• Menu
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Before Header

  • About Us
  • Lexicon
  • Contact Us
  • Our Store
  • ↑
  • ↓
  • ←
  • →

Balloon Juice

Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

The desire to stay informed is directly at odds with the need to not be constantly enraged.

The rest of the comments were smacking Boebert like she was a piñata.

The lights are all blinking red.

Wow, I can’t imagine what it was like to comment in morse code.

“What are Republicans afraid of?” Everything.

He really is that stupid.

Relentless negativity is not a sign that you are more realistic.

We still have time to mess this up!

Trump should be leading, not lying.

“Everybody’s entitled to be an idiot.”

They want us to be overwhelmed and exhausted. Focus. Resist. Oppose.

We can’t confuse what’s necessary to win elections with the policies that we want to implement when we do.

White supremacy is terrorism.

Baby steps, because the Republican Party is full of angry babies.

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

Roe is not about choice. It is about freedom.

Not rolling over. fuck you, make me.

These days, even the boring Republicans are nuts.

The most dangerous place for a black man in America is in a white man’s imagination.

Not so fun when the rabbit gets the gun, is it?

Anyone who bans teaching American history has no right to shape America’s future.

Sitting here in limbo waiting for the dice to roll

Their freedom requires your slavery.

SCOTUS: It’s not “bribery” unless it comes from the Bribery region of France. Otherwise, it’s merely “sparkling malfeasance”.

Mobile Menu

  • Seattle Meet-up Post
  • 2025 Activism
  • Targeted Political Fundraising
  • Donate with Venmo, Zelle & PayPal
  • Site Feedback
  • War in Ukraine
  • Submit Photos to On the Road
  • Politics
  • On The Road
  • Open Threads
  • Topics
  • COVID-19
  • Authors
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Lexicon
  • Our Store
  • Politics
  • Open Threads
  • 2025 Activism
  • Garden Chats
  • On The Road
  • Targeted Fundraising!
You are here: Home / Open Threads / TGIF

TGIF

by John Cole|  February 13, 20096:22 pm| 147 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads

FacebookTweetEmail

I think I am gonna head out to get something to eat, basically because it is Friday and I am too lazy to cook something. Thought I would leave you a shiny new thread to play with.

*** Update ***

Here is something to think about:

If Mitch McConnell (or, say, Judd Gregg) were a Mensch…

…pigs would fly, I know, but if McConnell had any sense of decency he would do the following:

Vote for the stimulus package in the Senate.

Why? So that his colleague, Sherrod Brown, would not have to leave his mother’s wake (say that again, in all caps: HIS MOTHER’S WAKE) in Ohio, fly to DC, cast his vote, and then fly back to Ohio in time for his mother’s funeral (say that again, in all caps: HIS MOTHER’S FUNERAL) tomorrow.

I mean, there is no doubt that the bill will pass. There is no question that Brown’s vote will be the needed 60th to ensure passage. The only other option, the only other vote to provide the margin of those who voted at the last, procedural hurdle is Ted Kennedy, and he’s dealing with brain cancer (caps again: BRAIN CANCER), so it falls to Brown, trying to bury his mother, or some one Republican with a sense of decency sufficiently developed to switch his or her vote in Brown’s stead.

FacebookTweetEmail
Previous Post: « Open to suggestions
Next Post: Moral Dilemma »

Reader Interactions

147Comments

  1. 1.

    Michael D.

    February 13, 2009 at 6:24 pm

    Happy Friday, John! We just came back from Little Azio, which is an inexpensive, but delicious, restaurant in Atlanta.

    Try ANY thin crust pizza there. Or ANY salad, which is awesome.

    I had the salad, and my partner had the pizza, and I had a beer. It was about $24.00

  2. 2.

    Bey

    February 13, 2009 at 6:24 pm

    Boy is *that* gonna be a mistake..

  3. 3.

    Zifnab

    February 13, 2009 at 6:24 pm

    Happy VD!

  4. 4.

    Laura W

    February 13, 2009 at 6:28 pm

    Bring something back for us!
    (preferably with a high alcohol content. I’ve nearly forgotten what it was like to drunk comment. sniff.)

  5. 5.

    Just Some Fuckhead

    February 13, 2009 at 6:30 pm

    Good God, I thought today would never get here.

  6. 6.

    Just Some Fuckhead

    February 13, 2009 at 6:37 pm

    We’ll prolly celebrate the martyrdom of several Catholic saints named Valentine with a little hankypanky in the morning.

  7. 7.

    John Cole

    February 13, 2009 at 6:38 pm

    Damnit to hell. I forgot it was Valentine’s Day weekend. The restaurants are all going to be a zoo.

  8. 8.

    J.

    February 13, 2009 at 6:39 pm

    Is the shiny new thread a result of your brain unraveling?

    And speaking of unraveling, how’s that bipartisan thing working out for you, Mr. President?

    On a lighter note, for those of you Valentine’s Day haters (John Cole), here’s what you are missing.

    Will now sit back and wait for my BBQ sampler to arrive. Smokin’!

  9. 9.

    Zuzu's Petals

    February 13, 2009 at 6:39 pm

    I want to donate to the campaign of any Dem running against any Repub congresscritter up for re-election in 2010 (except of course The Three). Heck, I’d even donate to their primary opponents.

    Any idea on the easiest/best way to do so? Does ActBlue have anything going? How about a thermometer at B-Juice?

  10. 10.

    Laura W

    February 13, 2009 at 6:39 pm

    @Just Some Fuckhead: Is that before or after using the new vacuum?
    Do you think John will be vacuuming tomorrow, in light of it being a holiday and all?

  11. 11.

    John Cole

    February 13, 2009 at 6:40 pm

    @Zuzu’s Petals: Ifyou kids do your research and find a candidate in a district that could reasonably be flipped, but is not getting and DCCC help, we could adopt them and I could put up a thermometer.

  12. 12.

    Ash Can

    February 13, 2009 at 6:40 pm

    Cool! President Obama just flew over my neighborhood! :)

  13. 13.

    Laura W

    February 13, 2009 at 6:42 pm

    @J.: LOLx12 on the poster!

  14. 14.

    Just Some Fuckhead

    February 13, 2009 at 6:44 pm

    @Laura W: The vaccum hasn’t arrived yet. Checking w/ shipper now..

  15. 15.

    Zuzu's Petals

    February 13, 2009 at 6:45 pm

    Kewl!

    Do Senate races count? Possibly more bang for the buck…

  16. 16.

    John Cole

    February 13, 2009 at 6:47 pm

    @Zuzu’s Petals: Well, since we saw how cheap Senators are the other day when DiFi inserted that crap into the bill, we could probably afford one.

    I would rather start small and get a Representative for the kids. They have more energy, are easier to train, and some of them come potty-trained.

  17. 17.

    Just Some Fuckhead

    February 13, 2009 at 6:47 pm

    It’s being shipped from Canada, due to arrive Tuesday.

  18. 18.

    Just Some Fuckhead

    February 13, 2009 at 6:49 pm

    The vacuum, not the congressperson.

  19. 19.

    Will

    February 13, 2009 at 6:52 pm

    I think I am gonna head out to get something to eat, basically because it is Friday and I am too lazy to cook something.

    Started out the day planning on blowing a $50 gift certificate plus god knows how much else on an amazing steak with amazing wine at Smith & Wollensky’s.

    By 3pm, I’d downgraded that to a picking up my own steak and grilling it in my kitchen tonight.

    On the way home from work, too tired to stop at grocery store, I ended up at Popeye’s Chicken and Biscuits.

    I’ve finished my Friday night "meal", and I feel cheap and used. Better start drinking…

  20. 20.

    Stuck

    February 13, 2009 at 6:54 pm

    Happy VD!

    Filed under unfortunate acronyms.

  21. 21.

    Montysano

    February 13, 2009 at 6:57 pm

    We’re off to spend the weekend at my son’s school, a state liberal arts college here in the South. Their big annual event, College Night, involves a competition between two teams, who each write a completely original 1 hour musical (which are often quite good). They have cheerleaders and pep rallys….. for an arts event. It would make Mitch McConnell break out in hives.

  22. 22.

    Carrie

    February 13, 2009 at 7:00 pm

    I decided to skip the meal and go straight to the drinking.
    It’s been that kind of week.

    Consider this a pro-active apology in case i write something i might not remember until tomorrow afternoon….

  23. 23.

    Zifnab

    February 13, 2009 at 7:03 pm

    @Stuck: You know what would be awesome? If they named the day after Valentine’s the Annual Bridal Ovulation Response Treatment Day.

    I may have crossed a line.

  24. 24.

    Xecklothxayyquou Gilchrist

    February 13, 2009 at 7:04 pm

    …or some one Republican with a sense of decency sufficiently developed to switch his or her vote…

    Aha, there’s your problem.

  25. 25.

    BDeevDad

    February 13, 2009 at 7:04 pm

    Happy 1234567890

    Explanation

  26. 26.

    Zifnab

    February 13, 2009 at 7:07 pm

    … so it falls to Brown, trying to bury his mother, or some one Republican with a sense of decency sufficiently developed to switch his or her vote in Brown’s stead.

    Hahahahaha. Seriously, though, I wouldn’t put it passed the GOP to try and have Brown held up by DC Airport Security. You know, just to stick it to him.

  27. 27.

    John Cole

    February 13, 2009 at 7:10 pm

    Friday Night Question

    Q: Where would Tunch decide to take a ten minute nap while you shower and get ready for dinner?

    If your answer was: “Not on the chairs, couches, beds, or anywhere else he normally sleeps, but instead he jumped up onto the ironing board and napped on the shirt you just ironed,” you would be correct.

    I should give him to the people who run the Chinese take-out down the street,

  28. 28.

    Krista

    February 13, 2009 at 7:10 pm

    Happy Lurrrrrve Day, everybody! Himself and I will be heading out for a nice dinner tomorrow night. We usually don’t do much on Valentine’s Day, but figured that we should probably take our quiet, romantic dinners where we can get ’em for the next 6 months.

  29. 29.

    RoonieRoo

    February 13, 2009 at 7:12 pm

    @Just Some Fuckhead: I know what Grumpy Code Monkey is getting for Vday.

  30. 30.

    J. Michael Neal

    February 13, 2009 at 7:12 pm

    I agree on Sherrod Brown. Kennedy, not so much. I love him as much as the rest of us, but he has a brain cancer. It prevents him from adequately doing his job. He really should retire from his post so that Deval Patrick can appoint a replacement who can be there for the votes.

  31. 31.

    Krista

    February 13, 2009 at 7:12 pm

    If your answer was: “Not on the chairs, couches, beds, or anywhere else he normally sleeps, but instead he jumped up onto the ironing board and napped on the shirt you just ironed,” you would be correct.

    Well duh. I don’t even have a cat, and I know that leaving something clean and warm that smells good on a horizontal surface is just begging for a cat to snooze on it. Next time, hang the shirt up after ironing it.

  32. 32.

    Stuck

    February 13, 2009 at 7:14 pm

    @Zifnab:

    :=)

  33. 33.

    AhabTRuler

    February 13, 2009 at 7:15 pm

    New Momo Sprout pics for anyone in need of some kitty porn.

    I am making dinner for friends tonight. Beer Cheese Soup, breaded chicken breasts, and Brussels Sprouts. I am springing the last upon them unawares.

  34. 34.

    Adam

    February 13, 2009 at 7:18 pm

    Hmm. Jeralyn Merritt doesn’t know how to spell Justice Ginsburg’s name. (Hint: there’s no ‘e.’)

    If anyone has an account at TalkLeft they might want to give her a heads-up.

    Armando misspelling a Justice’s name would not have surprised me. I expected better from Jeralyn.

  35. 35.

    Krista

    February 13, 2009 at 7:18 pm

    Beer Cheese soup? That just sound really, really good.

  36. 36.

    John Cole

    February 13, 2009 at 7:20 pm

    @Adam: I think everyone who comments here has been banned there. I could write a post slamming Hillary if you want me to grab their attention.

  37. 37.

    Laura W

    February 13, 2009 at 7:20 pm

    @AhabTRuler: For some reason I was thinking about little Momo Sprout while scooping three litter boxes this morn. Is she settling in well then? She looks to be 3 months or so. If she was with her mom and siblings that long, she is surely fairly well adjusted.

  38. 38.

    robertdsc

    February 13, 2009 at 7:21 pm

    I agree on Sherrod Brown. Kennedy, not so much. I love him as much as the rest of us, but he has a brain cancer. It prevents him from adequately doing his job. He really should retire from his post so that Deval Patrick can appoint a replacement who can be there for the votes.

    I agree. But he’s an institution all his own. Hard to move in that kind of situation.

    In VDay related news, who is the genius at Victoria’s Secret that decided that envelopes for their gift cards were not enough and came up with cardstock flowers that the gift card fits in along with a suitable size bag? Jeez oh pease, people. Talk about waste!

  39. 39.

    Indylib

    February 13, 2009 at 7:22 pm

    @John Cole: FTW

  40. 40.

    Rosali

    February 13, 2009 at 7:22 pm

    test

  41. 41.

    AhabTRuler

    February 13, 2009 at 7:23 pm

    @Krista: This is only my second use of this recipe, which I have saved from a certain ("I would appreciate it if you didn’t BAM! the lady") spice-slinging Tee-vee chef.
    It looks like it should turn out even better than the first time, thus putting paid to the premise of another Sade song.

  42. 42.

    Nicole

    February 13, 2009 at 7:25 pm

    @Krista: Beer cheese soup is truly happiness in a bowl.

  43. 43.

    JGabriel

    February 13, 2009 at 7:25 pm

    … or some one Republican with a sense of decency sufficiently developed to switch his or her vote…

    Sherrod Brown would have to show any, simply on the grounds that any Republican promising to vote in Brown’s stead would be unable, and couldn’t be trusted, to keep the promise.

    Even skipping the "most Republicans can’t be trusted in general" problem, you’re still left with the problem that none of them – save the Collins/Specter/Snowe troika – want to have that vote on their record. How would they explain it if they were primaried? "It was a courtesy vote, so Sherrod Brown could bury his mother"?

    Sorry, courtesy doesn’t play in the modern GOP – unless you’re complaining about Dems being rude.

    So, nice as it is to think that someone from the Senate GOP caucus could have spared Brown this hassle if only they were nicer people, the truth is that it simply couldn’t happen. Brown would have to show up no matter what.

    .

  44. 44.

    Jim

    February 13, 2009 at 7:25 pm

    “Not on the chairs, couches, beds, or anywhere else he normally sleeps, but instead he jumped up onto the ironing board and napped on the shirt you just ironed,”

    We’re currently cat-sitting our son’s four (!) felines while he moves to another city. I find open suitcases packed with items made of fleece fabric serve as effective distractions from the ironing board and various other favorites, e.g., folded clothes on top of the dryer, the bath towel I lay by the shower, etc. BTW – I’m pleased that my husband and I have adapted very quickly to sleeping with four cats and a three year old grandchild.

  45. 45.

    AhabTRuler

    February 13, 2009 at 7:26 pm

    @Laura W: She is still adjusting to being alone when the SO and I are about the world, resulting in a sort of arch disapproval of our daring to leave her majestic presence. Beyond that, she owns the joint and she knows it.

  46. 46.

    D-Chance.

    February 13, 2009 at 7:28 pm

    Here is something more to think about:

    Why? So that his colleague, Sherrod Brown, would not have to leave his mother’s wake (say that again, in all caps: HIS MOTHER’S WAKE) in Ohio, fly to DC, cast his vote, and then fly back to Ohio in time for his mother’s funeral (say that again, in all caps: HIS MOTHER’S FUNERAL) tomorrow.

    I mean, there is no doubt that the bill will pass. There is no question that Brown’s vote will be the needed 60th to ensure passage. The only other option, the only other vote to provide the margin of those who voted at the last, procedural hurdle is Ted Kennedy, and he’s dealing with brain cancer (caps again: BRAIN CANCER), so it falls to Brown, trying to bury his mother, or some one Republican with a sense of decency sufficiently developed to switch his or her vote in Brown’s stead.

    … or some Democrat in charge could simply postpone the vote for 48 hours to allow Mr Brown to plop mom into the ground and have plenty of time to return to DC.

    OH, NOES! WE NEED IT PASSED NOW, OR WE’RE ALL GONNA DIE!

  47. 47.

    Just Some Fuckhead

    February 13, 2009 at 7:29 pm

    @Carrie: Yeah, me too. I’m getting hungry now and I’m one ingredient short on everything I want to make. I fucking hate that. And now I’m craving beer cheese soup.

  48. 48.

    John Cole

    February 13, 2009 at 7:33 pm

    I think I am finally breaking up with Lou Dobbs. I can get it all by just checking out Red State and Hot Air and I don’t have to waste an hour listening to him suck up his dentures.

  49. 49.

    AhabTRuler

    February 13, 2009 at 7:33 pm

    I was very amused in class earlier today. A very outgoing young lady described Descartes as a "douchebag," which made me giggle. I know the term has made a resurgence, and I use it all the time, but in the context of an upper-level philosophy course it was extra-amusing

  50. 50.

    Martin

    February 13, 2009 at 7:35 pm

    Next time, hang the shirt up after ironing it leave the iron on.

    TFTFY

  51. 51.

    Just Some Fuckhead

    February 13, 2009 at 7:37 pm

    Good on you John. He won’t change for you, you know.

    Edit: Dammit, ran outta beer and bacon at the same time. &%&@%&!!

  52. 52.

    Stuck

    February 13, 2009 at 7:38 pm

    postpone the vote for 48 hours to allow Mr Brown to plop mom into the ground

    You’re all class DC. Meanwhile the delay gives Mccain more time to whine about not getting an equal slice of the Bill writing pie (he’s on now). They have 35 to 40 percent tax cuts but don’t like em cause dems put them in the bill.

    And repeats for the 11venty hundreth time how disappointed he is that the thing//creature Pelosi said we won.

  53. 53.

    Jim

    February 13, 2009 at 7:38 pm

    A very outgoing young lady described Descartes as a "douchebag," which made me giggle.

    I am a douchebag, therefore I am. I’m waiting for my students to tell me to eat a bag of dicks. I haven’t devised a response yet. I’d appreciate some assistance with that.

  54. 54.

    Carrie

    February 13, 2009 at 7:39 pm

    @Just Some Fuckhead:
    now if they could only post a recipe of this delicacy in an edible bowl.
    yeah, getting hungry too…

  55. 55.

    Laura W

    February 13, 2009 at 7:39 pm

    @John Cole: Soup Nazi on Seinfeld. Fox.

  56. 56.

    Just Some Fuckhead

    February 13, 2009 at 7:41 pm

    one Republican with a sense of decency sufficiently developed

    They call those people Democrats.

  57. 57.

    EtTuBrutus?

    February 13, 2009 at 7:41 pm

    or some Democrat in charge could simply postpone the vote for 48 hours to allow Mr Brown to plop mom into the ground and have plenty of time to return to DC.
    OH, NOES! WE NEED IT PASSED NOW, OR WE’RE ALL GONNA DIE

    OH, NOES! WE NEED IT PASSED NOW, OR WE"RE ALL GONNA MISS RECESS! is more like it

  58. 58.

    Jim

    February 13, 2009 at 7:42 pm

    Friday night DB number: 3. Just by way of explanation and expiation.

  59. 59.

    Will

    February 13, 2009 at 7:51 pm

    I am making dinner for friends tonight. Beer Cheese Soup, breaded chicken breasts, and Brussels Sprouts.

    Stop it!

  60. 60.

    gwangung

    February 13, 2009 at 8:00 pm

    We’re off to spend the weekend at my son’s school, a state liberal arts college here in the South. Their big annual event, College Night, involves a competition between two teams, who each write a completely original 1 hour musical (which are often quite good). They have cheerleaders and pep rallys….. for an arts event. It would make Mitch McConnell break out in hives.

    Oh? That sounds like a school that could use a donation….Even with the umpteen million reams of followup fundraising letters, I’d figure that would be worth it.

  61. 61.

    sgwhiteinfla

    February 13, 2009 at 8:04 pm

    Per the update

    You can bet your ass that Harry Reid would be more than happy to do it if the situation were reversed. The only difference is most Democrats wouldn’t be opposing something necessary like this in the first damn place.

    Reid might be is definitely WEAKSAUCE but he is also definitely a stand up guy.

  62. 62.

    Mal Carne

    February 13, 2009 at 8:10 pm

    Dunno. It’s a pain in the tush that Brown has to get shuttled around like this, but it’s also going to net Brown a place in the history books – especially if the stimulus works as well as we hope (actually, better than most of us expect at this point). I don’t know how much of a courtesy it would be to deny him that little piece of drama. Depends on his temperment, I guess.

  63. 63.

    Rosali

    February 13, 2009 at 8:19 pm

    I think I am finally breaking up with Lou Dobbs.

    The daily anti-immigrant HateFests didn’t do it for you?

  64. 64.

    Incertus

    February 13, 2009 at 8:21 pm

    @Jim:

    I’m waiting for my students to tell me to eat a bag of dicks. I haven’t devised a response yet. I’d appreciate some assistance with that.

    Show them this video, then while they’re all stunned and trying to figure out what they just saw, slap them in the heads.

  65. 65.

    Jon H

    February 13, 2009 at 8:23 pm

    "or some Democrat in charge could simply postpone the vote for 48 hours to allow Mr Brown to plop mom into the ground and have plenty of time to return to DC."

    And give the Senators and public more time to read what the hell they’re voting for.

    Which, of course, is never to the advantage of the Senators.

  66. 66.

    Napoleon

    February 13, 2009 at 8:27 pm

    Sherrod Brown would have to show any, simply on the grounds that any Republican promising to vote in Brown’s stead would be unable, and couldn’t be trusted, to keep the promise.

    I think the way they use to do it was that a member of the other party would simply not vote.

    I am sad for Sherrod, having been put in that position, but glad in a way. The general public will never really hear of that story, but the press will get another up front look at how clueless and evil the Republicans really are, and it will affect their coverage.

  67. 67.

    warren terrah

    February 13, 2009 at 8:31 pm

    I didn’t know it was Brown’s mom. All I had heard before was that it was a relative so I figured it was an aunt or uncle or something. I wonder why Joe Lieberdouche couldn’t get his republican gang of 14 to switch with,you know, all that Senate comity he was going on about? And furthermore how come he’s not come out and bitched about how mean and nasty the Repubs are not allowing Brown and Kennedy enough time to deal with their personal issues .

  68. 68.

    Bad Horse's Filly

    February 13, 2009 at 8:34 pm

    @John Cole: A man who irons. Every woman’s dream date.

    I say resist peer pressure and stay home on Valentine’s and cook your own dinner. No matter how handsome your date is, the food is mediocre and the waitstaff tense. At least that’s been my experience.

    Completely OT. Anyone had any experience with Kiva.org? Looking for a place to donate my money now that
    Obama The Messiah, has been elected.

  69. 69.

    Conservatively Liberal

    February 13, 2009 at 8:34 pm

    Edit: Dammit, ran outta beer and bacon at the same time. &%&@%&!!

    JSF, are you Canadian or are you just trying to get Krista all hot and bothered?

  70. 70.

    Martin

    February 13, 2009 at 8:35 pm

    And give the Senators and public more time to read what the hell they’re voting for.

    The ones that need to read it won’t anyway – but you can be sure they’ll spend all day sunday doing the morning shows bitching about how they don’t have time.

    Maybe if they participated in the process, they’d know what’s going on? Radical idea, I know.

  71. 71.

    Comrade Jake

    February 13, 2009 at 8:37 pm

    OT, I guess, but the breakdown of spending in the stimulus bill looks like pretty good news for those of us who routinely seek federal funding for research. Solid boosts for NSF and NIH.

  72. 72.

    Just Some Fuckhead

    February 13, 2009 at 8:40 pm

    @Bad Horse’s Filly: John is breaking up with Lou Dobbs tonight so he prolly took him to some dive.

  73. 73.

    Xecklothxayyquou Gilchrist

    February 13, 2009 at 8:42 pm

    @Comrade Jake: Sweet – that includes me.

    I’m mostly happy that I don’t work with any obnoxious Republicans lately (have had plenty of them as coworkers in previous jobs). I can just hear the whining about the Porkulus, after which I’d say "dude, maybe you’d better be sitting down for this. But Congress has just authorized money for actual jobs and police and firemen and non-collapsing bridges and roads. They’re giving a tax cut to you and not your CEO and there’s nothing you can do about it! Haaaa haa haa hahahahaha!"

  74. 74.

    JL

    February 13, 2009 at 8:46 pm

    @J. Michael Neal: It is my desire to see Kennedy on the floor debating health care reform. He has dedicated his life to public service and if there is a chance that he can return, it would be a good thing. I have no doubt that if they needed his vote, he would be there.

  75. 75.

    The Grand Panjandrum

    February 13, 2009 at 8:48 pm

    @Bad Horse’s Filly:

    Completely OT. Anyone had any experience with Kiva.org? Looking for a place to donate my money now that
    Obama The Messiah, has been elected.

    Yes. We use it as a way to teach our two first grade daughters about giving and how many people doing just a little bit can make a difference in the lives of other people. The girls are required to donate 1/3 of their allowance to a worthy cause. I highly recommend this organization.

  76. 76.

    JL

    February 13, 2009 at 8:50 pm

    The stimulus bill will pass about 10:30 pm. You would think that Judd Gregg could have crossed over and voted for the bill. What a joke. I’m ashamed to admit that I have voted for repubs in the past.

  77. 77.

    kay

    February 13, 2009 at 8:53 pm

    I am sad for Sherrod, having been put in that position, but glad in a way. The general public will never really hear of that story, but the press will get another up front look at how clueless and evil the Republicans really are, and it will affect their coverage.

    Don’t be too sad for Senator Brown. He’s well on his way to becoming a very popular Senator here, and he’s a liberal Democrat and I live in a conservative county.
    He works hard at the job, and he’s a skilled politician, too. He’s great with a crowd and one-on-one.
    Sherrod Brown is a very bad thing for conservatives.

  78. 78.

    Just Some Fuckhead

    February 13, 2009 at 8:53 pm

    @JL: There’s still time to edit. Think of the shame.

  79. 79.

    Mike in NC

    February 13, 2009 at 8:57 pm

    postpone the vote for 48 hours to allow Mr Brown to plop mom into the ground and have plenty of time to return to DC

    As someone who buried his mother two days before Christmas, permit me to say what a fucking insensitive asshole you are.

  80. 80.

    The Other Steve

    February 13, 2009 at 8:57 pm

    Blackwater is changing their name to Xe.

  81. 81.

    JGabriel

    February 13, 2009 at 8:58 pm

    Ryan Grim @ HuffPo:

    "When I came back to the cloak room after coming to the agreement a week ago today," said Specter, "one of my colleagues said, ‘Arlen, I’m proud of you.’ I said, ‘Are you going to vote with me?’ And he said, ‘No, I might have a primary.’ And I said, ‘Well, you know very well I’m going to have a primary.’"

    […]

    "I think there are a lot of people in the Republican caucus who are glad to see this action taken without their fingerprints, without their participation," he said.

    Specter was asked, How many of your colleagues?

    "I think a sizable number," he said. "I think a good part of the caucus agrees with the person I quoted, but I wouldn’t want to begin to speculate on numbers."

    I think that story proves that most of the Republicans are bunch of scared little girls, afraid to do what’s right for the country because the big bad wingers might primary them.

    .

  82. 82.

    Bad Horse's Filly

    February 13, 2009 at 9:02 pm

    @The Grand Panjandrum: That’s great. You’ve got some pretty lucky kids there. I really like the idea that the little I can contribute will do the most good. Thanks for the input.

  83. 83.

    Bad Horse's Filly

    February 13, 2009 at 9:05 pm

    @Just Some Fuckhead: I’ve always thought that Mrs. Fuckhead was one lucky woman.

  84. 84.

    The Grand Panjandrum

    February 13, 2009 at 9:05 pm

    @JGabriel:

    I think that story proves that most of the Republicans are bunch of scared little girls, afraid to do what’s right for the country because the big bad wingers might primary them.

    I am the father of two daughters and don’t particularly like it when someone is accused of being a coward by calling them girls. My two little girls are quite feminine but can kick the ass of most of the whiny ass boys in their class.

  85. 85.

    kay

    February 13, 2009 at 9:08 pm

    It would be classy for Voinovich to vote in Brown’s place.

    Since he’s retiring and, all, and no one pays attention to anything he does or says, anyway, since 2006 or so. Before that, really. Say, 2004.

  86. 86.

    warren terrah

    February 13, 2009 at 9:08 pm

    I donate to Kiva and believe me that little thrill you get up your leg when you get the kiva email telling you so and so has paid, come spend your money is very cool. Seriously, though I have only donated $350 but its been recycled into about 40 loans. The only advice I will give you is to make a the minimum $25 to a bunch of different short term loans rather than making a $100 loan and then make sure they are shorter term rather than the 12 month /18 month loans. My first loans were only 4 loans 2 of which were long termers. If you don’t understand what I am saying, you will when you first start making the loans.

  87. 87.

    The Grand Panjandrum

    February 13, 2009 at 9:09 pm

    @Bad Horse’s Filly: Spend some time on the website and really go through all the profiles. Because local lending groups screen the people it really is a grassroots way of empowering people who just want a hand in starting up or expanding a small business.

    One of my favorite features of the program is that once the individual pays back your money you can then lend it out again to another individual.

  88. 88.

    John Cole

    February 13, 2009 at 9:11 pm

    Dinner was uneventful. Filet, asparagus, mashed potatoes, and a salad. No one in the restaurant. I forgot there was a big game against Villanova on ESPN so they are all at the game.

  89. 89.

    Laura W

    February 13, 2009 at 9:11 pm

    @Bad Horse’s Filly: Me too. (Seriously, Fuckhead!)
    You know who else I think is lucky? His 13-year-old daughter. I’m gonna go out on a limb here and say FH is prolly one rockin’ and supportive dad to a teenage girl.
    Sharing the love on VD at BJ…

  90. 90.

    JGabriel

    February 13, 2009 at 9:12 pm

    The Grand Panjandrum:

    I am the father of two daughters and don’t particularly like it when someone is accused of being a coward by calling them girls. My two little girls are quite feminine but can kick the ass of most of the whiny ass boys in their class.

    Generally speaking, I agree and don’t typically use that kind of rhetoric. But after years of listening to the R’s caricature Dems as scared effimate children, it seemed appropriate to throw it back in their face.

    You’re right, though – we probably shouldn’t be sinking to their level.

    .

  91. 91.

    The Grand Panjandrum

    February 13, 2009 at 9:13 pm

    It would be classy for Voinovich to vote in Brown’s place.

    Judd Gregg could make up for his buffoonish behavior of the past few days. Actually any current serving Republican Senator getting ready to retire would have no political price to pay. But, alas, that requires someone with a deeper sense of honor than seems to live in most Republicans these days.

  92. 92.

    Laura W

    February 13, 2009 at 9:13 pm

    @John Cole: Look! We all waited up for you! Whatdja bring us?

  93. 93.

    Laura W

    February 13, 2009 at 9:16 pm

    @The Grand Panjandrum:

    I am the father of two daughters and don’t particularly like it when someone is accused of being a coward by calling them girls.

    Well done, Dad.

  94. 94.

    John Cole

    February 13, 2009 at 9:17 pm

    @Laura W: Well, I did break down and buy a cigar (FIRST ONE IN MONTHS- BACK THE FUCK OFF TOBACCO NAZIS), but your name isn’t Lewinsky so I doubt you will care much about that.

  95. 95.

    Laura W

    February 13, 2009 at 9:19 pm

    @John Cole: You made me gasp. Aloud.
    I’m not sure what to make of that, frankly.

  96. 96.

    jenniebee

    February 13, 2009 at 9:20 pm

    You know what Valentines Day is a perfect opportunity for? Drunk dialing an ex. Better yet, drunk dialing all your exes. My brother drunk-emailed an ex last year, and now they’re engaged. So it could work for you too. Really.

  97. 97.

    Rosali

    February 13, 2009 at 9:21 pm

    NPR had a story today on how the restaurant industry is bumming out because V Day falls on a Saturday. People have stopped going out and Sat is the busiest night anyway so they’re missing out on the extra day of dining revenue.

  98. 98.

    Carrie

    February 13, 2009 at 9:21 pm

    filet of what?
    veggies are always prepared best at home.
    jeebus i’m hungry…

    filet of what??

  99. 99.

    mantis

    February 13, 2009 at 9:22 pm

    Or the Republicans could just promise to not filibuster. Ha, ho-er, sorry, nevermind.

  100. 100.

    John O

    February 13, 2009 at 9:22 pm

    Sorry, John, that’s just crazy-talk.

  101. 101.

    John Cole

    February 13, 2009 at 9:22 pm

    I don’t drink much any more, but I guess if any of you need to feel loved I could knock back a couple scotches and call you up and babble. Just email me your number and the night you want me to call, and I will set my alarm for 1 am.

  102. 102.

    JL

    February 13, 2009 at 9:23 pm

    For all of those planning a romantic Valentine Day, you got it all wrong according to BBC.news

    Britain’s Roman Catholic Church is advising lovelorn singles to direct their February 14 requests for love to St Raphael, rather than St Valentine.

    After all these years, I have to admit that Raphael’s Day just doesn’t sound right.

  103. 103.

    John O

    February 13, 2009 at 9:23 pm

    Sorry, again: The post, not the comments about cigars.

  104. 104.

    John Cole

    February 13, 2009 at 9:24 pm

    @Carrie: beef. Actually, I had porterhouse with a blue cheese/horseradish top.

    The asparagus was really bland.

  105. 105.

    JL

    February 13, 2009 at 9:26 pm

    @John Cole: Have you ever had roasted asparagus? It is delish.

  106. 106.

    Bad Horse's Filly

    February 13, 2009 at 9:26 pm

    @The Grand Panjandrum: I’m probably a little late to the party on this, but I just discovered Jane and the Dragon. Great little cartoon about a girl who wants to be a knight, instead of a lady-in-waiting and her dragon sidekick (who sounds like he’s an escapee from Monty Python). All about girl power – I’ve bought the dvd’s for my nieces and the original books.

    Also, thanks to everyone’s input on Kiva, I’m feeling very comfortable participating now.

  107. 107.

    John Cole

    February 13, 2009 at 9:27 pm

    You know, I am kind of torn about this Fairness Doctrine stuff. On one hand, I think it sucks and said the Democrats would never do it, so I would have egg on my face if the dipshits did focus on it when so much other stuff is melting down around us.

    On the other hand, it makes the Republicans and Rush and Malkin and Red State apoplectic. That in and of itself is appealing, but the fact it throws them off their other daily messages of hate just sweetens the pot.

    I am conflicted.

  108. 108.

    John Cole

    February 13, 2009 at 9:28 pm

    @JL: You know what I like? Long slices of zucchini soaked in soy sauce and black pepper backed on the grill.

    And baked onions.

  109. 109.

    Just Some Fuckhead

    February 13, 2009 at 9:28 pm

    @Laura W: And just by using his sharp tongue, no cigar necessary.

  110. 110.

    Stooleo

    February 13, 2009 at 9:28 pm

    Since it is an open thread thought I’d post a link to an amazing (IMHO) video that I first saw on Rumproast ‘s blog.

    The Fleet Foxes.

    It has totally wormed into my head..

  111. 111.

    DougJ

    February 13, 2009 at 9:30 pm

    Have you ever had roasted asparagus? It is delish.

    When done properly, it is incredibly good, I agree.

  112. 112.

    The Grand Panjandrum

    February 13, 2009 at 9:31 pm

    @Bad Horse’s Filly: They love Jane and the Dragon.

  113. 113.

    Just Some Fuckhead

    February 13, 2009 at 9:31 pm

    @John Cole: Tease.

  114. 114.

    Laura W

    February 13, 2009 at 9:31 pm

    @Just Some Fuckhead: Someone found some more beer.
    Too funny, Fuckhead, too freakin’ funny.

  115. 115.

    DougJ

    February 13, 2009 at 9:32 pm

    I don’t drink much any more

    All right, that disappoints me. What kind of angry blogger are you?

    On the other hand, I probably drink enough for the both of us.

  116. 116.

    Rosali

    February 13, 2009 at 9:38 pm

    John, thanks for resolving my problem.

  117. 117.

    DougJ

    February 13, 2009 at 9:40 pm

    You know what Valentines Day is a perfect opportunity for? Drunk dialing an ex. Better yet, drunk dialing all your exes. My brother drunk-emailed an ex last year, and now they’re engaged.

    That’s a Hugh Grant/Rene Zwelleger movie waiting to be made.

  118. 118.

    Carrie

    February 13, 2009 at 9:44 pm

    @John Cole:
    I stopped eating beef once i got my cocker spaniel.
    The eyes, they kill me.
    I applaud your use of horseradish though….goes with everything,
    Have you ever tried it with cayenne pepper?

  119. 119.

    Ned R.

    February 13, 2009 at 9:46 pm

    I need to link it on my blog later but last night I made vegetable stock from scratch for the first time ever. Really enjoyed it and can’t wait to perfect the approach.

  120. 120.

    John Cole

    February 13, 2009 at 9:47 pm

    @Carrie: I may have been more reckless in my youth, but I am pretty careful these days to make sure I don’t order anything featuring cocker spaniel.

    As to horseradish, never had it with cayene pepper. My dad makes my horseradish from roots in the back yard. I get a big mason jar of it every couple of months. Depending on the season, it can be so strong it could double as mace.

  121. 121.

    Just Some Fuckhead

    February 13, 2009 at 9:47 pm

    @Carrie: I make a sandwich spread for my grilled salmon sandwich using mayo, horseradish, paprika, lemon juice and cracked pepper. Then I top the sandwich with spinach leaves and red onion. I should have eaten.

  122. 122.

    Carrie

    February 13, 2009 at 9:57 pm

    @John Cole:
    Love horseradish, it’s good on pretty much anything….has a lot of healthy properties too. I envy you.

    Ever tried it on scrambled eggs (or quiche) with a bit of dijon mustard?

    Heaven on a toast.

  123. 123.

    JGabriel

    February 13, 2009 at 9:58 pm

    John Cole:

    I may have been more reckless in my youth, but I am pretty careful these days to make sure I don’t order anything featuring cocker spaniel.

    Ever since that disastrous drunken binge in Seoul?

    .

  124. 124.

    Tom Levenson

    February 13, 2009 at 9:58 pm

    @Carrie: horseradish butter. Compound butters are the bomb for steak. Flavor, and double the heart attack. If you want to really nail your coronary arteries try this: 1/2 and 1/2 butter and stilton cheese; horseradish; a clove of steamed garlic (microwave it unpeeled but covered in plastic wrap for 40 seconds) and a dash of port. Melt three or four tablespoons of that on top of a ribeye…
    and….Heaven, followed by three days in the CICU.

    (My wife doesn’t let me do this anymore: it’s horseradish in lofat yoghurt with a dash of mustard now. Not bad, but not the same.)

  125. 125.

    Fern

    February 13, 2009 at 9:59 pm

    @John Cole:

    Anything would be bland beside horseradish and blue cheese.

  126. 126.

    Carrie

    February 13, 2009 at 10:01 pm

    @Just Some Fuckhead:

    sounds so good i would kill for that right now….

    I’m gonna go to the kitchen, scrape the last of the horseradish on some dry toast with mustard and go to bed….so hungry and so out of booze.

  127. 127.

    justinb

    February 13, 2009 at 10:03 pm

    @Bad Horse’s Filly:

    I’ve given money through Kiva, it was painless and I think it really helped people.

  128. 128.

    Carrie

    February 13, 2009 at 10:06 pm

    @Tom Levenson:
    you’re killing me.

  129. 129.

    eric k

    February 13, 2009 at 10:10 pm

    This just another sign of how absurd it is that Congress operates like it is the 19th Century, even small businesses use video and teleconferencing.

    And to the Douchebag who said they should just delay 48 hours, you know maybe with the funeral tomorrow Brown would rather get the vote over with today so then he can spend the next few days with his family!

    And WTF is wrong with Voinivich? I’m in Oregon and I never voted for Smith, but I think he was a basically decent guy who would have done this for Wyden, and vice versa.

  130. 130.

    Martin

    February 13, 2009 at 10:13 pm

    The girls are required to donate 1/3 of their allowance to a worthy cause. I highly recommend this organization.

    We do the same thing! We provide a dollar-for-dollar match as well. Been doing it for years and thought we were the only ones.

  131. 131.

    Stuck

    February 13, 2009 at 10:39 pm

    I’m polishing off a loaf of French Garlic Bread. I could live on it, if not for all the salt that makes my joints hurt.

  132. 132.

    Ash Can

    February 13, 2009 at 10:39 pm

    @BDeevDad: That explains the cryptic small print on Google today. Thanks!

  133. 133.

    Ash Can

    February 13, 2009 at 10:47 pm

    @The Other Steve: A turd by any other name would smell as sweet.

  134. 134.

    Steeplejack

    February 13, 2009 at 11:58 pm

    @John Cole:

    That’s a classic Boomhauer move, too.

    Once he got on a shirt I had laid out on the bed, scrunched it into a nice nest and then left a tiny spot of drool on it to show how relaxed he was.

    Of course, when I got out of the shower he was nowhere to be seen; there was just a gigantic Boomhauer-shaped imprint in the messed up shirt, and it was warm to the touch.

  135. 135.

    anthony

    February 14, 2009 at 12:01 am

    pureed blue cheese and pale ale marinade

  136. 136.

    OriGuy

    February 14, 2009 at 12:16 am

    Add some horseradish to mac n cheese to give it some bite.

    I’ve got V Day dinner lined up at a Cajun fusion restaurant.

  137. 137.

    R-Jud

    February 14, 2009 at 12:43 am

    Happy Valentine’s Day. I am due to have a kid today but I am pretty sure the egg ain’t hatching just yet.

    Funny, all this talk about horseradish, when my first act in the garden this year was to go dig some up yesterday. As with carrots, it is on a whole ‘nother level when you’ve grown it yourself. I recommend you keep it sunk in pots, though- it’s more invasive than mint.

    I’ll be applying it to a nice joint o’ beef for this evening. I reckon if I plan a big elaborate meal, the kid will decide to ruin it by showing up just as I have put the Yorkshire pudding in the oven. Yes, I am using reverse psychology on a fetus. Don’t tell her.

  138. 138.

    AnneLaurie

    February 14, 2009 at 2:12 am

    I mean, there is no doubt that the bill will pass. There is no question that Brown’s vote will be the needed 60th to ensure passage. The only other option, the only other vote to provide the margin of those who voted at the last, procedural hurdle is Ted Kennedy, and he’s dealing with brain cancer (caps again: BRAIN CANCER), so it falls to Brown, trying to bury his mother, or some one Republican with a sense of decency sufficiently developed to switch his or her vote in Brown’s stead.

    Nobody mentioned the obvious problem with this — if it had happened, the Repubs would’ve demanded a return of the favor. Which means that, during some future debate, a Republican would have been required to kill his own mother just so that a Democrat would be forced to vote in favor of the "Live-Pulp Hungry Orphans to Compost Trent Lott’s New Garden Resolution". And if you don’t think Mitch McConnell is mean enough to kill his own mother just to fvck with the Democrats, you *know* he’s mean enough to order some unfortunate back-bencher freshman from a swing district to kill *their* mother.

    So Sherrod Brown not only gets points in the history books for casting the capstone vote, he should be given credit for saving the life of some Republican’s mother in the future…

  139. 139.

    Church Lady

    February 14, 2009 at 2:12 am

    Bad day around here – found out this morning that my Dad’s cancer has come back and it’s Stage IV. He starts chemo next Thursday. It won’t cure him, but it might buy him a few extra months and a little more time being comfortable. I’m going down there Wednesday so that I can be there for the first session and help Mom with him if he gets sick from it.

    To try to cheer me up, hubby took me out to dinner tonight and then to see "Confessions of a Shopaholic." It was cute, mindless entertainment, but it did provide some laughs, which I really needed. It was special, because he doesn’t particularly care to go out to movies and he really hates chick flicks. That, and the flowers and chocolate covered strawberries he bought home after work, made this year’s VD very special. Tomorrow, I’m cooking some of his favorite things for dinner – prime rib, roasted new potatoes, broccoli parmesan and a spice cake for dessert.

  140. 140.

    Zuzu's Petals

    February 14, 2009 at 2:32 am

    @Bad Horse’s Filly:

    Kiva is great. I sponsored a Samoan woman who runs a neighborhood store and who is repaying my loan faithfully.

    I also just donate to the organization, for general support.

    A good cause.

  141. 141.

    Graham

    February 14, 2009 at 2:33 am

    This from a curious foreigner, can anybody tell me why Kennedy has not retired? Given the current situation in the US Senate, isn’t he in the way of the Democratic agenda right now?

    Where I come from, someone in Kennedy’s position would have had the Party’s elders strongarm him quick smart into retirement just to get a warm bum into his seat. Maybe US politics is kinder and gentler.

  142. 142.

    Zuzu's Petals

    February 14, 2009 at 2:43 am

    @Church Lady:

    Very sorry to hear about your dear dad. It sounds like he is lucky in his support system, though…as are you.

  143. 143.

    Church Lady

    February 14, 2009 at 3:01 am

    Thank you, Zuzu.

  144. 144.

    Chuck Butcher

    February 14, 2009 at 6:42 am

    Church Lady,
    that’s tough stuff to deal with.

    Eric k,
    I’m a bit surprised that you’re from OR, frequent something like BJ, and don’t know what an opportunistic, lying, shitheels Gordon Smith actually is. Well, if the Oregonian is your Oregon news source I shouldn’t be surprised. They’ve been caught out so many times with his dick in their mouth it’s a wonder anyone has continued to believe anything they mumbled around it.

  145. 145.

    bob h

    February 14, 2009 at 7:52 am

    Judd Gregg’s actions (sabotage mission?) were immature, untrustworthy, bizarre, confused, indicative of mental imbalance… certainly deserving of condemnation in a town where person’s word is key. But I have not observed anyone in the MSM saying anything even remotely negative about him.

  146. 146.

    Krista

    February 14, 2009 at 8:29 am

    Keep us posted, R-Jud! I hope everything goes as easily and smoothly as possible for you and that you have a lovely, healthy baby.

    Now that the whole town knows I’m pregnant, I’m finding that a lot of women are stopping me on the street to tell me stories about their 48-hour labours and other assorted agonies. :) Good times.

  147. 147.

    Hawes

    February 14, 2009 at 8:55 am

    Why wouldn’t Voinovich vote for the stimulus? It helps his state and he can say he was allowing Brown to stay at his mother’s wake.

    And isn’t he skipping re-election?

    I do not understand the GOP.

Comments are closed.

Primary Sidebar

Image by MomSense (5/21.25)

Recent Comments

  • db11 on War for Ukraine Day 1,182: The G7-1 (May 21, 2025 @ 11:42pm)
  • Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) on Wednesday Night Open Thread (May 21, 2025 @ 11:42pm)
  • cain on Wednesday Night Open Thread (May 21, 2025 @ 11:36pm)
  • cain on Wednesday Night Open Thread (May 21, 2025 @ 11:35pm)
  • Geminid on Wednesday Night Open Thread (May 21, 2025 @ 11:35pm)

PA Supreme Court At Risk

Donate

Balloon Juice Posts

View by Topic
View by Author
View by Month & Year
View by Past Author

Featuring

Medium Cool
Artists in Our Midst
Authors in Our Midst
War in Ukraine
Donate to Razom for Ukraine

🎈Keep Balloon Juice Ad Free

Become a Balloon Juice Patreon
Donate with Venmo, Zelle or PayPal

Meetups

Upcoming Ohio Meetup May 17
5/11 Post about the May 17 Ohio Meetup

Calling All Jackals

Site Feedback
Nominate a Rotating Tag
Submit Photos to On the Road
Balloon Juice Anniversary (All Links)
Balloon Juice Anniversary (All Posts)
Fix Nyms with Apostrophes

Hands Off! – Denver, San Diego & Austin

Social Media

Balloon Juice
WaterGirl
TaMara
John Cole
DougJ (aka NYT Pitchbot)
Betty Cracker
Tom Levenson
David Anderson
Major Major Major Major
DougJ NYT Pitchbot
mistermix

Keeping Track

Legal Challenges (Lawfare)
Republicans Fleeing Town Halls (TPM)
21 Letters (to Borrow or Steal)
Search Donations from a Brand

PA Supreme Court At Risk

Donate

Site Footer

Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Comment Policy
  • Our Authors
  • Blogroll
  • Our Artists
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 Dev Balloon Juice · All Rights Reserved · Powered by BizBudding Inc

Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

Email sent!