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You are here: Home / Pet Blogging / Cat Blogging / Open Thread

Open Thread

by John Cole|  April 29, 20098:36 am| 116 Comments

This post is in: Cat Blogging, Dog Blogging, Open Threads

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Figured there were a bunch of new threads up, so we probably needed one designated for random babble. At any rate, one of the things I have been doing the past couple of weeks is getting into a solid routine of taking long walks in the morning, and since the weather has been so nice, I’m to the point now that I walk for an hour or more every morning. It is nice, I am dropping a little weight, and I just feel so much better every day when I start it that way.

The only problem is that I get tired of listening to music in the morning, so I have become a voracious consumer of podcasts. If a newspaper or magazine has a podcast, there are very good odds that I have sampled it in the last couple months. Some are better than others, but I wanted to take a moment and single out one that I think is just spectacular- The New Yorker’s Political Scene. They are too short, and happen only once a week, but they are, in my mind, exactly what a podcast should be. They keep a brisk pace, have great sound production qualities, are informative, and leave you feeling like you have learned something and wishing the podcast was longer. Last week they had Jane Mayer, a couple weeks ago Ryan Lizza was a guest discussing Obanamics, etc. At any rate, since we spend so much time trashing the media and pundits, I thought I would give a shout out to content that I think is really good. I just wish they released more of them.

It has been forever since we had some pet pics up, so here goes:

You are on your own until later on. Behave.

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Previous Post: « Not Long For the Party
Next Post: The Skills to Pay the Bills »

Reader Interactions

116Comments

  1. 1.

    Charity

    April 29, 2009 at 8:38 am

    Yay for the walking! The Hubs and I finally succumbed and ordered a Wii, plus Wii Fit. It looks like mega fun. We need to tidy up the rec room and make room for it before we actually hook it all up, but I can’t wait to try it.

  2. 2.

    SalParadise

    April 29, 2009 at 8:43 am

    Surely you’ve subscribed to the “This American Life” podcast?

    It’s the perfect length (an hour), and is (IMHO) the best thing on radio today.

  3. 3.

    Bootlegger

    April 29, 2009 at 8:43 am

    Radio Lab produces the best podcasts I’ve heard (which is admittedly not many).

    Oh, and yesterday I used the term “Mexican” flu and apparently so did some wingnut Israeli politician who didn’t want to insult the orthodox jewish voting block (or Muslims I guess) by calling it “swine” flu. Being a half-breed I was simply kidding, and according to the Israeli state department so was their health minister.

  4. 4.

    Lilly von Schtupp

    April 29, 2009 at 8:45 am

    You may watch his program on PBS, but I like to listen to Bill Moyer podcasts when I’m cleaning and stuff.

  5. 5.

    Ryan S.

    April 29, 2009 at 8:45 am

    On NPR this morning there was a piece on the possibility of creating a swine flu vaccine, at great expense, and have it ready by September.

    Which results in one of those catch 22 decisions from hell. Spend a huge amount of money and time and risk not having a “normal” flu vaccine or do nothing and risk having the potential of having thousands or even millions of deaths from it.

    Its times like this that I can’t even begin to understand why anyone would want to be president…

  6. 6.

    TheFountainHead

    April 29, 2009 at 8:56 am

    Two podcasts I listen to because I’m a nerd: This Week in Tech and MacGeekGab. They’re both pretty light fare and great for having on in the background.

    I have yet to find a political podcast I can enjoy.

  7. 7.

    The Grand Panjandrum

    April 29, 2009 at 8:57 am

    @SalParadise: This American Life would be my choice, as well. Ira Glass is doing some of the best radio I’ve ever heard. I’ve always loved the off beat stories and the production values are outstanding.

  8. 8.

    Pip's Squeak

    April 29, 2009 at 9:00 am

    On US politics, the Tuesday interview with Bruce Shapiro on Late Night Live (Australia) is always a pleasure.

  9. 9.

    Laura W Darling

    April 29, 2009 at 9:02 am

    My morning walks are as essential as the shower and pot of French Roast for screwing my head on. Must have music! To listen to people talk about politics (or talk period) would make that hour too much like every other hour in my teevee and online life. Ick.

    I just started using wrist weights. Ordered two pair from amazon (mystery solved, John) and these came first. More comfy than I dared hope. Have some 2lbers in route now. Those 3lbs (1.5 each) add a bit of extra effort to the walking and for sure my triceps feel them! Will save the Kangoo Jumping chat for BH Filly.

  10. 10.

    Laura W Darling

    April 29, 2009 at 9:05 am

    Does anyone have experience with the Topsy Turvy Upside Down Veggie Planter thingey?
    Saw it on teevee yesterday and to my eye, it looks like the perfect solution for me; Vegetable Growing for Lazy Dummies.

  11. 11.

    Face

    April 29, 2009 at 9:06 am

    Hey! We’ve solv3d swine flu! It’s gone!

    Mysteriously, in its place, is H1N1 flu. Strange, I know, but now that it’s lost its catchy moniker, I’m guessing the media will just STFU about it. Finally.

  12. 12.

    Punchy

    April 29, 2009 at 9:11 am

    Where in hell has TZ/PPGaz/TCOMH gone? Haven’t had a decent blogwar in ages.

    Can we pleeeeeasse get a pilot somewhere to toss off a Brown guy in order to get TZ to start some fights with us?

  13. 13.

    smiley

    April 29, 2009 at 9:12 am

    I’ve been trying to listen to music while walking/exercising since the Walkman first came out. Can’t do it. I just don’t like being cut off from my aural surroundings.

  14. 14.

    MikeJ

    April 29, 2009 at 9:20 am

    Which results in one of those catch 22 decisions from hell. Spend a huge amount of money and time and risk not having a “normal” flu vaccine or do nothing and risk having the potential of having thousands or even millions of deaths from it.

    Meh. It’s what they do every year. No flu vaccine is good against every strain, so they (whoever “they” are(CDC?)) decide what the biggest threat is. The biggest threat may be the strain they thing will spread the fastest, or a rarer strain they think will do the most harm if people did get it.

    Someone last night was saying that since they had immunized against a related strain in the past few years, many Americans will still have some resistance.

  15. 15.

    Comrade Mary, Would-Be Minion Of Bad Horse

    April 29, 2009 at 9:21 am

    @Laura W Darling: I have one of those, and I guess it’s OK, but my semi-sunny backyard seems to produce better tomatoes planted directly in the ground, and it has never produced much in the way of peppers.

    OTOH, a friend of mine swears by it, and it does save some space, so why not give it a try? Just wear your gardening gloves if you have to move it, because that wire really marks up your hands when the whole thing is full of soil and plant.

  16. 16.

    BenA

    April 29, 2009 at 9:26 am

    I really should start walking in the morning… the major drawbacks for me are: I hate walking, I hate the idea of walking, I hate having the idea of walking…. plus I don’t like to go for walks.

    Hence my problem.

    I have a decent mountain bike… just need to repair a tire… but lets just say the terrain around me is a little to challenging for my fat ass.

    I’ve been thinking of dragging the ol’ rowing machine up out of the basement and outside onto the patio… it would make a nice change…

    I probably should just start going for walks…. *ugh*

  17. 17.

    flyerhawk

    April 29, 2009 at 9:27 am

    Hey John,

    You had an entry recently asking how long it would take for a Republican to blame Obama for the swine flu. Well none other than everyone’s favorite lunatic congresswoman did just that yesterday.

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/28/michele-bachmann-links-sw_n_192493.html

    Minnesota Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann, following Rush Limbaugh’s cue, suggested on Tuesday that President Obama was to blame for the swine flu crisis. She went even farther than the talk show host, implying that swine flu epidemics are a Democratic phenomenon that dates back to President Carter.

    “I find it interesting that it was back in the 1970s that the swine flu broke out then under another Democrat president Jimmy Carter. And I’m not blaming this on President Obama, I just think it’s an interesting coincidence.”

    I really love the “I’m not saying this is true. I’m just sayin'” line of defense.

  18. 18.

    Bootlegger

    April 29, 2009 at 9:30 am

    @Laura W Darling: I made my own and grew upside down tomatoes last summer. It works great and keeps the plants away from soil-borne diseases as well as critters that normally crawl up the vine. It made organic tomato growing 10 times easier. I’m going to try some cherry tomatoes as well this year.

  19. 19.

    Kabyr

    April 29, 2009 at 9:34 am

    another radiolab nerd! representn’! it’s a really in-depth discussion of science without being too dry or boring. it’s completely right up my alley. there’s at least one part of each episode that blows my mind. i can’t recommend it enough.

  20. 20.

    kid bitzer

    April 29, 2009 at 9:37 am

    walking an hour every morning is one of the few unambiguously good things you can do for yourself.

    on podcasts–try the bbc. i hear great things about their “farming today” series. it’s not just for farmers.

  21. 21.

    The Tim Channel

    April 29, 2009 at 9:40 am

    I was gobsmacked that Sullivan ran a poll on whether we ought to prosecute Bush for war crimes.

    What is the point of such an exercise? This isn’t really a subject open to ‘opinion’ since the law is quite clear on what our responsibilities are.

    Enjoy.

  22. 22.

    Laura W Darling

    April 29, 2009 at 9:41 am

    @Bootlegger: Thanks! and to Mary too. I’ll order it today. Buy one get one free for a limited time, ya’ know. I’ll do tomatoes and zucchini. Cherry tomatoes – great idea! I really do want to grow veggies in the ground one day, but it ain’t gonna happen this season. I can eat tomatoes every day, so this looks pretty much like a dream from where I’m sitting.

  23. 23.

    Max

    April 29, 2009 at 9:43 am

    Flipped by Hannity last night, just in time to hear Mark Furman call Obama “shifty”. Guess after the cross-examine at the OJ trial, he had to come up with another word.

  24. 24.

    Bootlegger

    April 29, 2009 at 9:48 am

    @Max: Shifty negroes? Yep, that’s our Furman.
    @Laura W Darling: I also planted some marigolds in the top of the container so I had color on the top and tomatoes on the bottom. I’m too stubborn to buy something I can make so I’d be interested to hear how it works out for you.

  25. 25.

    Onkel Fritze

    April 29, 2009 at 9:49 am

    Probably everybody knows this already – but for any ‘Daily Show’ fan who might have missed it, check out ‘The Bugle’ at thetimes.co.uk.

  26. 26.

    Cat Lady

    April 29, 2009 at 9:50 am

    @Max:

    Mark Furman? jeez louise. They’re really turning over rocks there now, aren’t they.

  27. 27.

    Jon H

    April 29, 2009 at 9:51 am

    I used to do the morning walk thing when I lived in the South Loop area of Chicago. Great place for it, what with the lakefront, the architecture, etc.

    Now I live near Cambridge, MA, and there’s nothing worth looking at.

    I subscribe to a bunch of podcasts:

    Marketplace Money (weekly hour-longish personal finance show from the producers of the daily business program)
    BBC Radio 3 Arts and Ideas
    BBC History Magazine (monthly)
    BBC Radio 4 Best of Today (short 7-15 minute segments)
    BBC Radio 4 Documentaries
    BBC Radio 4 File On 4 (Investigative reports)
    BBC Radio 4 Friday Night Comedy (for the wait-wait-like News Quiz, which restarts this friday)
    BBC Radio 4 In Our Time (Highbrow culture/science/history/philosophy discussions)
    NPR Planet Money
    On the Media
    BBC Radio 4 Choice
    BBC Radio 4 Start The Week (Three people with books, TV shows, movies, or plays coming out join the host to discuss them, including asking each other about them.)

  28. 28.

    David

    April 29, 2009 at 9:51 am

    This is a great radio talk show (not political):

    http://www.wnyc.org/shows/lopate/episodes/2009/04/28

    podcasts and streaming.

  29. 29.

    omen

    April 29, 2009 at 9:52 am

    turned on cspan when the hosted quickly went through an article that listed all the votes where specter bucked the republican party. missed hearing which paper. anybody know which one? i googled and couldn’t find.

  30. 30.

    Jon H

    April 29, 2009 at 9:55 am

    @The Tim Channel: “I was gobsmacked that Sullivan ran a poll on whether we ought to prosecute Bush for war crimes.”

    I’m not sure that was Sullivan, i think that was AOL who set up that poll.

  31. 31.

    Stella G

    April 29, 2009 at 9:56 am

    I’m a podcast nut! I have a border collie that needs an hour a day minimum so I spend lots of time listening to various shows. And I enjoy working out to podcasts too because I can pick a show that’s the same length as I want to exercise. Here are some of my absolute favorite podcasts:
    1. This American Life (of course)
    2. Slate’s Political Gabfest – HIGHLY recommended, it is about 30 minutes weekly of David Plotz, Emily Bazelon and John Dickerson chatting about politics. Hilarious and informal but really interesting and fun
    3. Slate’s Cultural Gabfest – different cast, same results
    4. Radio Lab – just started but loving it!
    5. Stuff You Should Know – interesting and funny
    6. The Moth Podcast
    7. Pretty much any NPR podcast but my favorites are: The Diane Rehm Show; On Point with Tom Ashbrook; Fresh Air; Talk of the Nation; Science Friday; PRI’s The World; APM The Story; Planet Money; Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me; On the Media
    8. Real Time with Bill Maher – the full HBO show but audio
    9. The Ricky Gervais Podcast
    10. Treehugger Radio
    11. Democracy Now
    12. Open Source – one of the best finds on the web

  32. 32.

    Napoleon

    April 29, 2009 at 9:56 am

    Almost all I listen to any more is podcast. The New Yorker Polictical Scene is good as is This American Life. NPR/PRI’s Talk of the Nation (including their Science Friday) and Fresh Air are good for various subjects. Radio Lab is the best. Wait Wait is good for lighter take on current affairs as is Harry Sheer’s La Show.

  33. 33.

    omen

    April 29, 2009 at 9:56 am

    @Bootlegger:

    think those would grow indoors? my house gets lots of light. tried growing tomatoes but they got eaten up by bugs and i didn’t want to use pesticides.

  34. 34.

    Cain

    April 29, 2009 at 9:59 am

    @john cole:

    Walking? You should be running! I picked up jogging/’running about two years ago but I’ve really picked up this year and up to about 3 miles and counting combined with running. I’ve been trying to get more health concious as I head towards 40. (in two weeks or so!)

    The other thing is yoga. I decided that it was something worth doing when I saw my 95 year old grandfather (he’s hitting 100 this year) touching toes behind the back of his head and doing flexible stuff that this is something worth doing and it is. Although people seem be doing the hot yoga thing (for women). Good way to lose weight I guess, combine finnish and indian techniques into a single exercise. ha!

    cain

  35. 35.

    TheFountainHead

    April 29, 2009 at 10:04 am

    The ads on this site have become amusingly esoteric.

  36. 36.

    zzyzx

    April 29, 2009 at 10:05 am

    Hey this is an open thread so I thought I could ask here. Has anyone actually started to see this tax cut on their paychecks? Neither the girl nor I have seen any difference.

  37. 37.

    JMonkey

    April 29, 2009 at 10:06 am

    Definitely check out Astronomy Cast if you loved Cosmos as a kid. Great stuff and they’re each about 30 minutes long.

  38. 38.

    Skepticat

    April 29, 2009 at 10:07 am

    Flyerhawk, it’s more like saying “It’s not true, I’m just sayin’,” given that it was Ford rather than Carter. What a twit that woman is.

  39. 39.

    Radon Chong

    April 29, 2009 at 10:08 am

    The History of Rome is a fantastic podcast, if you’re into that sort of thing.

  40. 40.

    Napoleon

    April 29, 2009 at 10:10 am

    @zzyzx:

    Yes, a couple of months ago. Since I am fairly high income it was only 5$ twice a month.

  41. 41.

    El Cid

    April 29, 2009 at 10:14 am

    @Jon H: Is it just me, or has “In Our Time” lost some energy this season?

  42. 42.

    anonevent

    April 29, 2009 at 10:20 am

    @zzyzx: Yes, and it came out to about $30 per paycheck, but I’m also trying to repopulate the earth – 3 kids – so I get a lot of exemptions.

  43. 43.

    Jon H

    April 29, 2009 at 10:23 am

    Oops, forgot two podcasts.

    BBCs “The Forum” (not sure if it’s on World Service or Radio 4 or both) – highbrow discussion every weekend. This past weekend featured Roger Penrose on the panel.

    BBC Radio 4 – “Broadcasting House” – Early Sunday morning show. Covers the top issue of the day, invites some guests in to discuss the Sunday papers’ stories, some attempts at droll Sunday morning humor.

  44. 44.

    zzyzx

    April 29, 2009 at 10:24 am

    See I actually lost a dollar so I was wondering. Weird.

  45. 45.

    Dr. Rockso

    April 29, 2009 at 10:29 am

    Good for you on the walking John. Make sure to stick to it, some days are harder than others.

    I have been taking longish walks after work myself. I blame the Obamanation for trying to get in shape (hope for the future and all). I find the walks great for burning off the office stress and re-aligning my priorities back to real life.

    Next step is getting used to eating less. Anyone got some hints for that one?

  46. 46.

    Jon H

    April 29, 2009 at 10:29 am

    @El Cid: “Is it just me, or has “In Our Time” lost some energy this season?”

    Hm. I haven’t really noticed. Maybe Melvyn’s getting too old.

    The show reminds me of Odyssey from WBEZ, which was sadly canceled in 05. That was hosted by a young woman with boundless energy. The old shows are still available, but only as streams. I’ve been meaning to start a project of recording the streams and putting together a torrent, but haven’t gotten around to it.

    Odyssey had the best April Fools’ show back in 2001. I didn’t even catch on until the one guest suggested that Picasso’s Guernica was in fact documenting the town’s terrible dental care.

  47. 47.

    omen

    April 29, 2009 at 10:31 am

    cat/dog buddies are cute. my male cat is friends with my neighbor’s huge girl rottweiler. i don’t know how that happened. sometimes i spot him in the neighbor’s yard rubbing up against the dog’s legs and parading back and forth while the dog sniffs him out. there is probably an explanation for this type of behavior and i know i shouldn’t anthropomorphize, but i’d swear my cat was flirting with the dog.

  48. 48.

    Max

    April 29, 2009 at 10:31 am

    @zzyzx:

    I went down a dollar, but I have the trifecta for withholdings… single, no kids, with upper middle class income.

  49. 49.

    mandarama, eager minion

    April 29, 2009 at 10:34 am

    @TheFountainHead:

    Shoutout for TWiT! A buddy of my husband’s wrote their song “I’m a TWiT.” It cracks our kids up, even though they have no idea what the show is.

  50. 50.

    amorphous

    April 29, 2009 at 10:34 am

    Someone please let the pets in the middle picture outside. It’s all they want.*

    *May not apply to cat, cat only wants owner dead.

  51. 51.

    canuckistani

    April 29, 2009 at 10:39 am

    Definitely check out Astronomy Cast if you loved Cosmos as a kid. Great stuff and they’re each about 30 minutes long.

    Astronomy Cast is excellent.
    Also, check out 365 Days of Astronomy for 10 minute crack-like bursts of science, but only for the rest of the year (the International Year of Astronomy).

  52. 52.

    LorenzoStDuBois

    April 29, 2009 at 10:39 am

    I’m a bit disturbed how alone on this I apparently am, but I can’t stand This American Life.

    I don’t mean that I don’t really like it. I mean it’s one of the worst radio shows I have ever listened to. The musical interludes are generally distracting and inexplicably timed. The writing is… well there’s no writing. It’s just some guy stuttering his way through some story that is often very boring. I keep trying to go back to it because everybody I respect likes it so much.

    But I just can’t stand it.

    Come on, the must be SOMEBODY out there who is with me on this. Also, an amazing parody of the show:

    http://www.kasperhauser.com/this_am_life.html

  53. 53.

    Jaime

    April 29, 2009 at 10:43 am

    @Onkel Fritze: I’ll second this opinion. It is, by far, the most enjoyable thing I listen to. John Oliver and Andy Zaltzman are geniuses.

  54. 54.

    AhabTRuler

    April 29, 2009 at 10:47 am

    @LorenzoStDuBois: That show drives me nuts. The SO loves it, but I find it so irritating that I can’t listen to it for more than 5 min.

  55. 55.

    John Cole

    April 29, 2009 at 10:48 am

    Some others that have not been mentioned here but I like to listen to every now and then are Savage Love, the Geekbox, and every now and then I listen to the dorks that make The Instance.

    I tell you what upsets me- I can not seem to find a podcast for the Infinite Mind anywhere. I used to love that show on the radio, and it sort of fell off my radar. Been trying to find it again but can’t.

  56. 56.

    gbear

    April 29, 2009 at 10:49 am

    @smiley:

    I’ve been trying to listen to music while walking/exercising since the Walkman first came out. Can’t do it. I just don’t like being cut off from my aural surroundings.

    Agreed. I can’t listen to music with headphones for that reason and it’s why I haven’t bothered to buy an Ipod.

    I worked at a store for a while and one of my customers always came in wearing headphones and sunglasses and smoking a pipe. If he would have been wearing mittens he would have had every sense blocked in some way. We used to refer to him as mediaboy.

    As a music junkie, my favorite podcast is the NPR show ‘Sound Opinions’ (“the world’s only rock and roll talk show”). I have to free up an hour every week to listen to that. I also like picking thru the archives of Fresh Air with Terry Gross.

    My favorite radio station to stream is KAXE out of Grand Rapids, MN. A true community radio station that plays great music. I always tune it in when I’m driving up north.

  57. 57.

    Brick Oven Bill

    April 29, 2009 at 10:51 am

    The Administration is not being honest about energy. Either this or they are as good at science as they are at air traffic control. This from E.ON Net, the German energy integrator:

    O Ba Ma

    “It is not possible to guarantee its use for the continual cover of electricity consumption. Consequently, traditional power stations with capacities equal to 90% of the installed wind power capacity must be permanently online in order to guarantee power supply at all times.”

    O Ba Ma

    The Administration is also not being honest about our economic situation, and is shoveling money to bankers. Obama’s Orszag testified before congress, and in writing, that transferring all of Fannie-Freddie’s liabilities to the taxpayer could likely be done at no cost. This made lots of bankers lots of money. Get it?

    O Ba Ma

  58. 58.

    omen

    April 29, 2009 at 10:54 am

    I’m to the point now that I walk for an hour or more every morning.

    seems like a waste without a dog.

  59. 59.

    gbear

    April 29, 2009 at 10:56 am

    @zzyzx:

    I’m seeing about $20 extra per check (2 weeks) with Obama’s tax plan. My yearly income is about $50k.

  60. 60.

    Jon H

    April 29, 2009 at 11:00 am

    @John Cole: “Been trying to find it again but can’t.”

    I believe Infinite Mind is over. There was a mini-scandal in the news a while back about the host’s unreported connections to the pharmaceutical industry, and I recall the reporting mentioning that the show was over so the possible repercussions were rather limited – you can’t very well fire a guy from a show that’s not being produced anymore.

  61. 61.

    gbear

    April 29, 2009 at 11:00 am

    @Dr. Rockso:

    Next step is getting used to eating less. Anyone got some hints for that one?

    STOP eating anything after 7:00 pm. Most of the bad stuff I eat is evening snacks. When I can cut those out, I have the best luck trying to lose weight.

  62. 62.

    Jon H

    April 29, 2009 at 11:01 am

    via Sullivan:

    Additionally, there was no significant difference between the groups in thinking Colbert was funny, but conservatives were more likely to report that Colbert only pretends to be joking and genuinely meant what he said while liberals were more likely to report that Colbert used satire and was not serious when offering political statements. Conservatism also significantly predicted perceptions that Colbert disliked liberalism.

  63. 63.

    omen

    April 29, 2009 at 11:04 am

    @Dr. Rockso:

    Next step is getting used to eating less. Anyone got some hints for that one?

    i lost 10 pounds just from giving up soda.

  64. 64.

    TheFountainHead

    April 29, 2009 at 11:04 am

    Can anyone translate BoB for me? I really wanted to figure it out, but apparently I don’t speak his dialect of crazy.

  65. 65.

    Ash Can

    April 29, 2009 at 11:07 am

    @flyerhawk:

    Well none other than everyone’s favorite lunatic congresswoman did just that yesterday.

    What makes it all the funnier is that, not surprisingly, she’s wrong — the last swine flu outbreak happened while (Republican) Gerald Ford was president.

  66. 66.

    Mr. Stuck

    April 29, 2009 at 11:11 am

    @TheFountainHead:

    BoB has been obsessing over his thermostat again and pining for electric trains. The banker stuff was just a Schizoid Tic, I expect. Make sense now?

  67. 67.

    PeakVT

    April 29, 2009 at 11:11 am

    Can we fast-forward to day 101? The media’s day 100 wanking is starting to sound like a swarm of cicadas.

  68. 68.

    anonevent

    April 29, 2009 at 11:13 am

    @TheFountainHead:
    Shorter B.O.B.:

  69. 69.

    SnarkIntern

    April 29, 2009 at 11:17 am

    Sibelius makes first appearance as HHS secretary, as I write.

    First impressions: A very telegenic, calm, and intelligent voice to be the sound and face of the government during the flu crisis.

    Random thought: The government can do well in this crisis situation, and the effect may be helpful when it comes time to gather support for healthcare reform later, in the fall.

    Snarky aside: Bob, take the day off. You aren’t quite ready to blog today.

  70. 70.

    binzinerator

    April 29, 2009 at 11:22 am

    @Bootlegger:

    I made my own and grew upside down tomatoes last summer.

    What did you make it out of? The commercial thingy via that link looks like it’s fabric or housewrap kind of stuff.

  71. 71.

    bayville

    April 29, 2009 at 11:23 am

    The always serious and sober Paul Kane. From today’s WaPo chat:

    The Beavis and Butthead Party: The GOP makes fun of spending money on volcano monitoring, a volcano blows up. The GOP makes fun of spending money on pandemic preparation, a potential pandemic moves in. What is the next serious topic the GOP thought was funny that will blow up in their faces?

    Paul Kane: I kinda think the left’s efforts to politicize these things is pretty pathetic.
    And besides, I don’t think Beavis ‘n’ Butthead would be Republicans. I kinda suspect they eventually grew up to be Hillary Clinton Democrats.

  72. 72.

    Bootlegger

    April 29, 2009 at 11:25 am

    @omen: No reason why not. Indoors you’ll need to hang them like any hanging plant. They need about 3-4 feet of room underneath. The tomato plant will start to reach upward but gravity will still pull some foliage down.

  73. 73.

    SGEW

    April 29, 2009 at 11:25 am

    Hey hey, it’s on:

    MADRID (AP) — Spain’s top investigative magistrate has opened an investigation into the Bush administration over alleged torture of terror suspects at the Guantanamo prison.

    (via Sully)

  74. 74.

    TheFountainHead

    April 29, 2009 at 11:26 am

    @anonevent: Actually, that makes a lot more sense.

  75. 75.

    Bootlegger

    April 29, 2009 at 11:32 am

    @binzinerator: I cut a hole in the bottom of a cheap plastic pot, just big enough for the foliage to fit through but small enough to hold the root ball. Then I hung it. Oh, I also put duct tape over the drainage holes on the bottom of the pot. Cost me a couple dollars.

  76. 76.

    El Cid

    April 29, 2009 at 11:35 am

    @SGEW: I told y’all that Judge Garzon makes up his own mind, no matter whose powerful corns it stomps.

  77. 77.

    p.a.

    April 29, 2009 at 11:36 am

    I’ll occasionally iPod while walking, but usually my walks are my ‘quiet time’; no human sonics allowed- cars unfortunately excepted. Especially in the a.m. this time of year when every bird is out there doing its ‘hey baby, hey baby’ songsinging best. I live near a public park (WPA 1936-1940) which abuts a cemetery. Good walking conditions.

    Speaking of iPods, I use over-the-ear headphones for lounging, but prefer earbuds for activity. I just can’t find any really comfortable ones that will stay in place. It seems my ear openings are small. I’ve tried hard buds, buds with silicone, and buds with the over-the-ear clips, and end up throwing them away in frustration. Any suggestions?

  78. 78.

    Cat Lady

    April 29, 2009 at 11:39 am

    @gbear:

    If you like hot, use chilis and pepper sauces as much as possible. Endorphins plus an active lymph system overrides the feeling that you haven’t eaten enough. Protein stays with you longer, so eat more of that than a starch, which doesn’t trigger that sated feeling until you’ve overeaten.

  79. 79.

    R-Jud

    April 29, 2009 at 11:45 am

    @Dr. Rockso:

    Next step is getting used to eating less. Anyone got some hints for that one?

    Hi. Former fat girl here. Four things that worked for me:

    1) Soda is a big one, like someone else said. Just stop drinking it and any bottled juice (juicer juice is okay in moderation). Do it now. Today. Each 12-oz serving is a candy bar, calorie-wise.
    2) Eat a fruit salad for breakfast and a big green salad at lunch.
    3) Fill half your plate with vegetables at dinner. Force yourself to eat them first.
    4) Have one blowout meal a week– Friday takeout, maybe, or Sunday lunch.

    Also, on the exercise front: lift weights. Heavy ones (even if you’re a delicate lady flower). Adding muscle to your frame helps you burn more calories just lying around.

  80. 80.

    Corner Stone

    April 29, 2009 at 11:46 am

    @Laura W Darling: I have two of them but haven’t planted anything yet. I’m thinking maybe bell peppers and cukes.
    I agree about the Lazy part – I can’t weed anything, ever. It’s in my contract.

  81. 81.

    omen

    April 29, 2009 at 11:47 am

    @SGEW:

    how about german and italy who’ve indicted cia operatives for kidnapping/rendition. is that still in the process of being tried?

  82. 82.

    SGEW

    April 29, 2009 at 11:53 am

    @omen: Still going, but there’s a hold up. Wait a sec . . .

    [googles]

    Here ya go:

    Lawyers representing CIA agents accused in Italy of kidnapping a terrorism suspect asked a judge to toss out the trial on Tuesday [April 21st], after a higher court ruled some evidence used to help win their indictments was classified.
    . . .
    Judge Oscar Magi adjourned the proceedings until May 20 to consider the requests, which could abruptly end the most high-profile case in Europe into secret transfers of a terrorism suspect, known as “renditions.”

    Developing, as they say.

  83. 83.

    Corner Stone

    April 29, 2009 at 11:56 am

    @Punchy:

    Where in hell has TZ/PPGaz/TCOMH gone?

    For some reason I thought HitlerKickingPuppySniffer was the new incarnation of TZ?
    My apologies to Hitler if that isn’t accurate.

  84. 84.

    SGEW

    April 29, 2009 at 11:57 am

    My apologies to Hitler if that isn’t accurate.

    This is an uncomfortable sentence.

  85. 85.

    Corner Stone

    April 29, 2009 at 12:00 pm

    @BenA:

    I really should start walking in the morning… the major drawbacks for me are: I hate walking, I hate the idea of walking, I hate having the idea of walking…. plus I don’t like to go for walks.

    I also would start walking in the mornings but in the most unusual of cosmic happenings I seem to have a vortex and/or possibly a blackhole underneath my bed. Whatever this powerful force is, it doesn’t seem to stop until the Last.Possible.Minute every morning.
    I was going to contact Hawking about this but I see where he recently had some medical issues. So, looks like my morning walks will have to be delayed for a bit. Shucks.

  86. 86.

    harlana pepper

    April 29, 2009 at 12:01 pm

    Oh my goodness, a Pupsicle!

  87. 87.

    Corner Stone

    April 29, 2009 at 12:04 pm

    @Corner Stone: Of course, I also understood that TZ was so old he voted for Roosevelt…Teddy Roosevelt. So he may no longer be with us, in the most solemn sense of the phrase.
    Old bastard still owes some charity $100 because he lost a bet with me that McCain wouldn’t clear 40% of the popular vote.

  88. 88.

    OneMadClown

    April 29, 2009 at 12:08 pm

    Hey John,
    I highly — HIGHLY — recommend the This Is Hell podcast from Chuck Mertz on iTunes (or from http://www.thisishell.com). Its weekly, and usually clocks in at just under 4 hours a show, but its all 20-30 minute long form interviews with voices that don’t get much play in mainstream US press.

  89. 89.

    Charity

    April 29, 2009 at 12:19 pm

    @R-Jud:

    Heavy ones (even if you’re a delicate lady flower). Adding muscle to your frame helps you burn more calories just lying around.

    Damn wimmen thinking they’re going to turn into Arnold Schwarzenegger just by lifting a 10 pound dumbbell. It’s why I have to wade through 5 pgs of “don’t be afraid, dear!” before I get to any real exercise info.

    Ladies: testosterone. Men have much more of it than we do. Hence the bigger muscles. Put the pink dumbbells down and do some work.

  90. 90.

    binzinerator

    April 29, 2009 at 12:27 pm

    @Bootlegger:

    Thanks. I’ve got some plastic buckets that should do the trick.

  91. 91.

    Dr. Rockso

    April 29, 2009 at 12:29 pm

    61, 63, 79 – Thanks for the tips!

    Soda is out, I never drink the stuff (except as a very rare treat).

    Eating after 7:00, we don’t really eat dinner until after then. Should I change my routine?

    Lifting is strictly out. I refuse to pay for a gym membership.

  92. 92.

    R-Jud

    April 29, 2009 at 12:35 pm

    @Charity:

    Put the pink dumbbells down and do some work.

    Right on. And don’t listen to anyone who says you’ll sprain your babymaker while you do it. This is an especially sore spot for me today as I was just told (again) by an overweight doctor not to lift “anything more than ten pounds if you can help it”. This, just before I put my newborn on the scale. She weighs twelve pounds even. Oh well.

    (The baby had her Dip-Tet shot today, too. Otherwise she’d develop night vision and lockjaw.)

    @ 91:

    Lifting is strictly out.

    Pushups, pull-ups, bodyweight squats. Or buy a couple of kettlebells. In addition to being fitter and slimmer, your bones will thank you when you’re in your 70s.

  93. 93.

    Corner Stone

    April 29, 2009 at 12:45 pm

    @R-Jud:

    don’t listen to anyone who says you’ll sprain your babymaker while you do it. This is an especially sore spot for me

    Talk about an uncomfortable sentence…

  94. 94.

    SGEW

    April 29, 2009 at 12:45 pm

    re: exercise

    Quite a few years ago I was working with a guy who was ridiculously ripped – I mean, like, almost embarrassingly so, as in a “what did you do time for?” sort of way. Someone asked him what gym he went to and he said: “Gym? No way, man. I just ‘get up.’ Pushups, situps, and chinups. That’s it.”

    Definitely stuck in my head. So I went with it: no gym membership and no expensive equipment (except the removable chinup bar installed in a doorway, but it was pretty cheap), and it only takes about 20 or 30 minutes out of my day.

    And it totally worked for me. Now, I’m no Schwarzenegger (nor would I want to be, thank you very much) but I’m pretty content with the shape I’m in now – and I didn’t put on any weight when I quit smoking.

    ‘Course, I started off skinny (so this very well may be stupid advice for those who want to lose weight – I dunno), but it was definitely good advice for building muscle and getting “cut,” as they say.

    Time for too much sharing now over for me!

  95. 95.

    R-Jud

    April 29, 2009 at 12:47 pm

    @Corner Stone:

    Talk about an uncomfortable sentence…

    But perfectly true, as I had a c-section recently.

  96. 96.

    Zuzu's Petals

    April 29, 2009 at 1:05 pm

    John –

    Speaking of doggie pics, I came across the perfect gift for your folks:

    Flip camcorder, special design

    I loves me my Flip. Plus, you get to help a nonprofit when you buy one.

  97. 97.

    omen

    April 29, 2009 at 1:09 pm

    @Laura W Darling:

    Does anyone have experience with the Topsy Turvy Upside Down Veggie Planter thingey?

    it’s not just for veggies:

    http://www.gearfuse.com/boskke’s-upside-down-sky-planters-save-water-and-get-in-your-way/

  98. 98.

    James K. Polk, Esq.

    April 29, 2009 at 1:11 pm

    Quite a few years ago I was working with a guy who was ridiculously ripped – I mean, like, almost embarrassingly so, as in a “what did you do time for?” sort of way. Someone asked him what gym he went to and he said: “Gym? No way, man. I just ‘get up.’ Pushups, situps, and chinups. That’s it.”

    Now, that’s the ticket. Thanks for the great idea!

  99. 99.

    SGEW

    April 29, 2009 at 1:20 pm

    Hey, this is kind of big: Jim Manzi at NRO’s The Corner comes out against waterboarding:

    To demand that the government “keep us safe” by doing things out of our sight that we have refused to do in much more serious situations so that we can avoid such a risk is weak and pathetic. It is the demand of spoiled children, or the cosseted residents of the imperial city. In the actual situation we face, to demand that our government waterboard detainees in dark cells is cowardice.

    I credit Larison’s takedown of his original post.

  100. 100.

    tim

    April 29, 2009 at 1:23 pm

    John:

    Try walking with NO music, NO podcast, NO nothing except the real sounds in the real air in the real world around you. Walking like that provides a sort of low key, mobile meditation, and I highly recommend it.

    Seems to me most people these days find it necessary to distract themselves at all times from the reality of whatever environment they physically find themselves at the moment, more out of habit than purpose. Just strikes me as vaguely disturbing that so few folks want to really BE where they actually ARE.

    Plus, without the earbuds you’ll be able to hear the car or bicycle that is about to take your left leg off.

  101. 101.

    SGEW

    April 29, 2009 at 1:24 pm

    More from Manzi:

    I think that any thoughtful person who aggressively advocates for one position or the other surely asks himself in quiet moments: “Am I certain I’m right?” The waterboarding critic asks himself “Am I being naive?”; the waterboarding defender, “Am I losing my soul?”.

    I would rather risk being naive than risk losing my soul, I guess.

  102. 102.

    R-Jud

    April 29, 2009 at 1:41 pm

    @tim:

    Plus, without the earbuds you’ll be able to hear the car or bicycle that is about to take your left leg off.

    Or the guy about to knock you down for your wallet. That said, I have noticed that if I have the earbuds in while I’m running, jerks are less likely to yell “hey baby!” So I wear them but don’t have music on if I’m outside.

  103. 103.

    Zuzu's Petals

    April 29, 2009 at 1:49 pm

    Hey, what happened to mah link?

    Trying again:

    Flip camcorder, JR design

  104. 104.

    Paul L.

    April 29, 2009 at 1:50 pm

    The Obama campaign ran from the Gun Control issue and had Factcheck defend them against the NRA?
    Looks like I was right about progressives would spin it as Obama ran on Gun Control.

    During the presidential campaign, then-candidate Obama specifically endorsed two policy goals toward which the administration could immediately make dramatic progress.

    The first? Restricting the availability of semiautomatic assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines

    The second? Repeal the Tiahrt Amendment.

  105. 105.

    Bootlegger

    April 29, 2009 at 1:58 pm

    @tim: I tried listening to my iPod while I worked in the yard or hiked, and it was ok. But I find I really prefer the sounds of nature, particularly this time of year. Now, when I’m busting a cord of firewood, lay on the metal baby! (bangs maul like an air guitar)

  106. 106.

    Jon H

    April 29, 2009 at 2:02 pm

    @R-Jud:

    They also help avoid panhandlers.

  107. 107.

    DrDave

    April 29, 2009 at 2:08 pm

    @SalParadise:

    Surely you’ve subscribed to the “This American Life” podcast?

    It’s the perfect length (an hour), and is (IMHO) the best thing on radio today.

    I’ll second that. Another very good podcast is NPR’s Planet Money, which is done by Alex Blumberg (and others) who is the producer of TAL. If you enjoyed “The Giant Pool of Money” on TAL, you’ll like the Planet Money podcast.

    I also listen to Fresh Air and Bob Edwards podcasts when the subject interests me which is generally a few times a week.

  108. 108.

    Bootlegger

    April 29, 2009 at 2:11 pm

    @Paul L.: Everyone seems to project their beliefs and biases on 44. Et tu Paul L?

  109. 109.

    Polish the Guillotines

    April 29, 2009 at 2:22 pm

    Bella!

  110. 110.

    DanSmoot'sGhost

    April 29, 2009 at 2:40 pm

    @Punchy:

    Fuck you.

    ( Just for old time’s sake. Yeah, it’s me, and so is SnarkIntern and HWPK. As for the wars … I don’t really have much time for them any more. They take a lot of work, and I am too busy doing the Lord’s Work and advancing the causes of Family Values, Defense of Marriage and Railroad Electrification to spend a lot of time warring any more).

    The GOP, like the South, will Rise Again!

    Heh.

  111. 111.

    Laura W Darling

    April 29, 2009 at 2:45 pm

    @DanSmoot’sGhost: In case Rome doesn’t make it back to last night’s open thread please thank her for the pogo Scrabble mentoring. A great help!

  112. 112.

    Rishi Gajria

    April 29, 2009 at 3:26 pm

    Here are some music podcasts. If you don’t feel like listening to music in the mornings, you might like a show that talks about it. Political Podcasts cover more or less the same territory so here goes –
    Sound Opinions by Chicago Public Radio
    Musicheads by 89.3 The Current
    RockandRollGeek Show featuring Michael Butler
    Music Weekly by the Guardian UK
    Music Week by BBC6 Music
    All Songs Considered by NPR
    Talking 80s music with Martin Hennessy

  113. 113.

    MikeL

    April 29, 2009 at 3:59 pm

    I must say that I like your new ad setup a lot more than the old one. Before, I couldn’t get on this blog without having Michelle Malkin shoved under my nose. That has now been replaced with an encouragement to spice up my desktop. Much better.

    /You can spice up my desktop any time, baby

  114. 114.

    jvill

    April 29, 2009 at 4:25 pm

    I’m also a big fan of The New Yorker’s Political Scene, and the weekly Comment podcast is also usually good.

    But you singled out Ryan Lizza.

    Huh.

    After listening to him for a while on PS, and having watched him in a few TV appearances, he strikes me as a lot like Joe Klein: occasionally good — and on rare occasions, great — but often an echo chamber for completely ridiculous rightwing fear tactics. For a while, if I recall correctly, he was big on the “is Obama trying to do too much?” meme…

  115. 115.

    DanSmoot'sGhost

    April 29, 2009 at 6:00 pm

    @Laura W Darling:

    I will let her know.

  116. 116.

    Mike

    April 29, 2009 at 6:14 pm

    Bush spent 1.5 hrs today in a journalism class at Southern Methodist University that I took three semesters ago. I don’t know if I would have walked out, asked hostile questions, or said nothing. Probably the latter.

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