Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

Today’s GOP: why go just far enough when too far is right there?

Putin must be throwing ketchup at the walls.

A Senator Walker would be an insult to the state and the nation.

Why did Dr. Oz lose? well, according to the exit polls, it’s because Fetterman won.

And we’re all out of bubblegum.

People are complicated. Love is not.

If you’re pissed about Biden’s speech, he was talking about you.

Make the republican party small enough to drown in a bathtub.

Motto for the House: Flip 5 and lose none.

Only Democrats have agency, apparently.

Sitting here in limbo waiting for the dice to roll

The worst democrat is better than the best republican.

I see no possible difficulties whatsoever with this fool-proof plan.

If you tweet it in all caps, that makes it true!

We are builders in a constant struggle with destroyers. let’s win this.

Impressively dumb. Congratulations.

The willow is too close to the house.

Incompetence, fear, or corruption? why not all three?

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

Usually wrong but never in doubt

Pessimism assures that nothing of any importance will change.

Is it irresponsible to speculate? It is irresponsible not to.

My years-long effort to drive family and friends away has really paid off this year.

… riddled with inexplicable and elementary errors of law and fact

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A Very Late Night Open Thread

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Ended up staying out with the friends until 11:30, and then went grocery shopping for tomorrow. We are smoking a couple of racks of ribs, a big pork loin, and a brisket, as well as doing some beans, some slaw, and some other stuff.

This place seems kinda dead, so maybe this will pick things up:

What else would you add to the bbq plans for tomorrow? Slaw, beans and meat seem to cover it, but maybe some cornbread?

Also:

That song never gets old.

Reader Interactions

85Comments

  6. 6.

    MikeJ

    Can’t ever go wrong with cornbread.

    You can if you put sugar in it. Than you have corn muffins, which are ok, but are not corn bread.

  7. 7.

    Shygetz

    Sweet cornbread is great with BBQ, especially if you use a spicy or vinegar-based sauce. I personally like Brunswick stew with my BBQ, but that’s just me.

  8. 8.

    Something Fabulous

    If you are planning a brisket (happy Rosh Hashanah!), you should have some of the traditional fixins as well: potato pancakes are nice; also, pomegranates. Happy New Year!

  9. 9.

    tomvox1

    BTW, except for Zep, was there ever a better heavy rock band than Soundgarden? Don’t think so personally. Likewise, with the possible exception of Plant, who’s a better vocalist than Chris Cornell in hard rock? Close second to Mark Lanegan goes without saying, of course…

  12. 12.

    JK

    @MikeJ:

    The Beach Boys is an excellent choice. I’m still going to stick with the Beatles as my choice for having the best vocalists of any rock band.

  13. 13.

    IndyLib

    Corn on the cob, John. I leave on the husk, soak it in water for 30 min then slap in on the grill, cook for 20-30 minutes, depending on how crisp you like it. You can also wrap it in foil with compound butter.

  14. 14.

    freelancer

    Cole,

    Did you see the Maddow Segment the other day about the illiterate fuck from WV impersonating your governor to try and steal peoples’ identities?

  15. 15.

    OriGuy

    Curried Potluck Baked Beans

    Preheat oven to 350°.

    3 cans canned beans
    1 can diced peeled tomatoes
    1 can tomato sauce
    2 T molasses
    2 T brown sugar
    2 T dry mustard
    3 T Curry powder
    1 onion, minced
    1 bell pepper, minced
    3 stalks celery, minced

    Mix together in large stockpot. Cover and bake 1 hour.

    I use vegetarian beans, because I go to a lot of potlucks with veggies. Seasonings to taste, of course.

  16. 16.

    JK

    Did anyone watch the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer? Ruth Marcus filled in for Mark Shields and she was atrocious. She agreed with David Brooks on virtually every subject discussed. It was a horrible segment.

  21. 21.

    General Winfield Stuck

    Teehee. CNN’s Rick Sanchez goes nukular on Fox News for the WAPO page that Fox put in todays paper claiming other MSM outlets didn’t cover Beck’s 9-12 tea bag protests.

    Here’s the facts. We did cover the event. What we didn’t do is promote the event. Just like when thousands marched on Washington to protest the war in Iraq, we covered it as well. Probably less than we covered this event. [ed note: no kidding!] But we didn’t promote it. … Bottom line is, we do cover the news, and we did extensively cover this event. We didn’t promote the event. That’s not what real news organizations are supposed to do. We covered the event. I would invite you to look into that distinction, between those two words: “promote” and “cover”. “Cover” is kind of like a fair and balanced way of doing things. Ya get it? You might want to look into that. Let me address the Fox News network now, perhaps the most current way that I can, by quoting someone who recently used a very pithy phrase. Two words. That’s all I need. “You lie!”

  23. 23.

    JK

    @freelancer:

    It will probably take a few years off my life but I can’t help myself. I’m a masochist.

    The FCC should have a special rule for David Brooks that specifies how many appearances he can make in a month.

    Besides the NewsHour, he’s a regular for Charlie Rose’s political roundtable segments and a regular on the Sunday talk show circuit.

    It’s ridiculous that any one pundit should have so many different programs from which to air his views. There are many great political commentators who can’t get arrested, but Brooks can get on the air anytime he pleases.

  27. 27.

    General Winfield Stuck

    @JK:

    The entire GOP and it’s Pravda Fox News are in full propaganda mode. They have never held fondness for the truth for truths sake, but now lie with abandon and no shame and have not an honest bone in their withering political bodies.

  30. 30.

    JK

    @General Winfield Stuck:

    I’ll tell you what I told Brachiator yesterday.

    If you’ve reached critical mass in terms of your level of disgust with the MSM, I recommend you visit

    http://www.themediaconsortium.org/our-members

    and check out the member sites there. If you like any of them, you should donate money to them because they all operate on shoestring budgets

    You should also check out the Pacifica News Service (pacificadotorg), The Consortium for Independent Journalism, Independent Media Center, and Inter Press Service News Agency. These organizations also operate on small budgets and could use a donation if you like what you see on their websites.

  31. 31.

    Derek

    Well, here in eastern north carolina you’d be more likely to get hushpuppies than corn bread with some bbq (same thing, the former’s just fried and sometimes salty/savory depending on who makes it). But slaw is definitely a must. If it was my grandmother cooking, you’d also have to add homemade mac and cheese, collard greens, and yams to the mix. And you’d have to switch out the baked beans for either black eyed peas or butterbeans. The refreshments are sweet tea and/or lemonade.

    But that all’s a lot of work. So really i’d just say bake some jiffy cornbread, throw in a few corn on the cobs and call it a day.

  36. 36.

    Jimbo

    @IndyLib: I leave the husks down while soaking and before putting the corn on the grill, baste on a little mixture of butter, garlic, and parm cheese. Pull the husks up and away you go…

    BTW – I concur with the rest, cornbread is a must for that kind of eating.

  38. 38.

    quimby10

    Dessert! I just made this recipe, which was ridiculously easy and insanely good.

    However, you must add whipped cream and you must whip it yourself with a pinch of sugar and vanilla.

  39. 39.

    JK

    @Linkmeister:

    Amazing song. It still blows me away after all these years. I remember hearing it for the 1st time back when I was in elementary school. I remember a fellow classmate showing me her copy of the single. The song filled both sides of the 45. I don’t think that’s ever been done for any other song. thanks for bringing back those memories.

  40. 40.

    2th&nayle

    The only thing that I might recommend would be some grilled zucchini wedges. Slice them long-ways into wedges and baste with olive oil or butter, then sprinkle with lemon pepper, Cavender’s, or just salt and pepper. Throw them on the grill and cook to whatever done-ness you prefer. I like mine cooked tender, but some folk like a little crunch. Bon appette!

  43. 43.

    Bill E Pilgrim

    @JK:
    Did anyone watch the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer? Ruth Marcus filled in for Mark Shields and she was atrocious. She agreed with David Brooks on virtually every subject discussed. It was a horrible segment.

    Which is to say that she agreed with Brooks approximately 2% more often than Shields does?

    I used to stream that every week, but I can’t take it any more. I think it was when Shields denounce MoveOn.org as “not even Democrats”. Say what you will about their tactics, claiming that only centrists and conservatives get to even be called Democrats was too much.

  44. 44.

    wasabi gasp

    @JK: I can’t say I’m a very big Cat Stevens fan, but he, more than possibly any other artist, brings back very specific memories of a time in my life.

    A very beautiful, but troubled girl I once knew liked him a lot. As the booze would pour into the evening, she would play more and more Cat Stevens. The evening stupor always seemed to peak with the playing of the song Troubled while she would be wearing a gaze to match. At this point in the evening, her boyfriend, also my friend, would have long been passed out snoozing in his bed. It was a strange time. Sometimes I felt like running away to Mexico or wherever with her. Sometimes I just felt like running from her. Either way, I always looked forward to us spending the wee hours of those late nights together long after the bars had closed.

    I don’t know why I’m going on about this, but to this day, I can’t even hear the name Cat Stevens without thinking about her.

  45. 45.

    Linkmeister

    @JK: Yeah, and what was amazing was that radio stations would play it in full. Six or seven years earlier Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone” had to be cut from the 6:13 original down to about 3:00 in order to get airplay.

  46. 46.

    Bill E Pilgrim

    @wasabi gasp:

    It was a strange time. Sometimes I felt like running away to Mexico or wherever with her. Sometimes I just felt like running from her. Either way, I always looked forward to us spending the wee hours of those late nights together long after the bars had closed

    That was like entire relationships I’ve had condensed into 20 seconds.

    “She was completely incomprehensible. She seemed a little bit crazy. Her demeanor swung from morose to almost coma-like. God how I looked forward to our time together.”

  55. 55.

    Honus

    As Muddy Waters told me back in ’75 “Mick Jagger is a good blues singer”
    And if you have to put butter on it, it’s not very god corn. Better get that loin and brisket on early, you’ll want to smoke them for at least 8 hours. The ribs will cook faster.

  57. 57.

    DougL (frmrly: Conservatively Liberal)

    Surveys show that four out of five dentists who recommend voting to their patients believe that Obama is an American citizen and is the legitimate President.

    I think we all know who that fifth dentist is. ;)

  59. 59.

    Some Guy

    All sounds good. I like a good corn and black bean salad. Shave the corn kernels off, about 2 ears to 16oz. of beans (presuming you don’t make your own black beans). Diced sweet pepper, maybe a little red onion, lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Its simple and delicious.

    If you do make your own black beans, I highly recommend cooking them in 1/2 good orange juice (no concentrate-the flavor gets nasty) and tomato juice. A little bunch of time (tied up for easy removal), is good too. A nice bunch of salt and maybe a couple chipotles with adobo if you want the beans smokey, but just the juice cooked beans is a delight.

    Sweet corn bread can be awesome. Makes a great sandwich with peanut butter (and a lot of milk). You can even chill the sandwich and then fry it if you want to get all Elvis about it.

    But my fave on the grill is coconut catfish. Coconut milk, cilantro, black pepper, and a little fish sauce. Puree, put in a ziploc, and put chopped chunks of catfish in to marinate for at least 30 minutes. Grill on a well-oiled “skillet” or otherwise perforated pan.

    This is modified Gai Yang (you can of course stick with the chicken, but I like catfish): http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Gai-Yang-14426

    You serve it with Nam Jeen Guy Yang, but it is good on its own:
    http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Nam-Jeem-Guy-Yang-14427

  60. 60.

    arguingwithsignposts

    @Jay in Oregon:

    hope you’re doing better than i’ve been at that (and other things). i’m pretty sure you are. although I did doze off again after starting listening to “Arguing the World.” Docs can sometimes put me to sleep.

    @BethanyAnne:

    I did see your earlier comments, and they are wise. I’ve been through the medicinal merry-go-round before, and it’s so frustrating that brain chemistry is still so much of a “try this then try that” kind of thing. (I suppose I will have to get back on it)

    Which I guess disproves McArdle’s “innovation” theory about HCR, because we have a whole bunch of people who have some kind of mental health issue, but can’t get relief.

  62. 62.

    Punchy

    Currently on a bachelor party weekend, which means everything typed here for the next 24 hrs. should be postfaced with “Punchy plus (fill in increasingly larger number)”. Cuss werdz almost certain to increase in number…

  63. 63.

    Fulcanelli

    @JK: “It’s ridiculous that any one pundit should have so many different programs from which to air his views. There are many great political commentators who can’t get arrested, but Brooks can get on the air anytime he pleases.”

    Welllll…

    Maybe it’s because BoBo doesn’t discreetly take their hands off his thigh during dinner.

  65. 65.

    TX Expat

    @arguingwithsignposts:

    Yeah, unfortunately mental health seems to be an area of medicine where the “try this, try that” technique is pretty much the norm, which I know from personal experience.

    And while medication alone won’t cure the problem, it can get you to a place where you are on a more even keel. Working with a good therapist is also important. Alas, finding someone you can work with is also trial and error. Can’t tell you how many of them I’ve tried out and came away thinking, “Damn, you’re crazier than I am.”

    Hang in there. I’m rooting for you and sending you positive vibes through the intertubes!

    And to SGEW, Fugazi hell to the yes! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGJFWirQ3ks

  69. 69.

    bedtimeforbonzo

    John’s menu made me think of a (relatively) new place we have here. We haven’t been there in a long while, but Dave’s Famous (or is it Famous Dave’s?) is an excellent barbecue chain.

  70. 70.

    asiangrrlMN

    @Fulcanelli: Ziiiiing! I was just talking to a friend about how BoBo is every-fucking-where. His latest column really offended me for some reason. I am goddamn sick and tired of bajillionaires loftily informing me that I am not a real American because I don’t live in small town USA and/or I don’t fear Islofascistgaycommiesockulists. I am not a real American for many reasons, but that is not one of them.

    @JK: Thanks for the link, man. I am gonna bookmark that site so I can peruse through it at my leisure. In addition, thank you for the song, Father and Son. It’s still on my daily rotation. Oh, and quit reading traditional media. You’re gonna give yourself a heart attack.

    Jay in Oregon, good to see you posting. Keep hanging in there.

    arguing, yes the merry-go-round sucks. Believe me, I know. Any med that works for me maxes out after a year or so. Then, it’s try the next one. You know what, though? It is fucking better than the alternative–no meds at all. And, it happens with body medicine, too. There is no magic answer, unfortunately. For me, good old Prozac has been the most effective. Next is the newer Celexa, and then Zoloft.

    In addition, meds by themselves weren’t what saved me. Talk therapy, good friends, my writing, and a healthy dollop of sheer orneriness have gotten me through thus far. Oh, and I feel better when I eat well and exercise. Tai chi. It’s an all-around program. I know, it seems overwhelming when you’re in a deep funk. So, if you can just take a five minute walk a day, eat an apple, call a friend, etc.–baby steps.

  71. 71.

    asiangrrlMN

    @TX Expat: This is very true, too. Finding the right therapist is key. I have been through so many of them, and it took a recommendation to find my current therapist who does NOT let me get away with shit.

    Again, I want to emphasize that the only thing worse than going through the process of finding a good therapist and the right meds is continuing to struggle as you are.

  72. 72.

    geg6

    I am compelled to agree with Mr. Cole. Chris Cornell is a god. And Soundgarden is truly the best hard rock band evah. And I don’t even make the Led Zep exception. I love me some Zep and no singer was more of a golden god on stage as Plant was in his prime, but, man, Cornell is just fucking awesome.

  74. 74.

    TX Expat

    @asiangrrlMN:

    Would second this:

    I’m still feeling out my current therapist. I can’t determine if she’s gonna call me on my shit or not. I’m really good at coming off sounding rational, so we’ll see if she picks up on this or not. She wants me to try group, have you ever done this?

  75. 75.

    TX Expat

    @TX Expat:

    Good grief, I need a tutorial on coding apparently.

    What I meant to blockquote was:

    Again, I want to emphasize that the only thing worse than going through the process of finding a good therapist and the right meds is continuing to struggle as you are.

  76. 76.

    Montysano

    Comparing Chris Cornell to the Beatles really doesn’t work. There are great voices, and then there are great singers. Many of my favorite singers don’t have great voices. In the hard rock realm, it’s hard to do better than Layne Staley.

    @wasabi gasp:

    I can’t say I’m a very big Cat Stevens fan

    Me either, although I can take small doses. I’m seriously into audio, and Cat’s stuff is some of the best recordings ever put on vinyl.

  77. 77.

    asiangrrlMN

    @TX Expat: Yes, I have tried a group. I wasn’t impressed, but it was in college–which was a looooong time ago. I am not a group person, to say the least. However, I do think it can be beneficial IF it’s a good group and not one that has members who are competing to see who is the “best” patient in the group.

    As for my therapist, I’ve been with her for some time, and she’s the only one who I haven’t been able to manipulate. I have been in and out since I was fourteen, so that tells you something.

  79. 79.

    TX Expat

    @asiangrrlMN:

    Thanks for the advice. I’m gonna check it out, but will confess to being a bit skeptical. I’ve got an image in my head of the group sessions from “The Bob Newhart Show.” ;-)

  80. 80.

    Jay in Oregon

    Well, I’m up and about. I’ll try to catch a nap later when I start to get tired.

    Walked my dog for about 45 minutes; exercise is good for me right now.

    My therapist recommended talking to my doctor and increasing my prescription, as it seems to take the edge off but not much more.

    As for my wife? It’s pretty much a waiting game at this point. I’ve made my choices and am working on my crap; she has to decide to open up to me again, and I can’t talk her into that. This weekend has been pretty good so far, though.

    Keep those prayers and good thoughts coming our way.

  84. 84.

    BethanyAnne

    @asiangrrlMN: Aye, I’m lucky to have found a good one finally. Can’t see her right now, as I’m poor in TX instead of not-poor in SF, but I will be back home someday. Found that the right med for me is a combination – a large dose of Effexor and a very small dose of Wellbutrin. Takes me right from listless back to ornery. :-)

  85. 85.

    Shell Goddamnit

    “American Pie” is concern trolling. Buddy Holly was amazing but everything done since then is not a plot to ruin rock & roll.

    I said to myself, “if you’re going to have bbq you have to have ____” and I didn’t come up with anything you didn’t already have except potato salad and deviled eggs. But I am from the midwest, where if you are going to have an event of ANY description, even a luau, you will need to have potato salad & deviled eggs.

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