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You are here: Home / z-Retired Categories / Site Maintenance / Open Thread

Open Thread

by Michael D.|  July 19, 20084:44 pm| 64 Comments

This post is in: Site Maintenance

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Shit happens on Saturday, too. Do tell.

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64Comments

  1. 1.

    Mr. Tactful

    July 19, 2008 at 4:52 pm

    Someone come over and mow my lawn, please.

  2. 2.

    Incertus

    July 19, 2008 at 5:04 pm

    Our liberal media is worried that the rest of the world might like Obama too much.

  3. 3.

    liberal

    July 19, 2008 at 5:29 pm

    From the “The more things change, the more they remain the same” department:

    In 1986, his insights led him to predict that the Soviet Union would collapse internally in the near future. This analysis, which contradicted the Reagan administration’s foreign policy positions, was not welcomed. Mr. Graves was removed as head of Soviet internal affairs, although he continued to work in the intelligence field. He later returned to the bureau under the first Bush administration.

    (From Friday’s Washington Post obit section.)

  4. 4.

    Krista

    July 19, 2008 at 5:30 pm

    Outdoor dance at the ballfield next to my apartment tonight. So, instead of trying to sleep and resenting the noise, I intend to barbecue ribs with my friends and get roaringly drunk, as we sit on my deck and watch the intricate mating rituals of the inebriated 20-year-olds. Pointing and laughing may be in the cards. Drunken commenting on this blog may also be in the cards.

  5. 5.

    Martin

    July 19, 2008 at 5:37 pm

    Someone come over and mow my lawn, please.

    Sorry, just mowed mine. It’s beer time. Push mower too. None of that internal combustion shit for me – I can use every bit of exercise that I get. Anyone considering one, I have the previous version of this and it’s wonderful.

    There’s almost no resistance to it since the cutting blade doesn’t actually rub against metal like push mower that you might be used to and it’s very light. Overall, it’s less exertion than pushing a heavier gas mower (though obviously more than a riding mower). But 6 years and it cuts as well as the day I got it and no trips to the gas station and is quiet enough I can mow with my iPod on or have a conversation with my wife and kids. Small too – not much space in the shed.

  6. 6.

    montysano

    July 19, 2008 at 5:50 pm

    Sorry, just mowed mine. It’s beer time. Push mower too. None of that internal combustion shit for me – I can use every bit of exercise that I get. Anyone considering one, I have the previous version of this and it’s wonderful.

    I had a push mower, but found that it’s a grass cutting device. My lawn is a bit…umm….. variegated. I bought a corded electric, and absolutely love the thing.

    I’ve been on a Calexico binge lately. If you’ve never heard “The Black Light” or “Feast of Wire”, check ’em out. Latin-tinged, with folky/spacey/jazzy influences. “Quattro” is one of the best songs evah.

  7. 7.

    croatoan

    July 19, 2008 at 5:50 pm

    Iraqi PM backs Obama troop exit plan

    White House Accidentally E-Mails to Reporters Story That Maliki Supports Obama Iraq Withdrawal Plan

  8. 8.

    Incertus

    July 19, 2008 at 5:53 pm

    Martin,
    If I ever find myself in the unfortunate position of needing a mower again, I’ll have to check that out.

  9. 9.

    rob!

    July 19, 2008 at 5:53 pm

    yeah, this is huge!

    from Marc Ambinder re: Maliki agreeing with Obama:

    Via e-mail, a prominent Republican strategist who occasionally provides advice to the McCain campaign said, simply, “We’re fucked.”

  10. 10.

    Phoebe

    July 19, 2008 at 5:57 pm

    Maliki link-fest:
    http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/07/both-ways-barac.html

    Lawnwise, I recommend the article on same in the current New Yorker [the one with that cover], also linked to in today’s Daily Dish crop. Or possibly yesterday’s. I don’t remember. But yeah, LAWNS, I hate them.

  11. 11.

    Jake

    July 19, 2008 at 6:01 pm

    yeah, this is huge!

    You don’t say? Check the first post in the last Open Thread Cole put up.

    You can all bow to me now, because you’re not worthy.

  12. 12.

    The Briscoe Kid

    July 19, 2008 at 6:21 pm

    Obama got a standing ovation from the troops in Kuwait.

    This is good for John McCain…

  13. 13.

    Brachiator

    July 19, 2008 at 6:28 pm

    croatoan Says:

    White House Accidentally E-Mails to Reporters Story That Maliki Supports Obama Iraq Withdrawal Plan

    The story about this begins by noting:

    The White House this afternoon accidentally sent to its extensive distribution list a Reuters story headlined “Iraqi PM backs Obama troop exit plan – magazine.”

    This is one of the things that drives me nuts. I think that there should be some “truth in commentary law” which requires pundits to disclose whether they receive White House talking points or other similar material.

    Mr. Tactful Says:

    Someone come over and mow my lawn, please.

    One word:

    AstroTurf.

  14. 14.

    Notorious P.A.T.

    July 19, 2008 at 6:29 pm

    Obama got a standing ovation from the troops in Kuwait.

    Why do the troops hate the troops?

  15. 15.

    Laura Ingraham

    July 19, 2008 at 6:35 pm

    I am perfectly aware of all Internet traditions, but what I’d like to….. Hey, who came in my ear?

  16. 16.

    Notorious P.A.T.

    July 19, 2008 at 6:37 pm

    Lawnwise, I recommend the article on same in the current New Yorker

    http://www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/books/2008/07/21/080721crbo_books_kolbert

    The lawn is obsolete.

  17. 17.

    TR

    July 19, 2008 at 6:48 pm

    Obama got a standing ovation from the troops in Kuwait.

    John McCain says those troops aren’t familiar with conditions on the ground.

  18. 18.

    ThymeZone

    July 19, 2008 at 6:51 pm

    Just watch it.

    Watch the whole thing.

  19. 19.

    Jake

    July 19, 2008 at 7:01 pm

    Just watch it.

    Watch the whole thing.

    I have. Good stuff. The troops sure don’t seem to like that Obama guy, do they?

    It’s pretty shallow but count me as one of those people who like the fact that Obama’s a natural athlete.

  20. 20.

    carsick

    July 19, 2008 at 7:07 pm

    You always knew the perpetually undefined “victory” parameters in Iraq were going to be suddenly reached arbitrarily but who would have guessed that Sen. Obama would have been the one to get them to finally define and declare “victory”.
    The Senator is leading American foreign policy even before he’s president. Remarkable.

  21. 21.

    Montysano

    July 19, 2008 at 7:07 pm

    It’s pretty shallow but count me as one of those people who like the fact that Obama’s a natural athlete.

    Shallow? I think not. If all we get out of this is President Not-A-Douchebag, sign me the fuck up.

  22. 22.

    gbear

    July 19, 2008 at 7:15 pm

    But Obama didn’t go shopping…

    He must not think that it’s safe to walk the streets for a photo op without putting our soldiers at unnecessary risk. How unpatriotic of him.

  23. 23.

    gbear

    July 19, 2008 at 7:25 pm

    BTW, McCain now claims that we have succeeded in Iraq.

    McCain insisted that “we have succeeded” in Iraq. In fact, he said it multiple times: “I am happy to stand in front of you to tell you that this strategy has succeeded. It has succeeded. It has succeeded.”

    Can we get out of Iraq, then? Apparently not: “The success that we have achieved is still fragile and could be reversed.”

    Welcome to the new talking point. Mission Accomplished.

  24. 24.

    The Grand Panjandrum

    July 19, 2008 at 7:28 pm

    1. Xeriscape (Its a desert thang)

    2. Amos Lee

    Interesting that Bush has sent someone to listen to the Iranians and agreed with timelines finally … as Obama’s overseas adventure was about to kick off. Coincidence? Heh. Yes, of course! And I will soon be crowned Miss America.

  25. 25.

    ThymeZone

    July 19, 2008 at 8:20 pm

    I will soon be crowned Miss America.

    Not so fast. We need to see what you look like in a bathing suit.

  26. 26.

    gbear

    July 19, 2008 at 8:27 pm

    Not so fast. We need to see what you look like in a bathing suit.

    And how gracefully you land on your butt.

  27. 27.

    jake

    July 19, 2008 at 8:29 pm

    The White House employee had intended to send the article to an internal distribution list, ABC News’ Martha Raddatz reports, but hit the wrong button.

    This needs to happen more often with a wider variety of documents.

    Message control beotches!

  28. 28.

    Martin

    July 19, 2008 at 8:32 pm

    And how gracefully you land on your butt.

    And why you think Americans can’t find the U.S. on a map.

  29. 29.

    Phoebe

    July 19, 2008 at 8:44 pm

    I couldn’t hear a word in that echoey gym, but it’s clear that Ladies Love him. The giggling, wow. Also, Miss America has said she’ll vote for him, I read someplace.

  30. 30.

    Andrew

    July 19, 2008 at 8:53 pm

    I don’t think African-American soldiers count, right? And white soldiers who are with black people are canceled out. So it’s really like he just met 3 Asian dudes in Kuwait.

  31. 31.

    Krista

    July 19, 2008 at 9:10 pm

    Can I just say that the premixed mojitos in a bottle from Smirnoff are fucking awesome?

    Krista + fuck-knows-how-many.

  32. 32.

    jake

    July 19, 2008 at 9:13 pm

    “I am happy to stand in front of you to tell you that this strategy has succeeded. It has succeeded. It has succeeded.”

    Is it just me or is McCaniac’s habit of repeating himself reminiscent of That Which Currently Picks Its Nose in the Oval Office?

    If that wreck gets elected the entire fucking world will come to the U.S. so it can point and laugh.

  33. 33.

    JL

    July 19, 2008 at 9:32 pm

    ThymeZone Says:

    Just watch it.

    Watch the whole thing.

    THANKS!

  34. 34.

    JL

    July 19, 2008 at 9:35 pm

    The whole world is already laughing at us unfortunately..

    If that wreck gets elected the entire fucking world will come to the U.S. so it can point and laugh.

  35. 35.

    Montysano

    July 19, 2008 at 10:00 pm

    There’s been much tut-tutting on the Right about BO’s rise in Chicago politics. After today’s apparent success with al-Maliki, you might think that a big city politician may fare well in the Middle East.

    Let’s face it: they’ve been playing hardball politics in the Middle East for a long, long time. The Iranians have pwned Bush like the rube he is.

  36. 36.

    Krista

    July 19, 2008 at 10:04 pm

    I love you gys. gonna go dance now.

  37. 37.

    jake

    July 19, 2008 at 10:09 pm

    I love you gys. gonna go dance now.

    Krista + 5.

  38. 38.

    Brachiator

    July 19, 2008 at 10:19 pm

    Montysano Says:

    There’s been much tut-tutting on the Right about BO’s rise in Chicago politics. After today’s apparent success with al-Maliki, you might think that a big city politician may fare well in the Middle East.

    Oooh. A very good point. Conservatives are going nuts over the fact that Obama is going over very well so far in his world tour. That Afghan and Iraqi leaders find him easy to talk to is their worst nightmare.

  39. 39.

    Trinity

    July 19, 2008 at 10:40 pm

    Dogfish Head 90 Minute Imperial IPA.

    Happy Saturday night bitches.

  40. 40.

    Incertus

    July 19, 2008 at 10:44 pm

    Black Bush does wonders on a toothache, just so you know. Not very good on typing though.

  41. 41.

    Liberal Masochist

    July 19, 2008 at 10:45 pm

    For you old farts out there, Greg Norman may turn back the clock tomorrow at Royal Birkdale.

  42. 42.

    Incertus

    July 19, 2008 at 11:06 pm

    I saw that today. That would be awesome to see–Norman was a favorite of mine for a long time.

  43. 43.

    Ned Raggett

    July 19, 2008 at 11:06 pm

    I wish I could say I had a deep thought in my head right now.

    So can I just say The Dark Knight was, a couple of minor flaws aside, one hell of a brilliant, fucked-up movie?

  44. 44.

    skippy

    July 19, 2008 at 11:11 pm

    let’s see the dog whisperer do this!

  45. 45.

    Krista

    July 19, 2008 at 11:14 pm

    Krista + 5.

    And then some…wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

  46. 46.

    KRK

    July 19, 2008 at 11:18 pm

    “I am happy to stand in front of you to tell you that this strategy has succeeded. It has succeeded. It has succeeded.”

    Didn’t someone (or many someones) in the blogosphere already identify the repeated-three-times bit as a McCain tic when even he knows he’s lying?

  47. 47.

    Krista

    July 19, 2008 at 11:18 pm

    smirnoff makes a premixed mojito. in a 750 ml bottle. May have drank the whole thing. Plus two beers. Am rather inebriated at the moment. it’s all good.

  48. 48.

    Liberal Masochist

    July 19, 2008 at 11:27 pm

    Shorter Krista: And anutha thing! (people say that about me!)

    Incertus – I always felt bad for Norman. Not as a person; he has had a great life, but as a sports figure. All those times coming up just short, everyone analyzing your psyche in public and so on. Must have been a bummer for him at times.

    I remember him going out and “winning” that tournament for a kid with cancer back in his prime. This kid sitting in his hospital bed just idolized him and he tells him he will win and then does it. It was pretty cool. I think I was in high school at the time.

  49. 49.

    jake

    July 19, 2008 at 11:32 pm

    Krista sweetie, take the lampshade off your head and come down from the chandelier.

  50. 50.

    gbear

    July 19, 2008 at 11:39 pm

    Didn’t someone (or many someones) in the blogosphere already identify the repeated-three-times bit as a McCain tic when even he knows he’s lying?

    If you say something three times, it’s true.

  51. 51.

    gbear

    July 19, 2008 at 11:40 pm

    Didn’t someone (or many someones) in the blogosphere already identify the repeated-three-times bit as a McCain tic when even he knows he’s lying?

    If you say something three times, it’s true.

    gbear: +0 since 1984. sigh.

  52. 52.

    gbear

    July 19, 2008 at 11:43 pm

    Whoops, now I can’t claim I was impared for the double post. & now I know hitting ‘stop’ doesn’t do shit.

  53. 53.

    Martin

    July 19, 2008 at 11:53 pm

    Whoops, now I can’t claim I was impared for the double post. & now I know hitting ‘stop’ doesn’t do shit.

    Yeah, but now we know it’s not true. You should have gone for the hat trick and a clear demonstration that the statement was true.

  54. 54.

    Dave_Violence

    July 19, 2008 at 11:55 pm

    Heavy metal, or no metal at all.

  55. 55.

    Phoenix Woman

    July 19, 2008 at 11:57 pm

    Bushies try to force Maliki to disavow his own words, even as British PM Gordon Brown chimes in to agree with Obama and Maliki on the timing of an Iraq troop withdrawal.

  56. 56.

    Chuck Butcher

    July 20, 2008 at 12:24 am

    hey Gbear, +0 since ’88

  57. 57.

    gbear

    July 20, 2008 at 12:27 am

    You should have gone for the hat trick and a clear demonstration that the statement was true.

    D’oh!

  58. 58.

    gbear

    July 20, 2008 at 12:36 am

    Chuck, just think about all the money we’ve saved.

    HHAHAHHHHAHAAHAHAhahahahahhaaahhahhaouch, that hurt.

  59. 59.

    Calouste

    July 20, 2008 at 1:13 am

    Frank Rich in the New York Times aims the two barrels at McCain:

    “In a time of war,” Mr. McCain said last week, “the commander in chief doesn’t get a learning curve.” Fair enough, but he imparted this wisdom in a speech that was almost a year behind Mr. Obama in recognizing Afghanistan as the central front in the war against Al Qaeda. Given that it took the deadliest Taliban suicide bombing in Kabul since 9/11 to get Mr. McCain’s attention, you have to wonder if even General Custer’s learning curve was faster than his.

    When the candidate said back in January that there’s nobody he knows who is stronger on economic issues than his old Senate pal, he was telling the truth. Left to his own devices — or those of his new No. 1 economic surrogate, Carly Fiorina — Mr. McCain is clueless.

    The term flip-flopping doesn’t do justice to Mr. McCain’s self-contradictory economic pronouncements because that implies there’s some rational, if hypocritical, logic at work. What he serves up instead is plain old incoherence, as if he were compulsively consulting one of those old Magic 8 Balls.

    Heck, it’s not just two barrels, it’s a Gatling gun.

  60. 60.

    flavortext

    July 20, 2008 at 4:18 am

    When the candidate said back in January that there’s nobody he knows who is stronger on economic issues than his old Senate pal, he was telling the truth. Left to his own devices — or those of his new No. 1 economic surrogate, Carly Fiorina — Mr. McCain is clueless.

    Wow, Carly Fiorina was probably one of the worst things to happen to HP – what in the world is the McCain campaign thinking? Clueless, the lot of them.

  61. 61.

    Calouste

    July 20, 2008 at 5:08 am

    Wow, Carly Fiorina was probably one of the worst things to happen to HP – what in the world is the McCain campaign thinking? Clueless, the lot of them.

    Drop the shareprice by 50%, lay off some workers, get fired and still walk away with $20 million. At a personal level, Carly is pretty good at economics.

  62. 62.

    Conservatively Liberal

    July 20, 2008 at 6:43 am

    Drop the shareprice by 50%, lay off some workers, get fired and still walk away with $20 million. At a personal level, Carly is pretty good at economics.

    Yup, and she fits in with the rest of the CEO Republic Party crooks.

  63. 63.

    maxbaer (not the original)

    July 20, 2008 at 7:33 am

    Calouste, thanks for that Frank Rich link. Can’t wait for the debates. I’m sure that McJMKeynes will have read Greenspan’s book by then and make it an enthralling discussion of economic policy.

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