Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

Motown is Joe-Town!

We are builders in a constant struggle with destroyers. keep building.

Accountability, motherfuckers.

The republican ‘Pastor’ of the House is an odious authoritarian little creep.

I’d try pessimism, but it probably wouldn’t work.

“That’s what the insurrection act is for!”

Roe isn’t about choice, it’s about freedom.

“What are Republicans afraid of?” Everything.

It is possible to do the right thing without the promise of a cookie.

It’s not hopeless, and we’re not helpless.

FFS people, this was a good thing. take the win.

Well, whatever it is, it’s better than being a Republican.

JFC, are there no editors left at that goddamn rag?

The Supreme Court cannot be allowed to become the ultimate, unaccountable arbiter of everything.

There are some who say that there are too many strawmen arguments on this blog.

So many bastards, so little time.

Peak wingnut was a lie.

The low info voters probably won’t even notice or remember by their next lap around the goldfish bowl.

“Joe Biden deserved better than he got from some folks in his own party.”

Many life forms that would benefit from greater intelligence, sadly, do not have it.

Sitting here in limbo waiting for the dice to roll

You know it’s bad when the Project 2025 people have to create training videos on “How To Be Normal”.

Innocent people don’t delay justice.

The party of Reagan has become the party of Putin.

You are here: Home / Open Threads / Open Thread: Happy Birthday, John Cole

Reader Interactions

144Comments

  1. 1.

    asiangrrlMN

    Cole, now that it’s official, I want to wish you a happy birthday. Thanks for cranking out the rants and animal stories on a daily basis. I really appreciate this blog. Now, go eat some cake and maybe find some female (human) company!

  4. 4.

    Yutsano

    O-tanjyoobi o omedeto gozaimasu Cole-san. May you indulge in lots of puppeh kisses and the occasional rub for His Tunchness.

  6. 6.

    Tattoosydney

    Happy birthday, John.

    As I noted in my slightly syrupy post on the last another open thread, the people you have brought together here are a pretty decent bunch, so I second Anne Laurie’s best bloghost comment.

    I’ll also reiterate my recommendation of Mark Twain’s “Innocents abroad”, which is wonderful. And repeats of Buffy. Also good.

  11. 11.

    IronyAbounds

    Happy birthday sir. May you have a wonderful, fun-filled day. A word of warning, they start coming faster and faster.

  12. 12.

    Yutsano

    @Tattoosydney: I’m trying to think of any Clemens work I don’t care for honestly. It’s like the varying shades of chocolate, all are an indulgence yet each has its own character and strengths. Hell I even like when they wrote him into a Star Trek episode that was particularly entertaining.

    Oh and would you mind suggesting to the Portuguese soccer team to stop beating up on poor North Koreans? TIA.

  16. 16.

    pointer

    Long-time lurker, first-time commenter.

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY! You’re my favourite blogger, even though half the time you seem to be auditioning for Cranky Uncle of the Year award.

    You’d have to be mad not to be cranky when you look at what’s around us these days!

  17. 17.

    freelancer

    Delurking after a long bit away, to simply say Happy BDay, John.

    What day is today? It’s John Cole’s Birthday! What a day for a Birthday! Let’s all have some Cake!
    And you smell like one too. (snort)

    May you have one too many mojitos and be comforted by the fur of your loving housemates and dreams of Beth Riesgraf, with the image of the WH press corps immolating in sunset orange in the background. And may Allah bless America.

  18. 18.

    asiangrrlMN

    @pointer: Hiya! That’s actually what makes Cole one of my favorite bloggers–I love it when he gets a truly righteous rant on. That and his soft spot for stray animals.

    @freelancer: Where the hell have you been? Good to see ya.

  22. 22.

    freelancer

    @asiangrrlMN:

    It’s a drawn out, somewhat maudlin tale about family, and I’ll be sure to share it at some point, if not here, then I’ll at least point you in the right direction (aka my site, when I find the right words). I’ll just say that I lost someone very dear to me, but I’d just as soon not spoil JC’s day with a eulogy, but we should be happy, as I am, that it seems our host may have added to his own family. I’m not as keen on Rosie as I was initially on Lily (or AWS’s Smudge), but I am sure that, if things work out, we will grow to love her as one of our own.

    Night all,
    Nick

  23. 23.

    asiangrrlMN

    @freelancer: Sorry to hear that. I’ll check your site for updates, or you can email me at my addy at my blog. At any rate, hugs and sympathy to you.

    And, as long as Cole has Tunchie and keeps providing me with pics/vids, I’m good with the new addition.

  24. 24.

    Yutsano

    @asiangrrlMN: Ahh comme ci comme ça. As long as we both keep coming back that’s the most important detail.

    @freelancer: Ganbatte kudasai tomodachi.

    Another ten hour day tomorrow. Woot. Night y’all.

  26. 26.

    joeyess

    Happy Birthday, John.

    You’ve injected a much needed “punch you in the neck” attitude to the progressive cause.

    You’ve shown yourself to be a man of integrity and intelligence by observing the world around you, trying to understand the data and in doing so, turned on a dime, and joined the cause.

    No easy feat. For that, I will always respect and admire you.

    Now, since I have the magical powers of the FSM at my disposal, I grant you 80 more years to live. Have fun in those wheelchair races!!

    j.

  27. 27.

    thalarctos

    Happy birthday, bonne anniversaire, and alles Gute zum Geburtstag, John! Here’s to another year full of snark, pets, and joy!

    Since this is an open thread, I have a question for the collective mind and experience here–any ideas on where to stay (relatively) cheaply in Boston ($80/night or so)? I need someplace where I can get from the airport and stay for two days, until I move to the Sheraton, which my institution will then pay for, as I’m attending a workshop. I’m trying Priceline and the other services, so I’m doing my homework, but if anyone knows any little-known jewels in the area, I’d love to hear suggestions as well.

  28. 28.

    demkat620

    Happy Birthday John! Will there be cake and ice cream later?

    Cause, I’ m there if there is.

  29. 29.

    Mary G

    I always imagine you as a combination of the Odd Couple, grumpy like Oscar, a compulsive cleaner like Felix. Happy birthday, Mr. Cole.

  31. 31.

    Ms.B

    Well now, seems like a good time to unlurk, given that it’s John’s birthday, I’m in love with the critters–not only John’s, btw. Have been using Howard Restore-A-Finish thanks to John’s shout out, making Annie’s Raspberry/Poppy seed Cake…and more. Rooting for Rosie.
    Loving Lily. Smudge et al. And, even the flame wars here are so much calmer. Calmer is a good thing at times, especially summer.

    So, if this doesn’t embed here, and I’m dumb, forgive me. Hopefully I don’t break the tubes with it.

    Boy, I doubt this will work. So used to preview for comments I don’t know wtf to do when it’s absent.

  33. 33.

    Norma

    The song “I bless the day I found You’, that is my song to you. Many many thanks for your place where sanity rules. I, my husband and our cat rulers thank you. Norma

  34. 34.

    Axel Edgren

    So many congratulations!

    I hope your birthday is like you want it to be.

    Thank you for another year of a blog that always provides some sort of benefaction.

  38. 38.

    Mike Kay

    If you want, we would be more than happy to chip in and buy you some hwat birthday sex.

    Just pick out the escort and we’ll cover the tab.

  39. 39.

    Rosalita

    Happy Birthday John!

    Have a wonderful day and I second all the thanks for the rants, the snark, the laughs, food threads and of course, your menagerie.

  41. 41.

    Tattoosydney

    @Mike Kay:

    You know she’d end up playing all night with the enormous, yet adorable, kitty, and the two sweet doggies.

  43. 43.

    DecidedFenceSitter

    Happy Birthday John. Thank you for putting up with us.

    DFS, who came for Schiavo, and stayed for the humor

  44. 44.

    Mystical Chick

    Happy Happy Birthday, John! I love this blog to pieces and come here several times every day.

    (My favorite posts are the animal ones and I am tickled pink about your recent addition. I’m a softie, too. What can I say?)

    I hope you have a wonderful day surrounded by friends, family and pet lurve!

  45. 45.

    fucen tarmal

    happy birthday john.

    we all pitched in for a hooker, but as it turns out, we ran into another james o’keefe sting operation to expose moral turpitude in the left-wing blogosphere. sadly, he kept our money. oh well, we can try again next year.

  48. 48.

    abo gato

    Happy B-Day! Hope it’s all you want, and more!

    Love you and everyone here, it’s a great place.

  49. 49.

    South of I-10

    Happy Birthday John! Big 40, right? I’ll be there in September. I hope you go do something fun!

  54. 54.

    bey

    @John Cole: Hey now, you did some of the work.

    Unless you think being squeezed like toothpaste until your head deforms from the pressure is fun….which you might. Forewarned though – I think they make you pay extra for that downtown.

    Have a great birthday!

  56. 56.

    Sarah in Brooklyn

    happy, happy birthday, to my favorite blogger!!! I got you a puppy! not really.

  57. 57.

    R-Jud

    @John Cole:

    All I did was not drop dead.

    Exactly. Considering the Incident with Lily and your shoulder, I think congratulations are definitely in order this year.

    Happy Birthday.

  59. 59.

    demo woman

    Happy Birthday John…
    I read through last years comments and found this one from Krista
    So next year, we get to festoon the blog with a bunch of “over-the-hill” stickers and other assorted tacky paraphernalia?
    Let the party begin.

  60. 60.

    Elie

    Happy Birthday John. Thanks for the best blog evah!

    Here’s to many, many more…..

  61. 61.

    WereBear

    Happy birthday, John Cole. Thanks for being such a fine host.

    And… (chortle, snicker, guffaw) you got a puppeh for your birthday!

    You must have been a good boy.

  66. 66.

    Josie

    Happy birthday, John. From what I seen and enjoyed on your blog, I think I would like your Mom – a lot.

  67. 67.

    Ivan Ivanovich Renko

    Happy Birthday, Mr. Cole. You’ve founded a wonderful community here, and I’m glad to be a small part of it. That’s a helluva thing for a cranky, grumpy old fart (on the outside– Lily, Rosie and The Incredible Tunch know you’re a frickin’ softie).

    Many cranky returns!

  70. 70.

    donnah

    Happy Birthday, John, and thanks for being here. You’ve made a great place here, for the people and the pets.

  71. 71.

    CynDee

    Have a wonderful birthday, John. We’re here to say that creatures of every kind are so glad you were born.

    Dear Cole family: Thanks for raising such a fine son. Happy John’s Birthday.

  72. 72.

    Annie

    Happy Birthday John….And, best wishes for many, many more…If nothing else than for more opportunities to spread fox piss around the garden.

    I assume that this morning Lily and Rosie are making the cake, while Tunch licks the bowl!

  73. 73.

    Violet

    Happy Birthday, John Cole! Hope you have a wonderful birthday. Thanks for hosting the best place in the blogosphere. It’s a wonder you, Tunch, Lily and now Rosie put up with us all.

  74. 74.

    satby

    Happy Birthday John! Many more. You’re a great guy.
    And we’re all pretty happy you share your playground with us.

  75. 75.

    stuckinred

    So, I’m sure we are all following the breaking cluster fuck from General McChrystal?

    “WASHINGTON — The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan has been summoned to Washington to explain his controversial comments about colleagues in a recent interview, Obama administration officials said Tuesday.”

  77. 77.

    Comrade Javamanphil

    Ha! So not only did Todd Rundgren once call you an asshole, it turns out you share the same birthday? Awesome. Happy Birthday, you old softy.

  79. 79.

    Elroy's Lunch

    @John Cole:

    That’s my take on birthdays too. All credit should go to my mother. Nonetheless, happy damn birthday John Cole.

  80. 80.

    geg6

    Hey, happy, happy day, Mr. Cole! Aren’t you rolling up toward the big 4-0? Tee hee, don’t mean to ruin your day or anything.

    I appreciate all you do to keep herding the cats here at this ol’ blog-o-yours. And your righteous rants make my day on a regular basis, simply by virtue of saying all I want to say but am too dimwitted to say myself.

    Haven’t been around much lately (waaaaaaaaaaaay too busy to do much of anything but lurk), but know how much I appreciate you being here and keeping an eye on things while I am busy getting our young ‘uns into college.

  81. 81.

    Genine

    All I did was not drop dead.

    And considering some of the things you’ve done… that’s quite the accomplishment.

    Huzzah!

    and Happy Birthday, Grumpy McCrankypants. ;-)

  83. 83.

    Comrade Mary

    NANANANANANANANAAAAAAAAH! NANANANANANANANAAAAAAAAH!
    NANANANAAAAAAHNANANANAH!
    NANANANANANANANAAAAAAAAH!

    (Yeah, there’s a link up there. FYWP.)

    Happy Birthday, John! Here’s hoping the critters gave you breakfast in bed, or at least a proper lie-in.

    Let’s not make a scene, now. All I did was not drop dead. Mom did all the work.

    Lovely sentiment. I’ll have to remember that for my next birthday ending in 0. checks calendar Oh, fuuuuuuuuck …

  84. 84.

    schrodinger's cat

    Happy Birthday! Tell us how Tunch is helping you celebrate the big day.

  86. 86.

    tesslibrarian

    Thanks for creating a blog community where I don’t feel crazy (or, at least, not alone with it).

    Wishing you a great birthday, and an even better year ahead!

  87. 87.

    Cat Lady

    Happy Birthday sir. You’ve created such a great little, weird little haven for pet loving DFHs who don’t have daddy issues, don’t want to wear emo pants, and know what the real threat to this country is. Good job well done. Now go dance like there’s nobody watching.

    @Ms.B:

    I don’t know wtf to do when it’s absent.

    You say FYWP!

  88. 88.

    arguingwithsignposts

    Happy birthday, JC. I will wear my Balloon Juice t-shirt today in your honor.

    ETA: And I’m sure the makers of the Furminator are eternally in your debt as well. You should get a commission on that one. :)

  90. 90.

    4tehlulz

    Congratulations on avoiding the reaper of souls for a 40th consecutive year!

    Please continue your streak for at least several more.

  91. 91.

    arguingwithsignposts

    @John Cole:

    Let’s not make a scene, now. All I did was not drop dead. Mom did all the work.

    Actually, that’s only true for the first birthday. The next 39 were a lot about your surviving all the shit life threw at you. Consider, for instance, the shoulder injury last year.

    I always looked at birthdays as a chance to celebrate the fact that I made it out alive for another year.

  92. 92.

    elmo

    Happy birthday from the far side of 40. Looks about the same over here as I remember it looking over there, except that maybe the ground is farther away than it used to be.

  94. 94.

    SGEW

    @Genine: Why, that was my exact reaction. Every year that John doesn’t perish from his direly accident-prone lifestyle is a praise worthy accomplishment, I feel.

    You must survive, Mr. Cole! Your care-free bachelor days of only having a cat (and a blog) are over; you now have a gigantic furry family to feed (and a cabal of co-bloggers to keep in line). Ah, the responsibilities that come with age!

  96. 96.

    Randy P

    Happy Birthday, JC! I’m betting you’re a hell of a lot younger than I am at fifty(mumble)(mumble), but you are my curmudgeon role model.

    Speaking of movies though and since this is a sort of open thread, my wife and I just laughed ourselves sick at A Mighty Wind and we’ve decided to have a Christopher Guest mockumentary-fest. Seen Best in Show and Spinal Tap. Going to rent Waiting for Guffman. Any others I’m missing?

    And one complaint: The only “behind-the-scenes” stuff I’ve seen on the DVDs is further improvisational (I assume) stuff in character, like the folk bands in Wind talking about their 1960s TV appearances. I’m dying to see actual interviews and commentary about these things. Anybody know of any?

  98. 98.

    Beeb

    Happy birthday, JC. I feel obliged to warn you, from personal experience, that after 40, if it doesn’t sag, it spreads. But you can worry about that later. Enjoy the day!

  100. 100.

    Ash Can

    HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY JOHN COLE!

    (Whoops. Typo.)

    Seriously, though, here’s wishing you a grand day, and many thanks not only for running a great joint here but for putting up with us slobs besides.

  101. 101.

    Soprano2

    Happy Birthday, John. Listen to Beeb, because that’s the truth. However, it’s also true that life gets better as you get older because you find yourself worrying less and less what others think of you. I always tell people you’re they’re just one more day older than they were yesterday, and it sure beats the alternative.

    Will Tunch be feeding you your favorite food for your birthday? LOL

  102. 102.

    Svensker

    Happy Birthday, John. You are a good man. That is a rare commodity these days — I salute you for your basic decency. Also for your Uncle Cranky imitation and willingness to look like an ass when the occasion calls for it. Heh.

    All best wishes for many happy more.

  106. 106.

    TaMara (BHF)

    Happy Birthday. Was damn nice of the FSM to bring you an early present this year. I’m surprised Rosie didn’t show up in with a bow.

  108. 108.

    tomvox1

    Happy B-day, John, and many more. Thanks for hosting this great site.
    Many happy returns,
    Tom

  109. 109.

    Jay C

    From one (6/22) JC to another: Happy Birthday!

    Dunno why finding out I share my b’day with one of the stars of the blogosphere

    [/shameless flattery]

    makes me feel better – Intertube neurosis, no doubt – but I’m still pleased to hear it!

    Many happys!!

  114. 114.

    RedKitten

    Happy, happy, happy birthday, John! I hope that you have a fantastic day, and that this year brings you lots of happiness! You deserve it — now go drink a mojito.

  119. 119.

    BarbF

    Happy Birthday!

    I’ve read you for a couple years now, even if I only recently started posting.

    You’re smart, you’re funny as hell, and this is a great blog! Many, many more!

  120. 120.

    CaseyL

    It’s John’s birthday? But I didn’t get him anything!

    Well. A very hippo birdies two gnu, John.

    I add my heartfelt thanks for this place. Amazing to realize I’ve been coming here for 5 years. I came for the Terri Schiavo rant and stayed to watch your ongoing philosophical and political evolution. Along the way, I’ve had some terrific conversations, shared laughs and tears, and B-J has become my bloggy home away from home.

    Thanks, and keep on keepin on, dude.

  122. 122.

    Opopanax

    Happy Birthday to the guy who hosts one of my top three favorite blogs. Where else can I read righteous rants along with tips on how to raise goats? Love this place. Hope you enjoy your birthday. Now back to lurkdom.

  123. 123.

    EvolutionaryDesign

    Happy Birthday John! Thanks for publishing the best political/pet/garden blog on the internets!

  125. 125.

    SixStringSlingr

    Happy Birthday to you, good sir!
    Thank you for the fantastic blog (easily my favorite on the intertubes), the great company of cranks you’ve assembled here, the squee-inspiring pet stories and for being the awesome “grouchy on the outside, gooey softie on the inside” kinda guy you are. It’s a personality type that many of us around here easily recognize, no doubt.
    A bit early for the drinking yet, but when the appropriate hour rolls around, cheers mate!

  127. 127.

    Tom Hilton

    Happy birthday, and thanks for hosting a great community here.

    Edit: I just talked to the attorneys I work for, and they agreed that we would all take a late lunch and drink through the rest of the day in honor of your birthday.

  129. 129.

    Chat Noir

    Happy birthday, John Cole! This blog is the best. I’ll toast you with a margarita tonight at the Jimmy Buffett concert (the husband unit is a certifiable Parrothead so I’m going for his sake).

  131. 131.

    gwangung

    Happy birthday, and many thanks for hosting a blog that tries to turn everyone into a curmudgeon like you (quite successfully, in many cases).

  132. 132.

    Dee Loralei

    Just adding my congrats to the many above. And my thanks. This is the best community on the blogosphere I’ve found. Politics, pets, food, gardening, sports, bad 80’s music, what’s not to love? Oh and the righteous rants, YAY!

    Many more JC.

  133. 133.

    Pasquinade

    Happy Birthday to Tunch’s dad!

    I’ll toast you with a dirty martini this evening while I’m watching the 3rd season of Mad Men.

  135. 135.

    grumpy realist

    John, here’s another omedetou gozaimasu from the Windy City (with another yoissa gambatte! for whatever you get led into this next year. Judging from history, I expect at least another pet…)

    And Thalarctos–depending when you’re going to Bahston, check to see if any of the local universities rent out any dorm rooms–MIT used to do that many many years ago in the summer and it was dirt cheap.

  136. 136.

    licensed to kill time

    ¡Feliz cumpleaños a ti!

    You share your birthday with my best friend in the whole world, which makes you extra special on top of being the best bloggerific dude on the web. Your site is a gift to us all every day so thanks for being you and doing what you do.

    Today is your birthday!
    You’re gonna have a good time!

    That’s an order, soldier.

  139. 139.

    Kewalo

    I honestly can’t say which I like better, the rant or the snark but both are absolutely top notch and I thank you for them.

    Have a wonderful birthday!

  140. 140.

    Darkrose

    Happy Birthday, John! May you have a year filled with more snark, less reason to rant, and as much pet hair as you can stand.

Comments are closed.