Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

Never entrust democracy to any process that requires republicans to act in good faith.

Republicans don’t want a speaker to lead them; they want a hostage.

The arc of history bends toward the same old fuckery.

Oh FFS you might as well trust a 6-year-old with a flamethrower.

Everything is totally normal and fine!!!

Teach a man to fish, and he’ll sit in a boat all day drinking beer.

I’d like to think you all would remain faithful to me if i ever tried to have some of you killed.

These days, even the boring Republicans are nuts.

You are so fucked. Still, I wish you the best of luck.

The words do not have to be perfect.

Usually wrong but never in doubt

Bad people in a position to do bad things will do bad things because they are bad people. End of story.

Weird. Rome has an American Pope and America has a Russian President.

Nothing worth doing is easy.

You come for women, you’re gonna get your ass kicked.

People really shouldn’t expect the government to help after they watched the GOP drown it in a bathtub.

Trump should be leading, not lying.

Sadly, media malpractice has become standard practice.

This chaos was totally avoidable.

Dumb motherfuckers cannot understand a consequence that most 4 year olds have fully sorted out.

SCOTUS: It’s not “bribery” unless it comes from the Bribery region of France. Otherwise, it’s merely “sparkling malfeasance”.

Compromise? There is no middle ground between a firefighter and an arsonist.

This year has been the longest three days of putin’s life.

Do we throw up our hands or do we roll up our sleeves? (hint, door #2)

You are here: Home / Open Threads / Saturday Night Open Thread

Saturday Night Open Thread

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Still struggling on an amp/pre-amp combo, and many of the suggestions you all gave last night were ridiculously expensive and completely not going to happen. At any rate, here is a new picture of one of our adopted blogkids, Samkitten, enjoying some birthday cake and ice cream:

Think I might need to have some ice cream and watch a movie tonight. That sounds nice.

Also, everyone keep pulling for good news for Soonergrunt.

Reader Interactions

234Comments

  1. 1.

    morzer

    Good luck, Soonergrunt, and stay strong.

    My plans tonight include furthering the great liberal conspiracy by watching the Dolphins hammer the Bucs.

  2. 2.

    Belafon (formerly anonevent)

    Could someone please post the relevant information about soonergrunt? No matter how hard I try, I cannot keep up with every post.

  4. 4.

    morzer

    @Belafon (formerly anonevent):

    Sooner has an undiagnosed mass.

    soonergrunt August 13th, 2010 at 9:01 pm

    Which leads me to my particular situation. When I got sick a couple of weeks ago, the doctor suspected pneumonia and he ordered a chest film. There was a lot of white stuff on the film which confirmed the presense of pneumonia.
    There was also a shadow.
    Today after work, I went and got a High Def CT scan.
    I have a mass about the size of a ping-pong ball on the right ventricle of my heart.
    I’m meeting an oncologist on Monday. I intend to beat this thing, whatever it is, but I’m also going to meet with a lawyer on Monday too.

  5. 5.

    suzanne

    ***crossing all crossable body parts for Soonergrunt***

    SamKitten is just a doll-baby. Happy berfday, kiddo.

  6. 6.

    Svensker

    Continued good thoughts for Soonergrunt.

    How does the spawn of RedKitten manage to look at once totally innocent and totally mischievous? Big trouble, I’d say. Also, too, totally adorable.

  9. 9.

    Violet

    Sending good thoughts your way, soonergrunt.

    SamKitten is the most adorable kid. That photo is so cute. Happy Birthday SamKitten!

    I’m having salmon grilled on a cedar plank tonight. Probably some broccoli to go with it and corn on the cob. I think that’s healthy, right? I’ve been a complete pig all week, so I’m feeling the need to eat something good for me.

  10. 10.

    PurpleGirl

    Soonergrunt: Thinking healthful thoughts for you.

    Redkitten: Aww, Samkitten is sooooo cute. Happy Birthday.

    Yes, at that age babies are both innocent and mischievous. The combination is completely enchanting and irresistable.

  11. 11.

    Yutsano

    @Violet:

    I’m having salmon grilled on a cedar plank tonight.

    Pacific or Atlantic? This is actually an important detail, as all salmon is good for you (depending upon cooking method) but Pacific salmon is almost always wild and is therefore more nutritious than the Atlantic, which is usually farmed in the US. Also I think there’s just something bizarre about cooking an Atlantic salmon with a Pacific Northwest Native cooking technique. But that could just be my inner food snob peeking out. I’ll try to put it back in the jar now.

    Oh and almost forgot: obligatory SAMKITTEH!!

  13. 13.

    El Cid

    Why not just a really good Denon for like $1500 to $2000. 120 – 130 watts per channel. Plus additional 7.2 preamp RCA outputs so if you want to add external amplifiers.

  14. 14.

    aimai

    Oh my god, Sooner, I just saw this. I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts. I’ve “known” you on the blogs a long, long time. I know I’ll get the chance to read your comments for a long time to come. I just know it. Stay strong. Try to relax. I have faith.

    aimai

  15. 15.

    mr. whipple

    @El Cid:

    I was gonna make that recommend, too, but got the distinct impression that would be too lowbrow. I’ve got a 2809CI I’m quite happy with.

  16. 16.

    Violet

    @Yutsano:

    Pacific or Atlantic? This is actually an important detail, as all salmon is good for you (depending upon cooking method) but Pacific salmon is almost always wild and is therefore more nutritious than the Atlantic, which is usually farmed in the US.

    Oh, it’s Pacific. Sockeye, specifically. I don’t eat farmed salmon if I can avoid it. Sometimes it’s impossible to avoid (large group dinners with pre-set menus, that kind of thing). The BBC documentary on salmon farming was enough to put me off farmed salmon forever. I do have a source for personally-caught Scottish salmon, but it’s pretty rare I get it and it’s almost always smoked.

  17. 17.

    J.W. Hamner

    Sword of the Stars Update:

    I’m starting a new game with the Hivers (Locusts of the Apocalypse) after realizing the last galaxy set-up (clusters) was going to make for an obscenely long game… the fact that I got AI Rebellion was not a factor. I swear.

  19. 19.

    asiangrrlMN

    SamKitten is so damn adorable! How can one kid be that cute? Yeah, it was awesome a year ago to wear out the virtual carpet, anxiously awaiting his arrival with Cole posting updates whenever he could.

    soonergrunt, I took the day off from the tubes yesterday, so I only found out the news today. I am sending you a protective white love and lots of strong vibes. I always enjoy your comments, even when I disagree with you, so I’m pulling for you all the way. Please keep us updated (let us know what the doc says on Monday).

    Cole, TUUUUUUUNCHIE! That is all.

  22. 22.

    TuiMel

    Soonergrunt: The closest thing I have to prayers are with you. It is true that ALL of us are pulling for you.

  24. 24.

    morzer

    @NobodySpecial:

    Well, sooner is the one with the medical issue. I just have to survive being a Dolphins fan – which, after the abominable first quarter they’ve just produced, is sometimes quite a trial.

  29. 29.

    asiangrrlMN

    @morzer: You did not blockquote, so I think NobodySpecial was confused.

    Me, I’m gonna watch the Vikings do something against the Rams, but I’m not sure what. I don’t even know if Diva Boy is our quarterback this year, but even if he is, he won’t be playing now. Training camp is for losers.

  31. 31.

    El Cid

    @mr. whipple: It’s amazing how good a nice Denon receiver with an external amp can make even high end speakers sound great. I’ve had a friend who used Denon AV as the preamp and then had a 7 x 200 watt amp into some $12,000 worth of high-end speakers, and it was great.

  32. 32.

    morzer

    @asiangrrlMN:

    I tried, but blockquote was uncooperative. Alas! Meanwhile, the Dolphins are now punting for the fifth time. Yuck and double plus yuck!

  35. 35.

    asiangrrlMN

    @Omnes Omnibus: I really hope he doesn’t. I get so tired of the ‘please win and please let Favre get a concussion’ dance I did every game last year.

    @MikeJ: I didn’t get to see the showers. Too much rain and lightning. How did your pics turn out.

  36. 36.

    Litlebritdifrnt

    Hope all is well Soonergrunt.

    Has anyone else here seen the BBC America show “Come Dine With Me” it is brilliant and I am now trying to catch up on all the episodes that I have missed. It really is a great social commentary and more’s the point a good place for new recipes.

  37. 37.

    MikeJ

    Made my way up to 3800′ this afternoon. The huckleberries were all green and the geocache was missing. Bah.

    To make it worse, there were black berry bushes down closer to sea level, while they ran the spectrum of ripe-itude, it wasn’t really worth it the effort to fill containers with the good ones.

  38. 38.

    Omnes Omnibus

    @asiangrrlMN: I would like the whole Favre thing to just be over.

    ETA: I am not please that the Browns were able to just move down the field. Supposedly, the Pack is trying to look at people while playing standard sets, but still…

  43. 43.

    asiangrrlMN

    @Omnes Omnibus: Yeah, me, too, with the Favre thing. Drama queen.

    @MikeJ: Damn. I’m jelus you got to see them at all.

    @morzer: No. It’s because he’s an old guy who thinks he’s earned the right to skip it. I wouldn’t even begrudge him that if, upon his return, the announcers would point out the reason he’s not connecting with his receivers is because he fucking skipped training camp.

  45. 45.

    mr. whipple

    @Omnes Omnibus:

    I’m loving this. :)

    @El Cid:

    Do you know what kind of amp he was using? At some point I’ll get some speaker upgrades, but I’m really impressed with the quality of sound I have from relatively cheap speakers. I’ve also fallen in live with multichannel sacd.

  48. 48.

    RedKitten

    @MikeJ: That blows. It’s not so bad if a park ‘n’ grab is missing, but when you go to a real effort to get one, and it’s not there, then that’s just a piss-off.

  49. 49.

    morzer

    @asiangrrlMN:

    I still think Grandpa Mercenary is holed up in a cabin in the woods, frantically working the angles to reveal himself in all his furry, grey glory.

  50. 50.

    Yutsano

    @asiangrrlMN:

    Yeah, me, too, with the Favre thing. Drama queen.

    As a professional drama queen, I find this remark offensive. Favre is a rank amateur, especially considering the team he plays for. And yes I’m going to leave the comment hanging just like that.

    @asiangrrlMN: I did some turtle maintenance today and he’s doing just fine fortunately. I’m watching him like an old mother hen though.

  51. 51.

    asiangrrlMN

    “Joe Blow is a thumper. He lost fifteen pounds, and he has not lost any of his speed.” To the crowd in general, if a guy loses fifteen pounds, why the hell would you think he would lose speed? Preseason announcers–you’re doing it wrong.

    @morzer: You. Suck. MIND BLEACH!

    @Yutsano: Full of win! But you are right, as usual. How’s Mr. Softshell?

  52. 52.

    pika

    Oh yes, Soonergrunt–there are spectacular vibes emanating your way from this blog community. {{{{{ hug }}}}}

  54. 54.

    Jane2

    Soonergrunt, wishing you the best.

    RedKitten, SamKitten’s cake looked delish!! And he is adorable.

  59. 59.

    SBJules

    @suzanne:

    ***crossing all crossable body parts for Soonergrunt***

    SamKitten is just a doll-baby. Happy berfday, kiddo.

    Has it really been a year, samKitten?

    Take care, stay positive Soonergrunt.

  60. 60.

    Yutsano

    @RedKitten: Incidentally, I admire your courage and appreciate your conviction into turning your son into a professional chocoholic early in life. I wholeheartedly approve of this exercise.

    @morzer: Heh. Keep playing with that hornets’ nest. Have fun with that. I dare you.

  65. 65.

    asiangrrlMN

    @morzer: The thought of Brett Favre’s naked furry badger….GAAAAAAH! You suck!

    I’m blaming you for the Rams returning a kick-off for a touchdown.

    And, I am not ferocious. I am a fucking delicate black hellebore.

  72. 72.

    morzer

    @asiangrrlMN:

    Favre is so varied an animal lover? I had no idea he was fond of badgers. I must confess, I had imagined he was more of a beaver man….

  74. 74.

    eric

    soonergrunt….good luck. plus, i dont know what your support network is like, but i there are lots of us out here in the intertubes that have experience dealing with good news, bad news, and everything in between. we may not be physically next door, but let me (us) know if you need anything. seriously.

    whatever happens on Monday….I feel comfortable speaking for all of us….we are here. peace to you.

    eric

  76. 76.

    asiangrrlMN

    @morzer: Well, when you referred to him photographing HIS aging, graying whatever, I thought of a more apropos anim….eeeeeew! More mind bleach! And, I am STILL not talking to you.

    @morzer: Now you’re throwing Newt into the picture? UGH.

  77. 77.

    SIA

    @Litlebritdifrnt: I caught a part of it while cooking one night and was surprised at how compelling it was. And I’m not really a cook. It was the personal interaction that was so interesting.

    meant to add @ soonergrunt, I’ve had 2 “scares” and the worst part is the waiting till the next visit-test whatever. Usually it’s nothing, and even if it’s ‘something’, there are solutions. Take heart and feel the strength of everyone here and I’m sure all your friends and family behind you.

  79. 79.

    Yutsano

    @asiangrrlMN: Note to self: keep Pedro out of the brain bleach. And the Marmite. I just made myself shudder.

    @SIA: Sounds like soft core porn for culinary anthropologists to me. In other words, I am intrigued.

  81. 81.

    Linda Featheringill

    Regarding Soonergrunt and the mass on a ventricle of his heart:

    I’ve been doing medical transcription for longer than I ever wanted to and have run across such conditions in the operation notes that I have transcribed.

    Based on what I have observed, remember:

    1. It is not necessarily the end. Remember that.

    2. If the docs can keep the mass away from the blood vessels and keep it localized, they might be able to keep it contained.

    3. The VA medical system has some very good and very experienced heart surgeons. [I am assuming that Sooner is a vet].

    4. Sooner might wind up spending a lot of time with his doctors. Several operations. Lots of follow up visits. Many imaging tests. Yadda, yadda, yadda.

    5. He still has the ability to make trouble and piss everybody off. He’ll be back. Look for it.

    6. Good luck, dude.

  84. 84.

    asiangrrlMN

    @morzer: Well, I certainly am not doing that to you, either! ETA: Wait, you’re an Aussie? do you have citizenship there?

    @Yutsano: Ew ew ew! Here’s where FH#1 is supposed to swoop in and say, “VEGEMITE!” as if it makes a difference.

  85. 85.

    SIA

    @Yutsano:

    Sounds like soft core porn for culinary anthropologists to me. In other words, I am intrigued.

    Well. Since you put it that way…

    /wink-wink

  87. 87.

    Yutsano

    @morzer: You are officially a sick individual. Again I find this intriguing.

    @Linda Featheringill: I was all prepared to go off on a rant about how one of the best health systems in the US is also its most sociaIistic, but I won’t do that without the consent of the good grunt in question. And IIRC he is still covered under TriCare/VA.

    @Poopyman: Possibly. Will we ever see it? Nope.

  88. 88.

    asiangrrlMN

    @Yutsano: I did not see your stealth edit. I am glad Mr. Softshell is doing better. Whew!

    @morzer: TattooSydney has explained the difference before, but they sound the same to me! And, by your own statement (for deserving and beautiful people), no marmite for you!

    @Poopyman: If you truly hiked the Appalachian Trail, I think you need to do more than help Mrs. P. with dinner! And, no, on SamKitten. He’s just that photogenic.

    And, a truly trivial non sequitur, in the game I am watching, the announcers informed me that the head ref is doing his first NFL game. I find that fascinating for some reason.

  89. 89.

    Poopyman

    Just got back from -hiking the Appalachian Trail- getting clouded out of the Perseids at Big Meadows, so…

    Best good vibes to soonergrunt,and hoping it’s like most of the others of its type – benign.

    Has there ever been a bad pic of Sam?

    Now I’m going to spend the rest of the evening working on these margaritas and helping Mrs. P with dinner.

    P + 1/2

    ETA – Holy Crap! Has it really been a year already?

  91. 91.

    morzer

    @asiangrrlMN:

    *chuckles*

    Since I am eating marmite (yum, yum) your statement is thereby refuted, and I am, self-evidently, both beautiful and meritorious. How much marmite do you have in your pantry, hmm?

  92. 92.

    asiangrrlMN

    @Omnes Omnibus: Hahahahahahahaha! That’s funny. I’ve never had either, obviously, but after I get my citizenship retroactively revoked when the right repeals the 14th Amendment, and I move to Oz to marry TattoSydney for realz, I’m going to try both.

    @morzer: A fallacy! Backwards logic. I have none. I do not even know if I could get it here. To be fair, I have no desire to find any. Your comment about Palin and Marmite was too funny. I may talk to you soon.

    Touchdown Vikings! Nice throw by Sage Rosensomething or the other!

    @Omnes Omnibus: Well, I will have a computer, so I will still post.

  93. 93.

    Poopyman

    @Poopyman:
    … and when I say “clouded out” I really mean “clouded in”, since we were in the clouds from the time we got on Skyline Drive until we got off on the way home today. Not a good trip, astronomically speaking. Had a great dinner with friends at the lodge, though.

  96. 96.

    Poopyman

    @asiangrrlMN: Happily, I did not hike the AT either metaphorically or physically, although the latter might have been a better user of our time than sitting around a campsite waiting for the cloud to part.

    And I get to do cleanup tonight, hence the commenting right now. Later, not so much.

  98. 98.

    Mary G

    Thanks to everyone who helped me get through last weekend.

    My mom was so sick, she was hallucinating, falling asleep every ten seconds, so many other problems. Her sodium level was extremely low. The doctor said he had tried all the options, but her kidneys didn’t seem to be working well. He wanted to put her on dialysis the next day.

    I know she would hate that, she has a DNR and has told me a million times not to do anything that would prolong her life if she wouldn’t have a high quality of life. Being hooked up to a machine would violate that.

    But it’s one thing to think about it as a hypothetical possibility somewhere down the road and another to hear that you have to do it now. I selfishly wanted to keep her going just because I’ll miss her so much when she goes.

    At my insistence, her internist called in a kidney specialist Sunday, and he said there was one more IV treatment they could try, but the odds were very low that it would work. He used the phrase “Hail Mary pass.” If it didn’t work out, without dialysis a “terminal event would occur.” Love them euphemisms.

    It worked, so well that Tuesday they sent her to a convalescent home as she no longer needed to be hospitalized. She is so much better that yesterday she tore their dietitian a new one (she used to be one herself) and happily reported today that her food is much better. Thank you Mary.

    So Soonergrunt, don’t give up. I’m sending her luck to you through the intertrons. If you don’t like what the first doctor tells you, get another doctor.

  100. 100.

    Violet

    @jeffreyw:
    Jeffrey, how do you not weigh five hundred pounds? All the food you link looks sooooooo yummy and there’s so much of it. Do you feed a lot of people? I want to come eat at your house!

  101. 101.

    Yutsano

    @jeffreyw: You shall immediately take three jars, deposit them in an approved shipping receptacle, go to your local FedEx Office, and ship those to me forthwith. I haven’t had a decent homemade apple butter in like forever.

    @Violet: He’s catering my wedding. He just doesn’t know it yet.

  102. 102.

    Svensker

    Speaking of Rush Limbaugh…

    Does anyone know who paid for the Marine/Army Honor Guard at El Blimpo’s wedding?

  104. 104.

    asiangrrlMN

    @jeffreyw: Want that. Want that as much as I don’t want to think about Favre’s gray badger.

    @Poopyman: Whew! Glad there will be no mea culpas on your part later on. Cleaning up is better than cooking sez I.

    @Svensker: Wait, who was talking about him and why?? P.S. He might have paid for it himself. He paid Elton John a mil a song.

  105. 105.

    Violet

    @Svensker:
    I wondered the same thing when I saw those photos. He wasn’t in the military. How did he get them at his wedding?

    His bride is very attractive. WTF is up with her marrying that tub o’ lard? Money? I thought she came from money, so not sure she needs his. Just looking at him makes my skin crawl. Do they have an arrangement or understanding or something? Yuck.

  108. 108.

    Violet

    @jeffreyw:
    Considerable…but not enough stature to intake all the yummy stuff you show us on a daily basis. No way. You must have a family stashed away that eats all those goodies. Or the dogs are very lucky.

  109. 109.

    Yutsano

    @Svensker: From the USMC website:

    Department of Defense policies require that Armed Forces participation in public events will be provided at no additional cost to the Government. The sponsor is required to pay, when necessary, the standard Military Services allowance for quarters and meals for all Armed Forces participants and for other services which have been determined in advance by the Military Services and agreed to by the sponsor. Transportation and meal costs are not usually incurred when support is provided from a local military installation. However, circumstances may dictate that reimbursement for any or all of these costs may be necessary. All costs are binding after a unit, personnel, or exhibit has arrived at an event site, even though weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances force the event to be cancelled.

  112. 112.

    Violet

    @Omnes Omnibus:
    Svensker started it! (Heh.)
    @asiangrrlMN: Yeah, maybe it is a power thing. I still don’t get it. You’d have to pay me a gazillion dollars, no wait, Euros, no wait, dollars and euros and yuan to get me even to think about it. Disgusting.

  114. 114.

    asiangrrlMN

    @Violet: Agreed. However, I have known women who consider power/money sufficient enough to get involved with a man. I mean, hell, look at Trump. Look at Larry King. Look at Newt. Think of any of these men without money/prestige. Yeah, not gonna get the smoking hot women without it.

  116. 116.

    asiangrrlMN

    FYWP

    @jeffreyw: You are also making me hungry for lunch. What shall I have?

    @Omnes Omnibus: I meant those specific examples. They are ugly, disgusting, despicable human beings. You, on the other hand, are probably none of the above, so it would logically follow that you don’t need money/prestige to land a smoking hot woman.

  119. 119.

    MikeJ

    @RedKitten: I didn’t mention that it was the hottest day of the year. 90° down here in civilization (or 32 to you) and still almost 80° up in the mountains. Bleh.

  121. 121.

    Violet

    @Mary G:
    So glad to hear the good news about your mom! Sounds like she’s doing really well, all things considered. What a relief. Just goes to show you that being persistent and finding the right doctor can make a big difference. Sending tons of hugs your way.

  123. 123.

    asiangrrlMN

    @jeffreyw: Yes, please. I assume you’ll deliver it within a half hour?

    @asiangrrlMN: And just to clarify my own statement because I was unclear, ugly men like Limbaugh (physically and emotionally) will not get smoking hot women without money and/or prestige. A man with an actual soul, compassion, intelligence, and integrity can.

  124. 124.

    Yutsano

    @asiangrrlMN: I still think this fact is true and I have seen no evidence to the contrary: this marriage was arranged. It is, at its heart, a business transaction, and both parties entered into the agreement with the understanding of their respective responsibilities and benefits. I highly doubt sex is anywhere in the package, it’s just better for Rush’s cover image if he’s married. He’s chased off three so far doubt number four will have any staying power.

  125. 125.

    Svensker

    @Yutsano:

    Ah, OK, I was hoping there was something to get poutraged about. :)

    Apparently Mrs. Blimpo IV’s dad is some big military cheese, and since Rush is so patriotic and loves the sojahs so much (except for the fake ones), they cooked it up.

    Guess what, you luckie duckies! I was googling around trying to learn something about Rush’s previous marriages and ran across The Conservative Colloquium, which has an article discussing whether Rush’s marriages would last longer if only he WOULDN’T USE contraception! Spend just a few moments thinking about that, why doncha? Even better, the previous article is called “There Is No Condom for the Soul.”

    Gotta go sign off — there’s probably something good on the Hallmark Channel…

  127. 127.

    demo woman

    Happy Birthday Sam Kitten. Last year many of us were right here on balloon juice cheering your mom on.

  128. 128.

    snarkyspice

    @Litlebritdifrnt:

    I have watched almost all of them via bittorrents – it’s an awesome show! They should make a version here, except they wouldn’t be able to resist ruining it with fake drama.

  129. 129.

    RareSanity

    @soonergrunt: Sending all of the positive energy I can your way. Good Luck…

    @John Cole (top): We were still arguing in that thread…just get something that can handle those 4 ohm speakers at the rated wattage and you’ll be fine.

  130. 130.

    Yutsano

    @Svensker: I’m sure there are conditions that have to be met, but yeah mostly as long as you’re willing to pay for them they’ll do it. I do know that lots of Dawgs will do it for a buddy for free as long as it’s specifically on down time. But I hope they charged Rush through the fucking nose.

  132. 132.

    Martha

    @Mary G: Oh that’s such good news. And it is a good reminder to get a second opinion if at all possible. Or if your instincts tell you to. I’ve lived this scenario and it was worth it. If you ever need to go there, the Mayo Clinic rocks. We know.

  133. 133.

    asiangrrlMN

    @Mary G: I am so happy to hear this. You made me smile. Hope your mom continues to get better.

    @Yutsano: OK, but what does she get from the unholy alliance?

    @Martha: Doctors at Mayo use Twitter and Facebook to communicate with their patients. That’s awesome. They truly are a great clinic.

  134. 134.

    SiubhanDuinne

    @Yutsano #109: So what makes Rush’s nuptials a public event (or, if you’re McMegan, a pubic event)V

  135. 135.

    Bella Q

    Here are many good thoughts for soonergrunt. And a very happy first to SAMKITTEN. Birthdays are even more fun when you understand the whole concept of celebration, kiddo!

  136. 136.

    sven

    Amplifiers:

    Are you just listening to music or are the Maggies also being used for HT?

    If just stereo then this stereo receiver from Outlaw might be enough.
    $700 and no need for a pre-amp.

    If HT and your budget is < $1000 then Audiogon is probably your best bet for separates or look at a more mainstream HT receiver.

    I assume you are buying the Maggies at a local shop; what are they recommending? They should be happy to let you experiment with a few power sources; listen and see what might be a good match and to clarify how much power you will need.

    Also, definitely try your existing Adcom; as several thoughtful folks already pointed out, amplification hasn't changed much over the last 20 years. If it ain't broke…

  137. 137.

    WaterGirl

    Soonergrunt, I can’t tell you how many times i have thought of you today, sending good thoughts your way. You were so upbeat and positive last night – I want to be sure you know it’s also okay to post about this during the times when your mood swings the other way and you’re feeling like curling up in a ball and rocking in the corner.

    RedKitten, that is one incredibly cute baby!

    Mary, so glad to hear your wonderful news.

  139. 139.

    RareSanity

    @sven:

    That is a nice piece of equipment, er…receiver.

    Do you one one?

    ETA: That balanced, 7-channel monster is impressive!

  140. 140.

    srv

    Still struggling on an amp/pre-amp combo

    John, if you’re going to go cheap, then just get this integrated NAD 375BEE.

    Somewhere around 1K, the caps will burn/dry out in 5 years. If you want something that will last 20 years, look for a used Bryston. That will set you back at least twice as much, but it will be the last amp decision you have to make.

  145. 145.

    Yutsano

    @SiubhanDuinne:

    (or, if you’re McMegan, a pubic event)

    First of all EWW! Green balloons on that!

    It’s my understanding that weddings are considered public events in this context. Plus a saber canopy is usually standard for any events involving a higher up and up in the military, although usually the courtesy is limited to your branch. It’s still a helluva sight though: a bunch of Dawgs in dress blues holding swords overhead. Why didn’t I marry the Dawg again? :)

  146. 146.

    soonergrunt

    Hi, all.
    I just stopped by to check in, and I have tears streaming down my face. Thank you all so much for your support.
    Today is my wife’s 39th birthday again. We went over to my sister’s house across town and had a nice party. My sister makes the best margaritas in the world (cause they’re made with LOVE!) Our 17th wedding anniversary is on Tuesday.
    I was scared out of my mind, but sleep deprivation and margaritas put together have pretty much taken care of that for today.
    Again, thanks for all the support, and I’ll let you all know what I know as soon as I know it.

    And that is an absolutely adorable picture of SamKitten. What a heartbreaker.

    soonergrunt +several

  147. 147.

    RareSanity

    @mr. whipple:

    Those multichannel amps look pretty impressive. ~70lbs!

    Same thing I said. Definitely have to add them to the research list when it’s time for me to upgrade.

  148. 148.

    stuckinred

    @soonergrunt: Glad you did a drive-by bro, you obviously have a well deserved bunch of well-wishers here. It’s pretty moving to see the impact you have had on a bunch of people you have never met.

  149. 149.

    Yutsano

    @soonergrunt: Tekillya is good for that. :) I’m glad you’re keeping your spirits about you soldier. One minor piece of advice: LIVE. Tomorrow will take care of itself. Just enjoy the moments while you still got them. And I get the feeling there will be many many more of them!

  150. 150.

    Bnut

    I’m currently engaged in a music war with my neighbor. He has been blasting salsa all week as loud as possible. Tonight (after 6 Yuenglings and other party favors) I came back with an interesting Pandora mix of note flavors. Aretha Franklin meets Korn. This was met with what I can only describe as some type of Latin rap that sampled helicopter noises. I have armed myself with 6 more beer, the volcano, and the ipod w/ klipsch speakers. Updates soon.

  151. 151.

    asiangrrlMN

    @soonergrunt: Hey, you. Happy birthday to mrs. soonergrunt. Glad the margaritas and the love from your family (not to mention your virtual family here) are sustaining you through this trying time. Still thinking healing thoughts in your direction and covering you with a protective white light. You are a good man. You will fight this will all you have.

    @Bnut: Luck, man. A white noise machine and earplugs may help, too.

  152. 152.

    Violet

    @soonergrunt:
    Glad you stopped by. Party sounds like a great time and a welcome distraction. Yum, margaritas. Happy anniversary a few days early. Don’t forget, all we really have is today. So like Yutsano said, LIVE. Sending positive thoughts your way and will be looking for your update.

  153. 153.

    Yutsano

    @Bnut: Polizei. That is all. See if he likes meeting up with the real deal.

    Oh and if you can stomach it: as much Elton John as you can find. Or ABBA. No reason you should have to suffer alone.

  157. 157.

    sven

    @RareSanity: No, but I’ve been very impressed with Outlaw’s other products and it might be a good fit for John. There aren’t a lot of people who need an affordable but high quality 2-channel receiver but for me it seems like a really useful item.

    BTW; I totally agreed with this from the previous thread:

    With modern technologies, the item in an audio setup that most affects “sound” is the speakers. This is, of course, speaking just of actual components, not taking into account speaker placement, room acoustics, listening position, etc.

    Normally I think most audiophiles spend way too much time worrying about their electronics and not enough time thinking about their room. (This accessory remains my favorite ‘upgrade’ of all time.) Having said that, Magnepans really do seem to need some serious power to play at reference levels so it’s a bit of an exception.

  158. 158.

    RareSanity

    @Bnut:

    If you are in the Atlanta area I can pack up my QSC K8s and KSUB and my Numark NS7 and really give them what for!

    I love a good music (and wattage) battle!

  159. 159.

    asiangrrlMN

    @soonergrunt: Missed the anniversary part. Happy anniversary in advance. On Tuesday, you will have two things to celebrate. I am willing this to happen, and as I’ve learned from the ‘baggers, if I want it bad enough, it will come true.

  160. 160.

    Yutsano

    @asiangrrlMN: I will say this much: doing some research on the Internet made me feel a helluva lot more positive about his situation. But if we need to get him to the Mayo Clinic I am all about fundraising for that objective.

  161. 161.

    Bnut

    @Yutsano:

    I know for a fact he’s here illegally. I don’t want that kind of trouble for him. Man, what does that say about who I am in so many different ways. I just want him to shut the fuck up and I suppose I should just knock on the door and try to explain things, but I’m 26, single, working far too much for far too little with way too much life experience, and I’m a little drunk. This is the closest I’ve gotten to mental stimulation in weeks.

  163. 163.

    mandarama

    @soonergrunt:

    Soonergrunt, as my little boys say, I’ve got all my fingers and toes crossed that you’ll get the best possible news. I know you’re a strong person–you’ve already been braver than I could ever be–and you’ll come through this just fine. I’ve really appreciated your perspective here in the comments and will be watching for your updates!

  165. 165.

    Yutsano

    @Bnut: ¡Silencio por favor! may get you further than anything else then if that’s your best option.

    but I’m 26, single, working far too much for far too little with way too much life experience, and I’m a little drunk.

    Heh. You realize you’re basically living a country song? :)

  167. 167.

    RareSanity

    @sven:

    Normally I think most audiophiles spend way too much time worrying about their electronics and not enough time thinking about their room.

    My Dad drilled this into my head from a young age. He is what I would call a true “audiophile”. When my parents built the house I spent most of my young life in, he laid out a specific room in the middle of the basement, that was to be his listening room. He designed the room with the perfect dimensions for his pride and joy. He built his own Klipsch horns from plans he bought. They are marvels, five foot tall, 3 feet wide, 3 feet deep. He steamed and formed the baffles himself, wound his own coils for the crossovers, just to make sure they had just the right frequency response. He built them almost thirty years ago and they sound better than any modern speakers I’ve every heard. About 10 years ago, he retired his McIntosh rig for an awe inspiring Krell combo.

    Sitting in that room, listening to that Krell amp drive those wondrous custom Klipsch horns, is something I really cannot explain.

  168. 168.

    Yutsano

    @asiangrrlMN: Here’s a good one from the Mayo Clinic.

    This one comes from Johns Hopkins, so that’s two top medical institutions right there.

    And I didn’t want to offer up your couch without checking with you first. :)

    Squee!! Otter juggling!!

  170. 170.

    sven

    @RareSanity: A friend of mine used the Outlaw 7200 in his HT. Axiom system in ~ 20×25 basement. Even at reference levels for action movies there appeared to be endless power in reserve. Outlaw will get some serious thought if/when I’m in the market for a ‘big’ HT system. (First I need a ‘big’ house!!!)

    On a related note, I recently had a chance to listen to the new Martin Logan Motion bookshelf speakers. Very, Very impressive. Amazing detail and a taste of the realism John will be getting with his 1.7’s. I’m thinking about creating a ‘kitchen’ system and they will be hard to beat. (hmmm, where in my kitchen can I put a small sub…?)

  172. 172.

    Violet

    @Bnut:
    You can take it as a challenge to learn Spanish. Tell him you’re tired and want to sleep and ask him to turn down the music. But tell him in Spanish. Fun!

  173. 173.

    Bnut

    And another thing. Why can’t Palin give a presser, or put out an op-ed attacking Obama’s support for the constitutionally protected mosque in lower Manhattan (wherein I comment that neither has lived, worked, or voted in)? No, instead she ‘tweets’ her response. This post is longer and more insightful than any ‘tweet’ Sarah Palin has ever put out. And it contains the word penis. Twice. Penis

  176. 176.

    ellaesther

    I had a friend in graduate school who went on (from a degree in Middle Eastern Studies) to own and operate his own very-very-high-end audio equipment joint.

    He told me that the industry plans its annual convention in Las Vegas for the same week every year that the porn industry is there for their convention. He says it is not a pretty sight to see the two worlds clash (I would say “mix and mingle” but apparently only one of the two worlds is particularly interested in any mingling).

    I realize that helps you not in the least, but I thought I would share.

  177. 177.

    Bnut

    i once read that a country song is sung as such: I lost my _____, she stole my _____, now all I have left is my _______. You can put dog, heart, and truck into any slot.

  178. 178.

    mai naem

    hey, soonergrunt – good luck. Like whoever said it above, if you don’t like the doc get a second opinion. If you get bad vibes about the doc change docs.

  179. 179.

    asiangrrlMN

    @ellaesther: Complete and utter doll-baby! So cute. You’re up late.

    @Yutsano: I doubt they would need a place to crash, but if they do, I’m on it.

    @soonergrunt: Did you go back and read the initial thread in which you posted about the news from your doc? I put myself on a timeout yesterday, so I got there very late. I had to toss on my well-wishes, though, so I did, anyway.

  180. 180.

    Violet

    @ellaesther:
    Morzer was just quoting from soonergrunt’s initial post about his diagnosis. Blockquote fail. FYWP, etc. Morzer is not the one with the diagnosis.

  182. 182.

    ellaesther

    @Violet: No, I know – you’ll note my good wishes were for soonergrunt. Morzer can fall in a lake, as far as I care.

    (No, not really! Just, you know, for the lulz! Best to Morzer, too, and to all!)

  185. 185.

    MikeJ

    @Violet: I have “chants of the rainforest pygmys.” Used it in the DC blizzard of ’96 to summon snowplows. Played it nonstop for three days. My roommates came to love it, then hate it, then love it again.

  186. 186.

    ellaesther

    @asiangrrlMN: I admit, when I left that link I thought: “asiangrrl bait!” Because how could you resist clicking through to see one of my former-babies? I knew you couldn’t! Thank you so much for your kind words in your comment. At 11, he is absolutely already feeling those pressures — I keep assuring him that everyone feels them, that almost no one feels genuinely “cool,” almost ever. But on a very real level, it’s something you have to learn on your own and feel in your own flesh. Man, I tell you what, I wouldn’t be a pre-teen/teenager again for all the tea in China.

    And I protest! This is not late for me! It’s not even 11 my time! But it is late for me to be on the Balloon Juice. I am really trying to read more and the only way that happens is if I step away from the tubez.

    But Samkitten! How could I not comment?

  187. 187.

    Violet

    @ellaesther:
    Oh, I misread it and though it was two separate paragraphs and two separate comments. Someone upthread did read it as morzer being ill and there was discussion of blockquote fail, so I thought maybe that’s how you’d read it too.

    In my defense, I wish I could say I was + something, but sadly I’m not. Alcohol does a real number on me these days and I end up not drinking very often. I’ll blame giving up sugar. I gave it up as of today and have been dealing with a blinding sugar-withdrawal headache for a lot of the day.

  188. 188.

    Steeplejack

    Night shift checking in. Had an unusually efficient closing at the store (thank you, assistant manager S.L.!) and got out before 11:00 for the first time in a long time. Now my weekend begins. Yee-haw.

    Anybody know what happened to my shag carpet? It was here last night.

  189. 189.

    sven

    @RareSanity: The story about your dad’s system is amazing. I wish more people were as willing to invest their time and energy into something they are as passionate about.

    A friend of mine is at a language school in Spain right now. She is in her 50s and has no practical need for Spanish but saved for 2 years to pay for 3 months of intensive study. I admire that so much.

    I don’t know that he’ll care, but you can tell your dad that some anonymous guy on the internet is duly impressed!

  190. 190.

    asiangrrlMN

    @ellaesther: You are right in that I should have said it’s late for you to be commenting as I do not know your habits in real life because I am not a countertop snooper. Your post really struck a chord with me because it’s something I’m struggling with even now. I have known since I was very young that I was a freak in many ways. It’s only been relatively recently that I’ve decided to work with my freakiness instead of trying to suppress it. If your son can do it at his age or even do it half the time, he’s way ahead of the game.

    @Steeplejack: There was an incident with the gentleman from Steeplevania, and the shag carpeting had to be removed. We do not speak of it any more.

    @Yutsano: Tunchie! I want pics. #Pout#

  192. 192.

    RareSanity

    @sven:

    I don’t know that he’ll care, but you can tell your dad that some anonymous guy on the internet is duly impressed!

    I will.

    It’ll make him smile, plus, I’m so damn proud of him myself. He taught me so much when I was so little, that it has taken me getting older to fully appreciate it.

  193. 193.

    jeffreyw

    Phew! Long day. Just turned the fire off from under 8 pints of apple butter. All that remains from a peck of Gala apples. Did several pints of cherry jam earlier.

    Soonergrunt: I’ve been quiet over your news and throughout all the threads with wishes and prayers sent your way. I was torn with wanting to add my best wishes and hopes that your tests will result in good news and the knowledge that we’ve never met or even traded comments. Fuck it. You gonna kick its ass, whatever it is. If I knew where to send it I’d send ya one of those jars of apple butter.

  198. 198.

    Yutsano

    @jeffreyw: Pretty sure he, like the rest of us, has drooled over your food. And a nummy jar of apple butter would make a great get well present. I’m just sayin’.

  200. 200.

    ellaesther

    @asiangrrlMN: (Dude, he sounds serious. I would find a private way to get him your address!)

    And also (too): We can only be as God/Mother Nature made us. We are who we are. To quote Audioslave, “To be yourself is all that you can do” — but that is very often the hardest thing to achieve.

    You come to the effort with so many people and so much history holding you back and trying to mold you to different ends — I hope that you occasionally take a moment to be proud of yourself that you have wrenched your delightfully freaky self out of that and are finding your own way. Freaks of the world: UNITE!

  203. 203.

    suzanne

    @Mary G: That’s wonderful news… in my experience, being full of piss and vinegar is often good for both body and soul. ;) Sounds like your mom is quite a lady.

    @soonergrunt: Congrats in advance on the anniversary! Go have another margarita. :)

    In other good news: I was able to convince my ex-husband not to call the police to take my daughter away this weekend. Court date to revisit our custody agreement is TBD, but things seem to have simmered back down to the typical forced civility, thank God. Going on month five without child support, which, considering that once I graduated in May and my part-time position ended, is making things pretty tough. But the kid’s here, and that’s what matters most.

  204. 204.

    ellaesther

    @Violet: Oh, and I meant to say: Don’t sweat it and good luck with the sugar withdrawal! If you’re anywhere near Chicago, you could blame your headache on the bad air quality and heat, but I don’t think that would be much comfort.

  205. 205.

    asiangrrlMN

    @jeffreyw: Cool. How come your name is no longer linked, and how can I get you that addy?

    @ellaesther: Seriously, I wish I had a mom with your attitude. It would have helped so much. And, you don’t have granite countertops? Fergget it.

    @suzanne: I’m glad your ex saw reason. It must be so stressful on you. Positive vibes that he will continue to be civil (and man up about the child support).

  207. 207.

    jeffreyw

    @asiangrrlMN: It’s part of a fywp deal, I was afraid that wpress was counting that link and making it hard for me to link to pics. I guess I’ll go ahead and relink to the blog.
    I think you can send me mail on Flickr that is private-ish. Click on my Flickr avatar and a drop down menu lists “send an email to jeffreyww” or something like it.

  208. 208.

    Steeplejack

    @asiangrrlMN:

    There was an incident with the gentleman from Steeplevania [. . .].

    I didn’t beat anyone senseless with my cane on the floor of the Senate, did I? Because I totally got some anger-management help about that after last time.

  209. 209.

    asiangrrlMN

    @jeffreyw: Cool. Glad that you’re still blogging there. I will find you somehow. You have homemade apple butter! By the way, you totally rock! Sent my addy to both your Flickr inbox and your email. Thank you thank you thank you!

    @Steeplejack: No, it had more to do with disrobing and the Gentlewoman from Minnesota who is NOT me. If we talk more of it, you may need to puke.

  210. 210.

    Steeplejack

    @asiangrrlMN:

    Don’t tell me that Michele Bachmann and I . . . No! I know we had that hate-fuck psycho-attraction vibe going back and forth, but it cannot be. No! Mr. Chairman, the gentleman from NoVa yields the floor and throws up in his mouth a little bit.

    I hope someone burned that shag carpet.

  212. 212.

    Cat Lady

    SamKitten – happy birthday from one August baby to another! Here on BJ we all sweated bullets waiting for you, and you took your sweet everloving time! But by the looks of things, you got all the time you needed. You’re perfect!

    BTW, your mother had to pay the price of having Fred Flintstone’s feet for the month of August. That’s not easy. :-D

    soonergrunt: get your body to be alkaline. There’s a lot of information out there that says that cancer can’t thrive in an internal alkaline environment. Green vegetables and little to no meat or animal products, and oxygenate! Big breaths in.

  213. 213.

    asiangrrlMN

    @Steeplejack: I told you we did not speak of it for a reason. The other gentlewoman from Minnesota could not keep her batshitcrazy hands off the gentleman from NoVa’s package. The session had to be adjourned so we ALL could go throw up.

    @jeffreyw: Ha! You know the best part? You called me young. Snort. I’m sure Mrs. jeffreyw. is properly incensed and wants to boil my bunny. However, since I wouldn’t even stalk Alan Rickman, Mrs. jeffreyw. is safe from me. P.S. your email addy, even with the dot removed, still didn’t work.

    @Bnut: So, which one are you? The one with the nice chest and, um, tats?

  216. 216.

    asiangrrlMN

    FYWPWAVOVRPFRITE!

    Part one:

    @Steeplejack: I told you we did not speak of it for a reason. The other gentlewoman from Minnesota could not keep her batshitcrazy hands off the gentleman from NoVa’s package. The session had to be adjourned so we ALL could go throw up.

    @jeffreyw: Ha! You know the best part? You called me young. Snort. I’m sure Mrs. jeffreyw. is properly incensed and wants to boil my bunny. However, since I wouldn’t even stalk Alan Rickman, Mrs. jeffreyw. is safe from me. P.S. your email addy, even with the dot removed, still didn’t work.

  218. 218.

    Yutsano

    @asiangrrlMN: I’ve been wondering that meself. It seems a but unfair to suggest he’s in a YouTube then not identify whereabouts he is. This of course leads us to wild speculation. Or he’s the director and it’s all a head fake.

  221. 221.

    Bnut

    @asiangrrlMN:

    Lol, no not that guy. That’s sharpie BTW. I tried to post some pics but they were lost in moderation. Probably a good thing. Don’t want to make all the Army Wives out there regret passing over the Marine they once met.

  223. 223.

    asiangrrlMN

    @Bnut: Damn. (Tell sharpie he has nice pecs). Try again! You can post three links in a comment if you do not address your comment as a reply. If you do, then you can only post two links. Or, just throw ’em up on Flickr and link there. Now you got me curious.

  226. 226.

    Steeplejack

    I’m about to pack it in, y’all. Tough week, and my brother is going to pick me up at 11:00 a.m. to help him transport and heft a sofa from somewhere (store?) into the man-cave he is constructing in his basement. For a (working) night owl 11:00 a.m. is like 5:00 a.m. to a normal person. Steep out.

  227. 227.

    Zuzu's Petals

    @morzer:

    Very best thoughts to soonergrunt.

    My former brother in-law was diagnosed with lymphoma after they found a large tumor on his heart in 1978. No surgery, just radiation.

    He is hiking the Sierras as I type. Okay, he’s sleeping in the Sierras as I type, but you know what I mean.

  229. 229.

    Michael D.

    I can’t afford this myself, but I have no idea how much $$ Cole pulls in.

    BUT…If you have $3500 and are REALLY into sound, go for the Bose home theater system. Oh. My. GOD. I was at a Bose store last weekend and heard what these teenie tiny speakers put out and it was fucking incredible.

    $3500 worth of incredible. But if you have it and can afford to part with it, it’s totally worth the money!

  233. 233.

    dazed in pa

    Take good care, soonergrunt. Our thoughts are always with you.

    And I dropped and gave 10, cuz I’m old and I’m a girl.

  234. 234.

    vbdietz

    Soonergrunt, found the note from Carnacki on dkos. You still have your fans over there. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you on the results with the oncologist.

    Sidenote to Violet: No, you weren’t blogging in your sleep! I’m accustomed to being the only one. You’ll find that I’ve blogged under the name Violet on few sites as well.

Comments are closed.