mean, did you write it? Are you serious?
Looks like your idea is "Mars, bitches."
gwb:drf
I was a pudgy baby Jeebus indeed!
scout prime
I'm sorry, but my earlier pudgy baby comments were directed at Ms. Scout. Please forgive any confusion or inconvenience my lack of citation may have caused.
Thank you.
Got Posole cooking.
Actually found some Hatch Red Chili pods at the Krogers here.
.
I'm pretty sure not - but my neighbor left a message that she's out of town til the 30th, so I could sneak over and check. My car is in the carport over there, by itself....
GWPDA, yclept Irate Scholar
Do me a favor while you are over there and check out the liquor cabinet. Thanks.
meant to say "...wackjob can't ignore."
sorry
Jesus, Ferris' link is funny.
We're going to see a turn around on environmental policy. The big question is whether it's too late.
Tena
I don't care what anyone says, but 60 degrees in NYC on Christmas Eve is unnatural.
Ferris boldly goes where no man has gone before:
It might strike some as odd to associate space exploration with political progressivism. But space exploration is about far more than sending robots to take pictures of the rings of Saturn or sending astronauts to pick up rocks on the Moon. Like political progressivism itself, space exploration is about a glorious and hopeful vision of the future. It’s about making the future better than the past.
My thought is that you have a real gift for comedy, Ferris. Your site is hysterical.
Little Brother brings up a very worrisome subject. The Dominionists, as documented by in the Yurica Report will settle for nothing less than turning us into a country ruled by Biblical Law. That would include a return to slavery and total subjugation of women. Right now, w is their man. Listen to Malloy go off on them sometime.
Given what I'm used to spending time on, it didn't seem that arduous, although heating the milk to 234º is a bit of a pain in the ass.
watertiger
My archaic Amana Radarange is killer for such feats.
But it's not that finely calibrated, and I'm not sure it goes above 200.
So I use it to heat water to 130, for bread.
there, by itself....
GWPDA
By this time I would go over there and repossess the car.
Actually I was very sick when they brought me home. I almost died. Just stopped breathing.
OK now I really better go or I'll be late.
Merry Christmas all and I hope you get good presents!
If any of you wussy liberals are tough enough, here is a killer penuche recipe. And by killer I mean deadly. It'll give you diabetes.
Seriously, it killed my uncle. And raped my aunt.
INGREDIENTS:
4 cups brown sugar
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 2/3 cups finely chopped pecans
DIRECTIONS:
In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, cream and butter. Stir until dissolved. Heat to between 234 and 240 degrees F (112 to 116 degrees C), or until a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms a soft ball that flattens when removed from the water and placed on a flat surface. Remove from heat and stir vigorously until mixture loses its gloss, or process in a food processor 30 seconds. Quickly stir in vanilla and nuts and spread into a 9x9 inch dish. Chill before cutting into squares.
Marcia Brady,
It got up to 56 here in Arlington, VA. I did yard work today. I loved it, but you're correct. It's not natural.
marcia--in Texas, we call those pralines.
Or "prah-lines," depending on what part of Texas you're from.
I'm sorry, but my earlier pudgy baby comments were directed at Ms. Scout. Please forgive any confusion or inconvenience my lack of citation may have caused.
I'm trying to locate the archtypical photo of pudgy baby - as it happens, my brother, Bunny-Bunny, who was too fat to sit up. Then he was too fat to crawl. For some time he was too fat to stand up. But cute!
By this time I would go over there and repossess the car.
ql in ny
I might go over and pet it.
sorry, arabella, doing a few things at once
Im dead serious - its not intended as humor - Not my article, im working on something similiar, but the point remains. Space Exploration (and more importantly, space Colonization) as a major platform point for the Dems
My sister-in-law from Charlotte fusses at us when we say Pee-cans instead of puh-cahns. She says that a pee-can is something a trucker has in his cab.
"thoughts?"
--Ferris Valyn
Bush used space exploration as a diversion. IMO, he was never serious about funding NASA.
Hadda run and pick up Dad from the store....
What's the matter with you people? Nuts are ESSENTIAL!! I'll have yours.
QL - "underhanded cheating fucks" is like giving them a present. We need new cursewords for these fucks.
sometimes I just can't help myself.
Off to rescue laundry before laundromat closes. BRB.
Ferris - So where are we sending the Republicans? The asteroid belt or a planet?
Marcia Brady - Word. It's 67 here and going to be like this tomorrow.
My least favorite kind of Christmas weather - except that I can say at least it isn't humid. I think the humidity is about 11%.
We're under red flag warnings for wildfires.
What's everybody drinking tonight? I'm thinking about a g&t.
pace Exploration (and more importantly, space Colonization) as a major platform point for the Dems
You moron. Have you checked out the deficit lately? I love the idea of space exploration, but your great leader spent the entire surplus on Haliburton.
I really like my praline recipe. I've posted it before. Instead of cream, it calls for buttermilk or plain yogurt. That gives the finished candy a wonderful tang that takes the edge off the sweetness and really compliments the pecans.
I think it's easy.
Me, I'm just eating one of the little flans I didn't give away.
Mmmmmm....creamy and delicious....
And when I'm done with it, I'll go back to drinking wine and wrapping presents. Hopefully I'll be done before I need to refill the glass, because I've got to drive to mom's this evening.
If they claim that the core of Mars is filled with petroleum Halliburton will get a no-bid contract and Mars will be colonized by 2008. And mercenaries will guard it.
Well Mena, my mom called them ratfuckers. While I have a mouth like a sailor, I've never used the term "motherfucker" except on two or three occasions to describe w and his regime. But I agree, we really do need to broaden our cuss word vocabulary to describe what is going on.
Or "prah-lines," depending on what part of Texas you're from.
Rmj, Wandering Aengus
Well, all y'all are freaky down thar in Tejas.
Pralines are like peanut brittle, but with pecans.
Silly rabbit.
QL - I never *used* to use 'motherfucker'.
If they claim that the core of Mars is filled with petroleum Halliburton will get a no-bid contract and Mars will be colonized by 2008. And mercenaries will guard it.
arabella
At least they're not claiming it's filled with the tribes of Isreal, like the Earth...
Applying the term "motherfucker" to Bush raises some really ugly imagery....
I left out the straw-man question of how supposedly devout fundamentalist/Protestant Christians could run such an unprincipled and amoral regime.
I mean, when one looks into the faces of the president and his cabinet, it is like looking at a Rogue's Gallery of Dick Tracy villains. They hardly seem pious and modest and humble, as spiritual people are wont to be.
They radiate all of the sanctity of a school of rabid candirú.
But that's par for the course with True Believers. It's clear that they see themselves as an Elect tasked with leading the stubborn populace into their New World Order. Their sense of high purpose justifies all of their greed and violence and mendacity.
Thus, they can preach and talk to all the servants about man and God and law, and throw their weight around as they please without missing a beat.
It was ever thus.
And as an xmas present to my friends here I give you one of the best time wasters I've come across in awhile.
Fudge - I never make it. But oh my mother loved it so much.
When I was a kid, on winter nights we'd be sitting around watching TV and my father would make popcorn, which he dearly loved. Then my mom would decided she wanted fudge and would just get up and go make some for herself. I liked it and still do, but it's not my favorite. God, Mother loved it. She loved chocolate.
Space Exploration (and more importantly, space Colonization) as a major platform point for the Dems
Ferris Valyn |
Any article or commentary about space exploration that fails to distinguish between manned and unmanned space exploration is pointless - this article is a perfect example.
.
What's everybody drinking tonight? I'm thinking about a g&t.
mena
Gonna make what my Dad called French 75s.
A teaspoon of sugar in a champaign glass.
Juice of half a lemon.
Disolve the sugar and add 1/2 shot of brandy.
Fill with Champaign.
.
I've never used the term "motherfucker" except on two or three occasions to describe w and his regime. But I agree, we really do need to broaden our cuss word vocabulary to describe what is going on.
ql in ny
Usually when I say motherfucker, it's a term of endearment. If I say motherfuckin' son-of-a-bitch ass sucker, that's not quite as affectionate.
Vampire catfish?
VAMPIRE CATFISH?
QL - check out Hexic and Cubis. I'm hooked on both.
Unable to locate the pudgy Bunny-Bunny, but I offer instead, the implacably pudgy Mummy....
Tena,
Sunday nights when I was a kid -- family movie night.
Popcorn & Fudge with my two siblings and mom & dad.
See, I think that Reid's stepping up is very interesting. He's a Mormon, a group that has been persecuted in the past. Mormon's are just as frightened, if not more frightened of fundies than we are. The Mormons want to be the elect themselves. But I'll give the Mormons credit - they are no push overs. They are a highly organized, powerful economic and social force.
All right, the cats are messing with the wrapping paper. Cute little motherfuckers...
Happy Eve of Christmas!
Easy pralines?
Candy is the one thing I cannot seem to make.
right. away laughing on a fast camel. time to close the store and go home and make cornbread in preparation for the only dressing worth eating.
Merry Christmas, all. Happy Holidays. Joyous Festivus.
Unable to locate the pudgy Bunny-Bunny, but I offer instead, the implacably pudgy Mummy....
GWPDA, yclept Irate Scholar
That looks almost exactly like my firstborn daughter did, and she looked almost exactly like me.
Pudgy babies are the best.
ok. distilled spirits have been procured and the chill is gradually coming off.
GWPDA - Mummy was a beautiful baby, just beautiful.
Pudgy babies are the very best. It's as tho they have every bit of their selves already packed into them, ready to go....
Alright, you lovely Moonbats.
I'm off to dinner.
Here's wishing a lovely evening and a wonderful day to each of you. Peace on Earth and Good Will Towards All People. Those are both conditions ardently to be wished.
mer - I believe the phrase "fuck bush" is appropriate - its like the whole ownership society he promoted - the idea was a good idea if implimented, but he was never serious about that, or space exploration. So ignore Bush
Hecate - Please note, in no way do I consider Bush my great leader. My point is, space exploration (or more to the point colonization) is NOT like a drain - it doesn't just suck money. It can be a huge economic engine.
arabella - will you treat the idea with some seriousness? I admit its revolutionary, but heres the thing - 15 years ago, most people prolly thought the internet was somewhat loony.
Agent Orange - I admit the issue of not making the point of manned vs unmanned for exploration, but for colonization, well, you can't colonize with robots. I know the article doesn't deal with colonization, but what about it?
How about "Good Will Towards People Who Deserve It"?
Please?
A teaspoon of sugar in a champaign glass.
Juice of half a lemon.
Disolve the sugar and add 1/2 shot of brandy.
Fill with Champaign.
.
ag_ve
Oy, I already have a hangover just reading the recipe.
RMJ - Happy Happy - love you.
Basties, I have to go change clothes and get everything ready to take to my mother in law's.
If I don't see y'all later - Merry Christmas, Happy Anti-Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Joyeux Noel - and I love you lords and ladies of Eschaton.
I love you all!
Thanks for an educational and FUN year!
We're gonna WIN!
A.L.
i'm not particularly interested in space colonization, or even manned space flight, really. bush's pretend mars mission was just an excuse to stop funding things like the hubble telescope, as far as i can tell. there will be no manned mars mission.
GWPDA, your Mum was a cutie!
gwpda, that is one lovely baby. I really regret I just one picture of my mom as a little girl.
i suppose space colonization could be done in a progressive way, but what is more likely is that it would be funded with public money and then turned over to private interests once it becomes profitable. that is not progressive.
Ferris - You wanted my thoughts and I gave you my thoughts. The idea of space exploration is ridiculous. We can't even rebuild New Orleans. We have no money. We can't pay for it. That's my serious opinion, and I find that link funny.
What's the point of space colonization? Just to prove we can do it.
The US failed miserably at doing anything of substantial value in low Earth orbit - the easiest place to go in space.
The shuttle was an ill conceived pig from the beginning and the International Space Station's primary function is to keep a lot of aerospace engineers employed.
We're still technologically speaking generations away from knowing how and being able to send people into space for any credible purpose tangible or otherwise.
.
Now I'm off to finish everything I didn't get around to doing yesterday. Might be back later tonight, but if not, Happiest of Holidays (all of them) and a glorious New Year to us all!
Leave Everything to Me
Actually, Olaf, it was just an excuse to look presidential.
Answer me this Olaf - when you think of things like Nasa, and the like - do you think of science, (Like the pictures from Hubble), or of it as a waste (I can name numerous projects), or as an extenstion of humanity? Or some other way?
Brave new hoax
Via Instapundit comes the unsurprising news that the UMass student who claimed he was interrogated by Homeland Security officers after ordering a copy of Mao's Little Red Book through interlibrary loan was making the whole thing up.
According to the Boston Globe, the professor who originally fed the media the lies the student, who remains nameless, told him confronted the student when questions were raised about the veracity of the story. According to this professor, the student then confessed to lying. A UMass administrator says the university plans to take no action against the student, since the exchange "took place between a student and his faculty members." The trouble now is that as long as the student who allegedly told two of his professors his incredible tale of homeland absurdity remains unnamed and unidentified, so thoroughly underground that no journalist has spoken to him and so thoroughly shielded that the university is not even planning to have a chat with him about academic honesty, it begins to look like there may be no student at all. Cynics will wonder exactly who committed the hoax and will ask why UMass administrators aren't pursuing an issue that has more than a few loose ends hanging from it.
At the very least, UMass administrators might want to take steps to ensure that professors aren't so gullible in the future. The commenters at InsideHigherEd.com could tell right away that this case smelled wrong. Why couldn't the student's professors?
Popcorn & Fudge with my two siblings and mom & dad
it's that whole salty & sweet thing.
Like putting milk duds in the popcorn at the movies.
well, I don't do that myself, but I know people.
Well, what about what Richardson did in New Mexico?
Answer me this Olaf - when you think of things like Nasa, and the like - do you think of science, (Like the pictures from Hubble), or of it as a waste (I can name numerous projects), or as an extenstion of humanity? Or some other way?
Ferris Valyn | Email | 12.24.05 - 6:17 pm | #
--------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
i think you could find examples of all of those things in the history of nasa.
DO you think the FBI spies on the NSA who spies on the CIA who spies on the FBI?
I do the shopping for our office kitchen. The research analysts love the Sweet'n'Salty granola bars. They are just candy bars packaged to look like health food.
Also, does anyone have an actual idea for the cost?
At the very least, UMass administrators might want to take steps to ensure that professors aren't so gullible in the future.
Good and when their done let's have them investigate the lies and exaggerations regarding WMDs in Iraq, which by George Bush's tally has resulted in the death of 40,000 people.
.
"...I give you one of the best time wasters I've come across in awhile."
--ql in ny
I had to refrain clicking on your link. I spend so much time here, I can't afford another diversion.
May I add my wishes for each and everyone here to have a pleasant day tomorrow, and more importantly, a 2006 that we can get out country back closer to what it should be.
Love all you people.
Olaf - yes you could - I am asking you - how do you view it?
Ferris Valyn: I'm not a Democrat, but I think space exploration could be an appropriate part of a Democratic platform.
A "major plank"? Hmmm, with all of the other bullshit going on right now, it would come off as a little too moonbeamy for ordinary voters. The counter-argument, "Let's fix up our filthy and ecologically collapsing Earth first", may be a tired cliche, but it's got a lot of appeal given the status quo.
Ideally, the Democratic apparatus could develop a policy committing to sensible scientific space exploration. There are economic (jobs) justifications, educational justifications.
I'd commented ages ago that we are overdue for a revival of the vanished concept of the "reform candidate". Perhaps the Democratic Party still feels tainted by Jimmy Carter's trashing by the Yahoos.
Anyway, it would be nice to hear a Democratic reform candidate openly acknowledging the need to return to valuing, respecting, and supporting real science in the face of the depradations of the Bush administration. That seems a fit context for space exploration.
But not some big, splashy "Man on Mars" deal upfront. Instead, back to the drawing board to gain a shrewder grasp on what best works and can be built upon with available funds, etc.
Watertiger - vodka it is. Have a preference? I'm like Hecate - a bit of a Stoli girl.
I agree with Little Brother.
Mena,
My Slavic heritage DEMANDS that I drink Stoli.
and this sure beats an angel on top of the tree.
(just pic)
love to you all!
((((hugs))))
Tena,
Sunday nights when I was a kid -- family movie night.
Popcorn & Fudge with my two siblings and mom & dad.
Attaturk | Email | Homepage | 12.24.05 - 6:02 pm | #
That was our slide night, when Dad showed off the slides from his latest business trip or our vacation. It's strange, I've been thinking about that recently.
Fuck Yourself. Duncan | Email | 12.24.05 - 6:17 pm | #
---------
Why are blaming this on liberals/democrats? This sounds like a kid who was trying to get some sympathy for a paper he didn't turn in on time.
arabella - the whole point is that it can pay for itself - what it can be is a source of jobs for people. This is not something like the dumb ass tax cuts. Look at what the internet helped to do to this country. I admit it didn't turn out to be as big as people thought, but it did improve the economy, and the world. The thing is, space colonization can pay for itself, and it can do it in a relatively short term time frame. Look at Branson, and Rutan.
Olaf - yes you could - I am asking you - how do you view it?
Ferris Valyn | Email | 12.24.05 - 6:23 pm | #
*******************
it depends on the project. the hubble and most of the unmanned probes- voyager and those- have produced enormous ammounts of data. and have done it very cost effectively. most manned missions really had more to do with the pissing contest known as the cold war than with anything else. satellites are very useful.
Also, does anyone have an actual idea for the cost?
Ferris Valyn
The one inviolate rule of requesting funding for manned space programs is to lie.
Reagan said Space Station Freedom would cost $8 billion. The real cost is now about $60 billion and that's not due to inflation.
Shuttle proponents in the early seventies said the shuttle would reduce the cost of payload to orbit by 1/10 over expendable launch vehicles. It's actually averages about 2-3 times MORE on the shuttle - an error of a factor of 20 or 30.
Manned trip to Mars - priceless and I don't mean figuratively.
.
Ferris -If you want to keep going with this idea, you have to learn to be able to deal with negative opinions. Just speaking from personal experience. The bigger the idea, the harder the sell.
Okay batties, going to open my presents and watch some MST3K's ... Happy Holidays to everyone but Bill O'Reilly and John Gibson.
Mena,
My Slavic heritage DEMANDS that I drink Stoli.
Mmmmm, Stoli, it taste like surviving a pogrom.
Agent Orange, how'd you get to be such a fucking idiot?
You morons were creaming yourselves over this little lying shit's lies, just like you cream yourselves over your own fucking lies.
God Bless All Here.
Joyeux Noel, the Happiest of Chaunukahs, Kwanza to come, and a much anticipated Hogmanay.
Be good. Goodnight.
Okay then. Stoli and little nibbly things. Bad sci-fi, sweats, and girl-talk. Maybe a little fragrant vapor. That sounds like my happy dream of christmas eve.
jess askin
==
Merry Christmas!
Little Brother, Agent Orange - the way I am envisioning it is 4 parts
1 - Educational value - The number of people inspired by space is pretty good, and look at what happened in the US after Sputnik was launch
2. Jobs - yes Jobs. And Jobs in the short term. Let me give an example
Branson's space tourism. The amount of money involved in Sub-orbital tourism is increadible. Example
"“Results were obtained for sub-orbital flights, with the space tourists being
rocketed 50 miles into space, at an assumed cost of $100,000, and experiencing
much the same kind of 15-minute experience of exhilaration, weightlessness and
seeing the Earth below, as did Alan Shepard, America's first astronaut. Up to
19% of those interviewed indicated that they would be likely to take part in
such an experience when it becomes available to the public, assuming they
could meet the medical and other requirements.”
Using Data from the US Census Bureau from 1999, the total number of households with
income of $200,000 or more is 2,502,675. Using an approximation from these figures,
the number of households who would by tickets is potentially at 475,508, and at
$100,000 per ticket, the market has the potential to be worth $47,550,800,000 - close to
50 billion dollars. Now, admittedly, these have taken a number of optimistic
assumptions, but the simple point is that there is real interest and people are really
willing to spend money to go into space. Taking an even more conservative approach
and eliminating three-fourths of the potential population (for reasons that they are below
the $250,000 yearly income or fail the medical requirements) the numbers still remain
impressive 118,877 that are actually interested in flying. At $100,000 per ticket, that the
amount of money is still quite large - $11,887,700,000.
Assuming an even more conservative estimate, and only using non-family incomes, the
numbers still remain impressive - 352,026 non-family households Again, removing half,
since these are clearly people with real disposable income, there remains176,013 who
can really afford and are capable of purchasing a ride, 33,442 who would actually buy a
ticket, and again at $100,000 per ticket, remains impressive - $3,344,220,000. The end
point is, this is real money that people would spend.
Basically, Space has the potential to add somewhere between 5 to 50 billion dollars to
the economy practically overnight."
Also, wanna see a payback for the ISS? Turn it into a space business park - have a hotel, research facilities that companies can rent out - All of this is dependent upon cheap orbital accesss, but the fact is, we are one the cusp of cheap orbital access. I admit the problems of the shuttle, but what happened to it is the equivalent of what is happening on Global warming - it got ignored, and was made into something that was cheap in the short term, but expensive in the long term. Which brings me to reason 3 More comming
Agent Orange, how'd you get to be such a fucking idiot?
jess askin
If you ask in a more detailed manner, I'll give you a detailed answer.
But one caution when coming on an anonymous comments page, assume half the people here are dumber than you - and half the people are smarter than you. And among those who are smarter than you there a few who know way more than you think about topics which you enjoy blowing out your ass.
just sayin'
arabella - the above post is for you
3 - Saving the Enviroment - the number of industries that could be moved off planet, like mininig, or manufacturing, would do wonders for the enviroment
4 - Energy - you want to deal with our Energy problems right now? Solar Power sats can deal with it. They could provide enough energy to deal with the entire world's energy.
Now, as stated, all of these things require cheap orbital access. And, as I said, we are close, so close, to having it (well, actually, we could've had it years ago, but thanks to the big Aerospace, who wanted to keep it expensive, managed to seriously hurt colonization for years)
Ferris, we don't seem to be arguing with your overall premise that space exploration is a worthy endeavor and one which could be used to political advantage by the Democratic Party.
But we're gently suggesting that your visionary views are a few orders of magnitude beyond doable.
As Olaf observes, and if you ever read "The Right Stuff", you'll find that NASA has typically operated on a crash program by crash program basis.
Even long-term programs like the Space Shuttle were initiated with vague presumptions, e.g. that the Shuttle would be shuttling stuff back and forth to some orbital entity or entities-- a permanent Space Station or stations.
Straight out of "2001: A Space Odyssey". But of course no such station has been built, so the shuttle missions are the equivalent of "taking a ride" and doing a few scientific experiments along the way.
But true space colonies are generations away, because we haven't harnessed our knowledge and resources efficiently. A NASA administering meaningful space exploration projects, manned or unmanned, could solidify its role as the authority on space and space travel.
It could provide regulation and oversight to private-sector space exploration, too. I could even speak of partnerships, but the specter of gummint fraud, waste, and abuse involving contractors is discouraging.
Besides, there are sheets, long ago.
Ferris - I agree with Agent Orange. I support spending money on basic research. My first job was as a research assistant at a lab at Harvard Medical School. That's not me bragging on myself, I'm just saying that I was lucky to work for some top notch researchers.
I think manned space exploration accomplishes nothing. We are too far away from having the tachnology anyway. Unmanned space exploration provides us with data that can be interpreted and help advance our knowledge.
I don't see what we gain by putting people in space.
Little Brother - I know Nasa has operated crash program by Crash program - what I am saying is, we need to bring in Private intdustry into the fold - a key part of it will be the breaking of the launch monopoly. Look, You have Burt Rutan, who has built and actually flown people into space with his SpaceShipOne - you have Richard Branson and The Governor New Mexico ready to spend serious money on the industry of Space Tourism. Branson already has sold 100 tickets at $200,000 a piece, and has reported that 38,000 people have place a $20,000 deposit on a ticket (I admit the second seems dubious, and I am hoping to find out if thats straight, or a missprint - I've seen the first everyone, but the 2nd about the 38,000 I've also heard that they have indicated they'd put $20,000 actually down)
You have Elon Musk, who, I admit hasn't flown anything just yet (first launch was schedualed for 19, but got delayed until January) whose rockets drop the cost per pound to orbit by a factor of 10 (yes, I know, instead of $10,000 a pound, its $1000 per pound, but we begin to get into the realm of real breakthroughs for PERSONAL Spaceflight)
What would motivate private industry to sign on to this? I mean, what would it take?
As far as knowing whats doable and whats not, well, I do feel I have a little authority since im studying to be an Aerospace Engineer (and no, its not just about Job security for yours truely - its much broader than that)
But why are you dedicating your life to space exploration? If you shared your true motivations, maybe people would believe more of what you say.
Well, actually, some of private industry already has - As I said, Richard Branson, of Virgin Records, Virgin Airlines, the Virgin group fame, is putting millions in. As is Paul Allen, Microsoft's cofounder. Elon Musk, who invented Paypal, well, his rocket is on the pad, as I said.
Frankly, there is 2 things that is holding Private industry back
1 - we need some form of regulatory statutes on space property.
2 - The Boeing/Lockheed/Nasa Monopoly - the pipeline to space has always been cost to orbit. The major Aerospace firms have never really been interested in cheap access (there is plenty of evidence of that, considering what they've done to various cheap access programs in the past). There have been legitmate programs that could've reduce the orbital access costs, but because of the big aerospace companies lucritive contracts, and Nasa being seen as the only customer, well, they've managed to kill programs of what could've been cheap access
My true motivation is Space Colonization, as I've said. what I was driving at was that I am not just interested in Job securty, as an Aerospace Engineer. Its my belief that without Space Colonization, mankind is doomed to extintion, prolly within a fairly short time frame
OK. Let's say that this is within the realm of possiblity. How do get enough trained scientists and technicians and so forth? As it is, the United States lags far behind in educating scientists.
Just a question - what are you getting your degree in and how long will it take? What kind of GPA do you need to to top notch work.
The point is, there is private industry ready to get into Space, if they can over come Boeing and Lockheed
If your up against corporations such as Boeing and Lockheed, you have a big job ahead of you. Aren't they in league with the government and with K Street lobbyists? How do you plan to cut through the red tape?
Well, a couple of ways
1 - much of the stuff has already been designed.
2 - we do have quite a few trained people, in terms of science and technicians, who are out of work - consider the former employees of GM - they would need some retraining, for specifics, but they could easily provide a workforce. There are others out there as well - America isn't completely stupid yet, although we are on our way there.
As far as me personally, well, Im studying at University of Michigan (well, truth is I am on a short leave, but I hope to be back at U of M before next fall, or else working at one of the startups)
What got you interested in space colonization? Science or science fiction? I always loved science.
Here's something everyone should be concerned about. I saw a television program on Discovery Channel about asteroids that are heading straight for the earth. Can space colonization stop the asteroids or meteors from hitting the planet?
2 ways to beat them - Many people, like Allen and Branson, and Musk, and Jeff Bezos of Amazon.com (he's also got his own company) and some other, have deep pockets, and that will get me to first base, possibly second. To get all the way, well, why do you think I am out here, trying to sell to the base of the Democrats? I would prefer not to go to the R's, partly cause they have Boeing and Lockheed's interestes at heart, but I also am very nervious of most Republicains (hell, lets be honest, I am truthfully almost a socialist)
arabella - a PBS show about Uranus (yes, I know, I know, make any joke you feel appropriate, but its entirely true)
As for dealing with Asteroids and the like, yes, we could.
I think you should refine your ideas a bit and keep talking to people. Personally, I'm interested in something if it will benefit me in some way.
I'm not kidding about meteors hitting the earth. People are scared of this. What if a huge meteor hit the planet and every form of life was whiped out. If we didn't have people on space colonies, the human race would be extinct like the dinosaurs. See, this is selling point - carrot=space colonies stick=all humanity dead in an explosion.
I mention that somewhat in the paper, but the truth is, meter impacts doesn't worry people as much as having enough money. But tell someone you can provide him with a job, a good paying job with health insurinece and retirement and the like, you'll convince him/her.
The truth is, presenting an idea in an informal setting like this, its a little harder, and it doesn't come off as refined as I've done it. I sent you an email, I hope you've gotten it, and I hope to hear back from you
Thsnks a lot, Ferris. I'll be sure to look for the e-mail. I enjoyed talking to you. I'll say good bye now and wish you good luck.
Ferris - here's a chat group you might like:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/luf-team/
except for bunnies..
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