Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

White supremacy is terrorism.

Sadly, there is no cure for stupid.

Nothing worth doing is easy.

Thanks to your bullshit, we are now under siege.

Today’s GOP: why go just far enough when too far is right there?

Historically it was a little unusual for the president to be an incoherent babbling moron.

The revolution will be supervised.

Good lord, these people are nuts.

Balloon Juice has never been a refuge for the linguistically delicate.

You can’t attract Republican voters. You can only out organize them.

People are complicated. Love is not.

The republican caucus is already covering themselves with something, and it’s not glory.

Putting aside our relentless self-interest because the moral imperative is crystal clear.

No one could have predicted…

Let there be snark.

if you can’t see it, then you are useless in the fight to stop it.

Accused of treason; bitches about the ratings. I am in awe.

JFC, are there no editors left at that goddamn rag?

This has so much WTF written all over it that it is hard to comprehend.

Proof that we need a blogger ethics panel.

If you’re pissed about Biden’s speech, he was talking about you.

“woke” is the new caravan.

Second rate reporter says what?

I’d like to think you all would remain faithful to me if i ever tried to have some of you killed.

You are here: Home / Open Threads / Open Thread

Reader Interactions

122Comments

  2. 2.

    rachel

    Bwaah-hah-haaah!

    (I shouldn’t laugh, though; this kind of stuff happens to people who DO have two functioning braincells to rub together, too.)

  3. 3.

    norbizness

    Well, when one regards the President as “a man of extraordinary vision and brilliance approaching to genius,” things like childproof caps, instant pudding, and blog archives become a bewildering obstacle to you.

  6. 6.

    AnneJ

    Reader William Katz points out that Pajamas Media casts substantial doubt on the Sunday Times story claiming Israel is preparing a strike on Iran using nuclear bunker busters. Following the unfounded report that the United States was wirepping Lady Diana’s phone on the night of her death, I don’t take anything in the British press at face value anymore.

    John doesn’t trust anyting written in the British press at face value anymore. But he sees Pajamas media as a valid source on Iran after a scource close to pajamas media pronounced Khamenei dead before time. Hmmm… Right wing factu checking: reading other wingnuts.

  8. 8.

    demimondian

    I have received a communique from the Unitarian Jihad, with the request that it be “released in the usual manner, by a 7-3 vote”. The communique follows.

    I am Brother Scalpel of the Ineffable Argument, speaking on behalf of the Unitarian Jihad.

    We, the Focal Indicatorate of the Unitarian Jihad, by a vote of 6 in favor, 1 opposed, release this communique to express our deep concern with the prosecution of the on-going global resistance against zombie entities (GRAZE), which is currently eating up our resources. (Sister Solipsist of the Unique Individuation abstains. The minutes reflect her assertion that the are no resources not subject to her will, and that she has not yet decided whether too many resources have been consumed. Brother Incredulous asks that the minutes reflect his doubts concerning Solipsist’s seriousness. The minutes so reflect.)

    In the light of limited number of brains Zombie Santa took this Christmas, it is clear that the current un-sanctions against him are sufficient, and the committee questions the long-term wisdom of broadening the resistance to encompass direct action against him. (Holey Joe Donuts asks that his particular disagreement with the committee be reflected in the minutes.) It is evident to us that confronted with destruction, Zombie Santa chose to Stay the Corpse, choosing, instead, a New Way to Stumble Forward.

    The Committee, by unanimous vote, recommends that the un-sanctions be maintained, and that the focus of GRAZE be redirected to greener pastures, in order to better expose the roots of zombitude in the society of imaginary threats.

    This ends the communique.

  9. 9.

    Salty Party Snax

    Looks like Paul and The Hindrocket need to sit down over a pot of coffee and talk their problems through. These kinds of difficulties could lead to bigger problems down the road if they’re not handled with sensitivity and care.

  12. 12.

    demimondian

    See, it isn’t that the leading lite of the CFL is a crypto-republican. It’s that the Republicans have been taking their talking points form Joe, all along.

  14. 14.

    ThymeZone

    Okay, secret-divulgin’ time:

    (Secret in bold for easier parsing)

    I have only watched 15 minutes of The Wire, and I thought it sucked and have never watched it since. And I have no plans to ever watch it again, although sooner or later boredom will probably overcome me and I’ll try it one more time.

    My favorite crime show on tv is DaVinci’s Inquest. Thanks to the invention of the DVR I can now watch it when I feel like it, since it comes on here at odd late hours. Now I can finally keep up with the complex and subtle story lines.

    Those Canucks do a fine cop show, eh?

  16. 16.

    AkaDad

    I’m only divulging my secret because of your total confidentiality pledge.

    Yesterday was my birthday and I turned 82 Friedmans old, but my body feels like I’m 120 Friedmans old.

  19. 19.

    Paul L.

    I am sure that the Researchers at Wake Forest University and Harvard University will shown to be frauds like Hwang Woo Suk.
    SOME STEM CELL GOOD NEWS:

    Scientists reported Sunday they had found a plentiful source of stem cells in the fluid that cushions babies in the womb.

    The announcement may make it easier to sidestep the controversy over destroying embryos for research.

    Researchers at Wake Forest University and Harvard University reported the stem cells they drew from amniotic fluid donated by pregnant women hold much the same promise as embryonic stem cells.

    They reported they were able to extract the stem cells without harm to mother or fetus and turn their discovery into several different tissue cell types, including brain, liver and bone.

    If this pans out, it will be bad news for politicians, but good news for the rest of us.

  21. 21.

    Make7

    Tim,

    The link in the opening post has a double anchor. My browser opened up the page, but didn’t jump to the story in question.

    To fix it, all you need to do is remove the second #8630951348165525195 from the web address.

  22. 22.

    Krista

    Talking about Canadian shows, I saw some clips of one that will start soon called Little Mosque on the Prarie.

    Ooh, thanks for the reminder. I definitely want to check it out — it looks freakin’ hilarious.

  23. 23.

    Krista

    Scientists reported Sunday they had found a plentiful source of stem cells in the fluid that cushions babies in the womb.

    The announcement may make it easier to sidestep the controversy over destroying embryos for research.

    Researchers at Wake Forest University and Harvard University reported the stem cells they drew from amniotic fluid donated by pregnant women hold much the same promise as embryonic stem cells.

    They reported they were able to extract the stem cells without harm to mother or fetus and turn their discovery into several different tissue cell types, including brain, liver and bone.

    If true, then that’s wonderful news.

    Believe it or not, Paul L., those who support federal funding of embryonic stem-cell research don’t do so because we have a grudge against embryos. If amniotic fluid stem cells turn out to have just as much potential and promise, then I’m all for getting behind that 100%. Hopefully we can then put the controversy behind us and focus our energies not on fighting, but on urging the government to support and encourage this promising new avenue of research.

  24. 24.

    Zombie Santa Claus

    They reported they were able to extract the stem cells without harm to mother or fetus and turn their discovery into several different tissue cell types, including brain, liver and bone.

    Yes, but what if there’s a mishap? Can our society afford the risk to the embryo should the doctors screw up?

  25. 25.

    Tim F.

    Make7,

    Thanks. Fixed.

    Paul,

    You’re a hysteric. I don’t think anybody other than you has a problem with progress in the various fields of stem cell research.

    Krista,

    Ok. I named my first goldfish Gorbachev because of his unique color pattern, and my first scientific experiment was to try to teach him to read. For my second experiment I tried to train the little guy to hit a LEGO bulls-eye for food. Neither worked.

  26. 26.

    Zifnab

    Wouldn’t it be great if we could study adult cord stem cells, amniotic fluid stem cells, AND embryonic stem cells?

    Also, wouldn’t it be nice if we didn’t cling to the ‘snowflake children’ myth and recognize that the vast, vast majority of unused stem cells STILL get thrown in the trash even after they’ve been “saved”?

  27. 27.

    Zombie Santa Claus

    You’re a hysteric. I don’t think anybody other than you has a problem with progress in the various fields of stem cell research.

    If the Lord didn’t want us to die of horrible, debilitating illnesses, He would’ve stopped Eve before she consorted with fruit-dispensing serpents.

  28. 28.

    Zombie Santa Claus

    Also, wouldn’t it be nice if we didn’t cling to the ‘snowflake children’ myth and recognize that the vast, vast majority of unused stem cells STILL get thrown in the trash even after they’ve been “saved”?

    As long as they’ve been baptized first, I guess it’s okay.

  29. 29.

    Krista

    Ok. I named my first goldfish Gorbachev because of his unique color pattern, and my first scientific experiment was to try to teach him to read. For my second experiment I tried to train the little guy to hit a LEGO bulls-eye for food. Neither worked.

    Heh. Very subtle, Timothy. I like it.

  30. 30.

    Zombie Santa Claus

    Sometimes, when I used to tape MST3K episodes off of TV, I’d play Goldeneye beforehand, and tape myself dying in the most ridiculously stupid, humorous ways I could engineer.

    My favorite deaths always involved the rocket launchers and/or grenade launchers.

    Sorry that’s not a very juicy secret, but hey, at least you’ve gotten a peek into the secret life of Santa Claus at the North Pole. Now you know why I like to sneak down to Florida and drink myself silly.

  32. 32.

    Myrtle Parker

    Paul L,

    If you or Instapundit would actually care about the science rather than the politics of embryonic stem cells you would read the actual findings. The amniotic stem cells have not been shown to be as pluripotent as embryonic stem cells.

    Amniotic stem cells, while remarkable and entirely deserving of future research (the greatest benefit might be that parents can preserve a babies amniotic stem cells to treat the fetus later in life without fear of immune rejection) are not going to replace embryonic stem cell research. Period. The two kinds of cells are not the same and embryonic cells are still needed despite this new research.

    Read the articles.

  33. 33.

    Zifnab

    But you’re forgetting the whole purpose of Paul L’s post. Namely, to rub dirt in the face of Demoncrats who want to eat babies for their life-sustaining juices. If Paul was actually interested in the science of stem cell research, he’d be posting about the scientific potential and not the political ramifications. Instead, he’s more interested in playing a game of “Gotcha!” in which the primary purpose of scientific discovery is to win elections.

  34. 34.

    Paul L.

    Paul,

    You’re a hysteric. I don’t think anybody other than you has a problem with progress in the various fields of stem cell research.

    Just pointing out (sarcastically) this is bad news for Embryonic stem cell demagogues (Ex. John Edwards, Claire McCaskill) and the Embryonic stem cell Scientists/Researchers who have not produced anything but cancer who are screaming for more (Federal) money.

    And this fraud gets even worst!!!11!!!!1
    Well We Didn’t Need Those Embryonic Stem Cells Anyway

    One advantage is that these cells, unlike embryonic stem cells, don’t form tumors when implanted into mice.

    How dare they pedal this False Hope!!!1!!

  35. 35.

    Punchy

    From the electronic pages of the Daily Kos, we bring you one man’s epic struggle against a Rodent Of Unusual Size.

    Sorry, but I clicked your link, and the myriad of links associated with that diary, and I STILL have no freakin’ clue what the hub-bub is about. Can I get a Cliff’s Notes version, por favor?

  36. 36.

    ThymeZone

    I move that when the new stem cell work is the basis for tangible medical advancements, those advancements be made available only to Democrats.

    Hands?

    Okay, and Independents too …

  37. 37.

    Zombie Santa Claus

    Okay, and Independents too …

    What about people who voted for Ralph Nader? In 2004? What about people who happen to be zombified elves working for Jesus? Do stem cells hold promise for them, as well?

  38. 38.

    ThymeZone

    What about people who voted for Ralph Nader?

    No. Muqtada, muqtada, muqtada.

    What about people who happen to be zombified elves working for Jesus?

    You mean Rick Moran? No.

  39. 39.

    Jake

    Also, wouldn’t it be nice if we didn’t cling to the ‘snowflake children’ myth…

    I’d settle for a world were people didn’t coin cutesy terms to describe zygotes.

    But I am having trouble understanding this sentence:

    If this pans out, it will be bad news for politicians, but good news for the rest of us.

    Who, exactly, is “us” in this sentence? Did an embryo write this? If so, then the little buggers are smarter than I thought. If not, the writer is an ass hat.

  40. 40.

    Krista

    Sometimes, when I used to tape MST3K episodes off of TV,

    Is Trumpy from the North Pole? I’ve always wondered…

  41. 41.

    Myrtle Parker

    Paul L,

    Please read the scientific articles! Embryonic stem cells are not the same thing as amniotic derived stem cells. They are not as pluripotent.

    You are acting like this science is a zero sum game between the competing factions of embryonic stem cell and other stem cell researches. However, these researchers are by and large doing BOTH! And they themselves will tell you that these newer stem cells do not and WILL NOT replace the need for embryonic stem cell research.

    And please quit saying that embryonic stem cell research has gone nowhere. This is appallingly ignorant. Strikingly so. Humanities scientific knowledge has gained immeasurably do to embryonic stem cell research. We are learning HOW cells form and the specific chemical triggers necessary for pluripotent cells to specialize into such diverse cell types as neurons or heart cells.

    You are focused on the politics and you are doing a piss poor job of it.

  43. 43.

    Zombie Santa Claus

    Is Trumpy from the North Pole? I’ve always wondered…

    That movie cries out for a sequel. It could still come out.

    Given another 30-40 years, I’d give it a 65% chance of actually coming out, too.

  44. 44.

    Dave Ruddell

    Talking about Canadian shows, I saw some clips of one that will start soon called Little Mosque on the Prarie.

    Ooh, thanks for the reminder. I definitely want to check it out—it looks freakin’ hilarious.

    Krista, I think it’s just going to be Corner Gas…With Muslims! I think CBC is still smarting after missing the Brent Butt Boat.

  45. 45.

    Krista

    Given another 30-40 years, I’d give it a 65% chance of actually coming out, too.

    Do Zombies eat popcorn? If so, then it’ll be my treat.

  46. 46.

    Krista

    Krista, I think it’s just going to be Corner Gas…With Muslims! I think CBC is still smarting after missing the Brent Butt Boat.

    Maybe. I’m still going to give it a fair try, however.

    There’s a Brent Butt Boat? Cool! Can I get tickets?

  47. 47.

    ThymeZone

    There’s a thought- let Nader and Moqtada share a ticket in the next Iraqi Presidential race.

    Good idea. Throw the election to Casey Kasem.

  48. 48.

    Punchy

    Did an embryo write this? If so, then the little buggers are smarter than I thought.

    I’m pretty sure an embryo penned that. Hell, I got one to wash my car and another to finish my math homework. They do tend, however, to be adverse to hanging up clothes on coathangers and vacuuming.

  50. 50.

    dreggas

    Sorry, but I clicked your link, and the myriad of links associated with that diary, and I STILL have no freakin’ clue what the hub-bub is about. Can I get a Cliff’s Notes version, por favor?

    Basically “Spocko” started calling up advertisers whose products were advertised on these asshats shows and gave them clips of the show to show them that their products are being pushed by people who are saying “Kill all muslims” etc. and that their reputation is being associated with these people who read the ads. As a result a lot of the advertisers are pulling their money out of this radio station which is owned by Disney.

    Disney handles a lot of the work getting the ads placed on these shows and doesn’t let on what the shows are about so they in effect protect the show and still get the ads. Now that advertisers are pulling their ads etc. Disney has gone after this blogger causing his first site to be shut down via a cease and desist order to the ISP.

    They are threatening more legal action against him even though his use of the clips is covered under fair use and he is not making any money doing this.

    Of course this just reaffirms that the mouse wears a swatika which is nothing new to anyone who lives anywhere near Disneyland.

  53. 53.

    Zifnab

    Basically “Spocko” started calling up advertisers whose products were advertised on these asshats shows …

    I’ve been following this on DKos and C&L. After the NippleGate SuperBowl and all the Howard Stern censorship, it’s nice to see batshit crazy radio get a solid beam of sunshine up their bums. If there’s one IOKIYAR I can’t stand, it’s the censorship hypocrasy.

  54. 54.

    canuckistani

    I was best man at a friend’s wedding, and I made a speech while I was not wearing any pants.

    Given that both amniotic and embryonic stem cell research are at early stages it is way too soon to say that one will be better than the other. Hopefully amniotic stem cells will prove superior so us atheists won’t be cut off from our supply of Campbell’s Cream of Embryo Soup. Ahhh… life in Godless Canada..

  55. 55.

    Krista

    Hopefully amniotic stem cells will prove superior so us atheists won’t be cut off from our supply of Campbell’s Cream of Embryo Soup.

    Sssh! You weren’t supposed to tell them about that! Now all the American atheists will be coming up here for their embryo fix.

  56. 56.

    ThymeZone

    Campbell’s Cream of Embryo Soup.

    Just add a can to two cups of cooked egg noodles, bake at 350f for 40 mins, and presto!

    Embryo Casserole!

  58. 58.

    Jake

    I was best man at a friend’s wedding, and I made a speech while I was not wearing any pants.

    Kilt? Sarong? A thick coating of stem cells?

  60. 60.

    Myrtle Parker

    What’s really nice is traditional turkey dressing (not the damn Stove Top) for Thanksgiving, that most American of holidays, with an added dash of sliced Embryo’s and Oysters. That’s some good eat’in.

  62. 62.

    chopper

    And please quit saying that embryonic stem cell research has gone nowhere. This is appallingly ignorant.

    hey, research using embryonic stem cells only led to the polio vaccine. big deal.

  63. 63.

    Face

    hey, research using embryonic stem cells only led to the polio vaccine. big deal.

    Innoculations against rich people playing croquet on horses? Damn, stem cells ARE fo’ shizzle.

  64. 64.

    ImJohnGalt

    Talking about Canadian shows, I saw some clips of one that will start soon called Little Mosque on the Prarie. Cracked me up. Can’t see that show running down here without Assrocket types getting the vapors.

    Atlas Juggs mentioned it in her last vlog. I refuse to link to it, because it will make one’s head explode.

    For those of you who like Corner Gas, Kung Fu Monkey mentions it in a recent post. Click on his link to the analysis of CG by a Canadian TV writer – it’s quite good.

  67. 67.

    OCSteve

    They do tend, however, to be adverse to hanging up clothes on coathangers and vacuuming.

    That’s so bad it’s good. LOL.

  68. 68.

    canuckistani

    Kilt? Sarong? A thick coating of stem cells?

    The actual truth is a good deal less interesting than anything you can randomly invent, so I’ll leave that one unanswered.

  69. 69.

    chopper

    ???

    a big hurdle for salk in developing a vaccine was in being able to grow the virus in human tissue. previously, it was grown in monkeys.

    but in the late 40’s three doctors figured out how to grow it in kidney cell material from dead fetuses. those three won the nobel prize in ’54 because their research led to salk developing the vaccine.

  70. 70.

    Zifnab

    those three won the nobel prize in ‘54 because their research led to salk developing the vaccine.

    Huh. I did not know that. Thank you.

  71. 71.

    Face

    but in the late 40’s 90’s three doctors figured out how to grow it in kidney cell material make tasty milkshakes from dead fetuses.

    And it’s what the Dems drank on election night, according to a secret Fox News memo.

  72. 72.

    Jake

    The actual truth is a good deal less interesting than anything you can randomly invent, so I’ll leave that one unanswered.

    Aw come on!

    You’re a woman so you were wearing a dress/skirt.
    You’re a priest so you were wearing robes of some sort.
    Themed wedding – Famous movie starlets from the Golden Age of Hollywood.
    Themed wedding – Life’s a Drag.

    Am I getting close?

  73. 73.

    Zombie Santa Claus

    When did Santa die and how did he become a zombie?

    May 29, 2006. Canucki extremists blew my yacht up. Then they injected my body with Solanum (the zombie virus), while transplanting my head and placing the original one in a jar connected to a computer console.

    I’m not sure whose head is currently attached to my body, you’d have to ask a Canadian for that one. Maybe the Easter Bunny’s, he hasn’t been heard from around here in a while. All’s I know is, my body is rampaging around the Canadian tundra defending the North Pole guerrilla-zombie style while I sit in this jar and wish I had a mojito.

  75. 75.

    Andrew

    ZCS: Everyone knows that normal zombies freeze solid up North.

    Who, exactly, are your sources on the whereabouts of your body? Michael Moore? Jamil Hussein, famed zombie hunter?

    It’s far more likely that your body is enjoying mojitos and mai-tais in between rounds of tasty Polynesian flesh.

    In any case, I vote that Michelle Malkin gets airdropped onto the sea ice. It’s the only way to be sure.

  76. 76.

    HyperIon

    I have only watched 15 minutes of The Wire, and I thought it sucked and have never watched it since. And I have no plans to ever watch it again, although sooner or later boredom will probably overcome me and I’ll try it one more time.

    i think you should give it another try soon and get to the end of the first episode at least. i’m telling you it is a substantive treatment of many important urban problems. plus the writing is excellent and the characters are complex. there is so little on TV that is worth even a first look; so i have to jump in, ppGAZ, and make a special plea for a second look at the Wire.

    one suggestion: turn on the english subtitles. my comprehension of the dialog went way up after i did that.

    My favorite crime show on tv is DaVinci’s Inquest.

    i agree that it is also good. happily, here in seattle we get CBC even on the most basic cable subscription. it’s really amusing to contrast DaVinci’s Inquest with every other american cop show. the canadian cops seldom seem to need to draw their guns. they are kinder and gentler versions of what US viewers are subjected to.

    last year CBC showed This Is Wonderland, a quirky courtroom drama series that dealt mostly with low profile crimes. again the canadian touch was obvious. it seems to have not been renewed unfortunately.

    BTW Inquest was followed by DaVinci’s City Hall, wherein Dominic becomes mayor. it seems to have disappeared as well after one year. several of the actors are now appearing in a series called Intelligence that was developed by the same guy who did Inquest.

    as US TV continues to offer less and less, i gravitate more to CBC. (i’m surprised that it is not a standard offering on all cable systems.) i occasionally even watch hockey night in canada…as long as that idiot don cherry is absent.

    and finally, i stumbled onto the CBC’s 9/11 coverage on 9/12. it was much more informative than the crap on US channel. a complete absence of cringe-making material.

    krista, can you explain don cherry?

  78. 78.

    Pooh

    I have only watched 15 minutes of The Wire, and I thought it sucked and have never watched it since

    You wound me deeply, sir.

  79. 79.

    SeesThroughIt

    I’d play Goldeneye beforehand, and tape myself dying in the most ridiculously stupid, humorous ways I could engineer.

    My god, that game was so much fun. I still have an N64 just so I can play it.

    You want stupid and humorous, though, play multiplayer deathmatch and set it so you have to kill each other with you bare hands. Slap fight! Completely ridiculous. The only death that’s more undignified is death by Klobb.

    BTW, my favorite multiplayer character was Oddjob. In the wake of Austin Powers, I’d scream, “Random Task!” whenever I killed somebody. Good times.

  80. 80.

    Pooh

    BTW, my favorite multiplayer character was Oddjob. In the wake of Austin Powers, I’d scream, “Random Task!” whenever I killed somebody. Good times.

    Boris. “I’m invincible!”

    Let me tell you that for some reason, P-mines in the Library while high is hysterically funny. To the point of near-asphyxia on occasion…so I hear…

  81. 81.

    Krista

    krista, can you explain don cherry?

    Well, Hyperion, the world is a confusing place. Sometimes, when people can’t make sense of what it is that they’re seeing, they start listening to anybody who sounds certain of what they’re saying. The louder and more certain someone sounds, the more likely they are to attract those people who are confused, need answers, and want to find someone to blame for things not going the way they wanted.

    Then, you have others who know perfectly well that the loud and certain person is completely full of shite, but derive a perverse sort of amusement from listening to someone spew testosterone over the airwaves.

    Thus, the popularity of Rush Limbaugh Don Cherry.

  82. 82.

    SeesThroughIt

    Let me tell you that for some reason, P-mines in the Library while high is hysterically funny. To the point of near-asphyxia on occasion…so I hear…

    I can attest to this as well. My friends and I actually ended up banning the use of p-mines because it got entirely too ridiculous (and funny).

    Using sniper rifles in the facility could really turn into some nail-biting stuff, though.

  83. 83.

    Andrew

    Real men played Goldeneye with one shot kills.

    But that was before Clinton destroyed our morality.

  85. 85.

    Pooh

    Using sniper rifles in the facility could really turn into some nail-biting stuff, though.

    G-launchers in the Temple. The body armor became something of a death trap as we all got pretty good at the 2 wall around-the corner shot…

  88. 88.

    demimondian

    Has anyone ever resolved whether GoldenEye or Halo is a better game (technology limitations aside…)?

    No.

    This has been another edition of _Stupid Answers to Sinple Questions_.

  90. 90.

    Bruce Moomaw

    Clearly these two are promising candidates for high-ranking Administration positions.

  91. 91.

    SeesThroughIt

    G-launchers in the Temple. The body armor became something of a death trap as we all got pretty good at the 2 wall around-the corner shot…

    Oh shit, the G-launcher trick shots. Those were the best, especially when it just became a trick shot free-for-all. Somebody was damn sure gonna get blown up–the only questions were who and by whom.

    I never played Halo, but to me, GoldenEye reigns supreme in the FPS realm.

  92. 92.

    Barrasso

    Don Cherry is Rush Limbaugh mixed with Humpty Dumpty and your dirty mouthed elderly gym teacher. Why is it whenever I hear good things about Canadian TV no one mentions my favorite show (besides MST3k of course)Trailer Park Boys. Also I may have to give the Wire a chance but it can’t beat Battlestar can it?

  93. 93.

    demimondian

    I never played Halo

    Please remain where you are. The geek squad will be dispatched immediately to repossess your Geek Cred Card.

    Thank you, citizen. The XBOX 360 is your friend.

  94. 94.

    Hyperion

    it can’t beat Battlestar can it?

    apples vs. oranges
    one is great adventure/fantasy.
    the other is depressing reality.
    but IMNSHO both are excellent viewing.
    maybe because they both provoke thought.
    the writers, see, have actual and complicated ideas which they try to elucidate through plot and, wait for it, character.

  95. 95.

    SeesThroughIt

    Please remain where you are. The geek squad will be dispatched immediately to repossess your Geek Cred Card.

    Ah, I was never much of a gaming geek anyway. There’s just a short list of games I got into pretty hard, and GoldenEye was one of ’em. Also on the N64: Mario Kart 64 (one of the best college stoner games ever) and Wayne Gretzky’s 3D Hockey, which wasn’t all that good of a game, but was insanely fun in head-to-head play.

  96. 96.

    Andrew

    one is great adventure/fantasy.

    That just happened to have a brilliant critique of the war in Iraq, which made Jonah Goldberg shit his adult diapers in confusion (more than usual at least).

  97. 97.

    ThymeZone

    Since it’s an open thread, congratulations to the Ohio State Buckeyes ….

    …for rolling over and playing dead tonight and making this Michigan fan really enjoy a football game this holiday season.

  98. 98.

    Hyperion

    That just happened to have a brilliant critique of the war in Iraq

    like i said, actual and complicated ideas

  99. 99.

    lard lad

    I have only watched 15 minutes of The Wire, and I thought it sucked and have never watched it since. And I have no plans to ever watch it again, although sooner or later boredom will probably overcome me and I’ll try it one more time.

    FIFTEEN MINUTES? For fuck’s sake, man. That’s like reading two pages of William Faulkner, then tossing the book aside in disgust.

    This ain’t like 24, where you get dumped into a speeding rollercoaster from the first frame. The first couple of episodes of The Wire take their time, introducing the characters, gradually drawing you into their world… and the pace of the story slowly builds until you are jangling with excitement.

    Oh, and you did start at the beginning of Season One, right? No matter what ANYONE says, you won’t appreciate the scope or dimension of The Wire if you dive in just anywhere.

    Anyhow, I’ll bet ya twenty bucks that if you make it through three episodes, you’ll have reversed your negative opinion completely.

    (End of commercial)

  100. 100.

    Krista

    Why is it whenever I hear good things about Canadian TV no one mentions my favorite show (besides MST3k of course)Trailer Park Boys.

    Heh. I do check that show out every so often. I loved the episode where they hijacked Rita MacNeil’s tour bus. If you haven’t seen it, it’s priceless.

    Also I may have to give the Wire a chance but it can’t beat Battlestar can it?

    Can’t say. Haven’t yet seen the Wire. But, it’s definitely not going to far to say that BSG is one of the best fracking shows on TV…ever.

    Is it just me, or is there a LOT of really decent TV on lately? For awhile, it was all crappy reality shows and insipid sitcoms. Now, we’ve got the Wire, BSG, Heroes, My Name is Earl, the Office — and that’s just to name a handful.

  101. 101.

    lard lad

    Ho-lee shit.

    Check out this li’l gem from Jules Crittenden, definitely an up-and-comer for the Assholic Kool-Aid Drinker of the moment.

    The money shot:

    Fight now. Fight harder. Expend our precious blood and money now, so we don’t have to spend more blood and more money later.

    These are not easy choices. But we are fortunate. The Democratic Congress, so eager to abandon Iraq, is fortunate. The world that seems to revile us no matter what we do is also fortunate. Because it will not be their decision.

    We have a president who understands what’s at stake. All signs indicate he recognizes the mistakes of the past and now intends to do the right thing and make the harder choice to fight – now, when we are tired and spent. It’s his choice to make.

    Ahhh… nothing leaves that certain acid tang at the back of the throat like the heartfelt sentiments of a patriotic, terrorist-whuppin’ right-wing pundit, always so willing to unselfishly sacrifice the “precious blood” of others.

  102. 102.

    lard lad

    Once more, Colonel Crittenden, with feeling:

    All signs indicate he recognizes the mistakes of the past and now intends to do the right thing

    Corner #786 has just been turned…

  105. 105.

    canuckistani

    Thank you, citizen. The XBOX 360 is your friend.

    XBOX 360? Are you a mutant or a communist? Please report to the food vats for purpose reclassification, citizen, and prepare to have your next clone activated.
    Only the PS3 is the true servant of the Computer.

  106. 106.

    ThymeZone

    The first couple of episodes of The Wire take their time, introducing the characters, gradually drawing you into their world

    Good grief. I started watching tv in 1951. I really don’t need a lot of instructions.

    This world-beatin’ show not only has a few too many rabid advocates, it also has to be watched in a certain order? Several episodes to “draw me into their world?”

    Methinks you guys may have been drawn a little too tightly into “their world.” I worked for a prosecutor in one of the ten largest cities in America, I am not exactly unfamiliar with the real world of law enforcement and crime.

  107. 107.

    Zifnab

    All signs indicate he recognizes the mistakes of the past and now intends to do the right thing and make the harder choice to fight – now, when we are tired and spent. It’s his choice to make.

    Shorter Jules: Stupid Democrats, I support our President because there’s no way he can make the same mistake THIS time around. We can’t quit now, we’re just about to turn a corner!

  108. 108.

    Zifnab

    Good grief. I started watching tv in 1951. I really don’t need a lot of instructions.

    This world-beatin’ show not only has a few too many rabid advocates, it also has to be watched in a certain order? Several episodes to “draw me into their world?”

    Shorter TZ: You young whippersnappers just don’t know quality when you see it. And I’m old dagnabit. I may not live through that many eps.

  109. 109.

    Paddy O'Shea

    I hate fucking TV.

    Why don’t you guys take up sex or something? Ever stop to think that perhaps television is part of some vast plot to keep professionals from procreating? You guys are boob-tubing your DNA right out of the universal gene pool.

  110. 110.

    Krista

    Why don’t you guys take up sex or something? Ever stop to think that perhaps television is part of some vast plot to keep professionals from procreating? You guys are boob-tubing your DNA right out of the universal gene pool.

    There IS time for both activities in the average evening, you know.

  111. 111.

    Zifnab

    Why don’t you guys take up sex or something?

    There IS time for both activities in the average evening, you know.

    Hehe. If you’re watching the right program, they’re not even mutually exclusive.

  113. 113.

    Paddy O'Shea

    I don’t know. Somehow I can’t see your avg couple getting up from the couch after a hot night of watching Tivo’d Bottlerocket Gallactica episodes and running in to the bedroom and into the throes of passion.

  114. 114.

    ThymeZone

    Somehow I can’t see your avg couple getting up from the couch after a hot night of watching Tivo’d Bottlerocket

    You just haven’t watched enough episodes in the right order to be “drawn into their world” yet.

  115. 115.

    Tim F.

    Real men played Goldeneye with one shot kills.

    Learn where the Golden gun spawns. This room becomes my room. You can’t have it anymore. Go kill each other wherever you want, but if you enter this room you die.

    Heh. BTW, unless you can kill with one shot the sniper rifle was a deathtrap. Like in real life I guess.

  116. 116.

    Zifnab

    Somehow I can’t see your avg couple getting up from the couch after a hot night of watching Tivo’d Bottlerocket Gallactica episodes and running in to the bedroom and into the throes of passion

    “I’ll be your Dr. Gaius if you’ll be my Cylon Number 6.”

    Does it get any hotter?!

  117. 117.

    Andrew

    “I’ll be your Dr. Gaius if you’ll be my Cylon Number 6.”

    Does it get any hotter?!

    Um, yes, duh: when Xena joins the two of you in bed.

  118. 118.

    Paul L.

    Another Embryonic stem cell demagogue heard from.
    STATEMENT OF SENATOR TOM HARKIN (D-IA) ON NEW REPORT ON AMNIOTIC STEM CELLS

    “Furthermore, it is important to note that deriving stem cells from amniotic fluid is not a new area of research. Scientists have been studying amniotic stem cells for many years. While Dr. Atala’s research is noteworthy, it does not represent a major breakthrough. In the future, I urge the media to beware of over-hyping incremental advances in stem cell research, especially when they are published on the eve of a congressional debate.

    Translation:
    How dare you publish a story that weakens my cause.

Comments are closed.