• 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.

A last alliance of elves and men. also pet photos.

The next time the wall street journal editorial board speaks the truth will be the first.

Putin must be throwing ketchup at the walls.

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

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

Our job is not to persuade republicans but to defeat them.

Wow, you are pre-disappointed. How surprising.

No one could have predicted…

Infrastructure week. at last.

It’s easy to sit in safety and prescribe what other people should be doing.

rich, arrogant assholes who equate luck with genius

Let there be snark.

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

Since when do we limit our critiques to things we could do better ourselves?

Just because you believe it, that doesn’t make it true.

An almost top 10,000 blog!

Impressively dumb. Congratulations.

Usually wrong but never in doubt

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

When your entire life is steeped in white supremacy, equality feels like discrimination.

I really should read my own blog.

The GOP couldn’t organize an orgy in a whorehouse with a fist full of 50s.

And now I have baud making fun of me. this day can’t get worse.

Not all heroes wear capes.

Mobile Menu

  • Winnable House Races
  • Donate with Venmo, Zelle & PayPal
  • Site Feedback
  • War in Ukraine
  • Submit Photos to On the Road
  • Politics
  • On The Road
  • Open Threads
  • Topics
  • Balloon Juice 2023 Pet Calendar (coming soon)
  • COVID-19 Coronavirus
  • Authors
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Lexicon
  • Our Store
  • Politics
  • Open Threads
  • War in Ukraine
  • Garden Chats
  • On The Road
  • 2021-22 Fundraising!
You are here: Home / Open Threads / Open Thread

Open Thread

by John Cole|  May 20, 20099:38 pm| 190 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads

FacebookTweetEmail

This is where I would play Parliament of Funk Flashlight from youtube, but I can find a recording worth a damn.

Shake your bones.

FacebookTweetEmail
Previous Post: « What I Learned About California Today
Next Post: Good news for Mitt Romney »

Reader Interactions

190Comments

  1. 1.

    Andre

    May 20, 2009 at 9:42 pm

    Here’s something awesome/absurd. A couple in a small town here in NZ, whose gas station had just gone into receivership, asked for an overdraft increase to $10,000. Due to an admin error at the bank, they instead had $10 million paid into their account.

    An unspecified amount was withdrawn, and police believe they couple has now left the country.

    Seriously, what a situation to find yourself in!

    Link

  2. 2.

    gbear

    May 20, 2009 at 9:48 pm

    Put the old meat ad back in the top spot. This new meat ad makes the site too dangerous for work. I don’t come here for the pumpkin boobs.

  3. 3.

    asiangrrlMN

    May 20, 2009 at 9:48 pm

    Thanks for the open thread, John. Now, how about those Tunch pics?

    gbear, how about that Pawlenty?

  4. 4.

    asiangrrlMN

    May 20, 2009 at 9:51 pm

    By the way, here’s the answer on why that town in Montana has an empty open prison. It’s Olbermann, for those who don’t care for him.

  5. 5.

    Svensker

    May 20, 2009 at 9:52 pm

    NO GOOD P-Funk on the YouTube. I found a great vid of Atomic Dog but they took it down immediately. Very upsetting.

    Also, my FIL is insane and driving us crazy. Aaaaaacccckkk.

  6. 6.

    gbear

    May 20, 2009 at 10:00 pm

    Pawlenty can Die In A Fucking Fire. I want to take a page out of the Dixie Chick handbook and put the letters F.U.T.P. on the back of my scooter.

    Last August, the Chicks…picked a fight with fellow country superstar Toby Keith over the red-blooded, pro-war content of his post-9/11 hit “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American).” Their spat was documented last month in the Country Music Television special Natalie vs. Toby: Both Sides of the War. As if her slam of his song wasn’t enough, in May, Maines escalated the rift with conservative America when she appeared on the Academy of Country Music Awards show wearing a T-shirt with the letters “F.U.T.K.” Her publicist told USA Today that the letters stood for “Freedom. Understanding. Tolerance. Knowledge.”

    If anybody mentions it at work (I work for the state) I can say it stands for Freedom. Understanding. Tolerance. Peace. I want it to be as well known in MN as ITMFA was when Bush was in office.

  7. 7.

    Third Eye Open

    May 20, 2009 at 10:04 pm

    @Andre:

    Hey there! I am about a year and a half away from being done with my charge here in Florida, and I am SERIOUSLY considering moving to NZ.

    Are there any pitfalls or things I should be doing or look out for while trying to emigrate there? Can you get hockey and American football on TV? Where are some of the better places to look at buying a starter home, perhaps around Auckland or Christchurch?

    Thanks, and sorry for so many questions.

  8. 8.

    gbear

    May 20, 2009 at 10:04 pm

    Random comments:

    1. About 20 years ago, I heard California described as being on the cutting edge of the collapse of western civilization.

    2. The senate really does sucks.

    3. I learned this evening while filling up my scooter that it’s not cool to get gasoline in your eye. Avoid it at all costs.

  9. 9.

    James Gary

    May 20, 2009 at 10:05 pm

    “Flashlight” is indeed what we need in these times. Brilliant, stoned “question authority and be nonlinear” music. I’ll listen to it on iTunes instead and give George Clinton his deserved royalty.

  10. 10.

    cleek

    May 20, 2009 at 10:06 pm

    American Idol. WTF.

  11. 11.

    asiangrrlMN

    May 20, 2009 at 10:06 pm

    @gbear: I’m with you. I think we should do it. Fortunately, his popularity is plunging because of the Coleman debacle, but I will never understand the conservative streak that runs through MN. I am going to be blogging about Pawlenty tomorrow because I have had it up to here (hand over head) with Ratface. I know he is positioning himself to make a run for prez, but fuck him! No taxes? What about the Hennepin County’s Tax Payers’ Stadium?

    I hate the mutha.

    P.S. I love the Dixie Chicks.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dblAC5uLb8

    P.P.S. Ooooh, ouch! Gas in the eye. Much worse than gas on the hands.

  12. 12.

    gbear

    May 20, 2009 at 10:11 pm

    @asiangrrlMN: I’ve been avoiding newspaper coverage (and the comments regarding the stories) because it’s been so negative towards the DFL. Everyone is excited that Tim won’t raise their taxes without realizing that his alternative was to cash out the retirement fund, run up the credit cards, and throw gramma out on the street to die. But, ya know, he didn’t raise my taxes (the cities are going to have to be the ones to do that). Morons.

    Oh, and two days in a row of high 90’s in MN in May is just not right. It was snowing up north just a couple days ago. I think that ‘normal’ weather is a thing of the past around here. (Man, I’m just crabby tonight. I think it’s time to head out to Grand Creamery for an ice cream cone).

  13. 13.

    JenJen

    May 20, 2009 at 10:14 pm

    Well, that was a pretty f’d-up ending to American Idol, if you ask me.

  14. 14.

    asiangrrlMN

    May 20, 2009 at 10:17 pm

    @gbear: I haven’t read the local papers in a long time. I get way too infuriated. Plus, the whole nonsense about cutting out small-town services so they have to rely on other cities to help them out. WTF? It’s similar to the California thing–we don’t want cuts in our healthcare, education, and such, but don’t raise our taxes. One guy on MPR said everyone needs to sacrifice–I can agree. He is one of the rich guys (he said it, and a Democrat), but he said everyone who makes over thirty-thousand a year needs to have a tax hike. Um, I don’t think so. A hundred thou? Yes. Seventy-five thou? Maybe. But not thirty thou!

    Fuck ’em fuck ’em fuck ’em fuck ’em all! Now, Pawlenty will unilaterally slash the budget using his red pen with impunity (fashioning himself after W.). Hey. You need to run. I will support you. I cannot run as I am unelectable.

  15. 15.

    Laura W

    May 20, 2009 at 10:23 pm

    @asiangrrlMN: This is the Chicks version you want of that song. I posted it a month or two ago in a Friday Night Thrown Down. Who can remember that long ago?

  16. 16.

    M . Bouffant

    May 20, 2009 at 10:24 pm

    Are there any pitfalls or things I should be doing or look out for while trying to emigrate there?

    I’d guess the biggest pitfall would be those other Americans trying to emigrate there.

  17. 17.

    gbear

    May 20, 2009 at 10:25 pm

    @asiangrrlMN:
    Sorry, I’ve got skeletons in my closet. ;)

    I wonder how pissed Tim was when the DFL house and senate went ahead and passed a balanced program that they KNEW he would veto just to stick it in his face? I’m so glad that they did that. Legislators were crying because they knew what was going to happen to disabled people. Now Tim can’t duck ownership for the pain his cuts are going to cause. When he vetoes the bill, he owns what happens. Smug bastard.

    Outta here….

  18. 18.

    fisher cat

    May 20, 2009 at 10:27 pm

    Mr. Bootsy Collins.

  19. 19.

    Violet

    May 20, 2009 at 10:28 pm

    @JenJen:

    I figured he’d win.

    *spoiler alert* for anyone who hasn’t seen the show yet…

    DialIdol had him up by a tiny amount after the votes last night.

  20. 20.

    Third Eye Open

    May 20, 2009 at 10:29 pm

    @M . Bouffant:

    Fuck all those other Yanks, I have mad skillz, plus, a twelve inch tongue and the ability to breath through my ears. BOOYAKAH!

  21. 21.

    Andre

    May 20, 2009 at 10:29 pm

    @Third Eye Open:

    The trickiest thing is probably getting residency in the first place. It’s relatively easy if you have a job already guaranteed and the business can confirm that there is a shortage of your particular skillset within NZ. Other than that, you have to depend on meeting a whole range of criteria (criminal records, savings, health records, etc) and there are only a limited number of people selected each year. There are a few forums that’ll help you out with that though.

    We have a full range of satellite and cable TV, so yes, you can get ESPN, and you’ll generally find that we’re more sports mad than any other country, so hockey and American football coverage is there if you want it. Not every game will be live, but there’s enough of a selection that you won’t miss too much. :)

    Home ownership is actually very low by international standards, and a significant proportion of New Zealanders rent rather than own homes. Prices vary widely by region-in the upmarket suburb of Auckland I rent in, most homes are worth $1,000,000 NZD or more, but you can find a small home in one of the regional centres like Christchurch or Hamilton for a tenth of that. To be honest though, Auckland and maybe Wellington are the only cities worth living in. Prices in most Auckland commuter suburbs vary between $3-500,000 NZD. (Christchurch is also ridiculously cold and notorious for racist skinheads, though I’m a soft Aucklander and thus biased.)

    There aren’t too many obvious pitfalls I can think of though. The people are friendly, laid back, polite, and welcoming. The main downsides are that Internet access and mobile phones can be expensive, and that relatively speaking we have low salaries for comparable positions within other countries, but that’s balanced out by a low cost of living (when not including the cost of home ownership.)

  22. 22.

    anonevent

    May 20, 2009 at 10:31 pm

    @gbear: I second that motion. Also, where is that third arm coming from?

  23. 23.

    YellowJournalism

    May 20, 2009 at 10:31 pm

    Well, that was a pretty f’d-up ending to American Idol, if you ask me.

    Why? Did Paula finally OD at the judge’s table?

    I used to watch Idol, but after last season, I just couldn’t stomach it anymore. I tried this year twice, but nothing and no one really intersted me. From what I’ve read, Simon Cowell seems to feel the same.

    On another topic, GM was letting Canadian dealerships know by e-mail whether or not they were goners. They might as well have broken up with the dealers by post-it, if this is true.

  24. 24.

    Dennis-SGMM

    May 20, 2009 at 10:32 pm

    @gbear:
    That’s just mean considering how her right leg has atrophied.

  25. 25.

    asiangrrlMN

    May 20, 2009 at 10:34 pm

    @Laura W: Yup. I love that version, too.

    @gbear: Damn. We will have to find someone else. I agree with you about Tim having to own the cuts. MN Progressive was mad about the Dems including tax hikes, but WTF can you do when a man is so fucking irresponsible? The leader of the Republicans said she was proud of Pawlenty for standing on his principles. She said that was leadership. Fuck no it isn’t if you’re standing behind no new taxes to balance the budget.

    Fuck fuck fuck fuck Ratface Pawlenty.

  26. 26.

    Third Eye Open

    May 20, 2009 at 10:39 pm

    @Andre:

    I have looked at the short and long term job deficit list, and being a planner it seems as though I could feasibly fall into a couple different categories. From your experience, recently, are NZ employers willing to take chances on young foreigners sight-unseen or should I do what my buddy did which was come over on a vacation and just start pounding the pavement (not legal, yes, I know)?

    Thanks a bunch on the heads up regarding real-eastate, I think I would prolly spend the first couple years renting anyways, but there are a lot of rural areas in desperate need of jobs, and I like being in beautiful surrounding without a lot of people.

    BTW…define “cold” in NZ

  27. 27.

    Violet

    May 20, 2009 at 10:43 pm

    @YellowJournalism:

    I used to watch Idol, but after last season, I just couldn’t stomach it anymore. I tried this year twice, but nothing and no one really intersted me. From what I’ve read, Simon Cowell seems to feel the same.

    Yeah, he’s mostly phoning it in at this point. Even when he’s not paying attention, he still makes more sense than Randy and Paula combined. They tried adding the new judge this season to spice it up, but she has a very annoying habit of using five sentences when one would suffice. Plus she wrote the craptastic coronation song that all the other judges disparaged. I wonder if she’ll be back next season.

    Paula was surprisingly articulate and cogent this season. Maybe that hush-hush visit to that rehab clinic did some good.

  28. 28.

    JenJen

    May 20, 2009 at 10:45 pm

    @Violet: I always thought there was an outside chance my guy wasn’t going to win, but honestly from “Mad Love” on he was running away with it, talent-wise. Wow. I’m just really surprised.

    Of course, losing might actually work out better for him, career-wise!

  29. 29.

    asiangrrlMN

    May 20, 2009 at 10:48 pm

    @gbear: I missed you griping about the heat. I hate the heat. Hate it with a passion. Have an ice cream for me.

    @YellowJournalism:
    In addition to sending the break up letters, GM also told the dealerships that they wouldn’t be taking the vehicles back. I saw that on The Daily Show. Nice.

    Did anyone watch Newt on TDS? Can I get a report?

  30. 30.

    Linus

    May 20, 2009 at 10:48 pm

    Great, and here we have tomorrow’s meme. About as trustworthy as a report from Philip Morris claiming smoking isn’t bad for you.

  31. 31.

    asiangrrlMN

    May 20, 2009 at 10:51 pm

    @Linus: Considering that they have released reports a gazillion times (yes, that’s the actual number, look it up!) with different numbers on it every time and include “terrorists” who write op-eds about their detainment in the count, well, I call bullshit.

  32. 32.

    Violet

    May 20, 2009 at 10:52 pm

    @JenJen:

    They’re both such different types of performers. I think they’re both really talented, but in such different ways. I’m quite confident that the losing contestant will have a great career ahead of him. And yeah, sometimes losing is better than winning.

    Although by this point in the tenure of the show I don’t think it makes much difference. They’ll both be on the tour. They both get the cars. They both get album contracts. Long term, there may be more cachet to winning. The show can’t completely forget you exist because they have to roll you out for things like the opening of “The American Idol Experience” at Disneyland. And you get your face on the display behind the auditioners. But if they don’t like you, they’ll push your face to the far edges, a la Taylor Hicks, and pretty much ignore you until they can’t.

    Hilarious how the winner simply couldn’t believe it. That face was priceless. Right up there with when Chris Daughtry was voted off several seasons ago.

  33. 33.

    Linus

    May 20, 2009 at 10:55 pm

    @asiangrrlMN: I agree completely. I was trying to make a similar point on how little I trust the report.

    The problem, of course, is that the usual suspects will be all over this, and the timing is unfortunate.

  34. 34.

    Bill E Pilgrim

    May 20, 2009 at 10:56 pm

    @Andre:

    Other than that, you have to depend on meeting a whole range of criteria (criminal records, savings, health records, etc)

    You have to have criminal records to get in?

    Man, that is strict.

    Are there a lot of Republicans from the US there?

  35. 35.

    asiangrrlMN

    May 20, 2009 at 10:58 pm

    @Linus: Yup. I just wanted to underline your point. Feh.

    I can’t stop staring at Pam Anderson. She’s a horrible train wreck.

  36. 36.

    JenJen

    May 20, 2009 at 11:06 pm

    @Violet: Ha! It really was just like that Chris Daughtry moment, wasn’t it? And the way it turned out, he came in 4th but still has a much bigger career than most of the Idol winners.

    I liked Kris a lot, because I enjoy that kind of Jack Johnson-Dave Matthews vibe anyway. But Adam blew my mind; he was like Jeff Buckley returned from the heavens. Just a unique talent, and not just a singer, but more a true artist.

  37. 37.

    wilfred

    May 20, 2009 at 11:07 pm

    Pam reminds me of the best “Life is Like” ever, which I was just re-acquainted with, in this case invading Russia:

    “A blitz start, massed shakos, plumes dancing like a flustered henhouse; a period of svelte progress recorded in ebullient despatches as the enemy falls back. Then the beginning of a long morale-sapping trudge with rations getting shorter and the first snowflakes on your face.”

  38. 38.

    Laura W

    May 20, 2009 at 11:15 pm

    I’m lying here on the couch surfing the older threads I’ve missed with my XM Coffehouse on, which is my sanity refuge default escape from Cable non-news. Yes, they play the same 30 songs every day, over and over, but they are very pretty songs and they soothe and relax me.

    So this one comes on, which I have heard and loved daily, for months now, and I spontaneously youtube it, and this guy is NINETEEN!
    Last Request.

  39. 39.

    snabby

    May 20, 2009 at 11:15 pm

    Here’s something better than “Flashlight:”

    Funkadelic doing “Cosmic Slop.” That’s funk I can believe in.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzXExl8oszE

  40. 40.

    Wini

    May 20, 2009 at 11:20 pm

    @asiangrrlMN: Hate the heat, too. I’ve always said that when the time is right, I need to move north… like, Hudson Bay-north.

    Edit: Elizabeth Edwards on TDS tonight.

  41. 41.

    Old Gringo

    May 20, 2009 at 11:21 pm

    This is where I would play Parliament of Funk Flashlight from youtube, but I can find a recording worth a damn.

    It’s the best audio on a live version I’ve found

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zdKC2CYuWA&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fuk.truveo.com%2FGeorge-Clinton-PFunk-Allstars-Flashlight-part%2Fid%2F411611227&feature=player_embedded

    /mad google skillz, furreal.

  42. 42.

    Bill E Pilgrim

    May 20, 2009 at 11:23 pm

    @Laura W:

    For smeg’s sake that was great.

    He has a voice a thousand years old. The nerve of being nineteen, yeesh.

    Thanks for that.

  43. 43.

    Steeplejack

    May 20, 2009 at 11:23 pm

    Cole: No P-Funk? Ain’t that a bitch . . .

  44. 44.

    Old Gringo

    May 20, 2009 at 11:30 pm

    The nerve of being nineteen, yeesh.

    Hey, nineteen

    Or this from 1996

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyaGqRMfPUs

  45. 45.

    gnomedad

    May 20, 2009 at 11:31 pm

    @gbear:

    Put the old meat ad back in the top spot. This new meat ad makes the site too dangerous for work. I don’t come here for the pumpkin boobs.

    No shit. I was going to send my niece the link on California politics, as she’s planning to move there. Think I’ll wait for the other meat ad to come back. She’s a vegetarian, so that’ll work.

  46. 46.

    Laura W

    May 20, 2009 at 11:35 pm

    @Bill E Pilgrim:

    He has a voice a thousand years old. The nerve of being nineteen, yeesh.

    I don’t know if I’m legally allowed to even be feeling what I feel when I watch that video in the state of NC! I might just be a pedophile!

  47. 47.

    Bill E Pilgrim

    May 20, 2009 at 11:36 pm

    @Old Gringo:

    One of the greatest songs in existence.

    “moved down to Scarsdale….where the hell am I?”

    Man’s a poet.

  48. 48.

    Dennis-SGMM

    May 20, 2009 at 11:39 pm

    @Laura W:
    Here’s another Nineteen.

  49. 49.

    Bill E Pilgrim

    May 20, 2009 at 11:42 pm

    @Laura W:

    You mean in other states it’s okay??

    ;)

    Well, I think somewhere above I read that you need a criminal record to move to New Zealand, so you’ll always have a future.

    BTW that’s pretty much what “Hey Nineteen”, posted above, is about, trying valiantly to lust after someone too young only to realize that it’s all thwarted by the need to actually be able to hold a conversation together.

    It’s always something.

  50. 50.

    asiangrrlMN

    May 20, 2009 at 11:45 pm

    @Dennis-SGMM: I love this song.

    Wini, I live in fucking Minnesota. I can deal with eight months of the year, but I really hate the other four. There is a territory in Canada that averages -10 year-round. I might have to move there.

  51. 51.

    Old Gringo

    May 20, 2009 at 11:48 pm

    @Bill E Pilgrim

    Don’t encourage me. My natural inclination to become the “unofficial dj” here will likely get me banned.

    I’ve had a love/hate relationship with The Dan for years. I knew them before they hit the big time, after Bard College, but before The Dan when they were “hanging out” as “house musicians” at Vantage Sound, a recording studio in NYC. They are like most great talents – “difficult”.

    Who’s up for some Winger?

    Okay, how about Spoon? I suggest you all check out Spoon.

  52. 52.

    Laura W

    May 20, 2009 at 11:50 pm

    @Steeplejack: I have something very, very special for you….
    Mira!

  53. 53.

    Wini

    May 20, 2009 at 11:51 pm

    @asiangrrlMN: I live in MN, too… even grew up in the northern regions! I just think the metro is way, way too hot for me.

  54. 54.

    nodakfarmboy

    May 20, 2009 at 11:56 pm

    @Wini: What part of northern Minnesota? I’d guess around Lake Winnibigoshish based on your moniker, but that seems too obvious. Only fools such as this guy base their names on where they’re from. :)

  55. 55.

    gwangung

    May 20, 2009 at 11:57 pm

    BTW that’s pretty much what “Hey Nineteen”, posted above, is about, trying valiantly to lust after someone too young only to realize that it’s all thwarted by the need to actually be able to hold a conversation together.

    I can’t even hold a conversation with someone my own age, my social skills have atrophied so bad…grumble grumble…

  56. 56.

    Laura W

    May 20, 2009 at 11:58 pm

    @Old Gringo: You need to look thru the archives at the Friday Night Open Threads. There is no such thing as “banned” for link dj’ing here, esp. on Friday nights. I would’ve been long gone if that were the case. I believe I dedicated all my links to The Dan a couple months back.

    You can do your own theme night, or just turn them out spontaneously, based on the other commenters’ quips and links. Like a huge, self-revealing, TMI-disclosing Rorschach test.
    You’ll fit right in.
    Edit: Damn. Thought of linking this too late. One of my very faves:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pj9Rs56u8YY

  57. 57.

    Wini

    May 21, 2009 at 12:02 am

    @nodakfarmboy: A very logical (yet incorrect) guess on your part :-) A little way east of there.

  58. 58.

    Old Gringo

    May 21, 2009 at 12:03 am

    My favorite Hendrix song.

    An alternate mix that didn’t make it on the album, ( Axis: Bold as Love) but there are few songs on that album that are just the best of his work.

  59. 59.

    Bill E Pilgrim

    May 21, 2009 at 12:06 am

    @Old Gringo:

    Well as long as we’re deejaying, here’s one that I practically wore out the video of a couple years back, and haven’t heard of it since.

    As a long-standing expatriat it may have held special significance for me, but whatever it was it just slayed me.

    From the dark deep trough of the years between the 2004 and 2008 elections. There’s a moment at 2:06 that it becomes positively airborne, for reasons that aren’t really even clear.

    “You took advantage of a world that loved you well…”

    Going to a town

  60. 60.

    Steeplejack

    May 21, 2009 at 12:06 am

    @Laura W:

    EBTG.

    Daddy likes! I listened once, then went and made another Tanqueray and tonic and listened again, this time more spiritually. Will bookmark it for future use. And I will have to check out more of their stuff, perhaps with a view to constructing a CD mix of them, Swing Out Sister and a third compatible group to be named later.

    Don’t know if you saw it–I was posting on my usual Kamchatka Standard Time–but a couple of weeks ago I sent you my all-time favorite music clip evah. I apologize in advance if you saw it and were just politely ignoring it.

  61. 61.

    Old Gringo

    May 21, 2009 at 12:06 am

    @Laura W

    Good to know. I’ll not abuse the privilege and thank you for allowing me to make myself at home.

    ;-)

  62. 62.

    AhabTRuler

    May 21, 2009 at 12:14 am

    Was never able to get into the Steely Dan. The songs are appealing, but the music sounds like it has all of the soul engineered out of it.

    OTOH, this is a pretty good live version of this song.

  63. 63.

    Ked

    May 21, 2009 at 12:15 am

    AAAAGH, MY EYES! Bring back that tasty-looking steak!

    Also, if anyone cares, new Tori Amos album out yesterday. I’m getting into it a lot faster than the two years or so it took me to warm up to the last one. Alas, I fear that Neko Case has stolen my heart, or ears, or whatever.

    (How anyone can bear to watch Idol is beyond my comprehension. I don’t believe that every singer needs to be a songwriter as well, but the sheer level of retread offal on display there is staggering.)

  64. 64.

    The Other Steve

    May 21, 2009 at 12:23 am

    Did you see this police chase out of Birmingham?

    100 mph police chase after a guy in a minivan. Well executed, no injuries and the police were finally able to stop the vehicle by pushing it off the road. The van went into the ditch and rolled tossing the driver out onto the ground.

    That’s the ok part.

    What happens next is disturbing, and five officers have been fired as a result.

  65. 65.

    The Other Steve

    May 21, 2009 at 12:26 am

    As far as Minnesota goes.

    I really just don’t care too much. Pawlenty irritates me, but the DFL pisses me off at how stupid they often are.

    The fact that they haven’t pushed for changes in the law or constitution that prevents most of the accounting gimmicks Pawlenty loves indicates to me they aren’t serious about this issue. If they could tie his hands up, he’d be forced to negotiate honestly.

  66. 66.

    Old Gringo

    May 21, 2009 at 12:27 am

    @Bill E Pilgrim

    Expat? If you live in Canada, specifically British Columbia, I’m jealous.

    Just look at Rufus’ auspicious lineage.

    Was never able to get into the Steely Dan. The songs are appealing, but the music sounds like it has all of the soul engineered out of it.

    “Hey Nineteen” peaked at #10 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart (higher than any other Gaucho track), and #68 on the Black Singles chart….

    Not bad for a couple of white boys.

  67. 67.

    Steeplejack

    May 21, 2009 at 12:32 am

    @AhabTRuler:

    Dude, you gots to like “Don’t Take Me Alive.”

  68. 68.

    M . Bouffant

    May 21, 2009 at 12:32 am

    NYT takes stenography from gov’t. again, helps to whip up hysteria.

    This whole thing is incredibly bogus. Four losers set up by an informant/agent provocateur, & arrested just as GItmo & torture are on the front burner.

  69. 69.

    Martin

    May 21, 2009 at 12:34 am

    What happens next is disturbing, and five officers have been fired as a result.

    Boy, I can’t defend the actions of the officers, but it’s pretty clear he tried to flatten that officer at the start of the video. I know how my adrenaline gets when shit like that happens, and I can’t say I wouldn’t have gone in punching and kicking myself.

    I’d feel a lot better about the firing if that kind of consequence were applied more fairly around the country. I’m having some trouble coming to terms reconciling their firing with officials ordering people tortured to death not only not getting fired, but getting speaking fees before respected groups to defend the action.

  70. 70.

    TenguPhule

    May 21, 2009 at 12:38 am

    Pokes Cole

    So how’d you like Guards, Guards?

  71. 71.

    Old Gringo

    May 21, 2009 at 12:38 am

    Dude, you gots to like “Don’t Take Me Alive.”

    Badass Dan. But for soul, I’d tell him to check out Babylon Sisters, maybe Chain Lightning.

    May 21st, 2009 at 12:23 am Reply to this comment

    @The Other Steve

    The amount of adrenalin that gets pumped during a hi speed chase is the problem, not to mention the fact that they saw the perp almost run over a fellow officer – and to them, it may have looked like he killed him. Still, I agree they should have been disciplined, if not fired.

  72. 72.

    asiangrrlMN

    May 21, 2009 at 12:39 am

    @Steeplejack: I didn’t see ya. You still here? I need some brooding admiration.

  73. 73.

    gbear

    May 21, 2009 at 12:40 am

    The fact that they haven’t pushed for changes in the law or constitution that prevents most of the accounting gimmicks Pawlenty loves indicates to me they aren’t serious about this issue. If they could tie his hands up, he’d be forced to negotiate honestly.

    But isn’t that the kind of change that TPaw would just veto anyway and the republicans would stand firm to prevent an override? It’s kind of hard to move anything forward with a psychopath standing in the way.

    And Pawlenty hasn’t negotiated honestly about anything since he was elected to the house. MN budgets have been getting fucked over since Pawlenty became house leader.

    I tend to agree with you though when the MN DFL picks their candidates for governor. I can’t think of the last time that I’ve felt great about who they’ve run.

  74. 74.

    Bill E Pilgrim

    May 21, 2009 at 12:43 am

    @Old Gringo:

    Nope. Paris, France.

    I realize you didn’t mean to, but if it looked like the “Never got into Steely Dan” blockquote in your post was from me, nope. Always loved them, I always thought the combination of intellect, humor, and the fact that he was one of the most soulful singers around was what made it work.

  75. 75.

    Tattoosydney

    May 21, 2009 at 12:43 am

    @Bill E Pilgrim:

    You have to have criminal records to get in?

    I think you’re thinking of Australia.

  76. 76.

    asiangrrlMN

    May 21, 2009 at 12:44 am

    @gbear: Yeah, there’s not much the DFL can do with the Gov saying he’ll veto any tax hikes.

    As for DFL candidates…The Other Steve? You up for it? Wini? Both gbear and I are not viable candidates. I like John Marty, but I don’t think he stands a chance.

    Hey. Did you have your ice cream, gbear?

  77. 77.

    Old Gringo

    May 21, 2009 at 12:44 am

    And you all know where the name “Steely Dan” comes from, right?

    After realizing their songs were too complex for other ABC artists, at Katz’s suggestion they formed their own band with guitarists Denny Dias and Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, drummer Jim Hodder and singer David Palmer, and Katz signed the band to ABC as recording artists. Being fans of Beat Generation literature, Fagen and Becker named the band after “Steely Dan III from Yokohama”, a strap-on dildo referred to in the William Burroughs novel The Naked Lunch.

    Bill E Pilgrim: I realize you didn’t mean to, but if it looked like the “Never got into Steely Dan” blockquote in your post was from me, nope. Always loved them, I always thought the combination of intellect, humor, and the fact that he was one of the most soulful singers around was what made it work.

    My bad. That was Ahab and I can see his point but he hasn’t heard the entire discography – yet.

    :-0

  78. 78.

    Brandon T

    May 21, 2009 at 12:45 am

    Pokes Cole: So how’d you like Guards, Guards?

    Related, all the discussion of Pratchett on this site made me finally get around to reading some of the discworld books. They’re fantastically great! I went through Guards Guards, Men at Arms, and Feet of Clay in a week. I probably shouldn’t continue this pace with Pratchett’s books, though, or I won’t accomplish much for the next few months ;-P

  79. 79.

    gbear

    May 21, 2009 at 12:47 am

    @asiangrrlMN:
    I went to the Dairy Queen over by O’Gara’s bar and had a small Banana Cream Pie Blizzard. Nice night for riding the scooter.

  80. 80.

    TenguPhule

    May 21, 2009 at 12:48 am

    I probably shouldn’t continue this pace with Pratchett’s books, though, or I won’t accomplish much for the next few months ;-P

    One of us. One of us, one of us.

  81. 81.

    Steeplejack

    May 21, 2009 at 12:48 am

    @asiangrrlMN:

    I’m here. Just ducked behind the 7-Eleven to empty the rain out of my shorts. Now, where were we? Oh, yeah. You look mah-velous tonight.

  82. 82.

    asiangrrlMN

    May 21, 2009 at 12:48 am

    I have a friend who has every Terry Pratchett book. I had forgotten this. Thus, I have liberated Small Gods from her bookcase. I am watching her cats for a few days, and she said I could borrow any book I want. I also got a Neil Gaiman book I haven’t yet read, and I am waiting for Guards Guards! to reach me. She says Pratchett just isn’t dark, though, so I may stop after another book or two.

  83. 83.

    Ramalamadingdong

    May 21, 2009 at 12:53 am

    I’ve left strict instructions with my family that Flashlight should be the featured music at my funeral. I want dancing in the church pews.

  84. 84.

    Tattoosydney

    May 21, 2009 at 12:53 am

    @Laura W:

    Last Request.

    Lovely.

    Mira!

    Even more lovely…

    @AhabTRuler:

    I saw Bjork in 1996 in Sydney. Best. Concert. Ever.

    @asiangrrlMN:

    I didn’t see ya. You still here? I need some brooding admiration.

    Bloody hell woman. Do you never stop flirting? Hee.

  85. 85.

    Bill E Pilgrim

    May 21, 2009 at 12:55 am

    @Tattoosydney:
    ‘I think you’re thinking of Australia.”

    I just started to respond thinking you hadn’t gotten my teasing of the other post, and then realized that you were also. So now I’m just typing, because you can edit but can’t delete posts.

  86. 86.

    Tattoosydney

    May 21, 2009 at 12:56 am

    @Brandon T:

    One of us. One of us, one of us.

    Just wait until you have read all of them six times each.

  87. 87.

    TenguPhule

    May 21, 2009 at 12:58 am

    Just wait until you have read all of them six times each.

    When we can throw random quotes around and they recognize not only which character but what book it’s from, the assimilation will be complete.

  88. 88.

    Tattoosydney

    May 21, 2009 at 12:58 am

    Pretty.

  89. 89.

    TenguPhule

    May 21, 2009 at 12:59 am

    Thus, I have liberated Small Gods from her bookcase.

    Ah, good choice.

    One of the all time monsters of Discworld is in that one.

  90. 90.

    Tattoosydney

    May 21, 2009 at 1:01 am

    When we can throw random quotes around and they recognize not only which character but what book it’s from, the assimilation will be complete.

    So long as no one notices those odd wire trolleys that keep appearing everywhere, we may finally get out of this damn dungeon dimension.

  91. 91.

    Bill E Pilgrim

    May 21, 2009 at 1:02 am

    @TenguPhule:

    Thus, I have liberated Small Gods from her bookcase.

    I am so stealing that line, and I have no idea what you’re even talking about.

  92. 92.

    Steeplejack

    May 21, 2009 at 1:04 am

    She says Pratchett just isn’t dark, though, so I may stop after another book or two.

    He really isn’t dark, at least in the two books I have read, but he is cynical, and that’s got to count for something.

    Just try to commit to reading Guards! Guards! and Men at Arms. I liked the first a lot, after an unpromising start, and I am really liking the second, as the cityscape of Ankh-Morpork and its cast of characters come into better view. Got about 100 pages to go, and I’m sure I’m going to go on to Feet of Clay.

  93. 93.

    TenguPhule

    May 21, 2009 at 1:04 am

    So long as no one notices those odd wire trolleys that keep appearing everywhere, we may finally get out of this damn dungeon dimension.

    HOW DO THESE HORSE-SHAPED PIECES MOVE AGAIN?

    He could think in italics, an obvious sign of a diseased mind.

  94. 94.

    Old Gringo

    May 21, 2009 at 1:10 am

    Only guitarists will understand why Jeff Beck is a Giant Guitar God

    The original Nadia

    ‘nite all.

  95. 95.

    Tattoosydney

    May 21, 2009 at 1:11 am

    @asiangrrlMN:

    I have a friend who has every Terry Pratchett book. I had forgotten this. Thus, I have liberated Small Gods from her bookcase. … She says Pratchett just isn’t dark, though, so I may stop after another book or two.

    Very good. Does she have “The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents”? Is so, liberate that too. I read it again the other day and was struck by how dark and complex it was.

  96. 96.

    KG

    May 21, 2009 at 1:13 am

    Anyone else catch this, Mark Sanford is apparently suing the SC legislature because they overrode his vetoes in order to accept stimulus money.

    As a lawyer, I’m dumbfounded.

  97. 97.

    TenguPhule

    May 21, 2009 at 1:14 am

    Anyone else catch this, Mark Sanford is apparently suing the SC legislature because they overrode his vetoes in order to accept stimulus money.

    This was already topped by Craigslist owner suing an AG to stop them from prosecuting Craigslist.

  98. 98.

    Tattoosydney

    May 21, 2009 at 1:17 am

    @Steeplejack:

    I’m going to go on to Feet of Clay.

    I think Samuel Vimes, and the development of his character and its relationships with the other characters in Ankh Morpork (particualarly with Carrot and Vetinari and Fred Colon) are Pratchett’s best achievement (although the witches give the Watch books a run for their money).

    Guards, Guards is light and entertaining. By the time Pratchett got to write about what Vimes was up to in “Night Watch” and “Monstrous Regiment” – two of my favourite Pratchett novels – Pratchett was writing fine, complex and very dark (and extremely cynical) literature. Stick with them – they’re worth it.

  99. 99.

    asiangrrlMN

    May 21, 2009 at 1:18 am

    @gbear: Yum! I passed a Dairy Queen today and almost stopped in. I am trying to do better on the wheat/dairy intolerance thing, though. As I eat the last chocolate-covered donut I have.

    @Steeplejack: But I like it when you have water in your shorts!

    @Tattoosydney: I didn’t think you’d be around as you usually don’t come out to play during the week. Besides, I’ll give up flirting when you give up men. :) I posted make-up vids to you in the long-ass movie thread, anyway. I’ll toss one in here as well.

  100. 100.

    KG

    May 21, 2009 at 1:18 am

    @97 – I would like to meet Craigslist’s attorney on that case. So that I can punch him in the junk for not laughing Craigslist out of his office.

  101. 101.

    asiangrrlMN

    May 21, 2009 at 1:23 am

    @Bill E Pilgrim: If you do steal that line, make sure you give proper credit (me, me, me).

    @Steeplejack: Ok, I like cynical. I will stick it out through Guards Guards! at least, though I’m coming after all of you if I don’t like it. I don’t know how I will find you, but I will.

    @KG: WTF?????

    @TenguPhule: I actually get the Craigslist one, though, because Craigslist was working on revising their adult erotic section to please the prosecutor, but he kept pushing them to dial it back even more. Legal stuff, I mean, like massages. Am I not thinking of the right prosecution?

    @Tattoosydney: Light and entertaining? Sounds ominous to me. Got any broody videos tonight? I’m in a foul mood because of the heat. That Icelandic song is pretty, though.

    Hm. I am not sure she has that book. I will check tomorrow.

  102. 102.

    Tattoosydney

    May 21, 2009 at 1:24 am

    @asiangrrlMN:

    I didn’t think you’d be around as you usually don’t come out to play during the week. Besides, I’ll give up flirting when you give up men. :)

    I have the day off on doctor’s orders so the bacteria in my head give up and go away. I’ve been reading and sleeping all day, so I thought I was allowed half an hour on the internet.

    I posted make-up vids to you in the long-ass movie thread, anyway. I’ll toss one in here as well.

    I will go look. Erasure is nice.

  103. 103.

    TenguPhule

    May 21, 2009 at 1:25 am

    @KG

    You may need Tiger Balm after all the punches

    I can’t decide who’s stupidest in it. The guy suing, the lawyers who took the case or the court that accepted it?

  104. 104.

    Screamin' Demon

    May 21, 2009 at 1:25 am

    Here’s something better than “Flashlight:” Funkadelic doing “Cosmic Slop.” That’s funk I can believe in.

    No.

    Time to crank up the turntable. “Super Stupid”, from Maggot Brain.

    Dedicated to a Senateful of cowardly Democrats.

  105. 105.

    Steeplejack

    May 21, 2009 at 1:28 am

    @Tattoosydney:

    I really like Vines, although I am worried about his pending nuptials to Lady Ramkin. Can they sort out a satisfactory relationship?

    And I am liking the way Carrot’s identity, hinted at in Guards! Guards!, is practically slapping you in the face in Men at Arms.

    Finally, I have really enjoyed the dwarf-troll partnership between Cuddy and Detritus in this book. The latter’s intelligence going up in cold temps, e.g., the pork futures facility, is pure gold.

  106. 106.

    TenguPhule

    May 21, 2009 at 1:29 am

    Ok, I like cynical. I will stick it out through Guards Guards! at least, though I’m coming after all of you if I don’t like it. I don’t know how I will find you, but I will.

    If you must get your dark fixings before the cynical comedy, you could see if your friend has Pratchett’s “The Nation”.

    Not Discworld, comedy dialed down to a weak laugh and very very depressing for the most part to those of us used to his lighter works.

  107. 107.

    Screamin' Demon

    May 21, 2009 at 1:30 am

    Only guitarists will understand why Jeff Beck is a Giant Guitar God

    Bullshit. Can’t play a note, but I’ve loved Jeff Beck for 35 years. It’s a pity Clapton and Page never learned a thing from him.

  108. 108.

    TenguPhule

    May 21, 2009 at 1:30 am

    The latter’s intelligence going up in cold temps, e.g., the pork futures facility, is pure gold.

    Silicon chip brains fare badly when overheated.

  109. 109.

    wasabi gasp

    May 21, 2009 at 1:31 am

    Holy moly, Pamela Anderson has a huge baby arm.

  110. 110.

    asiangrrlMN

    May 21, 2009 at 1:32 am

    @TenguPhule: Why is this so wrong? I mean, Craigslist did what the prosecutor asked, worked with the prosecutor to come up with a solution, and the prosecutor still isn’t satisfied. What is Craigslist supposed to do?-

    @Tattoosydney: Ooooh, you’re sick? I hope you feel better. Get your hubby to give you some TLC.

  111. 111.

    asiangrrlMN

    May 21, 2009 at 1:34 am

    @TenguPhule: Duly noted. The Nation. I will see if she has. She has Nightwatch, but most of you said I should build up to it.

    @wasabi gasp: Wee! Gah-gah person is here. Make me laugh!

  112. 112.

    TenguPhule

    May 21, 2009 at 1:35 am

    @asiangrrlMN

    Why is this so wrong?

    Because of precedents. There is no way in hell this thing is going to survive scrutiny pre-trial.

    Can you imagine what would happen to our justice system if anyone could sue to stop an AG from prosecuting them for a crime? It would take justice for the rich to a whole new level.

  113. 113.

    Tattoosydney

    May 21, 2009 at 1:36 am

    @asiangrrlMN:

    Right Said Fred? Nice. Yay for camp beefcake.

    Broody? Hmmmm. Let me see.

    In the mean time, the Kosmas Epsilon cd here is extraordinarily good.

  114. 114.

    asiangrrlMN

    May 21, 2009 at 1:37 am

    @TenguPhule: Ok, I can see that, I guess, but I also don’t like the idea of prosecutors just being able to charge someone willy-nilly with no recourse. I know that’s what the trial is for, but we all know that justice ain’t fair in America. Then again, he has money, and he’s white. I guess he’ll be all right.

  115. 115.

    asiangrrlMN

    May 21, 2009 at 1:38 am

    @Tattoosydney: Hey, there were two other there. RuPaul and another Erasure. Broody, dark, and vicious would be nice. Stupid heat.

    Was there supposed to be a link there?

  116. 116.

    TenguPhule

    May 21, 2009 at 1:39 am

    @asiangrrlMN

    You could also try Witches Abroad and Lords and Ladies,
    see if a different group of characters is more to your taste.
    Granny Weatherwax being the most feared creature on two legs in the Ramtops and all.

  117. 117.

    Tattoosydney

    May 21, 2009 at 1:39 am

    @Steeplejack:

    I really like Vines, although I am worried about his pending nuptials to Lady Ramkin. Can they sort out a satisfactory relationship? And I am liking the way Carrot’s identity, hinted at in Guards! Guards!, is practically slapping you in the face in Men at Arms. Finally, I have really enjoyed the dwarf-troll partnership between Cuddy and Detritus in this book. The latter’s intelligence going up in cold temps, e.g., the pork futures facility, is pure gold.

    @TenguPhule:

    One of us.

  118. 118.

    Steeplejack

    May 21, 2009 at 1:41 am

    @asiangrrlMN:

    Got any broody videos tonight? I’m in a foul mood because of the heat.

    Try this. Noir is close to broody, I think.

  119. 119.

    Tattoosydney

    May 21, 2009 at 1:41 am

    @asiangrrlMN:

    Get your hubby to give you some TLC.

    Ha! You’ve obviously never been married to a doctor.

  120. 120.

    asiangrrlMN

    May 21, 2009 at 1:41 am

    @TenguPhule: Or I could just…not…read…I can’t finish that sentence here. It could get me kicked out of BJ!

    Tattoosydney, your hubby is a doctor? Forget I said anything. I, by the way, have never been married.

    Steeplejack, god! Does that bring back memories. Pretty dark, but not dark enough.

  121. 121.

    TenguPhule

    May 21, 2009 at 1:42 am

    Ok, I can see that, I guess, but I also don’t like the idea of prosecutors just being able to charge someone willy-nilly with no recourse.

    His excuses were weaksauce though. Craigslist could do what was asked and ban ips from SC from its erotic services list, or it could wait until suit is filed and fight it out with its lawyers. Pre-emptive lawsuiting was just plain stupid.

  122. 122.

    Tattoosydney

    May 21, 2009 at 1:42 am

    @asiangrrlMN:

    Was there supposed to be a link there?

    Oops. I blames the head bugs in my head.

  123. 123.

    TenguPhule

    May 21, 2009 at 1:43 am

    It could get me kicked out of BJ!

    No, just a friendly visit to the scorpion pits. :P

  124. 124.

    asiangrrlMN

    May 21, 2009 at 1:46 am

    @TenguPhule: I thought he got rid of the erotic section. It’s now the adult section? What is SC? South Carolina? Isn’t that a bit prejudice.

    I have a hard time with regulating adult services that strictly, and I like Craigslist. He’s been blamed for the murders, too. I don’t think that’s fair. Oh well. I am not an attorney, so I don’t know the legal ramifications of the case, so I will actually do something rare–STFU.

    I don’t mind scorpions. They are cute.

    Tattoosydney, is it just the flu or something? I hope it’s not serious.

  125. 125.

    Tattoosydney

    May 21, 2009 at 1:48 am

    @asiangrrlMN:

    How about a sweet little song about letting love die?

  126. 126.

    KG

    May 21, 2009 at 1:48 am

    @103: well, it really just depends on how far along the case is. If they just filed it, the Court usually can’t throw it out sua sponte (on it’s own motion). The Defendant will likely meet and confer and file a motion to dismiss under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(6) because the complaint fails to state a cause of action. Without reading the complaint, I can’t say what merit there is, but I suspect there’s little. Hell, I’m not even sure the federal court has jurisdiction.

    @114: it’s a civil case, so there will be all sorts of pretrial wrangling. Assuming the court finds that Craigslist stated a cause of action. Also, don’t be too down on our legal system. There are some lawyers out here who are trying to do good work. And there are a lot of good judges out there. You just don’t hear about them, it’s like planes landing at the airport – it’s not news when it works the way it’s suppose to.

  127. 127.

    Steeplejack

    May 21, 2009 at 1:49 am

    @Tattoosydney:

    As a side note, exactly what are you doing to get your blockquotes not to be in bold?

    It used to be that {blockquote}{p}text{/p}{/blockquote} worked for me (angle brackets instead of braces, of course), but not since I got back on line a few weeks ago, after I had my computer shot out from under me at the end of March.

    This is driving me nuts. (Software weenie + former typographer + OCD.)

  128. 128.

    Tattoosydney

    May 21, 2009 at 1:50 am

    @asiangrrlMN:

    Or I could just…not…read…I can’t finish that sentence here. It could get me kicked out of BJ!

    @TenguPhule:

    She shows disturbing signs of independent thought.

  129. 129.

    Brick Oven Bill

    May 21, 2009 at 1:50 am

    Tonight was cocktails with my new best friend the Garbage Man. The man with the two desks reports to the guy who reports to the guy who was at the meeting. And the guy who was at the meeting reports to the public official. And me and the Garbage Man were drinking drinks, he has good looking assistants by the way, and the public official calls the Garbage Man and reports that he and his boss, the manager, would meet us for more cocktails.

    Lesson learned: Don’t mess with the Garbage Man. I would also be careful about placing too much trust in your government.

  130. 130.

    asiangrrlMN

    May 21, 2009 at 1:50 am

    @KG: Thanks for explaining that to me. I take it you are a lawyer? So, there is no jail time on the line here?

  131. 131.

    Tattoosydney

    May 21, 2009 at 1:52 am

    @asiangrrlMN:

    Tattoosydney, is it just the flu or something? I hope it’s not serious.

    Just a chest infection after a cold. I should have stayed home and slept four days ago, but didn’t, so I need to sleep it off. Nothing serious.

  132. 132.

    asiangrrlMN

    May 21, 2009 at 1:54 am

    @Tattoosydney: Heh. Damn right. What’s more, I love winter and hate summer. So there!

    That’s a catchy tune. Not exactly what I had in mind. Something more like the Depeche Mode video and the creepy little girl/dog video.

    Chest infection? That sounds serious to me. If your hubby won’t pamper you, then, um, never mind. Can’t say that here.

  133. 133.

    Tattoosydney

    May 21, 2009 at 1:55 am

    @Steeplejack:

    As a side note, exactly what are you doing to get your blockquotes not to be in bold?

    I’m doing what you’re doing. {blockquote}{p}text{/p}{/blockquote} works for me about 90% of the time, and then 10% of the time the {p}s just seem to vanish after it posts. I’m using the latest version of Firefox on a Mac.

  134. 134.

    wasabi gasp

    May 21, 2009 at 1:57 am

    @asiangrrlMN: I got nuttin’. Too pooped to pop, and all that. It was a loooooong day in the backyard pulling a Bush and clearing the brush.

  135. 135.

    Tattoosydney

    May 21, 2009 at 1:58 am

    Something more like the Depeche Mode video and the creepy little girl/dog video.

    Hmmmm. You’ll have nightmares.

  136. 136.

    asiangrrlMN

    May 21, 2009 at 1:58 am

    @wasabi gasp: Aw, ok. I’ll let you off the hook this one time.

  137. 137.

    KG

    May 21, 2009 at 2:02 am

    asiangrrlMN – yeah, I’m a lawyer.

    No jail time involved here. Not even sure there would have been if the AG prosecuted (depends on the law of the State) but, generally, when criminal charges are filed against a corporation (which I’m assuming Craigslist is) and there is a conviction, they get a nice big fine. If officers are named as defendants (which, I believe is what happened in Enron), then they could wind up getting prison time, but again, I’d have to see the papers to know more than that.

    Also, I’ve got a lot of friends in a lot of DA’s offices. There good people, in large part, just trying to do a job. Problem for a lot of them is policies get put in place that don’t give them a lot of leeway. As an example, there’s a particular county out here (Cali) where the assistant DA (who are the ones that try cases) are given a slip of paper in the file that tells them what the one take-it-or-leave-it plea bargain is. They have no authority to negotiate. Most criminal defendants have figured out to say no and refuse to waive their right to a speedy trial. Because of this, the system is very, very backlogged (criminal cases get priority over civil cases) and it will take as many as 5 years to get a civil case to trial. The other problem DA’s have is that they are, often times, evaluated based on their conviction rate. Like most things, it’s a policy problem, more than anything.

    So long as the lawyers don’t take things personally, and the clients don’t go crazy, the system works the vast majority of the time.

  138. 138.

    asiangrrlMN

    May 21, 2009 at 2:07 am

    @Tattoosydney: Oh my god, that first one….he’s crazy creative.

    I really like the Come to Daddy song. A lot. Who is Chris Cunningham? I like Leftfield best of all.

    P.S. Don’t worry about me and nightmares. I have them every night. I was just blaming that night’s nightmares on you and Depeche.

  139. 139.

    asiangrrlMN

    May 21, 2009 at 2:08 am

    @KG: Oh, that makes even more sense to me. Thanks for taking the time to explain in detail. I will try not to think so badly of lawyers and judges in the future, emphasis on try.

  140. 140.

    Steeplejack

    May 21, 2009 at 2:10 am

    @Tattoosydney:

    I was thinking it might be browser-related. I have been using IE 8 and (just lately) Opera. Guess I will try Firefox. (But I swear I was using Opera before and it worked!)

    I think I’m packing it in for the night, despite the fact that I haven’t killed this thread yet. Might read some more of Men at Arms. I’m just to the point where “irreparable breakdown of law and order” has broken out and the Night Watch has gone to the armory to, er, arm themselves. Will check back in the morning for leftovers.

  141. 141.

    KG

    May 21, 2009 at 2:11 am

    asiangrrlMN – no problem. just remember, when in doubt, blame politicians.

  142. 142.

    asiangrrlMN

    May 21, 2009 at 2:12 am

    @KG: I can do that!

    @Steeplejack:
    I told you. I’m the official thread-killer. I’m a dead-thread commenter, too. Night, fake admirer!

    And now, I’m fading out, too. Night, all. Last BJ left, turn off the lights.

  143. 143.

    Tattoosydney

    May 21, 2009 at 2:13 am

    Who is Chris Cunningham?

    He seems to direct mainly art pieces and commercials and song clips. If he ever gets around to directing a feature film, it will be very exciting.

  144. 144.

    MelodyMaker

    May 21, 2009 at 2:14 am

    @asiangrrlMN:
    for no particular reason other than de-lurking from St Paul.
    The Wege has bucu links tonight on T-Paw and his program of destruction and death. (neat twist on the Cheney years. just slower and smileyer, with deferred plausible deniability) Somebody throw a pie at his neck! POS, point of sale fn “Governor.”

    My favorite song for the last week:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoL_gDylVkM
    Floyd. Fearless. Meddle.

  145. 145.

    Steeplejack

    May 21, 2009 at 2:15 am

    @asiangrrlMN:

    Good night! Got to work at noon tomorrow, which is early (for my part-time gig), so I have to be minty fresh and winter white.

  146. 146.

    Tattoosydney

    May 21, 2009 at 2:18 am

    @asiangrrlMN:

    Apropos of nothing, have you seen this?

  147. 147.

    asiangrrlMN

    May 21, 2009 at 2:18 am

    @MelodyMaker: Thanks for the link. You should de-lurk more often! Yeah, I am not very pleased with our governor, in case you couldn’t tell.

    Thanks for the Floyd link as well. I can always use a little Floyd.

    @Steeplejack: That’s right–you work the late shift. Night!

  148. 148.

    Tattoosydney

    May 21, 2009 at 2:19 am

    @asiangrrlMN:

    Night fake wifey. I’m off to bed too.

    Night all.

  149. 149.

    asiangrrlMN

    May 21, 2009 at 2:20 am

    @Tattoosydney: Not yet. I have heard great things about it, but I am a little leery. You may find this hard to believe, but I don’t like watching very disturbing movies.

    I think it’s apropos to my love of all things dark. Anyway, back to bed for you! And for me. But separately, alas! Night, fake hubby.

  150. 150.

    Steeplejack

    May 21, 2009 at 2:23 am

    One last thing: I confess I’m not really a noir/broody person at heart (at least sometimes). But I do like go-go dancers. Old-school go-go dancers.

  151. 151.

    wasabi gasp

    May 21, 2009 at 2:31 am

    …zzz

  152. 152.

    MelodyMaker

    May 21, 2009 at 2:36 am

    @asiangrrlMN:

    apropos governor BridgeFAIL:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQF5CXV9cos
    Aimee Mann.
    You know it… why..? You got a lot of money but you can’t afford the freeway. Mark G called the exurbanites welfare queens. ROCK!
    btw, I can play “Driving Sideways” on piano. And several from Hedwig, original cast. TRASK!

  153. 153.

    Mentis Fugit

    May 21, 2009 at 4:30 am

    @TenguPhule:

    No, just a friendly visit to the scorpion pits.

    LEARN THE WORDS.

    @Third Eye Open:

    BTW…define “cold” in NZ

    Depends where you are, obviously, since you’re talking about quite a long north-south run, but the key word unless you’re in the central North Island, or Otago and inland Canterbury down south, is “temperate”. The temperature range is moderated by the ocean.

    As a f’rinstance, here in Wellington we’ll have maybe a dozen or two frosts in a year, where temps drop below 4 C (~40 F), and a handful of subzero overnight lows. It never snows at sea level. On the other hand, summer highs are also moderated, and days peaking in the Fahrenheit 80s are uncommon. Warmer up north, cooler down south.

    Many people swear by the climate in provincial cities like Napier-Hastings (two for the price of one) or Tauranga.

  154. 154.

    TenguPhule

    May 21, 2009 at 4:33 am

    @Tattoosydney

    She shows disturbing signs of independent thought.

    So a CMOT Dibbler sausage in a bun or Captain Carrot Lecture to stop that in it’s tracks?

  155. 155.

    Micheline

    May 21, 2009 at 6:47 am

    @Linus:

    The problem, of course, is that the usual suspects will be all over this, and the timing is unfortunate suspicious.

    There I fixed it.

  156. 156.

    Das Internetkommissariat

    May 21, 2009 at 7:18 am

    How can anyone talk about Terry Pratchett without mentioning Lord Vetinari??

    Speaking of Vetinari and the Ankh-Morpok Watch: One of the best Discworld novels is “Jingo!”.

  157. 157.

    eastriver

    May 21, 2009 at 7:44 am

    Finally you show some taste in music. Bless you.

  158. 158.

    Dennis-SGMM

    May 21, 2009 at 8:19 am

    Turns out that Harry Reid was one of the backers of the amendment allowing people to carry guns in national parks and wildlife refuges.
    Guns in a wildlife refuge? What could go wrong?
    Harry Reid as Majority Leader? What could go right?

    A spokeswoman for Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (Nev.), one of the Democratic backers of the bill, said Reid viewed the bill as defending the Second Amendment.

    Because nothing says “A well regulated militia” like guns in a park.

  159. 159.

    Bill Belichick

    May 21, 2009 at 8:39 am

    My eyes! My eyes! Okay, Uncle. I’ll drop some coin in the hat if you remove that Pam Anderson Ad. My god, there goes breakfast.

  160. 160.

    R-Jud

    May 21, 2009 at 8:42 am

    Another Thursday Styles snorefest from the NYT, but guest starring… Jane Harman!

    Soon he had them stretching into a difficult split pose. “Didn’t you see the torture memos this week?” called out Jane Harman, a 63-year-old devoted student in the front row, who also happens to be the United States Representative for the South Bay region of Los Angeles County. The teacher responded, “That’s why I’m doing this.”

    Um, ha ha?

  161. 161.

    Dennis-SGMM

    May 21, 2009 at 8:47 am

    @R-Jud:
    “So, a CIA torturer walks into a bar…”

  162. 162.

    kay

    May 21, 2009 at 9:03 am

    I’m looking foward to the President’s attempt to sell us on our own constitution. I think that’s probably essentially what he has to do, since it looks like they’re bringing a Cuban prisoner to trial.

    First trial. 7 years.

    I’d like to think the Congressional Democrats will back him up, but I know they won’t. Even if they want to back him up, they’ll blow it, because they won’t bother to prepare properly, and will present as an chaotic mess.

    It’d be too much to ask that the Congressional leadership prepare for post-speech questions this morning, right? Present some kind of coherent position? Take an hour out, sit with staff, anticipate questions?
    Reid and Pelosi should just wing it again. That always goes well.

  163. 163.

    Dennis-SGMM

    May 21, 2009 at 9:08 am

    Oh boy: “Left Behind: Tribulation Forces” is set to be released just in time for Christmas!

    LEFT BEHIND: Tribulation Forces is a real-time strategy game based on the best-selling LEFT BEHIND book series, created by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins. Join the ultimate fight of Good versus Evil, commanding Tribulation Forces, the Global Community Peacekeepers the all new American Militia!
    Combat the Antichrist’s forces on two battle fronts – physical & spiritual warfare: Use the power of prayer and worship to resist spiritual influences and defend against their physical attacks.
    Control more than 40 unit types, each developed with unique attributes and special abilities… and witness Angelic appearances and Demonic battles as a direct result of your choices.
    Command your forces through the streets of New York in one of the most realistic recreations ever seen in a video game – now with improved graphics!
    No online subscription fees for online multiplayer games. Choose to play with up to 7 friends for free!
    Featuring original soundtrack by award-winning composer, Chance Thomas (King Kong, X-Men, Lord of the Rings).

    For the practically everyone who passed on “Left-Behind: Eternal Forces” the games are sexist, proselytizing, and so badly made as to be laughable. The god-botherers continue to blame their totally flopping in the market on a campaign of misinformation by unbelievers rather than on the fact that they simply stink.

  164. 164.

    harlana pepper

    May 21, 2009 at 9:25 am

    Good morning, my little dumplings. Update: The internets dating is going swimmingly; this is how it is in the natural world, the males compete for the female’s attention and favor while she sits back, observes and selects. It’s fun!

  165. 165.

    canuckistani

    May 21, 2009 at 9:28 am

    Another Pratchett fan checking in. Death, Vimes, Susan and Nobby Nobbs (whatever he is) are my favourite characters, though Lord Vetinari.. arrgghh! too many favourite characters! And Ridcully and Nanny Ogg..just about everyone but Rincewind is my favourite character. Millenium hand and shrimp!

    Ration the books out, though. Poor Sir Terry has Alzheimers, and the day is coming when there will be no more.

  166. 166.

    harlana pepper

    May 21, 2009 at 9:29 am

    @Bill Belichick: I’d rather see Pam than MAnn. Glad that’s gone for the time being. At least Pam loves animals. (don’t say it) ;)

  167. 167.

    IndieTarheel

    May 21, 2009 at 9:32 am

    @Screamin’ Demon: I’ll see your “Super Stupid” and raise you one Maggot Brain.

  168. 168.

    harlana pepper

    May 21, 2009 at 9:41 am

    I shouldn’t act like it’s all that. Actually, there is a certain amount of stress involved, but it’s also fun.

  169. 169.

    harlana pepper

    May 21, 2009 at 9:45 am

    Former Asst Def Sec for Reagan Admin on CSPAN right now, in response to caller question:

    YES, Osama bin Laden may possibly hide in a cave forever and never be found. YES, that is very frustrating.

    (eye roll to the ceiling)

  170. 170.

    Emma Anne

    May 21, 2009 at 10:11 am

    @Steeplejack:

    Sybil is teh awesome.

  171. 171.

    Das Internetkommissariat

    May 21, 2009 at 10:23 am

    @canuckistani:

    “Burrrrssssaaaaaarrrrr!”

  172. 172.

    gbear

    May 21, 2009 at 10:26 am

    John, please, get rid of that bimbo ad. It sucks.

  173. 173.

    Punchy

    May 21, 2009 at 10:27 am

    @harlana pepper: Seriously, peeps here got a prob with side-boob? What’s this country coming on to?

  174. 174.

    Steeplejack

    May 21, 2009 at 10:28 am

    @Emma Anne:

    She’s sort of in the background in this one (Men at Arms). I’m looking forward to seeing more of her, especially since I know that Vimes continues to be a major character. I have trouble picturing them together, though, because in Guards! Guards! Pratchett painted her as a sort of over-the-top (but younger) Margaret Rutherford character.

  175. 175.

    harlana pepper

    May 21, 2009 at 10:32 am

    @Punchy: She uses her tits to save aminals, so I gives her a pass

  176. 176.

    harlana pepper

    May 21, 2009 at 10:34 am

    K, I am really not paying much attention to the energy legislation debate, cept repubes keep saying ZOMG! WE ARE GOING TO TURN INTO SPAIN! NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

  177. 177.

    Laura W

    May 21, 2009 at 10:35 am

    @Steeplejack: Ooops. There you are, and me, as usual, unprepared.
    I do believe I saw your very favorite music clip evah once and was probably impolite about not acknowledging it. Interesting choice. (How’s that for diplomacy?)

    OK, I assume you’re sitting down? To the best of my recollection the song I’d chosen as my favorite to best suit Tracey’s voice is Come On Home from my beloved Acoustic album. Now that I hear it this morning, I think it might not have been #1? But I think tree pollen is making me stoopid in the head, so who knows. If it’s not my #1, it’s damn close. No video on youtube so you can refresh your memory on Amazon.

  178. 178.

    Ash Can

    May 21, 2009 at 10:37 am

    Interesting — when I sign onto this site on our lovely and talented Windows 98 computer, none of the blogads appear in the margin. Of course, none of the handy-dandy formatting buttons appear, either, so I have to type html code in manually. It works like a charm for ditching that Pamela Anderson abomination, though.

    Also interesting — I recall not too long ago remarking with valdivia about the fact that Cheney would be defending his torture policies before the AEI today, and wouldn’t it be handy if Obama could share the news cycle with him by making some kind of major torture-related announcement at the same time. Lo and behold, it appears this will indeed be the case. I hope it shakes out on the evening news broadcasts as showing Cheney to be the asswipe he is.

  179. 179.

    Laura W

    May 21, 2009 at 10:39 am

    @Laura W: No “e” in Tracy. Site won’t let me edit.
    “Fascination”. Also.

  180. 180.

    Old Gringo

    May 21, 2009 at 10:49 am

    @Screamin’ Demon

    Bullshit. Can’t play a note, but I’ve loved Jeff Beck for 35 years. It’s a pity Clapton and Page never learned a thing from him.

    It’s comments like this that make a person Go Cole when they can no longer, in good conscience, Go Galt.

    Who is John Cole anyway?

  181. 181.

    AhabTRuler

    May 21, 2009 at 10:51 am

    All I can think of with the Pammy Lee ad, and the extra arm that she appears to have, is that she has turned Coyote and is smuggling Illegals across the border in her “hot pocket”.

    Also, quit yer bitchin’ about the ads, ya ain’t gonna change nothin’. Save it for complaining about the Spam filter!

  182. 182.

    Old Gringo

    May 21, 2009 at 10:58 am

    @Ahab

    Also, quit yer bitchin’ about the ads, ya ain’t gonna change nothin’. Save it for complaining about the Spam filter!

    So true. Some day soon your own intertubes experience will be tailored precisely to fit a person’s tastes and predilections. They’ll bitch about that too.

  183. 183.

    Library Grape

    May 21, 2009 at 11:11 am

    did everyone hear about the terrorist plot in NYC that got foiled? whatever shall we do with the suspected terrorists? The GOP and Harry Reid say our prisons are inadequate. I say lock them away in the Phantom Zone and blast them into space.

  184. 184.

    Steeplejack

    May 21, 2009 at 11:24 am

    @Laura W:

    Will look/listen later. Gotta blow for a rare “early” shift on the part-time gig. Silver lining: home by 9:00 p.m.!

  185. 185.

    sus

    May 21, 2009 at 11:49 am

    Cheney looks and sounds particularly decrepit today. Even more than usual.

  186. 186.

    omen

    May 21, 2009 at 12:21 pm

    @sus:

    here is a pic of dick actually looking worried, instead of the usual snarl:

    http://www.bagnewsnotes.com/2009/05/the-true-dick.html

  187. 187.

    Cain

    May 21, 2009 at 12:27 pm

    Where is Tim? Why the hell is there no post from him? I DEMAND TIM! TIM! TIM! TIM! TIM!

    ah hell, let’s go with that WV guy.. whatever his name is. Take what we can get I guess.

    ZzzzZz

    cain

  188. 188.

    Malron

    May 21, 2009 at 12:36 pm

    John…..

    Its Parliament/Funkadelic. Try looking for it under their Parliament incarnation since that’s the name it was recorded under. I did find these:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYAI6y32MSQ

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtmoAG0XzJ0

    Here’s another I threw in for good measure. I was kinda hoping Obama would have arrived at his inauguration like this. It definitely would have made a million wingnut brains explode:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDZcM89J9LM

  189. 189.

    Don

    May 21, 2009 at 1:12 pm

    Grooveshark is the new go-to for finding songs to embed.

    Flashlight is right here.

  190. 190.

    TenguPhule

    May 21, 2009 at 1:58 pm

    All I can think of with the Pammy Lee ad, and the extra arm that she appears to have,

    Now a third breast on the other hand…..

Comments are closed.

Primary Sidebar

Recent Comments

  • BC in Illinois on This Is Who They Are – Wisconsin Extremists on the Ballot on April 4 (Open Thread) (Mar 29, 2023 @ 2:32pm)
  • Paul in KY on This Is Who They Are – Wisconsin Extremists on the Ballot on April 4 (Open Thread) (Mar 29, 2023 @ 2:32pm)
  • bbleh on A BFD on regulatory action (Mar 29, 2023 @ 2:32pm)
  • WaterGirl on A BFD on regulatory action (Mar 29, 2023 @ 2:31pm)
  • Josie on This Is Who They Are – Wisconsin Extremists on the Ballot on April 4 (Open Thread) (Mar 29, 2023 @ 2:29pm)

Balloon Juice Meetups!

All Meetups
Seattle Meetup coming up on April 4!

🎈Keep Balloon Juice Ad Free

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

Fundraising 2023-24

Wis*Dems Supreme Court + SD-8

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
We All Need A Little Kindness
Classified Documents: A Primer
State & Local Elections Discussion

Calling All Jackals

Site Feedback
Nominate a Rotating Tag
Submit Photos to On the Road
Balloon Juice Mailing List Signup
Balloon Juice Anniversary (All Links)
Balloon Juice Anniversary (All Posts)

Twitter / Spoutible

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

Join the Fight!

Join the Fight Signup Form
All Join the Fight Posts

Balloon Juice Events

5/14  The Apocalypse
5/20  Home Away from Home
5/29  We’re Back, Baby
7/21  Merging!

Balloon Juice for Ukraine

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 © 2023 Dev Balloon Juice · All Rights Reserved · Powered by BizBudding Inc

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

Email sent!