By popular request:
Got so tired of all the complaints about the blanket on the futon that I decided to replace it with something more seasonal. I also put up all the Steelers stuff in the tv room. I am so ready for this to start.
*** Update ***
New blanket- the Steelers stuff was too much for even me:
I love that I put a new blanket on the futon and he is on it within three minutes to test drive it.
SGEW
Murderous kitty ponders murder.
Hail Tunch!
PurpleGirl
All Hail Tunch!
Laura W
How much does that fucking cat weigh??
Zifnab
Football Season! Woooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
wasabi gasp
Peroxide Garfield
superfly
TUNCH ROOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!!!
ihop
tunch ponders the idea of a matured lawrence timmons added to the linebacking corps of his biped’s favorite football team.
and how to humiliate the dog. also.
dmsilev
@Laura W:
Rumor has it that he’ll be a substitute defensive lineman for the Steelers come November.
-dms
Gwangung
Woo hoo!
John Cole
@Laura W: He has lost a half pound and is down to a svelte 15.5 lbs.
Hater.
simonee
This made my day!
But now I’m scared. I shall go into hiding.
JenJen
I could’ve done without the Terrible Towel, but then again, it’s not my blog.
I think I might be drafting Tunch next Sunday, though.
John Cole
So I am thinking about changing “Consistently wrong since 2002” in the new design this week. All I can come up with is:
“We Eat Arugula. And Dijon. Also, too.”
SGEW
(Hope everyone noticed the alt text, btw)
Rosali
You wanna see large and in charge?! Here is Hillary Clinton giving a smackdown to a Congolese questioner who asked about Bill Clinton’s opinion.
(It turns out that the translator may have messed up the question. But I liked how quickly Hillary stood up for herself.)
asiangrrlMN
Tuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuunch! It’s about damn time, Cole.
How about, “We read the morans so you don’t have to wash your eyes out with lye”?
Tunchinator is looking so regal and handsome!
dmsilev
@John Cole:
I like the idea, but that version doesn’t read quite right to me. How about “We put Dijon on our Arugula”?
-dms
Roger Moore
I think you need to use about +1 EV of exposure compensation when shooting a white cat on a light colored background. Also, you might want to check your white balance, since I’m pretty sure Tunch is supposed to be white.
asiangrrlMN
“Turning tricks one Republican at a time”?
“Skewering teh Stupid”?
“Fuck you. Also”?
“Come for the politics. Stay for the animal pictures”?
“Win free sex”?
SGEW
@John Cole:
I miss “Ill Informed Banter.”
RedKitten
That patented Tunch glare is beyond awesome.
Thank you for posting that, John — I really needed some cheering up, and Tunch never fails.
donovong
I fully intend to report you to the ASPCA and PETA for making our buddy Tunch sit in front of that ugly fucking towel or blanket or whatever it is. “One for the thumb”? Sounds like a lyric from a Britney Spears song.
(I keed, I keed, senor.)
Keith G
When I first clicked on, I thought Tunch had been kidnapped and was appearing before a copy of a daily news paper.
Ok, so I hit the Pilsner Urquell a bit early today. Big deal.
farmette
Oh no! That is not a good color scheme for Tunch. Please don’t let him know.
JK
OT
Politfact corrects Sarah Palin
“Palin’s statement sounds more like a science fiction movie (Soylent Green, anyone?) than part of an actual bill before Congress.”
h/t http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2009/aug/10/sarah-palin/sarah-palin-barack-obama-death-panel/
I’ve had it with these motherfucking New York Yankees and their motherfucking won loss record. Someone needs to pound their fucking asses into the ground.
Violet
@SGEW:
Lulz. At first I thought it said, “who ate the dog.” It seemed kind of appropriate.
@John Cole:
“Eating arugula with dijon since 2002. Also, too.” ??
ninerdave
How about my cat will kick your cat’s ass. Also.
JoshA
Did Tunch give you permission to replace the blanket? I think we need video evidence to be sure he’s OK with the changes to his domain.
Irony Abounds
@JK: The Yankee sweep of the Red Sox was a thing of beauty. Loved it, absolutely loved it.
As for the Steelers blanket: I hope Tunch urinates on the damn thing (or Lily takes a dump on it – that would work as well). I’m almost as sick of the Steelers as I was of the Cowboys back when were so obnoxious. Time for a miracle to happen, like TO leading the Bills to a history making Super Bowl victory.
shelley matheis
Tunch looks like he could be posing in front the main branch of the New York Public Library.
Calming Influence
Mister T! I pity the fool…
freelancer
@John Cole:
“This is how re-alignments happen.”
Violet
Tunch really is a gorgeous kitty. His look of contempt is a thing of beauty.
Tax Analyst
“Off the Kool-Aid since_____(whenever it was)”
or something like that.
Jeezus, that’s a monstrous cat!
When I was a kid back in Connecticut we had a 20 lb. orange-marmalade tomcat (“Mittens”). Twenty lbs of near-solid and plenty mean cat-muscle. He liked to perch in this tree branch that hung over the sidewalk in front of our yard, then pounce on unsuspecting dogs that happened by. Being much less evolved at the time I thought it was great fun (I was only about 6 or 7).
winguts to iraq
I think you should keep the tag line the way it is.
Keep John Cole away from my Balloon Juice logo!
John Cole
Has anyone heard from A Mom Anon and Arguingwithsignposts?
The next-to-last samurai
President for life Tunch of the Republic of Tunchany ponders whether to eat John now, or save him for later. Now I know why Lily rolls in vile goo: to render herself unappetizing.
Rosali
Arguingwithsignposts was on last night. Seemed ok.
freelancer
Or
“Abstaining from marrying any of my commenters since 2002.”
(did the sidebar ads just disappear for anyone else?)
AlanDean
I think the only real improvements that can be made to this site are getting rid of Pam Plastic and Sarah Sad-Sack.
Done!
Now for Coultergeist…
I’m actually quite fond of “Consistently wrong since 2002”, but it could be reworded to “Consistently wrong before 2002.” Isn’t that when reality hit your dogma and you changed political persuasions? Looking back on my own life, “Consistently wrong” works just fine. No date needed.
JK
Possible slogans
“We’re all part of the same hypocrisy.” –
Michael Corleone in the Godfather Part II
“Believe nothing you hear, and only half of what you see.” — Mark Twain
“It is better to be hated for what one is, than loved for what one is not.” — André Gide
General Winfield Stuck
Free Euthanasia, Se Ya On the Other Side Wingnuts
Demo Woman
@Laura W: John’s reply is without clothes, after furminating and before breakfast. Just a guess
Max
Tagline thought… Death panels, the new Jury Duty.
Demo Woman
@John Cole: Arguinging withsignposts was on the Pelosi blog and mom anon checked in earlier today.
You’re a sweet person at times.
asiangrrlMN
@John Cole: I saw A non Mom a few days ok, and she was tired and worn out, but she seemed to be hanging on.
Linkmeister
Steeplejack (when you turn up), was it you who’d been reading Larsson’s The Girl Who Played With Fire? I finished it this morning before its due date at the library (where it has 165 people waiting for it).
Wonderful book. I reviewed it here.
Shouldn’t that be 49ers paraphernalia? The white cat would go much better with scarlet and gold. (I keed, I keed!)
AnotherBruce
How about Einstein’s qoute, “Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I’m not sure about the former.”
Warren Terra
@ Roger Moore, #18
Racist.
SGEW
@Demo Woman:
“Balloon Juice: Secretly hides a sweet heart. Also, kitten skull fucking.”
freelancer
“John’s reply is without clothes…”
Didn’t that get him in enough trouble back in May?
https://balloon-juice.com/?p=21414#comment-1237924
MikeJ
Today I actually did buy both arugula and dijon mustard.
And I bought pectin. I will have my revenge on the blackberries.
Demo Woman
@freelancer: That was hilarious but he is not as obsessive compulsive as his dad about cleaning. (yeah right)
RedKitten
Separated at birth?
demkat620
@John Cole: Don’t forget the Hola Fruita!
Personally though, I like
Balloon-Juice: The Tunch and Lily Show.
geg6
John Cole: I talked to A Mom Anon this weekend here. Hubby is home and properly chastened regarding his health. She’s a little frazzled what with his heart attack and a tax audit. But she’s hanging in. And I’d like to compliment you on that lovely Tunch photo. Something about it really grabs me. I’m not sure what it is…maybe that beautiful color scheme or perhaps the pleasant outlines of that logo you can’t quite see on the throw or perhaps it’s that the one for the thumb is already covered with one to spare? Or perhaps all of those things. I know they make me happy.
D-Chance.
Hilarious.
a) A demonstrator basically admits it’s Limbaugh’s astroturfing that’s producing the numbers, and
b) The poor “victim” schmuck admits he has no health insurance because he’s been laid off.
As much as all of this has bored the shit out of me (colonic politics), the continued idiocy on display never ceases to amaze. Maher is right… we are a stupid country.
gbear
NO NO NO Palin references!! Huge mistake! I’d rather see you stay wrong since 2002.
As for site updates, could you add a ‘Did you remember to fill in your name and address, moron?’ prompt next to the ‘submit’ button? Thanx
demkat620
OT, but not sure I’m liking KO’s new glasses.
Big City Mary
“Since 2002, raining opinions, cat, dogs and also, too”.
RedKitten
Oh, and my post was in response to Tunch’s photo, by the way.
Goddamn, I am just NOT on my game tonight.
geg6
demkat620: I’m not nuts aboutr KO’s new glasses either. But handsome Lawrence O’Donnell makes up for them.
Demo Woman
@RedKitten: I’ve never seen John’s picture so who knows.
Warren Terra
(1) I’d hate to see the “Consistently Wrong” disappear – though I can think of some alternatives, such as adding a second line, or just adding “also” (though gbear obviously disagrees), or setting it up to rotate among a list of aphorisms that includes “Consistently Wrong”.
On the other hand, I am rather fond of what John Scalzi does at his blog, where he comes up with an entirely new catchphrase and an entirely new piece of art for his top banner whenever he feels like it (unless it’s a regular, scheduled thing; I don’t pay enough attention to know).
(2) Not topical to the post, but interesting: I caught a trailer for an upcoming episode of a good BBC Radio 4 program, not to be broadcast until next week, that I thought might be relevant to actual substance of the amendment being traduced in the “Death Panels” debate:
It occurs to me that a doctor taking the time to discuss with an elderly patient their options for how the eventual end of their life will proceed may be just such an example of helping them to take control of their life.
Trinity
tunch. Tunch. TUNCH! Yessssssssssss. Love that kitteh.
Just Some Fuckhead
@John Cole:
Tantalizingly Single Since Forever
joe from Lowell
That’s the fluffiest offensive lineman I’ve ever seen.
Indylib
@AnotherBruce: This is good.
jenniebee
@John Cole:
You forgot DAMN YOU, SCOTT BEAUCHAMP! Also, too.
Just Some Fuckhead
@John Cole:
I had Saturday in the pool.
JK
More possible slogans
I ain’t often right but I’ve never been wrong
Grateful Dead
It seldom turns out the way it does in the song
Grateful Dead
Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places
Grateful Dead
If you plant ice you’re gonna harvest wind
Grateful Dead
gbear
@Warren Terra:
I just think that Palin’s 15 minutes are so closed to over that a Palin reference would quickly become dated.
So…I’m heading up to the Rx to pick up my cholesterol med refill. Right next to the Rx is the best ice cream shop in town. Should I multi-task the trip?
jenniebee
Oooh, and don’t forget Peak Wingnut. We needz us sum Peak Wingnut.
Demo Woman
From what I can find online, Hank Johnson’s town hall filled up quickly. They also have an area outside where you can protest. He set up rules for the discussion
Rep. Hank Johnson wants to avoid the incivility and rancor that has disrupted forums on proposed health care reform across the country. Here are the rules he’s set for conducting the meeting at 7 p.m. tonight at Georgia Perimeter College in Clarkston.
Related
* Security quadrupled for meeting
* Video: Health care discussions heated in U.S.
* Backlash
Related Metro stories »
* John Pugmire, 89, founded car dealership
* Some local schools going greener
* Grace Rollins, 98, longtime Emory benefactor
* Hundreds turn out for DeKalb forum
1. Each speaker gets two minutes.
2. Fourth District residents speak first.
3. No abusive, profane or derogatory language.
4. The room holds 500 people, but there is also a live feed to a gym that holds up to 1,000.
5. No signs inside the room. There will be a “protest area” outside.
6. About 15 campus police on site.
Johnson is doing a great job, and without fear of attack, he is a 1000 times better than Cynthia McKinney.
schrodinger's cat
Yay Tunch is back, with a new blankie. Thanks John!
Demo Woman
What does one for the thumb mean?
schrodinger's cat
Caption for Tunch photo
Does this blanket make my butt look big?
asiangrrlMN
@gbear: Sebastian Joe’s? At any rate, duh! Damn skippy is the only right answer.
MikeJ
I think it has something to do with two in the pink and one in the stink. You know, the shocker.
John Cole
@Demo Woman: That was our slogan when we were going for our fifth Super Bowl. Now, we have one six.
Why? Because the Steelers are the best team in the NFL. Also, too.
Just Some Fuckhead
@John Cole: Is it true the new slogan is One For the Clitoris?
Rosali
Slogan: “It’s like these people take pride in being ignorant”
Svensker
@John Cole:
So I am thinking about changing “Consistently wrong since 2002” in the new design this week. All I can come up with is:
“We Eat Arugula. And Dijon. Also, too.”
I’m a natural conservative: stick with the old. It’s got a hubristic humility that I find very pleasing.
Calming Influence
@Warren Terra: [blockquote]…or setting it up to rotate among a list of aphorisms that includes “Consistently Wrong”.[/blockquote]
Also add a way to vote thumbs up/down for each and let the market decide too, as well.
Calming Influence
Oh yeah, THAT turned out well…
DonkeyKong
“We must kill them. We must incinerate them. Pig after pig. Cow after cow. Village after village. Army after army. And they call me an assassin. What do you call it when the assassins accuse the assassin? They lie. They lie, and we have to be merciful, for those who lie. Those nabobs. I hate them. I do hate them.” -Col. Tunch
Calming Influence
@#%$@&*@grrrrrrrr….
lotus
Agree with the anti-Also.Too. contingent. It’s already wearing out.
I’ll mull replacement ideas a bit mo’ . . . hmmm.
Ash Can
Yay, big mushy kitty! :) And I gotta say, that’s a “go to hell” look if I’ve ever seen one.
Calming Influence
Fix it NOW, John!
srv
Just who do they let write screenplays now? They’re going to remake Red Dawn:
http://movies.yahoo.com/news/movies.reuters.com/tom-cruise39s-son-quotred-dawnquot-remake-reuters
but still use commies… This does not compute when the commies are already running the government.
Demo Woman
Gee, living without direct tv is hard. No Keith, no Rachel and only one PBS station. I think that I can pick up the other PBS station with a different antenna. I should add that there is no monthly bill.
No more copy and paste since I’m not good at it, but from what I am reading on the local news, Johnson’s town hall is going okay with a majority wanting some type of reform.
DonkeyKong
‘Never get out of the boat. Absolutely goddamn right. Unless you were goin’ all the way. Tunch got off the boat. He split from the whole fuckin’ program.” -John Cole
robertdsc
I wish that guy was President.
Count me in the minority as someone who wants the old futon blanket back. Not because of the Stillers design, I just liked the old blanket better.
Redshirt
Balloon Juice = Hot Air, am I right?
Thus, logically following:
Dispatches from the Wingularity
Also, Steelers colors ARE aesthetically ugly. It’s intended, so I mean no insult, but it does leave for tragic fashion consequences. Now, proper Patriot Red, White, and Blue, now those are nice colors. Patriotic colors, if you follow….
Demo Woman
@John Cole: Andrew Sullivan won’t be happy unless you turn the balloon green.
DonkeyKong
(Apologizing for severed heads adorning Tunch’s headquarters) “The heads. You’re looking at the heads. I, uh – sometimes he goes too far, you know – he’s the first one to admit it!”- DougJ
Jason Bylinowski
@gbear: I agree regarding the Palin slogan. I know it seems like she’s here to stay but she’s really not. I think of her as the political equivalent of Milli Vanilli. Once everyone figures out how fully phoney she is, and once the left gets bored of hating on her (since this only makes cons like her more, apparently) she’ll be done like dinner. In 2010 people are going to be asking “what’s the deal with also, too?”
Well a man can hope anyway.
wasabi gasp
My girlfriend just got a glimpse of Tunch on the lappy and said “hey, Marshmallow lost some weight.” I know she has a cat whisperer kind of thing going on, but it amazed me how she could see that. No offense, Marshmallow.
Calming Influence
“Come for the Cole – stay for the comments!”
MikeJ
@DonkeyKong:
What are they gonna say about him? What are they gonna say? That he was a kind man? That he was a wise man? That he had plans? That he had wisdom? Bullshit man!
Tonal Crow
@John Cole: I suggest “Where the latte-driving, Volvo-drinking, bus-slapping, under-the-face crowd hangs out”.
linda
man, the withering contempt just oozes from that picture… lol.
GReynoldsCT00
“Starting New Internet Traditions Since 2002” or something like that.
Thanks for the Tunch pic, we needed the furry dude today…
srv
@John Cole:
So that’s how Tunch finished off Darrell.
Tim
Great picture of Tunch with Tunch-gear!
lamh31
Don’t know if this has been posted, but:
Greg Sargent over at The PlumLine has a pic of the fax that was sent to that Dem Rep that the Secret Service was gonna ivestigate.
ya’ll gotta check it out. It will downright make you shake ur head, be angry & scared all at the same time.
This shit ain’t no joke.
Here’s a link to the picture: http://theplumline.whorunsgov.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/jokerdeaththreat.jpg
Here’s a link to Sargent’s post:
Take A Look: Here’s The Threat To Obama Dem Congressman Received
steve s
My mission is to make it up into West Virginia. There’s a kitty cat up there who’s gone insane. I’m supposed to kill him.
Jason Bylinowski
Cool BJ slogan for Cool Hand Luke fans:
John Cole: Grins like a baby but bites like a gator.
or for the City Slickers aficionado:
Our commentariat is happier than a puppy with two peters!
Calming Influence
“I’m getting enthusiastic about this dream.”
(Name that opening scene.)
JackieBinAZ
it’s apparently easier to change the entire environment around that cat than to move him to a different one.
gwangung
That is NEVER going to happen.
The appeal of Palin to liberals and progressives is that she appeals to the secret sadists within us–the ones who enjoy having battles of wits with unarmed opponents. She’s someone where it’s totally OK and intellectually correct to unload on, all barrels, without feeling guilty afterwards.
In other words, she’s the political equivalent of creationism, providing eternal amusement to the PZ Myers of the world, allowing us to be as elitist as we want to someone who really is not up to our caliber.
Warren Terra
@ DemoWoman, #76
I just assumed it was a threat from Tunch to the only member of the household possessing an opposable thumb.
steve s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilaUVGjMkJo
ThatLeftTurnInABQ
@John Cole:
Advanced Institute of Wingularity Physics [on the cutting edge since 2002]
steve s
@lamh31: I emailed a friend about that a few days ago. The link between Obama and Heath Ledger’s joker completely eludes me. Anybody got any ideas?
steve s
@gwangung: I think you’re right about that.
General Winfield Stuck
First time I can remember seeing Tunch without the glare of doom.
Jason Bylinowski
@gwangung: I don’t know if I wanna buy what yer sellin there, but it’s interesting. Anyway, it doesn’t matter: once she starts getting a neck waddle, the Pubs are gonna drop her like a hot rock. I’ll probably end up feeling bad for her.
ZIRGAR
I know this is a totally irrelevant ramble but as a Steeler fan, John, I hope that you cheer for WVU over Pitt when it comes to college ball. Go ‘Eers! lol
I went to Marshall, so when it comes to WVU going head to head with M.U. I go with M.U., but if they aren’t playing each other I cheer for them both.
asiangrrlMN
@Demo Woman: It means that the Steelers won their fifth Super Bowl ring. You know, one for the thumb.
Oh, and TROY POLAMALU!
Anyway, I haz a happy gazing upon the pulchritude that is Tunchie.
The Grand Panjandrum AKA Americans for America
For the banner: The Tunch abides.
Rey
The second pic- Tunch has that “I’m too sexy for you” look on his face. Love it!
steve s
How about a script that generaties a random “Adjective Noun is adjective” sentence? That shit _never_ gets old.
Comrade Darkness
@John Cole: “We Eat Arugula. And Dijon. Also, too.”
_Makin’ shit up since 2002_
_Democracy IN YOUR FACE since 2002_
_Convosashun, we haz it_
How about a different one every day? Something to toss the extra $$ raised at the programmer for.
wasabi gasp
A George Soros Joint
Plumbing by Joe
I Got Red Dawn on Betamax, Bitches
asiangrrlMN
Oh my god that second picture of Tunch is absolutely wonderful and making me squeal like a fangrrl! Tunchie, I love you!
schrodinger's cat
Nice blanket on Tunch’s futon, the bright yellow clashed with his fur, I think.
I am too sexy for my fur, so sexy I purr.
srv
Surely there are some great one-liners from the archives for a new banner:
“You can prove any thesis to be true if you make up your own definitions of words.” (the Goldberg Principle)
“It’s sort of like an obituary for Ted Bundy that doesn’t mention the serial killing.”
“We’re lucky if we get GOP candidates who believe in post-Ptolemaic celestial mechanics.” (said before Palin!)
asiangrrlMN
@schrodinger’s cat: Ok, that’s just way too fucking funny.
schrodinger's cat
Nice blanket on Tunch’s futon, the bright yellow clashed with his fur, I think.
robertdsc
“Furminate this.”
Yes, that’s a good slogan for the masthead.
schrodinger's cat
asiangrrlMN@130
Thanks!
Comrade Darkness
@John Cole: Just FYI, most all the rest of the world *starts* counting with the thumb. Yes, weird, I know. But this knowledge will help you understand some day why you get handed three of something when you held up an order for two.
John Cole
@Comrade Darkness: Lived in Germany for three years, bro- I start with my thumb when I hold up fingers, too.
Tim (The Oher One)
Funny but I was just laughing at “Consistently wrong…..” when I punched in for a dose of the Juice this morning.
schrodinger's cat
Oops sorry for the comment spam, I need the preview button.
Please delete comment 131.
RandomChick
Tropic Thunder is on HBO this week. I cannot tell you how pleasantly surprised I was by this movie. I saved it on the DVR and now I’m watching for the 2nd time.
Hilarious!
RandomChick
And Tom Cruise was awesome. Never thought I’d say that again.
MikeJ
It could be worse. Be careful how you order two at the pub in Engerland. I’ve seen people turfed for it.
YellowJournalism
“Come for the banter, stay for the pie.”
Although I’m quite fond of “Furminate this.”
Indylib
Awaiting the Wingularity. Also.
YellowJournalism
Or “Shut up, that’s why.”
Emma
Searching for the Wingularity Event Horizon
And Tunch is… fearsome.
Comrade Darkness
@MikeJ: Yeah, remarkable difference whether your hand faces forward or backward.
Fortunately, in that case I can order in the only language I know. It’s the rest of the world where I have to resort to sign language and pantomime.
mai naem
The black blanket is very slimming on Tunch. The black shirt on Rush Limbaugh – not so much.
Tim (The Oher One)
“We’z in ur base, pettin’ ur politiks”
asiangrrlMN
@YellowJournalism:
“Shut up, that’s why.”
This, I like this. I am asiangrrlMN, and I approve this message.
Left Coast Tom
@gwangung:
While I enjoy watching the GOP pretend her moronic blatherings are Serious Ideas…put me down for no “Also. Too.” slogan. It’s come to the point where the mere sound of her voice has a “nails on chalkboard” effect on me. She’s long since had her 15 minutes, she should have her 15 hours as far away from my sense of hearing as possible. Like Russia, since she can see it from her home.
I’m generally willing to say that John should pick whatever slogan he wants since it’s his blog, but enshrining the twisdom of someone as nuts as Palin would only make sense if the GOP wraps itself around her so tightly it can’t disengage itself for decades.
JK
Slogans Cont’d
“He not busy being born is busy dying” – Bob Dylan
“Let America Be America Again” – Langston Hughes
“Ask the questions that have no answers” – Wendell Berry
Keith G
Tunsh’s second pic is quite the glamor shot.
Josh Huaco
@Emma:
I think he’s saying, “Bring me Solo and the wookie…”
MikeJ
@JK:
He just smoked my eyelids An’ punched my cigarette.
Indylib
Hey, Soros, where are my damned virgins?
Anne Laurie
@RedKitten: I’m still in for the eleventh, and a girl. Hope you’re feeling better… soon!
Also, I think part of Tunch’s problem is that he’s got what the cat fanciers call “Oriental” genes, and he’s actually quite fine-boned. Every extra ounce his efficient “easy keeper” metabolism stores looks a lot… weightier… than it would on your average “British” or Persian-style feline with a naturally more robust musculoskelatal structure. Just as a human gymnast worries about every extra ounce, while a human linebacker can sweat off five pounds during an afternoon at pre-season training.
General Winfield Stuck
@JK:
“Half the lies they tell about me aren’t true.”
Yogi Berra
Linkmeister
You could steal from Yeats’ “The Second Coming,” but it’s probably been done, even for taglines.
“the center cannot hold”
“Slouching toward Bethlehem”
I kinda like this, though:
“The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.”
MikeJ
How about, “God damn the fucking Red Sox.”
Something the haters and the fans can both agree on.
John Cole
@Anne Laurie: Check your email, Anne.
gbear
@asiangrrlMN:
Grand Creamery on Grand Avenue. The line was out the door. Temptation avoided. Damn.
kommrade reproductive vigor
Top photo: Your colour scheme clashes with mine. Change it hairless monkey!
Bottom photo: Puuurfect. You may live pathetic ape critter. Perhaps.
asiangrrlMN
@gbear: That’s the one I meant. They are soooo yummy. Yes, it’s a good thing you were able to sidestep temptation.
Now I want ice cream.
gbear
MnPR announced that it’s Andrew Sullivan’s birthday today. Fourty something. Hope he got a spanking.
John Cole
@gbear: What is MnPR?
What is everyone listening to? I’m in a music rut. I’m listening to Po’ Lazarus after flipping through 100 albums on itunes, and I can not find the sweet spot.
I might need to try the JB’s.
Comrade Luke
I think the tag line should be a Schaivo reference, since that was the last straw for you.
RedKitten
Yeah, the second blanket is better. Tunch looked rather tense in the first setup.
Over 160 comments, most pertaining to the blanket on which your cat parks his ass…you’ve got yourself quite a dedicated readership, John.
JK
@MikeJ: @General Winfield Stuck:
Yes and Yes
“Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got, till it’s gone” – Joni Mitchell
Linkmeister
@John Cole: Neil Young. Early early early Neil Young. “Sugar Mountain: Live at Canterbury House 1968.”
John Cole
@RedKitten: I have no idea why other blogs do not have comments. I really do not.
Your email does not work anymore, btw. Send me an email.
Rosali
Do you think Sully took your friendly advice to heart when you suggested that he go back on vacation?
asiangrrlMN
@John Cole: Minnesota Public Radio. Much better than NPR.
Comrade Darkness
@John Cole: Hypnotic Clambake fits my mood right now.
farmette
The second photo – definitely Tunch colors – cool and complimentary. Don’t know nothin’ about football but about cats…and colors…yes.
gbear
@John Cole:
What asiangrrl said.
lost in GA
@John Cole: yes.
RedKitten
@John Cole:
Done like dinner, kiddo.
And yeah, I can’t even imagine this place without the comments. I would think it would be weird, putting one’s thoughts out there, and knowing via the site meter that people are reading, but deliberately keeping your audience muted…it just seems kind of bizarre to not want any feedback or back-and-forth on what you post.
lost in GA
@asiangrrlMN: Win. 89.3 is a staple in our house here in ATL. My wife misses the twin cities. We love us some Current.
DonkeyKong
How bout “HomoDome”- Two men enter!……………. Ross Douthat cry’s!
gbear
I’ve been listening to a new LP by Phoenix which is kind of a breezy summer pop thing. Just bought the Jayhawks retrospective and I’m going to get the new Wailin’ Jennys CD tomorrow. Also, Robyn Hitchcock (as in ‘anything by’) is always close by.
lost in GA
@John Cole: John, look up 89.3 the Current at MN public radio. Not good with links but you can find it on itunes or a simple google search. well worth the effort.
Comrade Luke
How about “Rolling in some unidentified, foul-smelling substance since 2002”
Betsy
I am so, so glad to see Tunch’s Rubenesque form again.
@RedKitten:
Sorry to hear that – I hope you’re feeling better!!
@John Cole:
Neko Case, primarily. Also the Dry Branch Fire Squad, and the Carolina Chocolate Drops (both bluegrass). Also the Magnetic Fields.
lost in GA
@Comrade Luke: Because then he can’t blame it on the pooch. She’s new here and whatnot.
Betsy
@Betsy:
Though I should add that the Chocolate Drops were far, far, better in concert than on their studio albums. Their performing chops are simply unparalleled, IMO.
JK
@John Cole:
Recently, I’ve been listening to Steely Dan, Chicago, Peter Gabriel, and Television
Reelin’ In The Years – Steely Dan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsrI_mIT6PQ
Questions 67 & 68 – Chicago
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3NMszrfjio
Lamb lies down on Broadway – Peter Gabriel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cN1wAsQ3A7U
Venus – Television
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZQ1n7SOKcU
Betsy
Oh, and right now, Bill Frisell’s album The Willies.
John Cole
Tunch is out of food and screaming at me. I gave him the same amount he always has had the last two months, I know Lily is not eating it since it is 6ft off the ground in a place only Tunch can get to, and I’m afraid for my life.
srv
@John Cole: What is everyone listening to? I’m in a music rut.
Rudder:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9pVVqasqrU
nujazzgroovereggaepocolypse
asiangrrlMN
@lost in GA: Yes. The Current is good, too. Our public radio is excellent. I am justifiably proud to be a sustaining member.
I am listening to whatever I feel like listening to on Youtube. In other words, random songs that aren’t so random. k.d. lang singing Hallelujah at the moment.
lamh31
Is this what they mean when they say “mad days of summer”??? Does it seem like the blogosphere, and the political climate in this country has gone mad?
Cause man, today alone, I have read a diary on DKOS, some post on other sites, and a longtime member of another blog family I read, are all tallking about leaving the blogophere. Ya got libs saying Obama just like Bush, ya got Repubs saying Obama’s gonna kill grandma/grandpa/& down syndrome babies
Seriously, has the world gone mad!!!!
I’ll admit to ya, on days like these, I kinda wish I had never started reading the damn blogs, now, I’m kinda hooked. So even when I want to chuck the lot of ya, I still can’t resist checking in to see what’s new.
I’ll admit that I can’t wait til I start school later this month, maybe I’ll have more things to do with my time. Still, its like a drug in my system , I’m gonna have to eventually try to wean myself offa the blogs, cause man, It’s like that scene from “Brokeback Mountain” (without all the gay stuff…LOL).
“I Wish I Knew How To Quit You”
RedKitten
the live performance at the Grammys? That’s one of my favourite YouTube videos. I was watching it on TV that night, and I swear the goosebumps on my arms had goosebumps of their own.
srv
@asiangrrlMN:
Pikers compared to CBC1: http://www.cbc.ca/listen/
You Don't Say
Tunch is such a handsome little man.
And, yes, my cats scare me too when they get hungry.
Fulcanelli
@John Cole: Beware of a blanket party whilst you sleep, John. Did you destroy his old one? Hide any bars of soap, too. Cats are devious.
So there’s a new BJ slogan quest?
How about one from the master, Mr. Cole… When Dylan jumps in your shit…
“Idiot Wind” (actually the whole damn song might be apropos)
Idiot wind, blowing every time you move your mouth,
Blowing down the back roads headin’ South.
Or maybe an existential touch…
“I blog, therefore, I am.”
gbear
Tunch’s second pose looks like something out of a 60’s cigarette advertisement. So smooth and sophisticated. And not at all cancerous.
lost in GA: Bill DeVille is my fave. I’ve made lots of trips to the record store because of his show.
Tim
My girlfriend just called the second picture “Tunch’s Jayne Mansfield pose”.
JK
Three oldies but goodies
Beggar’s Banquet – Rolling Stones
In the Court of the Crimson King – King Crimson
Joe’s Garage – Joe’s Garage
Jigsaw Puzzle – Rolling Stones
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE5x5dDDWzc
I Talk To The Wind – King Crimson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9ghKS5UxmM
Central Scrutinizer/Joe’s Garage – Frank Zappa
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvlJc8ilD5o
Cat Lady
Tag line for those in despair:
The falcon cannot hear the falconer.
Tag line for those who love pet pix and Tunch:
I IZ IN UR BASE KEEPIN U SANE
(what color is Tunch anyway – not white, not peach, not tan, but what? He’s like a melted creamsicle, heavy on the vanilla.)
No Sarah Palin quotes – she’s the new Orly Taitz. Srsly.
Music: Paul Simon, Sufjian Stevens, Peter Gabriel, and world music.
lamh31
@John cole,
I’m an R&B girl. I don’t know if you like R&B, so telling ya what I’m listengin to, will probably not make much sense.
But, I really into neo-soul artist right now like Maxwell.
Not sure if you know who that is though.
JK
Correction
Joe’s Garage – Frank Zappa
Can’t Wait for the Return of the Comments Preview function
asiangrrlMN
@RedKitten: She sang it at the Grammy’s? I will have to find that one, too! Thanks.
wasabi gasp
The Detroit Cobras
2th&nayle
Caption for Tunch’s ‘Glare of Death’ aimed at John:
“Just try and stay out of my way. Just try! I’ll get you my pretty, and your little dog too!”
Steeplejack
“Politics and pets since 2002.”
Fulcanelli
@John Cole: “What is everyone listening to? I’m in a music rut. I’m listening to Po’ Lazarus after flipping through 100 albums on itunes, and I can not find the sweet spot.”
Lately…
ZZ Top Box Set: Chrome, Smoke & Bar-B-Que.
Conjure One: Redemption. Turn it up and dance, bitches… Good for cleaning bathrooms.
Jeff Beck: Guitar Shop.
For starters…
Ash Can
@John Cole: If he suddenly gets quiet, looks at you, then at the salt and pepper shakers on the table, then at you again, head for the hills.
Mike in NC
This would be an excellent new handle for Rush Limbaugh.
JK
Crybaby and Intelligent Design Supporter Ben Stein Hints: I Was Fired From New York Times For Criticizing Obama
h/t http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/10/ben-stein-hints-i-was-fir_n_255897.html
Obnoxious Scumbag Don Imus in talks with Fox Business Network
h/t http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2009/08/radio-host-don-imus-in-talks-with-fox-business-network.html
Gus
@gbear:
Izzy’s?
JK
Idiot Wind – Secret Service Code Name for Sarah Palin
Cat Lady
@Rosali:
Hillary has found her happy place, and it’s in charge of the State Department. FSM help the person who doesn’t understand that. I believe that Bill was under very strict orders – not from Barack, but from Hillary – to keep his goddamn mouth shut, get those women from NoKo, and come home. He’ll get his marching orders from her, and he’s going to like it, or he can just shut the fuck up and sit down. It’s her time now.
gbear
@Gus:
Gus, see @gbear:
Gus
@JK:
Whoa, Court of the Crimson King! That brings back some memories. Listening to the Band’s Music from Big Pink and Chris Smither’s Another Way to Find You.
asiangrrlMN
@Cat Lady: Right on! Power to the pantsuit!
@RedKitten: I can’t find that version! Wah.
Now, I am listening to Crazy Bitch by Buckcherry because it’s my stripper song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtOPWWG2z1c
Gus
@gbear:
I’ll give it a go, but I can’t believe it’s better than Izzy’s.
Betsy
Bill Frisell and Ron Carter:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVWwX7rBS8k&feature=related
Carolina Chocolate Drops:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xOxHyTP91c
I saw them only once. They were opening for another group, and goddamn if they didn’t steal the whole fucking show. It was the first time in my life I ever saw an opening group called back for an encore. This clip is good, but really doesn’t capture their energy and prodigiosity. (Word?) I want to see them again, but they haven’t come my way in awhile.
Neko Case
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=om58QtEsP-4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhyF6gUzNjY
Betsy
Oh sad all my youtube music links ended up in mod. C’est la vie.
asiangrrlMN
@Gus: Oh, it is so good. You have to give it a try.
Last link for the night (maybe).
Salt ‘N Pepa, None of Your Business, the metal remix.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsyrFHgK4Os&feature=PlayList&p=2E61F8FB0941104C&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=15
gbear
@Gus:
Izzy’s is good too but I like Grand Creamery better. I recommend ‘Black Hills Gold’. Vanilla ice cream with loads of caramel and nuts and chocolate in a gooey/crunchy mix. Yum. I should have gotten in line.
wingnuts to iraq
@Just Some Fuckhead: I second “tantalizingly single”
General Winfield Stuck
This is my favorite rendition of this great song. K.D. nails it and then some.
Goose Bumps indeed RK.
geg6
asiangrrlMN: Hey, wait a minute! “Crazy Bitch” is MY stripper song. And the guitar player for Buckcherry is a local guy. And John? Ever listened to any Clarks? Can’t link from the mobile, but a ‘Burgh legend with some really great lyrics. It is said that Letterman is a big fan. They playing the start of the semester concert at our amphitheater on campus. I’m really looking forward to it.
Calming Influence
@John Cole: When nothing in my current library seems interesting anymore, I go back to the classics (Miles Davis – Kind of Blue) or the basics (John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers).
They cleanse the pallete.
steve s
@DonkeyKong:
With apostrophes like that, you could guest-blog for Matt Yglesias.
asiangrrlMN
@General Winfield Stuck: Yeah. I like many versions of the song, but hers is the best.
@geg6: girlfight!
Steeplejack
@Linkmeister:
Yeah, I read both over the last few weeks–in order, damn it, unlike your mule-headed commenter.
I didn’t think the second book was markedly better than the first one. They were very different, though. Played with Fire is definitely a thrill ride, while <Dragon Tattoo is more of a “locked room mystery in the form of an island,” as one of the characters said. I liked them both, and I’m looking forward to the third one–alas, the final one. Stieg Larsson died of a heart attack in 2004.
freelancer
Balloon-Juice: Promoting Trolls to Front-page contributors since, well, DougJ came along.
wasabi gasp
The Pat Metheny/Ornette Coleman album Song X is something of a palate cleanser for me. Also, for past bouts of insomnia I’d throw that on and it would lullaby me right to sleep. I think it makes my mind relinquish control.
MikeJ
@asiangrrlMN: I think both of you should post videos and we’ll judge who gets to use the song. It’s really the only way to be fair.
Steeplejack
@John Cole:
Can’t go wrong with the JB’s. I have only one of their albums, but it’s a pretty good two-disc overview: Funky Good Time. I like their slow, silky stuff, e.g., “Dirty Harri.” Ooh, gotta listen to that right now.
Slightly surprised to see that Amazon pairs that with another excellent anthology, the Meters’ Funkify Your Life. Both highly recommended.
That said, what I was actually listening to earlier today was Fleet Foxes. (Amazon link embedded in title.) Sort of weirdly trippy, with slight overtones of Buffalo Springfield’s trippier songs (“Broken Arrow”) colliding with something like the Cranberries. Does that even make sense? Anyway, good album.
Steeplejack
@Linkmeister:
I didn’t like Sugar Mountain nearly as much as Live at Massey Hall, 1971. That is teh awesome. They either caught Neil on his best singing night ever or spent the intervening 36 years really working on the audio technology. Just him and guitar or him and piano.
Steeplejack
@Calming Influence:
Mayall’s The Turning Point for me. And Keef Hartley’s Halfbreed. Also. Too bad no snippets for the latter.
Steeplejack
@lamh31:
Cole is all about the R&B. He is a major James Brown fan.
Maxwell’s new album is pretty good; I am teetering on the edge of buying it. Raphael Saadiq, too.
asiangrrlMN
@MikeJ: Hm. Now there’s an idea. I’m game if geg6 is!
srv
@Betsy:
Some of Bill’s music doesn’t do it for me, but there’s a lot that just rocks.
He brought a quartet here on the Unspeakable tour. The violinist jumped the rails with White Fang (a very aggressive, funky tune) and went after Bill’s electrics.
Hank Roberts (seated also, but he’s like 9 feet tall), rolls his large cello (almost an upright bass) onto his lap starts a banjo duel.
asiangrrlMN
@Steeplejack: You’re home early! It’s nice to see you.
MattR
Some late musical suggestions:
Widespread Panic (featuring Mikey Houser who died 7 years ago yesterday – the 10th)
http://www.glidemagazine.com/hiddentrack/the-b-list-10-great-widespread-panic-videos-featuring-the-late-michael-houser/
I am actually listening to yet a third different Neil Young album (Live at Fillmore East) but I love this cover of Cortez the Killer from the Jammys
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paeNnR33i5Q
Steeplejack
@asiangrrlMN:
Nice to see you, too. My weekend from the part-time gig (health insurance!) is usually Sunday-Monday, so I was off today. Didn’t do any software work either, just suffered in the heat (96°, the wall-unit air conditioner is not keeping up–it needs a recharge or something). Went to dinner with my brother and then to see Julie and Julia, which was excellent. Better than I was expecting. I get resistant when something is really hyped. And I usually have a bit of an issue with Meryl Streep. But she was great in this, as was the rest of the cast.
Having said all that, I don’t know how much longer I’ll hang on tonight. I’m feeling like sleep could be easy, and I need to take it when I can get it. Plus I have a couple of things I want to do relatively early tomorrow.
Thanks again for the Texas link(s). I find myself going back to several of their songs again and again. Still freaked out by the resemblance between the lead singer and my ex. Brr-hrr-hrr!
My final link for the night, precipitated by Cole’s question about what we’ve been listening to: Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth’s “They Reminisce over You.” I found myself in an R&B mood, then got to this.
asiangrrlMN
@Steeplejack: That’s way too freaking hot. Ugh. Texas is great, aren’t they? I gotta say, the lead singer is hawt, so your ex musta been quite the looker.
Sigh. I don’t want to see Julia and Julia, but I keep hearing good things about it, so I might have to suffer through it.
P.S. I like the last link you provided quite a bit. (They Reminisce Over You). Thanks!
Steeplejack
@asiangrrlMN:
Glad you liked it. I’m out. See you tomorrow.
Tattoosydney
@asiangrrlMN:
It’s a new day…
Linkmeister
@Steeplejack: I’ve got both; Sugar Mountain just happened to be up at that moment. I like ’em both too. SM has interesting versions of Springfield songs that I’d never thought of as solo pieces.
asiangrrlMN
@Tattoosydney: Thanks, fake-hubby. It’s the perfect way to start my day!
celiadexter
Great blanket — know where I can get one? Our cats have been shredding their guitar blanket for a couple of years to the point that it’s ready for retirement. They could use a nonfood treat since each now outweighs Tunch.
Steeplejack
@Linkmeister:
Point taken. I really liked the solo version of “Expecting to Fly” on Sugar Mountain. Not so much “Nowadays Clancey Can’t Even Sing,” which was a disappointment, because that is one of my favorite Springfield songs.
RedKitten
@asiangrrl: Shit, my bad. It was the Juno awards (Canada’s version of the Grammys), not the Grammy awards. I was just going off of memory. I’m sure you’ve seen it, but here’s the link anyway:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_NpxTWbovE
The emotion she brings to it is phenomenal. From about 3:25 on, you just get the sense that the power she brings to the song is almost tearing her humble frame apart.
Sigh — Leonard Cohen went on tour here last year, but was only playing really small venues. I tried so desperately to get tickets, but they sold out faster than anything I’ve ever seen.
MazeDancer
@John Cole:
Your tagline is well-established. No reason to change. But if variety desired, some possibilities:
“Late to the Party. Ahead of the Game.”
“Persistently Perceptive. Kind to Animals.”
“Intermittently Insightful Since 2002. Ill-informed Before That.”
“Political Zoo. Free Animals.”
“Leading Politics and Animals Since 2002”
“Serving the Delicious Since 2002.”
“Because Animals Are Smarter Than Politicians.”
“Food. Football. Felines. Ferociously Cute Doggies. Plus Saving the Republic.”
“Saving the Republic from Republicans. Plus Recipes.”
“Floating Free Since 2002”
“It’s Got a Good Backbeat. And You Can Dance to It.”
And, under no circumstances use “also”. It feeds Mrs. Palin. And makes your large vision seem small.
asiangrrlMN
@RedKitten: Oh, yeah. That is one of her best renditions of the song. I adore that woman!
Calming Influence
@RedKitten: Amazing, thank you for posting the link. That song, any version, always brings such a rush of emotion.
CynDee
@John Cole:
1. Tunch Blankie: The original and the kitty blankies both work, but the Steelers has written messages, and on Tunch’s blanket, Tunch IS the message.
2. Music: Bach’s French Suites.
3. Tagline: Your original is best, but if you add anything on, perhaps
“The Dogs and Cats Know the Truth.”
4. Three-part tagline:
“(Some adjective here) Thought, Creatures, and Recipes Since 2002.”
5. About Sarah: I think she will loose appeal to the rethugs as soon as she ages a bit more. Their true fantasy is not only clueless, but very young and firm-bodied. That’s who they see themselves “with.”
Of Bugs and Books
Just one more view of your present tagline from a relatively new reader, but I can remember the impression it made when I first checked here, and in the sometimes blowhard atmosphere of the Interrants, it should always sound like a little breath of fresh air (as others have noted). Sounds original, re-states the blog title, and humility never becomes dated. Whatever the new expressions of your blog, the old one sets a pretty good standard.
CynDee
@Of Bugs and Books:
YES!